Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

THIS PODCAST AND ALL SJP PODCASTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE DETROIT BEARD COLLECTIVE AND DEAD WORLD ZOMBIE SODA!

Brain Picks

Katie’s Brain Pick of the Week

HARROW COUNTY #12

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Cullen Bunn (A) Hannah Christenson (CA) Tyler Crook

When Emmy is called upon to investigate a haunted house, she’s surprised by how . . . normal . . . the family that lives there is. But as she encounters mysterious bumps and creaks in the night, she finds that the house has dark secrets of its own.

* Guest art by award-winning illustrator Hannah Christenson (Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard)!

Dan’s Brain Pick of the Week:

KAIJUMAX SEASON 2 #1

ONI PRESS INC.

(W/A/CA) Zander Cannon

Get ready for the all-new second season of Kaijumax! All the Red Humongo wants to do is go straight now that he’s out on parole, but his good-for-nothing brother Green Humongo has escaped from Kaijumax and is crashing at his house, with fellow escapee Electrogor in tow. Out-of-work guard Jeong drinks his troubles away on the moon, while new police recruit Chisato throws herself enthusiastically into her first day on the job. Also: Blindside tackles! Filial piety! Savage beatings! And… a Flintstones reference?

4 – Brain Scans: Scanning the list

(3-4 each alternating spotlight)

K:

FIX #2 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Nick Spencer (A/CA) Steve Lieber colors: Ryan Hill

Mac is injured in the line of duty and Roy seeks the help of another detective with a tough case.

D:

SOUTHERN BASTARDS #14 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Jason Aaron (A/CA/Colors) Jason Latour

The big game is over. But the troubles have only just begun. The return of Roberta Tubb.

K:

HOUSE OF PENANCE #2 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Peter J. Tomasi (A/CA) Ian Bertram, colors: Dave Stewart

Sarah Winchester’s house is always under construction-the banging of hammers keeps her demons at bay. Her construction crew of vagrants and murderers build, tear down, and rebuild the mansion according to her visions. But her newest employee, Warren Peck, has brought some demons of his own . . .

D:

BLACK PANTHER #2

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Ta-Nehisi Coates (A/CA) Brian Stelfreeze (Colors) Laura Martin

• The darkest chapter of the Black Panther mythos continues as Wakanda crumbles from within.

• Enter: The Midnight Angels! Two mysterious women leading the citizen revolt against the current regime of Wakanda, challenging not only T’Challa’s politics but also his resolve. But will their rage provide more for the people than the royal family has thus far?

• Written by MacArthur Genius and National Book Award winner TA-NEHISI COATES (Between the World and Me) and illustrated by living legend BRIAN STELFREEZE!

K: Graphic Novel Pick!

THOREAU A SUBLIME LIFE HC

NBM

(A) A. Dan., Maximilien Le Roy (w/col)

“To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school, but so to love wisdom as to live according to its dictates, a life of simplicity, independence, magnanimity and trust.” This graphic novel biography relates the forward looking inspirational life of the great author, philosopher and pioneering ecologist. Henry David Thoreau was also the father of the concept, still relevent today, of “civil disobedience” which he used against slavery and the encroachment of government.

D:

HEAVY METAL #280 CVR A ENGLISH (MR) (C: 0-1-0)

HEAVY METAL MAGAZINE

(W/A) Various (CA) Brian Ewing

Contributors include Grant Morrison, Benjamin Marra, Enki Bilal, Massimiliano Frezzatto & Ryan Ferreir.

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

K:

MIGHTY COLORS BOARD BOOK $7.99

MIGHTY NUMBERS BOARD BOOK $7.99

D:

MERMIN GN VOL 01

ONI PRESS INC.

(W/A/CA) Joey Weiser

The first [...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Brain Picks

Katie’s Brain Pick of the Week

Graphic Novel Pick:

SOMETHING NEW TALES FROM MAKESHIFT BRIDE GN

:01 FIRST SECOND

(W/A/CA) Lucy Knisley

In 2010, Lucy and her long-term boyfriend John broke up. Three long, lonely years later, John returned to New York, walked into Lucy’s apartment, and proposed. This is not that story. It is the story of what came after: The Wedding. DIY maven Lucy Knisley was fascinated by American wedding culture… but also sort of horrified by it. So she set out to plan and execute the adorable DIY wedding to end all adorable DIY weddings. And she succeeded. This graphic novel is the story of how Lucy built a barn, invented a whole new kind of photo booth, and managed to turn an outdoor wedding on a rainy day into a joyous (though muddy) triumph.

Dan’s Brain Pick of the Week:

RENATO JONES ONE PERCENT #1 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W/A/CA) Kaare Andrews

Special double-sized first issue!

