Author Archives: Emily Lewis

Public Domain #6 Searches for the Future of the Domain

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Public Domain #6

With the newly founded Dallas Comics officially in business, the older and younger generations of the company clash on what direction to reintroduce The Domain for a new audience. All the while, Singular Comics wants to get there first with famous British writer Carter Dusk. Above all else, Syd Dallas hoped to bring his sons into the family business, but he needs to deal with their familiar issues, as Miles needs to accept being there for his family. Chip Zdarsky’s Eisner Award-winning series returns with Dallas Comics taking its first steps as an actual publisher in Public Domain #6.

Building from their dynamic, Zdarsky explores the comic book industry through the Dallas family as they try to reclaim what was taken away from them. The debates that Syd, Miles, Dave, and Tanya have about what direction to take the new The Domain all come across as natural and highly topical due to it tapping into similar discussions about major comic book characters that have existed for decades. Syd’s desire to return to the past never comes off as malicious but shows that he no longer has a finger on the current pulse compared to the three younger creatives at the publisher. If he wants to pass the torch to his sons, he must learn to let go and let them run with it. Similarly, Tanya’s viewpoints highlight a genuine desire for Big Two comics to evolve and expand while not being weighed down by the past. She wants to explore what The Domain means to her and others who were not represented in the old comic.

Miles, who has expressed his distaste for writing comics multiple times, will need to swallow his pride considering the introduction of Carter Dusk to the series. In many ways, Dusk serves as the foil and dreams that Miles wants, especially as a successful and acclaimed writer. Granted, Dusk writes comics, but he provides a potential end goal for Miles in Dallas Comics. The darker reflection goes further based on Dusk’s relationship with Singular Comics’ famed aging writer Jerry Jasper, who offers a Faustian bargain to help Jerry regain his fans. Paralleling Miles’s relationship with Syd, Zdarsky highlights how quality does not always sell comics, but branding and name power will overpower it. And how the industry will overlook creativity and originality and even people to feed its immense hunger.

Zdarsky continues to draw, color, and letter the series, which all fit its comedy-drama tone well. As a result, Public Domain truly comes across as a significant labor of love from Zdarsky. His super clean lines, paneling, and art style are pleasing to the eyes and match his writing. I also appreciated subtle humor touches, such as Dusk’s words having British spelling or background gags. All of it comes across as highly human and personable, which fits the more subtle humor tone of the series. I also feel the need to mention the incredible Rachel Stott who provides some art assistance in the issue.

Public Domain #6 is a passion project; Zdarsky stands as one of the most vital voices in indie comics as he reflects upon the nature of Big Two comics and the industry itself. With the new arc beginning, Dallas Comics must act as one, or Singular Comics will crush them. To do that, Syd must start letting go of what The Domain was, as Miles, Tanya, and Dave will demonstrate what it could be to a younger audience.

Story/Art/Color/Lettering: Chip Zdarsky Art Assist: Rachel Stott
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Universal Monsters Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! #3 Shows the Dark Waters of Monstrosity

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UNIVERSAL MONSTERS BLACK LAGOON #3

Still, on the hunt for serial killer Darwin Collier, Kate Marsden cannot feel at peace until she puts the man down. While searching, she runs into Doctor Thompson, Christiano, and the Gill Man, who reside in the Black Lagoon. Yet, she accidentally made contact and an intentional connection with the titular monster while exploring the Amazons. As Collier and the monster close in deeper to the group, Kate will face a true blood and flesh monster. Dan Watters, Ram V, and Matthew Roberts deliver the heart-pounding penultimate issue of Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3

Building off of the resonant themes from the original film, Dan and Ram push the continuing narrative in exciting and resonant angles that align with what came before, especially with the notion of explorers encroaching onto foreign land to find answers and what makes someone view another being or creature as monstrous. The social and political commentary within the classic Universal Monster films carries over to Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3. Along with the different perspectives of the characters, it serves as a natural continuation and evolution where it feels modern but never abandons its roots. 

