TOP TEN GRAPHIC NOVELS TO BUY – APRIL 2017: THE STONE HEART, ROUGHNECK, & REVIVAL

by | Apr 3, 2017

Here at Fox Force Five News, we read a lot of comics every month. We can’t read all the comics as they are released in single issues, so I have decided to create a list every month of new graphic novels and comic collections we may have passed over or missed when they were first released.

Here are ten books to look out for in April, be sure to keep an eye out at your local comic shops.

archievol3

Archie Vol. 3 – $19.99

Archie Comics – Mark Waid, Joe Eisma, Andre Syzmanowicz, Jack Morelli

Introducing Cheryl Blossom! The fiery red-head takes center stage as Archie and Veronica’s worlds are torn apart as the two are living thousands of miles away from each other. What will happen to the rest of Archie’s friends in Riverdale? And just what kind of havoc will Cheryl Blossom wreak? All the answers and more in the third volume of the smash-hit Archie series! Collects Archie #13-17.

blackeyedkidsvol2

Black Eyed Kids Vol. 2 – $14.99

Aftershock Comics – Joe Pruett, Szymon Kudranski, Guy Major, Marshall Dillon, Francesco Francavilla

The urban legend come to life. The Black-Eyed Children have announced their presence with horrific authority, leavings lives shattered and multiple bodies in their wake. Jim Loudin and his family, along with a local police officer and a mysterious stranger, seemingly with past ties to these devil children, fight not only for their own lives, but for potentially mankind’s very existence. Collecting issues 6-10 of the critically-acclaimed series, and the original short story from AFTERSHOCK GENESIS one-shot. Written by Eisner winner Joe Pruett and illustrated by Szymon Kudranski.

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Harbinger Renegade Vol. 1 – $9.99

Valiant Entertainment – Rafer Roberts, Juan Jose Ryp, Rual Allen, Darick Robertson, Richard Clark, Diego Rodriguez, Frank D’Armata, Dave Lanphear

Anyone you know could become a psionically powered “harbinger.” Your neighbor. Your boss. Your best friend. Your kids.
Six months ago, a secret team of renegade whistleblowers leaked the existence of these extraordinarily dangerous individuals to a stunned world. Today, all across the country, crude, DIY psiot activation attempts have left hundreds brain-damaged…or worse. The emergence of a new psiot in a community often leads to riots and mass violence. America is terrified of what could happen next.
Now, Kris Hathaway, John “Torque” Torkelson, Faith “Zephyr” Herbert, and Peter Stanchek are about to discover their calling. Together, the HARBINGER RENEGADES are moving from town to town, building their ranks, and subverting authority one mind at a time…and setting out to prove once and for all that behind their power, there has always been a purpose.

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Jem & The Holograms Vol. 4 – $19.99

IDW Publishing – Kelly Thompson, Jen Bartel, Meredith McClaren

Still reeling from the shattering conclusion to “Dark Jem,” Jem and the Holograms regroup-desperate to find a path forward. Meanwhile, THE MISFITS find themselves with a unique problem… one lead singer too many! Plus, a European super group takes the U.S. by storm… The Stingers! Meet Riot, Rapture, Minx, and Raya! Collects issues #17-23.

lumberjanesvol6Lumberjanes Vol. 6 – $14.99

BOOM! Studios – Shannon Watters, Kate Leyh, Carey Pietsch, Noelle Steveson

Camp is about more than just crafts and acquiring badges when you’re a Lumberjane. When April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley all decide to learn more about the mysterious Seafarin’ Karen, things take a turn for the strange. Shapeshifters, strange portals, and friendship to the max make for one summer camp that never gets boring! Collects issues #21-24.

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Nameless City: The Stone Heart – $14.99

:01 First Second – Faith Erin Hicks, Jordie Bellaire

Kaidu and Rat have only just recovered from the assassination attempt on the General of All Blades when more chaos breaks loose in the Nameless City: deep conflicts within the Dao nation are making it impossible to find a political solution for the disputed territory of the City itself. To complicate things further, Kaidu is fairly certain he’s stumbled on a formula for the lost weapon of the mysterious founders of the City. But sharing it with the Dao military would be a complete betrayal of his friendship with Rat. Can Kai find the right solution before the Dao find themselves at war? Available in Softcover and Hardcover editions.

northguardvol1Northguard Vol. 1 – $17.95

Chapterhouse Comics – Anthony Falcone, Eric Kim, Ron Salas

Leaping from the pages of Captain Canuck comes Northguard, Canada’s newest super-hero! His first mission: Track down The Aurora Dawn, a mysterious cult hoping to bring about the end of the world! Chapterhouse Comics’ Captain Canuck reboot has garnered praise and critical acclaim, now see our take on another classic Canadian superhero, Marc Shainblum and Gabriel Morrisette’s Northguard! This volume collects the first four issues of the fan favourite series and includes never before seen content!

revivalvol8Revival Vol. 8 – $14.99

Image Comics – Tim Seeley, Mark Englert, Jenny Frison, Mike Norton

The final collection in the acclaimed REVIVAL series. The existence of the Revivers is killing the world, and an unlikely alliance of Dana, Em, and Em’s murderer must travel across a community in the midst of civil war to stop it. Collects REVIVAL #42-47.

roughneckRoughneck – $29.99

Gallery Books – Jeff Lemire

From the New York Times-bestselling author and award-winning creator of Essex CountyDescender, and The Underwater Welder comes an original graphic novel about a brother and sister who must come together after years apart to face the disturbing history that has cursed their family. Derek Ouellette’s glory days are behind him. His hockey career ended a decade earlier in a violent incident on ice, and since then he’s been living off his reputation in the remote northern community where he grew up, drinking too much and fighting anyone who crosses him. When his long-lost sister Beth shows up, on the run from an abusive boyfriend, the two escape to a secluded hunting camp in the woods. There, living off the land, they reconnect with each other, the painful secrets of their past, and their Cree heritage…and start to heal. But Beth’s ex-boyfriend is hunting them. As he circles closer, he threatens to shatter this newfound peace and pull both Derek and Beth back into the world of self-destruction they’ve fought so hard to leave behind. Touching and harrowing, this is a deeply moving and beautifully illustrated story about family, heritage, and breaking the cycle of violence.

youngterroristsvol1Young Terrorists Vol. 1 – $13.99

Black Mask Comics – Matt Pizzolo, Amancay Nahuelpan

A young heiress discovers her father is part of a tyrannical new world orders, and she vows to burn his whole empire down. Collects parts 1 and 2 with the FCBD special and all-new material.