The New Champion Of Shazam! – The Pull List 3rd August

The Geeky Brummie Pull List with The New Champion Of Shazam!

Welcome back for another NCBD. On the Pull List this week we have the first issue of The New Champion Of Shazam! from DC Comics, which is our Comic Of The Week, plus the latest issues of Twig, Once and Future, Legion of X, Immortal X-Men, X-Men: Red and New Fantastic Four. In our On The Radar selection, we have 3 more comics from Image, Titan Comics and IDW Publishing. And MEANWHILE… a Cold War is coming…

If you want to send any comics or comic related events we should feature, feel free to reach out to me at keith@geekybrummie.com.

Now on with the comics…

The New Champion Of Shazam!
Issue 1
DC Comics

Writer – Josie Campbell
Artist – Evan ‘Doc’ Shaner
Letterer – Becca Carey

Buy from Comixology – The New Champion Of Shazam #1 (Link)

CHAPTER ONE: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SOMEONE ELSE
Mary Bromfield has always struggled to determine who she is outside her family…kinda hard to do when you’re all superheroes! Now, after Billy Batson’s heroic sacrifice, the power of Shazam has vanished, and she’s been left powerless. Most heroes would be distraught, but not Mary. It’s finally time for a voyage of self-discovery as she prepares for her freshman year of college and a civilian life. But nothing is ever truly normal for this young hero, because she’s just been chosen as the new champion of Shazam! (At least according to a talking rabbit sent by her estranged brother Billy.) Will she embrace the power? Or will it die along with this world’s hope of survival against the mysterious magical forces waiting to take control?
Find out in Mary’s first solo miniseries, brought to you by up-and-coming comics writer Josie Campbell (Future State: Green Lantern) and fan-favorite Shazam artist Evan Doc Shaner (Strange Adventures, Convergence: Shazam!)!

I’ve been a big fan of ‘Doc’ Shaner’s art for a long while now, so seeing him illustrate this book meant I just had to check it out. Josie Campbell did a brilliant job on Future State: Green Lantern and I’m looking forward to seeing how Mary deals with this situation. Shazam!

Twig
Issue 4
Image Comics

Writer – Skottie Young
Artist – Kyle Strahm
Colourist – Jean-Francois Beaulieu
Letterer – Nate Piekos

Buy on Comixology – Twig #4 (Link)

Following their encounter with the Horned Beast, adventurers Twig and Splat must figure out how to travel to the location of the final item! But with basically everything trying to kill them along the way, will they live long enough to get to the Moon? Part 4 of the new series from Eisner Award-winning writer SKOTTIE YOUNG (I HATE FAIRYLAND, MIDDLEWEST) and artist KYLE STRAHM (SPREAD, UNEARTH).

Only just missing out on Comic of the Week is Twig. This book is simply amazing. The story, the art, it all just works so beautifully together. This really is a showcase for what comics can do.

Once and Future
Issue 28
BOOM! Studios

Writer – Kieron Gillen
Artist – Dan Mora
Colourist – Tarma Bonvillain

Buy from Forbidden Planet – Once and Future #28 (Link)

Vengeance on the Arthurs proves to be exactly what it takes to bring Mary and Bridgette together, despite years of strife. Will their reunion survive the battles to come? Or is this merely another ploy to split the women apart once more? The main cover connects to the covers for issues #29 and #30, creating an epic piece of artwork celebrating the entire run of this iconic fantasy series!

This is it. We are now entering the endgame of this magnificent series. I’m excited to see how this last three issue build in to the epic final battle for England’s soul.

Legion of X
Issue 4
Marvel Comics

Writer – Simon Spurrier
Artist – Jan Bazaldua
Colourist – Federico Blee
Letterer – Clayton Cowles

Buy on Comixology – Legion of X #4 (Link)

A PACT WITH A GOD IS A BARGAIN WITH ONE’S SOUL! The Skinjacker is once again out on the loose, body-jumping at an astounding pace and bringing the inhabitants of Krakoa to their breaking point. As the pressure to hunt down Switch and the Arakkii fugitive god reaches an all-time high, Nightcrawler and Zsen make discoveries about the case and themselves that could change the course of the investigation in unforeseeable ways.

Spurrier has a lot of plates in motion on this title and I’ll be interesting to see it all comes together in these final few issue. With Judgement Day happening, I’m afraid not all our heroes will survive.

Immortal X-Men
Issue 5
Marvel Comics

Writer – Kieron Gillen
Artist – Michele Bandini
Colourist – David Curiel
Letterer – Clayton Cowles

Buy on Comixology – Immortal X-Men #5 (Link)

THE BOOK OF EXODUS! Bennet du Paris was born in the 12th century. Exodus marched forth with a sword in his hand and a shield in his heart to protect what he believes. It’s now the 21st century. What’s changed? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And the Eternals who dared attack Krakoa are going to discover what that means.
A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY TIE-IN

Another X-book, another British writer. I see a pattern forming here. This is a great book which takes an in-depth look at members of the Quiet Council, while Sinister is getting up to something nefarious in the background. Look out for a lovely Arthur Adams variant cover.