And with its status as a sequel, Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3 acts in conversation with the original Creature from the Black Lagoon and the original two sequels that followed it. Considering how issue three ends, it becomes apparent that Dan and Ram have fully embraced the trilogy and found the interesting strands that may not have worked in the original sequels but reworked in the comic, especially with The Creature Walks Among Us, where the pair takes inspiration for Collier’s fate. As man and monster became more blurred as the series went on, the pair tasked themselves to push beyond what came before and enter new territory. 

With the hauntingly gorgeous Black Lagoon, Matthew continually delivers incredible work capturing the horrific beauty of the world. Diving into the most explicit horror part of the series, Roberts delivers some excellent body horror mixed with the more suspenseful aspects. His work, along with colorist Trish Mulvihill and letterer DC Hopkins, helps make the book feel akin to a long-lost film sequel and ties it expertly into the iconic world and setting. Even if many decades have passed, the artistic talent makes the book feel like a homecoming to an iconic property.

With one more issue left of this incredible miniseries, Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3 lives up to the extensive legacy of the original iconic film. As Dan, Ram, and Matthew take the series in fascinating directions, they always retain the core identity of what makes the film work so well. The idea of horror has changed since 1954, but Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3 brings a modern and innovative sensibility that forces people to swim in the Black Lagoon to find real monsters.

Story: Dan Watters and Ram V Art: Matthew Roberts 
Color: Trish Mulvihill Letterer: DC Hopkins
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Destro #1 Softly Explores More of Cobra

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Destro #1

Destro, the founder of weapons manufacturer M.A.R.S. Industries, has joined Cobra to study the energon power source. However, such a discovery cannot satisfy his hunger, as he wants to achieve his personal goals instead of simply providing the new organization with weapons and technology. While the dangerous Crimson Twins move into Destro’s orbit and obliterate his plans, Cobra might not last long. Dan Watters and Andrei Bressan demonstrate the rocky and fragile alliance between Destro and Cobra Commander that will impact Cobra’s future in Destro #1.

After appearing as a side character in the previous Energon titles, Destro finally gets a miniseries to flesh him out more as a character and dive into Cobra’s early days. Watters has a firm grasp of his warmongering nature and desire for power as he takes over for Darklonia for profit and not for Cobra. Watters dives into the ideological and power struggle between the two leaders, where Destro wants to be viewed as an equal to Cobra Commander and not as his subordinate. Cobra does not exist as the singularly driven organization we remember but is derived from a series of loose alliances vying for energon.

I also enjoy how Watters is diving more into the villain’s aspect of the world, especially with getting Destro’s point of view after seeing Cobra Commander’s. With more of a focus on political struggles and arms races, Destro #1 provides a different title flavor for the Energon universe. However, the overall pacing of the issue felt a bit basic, with the dialogue shining as the overall plot feeling akin to simply setting up the chess board. Compared to the other two miniseries, it does lack the overall exciting action, but I wish the plot beats hit much harder due to how Watters characterizes Destro. 

Much like the plot, Bressan’s art did not immediately grab my attention and did not stand out. Unlike the art in the other Energon titles, it feels like the weakest so far. Bressan’s work does not suit the tone of the series and the vibe that Watters is going for with his writing. However, colorist Adriano Lucas and letterer Rus Wooton are bright spots who deliver strong work.

Although not as strong as the previous Energon works, Watters and Bressan delve into the devil’s soul in Destro #1. With an excellent understanding of character voices, another section of the Energon universe gets explored. Hopefully, the energy picks up in the next issue cause I am interested in the title’s premise. Overall, I wish there was more narrative meat on the bone and more substantial art.

Story: Dan Watters Art: Andrei Bressan
Color: Adriano Lucas Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.2 Overall: 7.3 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Man’s Best #4 Reflects the Best and Worst of Humanity in our Pets

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Man's Best #4

Arriving in another biome of the mysterious planet, emotional support pets Athos, Porthos, and Lovey must traverse the alien city without their mech suits to find their owner, Doc. As Porthos and Lovey argue about the state of their mission, Athos keeps the group focused on Doc’s trail. However, their mission might change at the end of their adventure. Pornsak Pichetshote and Jesse Lonergan take readers to the climax of Man’s Best #4, where Athos, Porthos, and Lovey learn more about Doc and her original plans for the journey. 

