Jumping On: New Story Arcs Kicking Off On August 25, 2021

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, August 25, 2021. 

New Arcs:

Once & Future #19, BOOM! Studios

‘Is it possible that King Arthur and Merlin can save England from…King Arthur(s) and Merlin(s)?!?! A very strange war is a brewin’ indeed.

The Otherworld and our world have collided and England is ground zero for the chaos!

Bridgette has spent her whole life fighting to prevent this future from happening, but now that it’s arrived she’s at a loss. Fortunately, she has Duncan by her side, and he’s not about to let Gran give up.’

Ice Cream Man #25, Image Comics

‘CELEBRATING OUR 25th “ANNIVERSARY” ISSUE WITH A SPECIAL BONUS STORY. IT’S THE PERFECT JUMPING-ON POINT TO THE BOOK CBR CALLED “IMAGE’S MOST UNPREDICTABLE HORROR SERIES.”

Good afternoon, folks. This is your captain speaking. I’d like to welcome everyone aboard ICM Flight 25. We’re currently cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet, at an airspeed of about 400 miles per hour. The time is 1:25 p.m. The weather looks pretty good, and with the tailwind on our side, we’re expecting to violently nosedive into the ground approximately 15 minutes ahead of schedule.’

Transformers: Beast Wars #7, IDW

‘Pod, part one! After their first explosive battle, both the Maximals and Predacons have allowed a lull to refresh and regroup. But when the first protoform pod comes down and a new entrant to the Beast Wars enters the fray, things are going to change in a major way! But whose side is Blackarachnia on?!’

Vampirella #23, Dynamite

‘RED MASS, PART 1: The countdown to the most unholy union in history begins here! Having finally returned to Earth from her Interstellar adventure, Vampirella rescues a child from certain death while unwittingly giving life to the greatest evil the world has ever seen! The epic run of CHRISTOPHER PRIEST and ERGUN GUNDUZ is about to reach its crescendo!’

Blade Runner 2029 #7, Titan Books

‘New Arc in the bestselling series based on Ridley Scott’s Scifi Masterpiece. A fanatical army of super-human replicants have been laid siege to L. A. Now it is up to Detective Ash to retire cult leader Yotun before he destroys both her and the city she loves.’

Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom #4, DC

‘Shilo Norman is Mister Miracle no more! Left at his lowest point, Shilo’s fame status and name are violently ripped away. The legacy of the Miracle mantle is shrouded in dark secrets, and now, Shilo wants answers. Brought before a mysterious figure, Shilo learns tragic truths about his past, present, and possible future. But can Shilo handle these truths and regain his powers before it’s too late to stop N’Vir’s plans?’

Notable #1’s:

King Spawn #1, Image Comics

‘A historical NEW ongoing SPAWN series begins! The launch of this book, nearly three decades in the making, further expands the SPAWN UNIVERSE with a growing presence of Hell, Heaven, and Heroes here on Earth. A classic villain from Spawn’s past has begun asserting his powers on Earth by corrupting as many souls as possible. And only Spawn knows that he even exists. Continuing the dramatic battles from SPAWN’S UNIVERSE #1, this is where it all begins! Don’t miss out…the last time a new ongoing SPAWN series launched was in 1992.’

St. Mercy #1, Top Cow

‘A tale of vengeful retribution, ST. MERCY pits the Incan Empire against the American West – and features two strong, determined young women who must defy authority and ultimately embrace their destiny. Mercedes Oro is one of the surviving descendants of the Incans who has been charged with protecting a cache of cursed gold used in their child sacrifice rituals. But when an outlaw tries to steal the gold for his band of thieves, he unknowingly sets events in motion that will unleash an angry god who is willing to travel through the centuries to have what he desires.’

Winter Guard #1, Marvel

‘WINTER COMES FOR THE WHITE WIDOW & THE RED GUARDIAN! Russia is cleaning house! And when the Red Guardian starts hunting down state secrets, he puts himself right back in his home country’s crosshairs—dragging the White Widow along with him. But the motherland has new heroes now…and not even the Red Room could have prepared Alexei and Yelena for the Winter Guard’s retribution. Bold twists and bombastic action abound as Jason Aaron’s Winter Guard tracks down two of Russia’s dirtiest secrets! Don’t miss the chills and thrills of Ryan Cady and Jan Bazaldua’s new epic thriller!’

