Make a Solicit Check - Best of June 2017 Comics Solicitations

There are many comics coming out every month, it’s easy to lose track of promising new releases. That’s why we here at Critical Writ have started "Make a Solicit Check" — a monthly column devoted to the most interesting announcements.

This month: non-compliant ladies, ice-controlling superheroes and Lovecraftian eldritch monstrosities from beyond time.

10. Hush, Little Baby

Babyteeth #1 - Donny Cates, Garry Brown (Aftershock)

Oh, this one can go really good or horribly wrong. Thus far, Donny Cates had a winning string with Buzzkill, Paybacks, the amazing God Country and the upcoming Redneck; taking the fantastic and looking at it through a more human lens. For instance, God Country is Thor/Kirby's New Gods from the perspective of a family taking care of a member suffering from Alzheimer's, now cured thanks to a Mjolnir-like magic weapon.

This, though, will require more from Cates particularly; it's a Rosemary's Baby-style horror, told from the perspective of a pregnant teenage girl, whose baby will be the Antichrist. This type of horror can be already exploitative of fears and anxieties related to pregnancy, and taking an underage mother's perspective can turn it into a interesting story — or make it even more exploitative, depending on how it is written. Fingers crossed that Cates manages to make it work.

9. One Flew Under the Cuckoo's Nest

The Unsound #1 - Cullen Bunn, Jack T. Cole (Boom! Studios)

Cullen Bunn's Marvel output is mixed, but his creator-owned stuff, especially of the horror genre like Harrow County is top notch. This time, he's trying his hand at a horror set in a psychiatric hospital, which could turn out interesting, or tread old grounds by demonizing people suffering from mental illness. Our protagonist, Ashli, starts her new job in one of the aforementioned hospitals, only to find a new, darker world set in its bowels. I'll say this: even if the writing turns out to be disappointing, at least the art is going to be amazing. Just look at this cover.

8. Ice, Ice, Baby*

Iceman #1-2 - Sina Grace, Alessandro Vitti (Marvel)

The reveal that Bobby Drake of the X-Men is gay was met with trepidation. On the one hand, yay for increased diversity in mainstream comics! On the other hand, the handling of the reveal is commonly considered to be awkward, making the person responsible for the reveal –Jean Grey– look invasive and unconcerned with the privacy of Bobby's thoughts. There's also the fact that Iceman's had a sizable list of female love interests, so identifying him as gay is a bit weird when other orientations like bi or pan seem more fitting. Regardless, it's a new world for Bobby Drake, with his first ongoing solo ever. Sadly, yet in line with Marvel's other picks for RessurrXion (ugh), it will not be written by a gay man (or even a bi or pan one), but a straight man. Of course. Let's hope it's at least enjoyable enough.

*Oh like you wouldn't have done that yourselves.

7. It's Not Easy Being Dead

September Mourning, Vol. 1 - Mariah McCourt, Emily Lazar, Sumeyye Kesgin (Image)

So here's a weird thing: generally the word "volume" is reserved for collected editions and graphic novels that are part of a series. Even Scott Snyder and Jeff Lemire's A.D.: After Death, despite each of its three parts being extensively longer than a regular issue, refers to each of them as an issue. So this new series, using the word "volume," should be a graphic novel and thus noticeably more expensive, right? Except it's only twice as long as a regular issue and it costs only a dollar more than any other new Image series.

In any case, the series sounds pretty interesting. Created by an all-female team, it'll tell the story of an amnesiac girl turned into a human/grim reaper hybrid by a former Reaper of the lonely, injured and abused. Left in charge of the souls of the "worthless", she aides them in remembering and finishing the last thing they left undone in their lives.

September Mourning, Vol. 1 is set to be released on June 14.

6. Heartbreak Hotel

Heartthrob Season 2 #1 - Christopher Sebela, Robert Wilson IV (Oni Press)

I really like Oni Press's seasonal model of releasing its original comics; on the one hand, it allows creators to test the waters, to see if readers like the concept. It allows them to release shorter and easier to produce regularly stories, with breaks between seasons allowing them a manageable production schedule. On the other, readers get a chance to test new stories from new creative minds and see if they can provide a satisfying payoff without needing to invest in a long-running title that can go off the rails before reaching the destination that might not even be worth the journey. Everybody wins.

Heartthrob is proof it works. Its first season, released in 2016, told the story of Callie Boudreau, a terminally ill woman saved by a heart transplant (at the time when this procedure was revolutionary), who discovered that along with a stranger's organ she also got his soul in the deal, sharing her mind. What followed was a story of love, crime, Fleetwood Mac and the eventual breakup. Now Callie's in hiding from the FBI in Canada, trying to live a normal life. Except Mercer is still inside her mind, waiting for his chance at payback.

Heartthrob Season 2 #1 will be released on June 7.

5. Fghtan! Fghtan! All-Ages Fghtan!

Calla Cthulhu - Evan Dorkin, Sarah Dyer, Erin Humiston (Dark Horse)

H.P. Lovecraft is a touchy subject in the sci-fi/fantasy/horror fandom. On the one hand, he create possibly the world's first and most enduring modern mythology that influenced many works in ways big or small. On the other... the guy was a horrible racist prick with questionable writing skills. Luckily, you don't have to enjoy him or his work to enjoy anything influenced by it, including this all-ages comic. Calla Cthulhu (quality pun) is a regular teenage girl except for the fact that in her veins runs the blood of the Great Old Ones. When others take summer jobs at McDonald's, she has to battle otherworldly threats, like her uncle, the King in Yellow. And this time, she also has to stop a terrifying Dread Dead One from awakening in the ruins of R'yleh. Written by Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden) and children's author Sarah Dyer, it's promising to be a fun read, with a subtle smattering of scares.

Given that it's an advance solicit, you'll have to wait until August 16 to read it.

4. Lon the Professional

Beautiful Canvas #1 - Ryan Lindsay, Sami Kivela (Black Mask Studios)

I love how exciting and unpredictable Black Mask's output is. This time, we have a story of a hitwoman named Lon Eisley, hired to kill a little boy—only a few days after finding out her girlfriend is pregnant. She spares the kid and together they hit the road across the dystopian world, which sounds like it's influenced by the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas aesthetic.

3. Heroes We Need

Secret Weapons #1 (of 4) - Eric Heisserer, Raúl Allén, Patricia Martin (Valiant)

I honestly feel bad for not covering Valiant often enough in those columns. This indie superhero publisher has built itself a nice niche, and I can only compliment its release strategy. Knowing full well it isn't as big a fish as either of the Big Two, Valiant doesn't overstretch its capabilities, only releasing generally about a dozen titles (ongoings and miniseries) and primarily investing in quality by hiring talents like Matt Kindt, Jeff Lemire, Fred Van Lente and Jody Hoser.

