Reviews Archives - Page 143 of 1408

Category Archives: Reviews

Two-Face #1 places Harvey Dent in a new and different court venue

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

After years of internal conflict, both halves of Harvey Dent have reached an uneasy peace. Now Harvey will use his skills as an attorney to resolve the conflicts of Gotham’s weirdest and most dangerous criminals, starting with Victor Zsasz. When Zsasz is accused of murdering a fellow member of Gotham’s underworld contingent, who better to prove a criminal’s innocence than someone who’s been on both sides of the law? Two-Face #1 is an interesting debut that shakes up Two-Face/Harvey Dent’s role in the current DC Universe.

I was excited to check out Two-Face #1 as I was a fan of the recent Penguin mini-series and how it reintroduced him into the DC Universe. The two series have some things in common as they both plan the characters into their current roles, focuses a bit on what makes them tick, and shakes things up for each.

Written by Christian Ward, Two-Face #1 has Dent acting as an attorney in a criminal underground court. How does the criminal element deal with issues? This is how and the first case has Zsasz accused of killing a member of a gang.

The trial, and watchin Dent make his case, are interesting in that it adds a fun layer into how the criminal element works in Gotham. With so many rivalries, it’d make sense in some ways for something like this to exist to clear disputes. But, what Ward reveals at the end is the most interesting and it really shakes up the current status of Two-Face and Harvey Dent. The character has been going through a transformation of the years with various attempts to find the character’s footing in the current universe, but this has a lot of promise.

It’s hard to say exactly why I enjoyed the twist, but it feels like Ward is bringing the character back to Dent’s roots of finding justice (whatever he determines that is) and it’s something we’ve seen ingrained in Two-Face as well. It’s an interesting direction for the character(s) that could define him for some time and opens up an interesting direction(s).

The art by Fabio Veras is great. With color by Ivan Plascencia and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, I really like the depiction of the court and Veras and the team give Dent/Two-Face some gravitas as he makes his case. But what really stands out is Otsmaen-Elahou’s lettering. Small details like Zsaz’s scars talking to him or the very different font between Harvey and Two-Face really add a lot to the storytelling. It’s a great team overall that feels like they really click with this debut.

While Two-Face #1 isn’t what I expected, the issue is a really good one. What Ward has cooked up, and the motivation behind it, is interesting and gets to some of the more fun aspects of Two-Face as a character. This is a good one that immediately has risen in my interest as I want to see what comes next and it’s a hidden gem in this week’s releases.

Story: Christian Ward Art: Fabio Veras
Color: Ivan Plascencia Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Whatever Happened to Frankie King is a graphic memoir about a star basketball player who just quit

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

Frankie King was a precocious student and a promising basketball player at Brooklyn’s James Madison High School in the early 1950s. Sportswriters were comparing Frankie to the greatest college and professional players of all time, and he was recruited as a starting guard at the University of North Carolina. But Frankie dropped out before playing a single game.

This graphic novel follows King’s enigmatic life from its auspicious start in the limelight to his very reclusive existence in New York City, where he authored more than forty novels, including a popular series of cozy cat mysteries written under the pseudonym Lydia Adamson. Whatever Happened to Frankie King is the story of a unique and sometimes troubled life as well as a meditation on dreams realized, lost, and abandoned.

Story: Jay Neugeboren
Art: Eli Neugeboren

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

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

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

Archaic #1 is a bumpy start to a series with potential

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

Meet Tess Halliday, a broke single mom desperate to protect her kids from vicious criminals trying to collect on her ex-husband’s debts. Following a mysterious message, Tess flees to the mysterious island of Demonde—a place of demons, legendary creatures, and a family secret that just might cost Tess her life. Archaic #1 is a bit of a rough start to a series but shows off potential of where it might go.

Written by Melissa F. Olson, Archaic #1 is an interesting series. Tess is a woman down on her luck whose ex-husband has bolted and left her with the kids, including a step-son. There’s people out to collect on his debts and not even Tess knows where he is. Olson paints Tess as down on her luck and her desperation comes through. It’s small details though that are overall odd choices and distractions from what otherwise would be a smoother story.

There’s comments about Tess “used to be” the Governor’s wife. It’s clunky writing as that would indicate her ex-husband is still the Governor (assuming of the state) and suddenly he’s missing later? Then there’s a thing with Tess’ name which catches others by surprise and another person falling off a boat that too just weirdly happens. It’s small choices like these that add up for a bump first issue.

