Welcome to our New Number Ones: One-Shots & Specials for May 2023.
In this regular column, we collect the one-shot books, special anthologies, and original graphic novels that are being released this month. You can check out our regular New Number Ones column for the month here.
There is an alphabetical list of these special books below by release date, and don’t forget to check for our PCS NOTES to find out what we just have to tell you about these comics.
There are books on the list from: DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, Archie Comics, Image Comics, Fair Square Comics, Avery Hill, Boom! Studios, Living the Line, and A Wave Blue World.
Dawn of DC: We Are Legends Special Edition #1
DC Comics
Written by Greg Pak, Ram V., Alyssa Wong
Art by Haining, Minkyu Jung, Lalit Kumar Sharma, Rain Beredo, Sunny Gho, & Sebastain Cheng
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
We Are Legends, part of the year-long Dawn of DC storytelling initiative, is set to make a major impact on the comics industry this May, with the launch of three six-issue series: Spirit World, The Vigil, and City Boy. Each feature new characters of AAPI heritage, as leads of their own books! Earlier this year, these heroes first made their presence known across the DC Universe in the Lazarus Planet epic. In the newly announced Dawn of DC: We Are Legends Special Edition promotional comic book, you can meet City Boy in a story that first appeared in Lazarus Planet: Legends Reborn, get to know Xanthe and their unique mission in a Spirit World tale from Lazarus Planet: Dark Fate, and receive intel on the mysterious organization known as the Vigil in an excerpt from Lazarus Planet: Next Evolution. All three short stories are included in this comic, providing everything readers need to know to jump on board Spirit World, The Vigil, and City Boy starting in May. This promotional comic will be made available free to retailers.
Release Date: May 2, 2023
PCS NOTES: We tend to avoid putting reprints on this list, but this book is free at your local comic shop and it is really a primer for three interesting new series coming this month. You can find out more about those books on our regular NEW NUMBER ONES column.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Lost Summer #1
Boom! Studios
Written by Casey Gilly
Art by Lauren Knight
Cover Art by Mirka Andolfo
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
Spike is determined to keep the last copy of his embarrassing poetry from being discovered, sending Buffy and the Scooby Gang on a faux-supernatural goose chase to New Orleans to cover his tracks.
At an antiques fair, the group is fascinated by The Casquette Girls’ clothes on display.
When Dawn utters a wish she most likely should have kept to herself, the gang gains a firsthand account of the sisters’ identities… beyond what they could have imagined.
Buffy, The Last Vampire Slayer writer Casey Gilly is joined by Golden Rage artist Lauren Knight, bringing fans a historically fun and frightful one-shot to sink their fangs into!
Release Date: May 3, 2023
PCS NOTES: Buffy fans won’t want to miss this one.
Carnage Reigns: Alpha #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Alex Paknadel & Cody Zigler
Art by Julius Ohta & Erick Arciniega
Cover Art by Ryan Stegman, Edgar Delgado, & J.P. Mayer
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
CARNAGE VS. MILES MORALES! CLETUS KASADY IS BACK and badder than ever. With his soul trapped within the Extrembiote Armor created by Tony Stark during KING IN BLACK, Cletus has the means to level an untold amount of chaos and, well, carnage on New York City and the entire Marvel Universe. But like any good Tony Stark invention, the Extremis coursing through Cletus’ symbiotic veins needs POWER, and that means Cletus is HUNGRY. Good thing Brooklyn’s very own SPIDER-MAN is there to stand in his way! If he survives their first encounter, that is.
Release Date: May 3, 2023
PCS NOTES: The symbiote event of the summer starts here.
Haunthology Vol. 1 TP
Image Comics
Written by Jeremy Haun
Art by Haun
Cover Art by Haun
ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL ANTHOLOGY
From creatures of the night to even more terrifying creatures of the day, HAUNTHOLOGY is an anxiety-inducing collection of 28 short stories and vignettes from the mind of JEREMY HAUN, the writer and artist behind THE BEAUTY, THE REALM, The Red Mother, The Approach and other nightmarish mindscapes. Whether exploring a claustrophobic old house full of nefarious entities or the heavy thoughts one has during the pending end of the world, this very personal project was written and drawn entirely during the COVID lockdowns.
Features an introduction by Shirley Jackson Award winning horror author NATHAN BALLINGRUD!
Release Date: May 3, 2023
PCS NOTES: This looks like a great collection by an excellent horror creator. Looking forward to this one for sure.
