#newcomicday — Public Fediverse posts

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 22

Are you going to bet against Robert Kirkman?

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: TOTAL PARTY KILLERS # 1

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The wizard Custos has died, and his lair lies ripe for the taking! As adventurers raid the lair for treasure, the monsters enthralled by Custos in life must protect his domain even after his death. That is, unless the creatures can trick someone into releasing them! Thus, a lycanthrope, gelatinous cube, mind flayer, death knight, and baby beholder form their own adventuring party to win their freedom in a hostile world!

GAMBIT: WANTED # 1

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TARGET: REMY LeBEAU!

Get ready, mes amis, as GAMBIT’s legendary co-creator Chris Claremont takes the mutant-thief-hero back to his hometown for an explosive adventure! An all-new tale set in the timeframe when Gambit returned ORORO MUNROE to what was left of the X-MEN, discover how Gambit came to join the team for the first time — and the deadly trial that made it so! Someone’s got MUTANTS in their crosshairs down in New Orleans… but when a FAN-FAVORITE MARVEL VILLAIN targets Gambit, hang on for the most kinetic showdown of the month!

SICKO # 1

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What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…at least, that’s what healthy people say.

Valentine Virago has always struggled with her health. Her rare autoimmune disorder has defied all treatment, and as she grew older, it defied even classification. You see, Valentine can take her immune system and weaponize it. What would just be a normal sneeze to the rest of us, she can turn into a projectile of bloody miasma. Just as a start.

Fed up with being a test subject, poked and prodded by pushy doctors, Valentine has gone on the lam in search of the freedom to be herself. Unfortunately, interested parties want her back in their care, and they are sending goons in hazmat suits. Led by Jono, her one-time nurse and potential love interest, they’re offering her a spot in a private medical facility run by Jono’s parents. Val isn’t one for institutions, however, and what some may see as a safe haven, she sees as a prison— and who wants to be trapped in a prison, when you’re already trapped in your own body?

Writer Tini Howard (Marian Heretic, X-Men) teams up with artist Amilcar Pinna (X-Men: First Class, Galactic) and colorist Amanda Grazini (Creepshow, The Cryos) for their new series Sicko, a surreal story perfect for fans of Doom Patrol and mutant adventures of all kinds.

TERMINAL # 1

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THE MUST-READ SUPERHERO SERIES OF THE YEAR FROM THE DREAM TEAM OF ROBERT KIRKMAN, JOE CASEY, ANDY KUBERT, DAVID FINCH, AND ARTHUR ADAMS!

There is a secret war being waged across the world by two violent forces with superhuman abilities who blur the lines between good and evil. When Marilyn Howe’s search for her missing sister Alessandra puts her in the center of this conflict, she’ll learn that the power to save the world comes from unlocking your genetic code and giving up everything you thought you knew about yourself… if you survive the experience. Perfect for fans of INVINCIBLE and X-MEN, nothing can prepare you for the most violent and unpredictable superhero series of the year!

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN # 22

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A DIVINE THREAT HITS HOME FOR DIANA! Diana and Circe work together against an impossible mythological force, trying to steal a win from the jaws of defeat. Elsewhere, a growing threat for Diana makes an evolutionary leap forward…

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 33

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When an old foe resurfaces, Spider-Man gets an assist from DAMAGE CONTROL? Don’t they usually clean up AFTER the fight? Meanwhile, learn more about Peter’s mystery cousin and walk the road to AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000!

LEGACY #997

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES # 20

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Mutating the comics industry since their first issue debut in 1984, we are proud to shellebrate 300 issues of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mainline series.

It all began with four brothers and their master, alone against the world. A lot has changed, but the bond of Clan Hamato is, if anything, stronger than ever. They will need that strength to fight what is coming. A threat unlike anything they have ever faced before threatens to destroy the worlds of the living and the dead alike.

Forty-one years and 300 issues have led to this, one of the biggest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stories yet. The City That Never Dies begins here.

Also in this issue: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creator Kevin Eastman and superstar scribe Tom Waltz take timestress Renet through a tour of TMNT past with classic Turtles artists Ben Bates, Eric Talbot, Chris Allan, Frank Fosco, Jim Lawon, and Dan Duncan! Plus, stunning pinups from IDW Turtles icon Sophie Campbell! 

VOID RIVALS # 32

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In the aftermath of the Quintesson War, Darak and Solia are on the run and find themselves lost together, with danger looming all around.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

BENEATH THE TREES WEHRE NOBODY SEES: RITE OF SPRING HC / TP

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Don’t miss the exclusive Direct Market Hard Cover featuring 8 pages of exclusive content in the Eisner-nominated sequel to the critically acclaimed cozy-horror comic series.

It’s been eight long years since a bloodlusting brown bear drove into the city, kidnapped a kind young duck, dissected his body, and buried the pieces in the woods. The duck’s family painstakingly sought justice… but this brown bear was smart… she covered her tracks… and in the ’80s, there simply wasn’t a way for the duck’s family to find answers.

But it’s not the ’80s anymore. Almost a decade after cuddly brown bear Samantha Strong solidified herself as the sole serial killer in Woodbrook, the world is entering a new era. As Samantha will soon find out, there are no secrets in the age of the internet. And those who lost loved ones to her massacre haven’t given up the flame of justice.

A reckoning is coming to Woodbrook. Join visionary writer and artist Patrick Horvath as he returns to the hit series that has taken the comic world by storm! An all market Trade Paperback version is also available for sale on 7/21/26. 

DEADMAN by Kelly Jones: The Complete Colection TP

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DEADMAN’S DEMONS!

He has gone from supernatural hero to insane spirit of evil. In this collection, Deadman faces a slew of malicious spirits and the damned humans attacked by these paranormal entities. He must save the souls of murdered carnival performers trapped in the abandoned remnants of a defunct circus train, rescue kidnapped children, and battle a tide of demons. Great power lies within Deadman, but it can only be unlocked if he faces the secrets within himself—secrets that have driven him mad. Can he save the souls of the living and the dead when he cannot save himself?

Deadman by Kelley Jones: The Complete Collection showcases classic stories featuring DC’s horror icon, written by Mike Baron ( The Flash , The Punisher ) and illustrated by the acclaimed artist Kelley Jones ( Batman , The Sandman ). This expanded edition collects the Deadman Action Comics Weekly serial “Grave Doings” as well as Deadman: Love After Death , Deadman: Exorcism , and a new tale from Batman: The Brave and the Bold #13-16 .

MEGAHEX Perfect Edition vol. 1

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The definitive Megg and Mogg experience!

Megahex Perfect Edition is the first book in a new series presenting all of Simon Hanselmann’s acclaimed Megg, Mogg & Owl stories as they’ve never been presented before: fully remixed by the author to present the entire MMO universe timeline in chronological order, from the characters’ earliest adventures and beyond. Complete with new covers and other artwork, as well as all-new “color commentary” in the form of end notes to the entire series.

From its earliest days as a more straightforward roommate stoner-comedy to its darker turns as the characters evolve (devolve?) and struggle with their depression, drug use, sexuality, poverty, lack of work, lack of ambition, and their complicated feelings about each other, Hanselmann’s characters have captivated readers internationally: Megg, the depressed, self-medicating witch; Mogg, her codependent and enabling lover (and talking cat); Owl, a repressed, anthropomorphized glutton for punishment; and Werewolf Jones, pure, unbridled Id. The characters are imbued with far more pathos and depth than seems plausible given the initial sitcom trappings, and these Perfect Editions will surprise, delight, and horrify readers anew!

SALVAGE HC

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Paolo lives in the Flats, a dangerous, water-logged community where families survive by salvaging materials from skyscrapers hidden just beneath the ocean’s surface—remnants of a world before sea levels rose. Scavenging the depths comes with its risks, but when Paolo discovers a suitcase of designer clothes, he decides to fulfill his dream: To spend one night in the Uplands, a place of privilege, excess, and freedom. There he meets Jules and her friends, and what begins as a single night of reckless adventure turns into a secret double life—and a seemingly impossible romance that forces Paolo to reckon with who he is, where he belongs, and what love really demands.

Rendered in vibrant watercolor illustrations that bring every scene to vivid life, Salvage is as much a visual masterpiece as it is a moving tale of love and belonging. Renée Nault’s atmospheric and luminous hand-painted art draws readers into Paolo and Jules’ world, promising an unforgettable coming of age story. 

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ARCHIE # 1

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BEING YOUNG NEVER GETS OLD! THE MILESTONE COMICS PUBLISHING EVENT OF THE YEAR STARTS HERE AS ONI PRESS AND ARCHIE COMICS PROUDLY PRESENT A GROUNDBREAKING NEW ONGOING SERIES FOR THE MOST JOYOUS COMIC BOOK ICON OF ALL!

A new day is dawning in Riverdale as New York Times bestselling writer, Edgar Award and Philip K. Dick Award winner, and Eisner Award nominee Ben H. Winters (EC’s Cruel Universe, Benjamin) joins multiple Eisner Award–winning artist Fábio Moon (Daytripper, Casanova) to reintroduce America’s favorite teenager — and begin a star-studded countdown to Archie’s 85th anniversary — with a 21st-century testament to teenage idealism and the limitless joy of Archie Comics!

For his entire life, 17-year-old Archie Andrews has had it all: adoring friends, football glory, and a natural charm that always seems to make him the center of attention. Now, through his eyes, experience the warmth and wonder of Riverdale and its near-infinite roster of residents — the popular kids, the endearing oddballs, and everyone in between — as Archie embarks on a whirlwind, all-star adventure through his town’s past, present, and future… beginning with a local film festival that’s about to turn everything upside down!

And, at the center of it all, lies an enigmatic paradox that only Archie’s pal Jughead Jones can possibly unravel…

Plus: Puzzles! Pin-ups! Bountiful bonus stories! And a veritable sweet shop of surprises that all link to the same inextricable mystery… Finally, your antidote for postmodern malaise has arrived. Welcome to the all-new ARCHIE #1!

BUG WARS: THE COMING OF THE WARDOOM # 1

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The backyard battlefield heats up and it’s even more brutal and bloodier than before.

Superstar creators JASON AARON & MAHMUD ASRAR return to the savage suburban epic that feeds Honey, I Shrunk the Kids through a war grinder and marinates it in Conan-flavored myth and mayhem.

Six months after the Yard ran red with insect blood, uneasy peace is shattered as ancient enemies rise from the Woods, corporate extermination forces close in, and Slade Slaymaker is dragged back into a brutal world where roach knights ride, squirrel armies gather, and survival means choosing your side in a war no human was meant to fight.

Welcome back to BUG WARS: THE COMING OF THE WARDOOM.

PRIMA APPARATE # 1

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Welcome to the Conservatory.

After Earth was shattered into surviving pockets across the galaxy, humanity’s most talented young women train at this prestigious celestial boarding school to become the next generation of mech pilots.

But these students aren’t soldiers, they’re ballerinas; and the mechs aren’t built for battle, but performance. All engineered in body and mind to entertain a ruling class of cosmic patrons in an annual life-or-death recital of mankind’s only unifying story: the saga of Appolyta the Huntress, a goddess whose pursuit of one last elusive prey ends in heartbreak.

This year’s top recruits, the quietly ambitious Mar and rebellious Rhea, endure a cutthroat curriculum to compete for the crowning title of Prima Apparata. As their bond deepens and Mar’s obsessive quest puts her under the wing of Appolyta herself, the line between art and indoctrination blurs—and the great personal cost of perfection will transform their lives.

Black Swan and Never Let Me Go meet Pacific Rim in this groundbreaking space opera from rising debut writer Olivia Dufault (Love Ignited, FX’s Legion) and fan-favorite veteran illustrator Rebekah Isaacs (BRZRKR: Fallen Empire, Money Shot)!

WARBIRD # 1

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Blockbuster screenwriter Derek Kolstad, creator and writer of the internationally acclaimed, box office dominating motion picture franchise JOHN WICK, New York Times best-selling writer Robert Venditti (SUPERMAN ‘78), and master illustrator Alex Maleev, the Eisner Award-winning artist behind seminal runs on Daredevil, Moon Knight and more, have combined powers to bring you a white-knuckle, globe-spanning action/spy thrill ride.

Cole is a repo man of the highest caliber, repossessing heavily guarded mega yachts from billionaires, private planes from captains of industry, and everything in-between. If it’s got an engine, he can drive it, ride it, or fly it straight out from under the nose of an army of guards.

Now he’s handed the job of a lifetime. The impossible job. One that will bring him face to face with the highest stakes.

The Russians have stolen aeronautical military secrets from China, France, Germany, The UK, and the US to “Frankenstein” together the ultimate bleeding edge, next-gen fighter jet: The Warbird. There are only three of them in existence. They are a force of absolute nature—$1.4 billion apiece—dominating every global hotspot from Syria to Ukraine. And Cole’s been hired to steal one… and destroy the other two.

His fee? 10%. A cool $140 million. But this isn’t a repossession job. This is outright theft. And failure doesn’t mean jail time and fines—it means a bullet to the back of the head.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 15

2 Si 2 Spurrier

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

GRENDEL: DEVIL’S CRUCIBLE – SEDITION # 1

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The Hounds of Orion have two new weapons in their arsenal: The Grendel Prime himself, back from a five-hundred-year absence, and a clone of the fierce, long-dead Grendel warrior Christine Spar! Now it’s time to take the fight to the Necro-Lords, and the hordes of Anti-Grendel squads between Grendel Prime and his goal of total control.

MINOTAUR # 1

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Five years ago, a government supercomputer triggered the Singularity: an explosion of technological superintelligence heralding an unimaginable tomorrow. At least, it almost did. Within moments, a failsafe activated. The plug was pulled. The future was aborted. But something leaked in those first picoseconds, through wire and wave. And now? The future fights back. Inexplicable events. Miracles and monsters. Harbingers of revolution…or apocalypse?

Minotaur is the tale of Gloria Monday, a photojournalist documenting the lives of those, like her, who are haunted, tortured, and transformed by outbreaks of the future; along with the no-nonsense ex-military muscle who watches her six, and the reformed tech bro secretly bankrolling their global mission to expose it all.

From Simon Spurrier (The Flash, John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America) and Mike Dowling (The Amazing Spider-Man, Unfollow) comes Minotaur, an X-Files for the forward-looking era, with science-fiction ideas ripped from the pages of New Scientist, manifesting among human societies in spooky, unsettling ways.

A MISCHIEF OF MAGPIES # 1

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NEW DSTLRY SERIES DEBUT FROM SIMON SPURRIER AND MATÍAS BERGARA!

Mar has a secret. Sometimes, without warning, he falls out of the world. This would be an inconvenience if his life wasn’t already such a drag.

When he’s gone, he finds himself in an extraordinary city. A city which is also a machine, endlessly crossing a shoreless ocean. A city of two halves: the bright, bustling spires above the waves, and the beast-haunted twilight halls below. And between, clowning along the rusting beach, a troupe of anarchic magpies with all the answers but none of the questions.

Recipients of the Angoulême Sélection Officielle, GLAAD Award, and multiple Eisner Award nominations, creators Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara present a new fantasy masterpiece in the tradition of Coda and Step By Bloody Step, driving the comics medium into new, beautiful, baleful waters.

For fans of THE NEVERENDING STORY, ARCANE, and THE BOY AND THE HERON.

THREE WORLDS / THREE MOONS: FOUNDATIONS # 1

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From the New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner Award-nominated creator of East of West, The Manhattan Projects, Decorum, and more comes this ambitious, science fiction universe presented by comics titan Jonathan Hickman.

The next great comics universe starts here! From the extraordinary creative team of Jonathan Hickman, Mike del Mundo, Mike Huddleston, and Nick Spencer comes an epic sci-fi saga on an intergalactic scale.

Across a distant solar system and countless millennia-long cycles, a war has been fought between the forces of magic and science, and order and chaos. When astronaut and explorer Tajo Vallar undertakes a doomed expedition to a dormant moon full of mysteries, the conflict begins anew, and more dangerous than ever before!

Don’t miss this perfect starting point for everything to come, as a new universe is born.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW # 3

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DINAH ON THE TRAIL OF THE GREEN ARROW KILLER! After the horrifying events of last issue, Dinah must capture the Green Arrow Killer as she finally finds Oliver Queen’s protege Roy Harper. But as the killer’s attacks intensify and Dinah discovers the unsettling effect they’re having on Star City, Harper’s trail takes her on a journey darker and more twisted than she ever imagined.

ASSORTED CRISIS EVENTS # 9

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Are you poor, desperate, huddled, massive? Do you live in a dark age, a depression, one of the many historical periods of slim pickings and no options? Welcome to the TEMPS, the first cross-temporal employment app! The past and future are filled with low skill, low wage gigs! Gigs such as: Cobbler’s assistant in plague-era Europe! Salvager in the ruins of New York, 2832! Soldier in Krang’s Cross-Time Army! Temp is shattering the temporal ceiling!

G.I. JOE # 24

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WHAT IS CRYSTAL BALL’S SECRET PLAN? Risk puts it all on the line for an unexpected ally. But can any Cobra agent — or Joe — be trusted?

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: SHREDDER # 10

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Shredder looks to cement his grip over the Dog Star Clan with extreme prejudice. But the Earth Protection Force is closing in on Shredhead… and this time its agents aren’t looking to take any prisoners.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

ACROSS THE WIDEST SEA TP

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A story about how entering adulthood can feel like being lost at sea.

Abandoned in the middle of the ocean by her parents to learn to fend for herself, Léonie must find dry land. She meets Balthazar, a teenager whose canoe is taking on water, and Agathe, who lets herself be carried by the current and no longer has any hope of landing. They join forces to find a shore. A metaphorical story about the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ADÈLE BLANC-SEC vol. 1 HC

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This iconic adventure series from the ’70s stars the bold heroine Adéle, who must contend with supernatural monsters wreaking havoc in Belle Époque Paris.

Paris, 1911. One gloomy night at the Museum of Natural History, a pterodactyl escapes from its display and wreaks havoc upon the city. Enter journalist extraordinaire Adèle Blanc-Sec, who must use her wits and firepower to get to the bottom of this bizarre mystery. An enchanting antihero, Adèle is fearless, brash, and thoroughly ill-tempered, smoking and cursing her way through the case—always barely escaping peril to tell her tale.

Masterful French cartoonist Jacques Tardi created his iconic The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec series in the 1970s. Set in the atmospheric Belle Époque Paris, the series features supernatural monsters, mad science, steampunk aesthetic, murder, humor, and delightful derring-do. This new collection of classic Adèle stories includes four episodes (previously published in two earlier volumes): “Pterror Over Paris,” “The Demon of the Eiffel Tower,” “The Mad Scientist,” and “Mummies on Parade.”

In celebration of Adele’s 50th anniversary, Fantagrpahics is thrilled to re-issue these classic stories in luxuriously redesigned hardcover editions. While Fantagraphics published the first four Adele adventures 15 years ago, this new series will bring the complete 10 episode run of the series into English for the very first time. With an introduction by British journalist and comics historian Cynthia Rose.

HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D. 1955-1957 Omnibus TP

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This second collection of Hellboy’s earliest days as a B.P.R.D. agent takes him across the globe in adventures that tie in to the darkest corners of the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comics.

Join Hellboy and his fellow agents on globe-trotting horrifying mystery adventures from a fire ghost in a forgotten dinosaur theme park to vengeful demons in Hong Kong, Cold War weapons tests that lead to mutilated monsters in the South Pacific to a forgotten ghost in a NYC potter’s field and more, plus the true story of Hellboy’s turn on the silver screen in Mexican luchador films!

This volume collects Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. across volumes 1955, 1956, and 1957, from a slew of extraordinary talents including Mike Norton, Alison Sampson, Shawn Martinbrough, and more in this paperback edition!

MOTHER PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER TP

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MOOOO! Lord Momon cries out, ready for her meal. MOOOO! Baby sister cries out, miserable and cold. As a young teen, sweet Miki learns the bizarre truth about her family: for centuries, they have harnessed half-cow, half-human beasts known as “kudan” for their wealth and power. And soon, another shall be born. The hour approaches. Her mother moans in pain as the contractions begin. But all poor Miki can plead is MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER! Published in 1988 at the end of the classic era of horror manga, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is a revolting and zany tour de force by the incomparable Shirakawa Marina. The author’s last published graphic novel, this manga marks the ultimate elaboration of Shirakawa’s creepy, crackpot synthesis of Japanese history, legend, and the occult, as made famous in his cult favorite UFO MUSHROOM INVASION.

Never before reprinted even in Japan, and with an essay about Shirakawa’s mysterious life and career, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is the eighth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE – DYNAMIC DUOS # 1

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MARK WAID AND CHRIS SAMNEE RETURN TO THEIR FAN-FAVORITE SERIES EXPLORING BATMAN AND ROBIN’S EARLY YEARS!

Batman and Robin are back in action! The Dark Knight and the Boy Wonder have been hard at work cleaning up the streets of Gotham City, and their partnership has only gotten tighter. But when a gang of street kids starts causing mischief, Batman and Robin will need to get to the bottom of where these kids came from and who is in charge! Mark Waid and Chris Samnee return to Gotham to tell another tale of the early days of the Dynamic Duo!

THE BLOOD BROTHERS MOTHER HC

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NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL DEBUT from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso-the legendary creative team behind the seminal crime series 100 Bullets!

In the old American West, three children set off across the wild Texas frontier to rescue their mother-kidnapped by ruthless outlaws who gunned down their preacher father. Throughout their journey, they’ll face the harsh elements of an unforgiving landscape, deadly animals hungry for blood, merciless bounty hunters and so much more… all in a relentless quest to rescue their family.

Along the way, they’ll learn the terrible cost of revenge — not just in lives, but in how it stains a soul. While revenge may be satisfying in the moment, it leaves a yearning behind that lasts a lifetime. And once you taste it, nothing else is ever so sweet.

In the tradition of The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales comes a brutal new western series from writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO-the Eisner award-winning team behind the Vertigo crime classic, 100 Bullets and Image Comics, Moonshine!

For fans of 1883, BLOOD MERIDIAN, & THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

REGICIDE # 1

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A DOOMED MARCH THROUGH TRANSYLVANIA…

A farmhand lives a simple life until village elders insist he set out for the capital with a dangerous stranger. Their mission? Kill the murderous viceroy of Transylvania! It’s Dracula meets BERSERK in this dark fantasy series full of sexy entities and betrayal.

SANFORD GREENE’S 1000 TP

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From the Eisner winning creators of Bitter Root. Set in a modern world of aliens, warlocks, zombies, and ancient beasts, 1000 follows Dragon Son – a supreme entity who’s abandoned all creation as he struggles to return to his true Dragon form by completing one thousand acts of repentance. Son is joined by five other agents who are charged with secretly policing the world and keeping civilization from crumbling completely.

1000 first premiered as a webcomic and won the 2018 Ringo Award for Best Webcomic. This deluxe edition collects the entire run of the webcomic with additional behind the scenes content.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 15

2 Si 2 Spurrier

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

GRENDEL: DEVIL’S CRUCIBLE – SEDITION # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

The Hounds of Orion have two new weapons in their arsenal: The Grendel Prime himself, back from a five-hundred-year absence, and a clone of the fierce, long-dead Grendel warrior Christine Spar! Now it’s time to take the fight to the Necro-Lords, and the hordes of Anti-Grendel squads between Grendel Prime and his goal of total control.

MINOTAUR # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

Five years ago, a government supercomputer triggered the Singularity: an explosion of technological superintelligence heralding an unimaginable tomorrow. At least, it almost did. Within moments, a failsafe activated. The plug was pulled. The future was aborted. But something leaked in those first picoseconds, through wire and wave. And now? The future fights back. Inexplicable events. Miracles and monsters. Harbingers of revolution…or apocalypse?

Minotaur is the tale of Gloria Monday, a photojournalist documenting the lives of those, like her, who are haunted, tortured, and transformed by outbreaks of the future; along with the no-nonsense ex-military muscle who watches her six, and the reformed tech bro secretly bankrolling their global mission to expose it all.

From Simon Spurrier (The Flash, John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America) and Mike Dowling (The Amazing Spider-Man, Unfollow) comes Minotaur, an X-Files for the forward-looking era, with science-fiction ideas ripped from the pages of New Scientist, manifesting among human societies in spooky, unsettling ways.

A MISCHIEF OF MAGPIES # 1

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NEW DSTLRY SERIES DEBUT FROM SIMON SPURRIER AND MATÍAS BERGARA!

Mar has a secret. Sometimes, without warning, he falls out of the world. This would be an inconvenience if his life wasn’t already such a drag.

When he’s gone, he finds himself in an extraordinary city. A city which is also a machine, endlessly crossing a shoreless ocean. A city of two halves: the bright, bustling spires above the waves, and the beast-haunted twilight halls below. And between, clowning along the rusting beach, a troupe of anarchic magpies with all the answers but none of the questions.

Recipients of the Angoulême Sélection Officielle, GLAAD Award, and multiple Eisner Award nominations, creators Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara present a new fantasy masterpiece in the tradition of Coda and Step By Bloody Step, driving the comics medium into new, beautiful, baleful waters.

For fans of THE NEVERENDING STORY, ARCANE, and THE BOY AND THE HERON.

THREE WORLDS / THREE MOONS: FOUNDATIONS # 1

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From the New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner Award-nominated creator of East of West, The Manhattan Projects, Decorum, and more comes this ambitious, science fiction universe presented by comics titan Jonathan Hickman.

The next great comics universe starts here! From the extraordinary creative team of Jonathan Hickman, Mike del Mundo, Mike Huddleston, and Nick Spencer comes an epic sci-fi saga on an intergalactic scale.

Across a distant solar system and countless millennia-long cycles, a war has been fought between the forces of magic and science, and order and chaos. When astronaut and explorer Tajo Vallar undertakes a doomed expedition to a dormant moon full of mysteries, the conflict begins anew, and more dangerous than ever before!

Don’t miss this perfect starting point for everything to come, as a new universe is born.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW # 3

SOLICIT COPY:

DINAH ON THE TRAIL OF THE GREEN ARROW KILLER! After the horrifying events of last issue, Dinah must capture the Green Arrow Killer as she finally finds Oliver Queen’s protege Roy Harper. But as the killer’s attacks intensify and Dinah discovers the unsettling effect they’re having on Star City, Harper’s trail takes her on a journey darker and more twisted than she ever imagined.

ASSORTED CRISIS EVENTS # 9

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Are you poor, desperate, huddled, massive? Do you live in a dark age, a depression, one of the many historical periods of slim pickings and no options? Welcome to the TEMPS, the first cross-temporal employment app! The past and future are filled with low skill, low wage gigs! Gigs such as: Cobbler’s assistant in plague-era Europe! Salvager in the ruins of New York, 2832! Soldier in Krang’s Cross-Time Army! Temp is shattering the temporal ceiling!

G.I. JOE # 24

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WHAT IS CRYSTAL BALL’S SECRET PLAN? Risk puts it all on the line for an unexpected ally. But can any Cobra agent — or Joe — be trusted?

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: SHREDDER # 10

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Shredder looks to cement his grip over the Dog Star Clan with extreme prejudice. But the Earth Protection Force is closing in on Shredhead… and this time its agents aren’t looking to take any prisoners.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

ACROSS THE WIDEST SEA TP

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A story about how entering adulthood can feel like being lost at sea.

Abandoned in the middle of the ocean by her parents to learn to fend for herself, Léonie must find dry land. She meets Balthazar, a teenager whose canoe is taking on water, and Agathe, who lets herself be carried by the current and no longer has any hope of landing. They join forces to find a shore. A metaphorical story about the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ADÈLE BLANC-SEC vol. 1 HC

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This iconic adventure series from the ’70s stars the bold heroine Adéle, who must contend with supernatural monsters wreaking havoc in Belle Époque Paris.

Paris, 1911. One gloomy night at the Museum of Natural History, a pterodactyl escapes from its display and wreaks havoc upon the city. Enter journalist extraordinaire Adèle Blanc-Sec, who must use her wits and firepower to get to the bottom of this bizarre mystery. An enchanting antihero, Adèle is fearless, brash, and thoroughly ill-tempered, smoking and cursing her way through the case—always barely escaping peril to tell her tale.

Masterful French cartoonist Jacques Tardi created his iconic The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec series in the 1970s. Set in the atmospheric Belle Époque Paris, the series features supernatural monsters, mad science, steampunk aesthetic, murder, humor, and delightful derring-do. This new collection of classic Adèle stories includes four episodes (previously published in two earlier volumes): “Pterror Over Paris,” “The Demon of the Eiffel Tower,” “The Mad Scientist,” and “Mummies on Parade.”

In celebration of Adele’s 50th anniversary, Fantagrpahics is thrilled to re-issue these classic stories in luxuriously redesigned hardcover editions. While Fantagraphics published the first four Adele adventures 15 years ago, this new series will bring the complete 10 episode run of the series into English for the very first time. With an introduction by British journalist and comics historian Cynthia Rose.

HELLBOY AND THE B.P.R.D. 1955-1957 Omnibus TP

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This second collection of Hellboy’s earliest days as a B.P.R.D. agent takes him across the globe in adventures that tie in to the darkest corners of the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comics.

Join Hellboy and his fellow agents on globe-trotting horrifying mystery adventures from a fire ghost in a forgotten dinosaur theme park to vengeful demons in Hong Kong, Cold War weapons tests that lead to mutilated monsters in the South Pacific to a forgotten ghost in a NYC potter’s field and more, plus the true story of Hellboy’s turn on the silver screen in Mexican luchador films!

This volume collects Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. across volumes 1955, 1956, and 1957, from a slew of extraordinary talents including Mike Norton, Alison Sampson, Shawn Martinbrough, and more in this paperback edition!

MOTHER PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER TP

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MOOOO! Lord Momon cries out, ready for her meal. MOOOO! Baby sister cries out, miserable and cold. As a young teen, sweet Miki learns the bizarre truth about her family: for centuries, they have harnessed half-cow, half-human beasts known as “kudan” for their wealth and power. And soon, another shall be born. The hour approaches. Her mother moans in pain as the contractions begin. But all poor Miki can plead is MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER! Published in 1988 at the end of the classic era of horror manga, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is a revolting and zany tour de force by the incomparable Shirakawa Marina. The author’s last published graphic novel, this manga marks the ultimate elaboration of Shirakawa’s creepy, crackpot synthesis of Japanese history, legend, and the occult, as made famous in his cult favorite UFO MUSHROOM INVASION.

Never before reprinted even in Japan, and with an essay about Shirakawa’s mysterious life and career, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is the eighth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

BATMAN AND ROBIN: YEAR ONE – DYNAMIC DUOS # 1

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MARK WAID AND CHRIS SAMNEE RETURN TO THEIR FAN-FAVORITE SERIES EXPLORING BATMAN AND ROBIN’S EARLY YEARS!

Batman and Robin are back in action! The Dark Knight and the Boy Wonder have been hard at work cleaning up the streets of Gotham City, and their partnership has only gotten tighter. But when a gang of street kids starts causing mischief, Batman and Robin will need to get to the bottom of where these kids came from and who is in charge! Mark Waid and Chris Samnee return to Gotham to tell another tale of the early days of the Dynamic Duo!

THE BLOOD BROTHERS MOTHER HC

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NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL DEBUT from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso-the legendary creative team behind the seminal crime series 100 Bullets!

