STAFF PICKS :: SUPERMAN EARTH ONE VOL 02 :: OCTOBER 31, 2012
ANDY’S PICK :: SUPERMAN EARTH ONE VOL 02 HC: Two years ago at HeroesCon we had a Discussion Group about Superman Earth One HC with the books artist Shane Davis. Now, after being floored by our discussion of All-Star Superman the year before, I didn’t think I would ever be impressed or really care about any other Superman stories. Then I sat down to read and re-read Superman Earth One Volume 1 for the meeting with Mr. Davis and I was so taken in by the story and the art, I was genuinely disappointed that there was not a sequel forthcoming. But now it is two years later and here is Superman Earth One Volume 2–with art by Shane Davis and written by J. Michael Straczynski (Babylon 5 and Spider-man) and frankly I can’t wait. Do yourself a solid and pick up both Volume 1 and Volume 2. It is so chock full of little details about Superman/Clark Kent’s life that just makes it a special reading experience.
When it comes to purchasing or recommending manga to check out, there’s always the problem of middle to long-term commitment to the series because manga reads much faster and builds at a slower pace than American comic series. Often-times, you have to wait for it to hit its stride. In addition, the story arcs in manga are so long that you don’t know if it’s worth the time, effort, and money you need to put into it. Worry not though, because Drops of God: The New World addresses both issues. 
RICO’S PICK :: MULTIPLE WARHEADS: ALPHABET TO INFINITY #1: I’m always excited when a new Brandon Graham comic hits the shelves! The organic way everything is connected in his books is rarer than it should be in comics. If you like beautifully illustrated comics with heart and humor you should check this out, his comics game is STRONG!
JASON’S PICK :: CAPTAIN AMERICA #19: It’s the end of an era. This issue not only brings to a close the most current volume of Cap’s title, it also brings to a close Ed Brubaker’s epic, years-long run on the character, which gave us everything from the never-would-have-believed-it-would-work return of Bucky to the death and return of Captain America. Brubaker has hit everything from dark espionage to high-stakes superhero action during his run, and I’m excited (and a little bit sad) to see how he wraps it all up before handing off the reins to Rick Remender for next month’s Marvel NOW! relaunch.
SETH’S PICK :: Father Gaetano’s Puppet Catechism Illustrated Novella: This is the latest collaboration between Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and writer Christopher Golden, following Joe Golem and the Drowning City and Baltimore, which started as a novel before turning into several comic series. The joy of these books lies in their simplicity. Mignola and Golden don’t presume to try to reinvent any kind of literary wheels, they just tell straightforward horror stories. This one is set in World War II era Sicily and follows the troubled lives of orphans. If the dregs of war weren’t enough, the orphans have to deal with a haunted puppet theater. Like I said, there’s nothing especially unique about the premise, but thanks to the creators its bound to be an entertaining read. And for those of you who don’t like books without pictures, don’t forget that this one is aided by Mignola’s illustrations throughout.
book itself, and inevitably gets to be frustrating when you keep buying the book in spite of your waning interesting in it. Some readers understandably turn to the act of “trade waiting,” or foregoing the purchase of a monthly title in favor of the more affordable trade paperback. Still, the monthly comic book holds potential that isn’t always appreciated in these jaded times. Here’s a brief look at what I think is one of the most underappreciated, innovative monthly comics on the stands today: Matt Kindt’s Mind Mgmt. 
It looks like departments stores are already setting up their Christmas displays so it’s not too early for me to remind you that Heroes is a great place to do some Christmas shopping while you’re picking up your own comics. From an excellent All Ages section to art books to comic strip collections, there’s something for everyone on your list. There’s also the annual Holiday Sale for the bargain hunters among us. Keep an eye on the blog for that announcement.
