Jumping On: New Story Arcs Kicking Off On November 10, 2021

by Brendan M. Allen

One of the hardest and most frustrating things about finding new comics to read and enjoy is finding a good jumping on point. It can be confusing and disheartening to pick up a single issue from the middle of an arc without having the context of the previous chapters.

With that in mind, here are some titles kicking off new story arcs and a few interesting #1’s premiering this upcoming New Comic Book Day, Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

New Arcs:

Action Comics #1036, DC

‘THE WARWORLD SAGA, PART ONE

THE WARWORLD SAGA BEGINS! After learning of an enslaved race with mysterious ties to Krypton, Superman and the Authority travel across the galaxy to dethrone the new Mongul and liberate Warworld. Introducing new characters and a new corner of the DC Universe, the biggest Superman event since the Death and Return of Superman begins HERE!’

Eternals #7, Marvel

‘NEW ARC! NEW JUMPING-ON POINT! MORE THANOS! The Eternals have learned the truth of their existence. Their society is in shambles. Who can lead them? Who is the visionary that can lead them from the ashes? And how did they take the throne? Hail Thanos the Mad Titan, Eternal Prime. Welcome to a new day. Welcome to hell.’

Notable #1s:

Venom #1, Marvel

‘LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

AN EPIC NEW ERA FOR THE SINISTER SYMBIOTE STARTS HERE! Hot off the heels of VENOM #200 and EXTREME CARNAGE, we’re closing out 2021 with one of the most ambitious books in symbiote history—an all-new VENOM from some of comics’ greatest talents! Marvel mainstay Al Ewing, who himself has just ended a character-redefining run on IMMORTAL HULK, is being joined by Ram V, a horror maestro all his own, to craft a mind-bending and gut-wrenching tale of symbiosis the likes of which the Marvel Universe has never seen! AS IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH, they’ve been joined by industry legend Bryan Hitch, who is leaving IT ALL ON THE PAGE! We haven’t led you astray yet, have we? So trust us when we tell you that you have NEVER seen a VENOM like this!

LEGACY #201’

Robin & Batman #1, DC

‘The legendary story of Batman and Robin has reached nearly mythic proportions: the crime-fighting Dynamic Duo, always one step ahead of the criminals they pursue and never meeting a case too big. This isn’t that story. This is the story of a young Dick Grayson, newly orphaned, struggling to find his way in a strange, difficult, dark new world…This is the story of Robin and Batman. The bestselling creative team behind the Eisner-winning Descender, Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen, reunite in Gotham City to tell the story of a remarkable young man learning to navigate an incredible new world!’

The Thing #1, Marvel

‘THE NEXT BIG THING Begins Here! Renowned storyteller Walter Mosley brings his signature style to a sweeping saga of Yancy Street’s favorite son that will range from the urban sprawl of the back alleys of Manhattan to the farthest reaches of the cosmos itself! A lonely evening and a chance encounter (or is it?) sends Ben Grimm embarking on a sojourn that will have him encountering—and battling—figures both old and new. Featuring guest appearances from figures drawn from throughout the Marvel Universe as well as precision artwork by Tom Reilly, THE NEXT BIG THING will remind audiences why the Thing is one of the most popular and beloved characters in the history of comics!’

What’s the Furthest Place From Here? #1, Image

‘TRIPLE-SIZED FIRST ISSUE!

A postapocalyptic coming-of-age story from 4 Kids Walk into a Bank’s TYLER BOSS & MATTHEW ROSENBERG.

The world has ended. All that remains are gangs of children living among the ruins. But Sid believes there must be something more out there. When she disappears into the wastelands, her gang will risk everything to bring her home. A story about the things that matter most-your survival, your loved ones, and your record collection.’

Van Helsing Return of League of Monsters #1, Zenescope

‘Liesel Van Helsing has protected the nights from vampires, werewolves, and creatures beyond nightmares for years. Now, all of her deadliest foes return in one final attempt to break the famed hunter. Dracula’s Daughter, Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Invisible Woman and more launch an all-out assault against the hero. Before they let her die, though, they have a plan to break her down in a way that she’s never been before. Will this be the end for Van Helsing?’

Regarding the Matter of Oswald’s Body #1, BOOM! Studios

‘Where is Lee Harvey Oswald’s body?

The Kennedy assassination is a rat’s nest of conspiracy theories: mafia involvement, the second gunman, government cover-up… but the most important chapter of this sordid tale may just be the theory that the body buried at Oswald’s Rose Hill gravesite is not actually Lee Harvey himself.

Meet the ragtag group of “useful idiots” who are unwittingly brought together to clean up the crime of the century – a wannabe cowboy from Wisconsin, a Buddy Holly-idolizing (former) car thief, a world-weary Civil Rights activist ready for revolution, and a failed G-Man who still acts the part – and specifically, regarding the matter of Oswald’s body.