In the old American West, three children set off across the wild Texas frontier to rescue their mother-kidnapped by ruthless outlaws who gunned down their preacher father. Throughout their journey, they’ll face the harsh elements of an unforgiving landscape, deadly animals hungry for blood, merciless bounty hunters and so much more… all in a relentless quest to rescue their family.

Along the way, they’ll learn the terrible cost of revenge — not just in lives, but in how it stains a soul. While revenge may be satisfying in the moment, it leaves a yearning behind that lasts a lifetime. And once you taste it, nothing else is ever so sweet.

In the tradition of The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales comes a brutal new western series from writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO-the Eisner award-winning team behind the Vertigo crime classic, 100 Bullets and Image Comics, Moonshine!

For fans of 1883, BLOOD MERIDIAN, & THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

REGICIDE # 1

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A DOOMED MARCH THROUGH TRANSYLVANIA…

A farmhand lives a simple life until village elders insist he set out for the capital with a dangerous stranger. Their mission? Kill the murderous viceroy of Transylvania! It’s Dracula meets BERSERK in this dark fantasy series full of sexy entities and betrayal.

SANFORD GREENE’S 1000 TP

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From the Eisner winning creators of Bitter Root. Set in a modern world of aliens, warlocks, zombies, and ancient beasts, 1000 follows Dragon Son – a supreme entity who’s abandoned all creation as he struggles to return to his true Dragon form by completing one thousand acts of repentance. Son is joined by five other agents who are charged with secretly policing the world and keeping civilization from crumbling completely.

1000 first premiered as a webcomic and won the 2018 Ringo Award for Best Webcomic. This deluxe edition collects the entire run of the webcomic with additional behind the scenes content.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 8

Ngozi Ukazu *clap clap clap clap clap*

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

DISPATCHED # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

MacGyver meets Die Hard in this life-or-death unboxing! Estranged from his family and living under a government-issued alias, ex-black ops agent Morgan Power endures a life in suburban exile as a delivery driver for a major global courier company. It’s a 180 from his action-packed classified work abroad, until a routine shift puts him in the crosshairs of a domestic terrorist takedown. Trapped in the parking garage of a besieged corporate office park, Power goes back to basics with nothing but his survival skills and a delivery van full of unopened packages — and endless possibilities — to fight his way from floor to floor and free the hostages. But some boxes hold more trash than treasure, and Powers will also have to contend with his intensifying PTSD as the situation escalates and time runs out. Writer B. Clay Moore (Bloodland, The Leading Man) and rising artist Daniel Gete (Skin Police) deliver a classic lockdown thriller with a fresh twist!

EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

THE COTTON-TAILED EXQUISITE CORPSES KILLER GETS A SPINOFF ORIGIN STORY.

The sleepy little town of Aurora Springs, NY, has exactly one claim to fame: it’s the birthplace of Rascal Randy. Not the man in the suit — the man has never mattered. He was no one until he put the mascot head on for the first time, until he felt the life leave someone’s body through the thickly furred gloves of the suit.

No, Aurora Springs is the birthplace of Rascal Randy the rabbit, who, once upon a time, was poised to become the greatest animated character this country had ever seen — until greed and tragedy changed his trajectory forever.

Now, before the events of EXQUISITE CORPSES SEASON 1, witness the final murder spree of this iconic killer, as chaos hops into town with buckteeth bared and ears flopping… and the secret, sordid history of Rascal Randy is finally revealed.

IT’S SYMBIE # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

SYMBIE GOES SOLO! Symbie may be a symbiote without a host, but that’s never slowed him down! Ever since Spider-Man freed him from a mad scientist’s lab, Symbie has made it his mission to unleash mischief across the Marvel Universe. His latest targets? The Fantastic Four, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Iron Man, Captain America and the Marvel Mutts! From SYMBIE INFINITY COMIC to MARVEL MUTTS INFINITY COMIC and AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, see some of Symbie’s greatest Marvel moments so far – all in one place for the very first time!

WITNESS POINT # 1

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From the minds of Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle) and Heath Corson (Animal Kingdom, Minor Threats), and illustrated by Soo Lee (Carmilla: The First Vampire), comes a new modern noir series full of mystery, murder, and the chaos of a small town caught up in a massive government screw up.

Welcome to Baraboo, a small Midwestern town nestled in the mountains of Wisconsin, home of the Ringling Brothers Circus headquarters and friendly neighbors that all know and trust each other… until it’s revealed that the town has been the dumping ground for every murderer, con-man, and crook in the Witness Protection program for the past forty years. “Witness Point” as Baraboo was nicknamed by the previous marshal, has now become a hotbed of conspiracy as every resident of this formerly sleepy town eyes their neighbor with new suspicion, wondering who among them could secretly be the worst kind of criminal.

It doesn’t help when the new marshal, sent to help beleaguered sheriff “Kite” Calhoon clean up the mess, is found with his head and hands cut off, his body dumped in town square with the Annual Harvest Festival just around the corner. Thankfully they’ve sent another marshal to help. Unfortunately, she tells them she’s the ONLY marshal sent to help. And the identity of the dismembered man becomes another piece of the puzzle as the town descends into chaos.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE BATMAN # 22

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THE ORIGIN OF HARLEY QUINN! As the Robins nest in Gotham’s backyard, and Batman faces ultimate defeat, Harley Quinn’s origin is revealed. How does Harley connect with Ark M, and how did the Robins fledge from hatchlings to birds of prey? The call of more than one predator will be answered in this issue.

FREE PLANET # 14

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VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION! Lutheria’s greatest fear has come true: Renewed war with the Interplanetary Development Alliance. In the explosive final issue of FREE PLANET’s first story cycle, the Freedom Guard has been drawn into a revolution on neighboring Dumuzid. But not everyone will make it out alive…

M.A.S.K. # 2

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THE NEW HIT ENERGON UNIVERSE SERIES CONTINUES! Bruce Sato and Gloria Baker — are you ready to save the world? As Matt Trakker’s newest M.A.S.K. recruits race to recover a weapon of unknown origin, V.E.N.O.M. strikes!

W0RLDTR33 # 21

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Despite everything Amanda has been through, she can’t forget that, hidden somewhere deep inside the relentless assassin known as PH34R is a shy little girl named Sammi. So with PH34R nowhere to be found, Amanda goes back where it all began. Amanda goes to the Winter house.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

HEAVEN HC

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Four young women investigate a vanishing strip club in this supernatural, surreal graphic novel.

Out past the edge of town, there exists a strip club called Heaven that only some can find. Some say it’s a mirage. Others say you can’t miss the giant neon heels lighting up the desert night skies.

Dolly can’t find a place to belong. After losing her identity as a gymnast and navigating family turbulence, she’s adrift from school and friends. When a mysterious presence beckons her to Heaven, she wonders if she may just have found her place — but just what does it want in return?

Katie Skelly’s first graphic novel since her acclaimed Maids in 2020, Heaven finds out what happens when the artist’s quintessential cool girl characters let their guards down and let the world in. With a supernatural strip club backdrop and an eye-popping sense of color that would make Dario Argento proud, Heaven reinforces Skelly’s place as one of the most distinctive voices working in contemporary comics today.

ORION TP

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WHEN PRINCE ORION UNCOVERS HIS SINISTER PARENTAGE, HE MUST DECIDE FOR HIMSELF IF HE IS DESTINED TO BE A HERO — OR A VILLAIN.

The festivals on New Genesis are merry, and the gods who fill its skies are lovers. But Prince Orion, adopted son of the Highfather, is none of these things. A brooding, battle-hungry warrior, Orion wonders how he was ever chosen to become an intergalactic prince, secretly in fear that he does not belong on the planet he calls home. And then Orion’s darkest nightmares are confirmed when the Highfather himself brings Orion’s true parentage to light: Not only is Orion from Apokolips , adopted as part of a cosmic pact, but he is the spawn of the tyrant Darkseid . How can Orion face his loved ones as a beast from Apokolips ? How can he live with himself when a tar-black evil runs through his veins? And when Darkseid threatens to destroy all of New Genesis, Orion will have to answer the ultimate question: Could he ever be a hero? Or was he born to become a monster?

In this highly anticipated sequel to Barda, #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please !) takes readers on an epic sci-fi adventure featuring the fan-favorite New God Orion.

PUNISHER & FURY MAX Omnibus HC

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Legendary PUNISHER scribe Garth Ennis reveals the secret, bloody history of Frank Castle and Nick Fury!

Before the Punisher was born in Vietnam, Frank Castle had already become a dark legend of the battlefield. Now learn the truth about Castle’s first command — and his first kill. It’s the answer to the question: What made the Punisher? Colonel Nick Fury certainly had an impact along the way. As an old man, Nick sits alone in a dank hotel room, coughing his confessions into a tape recorder, laying out a legacy of carnage stretching back to World War II — including his encounters with a young Marine sniper named Frank Castle. You won’t believe the horrors Frank and Nick went through in Vietnam — and how they survived to tell the tale! Nick’s constant lust for combat has blinded him to all other concerns, but the end is coming. The debt is long past due. And Fury’s true legacy will soon be written in blood for all to see. Plus: a modern-day tale of the Punisher, rooted in seeds planted decades ago in Moscow and Afghanistan!

COLLECTING: Punisher: The Platoon (2017) #1-6, Fury MAX (2012) #1-13, Get Fury (2024) #1-6, Punisher: Soviet (2019) #1-6

WRESTLE HEIST TP

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A no-holds-barred heist caper packed with body slams and backstabs for fans of over-the-top action!

After being crippled by a shady wrestling promoter, a former pro wrestler gathers a team of others wronged in the ring to rob the promoter blind during the biggest wrestling event of the year! From the outrageous, action-packed mind of multi-time Eisner nominee KYLE STARKS (Peacemaker Tries Hard, Sexcastle, I Hate This Place), with eye-popping colors by VLADIMIR POPOV (Where Monsters Lie, Fearscape).

Collects issues #1-5.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

THE BLOOD BROTHERS MOTHER HC

SOLICIT COPY:

NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL DEBUT from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso-the legendary creative team behind the seminal crime series 100 Bullets!

In the old American West, three children set off across the wild Texas frontier to rescue their mother-kidnapped by ruthless outlaws who gunned down their preacher father. Throughout their journey, they’ll face the harsh elements of an unforgiving landscape, deadly animals hungry for blood, merciless bounty hunters and so much more… all in a relentless quest to rescue their family.

Along the way, they’ll learn the terrible cost of revenge — not just in lives, but in how it stains a soul. While revenge may be satisfying in the moment, it leaves a yearning behind that lasts a lifetime. And once you taste it, nothing else is ever so sweet.

In the tradition of The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales comes a brutal new western series from writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO-the Eisner award-winning team behind the Vertigo crime classic, 100 Bullets and Image Comics, Moonshine!

For fans of 1883, BLOOD MERIDIAN, & THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

CHACHU # 1

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1979. Leila, a 19-year-old Pakistani-Canadian girl, stands on the cusp of adulthood, eager to experience the “real world” for the first time. With a head full of Hollywood dreams and a penchant for pulp novels, she ventures to California to connect with her estranged uncle — her “Chachu” — a middle-aged, semi-retired private eye who gained brief fame after marrying the starlet he was initially hired to find. But when Chachu’s wife goes missing once again, the two are forced on an impromptu road trip to track her down — with Leila navigating young adulthood and Chachu confronting his own mortality and regrets.

Inspired by her own coming-of-age experiences in the entertainment industry, CHACHU is the solo writing debut of superstar IMAN VELLANI (Ms. Marvel), a reinterpretation of the classic neo-noir private investigator story brilliantly illustrated by MARIANNA IGNAZZI (EXQUISITE CORPSES) and colored by JORDIE BELLAIRE (Absolute Wonder Woman).

DEATH VIGIL # 1

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The smash hit series is back! Bad news: You’re dead. Good news: You can join a band of Death Knights and help protect the world from necromancers and cosmic horror. The pay’s not great, but you’ll love your co-workers. So grab your spirit weapon and prepare for battle against the Primordial Enemy — join Death Vigil today!

From critically acclaimed creator STJEPAN ŠEJIC (STJEPAN ŠEJIC, RAVINE, APHRODITE lX, WITCHBLADE, Harleen) comes the exciting return of his creator-owned series DEATH VIGIL! The story of modern-age Death Knights locked in an ongoing war against the ever-growing power of the ravenous primordial Elder Gods. The only catch is you have to die first. Become a corporeal immortal Death Knight, and obtain reality-altering weaponry in the never-ending battle between Good and Evil.

H.P. LOVECRAFT’S THE DUNWICH HORROR HC

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The horror was born before dawn on February 2, 1913—the feast of Candlemas, although the people of Dunwich call that ancient festival by a different name. Of unknown father, Wilbur Whateley was not christened—yet he descended still from a one-proud Puritan family that left Salem in 1692 to found Dunwich, Massachusetts. And the descent of the Whateleys and their old town has been deep indeed—its now crumbling houses overlooked by bare hills topped by stone circles, where unhallowed rituals were held before the first settlers ever came.

Yet it was none other than ten year old Wilbur Whateley that led Dr. Henry Armitage, head librarian at Miskatonic University, to drive the dusty, rutted roads out to Dunwich, and meet the child prodigy who had been corresponding with him on the most abstruse and disturbing lore. Dr. Armitage could hardly believe the sight of the priceless hoard of occult books rotting away in the Whateley farmhouse—nor that of the dark, goatish Wilbur, for whom those books had been his only education.

But young Wilbur Whateley is not content with his homeschooling—to complete his studies, he needs something Miskatonic possesses, the Latin edition of the Necronomicon. And if they’re too snooty to lend their precious copy out to a country boy like him, Wilbur has other means to try to get it. The lad is no mere academic dilletante; he studies these things for a reason. Wilbur Whateley was born into this world with a great and horrific purpose—to open a doorway for those not of this world to return to Earth!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 8

Ngozi Ukazu *clap clap clap clap clap*

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

DISPATCHED # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

MacGyver meets Die Hard in this life-or-death unboxing! Estranged from his family and living under a government-issued alias, ex-black ops agent Morgan Power endures a life in suburban exile as a delivery driver for a major global courier company. It’s a 180 from his action-packed classified work abroad, until a routine shift puts him in the crosshairs of a domestic terrorist takedown. Trapped in the parking garage of a besieged corporate office park, Power goes back to basics with nothing but his survival skills and a delivery van full of unopened packages — and endless possibilities — to fight his way from floor to floor and free the hostages. But some boxes hold more trash than treasure, and Powers will also have to contend with his intensifying PTSD as the situation escalates and time runs out. Writer B. Clay Moore (Bloodland, The Leading Man) and rising artist Daniel Gete (Skin Police) deliver a classic lockdown thriller with a fresh twist!

EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

THE COTTON-TAILED EXQUISITE CORPSES KILLER GETS A SPINOFF ORIGIN STORY.

The sleepy little town of Aurora Springs, NY, has exactly one claim to fame: it’s the birthplace of Rascal Randy. Not the man in the suit — the man has never mattered. He was no one until he put the mascot head on for the first time, until he felt the life leave someone’s body through the thickly furred gloves of the suit.

No, Aurora Springs is the birthplace of Rascal Randy the rabbit, who, once upon a time, was poised to become the greatest animated character this country had ever seen — until greed and tragedy changed his trajectory forever.

Now, before the events of EXQUISITE CORPSES SEASON 1, witness the final murder spree of this iconic killer, as chaos hops into town with buckteeth bared and ears flopping… and the secret, sordid history of Rascal Randy is finally revealed.

IT’S SYMBIE # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

SYMBIE GOES SOLO! Symbie may be a symbiote without a host, but that’s never slowed him down! Ever since Spider-Man freed him from a mad scientist’s lab, Symbie has made it his mission to unleash mischief across the Marvel Universe. His latest targets? The Fantastic Four, Thor, Scarlet Witch, Iron Man, Captain America and the Marvel Mutts! From SYMBIE INFINITY COMIC to MARVEL MUTTS INFINITY COMIC and AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, see some of Symbie’s greatest Marvel moments so far – all in one place for the very first time!

WITNESS POINT # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

From the minds of Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle) and Heath Corson (Animal Kingdom, Minor Threats), and illustrated by Soo Lee (Carmilla: The First Vampire), comes a new modern noir series full of mystery, murder, and the chaos of a small town caught up in a massive government screw up.

Welcome to Baraboo, a small Midwestern town nestled in the mountains of Wisconsin, home of the Ringling Brothers Circus headquarters and friendly neighbors that all know and trust each other… until it’s revealed that the town has been the dumping ground for every murderer, con-man, and crook in the Witness Protection program for the past forty years. “Witness Point” as Baraboo was nicknamed by the previous marshal, has now become a hotbed of conspiracy as every resident of this formerly sleepy town eyes their neighbor with new suspicion, wondering who among them could secretly be the worst kind of criminal.

It doesn’t help when the new marshal, sent to help beleaguered sheriff “Kite” Calhoon clean up the mess, is found with his head and hands cut off, his body dumped in town square with the Annual Harvest Festival just around the corner. Thankfully they’ve sent another marshal to help. Unfortunately, she tells them she’s the ONLY marshal sent to help. And the identity of the dismembered man becomes another piece of the puzzle as the town descends into chaos.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE BATMAN # 22

SOLICIT COPY:

THE ORIGIN OF HARLEY QUINN! As the Robins nest in Gotham’s backyard, and Batman faces ultimate defeat, Harley Quinn’s origin is revealed. How does Harley connect with Ark M, and how did the Robins fledge from hatchlings to birds of prey? The call of more than one predator will be answered in this issue.

FREE PLANET # 14

SOLICIT COPY:

VIVE LA RÉVOLUTION! Lutheria’s greatest fear has come true: Renewed war with the Interplanetary Development Alliance. In the explosive final issue of FREE PLANET’s first story cycle, the Freedom Guard has been drawn into a revolution on neighboring Dumuzid. But not everyone will make it out alive…

M.A.S.K. # 2

SOLICIT COPY:

THE NEW HIT ENERGON UNIVERSE SERIES CONTINUES! Bruce Sato and Gloria Baker — are you ready to save the world? As Matt Trakker’s newest M.A.S.K. recruits race to recover a weapon of unknown origin, V.E.N.O.M. strikes!

W0RLDTR33 # 21

SOLICIT COPY:

Despite everything Amanda has been through, she can’t forget that, hidden somewhere deep inside the relentless assassin known as PH34R is a shy little girl named Sammi. So with PH34R nowhere to be found, Amanda goes back where it all began. Amanda goes to the Winter house.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

HEAVEN HC

SOLICIT COPY:

Four young women investigate a vanishing strip club in this supernatural, surreal graphic novel.

Out past the edge of town, there exists a strip club called Heaven that only some can find. Some say it’s a mirage. Others say you can’t miss the giant neon heels lighting up the desert night skies.

Dolly can’t find a place to belong. After losing her identity as a gymnast and navigating family turbulence, she’s adrift from school and friends. When a mysterious presence beckons her to Heaven, she wonders if she may just have found her place — but just what does it want in return?

Katie Skelly’s first graphic novel since her acclaimed Maids in 2020, Heaven finds out what happens when the artist’s quintessential cool girl characters let their guards down and let the world in. With a supernatural strip club backdrop and an eye-popping sense of color that would make Dario Argento proud, Heaven reinforces Skelly’s place as one of the most distinctive voices working in contemporary comics today.

ORION TP

SOLICIT COPY:

WHEN PRINCE ORION UNCOVERS HIS SINISTER PARENTAGE, HE MUST DECIDE FOR HIMSELF IF HE IS DESTINED TO BE A HERO — OR A VILLAIN.

The festivals on New Genesis are merry, and the gods who fill its skies are lovers. But Prince Orion, adopted son of the Highfather, is none of these things. A brooding, battle-hungry warrior, Orion wonders how he was ever chosen to become an intergalactic prince, secretly in fear that he does not belong on the planet he calls home. And then Orion’s darkest nightmares are confirmed when the Highfather himself brings Orion’s true parentage to light: Not only is Orion from Apokolips , adopted as part of a cosmic pact, but he is the spawn of the tyrant Darkseid . How can Orion face his loved ones as a beast from Apokolips ? How can he live with himself when a tar-black evil runs through his veins? And when Darkseid threatens to destroy all of New Genesis, Orion will have to answer the ultimate question: Could he ever be a hero? Or was he born to become a monster?

In this highly anticipated sequel to Barda, #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please !) takes readers on an epic sci-fi adventure featuring the fan-favorite New God Orion.

PUNISHER & FURY MAX Omnibus HC

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Legendary PUNISHER scribe Garth Ennis reveals the secret, bloody history of Frank Castle and Nick Fury!

Before the Punisher was born in Vietnam, Frank Castle had already become a dark legend of the battlefield. Now learn the truth about Castle’s first command — and his first kill. It’s the answer to the question: What made the Punisher? Colonel Nick Fury certainly had an impact along the way. As an old man, Nick sits alone in a dank hotel room, coughing his confessions into a tape recorder, laying out a legacy of carnage stretching back to World War II — including his encounters with a young Marine sniper named Frank Castle. You won’t believe the horrors Frank and Nick went through in Vietnam — and how they survived to tell the tale! Nick’s constant lust for combat has blinded him to all other concerns, but the end is coming. The debt is long past due. And Fury’s true legacy will soon be written in blood for all to see. Plus: a modern-day tale of the Punisher, rooted in seeds planted decades ago in Moscow and Afghanistan!

COLLECTING: Punisher: The Platoon (2017) #1-6, Fury MAX (2012) #1-13, Get Fury (2024) #1-6, Punisher: Soviet (2019) #1-6

WRESTLE HEIST TP

SOLICIT COPY:

A no-holds-barred heist caper packed with body slams and backstabs for fans of over-the-top action!

After being crippled by a shady wrestling promoter, a former pro wrestler gathers a team of others wronged in the ring to rob the promoter blind during the biggest wrestling event of the year! From the outrageous, action-packed mind of multi-time Eisner nominee KYLE STARKS (Peacemaker Tries Hard, Sexcastle, I Hate This Place), with eye-popping colors by VLADIMIR POPOV (Where Monsters Lie, Fearscape).

Collects issues #1-5.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

THE BLOOD BROTHERS MOTHER HC

SOLICIT COPY:

NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL DEBUT from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso-the legendary creative team behind the seminal crime series 100 Bullets!

In the old American West, three children set off across the wild Texas frontier to rescue their mother-kidnapped by ruthless outlaws who gunned down their preacher father. Throughout their journey, they’ll face the harsh elements of an unforgiving landscape, deadly animals hungry for blood, merciless bounty hunters and so much more… all in a relentless quest to rescue their family.

Along the way, they’ll learn the terrible cost of revenge — not just in lives, but in how it stains a soul. While revenge may be satisfying in the moment, it leaves a yearning behind that lasts a lifetime. And once you taste it, nothing else is ever so sweet.

In the tradition of The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales comes a brutal new western series from writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO-the Eisner award-winning team behind the Vertigo crime classic, 100 Bullets and Image Comics, Moonshine!

For fans of 1883, BLOOD MERIDIAN, & THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

CHACHU # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

1979. Leila, a 19-year-old Pakistani-Canadian girl, stands on the cusp of adulthood, eager to experience the “real world” for the first time. With a head full of Hollywood dreams and a penchant for pulp novels, she ventures to California to connect with her estranged uncle — her “Chachu” — a middle-aged, semi-retired private eye who gained brief fame after marrying the starlet he was initially hired to find. But when Chachu’s wife goes missing once again, the two are forced on an impromptu road trip to track her down — with Leila navigating young adulthood and Chachu confronting his own mortality and regrets.

Inspired by her own coming-of-age experiences in the entertainment industry, CHACHU is the solo writing debut of superstar IMAN VELLANI (Ms. Marvel), a reinterpretation of the classic neo-noir private investigator story brilliantly illustrated by MARIANNA IGNAZZI (EXQUISITE CORPSES) and colored by JORDIE BELLAIRE (Absolute Wonder Woman).

DEATH VIGIL # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

The smash hit series is back! Bad news: You’re dead. Good news: You can join a band of Death Knights and help protect the world from necromancers and cosmic horror. The pay’s not great, but you’ll love your co-workers. So grab your spirit weapon and prepare for battle against the Primordial Enemy — join Death Vigil today!

From critically acclaimed creator STJEPAN ŠEJIC (STJEPAN ŠEJIC, RAVINE, APHRODITE lX, WITCHBLADE, Harleen) comes the exciting return of his creator-owned series DEATH VIGIL! The story of modern-age Death Knights locked in an ongoing war against the ever-growing power of the ravenous primordial Elder Gods. The only catch is you have to die first. Become a corporeal immortal Death Knight, and obtain reality-altering weaponry in the never-ending battle between Good and Evil.

H.P. LOVECRAFT’S THE DUNWICH HORROR HC

SOLICIT COPY:

The horror was born before dawn on February 2, 1913—the feast of Candlemas, although the people of Dunwich call that ancient festival by a different name. Of unknown father, Wilbur Whateley was not christened—yet he descended still from a one-proud Puritan family that left Salem in 1692 to found Dunwich, Massachusetts. And the descent of the Whateleys and their old town has been deep indeed—its now crumbling houses overlooked by bare hills topped by stone circles, where unhallowed rituals were held before the first settlers ever came.

Yet it was none other than ten year old Wilbur Whateley that led Dr. Henry Armitage, head librarian at Miskatonic University, to drive the dusty, rutted roads out to Dunwich, and meet the child prodigy who had been corresponding with him on the most abstruse and disturbing lore. Dr. Armitage could hardly believe the sight of the priceless hoard of occult books rotting away in the Whateley farmhouse—nor that of the dark, goatish Wilbur, for whom those books had been his only education.

But young Wilbur Whateley is not content with his homeschooling—to complete his studies, he needs something Miskatonic possesses, the Latin edition of the Necronomicon. And if they’re too snooty to lend their precious copy out to a country boy like him, Wilbur has other means to try to get it. The lad is no mere academic dilletante; he studies these things for a reason. Wilbur Whateley was born into this world with a great and horrific purpose—to open a doorway for those not of this world to return to Earth!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 1

RIP Absolute Martian Manhunter

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

100 BULLETS: THE US OF ANGER # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

HAPPY 250TH, AMERICA. LONO’S BACK. YOU WON’T SURVIVE THE YEAR. Not many people made it out alive from the fall of the Trust in 100 Bullets. Lono did — just barely — and it sent him spiraling on a yearslong international odyssey. His one-time protégé, Loop Hughes, was the only one smart enough to walk away clean. But now tragedy has come knocking on Loop’s door, and the scent of blood has attracted a dangerous stray dog. Lono’s back in the United States, and he’s on the hunt… through a network of good ol ‘ boys and militias, megachurches, millionaires, and madmen. In Brother Lono, Lono unsuccessfully tried to save his own soul; in The US of Anger, he’ll play Satan to a host of demons tempting the United States to sell hers. The multi-Eisner Award-winning team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso has returned to its most famous creation, unleashing a new chapter in Vertigo’s greatest crime saga — told for the first time in stunning black and white!

BEAST OF BORIKEN # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

A thrilling new True Weird series from Tiny Onion by co-creators Julio Anta (Frontera; Sí, Se Puede) and Daniel Irizarri (Xino, Cementary Kids Don’t Die) bringing el Chupacabra to life!

In contemporary Puerto Rico, Loli Flores is a fierce activist fighting the overdevelopment of the island by outside investors. When a ground-breaking ceremony is violently interrupted by a supernatural force, Loli discovers that the stories of el Chupacabra are not just echoes from the past, but a brutal protector of generations extending back to the indigenous people of the island. As Loli uncovers the horrors firstand, el Chupacabra is on a parallel path with elemental destruction left in his wake.

This issue includes a haunting True Weird short story by Justin Jordan, Tony Akins and Aditya Bidikar!

THE DOGSITTER # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

Heel… sit… stay — for a summer rom-com with bark and bite!

Gemma Monroe should be reveling in her ’20s. Instead, she’s on a leave of absence from veterinarian school to save for rising tuition, stacking shifts at a flower shop and juggling her side gig as a dogsitter. Gemma’s favorite canine client — an Akita with an identity crisis — comes with the most demanding dog-mom: Portia Ross, a high-powered executive with deep pockets who sees Gemma as a pet project of her own. It’s delicate, but Gemma knows that getting her life back on track means this customer is always right. And the policy works… until Gemma locks eyes with the charming Neal Mandell, and what starts as a welcome casual fling unleashes a transactional love triangle that could throw her future to the dogs.

Jamie S. Rich and Megan Levens, the veteran romance collaborators behind Ares & Aphrodite and Madame Frankenstein, reunite for a new romp — and a lineup of dog-crazy cover artists joins the pack! All variants for this series will feature the artist’s real-life four-legged friends, beginning with…

THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: STAYING A.I. LIVE # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

The Shaolin Cowboy faces an icy reception when he leaves his wasteland retreat on a mission of mercy, following the considered consul of a desert swallow and a horned toad, both endangered species. But none as endangered as the wandering ex monk becomes, once again because in this typical AMERIGUNN small town he learns euthanASIA is the new import duty on foreign imports!!!

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER # 12

SOLICIT COPY:

THE JAW-DROPPING FINAL ISSUE! It all comes together here: green and white, life and death, husbands and wives, fathers and sons, free will and fate, crime and punishment. Beginnings and endings. Why do people do the things they do? Read this issue to find out.

COMICS! THE MAGAZINE # 5

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THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE MONSTERS! MARK SPEARS REVEALS ALL! Mark Spears creates the massive hit series, MONSTERS, and draws in-demand variant covers for titles from DC Comics, The Energon Universe, and Spawn, but WHO is this man? Where did he come from? How did he become the artist he is today? How did he build an independent comic book empire that took the industry by surprise? ALL THIS AND MUCH MORE IN A HORROR-CENTRIC ISSUE OF THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC COMICS MAGAZINE OF ALL TIME!

MINOR ARCANA # 16

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Experience a blast from the past with the beginning of a brand-new arc in Minor Arcana!

Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth) and Letizia Cadonici team up for Part One of The Lovers, sending us back in time to Theresa and Missy’s humble beginnings and the origins of their intense connection.

In the present, Missy leans on Theresa as desperate times call for desperate measures. Can Theresa move on from their past, or will it continue to haunt her?

Jeff Lemire’s poignant story continues with the start of this powerful new arc!

THE MORTAL THOR # 12

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SECRETS AND LIES! Sigurd Jarlson has love, friendship and a human soul. The man called Blake has none of these… but he has the one thing his enemy doesn’t. Donald Blake knows exactly who and what he is… and he’s ready to tell Sigurd everything. Somewhere in the city, a man with a hammer is learning the truth...

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

CAPTAIN AMERICA vol. 1: OUR SECRET WARS TP

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A new era begins here!

Witness the modern retelling of Captain America’s origin and his previously unknown first encounter with Doctor Doom in this foundational text for the current Marvel Universe!

While Captain America slumbered in ice, the world changed — for better and for worse. Steve Rogers awakens to a reality where battles are fought in the shadows through secrets and subterfuge, and villains aren’t so easy to identify. And when a fledgling dictator named Victor Von Doom conquers Latveria, Steve faces a critical decision: adapt to a new kind of warfare, or forge his own path? What will the choice he makes in the past mean for his future? Plus: Who is David Colton, and can Steve trust him to have his back as they infiltrate a hostile country with the new Howling Commandos? Experience the untold tale of Captain America’s first encounter with Doctor Doom as Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti team up for a game-changing run!

