Author Archives: Logan Dalton

Mini Reviews: Badrock #1, Of the Earth #3, Sonic x Godzilla #1, 3W/3M Foundations

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Badrock #1

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

Badrock #1 (Image) -“Hello fellow kids” and wearing the comic’s writer’s podcast t-shirt aside, Badrock #1 is inoffensive action-packed fun. He’s basically if the Thing were a teenager, and his bond with his mom is wholesome. After a flash forward, Rob Liefeld and Seth Damoose build the book around their relationship. Badrock #1 has real heart and is the complete opposite of 90s edgelord. This extends to Damoose’s art, which has a powerful, primitive quality to it like Jack Kirby by the way of Liefeld, but he’s seen a few episodes of Venture Bros. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Of the Earth #3 (Image) – Of the Earth has really started to hit its stride in the past couple issues. Letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou makes the dialogue or lack of dialogue from protagonist Tabby’s grandma and a Fossil Oil employee that much creepier to go with Charlie Adlard and Pip Martin’s shadowy visuals and Chris Condon and Andrew Ehrich’s suspenseful script. Also, the back matter plays a key role in the comic kind of contradicting what we’ve just seen. Condon and Ehrich’s give Tabby and salt of the Earth oilman Thomas an easy rapport and trauma bond that grounds the comic as we start to get a real glimpse of the Wildcatter. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Sonic x Godzilla #1 (IDW Publishing) – The Thunder of a battle between Team Sonic and Eggman is stolen by Mothra and Mechagodzilla in Sonic x Godzilla (Who’s not in the comic) #1. Nick Marino, Jack Lawrence, and Reggie Graham put the focus on fisticuffs in this first issue while still carving out some space for character connections. I love Amy Rose’s intuitions about Mothra even as the Queen of Monster causes chaos in the Sonic universe. This is a shoot first, ask questions later type of comic, but fun in the last few minutes of a Saturday cartoon episode way. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Read

3W/3M Foundations (Dark Horse) – Although Mike Del Mundo, Mike Huddleston, and Jerome Opena provide mind opening artwork, reading 3W/3M Foundations without subscribing to the companion Substack is like diving into the Silmarillion without reading Lord of the Rings. Foundations showcases a trippy sci-fi world centered around complex systems of science, magic, and religion. However, Jonathan Hickman and Nick Spencer wisely use the relationship between a father and his kids as a frame story. I’ll admit I’m semi-invested in that aspect, but the rest of the world is nigh-impenetrable. I dig some of the character designs, especially for the Three Mages and Syg the White Stag, but if you’re looking to get into a new fictional universe, this isn’t a good place to start. Overall: 6.4 Verdict: Pass

Mini Reviews: Die Loaded #7

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Die Loaded #7

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

Die Loaded #7 (Image) – Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans use TTRPG, fantasy, and even fandom tropes to explore to deep human feelings about things like motherhood after IVF and living with dementia in Die Loaded #7. After the chaos of the previous arc, Sophie and Tommy have started taking over the role of team “parents” and more importantly voices of reason. Throughout the issue, they navigate ethical struggles and hard choices connected to their past lives in the “real world”.

Hans brings a grave line and dark palette to these glimpses in contrast with the more stylized horror fantasy vibes of most of the series. However, Die Loaded #7 isn’t all doom and gloom ; I got a chuckle from Die’s denizens cosplaying as human IT workers/Linux evangelists.

Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Killer Influences #1, Beast of Boriken #1, The Shaolin Cowboy: Staying A.I. Alive #1

