Special: Best Movie of 2015?

Well here we are roughly half way through 2015 so I thought it'd be fun to do a top 5 movies of 2015 so far and look at my top 5 contenders from the rest of the year to dethrone them, but to avoid any spoilers (after all these 5 could end up to be the top 5 at the end of the year) I'm just going to list both lists in alphabetical order. Now let's talk movies!

Top 5 Contenders:

Firstly this is hard to predict since generally there are a handful of Oscar fodder that turns out really good, unfortunetly we have no trailers for any of them so I'd be picking based on names alone and I just can't bring myself to do that so I'm sticking with films that have trailers.

Fantastic Four:

Those who read my most anticipated movies of the summer should not be surprised by this movies inclusion. I fear that this version of the Fantastic Four will not be as accepted as it should be as historically speaking, the thinking man's superhero film has not been well received (Watchmen, The Incredible Hulk) I'm really hoping I'm wrong but I doubt it, this may very well be the jewel of this year's comic book films, it will also be the least seen, but he'll I'll enjoy it for everyone.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2:

I'll be the first to admit that Part 1 was easily the worst Hunger Games movie yet... Not that it was horrendous or anything, the previous two just set the bar to high and the fact of the matter is that any time you split a book into two movies the first part isn't going to have a good enough build up to it's climax, they did the best they could but we must look at the positives of going this route, the climax of the book will now be an entire movie! Here's looking up Mockingjay Part 2.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation:

Honestly when making my summer movie list this somehow was overlooked, I'm positive it didn't have a release date yet as their was no way if I had seen this was coming out I wouldn't have given it a spot. What was supposed to be a hand-off movie for Tom Cruise (Ghost Protocall) became such a huge hit they opted to roll the dice on Tom teaming up again with Renner, Pegg and the rest of the crew. The previously mentioned fourth installment was more than just a shot in the arm for the slumping franchise, it became the series benchmark, here's hoping Rogue Nation can build upon it's predecessor.

Point Break:

The original Point Break wrongly gets overlooked when talking about the best action movies from the 90's... Sure it has it's flaws but it's also amazing, I'll be the first to admit that this looks very different than when Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze dawned their wetsuits but that doesn't mean it's guaranteed to fail, no instead it's differentiating itself from the original. It's also smartly being released in December to counteract all the Oscar Fodder programming. Sure this is probably most likely to be panned by most, myself included out of the movies on this list, but for now I'm betting on Johnny Utah and Bodhi.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens:

I know, I know. Try to hide your surprise face... Not sure what I can say about this that hasn't already been said... Woo Star Wars? Moving on...

Top 5 So Far:

Avengers: Age Of Ultron:

It's pretty unfair to compare Age of Ultron to it's predecessor but it'll be done regardless, it's not The Avengers, not even close, probably was never even going to be. I'll be the first to admit that upon it's first viewing I was dissapointed in certain aspects and how certain parts were done, But after a second viewing I realized I was merely nitpicking at what was still a great movie... Great enough to be #1? Maybe...

Chappie:

The critics scores will have you believe I was the only person that actually enjoyed this movie... From the director of critical darling and cult classic District 9 comes Chappie the story of a robot with a conscience and feelings... But what happens when he's taught to do bad things? Does his makers lessons of doing good thing overpower his "mom" and "dad" influence to kill and steal? Watch this movie and find out and then you can decide for yourself if it's worthy of a #1 spot.

Inside Out:

Damn you Pixar! What's with the feels always (get it because the movie is about emotions?) But seriously I did the math... Pixar has released 15 full length films if you split them between the best 8 reviewed and the worst 7 reviewed guess what the tomatometer score is of the top movie in the worst reviewed 7... 96%... Yup. They also have 2 more movies in the 90's before dropping down to 78% for two films and then the Cars movies which we don't talk about. Simply put, Pixar is the kings and queens of animation and they don't appear to be getting dethroned any time soon.

Jurassic World:

I'll probably get a lot of flack for this selection... But bring it! This could've went to Mad Max but in all honesty I preferred Jurassic World. That could change after some more viewings but I think this is a case where expectations is the difference maker. Both movies were similar in my eyes but I expected so much more from Mad Max then Jurassic World... Likely due to it's previous sequels full of dino poop.

Kingsmen: The Secret Service:

Who would've thought that a movie about a bunch of English Blokes could be so entertaining... Holding just as much appeal as an action movie as it does a stylized spy movie, director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) proves that when it comes to comic book adaptations he can run up against pretty well anyone, and just like his previous work it's a joy to watch.

Top 10 Countdown: June 27, 2015

10. The Early November - Boxing Timelines
Last week: NEW!

9. Neck Deep - Can't Kick Up The Roots
Last week: 10.

8. Man Overboard - Borderline
Last week: NEW!

7. Hit The Lights - Life On The Bottom
Last week: 2.

6. Millencolin - Bring You Home
Last week: 7.

5. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - The Other Line
Last week: 6.

