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 reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Giant Robot Hellboy #1 (Dark Horse) – Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo, and Dave Stewart reunite for the enticingly named Giant Robot Hellboy #1. Set in the 1960s, Hellboy is kidnapped off the streets of London by some secret organization, and his brainwaves are connected to a giant robot fighting a monster on a distant island while a stealthier spy does her thing. Pacing is this first issue’s strength with Mignola relying on Fegredo’s visual storytelling skills to show the trials and tribulations of connecting someone to a mecha against their will. The spy action is as sleek as the robot fight is clunky. The ending is a little abrupt, but it’s a good first foray and would probably make Guillermo Del Toro smile. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #1 (DC Comics) – Alan Scott: The Green Lantern is another hit from DC’s new JSA line of books. Tim Sheridan and Cian Tormey spin a tale of Scott’s life as a closeted gay man and early superhero in 1941. There’s tension between him and the JSA, an extended scene with J. Edgar Hoover, and of course, pining for Alan Scott’s lost love Johnny Ladd who appeared in the DC Pride special. On the visual side, Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #1 is a modernization of a classic superhero/war comic with sharp lines from Tormey and bright colors from Matt Herms. Much of tension doesn’t come from the overarching threat, but if Scott will be caught with another man because being gay was a felony in the 1930s and 1940s when much of this comic took place. Alan Scott #1 is all about the struggles to live your truth and explores queerness and sexuality just like Wesley Dodds #1 explores class and privilege. It has light jokes, at times, but is miles away from a happy ending at this point in the story. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy