This week, Brian Michael Bendis begins his DC Comics tenure with Man of Steel #1, Valiant launches a high school reimagining of its entire universe, and Image publishes a Benefit Anthology for the victims of the Las Vegas shooting.
Where We Live: Las Vegas Shooting Benefit Anthology TP
Written by: Various
Art by: Various
Published by: Image Comics
The most important book coming out this week is easily the Las Vegas benefit anthology, Where We Live. 100 percent of the proceeds from this book go to the families affected by the shooting, and similarly to the Pulse Nightclub Benefit Anthology, the cause is more than worthy.
Also, as a comic book, this collection features contributions from a wide variety of top notch creators, including but not limited to: Mike Allred, Brian Michael Bendis, Ivan Brandon, Kurt Busiek, Amy Chu, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Neil Gaiman, Kieron Gillen, Mike Mignola, Mark Millar, Greg Pak, James Robinson, Gail Simone, Brandon Graham and Rob Williams. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with picking this collection up.
The Man of Steel #1
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Ivan Reis and Joe Prado
Published by DC Comics
After what seems like forever, the Bendis era at DC Comics is officially arriving this week in the form of Man of Steel #1. Bendis has shown a knack for telling emotionally rich stories in the past, and it will be interesting to see if he can bring the same energy that he had when he was just starting off at Marvel to this book.
This issue seems to pick up after the events of Action Comics #1000 and will feature the Krypton-killing villain introduced in that issue. What’s also interesting is that the solicit for this issue involves Superman coming to grips with what happened to his wife (Lois Lane) and his son, (Jon) even though last time we saw the characters everything was fine with them. Also, this book features art by the stellar team of Ivan Reis and Joe Prado, which means that Superman’s newly reclaimed red trunks will at the very least look good.
Royal City #11
Written by: Jeff Lemire
Art by: Jeff Lemire
Published by: Image Comics
Royal City is easily one of the best books on comic store shelves. With its grounded look at a family overcome by loss, Jeff Lemire has created an engaging and poignant series that is unlike anything else out there. For those looking to get into the series, Royal City #11 is the start of a new story arc in which the Pike family welcomes a new member, and older brother Richie begins his descent on a path that according to solicits, “can only end in tragedy.” If you’re someone who is not interested in superhero fisticuffs but still wants to get into reading comics, then I can think of no better introduction than the relatable journey that Royal City has to offer.
Valiant High #1
Written by: Daniel Kibblesmith
Art by: Derek Charm
Published by: Valiant Comics
Billed as a high school story, in the same vein as Mark Waid and Ian Flynn’s Archie series, Valiant High #1 takes the characters of the Valiant Universe and puts them into a high school setting. This book will feature Aric (XO Manowar) as a record-setting football player, Colin King (Ninjak) as a foreign exchange student, and Bloodshot (Bloodshot) as a volleyball obsessed football coach. The story will focus on best friends Amanda McKee (Livewire)and Faith Herbert (Zephyr) as they try to find their place in a high school full of superpowered beings.
This series takes place outside of the mainline Valiant Universe’s continuity, and will no doubt feature some unexpected moments and top-notch comedy. While it will no doubt feature some nods to previous Valiant stories, it should also be accessible for new readers and a great jumping on point for those looking for a way into the world of Valiant.
Star Wars Lando: Double or Nothing #1
Written by: Rodney Barnes
Art by: Paolo Villanelli
Published by: Marvel Comics
Fresh off of the release of last weekend’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, this week’s new Star Wars comic, takes a look at the movie’s most interesting character: Lando Calrissian. This is the first time that readers get to see Donald Glover’s Lando in a Marvel comic, and it’s certainly exciting to be getting a further exploration of the character.
Star Wars Lando: Double or Nothing #1 is the first in a five-issue miniseries and picks up right before the events of the movie. In signature Lando fashion, this series will feature his adventures and misadventures in search of love and money. If you liked Lando in Solo: A Star Wars Story, are a fan of Lando, or just want to see Donald Glover in comic book form, then this issue is more than worth checking out.
Liked this article and want to read more like it? Check out some Great Graphic Novels to Read and our interview with Comic Book Industry Veteran Howard Chaykin.
Want to see more videos? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and check out the First 15: Fe, Monster Hunter World Beta: the Insatiable Nergigante, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, Star Wars Battlefront II, Sonic Forces + Episode Shadow, and Super Mario Odyssey!
Don’t forget to tune in every Friday the Pixels & Ink Podcast to hear the latest news, previews, and in-depth game discussions!
Never miss when new CGM articles go out by following us on Twitter and Facebook!
CGMagazine is Canada’s premiere comics and gaming magazine. Subscribe today to get the best of CGM delivered right to your door! Never miss when a new issue goes live by subscribing to our newsletter! Signing up gives you exclusive entry into our contest pool. Sign up once, you’ll have a chance to win! Sign up today!
