Break out your pens and clipboards! It’s time to assign marks to the latest members of the Marvel Universe’s distinguished hall of creature companions!

LOCKJAW #1, by writer Daniel Kibblesmith and artist Carlos Villa, kicks off an all-new four issue limited series that gives us an inside look at what makes the Inhuman dog the best good boy—and number one on the creators’ list of Marvel’s finest animal friends. “I think he is much more intelligent than what people think. He is almost indestructible and he cares for the good people around him,” explains Villa.

The series finds our protagonist Lockjaw on a mission to locate his four newly discovered siblings, who may or may not be as super powered as he is. “Don’t expect five full-sized Lockjaws teleporting around. That being said, there must be something unusual about all of them, if they came from the same genetic stock as the only Inhuman dog,” notes Kibblesmith.

With so many new cute and cuddly faces on the way, Lockjaw may face some competition for the spot of top dog in the companion competition. “I think people are going to love his sassy sister in issue #2 as much as I do,” says the writer. “You’ll get to see lots of different family dynamics, all masterfully penciled by Carlos Villa. The amount of personality he can convey on the face of a bulldog is terrifying(ly adorable).”

So, which friend earns the title of greatest companion? We asked Kibblesmith and Villa for their rankings. Currently clutching the top spot is, of course, Lockjaw. Second place goes to Lockheed, because as Villa puts it, “Lockjaw is the only thing that is cooler than hanging around a pet alien dragon.”

Third place, however, served as a point of contention. Villa gives his vote to Throng, while Kibblesmith feels torn between Ms. Lion and Zabu—unless you’re judging on cuteness only, in which case the writer changes his votes to Devil Dinosaur!

Witness what puts the good boy on top of this list in LOCKJAW #1, by Daniel Kibblesmith and Carlos Villa—out today!

On Independence Day, writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and artist Leinil Yu wield the shield.

Today, Coates made the announcement in The Atlantic, where he wrote about the challenge and opportunity of crafting such an iconic Marvel—and American—character.

“I think it’s a really exciting time to be writing CAPTAIN AMERICA right now,” says Coates, “The country is in an interesting place, and I look forward to inhabiting Steve Rogers’ character—this guy who has been a sort of awkward fit for the world, ‘out of time’ as people say. I hope fans are excited to see something different, and I think there are some really compelling villains old school Captain America fans and Marvel fans will be familiar with.”

In the aftermath of Hydra’s takeover of the nation, Steve Rogers is a figure of controversy, carrying a tarnished shield. So how will he respond?

On the story fans can expect, Coates continues, “I think Steve is still figuring out where he fits into things. Does the country still trust him? Do people still trust the country? How do the other characters feel about him? This book is ultimately about relationships, and I’m a huge fan of that. I want to explore how he looks at this country and those close to him. It’s going to be a fun ride, and a perfect place for new readers to jump in.”

And joining him on this journey is artist Leinil Yu on interiors and Alex Ross on covers. “I think Leinil coming onto this book, with Alex drawing the covers, is tremendous. I’ve been searching for an artistic partner, and Leinil and Alex get the feel, the emotion of the story,” explains the writer. “I wish people could see what is being drafted currently—it’s incredible. They are both legends at what they do.”

Captain America #1 Cover by Alex Ross

Read CAPTAIN AMERICA #1, by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Leinil Yu, on July 4!

Fans can get their first look at CAPTAIN AMERICA this May in Marvel’s Free Comic Book Day CAPTAIN AMERICA comic by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Lenil Yu, available on May 5th.  Here’s a sneak preview: