Shaolin Cowboy #1
Written and illustrated by Geof Darrow
Colors by Dave Stewart
Variant Cover by Walt Simonson
Pinups by Simon Roy, Aaron Conley, and Damon Gentry
Letters by Peter Doherty
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: October 9, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

This isn’t really a number one, but rather part of an ongoing tale, the last issue of Shaolin Cowboy having come out six years ago. With a schedule this spotty, I suppose it seemed smarter to renumber it as a first issue. Because of its sparse text, those picking it up for the first time won’t necessarily be lost, so it’s suitable as an introduction to the character/series.

As noted, the previous issue is six years old, so I can’t really remember the plot (such as it was), and can’t be bothered do dig through my short boxes. I can tell you that the art was insanely detailed and über-violent. And that’s why you buy this comic. For the inventive ways Geof Darrow figures out how to kill people, and for his exquisite renderings illustrating those depictions.

Jupiter’s Legacy #1
Written by Mark Millar
Illustrated by Frank Quitely
Colored by Peter Doherty
Lettered by Peter Doherty
Covers by Frank Quitely, Bryan Hitch, Dave Johnson, Phil Noto, J. Scott Campbell, and Christian Ward
Image Comics
Release Date: April 24, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99

In issue #1 of Image Comics’ new series Jupiter’s Legacy, written by famed comic book creator Mark Millar and illustrated by Frank Quitely, we explore the idea that all nations, no matter how powerful or advanced they may be, will eventually be in need of heroes “” saviors providing inspiration and a way out of poverty and destruction. Still, will this necessity always be enough in order to institute change?

Before the Great Depression, Sheldon was a big shot. He had everything: money, power, and a beautiful fiancée. Once the stock market crashed, he lost it all. One fateful night after that, Sheldon has a dream. An Island that no man has heard of in thousands of years speaks to him. It tells him to gather a specific group of people, find the island, and then bring back whatever they might discover there to serve as a saving grace for America. His dream is so real “” so vivid “” that he is compelled to act upon it.

Godzilla Legends #1
Story By Matt Frank & Jeff Prezenkowski
Script by Jeff Prezenkowski
Art by Matt Frank
Colors by Josh Perez, Peter Doherty (Cover A)
Letters by Chris Mowry
Covers by Art Adams (A), Bob Eggleton (B), Matt Frank (C)
IDW Publishing
Release Date: November 16, 2011
Cover Price: $3.99

If I could only give one piece of advice about Godzilla Legends #1, it would be to turn off any preconceived notions of a deeply thought-provoking book. Matt Frank and Jeff Prezenkowski have crafted a great monster book in Godzilla Legends #1; in just one issue they manage to tell a completely self-contained story all while packing it full of Kaiju mayhem. If you wanted something that left you pondering the intricacies of human existence you may want to look elsewhere; however, if you are in the market for giant lizards and space monsters crushing cities while locked in combat, then Godzilla Legends #1 is the book for you.