Comic Shop Corner: September 2015

First Wednesday of the month so let's count down some comics!

28. Justice League United #13
Last ranking: 27 (out of 27)

Guest artist Paul Pelletier joins the JLU for a special storyline that sees Stargirl and the team of Steel, Robotman, Batgirl and Vandal Savage enter a war zone that's at once very familiar and utterly weird. Plus: the long awaited return of a legendary DC Comics hero.

27. Secret Wars #6
Last ranking: 20 (out of 27)

THE FINAL WAR!

26. Secret Six #6
Last ranking: 23 (out of 27)

What is the Secret? Actually, there's more than one-and the answers are revealed here. The true identity of Mockingbird was only one of the secrets, and it's not even the most shocking. Plus: A marriage that should not happen is proposed. A person you thought was long gone returns. And at least one of the Six is not the person you think they are. (Okay, it's the dummy.) From this point on, all bets are off.

25. TMNT Color Classics #9
Last ranking: 26 (out of 27)

"City at War, Part Seven." While Splinter faces off with the Rat King in the dark sewers, the TMNT are given an ominous invitation to a meeting with Karai!

24. Gotham By Midnight #9
Last ranking: 25 (out of 27)

As the Midnight Shift is dragged in for interrogation by Internal Affairs, Dr. Tarr makes a startling discovery that might change everything for Corrigan and The Spectre. But will it be too late?

23. The Paybacks #1
Last ranking: NEW!

Heroism doesn't come cheap, so when superheroes borrow money to finance their genetic enhancements or crime-fighting supercomputers, their debts make student loans look like IOUs! Enter the Paybacks, a repo squad composed of bankrupt former heroes here to foreclose on everybody's secret lairs! From the team that delivered the acclaimed Buzzkill!

22. Bat-Mite #4
Last ranking: 19 (out of 27)

There's a new bad guy in town: Gridlock, the villain who's stuck in the past! And now, he's out to stop the future from coming! Booster Gold, the hero from the future, obviously can't allow that, but when he seeks Bat-Mite's help in finding this purloiner of progress, it doesn't take much of a prognosticator to predict that he's going to regret it.

21. TMNT Amazing Adventures #2
Last ranking: 22 (out of 27)

The adventures continue! The Turtles face a new, all-powerful foe. To survive they'll have to turn to... Shredder?? Bonus story featuring a comic book made by Mikey!

20. Lobo #10
Last ranking: 21 (out of 27)

Lobo is finally face-to-face with Sinestro! But did our favorite bounty hunter bite off  more than he could chew when he agreed to kill the leader of the Yellow Lanterns?

19. Harrow County #5
Last ranking: 18 (out of 27)

After uncovering Harrow County's twisted history and her own bizarre connection to the populace, Emmy forges a new and profound connection to the land and its creatures-but a familiar and sinister presence lurks just over the county lines . . .

18. Justice League of America #4
Last ranking: 13 (out of 27)

As The Flash struggles to get back to the present, the rest of the team regroups for a rematch against the overwhelming forces of the Church of Rao. And, as foreshadowed in issue #1, they must also consider how to prevent the seemingly inevitable death of Superman!

17. Silver Surfer #14
Last ranking: 14 (out of 27 - July)

THE LAST DAYS - "UNIVERSE 2.0" Given unheralded new power, the Silver Surfer is tasked with REMAKING THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE! From the laws of physics to the origins of new life itself, what strange new cosmos will Norrin Radd will into being? Meanwhile, Dawn Greenwood has a far less intimidating task. All she has to rebuild... is Planet Earth. Plus, if the Surfer, Dawn, and Toomie were the only survivors of the previous cosmos to make it into the void... why are they not alone?!

16. American Vampire: The Second Cycle #10
Last ranking: 16 (out of 27)

Vampires in space! The war against the beast takes to the vast vacuum of stars, but who is inside the space suits (and what they find inside the space ship!) must remain to be seen. AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SECOND CYCLE continues to suck every last drop of dread from the century's most dramatic decade.

