This week, we are are giving you a set of reviews from the most anticipated books of the week. We are traveling across the country for non-PCS work this week, and in lieu of a full “Everything We Read This Week” column, we have reviews of the first five books that we wanted to read from our pull-list. There are three number ones in this list and a couple of middle issues to limited series.

They are all good books and worth the read. So without further ado, in alphabetical order…

House of Whispers #1
DC Comics
Written by Nalo Hopkinson
Art by Dominike “DOMO” Stanton
Colors by John Rauch
Letters by Deron Bennett
Cover Art by Sean Andrew Murray

This is the second new series to come out of the Sandman Universe comic. Hopkinson and Stanton are working in a realm that is different from The Dreaming. There is a strong sense of individuality in this comic that plants it firmly on its own. The story is centered around Mistress Erzulie Freda Dahomey and her interactions with the realm of dreams. A second thread involves four human girls and the danger that surrounds them. The overall theme of the Sandman Universe that the Dreaming is broken makes itself known here, but the story stands alone. Stanton and Rauch deliver a rich tapestry of images that are exquisite. We need to see more DOMO Stanton in comic books. The immediate connection to the story has us hooked into seeing where this story will lead.

Iceman #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Sina Grace
Art by Nathan Stockman
Colors by Federico Blee
Letters by Joe Sabino
Cover Art by W. Scott Forbes

Iceman by Sina Grace is back. We were very disappointed when the previous series ended earlier this year. Grace has the perfect voice for Bobby Drake at this time in his existence. Bobby’s acceptance and naivete about his own sexuality is explored in important ways through Grace’s words. The setup of this book is interesting. Iceman finds a problem in the Morlock community, and the issue turns into a Bishop/Iceman team-up. It is a simple super-hero story that belies the strong character exploration of the protagonist. Stockman’s art is superb. His Iceman is fantastic. There are hints of Portacio’s style but something very unique. The best I have seen in a while. This is billed as a mini-series, but it is shaping up to be pretty exciting with both Emma Frost and Mr. Sinister already introduced. Plus, issue three will feature the return of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends! Can’t wait!!

The Seeds #2
Dark Horse / Berger Books
Written by Ann Nocenti
Art and Letters by David Aja
Cover Art by Aja

This book is amazing. It is truly difficult to come up with words to describe it. The story and art is frightening. Aja is masterful here. The small panels with dark shadows illuminated by an eerie greenish monotone create a sense of danger and foreboding that fills every page. “What is the book about?”, you may ask. It is a story filled with commentary on the technological world we live in and the consequences of that with a heavy sprinkling of covert alien invasion. So. Yeah. That! The first issue of this book was great. This issue is better. Go get it, if for nothing else than the apple bong smoking scene. What!!!???!!!

She Could Fly #3
Dark Horse / Berger Books
Written by Christopher Cantwell
Art by Martin Morazzo
Colors by Miroslav Mvra
Letters by Clem Robins
Cover by Morazzo and Mvra

So. Yes. There are two Berger Books offering in this weeks list. That is not my fault. Karen Berger is putting out some high quality stuff. Normally we don’t compare one book on the list to another but we are making an exception here. While both The Seeds and She Could Fly are fraught with terror, they strike very different chords. Cantwell is crafting a story with a heightening sense of urgency and tragic dread. The soul of the main character Luna comes through with her noble sensibilities despite her terrifying thoughts. There is an interesting storytelling choice that I particularly enjoyed in this issue. In the previous two issues, there is at least one visual scene of Luna’s madness induced vision, but here the visual is missing and replaced with a blurting out of all the horrible things she thinks about. It serves to keep her just a little more sympathetic and exposes her vulnerability. The story of her search for the flying woman is moved forward to put Luna and those around her in harm’s way, and there are elements to the supernatural that begin to take shape in this issue. The next issue is billed as the last. We will be eagerly awaiting its arrival.

The Wrong Earth #1
Ahoy Comics
Written by Tom Peyer
Pencils by Jamal Igle
Inks by Juan Castro
Colors by Andy Troy
Letters by Rob Steen
Cover Art by Igle

The final issue in this week’s list is the first published book by the new publisher Ahoy Comics. (Look forward to Ed Catto’s column on PCS later this week all about Ahoy.) We have been looking forward to this book for few months now, and it certainly delivered. The premise of a super-hero/vigilante switching dimensions was known heading into the reading of this comic, but Peyer and Igle really pushed that envelope. The sense of excitement builds with each page. Igle’s method of visually identifying the separate dimensions feels natural and flows well. There are a bunch of jaw-dropping moments that happen in this book that we do not want to spoil here, but Wow! We must point out that part of the premise of Ahoy Comics is to include additional content in each issue. There are interviews, a prose story by Grant Morrison, and a couple of back-up comic stories. While it is a noble intent to bring that concept to comics, successful execution is not guaranteed. Ahoy has certainly succeeded in its goal. The additional content is excellent. Like a fine after dinner cocktail following an amazing meal, it is something to relax with and enjoy. Here is hoping Ahoy is here to stay, and we are definitely looking forward to issue two of this series.

Remember, we want to hear from you. Tell us what you thought about these comics in the comments, or let us know what you read this week.