This is a pretty big week for comics, especially graphic novels, as First Second’s second wave of books hits and DC releases several trades and OGNs that are worth looking at. My B@N compatriots have done an excellent job of summing up the highlights, so I’m going to cut to the chase and let them tell you all about it …

Tom Bondurant’s Picks of the Week

This week sees a couple of good paperbacks from the late ’80s/early ’90s. Doom Patrol Vol. 4 presents more giddy surrealism from the Grant Morrison days, including Flex Mentallo’s background, a creepy story about the architecture of the Pentagon, and The Beard Hunter, a Punisher parody. The Gotham By Gaslight paperback reprints the excellent title story, by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola, in which a Victorian Batman takes on Jack the Ripper; plus its sequel, “Master of the Future,” with art by Ed Barreto. The sequel is more science-fictiony and a lot less moody than the original, but both are pretty fun.

Lisa Fortuner’s Pick of the Week

I can scarcely believe its actually coming out, but Green Lantern #13 is mine for this week. I’ve been waiting for it.

Melissa Krause’s Pick of the Week

I second Ragnell. Hopefully the combination of Hal, Guy and Cyborg Superman will mean it’ll be worth the wait.

JK Parkin’s Pick of the Week

Any week where First Second releases their wave of graphic novels is bound to be a great week at the comic book store. I’ve already had the pleasure of reading American Born Chinese, which I loved. That’s my first pick. My second pick is Pride of Baghdad, coming out from Vertigo, because I’m a sucker for animal stories, political stories and BKV stories, so it resonates on a few levels. And third — yes, I’m going to pick an unprecedented three picks this week — DMZ #11, which features the origin of my favorite character, Zee, and art by Supermarket artist Kristian Donaldson. If I were going to pick four picks, I’d probably throw in Wasteland or Phonogram as well … but that might be overkill.

Stephanie Chan’s Pick of the Week

My pick is also Pride Of Baghdad; it looks absolutely gorgeous.

Graeme McMillan’s Pick of the week

Wow. This week is good if you have a lot of money in your pocket, with some great graphic novels and trades coming out – As well as the Gotham by Gaslight and Doom Patrol ones that Tom mentions, there’s also the fall line for First Second Books, which contains some really good stuff: Missouri Boy, Kampung Boy, Journey into Mohawk Country and American Born Chinese, in particular. There’s also Pride of Baghdad, from Vertigo. I’ve got to go with American Born Chinese, which is one of the best things I’ve read this week, but it’s a close one.

What are you looking forward to? Check out the Diamond list and let us know!

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