It’s that time again to spec and drek. We pick what we think will go on to be winners, whether it’s value or just a great story. We also throw in a loser pick, what we should not bother buying.
This week looks a little bit more exciting for new books. There’s a few that I’m really looking forward to myself.
DC Picks (No More Vertigo)
This weeks pick goes to the Crain Variant for Justice League Dark #12. Great looking cover of Swamp Thing.
The other mention goes to Jamal Campbell’s new regular cover A out this week. Great artist on the rise if you ask me. He brings forth a really great looking cover for Action Comics #1012. Ben Oliver is great and has the Killer B covered but I must say, cover A is a definite Awesome A.
DC books have been a bit lackluster for me so another shout has to go out for the next issue of High Level which has been a refreshing read and then the only other DC title I’m reading, Martian Manhunter which also has a pretty slick looking Middleton variant B available.
Marvel Picks
This weeks pick was tough but I had to go with one of my favorite scenes from Empire Strikes Back, so yeah, it’s a bias pick.
That pick is Star Wars AOR Darth Vader #1 (Dellotto Greatest Moments Variant).
Classic scene in a remastered artist rendition by one of the best current cover artists in the game. Can’t beat that right?
The other pick for me goes to Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #8 Adi Granov variant. Great looking cover and I’m likely picking it up just for the cover alone.
I don’t expect these to heat up and unless there’s some surprises in the other Marvel titles that hit shelves this week (We’ll find out likely in Anthony’s spoilers), these are the books I’m going for.
Indie and Small Publisher Picks
This first pick is the book I’m looking forward to the most. It’s the new IDW book titled Canto.
The story intrigues me while the artwork looks fantastic. The 1:10 RI Nick Robles variant is a really slick looking cover as well that’s already starting to sell in pre-sales around the $20 mark, which could go up if this book takes off.
https://youtu.be/YqslhGEkl10
This style and story gives me that vibe this could be a great animated series, maybe even a claymation type series or a really cool 2d side scroll style video game.
Seems IDW had a dry spell for me but as of lately, they seem to be putting out more books that are really drawing me back in. Ghost Tree as you all know if you read my Likes and Dislikes got me hooked. I’m hoping the same from Canto hooks me in.
The honorable mention goes to Road of Bones #2, which the first issue saw a bit of heat. I’ve been told it’s another great read as well. My local shops didn’t get any of these or only ordered for pull requests as I couldn’t find it on the shelves.
Now on with the dreaded “avoid” pick, every writer and artist worst nightmare when it comes to selling their hard work.
Amped #1 White Widow Cover. Why you ask? It’s obvious these books from Red Giant Entertainment are only printing these books to draw in buyers with no real intention of giving anyone a great story or anything more indepth beyond selling skimpy looking White Widow covers. I’m sure in no time we’ll see multiple new printings with a dash of shiny glittery foil, etc.
If they are selling well upon release, only pick up to quick flip but don’t hold onto these long term thinking they’ll be worth anything years from now. The only use these things will provide in the coming years is perhaps a great sun reflector to offset global warming..
Jamal Campbell is local to me. Really nice guy.
I know there’s more in Austin but the first two that come to mind is Donny Cates and Becky Cloonan are both in Austin.
Canto #1 and Samurai Grandpa #1 are my indie picks of the week.
I meant to put Samurai Grandpa on my list.. it’s been a hectic week.