Anthony’s F.O.C. Picks for Final Order Cut-Off 11/18/24

Hey everyone, another assistant editor week. Dirty D has been on vacation so still giving him a break. Pretty big week for FOC that I actually knocked off some books from the list to keep it streamlined. Here is what is on tap:


ABSOLUTE BATMAN #3

NEW FRIENDS, NEW ENEMIES! Batman and Alfred have formed a tentative alliance, but the Black Mask has some new friends too…and they’re coming to Gotham to wreak absolute havoc. Plus, discover the dark secret that will rock Bruce to his core and make him question everything…

Why? Already a great series, but rumor of a big first appearance


AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #64

THE 8 DEATHS OF SPIDER-MAN CONTINUES! Cytorrak’s most dangerous scion, CALLIX, and his deadly CRIMSON CANINES take their turn to inflict physical pain on Spider-Man. Spidey doesn’t have many deaths left to spend.

Why? First appearance of Callix, another scion of Cytorrak. Plus, first cover appearance of Doom Suit.


BATMAN GARGOYLE OF GOTHAM #3

“MAY THE HOUR OF THE DEVIL BEGIN…” The harrowing journey through the dark heart of Gotham reaches a fever pitch in this 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…

Why? First appearance and first cover of Little Joker


GI JOE #2

Cobra Commander unveils the next phase of his plan, meet THE VALKYRIES, the newest Cobra special operatives unit. And as they race to retrieve the new mysterious weapon, will Duke suffer his first failure as the leader of G.I. Joe?

Why? Introduction of the Valkyries, female Cobra troops.


HELLHUNTERS #1

GHOST RIDER ’44! 1944: As U.S. Sergeant Sal Romero is parachuting into Nazi-occupied Europe, young Nazi officer Felix Bruckner becomes the host for an unspeakable evil. In the aftermath of their violent meeting, Romero is reborn as GHOST RIDER ’44, who sets out not only to take revenge on Bruckner and the Nazis, but to save mankind from annihilation! Featuring an ALL-STAR CAST of Marvel’s most badass heroes, don’t miss the origin of the INCREDIBLE HULK’s GHOST RIDER ’44!

Why? People loved Ghost Rider ’44 when he first appeared. This fleshes out his story and gives people more of what they love.


IN BLOOM #1

43% of the cells within a healthy human body belong to something other than the human host. Microbiomes, invasive bacteria, fungal and viral agents, and something else, something… more. When the BLOOM happened, humanity was changed forever, transformed by symbiotic fungal megasystems that infected their bodies. Some affected people grew new body parts, some found their personalities changed in radical new ways, while others reported contact with some… other intelligence not their own. In this revolutionary new world, Agent Spears finds herself investigating a series of mysterious murders, a chain of violence that leads her to a terrifying question on which the fate of every living being rests.

Why? New Boom series combining body horror and sci-fi in a very entertaining read.


KIDPOOL/SPIDER-BOY #1

HISTORIC FIRST MEETING! Your favorite foul-mouthed adolescent, KIDPOOL, is back in comic book form starring alongside the biggest debut character in recent memory, SPIDER-BOY! Will the Adolescent-Arachnid be able to keep the Murderous Middle-Grader from causing the return of the Comics Code? UNLIKELY! But Bailey is going to try! Don’t miss the comic that every kid and kid-at-heart in America is going to sneakily read under their sheets with a flashlight!

Why? Comic debut of MCU version of Kidpool.


MAGIK #1
 

THE MYSTIC MUTANT GOES DEMON HUNTING IN HER OWN NEW, ONGOING SERIES! The X-Man Ilyanna Rasputina strikes out on her own with new allies and dark powers arrayed against her. Something ancient has awakened beneath the Alaskan ice. Unfortunately for it, that’s Magik’s territory now!

Why? First appearance of Demon Crow, plus people love Magik and Magik covers.

Cover Spotlight

ACTION COMICS #1080 CVR A CLAYTON HENRY
Why? Just a sweet dead Superman cover.


BATMAN SUPERMAN WORLDS FINEST #34 CVR D DAVID NAKAYAMA ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Why? I don’t think I need to say how great Nakayama is with female characters. Throw in the simple purple lines separating the white background from her suit. Just love it.


DEADLY TALES OF THE GUNSLINGER SPAWN #2 CVR B MARK SPEARS

The journey of the Gunslinger continues, but he is not alone. While his transformation is complete, there are those who are hunting him, looking to steal his power.

Why? Mark Spears just owns this one