The One% own more than half the world’s wealth. They’ve crashed economies, bought governments, and have amassed more power than any other group in history. And they still don’t have enough. With this kind of power how can anyone make them pay? WHO will make them pay? Enter Renato Jones, a mysterious vigilante, out to even the score. And when he enters the fray THE SUPER-RICH ARE SUPER F***ED.

From acclaimed creator KAARE KYLE ANDREWS (Iron Fist: The Living Weapon, Spider-Man: Reign) comes a supercharged capitalist action thriller for a post-Great Recession world.

4 – Brain Scans: Scanning the list

(3-4 each alternating spotlight)

K:

STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES #14

IMAGE COMICS

(W/A/CA) David Lapham

D:

3 FLOYDS ALPHA KING #1 (OF 5) (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Nick Floyd, Brian Azzarello (A/CA) Simon Bisley (Colors) Ryan Browne

K:

HOT DAMN #2 (OF 5)

IDW PUBLISHING

(W) Ryan Ferrier (A/CA) Valentin Ramon

D:

CINEMA PURGATORIO #1 (MR)

AVATAR PRESS INC

(W) Alan Moore & Various (A) Kevin O’Neil & Various (CA) Michael DiPascale

K:

BLACK WIDOW #3

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Chris Samnee, Mark Waid (A/CA) Chris Samnee

D:

ROCKET RACCOON AND GROOT #5

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Skottie Young (A) Jay P. Fosgitt (CA) Skottie Young (Color Art) Jean-Francois Beaulieu

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

K:

SPACE BATTLE LUNCHTIME #1

ONI PRESS INC.

(W/A/CA) Natalie Riess

D:

SUPERGIRL COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE 8TH GRADE TP

DC COMICS

(W) Landry Quinn Walker (A) Eric Jones (CA) Erik Jones

K quick picks:

BEASTS OF BURDEN WHAT CAT DRAGGED IN ONE SHOT $3.99

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Evan Dorkin (A/CA) Jill Thompson

*********************

Global Fridays at the Arab American National Museum

Friday, May 13 at 8 PM

Arab American National Museum welcomes Renowned across Yemen as a musician and vocalist, Abdulrahman Al Akhfash has contributed significantly over the past 20 years to the natural development and enrichment of the Sanani repertoire..

https://www.facebook.com/events/229396274065213/

Tickets are available at accesscomunity.org

***The public is welcome to attend a FREE talk by Yemeni jewelry expert and author Marjorie Ransom at 6:30 p.m.***

********************

Free Comic Book Day

Sat. May 7

10am – 6

Get your choice of 3 different Free Comic Book Day comics just for attending

Get extra FCBD comics for donating

Canned food for Gleaners Community Food Bank

Gently used books for the Friends of the Dearborn Library

Used cell phones for soldiers

And lastly attending the event wearing a costume

And a portion of every purchase goes to benefit the Friends for the Dearborn Animal Shelter

Confirmed creators on FCBD[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Brain Picks

Katie’s Brain Pick of the Week

CLEAN ROOM #7 (MR)

DC COMICS

(W) Gail Simone A: Jon Davis-Hunt Colors: Quinton Winter

In this spectacularly disturbing standalone issue, we delve into the depths of Astrid’s terrifying personal history, and why demons have haunted her since birth.

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK:

HUCK #6 IMAGE COMICS

(W) Mark Millar (A/CA) Rafael Albuquerque (Colors) Dave McCaig

MINISERIES CONCLUSION

Huck and Orlov’s final showdown!

Brain Scans: Scanning the list

SUN BAKERY #1 CVR A LEWIS

ALTERNATIVE COMICS

(W/A/CA) Corey Lewis Rey

Introducing Sun Bakery: a one-man Shonen Jump-esque comics anthology from Sharknife creator, Corey Lewis. Each 48 page issue is jam packed with robo space adventure, paranormal skateboarding, breakdancing, and social swordplay. This landmark first issue debuts three new stories: “Dream Skills,” “Arem,” “Bat Rider”

TWILIGHT ZONE SHADOW #1 (OF 4) Dynamite. Entertainment

(W) David Avallone (A) Dave Acosta (Colors) Omi Remalante (CA) Francesco Francavilla

He knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men… but who knows what lurks in the heart of The Shadow? Find out, in the first issue of this mind-blowing four-part storyline entitled “Shadow of a Doubt”, as the Master of Men takes a fateful step into that wondrous land bounded only by imagination: an area which we call… The Twilight Zone.

HOWARD THE DUCK #6

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Chip Zdarsky, Ryan North (A/CA) Joe Quinones, Erica Henderson

THE CONCLUSION OF “ANIMAL HOUSE,” A CROSSOVER WITH THE UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL!

• WATCH! Howard show Squirrel Girl how to be a REAL hero for a change, for which she is eternally grateful!

