THE BIG STUFF
The Conjuring: The Lover #1 (of 5)
DC Comics | 17+ | $3.99
Writers: David L. Johnson-McGoldrick, Rex Ogle, Scott Snyder | Art: Garry Brown, Dave Johnson, Denys Cowan | Cover: Bill Sienkiewicz | Variant: Ryan Brown | 1:25 variant: Garry Brown
The Conjuring: The Lover expands the tragic story of Jessica, a college freshman returning to campus after winter break, bringing with her the anxieties of last semester’s poor grades, the awkwardness of facing a boy she wishes she’d never slept with, and an undeniably unnerving feeling of being watched.
This terrifying series will also feature backup stories that further explore the mysteries of the dreaded artifact room of Ed and Lorraine Warren from The Conjuring Universe. Issue #1 contains a bloodcurdling story exploring the frightening origin of one of the items from the Warrens’ haunted artifact room, written by Scott Snyder, with art by Denys Cowan.
The Captain's comments: I'm always excited when good storytellers take a stab at horror, just to elevate the medium. Yes, I want the jump scares and macabre humor of the genre, but I want more — I want the layers of psychological dread that only good writers can bring. This has that promise.
I do find it odd that DC feels the need for this new imprint, when it already has Hill House and Black Label. I've seen no explanation, so I guess they feel that Black Label is superheroes, and Hill House is Joe Hill horror, so they need a place for non-Joe Hill horror? Or maybe DC Horror is restricted to properties that are tied to larger WarnerMedia franchises? Or maybe it's a trademark thing? Whatever the reason, it does feel like an excessive number of imprints.
I will applaud this synergy with a Warner property outside the comics silo, which is a rare thing for DC Comics. They need to do more of it. That property, The Conjuring, has a new movie coming out June 4, so I've added the the trailer for The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It below.
HELLFIRE GALAThis June, one unforgettable night will determine the future of the Marvel Universe. The world of mutants will never be the same – and the world we live in is not going to miss it! For Krakoa’s biggest night, real-world celebrities from sports, entertainment, media and beyond will make their biggest Marvel Comics appearances and debuts alongside the X-Men, Avengers, and more in the pages of Marvel’s inaugural mutant event of the year: THE HELLFIRE GALA.
Told across 12 different tie-in titles, the Hellfire Gala will unfold through different perspectives and viewpoints surrounding a single night on Krakoa, the new mutant nation established in Jonathan Hickman’s groundbreaking House of X and Powers of X. As Krakoa opens its gates to the world, the Gala will go down in history for its shocking twists, incredible Mutant Fashion looks, and surprise appearances from heroes and celebrities alike.
Guests at the Gala will include talk show hosts, sports superstars, world-renowned musicians, writers, actors and other icons, including Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Peabody Award winners, FIFA World Cup Champions, Olympic gold medalists and more. Figures like Eminem, Conan O’Brien, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Ira Glass and Pete Alonso, are on the guest list — and the list keeps growing. Who will be toasting to Krakoa’s success? Who will be mingling with the Avengers? And who is speaking with the new leader of the X-Men?
Leading the initiative in creating all-new takes on “mutant fashion” is acclaimed artist Russell Dauterman. The superstar artist has taken his already masterful depictions of the X-Men to the next level with bold high fashion designs. These incredible looks will grace the covers of all 12 Hellfire Gala tie-in issues as must-have design variant covers as well as one gorgeous connecting piece that shows the X-Men’s top A-listers, including Storm, Cyclops, Jean Grey and Emma Frost, walking down the green carpet, ready to show the world why mutantkind is the future.
The Captain's comments: Twelve titles to cover a single party seems excessive, but I trust Hickman to keep me engaged. Some will enjoy the high-fashion outfits (I consider high fashion to be hideous toys for the ultra-rich elite, demonstrating what useless parasites they are on society, but maybe that's just me), but for those of with no interest in fashion, there will be a significant plot progression: Evidently someone will turn up dead, and Magneto will be blamed. One of the stories springing from this crossover is "The Trial of Magneto," not to be confused with the same-named story in Uncanny X-Men #150. Another is "Inferno," not to be confused with the same-named crossover of 1989, which promises some answers to the hidden secrets of Krakoa that we've all suspected were out there. So "Hellfire Gala," despite its fey, self-indulgent premise, might be important plot-wise.
This week: Hellions #12, Marauders #21, X-Force #20.