15. Fight Club 2 #5
Last ranking: 5 (out of 27)

Since he was discharged from the mental hospital, Sebastian has been a do-nothing cog in the world's largest military-industrial corporation: Rize or Die. Marla searches for clues among the various clubs that have spun off of Tyler's original fight clubs, and she discovers that Project Mayhem is not a boys-only enterprise-not anymore.

14. Action Comics #44
Last ranking: 11 (out of 27)

The epic "Truth" arc reaches its finale as Superman makes some brutal choices and discovers the source of the Shadow Warriors.

13. Hip-Hop Family Tree #2
Last ranking: 15 (out of 27)

Hip Hop jumps from the streets into the record business in this issue documenting the first rap songs on wax by acts like the Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious five and Kurtis Blow. Discover the secrets that took place to make Hip Hop culture the global phenomenon that it grew into.

12. Justice League #44
Last ranking: 2 (out of 27)

Darkseid versus Anti-Monitor! A corrupted Superman versus Lex Luthor! Myrina Black versus Grail! This chapter of "Darkseid War" has it all-plus an ending that will change the League forever!

11. Deadpool Vs. Thanos #1
Last ranking: NEW!

We all know Thanos-the man who single-handedly made bejeweled gloves into THE deadly weapon of choice for mass murder. But did you know he shares an ex with Deadpool? No, not Vanessa-I refer to the cosmic "lady" known as DEATH. And when everyone in the universe stops dying, both of her former beaus take an interest. Can the pair overcome one's overwhelming hatred of and annoyance by the other? Or will Thanos finally let Deadpool die once and for all?

10. Deadpool Vs. Thanos #2
Last ranking: 11 (see above stupid)

Also see above... Stupid.

9. We Stand On Guard #3
Last ranking: 14 (out of 27)

What will torture look like in the future?

8. Batman Beyond #4
Last ranking: 9 (out of 27)

Everyone knew he wasn't good enough to be Batman, and now Tim's mistake has put humanity at risk. But when all seems lost, an old friend takes him back where it all started. Will a gift from the past give Tim what he needs to save the future?

7. Sex Criminals #12
Last ranking: 5 (Same issue resolicited)

Suzie and Jon continue the worst recruitment plan in the history of entertaining second-act montage sequences. Getting the band together never had so many fluids. By Hollywood jerkhole MATT FRACTION (ODY-C, SATELLITE SAM, Hawkeye) and literally a shed-full of car keys that somehow manages to draw comics.

6. Grayson Annual #2
Last ranking: 4 (out of 27)

When Dick comes home to find that the Batman he knew is gone, he seeks out his mentor, Superman. But both friends have changed since they last met. Can they find common ground and team up to stop Blockbuster's plans for Spyral?

5. Grayson #12
Last ranking: 6 (duh!)

For the first time since he faked his own death, Dick Grayson returns home to Gotham City. But will Spyral ever really let him go for good?

4. All-New Hawkeye #5
Last ranking: 4. (way back in June!)

A boy at odds with his big brother. A hero out of sync with his partner. Team Hawkeye, both past and present, is fractured. Things come to a head as Barney, Clint, and Kate learn what it means to carry the name Hawkeye.

3. Batman Annual #4
Last ranking: 6 (out of 27)

Batman is gone... but Bruce Wayne is alive? What does that mean for Gotham City? And who is Bruce Wayne without Batman? This special annual delves deeper into the mystery building, and whether or not Bruce can ever really escape from the shadow of the Dark Knight.

2. Batman #44
Last ranking: 3 (why have you not figured this out yet?)

It's the origin of new villain Mr. Bloom! In a tale from Bruce Wayne's past, Batman must investigate a vicious crime in the shadowy area of Gotham City known as the Narrows. Don't miss this special issue illustrated by superstar artist Jock (Wytches, GREEN ARROW YEAR ONE)!