The art by Sally Catirino adds to it as it’s the art that depicts the person falling off the boat and it’s not clear as to what’s happening. I had to go back and re-read the page to catch that detail and there’s other moments like a fight in an alley where things just kind of happen and never really explained. The end of the issue is a perfect example of odd choices. There’s a reveal that should hit better and be clear it’s the end of this issue but instead it’s relegated to a small panel diminished the surprise and prepping the reader for a page that doesn’t exist. Catirino is joined by Gab Contreras on color and Rob Steen on lettering.

As this is an Ahoy comic, there’s two prose extras, each with some nice art. The first is written by Chris Sumberg with art by Ameilee Sullivan and second is by Kirk Vanderbeek with art by Carol Lay. Both are pretty entertaining and these extras feel like a bonus addition to the main comic.

Archaic #1 isn’t a bad start, but it overall feels a little rough. There’s small changes that’d make the comic a far better debut. A nip here and a tuck here and it’d make a world of difference. Still, there’s some magical potential by the end, so this is one to keep an eye on and see where it goes.

Story: Melissa F. Olson, Chris Sumberg, Kirk Vanderbeek Art: Sally Catirino, Ameilee Sullivan, Carol Lay
Color: Gab Contreras Letterer: Rob Steen
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Ahoy Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Juvenile #1 teases an interesting concept and world

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

In a future where a deadly virus kills everyone upon reaching adulthood, teenagers are confined to massive medical facilities—until a mysterious new patient arrives and reveals a shocking secret! Sara is locked up in El Castillo, a fortress for troubled youth ruled with an iron fist by a retired military officer. Everything changes with the arrival of a mysterious new patient who reveals a shocking secret. Juvenile #1 is an interesting concept that teases what’s to come.

Written by and art by Jesús Orellana, Juvenile #1 is an interesting start to the series that teases what’s to come. The description text really spoils things, but the first issue is a nice build up if you haven’t read the full description of the first issue.

Orellana crafts a concept that feels like a mix of things we’ve seen before. There’s stories of adults dying from a disease leaving kids facing a horrific fate. There’s stories of abilities due to various reasons. And of course, there’s youth in a facility that rally against their jailers. Juvenile #1 is a mix of all of that and the end result is good. The setting has a feel of a cold hospital. The kids are interesting enough with some teases of the type of interactions you’d expect. We get to know enough of everything with a focus heavily on the facility it all takes place in.

Orellana gives a lot of small detail in the art and the characters’ look and body language to help build the world. There’s decorations on the walls, the clothing people wear, even the color choices, it all comes together to really good a sense of the setting and history of this debut. Decorations on a wall tell of a character’s military background for instance while the use of white in clothing really emphasizes the cold and sterile nature of it all.

Juvenile #1 shows potential. The comic doesn’t quite stand out but it feels like a debut that’s going to build into an interesting read and the whole might be stronger than the individual parts. Overall, it’s not a series that feels totally original but it still feels like one that should get better as it gets further into the story.

Story: Jesús Orellana Art: Jesús Orellana Letterer: Jesús Orellana
Story: 7.85 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.8 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Absolute Superman #2 delivers more insight into this Man of Steel

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

The Lazarus Corporation sent their most battle-hardened crew of Peacemakers to locate the mysterious fugitive interfering with their mining operations–but they weren’t expecting one motor-mouthed, iron-willed woman to be the one to finally get the cuffs onto him! Absolute Superman #2 matches the excellence of the debut issue.

Written by Jason Aaron, Absolute Superman #2 is good, really good. Along with the debut issue, this is a one-two punch of excellence and one of the best starts to a series this year. Aaron’s Superman is familiar but different, taking the rooted fight for justice and expanding on that in many ways.

As we saw in the debut issue, this Superman is focused on the fight against oppression, standing up for those abused and misused, in this case by the Lazarus Corporation. In flashbacks to Krypton, we see how that caste system instilled the belief system we see acted upon in the present day. This is a Superman that’s both strong and timid, taking the combo of the Kansas farm boy and powerful being and instilling those qualities into one individual instead of splitting it between two personalities. While he can destroy armies, he also protects and is concerned with doing as little harm as possible and saving as many as he can. It’s everything that makes Superman super and a character we should look up to and emulate his fight for justice.

