Milo, aka “Bane of Kings”, covers the Top 5 must read comics for this new release day, looking at content from Dark Horse, Marvel, Vertigo and Image Comics.

It’s a rare week when there’s no DC comics to feature in my Top 5 Must Read Comics Post. In fact, it might be the first week since I’ve started this feature where that’s the case, but if you’ll look at my pull list here, you’ll notice that the only DC book I’m picking up this week is Superman Unchained when the norm is four-six books. However, because it’s a light week for DC – I would be reading Batwoman and Batman and… as well but have dropped the latter due to budget and the former due to editorial problems with the book, this allows me to experience several other titles from the likes of Marvel and Image respectively. If you want to see the full list of releases, head over to ComicList, but without further ado – let’s crack on with the Top 5 Comics hitting shelves this week, with a distinctive theme running through some of this week’s releases. See if you can spot what it is. Hint: Vampires.

 

AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SECOND CYCLE #1

Story: Scott Snyder | Art: Rafael Alberquerque | Publisher: Vertigo Comics | Price: $3.99

The Eisner Award-winning, critically acclaimed series is back! #1 New York Times best-selling writer Scott Snyder (BATMAN, SUPERMAN UNCHAINED, THE WAKE) and acclaimed artist Rafael Albuquerque (ANIMAL MAN) bring their bloodsoaked opus into the 1960s! The story so far… Pearl Jones is a new kind of vampire, one of an American breed that can walk in the sun and has rattlesnake fangs. She’s beautiful and powerful – and she’s hiding from a tragic past.

WHY? I’ve only read the first Volume of American Vampire but it’s something that’s never really clicked with me as a reader which was a great surprise because Stephen King and Scott Snyder respectively are among my favourite writers of novels and comics. However, I’m willing to give this series a shot – it does look very awesome and Vertigo books have a great track record with me so my expectations are going to be high. But hopefully, they’ll come out rewarded.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 10 #1

Story: Christos Gage | Art: Rebekah Isaacs | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Price: $3.50

New season. New rules. The age-old battle of Slayer vs. vampire is the focus of Buffy’s life once again-it’s downright nostalgic! But with all the toying with magic she’s done lately, this girl should know it’s time for another game change . . . Shouldn’t she?

WHY? Buffy is back in her tenth season, and as of writing this I’m only on Season 3, so obviously there’s a lot of catching up required on my part. But this should be very interesting indeed and hopefully with a new season means a new jumping on point, and with the awesome Christos Gage at the helm, this book should be a great read.

DAREDEVIL #1

Story: Mark Waid | Art: Chris Samnee | Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $3.99

BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT! Join Marvel’s fearless hero as he begins his most awe-inspiring adventure yet in the sunny city of San Francisco! Gifted with an imperceptible radar sense and a passion for justice, blind lawyer Matt Murdock-a.k.a. DAREDEVIL-protects the Golden City’s streets from all manner of evil. But big changes are in store for Matt Murdock as old haunts and familiar faces rise to give the devil his due. Hold on tight, because here comes Daredevil!

WHY? I’m so glad that this title’s back. Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are absolutely fantastic so this should be a great issue – really looking forward to reading this one and it should make a very nice change of pace indeed for Daredevil. The only real downer is the pricetag has risen slightly, but this is one of the few books that I would happily pay $3.99 for because the quality is just too damned good.

MS. MARVEL #2

Story: G. Willow Wilson | Art: Adrian Alphonso | Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $2.99

 As seen in the New York Times, CNN and other media outlets the world-over, the all-new Ms. Marvel has made her thunderous debut! Kamala Khan’s very ordinary life has suddenly become extraordinary. Is she ready to wield these strange and immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to handle? Critically acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson (Air, Cairo) and fan-beloved artist Adrian Alphona (Runaways, Uncanny X-Force) bring you the groundbreaking Marvel series that has set the world abuzz. Don’t miss history in the making.

WHY? This book started off very strongly with a fantastic #1 last month so hopefully it’ll follow up just as impressively. At $2.99, what’s not to love? We could be looking at the Peter Parker for this generation – and hopefully this book will continue its stellar form.

 

LAZARUS #7

Story: Greg Rucka | Art: Michael Lark | Publisher: Marvel Comics | Price: $3.50

‘LIFT,’ Part Three Forever’s investigation into the thefts of Carlyle materiel lead to an alarming discovery and a new insight into the Freemen Resistance. The Barrets continue making their way to Denver, and pay a terrible toll.

WHY? Greg Rucka is awesome and this title is spectacular, and that’s really all you need to know.