Colleen Coover and Paul Tobin give us a new volume of Bandette! Secret Loves of Geek Girls catches my attention and there’s a new edition of The Fifth Beatle, telling the story of Brian Epstein, the Beatles first manager who was gay. I found it to be a good read about a man whose life I knew nothing about. Those are all from Dark Horse. DC has a Bombshells annual, a best of Poison Ivy trade and the recent mini series collected in trade form too. Steve Orlando’s launches Supergirl with a Rebirth issue and Phil Jimenez starts a new series with Superwoman! And a whole lot of Harley! Saga returns from its break, a new Jem trade featuring the last half dozen issues, and you can pick up the first volume of Black Panther if you missed out or you trade wait. Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Take a look to find out what gets your attention!
One of Jamie McKelvie’s WicDiv illustrations graces the list this month. Fell it love with it again looking through Image+ catalog.
Read part 1 that covers indy/ small press/boutique publishers over here.
We’d really appreciate if you’ll do us the favor and bookmark Gay League’s Amazon affiliate link to do any or all of your Amazon shopping! Commissions go to pay our new contributors! Thank you! Most books listed below include links to book’s Amazon listing.
Gay League’s Amazon Affiliate Linkie Thing
People’s names listed in bold are either LGBT+ or supportive. Thanks where thanks is due – Andy Mangels because this was his idea and to Mike McDermott and Steven Leitman for their suggestions and input about several series that have been added to the list!
DARK HORSE
BANDETTE:HOUSE OF THE GREEN MASK Vol 3 HC $14.99 Page 57
Paul Tobin and and Colleen Coover
Bandette, greatest thief in all the lands, uncovers the greatest of all mysteries: a clue to the location of the legendary House of the Green Mask! But the sinister Voice has set his sights on the same treasure and sent a deadly assassin after the same secrets! Worse, he’s stolen the one thing dearest to Bandette’s heart. Now, she’s after revenge! (And also chocolate.)
Bandette Vol 3
BOUNTY #2 $3.99 Page 48
Kurtis Wiebe and Mindy Lee
Sisters Nina and Georgie are bounty hunters, wanted criminals, and flat broke. In their quest to finally get paid, they’ve taken on a dangerous job on a familiar planet. It’s a showdown between old enemies and new allies as the epic sci-fi adventure continues!
BUFFY HIGH SCHOOL YEARS GLUTTON PUNISHMENT TP $10.99 Page 53
Kel McDonald and Yishan Li
When Buffy and Xander sign up for Home Ec, assuming it will be an extra-credit cakewalk, they aren’t aware that the teacher is a ravenous tiger demon in disguise! When he’s found to be kidnapping his top students and forcing them to cook for him, Buffy must rescue her fellow students–and give the tiger demon his just desserts!
Buffy – Glutton For Punishment
BUFFY SEASON 10 #30 $3.99 Page 68
Christos Gage and Rebekah Isaacs
In the final issue of Season 10, the fight for the world has come down to Buffy, her friends, and their gamble . .
DARK HORSE PRESENTS #25 $4.99 Page 62
Andrew Vachss, Al Gordon, Carla Speed McNeil, Rich Woodall, Paul Levitz, Michael T. Gilbert, Dean Motter, Bo Hampton, Craig Rousseau, and Tim Hamilton
This month’s issue features a brand new story by Andrew Vachss! Two great stories conclude: Michael T. Gilbert’s Mr. Monster and Dean Motter’s Mister X: Pokerface! Then, stick around for all new segments of Paul Levitz and Tim Hamilton’s Brooklyn Blood, Al Gordon and Bo Hampton’s The Once and Future Tarzan, Carla Speed McNeil’s Finder: Chase the Lady, and Rich Woodall and Craig Rousseau’s Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl!
THE FIFTH BEATLE TP $14.99 Page 44
Vivek J. Tiwary, Andrew C. Robinson, and Kyle Baker
The Fifth Beatle recounts the untold story of visionary Beatles manager Brian Epstein–who created Beatlemania and guided the band from basement gigs to unprecedented international stardom. This multiple-award-winning graphic novel has been added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library and Archives! This new softcover edition includes a revised sketchbook and Beatles memorabilia bonus section with behind-the-scenes insights from writer Vivek Tiwary and artists Andrew Robinson and Kyle Baker–expanded to include eight pages unique to this edition! #1 New York Times bestseller.
Fifth Beatle
LEAVING MEGALOPOLIS: SURVIVING MEGALOPOLIS Vol 2 HC $19.99 Page 49
Gail SImone and J Calafiore
Fan-favorite creators Gail Simone and J. Calafiore return to the city whose citizens are hunted–not by villains, but by heroes! The survivors of Leaving Megalopolis reluctantly return to the doomed city, still controlled by superheroes turned brutal killers, on a rescue mission straight into the heart of madness! Collects issues #1-#6.
Surviving Megalopolis
THE SECRET LOVES OF GEEK GIRLS TP $14.99 Page 45
Margaret Atwood, Marjorie Liu, Mariko Tamaki, Marguerite Bennett, Jen Vaughn, and more
The Secret Loves of Geek Girls is a nonfiction anthology mixing prose, comics, and illustrated stories on the lives and loves of an amazing cast of female creators. Featuring work by Margaret Atwood (The Heart Goes Last), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Trina Robbins (Wonder Woman), Marguerite Bennett (Marvel’s A-Force), Noelle Stevenson (Nimona), Marjorie Liu (Monstress), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and over fifty more creators, it’s a compilation of tales told from both sides of the tables: from the fans who love video games, comics, and sci-fi to those that work behind the scenes as creators and industry insiders. Features comics written and drawn by Margaret Atwood. Cover by Noelle Stevenson (Lumberjanes). Foreword by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Bitch Planet).
Secret Loves Of Geek Girls
TOMB RAIDER 2016 #7 $3.99 Page 60
Mariko Tamaki and Phillip Sevy
After the events of Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara Croft’s life hasn’t gotten any easier! After defeating an army of zealots bent on finding the secrets of immortality, Lara now turns her attention back home. Sam Nishimura has been moved from prison to a mental hospital. But when Lara gets word that Sam has escaped, she drops everything to help her friend and confront the evils she faced on Yamatai once and for all. [Tamaki wrote the teen lesbian coming of age story Skim and This One Summer with her cousin Jillian doing the art.]
TOMB RAIDER 2016 TP VOL 1 SPORE $19.99 Page 60
Mariko Tamaki and Phillip Sevy
After Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara Croft’s adventure continues in an all-new Dark Horse series by Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki! Lara Croft is pursuing a lost truth about the world that just might unlock the secret to defeating death! She becomes entangled in a search for a rare mushroom said to grant immortality and a lethal new enemy that just won’t die! Collects the entire first arc of the Tomb Raider comic series, issues #1-#6.
Tomb Raider Spore
WEIRD DETECTIVE #3 $3.99 Page 68
Fred Van Lente and Guiu Vilanova
Det. Sebastian Greene fights for his life against an Innsmouth monster! And Det. Sana Fayez is hot on Greene’s trail, closer and closer to discovering his secret identity but hounded by fish-faced Mafiosi. Will they be able to survive long enough to stop the Juice Box Killer? [Det. Fayez is lesbian.]
DC
The DC portion of the list will reflect the state of flux the publisher is in because of Rebirth and any LGBT characters and content in them. A lot of concern was expressed at the loss of Midnighter, Catwoman, and Secret Six. Marvel’s cancelation of Angela underscores that concern. Some uncertainty went hand in hand with Marvel’s change last year just as a fair amount of speculation accompanied DC with its 2011 relaunch. Midnighter’s solo series is gone but he’s not forgotten as a recent image found on the internet shows him in a Nightwing issue.
Batgirl and Green Arrow may be books to watch for LGBT characters and content. Batgirl simply because of its inclusivity by past writers and Green Arrow because I’ve seen “SJW” attached as a descriptive. Neither affords a guarantee though. Wonder Woman seems like a safe bet to add with Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott working on the series.
ACTION 961 & 962 $2.99 Page 89
Dan Jurgens, Stephen Segovia, and Art Thibert
“Path to Doom” part five! With his family’s safety hanging in the balance, Superman confronts Doomsday to finally bring the beast’s destructive rage to an end. To save his wife and son, Superman must overcome the monster that once killed him, or die trying! [Word is Maggie Sawyer has moved back to Metropolis after Kate Kane broke up with her in Batwoman.]
“Path to Doom” part six! In the epic conclusion, the mystery of Black Zero deepens just as the Man of Steel makes a fateful decision that may stop Doomsday, but also risks the lives of those he loves most.
BATMAN: ARKHAM – POISON IVY TP $19.99 Page 125
Robert Khanigar, Gerry Conway, John Francis Moore, Marc Andreyko, Irv Novick, Brian Apthorp, Duncan Fegredo, Javier Pina, Guillem March, P Craig Russel and others
These are the greatest stories of Poison Ivy, one of Batman’s deadliest foes, from the pages of Batman #181 and #339, Batman/Poison Ivy #1, Batman Chronicles #9, Batman: Shadow of the Bat annual #3. Detective Comics 23.1 Gotham City Sirens #8, Joker’s Asylum: Posion Ivy #1, Batman: Legends of the Dakr Knight #43 43, World’s Finises #251 & 252 and Secret origins #36.
