LETTER 44 #24
(W) Charles Soule
(A/CA) Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque
(C) Dan Jackson
Age Range: 15 and up
Genre: Sci-fi
Price: $3.99
Charlotte has taken matters into her own hands in order to get baby Astra back from the Builders, and it just might cost her life. Major Drum continues his confession, shedding some light on the early days of the Clarke mission, while ex-President Carroll calls an old friend for some dirty business.
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
Bigfoot: Sword Of The Earthman #3 (Action Lab) There’s a very interesting aspect to this comic; Bigfoot hasn’t said a word in three issues, and his silence is perfectly negated by the narration of his companion who’s name escapes me right now. This has been a solid series so far, with Bigfoot being stranded on Mars, this feels like a brilliant mix of Starship Troopers, John Carter: Warlord Of Mars and Conan all wrapped up in a glossy comic book story. It’s actually pretty damn good. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
Batman #49 (DC Comics)* Holy fucking shit. If, like me, you’ve not been a fan of the Robot Bunny Batman, then this issue will have you pumping the ceiling with joy. It’s a brilliantly well done comic that doesn’t feel like Bruce becoming Batman again is a dues ex machina. There’s been a legitimate build up for this moment for bloody months, that came together for me with this issue in an almost montage like moment. Mr H eloquently captures what I love about the characterization in this issue below, and Batman #49 is the issue that cements Scott Snyder as one of the best Batman writers of the past decade, giving us a 50 odd issue run that we’ll be talking about for years. Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy
Brett
Captain Canuck #6 (Chapter House Comics) – Wrapping up the first story arc, the comic is an ok ending that wraps up the action nicely and sets us up for what’s to come. As a piece of the arc it’s a solid comic, but on it’s own it’s a bit weaker than previous comics. Still, lots of fun to read. Overall: 7.4 Recommendation: Read
Dark & Bloody #1 (Vertigo) – An interesting start to what seems like a horror comic. Not quite sure where it’s going, if it’s just a weird horror story or a southern gothic story, we’ll see. But, it has me wanting to check out the next issue. It definitely has the creepy vibe down. Overall: 7.6 Recommendation: Read
Green Lantern Corps: Edge of Oblivion #2 (DC Comics) – The second issue continues what feels like a giant action sci-fi film. So far, I’m digging it, and though there’s a lot of action here, it also moves the bigger story along introducing you to this new alien world. Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Legend of Wonder Woman #2 (DC Comics) – Hells yes. This is the Wonder Woman comic I’ve been waiting for. This is so good. Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy
Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #49 (IDW Publishing) – A good finale to the current arc. I’d have liked it all to have been a straight up horror story, but it does some solid work on the various characters. Overall: 7.7 Recommendation: Read
Black Science #20 (Image Comics) – Just fun science fiction. Turn your brain off and go with the ride. Never disappointing. Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Descender #10 (Image Comics) – One of the best science fiction comics on the market. Amazing story, even more amazing art. Beautiful to look at and fun to read. Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
Deus Ex #1 (Titan Comics) – A good first issue that from what I remember catches the world from the video game series pretty well. It’s not deep but sets up a cyberpunk-ish comic that should fill a nice niche. Overall: 7.7 Recommendation: Read
Interceptor #2 (Heavy Metal Magazine) – The first issue caught me off guard and the second issue continues the excellence. Funny, fun, it’s a solid mix of the Heavy Metal vibe along with “western” comics. Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy
James Bond #4 (Dynamite Entertainment) – The individual issues aren’t bad, but I feel like this’ll be a better read as a trade. Overall: 7.1 Recommendation: Read
Letter 44 #23 (Oni Press) – I seriously have no idea where this series is going and I can’t wait to find out. Overall: 7.9 Recommendation: Read
Second Sight #1 (Aftershock Comics)* – The first issue is good, but doesn’t blow me away. My issue is I feel like we’ve seen this story before as well as its protagonist. Maybe it’ll set itself apart down the road. Overall: 7.3 Recommendation: Read
Street Fighter Unlimited #3 (Udon Entertainment) – The comic is a lot of fun. I’m not the biggest Street Fighter fan, but these comics capture the video game series really well and give us some awesome action. A must get if you’re a fan of the video game. Overall: 8.1 Recommendation: Read
Mr H
Batman #49 (DC Comics)*: The moment we’ve all been waiting for. We knew Bruce was coming back to the cowl it was never a matter of it, it was always when. Snyder has another win this issue, as I think it’s his absolute best one yet. It delves into the Batman legacy as well as probable futures. What really stands out for me is how well Snyder gets the relationship between Alfred and Bruce. He’s not Bruce’s butler, he’s his father. Alfred doesn’t want to lose his son again. Bruce has finally got the peaceful life he’s always wanted but for Gotham to survive, he must allow Batman to return. Now I won’t spoil here as its too good, but the return method is well thought out and true to the character. Julie Madison even plays a big part. With 50 around the corner Snyder has his day numbered on the title but his impact may have crafted the best Batman run EVER. No Capullo this issue but it doesn’t suffer one bit. Yannick Paquette does a terrific job on the art chores. I cannot find any fault with this issue at all. Overall: 10/10 Recommendation: Buy this book.
