Last week was the celestial event invoking the power of the Greek goddess Nemesis, who brings terrible vengeance and retribution upon our enemies!  Or…it was just a week in which two comics adopted the name in its current popular vernacular.

Book: Nemesis #1
Publisher: Icon Comics
Author: Mark Millar
Art: Steven McNiven

It is almost impossible to not have heard of or read something from the mind of Mark Millar, with titles like Wanted, Kick Ass, Civil War, some Wolverine work, etc. So it comes as no surprise that there has been a lot of talk about the new work, Nemesis. How do you one-up the violence and gratuitous graphical gorefest of previous titles, make the only ‘super’ in the story a genius and diabolical bastard.  So far they are pretty successful.

The villain in this story uses his intellect and obvious super abilities, so far flight, strength and durability, to play a cat and mouse game with various police chiefs around the globe. The ultimate outcome is the death of the chief, at a date and time already predestined by Nemesis. This death is usually quite messy, in accordance with some unspoken Millar law.

The name of the villain, along with a choice monologue, point towards a desire of retribution against these police officers. However, the ultimate ‘good’ nature of the protagonist makes it hard to see what the back-story could be. Thus the mystery that will keep us coming back. Or, maybe you’re just a fan of trailing entrails.

Book: Nemesis: The Imposters
Publisher: DC
Author: Ivan Brandon
Art: Cliff Richards

The Joker, non-lethal explosions, giant floating robot eye, alternative worlds; I have no clue what the hell if going on in this comic, and I like it.  Unlike many, I do not mind being thrust into the center of aporia, it can be a great center of creativity. Of course I always hope to be relieved of this tension at some point (I’m talking to you Lost) and I will continue to pick up this version of Nemesis in that hope.

In hindsight, after the confusion settled down. I did some research and discovered that there isn’t anything to complicated to this story, yet. Apparently this Nemesis is already an established ‘hero’ from various other titles, such as Suicide Squad. Additionally, the presence of the Joker and Batman isn’t too strange as they shared some page space in the past.  The alternate world is apparently also from the past and is similar to the story of the old Prisoner television series. Since I own and enjoy said series, I’m looking forward to Brandon’s take.

Mike’s Picks:

Nemesis #1

Although this territory has been tread a bit by Mark Waid in Irredeemable, Mark Millar gives us his take on the inverse scenario: the most powerful person in the world is pure evil.  Given the level of violence seen in his latest run on the Ultimate Avengers, and that this is an Icon book, the splatter level should be on 11.  Making this book a must have is the fact that Steve McNiven in on pencils, which after their team up on Civil War and Old Man Logan, bodes very well for the look of the book.

Scalped #36

Go ahead and just assume whenever there is a new Scalped book coming out it will make my list.  My favorite book of the last few years, this issue begins a new arc that delves into the character of ‘Shunka’, Red Crow’s right hand.  Red Crow gets into it and Shunka is sent in to clean it up.  I can’t heap enough praise on the execution of this title, from the writing to the art to the characterization, this is a book where the creators are at the peak of their craft.

Mike’s Picks:

American Vampire #1

Even though there is a glut of Stephen King comics these days, I remember when it was a rarity, and to get something like King and Bernie Wrightson’s “Cycle of the Werewolf” was a real rare gem.  The good news is that there seems to be a good balance of quality and quantity now that the King floodgates have been opened.  American Vampire looks to keep that trend going with an anthology style book brining you different takes on the archetype from the turn of the century.

Jughead #200

Why not?  Written by Robot Chicken’s Tom Root, this milestone issue has Jughead trading his famous metabolism for a mega cheeseburger, and needless to say, hilarity ensues.  I’ve always been a cursory fan of these books in the same way I can’t not watch ‘Saved By The Bell’ if it comes on at 2 am.  This is lighthearted fun, and it’s a good break from all the Deadpool books.

Mike’s Picks

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!

Most comics come out on Wednesdays, from what we hear, so we figure we can start your new comics lust on Mondays. We’ll point you in the direction of books WE are interested in, and YOU can, in the comments below, let us know what YOU are interested in, k? This week, we’ve got plenty to get excited about.

