2020 already? It seems like just yesterday that I was starting up this site. Yet through the excessive postings during comic conventions and then into the lean times… through the launch, then relaunch of our Casual Comics Cast, we’re still here.

So, while I still have a little energy left over, here are my picks for the Hot Comics of the Week.

Edgar Allan Poes Snifter of Terror Season 2 #4

This goes against every fiber in my being. It’s a “second season” of a comic where I haven’t read the first. Also, it’s number 4 in the series, and I haven’t read the first three. On the plus side, this looks like an anthology, so while the wraparounds might have some ongoing story, the bulk of the issue should stand on its own.

Check out the solicit:

More audaciously reimagined Poe stories! A smart car leads a lobbyist to murder in ‘The Black Cat!’ Plus! The survival of a space station astronaut depends on ‘The Gold Bug!’ Extra! ‘Poe and the Black Cat’ continue their slapstick war, and short prose stories round out this issue. 

Between the excessive exclamation points and that gorgeous cover, count! me! in!

Wonder Woman #750

At this point, I’m just a sucker for the “anniversary” collections that DC is publishing this year. To be fair, they have been hit (Action Comics #1000) and miss (Detective Comics #1000). But of DC’s big three, I think this one has the most potential.

There have been a couple of great Wonder Woman arcs over the last few years. Brian Azzarello’s recent run was absolutely amazing.

Side note: looking back, that “recent” series started in 2011. Time is fleeting, my friends… 

Let’s take a look at what DC has to say. And, let’s hope they can start taking it easy on those exclamation marks. We’re getting into Marvel-level yelling on some of these.

An all-star 96-page celebration of the Amazon Princess by longtime favorites and acclaimed new voices! In the lead story, Wonder Woman’s epic ‘Year of the Villain’ battle comes to a close, leading the way to new challenges ahead. Additionally, this oversized gem tells tales from Diana’s past, present and future by some of the greatest storytellers in the business- including Colleen Doran, Mariko Tamaki, the Teen Titans: Raven team of writer Kami Garcia and artist Gabriel Picolo, and legendary Wonder Woman creators returning to the character, including Gail Simone and Greg Rucka!

Ghostbusters Year One #1 (of 4)

This one gets on the list for checking many of the casual comic fan boxes. First issue. Limited Series. Familiar property. Yep. Let’s see what’s going on with these ‘busters.

In anticipation of the new Ghostbusters feature film coming to theaters Summer 2020, we look back at the Boys in Grey’s first year on the job, showcasing never before seen adventures! After defeating Gozer and becoming heroes in the city, county, and state of New York, a publisher has decided to cash in with a biography of the Boys in Grey and sends a writer to interview them all for background. He starts with WINSTON ZEDDEMORE, the first ‘buster hired into the supernatural start-up. Winston relates the story of his very first bust, so we can finally know what kind of… ahem, stuff he’s seen that’ll will turn you white!

Punisher Kill Krew TPB

This is the kind of comic that has me intrigued. I solidly know that I will be confused. This is a tie-in to a massive crossover event that I didn’t read. But… it’s just familiar enough and just insane enough that I feel like I have no alternative but to check it out.

The War of the Realms may be over – but for the Punisher, the conflict never ends! To combat Malekith’s invasion, Frank Castle raised his own personal army. And now, in the war’s aftermath, they have some scores to settle! The Punisher has stolen Thor’s flying goat and is traversing the Ten Realms on a mission. But why is his first stop…Counter-Earth?! Frank made a promise of vengeance – and he keeps his promises. But a van full of orphans is about to make that vow a lot more complicated. And while Frank has picked up some unlikely allies, can he keep them alive? Featuring the Black Knight, Foggy Nelson and more in an action epic unlike anything you’ve ever seen. One Krew. Ten Realms. All-out war! Collecting PUNISHER KILL KREW #1-5 and material from WAR OF THE REALMS: OMEGA. Parental Advisory

Stop… You had me at “Punisher has stolen Thor’s flying goat”.

Just when I think Marvel can’t surprise me, they get me one…more…time. 

For that reason, “Punisher Kill Krew” is my Casual Comics Hot Pick of the Week.

Cheers!

• CCG