Ryan C
Hip-Hop Family Tree #7 (Fantagraphics)*: Ed Piskor’s cultural history/odyssey finally takes a look at the nascent hip-hop scene on the West Coast, while out east the Beastie Boys, among other future luminaries, enter the fray with their first stumbling steps out of the gate. As always, truth is stranger — and better — than fiction, I’m not even a hip-hop fan but I wouldn’t dream of missing an issue of this fantastically-written, superbly-illustrated series. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy.
Shaft: Imitation Of Life #1 (Image)**: David F. Walker returns to the character he rejuvenated — and to the street of New York — with the first of four sure-to-be-spectacular parts. John Shaft wraps up one particularly brutal case, takes some much-needed time off, and the jumps back in to handle a missing persons case that nobody else would have the balls to touch. And he picks up a gay Latino sidekick by the end? As always , Walker adds new depth and dimension to the character without compromising an ounce of bad-ass, while new artist Dietrich Smith picks up admirably from Bilquis Evely. Overall: 9/10. Recommendation: Buy.
Low #11 (Image)** : Good to see Rick Remender and Greg Tocchini dive back into things — literally — after a bit of a break between issues/arcs, but the “keep hope alive” message is starting to veer into tiresome mantra territory, and echoes the “newfound optimism” philosophical outlook of “Black Science” a bit too closely at this point. Story and art are still good, but decidedly less spectacular than the ultra-high standard we’ve become used to on this series. Intrigued to see how he plans to rotate issues between Stel and her kids, and next issue promises some spectacular stuff as we finally see the surface of , well, Waterworld, so let’s hope this just represents a temporary lull before the visual and verbal fireworks show commences in full swing. Overall: 6. Recommendation: Read.
Injection #7 (Image)**: Continuing with the arc begun last issue, our new inhumanly-smart (or maybe that’s just inhuman) private eye protagonist follows the supply chain of the “long pig” he was nearly serves last issue and nonchalantly antagonizes the police while he’s at it. Warren Elli’s script is razor-sharp and Declan Shalvey’s art is enough to make a grown-up cry with its understated precision and elegance. This is a book that doesn’t see to know how not to keep getting better and better every month. Overall: 8. Recommendation: Buy.
Shean
House of Montresor#1 (Red Stylo): Jang and Strutz have written the captivating sequel to Edgar Allen Poe’s Cask of Amontillado , dad wonders into some seriously interesting territory.Imagine that one episode of Twilight Zone where the heirs are fighting over inheritance commingled with Crimson Peak. The script by Enrica Jang, is moody , mysterious, gothic and all types of creepy. The art By Jasob Strutz is beautiful.Overall, strong execution by two masters.Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Cyrus Perkins and the Haunted Taxi Cab TPB (Action Lab): I always wondered what would happen if the Michael Mann masterpiece ” Collateral “, was a TV show, as this book answers that but with a supernatural twist. The Reader joins Cyrus as he navigates his personal life , avoids thugs , run ins with supernatural creatures were trying find peace for his haunted rider. In what would be a normally dark story ,there are a great many funny scenes.The story by David Dwonch proves an interesting twist to both slice of life genre and the supernatural genre. The art by Anna Lencioni, is vibrant and full of heart.Overall, fun when you least expect it. Overall: 9.2 Recommendation: Read
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 (**).