• LEARN! what happened in last month’s UNBEATABLE SQUIRREL GIRL #6 from the recap page!

• LISTEN! to a nice audio file of nature sounds made by Chip & Ryan while you read this VERY good story!

• LOVE! all the guest stars! Like one of the blue guys from X-MEN! And a pretty cool van!

Rated T+

Mineshaft #33: features an AMAZING front cover by Mary Fleener & back cover by R. Crumb! ALSO in this issue… Excerpts From R. Crumb’s Dream Diary, Billy Childish, Jay Lynch, Nina Bunjevac, Two centerfold sketchbook drawings by R. Crumb, Noah Van Sciver’s Sketchbook, Peter Poplaski, Christoph Mueller, Robert Armstrong, Rika Deryckere, Aaron Lange, David Collier, Henry Denander, Pat Moriarity, Curtis Eller, Bill Griffith’s ZIPPY, & MORE!

MEGG & MOGG IN AMSTERDAM AND OTHER STORIES HC (MR)

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

(W/A/CA) Simon Hanselmann

Fresh off their star turn in the New York Times best seller Megahex, Megg and Mogg decide to take a trip to Amsterdam for some quality couple time, although the trip gets off to a rocky start when they forget their antidepressants. Megg & Mogg in Amsterdam collects all of Simon Hanselmann’s contributions to Vice. com, the Ignatz Award-nominated short story “St. Owl’s Bay,” and other surprises that will add additional color and background for fans of Megahex.

RED THORN #6 (MR)

DC COMICS

(W) David Baillie (A) Meghan Hetrick (CA) Choong Yoon

LUMBERJANES #25

BOOM! STUDIOS

(W) Shannon Watters & Various (A) Laura Lewis & Various (CA) Brooke A. Allen

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

JOHNNY BOO HC VOL 07 JOHNNY BOO GOES LIKE THIS

IDW – TOP SHELF

(W/A/CA) James Kochalka

Johnny Boo and Squiggle come across a giant pencil! Is it magical? Whatever it is, when Johnny Boo draws with it, his drawings come to life. Before you know it, they[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective,http://www.detroitbeardcollective.com/ and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Brain Picks

Katie’s Brain Pick of the Week:

HEARTTHROB #1

Publisher: ONI PRESS INC.

(W) Christopher Sebela (A/CA) Robert Wilson

Color: Nick Filardi

A new series about bank heists and thieving hearts from writer Christopher Sebela (Welcome Back), artist Robert Wilson IV (Bitch Planet), and colorist Nick Filardi (Powers). Callie Boudreau hasn’t been herself lately. After a lifetime sidelined by illness, she’s rescued by a miracle cure in the form of heart transplant surgery, but the life she returns to doesn’t fit her anymore. Besides the morally questionable job, the crappy boyfriend and the crippling hospital bills, Callie finds herself developing new tastes, unfamiliar urges and a mouth like a sailor. As she balances what she has to do with what she wants to do, a mystery man shows up to teach her that instead of waiting for her new life, she should go out and steal it.

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK:

HOUSE OF PENANCE #1 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Peter J. Tomasi (A/CA) Ian Bertram (Colorist) Dave Stewart (Letters) Nate Peikos

1905 The Winchester House-famous for its original owner’s bizarre compulsion to incorporate a multitude of architectural curiosities. But as the bereaved Sarah Winchester’s workers toil on stairways to nothing and doors to nowhere, a mysterious stranger arrives . . . and he could make Sarah’s demons all too real.

A blend of horror, history and fiction, with moody and stylized art by Ian Bertram

Very violent and very creepy.

Brain Scans: Scanning the list

HOT DAMN #1 (OF 5)

Publisher: IDW PUBLISHING

(W) Ryan Ferrier (A/CA) Valentin Ramon

BLACK ROAD #1 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Brian Wood (A/CA) Garry Brown (Colorist) Dave McCaig (Letters) Steve Wands

MARY WEPT OVER THE FEET OF JESUS HC

DRAWN & QUARTERLY

(W/A/CA) Chester Brown

MOON KNIGHT #1

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Jeff Lemire (A/CA) Greg Smallwood (Colorist) Jordie Bellaire (Letters) Steve Wands

HARROW COUNTY TP VOL 02 TWICE TOLD

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Cullen Bunn (A/CA) Tyler Crook

GOTHAM ACADEMY #17

DC COMICS

(W) Brendan Fletcher & Various (A) Adam Archer & Various (CA) Mingjue Helen Chen

Faith Erin Hicks (Adventures of Superhero Girl), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), and Michael Dialynas (The Woods)!

