Jumping On: New Story Arcs Kicking Off On January 18, 2023

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 New Story Arcs, Notable #1s, and One-Shots premiering this upcoming New Comic Book Day, Wednesday, January 18, 2023

New Story Arcs:

What’s the Furthest Place From Here? #10, Image

Sid’s story revealed! The game-changing second arc to one of the year’s biggest books starts here. Dark secrets are uncovered as we discover why Sid had to leave the Academy, where she went, and what she did. This issue has it all-a betrayal! A rescue! An escape! Some Daves! And the Strangers reveal a shocking truth!

Notable #1s and One-Shots:

Batman: One Bad Day – Bane #1, DC

A PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE DESTROYED BY VENOM! Bane broke the Bat–he’s one of the only villains to ever truly vanquish the Dark Knight–but is that all he’s ever accomplished? Decades from now, Bane is a washed-up wrestler reliving his glory days in the ring, defeating someone dressed like Batman every day. But when he discovers that there’s a new source of Venom in the world, he’ll do everything he can to shut down the facility it’s coming from for good and make sure that no one takes the poison that ruined his life. An epic saga set throughout Bane’s life, expanding on the hopes, dreams, regrets, and failures of one of DC’s most legendary villains, brought to you by the iconic creative team of Joshua Williamson (Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, The Flash) and Howard Porter (The Flash, Justice League).

Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1, DC

With the world in chaos and Lazarus raining from the skies, the Earth’s protectors from Krypton are hit hard. In this collection of epic vignettes from in and around Lazarus Planet, we’ll see heroes transformed, secrets revealed, and power unleashed. Can Power Girl free herself from the out-of-control Omen? Will Dreamer’s visions guide our heroes to the path of victory? Can Mercy Graves survive the transformation she’s undergone? And will Jonathan Kent ever be the same again?

Wasp #1, Marvel

Fashion designer, businesswoman, founding Avenger—Janet Van Dyne has worn many hats over the course of her super heroic career. But when an old enemy threatens Janet and her fellow Wasp, Nadia, seemingly against his will, the Van Dynes will have to confront the ghosts in their shared history to get to the bottom of the mystery. Join fan-favorite creators Al Ewing (IMMORTAL HULK, X-MEN: RED) and Kasia Nie (MOCKINGBIRD; AGE OF CONAN: BELIT) as they celebrate sixty years of the Wasp!

Barbaric: Hell to Pay #1, Vault

Barbaric is back and headed straight to hell in an all-new arc so big and bloody, it’s getting an extra issue!

While Owen tames a dragon with an old friend, Soren and Steel cross paths with someone else from our cursed barbarian’s past…who isn’t looking nearly as friendly. Hell hath no fury like a woman stabbed through the heart by an ugly f***ing orc.

Oh, wait! Who’s carrying Axe?

Maniac of New York: Don’t Call it a Comeback #1, AfterShock

Maniac Harry, the seemingly unstoppable killer, has finally been stopped. The city celebrates, the Mayor takes the credit, and Maniac Task Force Director Gina Greene – last seen slicing the Maniac’s head open – has disappeared to parts unknown. Now NYPD Detective Zelda Pettibone must pick up the pieces of a life that’s suddenly so empty she almost wishes the Maniac was back. And unfortunately, sometimes wishes are granted.

THAT’S RIGHT, THERE’S A NEW MANIAC, BUT NOT THE ONE YOU’RE EXPECTING! Stay out of Central Park and stay away from cable news, ’cause something terrifying is on the loose!

Writer Elliott Kalan and artist Andrea Mutti return to the acclaimed horror-satire series for a tale of horrifying gore and even more horrifying cultural relevance!

Dune: House Harkonnen #1, BOOM! Studios

The second official, NYT Bestselling prequel to Dune is adapted for the first time by award-winning novelists Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson and artist Michael Shelfer (Domino), unveiling a closer look at the rising conflict between beloved characters and bitter villains.

Fans will gain insight into how the early years of iconic figures Gurney Halleck, Lady Jessica, and Liet Kynes had their future shaped by the complex and brutal machinations of House Harkonnen!

What difficult choices will tear Leto Atreides apart as Baron Harkonnen plots against not just House Atreides, but the Bene Gesserit and the Emperor himself?

Nightwalkers #1, Source Point Press

Seren is an addict in recovery at a rehabilitation center secluded in the mountains, COMPLETELY ISOLATED from the outside world. When Seren and the other patients wake to find themselves locked inside and abandoned by the center’s staff, they must decide whether to wait or break out. The decision is made for them when a blood thirsty monster enters the center, and begins to tear through them to satiate its lust for blood.

In a collaboration with Hustle & Heart Films and Vertigo Entertainment (IT, DOCTOR SLEEP), Source Point Press is proud to bring you Cullen Bunn’s Night Walkers, a new comic book series with a terrifying, fresh take on a timeless horror sub-genre.

