What comes after a small week in comics? An absurdly large one. Let’s get to one beast of a week in comics in The Pull, a look at my buys, recommendations, and comics from the week of comics.

Book of the Week: Stillwater #1

I know very little about this comic. It sort of sounds like Revival, except just no one ever dies. What I do know is it’s a new Chip Zdarsky written comic, which is a buy sight unseen for me. Very quietly, very sneakily, ol’ Chipper has become one of the finest writers in comics right now, as everything he does has a rare blend of real emotion, fantastic character work, and fantastical verve that hits me hard. He’s one of the best in the business, and whatever the concept is, I know it’s going to work.

That it’s drawn by Ramon Perez and has colors by Mike Spicer makes it that much easier to get behind. That’s an A-list team on a new title, which is going to get a buy from me no matter what. But the Chip of it all makes it the top release this week, because I truly believe anything he writes will be great.

NO PRESSURE, CHIP.

I’m fond of this bit of the issue, because it strikes a line that I think really works. Suzy narrates and explains why living in the past isn’t enough for her, while the events of the issue reveal that nostalgia has functions that are valid. She realizes she needs more than just her past joy. She feels the need to create new memories, new joy. It illustrates the balance I’ve had a hard time striking, even while writing this piece, of understanding why nostalgia is both helpful and harmful. I am a product of my past, and I don’t ignore it. But drowning myself in my memories, good or bad, isn’t enough. Floating is fine for a bit, but it’s not enough long term.