Each week, ComicsXF staff offer their recommendations for what to read. New comics come out Wednesdays. See your local comic shop for more info.
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Rasmus’ pick: Ultimate Universe: One Year In #1: The heroes of the Ultimate Universe aren’t the only ones who have been preparing for the return of the Maker, and the clock is ticking down. This one-shot sets the stage for the second year of the Ultimate line and includes the debut of the Ultimate versions of two major Marvel characters. Written by Deniz Camp and Chris Condon and drawn by Jonas Scharf and Alessandro Cappuccio. ($5.99) Buy it here. | Click here for a look at the new Ultimate Universe so far.
Austin’s pick: Laura Kinney: The Wolverine #1: Laura Kinney was bred to be the ultimate assassin as X-23. She’s long left that life behind, but as she encounters mutants being forced to use their powers against their will, Wolverine takes it upon herself to right these wrongs, no matter who stands in her way. Written by Erica Schultz and drawn by Giada Belviso. ($4.99) See how the X-Men: From the Ashes series rank to date. | Check out these Laura Kinney redesigns. | Buy it here.
Dan’s pick: In Bloom #1: Forty-three percent of the cells within a healthy human body belong to something other than the human host. Microbiomes, invasive bacteria, fungal and viral agents, and something else, something … more. In this world, a series of murders leads Agent Spears to a terrifying question on which the fate of every living being rests. Written by Michael Conrad and drawn by John Pearson for BOOM Studios. ($4.99) Listen to Conrad and Pearson talk about the book on The ComicsXF Interview Podcast. | Buy it here.
Matt’s pick: Batman: Dark Patterns #1: Set during the early years of Batman’s career, delve into four mysterious cases as he attempts to cement his place as Gotham City’s protector while the city fights back against him. Case No. 1: A series of gruesome murders has sent shockwaves through Gotham. Are these the random works of a serial killer, or is there something more sinister at play? Written by Dan Watters and drawn by Hayden Sherman. ($4.99) Previously, in BatChat … | Buy it here.
Scott’s pick: Black Lightning #2: Still struggling to move past the traumatic events of Absolute Power, Black Lightning’s family is dealt a crushing blow after the reveal that his eldest daughter, Anissa, has lost control of her newly altered powers. Between his elevated responsibilities in the Justice League, his commitments to his community and now needing to help his daughter, Jefferson Pierce just might crack under pressure. Written by Brandon Thomas and drawn by Fico Ossio. ($3.99) Buy it here.
Adam’s pick: Dazzler #4: Dazzler hits center stage in New York City, and the mastermind behind all of the attacks on her concerts is finally revealed. Written by Jason Loo and drawn by Rafael Loureiro. ($3.99) Check out a preview and coverage of the previous issue. | Buy it here.
Jake’s pick: Minor Arcana #4: In a desperate bid to free herself of her new “curse,” Theresa finds herself thrown into the Unseen World once again. Delving deeper into the mysterious realm, she uncovers secrets that will prove vital to her understanding of this power, but also finds herself stalked by a dark figure whose presence grows increasingly sinister. By Jeff Lemire for BOOM Studios. ($4.99) Buy it here.
Tony’s pick: Transformers #15: Soundwave moves to finish the war with the Autobots, and all of Earth will suffer. Meanwhile, Optimus Prime and Wheeljack search for the answers to a mystery that may change everything they ever thought they knew. Written by Daniel Warren Johnson and drawn by Jorge Corona for Image/Skybound. ($3.99) Buy it here.
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK
Storm #3: The cost of Doctor Voodoo’s medical treatment is the loss of Storm’s powers for seven days. Ororo seeks refuge with her former teammates, the Uncanny X-Men, but it doesn’t turn out to be the relaxing holiday she thought it would be. Written by Murewa Ayodele and drawn by Lucas Werneck. ($3.99) Previously, in Storm … | Buy it here.
Uncanny X-Men #7: “Raid on Graymalkin” continues as two conflicting teams of X-Men come to a crossroads at Graymalkin Prison. As if the Perimeter protocols and the prison’s mutant Trustees weren’t enough, team leaders Rogue and Cyclops find themselves at war over the legacy of Charles Xavier. Written by Gail Simone and drawn by David Marquez. ($4.99) Previously, in Uncanny … | Buy it here.
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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 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.
