Hawkgirl Returns and Star Trek Cries for Blood in This Week’s Staff Picks

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

Tony’s pick: Hawkgirl #1: Kendra Saunders, the winged warrior better known as Hawkgirl, has been one of the DCU’s greatest heroes for a long time, serving as a member of both the Justice League and the Justice Society. But with the Justice League disbanded, Kendra decides she needs a fresh start and heads to Metropolis to begin a new life. That life is quickly interrupted by a mysterious villain with a powerful connection to the Nth metal that makes up Hawkgirl’s wings and weapons. Written by Jadzia Axelrod (Galaxy: The Prettiest Star) and drawn by Amancay Nahuelpan (Wonder Woman). ($3.99) Listen to Axelrod on WMQ&A.

Austin’s pick: Star Trek: Day of Blood #1: Immortal emperor of the Klingon Empire Kahless II has consolidated power, raided ancient tombs and secret bunkers, taken the power of gods for himself, stolen the Bajoran Orb of Destruction and commenced a slaughter across the stars. But this genocide of gods was just the beginning. For with the power he has stolen, Kahless is about to declare war on all those who do not follow the Red Path. To prevent genocide unlike any since the ancient days of Qo’noS, the crew of icons led by Benjamin Sisko and the renegades who follow Worf must unite for a common cause. Written by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly and Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Ramon Rosanas for IDW. ($5.99) Get yer Trek right here.

Bonus pick: Blade #1: A dark, ancient power has been simmering quietly for centuries, and when Blade himself is the one to unknowingly unleash it, Marvel’s entire supernatural underworld will come out of hiding to demand he handle it. Or pay a pound of flesh for his mistakes. Written by Bryan Edward Hill (Chariot) and drawn by Elena Casagrande (Black Widow). ($4.99) Listen to Hill on this week’s WMQ&A.

Armaan’s pick: Black Panther #2: No longer in the Golden City, T’Challa goes deep undercover to try to understand the heart of this city that feels it has been forgotten by the Black Panther. And some people aren’t happy with the rumors that the Panther has been skulking around Birnin T’Chaka — like the alluring thief Beisa. Written by Eve Ewing and drawn by Chris Allen. ($3.99) Check out a preview, and check out our review of the first issue.

Adam’s pick: Void Rivals #2: After the jaw-dropping reveal in the debut issue (THERE WAS A TRANSFAWMAH), everything Darak and Solila thought they knew about the Sacred Ring’s never-ending war has changed. To deliver the truth back home, they must first get off this deadly planet, by any means necessary. Written by Robert Kirkman and drawn by Lorenzo De Felici for Image/Skybound. ($3.99)

Dan’s pick: TMNT vs. Street Fighter #2: The World Fighting Festival is serving up heaping helpings of disappointment for both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the Street Fighters. After a devastating loss, a raging Raphael challenges Guile to an unsanctioned rematch in the streets of Atlantic City. Meanwhile, enemies in the shadows conspire against them both. Written by Paul Allor and drawn by Ariel Medel for IDW. ($3.99) Previously, in TMNT/Street Fighter …

Mark’s pick: X-Men Red #13: Genesis once again walks the island she ruled for millennia, with the Annihilation Staff in her hand. But what is in her heart? Is the return of the Mother of Arakko to be celebrated, or feared? Written by Al Ewing and drawn by Jacopo Camagni. ($3.99) Previously, in X-Men Red …

Matt’s pick: Radiant Black #25: The Radiants were stolen. An empire, vaster than space, has come to claim them. The end of the world is here. And amid the chaos, Nathan and Marshall will make the biggest decision of their lives: Who will be Radiant Black? Written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark and drawn by Marcello Costa and Eduardo Ferigato for Image. ($3.99)

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.