Hellions #12Marvel Comics | 32 pages | Parental Advisory | $3.99
Writer: Zeb Wells | Art/Cover: Stephen Segovia | Angel Character Design variant: Russell Dauterman | Variant: Stephen Segovia | Group variant: Stephen Segovia
WHO INVITED THE HELLIONS TO THE HELLFIRE GALA?
Who thought it was a good idea to invite the antisocial HELLIONS to the fanciest bash of the year? Oh, no one? They weren't invited but they showed up anyway? Yeah, that sounds about right.
Marauders #21
Marvel Comics | 48 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Gerry Duggan, Chris Claremont | Art: Matteo Lolli, John Bolton | Cover: Russell Dauterman | Emma Frost Design variant: Russell Dauterman | Variant: Russell Dauterman | Pride Month variant: Phil Jimenez | Group variant: Matteo Lolli
WELCOME TO THE HELLFIRE GALA!
The Hellfire Trading Company has put together the biggest event of the season — the very first HELLFIRE GALA! Everyone will be there — all your favorite mutants, their closest allies ... even their worst enemies - for a night of dinner, drinks, diplomacy and deceit. Fireworks to follow. Plus: From the archives, a classic X-Men tale with our very first look at a Hellfire Gala by Chris Claremont and John Bolton!
X-Force #20
Marvel Comics | 32 pages | Parental Advisory | $3.99
Writer: Ben Percy | Art: Joshua Cassara | Emma Frost Character Design: Russell Dauterman | Cover: Russell Dauterman | Variant: Joshua Cassara | Group variant: Joshua Cassara
INVITE-ONLY TO THE HELLFIRE GALA!
It's party time, but somebody's got to work it. And when invited guests (and a few crashers) prove to be planted antagonistic agents, X-FORCE will need to get their hands dirty and keep this all under wraps ... before anyone catches wind!
Russell Dauterman connecting covers
The Nice House on the Lake #1 (of 12)
DC Comics | Black Label | $3.99
Writer: James Tynion IV | Art/Cover: Alvaro Martinez Bueno
In the first 12-issue season of The Nice House on the Lake, the overriding anxieties of the 21st century get a terrifying new face — and it might just be the face of the person you once trusted most!
Everyone who was invited to the house knows Walter. Some met him in childhood; some met him months ago. And Walter’s always been a little … off. But after the hardest year of their lives, nobody was going to turn down Walter’s invitation to an astonishingly beautiful house in the woods, overlooking an enormous sylvan lake. It’s beautiful, it’s opulent, it’s private — so a week of putting up with Walter’s weird little schemes and nicknames in exchange for the vacation of a lifetime? Why not?
The Captain's comments: See? DC already has a mature-readers line! I remain baffled by the existence of DC Horror above.
Anyway, I generally get all Black Label books (and all Hill House books), because by and large the quality is high and my enjoyment is the same. I expect this will be no different.
PRE-READ FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
Resident Alien Vol 6: Your Ride’s Here TPB
Dark Horse | 144 pages | 7” x 10” | $17.99
Writer: Peter Hogan | Art/Cover: Steve Parkhouse
Harry's learned a lot about himself and the possibility that other aliens have been stranded on Earth, too. He needs to figure out what to do with Honey, the only resident in Patience, USA, who sees him in his true alien form, as well as deal with his feelings toward Asta, his best friend. Brad and Amanda's wedding day draws near, Dan is concerned about Harry's safety, and a sinister federal agent pretending to be a new Patience resident visits Harry's clinic for a checkup! There's a lot going on in Patience!
The Captain's comments: What you really want to know is if Harry goes home or not, right? Well, I won't spoil that for you. I will say it's another low-key Harry adventure, comfortable like old slippers, like all the others.
Bettie Page & The Curse of the Banshee #1
Dynamite | 32 pages | Teen+ | $3.99
Writer: Stephen Mooney | Artist: Jethro Morales | Cover A: Marat Mychaels | Cover B: Joseph Michael Linsner | Cover C: Stephen Mooney | Cover D: Ani-Mia Cosplay Photo | Cover E: Bettie Page Vintage Pin-Up | Cover F: Blank Authentix | Incentive variant: Leirix Li
Utilizing several clues found at the ancient Key Artifact site in the Middle Americas, McKnight and Bettie surmise that the Key Artefact has been relocated to an ancient burial site in rural Ireland. They give chase!
The Captain's comments: I've said before that I'm not a fan of this sort of fan service, but the first issue was kinda cute. Bettie is a supernatural investigator for some government agency, and she has an apparently non-romantic partner (for now, I guess) that I'm unfamiliar with. The two are sent on an assignment this issue to investigate a banshee. Which means Ireland, and Irish castles, and impenetrable Irish accents. Like I said, fun.