4. Silverstein - Face Of The Earth
Last week: 5.

3. I The Mighty - Playing Catch With .22
Last week: 4.

2. Courage My Love - Kerosene
Last week: 3.

1. As It Is - Cheap Shots & Setbacks
Last week: 1.

Special: Halloween ComicFest 2015 Announced!

Hopefully by now you've cruised through all your pick-ups from Free Comic Book Day in May, and if you have then you'll be excited to know the time has come to get prepared for the next day to get free comics... Halloween ComicFest!

Halloween ComicFest will take place on Halloween this year, that's right on Saturday October 31, 2015. It's similar to Free Comic Book Day where it's an annual event where participating comic book speciality shops across North America and beyond celebrate the Halloween season by giving away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their shops. The event is always held the weekend before Halloween and is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the many reasons why comic shops are a great destination for Halloween themed comic books, products and merchandise. From zombies, vampires, monsters and aliens to costumes and more, comic shops have it all when it comes to Halloween fun!

I've attached the solicitations for the 21 books you can get this October below as well as the official press release from Diamond Distributors below, and make sure to stay tuned to the blog for updates as well as my official rankings and reviews as we get closer to the date.

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST FULL-SIZED COMICS

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

Actionverse

(W) Vito Delsante & Various (A) Ray-Anthony Height, Sean Izaakse (CA) Ray-Anthony Height & Various

ACTIONVERSE DEBUTS! Get a peek at the Creator Owned event of the year that everyone will be talking about from Action Lab...ACTIONVERSE! Action Lab ties its Creator Owned Superhero Properties together in a universe shattering event never before attempted by a comic publisher. Preview the Midnight Tiger, Molly Danger and Stray crossover, get the who's who on all the Major Heroes and Villains and a special first look at our new series, ACTION LAB: DOG OF WONDER! Everything you need for the history

Vampblade #1 Featuring Zombie Tramp

(W) Jason Martin, Dan Mendoza (A) Winston Young (CA) Winston Young, Dan Mendoza


Get a look at the latest offbeat genre heroine from Danger Zone...VAMPBLADE! After appearing in the pages of Zombie Tramp and then guest starring in a limited series with the queen of the undead, the mystical blade wielding Vampblade is all set to debut her own ongoing series in 2016! Here's your chance to see what the book is all about and also take a peek at Zombie Tramp and friends!

ARCHIE COMICS

The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina #1

Script: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa  art: Robert Hack, Jack Morelli Cover: Robert Hack, Rosario "Tito" Peña

There's no better way to kick off your Halloween than with Archie Comics' newest horror series. Terror is born anew in this dark reimagining of Sabrina the Teenage Witch's origin. On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, the young sorceress finds herself at a crossroads, having to choose between an unearthly destiny and her mortal boyfriend, Harvey. But a foe from her family's past has arrived in Greendale, Madame Satan, and she has her own deadly agenda. Relive all the horror with this special black and white presentation of the critically-acclaimed first issue. For TEEN+ readers.

ASPEN MLT

The Adventures Of Psycho Bonkers #1

(W) Vince Hernandez (A/CA) Adam Archer


A pulse-pounding Psycho Bonkers action-adventure story for fans of all ages! Join the cast of this completely brand new full throttle series along with Fathom's Ernie the Seahorse, and characters from many of Aspen's most popular titles as they team up to win a thrilling, issue-spanning race! Aspen Comics' is excited to once again offer fans and readers a unique comic and coloring book package that includes a crafted full length story geared for kids to color, plus added puzzles, mazes and other fun filled activities for children and readers of all ages! It's the perfect treat for the Halloween holiday!

DC COMICS

Unknown Kids Book

Unknown Teen Book

DRAWN & QUARTERLY

The Birth Of Kitaro

(W/A/CA) Shigeru Mizuki


Shigeru Mizuki's The Birth of Kitaro tells the spooky origin story of the legendary mangaka's most popular character. This preview is taken from the golden era of the late 1960s, when Kitaro truly hit its stride as an all-ages supernatural series. Mizuki's Kitaro is both timelessly relevant and undeniably influential, inspiring a decades-long boom in stories about yokai, Japanese ghosts and monsters. This Halloween Special is the perfect introduction to the new all-ages Kitaro series coming in 2016 from D&Q!

GRAPHIC INDIA

Stan Lee`s Chakra The Invincible Halloween Special

(W) Stan Lee & Various (A) Jeevan Kang, Various (CA) Jeevan Kang


Straight from the Free Comic Book Day release and based on the animated shorts seen on Angry Birds ToonsTV with over 30 Million views worldwide, Chakra the Invincible is the latest superhero from legendary creator, Stan Lee. Join Chakra and his friends for a very special Halloween as Dr. Singh sits you down by the campfire and tells you about some of Chakra's most sinister villains and spookiest adventures!