CONSTANTINE THE HELLBLAZER: THE ART OF THE DEAL Vol 2 TP $16.99 Page 125
Ming Doyle, James Tynion IV, Riley Rossmo, Travel Foreman, and Joseph Silver
In these tales from issues #7-13, John Constantine’s flirtation with domestic bliss is obliterated when a visit from old frenemy Swamp Thing leads him to break into a demons-only nightclub, get possessed by the Deadman, actually go to Hell, and ultimately sacrifice what’s left of his already minimal humanity to save New York’s collective soul from hostile takeover by the devil-mogul Neron
Art Of The Deal – In which Oliver is…
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS #16 $3.99 Page 118
Marguerite Bennett, Laura Braga, and Mirka Andolfo
Batwoman, Catwoman, Zatanna, Harley and Ivy begin to link up to work together as a rebellion, sending coordinated attacks across Germany and leading massive uprisings of refugees and citizens. Underwater, Mera confronts her betrothed for what’s rightfully hers, and must choose between her beloved and her throne.
DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS ANNUAL #1 $4.99 Page 118
Marguerite Bennett and Elsa Charretier
The long-buried tale of a heroine of the Great War! An ace pilot turned ancient predator, you may now know her as the Halloween horror, “The Bloody Batgirl”! But here, we will present the secret story of how she became the first Bombshell known as…the Batgirl!
DETECTIVE #938 & 939 $2.99 Pages 92
James Tynion IV, Eddy Barrows, and Alvaro Martinez
“Rise of the Batmen” Chapter Five: Batman, Batwoman, and the entire team take the fight to the deadly Colony! Those highly trained operatives took the Bat-team apart on their own turf…so how will they fare when the Colony is in its element, with all their weapons trained on our heroes?
Chapter Six: The full scope of the Colony’s plans, and their mysterious leader, have all been revealed…so what’s it going to take to stop them? Believe us, you are not prepared for the last scene!
EARTH TWO: SOCIETY #15 $2.99 Page 111
Dan Abnett and Frederico Dallocchio
A new menace rises to threaten the fragile order the Wonders struggle to maintain. Emboldened by Green Lantern’s loss of power, the Ultrahumanite emerges from the shadows with an army of super-powered slaves. His goal is nothing less than reforming Earth-2 in his vision, utilizing the Amazonian technology that Fury had hoped to use to rebuild a better world. [Alan Scott recently got a spotlight but he’s still as neutered as Northstar used to be.]
EARTH TWO: SOCIETY ANNUAL #1 $4.99 Page 111
Dan Abnett and Bruno Redondo
Earth-2’s Batman is Dick Grayson. Does he have what it takes to be a true Batman and follow in the legacy of Bruce and Thomas Wayne before him? Or will he only ever be a stand-in? Beyond anything else, he has one overriding goal…to find his missing son. Is that a job for the Batman…or is it something only Dick Grayson can do? The Wayne legacy is at stake. This is an epic turning point in the history of Earth-2’s Batman.
FLASH #4 & 5 $2.99 Page 93
Joshua Williamson and Neil Googe
“Lightning Strikes Twice” Chapter Four: The leader of the science-terrorist group Black Hole has weaponized the Speed Force, leading to a final confrontation with The Flash and his new league of citizen speedsters. [Keeping Flash on the list since writer Van Jensen had Piper rescue Flash in #51 and mention that he’d been out of costume too long. Presumably Captain Singh and Hartley are a couple and Barry Allen and Rathaway are still roommates!]
“Lightning Strikes Twice” Chapter Five: With Central City now protected by dozens of freshly trained Flashes, Barry Allen takes time out to explore a new relationship. Meanwhile, a serial killer targets citizen speedsters as Wally West takes his first steps toward becoming the new Kid Flash.
Looking for the Gotham Academy crossover with Lumberjanes? Find it in the Boom section in part 1!
HARLEY QUINN #1 & 2 $2.99 Page 82
Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Chad Hardin
“Die Laughing” part one! Welcome back to Harley Quinn’s crazy world on Coney Island…now get ready to wave goodbye, because everyone there just might get eaten alive! Harley’s gotta protect her neighborhood against an all-out zombie apocalypse! Break out the chainsaws, everybody! [According to an interview at The Mary Sue, Harley and Ivy are girlfriends “without the jealousy of monotony”.]
