Hawkman, Vol. 1: Awakening
by Robert Venditti (Goodreads Author), Bryan Hitch (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
Carter Hall is Hawkman, the resurrected winged warrior who’s lived a thousand lifetimes. But what happens when one of his past lives comes knocking on his door?
Spinning out of the events of Dark Nights: Metal, Carter Hall returns to the DC Universe! An explorer of the ancient and unknown, Hawkman finds himself embroiled in a long-standing mission to discover the true purpose of his many reincarnations. Carter will race around the globe trying to piece together an ancient prophecy, but will he be able to face down his own past lives lurking around every corner?
Fan favorite writer Robert Venditti (Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps, The Flash) is joined by industry superstar Bryan Hitch (Justice League, The Ultimates) to redefine DC’s winged wonder for a new era!
Collects Hawkman #1-6
The Verdict
An amazing deep-dive into the vast history of the DC Universe, readers will thoroughly enjoy learning just how much history Hawkman, aka Carter Hall, has lived through. The character becomes so much more complex and expands what everyone thought they knew of the DC Universe as a whole that this comic book shines a light into the vast darkness that has been plaguing the heroes in recent years. It’s a must-read for any long-time Hawkman fans.
Young Justice, Vol. 1: Gemworld
by Brian Michael Bendis, Patrick Gleason (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator), Emanuela Lupacchino (Illustrator), Kris Anka (Illustrator), Viktor Bogdanovic (Illustrator), Doc Shaner (Illustrator), Ray McCarthy (Illustrator), Jonathan Glapion (Illustrator), Alejandro Sanchez (Colorist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist), Alex Sinclair (Colorist), Chris Sotomayor (Colorist), Hi-Fi (Colorist)
The Synopsis
Superboy! Wonder Girl! Robin! Impulse! Amethyst! All united in Young Justice! The hottest new super-team, written by award winning author Brian Michael Bendis for his new imprint Wonder Comics!
When the nightmare dimension known as Gemworld invades Metropolis, teen heroes will unite to deal with the situation–but they’re quickly shocked to discover the battle may be the key to the return of Conner Kent, a.k.a. Superboy!
This mix of fan favorites and new legacy heroes will be the center point for some of the biggest goings-on at DC! As if that weren’t enough, Brian Michael Bendis (Superman, Action Comics, Pearl) reunites with all-star artist Patrick Gleason (Superman, Action Comics, Green Lantern Corps) to bring the new heroes of DC’s Wonder Comics to life!
Aimed at providing readers with honest and innovative reading experiences, Brian Michael Bendis’ Wonder Comics is a celebration of the moments of in life when discoveries are made – when purpose and meaning are revealed and destinies are defined. Featuring the young heroes of the DC Universe as penned by all-star creative teams in exciting new adventures that will celebrate the wonders of life, love and comics.
Collects issues #1-6
The Verdict
What a bright, fun new chapter for the DC Universe. While so much of the DC Comics world has become filled with darkness as Doom threatens to consume everything, the Young Justice team showcases a connectivity and humor that few comics are capturing at the moment. The return of heroes like Bart Allen and Superboy, aka Connor Kent, was amazing to see unfold, and seeing Tim Drake take on a leadership role was amazing to see as well. Incredibly written, this is a must-read for longtime DC Comics fans.
The Green Lantern, Vol. 1: Intergalactic Lawman
(The Green Lantern (Collected Editions) #1)
by Grant Morrison, Liam Sharp (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
Legendary writer Grant Morrison is taking Green Lantern back to his roots, exploring the popular hero’s role as the universe’s best space cop. It’s Law and Order in space as Hal Jordan encounters a mysterious alien hiding in plain sight, setting off a chain of events that will bring the Green Lantern Corps to its knees!
When Green Lantern Hal Jordan encounters an alien hiding in plain sight, it sets off a chain of events that rocks the Green Lantern Corps to its foundations. There’s an intergalactic conspiracy afoot, and a traitor within the Corps might be pulling the strings… Then, the Earth itself has vanished and been put up for auction to a buyer whose claim may be impossible to break without Hal violating the Lanterns’ most cherished rule!
With vivid new takes on the Controllers, the Darkstars, the Guardians of the Universe and many more Green Lantern enemies and allies drawn from decades of DC Comics, Morrison and Sharp spin an epic tale that ranges from Earth to the farthest reaches of space, starting in The Green Lantern: Intergalactic Lawman, collecting issues #1-6 of the new hit series!
Collects The Green Lantern #1-6.
The Verdict
A visceral, cosmic adventure that puts Hal Jordan into the role of hero and undercover cop all at once, the latest Green Lantern series focuses on one of DC’s most prolific heroes to fill out the role of Green Lantern. Highlighting Hal Jordan’s unique willpower in the face of frightening, horrifying cosmic threats, the new iterations or viewpoints of the Darkstars and the Controllers puts Hal in a truly new position within the DC Universe.
Doomsday Clock
by Geoff Johns
The Synopsis
The critically acclaimed sequel to the best-selling Watchmen written by master storytellers Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. As the Doomsday Clock ticks toward midnight the final fate of the DC Universe lies in a confrontation between Superman and Dr. Manhattan that will result in the end of everything!
The world of Watchmen collides with the DC Universe in the most shocking story in DC history! Something is amiss in the DC Universe. Following the events of DC Universe: Rebirth and Batman/The Flash: The Button, Geoff Johns (Flashpoint, Justice League, DC Universe: Rebirth) and Gary Frank (Batman: Earth One, Shazam!, DC Universe: Rebirth) reuinite to rewrite the past and future of the DC Universe in a story hailed as a masterpiece!
Seven years after the events of Watchmen, Adrian Veidt has been exposed as the murderer of millions. Now a fugitive, he has come up with a new plan to save his once-adoring world: find Dr. Manhattan. Alongside a new Rorschach and the deadly Mime and Marionette he arrives in the DC Universe and finds it on the brink of collapse. International tensions are running rampant with The Supermen Theory implicating the U.S. government in creating superhumans to maintain global dominance! But what is Dr. Manhattan doing in the DC Universe? And how is he related to the events of DC Universe: Rebirth and The Button? Our heroes will discover these answers all point to one thing. The end.
Collects issues #1-12 of the groundbreaking series
The Verdict
One of the best graphic novels of the Rebirth era, Doomsday Clock brings together the worlds of Watchmen and DC Comics in a truly brutal, gritty yet thought-provoking way. Examining the state of the world as a whole and a hero’s place within it, the story looks into how violence and mistrust can lead to downward spirals within any society, while the larger story of Dr. Manhattan showcases how the DC Universe has evolved and grown over the years and how the simplest change can have dire consequences on the future. The showdown that leads to Superman facing Dr. Manhattan is amazing to see unfold. This is a graphic novel you do not want to miss.
Superman, Volume 1: The Unity Saga: Phantom Earth
by Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Reis (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
Iconic creator Brian Michael Bendis finally lands writing the first superhero ever, as Clark Kent battles the alien that blew up Krypton–Rogol Zaar–in this great entry-point graphic novel, Superman Vol. 1!
The fallout from the Man of Steel graphic novel has Clark looking at the world through new eyes…with new ideas about what Superman could and should do for the city of Metropolis and the planet Earth. His first job? Getting the planet back out of the Phantom Zone!
A bold new chapter for the greatest superhero of all time and one of the greatest creators of his generation begins here, as Bendis and artist Ivan Reis begin their run on the all-new SUPERMAN! This graphic novel also serves as a sister series to Bendis’ new run beginning in Action Comics Vol. 1! Collects issues #1-6.
The Verdict
A brand new age of Superman comics, the latest chapter of Clark Kent’s life is an interesting one. Not only is he faced with protecting his adoptive home as it begins to be pulled into the terrifying Phantom Zone and facing a powerful foe in Rogol Zaar, the being responsible for Krypton’s destruction, but he must also contend with his personal life as his wife Lois finds herself in the spotlight and people begin speculating about their relationship, and his son finds himself on his own cosmic journey with a shocking ally. The artwork is incredible and the story really highlights how Superman’s world and stories really connect with the larger DC Universe often.
