Welcome back to ComicBook Countdown, ComicBook.com’s weekly walkthrough of the week’s biggest releases.
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I refuse to buy into the Marvel versus DC narrative. They both have incredible rosters of characters and produce some top notch comics, movies, television, and video games. However, if we were going to talk about which of the Big Two was winning, this week wouldn’t even be a contest. DC is knocking it out of the part this week with the return of two of their best series and one of the most hotly anticipated games of 2015. It’s a great week to be a superhero fan, whether you’re reading their adventures or controlling them through a console.
5. Ted 2 | Universal Pictures
Seth MacFarlane’s record on the big screen is hit-and-miss. The less said about A Million Way To Die In The West, the better. Ted, on the other hand, is without a doubt his best movie so far. It’s as raunchy as anything MacFarlane touches, but had a surprising amount of heart too. Expectations are high for the sequel that will return the foul-mouthed bear to fight for marriage rights. There are plenty of ways the premise could go horribly wrong, but if MacFarlane pulls it off again, then we can all anticipate some riotous laughter on Friday.
4. Superman #41 | DC Comics
Superman is one series that has only continued to get better since its relaunch with the new 52. That upward trend is only going to continue with the addition of Gene Luen Yang on this flagship title. Yang has more than earned a few Eisners with comics like American Born Chinese and Boxers & Saints. He will be bringing his incredible character work and nuanced take on the American experience to Superman, along with John Romita Jr.’s explosive spin on the title. It’s a powerhouse team that is bound to deliver a memorable take on the world’s greatest superhero.
3. Batman: Arkham Knight | Rocksteady Studios
I don’t play many video games, but Rocksteady’s Arkham series even managed to ensnare me. Arkham Asylum was the first time I recall really feeling like a superhero when playing a game, and Arkham City only improved on that treatment. The finale of this trilogy (we don’t count Origins) promises to provide even more fantastic action, clever puzzles, and loads of classic Batman characters. If you want to feel like the Dark Knight (and don’t we all?), this is the closest you’ll come in 2015.
2. Batgirl #41 | DC Comics
Batgirl has been the best comic in DC’s roster since Cameron Stewart, Babs Tarr, and Maris Wicks took over on layouts, art, and colors, respectively. Even the first few issues, which I picked some nits with were way too well told to dare look away. As the series continued it only got better. The finale of the first arc was a slam dunk, commenting on the legacy of Barbara Gordon’s Oracle alter-ego and tying together the previous five issues. As Tarr continues to improve her already impressive skills, and the series picks up momentum, it’s bound to continue as one of the best series at DC Comics. If you want to be schooled on how good superhero comics can look, then look no further.
1. Sex Criminals #11 | Image Comics
As much as I love some of the comics that DC is putting out this week, Sex Criminals is an almost-impossible act to top. Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky have been met with rave reviews for every issue, and for good reason. It is a series that manages to be incredibly funny, deeply movie, and stupidly good looking on every page. When it comes to comics that show off just how ridiculous and potent the medium can be, Sex Criminals is one of the absolute best. After a few months away, fans of the series will be overjoyed to have it return. Everyone else should probably catch up.
What new comics, shows, and other releases are you looking forward to this week? Share in the comments below.
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