The ball has dropped and 2013 is finally upon us. And you know what means? New comics! That’s right, publishers have new series lined up and waiting to debut in a comic shop near you.
Whether it’s DC’s next wave of the New 52, the next batch of Marvel NOW! books or some amazing creator-owned series from hot publishers like Image or Darkhorse, there are a lot of tons new books that should be on your radar in 2013.
That’s why we, the RCB crew, have taken it upon ourselves to highlight ten new series that we feel are worthy of your attention in 2013. So, without further adieu…
Corey’s Picks
Green Arrow by Jeff Lemire & Andrea Sorrentino - DC Comics
It’s no secret that Green Arrow is a character that has always had the potential to be a major player in the DCU. Unfortunately, Oliver Queen has never truly captured the same level of success as other characters like Green Lantern or Batman. However, that’s all about to change. RCB Award Winning Best Writer Jeff Lemire has promised to build a brand new mythology around Green Arrow’s storied legacy. As a result, DC finally has fans chomping at the bit to get their hands on this newly revamped Green Arrow Series.
The talented Andrea Sorrentino will be joining Lemire on this highly anticipated book and one can only assume that a creative team featuring one of the best writers and best artists that the industry has to offer is certainly worthy of any reader’s attention. Be sure to check out our exclusive interviews with both Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino to see what they have planned for what will surely be a must read series.
Sex Criminals by Matt Fraction & Chip Zdarsky - Image Comics
Don’t let the title fool you! This book is not something that you should be ashamed of reading. In fact, this book is so unique that you should be counting the days until its release. Image’s solicitation describes Sex Criminals as a “brand-spanking new sex comedy that follows two young lovers as they go on a lust-fueled crime spree with a twist — when they have sex, time itself seems to stop. ” Does this book have your attention yet? Yeah, that’s kind of what we thought!
Matt Fraction is coming off the heels of the white hot success that is Hawkeye and he will surely be carrying that momentum to Sex Criminals in 2013. If you’re a fan of Fraction’s unique brand of humor in Hawkeye, then Sex Criminals deserves to be on your radar in 2013! Check out our preview of Sex Criminals by clicking here.
Cody’s Picks
East of West by Jonathan Hickman & Nick Dragotta - Image Comics
The official statement from Image Comics says, “Reuniting with FF artist Nick Dragotta in April, East of West centers around a mission which sees the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse trying to kill the President of the United States.” Now if that doesn’t get your blood boiling than I don’t know what will. Hickman and Dragotta’s FF is considered one of the best Marvel titles in recent memory, Hickman’s current Image series, Manhattan Projects, is a weird but incredibly amazing series that shows how creative Hickman can truly be. Not to mention Hickman was handed the reins to Marvel’s flagship franchises in Avengers and New Avengers. All things point to East of West being one of the most promising series to be released in 2013.
Lazarus by Greg Rucka & Michael Lark - Image Comics
In all honesty, I knew absolutely nothing about this series before writing this article, but I was very excited when I saw the names Greg Rucka and Michael Lark next to each other and Image Comics as the publisher. This is the award-winning team from Gotham Central and they also happen to be two very talented creators. Greg Rucka’s recent work has included an incredible Punisher series last year and the second volume of his stellar creator-owned series Stumptown. Michael Lark most recently worked with Ed Brubaker on Winter Soldier, another under-rated Marvel title. The two of them together on a title set in a futuristic dystopian society after an economic collapse is sure to be a hit, and hopefully it sticks around as both men have expressed interest in having the series continue long-term.
Rod’s Picks
Trillium by Jeff Lemire - Vertigo
What’s not to get excited about here? We have the highly acclaimed writer Jeff Lemire, author of such notable works for DC like Sweet Tooth, Animal Man, and Justice League Dark. He also has done spectacular independent graphic novels including Lost Dogs, Essex County, and RCB award winning The Underwater Welder. Lemire steps outside of both his domesticated and horror story-telling and dives into the foray of science fiction!
Inspired by DC’s editor Mark Doyle, Lemire is stepping out of his comfort zone by not only creating a limited science fiction series, but including a love story as well. Nika Temsmith is a botanist from the year 3797 and is researching unique plants on a remote space station. William Pike is an adventurer from the year 1921 and is in search of the legend of the “Lost Temple of the Incas.” Their love will transcend time, and ultimately bring an end to the universe as we know it.
