Category Archives: Mini Reviews

Mini Reviews: Ultimate Black Panther #2 delivers a perfectly fine entry for new readers

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Ultimate Black Panther #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

Ultimate Black Panther #2 (Marvel) – Bryan Edward Hill, Stefano Caselli, and David Curiel is a perfectly fine Black Panther book that is accessible to new readers who have only seen the films. Hill makes T’challa a morally ambiguous figure who commits human rights violations trying to figure out which of his subjects helped betray his father to Ra and Khonshu and also has a spiritual side while using the finest tech on the land. Speaking of the tech, Caselli does a solid job with the fight sequences and armor/weapon designs with Curiel adding a little extra crackle to the energy. Everything is easy to follow, readable, and there’s a fun, albeit predictable surprise at the end. Ultimate Black Panther really has the misfortune of being in the same publishing line as the more interesting Ultimate Spider-Man and more visually compelling Ultimate X-Men and unfortunately doesn’t feel essential to read like those titles. Overall: 6.8 Verdict: Read

Mini Reviews: Petrol Head, Sinister Sons, one of the best debuts of the year, and more!

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Sinister Sons #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

If You Find This, I’m Already Dead #1 (Dark Horse) – Despite its wordy title, If You Find This I’m Already Dead (IYFTIAD) #1 is a thrilling take on parallel worlds from Matt Kindt, Dan McDaid, and Bill Crabtree. Robin is a reporter joining a US military detachment in another reality called Terminus. Things go FUBAR pretty early, and Robin and soldier Gil instantly go into survival mode. Kindt’s captions feel journalistic, but disappear during confusing and frightening moments like when Robin and Gil get the aid of one of the Terminus natives to try to escape via the sewer. As the story unfolds, it turns into a narrative of oppressor and oppressed just like our own world. There are no clear answers or heroes, and the comic ends on one hell of a cliffhanger. McDaid and Crabtree’s art brings gritty documentary realism to a fantastic environment, and they go for authentic emotions instead of being lost in the trippiness. IYFTIAD is easily one of the strongest first issues I’ve read in 2024. Overall: 9.1 Verdict: Buy

Petrol Head #4 (Image) – Before getting into the continuing adventures of the motley crew Lupa, Sid the Sat Nav (I need him as a GPS voice), Dave, and Petrol Head, Rob Williams and Pye Parr begin Petrol Head #4 with a big picture look at the dystopian world of the comic. Basically, they tested the ozone bubbles on prisoners giving them a chance at freedom before letting them die in isolation. This scene adds a layer of darkness and a sense urgency to Petrol Head #4 as our protagonists scramble around looking for an opening to sprinkle nanobots and cleanse the environment. The tone might be dark, but Parr’s vehicle designs continue to be unique, and Williams’ gallows humor keep the story moving. For example, there’s the racer Hybrid whose only good stat is breaking. Petrol Head #4 definitely has a bleak tone, but it’s counterbalanced by a colorful cast of characters that find the laughs in an apocalyptic surveillance state that seems like a heightened version of our own. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Sinister Sons #1 (DC Comics) – Peter Tomasi, David Lafuente, and Tamra Bonvillain‘s new series starring the sons of Sinestro and General Zod is a nice little amuse bouche. The basic premise is that Sinson and Lor-Zod want to step out of their father’s shadows and making something for themselves. So far, that something is a lot of posturing and brattiness, but it makes for amusing reading especially with Lafuente’s cartoon-y visuals. Because I’ve been reading Kneel before Zod and not the current Green Lantern series, I have a better handle on Lor-Zod’s character versus Sinson, but Tomasi’s humorous script covers a multitude of sins. I do miss when a #1 on a comic didn’t come with added homework though. Overall: 7.4 Verdict: Read (I purchased a copy on Amazon.)

