Hello CHU! Back again for another FOC Sunday! The last few weeks have been a little meh…but this week there are a few books I’m excited about. A little blend of everything…covers have some good stories underneath, and even the read picks have good covers.
COVERS
Spider-Boy #7 (David Baldeon Black Costume Variant)
The conclusion to Spider-Boy’s first story arc promises a major turning point in the life of Bailey Briggs! His life (and this comic) will never be the same again!
But that’s not why I’m highlighting this book. It’s the cover, which is a negative space variant homage to one of the “original” negative space covers, issue 101 of Spectacular Spider-Man. And for that reason this is the Dirty D Cover-of-the-Week!
Batman Gargoyle of Gotham #3 (of 4) (Cover A)
The penultimate installment of Rafael Grampa’s visionary series! Batman’s investigation leads him into the deadly lair of Doctorgeist–where his presence is not only expected…but welcomed. Their savage fight for the soul of Gotham–and the soul of Bruce Wayne himself–will send shock waves through the city from which it might never recover. And elsewhere, the fugitive Crytoon makes a twisted acquaintance that finally gives him something to smile about…
I’m curious whether this issue we’ll meet the joker of this story…and whether that character is the creepy rendition that is on the cover on Cover A.
Titans #11 (Cover C – Design Variant)
I believe Vanadia is a new character, but she may have debuted in issue #10. But here’s her first cover and it’s an open order design variant.
It looks as though Darak and Solila will find the Autobot Springer (featured on the cover) buried in the wasteland, formally introducing him to the Energon Universe. For those unfamiliar, Springer first debuted in the Transformers Movie #1 (1986), the boyfriend of Arcee and was a staple in the 80’s cartoon. I’m really loving the Void Rivals story and how it’s re-introducing beloved classic transformers characters. And this cover is a pretty sweet.
NOTABLE REPRINTS
Military Comics #1 Facsimile Edition
Here’s an interesting facsimile. Military Comics #1, featuring Blackhawk’s first appearance. Unfortunately no foil variant for this one.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #2 (of 12) (Facsimile Edition Foil Variant)
Crisis on Infinite Earths facsimile editions continue with issue #2. Foils included.
INDEPENDANT SPOTLIGHTS
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Alpha #1
This special issue explores the effects this change has on those connected to the brothers, from Old Hob to Jennika, across the five boroughs and all the way through Mutant Island. It’s hard to tell how important someone is until they are gone.
Filling the gap between issue #150 of the (no longer) ongoing series and what is looking to be sort of a reboot with the new series. A lot of covers, so pick the one you like for the read.
Fan favorite Canto returns in this finale series to the Shrouded Man saga. I like cover A as well.
PICK OF THE WEEK
Comic debut of the SPIDER-WOMAN from ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE MOVIE. Also promises we will witness the true birth of the Spider-Society setting up the next SPIDER-VERSE storytelling epic!
Maybe we’ll learn more about her pregnancy as well. Long term spec here, though. Lots of covers featuring this version of Jessica, but she is best when on her bike! So stick with cover A.
And there you have it! Have a great week everyone!