Tag Archives: Marvel Comics

Underrated: Comics Not In Diamond’s Top 100 For May ’18

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This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Comics not in Diamond’s top 100 sellers for April.

This week we’re going to be looking at a list of comics that are all fantastic, but don’t get the attention that they deserve. Now I’m not even going to pretend to have a definitively exhaustive list of underrated comics here, because we’re hoping  that you decide to check at least one of these series out next time you’re looking for something new either online or at your LCS, and giving you a huge list to check out would be counter productive to that. Instead, you’ll find four to six comics that are worth your attention that failed to crack the top 100 in sales. The only hard stipulation for this week: not one of the comics made it into the top 400 for April’s comic sales, according to Comichron, which is why they’re Underrated.

Sword Of Ages #4 (IDW)
May Sales Rank/Units Sold: 326/3,816
Why You Should Read It: A five issue space fantasy miniseries that tells the story of a young woman wielding the titular sword as champion for her world. With four of five issues out already, I’d probably trade wait at this point in the game, but keep this on your mind if you can find the previous four issues at your LCS.

Quantum & Woody #6 (Valiant)
May Sales Rank/Units Sold: 267/5,390
Why You Should Read It: Eliot Rahal gives fans one of the best tie-in comics in recent memory – because it doesn’t rely on the event comic it ties in with (Harbinger Wars II) to tell a compelling story, focusing more on the relationship between Quantum and Woody. One of my favourite books of the year.

Pestilence: A Story Of Satan #1 (Aftershock)
May Sales Rank/Units Sold: 263/5,534
Why You Should Read It: The sequel to a miniseries that re-imagined the Black Plague of the 1300’s as a zombie outbreak, this series hints that Satan was responsible for the plague. Expect a violent reaction from the lead characters.

Black Hammer: Age Of Doom #2 (Dark Horse)
May Sales Rank/Units Sold: 159/11,690
Why You Should Read It: Because Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston have created a brand new superhero universe, that both looks and feels as if the story we’re seeing is only the tip of the iceberg. Plus, it’s freaking fantastic.

True Believers: Wolverine Vs Sabretooth #1 (Marvel)
May Sales Rank/Units Sold: 143/16,236
Why You Should Read It: Marvel’s True Believers line is a wonderful way to sample some classic stories for a low price point. You can’t argue with $1.

Unless the comics industry ceases any and all publication look for a future installment of Underrated to cover more comics that aren’t cracking the top 100.

Underrated: Age Of Apocalypse

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This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Age Of Apocalypse. And no, not the movie.

aoa.jpgThe year was 199-something, and Charles Xavier had been murdered by his son, Legion, who had attempted to go back in time to kill Magneto before he became a villain. When he was still Xavier’s friend. That obviously didn’t turn out so well. In this reality Apocalypse attacked ten years before he did in the “main” Marvel Universe and conquered North America, although he is opposed by various mutant groups, he ultimately succeeds in instituting his Survival Of The Fittest mantra within his realm.

For four months Age Of Apocalypse took over the regular X-Men books, replacing the likes of Uncanny X-Men with Astonishing X-Men, Wolverine with Weapon X and so on across the board. I won’t list all of the series substitutions because you can find that on Wikipedia, and I’m lazy. No, today I’m not talking about the story told in a comic, but rather the way the story was presented to us, the readers. You see too often these days a major event spanning 6-10 issues in an entirely separate miniseries that will vaguely tie in to the ongoing series. No, instead Age Of Apocalypse replace the current ongoing series for four-ish months, only for those to pick back up again at the conclusion of the story.

In a rather shorter Underrated than normal (maybe? I don’t track the length as much as I should), I wanted to talk about this method of delivering an event story. What was essentially a collection of miniseries that each told a piece of the story replacing the comics you would be buying anyway is, to my mind, a genius idea. In theory, you have those buying the monthly comics already picking up the event as a continuation of the series they read and collect as well those who are curious about the event diving in and, hopefully, sticking around after it ends.

Obviously the opposite is equally true; the temporary cessation of the X-Books would have allowed those to ignore Age Of Apocalypse only to resume when the X-Books returned with their regular numbering (Wolverine #91*  would have been released in February, with Wolverine #92* appearing in July – *exact numbering may be different). This is something that I’ll be looking into in the future and exploring further outside of this column. In the meantime, I still maintain that the idea of stopping the monthly series is, at the very least on paper, an underrated idea.

Join us next week when we look at something else that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.

Underrated: What If? and Elseworlds Stories

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This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: What If? and Elseworlds Stories

I had been trying to think of a subject for this week’s column all week, but nothing came to mind. In an effort to clear my mind, and accept I may miss the deadline, I started reading my “I bought this for a $1, or less, so I’ll read it one day” pile, and grabbed What If? #54; What if.. Death’s Head Had Lived? Although I wasn’t overly familiar with the original story, the synopsis provided by the Watcher at the beginning was enough to understand and appreciate the differences that would follow. A trend that while it may not follow within every issue of the series, it was consistent within the three that I had read prior to sitting behind the keyboard.

Although there have been some What If? comics released since the series ended in 1998, for the most part these have been sporadic releases all either tied in to a Major Event (What If: Infinity, Age Of Ultron and Avengers Vs X-Men) or have been small enough in number to be collected into a trade (What If: Why Not, What If: Event Horizon and What If: Mirror Mirror). Fun diversions, but the first two volumes seemed to contain a more cohesive single issue story that was just plain fun rather than the more modern takes.

These alternate universe stories allow writers and artists to play with the characters within the story without any fear of repercussions from a passionate fan base who may not like a certain direction a character has been taken in. More often, however, we get a story that we simply couldn’t get in the normal continuity for obvious reasons – unless Batman travels back in time, he’s never going to face Jack the Ripper. But in DC’s Elseworlds line that’s not a problem at all. Some of these tales are far and away more interesting stories than we’d otherwise get had they been forced into the regular ongoing series.

