The Top Comics to Buy for February 21 is here, and it’s got a nice mix of interesting creator-owned books with what might be my two favorite Big 2 comics right now — Ultimate Spider-Man and John Constantine – Hellblazer: Dead in America. What makes it an even more interesting week, is how little those two (very good) superhero comics have in common. You can find why I like them below, along with the usual set of lists…enjoy!
Oh, and before you go, I have one more recommendation for you. If you like my weekly comics picks, I’ve got a new set of short comics written by me, and brought to life by some absolutely fantastic artists. It’s coming to Kickstarter soon, and you can go here and hit NOTIFY ME ON LAUNCH to learn more, thanks!
Top Comics to Buy for February 21, 2024
Cemetery Kids Don’t Die #1
Writer: Zac Thompson
Artist: Daniel Irizarri
Colorist: Brittany Peer
Letterer: Andworld Design
Publisher: Oni Press
The 21st century sucks hard, but it’s made somewhat tolerable by the latest and greatest media innovations. Enter the Dreamwave: the first gaming console played entirely while you sleep. The obsession of millions around the globe, it’s also the one point of solace for four friends known as the “Cemetery Kids,” who spend their nights roaming the endless maps of the most brutal horror game ever created as they seek to dethrone the “King of Sleep”-the Dreamwave’s biggest, baddest, and most mysterious boss.
Why It’s Cool: If you’ve been playing a lot of Baldur’s Gate III of late (and I know I have), wow is this book for you. That’s probably getting too specific, though — this is really a book for people familiar with online gaming and TTRPG culture. It’s also just really well done. The characters are well-written, and the artwork by Daniel Irizarri and Brittany Peer is just absolutely excellent. Don’t miss this one.
Price: $4.99
Holy Roller #4
Writers: Rick Remender, Andy Samberg, and Joe Trohman
Artist: Roland Boschi
Colorist: Moreno Dinisio
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics – Giant Generator
There’s a festering rot in Levi Cohen’s hometown. We can’t wait for somebody else to save us, can’t wait for somebody else to stand up and set things right. It’s our time to turn and face the rot-it’s time for the Holy Roller to lead the charge.
Why It’s Cool: After three issues of set-up and superhero origin stuff (which were all entertaining), it feels like Holy Roller really finds its cruising altitude in this fourth issue, where the hero starts to let loose on the bad guys. I’ve been enjoying this book from the start, a really fun new superhero take.
Price: $3.99
John Constantine – Hellblazer: Dead in America #2
Writer: Si Spurrier
Artist: Aaron Campbell
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Publisher: DC Comics – Black Label
With the specter of mortality breathing down his neck, John heads to the Big Easy, where he enlists the skills of old friend Clarice Sackville to heal the fractured mind of Alec Holland, the Swamp Thing, and use that elemental power to kickstart his own dead heart. Perhaps she can do that–but it will require a drug-induced journey into distant realms that’ll shake John to his rotten core. And meanwhile, Nat and Noah learn the magical lengths Clarice is willing to go to in order to extend her own terrifyingly long life…
Why It’s Cool: Man, I don’t know how else to say at this point that this continued Hellblazer run rules, but it really really does. This new arc sees a likely-undead John Constantine tumbling around America, interacting with the characters and places you might expect there, working to tie-up a loose end mentioned in the original Sandman. It’s just great, and an easy pick for the Top Comics to Buy for February 21.
Price: $4.99
The Six Fingers #1
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Sumit Kumar
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Publisher: Image Comics
Neo Novena archaeology student Johannes Vale has always been so very in control of his life. But when he commits a brutal murder using the M.O. of a historic and notorious serial killer, everything begins to spiral out of control… primarily as Johannes doesn’t remember doing it. What follows is a deadly cat-and-mouse game as Johannes seeks refuge in the rain-soaked streets of Neo Novena. He will stop at nothing to unravel the secrets and ciphers of what he did and why he did it; but each revelation only leads further into the dark heart of his future-metropolis and Johannes’ own heartbroken soul.
Why It’s Cool: This new miniseries is intertwined with The One Hand, which made a big splash when it was released. This book — which is very much its own thing and not reliant on that one — does capture of the same interesting, sci-fi intrigue. These two projects when taken together are also one of the more ambitious undertakings from the monthly indie comics space in a good while.
Price: $3.99
Ultimate Spider-Man #2
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Color Artist: Matthew Wilson
Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Spider-Man faces his first super villain! J. Jonah Jameson’s quest to uncover who is really pulling the strings of this new Ultimate Universe leads to a shocking revelation! And New York City welcomes its newest hero…the Green Goblin!
Why It’s Cool: This new run of Ultimate Spider-Man has a massive amount of buzz for a superhero comic, and there’s good reason why — it’s a well-done book. The debut was excellent and the second issue doesn’t let up at all.
Price: $4.99
Others Receiving Votes
A Haunted Girl #4- Animal Pound #2
- Batman/Superman – World’s Finest #24
- G.O.D.S. #5
- James Bond 007 #2
- Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #5
- Lotus Land #4
- Saint John #2
- Unnatural Order #3
- Wonder Woman #6
New #1s and One-Shots
- Alien: Black, White & Blood #1
- Edge of Spider-Verse #1
- Elvira Meets HP Lovecraft #1
- Godzilla Rivals: Mothra vs. M.O.G.U.E.R.A. #1 (one-shot)
- Jaguar #1 (one-shot)
- Man’s Best Ashcan #1
- Mirka Andolfo’s Blasfamous #1
- Predator: The Last Hunt #1
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
Arrowsmith Vol. 1: So Smart In Their Fine Uniforms TP- Black Panther By Christopher Priest Omnibus Vol. 2 HC
- Call Me Iggy TP
- Children of the Vault TP
- Dark Nights Death Metal Omnibus HC
- Firebugs HC
- Fox Maidens TP
- Grim Vol. 3, Lust For Life TP
- Jean Grey – Flames of Fear TP
- The Kingdom – The 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition HC
- Milestone Compendium 3 TP
- Sharp Wit And The Company of WOmen GN
- Takio Complete Collection TP
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Reborn Vol. 8 Damage Done TP
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!
