What to Watch for Thursday - 09.10.09

For comics shipping 09.10.09 or The Week ADP Runs Wild. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DARK HORSE COMICS

Hellboy: The Wild Hunt #6 - $2.99

I wish this book was a weekly comic so that my insatiable Hellboy addiction would at least be mildly curbed. Last issue, Big Red was in the midst of some very physical combat, and the Queen of Blood was putting even more plans for Hellboy’s demise to action. Mignola continues to prove his ability to be one of the foremost supernatural/mythological authors of our time, and teaming with Duncan Fegredo has been one of the best moves for the franchise. You’d be a fool to miss out on this story, Hellboy fan or not.

DC COMICS

Green Lantern Corps #40 - $2.99

“Blackest Night” has, so far, lived up to the hype I created for it in my own mind. I haven’t put much effort into reading the non-essential tie-ins, and I think the story is stronger for it. I’m not a big fan of diluted fiction, and I’ve always felt that less is more. Thankfully, within the three main comics (Green Lantern, Green Lantern Corps, and Blackest Night) the pages are packed to the gills with story. This week, the Black Lanterns continue their assault on Oa, and I’m not so sure the Corps is going to be able to hold off a force consisting of former members. Guess there’s only one way to find out.

Secret Six #13 - $2.99

Here’s another book that I wish was coming out on a more frequent schedule. Not that the once a month consistency Simone and Scott have shown is a bad thing. It’s just that I miss these characters so much in the four weeks that I’m without them. Of course, then that fourth week comes around, and I’m elated at the chance to spend another ten minutes with the Six. They may be deviant, devious, and devilish, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t excellent, well thought out characters you’d want to grab a beer with.

Wednesday Comics #10 - $3.99

Finally, a comic that comes out weekly. Well at least for the next three weeks anyway. Then the twelve week experiment is over. We’re close enough to the end that I’m going to call this series a success. I don’t have any of the sales numbers in front of me, but speaking strictly from the perspective of whether or not the stories involved were worth reading, and whether or not I’d continue to buy a series like this, I’d lean heavily towards a “Yes” on both accounts. Would it be nice to see some different characters get a shot next time around (if there is one)? Absolutely. Were some stories a bit lacking? Sure, but not everything will appeal to everyone. I’ll be sad to see this go, but I also eagerly await the day that the collected version arrives.

MARVEL COMICS

Dark Avengers/Uncanny X-Men: Exodus - $3.99

Well, I know I didn’t see the ending to the last issue of Uncanny X-Men coming, did you? Looks like Norman and the rest of his Avengers are finally going to throw down with the recently reunited X-Men. Of course, I’m curious to see just what Hela has to do with it all. Unless I missed that. I hope I didn’t. That was an interesting twist. Anyhow, be sure to see how the X-verse will be changed for the next few years with the conclusion of this arc. There will be a test.

The Marvels Project #2 - $3.99

I’m really liking where this story is going. Tying all the events of Marvel’s history together to make a much more cohesive and coherent universe, particularly for new readers, makes for an interesting tale, especially when Brubaker and Epting are involved. It’s easy to say the best is yet to come when a story is only on its second issue, but I really feel that once this story reaches its conclusion, it will be as highly regarded as Marvels was 15 years ago.

Nomad: Girl Without a World #1 - $3.99

Sean McKeever returns to Marvel to tell the story of Rikki Barnes, who has been stuck here since the conclusion of the barely noticed Onslaught Reborn, or whatever it was called. We saw her briefly in Captain America, and since then, I’ve been waiting for this mini-series to start. I hope her search for a place in the current Marvel U works out, because I’d love to see her around more.

Ultimate Comics: Avengers #2 - $3.99

Even though many people knew the spoilers revealed at the end of the last issue due to Millar’s inability to keep a secret during interviews, I think I can say that I’m not the only one glad to see the Ultimate Avengers return to form. After the dismal Ultimates 3, having Millar back on board, teamed with Carlos Pacheco, has been a godsend. I hope he sticks around, because the man knows these characters inside and out, and now that he’s working with a more consistent artist, the story should be even more enjoyable.

Trade Paperback/Hardcover of the Week

Gotham Central - Book Two: Jokers and Madmen - $29.99

Collecting the third and fourth story arcs of the massively underrated Gotham Central, this hardcover showcases the Gotham Police Department when they’re forced to take on the Joker without the help of Batman (for the most part). Seeing just how ruthless the Joker can be when it comes to dealing with normal people is quite unsettling, and his cold and calculated demeanor really shows through under Brubaker and Rucka’s pen. The second arc is much more personal, featuring the return of the disgraced Harvey Bullock, and a cold case that was recently re-opened. If you’ve never read Gotham Central, now’s your chance to make amends to the creative team responsible for one of the most interesting series of the last ten years. It’s refreshing to read a comic that takes a look at the world heroes live in, and how normal people deal with it. Give it a shot.

That’ll do for this week. Time to get back to the beach. See you next time.