The Longbox Short-List - Week of September 7, 2016

Welcome back to Critical Blast’s weekly look at what new comics you should check out each week.   Just a warning, I make these picks pretty much a week BEFORE I actually get to read any of these comics, so if something is a stinker, I take no blame on that.  Let's get to it!

Comics shipping this week

ALTERS #1 – On it’s surface, Alters could have just been like a million attempts to redefine the superhero genre: “the world struggles to accept the emergence of a new kind of mutant species known as alterations, or 'Alters’.” But this book promises to tackle important social issues like differing genders, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations. The first issue introduces us to a transgendered hero named Chalice. Aftershock continues to redefine what the comic industry can be, and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do with this book.

CYBORG REBIRTH #1 – My interest in Cyborg having his own book waned soon after David Walker was off the book. I have been giving all of the Rebirth books a fair try to win me over. I am really hoping this can recapture some of the magic that Walker put into the book. 

FLINTSTONES #3 – Not at all what I expected from a Flintstones comic, but it’s been terrific. If definitely feels like if they made Flintstones today, it would very much resemble this comic. I enjoy all of DC’s Hanna Barbara line, but this is definitely my favorite.

BLOODLINES #6 – Still not sure what DC’s intentions were with this series. I’ve really enjoyed it, but they gave it just about no publicity and it’s not clear where it fits in with anything else going on in DC. But, for me, it was a well-done story about people getting “infected” with super-powers, and a nice call back to the Bloodlines annuals from the 90’s.

MOON KNIGHT #6 – This book continues to make me question everything. Jeff Lemire can sometimes be hit or miss, but I absolutely love what he’s doing with Moon Knight. It is a very fresh take on the character, and one of the best comics I read every month.

PAPER GIRLS #9 – Every issue of this series gets better. With all the love Stranger Things is getting, fans should check out Paper Girls. It’s very much in the same spirit, with some time travel thrown in for good measure.

SUPERGIRL #1 – Supergirl was one of my most anticipated DC Rebirth series. I will admit I didn’t quite love the Rebirth issue, but I am still going to give this series a fair shot. If nothing else, it will tide me over until season 2 starts on my birthday!

BATMAN #6 – Last issue was absolutely nuts! I have no idea where this series goes from here, but Tom King seems to have big shake ups in store for Gotham City. I’ve loved his work on Vision, and he might be topping it here!

DOCTOR STRANGE #11 – As much as I enjoyed the Last Days of Magic story arc, I did think things may have been resolved a little too easy last issue. I am hoping this story still has some twists and turns ahead for the reader. Either way, Jason Aaron is writing one terrific Doctor Strange comic.

Batman Beyond #16
Green Arrow #6 
Nightwing #4 
Superman #6 
All-New All-Different Avengers #14 
Daredevil #11 
Invincible Iron Man #13 
Silk #12 
Squadron Supreme #11
Star Wars Poe Dameron #6 
Uncanny X-Men #12 
A&A The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #7 
Ninjak #19