Rob’s Picks

Fell: Feral City, Volume 1

Yeah, I already have this, but you need to get it right now. It’s Ben Templesmith AND fooking Warren Ellis, so you know it’s good. It’s better than good. It’s freaking must-own classic comic book goodness. The  melancholy of the colors and Templesmith’s crazy artistic sensibility mesh ever so perfectly with Warren Ellis’ traditional poignant insanity. If you don’t own this, grab it NOW before it goes out of print AGAIN.

Demo #2

I’m so enamored by the concept of this book – Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan get to revisit their zine-like black and white roots and have complete creative control over this book, including not allowing ads in it. The story in #1 was well told, paced well, and felt like a slice of life gone mysteriously supernatural. You’re doing yourself a disservice by not picking this one up on Wednesday.

Mike’s Picks

Invincible Iron Man #24

Matt Fraction is definitely one of the most talented writers working today, and he deserved the Eisner nod he got on his IIM relaunch (the 3rd in 15 years).  This is the last book before the new era of Tony Stark begins.  Fraction created a clever and entertaining ‘end of life’ storyline that comes to a close here, before we get the new suit, back to basics, no more ‘Extremis’, ‘Age of Heroes’ shellhead.  The question is, will he have redeemed himself after Civil War and World War Hulk?

The Boys #40

I’ve been reading this since it started, and after Garth Ennis got done ‘taking the piss’ on all the main DC and Marvel characters, and even a certain famous creator, he started to turn the book into a narrative about the internal struggle of shadow governments and how they utilize powered up d-bags.  While the quality of his satire has been hit and miss, lately the book has been pretty on target, especially coming off the ‘started strong and fizzled at the end’ spin-off “Herogasm”.  Finishing up the origins (if they are to be believed) of the Boys (and one Girl), a new arc has begun, this time looking to poke some fun at the Legion of Super Heroes.

Tyler’s Picks

Green Hornet #1

So a million years ago, our favorite fatty Southwest flier was hired to develop the Green Hornet screenplay for Hollywood. Cut to this week: Dynamite Entertainment has blown the dust off this puppy and is prepping 2 other A-list titles (Matt Wagner’s Year One and Brett Matthew’s The Green Hornet Strikes!) for release this spring. Smith’s script has been speculated on for years so hopefully the wait for a female Kato and revamped origin is worth the wait.  Here’s to hoping Smith’s writing is as taut as the the days on Daredevil and Green Arrow and not as indulgent as the recent run on Batman. With Seth Rogen’s GH movie approaching fast, we’ll soon know who deserved the paycheck.

Mass Effect Redemption #3

Okay, I admit. I have played waaaay too much of this game trying to get all the possible dialogue trees out of the deep soil of this Game of the Year contender. Mac Walters did a fine job on the RPG crafting characters that rival Farscape in breadth and this filler story is no exception. I would talk about it more, but I actually have to pick up the 3rd printing of Issue 1 and 2nd printing of #2 because its been frakking sold out since the dawn of the Reapers. Word is Liara collects Shepard’s remains, which turns me on because my Lesbo Cmmdr. Shepard and Liara got it on hardcore in the firs t game. Space sex FTW!

First Wave #1

The DC pulp universe is finally unveiled. Seems 2010 is the Year of Noir, with Marvel schucking a few similar titles (Spidey, etc.) but its the Doc Savage and Batman books that are looking gritty and nifty. With an alternate DCU sans supermen, mere mortals Doc Savage, Batman and the Spirit fight for the city’s allegiances and likely suffer much angony at the expense of Brian Azarello’s brilliant writing. It doesn’t hurt that Rags Morales is doing the scribbles for this one either. Here’s to hoping DC can launch a new A-list book that doesn’t end up lining the bird cages (Ahem…”Trinity?”)

Mike’s Picks

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.

Most comics come out on Wednesdays, from what we hear, so we figure we can start your new comics lust on Mondays. We’ll point you in the direction of books WE are interested in, and YOU can, in the comments below, let us know what YOU are interested in, k? This week, we’ve got plenty to get excited about.

