Comic fans in the northeastern part of the US may be hunkering down for a blizzard, but Spring is just around the corner, and the comic stores will be packed in large part thanks to these buzzworthy projects by the big five publishers.
Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse & IDW Solicitations for April 2015
In April, we experience the end of an era at Marvel and the beginning of a major event at DC Comics, all while a bunch of anthropomorphic animals pop up across the comic book landscape. The warm weather also brings with it new work from Todd McFarlane and one of the most unexpected team-ups ever when the most dangerous hunter in the galaxy sets its sights on Riverdale. Join us as we look into the fair-weathered future and find the comics everyone will be talking about as the frost thaws and flowers start to bloom.
"Convergence" #1-4
Writer: Jeff King and Scott Lobdell
Art: (Issue #1-2) Carlo Pagulayan and Jason Paz (Issue #3+4) Stephen Segovia and Jason Paz
Covers by Various
Last month, we devoted an entire Buzzworthy column to the "Convergence" event, picking the DC titles that sound the most compelling to us. But this event could be so big, it's worth repeating: "Convergence" is coming, and some old favorites are coming back with it. Fans who love the old school JSA or the pre-New 52 versions of the DC pantheon of icons are in for a two-month treat that all begins in these issues, written by Jeff King (SyFy's "Continuum") and Scott Lobdell, who are joined by a grouping of amazing artists. The DCU may be very different when the smoke of "Convergence" clears, and it all begins here.
"Jupiter's Circle" #1
Writer: Mark Millar
Art: Wilfredo Torres
Covers A / B: Frank Quitely Cover C: Bill Sienkiewicz Cover D: Goran Parlov
In April, Millarworld continues to expand. "Jupiter's Legacy" was one of the most effective deconstructions of the superhero genre in quite a long time, and now Mark Millar and Wilfredo Torres ("Starlight") pick up where Millar and Frank Quitely left off with a deeper look at the original families of super powered beings and their fame addicted children. Expect the same violence, surprises and drama that filled "Jupiter's Legacy" to carry over into the latest Millarworld book. The promise of Millar and Torres expanding the world of these very different super beings has us looking forward to this.
"Savior" #1
Writer: Todd McFarlane & Brian Holguin
Art / Cover: Clayton Crain
What would happen if a man with super powers appeared, claiming to be the Biblical messiah? Image founder and comic legend Todd McFarlane presents that question, along with his first brand new character in many years. With "Savior," it sounds as though McFarlane, along with frequent writing partner Brian Holguin and the artist Clayton Crain, will be combining superhero tropes with religious doctrine, examining the biblical promise of Christ's return through the lens of the modern world. "Spawn" has dealt with the world of Hell for years, and now "Savior" seems to be the place where the more divine realms will be explored.
"Kaptara" #1
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Art / Cover: Kagan McLeod
Between "Sex Criminals," "Howard the Duck" and the upcoming "Kaptara," Chip Zdarsky is becoming comics' go to guy for original farce and scathing humor. Described as a "story of punching and love," "Kaptara" is an original story that will most assuredly not take itself too seriously, sci-fi insanity as only a man with Zdarsky's unique sensibilities can deliver. Zdarsky has been killing it on "Sex Criminals," and we look forward to seeing what kind of sci-fi craziness he pulls off in his next creator-owned endeavor.
"Legacy Of Luther Strode" #1
Writer: Justin Jordan
Art / Cover: Tradd Moore & Felipe Sobreiro
The critically-acclaimed and fan adored "Luther Strode" series returns with a double-sized #1. Once a typical nerd, Luther was transformed into a super-enhanced butt kicker after reading the book "The Hercules Method," and now faces his greatest challenge as he finally takes the fight to the Murder Cult that has been dogging him for years. "All-New Ghost Rider" artist and "Strode" co-creator Tradd Moore is on board to make sure that every punch, stab and kick pops off the page in this final arc of Image's cult favorite wish fulfillment badass.
"Star Wars: Kanan - The Last Padawan" #1
Writer: Greg Weisman
Artist: Pepe Larraz
Cover: Mark Brooks
The first issue of Marvel's "Star Wars" just hit stores, and was the very definition of a smash hit. In April, Marvel turns to "Star Wars: Rebels" for an exploration into the life of Kanan Jarrus, one of the last Jedi left in the galaxy following the Imperial purges. Representing the synergy between Marvel and other branches of Disney and Lucasfilm, this comic will explore the life of a character fans are thrilling to every week on "Rebels," filling in story information in a cross media experience.
If that isn't enough, the series is written by "Rebels'" first season Executive Producer Greg Weisman, the mind behind "Gargoyles" and the "Young Justice" animated series. Marvel has begun to explore the original trilogy mythology, but "Rebels" will branch out into the expanded universe of a galaxy far, far away.
