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