For comics shipping 10.13.10 or The Week Helen Mirren Was An Ex-CIA Sniper. Every week I’ll check Diamond’s shipping list to see what you absolutely, positively need to spend all your hard earned cash on at the Local Comic Shop.

DC COMICS

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #5 – $3.99

So it’s a little late. Big deal. Having the penultimate issue of your Grant Morrison-helmed event ship two months late is a blessing. It could have been way worse. Anywho, this issue Bruce Wayne is transported to the noir version of Gotham City, and it’s drawn by Ryan Sook. Ryan Sook’s art makes this book, which was already going to be pretty interesting, an absolute must read. He doesn’t do interiors all that often because it takes him so long to a page, but when he does, they are spectacular.

Northlanders #33- $2.99

More viking goodness from Brian Wood and Ricardo Burchelli. I’m curious to see how one man is going to take on all of Christianity, but I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting fight.

MARVEL COMICS

Invincible Iron Man #31 – $2.99

Stark Resilient is about to go public with their new technology, but the Hammer’s have different plans. Corporate espionage, crazy tech, smarmy Tony Stark, brilliant Pepper Potts, and the most impressive creative team working at Marvel today. Those are the things you want in a comic.

Thor #616 – $3.99

I wasn’t blown away by Matt Fraction’s and Pascal Ferry’s first issue on the Thor monthly, but there were a lot of ideas presented that I want to see fleshed out a bit more. Fraction is an intriguing writer, and if there is anyone capable of making the magic and mystery of the Asgardians more accessible, while still keeping it crazy, he’s the guy.

Thor: The Mighty Avenger #5 – $2.99

This is the comic every comic should strive to be. Strong writing. Beautiful art. Characters and relationships you want to read about. Well, and hammer-swinging action. That’s always a plus. Seriously though, this book is an absolute joy, and it’s hands down the best book Marvel is publishing right now.

No trade this week. Take some extra time to recover from the convention.