Next time you’re in your LCS, or surfing your digital retailer, check out either the What If? or Elseworlds stories.

Join us next week when we look at something else that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.

Review: Spider-Man #240

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Trade paperback copies of Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley’s Ultimate Spider-Man from the local public library were what got me into comics, and the first Marvel comic I ever subscribed to was Ultimate Comics Spider-Man featuring Miles Morales. So, it’s safe to say that I was rooting for Spider-Man #240  to be a fantastic ending to Bendis’ 18 years on Spider-Man and seven years writing Miles. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case even though Oscar Bazaldua is one of Marvel’s best up and coming artists and can fill a page or double page spread with action and emotion beats. Speaking of emotion, Bendis’ farewell letter at the end is more moving than anything except Sara Pichelli and Justin Ponsor’s final page. I’m surprised I’m saying this about a Bendis comic, but Spider-Man could have used one more issue with the return of Uncle Aaron/Helicarrier theft storyline ending in Spider-Man #240, and the next issue acting as a proper send off for Bendis’ work with Miles Morales and Spider-Man instead of this rush job/bottle episode.

After a cliched present-to-flashback sequence, Spider-Man #240 has a pretty nice fight sequence between the Champions, the new Sinister Six, and the Latverian army. Bendis and Bazaldua even make the stakes personal with both Miles and his uncle Aaron tumbling off the Helicarrier with a black and gold color palette from Laura Martin in an almost silent double page spread. But, then, it all cuts to black, and we’re back in the hospital. There’s a lot of fades to blacks and hospital scenes like Bendis was simultaneously streaming the ER and Sopranos finale while scripting his own finale. To go with this, there’s a lot of telling and not showing and a bunch of abrupt cuts in the storyline like Bendis was trying to set up a quick subplot or two at the end and didn’t resolve it.

For example, Miles is in the hospital after his battle with the Latverians because there is something up with his genetic code, but we never find out what it is even after a shoehorned Tony Stark cameo. Bendis also seems to be setting up a new path for Miles and his new writer with a connection to espionage, but cuts before the “reveal” of the Marvel Universe big shot, who wants his help. Less egregiously, he resolves a Ganke subplot with expository dialogue and hand waves the ending of the issue’s opening battle with an off panel Avengers appearance. Dialogue is still one of Bendis’ strengths, and he has a lot of fun with the banter between the Champions members (And Goldballs!) without resorting to awkward “millennial speak” like Mark Waid, but seeing Miles’ mom Rio interact with Captain America would have been way cooler than just a word balloon.

Also, Bendis and Bazaldua drop the ball when it comes to the interactions between Miles and his Uncle Aaron in Spider-Man #240, which was the through line of this final arc as Miles tries to help his uncle use his technological skill for good and not crime. Aaron disappears during the final battle and then reappears at Miles’ hospital bed in a darkly lit scene from colorist Martin. Bendis’ writing for Aaron is simple; his time with Miles over the past few days has helped him think about doing good. But then there are some really awkward visuals like a close-up of Miles utterly freaking out when Aaron touches his hand before yet another fade to black. Intentional or not, there is a dreamy quality to the hospital scenes, and it is like the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode “Normal Again” where Buffy think she has hallucinated the past six years of her life. Thankfully, Bendis doesn’t go for “It was all a dream” cop out ending, but the hospital setting limits the type of interactions Miles can have and hamstrings the whole ending.

However, Spider-Man #240 isn’t all bad, and there is one series of scenes that made me smile. Brian Michael Bendis and Oscar Bazaldua spend a decent amount of time closing the curtain on the main constant in Bendis’ run writing Miles Morales: the friendship between Miles and Ganke. (There’s a reason that they’re the sole stars of the final Pichelli and Ponsor drawn page.) After weird medical testing talk, it’s refreshing to just listen to them talk about girls, video games, and how crazy their lives have been. After fighting supervillains and Latverians, Miles just wants to hang out and be a regular teenager. Bazaldua also includes a nice sight gag of Spider-Man (The Peter Parker one) lounging in a web hammock outside the hospital room in a great nod to Miles’ origin as taking on the dead Spider-Man’s legacy in the Ultimate Universe as well as Bendis’ 11 years of writing Peter in Ultimate Spider-Man.

Some cool flight blocking from Oscar Bazaldua, smart color shifts from Laura Martin, and every time Ganke shows up, Spider-Man #240 is an unceremonious end to Brian Michael Bendis’ time writing Miles Morales. There were some good ideas in this storyline, like the return of his “Uncle Ben figure,” Aaron Davis, but it’s squandered with start and stop subplots, and can we seriously stop with the fading to black panels. Bendis stuck the landing with Jessica Jones and Defenders as farewells to his other big Marvel creation and his work on street level and team books, but sadly strikes out in his final issue of the book that got him in the door and made him a star back in 2000.

Story: Brian Michael Bendis Art: Oscar Bazaldua Colors: Laura Martin with Matt Milla and Peter Pantazis Final Page Art: Sara Pichelli with Justin Ponsor
Story: 5  Art: 8 Overall: 5.5  Recommendation: Pass

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 4/28

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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.

