The Magicians #1
Created by Lev Grossman
Written by Lilah Sturges
Art by Pius Bak
Colors by Gabriel Cassata
Letters by Mike Fiorentino
Covers by Qistina Khalidah, Alexa Sharpe
Archaia Entertainment
Release Date: November 6, 2019
Cover Price: $3.99

Lev Grossman made my year when he wrote The Magicians. But he made my millennium when he continued the series and made it a trilogy. Syfy went a step further and turned it into a (not so accurate) television series that is still ongoing. And a few months ago I reviewed The Magicians: Alice’s Story. I therefore felt that I should alert any and all fans of the franchise to The Magicians #1, the first comic in a five-part mini-series.

Protocol: Orphans #1 (of 4)
Written by Michael Alan Nelson
Art by Mariano Navarro
Colors by Gabriel Cassata
Cover by Stephane Roux
Boom! Studios
Release Date: November 13, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

In Protocol: Orphans, from writer Michael Alan Nelson (Supergirl) and new coming artist Mariano Navarro, a team of orphans, now young adults who have been raised by a covert organization since they were children, put their lifelong training to the test as they are put out in the field for the first time to find and stop a ticking time bomb. Lead by their supervisor Dad, who coaches them via radio relay while threatening to be “disappointed” in them should they fail their mission, and the more ominous Grandparents, the orphans have their work cut out for them.

As their first mission progresses, each of the six orphans utilize their specialized skill sets to get their assignments and tasks completed and work toward stopping the bomb. But when their location is discovered in the midst of deactivating the bomb, it is believed that one of the team members must have triggered an alarm. Now, all six team members must rally together or else let an entire stadium filled with spectators be blown to smithereens!

Supurbia #11
Written by Grace Randolph
Art by Russell Dauterman
Colors by Gabriel Cassata
Letters by Steve Wands
Covers by Emily Warren
Boom! Studios
Release Date: September 18, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

Supurbia follows the lives of superheroes and their families. All living in the same neighborhood, they lean on each other to train, help, and support each other. But like any other neighborhood and family life, the gossip, jealousies, and trust issues run rampant. In Supurbia #11 the Meta Legion is still looking for a kidnapped child, Zari, the daughter of Superhero Dion Jenkins and his wife, retired superhero Tia. Unsure if Sovereign live-in girlfriend and former supervillain Helen Heart is involved since she has also disappeared and since Helen’s ex, supervillain Hector Hunt, is the kidnapper. Also missing is Gio aka Agent Twilight, who disappeared during a mission.

All of the Meta Legion is out looking for them when an explosion happens in the neighborhood. Those left behind, run to find safety only to encounter more danger. And as the heroes return home, they start to find their loves ones in danger by those they thought they could trust.

Supurbia #1
Created and Written by Grace Randolph
Art by Russell Dauterman
Colors by Gabriel Cassata
Letters by Steve Wands
Cover by Ale Garza
Cover Colors by Nei Ruffino
Boom! Studios
Release Date: March 7, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

The Real Housewives for superhero spouses? Ugh, what a revolting concept! How stupid. How insulting. How the hell did they make this work?!

Appropriately enough, as I was reading this book my girlfriend was watching a Real Housewives show. I hate Real Housewives. I really, really do. I hate the way the shows are shot, I hate how shrill the characters come off, and I really hate how petty and materialistic all their problems are. I asked her during the commercial what the program’s appeal was for her. Buried beneath all those problems, she said, there’s the story about the complex and competitive friendships women have with each other.

When you put the show that way it starts to sound interesting. Throw in some guys with capes, trade the reality TV format for a comic, and I’m there.