Collecting: CAPTAIN AMERICA (2025) #1-5.

GEORGE PÉREZ’S NEW TEEN TITANS: Artist’s Edition HC

SOLICIT COPY:

Experience a unique inside look at the stunning artistry from George Perez that went into the creation of one of the most iconic teams in superhero history, the New Teen Titans!

Go behind the scenes of the formation of one of the most iconic teams in comic book history with GEORGE PÉREZ’S NEW TEEN TITANS ARTIST’S EDITION.

Marv Wolfman and George Pérez created a massive hit for DC Comics when The New Teen Titans hit comic shop shelves in 1980. The team of Robin, Starfire, Wonder Girl, Raven, Kid Flash, Cyborg, and Beast Boy stole everyone’s hearts, rivaling even the X-Men for preeminence in the comic market.

This Artist’s Edition of George Pérez’s stunning work will give a unique view into how the teen titans came to be, featuring a large selection of the artist’s original art including beautiful covers and a curated selection of pages from issues #1-40 and more of The New Teen Titans. Plus, a heartfelt introduction by Pérez’s longtime collaborator and New Teen Titans co-creator, Marv Wolfman.

Although appearing to be in black and white, all the art is scanned in color, enabling the reader to see the work as close to the original as possible – ink gradients, blue pencil, and all the unique nuances that make original art so special – are all clearly visible and printed at the same size as drawn.

This is an art book disguised as a comic collection. The only better way to see these pages would be looking over Pérez’s shoulder at his drawing board! 

MOTHER PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER TP

SOLICIT COPY:

MOOOO! Lord Momon cries out, ready for her meal. MOOOO! Baby sister cries out, miserable and cold. As a young teen, sweet Miki learns the bizarre truth about her family: for centuries, they have harnessed half-cow, half-human beasts known as “kudan” for their wealth and power. And soon, another shall be born. The hour approaches. Her mother moans in pain as the contractions begin. But all poor Miki can plead is MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER! Published in 1988 at the end of the classic era of horror manga, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is a revolting and zany tour de force by the incomparable Shirakawa Marina. The author’s last published graphic novel, this manga marks the ultimate elaboration of Shirakawa’s creepy, crackpot synthesis of Japanese history, legend, and the occult, as made famous in his cult favorite UFO MUSHROOM INVASION.

Never before reprinted even in Japan, and with an essay about Shirakawa’s mysterious life and career, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is the eighth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line.

JOHN CARPTENTER’S NIGHT TERRORS: CHAPLAIN TP

SOLICIT COPY:

An aging and increasingly weary chaplain discovers an ancient, unknowable monster stalking his hospital, forcing him to confront the existential terror of his own mortality. Along with his energetic young protégé, he is pushed to the brink of insanity as his convictions and very grasp on reality begin to unravel.  Violent, surreal, and darkly funny, Chaplain presents a demented journey of psychological anguish and grotesque body horror in stunning psychedelic style. As the sinister presence closes in, the Chaplain must face his deepest buried nightmares or be consumed by them forever.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

THE BLOOD BROTHERS MOTHER HC

SOLICIT COPY:

NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL DEBUT from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso-the legendary creative team behind the seminal crime series 100 Bullets!

In the old American West, three children set off across the wild Texas frontier to rescue their mother-kidnapped by ruthless outlaws who gunned down their preacher father. Throughout their journey, they’ll face the harsh elements of an unforgiving landscape, deadly animals hungry for blood, merciless bounty hunters and so much more… all in a relentless quest to rescue their family.

Along the way, they’ll learn the terrible cost of revenge — not just in lives, but in how it stains a soul. While revenge may be satisfying in the moment, it leaves a yearning behind that lasts a lifetime. And once you taste it, nothing else is ever so sweet.

In the tradition of The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales comes a brutal new western series from writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO-the Eisner award-winning team behind the Vertigo crime classic, 100 Bullets and Image Comics, Moonshine!

For fans of 1883, BLOOD MERIDIAN, & THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

EXQUISIT CORPSES vol. 3 TP

SOLICIT COPY:

Trick-or-treating. Clocking in for your shift at work. Going to the annual Halloween party down at the Pit. For the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine, any one of these activities could spell a gruesome death as twelve of the most dangerous killers in the world turn their sleepy little town into the playing field for a game that will decide the fate of the entire country for years to come.

As the sun begins to rise on the unlucky town chosen as this year’s arena, the last remaining killers gather to determine the winner. But the civilians of Oak Valley have been pushed to their limits, and with nothing left to lose, they’re not going to let the powers-that-be play the game by their rules any longer…

JAMES TYNION IV (THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH) and MICHAEL WALSH (THE SILVER COIN) are joined by TYLER BOSS (YOU’LL DO BAD THINGS), JORDIE BELLAIRE (REDLANDS), CHE GRAYSON (Dark Spaces: Good Deeds), VALENTINE DE LANDRO (BITCH PLANET), MARIANNA IGNAZZI (Catwoman), and GAVIN FULLERTON (THE CLOSET) as they conclude the blood-soaked first season of the groundbreaking horror epic!

Collects EXQUISITE CORPSES #9-13

THE FOUNDRY # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

Long before Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. defended the world against supernatural threats of all types, the men and women of the Foundry protected Queen Victoria’s Empire. But the operatives of the Foundry were adventurers and explorers with no time for the paranormal or the occult, only interested in the scientific applications of the artifacts that their expeditions uncovered or what engineering marvels could be devised from ancient discoveries. In The Foundry: In Peril on the Seas, Major Karam Singh and his fellow members of the Foundry go in search of an unknown menace that appears to threaten enemies and allies alike, unsure whether they are in pursuit of some sort of monster or something far worse.

GODZILLA’S MONSTERPIECE THEATRE PRESENTS: ROAR OF THE WORLDS # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

The explosive literary mashup series continues — Godzilla is taking on the classics one story at a time!

In this oversize one-shot, comic book legend Kyle Baker joins the fun to help Godzilla defend the planet against invaders from Mars! The War of the Worlds regaled readers with the story of what happened in England when faraway invaders arrived. This comic asks a much more important question… what was going on in Japan? The answer: Martians were getting smashed left and right by the King of the Monsters!

And that’s not all — this issue contains part three of Tom Scioli’s “Robin Hood and the Monster of Nottingham.” 

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics July 1

RIP Absolute Martian Manhunter

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

100 BULLETS: THE US OF ANGER # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

HAPPY 250TH, AMERICA. LONO’S BACK. YOU WON’T SURVIVE THE YEAR. Not many people made it out alive from the fall of the Trust in 100 Bullets. Lono did — just barely — and it sent him spiraling on a yearslong international odyssey. His one-time protégé, Loop Hughes, was the only one smart enough to walk away clean. But now tragedy has come knocking on Loop’s door, and the scent of blood has attracted a dangerous stray dog. Lono’s back in the United States, and he’s on the hunt… through a network of good ol ‘ boys and militias, megachurches, millionaires, and madmen. In Brother Lono, Lono unsuccessfully tried to save his own soul; in The US of Anger, he’ll play Satan to a host of demons tempting the United States to sell hers. The multi-Eisner Award-winning team of Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso has returned to its most famous creation, unleashing a new chapter in Vertigo’s greatest crime saga — told for the first time in stunning black and white!

BEAST OF BORIKEN # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

A thrilling new True Weird series from Tiny Onion by co-creators Julio Anta (Frontera; Sí, Se Puede) and Daniel Irizarri (Xino, Cementary Kids Don’t Die) bringing el Chupacabra to life!

In contemporary Puerto Rico, Loli Flores is a fierce activist fighting the overdevelopment of the island by outside investors. When a ground-breaking ceremony is violently interrupted by a supernatural force, Loli discovers that the stories of el Chupacabra are not just echoes from the past, but a brutal protector of generations extending back to the indigenous people of the island. As Loli uncovers the horrors firstand, el Chupacabra is on a parallel path with elemental destruction left in his wake.

This issue includes a haunting True Weird short story by Justin Jordan, Tony Akins and Aditya Bidikar!

THE DOGSITTER # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

Heel… sit… stay — for a summer rom-com with bark and bite!

Gemma Monroe should be reveling in her ’20s. Instead, she’s on a leave of absence from veterinarian school to save for rising tuition, stacking shifts at a flower shop and juggling her side gig as a dogsitter. Gemma’s favorite canine client — an Akita with an identity crisis — comes with the most demanding dog-mom: Portia Ross, a high-powered executive with deep pockets who sees Gemma as a pet project of her own. It’s delicate, but Gemma knows that getting her life back on track means this customer is always right. And the policy works… until Gemma locks eyes with the charming Neal Mandell, and what starts as a welcome casual fling unleashes a transactional love triangle that could throw her future to the dogs.

Jamie S. Rich and Megan Levens, the veteran romance collaborators behind Ares & Aphrodite and Madame Frankenstein, reunite for a new romp — and a lineup of dog-crazy cover artists joins the pack! All variants for this series will feature the artist’s real-life four-legged friends, beginning with…

THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: STAYING A.I. LIVE # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

The Shaolin Cowboy faces an icy reception when he leaves his wasteland retreat on a mission of mercy, following the considered consul of a desert swallow and a horned toad, both endangered species. But none as endangered as the wandering ex monk becomes, once again because in this typical AMERIGUNN small town he learns euthanASIA is the new import duty on foreign imports!!!

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER # 12

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THE JAW-DROPPING FINAL ISSUE! It all comes together here: green and white, life and death, husbands and wives, fathers and sons, free will and fate, crime and punishment. Beginnings and endings. Why do people do the things they do? Read this issue to find out.

COMICS! THE MAGAZINE # 5

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THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE MONSTERS! MARK SPEARS REVEALS ALL! Mark Spears creates the massive hit series, MONSTERS, and draws in-demand variant covers for titles from DC Comics, The Energon Universe, and Spawn, but WHO is this man? Where did he come from? How did he become the artist he is today? How did he build an independent comic book empire that took the industry by surprise? ALL THIS AND MUCH MORE IN A HORROR-CENTRIC ISSUE OF THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC COMICS MAGAZINE OF ALL TIME!

MINOR ARCANA # 16

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Experience a blast from the past with the beginning of a brand-new arc in Minor Arcana!

Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth) and Letizia Cadonici team up for Part One of The Lovers, sending us back in time to Theresa and Missy’s humble beginnings and the origins of their intense connection.

In the present, Missy leans on Theresa as desperate times call for desperate measures. Can Theresa move on from their past, or will it continue to haunt her?

Jeff Lemire’s poignant story continues with the start of this powerful new arc!

THE MORTAL THOR # 12

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SECRETS AND LIES! Sigurd Jarlson has love, friendship and a human soul. The man called Blake has none of these… but he has the one thing his enemy doesn’t. Donald Blake knows exactly who and what he is… and he’s ready to tell Sigurd everything. Somewhere in the city, a man with a hammer is learning the truth...

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

CAPTAIN AMERICA vol. 1: OUR SECRET WARS TP

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A new era begins here!

Witness the modern retelling of Captain America’s origin and his previously unknown first encounter with Doctor Doom in this foundational text for the current Marvel Universe!

While Captain America slumbered in ice, the world changed — for better and for worse. Steve Rogers awakens to a reality where battles are fought in the shadows through secrets and subterfuge, and villains aren’t so easy to identify. And when a fledgling dictator named Victor Von Doom conquers Latveria, Steve faces a critical decision: adapt to a new kind of warfare, or forge his own path? What will the choice he makes in the past mean for his future? Plus: Who is David Colton, and can Steve trust him to have his back as they infiltrate a hostile country with the new Howling Commandos? Experience the untold tale of Captain America’s first encounter with Doctor Doom as Chip Zdarsky and Valerio Schiti team up for a game-changing run!

Collecting: CAPTAIN AMERICA (2025) #1-5.

GEORGE PÉREZ’S NEW TEEN TITANS: Artist’s Edition HC

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Experience a unique inside look at the stunning artistry from George Perez that went into the creation of one of the most iconic teams in superhero history, the New Teen Titans!

Go behind the scenes of the formation of one of the most iconic teams in comic book history with GEORGE PÉREZ’S NEW TEEN TITANS ARTIST’S EDITION.

Marv Wolfman and George Pérez created a massive hit for DC Comics when The New Teen Titans hit comic shop shelves in 1980. The team of Robin, Starfire, Wonder Girl, Raven, Kid Flash, Cyborg, and Beast Boy stole everyone’s hearts, rivaling even the X-Men for preeminence in the comic market.

This Artist’s Edition of George Pérez’s stunning work will give a unique view into how the teen titans came to be, featuring a large selection of the artist’s original art including beautiful covers and a curated selection of pages from issues #1-40 and more of The New Teen Titans. Plus, a heartfelt introduction by Pérez’s longtime collaborator and New Teen Titans co-creator, Marv Wolfman.

Although appearing to be in black and white, all the art is scanned in color, enabling the reader to see the work as close to the original as possible – ink gradients, blue pencil, and all the unique nuances that make original art so special – are all clearly visible and printed at the same size as drawn.

This is an art book disguised as a comic collection. The only better way to see these pages would be looking over Pérez’s shoulder at his drawing board! 

MOTHER PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER TP

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MOOOO! Lord Momon cries out, ready for her meal. MOOOO! Baby sister cries out, miserable and cold. As a young teen, sweet Miki learns the bizarre truth about her family: for centuries, they have harnessed half-cow, half-human beasts known as “kudan” for their wealth and power. And soon, another shall be born. The hour approaches. Her mother moans in pain as the contractions begin. But all poor Miki can plead is MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER! Published in 1988 at the end of the classic era of horror manga, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is a revolting and zany tour de force by the incomparable Shirakawa Marina. The author’s last published graphic novel, this manga marks the ultimate elaboration of Shirakawa’s creepy, crackpot synthesis of Japanese history, legend, and the occult, as made famous in his cult favorite UFO MUSHROOM INVASION.

Never before reprinted even in Japan, and with an essay about Shirakawa’s mysterious life and career, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is the eighth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line.

JOHN CARPTENTER’S NIGHT TERRORS: CHAPLAIN TP

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An aging and increasingly weary chaplain discovers an ancient, unknowable monster stalking his hospital, forcing him to confront the existential terror of his own mortality. Along with his energetic young protégé, he is pushed to the brink of insanity as his convictions and very grasp on reality begin to unravel.  Violent, surreal, and darkly funny, Chaplain presents a demented journey of psychological anguish and grotesque body horror in stunning psychedelic style. As the sinister presence closes in, the Chaplain must face his deepest buried nightmares or be consumed by them forever.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

THE BLOOD BROTHERS MOTHER HC

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NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL DEBUT from Brian Azzarello and Eduardo Risso-the legendary creative team behind the seminal crime series 100 Bullets!

In the old American West, three children set off across the wild Texas frontier to rescue their mother-kidnapped by ruthless outlaws who gunned down their preacher father. Throughout their journey, they’ll face the harsh elements of an unforgiving landscape, deadly animals hungry for blood, merciless bounty hunters and so much more… all in a relentless quest to rescue their family.

Along the way, they’ll learn the terrible cost of revenge — not just in lives, but in how it stains a soul. While revenge may be satisfying in the moment, it leaves a yearning behind that lasts a lifetime. And once you taste it, nothing else is ever so sweet.

In the tradition of The Searchers and The Outlaw Josey Wales comes a brutal new western series from writer BRIAN AZZARELLO and artist EDUARDO RISSO-the Eisner award-winning team behind the Vertigo crime classic, 100 Bullets and Image Comics, Moonshine!

For fans of 1883, BLOOD MERIDIAN, & THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY.

EXQUISIT CORPSES vol. 3 TP

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Trick-or-treating. Clocking in for your shift at work. Going to the annual Halloween party down at the Pit. For the citizens of Oak Valley, Maine, any one of these activities could spell a gruesome death as twelve of the most dangerous killers in the world turn their sleepy little town into the playing field for a game that will decide the fate of the entire country for years to come.

As the sun begins to rise on the unlucky town chosen as this year’s arena, the last remaining killers gather to determine the winner. But the civilians of Oak Valley have been pushed to their limits, and with nothing left to lose, they’re not going to let the powers-that-be play the game by their rules any longer…

JAMES TYNION IV (THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH) and MICHAEL WALSH (THE SILVER COIN) are joined by TYLER BOSS (YOU’LL DO BAD THINGS), JORDIE BELLAIRE (REDLANDS), CHE GRAYSON (Dark Spaces: Good Deeds), VALENTINE DE LANDRO (BITCH PLANET), MARIANNA IGNAZZI (Catwoman), and GAVIN FULLERTON (THE CLOSET) as they conclude the blood-soaked first season of the groundbreaking horror epic!

Collects EXQUISITE CORPSES #9-13

THE FOUNDRY # 1

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Long before Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. defended the world against supernatural threats of all types, the men and women of the Foundry protected Queen Victoria’s Empire. But the operatives of the Foundry were adventurers and explorers with no time for the paranormal or the occult, only interested in the scientific applications of the artifacts that their expeditions uncovered or what engineering marvels could be devised from ancient discoveries. In The Foundry: In Peril on the Seas, Major Karam Singh and his fellow members of the Foundry go in search of an unknown menace that appears to threaten enemies and allies alike, unsure whether they are in pursuit of some sort of monster or something far worse.

GODZILLA’S MONSTERPIECE THEATRE PRESENTS: ROAR OF THE WORLDS # 1

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The explosive literary mashup series continues — Godzilla is taking on the classics one story at a time!

In this oversize one-shot, comic book legend Kyle Baker joins the fun to help Godzilla defend the planet against invaders from Mars! The War of the Worlds regaled readers with the story of what happened in England when faraway invaders arrived. This comic asks a much more important question… what was going on in Japan? The answer: Martians were getting smashed left and right by the King of the Monsters!

And that’s not all — this issue contains part three of Tom Scioli’s “Robin Hood and the Monster of Nottingham.” 

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Nothing beats the feeling of a fresh return from the slab masters! ⚔️🔥 Extremely hyped to add this Thundarr the Barbarian #1 (2026) to the collection, secured with a pristine 9.8 grade! Huge thanks to @cgccomics for the expert encapsulation and to @DynamiteComics for this incredible variant cover.

#CGC #DynamiteComics #ThundarrTheBarbarian #ComicCollecting #GradedComics #CGCGraded #NewComicDay #ComicBookCommunity #MailCall #Linsner

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 24

Do any of you want to give me $200?

Please, someone give me $200. I want to buy the Steve Ditko Spider-Man Artist’s edition very badly but I cannot justify spending $200 on this. To be honest, I don’t know if I can even justify spending gift money on this. But I very badly want this, and that has to count for something.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

BLÜDWIRE # 1

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Ace and Zora were built for men’s pleasure. Now they’re building a life of their own, one bullet at a time. When sex bot Ace mounts a dangerous rescue mission, she isn’t starting a revolution. She’s trying to save the woman she loves. But Ace and Zora are valuable property, and a corporate kill squad is hot on their trail. Bullets fly. Metal screams. Rivers run red with blood and coolant.

THE EYE COLLECTOR # 1

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In The Eye Collector, an ancient being has its curiosity toward Earth reignited when the humans of the Apollo 10 mission make wishes over the Moon. But what is this spectral creature, and what does it want with our world? Seeing is believing…

MIND MGMT: NEW & IMPROVED # 1

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NEW AGENTS. NEW MISSION. NEW BEGINNING. From New York Times best-selling cartoonist and multiple Eisner Award nominee Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Dept. H), the defining statement on psychic espionage returns with an all-new, entirely self-contained entry point into the genre-bending, Eisner Award–nominated series that Entertainment Weekly calls “one of the most experimental and fascinating books in mainstream comics.”

Ten years ago, the extra-governmental agency known as Mind Management exploded in a barrage of bullets and brain matter. Those that survived have gone underground—forging new lives with unremarkable identities and falsified pasts to obfuscate the strange abilities that once made them highly prized assets in the global war for psychic control. Now, two investigators—Detective Delphi and Detective Swan—have found themselves at the center of an unexpected puzzle. Here: A man poisoned in a coffee shop with a sophisticated neurotoxin. There: A supposed suicide victim run over by a train… with his arms found in a trash can five miles from the tracks. Their connection: Someone is killing former Mind Management agents in improbable and arcane ways… Seemingly impossible crimes committed by a faceless killer capable of evading even the most pervasive digital surveillance. What secret are they killing to protect? Who will be next? Has Mind Management returned? Did it ever go away? You are paranoid… but are you paranoid enough?

SUMMER OF SUPERGIRL SPECIAL # 1

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THE SUMMER BELONGS TO SUPERGIRL! The quiet town of Midvale is shaken to its core when Supergirl finds herself face-to-face with the galactic bounty hunter, Lobo. Can the Maiden of Might stand up to the Main Man? Plus, two bonus stories celebrating Supergirl as she resumes her rightful place as the Heir to El!

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN # 21

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A HARSH REALITY COMES TO LIGHT! Diana’s worst nightmares come to light. The Hieron finds a new host. Barbara faces a harsh reality. Cale loses control.

ESCAPE # 8

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MILTON is alive but only because good men paid the ultimate price. A coded radio transmission offers his first real shot at hope but LIEUTENANT COLONEL KLAUS REINHARDT is on his heels, forcing MILTON to choose between escape and the people who saved him.

ULTIMATE ENDGAME # 5

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THE END OF THE LINE! The universe hangs by a thread as our weary heroes face their final, crushing challenge: the ultimate, cataclysmic showdown with The Maker! Everything they have fought for, everything they believe in, will be tested in this pulse-pounding, oversized final issue. There are no more retreats, no more second chances.

VOID RIVAL # 31

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The Skuxxoid Liberators have formed for one purpose—the downfall of Skuxxoid Alpha, freeing Skuxxoid kind from his tyrannical rule! It’s Skuxxoid vs. Skuxxoid for all the marbles.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY STEVE DITKO: ARTIST’S EDITION HC

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The very first appearance of Spider-Man to some of his most memorable moments, like no one has seen before, from world-renowned co-creator, Steve Ditko!  

 This Artist’s Edition features the web-slinger’s very first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, as well as three more incredible, complete stories: The Amazing Spider-Man #20, #26, and #33 — the latter of which is regarded by many as the apex of Ditko’s finest on Spider-Man!  

Also included are scanned photocopies of Steve Ditko’s rarely seen The Amazing Spider-Man #31 pencil art, scanned art from more than 20 other issues (including covers, splash pages, pin-ups, and panel pages), and more.  

Although appearing to be in black and white, all the art is scanned in color, enabling the reader to see the work as close to the original as possible — ink gradients, blue pencil, and all the unique nuances that make original art so special — are all clearly visible and printed at the same size as drawn.  

MOOMIN ADVENTURES Book Three TP

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The classic comic strip by Tove Jansson and Lars Jansson in a new paperback series!

The Moomins are at it again in this third installment of the series! First, Moominpappa drags the whole family to a haunted lighthouse in “Moomin and the Sea,” to pursue his dream of writing a novel, and later he’s accidentally embroiled in a web of spycraft with his pal Wimsy in “Moominpappa and the Spies.” But the escapades don’t stop there, we follow the family as they contend with a series of gossipy and troublesome unwanted houseguests in “Moomin Winter,” and we see Snorkmaiden travel back in time to revolutionary France, perpetually in search of her prince charming, in “Snorkmaiden Goes Rococo.” Together, these stories offer the perfect balance of cheeky snark and good-natured fun, and the perfect introduction to Moominvalley for new readers of all ages.

The strip’s gentle humor and subtle yet sharp musings on life relay an utterly human existence through the lives of Moomin, Moominmamma, Moominpappa, Snufkin, Little My, Snork Maiden, and more.

X-MEN: ELSEWHEN vol. 1 HC

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Legendary comic book creator John Byrne returns to the title he first drew 50 years ago, Uncanny X-Men, with this one-of-a-kind new graphic novel series, X-Men: Elsewhen. This three-volume graphic novel series picks up the story from Byrne’s original run, taking the characters in new and unexpected directions

In Volume 1 of X-Men: Elsewhen, the Dark Phoenix Saga is over and Phoenix is… alive?!

Diverging from the epic finale of the original storyline from 1984, X-Men: Elsewhen presents a universe where Jean Grey’s powers and intellect have been greatly reduced, and from there, everything you thought you know about the X-Men is forever changed.

John Byrne’s monumental return to the X-Men heads in entirely new and surprising directions, as the X-Men head back to the Savage Land, face their climactic adventure with the Sentinels, and contend with special guest–stars such as the Avengers and the Fantastic Four along the way.

X-Men: Elsewhen is a three-volume graphic novel series in the Marvel Arts line that sees the return of acclaimed X-Men artist Byrne decades after his last work on the series. Byrne has written and penciled every page and inked multiple chapters, all of which pick up the story from where his first go–round ended, taking this beloved lineup of characters — and his fans — in exciting new directions.

ZDARSKY COMIC NEWS: EIGHTEEN MONTHS I CAN’T GET BACK TP

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Finally! All eighteen issues of the award-losing free magazine collected in a non-free format! Featuring funny stuff and interviews with comic creators like SCOTT SNYDER, GAIL SIMONE, DENIZ CAMP, JAMES TYNION IV, BRIAN K. VAUGHAN, TINI HOWARD, EVE EWING and more! I swear, this will be the only time I print this thing and it will be “to-order,” so if you want any, now’s the time! Also, it’s a COMIC SHOP EXCLUSIVE! I love you, comic shops. -Chip (Zdarsky)

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

CARMEN RED CLAW: BELLY OF THE BEAST HC

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A descendant of El Bogavante fights chupacabras, gangsters, and more in this Wild West paranormal adventure!

Supernatural gun-for-hire and shape-shifting descendent of the notorious El Bogavante, Carmen Red Claw faces a new type of monster when investigating supposedly cursed ranch land. Something is killing the cattle at ranches all over the area, and along the way she’ll have to battle chupacabras, chase a runaway train, and deal with family drama to boot. But Carmen must find out if it’s really a beast to blame for the killings—or if humans are the real monsters here.

Writer/artist Rae Allen (The Manderfield Devil, Town with a Million Eyes) joins the Hellboy universe in this paranormal western adventure set in 1870s New Mexico territory!

Collects Carmen Red Claw: Belly of the Beast #1–#4 and bonus sketchbook material.

GASTRONOMIQUE # 1

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You’ll want to take a bite out of NYT-bestselling writer Marguerite Bennett’s all-new erotic body horror and historical thriller, with sensual and stomach-turning art from Eisner-nominated illustrator Helena Masellis!

Tarrare the cannibal may be compelled to eat, but Lady Charlotte (codename: The Python) is a cold-blooded spy compelled to hunt. A visceral game of cat-and-mouse begins as Lady Charlotte hunts down the elusive cannibal stalking the streets of France during the revolution, and she’ll stop at nothing to pursue her prey! Lady Charlotte’s quest for revenge is aided by her former lover Zélie, and together they explore the seedy underbelly of Paris and each other in a hypnotic fever dream.

Prepare to swoon over industry veteran and GLAAD-nominated writer Marguerite Bennett (ODIN, Bombshells, Batwoman)’s blood-lusty tale bursting at the seams with vengeance, unbridled sexuality, and most importantly, horror! After all, there’s nothing scarier than a woman’s voracious appetite.

THE LUCKY DEVILS HC

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THE NEXT ERA OF MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN, STARTS NOW!

MILES MORALES IS BACK IN THE RED AND BLACK! SPIDER-MAN thinks he has it allllll handled: homework, super villains…a new school crush? No, no – Miles is focused on what matters: helping the good folks of Brooklyn. Friendly. Neighborhood. Spider-Manning at his best! But a vengeful villain from Jeff Morales’ past with S.H.I.E.L.D. threatens to destroy not only Spider-Man – but the entire Morales family!

Superstars Bryan Hill (ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER) and Nico Leon (PSYLOCKE) join cover artist and Marvel Stormbreaker Simone Di Meo for this next great Miles Morales adventure!

OUR SOOT STAINED HEART TP

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From the minds of debut writer Joni Hägg and superstar artist Stipan Morian (20th Century Men), with colorist Rope Mann and Eisner-winning letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, comes the most thrilling steampunk adventure of the winter.

The Coalition is a city of wonder in the deep north, but it is ruled by the cruel Governor Glass and his factory lords. Coal is the lifeline of the city, and for honest workers like young Peggy Stones, life can be hard because of the nefarious quota. To get extra coal at the end of the year, you must be bad, every day! Peggy’s life is thrown into chaos when she is imprisoned and sent into exile, which begins a harrowing journey to the ends of the world to find answers that could change the world!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 24

Do any of you want to give me $200?

Please, someone give me $200. I want to buy the Steve Ditko Spider-Man Artist’s edition very badly but I cannot justify spending $200 on this. To be honest, I don’t know if I can even justify spending gift money on this. But I very badly want this, and that has to count for something.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

BLÜDWIRE # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

Ace and Zora were built for men’s pleasure. Now they’re building a life of their own, one bullet at a time. When sex bot Ace mounts a dangerous rescue mission, she isn’t starting a revolution. She’s trying to save the woman she loves. But Ace and Zora are valuable property, and a corporate kill squad is hot on their trail. Bullets fly. Metal screams. Rivers run red with blood and coolant.

THE EYE COLLECTOR # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

In The Eye Collector, an ancient being has its curiosity toward Earth reignited when the humans of the Apollo 10 mission make wishes over the Moon. But what is this spectral creature, and what does it want with our world? Seeing is believing…

MIND MGMT: NEW & IMPROVED # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

NEW AGENTS. NEW MISSION. NEW BEGINNING. From New York Times best-selling cartoonist and multiple Eisner Award nominee Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Dept. H), the defining statement on psychic espionage returns with an all-new, entirely self-contained entry point into the genre-bending, Eisner Award–nominated series that Entertainment Weekly calls “one of the most experimental and fascinating books in mainstream comics.”

Ten years ago, the extra-governmental agency known as Mind Management exploded in a barrage of bullets and brain matter. Those that survived have gone underground—forging new lives with unremarkable identities and falsified pasts to obfuscate the strange abilities that once made them highly prized assets in the global war for psychic control. Now, two investigators—Detective Delphi and Detective Swan—have found themselves at the center of an unexpected puzzle. Here: A man poisoned in a coffee shop with a sophisticated neurotoxin. There: A supposed suicide victim run over by a train… with his arms found in a trash can five miles from the tracks. Their connection: Someone is killing former Mind Management agents in improbable and arcane ways… Seemingly impossible crimes committed by a faceless killer capable of evading even the most pervasive digital surveillance. What secret are they killing to protect? Who will be next? Has Mind Management returned? Did it ever go away? You are paranoid… but are you paranoid enough?

SUMMER OF SUPERGIRL SPECIAL # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

THE SUMMER BELONGS TO SUPERGIRL! The quiet town of Midvale is shaken to its core when Supergirl finds herself face-to-face with the galactic bounty hunter, Lobo. Can the Maiden of Might stand up to the Main Man? Plus, two bonus stories celebrating Supergirl as she resumes her rightful place as the Heir to El!

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN # 21

SOLICIT COPY:

A HARSH REALITY COMES TO LIGHT! Diana’s worst nightmares come to light. The Hieron finds a new host. Barbara faces a harsh reality. Cale loses control.

