10 Comics to Look Out For in April

Aliens: Dead Orbit #1

Created by James Stokoe

Published by Dark Horse Comics

Dark Horse Comics has done an excellent job of curating the Aliens franchise in comics, but this is likely to be the best story told with Xenomorphs in this medium yet for one reason: James Stokoe. The artist is a dynamo of invention, kineticism, and style who sets a high bar for all of his peers working as cartoonists today. If you have any doubts, just check out his work on Godzilla: The Half-Century War. Stokoe has proven he can take a franchise and tell a definitive new tale that works without any context. With any luck, he'll do it again with these H.R. Giger creations.

Assassination Classroom Vol. 15

Created by Yusei Matsui

Published by Viz Media

Why volume 15 of a long running manga? Assassination Classroom isn't ending quite yet, but this new installment will mark a major turning point for the series. This is the collection that reveals the origins of the series bizarre hero Koro Sensei and the villainous headmaster of the school. It's a true game changer that marks the beginning of the end for one of today's best manga series.

Black Cloud #1

Written by Ivan Brandon and Jason Latour

Drawn by Greg Hinkle

Colored by Matt Wilson

Published by Image Comics

Surprise! There's an Image Comics #1 on this list! That's because Image regularly releases some of the most innovative and exciting mainstream comics on the market today, and this one is being produced by a true all-star team. All 4 of the creators listed above ought to draw attention on their own. Combined they're set to tell a story about the power of dreams and imagination, with a good dose of violence, that we should all be paying attention to.

Black Panther: The Crew #1

Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Yona Harvey

Drawn by Butch Guice

Published by Marvel Comics

Whatever your feelings on the most recent volume of Black Panther were, there's no doubt that the creative team brought a clear vision to the character and reinvigorated his setting and supporting cast. Now writer Ta-Nehisi Coates is joined by co-writer Yona Harvey and artist Butch Guice to spread his ideas to a variety of other Marvel Comics stalwarts. Taking on Christopher Priest's concept of "The Crew", this team is set to redefine some of Marvel's best and it should be a thrill to see just how they plan to do it.

Dept. H #13

Written and Drawn by Matt Kindt

Colored by Sharlene Kindt

Published by Dark Horse Comics

Dept. H #13 marks the start of the second half in this locked room mystery meets dystopian sci-fi story. The Kindts have established an incredible cast of characters and a thrilling scenario that already has each individual at their breaking point. What comes next is bound to be some of the best comics in 2017. If you have any doubts, just consider Mind MGMT, then realize it's time to check out this series before it's spoiled for you.

The Flintstones #12

Written by Mark Russell

Drawn by Steve Pugh

Published by DC Comics

It's still hard to believe, but The Flintstones is one of the smartest, funniest, and most relevant comics being published today. That makes this final issue equal parts saddening and exciting. The series has been a real highlight on comics shelves with sharp humor and on point commentary, and there's no doubt the creative team will go out in their final installment. Still, it's sad that we'll have to say goodbye to a much needed dose of political humor from good ol' Bedrock.

Judge Dredd: Blessed Earth #1

Written by Ulises Farinas and Erick Freitas

Drawn by Dan McDaid

Published by IDW Publishing

The team behind IDW Publishing's newest Judge Dredd comics have been doing a fantastic job together. They've transported Dredd to another "Mega-City" that keeps the core premise intact while making everything about it feel fresh. Most importantly, writer Ulises Farinas has managed to combine violence and strange surroundings with some very keen commentary on modern society. It's the most Dredd comic made in America in quite some time and this one-shot ought to deliver more of what makes the character a true comics classic.

Martian Manhunter / Marvin the Martian Special #1

Written by Steve Orlando and Frank Barbiere

Drawn by Aaron Lopresti and Jerome K. Moore

Published by DC Comics

It was tempting to include all of the Looney Tunes and DC Comics crossovers on this list because they're all the right blend of being just crazy enough to be brilliant. This is our pick though as it combines two underutilized characters that simply belong together. These Martians are both outsiders without a people of their own who have vastly contrasting views of humanity. Watching them play off of one another ought to be a real delight.

Royals #1

Written by Al Ewing

Drawn by Jonboy Meyers

Published by Marvel Comics

This one is for everyone who doubted the Inhumans franchise at Marvel Comics because if anyone can make something work it's writer Al Ewing. He has spent the last several years taking pitches that fell flat on paper and turning them into some of the best superhero comics on the stands. Now Ewing is teamed with Jonboy Meyers to take on the classic set of Kirby creations with a seemingly blank check. If this can't make the Inhumans popular, then absolutely nothing can.

Walt Simonson’s Thor: The Return of Beta Ray Bill: Artist’s Edition

Created by Walt Simonson

Published by IDW Publishing

Walt Simonson is one of the greatest living artists in comics and his run on Thor is one of the best superhero runs ever created. That's not hyperbole; it's truth. This new Artist's Edition will provide insight into his creation of the fan-favorite character Beta Ray Bill and a look behind the scenes on that series. Looking at Simonson's pencils on a grand scale with the best possible production values ought to thrill any fan of comics art. This is a must own for collectors of Thor and Simonson materials alike.