Brett

Fall of the House of X #2 (Marvel) – Overall, I haven’t been a fan of the Krakoan age of the X-Men. The concept, I think, went against the basics of the X-Men, though there was potential. So, I’m reading the “Fall” of that era mostly to see what comes next, hoping it all gets back to the X-Men I enjoyed in the past (and it’s ok if it doesn’t). Fall of the House of X #2 is one half of the closing chapter of this era, delivering the over the top event the X-Men is known for. Good or bad, Fall of the House of X #2 feels a lot like the classic events of the 90s, with a slightly choppy narrative where it feels like key moments are missed in its storytelling and instead the focus is on the spectacle. The issue is full of it, with Polaris front and center kicking ass. The issue overall is entertaining and as a slice of the overall story, it works, but on its own, it feels like an empty summer blockbuster. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

Mini Reviews: Kneel Before ThunderCats in Pine and Madripoor!? It all makes sense inside!

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ThunderCats #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

ThunderCats #1 (Dynamite) – Drew Moss‘ art has some of the Saturday morning cartoon dynamism especially in the fight sequences, but Declan Shalvey‘s script and characterization has the feel of action figures in the toy box getting slung around. This comic doesn’t transcend its 80s toy commercial roots and is filled with cliches, one note villains, and the laziest of cliffhangers. Overall: 5.0 Verdict: Pass

Kneel Before Zod #2 (DC Comics) – After the imperialistic fervor of the opening installment, Kneel Before Zod #2 feels like one of those Game of Thrones episodes where old guys stand around and move pieces on the board. However, Ursa gets some strong character development punctuated by a double page spread of a backhand slap from Dan McDaid. In the second half of the comic, she’s Lady MacBeth in Kryptonian garb, and the conflict between her and Zod is immensely more interesting than the upcoming war between the Khunds and New Kandorian. Joe Casey writes her in a fierce, biting manner while let the plot wheels spin a little bit, and a potential key supporting character is sent off to another title. There’s less realpolitik and more mustache swirling in Kneel Before Zod #2, but Zod still comes across as Dick Cheney with superpowers, especially in the opening torture scene. I still love how McDaid draws technology and fight scenes, but this issue definitely is a slight dip in quality while still having potential for something engaging. Overall: 6.9 Verdict: Read (I purchased a copy)

Brett

Wolverine: Madripoor Knights #1 (Marvel) – Chris Claremont returns to Wolverine with this retro tale that has the mutant killing machine teaming up with some other heroes in Madripoor. The comic has a bit of a throwback feel to it and there’s more than enough references to other events as to when this takes place to put it in continuity but unless you’re really nostalgic, the comic is amusing but not really engaging. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

Pine and Merrimac #2 (BOOM! Studios) – The dynamic between the two leads is what really makes this series entertaining as they explore the mysterious island where there’s clearly illegal things going on. It’s all a little over the top in events, but that’s the type of story this is. Teasing of political corruption, secret cults, lots of guns, this is popcorn action, just enjoy the ride. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees #3 (IDW Publishing) – With paranoia and fear gripping the town, Sam has ideas as to who the serial killer is and begins the investigation. It leads down a rabbit hole that’s… really weird and very sad. Also, anyone else noticing these animals are eating other animals? What’s up with that!? If you’re into stories like Silence of the Lambs, don’t miss this! Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy

Kneel Before Zod #2 (DC Comics) – I have to agree with Logan above. The issue is a step back and leans heavy into the drama between Zod and Ursa, showing maybe Ursa is the more brutal of the two? It has potential but we’ll have to wait and see if that pans out. Overall: 6.95 Verdict: Read

Mini Reviews: Kid Cudi’s Moon Man, Wolverine, Charred Remains, Jill and the Killers, and so much more!

