In the Top Comics to Buy for January 31, horror is pretty overwhelmingly represented. For regular readers of this column, that’s probably not a surprise. But even I was a little taken aback by how varied the horror was…and it’s January, not October. But hey! I’m certainly not complaining. As always, you can find my five favorite recommendations below, followed by the usual bulleted lists … enjoy!
Comics to Buy for January 31
The Devil That Wears My Face #4
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Alex Cormack
Letterer: Justin Birch
Publisher: Mad Cave Studios
Framed for murder by the demonic Legion, Father Vieri must survive a deadly chase through the streets of Rome in order to escape the Inquisition. But as he possesses Vieri’s body, Legion unveils terrifying new ways to spread his corruption across the Vatican. Can Vieri find a way to turn the tables on the unholy adversary that wears his face? Or will this haunted exorcist find his last hopes extinguished by the Devil himself?
Why It’s Cool: My favorite body-swap, Catholic horror story continues to be excellent this week. This issue specifically is a kinetic comics action art showcase, with just set piece after set piece for impressive, hard-hitting comics art.
Price: $4.99
Duke #2
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Tom Reilly
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics – Skybound
“Codename G.I. Joe” continues! Conrad Hauser, aka “Duke,” is on the run from the very government he trusted, investigating secrets that may be More Than Meets The Eye. Now, he’s about to meet the last person any G.I. JOE fan ever expected! Are they friend, foe, or in it for themselves?
Why It’s Cool: To put it simply, all these Energon Universe books are really cooking, and this week’s Duke #2 is on exception, making it an easy choice for this Comics to Buy for January 31 list. It’s amazing to me how these books all have the old fun Saturday Morning Cartoon feel, while still feeling like something new for comics writ large. But again, most importantly, these comics are fun.
Price: $3.99
Ribbon Queen #7
Writer: Garth Ennis
Penciler: Jacen Burrows
Inker: Guillermo Ortego
Colorist: Dan Brown
Letterer: Rob Steen
In this penultimate issue, the mysterious nature of The Ribbon Queen and how she was unleashed into the world comes into focus for Detective Amy Sun. But now there is another supernatural force in the mix that has motives all its own.
Why It’s Cool: This book somehow has gotten even better in recent issues, as the story has evolved what we knew about the early issues. This is just a really smart and well-told story, one that knows when to hit its readers with the right themes and ideas…and when to just go full-on gross out with its gore. I absolutely love this book, and this issue is no exception, with one more left to go.
Price: $3.99
Somna – A Bedtime Story #2
Creators: Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay
Colors: Lee Loughridge, Dee Cunniffe, and Tula Lotay
Letters: Lucas Gattoni
Publisher: DSTLRY
Set amidst the terrifying backdrop of the witch hunts in a quiet 1600s English village, SOMNA follows one woman’s erotic escape from the confines of her puritanical world. No one is above suspicion when the relentless Witch Hunter Roland draws his net around someone close to him as this darkly sexual thriller races towards its gripping conclusion!
Why It’s Cool: I don’t know if there’s a better-looking periodical comic on the shelves right now than this one. It’s just so pretty. Both of the creators — Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay — are fantastic comics artists, but the way they’re blending their work in this collaboration is elevating it all.
Price: $8.99
Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #4
Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist: Juan Ferreyra
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
The most terrifying series of 2023 reaches its conclusion! His loved ones were threatened. His life was compromised. Who pulled the strings? Mysterio? Or someone far worse?
Why It’s Cool: I mean, would you just look at this cover? It’s absolutely fantastic. And it’s really indicative of what I enjoy about this book. First and foremost, Juan Ferreyra remains in my opinion one of the most interesting artists who is consistently working in superhero comics, from the way he frames his panels to the character work. And when you set him loose on a visually interesting character like Spider-Man and let him also do horror? The result is this fantastic series, which wraps up this week.
Price: $3.99
Others Receiving Votes
- Avengers Twilight #2
- Batman: Off-World #3
- Charred Remains #2
- Coda #5
- Dark Ride #10
- Drive Like Hell #4
- Incredible Hulk #8
- Sirens of the City #6
- w0rldtr33 #7
New #1s and One-Shots
- Batman and Robin Annual #1 (one-shot)
- Batman/Superman – World’s Finest Annual #1 (one-shot)
- DC Power 2024 #1 (one-shot)
- Dead X-Men #1
- House of Slaughter – Pen & Ink #1
- Jill and the Killers #1
- Kid Cudi Presents Moon Man #1
- Lilo & Stitch #1
- Marvel Voices – Legends #1 (one-shot)
- Power Girl Uncovered #1 (one-shot)
- Power Rangers Unlimited – Morphin Masters #1 (one-shot)
- Rick and Morty Presents Maximum Crescendo #1 (one-shot)
- Trinity Special #1 (one-shot)
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
- Batman – Urban Legends Vol. 6 TP
- Daredevil – Born Again Gallery Edition HC
- EC Archives Weird Science Vol. 3 TP
- Miss Truesdale And The Fall Of Hyperborea HC
- Sabretooth And The Exiles TP
- Scott Pilgrim Precious Little Slipcase Collection
- Shook! – A Black Horror Anthology TP
- Sins of the Salton Sea TP
- Waller vs. WildStorm HC
- Zodiac – A Graphic Memoir HC
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!
