At Long Last, the Crocodile Monster. ‘X of Swords: Stasis,’ ‘Giga’ and the Rest of Our 10/28 Staff Picks

Each week, Xavier Files staff offer their recommendations for what to read. New DC comics come out Tuesdays, everything else Wednesdays.

Chris’ Pick

Cover by Pepe Larraz

X of Swords: Stasis: First of all, on behalf of XF nation: Fuck a Brett Booth. Now that that’s out of the way, GIVE US THE CROCODILE MONSTER. Jonathan Hickman, Tini Howard, Pepe Larraz, Mahmud Asrar and Marte Gracia (Got-DAMN that’s a lot of talent) pit the sword bearers of Krakoa vs. the sword breakers of Arakko in this midpoint “X of Swords” special. ($4.99) Previously, in Sword Content …

Vishal’s Pick

Cover by John Le

Giga #1: Believe me well when I tell you there was a literal fight in the XF bullpen to cover this Vault Comics series about a civilization that lives in the wreckage of a long-ago mech war. But Zach Rabiroff and Ian Gregory won, after much clawing, scratching and nut-punching, the right to cover this series by writer Alex Paknadel and artist John Le. Vishal got the Staff Pick, though. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Vishal.

Zack’s Pick

Cover by Anand RK

Blue in Green: The “Grafity’s Wall” team of Ram V and Anand RK reunites to tell this dark and haunting portrayal of a young musician’s pursuit of creative genius, the monstrous nature of which threatens to consume him as it did his predecessor half a century ago. ($17.99) Check out the latest from Zack.

Will’s Pick

Cover by Martin Simmonds

Department of Truth #2: Cole Turner has spent most of his life suppressing false memories of Satanic ritual abuse at his preschool. Now, as the newest recruit of the Department of Truth, he just found out those false memories might be truer than he thinks. Check out the new Image series that caught XF raves in two places. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Will.

Ari’s Pick

Cover by Caitlin Yarsky

Bliss #4: Lethe’s ravens have descended on Feral City. Benton has heard his son defend him in court and now knows what he must do. It’s time to right the past, sacrifice himself and return to face the Goddess of Oblivion one last time. Written by Sean “I’m writing Superman next” Lewis and drawn by Caitlin Yarsky. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Ari.

Allison’s Pick

Cover by John Paul Leon

Hellblazer #11: A message from Clem Thurso, the most virulently bigoted politician in the U.K., sends John on a journey deep into the heart of occult evil — and into a chamber below Parliament where something truly unspeakable waits. Written by Si Spurrier and drawn by Aaron Campbell. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Allison.

Justin’s Pick

Cover by Stephen Thompson

Star Trek Year Five #15: With the Klingon threat behind them, the crew of the Enterprise begins their victory tour of the original planets of the Federation. But they’ll soon discover that for all of the danger they faced on the five-year mission, the biggest threat of all may be something closer to home. Jody Houser writes and Silvia Califano draws the Enterprise’s last voyages for IDW. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Justin.

Cori’s Pick

Cover by Joshua Middleton

Batgirl #50: Final issue! In the aftermath of “Joker War,” Gotham is left in pieces that need to be picked up by Barbara and Alejo’s team — but is Gotham a city worth saving anymore, and how much longer does our girl have it in her to keeping fighting for it as Batgirl? Written by Cecil Castellucci and drawn by Ema Lupacchino, Aneke and Marguerite Sauvage. ($5.99) Check out the latest from Cori.

Dan’s Pick

Cover by Chip Zdarsky

Sex Criminals #69: Speaking of final issues, Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky time jump and check in on Jon, Suzie and the rest of their sex-powers gang a few years in the future. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Dan.

Matt’s Pick

Cover by June Brigman

Captain Ginger Vol. 2: AHOY Comics’ crew of spacefaring cats returns for a second voyage. And this time, there are dogs! Written by Stuart Moore and drawn by June Brigman. ($16.99) Check out the latest from Matt.

Dan Grote is the editor-in-chief of ComicsXF, having won the site by ritual combat. By day, he’s a newspaper editor, and by night, he’s … also an editor. He co-hosts WMQ&A: The ComicsXF Interview Podcast with Matt Lazorwitz. He lives in New Jersey with his wife, two kids and two miniature dachshunds, and his third, fictional son, Peter Winston Wisdom.