Skinner OGN HC
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Micky Neilson & Samwise Didier
Art by Piotr Kowalski & Dennis Calero
Cover Art by Didier
ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL
Skinner is the terrifying tale of six internet celebrities who accompany a superstar survivalist on a one-week trip deep into the remote Canadian wilderness. After their plane crashes, the influencers and their guide are stalked by a mountain man of local legend—Skinner—who tracks, murders and skins his victims. When the celebrities mount a desperate counterattack, they discover that there is much more to the Skinner myth than any of them could have imagined—a nightmare creature that can assume any form.
Release Date: May 3, 2023
PCS NOTES: This has a great concept.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Lando #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Stephanie Phillips
Art by Álvaro López & Antonio Fabela
Cover Art by Ryan Brown
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
LANDO AND CHEWIE ANTE UP TO SAVE THE GALAXY! When Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca find themselves on a perilous mission to steal from Jabba himself, a dangerous figure from Lando’s past threatens their plans and their lives. Chewie finds that putting his trust in Calrissian is a gamble that just might pay off, as Lando calls on his skills as a smuggler to make it out alive. Part of a series of one-shots celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Return of the Jedi, this story by Stephanie Phillips (COSMIC GHOST RIDER, ROGUE & GAMBIT) and Álvaro López (CAPTAIN MARVEL) bring you a new, high-stakes adventure with some of Star Wars’ most beloved characters.
Release Date: May 3, 2023
PCS NOTES: Star Wars:RotJ era hijinks are right up my alley.
X-Men: Before the Fall – Sons of X #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Simon Spurrier
Art by Phil Noto
Cover Art by Noto
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
A BATTLE OF THE TITANS OF THE X-UNIVERSE! A man of innumerable personalities and powers vs. the most powerful artificial intelligence in this universe: Legion vs. Nimrod! With Nightcrawler in Orchis’ clutches, David Haller and his allies will have to confront the mastermind who destroyed Warlock and nearly took Krakoa with him. But Nightcrawler is not himself… and Legion’s allies aren’t all they seem to be either. Mutant monsters roam the Earth… Banshee, broken once again, dreams of lost vengeance… Mother Righteous, her role in SINS OF SINISTER unrevealed, takes another stab at universal control… Si Spurrier and Phil Noto usher in new status quos for some of your favorite X-Men in this can’t-miss one-shot!
Release Date: May 3, 2023
PCS NOTES: The Fall of X is coming and this book certainly looks interesting.
Chilling Adventures Presents… Jinx: A Cursed Life #1
Archie Comics
Written by Magdalene Visaggio
Art by Ellie Wright & Craig Cermak
Cover Art by Cermak
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
When Archie and company come looking for her help because Jughead is acting weird, Jinx and her BFF Danni embark on a mission to exorcize Jughead. It’s the two BFFs vs. Satan for the good of humanity — or at the very least, for Jinx to just be free to be a normal 14-year-old girl who just happens to dabble in necromancy and rock ‘n’ roll.
Release Date: May 17, 2023
PCS NOTES: Archie Chilling Adventures One-Shots are usually pretty fun and this looks like it will fit the bill.
Far South: Crooks, Pimps, & Gauchos #1
Fair Square Comics
Written by Rodolfo Santullo
Art by Leandro Fernandez
Cover Art by Fernandez
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
An arid and wild land, cut off from the world. Tough and hot blooded men. Crime. Alcohol. Revenge: This is where the taciturn Montoya runs a bar. A bar where the worst scoundrels in the area come to settle their differences or talk about their setbacks.
Release Date: May 17, 2023
PCS NOTES: We are big fans of Leandro Fernandez and are excited to see what is inside this book.
The Color of Always: An LGBTQIA+ Love Anthology TP
A Wave Blue World Comics
Written by Susan Bridges, Mario Candelaria, Christa Harader, Jazzlyn Stone, Lillian Hochwender, Brittany Gonzalez, Priya Saxena, Tilly Bridges, Julia Paiewonsky, Laura Helsby, Christie Porter, Kaj E. Kuntsmann, Nathan Long, Brent Fisher, Michele Abounader
Art by Helsby, Porter, Kuntsmann, Long, Liana Kangas, Katie Hicks, Elizabeth Malette, Rachel Distler, Gabe Martini, Jenny Fleming, Dylan Caleho, Alexandra Orekhova, Alex Putprush, Alna Wahab, Elisa Romboli
Cover Art by Romboli
ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL ANTHOLOGY
“Wherever you are, there is home.”
The flutter of first dates, the thrill of a text-back, the heart-stopping seconds before coming out, and the rush when finally discovering who you truly are – all of these life-changing moments across the full spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experience are ready to explore in this bright and inspiring comics anthology! The Color of Always is a collection of personal stories, testimonies, heirlooms, evocations, and evangelisms for queer creators and readers that celebrates feeling good about who you are, and coming into your own at last.