And no, I have no idea why Bettie's in a bunny suit above.
The Worst Dudes #1 (of 5)
Dark Horse | Mature Readers | $3.99
Writer: Aubrey Sitterson | Art/Cover: Tony Gregori
In a new series which can be loosely described as Lobo meets The Big Lebowski, a dirty cop, a drugged-up back-up dancer and an angsty adolescent god — the absolute worst dudes in the galaxy — are on a raunch-filled hunt for a missing pop star. And from there it gets very strange. Maybe inadvisably so.
The Captain's comments: This is exactly what it looks like: Comics that think dirty words are hilarious. Or maybe a good comparison would be 1960s underground comix, only done by professionals instead of stoners.
I was mildly amused. But that's all. I'm old, and no longer think farts are funny. If I was 12, I'd probably have had a blast. Assuming I could buy the book, which really shouldn't be sold to minors.
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST
Amazing Spider-Man #67Marvel Comics | 40 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Nick Spencer | Art: Marcelo Ferreira | Cover: Mark Bagley | Variant: Javi Garron
The latest in writer Nick Spencer’s high-octane saga on Amazing Spider-Man, THE CHAMELEON CONSPIRACY will have the classic shapeshifting menace Chameleon making the biggest play of his super villain career. To get to the bottom of what Chameleon is orchestrating, Spider-Man will be team up with his superspy sister, Teresa Parker, as they face off against an anarchic alliance of Chameleon, The Foreigner, Chance and Jack O’ Lantern.
The Captain's comments: This story apparently spins off Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: King's Ransom, which I did not read. Nor will I ever, as This Is Not My Spider-Man and I'm not much of a Nick Spencer fan. But if you're following Amazing Spider-Man, then this storyline might excite you.
The designer in me notes with approval certain attention to detail, i.e. the word "Chameleon" fuzzed out above, because chameleons can be hard to see, get it? But the copy editor in me is apoplectic that somebody let design interfere with legibility. To paraphrase Uhtred, son of Uhtred, "Legibility is all." Besides, the fuzziness makes my eyes strain.
"The Chameleon Conspiracy" continues in:
Amazing Spider-Man #68
Writer: Nick Spencer | Art: Marcelo Ferreira | Cover: Mark Bagley
On Sale 6/9
Amazing Spider-Man #69
Writer: Nick Spencer | Art: Marcelo Ferreira | Cover: Mark Bagley
On Sale 6/23
Giant-Size Amazing Spider-Man: Chameleon Conspiracy #1
Writer: Nick Spencer | Art: Carlos Gomez | Cover: Mark Bagley
On Sale 6/30
Basilisk #1
BOOM! | $3.99
Writer: Cullen Bunn | Art/Cover: Jonas Scharf
Who can stop the Chimera?
Five individuals bound by a cult-like hivemind, they terrorized small towns with their horrifying supernatural sense-based powers, leaving death and destruction in their wake. Regan, one of the Chimera, escaped and has been in hiding, with her murderous eyes bound, overcome with guilt. Until now ... when a victim from her past forces her to hunt down the other four of her kind.
The Captain's comments: This looks interesting, primarily because it's written by Cullen Bunn. I enjoy most of his work, especially horror or horror-adjacent titles, which this one appears to be.
Other than that I can't tell you anything, as my access to BOOM! material remains limited.
Batman Fortnite: Zero Point #4 (of 6)
DC Comics | $4.99
Writers: Christos Gage, Donald Mustard | Art: Christian Duce | Cover A: Mikel Janín | Cover B: Dan Mora
Batman has broken free from the Loop and the endless cycle of combat. Now free to explore the island without limitation, the World's Greatest Detective will discover secrets about the world of Fortnite never before revealed in the game or anywhere else. Just one thing...he's not alone. Not only is he met by a rogue faction of Fortnite bandits who have ALSO escaped the loop - Eternal Voyager! Bandolette! Magnus! Fishstick! And a few others -- there's someone else trapped, someone who is trying to get free from the world of Fortnite ...someone deadly. Will Batman recognize this familiar hunter-for-hire, and even more importantly, will he trust him? Just because Batman's out of the Loop doesn't mean the fighting is over... Each print issue of Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point will include a redeemable code for bonus DC-themed Fortnite digital items, inspired by the events in the comic. Fans who redeem all six codes will also unlock a new Armored Batman Zero Outfit for their Fortnite character.
