1. BATMAN #12
There aren't a lot of details as to what we should expect from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's
Batman #12, although we do know that it will serve as an epilogue to "The Court of Owls" before next month's #0 issue (which will explore "The New 52"'s take on the Caped Crusader's early years). However, the solicitation also promises that the next major storyline will kick off here, and as you should already know, that will be the debut of The Joker in the relaunched DC Universe. The last time we saw him was in
Detective Comics #1 after he escaped Arkham Asylum and left only his face behind. Whether or not the classic villain will actually show off his new-look in this issue is unknown, but it's definitely a must-buy.
2. BEFORE WATCHMEN: OZYMANDIAS #2
Before Watchmen: Ozymandias #1 was arguably one of the best prequels to be released so far, and this second instalment will hopefully be just as essential a read. Writer Len Wein packed a hell of a lot of story into the last issue as he explored Adrian Veidt's early years, and it should be very interesting to now delve further into the character's decision to become a hero (especially as we all know how his journey eventually ends). The writing isn't the only reason to pick up the comic as Jae Lee's stunning artwork makes this easily the most eye-catching
Before Watchmen books, and without a doubt one of the best looking series' on the stands. And c'mon, how can that cover NOT intrigue you just a little bit?!
3. SPIDER-MEN #4
At the conclusion of
Spider-Men #3, the Peter Parker of the 616 Universe tracked down the Aunt May and Gwen Stacy of the Ultimate Universe. A recent preview has shown that the meeting doesn't exactly go down particularly well, but it should be very interesting indeed to see more of how Peter reacts to learning how his alternate self died, not to mention the reactions of those in the Ultimate Universe meeting this version of the iconic superhero. Of course, at the core of
Spider-Men is the team-up between Peter and Miles Morales, so writer Brian Michael Bendis will presumably continue to explore that AND how Mysterio has managed to gain access to the world. Sara Pichelli's artwork is simply the cherry on the cake.
4. INCREDIBLE HULK #12
While the "Stay Angry" storyline hasn't been to everyone's liking, there's no denying that the insane Bruce Banner's plan is pretty damn intriguing stuff! Well, we finally find out what exactly he's been up to in
The Incredible Hulk #12 as Jason Aaron's run on the title enters its final stretch (the character will seemingly be getting yet ANOTHER new #1 issue this November from the creative team of writer Mark Waid and artist Lenil Yu). As you can see from the cover art above, the Green Goliath will be facing off against Wolverine - and The Thing - in what promises to be one hell of an epic battle, and it's always a good thing for fans when Aaron writes a comic featuring the Ol' Canucklehead.
5. NEW AVENGERS #29
The majority of Brian Michael Bendis'
Avengers Vs. X-Men tie-in's have been fairly underwhelming so far, adding very little to the main storyline. However,
New Avengers #29 looks set to be very exciting, as the writer brings back the Illuminati (first introduced before the events of
Civil War all the way back in 2006). A recent preview seemed to indicate that they will discuss whether or not to use their respective Infinity Gems in order to stop the "Phoenix Five" - although it's actually the "Phoenix Two" at this point - once and for all. With only three issues left before the conclusion of the main storyline, this issue will hopefully shed some light on where Act Three is taking us and the role of these heroes in it.
THE BEST OF THE REST...
6. BATMAN AND ROBIN #12
7. GAMBIT #1
8. VENOM #22
9. WOLVERINE #311
10. BATGIRL #12