JUSTIN’S PICK :: DMC GN #1: DMC is like Marvel’s What If? mashed up with Ed Piskor’s Hip Hop Family Tree. Set in 80s New York, as hip-hop took root in the streets and branched out into the suburbs, DMC #1 examines what would have happened if Darryl McDaniels opted to become a vigilante superhero instead of an emcee. Upon further consideration, there isn’t a huge gap between superheroing and conscious rap: both strive to change the world around them for the better, usually employing some sort of colorful costume/shtick/moniker. That parallel is at the heart of this particular funnybook.

HEATHER’S PICK :: RASPUTIN #1: There were so many points in Russian history that I found absolutely fascinating when I was in school.  The Romanovs in particular were very interesting, especially in light of their association with Grigori Rasputin, rumored mystic and faith healer and adviser to the Tsar.  Rasputin’s rise in the Russian aristocracy has all the makings of a modern day soap opera: alleged affairs with the Tsarina and other princesses, the close friendship with the Tsar who brushes off all allegations, the seemingly miraculous healing of a sick and adored child, and multiple conspiracies to commit murder.  Even Rasputin’s death is still shrouded in mystery as who ultimately killed him and how. Poisoned, shot, stabbed, beaten, drowned, or all of the above? Was this mystical figure really that hard to kill?

I can’t wait to see this story brought to life in a comic.  Image has found excellent footing in the genre comics section with sound exploration outside of the tights and capes that many non-comics readers expect.  Writer Alex Grecian and artist Riley Rossmo sound like they have done their research into the convoluted world of Rasputin and it looks like they will have a twisted tale to share and I look forward to following along.

The Batman Files is a BIG book–308  13×10 pages!- crammed full of every bit of information known about the Dark Knight Detective. This clever reference book is presented in the form of a scrapbook or journal that details every known aspect of the Caped Crusader as if it had been compiled by Bruce Wayne himself. The author–Matthew Manning in concert with hundreds of artists have done a splendid job. The Batman Files offers hundreds of fun tidbits and delivers the Intel in a way that is both dramatic and personal. This is a must for all Bat-fans. And remember November 1st we will be spotlighting the Batman at the triumphant return of the Heroes Discussion Group.

HEATHER’S  PICK :: ARKHAM MANOR #1: Maybe it’s Halloween approaching that has me in the mood to read some creepy Batman comics or maybe’s the pairing of Gerry Duggan and Shawn Crystal on a new (no prior history needed) Batman title.  Either way, Arkham Manor #1 is on this week’s pull list for me.  In events currently unknown to me, but apparently explained in the first few pages, Arkham Asylum has been destroyed and the inmates, Dr. Arkham and his orderlies have moved to Wayne Manor while a new facility is being build.

Duggan has made me a current Deadpool reader so I am looking forward to his turn in the Batverse.  While not designed to be a comedy, I am hopeful that Duggan’s sense of humor will have moments to shine in the halls of Wayne Manor.   Crystal’s art looks appropriately dark and moody and I can’t wait to see his rendering his of Duggan’s vision.

Another huge week for the Classic Comics Commandos (what we call ourselves to impress the babes!) Action Philosophers collects all the issues Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey  cartoon history of Philosophy from Socrates (the old dude in the bedsheet from Bill and Ted!) to Jacques Derrida (Dream and Death’s younger brother Deconstruction)! Good stuff Maynard (Keynes!) With HELLBLAZER TP VOL 09 CRITICAL MASS  the John Constantine Library continues its classic reprint run with issues #84-96 featuring stories by Jamie Delano, Sean Phillips as well as the beginning of the long run by Paul Jenkins. PLUS– 3 stories written by EDDIE CAMPBELL!! But if you can only afford one classic reprint this week it has to be WALT DISNEY UNCLE SCROOGE HC VOL 02 SEVEN CITIES GOLD. It’s Carl Barks at his prime. Even sub-prime Barks is better than 95% of all other cartoonists. Prime Barks is not just essential, it’s required!!!  Enjoy!!!

HEATHER’S PICK :: MS MARVEL VOLUME ONE: If you haven’t been reading one of my favorite comics, this week is an excellent opportunity to start.  Written by G. Willow Wilson and drawn by Adrian Alphona, Ms. Marvel tells the story of Kamala Khan, an American teen that assumes the form (at least temporarily) of Ms. Marvel.  It’s both well written and well illustrated and it belongs in the hands of as many readers as possible.

There’s a lot of debate about women in comics as characters and creators.  Ms. Marvel is an example of a book full of role models for young women in the pages and behind the creation of those pages.

Bonus Pick: If you’re current with the series, #9 is also out tomorrow with one of my favorite four legged Marvel characters appearing!

RICO’S PICK :: EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE #5:  Have you read Umbrella Academy? If not, go do that, it’s great and more than enough to make one take note anytime writer Gerard Way writes a new comic book. The majority of Marvel’s Edge of Spider-Verse has been an exercise in what I consider the best style of comic book editing. That is, select a creative team you trust, give them a broad idea of what you need/want, let them create. For EOSV #5, Way is joined by artist Jake Wyatt whose recent work on  Ms. Marvel and Indestructible Hulk is noteworthy. The pair of creators have re-imagined Spider Man as a futuristic mech-operating hero, think Neon Genesis Evangelion Spider-hero. I can’t wait to read lose myself in the new world they’ve created. There’s a small preview here.

JUSTIN’S PICKS: AVENGERS & X-MEN AXIS #1: I wasn’t a big Marvel reader in the Heroes Reborn days, and the subsequent emergence of the villain called Onslaught. But when promotional material started showing up for Marvel’s next big event – Axis – featured that iconic armor with the Red Skull’s head peeking out, I was intrigued. It’s been a while since the Red Skull was such a major threat, and Uncanny Avengers (the series that laid the foundation for Axis) has been one of Marvel’s more consistently entertaining titles. So this is an event I actually look forward to with some anticipation. With Rick Remender, one of my favorite writers, at the helm, I know I can count on a certain level of quality.

PUNKS THE COMIC #1: Speaking of Mr. Remender, my first exposure to the guy was an interview he did with Dog, a character from Punks, in a special that came out in the mid 2ks. The premise is simple: four roommates, Abe Lincoln, Dog, Skull, and Fist, share a domicile and engage in various shenanigans. It’s absurd and hilarious, and the art style Kody Chamberlain employs, an analogue collage approach, suits the subject matter perfectly. Now, Chamberlain and writer Joshua Hale Fialkov unleash new misadventures of this unlikely foursome via Image Comics, and I urge any fan of quality humor comics to give this one a go. Chuckles guaranteed.

SETH’S PICK :: BLACKSAD: AMARILLO: Blacksad is hard-boiled comics at their finest. The fact that they’re anthropomorphic detective stories only adds to the enjoyment. In this latest book, John Blacksad travels through Texas in a big yellow Cadillac, only to encounter brutish bikers, an evil circus and murder. If you haven’t yet read these wonderful stories from Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido, you’re in for a treat. Blacksad books are ones you’ll return to frequently, sometimes to reread and sometimes just to bask in the beauty of Guarnido’s art. 

Bonus Pick: Battling Boy: Rise of Aurora West: A prequel to last year’s excellent Paul Pope Battling Boy graphic novel, this book follows Aurora West as she sets off on her heroic ways.  Unlike Battling Boy, this volume is presented in a smaller black and white manga format. That said, it’s still full of monsters and action, just like its predecessor. More importantly, it’s a very forward thinking addition to an increasing number of great all ages comics.