Chris’s Pick:

Kick-Ass Premier Hardcover

Kick-Ass has been so well received that it makes me sad to not have a local comic store to support.  Lucky for me issues 1 – 8 are now being published as a hardcover!  Spawned from the greatness that is Mark Millar and John Romita Jr, this takes the super hero genre to a whole new level.  Look for this sweet sweet book this Wednesday!

Mike’s Picks:

Captain America #603

Regardless of the controversy stirred up by last issue’s “Tea Bagger” incident, Captain America has been one of Marvel’s most consistently high quality books (Cap Rebirth non-withstanding) since it was relaunched with Ed Brubaker at the helm a few years back.  Brubaker has found an extremely smart and entertaining way of bringing decades of Cap continuity and characters and bringing them into a realistic modern setting.  This arc is not different with 50′s Cap trying to find a place in the 21st century and picking the wrong crowd.  The art has maintained a consistent feel thanks to the round robin of Steve Epting and Luke Ross, who is on this issue with Butch “Remember when they called me Jackson?” Guice.

Invincible #70

I jumped on this series later in it’s run, but I have to admit, this is some of Robert Kirkman’s best work, second only to The Walking Dead.  Kirkman can be real hit (Invincible, Marvel Zombies) or miss (Wolfman, Ultimate X-Men, Haunt) but when he’s on it’s great fun.  This looks to be the “calm before the storm” issue, with the big Viltrumite war coming in issue #71, so not a bad spot to jump on.  The art on this book is amazing as Ryan Ottley is one of my favorite artists working today and does a great job on this title.

Rob’s Picks:

Joe The Barbarian #2

The second in the amazingly well-received mini-series from Grant Morrison and Sean Murphy. I’m really looking forward to reading through this book, as the first issue had me at “hello.” Says Vertigo: “Formless Deathcoats, Dwarf Pirate Submariners, a Rodent Yojimbo – the wildest imaginings of a young boy become all too real in this breakout epic. Fantasy and reality, death and life, collide in this new must-read series.”

Chase Variant

The cover is what got me on this one. I’m a sucker for Frank Miller-esque females with four arms and a bad attitude. What’s even better? This one’s a one-shot, with no need for me to know ANYTHING about the character or series. Way to go, image – that’s how we get new readers! Continuity is awesome, but I usually wait for the TPB if the story is in the middle when I find a particular book. Make sure to check this one out in the stores this week.

Tyler’s Pick:

Green Lantern #51

It’s time for this gay rainbow flag of cosmic proportions to come to a close and now that the New Guardians (not to be confused with the crummy Marvel title from the 90′s) have gotten their prism of light together and are taking on the Black Lantern behemoth Spectre. Granted, Hal Jordan is being a super space douche again by unleashing Parallax, but its his “Leap before you look” attitude that makes him consistently entertaining- if not groan worthy. I can’t wait to see how the rainbow connection saves the day.

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.

Written by Jamie Delano; Art and cover by Jock

Hellblazer is the second comic I ever collected, browsing my way through comic shops in the greater Los Angeles area as i attended UCLA in the early 1990s. Pulled in by Ennis, I got back issues whenever I could afford them, some by a writer I hadn’t heard of before by the name of Jamie Delano. Fast f

orward to NOW, and guess what’s happening? Vertigo says,

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the first appearance of John Constantine, Jamie Delano – the very first HELLBLAZER writer – returns for a new original graphic novel! Joining him for the occasion is fan-favorite artist Jock (THE LOSERS), who – for the first time ever – uses the meticulous techniques he’s developed for his Eisner-nominated covers to illustrate a gripping horror story tailor-made for the 21st century.

You can be sure I’ve got my $25 tucked away for what will probably prove to be a fantastic and nostalgic romp thorugh the horror that is Delano’s Hellblazer. Stay tuned for our review, once I’ve devoured the book a couple of times.

Most comics come out on Wednesdays, from what we hear, so we figure we can start your new comics lust on Mondays. We’ll point you in the direction of books WE are interested in, and YOU can, in the comments below, let us know what YOU are interested in, k? This week, we’ve got plenty to get excited about.

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).