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Mini Reviews: Giant Hellboy and Kneel Before Zod!

Posted on January 7, 2024 by Logan Dalton

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Giant Robot Hellboy #3 (Dark Horse) – Continuing from the previous issue’s cliffhanger where the giant robot is still working yet disconnected from Hellboy, Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo, and Dave Stewart break out the fireworks for Giant Hellboy #3. There’s plenty of robot punching giant mutated creatures on an island that’s about to explode, but lots of questions left answered like the beings on the screen when Hellboy is disconnected and the miniseries’ protagonist Jian’s whole deal. Nonetheless, Giant Robot Hellboy has high energy visuals, and the whole comic plays like a classic kaiju film, including its anti-atomic/radiation themes. It’s not required reading, but a perfect chaser after watching Godzilla Minus One or Monarch during these long, bleak nights. Overall: 7.9 Verdict: Buy

Kneel Before Zod #1 (DC Comics) – DC Comics starts off 2024 with a bang as Joe Casey, Dan McDaid, and David Baron turn in the first chapter of a solo series featuring one of Superman’s most fearsome foes. However, although there are carnage-filled spreads and fight scenes, Kneel Before Zod #1 is also about a fractured family and the establishment of a new planet/nation state in the DC Universe. Casey unabashedly portrays Zod as a fascist, but more understated and less aggressive until he has to cut loose in battle. There’s a lot of Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld in him, but he’s pure blitzkrieg while fighting. Also connected to Nazi eugenicism, he wants to make sure New Candor is populated with Kryptonians before making his move unlike his son Lor Zod, who is all fire and rage and gets exiled after he tries to hurt his father with his heat vision. McDaid excels at letting his pages breathe and inserting panels where key characters like Zod, Lor, and Zod’s wife Ursa show disappointment, sadness, and distance in between the political maneuvering and bloody action. All in all, Kneel before Zod has similar energy to Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca’s Darth Vader series (But with much better art), and the family tension and political intrigue make this a much more complex read than “I’m evil and kick ass” although there’s a lot of that too. Overall: 8.8 Verdict: Buy

Kneel Before Zod #1 is a rather boring start

Posted on January 3, 2024 by Brett

General Zod was Krypton’s most notorious criminal. Now he has an entire planet to rule–but what happens when the most dangerous individual in the universe gets everything he ever wanted? Obviously, he wants more–and he’ll stop at nothing to get it–in the most brutal series you’ll read this year! This is not a hero’s journey. This is a dark ride. Kneel Before Zod #1 delivers a ho-hum start to what should be an intriguing series.

Written by Joe Casey, Kneel Before Zod #1 has Zod, Ursa, and their family on New Kandor as Zod attempts to build a new nation from nothing. The concept is full of potential, exploring a character who’s focus is domination and conquering, not nation building.

I was hoping for The Penguin, an exploration of a villain torn between their past, present, and future. But, Kneel Before Zod #1 feels like the comic equivalent of the meme of Pablo Escobar staring off in sadness.

There’s something missing in the deliver, even emotional moments come off as empty motion as opposed to the rollercoaster it should be. Zod confronting his rebellious son feels empty in some ways. It doesn’t hit the way you’d expect. Part of that is Zod himself whose only emotion seems to be anger, it doesn’t lend itself to nuance.

The art by Dan McDaid is good. There’s some good moments, even with the lacking of emotion, that deliver a punch. The color from David Baron and lettering by Troy Peteri, creates a look overall that’s a bit retro in some ways. The visuals emphasize the emptiness that currently exists in Zod’s world, a lack of people, cities, love. It captures the coldness Casey goes for.

Kneel Before Zod #1 shows a lot of potential but the comic doesn’t really nail what it’s attempting. There’s interesting moments and it sets up a lot of conflict to come but overall, the comic feels a bit like it’s going through the motions but lacks substance.

Story: Joe Casey Art: Dan McDaid
Color: David Baron Letterer: Troy Peteri
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Batman: Off-World #1 takes Batman off planet for… more training!?

Posted on November 22, 2023 by Brett

A routine night in Gotham City for a young Batman proves to be anything but routine when the crime-fighter is confronted with a sort of foe he’s never faced before–one from beyond the stars! A universe of possible alien threats leads Batman to make a daring decision–to venture alone into the far reaches of the cosmos for the very first time, where the Dark Knight will face the fight of his life! Batman: Off-World #1 takes Batman into the cosmos for a story that’s… familiar.

Written by Jason Aaron, Batman: Off-World #1 is an interesting start. After facing an alien threat hire by a local mobster (year, don’t ask), Batman heads to space. Why? To figure out how to take on these types of threats. Yes, at its core, Batman: Off-World #1 is just another Batman training story. But, this time in space.

Where Batman: Off-World #1 stands out is the focus on how alien everything is. There’s aren’t human beings he’s been training to deal with. Their vulnerabilities are new to him. They have physiology he’s not used to. Overall, he’s at square one having to learn how to deal with a new enemy. That aspect is interesting and that type of detail intriguing. And, to the aliens, Batman is a bit goofy. They keep making fun of his costume and him in general, infantilizing him and calling him weak. And compared to them, he currently is. He’s enslaved and given pretty menial tasks because he’s perceived as not strong enough to do other things. All of that is actually interesting.

But, at it’s core, the story is one we’ve seen before. And beyond those interesting details, the latter half of the comic comes off as a bit of a “training montage” just without the quick cuts and music to get the reader pumped. The comic doesn’t deliver much beyond putting Batman in a new setting with new enemies to deal with.

The art by Doug Mahnke is good. With ink by Jaime Mendoza and color by David Baron the aliens and ship looks solid. There’s a lot of variation and due to that, the comic has a great feel that this truly are slavers and bounty hunters snatching aliens from all over. This isn’t just one alien race enslaving planets and others, it’s a hodgepodge of different beings from different planets. There’s also a solid use of size, showing Batman as tinier and thus weaker than those around him. Finally, there’s something nice in the aliens look as such, and at times scary, but not being treated as such. Aaron’s writing has them as just soldiers, warriors, slaves, so when Mahnke reveals the initial two looking for Batman on his ship, they look frightening but are just two beings doing their jobs. It brings a little bit of humor to it all, along with the utter chaos of the first encounter.

Batman: Off-World #1 has moments. There’s good details within and when it focuses on how it stands out, it does that really well. But, the overall plot feels like something we’ve seen so many times before on Earth. There’s potential here and this is clearly a setup of more to come but as a first issue, it’s entertaining but doesn’t quite hook the reader with excitement.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Doug Mahnke
Ink: Jaime Mendoza Color: David Baron
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Bad Idea teases The Destroyer’s arrival this Christmas

Posted on October 8, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

Bad Idea is back and teased a new comic, The Destroyer, from Mae Catt, Alberto Ponticelli, David Baron, Lewis Larosa, and Rico Renzi. You’ll find it in Bad Idea “Destination Stores,” the limited stores carrying the publisher’s comics. It’s a return to stores for the publisher who has recently moved to crowdfunding, a break from their initial pledge of supporting stores.

Guesses on this one?

Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 is guilt the comic book

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Brett

Lex Luthor is dying, and he wants the Man of Steel to help him find the cure for whatever is causing his rapid decline. While the world would rather see Lex die, Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 highlight’s Superman’s greatest strength, his compassion.

Written by Mark Waid, Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 is an interesting debut with a nice setup and taking us through the first steps to trying to find someone who’s sick a treatment. There’s something methodical about it all. But, that aspect is driven by humanity and compassion as Waid also flashes back to the childhood of Clark and Lex and their experiences together. What we find is a guilt from Clark that has stayed with him all of these years.

It’s an interesting comic that is a tour of Clark/Superman and Lex’s relationship through the years. It hints at what drives some of how Superman treats the villain, a feeling of guilt. Juxtaposed to the world’s reaction of Lex’s condition, it’s an overall interesting concept and start to things and is far more than it’s tour for a cure that it feels like at times. Add in a reoccurring messianic concept, the comic delivers a lot to chew on.

The art by Bryan Hitch is good. Overall Hitch’s art for me is hit and miss but here there’s some really nice spreads and panels and there’s a subtle emotional aspect to it all that captures what Waid is going for. Hitch is joined by Kevin Nowlan on ink and David Baron on color. Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith handle the lettering. The visuals are interesting overall, with a muted, almost dialed back aspect to it that matches the borderline dirge of a story. Grand visuals would belie the basic concept of the comic.

Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 is an intriguing start to a comic. It’s more about Clark and Lex’s relationship over the years than finding a cure. It’s a comic about how our past can impact us decades later and shapes who we are and what we do. Mixed with a nice look overall, it’s an interesting take on a relationship we’ve seen explored many times before.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Bryan Hitch
Ink: Kevin Nowlan Color: David Baron Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Swamp Thing: Green Hell #2

Posted on February 11, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

Swamp Thing: Green Hell #2

(W) Jeff Lemire (A/CA) Doug Mahnke
In Shops: Feb 14, 2023
SRP: $6.99

Alec Holland has been summoned back to the land of the living by the decrepit John Constantine himself, which is quite the surprise to the Parliament of Trees. In exchange for a peaceful eternity within the Green, Alec was to stay out of their affairs. With lives at risk, Alec refuses, but his conviction comes at a cost: if Alec dies in this stolen body, defending the last vestiges of humanity…he’s gone for good!

Review: Swamp Thing: Green Hell #1

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Brett

Swamp Thing is a character that I tend to go back and forth on as far as my enjoyment. It seems to be very specific to the writer and maybe even the arc. It’s not a character I go out of my way to read. But, a series by Jeff Lemire and Doug Mahnke gets me to take notice and I’m glad I did as Swamp Thing: Green Hell #1 kicks off a story that’s rather intriguing and something I’ve wondered about.

Lemire takes us to the feature where the environment has further decade leaving rising water levels and diminishing food supplies. It’s a world that’s we’ve sort of seen before where humanity has destroyed the environment and is paying the price. Society has diminished and the remnants of it holds on living day to day and unsure what the future brings. We get the stereotypical stable town attempting to create society and the gang who forces them to give up part of their hard work under threat of violence. None of that’s new and it’s also not the point.

With the world of of whack, what are the Parliaments of the Green, Red, and Rot to do? The answer? Wipe out what’s left and start all over. There’s a lot to take in about that. First, who can blame the trio? Humanity has destroyed and thrown away beauty and clearly has learned little from it all. Honestly, I was cheering from the Green, Red, and Rot to succeed.

Lemire delivers that turn of events with an eye toward horror as the Green attacks becoming the environmental avenger that Swamp Thing feels so perfect for. The fact the series hasn’t been a regular discussion about environmental justice has always confused me and a story that has been done but not nearly enough.

The art by Doug Mahnke is great giving us a world that feels lived in and worn down. With color by David Baron and lettering by Steve Wands it all feels like a functional world where “junk” is re-used to build houses and machinery for society to use. The people look a little too healthy is my only complaint, especially if there’s food scarcity as is hinted at in the comic. The scenes where Swamp Thing attacks are fantastic horror and the detail of the attack is great and creative. There’s panels that truly creeped me out forcing me to quickly flick through and read the dialogue as fast as possible.

Swamp Thing: Green Hell #1 has a lot of potential in a series. It has an interesting premise and where it ends is somewhat predictable but sets up a fascinating conflict. We don’t see enough stories about the environment finally saying enough is enough and taking on the humanity that has ravaged it. We can see that reality and result in the disease that has plagued the world for two years now. Maybe comics will finally take on that weighty subject and this is a tease for greater questions to come. Either way, this is a debut that delivers a nice dose of horror from some unexpected places.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Doug Mahnke
Color: David Baron Letterer: Steve Wands
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Zoop Celebrates National Comic Book Day with a Comic Sampler

Posted on September 25, 2021 by Brett

Starting off with full disclosure, I’m the marketing manager for Zoop. It’s why we haven’t covered the new crowdfunding platform at all, I just felt it weird crossing the streams and one who cares about the “ethics” of journalism it’s a bit hard to mix things up for me. But, today is National Comic Book Day and the platform is celebrating that with a cool sampler of all of the crowdfunding projects past and present on the site. You can catch more of that below.

I more wanted to talk about why I’m excited about being a part of the Zoop team. The simple answer is, we get to do stuff like this. I’ve been reading and collecting comics for over 35 years. My collection is massive (100+ long boxes) and the variation of comics is… a lot. There’s big publishers, small publishers, indie comics, paper stapled together after being xeroxed. It varies. I really like comic books. And, I like talking about comics and sharing what I like and promoting them. Hence this site.

That’s part of what drew me to Zoop and the team. I get to promote cool comics. I get to help try to make them a reality. So far, we’ve succeeded with them all and I’ve backed every single one. We not only get to help make these comics a reality by getting them funded but we’re building a community while doing it. Unlike other crowdfunding platform, this isn’t every creator in their mostly walled off garden. We use each campaign to build on the next. We’re attempting to bring together comic fans who want to help make this creator-owned indie comics a reality. To be a part of that is really cool.

When I was 20ish I helped published an indie comic that was released during San Diego Comic-Con. I got my name in the credits. That won’t happen here but to see that at 20 is such a cool exprience. I helped create something that others could enjoy. I get to do that every day with Zoop. And that’s what’s cool about this sampler, I feel like I’m 20 again with its release.