ESCAPE # 8

SOLICIT COPY:

MILTON is alive but only because good men paid the ultimate price. A coded radio transmission offers his first real shot at hope but LIEUTENANT COLONEL KLAUS REINHARDT is on his heels, forcing MILTON to choose between escape and the people who saved him.

ULTIMATE ENDGAME # 5

SOLICIT COPY:

THE END OF THE LINE! The universe hangs by a thread as our weary heroes face their final, crushing challenge: the ultimate, cataclysmic showdown with The Maker! Everything they have fought for, everything they believe in, will be tested in this pulse-pounding, oversized final issue. There are no more retreats, no more second chances.

VOID RIVAL # 31

SOLICIT COPY:

The Skuxxoid Liberators have formed for one purpose—the downfall of Skuxxoid Alpha, freeing Skuxxoid kind from his tyrannical rule! It’s Skuxxoid vs. Skuxxoid for all the marbles.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY STEVE DITKO: ARTIST’S EDITION HC

SOLICIT COPY:

The very first appearance of Spider-Man to some of his most memorable moments, like no one has seen before, from world-renowned co-creator, Steve Ditko!  

 This Artist’s Edition features the web-slinger’s very first appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15, as well as three more incredible, complete stories: The Amazing Spider-Man #20, #26, and #33 — the latter of which is regarded by many as the apex of Ditko’s finest on Spider-Man!  

Also included are scanned photocopies of Steve Ditko’s rarely seen The Amazing Spider-Man #31 pencil art, scanned art from more than 20 other issues (including covers, splash pages, pin-ups, and panel pages), and more.  

Although appearing to be in black and white, all the art is scanned in color, enabling the reader to see the work as close to the original as possible — ink gradients, blue pencil, and all the unique nuances that make original art so special — are all clearly visible and printed at the same size as drawn.  

MOOMIN ADVENTURES Book Three TP

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The classic comic strip by Tove Jansson and Lars Jansson in a new paperback series!

The Moomins are at it again in this third installment of the series! First, Moominpappa drags the whole family to a haunted lighthouse in “Moomin and the Sea,” to pursue his dream of writing a novel, and later he’s accidentally embroiled in a web of spycraft with his pal Wimsy in “Moominpappa and the Spies.” But the escapades don’t stop there, we follow the family as they contend with a series of gossipy and troublesome unwanted houseguests in “Moomin Winter,” and we see Snorkmaiden travel back in time to revolutionary France, perpetually in search of her prince charming, in “Snorkmaiden Goes Rococo.” Together, these stories offer the perfect balance of cheeky snark and good-natured fun, and the perfect introduction to Moominvalley for new readers of all ages.

The strip’s gentle humor and subtle yet sharp musings on life relay an utterly human existence through the lives of Moomin, Moominmamma, Moominpappa, Snufkin, Little My, Snork Maiden, and more.

X-MEN: ELSEWHEN vol. 1 HC

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Legendary comic book creator John Byrne returns to the title he first drew 50 years ago, Uncanny X-Men, with this one-of-a-kind new graphic novel series, X-Men: Elsewhen. This three-volume graphic novel series picks up the story from Byrne’s original run, taking the characters in new and unexpected directions

In Volume 1 of X-Men: Elsewhen, the Dark Phoenix Saga is over and Phoenix is… alive?!

Diverging from the epic finale of the original storyline from 1984, X-Men: Elsewhen presents a universe where Jean Grey’s powers and intellect have been greatly reduced, and from there, everything you thought you know about the X-Men is forever changed.

John Byrne’s monumental return to the X-Men heads in entirely new and surprising directions, as the X-Men head back to the Savage Land, face their climactic adventure with the Sentinels, and contend with special guest–stars such as the Avengers and the Fantastic Four along the way.

X-Men: Elsewhen is a three-volume graphic novel series in the Marvel Arts line that sees the return of acclaimed X-Men artist Byrne decades after his last work on the series. Byrne has written and penciled every page and inked multiple chapters, all of which pick up the story from where his first go–round ended, taking this beloved lineup of characters — and his fans — in exciting new directions.

ZDARSKY COMIC NEWS: EIGHTEEN MONTHS I CAN’T GET BACK TP

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Finally! All eighteen issues of the award-losing free magazine collected in a non-free format! Featuring funny stuff and interviews with comic creators like SCOTT SNYDER, GAIL SIMONE, DENIZ CAMP, JAMES TYNION IV, BRIAN K. VAUGHAN, TINI HOWARD, EVE EWING and more! I swear, this will be the only time I print this thing and it will be “to-order,” so if you want any, now’s the time! Also, it’s a COMIC SHOP EXCLUSIVE! I love you, comic shops. -Chip (Zdarsky)

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

CARMEN RED CLAW: BELLY OF THE BEAST HC

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A descendant of El Bogavante fights chupacabras, gangsters, and more in this Wild West paranormal adventure!

Supernatural gun-for-hire and shape-shifting descendent of the notorious El Bogavante, Carmen Red Claw faces a new type of monster when investigating supposedly cursed ranch land. Something is killing the cattle at ranches all over the area, and along the way she’ll have to battle chupacabras, chase a runaway train, and deal with family drama to boot. But Carmen must find out if it’s really a beast to blame for the killings—or if humans are the real monsters here.

Writer/artist Rae Allen (The Manderfield Devil, Town with a Million Eyes) joins the Hellboy universe in this paranormal western adventure set in 1870s New Mexico territory!

Collects Carmen Red Claw: Belly of the Beast #1–#4 and bonus sketchbook material.

GASTRONOMIQUE # 1

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You’ll want to take a bite out of NYT-bestselling writer Marguerite Bennett’s all-new erotic body horror and historical thriller, with sensual and stomach-turning art from Eisner-nominated illustrator Helena Masellis!

Tarrare the cannibal may be compelled to eat, but Lady Charlotte (codename: The Python) is a cold-blooded spy compelled to hunt. A visceral game of cat-and-mouse begins as Lady Charlotte hunts down the elusive cannibal stalking the streets of France during the revolution, and she’ll stop at nothing to pursue her prey! Lady Charlotte’s quest for revenge is aided by her former lover Zélie, and together they explore the seedy underbelly of Paris and each other in a hypnotic fever dream.

Prepare to swoon over industry veteran and GLAAD-nominated writer Marguerite Bennett (ODIN, Bombshells, Batwoman)’s blood-lusty tale bursting at the seams with vengeance, unbridled sexuality, and most importantly, horror! After all, there’s nothing scarier than a woman’s voracious appetite.

THE LUCKY DEVILS HC

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THE NEXT ERA OF MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN, STARTS NOW!

MILES MORALES IS BACK IN THE RED AND BLACK! SPIDER-MAN thinks he has it allllll handled: homework, super villains…a new school crush? No, no – Miles is focused on what matters: helping the good folks of Brooklyn. Friendly. Neighborhood. Spider-Manning at his best! But a vengeful villain from Jeff Morales’ past with S.H.I.E.L.D. threatens to destroy not only Spider-Man – but the entire Morales family!

Superstars Bryan Hill (ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER) and Nico Leon (PSYLOCKE) join cover artist and Marvel Stormbreaker Simone Di Meo for this next great Miles Morales adventure!

OUR SOOT STAINED HEART TP

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From the minds of debut writer Joni Hägg and superstar artist Stipan Morian (20th Century Men), with colorist Rope Mann and Eisner-winning letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, comes the most thrilling steampunk adventure of the winter.

The Coalition is a city of wonder in the deep north, but it is ruled by the cruel Governor Glass and his factory lords. Coal is the lifeline of the city, and for honest workers like young Peggy Stones, life can be hard because of the nefarious quota. To get extra coal at the end of the year, you must be bad, every day! Peggy’s life is thrown into chaos when she is imprisoned and sent into exile, which begins a harrowing journey to the ends of the world to find answers that could change the world!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 17

Comics for all sorts

Did you first get in to comics in the ’80s, ’90s, or ’00s and want the return of classic series from then? We’ve got that. We also have new and interesting ideas unlike anything that has come before and remixes of your favorite characters. Comics, have something for almost everyone.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

CONCRETE: STARS OVER SAND # 1

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The Eisner, Harvey and Reuben Award-winning Concrete is back with a 5-part story of amnesia, wilderness, and suspense.

Concrete has entered the desert and not come back. Larry and Maureen are frantic. Reports come that he is wandering the nearby arid mountains, covered with blood, attacking people. Concrete, lightning-struck, confused, roams a frightening world he can’t understand. Roars tear across the sky. A strange globe rises. His body is sheathed in stone. He thinks he is being hunted. People are a threat.

His journey back to life, and his friends’ dire search against a looming deadline, is as strange and tense as any Concrete story ever told.

HELLBOY IN LOVE: OBSIDIAN # 1

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Anastasia is called to Crete when an excavation team unearths a tomb with striking similarities to the engraved skull stolen from her by a witch in India. The trail for proof of the mysterious Suaren Artea society may not have gone as cold as she thought, but danger still lurks behind every turn.

THE PHANTOM VS. THE RED DRAGONS # 1

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THE PHANTOM MUST DIE!

But how do you kill a Ghost? The Red Dragons are gonna try—and anyone who gets in the way is just collateral damage! When someone in The Phantom’s familiar cowl starts sinking the Dragons’ pirate operations, Princess Sin goes on the warpath. The South China Sea belongs to the Red Dragons—and they’re not afraid of one man in a mask. Not yet. Another thrilling installment in Ray Fawkes’ action-packed adventure with guest artist Lynne Yoshii!

SPIDER-MAN: LONG WAY HOME # 1

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A DARK HOMECOMING AWAITS…

It’s a world before the Punisher. A world where the existence of the Hulk is but a whisper of a rumor. A world where A.I.M. has just developed a Cosmic Cube in the jungles of South America. Frank Castle, Bruce Banner and Peter Parker are all on a mission to keep the Cube out of the wrong hands — including each other’s. In this three-way free-for-all for the power of the cosmos, who will come out on top?

Legendary creators Jonathan Hickman and Adam Kubert team up to tell the grittiest Spider-Man story of the ages!

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE BATMAN # 21

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SCARECROW’S REIGN OF TERROR CONTINUES! Friends become enemies. Enemies become friends. Final forms are revealed, and Scarecrow’s reign of terror threatens to upend everything.

G.I. JOE # 23

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WHO IS RISK? The secret origin of G.I. JOE’s most unpredictable member revealed! And what will happen when DESTRO and BARONESS meet again?

LOBO # 4

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A BLONDE, A BOUNTY HUNTER, AND A BIG DAWG WALK INTO A BAR… It’s the crossover we planned before you could demand it! Kara Zor-El and Lobo Lo-Bo finally meet again, and this date is going to be one for the record, boo — yeah, we said date, prove us wrong! We’re hearing that the solicit text for the Summer of Supergirl Special proves us wrong… Well, who are you going to believe? Right, yeah, that makes sense… But whose story is going to be more fun? The same story, told two ways? Rushamon to your local comic store, and order them both now!

ODIN # 2

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Robert gave up being Roberto to fit in with his Nazi punk friends. Now those same friends have dragged him to the frozen forests of Norway to summon a “god.” And he may have to give up much, much more before they’re through with him…

The twisted team of JAMES TYNION IV (EXQUISITE CORPSES), MARGUERITE BENNETT (WITCHBLADE), LETIZIA CADONICI (House of Slaughter), and JORDIE BELLAIRE (REDLANDS) continues the most jaw-dropping horror series of the year!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE ART OF STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE – THE MANGA vol. 1 HC

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The first of two volumes collecting the precisely recreated original art from the 1997 manga adaptation of Star Wars: A New Hope, with a new translation taken directly from the lettering on the boards.

In 1977, the world was changed by the release of George Lucas’s seminal science-fantasy epic. Fascinating characters, groundbreaking special effects, and breathtaking action affected audiences in ways that movies never had before and seldom have since.

Twenty years later, renowned manga creator Hisao Tamaki adapted the films in his own singular style that allowed legions of Star Wars fans to enjoy their favorite story in an exciting new way. Now, Dark Horse has unearthed and meticulously reassembled Tamaki-sensei’s original art boards to chronicle and showcase the creation of a unique artifact of popular culture.

The Art of Star Wars: A New Hope — The Manga, Volume 1 collects high-resolution reproductions of Hisao Tamaki’s original, unaltered art. The work is accompanied by an all-new translation of the authentic Japanese lettering, which itself was inspired by the alternate language dub that has been enjoyed by Japanese-speaking audiences for generations. Also included is an in-depth interview with writer and artist Hisao Tamaki.

This volume offers fans an opportunity to revisit the classic adventure through new eyes and in a fresh voice. Join Dark Horse and Lucasfilm to explore the creative journey of a novel view of a galaxy far, far away.

MOTHER PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER TP

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MOOOO! Lord Momon cries out, ready for her meal. MOOOO! Baby sister cries out, miserable and cold. As a young teen, sweet Miki learns the bizarre truth about her family: for centuries, they have harnessed half-cow, half-human beasts known as “kudan” for their wealth and power. And soon, another shall be born. The hour approaches. Her mother moans in pain as the contractions begin. But all poor Miki can plead is MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER! Published in 1988 at the end of the classic era of horror manga, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is a revolting and zany tour de force by the incomparable Shirakawa Marina. The author’s last published graphic novel, this manga marks the ultimate elaboration of Shirakawa’s creepy, crackpot synthesis of Japanese history, legend, and the occult, as made famous in his cult favorite UFO MUSHROOM INVASION.

Never before reprinted even in Japan, and with an essay about Shirakawa’s mysterious life and career, MOTHER, PLEASE DON’T GIVE BIRTH TO A MONSTER is the eighth volume of Smudge, a line of vintage horror and dark fantasy manga curated by award-winning historian Ryan Holmberg and published by Living the Line.

NANCY FOR ALL SEASONS TP

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Our second volume in a new series collecting Ernie Bushmiller’s timeless and beloved Nancy! Who’s lit now, Sluggo?

Nancy is an American icon. She’s timeless. She’s a meme. The world-famous artist Andy Warhol once painted her portrait. She’s been on a postage stamp. To this day, when you look up “comic strip” in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, it shows a Nancy comic by Bushmiller! As another famous cartoonist once put it, “It’s easier to read a Nancy comic than it is to not read one.”

Nancy, along with on-and-off again boyfriend Sluggo, deliver absurd laughs panel after panel, all rendered in Bushmiller’s chiseled cartoon perfection that feels untethered to time or place. An acknowledged masterpiece of humor and cartooning, Nancy’s brand of lowbrow absurdism and unexpected visual delights have held sway over generations of early readers, artists and celebrities, to say nothing of its impact on American culture as a whole! Bushmiller created Nancy from 1938 to 1982, and in recent years, interest in his work has surged to a fever pitch.

Jam-packed with over 300 comic strips from the years 1951–1952, Nancy For All Seasons features a fresh and contemporary new design that will entertain all ages.

SANFORD GREENE’S 1000 HC/TP

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From the Eisner winning creators of Bitter Root. Set in a modern world of aliens, warlocks, zombies, and ancient beasts, 1000 follows Dragon Son – a supreme entity who’s abandoned all creation as he struggles to return to his true Dragon form by completing one thousand acts of repentance. Son is joined by five other agents who are charged with secretly policing the world and keeping civilization from crumbling completely.

1000 first premiered as a webcomic and won the 2018 Ringo Award for Best Webcomic. This deluxe edition collects the entire run of the webcomic with additional behind the scenes content.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ACROSS THE WILDEST SEA TP

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A story about how entering adulthood can feel like being lost at sea.

Abandoned in the middle of the ocean by her parents to learn to fend for herself, Léonie must find dry land. She meets Balthazar, a teenager whose canoe is taking on water, and Agathe, who lets herself be carried by the current and no longer has any hope of landing. They join forces to find a shore. A metaphorical story about the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

BADROCK # 1

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THE YOUNGBLOOD FAVORITE GETS HIS OWN SOLO SPINOFF SERIES. The youngest and most dynamic member of the world’s greatest super squad blasts off in his own solo spotlight! When Badrock’s mom is abducted, he is forced to submit to the demands of her mysterious abductors.

THE LUCKY DEVILS HC

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A dark, hilarious satire about the struggle to do good in a world that makes it so easy to be bad, The Lucky Devils is an examination of everything that makes humanity both grand and terrible from two of comics’ most unique storytellers.

The Lucky Devils is a tale of two ordinary, good-hearted, 20-something Chicagoans who begin working with the devils on their shoulders in an attempt to fix their broken lives. It works beyond their wildest dreams, and in time they become two of the most powerful people on earth. While they fully intend to use that influence to make the world a better place, we all know what they say about the road to Hell…

For fans of their previous bestselling collaborations like Curse Words and Eight Billion Genies, stories like Lucifer or The Good Place, or tales where ordinary people’s lives intersect with the supernatural — this new series is sure to delight readers looking for a fantastical new read.

Collects issues #1-9.

NANO # 1

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Sana is a bad-ass operative of the underground organization The Order. She and her longtime comrade, Lukas, have been assigned to Nano, a mega-city run on prison labor and roiling from blackouts. While Lukas is tasked with infiltrating Nanocorp’s secretive research facility, Sana’s mission is something she’s never trained for: playing the doting wife of Lukas’s cover. In her guise as a middle school P.E. teacher, she’s forced to cool her jets and teach 8th graders stretching, while Lukas puts himself in danger. But when the signs are unmistakable and Lukas’s mission is clearly going sideways, Sana can no longer sit on the bench.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 10

New to comics? It’s a great time to start!

This has to be one of the best new comic reader friendly weeks of all time. The Absolute and Energon universes are debuting new titles from interesting teams. Marvel’s summer event kicks off. Indie darlings are debuting new series. No matter the flavor of comics you prefer, there is something new and interesting for you out this week.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN # 1

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WITH ALL THE WEALTH… WITH ALL THE GEAR… WITH ALL THE SKILLS, SHE IS THE ABSOLUTE APEX PREDATOR!

Selina Kyle has carved a good life for herself. Through her ingenuity and skills, she’s become the greatest thief the world has ever known. With high-tech gear and weaponry, there’s no place too secure for Catwoman. Selina has built this life for herself and thoroughly escaped Gotham. But when someone from her past comes knocking at her door, Selina’s life comes crashing down around here. She’ll need to get to the bottom of a mystery taking her all around the globe! Written by Che Grayson and Scott Snyder with art by Bengal, Catwoman bursts onto the scene in the Absolute Universe!

AVENGERS: ARMAGEDDON # 1

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ARMAGEDDON HAS ARRIVED!

Red Hulk’s devastating tear across the globe must be stopped… but it will take a colossal gathering of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to do it! Calling in the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Wolverine and more… but who will survive this super-powered cataclysm?!

There will be a pre-Armageddon Marvel Universe and a post-Armageddon Marvel Universe. Be here to bear witness to the transformation.

LEGACY #803

M.A.S.K. # 1

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NEW SERIES THE NEXT PHASE OF THE ENERGON UNIVERSE STARTS HERE!

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. — a network of specialists recruited to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles — and their drivers — into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission?

Powerhouse creators DAN WATTERS and PYE PARR launch the most anticipated new series of the year, where anyone — and everyone — in the Energon Universe must join the fight for humanity’s survival.

SKATE ALI # 1

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Welcome to near-future Los Angeles—a neon-scorched city where skateboarding has been ruthlessly outlawed. But nothing stops Skate Ali.

By day, she’s just another student dodging detention. By night, she’s a rebel on wheels, an enigmatic loner defying the law on the Los Angeles streets.

But when Ali slams headfirst into the infamous world of underground skateboarding, she comes face to face with a crew of outcast skaters called the LA Skull Clan, and their masked leader, Skull Queen 9. Fueled by a magical force called the Rush, the clan pulls off explosive moves and defiant acts of resistance.

Faced with the opportunity to level up her game, but afraid of actually being perceived by others, Ali must decide: will she play it safe, or kickflip straight into a revolution?

ONGOING SERIES

BLEEDING HEARTS # 5

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EVEN ZOMBIE FRIENDSHIPS CAN BE TESTED! Can an unwitting act still count as betrayal? Poke and Mush’s friendship is at its breaking point, but can you fault someone for indulging their natural instincts? With Poke’s secret becoming increasingly hard to keep, it may end up being a question he must answer in front of his entire horde, in their most sacred of spaces… a shopping mall!

KAYA # 35

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The Mutant Duke Borgo attempts to awaken the slumbering Dragon-God, Jin confronts the reality of Razel’s plan, and Kaya befriends new members of the circus troop she rides with.

THE MORTAL THOR # 11

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HORNS OF THE MINOTAUR! Dario Agger doesn’t remember the Gods of Asgard. He doesn’t remember what it is about Sigurd Jarlson that… irritates him. But when Dario Agger is irritated — with a man or a god — he has a very simple solution. Murder. Somewhere in the city, a man with a hammer has nowhere to go but down…

LEGACY #797

SUPERGIRL # 14

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THE SEARCH FOR SUPERGIRL! Nothing can stop Black Flame as she continues to amass power in Kandor. Meanwhile, Lena Luthor searches for Supergirl before it’s too late for the bottled city. Will Lena’s new invention be the key to turning the tide of the battle? Can Kara learn the secrets of the S-Matrix before they’re all found by Black Flame?!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN vol. 2 Soujourner HC / SC

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THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE BREAKOUT ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE HIT!

How far out is the world that’s coming? From across the depths of space, the Blackstars are turning their attention to Earth…and only Tomar-Re stands in their way. Jo Mullein’s life will never be the same. She survived judgment, but she’s still grappling with strange new powers, and her friend Hal Jordan is comatose. Meanwhile, Agents Simon Baz and Kari Limbo are getting closer to the mysteries of Evergreen, and so are Hector Hammond and his top assassin—the man called Nemesis! Discover the next challenge for the Absolute Universe’s newest Lanterns.

Collects Absolute Green Lantern #7-12.

AOASHI Omnibus vol. 1 TP

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The hit Crunchyroll anime series finally adapted into English!

Follow the journey of Ashito Aoi as he sets his sights on turning pro in the cutthroat world of youth soccer.

Volume 1 of the Aoashi Omnibus from Titan Manga collects and translates Volumes 1-3 of the original award-winning Japanese manga series.

To the world stage! Glory and ambition lie ahead of young Ashito Aoi as he takes the first steps to becoming a pro soccer player. But after being catapulted into a new harsh environment, can he hold onto his spider’s thread and climb his way to the top?

A fateful encounter on Futami Beach in Ehime, Japan leads to the meeting between Fukuda Tatsuya; once a rising star and a player on the cusp of greatness whose career ended all too soon, and Aoi Ashito; a brash and hot-headed striker who loves soccer despite his selfish tendencies.

After being selected to try out for the Tokyo City Esperion Youth club, Ashito Aoi stakes his future on the chance to create a better life for his single mother and older brother, all while realizing his own shortcomings and dealing with the highly competitive world of J-Youth Soccer.

With a mix of competitive high school soccer and a true-to-life representation of soccer and youth academies, Aoashi volume 1 starts the journey of the award-winning manga series.

BETAS TP

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Roommates Xavier, Doug, and Tim are just regular guys trying to make it on the dating scene. Meeting women isn’t easy, they might even call it impossible! Changing social mores, dating apps, and good old-fashioned shyness cause misstep after misstep. Recent mixed signals at the restaurant all three work at cause a cascading series of rules and regulations, putting everyone on edge. Some people adapt, others dig their heels in fleshing out a hilarious comedy about modern communication where bad faith arguments and self-serving directives clash leading to HR reprimands and ever-expanding apologies. As friends and co-workers struggle to connect under these conditions, some become lovers while others become mortal enemies. In Betas, Nick Maandag lampoons popular ideas around free speech, consent, and scold culture all while asking: can ever learn to talk to one another? And can we ever feel safe?

ORPHAN AND THE FIVE BEASTS: BATH OF BLOOD TP

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The returning kung-fu epic graphic novel from James Stokoe, the creator behind Orc Stain and Aliens: Dead Orbit!

Orphan Mo is back!

After having dispatched two of the five Beasts tasked to her by her late master, the hunt begins for the third. But Mo isn’t the only one following the trail, as a whole new cast of eccentric and dangerous players arrive to join the fray.

Collects Orphan and the Five Beasts: Bath of Blood #1–#4.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ABSOLUTE BATMAN vol. 3: THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP HC / SC

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Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman continues to gain momentum, as The Joker, Poison Ivy, and the Court of Owls join the New York Times bestselling series!

Batman won his explosive battle with Bane, but his friends will never be the same—and he might not be able to help them, even if he crosses worlds and enlists the help of a god to do it.

Meanwhile, another of Ark M’s residents will be unleashed on Gotham. And the biggest question of all still remains…what is the true identity of the man behind everything? Legendary artist Jock reunites with writer Scott Snyder to tell one version of the story Alfred’s been chasing for years, and a one-shot explores the origins of Ark M!

Volume 3 collects the Absolute Batman 2025 Annual, Absolute Batman: Ark M, and Absolute Batman #15-18.

EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY # 1

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THE COTTON-TAILED EXQUISITE CORPSES KILLER GETS A SPINOFF ORIGIN STORY.

The sleepy little town of Aurora Springs, NY, has exactly one claim to fame: it’s the birthplace of Rascal Randy. Not the man in the suit — the man has never mattered. He was no one until he put the mascot head on for the first time, until he felt the life leave someone’s body through the thickly furred gloves of the suit.

No, Aurora Springs is the birthplace of Rascal Randy the rabbit, who, once upon a time, was poised to become the greatest animated character this country had ever seen — until greed and tragedy changed his trajectory forever.

Now, before the events of EXQUISITE CORPSES SEASON 1, witness the final murder spree of this iconic killer, as chaos hops into town with buckteeth bared and ears flopping… and the secret, sordid history of Rascal Randy is finally revealed.

FML TP

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From the Eisner award-winning creators who brought you Captain Marvel, Bitch Planet, and Wonder Woman: Historia comes this genre-busting, apocalyptic odyssey about a group of metal kids who face a medley of bizarre foes and encounters in Portland, Oregon during a worldwide pandemic.

Riley is a teen that sketches out his heavy metal future with a ballpoint pen between monster movies and band practice. But musical stardom needs to compete with high school, the temper of a former Riot Grrrl mother, the morbid obsessions of a goth sister, and the eccentricities of bandmates that threaten to drive him and everyone around him insane.

The balance gets harder after a ritual during a party in Portland’s Forest Park causes him to wake up one day to discover that the creatures, witchcraft, and metal world he’s obsessed with may be a bit closer to home than he preferred.

Collects FML #1–#8 and includes bonus concept material.

THE PATRON # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

All the great artists have one thing in common…they’re dead.

A true patron of the fine arts, Mr. Cherish has dedicated his life to scouting and supporting emerging artists, launching countless unknowns from obscurity into industry superstardom. Unfortunately for these young artists, the secret to Cherish’s success is their untimely demise. Nothing makes a work of art more desirable and valuable to collectors than the passing of its creator, and Cherish has refined his ability to orchestrate spectacular tragedies without leaving a trace…before selling his dead protégés’ oeuvres for massive profits. Painter Matty Barnes is primed to become Cherish’s next “hit”—but when the script is flipped on this latest murder, a posthumous twist calls the artist’s fate and legacy into question putting the patron’s empire in the dueling crosshairs of law enforcement and a merciless third-party connoisseur.

Writer Christian Ward (Batman: City of Madness, Event Horizon) and artist John J. Pearson (The Department of Truth, The Infernals) put their own life’s work on the page in a highbrow thriller at the bloody intersection of art and commerce! Both creators will contribute a full series of variant covers, alongside a special incentive cover on #1 by Eisner Award-winning artist Anand RK (Deicidium, The Beauty).  

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 10

New to comics? It’s a great time to start!

This has to be one of the best new comic reader friendly weeks of all time. The Absolute and Energon universes are debuting new titles from interesting teams. Marvel’s summer event kicks off. Indie darlings are debuting new series. No matter the flavor of comics you prefer, there is something new and interesting for you out this week.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

WITH ALL THE WEALTH… WITH ALL THE GEAR… WITH ALL THE SKILLS, SHE IS THE ABSOLUTE APEX PREDATOR!

Selina Kyle has carved a good life for herself. Through her ingenuity and skills, she’s become the greatest thief the world has ever known. With high-tech gear and weaponry, there’s no place too secure for Catwoman. Selina has built this life for herself and thoroughly escaped Gotham. But when someone from her past comes knocking at her door, Selina’s life comes crashing down around here. She’ll need to get to the bottom of a mystery taking her all around the globe! Written by Che Grayson and Scott Snyder with art by Bengal, Catwoman bursts onto the scene in the Absolute Universe!

AVENGERS: ARMAGEDDON # 1

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ARMAGEDDON HAS ARRIVED!

Red Hulk’s devastating tear across the globe must be stopped… but it will take a colossal gathering of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to do it! Calling in the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, Wolverine and more… but who will survive this super-powered cataclysm?!

There will be a pre-Armageddon Marvel Universe and a post-Armageddon Marvel Universe. Be here to bear witness to the transformation.

LEGACY #803

M.A.S.K. # 1

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NEW SERIES THE NEXT PHASE OF THE ENERGON UNIVERSE STARTS HERE!

The world is becoming a terrifying place. Matt Trakker needs your help saving it. Enter M.A.S.K. — a network of specialists recruited to respond to the next global emergency. At a moment’s notice, Trakker and his agents can deploy bleeding-edge technology that converts their vehicles — and their drivers — into the ultimate weapon. But Miles Mayhem and V.E.N.O.M. are one step ahead in a secret arms race, scouring the globe for deadly weapons from this planet and beyond, ready to sell out the entire human race. Only M.A.S.K. can stop them… but will Trakker’s own secrets jeopardize their entire mission?

Powerhouse creators DAN WATTERS and PYE PARR launch the most anticipated new series of the year, where anyone — and everyone — in the Energon Universe must join the fight for humanity’s survival.

SKATE ALI # 1

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Welcome to near-future Los Angeles—a neon-scorched city where skateboarding has been ruthlessly outlawed. But nothing stops Skate Ali.

By day, she’s just another student dodging detention. By night, she’s a rebel on wheels, an enigmatic loner defying the law on the Los Angeles streets.

But when Ali slams headfirst into the infamous world of underground skateboarding, she comes face to face with a crew of outcast skaters called the LA Skull Clan, and their masked leader, Skull Queen 9. Fueled by a magical force called the Rush, the clan pulls off explosive moves and defiant acts of resistance.

Faced with the opportunity to level up her game, but afraid of actually being perceived by others, Ali must decide: will she play it safe, or kickflip straight into a revolution?

ONGOING SERIES

BLEEDING HEARTS # 5

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EVEN ZOMBIE FRIENDSHIPS CAN BE TESTED! Can an unwitting act still count as betrayal? Poke and Mush’s friendship is at its breaking point, but can you fault someone for indulging their natural instincts? With Poke’s secret becoming increasingly hard to keep, it may end up being a question he must answer in front of his entire horde, in their most sacred of spaces… a shopping mall!

KAYA # 35

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The Mutant Duke Borgo attempts to awaken the slumbering Dragon-God, Jin confronts the reality of Razel’s plan, and Kaya befriends new members of the circus troop she rides with.