Ryan C

gk14.jpgGrass Kings #14 (Boom! Studios)** – Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins are barreling full steam ahead to one heck of a conclusion for this series, and in this issue they line up all their chess pieces to ensure the memorable finale they’re so clearly aiming for. The answers are all within plain sight now, but the fireworks are yet to come. Overall: 8  Recommendation: Buy

Abbott #4 (Boom! Studios)** – While we’re on the subject of killer penultimate issues, Saladin Ahmed and Sami Kivela deliver just that here, as Elena Abbott’s supernatural investigations come to a head just as her life is circling the drain. Dramatic, compelling, and highly topical (either in spite or because of its early-1970s Detroit setting), this series has been every bit as good as advertised and the forthcoming finale is almost guaranteed to satisfy. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

 Black AF: Widows And Orphans #1 (Black Mask)** – The first “Black” series was a case study in absolutely wasting a great — and frankly maybe even necessary given the current state of affairs — premise, but that was a work of absolute genius compared to this unreadable mess from Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3. I’m not sure whose idea it was to transpose this uniquely American (and urban American, at that) setting to Japan, but it doesn’t work, the fight scenes are dull, characterization is minimal to non-existent, and the art is hopelessly generic and unprofessional. Embarrassing stuff all around. Overall: 0 Recommendation: Pass 

The Demon: Hell Is Earth #6 (DC)** – Andrew Constant and Brad Walker started this six-part revisionist take on Jack Kirby’s Demon strong, quickly faltered, picked up the pace a bit toward the end, but absolutely flub the landing. The art’s fun enough in its own way, a heady mix of classic “King” elements with 1990s Image-style nonsense, but the story wraps in quick and predictable fashion, and spends more time trying to set up a sequel no one really wants to see than it does putting an exclamation point on the current proceedings. Ah, what could have been. Overall: 3.5 Recommendation: Pass. 

Logan

Hunt for Wolverine #1 (Marvel)– Hunt for Wolverine begins with a pretty fun fight SM2018_002_COVER-B_GUEDESscene between the X-Men and Reavers as artist Dave Marquez uses a grittier art style in honor of the snikty. The rest of his and Charles Soule’s story strikes an awkward balance between mourning and setting up the rest of the story. The spinoffs set up in the second story, like Daredevil doing his own investigation,an all female X-Men team looking for Wolverine in Madripoor, and Lady Deathstrike doing her thing seem more interesting than the core story. Overall: 7 Verdict: Read

Batgirl #22 (DC)– Hope Larson and Minkyu Jung throw it back to their first arc of the series as Babs’ friend Kai and her Singapore MMA Buddy May Hao return. With some intense crime fighting, coming of a bad romance and yes, grad schools, she’s a little out of sorts. Larson’s at her best with the slice of life/hang out stuff, but the underground fight club seems pretty cut and dried although Jung has a great command over anatomy and fight choreography as Babs fights some jacked up MMA fighters. The storyline is sort of salvaged towards then with a great cyberpunk twist even if it puts some of the relationship stuff on the backburner. Overall: 7.2 Verdict: Read

 Shadowman #2 (Valiant)– The voodoo Loa Baron Samedi wants to become a god so he’s draining the life force and souls of the people of New Orleans via some human conduits in Shadowman #2. But, not if Jack Boniface aka Shadowman and the cartomancer Alyssa are in his way. However, Andy Diggle and Stephen Segovia have them thoroughly get their asses kicked in this issue. The first two issues of this new series have been a non-stop losing battle and fancy spells and punches can’t stop from Jack going back to the Deadside. Shadowman is heavy on the action, but its connection to voodoo beliefs and Ulisses Areola’s mesmerizing colors keep it fairly fresh. I wish I knew more about Jack Boniface’s character and motivation though. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Shean

omh4.PNGOld man Hawkeye #4 (Marvel)– This book just gets better every issue as this particular installment shows that these “Old” viewpoint stories are where we find out more about the character then we ever did in their natural position. In this episode, we find Clint still collecting on old debts as he has Bullseye on his trail , who’s working with the Venoms. We also meet Kraven’s grandchildren , who bear a striking resemblance but that’s where it stops , as their skills don’t match their grandfather’s legend. By issue’s end, the most recent debt collected is with a heavy heart , one that weighs on Clint. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Joe

The Hunt For Wolverine #1 (Marvel) – I’ve waited for this for awhile. I’m a Logan fan, HuntForWolverine_Coverand while I like Old Man Logan, I wanted the original Wolvie back. This is for the classic fans, or even fans from the movies. If you don’t like Wolverine, it’s simple, don’t read or care about this comic or story. But if you do, there’s enough setup here to excite. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

 Avengers #690 (Marvel) – This is more of a palette cleansing issue between the end of this very fun and action filled arc and the new Avengers #1 from Jason Aaron releasing soon. It ties up some loose ends, moves our characters about a bit to get ready for their new series or give them time off, and slows everything down for a feel good issue. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

 

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

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 (**).

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 4/21

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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.

Ryan C

BM_Cv45Evolution #6 (Image/Skybound)** – Nobody seems to be talking about this Cronenberg-ian “body horror” series much, and that’s a shame because, as its first arc comes to a close, I feel fairly confident it labeling it the best title of its ilk in a good many years. The committee of writers working on the book — James Asmus, Joseph Keatinge, Christopher Sebela, and Joshua Williamson — all leave their various plotlines on suitably suspenseful cliffhangers but, as always, it is Joe Infurnari’s supremely creepy, “Eurocomics”-style art that absolutely steals the show. This is the best-illustrated series coming out from any of the major (-ish) publishers these days, by a mile. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Mister Miracle #8 (DC)** – Tom King and Mitch Gerads narrow their focus for this issue considerably, and the result is a very successful book-length juxtaposition of Scott and Barda’s home life as new parents with their battlefield duties on Apokolips. Not as thematically ambitious as previous installments to be sure, but no less effective for its tighter set of concerns. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Batman #45 (DC)** – Tom King and Tony S. Daniel swipe from Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ classic Superman yarn “For The Man Who Has Everything” for this Batman/Booster Gold team-up that sees Bruce Wayne receive a world where his parents never died as a wedding present, and while there’s something to be said for imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, I can’t imagine Moore or Gibbons feeling particularly honored by this sloppily-written and dully-illustrated mess. After a brief uptick, this series has quickly returned to its mediocre status quo. Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass

Black Panther #172 (Marvel)** – Ta-Nehisi Coates concludes his second “season” as scribe of King T’Challa’s adventures not with a bang, but with a whimper. All it took, apparently, to fend off the crisis threatening Wakanda for the past 13 issues was for Storm to kick some ass, which makes you wonder — why didn’t she just do it sooner, since she’s been hanging around the entire time? Leonard Kirk’s flat, uninspired art doesn’t help matters much, either. Overall: 2 Recommendation: Pass

