The Quarter Bin

For comics shipping 04.08.09 or The Week Jesus Was Replaced By A Guy In A Costume. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively, no doubt about it need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DC COMICS

Battle for the Cowl #2

First issue was solid. Tony Daniel seems to have things pretty well under control as a storyteller, so I see no reason why this $3.99 issue will be any different. Besides, you want to see where this is all going as badly as I do. It’s okay, you can admit it.

Green Lantern #39

Philip Tan joins Geoff Johns for “Agent Orange,” part of the prelude to Blackest Night. If you couldn’t tell, the guy on the cover seems to be acting a bit greedy. While the short preview over on The Source has a bit of a Smeagol feel to it, I trust the creative team to deliver something we haven’t already seen before. And I mean really, you know you’re going to be picking this $2.99 issue up. It’s only setting up one of the biggest events of the year.

Northlanders #16

The final issue of “The Cross and the Hammer” hits shelves this week, and I’m going to be sad to see artist Ryan Kelly go. Of course, he’s moving on to pencil some issues of DMZ so I can’t be that upset. Anyhow, this $2.99 issue will (hopefully) answer all the questions I/you had after the last page of issue #15. Was that a cliffhanger or what?

Secret Six #8

After the events of last issue, I could use a nice light one-off story. What’s that? Oh, a date night story with the Six hitting the town for $2.99? Yeah, consider it bought.

MARVEL COMICS

Daredevil Noir #1

From Marvel’s solicitations: “For P.I. Foggy Nelson and his loyal assistant Matt Murdock, it all starts when a desperate woman comes to their office with an irresistible story about her and Halloran. To Foggy, she’s a client — to Murdock, she’s enough to make Halloran Daredevil’s next target.” How are you going to turn this $3.99 comic down?

Punisher: Frank Castle #69

Punisher in Philly. What can I say about this terrific arc now that I haven’t said before? Nothing, because you’re picking up this $3.99 comic anyway.

Wolverine: Weapon X #1

Dude, it’s Ron Garney and Jason Aaron. Honestly, these Marvel recommendations are getting easier and easier to write. All I have to do is tell you who the creative team is, and you’ll be buying it. Look, even though it’s yet another Wolverine-centric book, I have a feeling that this one is going to harken back to the days of old when Wolverine really was the best there is at what he does. Don’t miss out on the start of what should be a great story. Grab this book for $3.99.

Wonderful Wizard of Oz #5

I’ve been waiting to see Skottie Young’s take on the Wicked Witch since the series inception, and it looks like this issue’s going to deliver. I’m certainly not missing out on one single panel of this adaptation, and neither should you. Be sure this $3.99 book is on your buy pile before you leave the shop.

Trade Paperback/Hardcover of the Week

Green Arrow: Year One

Andy Diggle and Jock team to bring Oliver Queen’s origin into the 21st century. Diggle, whose name you newcomers might recognize as the writer of Thunderbolts, is a massively underrated creator who is only just now being recognized by a wider audience. Anyway, this limited series from 2007 is one of my favorite Green Arrow stories of the last ten years, and makes a great read for fans of the character and people who aren’t as familar with DC’s emerald archer. Aside from the excellent writing, you get art from Jock. The guy can flat out tell a story, and he does it with less lines than 90% of the artists working today. You’d be doing your comics library a huge favor by picking this up for $14.99.

That’ll do it this week. See you next time.

To find a comic shop near you: 1-888-COMICBOOK