THE MORTAL THOR # 11

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HORNS OF THE MINOTAUR! Dario Agger doesn’t remember the Gods of Asgard. He doesn’t remember what it is about Sigurd Jarlson that… irritates him. But when Dario Agger is irritated — with a man or a god — he has a very simple solution. Murder. Somewhere in the city, a man with a hammer has nowhere to go but down…

LEGACY #797

SUPERGIRL # 14

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THE SEARCH FOR SUPERGIRL! Nothing can stop Black Flame as she continues to amass power in Kandor. Meanwhile, Lena Luthor searches for Supergirl before it’s too late for the bottled city. Will Lena’s new invention be the key to turning the tide of the battle? Can Kara learn the secrets of the S-Matrix before they’re all found by Black Flame?!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN vol. 2 Soujourner HC / SC

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THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE BREAKOUT ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE HIT!

How far out is the world that’s coming? From across the depths of space, the Blackstars are turning their attention to Earth…and only Tomar-Re stands in their way. Jo Mullein’s life will never be the same. She survived judgment, but she’s still grappling with strange new powers, and her friend Hal Jordan is comatose. Meanwhile, Agents Simon Baz and Kari Limbo are getting closer to the mysteries of Evergreen, and so are Hector Hammond and his top assassin—the man called Nemesis! Discover the next challenge for the Absolute Universe’s newest Lanterns.

Collects Absolute Green Lantern #7-12.

AOASHI Omnibus vol. 1 TP

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The hit Crunchyroll anime series finally adapted into English!

Follow the journey of Ashito Aoi as he sets his sights on turning pro in the cutthroat world of youth soccer.

Volume 1 of the Aoashi Omnibus from Titan Manga collects and translates Volumes 1-3 of the original award-winning Japanese manga series.

To the world stage! Glory and ambition lie ahead of young Ashito Aoi as he takes the first steps to becoming a pro soccer player. But after being catapulted into a new harsh environment, can he hold onto his spider’s thread and climb his way to the top?

A fateful encounter on Futami Beach in Ehime, Japan leads to the meeting between Fukuda Tatsuya; once a rising star and a player on the cusp of greatness whose career ended all too soon, and Aoi Ashito; a brash and hot-headed striker who loves soccer despite his selfish tendencies.

After being selected to try out for the Tokyo City Esperion Youth club, Ashito Aoi stakes his future on the chance to create a better life for his single mother and older brother, all while realizing his own shortcomings and dealing with the highly competitive world of J-Youth Soccer.

With a mix of competitive high school soccer and a true-to-life representation of soccer and youth academies, Aoashi volume 1 starts the journey of the award-winning manga series.

BETAS TP

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Roommates Xavier, Doug, and Tim are just regular guys trying to make it on the dating scene. Meeting women isn’t easy, they might even call it impossible! Changing social mores, dating apps, and good old-fashioned shyness cause misstep after misstep. Recent mixed signals at the restaurant all three work at cause a cascading series of rules and regulations, putting everyone on edge. Some people adapt, others dig their heels in fleshing out a hilarious comedy about modern communication where bad faith arguments and self-serving directives clash leading to HR reprimands and ever-expanding apologies. As friends and co-workers struggle to connect under these conditions, some become lovers while others become mortal enemies. In Betas, Nick Maandag lampoons popular ideas around free speech, consent, and scold culture all while asking: can ever learn to talk to one another? And can we ever feel safe?

ORPHAN AND THE FIVE BEASTS: BATH OF BLOOD TP

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The returning kung-fu epic graphic novel from James Stokoe, the creator behind Orc Stain and Aliens: Dead Orbit!

Orphan Mo is back!

After having dispatched two of the five Beasts tasked to her by her late master, the hunt begins for the third. But Mo isn’t the only one following the trail, as a whole new cast of eccentric and dangerous players arrive to join the fray.

Collects Orphan and the Five Beasts: Bath of Blood #1–#4.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ABSOLUTE BATMAN vol. 3: THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP HC / SC

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Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman continues to gain momentum, as The Joker, Poison Ivy, and the Court of Owls join the New York Times bestselling series!

Batman won his explosive battle with Bane, but his friends will never be the same—and he might not be able to help them, even if he crosses worlds and enlists the help of a god to do it.

Meanwhile, another of Ark M’s residents will be unleashed on Gotham. And the biggest question of all still remains…what is the true identity of the man behind everything? Legendary artist Jock reunites with writer Scott Snyder to tell one version of the story Alfred’s been chasing for years, and a one-shot explores the origins of Ark M!

Volume 3 collects the Absolute Batman 2025 Annual, Absolute Batman: Ark M, and Absolute Batman #15-18.

EXQUISITE CORPSES: RASCAL RANDY # 1

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THE COTTON-TAILED EXQUISITE CORPSES KILLER GETS A SPINOFF ORIGIN STORY.

The sleepy little town of Aurora Springs, NY, has exactly one claim to fame: it’s the birthplace of Rascal Randy. Not the man in the suit — the man has never mattered. He was no one until he put the mascot head on for the first time, until he felt the life leave someone’s body through the thickly furred gloves of the suit.

No, Aurora Springs is the birthplace of Rascal Randy the rabbit, who, once upon a time, was poised to become the greatest animated character this country had ever seen — until greed and tragedy changed his trajectory forever.

Now, before the events of EXQUISITE CORPSES SEASON 1, witness the final murder spree of this iconic killer, as chaos hops into town with buckteeth bared and ears flopping… and the secret, sordid history of Rascal Randy is finally revealed.

FML TP

SOLICIT COPY:

From the Eisner award-winning creators who brought you Captain Marvel, Bitch Planet, and Wonder Woman: Historia comes this genre-busting, apocalyptic odyssey about a group of metal kids who face a medley of bizarre foes and encounters in Portland, Oregon during a worldwide pandemic.

Riley is a teen that sketches out his heavy metal future with a ballpoint pen between monster movies and band practice. But musical stardom needs to compete with high school, the temper of a former Riot Grrrl mother, the morbid obsessions of a goth sister, and the eccentricities of bandmates that threaten to drive him and everyone around him insane.

The balance gets harder after a ritual during a party in Portland’s Forest Park causes him to wake up one day to discover that the creatures, witchcraft, and metal world he’s obsessed with may be a bit closer to home than he preferred.

Collects FML #1–#8 and includes bonus concept material.

THE PATRON # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

All the great artists have one thing in common…they’re dead.

A true patron of the fine arts, Mr. Cherish has dedicated his life to scouting and supporting emerging artists, launching countless unknowns from obscurity into industry superstardom. Unfortunately for these young artists, the secret to Cherish’s success is their untimely demise. Nothing makes a work of art more desirable and valuable to collectors than the passing of its creator, and Cherish has refined his ability to orchestrate spectacular tragedies without leaving a trace…before selling his dead protégés’ oeuvres for massive profits. Painter Matty Barnes is primed to become Cherish’s next “hit”—but when the script is flipped on this latest murder, a posthumous twist calls the artist’s fate and legacy into question putting the patron’s empire in the dueling crosshairs of law enforcement and a merciless third-party connoisseur.

Writer Christian Ward (Batman: City of Madness, Event Horizon) and artist John J. Pearson (The Department of Truth, The Infernals) put their own life’s work on the page in a highbrow thriller at the bloody intersection of art and commerce! Both creators will contribute a full series of variant covers, alongside a special incentive cover on #1 by Eisner Award-winning artist Anand RK (Deicidium, The Beauty).  

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics”: Alex Seubert. Dustin Commet

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics”: Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 3

Billy Bat! Billy Bat! Billy Bat!

Naoki Urusawa is regarded as one of the greatest mangaka of all time. You may know him from PLUTO, MONSTER, and 20TH CENTURY BOYS. One of his major works yet to be officially translated to English is finally coming out this week: BILLY BAT. Get excited, folks.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

THE DEADMAN # 1

SOLICIT COPY:

THE ALL-STAR CREATORS OF 2025’S HIT MINISERIES SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM (AND THE ONGOING HORROR ANTHOLOGY ICE CREAM MAN) ARE BACK AT DC COMICS TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS!

The Deadman enters the Next Level! In the millisecond following his murder, the soul of shifty circus aerialist Boston Brand was commandeered by the goddess Rama Kushna, who deputized the erstwhile performer’s ghost with a sacred spectral assignment: the Custodian of All Souls! Now Brand floats — begrudgingly — through this bluegreen purgatory we call Earth, upholding the Laws of Spiritual Math and protecting humanity from evil — even if they can’t see or hear him. Open up to this new era of DC’s most lively deceased superhero — the Deadman — in a story about life, death, and everything in between… replete with paranormal activity, possessions, and a profusion of other poignant peculiarities.

IT’S JEFF: BRAND NEW WEEK # 1

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MEET JEFF’S CUTE NEW COMPANION, KEN THE SEPTAPUS!

Since he made his debut, Jeff the Land Shark has enjoyed the company of the Marvel Universe’s greatest heroes — but all he wants is to be left alone after he runs into a clingy septapus named Ken! When they find themselves stuck together in a tricky predicament, will Jeff put aside his grievances in time to help them both escape? Plus, revisit some of Jeff’s earliest encounters with Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone!

Collecting material from JEFF WEEK (2025), DEADPOOL (2019), and MARVEL COMICS (2019) #1000.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS # 1

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A new uniform for a new era! The future is now with this visionary relaunch of the globally acclaimed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series.

It’s been ten years since the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers turned in their morphers and went their separate ways. But now they’ve been called back to the legendary Command Center to face a new, terrifying form of a familiar foe: Rita Rabiosa.

They may not be teenagers with attitudes anymore, but are they still the same heroes they once were?

New York Times-bestselling comic book writer Marguerite Bennett (Bombshells, Batwoman) jumps into the Command Center, joined by industry veteran artist Andrew Lee Griffith (Transformers, G.I. Joe), to usher in a new era of Power Rangers, making it perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike!

ONLY THE SAVAGE ARE LEFT # 1

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A strange virus has spread across the world, transforming its victims into monsters. The only cure is to kill another infected soul. When a nonviolent young man sets out from the safety of his settlement to find his missing true love, he must face the corrupted world of monsters and monster-killers. A dramatic survival adventure that dares to ask what we should stand for in the monster apocalypse.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN # 15

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THE PLANET EARTH IN PERIL! Jo’s journey deep into space has revealed more questions than answers. What intergalactic war has she found herself in the middle of, and can she save Earth before it’s too late?

COMICS! THE MAGAZINE # 4

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WELCOME TO OUR DC COMICS DOUBLE FEATURE WITH OUR FIRST EVER ORDERABLE VARIANT COVER! That’s right! DC Comics is in a new golden era, in both quality and sales, initially built on their ABSOLUTE line, breaking decades-long sales records and frequently taking the #1 Publisher spot in market share reports, but with Next Level, Vertigo, and beyond, the glory is linewide. Why? Our theory is that the books are that great, the backlist is that strong, and the hits just keep coming. So, let’s feature two of them.

FEATURE ONE: SUPERGIRL & LOBO! We feature two of the biggest characters in the DC Roster, both with contemporary and historical classics. What makes Supergirl and Lobo characters worth watching? How do they represent the contemporary DCU?

FEATURE TWO: THE NEW VERTIGO! The new Vertigo line is wall-to-wall banger books by some of the best creators working in the industry. Their recent announcement of the expanded slate, including the return of 100 BULLETS and new entries including but not limited to Darick Robertson’s first-new Vertigo title in years on NECRETACEOUS with Tom Taylor, Mario Tamaki & Rosemary Valero O’Connell’s THE CRYING DOLL, Simon Spurrier & Aaron Campbell’s A WALKING SHADOW, and much, much more. We take a peek at how they built it and what’s to come.

ALL THIS AND MORE IN EACH AND EVERY ISSUE OF COMICS! THE MAGAZINE – THE “LET’S ENTHUSIASTICALLY DISCUSS COMICS” REVOLUTION HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!

FML # 8

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The STFU kids fight for their lives and their futures in a Convention Center-turned-post-apocalyptic-battleground, setting the stage for the OG Riot Grrls to relive and resolve the anarchic spirit of their Gen X heydays with steel-toed boots and battle bats in hand.

In a world teetering on the edge, FML celebrates the strength of youth and power of a story. It shows us that amidst the chaos of today, we’re all making peace with our monsters.

GODZILLA # 11

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The girl with the power of Biollante vs. the boy with the power of Godzilla!

The mysterious kaiju stampede has led G-Force to a strange farm in North Dakota… a farm currently overrun with sentient plants and a young woman controlling them. Speaking of control — Energy Godzilla has completely taken over Jacen’s body!

Who will win as Jacen fights this Biollante-themed newcomer?

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

BATMAN vol. 1: Daylight HC/TP

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FROM THE SUPERSTAR TEAM OF MATT FRACTION AND JORGE JIMENEZ, A BOLD NEW ERA OF BATMAN STARTS HERE!

A new day dawns in Gotham City as Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Fraction (Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, Hawkeye) joins forces with superstar artist Jorge Jimenez (Justice League, Superman) for a timeless, superhero-forward take on the Caped Crusader loaded with a new costume, a new Batmobile, new gadgets, new allies, and brand-new threats. Between Killer Croc’s escape from Arkham Towers, the increasingly criminal machinations of Police Commissioner Vandal Savage, the assassin known as Lady Death Man on the prowl, and organized crime in Gotham reaching astonishing new heights of power, the status quo has never been more deadly for the Dark Knight. As the Minotaur — the masked man behind a massive criminal conspiracy — emerges from the shadows of his infernal labyrinth to claim Gotham as his prize, both Batman and Bruce Wayne will be tested like never before.

Collects Batman #1-6.

BILLY BAT vol. 1 TP

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A highly requested title from Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, the in-demand manga Billy Bat is a historical conspiracy-thriller meta-manga spanning multiple millennia following a Japanese American comic artist’s search for the truth regarding the origins of his character “Billy Bat.”

This is the first thrilling volume in the sci-fi mystery by Naoki Urusawa and Takashi Nagasaki, beautifully packaged and available for the first time in English.

It’s 1949 Los Angeles, and Kevin Yamagata, a Japanese American comic book author, is drawing his bestselling character, Billy Bat: a quick-witted detective who is, unsurprisingly, a cartoon bat.

Everything is going well for Kevin until he discovers an unfortunate truth: He may have unintentionally plagiarized his beloved character from a drawing he once saw in Japan. Devastated by the news, Kevin returns to war-torn Japan to find the drawing’s original artist . . . but the character’s origins turn out to be far older and more perplexing than he had ever imagined.

Black-and-white illustrations throughout; 26-page full-color insert

Chapters 1-9

ENCORE! HC

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Senior year is in full swing for Clay, and he’s determined to have a good year filled with friends, theater dreams, and newfound confidence. But when his ex-best friend, Aron, suddenly reappears in his life—and his theater class—it throws a wrench in all of Clay’s big plans. Annoyingly, the two are paired up during an improv exercise, and being vulnerable together on stage swirls up all sorts of old, complicated feelings that honestly, Clay would rather just forget about. Even more annoyingly, Aron seems to want to act like there’s nothing weird or confusing about being back in each other’s orbits again. Which is ironic, since Aron was the one who ghosted Clay in favor of some cool, popular new friends in the first place.

But as their class assignment continues and the two spend more and more time together, things start to feel…good. Soon they’re rekindling their friendship through improv, impromptu dips in the pool, and movie nights. Before long, they’re seeing each other more than either of their respective friend groups.

Clay isn’t sure how long he can keep his old feelings buried, but can he trust Aron again, after everything they’ve been through?

SLEEP HC/TP

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An unsettling, slow-burning atmospheric take on the classic werewolf story that explores the fragile boundaries between waking life and dream logic. When Jonathan Reason falls asleep, he becomes… something else. Every night it stalks his quiet town, killing (seemingly) indiscriminately. When he wakes at the start of each chapter, covered in blood, our story begins. This new horror mystery from ZANDER CANNON (Heck, Top 10, Kaijumax) shows us the horrifying waking hours—and terrible decisions—of an unwilling part-time killer.

This deluxe, oversized hardcover includes sketches, the pitch document, bios, diagrams, maps, variant covers, bonus illustrations, and an exclusive afterword.

Collects SLEEP #1-8.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER # 12

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THE JAW-DROPPING FINAL ISSUE! It all comes together here: green and white, life and death, husbands and wives, fathers and sons, free will and fate, crime and punishment. Beginnings and endings. Why do people do the things they do? Read this issue to find out.

GRENDEL: DEVIL’S CRUCIBLE – SEDITION # 1

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The Hounds of Orion have two new weapons in their arsenal: The Grendel Prime himself, back from a five-hundred-year absence, and a clone of the fierce, long-dead Grendel warrior Christine Spar! Now it’s time to take the fight to the Necro-Lords, and the hordes of Anti-Grendel squads between Grendel Prime and his goal of total control.

MINOTAUR # 1

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Five years ago, a government supercomputer triggered the Singularity: an explosion of technological superintelligence heralding an unimaginable tomorrow. At least, it almost did. Within moments, a failsafe activated. The plug was pulled. The future was aborted. But something leaked in those first picoseconds, through wire and wave. And now? The future fights back. Inexplicable events. Miracles and monsters. Harbingers of revolution…or apocalypse?

Minotaur is the tale of Gloria Monday, a photojournalist documenting the lives of those, like her, who are haunted, tortured, and transformed by outbreaks of the future; along with the no-nonsense ex-military muscle who watches her six, and the reformed tech bro secretly bankrolling their global mission to expose it all.

From Simon Spurrier (The Flash, John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America) and Mike Dowling (The Amazing Spider-Man, Unfollow) comes Minotaur, an X-Files for the forward-looking era, with science-fiction ideas ripped from the pages of New Scientist, manifesting among human societies in spooky, unsettling ways.

MPH Library Edition HC

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When a group of hard-luck teens in Motor City stumble upon a street drug called MPH, they gain the power of super speed. Will they use it to save the world?

Growing up in Detroit, Roscoe and his friends know all about hard luck. But their fates take a different turn when they stumble upon a street drug called MPH—little pills that give them the power of super speed, and the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now holding the perfect Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card, Roscoe leads Rosa, Chevy and Baseball on a lightning-fast crime spree across the nation. But that’s not enough. As a good guy dealt a tough hand, Roscoe isn’t just taking the fat cats for all they’re worth—he and his friends are sharing their take with those who need it most.

But zooming through their riches has a downside. The pills are running out, the Feds are cracking down, and a mysterious figure named Mr. Springfield is teaming up with the authorities, claiming to know more about the speedsters than they know about themselves. When time is your only asset, what happens when the clock runs out?

A high-octane adventure, MPH brings you super speed like you’ve never seen before, by the writer of Kick-Ass and the artist of Hellboy. 

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics June 3

Billy Bat! Billy Bat! Billy Bat!

Naoki Urusawa is regarded as one of the greatest mangaka of all time. You may know him from PLUTO, MONSTER, and 20TH CENTURY BOYS. One of his major works yet to be officially translated to English is finally coming out this week: BILLY BAT. Get excited, folks.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

THE DEADMAN # 1

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THE ALL-STAR CREATORS OF 2025’S HIT MINISERIES SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM (AND THE ONGOING HORROR ANTHOLOGY ICE CREAM MAN) ARE BACK AT DC COMICS TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS!

The Deadman enters the Next Level! In the millisecond following his murder, the soul of shifty circus aerialist Boston Brand was commandeered by the goddess Rama Kushna, who deputized the erstwhile performer’s ghost with a sacred spectral assignment: the Custodian of All Souls! Now Brand floats — begrudgingly — through this bluegreen purgatory we call Earth, upholding the Laws of Spiritual Math and protecting humanity from evil — even if they can’t see or hear him. Open up to this new era of DC’s most lively deceased superhero — the Deadman — in a story about life, death, and everything in between… replete with paranormal activity, possessions, and a profusion of other poignant peculiarities.

IT’S JEFF: BRAND NEW WEEK # 1

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MEET JEFF’S CUTE NEW COMPANION, KEN THE SEPTAPUS!

Since he made his debut, Jeff the Land Shark has enjoyed the company of the Marvel Universe’s greatest heroes — but all he wants is to be left alone after he runs into a clingy septapus named Ken! When they find themselves stuck together in a tricky predicament, will Jeff put aside his grievances in time to help them both escape? Plus, revisit some of Jeff’s earliest encounters with Deadpool and Elsa Bloodstone!

Collecting material from JEFF WEEK (2025), DEADPOOL (2019), and MARVEL COMICS (2019) #1000.

MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS # 1

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A new uniform for a new era! The future is now with this visionary relaunch of the globally acclaimed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers series.

It’s been ten years since the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers turned in their morphers and went their separate ways. But now they’ve been called back to the legendary Command Center to face a new, terrifying form of a familiar foe: Rita Rabiosa.

They may not be teenagers with attitudes anymore, but are they still the same heroes they once were?

New York Times-bestselling comic book writer Marguerite Bennett (Bombshells, Batwoman) jumps into the Command Center, joined by industry veteran artist Andrew Lee Griffith (Transformers, G.I. Joe), to usher in a new era of Power Rangers, making it perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike!

ONLY THE SAVAGE ARE LEFT # 1

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A strange virus has spread across the world, transforming its victims into monsters. The only cure is to kill another infected soul. When a nonviolent young man sets out from the safety of his settlement to find his missing true love, he must face the corrupted world of monsters and monster-killers. A dramatic survival adventure that dares to ask what we should stand for in the monster apocalypse.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN # 15

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THE PLANET EARTH IN PERIL! Jo’s journey deep into space has revealed more questions than answers. What intergalactic war has she found herself in the middle of, and can she save Earth before it’s too late?

COMICS! THE MAGAZINE # 4

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WELCOME TO OUR DC COMICS DOUBLE FEATURE WITH OUR FIRST EVER ORDERABLE VARIANT COVER! That’s right! DC Comics is in a new golden era, in both quality and sales, initially built on their ABSOLUTE line, breaking decades-long sales records and frequently taking the #1 Publisher spot in market share reports, but with Next Level, Vertigo, and beyond, the glory is linewide. Why? Our theory is that the books are that great, the backlist is that strong, and the hits just keep coming. So, let’s feature two of them.

FEATURE ONE: SUPERGIRL & LOBO! We feature two of the biggest characters in the DC Roster, both with contemporary and historical classics. What makes Supergirl and Lobo characters worth watching? How do they represent the contemporary DCU?

FEATURE TWO: THE NEW VERTIGO! The new Vertigo line is wall-to-wall banger books by some of the best creators working in the industry. Their recent announcement of the expanded slate, including the return of 100 BULLETS and new entries including but not limited to Darick Robertson’s first-new Vertigo title in years on NECRETACEOUS with Tom Taylor, Mario Tamaki & Rosemary Valero O’Connell’s THE CRYING DOLL, Simon Spurrier & Aaron Campbell’s A WALKING SHADOW, and much, much more. We take a peek at how they built it and what’s to come.

ALL THIS AND MORE IN EACH AND EVERY ISSUE OF COMICS! THE MAGAZINE – THE “LET’S ENTHUSIASTICALLY DISCUSS COMICS” REVOLUTION HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!

FML # 8

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The STFU kids fight for their lives and their futures in a Convention Center-turned-post-apocalyptic-battleground, setting the stage for the OG Riot Grrls to relive and resolve the anarchic spirit of their Gen X heydays with steel-toed boots and battle bats in hand.

In a world teetering on the edge, FML celebrates the strength of youth and power of a story. It shows us that amidst the chaos of today, we’re all making peace with our monsters.

GODZILLA # 11

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The girl with the power of Biollante vs. the boy with the power of Godzilla!

The mysterious kaiju stampede has led G-Force to a strange farm in North Dakota… a farm currently overrun with sentient plants and a young woman controlling them. Speaking of control — Energy Godzilla has completely taken over Jacen’s body!

Who will win as Jacen fights this Biollante-themed newcomer?

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

BATMAN vol. 1: Daylight HC/TP

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FROM THE SUPERSTAR TEAM OF MATT FRACTION AND JORGE JIMENEZ, A BOLD NEW ERA OF BATMAN STARTS HERE!

A new day dawns in Gotham City as Eisner Award-winning writer Matt Fraction (Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, Hawkeye) joins forces with superstar artist Jorge Jimenez (Justice League, Superman) for a timeless, superhero-forward take on the Caped Crusader loaded with a new costume, a new Batmobile, new gadgets, new allies, and brand-new threats. Between Killer Croc’s escape from Arkham Towers, the increasingly criminal machinations of Police Commissioner Vandal Savage, the assassin known as Lady Death Man on the prowl, and organized crime in Gotham reaching astonishing new heights of power, the status quo has never been more deadly for the Dark Knight. As the Minotaur — the masked man behind a massive criminal conspiracy — emerges from the shadows of his infernal labyrinth to claim Gotham as his prize, both Batman and Bruce Wayne will be tested like never before.

Collects Batman #1-6.

BILLY BAT vol. 1 TP

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A highly requested title from Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, the in-demand manga Billy Bat is a historical conspiracy-thriller meta-manga spanning multiple millennia following a Japanese American comic artist’s search for the truth regarding the origins of his character “Billy Bat.”

This is the first thrilling volume in the sci-fi mystery by Naoki Urusawa and Takashi Nagasaki, beautifully packaged and available for the first time in English.

It’s 1949 Los Angeles, and Kevin Yamagata, a Japanese American comic book author, is drawing his bestselling character, Billy Bat: a quick-witted detective who is, unsurprisingly, a cartoon bat.

Everything is going well for Kevin until he discovers an unfortunate truth: He may have unintentionally plagiarized his beloved character from a drawing he once saw in Japan. Devastated by the news, Kevin returns to war-torn Japan to find the drawing’s original artist . . . but the character’s origins turn out to be far older and more perplexing than he had ever imagined.

Black-and-white illustrations throughout; 26-page full-color insert

Chapters 1-9

ENCORE! HC

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Senior year is in full swing for Clay, and he’s determined to have a good year filled with friends, theater dreams, and newfound confidence. But when his ex-best friend, Aron, suddenly reappears in his life—and his theater class—it throws a wrench in all of Clay’s big plans. Annoyingly, the two are paired up during an improv exercise, and being vulnerable together on stage swirls up all sorts of old, complicated feelings that honestly, Clay would rather just forget about. Even more annoyingly, Aron seems to want to act like there’s nothing weird or confusing about being back in each other’s orbits again. Which is ironic, since Aron was the one who ghosted Clay in favor of some cool, popular new friends in the first place.

But as their class assignment continues and the two spend more and more time together, things start to feel…good. Soon they’re rekindling their friendship through improv, impromptu dips in the pool, and movie nights. Before long, they’re seeing each other more than either of their respective friend groups.

Clay isn’t sure how long he can keep his old feelings buried, but can he trust Aron again, after everything they’ve been through?

SLEEP HC/TP

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An unsettling, slow-burning atmospheric take on the classic werewolf story that explores the fragile boundaries between waking life and dream logic. When Jonathan Reason falls asleep, he becomes… something else. Every night it stalks his quiet town, killing (seemingly) indiscriminately. When he wakes at the start of each chapter, covered in blood, our story begins. This new horror mystery from ZANDER CANNON (Heck, Top 10, Kaijumax) shows us the horrifying waking hours—and terrible decisions—of an unwilling part-time killer.

This deluxe, oversized hardcover includes sketches, the pitch document, bios, diagrams, maps, variant covers, bonus illustrations, and an exclusive afterword.

Collects SLEEP #1-8.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ABSOLUTE MARTIAN MANHUNTER # 12

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THE JAW-DROPPING FINAL ISSUE! It all comes together here: green and white, life and death, husbands and wives, fathers and sons, free will and fate, crime and punishment. Beginnings and endings. Why do people do the things they do? Read this issue to find out.

GRENDEL: DEVIL’S CRUCIBLE – SEDITION # 1

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The Hounds of Orion have two new weapons in their arsenal: The Grendel Prime himself, back from a five-hundred-year absence, and a clone of the fierce, long-dead Grendel warrior Christine Spar! Now it’s time to take the fight to the Necro-Lords, and the hordes of Anti-Grendel squads between Grendel Prime and his goal of total control.

MINOTAUR # 1

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Five years ago, a government supercomputer triggered the Singularity: an explosion of technological superintelligence heralding an unimaginable tomorrow. At least, it almost did. Within moments, a failsafe activated. The plug was pulled. The future was aborted. But something leaked in those first picoseconds, through wire and wave. And now? The future fights back. Inexplicable events. Miracles and monsters. Harbingers of revolution…or apocalypse?

Minotaur is the tale of Gloria Monday, a photojournalist documenting the lives of those, like her, who are haunted, tortured, and transformed by outbreaks of the future; along with the no-nonsense ex-military muscle who watches her six, and the reformed tech bro secretly bankrolling their global mission to expose it all.

From Simon Spurrier (The Flash, John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America) and Mike Dowling (The Amazing Spider-Man, Unfollow) comes Minotaur, an X-Files for the forward-looking era, with science-fiction ideas ripped from the pages of New Scientist, manifesting among human societies in spooky, unsettling ways.

MPH Library Edition HC

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When a group of hard-luck teens in Motor City stumble upon a street drug called MPH, they gain the power of super speed. Will they use it to save the world?

Growing up in Detroit, Roscoe and his friends know all about hard luck. But their fates take a different turn when they stumble upon a street drug called MPH—little pills that give them the power of super speed, and the opportunity of a lifetime.

Now holding the perfect Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card, Roscoe leads Rosa, Chevy and Baseball on a lightning-fast crime spree across the nation. But that’s not enough. As a good guy dealt a tough hand, Roscoe isn’t just taking the fat cats for all they’re worth—he and his friends are sharing their take with those who need it most.

But zooming through their riches has a downside. The pills are running out, the Feds are cracking down, and a mysterious figure named Mr. Springfield is teaming up with the authorities, claiming to know more about the speedsters than they know about themselves. When time is your only asset, what happens when the clock runs out?

A high-octane adventure, MPH brings you super speed like you’ve never seen before, by the writer of Kick-Ass and the artist of Hellboy. 

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics May 27

A time of transition

As Semisonic once sang, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. Several popular series, even some of my favorites, are ending (or just have arcs ending). Potential new series are out or available for preorder. Time marches ever on.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT MIMI GREEN # 1

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Tastemaker Mimi Green is a popular essayist with a perfectly curated social media presence—until a blog post she wrote a decade ago, cruelly mocking fat people, resurfaces and sparks a viral furor. Mimi checks into an isolated mental health facility in Topanga to ride out the scandal, but as sound baths and crystal healings by day give way to restless nights, she’s pulled into another version of the building. There the halls are old and gluttonous and gilded, and the vainglorious like Mimi and her fellow patients are punished again and again. Only local bartender Natalie, the lesbian lover Mimi hid from the public, stands a chance of tracking her down before it’s too late.

Connor Goldsmith, host of the critically-acclaimed podcast Cerebro, makes his comics writing debut in collaboration with GLAAD award-winning artist Josh Cornillon (Young Men in Love), crafting a surreal and grisly take on the wellness industry, so-called ‘cancel culture’, body dysmorphia, and the complex power dynamics of show business.

ODIN # 1

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Doctor Victor Von Doom is a great scientist, an unparalleled sorcerer, and the ruler of his own nation. He is, by any measure, a great man. And yet Doom wants more. And when Reed Richards — Mister Fantastic, his greatest enemy and eternal rival — is showcased at a prestigious international event to which Doom wasn’t even invited, Doom is outraged.

