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

All-Star Batman (DC)** I don’t know if it’s because the other Batman centric books have become so intertwined with each other lately that you need to read more than just the one to be able to get the full picture, or that Scott Snyder is a level above the other Batman writers (to be fair to them, Snyder has been writing Batman for a long time – for a good reason), but every time I pick up an issue of All-Star Batman I wonder why I’m still reading the other Bat-books. If you’re a fan of the Batman, you need to be reading this series. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Black #2 (Back Mask) Despite a legitimately fantastic concept,the second issue fails to impress – no matter how much I want it to. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass

Brigands #1 (Action Lab) Uh… so I don’t know if this is a one shot or the start to a new series (there’s the word end at the end of the comic which implies a one shot). If it’s a one shot, then honestly you’re better off leaving this on the shelf because the interesting premise peters out pretty quickly into an at best mediocre finale. However, if it’s the start of a series, it’s worth keeping your eye on it because there’s a lot of potential here. Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Pass/Read depending on if there’s an issue #2

Clone Conspiracy #2 (Marvel) The problem with crossover events when you haven’t been reading the build up is that inevitably you’re going to feel a little lost. The first issue of this comic means very little to the events here aside from how Spider-Man ended up where he starts out in #2; you will feel a bit lost if you haven’t been reading at least one Spider-book before starting this. But hey, Scarlet Spider’s back, so that’s always a plus for me. Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read.

Namesake #1 (Boom! Studios) There’s something about this first issue that encourages a second read through, and once you’ve done that then you’ll find the comic opens itself up to you that much more. A solid first issue – keep your eye out for this. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

The Paybacks #4 (Heavy Metal) Holy. Shit. Absolutely amazing. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Red Hood And The Outlaws #4 (DC) This is a sleeper hit for me. I never think of how much I’ve been enjoying the comic until I start reading it; seeing Red Hood inhabit the grey area of an anti-hero’s role has been fantastic, just as his struggle to find which side of the line he falls on. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Revolution #4 (IDW) Shit is finally hitting the fan, and it’s a gloriously chaotic comic that demands at least a second reading just to understand the flow of the conflict. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read

Solo #2 (Marvel) If you like your comics to a like a popcorn action movie, then you’re going to like this- but if you don’t then this may not be your cup of tea (and no, you don’t need to read issue #1). Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Joe

Invincible Iron Man #1 (Marvel) – After such a downer of an event (so far) with Civil War II, and my doubt that it gets fun or cheery anytime soon, I am looking forward to more fun books like Champions. I would say this book for the most part fits into that category as well. That’s not to say there isn’t a dark and sad moment or two, but for the most part we get to see a super genius child get into super hero armor and have some fun. She is overwhelmed, and trying to figure out how to live in the giant legacy of Tony Stark, but it felt fun and authentic to me. I like Riri as a character so far, and I enjoy how they play with the social awkwardness of someone so smart that it is hard for her to speak with normal everyday people. The ending has a nice tie-in to the Infamous Iron Man book a little, and I want to see where this goes. I am dying for her to meet Doom, and we all know that is coming eventually. Bendis is at his best on solo titles, and I hope this will be another hit. The art by Stefano Caselli was also very well done. Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1 (Marvel) – This was a fun read and is perfect for a miniseries. It is obvious the series is taking a jab at the controversial story in Spidey’s past where he and Mary Jane are no longer married in the Marvel universe. In this short series, we take a look at what could have been and also give the couple a child, Annie. Then we get to see all three of them with powers fighting crime together. I enjoyed the art by Ryan Stegman, and the design of Mary Jane’s and Annie’s costumes. There was some fun and cute moments between Peter, MJ, and Annie. Overall this was a solid book. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Doom Patrol #3 (Young Animal) – I wasn’t sure how I felt about the first Doom Patrol issue, although I did love something about it. I had a feeling it was going somewhere, and whether it was the amazing art by Nick Derington, or the hints at bigger things inside this weird book by Gerard Way, I decided I wanted to keep reading it. I did just that with the second issue, and I liked the book even more. The introduction of the other characters made this weird book already weirder, but still better. I really enjoy how deep this book gets with its own ridiculousness, and this issue goes even further down that path. I highly recommend this book, and am excited to read it every month. Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Patrick

