Greg's Five "Hot Picks": New Releases 4/28/2010

GARRISON #1 - What is it that makes you take a chance on a new series? Creators? Story? Publisher? For me it is usually a combination of creators and story. Of course you don’t really know how the story is going to go until you read the first issue. Or sometimes the second.

I can’t tell you why you should give this book a try, but the combination of the creators and the preview blurb sold me on giving it a shot.

WEB #8 - The Web has been one of the best new series all year. The basic concept for the Web and his army of minions is unique and, for the most part, the issue-by-issue storylines have been worth reading. Interacting with Gotham’s Team Oracle establishes the Web firmly in the DCU. While the upcoming cancelation of The Web may dissuade new readers, the just-announced release of the New Crusaders (a team book that will feature the Archie/Red Circle heroes) promises that the Web will be around for awhile. If you haven’t been reading the Web and can get your hands on the back issues, you won’t be disappointed. Otherwise, keep your eye out for the trade paperbacks.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #605 - The “Two Americas” has been the best Bucky-Cap story since Buck took over the Shield. It isn’t (completely) fanciful and is as much a “good ol’ fashioned Cap story” as it is a Bucky-Cap story. And that’s probably how it should be. The “Two Americas” wrap up in this issue, as we all wait on pins-and-needles to find out who (Bucky) will wield the shield.

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #25 - For the past year Invincible Iron Man has been the best comic in the Marvel stable and probably one of the top five on the stands. Okay, aside from the “Stark: Dissesembled” storyline (which was forgettable). With the movie coming out in two weeks and the Heroic Age fast upon us, look for Invincible to rebound.

MIGHTY AVENGERS #36 - Believe it or not, the Mighty Avengers (Hank Pym – the Wasp, US Agent, Vision, etc.) has been the most consistently enjoyable read of all the Avengers-titles. I know, crazy right?

X-FORCE #26 - X-Men: Second Coming is the real deal. Even last week’s X-Factor “tie-in” (in other words it was an ancillary story, not part of the real story) was really good. In fact, X-Factor was really, really good. Through four chapters and one ancillary title (X-Factor), Second Coming is going really well.