Welcome back to the Weekly Comic Pull List! Let’s take a look at this week’s slate of upcoming issues, as well as a few of my picks for the week of Feb. 27th, 2013.
Marvel
I would like to stop reading this book immediately. I know that isn’t going to happen, so I suffer through all the murderous craziness that is tearing me apart. Last issues interesting development with the Darkhawk amulet has me scratching my head but wanting more, and I feel like this after every issue. This time we get to see more of Kid Briton and the Braddock Academy, who have yet to really make a splash in the Arena as Hopeless has been steadily working through the fan favorites before he introduces us to the new class.
Castle: A Calm Before Storm #3
Deadpool continues to butcher classic historical tales in true Merc-with-a-mouth fashion from Cullen Bunn. This issue sees Wade destroying such classics like Tom Sawyer and Little Women, which really should be enough to sell the book. This series started off fun and ridiculous, which is pretty much guaranteed when dealing with anything involving Deadpool. It isn’t Wade’s most humorous series, but the laughs are still there from the various situations as Deadpool reaches a new level of psychotic hilarity.
Guardians of the Galaxy gets a new series for Marvel NOW! from Brian Michael Bendis and Steve McNiven, just in time to build some hype for the upcoming GotG film. This prequel issue tells the story of Peter Quill AKA Star-Lord, the earth-born leader of the GotG. We will see how he became the leader of one of the best cosmic teams out there, and I’m sure this will be a great start point for new fans who are looking to find out more about the Guardians. Plus it’s the eagerly anticipated return of Bendis and McNiven that many have been waiting for.
Marvel Universe: Ultimate Spider-Man #11
Greg Rucka has delivered some great Punisher stories since he took over, and we are seeing the end of that run as Frank Castle takes on the Avengers. It was only a matter of time until the Avengers decided that the Punisher had to go, but this series has really risen Frank to the same level as the premier heroes of the Marvel U. as he has more than handled himself against the team. While the series is a fun read, it’s sad to see Rucka leave a character he had meshed so well with.
The first issue of Uncanny X-Men set a bit of groundwork for Cyclops’ new band of rebels while ending with a pretty big cliffhanger that left a few jaws on the floor. Magneto has been such a supporter of Cyclops for the last few years it’s hard to see that change, but change has never been something the X-Men haven’t been able to handle. Cyclops realizes there is a mole on the team, plus the Uncanny X-Men have to deal with the Sentinels and the mysterious person behind them. If you didn’t check the first issue out I suggest you buy that right alongside this one and join in the fun from Bendis and Chris Bachalo.
This series has started off pretty amazingly, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. So far we’ve taken a look at the members of the fledgling team in their personal lives, with a dedicated story revolving around Wiccan and Hulkling that is starting off with a bang. I love Jamie McKelvie’s pencils and Kieron Gillen won me over a long time ago with Kid Loki and his run on JiM, so this series is guaranteed to be on my personal pull list for the foreseeable future
Trades
Astonishing X-Men Vol. 10: Northstar
Marvel Masterworks: Captain Marvel Vol. 1
Look out! Captain Marvel, the space-born super hero, is coming at you with scintillating super-hero sci-fi adventures! Branded a traitor by the vicious Colonel Yon-Rogg for defending the people of Earth, Kree Captain Mar-Vell assumes the human identity of Walter Lawson and becomes our planet’s protector against an awesome array of interstellar enemies. The massive Sentry #459, the savage Super-Skrull, Prince Namor the Sub-Mariner and Quasimodo the Living Computer all wage war against Captain Marvel here in his first adventures. Of course there’s plenty of drama, too, with the lovely Medic Una and Carol Danvers each catching the Kree Captain’s eye. Crafted by top talents of the Marvel Age, this one’s certifiably out of this world!
Marvel Noir: Wolverine and the X-Men
New Avengers by Brian Michael Bendis Vol. 5
Spider-Man: The Death of Jean DeWolff
He’s the Sin-Eater, the man who takes the world’s sins for himself by killing every sinner he sees — and he sees them everywhere! But the lethal lunatic bites off more than he can chew when he robs Spider-Man of a dear friend: police captain Jean DeWolff! How can the grieving hero track down a villain with targets everywhere he goes? Join the wall-crawler for a frantic search through New York City that culminates in a pivotal moment between Manhattan’s two biggest solo stars — Spidey and Daredevil!
