Poyo's Spec and Drek for June 13th, 2018

Looks like this new comic book week is a promising one.

Well, at least it seems a bit more exciting for new releases with some new titles hitting shelves and possible secret spec hits that might blindside us.
DC/Vertigo Pick
I’ll admit, I’m only picking this book based on possible spec rumors.
Have you not heard? There is a rumor that Lobo’s daughter might make her first appearance in this issue, or another issue, before the scheduled Teen Titans #20. (Tony should have the spoilers tonight.) But there has been a lot of talk about it.
So with rumors comes a comic book selling out at online retailers with their pre-sale listings. So this weeks DC pick is just following the herd that’s buying these online and causing most retailers to sell out already. The pick is none other, Titans Special #1.
But with caution, tread lightly on over ordering or buying until there’s good confirmation if the appearance occurs in this issue as you could be sitting on a spec dud that was based on hype from a rumor.
UPDATE: This was only a rumor unfortunately, the first appearance is slated to be Teen Titans Special #1.
Marvel Pick
Donny Cates has done wondrous things for Marvel since they obtained his writing services.
We saw a huge boost with Doctor Strange and Thanos, shaking up the Marvel Universe with new characters and stories.
So we should all pay attention when he starts off a new volume and arc with Venom, where we’ve already been introduced to a flying mythical monster.
This weeks pick goes to Venom #2.
Just pick it up even if there was no likely spec play, you’ll likely be entertained by the writing alone.
Indie Pick
Zinnober #1 has jumped on my radar list since we did a write up with a Scouts Comics interview press release a few weeks ago in April.
With fabulous looking cover artwork, I’ve been anticipating this new book from Scout ever since it was brought up last July.
Cover B has already sold out at Midtown as of this writing and I must say, it’s a great looking cover. This might one of the few times I say go for Cover B if you plan to only buy one cover.
So be on the look out for this new book. It could be a nice replacement for Walking Dead (at least with me since I’ve now dropped Walking Dead from not only my read list but watch list) with a new twist on the end times in a post apocalyptic type world. This time instead of zombies, it’s dragons.
Small Publisher Pick
Who liked Shirtless Bear Fighter? Who would have thought that book would have been as popular as it was?
Well the writer who brought you Shirtless Bear Fighter brings you The Weatherman #1 out from Image comics.

Nathan Bright had it all: an awesome girlfriend, a kickass dog, and a job as the number one weatherman on terraformed Mars. But when he’s accused of carrying out the worst terrorist attack in human history-an event that wiped out nearly the entire population of Earth-Nathan becomes the most wanted man alive and a target of a manhunt that spans the galaxy. But is Nathan truly responsible for such a horrific crime? And why can’t he remember?

Now I’m not keen on the whole “amnesia” type synopsis, this one I got the pleasure of reading ahead of time with an advanced preview copy and really enjoyed it.

Now on with the dreaded “avoid” pick, every writer and artist worst nightmare when it comes to selling their hard work.
If you are just a Millar fan and plan to read, go for it but just pick one but my avoid this week is the Magic Order #1.
I expect zero heat or spec on this as it’s already been optioned by Netflix. They claim they’re not going to do second printings but I’m still anticipating a pretty decent size print run along with a bunch of con variants coming soon to a con near you.
Skip it, wait for the trade if you want to save money on your weekly pickups. The one thing this book does have going for it is Coipel is providing his artistic skills.