Category Archives: Mini Reviews

Mini Reviews: Wiccan: The Witches’ Road #3, Escape #6, The Power Fantasy #16

Posted on by
Escape #6

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

Wiccan: The Witches’ Road #3 (Marvel) – Wiccan #3 is another middling issue of this series starring one of Marvel’s most iconic gay couples. I enjoyed the glimpses Wyatt Kennedy and Andy Pereira gave us of Billy Kaplan’s past as a kid in New York and his “first love”, but the comic is really text heavy. Also, I’m not super invested in the new Demiurge. Having Morgana Le Fay kind of be a sympathetic figure works for a while, but of course, she doesn’t end up that way. There are definitely fragments of a cool story, and any scene with Billy and Doll-Teddy are heartwarming, but I can’t recommend this series just yet. Overall: 6.7 Verdict: Pass

Escape #6 (Image) – In Escape #6, Rick Remender and Daniel Acuna‘s war story lives up to its title as Milton is nabbed by the Narenians and must make his way out. His interactions with the Narenian commander shows the contrast between his solid heroism and the Narenians’ evil as the baddie taunts him about his wife and tries to get a rise out of him by saying enemy saboteurs will seduce her. This conversation (Really, more of a monologue) makes the ensuing action even more explosive. I love how Remender and Acuna use tiny, quick panels to show Milton freeing himself from captivity and put his individual actions in the larger context of the war. I’m not exaggerating when I say that in the future, Escape will be considered one of the great war comics, and lot of it is Rick Remender’s personal connection to the material because his grandpa was a World War II vet. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

The Power Fantasy #16 (Image) – Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijingaard show the true extent of the Superpowers’ destructive abilities in this mind-blowing issue of The Power Fantasy. This issue definitely feels like a finale, but I’m glad that it’s being continued with its new more cynical status quo. Wijingaard’s art is just flat out epic in this issue, especially a crimson-tinged double page splash that will be drilled into my brain for quite some time. The Power Fantasy #16 shows why the detente between the Superpowers is so important and digs into the frightening reality of being a human being in this world where you’re just a figure on a casualty list. Overall: 8.6 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Death Fight Forever #1, he Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre #1, The Muppets Noir #1, Street Sharks #5, and Wonder Woman #30

Posted on by
Wonder Woman #30

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

Death Fight Forever #1 (Image) – After an intoxicating flash forward, Andrew Maclean and Alexis Zirritt bring the world of old school beat ’em up arcade games to comics in Death Fight Forever #1. It’s a simple take out an evil guy in a creepy pyramid type of story, and both sides have tricks up their sleeves. Death Fight Forever is a visuals driven book focusing on the next sprayed on the side of tour van set piece. Maclean’s writing adds pitch black humor and brotherly love to the proceedings, and there’s some heart beneath badassery. But, yeah, this comic is like playing your favorite arcade game late at night with a little bit of a beer buzz. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre #1 (Mad Cave) – With a name like that, I had to check out Fred Kennedy and James Edward Clark‘s new series The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre #1. (TFHCM from here on out.) TFHCM #1 satirizes Reagan era America with big guns, lines of blow, and plenty of action, and the antagonist seems a lot like Trump too even though he’s technically a Pablo Escobar type. Clark’s approach to the visuals is VHS fever dream meets Reefer Madness meets Miami Vice with a side of those hyperactive toy ads, especially in his figure work. This is a book that definitely gets overstimulating at time, but it’s chock-full of so many jokes, wacky characters, and moments of pure badassery that it’s well worth your time and money. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

The Muppets Noir #1 (Dynamite) – Once again, Roger Langridge seamlessly brings the world of Muppets from TV puppets to comics in The Muppets Noir #1. His writing is clever, his visuals are absurd, and once Kermit gets hit by that brick and enters a dreamworld where he’s a private eye with a phobia of pies, he creates a fully realized world of mansions with singing pig statues, Gonzo doing stunts at the cabaret, Sam Eagle abusing his arrest powers, and more. The story really feels like Kermit casting a film noir with his fellow Muppets, and Roger Langridge has a ball with the language and casting. Plotwise, The Muppets Noir #1 is establishing and exploring, but there’s a bit of a curve ball in the last few pages. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Street Sharks #5 (Oni Press) – This marine pun and punching filled series wraps up in Street Sharks #5 as Stephanie Williams and Ariel Medel pit the titular heroes against Dr. Paradigm once and for all at the ultimate 90s destination: the shopping mall. But beneath the quips and cool wrestling moves, this story (And honestly the series as a whole.) follows the throughline of the Street Sharks trying to be loved and not feared. Seriously, Dr. Paradigm is very good at blackmail, but maybe a Super-Adaptoid version of the Street Sharks was a step too far. I love that Williams and Medel cut away from the action to show the reaction of onlookers, including characters from previous issues. Street Sharks #5 is about muscular mutant sharks kicking mad scientist butt, but it’s also about a community defending itself against predatory capitalism and finding heroes in unlikely places. I seriously need some Street Sharks merch. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