X-Treme X-Men Vol. 1: Xavier Must Die
DC
Throne of Atlantis has ended, and this issue serves as an epilogue to the Justice League crossover event that has unlocked some of the secrets of Atlantis. I really have nothing bad to say about Aquaman, as it has been a title I have been consistently enjoying throughout the New 52, which I can’t say for a lot of the titles. I am a little disappointed that Johns and Reis are leaving the title, but they have set up a great background for the new creative team to roll with, and I’ll stay on as long as they keep bringing the best Aquaman stories in decades.
The beginning of the end starts here as Grant Morrison’s 6 year run on the Dark Knight nears its conclusion. I take a look at some of the clues pointing towards Damian’s future here, but if you are a spoiler watcher you already saw earlier this week how important this issue is to both Batman and Damian Wayne. Which means don’t miss it, because it is going to be huge.
Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan #4
I, Vampire is a title I haven’t spoken about much, but I definitely enjoy it. There aren’t a lot of dedicated supernatural beings in the DC Universe that warrant their own title, so when the New 52 happened and I, Vampire was announced I was a little skeptical. I was worrying that DC was merely trying to rein in some of the recent Vampire craziness the kids seem to love these days. What I found upon reading the title was a great story featuring ACTUAL vampires (as opposed to the sparkly kind), with beautiful art and an intriguing history. I, Vampire is definitely a series worth checking out.
Jeff Lemire has been killing it when it comes to the Dark side of the DC Universe. His run with Justice League Dark has been entertaining to say the least, and his use of this diverse group of characters has continued to impress. Just the fact that he has managed to keep John Constantine on the team in a believable way is a good indication that he is doing some good work with the title. This issue continues the current battle between science vs. magic that the team finds itself in the middle of, because that’s kind of the job description.
This issue deals with more fallout from Death of the Family while introducing the new creative team of Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira. With the team finally reunited with Red Robin, they notice a change in Tim after his encounter with the Joker. I haven’t been as huge a fan of this version of the Teen Titans as I was pre-new 52, but I have stuck with it hoping to be rewarded for my loyalty. Now that we’ve finally seen the New 52 version of Raven, that moment may be here.
The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #17
Trades
Originally published in DETECTIVE COMICS #871-877, this epic from the writer of BATMAN, SWAMP THING and AMERICAN VAMPIRE forces Batman to confront one of Gotham City’s oldest evils! Plus: The corpse of a killer whale shows up on the floor of one of Gotham City’s foremost banks, setting a deadly mystery in motion!
Impulse Vol. 1: Runs in the Family
In this new edition of Impulse’s adventures by writer Mark Waid, the teen speedster meets teen villain White Lightning, Blockbuster, and, from the 30th century, Legion of Super-Heroes member XS. Collects IMPULSE #1-6, 8-9 and 12-13.
Showcase Presents: The Justice League of America Vol. 6
It’s the Man of Steel vs. the World’s Mightiest Mortal in this collection featuring Mr. Mxyzptlk, Mr. Mind, Captain Nazi, Black Adam and more! Collects ALL-NEW COLLECTOR’S EDITION C-58, DC COMICS PRESENTS #33-34 and 49, and DC COMICS PRESENTS ANNUAL #3.
Vertigo
Image
Thirteen Artifacts destroyed the Universe. Darkness bearer Jackie Estacado remade the Universe. Rapture bearer and defrocked priest Tom Judge has recruited Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini to muscle Jackie into setting everything back to how it was. Will their triumph return the natural order of things, or will it make matters much, much worse?
Things go further upside down for RECONNECT Agent Mark Thompson. His partner is dead and his mission failed. Now both the FBI and his former employer, a man more frightening than any government agency, are hot on his tail. One wants him in jail, the other wants him dead.
