ComicBook Countdown for the Week of June 1
Welcome back to ComicBook Countdown. The new month is starting off fresh with series of new [...]
Welcome back to ComicBook Countdown. The new month is starting off fresh with series of new beginnings across comics and television. Both Marvel and DC Comics are rolling out a wide selection of #1 issues as part of their 2015 events, while NBC brings the summer television series to a bloody-good start. With school out and temperatures rising, it's a great time to discover some new stories and a cool spot to enjoy them.
5. Hannibal "Antipasto" | NBC
Hannibal has blown viewers away with its network television accomplishments. Its first two seasons were defined by smart, complex storylines, beautiful cinematography, and some incredibly gruesome displays. Now, after a year and a half hiatus, the show is returning from one of the most thrilling cliffhangers in recent memory for more of the same. Season Three picks up long after the bloody season finale with some new sets in Europe. The new scenery, along with plans to adapt Thomas Harris' Red Dragon story, should lead to the best season of Hannibal yet.
4. Transformers Vs. G.I. Joes #7 | IDW Publishing
If you're not reading Transformers Vs. G.I. Joes, then I'm here to tell you that you are missing out. Starting with issue #0 on Free Comic Book Day last year, this series has been one of the most consistently inventive, well crafted, and subversive comics available. Tom Scioli and John Barber are reflecting a love for their source material, and taking it in wild new directions. They play with tropes, history, and the comics form itself for a series that will your jaw hanging with every issue. After the hilarious and shocking cliffhanger in #6, it's impossible to know where the series will go next. But, it's bound to be good.
3. Community "Emotional Consequences of Broadcast Television" | Yahoo
Season six of Community has been interesting to say the least. Some episodes have returned the magic of the series first three seasons, while others resulted in outright failures. However, each installment has attempted to provide a unique spin on the half-hour sitcom. The last two episodes have played on classic Community tropes, paintball and mockumentary-style storytelling, and made for two of the season's best episodes. Now only the finale is left, and based on the title alone it's bound to be engaging, smart, and rife with passion. For better or worse, we now have six complete seasons of Community. Now all that's left is a movie.
2. Groot #1 | Marvel Comics
If you didn't tear up last summer upon hearing the words "We are Groot", then you may want to double check if you're actually a human. Groot sprouted from film screens into our hearts, and now he's getting his own series at Marvel Comics. Writer and professional funny man Jeff Loveness is joined by artist and Disney animator Brian Kesinger to bring Groot to four-color life. Although both are relatively new to comics, they are time-tested professionals of their crafts who will bring a unique spin to the series. And the Declan Shalvey covers alone are enough to sell this comics. Get excited. The most lovable, arboreal creature in the galaxy is now Marvel's newest leading man.
1. The Launch of Divergence | DC Comics
The most exciting release at comic stores this Wednesday has to be the launch of DC Comics Divergence line. Love it or hate it, Convergence threw open the doors to the DC Multiverse once again. It's the reason we are getting a wide variety of titles reflecting a diversity of tone, style, and genre that has not existed at DC Comics since the New 52 first launched. No matter who you are, you should be able to find a DC comic this Wednesday to fall in love with. From the high octane action of Midnighter #1 to the continued superheroic greatness of Action Comics #41 to the fun-filled antics of Bat-Mite #1, this is DC Comics' time to shine. The first week of new titles are exciting enough that I'm fine enduring a few half-page ads in June.
What new comics, shows, and other releases are you looking forward to this week? Share in the comments below.
