Welcome to What To Look Forward To!
Here is a quick look at some highlights on the shelves this week, plus a review of last month’s Convergence titles corresponding with what is out this week. Marvel’s Secret Wars begins this week, and while I won’t be picking up most of the titles myself, I’ll be keeping up with what’s going on and which books will be the heavy hitters in the weeks to come. A lot to cover today, so let’s dive in…
Swords of Sorrow #1 – 
Written by Gail Simone; Art by Sergio Fernandez Davilla; multiple covers
- Fan-favorite writer Gail Simone begins her new series featuring Dynamite’s leading ladies including Red Sonja, Vampirella, Dejah Thoris, Jungle Girl, and more! This series will also feature several one-shot tie-ins from different writers like G. Willow Wilson and Marguerite Bennet, so keep an eye out for those.
Wonder Woman ’77 Special #1 – Written by Marc Andreyko; Art by Matt Haley & Drew Johnson; Regular Cover by Nicola Scott (shown at right), Variant Cover by Phil Jimenez
- Based on the classic Lynda Carter TV series, this book brings more stories to a world fans haven’t seen in a long time. If this is going to be anything like Batman ’66, I’m in!
Rocket Girl #6 – Written by Brandon Montclare; Art and Cover by Amy Reeder
- The second story-arc begins for this fan-favorite series. I haven’t read this series yet, but it’s near the top of my list.
Arcadia #1 – Written by Alex Paknadel; Art by Eric Scott Pfeiffer; Regular Cover by Matt Taylor; Ten Years Variant Cover by Frazier Irving; Incentive Variant Cover by Eric Scott Pfeifer
- 99% of humanity has been “uploaded” in to Arcadia, a utopian
simulation. Those who are still alive must take care of the resources in order to keep them all going. An interesting and original concept, this should be a very cool series.
Afterlife with Archie #8 – Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa; Art by Francesco Francavilla & Jack Morelli; Regular Cover and “Here’s Juggy” Variant Cover by Francesco Francavilla
- Despite ongoing delays, this series is still at the top of it’s game and one of my favorites. By the description, this looks to be a “flashback” issue and should be a fine jumping on point for new readers. If you like it, I definitely recommend you check out the rest of the series.
Secret Wars #1 – Written by Jonathan Hickman; Art by Esad Ribic; Regular Cover by Alex Ross (shown at right); multiple variant covers
- The Marvel Universe meets the Ultimate Universe and neither might make it out! Building for the last several months, Marvel’s summer event, and possibly biggest event in recent years, is here!
CONVERGENCE
No new titles coming out of Convergence this month, so I though I’d take a moment to reflect on a few of last months #1’s.
Batgirl – 
- By the time I read #1, I’d only read Convergence #0 and #1; so far there seems to be a theme of “jumping into the middle of the situation.” If that’s what they’re going for, they got it, but it feels like hitting the ground running without knowing the path. Though we get the “previously” treatment in later pages, in still feels jumbled. Some of Brown’s humor returns, but there was something missing. We’ll see what issue #2 has in store.
Batman and Robin –
- I felt Damian was a bit uncharacteristically emotional in this book. I know he’s been through a lot the last couple years, I mean really A LOT, but his reaction towards Jason Todd returning and being loose in Gotham was unexpected. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this book. It’s always nice to see the fatherly side of Batman, especially towards Damian, and I’m always up for a good Red Hood vs. Robin fight. And on top of that they need to team up to fight The Extremists? Yeah, I’m looking forward to #2.
Harley Quinn – (#2 shown right)
- Thank goodness! I’m so glad to see classic Harley back in action! And teaming up with Catwoman and Poison Ivy just like the good ol’ Gotham City Sirens days! And who better to match Ms. Quinn against than Captain Carrot? I can’t wait for issue #2!
Nightwing and Oracle –
- Trust no one else but Gail Simone to write an emotional Dick/Barbara reunion. Well, not exactly a reunion since they’re from a world where they’ve always been together, but a reunion for the reader. Add to that the “return” of Oracle and her always being a step ahead, and this made for a very nice first issue. #2 should be explosive.
The Quesution – (#2 shown right)
- Readers of Gotham Central, also by Greg Rucka, know that Renee Montoya and Harvey Dent/Two-Face have…a history. Their relationship seems to have come a ways since then, one of understanding and even a little empathy, but there was still conflict between them in this issue. Once a villain/vigilante conflict, always a conflict. Add to that the surprise guest on the last page and we got a real Rucka throwback! Most of all, this issue reminded me how much I miss him writing about Gotham, whether it’s about cops or capes. Can’t wait for #2…
That’s it for now, happy reading everyone! See you next week.