IDW PUBLISHING

Donald Duck`s Halloween Scream


(W/A) William Van Horn (CA) Dan Noonan


Classic Disney haunts are home for the howl-iday! In "It's In the Bag" and "Public Ugly #1," trick-or-treating Donald scares up a literal ton of candy... then is forced to get rid of it by fair means or foul!

MARVEL COMICS

Doctor Strange: The Oath

(W) Brian K. Vaughan (A/CA) Marcos Martin


Doctor Strange embarks on the most important investigation of his career, as he sets out to solve an attempted murder - his own! And with his best friend near death, Stephen Strange turns to an unexpected corner of the Marvel Universe to recruit a new ally!

Ultimate Spider-Man/Avengers

(W) Joe Caramagna, Jim Zub (A) Ron Lim, Mario Del (CA) Kalman Andrasofszky


When Peter Parker has a terrible day, he discovers that none other than Nightmare is behind it! But how can the Ultimate Spider-Man defeat a foe that's inside his own head? Guest-starring Doctor Strange! Then the Avengers take on their spookiest mission yet when they travel to Castle Doom to face Dracula! And if that's not enough, Dracula's brought a horde of bloodthirsty vampires with him!

VIZ MEDIA

Fragments Of Horror

(W/A/CA) Junji Ito


An old wooden mansion that turns on its inhabitants. A dissection class with a most unusual subject. A funeral where the dead are definitely not laid to rest. Ranging from the terrifying to the comedic, from the erotic to the loathsome, these stories showcase Junji Ito's long-awaited return to the world of horror.

ZENOSCOPE ENTERTAINMENT

Grimm Tales Of Terror #2

Inspired by Tales from the Crypt and Creepshow, Zenescope goes back to its roots of horror for this special Halloween Comic Fest reprint of Grimm Tales of Terror #2! When a group of treasure hunters heads to the Amazon in search of the priceless Spider King relic, they will find that the "Web of Deceit" they've spun has put them in a horrifying predicament!

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST MINI-COMICS

ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

The Garlicks

(W/A/CA) Lea Hernandez

Olive, a curious butcher's apprentice, decides to crash a monster's party on Halloween Eve. Disguised as a goofy vampire alpaca, she meets an equally goofy vampire horse named Vourdain. But what is Olive going to do when it's morning and time for all monsters to unmask?

ARCHIE COMICS

World Of Archie

(W) George Gladir (A) Rich Koslowski, Fernando Ruiz (CA) Bill Galvan, Bob Smith

Strange things are going on in Riverdale! You're invited to the best Halloween party of the year - exclusively for monsters! Is it possible that Archie and Jughead have really stumbled into a Halloween party where the guests are not in costume, but are actual, real-live monsters?! Find out for yourself if this tale is a 'trick' or a 'treat' in "For Monsters Only!"

BOOM STUDIOS

Halloween Haunt 2015

(W/A) Jones Wiedle & Various


Enjoy three, spooky tales for your reading pleasure in this BOOM! Studios Halloween Special, featuring short stories from Adventure Time, Steven Universe, and Lumberjanes. Perfect for passing out on Halloween instead of/in addition to candy!

DARK HORSE COMICS

Grimmiss Island

(W) Art Baltazar, Franco (A) Art Baltazar


The Volcano Goddess threatens the Mama Woogees' tiny island! What can their creation Grimmiss do to stop this terror? Between an eye exam, a tough lesson in love, and stopping the Tiki Monoliths, there are lots of things for a little guy with a skull head to do!

FAMOUS MONSTERS

Spook-A-Rama

Cory loves monsters. He dresses up in monster suits and reads monster magazines, much to the chagrin of his mother, who would rather he be working in a mailroom. But when Cory learns about his hero Wilbur Atchison's studio tours, he suddenly sees an opportunity for greatness! But he soon finds out that not all of Hollywood is make believe. An all-ages adventure in the spirit of The Goonies and Monster Squad!

IDW PUBLISHING

Skylanders Halloween Special

(W) Ron Marz, David Rodriguez (A/CA) Fico Ossio


Happy Halloween from Skylands! Enjoy this special comic treat as we introduce you to the candy villainy of Pain-Yatta! This issue reprints a special selection from the Skylanders: Light in the Dark storyline featured in Skylanders Volume 4 coming next month!

MAGNETIC PRESS

Bitten

(W) Cornelia Funke, Raul Garcia (A/CA) Francisco Herrera


Some Hollywood Horror stories are true! Based on best-selling YA author Cornelia Funke's "Little Werewolf", comic artist Francisco Herrera (Venom, Megamind) and Disney Animator Raúl García (Aladdin, The Lion King) bring you a fun new short story and activities set in the world of the upcoming graphic novel, Bitten!"

PERFECT SQUARE

Yo-Kai Watch

(W/A/CA) Noriyuki Konishi


Nate Adams is just an average kid until the mysterious Whisper gives him a device that allows him to see what others cannot, Yo-kai of all shapes and forms! Now, armed with the Yo-kai Watch, Nate, Whisper and their new invisible friends embark on an all-new supernatural adventure!