Sadly, few releases means not every character gets their chance to shine. And out of all its characters, few have been as underutilized as Livewire. This African American female technopath has been part of the universe since its reboot in 2011, and a key member of Unity; the publisher's Avengers/Justice League equivalent. Well, in June she'll finally get her chance to shine. Written by the screenwriter behind the Oscar-nominated Arrival and upcoming Valiant superhero movies (Harbinger and Bloodshot), this comic will see Livewire build her own team from people ignored by the universe's greatest villain, Toyo Harada, in his quest to build an army that would turn his vision of a utopia into reality. Where he saw disappointments, she sees talent that can be utilized. Secret weapons, if you will.

Secret Weapons #1 will be released on June 28.

2. The B Is Back

Bitch Planet: Triple Feature #1 - Cheryl Lynn Eaton, Andrew Aydin, Conley Lyons, Maria Fröhlich, Joanna Estep (Image)

There hasn't been a new Bitch Planet issue for a while now, and the store shelves are poorer for its absence. To make up for it, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentino DeLandro are bringing a special anthology special issue for this feminist sci-fi satire comic. Written and drawn by creators hand-picked by DeConnick and DeLandro, the three stories featured promise to provide us with the series' trademark revolutionary rage and biting criticism of real life patriarchy. This series has been deeply missed, so it's fantastic to see it return with a bang.

Bitch Planet: Triple Feature #1 is set to be released on June 14.

1. It's Just Another Freaky Friday

Crosswind #1 - Gail Simone, Cat Staggs (Image)

She may be taking a break from mainstream comics, her hit Vertigo horror series may be on hiatus, and her all-ages Wonderfalls book may be still in development, but there's still one title by comics queen Gail Simone to look forward to. Announced in late 2015, her ongoing  that mixes body-swapping and mob stories will finally see the light of day. Ever since her exclusivity contract with DC ended, Gail has been on a roll, releasing quality series one after another, so this especially worth looking forward to.

Crosswind #1 is set to be realeased on June 21.

TRADE-SPOTTING - JUNE 2017 EDITION

(NOTE: many of the below trade solicits are advance solicits and won’t be released until August or later.)

Boom! Studios: Mega Princess (August); Namesake (August); SLAM! Vol. 1 (August)

Dark Horse: Dead Inside Vol. 1 (August 2)

DC Comics:  Clean Room. Vol. 3: Waiting for the Stars to Fall (July 12); Deathstroke. Vol. 2: Gospel of Slade (July 5); Frostbite (July 26); Midnighter and Apollo (July 19); Mother Panic. Vol. 1: A Work in Progress (July 26); Shade, the Changing Girl. Vol. 1: Earth Girl Made Easy (July 12)

Image Comics: Descender. Vol. 4: Orbital Mechanics (June 21); Monstress Vol. 2 (June 21); The Wicked + The Divine. Vol. 5: Imperial Phase (I) (June 7)

Marvel: Ghost Rider. Vol. 1: Four on the Floor; Hulk. Vol. 1: Deconstructed (July 12); Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Vol. 3: The Smartest There Is; Ms. Marvel. Vol. 7: Damage Per Second (July 19); Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat! Vol. 3: Careless Whisker(s) (July 19); The Totally Awesome Hulk. Vol. 3: Big Apple Showdown (July 12); U.S.Avengers. Vol. 1: American Intelligence Mechanics (July 19)

Oni Press: Angel City: Town without Pity (August 16)

Dominik Zine is a nerdy demisexual lad from northeastern Poland and is generally found in a comfy chair with a book in hand.

Make a Solicit Check - Best of April 2017 Comics Solicitations

There are many comics coming out every month, it’s easy to lose track of promising new releases. That’s why we here at Critical Writ have started "Make a Solicit Check" — a monthly column devoted to the most interesting announcements.

This month: part-time female Grim Reapers, elements-bending bisexuals and deity crafters.

10. Phase One of (Ugh) RessurXion

X-Men Blue #1-2 - Cullen Bunn, Jorge Molina, Matteo Buffagni (Marvel)

X-Men Gold #1-2 - Marc Guggenheim, Ardian Syaf (Marvel)

Weapon X #1-2 - Greg Pak, Greg Land (Marvel)

Royals #1-2 - Al Ewing, Jonboy Meyers (Marvel)

On the one hand, it’s good that Marvel is finally invested in an expansion of the (thus far) sidelined lineup. It’s been a bad year for the X-Men fans, whose favorite titles fell into a slump with an increased focus in favor of the Inhumans, with only Wolverine being really good.

On the other hand… Marvel takes one of its most popular teams (and famously a stand-in for many marginalized real-life groups, from the Black community to the LGBTQIAP* community) and puts two middle aged white dudes in charge of two of the main series. And when it actually give one of the other books an Asian American writer, you saddle him with Greg Land, a.k.a. Mr "Traces Everything From Magazines So Everything Looks Fake And The Characters Shift Their Facial Features Every Goddamn Panel."

X-Men Blue #1-2, which features the time-displaced original five X-Men (what are they still doing in modern day?!) under the tutelage of Magneto (look, just give Bunn a new Magneto ongoing, Marvel - stop looking for excuses), is set to be released on April 12 and April 26.

X-Men Gold #1-2, which features some of the most popular X-Men under the leadership of Kitty Pryde, is set to be released on April 5 and April 19.

Weapon X #1-2, which will explore the resurgence of the infamous project, bent on hunting down its most famous results like Old Man Logan, Sabretooth and Lady Deathstrike, is set to be released on April 12 and April 26.

Royals #1-2, which will feature a group of Inhumans under the leadership of Medusa going into space with Noh-Var, a.k.a. Marvel Boy, in search of their roots (and Ewing saddled with another subpar artist after Land on Mighty Avengers and Sandoval on New Avengers), is set to be released on April 5 and April 19.

9. Dream Bigger

Black Cloud #1 - Ivan Brandon, Jason Latour, Greg Hinkle (Image Comics)

Zelda comes from a world of dream - and now she's on the run in ours, with broken dreams in her hands. But when the rich and powerful get interested in them, she'll have to fight back to stay alive. Written by Ivan Brandon (Drifter) and Jason Latour (Southern Bastards, Spider-Gwen) and drawn by Greg Hinkle (The Rattler) and Matt Wilson, this oneiric new series is set to be released on April 5.

8. Make Your Own Deity

Godshaper #1 - Simon Spurrier, Jason Goonface (Boom! Studios)

The Eisner Award-nominated fantastic writer Simon Spurrier is starting a new series for Boom, the company where he publishes most of his creator-owned series. This time he's taking us to a world where every human has their own deity — except for people like Ennay. He's one of the titular Godshapers, godless social pariahs with the ability to mold the gods of others. He travels with a god without a human named Bud, looking for food, shelter and the next rock'n'roll gig.