The Captain's comments: Week 4 of this crossover.
Crush & Lobo #1 (of 8)
DC Comics | $3.99
Writer: Mariko Tamaki | Art: Amancay Nahuelpan | Cover: Kris Anka | Pride variant: Yoshi Yoshitani | Pride variant: Christian Ward | Card Stock variant: Dan Hipp
In this new eight-issue miniseries, Crush, daughter of the Czarnian bounty hunter Lobo, is in full-on self-destruct mode! After rage-quitting the Teen Titans and blowing up her relationship with her girlfriend Katie, Crush decides it’s time to finally confront her father in space jail and get her baggage sorted before she wrecks everything. Like father, like daughter?
The Captain's comments: Can't say I'm a huge fan of this sort of humor (see The Worst Ones, above), but it's Pride Month-related, so bears mention. I will confess to laughing at Lobo now and then, at least when I get him in small doses.
Fire Power by Kirkman & Samnee #12Image Comics | Fire Power #12 Cover M by Kira Okamoto (Diamond Code MAR219145)
Writer: Robert Kirkman | Art/Cover: Chris Samnee, Matthew Wilson | Cover B: Frank Quitely | Cover C: Mindy Lee | Cover D: Tula Lotay | Cover E: Todd McFarlane & Matthew Wilson | Cover F: Simone Di Meo | Cover G: Tonci Zonjic | Cover H: Rob Liefeld & Marcelo Maiolo | Cover I: Annie Wu | Cover J: Erik Larsen & Matthew Wilson | Cover K: Khary Randolph | Cover L: Frank Miller & Alex Sinclair | Cover M Pride variant: Kira Okamoto | Cover N 1:25 Copy B&W incentive variant: Frank Miller | Cover O 1:25 Copy B&W incentive variant: Todd McFarlane
Superstars Robert Kirkman, Chris Samnee, and Matthew Wilson celebrate Fire Power’s historic first anniversary with a line-up of stunning covers and a sneak peek at interior art from issue #12. This momentous issue will showcase some of the biggest names in comics lending their talents to some of Image/Skybound’s hottest covers of the year.
Everything has been leading to this moment. The Scorched Earth Clan and The Order of the Flaming Fist face off one final time! Owen Johnson has fully reentered the world he left behind and from this point on—everything changes! This extra-length issue is NOT TO BE MISSED!
The Captain's comments: Well, Image is certainly excited about this issue! That's a lot of variants!
Hellboy Universe: The Secret Histories HC
Dark Horse | 432 pages | 7” x 10” | $39.99
Writers: Mike Mignola, John Arcudi, Chris Roberson | Art: Laurence Campbell, Christopher Mitten, Paul Grist, Jason Latour | Cover: Mike Mignola | Colors: Dave Stewart, Bill Crabtree
Fans of the Hellboy universe know that Rasputin is the man responsible for bringing Hellboy to Earth, but when did the mad monk find his calling to bring about Ragna Rok? Following his iconic appearance in Hellboy: The Conqueror Worm, how did the mysterious Visitor stay hidden on Earth for so long? Where did the legendary Sledgehammer armor really come from? HELLBOY UNIVERSE: THE SECRET HISTORIES collects in hardcover for the first time three acclaimed stories that shed new light on the hidden corners of the Hellboy universe: Rasputin: The Voice of the Dragon, Sledgehammer 44, and The Visitor: How and Why He Stayed.
The Captain's comments: It strikes me as odd that Hellboy himself remains dead, and instead of bringing him back, or introducing his son, or in some other way progressing the story, the Hellboy Universe continues to look backward. There's Young Hellboy, telling tales of the dead guy as a lad, and now this reference work, filling in the corners of the stories we've already read.
Well, some Hellboy is better than no Hellboy, so I'll get it. But more and more it's looking killing off Hellboy is the enormous mistake it is has always seemed.
Heroes Reborn #5 (of 7)
Marvel Comics | 40 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Jason Aaron | Art by R.M. Guera, Ed McGuinness | Cover: Leinil Francis Yu | Native American variant: Jeffrey Veregge | Trading Card variant: Mark Bagley | Stormbreakers variant: Juan Cabal | Action Figure variant: John Tyler Christopher
When there's a riot at the Ravencroft Asylum, Nighthawk must descend alone into a realm of madness, surrounded by the most deranged members of his notorious rogues' gallery, including his archenemy, the maniacal Goblin.