The Legend of Luther Strode #3 (of 6)
The true enemy has been revealed, leaving Luther and Petra to fight against foes they don’t have a chance of beating. As the brawl continues, an ancient evil says hello. The hit series continues.
MacGyver: Fugitive Gauntlet #5 (of 5)
The UNCANNY SKULLKICKERS: Two hard-headed mercenaries kill monsters and cause havoc in their search for money, fame and adventure! A bold new direction! A perfect jumping-on point! A newly added adjective! Our nineteeth issue, but also a new issue #1! It’s all here, people! Don’t make us use more exclamation marks!!
Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #4 (of 6)
Trades
What happens when a third rate cosmetics company accidentally creates a pheromone that transforms the female population into man eating monsters? Enter the world of Alpha Girl, and follow Judith Meyers on her quest to survive and rescue her little brother from the vaginapocalypse.
Dark Horse
A behemoth pirate ship is captained by a pirate with a fat price on his head. And out for that head is Amala, Naamaron’s greatest swordfighter (according to Amala). The odds are against her, but that’s the fun . . . if only the ghosts of Amala’s past would shut up and get out of the way!
On the run in Cincinnati, punctuation-faced hero The Answer must rescue the abducted librarian Devin from a sinister gang of asylum nurses and orderlies . . . but she may not WANT to be saved! More insane superhero adventure!
Criminal Macabre: Final Night – The 30 Days of Night Crossover #3
Star Wars: Agent of the Empire – Hard Targets #5
Everyone—including Boba Fett—is after the young Count Dooku. As Cross and the Count’s loyal security guard attempt to whisk the boy to safety, they are surrounded by enemies! In the past, Cross had the power and authority of the Empire behind him. Now he has nothing but his fists!
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – The Prisoner of Bogan #3
IDW
Beginning the adaptation of Peter S. Beagle’s poignant novel of of memory, despair and love on the other side of the ruins! What’s it like to die? Can an ex-pharmacist camped out in a New York cemetery explain the secrets of life and death? Can the talking raven who steals sandwiches for him? And will the ghosts listen?
Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time #2
Punk is dead. You’re next. A girl’s ultimate descent into a world of blood comes to a close. After all the twists and turns, the killer is finally revealed! Find out who lives and who dies in this brutal climax!
Magic the Gathering: Path of Vengeance #4
Rocketeer: Hollywood Horror #1
You wanted more Rocketeer… and you’ve got it! Missing scientists! Plucky girl reporters! Betty and Cliff on the rocks! The mysterious Church of Cosmicism! And who is the sinister Otto Rune? Pulp thrills the way you like them as the Rocketeer comes up against a brand-new adversary in… “The Hollywood Horror!”
Star Trek: The Next Generation – Hive #4
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #50
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret History of the Foot Clan #3
In Feudal Japan, Oroku Saki seizes control of the Foot Clan the only way he knows how… through blood and deceit! But what role will Hamato Yoshi play in his ascent? In the present day, the battle for the Secret of the Foot reaches a fever pitch as Turtles and Foot clash in an epic rematch!
The Transformers: Robots in Disguise #14
The twisted conclusion! In a future overrun by out-of-control machines and monsters, a handful of human survivors try to fight their way back to a normal life. But what is normal in a world where both monsters and machines need human blood? Find out in this horrific new series by 30 Days of Night co-creator Steve Niles and menton3, the demented artist behind Monocyte!
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Archie: The Best of Dan DeCarlo Vol. 4
The two most incredible covert action teams the world has ever known-so covert, in fact, that neither knows the other exists-are meeting for the first time ever! Repeat: Danger Girl and G.I. JOE, together. Spies! Girls! Ninjas! COBRA!
The Library of American Comics Essentials Vol. 2: The Gumps – The Saga Mary Gold
Dynamite
After the events of last issue, Ashley J. Williams and his mini-deadite sidekick Sam find themselves looking for a way back to the present. Unfortunately for them, dark forces are working to ensure that they remain lost in the time stream. How will Ash and Sam overcome the odds when faced by a resurrected King Montezuma who wants to feed them to the Old Ones? Forget what the Mayans said, It’s the Aztec Apocalypse baby, and all that stands between us and it is a chainsaw, a boomstick and a chin!