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Beast of Boriken #1

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

Killer Influences #1 (IDW Publishing) – Joey Esposito and Valerie Burzo serve up a satirical look at the true crime genre in Killer Influences #1. This isn’t a “catch a killer” story, but more of a psychological narrative with podcaster/journalist Kylie joining forces with local serial killer Melvin to boost both their profiles. No one is likable, but the book is great commentary on the exploitation of mass murderers on pop culture as well as the banality of middle America. The cast of Killer Influences have really money and family issues which grounds the story when it gets more macabre. And speaking of macabre, Burzo has a great visual storytelling rhythm going from sleepy smoke stacks to a dead body that will haunt my dreams tonight. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Beast of Boriken #1 (Dark Horse) – In Beast of Boriken #1, Julio Anta, Daniel Irizarri, and Patricio Delpeche tell a ripped-from-the-headlines horror story about the resilience of Puerto Ricans against hurricanes and Western developers. This first issue fleshes out the Flores family and their Paul brother-esque adversary Simon Hunt. And, of course, there’s the titular Beast who gets Delpeche’s darkest colors and Irizarri’s most dynamic line work. Beast of Boriken #1 welcomes you into this sad, yet cathartic world full of activism, a fighting spirit, and a serious badass monster. Justin Jordan and Tony Akins’ black and white backup “Seven Gates” is a different kind of atmospheric horror rooted in urban legends and a crush gone haywire. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

The Shaolin Cowboy: Staying A.I. Alive #1 (Dark Horse) – Geof Darrow’s laconic Shaolin Cowboy is back for a new miniseries set in a heightened version of our current right wing hellscape. The satire is broad, but there’s something cathartic about a king fu master kicking the literal shit out of some racists or taking a beat before refusing a MAGA hat and wearing a good Ol’ Stetson. Staying AI Alive has the pitch black humor and detailed art that Darrow is known for, and that’s the appeal with the initial plot being a little thin. I love the talking animals though. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Read

Mini Reviews: Ultimate Universe Finale #1, Swamp Thing 1989 #3, Summer of Supergirl Special #1, Exploit #4

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Summer of Supergirl Special #1

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

Ultimate Universe Finale #1 (Marvel) – I wasn’t a fan of the timey wimey BS that was Ultimate Endgame #5, but Ultimate Universe Finale #1 is a better conclusion to Earth-6160 as well as bittersweet glance of what could have been. Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto give Peter Parker a taste of his own medicine when May starts becoming a superhero capturing the domestic dynamic that made Ultimate Spider-Man refreshing. Bryan Hill and Stefano Caselli turn in a powerful coda to T’challa’s heroic journey and widely focus on his relationship with Storm. The Peach Momoko Ultimate X-Men and Deniz Camp Ultimates stories are the most tantalizing offering an exciting new status quo and a new Big Bad for Earth-6160. Finally, Chris Condon and Alessandro Capuccio’s is just a simple birthday hangout between Logan and Victor after issues and issues of violence. It feels like the conclusion this series deserved instead of chasing Magik through mazes. All in all, this comic reminded me of the good ol’ days of the Ultimate Universe, and maybe editorial will catch a hint and bring it back in a more comprehensive way than Ultimate Impact Reborn. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Swamp Thing 1989 #3 (DC/Black Label) – The DC Universe-spanning tapestry that Rick Veitch and Tom Mandrake are weaving comes into clearer view in Swamp Thing 1989 #3. It’s a truly a cosmic gumbo featuring cameos from John Constantine, Nergal, Darkseid, Anthro, and more all invested in Swamp Thing’s narrative of birth and rebirth, life and death. And then you’ve got Arcane doing the opposite number, and giving Mandrake and colorist Tristh Mulvihill an opportunity to indulge in their grisly child. But the heart of the story continues to be Swamp Thing’s battle to be with Abby and their unborn child, and that’s what keeps me coming back to each installment. Even after he’s factory reset by the Source, this is his first and last thought, and he’ll try to make it back to his loved ones. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Summer of Supergirl Special #1 (DC) – Just in time for her new movie, the Summer of Supergirl Special #1 is a delightful entry into the world of the Last Daughter of Krypton for fans old and new. The lead story from Sophie Campbell and Belen Ortega pits Supergirl against Lobo with a side of Krypto and the fittingly named Dawg. Opening with a court case, this story is freaking hilarious and also heartwarming as Lobo and his daughter Crush adjust to life in Midvale. (The mac n cheese sandwiches help a lot.) The modern Supergirl feels like a mix of rebel and wholesome, and Campbell gets that which is why she is the current writer and sometimes artist on the ongoing title. This story made me want to catch up on the Supergirl and Lobo comics while acting as a full meal in its own right. Next up is a Mary Marvel/Supergirl backup from Gail Simone and Emma Kubert where they fight a power-negating robot, but mostly bond as fellow adoptees and young female superheroes who are often in the shadow of their male counterparts. Kubert’s art fuses old school superhero art with contemporary techniques and brings some big feelings. The final story is for all the continuity cops out there courtesy of who else but Mark Waid and the chameleon-like Cian Tormey, who does a Supergirl Eras tour slicker than the billionaire with the big record sales and even bigger carbon footprint. The story is a recontextualizing of 60+ years of sometimes insane stories into a sales pitch for why Supergirl is awesome and should have her own movie and comic. And the Crisis on Infinite Earths and Woman of Tomorrow callbacks are pure beauty. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Exploit #4 (Mad Cave) – The ripped from the headlines/anti-billionaire/agitprop thriller series wraps up with a stylish, trollish extended heist issue from Tim Leong, Laura Hudson, and Emiliana Pinna. Pinna and colorist Rebecca Good make everything smooth and sleek thanks to the foundation of characterization laid in previous issues. It’s cathartic watching tech bros get their comeuppance, and the ending is pretty sweet/full circle with just a touch of bitterness to set up a potential sequel. Exploit is both a love letter to good tech journalism and a suspenseful story with badass queer leads. It’s the perfect way to wrap up Pride Month. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Justice League: Dream Girls #4 shows both the triumphant and sad sides of queer identity