The Captain's comments: This event is on the back nine, with only three issues and a handful of one-shots remaining, so I'm demoting it out of "Big Stuff." I'm reading it and enjoying it for what it is: a temporary romp that imagines how Marvel history would have changed if the Marvel Universe had the Justice League, which formed (in comics and real life) before the advent of the Lee/Kirby characters. It surprises me to hear that so many of you (and the habitues of my LCS) aren't reading it. Horse races, I guess.
The main covers of the last three issues (the ones by Leinil Francis Yu) form a triptych, and the cover to the series finale, Heroes Return #1, can be added to make a polyptych (which sounds like a variety of colon cancer). I've included the triptych after the preview, and will save the polyptych for Heroes Return week.
Heroes Reborn: American Knights #1Marvel Comics | 56 pages | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Paul Grist | Art: Christopher Allen | Cover: Chris Sprouse | Variant: Declan Shalvey
This is the Squadron’s world, and the age of vigilantes is over. Police Commissioner Luke Cage has one job: Find the scum and eliminate them – before ambition takes them beyond the city streets. Backed by the Squadron Supreme, Commissioner Cage takes care of criminals who’ve escaped justice in HEROES REBORN: AMERICAN KNIGHTS by writer Paul Grist and artist Christopher Allen.
The Captain's comments: Think Commissioner Cage has a Nighthawk Signal?
Heroes Reborn: Marvel Double Action #1
Marvel Comics | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Tim Seeley | Art: Dan Jurgens | Cover: Dave Johnson
Writer Tim Seeley and artist Dan Jurgens bring you a tale from the Squadron’s past! Years ago, Nighthawk and his trusted partner, the Falcon, patrolled the streets of Washington, DC, from the vile criminals that lurked in the dark. But that all changed one fateful night. … Re-presenting for the first time ever: The Night Sam Wilson Died!
The Captain's comments: I'm curious to see if they just re-tell Amazing Spider-Man #122-123 panel for panel, aping Gil Kane art, with only the costumes changing. Probably not, but that would be fun.
(P.S. I miss Gil Kane.)
Iron Man Annual #1
Marvel Comics | Teen+ | $4.99
Writer: Jed McKay | Art: Ibraim Roberson | Cover: Nick Bradshaw | Variant: Travis Charest | Deadpool 30th Anniversary variant: Rob Liefeld | Variant: Ron Lim
INFINITE DESTINIES will trace the current whereabouts of the Infinity Stones, some of which some of which have fallen into the hands of Marvel’s newest breakout characters. Marvel’s biggest heroes know all too well the destruction that the Infinity Stones can herald, and each part of this saga will see an iconic character clash with a rising star.
It all kicks off in IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 by writer Jed MacKay and artist Ibraim Roberson. When Iron Man learns about the strange people who kidnapped and tortured Miles Morales, he HAS to look into it. What he finds out about the Assessor and especially Quantum will shock you. Secrets are revealed in this in-depth look at some of the coolest new villains that will lay the groundwork for major future Marvel stories!
Each annual will also contain a chapter of “Super-Spy vs. Super-Spy,” a story following Nick Fury as the Agent of Nothing and Phil Coulson as the Agent of Mephisto — two brothers-in-arms who will face off and reunite for the first time since Coulson’s death.
The Captain's comments: Can anyone really write a better Infinity Gems story than what the movies did? Anything else seems anti-climactic.
Well, they're going to try with a story that runs through nine annuals. The next two are Captain America Annual #1 and Black Cat Annual #1.
Poison Ivy: Thorns TPB
DC Comics | $16.99
Writer: Kody Keplinger | Art: Sara Kipin | Colors: Jeremy Lawson | Letters: Steve Wands
A new teen romance with a gothic-horror twist.
The original young adult (YA) graphic novel follows closed-off teenager Pamela Isley as she navigates her thorny high school years. Pamela might be the school’s most passionate caretaker of the campus greenhouse, but her deep love and devotion only applies to plants. She doesn’t trust people easily — especially men, who always seem to want something from her — and prefers to hide behind her bright red hair. That all changes when a cute goth girl named Alice Oh comes into her life. Alice makes Pamela feel like pulling back the curtains and letting the sunshine in. But there are dark secrets deep within the Isley house. Secrets Pamela’s father has warned must remain hidden. Secrets that could turn deadly and destroy the one person who ever cared about Pamela, or as her mom preferred to call her … Ivy.
The Captain's comments: The comics seem determined to un-gay Poison Ivy, and return her to supervillain roots.
