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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Christopher

Dept H #19 (Dark Horse) Writer and Artist: Matt Kindt The story continues to merge in elements of the past, as the surviving crew arrives at the first many substations. Taking a much darker color scheme than previous issues. Creating a heavy atmosphere of desperation as the world may depend on the survival of the crew. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Joe

Batman #33 (DC) While a bit of a slow burn, I have enjoyed Tom King’s run on Batman, and this issue was no different. After the proposal was answered, we see Bruce and Selina in a far away land (I won’t spoil here), on a secret mission that has everyone more than a little worried. It’s a good set up, and a good addition to this series. Also, Joelle Jones is now on art for this arc, and it’s beautiful. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

The Mighty Thor #700 (Marvel) While there is a lot of awesome art from many of the great Thor artists, and Aaron writes and sets up more pieces to something bigger, I was hoping for something more. I don’t know if that’s on my expectations, but it is issue 700, and I don’t think it should have served as a set up comic, but something bigger. That being said, it’s still enjoyable and looks great. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Invincible Iron Man #593 (Marvel) Riri and Doom are both given plot threads that are sure to connect again soon. Ben still will never forgive Victor, and that makes sense. As for Riri, Amanda, and MJ, they have a company takeover to worry about, oh and that whole what happened to Tony business. There’s a pretty good cliffhanger at the end that sets things up nicely. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Cable #150 (Marvel) This is another nostalgic X-Book like Gold and Blue. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, I just found it to be a by the numbers, elbow nudging, hey remember this comic. We get Shatterstar, Longshot, Doop, and Cable looking into the death of an External. Brisson has done a solid job on Old Man Logan, and Iron Fist, so he’s shown he can do fun action quite well. If you’re looking for more 90s X-Force stuff, then look no further. Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Read

Logan

Batman #33 (DC) With sumptuous desert vistas and sultry glances between the newly engaged Batman and Catwoman, Joelle Jones with the help of colorist Jordie Bellaire immediately puts her mark on the Batman title. If you liked Tom King’s work with Tim Seeley on Grayson, this comic will especially make you smile as Batman and Catwoman go undercover while the Robins past and present crack wise at home about their former or current mentor’s descent into darkness. Jones has a great command over body language, and King has a killer sense of self-awareness about Batman’s relationship to his “family”. Batman #33 is worth a read to see Jason, Dick, Duke, and Damian’s reaction to Bruce’s engagement alone. Overall: 8.8 Recommendation: Buy

Ryan C

The Wild Storm #8 (DC/WildStorm)** An issue heavy on revelations that successfully eschews feeling like an “info dump.” Warren Ellis is definitely starting to tie his disparate threads into an increasingly-seamless whole, while Jon Davis-Hunt continues to just plain kill it on art. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Batman: The Drowned #1 (DC)** More dull “What If—?” re-imaginings of Batman, this time with a thoroughly mediocre Batman/Aquaman mash-up script from Mr. Assembly-Line himself, Dan Abnett, and thoroughly uninspired, “New 52”- esque art from Philip Tan and Tyler Kirkham. Four dollars of your money and 15 minutes of your time that you’ll never get back. Overall: 1 Recommendation: Pass

Batman #33 (DC)** Lavish and sumptuous art from Joelle Jones that oozes atmosphere from the page is almost enough — almost — to make you overlook yet another lackluster Tom King script. The interaction between Robins then and now (and hey, we’ve got a Duke Thomas sighting!) is fun, but the Bat/Cat relationship still reads as stiff and emotionless, and the story is clearly “de-compressed” to the point of feeling hopelessly padded. Shooting a horse at the outset is decidedly un-heroic, as well. Overall: 6 Recommendation: Read — or, more specifically, look at it. 

Luke Cage #166 (Marvel)  A reasonably topical and socially-conscious script from the always-reliable David F. Walker kicks off “Caged!,” a new arc that sees our hero back inside prison walls, but Guillermo Sanna’s art is sparse on detail and even downright lazy-looking in numerous panels. The storyline seems like it has the potential to be interesting, but if a $3.99 book doesn’t look good, I can’t in good conscience recommend buying it. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Pass

Shean

Black Panther Prelude #1 (Marvel) In anticipation for the upcoming movie, Marvel decided to release a Prelude, which usually takes place before the upcoming movie, thus one does a different take. The reader is actually taken back before Civil War. We are dropped in the middle of T’Challa struggling with his princely duties as T’Chaka is still alive in this book and his role as the Black Panther, his first meeting with Okoye, and some Wakandans are held hostage. By book’s end, one of the hostage takers has gotten their hands on some Vibranium bullets, and T’Challa might be outgunned. Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Buy

Deadpool Vs Old Man Logan#1 (Marvel) In the debut issue of what looks to monopolize on Marvel’s most popular characters, we find our heroes in the middle of New York. Deadpool literally bumps into Old Man Logan, where a chase/fight ensues riddled with a ton of jokes. Logan is on his way to help a young mutant while Wade is trying to make money. By issue’s end, Sentinel Services shows up, and both heroes must fight their way out. Overall: 9 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 (**).