Catwoman, Vol. 1: Copycats
by Joëlle Jones, Fernando Blanco (Illustrations), Laura Allred (Colorist)
The Synopsis
Coming off of the wedding of the century to Batman, Selina Kyle stars in an all-new solo series written and illustrated by Eisner Award nominee Joëlle Jones!
The wedding night’s barely over, but Catwoman’s back on the streets, this time to expose a copycat who’s pulling heists around Gotham City. As Selina cracks the whip on her former criminal cohorts, she’s attracting unwanted attention from one of Gotham’s most dangerous groups. The mob? Nope. Try the GCPD. And as if the Bat-Bride didn’t have enough problems, don’t miss the debut of an all-new villain determined to make trouble for all nine of Selina’s lives.
Fresh off of her run on Batman with superstar writer Tom King, creator Joëlle Jones writes and illustrates this dynamic new series. Collects issues #1-6.
The Verdict
An engaging new chapter in the life of Selina Kyle, fans will be enthralled with Catwoman’s solo comic series. Seeing the character put on appearances within a new city in an effort to hide her pain at being forced to leave the man she loves behind in Gotham, Selina is confronted by a powerful criminal leader who challenges Selina’s power and assurance in any situation. Examining her skills as a master thief and a would-be hero, the comic highlights the complexity of the character and looks at her life away from the life of Batman.
The Punisher, Vol. 1: World War Frank
by Matthew Rosenberg, Szymon Kudranski (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
You can take the Punisher out of the War Machine… Frank Castle may no longer have the Stark-designed armor, but he has retained his newly acquired taste for “big game” criminal targets – and he’s hungry for more. But the paths to such perilous pursuits are fraught with dangers bigger than any Frank has faced before, and this lone wolf could use powerful help on his way up to the world stage. A delicate situation gets more complicated when Daredevil enters the fray – and he wants to put the Punisher down even more than Frank’s newest foes! Where can the Punisher go from here…but down? Matthew Rosenberg continues pushing the boundaries of the Punisher, now joined by acclaimed artist Riccardo Burchielli for the book that Frank-ophiles will be talking about for years to come!
COLLECTING: THE PUNISHER (2018) 1-5
The Verdict
An exciting, visceral and gritty new chapter in the life of the Punisher, Frank Castle is a man on a mission once more. Seeking redemption of his own making after being tricked into working for HYDRA, Frank finds himself hunting down not mobsters or drug dealers, but Baron Zemo and all those who work for HYDRA. Seeing the Punisher bring his own violent brand of justice to an organization like HYDRA really elevates Frank’s heroics and vigilantism as a whole. Seeing the various heroes of the Marvel universe try to bring Frank in as he causes mayhem and takes out iconic villains will engage fans greatly as the series unfolds.
West Coast Avengers, Vol. 1: Best Coast
(West Coast Avengers (2018) (Collected Editions) #1)
by Kelly Thompson (Goodreads Author) (Writer), Stefano Caselli (Illustrations), Daniele Di Nicuolo (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
The Avengers go West once again – but these ain’t your daddy’s Whackos! A bold new era begins for the mightiest heroes to ever live on the Pacifi c Coast. That means Hawkeye (your favorite one, Kate Bishop)! Hawkeye (the other one, Clint Barton)! America Chavez! Kid Omega! Gwenpool! And a guy named Fuse! Wait, what? That’s right, these are the new West Coast Avengers. And you better hope they can figure out how to save the world, and fast -because big things are headed for their part of the planet! Including the attack of the 50-foot werewoman – better known as original WCA member Tigra! The West Coast Avengers are back, and you’re going to love what comes next!
COLLECTING: WEST COAST AVENGERS 1-4, YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS #6, THE UNBELIEVABLE GWENPOOL #1
The Verdict
A fun, hilarious, and action-packed new chapter in the lives of Hawkeye (Kate Bishop) and her allies, fans are going to love this limited series. The humor of characters who fans never would have imagined being on a team together, especially Quentin Quire and Gwenpool, is felt on every page of this series, and the exploration of crime and misadventures from villains on the West Coast is a unique change of pace for the Marvel heroes. The brief revival of the West Coast Avengers is a fun read that is not to be missed.