Wonder Woman #30 (DC) – In the conclusion to her two part arc, Stephanie Williams shows her command over Wonder Woman’s robust supporting cast putting both their strengths and flaws on display as they battle Eris for Lizzie. She and Jeff Spokes make one hell of a team as insightful dialogue pairs with muscular action. Spokes’ colors also set the tone for each stage of the fight with Eris. It’s so cool to see Nubia, Philippus, Diana, Yara, Donna, and Cassie as three dimensional characters in just 40-odd pages as Williams and Jeff Spokes bring dense, old school type storytelling, but loses the old school attitude. Plus the text and visuals complement each other nicely, and Spokes kicks ass at drawing powerful, loving women. Overall: 8.8 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Spider-Man Noir #5, Die Loaded #4, Bleeding Hearts #1, The Crown: A Tale of Hell #1, Star Wars: Jar Jar #1

Posted on by
Star Wars: Jar Jar #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

Spider-Man Noir #5 (Marvel) – Erik Larsen, Andrea Broccardo, and Rachelle Rosenberg mix a little bit of Clone saga and a Spider-Man “No More” with a lot of Nazi punching and the pulpy action that is Spider-Man Noir’s signature in the final issue of this miniseries. This could very well be the *last* Spider-Man Noir story as Larsen and Broccardo show the cost that Peter Parker’s alter ego has taken on both his relationships and life in general as he’s caught in the crossfire between Nazis and old school American gangsters. I love the level of maturity that Erik Larsen writes Peter and Gwen’s relationship with as she struggles with the father who she worshiped and idolized being a Nazi. Maybe, Peter Parker will live a relatively quiet life as a 1930s P.I., but a final panel leaves the door open for more masked man adventures. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Die Loaded #4 (Image) – Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans introduce a new party member in Die Loaded #4. It’s Chuck’s son, Callum, who is a Fool like his father and probably a bigger one with access to the right wing landscapes of online gaming and anime porn as Sophie resignedly observes. Sophie must balance trying to put Callum in his place and getting the quest started and realizing that one day her son, Stuart, will be a teenager and hopefully won’t be like this misogynist. It’s really fun watching Sophie grow into the role of Godbinder and interface with the world of Die while Gillen and Hans take potshots at Chosen One tropes and Gen Z. There’s a frosted glass flashback that particularly shows her growth as a leader as the new quest begins. Overall: 8.6 Verdict: Buy

Bleeding Hearts #1 (DC/Vertigo) – Vertigo is back with a bang thanks to the reunion of 20th Century Men‘s Deniz Camp and Stipan Morian on the tale of sensitive, ethical zombie Poke in a world that is very much the opposite. Usually, mindless cannon fodder, Camp and Morian humanize the living dead while not giving them the Warm Bodies relationship and much of this issue is dedicated to world-building and a worm’s eye view of zombie society, how their names are constructed, and different cliques and relationships. Fititng the tone of the story, Morian and colorist Matt Hollingsworth’s visuals are gruesome, yet lovable like its protagonist Poke, who is easy to latch onto in a very deep, tortured everyzombie way. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

