‘X of Swords,’ New Doctor Who, ‘Dark Interlude’ & More Staff Picks for Nov. 18

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

This Week in Swords

X-Force #14, Hellions #6 and Cable #6: Last week we learned that “X of Swords” doesn’t really involve as much sword-fighting as we thought it would. What will that mean for Wolverine and Cable this week? Also, seeing as the whole tournament is underway, that kind of renders the Hellions’ mission moot, doesn’t it? ($3.99 each) Previously, in “X of Swords” …

Will’s Pick

Cover by Ariela Kristantina

A Dark Interlude #1: Douche-y plagiarist Henry Henry is back in a sequel to Vault Comics’ “Fearscape,” written by Ryan O’Sullivan and drawn by Andrea Mutti. ($3.99) Read this thing Will wrote about “Fearscape” in 2019.

Forrest’s Pick

Cover by Gabriel Hernandez Walta

Barbalien: Red Planet #1: The Black Hammer universe’s Martian Manhunter analog gets his own miniseries set during the AIDS crisis, courtesy of writers Jeff Lemire and Tate Trombal and artist Gabriel Walta (“Sentient”). ($3.99) Check out the latest from Forrest …

Justin’s Pick

Cover by Peach Momoko

Doctor Who Comics #1: Hot on the heels of the “Time Lord Victorious” mini, The Tenth and Thirteenth Doctors team up once again to save present-day Earth from being overrun by Sea Devils. Who else can they turn to for help but Rose Tyler, leader of the human resistance. Written by Jody Houser and drawn by Robert Ingranata for Titan. ($3.99) Previously, in Doctor Who …

Vishal’s Pick

Cover by Jorge Fornes

Rorschach #2: A reclusive artist known for his pirate comics went from drawing the adventures of Pontius Pirate and the Citizen to working with a mysterious young woman hellbent on making sense of a post-“Watchmen” world. Somewhere in the life of Wil Myerson lies the key to learning more about Rorschach. Written by Tom King and drawn by Jorge Fornes. ($4.99) Check out the latest from Vishal.

Matt’s Pick

Cover by Greg Capullo

Dark Nights: Death Metal #5: The Darkest Knight has won. With absolute power at the villain’s fingertips, Wonder Woman and the rest of the DC heroes are nothing to him. As the Darkest Knight turns his sights to his true goal, remaking the Multiverse in his image, can Earth’s heroes rally together to make a last stand? Written by Scott Snyder and drawn by Greg Capullo. ($4.99) Check out the latest from Matt.

Ari’s Pick

Cover by Martin Morazzo

Ice Cream Man #21: A detective story with an “Ice Cream Man” twist? Sounds bleak AF. Written by W. Maxwell Prince and drawn by Martin Morazzo for Image. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Ari.

Dan’s Pick

Cover by Alex Ross

Captain America #25: It’s a 25th issue of “Captain America.” Time to go fight the Red Skull, the Nazi that just won’t die. Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and drawn by Leonard Kirk (“Second Coming”), with a backup story by Michael Cho and Anthony Falcone. ($4.99) Previously, in “Captain America” …

Cori’s Pick

Cover by Joelle Jones

Catwoman #27: What do you get when you mix a cat, three kids and a truck full of contraband speeding through the streets of Alleytown? Sorry, you don’t come to Staff Picks for spoilers! Written by Ram V and drawn by Fernando Blanco. ($3.99) Check out the latest from Cori.

Zack’s Pick

Cover by Rafael Albuquerque

No One’s Rose TPB: Vault’s Xavier Files-approved miniseries about a sustainability-obsessed future society is collected for the first time. Written by Zac Thompson and Emily Horn and drawn by Alberto Alburquerque. ($17.99) Check out the latest from Zack.

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.