7. Aftershock Rising

Eleanor & the Egret #1 - John Layman, Sam Kieth (Aftershock)

World Reader #1 - Jeff Loveness, Juan Doe (Aftershock)

Like I said previously, Aftershock Comics output is a little hit or miss. However, in April they're launching two new series that seem like they belong firmly in the former category. Eleanor & the Egret is the tale of an investigation into an art theft in fin de siecle Paris, where the only clue is a single white feather, which could belong to the thief. Or maybe her talking egret sidekick. The comic comes from writer John Layman, who recently wrapped up his 60-issue Image series Chew and artist Sam Kieth (The Sandman). Though fair warning, Chew has featured offensive portrayals of background trans women courtesy of the series co-creator Ray Dillory which Layman likely signed off on, so I'll leave it up to you to decide whether you want to support this series.

The other new ongoing is World Reader from The Jimmy Kimmel Show writer Jeff Loveness, who penned the 2015 Marvel miniseries Groot and is currently writing Nova for said publisher. With artist Juan Doe (Animosity: The Rise) he's bringing the story of Sarah, an astronaut with the ability to talk to ghosts of dead worlds, on her quest to find what is killing the universe before it kills Earth as well. Having to deal with her maintaining her crew's trust and her own sanity, and fighting Death itself, Sarah has her work cut out for her.

6. Archie's Not Throwing Away Its (One-)Shot

Big Moose One-Shot - Sean Ryan, Ryan Cady, Gorf, Thomas Pitilli, Cory Smith, Wilfredo Torres (Archie)

Little Sabrina One-Shot - Art Baltazar, Franco (Archie)

Continuing March's slew of one one-shots, the company behind Archie Comics has announced two new one-shots for April. The first one is another one under the "Little" heading, featuring the adventures of a very young Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Or, Little Kid Witch, in this case. The second one-shot will be focused on "Big" Moose. As much as I like the "Little" stories for their humor and generally cheerful tone, I'm more excited for the newest addition to the "New Riverdale" lineup. Moose has undergone a surprising amount of character development over the years, including a story arc where he discovered that he had dyslexia. I don't know if the new story will cover any of that, but I'm excited to find out. (Zachary)

5. Everyday Superhero

The Adventures of Superhero Girl (Expanded Edition) - Faith Erin Hicks (Dark Horse)

Like it or not, superheroes comics are the biggest genre in the industry, and while the Big Two publish most of them, both smaller publishers and individual creators release their original superhero stories every month. Those can be both darker and more lighthearted than Marvel/DC output - and Faith Erin Hicks's (The Nameless City) The Adventures of Superhero Girl belongs to the latter. It was originally published in The Cost and released in its entirety online. This comic aimed at younger readers tells a story of a young heroine who can leap tall buildings in a single bound and punch huge monsters with her bare hands, but has to buy second-hand capes and has a weakness for kitties. This reprint of the 2013 collected edition will be fully colored and feature two new stories and art by such great creators like Tyler Crook, Jake Wyatt and Paulina Ganucheau.

Given that it's an advance solicit, you'll have to wait until June 14 to read this comic.

4. The Reaper Is A Part-Timer

Kim Reaper #1 - Sarah Graley

Like practically all American university students, Kim has to work a part-time job.  The twist is that hers is guiding deceased souls into the afterlife. But everything goes to hell* after her fellow student Becka finally gathers the courage to ask her out on a date, unaware that her crush is an angel of death. This sets off a chain of events that will set them against such diverse threats like vengeful cat-dads, zombies and the underworld itself.

The comic will be out on April 5.

*I regret nothing!

3. The End Is Nigh

Clean Room #18 - Gail Simone, Walter Geovani (DC/Vertigo)

I know I seem like a broken record, but I can't help it — the decline of DC's Vertigo imprint remains one of the publisher's biggest crimes. But even in those dire times there are a few good comics coming out of Vertigo. Sadly after April there's going one less them, at least for a while. Gail Simone's amazing horror series Clean Room imagines a world where a cultish organization, resembling the Church of Scientology in its structure, is Earth's only line of defense against psychopathic entities imprisoned by their compatriots in our orbit. And now it's reaching its season finale. It's hard to tell when /Clean Room/ returns, but rest assured, you'll find out in this column.

Clean Room #18 will be out on April 26.

Also ending on that same day, by the way, is Jeff Parker and Evan Shaner's Future Quest, a mega-crossover of Hanna Barbera's science-fiction cartoon series.

2. The Panther Thrives

Black Panther: The Crew #1 - Ta-Nehisi Coates, Yona Harvey, Butch Guice 

Ta-Nehisi Coates's run on the Black Panther has been an unquestionable success. The series, originally intended to run for 11 issues, took advantage of the MacArthur genius's knowledge of politics and sociology and explored the nature of government through an Afrofuturist lense. Now it's been extended to a 24 issue run (and Coates apparently has story ideas for up to 60 total), with a new storyline starting in April, set to explore the relationship between Wakandan state and its religion. But there's more to Black Panther than the main series a spin-off series World of Wakanda started in November, exploring the backstories of the comic's supporting characters, the Midnight Angels, and now it's going to be joined by The Crew. The original short-lived series by Christopher Priest (author of thus far the definitive run on the Wakandan hero) intended to showcase Marvel's less known characters like Kasper Cole (Panther's apprentice - who coincidentally is also getting his own one-shot/story arc in April's Black Panther: World of Wakanda), led by the late James "Rhodey" Rhodes, a.ka. War Machine. This version of the team is much more high profile, joining together the Panther, Luke Cage, Misty Knight, Storm of the X-Men and Manifold, and is set to explore modern day issues that are the focus of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Black Panther: The Crew #1 is set to be released on April 12.

1. About Damn Time

The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars Part One - Michael Dante DiMartino, Irene Koh (Dark Horse)

If it feels like it's been years since we last saw Korra and her Team Avatar, it's because it has. Since the series finale in December 2014 we haven't had any new content set in Korra's timeline — until now. Series co-creator Michael Dante DiMartino and artist Irene Koh (Secret Origins: Batgirl, Afrina and the Glass Coffin) bring us this long-awaited official continuation. After their spirit world honeymoon, Korra and Asami return to Republic City to find it in peril from greedy entrepreneurs and triad turf wars.

Given that it's an advance solicit, you'll have to wait until June 7 to read this comic

TRADE-SPOTTING - APRIL 2017 EDITION

(NOTE: many of the below trade solicits are advance solicits and won’t be released until May or later.)

