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!
ARKHAM MANOR #1
Written by Gerry Duggan
Art by Shawn Crystal
Published by DC Comics – $2.99
When catastrophe strikes Arkham Asylum, where will Gotham City house the world’s most dangerous criminals, and when inmates are found murdered, what is Batman prepared to do in search of justice? Arkham’s madness comes home in ARKHAM MANOR! A bold new series brought to you by the mad minds of Gerry Duggan (Deadpool, Nova) and Shawn Crystal (Deadpool, Wolverine and the X-Men).
Why It’s Hot: Red hot writer Gerry Duggan brings his talent to DC for his first ongoing title at the company, and it just happens to be another high profile Batman book. With the success of the new direction of Batgirl and debut of Gotham Academy in recent weeks, there’s every reason to believe that Arkham Manor will be another can’t miss title!
AVENGERS #37
Written by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Stefano Caselli
Published by Marvel Comics – $3.99
IN 6 MONTHS…TIME RUNS OUT!
Why It’s Hot: We now know that Hickman’s Avengers run is leading to an event with the potential to be even more epic in the Secret Wars event extravaganza. It’s said that next year’s event will be the biggest thing thing that Marvel has ever done, and Time Runs Out leads directly into it. If you haven’t been reading the core Avengers titles lately, now is the time to rectify that as Hickman and company have been turning out some of the very best that superhero comics have to offer.
DEATHSTROKE #1
Written by Tony Daniel
Art by Tony Daniel
Published by DC Comics – $2.99
The DCU’s deadliest assassin stars in his own ongoing series by writer/artist Tony S. Daniel! See him as never before in this explosive new series, with one surprise after another as we see Slade Wilson in the fight of his life!
Why It’s Hot: Deathstroke gets another opportunity to lead an ongoing New 52 title. The last attempt may have failed, but that’s before Slade Wilson stealthily became one of DC’s most visible characters. Thanks to a run on the television show Arrow, the deadly assassin has been introduced to an audience of millions. That is not even mentioning a lead role in the ensemble cast of the weekly Futures End, and his history as one of DC’s most bad ass of characters. There is no better time than now for a Deathstroke series, and Tony Daniel is a perfect creator to bring it to life.
STARLIGHT #6
Written by Mark Millar
Art by Goran Parlov
Published by Image Comics – $4.99
Duke, Space-Boy, and their rebel friends face off in their final, defining battle against the Brotean regime. But there’s been a traitor in their midst, and their plans aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. It’s not only their lives in the balance, but the future of the entire planet Tantalus. Millar and Parlov’s space epic concludes here!
Why It’s Hot: Mark Millar has been one of the biggest names in comics throughout the 21st century, and Starlight is one of the best books he has ever put his name on. Part Unforgiven and part Flash Gordon, Millar and artist Goran Parlov have created something special in the adventures of Duke McQueen. All good things must come to an end, but it’s a shame that it’s over so soon.
THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #5
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie
Published by Image Comics – $3.50
Showtime
Why it’s Hot: The first arc of Gillen and McKelvie’s critical smash comes to an explosive conclusion. This book has been praised by readers and critics the world over, but the scary part is that it just continues to get better with each additional issue. A creative team featuring two of the hottest names in comics turning out what very well may be the best work of their careers. The Wicked + The Divine is a prime example of a hot book.
