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Each week, CBR has your guide to navigating Wednesday’s new and recent comic releases, specials, collected editions and reissues, and we’re committed to helping you choose those that are worth your hard-earned cash. It’s a little slice of CBR we like to call Major Issues.
If you feel so inclined, you can buy our recommendations directly on comiXology with the links provided. We’ll even supply links to the books we’re not so hot on, just in case you don’t want to take our word for it. Don’t forget to let us know what you think of the books this week in the comments! And as always, SPOILERS AHEAD!
PHOENIX SONG: ECHO #1 (MARVEL)
COMIXOLOGY
After becoming the latest human host of the Phoenix Force in Avengers, Maya Lopez, the Daredevil ally better known as Echo, has only been a small part of that title’s ongoing events. However, the upcoming MCU star takes center stage in Phoenix Song: Echo #1, by Rebecca Roanhorse, Luca Maresca, Carlos Lopez and Ariana Maher. As a street-level character with no ties to the X-Men, Echo was always an odd choice for a Phoenix Force host, and this issue wisely leans into some of those ideas.
After briefly losing control of her powers and an unpleasant encounter with an X-Man, Echo finds herself back in tribal land, where she seems set to learn about both her power and herself. In contrast to Marvel’s more cosmically-minded Phoenix stories, this comic takes a grounded approach that asserts it as an Echo story first and foremost. Still, the flashes of cosmic Phoenix power make for some of the most compelling images of the issue and tease a compelling larger story.
CATWOMAN: LONELY CITY #1 (DC)
COMIXOLOGY
Over the years, DC has spent plenty of time in Gotham City’s future with stories like Dark Knight Returns and Batman Beyond. However, Cliff Chiang’s Catwoman: Lonely City offers a new take on Gotham’s future that stands out by removing Batman from the equation. Instead, this Black Label series focuses on an aged Selina Kyle as she emerges into a militarized Gotham under the control of Mayor Harvey Dent and patrolled by Batman-inspired soldiers.
Catwoman: Lonely City is a tour deforce from Chiang, who delivers a sharp, smart script along with his outstanding art. Chiang’s Catwoman takes the classic style of Darwyn Cooke’s Selina and seasons her with the wear of a long hard life. With style to spare and a fascinating world, Lonely City is one of the most impressive debuts of the year.
X-MEN: THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO #3 (MARVEL)
COMIXOLOGY
Despite its title, X-Men: The Trial of Magneto #3 is not a Magneto story, Instead, Leah Williams, Lucas Werneck, David Messina, Edgar Delgado and Clayton Cowles explore the apparent resurrection of the Scarlet Witch as Wanda’s spirit seems to float through the afterlife. Before descending into a giant battle, the comic’s strongest scenes come as the X-Men and the Avengers try to grapple with the ramifications of Wanda’s earthly return.
Although the subsequent battles feel perfunctory, Werneck, Messina and Delgado deliver strong work through the issue. With a surprising last page reveal, this story sets up an intriguing final act as it starts to ask questions that could redefine Wanda’s place in the Marvel Universe.
THE FLASH #775 (DC COMICS)
COMIXOLOGY
With Barry Allen off saving the multiverse, Wally West has resumed the starring role in The Flash, and Jeremy Adams, Fernando Pasarin, Matt Ryan, Jeromy Cox and Steve Wands’ The Flash #775 shows what makes this easy-going hero special. This double-sized milestone issue sees Wally take on several villains and a few of his friends after a mysterious weapon falls in Central City.
While there’s nothing revolutionary here, this is old-school DC Comics action at its finest. With a straightforward yet clever story that makes room for a small army of supervillains, Pasarin, Ryan and Cox’s dynamic work sings, right down to the hyper-detailed rubble and debris. With the return of a major villain and an intriguing set-up for the next issue, this comic proves that there’s still plenty of charm in classical superhero storytelling.
NIGHT OF THE GHOUL #1 (BEST JACKETT PRESS)
COMIXOLOGY
With the digital-first comic Night of the Ghoul #1, superstar writer Scott Snyder reunites with Francesco Francavilla and Andworld Design for an eerie, outstanding debut. This comiXology Original title follows a father and son as they confront the director of a masterful long-lost horror film, Night of the Ghoul. But as they soon come to find out, the story of this film and its titular Ghoul is far more terrifying than they could’ve imagined.
While Snyder’s compelling script is filled with interesting ideas and a few solid twists, Francavilla’s art steals the show here. His signature pulpy, noirish style finds is perfect for this story, with just enough lurid details to suggest the creeping horror lurking behind this comic’s many shadows. While Snyder’s Best Jackett line has been consistently solid, this might be the line’s best comic yet.
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