My picks of the July Solicitations 2015...

Another month another list of upcoming comics this time for July. So without further ado here's my picks;

DC: Batgirl Annual #3

Writer: Cameron Stewart & Brendan Fletcher

Artist: Bengal

Bengal is back illustrating Batgirl so what other reason do you need to pick this up. Well Grayson is showing up for one, plus Batgirl visits Gotham Academy and in those few lines I am sold. I mean look at that cover it's just beautiful. I can't get enough Bengal art.

Marvel: Lando #1

Writer: Charles Soule

Artist: Alex Maleev

It's safe to say that Marvel are taking there Star Wars line very very seriously and so they should. They have been given the opportunity to work on in-continuity stories, alongside the Lucasfilm Story Group, building on the background and mythos of a beloved franchise. Well we don't need to be worried, as with there other titles, Marvel have announced a stellar line up for their next solo series which will focus on Lando Calrissian. Lando #1 will be brought to us by the creative team of, the main who seems to be writing many many books, Charles Soule and fan favourite artist Alex Maleev. Lando #1 hits shelves this July and I'll be looking forward to giving this a look.

Image Comics: Wolf #1

Writer: Ales Kot

Artist: Matt Taylor

Colorist: Lee Loughridge

I have read a few books by Ales Kot and enjoyed them all but its the description of this one that has really caught my interest, plus of course the remaining team members on this title. "The crime noir thrills and characters reminiscent of True Detective meet with mythical stakes worthy of Neil Gaiman's Sandman in this original fantasy/horror/crime saga for mature readers." and with art from Matt Taylor and colours by colorist Lee Loughridge you know this is going to be a very pretty book. With 58 pages of story with no ads we are certainly going to get a decent introduction to this new series.

BOOM!: Spire #1 (1 of 8)

Writer: Simon Spurrier

Artist: Jeff Stokely

I'll admit it, I missed out and I am still to read Six Gun Gorilla. But through following Jeff Stokely on twitter I know I am certainly a fan of his art. A new limited series from the same creative team, Spire #1. Described as being a series fans of both East of West and Dark Crystal will enjoy, I look forward to seeing what this series will be about and being introduced to a new character in Sha. BOOM! are publishing some very exciting books at the moment and this certainly looks like it will be another to add to the list.

KABOOM!: Power Up #1 (1 of 6)

Author: Kate Leth

Artist: Matt Cummings

Another BOOM! book from there sister print name KABOOM! Power Up #1 from the creative team of fan favourite writer/artist Kate Leth teams up with Matt Cummings to bring us a story of four nobles who have incredible strength, which they receive through a cosmic aligning of planets. This is yet another original series from KABOOM! that is both exciting in content and also in potential. I'm a fan of Kate Leth and I look forward to seeing what she and Matt Cummings have created.

My Picks for the Image Comics August 2013 Solicitations

For the full list of Image Comics Solicitations for August 2013 check out the link below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45527

Saga #13

"THE SMASH-HIT, CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES RETURNS!  
Now that you've read the first two bestselling collections of SAGA, you're all caught up and ready to jump on the ongoing train with Chapter Thirteen, beginning an all-new monthly sci-fi/fantasy adventure, as Hazel and her parents head to the planet Quietus in search of cult romance novelist D. Oswald Heist."

Saga is at the top of my read pile each week it is out, and in August it returns with #13 after a 3 month break. After issue 12 focusing on the TV Head Prince we return to the lives of the two main characters and their child. With the prince and several other characters now after them and after the cliffhanger ending of the previous issue we can see how everything is currently going for this somewhat complicated family!

Jupiters Legacy #3

"The heroes conspire to overthrow The Utopian, discontent rumbling in the bars and the clubs where the superheroes get wasted and complain how much he's been holding them all back with his old-fashioned ideas of power and responsibility. There's a new world out there if they will only grasp it. But what is his daughter's secret and how will it change things forever for their family?"

The second issue is not out until next month but the first issue did a good job of setting up this series. Mark Millar has really been pushing his creator owned series' but from recent times this would appear to one of his stronger titles and with Frank Quitely on art there is a reason to pick it up with the release of each issue. The cover for this issue really opens up a lot of questions and I look forward to finding out the answers come August!

East of West: Volume 1

"This is the world. It is not the one we wanted, but it is the one we deserved. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse roam the Earth, signaling the End Times for humanity, and our best hope for life, lies in DEATH. 
Collects EAST OF WEST #1 - #5."

From the mastermind that is Jonathan Hickman comes the first volume of his creator owned East of West. This is currently only two issues in and I strongly recommend you pick up the reprints, but if you don't feel like picking  up reprints this volume will be a great opportunity for you to pick up this story. Both the art and story have been great so far, and each time I enter my local comic store I hope to see the next issue on the shelf. Issue 3 is out early June, but now I look forward to August for the opportunity to get the first five issues collected in one.

My Picks from the Dark Horse Comics August 2013 Solicitations

Just over a week ago Dark Horse released their solicitations for August 2013. To check out the full list follow the link below. And for my picks just keep reading!

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45511

B.P.R.D. Hell On Earth #110

"As Liz Sherman fights for her life in a Utah hospital, the B.P.R.D. sends a recon team into the no-man’s land that used to be New York City, and the young psychic Fenix encounters a monster-worshiping cult at the Salton Sea.

• “Lake of Fire” Part 1 of 5
• Art by Eisner winner Tyler Crook (The Sixth Gun). 
“It’s a good a time as any to check in with a series that started as a Hellboy spin-off but has become a force in its own right.”—Comic Book Resources"

Rafael Aberquerque joins on covers and Tyler Crook will be illustrating this next arc "Lake of Fire". B.P.R.D. Well thats a good enough reason to pick this up already. I have slowly been reading more of the Mignola-Verse, Abe Sapien's new ongoing series and the recent Lobster Johnson One Shot, and here is another reason to start picking up another of the titles. I look forward to seeing how this turns out.

Station to Station

"Something terrible has happened to the Bay Area. A pipeline explosion has totaled Treasure Island and destroyed the Bay Bridge. At least, that’s the official story.
An interdimensional monster has been brought to San Francisco, and only the men responsible can fight it off, but can they resist its brainwashing? From the pages of Dark Horse Presents!
• From the writers of Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes and Star Wars: Legacy.
• Art by Gabriel Hardman (Agents of Atlas, Hulk, Secret Avengers, Star Wars: Legacy)."

Why should you pick this comic up? From the creative team on Star Wars: Legacy, Betrayal of the Planet of the Apes and Secret Avengers! Here comes one of their creator owned one shots and with the great work on their franchise titles this is bound to be a quality comic!

Halo: Initiation #1

"Halo—one of the largest video game franchises—comes to Dark Horse!
Before she was a supersoldier defending humanity as part of the Spartan IV program, Sarah Palmer was an ODST—Orbital Drop Shock Trooper—carrying out the most dangerous missions behind enemy lines!
• The origin of Sarah Palmer—and the Spartan IV program!
• The Halo franchise has sales eclipsing $3 billion over its lifetime.
• From one of the writers on Halo 4—comics veteran Brian Reed!"

The Halo series is one of the most popular video game titles of all time, with previous comic tie-ins produced by Marvel the franchise has now moved to Dark Horse, who have been successful with such franchises as Star Wars and Mass Effect, Dark Horse produce great tie in comics and I look forward to this one!

My Picks from Marvel Comics Solicitations August 2013

Marvel have released there solicitations for August 2013. For the full list check out the links below, and for my picks keep on reading;

www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45520

Infinity #1

"The oversized kickoff to the year’s most anticipated Blockbuster summer event, changing the way you view the Marvel Universe!
• The outbreak of war on two fronts: Earth and Space, with our heroes torn between them.
• The world-shattering return of Thanos!
• Includes material from FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: INFINITY"

Marvel seem to be releasing big event books by the bucket load over the past few years. But something has struck me about this one. Scribed by one of my favourite writers, Jonathan Hickman, the mastermind behind Secret Warriors, S.H.I.E.L.D and East of West. Along with a super art team, Jim Cheung, Jerome Opena and Dustin Weaver this book really has a potential to be one of the standout events from Marvel in recent times!