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Moon Man #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

Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Kid Cudi (Billed as Scott Mescudi) seamlessly transitions from music to comics in his new series Moon Man with co-scripter Kyle Higgins and artists Marco Locati and Igor Monti. The protagonist of Moon Man, Ramon, is a stand-in for Mescudi with much of the comic taking place in his real hometown of Cleveland. Plus there’s the lunar and cosmic imagery that have been a part of Kid Cudi’s lyrics and sound from day one, but are visually intensified in this comic. Monti’s color palette has a field day as Ramon’s abilities are unlocked, and he goes back to the mysterious events on his billionaire sponsored moon voyage. There is a lot of Jack Kirby and early Fantastic Four in the more sci-fi elements of Moon Man #1, but its world is very much our own with plutocratic monopolies and income equality. I especially love the conversations Ramon has with his little brother Micah about the current generation (Z and Alpha, I guess) not having the same opportunities as previous ones, but also pointing out that Ramon’s corporate astronaut gig is why Micah has shelter, food, and can go to college. Moon Man #1 captures the tension between resigning one’s self to the rat race and wanting something more in a gorgeous take on superhero and science fiction stories. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Avengers: Twilight #2 (Marvel) – While the concept of a world where corporate/fascism has taken over is interesting, there’s something that feels surface level in this future take on the Marvel Universe. The art is decent, action interesting, but the concept continues to be far better than the execution. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

Charred Remains #2 (Mad Cave Studios) – The series is a horror version of Backdraft and what’s real, what’s not is an intriguing part of it all. The fire focused psychological thriller features beautifully haunting art and an overall concept that’s some solid and entertaining horror. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy

Jill and the Killers #1 (Oni Press) – Crime podcasts and shows are a hot thing and this series plays off of that. Jill’s mother has disappeared as well as kids in her town. Are they all related? And what’s with a mystery game box that seems to be involved too? A solid start full of emotion and questions. Overall: 8.65 Verdict: Buy

Local Man #9 (Image Comics) – The action amps up in this issue as everything comes together in this revitalization of Image’s superhero comics. The series continues to be a highlight for the publisher delivering with every issue. If you’re looking for a superhero comic that’s not one of the Big Two, look no further. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Ministry of Compliance #2 (IDW Publishing) – All hell has broken loose for the Ministry of Compliance as they’ve been cut off from their homeworld and there’s treachery from within and from outside forces. This is an action drama from John Ridley that shows how amazing Ridley is at world building. Overall: 8.35 Verdict: Buy

Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Something has gone wrong on a corporate funded mission to the moon, but what? The series is most solid in its discussion of corporate takeover of our lives and while we work for horrible corporations, they do provide us with opportunity. Some art is a little muddied and hard to make out what’s happening, but overall, an interesting start. Overall: 7.75 Verdict: Read

Punisher #3 (Marvel) – Absolutely fantastic action with a solid villain and what’s next looks awesome. This series really brings back a classic Punisher feel and is a must for fans of the character. Overall: 8.45 Verdict: Buy

Resurrection of Magneto #1 (Marvel) – Focusing on Storm attempting to bring Magneto back from the dead, unless you’re really into that aspect, this one’s a pass. But, if you’re deep into the story, it feels like a must. I’m not too into it, so it was rather blah for me. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

The Deviant #3 (Image Comics) – Such an amazing comic. If you’re into horror, it’s a must. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Wolverine #42 (Marvel) – Again, we were promised a brutal and bloody Wolverine story and this delivers. Holy crap is this R-rated fun. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Ultimate Spider-Man, Rise of the Powers of X, and Wolverine!

