Welcome back True Believers to our weekly series where we run down the top five comics we are enjoying with this week's featured coffee roast. You know we love our community and are always interested in what you are reading and what Coffee 'n' Capes coffee you are drinking. So drop us a line at supers@coffeencapes.com.
And. here. we. go:
FEATURED COFFEE:
This week's featured coffee is Merv Pumpkin Spice. Fall is around the corner and the dreaming turns to leaves on the ground, a chill to the air, and pumpkin spice coffee. Merv Pumpkin Spice is the perfect blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg to bring that touch of fall we all wait for every year to your morning, or afternoon, cup of coffee.
Merv Pumpkin Spice is a medium roast that is best on crisp fall mornings. Or day dreaming while sipping and reading your favorite comic books. Or while walking through the park. Merv Pumpkin Spice—a coffee so good you might even say it’s dreamy.
On to our Top 5!
5. Batwoman #1 (2017)
This book is written by Marguerite Bennett (and the indefatigable James Tynion IV) with art from Steve Epting. We catch up on Kate Kane’s life on the beautiful first page of this book with a look at her past and even an enticing glimpse into her future. The rest of the issue explores those defining moments further: childhood trauma, discharged from the military for being gay, facing a former lover, meeting Batman, training to become Batwoman. All revolving around the question: Where are you going, Kate Kane? This issue begins Batwoman’s quest to provide an answer. I think you'll enjoy finding the answer too.
4. Daredevil #1 (2015)
There are plenty of other Daredevil series one could chose to read: more famous series, more recent series, maybe even more important series. But I really like this one written by Charles Soule with art by Ron Garney. I love the look of Daredevil’s black suit with red eye covers, red boots, red “DD on his chest. But the showstopper are his fists wrapped like (ahem) a boxer in red tape. It is not part of the “Black, White, and Red” series, but it has a similar look with minimal colorization throughout. This series takes place after Daredevil found a way (comic book-y shenanigans!) to make everyone forget he is Matt Murdock. Except Foggy. Foggy remembers and he does not approve. Somehow, tension between Matt and Foggy’s friendship makes these stories a little better, gives them an edge, by adding to Matt’s degree of difficulty keeping his lives together. While I’m not so enamored with Daredevil’s sort of sidekick, Blindspot, that is a storyline that pays off…eventually. I recommend you stick with it, because this a Daredevil book that hits all the high notes, in style.
3. Poison Ivy #1 (2022)
Pamela Isley was dead—and now she is not. She might not have asked for this new body but she is going to use it! Is it any surprise that her new plan involves the end of humanity? No, no it is not. And yet, this pretty new title written by G. Willow Wilson with art by Marcio Takara is the furthest thing from a rehash of old Poison Ivy stories. This book looks superb and keeps you guessing what everyone’s favorite eco-activist (terrorist?) will do next. Let's hope we survive to find out!
2. Black Hammer #1 (2016)
What’s going on here? I kept asking myself that as I read Black Hammer. The characters in this series, written by Jeff Lemir, with art by Dean Ormston, may remind you of some members of the Justice League. However, this story is much more like an episode of The Twilight Zone than it is any version of JLA. As the story begins, it has been ten years since the team fought their final battle against an unbeatable, god-like villain. Somehow, the super heroes are now trapped in a quiet, small, rural community. What’s going on here? That’s what the team is still trying—to varying degrees—to find out. The book is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. Admittedly, it has a rather melancholy vibe that might not be for everyone. But if you are looking for a different take on the super hero genre (and can handle adult themes), then Black Hammer might be just the book for you.
1. Ultimate Comics All New Spider-Man #1 (2011)
No better way to end a day of comic book reading than by going back to the beginning—the beginning of Miles Morales as Spider-Man, that is! Even if the origin story is very familiar, it still manages to feel fresh with Miles. Brian Michael Bendis writes it, while Sara Picheilli provides the wonderful art. I love the family dynamics among Miles, his mom and his dad. They are funny and sweet and real. Miles catches a big break getting into a special school, yet his first thoughts are of those who didn’t get in: “Should it be like this?” We all know the answer is no, it shouldn’t. Everyone should have a chance at an excellent education regardless of income or lottery outcome. For me, it is that kind of social commentary seamlessly weaved into this story that truly pushes this series to the top. From this very beginning, and before he has any super powers, we experience that Miles has the selfless, caring heart of a true hero. Also, as always, the answer to life, the universe, and everything is 42.