Each week, MK2Fac3 and Henchman21 read a lot of comics. Seriously, a lot of comics. Maybe too many comics. They look forward to some more than others, I mean, who doesn’t? So, let’s take a look into the depths of their pull list, grab some issues and we’ll let YOU know what the top books to look forward to are for the week of May 11, 2011. Single issues and trades, they’re all here.

MK2FAC3

Sorry guys and gals, it’s an all DC week for me with an emphasis on Bat this week. I try really hard to bring in indie books for this feature, and if you want that make sure to check out Northlanders, but sometimes it just has to be Gotham. So, if you don’t like Batman, a.) what’s wrong with you? and b.) skip down to Henchman’s Marvel love fest!

ISSUES

Batgirl #21 (DC Comics – $2.99): Batgirl is a phenomenon. It consistently hits on all cylinders, so there’s nothing not to look forward to. For 21 issues, Bryan Q. Miller has not disappointed with his scripts on this book, and while I did not prefer the artist on the past couple of issues, the story has been strong, cute, funny, and action packed. And this issue, and I know this for sure because I’ve seen the previews, features the return of the amazing Dustin Nguyen to the title, and his work on the title is breathtaking. I mean, the cover shown here is probably going to be my cover of the year. I’m really looking forward to this issue, and don’t be surprised when I have the next few issues of my pull list, as well. Deal with it. Or buy the issues!

Batman, Incorporated #6 (DC Comics – $2.99): Surprised yet? I promised you that I would put Grant Morrison’s Batman Incorporated on my pull list, also, and I’m living up to that promise. Especially with this issue, two of my favorite random Batman-related characters, Man-of-Bats and Raven Red (formerly Little Raven), make their first, but certainly not their last appearance in Batman Incorporated when Raven Red tries to break out on his own, while Batman (Bruce Wayne) contacts the two to join up and get Incorporated. The drama and suspense is growing within the title, while it still keeps an aura of humor and silver age amazingness. And Chris Burnham returns to the title after his killer surprise Batwomen issue from Batman Incorporated #4. I’m insanely in love with the title, and I keep getting excited that the title has started coming out on a regular basis! HUZZAH!!

Flashpoint #1 (DC Comics – $3.99): Here it is. The start of DC’s summertime blockbuster crossover event. DC claims this isn’t Elseworld’s, a dream, or any sort of cop out story that all of us are expecting, so then what is it!? Who knows? Well, if you been following the preludes, beginning with Time Masters: Vanishing Point, and Geoff Johns’ work on the recent The Flash title, which unfortunately wraps up this week, then you know a couple of things. Booster Gold will be a big part of this, and Professor Zoom (AKA The Reverse Flash) is responsible for the devious acts going on in this event. Geoff Johns is the creative spearhead for Flashpoint, and the book is supposed to center around The Flash and Batman, and it will be some sort of alternate reality, or should I see “Unfamiliar reality”? Either way, I’ve been getting way more excited than I though I would be, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this book. The artist on Flashpoint is one of my favorite artists, Andy Kubert, so yeah. I’m excited. Good on you, Johns. Good. On. You.

COLLECTION

Batman and Robin, Vol. 3: Batman and Robin Must Die! Deluxe Edition Hardcover (DC Comics – $24.99): WHERE DO I BEGIN!?!? This amazingly beautiful oversized hardcover, that I wish I got a review copy of, collects easily my favorite 5 comic books from last year. It consists of Batman and Robin #13-16 , which concludes Grant Morrison’s 16-issue run on the title, and has the art of Frazer Irving, Cameron Stewart, and Chris Burnham, the latter whose art was so good DC approached him to be exclusive, and took him away from The Amory Wars, which sucks, but still! It also features the fantastic oversized conclusion of Grant Morrison’s epic story that started before Batman RIP from years ago with Batman: The Return that features the bold art of David Finch, and if you’re a fan of his covers, which how can you not be, then you’ll die over his interior art in this book. It’s simply amazing and re-imagines events from Batman’s history to bring a whole new level of understanding of The Caped Crusader. My God, I’m in love with this, and I don’t even have it yet. But I will. Oh yes, I will. The Precious.

Henchman21

ISSUES

Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt #1 of 6 (Marvel Comics – $2.99): I’m as weary as the next guy to the large numbers of tie-in books to big events, but this one piqued my interest when I first heard about it. Youth in Revolt reteams Sean McKeever and Mike Norton, who worked on a small book from a few years back called Gravity, which tried to introduce a new hero into the Marvel U. This also brings back some of my favorite characters from Avengers: The Initiative, and the short-lived Young Allies. So, this is kind of tailor made for me. McKeever has always had a great take on younger heroes and Norton is an underrated talent who is deserving of wider recognition. I could care a less that who it ties into Fear Itself. I’m here for the creative team.

30 Days of Night: Night, Again #1 of 4 (IDW Publishing – $3.99): Here’s another book that I’m not too familiar with, but I’m picking it up for the art alone, which in this case is being handled by Sam Keith. Keith (The Maxx) has spent the last few years doing some Prestige format books at DC, and now he’s bringing his unique style to the vampire universe of 30 Days of Night. What’s the series about? Don’t know. I hope that the story by Joe Lansdale is interesting enough, and that’s all I’ll need to be entertained. I’m here for the art.

New Mutants #25 (Marvel Comics – $3.99): New writing team of Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (Annihilation, Nova, Guardians of the Galaxy); check. New artist Leandro Fernandez; check. New storyline featuring the return of a guilty pleasure late 90’s character (X-man); check and mate. The X-Men corner of the Marvel U is in a bit of a renaissance lately, and this has been one series I haven’t been reading, but I’m hoping for big things from the new team. If DnA are up to their normal standards, this could be another must read X-Men book.

COLLECTION

28 Days Later Vol 4 Gangwar Paperback (BOOM! Studios – $12.99): If you’re a fan of the 28 (whatever) Later movies, then you should already be reading this series. The series takes place between the two movies and has Selena guiding an American journalist as he attempts to reach London and get the story of the infected. The story has been exciting and suspenseful at times and fills in the gaps when I don’t have new issues of The Walking Dead to read. Writer Michael Alan Nelson has crafted a story that perfectly works within the framework of the films and artist Ale Aragon’s style is reminiscent of Charlie Adlard’s work on Walking Dead. Walking Dead may get all the headlines, but if you’re a zombie fan, you’re doing yourself a disservice by not checking this book out.