Logan

 Her Infernal Descent #1 (Aftershock)– Lonnie Nadler, Zac Thompson, and Kyle Charles bookHID-650x986do a modern twist on Dante’s Inferno as an elderly woman descends into Hell with William Blake as her guide to bring her two sons back. Nadler and Thompson find a sweet spot between grief and humor as our protagonist goes from roasting Greek philosophers to feeling the pain of her sons’ loss. Charles’ artwork is wavy, and Dee Cunniffe’s colors are pale to show how few remember us after death. It gets really weird at the end, but centering the story on the mother/sons relationship grounds it going forward. Of course, Marriage of Heaven and Hell writer Blake can jump between those dimensions with ease. Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Buy

Daredevil #601 (Marvel)- After an 11 page ninja fight/squad car escape, Charles Soule and Mike Henderson settle into the new status quo of Matt Murdock as mayor with Wilson Fisk incapacitated. And he doesn’t do a bad job of it sidelining the NYPD so actual superheroes can fight the undead ninjas. As Defenders Season 1 showed us, The Hand aren’t as an interesting an enemy as Fisk, but the wrinkle of Matt Murdock having mucho responsibilities as the mayor adds intrigue to the story. Henderson has a scratchy early-90s John Romita Jr style art work and draws one hell of a close quarters battle while also having enough of a sense of humor to highlight the smirks when Matt and Fisk’s assistant Wesley have a little verbal debate. Matt Milla continues to use a nice ultraviolet palette to show Daredevil’s radar abilities in the opening scene where he’s desperately trying to escape so he can become acting mayor Matt Murdock. The status quo of Mayor Daredevil won’t last for long, but it’s fun for now and plays to Soule’s strengths of writing Murdock as a competent lawyer/statesman, who is distracted by his other life, especially when ninjas and souls are concerned. Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

 Batman #45 (DC)– Tom King and Tony Daniel hit a sweet spot between funny and grimdark in this alternate universe where Bruce Wayne’s parents survive, and the consequences are terrible. Aka Booster Gold completely screws up the timeline. In issue 45, King and Daniel just play around in their new universe with little cutaway moments to Jason Todd selling tires that tase Jokers, or Talia al Ghul feuding with her dad. Booster is a little annoying by himself, but hilarity ensues when he starts playing off gun toting, big cape Batman in a neat bit of design work from Daniel. This story is mostly world building, and Booster Gold being a total loser, but there seems to be a plan going forward. I’m particularly interested in the background of paramilitary Dick Grayson as Batman, and this arc look like it’s going to be Flashpoint with a sense of humor. Overall: 8 Verdict: Read

 

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

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 (**).

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 4/7

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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.

Thrawn-3Shean

 Star Wars : Thrawn #3 (Marvel) As we get deeper into Thrawn’s background, we get to know another character important to him, Arindha Pryce.As she seeks to get revenge against the amount which bankrupt her family, she catches Thrawn’s eye for her canny and skills. She seeks Thrawn’s help as she soon has a target on her back much like him and they must work together to find who is trying to undermine them both.By issue’s end, she makes a deal with Tarkin and the one person who she thought was on her side, soon betrays her, leaving nothing to chance. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

The Immortal Men #1 (DC)** – Another “New Age Of DC Heroes” book that feels a lot more like a re-worked Marvel premise than anything else, this time of “The X-Men.” Jim Lee and Ryan Benjamin do the art and it is what it is — which is to say, if you like these guys you’ll dig it, and if you don’t, you won’t — but the script by James Tynion IV doesn’t do much in terms of distinguishing itself from the rest of the thoroughly mediocre “Big Two” fare out there. Our protagonist is a teenager being conscripted into an eternal war between the forces of good and evil by means of his dreams, but he’s not a very involving or sympathetic character, just a rich kid with nice folks and no real problems apart from this whole “do I have super-powers or what?” question. I guess it’s okay, but if I’m gonna drop three bucks on a comic, I’d like something more than merely “okay.” Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass

sideways 3Sidways #3 (DC)** – Kenneth Rocafort, Dan DiDio, and Justin Jordan wrap up their introductory three-part “New Age Of DC Heroes” arc with a rather lackluster final segment that sees our hero and his adversary battle to what amounts to a draw, albeit one with a “maybe my foe isn’t as bad as I thought” twist to it. More fun is the short back-up strip, which should remove any doubt about this book being DC’s take on “Spider-Man.” Rocafort’s art is perfectly nice throughout, so kudos for that. Overall: 5.5 Recommendation: Read

Eternity Girl #2 (DC/Young Animal)** – A reasonably solid, if unspectacular, follow-up to a very promising first issue, with writer Magdalene Visaggio probably spending a little too much time on our protagonist and her one friend taking in a lame stand-up “comedy” act — fortunately that dullness is effectively offset by artist Sonny Liew getting to unleash his inner Kirby for several pages. The end result is a middling book to be sure, but at least one that is tons of fun to look at. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read

Thanos #18 (Marvel)** – Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw wrap up their six-part “Thanos Wins” arc — and this series — with a typically action-packed issue that apparently leads right into the forthcoming “Infinity” cross-over. I loved the King Thanos-vs.-Standard Thanos fight, but to be honest, nothing on offer here managed to convince me to jump on the “Infinity” bandwagon, which was presumably the entire point. I will, however, be following Cates and Shaw over to their top-secret-for-now forthcoming Marvel project. So, hey, there’s that. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read

Logan

The Archies #6 (Archie) After a whirlwind tour, Matthew Rosenberg, Alex Segura, and Joe Eisma finally give The Archies some studio time in their penultimate issue. Blondie guest stars as their EP’s producers, and there’s a fun scene where Betty and Veronica TheArchies6-768x1181_1024x1024geek out on Debbie Harry’s fashion sensibility and musical boldness. The plot follows a pretty cut and dried formula of band drama, musical guest star bail out, life lesson, and a deeper hole being dug, but Eisma spices things up with his energetic and humorous art. Rosenberg and Segura squeeze in some fun character moments between the formula like Veronica humbling herself and going to a greasy burger joint to get their most talented member, Jughead, back. Cramming five cool teens into an enclosed space is always good for drama. Overall: 7.4 Verdict: Read

