Spring has sprung. April will be delivering a great array of new comics. If you are new here, in this column, we have compiled an alphabetical list with cover art and the official solicitation text from the publishers of some of the cool new comics that are coming out this month. Check below for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about the new comics in question.
This month, we have books on the list from: DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, Boom! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, Dark Horse Comics, , Mad Cave Studios, Ahoy Comics, Comics Experience Publishing, and IDW Publishing.
One thing to remember, we continue to measure the “comic week” as Wednesday. As such, if we have a month like March that starts on a Wednesday, the comics released the day before count as week one. #NCBD is Wednesday.
We will bring you reviews of these debut issues as they come out, and don’t forget to use the comments section to let us know what you think of this list.
You will find the books listed below in the order of when they are released.
Week of 4/5/23
Week of 4/12/23
Week of 4/19/23
Week of 4/26/23
Week of April 5
Disney Villains: Scar #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Chuck Brown
Art by Trevor Frailey
Cover Art by Jahnoy Lindsay
A startling new vision starring Disney’s greatest villain, set within the world of The Lion King! Eisner and Ringo Award-winning author Chuck Brown (Bitter Root) and stunning artist Trevor Fraley tell a tale of fire and fury, centered on an enraged Scar, unable to accept that he will never be king – not so long as long as Mufasa and his new son inhabit Pride Rock. A plan is starting to formulate within Scar’s corrupt mind, which will bring him face-to-face with the mysterious shaman, Rafiki…
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: We are interested in seeing this story be excavated from the existing tale everyone knows and loves.
Hairball #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Tyler Jenkins
Cover Art by Kindt & Hilary Jenkins
A brand-new supernatural nightmare that’s Junji Ito meets Hayao Miyazaki from the Eisner-nominated creators of Fear Case and Apache Delivery Service.
A young girl with a black cat begins to suspect the innocuous beast is behind all her troubles: her parents’ fighting, family plagues, and innumerable supernatural horrors. As she tries her best to rid herself of this creature, she discovers that maybe the cat is not evil after all and a greater terror may be behind these horrific events harming her life.
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: This looks like a suspense-filled trip. We will definitely be checking it out.
Hey Kids! Comics!: Schlock of the New #1
Image Comics
Written by Howard Chaykin
Art by Chaykin
Cover Art by Chaykin
A generation of artists ashamed of their careers has come to this, scratching out a living entertaining children who wonder why anyone would want to do anything else.
With the birth of the comics industry comes the afterbirth, a shadow twin that will sustain and occasionally sabotage it for generations to come…
Fandom.
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: Howard Chaykin is making sure he takes aim at every aspect of comics with satire and tough questions in this so-far trilogy of stories.
Junk Rabbit #1
Image Comics
Written by Jimmie Robinson
Art by Robinson
Cover Art by Robinson
A new hero rises from mountains of consumer waste, mass homelessness, and devastating climate change. Some call the hero a myth, an urban legend, but others know that it’s the JUNK RABBIT come to life!
JIMMIE ROBINSON brings a new take to the dystopian tale of how climate disaster alters not only our world, but also the heroes that literally rise from it. Swamp Thing meets RoboCop.
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: This looks like a fantastic idea.
The Nasty #1
Vault Comics
Written by John Lees
Art by George Kambadais
Cover Art by Adam Cahoon
“Calling all scary movie fans!
Scotland, 1994.
Eighteen-year-old Thumper Connell still has an imaginary friend: the masked killer from his favourite slasher film. Thumper is obsessed with horror and always has been. He fills his time with scary VHS rentals and hanging out with his fellow fans, The Murder Club. But everything changes when his local video shop acquires one of the notorious films known as “video nasties” – films so scary, they’re the target of the British Moral Decency League’s crusade to ban and burn. But it’s only a movie, right? It’s all just imaginary, isn’t it?
A story about the perception of evil, the power of genre, the love of fandom, the need to create art, oh, and crap-your-pants TERROR!”