Casanova #7 (Image) – Ever have one of those days where stuff is happening that’s supposed to be superdramatic, but you’re so far beyond caring? I think the danger of having a story that circles around the idea of Acedia, the Deadly Sin of sloth, is that at least one reader just gets beyond caring about your characters. In this issue, there are revelations, sudden screeches to a halt, and explosions – all carried out with brilliant style by Fraction and Moon – but missing dramatic depth. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: keep reading if you’ve come this far (also, continue to drool over Fabio Moon’s delicious artwork).

Ryan C

Invincible Iron Man #1 (Marvel)** – Another ho-hum intro to Brian Michael Bendis’ two “new” Iron “Men,” Riri Williams seems like an interesting enough character, but not because of anything that happens in this uninspired half-slugfest/half-slow-burn-origin story. Stefano Caselli’s art is serviceable but generic, and that sums up the script fairly succinctly, as well. Overall: 3. Recommendation: Pass.

Doom Patrol #3 (DC/Young Animal)** – Gerard Way and Nick Derington continue their surreal re-introduction of “The World’s Strangest Super-Heroes,” this time going a bit heavy on the info-dumping and explicit references to the Grant Morrison/Richard Case years, but at least managing to do so in a highly original, downright “gonzo” manner. This issue will probably prove to be a bit alienating to anyone who isn’t familiar with ’90s-era DP, but what the hell? I still enjoyed the heck out of it, warts and all. Overall: 7.5. Recommendation: Read.

Glitterbomb #3 (Image)** – After taking a step back and catching a breath with their second issue, Jim Zub and Djibril Morissette-Phan put their foot firmly back on the gas this time out as our “heroine” (and the creature inside her) take delicious revenge on a William Shatner stand-in who’s clearly got it coming, and set the stage for how she’s going to climb back to the top of the Hollywood ladder. Deliciously creepy shit here, folks. Overall: 9. Recommendation: Buy.

Black #2 (Black Mask)** – I still WANT to like this comic more than I ACTUALLY do, and odds are that’s going to be a short-lived problem since I’m only prepared to give this maybe one more issue. Jamal Igle’s art is more than competent (although he’s got plenty of help this time out with tones and inks and unspecified ‘art assists’ — and all these contributors are barely credited), but Kwanza Osajyefo’s script, while making some crucial steps forward plot-wise, is filled with almost comically hackneyed dialogue, and “designer” Tim Smith 3 contributes nothing that I can see to warrant co-ownership of the book. The workers are carrying all the weight here while the top dogs hold the copyright and stand to reap all the rewards if this thing hits the big-time. Exploitative capitalism at its finest, disguised as a “revolutionary” comic? That’s a con Trump himself would be proud of. Overall: 2. Recommendation: Pass.

Shean

Black Panther: World of Wakanda#1 (Marvel):Black Panther’s Dora Milaje , at first glance seems to be a super version of the Secret Service but thanks to Coates recent run , the world is getting a more intimate view of their inner workings. Now Roxanne Gay and Afua Richardson are giving readers a ground floor tour of what it takes to be a sacred guard. In what starts out as a scene from Full Metal Jacket becomes a complex episode of Quantico , just with more story development. By issue’s end, there is a few internal rivalry, a budding romance and a war with Namor. Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Violent Love#1 (Image): When it comes to world of crime, the many famous legends that permeates the public consciousness, there is none more infamous and romantic than Bonnie and Clyde. What never really gets discussed is their origins , how they starlit doing these heinous acts . In this story, Barbiere attempts to tell a story similar, with the introduction of Daisy Jane and Rock Bradley. We follow these star crossed lovers as they create mayhem everywhere they go. By issue’s end, you will either be repulsed by them or be rooting for them. Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Buy

 

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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 (**).