Painted Staff Picks (05/02/2018)

Did you have fun on Free Comic Book Day? We know we did! We are going to make this Painted Staff Picks a little quick and we apologize for the delay! So let's get down to it!

Avengers #1

Adam's Pick

A NEW ERA DAWNS FOR EARTH'S MIGHTIEST HEROES! Courtesy of JASON AARON and ED McGUINNESS! Thor Odinson. Steve Rogers. Tony Stark. The Big Three of the Avengers are reunited at last! And just in time to save the world from total annihilation at the hands of their most powerful enemies yet: the 2000-foot-tall space gods known as Celestials. Behold the coming of the Final Host. Who will answer the call to assemble for a wild new era of Earth's Mightiest Heroes? Hint: one of them has a flaming skull for a head. And what strange, world-shaking connection exists between the Final Host and Odin's ancient band of Prehistoric Avengers?

Not able to get a copy? The Second Print has already been announced. Come in today and make your pre-order today!

Batman #46

Adam's Pick II

"THE TRAVELERS" part two! Booster Gold's wedding present has screwed up Batman's past, and done even more damage to his present. Now, with the Caped Crusader himself refusing to cooperate, the only way for Booster to correct this runaway timeline is to get Catwoman on his side. But with her own past altered, can he make Catwoman recognize the qualities in her husband-to-be that brought them together in the first place? Plus, if Batman isn't doing his job, Gotham City may become way more dangerous than our bumbling time-traveler might be ready for.

Need a little more Batman? Don't forget to grab DC Nation #0. With introductions to three upcoming events for only $.25, it is MORE than worth it! Get sneak peaks of Batman, Justice League: No Justice and the upcoming Superman: Man of Steel, the first official line from Brian Michael Bendis!

Infinity Countdown #3 (of 5)

Funky's Pick

As the Guardians' last mission together draws to a close, the war for the Infinity Stones has only just begun! Adam Warlock continues to search for the Soul Stone but encounters an unexpected foe...the SILVER SURFER?! Keep your eyes to the stars as Marvel's biggest cosmic story continues!

The Walking Dead #179

Funky's Pick II

"NEW WORLD ORDER," Part Five
The journey home. There's nothing worse than returning with fewer people than you left with.

Some new picks and some you cannot live without. Need more? Make sure to stop by the store and we can offer you more and more... And more... And more... And more... And... Well, you get it! So come on in!

Painted Staff Picks (04/11/2018)

It has been awhile... Too long! Since we posted some Painted Staff Picks. So we want to catch up! We have talked about most of the titles below, but, if you missed a few.... We wanted to catch you up! Here are this week's Painted Staff Picks.

Venomized #2 (of 5)

Adam's Pick

Writer: Cullen Bunn
Artist: Iban Coello
Colorist: Matt Yackey
Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna

Venom and the X-Men have returned from the extraterrestrial adventures of "Poison-X" to find dozens of heroes and villains bonded with Klyntar symbiotes - and none of 'em are happy about it! The grand plans of the Poisons begins to make themselves known...including their designs for Cletus Kasady! And one Avenger might not make it out in one piece!

The Venomized Event has begun! (Well.. It did last month... It is now well underway.) And the entire world is in peril! And it is up to... Venom? To save us! The Symbiotes have taken over and it is only now that we can truly understand their reasons of domination. Can Venom save us all? And what will the consequences be?

Oblivion Song #2

Funky's Pick

Writer: Robert Kirman
Artist: Lorenzo de Felici
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni

Nathan's obsession with Oblivion has put a strain on every aspect of his life. His love for Heather is really put to the test now that he's closer than he's ever been to finding what he's truly looking for.

Doctor Strange #388

Adam's Pick

Writer: Dinny Cates
Artist: Niko Henrichon
Colorist: Laurent Grossat
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit

Doctor Strange has tried playing it straight and he's tried cheating - is the only way to win Mephisto's game not to play? While he tries to check out of the Hotel Inferno, Wong and the Midnight Sons try to break in! With the souls of the living and the dead on the line, is the Sorcerer Supreme willing to follow his former assistant's lead?

Avengers: No Surrender #14 (Legacy #688)

Funky's Pick

Writers: Mark Waid, El Ewing & Jim Zub
Artists: Kim Jacinto & Stefano Caselli
Colorist: David Curiel
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit

THE AVENGERS WEEKLY EPIC CONTINUES! As the final battle for Earth begins, one Avenger will sacrifice everything to give his teammates a fighting chance.

You know these books. And so many others! If you haven't yet come in to pick up these titles... COME IN! See us! Talk to us about these and so many others! And... If you REALLY love these books, we have a subscription service. Never miss an issue! Come by the store today.