Domino #1 (Marvel)– Gail Simone continues to be very good at writing morally ambiguous anti-heroes with humor, real human emotions, and even a little sexiness. A surprise birthday party featuring cameos from awkward exes Deadpool and Agent X turns into unsettling panic and physical attack as Domino’s luck might finally run out. Simone grounds the story in the friendship between Domino and her lady merc pals, Outlaw and Diamondback, who are as natural helping her on the battlefield as getting a little too wasted at her party. David Baldeon’s art is pretty solid with big dynamic, early 90s layouts, broad comedy, and a cute dog. Simone and Baldeon definitely plan to break Domino’s character down in the mini, but the book’s tone is more fun and snarky than dour. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

 

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

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 (**).

C2E2 2018: The Women of Marvel Panel (Sort of) Gives An Update on the Storm Solo Comic

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On Sunday afternoon at C2E2, the Women of Marvel convened to celebrate some of Marvel’s best female creators. The panel was moderated by Marvel new media producer, Judy Stephens, and included special projects editor Jen Grunwald (Who was at the first Women of Marvel panel in 2009.), colorist Rachelle Rosenberg (Mockingbird), artist Jen Bartel (America), and writer/artist Katie Cook (Secret Wars: Secret Love). The panel was pretty announcement-light and mainly focused on the creators’ processes and inspirations for getting into comics, like a nifty time lapse video of Rosenberg coloring over David Marquez and Paulo Siqueira’s art on the upcoming Hunt for Wolverine #1 in a scene that gave me all the Kitty Pryde feels.

However, there were a few small bits of news and previews of Rachelle Rosenberg, Jen Bartel, and Katie Cook’s art on upcoming titles. Rosenberg is coloring a cover for Hunt for Wolverine #1 with over 275 characters in it. It took her 36 hours to finish and would make for a great dorm or even office poster. Bartel is drawing a backup in the The Mighty Thor: At the Gates of Valhalla one-shot, which is a transitional one-shot between the current Mighty Thor series starring Jane Foster as Thor and the upcoming Thor relaunch with Odinson as the protagonist. She is doing 15 pages of interior art for a story featuring the sadly underused characters of Thor’s granddaughters  and is the first female artist to draw them. The preview was fairly enigmatic and featured Jane Foster as Thor and a beautiful rainbow colored by Bartel herself before Matthew Wilson (WicDiv) lays down the finished colors.

The final piece of new art was an adorably twisted preview of Katie Cook’s story in the upcoming Thanos Annual that is set to be released on April 25, 2017 to coincide with his big screen appearance in Avengers: Infinity War. It is her most violent work yet and is about a cute alien people group, who are literally killing themselves to get Thanos some MacGuffin that he needs to have to take over the universe or something. I love Cook’s design for Thanos, and humorous versions of the darker and edgier parts of the Marvel Universe are always welcome.

But the real “news” at the panel and probably the reason you clicked on this article was that Jen Bartel kind of, sort of gave an update on the Storm solo ongoing comic that she is doing with Ta-Nehisi Coates (Black Panther) that was soft-announced in October 2017 around New York Comic Con. I asked Bartel if there was any news or updates about the status of Storm, and she said that she is “talking regularly” with Coates and the comic is still happening. However, there is no set in stone “timeline” for the first issue’s release at this time.

From this quick response (Which can be heard in recorded form on an upcoming episode of the Women of Marvel podcast.), I deduced that Storm is currently in the scripting and/or drawing process and that perhaps Marvel is holding back more news about it for San Diego Comic Con in the summer or another con that is closer to its actual solicitation and release date.

Also, I really want Katie Cook to do an Alpha Flight miniseries or one-shot because of her enthusiasm for the character Snowbird and her ability to turn into a  bear or any animal native to Canada.

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 4/7

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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.

Mr. H

Batman #44 (DC Comics) Argh Tom King you done it again! After last few deplorable ASM797_CRAINissues, he presents us with a touching retconned tale of Bruce and Selina’s romance. I particularly enjoyed the time stamps of Selena making her way across town and her activities. I have to say that despite sometimes having to cope with wretched storytelling, artist Mikel Janin gifts us some page turning treasures. It’s quite astounding at times. We are of course gearing up for the big wedding event and this was a nice little rehearsal for what we are in store for. Was it ground breaking? No. Was it Everyone loves Ivy? Oh my God no. It was right in the middle where it needed to be. Score: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Amazing Spider-man #797 (Marvel Comics)* Dan Slott wastes no time getting right to the good stuff. We open with the Green Goblin attacking the Daily Bugle demanding surprise surprise, Spider-Man! Now this isn’t a scene we haven’t seen many times before but it still doesn’t lose its punch. Norman Osborn is just a bastard here, which is how he always should be. We get him decked out in classic Goblin gear with no special upgrades. Nope just his menacing self. Since it is public knowledge that Peter knows Spider-Man he runs off to get him and there is when things get GOOD. I won’t spoil it here but we also get the first battle between Spidey and the Red Goblin and it is awesome. The rest of the issue leaves Peter with an impossible choice. Aren’t those the best kind?? I cannot wait for the next issue and Stuart Immonens art just keeps getting better. Score: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