The Crown: A Tale of Hell #1 (Dark Horse) – Brother writers Mike and Todd Mignola and artist Warwick Johnson-Cadwell craft a tale of sibling rivalry and literally hellish political wrangling centuries before Hellboy’s birth. It’s a rare peek at the twisted destiny Hellboy was born into and rejected to become a hero. I love how Johnson-Cadwell draws his figures like chess pieces on a board while still imbuing them with a physicality that drives home their arguments about who is worthy to wear the titular crown. However, The Crown #1 isn’t all bitching and moaning, but has some juicy twists towards the end. Let’s say Hellboy had more siblings than two. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 (Marvel) – Jar Jar Binks (and Beq) actor Ahmed Best, Marc Guggenheim and artists Kieran McKeown, Laura Braga, and Mike Atiyeh complete the Jar Jar redemption in this engaging and socially relevant one-shot. Best and Guggenheim use the metaphor of the mining planet Urubai and the caste of the Unseen to draw attention to the plight of exploited workers like cobalt miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s all filtered through a pulpy lens, but it’s in the same vein as the Andor television show or the Rebel Alliance being a stand-in for South Vietnam’s National Liberation Front. There’s definitely some silly moments, and Ahmed Best and Marc Guggenheim have Jar Jar’s speaking patterns down to a tee, but it’s offset by showcasing him as a complex figure whose innocence was preyed upon by powerful interests. It’s cool to see Jar Jar, Beq, and Mira Bridger push back against the moment in Episode II that made Jar Jar such a despised character. Also, a cameo from badass bounty hunter Aura Sing doesn’t hurt either. Even if your opinions about Jar Jar Binks have stayed static since 1999, this is the comic to change your mind. Overall: 9.7 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Marian Heretic #4, Archie x Army of Darkness #1, Godzilla Infinity Roar #1, D’Orc #1, Batman #6

Posted on by
Batman #6

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

Marian Heretic #4 (BOOM! Studios) – Shit hits the highest heavens in Marian Heretic #4 as the titular character drops the charade of fighting for the patriarchy and kicks ass for the mother goddess instead. Tini Howard and Joe Jaro skillfully juxtapose Marian’s past and present and unpack that her power doesn’t come from a blessed Communion wafer, but from her background as mixed martial artist. Caught up in a whirling dervish of blends of Christianity and old school paganism, Marian ends up being at the eye of the storm. All the gloves are off, the torture devices and firearms are out, and Howard and Jaro have set the stage for a spiritual battle royale. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Archie x Army of Darkness #1 (Dynamite) – I love Archie Comics (Especially the old house style!) and the Evil Dead so I’m kind of a biased mark for this kind of thing. Bill and Ben Galvan bring the carnage, splatter, and gore of Sam Raimi movies into wholesome, innocent Americana with a Deadite channeling Alien-meets-Temple of Doom by pulling Moose’s still-beating heart out of his jock body. But, unfortunately, Erik Burnham structures this story in a kind of jumbled together way. I appreciate the Archie working at S-Mart with Ash subplot, but it should have gone at the beginning or middle of the comic not the end. Maybe, this whole series would have worked bigger as a lengthy one-shot a la the excellentArchie/Jay and Silent Bob, but I’m still tuning in for the Archie/Ash banter and hopefully some lessons in chainsaw use. Overall: 6.6 Verdict: Read (If you’re a big Archie/Army of Darkness)/Pass (If not)

Godzilla Infinity Roar #1 (Marvel) – Godzilla Infinity Roar #1 is big, dumb, and full of fun. Gerry Duggan, Ig Guara, and Javier Garron set the King of Monsters and symbiote god Knull loose on the Marvel Universe causing a cosmic scale of destruction and freaking out the various intergalactic players. They just want to let them find their way to Earth and be done with it, but not if elements from the Avengers, FF, and Guardians of the Galaxy have their way. Cue an utterly pointless battle scene between the Guardians, Knull, and a being of an unfathomable. However, this scene of total filler is counterbalanced by ending setting up a battle that I’ve been waiting almost my whole life to see. Overall: 7.4 Verdict: Read

D’Orc #1 (Image) – Both political sides sucking is a relatable refrain, and Brett Bean explores it in fantasy comedy kind of way in D’Orc #1, which features plenty of violence, gore, puns, and supernatural elements. But the best scene is a simple six panel grid of both the light and dark sides finishing each others’ sentences and having the same conversation about our half dwarf/half orc protagonist as some kind of violent harbinger of doom. Even in this first issue, the d’orc has his own little arc going from creeping in the trees with his talking shield to using the talking shield for active violence. What is likely to follow is a silly, yet timely take on the fantasy genre from Bean and the dark Saturday morning cartoon palette of colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Batman #6 (DC Comics) – After last month’s single action sequence centric issue, Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez are back to the ratatat subplot/gadget heavy storytelling in Batman #6. Fraction seeds in lots of real world themes like AI as a substitute for companionship and police corruption while not neglecting the action. Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey really let Batman cut loose in a sequence versus the new and improved Monster Men. However, there is also room for moments with Bruce’s sons Tim Drake and Damian Wayne with this issue being a big milestone in Bruce and Tim’s relationship. I love for the awkward conversation that Bruce and Annika have at the beginning of the comic where he tries to explain why his son is Robin featuring some well-timed beat panels from Jorge Jimenez. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Wiccan : Witches’ Road #2, Touched by a Demon #1, The Power Fantasy #15, Exquisite Corpses #9, Wonder Woman #29

