Battlemouth

It has come to my attention that several of you are not as obsessed with comic books as I am! Not everyone buys a copy of Previews Magazine every month, or surfs the assorted publisher websites for news, or follows 50 or 60 assorted comic book industry types on twitter just to pretend to be friends with them… So it is with that in mind that I have decided to start a new series, for the casual reader, if you will. There are plenty of websites out there that will give you list after list of all the titles coming out on the nearest Wednesday, but anyone can pull that together, right? Instead I will give you a, hopefully, more personalized idea of some books that are coming out. Obviously it is difficult to just jump into many of the ongoing series that are out there so I will try to focus on books with jumping on points, or to at least give you an idea of what has been going on and whether or not it is worth your time (and money) to catch up! I hope you find this new series informative and helpful as you make your way to the comic book shop on Wednesday…maybe it might even convince some of you that you should be making that trip in the first place! Look for new ups on Monday nights!

The Casual Readers Pull List For Wednesday 9/30

Batman: Widening Gyre #2
DC
Written by Kevin Smith
Art by Walter Flanagan and Art Thibert
Cover by Bill Sienkiewicz; variant covers by Gene Ha

My Thoughts:
Kevin Smith’s Green Arrow was fantastic….it’s Kevin Smith, you know it’s going to be amusing. Outside of that, if you have listened to the “Battlecast” you know that I am not the hugest fan of the “Dark Knight”, so if I am reading it, it must be worth a look.

The Official Blurb:
Kevin Smith’s newest Batman adventure has only just begun and already the surprises are pouring in! This issue has more guest-stars, more twists, more turns and more Batman than you can handle. Don’t miss the sensational second issue from Smith — the fan-favorite creator behind GREEN ARROW and Daredevil — and artist Walter Flanagan (BATMAN: CACOPHONY)!
$2.99 US

Secret Warriors #8
MARVEL
WRITER: Jonathan Hickman
PENCILS: ALESSANDRO VITTI
INKS: Jim McCann|Jim McCann|Sean Ryan
LETTERED BY: Dave Lanphear

My Thoughts:
This series is too good to not mention. (Check out my review of the goings on here.) Yes it does fall in the “Dark Reign” group of books and therefore you may find yourself a little lost as to what is going on if you haven’t been following any of that stuff. Regardless, I say the first 8 issues of “Secret Warriors” are worth your money.

The Official Blurb:
Nick Fury and a long-dormant spy now reactivated continue their top secret mission while the kids get in way over their heads as they go up against members of the Dark Avengers and the Thunderbolts…and while no one else is looking, HYDRA’s grand plans continue to unfold. All that and Ares is finally reunited with his son – watch the sparks fly! It’s GOD OF FEAR. GOD OF WAR. Part two of four!
$3.99 US

Die Hard Year One #1
BOOM-Studios
Writer Howard Chaykin
Artist Stephen Thompson
Covers by Dave Johnson, Jock, and John Paul Leon

My Thoughts:
It’s a John McClane comic book…and it’s issue 1. Who wouldn’t want to check it out?

The Official Blurb:
America’s greatest action hero is translated into the sequential art form for the first time! Every great action hero got started somewhere. Batman Began. Bond had his Casino Royale. And for John McClane, more than a decade before the first Die Hard movie, he’s just another rookie cop, an East Coast guy working on earning his badge in New York City during 1976’s Bicentennial celebration… and the Summer of Sam. Too bad for John McClane, nothing’s ever that easy. Join legendary industry creator Howard Chaykin on a thrill ride that’s rung up over $1 billion in box office worldwide and become the gold standard for classic action! Yippee Ki Yay!
$3.99 US

The Unknown: The Devil Made Flesh #1
BOOM-Studios
By: Mark Waid, Minck Oosterveer, Erik Jones, Alexander Stojanov

My Thoughts:
The first arc of Mark Waid’s “The Unknown” was pretty badass. This new arc is pretty much due to rave reviews concerning the first arc. You can pick up issue 1 of this series and not miss a beat!

The Official Blurb:
Mark Waid brings another installment of the world’s greatest detective! With only six months to live, Catherine Allingham’s condition is terminal. But nothing will stop her from trying to solve even more mysteries. It’s international suspense and hair-raising macabre as time runs out for our detective. Interior art by superstar Minck Oosterveer. Features 2 covers which will be shipped randomly.
$3.99 US

Keep in mind these are just a few recommendations for this week. There are always countless other issues that you may enjoy so be sure to take your time and look around! Be sure to check back next week for more of The Casual Readers Pull List!