Chris’ Picks:
Choker #1
Having started to follow Ben Templesmith, I am excited for this comic.  The comic follows a private detective who is looking to nail a drug dealer.  The artwork should be phenomenal and the writing top notch.  I am very excited for this new comic!

Haunt #5
I am a big McFarlane fan.  I have enjoyed him since Spawn #1.  Haunt follows more death and suspense in the usual McFarlane way.  This issues is “supposed” to end a story arc that has been running for four issues.  Really stoked for this one.

Rob’s Picks:
Since Chris stole my Choker pick, here’s where I”m landing this week:

Known for his covers, Jock takes his special techniques to inside art, complementing Jamie Delano’s return to the famous supernatural detective, John Constantine, in Hellblazer: Pandemonium. I don’t think I can wait all the way to Wednesday to check this one out.

Giving in to my inner child is tons of fun, and this week, I may check out what many folks are raving about: The Muppet Show Comic Book #2. Of course, my ACTUAL children will want to give this one a read, and I’ll probably pick up #1 while I’m at the shop, if they have it.

Tyler’s Picks:

This week is all about the sublime delineations of Frank Quietly and increasingly complex archetype adjustments by Grant Morrison.

Batman and Robin #8 might only have a Quietly cover, but new penciler Cameron Stewart is doing his best to keep the book looking good. With Damien down for the count and Dick Grayson finding out just how difficult it is wearing Bruce’s cowl and following his primal desires, this book has become the go-to spot for the ongoing evolution in the new Batman mythos. And seeing as Morrison is the bastard who killed Bruce Wayne, its only fitting we get excited to see what crawls out of the long lost Lazarus Pit beneath London town.

Staying true to form, my softcover graphic novel pick of the week is All-Star Superman Vol. 2. Instead of alienating both fans and casual readers like Frank Miller did with All Star Batman and Robin, Morrison actually deepens the Superman lore and gives it a fresh universal appeal. With a tapestry of subtle quests, Superman is faced with his own impending death and sets out to accomplish 12 significant tasks, ranging from creating life to fixing the Sun’s heart. Morrison and Quietly deliver on a massive level with thoughtful and brilliant storytelling. If you missed these in issue form, now is the time to pick up both volumes.

Mike’s Pick:

I know the Punisher has been done to death, but Jason Aaron’s take on the birth of the MAX universe version of the Kingpin is as fresh and entertaining as the Frankencastle pulp tale that Rick Remender is telling in the 616 universe.  Steve Dillon’s heavy and deliberate line work, that worked so well on Ennis’ Preacher run, is in full effect here.  All the violence and sex that the MAX line allows is fully exploited here by Aaron in telling a witty and intelligent tale of a possible origin of one of the criminal legends of the Marvel U.  Do not miss Punisher MAX #4.