Looking for a new comic book series (or mini-series) to dive into? Unsure of where to start?
Each week, we’re looking to track the latest “entry point” comics – a place to jump into a new series or storyline (usually that will be a new Issue #1, but not always). We’ll provide the cover, the solicitation text, give our thoughts, and generally just encourage you to try out a new comic!
Here’s what’s new this week (March 27th, 2024):
X-Men ‘ 97 #1: “THE OFFICIAL PRELUDE TO THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED DISNEY+ SHOW! The X-Men are back—and the ’90s have never looked better! In this official prelude to the upcoming X-Men ’97, created in collaboration with the showrunners, discover what Storm, Jubilee, Wolverine and the rest of the beloved ’90s X-Men cast have been up to in the time before their return! Startling revelations here lead directly into the hotly anticipated new series—don’t miss out!”
The “X-Men ’97” series is already out, and so a tie-in comic (set between the end of the old 90’s series and the new series), wasn’t really necessary. The new season likely won’t reference this comic mini-series. Instead, it’s best to look at this as a stand alone dose of “90’s Animated X-Men” nostalgia, and on that alone, it’s worth a look.
Batman: Dark Age #1: “THE EISNER-NOMINATED SUPERMAN: SPACE AGE TEAM, MARK RUSSELL AND MIKE ALLRED, TAKE ON THE DARK KNIGHT! 
Meet Bruce Wayne, Gotham’s favorite delinquent son. In an origin story like no other, witness the boy become a dark knight shaped by a city in turmoil as it marches towards its prophesied doom. Set against the backdrop of actual historical events, Gotham comes alive, filled with the iconic characters who’ve loved and hated Batman over the years like you’ve never seen them before. Spinning out of the Eisner-nominated Superman: Space Age, Mark Russell and Mike Allred return to give audiences a look at Batman as a figure in American history fighting for justice in a world gone mad.”
Fans of Mike Allred know what they’re getting here. This will be unique and iconic. Might be worth reading “Superman: Space Age” first, but as the focus here is on Batman, this should work well as a stand alone tale.
Jackpot and Black Cat #1: “LUCK BE THE LADIES! The most exciting new hero in the Marvel U, JACKPOT, A.K.A. Mary Jane Watson, gets her first action-packed limited series as a super hero alongside the other best female character in comics, BLACK CAT! When someone blackmails Black Cat into a public and blatant crime spree, Jackpot comes to her aid! What classic Spider-Villain is behind the blackmail?! Someone with history with at least one of our titular heroines!”
Well, who could say no to two “titular heroines”? Okay, serious, these are two of Spider-Man’s best love interests in a team-up comic book? Mary Jane is now a superhero? Should be a great stand alone read (especially if you’re a fan of the characters).
Feral #1: “SERIES PREMIERE 
A NEW HORROR FROM THE CREATORS OF STRAY DOGS!
Meet Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches, and Patch, three indoor cats lost in the not-so-great outdoors during a nightmarish rabies outbreak.
Without their humans to protect them, the cats rush to find their way home before they’re eaten by the forest full of rabid beasts on their tails.
Don’t get bit.
Don’t get scratched.
Don’t become…FERAL.”
Oh my, it’s “zombie apocalypse” from an animal point of view! “Rabies” as codeword for “zombie”. There’s something about that which just makes so much sense. I’m going to guess “Lord Fluffy Britches” is the first to turn savage.
Ghostbusters: Back in Town #1: “A year and a half after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the Ghostbusters are officially back in business and headed to where it all began: New York City! Callie, Gary, Trevor, and Phoebe are moving into the Firehouse and ready to take on the Spengler family business… or are they? Ghostbusting on top of changing family dynamics has a way of going awry-and that’s exactly what one paranormal force is counting on. See what the Big Apple has in store for the latest generation of Ghostbusters with the first installment of an all-new series that bridges the gap between Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the upcoming sequel!”
Like the “X-Men ’97” comic above, a “fill in the gap” tie-in isn’t really necessary (connecting the dots between the last movie and the new movie, in theaters now). But to provide extra context (and to give us another dose of this new spin on the “Ghostbusters” franchise), it’s a welcome addition.
So what new “entry point” comics are YOU interested in this week?
