LATEST IMAGES
Welcome to Comics to Watch, a collection of our 10 most anticipated books of the week. As comics grow more expensive with an ever expanding amount of tie-ins, new series, and huge crossovers, our pull lists shrink. That's why we've streamlined this feature down to suit the needs of the average comic book consumer.
Regardless of publisher, genre, or format -- these are the books that have us feverishly awaiting this coming Wednesday to support our local comic book shop. If you're looking for Diamond's complete shipping list for the week, you can check it out here.
Be sure to sound off in the comments below and let us know what you're excited for.
Publisher: DC | Price: $2.99
What It Is: The creatures of the Trench have made their presence known and now it's up to Aquaman and Mera to send them back into the darkest depths of the ocean. But in order to discover the key to besting these creatures, Aquaman must pay a visit to one person he never wanted to see again. Who might it be?
Why We're Excited: Yup, Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis' Aquaman is still cool, so all you Aqua-haters can just step off. Geoff Johns is writing a genuinely funny, sincere and badass version of the former King of Atlantis, while artist Ivan Reis is bringing his A-game to the series to provide visual proof of how awesome Aquaman can be. So far... he's succeeding.
Publisher: Marvel | Price: $3.99
What It Is: Astonishing X-Men is no longer the flagship book of the X-Men line, but it is the place to go for fans who want stories light on continuity and heavy on action and adventure. Greg Pak and Mike McKone kick off their run on the series with this issue. If the cover is any indication, Cyclops and Storm are about to get much, much closer.
Why We're Excited: With as many X-Men books as there are, Astonishing continues to fill an important niche. We're excited to see what Pak has in store, and we're hoping this issue marks the beginning of a run as lengthy and influential as his Hulk work. Whether he stays on for six issues or six years, this will be a X-book to keep an eye on.
Batman: The Black Mirror - HC
Publisher: DC | Price: $29.99
What It Is: Finally! Scott Snyder, Jock and Francesco Francavilla's modern classic Batman story starring Dick Grayson finally gets collected into a single, gorgeous hardcover. This hardcover contains issues #871-881 of Detective Comics, representing "The Black Mirror" and "Hungry City" story arcs.
Why We're Excited: Do you want to read one of the best Batman stories ever written? Well, then you might want to put this book on your shopping list for this Wednesday. Batman: The Black Mirror is not only a story about Dick Grayson establishing his comfort zone under the cape and cowl, but it's also about how corrupt the city of Gotham truly is. In addition, The Black Mirror is probably the best Jim Gordon story since Batman: Year One. Yeah, we said it. We regret nothing!
Diablo #1
Publisher: DC | Price: $2.99
What It Is: More and more video game franchises make the jump to comics each month. It was only a matter of time before Diablo joined the Warcraft and Starcraft franchises at DC. This five-issue mini-series introduces a hero named Jacob who finds a legendary sword and seeks to live up to his grand destiny in the troubled world of Sanctuary.
Why We're Excited: Past experience has taught us to be wary of any and all video game adaptations. On the other hand, DC's track record has gotten better over the years, and we're optimistic this new series will do justice to the Diablo name. At the very least, it should help fill the void as we wait these final few months until the release of Diablo III.
Fantastic Four #600
Publisher: Marvel | Price: $4.99
What It Is: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Marvel's First Family, Fantastic Four #600 begins the epic 5-part conclusion to the story that began over 30 issues ago. Join writer Jonathan Hickman and artists Steve Epting, Carmine Di Giadomenico, Leinil Yu and Farel Dalrymple for the beginning of the end.
Why We're Excited: You think we would miss the big birthday bash for the Fantastic Four? No chance in Hell. We also love that Hickman is finally getting the chance to tie together the story that he started back in Fantastic Four #570. This issue is not to be missed by longtime Fantastic Four fans.
Publisher: DC | Price: $2.99
What It Is: Before the Flash has a chance to stop Mob Rule, he must first save the citizens of Central City after an EMP plunged the city into darkness and chaos. In order to do this, the Flash is going to have to tap into that super-powered brain of his in order to micro-manage the situation post haste.
Why We're Excited: Since its first issue, Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato's Flash has been one of DC's best books, featuring great characterization and beautifully rendered artwork that takes full advantage on the Fastest Man Alive's powers. We can't wait to see where Manapul and Buccellato take things from here
Publisher: Marvel | Price: $3.99
What It Is: Fear Itself #7.2 gave us our first glimpse of Tanarus, the new Norse god of thunder. For the next few months at least, this series is focused squarely on this mysterious newcomer. What exactly is his relationship to Thor, and why doesn't anyone but Loki realize that something is amiss? Those are the questions Matt Fraction will begin to answer here.
Why We're Excited: As Ed Brubaker's Captain America run proved, a series doesn't necessarily need its title character to remain enjoyable. Fraction has delivered a memorable run so far, and we doubt that will change as Thor takes a break from the spotlight.
Parker: The Martini Edition - HC
Publisher: IDW | Price: $75
What It Is: Much of Darwyn Cooke's work in recent years has been focused on adapting Richard Stark's Parker series of crime novels. Both Parker: The Hunter and Parker: The Outfit numbered among the best graphic novels of their respective years. The Martini Edition collects both books together in an Absolute-style hardcover that showcases Cooke's work in its optimal form.
Why We're Excited: About the only complaint to lobby against the previous Parker releases is that the small page trim didn't do full justice to Cooke's art. That shouldn't be a problem here. Along with an extensive art gallery and an all-new Parker tale, this is clearly the ideal format to own the stories in.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Ultimate Collection Vol. 1 - HC
Publisher: IDW | Price: $49.99
What It Is: Before they were pop culture icons, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were simply Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird's satirical attempt to poke fun at the overabundance of "extreme violence" books that populated the '80s comic landscape. This hardcover collection lets you relive those roots, collecting issues #1-7 of the original series, as well as the Raphael one-shot by creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird.
Why We're Excited: While we can't deny our love for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that eventually took over our televisions, movie screens and lunchboxes, we still have a special place in our hearts for the rough-around-the-edges versions of the characters that Eastman and Laird originally dreamed up. This tome of a book is a perfect way to travel back to the days when the Turtles weren't afraid to lop off a head or two in the name of justice.
Publisher: Marvel | Price: $3.99
What It Is: Jason Aaron is hitting the ground running with his new X-Men series. After a humorous and frantic debut issue, Wolverine's team is beset on all sides by enemies. What classic X-villain has returned to plague the Jean Grey Institute for Higher Learning? And how long can Logan and Kitty control the chaos?
Why We're Excited: Schism was good stuff, but Wolverine and the X-Men is even better. This new series has everything we crave in an X-Men title. It's humorous, dynamic, crammed with both new and familiar faces, and isn't afraid to push the boundaries of what readers expect from the franchise. And as much as we like the book, the best part is knowing that Aaron has only barely begun his saga.
Hottest Comics Features
Uncharted: Drake's New Frontier
We've got an exclusive look at Uncharted #1 from DC Comics a...
We've got an exclusive look at Uncharted #1 from DC Comics a...