Well, all that Xmas shopping hullabaloo is over, so you don't have to go hog wild trying to shop for the particular loved geek of yours. However, that's not to say there isn't still some good 'n' plenty stuff happening in January, the first month of the last year of humanity's existence, 2012. Why not spend the end times reading comics?
So here's a good look at what's hitting your local comic book shop this month. Buy comics, kids!
Chris Yost did the best work with Spider-Man during Fear Itself, and his reward is getting his own spider-title. This one finds the long-cursed spider-clone Kaine fully healed with a chance for a real life for the first time. So now, the rest of the country gets a web-slinger, too - starting out in Houston, Texas.
BATWOMAN #5
Things just got hectic last issue for Kate Kane - her cousin is bleeding out and was forced to give up her secret identity as Batwoman to the D.E.O.! Plus, she's still no closer to figuring out how to stop the Weeping Woman from her deathly spree. One of the best books in DC's New 52 continues with the amazing art of J.H. Williams III.
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #8
The latest issue in this anthology series features the debut of a new series from DMZ scribe Brian Wood entitled The Massive, as well as a new Skeleton Key and the conclusion of Howard Chakin's Marked Men. Not to mention a brand new B.P.R.D. story and a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Tarzan.
INFESTATION 2
IDW's Infestation, their first attempt at an "event" combining their various titles into one universe under the threat of a zombie plague, was a bit hit and miss, but now they've swapped out Star Trek and Ghostbusters for Danger Girl and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for this second go-around under new writer Duane Swierczynski's pen. Don't fret - Transformers and G.I. Joe are still in the game, and 30 Days of Night is joining the party, too. This time, the threat is based around Lovecraftian monsters.
FATALE #1
Ed Brubaker. That's pretty much all you need to say. After giving us Sleeper, Incognito and Criminal, he's back with Sean Phillips to bring us this new story blending noir and horror. Guns, sex, cults and monsters! Immortal demon mob bosses! You'll want in on this one.
VOLTRON #2
Last month's surprisingly good debut carries over into the new year, as scribe Brandon Thomas joins with the great new artist Ariel Padilla to bring a new sense of scale, drama and danger to the story of the Defender of the Universe - who now has an identity and a personality beyond just being the sum of his parts. And the surprising truth behind the evil King Zarkon is unraveling, to boot.
STEED AND MRS. PEEL #1
It looks like Boom! Studios has given up the fight on referring to these folks as The Avengers, ceding the fight to the superhero parade that will be storming into movie theaters this year. So John Steed and Emma Peel will take up the good fight regardless, with new adventures written by none other than Grant Morrison. Also featuring art from Ian Gibson.
ALPHA FLIGHT #8
The thrilling conclusion to the epic miniseries that became an ongoing series for about a week! The Master of the World has taken over Canada and branded their premiere superteam as outlaws - and brainwashed a few of their members as well. Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente bring us the final chapter of this fun yet intense adventure, likely marking the last time we'll see these guys for a while.
