Category Archives: Reviews

Masterminds #2 Continues the Mind Games and Keeps Readers Guessing

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Masterminds #2

Edward and Angie begin the adventure of a lifetime as they face the Masterminds’ strange but brilliant real-life puzzles and challenges. But when they realize they are not the only competitors, they will have to ask themselves if they are willing to turn criminal on the gaming company they once worked for and make horrific sacrifices to get ahead. Masterminds #2 continues its game of life or death… or is it really life or death?

Written by Zack Kaplan, Masterminds #2 continues the game of Edward and Angie who have been pulled in by the Masterminds. If they win, they’ll get access to some of the most powerful people in the world and success and if they fail, it means death… Or does it?

That’s where Kaplan’s Masterminds #2 excels. It’s a comic that sows doubt if there’s real danger present or is it made to seem like there is to scare the participants? There’s enough teases and small details to leave readers guessing either way making the reading experience all the more fun. It turns a straightforward concept into even more of a mindfuck of a read. It’s full of puzzles that’ll leave you on the page trying to solve it yourself and presents enough scenarios to have readers ponder how they’d solve the situation and pull off the mission.

There’s an engaging aspect to the series. And it makes the comic all the more immersive to suck readers in.

The art by Stephen Thompson is great. With color by Thiago Rocha and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou the comic looks like a thriller. There’s a dark ominous tone to the visuals, a slightly tense feel to it all. But, it also has aspects of a big screen action film with doses of comedy. The comic has the duo attempting to steal a cell phone leading to a sexiness, some humor, and a sequence that’d fit right into a heist film with the visuals nailing it all at every step. The comic just delivers a look that fits so well for the concept and the world.

Masterminds #2 is a trippy mind game of a comic that’ll keep you guessing if the threats are really that, or are they illusions to challenge the players. Is there really the threat of bodily harm or death or is it made to seem like that to motivate players? Either way, it’s a tense and fun read that’ll keep you guessing.

Story: Zack Kaplan Art: Stephen Thompson
Color: Thiago Rocha Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Transformers #25 ushers in a new era, Hits the Nostalgia, and Delivers Surprises

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Transformers #25

Optimus Prime and the remaining Autobots must join forces with unlikely allies in order to protect their adopted planet. But Prime’s next challenge lies closer to home than he ever imagined. And what is the fate of the Decepticons? Transformers #25 kicks off a new creative team as sides regroup with some surprising twists along the way.

Transformers #25 begins Robert Kirkman‘s run writing the iconic franchise, one he’s dipped his toes in recently with his writing on “Energon Universe” series Void Rivals. The Transformers are clearly on Earth with humanity now knowing of their existence, and Kirkman dives right into that with the ramifications of their battles so far and the destruction they’ve caused.

Transformers #25 does a solid job of capturing the voice of the original Gen1 cartoon with Optimus coming off as the wise, but somewhat coming off as caught in a new land. The comic dials things back to some of the basics when it comes to alliances and acceptances with simple logic thrown out to move the story and plot along. The Decepticons ran after destroying stuff but the Autobots stayed to help, therefore the Autobots are good so we should trust them. It feels simplistic in some ways but works and compacts logic that otherwise would have played out for far too long.

With that comes an opportunity for new allies as Optimus is recruited by possible representatives of the US government. There’s no reason to doubt their claims of being part of the government but there’s no real proof they are and there’s one reveal that maybe they’re not. What’s set up is a debut of a character, but not a franchise, that teases there’s more coming to the Energon Universe and should make fans even more excited. It also upends some things giving the Autobots an advantage and shakes things up in ways that are unexpected. Scarcity for the Transformers has been an issue but Kirkman begins to lay the groundwork to undo that.

But, it’s not all simple meeting new allies like the cartoons. There is some depth and moral ambiguity for adults too. Megatron and his Decepticons have gathered with an address of the troops. There, we get Megatron’s vision and what his goals are. It’s rather interesting because it’s something that hasn’t been clear from the beginning of the series. Beyond the pre-existing fight, what is the motivation of the Decepticons, what is their driving philosophy? We see that here.

Then, there’s what’s going on with Elita-1 and the Autobots on Cybertron. The less said the better but it’s a massive shift in character and should create some fireworks down the road.

But, Transformers #25 is an issue about transition. Jorge Corona opens up the comic on art with the segment focused on the Decepticons with Dan Mora taking over when the comic shifts to the Autobots. With color by Mike Spicer and lettering by Rus Wooton. There’s a clear shift in art as Corona and Mora’s art styles are very different and Mora’s ongoing art should be interesting. It’s a much “cleaner” style than we’ve see so far for this run, much more like previous runs. But, Mora brings a level of detail that’s fantastic. His take on the damaged Optimus Prime is really interesting with small parts of his shell missing and it’s present not just in bot form but also when he transforms. It’s a small level of detail that might go unnoticed but adds so much to the story and world.

Transformers #25 is a great transition with a clear focus on setting up what’s to come. It evokes a lot of moments that clearly mine the past, both in comics and animated, and brings in new elements that 80s toy fans will get excited for. The series might have a new team but it isn’t missing a beat.

