By Zack Quaintance — The Top Comics to Buy for July 14, 2021 is filled with books that I’d count among my current favorites, many of which are deep into runs or newly reaping the benefits of established plot concepts or status quos. There’s also a nice variety of books including my favorite book at Marvel Comics right now, the major DC Comics summer event series (as much as there is one), and one of Image Comics’ best titles, which is headed for its conclusion.

You can find the full list below…enjoy!

Top Comics to Buy for July 14, 2021

PICK OF THE WEEK
Infinite Frontier #2
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artists: Paul Pelletier, Jesus Merino, and Xermanico
Inkers: Norm Rapmund, Jesus Merino, and Xermanico
Colorist: Romulo Fajardo, Jr.
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics
What secrets and changes lurk inside the newly expanded Multiverse? The devious Director Bones of the D.E.O. re-forms a ragtag team to keep the new worlds at bay, but was highly skilled agent Cameron Chase recruited because the director needs her help, or because he wants a patsy when things go south? Meanwhile, Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, takes drastic measures to find his missing daughter. Someone has kidnapped Jade, and Alan’s going to find out why and bring her home. Plus, the resurrection of Roy Harper gives the former Teen Titan some unexpected and unpredictable new powers.What secrets and changes lurk inside the newly expanded Multiverse? The devious Director Bones of the D.E.O. re-forms a ragtag team to keep the new worlds at bay, but was highly skilled agent Cameron Chase recruited because the director needs her help, or because he wants a patsy when things go south? Meanwhile, Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, takes drastic measures to find his missing daughter. Someone has kidnapped Jade, and Alan’s going to find out why and bring her home. Plus, the resurrection of Roy Harper gives the former Teen Titan some unexpected and unpredictable new powers.
Why It’s Cool: I really enjoyed both the giant Infinite Frontier #0 one-shot that hit in March as well as the first issue of this series, Infinite Frontier #1, which hit last month. They were big, wild comics that really looked across most of the DC Universe in the aftermath of the last reality-shaking event story, Dark Nights Death Metal. They gave us a status quo, built some stakes, and kicked a few plot points into action, augmented in between by the Infinite Frontier: Secret Files installments, which were also great. Now in Infinite Frontier #2, the real focus of this individual story becomes clear, and while I won’t spoil it, I will say that I found it to work very well.
Price: $4.99
More Info: Infinite Frontier #2

A Man Among Ye #5
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Josh George
Colorist: John Kalisz
Letterer: Troy Peteri
Publisher: Image Comics - Top Cow
Pirate queen Anne Bonny is back with her crew of lady buccaneers after a harrowing escape from a Caribbean prison! But can they find a safe haven on land or sea after Calico Jack Rackham’s betrayal and the governor’s promise to hunt down and execute Anne? The second volume of A MAN AMONG YE hits the high seas thanks to writer STEPHANIE PHILLIPS (Harley Quinn) and artist JOSH GEORGE (2000AD Future Shock, Grimm Tales of Terror).
Why It’s Cool: I really enjoyed the first volume of this historically-set pirate comic (that might be redundant, but hey…), and I’m happy to report that the first issue of the second arc is just as good. Whereas the first volume did a lot of introducing us to themes and characters, this new one has the second arc luxury of having it all set up and being able to pay off a lot of the hard work of orienting readers with…meaningful and fast-paced action! It’s very good.
Price: $3.99
More Info: A Man Among Ye #5

Canto III: Lionhearted #1
Writer: David Booher
Artist: Drew Zucker
Colorist: Vittorio Astone
Letterer: Andworld Design
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Fan-favorite CANTO continues! The tiny clockwork knight in search of a heart has found his people’s freedom and has saved them from the curse of the Shrouded Man, but is he ready to face his enemy on the battlefield? After making the ultimate sacrifice, Canto bears a weapon that could defeat the Shrouded Man and free all the inhabitants of the Unnamed World. Now, he races to find a hidden settlement of his former slavers to enlist them as allies in the coming war. That is, if the Shrouded Man doesn’t find them first…
Why It’s Cool: The little sword and sorcery protagonist who could is back this week with a new volume of Canto, one that like our first two entries of the week also furthers an existing plot and character work that has been strong from its start to get the book to somewhere. In this first issue of a new volume I was struck specifically by the giant splash pages created by artist Drew Zucker and Vittorio Astone. Canto comics always look great (this is one of the best wholly new design characters in all of comics of late, but this one looks even better than usual. The new plot launched here is also interesting and engaging.
Price: $3.99
More Info: Canto III - Lionhearted #1

Die #18
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Stephanie Hans
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Image Comics
"Bleed," Part Three
Once upon a time, there was a golden child. He’s been gone a long time now. What happened to him? Let’s find out.
Why It’s Cool: Die has been an excellent comic from its start, a metafictional character-driven romp through not only TTRPGs but the feelings of escape and sincerity and individuality that drive them. This issue is perhaps the most consequential of the entire book, answering question after question related to the plot threads that have driven this story of returning to a formative fantasy world since its inception. This is also one of the most gorgeous and engaging issues Stephanie Hans has illustrated to date. When Die wraps up with issue 20 (perfect!), it will be dearly missed.
Price: $3.99
More Info: Die #18

Iron Man #10
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: CAFU
Colorist: Frank D’Armata
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Tony has been suddenly and bizarrely marooned on an unknown remote planet, and his abandonment doesn’t seem to be Korvac’s doing at all. While his friends continue to pursue Korvac and his allies across the galaxy in a race to Galactus’ worldship, Taa II, Tony must now figure out where he is and if the locals are friendly or dangerous, especially since this small colony of fellow space drifters is run by a powerful old foe who might have reformed his ways. But at least for a moment, Tony has a chance to rest and to not only take stock of where he is, but also figure out how he got here in the first place and who he wants to be moving forward.
Why It’s Cool: I have absolutely loved this run from its start. After many years of comics that felt like deliberate facsimiles of the MCU Robert Downey, Jr. version of Tony Stark, this title definitely feels like a strong return to the character as comic readers have long known him. To cement that idea further, the book is absolutely steeped in continuity bits for long-time comics fans, from the rag tag team that Tony and Patsy Walker have assembled, to the villain Korvac himself. Add on to that a bit of Star Trek-esque cosmic exploration with glossy Alex Ross covers, and this book is probably my favorite Marvel title of the moment. Highly recommend snagging the first trade, which is out now, and jumping into the current arc.
Price: $3.99
More Info: Iron Man #10

Others Receiving Votes

House of Horizons Sarah Jewell Mystery.jpeg

Batman: Urban Legends #5
Black Hammer Visions #6
Eve #3
Future State Gotham #3
Haha #6
Helm Greycastle #3
House of Lost Horizons - A Sarah Jewell Mystery #3 (check out our exclusive preview!)
The Joker #5
Silver Coin #4
Six Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton #2
Skybound X #2
Thor #15

New Number Ones and One-Shots

Action Comics Annual 2021
Aliens Aftermath #1
Barbarella Vol. 2 #1
Beyond the Breach #1
Extreme Carnage Scream #1
Flash Annual 2021
Jonna And The Unpossible Monsters Drawing Board Edition #1
The Lot #1
Man-Eaters The Curse #1
Never Never #1
Ninjak #1
Savage Hearts #1
Sinister War #1
Thee Collected Cyanide Milkshake #1 (One Shot)

Trade Collections and Graphic Novels of Note

DCeased Unkillables TP
Future State Suicide Squad TP
Green Lantern Season Two Vol. 2 HC
History Of The Marvel Universe TP Book Market Steve McNiven Cover
Miss Better Living Through Crime TP New Edition
Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel TP
Squadron Supreme vs Avengers TP
Taskmaster Rubicon Trigger TP
True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys National Anthem Deluxe Edition HC
Ultimates By Al Ewing Complete Collection TP

See our past top comics to buy here, and check out our reviews archive here.

Zack Quaintance is a tech reporter by day and freelance writer by night/weekend. He Tweets compulsively about storytelling and comics as Comics Bookcase.