Thanks again to all our guests and attendees who were a part of this year’s Charlotte MiniCon.  We all had a great time and hope you did as well.  It makes us all the more focused on making HeroesCon’s 30th Anniversary better than ever!  Now on to this week’s spotlight.

1) Bulletproof Coffin: Disinterred #1

The first Bulletproof Coffin miniseries was a mindful blend of pop culture aestheticism and wry commentary on comics’ history and functionality.  Or you could just call it a really well done comic by David Hine and Shaky Kane.  The first issue tells the origin of an archetypal character called The Shield of Justice, and features a detective named Johnny P. Sartre.  The philosophical among you will enjoy surely enjoy it, as will fans of filmmaker David Lynch.  And with one of the future issues being titled “Tales from the Haunted Jazz Club,” there’s a lot of variety to enjoy here.

2) Silence of Our Friends GN

Writer Mark Long joins popular cartoonist Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole, Any Empire) to recount the tumultuous events of Texas in the late 1960’s.  Recounting the struggles to free five men wrongly accused of murder, Silence of Our Friends looks to be a fine example of how the comics form can be used to document Civil Rights history.  I haven’t seen much publicity for this book, but it’s one that rightly deserves our attention.  Plus, the book is co-written by our friend (and Emerald City Comic Con founder) Jim Demonakos!

3) Naughty and Nice: The Good Girl Art of Bruce Timm HC

Just a reminder, this is a book for mature readers.  This volume collects 300 pages of Timm’s good girl art, and covers a wide range of subjects in a variety of locales.  There’s even a nice, tasteful section of Timm’s illustrations of female superheroes.  Combine that with the fact that there are both color and pencil illustrations, and you have quite the art book.  Plus, legendary artist Jim Steranko provides an introduction!  Oh, and we also have a limited, signed hardcover edition available.  Get it while you can!

4) Justice League #5

As the first arc from Geoff Johns and Jim Lee nears it’s conclusion, their initial roster gets assembled in this issue.  It happens just in time, too, as Darkseid shows up to threaten humanity.  While this week is unique for all of the non-superhero titles hitting the stands, it’s hard not to mention this book’s arrival.  Johns and Lee have maintained and developed strong new readership, and with next issue’s big throwdown between the League and Darkseid, expect lots of people to continue to pick up this title over the coming months.

5) Secret Avengers #21.1

This .1 issue acts as the lead in to the Secret Avengers’ new direction.  Watch as Cap hands the reins of this covert team over to Hawkeye and the two wrap up a few loose ends.  The other big reason to pick up this issue is that it’s the first to be written by Rick Remender, who has been doing fantastic work over on Uncanny X-force.  In fact, since he’s now writing both of these covert team books, expect them to have some parallels.  Secret Avengers could very well be the Avengers version of Uncanny X-force, and it all starts here, so don’t miss it!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Absolute Kingdom Come HC (new printing), All Star Western #5, Aquaman #5, Astonishing Spider-man and Wolverine TP, Batman Beyond: Industrial Revolution TP, Irredeemable vol. 8 TP, Vertigo’s A.D.D. HC, Hawkman by Geoff Johns vol. 1 Omnibus HC, and the Manara Library vol. 2 HC.

It’s a big week at Heroes!  Don’t forget that this Sunday, from 11-5 in the Palmer Building, we’ll be celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Charlotte MiniCon.  Make sure to stop by and celebrate with us, and don’t forget to visit the store to pick up some of this week’s new comics.  Click HERE for more info about the MiniCon.  Here are some of this week’s new releases to consider.

1) Batman #5

Part of the reason so many readers have responded so well to Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s Batman is their use of interesting new villains like The Court of Owls.  The idea that an old sect has existed in Gotham City for so long, and only recently come into the sight of Batman creates a variety of physical and psychological problems for Bruce Wayne.  Snyder is also tying in threads he first planted in his recent Batman: Gates of Gotham series.  This really has established itself as one of the relaunched DC titles with a very clear plan and direction.