Archie Comics

• Archie Vol. 3 (Waid, Eisma, Szymanowicz, Morelli; collects Archie #13-17; out April 19)

Boom! Studios

• Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Vol. 3 (Higgins, Prasetya, Lam; collects Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #9-12; out in June)
• Giant Days Vol 5 (Allison, Sarin, Fleming; collects Giant Days #17-20; out in June)

Dark Horse

• Empowered Vol. 10 (Warren; out on June 21)
• Spell on Wheels (Leth, Levens; Sabrina the Teenage Witch-style road story from writer of Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!; collects entire miniseries; out on June 7)

DC Comics

• Doctor Fate. Vol. 3: Fateful Threads (Levitz, Liew, Miranda, McCarthy; collects Doctor Fate #13-18; out on May 3)
• Doom Patrol. Vol. 1: Brick by Brick (Way, Derrington; collects Doom Patrol #1-6; out on May 31)
• Blue Beetle. Vol. 1: The More Things Change (Giffen, Kolins; collects Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1 and Blue Beetle #1-6; out on May 10)
• Detective Comics. Vol. 2: The Victim Syndicate (Tynion IV, Bennett, Barrows, Martinez, Oliver and other; collects Detective Comics #943-949; out on May 10)
• Supergirl. Vol. 1: Reign of the Cyborg Supermen (Orlando, Ching, Lupacchino; collects Supergirl: Rebirth #1 and Supergirl #1-6; out on May 17)
• Superwoman. Vol. 1: Who Killed Superwoman? (Jimenez, Santorelli, Herbert, Lupacchino, McCarthy; collects Superwoman #1-7)
• Wonder Woman. Vol. 2: Year One (Rucka, Scott, Evely; collects Wonder Woman #2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14; out on May 3)

Image Comics

• Southern Cross. Vol. 2: Romulus (Cloonan, Belanger, Loughridge; sci-fi horror series in an Alien-inspired universe minus xenomorphs; collects Southern Cross #7-12; out on April 26)
• Surgeon X. Vol. 1: The Path of Most Resistance (Kenney, the late John Watkiss; story about a vigilante surgeon in an antibiotics apocalypse; collects Surgeon X #1-6; out on April 26)
• We Stand On Guard (Vaughan, Skroce; sci-fi miniseries about Canadian resistance against US mech invasion, now much more prescient than when initially released; out on April 5)

Marvel Comics

• All-New Wolverine. Vol. 3: Public Enemy II (Taylor, Virella, Morissette-Phan; collects All-New Wolverine #13-18; out on May 3)
• Black Panther. Vol. 1: A Nation Under Out Feet (Coates, Steelfreeze, Sprouse; collects Black Panther #1-12; out on August 2)
• Champions. Vol. 1: Change the World (Waid, Ramos; collects Champions #1-5; out on May 3)
• Hawkeye: Kate Bishop Vol. 1 (Thompson, Romero; collects Hawkeye #1-6; out on May 3)
• Jessica Jones. Vol. 1: Uncaged! (Bendis, Gaydos; collects Jessica Jones #1-6, and probably more manageable than its monthly releases; out on May 10)
• Loki: Journey Into Mystery (Gillen, Abnett, Lanning, Fraction, Braithwaite, Elson, Portacio, Breitweiser, Di Giandomenico, Hans, Davis; collects entire Kieron Gillen run on Journey Into Mystery starring Kid Loki, plus connected issues of The Mighty Thor, New Mutants and Exiled; out on August 2)

Oni Press

• Night's Dominion Vol. 1 (Naifeh; DnD-style fantasy series; collects Night's Dominion #1-6; out on June 28)
• Space Battle Lunchtime. Vol. 2: A Recipe for Disaster (Riess; second half of adorable sci-fi/cooking show miniseries; collects Space Battle Lunchtime #5-8; out on June 21)

Dominik Zine is a nerdy demisexual lad from northeastern Poland and is generally found in a comfy chair with a book in hand.

Zachary Krishef is an evil genius. Do not question his knowledge of Saturday Night Live trivia or Harry Potter books.

Make a Solicit Check - Best of February 2017 Solicitations

There are many comics coming out every month, so it’s easy to lose track of promising new releases. That’s why we here at Critical Writ have started "Make a Solicit Check" — a monthly column devoted to the most inspiring announcements.

This month: eternal soldiers, polymorphic sentient rocks and lesbian vigilantes. Plus, the column relaunches, Marvel-style, with a slightly modified style and a new section devoted to upcoming trade releases of exciting comics. You can read it below the list proper. Enjoy!

10. What Dies in Vegas, Stays in Vegas

Elektra #1 – Matt Owens, Alec Morgan (Marvel)

Surprisingly, despite no new Daredevil season in 2017 and The Defenders not out until summer, Marvel is releasing three comics starring characters related to The Man Without Fear. Kingpin is getting a series written by Matthew Rosenberg and drawn by Ben Torres, Bullseye is going to have his own 5-issue miniseries by Ed Brisson and Guillermo Sonna – and Elektra is getting a new ongoing. Boasting a script by Matt Owens and art from Alec Morgan, the comic will change her design to mimic Elodié Yung’s portrayal and see her try to escape the assassin past in Las Vegas – only to end up in Arcade’s sights. Looks like it’s time to take out the sais.

Elektra #1 is set to be released on February 22.

9. The Thin Infernal Line

Darkness Visible – Mike Carey, Arvind Ethan David, Brendan Cahill (IDW)

It’s been a while since the last Mike Carey comic – but he’s back with a title co-written with a Malaysian British film producer, Arvind Ethan David. The series will be set in a world where demons came to Earth, forcing humanity to a fragile coexistence with the newcomers. The main character is Detective Daniel Aston working cases with demonic element – forced to host a demon in his soul.

8. Image Takes All the Indie Darlings

Sun Bakery #1 – Corey Lewis (Image)

This one’s interesting – Sun Bakery is a one-man anthology series in the style of Shonen Jump that was released bi-monthly earlier this year through indie publisher Alternative Comics’ Press Gang imprint. Now Image is republishing it, and will probably continue after catching up with thus far released issues. The stories featured in this anthology are: "Dream Skills" about a city where guns are obsolete and the social culture is built on swordfighting; "Arem, about an adventurer on a quest to photograph the galaxy’s most beautiful vistas; and "Bat Rider" about supernatural skateboarding.

Sun Bakery #1 is set to be released on February 22.

7. They Blinded Us with Quantum Mechanics

Quantum Teens Are Go #1 – Magdaleno Visaggio, Eryk Donovan (Black Mask)

The recently finished Black Mask miniseries Kim & Kim by trans writer Mags Visaggio was a load of fun and a highlight in the publisher’s catalog. It makes sense then that they signed a three book with Visaggio, with one of the titles being a sequel to the above comic. First, though, we’re getting Quantum Teens Are Go - a series about teenage sweethearts Nat and Sumesh breaking into abandoned superlabs for parts to their time machine. Sounds a little insane and a lot just what the doctor ordered.

