Spike Spiegel
Member
This month's COMICS! OT is (not even remotely) sponsored by the New York Comic Con, filling event halls in Manhattan with sweaty, unwashed masses of humanity from October 13 to 16. Bring soap!
Alright, I'm back behind the wheel so let's get this done. Here are some of the spotlight titles from each publisher for October:
+Avengers: Endless Wartime HC by Warren Ellis and Mike McKone (Oct 2). A menace from Captain America's history has returned, draped in the American flag and terrorizing a small war-torn nation. Meanwhile, a beast from the darkest corner of Thor's past stalks the realm once more, and threatens to uncover the Odinson's greatest shame. They face these old enemies once more, but they are not alone; at their sides is a collection of the mightiest heroes Earth has to offer -- the Avengers! First in a series of original, in-continuity graphic novels by some of the industry’s best talent!
+Infinity #4 & 5 by Jonathan Hickman, Jerome Opena and Dustin Weaver (Oct 9, 23). Marvel’s comic event of 2013 enters the home stretch! In the aftermath of the devastating, Earth-altering events of last issue, the secretive members of the Marvel’s Illuminati confront Thanos while the Mighty Thor brings the fury of the storm to bear upon invading armies. Then, the Avengers rally an unprecedented force against the Mad Titan as the final battle in the war for Earth begins.
+Hawkeye #13 by Matt Fraction and David Aja (Oct 16). After an unexpected delay, everyone’s favorite slovenly, archery-themed hero makes his triumphant return to comic shelves! In the last issue, Clint’s brother Barney rolled into town, got beat up by some Russian bros for spare change, beat up those same Russian bros for spare change, then found a warm welcome waiting in his little brother’s arms. Now the hugs are all done, and Clint and Barney have to deal with being family, WITHOUT killing each other. Easier said than done, right?
+Superior Spider-Man #19 & 20 by Dan Slott, Ryan Stegman and Giuseppe Camuncoli (Oct 16, 23). First comes the conclusion of the Spider-Man 2099 arc “Necessary Evil,” which features what promises to be a world-changing moment not just for our hero but for the entire Marvel Universe. Then comes a new beginning, as the Black Cat has her first run-in with the Superior Spider-Man. Felicia’s always had a thing for the web-garbed hero; but, what happens when the man behind the mask isn’t Peter Parker, but Otto Octavius? This issue promises big, shocking twists that will have everyone talking!
+Cataclysm #0.1 by Joshua Hale Fialkov, Mico Suayan and Leonard Kirk (Oct 23). The end of the Ultimate Marvel begins here! Infused with a terrifying new power after crossing over, the world-eater Galactus stands poised to consume the entire universe, unless the remaining heroes of the Ultimate Universe can stop him. Sensing the approaching catastrophe, the Vision returns to enact a desperate plan to stop Galactus and Gah Lak Tus from devouring all that exists; will her last-ditch efforts prove successful, or is the end... inevitable?
+X-Men: Battle of the Atom #2 by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic (Oct 30). The stunning conclusion to the X-over of 2013 is here! Will the Original Five team be sent back to their own time? What is the true agenda of the future X-Men, and will they succeed in their goals? Who will stay at the Jean Grey School, and who will go? Will the timestream survive these crazy mutants and their antics, or will it irrevocably break? Will one (or possibly more) mutant be irrevocably broken as well? These questions and more will be answered, as Marvel readies 2014 for mutant mayhem!
+Earth 2 #16 by James Robinson and Nicola Scott (Oct 2). Things are looking mighty bleak for the alternate reality dimension of Earth-2. Steppenwolf and his Hunger Dogs have invaded the planet once again, and so far the combined might of Earth's new protectors has been unable to stop him from taking over. Is there any hope left for these heroes, or will the iron fist of Darkseid finally succeed in crushing all who oppose him? Could the key to salvation lie in one who has yet to reveal himself? Don't miss out, on James Robinson's final issue as series writer!