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50
Last ranking: 1 (out of 27)

The epic conclusion to over four-years worth of storylines! The Turtles stand against Shredder for one final battle that will determine the fate of NYC, and the world, for years to come!

Comic Shop Corner: July 2015

We'll do 28 this month since there's a bunch of issues double shipping this month as well as annuals.

28. C.O.W,L. #11
Last ranking: 30 (same issue)

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?

27. New Suicide Squad #10
Last ranking: 29

What do you get when you take on an unstable breakaway faction from the League of Assassins? Dead Squad members, that’s what!

26. Edward Scissorhands #10
Last ranking: 24

Whole Again concludes, as Edward realizes that only he can rescue his new friends, even though it might mean sacrificing his best chance to be “normal.” But what’s normal, really?

25. Justice League United #11
Last ranking: Unranked

The Convergence is over! Now, Alanna Strange, Stargirl and Equinox must assemble brand-new and wildly untraditional teams of heroes and villains to work together and stop another cosmic catastrophe before it happens. In this issue: Mera, Poison Ivy, Swamp Thing and Etrigan!

24. American Vampire: The Second Cycle #8
Last ranking: 27 (same issue)

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!

23. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Colour Classics #7
Last ranking: 26

In "City at War, Part Five," the TMNT and their allies must face their personal doubts, motivations, and mortality as the war for New York continues to explode out-of-control around them! (Originally printed as Mirage TMNT #54, Volume 1.)

22. Gotham By Midnight #7/Annual
Last ranking: 16

7: The responsibilities of the Midnight Shift can take its toll on even the bravest. What trials has Lt. Weaver endured – and has he reached his breaking point?

Annual: Get set for a tale of love and vengeance in this centuries-old mystery for the Midnight Shift – and the Gentlemen Ghost!

21. Past Aways #5
Last ranking: 23

Phil and his new student experiment with a novel form of time travel, Art begins a dangerous relationship with a 2015 native, and the impossible occurs when one of the immortal Past Aways passes away!

20. We Stand On Guard #1
Last ranking: NEW!

SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN teams with artistic legend and MATRIX storyboard artist STEVE SKROCE for an action-packed military thriller that will have everyone talking. 100 years from now, a heroic band of Canadian civilians must defend their homeland from invasion...by the United States of America! The hyper-detailed combat between badass freedom fighters and giant f***ing robots begins with a spectacular 40-PAGE FIRST ISSUE for the regular price of just $2.99!

19. Bat-Mite #2
Last ranking: 12

Bat-Mite assists Batman on yet another case…whether the Dark Knight needs his help or not. This time, it leads the imp to the diabolical Doctor Trauma, who has terrible plans in store for Hawkman!

18. Secret Wars #4
Last ranking: 22/21 (same issue)

All the Angels sing!

17. Lobo #8/Annual
Last ranking: 14

8: Lobo battles fiendish robotic surgeons in the horrific “flesh factory”!

Annual: Lobo’s faced murderers, thieves and tyrants as he slaughtered his way across the universe, but now he meets the one group that might shut down his work for good: the Sinestro Corps!

16. Harrow County #3
Last ranking: 13

Terrified by what she's learned of witches and monsters, Emmy takes shelter in an ancient graveyard, as she's hunted down by her own family!

15. Secret Six #4
Last ranking: 20

It's the Secret Six versus the Doom Patrol, fresh off their appearance in Teen Titans! As the Six hunt down the villain who has been targeting them, they uncover some startling secrets. What does the all-new Doom Patrol have to do with all of it?

14. Silver Surfer #13
Last ranking: 19

From the edge of Battleworld to the far reaches of the cosmos – every planet, moon and star has been extinguished. Except for the Surfer, Dawn and Toomie! How did they pull this off? And more importantly, can they figure out a way to bring everything back?