6. All Roads Lead to...

Riverdale #1 – Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Alitha Martinez (Archie)

I might have some doubts about the upcoming Riverdale TV show, but I'm willing to give it a chance. After the actual show premieres in January, a companion comic adaptation will arrive on the fifteenth, presumably to offer side information that the show might not have time to present. Still, it's a comic based on a tv show based on a comic, so I would advise wearing headphone while you read it, just in case the Inception soundtrack takes over your mind. – Zachary

Riverdale #1 will be out on February 15.

5. Getting in Touch with Your Wild Side

The Wild Storm #1 – Warren Ellis, Jon Davis-Hunt (DC/Wildstorm)

While DC’s Rebirth initiative was an undeniable success both in quality and sales terms, it’s the Gerard Way-led Young Animal imprint that is a sign the publisher is slowly finding its footing again. The imprint brought back some of the weirder DC characters (and created their own, like Mother Panic), and created a surreal, rebellious and artistically-minded niche. Now it’s joined by a restarted Wildstorm imprint – with the man whose career was launched from the original one, Warren Ellis. While he likely won’t get to play with some of the characters (Apollo and Midnighter seem to have carved a place of their own in the main DC universe), the summary of The Wild Storm #1 promises enough of his trademark transhumanist insanity that we won’t mind. And it will all start with Stormwatch/The Authority mainstay, Angela Spica, a.k.a. the Engineer. All of that will be drawn by 2000 A.D. alum and former Clean Room artist, Jon Davis-Hunt.

The Wild Storm #1 will be released on February 15.

4. Just Like That Queen Song From Highlander! No, Not "Princes of the Universe"

The Old Guard – Greg Rucka, Leandro Fernandez (Image)

Immortal humans are a story as old as... very old. Greg Rucka (Lazarus, Black Magick and, of course, Wonder Woman) brings his own take on the plot. It will the story of the ancient warrior woman Andromache "Andy" of Scythia and her fellow undying soldiers, trying to make a living in their trade in the 21st century. Drawn by Deadpool and Punisher: MAX artist Leandro Fernandez, and playing to Rucka’s strengths, The Old Guard is promising to be an exciting read.

The Old Guard #1 is set to be released on February 22.

3. We...

Steven Universe #1 – Melanie Gillman, Katy Farina (Boom!/kaboom)

The first Steven Universe tie-in comic wasn’t exactly a success. It wasn’t the creative team’s fault – they were working at a time when the show’s character development and world-building were still a long way ahead of us, so both of them diverged significantly from each other. Since its cancellation, Boom! has released a number of one-shot and a miniseries, much closer to the cartoon. And now it’s releasing a new ongoing series, written by Melanie Gillman (As the Crow Flies webcomic, Beyond! Anthology co-creator) and with art by Katy Farina (The Amazing World of Gumball). The first issue sees Steven help Peridot and Lapis take care of an abandoned baby songbird – so you can already tell it’s much closer to the series as it is now.

2. Batwoman Returns

Batwoman: Rebirth #1 – Margueritte Bennett, James Tynion IV, Ben Oliver, Steve Epting (DC)

Now that Rebirth is a success, DC is building upon it – first by finally releasing its last title of the first wave, Peter J. Tomasi and Jorge Jimenez’s /Super Sons/ starring Batman and Superman’s sons (out February 15). Following that, it’s releasing a new twice-monthly diverse team book Justice League of America by Steve Orlando, Ivan Reis and John Prado (Rebirth issue is out on February 8, and the proper #1 – February 22), which I recently reported on – and this month’s crown jewel – a new Batwoman series by Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics Bombshells, Angela, Animosity) and Steve Epting (Captain America, Velvet). The new ongoing will see Kate Kane embark on a globetrotting fight against a Monster Venom syndicate – as Bennett teased a while back, joined by a dashing figure who looks good in a suit (my money’s on Renee Montoya back in the Question outfit).

Batwoman: Rebirth #1, co-written with James Tynion IV and featuring the art by Ben Oliver, will be out on February 12.

1. Black History Celebration

Black History in Its Own Words – Ronald Wimberly (Image)

February is Black History Month in US and Canada – an annual celebration of Black American culture and history. That’s why Ronald Wimberly (Prince of Cats) is releasing this book. It’ll showcase quotes from famous Black people with Wimberly’s portraits and illustrations, featuring thoughts from people like Angela Davis, Dave Chapelle, Spike Lee, Zadie Smith and Kanye West. It’s a hardcover with 80 pages, so expect a hefty price tag – but it’s a book worth getting.

Black History in Its Own Words is set to be released on February 8.

TRADE-SPOTTING – FEBRUARY 2017 EDITION

(NOTE: most of the below are advance solicits and won’t be released until March or later.)

Archie Comics:

• Jughead Vol. 2 (written by Chip Zdarsky and Ryan North, art by Derek Charm and Jack Morelli; comedic misadventures of Archie’s premiere asexual and most apathethic character; collects #7-12; out February 22)

Boom! Studios:

• Joyride Vol. 2 (written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, art by Marcus To; fun space-opera about teens escaping totalitarian Earth into space; collects #5-8; out in April); 
• Lumberjanes Vol. 6 (written by Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh, art by Carey Pietsch; five buttkicking lady-types in a summer camp filled with mystery; collects #21-24; out in April); 
• Welcome Back Vol. 2 (written by Christopher Sebela and Claire Roe; second half of a female-led action comic about reincarnated warriors; collects #5-8; out in April)

DC:

• Batgirl Vol. 1: Beyond Burnside (written by Hope Larson, art by Rafael Albuquerque; collects #1-6; out March 22);
• Cyborg Vol. 1: The Imitation of Life (written by John Semper Jr., art by Paul Pelletier, Tony Kordos and Will Conrad; collects #1-5 and Cyborg: Rebirth #1; out March 22);
• DC Comics Bombshells Vol. 3: Uprising (written by Marguerite Bennett, art by Mirka Randolfo, Laura Braga and others; collects #13-15; out March 15);
• Deathstroke Vol. 1: The Professional (written by Christopher Priest, art by Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz, Joe Bennett, Mark Morales and Belardino Brabo; collects #1-5 and Deathstroke: Rebirth #1; out March 8);
• Harley Quinn Vol. 1: Die Laughing (written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, art by Chad Hardin, John Timms and others; collects #1-7; out March 15);
• Supergirl by Peter David. Book Two (written by Peter David, Tom Peyer and Chuck Dixon, art by Leonard Kirk, Greg Land and others; collects Supergirl #10-20 and Supergirl Annual #2; out March 29);
• Wonder Woman and the Justice League Vol. 1 (written by Dan Vado and Chuck Dixon, art by Mike Collins, Kevin West, Rick Burchett, Marc Campos and others; collects Justice League America #78-85, Justice League America Annual #7 and Guy Gardner #15; out March 15);
• Wonder Woman by George Perez. Omnibus Vol. 2 (written by George Perez and others, art by Chris Marrinan, Jill Thompson, Colleen Doran and others; collects Wonder Woman #25-45 and Wonder Woman Annual #2; out March 10);
• Zatanna by Paul Dini (written by Paul Dini, Adam Beechen and Derek Fridolfs, art by Stephane Roux, Chad Hardin, Jesus Saiz, Cliff Chiang, Jamal Igle, Rick Mays and others; collects Zatanna #1-16, Zatanna: Everyday Magic #1 and short stories from DC Infinite Halloween Special #1 and DC Rebirth Holiday Special #1; out March 1)

