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 Toxic Avenger Comics #1 (Ahoy) – Following up on the original Ahoy Toxic Avenger miniseries, Matt Bors and a rotating team of artists showcase life in Tromaville after the toxic waste spill through different genres in The Toxic Avenger Comics. First up is horror, and Fred Harper and Lee Loughridge handle the art duties and bring the creepy atmosphere as Toxie investigates some missing girls kind of, sort of alongside the mother of his bully from the previous series. There’s some gross body horror as well as atmospheric chills, but the book really shines when Bors’ narration captures what it likes to live in a world that has passed you by and abandoned you. The whole wanting to run away, yet staying to fight back is super relatable. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

The Unchosen #1 (Image) – Writer/artist David Marquez creator-owned debut is an action packed portal fantasy/magical school comic with JRPG elements. Aida is a young girl with unimaginable powers that she must learn to honest with other children like her. This definitely isn’t an original premise, but Marquez and colorist Marissa Louise‘s visuals definitely spice things up. I love the almost painted style they use for the mysterious figures trying to nab Aida. In future issues, I can hopefully fall in love with the character, but for now, I’m mainly digging on David Marquez’s art. Overall: 7.1 Verdict: Read

Marvel Swimsuit Special: Friends, Foes, and Rivals (Marvel) – Marvel brings its iconic Swimsuit Special back with a frame story from Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs, and Nick Bradshaw and lots of sexy/cheeky/artistic pinups of superheroes enjoy the summertime. I appreciate the anti-corporate/AI art bent of the frame story, and it lands some great gags like the return of the infamous Punisher skull speedo. Also, let’s say there’s definitely equal opportunity objectification. This isn’t the most “substantial” read, but it updates the Marvel Swimsuit for the era of Marvel Rivals and Chat GPT. Overall: 7.4 Verdict: Read/Ogle

Planet Death #1 (Bad Idea) – The first full length issue of Planet Death suffers from similar problems as the zero issue. It has jaw dropping art from Tomas Giorello and Sunny Gho, but the story from Derek Kolstad and Robert Venditti is a little thin. They do capture a feeling of hopelessness as soldiers get mowed down by aliens as they drop on a planet to destroy a weapon throughout the entire issue. I like that we’re immersed in the carnage from page 1, but would like to actually care about the characters. Overall: 6.9 Verdict: Read