WCBR’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best of the past week: Batman #8 – Even if you’re not interested in reading a Bat-event (like me), this was a wonderful issue.  Scott Snyder has made the atmosphere so damn claustrophobic that it’s hard to see what Bruce/Batman can do but fight for his life at this point.  This is also an example of why new characters (and especially villains) are so pleasant.  Part of the sense of danger in this story comes form the fact that we don’t know much of anything about the Court of Owls and their Talons.  We really don’t know the lengths they’ll go to in accomplishing their objectives and that makes them scarier.  Plus, as a not insignificant bonus…. we don’t have to hear any fanboys saying, “Given that Talons were trained by British missionaries and are fond of proper swords, they would never use small daggers and speak the way these guys do.  It’s as if Snyder has never read Detective Comics #___ to #____ from 1968.  These guys are so unprofessional….”  And the art is simply sublime.  I hope fans will also notice that Greg Capullo hasn’t missed an issue yet.  I can’t even imagine the dedication to craft that it takes to produce a book this beautiful on a monthly basis.  Runner-up: Amazing Spider-Man #684

Most anticipated this week: American Vampire #26 – It’s just a Scott Snyder party over here I guess.  But, it’s hard not to get excited about a new story arc in one of the best comic series on the market.  Regular artist Rafael Albuquerque gets a break this issue in favor of guest artist Roger Cruz.  I really don’t know much about Cruz, but the guest artists who have (or will) worked on this AV property are: Sean Murphy, Dustin Nguyen, Jordi Bernet, Matheus Santolouco and Danijel Zezelj.  Even the guys on that list you haven’t heard of are really good.  So I’m expecting Roger Cruz to be pretty hot stuff since Snyder, Albuquerque and Vertigo don’t let chumps draw their books.

Other picks: The New Deadwardians #2, Spaceman #6, Rebel Blood #2, AvX Vs. #1 (morbidly curious), FF #17, Supercrooks #2

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Alex’s Top Picks

Best From the Past Weeks: Uncanny X-Force #24 – Really an issue with everything that makes this series a good one.  A heavy sense of tragedy, this is never a book that makes for a light read.  Phil Noto also brings fantastic art with colorist Dean White doing his thing, a welcome relief after the last arc.

Most Anticipated:  Moon Knight #12 – Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev’s has been a fairly controversial title and, I’ll admit, I wasn’t particularly sold on it in its first 3-4 issues. Slowly but surely though, it got better and better until suddenly, it was one of my most enjoyed titles, with a great tone and a great supporting cast to match up with the beautiful artwork.  I’ll miss this series quite a lot and it’s a shame to see it go just as it was hitting its true potential.  If you’re considering picking up this book in trade, but are having your opinions swayed by naysayers online or whatnot, know that most of those folks probably either dropped the book before it improved or wrote it off entirely from the get-go based on an initial dismissal of the “Avengers gimmick” or a general hatred for all things Brian Bendis.

Other Picks: Aquaman #8, The Flash #8, American Vampire #26, Spaceman #6, Captain America #10, Daredevil #11, FF #17, Mighty Thor #13, New Avengers #25, Secret Avengers #26, Uncanny X-Men #11

WCBR’s Top Picks

Dean’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Saga #2 – Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples are making a lot of other comics look B-A-D right now.  Seriously….you read the first couple issues of Saga and some of the other creator-owned comics I love suddenly don’t seem quite as hot and the Marvel/DC stuff starts to seem really pedestrian.  Great world-building, rich characters, cool story premise and fantastic art.  That’s a good combination.

Most Anticipated: The Walking Dead #96 – Even though TWD has been a little drab recently….and may very well be drab again this week….you know that something big WILL happen.  It’s just hard to tear your eyes away, even after all these issues.  The new status quo that the characters have found is very intriguing and offers some cool possibilities.  Like….what if Rick’s band doesn’t all want to live in one place now that they seem to have some options?

Other Picks: Batman #8, Rocketeer Adventures 2 #2, The Manhattan Projects #2, Prophet #24, Avengers vs. X-Men #2, Rachel Rising #7, Secret History of DB Cooper #2

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Fantastic Four #605 – For the second straight month, Fantastic Four, against all odds, beats out Saga for my pick of the week.  And Saga was, once again, really, really good. But Fantastic Four #605 came close to making me cry like a little girl and that basically guaranteed it’s spot as Pick of the Week.

Most Anticipated: Avengers vs. X-Men #2 – This is a great week if you’re a comics fan.  Among other things, we’re getting: the start of the Night of Owls event in Batman #8, issues of perennial favourites Wonder Woman and Wolverine & the X-Men, the second issue of Jonathan Hickman’s Manhattan Projects, the first issue of Walt Simonson’s return to interior artwork in Avengers #25, Phil Noto stepping in to illustrate an issue of the always excellent Uncanny X-Force, and the continuation of the Omega Effect in Greg Rucka’s Punisher.

Like I said: great week.

That said, Avengers vs. X-Men #1 was such a pleasant surprise to me that, more than anything else, I’m really interested to see whether the Marvel Architects can keep up the momentum, or whether this is going to be another case of Fear Itself (promising first issue leads to lackluster event).  I really, really hope that the level of quality meets or exceeds last issue’s and, certainly, giving the reigns to Jason Aaron this issue is a good sign, while previews suggest that John Romita Jr. is bringing the same A-game he brought to the first issue.  Here’s hoping.

Other Picks: Manhattan Projects #2, Wonder Woman #8, Batman #8, Justice League #8, Avengers #25, Defenders #5, Incredible Hulk #7, Invincible Iron Man #515, Punisher #10, Uncanny X-Force #24, Wolverine and the X-Men #9