Painted Staff Picks (02/21/2018)

This week brought some great new reads. Let's talk about them, shall we? Here are this week's Painted Staff Picks...

Ice Cream Man #2

Adam's Pick

Writer: W. Maxwell Prince
Art: Martin Morazzo, Chris O'Halloran

"RAINBOW SPRINKLES." The second installment of this syrupy series of singular stories! Here, the lives of two very different kinds of opioid abusers intersect. But at whose behest? (I think you know the answer....)

Have you seen that Netflix show Black Mirror? Each story tells a deep, winding tale of woe, life and reality. It builds a level of fiction but also gives us a glimpse into truth. If you love stories like that, then Ice Cream Man is 100%... No... 1,000% for you! It has chills, thrills while also telling the stories of human nature. Its reality that portrays the darkness that resides within. But do not fall in love with the characters, as each issue weaves a new tale that will leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat.

Black Panther Annual #1

Funky's Pick

Writer: Reginald Hudlin, Donald McGregor, Christopher Priest
Art: Daniel Acuna, Ken Lashley, Mike Perkins

LEGENDARY PANTHER WRITERS RETURN! Three legendary BLACK PANTHER writers return to Wakanda! Don McGregor's famous storyline "The Panther's Rage" has become one of the most well-respected runs in comic book history. Now, the author who redefined Wakanda for a generation is back to expand the mythos! Bearing the heart-shaped herb that defines the Panther legacy, King T'Challa leaves his beloved country for a heart-wrenching mission in the streets of New York. Then: For half a decade, comics legend Christopher Priest made his mark on the Panther. The acclaimed writer returns with an all-new story - and with it, of course, U.S. State Department employee Everett K. Ross! And finally, no Panther history would be complete without Reggie Hudlin, author of more than 50 Black Panther stories, including the famed "Who Is The Black Panther?" Don't miss the sequel to his "Black to the Future" story, featuring original artist Ken Lashley!

Do you love Black Panther? Have you already seen the movie 5 times (or more)? If available, would you be the first person on a plane if offered to move to Wakanda? Do you REALLY love Black Panther? Then this issue is for you. From some of the greatest names in T'Challa's history, we have one of the biggest most exciting issues of the year. Come in today and grab a copy of the oversized Black Panther Annual #1.

The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #1 (of 6)

Adam's Pick II

Don't miss the start of a new, six-issue miniseries written and illustrated by Liam Sharp (Wonder Woman Rebirth)! When a Celtic god's murder leads to a war between the fairy folk and a possible breach between worlds, Wonder Woman must find the murderer and keep the peace while Batman investigates strange occurrences in Gotham City. As Diana must turn to the World's Greatest Detective for help, the two heroes quickly learn their cases may be connected.

Mystery. Murder. Fantasy. The worlds of the paranormal/fantastical and reality are separated by a fine line. But there are those who wish to destroy that which keeps the peace. When worlds collide, two of DC Universe's greatest heroes must look to each other, once again, for support. The first issue of the new team-up miniseries is on shelves now. Come by and grab a copy today!

Infinity Countdown Prime #1

Funky's Pick II

Writer: Gerry Duggan
Art: Mike Deodato Jr., Frank Martin, Cory Petit

Contains 30 pages of all-new story from Gerry Duggan (Deadpool) and Mike Deodato Jr (Invincible Iron Man), with additional bonus content! This brand-new story is the beginning of the saga fans won't want to miss. The Infinity Stones. Individually, they grant their wielder great power. Together, they grant the power of a god. Newly reformed and scattered throughout the universe, these artifacts allow the ones who claim them their heart's desire. Now, as their locations are discovered, forces converge for a battle that will begin the universe down a dark path to the END. Jump onto this exciting ride that will lead to the biggest Infinity yet! Plus: The saga of the Infinity Stones-what they are and how they came to be! From creation to destruction to re-creation, this prose primer will tell you everything you need to know about the legendary cosmic gems!

Avengers Infinity War is just around the corner, hitting theaters May 4th. So would it not be nice to know the truth about the Infinity Stones? What they are. How they came to be? Now is our chance. The Infinity Stones are back and the Universe will go to war to attain them. Check out this new series from Marvel and learn the history (and the future) of the Infinity Stones.

Need even more options? Come on by and we can pile you up with all the best new reads on the shelves!

Painted Staff Picks (02/07/2018)

Are you ready for some new Painted Staff Picks? Cause here they come!

Walking Dead #176

Adam AND Funky's Pick

"NEW WORLD ORDER," Part Two. An audience with a different kind of Governor.