Posted on by
Wonder Woman #29

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

Wiccan: Witches’ Road #2 (Marvel) – With Hulkling immobilized or a puppet, Wyatt Kennedy and Andy Pereira don’t have his chemistry with Wiccan to draw on so this second chapter suffers in comparision with the first one. We get Wiccan finally setting off the Witches’ Road on a fetch quest for Baba Yaga with a sarcastic talking fox named Nameless for a companion. I love their interactions, but at this point, Billy Kaplan’s journey isn’t super compelling. His first stop is connected to Roxxon, but the corporate satire elements don’t really mesh with the magical ones. By the final page, Kennedy has bet big time on the Demiurge to be the story engine for this comic so your enjoyment of Wiccan : Witches’ Road depends on how cool you are with that concept. Gotta love a stakes-raising cliffhanger though. Overall: 6.9 Verdict: Read

Touched by a Demon #1 (Dark Horse) – Touched by a Demon #1 is a delightful mixture of pitch black comedy and pure emotion all wrapped in a cute visual package courtesy of cartoonist Kristen Gudsnuk. An earl of Hell named Bifrons and his assistant Zuzu set up a life coaching program so Bifrons can find redemption after he’s spurned by Lucifer and other demons like Mammon. They have exactly 1 customer and give some advice that might work in a theoretical/vent-type of way, but not in practice. Gudsnuk peppers Touched by a Demon with all kinds of funny background gags like hellish athleisure brands as well as witty one-liners, but she uses a lot of the page space in this first issue to get to the core of Cifron’s feelings along with his first client, Wendy. They’re both in bad, no-win situations that escalate as the comic progresses and really sinks its claws (Or pitchforks.) in you. Overall: 7.9 Verdict: Buy

The Power Fantasy #15 (Image) – Shit truly and utterly hits the fan in The Power Fantasy #15. Eliza is slowly starting to realize that her visions maybe aren’t from God so the other Superpowers have to band together to figure out a way to neutralize her. Kieron Gillen deftly walks the plot tight rope and even leaves room for something interesting world building like the Vatican’s new location being in Ethiopia as well as some emotional moments between the newly broken-up Isabella and Masumi. (Caspar Wijingaard‘s art is a vision for Masumi’s paintings.) And speaking of Wijingaard, his linework and especially color palette is pure apocalyptic fury. He crafts red skies that make Crisis on Infinite Earths look like child’s play just like the events of this issue. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Exquisite Corpses #9 (Image) – Tyler Boss, James Tynion, Valentine De Landro, and Michael Walsh give the folks of Oak Valley a fighting chance in Exquisite Corpses #9. A queer black nail polish-sporting baddie and a crazy conspiracy theorist teaming up to save the day is a foreshadowing of the US in the future, and I love Xavi’s growth as an unlikely hero especially their fight with the bunny-masked hero. However, victory is still far away. Like almost every issue of Exquisite Corpses, the story is sprawling and split between a massive cast, but it’s nice to see the good guys get a bit of a W for once. Also, Jordie Bellaire‘s flat black and reds continue to accentuate the violence and menace through her color palette. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Read

Wonder Woman #29 (DC) – In Stephanie Williams and Jeff Spokes‘ inaugural issue of Wonder Woman, they show that the titular character is more than just Diana Prince. In fact, this is more of an ensemble book with different iterations of Wonder Woman and Wonder Girl babysitting Diana’s daughter Lizzie Prince. Before setting up the conflict, Williams gives us a flavor of Donna Troy, Yara Flor, Cassie Sandsmark, and Queen Nubia and their different personalities that especially shines in the way they fight and spar. There’s a real “it takes a village” family dynamic in this book, which makes its initial baddie that much more compelling. Also, Spokes’ fight choreography is gorgeous just like the powerful women he draws. (There are no men in this comic.) Overall: 8.3 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Babs: The Black Road South #1, Ultimates #20, Die Loaded #3, Knull #1, and more!

