Pull List Roundtable 2/17/2016 – Avengers Standoff, Power Man and Iron Fist #1, Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #4, Snowfall #1 & More (Spoilers)

Columns, Features, Roundtables, Top Story

John Babos

  • Avengers Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1 – I’m curious about what Marvel’s next Avengers event is about, the price tag of $5 may have me pass. We’ll see.
  • Batman and Robin Eternal #20 -The opus is close to ending. What’s next. For DC’s and Batman’s Robins?
  • Sinestro #20 – The best “Green Lantern” book on stands. Awesome story and art! A father-daughter “buddy” book.
  • Squadron Supreme #3 – The only Marvel book I’m reading based on its perfect mix of characters, story and creators. Will likely pick-up Thunderbolts, featuring Winter Soldier, and a classic T-Bolts line-up when it launches later in 2016.
  • Titans Hunt #5 – The post-Convergence hidden history of the first Teen Titans is slowly revealed. And, it has a modern-day impact too. Will we get a Titans ongoing as part of of an extended runway for Rebirth after Titans Hunt wraps?
  • Wonder Woman #49 – The march to #50 continues.
  • Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #4 – Gilad the immortal up against a new reality. Can Gilad beat Death?

Mike Maillaro

  • POWER MAN AND IRON FIST #1 – David F. Walker writing on what should be a pretty big deal project with Power Man and Iron Fist both getting Netflix series over the next two years? Definitely count me in for this one!
  • AVENGERS STANDOFF – WELCOME TO PLEASANT HILL #1 – Great…another Marvel event. Groan. I am still trying to get over how pointless Secret Wars is. I like Nick Spencer’s writing, so this should be a good comic, but I have just about no interest in AVENGERS STANDOFF. It doesn’t even feel like we have a strong status quo for the various Avengers team to have them have a big stand off yet.
  • SHIELD #2 – This is probably going to come out much harsher than I intend, but I am constantly amazed by how unprofessional many comic companies are. The first issue of Archie’s Dark Circle book Shield came out back in October. Archie is far from the only culprit here (Image’s Velvet, Marvel’s Karnak and Powers come to mind), but it seems to happen quite often with Archie’s horror and Dark Circle books. Honestly, I don’t even remember what happened in the first issue of this series. Which doesn’t make me all that inclined to pick this one up, especially since I have a lot of new comics coming out this week.
  • TITHE #8 – Tithe is one of my favorite series, and this is the end of the second story arc. My only gripe here is that this issue costs 6 bucks! A double-size finale to the arc? Uhm, why not just split it over two issues and not kill the reader’s wallet all at once. I actually cringed when I saw the price tag on this one.
  • WRATH OF THE ETERNAL WARRIOR #4 – While this series has been a little slow moving, it’s been damn good. This story has shown us several new sides to Gilead, who has always been one of my favorite Valiant characters. He battle to return to life, even if a big part of him would rather stay in the afterlife with his family is one of the most intense comics out there.
  • DEVOLUTION #2 – The first issue of Rick Remender’s news Dynamite series came out swinging hard. I would like to know more about the characters, but the setting is intense and I think there is a lot of potential here to be even better. Really looking forward to the second issue.
  • HUCK #4 – Mark Millar is on a great streak with me. Over the last few years, he’s put out a lot of books I’ve really enjoyed, and HUCK might be the best of the batch. HUCK is a Superman homage with a lot of heart. Sometimes Millar’s work can come off as a bit cynical, but Huck is far away from that stereotype. Definitely worth a look.
  • ASTRO CITY #32 – STEELJACK IS BACK!! Tarnished Angel is one of my favorite Astro City stories. I know it sometimes gets some flak from reviewers, but I loved this story about redemption. It was also a really good murder mystery. It’s been far too long since we’ve seen what Steeljack is up to!
  • CARNAGE #5 – CARNAGE continues to be one of the biggest surprises to come out of All-New, All-Different Marvel. This book doesn’t get a lot of press, but it’s a great horror story that explores some of the dark corners of the Marvel universe. Last issue, Eddie Brock was fully restored as Toxin, which could make a bad situation even worse. This book has some of the best cliffhangers in comics right now!
  • TITANS HUNT #5 – It looks like this series may have been reduced in issues, which is a real shame. It’s one of my favorite DC books right now. I’ve loved this look into a hidden chapter of the New-52. DC needs to do more books like this.
  • SPIDER-WOMAN #4 – It’s always good when a relaunched book comes back with the same momentum it went away with. SPIDER-WOMAN continues to be one of my favorite comics. It has a great sense of humor, but still a lot of great action and story to it. Last issue, we got to see Jessica kicking a lot of ass even as pregnant as she is. I’ve really enjoyed this arc and this series.
  • SINESTRO #20 – My friend Babos called this “the best Green Lantern title on stands today.” I don’t disagree with him, but I will say that the competition isn’t all that fierce these days. Lost Army really lost something when it changed creative teams. But, Sinestro continues to be one of the DC’s strongest books. I really think they should put Cullen Bunn in charge of saving the Green Lantern franchise.
  • MIGHTY THOR #4 – Jason Aaron has really been doing some terrific work with this book. I was worried that it would lose some momentum once the mystery of “who is Thor” was resolved, but Aaron has proven that he still has a lot to show us here. The battle last week with Loki put a whole new twist on the Thor/Loki dynamic which I really enjoyed. Aaron continues to do the impossible, making me care about Asgard.
  • STAR WARS #16 – You know, part of me hates when they interrupt STAR WARS with the flashback issues of Obi-Wan on Tatooine…but those stories have been excellent. This issue is back to business picking up where Vader Down left off. Marvel continues to do an excellent job with the STAR WARS franchise.
  • BATMAN AND ROBIN ETERNAL #20 – I am a little behind on reading this series. I thought the reveal that Mother tried to murder Harper’s parents “because of Batman” was a little underwhelming. I actually like Harper, but I think they are trying too hard to make her more important than really makes sense. This story just feels like it would have had more of an impact if it had been Tim or Jason. That said, I still really like this comic, and I hope that we get another weekly Batman story in the not too far future. I tend to like this better than Batman and Detective most of the time.