Press Release: Diamond Comic Distributors announces a celebration of comics, comic shops, and pop-culture in October with the fourth annual Halloween ComicFest (HCF) store event! Communities are encouraged to check out their local comic shop and get free comics while also participating in special Halloween events such as costume contests, sales, character appearances and more on Saturday, October 31st!

During Halloween ComicFest, adults and kids can go into a local participating comic shop and get free Halloween and horror-themed comics and mini-comics published specifically for Halloween ComicFest. This year, there are 21 titles— thirteen full-sized comics and eight mini-comics—available to choose from, including Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man and Avengers #1, Doctor Strange: The Oath, Donald Duck’s Halloween Scream! #1, Sabrina #1, Skylanders, Yo-Kai Watch and other frightening fun tales.

Retailers will also be selling HCF Mini-Comic Polypacks: a pack of 25 copies for fans to purchase and pass out on Halloween to trick-or-treaters, party-goers, at school events and more. It’s a great way to give out an entertaining story to kids that will last longer than any Halloween candy they will receive! Available in stores on September 30th, the Mini-Comic Polypacks can currently be pre-ordered from comic book shops, so fans can purchase the specific titles and number of packs they want to prepare for their Halloween activities.

“This year, Halloween ComicFest gets spookier as it’s celebrated on Halloween, allowing comic shops to really bring out their ‘fun and scary’ side,” said Halloween ComicFest spokesperson, Deborah Moreland. “Comic shops are already a great destination for new comics and pop-culture related items, but now new and current customers can see the great Halloween and horror comics and merchandise that local comic shops have to offer.  With awesome Halloween ComicFest events hosted in stores, cool mini-comic polypacks available for purchase, and the return of “The Greatest Halloween Costume Contest” on the Hallweencomicfest.com website, Halloween ComicFest is the perfect Halloween celebration for kids and adults to enjoy this October!

Top 10 Countdown: June 20, 2015

10. Neck Deep - Can't Kick Up The Roots
Last week: NEW!

9. Fall Out Boy - Uma Thurman
Last week: 9.

8. Transit - The Only One
Last week: 4.

7.  Millencolin - Bring Me Home
Last week: 8.

6. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - The Other Line
Last week: 7.

5. Silverstein - Face Of The Earth
Last week: 6.

4. I The Mighty - Playing Catch With .22
Last week: 5.

3. Courage My Love - Kerosene
Last week: 3.

2. Hit The Lights - Life On The Bottom
Last week: 1.

1. As It Is - Cheap Shots & Setbacks
Last week: 2.

Special: Top 10 Superhero Shows We Need Back

Hey folks. In honour of Niagara Falls Comic Con this weekend I decided to spotlight some Superheroes that need to come back on the small screen, either by continuation of their original series or by reboot. In any event to be considered I needed to believe that there was still more stories to tell with the characters, for example I originally considered Batman Beyond but I remembered an interview with the executive producer stating that they really couldn't go much more than three seasons or else the Bruce-Terry dynamic wouldn't work since at some point Terry would've learned everything and I agreed so I kept it off. The other consideration is that the characters must not have a current TV series on air, so if I wanted a continuation of the 1986 TMNT series it couldn't be on here since there is an ongoing TMNT series at Nickelodeon. Anyway on with the list.

10. X-Men: Evolution

Aired: 2000 - 2003
Station: Kids WB

No, I do not want Wolverine And The X-Men back, it was a great show for what it was but what I really want to see is Xavier's school duking it out with the Brotherhood on a weekly basis, hell even now the direction the comics have gone you can add Cyclops group and make it a three way fight for mutantkind. It'd be a welcome sight to see a slightly darker corner of the Marvel Universe in cartoon form as their current offerings tend to focus around happy heroes that save the world, not struggle to adapt to themselves as people.

9. The Powerpuff Girls

Aired: 1998 - 2005

Station: Cartoon Network

Okay so this is the longest running show on this list and for good reason, it was immensely popular, unfortunately the audience started to grow up and the ratings fell causing Cartoon Network to pull the plug. But the time is right for the Girls to come back. Comic culture has never been more popular and there are no shows that feature only female protagonists in a lead role so the Powerpuff's could make huge waves in today's market. Apparently Cartoon Network agrees as we have a new series in development that we'll likely see in 2016.

8. Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes

Aired: 2006 - 2007
Station: Cartoon Network

This is more so a wish than anything. Marvel has recently made a point to discontinue anything featuring the Fantastic Four in hopes of getting the movie rights back from Fox at some point. So until that happens, which I do believe will happen, just maybe not as soon as I would like, we'll be without any FF comics, toys or TV series. The good news? Once Marvel gets the rights back it's going to be one huge freaking party and I'm sure a TV series will be one of their first priorities, let's just hope it's not like the lame 60's show and more like this kickass show that unfortunately only got 1 season.

