Fanboy Comics Contributor Jason Enright brings you his top comic book picks for the week.

Batman #12
by Scott Snyder and Becky Cloonan

Batman #12 is unlike any Batman comic I have ever read before, and I could not be happier. Scott Snyder tells an amazing story about a young woman who is inspired by Batman to change her life for the better, and in doing so he may have just created a new favorite Bat character. What really stands out about this book thoughout is the amazing art by Becky Cloonan. Her style is fresh, vibrant, and, unlike a lot of the darker art we’re used to in Batman books, a lot of fun. Even better, Snyder writes to her strengths, so that her style fits this story perfectly. You will definitely want to pick up this book, as it may be the standout issue of the year, and you definitely don’t want to miss the introduction of Harper Row, the coolest new DC character.



Gambit #1
by James Asmus, Clay Mann, Seth Mann, and Rachelle Rosenberg

Gambit is back! Well I guess he never really went away, but his title series is back. Asmus follows the lead set by Fraction’s Hawkeye book last week, and instead of giving us a story about Gambit’s superhero life, we get a story of how Gambit spends his days off. But, don’t worry, Gambit isn’t one to sit idly by; this book is packed with humor, action, and, of course, explosions! James Asmus has Gambit narrate the entire issue, and, although I’m not normally a fan of heavy narration in a single-character book like this, it really worked. He gives you a look inside Gambit’s head and really shows you where the character is coming from. The Manns do a great job on the art. Gambit always looks cool and there’s plenty of action for the artists to really show off their prowess. Pick up Gambit if you’re up for a wild ride with one of the world’s coolest and (according to my wife) sexiest heroes.

Idolized #1
by David Schwartz, Micah Gunnell, and David Curiel

Idolized is an awesome, new look at what it takes to become a superhero from Aspen Comics. It tells the story of a young woman who loses everything and vows to make herself better, so that she can join the ranks of the world’s greatest heroes and get revenge on the villain who killed her family. Just one little problem: she just has to win a reality show contest first. Schwartz has crafted a wonderful tale with a funny, flawed, and totally bada– female protagonist. Even better, Micah Gunnell has drawn the 16-year-old hero with a realistic, graceful body and a lovable girl-next-door look. If you can look past the really bad, over-sexualized cover by Art Adams (or find the cool photo variant), then pick up this book and give it a read. Gunnell’s amazing interior art and Schwartz’s deft writing make this a real standout new series.