+Forever Evil #2 by Geoff Johns and David Finch (Oct 2). The Justice Leagues are no more, and the world finds itself being crushed under the oppressive heel of the Crime Syndicate! With their mentors gone, do the Teen Titans stand a chance of defeating this brutal regime? ...Probably not; they're getting merked. Also this month: Gotham descends into chaos as the inmates take over in ARKHAM WAR; it's up to Steve Trevor to save the world in A.R.G.U.S.; and, the Flash's menagerie of villains reject Syndicate rule and strike out on their own in ROGUES REBELLION.
+Hinterkind #1 by Ian Edginton and Francesco Trifogli (Oct 2). In the not too distant future, humanity is all but extinguished after "The Blight" descended upon the world and wiped out billions. In the decades following this cataclysmic event, the Earth has been reclaimed by the children of myth and magic known as "the Hinterkind." Now, in one of the few remaining pockets of mankind left, young Prosper Monday must venture beyond the security of her Central Park village in search of her missing grandfather, and will discover just how much the world has changed... and how much its new rulers hate her kind.
+Wonder Woman #24 by Brian Azzarello and Goran Sudzuka (Oct 16). After the shocking events of last issue, Wonder Woman finds her life dramatically altered as a new and unwelcome role has been thrust upon her. But what happens when Diana chooses not to bow to the whims of fate, and to defy the path the gods have chosen for her? Can she reject her newfound status, and what consequences will her rejection hold not only for herself but for the entire world? A (bold) new direction for the Amazon Princess begins here!
+Damian: Son of Batman #1 by Andy Kubert (Oct 30). The story of Damian Wayne, son of the Batman, has come to an unfortunate end. Or... has it? In this possible future tale by one of the fan-favorite character's co-creators, Damian Wayne is forced by tragic events to inherit his dark birthright and become the new Batman of Gotham City. But what events transpired to force him to don the cowl, and will his new role as protector bring salvation to the troubled city, or will it ensure its downfall and destruction?
+The Sandman: Overture #1 by Neil Gaiman and J.H. Williams III (Oct 30). One of the most celebrated, culturally important comic series of all time returns by the original author! Almost two decades after the original series ended, acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman joins forces with award-winning artist JH Williams III to tell the untold story of Morpheus of the Endless and the events leading up to the classic SANDMAN #1. What are the still-kept secrets of the enigmatic Endless family, and which one of them will die in this first issue?
+Lazarus #4 by Greg Rucka and Michael Lark (Oct 02). The first story arc in the new hit series reaches its explosive conclusion! Traveling in the company of a rival family's Lazarus, Forever Carlyle falls victim to an unthinkable betrayal from within her own family. Now, Forever must race home to defend her father no matter the cost, as the Carlyle Twins' schemes against their patriarch begin to take shape.
+Rocket Girl #1 by Brandon Montclare and Amy Reeder (Oct 09). New series! The year is 1986, and Dayoung Johansson is a time-traveling cop sent back from the year 2013 to investigate the activities of the Quintum Mechanics Corporation involving illegal time manipulation. But as she pieces together the clues in her investigation, Dayoung makes a startling discovery -- the timeline she hails from shouldn't exist at all!
+Savage Dragon #192 & 193 by Erik Larsen (Oct 09, 23). After twenty years, countless battles and adventures, a lifetime of triumphs and tragedies, for Dragon it all comes down to this. A long hallway. A lone chair. An electric switch. And an end. But not THE end, as a brand new day dawns with the perfect jumping-on point for new readers, as young Malcolm Dragon takes center stage, tackling high school while attempting to fill the shoes of his formidable father. A new era begins!
+Three #1 by Kieron Gillen and Jordie Bellaire (Oct 9). The ugly side of history is revealed, in this new series from the writer of Phonogram! When a high-ranking member of the Spartan ruling class graces an isolated worker-slave homestead with his presence, his visit ends in an unexpected and brutal massacre. Now three of those Helot slaves are on the run, and hot on their heels is a contingent of 300 of the finest warriors the ancient world has ever known. Can they escape the horrific fate that awaits them, or are they destined to be crushed under the full weight of Spartan society?
