Hot Off The Comics Press: Picks Of The Week 6 April

Zombies are notorious for their leisurely pace so it should have come as little surprise that the Walking Dead #83 was delayed from hitting shelves last week. A pity as it would have made a nifty Vampires vs. Zombies themes in rivalling American Vampire #8 as last week’s indie alternative. As it is, Robert Kirkman’s undead nightmare continues its epic run by closing out the No Way Out saga with this issue, and the praise this comic continues to get is richly deserved.

However, to shift away from the undead bias, a notable mention has to go to Garth Ennis’ The Boys #53. This comic is definitely not for everyone; with its skewed take on the superhero genre it sees ‘The Boys’ as watchmen for the superhero world. With gratuitous sex scenes, copious bloodletting and language so blue it may as well be printed on hand towels: handle at your own risk.

Over at the big boys table Marvel gear up their summer event with Fear Itself #1 by Matt Fraction. This title has had enough promotion to sink a ship and needs few plugs to keep it afloat, so if you don’t want to buy into the hype take some time out and remember the man who made Marvel, Mr Stan Lee and his indie series Traveller #5 with Mark Waid and Chad Hardin. This is a new arc and a new jumping on point for readers in a series that deserves way more attention than it’s receiving.

If we are talking unsung heroes, then over at DC it might be time you looked into the misfit outfit that is Doom Patrol #21 by Keith Giffen. This is a spotlight issue focussing on the team’s overlooked core member. Forget Superman and the JLA, a real team leader comes in metallics: Doom Patrol’s Cliff "Robotman" Steele!

Wednesday is comic book new release day.