Guardians of the Galaxy #6

"• The blockbuster new series hits hard as Marvel’s newest superstar Angela comes right for the Guardians!

• Round one is Gamora versus Angela…with an entire universe at stake!
• All that and comics legend Neil Gaiman joins the award-winning Ultimate Spider-Man team of Bendis and Pichelli in this one-of-a-kind comic book event!"

Guardians of the Galaxy is back in my pick of the solicitations this month, and really for all the same reasons as last month. Pichelli one of the artists with the first opportunity to draw Angela after the events of Age of Ultron #10 really shows how highly Bendis, and Marvel regard her talents and with Bendis and Gaiman on script, Ponsor on colours, this really should be one of the stand out books come July and August.

Rocket Raccoon: Tales From Half-World

"• Relive the early adventures of the furry, feisty breakout star of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY!

...
• Oh, and Rocket’s a talking raccoon from outer space. We mentioned that, right?
• Collecting ROCKET RACCOON #1-4."

Collecting Rocket Raccoon #1-4, with art from Mike Mignola, I really look forward to checking out this solo issues from one of my favourite members of Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel are really pushing books out about this team, and this will be a great chance to get to know Rocket Raccoon!

Thor: God of Thunder #12

"• THOR RETURNS TO MIDGARD! What does it mean to walk the Earth as a god?

• Where does Thor go and who does he see when he’s not out saving the world with the Avengers?
• Also, the return of long-time love interest, Dr. Jane Foster."

Thor: God of Thunder #11 sees the end of the big Gorr arc and God Bomb. So Thor: God of Thunder #12 will be the first issue after this great story that has been one of Marvel NOW's standout titles. This issue sees Nic Klein on art duties, so you just know this will look gorgeous, which really gives another reason to grab this book. This comic sees the return of Dr. Jane Foster, recently featuring in the successful Thor film. This is an issue I can't wait to get my hands on!

Deadpool #15

"• “The Good, the Bad & the Ugly,” Part 1 of 5

• Deadpool’s past in the Weapon X program comes back to haunt him…
…so he calls in help from WOLVERINE & CAPTAIN AMERICA!"

I try my best to support my favourite creators. Now there is a great reason to pick up this title again after really enjoying the first arc of Marvel NOW's Deadpool seeing the uprising of Zombie American President's. Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire join the title on art duties so you know its certainly going to look great! And with Wolverine and Cap joining Deadpool for this storyline, Cap being "The Good", Wolverine "The Bad" and well I can only assume Deadpool is "The Ugly". This sounds like a really interesting and exciting story!

My Picks from DC Comics Solicitations August 2013

DC have released there solicitations for August 2013 to check out the full lists click on the links below, for my picks keep reading below;

http://www.newsarama.com/17794-dc-comics-full-august-2013-solicitations.html

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=45463

JLA Earth 2 Deluxe Edition HC

Writer: Grant Morrison
Art: Frank Quitely
"The amazing original graphic novel from the ALL-STAR SUPERMAN creative team of writer Grant Morrison and artist Frank Quitely is back in a new deluxe edition hardcover, that includes a gallery of preliminary art that’s never been published before! Ultraman, Owlman, Power Ring, and Johnny Quick rule their world without mercy or opposition, until the sudden appearance of Superman, Batman and the rest of the Justice League! Realties clash as the Justice League travels to an alternate reality to face off against distorted mirror images of themselves…"

Any excuse for Frank Quitely is a good reason to buy any comic, but with this in particular is I already have the TPB and know this is a great story from Morrison and Quitely, and with the added extra art in the HC thats a good enough reason to pick this up for me.

