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 25, 2011. Single issues and trades, they’re all here.

MK2FAC3

ISSUES

There are a lot of great comics coming out this week, as usual, with some titles like Butcher Baker: The Righteous Maker, The Tattered Man one-shot from Palmiotti and Gray, The Mighty Thor, the flawless Snyder/JOCK Detective Comics, and a Strange Adventures anthology that features some of Vertigo’s best talent, but listed here below are some of the books I’m most interested in.

The Amory Wars: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 #11 (Boom! Studios – $3.99): In its penultimate issue, the story inspired by Coheed and Cambria’s second full-length album comes to a head as the final chapter of this epic sci-fi adventure written by Coheed singer Claudio Sanchez and Peter David. The title centers around the growth of a young man into his role as the savior of the universe, and these last few issues will certainly set up the next exciting chapter of this incredible story. I’ve enjoyed every aspect of this series, and my excitement has reached its pinnacle. It’s a bit of a long mini-series, and there was an artist change, but so much happens in this book, and the difference between Burnham and Kuder is minimal, and in my opinion, worked out for the better on The Amory Wars. This is a personal favorite of mine, and I simply can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

Skullkickers #7 (Image Comics – $2.99): It’s the start of a new story arc! This bombastic fantasy based in the realms of knights and monsters is nothing, if not fun. The creative team behind this book puts so much effort into showing the readers a good time, that awesomeness exudes off of every single page. Centering around the shenanigans of two crude but lovable mercenaries that like to drink and kill, and if the first story arc is any sign of what the minds behind Skullkickers have in store for “Five Funerals and a Bucket of Blood,” then this series will continue to be a blast to read. It’s been a while since the outstanding issue #6, but I still can’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Xombi #3 (DC Comics – $2.99): Why aren’t you buying this book? No, really, I know you aren’t because the sales say that almost no one is, so I want to know… why aren’t you buying it? You should really buy it. John Rozum and Frazer Irving are giving all they have to tell an amazing story of the Xombi-fied David Kim who is teaming up with crazy nuns with hilarious names and powers to defeat demons and monsters! The sales have been really low for this book, and it’s a shame. The story and art work together to create a trippy, creative, and overall mind-blowing experience with each issue, and if you aren’t reading this book, you really should be. You’ll enjoy it. It’s only three issues, and the the first two are probably pretty easy to find, so go to your local store on Wednesday and pick up these three issues. It will only cost you $9. Seriously, stop reading this and go now, then you can come back and read what trade you should get and what Henchman21 wants you to read. I’m not joking, I want to see in the comments that you’ve read these three issues. Go buy now!

COLLECTIONS

DV8: Gods and Monsters TPB (DC Comics/Wildstorm – $17.99): I picked up the first issue of this series from the now defunct Wildstorm imprint of DC Comics and I was blown away. The series centers on a team of superheroes spread across the landscape of a primitive world that has no knowledge of superheroes or superpowers, so all the natives see when they look towards these people are gods, but these characters are far from being deities. Brian Wood does a phenomenal job of telling this story, which could have gone awry under the direction of a different writer. I picked up the first issue and I absolutely loved it, but the only problem was that I missed the next few issues, and my store had sold out of them. So, I’ve been patiently awaiting the arrival of this trade paperback, and the time has finally come for me to meet the wonder of DV8.

And I second Henchman’s collection pick.

Henchman21

ISSUES

Astonishing Wolverine and Spider-Man #6 (Marvel Comics – $3.99): From the solicitation; “WOLVERINE IS THE NEW DARK PHOENIX! We’ll let that sink in…” And it’s true that should be all you need to hear. This is the last issue of the mini-series written by Jason Aaron with art by Adam Kubert, and it has been a great series so far. Aaron has been able to perfectly capture the relationship between Wolverine and Spidey and has crafted a story with a lot of manic ideas. The art by Adam Kubert has been as good as any he has ever done. There are only two things I haven’t liked about this series; 1) it came out every other month, which means I had a long wait between issues, and 2) it’s only a six issue mini-series, which means I won’t be able to read this anymore. If there’s any justice, we’ll see a sequel at some point.

GI Joe Cobra #1 (IDW Publishing – $3.99): I have been raving about every GI Joe title that IDW has been releasing and I’m not going to stop here. GI Joe Cobra was always the stand-out of the first round of Joe stories and I’m fully expecting the new series to pick up where the old one left off. Mike Costa and Antonio Fuso are back to tell more stories of the gritty underside of the Cobra organization. The previous series showed the adventures of Chuckles as he infiltrated Cobra and sought to take them down from within. Now we get more of a look at Serpentor and his bid to become Cobra Commander. I’m curious to see how much this new series will tie into the previous, especially given the end of that series. If it’s half as good as it used to be this will be another great series.

Action Comics #901 (DC Comics – $2.99): Two words: Kenneth Rocafort. The story is the next chapter in the Reign of Doomsday, and I’m looking forward to Paul Cornell’s script and more of his take on Superman but really I’m here for the art. If you’re seen Rocafort’s art on Top Cow’s Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer and Velocity, you’ll know what he is capable of, and you’ll know that you are in for a treat. Rocafort has an extremely dynamic style that is going to fit in well on this series. There is a Francis Manapul quality to his art, while still maintaining his own style. I have been looking forward to this issue since I heard that Rocafort was joining the series, and now my wait is over.

COLLECTIONS

American Vampire Vol. 2 Hardcover (DC Comics – $24.99): We made the first volume a Doom of the Month on the Comics of Doom podcast, so you can go back and hear our thoughts and that. Suffice to say, we all enjoyed it, and I have been eagerly anticipating this release pretty much since I finished the first volume. In volume one Scott Snyder and Stephen King crafted a story of a new breed of vampires for the new world of America. With volume two, Snyder is now on his own, and continues the story of Pearl and Skinner Sweet as they travel to Las Vegas. Snyder has quickly become a big writer for DC, but this is still his own book, and is kind of his first baby. As important as Snyder is to the book, it wouldn’t be the same without the exceptional art of Rafael Albuquerque. His use of two styles in volume one was astounding to look at, and I just want to see what he does next. Believe the hype on American Vampire, it is one of the best books out there.