Pull List Roundtable 5/25/2016 – DC Universe: Rebirth #1, Scooby Apocalypse #1, Afterlife with Archie #9, Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 (Spoilers)

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John Babos

9 books this week.

  • Bloodshot Reborn #13 – Loved this characters for more than a decade and I am enjoying the quirky yet dark stories being told.
  • DC Universe Rebirth #1 – It all begins here.
  • Deathstroke #18 – Ra’s Al Ghul vs ‘Stroke. Looks like fun.
  • Flash #52 – The end is nigh. Still no ginger Wally West?
  • Justice League #50 – Two months behind rest of publishing line. Does it tie into DC Universe Rebirth #1?
  • Omega Men #12 – Loved this mini-series. Sad to see it go. Hope we see all these players again soon playing big roles in the DCU.
  • Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot & Katana #5 – The unlikely mini continues.
  • Superman #52 & Superman: Lois and Clark #8 – Do both these books tie into or set-up the new Superman status quo in DC Rebirth?

Mike Maillaro

I guess summer comic season has officially started, because this is a massive week for me with lots of real big books.

  • DC UNIVERSE REBIRTH #1 – I still have no idea exactly what this book is. It doesn’t seem to be another massive universe wipe, but exactly what DC will look like after Rebirth is still unclear. A lot of books (including Final Days of Superman and Titans Hunt) seem to have given us some hints, but nothing all that obvious. I really liked Convergence, so I am definitely real curious about this one.
  • SUPERMAN #52 – Speaking of Final Days of Superman, I’ve really enjoyed this crossover, and it seems like Tomasi has a terrific vision for Superman moving forward. I haven’t been this excited about Superman in a very long time. This book should set the stage for Superman Rebirth, and I will definitely be a customer of the new Superman line if the quality stays this good.
  • SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #1 – Never thought I would see Scooby Doo on my pull list…but when the Justice League 3001 team was announced for this book, it was pretty hard to pass this one up. I have no idea if it will be any good, but I still have to check it out.
  • FLASH #52 – So, does TV’s Wally West or New 52’s Wally West become Kid Flash first (though I think TV’s Wally is a little too old to be called KID Flash)? Flash’s run during New 52 was pretty solid all the way through, and I’m curious where the series goes from here. I know a lot of people have hated some of the changes, but I’ve thought this was a pretty fresh take on Barry Allen, a character I never really liked all that much (Wally was already Flash most of the time I read comics).
  • JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 – Because of delays, this book seems like it came out AFTER quite a bit of the aftermath, like Final Days of Superman and I assumed DC Rebirth. It’s not quite a train wreck like Marvel did with Secret Wars, but it’s still a little annoying for me. That said, Darkseid War was a really good story, and if this is the basis for the “New New DC,” that could be a very good thing.
  • DISNEY’S DARKWING DUCK #2 – Because it wasn’t available digitally (at least not on Comixology, I wouldn’t even know where else to check), I had no idea the first issue even came out. But when I tracked it down, I really enjoyed it. Definitely true to the comic and a lot of fun. I honestly have no idea how someone can release a comic these days without a digital release. IDW does the same thing with their Disney line, and it makes it hard for me to keep up with those books too. When BUYING a comic becomes an effort, it’s hard for me to justify keeping it on my pull list.
  • NIGHTHAWK #1 – Nighthawk?? How did that end up on my pull list? OH, DAVID WALKER! Objection withdrawn. All joking aside, David Walker has quickly climbed the list to become one of my favorite writers. I was kind of bummed out that he left Cyborg, but his work at Marvel (not to mention Dynamite’s Shaft) definitely makes up for that. I didn’t even read the solicit for this one. It’s Walker, it will be worth a read. End of discussion for me…
  • CAPTAIN AMERICA – STEVE ROGERS #1 – I don’t know if this book needs to exist…I have really enjoyed Sam Wilson as Captain America. But since Nick Spencer is writing both books, I will likely pick them both up. I have no idea if the market can sustain two Captain America books. There was plenty of time when Cap himself wasn’t selling all that well to justify one series, much less two.