Story: Robert Kirkman Art: Dan Mora, Jorge Corona
Color: Mike Spicer Letterer: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Skybound provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Ultimate X-Men #20 feels more like traditional X-Men but there’s some rough dialogue

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SHADOWS OF THE KING AND THE ASTRAL PLANE! Has Hisako been saved?! A climactic battle between Armor and Shadow King in the Astral Plane! But what secrets does Kageyama still hold? And what of the Children of the Atom’s dependence on his power?

Story/Art: Peach Momoko
Script Adaptation: Zack Davisson
Letterer: Travis Lanham

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Early Review: American Caper #1 Delivers an Extreme and Absurd Look at Today’s America

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American Caper #1

American Caper is a tale of two totally normal, completely damaged families in a world of corrupt business, inept politics, bungling crime, self-righteous justice, and problematic leisure wear. We follow the fortunes of two neighbors who are on the point of collapse: a Mormon hitman and a gambling addict lawyer, both intertwined in a real estate deal gone wrong. Added to the mix are a Mexican beauty queen on the run from her past, two escaped convicts in love, a Wall Street billionaire who has become a cowboy, and a maniac hell-bent on revenge. From the tax avoiders in the manicured wilderness of Wyoming, to the thought police of Brooklyn, to the confused political battlegrounds of Florida, one thing is certain: this tragedy is someone else’s fault.

A skewering and exaggeration of today’s America. That’s exactly what I’d expect from the co-founder of Rockstar Games and longtime head writer and creative director of the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption series. American Caper #1 delivers a debut that offends everyone with a take on the state of the country that takes everything to 11.

Written by Dan Houser, with additional writing by Lazlow, American Caper #1 takes us to Wyoming where everyone is horrible and there are no good people at all. Like a Tarantino film, the debut issue jumps around a little weaving threads and setting up the story in a way that’ll eventually come together in a tapestry of everything wrong with the world today.

The story is of two neighbors, one a corrupt lawyer, and the other a Mormon with a perfectly family and life who also happens to be a hitman. Everyone presented, no matter where they are on the spectrum of beliefs, are horrible blights on the world. They come off as unredeemable and the type of characters you want to see terrible things happen to them because they deserve it. From a racist Red-pilled Karen of a wife, to developers destroying the environment, to a far left daughter who is the caricature that the right paints, no one is safe from getting the spotlight of how awful they are. It’s exactly the type of story that you’d expect from folks from Rockstar, taking the real world and just hyperbolize every aspect.

This is a story of horrible people doing horrible things that you want to see horrible things happen to.

The art by David Lapham delivers his signature style. With finishes by Chris Anderson, color by Lee Loughridge, and lettering by Nate Piekos, it’s a comic where many jokes are in the details. American Caper #1 wants you to linger on the pages to pick up all the small additions and every element helps tell the story and at times, land the jokes. Graffiti on a sign, a picture on a wall, the look characters give each other, it all adds to the story, the world, and give the characters depth.

If you like stories where everything is on the table to make fun of, skewer, poke, jab, and nothing is sacred, American Caper #1 is for you. It’s an out there start that’ll keep you on your toes with no idea what to expect next for what will happen and to who. It’s also a story where you’ll cheer when everyone gets what they deserve. It’s a cathartic middle finger to the state of things with a focus on the hyper polarization and self-centeredness that the world has become. It’s a comic where lines are drawn and it’s the reader against everyone on the page.

American Caper #1 hits shelves November 12 with final order cut-off October 6.

Story: Dan Houser, Lazlow Art: David Lapham
Finishes: Chris Anderson Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Nate Piekos
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Pre-Order: Kindle

Post Malone’s Big Rig #3 is more fun with a little choppiness in the narrative

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Double-length — collects chapters 5 & 6! Post Malone’s BIG RIG. 18 WHEELS VS. HELL’S ARMY. The Rig is stuck. Minos’ army descends. Can Trucker, Edda, and Batu survive the night? What will be left of them if they do?

Story: Post Malone, Adrian Wassell
Art: Nathan Gooden
Color: Der-Shing Helmer
Letterer: Jim Campbell

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

The Walking Dead: Deluxe #122 feels a bit like the calm before the storm as both sides regroup

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The Walking Dead Deluxe #122 has both sides planning for what comes next.

The Walking Dead returns in full color with extras! The Walking Dead Deluxe takes us back to the beginning with each issue now featuring full color. There are also extras of what might have been with notes as part of “The Cutting Room Floor.”

What’s it like to revisit this modern classic? How does it change all these years later… and in color? Find out!

Story: Robert Kirkman
Art: Charlie Adlard
Ink: Stefano Gaudiano
Color: Dave McCaig
Letterer: Rus Wooton

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Batman #2 is an overall good issue focused on Batman and Tim’s Robin’s relationship

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Injured, cuffed, and tossed in the back of a GCPD paddy wagon with a dozen uncuffed and violent criminals, Robin (Tim Drake) will have to use everything he’s learned from the Dark Knight if he hopes to survive his own dark night. Will Batman arrive in time to help him, or will this mission change the way the city and the GCPD view the Dynamic Duo forever?