+Pretty Deadly #1 by Kelly Sue Deconnick and Emma Rios (Oct 23). Myth and the Old West collide in this brand new series by two of the industry's top female talents! Young Ginny is a gunslinger on the path to retribution, but her tale comes with an added twist: riding on a horse made of smoke, Ginny's face is adorned with skull markings that reveal her true parentage as the daughter of Death itself. Her bloody tale shall be told, in this strange and exciting fusion of magical tales and spaghetti westerns!
+Velvet #1 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting (Oct 23). The creative team behind Captain America and Winter Soldier reunites at Image! Once a renowned secret agent, Velvet Templeton now works from behind a desk as the Personal Assistant to the Director of the Agency. But when the world's greatest spy is murdered on assignment, Velvet finds herself back in the field for the first time in decades, and drawn into an international web of sex, intrigue, murder and action. Can Velvet get to the bottom of this mystery and return to her desk job? And, more importantly, does she want to?
+Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight #1 by Alex de Campi and Chris Peterson (Oct 2). Everybody loves sex and violence, right? Cheap thrills? If you said "yes" then you're in luck, as Dark Horse brings the grindhouse movie mentality to comics starting this month, with over-the-top stories of exploitation and gore! First up is "Bee Vixens from Mars," a sci-fi horror tale in which a gang of horny, extraterrestrial women come to Earth in search of unsuspecting men to lay their eggs inside. Gross! It's up to a one-eyed sherrif's deputy to thwart their plans, and save the men of Earth from a terrible fate. Scary!!!
+The Occultist #1 by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton (Oct 2). The creators of Hack/Slash and Battlepug unite for another tale of the arcane! Rob Bailey was just an ordinary college student until he found a tome of powerful magic spells called The Sword, and was transformed into... the OCCULTIST! Now caught up in a war against underworld forces, Rob finds himself at odds with an evil witch doctor who believes Rob is unworthy of the power he wields. To keep his power, Rob will need to enlist the aid of a Catholic schoolgirl who gets a rush out of death, but will he succeed?
+Elfquest Special: The Final Quest by Wendy and Richard Pini (Oct 9). In physical print for the first time! On the World of Two Moons, the elves have for centuries defended their lands from their enemies, honoring the memory of Chief Cutter and his Wolfriders. But now their way of life is fading, and with a megalomaniacal warlord bent on their extermination standing on the horizon, the future of the elves' continued existence is more uncertain than ever. Can they survive what is to come, or is the time of the elves over at last?
+Shaolin Cowby #1 by Geoff Darrow (Oct 9). Action! Action! ACTION! AAAAAACCCCCCTTTTTIIIIIIIIOOOOONNNNNNN!!! Geof Darrow's classic kung-fu hero returns with all-new adventures! Shaolin Cowboy follows the absurd and outrageous hijinks of a roaming Shaolin monk with a price on his head so large that everyone is eager to collect. That's easier said than done, however, as "Cowboy" happens to be a martial arts master the likes of which you've never seen, with a habit of doing things like wielding a chainsaw bo staff. Yeah, I just typed that. Go look it up, I'll wait. You DO NOT want to mess with this guy.
+Black Beetle: Necrologue #1 by Francesco Francavilla (Oct 23). Francavilla's pulp noir -inspired hero returns for another outing! Somewhere in Colt City, a spree killer is on the loose, and it's up to the Black Beetle to put a stop to his murderous ways. But as the mystery man conducts his invesigation, new questions begin to arise about the masked hero: who is he really, and are his methods and actions justified? Is he a hero for the ages, or a reckless vigilante causing more harm than good?
+Conan and the People of the Black Circle #1 by Fred Van Lente and Ariel Olivetti (Oct 23). A tale of high adventure, by one of the authors of Marvel's Incredible Hercules! In this adaptation of R.E. Howard's "Black Circle" story, Conan leads a tribe of Afghuli warriors against the armies of Vendhya and kidnaps a beautiful Devi to use as ransom. Assassins and intrigue await him, however, as Conan's actions place him squarely in the middle of a plot against the throne of Vendhya by the black sorcerers of Yimsha. It's brutal action and and thrilling escapades as only Cimmeria's most famous son can deliver!
+Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #22 by James Roberts and James Raiz (Oct 9). The Robots In Disguise go "found footage" in this thrilling new adventure! A team of Autobots sets off on a quest to locate the missing Knights of Cyberton, and one of them receives a special request from their leader Rodimus: to film every moment of their mission. What results is an amateur documentary that will alter your perceptions of what being a Transformer is all about. What is Rung's secret? What was Skids doing on Hedonia? Who is the greatest Autobot of all time? These questions and more will be answered!
+My Little Pony 2013 Annual by Ted Anderson, Katie Cook, Tony Fleecs and Andy Price (Oct 16). Things get a little bipedal in the first My Little Pony annual from IDW! Based on this summer's 'MLP: Equestria Girls' motion picture, this issue features Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttyshy and all your favorite characters as you've never seen them before: HUMAN! See what happens in Canterlot (or... CanterNOT?) when these characters stop being adorable little ponies, and start being adorable little girls! ...That's totally not creepy, right?
+Samurai Jack #1 by Jim Zub and Andy Suriano (Oct 23). The Cartoon Network animated hit series returns, in comic form! For four seasons, we watched as the wandering samurai known as "Jack" traveled a dystopian future landscape, battling against the might of the demon wizard Aku in a desperate bid to return to his home in the ancient past. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, Jack learns of an ancient relic called the "Rope of Eons" that may hold the power to restore him to his rightful place in time. Will Jack finally be able to go home, or does disappointment await him once again?
+Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #27 by Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman and Mateus Santolouco (Oct 23). The end of "City Fall" is fast approaching, as the Shredder makes his move to gain control over the entire criminal underworld of New York City with a massive display of force. What better time then, for the Turtles to show up and ruin everything? It's all-out war with the fate of the Big Apple at stake, as chaos ensues and allegiances shift faster than the speeding pizza delivery boy on a deadline! Who lives? Who dies? And who will emerge victorious?
+Zombie War #1 by Kevin Eastman, Tom Skulan and Eric Talbot (Oct 23). Just in time for Halloween, the cult-classic series from TMNT creator Kevin Eastman gets an anniversary reprinting, for the first time in ghoulish color! All across the globe, miliatary cemeteries are digorging their long deceased charges, inexplicably reanimated and looking to feast upon the living. As the living are overwhelmed by the armed forces of the dead, ace fighter pilot Jina takes it upon herself to uncover the reason for this zombie apocalypse, and find a way to end it before everyone is lunch!
+Locke & Key: Alpha #2 by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez (Oct 30). For years, the children of the Locke household have waged a desperate battle against the forces of darkness. Charged with protecting a series of keys imbued with magic powers, to keep them out of the hands of the demonic entities who desire them and through them the means to enter our world, these siblings have endured much suffering in their struggles. But now, those struggles are at an end; for the last time, a key will enter a rusted lock and turn. SERIES FINALE.
+The Shadow NOW #1 by David Liss and Colton Worley (Dynamite, Oct 2). The classic pulp hero is back with a modern twist! Decades ago Lamont Cranston, better known as The Shadow, returned to the Far East to rest and rejuvenate himself. Now he's set to return to a very different New York, and resume his old ways of striking fear into the hearts of his enemies. But what The Shadow doesn't know is that his enemies have been waiting for his return, and they are ready. A bold new era is set to begin in the life of... The Shadow!
+Afterlife with Archie #1 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla (Archie, Oct 9). Most definitely NOT for all ages! Two award-winning creators unite to bring the zombie apocalypse to the happy, quiet town of Riverdale, and nothing will ever be the same again. Will Jughead's craving for hamburgers overcome his craving for human brains? Which girl will Archie choose to eat first, Betty or Veronica? Gruesome terrors await, as the teenage comic classic goes totally undead!
+Archer & Armstrong #14 by Fred Van Lente and Khari Evans (Valiant, Oct 9). A perfect jumping-on point for new readers! For centuries, a coalition of shadowly organizations known as The Sect has secretly asserted its power over the free world, subjugating the masses with no one the wiser. But now the alliance is ending, and soon the entire world will be caught in the backlash of their erupting civil war... that is, unless the heroic duo of Archer & Armstrong can do something to end the chaos. It's really too bad then, that they're on opposing sides... wait, what?
