Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Inc. #1
“Snack Attacked!” by Ivan Cohen, Dario Brizuela, Franco Riesco, and Saida Temofonte
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Scooby and the gang must stop a group of monsters from shutting down the Scooby Snacks factory.
DC’s Digitial Firsts continues with the debut of new digital comic series! Beginning Thursday June 25, new series Titans: Titans Together, From Beyond the Unknown, Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Inc. and Ghosts, along with DC’s ongoing daily dose of Super Hero action, give fans even more choice of characters while expanding DC’s digital publishing line with original stories.
Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #8
“Obituary” by Van Jensen, Nick Robles, Dave Stewart, and Clayton Cowles
It’s a slow news day, and Clark’s been assigned obituary duty, but how can he write one for Superman?
“Deadline” by Van Jensen, Andie Tong, Will Quintana, and Clayton Cowles
Clark’s on a tight deadline covering a politician’s election campaign, but can he meet his deadline and expose the truth when he learns the politician is up to nefarious deeds?
Batman: Gotham Nights #10
“The Scent of Scorn” by John Arcudi, Andy Clarke, Dave Stewart, and Marshall Dillon
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The murder of a Gotham socialite sends Batman on a wild hunt to find the killer, but his most dangerous foes may not be the human ones…
Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace #7
“With Friends Like These” by Andrea Shea, Meghan Hetrick, Arif Prianto, and Travis Lanham
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Etta Candy is captured leading a mission for A.R.G.U.S. in Russia! Can Etta sway one of her captors to her side and secure the package or will this be the end of Agent Candy?!
Titans: Titans Together #1
“History Lessons” by Phil Hester, Scott Koblish, Tom Grummett, John Kalisz, and Marshall Dillon
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When one of Raven’s college professors goes missing, Nightwing is convinced the Titans should investigate. But the danger they uncover is far greater than one missing person—the fate of humanity is at stake, and only Beast Boy can save the day!
From Beyond the Unknown #1
“In Gloom” by Dave Wielgosz, Kenneth Rocafort, Daniel Brown, and Zakk Samm
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Green Lantern Hal Jordan is responsible for policing all of Space Sector 2814, but more often than not his attention is on his home planet, Earth. When the alien bounty hunter Bolphunga crashes to Earth pursued by a team of murderous vigilantes, Hal learns the truth: these rebels have taken justice into their own hands, and Hal himself has been found guilty!
Scooby-Doo!: Mystery Inc. #1
“Snack Attacked!” by Ivan Cohen, Dario Brizuela, Franco Riesco, and Saida Temofonte
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Scooby and the gang must stop a group of monsters from shutting down the Scooby Snacks factory.
Ghosts #1
“Shop of Nightmares” by Dan Jurgens, Scot Eaton, Wayne Faucher, Hi-Fi, and Travis Lanham
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Jim Corrigan tackles what appears to be a run-of-the-mill murder investigation, but when he discovers the supernatural is at play, it becomes a job for the Spectre.
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Three
Written by Tom Taylor
Pencils Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colored by Rex Lokus
Letted by Saida Temofonte
Cover by Francesco Mattina
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Wally West is the Fastest Man Alive…but will even HE be fast enough to save his city from the Anti-Life plague?! With the help of his fellow Speedsters including Impulse and Jesse Quick he’s going to give it his best shot!
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Three is every bit equal to the excellent second chapter. It’s a tearjerker of a story as the focus shifts to Wally West as he decides he wants to save as many individuals in Keystone as he can.
Writer Tom Taylor has been using each issue to deliver snippets of story with in the world of DCeased. With the Anti-Life Equation spreading, Taylor uses the digital format to focus on heroes and villains and their reaction to the apocalypse they face. It’s a fantastic use of the format as each digital issue is self-contained delivering a full story with explanations as to what’s happening. Even if you haven’t read DCeased, you can still enjoy each of these issues.
Some of that enjoyment is Taylor’s focus on the emotional punch. Each chapter has had a tragic aspect about them. This isn’t a happy series but instead will get you to utter “oh no” as each issue ends.