13. Justice League Of America #2
Last ranking: 18

The JLA learns more about the armada of religious zealots that has arrived on Earth – and their stunning ties to Krypton!

12. Magneto #20
Last ranking: 15

Earth is careening toward oblivion and Magneto is desperate to prevent mutantkind from meeting its untimely end… But could it be that the key to salvation has been right in front of him all along in the form of his daughter, Polaris?

11. Batman Beyond #2
Last ranking: 5

Thirty-five years in the future, Batman’s gotten himself caught in a P.O.W. camp where the enemy refuses to give up trying to crack the only “data source” he can't access – the human mind! And this foe doesn’t care how many people he has to burn through to get there, including original Batgirl Barbara Gordon! To make his great escape, Batman will have to take down both his greatest hero and a traitor to humanity! Featuring the DC Universe debut of Batman Beyond-villain Inque!

10. Howard The Duck #5
Last ranking: 9

While the world’s greatest super heroes fight to save NYC – and possibly America and parts of Canada – Howard and Tara Tam learn a lot about each other, and themselves. Communication is key in life. Be inquisitive about the people you surround yourself with. RETAILER NOTE: This issue is a HOWARD THE DUCK #4 tie-in!

9. Action Comics #42
Last ranking: 25

The Superman epic you never expected – “TRUTH” continues! Who will stand by Clark Kent?

8. Deadpool's Secret Secret Wars #3
Last ranking: 11

The war that's so secret, the rest of the Marvel Universe doesn't even remember it! Amid the chaos Deadpool dons...a new costume?!?! Plus: our heroes stage a huge attack on the gluttonous GALACTUS!

7. Batman #42
Last ranking: 2

More surprises around every corner as the all-new Batman hits the streets of Gotham City!

6. Fight Club 2 #3
Last ranking: 17

Tyler’s been around a lot longer than anyone realized . . . To gain admittance to the current generation of Project Mayhem, Marla is more than happy to provide Sebastian with plenty of bruises, and thus, the search for their son begins . . .

5. Sex Criminals #11/12
Last ranking: 6 (Issue 11 resolicited)

11: 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.)

12: Suzie and Jon continue the worst recruitment plan in the history of entertaining second-act montage sequences. Getting the band together never had so many fluids. By Hollywood jerkhole MATT FRACTION (ODY-C, SATELLITE SAM, Hawkeye) and literally a shed-full of car keys that somehow manages to draw comics.

4. Grayson #10
Last ranking: 8

For the first time since FOREVER EVIL, Dick Grayson comes face-to-face with Lex Luthor!

3. Nailbiter #14
Last ranking: 3

One of the biggest secrets of the serial killers is revealed!

2. Justice League #42
Last ranking: 10

The epic “Darkseid War” event storyline continues with the critically acclaimed team of Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok! As Darkseid and the Anti-Monitor maneuver toward inevitable war, Wonder Woman leads the Justice League against a force that holds the answers on how to stop it – but the price might be Batman’s soul! Meanwhile, Mister Miracle faces off against a mysterious hero who has been fighting in the shadows for decades!

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #47/48
Last ranking: 1 (Issue 47 resolicited)

47: 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?

48: The Turtles take the fight to Baxter Stockman as both Karai and Shredder plan their final moves!

Series dropped: Postal

Series finished: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures

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

Special: 2014 In Review: Best Comic Series of 2014

10. Wytches

Publisher: Image Comics
Issues released last year: #1 - #3
Why?: You'd be hard pressed to come across someone who isn't reading this title. Writer Scott Snyder generally makes his work accessible to a wide variety of audiences and Wytches is no different. Colourist Matt Hollingsworth is revolutionising the way we look at comic colourists as he adds a crazy amount of detail to each panel which was expertly crafted already by a gifted artist and detailed artist in Jock. Words can't describe how big 2015 can be for Wytches if it continues on it's current trajectory.

