It's been ... kind of a wild week in the world of comics with a lot of ups and downs.
First, we thought Marvel might have snagged the Fantastic Four rights back since Fox announced two live-action X-Men television shows. Fox quickly remedied that situation.
Then we had a rumor we'd see everyone's favorite Hulk, Mark Ruffalo, in the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok, and that is seemingly confirmed now. Can't wait to see Hulk in his Asgardian battle armor (hint hint.)
Over on DC's side, it seems Rosario Dawson has joined the cast of the new LEGO Batman film, already alongside Will Arnett. She'll be playing Batgirl. Which Batgirl? Barbara Gordon.
Also, we found out Greg Capullo is leaving Batman as the main artist after Batman #50 for a bit, but Snyder looks to be holding the fort down just fine.
No matter which side you're on, let's take a look at this week's offerings:
Marvel Comics
New Avengers #1
This series has some serious potential. Pulling together most of Marvel's previously Young Avengers (Hulkling, Wiccan and not Kate Bishop, unfortunately) and giving them a hefty amount of money looks like its not a bad idea.
Now branded as A.I.M. (Avengers Idea Mechanics), this team has some of the smartest young bucks on the planet fighting of some cosmic evil. With some interesting relationship dynamics, most notably anyone with Squirrel Girl, this will be one to watch.
Captain America Sam Wilson #1
In this new series from Ant-Man writer Nick Spencer, Sam Wilson finds out what happens when Captain America no longer needs help. After saying goodbye to SHIELD and the main Avengers team, Wilson is dealing with public backlash.
Spencer brings his narrative chops to the table here, and it shows, culminating in an appearance by original (now elderly) Captain America, Steven Rogers. Looks like Wilson is under arrest.
Chewbacca #1
Chewbacca, quite simply, is Star Wars' Groot. He basically just growls and people start to understand what he means the more they're with him.
In this intro series with absolutely killer art from Black Widow's Phil Noto, Chewbacca comes across a young girl who needs his help escaping the Empire. We all know how much Chewy hates the Empire.
Ms. Marvel #19
We are finally at the end of Ms. Marvel run leading up to Secret Wars. After four 'Last Days' issues, things finally close with a blissful scene between Kamala and her best friend Bruno.
What happens next? Well, since Marvel is content with running a Universe-ending event and their new universe at the exact same time, the answer isn't quite clear. But, we'll find out when Ms. Marvel #1 drops later this year.
Other releases to look out for: Uncanny Avengers #1, Guardians of the Galaxy #1, Spider-Man 2099 #1
DC Comics
Batman #45
This issue had a lot going for it, and it was all mostly depressing. Gotham PD wants to decommission Gordon as Batman, and he isn't having any of it. During the press conference where he is supposed to resign, Mr. Bloom starts killing people. Not the greatest of things.
On the other side of town, young Duke is dropping hints that he may be the next Robin. Now, that would be interesting.
Batman Superman #25
With Gordon on Bat-duty and Clark Kent revealed to the world, there isn't too much by way of a team-up between the two anymore. But that doesn't mean the Bat Family can't step in and help out.
It looks like Batgirl, Red Hood and Grayson will be teaming up with Supes to take down Vandal Savage in the next issue, so that should be pretty great.
Starfire #5
This series continues to be extremely funny and awfully aware of it. Kori as Starfire is still wonderfully confused about human life, and it makes for great comedic relief in serious situations.
Soren, one of Kori's "friends" turns out to have a hidden past and is a pretty bad dude. I guess we'll find out how she takes that in the next issue, but he's pretty bad, like murder bad.
Superman Lois and Clark #1
Probably the best in DC's corner this week,. Superman Lois and Clark brings everyone's favorite married Superman back to the mainstream universe. The weird part is that he coexists with normal Supes, the one without powers.
In this issue, he attempts to divert a crisis that led to a super villain on his Earth, but is confused when the events roll out a bit differently. Oh, and Lois is secretly a bestselling investigative author. Huh.
Other releases to look out for: Red Hood/Arsenal #5, Constantine The Hellblazer #5, Batman and Robin Eternal #2
Winner - Marvel Comics
With whole slew of new No. 1s, Marvel is diving headfirst into their new universe. As mentioned earlier, it's unfortunate that Secret Wars is holding it back, but they are all still worth the read.
The New Avengers have a great, fresh dynamic, Chewbacca gives us a rougher look at the Wookie and Ms. Marvel and Captain America continue to diversify the stories told in comics. It's going to be a good relaunch.
Indie Spotlight
Each week we'll put up one independently published comic we think you should read. This week it's...
I Hate Fairyland #1
Skottie Young takes the reins once again on a series of his own, this time exploring a sort of distorted Alice in Wonderland.
I Hate Fairyland is the story of Gertrude, a green-haired girl who gets trapped in some sort of fantasy land and has to find her way home. The book takes place 27 years after her arrival, still looking for an exit, but not having aged a day. Needless to say, she's pissed off.
