Independence Day #1
Written by Victor Gischler
Art by Steve Scott
Covers by Dio Neves, Lee Garbett, John McCrea
Titan Comics
Release Date: March 23, 2016
Cover Price: $3.99

In 1996, an alien armada attempted to destroy humanity in order to gain access to the precious natural resources that it needed to survive. Fortunately for mankind, a scientist and his eccentric father stumbled upon a way to temporarily bring down the defenses of this significantly more advanced race. Falling back on Morse code as a means to communicate with other military units across the globe, a plan was hatched to destroy the aliens’ shields and go on the offensive. Through determination and sheer luck, they won the day.

This series picks up right at the end of Independence Day and will be bridging the gap between that film and the upcoming sequel Independence Day: Resurgence, due out this June! So, without further ado, I present to you Independence Day #1 from Titan Comics!

Welcome, readers! Here you’ll find this week’s comics releases from Dark Horse Comics! There’s a new Angel & Faith graphic novel, a new Alabaster, and a new Harrow County. What more could we ask for, right? Here’s the full list in case that wasn’t enough for you.

Below you’ll find the solicitations information and cover artwork for all of Dark Horse Comics comic book titles released on December 2, 2015. My personal faves this week are Mystery Girl #1 and This Damned Band #5!

Red Sonja/Conan #1
Written by Victor Gischler
Art by Roberto Castro
Colors by Alex Guimaraes
Letters by Simon Bowland
Covers by Alex Ross, Ed Benes and Dinei Ribeiro, Roberto Castro and Dinei Ribeiro
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: August 5, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

I love all things Conan. This is an indisputable fact, my friends will testify to it. That is, until this particular comic was delivered to me. I thoroughly enjoyed the Dark Horse led Conan/Red Sonja miniseries that preceded this Dynamite attempt. But Red Sonja/Conan #1 seemed…unnatural, for lack of a better word. Or maybe I’m critiquing it overmuch.

The Order of the Forge #3
Written by Victor Gischler
Illustrated by Tazio Bettin
Color Assisted by Enrica Eren Angiolini
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by Juan Ferreyra
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: June 24, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

In The Order of the Forge #3 by Victor Gischler and Tazio Bettin, young George Washington and his super-powered allies are in a race to stop a madman from taking over the colonies. Will our founding fathers’ newly obtained powers help aid them in the discovery of an ancient Viking secret weapon, or will the weapon fall into the enemy’s hands first?

Going into The Order of the Forge, and after reading its official synopsis, I wasn’t anticipating a highly thought-provoking read; I was expecting entertaining action and a fun, engaging story. I’ll mention that up until this point, Gischler’s comic, while taking many liberties with the history of our nation’s early leaders, has been an enjoyable read. He takes some common knowledge regarding George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, and utilizes them as anchors for the enhanced abilities scenario — which makes for a wild, historical romp; however, the final issue of the mini-series is a bit of a letdown.