Shedding light on Lovey’s backstory, Pichetshote humanizes the gruff dog and gives a reason for his temper and negative attitude towards Porthos and their desire to save Doc. I am constantly impressed with how well-defined the animals are, along with how complicated their relationships are not only with each other but with humanity as well. The longer the group is away from Doc, the more their faith in rescuing her dissolves. With Lovey’s pessimism, Porthos’s optimism, and Athos’s frustration, the pets naturally come to blows again and wonder if they are too different to find similarities and work together. If our pets show our best qualities, then they can show us the worst aspects of ourselves. 

Much like the previous issues, Pichetshote and Lonergan dive into unique biomes such as floating balloon-like platforms and an intergalactic metropolis. The inclusion of the pets having a car chase and needing all three to operate the vehicle demonstrate the need to work together over their perceived differences. It also demonstrates both the pets’ intelligence and the ability to overcome problems in a dangerous world. Their experiences within the world show the need for us to work together to survive, and if we cannot, then we will perish. But they never shy from the struggle and hardship that goes into acting as a team. 

When a new issue drops, I cannot wait to see what gorgeous and wild world Lonergan draws, and I am always impressed with his artistic versatility. Balancing an alien car chase with big emotional beats, Lonergan captures the gorgeous soul of the book in his art and expressive paneling. Along with Jeff Powell’s lettering, Man’s Best #4 is a truly visually stunning book.

Arriving at the climax of the series, Pichetshote and Lonergan tee up for the finale in Man’s Best #4. Following up on the emotionally rich themes, you still feel an extremely personal attachment to the pets and experience the horror of Doc’s actual plan. Never shying away from the difficult and sometimes harsh nature of humanity, Man’s Best #4 shows that our pets are not truly innocent but are very much like us, warts and all. 

Story: Pornsak Pichetshote Art/Colors: Jesse Lonergan Letterer: Jeff Powell
Story: 9.4 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Transformers #9 Viciously Challenges Optimus Prime’s Leadership

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Transformers #9

Discovering an old ship at the bottom of the ocean, Decepticon leader Soundwave makes contact with Shockwave to form a connective bridge between Earth and Cybertron. Optimus Prime may have met his match and face defeat as one of the deadliest threats to Autobots arrives on the planet. Also, an unexpected ally arrives, and Astrotrain takes Spike to the Decepticons. A tough decision for the Autobots and the Earth to survive tests Optimus Prime’s leadership qualities in Transformers #9 by Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona.

Johnson highlights how much of a danger Soundwave stands towards Autobots and Earth, especially with Shockwave arriving on the planet and bringing reinforcements. Aside from the physical threat, his tactical and ferocious leadership of the Decepticons contrasts with Optimus’s leadership style, forcing him to abandon Cliffjumper and Ratchet. Along with having Astrotrain capture Spike, Johnson showcases Soundwave’s cunning as he and Shockwave have more significant plans for Earth outside of simply conquering it. As a result, Optimus and the crew need to think bigger and plan for the long term, as the Decepticons are ahead of them by ten steps. Considering how Shockwave plans to experiment with Ratchet and Cliffjumper, it might not end well for them. The Autobots may have won the previous battle against Starscream, but they will need to win the war by increasing their numbers and thinking about the long term.

Although Optimus had to leave his comrades, the arrival of Elita and Beachcomber deepens the character roster of the series as Johnson demonstrates a deep love and appreciation for the Transformers franchise. After showing Elita fighting on a present-day Cybertron and eventually arriving on Earth as the Autobots and the Decepticons still fight, it presents how long the fight between the two factions has been going on and how it cannot truly end. Similarly, Johnson teased Beachcomber’s appearance in the previous issue before having him join the fray in Transformers #9 by rescuing Spike. Considering how, in Generation 1, he has a strong distaste for fighting, I am interested to see how Johnson will approach this aspect and his viewpoint as the war reaches another level of conflict and when someone will repair Elita’s friend.

Corona’s incredible interior art is dazzling as he delivers another gorgeously rendered issue. He expertly conveys the darker narrative and shows the efficient brutality of the Decepticons. With colorist Mike Spicer and letterer Rus Wooton, Transformers #9 demonstrates that Transformers is still one of the most visually exhilarating and exciting comic book series. 