Posted on by
Babs: The Black Road South #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

Babs: The Black Road South #1 (Ahoy! Comics) – Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrow continue to take the piss out of the fantasy/barbarian/metal bikini genre in Babs: The Black Road South #1. The banter between the titular character, her companion Izzy, and her talking sword are this book’s comedic foundation on which so many shenanigans can be built. Seriously, there’s a five page sequence where Izzy and Babs rap about Red Sonja’s virginity. It’s fun to see high fantasy and wild karaoke meet, but Babs: The Black Road South isn’t all sunshine and rainbows using the protagonist’s financial insecurity and incompetency to fuel the plot. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Ultimates #20 (Marvel) – Deniz Camp and Phil Noto unravel the backstory of Earth-6160 Vision and Nick Fury and let the good guys get some licks in in another rip-roaring issue of Ultimates. Most of the narration is done from Vision’s POV, and I love that it is in keyword format like the world’s most powerful search engine. Ultimates #20 is pure payoff showing that the seeds of resistance against the Maker’s fascism have been on the board for decades. On a nerdy level, there are a lot of fun cameos and guest stars as the fight between HAND and the Ultimates in Detroit turns into an all hands on deck situation. Ultimate Endgame is an epic war crossover arc so it’s nice to have titles like Ultimates take some of the storytelling load off and flesh out the players, both old and new. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Die Loaded #3 (Image) – Kieron Gillen and Stephanie Hans continue to make side characters protagonists in Die Loaded #3 with the appearance of Sol’s mom, Margaret, who becomes the party’s Dictator. Her life has been so tragic with her son going missing and acting distant, and of course, all her rage is directed towards the world of Die in a powerful series of panel. But she’s also a teacher, and Gillen and Hans turn what could be a one-note nag into yet another mother figure for Molly and an ally in their journey. Also, it cool, yet sad to see Sophie start to learn the world of Die as there are costs for her abilities. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Avengers #34 (Marvel) – A big anniversary issue that continues the story that began with this series’ relaunch. Jed MacKay and Farid Karami deliver an epic showdown with Kang that’s interesting but not exciting. Having not read most of this series, the details of the story are lost and what’s shown doesn’t intrigue me enough to go back. A back-up story featuring Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley is a bit easier to dive in to and features Bendis’ signature humor. Overall, for such a momentous issue, it fails to deliver a real celebration. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

Knull #1 (Marvel) – Something is building with Knull at the center again, so it’s interesting to dive in and catch up with what’s going on. Al Ewing and Tom Waltz deliver an issue that catches readers up but kicks off the next chapter in an interesting way. Juanan Ramirez‘s art is interesting and entertaining. The issue does a solid balance of introducing new readers to the character but also delivers something new for long time fans of the character. Overall Rating: 7.75 Verdict: Read

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #14 (IDW Publishing) – The new creative team of Gene Luen Yang and Freddie E. Williams II have been delivering a feel that mixes the recent relaunch but a bit more of the classic Turtles too. A new villain has been an intriguing addition but the brothers back together feels right, down to their sniping at each other. The comic has a good mystery to it along with action and so far has been a nice continuation from the previous run that was phenomenal. Overall Rating: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Tomb Raider: Sacred Artifacts #1 (Dark Horse) – It’s been a long time since I’ve read a Tomb Raider comic but it felt like one to check out. Written by Casey Gilly with art by Antonio Di Caprio, the issue is interesting in setting up where Lara Croft is in life and frames the re-introduction in an interesting way, using a television interview. Overall, it has its moments but like recent live action attempts, doesn’t really excite. Overall Rating: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Uncanny X-Men #22 (Marvel) – The X-Men are currently in their “Shadows of Tomorrow” phase and it’s an interesting one as only a few characters know what was going on. So, this series dives right back into things, so not so much a jumping on point but a continuation. Writer Gail Simone does give us an entertaining one-shot in some ways and you can enjoy it without knowing all of the backstory. The art by David Marquez is great as always. The issue is good, though caters to current readers not new ones hoping to hop on, but that’s more an issue with the previous event “Age of Revelation” and how it tied into various series more than anything else. Still, it’s an issue you can enjoy even if you’ve haven’t been reading this series or really have never read an X-Men comic. Overall Rating: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Absolute Batman: Ark M Special #1, Street Sharks #4, and The Twilight Zone #3

