The P.O.W - 02/12/20 - ALIENATED #1 / GREEN LANTERN: SEASON 2 #1 / GWEN STACY #1

PICKS OF THE WEEK - Feb. 12, 2020

• ALIENATED #1: This new series from Boom! Studios by Simon Spurrier and Chris Wildgoose will catch you off guard with its deep, relevant themes and a story that will have you going down the rabbit hole wanting to know more. When three teens meet up walking to school, they have an otherworldly encounter that leaves them with the ability to read each other’s thoughts. Spurrier gives these main characters some real depth and their issues seem intriguing by taking some clichés and totally turning them on their heads. He creates a world that feels real and lived in with the help of Wildgoose’s art, which is lively and impressive, almost like you’re watching some really good animation. Also, Andre May’s coloring makes the whole thing come together and pop with purpose and wonder. Don’t let this title slide off your radar. It really lays a lot of ground with something bright and shiny that will hook you by the end.

• GREEN LANTERN SEASON 2 #1: Grant Morrison is back behind the helm of the Emerald knight as he slings his power ring for a brand-new season. Since Hal Jordan saved the universe…AGAIN, things look bright for the lanterns. His ring gets a power upgrade with the help of new, younger Guardians of the universe being born to help usher in a new era for Oa and the corps. Hal is sent to their creator and, of course, calamity ensues. Liam Sharp’s art work is always stunning and here he shows no signs of slowing down. He is the perfect person to let their imagination run wild bringing you the craziest concoctions of the cosmos that erupt from Grant’s mind. Morrison plays up the 80s, sci-fi, loner beat cop motif in this season and if Road House, Dune, and Starman are your flight of fancy then Pick this up immediately.

• GWEN STACY #1: Spider-man’s first love takes center stage for this new mini-series introducing us to Gwen before her and peter are even a thing. The book shows us what she’s made of and fleshes out some her backstory in ways Stan lee never got a chance to. What writer Christos Gage does great is fill in the blanks of what makes Gwen tick and why she is compelled to act to help her father and friends then just being Spidey’s girl on the side. Add in Todd Nauck’s art with a young, fresh quick style that helps add to her bright-eyed aesthetic. If Gwen Stacy had your heart over MJ than pick this up to see there was much more to be seen for her below the surface.