Category Archives: Mini Reviews

Mini Reviews: Talespin #1, Spider-Man/Hulk: Fire and Brimstone #1, American Caper #10, Shellshock #1, Inglorious X-Force #8

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Talespin #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

Talespin #1 (Dynamite) – Amanda Deibert and Carlo Lauro revive the 90s classic in suitably high-flying fashion in Talespin #1. Most of the comic’s page count is dedicated to the aptly named Sky Ryder’s acrobatics as she dazzles Baloo and Kit with her derring do in taking down the villainous Karny. Lauro makes the exciting clean and easy to follow while Deibert adds notes of wistfulness, adventure, and economic anxiety in her script. Re-engaging with this world as an adult, Talespin is definitely Baloo from the Jungle Book getting caught up in Casablanca or The Maltese Falcon. This is a solid first chapter with plenty of Disney Afternoon action. Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Buy

Spider-Man/Hulk: Fire and Brimstone #1 (Marvel) – Spirituality and truly groan worthy puns collide in Spider-Man/Hulk: Fire and Brimstone by Kevin Smith, Andrew McElfresh, RB Silva, and Federico Blee. Seriously, the first third of this comic is an overstimulating flurry of puns and hard to follow crowd scene. However, it locates its heart when Hulk finds peace through a happy childhood memory and then wraps up with a big, high concept swing. The idea of a man of science finding faith is quite compelling, and I’ve always enjoyed Smith’s explorations of religions. However, the inconsistent scripting and poorly blocked action make this first issue not quite a home run, but it does finish better than it starts. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

American Caper #10 (Dark Horse) – Dan Houser, Lazlow, David Lapham, and Chris Anderson has gone from a bonkers guilty pleasure satire comic to just bonkers. Houser and Lazlow continue to pile subplot on subplot including a digression featuring a Kanye parody without tying them together until the very end with some quick violence. Lapham and Anderson’s visuals are pure gleeful absurdity, but I think I have to tap out of this story. (Or lack of one.) Overall: 4.5 Verdict: Pass

Shellshock #1 (Oni Press) – The one-shot Shellshock is a modernization of EC Comics’ Shocking SuspenStories focusing on the horrors of war with emotion and a pinch of dark humor. The first story in Shellshock is from John Arcudi and Shawn Martinbrough and is a harrowing look at the effects of airborne toxins on US veterans during the war in Afghanistan. Martinbrough’s art is hellish, and Arcudi scripts his protagonist Rita with empathy and compassion. The next story “Christmas” from Michael Conrad and Albert Monteys tries to find the shared humanity during World War I as the Germans and English celebrate a Christmas truce. Monteys contrasts the starving Germans and well-fed Englishmen to show how bad the war has gone for them and make the story’s twist hurt that much more while Conrad’s captions are pure anti-war brilliance. Julio Anta and David Lapham’s “Blowback” goes for dark humor over sobering reality as a CIA covert assassination expert tries to weather the family BBQ. The jingoism is turned up to 10, and the absurdity up to 11 in this wild and crazy parable about the perils of trying to outdrink beat cops. Shellshock new stories wrap up with the verbose sci-fi story “World of Wars” by Benito Cereno and Tom Fowler. I’m impressed with the sheer amount of alien races Cereno and Fowler were able to create to illustrate how war and conflict will sadly be never ending even going into the future. Shellshock concludes with its best story yet, “Yellow” from the EC all star team of Bill Gaines, Al Feldstein, and Jack Davis. Their portrayal of a strained father/son relationship is heartbreaking, but there’s still room for that pitch black EC humor. Colonel Henderson remorselessly smoking a cigarette will stick with me for quite some time. As the US fights a senseless conflict in Iran, Shellshock hits home with how war has more of an effect on ordinary folks than the people who declare it, but hey, a crockpot CIA wonk having his head explode can be funny sometimes. Overall: 9.1 Verdict: Buy

Inglorious X-Force #8 (Marvel) – With the exception of a confusing timey wimey final scene, Inglorious X-Force #8 is a solid clash of old school and new school storytelling. Tim Seeley and Luca Maresca have a ripped from the headlines bad guy who uses online video platforms and AI algorithms to make mutant youth hopeless and poison humans against them, but we’ve also got Cable, Boom Boom, and X-Force blowing shit up. This series is more interesting as a black ops team trying to stop mutant threats in extralegal ways and brushing up against even more extreme groups, but the Cable/time travel of it all kind of screws it up. However, the series has enough goodwill and flashy visuals that I’ll give this rabbit hole a shot and maybe re-read Cable’s Wikipedia entry this weekend. Overall: 7.8 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Hello Kitty: Hello World #1, Die Loaded #8

