The Weekly Pull: Marauders, Martian Manhunter, Bog Bodies, and More
New comic book day is here again. Numerous releases will be hitting comic book stores and digital [...]
New comic book day is here again. Numerous releases will be hitting comic book stores and digital comics platforms. Each week in The Weekly Pull, ComicBook.com's team highlights some of the latest releases we're most excited about hitting stores. It can be a release from the big two or a smaller publisher, a new monthly issue, original graphic novels, or trade paperback collection. It can be superhero fare or any other genre. Whatever it is, if it has us excited and is going on sale this week, then it's fair game, and we're going to let you know about it.
This week: Dawn of X resumes with the first new release from the X-Men line since the direct Market shutdown, Book of Magic looks back at the 1990s, a new graphic novel from Declan Shalvey, and some stellar trade paperbacks. Keep reading to see our picks for this week in comics. Then, come back tomorrow for ComicBook.com's weekly comics reviews and again next week for more comic book recommendations and reviews.
What new comics are you most looking forward to this week? Let us know which books have you the most excited that you're looking forward to reading in the comments section.
Bog Bodies
Written by Declan Shalvey
Art by Gavin Fullerton
Published by Image Comics
If you're reading this, then you are almost certainly familiar with Declan Shalvey, the comics artist. What you may not be as familiar with is Shalvey's developing career as a comics writer, as well. His striking compositions and regularly innovative layouts and designs make it clear he's quite the storyteller, and scripts dating back to a short Nick Fury serial show he's almost as deft with words as pictures. The original graphic novel Bog Bodies shifts away from the high falutin genre of superhero comics to the grubbiest form of crime fiction, one where every character is a failure and happy endings are best left unconsidered. This volume delivers a story that's hard to put down as each new twist is compelling in spite of the increasingly sad circumstances. Shalvey also reveals a keen eye for artistic talent beyond his own, as Gavin Fullerton delivers a world every bit as dark and foreboding as the events depicted. Bog Bodies is a truly immersive crime thriller, and an excellent introduction to a writer and artist comics readers everywhere should want to meet. -- Chase Magnett
prevnextBooks of Magic #19
Written by David Barnett
Art by Tom Fowler
Published by DC Black Label
As part of DC's Sandman Universe line, Books of Magic has followed the adventures of young magician Timothy Hunter. Books of Magic #19 shits gears with David Barnett penning a two-part guest story. He seems interested The Books of Magic as a product of the 1990s and puts some fo the decades best-known tropes from across popular culture on parade. If you've been wanting to try out Books of Magic or are interested in seeing meet-cutes, manic pixie dream girls, and misanthropic male leads put on display, this is your book. -- Jamie Lovett
prevnextExorsisters #6
Written by Ian Boothby
Art by Gisele Lagace
Published by Image Comics
It's been a while since the last issue of Exorsisters -- well over a year, to be more precise -- but while the wait has been long, the timing of the return Ian Boothby's supernatural sister act couldn't be better. Exorsisters #6 finds Cate and Kate Harrow in Heaven of all places, while the world below is pretty much going to Hell. With a bit of humor, some irreverence, and a healthy dose of bad choices all around, it's an issue that offers up a fun escape even in the context of a pretty grim story, and goodness knows we all need a little of that right now. -- Nicole Drum
prevnextFamily Tree Vol. 1: Sapling
Written by Jeff Lemire
Art by Phil Hester
Published by Image Comics
If the names Jeff Lemire and Phil Hester don't grab your interest, then this will be a fine introduction to two of the best working artists in comics today. Family Tree is a series that brings something new to each issue, which also makes summarizing the first volume something of a challenge. It's an intimate family drama and a post-apocalyptic survival story and a psychedelic reverie on life writ large. What makes it an impressive debut is that it delivers on all of those facets and others without ever losing momentum. The first collection offers a tremendous introduction, the rare sort that is satisfying at its conclusion without forgetting there's still more to be explored. While this volume has been delayed, it now provides a perfect weekend read while staying indoors with time to catch up before the next chapter is unveiled next month. -- Chase Magnett
prevnextHeavy #1
Written by Max Bemis
Art by Eryk Donovan
Published by Vault Comics
This week, Vault Comics launches its latest high-concept work of speculative fiction with Heavy #1, from Max Benis and Eryk Donovan. The series follows Bill, a dead man who's working off his purgatory debt by policing the multiverse. Things take a turn when he's assigned a new partner who's as bad as the bad guys that Bill has been targeting. The series wears its inspirations on its sleeve, calling out the Punisher, Inception, and especially Preacher in its solicitation text. It also promises a thoughtful look at the "dumb boys with big guns" subgenre. If you're into witty genre deconstructions or big dumb fun, Heavy seems set to slake your thirst for either.
