This week, DC Comics releases the cover for November #1 of their upcoming series “The Wild Storm.” The last issue of this comic is out in stores today.
The new hit series, “Grimm”, has been the best selling comic in America for quite some time now. Titled after one of Grimm’s fairy tales, The Fairy Tales Of Grimm” tells a dark story about an orphaned girl who is taken into custody by her much-older stepsister and forced to enter a modern day world that she doesn’t know anything about with nothing but what’s on her back.
This week’s comics are “new comics august 4, 2021” that will be released on November 3rd, 2021.
This week’s comic book reviews are here! Almost everything that was published today has been read and reviewed by the team. It isn’t exhaustive, but it covers almost everything from DC and Marvel, as well as key titles from Image, Boom, IDW, Scout, Aftershock, and other publishers.
Longform individual evaluations for key topics are often complemented in part by the review blurbs included below. Dark Knights of Steel #1, Strange Academy Presents: The Death of Doctor Strange #1, and Newburn #1 are among the titles out this week.
In case you were wondering, our ratings are straightforward: we assign a single number out of five; that’s all! If you’d like to see our prior reviews, you can find them all here.
DC #1
ARKHAM CITY: THE ORDER OF THE WORLD #2 is a sequel to ARKHAM CITY: THE ORDER OF THE WORLD.
It’s impossible to oppose the cast-out Arkham Asylum inhabitants in Arkham City: The Order of the World #2 if you weren’t already on their side. Even though they’re stealing jawbones and living outside of the reality of others, their pathetic and pointed circumstances will make you cheer for their success, but Dr. Stone’s on-the-nose remarks may imply that’s how we’re intended to feel a little too obviously. The Order of the World’s flashes of color and emotion following each scenario with the misfits and the “Ghost of Arkham City” make their presence even more overwhelming, given the game’s noir detective-themed design. Tanner Dedmon (Tanner Dedmon)
4 out of 5 stars
#116 BATMAN
We’re getting close to the conclusion of “Fear State” and Tynion’s Batman run. I’ve made no secret about how little I’ve enjoyed both, with Tynion’s work frequently coming across as highly derivative and lacking any real creativity when compared to his much-better creator-owned work, but at the very least, Batman #116 corrects one major problem of recent issues and finally puts Batman back into his own story. Even yet, there isn’t much of an improvement in the situation. This is another meaningless event with a bunch of foolishness in which Batman is essentially helpless in a variety of ways that aren’t really fascinating, similar to City of Bane. While there is certainly place for criticism on the Dark Knight’s flaws, Tynion isn’t providing it, or even making a respectable attempt at it. The focus on a slew of one-off “original” characters has rendered “Fear State,” as well as this run and this last issue, nutritionally deficient. At the very least, Jimenez’s artwork is excellent, and Morey’s colors are stunning. Nicole Drum is a writer.
2.5 out of 5 stars
#5 of BATMAN: REPTILIAN
Reading a Batman: Reptilian issue has nearly become a test of endurance in the worst manner conceivable. Readers are exposed to more sociopathic hubris and torture, borderline-transphobic language, and many painfully-blunt phrases for sex by Batman as he and Killer Croc seek to appease the deadly beast rampaging across Gotham. The brutality and lack of empathy on display throughout the issue—and Garth Ennis’ unwillingness to confront it, let alone write Batman in a way that resembles the character fans want to read—make it exhausting and appalling to read, to the point where even the most lavish art from Liam Sharp can’t save the experience. Jenna Anderson says:
1 out of 5 stars
THE AUTHORITY SPECIAL #1 (BATMAN/SUPERMAN)
What happens when you throw Batman into the mix with Superman and The Authority? It does, however, manage to improve in certain ways. Phillip Kennedy Johnson collaborates with the talented art team of Trevor Hairsine, Jonathan Glapion, Scott Hanna, Rain Beredo, and Ben Templesmith to produce a one-of-a-kind adventure that makes an instant impact owing to some breathtaking first pages. Now, there are a lot of cooks in the kitchen aesthetically, but most of the time when the issue takes a huge visual transition, the plot adapts as well, as the tale pivots between numerous different worlds and perspectives that are designed to seem uniquely separate. As you would think, having Batman and someone like Midnighter on the same squad results in some genuinely amusing moments, and it’s actually a thrill to watch the team working together under Superman’s leadership and effectively shutting down Batman. Let’s face it, he could use a good ego boost now and again. Is this a must-read for everyone interested in the DC universe? Probably not, but is it compulsory reading if you appreciate a gripping adventure with beautiful artwork that matches the cast? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes Matthew Aguilar (Matthew Aguilar)
4.5 out of 5 stars
#6 CRUSH & LOBO
The narrative in Crush and Lobo #6 is a touch thin, but it’s still a lot of fun. Crush travels to Space Vegas in quest of her fugitive father, but is sidetracked by a date with someone who cheated them on a dating app connection. It’s a chance to get to the bottom of Crush’s love problems back on Earth. Even then, it doesn’t give us anything we don’t already know about her, and Tamaki appears to acknowledge this by having Crush dismiss the romance memories twice as useless. Crush and Lobo #6 features the real, character-based comedy and bright illustrations from Nahuelpan and Bonvillain that have made it such a treat to read these last few months, despite being a touch drawn out (this series might probably have been six issues instead of eight). In other words, even if the story and pace aren’t very terrific in this issue, the craft is solid enough to make it a decent comic. Jamie Lovett’s quote
4 out of 5 stars
DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL #1 is the first book in the DARK KNIGHTS OF STEEL series.