Optimus Prime and his remaining allies must form a new strategy to battle the Decepticons’ overarching plan as the Autobots suffer significant losses. Johnson and Corona increasingly raise the stakes where only one side can live at the war’s end. As the war for Cybertron and Earth hangs in the balance, Optimus must learn to make the hard choices to ensure the safety of all Autobots and humans. The battle between Autobots and Decepticons not only challenges the lives hanging in the balance but also Optimus’s strong leadership. 

Story: Daniel Warren Johnson Art: Jorge Corona
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 9.7 Art: 9.7 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

The Ultimates #1 Launches a Superhero Revolution

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The Ultimates #1

They have been branded as terrorists by the Maker’s Council, Iron Lad, Captain America, Doom, Sif, and Thor aim to liberate Earth 6160 from its tyrannical clutches by kicking off a superhero revolution. Locating the lost heroes, the Ultimates give them the choice of reclaiming their stolen destiny and bringing freedom. With only 18 months to save the earth and prepare for the Maker’s return, heroes need to rise and inspire hope. Acclaimed writer Deniz Camp and Marvel superstar artist Juan Frigeri showcase a brand new team of passionate heroes willing to fight for a better and brighter future in The Ultimates #1.

Considering how much Camp has to set up in the first issue, it makes perfect sense to have Iron Lad, aka Tony Stark, as the point of view character. Expanding the world building of Earth 6160 and introducing the readers to this world’s version of iconic Marvel characters such as Captain America, the Wasp, Ant-Man, and others while telling a complete story is complex but impressive work. And I applaud Camp for crafting newer interpretations of such beloved characters while not abandoning their essential core aspects. Especially for characters like Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, who have a complicated and complex history and relationship, Camp highlights what makes them fascinating and why they have made such a lasting impact. Instead of making the Ultimates a carbon copy of the Avengers on Earth 616, The Ultimates #1 stands as its entity with a distinct identity and voice in how the Maker’s Council frames them as terrorists.

Much like the previous The Ultimates from the 2000s, Camp tackles subject matter and emotions affecting us currently. The notion of the world not being as we thought it was and having something stolen from us strikes a strong chord with me based on my similar thoughts and feelings at the moment. How Tony blames his dad for the current state of the heroless Earth 6160 calls to mind how my generation is dealing with the sins and waste caused by the previous generation and leaving us to sort through its mess that we did not ask for. Camp understands that desire to be no longer powerless and that direct action delivers much-needed salvation. Best put by Steve Rogers: “You can’t start a revolution from your living room. Revolutions start on the ground.”

Frigeri’s art truly sings by giving The Ultimates #1 sleek and clean visuals in its action, paneling, and costume designs. The new designs fit well with the aesthetic and nature of Earth 6160 and share DNA with the more classic costumes from 616. Frigeri nails the blockbuster action and the quieter emotional character beats in Deniz’s writing. Along with colorist Frederico Blee and VC’s Travis Lanham’s lettering, the art on The Ultimates #1 makes it a bombastic debut issue paired with Camp’s poignant dialogue and plot.

As the new Ultimate Universe puts out hit after hit, The Ultimates #1 shows no signs of stopping, especially since the issue is its strongest first impression yet. Camp and Frigeri are proving to be a fruitful collaboration, and I cannot wait to see what characters will be introduced in future stories. The Ultimates #1 is an incredible first issue with a robust, complete narrative that exceeds expectations.

Story: Deniz Camp: Art: Juan Frigeri
Color: Frederico Blee Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

X-Men Wedding Special #1 Serves as a Great Wedding Story but Not a Strong Marvel Pride Issue

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X-Men Wedding Special

Mystique and Destiny, one of the oldest gay couples in Marvel comics, decide to renew their vows in X-Men Wedding Special #1 by an ensemble of various creatives. Serving as this year’s Marvel’s Voices Pride, read about the wedding of the millennium with one of the comics’ most significant relationships, Betsy and Rachel, facing a dangerous threat by an old foe, a group of young mutants trying to find the perfect wedding gift and more. Although it works better to celebrate Irene’s and Raven’s relationship, X-Men Wedding Special #1 feels like a weaker substitute for the Marvel Voices Pride specials from the past years.

