Welcome back to Conskipper’s New Comic Day Picks for the week of August 25, 2021!
Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of excellent comics available at your local comic shop to keep your vacation fun and exciting (even if it is just a 30 minute break during your work day).
–Spider-Man: Life Story Annual #1 (Marvel Comics): Chip Zdarsky and Mark Bagley continue their critically acclaimed series Spider-Man: Life Story in the form of Life Story Annual #1. This one- shot is less of the typical comic book annual and much more of an additional chapter in their examination of Peter Parker’s life, telling the story of Spider-Man through a historical perspective as if the character had aged in real time since his 1962 debut. This one focuses on the life and crimes of J. Jonah Jameson and whether he can find redemption. If you haven’t picked up Zdarsky’s and Bagley’s original Life Story series, be sure to check it out before or after you read this week’s issue.
–King Spawn #1 (Image Comics): In the midst of Todd McFarlane’s expansion of the Spawn Universe, King Spawn #1 arrives. Written by Sean Lewis and McFarlane, with art by Javier Fernandez, Brett Booth, Stephen Segovia, Marcio Takara, Philip Tan, and McFarlane himself, the new series brings back a classic villain from Spawn’s past and gets more complicated since only Spawn knows that he exists. Spinning directly out of Spawn Universe #1, King Spawn delivers all of the bombastic storytelling and art the one expects.
–Robin #5 (DC Comics): Joshua Williamson and Gleb Melnikov fun examination of the always frowning Damien Wayne gets even more crowded this issue with a Robin reunion! Nightwing, Red Hood, Tim Drake, and Spoiler guest-star this month, as they track Damian down in hopes that they can bring the surly youngster back to Gotham. Damien, of course, has plans to win the Lazarus Tournament, so no matter how many Robins show up, he isn’t going anywhere! Williamson and Melnikov have really tapped into all of the aspects that make Damien Wayne an engaging member of the Bat Family and the interactions with all of the former and current Robins in this installment delivers just what you would expect.
-United States of Captain America #3 (Marvel Comics): The United States of Captain America series by Christopher Cantwell and Dale Eaglesham continues with another brand new Sentinel of Liberty, Joe Gomez, a Kickapoo Tribe member, who dons his own version of the classic costume to join the quest for Cap’s shield. Joe Gomez is the third new captain (after Aaron Fischer and Nichelle Wright) to debut in The United States of Captain America series and was initially created by geoscientist and Lipan Apache writer Darcie Little Badger and Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation artist David Cutler. Not only is the new series great at introducing a wide variety of heroes to the Marvel Universe, but the quest for Cap’s shield is an engaging mystery, highlighting all the best qualities of Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, and Bucky Barnes.
-Winter Guard #1 (Marvel Comics): The Winter Guard has experienced a surprising renaissance of late, with the group having a prominent role in recent Avengers stories by Jason Aaron and the introduction of Red Guardian and White Widow to the masses in this summer’s Black Widow film. Ryan Cady and Jan Bazaldua’s new series continues the Winter Guard’s “hot streak” with their debut issue featuring all sort of political intrigue and superhero action. Add in a cover by Toni Infante, and this one is a definite grab at your local store today.
That’s it for this week. Be sure to come back next week for more picks and please continue to support your local comic shop in a safe manner.