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Justice League: Dream Girls #4

Jadzia Axelrod, Nicole Maines, Stein & Brandt, Rosi Kampe, Triona Farrell, and Dearbhla Kelly wrap up their beautiful, action-packed, and soul-searing Pride Month event in Justice League: Dream Girls #4. Most of this issue is set in the Kampe-drawn dream dimension, where Galaxy fights to save her BFF Dreamer from the clutches of the Key, who is very close to having infinite knowledge that will transform him from that one villain you vaguely remember getting knocked out by a boxing glove arrow in Grant Morrison’s JLA run to an A-list baddie. It cements the bond between Galaxy and Dreamer while setting them on two quite different, yet valid heroic paths. Axelrod and Maines give both heroines full arcs while leaving room for either them or other creators to play in the sandbox. In addition to wrapping up the weekly crossover event, JL: Dream Girls #4 features a powerful, personal black and white autobiographical comic from the legendary Klaus Janson about growing up as a gay, immigrant cartoonist in the 1960s and 1970s.

To start, it’s been such a pleasure to follow JL: Dream Girls each week and see transgender superheroes written by transgender comics creators get to be front and center in a big summer crossover with such a buffet of different art styles and a huge cast of characters, LGBTQ+ otherwise. (Batman is a trans ally, y’all!) And it wouldn’t be a summer crossover with some badass fisticuffs, and JL: Dream Girls #4 doesn’t disappoint. There’s a surreal action-horror vibe to Rosi Kampe and Kelly’s visuals, with interesting panel layouts as Galaxy flies around and tries to get Dreamer to literally wake up and not be married to the Key. For example, while Dreamer is under the Key’s thrall, the gutters are black, but when she gets her act together, they’re different colors or non-existent. Kampe’s line art and Dearbhla Kelly’s colors go from something light and almost trance-like to solid and punchy as the story progresses. As someone who has put on a variety of identities throughout the series, it’s so empowering to see Dreamer finally be herself in JL: Dream Girls #4’s climax.

