Welcome back to 10 Comics to Buy This Week. As you're probably well aware, there are a metric crap-ton of comic books hitting shelves every single week. And for the common consumer, it's financially impossible to pick up everything. That's where this column steps in like your superhero savior, drawing your attention to 10 books worth your hard-earned dollars during any given week.
We not only going to spotlight tights and capes books, but also some indie titles off the beaten path, which, if all goes well, will broaden your reading horizons.
American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares #2
Holy crap, we're dealing with Dracula here! The cliffhanger to the first issue of Lord of Nightmares was absolutely fantastic, as it something both completely surprisingly yet so obvious at the same time. Leave it to Scott Snyder to introduce a staple of vampire mythology in such a new and refreshing way.
If the first issue was any indication, the second issue of Lord of Nightmares will be just as intense, with Felicia and Agent Hobbes attempting to track down the king of all vampires. Even if you're not reading American Vampire proper, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares is worth checking out.
Ant-Man Season One HC
Because you asked for it, it's a contemporary reselling of the origin of Ant-Man! Marvel's "Season One" books haven't really been anything to write home about thus far. They've all been rather safe, choosing to insert references to current pop culture to make them seem relevant instead of exploring the titular characters from new, interesting angles.
But we haven't given up on the line just yet. With Ant-Man, writer Tom DeFalco and artist Horacio Domingues have the opportunity to delve deeper into the psyche of one of Marvel's most conflicted characters. Hank Pym is a man of many disguises, with a personality that shifts almost as often as his costume. Hopefully, DeFalco and Domingues can find a way to play this up for all it's worth in Ant-Man Season One.
Batman #11
I'm sure we all have the same question on our mind following the end of issue #10:
Batman #11 plans to answer that question (or does it?) while simultaneously wrapping up the "Court of Owls" storyline that's been building since issue #1. This concluding issue by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo should not be missed under any circumstances.
Before Watchmen: Minutemen #2
The second issue of Darwyn Cooke's Minutemen releases this week. I think the general consensus is Minutemen #1 is the best of the Before Watchmen issues thus far. Therefore, here's hoping issue #2 is just as strong.
The Minutemen have officially been assembled and it's now time for them to start busting skulls to keep the streets safe.
Peter Panzerfaust #5
Peter Panzerfaust's first arc, "The Great Escape," comes to an end. The plan didn't work out. Now Paris is under Nazi occupation, leaving the Lost Boys no choice but to make their final stand. Will we finally see the epic confrontation better Peter and this universe's version of Captain Hook? Here's hoping.
Punk Rock Jesus #1
This new series written and drawn by Sean Murphy follows a… wait for it… angsty teenage clone of Jesus Christ (only in the funny books!). When a reality show clones the Son of God, what are the political, moral and religious implications of such a profound act? Those are the types of questions Murphy plans to explore in this six-issue mini-series from Vertigo.
Richard Stark's Parker: The Score HC
If you've read the first two Darwyn Cooke adaptations of the Parker series (The Hunter, The Outfit), then you know full well why we're excited for the third book in the series, The Score. Darwyn Cooke has been killing it with these adaptations, with equal parts great storytelling and art.
In book #3, Parker groups up with a dozen partners in crime to take down an entire city. However, things never go according to plan, and it will be Parker caught in the middle of the biggest heist of his career. The Score is often regarded as the best book Richard Stark's Parker series, so it's exciting to see one of the comic industry's best talents tackle a story of such magnitude.
Swamp Thing #11
Did Anton Arcane really kill Swamp Thing at the end of issue #10? Or, does writer Scott Snyder have a trick up his sleeve? We're going to assume it's the latter more than the former. But that doesn't make Swamp Thing any else enthralling. If you aren't reading this series, shame on you. Seriously. You're a terrible person.
Uncanny X-Force #27
The X-Force has been systematically taken down by the latest version of the Brotherhood of Mutants. How will they pull themselves together to mount a counter-attack?
Also, someone new is joining the team. Anybody have any guesses?
Walking Dead #100
The day has finally come: Robert Kirkman's seminal zombies series finally hits its landmark 100th issue. Image Comics is promising one of the darkest moments to ever befall Rick Grimes will happen in this over-sized issue. And, well, it's got to be something truly twisted to top what's happened to the man in the past.
The Walking Dead #100 will represent a pivotal moment for this series, one that will hopefully tip over the dominoes that will lead to another 100 issues of depressing zombie goodness. So let us all raise our glasses and toast arguably the most successful creator-owned series of all time for making it this far. Here’s to 100 more!
Erik Norris is a freelance writer for sites such as ComicVine, IGN and CraveOnline.com. You can stalk him on Twitter @Regular_Erik.