PREVIEWS Roundtable – May 2016 Comic Book Solicitations – DC Comics’ Future Quest #1 & Pre-REBIRTH #52’s, Dark Horse’s Beasts Of Burden One-Shot, Image’s Renato Jones: The One % #1, Valiant’s 4001 A.D. #1 & Much More (Spoilers)

Columns, Top Story

All-New All-Different Marvel Comics Captain America Steve Rogers #1A


Phil Allen

Lots of DC for me (of course!)

  • DC/Vertigo: The last month before DC’s “Rebirth”! I seem to remember most things wrapping up decently before the New 52, let’s hope the same is true here. Not that this is a reboot, though… After reading through these, it does appear that several DC series will continue through Rebirth, such as Swamp Thing, Poison Ivy, Gang of Harleys, The Legend of Wonder Woman, and a few others. I can’t help but wonder what else will stay after June…
    • Scooby Apocalypse #1 – Just the first wave of the Warner Brothers & Hanna Barbera launch, I’m looking forward to what’s in store for the Scooby Gang. Though he’s gone through a few “modern re-imaginings” lately, this will be the first in major comics in quite awhile. Plus, with Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis on board, you can bet this will be a laugh riot! (See their legendary run on Justice League International, circa 1987.)
    • Future Quest #1 – Hanna Barbera’s greatest action heroes, including Jonny Quest and Space Ghost, all in one comic? Yes please!
    • Doctor Fate #12 – Though it hasn’t been in the “Rebirth” line-up yet, I hope this series comes back. It was easily one of my favorites, post-Convergence, and I’d like to see his world explored a bit more.
    • Martian Manhunter #12 – Same thoughts as Doctor Fate
    • Wonder Woman #52 – I admit that I was a bigger fan of the Azzarello/Chiang run than this current one, but it has turned around in the last few issues. I’m excited to read the conclusion of everything Diana has been working for these last (almost) five years!
    • Batman #52 – Snyder/Capullo are gone! I like Tynion and Albuquerque just fine, in fact they are some of my favorites, but it feels weird that the original team, the ones that have been on Batman for almost the entire run since the New 52 began, won’t be there for the final issue. Should still be a great issue though.
    • Robin: Son of Batman #12 – This is one series that I don’t necessarily feel needs to continue, but I hope Patrick Gleason will continue to write/draw for Damian someday. I’m sure issues #11 & #12 will be great with Fawkes/Bachs, but Gleason’s work on Batman & Robin and on Son of Batman have been the stuff of legend.
    • We Are Robin #12 – This is a series that I hope will continue. It quickly became a fan-favorite, and while the Previews synopsis sounds like it’s ending, I have a hard time believing it will be gone forever.
    • Other releases I’m looking forward to –
      DC: The New Frontier TPB, Batman: Shadow of The Bat Vol.1 TPB, 52 Book One TPB
  • Image:
    • Renato Jones: The ONE % #1 – …wait, what? A vigilante seeking revenge/justice on the top 1%? I bet it’s Bernie Sanders… But seriously, the concept sounded a bit like any Occupier’s fantasy come true, but after seeing some art I may have to check this out.
    • 3 Floyds: Alpha King #1 – Based on actual brewery in Munster, Indiana, dimensions are broken for a taste of a special homebrew!
    • Black Road #2 – Brian Wood returns to Viking-times! See also: Northlanders.
    • Others release I’m looking forward to:
      East of West #26, Rat Queens #17, Shutter #21, The Wicked + The Divine #19
  • Marvel/Icon:
    • Punisher #1 – I’ll admit, I’ve never read a Punisher book in my life, but with Becky Cloonan writing, I might just start here.
    • Darth Vader #20 – New story arc! Kieron Gillen has been on fire between all is
    • Scarlet #8 – The long-awaited return! It’s been so long…
  • Dark Horse:
    • Aliens: Defiance #2 – I’m still debating to get this series. I like Brian Wood, but I’ve never been into the Alien comics. I like the movies, I was just never drawn to the books. I do like Brian Wood, though…
    • Beasts of Burden: What The Cat Dragged In (One-Shot) – The last Beasts of Burden story I read was the Hellboy crossover in 2010, maybe it’s time to jump back in. As Dark Horse says “This standalone adventure is a perfect entry point for readers new to the award-winning series.” Does this mean more is coming soon?
    • Lobster Johnson: Metal Monster of Midtown #1 – Robot bank thieves! I’ve really been enjoying the Lobster Johnson mini-series and one-shots over the last couple years, and this series doesn’t look to disappoint either. The fact that the franchise is released entirely in mini-series and one-shots lends to the reader-friendly “jump on at any point” method. But once you’ve read this, I highly recommend checking out the rest.
    • Mae #1 – A girl travels to another world for many years, but when she returns the monsters come with her. Sounds a it similar to Image’s Birthright (which I like) so I’m going to give this one a shot.
  • IDW:
    • Hero Comics: A Hero Initiative Benefit Book – Neil Gaiman, Howard Chaykin, Kurt Busiek, Sam Keith, Kevin Eastman, Rob Guillory, Ashley Wood and more all in one book?! How could I say no?

