Welcome to Catch it at the Comic Shop, where the Panel Patter team looks at what's coming out at your favorite store or digital device this week. Each one of us that participates picks up to five items due out this week, with a little bit about why we like them. (NOTE: We use solicitation material for this, so if we miss creators, please talk to your publisher!) Sometimes we might only have a few items to share, other weeks, keeping it to five will make for hard choices. Here's what the team wanted to highlight this week...
James' Picks:
Southern Bastards #19 by Jason Aaron and Jason Latour, published by Image Comics.
It's been a long time since I read an issue of Southern Bastards. My enthusiasm for the book was a lot higher when it was coming out regularly. I look forward to rereading the first few arcs and getting back into this story. It's a great book and I look forward to reading more of it.
Spy Seal Vol. 1: The Corten-Steel Phoenix by Rich Tommaso, published by Image Comics.
I kinda missed this as it was coning out, but it's pretty unique and different from what I typically read, and a 60's-style spy story with anthropomorphic animals seems like a very fun read. I was a fan of Tommaso's "Dark Corridor" so I'm interested in this which I know is a very different sort of series.
Dept. H #22 by Matt and Sharlene Kindt, published by Dark Horse Comics.
Another month, another time when I tell you what a great series Dept. H is and how you really need to be picking it up. Matt and Sharlene Kindt are doing wonderful work on a moving series that's also a murder mystery and also a weird and fascinating story of hidden life at the bottom of the ocean. This is a book that's worth your time.
Sherlock Frankenstein and the Legion of Evil #4 by Jeff Lemire and David Rubin, published by Dark Horse Comics.
So, this book won't be as meaningful if you haven't read Black Hammer. First thing, stop what you're doing and go read Black Hammer. Then come back and read this terrific related story, with great art from David Rubin, one of my favorite artists of recent years. Black Hammer is a terrific reinvention of superhero stories, and this is a fun companion story.
Rob's Picks:
Rob's Picks:
Abbott #1 by Saladin Ahmed and Sami Kivela, published by Boom! Studios.
I've been looking forward to reading Saladin on
an indie comic for months now and this one didn't disappoint. Though his
characters do talk a lot, he has a strong sense of panel pacing, which is hard
for those new to comics writing. The art, starting with a fabulous reveal of
the main character, really makes it feel like we are in 1970's Detroit, and when
the speculative elements come into play, they mesh well with the world. Join
this reporter on a search for truth...assuming it doesn't kill her.
Soulwind by Scott Morse, published by Oni Press.
Soulwind and Scott Morse are very important to
me, because this was one of my early entries into non-superhero comics. I think
my friend Noah introduced me to it. This story features all the hallmarks of
Morse's work, from a mythological story to art that evokes a feeling of
impressionist art while still being clear images of characters and creatures. I
am so happy to see this in print again.