After the big fight, JL: Dream Girls #4 has an extended epilogue that’s drawn by Stein & Brandt and colored by Farrell, who have done an excellent job on the Watchtower sequences throughout the series, giving this large cast of characters their own unique personalities, sometimes with a single eye movement or head tilt. (I live for Jon Kent’s eyes lighting up and wanting to play DnD even though Damian Wayne says it’s for nerds.) The use of “Bwahahaha” all but confirms, but they’re worthy successors to the superhero sitcom era of J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen, and Kevin Maguire’s Justice League. The highlight of this part of the story is a conversation between Batman and Dreamer, where he tells her that if someone is uncomfortable with her being simply present in a space, that’s their problem. It brings the superhero/queerness/trans metaphor full circle and means a lot because it’s DC’s biggest seller saying those words. Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines have done a wonderful job telling a story that is both a sci-fi/superhero epic with psychological dimensions that also works as a personal tale of two very different transgender women coming to terms with who they are. It was in the previous issue, but Coagula and Dreamer talking about being transgender lesbians is an all-time great moment in superhero comics. Finally, Galaxy and Dreamer are just awesome friends, and I hope they have many more adventures either as part of the Justice League or together. (DC editorial, we need a JLQ ongoing.)

After the colorful triumphs of the lead story, the black and white backup story from Janson entirely switches tone, and I appreciate the reader’s advisory between them. He gives a stark portrayal of what it was like to be a gay man in the 60s and 70s, with bullying, slurs, and not having heroes like Galaxy and Dreamer to look up to. However, young Klaus finds hope through superhero comics, which are the only part of the story done in color and give him an escape as he struggles to fit in with the oppressive society around him. Another place of escape for him is one of the first Pride parades that happened after Stonewall, and it’s cool to see the LGBTQ+ culture of the era, like when Klaus shows another young man his art portfolio after getting an early assignment at DC Comics. There’s also a shift in Klaus Janson’s art style as he grows in confidence in himself as an artist and gay man, before culminating in that iconic style that defined Batman and Daredevil for generations of heroes. And, personally, I love that a queer person like myself is partially responsible for those dark stories that were important to me growing up and still are to this day. I appreciate that Mr. Janson was able to share something so personal in such a beautiful way and that DC continues to publish autobiographical stories by LGBTQ+ creators.

Justice League: Dream Girls #4 shows both the triumphant and sad sides of queer identity through its punching and friendship-filled lead story and its sobering, yet hopeful backup story. It’s the perfect comic to read during the last week of Pride Month.

Story: Jadzia Axelrod, Nicole Maines, Klaus Janson
Art: Stein & Brandt, Rosi Kampe, Klaus Janson 
Colors: Triona Farrell, Dearbhla Kelly
Letters: Jodie Troutman, Frank Cvetkovic, Lucas Gattoni
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Mini Reviews: If Destruction Be Our Lot #2, Justice League: Dream Girls #3, Absolute Green Arrow #2, Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1

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Cover of the comic 'Concrete: Stars Over Sand' by Paul Chadwick, featuring a stone-like figure standing on a sandy landscape, looking down at his hands with a cosmic background.

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

If Destruction Be Our Lot #2 (Image) – Detained for having “issues” with their programming and potentially spotting a human, Abraham Lincoln and Speed go through quite the series of pitfalls, explosions, and torture bots in If Destruction Be Our Lot #2 from the Rosenbergs, Andy MacDonald, and Francesco Segala. IDBOL #2 exposes the dark underbelly of this robots only world and has big Toy Story 3 energy. Through witty banter and thrilling chase sequences, the Rosenbergs and MacDonald cement the bond between Lincoln and Speed with an assist from an old friend, Skinny. Lincoln is hilarious, but there’s a deep sadness to this protagonist too like when he says he doesn’t remember after his assassination. Even though the cast is (currently) just robots, IDBOL #2 continues to be a shining example of pro-human sci-fi. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Justice League: Dream Girls #3 (DC) – Dreamer’s struggle with the Key gets mighty personal, and Galaxy practices self-advocacy big time in the penultimate installment of Justice League Dream Girls. Nicole Maines, Jadzia Axelrod, and Stein & Brandt use the majority of the comic to show Galaxy reach her breaking point pleading for why she should be on the Justice League. Most of her “mistakes” involve aliens and mind control, but this ends up being for a metaphor for how transgender women have to be absolutely perfect at whatever endeavor they’re a part of or they’re cast aside. The interaction between Galaxy and the 1st transgender superhero Coagula is an utterly iconic mentoring and banter moment and truly empowers Galaxy to speak up for herself and Dreamer. It’s also a lovely homage to Coagula’s co-creator, the late Rachel Pollack. It’s also so damn relatable that Galaxy is overwhelmed by all the screens around her: a true superhero vulnerability for 2026. The Dreamer scenes drawn by Jan Bazaldua and Rosi Kampe are less homage and more a vision of a cozy slice of life existence with both artists straddling the line between beauty and horror. Also, Stein & Brandt should seriously be the regular artists on Justice League with their knack for group shots with feeling. The backup this time is an adorable Harley and Ivy story from G. Willow Wilson and Maria Llovet that understands both the chaos and tender love of their romance. Overall: 9.1 Verdict: Buy

