Welcome to Comicosity’s Hot Five. Hot Five is a short list of the top books we think you’ll want to be checking out. Be they new title launches, key issues or just continuing stories from some of the industry’s most acclaimed books, this list is your guaranteed gold for the week in the comic market!
BUZZKILL #4
Written by Donny Cates & Mark Reznicek
Art by Geoff Shaw
Published by Dark Horse Comics – $3.99
Ruben’s greatest enemy has awakened from his catatonic state. The last time they clashed, their battle laid the city to waste. Can a newly sober Ruben take on this monster from his past without resorting to the alcohol that’s always generated his superpowers? The compelling miniseries comes to a gut-punching conclusion!
• The unflinching conclusion of this miniseries will leave you breathless and wanting more.
• Cowritten by Toadies drummer Mark Reznicek!
Why It’s Hot: Over the past three issues Buzzkill has elevated itself to the top of comic book storytelling. A high concept miniseries about a man who gets his superpowers from drugs and alcohol is a deep and harrowing look into addiction and the effect it has on the addict and the people around them. If this book hasn’t been on your radar pick up all four issues at your LCS this week, and get ready for superheroes, action and humor that help tell the story of a thematically deep journey that deals with issues that will resonate with many. For those of you who have been on board from the start get ready for a a superb ending to one of the best miniseries of 2013.
LOCKE & KEY: ALPHA #2
Written by Joe Hill
Art by Gabriel Rodriguez
Published by IDW Publishing – $7.99
“The End.” A door claps softly shut. A key scrapes in a last rusted lock. It ends here: the story of the Locke children and their desperate, tragic battle with the monster set on destroying them… the past. Join Gabriel Rodriguez and Joe Hill for the final chapter of Locke & Key.
Why It’s Hot: This is it! The end of one of the most critically acclaimed comics of the decade is here. After the climactic events of Locke & Key: Alpha #1 it is time for the citizens of Lovecraft, and the Locke family in particular, to pick up the pieces and find closure. That will assuredly be easier said than done. Join writer Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez as they bid farewell to their modern masterpiece in this extra sized conclusion to the Locke & Key saga.
SAGA #17
Written by Brian K. Vaughn
Art by Fiona Staples
Published by Image Comics – $2.99
Prince Robot IV gets everyone into trouble.
Why It’s Hot: It has been said over and over again that Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples have created arguably the best comic book currently being published. They have been lavished with well deserved praise and heaps of awards over the past year and a half, and this week’s issue is one that fans of the book have all been waiting for; Prince Robot IV comes face to face with our merry band of outlaws, and it’s a good guess that it won’t be pretty.
UNCANNY AVENGERS #15
Written by Rick Remender
Art by Steve McNiven
Published by Marvel Comics – $3.99
• After the numerous deaths last issue the Avengers Unity Squad is left shattered and broken.
• The fate of humanity rests in the hands of Thor, but can the God of Thunder defeat the combined might of two Apocalypses?
• At the same time The Wasp fights for her life against the unparalleled might of The Sentry!
Why It’s Hot: After the shocking event of last issue there is no telling what else Rick Remender has up his sleeve for the Unity Squad. Then you add in the art of a bonafide superstar in Steve McNiven and you have one of the best event style comics on the racks without the heavy cost that comes with following the actual crossovers. In other words, if you want a big sprawling story by an all-star creative team that looks to have a big effect on the Marvel Universe you need to be reading Uncanny Avengers.
YOUNG AVENGERS #14
KIERON GILLEN (W)
Art by Jamie McKelvie, Emma Vieceli, Christian Ward & Annie Wu
Published by Marvel Comics – $2.99
RESOLUTION (1 of 2)
• We gather in a night club, and have a string of connected and overlapping stories starring our cast. It’s a completely and unprecedented approach to a story in comics history. There are no parallels. We refuse to accept it.
•Team Young Avengers are joined by an all-start cast of some people we really like. Each individual section gets one individual artist. It’s a metaphor, probably.
• It’s been one hell of a year. In two episodes, one before and one after the new year, the Young Avengers get resolution. You guys do as well.
Why It’s Hot: Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie have created one of the most unique, stylish mainstream comics on the racks, and their run is coming to in end with the two part “Resolution” story. As they get ready to stay goodbye they decided to ask some of their closest friends to help usher out this volume of Young Avengers in style. Each individual section features a different artist as each stories overlap in the setting of a nightclub. Expect Gillen, McKelvie to continue to push the creativity envelope as they have for the last thirteen issues, and for these last two issues to be something special!