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Hello Kitty and Friends: Hello World #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

Hello Kitty and Friends: Hello World #1 (IDW Publishing) – Hello Kitty has its cake (Or in this story, cinnamon roll) and can eat it too with adorable characters and engaging narrative with a genre shifting cliffhanger. Mariko Tamaki has a grasp on what makes every Sanrio character uniquely adorable and uses Hello Kitty’s podcast to introduce us to this world. (This job works for her protagonist vibe.) Cody Lemieux’s layouts have a snapshot vibe like the camera Hello Kitty uses to get pics of her friends, and I especially enjoyed his lush double page spread of the cast’s various homes. The cuteness still works even as the genre shifts from slice of life to true crime, but Tamaki and Lemieux keep things all ages instead of going for deconstruction and cynicism. If you own at least one Sanrio item, do yourself a favor and pick up this book. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Die Loaded #8 (Image Comics) – Die Loaded goes swashbuckling adventure of a sort in issue 8. Kieron Gillen keeps a firm handle on Sophie mothering and improvising her way through undead children, gods, and various bullshit before latching onto a story that she knows the inner workings of. This is while in the background, the political and epic worldbuilding bit of Die starts to take off again. Stephanie Hans’ art continues to be glorious, especially her and letterer Clayton Cowles’ work with the different gods. The characters of Die still sound ordinary, but she gives them an ethereal sheen. Die Loaded #8 is a pivotal book in the series with a memorable double page spread, but continues its strong characterization. Overall: 8.8 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Chachu #1, Mary Jane, Face It Tiger #1, Tank Girl Summer Love Sensation

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Chachu #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

Chachu #1 (Image) – Chachu #1 is a hell of a creator-owned comic debut from writer Iman Vellani. She, Marianna Ignazzi, and Jordie Bellaire turn into a gorgeous Hollywood neo noir starring a Pakistani-Canadian college student whose trip to find her missing, mysterious uncle opens a big ol’ can of worms. Vellani’s captions demonstrate her protagonist’s yearning for connection and a life bigger than the one she’s currently have while Ignazzi and Bellaire’s visuals reveal a world full of glory and double dealing. Chachu’s missing wife might be the most interesting character of all as the creative team easily subverts damsel in distress/dead wife cliches to give her the beginnings of an arc and one hell of personality. This is a comic that will fit nicely on the shelf with such Image noirs as The Good Asian and the Brubaker/Phillips collaborations. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Mary Jane, Face It Tiger #1 (Marvel) – Mary Jane, Face It Tiger #1 is an eras spanning celebration of one of the most badass female characters in comic books and her evolution from love interest to superhero on her own right. The comic leads off with a story set in the aftermath of Chameleon impersonating Peter Parker and then getting his ass beat by Mary Jane. JM DeMatteis and Andrea Broccardo use the superhero metaphor to explore living in the aftermath of trauma and also remind us how great Peter and MJ were together. Also, yay, therapy! In the second story, Ann Nocenti and Alina Yerofieieva offer a glimpse at Mary Jane’s superhero future while she fights off the villainous Haze on a movie set. Nocenti’s MJ is whip smart and easily bests an evil mist and a sleazy director with ease. Yerofieieva’s nigh-90s artwork, but with better storytelling chops fits the tone of the story too. Up next, JMS and Luigi Zacaria go for full bittersweet as an aged Mary Jane reflects on her life with Peter and Spider-Man. It’s a reminder that JMS was a damn good Spidey writer when he wasn’t focusing on the totems or One More Daying. MJ Face It Tiger #1 wraps up with a present day story showing MJ standing up for herself and her fellow actor with the help of the Venom symbiote. Sadly, this story is a bit of a rerun of the Nocenti/Yerofieieva one, but Phil Noto’s art is always solid and I need MJ’s Venom bag. Overall: 7.8 Verdict: Buy

Tank Girl Summer Love Sensation (Titan) – Tank Girl Summer Love Sensation is a reprint of a 1990 full color Tank Girl serial by Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett in the mighty Deadline Magazine. Nominally, the comic follows Tank Girl and Booga visiting her grandparents in rural England, but it transforms into a mayhem, nudity, dirty joke, and obscure UK pop culture reference-filled quest for the Fountain of Youth. This comic is dense is a good way ; there’s always some new reference or background gag to laugh at. Also, Hewlett’s different visual approaches keeps the book interesting, especially his use of mixed media and collage. This is a book that can go from glorious Romantic art homages to jokes about rival cartoonist’s pubic hair. It’s the perfect beach read for the cheeky ones out there. Overall: 9.9 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: The Dirt Beneath the Devil #1 and Concrete: Stars over Sand #2

