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 in the comic market.
BATMAN #1
Written by Tom King
Art by David Finch
Published by DC Comics – $2.99
“I AM GOTHAM” chapter one
No one has ever stopped the Caped Crusader. Not The Joker. Not Two-Face. Not even the entire Justice League. But how does Batman confront a new hero who wants to save the city from the Dark Knight?
CAN’T MISS: Superstar artist David Finch returns to Batman alongside writer Tom King for this five-part storyline.
Why It’s Hot: Tom King is arguably the best writer in comics, and he is taking the reins of the most popular character in not only comics, but all of pop culture. There’s a lot of pressure on this series, but King is more than up to the task, especially with superstar artists that are joining him. The rotating artists on this twice monthly series are long time superstar David Finch, and the absolutely stunning Mikel Janin. This series is going read well, and look great.
CIVIL WAR II #2
Written by Brian Bendis
Art by David Marquez
Published by Marvel Comics – $4.99
Two issues in one month? Hell yes! As the Marvel Universe reels from the events of the first issue, Tony Stark decides to take matters (and the law) into his own hands and declares war on the Inhumans. But not everyone agrees with Tony’s perspective and they are willing to die trying to stop him.
Why It’s Hot: The first issue of the summer’s biggest event started off with a bang, and some controversy. A major character met their demise, and another’s fate was left up in the air. The results are that the battle lines have been drawn, and the battle over the Inhuman Ulysses is set to begin. What will happen next? What side will the biggest characters choose? Only one thing is for certain, and that is David Marquez’ art will be stellar.
GREEN ARROW #1
Written by Benjamin Percy
Art by Otto Schmidt
Published by DC Comics – $2.99
THE DEATH AND LIFE OF OLIVER QUEEN” chapter one
As Oliver struggles with how he can fight “the man” when his huge fortune makes him the man, he and Black Canary uncover a deadly new threat to Seattle that cuts the Archer to the bone.
THEY SAID IT: “My touchstones are [former GA writers] Dennis O’Neil and Mike Grell, while trying to make the series my own,” says writer Benjamin Percy. “Green Arrow will be a politically and culturally relevant series. Expect stories that aim a broadhead into the zeitgeist, that are ripped from the headlines.”
Why It’s Hot: Green Arrow: Rebirth was surprisingly the best Rebirth one shot yet. Otto Schmidt blasted onto the scene with stunning art, and Benjamin Percy perfectly reintroduced Olliver Queen and Dinah Lance to each other. Reports are that the issue was well rewarded, and sold through the roof. Hopefully the momentum continues with the first issue of the ongoing series, and Green Arrow becomes the top ten comic it hasn’t been since the early part of the 21st century.
STAR WARS: HAN SOLO
Written by Majorie Liu
Art by Mark Brooks
Published by Marvel Comics – $3.99
Everyone’s favorite scoundrel gets his very own series! Han is given a top-secret undercover mission for the Rebellion – rescuing a number of informants and spies. His cover for the assignment? Only the biggest and most infamous starship race in the galaxy! You know – the race Han has dreamt of winning his entire life. Will he keep his mind on the mission? And can he manage to pull it off while keeping the lead? Best-selling author Marjorie Liu (X-MEN) comes to the Galaxy Far, Far Away along with superstar cover artist Mark Brooks (ULTIMATE X-MEN) in his return to interior art! Face it, readers – there aren’t enough scoundrels in your life!
Why It’s Hot: Majorie Liu and Mark Brooks both return to Marvel for a brand new story featuring everyone’s favorite smuggler, and one of the most popular characters in all of pop culture. If this creative team, and the quality of the other Star Wars titles are any indication this Han Solo comic is going to be awesome.
VOTE LOKI #1
Written by Christopher Hastings
Art by Langdon Foss
Published by Marvel Comics – $3.99
Loki is many things — god, trickster, brother, liar, son, villain, even hero. Now he wants to add one more thing to the list: President of the United States. That’s right, the God of Lies has set his sights on becoming the ruler of the free world, but is this just another scheme? One thing’s for certain — with Loki’s winning smile and silver tongue on the campaign trail, this election just got a lot more interesting…
Why It’s Hot: Loki is running for President Of The United States of America. It only seems fitting that a real election year that will see a racist, xenophobic man that has no business being in nominated go head to head with one of the least liked candidates ever (according to the polls) who also happens to be under federal investigation. Somehow Loki just makes sense. It should be a blast seeing the God of Mischief find his place among his fellow politicians while,out on the campaign trail shaking hands and kissing babies.
ALSO AVAILABLE THIS WEEK: Black Widow #4, Civil War II: X-Men #1, Green Lanterns #1, Superman #1, Titans: Rebirth #1