In this third chapter, Wally West does what he can to save as many as he can in his city. He enlists Jesse Quick, Max Mercury, and Impulse in his mission. There’s also danger as each would be a devastating addition to the zombie hordes and spread of the disease. We witness their futile effort to stop the spread knowing their efforts are for naught. We also get to see the heroes rise up to the challenge delivering an emotional roller coast of an issue that ends in a bittersweet way. Taylor plays the dramatic card to the border of sappy but in the end it works in a compact punch to the gut.
Carmine Di Giandomenico delivers some fantastic art along with color by Rex Lokus and lettering by Saida Temofonte. Each character looks so fantastic and the art pops in digital format. The colors really stand out on the screen and intelligently the team uses their limited pages in the best way they can. There’s not a focus on single page splashes, instead, we get interesting page layouts that deliver a sense of motion and bristles with the energy of those running around on the page. Until that last page which gives us all the emotional feels. As it’s digital, we get mostly square panels so the team really focuses on the framing of those panels giving us scenes from interesting angles and perspectives. All of it comes together to enhance that motion is at play here.
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Three helps cement this series as one of the best digital comics out there but also one of the best comics going right now. Each chapter can be enjoyed on their own while revealing bits about the bigger story. They’re also packed with emotion from joy to sadness from despair to hope. It’s an emotional ride that’s worth the money.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Color: Rex Lokus Letterer: Saida Temofonte
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Two
“Prelude to the Anti-Life War” by Tom Taylor, Renato Guedes, Rex Lokus, and Saida Temofonte
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Kahndaq, like every other country on Earth, suffered a similar fate in the early moments the Anti-Life Equation plague. Black Adam, however, had a very different response then the heroes of the Justice League!
Wow. Just wow. DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Two is a phenomenal issue that is full of tough choices and tragedy. The digital series shifts its focus on to Kahndaq and how Black Adam is dealing with the infection in his country. As a dictator, his action is swift, fierce, and tragic in many ways.
This digital series tells the story of some of what happened as the Anti-Life Equation sweeped the world creating a mass of destructive zombies. While heroes did what they could to save individuals, others took different routes and this is one of those tales.
Writer Tom Taylor delivers brutal action as Black Adam takes action not only shutting down a main path of transmission but also swiftly dealing with those infected and those that might be infected. It’s the actions of a dictator totally focused on logic and devoid of heart. Taylor delivers that aspect of heart as some of the world’s heroes plead with Black Adam to take in refugees and together they can help protect what’s left of humanity.
Taylor uses that to explore Black Adam’s actions and allows him to reflect upon his decision. In just a few pages we get to see a person reflect on their decisions and the impact. We see Black Adam question turning away help. It’s an interesting read as we not only reflect on the inept response to the spread of COVID-19 but also the brutal action being taken by elected officials and the police attacking protestors. It’s hard to not compare the entertainment and the reality.
The art by Renato Guedes is amazing. With color by Rex Lokus and lettering by Saida Temofonte, the art nails the tone of every scene. From the opening action, to a tense confrontation with other heroes, the art really captures the moment adding excitement, tension, and eventually sadness. The colors pop and lettering really captures the tone of each conversation and statement. This is a comic whose art, dialogue, and story is perfectly in sync.
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Two is an amazing second chapter that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. It’s beyond fantastic and a hit me out of left field. While some might be predictable, it doesn’t lessen the impact. This is an issue you can pick up and read on its own. It’ll suck you in and have you wanting more of this quality.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Renato Guedes
Color: Rex Lokus Letterer: Saida Temofonte
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle
DC’s Digital Firsts is packed next week with new chapters of DCeased: Hope at World’s End on Tuesday, June 2 and Batman: The Adventures Continue on Thursday, June 4. These new chapters, along with DC’s daily dose of Super Hero action, give fans even more choice of content while expanding DC’s digital publishing line with original stories.
DC Digital First comics are available from participating digital retailers, including ReadDC.com, Comixology, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and more.
World’s Finest: Batwoman and Supergirl #1
“Sister, Sister” by Margaret Stohl, Laura Braga, Arif Prianto, and Travis Lanham
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When a powerful alien weapon falls into the wrong hands, it will take the combined might of Batwoman and Supergirl together to save the city from the Religion of Crime!
