So, I’m not much for weekly reviews of comics. I don’t buy everything and I sometimes forget to pick stuff up the week it comes out (thanks to my main shop, Who’s on First for keeping my books safe until I can pick ‘em up!). But, what I can do is give my opinion on what you should be reading and why.

First up is All-New X-Men from Marvel Comics. For those who do not know, Marvel has been in the process of reinvigorating their line with new #1s and titles featuring some of the best talent in the industry today through an initiative called Marvel NOW! Out of the many comics that were announced, none excited me more than All-New X-Men written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Stuart Immonen, both of whom happen to be two of my favorite creators.



Now, this past week, All-New X-Men #1 debuted, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The art is, of course, top-notch. Immonen is always a fantastic storyteller, and this first issue was no exception. It was brimming with excitement, fun action, recognizable and memorable new mutants, and some very badass imagery courtesy of Cyclops that has encouraged me to throw up an X towards the camera every time I enter a store.

As for the writing, I’m sure Bendis has silenced some of the detractors who threw up their proverbial arms when it was announced that he would be taking the reigns of Marvel’s merry mutants with this first chapter. His characterization of the established characters that appeared was spot on, and the two new mutants introduced were, in my opinion, instantly likeable characters who had interesting powers.

More than anything else, though, Bendis is crafting a classic-feeling X-Men story that only begun with issue #1 and left me so anticipated for more. If anyone were to ask me what books out of Marvel NOW! I think they should pick up, All-New X-Men would be on the top of my list after only one issue. That’s really saying something.

Moving on to another book that I would recommend after only one issue is Saga from Image Comics. Written by fan-favorite Brian K. Vaughn with art by Fiona Staples, Saga is, pound for pound, and for my money, the BEST comic being released today.

7 issues have been released as of this past Wednesday, as well as a trade paperback collecting the first 6, and BKV and Staples have created a science fiction epic the likes of which I have never seen before in comics. And if you’re not into Sci-fi by chance (but why wouldn’t you be?), I would suggest picking this book up based on the facts that it is literally bursting with originality, excitement, and fun, likeable and relatable characters, and art and storytelling by Fiona Staples that I can only accurately describe as otherworldly in how enjoyable they are.

And if none of that grabs you, then I guess you’re either a loss cause or just fickle.

But, in all seriousness, I can’t sing the praises of Saga enough. If you aren't already reading this religiously (and, yes, I have thought about forming my own religion with this as the bible), then you really should because it is simply breathtaking.

So, there you have it. All-New X-Men and Saga, two books on the shelves of your local comic book store that I have personally enjoyed and think you should be reading.