9. Hawkeye

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Issues released last year: #15 - #20
Why?: There's a reason people keep talking about Matt Fraction's run on Hawkeye, it wasn't that long ago that Hawkeye was the joke of the Marvel Universe, Fraction used that to his advantage and crafted an excitingly dark, yet humorous tale around Clint Barton and 2014 saw more of the same while focusing more on Kate Bishop, the other Hawkeye, journey to discover herself, something all 20-somethings can relate to.

8. Silver Surfer

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Issues released last year: #1 - #7
Why?: Hands down the biggest surprise for me in 2014 was how much I enjoyed reading about the exploits of Norrin Radd and his new... Ally? I'm not quite sure what to call Dawn Greenwood but I will call her a tremendous breath of fresh air when comparing her to other new characters the big 2 (Marvel and DC) have churned out recently. Dan Slott has shown he can do more than write a compelling Spider-Man story, Silver Surfer often feels upbeat but emotional at the same time which as a reader, keeps you hooked. Mike Allred was the perfect artist for this book as the visual style can only be described as "out there" and like all great books, Slott and Allred work together in perfect synchronicity crafting the perfect story.

7. Grayson

Publisher: DC Comics
Issues released last year: #1 - #5 plus 1 annual and Future's End month title.
Why?: What can a hero do when his secret identity has been revealed and he's been presumed dead by most of the world? Well if you're Dick Grayson, under Batman's orders, you go undercover in a secret spy agency as an operative while still answering to Batman about the agency's darker secrets they'd like to keep hidden. Grayson has by far been the best new title in the New 52 since Superman Unchained debuted over 18 months ago. Writer Tim Seeley had an excellent idea for where to go with Grayson and Kyle Higgins, writer of Nightwing, graciously stepped aside despite being a fan favourite by many, myself included and Tim has hit the ground running and hasn't pulled up yet. The Future's End title was pretty much the best of the bunch as far as I'm concerned so that just added bonus points for Grayson.

6. Magneto

Publisher: Marvel Comics
Issues released last year: #1 - #12
Why?: Magneto is not the man he once was, in his new weakened state he's forced to find creative ways to eliminate threats to mutantkind which more often than not leads to your jaw dropping. Cullen Bunn, as I've said many times before, is an excellent writer when it comes to villains and their motives so there was no better person to shepperd this title than him. This title has had a consistently strong year, which is surprising since it had to enter the dreaded "event tie-in" status for AXIS but Bunn navigated it perfectly allowing Magneto to become my favourite Marvel title from 2014.

5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Issues released last year: #30 - #41 plus 1 annual.
Why?: Falling all the way from #2 on last years list, the TMNT find themselves at number 5. Not for lack of trying however, last year was just a circumstance of the title peaking with the City Fall storyline where 2014 was mostly a non-starter for the series. It began with the Turtles taking some much needed recovery time and then preparations for the much anticipated "Attack On Technodrome" storyline which kicked off in the final issue of the year. But don't worry Turtle fans, writer Tom Waltz has been navigating the Turtles since the start of the title and he's been doing fantastic things, even in a year where not a whole lot happens it still remains a treat to read.

4. Sex Criminals

Publisher: Image Comics
Issues released last year: #4 - #9
Why?: TMNT might have fallen but Sex Criminals remained strong at #4 for the second year in a row. If you look up "consistently great comic" in your favourite search engine, I can guarantee you Sex Criminals comes up. Matt Fraction shows his greatness by having 2 titles on our top 10, artist Chip Zdarsky does fantastic art in the book, but even better work in the letters column... Seriously if you've been skipping over those you best be going back into your long box and getting those back issues out and reading them. The only thing that holds this title back is the fact that Fraction has such a busy schedule that over a 12 month period they were only able to push out 6 issues.