Absolute Superman #2 is a focus on not just Superman, but Lois Lane as well. There’s a bit too much of a wink and nod to her traditional role in journalism, this Lois is military and so close to bringing in Superman. Through her, we get a better sense of the qualities this Superman poses and through the actions of Superman towards her, we get to see how those qualities manifest. It also gives us a better idea of the split between his super powers and what his new suit brings to the table.

The art by Rafa Sandoval is amazing. With color by Ulises Arreola and lettering by Becca Carey, the comic is beautiful to look at, even through the destruction. Somehow the team has mixed the hopeful visuals we associate with the character with a slightly darker tone. It balances the character’s positivity and the bland nature of this world. The character designs are great and Sandoval’s focus on what to highlight in each panel and in each moment shines. It’s one of the best looking ongoing series right now.

Absolute Superman #2 is a hell of a second issue that is packed with action but at the same time is focused on letting readers to get to know the main characters. It delivers awe and ends with a shocking moment that highlight the good that’s at the heart of this Superman.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Rafa Sandoval
Color: Ulises Arreola Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Long Cold Winter #1 delivers a choppy start but solid art

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

In the not-too-distant future, the air on Earth has become unbreathable. However, a multinational company called Air Co. has constructed generators that provide oxygen for those who can afford it. Peace Dog, a desperate ex-soldier, who has been willing to do anything to obtain breathable air is haunted by his past and hunted by bounty hunters, though, he may have found a way out of his current predicament by helping a mysterious robot child escape the dangerous and congested city. But, someone from his past has no intention of letting him leave…alive. Long Cold Winter #1 features art that pops but overall is a rather dull start.

Written by Francesca Perillo, at its heart, Long Cold Winter #1 is a story about a soldier who did horrible things in the past, is haunted by them, and now must deal with it. Known as Peace Dog, the main character is approached by a robot child who wants to escape the city and go to a peaceful community. Peace Dog is promised peace as well, an offer that’s tempting because there’s a bounty on the character. The decision to accept the offer is quick and the duo begin their journey. It’s a concept we’ve seen before, hell, it’s the plot of Logan in some ways.

The issue with Long Cold Winter #1 is that there’s no initial reason to really care about the characters or their journey. There’s a bounty, we’re told of calm, but Peace Dog has little personality beyond being a loner and the mysterious child just comes out of nowhere. The lead up is scant, the information we’re given is little, so we’re left with not much to connect to.

Where the comic shines is Stefano Cardoselli‘s art. With color by Lorenzo Scaramella and lettering by Buddy Beaudoin, Long Cold Winter #1 visually looks interesting. I’m a fan of Cardoselli’s work which reminds me of Simon Bisley’s Lobo work in the 90s or some of the comics out of Heavy Metal. It’s a style that works well for this sort of story and deserves a bigger stage and appreciation. Lots of detail, great design, a kinetic vibe about it, Cardoselli’s art is the highlight of the comic.

Long Cold Winter #1 isn’t a bad start, it’s just a very generic story. The characters don’t have much personality and the plot isn’t anything new. It doesn’t stand out from what’s come before and so many other choices out there.

Story: Francesca Perillo Art: Stefano Cardoselli
Color: Lorenzo Scaramella Letterer: Buddy Beaudoin
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.4 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

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

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

All-New Venom #1 is a familiar concept but still very entertaining

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Brett

The smiling, swashbuckling spider-hero New York loves to hate to love is back – and more fun-loving than ever! That’s right, it’s… Wait, it’s VENOM?! An all-new host is taking the symbiote in a whole new direction – but who? It could be the Journalist…the Terrorist…the Sidekick… or even the Mayor… We’re giving you all the clues, good believers – but you won’t know until the mask comes off! All-New Venom #1 treads a familiar path but still delivers a debut that’s a pretty fun start.

Playing the guessing game as to the identity of a killer or a superhero isn’t a new concept. It’s been done over and over and how it plays out is key. The length of the guessing game. The way the key suspects are introduced. All are important in determining if that sort of story works. Writer Al Ewing dives into Venom with an “all-new” take on the character and a new individual donning the symbiote.

All-New Venom #1 is a focused and almost claustrophobic in its debut. Taking place almost entirely in a court room, we’re introduced to four individuals who might be the new Venom and by the end of the comic, left guessing. And in that way, the comic is very much a success.

