10.01.14 [#PicksOfTheWeek]

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It’s a relatively small week for me, but there are still some strong picks to be found. Leading the pack is Moon Knight #8 by Brian Wood, Greg Smallwood, and Jordie Bellaire, with cover at by Declan Shalvey. This issue features a bold structural approach right at home in the world of the ubiquitous iPhone, an installment of this crisp series that’s sure to delight with its willingness to experiment with the medium, examine our perceptions of public figures, and provide commentary on social interaction in The Digital Age. I’m calling it early; it could be a contender for this year’s Eisner Award for Best Single Issue.

If you ask me, Jason Aaron is responsible for (along with artist R. M. Guera, a guy who should seriously be working more) one of the greatest modern comics with Scalped, so I’m always up for more of his creator-owned work. If Southern Bastards wasn’t enough to stick in your craw, this week it’s Men of Wrath #1 with Ron Garney. Aaron’s work is so strong that I also read his work-for-hire projects, so I’ll give Thor #1 a look too, with art by Russell Dauterman, a much-ballyhooed female protagonist, and a lovely Fiona Staples cover.

So far, I found the first volume of the series a little more raucous funny, but God Hates Astronauts #2 will surely be good for a laugh at the hands of Ryan Browne, and I’ll also be checking out Gotham Academy #1 by Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, and Karl Kerschl. There’s a lot of expectation and hype already built up around this title, so I hope it delivers. I’m also curious about the Blackhand Comics Hardcover by the co-creator of Deadly Class, Wes Craig. I’ve been very impressed with Craig’s work lately, like some delicious blend of David Aja and Dark Knight Returns-era Frank Miller.

I’m definitely picking up Detective Comics #35. Now, I don’t think I have ever recommended an issue of Detective Comics, and I’ve been largely out on all things New 52, but this is special. For two issues, writer Ben Percy teams up with artist John Paul Leon (The Winter Men, Earth X), who is hands down one of the best artists working today. I’ve interviewed JPL and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more thoughtful craftsman. He’s been primarily applying his moody ink-drenched aesthetic to cover art in recent years (DMZ, The Massive), so it’s a real treat to see interior work. It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t miss.