Batman #44 (DC Comics)** – Well, whaddya know. Once again Tom King shows he’s more than capable of a perfectly good one-off issue after yet another absolutely lackluster multi-parter. Mikel Janin and Joelle Jones both do superb work with their respective segments of the story, and the flashback sequences are endearing while the present-day Catwoman yarn feels very true to form. I swear, just when you’re ready to drop this book, along comes a reason to stick it out just a little bit longer. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Ringside #15 (Image)** – Joe Keatinge and Nick Barber provide a thoroughly satisfying and emotionally resonant epilogue-style finish to their decidedly up-and-down wrestling series that should more than satisfy those few of us stuck it out to the end. Barber’s art looks better here than at any time since the first few issues, while Keatinge’s script is BM_Cv44simple, straightforward, and undoubtedly effective. This book never found a consistent voice, but it’s nice to see it go out on a high note. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Black Bolt #12 (Marvel)** – On the subject of great finales, Saladin Ahmed and Christian Ward absolutely nail this one. All loose ends are tied up, there’s plenty of action, and emotional reunions rule the day. One can argue that Ahmed doesn’t really surprise us with anything on offer in this comic, but that’s okay with me if it works context with all that has come before, which this certainly does — and Ward gives us some spectacular pages to gawk over endlessly, truly finishing with a flourish. I’m definitely going to miss this series. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles #4 (DC)** – Mark Russell and Mike Feehan just keep getting better as this six-parter goes along, with a creepy-ass story focused on nuclear testing taking center stage (left?) this time out and Huckleberry Hound splitting time with our protagonist as both their respective “arcs” propel toward potentially-catastrophic (but let’s hope not) turning points. Feehan’s art this time out reminds me more than a bit of Jacen Burrows’ superb work on “Providence” — and come to think of it, Russell’s script has a touch of Alan Moore to it, as well. The only drawback? Once again, Brandee Stilwell’s “Sasquatch Detective” back-up strip is a complete and utter waste. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Jon

Batman #44 (DC) While I’m not ready to join the legions of readers who have anointed Tom King as DC’s best writer, I think I finally saw a bit of what people are talking about with this issue. King does a really nice job of using the medium to full effect as he cuts between flashbacks to Batman and Cat Woman’s past antagonism with Selina taking in a CYB_Cv21little…unorthodox wedding dress shopping. It shows a great grasp of both characters. The extensive use of time code is inspired as it tells the read exactly how much time has elapsed between each panel. It’s also a good standalone issue that anyone who is familiar with the characters (and who doesn’t know Batman & Cat Woman at this point?) should be able to read and enjoy. Michael Janin’s art is amazing as always. Score: 7. Recommendation: Buy.

Cyborg #21 (DC): I get why DC has been trying to raise Cyborg’s profile ever since the start of the New 52. Representation in comics is important and Cyborg is probably DC’s most iconic character of color who isn’t part of a legacy (though Static certainly comes close). Unfortunately this issue does Vic Stone no favors. It’s not like this issue is bad…but its not memorable at all. Even now less than a week after I read I’m struggling to remember what happened. There are mechanical suits and an evil samurai guy but I don’t give a good god damn about any of it, the title character least of all. Marv Wolfman and Tom Derenick are two of the best creators around. They should be doing more with their talent than producing a book that reads like the reheated leftovers of Big Hero 6. Rating: 5. Recommendation: Pass.

Isola #1 (Image): I’ve been anticipating this book since I first found out about it shortly before I started to review comics for Graphic Policy and I’m glad to say it doesn’t disappoint. This first issue sets up a mystery in a fantasy world. Who is the young warrior who serves as our focal point and her constant companion, a green tiger named Olwyn?

Writer Brenden Fletcher does a fine job of interweaving the visual elements of the story with the verbal. The dialog is tightly written and serves to explain just enough that we want to know more but are never confused. Karl Kerschl’s art is great, with a style that is reminiscent of traditional manga but layouts that will be more comfortable for readers of western comics. I was also struck by Aditya Bidikar’s lettering which does a nice job of capturing the character of a tiger’s voice. Isola is a helluva ride and I’m in it for the duration. Rating: 9. Recommendation: Buy.

Logan

Justice League #42 (DC)– Priest’s run on JL has all the action of a superhero comic and the smarts of a political thriller plus sleek and occasionally gory visuals from Pete Woods. In issue 42, the JL intervene in a battle between the African dictator Red Lion and JUSTL_Cv42rebels against his regime to save some refugees. But Wonder Woman ends up getting injured, and the League is played for patsies. Priest introduces Deathstroke as a take no prisoners wild card in this issue , and it’ll be interesting to see if the JL keeps twiddling their thumbs while he’s out head shotting villains. This series is really a fantastic mix of real world issues and fantastic abilities plus Priest shows why Cyborg makes a great JL leader Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Runaways #8 (Marvel)– Rainbow Rowell sidelines the Molly Hayes’ creepy BFF plot for Karolina’s girlfriend Julie Power coming to town, and Dr Doom randomly showing up. I love the conversations between Julie and Molly as she is a little wistful for a time when good and evil was a little less complex. The fight is a little random, but guest colorist Triona Farrell gets to show off her Lite Brite skills with Karolina and Julie’s powers. Plus Kris Anka digs into Nico’s painful relationship with the Staff of One as she isolates herself from the group in the middle of battle. He also draws cute crop tops and nails the Power Pack’s original design in Molly’s poster. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Read

Shean

Rise of the Black Panther #4(Marvel)- In this issue, we find a weary warrior, as T’Challa and Sheridan find a long lost Wakandan, Njakada. Meanwhile, Doctor Doom looks to take over the Throne of Wakanda, but summons T’Challa to Latveria for a mysterious conference. Here the royal siblings attempt to uncover the real reason Doom brought them there. By issue’s end, they find out betrayal is knocking at their front door, in the shape of either the White Wolf or Njakada, as the next issue gets us closer to the answer.
Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

 I Hate Fairyland #18 (Image)** – If I have to have a Gert-less story, then I will definitely take one where Duncan Dragon and Larry team up on a quest to get her back. It’s still a bit placeholder-y for me, I like my Fairyland stories fast and furious with lots of skewering, but this one isn’t too bad. I do think that Skottie Young is ill-served by plot and hope that once he gets himself out of the box he’s put himself in he’ll get back to delivering sheer mayhem. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Buy.