Today, I’ll be out promoting the current projects that are looking for funding, all three of them, and in-between spending some time reading some comics myself.

Check out the first Zoop sampler release and all of the comics that you can currently help make a reality. Links are within the comic sampler, so dive in, enjoy, and help celebrate today by reading some comics and maybe help make some a reality.

Current projects currently funding found within the sampler include:

Trickster by Neil Gibson, Connor McCreery, and Veronica Saraceno
The Brothers James by Brian Level, Ryan Ferrier, and Eamon Hill
Cornerman by Ray-Anthony Height and Chris Robinson

Successfully funded projects include:

Slow City Blues by Samuel Haine, Shawn Moll, John Livesay, David Baron, and Thomas Mauer
Scarlett Couture – The Munich File by Des Taylor
Resolution by Ron Marz, Andy Lanning, and Rick Leonardi
Heads Will Roll by Bart Sears
Remember Andy Xenon? by Tom Pinchuk and Nikos Koutsis

ComiXology Features Five New Including new Legends of the Dark Knight and Truth & Justice

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Graphic Policy Team

There are five new releases available now on comiXology. Get new comics from Yen Press, Harlequin, iPOP, and DC including two DC Digital Firsts. Start shopping now or check them out below.

Legends of the Dark Knight (2021-) #14

Written by Brandon M. Easton
Pencils Karl Mostert
Inks Karl Mostert
Colored by David Baron
Purchase

CATECHISM FINALE! Instead of fighting each other, Batman and Azrael will need to pool their resources to stop the might of Ra’s Al Ghul and the League of Assassins from getting away with the Vessell of St. Januarius!

Truth & Justice (2021-) #18

Written by Andrew Aydin
Pencils Juni Ba
Inks Juni Ba
Colored by Nick Filardi
Purchase

As Batman and Ra’s al Ghul wage a battle around him, Damian is left to ponder a life altering question: choose immortality and stand at his grandfather’s side or choose mortality and continue on his path alongside his father.

Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One #57

Written by Kumo Kagyu
Art by Shingo Adachi, Noboru Kannatuki, Kento Sakaeda
Purchase

This series is rated Adults Only
DISCLAIMER: graphic sexuality gore
Cow Girl’s uncle reflects on how he came to share his roof with two people, and Goblin Slayer’s party continues on its journey… Read the next chapter of Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One the same day as Japan!

Monster Me: Lion Queen (Teacher’s Edition)

Written by iPOP! Labs
Art by Maxflan Araujo, Davide Puppo
Purchase

LeMon’s adventure has her testing out the goods of 3 LIONS. But what will happen when those 3 lions find out a MONSTER has been messing with their stuff? Includes a teacher’s guide.

Monster Me: Lion Queen (Teacher's Edition)

Truth Or Dare

Written by Jolie Kramer
Art by Kazuna Uchida
Purchase

To break out of her routine, Megan decides to go on a trip to indulge in a romantic fling. Ever since her right leg was disabled and her heartless ex-boyfriend dumped her because of it, Megan’s found it difficult to get back in the love game. While on her trip, she uses a leg brace to pretend that her leg is fractured. There, she meets Luke Webster, the most beautiful man she has ever seen, and the two spend a hot, steamy night together. With her goal completed, Megan’s ready to move on and forget him, but Luke insists on continuing their relationship. She can’t keep lying to him, but she can’t resist his invitation…

This site contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from these sites. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.

10 New Comics Await on comiXology

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Graphic Policy Team

There’s ten new comics available now on comiXology. You can get new releases from Noeve Grafx, DC Comics, Yen Press, Harlequin, and iPOP. Get shopping now or check out the releases below.

Legends of the Dark Knight (2021-) #13

Written by Brandon M. Easton
Pencils Karl Mostert
Inks Karl Mostert
Colored by David Baron
Purchase

CATCHEISM BEGINS! Batman heads to Rome to stop Ra’s Al Ghul and the Leage of Assassins from getting their hands on an ancient artifact that they want to use to exacerbate the power of the Lazarus Pits. What Batman doesn’t know is that the artifcat is already under the protection of the Order of St. Dumas, specifically, AZRAEL! From the creative team of Critically Acclaimed Writer Brandon Easton and rising star artist Karl Mostert!

