First, we want to apologize for not providing the Final Order Cutoff highlight comics the last few weeks but we’ve been in the process of moving! If you haven’t seen the great new location, check us out at 117 N Market St in downtown Frederick, Maryland, only a a block and a half from our previous location.
For those who are new to this service, we will explain. Diamond, the distributor of comics in North America, allows comic stores to adjust their numbers up or down in an effort to ensure they didn’t order too few or too many of a book. We provide the full list, along with a few highlighted books, to you so that we can ensure we have the books you want on the day of release. The books covered within this post are for July 24th.
Also, for those of you who don’t know, we are doing a video series on YouTube named “Why Aren’t You Reading…..?” where we review books we think many readers may be passing up but would probably enjoy. Check out our playlist to see some great recommendations to occupy yourself during these hot summer days.
We have covered Immortal Hulk, Invincible, Skyward, Red Hood and the Outlaws, and Die so far. This week we will be adding the Gideon Falls video. Keep an eye out for that!
So without further adieu, let’s jump into the highlighted books for the week. Scroll past that for the full list.
DC COMICS
ACTION COMICS #1013 YOTV THE OFFER
DC COMICS
(W) Brian Michael Bendis (A) Szymon Kudranski (CA) Jamal Campbell
Metropolis is in total lockdown, and while everyone is busy dealing with the impossible threat of Leviathan’s complete takeover, a mysterious antihero called Thorn has decided to wreak havoc on the invisible empire! Witness the return of Rose and Thorn, the most dangerous woman in the DC Universe-and if you’ve never heard of her, it’s only because she is that good. All this, plus a major EVENT LEVIATHAN revelation! But why wasn’t it in the main series? Plus, the invisible mafia held a death grip on the Metropolis underworld…until Lex Luthor visits their criminal competition!
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE….
Brian Michael Bendis has become known for creating female characters or taking existing ones and adding depth to their personalities. Here he takes on Rose and Thorn, a character with multiple personality disorder. With a resume that includes Jessica Jones, Riri Williams and Naomi, this is sure to be on that needs to be read.
An added bonus: that Jamal Campbell cover is killer.
BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #1 (OF 8)
DC COMICS
(W/A/CA) Sean Murphy
In this explosive sequel to the critically acclaimed blockbuster BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT from writer/artist Sean Murphy, The Joker recruits Azrael to help him expose a shocking secret from the Wayne family’s legacy-and to run Gotham City into the ground! As Batman rushes to protect the city and his loved ones from danger, the mystery of his ancestry unravels, dealing a devastating blow to the Dark Knight. Exciting new villains and unexpected allies will clash in this unforgettable chapter of the White Knight saga-and the truth about the blood they shed will shake Gotham to its core!
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE….
Batman: White Knight was amazing. Sean Murphy has a great handle on the character while incorporating different facets of various media interpretations. Aspects of comics, cartoons, movies and such are blended together in a way that feels both new and right. If you haven’t read the White Knight series, start there. If you have, then this is a must-have continuation.
IDW
CANTO #1 (OF 6) 2ND PTG
IDW PUBLISHING
(W) David M. Booher (A/CA) Drew Zucker
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE……
The first issue sold out at Diamond immediately and is already gathering both critical and reader praise. This has the potential to be something special.
STAR PIG #1 (OF 4) CVR A RICHARD
IDW PUBLISHING
(W) Delilah S Dawson (A) Francesco Gaston (CA) Sara Richard
Like many late-21st-century teens, geeky 16-year-old Vess gets packed off to spend her summer at Space Camp-which is literally in space. Tragically, a shuttle accident sends her and the rest of the passengers careening toward a cold, frosty death among the stars. But when a gigantic, space-faring water bear miraculously rescues Vess and her beloved retro Discman, it’s the beginning of an extraordinary friendship and an incredible journey home, all set to the nostalgic tunes of Vess’s 1990s-heavy playlist. From the mind of New York Times bestseller Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, Marvel Action: Spider-Man) comes an inventive story about loss and resiliency. Nostalgia-tinged humor, perfect for fans of Saga and Guardians of the Galaxy. Series covers by totally radical artists Sara Richard, Paulina Ganucheau, Nicoletta Baldari, and Sara Alfageeh!
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE…..
As can be seen in the solicit above, this story is going to be in the tradition of Saga and Guardians of the Galaxy. Plus, I just really like the funky cover.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #12 ALEX ROSS MARVELS 25TH VAR
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Ta-Nehisi Coates (A) Adam Kubert (CA) Alex Ross
“CAPTAIN OF NOTHING” CONCLUDES!
