Wednesday, your never ending piles of new comics are sure to make our bank accounts cry. Seeing as most of us out there don't have access to Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark's funds, deciding how to make use of a limited budget is no easy task. We here at Comic Vine want to help you out. We all have completely different taste, so hopefully a few of these recommendations will tickle your fancy. Don't forget to sound off with your own "essential comics" in the comments section below.
Gregg Katzman's Picks
TMNT VILLAIN MICRO-SERIES #2 BAXTER STOCKMAN
If you even remotely like the Ninja Turtles, you're obligated to give this an honest chance. IDW has been doing tremendous work expanding the classic franchise and the future looks stunning with City Fall. Shredder is about the invade the city and, believe it or not, he has Leo on his side!
But for now, they're shining the spotlight on assorted villains, and this week we get an issue dedicated solely to Baxter Stockman. With Erik Burnham -- the co-writer of THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE FOOT CLAN -- writing this one, you can bet my expectations are high! Plus, it seems like we'll get an update on the status of the Technodrome.
Check out IDW's extensive preview here.
SCARLET SPIDER #17
Easily my favorite Spider-related book out there, this issue marks a brand new direction for Kaine. After a hilarious encounter with a drunk Armadillo, our anti-hero was hit with an epiphany and is finally open to a relationship. The only problem is he has about a thousand obstacles heading in his direction. To make matters even worse one of those obstacles is an X-Man with 6 adamantium claws. That's right, it's time for Scarlet Spider vs. Wolverine. Come on, who honestly doesn't want to see these two go at it?!
Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero's Picks
BATMAN, INCORPORATED #11
Despite what the solicits say, this is supposed to be an issue written by Chris Burnham with art by Jorge Lucas. We may be in the midst of Batman's war against Talia but this issue gives us a little detour as we catch up with the Batman of Japan. Last seen in BATMAN INCORPORATED #0 (which was also co-written by Burnham), we'll get to see what Jiro has been up to as well as his attempt at a date with Lolita Canary.
The idea of skipping an issue of the main story might be bothersome but it's great to see an actual focus on other members of Batman Incorporated. This seems more what the intention of the series should have been. Batman helped set up allies in other nations to fight their own crime and assist him when needed. Yet we rarely got any updates as to what they were doing or how things were going.
Visit IGN for the final preview page.
GREEN LANTERN #20
We may have seen the epilogue and aftermath of Wrath of the First Lantern already but this was intended to be the final part to the battle. The overall story had some hit or miss moments but this is what the story was building towards. The bigger reason to pick up this issues is because it marks the end of Geoff Johns incredible nine year run. With everything he's added to Hal Jordan's mythos, you know he won't leave the series in a whimper.
What you'll want to note is this is one of those $7.99 issue we've seen a few times lately. It is an oversized issue set at 64 pages. We can also assume this is why Doug Mahnke has been missing the last couple issues. At WonderCon he mentioned having to do close to 60 pages. It's going to be an exciting issue for GL fans but also bittersweet as we say goodbye to an era.
JUSTICE LEAGUE #20
This is a series with all of DC's big guns. It's supposed to be big on action and storytelling. Lately there has been a feeling that Geoff Johns is slowly amping up the excitement and with this being a prologue to Trinity War, we'll want to pay close attention to what goes down.
Last issue saw the set up of several different things. There are new members but who knows if they'll be able to survive this issue. We also saw a surprise attack at the Batcave which raised some questions. With a certain item that was acquired at the cave, it could change the relationship between Batman and Superman.
For those enjoying the Billy Batson back ups by Johns and Gary Frank, we'll get the penultimate chapter with Billy versus Black Adam.
Go to CBR for the last preview page.
Mat 'InferiorEgo' Elfring's Picks
BATMAN: LIL' GOTHAM #2
What I'm going to say is going to sound crazy, but BATMAN: LIL' GOTHAM isn't just a book I buy monthly in a digital format, it's also a physical book on my pull list. Yes, I double dip with this book for good reason.
It's just such a light-hearted, fun book with solid writing from Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs. Also, Nguyen draws the book, and his art is amazing in this series. It's one of my favorite series, and it's a fantastic book for all ages.
Sorry, there's no preview. But trust us, it's adorable.
JUDGE DREDD #7
If you've ever been interested in Judge Dredd and his adventures in Mega City One, then you should be reading this series. Duane Swierczynski is putting together this great over-arcing story with some fantastic artwork from Nelson Daniel.
Every issue has a back-up story, like many series do, but the difference here is that these ones are all great back-ups and all of them are relevant to what is going on in the main story.
There's no preview, but if you're a Dredd fan, it's your duty to pick this up.
Sara 'Babs' Lima's Picks
LOBSTER JOHNSON SATAN SMELLS A RAT ONE SHOT
Lobster Johnson is by far one of my absolute favorite Dark Horse/Hellboy characters which is why I am so looking forward to reading Lobster Johnson Satan Smells A Rat this week.
The issue is a single, self contained story starring Lobster and it is one reason why I would recommend it to anyone who is not familiar with the character or with the B.P.R.D. Universe.
Apologies, Hellboy fans, but there isn't a preview for this one.
DAREDEVIL #26
We last left Daredevil in a pretty sticky situation and it seems he may have finally met his match. To make matters worse for Matt, his best friend is in dire straights.
This month's issue will feature a special appearance from iron man who may very likely be the one guy that can help Foggy beat cancer.
The last few issues have demonstrate not only some great story telling, but also some really pretty art which is why I definitely can't wait to check out this issue.
Jen 'MissJ' Aprahamian's Picks
GREEN TEAM #1
Poised as the counterpoint to Gail Simone'sTHE MOVEMENT, GREEN TEAM shows us how the other half lives in the superhero scene. A kitschy 1970s one-shot gets blasted into 2013, swapping flightsuited "Boy Millionaires" for a set of teen trillionaires who more closely resemble the "Rich Kids of Instagram," and I can't wait to see the excess. Bruce Wayne's money (or more, even?) + teenage immaturity and angst = strong potential for a wild joyride of a story.
Art and Franco have some of the biggest imaginations in comics, and I'm anxious to see how the unbounded creativity they brought to DC's all-ages titles (TINY TITANS, SUPERMAN FAMILY ADVENTURES) plays out in GREEN TEAM. I feel like this book's motto is "Go big or go home!" and I'm banking on it going big. Ok, so I was sold as soon as I heard "famous actress with a cybernetic arm." That can only be awesome.
There's no preview, but here's Tony's interview about the series!
REVIVAL #10
REVIVAL has been steadily convincing me that I am, in fact, a fan of the horror genre. Its Midwestern sensibility and clever take on zombies has been charming me since issue #1. Seeley and Norton have brought the town of Wausau, WI to life -- pun intended -- and I'm enjoying the breadth of the series. There's a Twin Peaks sort of feel to it; everyone in the series has a story, and it keeps getting more complex and interesting.
Apologies, but Image hasn't released a preview for this one.