As a lifelong comic book enthusiast who has followed the industry since the days of Vertigo Comics, I can confidently say that the spirit of those groundbreaking titles lives on in Boom Studios’ latest offering, Red Before Black. With Stephanie Phillips at the helm and Goran Sudzuka providing the art, this crime saga is sure to capture the hearts of fans who crave a good pulpy story with a dash of rebellion.
Getting close to another exciting day for comic book enthusiasts! That’s when fresh comics hit both physical stores and digital platforms. In our weekly feature called “The Weekly Pull”, the ComicBook team shares the upcoming releases that we find most intriguing, whether they’re from major publishers or independent presses. This could be new issues of ongoing series, original graphic novels, or collected editions of older material. The genre doesn’t matter – it could range from superheroes to anything else! If a comic book has caught our attention this week and left us eager for more, then we’ll make sure to tell you about it in “The Weekly Pull”.
As a long-time comic book enthusiast with fond memories of collecting issues from these iconic series, I am beyond excited about this week’s releases! Marvel is diving back into the world of the X-Men, and I couldn’t be happier. Image Comics’ new creation, “The Power Fantasy,” piqued my interest after reading an advance review, and I can’t wait to see how Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard bring this series to life. Speaking of life, it seems Batman’s most notorious villainesses are reuniting in “Gotham City Sirens,” which is sure to be a thrilling read!
Betty and Me #16
- Written by Various
- Art by Various
- Published by Archie Comics
After nearly a century in the comic book space, Archie Comics has presented some wacky and memorable pieces of pop culture — and this week, one of them is immortalized in a whole new way. The publisher’s newest facsimile issue celebrates 1968’s Betty and Me #16, the cover of which has become infamous for its accidental double entendre. Even beyond the cover, I am definitely looking forward to experiencing this one-of-a-kind issue as it was originally printed. — Jenna Anderson
Birds of Prey Vol. 1: Megadeath
- Written by Kelly Thompson
- Art by Leonardo Romero
- Colors by Jordie Bellaire
- Letters by Clayton Cowles
- Published by DC
For me, the realm of comics consistently shines a bit more vibrant when there’s a “Birds of Prey” series being released, and that was certainly true last year. The creative minds of Kelly Thompson, Leonardo Romero, and their team have combined forces to usher in a new chapter for DC, featuring an intriguing lineup that includes Black Canary, Big Barda, Cassandra Cain, Zealot, Harley Quinn, and others. The initial story arc, titled “Megadeath”, is a breathtaking, consistently impressive demonstration of the heights modern comics can reach, and I can’t wait for readers to explore it anew in this collected edition. <– Jenna Anderson
Cruel Universe #1
- Written by various
- Art by various
- Published by Oni Press
As a seasoned comics enthusiast with a soft spot for science fiction tales that push the boundaries of imagination and explore the depths of human nature, I am thrilled about Oni Press’ upcoming series, Cruel Universe #1. Having grown up devouring the genre-defining works of authors like Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and Philip K. Dick, I can confidently say that my anticipation for this sci-fi anthology is at an all-time high.
Gotham City Sirens #1
- Written by Leah Williams
- Art by Matteo Lolli
- Colors by Triona Farrell
- Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
- Published by DC
Jenna Anderson expresses her enthusiasm for the upcoming Gotham City Sirens miniseries, particularly since it’s being created by the talented duo Leah Williams and Matteo Lolli. Over four weeks, this crossover event will put Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Catwoman in a gripping and contemporary struggle. With a mix of thrilling action and a dash of humor, it’s shaping up to be an extraordinary experience that fans won’t want to miss.
The Power Fantasy #1
- Written by Kieron Gillen
- Art by Caspar Wijngaard
- Colors by Caspar Wijngaard
- Letters by Clayton Cowles
- Published by Image Comics
If you neglect global events, be warned: The Power Fantasy #1 offers a captivating narrative set on an Earth inhabited by six extraordinary individuals who possess the ability to cause mass destruction. This tale serves as a compelling allegory for the world’s nuclear weapons, with a select few holding the power to end life as we know it. With tensions escalating due to ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, this metaphor couldn’t be more timely. However, if not handled skillfully, it could devolve into an overly complex analysis of real-world threats such as brinkmanship and mutually assured destruction. Fortunately, few creators are as adept as Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard at navigating such grand themes through intimate character studies. Gillen’s storytelling prowess lies in exploring lofty ideas via personal narratives; Wijngaard’s dynamic artwork and striking designs can make even the largest-scale actions compelling on the page. This creative duo is poised to deliver readers a “superhero” story like no other, one that delves into the real consequences and impacts of violence and power on a planet with no backup. — Chase Magnett (paraphrased by me)
Red Before Black #1
- Written by Stephanie Phillips
- Art by Goran Sud?uka
- Colors by Ive Svorcina
- Letters by Tom Napolitano
- Published by Boom Studios
Veteran fans of Vertigo Comics’ rebellious style, which combines mature themes with experimental genre storytelling (as seen in series like Sandman, Hellblazer, and 100 Bullets), will continue to reminisce about it, even though it’s been almost two decades since Vertigo embodied that ethos. This unique approach is being carried forward by contemporary Boom Studio series such as Red Before Black. Scheduled for release this week, Red Before Black features a crime saga written by Stephanie Phillips and illustrated by Goran Sudžuka, introducing readers to disgraced veterans, drug runners, and FBI operatives in the American South. This story has all the hallmarks of classic pulpy crime fiction and boasts talented creators who can live up to its potential. Sudžuka’s extensive background in horror and crime comics, including some Vertigo classics, demonstrates his skill at building tension and delivering excitement. Meanwhile, Phillips’s work on superhero comics shows her ability to create compelling stories while also expressing a desire to explore genres beyond capes. The partnership between these two creators suggests that the spirit of Vertigo is still thriving, making Red Before Black a must-read for crime comic enthusiasts in search of the next big thing. — Chase Magnett
Uncanny X-Men #1
- Written by Gail Simone
- Art by David Marquez
- Colors by Matt Wilson
- Letters by Clayton Cowles
- Published by Marvel Comics
In simpler terms, Jamie Lovett shares that Marvel is reviving “Uncanny X-Men,” a comic book series considered iconic by many fans as the defining title in the X-Men universe. For the “From the Ashes” era, renowned character writer Gail Simone and artist David Marquez have been enlisted to steer “Uncanny X-Men.” This team of Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Jubilee, and Nightcrawler will establish a new base in New Orleans. The grounded narrative promises to differentiate this series from the more action-packed X-Men series recently launched and the Krakoan era, which sometimes required readers to delve deeper to grasp the characters’ emotions beneath the societal narratives. Essentially, it’s not a retro series but is designed for fans seeking character-driven X-Men stories.
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2024-08-07 00:12