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Concrete: Stars over Sand #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

The Dirt Beneath the Devil #1 (Mad Cave) – In The Dirt Beneath the Devil #1, the family and business associates of a dead outlaw must hear his will, but first they must do a long ride from Kansas City to Wichita. Writer Dan Panosian tells the story from the POV of the outlaw’s Cornell-educated daughter June, which introduces fish out of water elements to go with the dark Western vibes. The other “heirs” are either the worst people period or quiet and mysterious making for good tension. On the art side, David Ferraci and Lee Loughridge provide gorgeous Western vistas with a side of jump scares featuring a horse, who may have a key role in this series. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Concrete: Stars over Sand #2 (Dark Horse) – Concrete continues to wander aimlessly and amnesiacally as Maureen rounds up a search party to look for him so he can be there for his kid. Paul Chadwick continues to beautifully alchemize art and writing in Stars Over Sand #2, and his captions are especially poetic when Concrete sees the stars and the moon for the first time. The recurring element of the plot is “missed connections”, and we’re a wrong turn or a bit of stone in the corner of a dune surfer’s eye from finding the protagonist. But maybe he doesn’t want to be found. Stars Over Sand #2 has a true sense of total loneliness in a barren landscape. I hope everything ends up being okay. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Swamp Thing 1989 #4, Giant Robot Hellboy Returns #1, Sicko #1, Gambit Wanted #1

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Swamp Thing 1989 #4

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

Swamp Thing 1989 #4 (DC) – Rick Veitch wraps up his Swamp Thing run the way he originally intended with art from Tom Mandrake and Trish Mulvihill in Swamp Thing 1989 #4. There’s one last battle between Swamp Thing and Anton Arcane, the birth of his and Abby’s child (A son in this version), and a literal, but well set-up Deus ex machine to give the Hollands a happy ending. There’s a zen quality to Veitch and Mandrake’s work as Swamp Thing has seen and done everything and just wants to be with his wife and kid. He portrays calm compared to the chaos of Arcane and his ever shifting body. Superhero comics rarely have endings, but now Alan Moore and Rick Veitch’s Swamp Thing has a near-perfect one that actually fits in current DC continuity too. (PS It’s such a treat to have Mandrake draw Spectre in all his godlike and actually useful glory.) Overall: 9.6 Verdict: Buy

Giant Robot Hellboy Returns #1 (Dark Horse) – Giant Robot Hellboy Returns has diminishing returns from its predecessor despite high energy, craggy linework from Duncan Fegredo and some trippy violets from colorist extraordinaire Dave Stewart. But Mike Mignola’s script is filled with technobabble. The comic feels like the boring part of an old school Toho movie when the badly dubbed scientists yammer, and you wish giant monster and robot would duke it out. The worst part of GRH Returns #1 is that it just tapers off at the end instead of having a good cliffhanger. Overall: 6.1 Verdict: Pass

Sicko #1 (Ignition) – Tini Howard and Amilcar Pinna’s Sicko is a cathartic read for anyone who has been treated like shit or not believed by the health care system. Protagonist Valentine is dying, and she and her doctors don’t know why, but they wear hazmat suits around her. There’s also some shifty healthcare conglomerate/alternative medicine going on and creating conflict in the background. Howard’s nonlinear narrative creates context for Valentine’s plight while still being a propulsive biohazard thriller. Pinna and colorist Amanda Grazini go full trippy when Valentine uses her “abilities” on the run contrasting with the sterile hospital rooms. This issue has Breaking Bad pilot energy, but swap the blue meth for prescription pills. I’m definitely along for the ride. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Gambit Wanted #1 (Marvel) – Once I got over the shock of Storm being a child for some reason, I ended enjoying this flashback Gambit comic from Chris Claremont, Robert Gill, and Bryan Valenza. Claremont’s writing is wordy as ever, but his captions provide insight into Gambit’s psyche while still leaving room for action. The highlight of the issue is an extended Gambit/Bullseye fight with breathtaking choreography from Gill and deep purples from Valenza. I don’t know the reasons behind the hit on Gambit, but Gambit Wanted #1 portrays the thief turned hero at a turning point in his career. I also look forward to more cool fight scenes. Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Buy

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

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

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