Superman Vs. Lobo #1, DC

‘What happens when an indomitable force meets an irritating object? That’s what readers find out when Superman runs into Lobo. Think of it like a boy scout joining a biker gang. What will be worse, the damage Lobo causes on his own, or the chaos of trying to stop him? I smell a team-up, fanboys!

Numen is the most popular being in the universe, a god clogging all social channels. And he does not like competition. This means Superman and Lobo must go. Further complicating things is Dr. Flik, a scientist determined to study the last sons of Krypton and Czarnia respectively. What can she glean from the hero who lost everything as a baby and the bad, bad boy who made it all go away just for the heck of it? From writers Tim Seeley and Sarah Beattie the team behind the indie hit Money Shot and Punchline artist Mirka Andolfo comes a hilarious new superhero epic!’

Dancing With The Dragon #1, Scout

‘Connor O’Sullivan is a hapless limo driver on the run from the Triads. It probably wasn’t the best idea to take over his dead customer’s shady business. However, for a poor Irish immigrant trying to provide a better life for his girlfriend, it seemed too good to pass up. After some initial success, Connor thinks this is his ticket to living the American Dream, but he’s just been dancing with the dragon!’

Cable: Reloaded #1, Marvel

‘THE BIG GUN IS BACK! It’s a new era, in a new galaxy, that’s under siege from a deadly new threat…but you can still rely on one man. Cable is locked, loaded, and landing on the deadliest planet in X-history—to steal the ultimate weapon…and stop the LAST ANNIHILATION!

THE LAST ANNIHILATION TIE-IN’

Checkmate #3, DC 

‘All-new story! As the super-spies try to keep Leviathan from getting its hands on the Heroes Network, Lois Lane does her best to get to the bottom of the new truths in front of her. Meanwhile, her husband—the Man of Steel—has had just about enough of Leviathan. That’s right, finally! The man behind the rise of Leviathan, Mark Shaw, and Superman clash! Plus: Who is Mr. King really? Guest-starring Robin and Talia al Ghul! And Superman.’

Extreme Carnage: Riot #1, Marvel

‘Carnage may be building an army, but his ultimate goal remains shrouded in mystery. What is his endgame? And how many will he massacre to achieve it?’

Superman ’78 #1, DC

‘Fly into director Richard Donner’s Superman once more in Superman ’78! Written by Robert Venditti (Superman: Man of Tomorrow) and drawn by Wilfredo Torres (Batman ’66), Superman ’78 tells a brand-new adventure in the world of the beloved film. A bright, shining day in Metropolis is interrupted by a mysterious drone that crash-lands in the city and starts wreaking havoc. This looks like a job for Superman! But where did the metallic menace come from, what is its purpose, and who is Brainiac?’

Darkhawk #1, Marvel

‘Who is the ALL-NEW DARKHAWK? Connor Young is a seventeen-year-old star basketball player with the world ahead of him, until a surprising medical diagnosis changes everything. But what happens when a mysterious amulet finds him and gives him powers beyond belief? What will he do with these new abilities? Get in on the ground floor as Kyle Higgins (RISE OF ULTRAMAN, Radiant Black) and Juanan Ramírez (WEB OF VENOM) start a new era.’

Marvel’s Voices: Identity #1, Marvel

‘CELEBRATING THE GREATEST ASIAN SUPER HEROES AND CREATORS FROM ACROSS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE! Some of the best Asian super heroes in comics are getting the spotlight in this special action-packed and heartfelt issue! Shang-Chi! Ms. Marvel! Jubilee! Silk! Jimmy Woo! Come celebrate these amazing and legendary heroes from new and established Asian creators that will surely expand “the world outside your window!” Plus: Be prepared for some big and special surprises that can only be told in the Mighty Marvel Manner!’

Echolands #1, Image

‘A MAJOR IMAGE COMICS 2021 EVENT.

The story of Earth’s last war starts with Hope’s sticky fingers…

The multiple award winning BATWOMAN team JH Williams III (Promethea, The Sandman: Overture, Batman) and W. Haden Blackman (Star Wars, Elektra) reunite for an all-new ongoing series! They’re joined once again by colorist supreme Dave Stewart and master letterer Todd Klein.

