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What to Watch for Wednesday
For comics shipping 09.02.09 or The Week All The Brats Went Back To Class. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.
DARK HORSE COMICS
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #28 – $2.99
Buffy and the gang are hanging out in Tibet with a meditative Oz trying to learn to rid themselves of the magic that makes them so easy to track by their enemies. Of course, there are some objectors among the bunch. Question is, when push comes to shove, can Buffy and the gang survive without it? If you’ve been reading Season 8, there’s no reason to stop now. If you haven’t, shame on you. It’s time to catch up, don’t you think?
DC COMICS
Greek Street #3 – $2.99
This book is so fucked up, so chock full of detail on every page, so bad-ass, you might not be able to take it. Milligan’s modernization of Greek mythology takes a lot out of you. There are a ton of things to comprehend on each and every page. Sure, I’m not as well versed in the ancient stories as some, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy this well-crafted book. Davide Gianfelice’s art is simply something to behold, and I’m very interested in seeing where this great murder mystery is leading. You should be too.
Northlanders #20 – $2.99
It’s been just about a year since we’ve last read about Sven, The Returned. For Sven, it’s been decades. Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice (dude sure is busy) reunite to continue the tale of Sven, who this time will encounter a group of mercenaries who have heard about the legend, and wonder if the man lives up to it. There are very few books that I truly cannot wait for the next issue of. Northlanders is one of those books. I only wish more people were reading it so I wouldn’t have to worry about it getting canceled every month.
Wednesday Comics #9 – $3.99
Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Connor’s Supergirl story is one of the main reason’s this weekly adventure is worth checking out every time it’s on stands. That story, along with tales by Neil Gaiman and Mike Allred (Metamorpho), Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso (Batman), and David Gibbons and Ryan Sook (Kamandi), make the $3.99 price tag seem fair. Though there are a few stories I’ve grown tired of in 8 short weeks, the bulk of Wednesday Comics should be required reading for fans of all types.
MARVEL COMICS
Incognito #6 – $3.99
Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ super-villain crime romp comes to an end this week, and it’s a bit bittersweet. On one hand, this book ending means that the duo’s crime comic, Criminal, will relaunch very shortly. On the other, it’s the last time we’re likely to see any of the insanely great characters this book introduced us to. You telling me you’re not curious to read the further adventures of Zoe Zeppelin? Yeah, I thought so. Don’t miss the conclusion to one of the best creator-owned books on shelves.
Invincible Iron Man #17 – $2.99
I’m not so sure things can get much worse for Tony. The man is rapidly losing cognitive function, and the wear and tear of erasing his brain is starting to catch up with him. Hopefully he’s got enough time to finish what he started before Norman Osborn gets a hold of him. If not, the entire Marvel Universe could be in peril.
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man #2 – $3.99
I honestly had no problem when Stuart Immonen replaced the indefatigable Mark Bagley on the original run of this book. Stuart made the transition nearly seamlessly, and the book was even stronger (if that’s possible) with him on board. When word of a relaunch started making the rounds, and that the artist would be hot newcomer David LaFuente, I was a bit worried. I knew LaFuente had chops, but he was following two of the most reliable and solid storytellers working today. Thankfully, his first issue completely rocked. His characters give new breath to Brian Bendis’ scripts, and even though they’re instantly recognizable, LaFuente’s style still shows through. I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.
Trade Paperback/Hardcover of the Week
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – $29.99
Skottie Young and Eric Shanower’s adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless classic was one of the best comics I’ve read in years. I don’t usually go for stories like this, but Young’s art alone piqued my interest in the book. Shanower’s strong plotting made the complete package a great read. As good as Shanower’s adapting skills were, the real star of the show here is Skottie Young. His renditions of the classic Oz characters are a delight, and every panel is just bursting with the love and excitement the man clearly had for the project. This winter, the two return adapting Marvelous Land of Oz. You’re not going to want to miss that either. Get reacquainted with a classic this week by picking up this hardcover.
That’ll wrap up this week. See you next time.
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