The best aspect lies in the overarching story “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” by Kieron Gillen, Rachael Stott, and Michael Bartolo, which focuses on the wedding of Irene and Raven as the pair have a secret scheme that the guests and their kids Rogue and Nightcrawler do not know about. Aside from the historical nature of the wedding, it also serves as a capstone for Gillen’s work with the pair during the Krakoan era. I enjoy how Gillen characterizes the chaotic and villainous sapphic couple whose love is immortal. Stott’s beautiful art, paired with Bartolo’s colors, conveyed the majestic and gorgeous nature of the wedding. The other stories by Tini Howard, Phillip Sevy, KJ Díaz, Wyatt Kennedy, Jenn St-Onge, Brittany Peer, and more are primarily good but range in quality. 

Outside of the original stories, the issue includes a history of Irene’s and Raven’s relationship, an interview with Chris Claremont, and reprints of two LGBTQ+ X-Men-focused Marvel issues. X-Men Wedding Special #1 does not justify its price tag, even with the included supplementary materials. Granted, it is a super-sized issue, but I wish the special contained more original materials and a more substantial publishing and presentation for the physical printed issue. Considering how last year’s Pride special included more stories, interviews, and other elements, X-Men Wedding Special #1 feels less impressive and a step down in quality and execution. 

Lastly, X-Men Wedding Special #1 serves as this year’s Marvel’s Voices Pride, which does not showcase a large variety of LGBTQ+ representation. By solely focusing on Irene, Raven, and some of the X-Men exclusively, it cuts out the other LGBTQ+ mutant and non-mutant characters teased on the variant covers. Similarly, what should be a meaningful celebration for two beloved queer characters becomes saddled with being the big LGBTQ+ special by Marvel comics. This decision cuts out queer and trans-non-mutant characters, along with not highlighting other spaces of the universe. The representation is more limited and does not portray the breadth of queer and trans characters in the comics. As a result, if Marvel released a 2024 issue of Marvel’s Voices Pride in addition to X-Men Wedding Special #1, my opinions would be more favorable due to the latter not being the sole major queer tentpole special for the year. Outside of being the monumental wedding issue of Irene and Raven, it is also their yearly Pride issue, which comes across as more corporate synergy than a stand-alone celebration.

Overall, X-Men Wedding Special #1 bolsters a talented team of creatives who celebrate a wedding centuries in the making, which conflicts with being 2024’s Marvel’s Voices Pride. I loved the wedding aspect, but I wish it had more stories and materials representing more queer and trans characters outside of solely X-Men ones. With Irene and Raven having Marvel’s first sapphic wedding, its memorability and impact get slightly lessened with the other aspects the issue needs to juggle. As a result, X-Men Wedding Special #1 cannot solely be about their wedding but also has to carry the weight of being this year’s Marvel’s Voices Pride. I prefer if this served as a stand-alone special issue along with having a Marvel’s Voices Pride 2024 issue. X-Men Wedding Special #1 celebrates the immortal love of Irene and Raven while struggling to showcase the diverse LGBTQ+ community in Marvel comics.

Story: Kieron Gillen, Tini Howard, Tate Brombal, Yoon Ha Lee, Wyatt Kennedy
Art: Rachael Stott, Phillip Sevy, Emilio Pilliu, Stephen Byrne, Jenn St-Onge
Color: Michael Bartolo, KJ Diaz, Irma Kniivila, Brittany Peer
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.2 Art: 8.3 Overall: 7.3 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Universal Monsters Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! #2 Dives to the Depths of Monstrosity

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Universal Monsters Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! #2

Nearly drowning in the Amazon, reporter Kate Marsden caught a glimpse of a mysterious aquatic creature while looking for serial killer Darwin Collier. Similar to Kate, returning Doctor Thompson and his assistant Christiano have been investigating a series of mysterious drownings in the region and believe it to be the work of the Gill-Man. Kate, firmly on the trail of murderer Collier, thinks he is behind it. With mysterious black sand found in the latest corpse, the trio heads to the lagoon to discover the identity of the killer. Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #2 by Dan Watters, Ram V, and Matthew Roberts dives into the murky waters of this murder mystery. 

