Hot Off the Comics Press: Picks of the Week 13 July

Summer events haven't always been the staple of a comic book calendar, but Marvel's critically (and commercially) excelling Civil War, which ran in 2006, set a high president for the proceeding years. Focusing on the Superhero Registration Act, it saw hero turn on hero as war spilled onto the streets of the Marvel U. This week sees a tantalising, or cynical, similar premise running through the pages of X-Men Schism #1 (of 5). Written by Jason Aaron, the story centres around a  mutant-triggered international incident which will tear the X-Men (and the comic series) apart.

The new arc for the mutants isn't the only invite for new fans to hop on the Marvel story train. After all, there is a movie coming soon, with Captain America: The First Avenger set to open on July 29th Ed Brubaker's Captain America #1 is out this week. After the death of a friend, this issue sees Steve Roger make an explosive return back to action.

This week DC is eclipsed in offerings by its own imprint, Vertigo, and the pick of the litter is Northlanders #42 by Brian Wood. With art by Paul Azaceta, this is the beginning of 'The Icelandic Trilogy' as the creative pair take on the history of this mythic island nation. Even though the speech is modern, the series focuses on different tales of the Viking era; past issues have been brutal and gritty, but with a fluent pace to the story. Now is the time to give this great series a try.

If Vikings don't float your boat, this week's indie alternative Executive Assistant Orchid #1 (of 3) is another place to start for new readers, this time for fans of excess. Fat, cigar-chomping villains, facing off against scantily clad, gun-toting buxom babes may seem like a cliché but writer Scott Lobdell promises a decent story. Read as part of the Hit List Agenda or a stand alone, this title should pack a punch.