Uncanny X-Men: X-Men Disassembled
by Matthew Rosenberg (Text), Ed Brisson, Kelly Thompson (Goodreads Author), Mahmud Asrar (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
The flagship X-Men title that started it all is back — bigger and better than ever! Why is the X-Men’s newest crisis shaping up to be…their final adventure?! It all starts with a mysterious and tragic disappearance, but their investigation draws the X-Men into a much larger — and deadlier — situation! Who or what are the Four Horsemen of Salvation, and what is their connection to Nate Grey, the incredibly powerful mutant known as X-Man? Will Nate’s home dimension, the Age of Apocalypse, make its horrifying return? Or does the dawn of the Age of X-Man mean the end of the Uncanny X-Men?! It’s a statusquo- smashing story that just might leave all of mutantkind in tatters, and it will take three fan-favorite writers to deliver the mutant madness!
COLLECTING: Uncanny X-Men (2018) 1-10
The Verdict
A powerful first chapter in the latest “final stand” for the X-Men, as they face an all-powerful Nate Grey as he gets set to reshape the planet into his own image, bringing about his own brand of “peace”. As the X-Men face not only their end but all of Earth’s end as well, they will have to come together to show the world why mutants deserve equality, not hate. Yet Nate’s attacks make this mission more challenging than ever, and fans are able to see how the frustration and pain being alienated is starting to affect the X-Men. A great way to look at how the X-Men team has evolved and grown over the years.
Mr. and Mrs. X, Vol. 1: Love and Marriage
by Kelly Thompson (Goodreads Author), Oscar Bazaldua (Illustrator), Terry Dodson (Illustrator), David López (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
To the surprise of everyone, the Marvel Universe’s hottest couple has tied the knot! But there’s no time to enjoy wedded bliss when ROGUE and GAMBIT find themselves tasked with protecting a mysterious package that just about everyone in the galaxy is trying to steal. What secrets does this package hold that everyone from the Imperial Guard and the Starjammers to Technet and Deathbird (with an entire Shi’ar rebellion in tow!) will risk everything for?! Perhaps more importantly, is there anything worse than DEADPOOL crashing your honeymoon?
COLLECTING: MR. AND MRS. X 1-6
The Verdict
Hilarious, action-packed, and romantic, this incredible X-Men read focuses on two of the most beloved and complicated heroes within the mutant community, Rogue and Gambit. Their on and off relationship takes new heights as they finally tie the knot, but marriage doesn’t end the complications of their life. From Deadpool making his way onto their honeymoon in space to secret X-Men missions nearly ending the marriage before it starts, this series does a fantastic job of exploring the complex nature of these two hero’s lives as well as how amazing they function as a unit together.
Fantastic Four by Dan Slott, Vol. 1: Fourever
by Dan Slott, Sara Pichelli (Illustrations), Stefano Caselli (Illustrations), Nico Leon (Illustrations), Simone Bianchi (Illustrations), Skottie Young (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
The wait is over! The Thing, the Human Torch, the Invisible Woman and Mr. Fantastic – the fi rst four heroes of the Marvel Age of Comics -are about to be reunited! Nothing is impossible anymore. Anything can happen. It’s time. Jump in and be part of the grand return of the greatest family in the Marvel Universe! As an event occurs that will forever change the Fantastic Four, the next chapter begins in the life of Victor Von Doom. Meanwhile, Alicia Masters adopts two kittens. And no, they’re not Skrulls. They’re two normal, everyday kittens! FANTASTIC FOUR is a book about the grand, cosmic wonder of the Marvel Universe. It’s also about family and real life. And people get pets. Stop obsessing about Alicia’s kittens.
