There was a healthy amount of books released this week which is always great for comic fans. There were many that stand out from the rest of the pack but I don’t read everything. Even if I had the time to read everything, not every book is something I want to read. With that being said, there were some books released this week I’m reconsidering picking up because of the creative team or just because I saw a cover and felt like I’d been missing out. One book that meets those criteria starts us off this week.
“Fantastic Four” was renumbered as part of the often retyped Marvel NOW! Initiative and given a new creative team in Matt Fraction. I was reading Jonathan Hickman’s previous helm of “Fantastic Four” when he introduced the Future Foundation in “FF” and not only was it one of the best Fantastic Four stories I’ve ever read, it was one of the best comic book stories I’ve read. According to the bot I trust the most when it comes to comics Androidika, Fraction continued that level of fun and family with this series. Unfortunately the title has come to an end with this issue, number 16, but fortunately it’s the perfect time for me to borrow the entire run from Androidika (aka @MrMiah on Twitter).
“Secret Avengers” issue 4 is another book with an amazing cover I’ve never read. Butch Guice has a made a cool mix between a puzzle and a Shield file folder come alive with a contrasting color scheme. I’m going to guess Mockingbird plays a role in this book but I’m not sure. All I can say for certain is, “wow”.
Charles Soule has been the writer with the most to watch at this point in 2014. If you aren’t reading his creator owned title from Oni Press “Letter 44”, you are missing out on some of the best storytelling anywhere. His work for DC Comics on this book, “Superman Wonder Woman” is just as compelling. Pick this one up and “Swamp Thing: if you like great stories. The art isn’t bad either, as evidenced by the cover by Tony S. Daniel below.
The cover to “Ghosted” is just as good as the story inside. I’m not a huge horror fan but my wife is. She isn’t always into the same kinds of stories as I am but by reaching across the genre aisle I’ve been able to expand her taste as well as my own. The last story arc of “Ghosted” was fantastic. A master thief is hired to steal a ghost from a haunted house. If that last sentence doesn’t have you lining up for a ticket, the cover below should.
OK, so “Miracleman” isn’t my favorite thing this week but the variant cover by Skottie Young is. I’m new to the Miracleman character and story. I know that dates me as a bit younger but it’s not for lack of wanting to read the story, it has been hard to find if you weren’t of the age to pick it up yourself back in the 80’s. Thankfully Marvel has brought it back; so, if you’re like me and you’ve wanted to read this historical piece of comic book literature that’s often compared to Alan Moore’s “Watchmen”, go pick it up from your local comic book shop or get it digitally now.
As for my favorite moments in panels this week I’ll start off with one I found a little funny because of the art and then lead you into one I found funny because it’s legitimately funny. The one that looks funny is in a DC book I just can’t find a reason to stop reading. “World’s Finest” has been fun storytelling. It’s not compelling and it’s not necessary to understand the DC Universe but I like it. I’ve liked the art and even though I’m not a fan of “The Window” I didn’t really like Powergirl’s New 52 costume so it was nice to see her old come back. In this situation though, I think “The Window” was left open. I’m not anatomist, but Powergirl appears to have literally fallen out “The Window” in this panel. I assure you the image is still safe for work but the image will still confuse the eyes for just a second.
“Rat Queens” is competing with the other funny book in my hold for “funniest book in Mark’s hold”. I am loving this book nearly as much as I love “Quantum and Woody”. I wouldn’t visit a plasma clinic for “Rat Queens” but I’d post a Gofund me campaign for it.
This last set of panels and final favorite moment this week is why I love “Daredevil” so much. It’s 50% Chris Samnee and 50% Mark Waid on display. They sure do know how to tell a story and the fact that each one’s contribution tells half the story in a perfectly paired package is why they’re both credited as storytellers and not “writer and artist”. The moment is real between Matt and Electra. The dialogue is snappy, the scenery is spot on, Daredevil looks like a bad ass and Electra looks stunning.
That’s it for this week. If you’re new to the party and want more, here is a link to last week’s “Five and Three” and another link here to a special Batman edition of “Five and Three”. If you’re interested in talking about the moments I missed or if you agree with me so much you just have to let the Internets know about it, feel free to comment below or reach me on Twitter @MarkAvo. Zendobot out!