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter Two
“Prelude to the Anti-Life War” by Tom Taylor, Renato Guedes, Rex Lokus, and Saida Temofonte
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Kahndaq, like every other country on Earth, suffered a similar fate in the early moments the Anti-Life Equation plague. Black Adam, however, had a very different response then the heroes of the Justice League!
Batman: Gotham Nights #7
“Unplanned Obsolescence” by Mark Russell, Ryan Benjamin, Richard Friend, Alex Sinclair, and Troy Peteri
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When Batman’s old nemesis Killer Moth is shot dead in an everyday burglary, the World’s Greatest Detective knows there must be more to the story. After all, this is one of Batman’s earliest foes, and if there’s anything Batman learned from those early fights, it’s that you always need a backup plan!
Harley Quinn: Make ’em Laugh #1
“Head Shrink” by Mark Russell, Laura Braga, Luis Guerrero, and Marshall Dillon
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It’s hard out there for a freelancer! Looking to make some quick cash, Harley takes on odd jobs in her many wheelhouses—therapizing bad guys, tracking down stolen art from the Gotham Art Museum…but when it turns out the thief has his own mental baggage to unpack, Harley’s got a real Thinker on her hands!
Batman: The Adventures Continue Chapter Five
“Mentors – Part III” by Alan Burnett, Paul Dini, Ty Templeton, Monica Kubina, and Joshua Reed
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Deathstroke and Robin face down Firefly, but can the two stand the heat after the firebug gets the upperhand? And who’s hired Deathstroke to take down the Dark Knight?
Aquaman: Deep Dives #7
“Stinging Tide – Finale” by Steve Orlando, V. Ken Marion, Sandu Florea, Andrew Dalhouse, and Wes Abbott
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The final showdown between Aquaman and Scorpio!
The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #7
“The Pied Piper’s Refrain” by Josh Trujillo, Andie Tong, Jordie Bellaire, and Rob Leigh
With Central City overrun by rodents, the Flash sets out to collar the obvious culprit—but is the Scarlet Speedster’s assumption about the Pied Piper correct?
“None of the Time in the World” by Jay Baruchel, Sumit Kumar, FCO Plascencia, and Rob Leigh
A radioactive beast runs rampant after an explosion at S.T.A.R. Labs. But is it man or monster, and can the Flash calm the creature before it destroys Central City?
Teen Titans Go! Booyah #2
“A Home in the Country” by Sholly Fisch, Philip Murphy, Franco Riesco, and Gabriela Downie
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Tired of the rules and regulations against totally normal things like foghorn-and-air-raid-siren parties, the Teen Titans take matters into their own hands—by starting a whole new country!
Swamp Thing: New Roots #7
“The Winter Quarters” by Phil Hester, Tom Mandrake, Hi-Fi, and Dave Sharpe
Deep in the bayou, Swamp Thing continues to follow the fifolet, despite not knowing the mysterious spirit’s ultimate destination. On his way he encounters a strange and powerful girl locked away in the swamp, with magical friends and a monster at her door.
“The Courser” by Phil Hester, Tom Mandrake, Hi-Fi, and Dave Sharpe
Come one, come all, and watch as the terrifying Swamp Thing attempts to rescue a young boy from the spellbinding snare of a cursed circus!
LIVEWIRE VOL. 3 CHAMPION (TPB)
Written by VITA AYALA
Art by TANA FORD, BRUNO OLIVERA
Colors by KELLY FITZPATRICK, RUTH REDMOND
Letters by SAIDA TEMOFONTE
Cover by RAÚL ALLÉN
On sale MAY 20 | 112 pages, full color | $14.99 US | T+
TRADE PAPERBACK | ISBN: 978-1-68215-354-3
What is the cost of freedom?
Wanted fugitive Livewire has been on the run for months from the authorities for shutting down the country’s power in an effort to protect people gifted with powers. Will a shocking offer to go public from a renowned local politician pull Livewire into a political spotlight?
Valiant’s breakout heroine fights to clear her name in the next electrifying volume from rising stars Vita Ayala (Prisoner X) and Tana Ford (Avengers)!
Collecting LIVEWIRE #9–12.
