September Solicits — Top 10 Most Anticipated New Comics
by Cory Webber
Each month, all the publishers release their solicits for all their releases that are two months away from hitting shelves. So, in July, we get a preview of what is to come in September. Now, without further ado, here are my 10 most anticipated new releases, plus 5 honorable mentions — hey, it’s hard to pick just 10 — for September 2018.
Archie 1941 (Archie) — Mark Waid and Brian Augustyn, who have teamed up before on the Flash and JLA, among others, are teaming up for this take on Riverdale during the days leading up to WWII. This seems like such a breath of fresh air for these characters, and a nice change of pace. I mean, I like their crossovers with Batman ‘66, Predator and Sharknado as much as the next guy; however, this more serious, historical setting has me really looking forward to this series.
Cemetery Beach (Image) — Two words: Warren Ellis. If that’s not enough, listen to this crazy synopsis. A professional pathfinder, his only ally a disaffected young murderess, breaks out of a torture cell in pursuit of his worst extraction scenario ever: escaping on foot across a sprawling and secret off-world colony established a hundred years ago and filled with generations of lunatics. Plus, Ellis is teaming up with his Trees co-creator Jason Howard. I’m in for the first arc, at least.
Fraternity (Lion Forge) — Recently, Dark Horse tweeted a question asking what people’s favorite DH comic was. I was surprised at how many people, including many high profile writers, said Blacksad was their favorite. Why am I bringing this up? Well, this is Juan Díaz Canales’ second book since then. Set in New Fraternity, Indiana, during the American Civil War. It tells the story of a mysterious feral beast that walks on two legs. The beast makes a connection to Emile, a feral child found a few years earlier, who the townsfolk had taken in during simpler times. It sounds like a nice mix of fantasy and horror set during a time in America’s past that seems more and more relevant today.
Stranger Things (Dark Horse) — Stranger Things is coming to comics! Yay! This comic follows Will Byers into a dimension of decay and destruction where he must use his wits and resolve to dodge the pursuit of the Demogorgon and escape the Upside Down. Written by Jody Houser (Faith, Orphan Black, Mother Panic), we finally get to see Will’s unseen journey during season 1 of the hit Netflix series. What’s not to like?
Man-Eaters (Image) — Marvel’s Mockingbird getting cancelled, and writer Chelsea Cain quitting Twitter over harassment from #!#%\*^ “comic fans” was a big disappointment. She crafted Mockingbird brilliantly. Most noteworthy, was her puzzle box approach to the first arc. It was a stroke of genius! So, it is very exciting to see her come back into comics with a creator-owned project. Also, I can’t help but think that this book is some form of catharsis for her, not only because of the title, but also because the whole freaking creative team from Mockingbird is on it! The synopsis sounds delightfully bonkers. A mutation in Toxoplasmosis causes menstruating women to turn into ferocious killer wildcats. And, the world’s only hope may rest on the shoulders of one twelve-year-old girl. Sign! Me! Up!
Bully Wars (Image) — Skottie Young writing about bullies sounds perfect, especially after seeing his wonderful work on I Hate Fairyland. And, Aaron Conley’s art looks like it will fit nicely with Young’s writing style. This new ongoing series tells the story of Rufus, the biggest bully in Rottenville (that’s SO Skottie Young!) since kindergarten who suddenly goes from bully to bullied on the first day of high school. He is forced to make a shaky pact with his favorite geeks as they try to find a way to survive the Hunger Games-like contest known simply as the BULLY WARS — where the winner will rule the school!
Heroes in Crisis (DC) — I know, I know, comic book events are over-played, and they have run their course. But, guess what? This one sounds amazing! It tackles the trauma of being a superhero. If I wasn’t already excited enough for this, Brian Michael Bendis, on the Word Balloon Podcast, said he read the script for issue one, saying, “…it was one of the best things [he] has ever read.” Plus, it’s got Clay Mann, one of his rotating artists on Batman, doing the art for this seven-issue limited series. So far, Tom King has done no wrong in my book. And, I will keep him in there until further notice.