Posted on by
Street Sharks #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

Absolute Batman Ark M Special #1 (DC) – Kind of a historical companion piece to Absolute Batman #15, Absolute Batman Ark M Special chronicles the transformation of Arkham Asylum into the grisly corporate, Absolute Joker-run nightmare that is Ark M. Scott Snyder and Frank Tieri riff off Amadeus Arkham journal entries that have popped up everywhere from comics to video games and create a generally uneasy feeling. I like that they make him a good man for his time, who is overwhelmed by the forces evil that have only intensified in the present day as evidenced in this issue’s epilogue. Ark M Special adds depth and context to Absolute Batman as a whole, and artists Joshua Hixson and Roman Stevens nail the period specific details while creating a throughline between the inmates of the 19th century and the foes Batman faces in the present day. Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Buy

Street Sharks #4 (IDW Publishing) – A new burger restaurant opens up in the Street Sharks’ city, and it reminded me of when In N Out opened their first restaurant east of the Mississippi last month. However, Stephanie Williams and Ariel Medel take the fast food addiction, culinary and marine puns, and of course, the wrassling and butt kicking action to the limit in Street Sharks #4. This book is chaotic, but it’s also breezy and nostalgic, perfect for a lunch break read. Like a Saturday morning cartoon, the Street Sharks always defeat the immediate threat, but Williams wisely keeps the stakes high by having public opinion be another antagonist in the book. Dr. Paradigm also gets a little more panel time, and boy, is this guy blatant evil as he gaslights the whole city. Overall: 8.8 Verdict: Buy

The Twilight Zone #3 (IDW Publishing) – James Stokoe‘s art is exquisite as ever, especially in the violent fight scenes that pepper The Twilight Zone #3. But this comic’s story is just okay. It’s a commentary on how the greatness of human culture doesn’t last, but our junk and fast food will. However, it doesn’t go deeper beyond barbarian warriors chatting slogans as they die in battle. But, hey, it’s an excuse for Stokoe to draw cool stuff like dinosaurs knights with machine guns a la the cheat codes in Age of Empires: Age of Kings. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Mini Reviews: The Ultimates #19 and Ultimate Endgame #1

Posted on by
Ultimate Endgame #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

Ultimates #19 (Marvel) – Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri‘s Ultimates #19 is the character-driven companion to the fireworks of Ultimate Endgame #1. This issue zeroes on The Wasp, her relationship with Hank Pym, and decision to join HAND as a traitor. It’s a bittersweet read and really shows how much Janet cares more Hank despite having to defer their dreams and make moral compromises. Camp is definitely inspired by Hank and Janet’s history in the mainstream Marvel Universe, but adds psychological depth. Finally, Ultimates #19 isn’t just talking heads and longing looks, but Frigeri also shows how much of a badass is in an exciting sequence where she zips through the HAND’s soldiers. Overall: 9.0 Verdict: Buy

Ultimate Endgame #1 (Marvel) – Ultimate Endgame #1 is a decent start to the Earth-6160 concluding event. It really doesn’t get any better than the opening sequence where Deniz Camp and Jonas Scharf has The Maker kill all the Eternals in 1963 with Scharf’s art a twisted mirror of Jack Kirby’s work. All the rest is just setup and getting the main cast of characters under the Dome wrapping up with a half-hearted twist. This might seem like I strongly disliked this issue, but kudos to Camp for making Spider-Man the heart of the comic. I enjoyed his banter with Iron Lad, his last touching moment with his family, and of course, his one-liners/dad jokes as we get really Jonathan Hickman with it. Also, the artist choice was a stroke of genius with Terry and Rachel Dodson handling the more traditional superhero moments, and Scharf drawing the more sci-fi stuff influenced by Kirby as well as 2000 AD/Marvel UK. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Buy

Mini Reviews: Absolute Wonder Woman #15, American Caper #2, Event Horizon: Dark Descent #4

