This is the first in what will be a regular series that briefly reviews the books that I (Brian, President and Founder of Comics for Heroes) have read every month.
There is no such thing as a bad comic — just one that may not be for you. One of the great things about comics is the diversity in the different stories. There is literally something for everyone. If you don’t like something you read, give it to someone who you think would. Take that one step further and give that book to someone who doesn’t already read comics and show them it isn’t all about capes and tights. That is why I rate everything with BUY, TRADE WAIT, or GIFT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL LOVE IT.
Note: Previews pages are linked to the title, when available.
Action Comics (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Brad Walker
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
All New X-Men #1
All New X-Men #2
Marvel Comics Writer: Brian M. Bendis Artist: Stuart Immonen
A great start to what looks to be a promising series. A great post-AvX starting point.
Verdict: BUY
American Vampire #33
DC Comics/Vertigo Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Rafael Albuquerque
One of the best arcs in this amazing series wraps with a heart wrenching conclusion.
Verdict: BUY
Animal Man (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Steve Pugh
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific #4 (of 5)
Red 5 Writer: Brian Clevinger Artist: Scott Wegener
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
Batgirl (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Gail Simone Artist: Ed Benes
I dropped Batgirl a few issues ago, but picked this issue up because it ties into “Death of the Family” and it did not disappoint.
Verdict: BUY
Batman (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Greg Capullo
This is the second issue of the “Death of the Family” arc and this is shaping up to be one of the best Batman stories ever written.
Verdict: BUY
Batman Incorporated (2012-) #5
DC Comics Writer: Grant Morrison Artist: Chris Burnham
I could read a monthly book about a grim future with Damian as Batman. Can you make this happen, DC?
Verdict: BUY
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #4 (of 4)
DC Comics Writer: Darwyn Cooke Artist: Amanda Connor
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
Captain America Vol. 7 #1
Marvel Comics Writer: Rick Remender Artist: John Romita Jr.
Verdict: GIFT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL LOVE IT
Daredevil Vol. 3 #20
Marvel Comics Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Chris Samnee
Verdict: BUY
Detective Comics (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: John Layman Artist: Jason Fabok
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
Indestructible Hulk #1
Marvel Comics Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Lenil Yu
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
I, Vampire (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Joshua Fialkov Artist: Andrea Sorrentino
Are you reading this series yet? You’re missing out if you are not.
Verdict: BUY
Journey Into Mystery #646
Marvel Comics Writer: Kathryn Immonen Artist: Valerio Schiti
Verdict: GIFT TO SOMEONE WHO WILL LOVE IT
Justice League (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Geoff Johns Artist: Tony Daniel
Probably the best issue of this series so far.
Verdict: BUY
Locke & Key Omega #1 (of 7)
IDW Publishing Writer: Joe Hill Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
The start of the final chapter in what has been a great horror/suspense/mystery series. If you’re not reading it already, get the trades of the previous volumes, you won’t regret it.
Verdict: BUY
Lot 13 #2 (of 5) (MR)
DC Comics Writer: Steve Niles Artist: Glenn Fabry
More great stuff from Steve Niles.
Verdict: BUY
The Manhattan Projects #7
Image Comics Writer: Jonathan Hickman Artist: Nick Pitarra
A magnificent blend of sci-fi and alternate history that only Hickman could deliver.
Verdict: BUY
Peter Panzerfaust #7
Image Comics Writer: Kurtis J. Wiebe Artist: Tyler Jenkins
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
Planetoid #4
Image Comics Writer/Artist: Ken Garing
Verdict: BUY
Punk Rock Jesus #5 (of 6)
DC Comics/Vertigo Writer/Artist: Sean Murphy
I cannot wait to see how this series will wrap next month. I have no idea what is coming and I am on the edge of my seat in anticipation.
Verdict: BUY
Red Hood and the Outlaws (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Scott Lobdell Artist: Timothy Green
Everyone who judged this book by some minor happenings in the first issue needs to give this series another shot. This issue has a great exploration of who Superman is from the perspective of Jason Todd.
Verdict: BUY
Road To Oz #3 (of 6)
Marvel Comics Writer: Eric Shanower Artist: Skottie Young
I could stare at Skottie Young art all day long and never get sick of it.
Verdict: BUY
Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom #4 (of 4)
IDW Publishing Writer: Mark Waid Artist: Chris Samnee
Verdict: TRADE WAIT
Saga #7
Image Comics Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Artist: Fiona Staples
One of the best 3 comics I am reading at the moment. Consistently brilliant every month.
Verdict: BUY
Superman (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Scott Lobdell Artist: Kenneth Rocafort
Verdict: BUY
Swamp Thing (2011-) #14
DC Comics Writer: Scott Snyder Artist: Yanick Paquette
Verdict: BUY
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #16
IDW Publishing Writer: Kevin Eastman & Tom Waltz Artist: Andy Kuhn
Verdict: BUY
Editor’s Note: I just want to say a huge thanks to Brian for his fantastic work at Comics for Heroes and for crafting this article. Comics for Heroes is a fantastic organization that every comic fan needs to check out and Comicosity is proud to be a friend of. -AL