Captain America is a fugitive! So Captain America must disappear! But that doesn’t mean that Steve Rogers has to give up the fight to prove his innocence and bring the true murderer to justice! It’s time for Cap to try something new!
Rated T+
Rated T+
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE……
That Alex Ross cover (as are most of his) is amazing. This is a variant cover, but is an order all you want. If you let us know you’d prefer this one, let us know and we can guarantee you a copy in your box.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #12 GUICE CARNAGE-IZED VAR
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Ta-Nehisi Coates (A) Adam Kubert (CA) Alex Ross
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE……
The theme covers are hit or miss for me, but Guice does an excellent job with this one. I think this will be one of the long-term popular covers. So Captain America fans will have a difficult choice–Ross or Guice? Ross or Guice? What will be in your box?
FEARLESS #1 (OF 4)
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Seanan McGuire & Various (A) Claire Roe, Carmen Nunez Carnero (CA) Yasmin Putri
THE FIERCEST LADIES OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE – ON AND OFF THE PAGE! Straight off her silver-screen debut, Captain Marvel takes the world by storm! And speaking of the weather, Storm of the X-Men faces a problem only a goddess could solve. Add the Invisible Woman, and you’ve got an unstoppable trio in a story by Hugo-nominated novelist and SPIDER-GWEN: GHOST-SPIDER writer Seanan McGuire! Then, Leah Williams takes us back to the golden days of romance with Millie the Model! PLUS: Get your dose of herstory with profiles on classic and contemporary creators!
Rated T+
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE……
Not only does this mini-series spotlight a few of the most popular female characters in the Marvel Universe, but two amazing artists provide covers. The hard part fofr you will be choosing between Putri and Frison. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
HISTORY OF MARVEL UNIVERSE #1 (OF 6)
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Mark Waid (A) Javier Rodriguez (CA) Steve McNiven
ALL-NEW STORY BY LEGENDARY CREATOR MARK WAID! Everything you ever wanted to know about the Marvel Universe – in one lavishly illustrated series! From the Big Bang to the twilight of existence, HISTORY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE chronicles completely, for the first time, everything that was, is or will be! Lushly illustrated text tells the complete story of the Marvel Universe, revealing previously unknown secrets and serving as the ultimate reference book for Marvel fans! Witness the greatest tale ever told – and be prepared for some shocking revelations!
Rated T
Rated T
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE……
Mark Waid showcases his encyclopedic knowledge of the Marvel Universe in this series. This will assuredly be a great starting point for beginners in the comic world and also for those who are already familiar with it but want to expand their knowledge base. Also, a phenomenal cover by the great Steve McNiven.
HOUSE OF X #1 (OF 6)
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Jonathan Hickman (A/CA) Pepe Larraz
FACE THE FUTURE! Superstar writer Jonathan Hickman (SECRET WARS, AVENGERS, FANTASTIC FOUR) takes the reins of the X-Men universe! Since the release of Uncanny X-Men #1, there have been four seminal moments in the history of the X-Men. Giant-Sized X-Men. X-Men. Age of Apocalypse. New X-Men. Four iconic series that introduced a new era for Marvel’s mutants and revolutionized the X-Men. In House of X, Charles Xavier reveals his master plan for mutantkind…one that will bring mutants out of the shadow of mankind and into the light once more.
Rated T+
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE…..
Two words: Jonathan Hickman! He is writing both this title and Powers of X which will lead into the relaunch of the X-Men franchise. We are all familiar with his unforgetable run on Avengers and Fantastic Four, not to mention his independent work. If you’re an X-Men fan (or even if you’re not), this is ride you’re going to want to be on from the beginning.
There are countless variants for this one so we are just spotlighting the main cover. You’ll want to see the whole array, though. You’ll go Mad(ureira) over them!
MARVEL COMICS PRESENTS #6 2ND PTG SIQUEIRA VAR
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Charles Soule & Various (A) Paulo Siqueira, More (CA) Arthur Adams
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE……
The 1st printing sold out quickly due to the first appearance ofa new member of the Logan family. If you missed out on that, you’re going to want to pick up this copy.
MARVELS EPILOGUE #1
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross (A/CA) Alex Ross
An all-new standalone epilogue to the classic MARVELS graphic novel written by Kurt Busiek and fully-painted by Alex Ross! A “Marvels” look at the “all-new, all-different” X-Men of the 1970s. In this 16-page story, Alex and Kurt bring Marvel’s world to brilliant, realistic life one last time, as the now-retired Phil Sheldon and his daughters, in Manhattan to see the Christmas lights, find themselves in the middle of a clash between the outsider heroes and the deadly Sentinels, giving them a close-up perspective on the mutant experience. Also featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this special story, and other bonus features.