LETTER 44 #23
(W) Charles Soule
(A/CA) Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque with Dan Jackson
President Blades struggles with the savior’s burden placed on him by the mysterious return of Major Gabriel Drum, while Drum seeks to confess his own multitude of sins. The crew of the Clarke desperately seeks a method by which their fuel-less, drifting craft can travel the millions of miles between them and the closest safe haven this side of Jupiter.
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
Heroes Vengeance #3 (Titan Comics) The more I read this series the less I seem to like it, but much like the TV show I just can’t turn away. It might get better! Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Read…?
Archie #5 (Archie Comics) This is one of those series that’s just fun. There’s no superhero action here what so ever, despite the writer, and it has been a breath of fresh air for me. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
Swamp Thing #1 (DC Comics)* is apparently far more polarizing than I expected. After reading Patricks’ review (you’ll find that a bit further on) I felt compelled to pick this issue up. In a time when comics often have numerous art focused scenes it’s nice to get a comic that has a lot of text within it’s pages, reminding me in many ways of both the earlier Swamp Thing comics and how the page layouts looked when I first started reading comics. There’s a bit of a slow build here, with Len Wein really taking his time in setting the story that has echoes of an early era. You’re either going to like this, or you’re really not. I expected this to be at best average, but I was pleasantly surprised. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read (with caution)
The Last Contract #1 (Boom! Studios) Well holy moly. This is great. Dark, gritty, with the promise of something lying just beneath the surface ready to tear you to pieces. This comic is a tour de force that is absolutely worth your time – which is impressive coming from a guy who usually only reads superhero comics. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Gutter Magic #1 (IDW) A stunning mix of steam punk and magic, coupled with some jaw dropping artwork make this first issue worth picking up, and the series something to add to your pull list. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Brett
A-Force #1 (Marvel) – I enjoyed the miniseries this spun off from, but this first issue is a stumble. It’s not exciting, nor has enough to get me excited. It fills like a middling Avengers comic. Overall: 6.4 Recommendation: Pass
Bitch Planet #6 (Image Comics) – It’s been a whole since we’ve seen this series and while I anticipated its return, this issue was a bit of a stumble. A stand alone issue that pulls the curtain back, the story feels more like a sci-fi Law & Order: SVU than the smart commentary we’re usually accustomed to. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Pass
Black Science #19 (Image Comics) – Wrapping up the current arc in a way, we learn more about Grant and things begin for the next great adventure. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
The Last Contract #1 (BOOM! Studios) – I liked the first issue of a hit man finding out who wants him dead. There’s a solid homage of the genre that it clearly loves. Overall: 7.2 Recommendation: Read
Letter 44 #22 (Oni Press) – That reveal at the end, holy crap. Loving this mashup of politics and sci-fi. It continues to surprise. Overall: 7.7 Recommendation: Read
Nailbiter #19 (Image Comics) – One of my favorite comics. The search for the George serial killer is fantastic and there’s some great twists here. I seriously have no idea where it’s going. Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Rocket Racoon and Groot #1 (Marvel) – An interesting debut, but how this fits in to the other comics that are out featuring these characters makes it have little sense. This is an example of overuse of characters. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Pass
Spidey #2 (Marvel) – Much improvement over the first issue. There’s a lot of good, but the comic still is just missing something for me. It feels like a mediocre miniseries rehashing the character’s origin, updating it, but giving us little that’s new. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read
Totally Awesome Hulk #2 (Marvel) – I hated the first issue, and this one is an improvement, but not enough to get me to continue reading. The strongest part is it’s mystery of what happened to Bruce. Overall: 6.2 Recommendation: Pass
Patrick
Detective Comics #48 (DC Comics)*: While I’m still not used to Jim Gordon as the Batman, I do enjoy seeing him struggle to fill Bruce Wayne’s shoes. Watching him make mistakes adds something to the book you don’t get to see with Bruce Wayne… a guy in overhead his head trying his best. And the gimmicky nature of the murders he’s investigating harkens back to classic Batman stories, an interesting bit of nostalgia as everything else about Batman is new. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read.