Image:

• Arclight (written by Brandon Graham, art by Marian Churchland; beautiful miniseries about a genderqueer knight and the princess turned into a monster; collects #1-4; out February 22);
• Lake of Fire (written by Nathan Fairbarn, art by Matt Smith and Nathan Fairbarn; miniseries set in the 13th century, during the Albigensian Crusade, telling the story of crusaders fighting aliens; collects #1-5; out February 22);
• Snotgirl Vol. 1 (written by Bryan Lee O’Malley and Leslie Hung, art by Leslie Hung; the misadventures of a fashion blogger plagued by allergies and neuroses – despite title fun, not gross; collects #1-5; out February 22);
• Lazarus Vol. 5: Cull (written by Greg Rucka, art by Michael Lark; dystopia science-fiction about a feud between corporation-states; collects #22-26; out February 22);
• Velvet Deluxe Hardcover Edition (written by Ed Brubaker, art by Steve Epting; the entire female-led spy series in the style mixing classic Bond and Bourne; collects #1-15; out February 22)

Marvel:

• Ms. Marvel Vol. 3 (hardcover; written by G. Willow Wilson, art by Adrian Alphona, Takeshi Miyazawa and Nico Leon; collects #1-12) from the 2015 run; out June 7);
• Power Man and Iron Fist Vol. 2: Civil War II (written by David F. Walker, art by Flaviano Armentaro, Sanford Greene and Scott Hepburn; collects #6-9 and Sweet Christmas Annual #1; out March 8);
• The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol. 5: Like I’m the Only Squirrel in the World (written by Ryan North an Will Murray, art by Erica Henderson; collects #12-16; out March 15);
• The Unbelievable Gwenpool Vol. 2: Head of M.O.D.O.K. (written by John Hastings, art by Irene Strychalski and Gurihiru; collects #5-10; out March 15)

Oni Press:

• Kaijumax Season Two: The Seemy Underbelly (by Zander Cannon; a mix of kaiju movies and Orange Is the New Black/Oz; collects #1-6; out April 26);
• Small Favors: The Definitive Girly Porno Collection (by Colleen Coover; basically what the title says; collects both Small Favors volumes; out April 26);
• Wet Moon Book 3: Further Realms of Fright (by Sophie Campbell; trans creator’s critically acclaimed slice of Goth/alternative culture life; out April 12)

Dominik Zine is a nerdy demisexual lad from northeastern Poland and is generally found in a comfy chair with a book in hand.

Make a Solicit Check - Best of January 2017 Comics Solicitations

There are many comics coming out every month, so it’s easy to lose track of promising new releases. That’s why we here at Critical Writ have started "Make a Solicit Check" — a monthly column devoted to the most inspiring announcements.

This month: ...um. Look, there are new titles revealed in January solicitations, but for the most part, they’re a little... okay, at best? I managed to find only 7 that I’d mark as "most interesting”. So this time, I’m using this spot to promote awesome books that have been coming out for a while and deserve a shout-out. The new titles are at the top 7 spots, if that’s all you’re interested in.

12. Ready... Set... Riot!

Generation Zero. Volume 1: We Are the Future – Fred Van Lente, Francis Portela (Valiant)

Valiant doesn’t get the spotlight DC and Marvel have, but it’s a good superhero comics company, with a whole library of interesting titles. We already talked about the light-hearted Faith, and now I’d like to recommend its darker counterpart Generation Zero. It’s about a group of psiot (sorta X-Men) kids that have molded since birth into living weapons by a secret government project. Freed by Harbinger Renegades (the good guys), they’re now in hiding, helping other kids in need . In the case of the comic’s first arc, that’s Keisha Sherman. It’s a fantastically written comic, sort of like a cross between Runaways, Life Is Strange and Stranger Things – and even better than that sounds.

Generation Zero. Volume 1: We Are the Future, collecting the first 5 issues, will be out on January 25.

11. F*** the Planet

Horizon. Volume 1 – Brandon Thomas, Juan Gedeon, Frank Martin (Image)

With the year we’ve been having,  how humanity seems to be screwing everything up for itself, it can be hard to imagine that things will ever improve. Horizon is borne of that anger, though not unaware of our good side.  It’s set in an unspecified future when everything is so bad, we ourselves no longer likely to survive any longer. Humanity’s solution? Invade another planet, and likely screw it up as well. Its inhabitants won’t allow it, and send a preemptive strike team led by Zhia Malen, a badass female captain (in fact, most of the team is female). It’s a clever twist on the alien invasion story, where humanity is the bad guy, rendered dynamically by Juan Gedeon.

Horizon. Volume 1 will be out on January 18.

10. There Ain’t No Heaven

Black Hammer Giant-Sized Annual – Jeff Lemire, Dustin Nguyen, Emi Lenox, Nate Powell, Matt Kindt, Ray Fawkes (Dark Horse)

I’ve read people call Black Hammer the best superhero comic currently published, and while I wouldn’t agree, there is a case to be made for it. The comic tells the story of a group of Golden Age superheroes after saving their world from a disaster, now stuck in limbo-like reality resembling small-town America, unable to leave it. It’s an fantastically written story with a Twin Peaks feel, with amazing art by Dean Ormston that seems like a cross between Lemire’s and Mike Mignola’s. And it’s a treat an annual featuring stories about every one of the stranded heroes, each drawn by a different talented artist.

Black Hammer Giant-Sized Annual will be out on January 18. The comic’s first trade, Secret Origins, will be out on March 29.

