The Weekly Pull: Saga, X-Force, Super-Pets, and More

As a long-time fan of both Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Marvel Comics, I find myself utterly thrilled by the latest offerings from these iconic franchises!

It’s nearly time for another exciting day in the world of comic books, as fresh titles hit both physical stores and digital platforms! In our weekly feature, The Weekly Pull, we share the upcoming comics that have us buzzing with anticipation for yet another week of graphic storytelling. These releases could hail from major publishers or independent presses, they might be new issues of ongoing series, original graphic novels, or collections of older material – as long as they spark our interest in comics this week, you’ll find them discussed in The Weekly Pull! Whether it’s superheroes donning capes and masks, or tales from other genres, if a comic book has us eager for more, then consider yourself informed!

As a long-time comic book enthusiast with a particular fondness for superhero stories, I am absolutely thrilled about this week’s releases! From the return of Saga to the debut of a new X-Force saga, it seems that the comic book universe has something exciting in store for us. The Super-Pets special is also intriguing, as they have always been an underrated part of the DC universe and I can’t wait to see what they get up to this time around.

Detective Comics Vol. 1: Gotham Nocturne – Overture

Written by Ram V. and Simon Spurrier
Art by Rafael Albuquerque, Dani, and Hayden Sherman
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Ariana Maher and Steve Wands
Published by DC

As the grand finale of Ram V.’s remarkable run on Detective Comics approaches, the initial chapter “Overture” is now available in a trade paperback edition. This makes it an ideal moment for those who prefer to wait for trades to start reading, as this series has been delivering exceptional stories and backups over more than two years. For regular comic book readers like myself, this also offers a chance to acquire copies for re-reading or lending to friends, as this story arc solidifies its position in Batman’s mythos. Those new to Batman or DC Comics will have heard about the acclaim this run has received due to its grand scale, gothic atmosphere, deep character development, and striking depictions of Gotham and distant locales. This trade paperback release is what’s generating the most excitement this week, as “Gotham Nocturne” calls out to be shared among both new and seasoned Batman fans – a modern epic that encapsulates so much of what makes Batman an enduring icon in superhero comics. With more volumes on the horizon, ready to populate bookshelves, this first installment seems like a must-buy.

Final Fight #1

Written by Matt Moylan
Art by Matthew Weldon
Colors by Espen Grundetjern
Letters by Marshall Dillon
Published by UDON Entertainment

I have a fondness for fast-paced fighting games, and as a child, my mind often conjured up images of moving horizontally across the screen while pounding buttons to fight street gangs in titles like “Streets of Rage,” “Double Dragon,” and “Final Fight.” If you’re picking up UDON’s first issue of their new comic series based on the renowned Capcom game, “Final Fight,” don’t expect deep storylines. Based on their previous comics inspired by Capcom franchises such as “Street Fighter” and “Darkstalkers,” you should anticipate a lively and energetic action comic that accurately represents the game’s diverse characters and vivid aesthetics. For those not familiar with the “Final Fight” tale, it starts with former wrestler Mike Haggar becoming mayor of Metro City and cleaning up the streets. The Mad Gear Gang retaliates by kidnapping Haggar’s daughter, Jessica. To rescue her, Haggar enlists the help of Jessica’s boyfriend Cody, a skilled fighter, and Cody’s friend Guy, who is in training to become a ninja. You can expect vibrant characters and non-stop action from start to finish. — Jamie Lovett

Justice League of America #1

Written by Gardner Fox
Art by Mike Sekowsky, Bernard Sachs
Letters by Gaspar Saladino
Published by DC

Jenna Anderson expresses that DC’s Justice League significantly transformed comic books, by introducing the most widely recognized group of superheroes. This week, a reprint facsimile edition of their debut issue offers an unparalleled and economical way to relive the original magic. Even though she already owns this issue in several collected editions, Jenna can’t wait to add the single-issue version to her collection too.

Saga #67

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples
Colors by Fiona Staples
Letters by Fonografiks
Published by Image Comics

About a year since the debut of issue #66, the acclaimed comic book series, “Saga”, returns to comic book stores this week, beginning a fresh arc that delves into Hazel’s early teenage years. Despite the numerous delays and breaks over the years, fans of this remarkable series can’t help but be drawn back in by Saga’s captivating allure – qualities that make it evident this contemporary comic masterpiece is worth the wait. Fiona Staples prepares to unveil stunning new settings, characters, and supporting roles with imaginative designs. The emotional turmoil and sorrow sown throughout the latest volume (and many volumes prior) will continue to tug at readers’ heartstrings, no doubt causing a few tears along the way before the arc concludes. Yet, it’s the reunion of Hazel’s family and those who both adore and despise them that makes the arrival of Saga #67 impossible to ignore. The intricate and multi-dimensional characters that made the series popular in the first place are what keep readers hooked, and their ongoing journey is what keeps us coming back, month after month, year after year. Saga has returned, and it’s just as exciting in 2024 as it was in 2012. — Chase Magnett

Super-Pets Special: Bitedentity Crisis #1

Written by Various
Art by Various
Published by DC

Absolutely, the playful title “Bitedentiy Crisis” already hooked me, but the stories inside sound truly enchanting. Nightwing’s loyal dog Haley teams up with other Super-Pets in a series of humorous adventures. With creators like Kyle Starks, Tony Fleecs, Dan Watters, Mike Norton, and others, I can hardly wait to immerse myself in the charm of this one-shot. — Jenna Anderson

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, & Green #3

Written by various
Art by various
Published by IDW Publishing

As a passionate gamer and ardent fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, I can’t help but sing praises for each new issue of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Black, White, & Green”. Each installment seems to feature an artist whose unique style is a treat to behold when applied to our beloved turtle quartet. In the latest issue #3, it’s none other than Riley Rossmo, famously known for his work on “The Sandman: Wesley Dodds”. Preview pages suggest that Rossmo will be channeling Frank Miller’s iconic “Sin City” style, and I can hardly wait to witness the result.

X-Force #1

Written by Geoffrey Thorne
Art by Marcus To
Colors by Erick Arciniega
Letters by Joe Caramagna
Published by Marvel Comics

The initial phase of the revamped X-Men era labeled “From the Ashes” is wrapping up its inaugural month with the launch of the new X-Force series penned by Geoffrey Thorne and illustrated by Marcus To. This latest X-Force storyline presents a mix of the familiar and the fresh: an active mutant task force executing clandestine missions (a concept we’ve seen before), and a rotating team member roster featuring guest stars from the expansive Marvel Universe (an exciting twist, with Deadpool making his debut).

2024-07-31 00:12