There’s nary a week when great comics, movies, or television shows aren’t all vying for our attention. It can be hard to keep up with it all, but that’s why we’re here. Each Monday at ComicBook.Com, we take a look at the five most exciting things coming to the world of fandom to keep you in the know.
5. Wild West Batman | Play Arts
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Maybe it was just being raised on Clint Eastwood and John Wayne movies in the Midwest, but I really believe that there is nothing cowboys can’t make better. That includes Batman. Play Arts is releasing a Wild West Batman this week designed by the folks at Square Enix. They’ve combined cowboy aesthetics with the rich, beauty of games like their Final Fantasy series to create a gun-slinging Dark Knight that any fan of Westerns and comics would be glad to host on their shelves. While we normally deplore Batman with a side-arm, we’re making an exception this piece of eye-candy. The beautifully detailed figure is only $120 too, so you wouldn’t even blow your entire bounty fee on it.
4. The Canon, “Double Indemnity” | Wolfpop
Every Monday morning of mine begins with the newest episode of The Canon, a Wolfpop podcast featuring film critics Amy Nicholson and Devin Faraci. They are two of the sharpest people writing about movies today, and each week they discuss whether a new movie is worthy to be included in the elusive notion of “the canon” before allowing listeners to vote. This podcast not only presents some of the best (and funniest) movies talk available, but also guides listeners to a wide range of top-notch cinema. The Canon returns this week after a brief hiatus to look at a true film noir classic, Double Indemnity. Be sure to check it out.
3. Daredevil #17 | Marvel Comics
This is almost it. Daredevil #17 is the penultimate issue of Chris Samnee, Mark Waid, and other creator’s very long run on Daredevil (Waid having now written the character longer than anyone else in Marvel history). Together, Waid and his cabal of artists have redefined the Man Without Fear like so many other luminaries before them. Their swashbuckling interpretation and complex examination of identity and depression is already a classic superhero run. But it’s almost over. Savor this issue, as it features the return of Daredevil’s two greatest antagonists. There’s only one chapter left before all we have to look forward to are well-deserved, comprehensive hardcovers.
2. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation | Paramount Pictures
The Mission Impossible franchise is anything but consistent. It gains a new director with each installment, all of whom bring their own unique touch to the series. Unsurprisingly, the series’ quality is all over the place, ranging from over-the-top fun (Brad Bird on Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol) to just plain dumb (John Woo on Mission: Impossible II). Christopher McQuarrie enters the foray by writing, producing and directing Rogue Nation. But we’re hopeful for this latest spin.McQuarrie’s script credits on Edge of Tomorrow and The Usual Suspects inspire confidence (we’ll ignore Jack the Giant Killer). And the series’ only constant, Tom Cruise, is still a perfect action star. With McQuarrie at the helm and Cruise on board, this should hopefully produce big, smart blockbuster fun.
1. Lobster Johnson: A Chain Forged in Life #1 | Dark Horse Comics
This is an easy one to pitch. Pulp hero Lobster Johnson has to save Santa Claus from robbers. See? How could you not want to read that?
Like everything produced in the Mignola-verse, this comic has some top notch talent attached. Mike Mignola and John Arcudi are on words, Troy Nixey and Kevin Nowlan are on art, and Dave Stewart is on colors. Between the five of them, you could recycle enough Eisners to run the show for a few years. But really, what more do you need to do besides Lobster Johnson has to save Santa Claus? We couldn’t ask for a better Christmas in July.
What new comics, shows, and other releases are you looking forward to this week? Share in the comments below.
