What Comic Books to buy 8/21/13

There are so many great comics launching shipping tomorrow, a few decades ago who would've thought Image Comics would be such a creatively fertile place? Now Marvel, DC, Image, Vertigo, and Valiant are fairly strong players in the industry. This is all great for the consumer, because there are more options to discover. Even in terms of superheroes there is now a world of opportunities for anyone to explore. In fact, that amount of product is completely overwhelming for almost every fan that is really into the industry. Luckily articles like this exist to breakdown some of the releases this week. These are the books that I am excited to read, so your list may be different, thats okay! First off nothing is shipping from Image that excites me this week. Onwards to Valiant,

X-O Manowar #16

Valiant is having a big week for fans as X-O Manowar #16 and Bloodshot #0. The former comic is rebuilding from a huge shift in story arc that may have been too action heavy for the series. Luckily with the appearance of the Eternal Warrior things have started to change for the better with X-O and the other Visigoths.

Bloodshot #0

Bloodshot has a big story written by Matt Kindt and art by the criminally underappreciated Chris Cross. For fans of the creators or the character, this may very well be a title to watch this week. Valiant is on the verge of too much product some weeks, however these two books should prove to be worth your time and money. The writers and artists at the company are all proving that nobody can go wrong with anything at Valiant.

Justice League Dark #23

DC is also having a pretty big week with the penultimate chapter of Trinity War launching in Justice League Dark #23. The Justice League franchise has been very strong going into the epic Trinity War event. The titles feature some interesting twists and turns at every angle. Even after a couple of spoilers from Trinity War were leaked out, it made many readers even more interested in the stories ensuing afterwards.

Superman/Batman #3

Superman/Batman has been a welcome surprise for most, the book shot all expectations out of the water almost completely. Writer Greg Pak has given the story a regal feeling that makes each character feel unique. The twist into Earth 2 gave the narrative a different energy, along with artist Ben Oliver. It is a shame the great artistic team will be leaving the comic so soon, but with writer Greg Pak still on the series readers should put their fears to rest.

Wonder Woman #23

In my opinion the strongest comic books always tend to be place more of an emphasis on character. This team of unlikely heroes banding together in this fashion is the bread and butter of this series, which is why it has turned into the best comic book title in The New 52 that DC is publishing. There is no excuse not to read the adventures of the Amazonian and friends every single week it is being published. Get on board the train to experience awesome writing and characters!

Animal Man #23

Animal Man has been hitting a sharp rebound the last two issues. Installments towards the end of Rotworld left the series in a direction that was a place not many people wanted it go. Jeff Lemire has been spinning the plot points in a strange direction, that may end up in the undoing of the poor story elements. The recently released Animal Annual #2 was a strikingly beautiful story that should have readers trusting Lemire again.

Superman Unchained #3

This is a Superman comic that many actually enjoy in The New 52. I personally find the art muddy, and wonder where Snyder is going with the protagonist and supporting team. While I applaud those who enjoy the series, it simply has to step up it’s game to get me interested.

Avengers #18

Infinity is finally underway, keeping track of everything laid down in the first issue is an exciting prospect to even imagine for me. Piecing the Skrulls in this intergalactic mess, may start to make my brain explode with all of the other different factors at play. Readers should pay close attention to this issue, and then may want to go back into Infinity #1 to see where this comes into play. Avengers #18 should satisfy those willing to dig deeper into the ongoing saga.

Avengers Assemble #18

A Spider-Woman story is just what the doctor ordered, this is a heroine who rarely gets the spotlight. Watching Jessica Drew attempt to take on the builder fleet should amount to a pretty entertaining story. Writer Kelly Sue DeConnick and artist Barry Kitson will hopefully stake a claim in the Marvel mindshare this week. Avengers Assemble has struggled to find an identity thanks to the recent Captain Marvel crossover, hopefully DeConnick can get the title out from under it’s own shadow.

Daredevil #30

Daredevil under the pen of Waid and Samnee is never anything short of awesome. People who like great comics should be buying this series.

Indestructible Hulk #12

This is another Waid title, unfortunately it has been struggling to find a voice the same way that Daredevil does not. The comic is enjoyable enough, so far it has some trouble peaking into greatness. Hopefully over the next couple of issues, the quality will be as good as it deserves to be.

X-Men #4

Brian Wood and Olivier Coipel have been crafting a beautiful story worthy of the attention praise all the critics have been giving the series. The emphasis on women is a gimmick that enticed many into the comic book, yet new fans stay for the great writing. While this title has been more focused on plot, it has still been very entertaining read thus far. When the characters come into play during the course of the past three issues they always stay very true to their initial characterizations.

All this awesome product is shipping tomorrow in print and will be available in digital!