3. Nailbiter

Publisher: Image Comics
Issues released last year: #1 - #8
Why?: And the award for best new series goes to... Nailbiter is a thrilling horror book shrouded in mystery. An agent must get help from known serial killer Nailbiter to discover the secret behind Buckaroo, Oregon, the birthplace of 16 serial killers, Nailbiter included. The biggest mystery about this book however is the lack of notoriety it gets despite being one of the strongest titles on shelves. Even Scott Snyder agrees as he was quoted saying "If [writer Joshua Williamson] died I wish he'd leave Nailbiter to me in his will so I could say it was my idea."

2. Batman

Publisher: DC Comics
Issues released last year: #27 - #37, plus 1 annual and Future's End month title.
Why?: It's hard to pick against Scott Snyder's Batman, but I've done it. After holding the top spot last year on the strength of Zero Year, it gets knocked down to #2 this year mostly due to fact that Endgame hasn't been as good as advertised, perhaps an over hyping situation? Either way, although Zero Year finished strong the filler issues, specifically #29 and #34 left a bad taste in my mouth, especially breaking up Zero Year for #29. But in Snyder we trust so I'm sure Endgame will conclude amazingly and it'll have a realistic shot at the top spot this time next year but as of now the #1 spot belongs to...

1. Afterlife With Archie

Publisher: Archie Comics
Issues released last year: #3 - #7
Why?: It's sickening how good this book is... I've never really read Archie but this has just been so entertaining, It essentially sounded like a joke book that would die off fast (no pun intended) but the Archie/Zombie crossover has done wonders for Archie Comics and myself personally. Even the months break between issues had no effect whatsoever on the storyline, I was just happy to be reunited with the world of Afterlife With Archie. Thank you to Francesco Francavilla for coming up with the Afterlife idea and providing the perfect ghastly art to go along with Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa words that somehow managed to find humanity in inhumane situations.

Special: 2013 In Review: Best Comic Series of 2013

At the blog I slave week in and out to make sure you have knowledge of all the hottest books. But what were the hottest of the hot books in 2013? We’re about to find out as I used an expert mathematical formula consisting of what I like most to rank my Top 10 comic series of this past year. On to the list before Shia Labeouf can plagiarise any more of my intro…

10. Batman & Robin

Publisher: DC Comics

Issues released last year: #16 – #26, 4 Villains month issues and 1 Annual

Why: Although the recent Batman And Two-Face arc left me mostly uninterested, even with the addition of Carrie Kelly, there was still a lot of great moments in this title over the last calendar year. The Batman and Nightwing issue as well as #18 were two of the best single issues DC released all year as #18 started the mourning period of Damian Wayne while issue #24 (Batman and Nightwing) finally gave Bruce a bit of closure with the death of his son (Not a spoiler, it happened forever ago) Not to mention it had 4 of the strongest Bat-verse villains month issues.

9. Amazing X-Men

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Issues released last year: #1 and #2

Why: Okay, granted it’s only 2 issues in. It’s still a really exciting book and features the return of everyone’s favourite fuzzy elf. That alone gets it on this list, add the fact that X writer extraordinaire Jason Aaron is writing with beautiful art from veteran Ed McGuinness and this book looks poised to take a top spot on 2014′s list.

8. Double Jumpers

Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment

Issues released last year: #4

Why: And you thought a 2 issue release was bad, in 2013 we saw only the conclusion to the Double Jumpers saga, and boy was it worth the wait. If you’ve never heard of Double Jumpers you can read about it right HERE  courtesy of your friends at Big B. It’s definitely worth your time.

7. Earth 2

Publisher: DC Comics

Issues released last year: #8 – #18, 2 villains month issues and 1 annual.

Why: Had you of told me this time last year Earth 2 would have cracked my top 10 I would have scoffed since I was on the verge of dropping the title after I was left disappointed with the Grundy arc, but between The Tower of Fate and James Robinson’s exit arc, that’s exactly what happened. Now with Tom Taylor (Injustice: Gods Among Us) on board as the regular writer the title has actually gotten better! We know this isn’t the Earth 2 of yesteryear but it’s doing just fine presently.

