Most comic book fans have a solid idea of what they buy each week when they go to their local comic book store. That said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had in skimming through the week’s new releases and trying out books that look promising, interesting, or scary. That’s where the cover comes in. Great images make a difference. You can either try something new or say, “No, I’m not going to do it this week.”
In that spirit, we present the covers that caught our attention this week, along with an entry by comics editor Chris Coplan. This can be determined by the cover.
Batman: Dark Pattern #1
Variant cover by Stevan Subic
Batman: Dark Pattern is also something I’ve seen its creators (Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman) promoting on social media. And while there are certainly 100 other Batman stories we still have to read, there are a few things already working in this story’s favor. It’s always been a treasure trove of strong storytelling, for example, how Batts’ early settings are depicted (though I wouldn’t say it’s a little over-explored now). Furthermore, the Dark Knight is “at its simplest core, a man who relies on his own wits, skill, and little else as he tackles some of Gotham City’s most twisted mysteries.” And of course, I have to mention this Stevan Subic variant cover for issue #1. When you boil Batman down to his basics, this visceral and frightening image has a huge amount of work to do. Batman being a symbol is nothing new, but it’s done so precisely and deliberately here that you can’t help but be swept up in the sheer anxiety and fear of this moment. I also like that his “victims” are unidentifiable (maybe “a man with something strange stuck in his body”?). It just adds a new glow of tension and energy to the classic Batman pose. Things change and things stay the same. Dark Patterns feels like it wants to maintain that balance and tell a story that offers fascinating new ways to explore bats. It should be a significant drop, so please consider me as well.
Alien: Paradise #1
Variant cover by J. Gonzo
A well we tapped into was Alien: Paradiso. If you’re feeling a little alien, we get it. Even the best stories in this series, which are basically “stupid humans turned into nasty space bugs” stories, have their limits. But Paradiso is at least over the fence with its premise/approach, as evidenced by this totally awesome J. Gonzo variant cover. We seem to be on a super-criminal planet where gambling seems to be as common as, say, pickleball. This is an interesting little device to use, considering how much metaphorical luck there really is throughout the alien world. (For example, I wish they hadn’t made the gamble of stealing that giant acid egg for use in nefarious science.) And that’s with Queen’s slightly unconventional design (get that about Queen?!) It doesn’t even mention how to make it. I think this book does enough to feel new within the larger scope of this beloved series. But at least we might get to see some heart-wrenchingly sweet action and general mayhem amidst the glowing neon lights of Space Vegas. Just roll the dice on this and hope it doesn’t come up black (or anything else).
Bloom #1
Cover by John Pearson
From creatures popping out of his chest to things popping out of this guy’s face, we get to Bloom’s debut novel by Michael Conrad and John Pearson. Here, an event called a bloom is when some people develop a fresh body part (useful!), experience a radical change in personality, or even “give someone another body that’s not their own.” It even means people who report “contact with intelligence.” (If I choose, having an extra arm might be a way to survive, say, your mind being invaded by an evil plant or fungal creature.) And the first. Pearson’s own cover for the issue feels like a profound introduction to this story. And it’s an interesting premise. Because, sure, this guy looks like he’s having the worst day of his life, but maybe it’ll work out – or maybe it’ll be a mixture of the two? Either way, Pearson’s style and The approach is always interesting, combining core references (such as Annihilation and The Last of Us) in such a way that you can feel their threads and energy, even though everything is shiny and new. Masu. If you want some 80s-leaning body horror with a side of existentialism (I always do!), In Bloom looks like it’s ready for big ideas. Or be a dummy and don’t let this bloom.
Doll Parts: Love Trouble Story #1
Cover by Luana Vecchio
A book about the idea of ”second adolescence” and the massive changes that occur as a result brings us to Doll Parts: A Lovestruck Story. (OK, even that felt a little tenuous to me, but I’m trying to have a streak of success here, okay?) I read writer and artist Luana Vecchio’s first ” I adored your work on the “Lovesick” series. There she explored these grand and unwavering ideas. It depicted sex and violence in a way that felt sophisticated and stylized, yet unsettling in a good way. Here, Domino’s origins are found in a story in which “a stomach-churning discovery forces (her) to face the harsh reality that growing up is not a choice, but survival.” So while there isn’t a ton of blood in this time frame, we do get an equally disturbing snapshot of the young heroine. Because while the cute stuffed animals may catch your eye, the torn parts and shades of death-centered imagery (skulls and bones) evoke the same combination of sexuality, obsession, and emotion that inspired the first series. Because it tells a story. An assortment of energy that speaks to the heart of Domino and how “youth and innocence are but meat to cruel people” and how young girls must learn that lesson with maximum intensity. Don’t be fooled by the pink and cute atmosphere. Things get even more realistic.
Toxic Avenger #3
Cover by Fred Harper
Admittedly, I wasn’t a huge fan of Toxic Avenger #2. This isn’t so much cosmetically “bad” as it is indicative of the problems creators can face when updating or adapting a popular series like Toxic Avenger. Still, I’d like to see if Matt Vose and Fred Harper can get back on track. That seems easy enough, as issue three promises a showdown between Toxie and the “Armored Radiation Ranger.” First of all, villains that are a mix of Doom Guy and Gatchaman are very useful to me. It’s another way this still-young book can play with and remix pop culture in ways that add to its own efforts. I also like that Melvin is getting more “Facetime” with Tutu. This is one aspect of this story that I think could really tie both the original film and this adaptation together in a meaningful way. Additionally, the softness of Toxie’s design continues to be very important in showing how we can add something new to this particular Avenger. And above all, the more toxic action will always be important – we need that rush if the emotional and thematic interest of the story is to really take hold. This disaster isn’t over yet, but I’m ready to keep walking through the sludge.
FML #2
Variant cover by Gene Ha
In their debut, Kelly Sue DeConnick and David Lopez (and the rest of the team) showed us what to expect from FML. That means multimedia madness and generally endearing humanity that will leave you feeling like you’ve slammed a barrel of Pixy Stix and ran screaming into an arcade-meets-music venue. If you want a snapshot of what that experience is really like, and what I guess/hope will continue to define this book leading into issue two, check out this outrageous Gene Ha Take a peek at the variant cover. What first caught your eye? A fiery demon slamming down on a bridge, or young kids completely tearing it apart in what looks like a skull stage? Trick question: Both? factors combine to make it more frustrating than drinking 100 cups of premium coffee. Add in some kick-on-the-wall fourth elements (the horns in the logo, a caricature of someone you think is Deconic), and FML can either grab or confuse readers. It’s obvious that we like to use as many tools as possible. brain. There’s a lot going on at once, and no matter how overwhelming the ideas and artistry are, you can’t look away. And that seems to be the heart of this book, which will work well when things get more vivid and crazier than ever.
Ultimate Universe: #1 in 1 year
Variant cover by Frank Miller
Over the past 18 months or so, the iconic Frank Miller has roared back with a series of variant covers of various Marvel titles. Some people welcome the living legend’s stylized and completely unique take on their beloved hero. And some people still don’t understand what Miller is trying to do. I myself am more in the former camp than the latter, and while Miller is clearly entering a new phase of weirdness and originality, I think more people will be able to appreciate it as time goes on. I hope. A great example of this is his work on Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1. As we spend this issue waiting for the Maker’s arrival and delving into his own council, Miller’s take on this super-genius is pretty interesting. There’s a certain familiarity and groundedness that you don’t usually get, and I feel that’s important. There’s still some weirdness/metaphysics to the Shard. It speaks to the complexity of this character, and perhaps the bifurcated existence in which he leads as both the archvillain and the “savior” of humanity. The all-black background alone brings out the character in such a way that seeing him in this particular context is an unprecedented experience. Say what you will about Miller’s other products, but this one delivers something powerful at the right time. Now, do more Batman, damn it.
Green Lantern #18
Variant cover by Mark Spears
In case you didn’t already know, January’s Green Lantern #19 marks the beginning of a new era for the Corps. And while I thought last month’s Green Lantern issue #17 was a good start to this long farewell, I have to say that Mark Spears’ version in issue #18 is even more fitting and convincing. Not (of course without damaging the screaming planetary objects). Because if Hal Jordan and his friends return to some sort of “status quo” as hinted at in issue #19’s solicitation, everyone’s most beloved space detectives will be reunited with a new unified What a great way to start running. (Ignore my lame editing job of gluing these two covers together.) There’s a mixture of hope and determination, knowing that things won’t always be easy, but still trying to make bigger, bigger, better. It’s a snapshot of heroes who keep striving to be better. . Or the grace to get the job done despite overwhelming odds, standing as a symbol of goodness and decency, even if it’s all you can do against a rising tide. Granted, I’d like to see Joe get more of the spotlight than Gardner’s Guy, the “inside joke of the universe,” but even he achieves the right kind of stoicism for this very important and powerful work. have succeeded in doing so. I believe that whatever awaits the GL Corps in 2025, they will be fully prepared to meet it.
Full Heart #1
Cover by Madeline Maus
If you don’t like space detectives, what do you think about flying gay bears? Belly Full of Heart #1, by writer and artist Madeline Maus, is a collection of “simmering homosexual lovers of the past, present, and future.” It is a manga hymn to the world, and is filled with moments when time moves slowly and nothing exists. Except you and them. ” So here we are all friends with the bear (I think I should call him PJ, even though I haven’t read the story). Because, gay or not, this bear personifies (bearizes?) exactly what it means to be in love. The way it lifts you (although it may change your body or do some damage). How the whole world seems to come alive around you, and how you can feel some profound energy somehow flowing through you and flowing through you. The corresponding, often confusing, vividness of the world. And it even feels like it’s happening for you for the first time (even if it’s your 100th relationship). It’s a cover that should fill you with light and hope. Even if the relationship ends (and that sucks), at least you know this rush of life is waiting for the next coupling/situation/etc. Maybe it’s just the end of the year vibe or something, but this piece comes at a time when love is practically sweeping the world, and that’s certainly a good thing for the bears.