Dark Knights of Steel will appeal to fans of high fantasy as well as fans of the DC Universe who appreciate seeing fresh versions of their favorite heroes come to life. But it’s how Dark Knights of Steel develops its universe and conflict in a single issue that I like the most, all while reminding us that anything may happen in this book. Dark Knights of Steel is an exciting comic book that, ideally, marks the beginning of a larger universe in which Taylor, Putri, and other authors may play for years. — Hoffer, Christian
5 out of 5 stars
HUMAN TARGET NO. 1
“What if one of your cherished heroes was really a horrible person?” asks The Human Target #1, a topic that has been asked before in Tom King’s DC series: “What if one of your beloved heroes was truly a bad person?” We don’t know which DC character has abandoned their moral compass, just as we didn’t know which DC character had abandoned their moral compass in Heroes in Crisis. Instead, when Christopher Chance is recruited to defend Lex Luthor from… another assassination attempt, he comes upon an attempted assassination. Chance is poisoned accidently, and the evidence leads to a famous gang of DC characters best known for a popular light-hearted comic book. Greg Smallwood’s art is a redeeming grace for this comic, as his coloring, in particular, gives it a nostalgic air that nearly makes up for King’s previous books’ glacial pace. Overall, this comic has a Rorschach-esque King vibe to it rather than a Mister Miracle-esque King feel, which isn’t a good thing. — Hoffer, Christian
3 out of 5 stars
SEASON ONE: ICON AND ROCKET #4
As soon as Icon and Rocket stop one conspiracy, another emerges. After all, this is the realm of comic books and longform narrative. The only problem is that none of the tales we’ve seen is new or unique, revolutionary, or, for that matter, entertaining. The character work with the eponymous combo, on the other hand, is fascinating. Icon’s no-nonsense demeanor takes the novel far and is readily counterbalanced by Rocket’s haphazard antics. Before we have a solid-enough narrative, let’s see how Icon and Rocket can carry this. Adam Barnhardt’s remark
3 out of 5 stars
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DC #2
(Photo courtesy of DC Comics)
INFINITY #5 OF THE JUSTICE LEAGUE
With just two issues left to resolve, DeMatteis and Tucker tie up one narrative line while introducing another in the last minutes of the issue. Because it deals with an elaborate deconstruction of Vandal Savage’s neo-Nazi organisation, the speed of this issue was slowed in compared to the previous two volumes. Despite the fact that the title’s two Supermen are performing the majority of the labor this issue, Martian Manhunter remains in charge of the story, which creates a strange contradiction between what we read and what we see on the pages. This issue, in particular, continues to emphasize the concept of crazy multiversal awesomeness, which earns it plenty of brownie points on its own. Adam Barnhardt’s remark
4 out of 5 stars
THE SOURCE OF FREEDOM #6 MISTER MIRACLE
A super-charged cosmic combat that spans more than a dozen pages and is peppered with explanatory language that explains both the Fourth World qualities at play and Mister Miracle’s fundamental metaphor: The Source Freedom is a chore to read (right down to the title). The word balloons take up much too much space, and everything they contribute is either unneeded (i.e. quickly created, illogical science) or overblown (i.e. explicitly stating themes of identity and heritage). What’s behind them is vivid, but since causation is revealed as events happen, it has little consequence. The miniseries’ last few turns all read as completely contrived – surprising and unjustified. There are a few bright spots here, panels with genuine charm, but the essentials of narrative are much too frequently missing to make the issue entertaining. — Magnett, Chase
2 out of 5 stars
#2 SOUL PLUMBER
The first issue of Soul Plumber was both poignant and tragic, but this week’s second issue takes things to a whole new level, as Edgar uses his demon-extracting equipment to really convey something through. This issue continues the spiral that is Edgar’s fervent faith while also opening up a curious, possibly cosmic mystery. Part commentary on blind faith and how it can easily be exploited, part absolutely bug nuts adventure, this issue takes the reader further down the spiral that is Edgar’s fervent faith while also opening up a curious, possibly cosmic mystery. To be clear, by the time you get to the last page of this issue, not much makes sense, but it doesn’t have to. This issue establishes a strange and great mystery that marries the horror of predatory spiritual malpractice with the fundamental wonders of the world, and it never fails to hold the reader’s attention or exceed expectations. Nicole Drum is a writer.