Injustice: Gods Among Us – Year Five #1 (DC Comics)*: The best comic book based on a video game based on a comic book ever written returns! Following Plastic Man inadvertently releasing all of the prisoners held by Superman’s regime, Superman and his cronies are trying to put everyone back while Batman sets out to create another unholy alliance. You might say you can’t expect it to go very far because it’s only the first issue (of its fifth year), but considering the story really started in the Year Four: Annual maybe some sort of plot development would have been fair. And stop making Hal Jordan a “funny man”. If you want a funny Green (or Yellow, in this case) Lantern, you should have picked Kyle Rayner. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read
Swamp Thing #1 (DC Comics)*: This book was admittedly a disappointment. Unless what you have been demanding all this time was to watch Swamp Thing wrestle an alligator. In fact, the most implausible part of this book about a mass of vegetation with human consciousness hanging around a swamp is when two people show up in the swamp to ask said mass for help. As though it were on their list of errands. No, maybe the most implausible was Swamp Thing essentially responding with, “Okay, I have nothing better to do.” Overall: 3 Recommendation: Pass
Spider-Man/Deadpool #1 (Marvel Comics)*: Put two of the funniest characters in their own series and what to do you have? Two people bemoaning their own potty-humor, actually. Things don’t really need to make sense when Deadpool is involved, but a plot device that put the two together would have helped go a long way, rather than Deadpool hiring someone to pretend to be Dormammu for… actually, I’m not sure how that was supposed to aid Deadpool’s plan to get Spider-Man to work with him. Instead, you side with Spider-Man’s reluctance to have anything to do with the laugh-less title. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass
Star Wars #14 & Star Wars: Darth Vader #15 (Marvel Comics)*: Reviewed together because they came out on the same day, are of the same caliber and conclude the same story, “Vader Down”. The last half of the series really revved up and became increasingly entertaining. These last issues make for the most enjoyable Star Wars you can have, on paper or on the silver screen. If only Hollywood were taking their cues from Marvel. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Buy (but a collection would be better than title-jumping through your back issues)
Squadron Supreme #2 (Marvel Comics)*: Some good moments here and there. Nighthawk stands out as the character to watch, certainly the most intense and interesting of the Squadron. Hopefully the series isn’t suggesting that Hyperion is going to take a job as a truck driver. Squadron Supreme has been looking for its readership for decades and suffering a great many changes and incarnations along the way. Hopefully that balances out and this title holds its own until Marvel decides to cancel all its titles and relaunch everything again. So… give it a year. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read
Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel Comics)*: What was one of the longest running titles in comic books is relaunched again as a blatant X-Force rip-off. It’s a bit like watching your dad get his ear pierced only to realize, “No… you’ll never be young again”. The cast is interesting, though Sabretooth as a good guy will always be a disappointing sell-out and the presence of the Psylocke/Archangel pairing really highlights the parallels to X-Force. X-Force was great… but Uncanny X-Men is supposed to be a prestigious flagship, not a transparent attempt to recapture the gritty eighties and nineties. Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass
Four Eyes: Hearts of Fire #1 (Image Comics): Great art, so-so story. Yes, we all agree that dog-fighting is inhumane (most of us do, anyway) and plugging in dragons instead of dogs in a depression-era story… one of these things is not like the others. Someone walking into this without having read the previous work is likely to think it very odd the way dragons are almost a humdrum aspect of the story… and they wouldn’t be wrong. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass
Bitch Planet #6 (Image Comics): As always, a well-stylized, entertaining book. The one question, though, is if the read would have been as compelling if not for the disclaimer. The book leads with a warning that it features sexual assault, promising that the events of the sexual assault will be limited to this issue and not revisited later. It prepares the reader for the worst and consequently, the reader races through the book in dread anticipation of the horrific inevitable. In the end, not to marginalize sexual assault, I was left wondering if I missed a page. Considering the exploitive nature of Bitch Planet and the state of graphic content in comic books, the warning seems disconnected from the content. Are the editors really afraid of offending readers despite the gratuity of the book or was it a cheap ploy? Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read (and then tell me if I’m just desensitized).