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Ultimate Spider-Man #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 Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto re-center the Spider-Man mythos around a midlife crisis in the new volume of Ultimate Spider-Man #1. The original Ultimate Spider-Man series was the first comic I really followed back in the late 2000s, and the Miles Morales relaunch was the first comic on my pull list so the title is near and dear to me. That being said, Hickman and Checchetto absolutely knock it out the part while focusing on the key cast of characters (the Parker family, Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson) as people and not just icons or their superhero/villain identities. Jonathan Hickman nails the honest man-to-man conversations that Peter has with Uncle Ben about the loss of Aunt May as well as the Daily Bugle being bought by a Wilson Fisk that is more David Zaslav and less Boss Tweed. Checchetto’s facial expressions do a lot of heavy lifting as well capturing Harry Osborn’s anger at the loss of his father, Uncle Ben’s desire for truth and silent resignation plus Mary Jane Watson-Parker’s love and Peter’s existential crisis. With Peter Parker not appearing in costume until the final page and the deeper characterization of folks like Uncle Ben and Mary Jane, Ultimate Spider-Man #1 definitely evoked shades of the original volume, but the teen angst has been replaced with adult yearning along with shades of a universe that isn’t really conducive superheroes. Basically, Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley’s Ultimate Spider-Man was the Spider-Man comic I needed at 16, and Jonathan Hickman and Checchetto is the Spider-Man I need at 30. Overall: 9.3 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Rise of the Powers of X #1 (Marvel) – So far, Fall of X has a bit of a bumpy run as the line moves from what was to what’s coming. Fall of the House of X #1 was a rough start to this duo of comics that echo the launch of the Krakoan age. But, this series, which takes place in the future, shows a lot of promise as we see the X-Men doing what they do best, a last ditch effort to save reality and set things right. The end of the issue lays out an interesting moral quandary that should be intriguing to see where the debate goes. Overall, a solid entry in the X-Men mythology, packed with action and featuring some solid art. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Wolverine #41 (Marvel) – We were promised a violent and brutal tale as Wolverine takes on Sabretooth… holy shit. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Giant Hellboy and Kneel Before Zod!

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Kneel Before Zod #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

Giant Robot Hellboy #3 (Dark Horse) – Continuing from the previous issue’s cliffhanger where the giant robot is still working yet disconnected from Hellboy, Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo, and Dave Stewart break out the fireworks for Giant Hellboy #3. There’s plenty of robot punching giant mutated creatures on an island that’s about to explode, but lots of questions left answered like the beings on the screen when Hellboy is disconnected and the miniseries’ protagonist Jian’s whole deal. Nonetheless, Giant Robot Hellboy has high energy visuals, and the whole comic plays like a classic kaiju film, including its anti-atomic/radiation themes. It’s not required reading, but a perfect chaser after watching Godzilla Minus One or Monarch during these long, bleak nights. Overall: 7.9 Verdict: Buy

Kneel Before Zod #1 (DC Comics) – DC Comics starts off 2024 with a bang as Joe Casey, Dan McDaid, and David Baron turn in the first chapter of a solo series featuring one of Superman’s most fearsome foes. However, although there are carnage-filled spreads and fight scenes, Kneel Before Zod #1 is also about a fractured family and the establishment of a new planet/nation state in the DC Universe. Casey unabashedly portrays Zod as a fascist, but more understated and less aggressive until he has to cut loose in battle. There’s a lot of Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld in him, but he’s pure blitzkrieg while fighting. Also connected to Nazi eugenicism, he wants to make sure New Candor is populated with Kryptonians before making his move unlike his son Lor Zod, who is all fire and rage and gets exiled after he tries to hurt his father with his heat vision. McDaid excels at letting his pages breathe and inserting panels where key characters like Zod, Lor, and Zod’s wife Ursa show disappointment, sadness, and distance in between the political maneuvering and bloody action. All in all, Kneel before Zod has similar energy to Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larroca’s Darth Vader series (But with much better art), and the family tension and political intrigue make this a much more complex read than “I’m evil and kick ass” although there’s a lot of that too. Overall: 8.8 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Petrol Head and Thunderbolts!