Truth & Justice (2021-) #17

Written by Andrew Aydin
Pencils Juni Ba
Inks Juni Ba
Colored by Nick Filardi
Purchase

Captured and taken to Turkey, Robin’s battle with Tarhun and Arinitti takes him on a crash course through the city. But who is pulling the gods’ strings and what does he want Damian for?

Arrête de me chauffer, Nagatoro Vol. 2

Written by Nanashi
Art by Nanashi
Purchase

Nagatoro est en seconde. Pleine d’assurance, joueuse, moqueuse, elle se découvre un jour un passe-temps favori : martyriser son “Senpai”, lycéen de première timide et mal dans sa peau. Nagatoro taquine, agace, aguiche, va parfois trop loin… mais qu’a-t-elle vraiment derrière la tête ? Et si derrière ses moqueries elle cachait une véritable affection ? Et si finalement, ses farces permettaient à Senpai de s’affirmer ?

Arrête de me chauffer, Nagatoro (édition Deluxe) Vol. 2

Written by Nanashi
Art by Nanashi
Purchase

Nagatoro est en seconde. Pleine d’assurance, joueuse, moqueuse, elle se découvre un jour un passe-temps favori : martyriser son “Senpai”, lycéen de première timide et mal dans sa peau. Nagatoro taquine,
agace, aguiche, va parfois trop loin… mais qu’a-t-elle vraiment derrière la tête ? Et si derrière ses moqueries elle cachait une véritable affection ? Et si finalement, ses farces permettaient à Senpai de s’affirmer ?

Arrête de me chauffer, Nagatoro (édition Deluxe) Vol. 2

Deux en même temps

Written by Leslie Kelly
Art by Mao Karino
Purchase

Chloé a été embauchée par Troy pour travailler sur un projet de design de vitrines dans un grand magasin. Elle était enthousiasmée par le travail et surprise lorsqu’elle a vu Troy danser, sans porter de chemise et sous la pluie. Il est toujours si sérieux ! Quand elle découvre ce nouveau côté chez lui, elle tombe amoureuse. Mais il est toujours professionnel et strict au bureau. Elle a de nouveau rencontré le côté passionné de Troy en Floride et a été séduite… mais maintenant il s’appelle Trent ! Quand ils sont rentrés chez eux, Troy a fait semblant de ne pas se souvenir de la nuit chaude qu’ils avaient partagée en Floride ! À quel jeu joue-t-il?

Goblin Slayer #61

Written by Kumo Kagyu
Art by Kousuke Kurose
Purchase

This series is rated Adults Only
DISCLAIMER: graphic sexuality gore
Wizard Boy has rushed ahead and found the captive adventurer, but will soon learn that you underestimate goblins at your own peril… Read the next chapter of Goblin Slayer at the same time as Japan!

Hinowa ga CRUSH! #42

Written by Takahiro
Art by Strelka
Purchase

This series is rated Adults Only
DISCLAIMER: graphic sexuality
Hinowa and her allies set off to the east in search of the next man recommended by the elder. Read the next chapter of Hinowa ga CRUSH! at the same time as Japan!

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Vol. 1

Written by Coolkyousinnjya
Art by Coolkyousinnjya
Purchase

Un matin, la tête enfarinée après une nuit de beuverie, Kobayashi voit débarquer sur le pas de sa porte… un dragon. Ou plutôt une dragonne fantasque, dénommée Thor, qui a décidé de son propre chef de se mettre à son service !

Monster Me #2: Body Chemistry (Teacher’s Edition)

Written by iPOP! Labs
Art by Cocoon Productions, Maxflan Araujo, Davide Puppo, Irene Yeom
Purchase

Learn about nutrition and sugar through comics! Follow the adventures of Midori and Perla, a Cookie Monster and a few friends as they go on an adventure to discover why Perla still feels hungry after eating a big meal. Includes a teacher’s guide.

Monster Me #2: Body Chemistry (Teacher's Edition)

Welcome to the Ballroom Vol. 1

Written by Tomo Takeuchi
Art by Tomo Takeuchi
Purchase

Collégien en déroute, Tatara Fujita ne sait pas quoi faire de sa vie. Il n’a ni talent particulier, ni passion, ni grande envie de chercher. Il n’est ni très costaud, ni très courageux, et n’a pas vraiment confiance en lui. Le hasard et une bande de caïds mal intentionnés lui feront rencontrer Kaname Sengoku, danseur professionnel qui à la suite d’un quiproquo le traînera jusqu’à un nouveau studio de danse de salon. Tatara y découvre l’univers de la danse sportive. Une révélation qui bouleversera son quotidien puis toute sa vie…

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