Reed shares his plan for his eventual retirement project: the total optimization of history. He intends to go back in time, to all the eras humanity wasted on war and conflict, and fix them, saving trillions of lives and ensuring humanity can achieve its greatest and final glory. The idea of Reed rewriting history in his own image is, of course, antithetical to Doom, and so he decides to do it before Reed does. But when the Fantastic Four intervene, Doom finds himself in a battle he never intended — across all of time and space!

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF LUCAS DREAMWALKER # 1

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Journey with the Dreamwalker through new realms of terror! 

How many times can you be killed in a dream before you die?

Legendary horror author R.L. Stine and award-winning artist Francesco Francavilla explore that very question as the mystery of Lucas’s third death is foretold in this pulpy, noir, somnambulist adventure!

Originally published in the hit horror anthology series Hello Darkness, this dreamy oversized issue collects Parts 1–3 of the nightmarish saga into one thrilling read!

STAR TREK: CELEBRATIONS 2026 # 1

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You are cordially invited to the party that is this year’s Star Trek: Celebrations anthology! This one-shot features the universe’s queer characters in tales of love and triumph, exemplifying Gene Roddenberry’s mission for us all to one day celebrate infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

Our cast of all LGBTQIA+ creators — including Meghan Fitzmartin, Ben Kahn, Jamila Rowser, and more (!) — are serving up the fun with stories like a botanical adventure with Sulu and Ben, a bar brawl bash with Mariner and Jennifer, and a nostalgic holodeck date gone wrong with Seven and Raffi, so don’t miss out on this talent-packed extravaganza.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN # 20

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SEASON OF THE WITCH REACHES ITS BLOODY FINALE! Against the wall, Diana and Zatanna must join forces or perish. When Diana makes the ultimate sacrifice to end the conflict and face her true foe head on, things become more complicated than she feared. Wonder Woman is not an island unto herself, and other forces have vested interests in her mission. Don’t miss the finale of the epic “Season of the Witch”!

BATMAN # 163

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The shocking conclusion to H2SH Part One with Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee! Will Batman survive Hush’s revenge when his only allies are his greatest enemies?

LEGACY #928

EXQUISITE CORPSES # 13

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Twelve killers were dropped into Oak Valley on Halloween night to determine the fate of the country. Now, dawn breaks and winner takes all as the final battle draws to a close. Who will survive…and what will be left of them? The first season of the breakout horror phenomenon concludes with blood and glory from multiple Eisner Award winner James Tynion IV (The Nice House by the Sea) and Eisner Award nominee Michael Walsh (Universal Monsters: Frankenstein)!

THE ULTIMATES # 24

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YEAR TWO OF THE ULTIMATE UNIVERSE NEARS ITS END IN THE FINAL ISSUE OF ULTIMATES!

She-Hulk and her remaining teammates confront the villainous Hulk in a brutal, all-or-nothing battle on Gamma Island!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE ADVENTURE OF BLACK CAT NYANGO vol. 1 TP

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Having left his hometown of Atsuuka Village, Nyango embarks on a journey to Iburo, all to join the adventurer party called Chariot. But it turns out, Chariot is away on a quest! Just then, Nyango receives a personal request from a professor at the Academy who’s interested in Nyango’s wind magic. With new sigil magic to learn as a reward, he’s on his way to becoming the strongest adventurer!

DC FINEST: DEADMAN – HOW MANY TIMES CAN A GUY DIE? TP

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SOMETIMES YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD GUY DEAD.

Boston Brand was the world’s greatest acrobat until an assassin’s bullet cut his act–and his life–short. However, instead of passing over to the afterlife, Boston was given the chance by the goddess Rama Kushna to remain on Earth and catch his killer. He now exists as a literal dead man, destined to roam the world until his killer is caught!

Collects Strange Adventures #205-216; The Brave and the Bold #79, #86, #104, and #133; Challengers of the Unknown #74; Justice League of America #94; The Forever People #9-10; World’s Finest Comics #223 and #227; The Phantom Stranger #33 and #39-41; The Superman Family #183; and Aquaman #50-52.

ESCAPE vol. 1 TP

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SHOT DOWN. HUNTED. OUT OF TIME.

Set in a brutal, fully painted world of anthropomorphic animals — equal parts Inglourious Basterds and Watership Down — ESCAPE is a gritty, bullet-riddled journey through war’s scorched aftermath. It’s about the violence we inflict, the souls we try to save, and the courage it takes to crawl out of fire.

From the creative team of New York Times bestselling author RICK REMENDER (DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny X-Force) and powerhouse DANIEL ACUÑA (Captain America, Black Panther) — the duo behind Marvel’s Uncanny Avengers — comes a savage, full-throttle wartime thriller where survival isn’t given… it’s taken.

Milton Shaw is a battle-hardened bomber pilot, flying missions over a war-torn world ruled by a ruthless empire. But when his plane is shot out of the sky, Milton wakes up behind enemy lines — in the smoldering ruins of a city he helped burn. And in less than 24 hours, his own side is dropping the big one to finish the job.

Now, injured, unarmed, and being hunted through enemy streets, Milton’s only shot at escape comes from the unlikeliest place: a grieving father and his son — civilians shattered by the same fascist regime that rules this land with an iron claw. Enemies by blood. Allies by circumstance. Together, they’ll have to fight their way out before the bomb drops and erases everything… and everyone.

Collects ESCAPE #1-6.

FIVE GEARS IN REVERSE: A CRIMINAL BOOK HC

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A brand new CRIMINAL graphic novel featuring the legendary RICKY LAWLESS and the crazy tale of how he and MALLORY fell in love in the midst of a crime spree.

In one of the wildest, most action-packed books that Brubaker and Phillips have ever done, we delve deep into the life of one of CRIMINAL’s most complex and tragic characters, Ricky Lawless as he tries to pay off a deep debt to a mobster, while things just keep going from bad to worse.

FIVE GEARS IN REVERSE will have long-time CRIMINAL fans cheering the return of RICKY LAWLESS and new readers will find it a perfect jumping-on-point for the greatest crime comic series of the 21st century.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

THE EYE COLLECTOR # 1

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In The Eye Collector, an ancient being has its curiosity toward Earth reignited when the humans of the Apollo 10 mission make wishes over the Moon. But what is this spectral creature, and what does it want with our world? Seeing is believing…

THE EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURES OF ADÈLE BLANC-SEC HC vol. 1

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This iconic adventure series from the ’70s stars the bold heroine Adéle, who must contend with supernatural monsters wreaking havoc in Belle Époque Paris.

Paris, 1911. One gloomy night at the Museum of Natural History, a pterodactyl escapes from its display and wreaks havoc upon the city. Enter journalist extraordinaire Adèle Blanc-Sec, who must use her wits and firepower to get to the bottom of this bizarre mystery. An enchanting antihero, Adèle is fearless, brash, and thoroughly ill-tempered, smoking and cursing her way through the case—always barely escaping peril to tell her tale.

Masterful French cartoonist Jacques Tardi created his iconic The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec series in the 1970s. Set in the atmospheric Belle Époque Paris, the series features supernatural monsters, mad science, steampunk aesthetic, murder, humor, and delightful derring-do. This new collection of classic Adèle stories includes four episodes (previously published in two earlier volumes): “Pterror Over Paris,” “The Demon of the Eiffel Tower,” “The Mad Scientist,” and “Mummies on Parade.”

In celebration of Adele’s 50th anniversary, Fantagrpahics is thrilled to re-issue these classic stories in luxuriously redesigned hardcover editions. While Fantagraphics published the first four Adele adventures 15 years ago, this new series will bring the complete 10 episode run of the series into English for the very first time. With an introduction by British journalist and comics historian Cynthia Rose.

THREE WORLDS / THREE MOONS: FOUNDATIONS # 1

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From the New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner Award-nominated creator of East of West, The Manhattan Projects, Decorum, and more comes this ambitious, science fiction universe presented by comics titan Jonathan Hickman.

The next great comics universe starts here! From the extraordinary creative team of Jonathan Hickman, Mike del Mundo, Mike Huddleston, and Nick Spencer comes an epic sci-fi saga on an intergalactic scale.

Across a distant solar system and countless millennia-long cycles, a war has been fought between the forces of magic and science, and order and chaos. When astronaut and explorer Tajo Vallar undertakes a doomed expedition to a dormant moon full of mysteries, the conflict begins anew, and more dangerous than ever before!

Don’t miss this perfect starting point for everything to come, as a new universe is born.

WRESTLE HEIST TP

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A no-holds-barred heist caper packed with body slams and backstabs for fans of over-the-top action!

After being crippled by a shady wrestling promoter, a former pro wrestler gathers a team of others wronged in the ring to rob the promoter blind during the biggest wrestling event of the year! From the outrageous, action-packed mind of multi-time Eisner nominee KYLE STARKS (Peacemaker Tries Hard, Sexcastle, I Hate This Place), with eye-popping colors by VLADIMIR POPOV (Where Monsters Lie, Fearscape).

Collects issues #1-5.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics May 20

The Absolute Universe Expands Again

Alongside a number of cool looking new indie titles, the white-hot Absolute Universe gets a new series from yet another incredible creative team in writer Pornsak Pichetshote and artist Rafael Albequerque, who was originally supposed to draw ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN before the floods in his home country of Brazil.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW # 1

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WITHOUT THE TRICK ARROWS… WITHOUT THE MONEY… WITHOUT MERCY… WHAT’S LEFT IS THE ABSOLUTE HUNTER!

A serial killer is slaughtering corrupt billionaires. The only clue to their identity is the mysterious green arrows sticking out of his victims’ corpses. Executive protection specialist Dinah Lance, a.k.a. Absolute Black Canary, is one of the people tasked to uncover this murderer’s identity as she investigates her suspects… all familiar DC archers uniquely linked to a recently murdered Oliver Queen. I Know What You Did Last Summer for billionaires, Absolute Green Arrow reimagines the Emerald Archer’s mythos into a dangerous, urban horror murder-mystery by Eisner winners Pornsak Pichetshote (Dead Boy Detectives, Infidel) and Rafael Albuquerque (Detective Comics, American Vampire).

ODIN # 1

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Green Room meets Midsommar in JAMES TYNION’s most relentless Horror story yet! Adela will do anything for the perfect story. Including going undercover with Neo Nazi punks headed to the frozen forests of Norway under the misbegotten belief that they can summon Odin and achieve their promised white destiny. But what awaits them in the woods is far older and stranger than any of them can comprehend. And no gods are coming to answer their prayers for help. Multiple Eisner Award-winning creator JAMES TYNION IV (Exquisite Corpses), no-holds-barred writer MARGUERITE BENNETT (Witchblade), rising star artist LETIZIA CADONICI (House of Slaughter), and Eisner Award-winning colorist JORDIE BELLAIRE (Redlands) conjure a hallucinogenic horror story that leaves absolutely no taboo unbroken.

OF THE EARTH # 1

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Legendary artist CHARLIE ADLARD (THE WALKING DEAD) joins writers CHRIS CONDON (THAT TEXAS BLOOD) & ANDREW EHRICH, colorist PIP MARTIN (EVERYTHING DEAD & DYING), letterer HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU (ASSORTED CRISIS EVENTS), and designer MIKE TIVEY (NEWS FROM THE FALLOUT) for his triumphant return to Image Comics in this neo-noir-tinged eco-horror miniseries that is Blood Simple meets John Carpenter’s The Thing.

Tabitha ‘Tabby’ Black flees a sordid life for her quiet hometown of Solitude, Texas and the comfort of her Gramma’s home where she was raised. Only home isn’t what it once was…. and neither is Gramma.

SEVEN WIVES # 1

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Forty-nine witnesses, seven wives, one dead husband.

On Monday, April 17, at 9:04 a.m., two police detectives are dispatched to investigate a death on a Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints compound in remote Arizona. Matthew Dunn, the patriarch of the Dunn family, has been found stabbed on the pulpit of his temple, basking in the blood-soaked gaze of his savior.

Detectives Aguilar and Halwell begin the arduous task of questioning each of Matthew’s seven wives and quickly encounter a brick wall of memorized Scripture, canned platitudes, and locked lips. It becomes clear that the women’s intricately braided hair, voices with sweet affectations, and modest clothing aren’t just signs of Matthew’s brainwashing but armor they use to protect their family. But with each interrogation, the cracks begin to show — the abuse, the truth of living and surviving in this cult — and the detectives uncover the unholy gospel of Matthew Dunn.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE FLASH # 15

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WHAT LURKS WITHIN S.T.A.R. LABS?! On the hunt for answers, Wally is drawn to the derelict facility of the now defunct super-science lab, S.T.A.R. LABS. But something is dwelling within the halls of this place, and the Flash is not ready for this new threat!

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 29

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BEST FR(ENEMIES)! Spider-Man’s best friend’s life shattered by a terrible accident — and Peter Parker is to blame! Is there a new villain on Spidey’s block?

LEGACY #993

G. I. JOE # 22

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HUNT FOR ENERGON! After the stunning conclusion to DREADNOK WAR, the Joes and Cobra are in a race to find Energon across the world. But the man known as Crystal Ball has horrifying plans for them all…

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: SHREDDER # 8

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The Dog Star Clan has been compromised. Cybernetic tendrils crawl out of their skin as they turn into grotesque monsters, half human and half machine. It’ll take more than the Shredder’s blades to carve the malware-riddled tech out of their flesh… but that doesn’t mean he isn’t going to try.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

BARRIER: THE COLLECTED EDITION TP

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From the Eisner Award-winning team behind The Private Eye, BARRIER is a shockingly prescient drama about violence, language, and illegal immigration…with a spectacular sci-fi twist.

When Texas rancher Liddy and Honduran immigrant Óscar collide on the U.S.–Mexico border, neither can understand the other’s words—but both are forced to rely on trust when they’re thrust into an unimaginable encounter. Told in English and Spanish without translation, Barrier is a visually stunning, genre-bending story that explores the walls we build between nations, cultures, and each other.

Collected for the first time in its original “widescreen” format—and perfectly complementing Image’s new softcover edition of THE PRIVATE EYE—this gorgeous new edition contains the entire Harvey Award-winning miniseries.

THE BOOK OF JUSKO TP

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The Book of Jusko showcases the very best of Joe Jusko’s decades spanning career and painted legacy.

In 1992, Joe Jusko’s Marvel Masterpieces trading card set exploded into pop culture—redefining how the world saw superheroes with raw power, larger-than-life drama, and breathtaking realism in every brushstroke. It became a cultural landmark, inspiring generations of fans, artists, and collectors.

Now—due to overwhelming demand—we’re opening the vaults to celebrate the full scope of Jusko’s legendary career. Inside you’ll discover iconic illustrations, rare and unpublished works, private commissions, trading cards, and personal archive pieces—some revealed here for the very first time.

This is the definitive collection of Joe Jusko’s art—a must-have for anyone who treasures painted comics, fantasy illustration, or fine art.

DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL vol. 1 TP

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The LitRPG fantasy smash hit phenomenon and New York Times bestseller, DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL, is now a graphic novel for the very first time!

The Apocalypse WILL be televised!

You know what’s worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Getting stuck on a sadistic alien game show with her cat. Join Carl and Princess Donut as they try to survive the end of the world — or just get to the next level of a trap-filled fantasy dungeon.

With vibrant art done by Laurel Pursuit to bring action-packed battles to life, join as Carl fights his way through the dungeon in heart-speckled underwear. And of course, the grizzly scenes are only balanced with the incredibly fluffy, wide-eyed stare of its main character, Princess Donut.

A ton of heart and effort was poured in creating a series with a script and style that would both appeal to WEBTOON readers and also lovers of DCC, all while consulting author Matt Dinniman the entire way about character designs, story, — EVERYTHING! We couldn’t resist taking the apocalyptic awesomeness of the DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL WEBTOON and adapting it into the FIRST EVER graphic novel series!

Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Survival is optional. Keeping the viewers entertained is not.

This volume collects episodes 1-13 of the WEBTOON edition.

FEAR AGENT Compendium TP

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The entirety of The New York Times best-selling Fear Agent saga—collected in one massive compendium!

When down-and-out alien exterminator Heath Huston stumbles upon a plot to wipe out humanity, he must put down the bottle and pick up the fight– as the last surviving Fear Agent. This pulp sci-fi classic from writer Rick Remender (DEADLY CLASS, LOW) teams him with an all-star lineup of artists including Tony Moore (THE WALKING DEAD, Venom) and Jerome Opeña (SEVEN TO ETERNITY, Uncanny X-Force) across a galaxy-spanning, whiskey-soaked epic of redemption, revenge, and alien annihilation.

Collects Fear Agent #1–32 in a single 672-page volume for just

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

A MISCHIEF OF MAGPIES # 1

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NEW DSTLRY SERIES DEBUT FROM SIMON SPURRIER AND MATÍAS BERGARA!

Mar has a secret. Sometimes, without warning, he falls out of the world. This would be an inconvenience if his life wasn’t already such a drag.

When he’s gone, he finds himself in an extraordinary city. A city which is also a machine, endlessly crossing a shoreless ocean. A city of two halves: the bright, bustling spires above the waves, and the beast-haunted twilight halls below. And between, clowning along the rusting beach, a troupe of anarchic magpies with all the answers but none of the questions.

Recipients of the Angoulême Sélection Officielle, GLAAD Award, and multiple Eisner Award nominations, creators Simon Spurrier and Mat as Bergara present a new fantasy masterpiece in the tradition of Coda and Step By Bloody Step, driving the comics medium into new, beautiful, baleful waters.

For fans of THE NEVERENDING STORY, ARCANE, and THE BOY AND THE HERON.

THE SHAOLIN COWBOY: STAYING A.I.LIVE # 1

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The Shaolin Cowboy faces an icy reception when he leaves his wasteland retreat on a mission of mercy, following the considered consul of a desert swallow and a horned toad, both endangered species. But none as endangered as the wandering ex monk becomes, once again because in this typical AMERIGUNN small town he learns euthanASIA is the new import duty on foreign imports!!!

SANFORD GREENE’S 1000 TP/HC

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From the Eisner winning creators of Bitter Root. Set in a modern world of aliens, warlocks, zombies, and ancient beasts, 1000 follows Dragon Son – a supreme entity who’s abandoned all creation as he struggles to return to his true Dragon form by completing one thousand acts of repentance. Son is joined by five other agents who are charged with secretly policing the world and keeping civilization from crumbling completely.

1000 first premiered as a webcomic and won the 2018 Ringo Award for Best Webcomic. This deluxe edition collects the entire run of the webcomic with additional behind the scenes content.

TERMINAL # 1

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THE MUST-READ SUPERHERO SERIES OF THE YEAR FROM THE DREAM TEAM OF ROBERT KIRKMAN, JOE CASEY, ANDY KUBERT, DAVID FINCH, AND ARTHUR ADAMS!

There is a secret war being waged across the world by two violent forces with superhuman abilities who blur the lines between good and evil. When Marilyn Howe’s search for her missing sister Alessandra puts her in the center of this conflict, she’ll learn that the power to save the world comes from unlocking your genetic code and giving up everything you thought you knew about yourself… if you survive the experience. Perfect for fans of INVINCIBLE and X-MEN, nothing can prepare you for the most violent and unpredictable superhero series of the year!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics May 13

After a few low weeks, I’m buying too many comics again

Do the publishers collaborate in picking what week they release comics I’m interested in? Two weeks ago there was only one or two books I wanted even a little. This week there are like a dozen. I’m tyring to buy a house bro, I don’t have this kind of budget.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

BARBARA GORDON: BREAKOUT # 1

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LEAPING FROM THE PAGES OF MAY’S BATMAN #9 INTO THE NEXT LEVEL! Framed. Outlawed. Hunted. The extralegal activities of Gotham’s vigilantes have never been more dangerous. After Barbara Gordon is arrested for aiding the Bat-Family, she is shipped off to Supermax, GCPD Commissioner Vandal Savage’s pet-project prison for all who oppose him. She will find herself alone, surrounded by dangerous criminals and equally dangerous guards, in a place where nothing is what it seems. The true danger is just beginning…

Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki and fan-favorite artist Amancay Nahuelpan reunite to deliver a twisty, unexpected Bat-book for DC Next Level.

GOZILLA VS AMERICA: GODZILLA VS TEXAS # 1

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Everything is bigger in Texas.

Godzilla couldn’t settle for one city in the Lone Star State, so it’s going to trample over all of them. Hopefully those cowboys have a saddle big enough for the King of the Monsters… or else things are about to get ugly.

Join Godzilla and a cast of comic book creators from this great state on a whirlwind tour of Texas! Featuring four 10-page stories by comic book legends like Matt Frank (Mothra, Godzilla: Rulers of Earth) and more!

IF DESTRUCTION BE OUR LOT # 1

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While on a retirement community field trip, a group of aging ex-Hollywood stars encounter a baby kaiju on the run from military agents. Bonding quickly with the creature, the cantankerous cadre of former celebrities have to somehow get the kaiju to safety—before it causes the end of the world!

SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY # 1

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BRAND NEW BRAND NEW DAY! Spider-Man discovers one of the most valuable items the Kingpin, A.K.A. Wilson Fisk, possesses — THE LEXICON. This directory of the Kingpin’s criminal enterprise could destroy the criminal landscape of New York City and that’s Spider-Man’s goal when he takes it. But Fisk isn’t the only person who wants the Lexicon… Mr. Negative would love his competitor’s secret information, but so would Frank Castle himself, the Punisher. Taking the Lexicon sure seemed like a good idea to make the city safer, but it’s painted the biggest target ever on Spider-Man’s back! 

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE BATMAN # 20

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A TRAGIC LOSS ROCKS GOTHAM CITY! As the dust settles in the city of Gotham after the loss of [redacted], Robins enter the scene ready to hunt and more than one secret will be revealed in this seminal issue.

BLEEDING HEARTS # 4

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WILL POKE’S BEST FRIEND BETRAY HIM? How do you bond with a human when you have little humanity yourself? Poke is figuring it out firsthand, but his best friend Mush is starting to notice. Poke is disappearing all the time, and when he’s around, he’s barely interested in preparing for the joyous holiday of Out-Break. Doesn’t he want to celebrate the devouring of Live One flesh? Poke has a tough decision to make… but the collision of his two worlds might end up making it for him!

BLOOD & THUNDER # 13

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NEW STORY ARC BLOOD IS IN THE LAST PLACE SHE EXPECTED! After the surprising conclusion of the previous issue, Blood finds herself in an impossible situation and desperate to get the odds back in her favor. But without Thunder, the galaxy’s most wanted woman will need to find new allies…

ULTIMATE ENDGAME # 4

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SPIDER-MAN MEETS HIS MAKER! Time is ticking on the Ultimate Universe!!! In this penultimate issue of the most climactic super-hero event EVER(!)… heroes will fall, villains will rise and your favorite characters will be forced to make difficult sacrifices!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

DETECTIVE KAIJU vol. 1 TP

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Detective Kaiju, the grizzled investigator of the hit-series Quested, finally takes center stage in his own thrilling murder mystery. Known for his relentless pursuit of the truth, Kaiju’s latest case will force him to confront the buried secrets of his past.

With danger closing in and time running out, Detective Kaiju must navigate a treacherous web of lies, alien conspiracy theory, a film industry underbelly, and long-buried secrets. On an island built on illusion, who can he really trust? And will solving this case finally give him the answers he’s been searching for—or destroy him in the process?

Gritty, atmospheric, and packed with twists, Detective Kaiju volume one is a must-read noir thriller that dives deep into the origins of crime fiction’s most larger-than-life investigators.

IMMORTAL LEGEND BATMAN TP

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From the void between our universe and its shadow come horrific apparitions craving nothing but destruction. But from this terror… an immortal legend known as Batman is born. Aided by Nightwing and Robin, this Dark Knight battles unceasingly against deadly shadow monsters who want to destroy our universe. But to fully triumph against a rogues gallery of cosmic evil, Batman must face how his incredible abilities are tied to the shadow universe itself!

Collecting Immortal Legend Batman #1-6.

LOBSTER JOHNSON Omnibus vol. 1

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Unconventional pulp hero Lobster Johnson keeps the streets of New York clean in this comics collection of his earliest supernatural, slick, and surprising misadventures.

After years of captivating fans’ imaginations from the pages of Hellboy and B.P.R.D., the pulp-style adventures of Lobster Johnson took the limelight in their own series of comics adventures. From gangsters to Nazis to an army of monkeys, the Lobster faces classic foes in strange new ways.

His adventures are now collected for the first time in a paperback omnibus edition, collecting trade volumes The Burning Hand, Satan Smells a Rat, and Get the Lobster and the short story “Lobster Johnson: The Empty Chair” featuring writing by Mike Mignola, John Arcudi and Tonci Zonjic with art by Zonjic, Joe Querido, Sebastián Fiumara, and more!

STAR TREK: RED SHIRTS TP

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The doomed Starfleet crew members, the red shirts, must track down spies on an isolated planet in this graphic novel.

Stranded on the snow-ridden planet Arkonia 89, the crew of the U.S.S. Warren has a small window in which to pin down spies seeking to steal classified secrets and keep Starfleet data out of their nefarious hands.

They face threats not only from their faceless enemies but from the brutalizing elements and wildlife of a planet far from home. In this complicated story of betrayal, loss, and redemption, the red shirts’ lives and Starfleet’s sanctity are on the line… and no one is safe.

This heartrending story by writer Christopher Cantwell (Star Trek: Defiant) and artist Megan Levens (Star Trek) marks a new beginning for the Star Trek universe, featuring Starfleet’s most intrepid and doomed crew members: red shirts. Now, finally, they get their own story.

Collects the complete miniseries Star Trek: Red Shirts #1–5. 

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN # 1

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WITH ALL THE WEALTH… WITH ALL THE GEAR… WITH ALL THE SKILLS, SHE IS THE ABSOLUTE APEX PREDATOR! Selina Kyle has carved a good life for herself. Through her ingenuity and skills, she’s become the greatest thief the world has ever known. With high-tech gear and weaponry, there’s no place too secure for Catwoman. Selina has built this life for herself and thoroughly escaped Gotham. But when someone from her past comes knocking at her door, Selina’s life comes crashing down around here. She’ll need to get to the bottom of a mystery taking her all around the globe! Written by Che Grayson and Scott Snyder with art by Bengal, Catwoman bursts onto the scene in the Absolute Universe!

ASSORTED CRISIS EVENTS # 9

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Are you poor, desperate, huddled, massive? Do you live in a dark age, a depression, one of the many historical periods of slim pickings and no options? Welcome to the TEMPS, the first cross-temporal employment app! The past and future are filled with low skill, low wage gigs! Gigs such as: Cobbler’s assistant in plague-era Europe! Salvager in the ruins of New York, 2832! Soldier in Krang’s Cross-Time Army! Temp is shattering the temporal ceiling!

BETAS

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Roommates Xavier, Doug, and Tim are just regular guys trying to make it on the dating scene. Meeting women isn’t easy, they might even call it impossible! Changing social mores, dating apps, and good old-fashioned shyness cause misstep after misstep. Recent mixed signals at the restaurant all three work at cause a cascading series of rules and regulations, putting everyone on edge. Some people adapt, others dig their heels in fleshing out a hilarious comedy about modern communication where bad faith arguments and self-serving directives clash leading to HR reprimands and ever-expanding apologies. As friends and co-workers struggle to connect under these conditions, some become lovers while others become mortal enemies. In Betas, Nick Maandag lampoons popular ideas around free speech, consent, and scold culture all while asking: can ever learn to talk to one another? And can we ever feel safe?

STARSHIP GODZILLA: FIRST WARS TP

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Join a crew of cosmic misfits as they soar through the stars in Mechagodzilla in this series that ties in with the all-new Kai-Sei Era of Godzilla comics!

You didn’t think kaiju were only on Earth, did you? 

In the fight for galactic supremacy, no weapon is more powerful than a kaiju…and no team is better equipped to capture and transport these titanic monsters than the crew of Starship Godzilla!

This ragtag group flies through space in Mechagodzilla and takes high-risk, high-reward missions across the galaxy. A kaiju heading toward your planet? Give them a call. A colossal space pest clogging up your trade route? They’ll get rid of it. A galactic civil war utilizing kaiju on both sides? They’ll…uh…do their best to stay out of it. But where there’s a galactic war, there’s a galactic conspiracy, and our crew members may not all land on the same side of this fight. 

A brand-new kaiju space epic starts here in Starship Godzilla from Chris Gooch (In Utero, Under-Earth) and Oliver Ono (Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp)! Part of the new Godzilla connected comic book universe with Godzilla (Kai-Sei Era) and Godzilla: Escape the Deadzone!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics May 6

What Was Your Free Comic Book Day Haul?

I grabbed a few titles, but missed out on some of the issues I had wanted like AMAZING SPIDER-MAN / QUEEN IN BLACK and THE FUTURE IS. My shop also had a sale going on, so I splurged on the hardcover of MURDER FALCON. It rules.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

BEN TEN # 1

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A fresh take on a 21st Century classic! Fan favorite BEN 10 returns in an all-new series that will appeal to longtime fans and new readers alike. When a mysterious meteor crashes to Earth, 10-year-old Ben Tennyson discovers the Omnitrix, a high-tech alien gauntlet of incredible power and potential. With this device on his wrist, Ben has the power to transform into incredible alien forms. But can he control this power? If the story sounds familiar, think again!

This is the modern, definitive take on Ben 10 from the team that created him – Man of Action – kicking off with writer Joe Casey, joined by amazing artist Robert Carey, with covers by Carey, Man of Action member Duncan Rouleau, Dustin Nguyen, Sebastian Piriz, and a special MYSTERY VARIANT BLIND BAG containing one limited edition of the issue selected randomly from a range of covers exclusive to this offering! Please The number of Blind Bags is limited, and allocations may occur.

DOG TAG # 1

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Dog Tag is a fictional story about a very real war. It follows the life and thoughts of Corporal Tom Fuller through the final year of World War II as his service takes him from the invasion of Normandy to the surrender of Japan. Borrowed from real world stories and little known events of the war, Dog Tag asks big questions about the war while focusing on the heroism of the ordinary people who lived and died during the conflict.

IF DESTRUCTION BE OUR LOT # 1

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Humanity is extinct and all that remains are the robots who once helped us. The robots who once helped us are happier now, doing their work without human interference. But not Abe. He believes there must be something more out there. After nearly getting killed, he’s determined to wander the Earth until he finds it — or gets recycled trying. Brilliant artist ANDY MACDONALD (Doctor Strange, Wonder Woman), and adequate writers MARK ELIJAH ROSENBERG (Approaching the Unknown, Year Million) and MATTHEW ROSENBERG (WE’RE TAKING EVERYONE DOWN WITH US, 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank) bring you an ongoing sci-fi adventure about finding purpose, holding onto hope, and really lonely robots.

SHE-SPAWN # 1

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A former solider, assassin, superhero, and mother, Priest now finds herself pulled into a brutal confrontation with an angelic cult determined to sacrifice a child in the name of their God. What begins as a mission quickly becomes something far more personal, forcing Jessica to confront the regret and responsibility that have followed her long after she stepped into the role of She-Spawn.

