The solicitations for August 2021 are now available for comic book fans to peruse. As usual, there is a lot to look forward to, so we decided to share the books that are most exciting for the Sequential Team.
Marcus – The Trial of Magneto #1
I’m still not over the cancellation of X-Factor. Marvel had something special with that series, giving us one of the queerest comics in the Big 2. Not only was it great for representation, but it showed these characters in very natural ways. I fell in love with some mutants that I didn’t care for at all before X-Factor.
While it doesn’t make up for the cancellation, seeing Leah Williams instantly on another X-Men project is promising. We don’t know much about The Trial of Magneto yet, but I’ll read anything that Leah Williams puts out. The miniseries is promising to shake up things in Reign of X, so The Trial of Magneto is sure to astound in some way or another.
Ethan – Fantastic Four #35
Dan Slott’s Fantastic Four has scratched a particular FF itch that hasn’t been scratched perhaps since Waid and Weiringo’s time on the book. Fitting, as Mark Waid is going to be joining Dan Slott on writing duties for their 60th anniversary (and only this issue, I’m guessing). Couple that with the fact that John Romita Jr. will be making his Marvel comeback for this, and I don’t think there’s any doubt that this anniversary issue is going to be spectacular.
Putting the creative team aside and the synopsis for the issue is just delightful on it’s own. We’re getting multiple Kangs vs. multiple Fantastic Fours. Quite frankly, I don’t know how you could sell me harder on a book. Also, this news pairs nicely with the announcement of Kang The Conqueror #1 by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, and art by Carlos Magno. It’s a good time to be a kang fan. It’s Crisis on Infinite Kangs.
Praise him, for he is Kang.
Danilo – Echolands #1
Promethe being one of my favorite graphic novels of all time, this one is easily the book I’m hyping the most. J.H. Williams’ work is stunning by itself but the plot involving famous fables characters and interdimensional conflicts is an instant hook for me.
The available previews are hypnotizing and shows what a great ride the reader is in for. It really reminded me of the varied page disposition we got in Promethea and it makes me even more excited. Of course the presence of other industry veterans such as Dave Stewart for the colors and Todd Klein for the letters is a plus for picking up this book.
Matt D – Warhammer 40,000: Sisters of Battle #1
The next Warhammer comic to be released focuses on one of the more interesting factions of Warhammer 40,000 and its grim, dark future of endless war. The Sisters of Battle, a well-armed warrior sisterhood whose origins lie in a galaxy-spanning schism and a technicality in the subsequent decree. I haven’t read anything from either of these creatives but this is a part of the “Dark Millennium” that should make for a good outing.
The previews make it sound like a standard story but the Sisters of Battle leave the door open to some of the more interesting parts of Warhammer: fanaticism, stringent codes, and what happens to those mere mortals trying to live such a severe existence. Maybe it won’t go as in-depth as I’d like but I’m certainly willing to give it a chance.
Alexander – Batwoman Omnibus
While this book has been solicited and pushed back a couple of times already I have to hold out hope that this is finally it. Batwoman is not only one of the best examples of a female lead in comics but one of the few cases of an LGBT character being taken seriously in a lead role. It was inspiring to read these stories as a teenager and see Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III develop this incredible character. Not only was Kate Kane portrayed as a skilled and competent hero but she had to deal with real-life issues affecting LGBT people such as being outed against her will. That’s quite a rare thing since portrayals of LGBT characters in comics tend to gloss over issues like that. Now, especially with the recent television show, this omnibus may allow new comic fans to experience Batwoman’s early solo adventures. Some may even feel the same way I did as a teenager and feel more comfortable being open about their sexuality after reading this. Others may become more understanding and accepting towards gay people and some may just find the comics entertaining. No matter what, it’s huge to see an LGBT character finally get the omnibus treatment and that’s definitely worth getting excited about.