2) Danger Girl: Revolver #1

There are plenty of fans of J. Scott Campbell and this particular spy book among our readers, so it warrants a place on this week’s spotlight.  If you’re a fan of either, you’ll want to know that this new 4 issue series not only returns Campbell and writer Andy Hartnell back to the book, but also features the introduction of  new characters to the Danger Girl family.  Aiding Campbell and Hartnell is series artist Chris Madden, who some of you may know from IDW’s recent Jack Avarice is the Courier series.

3) Daredevil #8

This title ended up on many ‘Best of 2011’ lists, and for good reason.  The significance of this issue is that it’s the second part of a 2 part crossover with Amazing Spider-man (#677).  Mark Waid and guest artist Kano tell the final part of a story centered around a potential love triangle between Spidey, Daredevil and Black Cat.  And though he’s absent from the interior artwork, regular series artist Paolo Rivera provides the excellent cover for this issue.

4) Prophet #21

First things first, yes, this is a new variation on Rob Liefeld’s ’90’s property.  That’s not really the unexpected part though.  Liefeld’s off working on numerous titles for DC’s relaunch at the moment, so Image has decided to take some of his characters (like Prophet and Glory), and have them reexamined by creators you might not have thought would work on them.  Prophet, for example, features the work of writer Brandon Graham, creator/writer/artist of the popular King City, and Simon Roy, whose art is quite different from Liefeld.  The result is a surprising book that puts its own unique twist on the ‘stranger in a strange land’ archetype, complete with crazy monsters and post apocalyptic dangers.

5) Uncanny X-force #20

In an issue that deals with further fallout from the recent Dark Angel Saga, this issue sends X-force to Otherworld to deal with the Captain Britain Corps.  Between this storyline and Captain Britain’s upcoming appearances in Secret Avengers, Marvel seems to be bringing the character back to the forefront.  If nothing else, you can be sure that Rick Remender’s take on the character in both of these books will be unique and worth a read.

>Bonus Picks of the Week: Wonder Woman #5, Bill Griffith: Lost and Found 1970-1994 TP, Lord of the Jungle #1, Nightwing #5, Fraggle Rock Classics vol. 1 TP, Uncanny X-men #5, Twelve vol. 1 TP, and Superior #7.

1) Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #1

It’s hard to believe there hasn’t been a full length solo Lobster Johnson story in four years!  Mike Mignola brings back the popular pulp hero from the Hellboy-verse this week for a story featuring phantom Indians and mobsters.  B.P.R.D. writer John Arcudi and Who is Jake Ellis? artist Tonci Zonjic are also on board for this series, which also features great covers from Dave Johnson, who has been killing it on the recent B.P.R.D. covers.

2) Batman: Through the Looking Glass HC

This all new original graphic novel focuses on the Dark Knight’s first encounters with the Alice in Wonderland-themed villain Mad Hatter.  More significantly, the story was written by veteran horror writer Bruce Jones and illustrated by the Sam Kieth, whose instantly recognizable, angular art should fit the story nicely.  Plus, at over 100 pages, this book provides the perfect chance for those of you looking for a stand alone Batman story to indulge in and enjoy.

3) Batgirl #5

It’s easy to see why Batgirl has been one of the most consistent of DC’s 52 relaunches.  Old and new fans have responded to the return of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl, and writer Gail Simone has long established her proficiency at telling stories featuring the character.  Artist Ardian Syaf has also provided a sense of stability to the story of Gordon trying to reestablish her masked persona.  This issue also features an appearance from Batman, who hasn’t yet faced Barbara since her return to costumed crimefighting.  And if you needed yet another reason to give this book a try, don’t forget the always amazing covers of Adam Hughes.

4) Shade #4

Fans of James Robinson’s Shade have rightly been trying to increase awareness of this series featuring the classic Starman villain/ally.  If you’ve yet to pick up the first three issues which featured excellent art from Cully Hamner, it’s not to late to jump on board this book.  If you’re looking for a solid story with equally quality art, make sure to pick up those issues along with this week’s issue which is illustrated by the great Darwyn Cooke.  That’s right, Darwyn Cooke is illustrating this issue telling of Shade’s early career as a villain in the 1940’s.  Don’t miss it!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Captain America #7, Green Lantern #5, Incredible Hulk #4, Steve Ditko Omnibus vol. 2 HC, Scarlet Spider #1, and Wolverine and the X-men #4.