5 out of 5 stars
SEASON ONE #4 STATIC
Static: This is a problem where Season One stumbles a little. Virgil’s family comes together to support him, which is both sweet and 6 pages too lengthy. While I appreciate the comic’s attempt to deconstruct popular superhero cliches, it sometimes seems like it’s stalling, which means the huge action moment at the conclusion of the issue is only a few panels long. This could read better in trade, but this issue’s comic seemed drab. — Hoffer, Christian
2 out of 5 stars
3rd issue of SUPERMAN ’78
Early issues of Superman ’78 seem like they might have been written for another episode of Donner’s own series, but issue #3 ups the “budget” to 21st-century levels, and that decision pays off. Following Superman’s surrender, he is treated to a plethora of marvels onboard Brainiac’s spacecraft, including a fantastic DC Comics appearance and a diverse diversity of Kryptonian fauna. Even in the middle of so much chaos, each design connects with the tone of this Superman narrative, enticing readers to pleasure. Fresh combinations of individuals interact in unexpected ways on Earth and in space, seeking new permutations rather than relying on nostalgic repetition. It’s this creative approach to the series that allows Lex Luthor to flourish – so much so that you can practically hear Gene Hackman’s voice as he starts to brag about his incredible storyline. I’m looking forward to learning more. — Magnett, Chase
4 out of 5 stars
#9 THE SWAMP THING
The Swamp Thing #9 spends the first half of its run outlining its final confrontation, elucidating what function this background enemy has played and how they came to be. It serves as a reminder of the metaphor at the center of the book, and it introduces a cold-blooded, smooth-talking antagonist as capitalism’s monster embodiment (no supernatural elements required). The battle that ensues is brutal, and Mike Perkins describes the carnage in a fittingly dramatic manner. Levi Kamel, on the other hand, is rarely present in the build-up to the climax of this issue, and when he does emerge, his decisions seem illogical. It’s because of this separation that the problem comes to a halt. As a single chapter, it seems as though the superhero genre’s demands trump all of the book’s powerful concepts and evocative artwork. Hopefully, it will be resolved next month, but for now, it simply leaves a bitter aftertaste. — Magnett, Chase
3.5 out of 5 stars
#7 IN THE TEEN TITANS ACADEMY
This issue is a delightful illustration of Teen Titans Academy’s enormous potential as a comic. The second part of the summer vacation plot, which sees Grodd and his nephew, Academy student Gorilla Greg, possibly enslaving every human in their path, gives way to a beautifully-crafted and unexpectedly touching look at the Titans’ brotherhood, as well as the empathy prevalent in the DC world. Tim Sheridan’s story, as well as Rafa Sandoval and Jordi Tarragona’s emotive (and, for the most part, well-constructed) art, do justice to Gorilla Greg, a character I’ve wanted to see more developed since he was originally introduced. Jenna Anderson says:
4 out of 5 stars
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Marvel #1
(Photo courtesy of Marvel Comics)
#4 AMAZING FANTASY
Amazing Fantasy continues to deviate from the script in surprising ways. Perhaps I shouldn’t be shocked by anything this series throws against the wall at this time, but the way this plot has progressed has continued to astonish me. I didn’t anticipate Uncle Ben to be the most intriguing character in Amazing Fantasy, but issue #4 confirms that he has had much more depth and interest than anybody else so far. At this point, I’m quite interested in seeing how Amazing Fantasy #5 concludes, since if past chapters are any indication, there will undoubtedly be a few more surprises in store. Logan Moore’s quote
3 out of 5 stars
#3 DARKHAWK
Darkhawk #3 is the series’ most action-packed issue to yet, but it doesn’t depend only on that blockbuster action. Artist Juanan Ramirez and colorist Erick Arciniega’s fanciful and magnificent action scenes are based in the all-too-human sensations of fury and sadness, and Higgins continues to make it the engine that drives everything else. That’s why everything works so well, and the team builds on that base by dripping in elements of the wider tale and mythology around the figure. Watching Connor discover his powers in real time with flashbacks to the past lets you identify to him and links you to Chris and what happened before, and the finale leaves you with a powerful hook to keep you wanting more. Darkhawk is in a better place these days, and the future seems promising. Matthew Aguilar (Matthew Aguilar)
4 out of 5 stars
AVENGERS #1: THE DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE
The Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers #1 contains a chunk of the plot that is highly fascinating. It concentrates on the team’s most renowned powerhouses as they strive to clean up magical disasters left in Strange’s wake, particularly those related to his legendary Crimson Bands of Cyttorak. Iron Man, Strange’s scientific counterbalance to the Avengers, is given center stage, allowing him to be heroic via comprehension rather than repulsor blasting. However, his slice of progress in these pages simply serves to push readers to the event series, leaving them with uncertainties regarding the true purpose of this tie-in. The ending is a half-beat that doesn’t truly settle any of the problems or concerns that have been presented. The force, strength, and effect of individual characters and their conflicts echo on each page, thanks to Bodenheim’s portrayal of Cytorrak’s golems, a lengthy array of Juggernauts facing off against many of Earth’s mightiest heroes. Even without the artwork, the issue is still worth reading. — Magnett, Chase