In a bizarre future world that has forgotten its history, a reckless thief Hope Redhood holds the key to excavating its dark strange past – if only she and her crew can escape a tyrannical wizard and his unstoppable daughter. But fate will send them all on a path leading to a war between worlds.

ECHOLANDS is a landscape format mythic fiction epic where anything is possible; a fast-paced genre mashup adventure that combines everything from horror movie vampires to classic mobsters and cyborg elves, to Roman demigods and retro rocket ships. It’s going to be a helluva ride!

Each issue of the series will offer a Raw Cut edition, featuring the art from J H Williams III as it looked leaving his work studio.’

Nine Stones #1, Behemoth Comics

‘Disturbing dreams shake Alistair ‘Allie’ Jacobi’s nights. But his daytime life is not much better. His father, the boss of a criminal organization, has decided that it’s time for his son to gain experience in the underworld. So Allie, 19, finds himself doing an ‘internship’ in a convenience store run by the man who, under the cover of home deliveries, is selling drugs to the entire city. To teach him the ‘job’ is Christopher, an older guy. The bond created between the two of them will give life to dark presences and disturbing and enigmatic premonitions.’

Lifeformed #1, Scout

‘Orphaned in the wake of an alien invasion, 11-year-old Cleo must leave behind the life she knew to fight for her own survival and the Earth’s future. With the help of a rebel alien posing as her dad, Cleo learns how to survive and strike back against the invaders. Battling their way through the wreckage of the apocalypse, these two unlikely companions bond, ponder what it means to be human, and search for reasons to fight on. Enjoy the first issue of this NON-STOP! title followed by the entire story collected soon after in one volume.’

Beyond the Farthest Star #1, American Mythology

‘Prepare to be transported across the galaxy to a world of incredible sci-fi adventure that lies Beyond the Farthest Star! In this canonical continuation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel, new ERB heroine Victory Harben finds herself stranded on the strange and savage world of Zandar, and thrust into a dispute between two bizarre, alien tribes. Born at the Earth’s core in the world of Pellucidar, Victory knows quite a bit about primitive cultures, but when she and native Tii-laa track the marauding Keelar warriors to their island outpost city, they will find a most unsettling reason for the Keelar raids upon Tii-laa’s people, and uncover a vile, sinister presence that could spell doom for the entire planet. Conceived and plotted with the assistance of ERB, Inc., director of publishing and novelist Christopher Paul Carey, Beyond the Farthest Star: Warriors of Zandar ties to both Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic sci-fi adventure and the new Swords of Eternity Super-Arc novels currently being published by ERB, Inc. Available with three covers – Main with cover by Alessandro Ranaldi, Variant and Limited Edition by Mike Wolfer.’

Lester of the Lesser Gods #1, Albatross Funnybooks

‘From Eric Powell (The Goon), Lucky Yates (Comedian and voice of Dr. Krieger from Archer), Mac Cushing (Spook House) and Eisner Award-winning artist Gideon Kendall (Megaghost) comes Lester of the Lesser Gods! Lester has no friends and no life. That is until Satan unleashes the Apocalypse! No longer is he a 32-year-old, 300 pound LARPer who lives with his mother. A mother who constantly re-minds him of his lowly conception in a biker bar bathroom. But momma didn’t get that gimpy hip from knocking boots with any old biker… t’was a GOD! And Satan shall suckle his knuckle! HUZZAH! And for the hardcore collector… Special Edition cardstock cover by Gideon Kendall!’

Boston Metaphysical Society: Spirit of Rebellion #1, Source Point Press

‘Even after saving Boston, Caitlin is thrown out by her mother for working with Samuel and Granville. Samuel takes her to the boarding house of an old friend in Philadelphia where she discovers a ghost, the beginning of a rebellion, and perhaps her destiny. Like Boston, the poor and working class of Philadelphia are pushing back against the Great Houses, and Caitlin and Samuel are caught in the middle of it. And much to her surprise, Caitlin has discovered that the battle with The Shifter has left her with telekinetic powers. What no one realizes is that a Pinkerton by the name of Harry Connelly has taken a special interest in Caitlin and the boarding house. Is he friend or foe? And what does this mean for Samuel and Caitlin?’

