This week's picks

Ton of books out this week seems like a justifiable excuse for why I'm having so much trouble picking my top three. Look guys, I have one locked down and one almost locked down. It's tricky because most of the books didn't blow me away this week, even the typical standouts. They were good, they weren't the best. In some cases that affected my decision more (I really liked the Cap arc finale but it didn't totally blow me away, which it seemed like it should have), in some cases it didn't (one or two of the books that made this list are in that category). One of the books in consideration was Deadpool which I thought was a good issue, surprisingly so because I haven't liked the series, but it still wasn't an amazing issue (it almost made the cut because it was such a far cry from how I've felt about the rest of the series). Okay, I'm stalling. Here we go.

Journey into Mystery 655

I tend to give more consideration to a book on its final issue. That still won't get it on this list if it's a bad issue, but I tend to bump it up a little for time served. This week, Journey into Mystery didn't even need that boost. It was a really good issue, a solid end to a solid arc with beautiful art and fun writing which served to enhance the plot and to characterize people involved. Just a really good issue and, sadly, the last time I'll get to choose this book for a top pick. The book that spawned Kid Loki and Kieron Gillen's defining run at Marvel has now reached its end after a great Kathryn Immonen run. She better find a new book quickly at Marvel. Marvel's made a few good moves in terms of trying to highlight women characters and women writers and it's clear they want to make that something of a priority (slowly but surely). It would be ridiculous to have such a talented and proven female writer at your disposal and not put her on a book immediately. Buy this issue. The art alone will make it worth it.

Thor: God of Thunder 12

As good as the heavy-hitting action and revealing characterization of a really great comic book can be, occasionally the change in pace can be as meaningful as anything else. We rarely see Thor in a capacity as an emotional hero; his role has very much become the strong character role (it really always was) so they bring him out in the biggest situations because he's too powerful to use on, say, street-level villains. It's really gratifying to see him take a little time off from punching Kang to travel around and do equally important but more one-on-one heroic things. It's very neat and it was really well done. Nic Klein's art is very impressive as well. It's no easy feat following up Esad Ribic or even leading in comic veteran Ron Garney (who I think is on at least the next issue). Really solid issue.







Young Avengers 9

Young Avengers is a phenomenal book. Every issue has been wonderful and had little hidden wonders to it, on top of the very blatant wonders. It's got stunning art, great characterization, interesting plot, and fantastic writing. All of that said, I did think this was a very slightly weaker issue than we've had from this book. However, slightly weaker from this book is still scores above most other books so it's impossible to not put it on this list (and it would be silly not to). Even with it being slightly weaker (it just felt a little slower than the ones we've had already, and not in a "this needs to be slowed down" kind of way), it still had a ton to love (including, as ever, the art). Also, an adult-ish Leah looking both super cool and oh my god she's going to wreak some serious havoc, you guys. Look, this book is great and always worth your time. Check-check it.


I don't want it to go

This is a new segment, to be used probably just this once, to award the book I least want to be over following this most recent issue. This week's winner is, you guessed it, Journey into Mystery. GUYS, I'M JUST REALLY SAD ABOUT THIS, OKAY?