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Pathfinder/Vampirella: Blade of Darkness #1 is something we didn’t know we needed

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

Welcome to Golarion! It’s a world of swords and of sorcery. A place where adventurers tempt fate, monsters lurk in every shadow, and powerful beings seek ever more power. One of those beings, the vampire lord Zaloch, has performed a ritual to summon a being that will give vampires a new advantage against any who would try to destroy them – but to Zaloch’s surprise, his ritual summons not a raging demon…but Vampirella. And then the monster hunters show up! There’s chaos, dark magic, a life-and-death battle…and that’s before we even mention legendary heroes Kyra and Merisiel! Roll the dice on a new adventure as Vampirella navigates her way through the world of PATHFINDER! Pathfinder/Vampirella: Blade of Darkness #1 is a fun start and brings together the two properties seamlessly.

When it comes to crossovers of two properties, the devil is always in the details. How it happens is key and has to have some logic to it, or it quickly falls apart. Thankfully, Pathfinder/Vampirella: Blade of Darkness #1 keeps things simple with a ritual that brings Vampirella into the world of Pathfinder. Written by Erik Burnham, this simplicity keeps the comic focused and lets readers just roll with the concept as things play out like a good roleplaying adventure.

Generally, the comic feels very much like any other Pathfinder comic. We have our adventurers who get sucked into an ever spiraling bigger adventure. The tone and style is somewhere in-between the rather serious fantasy of Conan the Barbarian and the off-the-rails type fantasy that is Skullkickers. And it all works and works really well. Burnham nails down the premise so it doesn’t feel like a stretch.

The art by Federico Dallocchio with color by Jordi Escuin is good. They’re joined by Carlos M. Mangual on letters and altogether the comic looks clean and engaging. There are moments where Vampirella looks a little awkward but as a whole, the comic keeps the look and tone of previous Pathfinder comics. The comic doesn’t clutter things up instead keeping it focused on a rather large town and just a few characters at a time. This isn’t one where there’s lots going on in the background, it’s a rather visually chill comic in that way. But, when the action gets going, it looks good with swinging of the sword that feels like it includes a few failures in the roll.

Pathfinder/Vampirella: Blade of Darkness #1 is a fun start and has us wanting an actual adventure based around the concept. It keeps things focused and simple in a way delivering a reason for the crossover that works and isn’t much of a stretch. Overall, this is one that fans of both properties will enjoy.

Story: Erik Burnham Art: Federico Dallocchio
Color: Jordi Escuin Llorach Letters: Carlos M. Mangual
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Satanic Panic #1 mines the made up hysteria for real horror

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

A sleepy 1980s town is stalked by a masked slasher at the height of the Satanic Panic, where every heavy metal record, Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and teenage outsider is treated as evidence of devil worship. As fear spreads and bodies pile up, three local misfits become the prime suspects in a series of gruesome murders. Join D&D geeks and Ozzy enthusiasts Naz, Sal, and Terry as they race to clear their names, survive an increasingly blood-soaked town and unmask the real killer before paranoia claims more innocent lives. But in a community eager to blame the weird kids, proving their innocence may be deadlier than facing the murderer. Satanic Panic #1 takes the real world hysteria and spins it for interesting horror.

I grew up in the 80s, so if a comic wants to dive into one of the more insane (and there were many) things that happened in that decade, I’m all for seeing what it does with it. Satanic Panic #1 takes the real movement that attacked Dungeons & Dragons and heavy metal and adds a horror element to it. The result is a comic that is well rooted in horror but also feels like there’s a wink and a nod mocking the idiocy of the time.

Written by Matt Miner, Satanic Panic #1 does a good job of evoking stories of the time with the outcast kids bullied by the jocks and their sheriff parent. It’s something that’s been done many times before but this mixes in the horror element. Miner really sets the stage focused on two survivors, each an outcast in their own way. There’s also special attention to make the bullies bad enough that we the readers have little sympathy about them getting what they deserve.

And that’s partially what makes Satanic Panic #1 interesting and stand out. The comic is a revenge story in a way and instead of fearing a killer, we kind of cheer them on. It’s a nice element that’s a little unexpected and enough of a twist to keep readers on their toes as to who’s next and who will be blamed.