7. Dragonball Z

Aired: 1996 - 2003
Station: YTV (Canada) Cartoon Network (US)

Maybe not "superhero" in the traditional sense but I don't think anyone can say that what Goku, Piccolo and Krillin (yes I said Krillin, he's awesome) isn't super and that they aren't heroes so they qualify and much like The Powerpuff Girls there is a show coming down the pipeline unfortunately it's not here yet so we wait more, let's hope it's all worth it.

6. Justice League: Unlimited

Aired: 2004 - 2006
Station: Cartoon Network

It's a damn shame that this only lasted 39 episodes, when the Justice League cartoon was being redone everyone figured it would fail in the vein of the New superman Adventures but Unlimited, although it's limited run, had more heart and story than the old League could muster over it's entire run. The last season on it's own is possible the best thing DC Animation had ever done up to that point. It's a shame, and even surprising that given all of the failures on the small screen that DC has encountered over the years they never tried to push a new Justice League cartoon, okay so now they have Gods And Monsters Chronicles which ties into the film by the same name but that is not even close to the same League we all know and love.

5. Darkwing Duck

Aired: 1991 - 1992
Station: Disney Channel/ABC

The early 90's were a great time to watch Disney, they had the best cartoon's anchored by Duck Tales, Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers and Tailspin. They even dabbled in the superhero genre a bit and one of those shows was the great Darkwing Duck. Darkwing struggled to balance his egotistical craving for fame and attention against his desire to be a good father to his daughter Gosalyn and help do good. Most episodes put these two aspects of Darkwing's character in direct conflict, though Darkwing's better nature usually prevails, but not before the audience got a good laugh or two at his expense.

4. The Tick

Aired: 1994 - 1996
Station: Fox Kids

What more can be said about The Tick? It was a great show for kids and adults alike, even though the latter found the show long after cancellation, to describe The Tick as anything other than a cult classic would do it injustice, and to that I say "SPOOOOOOOOOOOON". In today's society we love superheroes, we even love funny superheroes, so why don't we try The Tick again and see if there is a market for dumb superheroes who are funny without realising it? Let's make it happen!

3. Gargoyles

Aired: 1994 - 1997
Station: Disney Channel/ABC

For many of us kids that grew up in the 90's the cancellation of Batman: The Animated Series left a void for us seekers of dark animated justice, a void Disney was more than happy to fill with Gargoyles. The story followed a clan of Gargoyles who were stone by day but at night they were fighting to survive the modern world, and saving it from all kinds of supernatural threats. Goliath and company have continued their popularity to this day appearing on all kinds of merchandise thanks to their cult following 20+ years after their debut.

2. Batman: The Animated Series

Aired: 1992 - 1995
Station: Fox

That's right kids the show widely considered one of, if not the best cartoon of all time isn't topping this list. Sure we could use more Batman: The Animated Series episodes but I mean we did get 85. I think what hurts the most is that we haven't gotten a truly great Batman series in the last decade plus. Let's hope Cartoon Network has learned from their Beware The Batman screw-up and one is coming up the pipeline, if not, we'll always have The Animated Series and Beyond box sets to go back to.

1. Young Justice

Aired: 2010 - 2013
Station: Cartoon Network

It still hurts to think about this show being cancelled. I'd call it damn near perfect show but that would be an understatement, as soon as I finished watching the first few episodes I was hooked, when I got to season 2 I wanted nothing more than to get to the end to see what happens, little did I know that would be the end. After 2 spectacular seasons this critically acclaimed masterpiece was pulled from the air to be replaced by Beware The Batman and Teen Titans Go (Green Lantern was also cancelled). It's good that the Titans came back but they are not a good replacement for this excellently scripted action packed show about sidekicks coming into their own.

Top 10 Countdown: June 13, 2015

10. New Found Glory - One More Round
Last week: 3.

9. Fall Out Boy - Uma Thurman
Last week: 10.

8. Millencolin - Bring Me Home
Last week: NEW!

7. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - The Other Line
Last week: 8.

6. Silverstein - Face Of The Earth
Last week: 7.

5. I The Mighty - Playing Catch With .22
Last week: 6.

4. Transit - The Only One
Last week: 5.

3. Courage My Love - Kerosene
Last week: 4.

2. As It Is - Cheap Shots & Setbacks
Last week: 2.

1. Hit The Lights - Life On The Bottom
Last week: 1.

Top 10 Countdown: June 6, 2015

10. Fall Out Boy - Uma Thurman
Last week: NEW!

9. A Day To Remember - City Of Ocala
Last week: 4.

8. Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! - The Other Line
Last week: NEW!

7. Silverstein - Face Of The Earth
Last week: 8.

6. I The Mighty - Playing Catch With .22
Last week: 7.

5. Transit - The Only One
Last week: 6.

4. Courage My Love - Kerosene
Last week: 5.

3. New Found Glory - One More Round
Last week: 1.

2. As It Is - Cheap Shots & Setbacks
Last week: 3.

1. Hit The Lights - Life On The Bottom
Last week: 2.

Comic Shop Corner: June 2015

I'm cheating a little bit this month as I'm actually picking up 32 books but that's because a couple TMNT titles from May were moved to the first week of June but we'll ignore those so here's the top 30.

30. C.O.W.L. #11
Last ranking: 24 (out of 25)

story: KYLE HIGGINS & ALEC SIEGEL
art / cover: ROD REIS

APRIL 29 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.99

Arc two comes to a close with a monster issue. All of Geoffrey's lies, secrets, and rationalizations have led to this. Plus, Radia's public stand against C.O.W.L.—will she win the independence she wants? And does Arclight have a future with C.O.W.L.? Or at all?

29. New Suicide Squad #9
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by SEAN RYAN
Art by PHILIPPE BRIONES
Cover by JUAN FERRERYA
THE JOKER Variant cover by JIM LEE
On sale JUNE 10 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
An unstable, violent group has broken away from the League of Assassins! Only the Suicide Squad stands a chance of stopping them – if they’re willing to get even more unstable and violent!

28. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures #24
Last ranking: 23 (out of 25)

Matthew K. Manning (w) • Dario Brizuela, Chad Thomas (a) • Brizuela (c)
"Favorite Haunt," Part 2! The sewers seem to be haunted by all manners of ghoulish ghosts and creatures... some are real, and some are not! Will Mike be able to convince his brothers of the truth?

27. American Vampire: The Second Cycle #8
Last ranking: 19 (April - Same issue as resolicited)

With Skinner and Calvin leading the space race, back on Earth it’s time to face the most guarded stronghold in the country: Area 51! Felicia and Pearl go behind the fence to expose the nation’s extraterrestrial secrets. What do they encounter floating in the test tubes? You’ll find out here!

26. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics #6
Last ranking: 19 (out of 25)

Kevin Eastman, Peter Laird (w) • Jim Lawson (a) • A.C. Farley (c)
The TMNT Color Classics line continues! In "City at War, Part Four," friends and enemies blur when the TMNT find themselves caught between warring factions of the Foot Clan!

25. Action Comics #41
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by GREG PAK and AARON KUDER
Art and cover by AARON KUDER
THE JOKER Variant cover by DARWYN COOKE
On sale JUNE 3 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The epic new storyline “TRUTH” begins! For Superman, there’s no more holding back!

24. Edward Scissorhands #9
Last ranking: 16 (out of 25)

"Whole Again," Part Four. Megs' convictions are put to the test when Dr. Wells makes a tempting offer, and Edward is faced with a tough decision that might mean losing out on the thing he wants most.

23. Past Aways #4
Last ranking: 15 (out of 25)

Matt Kindt (W), Scott Kolins (A/Cover), and Bill Crabtree (C)
On sale June 17
FC, 40 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
The team battles a bizarre creature through a tear in space-time, but the mind behind the monster holds a secret that could change the PastAways’ future! As they face a new kind of time paradox, the crew are also forced to contend with an internal plot against one of their own!
• The next opus from Matt Kindt (MIND MGMT)!
• The new arc kicks off with a bang!
• Every issue contains bonus 2015 travelogues!

22. Secret Wars #3
Last ranking: 2 & 3

ALL THE DEVILS DANCE!

21. Secret Wars #4
Last ranking: 2 & 3

ALL THE ANGELS SING!

20. Secret Six #3
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by GAIL SIMONE
Art by KEN LASHLEY and DALE EAGLESHAM
Cover by DALE EAGLESHAM
THE JOKER Variant cover by DAN JURGENS and DANNY MIKI
1: 25 Variant cover by GARRY BROWN
On sale JUNE 17 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please
see the order form for details. This issue is resolicited. All previous orders are cancelled.
Her name is Strix. What is her secret?

19. Silver Surfer #13
Last ranking: 12 (out of 25)

• THE LAST DAYS - “The Death of Everything That Ever Was or Will Be”
• Time ran out and the Marvel Universe died. From the edge of Battleworld to the outskirts of all infinity, every planet, moon, and star has been expunged. Every life force has been extinguished. There are NO survivors...
•...except the Surfer, Dawn, and Toomie. How did they pull this off? And, more importantly, can they figure out a way to bring everything BACK?
• If you care about the fate and future of the Cosmic corners of the Marvel Universe, you cannot miss this comic!