Happy New Year to all of our customers and readers from all of us at Heroes!  We wish you all happiness and success in 2012.  There’s a nice variety of new titles hitting stands this week, and here’s just a few to consider in your shopping.

1) Fatale #1

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips have spent the last few years turning out some of the industry’s best crime comics.  With Criminal and Incognito the duo have proven themselves the go-to creative team for all things noir.  Their new book Fatale continues to add to their crime catalogue, but also features some decidedly Lovecraftian horror elements.  How exactly mobsters and monsters will work in the same series is just one of the many reasons to give this book a try.

2) Wolverine and the X-men: Alpha and Omega #1

If you’ve been enjoying Wolverine and the X-men, this first of five issues delves further into the relationship between Headmaster Wolverine and his most troublesome student, Quentin Quire.  Aside from this being a miniseries that makes sense, fans will want to be aware that this issue marks writer Brian Wood’s return to Marvel after several years working at Vertigo.  Also on hand are talented artists like Roland Boschi and HeroesCon staple Mark Brooks.

3) Mudman #2

Paul Grist is one of those cartoonists who not only impresses with his keen sense of visual storytelling, but also with his fine writing.  Mudman is his latest original story, and is the another example of his fine comics work.  His previous work on Kane focused more on the crime genre, and Jack Staff, while a variation on the superhero genre, was also a love letter to pulp and adventure stories.  Mudman is firmly grounded in the bizarre origin, costume-wearing superhero, and is as entertaining as one might expect from this talented creator.

4) Goon #37

Eric Powell returns with another issue of his inimitable supernatural romp.  Among other things, this issue features a girdle factory fire, an out of control taco cart, and a monstrous union buster.  In a story that may be as subversively relevant as it is entertaining, Powell gives us yet another example of why he’s a favorite of so many readers and fellow creators.

5) Keep Our Secrets Board Book

This latest children’s book from respected cartoonist Jordan Crane tells the tale of two kids wandering around their house and finding all sorts of things they’d never seen before.  Young readers will love the book’s color changing, heat sensitive ink, which allows them to find hidden images just by rubbing the ink.  Like his earlier book The Clouds Above, plenty of adult readers will also enjoy Crane’s imaginative storytelling and artistry.

6) Annotated Sandman HC vol. 1

Ever want to read Neil Gaiman’s Sandman but felt intimidated by the endless amounts of references it contains?  You’re not alone, and even if you have read the book its density is more than a little much to take at times.  The Annotated Sandman contains the first twenty issues of the acclaimed series and is a panel by panel examination of the numerous historical and literary references within the book.  Not only do you get to read the comics themselves, but you get to see a detailed analysis of Gaiman’s multilayered approach to storytelling.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Fear Itself HC, Peanuts #1, Animal Man #5, Avengers: X-sanction #2, Defenders #2, Swamp Thing #5, B.P.R.D.: Hell on Earth vol. 2: Gods and Monsters.

1) Avengers: The Children’s Crusade #8

With the recent announcement of Marvel’s big 2012 event being Avengers vs. X-men, look for this 9 issue series to increase its popularity in the coming months.  Aside from the fact that this series features Avengers, X-men, and the Young Avengers, its return of Scarlet Witch to prominence will undoubtedly play a role in next year’s event.  Allen Heinberg and Jimmy Cheung are also apparently killing an Avenger in this issue, which may be yet another instigator in the upcoming conflict between the heroes.