Paul
Ultimates #3 (Marvel) * The team has been successful in further evolving Galactus and has transformed him into a force of giving life..and his first act has been to restore life to the first planet he fed upon. The Shi’ar Imperial Guard discovered this and forwarded the information to Gladiator, who is, surprise surprise, not pleased with Earth for their actions. I wonder why it is the Shi’ar are never happy..I mean Galactus is no longer a devourer of planets, and still Gladiator gets all up in Earths face about it…maybe it’s the mohawk? I digress, now the team want to look into fixing the space/time continuum problem. Yeah, nothing can go wrong there. I do enjoy this team and the banter between them, but I find the scope of their missions a little ‘out there’ traveling through deep space, superflow, neutral zone, blah blah..starting to read like stereo instructions, to paraphrase Beetlejuice. Is this an Avengers team necessary of the time and resources they have been given? That remains to be seen. But the art is beautiful. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel) * So the mutant population is facing yet another life changing event; the terrigen cloud making its way around the world is slowly killing the mutant population as well as sterilizing those who survive, ensuring that no new mutants will emerge. This leaves those mutants remaining as easy targets, and that threat needs a response just as threatening; enter the Uncanny X-Men. Magneto has gathered a group of X-Men not afraid to get their hands dirty to protect mutants from those who would take advantage of this current situation, but in this first issue, we see they aren’t going to let other mutants take the easy way out either. I really like the team roster in this book, though have a little issue with Archangel being some mindless ‘drone” being controlled by Psylocke (though I’m sure this will come to blow up in their faces in the upcoming Apocalypse story arc). I was a little let down with Magneto, as I enjoyed him more in his solo book then I did in this first outing in this first issue, but it didn’t ruin the book for me. I also enjoyed the blast from the past at the end of this issue. And Greg Land’s art is exactly what I expected, beautiful as ever. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next issue. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy
Shean
The Death Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives #1 (Valiant) The story of Shan Mirage and her husband Hwen, is story of heartbreak , loss, redemption , justice and. Undying love, which the first volume of this ongoing series covered well. In the beginning of this new volume, deals with the reality of their lives since his untimely physical death,while they thrust themselves into new adventures.Van Meter Is seemingly getting more personal the more she writes these characters much to the reader’s benefit as the overall story becomes richer. The art by De La Torre is interesting, abstract and very much George Perez in the best way. Overall:10 Recommendation: BUY NOW
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 (**).
LETTER 44 VOL. 3
(W) Charles Soule
(A/CA) Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque with Dan Jackson
WORLD WAR THREE. The presence of alien life has been revealed to the people of Earth, and all hell has broken loose. A battle rages for control of the planet, between a US-led coalition of nations and a second group secretly controlled by ex-President Francis Carroll. Meanwhile, Earth’s only contact with the aliens–the brave crew of the Clarke–has been kept in the dark about the E.T’s intentions and prevented from contacting home. When they discover a massive threat headed straight for earth, all their efforts must turn to convincing the aliens to use their advanced technology to save us.
LETTER 44 #22
(W) Charles Soule
(A/CA) Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque with Dan Jackson
Major Gabriel Drum has arrived on Earth, emerging from the very asteroid he was left on over a year ago and looking noticably… different. Determined to speak with the President, he’ll let nothing stand in his way, and it looks like Blades’ only option is to hear Drum out. The crew of the Clarke are unaware of Drum’s existence, however, and are instead dealing with the consequences of going against the Builders’ wishes. With Gomez gone, none of the crew is safe from the Builders’ wrath.