YA PICK:

GOLDIE VANCE #1 (OF 4)

Publisher: BOOM! STUDIOS

(W) Hope Larson (A/CA) Brittney Williams

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

REDS PLANET GN VOL 01 AMULET BOOKS

(W/A/CA) Eddie Pittman

Red’s Planet, an intergalactic graphic novel fantasy series from award-winning cartoonist Eddie Pittman (writer/story artist for Disney’s hit TV series Phineas and Ferb), is a nonstop adventure with a unique cast of characters

Like Red, a quirky, headstrong 10-year-old who longs to live in her own perfect paradise far away from her annoying foster family. But when a UFO mistakenly kidnaps her, Red finds herself farther away than she could have possibly imagined-across the galaxy and aboard an enormous spaceship owned by the Aquilari, an ancient creature with a taste for rare and unusual treasures.

*********************

Global Fridays at the Arab American National Museum

Friday, April 29 at 8 PM

Arab American National Museum welcomes Tarek Abdallah – an Egyptian composer, lutenist and musicologist along with Egyptian-born and France-based percussionist, Adel Shams El-Din. Both are acclaimed around the world for their deep knowledge and performance prowess; united on the concert stage, they offer audience an unparalleled musical experience.

https://www.facebook.com/events/57034[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Ep 27 The Road to FCBD

Brain Picks

Katie’s Brain Pick of the Week:

DARK CORRIDOR #7 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W/A/CA) Rich Tommaso

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK:

BLACK PANTHER #1

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Ta-Nehisi Coates (A/CA) Brian Stelfreeze

A new era for the Black Panther starts here!

Written by MacArthur Genius and National Book Award winner TA-NEHISI COATES (Between the World and Me) and illustrated by living legend BRIAN STELFREEZE, “A Nation Under Our Feet” is a story about dramatic upheaval in Wakanda and the Black Panther’s struggle to do right by his people as their ruler. The indomitable will of Wakanda — the famed African nation known for its vast wealth, advanced technology and warrior traditions — has long been reflected in the will of its monarchs, the Black Panthers. But now the current Black Panther, T’Challa, finds that will tested by a superhuman terrorist group called The People that has sparked a violent uprising among the citizens of Wakanda. T’Challa knows the country must change to survive — the question is, will the Black Panther survive the change?

Rated T+

Brain Scans: Scanning the list

BLACK WIDOW #2

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Chris Samnee, Mark Waid (A/CA) Chris Samnee

IT’S S.H.I.E.L.D.’s FUNERAL

• As S.H.I.E.L.D.’s top brass gather to bury one of their own, they make an attractive target.

• Lucky for Maria Hill, the agency’s persona non grata, Black Widow, is still watching over them.

• But that could mean Natasha will have a hard time watching her own back!

Rated T+

FIX #1 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Nick Spencer (A/CA) Steve Lieber

A story of the crooked cops, scheming mobsters, and corrupt politicians that run things-and the sex toy that can bring them all down. Oh, and the hero is a drug-sniffing beagle named Pretzels. Bad people do bad things to each other in this frenetic, outrageous, sometimes off-putting new caper! If you liked classic crime comics like CRIMINAL and 100 Bullets we apologize in advance for letting you down!

ARCHIE #7 CVR A REG VERONICA FISH

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS

(W) Mark Waid (A/CA) Veronica Fish

Hiram Lodge finally learns who his daughter, Veronica, is dating. And when he realizes that it’s the boy who destroyed their mansion-to-be, his resulting rage will upend the entire town of Riverdale in this next installment of the best-selling all-new Archie series!

MIGHTY ZODIAC #1

ONI PRESS INC.

(W) J. Torres (A/CA) Corin Howell

When the Blue Dragon dies, six stars fall out of the night sky! Ailing Master Long, leader of the Mighty Zodiac, orders his warriors to gather the stars, lest they fall into the hands of the malevolent Moon Rabbit Army. With the stars, the Mighty Zodiac may yet revive their master, rescue their world, and restore the light. Without the stars, the darkness threatens to divide the tribes and destroy Gaya…

NAMELESS CITY GN VOL 01 (OF 3) (C: 0-1

:01 FIRST SECOND

(W/A/CA) Faith Erin Hicks

Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands (and names) once again. The natives don’t let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders. Kaidu is one such outsider. He’s a Dao born and bred–a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Katie’s BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK

SAGA #35

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: BRIAN K. VAUGHAN ART / COVER: FIONA STAPLES

Hard time.

PAPER GIRLS TP VOL 01

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Brian K. Vaughan (A/CA) Cliff Chiang

SPECIAL LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $9.99

From Brian K. Vaughan, #1 New York Times bestselling writer of SAGA and THE PRIVATE EYE, and CLIFF CHIANG, legendary artist of Wonder Woman, comes the first volume of an all-new ongoing adventure.

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK:

ONI PRESS STARTER PACK 2016

The Oni Press Starter Pack 2016 collects seven complete first issues from Oni Press’s acclaimed creator-owned series.

WHAT’S INSIDE:

• Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt’s THE SIXTH GUN #1

• Charles Soule, Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque and Guy Major’s LETTER 44 #1

• Joshua Hale Fialkov and Joe Infurnari’s double-size THE BUNKER #1

• Zander Cannon’s KAIJUMAX #1

• Greg Rucka, Justin Greenwood, and Ryan Hill’s STUMPTOWN #1

• Cullen Bunn, Joëlle Jones, and Nick Filardi’s HELHEIM #1

• Joshua Hale Fialkov and Gabo’s EXODUS: THE LIFE AFTER #1

Brain Scans: Scanning the list

THEYRE NOT LIKE US #12

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Eric Stephenson (A/CA) Simon Gane

12: WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

*Paris w/Andi Watson

GODZILLA OBLIVION #1 (OF 5) IDW PUBLISHING

(W) Joshua Hale Fialkov (A) Brian Churilla (CA) Graham Nakamura

A scientist has created a portal to another dimension-one where monsters rule supreme! A terrifying expedition begins into a world where hope has died and Godzilla is the unrivaled King of the Monsters. But what happens when a baby kaiju hitches a ride back to the original, monster-less dimension?

JUGHEAD #5

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS

(W) Chip Zdarsky (A/CA) Erica Henderson

Riverdale High was just the beginning as Principal Stanger’s despotic reach shuts down Pop’s Shoppe! Jughead and the gang need to stop him once and for all! Maybe with the help of the SuperTeens and Iron Mantle?

CAPTAIN AMERICA SAM WILSON #7 ASO MARVEL COMICS

(W) Nick Spencer (A) Daniel Acuña (CA) Alex Ross

ENORMOUS 75th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE!

AN AVENGERS STANDOFF tie-in!

Plus, stories celebrating the legacy and legend of Captain America throughout history, by Greg Rucka & Mike Perkins; Tim Sale; & John Cassaday

Rated T

FAITH #3

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC

(W) Jody Houser (A) Francis Portela, Marguerite Sauvage (CA) Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic

WORLDS FUNNEST TP DC COMICS

(W) Evan Dorkin & Various (A) Joe Shuster & Various (CA) Brian Bolland

Bat-Mite stars in this collection of misadventures with appearances by Superman, the Justice League of America and Superman’s equally magical-and annoying-foe, Mr. Mxyzptlk. Collects SUPERMAN AND BATMAN: WORLD’S FUNNEST #1, BATMAN: MITEFALL #1, WORLD’S FINEST #6, DETECTIVE COMICS #267 and more!

MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #5

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclare (A) Natacha Bustos (CA) Amy Reeder

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

MADAGASCAR #1 JOE BOOKS INC.

(W) Patrick Storck (A/CA) Rafael Sam

The Madagascar crew is back with all-new stories! When Alex the lion witnesses a crime, he must race against time and through the mean streets of New York to recover an elderly woman’s purse. Unfortunately, that woman is his arch-nemesis, Nana! Can the two enemies set aside their differences so that justice can be served? Find out in this buddy cop adventure!

6 – FCBD Spotlight of the Week

Free Comics

FCBD 2016 ARCHIE #1 (Net)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS

(W) Mark Waid (A/CA) Fiona Staples

Comic superstars Mark Waid and Fiona Staples reimagine an icon in this spec[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Katie’s BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK

ELFQUEST FINAL QUEST #14

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Wendy Pini, Richard Pini (A/CA) Wendy Pini

What happens when the one leader who can unite the elves in their time of greatest turmoil has seemingly deserted them?

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK:

ULTIMATES #5

MARVEL COMICS (W) Al Ewing (A/CA) Kenneth Rocafort Colorist: Dan Brown

The Ultimates wrap up their 2nd adventure in just 5 issues. Maybe things are going just a little too smooth, right?

Brain Scans: Scanning the list

STRAY BULLETS SUNSHINE & ROSES #13 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W/A/CA) David Lapham

Monster has figured out Beth, Orson, and Nina’s master plan, and now the only thing standing between them and certain death is…well…Orson.

RINGSIDE #5 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS (W) Joe Keatinge (A/CA) Nick Barber Colorist: Simon Gough

END OF STORY ARC

Our first arc comes to its brutal, bloody end. RINGSIDE WILL RETURN JUNE 2016

KLAUS #4

BOOM! STUDIOS

(W) Grant Morrison (A/CA) Dan Mora

Klaus and Lady Dagmar’s romantic and tragic past is revealed.

OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA #17 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS (W) Robert Kirkman (A/CA) Paul Azaceta Colorist: Elizaeth Breitweiser

Only one more issue left in this arc, and the story is really speeding up.

Things get even more physical, when Kyle and the Reverend have to exorcise a demon from a very large man.