3.5 out of 5 stars
#18 IN THE STAR WARS SERIES
Following Boba Fett’s carbonite recovery of Han Solo, Leia, Lando, and Chewbacca are left with few alternatives, however Crimson Dawn and Qi’ra do give Leia with an intriguing possibility to consider. Given that the majority of this book consists of two characters conversing, it’s easy to dismiss this issue as nothing more than exposition, but given that those two characters are who fans assume to be Han Solo’s loves, it’s an encounter that fans have been anticipating since we met Qi’ra in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Both characters exhibit the traits that made people fall in love with them, as well as providing insight into Solo’s early days as an underdog, before his more arrogant aspects took control. However, given how compelling both characters are on their own, focusing the majority of the conversation on the absent male character feels a little shallow. This leaves us hoping that this isn’t the last time the two characters will meet, and with Qi’ra hinting that Crimson Dawn might be assisting the Rebel Alliance at some point in the future, we can’t rule out a reunion down the road. Cavanaugh, Patrick
4 out of 5 stars
#17 of STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS
Valance is charged with leaving the Executor after a surprising betrayal, despite the legions of Imperials standing between him and relative safety. This Bounty Hunters novel has always battled with its own voice, relying too much on pointless action or complex exposition, but this chapter is its strongest in a long time, primarily because it doesn’t hold back when it comes to action. In order to escape the Empire, Valance embraces every kinds of mayhem, enabling this novel to embrace wild fighting that you can’t help but admire. The plot is simple, as “Valance tries to flee” sums it up, but it manages to make the most of the idea without overcomplicating things and while finding methods to offer some real laughs, the best of which comes from Zuckuss’ efforts to assist. Much better, the book ends with a hint of fascinating new directions the tale will go, leaving us even more enthusiastic for this series than we were for the whole “War of the Bounty Hunters” event. Cavanaugh, Patrick
4 out of 5 stars
THE DEATH OF DOCTOR STRANGE #1 IS PRESENTED BY STRANGE ACADEMY.
In and of itself, Strange Academy Presents: The Death of Doctor Strange #1 is an event tie-in. While there is a tenuous link to the major incident at the start of this story, it serves to forward the principal Strange Academy line rather than advance any of The Death of Doctor Strange’s storyline. While Young has always been fantastic at writing these youthful sorcerers, seeing Del Mundo’s artwork on one of Marvel’s most magical series is a genuine delight. Adam Barnhardt’s remark
4 out of 5 stars
#3 WINTER GUARD
As a whole, Winter Guard #3 is quite dry. Much of the problem is on a single, major conversation that takes place and adds context to the wider tale being told. While this adds to the tale in some fascinating ways, I think Winter Guard is becoming a little too complicated for its own benefit. That said, the next issue in this series is shaping up to be extremely exciting, and I’m forward to see how it plays out. Logan Moore’s quote
2.5 out of 5 stars
#8 X-MEN LEGENDS
X-Men: Legends #8 is a Wolverine tale like many others, which should come as no surprise given that this issue is written by Larry Hama, the guy who helped set expectations for Wolverine solo stories. Wolverine and his adolescent female sidekick, Jubilee, are following down some abducted girls in Asia between issues of Hama’s early ’90s Wolverine series. Some of Wolverine’s previous foes appear to attempt to stop him. The plot’s most notable feature is the abundance of villains, with Lady Deathstrike returning from the previous issue, Omega Red making an appearance in this issue, and Sabretooth and Birdy arriving just in time for the following issue’s conflict. Even though the artwork is a bit poor in places—linework Tan’s appears hurried in areas, and the linework doesn’t connect well with Chris Sotomayor’s colors—if you prefer old-school, simple Wolverine tales, this will be comfort food for you. It isn’t very imaginative, but it won’t let you down if you love a good old-fashioned Wolverine slice ’em up. Jamie Lovett’s quote
3 out of 5 stars
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#1 Other Publishers
AGGRETSUKO: OFFICE #1 AGGRETSUKO: OFFICE #1 AGGRETSUKO: OFFICE #1 AGGRET
I wasn’t expecting Aggretsuko to have office dynamics, side hustles, and horrible employers for said side hustles. But, honestly? Out of Office #1? This is a fantastic issue. While Retsuko professes to be “doing nothing,” the workplace is taking a week off and everyone is arranging their vacation. They’re heading to a resort where they’ve agreed to work. Except Retsuko’s colleagues are skeptical, and the side job opportunity isn’t quite what she was lead to believe. It’s amusing, relatable, and quite adorable. This book isn’t exactly academic, but it’s a lot of fun. Nicole Drum is a writer.