For fans of Department of Truth and Time Before Time comes an off-kilter crime thriller set in the shadows of history’s greatest conspiracy by Eisner Award-nominated writer, producer, and director Christopher Cantwell (Iron Man, The United States of Captain America) and artist Luca Casalanguida (Lost Soldiers, Scout’s Honor).’

Darkhold: Wasp #1, Marvel

‘INTRODUCING THE IRREDEEMABLE WASP! Renowned colorist and writer Jordie Bellaire makes her Marvel writing debut with a story that will make you shrink in fear! Bidden to draw forth five archetypal heroes, the Scarlet Witch chose Janet Van Dyne as “the artist” – the hero whose ingenuity and strength of will could prove the lynchpin in the coming battle against Chthon. To enter Chthon’s dimension and face his darkness head-on, the Wasp read from the ill-fated Darkhold text…and it drove her insane. Now her entire life is subject to question. Janet is no stranger to mental illness; she spent years trying to redeem ex-husband Hank Pym despite his violent breakdowns. But now, she has the power to reclaim her story…and fight back. Bellaire brings you the most twisted comic you’ll read this year!’

Nyx #1, Dynamite

‘From the pages of Vampirella and Sacred Six comes Nyx, daughter of a human and the mad god Chaos himself! Nyx’s mortal side has been growing stronger, troubling her with all-too human emotions. Fortunately (for her), there’s still the side of her that transforms into a demon of living flame…and requires her to feed on the life force of living beings to survive.

Can a half-demon find her place in our world…happiness…even love? Probably not, as she’s about to get dragged into her dad’s workplace problem.’

Phenom X #1, Image

‘Wrongfully imprisoned and desperate to regain his freedom, Max Gomez agrees to become a subject in an underground government experiment. When the trial gives him phenomenal shape-shifting abilities, Gomez learns his new ‘freedom’ requires surviving a superpowered war fought on the streets of NYC.’

Croak #1, AfterShock

‘Seven years ago, an attempt to weaponize dreams resulted in holes being punched through the world we know and into the world of dreams. Nightmarish creatures now stalk the land, sprouting from (and killing) anyone unlucky enough to dream. The only way to save the world is for certain people to have their dreams come true.

Which is how Risa Harumi finds herself not only fighting monsters, but forced into finding true love. Monsters and modern dating? It feels like a nightmare either way, and the only help Risa has is a friendly-ish monster named Croak and her pre-teen daughter, Machi.

From Paul Tobin (BUNNY MASK) and Andy MacDonald (I BREATHED A BODY, Multiple Man), comes a unique story of one woman’s quest to save the world, if only she could learn the difference between love and monsters.’

Cat Shit One Vol. 3 #1, Antarctic Press

‘FIRST TIME IN PRINT IN ENGLISH!

Perky, Rats and Botasky, the members of special forces unit Cat Shit One, have left the jungles of Southeast Asia for the island tropics just off South America. For our hirsute heroes, it ain’t just the humidity, it’s the heat of battle!’

Rick And Morty: Corporate Assets #1, Oni Press

‘When Morty stupidly agrees to all the legal terms of a new face-altering gif app, he signs his life away to an unheard-of company that immediately seizes control of him for their own purposes.

Then, when Morty screws up Rick’s rescue effort, the company steals Rick’s portal gun and strands our heroes in an unexplored dimension–leaving them free to strip mine every aspect of Rick’s inventions and the Smith family’s lives for evil, capitalist purposes!’

My Date With Monsters #1, AfterShock

‘Seven years ago, an attempt to weaponize dreams resulted in holes being punched through the world we know and into the world of dreams. Nightmarish creatures now stalk the land, sprouting from (and killing) anyone unlucky enough to dream. The only way to save the world is for certain people to have their dreams come true. 

Which is how Risa Harumi finds herself not only fighting monsters, but forced into finding true love. Monsters and modern dating? It feels like a nightmare either way, and the only help Risa has is a friendly-ish monster named Croak and her pre-teen daughter, Machi. 

From Paul Tobin (BUNNY MASK) and Andy MacDonald (I BREATHED A BODY, Multiple Man), comes a unique story of one woman’s quest to save the world, if only she could learn the difference between love and monsters.’

Godkiller : Spiderland #1, Black Mask Studios

‘Halfpipe and Soledad gaze into The Abyss. Things get intense. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.’

Carriers #1, Red 5

‘Fable, Gladius, Cherrybomb, Dark Dove: no one has heard of these brave heroes yet but they are the only thing standing between the citizens of New York and the unseen terrors that lurk all around them. A band of weaponized carrier pigeons, they soar the night sky looking for new threats and find their largest one yet when the Croc King comes climbing up out of the New York sewer!’

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