6.  Afterlife With Archie

Publisher: Archie Comics

Issues released last year: #1 and #2

Why: This is getting ridiculous isn’t it? How could a couple of issues on one series beat out an entire year’s run? Easy. Afterlife With Archie takes two things that are currently overused in the market, Archie Comics and zombies, combines them together and delivers the 2nd most original story of the year. We’ve talked about Earth 2 not being the same as it once was, well this definitely isn’t your grandma’s Archie. This book also had the honour of being the subject of my first Big B Article.

5. The Red Ten

Publisher: ComixTribe

Issues released last year: #0, #2 – #5

Why: Derivative? Yeah it is. Is that a bad thing? Not at all. The Red Ten takes ten Justice League clones and places them in the centre of an Agatha Christie novel. The Alliance is brought to a mysterious island to investigate the death of one of their own, Red. Red was assumed murdered by Oxymoron, longtime nemesis to The Alliance and Red, but when he turns up dead and teammates around them start to perish the remains of the team is left scrambling to discover the secret of the island, and Red herself, before they meet a similar fate.

4. Sex Criminals

Publisher: Image Comics

Issues released last year: #1 – #3

Why: Remember earlier when I said Afterlife With Archie was the 2nd most original book this year? That’s because Sex Criminals takes the cake, and I’m not the only one that thinks so since it was recently named the best comic series of 2013 by Time magazine and is at or near the top of virtually every year-end list. This series is so good, the Big B writers couldn’t talk about it just once but twice.

3. Deadpool

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Issues released last year: #4 – #21 and 1 annual

Why: As a bi-weekly title, Deadpool had all the chances to run away with the top spot if it could remain consistently good by way of sheer numbers alone. Unfortunately we took some bad with the good, although the latter outweighed the former by a wide margin, it was enough to keep it behind two great monthly titles.  Deadpool’s 2013 highlight was The Good, The Bad and The Ugly arc which seen him team up with Wolverine and Captain America to save his supposed daughter and her mother. Hey! There’s also an article on that arc HERE! Hooray! I also did a little something on the annual right HERE.

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Issues released last year: #18 – #29

Why: I’ve talked about how great City Fall was and that was the major point of the TMNT storyline in 2013. But it was wedged between the almost as impressive Krang War arc and the just started Northampton arc which sees the Turtles recovering from the events of City Fall but will they ever be the same? We’ll just have to watch what 2014 brings our heroes in a half shell.

1. Batman

Publisher: DC Comics

Issues released last year: #16 – #26, 4 villains month issues and 1 annual

Why: 2 words: Zero Year. Scott Snyder’s re-imagining of Frank Miller’s classic Year One story has been the best thing to happen to DC Comics in 2013. Snyder has been on a roll and one has to wonder when this run of excellence will end. After crafting a historic opening arc with The Court Of Owls, he tackled the Joker in the 2012/2013 Death Of The Family arc before Zero Year completely took over explaining The Dark Knight’s origin in this new 52 universe which Snyder and artist Greg Capullo make all their own with effective pace, vibrant colours and great storytelling.

So those are my top 10, I’m anxious to hear what you guys have been digging so comment below so on my next trip to Big B Comics in Niagara Falls I have some new titles to look into.

Comic Shop Corner: September 25, 2013

God bless you (insert name here), you're reading my blog. Time for another comic shop corner so let's take a look at what is hitting shelves this week...

Dark Horse Comics:

MIND MGMT #15

I'm going to stop short of calling MIND MGMT writer Matt Kindt the king of comics, but he's pretty freakin' close. MIND MGMT is a complex science-fiction mystery that has recently been optioned for the big screen by none other than Ridley Scott. Issue 15 finally answers the questions of what happened to Henry Lyme between MIND MGMT's first and second stories? Why is the former loner now assembling a team around himself? Who is out to destroy him? All is revealed here, and if you haven't started reading MIND MGMT yet, there is really no reason not to be, so go pick up the trades!