Absolute Green Arrow #2 (DC) – Working for evil billionaire Hector Hammond, Dinah Lance and Malcolm Merlyn continue to look into the Green Arrow Killer. This is while Pornsak Pichetshote, Rafael Albuquerque, and Marcelo Maiolo put new spins on classic GA supporting characters and turn in some of the best social commentary in superhero comics. One of the suspects is Mia Dearden, who opens up when Dinah spars with her in some gritty Albuquerque grids. Each punch landed and line of dialogue shows how hard it is to not be caught up with evil corporations and billionaires. Absolute Green Arrow #2 digs into the moral dilemmas and psychological trauma Dinah faces through killer layouts from Rafael Albuquerque and powerful colors from Maiolo. An unhinged, line crossing third act only ups the ante for the series. Overall: 9.5 Verdict: Buy

Concrete: Stars Over Sand #1 (Dark Horse) – This was the first Concrete comic I’ve ever read, and at times, I definitely felt like I came into a movie that was already halfway over with a web of relationships, backstories, and themes already baked in. But, then, I basked in Paul Chadwick’s immersive visuals of Concrete and his friends enjoying the Great Sand Dunes National Park before trouble strikes. This is such a thoughtful and meditative comic that when the pace picks up towards the end, it’s jarring and truly frightening like a tidal wave on a peaceful beach. But definitely count me as a new believer in this indie comics icon and in Paul Chadwick’s poetic writing and naturalistic art. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Godzilla’s Odyssey #1, Justice League: Dream Girls #2, Skate Ali #1, Jay & Silent Bob: Jays of Future Past #1

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Justice League Dream Girls #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

Jay & Silent Bob: Jays of Future Past #1 (Marvel) – Stoners and superheroes collide in the cheesy, yet charming Jay & Silent Bob: Jays of Future Past #1 from Kevin Smith, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, Roberto Poggi, Erick Arciniega, and Marco Menyz. Not all the jokes land, but you can really tell that Smith is like a kid with all the toys in the box having his creations interact with all the Marvel hitters and ending up in one hell of a battle against Dr. Doom and a host of other baddies. The ending is especially sweet building off the honest emotions of Clerks 3 with a Marvel/New Jersey twist. There are so many iconic moments for Marvel/View Askewniverse fans (That’s a big Venn Diagram), and Camuncoli brings a blockbuster sheen to the art without being afraid to get funny. Kevin Smith has truly been killing it with these intercompany crossovers recently. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Skate Ali #1 (Dark Horse) – Sam Humphries and Natacha Bustos tell a timely tale of finding community in an age of isolation and authoritarianism in Skate Ali #1. In post-apocalyptic L.A., skating is illegal, but it’s the only thing that keeps protagonist Ali happy and sane. Bustos’ art and colors capture the joy Ali has from riding her board as well as the pitfalls and more surreal elements when she runs into the Warriors-like skate clans. Skate Ali #1 is all about the feeling of giving a shit about something while the world crumbles and is a heightened version of finding joy in subculture while not neglecting the cliqueishness of these space. Also, Ali’s dad made my cry and her nurse’s advice to her after her big skating accident cracked me up. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Justice League: Dream Girls #2 (DC) – JL Dream Girls #2 is another exciting and vulnerable chapter of this Pride Month event penned by Dreamer and Galaxy creators Nicole Maines and Jadzia Axelrod with art from Brandt and Stein, Vincent Cecil, Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapmund, Stephen Sadowski, and Joe Quinones. Dreamer and Galaxy continue their tour through alternate realities while their friends try to support them, and the Justice League and GL Corps passes judgment on them. Brandt & Stein’s skill with facial expressions work well for the interpersonal conflict of the frame story, and the guest artists shine on homages to the Hard Travelin’ Heroes eras of Green Lantern and Green Arrow, an Old West riff, and Dreamer and Galaxy playing the roles of John Constantine and Zatanna. But underneath these flourishes, JL: Dream Girls #2 boils down to Dreamer fighting a hard fight against herself and having issues even letting her friends in. Maines and Axelrod explore both her identity as a trans woman and a superhero and refreshingly don’t give any easy answers while creating some new conflict for Galaxy in the “real world”. Also, JL: Dream Girls #2 features a kind of holodeck story starring Jo Mullein where Steven Underwood, Morgan Hampton, and comics legend Alitha Martinez use ballroom culture and Spike Lee-influenced ring constructs to show her struggling with memories of “the one who got away”. This internal conflict is compounded by all the different Lantern Corps members staying on Oa, but you don’t need to be current on the GL books to get something out of this memorable character study. Overall: 9.1 Verdict: Buy