Immortal Sergeant #1, Image

MINISERIES PREMIERE

Award-winning I KILL GIANTS storytellers JOE KELLY (Deadpool, Savage Spider-Man) and KEN NIIMURA (Eisner Award-winning Umami) return to yank on your heartstrings with IMMORTAL SERGEANT!

On the eve of his unwelcome retirement, Jim Sargent (aka “Sarge”) a grizzled, old-school detective, catches a break on a murder case that’s haunted him for decades. Unfortunately, Sarge must drag his anxiety-riddled adult son, Michael, along for the ride or risk losing the lead forever. Can this dysfunctional duo overcome their own hang-ups, blindspots, and secrets to catch a killer? 

Avengers Two: Wonder Man and Beast – Marvel Tales #1, Marvel

COLLECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME! One of the best buddy pairings in comics—Wonder Man and the bouncing Beast! You may know Hank McCoy more as an X-Man, but during his time as an Avenger, he developed a fine bromance with the super hero and actor Simon Williams! When a newly back-from-the-dead Wonder Man heads back to California with some making up to do, the Beast tags along to provide moral support in AVENGERS TWO: WONDER MAN AND BEAST #1-3, from the wondrous creative pairing of Roger Stern and Mark Bagley! But Wonder Man’s return to L.A. has not gone unnoticed by his old adversaries—most notably, Lady Lotus! And the big trouble really begins when the towering It, the Living Colossus attacks the City of Angels! Can the Beast and Wonder Man save Tinseltown and bury the ghosts from Simon’s past?

Archie Vs the World #1, Archie Comics

In a post-apocalyptic future, our hero Archie Andrews is cursed to walk the world alone-well, alone with his souped-up jalopy. But Archie can defend himself-in fact, he’s the master of a brutal, deadly form of martial arts and must use his skills when he comes face-to-face with his rival and evil mirror image, Reggie. This action-packed one-shot is equal parts Mad Max: Fury Road and The Fist of the North Star, and reunites the Jughead the Burgarian team from 2022’s smash-hit comic THE BEST ARCHIE COMIC EVER!

Kitsune #1, Scout

Kitsunichi Shimitzu is a ronin, a samurai who has become masterless. After twelve years of absence, he returns to his native lands and discovers that his master’s son is a weak man. Bandits terrorize the population, and strange rumors of a powerful enemy spread. Torn between past mistakes and a chance to redeem himself, Kitsunichi will have to fight for his life.

White Savior #1, Dark Horse

SAMURAI SATIRE!

An ancient prophecy foretold of an outsider that would save the peaceful village of Inoki from an unstoppable army–a man who would confuse the people at first with his unconventional ways, but lead them to the light. Nathan Garin, Captain in the United States Army, known for his viciousness in battle on the American frontier, could be that man . . . if he weren’t such an awful, drunken idiot. Now it’s up to Japanese-American teacher Todd Parker to warn the good people of Inoki of Garin’s true nature before he causes the very death and destruction they are counting on him to avert!

* By Eric Nguyen, artist on Old Man Logan and Strange Girl.

How I Became a Shoplifter #1, Sumerian Comics

Crime Through Boredom. A year by year look at the final generation of juvenile delinquents before technology took over. Watch the comical cast of characters grow up, as each chapter is set in a different year of adolescence (1996-2003). The first issue tells nostalgic tales of toy store heists, grand theft beer runs, backstage buffoonery, counterfeit cash, and clown weed! 32 pages of art by Daniel Hillyard, Jordi Pérez, Gabriele Falzone, and more!

Tim Seeley’s Lucky #1, Keenspot

Tim Seeley (West of Sundown, Hack/Slash) puts the spotlight on his quirky superheroine Lucky in this fortuitous all-new series! It’s been a few years since the SuperBeasts were a team, and their youngest member Lucky feels responsible for their demise. After all, the power to steal luck from everyone nearby is not ideally suited to a team! Down on her luck because she’s stubbornly refusing to use her gift, Lucky inadvertently discovers a plot by an old nemesis to assassinate a former teammate. Now she must come to terms with her powers and learn how to go solo. It’s time to get Lucky!

Zombicide: Day One #1, Source Point Press

The dead are returning to life to devour the living! In an instant the world was plunged into chaos. No one could have predicted it. No one except Ned. They thought he was crazy, but now he’s vindicated. He has a safe shelter, fully stocked with everything he needs to survive and just waiting to welcome him and his group of friends. That is, if they can even reach it. There’s a city full of zombies to cross. Ammo is scarce, supplies too. They must move slowly and silently to avoid notice. But when the horde catches on, they’ll have to strike fast and hard if they hope to survive!