Since Jason Aaron reset the Punisher MAX universe, it’s been highly entertaining.  After getting a pretty brutal Keyser Soze-esque Kingpin origin story, Aaron gives us his take on Bullseye.  If his version on Daredevil’s arch-enemy is in the same vein, this book should not be missed.

Green Lantern #53

Regardless of how you felt about Blackest Night, there is no doubt that the landscape of the Green Lantern Corps has been seriously altered and this is the jumping off point of the new status quo.  Johns (not to mention Tomasi) has done an admirable job of corralling all of these characters and story threads up to this point, and for those that have come this far, this looks like the beginning of the payoff.  I’m hoping Brightest Day fills in some of the gaps and compliments and completes what has come so far.

Powers #3

In this 3rd iteration of Brian Michael Bendis’ ongoing super hero cop drama, the full impact of the reveal of Walker’s immortal status is front and center.  If you are even remotely a fan of Bendis and Oeming’s previous work, so far this seems to be on point with their better runs of the past.  And besides, you got to love this preview quote:

Walker’s past has come to bite him right in his ##$! big time and it’s going to take a @#$@#$ and a $@#$@ to get him out of the !@$#@#$@$@$@.

Batman & Robin #10

This book has been shipping like a mofo lately and overall the quality has been pretty high.  The rotating artists have all been on point and besides Rucka’s Detective, is really the only Bat-title worth reading.  Starting this issue we get to see how Bruce Wayne comes back Captain America style.

Rob’s Picks

Greek Street TPB

This one looks to be worth your buy. Peter Milligan’s been impressing me since The Books Of Magic back in the 90s, and a the cover alone makes me want this book. Says the publisher,

“Boasting a “Greek Chorus” of sexy strippers, vengeful gangsters, a murderous youth and a disturbed clairvoyant teenaged girl, GREEK STREET is Peter Milligan’s reimagining of the brutal and visceral tragedies of Ancient Greece played out on the mean streets of modern-day London. This first paperback collects issues #1-5 of the provocative new series.”

Captain Swing #2

I really dug the first issue of this new Ellis series, even with it’s uneven pacing and slow start. It’s got all the joy of most of Ellis’ work – pathos, violence, dark humor. Oh, and tesla-punk goodness written into every page, drawn into every panel by Raulo Caceres. Pick up issue two while you can — I think this is going to be a success.

Professor’s Pick

Stephen King’s “N” #1
Story: Marc Guggenheim
Art: Alex Maleev

This fascinating tale from King has had an odd evolution as a medium. Many comics start out on paper, before being transformed for the mediums of Internet or video. But “N” started out as a novella from one of King’s collections. It then was turned into an animated webisode back in 2008. The use of motion and voice-over made for an eerie experience. It was even released on DVD as a promotional. Flash-foward to the present and it is being released as the standard comic format, same graphics and text. Guggenheim does promise more in his prologue and there is indeed a few extra pages of story and art not released before. Overall, this is the type of psychological horror we’ve come to enjoy from King.

Tyler’s Picks

Ultimate Spider-man #8

I had mentioned in our now defunct Pull List that I was going to make a case that Ultimate Spiderman Vol.2 is the best Marvel book on the shelves. Bendis’s reinvigortated relaunch turns the mythos on its ass with Peter juggling the hottest chicks in school, being the little guy, and also confiding his biggest secret in his friends, said girlfriends and even Aunt May. In fact, this is almost a team book with Johnny Storm and Bobby Drake living with Peter and Aunt May thus creating the ultimate super-hero sleepover. Throw in a very active and angry Kitty Pride and this mutant friendly book reads better than most X-men titles these days. Issue 8 introduces a new hero that is supposed to be kind of a big dea to the Ultimate universel. In honor of the teeny bopper feel I gotta say: Can’t Hardly Wait.

Justice League: The Rise and Fall Special #1

The fallout from Blackest Night and Cry for Justice has caused quite the rift down the center of DC premier team book and this is the exploration of the aftershock. The new ruthless attitude of our heroes seems to be causing waves of fear in the rogues gallery and James Robinson has never been known to pull punches with his script. There is rumor that Green Arrow is going to be changed forever in this book so for those that love the quiver, order this puppy now!