Godzilla’s Odyssey #1 (IDW) – In Godzilla’s Odyssey #1, Frank Tieri and Ilias Kyriazis re-cast the titular monster as an agent of Zeus helping Odysseus return home from Ithaca. The comic is a speed-adaptation of the epic poem with Kaiju standing in for various monsters from the myths. There’s a lot of emphasis on the gods making an Odysseus his plaything, and Kyriazis’ designs for them are excellent from muscular Zeus to sensible Athena and angry Poseidon, who ends up being the butt of many jokes. I would honestly read a whole book of Greek myths drawn by Ilias Kyriazis. The comic hits most of the highlights of the poem, but it feels truncated in places. But, hey, there’s no place like home. Godzilla is a more malevolent figure in the Tom Scioli backup in which Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham join forces to fight him. The art is creative, but the story runs out of steam in the end. However, the lead story is a wonderful primer for the upcoming Odyssey film although I’m sure the Greek gods and Godzilla himself will have much less screen time. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: X-Men ‘97 Season 2 #1, Justice League: Dream Girls #1, The Deadman #1

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Justice League: Dream Girls A DC Pride Event #1

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

X-Men ‘97 Season 2 #1 (Marvel) – Steve Foxe and Salva Espin’s tie-in comic is tasty snack to hold you over until X-Men ‘97 returns. With the X-Men scattered to different time periods, there’s a void in the mutant world, and X-Factor, Akkaba cultists, the Brotherhood, and young mutants like Jubilee and Sunspot are trying to fill it. This feels like reading a random X-issue from the mid-90s in the best way. The best parts are definitely Jubilee and Sunspot making pop culture quips and dealing with discrimination while trying to help fellow mutants. Most of the main cast isn’t in this because they’re “dead”, but Season 2 #1 has a big villain on deck especially for a tie-in book. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Justice League: Dream Girls #1 (DC) – Dreamer and Galaxy fight their way through some visually interesting dream worlds in this Pride Month treated scripted by their co-creators, Nicole Maines and Jadzia Axelrod. The art team is spectacular too with Nicola Scott drawing a vision of Dreamer as Wonder Woman, J. bone channeling Batman: The Animated Series for a Gotham library caper, and the expressive Brandt & Stein handling the real world. (I love how they draw Star Sapphire’s eye roll.) JL Dream Girls #1 is a buffet of queerness, strong characterization, and superhero/sci-fi lore. And for dessert, there’s a Greg Rucka and Claire Roe backup story where Batwoman falls for an anti-data center activist. Poor Kate is always unlucky in love, but at least there’s Claire Roe’s muscular visuals. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