Is Michonne's daughter still alive? Who is this 'Governor' of the Commonweath? And... Can they truly be the link back to a normal society? Part two of the 30th Volume of Robert Kirkman's (Invincible, Outcast) Walking Dead is here and this one will make you feel some serious feelings!

Are you a huge Robert Kirkman fan? His new series Oblivion Song hits stores with #1 on March 7th. Preorder your copy today!

Batman: White Knight #5 (of 8)

Adam's Pick

Jack's mind and body begin to betray him as he prepares for an inevitable showdown with Batman, and Bruce himself struggles to keep his team united. As the game gets tougher, Batman seeks counsel from a shocking source-and after Wayne Manor is infiltrated, a car chase for the ages aims to curb Napier's supercriminal crew once and for all.

Batman: The Animated Series was special. It holds a place in all of our hearts in one or another. But... If there was ever a tale in similarity to BTAS, it would be Sean Murphy's (Punk Rock Jesus, Tokyo Ghost) Batman: White Knight. Jack Napier is the popular political choice right now. Even, apparently, amongst the police. And... Maybe even the Batman Family? With everyone turning their backs to the Batman, it is time for the final showdown to begin. But will the pills that are keeping the Napier's sanity stay steady, or will his body (or the Joker) begin to fight back?

Avengers #679

Funky's Pick

NO SURRENDER Part 5. THE AVENGERS WEEKLY EPIC CONTINUES! Who is the Challenger? What is at stake in his grudge match with the Grandmaster? And when the two of them clash, can the Earth survive the destruction they unleash?

In the stunning new issue of Marvel's weekly Avengers event, we learn a series of... Surprising tidbits. Who is the Challenger? What are his origins? Plus a sneak peak of... Someone's potential return? We have already talked up this series but it is only getting better! Make sure to come by and catch up on all the action!

Need more? We love talking books. Come by the store and we will offer these and so many other incredible titles.

Painted Staff Picks (01/10/2018)

Oops... We almost put 2017. But... No! It is our first Painted Staff Picks of 2018! Happy New Year, Comic Fans! Let's get started and jump right into what books we think you should be reading...

Old Man Hawkeye #1 (of 12)

Adam's Pick

The super heroes have fallen.  The country has been divided into territories controlled by super villains.  Among the wastelands lives CLINT BARTON - one of the few Avengers to survive.  But it's been 45 years, and he's no Avenger.  Trying to eke out a living anyway he can, the former HAWKEYE is confronted with a startling discovery:  the sharpshooter is going blind.  With time running short, Clint realizes there's one last thing he wants to see: revenge for his fallen comrades-in-arms. Rising-star writer Ethan Sacks (Secret Empire: Brave New World) and superstar artist Marco Checchetto (Star Wars Shattered Empire) take you back to the Wastelands in a story set five years before the original classic OLD MAN LOGAN.  

Barton is not as young as he used to be. And, though he does not call himself an Avenger anymore, his heart and sole have not changed. Even with age getting the better of him, he still seeks justice for those whom he once loved.

If you are a fan of the original Wolverine Old Man Logan series from Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Kingsmen: The Secret Service) and Steve McNiven (Secret Empire), you will want to dive into this story. #1 is now out on shelves.

Judas #2 (of 4)

Funky's Pick (Part I)

Judas comes face-to-face with Satan, and the Great Adversary begins to win him over.

The story of the man went from Disciple to Betrayer. But he was not just one who took a few coins to give up one of the holiest men in history. There was darkness, evil and even light behind Judas' actions.

This book is a MUST in your collection. From Emmy Winner Jeff Loveness (World Reader) and artist Jakub Rebelka (Namesake), #2 is on the shelf now and is going fast!

Avengers #675

Funky's Pick (Part II)

NO SURRENDER Part 1 - AVENGERS goes WEEKLY for the stunning sixteen-part saga that will write the end of an era!
The Earth has been STOLEN! The sky burns while mysterious cosmic objects crash down from above, wreaking havoc across the world! The Avengers are the last line of defense between Earth and the mysterious forces threatening to tear it apart. It's time to ASSEMBLE! The teams you know and love from AVENGERS, UNCANNY AVENGERS, U.S.AVENGERS and OCCUPY AVENGERS come together to face a threat beyond any they've faced before in a weekly epic adventure that will define the future of Earth's Mightiest Heroes!

It is such a big week that Funky needed to double up on the Staff Picks! The Avengers' world is rocked and it will take all of the Earth's Mightiest Heroes to work together. Avengers is now WEEKLY! And it is worth every second. Come in and pick up this new Earth Shattering series from writer Mark Waid (Archie) and artist Pepe Larraz (Star Wars: Kanan)!

Phew! What a week. Our first Staff Picks are up but we always have many more books to offer. Come on in and we will happily give you more and more and more... And more!