James Fulton

This is a strange week – small, but with a lot of variety. My colleagues have already commented on some of the books that I would have highlighted, and said much what I would have said (although I would have complained about Mark Bagley being on Avengers Standoff), so in the interest of diversity, I’m going to only talk about books they haven’t said anything about:

  • American Monster #2 – The first issue of this series was interesting, and Brian Azzarello and Juan Doe work almost as well together as Azzarello worked with Eduardo Risso on 100 Bullets. This title has a similar feel, so fans of that series should get on this now.
  • Bitch Planet #7 – It’s been like a month since the last issue of Bitch Planet came out. Who would have thought that was likely? I continue to be pleased with this comic, as Kelly Sue DeConnick does the best work of her career.
  • Imperium #13 – I say this all the time, but don’t see too many other people saying it, and so I say it again: Imperium is the smartest, best-written comic Valiant is putting out. I love this series, which is very unpredictable and realistic (for a book about psiots, alien assassins, and a prosperous Somalia).
  • Sex Criminals #14 – To echo what Mike said about Shield, I have no idea when the last issue of Sex Criminals came out, but I’m still pretty excited to get a new one. Matt Fraction is always slow, so there’s no surprise that the book is behind, but also, Chip Zdarsky has been blowing up all over the comics industry, and is probably pretty busy. Looking forward to getting back into this series though, which is the best thing either of these creators are working on.
  • Starve #6 – It’s time for the second arc of this great series about celebrity chefs, reality TV, and bad parenting. This book is great, and artist Danijel Zezelj gets a lot of credit for its success.

Phil Allen

  • Batman Noir: The Black Mirror – Scott Snyder’s first Batman story told in beautiful black & white!
  • Clean Room #5 – I read #1 the other day and I can’t say I’m completely sold yet but it definitely intrigued enough to continue. I’ve heard a lot of praise for the series so I am hopeful.
  • Doctor Fate #9 – This series continues to be one of my favorite post-Convergence “DCYou” titles.
  • I Hate Fairyland #5 – I also read this #1 recently and was blown away! It was everything I was hoping for and more. I’m more familiar with Young’s art than his writing, but it’s great to see him in both creative chairs!
  • Martian Manhunter #9 – Same as Doctor Fate, one of the best from DC lately.
  • Sex Criminals #14 – I’m mentioning it this week because I’m excited (phrasing!) to see Katie Cook’s variant cover.
  • Snowfall #1 – When I saw this cover on Previews a few months ago, I thought it was a Mr. Freeze solo series. But when I read the description, I was perfectly satisfied being wrong. A science-fiction (possibly super-hero) story about a man who uses weather as a weapon in a snow-less world? I’m in.
  • The Twilight Zone #1959 – It’s been awhile since I’ve read any of Dynamite’s Twilight Zone series, but this sounds like a good throwback to the classics. Plus, it’s a one-shot so no series-commitment required.
  • Other issues I’m looking forward to:
  • Archie #6
  • Batman and Robin Eternal #20
  • Birthright #14
  • Bitch Planet #7
  • Harley Quinn #25
  • Injustice: Gods Among Us, Year Five #4
  • Robin: Son of Batman #9
  • Star Wars #16