prevnextMarauders #10
Written by Gerry Duggan
Art by Stefano Caselli
Published by Marvel Comics
We've missed new comics in a big way over the past few months, but few have been more missed than Marvel's Marauders. Thankfully the wait is over, and the series is just as action-packed and delightful as you remember. Writer Gerry Duggan weaves an ongoing mystery, political backstabbing, and pure action into one overarching narrative, and artist Stefano Caselli and colorist Edgar Delgado make each of those sequences shine. Marauders was already one of the best Marvel books out, and we're so glad to have it back. — Matthew Aguilar
prevnextMartian Manhunter: Identity
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Riley Rossmo
Published by DC Comics
Martian Manhunter is one of the most criminally underrated titles that DC has put out recently — and now you don't have an excuse not to check it out. This twelve-part maxiseries honors everything we thought we knew about J'onn J'onnz's origin, while also stretching it into modern and incredibly compelling new territory. Equal parts a True Detective-like cop story and a rumination on the immigrant experience, Steve Orlando's narrative will stick with you long after you finish reading. Plus, Riley Rossmo's visuals are truly unlike anything else in comics, bringing a heart-stopping perspective on all aspects of Martian life. — Jenna Anderson
prevnextMighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 11
Written by Ryan Parrott
Art by Daniele Di Nicuolo
Published by BOOM! Studios
It was always going to be difficult to follow "Shattered Grid" and "Beyond the Grid," but the team at BOOM! Studios managed to do just that with "Necessary Evil," and it all kicks off in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol. 11. The story picks up the threads from "Shattered Grid" and changes things up with a time jump, giving fans the White Ranger, new recruits, new villains, and a brand new Ranger team, all of which continue to expand the Power Rangers mythos and lore. Writer Ryan Parrott, artist Daniele Di Nicuolo, colorist Walter Baiamonte, and letterer Ed Dukeshire bring their A-game with "Necessary Evil," and the best part is it's just getting started. — Matthew Aguilar
prevnextMirka Andolfo's Mercy #2
Written by Mirka Andolfo
Art by Mirka Andolfo
Published by Image Comics
Mirka Andolfo's Victorian gothic horror continues in Mercy #2 and, if you're looking for something that both cuts right to the chase with the action but also manages to keep the real story simmering, this issue is it. Andolfo takes readers even deeper into the mystery of Lady Hellaine as well as what horror she actually is while offering compelling, complex complications that will keep the reader wondering exactly what is going on in the best way. It's also just a damn beautiful book, art-wise. Check it out. -- Nicole Drum
prevnextThe Terrifics Vol. 3: The God Game
Written by: Gene Luen Yang
Art by: Stephen Segovia
Published by: DC Comics
The Terrifics may have started out as a parody of one of Marvel's most famous families, but they've quickly grown into something wholly unique, entertaining, and genuinely weird. This collection, which tracks the beginning of Gene Luen Yang's run on the title, is the perfect jumping-off point for new readers, as well as a must-have for those who are familiar with the title. Without getting too heavily into spoilers, the arc covers the intersect between technology and religion in a really endearing way, with stellar visuals from Stephen Segovia to boot. This absolutely should be part of your collection. — Jenna Anderson
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