Ewing delivers a tone that’s fun and playful with a take on Venom that’s a cross between the brain eating monster of old and a wise-cracking Spider-Man. But who is underneath? We’re possibly given some hints and the suspects are introduced but the comic will leave you guessing. Ewing uses a witness in the trial to help set things up and muddy the waters as to who might be the new anti-hero. The characters themselves deliver a wink and nod to the concept when three come back together after the action realizing any of them could be the new Venom and each declaring their alibi is pretty flimsy. It’s a comic that’s very self-aware with its concept and plays into it when it can.

The art by Carlos Gómez is solid. With Frank D’Armata on color and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic visually looks good. The action is entertaining to watch and even court scenes between lawyers is visually interesting, especially in its use of panels. The visuals play off of Ewings winks and nods teasing who might be the new Venom with moments that’ll leave the reader pausing on panels and contemplating who it might be.

All-New Venom #1 is a familiar concept but it’s done well and seems to know its a familiar concept and runs with it. The writing delivers some action and some laughs and most importantly will keep readers guessing and want to come back for more to find out the answer. A good debut for the next chapter of the character.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Carlos Gómez
Color: Frank D’Armata Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.95 Art: 7.95 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

The Long Halloween wraps up with part 2 in Fanhome’s “The Legend of Batman” subscription

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Brett

Fanhome has launched The Legends of Batman, an expansive series of hardcover graphic novels featuring the greatest adventures of DC’s legendary Caped Crusader.

This incredible series of stories brings Batman’s life story together in an epic full-color collection.

The Legends of Batman Collection includes the best and most essential Batman adventures by legendary creative teams. The collection forms an expansive overall narrative that begins with Batman’s origin in Year Zero and culminates in Batman Year 100.

The Fanhome The Legends of Batman collection delivers a two part story in the classic: The Long Halloween.

Collecting: The Long Halloween #7-13

Story: Jeph Loeb
Art: Tim Sale
Ink: Tim Sale
Color: Gregory Wright

Fanhome provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

The Graveyard Club: Revenge Game is some nice entertaining horror with some tension from R.L. Stine

Posted on December 3, 2024 by Brett

Parker West is a senior at Grave’s End High, in the sleepy town of Grave’s End, a town surrounded by cemeteries. A place where swarms of bats fill the sky every night, and kids play hide-and-seek amongst tombstones. But none of that feels odd to the locals– Grave’s End is as sleepy and dead as they come. A lonely hill on the edge of the town in the graveyard becomes the local hangout spot for Parker and his group of friends. They goof off, plan schemes, and form a secret club… the Graveyard Club. Members have to be daring and unafraid to wreak a relatively harmless amount of havoc in the name of fun. But one night, after getting into an argument with a local cop, the kids find themselves in a prank war. But what starts off as mostly harmless practical jokes and tricks escalates into attacks that might put these kids in real, life-threatening danger if they won’t back down first… and Parker’s never been one to give up without a fight.

Story: R.L. Stine
Art: Carola Borelli
Color: Francesco Segala
Color Assistance: Gloria Martinelli
Letterer: Jim Campbell

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

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

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

R.L. Stine’s Stuff of Nightmares: No Holiday for Murder features two stories fans will appreciate

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Brett

If you dare, get into the sinister spirit of the season and join The Nightmare Keeper for two fresh forays into the Stuff of Nightmares universe!

First, comic creator Alex Oxaca has been out of the spotlight for decades, and he’ll wish he’d remained in obscurity soon enough… RED MURDER was the smash hit title of the early 2000s, and will come back from the past in more ways than one during the 20th anniversary celebration of the title! A real ax murderer, eerily parallel to the hatchet-wielding killer in the comic, starts chopping down equally real victims, bringing a whole new meaning to HorrorCon.

And…as malls continue to die, a down-and-out former mall Santa named Heinrick Fiddler’s rage turns to madness, and he’s dead-set on making sure department store shopping isn’t the only thing that’s deceased in SLAY RIDE!

Collects Stuff of Nightmares: Red Murder, Stuff of Nightmares: Slay Ride.

Story: R.L. Stine
Art: Adam Gorham, Pius Bak
Color: Francesco Segala
Color assistance: Gloria Martinelli
Letterer: Jim Campbell

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

Bookshop
Amazon
Kindle

« Older Entries Recent Entries »