12.28.11 Releases

Things get a little back to normal as the final shipping week of the year comes around. Without question, the pick of the week will be DMZ #72 (DC/Vertigo), which marks the very last issue of Brian Wood's 6 year tale of Matty Roth and the cultural identity of the modern day United States. Any series hitting 72 issues from the same writer is a minor miracle these days, and I'll be sad to see it go, but we'll still be talking about the trades for months to come over at LIVE FROM THE DMZ. There's really no other book I'll be able to focus on this week, but I'll still be picking up Secret Avengers #20 (Marvel) from Warren Ellis and Alex Maleev, featuring Black Widow. I can also recommend Avengers: Children's Crusade #8 (Marvel), which is the penultimate issue in the saga. Joe Casey offers up a little double tap with Haunt #20 (Image) and Godland #35 (Image). I was underwhelmed by the story in Haunt #19, but there's no denying the magic of Nathan Fox's art. On the other hand, Godland is usually both a fun read and visually engaging, but I have zero recollection of the last issue and what's going on. What looks good to you?