The Newest Mass Effect Saga Ends, A Familiar Halo One Begins Anew

Wednesday is new comics day in North America. As always, I have recommendations. Plus, this week, there is a pile of interesting video-game-themed comics.

Comics You Should Consider Buying (from comics shops)

Dark Horse Presents Vol 2, No. 1 The official summary should convince you: “The legendary, premiere anthology is back! The 80-page spectacular, Dark Horse Presents returns with all-new stories by Neal Adams, Howard Chaykin, and Richard Corben; a new Concrete story by Paul Chadwick, a new Crimson Empire story from the Star Wars universe, and an exclusive sneak peek of Frank Miller’s highly-anticipated prequel to 300, Xerxes! The celebration continues with a brand-new, all-color Finder story by Carla Speed McNeil, a prose piece from science fiction legend Harlan Ellison, the return of Michael T. Gilbert’s Mr. Monster, and much, much more!”

Dungeons & Dragons #6 I’m still not sure people believe that I’m serious when I recommend the current D&D comic, but I am. The scripts are sharp, the plots go in unexpected directions. Official summary of this first issue of a new storyline arc: “Learn the origin of Fell’s Four! While stranded in the Feywild, Adric recounts for Tisha how Fell’s Four was born-and almost died the very same day.” Sold? No? Trust me.

Iron Man 2.0 #4 Usually, I like plugging the comics of writer Nick Spencer just because I think he writes excellent comics, but this time I’m including it as an excuse to run this alternative cover that’s running as part of Marvel Comics’ “Thor Goes Hollywood” theme.

Comics With Video Game Connections (new this week in comics shops)

DC Universe Legends Online #6 I dropped this series last issue, because it seemed like nothing more than a mediocre future-apocalypse DC hero saga, one with little new to show. It’s a pity, because co-writer Tony Bedard has being doing fresher work elsewhere. Official summary: “Lex Luthor and his ragged team of future survivors take the fight to Brainiac in a final, desperate attempt to stop his invasion of Earth – but will it be enough? Back in the present day, a catastrophe takes place that will forever change the face of the DCU!”

Deus Ex #3 Official summary: “A ghost from Adam Jensen’s past rears his ugly, augmented head and it’s open warfare! Even with a new ally, Adam has his hands full . . . but what’s the connection between Adam’s past and his current assignment.”

Halo: Fall of Reach: Covenant #1 Official summary: “It is a question that man has long asked-are we alone in the universe? This?February, the United Nations Space Command learns the answer to that question… and unfortunately, the answer is NO. Catch the beginning of the struggle between Man and Covenant in this epic series based on the novel by Eric Nylund, adapted by Brian Reed, and brought brilliantly to life by Felix Ruiz!”

Mass Effect: Evolution #4 Official summary of this mini-series’ final issue: “Mass Effect 2 lead writer Mac Walters brings the origin of the Illusive Man to its explosive conclusion! The fate of mankind may come down to this moment, as the newly enlightened Illusive Man launches a movement that will upset the balance of power across the galaxy. But will he prove to be the universe’s savior-or its destroyer? This story will have a long-lasting impact on the Mass Effect saga, and is essential reading for fans of sci-fi action and intrigue!”

Silent Hill: Past Live (collection) Official summary: “Jebediah ‘Hellrider’ Foster is a violent outlaw in the Dakota Territory in 1867. When he falls for a godly widow who longs to move from the Wild West to a family home in Silent Hill, Foster follows-but peace is not what awaits. By Tom Waltz (writer of Silent Hill: Sinner’s Reward and the Silent Hill video game to be released in 2011), with artwork by Menton J. Matthews III (Zombies Vs. Robots Aventure).”

Sonic Universe #27 Official summary: “Fractured Mirror,’ Part Three. Silver joins an all-new, all-different band of Freedom Fighters in all-out war against Enerjak and his sinister Prelate minions! It’s a no-holds-barred battle in this dark version of reality, and everyone may not make it to the end!”

And Over On The iPad…

The first five issues of Daytripper, one of 2010’s best comics, are now on sale for $2 a pop on Comixology’s Comics app. The series is about a man’s many possible deaths, each issue a lovely yarn that can be read on its own. This gets my highest recommendation. I recently previewed Nonplayer, which is now available for $3 on the Comics app. The story’s simply about people in the future who play an amazing MMO; the draw is the drawing… wonderful art. There are also more issues available of Gotham Central, the police procedural set in Gotham City, back from when the series was at its best.