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.

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Alex

Batman #2 (DC)* Not as good as the last, but that was kind of expected. Far from a bad issue, we got a little more story building here that’s bound to pay off later, plus some of the interesting nods to previous Batman offerings. Plus there’s also a fantastic engagement with Solomon Grundy this issue.  Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Moon Knight #4 (Marvel)* I didn’t expect much out of this comic, and it didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t a great comic, but it wasn’t bad either. I think I’m unfairly comparing it to the previous series, perhaps because of the similar art style, but this series just isn’t measuring up just yet. I’ll stick with it, because of the creative team and the character, for a few more issues, but it’s not as good as I hoped it’d  be. My socks have remainedd firmly on my feet, as they (don’t) say. Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Read

Superman #2 (DC)* A heart warming story that highlights the kind of man, and father, Superman is. It’s a new (to me) role for the character, and one I’m eager to see more of in the future. The two part opening to this series was fantastic, and what’ll happen next could prove to be somewhat interesting. It’s definitely worth checking out at least the first two issues of the series, however, regardless of whether you stick around beyond that. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Brett

Black Science #22 (Image Comics) – Each issue is lots of fun as they introduce us to new worlds and over the top situations. It just brings a fun vibe about it all and this issue gives us even more to stare at with awe. This is a series where anything can happen, and it does. Overall Rating: 8.1 Recommendation: Read

Chapterhouse Summer Special 2016 (Chapterhosue Comics) – A nice sampling of Chapterhouse’s offerings and a new story involving Captain Canuck. It’s a nice nod and love letter to Canada and fans wanting to see what other quality comics are out there should check this one out. Overall Rating: 7.95 Recommendation: Buy

The Fix #4 (Image Comics) – Just as awesome as I’d expect. One of the funniest and entertaining comics out there. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Kim and Kim #1 (Black Mask Studios) – Talk about a comic where anything can happen. This one shows how diversity can work and I’m talking more than just characters. Fantastic and fun. Overall Rating: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

Nailbiter #23 (Image Comics) – We’re getting so close to finding out what exactly is going on. Aaaargh! I want to know, but I also kind of don’t. If you’re a horror fan or enjoy serial killer stories, absolutely check this series out, but best to start at the beginning. Overall Rating: 8.6 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

Stray Bullets #16 (Image/El Capitan)** – So this one basically takes place entirely in one motel room and its parking lot. Our gang is on the run from the mobsters they’ve just ripped off and in true David Lapham style that goes pretty well/totally awfully. Lapham’s sense of pacing and timing is absolutely extraordinary, and he is a master of noir with the light on. He also, unlike any other comics writer I know, is uncannily able to set up an idea at the beginning of a story, take it down a dark alley, beat the shit out of it, and still have the bloody thing come back in the most unexpected way. Love it. Overall 10. Recommendation: buy already!

Black Science #22 (Image)** – I’m just jumping on here, with a new story beginning (side note: can we agree to stop calling these damn things arcs like a bunch of “save the cat” hack scriptwriters? Kthxbai). I’m a big sucker for alternate world stories, so I was intrigued. Scalera and Dinisio’s art is fun and expressive and colorful and worth looking at. But Rick Remender’s script was up and down for me. I like the action and the overall plot, and I love how far series lead Grant McKay’s head is up his ass. But when a character has apparently zero redeeming qualities I expect him to work a lot harder for every little victory. I’ll see where this one goes. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Kaijumax season 2 #3 (Oni Press) – After last issue’s brutal ending, we step back and ponder the consequences, thanks to the arrival of old-school Dr. Matsumoto to talk budget. A total treat to go back to her black-and-white monster-fighting childhood, and Zander Cannon’s work here just has the hugest heart (even if it is encased in a giant radioactive turtle). Just lovely. Overall: 9 Recommendation: buy

Ryan C

Midnight Of The Soul #2 (Image)** — There’s no master like an old master, and Howard Chaykin is still comics’ pre-eminent flame-keeper for the old pulp/noir tradition. His lead character in this series has considerably more depth than we’re accustomed to in modern comics storytelling, and is also considerably less likable than your average protagonist, but you can’t help but feel that the more completely out of his depth he gets, the uglier his final come-uppance is going to be. Get in on this one now and watch Chaykin conduct a visual storytelling clinic with an ease most young creators would flat-out envy. Overall: 8.5. Recommendation: Buy

The Fix #4 (Image)**: My antipathy toward Nick Spencer notwithstanding, I have to begrudingly admit the guy can write morally bankrupt fuck-up cons like no one else — and the fact that his two leads here are both cons and cops only doubles the fun. After forcusing pretty much on one of the partners alone last issue, the other guy gets his turn this time around and, as we’e already come to expect, dumb-shit madcap hilarity ensues. Probably the comic that will put the biggest smile on your face this week, and Steve Lieber’s art remains stellar. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Buy

Batman #2 (DC)*: A modest improvement over last issue, but I still think we’re entitled to expect more out of the Tom King/David Finch team than we’re getting. A poorly-paced, seemingly-out-of-nowhere battle with Solomon Grundy kicks things off this time out, and then we get a few hints as to Batman’s shaky relationship with Gotham’s new dynamic duo. Nice character moments with Jim Gordon elevate the proceedings a bit, but not enough to make this anything more than a bog-standard superhero comic, and Finch’s art is dull “New 52”-style soulless hyper-realism. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass

The Woods #24 (Boom! Studios)**: Every time I think I could just as well drop James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas’ sci-fi-teenage-survial-melodrama, an issue like this comes along and reminds me why it’s still probably worth my time and money to stick around. A major character death puts an exclamation point on the end of “year two,” and some moving story “beats” coalesce to form one of the more successful installments in some time. Certainly not a “jumping-on point” of any sort for new readers. but folks who have been along for the ride will find plenty to like here. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Buy

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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 (**).