Each and every week, I, “I’ll be back!” Henchman 21 and “Yes, you will!” Empress Eve read a lot of comics. Seriously you guys, a lot of comics. Maybe too many comics. I mean, it is possible”¦ theoretically. Naturally, we look forward to some more than others. I mean, who doesn’t? So, let’s take a look into the depths of our pull lists, grab some comics, and we’ll let YOU know what the top books to look forward to are for the week of May 21, 2014. Single issues and trades, they’re all here.

Guess who’s back in the house? That’s right kiddies, vacation’s over and it’s time to get back to the mean old business of passing along what you need to buy this week on your trip to the comic store. You’re going to the store to buy Saga anyway, so you may as well pick up some other stuff because Saga isn’t the only good series coming out right now. So check out these books that are out this week, get to the store, and get some of that sweet, sweet comic love, because you can’t stop The GoD List!

Henchman 21

The Mercenary Sea #4 (Image Comics – $2.99) I missed out on the first few issues of The Mercenary Sea, but I’ve gotten caught up on the series, and I have to say that this is quite the intriguing series. The Mercenary Sea is about a group of mercenaries (duh) in the pre-WWII Pacific Ocean, traveling around getting work. The first few issues have done a great job introducing us to the crew, and writer Kel Symons has done a solid job setting up the world. Despite the setting, this comic kind of feels like Firefly, what with the rag tag group of crewmates trying to make a living in a dangerous landscape, with all of them living and traveling around on a boat. Artist Mathew Reynolds has a very unique art style that makes the series look like a cartoon, but still maintains the realism needed given the books real-world setting. I really think that if you enjoyed Firefly, you will take a shine to this series, even if it doesn’t have the same sci-fi elements.

Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe (Marvel Comics – $14.99) Is this the greatest comic ever released? No, it is not, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying Longshot Saves the Marvel Universe. This book is just a day in the life of the luckiest man in the Marvel U, as Longshot tries to use his powers for good but ends up splitting up The In-Betweener into two halves (The In-Betweener is one of those awesome 70’s Marvel cosmic characters). I know a lot of people may have overlooked this, but this was just a solidly fun little series featuring a bunch of odd ball Marvel characters. The series was written by Christopher Hastings (The Adventures of Dr. McNinja) and featured some very pleasing art by Jacopo Camagni and if you don’t want to read another big Marvel event and just want a good comic to read, this is one to pick up.

Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell Hardcover (DC Comics – $22.99) Paul Dini makes a return to comics with an all new DC graphic novel, Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell. If you know Paul Dini as the mastermind behind the original DC Animated universe, or if you’ve read any of Dini’s other comics work, you’ll know why this is a good thing. If you aren’t aware of Dini’s work, just know that over his career he has shown that he can bring out the best elements in any DC character, getting to the core of those characters in a way few others can. Art is provided by Joe Quinones, another artist with quite the animated style that is always a pleasure to read. The story involves Black Canary and Zatanna teaming up to stop a supernatural threat tied into Canary’s recent past. But seriously, just pick this up for Dini’s writing. You won’t be disappointed.

Saga #19 (Image Comics – $2.99) Yes, Virginia, there is a new issue of Saga.

Wonder Woman #31 (DC Comics – $2.99) This is just a reminder that Wonder Woman is one of the best books DC is putting out right now, and if you haven’t been reading it, you should pick up the first trade. I’m just using this new issue as an excuse to talk about its awesomeness.

Flash Gordon #2 (Dynamite Entertainment – $3.99) There were a lot of things about the first issue of this new Flash Gordon series that make it worth recommending. Firstly, writer Jeff Parker skipped over Flash and company’s origin, jumping straight into the action. I don’t need to spend another issue or two, or six with a new and exciting retelling of Flash Gordon’s origin, I’ve seen it all before. Just get him to Mongo so he can fight some crazy aliens, that’s what I came for. Secondly, you’ve got the art of Evan Shaner and the colors of Jordie Bellaire creating some of the best art Dynamite has to offer. Shaner’s style reminds me of Chris Samnee’s work on Daredevil, which is a very good comparison to make. Thirdly, it’s a new Flash Gordon series and I love me some Flash Gordon. Don’t let the Dynamite name on the cover discourage you from buying this series, it’s better than you think it is.

Empress Eve

Monster & Madman #3 (IDW Publishing – $3.99) This 3-issues miniseries from horror master Steve Niles comes to a conclusion with Monster & Madman #3. This title brought together Frankenstein’s Monster, after the events of Mary Shelley’s novel with London’s most notorious serial killer, Jack The Ripper. I really enjoyed this series and am sad that it’s only 3 issues! These are two of my favorite literary characters, and I love how artist Damien Worm rendered the Monster, who as always, is gravely misunderstood. In this issue, the Monster prepares to meet his mate, while The Madman, well, let’s just say there’s lots of women turning up dead in the area. Catch up with the miniseries if you’re not already on board! – Monster & Madman #1, Monster & Madman #2.