COLLECTING: FANTASTIC FOUR 1-4
The Verdict
After being apart for years after the events of Secret Wars, the Fantastic Four are back together again. As Johnny and Ben miss their friends and family, Reed and Sue are traversing the new multiverse as their son Franklin Richards helps create these new universes, while Valeria and the Future Foundation record and analyze the inhabitants of these universes. Soon the Fantastic Four are pulled back together by a powerful, multiversal threat, while Ben takes a giant step to take his relationship with Alicia to all new levels. The rebirth of the Fantastic Four’s world and their adventures throughout time and space are a welcome treat as Marvel witnesses the return of the world’s first superhero family.
Death of the Inhumans
(Inhumans in Chronological Order #38)
by Donny Cates, Ariel Olivetti (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
The alien Kree are on a killing spree, leaving behind a message: Join or die. Thousands of Inhumans have already made their choice – the evidence floats bleeding in space. Attilan died screaming without its king. Now Black Bolt, monarch of the Inhumans, sets out for vengeance – and leads the last of his people to their deaths. For the Kree have a weapon of their own…one that will teach the Silent King what it truly means to be voiceless. It’s an Inhuman massacre as rising star Donny Cates and sensational artist Ariel Olivetti bring the Inhumans to the lowest point in their long and storied history – and quite possibly their last!
COLLECTING: DEATH OF INHUMANS 1-5
The Verdict
Facing their own extinction, the Inhuman survivors, including members of the Royal Family, must avenge their people as the Kree set out to destroy their long lost creations. Black Bolt is pushed to his limits and has his willpower and power set tested in more ways than one. The brutality and shocking discovery of a new enemy makes this series stand out and gives a whole new context to the mythology of the Inhumans. A must-read.
Captain America by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vol. 1: Winter in America
by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Writer), Leinil Francis Yu (Illustrations), Gerry Alanguilan (Goodreads Author) (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
It’s winter in America! For over 70 years, Captain America has stood in stalwart defense of our country and its people. But in the aftermath of Hydra’s takeover of the nation, Cap is a figure of controversy, carrying a tarnished shield…and a new enemy is rising! Who are they? And how do they intend to co-opt and corrupt the symbol that is Captain America? Distrusted by a nation that seems to have lost faith in him, Steve Rogers is a man out of time – and out of options! Where can a now-unsanctioned Captain America turn for aid and assistance in order to stem the rise of the cabal of influence brokers known as the Power Elite? Join acclaimed BLACK PANTHER scribe Ta-Nehisi Coates for the next chapter of Captain America’s life!
COLLECTING: CAPTAIN AMERICA 1-6, FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2018 (AVENGERS/CAPTAIN AMERICA) 1 (CAPTAIN AMERICA STORY)
The Verdict
Readers will be enthralled and engaged with this all-new chapter in the story of Captain America. Getting to see Steve Rodgers face a world now that distrusts him and his heroism after a HYDRA copy of himself tarnished his reputation by nearly destroying the world gives this new series an added element of drama that balances out the action. It is definitely a series that plays upon the state of our world as it stands now, and is a great read overall.
Doctor Strange by Mark Waid, Vol. 1: Across The Universe
(Doctor Strange (2018) (Collected Editions) #1)
by Mark Waid, Jesus Saiz (Illustrations), Javier Pina (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
The Eye of Agamotto is closed! Doctor Stephen Strange has lost his connection to the Earth’s arcane power, and he can’t wait to recover while nightmares press against the seams of our reality. Tony Stark offers a 21st-century solution: when astral travel fails, try astronautical travel. Enter Doctor Strange: Space-Explorer Supreme! New spells, allies and enemies–new and old–await Strange beyond the stars, along with corners and secrets of the Marvel Universe, seen here for the first time! Space is endless, but time is short. After years of threats, Stephen’s bill for magic use is coming due–who will come to collect?!
COLLECTING: DOCTOR STRANGE 1-5
The Verdict
Stephen Strange has been a master of mysticism for years, but now the Sorcerer Supreme is put into a whole new position as he must find magic throughout the cosmos. Seeing Stephen’s journey of discovery and the various new magical elements within the universe of Marvel Comics is a creative twist on the Doctor Strange mythos and welcome addition to the Marvel Universe.
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