Each and every week “The Vegetarian Veteran” MK2Fac3 and “The Natural Disaster” Henchman21 read a lot of comics. Seriously you guys, a lot of comics. Maybe too many comics. I mean, it is possible”¦ theoretically. 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 lists, grab some comics, and we’ll let YOU know what the top books to look forward to are for the week of May 16, 2012. Single issues and trades, they’re all here.

Look, I don’t care what anyone else tells you today, there is a great wealth of coming comics that are sure to blow your mind out of your skull. Sure, there may be some faltering alongside a lot of the great, but really, there’s good things to be seen and read. It’s with consideration to this concept that you take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have The GoD List, our weekly look into all of the comics that are coming out. It’s like, all killer and no filler without the Sum 41. Books like The Manhattan Projects, Saga, Saucer Country, Locke & Key, Adventure Time, The Shade, and Conan are all coming out this week and those are more than enough to get excited about. Oh, you want to know why you should be excited about these books? Well dear friend, you’re just going to have to get your fingers prepared for clicking, and your eyes prepared for reading, because we’re about to get into that business right about… now.

MK2Fac3

ISSUES:

The Shade #8 (DC Comics – $2.99): I’ve written at length about how much I love this book. From the story to the rotating artists, this book holds a special place in my heart and in the hearts of others who read it. One cool thing that this book does is it goes back in time to provide some backstory on some key aspects of the comic in what they call “TIMES PAST” issues. Darwyn Cooke provided interior artwork in the previous installment when they showcased the “golden age” of The Shade, which, obviously, was completely awesome. With issue #8, they are again revisiting “times past,” but this issue boasts artwork from another one of my all-time favorite artists, Jill Thompson, who you may know from Scary Godmother, Beasts of Burden, The Invisibles, or about a million other equally great books. This time, we’re taking a look at The Shade’s family, which is a central theme to the entire series. While I know that’s not a lot to go off of, but with James Robinson’s brilliant writing on this book alongside Thompson’s superior artwork, this is a single issue I’d suggest to someone who hasn’t read the series prior. The series wraps at 12 issues, but give it a shot, and pick up the collection when that’s released if you love it as much as I do. So, if you haven’t been following The Shade, pick this issue up and see what you’ve been missing, because you’ve been missing a lot. Also, if you’re in the mood for some sweet James Robinson action, you should also check out the new DC Universe Presents issue starring Vandal Savage which is also out today that starts a 3-issue arc with Bernard Chang’s wonderful art, you know, just in case you weren’t spending enough money already.

The Manhattan Projects #3 (Image Comics – $3.50): Yeah, son. This comic is one of the books coming out each month, I promise you that. It’s all about the science, folks. This alternative look at The Manhattan Project and the creation of the atom bomb is one of the most involved, interesting, and complex science fiction comics to come along in recent history, and considering that Hickman has written several of the best science fiction comics in recent history, it should be clear that he’s outdoing himself. The team that brought us The Red Wing is absolutely killing it again with this book. It’s hard to get into details about this series because it is so complicated and I do not wish to spoil anything, but I’ll simply say this: if you like comics about alternate realities/histories, science, high concepts, or anything along those lines, you should already be reading this, but if you’re not, go to your store, online vendor, or comixology, and make sure you get caught up, because this book is seriously amazing. In fact, whenever I finish an issue, I tweet that Jonathan Hickman is a genius because he absolutely is, and it’s evident throughout this book. Make sure you’re reading it.

Locke & Key: Clockworks #6 (of 6) (IDW Publishing – $3.99): “THE BEST COMIC BOOK IN THE WORLD!” is a way I describe Locke & Key to people who haven’t read it before, and I don’t think I’m lying about that. Locke & Key is quite simply the most interesting and intense comic book that I have had the privilege of gazing upon. It’s a horror series, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a book about a family, their loss, and coping with the harsh reality that is their life. Sure, it can get into its share of supernatural situations, and it can also get downright scary. I can’t tell you what’s going on in this book for fear of ruining your life with spoilers, but if you aren’t reading this book, make amends. In just seven issues, the series is coming to a close, but this chapter is coming to a close this week. So do yourself a favor and get yourself all caught up, because if you’re not, you’re missing one of the greatest comics of all time. Get your act together, buddy.

COLLECTION:

The Secret Society of Super-Villains, Vol. 2 HC (DC Comics – $24.99): Anyone who has read this column before knows I love the crazy, and any book called The Secret Society of Super-Villains is a book to deliver the crazy, high concept death traps that anyone and everyone should love with all their hearts. Why aren’t comics still like this?

Henchman21

Ugh! I know there are books out there I should be excited about, but I can’t find the words to express my excitement today. But The GoD List must go on, so I present for you a humble list of books that come out today which you must check out:

– Atomic Robo: Real Science Adventures #2 (Red 5 Comics – $2.99)
– Conan the Barbarian #4 (Dark Horse Comics – $3.50)
– BPRD: The Devils Engine #1 (Dark Horse Comics – $3.50)
– Locke & Key: Clockworks #6 (IDW Publishing – $3.99)
– Sixth Gun #22 (Oni Press – $3.99)
– Adventure Time #4 (BOOM! Studios – $3.99)
– Saucer Country #3 (DC/Vertigo – $2.99)

While I can’t summon much enthusiasm for the single issues out this week, there are at least two trades I am looking forward to. The first one is Deadenders from DC/Vertigo ($29.99). This is a collection of some of Ed Brubaker’s earliest work in comics. I’ve read a little bit of it years ago, but the details are a little sketchy right now. I remember it taking place in a dystopian future. I remember kids on scooters and a whole lot of weirdness. I also remember some great art by Warren Pleece. Like I said, it is some of Brubaker’s earlier work, so it’s not quite as polished as his work would later be, but it’s nice to see Vertigo bring this back into print again, and also nice for them to finally collect the whole series. If you’re looking for something different, or are a fan of Brubaker’s work, give it a shot.

The other trade to look out for is Princeless, Vol. 1 (Action Lab Entertainment – $14.95). Now, I’m going on this from a recommendation from fellow Comics of Doom host Willie Gillis. And here’s the man himself with an explanation of why you should pick it up:

So there you go. It sounds like a book that is reminiscent of Fables, but with enough difference to make it unique. There are a fair number of fairy tale books on the racks, but then again, there are a lot of superhero books too, so who am I to complain? Nobody loves a good superhero comic more than me, but don’t be afraid to try something different the next time you’re at the comic store. Hopefully I’ve given you at least a few options that you may not have heard of before. And really, that’s what The GoD List is here for. Treat yourself! (MK2Fac3’s Note: TREAT YO’ SELF!)