2) Shaky Kane’s Monster Truck GN

I first came across Shaky Kane’s name reading Eddie Campbell’s excellent Alec series.  At that point it was just a name associated with an artist whose work I hadn’t seen.  Then, last year fellow Heroes staffer Justin Crouse recommended a book called the Bulletproof Coffin by David Hine and one Shaky Kane.  To my surprise the art was a strange combination of surreality, psychedelia, and clearly the product of a fan of Silver Age comics.  This week’s Monster Truck is another fine example of this captivating artist.  Spread out over the 50 page continuous single panel are an assortment of American pop culture bits including zombies, killer clowns, car-sized insects, dinosaurs, monsters, and classic cars.  It’s also quite poetic in a strange, quirky way.

3) Justice League Dark #4

There have been quite a few customers who have mentioned how much they’re enjoying this tale of supernatural Justice Leaguers.  For those who might not like the more mainstream of DC’s 52 titles, this one might be a good one for you to pick up.  Following the exploits of darker characters like John Constantine, Deadman, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu, and Shade the Changing Man, this title benefits from veteran Vertigo writer Peter Milligan, as well as the appropriately horror-tinged art of Mikel Janin.  To top it all off, they get a great cover from artist Ryan Sook every issue.

4) X-men: Schism HC

Wisely, Marvel decided to release a collection of this popular minseries before the end of the year.  Teaming writer Jason Aaron with talented artists like Frank Cho, Adam Kubert, Daniel Acuna, and Carlos Pacheco, this hardcover not only collects the entire 5 issue series chronicling the schism between Wolverine and Cyclops, but also contains Generation Hope #10-11, and the X-men: Regenesis one shot that led directly into the new Uncanny X-men and Wolverine and the X-men series.  Plus, you get almost 225 pages in a hardcover format for considerably less than you would if you were to purcase all the single issues contained in this book.

5) Chase TP

Readers over recent years have really responded to the dynamic art of J.H. Williams III.  If you’re only familiar with his work on books like Batwoman, Promethea, and Detective Comics, this week DC collects one of his popular series from the olden days of the 1990s.  This title was interesting in that it focused on a shady government organization that monitored superheroes, while allowing it all to be seen through the eyes of one of the agents who began to develop strange abilities of her own.  In addition to collecting the entire Chase series, included here are also lots of other Chase appearances from that time.  Over 350 pages of comics for under $30!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Aquaman #4, Captain America # 5 AND 6, Flash #4, Kick Ass 2 #6, Batman: The Dark Knight #4, Walt and Skeezix HC vol. 5, and Spaceman #3.

It’s Christmas week here at Heroes and we’re all working hard to make sure you have lots of comics to enjoy as we wrap up 2011.  Here are just a few of the books that will hit stands this Wednesday.  All of us at Heroes hope you and yours have a blessed holiday season.

1) Batman Incorporated: Leviathan Strikes #1

This 80 page oneshot from Grant Morrison, Chris Burnham, and Cameron Stewart picks up right where the acclaimed Batman Incorporated series left off.  Not only should this issue answer several unanswered questions left from that series, but it’s said to finally reveal the true identity of the mysterious Leviathan.

2) Wolverine and the X-men #3

This series continues to deliver solid, enjoyable comics that seem to be giving X-men fans lots to be happy with, like an amped up Iceman, fun new characters like a Brood student and Kid Gladiator, and the new Hellfire Club running amok with their very own Wendigo and Sauron!  If you haven’t already, pick up the first three issues this week and you’re guaranteed to have some great comics to read over the holiday weekend.  Kudos to Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo for making the X-men fun again.

3) Wonder Woman #4

Why not talk one more time this year about the comics bliss that is Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Wonder Woman?  Equal parts horror, mythology, and super hero tale, the talented pair have delivered one of the best comics of DC’s 52 relaunch.  Do yourself a favor and get acquainted with the work of Cliff Chiang before you meet him at the Charlotte MiniCon.  Aside from having a broad catalog of comics work, Cliff always delivers quality art on whatever book he illustrates.  Wonder Woman is just another example of that.

4) Tales Designed to Thrizzle #7

Michael Kupperman returns with the latest volume of his hilarious comic.  Riding high off the critical acclaim he received for this year’s Mark Twain’s Autobiography1910-2010, in this issue Kupperman offers up stories like Saint Peter Comics, Hamanimal, Reservoir Dogs 2, and Twain and Einstein.  Kupperman’s one of the best when it comes to solid comics storytelling, nice line work, and abounding humor.