“Die Laughing” part two! As the plague of zombies on Coney Island continues to spread, Harley must rescue one of her own from the undead hordes…and try to uncover the cause of this corpse-y catastrophe!
HARLEY QUINN: A CALL TO ARMS Vol 4 TP $16.99 Page 129
Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Chad Hardin, John Timms, Bret Blevins, Moritat, Mike Manley, and others
Harley Quinn and her Gang of Harleys are hitting the road! As if Hollywood wasn’t weird enough already, now Harley’s made her way to Tinseltown, and she’s about to have the most destructive fifteen minutes of fame ever. Will the industry survive Harley’s Hollywood hijinks, or will the City of Angels fall from grace? And will Coney Island be able to contain Harley’s newfound celebrity status? Find out in these tales from issues #17-21 and the Harley Quinn Road Trip Special #1.
Harley Call To Arms
HARLEY QUINN AND HER GANG OF HARLEYS #5 $3.99 Page 108
Jimmy Palmiotti, Frank Tieri, and Mauricet
This is it–the story you’ve been waiting for: the secret origin of comic’s newest, deadliest and most insanest villainess, Harley Sinn! Why is she so obsessed with Harley? How did she manage to become a super-villain? And what is her connection to the Gang of Harleys themselves? Find out this issue! Plus…Harley’s still kidnapped! So there’s that.
HARLEY’S LITTLE BLACK BOOK #5 $4.99 Page 108
Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Neal Adams
(Mumble-mumble) years ago, the alien race known as the Scrubb forced Superman into a boxing match for the ages, against Earth’s greatest heavyweight champion, (mumble-mumble)! Now, (mumble-mumble) years later, the Scrubb have returned…but with said champion unavailable, the Scrubb have chosen the next-best thing: Harley Quinn! This can’t end well for anyone involved. Featuring unbelievable art by the legendary Neal Adams, it’s a tribute to one of the greatest Superman stories of the 1970s, in Harley Quinn’s own particular, ah, idiom!
HARLEY QUINN’S GREATEST HITS TP $9.99
Amanda Connor, Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul DIni, Scott Snyber, Jeph Loeb, Rob Williams, Jim Lee, Jock, John Timms, Guillem March, Bruce Timm, and others
Get an eyeful of Harley’s greatest hits from comics including stories from Batman Adventues #12 (Harley’s first comics appearance!), Batman #613, Gotham City Sirens #7, Suicide Squad #1, Batman #13, Harley Quinn #21, Harley Quinn & the Suicide Squad April Fool’s Special #1, and the two-page origin of Harley from Countdown #10.
Harley’s Greatest Hits
HELLBLAZER #1 $2.99 Page 83
Simon Oliver and Moritat
“The Poison Truth” part one! London may have recovered from Constantine’s return, but he hasn’t. Mercury hasn’t forgiven him, but she won’t leave him alone, and Swamp Thing is calling in a favor. And all the while, bigger things are brewing…
NIGHTWING #1 42.99 Page 98
Tim Seeley and Javier Fernandez
“Better than Batman” part two! Nightwing and his new mentor Raptor embark on their first assignment for the Parliament of Owls. Will Raptor prove himself a superior mentor for Nightwing? Or will they both fall prey to the fangs of Kobra? [Seeley continues writingg Dick after the homo erotic filled Grayson.]
“Better than Batman” part three! Nightwing and Raptor have become the pride of the Parliament of Owls, successfully completing missions for them across the globe–but Batgirl is not happy. Can she convince Nightwing he’s gone too far, or has he fallen too far under Raptor’s influence?
POISON IVY: CYCLE OF LIFE & DEATH TP $16.99 Page 131
Amy Chu. Clay Mann, Seth Mann, Robson Rocha, Ethan Van Scriver, and others
Life. Death. Poison Ivy has power over both. But can she keep her friends and hold down a regular job at the same time? As Dr. Pamela Isley, she joins the prestigious plant sciences department at Gotham Botanical Gardens, but things quickly get complicated when a fellow scientist is murdered and it 
looks like the work of Ivy. Collects the acclaimed six-issue miniseries.
Poison Ivy Cycle of Life & Death
SUPERGIRL: REBIRTH #1 $2.99 Page 85
Steve Orlando and Emannulea Lupicchino
Supergirl turns to the shadowy organization known as the D.E.O. (Department of Extranormal Operations) to restore her lost powers once and for all! But as a fateful experiment sends Kara Zor-El rocketing toward the sun, disaster strikes at home in the form of the lost Kryptonian werewolf Lar-On! All the epic action of the brand new Supergirl series starts here!