The Deadman #1 (DC) – In The Deadman #1, W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo, and Chris O’Halloran both streamline and make Boston Brand an infinitely more interesting character with plenty of gallows humor and and a warm hug of humanity. This comic captures folks at their most vulnerable moments: right before their passing, and Deadman acts as a kind of wisecracking midwife to make sure their souls’ get to the other side. But souls can be used to gain power as well, which sets up the series’ central conflict. Deadman’s foe is Bryan Johnson, but if he had an unquenchable appetite for old Hellblazer comics and didn’t get the point of the first issue of Sandman. The Deadman #1 is a refreshingly original spin on a great B-list character, and the Prince and Morazzo ouevre continues to be an insta-buy for me. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Escape #7, Exploit #3, Did You Hear About Mimi Green #1, Swamp Thing 1989 #2

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Exploit #3

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

Escape #7 (Image) – Shaw makes his attack on the enemy Titan weapon in the fireworks-filled Escape #7. Daniel Acuna visually captures the horrors of a fire fight while Rick Remender‘s captions expose all of Shaw’s fears and doubts as he undertakes what is essentially a suicide mission. This could easily be the final issue of the series, but Escape isn’t just interested in the dog faction winning the war, but also how they treat the folks that have been oppressed by the bats. The use of anthropomorphic animals allows Remender and Acuna to go under the surface of the “last good war” and look at the real pain and trauma that it caused as this series continues. Overall: 8.6 Verdict: Buy

Exploit #3 (Mad Cave) – Exploit #3 is quite the twisty techno-thriller ride from Tim Leong, Laura Hudson, and Emiliana Pinna. Leong and Hudson uncover some cards about the assassination of Saxon and the identities of Dade and Mr. Ipsum while still keeping the story grounded in the romantic relationship between Kirby and Lenox that reaches a rough spot as they’re both fugitives from both the government and tech bros. There’s one chase sequence from Pinna and colorist Rebecca Good that is particularly exciting using a map-like double page spread and inset panels. Exploit #3 plunges right into the morally grey area, and I’ve never been more excited to read the next issue. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Did You Hear About Mimi Green #1 (Dark Horse) – Connor Goldsmith and Josh Cornillon take aim at cancel culture, wellness culture, and vitality with a heavy helping of body horror in Did You Hear About Mimi Green #1. Seriously, this comic is like if David Cronenberg directed Hacks. Cornillon’s visuals are capital “d” disgusting, but there’s a dreamy quality to his work as well, especially when Mimi thinks about her old lover. All in all, this is a unique and engaging debut from Goldsmith and Josh Cornillon that knows likable characters are overrated. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Swamp Thing 1989 #2 (DC) – It’s such a blessing to get the proper conclusion to Rick Veitch’s Swamp Thing run, and this installment is even timier and wimeyer than the previous issue’s Biblical beauty. Swamp Thing continues to be flung back in the depths of time, and it’s looking more and more hopeless that he’ll be reunited with Abby. Veitch and artist Tom Mandrake continue the Jesus parallels by having Abby giving birth to their daughter in a stable in Houma while Swamp Thing’s journey gets more cosmic and trippy. This issue also has guest stars galore like John Constantine, Jim Corrigan, Anthro, and the heroic Shining Knight as well as a more nefarious figure to fill the void in the Green. Swamp Thing 1989 #2 lacks the tragic beauty of the Camelot and crucifixion issues, but does capture the bonkers creative of the late 1980s era while not abandoning the all-important Swamp Thing/Abby relationship. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Wiccan and Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1 uses the utterly insane family background of Teddy Altman and Billy Kaplan to tell some heartstrings pulling stories

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Wiccan and Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1

Even if they’re open and welcoming towards your gender and sexual identity, family gatherings can be difficult even during the best times. Especially if “grandpa” is a killer robot, and hubby is descended from two warring extraterrestrial races. Wiccan and Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1 uses the utterly insane family background of Teddy Altman and Billy Kaplan to tell some heartstrings pulling stories about family and romantic relationships that happen to feature magic, robots, and lots and lots of punching. Wiccan solo series writer Wyatt Kennedy and artist Stephen Byrne handle the frame story “Family Matters” that introduces the comic’s kooky cast of characters at Wiccan and Hulkling’s anniversary party. They set up the conflict and seal it with a kiss, integrating seamlessly into the three short stories.