5) Uncanny X-force #19

Rarely do you get a chance to read two new issues of a title two weeks in a row, so if you’re an X-force fan, take advantage of it this week.  Rick Remnder kicks off the next chapter of X-force with a new direction, new members, and the debut of new artist Robbi Rodriguez, who is sure to garner attention for his work on this book.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Lady Mechanika #3, Tony Millionaire’s 500 Portraits, Activity #1, Fantastic Four #601, Sergio Aragones’ Funnies #6, Batman #4, Jubilee by Robert Kirkman TP, and Art of Joe Jusko HC.

1) Avengers X-Sanction #1

This series not only brings Cable back to the present day Marvel universe, but sets up 2012’s huge Avengers vs. X-men crossover.  Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness helm this four issue limited series that features Cable trying to destroy the Avengers.  If you stop by the store this week make sure to pick up one of our Heroes exclusive variant covers for this issue.  These were printed just for us, and are extremely rare, but you can be sure to find them at Heroes.

2) Jim Henson’s The Storyteller HC

You might not remember the television series of the same name, but if you loved the recent Muppets movie, here’s your chance to delve further into the genius work of Jim Henson.  Archaia brings the t.v. show’s premise of a storyteller and his dog to the comics medium in a logical anthology format with the help of creators like Roger Langridge, Jeff Parker, Ron Marz, Marjorie Liu, Paul Tobin, Craig Rousseau, Tom Fowler, Francesco Francavilla, Janet Lee and more.  Aside from being a great gift idea, this one will undoubtedly be an enjoyable book because you know the contributers all have lots of love and respect for Henson.  That’s bound to show in their work.

3) Uncanny X-force #18

If you haven’t yet given Uncanny X-force a try, you’re missing out on one of the most consistently well done and entertaining X books on the shelves.  This week sees the end of Rick Remender and Jerome Opena’s Dark Angel Saga, and Marvel has hinted that at least one character might meet his/her demise in this issue.  This issue also sets up issue 19’s new creative team of returning writer Remender and new artist Robbi Rodriguez, who is a talented artist deserving more attention for his quality work.

4) Rocketeer Adventures HC

One of 2011’s best anthologies receives hardcover treatment this week.  Paying tribute to the late Dave Stevens, IDW brought together a veritable who’s who of modern comics greats to bring new stories of Steven’s most celebrated creation back to comics.  Among the contributers are Mike Allred, Darwyn Cooke, John Cassaday, Dave Gibbons, John Arcudi, Ryan Sook, Mark Waid, Bruce Timm, Kurt Busiek, Tony Harris, Tommy Lee Edwards, Alex Ross and many others.  Like this week’s The Storyteller, you know the creators involved with this project worked as a labor of love to Stevens and his inimitable contribution to the comics industry. Dig that pin up from the talented Stephanie Buscema!

5) Carnage U.S.A. #1

Zeb Wells and Clayton Crain always do well with their Carnage mini series, and this one should please fans.  This time around the pair send America’s favorite murderous symbiote to America’s heartland, where his violent exploits draw the attention and ire of Spider-man and the Avengers.  While this isn’t exactly a family friendly comic to read with your kids around the Christmas tree, it is something Spidey and Carnage fans should really enjoy.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Batwoman #4, Fables TP vol. 16, Chuck Jones: Dream That Never Was HC, Green Lantern #4, Red Wing TP, Roger Langridge’s Snarked #3, Shade #3, Batgirl #4, and Witchblade #150.

1) Defenders #1

Matt Fraction and Terry Dodson bring us a new incarnation of the Defenders this week.  This title has always been an odd one to grasp for some readers, but the creators and characters included on this launch suggest that Marvel is trying to raise the status of this brand.  There are classic Defenders like Doctor Strange, Silver Surfer and Namor around again, but this time there are also characters like Red She-Hulk and Iron Fist in the mix.  Suffice to say, this won’t be like the Secret Defenders title of the ’90’s.