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
All-New Wolverine #1* – Was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn’t that interested in X23 as a character before, so this comic was never that high on my radar (unlike the Old Man Logan series that’s due to hit in a couple months). Elana convinced me to pick this up, and I’m glad she did. This first issue is one of the best of the All New All Different offerings from Marvel that I’ve read in the last month or two, and it’s a damn good Wolverine story, too that has just the right combination of action and inner conflict. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy.
Batman #46* – If you’ve been reading this series, there’s no reason for you not to pick this up. Not my favourite issue by this creative team, but still better than most other Batman books out there. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read
Heroes: Vengence #2 – I really wanted to like this series as much as I did the Heroes Reborn TV show. Not quite there yet, but it’s getting closer. It may be worth waiting for the trade, but there’s some interesting back ground here for fans of the show. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read
Brett
Abe Sapien #28 – Abe is still figuring out his role in the world as he continues his cross country trip. The series has been interesting in that its provided a way for us to see more of the country and the hellish landscape. Each series arc is much stronger than the individual issues, and this one begins a new one that could be interesting. Overall Rating: 7.25 Recommendation: Read
All-New Wolverine #1 *- A ho-hum start that glosses over X-23’s abusive and killer past. She should not be this chill. Plus the ending reminded me WAY too much of Orphan Black. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read
Birthright #11 – Sword and sorcery fun in the “real” world. Joshua Williamson has been putting together an entertaining series backed up with solid art. Plus a solid twist in this issue where we learn more about the Nevermind. Overall Rating: 8.23 Recommendation: Read
Letter 44 #21 – Ryan Kelly steps in on art in this special issue that looks at how the Clarke astronauts were recruited. It’s an amazing comic that intelligently adds so much depth to each character. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #3 – Oh what a messed up comic (and series in general). This is the Joker with no limits, and the body count and sadism is proof. Overall Rating: 7.8 Recommendation: Read
Rebels #8 – Two standalone stories in this issue. One focuses on a woman who runs a print shop in occupied Boston and the other is about a freed slave who fights on the British side. While touching upon history, the comic isn’t actual history. But, each issue makes me want to find out more. And the art is solid as usual. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read
Southern Bastards #12 – Continues to be one of the best comics on the market. Jason Latour writes this one which… well it’s best to just read it. However, it’s amazing how much he made me actually feel sorry for someone who almost beats to death a kid. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy
The Walking Dead #148** – The series continues to build, and looks like it’ll explode soon. That ending is amazing. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Zodiac Starforce #3 – The series is fun, but feels a bit like 80s cartoons in that it’s not too deep. I think this issue is where I see that the most. It’s still fun, but some of the dialogue is a little stilted, much like 80s cartoons. A fun series and read. Overall Rating: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Elana
All-New Wolverine #1* is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. It’s version of Laura is one of the most richly written female heroes around. But it also serves as a Wolverine comic in the classic sense. She IS Wolverine. She is wrestling with a lot of the same issues Logan always has yet she is handling them from the perspective of a young woman. I truly appreciate her wearing the classic Wolverine costume and realistic street clothes which suit her personality rather then being out of character cheesecake as is often the case. I think its a must for both fans of Wolverine and fans of complex female leads. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy!
Zodiac Starforce # 2 & 3 – Charming and inventive all ages comic with a kick-ass diverse and distinctive cast. Your sure to have a favorite to identify with (and that almost never happens to me). Feels a bit like a technicolor Buffy for kids. The stakes feel pretty high. And of course we’re cheering for Lily and Savannah’s adorable romance. Overall an 8 especially for kids.