Batman Incorporated Special #1

Writer: Chris Burnham, Joe Keatinge, Dan DiDio and others
Art: Chris Burnham, Ethan Van Sciver, Jason Masters and others
"An all-star special featuring the various members of Batman Incorporated—Man-of-Bats, Red Raven, El Gaucho, Dark Ranger, Knight, Batman himself and more! In the wake of their epic struggle with Talia al Ghul, the Heretic and Leviathan see what’s next for the members of Batman’s army. Featuring stories written and drawn by a collection of industry greats! Plus: Bat-Cow makes her solo debut in a tale by writer Dan DiDio and artist Ethan Van Sciver!"

This stood out to me not only because I have loved Batman Incorporated since it entered the New 52, but unless he is having it on Dan DiDio has confirmed he will be writing a Bat-Cow story, well if that isn't a reason to buy it I don't know what is.

American Vampire Anthology

Writer: Scott Snyder, Jeff Lemire, Greg Rucka, Gail Simone, Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon and others
Art: Becky Cloonan, Rafael Albuquerque, Jeff Lemire, Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon, Francesco Francavilla, Declan Shalvey and others
"You are cordially invited to a party—to die for! This special features eight amazing stories set in the world of American Vampire, with “lost tales,” new characters and old favorites..."

So it came as no surprise to me that Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque would be able to attract and pull together such a star studded group to their title for an Anthology issue come this August. The likes of Becky Cloonan, Jeff Lemire, Francesco Francavilla and Declan Shalvey, scream off the promo image to me as four great reasons to buy this book, backed up by the likes of Greg Rucka, Gail Simone, Ray Fawkes and well apparently many more! Who else could they possibly need?

Trillium #1

Writer/Artist: Jeff Lemire
"It’s the year 3797, and botanist Nika Temsmith is researching a strange species on a remote science station near the outermost rim of colonized space. It’s the year 1921, and renowned English explorer William Pike leads an expedition into the dense jungles of Peru in search of the fabled “Lost Temple of the Incas,” an elusive sanctuary said to have strange healing properties. Two disparate souls separated by thousands of years and hundreds of millions of miles. Yet they will fall in love and, as a result, bring about the end of the universe. Even though reality is unraveling all around them, nothing can pull them apart. This isn’t just a love story; It’s the LAST love story ever told."

I have recently read Jeff Lemire's contribution to the Digital First Adventures of Superman which has given me very high hopes for this series. Vertigo are giving these creators a great opportunity to showcase there own work, and the concept, art, idea and story is something that really intrigues me and I really can not wait to get a copy of this in my hand and flick through it and read it of course.

Batman #23

Writer: Scott Snyder
Art: Greg Capullo and Danny Miki
Backup Story Art: Rafael Albuquerque

"Witness the moment Bruce Wayne becomes Batman as “Zero Year” makes history! And in the backup story, a young Bruce Wayne fights for his life in a death match in Russia!"

Scott Snyder has recently said that "Zero Year" is his proudest work so far on Batman in the New 52. Snyder and Capullo have been a formidable team since the New 52, and this issue contains the moment Bruce Wayne becomes the Batman. With this moment in the issue I have no doubts that Capullo will do something absolutely stunning, as there has not been an issue of Batman he has not nailed!

My Picks from the DC Comics July 2013 Solicitations

DC Comics;

Trinity War (Justice League #22/ Justice League of America #6/ Justice League Dark #22)

Writer: Various
Artist: Various

So July sees the beginning of DC's New 52's first Universe wide crossover Event! Being the sucker for events that I am I will be grabbing this and also I really looking forward to this, even though in recent times I tend to have ended up sorely dissapointed with these sort of events. I hope to learn more about Pandora and also this will give me a chance to delve into the Justice League Dark books, which originally I did not carry on collecting as I just simply couldn't afford it. This event looks promising and much like Age of Ultron over at Marvel has been some time in the making.

