Getting into the third month of the year, we are getting some great comic book issues that range from the start of a new series (such as Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent) as well as concluding series (such as Batman Vs. Robin). This month had some hard selections to narrow down to just 5, but I think you’ll enjoy these picks that we have for you (in no particular order).
Batman: One Bad Day – Ra’s al Ghul (DC Comics)
CREATIVE TEAM
- Writer – Tom Taylor
- Penciler – Ivan Reis
- Inker – Danny Miki
- Colorist – Brad Anderson
SYNOPSIS
For centuries Ra’s al Ghul has wanted to save the Earth from the worst of humankind, and for centuries he has failed. Recently his greatest obstacle has been the Dark Knight Detective, Batman. Ra’s offered Batman a chance to be a part of his new world order, but Batman refused. For years their cold war has raged, but Ra’s will have no more. Ra’s will remove Batman from the equation and save the world, re-creating it in his image and bringing the peace and prosperity all the good-hearted souls of this Earth deserve. Don’t miss this epic tragedy from the all-star creative team of Tom Taylor (Nightwing, Superman: Son of Kal-El, DCeased) and Ivan Reis (Detective Comics, Blackest Night): the last of the One Bad Day specials, and one of the most epic to date.
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK
So far, the One Bad Day series has been a great hit. A one-shot, 60-page stand-alone issue that tells a unique, thought-provoking story about one of Batman’s villains that are written and drawn by different creators in the same framework as The Killing Joke has been a fun and exciting read and I have high hopes given the creative team of this series that this will live up to my expectations.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT): The Last Ronin – The Lost Years #2 (IDW Publishing)
CREATIVE TEAM
- Writers – Tom Waltz & Kevin Eastman
- Artist – Ben Bishop
SYNOPSIS
THE TALE OF THE LAST RONIN’S FIRST MISSION CONTINUES! In the past, Michelangelo has mastered his first fighting form and has overcome his first gladiatorial challenge in Japan. With Master Splinter’s journal in his hands-and a burning desire for vengeance in his heart-Michelangelo resumes his westward trek across Asia and Europe in order to test his skills against his next deadly opponent. If he’s to have any chance of attaining victory in the final battle royal, Michelangelo will have to master an essential new martial skill-or die trying. Only then can he return to New York City to confront the Foot Clan. Thing is, he’s not alone. His dead brothers have joined him on his quest…and they won’t shut up!Meanwhile, in the present (a.k.a. our future!), Casey Marie Jones also follows the sage teachings found in Splinter’s journal as she continues her own journey as master and sensei to the next generation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!Writers Kevin Eastman and Tom Waltz, alongside artist Ben Bishop (TMNT: The Last Ronin), bring us the next exciting chapter from the Ronin-verse!
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK
TMNT The Last Ronin was the comic series that got me into reading TMNT comics. This is the second issue of the continuing series, where we will see the story that led up to the events of The Last Ronin as well as the events that take place afterward. We’ve been introduced to a series of four new mutant ninja turtles that will be taught by Casey Marie Jones (Moja, Uno, Odyn, and Yi, which all mean “one” in different languages), and this story will continue to cover their upbringing and teaching, as well as continue Mikey’s journey in becoming the last Ronin of the Hamato Clan.
The Riddler: Year One #3 (DC Comics)
CREATIVE TEAM
- Writer – Paul Dano
- Artist – Stevan Subic
- Letterer – Clayton Cowles
SYNOPSIS
Edward reaches out to the daughter of a mob victim who might have insight into their operation. Meanwhile, his boss at the accounting firm believes there’s a reason to be suspicious about Wayne Industries’ payments to Bruce Wayne. And in his most daring move yet, Edward goes undercover at a company responsible for locking away highly sensitive documents. What he finds may lead to his most shocking revelation yet!
Actor Paul Dano (The Batman) and artist Stevan Subic continue the origin of the Riddler, leading up to his appearance in Matt Reeves’s epic film.
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK
The Riddler: Year One series has been fantastic so far. Written by the actor who played Edward Nashton in Matt Reeves’ 2022 The Batman, it’s an exciting series to see the backstory of the character he played. What doubles down this series as magnificent is the artwork by Stevan Subic. His artistic style does incredible justices and parallels in representing the character psyche through the various stages of the story. It truly reflects the physical and psychological struggles of the character, and it has some great hidden gems from the movie so far. Any fan of Paul Dano or The Batman film will appreciate this series!
Rogue & Gambit #1 (Marvel)
CREATIVE TEAM
- Writer – Stephanie Phillips
- Artist – Carlos Gomez
- Colorist – Bryan Valenza
SYNOPSIS
DESTINY STRIKES YOUR FAVORITE X-MEN DUO! Krakoa is on a precipice. Destiny alone can see what’s coming—but the precog cannot act. For that, she’ll need her adoptive daughter, Rogue. Husbands need not apply…but with mutant duties stealing Rogue away so much these days, Gambit is determined to make the most of the mission and put some Cajun spice back into their increasingly complicated love affair. He just has to make it out of the bar first. Powerhouse writer Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman: Evolution, Millie the Spy) joins fan-favorite artist Carlos Gómez (X-TERMINATORS, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) for a thrill ride that’ll lay bare some of Krakoa’s biggest secrets!
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK
I chose this book because this is one that I don’t have any previous connection to other than it’s in the current line of the X-Men Krakoa series. I intentionally wanted to recommend a series that I have no connections to but am excited about because I think we all have that book or story that fits that mold, and this is it for me. I’m a huge fan of the work of the creative team on this story, so I know that this is something I’m going to enjoy even though there’s nothing previously for me to base this on other than their previous work. Although Rogue and Gambit aren’t my top favorite couples in the comics universe, they are definitely a fan favorite and I still love the relationship that they have!
Inferno Girl Red #3 (Image Comics)
CREATIVE TEAM
- Writer – Mat Groom
- Artist – Erica D’Urso
- Colorist – Igor Monti
- Letterer – Becca Carey
SYNOPSIS
MINISERIES FINALE! After an overwhelming defeat and a harrowing personal loss, Inferno Girl Red has no plan and seemingly nothing left to lose. But with the very existence of Apex City on the line, she’ll have to charge into a rematch with the Griffin anyway. And though there may always be hope, Cássia’s about to be reminded that there is also always more to lose. INFERNO GIRL RED: BOOK ONE concludes in this action-packed, knock-down-drag-out finale!
WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK
This was a fantastic series that I was introduced to by fellow Nerd Initiative Creator, Ken from the ODPH Podcast (by the way, you should read his review on the first issue of Inferno Girl Red). It was a story I knew nothing about going in, but after reading that first book, it was an instant pull series for me. The artwork is beautiful, the story is exciting and compelling, and I always love reading new superhero stories that we haven’t seen yet. This is also a great piece of diverse representation that normalizes the reality of diverse presence without making it a main focus of the story piece. If you are looking for a brand new story, this would be the one I would recommend to you.
This article was first written and published for Nerd Initiative on February 16th, 2023.