Personally, I think that's a mistake — gay Ivy has unguessable motives and is much more unpredictable, and therefore fun. Plus, her on-and-off relationship with Harley Quinn means either character can show up in the other's stories without requiring tedious exposition. By contrast, the inhuman, I-hate-humans Ivy is redundant (we already have Jason Woodrue), and has fewer story possibilities.
But here's a Young Adult Ivy story, where she's still human, super-powered and non-binary, which is a pretty popular genre these days.
PRIDE MONTH VARIANT COVERS
Marvel Comics
This June, Marvel Comics will commemorate Pride Month with a new series of stunning variant covers by legendary artist Phil Jimenez! These PRIDE MONTH VARIANT COVERS will spotlight Marvel’s growing LGBTQ+ representation. Jimenez will provide a total of nine covers, including America Chavez, Black Cat, Daken, Hulkling & Wiccan, Iceman, Moondragon, Mystique, Northstar and Runa the Valkyrie.
“I’m always blown away at how different things are now in comics when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation than when I started, and Marvel’s dedication to that inclusion,” Jimenez said. “As an (ahem!) older gay creator, I’m always thrilled by the opportunity to draw iconic LGBTQ+ characters from Marvel’s past and present, and grateful to contribute to Marvel’s future: one that truly represents the world — and the wonderful diversity of humanity — right outside your window.”
This week: Black Cat #7, Marauders #21 (both by Phil Jimenez).
Star Wars
StarWars.com has announced that Marvel Comics will be honoring Pride Month with STAR WARS PRIDE COVERS. Throughout June, outstanding depictions of LGBTQ+ characters from the Star Wars galaxy will adorn the covers of Marvel’s monthly Star Wars titles: STAR WARS #14, DARTH VADER #13, DOCTOR APHRA #11, BOUNTY HUNTERS #13, THE HIGH REPUBLIC #6 and STAR WARS: WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS #1. Fans can see Doctor Aphra, Sana Starros, Rae Sloan, Yrica Quell, Terec and Ceret, and Lando Calrissian all brought to life in spectacular artwork by an incredible lineup of LGBTQ+ talent. These eye-catching covers will also feature exclusive new Pride versions of each title’s logo.
“This talented team of artists is bringing so much passion and enthusiasm to these covers,” Editor Tom Groneman said. “For me, sharing that passion with fans and readers is a wonderful celebration of the most unique, compelling, and iconic characters in the Star Wars galaxy.”
This week: Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 (by Babs Tarr)
DC Comics
DC will release a series of Pride-themed variant covers showcasing DC’s leading characters through the month of June, giving fans the opportunity to purchase comics featuring covers with Batman, Harley, Ivy, Superman, Wonder Woman and more, all by cutting-edge comic book artists.
This week: Batman #109 (Jen Bartel), Crush & Lobo #1 (Yoshi Yoshitani), Crush & Lobo #1 (Christian Ward)
In celebration of Pride Month, Skybound Entertainment will release a line of nine variant covers featuring art by LGBTQI+ creators.
All proceeds from the sales of these Pride Month variant covers, will be donated to the Transgender Law Center, the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world in which all people are free to define themselves and their futures. Skybound will continue these charity initiatives throughout the year along with additional actions in support of underrepresented and vulnerable communities.
“The trans community has seen an unprecedented attack on their rights in recent years, and Skybound has decided to launch this program to raise money to support this important fight for equality,” said Sean Mackiewicz, SVP/Editor-in-Chief, Skybound Entertainment. “We support the Transgender Law Center’s mission to ensure all transgender and gender nonconforming people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression."
The charity covers include Fire Power #12 by Kira Okamoto and The Walking Dead Deluxe #16 by Tillie Walden (June 2); Birthright #50 by Binglin Hu, The Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton #1 by Ed Luce, Oblivion Song #31 by Em Allen (June 9); Stillwater #8 by Gabrielle Kari, Ultramega #4 by Kris Anka, The Walking Dead Deluxe #17 by Marty G (June 16)); and Manifest Destiny #44 by TBD (June 23).
This week: Commanders in Crisis #9* (Davide Tinto), Fire Power #12 (Kira Okamoto) and The Walking Dead Deluxe #16 (Dave McCaig).
*Captain's Note: Some non-Skybound Image titles feature Pride variant covers as well, but are not, to my knowledge, part of the charity arrangement.