Low Road West (Boom!) — After a nuclear strike leaves the East Coast uninhabitable, a group of teenagers are sent West towards safety. But, their shuttle breaks down halfway through the Oklahoma Dust Bowl and their only hope, a town on the edge of the horizon, may not be what it seems. Eisner Award-nominated writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson (The Power of the Dark Crystal, Aquaman) and artist Flaviano (America, Grayson) present this limited, five-issue series about a group of teenagers that will need to learn to trust one another, if they want to survive — and with society crumbling around them, trust does not come easily. I’m getting some Runaways by Ales Kot-lite vibes from this. Also, I think this could provide some poignant social commentary on today’s current political and societal climate.
Iceman (Marvel) – Iceman was absolutely wonderful in the way it handled present-day Bobby coming out to his parents. It all seemed so genuine and natural. The parents’ initial reactions were what you might expect from people that sent their son away to a school for mutants. Also, their handling of past Bobby and how they tried to change him in hopes they could have a do-over led to some wonderfully honest and emotional scenes. But, wait? This isn’t a new comic! I’m confused! Well…here’s the thing: Iceman was cancelled in spite of how good it was, but Marvel, after taking trade sales into account, are bringing it back. (They did the same thing with Unstoppable Wasp! Yay!) I’m really hoping this trend continues, because we lose too many good books (read: Mockingbird, Spider-Woman & Nighthawk, to name a few). But, most importantly, it’s nice to see Marvel bring back a solo series for one of their most prominent LGBQT characters.
Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive (IDW) — While I’m not the biggest fan of Dick Tracy, I do have some fond memories of the Warren Beatty-led movie from when I was a kid. I remember loving how colorful it was for a movie about a man that fights monsters. Mind you, I had no idea it was a comic-book movie based on a colorful comic strip. Also, I wanted his watch so badly, but that’s neither here nor there. So, why am I so excited for this book, you might ask? Well, just take a look at the creative team involved. We got Lee and Michael Allred on writing duties, Allred also on covers and inks, with Rich Tomasso on art, and Laura Allred on colors. This went on my pull list in a cocaine heartbeat!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Burnouts (Image) — While I’m pretty unfamiliar with the creative team of Dennis Culver and Geoffo, I can’t help but chuckle at the premise. High school teenagers must fight off a secret alien invasion in order to save their town. But, here’s the catch, they can’t see the aliens unless they are completely wasted. I imagine Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow will take a discerning look at this one. This premise deserves a first issue purchase. The creative team’s execution will go a long way in justifying future purchases.
Olivia Twist (Dark Horse) —Touted by Dark Horse as “A Girl Power Epic,” Olivia Twist reimagines the Dickens classic. Just check out this solicit: to save a a boy she barely knows, teenage orphan Olivia Twist joins the Esthers, a rag-tag girl gang of thieves running free in a dangerous future. This is the comic book debut of internationally best-selling author Darin Strauss.
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (Marvel) — I know this is an annual, and that I’m breaking my own rules, but when Saladin Ahmed (Abbott, Black Bolt, Exiles) writes a Spider-Man issue, you have to check it out. Ahmed has been on fire since he burst onto the comic scene last year. Also, damn you for making me shed a tear over Crusher freaking Creel! Whew! It feels nice to finally get that off my chest!
Return of Wolverine (Marvel) — I first got into comics in 2014, just months before The Death of Wolverine event. Call me crazy, but I’m stoked that Marvel is bringing him back. After all, they got rid of him just as I started reading comics. And, call me crazier, but I liked that event. So, to see Charles Soule and Steve McNiven back at it together makes me happy. I really like McNiven’s gritty, cinematic look. Also, Soule has proven his talent on the likes of Daredevil, She-Hulk and various Star Wars comics. Let the snikt-ing commence!
Journey Into Mystery: The Birth of Krakoa (Marvel) — Dennis Hopeless’ Spider-Woman firmly placed him on my “I will read any first issue this person writes” list. I know, what an exclusive list, right?! This books takes us back to the end of World War II, where Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos have a mission unlike any other they’ve had. And, they come across a menace that will haunt them forever. I’m assuming that menace is Krakoa, and I’m assuming it will mess them up real good. Also, Greg Smallwood’s cover alone justifies the purchase of this issue.
That’s it for this look ahead to upcoming September 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.
