“No Hero #1”

Writer Warren Ellis and artist Juan Jose Ryp reunite for their second “Avatar” miniseries, following up 2007’s seven-issue “Black Summer.”

“No Hero” tells the violent story of the world’s only superteam’s evolution from its unveiling in 1966 to the present. If “No Hero” is similar to “Black Summer,” expect regular release delays to be counterbalanced by Ellis’s political thrillride combined with Ryp’s gritty artwork.

“Supergirl #34”

OU graduate Sterling Gates takes over his first ongoing series for DC Comics with “Supergirl #34,” promising a fun story and bringing in a major reinvention of the series in which Supergirl’s adventures begin to intermingle with other characters of the DC Universe.

Gates is joined by artist Jamal Igle, whose art on “Firestorm” perfectly combined with Stuart Moore’s lighthearted yet action-packed stories to elevate a dynamic B-list character to greater renown. Taking Gates’s work on “Green Lantern Corps” as any example of his writing style, the story and art could blend well to humanize and elevate “Supergirl” into a new level of popularity.

“The Boys #23”

If writer Garth Ennis hopes to have “The Boys” measure up to his popular “Preacher” series, he’s got some work left to do.

Although the series, now on issue 23, is only a third of the way to the projected 60 issues of its complete story, an overarching plot for the entire series has yet to emerge. Within the first storyline of “Preacher,” protagonist Jesse Custer laid down his goal for the series, and, in the remaining issues, followed that goal to its conclusion. “The Boys” hasn’t been quite as well-structured, but Ennis still brings the excitement, action, satire and scandal to keep readers turning pages and buying issues. Look for more character backstory and plot foreshadowing as Ennis and artist Darick Robertson begin a new story arc, titled “We Gotta Go Now.”

— Tim Bennett is a professional writing senior.