Hot Off The Comics Press: Picks of The Week 6 July

Here we are in the height of summer, the sun is shining (sometimes) and the big comic book events are in full flow. Whether you love them or loath them, the events are dominating the shelf space with their own continuing series and a multitude of spin-offs. We are, of course, talking about Fear Itself in the Marvel corner and Flashpoint in DC's.

Fear Itself #4 by Matt Fraction and Stuart Immonen is competing directly for sales this week with Flashpoint #3 by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert, but if you're not reading them already you've fallen behind the game. Yes, there are some excellent tie-ins this week including Fear Itself Uncanny X-Force #1 (of 3) by Rob Williams and Simone Bianchi, but what else is out there?

Marvel has two first issues that are worth attention. Firstly, Wolverine & Black Cat Claws 2 #1 (of 3) by Jimmy Palmiotti and Joseph Michael Linsner is a short romp of a concept focusing on the feral nature of these two troublemakers. On the flip side of the coin, Marvel is débuting Vengeance #1 by Joey Casey and Nick Dragotta, which promises to be an epic, evil exploration of the Marvel U featuring Magneto, the Red Skull and the Young Masters of Evil.

Don't want to get into anything ongoing? Then try Trailblazer, this week's indie alternative which is a 48-page one shot from Image Comics also by Jimmy Palmiotti, this time with Dave Johnson. This is a modern western science fiction story about a hired killer who turns evidence against an employer for the murder of the woman who raised him. A rather unique witness protection program to say the least, sending people back in time! But does your future catch up with you like your past?