SUPERWOMAN #1 $2.99 Page 88
Phil Jimenez and Matt Santorelli
“Who Is Superwoman?” part one! Lois Lane takes flight! Now powered up with the abilities of Superman, Lois pledges to carry on the super-legacy as Superwoman! There’s only one problem: Lois’ new powers are killing her, and neither she nor her friend and confidant Lana Lang know what to do about it. Will Lois even survive long enough to learn the deadly secret of Ultra Woman?
TEEN TITANS #23 $2.99 Page 112
Tony Bedard and Ian Churchill
When H.I.V.E. threatens to destroy New Orleans, the city turns to the Teen Titans for help! But the H.I.V.E. Queen is ready for the Titans, and has a special surprise in store for Red Robin.
WACKY RACELAND #3 $3.99 Page 117
Ken Pontac and Leonardo Manco
The Racers are skirting the crumbling coastline of the Pacific Ocean when an earthquake threatens to dump them into the toxic waters! And when Penelope and Dick are caught in a tsunami that sweeps them to a barren island without their vehicles or weapons, how will they battle the island’s horde of mutant crabs? And back on the mainland, the other Racers must fend off a tangle of carnivorous vines! [This version of Sgt Blast is transgender. See Bleeding Cool.]
WONDER WOMAN #4 & 5 $2.99 Page 102
Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott, and Liam Sharp
“Wonder Woman Year One” Chapter Two: Paradise has been breached, Ares stirs, and the Amazons must answer with a champion of their own…one who is willing to sacrifice her home amongst her sisters to save a world she has never seen.
“The Lies” Chapter Three: Steve Trevor finds himself trapped in the heart of Urzkartaga’s darkness, with Wonder Woman and Cheetah the only hope of rescue for him and his men. But how far can Cheetah be trusted?
VERTIGO
ASTRO CITY #38 $3.99 Page 139
Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson
Astro City, featuring Jazzbaby, the Cloak of Night, the Blasphemy Boys and more, as we delve into the secrets of the Oubor and the Broken Man’s decades-long war against it. Pulp action, serpent cults and speakeasies! Hot jazz meets cold lead, as our historical arc continues. [A trans character was featured in #16 and a gay couple shown in #13.]
CLEAN ROOM #11 $3.99 Page 140
Gail Simone and Jon Davis-Hunt
The Entities threaten their final revenge on our world and it’s vastly more horrible than even Astrid thought, while Evangelical forces stake a claim on Astrid’s organization, and only Chloe has the knowledge to stop them. Our second mind-bending arc rockets to a grisly conclusion for all mankind, including you and everyone you know!
RED THORN #10 $3.99 Page 142
David Baillie and Megan Hetrick
While Tarek embarks on the most arduous journey of his life, Thorn hunts upstart Gods on the streets of Glasgow and ends up discovering something about himself that will change him forever. Why is the city erupting with violence, and what does all this have to do with the Otherworld? Political rallies, nudity, snow and unspeakable violence–the tenth issue of the critically-acclaimed dark fantasy hit of the year, Red Thorn has all this and more wrapped in a gorgeous cover from Choong Yoon. [The male lead character is bi.]
IDW/ TOPSHELF
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS FINAL CUT OVERSIZED HC $49.99 Page 172
Kate Leth and Drew Rausch
All 10 issues of the critically acclaimed series by writer Kate Leth and artist Drew Rausch are collected in this deluxe, oversized hardcover. Once adored by the Boggs family and the neighborhood that welcomed his arrival, Edward Scissorhands’ intervening years of reclusion have not been kind to him. But now, decades later, his lost-love Kim has her own family, and her granddaughter is about to discover the wonder her mother wishes she could forget.
The Final Cut
JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS #18 3.99 Page 173
Kelly Thompson and Jen Bartel
The Holograms struggle to come to grips with the emotional ramifications of Silica and their short tour gone wrong, The unsure what recent events mean for their band’s future. Is there even a future for Jem and the Holograms?
JEM & THE HOLOGRAMS TP VOL 3 DARK JEM 19.99 Page 173
Kelly Thompson and Sophie Campbell
Something is wrong with Synergy! As Jem and the Holograms’ first tour begins, something–or someone–called SILICA is after them… but who, or what, is she? Meanwhile, The Misfits need to replace their lead singer fast–and maybe even… permanently?!? Collects issues #11-16.
