Comics/Graphic Novels

What’s On Your Pull List? July 27, 2016

C.P. Hoffman

Staff Writer

By day, C.P. Hoffman writes about digital accessibility and the law; by night, they write about comics, pop culture, books, and gender for Book Riot and other sites. They have lived across North America (Indianapolis > Chicago > New York > Montreal > Indianapolis again), but now reside just outside of Washington, DC. C.P. has a particular affinity for Spider-Women, but also loves Wonder Woman, comics about witches, and stories about time travel. For inexplicable reasons, they also tweet a lot about the Fantastic Four. Twitter: @CPHwriter

Every week, a different Panelteer will give you a rundown of the comics they’re most looking forward to for the week. Floppies, trades and omniboo are all fair game here. This week, Charles tells us whats on his pull list.

Six scant months ago, I noted that due to a syzygy of the planets, my birthday happened to fall on new comics day. Well, this time, it’s my half-birthday, and I’m going to celebrate again by buying some more comics. Cause, you know, it’s Wednesday and stuff.

Autumnlands #12, written by Kurt Busiek, art by Ben Dewey, color art by Jordie Bellaire (Image).

Autumnlands #12

If you’re not familiar with it, Autumnlands (by Kurt Busiek, Ben Dewey, and Jordie Bellaire) is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals that is slowly losing its magic—and with it its broader socio-political system. When a group of wizards try to summon a legendary hero from the past, they are shocked to discover he isn’t an animal sorcerer, but a human soldier. It’s an extraordinarily well-constructed fantasy, with stunning art by Dewey and Bellaire. While (confession time!) I am a couple of issues behind on my reading, I will definitely be picking this up.

Batgirl #1, written by Hope Larson, art by Rafael Albuquerque (DC Comics).

Batgirl #1 Larson/Albuquerque

With the possible exception of Wonder Woman, the Batgirl relaunch with Hope Larson and Rafael Albuquerque has been my most-anticipated book in DC’s Rebirth. This week, the wait is finally over.

Captain Marvel #7, written by Ruth Gage and Christos Gage, art by Kris Anka (Marvel Comics).

Captain Marvel #7 Gage/Anka

I have mostly been skipping Civil War II, but I have a deep love of Carol Danvers, so of course I’m going to buy this. Anka has been doing some amazing work on this book, and I genuinely enjoyed the last issue by fill-in/replacement writers Ruth and Christos Gage, so I have high hopes for this issue.

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #44, written by Thom Zahler, art by Tony Fleecs (IDW).

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic #44

My daughter discovered the My Little Pony comics about a year ago, and now it’s practically impossible to get her out of the comic shop without picking up their latest adventures. Along the way, I’ve discovered just how clever, inventive, and funny they can be; Friendship Is Magic #42 was the best comic I read in June, after all.

Spider-Gwen #10, written by Jason Latour, art by Robbi Rodriguez, color art by Rico Renzi (Marvel Comics).

Spider-Gwen #10

One of my first articles for Panels was about Spider-Gwen. I’m wearing a Spider-Gwen t-shirt as I write this. She might not be my favorite Spider-Woman, but that’s an insanely high bar these days. I’m totally buying this.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #10, written by Ryan North, art by Erica Henderson, color art by Rico Renzi (Marvel Comics).

Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #10

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is consistently one of—if not the—most enjoyable books on my pull list. The current arc, which has the Mole Man falling in love with Squirrel Girl—has been stellar so far, and I can’t wait to read the next installment.

Wonder Woman #3, written by Greg Rucka, art by Liam Sharp (DC Comics).

Wonder Woman #3, Rucka/Sharp

As I’ve written before, I am both excited and a little fearful of this new Wonder Woman run: excited because Rucka has a history writing great stories with Diana, but fearful because of the revelation in DC Universe: Rebirth #1 that Diana has a twin brother. The first couple of issues of the present-day series (the book alternates between stories set in the present, illustrated by Liam Sharp, and “Year One” stories, illustrated by Nicola Scott) have hinted at major changes to Diana’s continuity, but have offered few direct answers yet. Here’s hoping we start to get some more definitive direction with issue #3.

Bonus Book Not on my Pull List that You Should Consider Buying Anyway:

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, volume 1, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, art by Robert Hack (Archie Comics).

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Volume 1

I absolutely adore almost everything about this book, but have been reticent to recommend it because of the numerous delays. Well, the wait is over and the first arc is now out in trade. Robert Hack’s expressionist art is perfectly suited for sense of foreboding and genuine horror within, while Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s writing continues to impress. If you haven’t checked Chilling Adventures of Sabrina yet, now is the perfect time.