We are a mere 48 hours away from new comic books, and a whole fresh crop of collections as well! If your bookshelf is in need of a trade or hardcover infusion, look no further than the top five releases of December 18, 2013:
THE MASSIVE VOL. 2: SUBCONTINENTAL
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Garry Brown, Gary Erskine, Declan Shalvey, Jordie Bellaire
Published by Dark Horse Comics
Price: $19.99
Still adrift and on the hunt for their sister ship, The Massive, the crew of the Kapital-all that’s left of Callum Israel’s dwindling environmental-activism group Ninth Wave-are challenged at every turn as they face mutiny, sharks, snowy isolation, and the tempting possibility of a new life on a utopian sea station. The strain of life in a crumbling world, as well as secrets about Israel’s failing health, threaten to destroy a crew stretched to its limits. Collects issues #7-#12.
Why to watch for it: Brian Wood’s eco-epic soldiers on through a second volume, enhancing the mysteries of the crash and the world Ninth Wave exists in.
THE X-FILES SEASON 10: VOL. 1
Written by Joe Harris
Art by Michael Walsh
Published by IDW Publishing
Price: $24.99
For years they investigated the paranormal, pursued the “monsters of the week,” and sought the truth behind extraterrestrial activity, along with the grand conspiracy surrounding it rooted deep within their own government. But when AGENTS MULDER and SCULLY reunite for a new, ongoing series that ushers THE X-FILES into a new era of technological paranoia, multinational concerns, and otherworldly threats, it’ll take more than a desire “to believe” to make it out alive.
Why to watch for it: The X-Files returns to comics, with Mulder & Scully continuing to seek answers about the paranormal. Harris & Walsh usher in a new era of X-Files in this hardcover.
GREAT PACIFIC VOL. 2: NATION BUILDING
Written by Joe Harris
Art by Martin Morazzo
Published by Image Comics
Price: $14.99
Over a year has passed since industrialist adventurer Chas Worthington founded the New Texas Settlement upon a floating continent of trash. But while growth has been strong, true sovereignty and statehood will come at a cost even he cannot afford. The frontier tale of sci-fi, scoundrels, mayhem, and monsters continues!
Collects GREAT PACIFIC #7-12
Why to watch for it: Harris makes his second appearance on the list with his creator owned Great Pacific. Chas’ world continues to grow in this second volume of the acclaimed series.
POWERS BUREAU TPB
Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Michael Avon Oeming
Art by Michael Avon Oeming
Published by Icon
Price: $19.99
The newest chapter of the Eisner Award-winning POWERS is here – and it’s a bold game-changer! Now that all powers cases are federal cases, Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim are now federal agents and must learn to live by the new rules. But when they find themselves dealing with the biggest powers cases in the entire country, will this new life close the closet full of skeletons Deena carries with her? (Absolutely not!) Walker and Deana are up to their necks in the most dangerous chase of their careers when they’re faced with a case so dangerous it will take more than just their expertise to solve. Also, Deena is pregnant! So there’s that. Get on board the creator-owned series that shows cops and capes like you’ve never seen them before! Collecting POWERS: BUREAU #1-6.
Why to watch for it: Powers goes federal as Bendis & Oeming open up the world of Powers to a whole new angle of stories.
DEADPOOL VOL. 3: GOOD, BAD, AND UGLY
Written by Brian Posehn, Gerry Duggan
Art by Scott Koblish, Declan Shalvey
Published by Marvel Comics
Price: $15.99
It begins with a lost Deadpool adventure from the groovy seventies as DP hits the streets with Power Man and Iron Fist! But when the threat the Trio-For-Hire faced resurfaces in the modern day, Deadpool must track down his old pals for a rematch! Then, when Deadpool’s past in the Weapon X Program returns to haunt him, he recruits fellow Weapon Plus alums – and reluctant allies – Wolverine and Captain America! In the heart of the enemy’s clutches, the three get sucked deeper into the mysteries they uncover – but when the heroes learn that Deadpool’s past has been weaponized, can they unite to take this new threat down in time? Collecting DEADPOOL (2012) #13-19.
Why to watch for it: The madness continues in Posehn & Duggan’s Deadpool. Koblish & Shalvey are along for the ride and provide strong art for the Merc with a Mouth.
