Each and every week, I, “…….!” Henchman 21 and “Stop pretending to be Snake Eyes!” Empress Eve read a lot of comics. Seriously you guys, a lot of comics. Maybe too many comics. I mean, it is possible”¦ theoretically. Naturally, we look forward to some more than others. I mean, who doesn’t? So, let’s take a look into the depths of our pull lists, grab some comics, and we’ll let YOU know what the top books to look forward to are for the week of August 13, 2014. Single issues and trades, they’re all here.

Just like every comic can be someone’s first, every GoD List may be someone’s first, so let’s run down what the deal is. Every week, we give you a few titles we’re looking forward to or think you may be interested in buying. Then, you go to your local comic store or online retailer, buy something from this list, or maybe something else you’re interested in. We just want to get the word out that there are awesome comics on the stand every week. Sound good? Let’s waste no more time on explanations and get right into The GoD List!

The Mighty Skullkickers #1
Story by Jim Zub
Pencils by Edwin Huang
Inks by Edwin Huang and Kevin Raganit
Colors by Misty Coats and Mike Luckas
Color Flatting by Ludwig Olimba
Letters by Marshall Dillon
Covers by Edwin Huang and Jim Zub, Chris Stevens
Image Comics
Release Date: April 24, 2013
Cover Price: $3.50

The current Skullkickers story arc has been in many ways a commentary on mainstream comics. Although it may seem like I’m making a proverbial mountain out of a blood-soaked-talking-ape-heavy molehill, the team behind Skullkickers have done something that exposes the clearly visible cracks in the veneer that is modern comic publishing.

When DC’s New 52 announcement came down the pipes, most of us thought the same thing, “this is lame, they are just trying to sell more comics.” Then we bought all of them, and a solid portion were terrible. It’s these marketing gimmicks that Jim Zub and the Skullkicker’s team are lampooning with their current story arc. However, when writing commentary into any story, sometimes a plot and solid characters are sacrificed in the name of sticking it to the man. Luckily, the appropriately titled The Mighty Skullkickers #1 delivers a one-two punch of gorgeous art and wit-drenched writing.

Skullkickers #17
Story by Jim Zubkavich
Art By Edwin Huang & Misty Coats
Cover By Saejin Oh
Image Comics
Release Date: August 29, 2012
Cover Price: $3.50

By the fifth issue of a Skullkickers story arch, typically, you should be knee deep in blood and guts. This most recent Skullkickers story arch however, has been relatively tame, or at least as tame as this comic can be. It’s not that there hasn’t been a fair share of violence and mayhem. It’s just that no one has been stabbed in the eye, disemboweled, or blown up in some sort of sorcery/dynamite related explosion. Violence plays a big role in Skullkickers and not seeing it run rampant through every page and panel is strange. That’s not to say that this hasn’t been a fantastic run of Skullkickers. These last four issues leading up to Skullkickers #17 have introduced readers to deeper three-dimensional characters and a more realized fantasy world.

Skullkickers #17 can be reviewed easily in a sentence or two. This issue is a satisfying end to a fantastic storyline full of all the action and crude behavior expected from this comic. However, to judge this comic 100% accurately you really have to take a step back and view this story arch as a whole. It’s not easy to take a comic that has been traditionally known for being bat shit crazy-violent and slow that action down to a crawl. It was needed though, Skullkickers main protagonists have been kicking and bashing for 17 issues now and while that is fine and well, at some point we need to get under a character’s skin. Luckily, this story arch and issue #17 have really done a terrific job of fleshing out everyone’s favorite skullkickers.

Skullkickers #14
Written By Jim Zubkavich
Art By Edwin Huang
Color By Misty Coats
Image Comics
Release Date: May 9, 2012
Cover Price: $3.50

A portion of the official description of Skullkickers #14 reads, “Secrets revealed. The gun. The gun. The gun. The gun. The gun. The gun. The gun”¦” and continues on 12 more times. It is no surprise to say that this issue of Skullkickers is about one thing and one thing only. The gun. There has been much hype surrounding issue 14 since the secrets of Baldy and his gun were teased at Image Comic Expo. Well, now it’s here and rest assured Skullkickers fans, secrets are in fact revealed. Skullkickers #14 doesn’t dance around the secrets either. Questions are answered as directly as a gunshot that will leave your mind blown.

I’m always on the lookout for new recipes to try and I came across one recently that ties into one of my favorite new comics, Skullkickers. The Skullkickers crew proudly gives us the recipe for Skullkickers Stew & Dungeon Dumplings. Check it out here. It sounds like a thick and hearty recipe, with plenty of meat and veggies. And even if you don’t feel like partaking of this particular dish, reading the recipe is funny enough on its own, and is also a good indication of what the series is all about.

If you haven’t read Skullkickers yet, I recommend it. It’s a funny take on the fantasy genre featuring two mercenaries, a human and a dwarf, and all the misadventures that they get into. The series features hilarious dialog from Jim Zub and some great art from Edwin Huang. The art and color on the series make the series feel like an animated TV series. Skullkickers #13 came out last month and is a great jumping-on point as the boys take to the high seas. The issue’s recap page will give you all the information you need, although you’ll want to read the whole series at some point because it’s just too much fun.