Publisher wise: Marvel (who had a fantastic month) began their Black Vortex crossover, launched their Star Wars line, while closing the book on Spider-Verse and She-Hulk. DC announced their post-convergence titles and sent Harley Quinn on a Valentine’s date with Bruce Wayne. From other companies a plethora of first issues were had, including Cluster, Curb Stomp and Secret Identities. What else set hearts a flutter this month? How about these 12 delights…
Written by Robbie Thompson
Art by Stacey Lee * Colors by Ian Herring
The first two on my list are the Spider-Ladies! These feminine web-slingers spun out from Spider-Verse and created such a buzz that each was awarded their own title. In their debuts I found them to be interesting, multifaceted people, with a dash of that trademark spider-wit. Cindy Moon (Silk) is on a quest to find her family and to try to figure out how to fit into society after living in isolation for a decade...
Written by Jason Latour
Art by Robi Rodriguez * Colors by Rico Renzi
...While Gwen is a hero who is feared and hunted in an alternate universe where familiar characters are given a new twist (will we lose that after Secret Wars? I hope not).
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Burnham * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
The first issue from one of the years most anticipated releases, featured mind boggling detailed illustrations, coupled to a story that was an incomprehensible hallucinogenic. Hey, It’s Grant Morrison, what did you expect? It takes several readings to make “some” sense of it, and thankfully an exposition heavy second half offers a bit of clarity. At the very least it stood out as a super-freak fest, both daring and different.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Michael Lark * Colors by Santi Arcas
Thin story with little advancement on the plot until the very end - the primary focus is on the wordless fight, powerfully choreographed by Michael Lark. The violence was poetry in motion; the faces of the two combatants (who had become friends) are contorted in pain and even concern. Lark was an all-star with work that was Intense, raw, brutal and beautiful.
Written by Tom Taylor
Art by Laura Braga * Colors by Guru-eFX
Judging by the letters page, the series will conclude after the Secret Wars thingy concludes, and damn that sucks, because Superior has become my favorite Iron Man comic in ages. This ish gives us some backstory on Teen Abomination with a look at the past that makes me want to go back and re-read the “War of the Super Villains”. One big reveal felt out of character, otherwise this was another win (and how great was it to see the old red and gold armor. While I get that Tony would always be improving and upgrading his armors, and I like many of those newer models, it’s kind of like Connery in Bond, nothing beats the classic version.)
Written by Gail Simone and Jim Zub
Art by Dan Panosian * Colors by Dave Stewart
In this issue the title characters meet up on the high seas, years after their first encounter, a little older and wiser. And Panosian’s art reflects as much (and he continues to excel with perspective, structures (like with the ships here) and composition). How cool to see Annisia at Sonja’s side (and what a nice touch to see her fearful of the plague) and allied with Conan, Lady Belit, Queen of the Black Coast. They allow for some fan boy geek out moments as well as humor in seeing them put off by Red and Conan’s easy rapport. Thoth-Amon, who pictures himself the hero in this tale, is dispatched a little too easily... but he’ll be back, more prepared and powerful I imagine.
Written by Scott Snyder
Art by Jock * Colors by Matt Hollingsworth
The true nature of the wytches revealed! Snyder gives us plenty of back-story on the hows and whys of these creatures. It’s terrifying stuff and made worse by the fact that it’s near impossible for our heroes to know who to trust - and those you thought you could count on are dwindling by the hour.
Written by Nick Spencer
Art by Ramon Rosanas * Colors by Jordan Boyd
Scott has his faults, and the temptation to fall into bad old habits sometimes calls to him. But at heart he’s a good guy who loves his daughter and is trying to do right for her. You can’t help but root for him. It’s a funny, smartly plotted book with strong characterization. The art is a boon, and shows off some deft comedic timing and delightful deadpan expressions.
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art by Gabriel Hernandez Walta * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Magneto continues to be a fascinating character study, as he makes a few brutal points to SHIELD (and his fellow Mutants) about who’s in charge. Bunn also uses the issue to illustrate how Charles should have headed Erik’s warnings. Things the Professor did to try to help Mutants have actually been used against them and now it’s up to Mags to set things right.
Written by Genevieve Valentine
Art by Gary Brown * Colors by Lee Loughridge
This is the best comic DC is currently publishing, bar none. I love Selina in this role. And while the story might not have broad commercial appeal, if you’re looking for something in this genre that is a little more elevated and respects your intelligence, look no further than Catwoman. Fantastic issue that sees the wolves at Selina’s door - I'm on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next.
Written by Keiron Gillen
Art by Jamie McKelvie * Colors by Matthew Wilson
Gillen counters the cynicism of the previous issue by showing us the exhilarating communal spirit of music. And while the lyrical dialog is aces, it’s the art that makes this a stunner. Jamie’s panel arrangements, the way he portrays the 4/4 timing of the music is ingenious. And Wilson’s colors add so much personality. He's always had a great sense of "place" and atmosphere, of capturing tone. I love his gradations, the lighting and the intoxicating polychromatic neon hues in this issue. This wasn't so much a story you read, but an experience that infuses mind, body and soul with the heat of the beat.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Steve Epting * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser
My favorite book this month: Epting’s drawings, his sense of realism is beyond phenomenal. His Velvet is one cool customer - both sexy and skilled. Now add in Bettie’s moody pastels and you have some breathtaking visuals, even for a simmering, plot heavy tale as this is. Brubaker’s unpredictable script reveals secrets, and the lies behind the lies behind those secrets. I love a good spy story and Velvet is turning into a GREAT spy story.
Honorable Mentions
Marvel: Captain Marvel #12 * Uncanny X-Men #31
DC: Gotham Academy #5 * Sensation Comics Featuring Wonder Woman #23 & 24 * Batman ’66 #54
Monkeybrain: Amelia Cole #20 * Henchmen, Inc. #2
Image: East of West #17 * They’re Not Like Us #3
Dynamite: Magnus Robot Fighter #11
Cover Art Panel of the Month
Variant of the Month
Adam Hughes Spider-Gwen #1
Writer of the Month
Ed Brubaker (Velvet)
Artists of the Month
Jamie McKelvie and Matthew Wilson (The Wicked + the Divine)
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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