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: John Lees is writing a horror comic? Sign me up!
Planet of the Apes #1
Marvel Comics
Written by David F. Walker
Art by Dave Wachter & Bryan Valenza
Cover Art by Joshua Cassara & Dean White
DAVID F. WALKER & DAVE WACHTER BRING PLANET OF THE APES BACK TO MARVEL COMICS IN SPECTACULAR STYLE! A new era of apes kicks off with part 1 of “Devolution”! The ALZ-113 virus has rampaged across planet Earth, and humanity is crumbling. While well-meaning researchers hunt for a cure, a fanatical group of humans has their own solution: Kill all apes. Peacekeeper Juliana Tobon is one of the few willing to stand against them, but the crisis is spreading, and soon apes will witness the true depths of human cruelty… Eisner-winning writer David F. Walker (POWER MAN AND IRON FIST, Bitter Root) joins forces with artist Dave Wachter (IRON FIST: HEART OF THE DRAGON, Star Wars: The High Republic – Trail of Shadows) on one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises in history!
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: There are a few new series this month in existing licensed properties and this one looks amazing. Can’t wait.
Second Coming: Trinity #1
Ahoy Comics
Written by Mark Russell
Art by Richard Pace & Leonard Kirk
Cover Art by Pace
Back again: The book that turned the comics industry upside-down with “quite a bit of humor…[and] a lot of heart” (The New York Times). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, tackles his biggest challenge in 2000 years: babysitting a child with super powers! Meanwhile, his roommate-the superhero called Sunstar-faces his greatest enemy, and his own guilt, in a court of law. Written and co-created by 2022 Eisner winner Mark Russell with art by co-creator Richard Pace and Leonard Kirk.
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: We will always be excited for new stories in this satirical universe.
Seven Years in Darkness #1
Comics Experience Publishing
Written by Joseph Schmalke
Art by Schmalke
Cover Art by Schmalke
The Academy of Black Magic has reopened its doors for the first time in 200 years! Seventy-two children will walk through the Academy doors for freshmen year. But only seven will graduate and walk out alive! Their seven-year journey starts here, in this dark and sweeping fantasy epic from acclaimed comics creator Joe Schmalke!
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: Joe Schmalke is a fantastic comic creator and we are interested in checking this out.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Dog of War #1
IDW Publishing
Written by Mike Chen
Art by Angel Hernandez
Cover Art by Hernandez
BORK! An extremely rare purebred corgi from Earth makes its way aboard Deep Space 9 when Quark cuts a deal to procure it for a high buyer. After all, a Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all! But Latinum the corgi comes with unexpected cargo that shakes Captain Benjamin Sisko to the core: a Borg component discovered by a crew sent to uncover Cardassian technology after the station’s reoccupation. Don’t miss out on this exclusive “lost episode” celebrating the 30th anniversary of the fan-favorite show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and debut comic series by acclaimed author Mike Chen (Star Wars: Brotherhood) and Star Trek comics artist extraordinaire Angel Hernandez!
Release Date: April 5, 2023
PCS NOTES: Stark Trek comics returns to a lot of folks favorite Trek franchise. This book looks like a lot of fun.
Week of April 12
007: For King and Country #1
Dynamite Entertainment
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Art by Giorgio Spalletta
Cover Art by Joseph Michael Linsner
An all-new nail-biting Bond mission from superstar Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Action Comics) and Giorgio Spalletta (Red Sonja). Accused of murder on British soil, James Bond has been branded a traitor by his own government. As M sends the entire 00 division after 007, Bond must go underground with only one ally: Gwendolyn Gann, 003 – another traitor, presumed dead, secretly on a clandestine mission with global implications.
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: This is some of the best spy comics out there today. Don’t miss it.