ONGOING SERIES

ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN # 14

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IN SPACE, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM! Tomar Re and Jo Mullein make their way out into the icy cold depths of space, ready to take the fight directly to Mogo and the Black Stars. But what they find out there might be more than they are ready for!

COMICS THE MAGAZINE # 3

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YOU LIKE THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES? WE’VE GOT THE TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES!

THE COMIC BOOK THAT BECAME A CULTURAL PHENOMENON COMES TO COMICS! THE MAGAZINE!

We talk to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles creative team as they hit their massive THREE-HUNDREDTH issue! What started as a comic book self-published by two then-unknown creators is bigger than ever before across comics, TV shows, movies, and toys galore. How did we get here? Where is it going? Read this issue to find out!

ALL THIS AND MORE IN EACH AND EVERY ISSUE OF COMICS! THE MAGAZINE — THE “LET’S ENTHUSIASTICALLY DISCUSS COMICS” REVOLUTION HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!

GODZILLA # 10

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Can anyone stop Kai-Sei Energy Godzilla?!

The essence of Godzilla has been absorbed into a young man named Jacen. Curiously tied together by fate (or a sinister plot?), they now share a physical body. But no time to unravel this mystery — as without the King of the Monsters, kaiju have begun to trample across the United States!

Thus, with Jacen onboard or not, G-Force has made the decision to release Energy Godzilla. But… will they ever be able to put this Godzilla-sized genie back into the Jacen-sized bottle?

HEAVY METAL # 5

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One full turn of the sun since Heavy Metal returned in full stride with renewed force, the magazine moves forward as Gladiatrix by Dan Gordon and John Stanisci and Ink by Charley Parlapánides, Vlas Parlapánides, and Marco Failla continue to unfold, and Cold Dead War by Craig Wilson closes a chapter. Dark Horizons by Philippe Pelaez and Benjamin Blasco-Martinez begins its run, a post-apocalyptic science fiction series set on Kepler-452 b, where a forbidden zone has claimed every expedition sent beyond it. Thellus by Simona Mogavino and Carlos Gómez makes its debut as a new science fiction saga, introducing a myth-infused world ruled by absolute power and laying the groundwork for a broader story of domination and resistance. Also featured are Blue Angel, a near-future military science fiction story by Philippe Gauckler, The Callistan Menace, a classic science fiction adaptation adapted by Fernando Fernández, and Turing Test for Humans by Fernando Dagnino. Beyond these highlights, the issue includes a varied range of additional features that reinforce Heavy Metal’s bold editorial mix.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE ADVENTURES OF LUMEN N. vol. 1 TP

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A brand-new steampunk comics adventure from the hit Starman writer!

For a young girl named Lumen, it all begins when her home in India is attacked by steampunk assassins. Oh, and that’s also when she learns that her grandfather is the legendary nautical adventurer Captain Nemo, from Jules Verne’s classic Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

The year is 1901.

Now Lumen must accept her bloodline as a Nemo and become a true heroine, as she learns to navigate her grandfather’s amazing steampunk existence full of incredible inventions and terrifying dangers. These perils, threatening both her and the world-at-large, stem from a group of villains, all from other late 19th century adventure novels, combining into a cabal intent on world domination.

So with Earth at stake, Lumen’s first murderous foe from among that cabal is another Verne creation: Robur The Conqueror, whose lethal goal is the destruction of Paris.

Lumen N’s exciting life of adventure begins here, with each new exploit that she finds herself a part of, wilder and more exciting than the last!

Collects The Adventures of Lumen N. #1–#4.

BLOODLETTER TP

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In this thrilling miniseries, Tasha Thornwall, known as THE BLOODLETTER, is a powerful mystical mercenary entrenched in the world’s secretive underbelly. 

Once a CIA operative, she has lived in the shadows since being exposed by Al Simmons a decade ago. Now, driven by vengeance upon learning that Simmons has returned as Spawn, she embarks on a relentless mission to hunt him down. 

This captivating story is brought to life by JOSEPH P. ILLIDGE, known for his work on DC Comics’ The Shadow Cabinet, and TIM SEELEY, famed for HACK/SLASH and Nightwing, with stunning artistry by CHRISTIAN ROSADO.

Collects Bloodletter Issues #1 – 5

DIE: LOADED vol. 1 – Zero Sessions TP

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What if the fantasy game you played as a teenager became real—and refused to let you go? The cult-favorite, “goth Jumanji” series returns for an epic new story of a dark fantasy adventure game gone horrifically right or wonderfully wrong.

A year after their return from the hellish game world, the players gather for Chuck’s wake. They’ve finished with the game. The game isn’t finished with them. The three-time Hugo Award-nominated series is back. Get ready to roll initiative. Who’s going to DIE this time?

Collects DIE: LOADED issues #1-6.

SPEED RACER ADVENTURES vol. 1 HC

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In the tradition of Flash Gordon Adventures and Tiny Titans, Speed Racer Adventures is a brand-new story aimed at young readers, introducing them to young versions of the famous classic characters.

The best race car driver in the world has been invited to drive the most advanced artificial intelligent car in the world. Speed Racer is not that driver, and the Mach Five is not that car, but that’s not going to stop him from entering that race and winning! When the world’s richest man uses unlimited funds to build the most technologically advanced car in the world and hires Racer X to run a race he created, the deck is stacked against Speed Racer! Its not going to be an easy race, but with his secret weapons, his friends and family, Speed has a pretty good chance of getting in the race and winning, but he’s going to hedge his bet by using a whole lot of candy! Come for the laughs, the hijinx and the amazing speeds the cars reach. Go Speed racer, GO!

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

CONCRETE: STARS OVER SAND # 1

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The Eisner, Harvey and Reuben Award-winning Concrete is back with a 5-part story of amnesia, wilderness, and suspense.

Concrete has entered the desert and not come back. Larry and Maureen are frantic. Reports come that he is wandering the nearby arid mountains, covered with blood, attacking people. Concrete, lightning-struck, confused, roams a frightening world he can’t understand. Roars tear across the sky. A strange globe rises. His body is sheathed in stone. He thinks he is being hunted. People are a threat.

His journey back to life, and his friends’ dire search against a looming deadline, is as strange and tense as any Concrete story ever told.

THE DEADMAN # 1

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THE ALL-STAR CREATORS OF 2025’S HIT MINISERIES SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM (AND THE ONGOING HORROR ANTHOLOGY ICE CREAM MAN) ARE BACK AT DC COMICS TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS! The Deadman enters the Next Level! In the millisecond following his murder, the soul of shifty circus aerialist Boston Brand was commandeered by the goddess Rama Kushna, who deputized the erstwhile performer’s ghost with a sacred spectral assignment: the Custodian of All Souls! Now Brand floats — begrudgingly — through this bluegreen purgatory we call Earth, upholding the Laws of Spiritual Math and protecting humanity from evil — even if they can’t see or hear him. Open up to this new era of DC’s most lively deceased superhero — the Deadman — in a story about life, death, and everything in between… replete with paranormal activity, possessions, and a profusion of other poignant peculiarities.

DC: KO HC/TP

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The end of everything begins here. The heroes of Earth enter a tournament forged by gods, where victory means survival, and corruption claims the soul. From Eisner Award–winning writer Scott Snyder and artist Javi Fernández comes the explosive event redefining the DC Universe.

The Heart of Apokolips has transformed Earth into a twisted battlefield as Darkseid prepares for resurrection. To stop him, the Justice League and their greatest allies must enter an impossible tournament—one that pits hero against hero and friend against friend.
Each victory brings the survivors closer to the Heart…but the closer they come, the more its dark power consumes them.
A fight for the fate of the universe. A test of every hero’s will. DC K.O. is the ultimate clash of power, sacrifice, and corruption.

Collects DC K.O. #1–5.

ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN vol. 4: One Last Day TP

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Jonathan Hickman’s acclaimed saga of Peter Parker and his amazing family concludes!

Brace yourself for Fisk vs. Mister Negative vs. Mysterio — with Spider-Man and his allies caught in the middle! Will the Sinister Six destroy New York before they destroy each other?! Plus: Harry Osborn lives! Peter and Mary Jane share another fateful dinner with Harry and Gwen. A last will and testament is read! And it’s all building to a finale you won’t want to miss! As the Ultimate Universe approaches its ENDGAME, what will that mean for Spider-Man and his Ultimate friends (and family)?! You cannot possibly be prepared for what Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto have planned for Peter Parker as your favorite comic book comes to an unforgettable end!

COLLECTING: Ultimate Spider-Man (2024) #19-24, Ultimate Universe: Finale (2026) #1 (Spider-Man story)

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics April 29

Free Comic Book Day has some competition

This Saturday is Free Comic Book Day, the day every year where publishers release special free comics in an attempt to get new people to go to a comic book shop and maybe buy some other comics. This year, due to the shenanigans of the Diamond distribution bankruptcy, this Saturday is also Comics Giveaway Day. Yes, some publishers decided to do their own event that is identical in every way but name for reasons of their own. Because this Wednesday is the 5th in the month (always a low-comic week) and the FCBD / CGD, I’m going to swap out my usual 4 ongoing series recommendations with 4 free giveaway comics I think look interesting.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

ARCHIE COMICS 85TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTS: ARCHIE GAME GALAXY # 1

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Archie and his friends get their game on in this BRAND NEW video game story, just in time for the The Super Mario Galaxy Movie! While Betty is tasked with feeding Sabrina’s mischievous cat, Salem, the gang decides to join her. Things get wild when Jughead discovers an old gaming console and powers it up—suddenly, they’re all sucked into the game! Now trapped in a dazzling universe filled with quirky planets and unique challenges, Salem becomes their unexpected guide through this vibrant realm. Together, they must navigate wacky worlds and tackle hilarious obstacles as they work to find their way back home. With teamwork and friendship at the forefront, will they conquer the cosmos and return before it’s time for Salem’s next meal? Join them on this uproarious journey full of laughter, adventure, and interstellar surprises!

ELRIC: THE SLEEPING SORCERESS # 1

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After love was taken from him, Elric of Melniboné is tasked with finding and aiding the Empress of the Dawn. Though others also seek her out. An army plots to steal Elric’s Ring of Kings as well as the mighty Stormbringer all in order to create a new Champion of Chaos. But with grief chipping away at his resolve can Elric really subdue the deadly Stormbringer that claws at his mind or will he succumb to his impulses and become Chaos incarnate?

HELLBOY IN LOVE: BLACK EYES # 1

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A cozy visit with retired B.P.R.D agents Archie and Margaret takes a chilly turn when Hellboy and Anastasia investigate the local ghost, whose once only legendary wails have been disturbing their quaint village with more and more urgency.

SWAMP THING 1989 # 1

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Over three decades since the controversy and cancellation, Rick Veitch’s legendary lost issues are completed! After a renowned two year run on the series, Veitch’s grand finale to Swamp Thing was cut short, and never to see print! Whispers and leaks hinted at the epic untold saga for years. Now, for the first time, that final story is told! As Swamp Thing is cast back through time, he will come to meet a carpenter who will change the trajectory of his life, and the DC Universe forever. The origin of Etrigan , and Swamp Thing’s journey to the beginning of time starts here!

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY / COMICS GIVEAWAY DAY

DEICIDIUM: OMENS # 1

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A first look at the epic new sci-fi series from award-winning creators Ram V, Evan Cagle, and Anand Radhakrishnan!

Featuring gorgeous black and white interiors, Deicidium is set in a future world governed by the marriage between theocracies and corporations. Worship is currency, faith is power. In this newfound stability, old powers once more return to the world. Gods of fire, wind, volcanoes, jaguars — gods of mischief, stories, love, and war — manifesting through everyday people. But with the established hierarchy threatened, the powers-that-be decide that these newly-made gods must be found — and killed…

ENERGON UNIVERSE: 2026 SPECIAL # 1

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The biggest year in Energon Universe history is here, with four all-new stories from the worlds of Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals, and more in this Free Comic Book Day issue.
 
Join the biggest names in comics for both a perfect Energon Universe jumping-on point and a can’t-miss experience for long-time fans. 

THE FUTURE IS ****** ANNUAL # 1

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The ultimate STAND ALONE INTRODUCTORY ONE-SHOT to the GREATEST HACKER COMIC BOOK OF ALL TIME is here! Witness guest artist JUAN GEDEON (Marvel’s Venom and DC’s Jurassic League) draw an absolutely killer story by series regular writer Fred Van Lente (Deadpool vs. The Punisher), which can introduce anyone to the SIXTY-ISSUE ONGOING SERIES! Look, this comic book rules, and it’s FREE! Get on the bandwagon, buddy! This issue even has giant guns and monsters! What more do you want!? TWENTY-FOUR PAGES OF STORY FOR, THAT’S RIGHT, FREE!

WORLD OF ARCHIE # 1

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Celebrate Archie Comics’ milestone 85th anniversary with this collection of fun, all-ages stories! You probably already know Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and even that mischief-maker Reggie, as well as everyone’s favorite teen witch, Sabrina, and those musical, mystical Josie and the Pussycats. Still, there’s a whole WORLD of Archie characters to explore. This collection spotlights some of the expanded Archie universe and showcases why Archie and his friends have been the coolest for nearly nine decades! Featuring the work of Archie fan-favorite creators including Dan Parent, Holly G!, Timmy Heague, Jamie L. Rotante, Craig Boldman, Steven and Lily Butler, and more!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: THE CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS 1977 TP

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Introducing Clover Press and The Library of American Comics’ new deluxe softcover slipcase series, collecting all of Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man classic newspaper comics. Each volume collects a full year of newspaper strips, from January 1 through December 31. Every edition is printed in an 11” x 8.5” landscape format softcover book that slides into a vertically oriented die-cut slipcase!

The wall-crawler swings into his first year of the long-running Spider-Man newspaper strips, brought to life by the legendary team of Stan Lee and John Romita! Every exciting adventure is presented just as readers experienced them nationwide, with the full-color Sunday pages integrated with the dailies!

1977 kicks off as J.Jonah Jameson invites none other than Doctor Doom, the iron-fisted ruler of Latveria, to address the U.N.—and it’s up to Spider-Man to stop him from blackmailing the world’s leaders! From there, the wall-crawler faces off against a rogues’ gallery of iconic foes, including Doctor Octopus, the Kingpin, and Kraven the Hunter. Plus, the debut of an all-new villain: The Rattler

MARVEL CREATOR COLLECTION NO. 1: BACK TO THE SAVAGE LAND — BARRY WINDSOR-SMITH AT MARVEL vol. 1 HC

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This first of a three-volume series collecting the legendary Barry Windsor-Smith’s work at Marvel features his early work on X-Men, The Avengers, Doctor Strange, and Iron Man, as well as his amazing run on Ka-Zar in Astonishing Tales, and much more.

From the moment Marvel brought him to the U.S. in 1969, Windsor-Smith was a creative force to be reckoned with. A passionate devotee of Jack Kirby, Windsor-Smith’s earliest drawing at Marvel reflected that influence, but he quickly developed his own unique, eye-opening style, combining intricately detailed realism with the dreamlike lushness of art nouveau and late-1960s psychedelia.

This volume focuses on the earliest of his work, including memorable storylines on The Avengers, Iron Man, Doctor Strange, and individual stories for Chamber of Darkness, Tower of Shadows, and Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. All new benchmarks of comics art, culminating in what may be the highlight of this period: Windsor-Smith’s collaboration with writer Gerry Conway on an epic tale of civil war in Ka-Zar’s Savage Land. Future volumes will trace Windsor-Smith’s career through such milestones as Machine Man and Weapon X.

NERD INFERNO: THE ESSENTIAL EVAN DORKIN TP

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Collecting the Milk and Cheese, Eltingville Club, and Dork comics by Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz award-winning comics creator Evan Dorkin. Collected for the first time in an affordable omnibus edition.

The entire Eltingville Club saga. Every Milk and Cheese comic. All the fun strips, gag panels and stories from Dork.

The entire shebang is now available in one big-ass Omnibus edition, a staggering display of satire, silliness, and stupidity featuring all the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz award-winning humor comics by semi-esteemed and somewhat-beloved cartoonist Evan Dorkin. It’s going to sell out and you will cry if you don’t get a copy, so get to it, kids (This message was approved by Evan’s therapist). 

For mature audiences.

SPEED RACER ADVENTURES vol. 1 HC

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In the tradition of Flash Gordon Adventures and Tiny Titans, Speed Racer Adventures is a brand-new story aimed at young readers, introducing them to young versions of the famous classic characters.

The best race car driver in the world has been invited to drive the most advanced artificial intelligent car in the world. Speed Racer is not that driver, and the Mach Five is not that car, but that’s not going to stop him from entering that race and winning! When the world’s richest man uses unlimited funds to build the most technologically advanced car in the world and hires Racer X to run a race he created, the deck is stacked against Speed Racer! Its not going to be an easy race, but with his secret weapons, his friends and family, Speed has a pretty good chance of getting in the race and winning, but he’s going to hedge his bet by using a whole lot of candy! Come for the laughs, the hijinx and the amazing speeds the cars reach. Go Speed racer, GO!

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ESCAPE # 7

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The smash-hit series returns! Milton’s daring plan comes to a head as he sabotages the Titan cannon from within, but escape means facing an army, a vengeful Colonel, and impossible odds. The explosive new arc begins here, and not everyone makes it out alive.

GODZILLA’S MONSTERPIECE THEATRE PRESENTS: GODZILLA’S THE ODYSSEY # 1

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Godzilla’s tour of the literary canon continues as it smashes its way across The Odyssey in this oversize standalone one-shot!

Homer’s The Odyssey is widely considered to be the greatest epic of all time. So, how could you possibly make it more epic? Fill it with kaiju, that’s how. Odysseus’ journey home was already challenging enough, but what if instead of storms, sirens, and cyclopes, the gods sent monsters even more powerful than the titans? And what if Zeus sent the most powerful one of all to assist the king on his odyssey? It’s like Homer said: “Of all creatures that breathe and move upon the earth, nothing is bred that is stronger than Godzilla.”

Written by Frank Tieri, illustrated by Ilias Kyriazis, and featuring part two of Tom Scioli’s Godzilla vs. Robin Hood.

THE LUCKY DEVILS HC

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A dark, hilarious satire about the struggle to do good in a world that makes it so easy to be bad, The Lucky Devils is an examination of everything that makes humanity both grand and terrible from two of comics’ most unique storytellers.

The Lucky Devils is a tale of two ordinary, good-hearted, 20-something Chicagoans who begin working with the devils on their shoulders in an attempt to fix their broken lives. It works beyond their wildest dreams, and in time they become two of the most powerful people on earth. While they fully intend to use that influence to make the world a better place, we all know what they say about the road to Hell…

For fans of their previous bestselling collaborations like Curse Words and Eight Billion Genies, stories like Lucifer or The Good Place, or tales where ordinary people’s lives intersect with the supernatural — this new series is sure to delight readers looking for a fantastical new read.

Collects issues #1-9.

ULTIMATE ENDGAME # 1

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THE END OF THE LINE! The universe hangs by a thread as our weary heroes face their final, crushing challenge: the ultimate, cataclysmic showdown with The Maker! Everything they have fought for, everything they believe in, will be tested in this pulse-pounding, oversized final issue. There are no more retreats, no more second chances.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics April 22

Image is Feeling Themselves

Image has a lot of interesting-looking new series debuting this week. They also have a number of interesting-looking new series on Final Order Cutoff. These had to have been in the pipeline for a while, so it isn’t in response to their recent speculator-driven hits. Chock it up to good business sense, or perhaps they bet on themselves in the wake of Ultimate and Absolute and are coming up big. Image is looking to have a big 2026.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN: YEARBOOK # 1

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The first issue of BLOOD SQUAD SEVEN YEARBOOK is finally here! And within this extra-length, action-packed, mind-bending conclusion to this epic storyline… secrets will be revealed! Worlds will collide! Heroes will struggle! Legends will die! And things —  both past and present — will never be the same!

CORPSE KNIGHT # 1

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As war ravages France, a young girl named Foy lives in relative peace with her father… until tragedy strikes. As Foy struggles to fend for herself, she’s granted a miracle — her father returns from the dead to protect her. Now, they embark on a sacred quest, confronting murderers, wild animals, wandering armies, and black magic plaguing the countryside. As Foy comes face to face with the dark side of miracles and the secrets of the Corpse Knight, she must question if the man by her side has always been a monster…

Acclaimed storytellers MICHAEL CHAVES (The Conjuring franchise) and MATTHEW ROBERTS (Universal Monsters: Creature from The Black Lagoon Lives!) present a haunting new horror series where family is family, whether they’re alive or undead…

HEAD LOPPER # 1

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Dive into HEAD LOPPER for ANDREW MACLEAN’s masterclass in kinetic action and dark humor. Witness Norgal behead mythic beasts while his chatty, severed-witch-head companion, Agatha, provides relentless sass. It’s visually stunning, high-fantasy carnage that proves decapitation is better with company. Celebrate 10 YEARS of this award-winning, hit series with a NEW *extra-length* NUMBER ONE!

IN YOUR SKIN # 1

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Priyanka is a Bollywood uber-fan who has been obsessed with film star Ayesha Sen since she was a kid — she’s watched her movies over and over, and knows her dances beat for beat. But after a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet her idol goes awry, and Ayesha announces her impending retirement from movies, Priyanka decides that if Ayesha isn’t going to live the life she’s supposed to, Priyanka would be more than happy to take over for her…

Bollywood body horror meets erotic fiction in writer Aditya Bidikar’s debut series with rising star artist SOM (Crocodile Black), a twisted exploration of celebrity culture, identity, and image that’s perfect for fans of The Substance and David Cronenberg. 

Ongoing Series

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN # 19

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ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN WILL NEVER BE THE SAME! Diana is unraveling and surrounded by enemies. But it is only when things are darkest that one should call upon the lasso Troika. For Troika… leaves you changed.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN # 27

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DEATH SPIRAL CONCLUSION! Torment will get away with murder. Unless SPIDER-MAN does the UNTHINKABLE…

LEGACY  #991

EXQUISITE CORPSES # 12

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Two killers remain to determine who will control the true fate of the country for years to come. But before the loser’s blood runs cold, an offer will be made that changes everything… Multiple Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV (Something is Killing the Children) and Eisner Award-winning artist Michael Walsh (Universal Monsters: Frankenstein) return for the penultimate chapter in the most talked-about horror epic of the modern era!

VOID RIVALS # 29

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The Quintesson War nears its conclusion as Darak and his father, Minister Dulin, are put on trial! Oh, wait—what is an ELITE SHARKTICON?! 

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

ARCHIE Comics Digest # 5: SUMMER FUN

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Grab your beach towels, sunglasses, and picnic baskets and hit the beach with Archie and the gang! This digest is heating up with the most hilarious, fun-in-the-sun stories featuring everyone’s favorite redhead teenager and all his friends in good ol’ Riverdale USA!

MARK SPEARS MONSTERS vol. 1 HC

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Collecting the first four issues of the instant sell-out indie comics phenom Mark Spears Monsters ongoing comic book series, chapters 1-4 of “All That Remains.” From award-winning artist Mark Spears comes all-new horror series Monsters! Based on his hit trading card series of the same name, Spears brings classic monsters to life with a modern twist.

Set in the early 1980s, a retired Monster Slayer from a forgotten era learns that an old friend has disappeared, and a malevolent force from his past has resurfaced. Reluctantly, the mysterious Slayer is pulled back into the realm of the supernatural, determined to confront the ancient evil once again and prevent it from wreaking havoc on the world once more. Meanwhile, two seasoned detectives are investigating a series of grisly murders, and a group of kids embark on their own adventure after witnessing what they believe to be their recently deceased neighbor wandering the streets at night.

NO MAN’S LAND TP

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NOW IN DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE WITH A/VANTAGE PICTURES

A high-stakes murder mystery perfect for fans of True Detective, Whiteout, and Insomnia.

Diomede Islands. For three months each year, you can walk from the USA to Russia across an ice bridge—a frozen path known as the Ice Curtain.

In 1963, when the body of a young woman is discovered on this icy no-man’s land, the already fragile relationship between the superpowers threatens to collapse. With nuclear tensions rising, an FBI agent and a KGB operative must solve the murder—before the ice melts…and war ignites.

From SOMETHING EPIC and BLOOD COMMANDMENT creator SZYMON KUDRANSKI comes the must-read thriller of the year.

Collects NO MAN’S LAND #1-4.

SUPERMAN: THE KRYPTONITE SPECTRUM HC

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Superman faces his own worst weakness in a story where Kryptonite reveals more than just physical pain.

From the acclaimed creative team behind Ice Cream Man, this DC Black Label event bends genre, tone, and form as Superman is exposed to not only green, red, and black Kryptonite—but new and never-before-seen forms. Each of the five issues serves as a boundary-pushing meditation on power, identity, and trauma. With Batman at his side and Earth at stake, Superman must confront how the shards of his broken homeworld reveal fault lines in his soul.

Includes Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1–5.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

ABSOLUTE GREEN ARROW # 1

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WITHOUT THE TRICK ARROWS… WITHOUT THE MONEY… WITHOUT MERCY… WHAT’S LEFT IS THE ABSOLUTE HUNTER!

A serial killer is slaughtering corrupt billionaires. The only clue to their identity is the mysterious green arrows sticking out of his victims’ corpses. Executive protection specialist Dinah Lance, a.k.a. Absolute Black Canary, is one of the people tasked to uncover this murderer’s identity as she investigates her suspects… all familiar DC archers uniquely linked to a recently murdered Oliver Queen. I Know What You Did Last Summer for billionaires, Absolute Green Arrow reimagines the Emerald Archer’s mythos into a dangerous, urban horror murder-mystery by Eisner winners Pornsak Pichetshote (Dead Boy Detectives, Infidel) and Rafael Albuquerque (Detective Comics, American Vampire).

THE DOGSITTER # 1

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Heel… sit… stay — for a summer rom-com with bark and bite!

Gemma Monroe should be reveling in her ’20s. Instead, she’s on a leave of absence from veterinarian school to save for rising tuition, stacking shifts at a flower shop and juggling her side gig as a dogsitter. Gemma’s favorite canine client — an Akita with an identity crisis — comes with the most demanding dog-mom: Portia Ross, a high-powered executive with deep pockets who sees Gemma as a pet project of her own. It’s delicate, but Gemma knows that getting her life back on track means this customer is always right. And the policy works… until Gemma locks eyes with the charming Neal Mandell, and what starts as a welcome casual fling unleashes a transactional love triangle that could throw her future to the dogs.

Jamie S. Rich and Megan Levens, the veteran romance collaborators behind Ares & Aphrodite and Madame Frankenstein, reunite for a new romp — and a lineup of dog-crazy cover artists joins the pack! All variants for this series will feature the artist’s real-life four-legged friends, beginning with…

ODIN # 1

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Green Room meets Midsommar in JAMES TYNION’s most relentless Horror story yet! Adela will do anything for the perfect story. Including going undercover with Neo Nazi punks headed to the frozen forests of Norway under the misbegotten belief that they can summon Odin and achieve their promised white destiny. But what awaits them in the woods is far older and stranger than any of them can comprehend. And no gods are coming to answer their prayers for help. Multiple Eisner Award-winning creator JAMES TYNION IV (Exquisite Corpses), no-holds-barred writer MARGUERITE BENNETT (Witchblade), rising star artist LETIZIA CADONICI (House of Slaughter), and Eisner Award-winning colorist JORDIE BELLAIRE (Redlands) conjure a hallucinogenic horror story that leaves absolutely no taboo unbroken.

OF THE EARTH # 1

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Legendary artist CHARLIE ADLARD (THE WALKING DEAD) joins writers CHRIS CONDON (THAT TEXAS BLOOD) & ANDREW EHRICH, colorist PIP MARTIN (EVERYTHING DEAD & DYING), letterer HASSAN OTSMANE-ELHAOU (ASSORTED CRISIS EVENTS), and designer MIKE TIVEY (NEWS FROM THE FALLOUT) for his triumphant return to Image Comics in this neo-noir-tinged eco-horror miniseries that is Blood Simple meets John Carpenter’s The Thing.

Tabitha ‘Tabby’ Black flees a sordid life for her quiet hometown of Solitude, Texas and the comfort of her Gramma’s home where she was raised. Only home isn’t what it once was…. and neither is Gramma.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics April 15

Supergirl Saturday is this week

If you normally buy your comics on Wednesday, you might want to plan on also dropping my on Saturday. Check if your comic book shop is doing something fun, having sales, or giving away anything for Supergirl Day this Saturday.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

FIREBORN # 1

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A new series set in the world of LOST FANTASY!

Aaron Hillburg was just another rich-kid failson — ghosting his responsibilities, hopping rooftops, and hating his billionaire father in peace… until a mysterious floating dragon egg bonds to him and ignites a hidden lineage of ancient magic inside his body.

Now every violent outlaw wizard, biker cultist, and supernatural warlord between New York City and The World Beneath is hunting him — and they’ll burn the world down to pry the egg from his corpse.

A high octane fusion of fantasy and superheroes perfect for fans of Invincible, How To Train Your Dragon and Absolute Batman.

THE HAB # 1

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Eisner-nominated writer Joshua Dysart (UNKNOWN SOLDIER) combines his powers with world-renowned comic artist David Lapham (STRAY BULLETS), comic book legend Bill Sienkiewicz (NEW MUTANTS), and award-winning colorists Bill Crabtree (INVINCIBLE) and Matt Hollingsworth (BATMAN) to present a groundbreaking horror tour-de-force.Mercurial billionaire Tuttle Barrows prepared for everything—even the end of the world. Years ago he wielded his immense power and fortune to build a massive sealed habitat atop a once protected ancient freshwater glacial cave. Now, as the world outside unravels, Barrows, his family, and a handpicked inner circle retreat to their final sanctuary—a place built to outlast civilization itself.But something was already there. Beneath layers of ice, in the ancient freshwater vault, a long-dormant danger lurks. While hallucinations twist their reality and violence spreads like a fever they must descend deeper or risk their last refuge becoming a tomb.

STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY – LOST CONTACT # 1

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Caleb, Genesis, Jay-Den, Kyle, and Tarima are all students of Starfleet Academy, the illustrious school responsible for the Federation’s best. One day, they dream to serve as great leaders on board ships of their own, to study the cultural intricacies of sentient life amongst the Galaxy, or to go where no person has explored before. But today, their mission is simply to execute a survey simulation on a lifeless, low-oxygen planet. Or at least, it seems simple… until a huge storm cuts off their contact with their teachers aboard the Athena… and something impossible appears: an alien. Now, they’ll have to work together and use everything they’ve learned in class about first contact to make it off the planet alive!

SUPERGIRL: THE WORLD – SUPERGIRL DAY SPECIAL EDITION # 1

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Celebrate Superman Day with a globe-spanning spotlight on the Last Daughter of Krypton!

Supergirl has always fought to live up to the legacy of her cousin — but finding her place on her adopted world hasn’t always been easy. Now, Kara Zor-El sets out on a journey across Earth itself, embracing its wonders, cultures, challenges, and people… all while saving lives the only way Supergirl can.

This Superman Day Special Edition offers an inspiring first look at the upcoming original graphic novel Supergirl: The World — a sweeping, heartfelt celebration of the Maiden of Might. Across 15 countries, creators from around the globe come together to tell stories that reveal why Supergirl remains one of the most uplifting and powerful heroes in the DC Universe.

Featuring two short stories from the graphic novel, this special edition invites readers to witness Kara’s compassion, courage, and hope as she discovers the extraordinary world she now calls home.