SexCriminals_23-1Sex Criminals #23 (Image)** – Fraction and Zdarsky are not helping themselves when they get all clever and jokey-jokey. At this point, Sexcrims is far more interesting as a meditation on sex and human relationships than as a heist or revenge story. As someone who is also prone to covering up real emotion with sharp wit, I recognize everything they’re doing with a heavy sigh. And then there’s just Suzie in the art gallery in the last panel of page 26 and it’s so simple it breaks my heart. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Buy 

Koshchei the Deathless #4 (Dark Horse)** – Pride is indeed a terrible thing, and in this installment of Koshchei’s dark tale we get a taste of the price he pays. Mike Mignola and Ben Stenbeck keep chugging along in a solid and satisfying Russian style, like vodka and black bread: nothing surprising, but in the right company a fine way to pass the time. Kudos to Stenbeck for not making K’s sorceress love stereotypically hot & sexy. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

X-Men: Grand Design Marvel Treasury Edition #1 (Marvel)** – In which Ed Piskor attempts to construct a unified theory of the X-Men. I am a sucker for exactly this type of thing (back in the day, I loved the idea of Marvel Saga), and I love the Treasury size (one of my earliest comics purchases was the Famous First Edition version of Bat Man #1) and I loved the first run of What If? So I was pretty much sold as soon as this thing popped into existence and I saw the Watcher on page 1. What surprised me was how effectively and charmingly Piskor incorporated all the bonkers 90’s stuff right from the beginning, and using the Phoenix Force as the cosmic thread binding this stuff together in the background is pure genius. As a kid collecting comics, I was never quite sure what to make of the Roy Thomas/Neal Adams run, but these days I kind of love its go-for-broke-ness, and Piskor does a great job bringing that to the table. I will be a bit of a contrarian and say that I don’t think the artificial newsprint-yellowing does for this what it did for Hip-Hop Family Tree: X-Men Grand Design is plenty, plenty comicbooky already. A super fun love letter. Overall: 9 Recommendation: don’t ask, just buy!

 

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

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 (**).

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 3/31

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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.

CyberForce2018_01-1Jon

Cyber Force #1 (Image/Top Cow) This is the most approachable entry into the Top Cow universe I’ve ever seen. It assumes no familiarity with the characters or continuity and instead builds up an intriguing if not particularly original story that suffers a bit from falling over a couple tropes that could do with a permanent retirement. It’s nice to see Top Cow finally move away from its house style which was honestly starting to feel a bit long in the tooth. Atlio Rojo’s pencils are refreshingly clean and free of cheesecake. I don’t know how the Top Cow faithful will respond to this revision, but I plan on coming back next month. Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Alex

Dark Nights Metal #6 (DC) I can’t help but shake the feeling that this could have been great. It could have been an amazing story, but it wasn’t. Instead we got a disjointed six issue miniseries with some amazing moments set between average – at best – stretches DNMETAL_Cv6_Lee_varwhere you risk falling deeper into indifference. For a series with such promise, the conclusion is largely forgettable. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Pass

Doomsday Clock #4 (DC) A much better read than I expected going into it, we get a bit more insight into the new Rorschach, and a comic that elevates the overall quality of the series so far. That said, this isn’t going to make much sense if you haven’t read the other three issues, but if you have you’ll be happy with this Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Logan

Dark Nights Metal #6 (DC)– Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo absolutely gonzo event comic culminates in a Plastic Man stretching, Joker dragon riding heavy metal thunder. Sure, most of the book is a giant beat ’em up, but it’s nice to have some light and hope and even humor after treading some grimdark waters. Capullo channels some of his best Batman work in an intimate Mano a mano between the Dark Knight and his Dark multiverse counterpart. And the conclusion of this story leaves the DC multiverse open for more fun adventures and heroic team-ups. Bravo, Snyder, Capullo, and letterer Clem Robins , who adds to Barbatos’ menace, for understanding that the DC multiverse is place of wonder, adventure, and above all, friendship between heroes. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Daredevil #600 (Marvel)- Charles Soule’s plot has plenty of twists and turns, and Ron Garney turns in all kinds of compelling setpieces from a group brawl between the Defenders and NYC’s crime lords to dark, intimate one on one battles between Muse DAREDEVIL #600 1and Blindspot and Kingpin and Daredevil. Soule writes Wilson Fisk as the ultimate chess master, who takes out both his vigilante and villain rivals in one fell swoop before he’s taken surprise in a sequence from Garney that is straight out of a Kurosawa film. This issue connects the plot where Daredevil made a deal with the Hand to get his sidekick, Blindspot’s sight back to Wilson Fisk running NYC in a perfectly legal way and upends the status quo once again. As an actual lawyer, Soule’s run on Daredevil has been all about the vigilante/lawyer’s connection to the legal system, and that also includes blood oaths to death cults. And if this comic couldn’t get any better, Christos Gage and Mike Perkins craft a heartwarming backup showing Matt Murdock and Daredevil’s life from the POV of his best friend/bullshit detector, Foggy Nelson Overall: 9.8 Verdict: Buy

Mother Panic Gotham AD #1 (DC/Young Animal) Trade out the cyberpunk for Victorian decay and an aging Bruce for a homeless, broken Joker, and you’ve got Jody Houser and Ibrahim Moustafa’s Mother Panic Gotham AD. After the events of Milk Wars, Violet and her new hyperviolent sidekick Rosie are in a new Gotham controlled by the Collective (The organization that tortured and ran tests on her.) and looking for a purpose. Moustafa’s art is sharp and unrelenting like Mother Panic herself, but the book lacks a mystery/revenge hook like the previous volume. In fact, the backup story by Houser and a fantastic Pauline Ganucheau does a much better job establishing the series’ villain as a “New Gotham” advertising meeting goes from an Americana-tinged ode to gentrification to geysers of blood. But Houser and Moustafa’s compelling take on the Joker and stripped down no money or toys version of Violet’s crime war make this worth a look Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Read