Stud and the BloodBlade #1, Comics Experience Publishing

‘What’s better than a comic book? Two comic books! All three Studly issues are double-sized for $1 more-twice the story, nearly the same price! Welcome to Ouroboros, a world teetering between far future and primordial past, where aliens and barbarians, bigfoots and robots, monsters and puns wrestle for control! Mightiest is Stud, he of immense strength and nonexistent impulse control! Follow Stud’s caravan of carnage as his cursed BloodBlade, keeps him on a razor’s edge between hero and Gary! From co-creators Perry Crowe and Jed Dougherty: it’s He-Man meets The Tick meets Judge Dredd – it’s STUD’

Scoot Frontiers #1, Scout

‘Scoot Imprint: The premiere issue of our all-ages magazine! Each Scoot Frontiers is designed to be a standalone, super-sized spectacular! Highlighting Scoot favorites in comic-book stories and prose! Plus, there are activity pages, puzzles, games, coloring pages and more! Misfitz Clubhouse and Supercats make their first Scoot appearances! Adventures of Byron! Soulstream! Catdad and Supermom! Sengi and Tembo! Wild Bull and Chipper! Action Tank and more! Packed with original material and fun for the whole family!’

Grimm Red Agent: Beast of Belgium #1, Zenescope

‘1914, WWI …in Belgium a terrible creature stalks the battlefields, ripping the throats from soldiers and tearing their bodies to pieces with massive fangs and claws. Whispers of the Beast of Belgium run through the terrified ranks of soldiers on both sides of no man’s land. Paris, The present…the bodies of gang members are being found with their throats ripped out and their bodies mangled…and rumors spread that the Beast has somehow returned. Britney Waters, AKA Red Agent is tasked with finding out the truth behind the murders and the mysterious Beast, a mission that just might cost her life.’ 

Zorro Flights #1, American Mythology

‘Legendary scribe Don McGregor returns to Zorro for the first time in over 15 years! His stories have defined comics for decades. From Black Panther to Sabre to the very pages of Zorro, he has delivered groundbreaking tales of adventure, passion, and the human condition. In “Flights,” Zorro finds himself face to face with a fire breathing dragon. But something is not quite right, for though this huge creature soars into the air breathing fire, it also seems to be controlled by man! Come with us on a wild ride as we deliver one of the most anticipated Zorro stories of the new century! Available with three covers – Main with cover by Roy Allan Martinez, Variant by interior artist Vincenzo Carratu, and a Limited-Edition B&W Photo Cover!’

Resilient #1, Absolute Comics Group

‘Jolanda O’Bryne had it all… a loving husband, a great career as a Judo instructor, and a heart for helping others. It was that heart that led her to Cambodia where she sought to help clear mines to save children from death and ruin. Unfortunately, when she accidentally tripped one of the mines, she must now discover just how resilient she can be.’

Suicide Jockeys #1, Source Point Press

‘Ten years after a catastrophic mission gone wrong, Denver Wallace, leader of the Suicide Jockeys – a poor, usually drunken, almost certainly mentally ill crew of monster-fighting, tank-and-aircraft-piloting suckers – must pick himself up off of the proverbial and literal floors, slap his estranged, desperately-fractured team back together and right what once went wrong. From screenwriter/Ringo award-winning comic creator Rylend Grant!’

Tangled River #1, It’s Alive

‘Michael Cohen, co-creator of Strange Attractors, launches his new series, a heartfelt coming-of-age tale, set against a science fiction backdrop. Tanya is an artistic teen, living on a distant Earth colony, where all technology has mysteriously stopped working. One day, she sees a mysterious object in the sky, and finds herself thrown into an adventure that transforms her entire life. Each issue has a standard cover by Michael Cohen and a guest artist variant cover. This issue’s variant cover is by Jenni Gregory!’

Howling Snow: A Kung Fu Fable #1, Comics Experience Publishing

‘For one hundred years, Fox roamed the land in human form! Once a formidable swordsman and a master of the mystic arts, now he is a disenchanted soul, in constant search of pleasure and distraction. But all that changes when Fox encounters a demon wolf, fueled by an intense rage that threatens to shatter Fox’s fragile peace. Now Fox must reawaken his slumbering fighting spirit and find balance between the animal, human and supernatural realms, in this beguiling and gorgeous one-shot comic! Also features a variant cover by artist Queenie Ng!’