Mini Reviews: Inglorious X-Force #4, Super Creepshow #2, Batwoman #2, Lobo #2

Lobo #2

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

Inglorious X-Force #4 (Marvel)Inglorious X-Force is a fun, kick-ass 90s throwback of a comic, especially with Philip Tan taking over art duties. He and writer Tim Seeley throw in a million concepts and lore references, but still have time for genuine bonding and emotions between the team of Cable, Boom Boom, Archangel, Akihiro, and Ms Marvel. I live for the Warren/Tabby/Akihiro love triangle. Inglorious X-Force #4 isn’t essential reading and is more Simonson/Liefeld New Mutants than Ellis/Immonen Nextwave, but finds its footing by the time the final page rolls around. This team is a good hang for sure, but lacking in the bad guy department until that cliffhanger. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Super Creepshow #2 (Image)Super Creepshow is another solid installment of this superhero/horror anthology featuring a story that will make you lose your lunch, and the return of the legendary Marv Wolfman to writing vampire hunters. Gerry Duggan, Scott Buoncristiano, and Mike Spicer lead off the comic with the disgusting “The Creepshow Two-In-One”. A standard issue Midwest superhero parody (I’m here for the Keg ; I wonder if he likes PBR.) turns into body horror comedy, and Buoncristiano pulls the limits of a “Mature” rating while Duggan pokes at fragile masculinity. This one definitely isn’t for the squeamish. Up next is Wolfman, Michele Rubini, and Miquel Muerto spinning a tale of violent vampires and fraught friendships in “Be Careful What You Wish For”. Wolfman hasn’t lost a step in this kind of story giving it personal (Pun intended) stakes and letting Rubini draw some savage, very unsexy bloodsuckers. This team could write one hell of a Blade series, but an action-packed story of kill or be killed is the next best thing. If you like your superheroes a little sick and twisted, then Super Creepshow is the comic for you. Overall 8.1 Verdict Buy

Batwoman #2 (DC) – The second issue of Batwoman is another case of strong visuals from Dani and Matt Hollingsworth, but below average writing from Greg Rucka. Seriously, this feels like reheated nachos from Elegy with a splash of tzatziki sauce. Rucka and Dani do attempt to raise the stakes with the appearance of Jake Kane, but his fate and Batwoman’s subsequent crash out feels rushed and unearned. It’s a reveal or a sake of a reveal not something honest and true to the character. Overall: 5.8 Verdict: Pass

Lobo #2 (DC) – The fun and a a network minimum amount of “frags” keep flying in Lobo #2 from Skottie Young, Jorge Corona, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu. This issue shows the day-to-day of Lobo as reality TV star, and it’s about as pretty as the truly terrible costume the network makes the Main Man wear. Lobo vs AI network suit is the battle royale we need in the age of layoffs, focus groups, and algorithms. Lobo #2 even pulls off a crossover/guest star moment with a delightful caricature of a famous, but not too famous DC hero. I can’t wait to see what comes out of Lobo’s mouth next or his latest fit. Overall: 8.8 Verdict: Buy


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