James Fulton

  • Afterlife with Archie #9 – I really didn’t think we’d ever see another issue of this title. I love Francesco Francavilla’s art, and so am excited to see some of his rare interior work. Plus, this has been a fun but dark comic from the start.
  • DC Universe Rebirth #1 – I’ve basically stopped reading the DC line over the past few years, and to be honest, while I’ve missed some characters, it’s not been a big loss for me. I’m curious to see where the company is headed, but have nothing but dread for this book. I anticipate an overly complicated set-up that is going to be ignored by at least a third of the writers moving forward. Wisely, DC priced this at only $3, so I’m going to be curious and check it out. We’ll see if I’m wrong…
  • Nighthawk #1 – I would not normally even glance at this book (kind of like how I’ve completely ignored Hyperion’s title), but with David Walker and Ramon Villalobos on this comic, I’m curious. Curious enough to buy it? We shall see…
  • Omega Men #12 – Omega Men has been one of the best comics that DC has published in the past decade. I’m looking forward to the big finale, but also hope that DC will give writer Tom King another little title that no one cares about to play around with soon. There’s no way he’ll be able to be this innovative or fresh with Batman, and that’s a shame.
  • Starve #9 – Brian Wood. Danijel Zezelj. Food snobbery and income inequality. It’s a perfect recipe for good comics.

Mike – I actually like Hyperion’s new series but it doesn’t need to exist. They still have solo Hyperion on the road trip stories in Squadron Supreme. Looks like same with Nighthawk


Phil Allen

  • DC Universe: Rebirth #1 – Here we go! It all begins (and for the New 52, ends) here! Personally, I’m optimistic about Rebirth, mostly because it seems to be Geoff Johns project and I trust him a bit more than Didio and Lee, especially after the whole DCYou thing. He’s got a lot on his plate not that he’s also in charge of the DC movies, but if anyone can do it I think Johns can. I also think it’s smart to start this “reboot” with a one-shot basically explaining what’s happening rather than just jumping in like many reboots do.
  • Afterlife With Archie #9 – The long (and I mean looong) awaited return! It’s been just over a year since issue #8 was released and I, for one, have been dying for more! This is part four of the arc, so not a great jumping on point for new readers, but hopefully a TPB will be out soon as well as the next arc.
  • Lobster Johnson: The Metal Monsters of Midtown #1 – As I’m getting more into Hellboy and the Mignola-universe, I find myself enjoying Lobster Johnson. I haven’t read a few of his stories, but I what have read I really like. This should be a good jumping on point for new readers, as most stories are self-contained.
  • We Are Robin #12 – This is one of DC’s post-Convergence titles I will be sad to see go. I thought it had a great concept that was well executed and integrated into the rest of the Bat-mythos and I’m going to miss it. Maybe there will be more down the road once Rebirth settles in.
  • Other issues I’m looking forward to:
  • Batman ’66 Meets The Man from U.N.C.L.E. #6
  • Captain Marvel #5
  • DC Comics Bombshells #13
  • Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: A Spoon Too Short #4
  • East of West #26
  • Ms. Marvel #7
  • Spider-Man / Deadpool #5
  • Tokyo Ghost #7

Matt Graham

  • Afterlife With Archie #9 , $3.99 – It’s been a year since I read this last. Wow. The coolest zombie thing I’ve consumed since Dawn of the Dead 2004.
  • DCU Rebirth #1 – My enthusiasm waned with the creative team announcements, but I’m hanging in there. I indulged in the Rebirth spoilers going around, but context is everything so I’ll still buy in.
  • Omega Men #12 – The biggest casualty of Rebirth aside from Black Canary and her band. I’m stocked up on forties to pour lately. See you at the Batcave, Tom King.
  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas #1 – I need the Jim Mahfood cover. Thompson was one of my favourite writers and I have to know how this turns out in comic form.
  • Cry Havoc #5 – I ruined my streak of the number variant covers. Not like I was trying, but it was sad to lay them out and see I could have had it. Werewolves and mercenaries in a topical political adventure. Buy it.
  • Monstress #6 – Not a fan of steampunk or kaiju, but I am enjoying this fusion.
  • Captain Marvel #5 – I’m dreading Civil War for the derailing of plot and the loss of the founding creative team.
  • Daredevil #7 – Last issue had a hell of a cliffhanger. This book excels at that while always answering enough to keep you satisfied when the next one drops. Fight the fight against decompression and read this.
  • Patsy Walker A.K.A. Hellcat #6 – Now that the bargain bin Enchantress is dealt with, I’m hoping the lawsuit with Hedy and Patsy picks up. Forget superheroics, I buy this book for Leth’s grasp of comic panel paced melodrama and sweet Brittney Williams art. Not sure why Spider-Gwen gets all the love while Patsy runs circles around her in style and storytelling.

