Every week, Comicosity brings you our Hot Five, 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.
LAZARUS #1
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Michael Lark
Published by Image Comics — $3.99
“FAMILY,” Part One
In a dystopian near-future government is a quaint concept, resources are coveted, and posession is 100% of the law. A handful of Families rule, jealously guarding what they have and exploiting the Waste who struggle to survive in their domains. Forever Carlyle defends her family’s holdings through deception and force as their protector, their Lazarus. Shot dead defending the family home, Forever’s day goes downhill from there….
Why It’s Hot: This long-awaited creator-owned title from the guys that brought you Gotham Central is finally arriving, and it is going to be amazing! Check out our interview with Greg and Michael about the project, as well as Greg’s appearance on this week’s edition of The Hangout. No question, this is going to be another sincere hit from Image Comics this summer.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN #1
Written by Greg Pak
Art by Jae Lee
Published by DC Comics — $3.99
A new epic begins with the debut of this new, ongoing series! Don’t miss the first fateful meeting of Batman and Superman in The New 52!
Why It’s Hot: Besides the chance to see a Batman-Superman relationship once again blossom into friendship (something long missing pre-New 52), we actually get to see how it all began, in stories set five years ago in the early days of super-heroing. Mix in that sublime Jae Lee art (recently seen in the Before Watchmen: Ozymandias series) and you have a mega-hit brewing.
AGE OF ULTRON #10AI
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Eduardo Risso
Published by Marvel Comics — $3.99
One of Marvel’s most classic characters, Hank Pym, stands at the crossroads! Faced with a dilemma only he can solve, Pym gambles his past and his future! Some men are beyond redemption! By story’s end, Hank Pym will have an entirely new role in the Marvel Universe!
Why It’s Hot: While many of us continue to scratch our heads about the events of Age of Ultron, one thing is for certain: Hank Pym is on top of the world once again. See what his next step is after the defeat of his greatest error, and witness the lead-in to next week’s Avengers AI ongoing!
UNCANNY #1
Written by Andy Diggle
Art by Aaron Campbell
Published by Dynamite Entertainment — $3.99
SIX BILLION SKILL SETS. ONE LAST CHANCE.
Weaver is unique, or so he thinks. Born with an uncanny ability, he can steal other people’s skills – their memories, abilities, and expertise – for a limited time. A man with a power like that could change the world; but as a professional gambler, con-man, and thief-for-hire, Weaver prefers to look out for number one. That is, until he finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of international intrigue where the rules keep changing, the players are hidden… and the first thing he stands to lose is his life. And maybe, just maybe, he isn’t so unique after all…
Why It’s Hot: Fans were a bit disappointed (to say the least) to hear Andy Diggle was leaving Action Comics so soon after arrival. Well, here’s your chance to groove on Diggle’s fantastic brain with a brand new crime series from the man himself.
LARFLEEZE #1
Written by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis
Art by Scott Kolins
Published by DC Comics — $2.99
Larfleeze, the breakout character from BLACKEST NIGHT, last seen in the pages of THRESHOLD, is back in his own solo, ongoing series-and he’s not sharing it with anyone! In his debut solo adventure, Larfleeze meets Laord of the Hunt, a pan-dimensional cosmic entity that believes all living things are prey-and he’s out to turn the universe into his own private hunting reserve! And the only thing worse than Laord is the deadly beings he can summon!
Why It’s Hot: This is the title I have been waiting for since the launch of the New 52, when I was frankly astonished not to see Larfleeze headlining over the likes of the Red Lanterns. This guy is one of Geoff Johns’ greatest creations amid the War of the Light! This book also is the first of two reunions for classic writing team Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis coming this year, so it’s not something you want to miss. Comicosity spoke with J.M. about what he had planned, and it looks to be hilarious and awesome!
So, those are ours, but what are your Hot Five for the week? Sound off below, shout out to us on Facebook or on Twitter to @Comicosity!
