October Solicits — Top 10 Most Anticipated New Comics
by Cory Webber
It’s that wonderful time of the month where I get to look ahead at my 10 most anticipated comics. These books debut in October, which means we’re getting some great horror-tinged comics. Plus, a couple new series from personal favorites Kyle Starks and Mark Russell. Also, Blackbird debuts, which might be the most visually gorgeous book, maybe ever. Read on to see what else October has to offer the wonderful world of comics.
Mars Attacks (Dynamite) — Why am I interested in this? Two words: Kyle Starks. I recently read Rock Candy Mountain, and it took only two pages to see why so many recommended it. While reading it, my wife looked at me funny several times as I literally LOL’d throughout the book. He is a proficient sequential art storyteller with a unique sense of humor. So, to see him taking on this campy, sci-fi satire sounds like a match made in comic book heaven.
The Lone Ranger (Dynamite) — I know I used this for Mars Attacks, but same goes here…two words: Mark Russell. The guy took the Flintstones and used them as a platform to talk about his feelings on what is wrong with civilization. Just imagine what he will do with The Lone Ranger and Tonto and his feelings on colonization.
Blackbird (Image) — Blackbird is the most gorgeous looking book coming out in October. Jen Bartel’s design and color work is just jaw-dropping. Her use of pinks, purples, blues, and greens – in the preview pages alone – has me chomping at the bit. And, Sam Humphries (Green Lanterns, Nightwing) is on writing duties, as they both set out to craft a coming-of-age tale that they both describe as Harry Potter meets Riverdale. With Wicked + Divine possibly ending next year, look for this book to fill that potential void in your life.
Dead Rabbit (Image) — Gerry Duggan (Analog, Infinity Wars) and John McCrea (Mythic, Hitman) join forces to tell the story of a once-retired thief, who gets back in the game to help save the woman he got out for in the first place. Duggan has been on fire lately with Analog (Image), which has already slated to be a film directed by the director of John Wick, as well as Infinity Wars (Marvel), which has been an underrated event series, so far. Also, McCrea’s gritty yet colorful art, and great character design (those double red X’s, tho) seem to be a nice fit for this story.
X-Men Black (Marvel) — This five-issue series of one-shots will serve as the prelude to Uncanny X-Men returning to Marvel’s publishing schedule. Each issue will focus on a villain and will come from a different creative team. And no creator has generated more excitement than Chris Claremont, who will be returning to the title that he catapulted into one of the most successful runs in comics. Also, Zac Thompson and Lonnie Nadler will be providing an Apocalypse-centered backup story in each issue. Things are looking up for the X-Men’s future, publishing-wise.
Shuri (Marvel) — After the massive success of the Black Panther movie, Marvel is giving Shuri her own series. Letitia Wright’s portrayal of the brilliant, tech-savvy sister of T’Challa was one of the many highlights of the film. And, in a brilliant move, Marvel got Nigerian-American Nnedi Okorafo, an international award-winning novelist of African-based science fiction, fantasy, and magical realism, to make her comics debut. Sound familiar? Well, at least on paper, her hiring is reminiscent of when Marvel brought on Ta-Nehisi Coates to write Black Panther. Here’s hoping the results are just as similar. Also, Eisner-nominated artist Leonardo Romero (Hawkeye) will be joining her, making this a must-buy.
Infinite Dark (Image) — Ryan Cady (Warframe, Old Man Logan Annual) and Andrea Mutti (Port of Earth, Rebels) combine to bring us a tale of existential horror and suspense. I’ll let the solicit do all the talking: “The universe ended, but aboard the void station Orpheus, a skeleton crew has survived: the last two thousand souls, waiting for a second Big Bang that may never come. Now, two years into their voyage, Security Director Deva Karrell investigates the station’s first murder — and the otherworldly motives behind it.” Sounds creepy and suspenseful…just in time for Halloween!
Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader’s Castle (IDW) — Cavan Scott, writer, and Derek Charm, artist, bring us this 5-week event. Each week, your favorite Star Wars characters will be sharing their favorite scary stories, all centered around your favorite villain Darth Vader. Normally, this sort of thing wouldn’t be on my radar; however, Francesco Francavilla will be providing covers for the full five-issue event. They look amazing!
Murder Falcon (Image) — This book comes from Daniel Warren Johnson, the creator of the Eisner-nominated series Extremity. The world is under attack by monsters, and Jake’s life is falling apart. He has no band, no girl, no future…until he meets Murder Falcon. He was sent from The Heavy to destroy all evil. Here’s the catch: he can’t do it without Jake shredding up a storm. Now, with every chord Jake plays on his guitar, the power of metal fuels Murder Falcon. And it sends him into all-out kung fu fury on those that seek to conquer Earth. I don’t think I could come up with a more perfectly insane idea for a comic book.
Unstoppable Wasp (Marvel) — Jeremy Whitley’s Unstoppable Wasp was one of the more cheerful, positive, smart, and funny books to come out in a while. However, single issue sales couldn’t justify keeping the book going; however, it appears trade sales were strong, because it’s coming back! Nadia Pym and the other agents of G.I.R.L. are back and another acronym-toting organization, A.I.M., is about to strike! What will they do?! Probably some amazing girl scientist stuff that they’re so damn good at! Seriously, if you have young girls in your life, get this book for them.
That’s it for this look ahead to upcoming October releases. Let me know if you agree or disagree. What books are you most looking forward to? Hit me up on Twitter @CeeEssWebber with your thoughts.