After the Ultrons attack, each of the party guests and hosts is thrown into portals that are different short stories written and drawn by a talented group of LGBTQ+ comics creators. Up first is Wiccan and Speed are trapped in Billy and Teddy’s favorite wind-down, sadly-on-hiatus reality TV show in “Mixed Signals” by Tegan Quin, Luciano Vecchio, and Brittany Peer. The stressful setting allows Wiccan to talk about the issues in his marriage with Speed and the ever-present Ultron, who has hacked Billy’s smart watch because, of course, he would. This story satirizes “smart” and optimization culture, where we can have physical items and feedback about mental health at the press of a button, but we’re not open about how we’re feeling. Quin writes zippy banter for Wiccan and Speed, definitely leaning into the gentle sibling ribbing, and Vecchio and Peer go big, loud, and high tech with their line art and colors. The comfort TV show setting makes everything a little bit more surreal, but there’s plenty of blasting, punching, and of course, speed lines. “Mixed Signals” gets this comic started off right with a shot of adrenaline and a chaser of reflection.

The sibling relationship through-line continues in “En Garde” by Zoe Tunnell and Rachael Stott, which features a duel between Hulkling, Phyla-Vell, and Ultron, plus a lot of relationship talk with a telepathic assist from Phyla’s partner, Moondragon. The contrast between Ultron being in their own little world and taunting the heroes while Billy and Phyla have a serious conversation about communication and complacency in relationships is the height of comedy. While slashing, flipping, and flying, this story’s protagonists burn through some important topics like being at different life stages than one’s friends or giving your partner space while still speaking about your needs. There’s also some great sibling bonding between Hulkling and Phyla-Vell as they seamlessly hack and slash their way through this story. Stott brings a real muscularity to her figure work that makes the combat feel like a real battle and not just cartoons jumping and blasting. It pairs nicely with Tunnell’s humorous and honest script. (I need a follow-up story where Wiccan and Hulkling and Phyla-Vell and Moondragon go to brunch.)

Vision and his daughter Viv star in the third Raid of Ultron short story, the cheekily named “Machine Learning,” where they face off against Ultron and his daughter Ultronica, who is basically robot Cher Horowitz. Josh Trujillo, Bradley Clayton, and Fabi Marques shift the dynamic from sibling to father/daughter. The emotional heart of this story is the difficulty of knowing when to introduce your parent to your partner, as Viv feels a little awkward bringing her new girlfriend to Wiccan and Hulkling’s party. This heartfelt emotion is counterbalanced by the hilarity of their opponents, who are pop culture tropes of father/daughter interactions turned up to eleven. Also, the Sanctum Sanctorum makes for a visually interesting environment and creates a natural contrast between science and magic. Vision and Viv definitely aren’t on their home turf. However, it’s nice to have yet another story in this comic that’s both introspective and action-packed. Marques’ bright, brash color palette truly ties everything together and gives both the fighting and conversations a heightened feel.

Wiccan and Hulkling: Raid of Ultron uses the superhero soap opera backdrop of the Marvel Universe to tell fiercely queer stories with big action and even bigger feelings. Also, as an added bonus and fitting the family theme of the comic, there’s an interview with Tegan and Sara discussing their sibling dynamic, relationship, and history with comic books, making this book a delight for both fans of LGBTQ+ comics creators and musicians.

Story: Wyatt Kennedy, Zoe Tunnell, Tegan Quin, Josh Trujillo
Art: Stephen Byrne, Rachael Stott, Luciano Vecchio, Bradley Clayton 
Colors: Brittany Peer, Fabi Marques Letters: Ariana Maher
Story: 8.6 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.7 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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