Paul Miranda

  • RACHEL RISING #40
  • JUST ANOTHER SHEEP #4 (of 5)
  • WRAITHBORN#1 (of 6)
    Joe Benitez secures the reins of his other famous creation. Mysticism and mayhem await!! This first issue is a director’s cut version.
  • BILL & TED GO to HELL#1 (of 4)
    If I’m not mistaken, this will be my first BOOM! book to view. The time-traveling buddies find their way in H-E-double-hockey sticks. That won’t deter them from having a rockin’ good time. Excellent!! Bodacious!!!
  • BATMAN & ROBIN ETERNAL #20 (of 26)
  • DR. FATE #9
  • MARTIAN MANHUNTER #9
  • POISON IVY: CYCLE of LIFE and DEATH #2 (of 6)
  • ROBIN, SON OF BATMAN #9
  • SECRET SIX #11
  • SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN #4 (of 7)
  • WONDER WOMAN #49
  • GRUMPY CAT & POKEY #1 (of 6)
    Razzle frazzle, grumble mumble. Everyone’s fan-fave feline is back for more appaws.
  • SHIKARI FORCE: HUNTERS #1 (of 4)
    Graphic India releases another brand-new affordably priced mini. A quirky quartet band together to rid our planet of slithering serpentine evil-doers. The $1.99 price point is a gift for readers
  • BIRTHRIGHT #14
  • HUCK #4
  • SNOWFALL #1
    The multitude of new number ones from Image is as regular as clockwork. The last book mentioned on this short list is garner enough buzz, like all the other innovative titles. Despite the dystopic slant, I’d love to live in a world where the white stuff never existed. Just sayin’…The logo kills it!
  • WES CRAVEN’s COMING of RAGE #5 (of 5)
  • AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #8
  • DR. STRANGE #4
  • AVENGERS: STANDOFF – WELCOME to PLEASANT HILL
    My love, respect, and admiration for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes’ published adventures has waned considerably. At present, I’m only reading and collecting Mark Waid’s ANAD AVENGERS. This one-shot leading to an interconnection of the various family titles might sway me. The big question is: how much of a game-changer will this be?? Steve Rogers will rejuvenate and the stepping stones seem to be here. Mark Bagley’s art always appeals to my eyes.
  • POWER MAN & IRON FIST {2nd Series} #1
    Mac ‘n cheese, fries with ketchup, peanut butter and jelly. They’re all delicious combos. None of them can beat a white rich man with mystic roots and a tough-talking black man from the means streets. These two own it!! The synergy is present with the upcoming Netflix solo series featuring Luke Cage. Danny Rand is in production limbo. Either way, make mine Marvel!!
  • STAR WARS #16
  • DUSU: PATH of the ANCIENT #1 (of 4)
    Stranger Comics expands its mythology by focusing on another denizen of Asunda. Dusu has the power of the jaguar to keep him safe!
  • IMPERIUM #13
    I vowed to get into more Valiant books and that’s exactly what I’m doing!! New jumping-on points don’t hurt. I know next to nothing about this character but that doesn’t sate my curiosity!!
  • DIVINITY #1 One Dollar Debut
    Bow down to the cheapies. I had no idea the impact the first issue had on the market as well as critics. At least I’ll get to enjoy the re-printed version.

Matt Graham

  • Tomb Raider #1 – This One Summer scribe Mariko Tamaki handling Lara Croft has my attention. Between This One Summer and Emiko Superstar, Tamaki can deliver a coming of age and self discovery story. Since 2013 Lara Croft has rebranded to be all about that in addition to the supernatural pulp action. Looking forward to this one.
  • Poison Ivy Cycle Of Life And Death #2 (Of 6) – I found Poison Ivy #1 to be a wonderfully written and illustrated focus on Pamela Isley. My favourite characters have faceted motives and outlooks and Amy Chu has divorced the character from the usual Gotham trappings (even pitting her against BFF Harley Quinn) to explore what makes Dr. Isley tick. Clay Mann’s art makes this series look better than some of the flagship DC books while complementing the script in ways only visualization can.
  • Red Sonja Volume 3 #2 – Marguerite Bennett has become one of my favourite writers, able to balance quality with quantity in her output. Red Sonja has long been one of my heroes, so this book is an automatic buy based on both merits. Artist Aneke is one of the go-to fantasy artists these days with a clear Barry Windsor-Smith, Simon Bisley, John Buscema, and Spanish legend Maria Pascual influence cut with a dose of Fiona Staples and Amy Reeder. Make no mistake, though, she is distinctively her own and every line and frame shows how she loves the medium.
  • Power Man and Iron Fist #1 – Sanford Greene has long been one of the highlights of my artist alley walks. For the past few months I’ve been amped by his own excitement with every social media tease of a book he’s proud of. David Walker (Cyborg, Shaft, The Army of Dr. Moreau) is writing the Heroes for Hire. ‘Nuff said.
  • Spider-Woman #4 – It’s becoming apparent this title is worth it for the art alone. In fact, just buy last issue and frame every page of Jessica’s journey through a space station on your wall. Dennis Hopeless and Javier Rodriguez have me invested in the best Spider-Character and one of the best All-New, All Different concepts Marvel has going at the moment.
  • Also:
  • Mighty Thor #4
  • Dr. Strange #4
Mike Maillaro is a lifelong Jersey Boy and geek. Mike has been a comic fan for about 30 years from when his mom used to buy him Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Adventures at our local newsstand. Thanks, Mom!! Mike's goal is to bring more positivity to the discussion of comics and pop culture.