It can be a bit intimidating at the comic book store these days, with swaths of new books flooding the new release rack every Wednesday. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone, and while there are plenty of things to keep your attention this week, here are the essentials you’ll want to hit.
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By no means is this an “only” list, as there are a bounty of great books coming out on Wednesday. This is more of a “list of what not to miss”, books you might want to set aside some time and wallet allotment for. This week’s list has books from DC, Marvel, Valiant, and Dark Horse, including one perfect for the big “Alien Day” festivities. Elsewhere are big ramifications for the DC Universe, and a returning favorite getting his own #1 for Marvel.
Before you see the week’s top books though, make sure to check out a few other notable books before you leave, especially if you have some cash to burn.
Batman/The Shadow #1
Written by: Steve Orlando and Scott Snyder with art by Riley Rosso.
Two of history’s greatest vigilantes are reunited at last! Murder has come to Gotham City, and Lamont Cranston appears to be the culprit…but he’s been dead for over fifty years! Batman will go to the ends of the Earth to unravel the mystery of Cranston’s life, but the mysterious Shadow will do everything in his power to stop him from learning too much…
WWE #4
Written by Dennis Hopeless with art by Serg Acuna.
Seth wants a title match against Roman at Extreme Rules, but The Authority isn’t sold that Rollins is still what’s “best for business.” No matter—Seth is willing to break all the rules to regain his spot at the top.
X-Men Gold #2
Written by Marc Guggenheim with art by Ardian Syaf
Back to basics! An all-new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants is rampaging through New York City! And there are some surprising familiar faces in their ranks…Can the X-Men subdue their foes and former friends?
Loose Ends #4
Written by Jason Latour with art by Chris Brunner and Rico Renzi.
MINISERIES FINALE With guns drawn, the deadly crime lord Batista charges toward the seedy Miami hotel room where Detective Rose’s plot is finally hatched. It seems that the only person standing between Sonny, Cheri, and this vicious gangster is the treacherous Detective Flynn and his facility for murder and violence. Or is he? Don’t miss the stunning conclusion to this critically acclaimed limited series!
Alright, now hit the next slide to see ComicBook.com’s picks of the week!
MORE COMICS: Classic X-Men Villain To Return In Astonishing X-Men / Marvel Legacy Details Revealed / Batman And Bill Documentary Released
Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider
Fandom was happy to see Ben Reilly make his return to the world of Spider-Man in the Clone Conspiracy, and now fans will get to see what he’s been up since all those plans burned up in flames. Reilly takes on the Scarlet Spider persona once more, but it remains to be seen if that is a good thing.
Written by: Peter David with art by Mark Bagley
One of the most controversial characters in comics has returned — and the controversy has only BEGUN! In the aftermath of THE CLONE CONSPIRACY, Ben has a new take on life…and he’s not the same Scarlet Spider he was before. Come witness what will be the most talked about comic of the year!
Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider is in stores on April 26.
The Flash #21
Batman #21 set the wheels in motion for the biggest mystery of this new DC Rebirth era, and the story continues in a big way in Flash #21. Who is manipulating things behind the scenes, and what exactly does the speed force have to do with all of it?
Flash #21 is written by Joshua Williamson with art by Howard Porter
“THE BUTTON” part two! The cataclysmic events of DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH #1 continue here! The Dark Knight and The Fastest Man Alive, the two greatest detectives on any world, unite to explore the mystery behind a certain blood-stained smiley button embedded in the Batcave wall. What starts as a simple investigation turns deadly when the secrets of the button prove irresistible to an unwelcome third party—and it’s not who anyone suspects! It’s a mystery woven through time, and the ticking clock starts here!
Flash #21 is in stores April 26.
Alien Dead Orbit
Aside from being new comic day, April 26 is also the day fans celebrate the Alien franchise. Dark Horse is celebrating the big day with the first issue of Alien: Dead Orbit #1, a series influenced by the original Alien films focus on tight quarters and suspense.
Alien: Dead Orbit #1 is written and drawn by James Stokoe. You can read ComicBook.com’s full review here.
After a horrific accident strikes a space station, an engineering officer must use all available tools—a timer, utility kit, and his wits—to survive an attack from the deadliest creature known to man.
Orc Stain creator James Stokoe pens a thrilling and claustrophobic Aliens story: Dead Orbit!
Alien: Dead Orbit #1 is in stores on Alien Day, April 26.
X-O Manowar #2
Valiant’s pre-eminent hero has been called back into duty, but this go round is turning out to be a very different beast for Aric. He’ll have to put on the armor once more to survive, but can he bring himself to do it?
X-O MANOWAR (2017) #2 is written by Matt Kindt with art by Tomas Giorello
They asked for war. He’ll give them death.
Deep within the far reaches of space, the dogs of war have found Aric of Dacia. Conscripted into an alien army and forced into combat, Aric must enter an alien battlefield unlike any he’s faced before. His only hope for survival is also the source of his greatest rage – the living suit of armor known as X-O Manowar.
Can Aric still embrace the violence within? Get ready, because the most brutal fight in X-O Manowar’s life is about to begin!
X-O Manowar #2 is in stores on April 26.
Wonder Woman: Who Is Wonder Woman – New Edition
Allan Heinberg’s Wonder Woman run was one of the brightest takes on the character for some time. It also featured some truly gorgeous art from the Dodsons, but unfortunately fell prey to scheduling issues and lateness. The good news is that DC is collecting the 5 issue run in one stunning volume, and Wonder Woman should definitely give the book a shot.
Wonder Woman: Who Is Wonder Woman is written by Allan Heinberg with art by Rachel Dodson, Terry Dodson, Jonathan Sibal, and Gary Frank.
Wonder Woman goes undercover in her former identity of Diana Prince, acting as a secret agent and member of the Department of Metahuman Affairs. Her first assignment…to save Donna Troy, the current Wonder Woman! Collects WONDER WOMAN #1-4 and WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1!
Wonder Woman: Who Is Wonder Woman is in stores April 26.