DCeased: Hope at World’s End is a surprise DC Digital First series. It takes place within the DCeased storyline (specifically within DCeased #5’s time jump). Its story will be told through fourteen chapters twice a month chronicling the fall of Earth. DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter 1 is a somber comic about the end and the heroes who tried to stop it. And with what’s going on in the real world, it feels rather odd.
This debut chapter is told from the perspective of Jimmy Olsen. He attempts to register what has happened with the spread of the Anti-Life Equation and the fall of the planet. From his perspective we see survives, the change, and watches the heroes do what they can. It’s hard to read this and not think of the news as a disease we can’t see stalks us all. It’s hard to read this and not think about the real-world heroes who are attempting to save us. And, it’s hard to read this and not think about the zombie-like masses who think nothing of themselves and attempt to drag society down with them.
It’s a case of bad timing for the series. It’s unknown when writer Tom Taylor began writing it but there’s an odd extreme reflection of what we see on the news or around us every day. The difference is, it’s clear that technology is the villain and you can see the infection here while the opposite holds true for both in our reality.
Taylor captures a somber tone. We witness the fall from Jimmy’s perspective and get a sense of what his mission is. It feels like running into battle knowing you won’t come out of it alive.
That sober reality is delivered beautifully by Dustin Nguyen‘s art with colors by Rex Lokus and lettering by Saida Temofonte. The team gives us an emotional roller coaster. They deliver the horror spreading and the reality of so many lives lost without going over the top. The faces of each character tells as much of the story as Taylor’s words. There’s also a solid use of not showing us much of the horror. Instead, our minds can fill in the gaps delivering the panic and fear of the story.
DCeased: Hope at World’s End Chapter 1 isn’t bad at all. It’s actually quite good. But, the timing of the release and some of what’s written echoes reality a bit too closely. It’s hard to take Superman as a serious hero when we have them front and center today. The escapism is marked by a dose of truth.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Dustin Nguyen
Color: Rex Lokus Letterer: Saida Temofonte
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
I wasn’t quite sure how I’d feel about diving back into a comic about an out of control disease and the survivors of the pandemic. While DCeased: Unkillables has given us a zombie from a villain view, there’s still something rather odd as we’re hunkered down. DCeased: Unkillables #3 wraps up this story arc delivering a satisfying, yet rushed, finale.
Writer Tom Taylor wraps up the latest chapter of the anti-life apocalypse with an issue that delivers an action-packed finale and one that could have used an extra issue. There’s a lot packed in with sequences that could have been issues by themselves. The sanctuary is being overrun by the unlife monsters and the survivors decide to head to Gotham and possible sanctuary.
The issue is mostly a road warrior trip dodging the dead and trying to survive and Taylor delivers some truly amazing moments within. There’s a sequence on the bus which is original and could have been an issue by itself, or an entire film by itself. It’s original horror and actually exciting.
But, that excitement is tempered in a way with each villain having their last stand to be heroes. The sequences are inspiring in some way but it has a feel of 37 different endings and a story that just won’t wrap up. That feel of multiple codas is enhanced with an almost poetic voice-over narrative and touching moments. If the brief exchange between Slade and Jason Todd doesn’t get you… It’s weirdly emotionally satisfying but also goes on in an odd pacing that does and does not reward the reader.
Karl Mostert packs a lot in for the art. There’s so much there to cover. Battle after battle, heroes, villains, and the anti-life dead all clamor for something. Mostert inks with Trevor Scott, Neil Edwards, and with colors by Rex Lokus. There’s some scenes that hit the emotional mark. One reveal is sure to satisfy. But, for every one of those, there are others where the image isn’t focused in. Instead, we’re given the big picture instead of the emotional close-up. It feels like the moments worthy of two-page spreads are never really given it. While the art at times is really cool, it never quite nails the excitement of what’s going on.
DCeased: Unkillables #3 is both a satisfying and unsatisfying end. There’s some great moments and a good sense of humor used but moments that really should have played out feel a bit rushed and the art never quite delivers the shock or the awe. It feels rushed in some ways with too much packed in and a finale that could have benefited from a fourth and final issue. As part of the overall story, it’s not bad, but on its own, it falls a bit short.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Karl Mostert
Ink: Trevor Scott, Neil Edwards, Karl Mostert
Color: Rex Lokus Letterer: Saida Temofonte
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