Featuring stories and art from BRENT FISHER, MARIO CANDELARIA, PRIYA SAXENA, MICHELE ABOUNADER, JAZZLYN STONE, ELISA ROMBOLI, LAURA HELSBY, RACHEL DISTLER, KATIE HICKS, LIANA KANGAS, and many more!
Release Date: May 24, 2023
PCS NOTES: This anthology was originally funded as a Kickstarter campaign and we are excited the A Wave Blue World is giving folks who missed out on the campaign a chance go get a hold of this book. For more on the original campaign, click here.
Fury #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Al Ewing
Art by Scot Eaton, Ramon Rosanas, Tom Reilly, Adam Kubert
Cover Art by Kubert
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
WHO IS S.C.O.R.P.I.O.? A glamorous rogue agent with a deadly secret lures Nick Fury into the action-thriller of a lifetime…HIS FATHER’S! Following the trail opens NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN FURY FILES from the Howlin’ ’40s…the Swingin’ ’60s…and today! But it takes more than ONE Nick Fury to unlock a mystery decades in the making—and to answer the question…WHO IS S.C.O.R.P.I.O.?
Release Date: May 24, 2023
PCS NOTES: Fun spy drama comics? Bring it on.
Intertwined: The Last Jewish Daughter of Kaifeng #1
Fair Square Comics
Written by Fabrice Sapolsky
Art by Fred Pham Chuong, Fei Chen, Ho Seng Hui
Cover Art by Sapolsky
After the events of the original INTERTWINED series, Leah Ai Tian’s life has changed drastically. She had been dragged in Juan Jin’s adventures with the Spirits of WuXing against her will and Lady Xia passed on the mantle of Champion of the Water Element to her right before she was murdered.
Now, Leah fights along the Spirits of the Earth, Wood, Fire and Metal to preserve the balance of the universe while fully living her Jewish faith. But her past has come back to haunt her.
Release Date: May 24, 2023
PCS NOTES: With no experience in this storyline, we are looking forward to checking this out.
Supermassive #1
Image Comics
Written by Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, Mat Groom, & Melissa Flores
Art by Daniele Di Nicuolo & Walter Baiamonte
Cover Art by Di Nicuolo
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
A doorway has opened. Beyond it lies the Holy Grail. Yes, that Holy Grail. But why are RADIANT BLACK, ROGUE SUN, and THE DEAD LUCKY all so desperate to get their hands on it-and who is the mysterious woman who stands in their way?
Massive-Verse architects KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES & MAT GROOM are joined by superstar art team DANIELE DI NICUOLO & WALTER BAIAMONTE (Power Rangers: Shattered Grid, Seven Secrets) for a 50-page one-shot crossover event!
Release Date: May 24, 2023
PCS NOTES: It is Super. It is Massive! This excellent comic universe keeps gaining steam.
DC Pride 2023 #1
DC Comics
Written by Grant Morrison, Rex Ogle, Josh Trujillo, Leah Williams, Christopher Cantwell, Nadia Shammas, Nicole Maines, Mildred Louis, A.L. Kaplan
Art by Louis, Kaplan, Stephen Sadowski, Paulina Ganucheau, Babs Tarr, Ted Brandt, Claire Roe, Hayden Shermen, Maria Llovet, Skylar Patridge, Don Aguillo, Bruka Jones, Noah Dao, Tamra Bonvillain, Marissa Louise, Dearbhla Kelly
Cover Art by Mateus Manhanini
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
AND BABY MAKES THREE / ANNIVERSARY / BAD DREAM: A DREAMER STORY / HEY, STRANGER / LOST & FOUND / TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK / SUBSPACE TRANSMISSION / MY BEST BET / LOVE’S LIGHTNING HEART
DC Pride is back again with a brave and bold and all-new collection of stories starring DC’s fan-favorite stable of LGBTQIA+ characters—many of whom will find themselves in thrilling team-ups the likes of which you’ve never seen before!
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy go to extreme measures to get a little alone time…but there’s nowhere on the planet Crush can’t crash! Jon Kent gets a comprehensive course in dark magic when John Constantine sics a golem on him. Tim Drake and Connor Hawke learn that there’s nothing more awkward than reuniting with an old friend after you’ve both come out and one of you was indoctrinated by the League of Shadows for a while. Circuit Breaker struggles to stifle his powers after the Flash of Earth-11 leaps out of the time stream and knocks them both into another dimension. Just how far would Flashlight go to honor his lost love? All these stories and many more in DC Pride 2023!
This year’s anthology also includes:
• An introduction by Phil Jimenez!
• A 5-page preview of Dreamer’s YA debut written by Nicole Maines and drawn by Rye Hickman!
• A parade of pinups by Babs Tarr, Maria Llovet, Brandt & Stein, Noah Dao, Travis G. Moore, and more!