"Howard The Duck" #2
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Joe Quinones
Cover: Joe Quinones
Hey, this Zdarsky guy is everywhere! Did you ever imagine you would read a comic book sequel to a post-credits sequence in a film? Well, come April, Rocket Raccoon joins Howard the Duck to do precisely that, as the duo take on the Collector, following the events of "Guardians of the Galaxy." With "Howard" landing on our buzzworthy list two months in a row, it looks like Marvel just might have a hit on its hands.
"Deadpool "#250! (A.K.A. Issue #45)
Writers: Gerry Duggan, Brian Posehn, Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, Nick Giovanetti, Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas, Mike Drucker and more
Artists: Mike Hawthorne, Scott Koblish and more
Cover: Scott Koblish
It's the 250th issue of Marvel's Merc with a Mouth, and to celebrate the House of Ideas is killing the poor guy. In the recent past, Marvel has killed more lead characters than you can shake a chimichanga at, but you can bet with Deadpool involved in this latest character assassination, death will never be funnier. On top of the deceasing of old Wade Wilson, this issue will feature Deadpool with the Infinity Gauntlet (yikes) and also spotlight 'Pool's main supporting characters by some truly great guest talent. Duggan and Posehn have been presenting some of the best, laugh out loud funny Deadpool comics in recent years, so we only have one question, really -- do you think four new Deadpools will rise to take his place?
"Avengers" #44
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Mike Deodato
Cover: Dustin Weaver
"New Avengers" #33
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Kev Walker
Cover: Dustin Weaver
This is it, the end of Jonathan Hickman's run on both "Avengers" titles. Last week, the scope of the coming "Secret Wars" was made abundantly clear to fans, and these two finales are the last stop before the event that will change the Marvel Universe. How will Hickman set the stage in the final chapter of an "Avengers" saga that has seen the destruction of numerous alternate Earths while splintering the team's core? Hickman has been crafting an epic saga for years, and has many plates still spinning today. It will be fascinating to see how he sticks the landing.
"Archie Vs. Predator" #1 (Of 4)
Writer: Alex de Campi
Artist/Cover: Fernando Ruiz
Inker: Rich Koslowski
Cover: Jason Millet
We've seen a Predator go up against Arnold Schwarzenegger on the big screen. We've seen Predators go up against xenomorphy Aliens, both in film and in comics. We've seen Predators take on Batman, Superman, Green Lantern and even Tarzan! Now, Alex de Campi brings the Predator to the most unexpected place of all when he arrives in Riverdale to take on Archie Andrews and the gang. A few years ago, this type of project would have induced eye rolling and laughters, but ever since the dramatic perfection of the zombie-laden "Afterlife with Archie," it's positively intriguing. Archie Comics has done some of the most daring projects of the past few years, and this crossover with Dark Horse's resident cosmic hunter should be no different.
"Rebels" #1
Writer: Brian Wood
Artist: Andrea Mutti
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Cover: Tula Lotay
Creating juxtaposition between modern day rural civil unrest and the American Revolution, scribe Brian Wood and artist Andrea Mutti present "Rebels," a deeply personal look into the American War for Independence. Fans who remember Wood's "Northlanders" know just how deeply he delves in his historical dramas, combining accurate details with a very human spin on some of history's most turbulent times. Now, Wood is prepared to bring that same approach to Dark Horse, exploring an era that has gone relatively unmined in comics. Wood always finds the human heart in history, and we are excited to see what he and Mutti will do with the drama surrounding earliest days of America.
"Uncle Scrooge" #1
Writers: Jonathan Gray and Rodolfo Cimino
Artist: Romano Scarpa
Cover: Giorgio Cavazzano
One of comics' greatest icons is back, and not at the publisher people expected to find the Disney-owned Gazillionaire! Yes, IDW now has the comics license for Disney's most well known characters, and it all begins with the first issue of "Uncle Scrooge." It's been too long since fans have been able to enjoy the antics of Scrooge, the Beagle Boys, the Nephews and the rest of the characters that artist Carl Barks made into legends, and with IDW presenting stories from overseas releases, fans will find plenty of new adventures to be had in the months ahead.
"Empire: Uprising" #1
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist/ Cover: Barry Kitson
In 2000, Mark Waid and Barry Kitson introduced the world to Golgoth, an armored supervillain who succeeded in conquering the world, answering the question of what would happen if evil finally won. Now, Golgoth and the world of "Empire" are back, along with the same creative team that introduced fans to this world gone horribly wrong. In addition to "Uprising," IDW is rereleasing the original "Empire" this month as well to catch readers up on the critically acclaimed series. "Empire" was one of the most original works of both Waid and Kitson's careers, and we're excited to return to their world ruled by pure evil.