Welcome to Can’t Wait for Wednesday, your guide to what comics are arriving in comic book stores, bookstores and on digital.
I’ve pulled out some of the other highlights for this week below, but for the complete list of everything you might find at your local comic shop and on digital this week, you’ll want to check out one or more of the following:
- Penguin Random House (Marvel + IDW + Dark Horse + more)
- Lunar Distribution (DC + Image + more)
- Diamond’s PreviewsWorld (Dynamite + more)
- ComicList (Pretty much all of the above)
- Amazon/Kindle new releases (digital comics)
As a reminder, things can change and what you find on the above lists may differ from what’s actually arriving in your local shop. So always check with your comics retailer for the final word on availability.
Resurgence of the Valiant Universe Finale (Valiant/Alien Books, $5.99): This issue marks the end of the beginning for Alien Books’ rejuvenation of the Valiant line, as Fred Van Lente, Diego Giribaldi and Tomas Aira not only wrap up the war between Dr. Silk’s forces and Ivar the Timewalker’s allies, but set up the upcoming launch of Valiant Beyond as well as Valiant Zombies: Resurrection. Check out our preview here.
Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon #1 (Marvel, $4.99): This is the first in an eclectic series of one-shots written by J. Michael Straczynski that features several unexpected team-ups — starting with Rocket Raccoon and Doctor Doom. This first one features artwork by Will Robson.
The Patchwork Girl of Oz #1 (Image Comics, $3.99): Otis Frampton adapts the seventh book in L. Frank Baum’s classic Oz series in this new series.
The Flash #17 (DC, $3.99): The Flash family journeys to the center of the Earth, aka Skartaris, in this storyline that brings them in contact with Travis Morgan. It’s by the team of Simon Spurrier and Vasco Georgiev.
What If … Galactus Transformed Rogue? (Marvel, $3.99): Rogue is the latest Marvel hero to become Galactus’ herald in this What If? issue that features a young version of the mutant accidentally absorbing the Silver Surfer’s powers … and his burden. It’s by Ann Nocenti and Stephen Byrne.
Pinupocalypse #1 (Massive, $4.99): Andrew Tarusov, Brendan Jones and Igor Vyunyshev present this 1950s horror/science fiction satire featuring a pin-up girl whose search for the perfect dress goes awry when her small town is infested with zombies.
Justice League Unlimited #3 (DC, $3.99): This issue by Mark Waid and Dan Mora spotlights The Atom Project, which is being featured in its own miniseries. As the Atoms attempt to help Plastic Man and Beast Boy gets their powers working correctly, the terrorist organization Inferno causes an ecological disaster.
X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1 (Marvel, $6.99): Alex Paknadel and Diógenes Neves’ Infinity Comic arrives in print this week. It bridges the Krakoa era and the “From the Ashes” era with a story that shows us why Jean Grey went into space, the full extent of Professor X’s crimes and more.
Savage Dragon #275 (Image Comics, $9.99): Erik Larsen’s long-running title reaches its 275th issue, and he celebrates by making it an oversized, 100 page “Super Spectacular.” This issue features Malcolm Dragon, SuperPatriot, Battle Girl and Paul Dragon invading Russia to rescue an American prisoner, as well as assorted back-up stories.
Fantastic Four #28 (Marvel, $3.99): With One World Under Doom kicking into gear next month, this issue will serve as a prelude to the big crossover event, as the Fantastic Four calls on Dane Whitman, aka the Black Knight, for help with their magical Doom problems. It’s by Ryan North and Steve Cummings.
Fortune and Glory: The Musical (Dark Horse, $19.99): Brian Michael Bendis and Bill Walko team up for this sequel to Bendis’ original Fortune and Glory miniseries, as they detail the writer’s involvement with Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, the ill-fated Broadway musical.
Mr. Muffins: Defender of the Stars (Oni Press, $14.99): Ben Kahn and Georgeo Brooks team up for this all-ages graphic novel about a boy and his dog … and the alien invasion that interrupts their afternoon in the park.
Song of a Blackbird (First Second, $17.99): Maria Van Lieshout writes and draws this fictional graphic novel inspired by real-life events. It features two intertwined stories — a modern-day family drama, and a tale of art and resistance under Nazi occupation in Amsterdam.
Mixed-Up (First Second, $14.99): Kami Garcia and Brittney Williams have both worked on DC’s all-ages graphic novels, but this time they’re teaming up for the story of a fifth grader whose learning disability comes to light.
Atlas Artist Edition: Al Williamson (Fantagraphics, $125): Following their collection featuring artist Joe Maneely, Fantagraphics is back with a collection of the Atlas Comics Group work of the legendary Al Williamson — “the largest single body of work Williamson would ever do as a primary creator for one company.”