Casual Comics Guy

Hey there, casual comic readers! We’re finally back with a week of exciting new comics. This week, we’ve got a mix of genres to tempt your taste buds, from adventures with a friendly, furry twist to iconic superhero reboots and all the way to a nostalgic dive into the distant past of the 1980s.

Man’s Best (#1) by Pornsak Pichetshote, Jesse Lonergan
From Boom! Studios

Calling all animal lovers! “Man’s Best” isn’t just about adorable pups (although there will definitely be plenty of those!), it’s about a world where a special harness grants dogs enhanced abilities. Think super-powered canines working alongside their human partners! This is a perfect pick-me-up read with a heartwarming message about the bond between humans and their furry companions.

Jesse Lonergan is an awesome artist who’s worked on tons of great comics. He’s worked with comics luminaries like Mike Mignola (creator of Hellboy), and his own mind-bending comic, “Hedra”, got nominated for an Eisner award (the comics equivalent of an Oscar or Grammy). His art style is perfect for this story – expressive lines and lots of color make the world come alive.

Web of Spiderman #1 by Steve Foxe
From Marvel Comics

Next, we’ve got a fresh start for a familiar face! “Web of Spiderman #1” by Steve Foxe kicks off a brand new run for the web-slinging hero.

You all know how I love fresh starts for classic characters – something accessible to casual readers who want to dip their toes back into the comics world. Well, this should be a great jumping-on point for new readers who want to experience the classic thrills of Spider-Man without needing to know years of backstory. Expect action, humor, and of course, all the web-slinging goodness you crave!

This new series throws Peter Parker back into the thick of things with a mysterious new villain emerging who seems to know Spidey’s every move. Can Spider-Man, with the help of some surprising allies, uncover this villain’s identity and stop their nefarious plot before it’s too late?

Batman ’89 Echoes #2 by Sam Hamm, Joe Quniones
From DC Comics

Finally, for those who love a good dose of nostalgia, DC Comics is taking us back to the iconic Tim Burton Batman universe with “Batman ’89 Echoes #1,” written by none other than Sam Hamm, the original screenwriter of the 1989 Batman movie! This comic promises to capture the dark and gothic aesthetic of the film while introducing new stories set within that beloved universe.

Issue #2 is about to hit the shelves this week, but I missed issue #1 on its first go-round, so I wanted to spotlight this comic. I’ll definitely be picking up #1 and #2 this week.

Sam Hamm’s contributions to the Batman mythos are undeniable. His work on the 1989 Batman film, alongside director Tim Burton, helped to redefine the character for a new generation. The film’s dark and brooding tone, along with Jack Nicholson’s iconic portrayal of the Joker, left a lasting impact on popular culture.

“Batman ’89 Echoes #1” sees Hamm return to that world, exploring the aftermath of the events of the film. The story picks up with Bruce Wayne missing and Gotham City in a state of chaos. In his absence, a number of copycat Batmen have emerged, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. It’s up to Barbara Gordon, the former Batgirl, and Commissioner Gordon to pick up the pieces and unravel the mystery behind Bruce Wayne’s disappearance. Will the real Batman return to save Gotham City once again?

Tune in and find out! Same Bat-Time, same, um, Bat-Local-Comics-Shop?

• CCG