This week’s Top Comics to Buy for May 15 features a mix of endings and beginnings, with the later including both new #1s and the return of another favorite for a new story arc. That new story arc is Briar, a fantastic book that returns to finish the story it started. You can find out more about why I recommend that issue, along with my top four other picks, below…enjoy!
Top Comics to Buy for May 15, 2024
Batman/Dylan Dog #3
Writer: Roberto Recchioni
Artists: Gigi Cavenago and Werther Dell’edera
Colorists: Giovanna Niro and Laura Ciondolini
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Publisher: DC Comics – Sergio Bonelli Editore
Merciless Christopher Killex is back from the grave and starts to fill Gotham City’s streets with blood and horror! Dylan Dog and Batman are faced with an unsolvable dilemma: whether to accept the help of The Joker, who could prove to be a key ally in catching the serial killer. But can they really trust him?
Why It’s Cool: This is the rip-roaring conclusion to one of my favorite Batman crossovers in some time, one in which the European artists get to put their spin on a classic American character, blending him with another character’s interesting mythology. The storytelling in this series has been expert throughout, and the finale is no exception.
Price: $4.99
Briar #5
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Alex Lins
Colorist: Luis NCT with assists by Mar Silvestre
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Publisher: BOOM! Studios
In the wake of slaying Deadcrawl, Grendrid’s henchman, Briar and her companions have become quite the band of bounty hunters, with a reputation for murder and mayhem that belies their chivalrous intentions. But overzealous local authorities are not the only foes Briar will face, as Spider hatches a plan that will get them closer than ever to Briar’s malevolent fairy godmother-to the castle of Grendrid herself!
Why It’s Cool: One of my favorite comics comes back after a long break to start its second arc, which will conclude this story. New artist Alex Lins is a fantastic addition, with a style that really suits this hard-hitting intro to this new story arc. If you haven’t read Briar Vol. 1, I suggest snagging it in trade and getting caught up.
Price: $3.99
Dark Ride #12
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Andrei Bressan
Colorist: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Pat Brosseau
Publisher: Image Comics – Skybound
Arthur Dante’s most haunting creation yet is brought to life, and a final sacrifice must be made to take control of Devil Land. But who will it be? Joshua Williamson, Andrei Bressan, and Adriano Lucas bring their acclaimed series to a conclusion you never saw coming!
Why It’s Cool: This finale doubles down on all the things that have made this book excellent — the horror theme park concept AND the Succession-esque family takeover drama — while forcing some of its characters to make very hard choices. Simply put, this is an example of a series absolutely sticking its landing.
Price: $3.99
Doom #5
Writer: Jonathan Hickman
Artist: Sanford Greene
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg with Sanford Greene
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Legendary creators Jonathan Hickman (ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN, G.O.D.S.) and Sanford Greene (Bitter Root) send Doctor Doom on a journey unlike any he has undertaken before! With Valeria Richards at his side, Doom goes on a quest to harness more power than any human has ever wielded before in order to try to stop Galactus from bringing about the death of the universe!
Why It’s Cool: I really just can’t get enough of writer Jonathan Hickman’s grandiose visions for what’s possible with the Marvel Universe. But pair that with an artist as kinetic and stylish as Sanford Greene? And you really have a recipe for a perfect one-shot comic.
Price: $6.99
My Bad – Escape From Peculiar Island #1
Writers: Mark Russell and Bryce Ingram
Artist: Peter Krause
Colorist: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letterer: Rob Steen
Publisher: AHOY Comics
Unmasked and exposed, the crime-fighting Chandelier is finally defeated-by the IRS! Former US President John “Amazing” Adams assumes governorship of the tropical Peculiar Islands! Featuring a Zap-worthy “underground” incentive cover by Shannon Wheeler.
Why It’s Cool: This razor-sharp superhero parody is somehow even funnier this week as it starts its newest five-part miniseries. I don’t know if the satire in this book is for everybody, but for those it is for (a group that very much includes me), there’s really nothing better than this series. It’s that funny.
Price: $3.99
Others Receiving Votes
Action Comics #1065- Batman & Robin #9
- The Cabinet #4
- The Displaced #4
- I Heart Skull-Crusher #3
- Ice Cream Man #39
- Napalm Lullaby #3
- Red Hood: The Hill #4
- Ultimate X-Men #3
- Uncanny Valley #2
New #1s and One-Shots
- Amazing Spider-Man – Blood Hunt #1
- Godzilla 70th Anniversary Special #1
- Heartpiercer #1
- Masters of the Universe Revolution #1
- Monolith #1
- Sanction #1
- Venom – Separation Anxiety #1
Graphic Novels and Trade Collections
Astonishing Iceman Out Cold TP- Capwolf and the Howling Commandos TP
- Choose Your Own Adventure – Forecast From Stonehenge GN
- EC Archives – Weird Fantasy Vol. 3 TP
- Hexagon Bridge TP
- Justice League International Omnibus Vol. 3 HC
- Karate Prom TP
- Poison Ivy Vol. 1 – The Virtuous Cycle TP
- Something Is Killing The Children Book 2 Deluxe Edition HC
- Superman Vol. 2 – The Chained TP
- Transformers Vol. 1 – Robots in Disguise TP
- Universal Monsters Dracula HC
- What It Is GN
Read past editions of the Top Comics to Buy!