4 out of 5 stars
#7 BY THE HORNS
Elodie’s crew is set to confront a last Wind Wizard in By The Horns, which is reaching the conclusion of its first arc. The conflict has extremely personal implications as well as far-reaching implications for the whole realm. There’s really much more to say about this issue that hasn’t already been said in prior reviews – By The Horns is a fast-paced fantasy adventure that often sacrifices adequate worldbuilding in the process. — Hoffer, Christian
3.5 out of 5 stars
THE DRAGON INCIDENT #3 CAMPISI
Campisi has remained a strange serial. The fantasy genre (specifically, a large dragon) is constantly clashing with small-time mafia techniques throughout the novel, and the latter is never able to capture the reader’s attention. And, in what seems to be the joke, the book turns away just as it appears that this issue will finally have dragon combat. Casey, Connor
2 out of 5 stars
TERRIFYING SORCERY ADVENTURES #1
This week, a new chapter of Chilling Adventures in Sorcery roars to life, bringing two familiar heroes into hell. Fans are left wondering what our vixen’s purpose is now that Archie and Jughead are dead, and things get crazy when we explore the realm above. After all, it seems that Satan himself has wreaked havoc around Riverdale, so Sabrina is in for a crazy ride. Megan Peters is a writer.
4 out of 5 stars
VOX MACHINA: ORIGINS III #4 – CRITICAL ROLE
Vox Machina is up against a dragon, albeit one that has just been revived. The squad is attempting to confront a monster that they cannot simply overpower with force in this issue of Vox Machina: Origins. In fantasy roleplaying games, dragons are shown in a variety of ways, and this one like to torture its victims from the air. The dragon and its aftermath introduces a new puzzle to be solved. My main criticism of Vox Machina: Origins is that I believe the miniseries wandered a little when building up the mystery in this chapter. Part of it is due to the structure of the Vox Machina campaign itself, but I still believe that sections of it might be reduced to get to the meatier parts of the tale. — Hoffer, Christian
4 out of 5 stars
#9 CROSSOVER
The Powers investigators are a fantastic addition to the Crossover team, and they really assist to frame what Cates is attempting to do with this book. Characters that have quick, snappy speech and a sardonic outlook on life are ideal for this setting. Although I believe there is still a bit too much going on for a monthly series, the different stories are becoming more compelling. Ridgely, Charlie
4 out of 5 stars
RAPTURE OF DIRTBAG #2
After established its irreverent concept in the first issue, this episode of Dirtbag Rapture is free to push things to stranger and (by and large) more satisfying heights. More of Kat’s eerie world—and the living and dead folks in her periphery—begin to emerge, probably more effectively and charmingly than the impending apocalypse. Despite the fact that some of the more explanatory sequences drag on far too long, Christopher Sebela’s writing manages to keep the characters and their quirks front and center, and I’m still interested to see what the series has in store. Each panel is also given a charmingly sartorial—but yet little otherworldly—flair by Kendall Goode’s art and Gab Contreras’ colors. Dirtbag Rapture is still finding its feet, but it seems to be heading in the right direction. Jenna Anderson says:
3.5 out of 5 stars
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#2 Other Publishers
FRIDAY #4
The death of Lancelot Jones concluded Friday #3 on a startling cliffhanger. The fact that the next issue is every bit as engrossing as a character drama and mystery as it unpacks that loss is a credit to the series’ (and its eponymous heroine’s) potency. Rearranging the timeline and framing the tale around Christmas helps tremendously, allowing artists Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente to portray Friday’s sadness. The conversations on the night of Lancelot’s death, as well as the subsequent inquiry on Friday, are equally riveting. Her grief is palpable in all of them, but as she goes out to uncover the truth, it meshes well with the hard-nosed noir atmosphere that Friday has created in its small town setting. Vicente’s color work traces the transitions between melancholy and rage, with flat reds in the backdrop propelling Friday ahead, and the concentration on her eyes (whether in a wistful gaze or a piercing glare) has more effect than most action comics brawls. Friday #4 accomplishes the tough challenge of pondering death at a much too early age while immersed in a fascinating supernatural mystery, and it does it with aplomb. — Magnett, Chase
5 out of 5 stars
FRONTIERSMAN NUMBER TWO
Frontiersman is a series that comes near to attaining its exaggerated claim of being the finest superhero series available, and I’m just getting caught up on it. It creates and delivers characters with the same certain quality that made Jack Staff a fan favorite, and its characters have comparable degrees of intrinsic depth. A chat between Frontiersman and an elderly B-list villain shows a wealth of emotional depth and humanizes both characters. Even with just a few punches thrown, the scene is captivating and thrilling to watch. Two elderly adversaries discussing their difficulties bonding with their offspring is made just as fascinating as whatever else is emerging in the unending cavalcade of comics this week. Subplots are also well-tended, with plenty of hints as to what future conflicts could occur. Frontiersman has the confidence and personality of a series as ancient as its protagonist, and it’s one of the most interesting new capes comics on the market in years, with even a routine issue like this certain to delight and fascinate. — Magnett, Chase
