Swords of Sorrow #1
Written by Gail Simone
Illustrated by Sergio Davila
Colored by Jorge Sutil
Letters by Erica Schultz
Edited by Hannah Elder
Covers by J. Scotty Campbell & Nei Ruffino, Jenny Frison, Emanuela Lupacchino & Ivan Nunes, Robert Hack, Joyce Chin & Ivan Nunes, Tula Lotay, Nei Ruffino, and Cedric Poulat
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: May 6, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Swords of Sorrow #1 is many things: a really fun story, even though it’s not supposed to be; a great comic to look at. But, beyond that, this book is special because it stars an all-female cast of heroes. As a man, I almost didn’t want to review this, but then I thought “It doesn’t matter if the book stars women, the only thing that matters is if it’s good or not.” So, is it? Let’s find out…

The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Written by Tim & Steve Seeley with James Eatock
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Cover Price: $39.99

The Art of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is, at its core, a love letter to the best toy franchise in the history of the world. Yes, I am a HUGE He-Man fan, and yes, I’m biased. But, at the very least, you have to respect a toy line that didn’t come from another medium, took on a life of it’s own, and made literally BILLIONS of dollars for the Mattel toy company and has continued on, in one form or another, to this very day.

Scarlett Couture #1
Created by Des Taylor
Cover art by Des Taylor
Titan Comics
Release Date: April 29, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Scarlett Couture #1 is one of the most unique comics that I’ve read in years. I hate when people compare things to other things. That’s nothing but a cheap way of getting out of explaining the pros or cons of whatever you’re describing. So, I’m not going to compare this comic to anything else, I’m just going to tell you why you should immediately go out and buy it!

Creator and writer Des Taylor brings to life a truly different comic book. This is a great tale of espionage and high fashion, with action, comedy, adventure, mystery, and a great big dash of fun thrown in for good measure. There is a LOT to enjoy about this story. In this first issue we’re introduced to our heroine Scarlett, who’s a fashion model, head of security for her mother’s fashion agency, and a secret agent! There are some great standards with some unexpectedly awesome modern twists, which makes this book very refreshing.

Conan/Red Sonja #4
Written by Gail Simone & Jim Zub
Pencils by Randy Green
Inks by Rick Ketcham
Colors by Dave Stewart
Letters by Richard Starkings & Comicraft
Cover art by Dan Panosian
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: April 29, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Conan/Red Sonja #4 is the perfect ending to what, in my opinion, was the perfect example of a inter-company crossover. For the past three issues, two of fantasy’s most popular characters have fought, loved, and been comrades in arms. Now, with the fate of the entire universe at stake, can even they protect it?

Writers Gail Simone and Jim Zub continue their excellent tale of Conan and Red Sonja. What I’ve loved most about this series, and this issue in particular, is that it was more of a team-up than a crossover, and that both characters get equal billing and “page-time.” Each has their share of story to carry and each has their own weight to pull when it comes to the overall adventure. This issue is a fitting end to the series. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s perfect.

Star Trek/Planet of the Apes #5
Written by Scott Tipton and David Tipton
Art by Rachael Stott
Colored by Charlie Kirchoff
Lettered by Tom B. Long
Essay by Dana Gould
Edited by IDW Publishing’s Sarah Gaydos & BOOM! Studios’ Dafna Pleban
Cover art by Rachael Stott & Charlie Kirchoff and J.K. Woodward
IDW Publishing/Boom! Studios
Release Date: April 8, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Star Trek/Planet of the Apes #5 is the epic conclusion to the crossover every sci-fi fan has always wanted! After four thrilling issues of Captain Kirk and George Taylor leading forces against the Klingons and the evil apes, what could possibly happen? You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.