Culture

5 Comics You Absolutely Must Pick Up This Month

Batwoman, black history, and backwards fairy tales—these are the comics you must read in February.

February might be the shortest month of the year, but there will still be four weeks' worth of new comic book releases hitting stands. That means you’ll have just as much to choose from at your local comics shop and even less time to decide. Never fear; all you have to do is check out the five suggestions below to ensure that you'll be free from disappointment. Any additional purchases, of course, that's on you.

  • The Wild Storm #1 (DC Entertainment)

    The second of DC's "pop-up imprints" launches with this revival of Jim Lee's Wildstorm universe, courtesy of Warren Ellis—who'll oversee additional books in the line—and Clean Room artist Jon Davis-Hunt, updating characters such as Grifter, the Engineer, and Jenny Sparks for the 21st Century. Expect something purposefully weird, and secretly filled with optimism just beneath the surface.

    Image may contain Human Person Advertisement Poster Book and Comics
    DC Entertainment

  • Batwoman: Rebirth #1 (DC Entertainment)

    As anyone familiar with Animosity, Bombshells, or Angela, Queen of Hel already knows, Marguerite Bennett has been a writer to watch for some time now. With this new Batwoman series, she gets a dream come true: the chance to write her favorite superhero in her second solo series ever. Add in artist Steve Epting’s return to superhero comics, and you have something pretty special—and that's even before we factor in Batwoman’s status as a queer lead character from one of the Big Two.

    DC Entertainment

  • Another Castle: Grimoire (Oni Press)

    Fairy tale tropes get twisted (in a good way) in this collected edition of the fan-favorite fantasy series, in which princesses save themselves, because that's far more interesting than watching them be damsels in distress. Alongside Paulina Ganucheau’s colorful cartooning, Andrew Wheeler’s tales subtly (and, occasionally, not so subtly) twist everything these stories normally want to teach you. Prepare to get schooled.

    Oni Press

  • Black History in Its Own Words (Image Comics)

    In the midst of Black History Month, artist Ronald Wimberly—you've already picked up his Prince of Cats, right?—releases this hardcover collection of portraits of classic black artists and political figures (including Kanye West, Dave Chapelle, and Angela Davis alongside some perhaps more obvious candidates), accompanied by some of their most famous quotations. Think of it as the best-looking history lesson you've ever had the luck to receive.

    Image Comics

  • Riverdale #1 (Archie Comics)

    With Archie, Betty and Veronica being given a Twin Peaks-esque makeover for television, it only makes sense that comic books would follow suit. With Riverdale, writers for the TV show (including showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa) and artist Alitha Martinez offer up four short stories explaining the backstory of the new show, ahead of an upcoming monthly series exploring the scandal-filled town.

    Archie Comics
TopicscomicsUnderwire
Read More
The Best Read-It-Later Apps for Curating Your Longreads
With the popular app Pocket going away, you'll need a new way to catch up on those articles you've been meaning to read. Here are the best options.
A New Law of Nature Attempts to Explain the Complexity of the Universe
A novel suggestion that complexity increases over time, not just in living organisms but in the nonliving world, promises to rewrite notions of time and evolution.
The Dell 14 Plus Tries Its Best To Reset Dell’s Laptops
Dell's rebranding efforts officially kick off with the Dell 14 Plus. Is it more than just a fresh coat of paint?
Bill Atkinson, Macintosh Pioneer and Inventor of Hypercard, Dies at 74
Atkinson’s gleeful brilliance helped people draw on computer screens and access information via links.
24 Best Deals on Father's Day Gifts
Get Dad a WIRED-approved weather station, pair of headphones, or treadmill for less.
The Best Backpacking Tents for Getting Away From It All
The right shelter makes all the difference in the backcountry. Here are the best tents we’ve tested and love.
Tech Up Your Sourdough With These Upper-Crust Baking Gadgets
Sourdough bread is one of the most wonderful things you can make with your hands, but it can be fussy and hard to perfect. Now technology takes out most of the pesky guesswork.
Which Samsung Galaxy Phone Should You Buy?
From flagship and budget to flipping and folding, Samsung’s Galaxy range spans the breadth of the smartphone cosmos. WIRED’s here to help you make your choice.
Everything You Need to Know About MicroSD Express
What is the latest MicroSD iteration, and why does your Nintendo Switch need it?
The Best Weighted Blankets
If you’re looking for the sensation of a hug, these weighted blankets—plus weighted robes, eye masks, and more—will snuggle you back.
The 46 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now
Lost in Starlight, Kill Boksoon, and The Old Guard are just a few of the movies you should watch on Netflix this month.
Uber Just Reinvented the Bus … Again
Beyond the jokes about its new shuttle service are serious questions about what it will mean for struggling transit systems, air quality, and congestion.