Posted on by
Absolute Wonder Woman #15

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

Absolute Wonder Woman #15 (DC Comics) – The first Absolute Universe crossover is an intricately drawn, smartly plotted, Gothic masterpiece from Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, and Jordie Bellaire. Thompson’s dialogue shows the contrast between Diana’s desire for community despite her dark origins and Batman’s taciturnity, and Sherman and Bellaire’s visuals marry dark magic with dark detective work. Despite having “Wonder Woman” on the cover, this feels like a Batman comic with a story centered around detective work while mysterious forces gather in the background. The bond between Bruce and Diana also feels organic, and I love how the Absolute book are slowly building connectivity between the books instead of just lumping them into one Crisis-level slugfest. I look forward to Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s take on this dark, dynamic duo as well as the upcoming year of more gorgeous art from Hayden Sherman, heavy metal color palettes from Jordie Bellaire, and supernaturally-tinged character arcs from Kelly Thompson. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Event Horizon: Dark Descent #4 (IDW Publishing) – Writer Christian Ward, artist Tristan Jones, colorist Pip Martin, and Letterer Alex Ray deliver more terror in this fourth issue. The series reveals what happened to the Event Horizon and we finally find out what led to the infamous message left in the film, “Libera Te Tutemet Ex Inferis.” The series has explored the torture and hell of the various crew, and this fourth issue focuses on John Kilpack, the captain of the ship. The King of Hell has tortured all of the other crew and here John is not just forced to watch his failure to protect his crew in the present but also the torture he experienced in the past. We see an abusive father and the ridicule and bullying of John because he’s gay. It’s an interesting issue that shifts things a bit in that John is an innocent compared to other members of the crew who have done terrible things, instead he was teased and abused growing up, which the King of Hell uses. The visuals continue the aesthetic of the series provided gore and terror as John has to decide what he needs to do to escape what he sees before him. It’s an interesting issue and key for fans of the film revealing the answer to a mystery of the series. Overall Rating: 7.95 Verdict: Buy

American Caper #2 (Dark Horse Comics) – Dan Houser, Lazlow, David Lapham, Chris Anderson, Lee Loughridge, and Nate Piekos continue to present a comic that skewers everything and there’s few to cheer on. The series has so far hit hot topic issues and exaggerated today’s politics and both left and right are in the crosshairs. American Caper #2 gives us more of bad people doing bad things as we learn a little more about motivations behind actions. It’s satire. It’s lampooning the world. Nothing is sacred. Everything is on the table. This is a comic where it’s ok to hate everyone and just sit back and enjoy the disaster unfolding for readers. Overall Rating: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Mini Reviews: The Power Fantasy #14, Wrestle Heist #1, Starship Godzilla #3

Posted on by
The Power Fantasy #14

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 Power Fantasy #14 (Image) – Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijingaard deal with the fallout of Etienne’s death in The Power Fantasy #14. The fragile detente of the Superpowers is barely holding on by a string, and each character has limited knowledge of the full situation, especially Eliza Hellbound, who though she speaks, but was actually Etienne. Wijingaard switches up his art style for her empty visions with swatches of red and black that are like a ticking time bomb. Another wild card is Masumi, who at least has her to fall back on, and Caspar Wijingaard does beautiful work on her frightening, abstract painting while using a more traditional style and grid format for her interactions with the real world. Bad shit has gone down in this series, and it seems like it’s only going to get worse as the characters choose between ethics and survival. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Wrestle Heist #1 (Image) – Kyle Starks brings his comedic timing and over-the-top art style to the world of pro wrestling in Wrestle Heist #1, which is actually a story about the working class vs “the man”. I’m not a big wrestling person, but it’s easy to find parallels between the events of Wrestle Heist and what actually happened to WWF/WWE wrestlers in the 1980s and 1990s. I love the camaraderie between former heel Sterling Steele who got beyond Montreal screwjobbed when he decides to leave for a new promotion and old head Grave Digger. They’re really easy to root for. This first issue is all set up and backstory, but Kyle Starks peppers in some interesting details about our lead characters and their potential nemeses that are sure to pay off down the road. Overall: 9.1 Verdict: Buy

Starship Godzilla #3 (IDW Publishing) – Ayan goes rogue in the newest issue of Starship Godzilla from Chris Gooch and Oliver Ono. She takes up with some activists who are trying to liberate a kaiju from a life of slavery and death under a mining city. This is a good storytelling strategy because we get to see Ayan in a non-ship setting and also learn more about her moral focus. (Plus some sapphic flirting!) However, this comic isn’t all fighting the power with Gooch and Ono ramping up the crew of the Starship Godzilla to battle an even more massive threat. Starship Godzilla #3 sometimes gets lost in the noise, but there are always some sweet, memorable moments to get drawn back in like when Ayan gets her grandma’s favorite candy. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Buy

« Older Entries Recent Entries »