Mr. H
Batman and Robin Eternal #6* – Ok now we are talking! Best issue since the first. Maybe it’s the addition of Tony Daniel’s art being back but this issue stood out. The parallel between Bruce’s fear over Mother engineering orphans into what she wants and what he could be doing with young Dick Grayson’s future was powerful. Finally we have a potential Bat villain with long reaching scope. I also enjoyed our current Bruce Wayne at peace. To me this was one of the single best Bat books I’ve read this year. Score: 9 Recomendation: Buy
Secret Wars #7* – So finally things are starting to unravel for God Doom. This issue had a lot of action, it just didn’t grab me that much. Great visuals by Essad Ribic. What a talent he is. Reed Richards’ contingency plan was intriguing but I want more. However seeing T’Challa with an Infinity Gauntlet was way cool. Looking forward to The Thing cutting lose next issue. Score: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Paul
Squadron Sinister #4* – Nighthawk finally makes his move to take over Utopolis and to do that, he needs to take out Hyperion. The action was so so and Nighthawk wins…just in time for the Thors to arrive and arrest him for his actions against Battleworld. He is tried by God Doom, and Warrior Woman is responsible for the final nail in his coffin. Nighthawk is sentenced to life beyond the shield. A group of Starbrands attempt to liberate Utopolis, but the citizens rebel, saying they had it better under the rule of Hyperion. Yawn..nothing exciting and a less then stellar conclusion. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read, but only if you’ve followed the series.
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 (**).
Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!
We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.
Brett
Top Pick: Southern Bastards #12 (Image Comics) – There’s lots of solid comics out this week, but it’s a no-brainer to suggest the top comic on the market right now. This Southern noir comic delivers with each and every issue focused on a small town filled with racists, drugs, and football. There’s not much I can say yet about this issue other than it’s a special one written and drawn by Jason Latour.
Carnage #1 (Marvel) – Out of all of the comics announced by Marvel for their reboot, this one was low on my list. After the Point One comic released a month back, it immediately shot up the list. I’m intrigued by the premise which seems to follow Carnage on a killing spree and the man tasked to bring him in. It has a more Silence of the Lambs vibe than superhero.
Descender #7 (Image Comics) -Jeff Lemire is one of the best comic writers out there, and this new issue also starts a new arc. The comic is just an amazing character story that has vibes of the movie A.I., but done right.
Illuminati #1 (Marvel) -The Red Hood gets a band together to take on the good guys. I’ve liked some of the recent comics that have focused on Marvel’s villains and writer Joshua Williamson has shown he can do awesome action and twisted with Nailbiter and Birthright.
Letter 44 #21 (Oni Press) – This one shot illustrated by Ryan Kelly takes us back to the recruitment drive for the Clarke astronauts. The series mixes sci-fi and politics, and is awesome.
Elana
All-New Wolverine #1 (Marvel) – I haven’t read a straight up Wolverine comic in a lifetime. But promise me an all new Wolverine – – his teenage clone Laura Kinney, formerly X-23 and I’m ready for some snikt.
Central to my interest is her character design. Her street clothes are realistic street clothes for a young woman and she’s wearing her father’s old costume– not a bathing suitificaition of it. This design respects her as an individual and doesn’t turn her into cheesecake. The usual cheesecake treatment would have had nothing to do with her personality and therefore would have been sexist.
Catwoman #46 (DC Comics) – This issue concludes one of the most interesting story arcs in DC comics in ages and marks the departure of the awesome creative team: (W) Genevieve Valentine — who we’ve interviewed (A) David Messina (CA) Kevin Wada.
Selina is Catwoman once more and Eiko Hasigawa, her “it’s complicated” and temporary Catwoman, is now taking over as a crime boss after her father’s assassination at the hands of Black Mask. The emotional stakes are high and the status quo is changing.
Constantine the Hellblazer #6 (DC Comics) – Easily one of the finest comics out by the big two publishers. I came into reading the series primarily familiar with the character from his appearances in Swamp Thing, the TV show and general cultural awareness. The comic is definitely welcoming to fans both new and old. There is a blend of dark humor, self destructive lust and relatable melancholy that’s required in a Constantine comic. Yet, the stories and art feel all new.
The Wicked + The Divine #16 (Image Comics) – Fans of the series joke about how we are tortured by favorite characters getting offed all the time. This makes sense since while the comic appears to be about popular culture it is also about mortality and youth. It has held a relentless pace of complex mystety and character and gorgeous, innovative art– guest artists included. Gillen is also one of the only men who consistently writes women characters so well that I can’t tell.