2) Animal Man #4

Animal Man has quickly become one of the highest regarded of DC’s new 52 titles.  Though the book is quite horror-based for a mainstream DC book and could easily have been included among the Vertigo titles, it is maintaining its quality thus far because creators Jeff Lemire and Travel Foreman balance the literal horrors with the psychological stresses of parenthood and the need to protect your kids against all kinds of threats.  This juxtaposition has its drama increased by the fact that Animal Man’s young daughter has developed scary powers of her own.  The result is a multilayered story of a family struggling with numerous difficulties, all wrapped in the bright colored trappings of a superhero comic

3) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #1 Raphael

IDW’s recent success with their new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic has paved the way for this first of several micro series.  The solo Raphael tale is told by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru, and sheds new light on the cantankerous Turtle, while also featuring cameos from other popular characters in the Turtle-verse.  Plus, check out that nice cover from Mouse Guard’s David Petersen!

4) Bad Doings and Big Ideas: A Bill Willingham Deluxe Edition HC

Fans of Fables might not realize that creator Bill Willingham had a lengthy career in comics long before he crafted that acclaimed series.  This 450+ page monster hardcover reprints lots of Willingham’s pre-Fables Vertigo work all in one handy collection.  In addition to the entire miniseries Proposition Player, featured here are several of Willingham’s minseries and oneshots set in the world of the Sandman, including Merv Pumpkinhead: Agent of D.R.E.A.M., which features art from his Fables collaborator Mark Buckingham.  Also worth mentioning are some of the other collaborators represented here, namely Bernie Wrightson and Kevin Nowlan.

Fun Fact: Beautiful cover painted James Bennett who illustrated the New York Times bestselling picture books “Tell Me A Scary Story… But Not Too Scary,” written by Carl Reiner and “Halloween,” written by Jerry Seinfeld. His conceptually humorous illustrations have appeared as covers and interiors for The New York Times, The L.A. Times, Forbes, Time, Sports Illustrated, Mad, Business Week, New York, Smithsonian, among others. -r.

5) Avenging Spider-man #2

Upon looking over issue one of Avenging Spider-man, several things stood out:  1) Zeb Wells is an underrated writer, and seems to have quietly developed a nice voice for himself in recent years. 2) Though I’m still not crazy about Joe Madureira’s pencils going straight to color without passing through the skilled hands of an inker, this book looks much better than the murky final product of Ultimates 3.  3) In addition to being a really fun read, this book at its best reminded me of the simple, direct entertainment of the old Marvel Team Up title, which is a great compliment.  It’s nice to have a Spider-man book on shelves that isn’t too bogged down with lots of continuity, and thus easily accessible.

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Swamp Thing #4, Johnny Hazard Dailies HC vol. 1, Strange Talent of Luther Strode #3, Superman Secret Origin TP, Jack Kirby’s Fourth World Omnibus TP vol. 1, Mega Man #8, and Detective Comics #4.

1) Spaceman #2

Fans of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso’s 100 Bullets might’ve been surprised by the cold, sci-fi vibe of the first issue of their new 9 issue series.  It’s certainly a departure for the acclaimed creative duo, but also indicative of their desire to tell a decidedly different kind of story from 100 Bullets.  Check out Heroes staffer Justin Crouse’s recent review of issue one here to delve deeper into this truly odd and thought-provoking original series.

2) T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents vol. 2 #1

Nick Spencer kicks off the second volume of his acclaimed take on one of DC’s more unique properties.  Aided by artist Wes Craig, Spencer continues to explore the notion of people who accept super powers with the knowledge that they bring a death sentence with them.  Also available this week is the trade paperback collection of the first 10 issues of Spencer’s first volume of the series.

3) Uncanny X-men #2

Kieron Gillen and Carlos Pacheco continue their stories of the Cyclops-led X-men.  Aside from a resurrected Mr. Sinister figuring prominently in this initial story, I’m still curious to see how Gillen and Pacheco will set their book apart from the acclaimed Wolverine and the X-men title.  With a roster featuring more villainous mutants like Magneto, Namor, Danger, and a recently Juggernaut-powered Colossus, it seems like this will be the darker X-title.

