We hope you've got some spare cash in your wallet, because you're going to need it this week for all of the comic book goodness that hits stands.
In addition to the long-awaited conclusion to a celebrated story arc, several series are releasing their final issues this week. Some of those are a good thing (making way for the big events of Summer) while others not so much (boo Fantastic Four finale). Convergence trudges on, Secret Wars approaches, and a promising new indie title debuts.
Take a deep breath. Here we go.
Batman #40
The finale of "Endgame" is here! Batman risks everything against The Joker! Who will laugh last?
Why: If you read only one comic this week, make it this one. After a long delay, we're finally getting the last chapter of Scott Snyder's "Endgame" epic, and based on that cover, it looks like he's pitting Batman and Joker as immortal figures locked in a never-ending battle across time. Should be interesting to see how he pulls that off. Also: Next month's #41 features a new Batman and a surprising new individual wearing a new Batsuit, so... Is this Bruce Wayne's swan song?
Convergence #4
Inside Skartaris, the heroes of Earth-2 must face the only man who can stop them from finding the missing Time Travelers — but why would Travis Morgan, aka The Warlord, want to kill them? Meanwhile, Telos takes the captive Dick Grayson to several of the battling cities to prove the futility of challenging him. And whatever you do, do not miss the final page, as the surprising return of an unexpected villain could crush all hope for salvation and seal the doom of everyone on the planet!
Why: Convergence has been entertaining (if uneventful) so far. Hopefully it's about to get more interesting as it reaches its midpoint.
Convergence: Booster Gold #1
STARRING HEROES FROM CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS! Trapped with Rip Hunter and other time travelers, Booster Gold and his future self must work together to get out of prison and off the planet.
Why: It's one of the only Convergence titles that actually ties in directly with the main storyline. (We also like the looks of Convergence: Action Comics #1 and Convergence: Justice Society of America #1.)
Multiversity #2
Every event in the history of the DC Universe has been leading to this! The final chapter of the greatest adventure of all time is here! Issue #1 artist Ivan Reis reteams with mastermind Grant Morrison to end THE MULTIVERSITY and bring together the greatest and bravest heroes of the DC Multiverse to fight one last battle. But more than just some cabal of super-villains, they face the greatest evil that ever existed. An evil so massive, they actually may not stand a chance!
Who are the mystic Justice League of Earth-13 and what role does their leader Super Demon play in the crisis rising all around them? What shocking secret motivates the dark, nightmare henchmen known as The Gentry? And what is the final fate of Nix Uotan — the Super-God?! You cannot miss this final, stunning chapter of Grant Morrison's ultimate super hero epic!
Why: Because Grant Morrison. Which means it'll be confusing... but awesome.
Superman #40
The spotlight shines on John Romita, Jr. as he goes solo to tell the story of the testing of Superman's new power against the Justice League! But the appearance of an unexpected enemy could end the Man of Steel's life!
Why: The premise alone sounds like fun, but having Romita write his own panels should be a kick. Plus, it's the last issue before Gene Luen Yang takes up scripting duties — and something major is going to happen in his first issue.
Avengers #44
FINAL ISSUE! TIME RAN OUT! This April, the Avengers and the Illuminati face down their final hours. The clock is winding down and the final incursion is upon us. Superstar writer Jonathan Hickman along with blockbuster artists Mike Deodato and Kev Walker bring to a close the epic saga of the Avengers, the Illuminati, and a Marvel Universe on the brink of extinction. The Incursions from parallel Earths from other dimensions have taken their toll on our heroes, and the battle worn Avengers stand ready to face utter decimation. Before the highly-anticipated SECRET WARS begins in May, close out Jonathan Hickman's epic Avengers and New Avengers saga with these two, oversized final issues! What changes await Earth's Mightiest Heroes? Be there when TIME RUNS OUT this April in AVENGERS #44 and NEW AVENGERS #33!
Why: Marvel is finally about to drop Secret Wars on us, allowing this issue and New Avengers #33 to end their respective series and make way for it. It's basically the Secret Wars prologue.
Fantastic Four #645
THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL FANTASTIC FOUR STORY CONCLUDES IN AN EXTRA-SIZED SPECIAL! Will the Fantastic Four defeat The Quiet Man and the corrupted forces of the Heroes Reborn universe? Will Johnny get his powers back? Will Reed and Sue be a family again? Will this be the end or will this be 4ever?!
Why: This is the end of Fantastic Four. Like, The. End. (Until Marvel relaunches it someday.) Johnny's joining the Inhumans, Sue's working for S.H.I.E.L.D., and does anyone really think Ben and Reed will just disappear? Rumors say Marvel sabotaged the series out of spite for 20th Century Fox, which holds the movie rights. We hope that's nonsense, but then, why else would Marvel just summarily end its "first family"?
Princess Leia #3
Leia's mission leads to the underground world of Sullust! The Empire's forces are on her trail and gaining! Join the galaxy's toughest Princess on a quest to save her people!
Why: The planet Sullust is set to play a big part in this Fall's Star Wars: Battlefront video game, so this should mark your first look at it.
Bitch Planet #4
A secret prisoner may be the ringer Kam's girls need if they hope to survive the coming deathmatch. Series co-creator VALENTINE DE LANDRO (X-Factor) rejoins KELLY SUE DeCONNICK (PRETTY DEADLY, Captain Marvel) on art.
Why: Probably the most topical and timely comic currently on stands.
Pisces #1
Former fighter pilot Dillon Carpenter found everything he wanted when he returned from the Vietnam War. A loving partner; a dream career training with NASA to travel through space; and soon, he will learn, a prime candidacy for a secret mission, one that will forever change the world: First Contact. But as Dillon prepares, his war trauma returns and he's haunted by dark visions of his future. There is but one constant; the voice whispering from the stars. A sci-fi psychological body horror series from the writer of RAT QUEENS and the artist of SHELTERED.
Why: Kurtis Wiebe + a brilliant premise.
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