The lines between humanity and monstrosity get blurred as the characters not only question who can commit such horrific murders but also how they see the Gill-Man as well. Considering how Collier nearly killed Kate by drowning her while back, she understands how horror can exist in humans and cannot accept the notion of a monster genuinely existing. Thompson, who survived the events with the Creature from the first film, only sees a mindless killer monster who lacks humanity and needs to capture it to learn its secrets, akin to Ahab. Then comes Christiano, a local to the region, who understands and respects the power of the Creature. Lastly arrives Collier, who sees the Creature’s killing as a beautiful sight to behold. These differing and conflicting opinions demonstrate the extended staying power of the Universal Monsters, where the Creature can be as monstrous as he can be sympathetically human. The monster exists as a screen for the reader to place their fears, anger, joy, and other emotions to see what they believe exists within the Gill-Man. Much like the rivers it lies in, one only has to look in the water and see what it reflects.

Dan and Ram also evoke the original movie through mirrored moments. They never replicate or recreate said moments but hearken back to the powerful imagery, such as the Gill-Man swimming underneath the boat, Thompson wanting to find the Creature for scientific reasons, or the Creature falling in love with Kate. These aspects never come across as a rehash since they feel earned and essential to Dan and Ram’s narrative. With the comic acting as a sequel to the original, it makes sense to listen back to these famous moments, but they always do so with a twist. More importantly, Kate’s not knowing the Gill-Man and believing him to be imaginary adds a wrinkle to that relationship. 

Matthew’s art and colorist, Dave Stewart, continue their incredible work in this issue as they go from the gorgeous natural lagoon in the Amazon to moments of horrific action of the Gill-Man murdering a Narcos. Their paring brings a lush beauty mixed with shocking moments of violence to the comic that aligns with what came before in the original film. With letterer DC Hopkins, Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #2 is an immaculate work of art perfectly encapsulates why we became enamored and attached to the property. 

Dan, Ram, and Matthew have delivered another phenomenal issue that fully lives up to the legacy of the iconic monster. Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #2 accomplishes what every successful sequel does: build upon the original’s foundations and take the material in interesting new directions. The issue serves on both accounts as a love letter for long-time fans and an introduction to new people. Dan, Ram, and Matthew show that you can never kill the Gill-Man since he will keep swimming and re-emerge from the depths.  

Story: Dan Watters and Ram V Art: Matthew Roberts 
Color: Dave Stewart Letterer: DC Hopkins
Story: 9.6 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.6 Recommendation: Read

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Man’s Best #3 Complicates the Pets’ Mission and Relationships

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Man's Best #3

Trapped in an alien world, mech-suited animals Athos, Porthos, and Lovey continue to traverse the strange landscapes to find their owner, Doc. After Lovey gets incapacitated by a tiny alien, the other two pets are transported to another realm of the planet. With tensions between Athos and Porthos continuing, they must sort through their problems in a trippy psychic realm that leaves them both emotionally open. With emotionally solid writing, imaginative sci-fi world-building, and lovable characters,  Man’s Best #3 by Pornsak Pichetshote and Jesse Lonergan remains a unique and remarkable title. 

Athos and Porthos’s rocky and complicated relationship serves as the emotional crux of the issue. Athos wants to be the leader but lacks confidence, and Porthos never listens to his friend, creating this rocky rift they must overcome. Pichetshote never paints either character as entirely wrong but highlights the difficulty of working together as a team. Their differing viewpoints create engaging interpersonal drama that makes survival a goal not only for the planet but also for the survival of their relationship. Lastly, this conflict humanizes Athos and Porthos by giving them these relatable characteristics and emotions that further our investment in them and their relationship. 

Pichetshote and Lonergan’s decision to make the world even more alien and weird makes the sci-fi elements stand out even more. Going from a robotic world to a winter realm filled with sentient psychic ice, the readers wonder where the pets could end up next. It also helps to differentiate the challenges and obstacles the trio will face. Similarly, placing pets in this diverse world creates different problems and solutions than if a human were in this situation. It also helps drive the conflict naturally, such as when Athos and Porthos have an emotional argument where nothing is hidden due to their minds linked by the ice. Pichetshote and Lonergan continue to exceed our expectations of what type of realms the animals will experience by making them much more imaginative and different from the past ones.