James Fulton

I don’t have a whole lot to say about May’s solicitations. It’s kind of an in-between month in a lot of ways.

  • Dark Horse:
    • Beasts of Burden is coming back for a new one-shot! I love this title.
  • DC:
    • I imagine that most of the DC titles I enjoy (Black Canary, Omega Men, Midnighter) are not coming back in June. I also don’t know if I’m going to be sticking with Batgirl or Suicide Squad, so this could be the last month I’m preordering any DC books for the time being, except for Sheriff of Babylon. I’m looking forward to the June solicitations, in hope that I’ll be pleasantly surprised by the creative teams.
  • IDW:
    • I’m cautiously optimistic about Micronauts. I loved the Marvel title, and trust Cullen Bunn to make this interesting, even if he can’t include Bug.
  • Image:
    • This is not a particularly exciting month for Image, with only one new title (Renato Jones: The One Percent) catching my eye. Still, any month at Image is a good month.
  • Marvel:
    • I’m on the fence about Civil War II. I know I’m going to end up reading it, but I wish it wasn’t happening at all. I’m beyond fatigued with events. I’m curious about Punisher by Becky Cloonan, but wish that the artist was more exciting than Steve Dillon. I like his work, but think someone with sensibilities closer to Cloonan’s would be a better fit. I’m still more excited about Black Panther than any other title anywhere.
  • Valiant:
    • The 4001AD event should be good, although I hope there aren’t too many tie-ins beyond whatever’s happening in Rai.

Paul Miranda

I’ll reserve comments for the next round >_^

  • DC Comics

    • HB (Happy Bookworms!):

      • FUTURE QUEST #1
      • SCOOBY APOCALYPSE #1
      • SCOOBY-DOO TEAM-UP #16
    • 52 pick-down:
      • WONDER WOMAN #52
      • BATMAN #52
      • BATGIRL #52
      • JUSTICE LEAGUE #51
      • GREEN ARROW #52
    • Don’t shed any tiers:

      • GRAYSON #20
      • GOTHAM ACADEMY #18
      • DEATHSTROKE #18
      • SECRET SIX #14
    • You need not leave:
      • BLACK CANARY #12
      • DR. FATE #12
      • MARTIAN MANHUNTER #12
      • MIDNIGHTER #12
      • CYBORG #11
    • Not confined by continuity:

      • SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN #7 (of 7)
      • LEGEND of WONDER WOMAN #5-6 (of 9)
      • POISON IVY: CYCLE of LIFE and DEATH #5 (of 6)
      • BATMAN ’66 MEETS the MAN from U.N.C.L.E. #6 (of 6)
      • BATMAN/TMNT #6 (of 6)
      • LEGENDS of TOMORROW #3
    • Wonders will never cease:

      • COLORING DC: WONDER WOMAN TP
      • WONDER WOMAN ’77 vol. 1 TP
  • Marvel Comics

    • One is never enough:

      • CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #1
      • NIGHTHAWK #1
      • PUNISHER {9th Series} #1
      • THUNDERBOLTS {3rd Series} #1
    • Choose carefully :

      • CIVIL WAR II #0
    • Shameless synchronicity:

      • DAREDEVIL/PUNISHER #1 (of 4)
    • I can have it all[-new]:

      • ALL-NEW ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS #9
      • AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #12
      • ASTONISHING ANT-MAN #8
      • BLACK PANTHER #2
      • BLACK WIDOW #3
      • CAPTAIN AMERICA: SAM WILSON #9
      • DAREDEVIL #7
      • DEADPOOL #11
      • DEADPOOL #12
      • DR. STRANGE #8
      • INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #9
      • MOON KNIGHT #2
      • MOCKINGBIRD #3
      • OLD MAN LOGAN #6
      • POWER MAN & IRON FIST #4
      • SCARLET WITCH #6
      • SPIDER-MAN #4
      • SPIDER-MAN/DEADPOOL #5
      • SPIDEY #6
      • VISION #7
    • Treasured memories:

