The Longbox Short-List - Week of September 28, 2016

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Submitted by Mike 'Ace' Maillaro on Tue, 09/27/2016 - 07:23

Welcome back to Critical Blast’s weekly look at what new comics you should check out each week. Just a warning, I make these picks pretty much a week BEFORE I actually get to read any of these comics, so if something is a stinker, I take no blame on that. Let's get to it!

Comics shipping this week

BATMAN BEYOND REBIRTH #1 – Terry is back! I actually enjoyed Tim Drake filling in as Batman for a little while, but when I read Batman Beyond, I am looking for Terry McGinnis. Batman Beyond tends to slip below the radar a lot of the time, but I have enjoyed pretty much all of DC’s attempts to set comics in the Batman Beyond universe.

TEEN TITANS REBIRTH #1 – Teen Titans needs a rebirth more than just about any other book DC was putting out. It’s been consistently disappointing for a very long time. I am curious to see what Damian can bring to the mix. I love young hero books, so I am really hoping this one can find it’s footing.

STAR TREK WAYPOINT #1 – While I am still a little annoyed that IDW ended the ongoing Star Trek series, I was happy to see this mini-series announced as part of Star Trek’s 50th Anniversary. This comic is supposed to have a TNG and Original Series story in it, so hopefully it will take some of the sting off.

JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS #1 – While I did think Jughead took some time to find it’s footing (loved the change in creative team and direction last issue), I have really enjoyed the Archie relaunch. I am still having nightmares about the last time I saw Josie and the Pussycats (VAMPIRES), but I can’t wait for this one!

X-O MANOWAR #50 – I can’t believe they are ending Valiant’s longest running series! Been a huge fan of X-O Manowar since the old Valiant. Hoping to hear some kind of announcement of a spinoff or something like that, because comic shelves are going to feel empty without some kind of X-O Manowar series…

FLASH #7 – Last time we found out Godspeed’s identity. A few weeks ago I complained about a certain reveal at the end of Nightwing, and I feel the same way here. It’s just getting so cliché to introduce a new heroic character only to have then end up being revealed as a villain in the end. I really hope there is more to this story, because I liked the idea of Flash having a partner. But I guess they needed to clear the stage to put Wally West back in that role.

EDEN’S FALL #2 – Eden’s Fall basically seamlessly fit Tithe, Postal, and Think Tank all together. I really enjoyed the first issue of this one. Looking forward to seeing where this story goes from here and what kind of impact it will have on the core series.

MS MARVEL #11 and SPIDER-WOMAN #11 – Two of my favorite Marvel series, both of which got a bit bogged down by Civil War crossovers. I do think they are making the best out of what they can in the framework, but for me, it feels like a waste of two great books.

CAPTAIN MARVEL #9 – On the flip side, I do think CAPTAIN MARVEL has done a great job of giving Carol Danvers a lot more depth. In the main Civil War series, she’s seemed pretty rigid and relentless, but last issue gave her a lot more humanity.

CAPTAIN AMERICA SAM WILSON #13 – USAGENT!! I loved the scenes in issue 12 where USAgent talked about not being used as a pawn. Granted in the end, he sort of falls in line, but I still thought it was some great scenes.