What To Look Forward To – 06/21 – Featuring Chip Zdarsky’s Spider-Man, Batman #25 “War of Jokes and Riddles”, Poe Dameron Annual #1, New TPBs & HCs Plus So Much More!

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Welcome to What To Look Forward To!

Here is a (very) quick look at some highlights on the shelves this week. A few new series coming out, as well as a healthy stack of new TPBs and HCs to check out. And so, without further ado, let’s dive in…

New This Week:

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 – After writing for Howard the Duck and Star-Lord, the natural next step at Marvel is one of their most beloved characters, Spider-Man! Chip Zdarsky has been teasing this up for awhile, but the wait is no more! If his characterization will be anything like his appearances in Howard, this will be a hilarious series.

Batman #25 – “The War of Jokes and Riddles” begins. With a description like “in the spirit of YEAR ONE and THE LONG HALLOWEEN”, that really sets the bar high. But Tom King’s work lately has been opening the door for bigger world stuff, so this could be pretty cool.

Crosswind #1 – Fan favorite Gail Simone debuts her first series from Image with Cat Staggs! With a description like “Freaky Friday meets Goodfellas”, it’s hard to imagine this won’t be a hit.

Star Wars: Poe Dameron Annual #1 – The galaxy’s best pilot finds himself in trouble when he disobeys General Organa and becomes stranded in enemy space with no ship and little oxygen. After going against direct orders, maybe it’s better if Poe gets stuck with the First Order for awhile; I’d hate to see General Organa when she’s angry.

I Hate Fairyland #13 – In this Larry-centric issue, we get a closer look at Fairyland’s greatest guide, and what his life might have been like had he not met Gert.

Lobo / Road Runner Special #1 & Wonder Woman / The Tasmanian Devil Special #1 – The next round of DC/WB crossovers, and these should be pretty cool. The idea of Lobo hunting down the Roadrunner is hilarious, and I like picturing Taz as a giant mythological monster like Diana has faced countless times before.

Other issues to look forward to:

All-Star Batman #11 – News hit a few days ago that this series is ending with issue #14 (September) but Snyder has said he is continuing Bat-related work with more artists in different formats (which will probably be announced soon). Stay tuned.

DC Comics Bombshells #29

Odyssey of the Amazons #6 – This was an interesting mini-series, with crossing mythologies and meeting many new characters from Wonder Woman’s home.

The Old Guard #5 – First arc conclusion! Interesting story idea and great art!

Collected Editions and OGNs:

Doctor Aphra Vol. 01 TPB – After quickly becoming a fan-favorite in Marvel’s previous Darth Vader series, Kieron Gillen brings the galactic archaeologist to her own series! No Vader reading required (but you really should read it just because it’s so good) so this is a great series for new readers.

Death of Hawkman TPB

New Super-Man Vol. 01 Made In China – There’s a new Super-Man in town, and his name is Kenan Kong! Though he’s not really in town like Metropolis, more like Shanghai with a new Chinese Justice League. Gene Luen Yang presents a great story about a kid coming into a new set of powers and everything that comes with crime-fighting.

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: The Salmon of Doubt TPB

Star-Lord: Grounded TPB

Start Here!

This section is for readers new to comics, readers looking for new titles, as well as readers on a budget, highlighting several great “jump-on” points each week under (or about) $20.

Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #1 – $4.99

Batman #25 – $3.99

I Hate Fairyland #13 – $3.99 – I know this is in the middle of the Gert’s “goodness” arc, but this is a solid stand-alone issue.

Star Wars: Poe Dameron Annual #1 – $4.99

TOTAL = $17.96

Another week under budget! I like to encourage some extra browsing time during under-budget weeks, and Star Wars has a few cool things out, especially the Doctor Aphra Vol. 01 TPB. Great series, great character. *hint hint* check it out *nudge nudge*

 

Looking for more recommendations? Find me on Twitter @4ColorPhil and Tumblr

That’s it for now, happy reading everyone! See you next week.

Phil started reading comics in 2008, and it has been his passion since. Enjoying titles ranging from Batman to Sex Criminals, Y: The Last Man to Samurai Jack, and The Wicked + The Divine to 100 Bullets, Phil will read just about anything. Have a recommendation? Looking for one? You can reach him on Twitter @4ColorPhil