The "DOC's" Top Of The Pile for 3/13/2013

The Top Of The Pile

By: Chris “DOC” Bushley

This is a “quick pick” look at the Top 5 comics that EVERYONE should be reading this week! Whether it’s rife with characterization, filled with emotional strife, has a bevy of high octane battle sequences or is just a plain ol’ great read — these books belong at the “Top Of The Pile!”

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1. Sledge-Hammer 44 #1(of 2) (Dark Horse): Straight from the pages of Lobster Johnson: Iron Prometheus, comes the tale of Mike Mignola’s version of an “iron man!” What could U.S. troops in the middle of a warzone, surrounded by Nazis, use more than a little help from above? How about a bomb that encases the ultimate fighting machine?! This quirky Mignola tale melds WWII drama and sci-fi zaniness into the perfect story that will leave you begging for more!

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2. Batgirl #18 (DC): Even though the cover suggests that the issue will focus on the loss of Damian Wayne, this story barely touches on it but is a stunning tale just the same! Ray Fawkes creates a fantastic and eerily creepy tale of Batgirl’s sadistic brother, James Gordon Jr., playing mind games and hunting for prey as his sister deals with a bruised body and a broken heart. It is rich in character development and a true page turner that just might keep you up at night.

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3. The Walking Dead #108 (Image/Skybound): Robert Kirkman has been giving fans heart attacks with the last few issues — feigning the death of Carl will do that to a reader! This latest installment will give an insiders look at a bevy of characters thoughts on their new situation and expands on the ever growing world of TWD! I won’t give too much away but I will say, “Ezekiel has a tiger!” Nuff’ said!

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4. Star Wars #3 (Dark Horse): Brian Wood has created a fantastic series that feels more cannon than ANY of the prequel movies ever did! Focusing on the strength and determination of everyone’s favorite Princess, this series is a testament to Leia’s true leadership of the Rebellion and that she should NEVER be considered just a damsel in distress! All the original cast is there, no need for discussions or contracts in the world of comics, and this will bring you back to the wonderment of childhood and the amazing movies that shaped our lives from an early age.

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5. Avengers Arena #6 (Marvel): Okay, don’t let the cover throw ya, this book has some of the best characterization and dramatic scenes of any comics on the shelves today! Dennis Hopeless and Kev Walker have taken an over done concept and truly made it into something smart and original. Part Lord of the Flies part Hunger Games, this book is harrowing from front to back and it is something every good comic fan should check out more than once! Plus, this one has ANOTHER major death, who would have thought that, right?