JUSTIN’S PICK :: DKW DITKO KIRBY WOOD ONE SHOT: Hello, Staff Picks, how have you been? Sorry, I’ve been a real jerk. I haven’t called, I didn’t write. HeroesCon had us all hopping…I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Maybe if I offer you this awesome Fantagraphics one shot? Would that help? Cartoonist Sergio Ponchione draws three different stories in the signature styles of those titular titans Steve, Jack, and Wally. It’s a gorgeously designed book, as well, tastefully toned and wrapped in a masterful cover. I know I’ve neglected you, Staff Picks, but can’t we put that all behind us now, and just be together again? Aw, you’re the best. I knew you’d understand.

HEATHER’S PICK :: ROCKET RACCOON #1: Occasionally the mere announcement of a book is enough to convince me to put it in my pull list.  Rocket Raccoon is one of those books.  I’ve been waiting to read this book since it was announced that Skottie Young would be both writing and drawing it.  Rocket is an amusing draw all on his own (Who doesn’t love a wise cracking, gun toting raccoon?), but a solo book by a creator I adore? Sold!

The previews of the first issue prove this book is going to be ridiculously fun!  I can’t wait to find out how Groot is starring in some sort of intergalactic wrestling match. I look forward to seeing all the adventures Rocket and Groot have ahead of them.

ANDY’S PICK :: DISNEY JUNIOR ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANIMATED CHARACTERS: Where was this book when I was a kid. As a Disney obsessed youth (I blame the classic Gold Key published, Walt Disney Comics Digest) I used to make lists of every character I could. These were the years before the internet so I had to go off memory and comic books. What I wouldn’t have done for a book like this! There are over 150 entries with illustrations and character info starting with Ariel (I imagine) and ends (I’m pretty certain) with Zurg. And the inside of the book jacket is a giant poster. All for only $13.00!!! Any pre-teen will love it!

JUSTIN’S PICK :: SOUTHERN BASTARDS #2: When I see the word “southern” in anything, I am immediately skeptical. I’m all too accustomed to our region and citizenry being unfairly pigeonholed as a bunch of unthinking bigot morons. Thankfully, Jasons Aaron and Latour sidestep all that, and craft a tale that’s somewhere between pulp and spiritual. I’m sure nearly every one of you read #1; this is a gentle reminder that #2 needs your attention, as well. Aaron is working the spaces between genres like he did in his acclaimed Vertigo series Scalped, and Latour’s art is a blend of darkness and whimsy in the grand EC tradition (don’t let those colors fool you, I see Kurtzman and Davis both lurking in that line work).

SETH’S PICK :: BLACK SCIENCE TP VOL. 1: There are several reasons to pick up this first volume of the acclaimed series Black Science. Firstly, it’s an energetic sci-fi tour de force from Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera. There’s a reason these single issues sold out quickly, and if you missed any of them, here’s the perfect opportunity to see what we’ve all been talking about. Secondly, and of equal importance, this collection is only $9.99! Image Comics has been using this price point for the first volumes of their new series’ trade paperback collections, and it’s a smart publishing initiative. In fact, you could pick up this volume and the first collections of Manifest Destiny and Pretty Deadly for just over $30 plus tax. That’s a lot of good comics for not a lot of money. 

Bonus Pick: Southern Bastards #2: This is yet another sold out Image series, and my favorite new title of the year. Jason Aaron and Jason Latour’s southern crime story employs finely tuned writing and meticulous art to brilliant effect. Their cinematic use of tension and release remind us of how comics can still be used to tell unique stories in unique ways.

Bonus Pick #2: Devil Dinosaur by Jack Kirby TP: This is not the King’s greatest comic work, no, not by a long shot. But it is a series where he draws all kinds of dinosaurs and monsters, and that’s enough for me. Plus, this is the first time the whole series is available in a single trade paperback.

ANDY’S PICK :: DEVIL DINOSAUR BY JACK KIRBY THE COMPLETE SERIES TP: Here’s the back-story. In 1972, DC asked Jack Kirby to come up with a title to compete with Marvel’s recent licensing acquisition of Planet of the Apes. Hence, Kamandi. A few years later, Kirby was back at Marvel and they asked him to create a new property  that could go paw to paw with the new Kamandi TV series that DC was developing. So Kirby grudgingly  came up with Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy. The series only ran for 9 issues. The comic was geared at younger readers, but like most comics back in the ’70s it was never marketed properly. So, at the time  DD  looked like a big-foot n embarrassment from the once-great King when compared to the more cutting edge ‘relevant’ comics from O’Neill and Engelhart. Today those topical books are still fun but are self important, quite silly and rather dated; meanwhile ol’ DD remains a great kids comic just brimming with the Kirby excitement, movement and creativity. Marvel is offering all nine issues in an affordable soft cover edition for only 19.95. You owe it to yourself to pick it up and enjoy!

IZZY’S PICK :: LITTLEST PET SHOP #1: I was SO excited about this comic ever since I saw an ad for it in the back of a recent My Little Pony issue! I was also interested in it because the art on the cover is very appealing.  I also watch LPS on TV and I really like it. Please enjoy!

RICO’S PICK :: BLACK CANARY AND ZATANNA: BLOODSPELL: On the rare occasion when the visionary Paul Dini writes a comic book you owe it to yourself to pick it up. Dini along with Bruce Timm created a definitive version of Batman for television. This week we get beautiful new hardcover comic with all new material written by Dini with stunning art by Joe Quinones. This book has been in the works for years and it shows.