What follows is a look at what I’m actually bringing home with me this week. It’s not an indictment of any comics, so much as it’s a refined focus on the things that bring me joy specifically. To the side, you’ll see the full list of what I’m buying. Below, I’ll be taking a look at a few things in specific detail.

Now, this isn’t (just) an excersize in self-importance – we want to hear what YOU’RE most anticipated reads are this week. Click here for the complete list, and either write a comment there, here or hit us up at Twitter @blogaboutcomics or @variantedmonton!

AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #7

Finally.

I’ve had a lot to say about the releasing pace of this book, and I honestly stand by every word. It’s an incredible series that’s being hobbled by a terrible release schedule, and the best thing Archie as a company could do for it is to release arcs as they’re done, and put the story on hiatus in between. Nothing kills a book more than a shuddering release schedule, and I’ve seen many high quality books disappear off the stands because of it. I would not want to see this join the pile.

BITCH PLANET #1

The most anticipated release of my week. The most anticipated release for many this week. Positioned as a take on the women-in-prison exploitation genre, Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro take their considerable talents and build something wonderful and vital. I honestly think this could be a new classic for a generation. So there’s that, which is pretty cool.

HIT VOL 1

A phenomenal crime story along the lines of The Fade Out, featuring soon-to-be-household-name Vanesa R. Del Ray on art duties. A taught noir set during the golden age of LA, it’s atmospheric and wonderful, one of my favourite reads of… was it last year? This year? Regardless, I enjoyed it a lot, and this collection has been far too long in arriving. Luckily, a second series has just been announced for next year, so I eagerly await that.

SEX CRIMINALS #9

YES. I’m not saying it’s going to be my first read this week buuuuut, it’s absolutely going to be my first read this week. This is a book that I can’t wait to devour each and every time it hits the stands. I’m so glad that people are really keying into the series so that we’ll see quite a bit more of this strange, beautiful and terrifying world.

WINDSOR MCCAY COMPLETE LITTLE NEMO XL HC

With Little Nemo now in the public domain, there’s been a slew of product featuring Windsor McCay’s most famous creation. Sometimes this can be a bad thing, but so far, we’ve been treated to wonderful things like IDW’s Return to Slumberland series (the third issue of which is also out this week) and Locust Press’ stunning Dream Another Dream art book. And now? Now I’m buying a complete collection of the series from Taschen, and I’m pretty sure everyone is going to be okay with another giant book in the house. Yep. Ev-er-ee-bo-dy. (Waves at the wife, smiling, just seconds away from imminent death.)

ZENITH: PHASE ONE HC

This actually came out weeks ago but I ended up giving my copy away to a customer in need. So. Finally, I’m going to have my hands on this 2000AD classic from Grant Morrison and Steve Yeowell. I honestly have no idea what it’s about, but the creators and company are good enough reasons for me to test this out. I’ll let you know how it goes.