There’s nothing like the smell of fresh comic books. It’s an ages old tradition, hanging out at the comic shop on Wednesday afternoons, watching stacks of fresh comics hit the shelves. Several of us Rebels take part in this proud ritual week after week. Gongonzabar Farbin and I have decided to start this new column. Each week, we’ll write about a couple of the best comics to hit the racks.

Wonder Rebel powers… Activate!

Fables #69

[Gongonzabar Farbin]

So I know this is the start of our brand spankin’ new column, but my pick of the week is the conclusion to the most recent nine-part Fables story arc, The Good Prince. Throughout previous Fables storylines, we have become accustomed to the character Flycatcher being nothing more than a dim-witted, happy go lucky janitor content with his station in life. But in the latest storyline, Flycatcher regains memories previously blocked out his mind which inspires him to do something about events that have happened throughout his life. Throughout this latest arc, we see Flycatcher transform from a lowly working janitor into a leader and even a legend among the other Fables. Fables #69 wraps everything up wonderfully, tying up many loose ends while also introducing plot devices for future stories to come. With another beautiful cover by staff favorite James Jean, and stunning interiors done by Mark Buckingham, this is one book that was instantly bag and boarded and put away to be stored safely until it appreciates in value and gets me loads upon buttloads of money (mwhahahaha!).

The Twelve #2

[Greg]

It takes a special kind of person to pick up The Twelve at first glance. I mean, the cover has a guy wearing a speedo on it. The characters aren’t just throwbacks to the Golden Age, they are from the Golden Age. The pulpy cover promises us a thrilling novel of tomorrow. However, J. Michael Straczynski’s twelve-issue miniseries is one of the best things to hit the stands in awhile.

Twelve obscure heroes of World War 2 were trapped in status under the ruins of Nazi Germany. They have been revived in the modern day and left to fend for themselves in the modern world. Sure, the heroes of the Golden Age were cheesy as hell, but this book couldn’t get much more series. Watching these dozen individuals cope with waking up sixty years in the future is fascinating. Straczynski manages to humanize these characters in fascinating ways. You have to pity most of them – Captain Wonder has woken up to a dead wife and dead children, lost in Vietnam. One, Rockman, was the king of an underground civilization that no one has ever heard of or heard from for decades. Mastermind Excello has overactive senses, something that is truly a curse in a modern city. Not every problem is quite so epic, even the little details are fascinating. One character goes out on patrol and attempts to stop a purse robbery. The man he attacks is actually the victim’s black husband. The hero flies away in disgust, unable to cope with the changes in social norms.

With the fascinating premise of Golden Age heroes in a modern world and writing to back it up, I can’t wait for the next issue. Seriously, ignore the guy with hairy legs in a speedo. Buy the comic already.

Uncanny X-Men #495

[Greg]

I grew up with the X-Men. They were my first superhero love, and we’ve been through some good times together. Though, I do have to admit, we’ve kind of had a falling out. I lost track of the X-Men for awhile when I wasn’t reading many comics. I’ve kind of had a hard time getting back in, the continuity has just gotten so screwy. I’ve been working my way back in. I got into Whedon’s Astonishing X-Men shortly after it started coming out. Keeping it outside of continuity was the best decision they could have made. I moved on to Peter David’s X-Factor series (his run on the original X-Factor is one of the greatest sets of comic books ever) and finally plunged back into the main line with Messiah Complex. The end of the latest crossover was enough to draw me back in.

It’s a testament to Ed Brubaker’s talent that a comic that alternated between a Savage Land vacation, Angelina Jolie, and magic hippies was downright awesome. Michael Choi’s artwork also does wonders for this book. The verbal confrontation between Cyclops and Iron-Man amidst the ruins of Xavier’s mansion was bone-chilling. Wolverine, Colossus, and Nightcrawler’s escapades in Russia should also be pretty entertaining. Those three have always been a fun trio. Messiah Complex left us with a clean slate and a slimmed down, focused line of books. I can’t wait to see where they take things from here with the newly divided X-Men.

Coming Up Next Week

Here’s what we’re buying next week:

[Greg]

Amazing Spider-Man #550
New Avengers #38
Sword #5
Walking Dead #46
X-Factor #28

[Gongonzabar Farbin]

Captain Marvel #3
Amazing Spider-Man #550
Green Arrow Black Canary #5
New Avengers #38
X-Force #1

Do you have a particular comic that you want us to cover? Do you want to share your opinions on what you bought this week? Tell us in the comments section below!

Greg gets his comics from Gary’s Comics and More. Farbin buys his at Acadiana Book and Comic Shop. To find a comic dealer near you, call 1-888-COMIC-BOOK. Shipping lists can be found at Diamond Comics.