The Pride Omnibus TPB
Dark Horse | 455 pages | 7” x 10” | $29.99
Writers/art: Joseph Glass, Gavin Mitchell, Cem Iroz, various
In The Pride, FabMan is sick of being seen as a joke. Tired of the LGBTQ+ community being seen as inferior to straight heroes, he thinks it's about damn time he did something about it. Bringing together some of the world's greatest LGBTQ+ superheroes, the Pride is born to protect the world and fight prejudice, misrepresentation and injustice — not to mention a pesky supervillain or two.
The Pride Adventures brings a whole host of extra, self-contained stories and adventures starring the heroes of the Pride! See the team members face down crazed shooters, invasions, and even a sixty-foot-tall drag queen! Featuring a slew of incredible artistic talent, plus stories from writers Mike Garley, Sina Grace and PJ Montgomery too!
Collects the original digital series The Pride and The Pride Adventures in print for the first time.
The Captain's comments: I've spent years ignoring digital-first comics, but this one is Pride Month-related, so I guess it's important I list it. The Pride is a comprehensive print collection of a series and its sequel that only appeared in digital.
Star Wars: The War of the Bounty Hunters #1 (of 5)
Marvel Comics | 40 pages | Teen | $4.99
Writer: Charles Soule | Art: Luke Ross | Cover: Steve McNiven | Action Figure variant: John Tyler Christopher | Variant: Sara Pichelli | Variant: Babs Tarr | Variant: Giuseppe Camuncoli
AT WAR FOR THE GREATEST PRIZE OF ALL: HAN SOLO! THE HUNT BEGINS!
Nobody. Steals. From BOBA FETT! The notorious bounty hunter will not stop until he gets what's rightfully his. For the thief, no corner of the galaxy is safe. Good thing for them that the REBEL ALLIANCE, THE EMPIRE and every bounty hunter in the galaxy is standing in Boba's way.
With a last-page reveal that will blow this Death Star-sized story wide open, Issue #1 is just the beginning. The biggest crossover in STAR WARS history will continue raging through the pages of the WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS event miniseries and tie-in to STAR WARS, DOCTOR APHRA, DARTH VADER and BOUNTY HUNTERS through October.
Only one hunter will be left standing, and the STAR WARS galaxy will never be the same!
The Captain's comments: Week 5 of this crossover. And they're really just getting started, since the previous four weeks were "prologue."
THE FULL LIST
BOOM! STUDIOS
An Unkindness of Ravens TPB
Basilisk #1
BuffytThe Vampire Slayer #26
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Under Spell HC
Magic the Gathering #2 2nd Ptg
Proctor Valley Road #1 (of 5) 2nd Ptg
DARK HORSE COMICS
Apex Legends Overtime #1 (of 4)
Beasts of Burden: Occupied Territory #3 (of 4)
Dead Dog’s Bite #4 (of 4)
Hellboy Universe Secret Histories HC
Jenny Zero #2 (of 4)
Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken Vol 2 TPB
Orville Digressions #2 (of 2)
Pride Omnibus TPB
Renegade Rule TPB
Resident Alien Vol 6: Your Ride’s Here TPB
Skulldigger & Skeleton Boy TPB
Worst Dudes #1 (of 5)
Young Hellboy: The Hidden Land #4 (of 4)
DC COMICS
Batman #109
Batman/Catwoman #5
Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #4 (of 6)
Batman: The Adventures Continue Season II #1
Batman: The Adventures Continue Season I TPB
Batman: The Golden Age Omnibus Vol 9 HC
Catwoman: Soulstealer the Graphic Novle TPB
Crime Syndicate #4 (of 6)
Crush & Lobo #1 (of 8)
DC Comics Presents: The Conjuring: The Lover #1 (of 5)
Flash: The Death of Iris West HC
Green Lantern #3
Harley Quinn: Black, White and Red TPB
Justice League #62
Krypto the Superdog TPB
Man-Bat #5 (of 4)
Next Batman: Second Son #3 (of 5)
Nice House on the Lake #1 (of 12)
Poison Ivy: Thorns TPB
