The Weekly Pull: Fantastic Four, Nightcrawlers, Betty: The Final Girl, and More
Astro City: Metrobook Vol. 3
- Written by Kurt Busiek
- Art by Brent Eric Anderson
- Colors by Alex Sinclair
- Letters by Comicraft
- Published by Image Comics
Astro City sets a gold standard for modern superhero comics; across three decades it has addressed the genre with wonderfully crafted single issues and short stories which both pay homage to its substantial sources of creative inspiration and the ways in which these fantasies connect so clearly to the human condition. The recent round of Metrobook volumes published by Image Comics provide a spectacularly priced opportunity for readers to discover the classic series or present it on their shelves. The third volume, out this week, covers what many fans would consider to be Astro City's most "controversial" project, the extended saga known as "The Dark Ages." As a longtime reader of the series, the years of publishing that composed this story of two street-level characters watching the world about them change felt different than any Astro City publication preceding it, but reflection on the complete saga reveals it to be a genuine triumph. Now, with the entire story collected within a single, massive collection, readers have the opportunity to discover Kurt Busiek and Brent Eric Anderson's largest story ever as it was meant to be read. So whether you're just uncovering Astro City in this new format or returning for past favorites, the third volume of Astro City Metrobook presents the series' grandest tale yet in the best possible format – one not to be missed. -- Chase Magnett
Chilling Adventures Presents…Betty The Final Girl #1
- Written by Micol Ostow, Casey Gilly, Sam Maggs, and Carola Borelli
- Art by Laura Braga, Natalie Nardozza, Matt Herms, and Jack Morelli
- Published by Archie Comics
On concept alone, I have been thoroughly enjoying seeing how the Archie Comics world reimagines its characters through the lens of horror. This week's Chilling Adventures Presents… Betty the Final Girl might be one of the most inspired examples of that yet, taking the iconic tenacity of Betty Cooper right into the slasher style. On top of being a fun send-up to horror tropes, and a showcase of some great comic talent, it feels long overdue for Betty to get a solo story in the Archie mythos again, and I can't wait to see what this one entails. — Jenna Anderson
The Exile
- Created by Erik Kriek
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Letters by Sean Michael Robinson, Graham Millar, and Frits Jonker
- Published by Living the Line
Anyone still mourning the ends of Viking comics like Northlanders and Heathen or who has been taken by Viking television shows like Vikings or The Last Kingdom should turn their attention to The Exile, the debut graphic novel by Dutch artist Erik Kriek. The Viking saga sees the protagonist, Hallstein Thordsson, return home after seven years of exile. What follows is billed as a blend of classic Western with family drama. Having flipped through this one, its starchy linework and fiery colors are captivating and will have readers eager to dive in. If you're looking for a fix of Viking adventure and drama, then The Exile seems likely to do the trick. -- Jamie Lovett
Fantastic Four #4
- Written by Ryan North
- Art by Iban Coello
- Colors by Jesus Aburtov
- Letters by Joe Caramagna
- Published by Marvel Comics
Writer Ryan North and artist Iban Coello have proven themselves well suited to the central characters and tone of Fantastic Four across the past few months in three issues focusing on individual elements of the overall team. These issues have provided a sense of how the new creative team will tackle a series long proclaimed on its cover as the "World's Greatest Comics Magazine," but they've primarily provided prologue and framed a mystery about what led to the team's separation. This week North and Coello's run on Fantastic Four begins in earnest as the Four reunite and the mystery behind the early issues is revealed. Despite my own impatience with the build toward Fantastic Four #4, I cannot help but be thrilled that it is finally here. It's obvious that Coello knows how to tackle both The Thing's unique expressions and the quirky displays of his teammate's distinctive powers and North's eye for both character and sci-fi storytelling hooks is clear. Knowing that all of those aptitudes are finally set to deliver a new Fantastic Four tale after years of mediocrity is too promising to pass up. The Fantastic Four are set to return in top form and it all begins in Fantastic Four #4. -- Chase Magnett
Nightcrawlers #1
- Written by Si Spurrier
- Art by Paco Medina
- Colors by David Jay Ramos
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Letters by Clayton Cowles
- Published by Marvel Comics
Marvel's Sins of Sinister event kicked off with a bang its launch issue and is now in full swing after last week's Storm & The Brotherhood of Mutants #1. The next chapter begins in Nightcrawlers #1, which replaces Legion fo X on the X-Office's release schedule. The story sees Sinister's X-Men employing a group of mutant chimera enforcers, each created by splicing Nightcrawler's genetics with another hero's, to create a terrifying representation of dystopian policing. The series is also an extension of what has been happening in Legion of X, with Si Spurrier writing the series and dealing with familiar but mysterious new characters like the Spirit of Variance and Mother Righteous, and expanding on themes such as faith and religion that have been a cornerstone of that series, even comparing the book to the classic novel A Canticle for Leibowitz during our interview with the writer. Things are dark right now for the X-Men and only getting darker, which is, ironically, exciting news for X-Men readers. -- Jamie Lovett
Spa
- Created by Erik Svetoft
- Published by Fantagraphics
This week, Fantagraphics will release the English edition of Spa, the graphic novel by Swedish artist Erik Svetoft. The Junji Ito-like strangeness of the story is apparent at first glance, blended with David Lynch-like surreality to create a biting and unnerving satire of the wellness industry. Could there be a better way to bring the ugly underside of an establishment meant to make us all permanently young, strong, and beautiful than with a story basking in grotesquery? If you're a reader looking for something off the beaten path with a satirical point of view, Spa is likely worthwhile reading for you. -- Jamie Lovett
X-Men Hellfire Gala - Immortal
- Written by Various
- Art by Various
- Published by Marvel Comics
Despite only being in its second year, the Hellfire Gala feels like a concept that is essential to the Marvel universe, uniting the heroes and villains of the Mutant world in an annual occasion. While the inaugural event stretched across countless tie-in issues, the 2022 proceedings consisted of one oversized one-shot and some supplemental material — all of which are collected for the first time in this new edition. Not only is this collection a must-read for those wanting to keep up with the salacious and surprising aspects of the Krakoa era, but it is an invaluable source of sartorial flair within the Marvel universe. Check it out, you won't regret it. — Jenna Anderson
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