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 short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.
Alex
Old Man Logan #5 (Marvel)* – I really enjoyed this issue. The set up for Logan being alone is reminiscent of the old Wolverine comics of years gone by, and it’s a surprisingly effective method of distancing him from the X-Men for a designated period of time. The story itself is very interesting, and still plays off who Old Man Logan is in terms of where he came from, with a slightly different flavour than the past few issues. How long Old Man Logan’s backstory can continue to play an integral part in his future remains to be seen, but so long as it’s done well, I’m okay with that cow being milked. Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy
Moon Knight #2 (Marvel)* – I wanted to love this issue, and for the most part I did, but it just isn’t living up to what I was hoping for, and expecting from, the series. The artwork and layouts continue to impress, and I have a feeling that the writing will fall into place as more pieces to the story are revealed. As it is, though, Moon Knight #2 is still very good, it’s just not great. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Klaus #5 (Boom!)** – Probably the weakest issue in the series so far, this felt more like a filler issue to pad out the required seven issues for the mini series. Some interesting parts, but nothing spectacular (aside from the artwork). Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read if you’re reading the series.
Batman #51 (DC)* – Is a perfect send off to the epic run of Snyder and Capullo on the New 52’s Batman series. Batman #51 is a very bittersweet comic in more ways than one, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. A great single issue that stands alone, and will probably stand the test of time as one of the better single issues from the last 51. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Ryan C
Devolution #4 (Dynamite)** – This thing will probably read better in trade than it has in singles given that the cliffhanger to this penultimate issue involves the arrival of some characters we haven’t seen since the beginning, but Rick Remender has rewarded readers’ patience with this post-apocalyptic yarn that apes “2000 A.D.”-style storytelling in much the same way that “Tokyo Ghost” does, as it’s definitely gotten better with each successive issue. Johnathan Wayshak’s art is the real show-stealer here, though, and will absolutely take your breath away. Overall: 7.5. Recommendation: Buy
The Punisher #1 (Marvel)* – The old and the new meet up and join forces as first-time Frank Castle scribe Becky Cloonan teams up with veteran Punisher illustrator Steve Dillon for this latest re-launch. So far the results are solid, if unspectacular, as the groundwork is laid for a confrontation with a genuinely blood-curdling new villain, but, ya know — not a whole lot else happens. I’ll give it a few more issues, though, since both creators seem to have a solid grasp on the character and his decidedly violent world. Overall: 6. Recommendation: Read
Three Floyds: Alpha King #1 (Image)** – I don’t know who the three Floyds of the micro-brewing company of the same name are, but one of then is teaming with Brian “anything for a buck” Azzarello to write this extended advertisement while Simon Bisley handles the art. As you’d probably expect, it’s about some guy who turns into a psychopathic Lobo-esque “hero” when doused with his own home brew. Tedious bearded hipster-ism meets balls-out ultraviolence will no doubt ensue as we go along. Or, rather , as you go along if you continue reading this — I’m out, even though Bisley’s art is still fun, blood-soaked eye candy. Overall: 3. Recommendation: Pass
Detective Comics #52 (DC)* – Not with a bang, but with a — -well, you know the rest. The wrap-up to Peter J. Tomasi and Fernando Pasarin’s two-part “Gordon-in-the-Bat-suit” story looks nice, but the Iraq-based supernatural “thriller” is old hat to anyone who read the far better “Burning Fields” last year. On the whole “Detective” is a book that never found anything like a consistent footing during the “New 52” years, and this issue continues — and hopefully concludes — that unfortunate trend. Overall: 4. Recommendation: Pass.
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
When I initially heard that Grant Morrison would be writing what is, essentially, Santa Claus: Year One I was genuinely intrigued. It’s such an outlandish notion that it almost shouldn’t work, but when a writer like Morrison throws Santa, a Nordic styling, and some almost hallucinatory magic into a mixing pot, the end result has (so far, any way) been spectacular.