4 out of 5 stars
#6 THE GOOD ASIAN
As Edison Hark struggles to piece together a spate of horrible murders, including the death of his surrogate brother, The Good Asian #6 seems to be nearing its conclusion. Edison goes to his surrogate sister/ex-lover Victoria, the one person he can trust, and starts piecing together an intriguing narrative. Edison is a terrific noir hero, and this series continues to expose the horrifying prejudice and racism suffered by Chinese immigrants while balancing a great mystery that is inextricably linked to that prejudice. This is a must-read series, and one of Image’s greatest to date. — Hoffer, Christian
5 out of 5 stars
#1 THE HEATHENS
A Chinese pirate with a stereotype-like name, Jack the Ripper, Stalin, some casual bigotry, and a lot of discussion about souls and salvation. In the first issue of The Heathens, there’s a lot to analyze, and to be honest, not all of it makes sense. Much of the issue is spent with a lot of convoluted conversation between this mishmash of characters before we get to the general gist of things, which is that this group of borderline offensive characters is supposed to redeem the soul of Jack the Ripper, who is apparently active on the streets of L.A. There’s a lofty idea here, and you can almost sense what the designers are aiming for at times, but the setup in this first issue is a little sloppy and rough around the edges. This may be a comic that is best judged as a whole rather than by its components, but it’s off to a rough start. That again, the concept of Stalin having anything to do with Jack the Ripper’s salvation is strange enough to pique my interest, at least for the time being. Nicole Drum is a writer.
3 out of 5 stars
HELLBOY: THE GIANTS’ BONES #1
Hellboy is brought into physical touch with none other than Thor’s hammer Mjolnir in Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s book, which is turned into comics with remarkable perfection. At any time, Mignola and Golden are an unstoppable writing tandem, but with a tale they’ve previously written, this one holds up well. The visual aesthetics in Bones of Giants, on the other hand, are remarkable, as artists Matt Smith and Chris O’Halloran have collaborated to virtually perfect Mignola’s unique style. Deep blacks and shading in the backdrop nearly make it appear like Mike did it, and only minor details reveal that he wasn’t the artist at hand. Exceptional job all around. Spencer Perry’s quote
5 out of 5 stars
#13 INKBLOT
Inkblot already has a cute reality-bending, universe-hopping cat, so you’d think the strong cat would be the star of every issue. That is not the case in Inkblot #13, as Grannmah easily wins the prize. The art style and speech of Emma Kubert and Rusty Gladd enhance her personality, and she controls every scene she’s in, even when she’s ranting about dogs and being fragile. When you add in the rising stakes, an epic third act climax, and the entire void ripping through breaches in reality thing, you’ve got yourself a really good issue and a potential hook for what’s to come. The issue takes a while to get rolling, since the first few pages aren’t nearly as interesting as the remaining 75% of the issue. The artwork could be a little more detailed at times, but the issue’s great features exceed those little quibbles, and I was immensely entertained. — Aguilar, Matthew
3.5 out of 5 stars
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#3: Other Publishers
#1 KNIGHTED
Knighted looks at Tim Allen’s The Santa Clause and wonders, “What if we applied that storyline to Batman?” It isn’t totally evident until about halfway through that this is what’s going on, but once it does, it’s a fascinating journey. In the same way that Garth Ennis’ The Boys is a sarcastic send-up that is frequently in your face, writer Gregg Hurwitz treats this topic with all the nuance of a hammer to the face. Although background figures and other aspects stand out as odd, artist Mark Texeira does a good job throughout, the piece’s massive superhero style and its crazy as hell antagonists are fantastic. Spencer Perry’s quote
3.5 out of 5 stars
#3 LAST FLIGHT OUT
There are two types of apocalyptic tales, in my opinion. There are some who concentrate on the “apocalypse” and others who focus on the personal, on the interpersonal connections that, although not the crisis, are the actual catastrophe. The third episode of Last Flight Out is a good example of the latter. It’s a dialogue-heavy issue with more words than action that truly depicts the deterioration of a relationship from beginning to conclusion, all while the planet approaches its breaking point. It may not mean much in terms of plot – granted, I had to read the previous two issues to figure out what was going on – but it was shockingly human in how it depicted catastrophe inside apocalypse. It’s interesting to see. Nicole Drum is a writer.
