One of our favorite things to do at the shop is sharing our weekly pull lists and must reads with one another. It’s one of the best ways we’ve been finding new things to read or even reasons to return to old favorites. We thought it
would be fun to start sharing our weekly picks of books we’re most excited about. Our hope is that in sharing our excitement you might discover something new to add to your list. Check back weekly on Tuesday evenings for lists from
John, Chandler and Jason & Jake. Each has a different background and perspective to share.
Spoiler alert: Also check back in the weeks to come for a chance to win some cool prizes including some of the books we’ll feature on our lists.
John’s Picks
Veteran Comics Reader and Shop Owner. John offers the perspective of both a long time reader and shop owner.
Chandler’s Picks
Chandler has been reading and collecting for several years now. Long time customer who joined the Brainstorm team this year.
Jason & Jake’s Picks
Father and son (11yo) duo who started out as Brainstorm customers interested in D&D and MTG. Jason used to read comics off an on but only recently returned as he began reading and collecting as a father son activity with Jake.
1.Miskatonic #1
This is an independent book from Aftershock that mixes Lovecraft, American historyAnd conspiracies, a trifecta of story elements to me. It reminds me of one of my favorite indy books (that unfortunately never finished) called Strangehaven. If this half as good, we’re all in for a treat
2. Punchline #1
When the character Punchline was unveiled to the world, there were many that dismissed Joker’s new sidekick as little more than a pale imitation of her predecessor Harley Quinn. Tynion has deftly created a character that differs in ways that I feel allows the character more growth potential such as through this one shot that explores the radicalization of a young woman. It’s interesting to see the twists and turns of Punchline as she differentiates herself from the joke some thought she would become.
OneShot
Cutting Edge #1
Cutting Edge #1: The solicit for this book promises a mixture of Tomb Raider and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, so I’m in! Clandestine organizations and conspiracies abound in this title by great international talent. Titan
puts out some highly underrated comics.
1. Punchline #1
One of the best things to come out of Joker War was the new character Punchline. For anyone who thinks that this is simply a Harley Quinn knockoff will be sorely mistaken after reading this one shot. It also showcases Harper Row aka Bluebird one of my favorite characters during Scott Snyder’s legendary run on Batman. 2021 looks like it will have a lot in store for both characters. You’re not going to want to miss this one!
Oneshot
2. Seven Secrets #4
This is the issue we’ve all been waiting for! Secrets and identities are finally being revealed! Plus Caspar has probably the worst first day possible in his new role as Holder of a secret. This issue is action packed and tons of
fun!
3. Detective Comics #1030
Peter J. Tomasi has been quietly building up a really great run on Detective. His new character Mirror Mirror is really cool and looks like he has a lot of potential to add himself to one of Batman’s upper levels of villains (I know he has so many already but this guy is cool!). I’m excited to see what Tomasi does with him and to see what’s next for the Caped Crusader!
1. Strange Academy #5
This series continues to be one of our favorite reads. We spent the first four issues getting to know the cast of students and teachers while being introduced to the school itself. This has been a fun mostly lighthearted adventure
thus far. Near the end of issue #4 we start getting some setup for what looks to be the first real threat to the school and students. We’re looking forward to seeing how the students handle the coming conflict. We’re hesitent to
keeping putting the same series in for our picks but it’s just that good.
- Seven Secrets #4
So this is another returning title to our list. If I were writing this solely from my perspective it would be easier to let it fall off the list. Fact is this is such a great father son read; consistently being one of our favorite monthly reads. Caspar is a likeable hero and now that he’s made it through training it’s time to see what he’s capable of. Can’t recommend this enough especially as one to read together with your kid.
;3. Villainous #2
This title surprised us last month and it was one of our overall favorites last month. As a side note I think it’s awesome that Jake is enjoying and drawn to a good number of independent titles rather than just sticking to the big
publishers. This one also features a young likeable protagonist in Tilly. Last issue she learned her heroes weren’t all they were cracked up to be when she discovered some hard truths. This setup almost reminds me of a far less graphic
and crude version of the Boys. The superheroes aren’t so super and the bad guys might actually be the good guys? Issue #1 was a ton of fun for us to read together, hoping this one keeps it up and finishes strong.
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