October’s Must-Read Comics: Batman, Storm, and More

October is a month that promises to be a veritable feast for comic book enthusiasts, with a slew of new releases that are bound to captivate readers across various genres. The A.V. Club’s monthly comics preview is particularly noteworthy this time around, offering six exciting picks alongside a digital comics fair featuring 121 exhibitors. Among these highly anticipated releases is Absolute Batman #1, which is set to hit the shelves on October 9. This comic has the potential to be one of the year’s biggest superhero releases, as it reimagines iconic DC heroes in a fresh and innovative way. Scott Snyder, who has previously worked on the Batman character, returns to breathe new life into Bruce Wayne, now depicted as a working-class engineer. This version of Batman is equipped with a bat-symbol that can transform into an ax and a cape designed with poles and hooks, promising a visually stunning experience thanks to the art team of Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin Jr.

The Absolute Batman series is just one part of a larger initiative that includes other Absolute titles featuring a diverse range of creators such as Hayden Sherman, Rafa Sandoval, Nick Robles, and Jahnoy Lindsay. This new line aims to push the boundaries of traditional superhero storytelling, offering fresh perspectives and innovative art styles. For horror fans, artist Vanesa R. del Rey delivers three new stories that promise to send shivers down your spine. Titles like ‘The Creeping Below’ and ‘The Exorcism at 1600 Penn’ showcase her ability to blend eerie atmospheres with compelling narratives. Del Rey also takes on double duty as both writer and artist for a short comic in ‘Come Find Me: An Autumnal Offering,’ adding another layer of depth to her already impressive portfolio.

Another standout release this month is Keum Suk Gendry-Kim’s ‘Dog Days,’ a poignant exploration of tradition versus modernity. The story follows a childless couple who move to the countryside, delving into the emotional complexities of their lives. Gendry-Kim’s knack for capturing the expressive nature of dogs adds an additional layer of emotional depth to the narrative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in character-driven stories. Meanwhile, Zainab Akhtar, a former contributor to the A.V. Club, curates the annual Shortbox Comics Fair. This year’s fair features 121 exhibitors and showcases some of the most ambitious, thoughtful, and cool comics in the industry. Highlights include Kim Salt’s ‘Rejectamenta,’ Ver’s ‘Sacred Bonds,’ and Mohnfisch’s ‘Aglæca,’ each offering unique storytelling experiences that push the boundaries of the medium.

Marvel fans have plenty to look forward to as well, with the release of Storm #1 on October 2. Written by Murewa Ayodele, this series aims to position the iconic Marvel hero as a central solo figure with her own sprawling mission. The visuals, crafted by Lucas Werneck and colorists Alex Guimarães and Fer Sifuento-Sujo, match the grand scope of the writing, highlighting Storm’s power and vulnerability in equal measure. As one of Marvel’s top icons, Storm has been a constant presence in comics since her debut, and this issue promises to elevate her to a whole new level as a force to be reckoned with.

DC Comics continues to dominate the sales charts this October, wrapping up its big summer event and launching a new publishing line on the same day. Absolute Power #4, by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, concludes DC Comics’ major summer event, ensuring that the heroes will ultimately triumph. This event has done some interesting things with the DC Universe status quo, setting the stage for future storylines. Another notable release is Battle Action #1, a 10-issue maxi-series written by Garth Ennis and Bryan K. Vaughan, with artwork by Keith Burns and Chris Burnham. This series marks Bryan K. Vaughan’s return to work-for-hire comics, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.

The DC All In Special #1, written by Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder, follows the events of DC’s blockbuster storyline Absolute Power. In this issue, Superman gathers all the heroes to prepare for war against Darkseid, setting off shock waves that will affect all series in the DC Universe. The greater threat is still to come, promising high stakes and thrilling action. Get Fury #6, written by Garth Ennis, serves as the finale of the war comic, turning our notions of heroism on their head. Christopher Cantwell’s Plastic Man No More #2 sees Plastic Man embarking on a grand plan to cheat death, offering a well-done superhero character study that delves into the complexities of the character.

IGN India, operated under license from IGN Entertainment and its affiliates, also highlights October 2024 as a significant month for new comic book releases. DC Comics is expected to dominate the sales charts with the conclusion of the Absolute Power crossover and the launch of a new line-wide initiative called DC All In. This initiative includes the launch of the Absolute Universe, DC’s answer to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. Marvel is also releasing major titles such as Iron Man and Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Insurgency Rising, ensuring that fans of both major comic book publishers have plenty to look forward to.

Geoff Johns’ Ghost Machine imprint is expanding with the debut of Hyde Street, a new horror anthology illustrated by former Blackest Night artist Ivan Reis. This anthology promises to deliver spine-chilling stories that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Marvel is moving on to the era of the New Republic in the Star Wars universe, focusing on the Battle of Jakku. This shift in focus promises to explore new facets of the Star Wars lore, offering fresh narratives for fans to dive into. DC’s Wonder Woman will continue with the same creative team and a new storyline, addressing the biggest mystery of the series and featuring the birth of Baby Trinity, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga.

Image Comics is releasing a compendium paperback of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, collecting 50 issues for only $65. This collection offers a fantastic opportunity for new readers to catch up on the series and for longtime fans to revisit their favorite stories. Marvel is also releasing a comic book prequel to the digital film Alien: Romulus, developed with input from the film’s director and screenwriter. This prequel promises to add depth to the film’s narrative, offering fans a richer understanding of the story’s universe.

Tom Taylor, known for his long run on Nightwing, is making the jump to Detective Comics with artist Mikel Janin. Together, they aim to unravel a mystery that connects back to the deaths of Batman’s parents, promising a gripping and emotionally charged storyline. Other exciting releases in October include a new Iron Man series written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, adding a layer of prestige and anticipation to the title. Additionally, a special Power Rangers comic featuring stories written by different Power Rangers actors is set to be released, offering fans a unique and nostalgic reading experience.

As October unfolds, comic book fans are in for a treat with a diverse array of new releases that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From superhero epics and horror anthologies to character-driven dramas and nostalgic collections, there’s something for everyone. The convergence of new talent and established creators promises to push the boundaries of the medium, offering fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of comics, this month’s releases are sure to provide hours of entertainment and thought-provoking narratives.

In conclusion, October 2024 is shaping up to be a landmark month for comic book enthusiasts. With major releases from both DC and Marvel, alongside exciting new titles from independent publishers, there’s no shortage of compelling stories to dive into. The return of beloved characters, the introduction of new ones, and the continuation of epic storylines ensure that this month’s offerings will leave a lasting impact on readers. So, grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and ever-evolving world of comics.