+Imagine Agents #1 by Brian Joines, Bachan, and Khary Randolph (BOOM!, Oct 16). To the rest of us, Dave and Terry have an unusual life; but for them, it's all in a day's work. They're agents of I.M.A.G.I.N.E., charged with keeping your imaginary friends in check. 30-foot tall rock monster becoming too much for his 5-year-old creator to handle? No problem. Giant rag-doll throwing a temper tantrum? Must be Tuesday. But what happens when the routine becomes anything but? What happens when little boy, and his imaginary bear Furdlgurr, decide to change the system? You're about to find out.
+Letter 44 #1 by Charles Soule and Alberto Albuquerque (Oni Press, Oct 16). A new creator-owned series from the author of Swamp Thing and the upcoming She-Hulk! Being President of the United States comes with certain responsibilities, and knowledge of certain events best kept secret from the general public. And for newly elected president Stephen Blades, that last secret held by his predecessor is a doozy: seven years ago, NASA learned that extraterrestrials are real, and they're building something in our solar system's Asteroid Belt! A crew of astronauts was sent out to investigate, and their journey is nearing its end...
+The Fox #1 by Mark Waid and Dean Haspiel (Archie/Red Circle, Oct 30). An Eisner Award winning author and an Emmy Award winning author team up to present a bold new era for Red Circle and Archie Press! Who is The Fox, and what's his story? Who is the "sinister seductress" known as Madame Satan, and what designs does she have on our hero? Why am I asking all of these questions? Because the solicit copy I could find on this comic wasn't very specific. But hey, it's Mark Waid doing pulp hero stuff so you know it's good.
Spoilers. In the age of digital comics, they are increasingly becoming an issue in these threads, as the drive to be first to discuss the week's releases overrides common sense and good posting etiquette. So over the coming weeks and months, the members of Comic GAF will be collaborating on and will eventually be implementing a system of general rules for avoiding spoilers on new comics in the Comics OT thread. But for now, please abide by the temporary guidelines outlined below. And remember, you are being watched and judged by your peers.
1. Discussion of newly released comics that involves specific plot details shall be accompanied at all times by the appropriate use of the
tag function.
2. Direct posting of full-page images from newly released comics using the tags is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
3. Direct posting of images or spoilers from comics that have yet to be released is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
4. Covers, solicitation copy, and/or promotional materials shall not be considered spoilers and are allowed, unless their content involves specific plot details; in those cases, outgoing links with spoiler warnings should be used.
5. The unmarked posting of spoilers related to comics will be allowed after a period of one week (Wednesday to Wednesday) from that comic's release.[/b] ([u]NOTE:[/u] Longer? -Spike)
[b]6. Members of Comic GAF are expected at all times to exercise common sense and polite discretion as a matter of courtesy to fellow posters. I know, tough one.
7. If you are unsure of whether or not posting something would constitute a spoiler, err on the side of caution and use the [SPOILER] tags.[/b]
In short, don't be Stephanie Brown. Don't be... The Spoiler. For one thing, [b]you're[/b] not that loveable. >:|
Happy reading!
2. Direct posting of full-page images from newly released comics using the tags is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
3. Direct posting of images or spoilers from comics that have yet to be released is strictly prohibited, and outgoing links to such should be accompanied by the appropriate spoiler warnings.
4. Covers, solicitation copy, and/or promotional materials shall not be considered spoilers and are allowed, unless their content involves specific plot details; in those cases, outgoing links with spoiler warnings should be used.
5. The unmarked posting of spoilers related to comics will be allowed after a period of one week (Wednesday to Wednesday) from that comic's release.[/b] ([u]NOTE:[/u] Longer? -Spike)
[b]6. Members of Comic GAF are expected at all times to exercise common sense and polite discretion as a matter of courtesy to fellow posters. I know, tough one.
7. If you are unsure of whether or not posting something would constitute a spoiler, err on the side of caution and use the [SPOILER] tags.[/b]
In short, don't be Stephanie Brown. Don't be... The Spoiler. For one thing, [b]you're[/b] not that loveable. >:|
Happy reading!
