Comics this week

This is a really interesting contrast for me after last week. There were a limited number of books out last week and I had trouble picking out five to be excited about as a result. I did it because I'm a professional, obviously, but it was trickier than normal. This week, there are only 13 books, again a relatively small week, but my top five jumped out easily as I compiled the list. In fact, I'd say over half the books out this week are worthy of being on this list. Means we're in for a good week, you guys.

Avengers Arena 12
Hazmat and Reptil have rejoined the fight and time is winding down for these kids. Arcade promised at the start that only one would remain alive at the end of the month and their month is almost up. Who will live? Who will die? Did everyone who died really die? We're still waiting to see if Nico's cry for help with her dying breath caught anything. I also think this week (maybe it's next issue, I don't remember) we're supposed to see a little bit of why no one has realized these kids are missing. I remember seeing that brought up in an interview at some point and I want to say it was in relation to Arena 12 or 13 so that could be fun. Surprisingly stellar series keeps on trucking.

Daredevil 28
After the amazing issue 27 that turned things for Daredevil completely on their head by showing a calm and collected Daredevil successfully face off against Bullseye, Lady Bullseye, and Ikari, we're bound to get a little bit of a winding down. Don't expect this issue to be a waste issue; Waid isn't known for those. We're likely to see a bit of aftermath, maybe a bit of clean-up or a bit of rest for Matt and Foggy or, still a possibility despite what I've said already, maybe we'll dive headlong into the next plot. I'll be honest, I was heartened to see Black Widow and Iron Fist make a very quick appearance in the last issue. I'd be pretty thrilled if they got a little more involved in this series, especially with Black Widow and Matt's always entertaining relationship and the severe lack of Iron Fist throughout Marvel NOW.

Hawkeye 12
With Grills dead and Kate and Lucky packing up and moving west, what's left in the city for Hawkeye? Okay, still as much as there was before this series but Clint's going to have to take a look inward to see what exactly he's been doing that's pushing his allies away or getting them killed. To add to that, he's still targeted by the formidable New York criminal syndicate and, in particular, the Clown. To add to THAT, we're set for a reappearance of Clint's older brother Barney Barton, the villain(/hero, if you were reading Jeff Parker's Dark Avengers) known as Trickshot. Because that's just what Hawkeye needs right now.

Indestructible Hulk 10
Another Waid book makes the pre-game cut, as does another appearance of Daredevil. One of the villains from the group Hulk and Daredevil stopped last time managed to escape with a very powerful sonic weapon and, after fleeing the two heroes, brought it to the devious Baron Zemo. Now Hulk and Daredevil are going to have to find Zemo and contend with both him, already a task, and the new weapon. Hulk and Daredevil's relationship has been a pretty interesting one so far as both heroes have, in recent days, been less averse to team-ups and have a level of respect for one another that you don't always get in superhero books. Solid title overall and this storyline has been particularly interesting to see how the new Hulk fits into the superhero community, if you can call Daredevil's world that.

Young Avengers 7
We return to Young Avengers this week after, apparently, three months have passed since last seeing them. There are likely to be changes abound and some explanations to be expected as McKelvie returns on art for this book after a pleasant interlude from Kate Brown. They're also teasing a new Young Avenger (which could very well just be Prodigy but I don't like looking at preview art) and they have plenty of problems to solve, including the mysterious villain last issue, dressed as the Patriot, who disappeared Tommy, and the Skrulls from issue one who are said to make another appearance. One of Marvel's best books right now just as, I could say, all of the ones I've selected here are. What an exciting week, everyone!