• Action Comics #887, $3.99
• Batgirl #8, $2.99
• Batman And Robin #10 (Frank Quitely Regular Cover), $2.99
• Batman And Robin #10 (Andy Clarke Variant Cover), Set by retailer
• Batman Heart Of Hush TP, $14.99
• Batman Widening Gyre #5 (of 6)(Bill Sienkiewicz Regular Cover), $2.99
• Batman Widening Gyre #5 (of 6)(Gene Ha Variant Cover), Set by retailer
• Doom Patrol #8, $2.99
• Final Crisis Aftermath Escape TP, $17.99
• Gotham City Sirens #10, $2.99
• Green Lantern Corps #46, $3.99
• Human Target #2 (of 6), $2.99
• Justice League The Rise And Fall Special #1 (Mauro Cascioli Regular Cover), $3.99
• Justice League The Rise And Fall Special #1 (Mike Mayhew Variant Cover), Set by retailer
• Magog #7, $2.99
• R.E.B.E.L.S. #14, $2.99
• Red Robin #10, $2.99
• Secret Six #19, $2.99
• Super Friends #25, $2.50
• Superman Last Stand Of New Krypton #1 (of 3)(Andy Kubert Regular Cover), $3.99
• Superman Last Stand Of New Krypton #1 (of 3)(Marcos Marz Variant Cover), Set by retailer
• Superman New Krypton Volume 3 HC, $24.99
• Warlord The Saga TP, $17.99
• The Web #7, $2.99

* ADVENTURE COMICS #8
* BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #42
* CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #47
* DETECTIVE COMICS #862
* FINAL CRISIS AFTERMATH: INK
* FIRST WAVE #1 (OF 6)
* THE GREAT TEN #5 (OF 10)
* JONAH HEX #53
* JSA ALL-STARS #4
* JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 4
* JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #7 (OF 7) Preview Available
* THE LAST DAYS OF ANIMAL MAN
* LOONEY TUNES #184
* MILESTONE FOREVER #2 (OF 2)
* NEMESIS: THE IMPOSTORS #1 (OF 4)
* SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC
* THE WARLORD #12

Unknown Soldier #17

Vertigo is sort of like the AMC of comics, not a lot of shows, but what is there is high quality.   Unknown Soldier is no different.  Forget the capes and powers for a second and allow yourself to be entertained with gritty, pulpy drama while learning a thing or two about the world.  Josh Dysart has immersed himself in this conflict to bring you a story you won’t forget.

Secret Warriors #13

Jonathan Hickman has been doing a great job of reintroducing Nick Fury and Hydra post-Secret Invasion into the Marvel U.  Nick Fury has always been one of my favorite characters, and his sparse use has elevated him to a legend.  Hickman, and his reputation for attention to detail, is in full effect here.  Stefano Caselli on pencils doesn’t hurt either.  He is a strong talent who is a perfect fit for the material.

Rob’s Picks

The Walking Dead 70

This is the most consistently great comic I have read in a long time. Whether you have read Kirkman’s other work or not, this is his magnum opus. publisher Image comics says, “Behind these walls everyone has their place; everyone has their job. There is no danger, there are no threats… everyone has hope. Will it last?” The cover shows us a melancholy foreboding, a sense of dread just under the surface of the quiet suburban town. I can’t wait.

Usagi Yojimbo 126

Curious about the rabbit ninja and this long-running comic? This might be the perfect place to jump in: “The rabbit ronin faces a terrifying creature from Japanese mythology in this creepy, self-contained story! Nukekubi are supernatural monsters that take the form of normal humans during the day, but at night can detach their heads to attack their unsuspecting prey.” The cover and subject matter alone make me want to grab this book right up.

Chris’s Picks

Avengers: The Initiative #33

This has been a pretty great series so far.  I am not usually an Avengers fan, but this Civil War story has been highly addictive.  I am really looking forward to seeing how the resistance handles taking on camp H.A.M.M.E.R..

Strange Girl: Limited Edition Complete Series

This is a great apocalyptic type series.  This series took on many questions of religion, while delivering a great story set in a dark time.  Keep an open mind and follow this awesome twisting tale down the rabit hole.  This is the series that started the careers of greats like Rick Remender and Eric Nguyen.  Snag this if you see it as only 1000 limited editions will be printed!

Tyler’s Picks

Flash: Rebirth #6

For a book about the Speed Force and the Fastest Man Alive, it feels like it has taken a year for this puppy to wrap up. And in fact, it nearly has. The first issue came out in April of last year. Whether it was the meticulous work of Ethan van Scriver or Geoff Johns forgot which story he was trying to tell between this and Blackest Night (in which Barry Allen is a significant participant), this book has as much energy and pulpiness as can possibly fit underneath the yellow boots.

The Splendid Magic of Penny Arcade: The 11 1/2 Anniversary Edition (HC)

There isn’t a point in me pimping this book. Go and buy it you ninny. If you don’t know Gabe and Tycho, or the men behind their justified sense of gaming hubris, then you know nothing. Vapid little mindflayer that you are.

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.

• BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #41
• BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT SPECIAL
• BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN #3 (OF 3)
• CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK #46
• DOOM PATROL #7
• THE GREAT TEN #4 (OF 10)
• GREEN LANTERN: SECRET ORIGIN
• JONAH HEX #52
• JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA ANNUAL #1
• LOONEY TUNES #183
• MILESTONE FOREVER #1 (OF 2)
• THE QUESTION #37
• RED ROBIN #9
• RED TORNADO #6 (OF 6)
• SHOWCASE PRESENTS: SECRETS OF SINISTER HOUSE VOL. 1
• SUPERMAN: MON-EL VOL. 1
• SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #12 (OF 12)
• TINY TITANS VOL. 3: SIDEKICKIN’ IT
• THE WARLORD #11

• THE ATOM AND HAWKMAN #46
• BATMAN AND ROBIN #7
• BATMAN: UNDER THE COWL
• BILLY BATSON AND THE MAGIC OF SHAZAM! #12
• BLACKEST NIGHT: JSA #2 (OF 3)
• DETECTIVE COMICS #861
• GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #8
• GREEN LANTERN #50
• JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #41
• JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE #6 (OF 7)
• JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #35
• JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA: STRANGE ADVENTURES
• SUPERGIRL #49
• SUPERMAN #696
• SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #4 (OF 6)
• TALES OF THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL. 2
• TEEN TITANS #79
• THE WEB #5
• WONDER WOMAN #40
• WORLD’S FINEST #4 (OF 4)

Rob’s Picks:

SUPERMAN SECRET ORIGIN #4 (OF 6)
story Geoff Johns, art Gary Frank
Continues the “definitive” realignment origin story line of arguably the world’s most recognizable hero, Superman. Giving issue #3 a 9/10 rating, IGN praises the story’s masterful writing and amazing artwork. Color us interested. DC Release Schedule

THE WALKING DEAD #69
story Robert Kirkman, art/cover Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn
At long last… they arrive. But will things get better… or WORSE? Thus says the PR copy that accompanies the cover image. One of the better  series out there, TWD is currently being made a series on AMC. Image Comics Release Schedule

JACK OF FABLES # 42
Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges; Art by Tony Akins and Andrew Pepoy ; Cover by Brian Bolland

If the cover by Bolland doesn’t pull you in, the continuing saga of Jack of Fable will. Bill Willingham must not sleep, with all the books he’s written in this fascinating universe. Vertigo January Releases

Previews – New Releases for the week of January 27.

Carlton’s Picks

ABSOLUTION #3 AUXILIARY EDITION
Christos Gage; Art by Roberto Viacava; Cover by Juan Jose Ryp

Only 1500 of special cover editions are available. Juan Jose Ryp shows why he is one of the best with an homage cover to Captain America #106.

STAR WARS: LEGACY #44
John Ostrander; Art by Jan Duursema, Dan Parsons, Brad Anderson; Cover by Chris Scalf

Cade Skywalker cannot escape his father’s legacy, whether it comes in the form of a Jedi Master calling him back to the Jedi Order, or being faced with a mistake from his father’s past. Will Cade survive such a mistake in order to realize his destiny?

Chris’ Picks

IRON MAN: I AM IRON MAN (2010) #1
Creators Peter David (DARK TOWER) and Sean Chen (MIGHTY AVENGERS)

With the movie coming up, the Iron Man excitement will start taking off.  Marvel is grabbing onto this cash cow.  Look for the first issue here to follow the lines of the first movie.  Will we get a sneak peak at Iron Man 2 in the next issue?

PENNY-ARCADE
Written by Jerry Holkins.  Illustrated by Mike Krahulik

This pick is a WebComic, but in this day so many comics have hit the net, you’ll have to bear with me.  This has been on my weekly reading list for years and I look forward to what these guys come up with every week.

Mike’s Picks

SCALPED #34
Written by Jason Arron, Art by RM Guera, Cover by Jock.

Easily the best comic in publication today.  If you only have 2 dollars, borrow 99 cents and buy this book. This issue looks to deliver the blood by the gallon as forces that have been on a collision course finally meet.

KICK-ASS #8
Written by Mark Millar, Art by John Romita Jr.

By now everyone knows about the movie being optioned and made before the comic even hit issue 4, and that this thing ships pretty much whenever it feels like it, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun when it does.

CHEW #8
Written by John Layman, Art by Rob Guillory

Chew has a pretty original premise and Layman isn’t afraid to take chances, both with his story telling and panel work.  Guillory’s artwork is very fresh and fits the series well.  Jump on this issue and watch our beaten FDA agent track down a missing cock (as in rooster).