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Thunderbolts #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

Petrol Head #2 (Image) – Rob Williams and Pye Parr‘s Petrol Head continues to be a damn good dystopian driving/racing comic in its second installment. The book runs the gamut tonally from heart-rending emotion (Protagonist Lupa saying farewell to her mom in an opening flashback) to silly fun with Sid the Cockney Sat Nav generally being a comedic gem. Hey, the world is fucked, and your dad is badly injured, but at least you’ve got hologram Michael Caine giving you directions, guvna. Petrol Head #2 has adrenaline-filled action with cool vehicle designs from Parr and a great sense of humor, and I look forward to what this dystopian comic has to offer in 2024. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Thunderbolts #1 (Marvel) – With a lineup tying into the 2025 film Thunderbolts, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, and Geraldo Borges revive one of Marvel’s best concepts of the 90s and connect it to their recent Captain America run. Unfortunately, I haven’t read the run and had no idea what OXE is (Sounds like a Secret Empire ripoff) and why Sharon Carter was wearing a skull mask. The comic is mostly a done-in-one of the Thunderbolts taking out a Nazi podcaster Red Skull out, and Borges makes the fight scenes electric, but I feel like this story was done a lot better by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting back in the day (And probably by Steve Englehart and company better even earlier in the day) I do like the self-awareness that like fascism, the Red Skull will come back in some kind of incarnation, and the overall kicking of Nazi ass is enjoyable. However, Thunderbolts #1 is a little impenetrable for folks who haven’t been following this side of the Marvel Universe for the past couple years. Overall: 5.9 Verdict: Pass

Mini Reviews: Zawa, Petrol Head, and G.O.D.S.!

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Petrol Head #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

Zawa + the Belly of the Beast #1 (BOOM! Studios) – In Zawa #1, writer/artist Michael Dialynas puts a colorful and unique spin on the dystopian genre. He crafts a world centered around processed food and a feast honoring a corrupt mayor that screams factory town, but has a little bit of a Nintendo aesthetic. For example, the mayor looks like a Kirby baddie. The protagonists of Zawa run a bakery and try to scrounge together fresh food and remember a time when food was art and not just convenience. It all leads to some good trouble involving the aforementioned beast of the comic who is this series’ wild card. Dialynas handles coloring and lettering duties using colored font any time a character mentions a “rare” ingredient as well as bursts of brightness any time they have a breakthrough. The whole thing ends up being a visually charming version of a well-trodden genre. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Petrol Head #1 (Image Comics) – Petrol Head is the other new dystopia series that was launched this week, but it’s very different from Zawa. Rob Williams and Pye Parr channel classic 2000 AD comics with a day-glo sheen in this tale of domed cities, retired, gas (Or petrol for the Brits) powered racing robots, and sassy robot birds. I really enjoyed the flashback scene of Petrol Head in his prime, and the excitement of the racing scenes pair nicely with Williams’ satirical script of how the world is basically rigged. Parr’s designs for the different robots have both form and function, and it’s a sheer thrill ride to see Petrol head run over the robot cops from the O-Zone. (Yes, there are lots of great puns in this comic too.) Petrol Head #1 sets the table for this brave new world with action, hijinks, and a pitch black sense of humor instead of gloms of exposition, and I’m interested to see how this rag tag bang takes down the authoritarian corporations that run their world. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

G.O.D.S. #2 (Marvel) – Jonathan Hickman and Valerio Schiti continue to cut off G.O.D.S. from the main Marvel Universe (Bye bye cameos) while having the bent of the series completely transcend and undergird it. And the final result is fantasy in a very sci-fi way as Aiko takes her soon-to-be sorcerer’s apprentice Mia to the Library of Worlds and offers this struggling, underprivileged college student a way to achieve. Even though G.O.D.S. is full of high concepts and powerful beings, Schiti’s skill with facial expression grounds the story and really let me connect with Mia. Of course, when you’re failing at life, the crazy white haired magic lady and library with supernatural beings might actually be appealing. Some other highlights of G.O.D.S. #2 are the flatness of the dialogue that Jonathan Hickman writes for Mia’s friends and the boringness of her life compared with the world of the Centivars. What sets apart G.O.D.S. from other Chosen One narratives other than the class consciousness is that Mia isn’t set up as some kind of messiah figure, but just gets to live an interesting life as the series progresses. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: It’s Giant Robot Hellboy and Alan Scott Green Lantern!