9. Like That Zoo TV Show, But Smarter

Animosity: The Rise – Marguerite Bennett, Juan Doe (Aftershock)

Aftershock’s catalog is a very mixed bag. For every InSeXts and Shipwreck there’s a disappointment like Captain Kid or Alters (I know I mentioned it in the very first "Make a Solicit Check" post – I only report about comics, not make them). Luckily, Animosity is one of the good titles. It's a tale of a post-apocalyptic world, where animals gained consciousness (an event called The Wake) and revolted against humans for their horrible abuse. It’s a smartly written comic, with a lot of heart and anger (and a number of funny and insanely fun scenes), depicted by the talented Rafael de Latorre. In January, the series will release its one-shot special with guest art by Juan Doe, showing how The Wake affected other parts of the world.

Animosity: The Rise is set to be released on January 18.

8. Hell’s Kitchen... IN! SPAAAACE!

Space Battle Lunchtime #8 – Natalie Riess (Oni Press)

Here’s a fun one: a lesbian Earth baker named Peony is plucked from her workplace to take part in an intergalactic cooking show. She deals with all the typical behind-the-scenes backstabbing and developing a crush on a fellow contestant, a badass loner fishlady Neptunia. It’s fun, it’s cute, it’s a little Lumberjanes in spirit; how much more enticing do I have to make it? The first volume, Lights, Camera, Snacktion! is already out, and this final issue will be out on January 4, with the second trade likely out in February.

7. Mistress of the Universe

Red Sonja #1 – Amy Chu, Carlos Gomez (Dynamite)

I’m a little ambivalent about this one. On the one hand, more of She-Devil of Hyrkania! And Amy Chu on writing duties! Awesome! But on the other hand, the story has Sonja transported from her Hyperborean Age to modern day New York, and the "sword & sorcery character is transported to the modern times" doesn’t have a good track record. Still, I’m willing to give it a shot.

Red Sonja #1 is set to be released on January 11.

6. Declassified

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #3 – Kieron Gillen, Kev Walker (Marvel)

Last month, I mentioned a new upcoming Star Wars title by Kieron Gillen, that I suspected might be a spin-off from his Darth Vader comic, featuring the amoral adventure archeologist/smuggler Doctor Aphra. Turns out I was right, and now we have our first comic starring a non-movie/cartoon Star Wars character introduced after Disney got hold of the franchise. And, best of all, we get Kieron Gillen write a fun female character. Nothing but clear skies ahead.

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #3 is set to be released on January 18.

5. Assembling Is Half the Battle

USAvengers #1-2 – Al Ewing, Paco Medina (Marvel)

As part of the Marvel Now initiative both Al Ewing team books, New Avengers and Ultimates, are getting relaunched. And while the latter practically remains the same, aside from getting a squared symbol in its title, the former is getting a complete makeover. Ditching its predecessor’s Thunderbirds concept for aesthetics closer to G.I.Joe, the comic will likely retain the all-out fun attitude that characterized the previous comic. It’s Al Ewing, when has he ever failed us?

The first issue of USAvengers is set to be released on January 4, and the second – on January 18.

4. Sing O Muse of the Adventurers of Themyscira

The Odyssey of the Amazons #1 – Kevin Grevioux, Ryan Benjamin (DC)

The Amazons have been a major part of the DC universe, but there rarely was any effort to tell the story of their society before Wonder Woman’s time, beyond their origin. There was an Amazon character in Demon Knights...and that’s it, I guess? In any case, this new miniseries will fill in some of the blanks in a story of globe-trotting Amazons having to fight Storm Giants from the Norse mythology.

The Odyssey of the Amazons #1 will be released on January 18.

3. Dudes, Amirite?

Ladycastle #1 – Delilah S. Bowen, Ashley A. Woods (Boom)

Novelist Delilah S. Bowen (Wake of Vultures, as Lila Bowen) brings her first comic with the artist of Niobe: She Is Life. It’ll tell the story of women from Mancastle, forced to defend their home after all the men got eaten by a dragon while adventuring and  left the castle with a curse that attracts monsters. With the blacksmith’s wife as the new king, and the princess as the captain, the ladies have their work cut out for them.

2. Abuzz

The Unstoppable Wasp #1 – Jeremy Whitley, Elsa Charretier (Marvel)

Spinning off from All-New, All-Different Avengers, Nadia Pym is ready to save the world as the Red Wasp, with the guidance of one of the founding Avengers, Janet Van Dyne, and while trying to get her US citizenship. Written by the creator of the fun, girl-power infused Princeless series and the artist of Harley Quinn #30, the comic sounds like oodles of fun. Plus, Ms. Marvel and Mockingbird guest-star. You can’t say "no" to this.

The Unstoppable Wasp #1 is set to be released on January 4.

1. Recruitment

Say what you will about DC (and you can say a lot), but they have a huge number of diverse characters to draw from. And now, with the upcoming Justice League of America by Steve Orlando, they draw from the catalog to make the team more diverse. In preparation for that, DC will release a series of one-shot all throughout January to reintroduce these characters in a post-Rebirth continuity. First up, on January 4, Steve Orlando and Andy MacDonald will bring back Ryan Choi as The Atom, DC’s size-changing hero. On January 11, Orlando, Jody Houser and Jamal Campbell will showcase Vixen, the animal empowered Black superheroine. On January 18, Orlando and Steven Byrne will gave the gay hero The Ray a chance to shine. And finally, on January 25, Orlando, Houser and Mirka Randolfo will parole Killer Frost, the ice-themed former villainess, for her first turn as a hero. And according to the recent news, the new team is rounded up with Batman (of course), Lobo (with his old design back) and Black Canary. It’s a pretty good time for DC fans, is all I’m saying.

Dominik Zine is a nerdy demisexual lad from northeastern Poland and is generally found in a comfy chair with a book in hand.

Make a Solicit Check: Best of November 2016 Comic Solicitations

There are many comics coming out every month, so it’s easy to lose track of promising new releases. That’s why we here at Critical Writ have started "Make a Solicit Check"—a monthly column devoted to the most inspiring announcements.

This month: Wakandan lesbians, princess detectives, and genderqueer knights!

10. Don’t Panic

Mother Panic #1 – Jody Houser, Tommy Lee Edwards (DC/Young Animal)

The final title of the first wave of Gerard Way’s DC imprint Young Animals—this time written by Faith’s Jody Houser. The titular Mother Panic is a vigilante identity used by Violet Paige—Gotham’s newest "celebutante"—to get revenge for her traumatic childhood. It sounds like a curious antithesis to Faith, whose escapades Houser scripts over at Valiant. Also it seems like Mother Panic is the most connected to DC universe of all the Young Animal titles, what with the outright mention of Gotham City.

Mother Panic #1 is set to be released on November 9.

09. No More Days

Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1 – Gerry Conway, Ryan Stegman

Well, it might be in a separate universe, but Mary Jane and Peter Parker are back to being married and having their daughter, Annie. With a twist—both MJ and Annie have Peter’s spider powers, turning superheroing into a family business.

Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1 is set to be released on November 9.

08. From Hitwoman to P.I.

Angel City #2 – Janet Harvey, Megan Levens (Oni Press)

 

In last month’s struggle to cover most of Marvel’s new announcements, I ended up ignoring the release of Oni Press’s new female-led comic: a 1930s noir story. Time to fix this oversight.
Angel City stars Dolores Dare, former Hollywood hopeful, current enforcer for the Volante mob family. This changes when her best friend is found, another victim of the April Fool’s Killer. She starts her own investigation, which ends up setting her against a conspiracy of Hollywood studios, LA’s finest, and her own gang peers.

The first issue is set to be released on October 5; the second issue is coming out on November 16.

07. Have You Seen This (Bat)Man?

Super Powers #1 – Art Baltazar, Franco (DC)

Fans of adorable comics Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures—rejoice! The creative duo behind those titles is back with a new miniseries filled with cuteness and fun. Batman has gone missing and Wonder Woman is on the case. After Superman finds a clue in Gotham, she begins her search—in space!

Super Powers #1 is set to be released on November 23.

06. Emptying the 8house

Arclight #3 – Brandon Graham, Marian Churchland (Image)

Last year, Brandon Graham started his new project for Image: 8house. It was a line of miniseries published with the same main title, but otherwise completely unconnected. Those series were Graham and Marian Churchland's Arclight, Graham and Xerxe D. Penalta’s Kiem, Helen Maier and Fil Barlow’s Yorris and, finally, Emma Rios and Hwei Lim’s Mirror. The twist was that all four minis would be published incomplete (only 1 or 2 issues) and moving to the next in the order I listed them—until Mirror, which would be the first released in its entirety. And then everything else would be finished in the opposite order: Yorris, Kiem and, finally, Arclight. Basically, it was an attempt to imitate the structure of Cloud Atlas (the book, not the movie) with monthly published comics.

It didn’t work out, thanks to delays and not exactly sky-high sales, and the project was mostly dropped. By which I mean: all the series will end (Mirror ended earlier this year), but not as part of 8house, and not in the order presented above.

And thus we get to Arclight, which tells the story of the titular genderqueer knight, helping free his sorcerer princess trapped in an alien body, in a beautifully-rendered science-fantasy world. The first two issues are available digitally, so there’s plenty time to catch up with the series before it returns.

Arclight #3 is set to be released on November 23.

05. Fresh Meat!

New Talent Showcase #1 (DC)

A while back, DC started its Talent Development workshop for writers and artists, where entrants would learn from the company’s master storytellers. (Insert joke about DC’s less-than-stellar track-record of stories from their masters here.) The catch is that a resumé had to be submitted to be part of the workshops—this means this one-shot, which features stories written by its graduates, boasts about showcasing "new" talents even though most of them have already been working in the industry for a while. Chris Sebela, Michael Morecci, Joëlle Jones and Long Walk to Valhalla co-writer Adam Smith are the biggest stand-outs. On the plus side, the list of writers is diverse and it’s nice of DC to give a chance for writers to play in their toybox, even if it's just for one issue.

The full list of featured authors is as follows: Vita Ayala, Emma Beeby, Joelle Jones, Hena Khan, Michael McMillan, Michael Morecci, Erica Schultz, Christopher Sebela, and Adam Smith.

New Talent Showcase #1 is set to be released on November 30.

04. #TakeBackJustice

Occupy Avengers #1 – David F. Walker, Carlos Pacheco (Marvel)

If there’s one lesson from Civil War II, it’s that you can’t trust superheroes to do their job instead of petty squabbling. That’s where Hawkeye (Clint Barton) and friends come in, standing up for the little people. After Nighthawk and Power Man and Iron Fist, David F. Walker is among the best Marvel writers, so this is a comic to look out for. And if you’re worried there’s no sign of the other Hawkeye, Kate Bishop, don’t worry and have patience—she’ll star in her own future comic titled Hawkeye by Kelly Thompson, and with art by Leonardo Romero. We’ll keep you updated.

Occupy Avengers #1 is set to be released on November 2.

03. The Study in Cute

Mega Princess #1 (of 5) – Kelly Thompson, Brianne Drouhard (Boom! Studios/KaBoom)

Speaking of Kelly Thompson: the writer of Jem and the Holograms and A-Force is teaming up with a Disney artist, Brianne Drouhard, to tell a new all-ages comic for KaBoom, a Boom! Studios imprint.

Princess Maxine gets the traditional gifts from her fairy godmother on her tenth birthday, none of which she actually cares for because they don’t help her achieve her greatest dream: to become a detective. And when her baby brother, Prince Robert IV, goes missing, she and her sarcastic pony Justine are on the case! And those Mega Princess powers might actually come in handy.

02. Beyond the Panther

Black Panther: World of Wakanda #1 – Roxanne Gay, Alitha Martinez (Marvel)

Ta-Nehisi Coates’s current Black Panther run is a smash hit for Marvel, and a damn good comic for an industry newcomer. And now it’s getting a companion book that will fill in the blanks in world-building and develop the comic’s supporting characters. The first arc will be written by renowned writer Roxanne Gay, with art by Alitha Martinez; it will focus on Ayo and Aneka, the former Dora Milaje lesbian lovers, and will depict the blossoming of relationship before the start of Coates’s run. The first issue will also have a back-up story by Coates himself and poet Yona Harvey, with art by Afua Richardson; this one will focus on another female character, the Panther’s mysterious antagonist Zenzi.

Black Panther: World of Wakanda #1 is set to be released on November 9.

01. Be the Change

CBLDF Liberty Annual 2016 (Image)

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a wonderful organization, founded in 1986 to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators, publishers and retailers by covering their legal expenses. They also sponsor Banned Book Week and help libraries keep graphic novels on their shelves. I’ve already covered their book, She Changed Comics (reminder: out on October 5), focused on female comics creators.

As a non-profit organization, one of CBLDF’s ways of getting funding is releasing yearly anthologies, Liberty Annuals—one of which is the subject of this entry. This time, writers and artists from the industry are saluting real-life legends, people who changed the world: suffragettes, visionaries, and sports legends. And all proceeds go to CBLDF and their mission, with Image not keeping a single penny.

The full list of writers and artists featured is as follows: Andrew Aydin, Anina Bennett, Tim Fielder, Paul Guinan, Joe Keatinge, Larry Marder, JM Ken Niimura, Paul Pope, MK Reed, Dan Schkade, Bryan Talbot, Mary M. Talbot, Shannon Wheeler and Ronald Wimberly.

CBLDF Liberty Annual 2016 is set to be released on November 2.

Dominik Zine is a nerdy lad from northeastern Poland and is generally found in a comfy chair with a book in hand.