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 (03/07/2018)

We did it. 20 YEARS!!! And it is all thanks to you, our wonderful customers! And, with you, we will see many, many more Anniversaries. And, to kick off another day with you... Here are this week's Painted Staff Picks.

Oblivion Song #1

Funky's Pick

Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: Rus Wooton

A decade ago, 300,000 citizens of Philadelphia were suddenly lost in Oblivion. The government made every attempt to recover them, but after many years, they gave up. Nathan Cole...won't. He makes daily trips, risking his life to try and rescue those still living in the apocalyptic hellscape of Oblivion. But maybe...Nathan is looking for something else? Why can't he resist the siren call of the Oblivion Song?

If a catastrophic event befell our world and your family was taken away from you, how far would you go to find again? What would you risk? Would you face lands of unspeakable destruction? A lost world filled with the deadliest of creatures? Nathan Cole would. If it means getting those back he lost. He would go anywhere. He would risk everything.

Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Outcast) and  Lorenzo De Felici's new Skybound series, Oblivion Song, takes you to the far ends of the darkest places while tugging at your heart strings. You can almost hear the soft, echoing song alluded to in the title. This is a must pick up. So come by and grab a copy today.

Not enough Kirkman for you? Also out this week is Walking Dead #177 and trade paperback Volume 29. They are out now! Come by and grab all the Robert Kirkman-goodness!

Doctor Strange: Damnation #2 (of 4)

Adam's Pick

Writers: Nick Spencer, Donny Cates
Arist: Szymon Kudranksi
Colorist: Dan Brown
Letter: Travis Lanham

Mephisto has taken up some major real estate in Las Vegas, but he's not going to stop there. He's got the rest of Earth on his "TO GET" list and only Doctor Strange can stop him. The only downside? Strange went into Mephisto's Hotel Inferno to confront him and has not been seen since. Add in the fact that the devilish villain has already corrupted several Avengers... Wong and his rag-tag group of mystical heroes look like they're in serious trouble.

The mystical shoe is on the other foot! But is it the wrong foot? Doctor Strange is fighting with all he can but he is trapped. It is up to his team of mystical heroes to help save him and... The entire world! But... Can they get to Mephisto in time? This new(ish) mini-series from Marvel is worth the grab, come by today if you haven't yet and grab the second issue in this magical Doctor Strange saga.

Batman: White Knight #6 (of 8)

Adam's Pick

Writer/Artist: Sean Murphy
Colorist: Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Todd Klein

Gotham City's strongest alliance comes to an end when Gordon's trust in Batman reaches its limit. On the verge of resignation, the commissioner attempts a final act of public service, but an unlikely intervention allows the Dark Knight to fight another day. Meanwhile, Jack's mission takes a hit when his pills lose effect-and under cover of all this chaos, Neo Joker is positioned to take the city hostage.

We know we have talked about this incredible DC Comics Elseworlds series before. But we really wanted to reiterate it. Batman. White. Knight. Is. The. Best. You. Should. Buy. It. New printings of back issues are in stores, if you have yet to come in and grab yourself some copies, come by today!

We know you love books just as much as we do! Come by, say hi and grab all of these great books!

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 (12/20/2017)

You still have time! Come by and grab some great Christmas presents and stocking stuffers! To help out.. Let's talk some Staff Picks.

Dark Nights: Metal #4 (of 6)

Adam's Pick

The Justice League has been broken and scattered to the far corners of the DCU, each member forced to face their worst fears alone...and the fears are winning. When an unlikely ally reveals a glimmer of hope, they must seize their chance, or risk their window of opportunity closing for good!

You REALLY need to be reading Dark Nights: Metal from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. Not just because their DC Comics New 52 Batman run was A-MAZ-ING. But because Metal is one of the most Rockin' Universe Comic Events in a very long time. The League is fighting against the darkness and we get to witness the mighty and the terrifying. If you have not yet, come in now! Today! The Dark Nights: Metal mini-series is a perfect stocking stuffer!

Dark Ark #4

Funky's Pick
Shrae's Ark is in turmoil. What more would you expect upon a vessel populated by the worst monsters in all of creation. Now, however, the Ark has attracted the attention of powerful forces-vengeful angelic forces serving the will of the Lord. From writer Cullen Bunn (X-Men Blue, The Deadpool Killogy) and artist Juan Doe (World Reader) comes a sinister tale of biblical proportions that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics.

There is always the fight of good versus evil. Especially in the stories of the Bible. While Noah carried two of each animal in his ark, what happened to the creatures of the night? Those whom deserved to survive. Who did as their masters commanded. Well... For all that is like... There is a darkness. And sorcerer, Shrae, helmed the darkness during the great flood. But with so much dark and evil constricted in one place, good could not possibly happen.

Bunn and Does' Dark Ark has been a wild ride since its inception. If you haven't read it yet. Come by. Cause you need this book!

We have these and so many more wonderful Staff choices! Come by and let us help you finish off your Holiday Shopping!