A perfect entry point for new readers and a must-have for Supergirl fans — only available for Superman Day!

Ongoing Series

ABSOLUTE BATMAN # 19

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Poison Ivy proved to be just one of the many horrors within the bowels of the ARK M facility, and as Joker sets his sights on Absolute Batman, he decides to enlist the help of one of the center’s most terrifying doctors, Dr. Jonathan Crane. While Bruce Wayne tries to align himself with Barbara Gordon, there’s more than one alliance formed in this issue. New debuts, new villains, new arc starts here.

G. I. JOE # 21

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STORM SHADOW AND SCARLETT RETURN! The Arashikage and Cobra have met once before… prepare for ROUND TWO! Will G.I. Joe be forced to put a stop to it?

GHOST PEPPER # 10

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It’s all been leading to this — Ash vs Bataar! As Loloi and her team risk it all to save their world, nothing has prepared them for the devastating consequences!

ULTIMATE WOLVERINE # 16

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YEAR TWO OF THE ULTIMATE UNIVERSE NEARS ITS END IN THE FINAL ISSUE OF ULTIMATE WOLVERINE!

Wolverine and Phoenix track Magik right into the demonic dimension of Limbo for an epic, devastating showdown! To escape Illyana’s realm of dark magic, a final sacrifice must be made, one that will lead directly into ULTIMATE ENDGAME #5!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

ADVENTURE TIME Oni Compact Comics Edition: Princess Power!!! TP

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Back off, Ice King! These princesses are out to chew bubblegum and kick butt—and they’re all out of bubblegum…

Whether it’s defeating Magic Man at Princess High Tea (back off with your dumb irony and words and junk, Magic Man!), celebrating birthdays in the FIRST PERSON (ooooo), discovering the whereabouts of Lumpy Space Princess’s missing star (y’all better have flippin’ good alibis, OK?), crowning the Best Princess Ever (who will take home the coveted Betamax 3000 Tiara Buffer?!), or overseeing a phantasmagoric* (*phantasmagoric: dreamy, weird, changing, shifting) hot air balloon race, these princess-focused adventures pack a most mathematical punch!

Princess Bubblegum, LSP, Turtle Princess, Muscle Princess, Hot Dog Princess—the list goes on! All these princesses and more grace the pages of this specially curated Adventure Time collection, featuring issues #15, 20, 35, and 62–69 of the original comics run with stories written by Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), Mariko Tamaki (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me), and Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: Phasma), and drawn by Shelli Paroline & Braden Lamb (Midas) and Ian McGinty (Bee and PuppyCat)!

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT – THE KRYPTONIAN AGE

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The year is 1893, and Gotham City has flourished under the eye of the Batman. But despite the gaudy new light bulbs and the gaudier nouveau riche, the shadows are also growing deadlier new threats. The Batman will find himself challenged by the mysterious Catwoman and the even more enigmatic Talia al Ghul. And what cosmic treasure from beyond the stars waits for all of them outside the confines of Gotham City? The new era of Elseworlds kicks off with the return of the crown jewel, the gothic world originated by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola. Superstar duo Andy Diggle ( Action Comics , Poison Ivy ) and Leandro Fernández ( Batman , Birds of Prey ) breathe new life into the legend of Gotham City and its dark guardian. This isn’t the Gilded Age; this is the Kryptonian Age! Collects issues #1-6.

THE COMPLETE 2000 AD BY ALAN MOORE vol. 1: Future Shocks & Other Stories HC

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Alan Moore is a legendary comics writer credited with transforming the medium and how it was seen through his seminal works such as V For Vendetta, From Hell and, of course, Watchmen.

But, before any of that, he cut his teeth at 2000 AD, the “galaxy’s greatest comic”. It was there that Moore honed his craft in preparation for the accolades that would follow.

This first volume in a new series collecting all of Alan Moore’s work for 2000 AD, brings together all of his Future Shocks as well as a host of other one-off stories.

Moore is a master of the short-format story and this collection doubles as the perfect guide for how to write comics to a page limit.

Includes the story “A Holiday In Hell” which has never been reprinted in English since its first publication in 1980.

Moore’s stories are complemented by the works of a string of legendary artists including Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), Ian Gibson (The Ballad of Halo Jones), Eric Bradbury (Rogue Trooper), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), Steve Dillon (Preacher), Brett Ewins (Bad Company) and more.

RUN TP

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First you march, then you run.

This follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel series March is the continuation of the life story of John Lewis and the struggles seen across the United States after the Selma voting rights campaign.

To many, the civil rights movement was capped with the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965. All too often, the depiction of history ends with a great victory. But John Lewis knew that victories are just the beginning.

John Lewis was one of the preeminent figures of the movement, leading sit-in protests and fighting segregation on interstate busways as an original Freedom Rider. He became chairman of SNCC (the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee) and was the youngest speaker at the March on Washington. He helped organize the Mississippi Freedom Summer and the ensuing delegate challenge at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. And he co-led the march from Selma to Montgomery on what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

In Run, John Lewis and longtime collaborator Andrew Aydin reteam with Nate Powell—the award-winning illustrator of the March trilogy—and are joined by L. Fury, making an astonishing graphic novel debut, to tell this often-overlooked chapter of civil rights history.

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

BEN TEN # 1

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Summertime is here and blockbuster movies are already starting to heat up movie theater screens all over the globe! Of course, Archie and his extended group of friends are going to get in on the action! First, the Superteens and the Power Pets take on some souped up zoo animals in an all-out brawl! But who’s the evil mastermind behind all the chaos? Then, Veronica Lodge and Ginger Lopez battle it out to be the next best fashion critic! Inspired by upcoming movies like : Masters of the Universe, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and The Devil Wears Prada 2, plus plenty more homages to notable movies throughout Archie’s history, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got extra popcorn before diving into this fun-filled issue!

ESCAPE vol. 1 TP

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SHOT DOWN. HUNTED. OUT OF TIME.

Set in a brutal, fully painted world of anthropomorphic animals — equal parts Inglourious Basterds and Watership Down — ESCAPE is a gritty, bullet-riddled journey through war’s scorched aftermath. It’s about the violence we inflict, the souls we try to save, and the courage it takes to crawl out of fire.

From the creative team of New York Times bestselling author RICK REMENDER (DEADLY CLASS, Uncanny X-Force) and powerhouse DANIEL ACUÑA (Captain America, Black Panther) — the duo behind Marvel’s Uncanny Avengers — comes a savage, full-throttle wartime thriller where survival isn’t given… it’s taken.

Milton Shaw is a battle-hardened bomber pilot, flying missions over a war-torn world ruled by a ruthless empire. But when his plane is shot out of the sky, Milton wakes up behind enemy lines — in the smoldering ruins of a city he helped burn. And in less than 24 hours, his own side is dropping the big one to finish the job.

Now, injured, unarmed, and being hunted through enemy streets, Milton’s only shot at escape comes from the unlikeliest place: a grieving father and his son — civilians shattered by the same fascist regime that rules this land with an iron claw. Enemies by blood. Allies by circumstance. Together, they’ll have to fight their way out before the bomb drops and erases everything… and everyone.

Collects ESCAPE #1-6.

STAR TREK: CELEBRATIONS 2026 # 1

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You are cordially invited to the party that is this year’s Star Trek: Celebrations anthology! This one-shot features the universe’s queer characters in tales of love and triumph, exemplifying Gene Roddenberry’s mission for us all to one day celebrate infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

Our cast of all LGBTQIA+ creators — including Meghan Fitzmartin, Ben Kahn, Jamila Rowser, and more (!) — are serving up the fun with stories like a botanical adventure with Sulu and Ben, a bar brawl bash with Mariner and Jennifer, and a nostalgic holodeck date gone wrong with Seven and Raffi, so don’t miss out on this talent-packed extravaganza.

THE ULTIMATES # 24

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YEAR TWO OF THE ULTIMATE UNIVERSE NEARS ITS END IN THE FINAL ISSUE OF ULTIMATES!

She-Hulk and her remaining teammates confront the villainous Hulk in a brutal, all-or-nothing battle on Gamma Island!

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics April 8

High Literature, Godzilla, and High Literature With Godzilla

GODZILLA’S MONSTERPIECE THEATRE was one of my favorite comics last year. We’re getting a series of one-shots with a similar concept, starting this week.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

EVERYONE LOVES A JEWEL THIEF # 1

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What’s a struggling writer to do except…pull off a jewel heist!

Novelist C. Scott Frederiksson hasn’t written anything of note in years. He’s about to lose his adjunct position at the University, be dropped by his agent, and possibly dumped if he doesn’t publish a hit and soon.

Scott has it all figured out. A masterfully scripted spectacle to dazzle the masses without doing any real harm. A local celebrity will be robbed of her prized possessions, and Scott will come out on the other side as an antihero, showered with publicity and a lucrative new book deal.

But he can’t do it alone. Every compelling heist needs a crack team of like-minded crooks, and Scott’s top recruits are his old high school D&D group and their ragtag townie friends coming in clutch with the getaway Geo Storm.

It’ll either be the greatest story C. Scott Frederiksson has ever told, or someone’s going to end up dead. Maybe both!

Grab a D20 and roll for stealth in this new heist-acular adventure from Tim Seeley and Aaron Campbell because “Everyone Loves a Jewel Thief”!

THE FURY OF FIRESTORM # 1

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The community of Bedford, Colorado, is a sleepy small town. The people say hello to their neighbors, attend town hall meetings, and root for the local high school football team on Friday nights. But this idyllic small town is thrown upside down when the Nuclear Man arrives and starts… experimenting. Firestorm has turned buildings to sand and people to glass with no remorse and no warning. But what exactly provoked Ronnie Raymond to commit this heinous act, and can anyone contain the fury that is Firestorm?

Brought to you by the incredible team of Jeff Lemire (Absolute Flash, JSA) and Rafael De Latorre (The Penguin) comes the next epic in the Next Level line.

GODZILLA’S MONSTERPIECE THEATRE PRESENTS: ROMEO & JULIET AND GODZILLA # 1

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The explosive literary mashup series returns! But this time, Godzilla is taking on the classics one story at a time. O Godzilla, Godzilla, wherefore art thou Godzilla? First, it’s invading the Bard’s most revered play, Romeo & Juliet. Families at war! Forbidden love blossoming! Godzilla on its path of destruction! Fair Verona won’t be so fair for long!

And that’s not all: Tom Scioli is returning to the series to write and illustrate a backup story starring the legendary thief entitled “Robin Hood and the Monster of Nottingham!”

THUNDERCATS X SILVERHAWKS # 1

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CIVILIZATIONS COLLIDE IN THE CROSSOVER EVENT OF THE MILLENNIUM! When Panthro originally set out on his mission to launch a new satellite high above Third Earth, he never imagined that he would wind up changing the destiny of two entire galaxies. But as soon as he boarded the mysteriously deserted space station and began digging into its workings, that destiny was set in motion — and now the day of reckoning is at hand!

Alerted to an anomaly at a long-dormant base in a quarantined sector, The Copper Kid, Quicksilver, and Chromium — the SilverHawks’ newest member — defy Stargazer’s orders and set out on their own to investigate. But as soon as they land on the forbidden planet, they are confronted by a fearsome band of strange, cat-like warriors — and quickly find themselves in a fight for their lives!

The battle is joined by more ThunderCats, including several whose fearsome abilities threaten to overwhelm the isolated SilverHawks. But when a second vessel appears in orbit, it becomes clear to Panthro that reinforcements are on their way — and not even the Eye of Thundera will be able to stop them!

ThunderCats mastermind DECLAN SHALVEY kicks off his greatest Thunderan saga to date with ThunderCats X SilverHawks #1, both writing and drawing this 40-page inaugural issue that serves as the spectacular opening chapter in his 15-part crossover event spanning three titles over five months!

Featuring astronomically appealing covers from SHALVEY, LUCIO PARRILLO, ERIC CANETE, and BEN OLIVER, as well as a special piece of classic ANIMATION ART, ThunderCats X SilverHawks #1 also features two tremendous incentive editions — a special cover reproducing Declan Shalvey’s original layouts for the issue, and an autographed edition of Ben Oliver’s cover signed by ThunderCats original series voice actor LARRY KENNEY!

Ongoing Series

ABSOLUTE GREEN LANTERN # 13

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Tomar-Re is here, and he will not allow Jo Mullein’s inexperience to compromise his mission. It’s Anomaly versus Anomaly!

BLEEDING HEARTS # 3

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Poke returns to his horde after meeting Mama and Rabbit—profoundly changed and a bit confused. He’s experiencing things he cannot explain…things like compassion and sadness. He’s tried his best to convince Mama that he means them no harm and that they should stay hidden, but for Mama, trust is something hard-earned. So how much of a risk is she willing to take? And can Poke keep the latest hunting party from descending upon their hiding spot?

THE MORTAL THOR # 9

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THE RADIOACTIVE MAN! Radiation can pass through solid walls. Radiation destroys human tissue. Radiation cannot be hit with a piece of wood and metal. Sigurd Jarlson is only human. Dr. Chen Lu, the Radioactive Man, is not. Somewhere in the city, a man with a hammer faces a fight he cannot win…

LEGACY #795

TRANSFORMERS # 31

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THE SECRET OF MEGATRON REVEALED! Megatron has a vision that will change the course of his life. And no one in the Energon Universe is safe.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE AUTHOR IMMORTAL vol. 1 TP

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A queer, literary fantasy about the stories that shape us—and what happens when we outgrow them.

Hector Ramirez dreamed of changing the world with words. Years later, he’s given one last chance: to help reboot the fantasy series that shaped his childhood. But when he discovers the author has vanished into his own creation, Hector is pulled into a realm built from fiction and ruled by a story that refuses to end.

He’s not alone. Along for the journey is Al, his nonbinary teen child searching for their place in both the real world and the story that now threatens to consume them. Alethea, once the series’ bright young mage heroine, also fights alongside them as a battle-worn warrior, questioning whether she still belongs to the story she was created to serve. Together, they must uncover the forces tearing this world apart and what it means to live inside a story that no longer wants you.

As fiction and reality collide, Hector, Al, and Alethea face a painful truth: to move forward, they’ll have to confront the very story that made them.

From writer FRANK J. BARBIERE (FIVE GHOSTS) and artist MORGAN BEEM (Swamp Thing: Twin Branches), THE AUTHOR IMMORTAL is a lush, character-driven fantasy for fans of Nimona , Lore Olympus, and MONSTRESS—a mythic, deeply human story about creation, queerness, and finding yourself in the ruins of someone else’s myth.

Collects THE AUTHOR IMMORTAL #1-5.

CORTO MALTESE: The Fate of Venice and Other Adventures TP

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International award-winning graphic novelist Hugo Pratt’s Corto Maltese returns to American readers in a new collection of classic Corto tales, featuring a brilliantly executed wild chase through Venice for a vital occult treasure!

Artist Hugo Pratt’s most famous creation, the indefatigable sailor Corto Maltese, sails back to American readers after a far too-long absence in Corto Maltese: Fable of Venice and Other Adventures.

Corto, a modern Ulysses whose wanderings in the early decades of the 20th century take him to the most fascinating places on Earth, is a hard-luck, hard-driving iconoclastic anti-hero who values freedom and independence more than wealth and status. In “Fable of Venice,” a riddle from a deceased friend plunges Corto into a phantasmagorical mystery thriller that zigzags between the solidity of dreams and the fluidity of reality. 

A frantic chase in 1921 Venice ensues, up twisting stairs and down tangled alleys, as Corto vies against Freemasons, occultists, budding fascists, and his friend (suddenly back from the dead) in a mad scramble to secure a mystical emerald that will open the doors of forbidden magic and unravel time and space itself!

In addition, this collection of quintessential seafaring adventures also presents the Corto Maltese classics “The Secret of Tristan Bantam,” “So Much for Gentlemen of Fortune,” and “The Seagull’s Fault,” making this book an exciting introduction to Pratt’s work.

EVERYTHING DEAD AND DYING TP

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The Walking Dead meets Essex County in this haunting, rural character piece set during a zombie outbreak.

Jack Chandler is the sole survivor of the zombie apocalypse in his rural farming community, but rather than eliminate them, he has chosen to continue living alongside the undead — including the husband and adopted daughter he fought so hard to have. But when his town is discovered by outsiders, Jack suddenly becomes the one thing standing in the way of his family and those who hope to kill them for good.

Eisner Award-nominated creators Tate Brombal (Barbalien, Batgirl) and Jacob Phillips (That Texas Blood, Newburn) team up for this original story.

Collects all issues #1-5.

PUNK’N HEADS TP

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This band plays together, lives together…and unfortunately two of them are sleeping together. Whatever, I’m sure it’s fine. Now put on your punk’n mask and let’s rock!

Hannah Lipsky isn’t sure what’s happening. She dreamed of becoming a fine art painter, but after breaking up with her girlfriend, she’s suddenly dropped out of art school, moved into a flophouse, and gotten roped into singing in a campy horror-punk band. With costumes. To make things even more complicated, she might be hooking up with her housemate/bandmate/high school crush, Jerry. Wherever this is leading, it’s going to be messy.

Critically acclaimed, Eisner-nominated creators Nicole Goux (Forest Hills Bootleg Society, Pet Peeves) and Dave Baker (Everyone Is Tulip, Mary Tyler MooreHawk) join forces for a raucous and revealing new graphic novel about making music, making mistakes, facing your past, and choosing your future. 

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

BEN TEN # 1

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A fresh take on a 21st Century classic! Fan favorite BEN 10 returns in an all-new series that will appeal to longtime fans and new readers alike. When a mysterious meteor crashes to Earth, 10-year-old Ben Tennyson discovers the Omnitrix, a high-tech alien gauntlet of incredible power and potential. With this device on his wrist, Ben has the power to transform into incredible alien forms. But can he control this power? If the story sounds familiar, think again!

This is the modern, definitive take on Ben 10 from the team that created him – Man of Action – kicking off with writer Joe Casey, joined by amazing artist Robert Carey, with covers by Carey, Man of Action member Duncan Rouleau, Dustin Nguyen, Sebastian Piriz, and a special MYSTERY VARIANT BLIND BAG containing one limited edition of the issue selected randomly from a range of covers exclusive to this offering! Please The number of Blind Bags is limited, and allocations may occur.

THE BOOK OF JUSTKO TP

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The Book of Jusko showcases the very best of Joe Jusko’s decades spanning career and painted legacy.

In 1992, Joe Jusko’s Marvel Masterpieces trading card set exploded into pop culture—redefining how the world saw superheroes with raw power, larger-than-life drama, and breathtaking realism in every brushstroke. It became a cultural landmark, inspiring generations of fans, artists, and collectors.

Now—due to overwhelming demand—we’re opening the vaults to celebrate the full scope of Jusko’s legendary career. Inside you’ll discover iconic illustrations, rare and unpublished works, private commissions, trading cards, and personal archive pieces—some revealed here for the very first time.

This is the definitive collection of Joe Jusko’s art—a must-have for anyone who treasures painted comics, fantasy illustration, or fine art.

HELLBOY AND THE BPRD: 1955-1957 TP

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This second collection of Hellboy’s earliest days as a B.P.R.D. agent takes him across the globe in adventures that tie in to the darkest corners of the Hellboy and B.P.R.D. comics.

Join Hellboy and his fellow agents on globe-trotting horrifying mystery adventures from a fire ghost in a forgotten dinosaur theme park to vengeful demons in Hong Kong, Cold War weapons tests that lead to mutilated monsters in the South Pacific to a forgotten ghost in a NYC potter’s field and more, plus the true story of Hellboy’s turn on the silver screen in Mexican luchador films!

This volume collects Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. across volumes 1955, 1956, and 1957, from a slew of extraordinary talents including Mike Norton, Alison Sampson, Shawn Martinbrough, and more in this paperback edition!

SHE-SPAWN # 1

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A former solider, assassin, superhero, and mother, Priest now finds herself pulled into a brutal confrontation with an angelic cult determined to sacrifice a child in the name of their God. What begins as a mission quickly becomes something far more personal, forcing Jessica to confront the regret and responsibility that have followed her long after she stepped into the role of She-Spawn.

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

Divining Comics is brought to you by generous support from the “Best Friends of Divining Comics,” Alex Seubert.

Divining Comics is also brought to you by the support of the “Friends of Divining Comics,” Comic Book Herald.

If you would like to add your name to the list of friends, best friends, or best friends forever, support this work for less than the cost of one cup of coffee a month at patreon.com/diviningcomics. You can also leave a one-time tip/buy my zines at ko-fi.com/spikestonehand. Or, if you can’t afford to support me financially at this time, simply follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky and share my posts there.

Marvelous Market: Best New Comics March 25

Archie celebrates 85 years

The character of Archie turns 85 in 2026. But, the true anniversary of his first appearance is in December. And the publishing company was known as MLJ until 1946, and was founded in 1939. Still, you should join in the celebrations.

Hello and welcome to the Marvelous Market, my weekly guide for anyone interested in going to a comic book store today. In addition to a full list of new # 1s and new volume 1s, I’ll be giving you my top 4 recommendations in 4 categories. Like Houston legend Mike Jones rapped, “We’re still tippin’ on four-fours.” I’m going to give you the top four new comics, top four ongoing comics, the top four graphic novels, and the top 4 preorders.

The work going into this curation is made possible by readers like you. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month, you can help make this work possible.

New Issue # 1s

ARCHIE JUMBO COMIC MAGAZINE # 1

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And now for something completely different! Archie Comics is proud to present a JUMBO-SIZED MAGAZINE celebrating 85 years of heart, humor, and hijinks! This must-have magazine will collect some of the most important (and hilarious!) stories in Archie’s history, featuring your favorite characters from the worlds of Archie, Sabrina, Josie & the Pussycats, and more! This is a collector’s edition you can’t miss!

BUTCH: A HATE COMIC # 1

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What’s this? A HATE one-shot starring Buddy Bradley’s younger — and much more f*#ked-up — brother? Yes, please! Picking up where 2024’s Hate Revisited! left off, Butch faces possible prison time stemming from an incident while squatting on his nephew’s rural property. When he becomes a cause celebre to far-right media and an invited guest of the next Ameri-Con, it sends him on a path towards an unexpected spiritual awakening… 

DC / MARVEL: SUPERMAN / SPIDER-MAN # 1

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LEGENDARY CREATORS TAKE ON THE MAN OF STEEL AND YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN! Written by Mark Waid, Tom King, Matt Fraction, Sean Murphy, Gail Simone, Christopher Priest, Greg Rucka and Jeff Lemire Art by Jorge Jimenez, Jim Lee, Steve Lieber, Sean Murphy, Belen Ortega, Daniel Sampere, Nicola Scott and Rafa Sandoval The Last Son of Krypton meets your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

When journalists Clark Kent and Peter Parker find themselves chasing the same story, the conspiracy they uncover could change the world — especially if Brainiac and Doctor Octopus have anything to say about it. (And we bet they do!) Good thing our intrepid newshounds are secretly Superman and the amazing Spider-Man. Brought to you by legendary storytellers Mark Waid and Jorge Jimenez.

And don’t miss these bonus stories: Tom King and Jim Lee tell a tale of Lois Lane and Mary Jane Watson. Matt Fraction and Steve Lieber revisit Superman’s pal Jimmy Olsen… and Carnage! Sean Murphy, meanwhile, takes us to the future with Superboy (Legion) and Spider-Man 2099. Gail Simone teams up with Belen Ortega for a look at what happens when Power Girl meets Punisher. Christopher Priest and Daniel Sampere show us a time when Superboy Prime (who reads all the comics) decided to visit Spider-Man right after he got the black suit. Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott take us on an exciting race — between the Daily Planet and the Daily Bugle. Plus, we finally get to answer the age-old question of who would win in a fair fight, Pa Kent or Uncle Ben! Just kidding, those guys are too nice to fight each other, but Jeff Lemire and Rafa Sandoval will take us deep into the past to see the two men bond in the face of adversity. Celebrate 50 years of DC/Marvel crossovers with eight new original stories by some of DC’s top talent!

MEGAGHOST # 1

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Young scholar of the strange Martin Magus and the supernatural giant robot MegaGhost defend the city of Dunwich Heights against the threat of the Occult Kaiju. But a new menace looms, for the sinister necromancer known as Ultraghoul has made a deal with the Nethergods, dark powers from another dimension, to give him the power to defeat his arcane archenemy for once and for all!

Written by Gabe Soria (Jimmy Olsen’s Supercyclopedia, Midnight Arcade) and illustrated by Eisner Award-winning artist Gideon Kendall (Marley’s Ghost, Lester of the Lesser Gods), Megaghost series 2 is an action-packed thrill ride, a macabre mystery, and a massive monster throwdown all in one!

Ongoing Series

G. I. JOE # 20

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OPTIMUS PRIME AND DUKE MEET FOR THE FIRST TIME

What does this mean for future of the Energon Universe? 

EXQUISITE CORPSES # 11

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The last surviving killers have arrived in the town square, ready to finish their blood-soaked game. But Oak Valley’s survivors have tricks and treats of their own in store for the Thirteen’s hand-picked murderers, and this year’s tournament is far from over… Rising star CHE GRAYSON (Absolute Catwoman) and breakout artist GAVIN FULLERTON (The Closet) rejoin JAMES TYNION IV & MICHAEL WALSH as the horror phenomenon approaches its unguessable finale!

STARSHIP GODZILLA # 6

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It’s Starship Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla in an epic sci-fi kaiju battle!

The rebel base is under attack by SpaceGodzilla and the Xilien Empire! Thankfully Ayan, the first mate of Starship Godzilla, is able to convince the rest of the crew to intervene and protect the rebel base from utter annihilation. It’s Starship Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla for the fate of the rebels! But once the crew starts this battle, there’s no going back — they will become enemies of the Xilien Empire for life!

Don’t miss the epic conclusion to the first arc of Chris Gooch and Oliver Ono’s critically acclaimed Starship Godzilla.

THE ULTIMATES # 22

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CAPTAIN AMERICA VS. RED SKULL… A.K.A. BUCKY! Captain America must face the demons of his past… and the old friend who has become his darkest enemy! An explosive confrontation amid the global chaos of Endgame!

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers, and OGNs

THE COUNCIL OF FROGS TP

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A frog ventures out on a quest to find a warlock and save his family in this dark fantasy graphic novel.

Sent out by his “father” — a kindly old swamp lich — one tiny frog must leave the safety of his home in order to deliver a message of grave importance to a warlock in order to save the entire Council of Frogs. Aided by many unconventional friends along the way, this little frog discovers the dangers of the world beyond his beloved swamp grove. But the world is a big, harsh place, and he may need more than his dandelion hat and a tiny sword to make it back home before it’s too late.

HELLBOY UNIVERSE: THE SECRET HISTORIES vol. 1 TP

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Three stories of instrumental side characters are explored in full, collected for the first time in a trade paperback graphic novel perfect for any Hellboy fan’s library!

When did Rasputin find his calling to bring about Ragna Rok? How did the Visitor stay hidden on Earth for so long? And where did the legendary Sledgehammer armor really come from? These questions and more are answered in this new collection from the world of Hellboy!

Hellboy creator Mike Mignola is joined by John Arcudi, Chris Roberson, Laurence Campbell, Christopher Mitten, Dave Stewart, and others to bring these hidden corners of the Mignolaverse to light.

Collects Rasputin: The Voice of the Dragon, Sledgehammer 44, and The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed. 

THE NEW GODS vol. 2: Edge of Darkness HC / TP

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CAN THE NEW GODS SAVE ONE OF THEIR OWN?

It began with a prophecy. From the moment those enigmatic words were delivered from the Source, shock waves rocked the very foundation of the universe. History was written, worlds were conquered, and a new light—in the form of a prophesied child—shone upon the DCU. But this child, and his unimaginable power, has attracted the attention of evils both human and Apokoliptian. Now on Earth and working alongside the Justice League Unlimited, can the New Gods save the newest member of their tribe before it’s too late?

Collects The New Gods #7-12.

THE POWER FANTASY vol. 3: The End of History TP

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They all want to save the world. Their power is such that they save the world every day they don’t come into conflict. It’s getting harder to save the world, every day.

The critically-acclaimed series from KIERON GILLEN (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, DIE) and CASPAR WIJNGAARD (HOME SICK PILOTS, ALL AGAINST ALL) continues with a third volume that lights the fuse on the bomb called “total annihilation.”

Preorders on Final Order Cutoff

DIE: LOADED vol. 1 – Zero Sessions TP

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What if the fantasy game you played as a teenager became real—and refused to let you go? The cult-favorite, “goth Jumanji” series returns for an epic new story of a dark fantasy adventure game gone horrifically right or wonderfully wrong.

A year after their return from the hellish game world, the players gather for Chuck’s wake. They’ve finished with the game. The game isn’t finished with them. The three-time Hugo Award-nominated series is back. Get ready to roll initiative. Who’s going to DIE this time?

Collects DIE: LOADED issues #1-6.

FML TP

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From the Eisner award-winning creators who brought you Captain Marvel, Bitch Planet, and Wonder Woman: Historia comes this genre-busting, apocalyptic odyssey about a group of metal kids who face a medley of bizarre foes and encounters in Portland, Oregon during a worldwide pandemic.

Riley is a teen that sketches out his heavy metal future with a ballpoint pen between monster movies and band practice. But musical stardom needs to compete with high school, the temper of a former Riot Grrrl mother, the morbid obsessions of a goth sister, and the eccentricities of bandmates that threaten to drive him and everyone around him insane.

The balance gets harder after a ritual during a party in Portland’s Forest Park causes him to wake up one day to discover that the creatures, witchcraft, and metal world he’s obsessed with may be a bit closer to home than he preferred.

Collects FML #1–#8 and includes bonus concept material.

HEAD LOPPER # 1

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Dive into HEAD LOPPER for ANDREW MACLEAN’s masterclass in kinetic action and dark humor. Witness Norgal behead mythic beasts while his chatty, severed-witch-head companion, Agatha, provides relentless sass. It’s visually stunning, high-fantasy carnage that proves decapitation is better with company. Celebrate 10 YEARS of this award-winning, hit series with a NEW *extra-length* NUMBER ONE!

IN YOUR SKIN # 1

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Priyanka is a Bollywood uber-fan who has been obsessed with film star Ayesha Sen since she was a kid — she’s watched her movies over and over, and knows her dances beat for beat. But after a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet her idol goes awry, and Ayesha announces her impending retirement from movies, Priyanka decides that if Ayesha isn’t going to live the life she’s supposed to, Priyanka would be more than happy to take over for her…

Bollywood body horror meets erotic fiction in writer Aditya Bidikar’s debut series with rising star artist SOM (Crocodile Black), a twisted exploration of celebrity culture, identity, and image that’s perfect for fans of The Substance and David Cronenberg. 

What did I miss?

If there are some great comics, collected or in single issues, that you think I should be reading, tell me about them! And if you do try out any of these series, let me know how you liked them, or didn’t. This is a safe space for haters. If you enjoy this service, please share this article on social media or tell someone that you know reads comics about it.

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There's a persistent myth that capitalism embraces an' advances technology, but that ain't been true fer decades.

Capitalism can't handle modern technology. Modern technology eliminates scarcity, an' without scarcity capitalism can't make no profit. It's basic supply an' demand.

(Art sampled from "Titans" Vol. 4 #11)

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