On paper–where else, really–this is easily the best week of books of the year.  (Not hyperbolic.)  Maybe ever.  (Still not.)

We’re looking at three–count ’em: three–Top 5 books from last month.  Seven titles that have been recognized as Top 5 books at some point.  Three titles that earned Top Ten honors for 2013.  Two 2014 Innie Award nominees for Best Ongoing Series, two for Best Writer, and three for Best Artist.  (Totally not!)

Maybe I’ll buy this bunch and then call it quits–you know, quit comics on the highest of notes and start saving some money.  (Duh.)

• The Massive #24 (Dark Horse): The Massive is on quite a roll!  It’s an epic of biblical proportions, and since February we’ve celebrated it religiously as a Top 5 book!  Here’s why we loved #23.
• Mind MGMT #23 (Dark Horse): Another book worth celebrating!  Sure, it earned our Biggest Dis(appointment) of April; but Matt Kindt rebounded with a terrific #22, which, you guessed it, bounced back into our Top 5 for May.

Mind MGMT #23

• Star Wars: Rebel Heist #3 (Dark Horse): Leia’s turn wasn’t as strong as Han’s, but who expected it to be?  Han’s the man, and Kindt got Carraway-ed as he covered F. Scott Fitzgerald to tell his story.  Leia’s chapter was a bit more La Femme Nikita.  Next up: Chewbacca.  I’m sure Kindt will put him in some sort of hairy position.
• Superman #32 (DC): Could this be the Superman we’ve been waiting for?  With heavies like Geoff Johns and John Romita, Jr. on board, I’m thinking yes–hoping yes.  I mean, come on: they’ve only got the weight of the DC Universe on their shoulders.

Superman #32

• C.O.W.L. #2 (Image): #1 was O.K.  If this one isn’t significantly better, I’m O.F.F.
• Outcast #1 (Image): An ironic title–only because it’ll probably be included in just about every buyer’s bag.  Wondering: will we the buyers be buying this because we’re zombies–keyed on Kirkman and slaves to shiny number ones?
• Saga #20 (Image): #19 didn’t excite in the way we’ve come to expect from Saga.  Taint a big deal.  Or should that be: A big taint deal.  Or: A big deal taint.  Ah, it’s one of those.  Previews’ preview promises: “Something terrible happens.”  Not to the taint, I hope.
• Stray Bullets: Killers #4 (Image): #1 set the world on notice: David Lapham and his Bullets are back!  Since, his bullets have strayed a bit, reminding me why I loved #1 so much.  I’d love to love this one:

Stray Bullets: Killers #4

• Trees #2 (Image): Warren Ellis is growing something with Trees.  I want to be there when it blooms–whatever the hell it is.
• Ms. Marvel #5 (Marvel): #4 ended on a terrific note.  I mean, who wears an “Ima Bad Guy” tank top?  The bad guy, of course!  Can’t wait to see how things play out.  And, yes, I’m willing to admit it: I love Kamala Khan! (Don’t tell my wife.)
• The Midas Flesh #7 (BOOM!): The series started off with such promise, didn’t it. Ryan North seemed to lose his way with the ethical dilemmas at the heart of the book. The narrative ground to a near halt with redundant, drawn out dialogue that read less like gold and more like lead.
• Ordinary #2 (Titan): Wouldn’t you know: Ordinary #1 proved to be extraordinary–and earned a spot in our Top 5 for May.  Hoping with all my heart that #2 doesn’t choke on the promise that Rob Williams made with his initial offering. If you enjoyed Montynero’s Death Sentence, also from Titan, you’ll definitely dig this.

Ordinary #2

• Rachel Rising #26 (Abstract Studio): Terry Moore cast a spell on us last year–one that influenced us to include his American horror story in our Top Ten of 2013. Since then, however, the spell has worn off, specifically after the last two issues, which have been, well, not good.
• Shadowman: End Times #3 (Valiant): The end. The end.
• X-O Manowar #26 (Valiant): Armor Hunters is in full effect!

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

• Peanuts #19 (BOOM!): Avery loves her some Snoopy!  Don’t we all?

Peanuts #19

What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

Turning pages,

Scott