By Joe C.
If you’re looking for absolute must-buys to add to your long-box this week, the GeekingAlly Weekly Pull’s got you covered!
The Beasts of Burden: Neighborhood Watch one-shot drops today, collecting the short stories that ran in recent issues of Dark Horse Presents, and it’s something you definitely do not want to miss! It’s not hyperbole or exaggeration when I tell you Beasts of Burden is as close to a perfect comic as any I’ve come across in recent years. In fact, while you’re in the shop, you should pick up the Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites trade along with the one-shot. The painted art by Jill Thompson is gorgeous, and Evan Dorkin’s story has a depth that surprised me considering my only other exposure to his writing was Milk & Cheese. If you’re unfamiliar, the story is about a group of cats and dogs that protect the town of Burden Hill against a variety of supernatural threats. Just don’t make the mistake I did when you see adorable talking animals and assume it’s going to be lighthearted. Sure, there are funny moments, but more often than not these cute little fur balls are dealing with some heavy stuff.
No matter how many times I’ve read them, there are still two stories in the trade that make me weep every time (and trust me, I’m not a weeper). That counts as impressive in my book. Any time someone says they’re interested in/unsure about getting into comics, this is the first thing I hand them. If you’ve been skeptical, I assure you, don’t wait any longer!
It’s with a heavy heart that I recommend this next book. iZombie No. 28, out from Vertigo, marks the final issue of one of the most original series on the shelves today. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure of what I’m going to do without my monthly dose of hipster zombies, wereterriers, go-go ghosts, paintball vampires, and Lovecraftian apocalypses. Chris Roberson packed in so many awesome ideas each month, all beautifully illustrated by Mike Allred, that I was constantly eager to see what would come next. What’s more impressive is that as much as I loved reading each individual issue, I was blown away when I sat down to read the whole run. There have ostensibly been a few separate arcs, but really this whole 28-issue run is one big story. And it’s one big story worth reading! This is your last chance to grab a new issue on the stands, so pick it up on your way to the trades.
We may be saying goodbye to one series, but Marvel is saying hello to another with Hawkeye No. 1, by Matt Fraction and David Aja. If those names sound familiar, it’s because that’s the same duo that had an awesome run on Iron Fist not too long ago. I’ll be the first to admit that Hawkeye’s never been my favorite Avenger. I’ve always thought of him as just some jerk who runs around with a bow and arrow. In a world of superpowers and magic and lasers, he’s kind of ridiculous, but it’s that ridiculousness, especially in the hands of someone like Fraction, that could make this a fun series. He’s been around since 1964, so clearly there’s something there. If you’re curious like me, or if you just have a greater respect for Clint Barton, now’s the time to get on board this new series.