Rated T+
Rated T+
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE…..
Marvels is a mini-series that has stood the test of time. Twenty-five years later and it is still one of the touchstones of the industry, one that is accessible to newer and older readers alike. Kurt Busiek and Alex Ross put an exclamation point on their seminal work, providing a brand new endcap to their story. If you’re a comic fan, this is going to be a must read.
SWORD MASTER #1
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Shuizhu, Greg Pak (A) Gunji, Kris Anka (CA) Gunji
MIGHTY MARVEL MARTIAL ARTS DOUBLE TROUBLE! ALL NEW ONGOING SERIES! You saw him tear through Fire Goblins in WAR OF THE REALMS with his big, damn magic sword! Now learn the mysterious origins of LIN LIE, A.K.A. SWORD MASTER, Marvel’s newest Chinese superhero, in the English language debut of the original series written by Shuizhu and drawn by Gunji! Haunted by dreams of demons, Lin Lie hunts for his missing archeologist father – and for the secret of the black sword he left behind. And in a brand new story written by Greg Pak (NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS), Sword Master teams up with SHANG-CHI! What happens when an undisciplined, untrained kid with a magic sword tangles with the one and only, undisputed MASTER OF KUNG FU? (Spoiler alert: they will indeed drive each other crazy, with huge ramifications for the Marvel Universe!)
Rated T
Rated T
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE…….
This new series spins out of the popular War of the Realms event!
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VALKYRIE JANE FOSTER #1
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Jason Aaron, Al Ewing (A) CAFU (CA) Mahmud A. Asrar
JANE FOSTER STARS IN AN ALL-NEW NEW ONGOING SERIES! A new hero emerges straight from the pages of THE WAR OF THE REALMS! For years, you knew her as Dr. Jane Foster, one of Thor’s most steadfast companions. Then you knew her as Thor, the Goddess of Thunder, who took up the mantle when no other hero – god or human – was worthy. Now Jane takes on a new role as Valkyrie, guide and ferrywoman to the dead! But her days of punching are far from over. WAR OF THE REALMS master architect Jason Aaron and superstar Al Ewing (IMMORTAL HULK) join forces with rising star artist CAFU for the book that’ll have everyone talking!
Rated T+
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE…..
Jason Aaron has taken us and Jane Foster on a crazy ride the past several years and now his next progression is as the new Valkyrie. Aaron obviously has a deep connection to the character and has a long term plan for her. If you read War of the Realms, you’re going to want to follow the further adventures of Jane Foster.
WEB OF VENOM FUNERAL PYRE #1 #1
MARVEL COMICS
(W) Cullen Bunn (A) Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque, Joshua Cassara (CA) Declan Shalvey
For weeks, the serial killer called Carnage has been hunting former symbiote hosts and killing them. Next on his list is ANDI BENTON, formerly MANIA, who’s back to living in Philadelphia and without any symbiote to save her…
The path of bodies that leads to ABSOLUTE CARNAGE continues here! HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE….. There are few writers in the industry who are as adept at horror books as Cullen Bunn and there are few characters more horrific than Cletus Kasady, so this is sure to be a comic that explores Carnage in a way that hasn’t been done before. In addition, this is leading into the Absolute Carnage event. ARCHIE ARCHIE VS PREDATOR 2 #1 (OF 5) CVR F TUCCI
ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS
(W) Alex De Campi (A) Robert Hack (CA) Billy Tucci
Betty, Veronica, and Predator-Archie have been left in the wreckage of their town, all their friends dead. Normally, they’d just go down Memory Lane and get home again where everything’s okay, but that’s no longer an option. It isn’t until they find an undamaged car and drive it down a different road where they can finally return to Riverdale-but their hometown feels different. And it’s made even more bizarre when they come face-to-face with a few people they’d never expect: themselves. Only different, newer versions. Little do they know, Predators on Mars are watching them-planning their next attack.
HIGHLIGHTED BECAUSE…..
Archie has a great tradition over the last two and a half decades of crossing over with properties you never thought they would (or should). But somehow, starting with the Punisher one from 1994, the company has made it work. If you haven’t read the first mini-series of Archie vs Predator, check it out. It was fun mayhem from the word go and this one promises more of the same.
And now, as promised, here is the full list of this week’s Final Order Cutoff. As always, we thank you for reading and hope to see you in the store soon.
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