      • SPIDEY: ALL-NEW MARVEL TREASURY ED. vol. 1
    • The Force is strong with these:

      • DARTH VADER #20
      • STAR WARS #19
      • STAR WARS: POE DAMERON #2
      • OBI-WAN & ANAKIN #5 (of 5)
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: STAR WARS #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: DARTH VADER #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: LANDO #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: CHEWBACCA #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: SHATTERED EMPIRE #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: KANAN #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: STAR WARS COVERS
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: STAR WARS CLASSIC #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: DROIDS #1
      • TRUE BELIEVERS: VADER DOWN #1
    • Jump on it!

      • MARVEL: the HIP-HOP COVERS vol. 1 HC
  • IDW Publishing

    • HUNTER S. THOMPSON’s FEAR & LOATHING in LAS VEGAS #1
    • HUNTER S. THOMPSON’s FEAR & LOATHING in LAS VEGAS HC
    • JEM and the HOLOGRAMS #15
  • Image Comics

    • RENATO JONES: the ONE% #1
    • ISLAND #7
    • GRIZZLY SHARK #2
    • MONSTRESS #6
    • WALKING DEAD #154
    • I.D.
    • The VIOLENT TP
  • Valiant Entertainment

    • 4001 A.D. #1 (of 4)
    • 4001 A.D. X-O MANOWAR
    • RAI #13
    • DIVINITY II #2 (of 4)
    • A+A #3
    • BLOODSHOT REBORN #13
    • NINJAK #15
  • Abstract Studios

    • RACHEL RISING #42
  • Aftershock Comics

    • AFTERSHOCK: GENESIS
    • inSEXts #6
  • American Mythology

    • PINK PANTHER #1
    • EAGLE RESURGENT #1
  • Amigo Comics

    • ALAN DRACON #2
    • UNLEASH #2
  • ARH Comix

    • ARHIAN: HEAD MISTRESS #1
    • ASTRIA #1
    • QUEEN of VAMPIRES #4 (of 7)
  • Aspen Comics

    • ONIBA: SWORDS of the DEMON #1 (of 5)
  • Benitez Productions
    • LADY MECHANIKA: the LOST BOYS of WEST ABBEY #1 (of 2)
    • WRAITHBORN #4 (of 6)
  • Black Mask Comics
    • 4 KIDS WALK into a BANK #2
  • Bliss On Tap
    • FUTURE PROOF #11
  • BOOM! Studios
    • MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: PINK #1 (of 6)
    • KLAUS #6 (of 7)
    • JONESY #4 (of 4)
  • ChapterHouse Comics
    • ALL-NEW CLASSIC CAPTAIN CANUCK #3
    • CHAPTERHOUSE ARCHIVES: CAPTAIN CANUCK #4
    • CHAPTERHOUSE ARCHIVES: NORTHGUARD #1
    • LIFE, DEATH, & SORCERY #1
  • Devil’s Due/1First Comics
    • SQUARRIORS: SUMMER #1 (of 4)
  • Graphic India
    • 18 DAYS #11
    • REINCARNATION MAN #4 (of 4)
    • SHIKARI FORCE: HUNTERS #4 (of 4)
    • CHAKRA: RISE of INFINITUS #1
  • Joe Books
    • DREAMWORKS’ SHREK #1
  • Magnetic Press
    • KLAW
  • Magnetic Press/Darby Pops
    • BRUCE LEE: the DRAGON RISES #2
  • Mike Wolfer Entertainment
    • DAUGHTERS of the DARK ORACLE: ORGY of the VAMPIRES #5 (of 5)
  • Overground Comics
    • AMERICA #1
    • ABSENT CAPTAIN #5
    • GRADUATE #5
    • HEROCORP KNIGHTS #4
    • OH HELL #2
    • PLUS ULTRA #4
    • TINKER #2
  • Scout Comics
    • ELASTICATOR #3
    • HENCHGIRL #7
    • HENCHGIRL #1 & #2 BUMPER EDITION
    • SABRETOOTH DAN #2
  • Storm King Productions
    • JOHN CARPENTER’S ASYLUM #14
  • Stranger Comics
    • DUSU: PATH of the ANCIENT #4
  • 21 Pulp
    • IMPOSTER #3
  • Z2 Comics
    • LEGEND #1