Exorcists Never Die #1
Mad Cave Studios
Written by Steve Orlando
Art by Sebastián Piriz
Cover Art by Piriz
Syd Miller and Ellen Blair are the world’s two premier combat exorcists. The only problem? After a nuclear breakup years ago, they can’t stand each other. But when the biggest soul auction in history kicks off beneath Los Angeles, Syd and Ellen have no choice but to come together to raid the HELLSCRAPER, an infernal tower going straight down into the Earth. With thousands of souls on the line, Syd and Ellen must fight their way to the bottom or die trying.
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: Yeah! Imma need to get my hands on this one!!
The Giant Kokju #1
Image Comics
Written by Gerry Duggan
Art by Scott Koblish
Cover Art by Koblish
The Despicable Deadpool team reunites to give the world the giant monster attack story that movies and TV are too squeamish to show you.
This is a tale of woe about a monster with physical needs. It needs a restroom. It needs food, too. And, most unfortunately, it needs…sexual satisfaction. The only thing standing in its way are the men and women of science. We’re proudly flying our M rating for violence, mild gore, sexual situations, nudity, dudity, turds, comedy, drama, and, um, some very tasteful swearing.
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: This is a ballsy comic full of giant monsters trying to destroy the world. It is gorgeously illustrated with a great story. Also, Scott Koblish appeared on the Pop Culture SquadCast and talked about what to look for in this book.
The Great British Bump Off #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by John Allison
Art by Max Sarin & Sammy Borras
Cover Art by John Allison
When she enters her country’s most beloved baking competition, Shauna Wickle’s goal is to delight the judges, charm the nation, and make a few friends along the way. But when a fellow contestant is poisoned, it falls to her to apprehend the culprit while avoiding premature elimination from the UK Bakery Tent… and being the poisoner’s next victim!
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: This is an interesting take on a murder mystery set in on of the biggest sensations on TV these days.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Art by Kev Walker & Matt Hollingsworth
Cover Art by Marco Checcetto
WHO ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY? One year ago, the Guardians of the Galaxy were destroyed. Their optimistic future shattered by the betrayal of one of their own. Now they ride the space lanes of a lawless corner of the galaxy, trying to outrun their tragedy. Can they rediscover their heroism and humanity on the bleakest frontier? Can they forgive the failures of their past? Or will they fade into the dark, eternally unforgiven? Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly (CAPTAIN AMERICA: SENTINEL OF LIBERTY) team up with artist Kev Walker (PREDATOR) for a Guardians story like no other!
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: We are really looking forward to this new take on the Guardians.
The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country – The Glass House #1
DC Comics
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Lisandro Estherren & Patricio Delpeche
Cover Art by Reiko Murakami
The Corinthian has been turned loose on our realm once more, and this time he sets his sights on the very root of rapacious American capitalism—Silicon Valley. His relentless pursuit of the Smiling Man will carve a bloody path from the C-suite of Prophet Capital to the bowels of a demonic nightclub, and no one will be safe from his reach. Not Ken, living large in the Bay Area since parting ways with Barbie all those years ago. Not Max, a nervous hedge fund manager on the rise who’s never quite fit anywhere. Not anyone. Multiple Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV reunites with superstar horror artist Lisandro Estherren to bring you the nightmare-fueled follow-up you’ve been craving, a tale that will plumb the bottomless depths of our yearning for more at the heart of the American dream.
Release Date: April 11, 2023
PCS NOTES: James Tynion has shown that he has an excellent handle on this “Sandman” property and we are excited for this series.
The Seasons Have Teeth #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Dan Watters
Art by Sebastián Cabrol
Cover Art by Qistina Khalidah
In a drab, colorless world, the seasons bring change… and also destruction.
Andrew, a retired conflict photographer, lives a life steeped in regret after an unthinkable tragedy, but everything shifts when the seasons arrive-each one a personified, god-like creature.
As he risks everything to track down Spring, Summer, AutumnFall, and Winter, will capturing the perfect picture of each be enough to find redemption… and ultimately bring color back to his world?
Dan Watters of Sword of Azrael and Home Sick Pilots writing acclaim is joined by artist Sebastián Cabrol (Anthony Bourdain’s Hungry Ghosts, Maestro: World War M) for a tale that is both down to earth and supernaturally apocalyptic in its pertinence.
