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

Cruel Universe #1 (Oni Press) – Cruel Universe #1 starts things off with a bang in “The Champion” from Matt Kindt and Kano, which is about space gladiators, including a T-Rex. I enjoyed the reader-incriminating twist in this one as well as Kano’s pulpy art. Next, a man and a woman investigate a black hole and the possibilities of time travel in “Solo Shift” from Corinna Bechko, Caitlin Yarsky, and Michael Atiyeh. This story explores the inevitability of fate in the depths of space with a side of toxic masculinity and pretty colors from Atiyeh. Following up that utter depression, “Drink Up” is about a rich guy who tries to find the Fountain of Youth from Chris Condon and Jonathan Case. I enjoyed Case’s art, especially the over-top facial expressions and bold colors when the protagonist Edenspoil finds the fountain, but the story is sadly predictable. It’s fun to watch a billionaire get their comeuppance though. Finally, “Priceless” from Ben H. Winters, Artyom Toplin, and Brittany Peer is the most high concept of the Cruel Universe stories and follows the exploit of man with a node in his brain so a bedridden, (of course) wealthy old man can have memories and experiences. Peer’s flat colors, Tomlin’s inventive Euro art style, and Winters’ wide-ranging approach to morality is a solid close to the anthology. Cruel Universe #1 has one stone-cold classic, a couple solid morality tale thrillers, and one stinker so not a bad batting average for this anthology’s first outing. I definitely enjoyed the art and colors in each short story, especially Kano and Artyom Toplin’s work. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Space Ghost #4 (Dynamite) -Zorak finally appears in Space Ghost #4, and David Pepose, Jonathan Lau, and Andrew Dalhouse make him one freaky dude. He’s not just your run of the mill supervillain, but a death cultist who wants to summon the locust god Lokar and end the universe. Pepose creates tension by splitting narrative with Space Ghost off trying to find Zorak while Jace, Jan, and Blip chill at the Ghost Planet until they decide to investigate a Galactic Patrol distress signal. Lau uses violent flashback sequences and close-ups of Space Ghost’s eyes to emphasize the seriousness of Zorak’s threat with the encounter showing perhaps why Space Ghost was so closed off in the early issues. Featuring big-time action and raised stakes that are bolstered by the time we’ve spent with Jan, Jace, and Space Ghost, this is the best issue of the relaunch so far. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Public Domain #7 (Image) – Chip Zdarsky‘s Public Domain continues to be satirical inside baseball goodness with a heart. Issue seven introduces Dallas Comics’ new editor Cynthia Dann who evokes shades of great editors like Louise Simonson, Ann Nocenti, and Karen Berger while critiquing the staff members and sparring with the money guys. On Jerry Jasper’s side, he has to deal with the combination of a British Invasion piss-take on script and a Extreme-era Image parody on art, and he hates what the Domain has become. Zdarsky writes fun, conversational dialogue, but he also knows when to let the silences linger like Dallas and Jasper coming to terms that their co-creation is no longer their own. Public Domain #7 is a book where you’re feeling tension when two old guys talk in an even older bar, and it makes you love and hate comics all the same. Overall: 9.1 Verdict: Buy

Uncanny X-Men #1 (Marvel) – Gail Simone, David Marquez, and Matthew Wilson kick off the new volume of the flagship X-Book with the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters being turner into a mutant prison. And then various X-Men just hang out for the rest of the issue. So, yeah, the threat may seem generic, but as a fan of the X-Men playing various sports, this issue was enjoyable to me. Simone gets Wolverine’s nobility, Kurt’s faith, Gambit’s roguishness, and of course, Rogue’s vulnerability as she’s the kind of team leader and POV character. Plus Marquez and Wilson make everyone look good, especially when they’re fighting a giant dragon in Mexico. I love the little manga touches he brings. Uncanny X-Men #1 isn’t groundbreaking, but some nice character interactions and slick art make it enjoyable enough. Nothing wrong with a Rogue/Gambit/Logan road story. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read