Jem & The Holograms vol 3
LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS $16.99 Page 187
L Frank Baum and Eric Shanower
Both of L. Frank Baum’s classic Santa Claus tales are collected here: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus and A Kidnapped Santa Claus, with with beautiful spot illustrations and cover art by Eisner Award-winning comics creator Eric Shanower. HC
LOCKE & KEY MASTER EDITION Vol 3 $49.99 Page 181
Joe Hill and Gabriel ROdriguez
Named a “modern masterpiece” by The A.V. Club, the critically-acclaimed series Locke & Key takes on new life in a reformatted oversized hardcover collection. The end is here! Volume 3 features the fifth and sixth L&K arcs, “Clockworks” and “Alpha & Omega,” with all-new cover art and design by co-creator Gabriel Rodriguez.
Locke & Key Master Vol 3
SATELLITE FALLING #4 $3.99 Page 183
Steve Horton and Stephen Thompson
After recovering from the shock of the police cruiser with the chief exploding, Lilly and her crew infiltrate the ship, each with a specific task to perform to reach Eva and bring the ship down. Lilly makes it to the bridge and confronts Eva, and learns about Eva’s plan to infect everyone on Satellite to commit genocide on their home worlds. She tries to shoot Lilly, but Lilly’s a hologram! Lilly knows about the plan already and is already working to stop it. [Main character Lilly is lesbian.]
X-FILES SECRET AGENDAS $19.99 Page 166
John Gilstrap, Andy Mangels, George Ivanoff, Jade Shames, Jeffrey Mariotte & Marsheila Rockwell, Jim Beard, Yvonne Navarro, Joe Harris, Bryan Thomas Schmidt & Kate Corcino, Nancy Holder, Lauren Forry, Ryan Cady, Lois Gresh, Lucy A. Snyder, and Weston Ochse
The truth is still out there! FBI Special Agents Dana Scully and Fox Mulder go hunting in the shadows for dangerous truths in this new collection of original never-before-published tales of the X-Files. Edited by NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry and featuring heart-stopping stories by some of today’s hottest writers of mystery, thriller, science fiction and horror. [This is a prose book, not a graphic novel.]
X-Files Secret Agendas
IMAGE
BEAUTY #10 $3.99 Page 203
Jeremy Haun, Jason A Hurley, and Brett Weldele
Ezerae’s odyssey through a Beauty-infected world continues as the second arc of The Beauty takes on new twists and turns. [Lesbian characters in the last arc.]
DEMONIC #1 $2.99 Page 194
Christopher Sebela, Niko Walter, and Dan Brown
Detective Scott Graves will do anything to protect his family… even bargain away his soul. Now, the only thing to fear isn’t New York’s worst criminals, but what’s already raging inside of him. After all, what’s the cost of your soul when it’s already damaged?
LAZARUS #24 $3.99 Page 213
Greg Rucka and Michael Lark
“Cull,” Part Three. Forever gets schooled. Sonja gets revenge.
PAPER GIRLS #8 $2.99 Page 216
Brian K Vaughn and Cliff Chiang
Three young heroes from 1988 have been catapulted to the twenty-first century, and to make matters worse, something horrible has followed them there.
RINGSIDE #7 43.99 Page 219
Joe Keatinge, Nick Barber, and Simon Gough
“Work,” Part Two–Reynolds finds himself alone in a most wretched hive. [The rookie character is gay and is in a relationship and another character possibly may be gay.]
SAGA #37 $2.99 Page 200
Brian K Vaughn and Fiona Staples
New story arc! “The War For Phang” Part one. Saga is back with its most epic storyline yet, and to celebrate, Fiona Staples graces this issue with a gorgeous wraparound cover! Finally reunited with her ever-expanding family, Hazel travels to a war-torn comet that Wreath and Landfall have been battling over for ages. This arc is a self-contained “event” we’ve been building to since our very first issue, so now is the perfect time for readers who love Saga’s bestselling collections to join our monthly adventures!
WALKING DEAD #153 $2.99 Page 234
Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Stefano Gaudiano, and Cliff Rathburn
“The Whisperer War,” Part One. The time has come. The forces are aligning. The war has begun! Has Rick brought about the demise of everything he’s built? Or will he triumph once again? Know this… there will be a cost. [One of the men who was half of a gay couple was spoilers! Also, two other gay people in the cast.]
WALKING DEAD: CALL TO ARMS Vol 26 TP $14.99 Page 235
Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, Stefanoe Gaudino, and CLiff Rathburn
After being betrayed by members of his own community, Rick Grimes charts a new course and marshals his forces against the Whisperers. Collects THE WALKING DEAD #151-156.