The art by Clay McCormack doesn’t hold back. There’s a body count and some grizzly murders. With color by Oliver Mertz and lettering by Matt Krotzer those murders don’t distract though. There’s an almost comedic aspect to them that they’re so over the top. Yes, the comic shows a lot and there’s a lot of blood, organs, and death, but it all comes together in a way that won’t turn away readers. What’s also nice is the color palette of the comic. Set in the 80s, it’d be easy to go dayglow as what is associated with the time. But instead, the comic seems to rely more on the faux wood browns of the time. It also helps keep a dour tone to the art and pages befitting the horror concept.

Satanic Panic #1 is a good start and it’ll be interesting to see where the comic goes and what it has to say about the very real movement that has found new life. Horror can be a great genre to explore real world issues and this debut feels like it’s teasing that. Even if it doesn’t, it’s always fun to see the bullies get theirs, especially when it involves so much blood and guts.

Story: Matt Miner Art: Clay McCormack
Color: Oliver Mertz Letters: Matt Krotzer
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Mad Cave Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Alien vs. X-Men #2 delivers a bleak outlook and a hell of a twist

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

HERE COMES CABLE! He’s come from the future with a handpicked team to put a stop to the alien decimation of Earth. But is it too little, too late for the surviving X-MEN…and all of humanity?! The new ALIEN QUEEN makes her terrifying presence known! Plus: The continuation of Chris Claremont’s flashback story featuring KITTY PRYDE versus the XENOMORPHS for the fate of the PHOENIX! Alien vs. X-Men #2 delivers another fantastic issue that’s full of surprises and building up the body count.

Written by Kieron Gillen, Alien vs. X-Men #2 brings in the calvary with a team from the future headed up by Cable. The comic hits a familiar formula as Cable drops how things play out and what the future looks like and why he and his team have come back to stop what happens. Yes, a lot of the comic is formulaic and been done many times before. But, Gillen gives us grisly details that really play into the combination of Xenomorphs and mutants. And, the comic delivers a twist at the end that’s unexpected and feels like a shock. It’s a fun horror comic that delivers the best of both the Alien franchise as well as the X-Men, taking great aspects from both.

The art by Geraldo Borges is solid. With color by Andrew Dalhouse and letters by Travis Lanham, the comic nails the dread and horror of the Alien franchise. Seeing the heroes struggle, Wolverine beaten down, Beast scared, it delivers the emotions and reactions you’d expect and each panel is packed with fear. The comic also does a fantastic job of continuing the franchise’s style in not focusing too much on the gore of it all. You see Chestbursters, you get the Facehuggers, but it never feels like it lingers on the blood and guts. Even Wolverine broken down by acid still feels tame. The visuals also nail down the chaos of what’s happening with the surviving X-Men trying to figure out what’s going on and moments spent showing what happened to the original team. It is perfect when it comes to the scares and tension visually.

There’s a back-up story written by Chris Claremont with art by David Messina, color by Rain Beredo, and letters by Lanham that focuses on Kitty Pryde and Ilyana Rasputin. That story is just ok relying on X-Men history and feeling a little disjointed in its storytelling. It’s ok overall but most likely really plays towards the hardcore fans.

Alien vs. X-Men #2 is a fantastic second issue that packs a punch and has no problem upping the body count. It’s a story that will kill off anyone that can move the story along. Everything is on the table here and that adds to the excitement and anticipation.

Story: Kieron Gillen, Chris Claremont Art: Geraldo Borges, David Messina
Color: Andrew Dalhouse, Rain Beredo Letters: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World is for the hardcore DC fans

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

Darkseid is…only just beginning. The ultimate anti-life in the universe has been at the heart of the “DC All In Saga” since its beginning…and while the King Omega battle has been won by the forces of good, the war against Darkseid has only just begun! All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World presents the hidden past of the being called Uxus, his descent into Darkseid, and his plans for the fate of all creation!

Darkseid has been near the center of DC’s “All in Saga” acting as the villain for major events and delivering major moments regarding the ongoing meta story playing out. If you don’t care about that, you can skip All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World. The issue acts as a way to clear up and allow readers to catch up to Darkseid’s plan as the DC Universe barrels away towards the next major event(s).

The issue is broken into two parts. Scott Snyder writes the first with art by Sanford Greene, color by Matt herms, and lettering by Steve Wands. Here we get the origin of Darkseid and what’s driving his current actions and what his vision is. It lays things out in simple terms adding in his perspective on things. We learn of the Alpha and the Omega and who Darkseid sees as his counter in the DC universe. It’s interesting in some ways and makes things clearer but it also continues to elevate a certain superhero that already feels like the DC universe revolves around. It continues a shift that’s been clear since the All In initiative began. The story and reveals have their moments but only really play to those who really care about the ongoing story of Darkseid and events where he’s the center. For casual readers, they may feel lost. It also spotlights that there’s been a lot of one-off quick teases of what’s going on that have made little sense and feel like they’re abandoned to the point we need a comic like this to remind readers and connect the dots.

The second story is written by Joshua Williamson with art by Yasmine Putri and lettering by Steve Wands. It follows Pandora. Remember her? Yeah, this story literally calls back to the “New 52” and highlights my biggest issue of the DC Universe, that it often relies on obscure trivia or moments that haven’t been a thing in decades. Darkseid has a task for Pandora as we see how she plays into whatever is coming. Again, like the first story, this one is for the hardcore fans… but the really hardcore fans… like ones that have been hanging on and debating moments from the formation of the “New 52.” It teases what’s to come with Pandora’s role which might be interesting in how it plays out but overall comes off as a sliver of a massive picture.

All In Saga: Darkseid vs. the World is for the diehard DC fans that buy, read, and examine every little moment. For the casual readers, it’s fine if you’re sold already on what’s to come or want a tease of the next big event with Darkseid. Overall, it feels like an issue that has to exist because the meta story is so scattered in its parts that you need a guide to connect all of the dots and make it clear as to what’s going on. As far as the content, it does a good job of explaining things and catching up readers but the bigger question is, will they care if they’re not already invested?

Story: Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson Art: Sanford Greene, Yasmine Putri
Color: Matt Herms Letters: Steve Wands
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham General #1 has us wanting an ongoing series

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

Welcome to General, Gotham City’s tier one trauma center. Power is out, fires are burning, transpo is shot, and the calls just keep coming. There are more patients than beds, half presenting with respiratory complications, the other half suffering hallucinogenic psychotic episodes. In every other emergency department in the DCU, this would be a catastrophe. For Dr. Ava Dastur and the men and women working at General, it’s a Tuesday. DC Comics is pleased to introduce you to the staff of Gotham General. No capes, no costumes, and don’t call them heroes—this is their job. Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham General #1 is fantastic and has us wanting an ongoing series focused on the hospital and its staff.

One of the best comics DC has released is its Gotham Central series which focused on Gotham’s police department. Writer Greg Rucka contributed to that series and is the writer for Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham General #1, so it’s no surprise its excellence. Starting off just before the chaos of the “Bad Seeds” event, we see Gotham General go into overdrive as the patients stack up as they attempt to figure out what’s going on.

Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham General #1 is brilliant in that it doesn’t dumb down its subject matter. Characters throw out medical jargon and diagnose without much explanation or taking readers through the steps. We’re observers to these miracle makers doing their job without question.

But beyond the realism of the jargon, Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham General #1 also focuses on the characters. An ongoing thread through the issue is a doctor wanting to move away from Gotham so her daughter is safer. But what is safety? Through the chaos, it’s an interesting debate that will have you debating that question and wondering if Gotham really is safe and the danger is exaggerated? It’s an interesting concept and adds an aspect to the story that readers can relate to.

The art by Rosa Ekedal and Steve Lieber is fantastic. With color by Patricio Delpeche and lettering by Tom Napolitano, the comic nails the chaos of the moment as doctors scramble to triage the incoming deluge of patients. You get a feeling of both the fear and unknown the doctors and nurses are feeling but also their focus as they scramble to help the patients. The visuals of the comic shows off the heroism of the staff of the hospital by focusing on them as humans doing what they can to help those hurting. The team does an amazing job of capturing the chaos of the moment but also making it easy to follow and easy to connect with the staff.

Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham General #1 is a hell of an issue and shows off the potential of focusing on the non-spandex aspects in the world of superheroes. It makes the case for an ongoing series where the hospital staff give us a new perspective on Gotham and the fallout from everything going on. It might be an event tie-in but it’s accessible and easy to dive into and enjoy without having read any of the event. Most importantly, it shows off that not all heroes wear a mask, some wear lap coats and stethoscopes.

Story: Greg Rucka Art: Rosa Ekedal, Steve Lieber
Color: Patricio Delpeche Letters: Tom Napolitano
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Witches of Brooklyn Vol. 1 is a fantastic debut and fun introduction to this magical world

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

Effie’s aunts are weird. Like, really weird. Really, really, REALLY weird! As soon as she moves into their gigantic house in Brooklyn, Effie senses something is up. But with a new school, new friends, and new haunting nightmares to keep her busy, how is Effie supposed to realize that they’re in fact witches… and that she might possess the same magical abilities, too?

As Effie learns more about her family and herself, things begin to take an odd turn. With friends who will do whatever they can to be there for her, a cursed pop star, and her supernaturally inclined aunts teaching her how to use magic for good, Effie soon understands that normalcy is not in the cards for her—and that life will never be the same.

Don’t miss out on the Witches of Brooklyn graphic novel series, which continues to grow along with our favorite witch, Effie!

by: Sophie Escabasse

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RH Graphic provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
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The Folk of Dooney Hollow #2 is a solid second issue that gives some answers but a lot of questions

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

It’s Kerri’s second day in Dooney Hollow, and despite the assurances of the townsfolk who live in this community displaced in time, she is not convinced they are going to let her leave. The closer she gets to some of them, the more she begins to feel for their predicament, while others only scare and enrage her. The more they tell her, the more she is convinced they are hiding from her. Of course, trust also goes both ways, and the more Kerri digs, the more some of the town leaders want her eliminated from the equation. The Butcher needs to be satiated, and one wrong move by an outsider could cause the whole of Dooney Hollow to collapse.

Story: Jeremy Haun
Art: Alex Lins
Color: Trish Mulvihill
Letterer: Andworld Design

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Zeus Comics

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Faceless and the Family: Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #4 continues the amazing art and an ok story

Posted on October 26, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

It all comes down to this—the unforgettable final chapter of visionary creator Matt Lesniewski’s (Crimson Flower, The Freak) harrowing saga of outcasts, identity, and acceptance! Buried deep beneath the surface in the rotting remains of a hidden underground prison, the spacefaring wanderer known as Faceless is cut off, cornered, and running out of time. Somewhere in the darkness lies the stolen mechanical suit he desperately needs—but reaching it may mean surviving horrors that were never meant to see the light of day. With a promise made to Katari and no clear way out, Faceless will have to push himself further than ever before if he hopes to escape in one piece. Meanwhile, above ground, Sasha awakens from her surgery forever changed, forced to confront the terrifying reality of what her future now looks like. But as old bonds are tested and new fears begin to surface, Katari finds himself consumed with dread—not only for Sasha, but for the fate of his missing father. Secrets unravel, loyalties fracture, and every path leads toward a reckoning in this emotional and explosive finale!

Story: Matt Lesniewski
Art: Matt Lesniewski
Letterer: Ferran Delgado

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Zeus Comics
Kindle

Chachu #3 is just a really solid detective story that hits all the right beats

Posted on October 26, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

It’s a night on the town as Leila and Chachu post up at Cleo’s old Vegas haunt, Mina’s Bar. But as Leila is blinded by the big personality of their bombastic host, Chachu delves deeper into depression at the bottom of a whiskey glass.

Story: Iman Vellani
Art: Marianna Ignazzi
Color: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni

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Zeus Comics
Kindle

Absolute Flash #20 focuses on the Absolute version of The Atom and teases so much more

Posted on October 26, 2026 by Brett Leave a comment

After his near-death experience in Iron Heights, the Flash is taken into the subatomic realm of Ray Palmer, a.k.a. the Absolute Atom. But the Atom is not the only new hero Wally is about to encounter as another major DCU character makes his Absolute debut!

Story: Jeff Lemire
Art: Haining
Color: Adriano Lucas
Letterer: Tom Napolitano

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Zeus Comics
Kindle

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