Dark Horse Previews Picks: May 2012

Not a whole lot this month, but there’s one thing in here that makes it all worthwhile.  No points for guessing what it is.

B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth:  The Transformation of J.H. O’Donnell:  I didn’t realize this at first, but the title character is actually the crazy-ass ranting scientist from the series.  You know, the one who always has information about the threat the team faces, but goes about espousing it in a completely wigged-out manner.  He always came off as a amusing running gag to me, a way to poke fun at the dire nature and ornate mythology of the series, yet it doesn’t surprise me that Mike Mignola actually had a real story as to how this guy became the way he is.  It involves Hellboy and the library of a dead necromancer and the only way it’ll truly surprise me is by not being good.

Blade of the Immortal vol. 25:  Snowfall at Dawn:  If this was going to be released two days later, I’d be hard pressed to receive a better birthday gift.  Anyway, the solicitation text indicates that this is the “beginning” of the much-anticipated “Showdown With Shira.”  This time he’s facing off against Manji, and the results should be nothing less than electrifying (especially if my theory about what happened to Manji’s arm pans out…).  That said, the fight might not even be the best part of the volume, as I’m sure that Rin and Renzo will have a lot to talk about as their warrior friends battle it out.

Drifters vol. 2:  This ships the same day as “Blade of the Immortal.”  You’d think it’d be smart to spread out releases like this, but I’ll be getting both.  This will be read second, though.

Orchid vol. 1:  “Spartacus of Whores” was how I heard this series described.  It’s the first comics work from legendary guitarist Tom Morello and I was planning on picking it up to see if the man has skill beyond slinging the axe.  Seeing if the story was as entertaining as its pitch also factors into the equation.  However, it’s not selling all that well (its numbers almost make “The Infinite’s” look sustainable) and I’m assuming that’s part of the reason why we’re getting a collection of the first four issues for $18 while the series is still going on.  If they’re hoping this will convince trade-waiters like me to start buying the rest of the series in single-issue format… then let me apologize in advance.  Of course, if this first volume is good, then I’ll pick up the rest of it no matter what form it takes.

Usagi Yojimbo vol. 26:  Traitors of the Earth:  The main story features Usagi vs. zombies!  What more do you need to know?