Joe Smith

  • Joyride #2 – I started to pick up a few books again last week. I tried out issue one of this title last week. This comic has a Runaways vibe to it (I miss that book). To’s art suits the title and I liked the first issue enough to give this one a shot.
  • DC Universe Rebirth #1 – I have high hopes and little expectations for this book. I’ve managed to stay away from the spoilers. I hope that this will lead to me reading more DC titles (I’ve been down to Justice League and Batman as regular pickups), but I’m realistically keeping my expectations low after being pretty disappointed in how everything has been going the past few years. Johns is heavily involved in this so that makes me feel a bit better about the direction of Rebirth.
  • Justice League #50 – I’ve been reading this title and overall I don’t mind this arc, but I’m not blown away by it either. I’m still not that big on putting an origin on the Anti-Monitor…he’s one villain who was fine with a very simple origin. Some aspects of this arc could have been a bit tighter, it’s not bad by any means…but I think it could’ve been better.
  • Suiciders Kings of Hell.A. #3 – I’m grabbing issues 2 and 3 this week…I’m behind on this title so I don’t have any thoughts as to what I’m expecting with this issue.
  • Divinity II #2 – The first issue was a solid read and I like how it’s only four issues long. Things will pick up a bit in this issue with Divinity being on Earth now.

Paul Miranda

  • RACHEL RISING #42
    Terry Moore’s three-and-a-half-year epic reaches its inevitable end. Quite the wild ride!!
  • ROCK & ROLL BIOGRAPHIES #5
    Iron Maiden in the mix. I’m sure Eddie isn’t far behind.
  • BATMAN meets the MAN from U.N.C.L.E. #6 (of 6)
  • DAREDEVIL #7
  • DIVINITY II #2 (of 4)
  • DR. STRANGE #8
  • DREAMING EAGLES #5 (of 6)
  • ELASTICATOR #3 (of 8)
  • FUTURE PROOF #11
  • IMAGE+ #2
  • JOHN CARPENTER’S ASYLUM #14
  • JONESY #4 (of 4)
  • JOYRIDE #2 (of 4)
  • MOCKINGBIRD #3
  • MONSTRESS #6
  • OBI-WAN & ANAKIN #5 (of 5)
  • QUEEN of VAMPIRES #4 (of 7)
  • STAR WARS #19
  • STRAYERS #2
  • TOMBOY #5
  • TOMMY #2 (of 3)
  • WE ARE ROBIN #12
  • BATGIRL #52
    Two Babs say goodbye: one permanently (Tarr); one temporarily (Gordon). Either way, this is the longest-running uninterrupted series featuring the Commissioner’s daughter. The fresh coat of paint has already been applied to two monthlies. The end to this one shouldn’t disappoint.
  • DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH
    I’m extremely irate at whoever leaked images ahead of the release date. I have refused to open any links or click on any thumbnails. I feel so badly for Geoff Johns since he held hope that humanity wouldn’t stoop so low to spoiling surprises. The 71-page tale is as hefty as a heffer. I’ll buy this and read it the ‘right way’.
  • JUSTICE LEAGUE #50
    Purposed planning to release two Geoff Johns’ books the same week? Moreover, a double cap on his writing career. The man has moved up to the big leagues (no pun intended) overseeing DC films. Oh yeah, got sidetracked. Mr. Johns has promised us to reveal The Joker’s true ID!!!!
  • SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #1
    Roh-roh. Different interpretation leads to a different reality which leads to a different doggie altogether!! I’m sure Scooby will be much more coherent in this incarnation. I’m down to check out the radical departure.
  • SUPERMAN #52
    The conclusion to “The Final Days of Superman”. Every single chapter has sold out and gone to second printings. Inquiring minds want to know — will the New 52 Man of Steel kick the bucket??
  • CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #1
    Rejuvenated! Rechristened!! Refreshed!!! Steve Rogers has publicly vowed to take down Hydra by any means necessary. Those multiple long limbs will be disembodied permanently!!!
  • CHAKRA: RISE of INFINITUS #1
    Stan Lee’s reach extends infinitely!! This is a great starting point based on the web TV series.
  • FEAR & LOATHING in LAS VEGAS #1
    Hunter S. Thompson’s autobio has been re-formatted.
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.