Mark Waid’s back. Dude likes Image. And Batman. What does everyone else say?Mark Waid, Alter Ego Comics, Muncie, Ind.
Batman ’66 #6, DC. The comic I pretty much live for. Christy Blanch has strict instructions to add the print issues to my stash of things to be buried with, along with an iPad and an up-to-date Comixology subscription just in case they don’t have comics shops in Heaven. Oh, who am I fooling? How could it be Heaven without a comics shop? (Note 1: You’re assuming a lot about your destination point — Christy.) (Note 2: Want a fancy preview? Click here. — Dan G.)
Black Science #2, Image. Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera on fire. Figuratively speaking. Weird adventure, super-imaginative concepts and a lead character I eagerly want to follow.
Pretty Deadly #3, Image. People in our store love this comic — our customers and our skeleton-crew staff alike. It’s not a breezy read, but it’s rewarding. And it crackles with energy. From Kelly Sue DeConnick and Emma Rios.
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Menachem Luchins, owner, Escape Pod Comics, Huntington, L.I.
Ghost #1, Dark Horse. Last year, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Phil Noto brought back the ’90s cheesecake superhero Ghost as a wonderful little series in Dark Horse Presents (best anthology out there folks — buy it!). The story — which took a character more known for her back page pin-ups and made her, if you’ll pardon the expression, breathe — was a delight. I wasn’t the only one who thought so, apparently, as DeConnick and Noto went on to put out a really fun miniseries continuing the tale. Now Ghost is back once again in an ongoing series and though Noto isn’t on the art detail, Ryan Sook’s work on the title looks awesome. Check it out!
My Little Pony Micro-Series #10, featuring Luna, IDW. Katie Cook and Andy Price have done a wonderful job of translating the world of MLP onto the comic page in the regular ongoing My Little Pony book. The Micro-Series, a miniseries that offers single issue stories devoted to individual characters from the show, meanwhile, has been a real hit or miss prospect at times. But here we get Cook and Price themselves tackling one of the most interesting characters on the show, Princess Luna, the dark and serious sister of Equestria’s ruler Celestia. Call me a brony if you want, but I’m looking forward to this book almost as much as my daughters are. PARENTS: AT $3.99 FOR A COMPLETE STORY, THIS BOOK MAKES A GREAT STOCKING STUFFER!
Locke & Key: Alpha #2, IDW. If this doesn’t appear in almost everyone’s Hot Picks list here, I’ll be a bit stunned. Summary: Locke & Key, last issue, awesome series, Joe Hill is a genius, Gabriel Rodriquez is a master, etc, etc. I want to talk about the variant covers and pricing and all that jazz. The books is being released with SEVEN variant covers and TWO incentive covers. There’s also a box set that includes all the variants but none of the incentives. Personally, when you get work by Bernie Wrightson, Dave Sim, Bill Sienkiewicz, Mike Kaluta and other legends I say TAKE ‘EM ALL but the price on the book ($7.99 for the issue, $49.99 for the boxed set) could give you pause. My pick, of course, is the Sim one. Just … sigh, so nice.
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Aimee LoSecco, JHU Comic Books, Manhattan
Lisa Simpson #1, Bongo Comics. It’s finally here. The latest in the Simpsons Comics one-shots devoted to a single character. Gail Simone is writing, so this should be epic.
The Wake, Part 1, Vertigo. Did you miss any parts of this book or were waiting for it to be collected? Perfect timing. Get the first half of the story for $9.99. Catch up now because the second half is going to blow your mind.
Daryl Dixon 10-inch figure, McFarlane Toys. Have you seen this thing? It’s a tiny Norman Reedus. Dead on b@#%s accurate. He’ll remind you to zombie-proof your home. And your lady will dig it too. Ladies love Daryl. It’s win-win!
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Ted Alexander, manager, Midtown Comics’ Downtown location, Manhattan
Saga #17, Image. That comic that seems to be hitting on all cylinders with it’s amazing art by Fiona Staples and just as great words by Brian K. Vaughan is a must buy every week that it is on the list. Saga does all the correct things a great comic should do.
All-New X-Men #20, Marvel. It looks like the original time-traveled team will get their Wolverine — X-23, which I think is perfect because she’s the same age as the others here. Could that be Cyclops she’s kissing on the cover? Great for him. It must suck to see the woman you love being courted by the other men on your team.
