This week’s list of Top Comics to Buy for April 17 features some dense and complex comic book storytelling. It’s also spread across genres, from fantasy to sci-fi to whatever Golgotha Motor Mountain would be (Appalachian western?). It’s a great week for smart, layered comics. You can find my favorites below, along with the usual weekly lists…enjoy!
Also, my Kickstarter comic is live now! If you like my column, please consider snagging a copy. We’ve got great artists (many who have appeared in this space), and I think we’ve made something special!
Top Comics to Buy for April 17, 2024
Avengers Twilight #5
Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Daniel Acuna
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
America and democracy are under attack! Can THE AVENGERS of tomorrow save a country from itself, as their greatest enemy dismantles everything CAPTAIN AMERICA holds dear? It’s a battle decades in the making, and no one is safe!
Why It’s Cool: I’m a mark for this kind of dystopian near-future alternate reality version of superhero stories, but I think this one is pretty well-done. The central story concept is one very much of the moment, and the creative team does a great job (especially in this issue) with poignant character moments.
Price: $4.99
Beyond Real #3
Writer: Zack Kaplan
Artists: Vincenzo Riccardi, Dennis Menheere, and Fabiana Mascolo
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: Vault Comics
An artist’s style. June and her new allies escape to a breathtaking world where humanity is absent but all of nature is vibrantly personified. As June tries to use her powers to lead the trio to the simulation’s final source, the world attacks them at every turn, threatening to drown them in doubt rather than let them find their way.
Why It’s Cool: One of the most ambitious series in monthly comics is back, and man is this third chapter an absolute stunner. This book features the type of artwork that will have you reopening to page through it a few more times after you’ve finished reading.
Price: $4.99
Golgotha Motor Mountain #2
Writers: Matthew Erman and Lonnie Nadler
Artist: Robbie Rodriguez
Colorist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Elwood and Vernon are doing their best to finish the sales of their most recent batch and make their dreams come true in Cincinnati. However, Golgotha County ain’t done with them yet. Their batch is turning folks into monstrous mutants, and the boys are going to find that out the hard way! Also, no business in Golgotha County happens without the sheriff’s knowledge, and he’s going to have a few violent words with the brothers. Nikola Ci me ija’s restoration of T.A. Toshiro’s manga ZorroRaito continues with a story of interstellar swords and dreams coming to clash!
Why It’s Cool: Man, I don’t know how you would even begin to describe this book, which is part of what I love about it. This is a dense and complex read, with audacious punk rock artwork. If you’re looking for something totally different than anything else coming out right now, this is it.
Price: $5.99
Helen of Wyndhorn #2
Writer: Tom King
Artist: Bilquis Evely
Colorist: Matheus Lopes
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
From the Eisner Award-winning and bestselling creative team of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comes this Gothic sword and sorcery epic that’s Conan the Barbarian meets The Wizard of Oz. As the secret history of her family begins the unravel, Helen explores the grounds of Wyndhorn House and its many inhabitants both real and fantastical, on a quest to understand her true family heritage and what role she plays.
Why It’s Cool: This book is just absurdly well-done, from the gorgeous artwork to the interesting and poetic scripting. The first issue was a total banger, and while the second issue is a little slower, it’s also more illustrative into what’s going on. It’s just two issues, but holy cow has this book been excellent so far. It might just be another instant classic from the team of King-Evely-Lopes.
Price: $4.99
John Constantine – Hellblazer: Dead in America #2
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Aaron Campbell
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Publisher: DC Comics – Black Label
Disguised as a Catholic priest in a small town near the Texas-Mexico border, John searches for the connection between how a dust-ridden county turned out a massive harvest and Dream’s missing sand. But this good-natured, all-American town has an ugly secret…one that brings John, Nat, and Noah face-to-face with monsters of a very human kind.
Why It’s Cool: I continue to believe this sustained run — which picked up this year after a bit of a break — is the best superhero (or, I guess, superhero adjacent) book coming out right now. It’s just so excellent, and issues like this week’s are the reason why.
Price: $4.99
Others Receiving Votes
Batman Off-World #4- Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #26
- Blue Book 1947 #3
- Cobra Commander #4
- Displaced #3
- Hack/Slash Back to School #4
- Lotus Land #6
- Superman #13
- Ultimate Black Panther #3
- Wonder Woman #8
New #1s and One-Shots
- 7174AD #1
- Blow Away #1
- Dudley Datson and the Forever Machine #1
- Gargoyles Quest #1
- Giant Size Incredible Hulk #1 (one-shot)
- Love Me A Romance Story #1
- Rick and Morty Presents Finals Week: Brawlher #1
- Roxxon Presents Thor #1 (one-shot)
- Star Wars – The High Republic Adventures: Saber for Hire #1
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
Advocate HC- Club Microbe HC
- City Boy TP
- Complete Invincible Library Vol. 5 HC
- Daredevil by Saladin Ahmed Vol. 1 – Hell Breaks Loose TP
- From The World of Minor Threats: The Alternatives TP
- Harlem HC
- In Perpetuity GN
- Legalization Nation HC
- Justice League Dark Rebirth Omnibus HC
- Micronauts Original Marvel Years Omnibus Vol. 1 HC
- Phenomena Vol. 2 – Matilde’s Quest HC
- Shout Kill Revel GN
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!
