This week’s Top Comics to Buy for March 8 is a list that is majority new #1 comics. Within that bunch, we get a brand-new professional wrestling concept from AHOY Comics, the launch of a new Superman family book, and the first print publication of one of the most interesting series ever put out by comiXology Originals.
You can find those recommendations — and more! — below, along with our usual lists … enjoy!
Top Comics to Buy for March 8, 2023
Adventures of Superman – Jon Kent #1
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Clayton Henry
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Wes Abbott
Publisher: DC Comics
ANOTHER SUPERMAN HAS FALLEN. Across the Multiverse, Kal-Els are being murdered. Val-Zod, the Superman of Earth-2, believes only one man can help stop the killing—Kal-El’s son, Jon Kent! Jon will have to step across dimensions and face the killer of the Kal- Els, the monstrous Ultraman, the man who kidnapped and tortured him for years. And Val-Zod is not acting alone in trying to save the Supermen. Who is the mysterious woman alongside him? And what is her shocking connection to the Super-Family?
Why It’s Cool: Going into this one, I was a bit hesitant, mostly because the cover teases a connection to the Injustice comics, which felt a little gimmicky to me. However, I ended up really liking this first issue, which goes all in on the newly-restored DC Multiverse in ways that bring some fun surprises and twists.
Price: $3.99
Clear #1
Writer: Scott Snyder
Artist: Francis Manapul
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
In the not-too-distant future, mankind no longer sees the world as it truly is. The invention of neurological filters has made it so one can view reality however they may choose-old Hollywood monochrome, zombie apocalypse, anime . . . the possibilities are endless. Neo-shamus Sam Dunes is one of only a handful who choose to live without a filter. When the death of an old flame reveals foul play, Dunes is set on a wild and twisting mystery that will take him from the city’s deadly underworld to the even deadlier heights of wealth and power.
Why It’s Cool: Of the creator-owned Scott Snyder books that have made their way so far from comiXology Originals to print, this one may be the biggest conceptual swing. It’s loaded with interesting world-building that is enhanced further by Manapul’s bold renderings. It’s really complex and engaging stuff, and I can’t recommend it enough. This first issue is also loaded with so much backmatter that it almost feels like a second comic, a great value.
Price: $4.99
The Gimmick #1
Writer: Joanne Starer
Artist: Elena Gogou
Colorist: Andy Troy
Letterer: Rob Steen
Publisher: AHOY Comics
Pro wrestling champ Shane Bryant’s ring persona-his gimmick-is forgettable: he’s a “nice guy.” But his secret is more colorful: he has super strength. And when he punches a fist straight through his opponent’s brain-in front of 2.4 million horrified viewers-everything changes. Now Shane needs a new gimmick-and a new life!
Why It’s Cool: On the heels of Do A Powerbomb, I thought we’d gotten a singular high point for sci-fi blended pro wrestling comics, but after reading The Gimmick #1, I’m wondering if we’re at the start of something. This issue — while very different from Powerbomb — also artfully uses pro wrestling as a canvas for an interesting sci-fi premise about super power. By the end of this one, readers will be deeply enmeshed in an intriguing mystery, too. I highly recommend it.
Price: $3.99
Monkey Prince #12
Writer: Gene Luen Yang
Artist: Bernard Chang
Colorist: Marcelo Maiolo
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Publisher: DC Comics
After the events of Lazarus Planet, Monkey Prince discovers how he is related to the Monkey King, and the truth of who he is shakes him to the core. Everything he knows is questioned, and how can he exist anymore knowing who he actually is? And did Shifu Pigsy know all along? And if so, why didn’t he tell Marcus?
Why It’s Cool: This is a finale issue, and I think the ending of this book was its strongest arc yet, establishing a future-looking status quo for the Monkey Prince and managing to entertain as it does. This has just all around been a really excellent maxiseries, one that also managed to be part of a crossover event in a way that helped it actually gain momentum. Great stuff, and an easy addition to the Top Comics to Buy for March 8.
Price: $3.99
Traveling to Mars #4
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Roberto Meli
Colorist: Chiara Di Franca
Letterer: Mattia Gentili
Publisher: Ablaze
Roy gets an unexpected chance at salvation when his estranged wife agrees to talk to him before his spaceship cuts off communications with the Earth.
Why It’s Cool: You know, I’m starting to suspect this book is an absolute masterpiece, with writer Mark Russell continuing to pen some of his most thoughtful and poignant work (which is really saying something) and the rest of the creative team rising to the moment. This issue sees the addition of some new plot twists, along with a subplot about a robot that might make you tear up. Simply put, you need to be reading this comic.
Price: $3.99
Others Receiving Votes
- Almighty #2
- Amazing Spider-Man #61
- Avengers #66
- Batman & The Joker – The Deadly Duo #5
- Batman #133
- Black Panther #15
- Black Tape #2
- Blood Tree #2
- Fantastic Four #5
- Gospel #5
- Poison Ivy #10
- Scarlet Witch #3
- Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #2
- Static: Shadows of Dakota #2
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – The Armageddon Game – The Alliance #5
New #1s and One-Shots
- A.R.C. #1 (one-shot)
- Dejah Thoris #1
- The Flash – One-Minute War – Start the Clock #1 (one-shot)
- The Gimmick #1
- Godzilla Rivals – Mothra vs. Titanosaurus #1 (one-shot)
- New Mutants – Lethal Legion #1
- Predator #1
- Stoneheart #1
- X-23: Deadly Regenesis #1
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
- A First Time For Everything HC
- Batman/Superman – World’s Finest Vol. 1 – The Devil Nezha HC
- Dungeons & Dragons – Honor Among Thieves Official Movie Prequel TP
- Judge Dredd Regicide TP
- Nice House on the Lake Vol. 2 TP
- Silver Surfer by Dan Slott and Michael Allred Omnibus HC
- Snow Angels Library Edition HC
- Teen Titans Robin TP
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!