5 New Comics to Look out for in January 2018

Posted on January 1, 2018 in Comic News

With the New Year comes an exciting new slate of comic releases, and we’re here once again to let you know what to be keeping an eye out for this January.

One of the things we pride ourselves on here at the Big Comic Page is trying to make people aware of great comics they may have previously missed out on. And while some of our selections below are definitely on the more ‘mainstream’ side of the comic industry, we still hope that you’ll find something worthwhile from our recommendations of titles that you simply need to pick up this month

SWAMP THING WINTER SPECIAL #1 (DC COMICS) – on sale January 31st

A bit of a no-brainer, this one. Tom King and Jason Fabok coming together to pay tribute to the legendary creators of Swamp Thing, writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson, in a brand new 80 page squarebound one-shot? Yes please.

Here’s the blurb:

Swamp Thing is out of his element as he shepherds a lost boy through a blinding blizzard and other hazards of a strange, frozen tundra. In this touching and harrowing tale of survival, the pair must navigate countless threats throughout a bewildering terrain—with a bloodthirsty snow monster hot on their heels. But how long can they rely on each other? Separated from the Green and stripped of his powers in this dead world, Swamp Thing struggles to fight for their lives and deliver the boy to safety. Disoriented and decaying, Swamp Thing’s fading understanding of his surroundings forces the duo to confront their desperation and uncover the true identity of the snow monster that hunts them.

Oh, and if that’s not enough, this special also features the final Swamp Thing story from the monster’s co-creator, Len Wein. Originally intended as the start of a new series, it is presented here both in its original script form and with art by Kelley Jones. An absolutely essential buy if you’ve ever been remotely interested in Swamp Thing.

ETERNAL OGN (BLACK MASK STUDIOS) – on sale January 31st

A book I’ve been waiting for with baited breath since it was first announced, Eternal is a 64 page OGN from Black Mask Studios and the creative partnership of Ryan Lindsay and Eric Zawadski. Both men had an absolutely storming 2017 on the likes of The Dregs and Beautiful Canvas, so seeing them working together on this beautiful, almost poetically violent graphic novel is an truly mouth-watering prospect. Oh, and for what it’s worth, I’ve already been able to take an early look at this one, and honestly, it’s an absolute masterpiece.

Here’s the official blurb:

A group of isolated shieldmaidens protect their village against a tide of men who think they can take their land land from them. Vif takes her band of women off viking to quell the advances of a loitering mystical scumbag, Bjarte. But some battles rage on inside us long after the field is empty, and some opponents won’t ever stay down. Eternal is a haunting story of how vulnerable you make yourself when trying to protect everything around you.

NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE #1 (VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT) – on sale January 10th

Valiant has become one of the most consistent producers of highly-charged superhero events in recent years, and this brand new action-fueled showdown from writer Eliot Rahal and artist Joe Bennett promises to be an absolute blast.

Here’s the blurb:

Colin King is Ninjak, MI-6’s deadliest intelligence operative and weapons expert. When the ruthless assassin Roku exploits his greatest weakness, Ninjak will be forced to betray his closest allies. Now, on the run, he must face off against the most powerful heroes known to man for a high-octane, take no prisoners trial by fire more perilous and more unpredictable than any he’s faced before. In 2018, the world’s most dangerous super-spy goes to war with the Valiant Universe…

Guest-starring X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Livewire, Archer & Armstrong, Shadowman, and many more, don’t miss the ULTIMATE JUMPING-ON POINT for the most acclaimed and hotly followed publisher anywhere in comics today as Ninjak leads an all-star introduction to the most brutal fighters the Valiant Universe has to offer!

ABBOTT #1 (BOOM! STUDIOS) – on sale January 24th

Another incredibly consistent publisher over the last few years, BOOM! Studios are bringing us what promises to be a gripping and diverse crime drama from writer Saladin Ahmed and artist Sami Kivelä this month, and based on what we’ve seen so far – not to mention the previous track record from the two creators – we honestly can’t recommend this series highly enough.

Here’s the official blurb:

Hugo Award-nominated novelist Saladin Ahmed (Black Bolt) and artist Sami Kivelä (Beautiful Canvas) present one woman’s search for the truth that destroyed her family. Hard-nosed, chain-smoking tabloid reporter Elena Abbott investigates a series of grisly crimes that the police have ignored. Crimes she knows to be the work of dark occult forces. Forces that took her husband from her. Forces she has sworn to destroy.

RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER #1 (MARVEL COMICS) – on sale January 3rd

Ta-Nehisi Coates‘ Black Panther series is unquestionably one of the best things Marvel has released in recent years, so seeing him pairing with Journalist Evan Narcisse and artist Paul Renaud to chronicle T’Challa’s rise to the throne of Wakanda is a fairly appealing prospect to say the least. Some may dismiss it as a cheap cash-in for the upcoming Marvel Studios movie, but when you have Coates at the helm, there’s no doubt in my mind this this is going to be another fantastic read.

Here’s the blurb:

Just in time for the highly anticipated film, witness the early years of the man who will come to rule one of the most scientifically advanced countries in the world! Wakanda has always kept itself isolated from Western society, but that’s all about to change. Young T’Challa knows he is destined to become king, but when his father is brutally murdered by outsiders, he’ll find himself taking up a mantle he may not be ready for. Experience never-before-seen drama from the reign of T’Chaka, the king whose death changes a nation’s history forever. Learn about the mother T’Challa never knew. See how the world learns about this wondrous nation for the first time. Will the power of the Black Panther be enough to keep his country safe?

The writer of this piece was: Craig Neilson-Adams (aka Ceej)
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