18. Justice League of America #1
Last ranking: NEW!

Written by BRYAN HITCH
Art by BRYAN HITCH and WADE VON GRAWBADGER
Cover by BRYAN HITCH
THE JOKER variant cover by HOWARD PORTER
AQUAMAN variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
BATMAN variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
CYBORG variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
THE FLASH variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
GREEN LANTERN variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
SUPERMAN variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
WONDER WOMAN variant cover by BRYAN HITCH
1: 100 seven-panel foldout cover by BRYAN HITCH
On sale JUNE 3 • 56 pg, FC, $5.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with ten covers. Please see the order form for more information.
It’s massive widescreen JUSTICE LEAGUE action and adventure from superstar writer/artist Bryan Hitch! In this extra-sized debut issue, the League comes up against an armada of aliens heading for Earth that claims to be a peaceful religious tribe. But something sinister is lurking in their ranks...something with ties to ancient Krypton!
This amazing kick-off issue is available with seven different open-to-order variant covers by Bryan Hitch, each spotlighting one of seven core members of the JLA, plus an incredible 1: 100 seven-panel foldout variant cover that presents all seven open-to-order covers together!

17. Fight Club 2 #2
Last ranking: 10 (out of 25)

Chuck Palahniuk (W), Cameron Stewart (A), Dave Stewart (C), David Mack (Cover), and Francesco Francavilla (Variant cover)
On sale June 24
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
For the past decade Tyler Durden’s been sneaking out of Sebastian’s subconscious. Sebastian has a nice wife and a nice kid. He has a nice home in the suburbs. Nice-enough neighbors. Now all that’s going up like so much potassium permanganate.
• Rize or Die!
• One of IGN and io9’s Most Anticipated Comics of 2015!

16. Gotham By Midnight #6
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by RAY FAWKES
Art by JUAN FERRERYA
Cover by BILL SIENKIEWICZ
THE JOKER Variant cover by JOHN VAN FLEET
On sale JUNE 24 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
The Midnight Shift is in danger from both its members and the rest of the GCPD! In a deadly new Gotham City, does the paranormal really still pose a threat? As the task force struggles to rebuild after their tragic loss, their only weapon against the supernatural and Internal Affairs both might be in the form of attorney Kate Spencer. Ray Fawkes and new series artist Juan Ferreyra are ready to take Jim Corrigan and his motley crew on the adventure of their lives – or afterlives!

15. Magneto #19
Last ranking: 11 (out of 25)

CULLEN BUNN (w) • PAUL DAVIDSON (a)
Cover by DAVID YARDIN
GWENETO VARIANT COVER BY DECLAN SHALVEY
• The Earth is on a collision course with oblivion…and Magneto has taken it upon himself to stop it!
• But acquiring the means he’ll need to do it may lead Magneto into a confrontation with one of the X-Men’s most gruesome foes…
• Enter: SUGAR MAN!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

14. Lobo #7
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art and cover by CLIFF RICHARDS
THE JOKER Variant cover by NEIL EDWARDS
On sale JUNE 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T+
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Cosmic speakeasies, intergalactic drug dens and even exotic alien women can’t distract
can’t distract Lobo from his first love: hunting men for money! Once you’re on Lobo’s hit list, there are only two possible outcomes: your death or his.

13. Harrow County #2
Last ranking: 18 (out of 25)

Cullen Bunn (W) and Tyler Crook (A/Cover)
On sale June 10
FC, 32 pages
$3.99
Ongoing
As Emmy learns the secrets of her world from the strange and terrifying Tattered Skin, her father’s unusual behavior becomes ever more frightening, and the townsfolk begin to assemble with a deadly intent!
• Featuring two backup stories exclusive to the single issues!
• The chilling ongoing series from Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook (The Sixth Gun) continues!

12. Bat-Mite #1
Last ranking: NEW!

Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by CORIN HOWELL
1: 25 Variant cover by CORIN HOWELL
On sale JUNE 3 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6, $2.99 US • RATED E
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Bat-Mite is here to fix the DC Universe – one hero at a time! Convinced that he’s the imp that put Batman on the map, he’s spreading his expertise all over the DC Universe, eager to boost the careers of heroes he thinks need his “help.” Don’t miss the start of this six-issue all-ages miniseries!

11. Deadpool's Secret Secret Wars #2
Last ranking: 9 (out of 25)

CULLEN BUNN (w) • MATTEO LOLLI (a)
Cover by TONY HARRIS
GWENPOOL VARIANT COVER BY CHRIS BACHALO
VARIANT COVER BY TBA
• If a secret war happens on a secret planet in secret space, and no one hears about it...DID IT REALLY HAPPEN?!?!
• That’s what you’ll be asking about this series for years to come!
• And the answer is YES! Deadpool really DID mess with the original Secret Wars!
32 PGS./Parental Advisory …$3.99

10. Justice League #41
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by GEOFF JOHNS
Art and cover by JASON FABOK
THE JOKER Variant cover by DAVID FINCH
Blank variant cover
On sale JUNE 17 • 48 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with three covers. Please see the order form for details.
The critically acclaimed team of Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok present the much anticipated, extra-sized first chapter of “DARKSEID WAR”! When the Justice League investigate a series of unexplained murders on Earth, it leads them to the frontlines of a war unlike any the DC Universe has ever seen – a battle between the two most powerful villains in existence: Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor! Meet Darkseid’s daughter – a mysterious force of evil with a bizarre connection to the Justice League! Plus: The horrible secret of Superwoman’s baby! The ultimate temptation of Batman! Lex Luthor vs. Superman – no holds barred! New villains! New allies! And so much more in the DC Event that has been building since JUSTICE LEAGUE #1!