Walking Dead Vol 26
THE WICKED + DIVINE #22 $3.50 Page 225
Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, and Matt Wilson
“Rising Action” conclusion–A little extreme violence never hurt anyone.
MARVEL
Thanks to Mike McDermott for his advice with post Secret War Marvel books, including paraphrased info included here!
A-FORCE #8 $3.99 Page 21
Kelly Thompson and Paulo Siqueira
Civil War has come to A-Force! As the team is wrecked by a personal tragedy things only get worse when a predictive vision proclaims one of A-Force is a murderer. Captain Marvel L attempts an arrest, creating a rift that may very well mean the end of the team, and setting in motion a chain of devastating events that affect far more than just A-Force. Meanwhile foul-mouthed, gun-toting Elsa Bloodstone just unofficially joined A-Force. Looks like we’re gonna need a bigger boat…and a verrrrry big black censor bar.
AGENTS OF SHIELD #8 $3.99 Page 22
Marc Guggenheim and German Peralta
Civil War tie in. Phil Couslon, agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. no more! Coulson has chosen a side in this war…his own. The Third Faction begins here. You are not going to want to miss this seismic-change issue. [Guggenheim is an LGBT ally.]
ALL NEW INHUMANS #10 $3.99 Page 60
James Asmus and Stefano Caseli
Sibling rivalry comes to a head! It’s brother versus sister as Flint and Ikelli fight for the future of their Inhuman birthplace. Will Flint choose his adopted family or his biological one? [James Asmus has also revealed that one of the new Inhuman characters will be gay.]
ALL NEW X-MEN #12 $3.99 Page 75
Dennis Hopeless and Mark Bagley
New story arc starts here. One is a time-displaced cosmically powered angel from the ’60s. The other is a homicidal clone struggling to fulfill her dead father’s legacy. But who says Angel and Wolverine can’t make their relationship work? Also: Another burgeoning romance may place one of the All-New X-Men at odds with the rest of their team.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #16 & 17 $3.99 Page 48
Dan Slott and Giuseppe Camuncoli
“Dead No More” comes to its rousing conclusion! Regent’s master plan is working until Mary Jane Watson gets into the fray! [Gay cast member Max Modell from pre Secret Wars appears again and became married to Hector Baez in #1.]
The Prowler (and our readers) meet the new Electro! Who is this woman and what does she have to do with the Man in Red?!
ASTONISHING ANT-MAN #11 $3.99 Page 24
Nick Spencer and Ramon Rosanas
Civil War tie in. Scott’s in jail, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be asked to choose a side. *Whichever side puts the most money in his commissary account wins. [Gay Machinesmith has carried over from the previous series. We’ll have to wait and see if the same holds true of the gay Indian-American man who inherited Giant Man’s suit.]
ASTONISHING ANT-MAN: SMALL TIME CRIMINAL Vol 2 TP $17.99 Page 116
Nick Spencer, Ramon Rosanas, Annapaolao Martello, and Bren Schoonover
Scott Lang has his tiny hands full, from one former goliath-sized super hero to a brand-new one! His daughter, Cassie, used to be a Young Avenger. Now, 
she’s de-powered and her life is the worst. But she’s about to find out what being a hero really means! Then, it’s time for the All-New, All-Different Giant-Man! Can he benefit from Ant-Man’s years of wisdom and experience? Maybe Scott should skip the parts where he was a small-time criminal. But wait, one of those parts is right now! Because when the Power Broker strikes him right where he’s most vulnerable, Scott will respond the only way he knows how: by breaking the law. Meet “Ant-Man’s 11,” find out how he ended up back behind bars, and savor Scott’s sensational showdown with the Power Broker and Darren Cross! Collecting issues #5-10.
Antr-Man Vol 2
BLACK PANTHER #5 $3.99 Page 62
Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Steelfreeze
“A Sword For Lions” starts now. Ta-Nehisi Coates is joined by guest artist and modern master Chris Sprouse for the second arc chronicling the final days of the kingdom of Wakanda! As Zenzi and The People poison the citizens of Wakanda against the Black Panther, a cabal of nation-breakers is assembled With his allies dwindling, T’Challa must rely on his elite secret police, the Hatut Zeraze, and fellow Avenger Eden Fesi, a.k.a. Manifold! Meanwhile, Shuri’s spirit journeys through The Djalia…but what awaits her there? [A sub plot in the first arc focused on two lesbian characters.]