And the Great Merge gets closer!

BADGER #2 (OF 5) (MR)

DEVILS DUE /1FIRST COMICS, LLC

(W) Mike Baron (A) Tony Akins, Val Mayerik (CA) Stephen Scott

Norbert Sykes (alias Badger) gets sprung from the asylum thanks to the influence of his new best friend, Hamilton Thorndyke, a 4th Century Druid wizard.

{GRAPHIC NOVEL PICK:}

CURSED PIRATE GIRL TP VOL 01 (MR)

BOOM! STUDIOS (W/A/CA) Jeremy Bastian

Available for the first time ever in a softcover trade paperback

PATSY WALKER AKA HELLCAT #4

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Kate Leth (A/CA) Brittney Williams

GUEST-STARRING HOWARD THE DUCK!

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

HILDA & TROLL TP / NOBROW PRESS / (W/A/CA) Luke Pearson

A new paperback edition of Hilda’s first magical adventure in the land of Trolberg from cartoonist Luke Pearson who was the winner of the first annual Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids’ Comics (of which I was one of the judges)

6 – FCBD Spotlight of the Week

FCBD 2016 SCIENCE COMICS

:01 FIRST SECOND

(W/A/CA) Maris Wicks, Jon Chad

Get to know your universe with Free Comic Book Day’s Science Comics! Do you want to know more about how the world works – what’s going on under our feet and in our oceans? With two action-packed, full-color non-fiction science stories – one by Maris Wicks (author of Human Body Theater and Coral Reefs) and one by Jon Chad (author of Leo Geo and the upcoming Volcanos), Science Comics shows off what’s fun, weird, and crazy about the Earth we all inhabit!

**********************

For more info on writer Cullen Bunn

http://www.cullenbunn.com/

**********************

Brain Functions

Global Fridays at the Arab American National Museum

Friday, April 29 at 8 PM

Tarek Abdallah & Adel Shams El-din (Egyptian)

Tarek Abdallah – an Egyptian composer, lutenist and musicologist – draws inspiration from the golden age of the Egyptian oud solo (1910-1930). Egyptian-born and France-based, Adel Shams El-Din is universally acknowledged as being one of the most gifted riqq players and percussionists today. Both are acclaimed around the world for their deep knowledge and performance prowess; united on the concert stage, they offer audience an unparalleled musical experience.

https://www.facebook.[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Katie’s BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK

CLEAN ROOM #6 (MR)

DC COMICS

(W) Gail Simone (A) Jon Davis-Hunt, Jenny Frison

Chloe discovers the brutal truth behind her fiancé’s suicide and faces a visit from someone called the Surgeon who intends on using his scalpel for…different reasons. And Astrid proves herself to be both friend and foe in this chilling end to the first arc.

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK:

3 DEVILS #1 (OF 4)

IDW PUBLISHING

(W/A/CA) Bo Hampton (Colors) Jeremy Mohler

*********************************

Brain Scans: Scanning the list

RED THORN #5 (MR)

DC COMICS

(W) David Baillie (A) Meghan Hetrick-Murante (CA) Choong Yoon

A+A The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong

VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT LLC

(W) Rafer Roberts (A/CA) David LaFuente (Inks) Ryann Winn (Colors) Brian Reber

TOMBOY DIVINE INTERVENTION TP $14.99

ACTION LAB – DANGER ZONE

(W/A/CA) M Goodwin

“No Crime Goes Unpunished. No Criminal Walks Away.” The death of a friend catches sixteen year-old Addison off guard, but a chance encounter with his killers on the subway forever changes her life. Crime cover-ups, dirty cops, and magical dead boyfriends consume her life as she’s thrust into the vigilante lifestyle and murder becomes her after school activity. Collects Tomboy 1-4.

LEGACY OF LUTHER STRODE #5 (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Justin Jordan (A/CA) Tradd Moore (Colors) Felipe Sobreiro

VISUAL FUNK STREET ART ADULT COLORING BOOK TP $9.99

IDW PUBLISHING

(A/CA) Jim Mahfood

Coloring ain’t no crime! “Tag” and “bomb” to your heart’s content with this vibrant book of street-inspired art from comics legend Jim Mahfood. More than just art to color, this is the world of visual funk!

COLORING DC BATMAN ADVENTURES MAD LOVE TP

DC COMICS

(W) Paul Dini (A/CA) Bruce Timm

DC Comics presents classic adventures in a whole new way: in black and white, on heavy stock suitable for coloring! This Eisner Award-winning tale told the origin of Harley Quinn, by the creative team that first introduced her in Batman: The Animated Series! Includes MAD LOVE, plus stories from BATMAN ADVENTURES ANNUAL #1 and BATMAN ADVENTURES HOLIDAY SPECIAL #1.