4) Avengers Origins: Thor

In a previous spotlight I talked about how surprising the art on these Origins one shots has been.  This one features creators Kathryn Immonen and Al Barrionuevo, and more than that, features the story of a young Thor and how he came to obtain Mjolnir.  These stand alone issues are a smart gift idea for new and existing fans of the Thunder god.

5) Walking Dead Omnibus HC vol. 1

This is a perfect gift for fans of zombies or the popular Walking Dead t.v. show.  Collecting the first 24 issues of the popular Image title, this oversized, slip-cased deluxe collection will undoubtedly be a nice edition to anyone horror aficionado’s library.  Buy a copy and Robert Kirkman will send you a Christmas card!  Okay, he won’t, but I’m sure he’ll still appreciate it!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #4, Batman: Odyssey vol. 2 #2,  Wolverine #19, Absolute Batman: Hush HC, FF #12, and B.P.R.D.: Being Human TP, Red Skull #5, and RASL TP vol. 3.

Happy Thanksgiving week to all our customers, readers, friends, and supporters!  We’re all thankful to be a part of Heroes, and happy to be part of a great comics community.  Here are some of this week’s new books that might help you fight off a potential turkey induced coma.

1) Fantastic Four #600

This is a huge anniversary issue for the FF, and looks to have plenty for fans of all things Fantastic Four.  Rumors are abounding that this one will feature the return of Johnny Storm, but more definite is the fact that Galactus, Annihilus, the Inhumans, and the entire Future Foundation will be on hand for this one hundred page mammoth issue.  Among the creators lending their talents to this milstone are an eclectic lineup of creators including Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting, Leinil Yu, Carmine Digiandomenico, Farel Dalrymple, and Ming Doyle.

2) Aquaman #3

In their quest to make Aquaman one of the pillars of DC’s superhero elite, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis have done a lot to not only give the character a fresh start, but have also surprised many readers with their version of the water-based hero.  This issue delves into the origins of the mysterious, violent characters the Trench, and addresses why these monsters have started attacking humans.

3) Milk and Cheese: Dairy Products Gone Bad HC

There are lots of reasons to consider this book. 1) It collects every Milk and Cheese comic from 1989 – 2010 along with extras and supplemental material.  That’s almost 250 pages for only $19.99! 2) In a single volume you can see exactly why so many people have been influenced by creator Evan Dorkin. 3) It’s full of subversive humor and a cornerstone of the underground comics movement.  4) It’s got this endorsement from comics genius David Mazzucchelli (of Asterios Polyp and Batman: Year One): “Evan’s calcium-rich creations are guaranteed to spread lactose intolerance everywhere.”  Do you really need any other reasons to pick this one up?

4) Wolverine and the X-men #2

With issue #1 all kinds of comics readers found an X-men book that had much of the joy they remembered about X-titles from decades past, as well a book that seemed less mired in many of the continuity problems of recent years.  A fresh start, a focused plan, and a fun, energetic comic that could only be brought to us by creators Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo, both of whom really seem to be in top form on this title.

5) Parker Martini Edition HC

Want to have an awe-inspiring book on hand at Thanksgiving to turn some of your family members on to comics?  Darwyn Cooke’s Parker books are ones I’ve frequently lent out or shown to family or friends to show them that comics can be as entertaining for adults as they are for kids.  This deluxe edition from IDW collects Cooke’s first two Parker books The Hunter and The Outfit, and also boasts nearly 70 pages of additional material including lots of artwork and a brand new 8 page story only available here.  While all this is worth the price, the biggest selling point for me is that you get 334 pages of Darwyn Cooke story and art in a 9 x 13 format!

> Bonus Picks of the Week: Mighty Thor #8, Justice League Dark #3, Kick Ass 2 #5, Shade #2, Rocketeer Jetpack Treasury Edition, Dark Horse Presents #6, and Pogo: Complete Syndicated Strips HC vol. 1.