Sensational Wonder Woman #4
Suicide Squad #4
Superman: The Man of Steel Vol 4 HC
Swamp Thing #4 (of 10)
DYNAMITE
Bettie Page & The Curse of the Banshee #1
Invincible Red Sonja #2
Vampirella #20
Vampirella 1992 one-shot
IDW PUBLISHING
Marvel Action Origins #2 (of 5)
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #98
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Season 10 Vol 1 TPB
Sonic The Hedgehog Bad Guys TPB
IMAGE COMICS
Bliss #8 (of 8)
Commanders in Crisis #9 (of 12)
Deadly Class #46
Deep Beyond #5 (of 12)
Family Tree #12
Fire Power by Kirkman & Samnee #12
Inkblot #9
Nocterra #2 3rd Ptg
Nocterra #3 2nd Ptg
Nocterra #4
Savage Dragon #259
Shadecraft #1 3rd Ptg
Shadecraft #2 2nd Ptg
Ultramega by James Harren #1 3rd Ptg
Ultramega by James Harren #2 2nd Ptg
Walking Dead Deluxe #16
MARVEL COMICS
Alien #2 2nd Ptg Var
Amazing Spider-Man #67
Black Cat #7
Carnage: Black White and Blood #2 (of 4) 2nd Ptg
Guardians of the Galaxy by Al Ewing Vol 2: Here We Make Our Stand TPB
Hellions #12
Heroes Reborn #5 (of 7)
Heroes Reborn: American Knights #1
Heroes Reborn: Marvel Double Action #1
Immortal Hulk #47
Iron Fist: Heart of the Dragon #6 (of 6)
Iron Man Annual #1
Marauders #21
Marvels Snapshots HC
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Bad Buzz TPB
Moon Knight Epic Collection: Bad Moon Rising TPB New Ptg
Non-Stop Spider-Man #3
Savage Avengers #21
Spider-Woman Vol 2: King In Black TPB
Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 (of 5)
Trials of Loki Marvel Tales #1
Way of X #1 2nd Ptg
X-Force #20
X-Men: Age of Apocalypse Omnibus HC
OTHER COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
Anthrax Among the Living TPB
As Miss Beelzebub Likes Vol 12 GN
Backfired one-shot
Black Jack Demon #1
Blood Skulls And Chrome #1 (of 5)
Book of Lyaxia #2 (of 6)
By the Horns #2 (of 7)
Cardboard Kingdom Vol 2: Roar of Beast GN
Chainsaw Man Vol 5 GN
City of Belgium HC
Cosmic Pizza Party GN
Cover Not Final Crime Funnies GN
Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba Vol 22 GN
Dragon Ball Super Vol 13 GN
Dryad #10
Everfrost #1
Fairy Tail Box Set Vol 4
Get in the Game one-shot
Gold Digger #281
Ham Helsing Vol 1: Vampire Hunter GN
Heroic Legend of Arslan Vol 14 GN
Hilda & Mountain King GN
Hitorijime My Hero Vol 10 GN
Hollow Heart #4
If Witch Then Which Vol 2 GN
I’m Great Priest Imhotep Vol 9 GN
Inhuman Trials GN
Jujutsu Kaisen Vol 10 GN
Lady Freedom #2 (of 5)
Love Vol 5: The Mastiff HC
Mann’s World TPB
Markiplier #4 (of 4)
Monthly Girls Nozaki Kun Vol 12 GN
Moths #1
My Hero Academia Vol 28 GN
Myths & Legends Quarterly Dragon Clan
Night Hunters #4 (of 4)
Ninja High School #179
Norma and Belly Vol 2: Apple of My Pie GN
One Punch Man Vol 22 GN
Out of Body #1
Overlord Vol 13 GN
Pacey Packer Unicorn Tracker Vol 2: Horn Slayer GN
RentaA Girlfriend Vol 6 GN
Rick & Morty: Ever After Vol 1 TPB
Rick & Morty: Rick’s New Hat #1
Sam & His Talking Gun #3
Scoop Scuttle & His Pals TPB
Seraph of End Vampire Reign Vol 21 GN
Serial #4
Shibuya Goldfish Vol 9 GN
Shy Ninja HC
Strange Planet Sneaking Hiding Vibrating Creature
Summer of You Vol 1 (of 2) GN
Sweat and Soap Vol 6 GN
Swords of Cerebus in Hell Vol 2 TPB
Sympathy for No Devils TPB
Takane & Hana Vol 17 GN
Teasing Master Takagi San Vol 11 GN
The Tea Dragon Tapestry HC
Twin Star Exorcists Onmyoji Vol 22 GN
Vampire Knight Memories Vol 6 GN
Visitor #5 (of 6)
Warriors Winds of Change HC
Wave Listen to Me Vol 6 GN
We Never Learn Vol 16 GN
White Cats Revenge Plotted Dragon Kings Lap Vol 3 GN
Witch’s Love at the End of the World Vol 3 GN
With Dog and Cat Everyday Is Fun Vol 4 GN
Yakuza Lover Vol 1 GN
Yona of the Dawn Vol 30 GN
You Promised Me Darkness #1 2nd Ptg
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