Wolf Vol. 1 TP (Image Comics) – One of the most interesting urban fantasy stories I’ve seen. Ales Kot is a promising innovator in storytelling. The LA the characters inhabit feels real to me.
Kenny
Top Pick: Catwoman #46 (DC Comics) – In the last few months, Catwoman has become possibly favorite offerings from DC. The crime drama is hitting all the right keys and is setting up for a great crescendo for the story arc conclusion.
Carnage #1 (Marvel) – This is my hopeful pick of the week. I still hold a soft spot in my heart for Carnage from the 90s. Even if, he hasn’t done anything to thrill me since then. But, for some reason, I still get excited whenever the evil symbiote comes around.
Rebels #8 (Dark Horse Comics) – Few comics embrace American mythos as well or as entertainingly as Rebels. Each issue is full of great stand alone stories making all of them a great jumping on point for history lovers.
Tyson Hesse’s Diesel #3 (BOOM! Studios) – Diesel has been an endlessly fun ride. With the mini-series picking up momentum, there is no better time to catch up on the story so far. This comic is just good and needs your attention.
Mr. H
Top Pick: Batman #46 (DC Comics) – Capullo, Snyder. Y’all know the drill. Buy this book or the GCPD will boot your door in.
Secret Wars #7 (Marvel Comics) – More than 3/4 through and we still live under Doom. I can’t wait to see the Thing cut loose too! It’s Cosmic clobberin’ time!!!
Superman: American Alien #1 (DC Comics) – I’m very intrigued with this one for sure. Not quite sure if I want young Clark Kent to be a lawbreakers bad ass but I’m willing to take the hayride and see where it goes.
The Walking Dead #148 (Image Comics) – After last month’s talk fest, I’m looking forward to getting back to the blood and guts that makes this title so great. Kind of hoping Carl gets it too.
Paul
Top Pick: All-New, All-Different Avengers #1 (Marvel) – Thor, Captain America and Iron Man…new mantles, new heroes, new Avengers. I will admit, I am hesitant after reading Uncanny Avengers and The New Avengers (my reviews will explain why); this All New Marvel has left me with luke warm feelings. But I’m digging the line up of this team and I am just hoping this is an Avengers title I can finally get on board with.
Top Pick: Thors #4 (Marvel) – The concluding issue of what, to me, has been THE best book of Secret Wars. I’m sorry to see this one go, and I hope it ends on the thunder clap this series deserves.
All-New Wolverine #1 (Marvel) – I almost didn’t add this to my list, but I have to admit I am curious to see X-23 picking up the mantle of Wolverine. I really hope we get a story exploring Laura in her new role and not just a hack and slash story with a female Wolverine.
Ultimates #1 (Marvel) – This is a very interesting roster of heroes brought together to stop cosmic level threats. Black Panther, Captain Marvel and Ms. America are enough to get me excited….but if this cover is any hint that Galactus is part of the team? I am ALL in!
Letter 44 #21
Writer: Charles Soule
Artists/Cover Artists: Ryan Kelly with Dan Jackson
Special one-shot issue illustrated by Ryan Kelly (Lucifer, Three)! We leap back to the recruitment drive for the Clarke astronauts – the ship’s launch is imminent, and time is running out to find a suitable crew. Two possibles have been identified: Donald Pritchard, renowned astronomer, and Alberto Gomez, a skilled soldier in the US Army with extensive medical experience – but Project Monolith’s recruiters will need to push past every limit to convince these men to leave their world behind… forever.
Letter 44 #20
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque with Dan Jackson
DARK MATTER Part 6 – Third Arc Finale. President Blades’ back is against the wall, and he’s considering truly desperate options. The Clarke astronauts try to wrest control of the planet-killing Chandelier away from the alien Builders. A great city is destroyed. A sacrifice is made. Deep truths are revealed. It’s the end of the world, and the latest game-changing chapter in the Letter 44 saga.
