PICKS OF THE WEEK - Jan. 29, 2020

• DETECTIVE COMICS ANNUAL #3: This annual issue honors the legacy of the great, late, Alfred Pennyworth. Writer Peter J. Tomasi serves up two tales of the Dark Knight’s most faithful confidant in interlocking stories. This issue blends Batman and James Bond as some ghosts of Alfred’s past come back to haunt him even in death, and it’s up to Batman to take on the case. Sumit Kumar’s art in the first story moves briskly along moving from action set piece to set piece highlighting the dark knight detective’s dynamic daring deeds saving the city. Romulo Fajardo Jr’s coloring really adds some depth to the pencils. His use of color and light in the present and use of grayscale in the past adds some cool contrast to the storytelling. Eduardo Risso takes on the art of the second tory and is a little rough around the edges, and rightfully so for telling a memory which makes sense given it speaks to batman’s early days. If Alfred’s death still gets you misty-eyed then pick up this issue to remember what made him so great in the first place.

• SEX CRIMINALS #26: After a major hiatus our sexual somewhat superheroes are in it for one final score and Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky are back with a bang (…ugh, yes pun intended). They have a lot of ground to cover in this issue in setting up a climax that is sure to satisfy fans of the series. Fraction almost side steps humor entirely for this issue, which, though out of the ordinary makes sense, because as the stakes climb higher, some jokes just wouldn’t land as well as they should. But don’t fret, he still sneaks in some humor and knows what his fans are looking for. But for all the jokes and junk jostling this series is known for, what keeps bringing us back is the heart of the story and that’s what this final arc seems to be all about. Not only tying up loose ends but giving the characters the depth, they so rightly deserve and finally getting to the vulnerability our protagonists have been waiting to expose without taking off a single piece of clothing.

• THOR #2: Two issues in and this series by Donny cates and Nic Klein is already approaching legendary status. Right from the start this issue goes to epic lengths setting up the danger stepping at Thor’s door. With a brief nod to the demise of Marvel’s Distinguished Competition, the issue’s intro gives Thor the biggest threat he’s ever had to face and shows just how powerful The Black Winter really is. Master colorist Matt Wilson really shines, making the world seem beautiful against an encroaching darkness, while Nic Klein’s art makes you feel like you are reading a legend of old, passed down through generations. The action of this issue alone is on a scale few comics reach even in their conclusions; and the fact that this is only the second issue means Donny Cates has many more tricks up his sleeve. With a last page introduction of a fan favorite means there is no stone that will be left unturned for this raucous issue that is sure to get your blood pumping.