4 out of 5 stars
LUCKY DEVIL #4 LUCKY DEVIL #4 LUCKY DEVIL
Well, this was a letdown. With its fourth issue, Lucky Devil comes to a close after an exceptionally great first issue and two decent follow-ups. There’s no genuine conclusion, no traversing the inner workings of Hell as the previous issue hinted to. It just took a brief bus journey and a talk at a satanic strip clip to finish. Hopefully, another series will be approved, since otherwise, this is a huge letdown. Casey, Connor
2 out of 5 stars
IN THE DARK, YOU LOVE ME #4
Ro and the creature she’s been entwined with take a genuinely dark turn in this fourth issue of The Me You Love in the Dark. While the tale has been hesitant to start, this issue kicks into the action and promises some heart-pounding twists ahead. That is, in fact, what makes this issue probably the finest of the series so far. Everything seems to change all of a sudden, yet it’s evident that everything has been developing for quite some time. Young does an almost unsettling job of combining the story’s otherworldly terror with the real-life tragedy of domestic abuse. This is a fantastic problem. Nicole Drum is a writer.
5 out of 5 stars
MY BAD #1
This is satire taken to its logical conclusion, mocking many of the most popular characters, themes, and attitudes in comic comics. It sounds obnoxious, but it’s so over-the-top and plainly done with a passion for the things it’s mocking that it all works out really nicely. My Bad does reach a point where it becomes “too much,” but the first issue doesn’t quite reach that stage yet. Ridgely, Charlie
3.5 out of 5 stars
#1 NEWBURN
Newburn #1 is a full-fledged mystery with gratifying levels of intricacy (and the seeds of future conflicts) and a fascinating, though familiar, main protagonist. The revelation at the conclusion is what sets the series aside from the genre vehicle’s extremely good execution. It adds a new element to the tale, one that threatens to disrupt everything that has been working so effectively up to this point. — Magnett, Chase
4 out of 5 stars
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#4 Other Publishers
ORPHAN AND THE FIVE BEASTS (THIRD PART)
Mo’s entrance in town ushers in a richly rendered scenario by James Stokoe. Each view of the town, whether from afar or up near, is intriguing, whether it spans all of the various streets and buildings or a close-up look at dirty details from the street. This absorption creates a relaxing atmosphere before abruptly eroding it with stress. Mo’s quest for the last of the animals swiftly leads to a new suspect, as well as a predictable twist for readers. The most striking feature in issue #3 is Stokoe’s inversion on an anticipated revelation, as a spread towards the book’s close gives a jaw-dropping moment of body horror that will have readers anxiously expecting whatever comes next… whenever it arrives. — Magnett, Chase
4 out of 5 stars
#5 OUT OF BODY
Out of Body comes to a strange conclusion. While I enjoyed the story’s overall message, many of the major narrative strands that had been built up over the course of the series were tossed away in the last pages. As a result, I’m not sure what the goal of some of these posts was in the first place. I can’t say I ever truly liked Out of Body as a whole, but I admire the story of empathy with the ethereal that was attempted. Logan Moore’s quote
2.5 out of 5 stars
#2 PRIMORDIAL
Primordial #2 shifts its gaze for the most of its space, focusing instead on the Laika, the Soviet Union’s first canine flown into orbit in 1957. Some readers may be aware with her tale from the outstanding Nick Abadzis’ comic of the same name, but for those who aren’t, a lovely synopsis of her journey from Moscow mutt to scientific sacrifice is provided. Sorrentino and Lemire twist space-time and swap viewpoints using the visual language developed in Primordial #1, requiring little words to depict the dog’s journey. Even while they supply some identifiable language to the animals, the bulk of communication is visual, with carefully picked panels and distinct emotions in a variety of styles. All of this helps to concentrate readers on the animal’s viewpoint of these occurrences before returning to the same storyline presented last month for additional sci-fi spycraft advancements. However, it is this change in viewpoint that distinguishes Primordial as a great comic book. — Magnett, Chase
4 out of 5 stars
#9 RADIANT BLACK
Radiant Black is a story with cosmic entities, violent conflicts, and larger-than-life abilities, but it’s the rollercoaster of emotions you experience in almost every issue that makes it soar, and Radiant Black #9 is proof of that in every way. Kyle Higgins offers a very true depiction of sadness and the myriad ramifications it has in daily life. Marshall’s devotion, irritation, optimism, changing priorities, hope, and grief all seem extremely genuine to that difficult process, and he’s trying to grasp not just his new position and his new talents, but also his relationships inside and outside of it. There’s just enough levity to keep things interesting, but the cloud of loss hangs over everything, leading to a devastating conclusion. In this issue, artist Eduardo Ferigato and colorist Marcelo Costa have done some of their greatest work, and although these moments stand out on their own, it’s the entire that truly stands out. Radiant Black has evolved into something absolutely unique, and it is a monthly must-read. Matthew Aguilar (Matthew Aguilar)
5 out of 5 stars
SONJA RED #3
I was already loving this relaunch of Red Sonja, but issue #3 seems like the point at which its idea is completely fulfilled. Sonja crosses encounters with vital friends and foes as she strives to save Sitha from some evil powers, ending in a confrontation that is wonderfully energetic in Guiseppe Cafaro’s painting style. The issue understands when to find a balance between the supernatural and the very human, and the pace cleverly reflects that delicacy. If Red Sonja can keep up this pace, I have a feeling this season will be something genuinely remarkable in the canon of the main character. Jenna Anderson says:
4 out of 5 stars
SHEENA: QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE #1 is the first book in the SHEENA: QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE series.