Ryan C

Black Panther #171 (Marvel)** – It’s too bad Marvel isn’t capitalizing on the success of the “Black Panther” film with an accessible — not to mention good — storyline in the comic of the same name, but as is, we’re approaching the conclusion of the 13-part, and Moon_Knight_Vol_1_193decidedly mediocre, “Avengers Of The New World.” This penultimate segment tries its best to be jaw-dropping, but as is, the revelation that the “big bad” is actually a little-used, and decidedly third-tier, villain makes the whole thing barely seem consequential, let alone explosive — and Leonard Kirk’s art matches Ta-Nehisi Coates’ script blow-for-blow in the mediocrity department. Overall: 2.5 Recommendation: Pass

Moon Knight # 193 (Marvel)** – Max Bemis and Jacen Burrows put the wraps on their opening “Crazy Runs In The Family” story arc with a conclusion that seems rushed and anti-climactic, and the idea that Marc Spector has special powers in his DID “craziness” was done earlier, and far better, by Grant Morrison and Richard Case with the far-more-sympathetic character of Crazy Jane in their groundbreaking “Doom Patrol” run. Burrows elevates the proceedings with his crisp and fluid art that really shines during the extended fight scene that eats up most of this issue, but Bemis story is just completely flat, uninvolving, and too conveniently-resolved for its own good. Overall: 4.5 Recommendation: Pass

The Demon: Hell Is Earth #5 (DC)** – Andrew Constant and Brad Walker have one issue to go in their Etrigan mini-series, and for the life of me I can’t figure out how this comic went off the rails so quickly. The first chapter was intriguing, inventive, and offered a fresh take on Jason Blood and his demon “brother,” but it devolved into a rather standard-issue magical dust-up in no time flat, and this installment continues the downward trend. The fate of the entire world is at stake, but somehow this story feels like it’s limping toward the finish line. The art’s brash and dynamic and fun, but that’s really all this book has going for it. Overall: 4. Recommendation: Pass

The Ruff And Reddy Show #6 (DC)** – Howard Chaykin and Mac Rey continue DC’s trend of doing some really fun and interesting things with their licensed Hanna-Barbera line, and now that this brutal take-down of Hollywood’s shallowness and stupidity is over, I’m actually going to miss it. Chaykin’s satirical script is about as far from subtle as you can imagine, but it’s spot-on and smart, and Rey’s animation cel-style art is pure eye candy. Everything ends on a more-than-satisfactory-note, with the door left open for a future mini-series, not that I expect that to happen. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Shean

Old Man Hawkeye #3 (Marvel) We catch up with Clint as he settles old scores, and often finds broken old friends. We also find Bullseye with a razor sharp focus on Hawkeye, as Old_Man_Hawkeye_Vol_1_3he foregoes his responsibilities as Marshall to take out Clint. Before long, Clint finds a shell of a hero in Atlas, as a belittled sideshow freak. By issue’s end, he shows his old friend a mercy but one that will cost him. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Damnation Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider #1 (Marvel) Right when Johnny Blaze makes the ultimate sacrifice, fans find him to have survived the fall and separated from his Spirit Of Vengeance side. As him and his Spirit side fight their way through Hell, they both understand the stakes as they’re recruit a bunch of wayward criminals to finish off Mephisto. As they closer, many obstacles lay along the fault lines of redemption and retribution for Johnny and Ghost Rider. By book’s end, Ghost Rider sits on the Throne Of Hell and the world is not the same. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

Black Magick #11 (Image)** – It’s one thing to write a series where police officer Rowan Black is a witch with more or less real-world Wiccan practices. But it’s another thing when actual magickal powers (or should that be, Powers) start to show up. i can’t lie: I’m a bit disappointed to see Rowan being revealed as a magical Chosen One with Great Power If She Ever Lets Herself Use It. It reduces what had been, for me, an interesting and original mix of police procedural and fantasy to a very well-worn trope. I’ll stick around for the third arc to see where it goes, because Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott have been doing great work. But this conclusion of the second arc kind of let me down. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

infinity 8 Infinity 8 #1 (Lion Forge) – I’ve been reading this series in the original French, so I was curious to see it (and share!) in English. Lewis Trondheim is always good for an interesting take on genre. Here, the deal is this: a spaceliner runs across a giant mausoleum. The captain of the liner has the ability to open a new timeline 8 hours long to sandbox the investigation. Then they can either stay in that timeline or reboot. The captain can do this 8 times. So off we go! Agent Yoko Karen just wants to get herself knocked up by a worth donor so she can retire early. But the discovery of the mysterious mausoleum puts a damper on those plans. Meanwhile, to the scavenger Kornalien species, all those dead bodies means a feast for the ages. Infinity 8 is light and fun, and it’s interesting to see in actual American comic book form (where the French album is divided into three issues). Trondheim & Zep’s script is fast and loose, Jeremy Melloul’s translation is spot on, and Dominique Bertail’s art would not be out of place in an early 80’s issue of Heavy Metal. Nothing earth-shattering, but definitely a good time. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

 Come Into Me #1 (Black Mask) – As The Dregs was one of my favourite comics last year, I was looking forward to something new from writers Zac Thompson & Lonnie Nadler. If, like me, you’re a fan of David Cronenberg, you’ll need to get on this. It has the scientist with a God complex, the Toronto setting, and the horror of a new kind of flesh – in this case, the social flesh. Dr. Sebastian Quinn is working on a method to transfer consciousness from one body to another. Becky wants to experience this just to see how far she can go in terms of sharing the flesh, and she’ll pay good money to do it. I’ll be damned if the script doesn’t feel exactly like 80’s Cronenberg, in all the best possible ways. Piotr Kowalski’s art is pretty standard, but there’s something vaguely unsettling about the sketchiness of his inks, like the human beings in the forefront aren’t quite real yet. I’ll be following this. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

 

 

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!

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 (**).

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