BLACK PANTER: A NATION UNDER OUR FEET TPB $16.99 Page 106
Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Steelfreeze
A new era begins for the Black Panther! MacArthur Genius and National Book Award-winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates (Between the World and Me) takes the helm, confronting T’Challa with a dramatic upheaval in Wakanda that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before. When a superhuman terrorist group calling itself The People sparks a violent uprising, the land famed for its incredible technology and proud warrior traditions will be thrown into turmoil. As suicide bombers terrorize the population, T’Challa struggles to unite his citizens, and a familiar villain steps out of the shadows. If Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt — but can its monarch, one in a long line of Black Panthers, survive the necessary change? Heavy lies the head that wears the cowl! Collecting Black Panther (2016) #1-4 and Fantastic Four (1961) #52, plus more than 25 pages of bonus content!
Black POanther Vol 1
CAPTAIN MARVEL #8 $3.99 Page 19
Ruth & Chris Gage, and Kris Anka
Civil War tie in. No time for second-guessing, Captain Marvel is determined to change the future to protect the present. With wins on her side, Carol knows her mission is the right thing to do, but does everyone else? Sensational writing team Ruth and Chris Gage bring you a Civil War II story that will change everything for Captain Marvel.
EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #13 $3.99 Page 76
Jeff Lemire and Victor Ibanez
New story arc starts here. An ancient evil stirs in the periphery of Limbo, consuming mystical realms and little does Magik suspect that the X-Men’s newest charge is drawing it straight to X-Haven! Meanwhile, Colossus is rampaging across Earth…as a Horseman of Apocalypse. Can Nightcrawler and Iceman stop their longtime friend and teammate and wrest him from Apocalypse’s grasp?
MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #10 $3.99 Page 60
Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclare, and Natacha Bustsos
Moon Girl’s Case of “Cosmic Cooties continues! Let’s hope it’s not permanent: What’s causing Lunellan Lafayette to swap minds with Devil Dinosaur? What kind of danger has Kid Kree set into motion for his archnemesis, Moon Girl? Giant lizards! Inhuman heroes! Alien armies! This issue has it all!!!
NEW AVENGERS #15 $3.99 Page 12
Al Ewing and Paco Medina
As Civil War II tie in. Jailbreak at 20,000 feet! A.I.M.’s science team swings into action to free a New Avenger from S.H.I.E.L.D.! But are they being played? And will their mistake cost Roberto Da Costa his life? Meanwhile, as CIVIL WAR II kicks into high gear, the Maker goes to Plan B — total conquest of the USA!
PATSY WALKER, AKA HELLCAT #9 $3.99 Page 70
Kate Leth and Brittney L Williams
Out of time, money and options, Hedy Wolfe calls up the two people Patsy most hoped to leave behind — her (literally) Evil Ex-Boyfriends. How will Hellcat and friends contend with this dynamic dude-o? See what I did there?! Come on, you loved it!
SILK #11 $3.99 Page 54
Robbie Thompson and Tana Ford
Finally, the reveal of Spectro! Who is this ghostly figure and what does he have to do with Silk?!
SQUADRON SUPREME #10 $4.99 Page 20
James Robinson and Leonard Kirk
Civil War tie in. “Finding Namor” starts here. The Squadron encounter the drama of Civil War II from a unique perspective – where every move they make has been pre-empted by Ulysses and where Hyperion must fight the Blue Marvel. Leading on from the Squadron learns that Warrior Woman bent on conquest and driven by her own Civil War II prediction, has but one goal – the resurrection of Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Will the Squadron help her or stop her, and at what cost to their membership? And how will Ulysses’ visions and the events of Civil War II further affect the team? [In terms of LGBT content, Thundra is shown on the cover to issue #1, and she was outed as bisexual in Peter David’s She-Hulk series a few years ago. There has also been a lot of fan speculation about this version of Hyperion from Hickman’s Avengers run.]
THOR #10 $3.99 Page 47
Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman
On top of battling cancer and the villainous team of the Exterminatrix and the Silver Samurai, now Jane Foster has a surprising new enemy with which to contend: S.H.I.E.L.D.
TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #10 $3.99 Page 23
Greg Pak and Mike Del Mundo
Still reeling from a blindsiding loss, Amadeus Cho might be in over his head when the one and only Black Panther comes calling. [Greg Pak was a backer of Geeks Out’s Flame Con Kickstarter.]
THE ULTIMATES #10 $3.99 Page 14
Al Ewing and Kenneth Rocafort
Civil War tie in. The one thing that could tear the Ultimates apart forever is inside that briefcase and someone just opened it. Meanwhile, Thanos is ready to strike. And he has an ally. [Ms America may have a girlfriend as part of the supporting cast, based on the short-story in the Avengers #0 one-shot.]