Story: Matt Fraction
Art: Jorge Jimenez
Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Clayton Cowles, Jorge Jimenez

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Mini Reviews: The Last Day of HP Lovecraft #1, Gotham Academy: First Year #1, Umbrella Academy: Plan B #3, Bytchcraft #4, and Batman #2

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Gotham Academy: First Year #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

The Last Day of HP Lovecraft #1 (BOOM!) – A translation of a French graphic novel by Romuald Giulivo and Jakub Rebelka, The Last Day of HP Lovecraft #1 delves into the final day of the racist, anti-Semitic, yet highly influential horror writer. Rebelka visualizes the author’s imagination through strange, feverish dreamscapes narrated by the recurring Mythos character Randolph Carter. The book critiques, pays homage to, and riffs on the works of Lovecraft and attempts to answer what kind of person would invent cosmic horror. The characterization of Carter is enjoyable as a puckish, nigh-omniscient protagonist as he both trolls and fanboys over HP Lovecraft. As an added bonus, there’s a handwritten letter from a dying Lovecraft to a dead Robert E. Howard about death. Overall: 7.9 Verdict: Buy

Gotham Academy: First Year #1 (DC) – After too long of a hiatus, Gotham Academy is back with a prequel focusing on Olive Silverlock’s first year at the boarding school. Writers Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan, and Karl Kerschl zero in Olive’s Batman-induced trauma as well as the general awkwardness of the first day at a preppy boarding school finding humor from the school’s strange aristocratic conditions. On the art side, Marco Ferrari and Eva De La Cruz capture the lush, dark academia before dark academia was a thing tone of the school and add some memorable flourishes like a monstrous portrayal of Batman. Olive Silverlock is a relatable outside character, and the prominent role of Arkham Asylum might bring folks from the superhero world into the Goth YA universe. Overall: 8.3 Verdict: Buy

Umbrella Academy: Plan B #3 (Dark Horse) – Just like My Chemical Romance’s current Long Live the Black Parade tour, Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba engage with the contemporary rise/reign of fascism in a cheeky, theatrical way. But unlike the concerts, which recontextualizes MCR’s 2006 album The Black Parade into a satirical look at an authoritarian regime in a focused way using that album’s song as the spine, let’s just say Umbrella Academy Plan B continues to be all over the place storywise. There are some memorable moments like Klaus having an NA meeting with ghosts, Luther’s hero St. Zero pleading with him to return from the Moon to Earth and save it from the Sparrow Academy, and the Sparrows spreading chaos on national TV. But the various threads never cohere together like the previous issue, which was centered around a fight between the Umbrella and Sparrow Academies. Maybe, the bigger picture will be more clear in the next 3 issues, but for now, Umbrella Academy is a beautiful drawn, colored, and lettered (By DRAAG’s own Nate Pieko) mess. Overall: 6.1 Verdict: Pass

Bytchcraft #4 (Mad Cave) – The penultimate issue of Bytchcraft is rich, dense occult fantasy storytelling from Aaron Reese, Lema Carril, and Bex Glendining. I love how they interweave the theme of found family and matriarchy with a blockbuster, world ending threat. Also, there’s plenty of quips and humor (Especially from my personal favorite character Em.) to balance out the apocalypse of it all like the coven coming up with a game plan in a diner in Queens. Bytchcraft is a gorgeous and immersive comic, and I’m sad to see it end next month, but it continues to be a lasting legacy for the late Reese. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Batman #2 (DC) – Batman and Robin are more ACAB than ever in the 2nd issue of Matt Fraction, Jorge Jimenez, and Tomeu Morey‘s Batman run. This issue focuses on the relationship between Batman and Tim Drake using a flashback framing narrative of the Caped Crusader teaching Robin how to drive stick/the Batmobile. Fraction and Jimenez strike a balance between vulnerability and badassery, cool gadgets and heroes down on their luck. The fight sequences are full of piss and vinegar, and I love how Matt Fraction writes Batman and Tim Drake’s relationship like a parent and an adult child while the heat continues to come down on them in the ongoing plotline. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Absolute Green Lantern #7 is a nice piece of the puzzle explaining this version of the Spectrum more

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How far out is the world that’s coming? From across the depths of space, the Blackstars are turning their attention towards Earth… and only Tomar Restands in their way.

Story: Al Ewing
Art: Jason Howard, Riley Rossmo
Color: Inaki Azpiazu
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

Gunpowder Prophets #1 is just a hell of a lot of fun with solid story, characters, and art

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Huck and Marley help people for money. Well, in theory anyway… For some reason, their “help” always seems to involve massive amounts of property damage, a somehow guaranteed collision with the supernatural, and if Marley has his way, a huge body count. They’re the Gunpowder Prophets, and a simple job rescuing a girl from a backwoods cult turns weird when the super groovy leader’s supernatural powers turn out to be very, very real. It’s seventies-style horror mixed with grindhouse action in Gunpowder Prophets

Story: Justin Jordan
Art: Patrick Piazzalunga
Color: Roman Stevens
Letterer: Taylor Esposito

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site

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