ComicBook Countdown: New Releases for the Week of April 20th

Welcome to ComicBook Countdown, the place at ComicBook.Com where I will highlight some of each week’s most exciting debuts. From single issues to collected editions, films to television, action figures to board games: It’s all fair game here. So let’s take a look at some of the hottest new releases for the week of April 20th, 2015.

10. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Trailer | Warner Bros.

The big IMAX debut for this trailer tonight (4/20) lost a lot of its momentum when the trailer was leaked only hours after the newest Star Wars trailer debuted (and managed to leave many fans in tears). This leak appears to have forced Warner Brothers’ hand when they officially released the trailer on the Internet this weekend. It’s a disappointing blow for the big event, but catching a glimpse of director Zack Snyder’s newest superhero vision with a proper screen and sound system should still be quite the spectacle. After all, cell phones and computer screens will never come close to the magic found in movie theaters.

9. Mind MGMT #32 | Dark Horse

Matt Kindt’s mind-bending spy thriller continues to weave towards its conclusion in the final arc of Mind MGMT. I wouldn’t be surprised to see every issue of the series through #36, the big finale, land on this list. It’s been an incredible journey told in a truly auteur style. Even after almost three years, Kindt is still pushing himself to produce the best work of his career by exploring new ways to use the comics form as the world crumbles. If you haven’t been reading Mind MGMT, it’s still not too late to catch up before it all ends.

8. Convergence: New Teen Titans #1 | DC

“Convergence” is pitching more than ten new stories every week, and at least one seems to always stand out from the rest. This week sees several beloved writers return to the DC series on which they found much of their fame. Len Wein’s Swamp Thing should certainly be interesting, but its Marv Wolfman’s newest story of the New Teen Titans that seems like a must-read. Wolfman will be accompanied by Nicola Scott, who promises to bring a bright, fun take on one of the greatest teams to ever grace superhero comics.

7. Criminal Volume 4: Bad Night | Image

This is the fourth new printing of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillip’s quintessential crime series since the pair signed an exclusive deal with Image Comics. Although their more recent series like Fatale and The Fade Out have garnered the biggest creator-owned sales of their careers, it’s no excuse to skip Criminal. This series defined the Brubaker/Phillips partnership for many readers, and is a modern classic. “Bad Night” is perhaps the most eclectic story from the entire series, and is bound to please readers of crime comics and classic newspaper strips alike.

6. Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #4 |Marvel

There are a lot of reasons to read Squirrel Girl. Erica Henderson’s art pops on each page with an incredible amount of energy. Sight gags litter the story, and it’s impossible to resist Tippy Toe, Squirrel Girl’s incorrigible sidekick. Writer Ryan North is as funny as ever in his scripting, running wild with the wackiest ideas the Marvel Universe has to offer. It’s that perfect sort of funny book that is genuinely entertaining for all ages.

But honestly? You should only need to hear four words to pick this issue up: Squirrel Girl versus Galactus. ‘Nuff said.

5. Rachel and Miles X-Plain the X-Men

Last week the 52nd episode of “Rachel and Miles X-Plain the X-Men” was published on iTunes. It has been one year since these two comics fans and professionals began explaining one of the greatest ongoing superhero sagas ever. Each episode is well-paced, informative, and an absolute blast to listen to. The good news for new listeners is that episode 52 provided a recap of everything covered thus far, making this week’s episode the perfect time to jump on. Whether you don’t know a thing about the X-Men, are looking for a deeper understanding, or just want something fun to listen to, this podcast is an absolute must-listen.

4. Deadly Class #12 | Image

Deadly Class #11 ended not just with an enormous cliffhanger, but the nigh-impossible wait until this week’s issue. Fans of Rick Remender’s and Wes Craig’s prep school assassination drama will likely to their local comic store on Wednesday to find out what comes next. All I will say is that they won’t be disappointed. Craig and Remender continue to seamlessly blend deeply human drama with some of the most exhilarating action in comics today. Each issue of Deadly Class demands at least two readings: a breathless first run followed by a more carefully-paced second lap to appreciate each element. Deadly Class #12 is no exception.

3. Game of Thrones, “High Sparrow” | HBO

The first pair of episodes in each Game of Thrones season always tend to be weaker. They are required to reintroduce a massive cast of characters and too many plotlines to count, while also providing loads of new information. Now that most of this necessary work is over, we may see the fifth season really take off. “High Sparrow” promises to up the intrigue at King’s Landing, as Cersei continues the Lannister’s power struggle against old enemies and some new, pious players as well.

2. Kaptara #1 | Image

Fans of Sex Criminals are bound to have heard of Chip Zdarsky’s newest title at Image Comics: Kaptara. It’s a bizarre space odyssey that includes strong sword and sorcery elements in what Zdarsky describes as “gay Saga“. Zdarsky is accompanied by artist Kagan McLeod, who provides a flighty mood of fantasy to the science fiction setting. McLeod’s designs for both human characters and the… odder beings in Kaptara #1 are fantastic. He infuses faces and forms with plenty of attitude. Kaptara promises to be a delightful and strange journey.

1. Scott Pilgrim Color Edition Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour | Oni Press

Bryan Lee O’Malley may have already completed his Scott Pilgrim saga, and this particular volume was first published in black and white almost five years ago, just before the movie hit theaters. I love the black and white aesthetic of the original series, but Nathan Fairbairn’s brilliant covers have awarded them a second life. Do not skip this volume. Nathan Fairbairn’s colors have brought a whole new dimension to this modern comics classic. It’s not that one version is better than the other, but that both are absolutely essential comics. Scott Pilgrim took the comics scene by storm when it was first published and it has lost none of its power or charm in the interceding years. Whether you’ve never read this series before or just want to revisit one of the best comic books of the current century, now’s the time.

What new comics, shows, and other releases are you looking forward to this week? Share in the comments below.