Although there is some good artwork and some short jungle action in this first issue of volume 2 of Sheena, it is somewhat dialogue-heavy. Casey, Connor
3 out of 5 stars
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#5 Other Publishers
(Image courtesy of Image Comics)
#6 THE SILVER COIN
The Silver Coin returns with a horror tale in a style that is all too familiar. It’s apparent where this one is going from the first page, and it doesn’t disappoint when things turn gory. Walsh captures the past life of teens in the mall, complete with arcade, well enough for Millenials and Gen X to feel nostalgic. He perfectly catches the mood of a side-scrolling fighting game, first briefly and then in beautiful, horrific detail. There isn’t much to commend about this usage of the titular coin other than its gorgeous representation, but that alone is enough to ensure every issue of The Silver Coin pays back its cover price in spine-tingling thrills. — Magnett, Chase
3.5 out of 5 stars
#323 SPAWN
Todd McFarlane’s prose-heavy comic writing style may be monotonous at times, particularly when an issue is jam-packed with it, but every now and then you get an issue with structure and timing, where Todd’s words build to something. Spawn #323 is one of those issues, but it’s only fascinating in part. The impact of the magazine’s great crescendo is entirely attributable to guest artist Thomas Nachlik, whose work appears on just three pages but is by far the finest in the issue. Spencer Perry’s quote
3 out of 5 stars
STAR TREK: THE MIRROR WAR #2 is a sequel to STAR TREK: THE MIRROR WAR.
Star Trek: The Mirror War #2 gives the series a bit more oomph than the first issue did. Bringing in individuals from the Mirror Universe Deep Space Nine, like as Worf, Sisko, and the Intendent, allows the Enterprise crew to work against someone other than one other. However, the rivalry between Barclay and Data continues to be a crucial aspect in this case. Picard’s hidden treasure cache may or may not have anything to do with the epic conflict promised by the series’ title, but who can be displeased by a visit by The Obnoxious Okona? The artwork is gloomy and almost noirish once again. The sci-fi effects, like in prior issues, don’t always work with the charcoal-like aesthetics. One has to wonder whether that style will hold up as the conflict becomes serious, but it’s somber and evocative in all the right ways. After a poor start, this issue gains up steam, so let’s hope The Mirror War continues to build on that momentum. There’s definitely a lot of potential here that needs to be explored. Jamie Lovett’s quote
3 out of 5 stars
WINTER SPECIAL #1 OF STRANGER THINGS
Eleven’s friends and newfound family are entrusted with educating her about the value of the holidays for her first Christmas, which they appropriately try through television’s finest holiday specials from the 1980s. Rather of just viewing the specials, her friends tell her about their experiences, enabling her imagination to make up what she thinks the specials are about, eventually leading to a revelation about what the holidays really mean. For better or worse, Stranger Things adopted and reinterpreted a variety of cliches from ’80s adventure, sci-fi, and horror films, remixing them in intriguing ways to create its own story, with this Winter Special likely being the most successful comic to capture the series’ enchantment. While the reimaginings of these well-known traditions are a little more straightforward, seeing Eleven envisage the Grinch as a monster on a mountain as a Demogorgon is creative and sly, as well as terrifying and hilarious. This whole book, like the rest of the series, is about not being afraid to use familiar story lines or clichés in order to create a new experience, while simultaneously hinting at completely new ideas. Add in the fact that Stranger Things hasn’t completely embraced any winter holidays, and this novel will be a must-read for fans of the show or genre lovers who like unexpected and holiday-themed turns in otherwise terrifying experiences. Cavanaugh, Patrick
5 out of 5 stars
TRUTH #1 is a concept that has been around for a long time.
A comic’s debut issue must provide you with something to grasp onto, a hook that will entice you to return. A Thing Called Truth seems to want that hook to be its mystery, which feels a bit lackluster in the end. However, this does not imply that the book lacks the all-important hook. The main character is well-written and engaging, persuading you to spend a bit more time with her on every page. I’m hoping that the plot itself becomes more intriguing as A Thing Called Truth progresses, but I’ll go returning anyway since Mag is such a joy to be around. Ridgely, Charlie
3.5 out of 5 stars
#6 TWO MOONS
In issue #6, Two Moons begins a new arc, thus the most of this issue is just setting the scene for what’s to come. In this issue, a few new characters are introduced to the narrative, and the greater battle is hinted throughout. Overall, I don’t have many takeaways from this issue since it’s only the beginning of a new tale. But if this arc is as fantastic as the last one, I’ll be excited to see what Two Moons has in store for the future. Logan Moore’s quote
2.5 out of 5 stars
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This week’s comic book reviews are for the new extreme carnage: lasher review. The story follows a man who is sent to kill a demon, but instead kills an innocent woman and her daughter.
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