X-Men: Red
Issue 5
Marvel Comics

Writer – Al Ewing
Artist – Stefano Caselli
Colourist – Federico Blee
Letterer – Ariana Maher

Buy on Comixology – X-Men: Red #5 (Link)

EXCESS DEVIATION! No one who is not an Omega-level mutant has ever taken one of the nine seats of the Great Ring. Together, they are the greatest power Arakko has ever known—and it’s nine against one. So, if the nine are losing…what does that say about the one? Judgment Day has come to the Red Planet—and it’s Arakko’s greatest test since X OF SWORDS!
A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY TIE-IN

It’s a hat-rick! Three X-books, three British writers. I guess that’s part of the reason I’m enjoying these books. This book is full of philosophy and meaning, with Al writing some of his best stuff. Wrongslide is quickly become one of my favourite characters.

New Fantastic Four
Issue 3
Marvel Comics

Writer – Peter David
Artist – Alan Robinson
Colourist – Mike Spicer
Letterer – Joe Caramagna

Buy on Comixology – New Fantastic Four #3 (Link)

HELL IN A HANDBASKET, PART 3
Chaos erupts in Sin City as Asmodeus’ demonic influence spreads… and the New Fantastic Four are caught in the thick of it! With Ghost Rider M.I.A., it’s up to Wolverine, Hulk and Spider-Man to face off against a demonically possessed Human Torch. But can they defeat him without killing him? Plus: A house call from Dr. Strange!

A loving throwback to a bygone age. There is so much fun to be had from seeing these unlikely team of heroes kick ass. Alan Robinson is doing some great work here and is channelling the original Art Adams vibe.

On the radar this week some other comics not on the Pull List but well worth checking out:

The Closet #3

Image Comics

Writer – James Tynion IV
Artist – Gavin Fullerton

Buy on Comixology – The Closet #3 (Link)

The tale of existential familial horror by JAMES TYNION IV (THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH, RAZORBLADES) & GAVIN FULLERTON (BOG BODIES, Bags) concludes here!
The cross-country move continues to torment both father and son, who just wanted to leave past hauntings behind them. Might they still find escape on the West Coast?

Doctor Who: Origins #2

Titan Comics

Writer – Jody Houser
Artists – Roberta Ingranata and Warnia K Sahadewa

Buy on Comixology – Doctor Who: Origins #3 (Link)

Featuring the Fugitive Doctor in her comics debut!
Working for the mysterious Division on a dangerous assignment, the Doctor uncovers something insidious afoot. Discover why this regeneration became known as the Fugitive!
Written by NYT bestselling comics writer Jody Houser!

Godzilla Rivals vs Battra #1

IDW Publishing

Writer – Rosie Knight
Artist – Oliver Ono

Buy on Comixology – Godzilla Rivals vs Battra #1 (Link)

In a quiet beachside town ravaged by constant sewage spillages and toxic waste dumps, something is stirring. Deep under the rolling hills that surround Hackney-on-Sea, Battra is awakening, driven by a single goal: to destroy mankind and save planet Earth. The only thing that can stop the monster is Godzilla, but he hasn’t been seen in decades and has never ventured to the cold shores of the English coast…until now.
Robbie runs a small bookshop, but her real passion is monsters. She’s spent years researching the myth of Godzilla and his fearsome foes, and now that hypothetical experience is about to become a life-saving tool. Can Robbie locate Godzilla? Will Godzilla alone be enough to defeat Battra? Is Battra really wrong? And will the goddess Mothra make an appearance? All will be revealed in Godzilla Vs. Battra.

A Cold War is Coming

The secret origin of Steve’s shield, the revenge of White Wolf and Crossbones, and the return of Nomad—but which one? All roads lead to Cold War, a new Captain America event kicking off in Spring 2023!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY #5

Written by COLLIN KELLY & JACKSON LANZING
Art by CARMEN CARNERO
Connecting Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
On Sale 5th October 2022

CAPTAIN AMERICA: SYMBOL OF TRUTH #6

Written by TOCHI ONYEBUCHI
Art by IG GUARA
Connecting Variant Cover by PACO MEDINA
On Sale 19th October 2022

Your Local Comics Shops

Your local comic shops are now open and you can pop in for your geek fix. Listed below are some of the best shops across the county with links to check the very latest information including opening time and covid safety measures. Therefore, when visiting these shops please be patient and respectful to all the staff who are doing an incredible job.

FORBIDDEN PLANET INTERNATIONAL (VARIOUS) – includes Worlds Apart Birmingham

Please check with stores for any changes to opening times and services.

Follow the stores social media pages for updates!

FORBIDDEN PLANET (VARIOUS) – includes Birmingham Megastore

Check their website for more information –

https://forbiddenplanet.com/stores/

GOSH! COMICS (LONDON)

Check their website for more information –

https://goshlondon.com/the-gosh-blog/the-gosh-authority-130620-reopening-news/ and https://twitter.com/GoshComics

OK COMICS (LEEDS)

Follow the stores social media pages and website for updates!

http://www.okcomics.co.uk/ and https://twitter.com/OKComics