It’s solicited as being “The last love story ever told.” How these two meet? I guess we’ll just have to wait until later in 2013 to find out! You can find out more about Trillium in our exclusive interview with Jeff Lemire
Young Avengers by Kieron Gillen & Jamie McKelvie – Marvel Comics
As an avid fan of the teen superheroes in the Marvel universe this book has me teeming with joy. Whatever the fallout may be from Dennis Hopeless‘s Avengers Arena title, I’ve read the original Young Avengers titles and their crossovers with The Runaways and am absolutely delighted that these post-pubescent knockoffs are going to get their own title again. What was even more exciting to see was the early released variant cover drawn by Brian Lee O’Malley (of the Scott Pilgrim franchise) where he brings his own signature touch to this misfit cast. We also get another baby variant by Skottie Young that is sure to impress.
Everyone’s favorite teenage gay couple Hulkling and Wiccan return along with Kate Bishop (Hawkeye) return to save the world once again. Not only do we have superstar writer Kieron Gillen and artist Jamie McKelvie teaming up for this series, but they also are introducing new additions to the cast including Kid Loki, Marvel Boy (Noh-Varr), as well as Ms. America. With these additions to the cast, there is sure to be some entertainment to look forward to!
Fans that are disappointed with conclusion of The Runaways, Avengers Academy, or the premise of Avengers Arena should check this one out when it hits shelves in January!
Derek’s Picks
Untitled Superman Series by Scott Snyder & Jim Lee – DC Comics
Over the past several years, I have been hearing from both comic book and non-comic book readers that Superman is no longer relevant. “His Boy Scout attitude is too lame,” they’ll say. “He’s too powerful. How can you write great stories for a character like that?” I disagree with all of this. Superman is just as relevant now as he was almost 75 years ago, he just needs a writer who is capable of giving him the love and care that he deserves.
Scott Snyder has proven that he can write “irrelevant” characters (Swamp Thing) and has more than shown his ability to create a masterpiece with a legendary superhero (Batman). Whenever I close my eyes and think of Superman, Jim Lee’s Superman drawings are the first thing that pop into my head, so we’ll have no problems in the art department. With The Man of Steel movie coming to theaters this summer, there is no better time to give us a Superman comic that is truly “super.”
Justice League of America by Geoff Johns & David Finch - DC Comics
This one looks to be one of most intriguing DC books out there. A team consisting of Hawkman, Green Arrow, Simon Baz, Catwoman, Martian Manhunter, Kitana, Stargirl and Vibe? Fine, DC. I’ll bite. Add the fact that this series will by tying into the other two Justice League titles (Justice League and Justice League: Dark), as well as the upcoming Trinity War crossover event and the revamped Green Arrow series, and this is sounding like a must read in 2013.
Tyler’s Picks
Sandman Prequel by Neil Gaiman & J.H. Williams III - Vertigo
Being relatively new to the Sandman (sorry, I was out of the comic world for far too long and missed out) the first volume is still pretty fresh in my mind. As a matter of fact, I just finished the second volume not to long ago. So, getting the opportunity to find out why the Sandman was trapped all those years ago is an extremely intriguing read for me. Not to mention the return of Gaiman to the character that, arguably, made him what he is to day. Oh, and did I mention that JH-freakin-Williams III is doing the art for this book? Think about it. Gaiman’s twisted craziness plus JH Williams III‘s art with all it’s intricacies and amazing layouts. What more could you ask for?
Star Wars by Brian Wood & Carlos D’Anda - Dark Horse Comics
Brian Wood has had an amazing year in 2012. In fact, many people questioned how he could possibly top it. Well, now we know. Wood will be tackling one of the most beloved franchises of all time -Star Wars. Not only is he going to be entering the Star Wars comic book universe, but he’s taking it back to a time we all know and love- the original trilogy timeline. Luke, Leia, Vader, Han, Chewie and all of the characters that we love are being handled by one hell of a talented writer in Brian Wood. As soon as I heard about this one I was on board. Look for big things from Brian Wood on this series. Let’s just hope that Star Wars going to Marvel won’t ruin a good thing like this.
Because we obviously can’t pick them all and it’s impossible to narrow it down to just ten new series, we’ve also compiled a list of “honorable mentions” that we also feel are worthy of your attention.
Constantine by Robert Venditti & Renato Guedes
Snapshot by Andy Diggle & Jock
Corey Fryia
Latest posts by Corey Fryia (see all)
- Justice League #20 - 05/22/2013
- Mark Waid’s The Green Hornet #2 - 05/15/2013
- Star Wars #5 - 05/09/2013
I’m soooo jazzed for the new sandman story!