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Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #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

Giant Robot Hellboy #1 (Dark Horse) – Mike Mignola, Duncan Fegredo, and Dave Stewart reunite for the enticingly named Giant Robot Hellboy #1. Set in the 1960s, Hellboy is kidnapped off the streets of London by some secret organization, and his brainwaves are connected to a giant robot fighting a monster on a distant island while a stealthier spy does her thing. Pacing is this first issue’s strength with Mignola relying on Fegredo’s visual storytelling skills to show the trials and tribulations of connecting someone to a mecha against their will. The spy action is as sleek as the robot fight is clunky. The ending is a little abrupt, but it’s a good first foray and would probably make Guillermo Del Toro smile. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #1 (DC Comics) – Alan Scott: The Green Lantern is another hit from DC’s new JSA line of books. Tim Sheridan and Cian Tormey spin a tale of Scott’s life as a closeted gay man and early superhero in 1941. There’s tension between him and the JSA, an extended scene with J. Edgar Hoover, and of course, pining for Alan Scott’s lost love Johnny Ladd who appeared in the DC Pride special. On the visual side, Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #1 is a modernization of a classic superhero/war comic with sharp lines from Tormey and bright colors from Matt Herms. Much of tension doesn’t come from the overarching threat, but if Scott will be caught with another man because being gay was a felony in the 1930s and 1940s when much of this comic took place. Alan Scott #1 is all about the struggles to live your truth and explores queerness and sexuality just like Wesley Dodds #1 explores class and privilege. It has light jokes, at times, but is miles away from a happy ending at this point in the story. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Go Back to School with Hack/Slash while the Justice League take on Godzilla and Kong

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Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #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

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 (DC Comics) – There are glimpses of Godzilla, Kong, and other denizens of Legendary’s MonsterVerse in Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1, but mostly, the comic reads like a pretty standard Justice League vs. Legion of Doom throwdown. Brian Buccelato and Christian Duce turn in an episode of Superfriends with more modern dialogue and an art style that’s a lot like the New 52 designs, but sleeker. Buccelato also seems to get some of his characterization from the early days of the New 52 with Hal Jordan acting like a total douchebag while Barry Allen is a little unsure of himself and hasn’t revealed his secret identity to Iris. However, Superman’s characterization is more traditional with the heart of the comic being his proposal to Lois Lane that’s, of course, interrupted by a certain kaiju. JL vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 is a pretty standard superhero comic, but it has flashes of fun like the Legion of Doom breaking into the Fortress of Solitude that’s thwarted by someone who never should have been on the team in the first place. It’ll be interesting to see if the quality gets better when we see more of Godzilla and Kong. Overall: 7.2 Verdict: Read

Hack/Slash: Back to School #1 (Image Comics) – Cartoonist Zoe Thorogood turns her talents to the postmodern horror genre in a new revival of cult 2000s comic Hack/Slash. It’s like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and X-Men, but way more fucked up. Thorogood immediately dives into the trauma of protagonist Cassie Hack who is living a wayward life after killing her mother who was a literal monster. She conveys this through messing around with layouts as a fast food mascot ghost merges into an image of Cassie’s mom. The intervention of former B-movie starlet/current headmistress sets up the premise of the series, and Zoe Thorogood subverts the “weird new girl” trope by having all the students of the school have traumatic backstories involving monsters, or slashers as they’re called in this universe. All in all, Hack/Slash: Back to School #1 is perfect reading for spooky season with buckets of blood, general creepiness, and a self-aware sense of humor to go with the vulnerability in the captions Thorogood writes for Cassie done in a handwriting type lettering style. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

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