ARCHIE TP VOL 01

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS

(W) Mark Waid (A) Fiona Staples & Various (CA) Fiona Staples

Archie, one of the longest-running titles in comic book history, is rebooted here by two of the most talented creators in comics, Mark Waid and Fiona Staples.

GRAPHIC NOVEL PICK:

IMITATION GAME ALAN TURING DECODED GN $24.95

ABRAMS COMICARTS

(W) Jim Ottaviani (A/CA) Leland Purvis

English mathematician and scientist Alan Turing (1912-1954) is credited with many of the foundational principles of contemporary computer science. The Imitation Game presents a historically accurate graphic novel biography of Turing’s life, including his groundbreaking work on the fundamentals of cryptography and artificial intelligence. His code breaking efforts led to the cracking of the German Enigma during World War II, work that saved countless lives and accelerated the Allied defeat of the Nazis. Award-winning duo Jim Ottaviani and artist Leland Purvis present a detailed account of Turing’s life and groundbreaking research – as an unconventional genius who was arrested, tried, convicted, and punished for his openly gay lifestyle, and whose innovative work still fuels the computing and communication systems that define our modern world.

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

GLORKIAN WARRIOR GN VOL 03 MUSTACHE OF DESTINY

:01 FIRST SECOND

(W/A/CA) James Kochalka

In the third volume of James Kochal[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

Katie’s BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK

HEAD LOPPER #3

IMAGE COMICS

STORY / ART / COVER A: ANDREW MacLEAN

Norgal and Agatha meet fellow adventurer Zhaania while battling a mega-arachnid from Hell.

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK

MOCKINGBIRD #1

MARVEL COMICS

JAN160756

(W) Chelsea Cain (A) Kate Niemczyk (Co) Rachelle Rosenberg (CV) Joëlle Jones

Bobbi Morse is Mockingbird, S.H.I.E.L.D.’s most versatile, most in-demand agent!

But a string of missions gone wrong indicate that something strange is lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D.’s own medical and recovery network. How far will Mockingbird have to go in order to solve this puzzle box and get to the truth? Bestselling author Chelsea Cain teams with newcomer Kate Niemczyk.

4 – Brain Scans: Scanning the list

(3-4 each alternating spotlight)

INFINITY ENTITY #1 (OF 4) (W) Jim Starlin (A/CA) Alan Davis JAN160725

HAUNTED LOVE #2 (W) Various (A) Alex Toth & Various (CA) Ken Bald JAN160503

LEGEND OF WONDER WOMAN #3 (W) Renae De (A) Renae De, Ray Dillon JAN160308

SMALL PRESS / BIG BRAIN PICK

POWER BUTTON #0 (MR) ALTERNATIVE COMICS (W/A/CA) Zack Soto JAN161029

The beginning of a brand new science fiction adventure series by Zack Soto (The Secret Voice). In this issue, we meet Adatra, one of the illustrious Omega Knights, and learn of her life-long battle with the Galactic Horde Empire! Aliens! Apocalypse! Mega Battles! Monsters! Pathos! Cool Space Armor! A Study Group production.

DESCENDER #11

IMAGE COMICS

STORY: JEFF LEMIRE

ART / COVER: DUSTIN NGUYEN

“Machine Moon” Conclusion

TIM-21 discovers the secret at the heart of the Robot Resistance and it will change the course of his quest forever.

HOWARD THE DUCK #5

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Chip Zdarsky (A/CA) Joe Quinones

THE EPIC CONCLUSION!

MS MARVEL #5

MARVEL COMICS

(W) G. Willow Wilson (A) Nico Leon (CA) David Lopez

INSEXTS #4

AFTERSHOCK COMICS

(W) Marguerite Bennett (A/CA) Ariela Kristantina

GRAPHIC NOVEL PICK:

THROUGH THE HABITRAILS LIFE BEFORE AFTER CAREER IN CUBICLES

DOVER PUBLICATIONS

(W/A/CA) Jeff Nicholson

This collection of darkly humorous tales chronicles a nameless protagonist’s struggle with a stultifying routine of office drudgery. The stories’ Kafkaesque vignettes, portrayed in striking black-and-white drawings, offer eerie perspectives on the rigors of everyday life. Through the Habitrails features semi-autobiographical vignettes that include “Futile Love,” “The Doomed One,” “The Infiltrator,” “The Dark Spiral,” “The Gerbil King,” and the “Escape” trilogy, one part of which was a 1993 Eisner Award nominee. Exclusive Bonus Material contains a new ten page Epilogue, written and illustrated by the author, and a new Foreword by multiple Eisner Award-winner Matt Fraction.

WOODY GUTHRIE & DUST BOWL BALLADS $24.95

5 – ALL AGES pick of the week

DISNEY PRINCESS #1 JOE BOOKS INC.