Release Date: May 30, 2023
PCS NOTES: DC is getting a jump on #PrideMonth, and this book looks fantastic.
New Talent Showcase: The Milestone Initiative #1
DC Comics
Written by Various
Art by Various
Cover Art by Denys Cowan & Chris Sotomayor
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
In May of 2022, 12 writers and 12 artists came to DC headquarters to hone their skills with some of the best comics creators in the business, and one year later, we’re showing the results of the cohort’s hard work! This special showcases all 12 stories created out of the Ally-sponsored Milestone Initiative…If you don’t grab a copy, you’ll be missing some of the first published work of the stars of the future!
Release Date: May 30, 2023
PCS NOTES: The Milestone Initiative is a fantastic concept and program. We are excited to see the fruits of it in this collection.
Power Girl Special #1
DC Comics
Written by Leah Williams & Joanne Starer
Art by Marguerite Sauvage, Natacha Bustos, & Tamra Bonvillian
Cover Art by Sauvage & Bonvillain
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
Power Girl takes center stage! With new powers and a new mission, Power Girl faces a challenge unlike any she’s experienced before in this shocking one-shot rising from the events of Lazarus Planet and Action Comics! With Omen’s guidance, Power Girl now strives to battle the demons—literal and figurative—lurking within the minds of some of the greatest superheroes in the DC Universe! But the nefarious Johnny Sorrow has been searching for a connection to Earth-0, and the superheroines’ work may unwittingly give him the means to make their world his personal stage! Can Power Girl and her estranged Super-Family bring down the curtain on Sorrow’s evil plans? And at what cost?
The backup story is an introductory tale. Fire and Ice respond to a natural disaster in Baltimore, debating whether to involve Ice’s old flame Guy Gardner. When Guy causes some major drama at the scene, Superman gets involved to stop the fight.
Continued from Action Comics #1053.
Release Date: May 30, 2023
PCS NOTES: We have been loving this storyline in Action Comics and are excited to see PG get her own special. Also the primer for the upcoming Welcome to Smallville is in this book. So, this is a great two-for-one.
Centralia HC
Living the Line
Written by Miel Vandepitte
Art by Vandepitte
Cover Art by Vandepitte
ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL
The earth in and around Centralia has warmed so much, it’s impossible to stand on without melting. Those who survive long enough will be confronted with carnivorous birds, collapsing buildings, and the trigger-happy Simia Nasalis, armed with bazookas and stilts.
Against their better judgement, a group of adventurers set out to discover the treasure of gold hidden away at the heart of the abandoned town.
Release Date: May 31, 2023
PCS NOTES: I think this book looks very interesting.
Pet Peeves TP
Avery Hill
Written by Nicole Goux
Art by Goux
Cover Art by Goux
ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL
In this horror graphic novel, the new dog that aspiring musician Bobbie has adopted is cute, but also stealing her life.
Bobbie’s life is going nowhere fast. She’s working at a bar, wanting to play music but never having the time or energy. The only bright spot is her dog – always cheerful, always cuddly, and always there for her.
As the relentless day-in, day-out of work piles up, music and roommates and social plans begin to seem less and less important as Bobbie struggles to make rent and have any time to be creative. The only thing she has time for outside her job is her dog . . . and her dog is going to do everything he can to keep it that way.
This debut solo graphic novel from breakout author Nicole Goux explores the struggles of a young artist – haunted not only by debt and society, but by more sinister (though adorable) canine forces.
Release Date: May 31, 2023
PCS NOTES: As a fan of Nicole Goux’s work, we can’t wait to get a hold of this book.
The Rocketeer #1
IDW Publishing
Written by Danny Bilson, Paul Demeo, Robert Windom, Kelvin Mao
Art by Craig Cermak, Jae Lee, Adam Hughes
Cover Art by Hughes
ONE-SHOT SPECIAL
It’s a wall-to-wall adventure in a trio of Rocketeer stories in this terrific all-new special!
First, the writers of the Rocketeer film, Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, and illustrator Adam Hughes bring us a tale featuring pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart. Second, Robert Windom (Seven Sons) and Jae Lee craft a story of the Rocketeer fighting a Japanese Zero in the South Pacific. And the third entry is by Kelvin Mao (director of the Dave Stevens documentary Drawn To Perfection, and co-writer of Seven Sons) and artist extraordinaire Craig Cermak. While on a date with Betty, our man Cliff encounters a vaguely familiar adventurer/archeologist. What kind of trouble will this spell for our hero? You’ll have to grab a copy of this special one-off issue to find out!
Release Date: May 31, 2023
PCS NOTES: We have high hopes for some cool new Rocketeer content.