In “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” the Inventor ponders his assault on Manhattan, while Thunderbolt encounters the powerful and mysterious Adam and Eve-and we learn the tragic story of the man known as the Hooded One!
John Carter slams face-first into the forbidden terrors of the Martian North Pole – literally! Not a single person to have crossed into the frozen northern wastes has ever returned to tell the tale, and Carter’s going to find out why. What he discovers will shock him to his very core, but when the life of his princess, Dejah Thoris, is at stake, no risk is too great.
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Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris Vol. 3: Boora Witch
The Great Toonolian Marshes – one of the most feared places in Barsoom with 1800 miles of marsh land infested with exotic and dangerous creatures. Dejah Thoris, along with her new pilot Kantos Kan, ventures into this foreboding region on an expeditionary mission to find desperately needed minerals. While exploring, Dejah is possessed by “The Boora Witch,” an ancient, demonic creature. Unknown to anyone, The Witch takes control of Dejah and starts spinning a web that could destroy Helium once and for all! Dejah has overcome many enemies, but can she overcome the enemy within? This volume also features the stand-alone story of Dejah’s journey into the Kaolian Forest and her encounter with the dreaded giant insects known as the Sith!
Images via Dynamite Entertainment
BOOM!
The wild and crazy first arc of the breakout hit series comes to its thrilling conclusion! Val and Cass’ hunt for their missing man (and the rest of their payday) has led them back to the Kung Fu Orphange where they built their bonds and learned how to break bones. Now, they will learn secrets about the dojo that should have stayed buried… Oh, and that missing man? He’s back & ready to kick their butts. Another round of fire from Ian Brill & Joshua Covey!
Mods…IN SPACE…. It’s well established that our spies are the swingingest secret agents in all the land, but what about in the galaxy? Emma Peel and John Steed enter the Space Race, thanks to the rocket-fueled talents of Caleb Monroe and Will Sliney!
Trade
Zenescope
Grimm Fairy Tales Valentine’s Day Special 2013 
Grimm Fairy Tales: The Jungle Book – Last of the Species #1
Mowglii has recovered from her wounds after defeating the ferocious Shere Khan, but a quiet day by the river turns into a battle for survival as the unpredictable Dewan of the Apes returns and the Payari Elephants face an attack from Bomani and the remains of the Tigers of the Shere. Mowglii soon learns that on Kipling Isle, there is no down time!
Grimm Fairy Tales: The Madness of Wonderland #1
Trades
The Grimm Fairy Tales spinoff series that reinvents the classic tale of action, fantasy and adventure has arrived in trade paperback format! In the land of Myst, a tryant rules the city of Bree with an iron fist, leaving its citizens living in fear and terror. But all hope is not lost as a young, tough orphan girl from another world discovers her destiny and becomes the legend she was meant to be. The creators of Grimm Fairy Tales, Wonderland, and Neverland bring you the next great hero of the Grimm Universe!
Grimm Fairy Tales: Tales From Neverland
Valiant
Every mission is a suicide mission.Your name is Angelo Mortalli. Your brother is trapped behind enemy lines and on the verge of – no. That’s not right. Your name is Raymond Garrison. You’ve retired from the dangers of the field, but a desperate plea from your oldest friend plunges you into a vicious firefight that – no. That’s not right, either. You are Bloodshot. You are the shade of gray that freedom requires. The perfect confluence of military necessity and cutting-edge technology. A walking WikiLeaks. A reservoir of dirty secrets that could set the world on fire. And you’ve just been captured. Collecting BLOODSHOT #1-4 (2012) by best-selling writer Duane Swierczynski and acclaimed artists Manuel Garcia & Arturo Lozzi, find out why this is the series that has IGN proclaiming “Valiant is quickly becoming the publisher to beat.”
Images via Valiant Entertainment
That does it for this week’s Comic Pull List! Enjoy New Comic Wednesday and support your LCS!