(W/A/CA) Amy Mebberson

Disney’s beloved heroines have returned in this hilarious collection of Disney Princess comic strips! Featuring laugh-out-loud stories from the worlds of Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, Tiana, Cinderella, Aurora, and more, this charming new ongoing series will make all your royal dreams come true!

6 – FCBD Spotlight of the Week

FCBD 2016 DARK HORSE ALL AGES KORRA TRAIN DRAGON PVZ (Net)

DARK HORSE COMICS

(W) Michael Dante Dimartino & Various (A) Brian Churilla

Avatars, Dragons, and Zombies? What could be more friendly for all-ages than original tales from these prime Dark Horse worlds? Nothing. For Free Comic Book Day 2016, ta[...]

Brain Waves’ hosts Katie and Dan Merritt help you climb the mountain of weekly new comic book releases and point out a few shiny gems along the way. Features include picks of the week, interviews with comic creators, and events listing for Green Brain Comics in East Downtown Dearborn, Michigan.

This podcast and all SJP podcasts are sponsored by the Detroit Beard Collective and Dead World Zombie Soda!

DAN’S BRAIN PICK OF THE WEEK

AVENGERS STANDOFF ASSAULT ON PLEASANT HILL ALPHA #1 ASO

(W) Nick Spencer (A/CA) Jesus Saiz

Pleasant Hill looks like the perfect small-town community — but underneath the surface, a deadly secret lurks. One so explosive it will draw estranged allies Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson back together to save a friend in danger and put things right. But when the combined might of the Captain Americas isn’t enough, whom do they call? In the face of unspeakable evil, it’s time for the Avengers to Assemble like never before! The blockbuster spring AVENGERS event starts right here!

Rated T+

Katie:

BLACK WIDOW #1 (VARIANT AVAILABLE)

MARVEL COMICS

(W) Chris Samnee, Mark Waid (A/CA) Chris Samnee

S.H.I.E.L.D.’S MOST WANTED!

The Eisner Award-winning team of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee are taking Black Widow on the lam! Natasha has spent years gathering secrets, and when some of the darkest ones begin mysteriously going public, no one is safe. With her betrayed former confederates at S.H.I.E.L.D. on her heels and a lifetime of training and ingenuity at her disposal, Natasha’s out for answers in a knock-down-drag-out tale of action and espionage! Hidden enemies, old friends and unusual allies collide, and all eyes are on Black Widow. The chase is on!

Rated T+

TOMBOY #4 (MR)

ACTION LAB – DANGER ZONE

(W/A) Mia Goodwin (CA) Fanny Hagdahl

Wherever she goes, death is sure to follow. Four months after the funeral of her best friend, Addison has embraced her new life as a vigilante, but trouble is on the horizon as Detective Tico closes in on his suspect and the notorious Irene Trent finally steps out of the shadows.

SWAMP THING #3 (OF 6)

DC Comics

(W) Len Wein (A/CA) Kelley Jones

An old friend appears in the swamp with an unbelievable proposition for Swamp Thing: using a dark spell, it might be possible for the Avatar of the Green to return to his human form as Alec Holland and regain his old life. But all magic has a cost-will Swamp Thing get everything he has ever wanted, or discover the consequences of leaping before you look? Featuring a guest appearance by Zatanna!

DISCIPLINE #1 (MR)

Publisher: IMAGE COMICS

(W) Peter Milligan (A/CA) Leandro Fernandez

Between fighting her sister and hating her husband, Melissa still finds time to fall in lust with a stranger who’s an awful lot more than he seems. What appears to be a simple seduction is revealed as something much darker and more dangerous. This controversial and erotically-charged tale of sex, death, and metamorphosis begins with an explosion of carnality and weirdness.

SAINTS #6 (OF 10) (MR)

IMAGE COMICS

(W) Sean Lewis (A/CA) Ben Mackey

STORY: SEAN LEWIS

ART / COVER: BENJAMIN MACKEY

“Devotion”

Blaise, Sebastian, Lucy, and Stephen have landed into the waiting arms of Michael and his followers. How the Saints came to be and their purpose in the war with Michael’s followers is made clear.

NIOBE SHE IS LIFE #2

STRANGER COMICS

(W) Sebastian A. Jones, Amandla Stenberg (A/CA) Ashley A. Woods

follows the story of Niobe Ayutami, a young, black warrior on her adventures to save the world.

GRAPHIC NOVEL SPOTLIGHT

DAN CLOWES PATIENCE HC

Publisher: FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

(W/A/CA) Daniel Clowes

Patience is a psychedelic science-fiction love story that swings from violent destruction to deep personal tenderness. It is also the first all new graphic novel from master cartoonist Daniel Clowes (Ghost World, Eightball) in over a half-decade! This full-color story is the biggest book of his career and affords Clowes the opportunity to [...]