What’s old is new again

Here are the best comics to buy ahead of (late) SDCC on July 24, a week where the likes of EC Comics, Ninja Turtles, Dick Tracy and The Flash are all doing something new. Some nostalgia chasing is inherent to the modern comics market, but what stands out to me about this week is that (with the possible exception of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ) these aren’t the usual reboot suspects. But I digress, below you can find my usual set of weekly recommendations…enjoy!

The most worth buying comics on July 24, 2024

Epitaph from the Abyss #1
writer: J. Holsom, Chris Condon, Stephanie Phillips and Brian Azzarillo
artist: Jorge Fornes, Peter Krause, Phil Hurst (inked by Travis Hymel), and Vlad Legostaev
Colorist: Dan Jackson, Michelle Madsen, Marissa Lewis and Brittany Peele
Writer: Richard Stuckins and Tyler Smith
Publisher: they press
In our first oversized, 40-page book of horrors, witness shocking tales of torture and tension in the enduring EC tradition, as told by acclaimed author Brian Azzarello. Chris Condon (“Texas Blood,” “Nightcrawler”), J. Holsom (FX’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”) and Stephanie Phillips (“Harley Quinn,” “Grim”), with a production by “Carnage” artist Jorge Fornes (“Rorschach,” “Danger Street”) turned this into a bloody reality.
Why it’s cool: A 2024 EC comic is a crazy idea considering that many of the originals were committed to pushing boundaries when they were published (until the end of EC in 1956). that’s a lot a lot of It’s harder to do anything new these days in horror, arguably the strongest of all genres, with innovative work happening across horror movies, television, video games, and comics. Most of today’s horror stories build on the foundation laid by the original EC. In other words, these are the biggest vacancies that could potentially be filled. But Oni Press is giving it a try, and if you’re like me, you’ll want to see how the whole thing plays out. We’ll have a full review tomorrow…
price: $4.99

hello dark #1
writer: Jude Allison Doyle, Dave Cook, James Tynion IV, Steve Orlando and Garth Ennis
artist: Letizia Kadonic, David Cousens, Vit Deidra, Al Caplan and Becky Cloonan
Colorist: Alessandro Santoro, Angel de Santiago, Mikel Muertro, Marisa Lewis and Tamra Bonvillain
Engraver: Becca Kelly, Nathan Kempf, Andworld Design, Judy Trautman and Pat Brosseau
Publisher: Prosperity! studio
Featuring heart-stopping industry legends including Garth Ennis, Becky Cloonan, James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera, Brian Azzarello, Vanesa R. Del Rey, John Arcudi, Ryan Sook and more, you’ll find everything from primal horror to modern politics. Be Awakened, in the classic style of Creepy and Weird with the modern chill of Black Mirror.
Why it’s cool: Meanwhile, people are BOOM! The studio is launching an anthology of their own very much inspired by EC Comics, in Same week as EC Comics Restart. But (obviously) they are different books. The game also features popular stories from BOOM! Something is killing the children. For me, the standout stories are definitely the ones by Ennis/Cronan/Bonvilland/Brousseau, which moved me deeply, and the ones worth mentioning are Doyle/Kadonich/San Toro/Kairi’s opening story, that’s right – kids are scary.
price: $5.99

Beautiful house by the sea #1
writer: James Tynion IV
artist: Alvaro Martinez Bueno
Colorist: Jody Bellaire
Writer: and world design
Publisher: DC Comics – Black Label
No one invited to the house knew Max—but she knew every one of them. They were all masters in their respective fields, giants of industry and knowledge, and they all represented the best and brightest of humanity. So when Max whispers to each of them the truth they deserve—to be saved from disaster, to carry on the flames of civilization in a paradise built just for them—they all jump at the chance. why not? Why shouldn’t they be immortals? Isn’t it their fate to survive the culling of the small herd? Wouldn’t it be… nice to be named the future of humanity?
Why it’s cool: I’ll tell the truth, even though I loved Beautiful house by the lake, I’m not sure where this concept has room to go after the first 12 issues. It seems like a very clever pandemic allegory played out against a dire backdrop. all is well. But I have to say, I’m very pleasantly surprised by how new this is Beautiful house by the sea #1 feeling, while building from the previous volume in an sensual way. Moreover, this art team is really excellent.
price: $4.99

Ninja Turtles #1
writer: Jason Aaron
artist: Joel Jones
Colorist: Ronda Pattison
Writer: Sean Lee
Publisher: IDW Press
The Ninja Turtles have all left New York to pursue their own interests, but there are forces gathering that will bring them back together – whether the bad guys like it or not. First up: Raphael! But why is everyone’s favorite brawler in jail? When a raid in prison puts Raphael’s status in jeopardy, he needs to find a way out and warn his brothers that trouble is coming. Superstar writer Jason Aaron (“Thor,” “Batman: Elsewhere”) teams up with Jolle Jones (“Lady,” “Catwoman”) to launch the first issue of a new TMNT series that begins a bold ’s new era, celebrating TMNT’s 40th anniversary while setting the stage to prepare for the next 40 years!
Why it’s cool: You know, a lot of ongoing comics are relaunched with a new number one and bill themselves as “a great jumping off point.” But gosh, this is actually one of the best jump points in an ongoing story I’ve read in a long time. I like this question. It keeps me hooked on the next run and makes me want to go back and read the entire previous run. mission completed.
price: $4.99

Zatanna – Trouble #1
writer: virtual tokyo
artist: Javier Rodriguez
Writer: Hassan Otzman Elhou
Publisher: DC Comics – Black Label
The magician is on trial! Although Zatanna is determined to avoid true magic at all costs, a terrifying showdown with an interdimensional demon interrupts her stage show, suggesting she may not be as far removed from the magical world as she once hoped. Now, a mysterious group of magic-casters emerge from the shadows, accusing her of wielding immense and terrifying power against one of their own – her late father and greatest disgrace – Giovanni Zatara!
Why it’s cool: Everything drawn by Javier Rodriguez is a must read for me, but when it’s written by Mariko Tamaki and paired with a visually interesting character like Zatanna This is especially true when paired. This book looks great. This is a page-by-page e-read. What makes me even more excited is that Zatanna remains one of those DC characters who doesn’t have a clear No. 1 signature story. Everyone? It could easily be that.
price: $5.99