Another New Comic Book Day is coming and it’s the biggest one I’ve ever had to review with six new issues in some of my favorite series and a few trades out too! Hit the jump to check out some of the new comics hitting the shelves at your local comic book shop this week.
Disclaimer: I received advance copies of all comics featured this week courtesy of their individual publishers.
Opinions are my own.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #29 (BOOM! Studios)
Shattered Grid enters its final act as the Rangers recover from the Battle of Corinth. As they prepare for their next move, the arrival of Andros sets a plan in motion to storm Drakkon’s base for a last stand against a threat to the entirety of reality.
While Lord Drakkon assess the betrayal within his ranks and the Rangers new acquisition of Ninjor and Dr. K, a brief crossover with Go Go Power Rangers occurs as the Ranger Slayer makes her debut in the main book. She’s just stopping by to see how things are before she comes back to take the whole thing over.
This is an in-between episode and there aren’t even any actual fights beyond Drakkon slapping Skull around. However, when the Rangers aren’t plotting their next move they’re having some touching moments that show us why this is all worth fighting for.
And then, as if the issue wasn’t already one of the best yet, Alpha puts out a call across the multiverse asking for aid in the fight. There is a beautiful two page spread and a single page that is going to be everyone’s phone wallpaper. I don’t want to ruin it for you guys, but in the words of Nintendo: everyone is here.
The story is everything a hardcore fan wants, the interactions between the different characters are heartwarming, and the artwork continues to be top notch. I have said it before and have meant it every time; Shattered Grid is quite possibly the greatest Power Rangers story ever told.
Skyward #4 (Image Comics)
Willa was just a baby when gravity all but vanished from the Earth. When someone close to Willa is kidnapped, she’s forced to make an impossible choice. To make matters worse, there’s a storm coming—and weather in this low-G world is much more dangerous than it used to be…
I love Skyward and look forward to it every month! This issue sees more interactions between Willa and her father which will undoubtedly be the heart of the big picture in the end. We also get to see my favorite thing: worldbuilding! How would something as simple as rain work in a low-g world?
The creative team really thought of everything with this one. Skyward is a crazy good and it can only go upward from here! And apparently Sony knows this because it just got optioned for a movie! Now I’ve even more excited!
The Weatherman #2 (Image Comics)
Seven years ago, the Earth was wiped out, leaving Mars as the only home humanity has. Agent Cross takes local Martian weatherman and noodle bowl aficionado Nathan Bright to task for his alleged role in murdering the Earth. But Nathan may just be the last hope of preventing a second attack—one that could wipe humanity out for good.
This issue has a big reveal about Nathan Bright’s true origins that rocks the whole universe - and this is just the second issue! The twist involves memory/identity replacements. Maybe it’s the Mars setting, but I get massive Total Recall vibes.
The backgrounds are beautifully drawn here - no two panels look the same and each one is filled with so much creativity and heart. Also, a fun side note, we meet Agent Cross’s superior and it turns out he’s not only a little person but also gay. Yay for representation! Go Mars! The Weatherman has only just begun but it’s full of adrenaline and hilarity and it really is the kind of space opera we need right now.
Flavor #3 (Image Comics)
In a world where food is the hottest commodity and chefs are the biggest celebrities, Xoo Lim is an unlicensed chef in search of a rare ingredient that can cure her sick parents. She travels to a seedy underground for a cooking duel. If she wins, she gets the ingredients she needs. If she loses, she could lose everything.
My favorite thing about Flavos is how is mixes it’s incredibly goofy premise with a totally serious tone. A crowd of people are watching two people make crepes and when the police storm in everyone scatters and runs. It’s all played perfectly straight and it works really well.
I think this was first first issue so far to really show us some phenomenally drawn cooking. Previous issues have focused on the worldbuilding but here we get nice close-ups of knives and whisks - the artwork here is really good. Flavor is a delectable comic that you won’t want to miss.
Steven Universe #18 (BOOM! Studios)
Connie comes over for combat training with Pearl and Steven, but things get shaken up when Amethyst decides to tag along. Pearl has them take turns teacher and Amethyst isn’t sure she’s cut out to be a real teacher like Pearl. But Amethyst quickly learns that she’s got her own style and her creative and unconventional lessons are just as valuable as Pearl’s formal exercises. And yes: there is some Stevonnie vs. Opal.
VS #5 (Image Comics)
In a future where war is a spectator sport, Satta Flynn is a fleeting veteran who has overstayed his welcome. As the forces that seek to end his life threaten to take all of humanity down with him, the ruined gladiator will have to reconcile with what in his life at war is still worth saving. This issue brings the first story arc to a close and as such I won’t be getting into too many spoilers. I will have a full review up ahead of the trade paperback release. You can pre-order VS Vol. 1 here.
Dry County #5 (Image Comics)
When a series ends around here I always try to keep things spoiler free. But there really isn’t even a peep I can say about this one since it’s a mystery story. It’s crazy good though, so you really should pick up the trade if you’ve missed out on this one. I’ll have a full review of this series ahead of the trade paperback release, which you can pre-order here.
Lumberjanes Vol. 9 (BOOM! Studios)
Barney has become a fully fledged Lumberjane just in time for another supernatural summer camp adventure. When the Yetis are kicked out of their treehouse, it’s up to the Lumberjanes to stage a game of roller derby to win it back from the sasquatches - all in the name of keeping the ice cream from melting!
This was a fun and goofy story arc. I’m not a fan of sports but seeing the Lumberjanes style supernatural twist on a classic “sports” plot was hilarious and Barney makes a great addition to the cast. You can click here to pre-order Lumberjanes Vol. 9 and add it to your collection.
The Beef (Image Comics)
Available in comic shops this week and everywhere else next week, The Beef is a biochemical romance about a slaughterhouse employee who… Y’know what? It’s weird and it’s worth reading it for yourself. I don’t want to give anything else away. But if you’re really curious, click here to read my full review of The Beef and click here to pre-order the complete series today.
What comics are you picking up this week? Let me know down in the comments below!
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