9. Howard The Duck #4
Last ranking: 7 (out of 25)

CHIP ZDARSKY (w) • JOE QUINONES (a/C)
Variant cover by ED MCGUINNESS
GWEN THE DUCK VARIANT COVER BY JASON LATOUR• Looks like the “doctor is in” … this issue of HOWARD THE DUCK! Ha ha of course I’m referring to Dr. Strange, Sorcerer Supreme.
• I’m 100% positive nobody’s ever made that joke before, so I feel pretty confident doing so here.
• There will be other jokes of a similar nature in this issue.
• PLUS! A MARVEL SUPER HEROES SECRET WARS (1984) tie-in!
32 PGS./Rated T+ …$3.99

8. Grayson #9
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by TOM KING and TIM SEELEY
Art and cover by MIKEL JANIN
THE JOKER Variant cover by DAVE JOHNSON
On sale JUNE 24 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
Everything changes as Helena takes over SPYRAL! Plus: Grayson gets a new partner!

7. Hero Cats Of Stellar City #6
Last ranking: 9 (April)

Writer(s): Kyle Puttkammer
Artist Name(s): Marcus Williams
Cover Artist(s): Tracy Yardley (reg) Marcus Williams (var)
Everything has been building to this! Secrets are revealed as the masks come off. The Hero Cats must defend the home front as Galaxy Man unwittingly returns to his observatory with an infestation of space bugs. Cover by Tracy Yardley (Sonic the Hedgehog) with a variant cover by Marcus Williams, limited to 1,500 copies.
32 pgs./FC/ Teen $3.99 (reg.) $4.99 (var.)

6. Sex Criminals #11
Last ranking: Unranked

story: MATT FRACTION
art / cover: CRIP ZNBLOODZ
JUNE 24 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $3.50

NEW STORY! NEW ARC! SAME OLD MATT AND CHIP.
Jon and Suzie have a gift: when they have sex, they stop time. And they’re not alone. Get on board the book that’s been called “hilarious” and “arousing” — by Chip’s mommy. OH! All these issues? They’re all in a sealed bag because 1000 totally random blank covers have been “customized” by Matt and Chip. Will YOU be one of the lucky ones (thousand)? Will YOUR copy be worth a million dollars one day because it is one-of-a-kind and unique (probably not)? YES! (No.)

5. Batman Beyond #1
Last ranking: NEW!

Written by DAN JURGENS
Art and cover by BERNARD CHANG
1: 25 Variant cover by KALMAN ANDRASOFSKY
On sale JUNE 3 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for details.
At last, Batman Beyond gets his own ongoing series in THE definitive future of the DCU! But this isn’t the Beyond you think you know! With the Justice League missing and without Bruce to guide him, this new Batman will need to explore this bizarre world on his own while fighting to raise humanity from an opponent that’s already won.
The heroes Batman knew have failed, the world he knew has been turned on its head, and every step he takes will lead him either toward finding home – or further down the road of disaster!

4. All-New Hawkeye #4
Last ranking: 5 (out of 25)

JEFF LEMIRE (W) • RAMON PEREZ (A/C)
• In a very special issue, the past and the present collide as a young Clint and an older Hawkeye attempt to save whatever innocence they have left.
• Jeff Lemire and Ramon Perez bring you an issue unlike any other--reminding us why Hawkeye is a series unlike any other.
32 PGS./Rated T …$3.99

3. Nailbiter #13
Last ranking: 6 (out of 25)

story: JOSHUA WILLIAMSON
art / cover: MIKE HENDERSON

JUNE 3 / 32 PAGES / FC / M / $2.99

“I’M IN LOVE WITH A SERIAL KILLER!”

2. Batman #41
Last ranking: Unranked

Written by SCOTT SNYDER
Art by GREG CAPULLO and DANNY MIKI
Cover by GREG CAPULLO
THE JOKER Variant cover by SEAN MURPHY
On sale JUNE 10 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Retailers: This issue will ship with two covers. Please see the order form for more information.
The all-new Batman makes his debut! Who is he, and what happens next? Find out here as a new era begins in Gotham City!

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #47
Last ranking: 1 (out of 25)

Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman (w) • Mateus Santolouco (a) • Santolouco, Eastman (c)
The Stockman Swarm engulfs NYC searching high and low for the Turtles. The Turtles are on the run and desperate. Will they be able to find sanctuary before it's too late?
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
•The race to issue #50 accelerates as two Turtle foes join forces to overrun New York!
•Variant Cover by Valerio Schiti!

Series dropped: Harley Quinn, Batman/Superman, Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier

Series finished: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutanimals, Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up!, Return Of The Living Deadpool, Inhuman