Longergan’s art takes the readers to some of the most fascinating and offbeat sci-fi biomes and creatures in Man’s Best #3. Outside of the sentient ice locale, the way he depicts the psychic hivemind shared by the ice, Athos, and Porthos is mindbending and trippy, where it feels completely devoid of reality. Even with this out-there science fiction, his art and colors match Pichetshote’s strong emotional beats. With Jeff Powell’s lettering, Man’s Best #3 has excellent visuals and science fiction world-building, making it feel utterly alien from what we know on Earth.

As their literal and emotional odyssey gets more complex, Pichetshote and Lonergan force the three pets to overcome their grudges and issues if they want to find Doc and survive the dangerous world. Man’s Best #3 demonstrates the importance of being emotionally honest and open with each other to work correctly as a team. We might not have the luxury of psychic sentient ice to help air out our grievances and be open, but as humans, we still have complex and challenging relationships to overcome. True teamwork arises when we are all on the same page and understand each other.

Story: Pornsak Pichetshote Art/Colors: Jesse Lonergan Letterer: Jeff Powell
Story: 9.3 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Blood Hunt #2 Has Plenty of Vampires, Action, and Avenging

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Blood Hunt #2

As the Darkforce Dimension continues to engulf the world, Blade leads the Bloodcoven and the vampires to take over the world. After suffering significant losses, the Avengers abandoned the Impossible City to regroup and create a new attack plan. Forced to team up with Bloodline, Dracula, and the Midnight Mission, the rag-tag group heads to the Sanctum Sanctorum to get assistance from Doctor Strange. As the night and their odds get even darker, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes must find a way to defeat the vampires and make the sun rise again. Jed MacKay and Pepe Larraz continue the endless night of the Marvel Universe in Blood Hunt #2 as bloodlust and vampires flood the world. 

 Since the first issue, I have enjoyed the focus on the unconventional lineup of characters protecting the Earth. Seeing Captain Marvel, Vision, and Captain America needing to team up with Doctor Strange, Clea, Spider-Man, Hunter’s Moon, Tigra, Dracula, and Bloodline makes it an exciting team due to their various realms of the Marvel universe and various team histories. MacKay understands how to write compelling team narratives while ensuring each member holds a specific point of view and reason for the team up. And with the Bloodcoven being outside the usual wheelhouse of Avengers threats, it makes sense for them to join forces with the world’s more mystical and horror sections. More importantly, the team reflects the bombastic horror tone of the event, where it is not only Earth’s Mightiest Heroes but also the more street-level and non-heroic characters. Indeed, the world needs avenging, but every character must fight back the darkness.

Blade’s role as the overall mastermind of the attacks makes him a unique villain due to his ties to the Avengers and the supernatural aspects of the Marvel Universe. Considering his complicated past relationship with his vampiric lineage, I am interested in learning more about why he decided to become leader of the Structure and kick off the uprising. Even outside of his vampiric abilities, Blade still poses a significant threat due to his tactical training and skilled mind. His past work with the Avengers, the mystical arts, and the supernatural makes him a challenging threat that the Avengers cannot face alone. And with the Bloodcoven, he continues to become an even worse threat. MacKay showcases Blade as a truly formidable foe for the Blood Hunt event.

Larraz continues to showcase his artistic superstar status in Blood Hunt #2. Juggling many different tones seamlessly, every page and panel is an engaging and gorgeous piece of art and talent. Especially with the red band version of the issue where he is allowed to let loose and be as bloody and graphic as he wants to make that version worth it. Every bit of this issue demonstrates why Larraz is one of the best artists currently at Marvel. Larraz works above and beyond to make Blood Hunt the premiere summer event, along with Marte Gracia’s colors and VC’s Cory Petit’s coloring.

Blood Hunt #2 showcases MacKay’s and Larraz’s talented partnership with another incredible issue. The pair demonstrate how fantastic of an event Blood Hunt is with solid character writing, artistic direction, and tonal balance. I am excited to see where the event goes next and the upcoming issues. MacKay and Larraz have given me a lot to sink my teeth into.

Story: Jed Mackay Art: Pepe Larraz
Color: Marte Gracia Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Story: 9.3 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.4 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

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