The comic book world had a few new announcements this week from both powerhouses. Marvel revealed some new hip hop variant covers, announced a one-shot starring none other than... Gwenpool and it looks like Bryan Singer might be making Apocalypse actually look like Apocalypse in the upcoming X-Men film. Oh, and the Netflix original Jessica Jones has a premiere date: Nov. 20.
Over in DC's corner, we got a look at Hawkman and Hawkgirl from the upcoming show Legends of Tomorrow, Zack Snyder said Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice will have more Wayne than Kent and production for the Wonder Woman film is looking to start up in November.
No matter which side you're on, let's take a look at this week's offerings:
Marvel Comics
Planet Hulk #5
Well, warrior Captain America has finally made his way to the Red King only to learn that his best pal Bucky Barnes is six feet under. So what does Cap do that's completely out of character? Why, he goes on a killing spree.
This final chapter in this Secret Wars tie-in brought no closure after a four-issue build up. It seemed almost sloppy. But hey, at least Devil Dinosaur is getting his own series this year.
Giant-Size Little Marvel AvX #4
With Skottie Young at the helm of this tie-in, we knew things would get finished up nicely. After the startling appearance of the kid Guardians of the Galaxy in last month's issue, we're brought into the world of the Inhumans in this one. Black Bolt, Lockjaw, Inferno, Medusa. They're all here.
So, the twins of Marville have a choice to make. Do they side with the X-Men? The Avengers? The Guardians? The Inhumans? They end up choosing something a bit more sinister.
Amazing Spider Man Renew Your Vows #5
And another great Secret Wars read comes to an end. In this final issue of everyone's favorite married-with-children Peter Parker, we see the defeat of Regent, the all-consuming ruler of the city who just happens to be a regular guy in a suit of suped-up armor. How did no one figure this out before?
But for story's sake, he is defeated by Peter, Mary Jane and Annie (now calling herself Amp) all at once. It's a nice nod to the Peter we could have had, and the issue ends with breakfast. Who doesn't love breakfast?
Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire #1
Have you ever found yourself wondering what happened after the Battle of Endor, when hundreds of furry little Ewoks took down the Empire with some Rebels? Well, your dreams have been answered.
This series, which begins in the final seconds of Return of the Jedi, gives us some insight into how the galaxy cleans up after a massive war. Here we get to see Han and Chewy bring out the mop, but we're also introduced to two new characters, and one of their last names' is Dameron.
You know, like Poe Dameron, the X-Wing pilot played by Oscar Isaac in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They've got be related, right?
Yup, things are going to get really interesting over these next few months.
Other releases to look out for: A-Force #4, Civil War #4, Darth Vader #9, Ms. Marvel #18
DC Comics
Batman #44
Scott Snyder was born to write Batman.
In this issue, we step back into the shoes of Bruce Wayne, months, maybe years before the events of issue #40, and we see Batman attempting to solve the murder a young boy. The boy, in defending his family's legacy, goes on a search for meaning.
He is turned away and beat up from gangs. He is shot by a police officer. He is ignored by Bruce Wayne. In the end, the boy resulted to a mysterious drug, given to him by none other than current Batman villain, Mr. Bloom. The boy dies.
This issue is an absolutely blissful flashback paralleled with the arc of the current Batman run. It's a work of art, honestly.
Batman Superman #24
This series really took a turn after the exchange of cape and cowl from Wayne to Gordon, but it works so far. This issue picks up from last month when Aquaman came to the aid of the "subterranean" people in an effort to bring a miniature version of the Sun above sea level. Sounds like a good plan, right?
Yeah... not so much. Batman and Superman take the star into the sky but it is stolen by a familiar DC villain, and you'll know him if you've read Green Arrow. I won't spoil that bit, but it looks like this is a series to look closely at over the next few months.
Action Comics #44
Man, this is the cheesiest comic ever. And sometimes that's okay, but for someone like Howard the Duck. But for Superman? He deserves better, especially since the last issue involving the Man of Steel was so freaking awesome.
Here we get some more info on the shadow people that have stolen Superman's power. One would think it would be a solid shake-up for the character, but at this point I think we just want Clark to get his powers back.
Starfire #4
I can't tell if this series is supposed to be funny or serious, but I suppose either is working. This issue has Kori teaming up with a local super who comes from beneath the Earth's surface and knows how to defeat a rock monster thing that's threatening the island. The fight is rather short, though.
Then there are about five pages of the three main female characters in bikinis, which I thought the series had moved past, but it works with the story at the very least. Toward the end we finally get a glimpse at a threatening villain though, and it looks like an other-worldly baddie will be tracking down Starfire and friends.
Other releases to look out for: Catwoman #44, Gotham Academy #10, Justice League United #13, Red Hood Arsenal #4.
Winner – DC Comics
Will DC ever lose in a week with a solid Batman story? Probably not. Marvel continues to wrap up the Secret Wars tie-in, but is doing things rather sloppily. Star Wars was definitely a standout though, and it'll be interesting to see how the canon comic proceeds next.
But again, nothing tops this week's Batman, giving us good old Bruce Wayne and a story that is relevant with today's current events. We love Gordon as Batman, but Wayne is gonna have to come back soon. We miss him.
Indie Spotlight
Each week we'll put up one independently-published comic we think you should read. This week it's...
Virgil
Virgil is a gem. From Steve Orlando, the writer of DC's Midnighter series, comes a story about an openly gay cop who is outed, beaten and exiled from his friends and family. His significant other is in trouble, and it's up to the cop to make his way across Jamaica for revenge.
It's a unique story and was originally Kickstarted before being picked up by Image Comics. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. The whole story is only $10.
