It's the second slow news week in a row for comic books and comic book-related news, but that's OK. There are some interesting tidbits here, so don't worry.
Marvel is amping up for the release of a new batch of No. 1's, starting next week with Invincible Iron Man #1 and Amazing Spider-Man #1, but that doesn't mean they're done announcing things. The acclaimed team from Marvel's most recent Daredevil series, Mark Waid and Chris Samnee, will be delving into the world of Black Widow next year.
In addition to that, hints and short videos are continuing to drop regarding the Netflix series Jessica Jones, and Marvel Studios head honcho finally responded to those Spielberg and Snyder comments.
Speaking of Snyder, over in DC-land, he's been shopping a potential Watchmen television series to HBO. Why, Zack, why? No one knows. In other news, season one of The Flash is headed to Netflix next month and George Miller finally told the world he wouldn't be directing Man of Steel 2. Why, George, why?
No matter which side you're on, let's take a look at this week's offerings:
Marvel Comics
Inferno #5
Well, another lame ending for a Secret Wars series. After five issues of build-up for Collossus taking on his demon-possessed sister, he does it. But guess what? She just inhabits a different body and the plot takes a twist on the last page, only for it to never be resolved.
I understand the need to wrap things up, but with Secret Wars' final issue now delayed until November, it's worrisome and not the least bit fair to the reader who has invested the time and money in these unique series.
MODOK Assassin #4
This is probably the weirdest of Secret Wars series, but it totally works. It's funny, the art looks great and you'll want to stay locked into this twisted universe much longer.
MODOK, the typical floating headman, is poised as a hero, taking on Baron Strange. It's a colorful trip through a world that will probably be cut off prematurely when the series comes to a close, unfortunately.
Hail Hydra #3
This is probably one of the most interest Secret Wars tie-ins, as it seems in continues from Rick Remender's 2012 Captain America run, and that's just great. It stars Ian Rogers, sometime in the future, hunting down his biological father Arnim Zola.
In this issue, Rogers comes face to face with Zola's Avengers, really screwed up version's of the world's favorite heroes: Iron Man, Captain America, Thor. Then Rogers has a fight with Zola in the body of Captain America. It's action-packed, it's crazy and it's exactly what a series like this needs.
Other releases to look out for: Cavalry #1, S.H.I.E.L.D. #10, X-Men '92 #4
DC Comics
Batman Annual #4
Bruce Wayne may not be Batman anymore, but he can sure as hell still kick like him. In this issue, the newly-minded Bruce Wayne visits his childhood home, Wayne Manor, only to find that some of Batman's worst enemies have turned it into a funhouse for tragedy.
Clayface, Riddler and Mr. Freeze continuously threaten Bruce with the death of his girlfriend Julie and his butler Alfred, but they forgot his instinct to do what's right. He beats the bad guys, that's what Bruce Wayne did. That's what Batman does.
Grayson Annual #2
Well, DC is knocking it out of the park with these annuals, and Grayson does not disappoint. In this issue, we get a flashback of a Batman, Robin and Superman team-up and then a flashforward to present day, when Grayson, now a superspy, teams up with a depowered Superman.
They join forces to take down a murderous gang and The Blockbuster, who is basically like The Hulk except very, very evil. Throughout all of this there is a lot of inflection and reminiscing of a time that once was. Bruce Wayne forgets who he was. Clark Kent has weakened powers. Grayson is a spy. The world has changed.
Green Lantern Annual #4
What do you know? Hal Jordan is still on the run. But this annual gives readers a glance at how Jordan became a fugitive of the Lantern Corps.
It was nice, actually, and the new art team provided a solid change of pace. Jordan has to present himself as this hard criminal type to his captive, but really he's just a nice guy on a mission. Also, they name drop The Omega Men, and that's pretty cool.
Other releases to look out for: Aquaman #44, Justice League #44, Superman #44
Winner - DC Comics
And it looks like DC takes it again. Man, it's almost impossible to find a pattern in these brawls. With a solid week of annuals digging deep into the new DC Universe, we're left just wanting amnesiac Bruce Wayne to try and figure out who he is all day.
Grayson kicks ass. Hal Jordan is the most helpless and the most powerful man in the universe, and some sloppily tied Secret Wars endings can't break that. Keep on keeping on, DC.
Indie Spotlight
Each week we'll put up one independently-published comic we think you should read. This week it's...
Archie #3
If you're not reading this series yet, do yourself a favor and just do it. The writing is great, the art is superb and Archie is just so darn lovable.
All of the Riverdale crew is here and in a modern-day setting. There's no old-school poppy art (though that's much appreciated) and it all feels so much more real. Mark Waid and his artistic team bring this story to life, and I may just say it's one of the best things in comics right now.