DC Comics;

Batman Inc #13

Writer: Grant Morrison
Artist: Chris Burnham

Here comes the end of Batman Inc and another of Grant Morrison's epic runs on Batman, I was a huge fan of his Batman and Robin and have really enjoyed this title since it was reintroduced into the New 52. I am excited to see how this gets wrapped up with Batmans war against Talia Al Ghul and Leviathan, which led to the death of their Son, and fan favourite character, Damian Wayne. Another highlight of this title which I among many people, I imagine, were surprised to see is this will include a variant cover by none other than the man himself Grant Morrison.

DC Comics;

Batman Zero Year Directors Cut #1/ Superman Unchained Directors Cut #1

Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Greg Capullo/ Jim Lee

It is safe to say I am on the Scott Snyder bandwagon, he is by far one of the best writers around at the moment, producing hit titles like American Vampire and Batman Black Mirror before entering the New 52 as the lead writer on Batman and Swamp Thing. His tenure on Swamp Thing recently came to an end with issue #18 and he has recently had to put American Vampire on hold as he starts and accepts many more exciting projects. This brings me to July's solicitations where DC will be publishing to Directors Cut issues for his new story arc on Batman, Zero Year, and also is highly anticipated Superman title with Jim Lee, Superman Unchained. These will also include his scripts for these issues, which I can't wait to get my hands on and see how he works. It is also worth noting that these issues will also contain what I can only imagine will be the stunning original art work of both Greg Capullo, Batman, and Jim Lee, Superman Unchained, for these issues. If you are a fan of Snyder's I recommend you pick these up. Ever since his fan favourited run on Batman began with the New 52 Snyder has gone from strength to strength and this is a chance to hopefully delve into his work process.

My Picks from the Marvel July 2013 Solicitations

Marvel Comics;

Avengers A.I

Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Andre Araujo

One of the first new titles to be announced to come spiralling out of Ultron. Here is our answer to how Vision fits into Marvel NOW! I find the idea for this team and title exciting. I look forward to seeing the adventures of a Doombot. Love the cover by Dustin Weaver, still undecided whether I will be a fan of the regular artists interiors, haven't really seen much work by them before. But I hope it will look great and look forward to seeing how this fits in to the new Marvel NOW! Universe.

Marvel Comics;

Guardians of the Galaxy #5

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis/ Neil Gaiman
Artist: Sara Pichelli

The accompanying image is the cover for Guardians of the Galaxy #4 they seem to be keeping the cover to issue #5 under wraps. I am already very excited for issue #4 as it has Sara Pichelli on art, who produces some of the most amazing work for Ultimate Spider-Man with Bendis. But the excitement for issue #5, for some, has been ramped up by the appearance of a certain newly announced character for the Marvel Universe, originally from the pages of Spawn at Image, Angela. You just know she is gonna look great being drawn by Pichelli and with Gaiman joining Bendis on the script I just hope on hope this will be as exciting as I imagine.

Marvel Comics;

Superior Spider-Man #14

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Humberto Ramos

Another Twist! Another Turn! The biggest thing to happen since #700 is to take place next month with Superior Spider-Man #9, but now we are also being told the next biggest thing to happen will be in issue #14. Another new costume, but who is it under the mask. Still no firm conclusion on that one apart from Slott keeps strongly reminding us Peter Parker is dead, maybe somewhat to strongly? They wouldn't really kill of Peter Parker right? Well the cover for this issue has left me excited, costume evoking opposite elements of Mile Morales costume in Ultimate Spider-Man, not that it has anything to do with the issue but still it looks awesome! I keep picking this up as Slott is writing some great issues with this new status quo, but I am also hoping and praying for the return of Peter Parker!

Image Comics and IDW Publishing Solicitations for June 2013

For Image Comics follow the link below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=44289

For IDW Publishing follow the link below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=44290

Dark Horse Comics Solicitations for June 2013

Please follow the link below for Dark Horse Comics Solicitations for June 2013;

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/dark-horse-june-2013-solicitations.html

Marvel and DC Solicitations for June 2013

For Marvel follow the link below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=44251

For DC follow the link below;

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=44222