Suicide Risk #1

Super-powered people are inexplicably rising from the streets and there’s a big problem: Too many supervillains, not enough superheroes. Heroes are dying, and cops are dying twofold. Humanity is under-powered and good people are suffering untold tragedies trying to stem the flow. Beat cop Leo Winters is one of those struggling to make a difference. And the answer just might come in the form of two lowlifes with a dark secret.

I’ve enjoyed Mike Carey’s previous work on X-Men and The Unwritten so his name on a new series immediately catches my interest. When I heard this was about a cop thrown into a world of superheroes and supervillains my mouth salivated a bit. To few comics where we get to see the impact of having these powered individuals running around on the average person. The concept of cops dealing with the issue is underused and one I’ve wanted more of since Gotham Central.

I cracked open this first issue and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. The comic has not only action and what feels like real world stakes, it also includes more than enough to make these characters actual people. They aren’t stereotypes, they’re fleshed out characters with families, relationships and feelings.

A first issue is supposed to hook you in and want you to come back for more. It’s supposed to get you interested in the world, entertain and give you some idea as to what’s going on. This one does so and more. I felt like I was reading an awesome pilot for a television series that should be made (but never will since good ideas like this don’t make it on tv). I love the idea of Law & Order mashed together with capes and powers. This seems to be it.

I’m not sure this will replace Gotham Central, but with the first issue, it seems like it might be a worthy successor.

Story: Mike Carey Art: Elena Casagrande
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Bravest Warriors #8

The most nefarious force in the universe has finally followed through with its plan to steal brains through an alien beauty pageant! Can the Warriors stop it with POWER and RESPECT? The final issue of the arc, and the final Nick Edwards connecting B cover!

How much can I praise Bravest Warriors? Eight issues in, and I find myself laughing with each and everyone. Just when I think it can’t get funnier, it gets weirder… and funnier. While the art might make you think this is a series aimed at kids, its humor is subversive and actually adult. The comic is one of a growing amount of stories aimed not just at kids, but also their parents.

This issue is the final of the latest story arc involving stealing brains and a beauty pageant. It’s conclusion is just out there and crazy and I loved every minute of it.

I can only describe the issue and series as an action-comedy, with this one leaning more on the side of punching of faces.

We not only get the end of this story arc, but a back-up story that’s just as out there and shows how the series blends humor for both adults and kids as it can be taken and enjoyed in numerous ways.

Mop!

Story: Joey Comeau Art: Mike Holmes
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Supurbia #7

Tia and Batu battle the Daughters of Bright Moon as they attempt to escape Mongolia… Helen’s corruption of Sara reaches a turning point… Hector Hunt’s devious jailbreak is enacted during the chaos of the Weapons Expo… And Gio uncovers secrets that stretch all the way back to Supurbia Vol.1 #1!

I’ve never been much of a fan of soap operas. Where lots of my friends in college and after still dig the daytime soaps or their night-time cousins, it’s never been my thing. I can say though, I’m a huge fan of this comic series which is a soap opera with tights and powers.

Writer Grace Randolph has been building the series and dropping reveals and bombs like you’d expect on your favorite television shows. Its pacing and storylines are fun and entertaining, you never know what will happen next.

Sex, violence, double crosses, cheating, family issues, fighting, it’s all here, just like the classic soaps. This issue has things that reference the first volume which seems like it was ages ago. Something that’s great for long-time readers and shows that Randolph isn’t in any hurry to rush through storylines.

I’ve been championing this series since its first volume which launched a fresh idea in a fun package. This second volume has taken that ball and run with it. Do yourself a favor and pick up the first volume if you haven’t, I guarantee you’ll be hooked. It’s not too late to dive in and get into this capes and tights series that mixes action with drama.

Story: Grace Randolph Art:  Russell Dauterman
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review