Milo, aka “Bane of Kings”, runs down the Top 5 Must Read Comics hitting shelves this NCBD, featuring comics from Vertigo, Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. 

It’s another awesome week in comics this time around and we have five comics from five different publishers on display here, with them as close to being jumping on points as possible – for example, whilst there are two #3s here, there is only two issues that you need to catch up on so especially if you’re a digital reader you shouldn’t have a problem playing catchup. As always, you can find the full list of releases here, and the full list of titles on my pull list here. Now without further ado, let’s get started.

AMERICAN VAMPIRE: SECOND CYCLE #3

Story: Scott Snyder | Art: Rafael Albuquerque | Publisher: Vertigo Comics | Price: $2.99

Pearl digs deeper into the mystery of the Gray Trader and uncovers horrifying truths that will rock the world of AMERICAN VAMPIRE. Meanwhile, Skinner must confront his demons, both figurative and literal. The second cycle of AMERICAN VAMPIRE continues here with even more threatening vamps than ever before!

WHY? American Vampire’s first two issues of the Second Cycle series have been excellent. Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque have worked wonders, crafting a great, atmospheric horror that really works well and has me really looking forward to this issue. It’s been exceptional so far and this could very well end up being pick of the week – so if you’re not on this ride already then #1 is the perfect jumping on point with only three issues of catchup needed.

DAREDEVIL #3

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

* The Owl is back!
* But old enemies aren’t nearly as much of a problem for Matt Murdock as his new friend: The Shroud.
* Kirsten and Matt are sharing a very volatile secret — who’ll be the first to crack? 

WHY? It’s Mark Waid, and it’s Daredevil. What more needs to be said, really? If you’re not buying this book then you need to be. Arguably Marvel’s best book by a long shot, and it challenges Green Arrow for the best superhero book right now. Seriously, this is unmissable. Add this to your pull list today.

JUSTICE LEAGUE #30

Story: Geoff Johns | Art: Ivan Reis | Publisher: DC Comics | Price: $3.99

It all changes here with the first chapter of ‘INJUSTICE LEAGUE’! The next era of the Justice League begins as heroes quit, villains join and a Justice League roster you’ve never seen before emerges, led by the world’s greatest hero – LEX LUTHOR?! As the dust settles and the bodies are buried, the violent consequences of FOREVER EVIL must be dealt with – while a mysterious new force sets its target on the League. But is this force friend or enemy? And why does he want Luthor dead? (If you ask Batman, it’s a long list.)

WHY? Lex Luthor joining the Justice League along with Captain Cold sounds awesome. Yes, this issue may have been delayed and yes I could have gone with Forever Evil #7 instead, but Justice League #30 is the easier jumping on point for new readers and probably the stronger book – even though Johns writes them both. So this should be very interesting to see where the new era for the Justice League goes, and hopefully this is just as strong as last issue was.

SAGA #19

Story: Brian K. Vaughan | Art: Fiona Staples | Publisher: Image Comics | Price: $2.99

Saga returns! New planet, new adversaries, and a very new direction, all from the same old Hugo Award-winning team. RETAILER FRIENDS: Thanks to you, our audience keeps growing, as new readers continue to get caught up on trades before jumping to our monthly issues, so please make sure to order enough for your customers, old and new. And thanks again! -Brian & Fiona

WHY? This is another essential comic that you literally have to read. It’s the one everyone’s talking about and Brian K. Vaughan is an exceptional writer, and keeps knocking this book out of the park. Fiona Staples is also an incredible artist, so this is one book that you need to have on your pull.

STAR WARS: DARTH MAUL – SON OF DATHOMIR #1

Story; Jeremy Barlow | Art: Juan Frigeri | Publisher: Dark Horse Comics | Price: $3.50

Getting cut in half by Obi-Wan Kenobi and being rejected by his former Sith master Darth Sidious isn’t going to defeat Darth Maul. In fact, it only makes him mad enough to take on the galaxy-with an army of Mandalorians! A part of The Clone Wars season 6 you never saw!

WHY? It’s the last new Star Wars series before Dark Horse transfers the rights over to Marvel and it’s penned by Jeremy Barlow – looking at fan favourite villain Darth Maul. It should be a great mini-series particularly for fans of The Clone Wars, and whilst I’m behind on that particular series it should be interesting to see where Son of Dathomir goes. Hopefully it’s a positive book.