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

The Ultimates #3 (Marvel) – Deniz Camp, Juan Frigeri, and Federico Blee use the superhero genre and the character of the Hulk to explore the dark history of American nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands. They deconstruct the classic “monster island” trope through the character of Tara, who has seen her people devastated by gamma radiation tests presided over by Director Banner. Of course, the American government wouldn’t do these kind of tests on American soil, but on land where they don’t care about the humanity of the inhabitants. I love Camp’s sly characterizations of Iron Lad as naive and of Thor and Sif literally living in a fantasy world as they recklessly beat on gamma-powered animals and humans. Although Frigeri and Blee deliver on the big monster action, Ultimates #3 is more an ode to decolonization and reparation, more Godzilla Minus Zero than Godzilla vs Kong. Overall: 9.0 Verdict: Buy

Jonny Quest #1 (Dynamite) – Joe Casey and Sebastian Piriz balance darkness and nostalgia in their new take on the classic Hanna Barbera cartoon. Jonny Quest #1 isn’t the 60s, but it’s also not Venture Bros. Lorenzo Scaramella’s palette is as bright as ever, but the Quest Family come to terms with their own mortality while investigating their base after a mission. Casey slowly unpacks the new status quo, and Piriz introduces a new, yet familiar face who is drawn in a more photorealistic manner than the classic Doug Wildey designs. At times, Jonny Quest #1 is a fun read (Rocket belts! Cute dogs), but there’s just a hint of sadness because adventure for adventure’s sake really isn’t a thing in the 2020s. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read