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: Great concept! Great creators! Let’s go!
w0rldtr33 #1
Image Comics
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Fernando Blanco & Jordie Bellaire
Cover Art by Blanco
In 1999, Gabriel and his friends discovered the Undernet, a secret architecture to the Internet. They charted their exploration on a message board called W0RLDTR33. Then they lost control. Someone broke into W0RLDTR33—someone who welcomed the violent hold the Undernet had on them. At great personal cost, Gabriel and the others thought they sealed the Undernet away for good.
They were wrong. And now they will know the meaning of PH34R.
The next major horror outing from multiple Eisner Award-winning writer JAMES TYNION IV (THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH, The Nice House on the Lake) and FERNANDO BLANCO (Detective Comics), along with Eisner-winning colorist JORDIE BELLAIRE and Eisner-nominated letterer ADITYA BIDIKAR, begins here!
Release Date: April 12, 2023
PCS NOTES: Two new Tynion books in one week? We are not sure which one we are looking forward to most. I guess we will read both.
Week of April 19
All Eight Eyes #1
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Steve Foxe
Art by Piotr Kowalski & Brad Simpson
Cover Art by Kowalski
This brand-new series reunites the team of Foxe, Kowalski, colorist Brad Simpson, and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou following their collaboration in Razorblades: The Horror Magazine, a taboo-busting anthology of terror co-created by Foxe and multiple Eisner-winner James Tynion IV. All Eight Eyes takes readers back to the forgotten corners of post-9/11 New York City, where college dropout Vin Spencer floats through life in a drug-and-party-fueled haze until one terrible night sweeps him into a drifter’s reckless war against the giant eight-legged horrors stalking the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Release Date: April 19, 2023
PCS NOTES: I freaking can’t wait to read this book!!!
The Expanse: The Dragon Tooth #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Andy Diggle
Art by Rubine
Cover Art by Christian Ward
Picking up after the final season of the acclaimed and beloved sci-fi series and filling in the missing years between The Expanse: Babylon’s Ashes and The Expanse: Persepolis Rising, the secret history of your favorite characters are revealed for the first time!
Everything comes together in this epic 12-issue story, tying together the threads of the show and answering lingering questions that will bring readers and viewers alike far beyond the stellar horizon.
Across this monumental maxi-series, superstar comics writer Andy Diggle (Green Lanterns, James Bond) and artist Rubine (Voltron: Legendary Defender) broadens The Expanse universe in ways that will change how fans view the entire series forever!
Release Date: April 19, 2023
PCS NOTES: We are fans of the TV show and are intrigued by this continuation.
Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #1
DC Comics
Written by Kenny Porter
Art by Jahnoy Lindsay
Cover Art by Lindsay
Conner Kent takes center stage! After the events of Dark Crisis, Conner feels out of place with the rest of the hero community. He doesn’t fit in with the rest of the Superman Family, and the rest of the world doesn’t really need him with so many Supers in Metropolis. He doesn’t want to rely on Tim, Cassie, and Bart, so Conner looks to the stars as a place he might be able to call his own and carve out his own path. But what lurks in the great unknown? Are bravado and swagger enough to help Superboy find his new calling? This is the 2022 Round Robin winner—picked by you, the fans!
Release Date: April 18, 2023
PCS NOTES: Conner Kent has been getting the short end of the stick for years and we are excited to see him in his own title.
Terrorwar #1
Image Comics
Written by Saladin Ahmed
Art by Dave Acosta, Jay Leisten, & Walter Pereyra
Cover Art by Acosta
Eisner-winning writer SALADIN AHMED (Miles Morales) and superstar horror artist DAVE ACOSTA (Elvira) make their Image debut with this sci-fi horror series about working people fighting mind-bending monsters.
Blue City was the last livable place on Earth. Now it’s crawling with Terrors-creatures that transform into their victims’ worst fears. Humanity’s last hope? Muhammad Cho and his overworked, underpaid crew of freelance Terrorfighters.
“We’re not heroes-we’re contractors.”
Release Date: April 19, 2023
PCS NOTES: We have high hopes for this series.
Warlock: Rebirth #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Ron Marz
Art by Ron Lim, Don Ho, & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover Art by Lim
Adam Warlock was created to be the perfect human specimen. Since then, Adam has gone on to be a cosmic savior, defending the galaxy from the likes of Thanos, the Universal Church of Truth and the Magus. But what will happen when the next evolution of Warlock emerges? Someone who is stronger, faster and smarter than Adam?
Release Date: April 19, 2023
PCS NOTES: We are always excited when this creative team gets together.
Week of April 26
Alien #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Declan Shalvey
Art by Andrea Broccardo & Triona Farrell
Cover Art by Dike Ruan & Matt Wilson
SUPERSTARS DECLAN SHALVEY & ANDREA BROCCARDO TAKE ALIEN TO BONE-CHILLING NEW DEPTHS! Scientist Batya Zahn will do just about anything to get her family off the icy moon where they’ve been conducting research on water conservation. But there’s more than glacial springs to find in this forgotten corner of the galaxy. When they discover an extraordinary organism buried in the ice, it won’t take long for tensions to heat up. What is hidden in the snow comes forth in the thaw…and no one will be welcoming this spring. A new era of Alien starts here!
Release Date: April 26, 2023
PCS NOTES: This looks like an interesting new take on this franchise.
Deep Cuts #1
Image Comics
Written by Kyle Higgins & Joe Clark
Art by Daniel Beyruth & Igor Monti
Cover Art by Chris Brunner
New Orleans, 1917. In the city’s bustling red-light district, a young clarinet player lands a job with his hero—but he’ll soon discover there’s more to the music business than playing the right notes. Join writers KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK (RADIANT BLACK) and an ALL-STAR CAST OF ARTISTS for SIX DOUBLE-LENGTH ISSUES that weave stories of struggle, joy, and hope through the history of jazz!
Release Date: April 26, 2023
Green Arrow #1
DC Comics
Written by Joshua Williamson
Art by Sean Izaakse & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Cover Art by Izaakse & Fajardo
The Emerald Archer is lost, and it will take Oliver Queen’s whole family to find him! But dangerous forces are determined to keep them apart at any cost! Spinning out of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, Green Arrow by DC architect Joshua Williamson (Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, Superman) and artist Sean Izaakse (Thunderbolts) is an action-packed adventure across the DCU that sets the stage for major stories in 2023!
Release Date: April 25, 2023
PCS NOTES: This is one of the most anticipated new series in the Dawn of DC so far.
Money Shot Comes Again! #1
Vault Comics
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Gisele Legace
Cover Art by Legace
The XXX-plorers are back on their hands and knees for the good of humanity! When the giant ass space jellyfish who run the ordered universe arrive on earth, the porn-stars-cum-science explorers must put away grudges, crushes, and side-hustles to once again take one (or two! or three!) for the team.
An epicly sexy new arc begins, which takes aim at dumb billionaires and bad optics, and guest stars a LEGENDARY underground comix heroine! NEW ARTIST Gisele Lagace puts her sexy spin on the book!
Release Date: April 26, 2023
PCS NOTES: You know you want to read this book. Go get it, and have a blast!!!
Star Wars: Darth Vader – Black, White & Red #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Jason Aaron, Torunn Grønbekk, & Peach Momoko
Art by Leonard Kirk, & Momoko
Cover Art by Alex Maleev
THE DARK LORD OF THE SITH LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE! Following the successful black, white and red series produced by Marvel Comics, DARTH VADER now takes the spotlight for tales of terror by some of the industries most talented creators! Peach Momoko will spin a story only she can bring to life! PLUS, the return of Jason Aaron to the world of STAR WARS with Part One of his Vader tale spanning all four issues!
Release Date: April 26, 2023
