Scott and Dan pick the comics they’re most looking forward to this week …
—
Dan Greenfield, editor, 13th Dimension
Batman #22, DC. The Button is the story every DC fan should be reading right now, whether you’re a Batman or Flash fan, or not. Big, Multiverse-y things are happening here, which is pretty much what DC promised. Last issue, we got a major revelation/tease about the nature of the main DC Earth (and you can read about that here). Part 3 of this 4-parter is co-written by Joshua Williamson (who scripted) and Tom King, with art by Jason Fabok and colors by Brad Anderson.
—
The Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: The Goblin’s Last Stand TPB, Marvel. I have been waiting for this one for a long time. (I missed out on the now-too-expensive Marvel Masterworks.) Reprinting Issues #105-123, this paperback collects some of the greatest Spider-Man stories ever. As in, ever. Just look at those cover credits: Stan Lee, Gerry Conway, John Romita, Gil Kane. Excelsior! SPOILER ALERT: Gwen Stacy dies at the end. So does the Green Goblin.
—
Nightwing #20, DC. It’s the finale of Dr. Hurt’s return, which is kind of too bad because this means Nightwing and Robin’s team-up — by Tim Seeley, Javier Fernandez and Chris Sotomayor — is about to come to an end. Dear DC: A Nightwing and Robin ongoing is something a lot of people would read. (For a SNEAK PREVIEW, click here.)
—
Secret Empire #1, Marvel. Here’s the unfortunate thing about Secret Empire, by Nick Spencer, Steve McNiven and Jay Leisten: We know how it will turn out. Unless you’re completely delusional — which, evidently, far too many fans are — we know that when all is said and done, Captain America will be back to normal. Marvel has even said so. That makes the storytelling here even more difficult than usual. Most Big Two comics are about the journey anyway, but event comics are alleged to promise more. Anyway, I’m curious enough after Secret Empire #0 to keep going, an issue at a time.
—
Underdog #1, American Mythology. Ask me to do my Underdog impression one of these days. Batton Lash and Adrian Ropp take on Loveable Shoeshine Boy’s new adventures and I can’t wait. There are many covers to choose from too. I’m not sure whether to get the Action Comics #1 version or the one with Overcat. (“Stupids!”)
—
Scott Tipton, co-owner, Blastoff Comics, North Hollywood, Calif.
The Amazing Spider-Man Epic Collection: The Goblin’s Last Stand TPB, Marvel. The Spidey storyline that changed the character forever! Sure, everyone’s read The Death of Gwen Stacy, but you really need to read the issues leading up to it to really appreciate how shocking it was.
—
Star Trek Graphic Novel Collection #4 — Spock: Reflections, Eaglemoss. Another of my earlier books brought back into print by the good folks at Eaglemoss. I like this one a lot, with us providing various glimpses into Spock’s life, and providing a nice tribute to another legendary character as well.
—
Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout! #1, Marvel. A comic based on the new Guardians ride at Disneyland? All right, you got me. By Christopher Hastings and Tigh Walker.
—
Champions Vol. 1: Change the World TPB, Marvel. The first collection of Waid and Ramos’ kid-hero book. This is really fun stuff.