Also Available: Captain Midnight #3, Star Wars Legacy II #7, Mass Effect Foundation #3, Criminal Macabre The Eyes Of Frankenstein #1, Itty Bitty Hellboy #2 and many more!

DC Comics:

Batman Superman #3.1: Doomsday

Villains month enters it's final week and with that we see the conclusion of another fun September over at DC Comics but they aren't going out without a bang. After 2 long years Doomsday enters the new 52 with this his official debut into the universe. This origin story shows Doomsday long before Superman fought the unstoppable monster, the beast's reputation for death and destruction haunted The Man of Steel's home world of Krypton.

Also Available: Batman The Dark Knight #23.4: The Joker's Daughter, Justice League #23.4: The Secret Society, Wake #4, Green Lantern #23.4: Sinestro, Justice League of America #7.4: Black Adam, Batman #23.4: Bane and many more!


IDW Publishing

Powerpuff Girls #1

Citizens of Townsville, fear not! The Powerpuff Girls are back! In this IDW debut issue Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup are back to take down the meanest of the mean and the ugliest of the ugly! Plus, what fiendish secret is Mojo Jojo hiding? The answer is sure to surprise! IDW got into an agreement with Cartoon Network to release comics based on their characters, and this is the first. Suffice it to say it'll be an interesteing measuring stick to see how this series and subsequent Samurai Jack and Ben 10 titles do.

Also Available: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26, Dinosaurs Attack #3, Godzilla Rulers Of Earth #4, Star Trek #25, Judge Dredd Classics #3, G.I. Joe #8, Other Dead #1, G.I. Joe #8, Dungeons and Dragons Cutter #5 and many more!

Image Comics

Sex Criminals #1

Have you been reading Fraction's work lately?? Satellite Sam, Hawkeye and FF have all been getting rave reviews and now he's adding Sex Criminals to that list. So what is Sex Criminals? A sex comedy for comics! Suzie's a normal girl with an extraordinary ability: when she has sex, she stops time. One night she meets John... who has the same gift. And so they do what any other sex-having, time-stopping, couple would do: they rob banks. In the vein of The 40 Year Old Virgin and Bridesmaids, Image Comics invites you to come along with Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky (Prison Funnies, Monster Cops) for the series that puts the 'comic' back in 'comics' and the 'sexy' back in 'sex crimes.

Also available: East of West #6, Saga #14, Jupiter's Legacy #3, Sex #7, Fatale #17 and many more!

Marvel Comics

Punisher: The Trial Of The Punisher #1

The unthinkable happens when the Punisher surrenders himself to police. The trial of the century begins as Frank Castle admits to murdering a district attorney! Is this the end of the Punisher's war on crime? It's to be noted that this does not fall within current continuity with Frank in Thunderbolts as he hasn't had his own standalone story in a while. Marc Guggenheim wrote this 2 parter a while ago but the premise alone makes it an interesting story for even those among us, me included, who generally avoid The Punisher. Most importantly it's a Marvel title that isn't Infinity related worth talking about.

Also available: Infinity Heist #10, Deadpool #17, Superior Spider-Man Team-Up #3, Guardians of the Galaxy #6, A+X #12, Avengers #20, Nova #8, Uncanny Avengers #12 and many more!

Spotlight:

Dynamite Comics: The Lone Ranger Annual 2013

2013 wasn't a kind year to The Lone Ranger as far as box office receipts but it still continues to be one of Dynamite's highest selling properties, and at a 4.99 price point this will certainly help that total rise. A young man take up a mask in pursuit of his father's killers as the feared Devil-Gun. Now Lone Ranger must confront his own ideals as he pursues this dark mirror-image of himself. Can the Ranger show his opposite coin the difference between justice and vengeance before innocent blood is spilled? The story is by Shannon Eric Denton whose last work was the incredibly entertaining Scratch 9. I highly recommend both these titles to be picked up.