By Molly Jane Kremer, Brendan F. Hodgdon, Kaitlin Beer, and Jarrod Jones. Comics that challenge us, slay us, beguile us — the comics we simply can’t wait to devour. That’s DoomRocket’s Staff Picks. From ‘Cold War’ to ‘The Black Monday Murders’, here’s what has our hearts set ablaze this week.
The Black Monday Murders #8
Image Comics/$3.99
Written by Jonathan Hickman.
Art by Tomm Coker.
Colors by Michael Garland.
Letters by Rus Wooton.
JJ: Forgive me if this sounds like whimsical hogwash, but there’s an energy to The Black Monday Murders. There’s a beat to it. It pulsates. It throbs. Fincherian? Sure, why not. You could see David Fincher adapting this into a movie, right? With a Trent Reznor score and Jeff Cronenweth
cinematography? Of course you can. Hell, that’s probably deliberate.
Jonathan Hickman, Tomm Coker, Michael Garland, and Rus Wooton are comics’ own Knickerbocker Club thanks to The Black Monday Murders. They trade in atmosphere. Their currency is chills. And you? Kept at an arm’s length. They’re back, after a five-month break, to bring us the finale to its second arc. It’s practically a tease. And they’ll get away with it, too. The Black Monday Murders is that good.
At its bloody heart is a story about the world’s wealthiest citizens vying for power. Seizing it no matter the cost. Ripping each other apart — quite literally, in places. The pillars of capitalism shudder. The center cannot hold. Gimme the popcorn.
Cold War #1
AfterShock Comics/$3.99
Written by Christopher Sebela.
Art & Letters by Hayden Sherman.
BFH: Christopher Sebela is a master of the high concept. His bibliography is already jam-packed with terrific ideas and irresistable hooks, and Cold War is the latest addition to his ever-appealing résumé. This particular story is about the commodification of immortality, told within an old-school military sci-fi setting, which is more than enough awesome to get me on board for an issue or three.
Additionally, Sebela has teamed up with Hayden Sherman, who gives this book a very distinct identity from the get-go. Some of his compositions on the covers and the preview pages seem to reflect a Frank Miller-esque sensibility (the cover to issue #1 in particular recalls Miller’s Ronin) which is a great influence to have for a story of ultraviolence and broad social commentary. This looks like a great book from a great team. I can’t wait to dive right in.
Giants #3
Dark Horse Comics/$3.99
Written by Carlos Valderrama.
Illustrated by Miguel Valderrama.
MJ: Though the Dark Horse miniseries Giants is over halfway finished—the third of five issues drops today—this is most certainly a series you should seek out and start, tout suite. Carlos and Miguel Valderrama (the series writer and artist, respectively) have created one of the best and most promising debuts of 2017.
In this frigid and kaiju-riddled post-apocalyptic vision, besties Gogi and Zedo are separated and making their way through two very different landscapes. Now above ground for the first time, Gogi must team up with his newfound friends and make his way through snowdrifts and monsters, while Zedo must try his hand at leadership amidst partisan warfare in the underground society they call home.
Gorgeous art, engaging characters, and thrilling adventures make Giants a series you don’t want to miss.
Invader Zim #28
Oni Press/$3.99
Written by Sam Logan.
Illustrated by Mady G.
Colors by Fred C. Stresing.
Letters by Warren Wucinich.
KB: It has been over two years now since Oni Press slyly announced that “Doom is coming” via Twitter. Consulted on and occasionally written by the creator of the beloved television series, Jhonen Vasquez (Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, I Feel Sick), the Invader Zim comic series has held true to the original show. Regular writers of the television series, like Aaron Alexovich (Serenity Rose), work on the flawless comic adaptation. The artwork is always spot on, with Vasquez’s stick figure-esque technique perfectly adapted by each supporting artist. The colorist, Fred C. Stresing (Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time), matches the tone of the cartoon with his vivid work.
The latest issue written by Sam Logan (Sam and Fuzzy, Penny Arcade) is gearing up to be a riot as usual. Zim sets to try and nab a mysterious space object that reportedly slows down time the closer you get. Mady G (Rick and Morty) lends his illustrative abilities to what promises to be one of the trippier issues yet, which is saying something for a character that has eaten his fellow classmates’ organs in an attempt to become more powerful.
Overall, this comic will make you feel like you’re losing your memory — was that recollection from an episode of Zim you watched, or did it come from an issue you read? Thanks to this hilarious series, keeping that straight is going to be a real trick.
What books are YOU looking forward to reading this week? Sound off in the comments below. Best answer wins a free set of DoomRocket stickers!