Matt Graham

  • Boom: The MMPR: Pink mini is as good as bought. Cry Havoc also ensures I’ll be looking at Simon Spurrier’s other book launching in May, Weavers.
  • Dark Horse: Gene Ha’s title Mae looks fantastic. I’ve heard the pitch somewhere before, but I can’t recall and it’s too good a story idea to pass up on.
  • DC: I can’t believe it’s been 52 issues of Burnside Batgirl. Time flies. Aside from that, May kills the few titles I read at DC. June lives or dies by the creative team announcements for this new chapter.
  • Marvel: Thanks for spoiling Captain America for us, Marvel. I can’t even feign surprise. I’m down for Cloonan on Punisher curious to see how Steve Dillon works for her style. Jim Zub on Thunderbolts piques me. No interest in Civil War II, though I’m sure I’ll read it via friends so I can stay up to date. Will Scarlet Witch make it past six issues or will Marvel axe it? I want it to stick, but Marvel loves that six issue mark for the chopping block. Looks like I’m webbed into this Spider-Women crossover. Oh, there’s Apocalypse Wars, too. There’re a lot of artists not where I expect them, but maybe I haven’t been paying attention. Where’s Stacey Lee on Silk? Ken Lashley on Uncanny X-Men is a welcome surprise.
  • Image: Monstress out of commission until August. Other than that, Image as usual.
  • IDW: The father of cyberpunk and modern sci fi stepping into comics? William Gibson’s Archangel should be a treat.
  • Valiant: Looking forward to 4001AD.

John Babos

    DC Comics:
  • I’ve only read a few titles from the New 52 launch. So, I’ll pick up the final #52 issues of those series: Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Green Arrow and Wonder Woman plus issue #51 of Justice League.
  • I also enjoy and will pick up DC’s villain-centric ongoing series with Deathstroke #18, New Suicide Squad #20 and Sinestro #23 plus the Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot / Katana #5 mini-series.
  • Other faves of mine, with characters I’ve followed since I was a boy, whose series I will continue to read in May 2016 include Earth 2: Society #12, Teen Titans #20, Batman Beyond #12, and Superman / Wonder Woman #29.
  • Other mini-series that will be picked up by me include Omega Men #12, Titans Hunt #8, Superman: Lois and Clark #8, Green Lantern: Edge of Oblivion #5, and Bloodlines #2: Foresaken. These all have been pretty good and the last book, Bloodlines, has had its first issue ship yet, but I will sample #1 to determine if #2 is worth picking up.
  • I also plan to try out Future Quest #1 as it seems like a great book to see as many Hanna-Barbara characters as possible. I’m not that intrigued by the Scooby Doo reboot so that won’t be bought despite me being a HUGE Scooby Gang fan.
    Marvel Comics:
  • I don’t read many Marvel titles, but I will be sampling Thunderbolts #1 as the series seems to be getting back to its roots and now also includes the Winter Soldier.
  • I will also continue to read Squadron Supreme and pick up issue #7. Great series and creative team.
  • Lastly, I may sample Captain America: Steve Rogers #1 solely on my enjoyment of Jesus Saiz art.
    AfterShock Comics:
  • This new company boasts an impressive line-up of comics series by the industry’s and TV/movie top creators. Many of the concepts seem natural fits to make the leap onto the small screen or silver screen. In May 2016, I’ll be picking up Rough Riders #2 from writer Adam Glass and artist Pat Oliffe. These are two creators whose comics work I enjoyed independent of one another so a joint venture seems like a win-win. Plus this is an alternate history tale with what seems to be a splash of sci-fi. For issue #2 we’re told that “The year is 1898 and Teddy Roosevelt has put together an incongruous band of dissidents to battle a mysterious force in Cuba. Under the guise of the Spanish American War, Teddy and his “Rough Riders” will try to discover who is truly behind the sinking of the USS MAINE. But as they touch down on Cuban soil, they’ll soon discover that the biggest battle, they must fight is the one amongst each other.”
    Valiant Comics:
  • I’m a long-time fan of the immortal brothers Anni-Padda, Bloodshot and Ninjak, so it won’t surprise you that I will be continue to pick the following series in May 2016: Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #7, A&A: The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong #3, Bloodshot Reborn #13 and Ninjak #15.
  • Also, Valiant does good event mini-series so I’ll also be picking up 4001 A.D. #1 (of 4).
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