Doctor Strange #12 Has Bats the Ghost Dog Investigating a Haunting

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Doctor Strange #12

Bats, the ghost basset hound of Doctor Strange and Clea, senses an unsavory force has invaded the Sanctum Sanctorum. Without the assistance of the sorcerer supreme, Bats must investigate this potential haunting to discover the root of it by himself. With no one believing him, it’s up to Bats to combat the threat potentially. 

Following a similar decompression issue, Doctor Strange #12 by Jed MacKay and Danilo S. Beyruth turns its focus from the titular doctor to his fan-favorite pet Bats for a one-off adventure inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. Even if the issue shifts viewpoints, MacKay still paces substantial character work and relationships at the crux of his writing. Considering how mystical and otherworldly the Sorcerer Supreme’s world can become, his focus on character grounds the emotional arc of the narrative as well. Even if you were not a significant fan of Bats before the issue, he finds the hooks in which you hook yourself to a character. And while you should not need more of a reason to love Bats, he gives you plenty in spades. 

This “smaller adventure” provides another viewpoint in which Strange’s hubris often leads to his recurring problems. Considering how it takes place in the well-guarded magical home of the couple, Bats’s recurring mentioning of a potential problem that Strange willingly ignores creates the conflict of the issue and a reoccurring theme in the run. While the plot may not exceed the most adventurous previous stories, MacKay has never turned Doctor Strange Issue #12 into an inconsequential narrative by tying it to overarching character exploration. Simply put, this first part of a two-part adventure fills a different niche from the previous issues in the run so far. 

Beyrith’s fantastical art suits this more intimate and smaller story while not losing the magical identity of the world. I adore his depiction of the Sanctum Sanctorum, which feels cozy, warm, and mystical so that the characters would call it home. Plus, Beyruth portrays Strange, Clea, and Bats in a more heightened and cartoony style combined with a modern classic Marvel look, which suits MacKay’s story. KJ Díaz steps in as guest colorist for the issue and makes Beyruth’s work a true treat for the eyes. Outside of the popping colors for the Strange and the Vishanti at the beginning, he nails the magical vibes of the world and is never afraid of moving beyond what is considered natural. VC’s Cory Petit provides the lettering and contributes to the visual success of the title. Outside of the unique narration boxes for Bats, I appreciated touches like the sharpened balloon for an icy Clea or reverse text with a flipped color scheme for the “ghost.” 

Doctor Strange continues a solid run with another successful issue as the team shifts the focus from the large-scale action of the previous arc while still exploring the main character. MacKay still strongly focuses on characters and their relationships, as Beyruth’s guest work aligns with the previous artwork. Doctor Strange #12 is the first part of a smaller-scale story filled with excellent writing and great art.

Story: Jed MacKay Art: Danilo S. Beyruth
Color: KJ Díaz Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit
Story: 8.7 Art: 8.7 Overall: 8.7 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

The One Hand #1 Lays Out a Psychologically Thrilling Mystery

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The One Hand #1

Famed detective Ari Nassar caught the One Hand Killer twice in the neon metropolis of Neo Novena years ago. Ready to turn in his badge and retire, Ari puts his plans on hold when the seemingly imprisoned One Hand Killer resumes their bloody body count. Can Ari finally close this part of his life and move on, or will he fall deep into the murderous rabbit hole? The One Hand #1 by Ram V and Laurence Campbell launches an exciting thriller miniseries from Image Comics. 

The series oozes with plenty of confidence and style within its writing and art. With plenty of Venetian blinds, a brooding detective lead, and a rain-soaked city, the comic steeps itself firmly into neo-noir tropes while combining it with a more stripped-back futuristic science fiction setting. Granted, I had no preconceived notion of the story taking place in the future, but I was pleasantly surprised by this decision to help distance itself from similar narratives. Even though it takes place in 2873, Neo Novena still feels familiar to the modern-day while being far enough away to have its technological quirks. Ram and Laurence craft a fascinating world that feels alive and can stand independently.

Considering how cliched the close-to-retirement detective trope has become, Ram avoids it with the character of Ari Nassar. While capturing the One Hand Killer serves as the narrative, Ram utilizes the case to examine Ari and how he sees the world. This strong viewpoint coincides with how the mystery unfolds due to uncovering clues simultaneously as Ari. A good mystery requires strong pacing and structure and watching how the detective investigates and discovers the threads to pull. 

Campbell’s gritty and grounded art complements the tone and world. There’s a grit and lived-in nature to how he draws the characters and the world that helps make it more tangible. And his penchant for shadows and deliberate lighting choices contribute to the atmosphere. Considering the story takes place in the future, Campbell never has Neo Novena and its inhabitants feel too alien from our current times. More important lies in his paneling and layouts, where he demonstrates Ari’s industrious and inquisitive nature by using close-ups of objects and items in the scenes to showcase how he decides his next course of action. In one of the more horrifying moments, Campbell slowly and tensely reveals the killer’s mo and latest murder. Also, Lee Loughride‘s dark and moody color scheme pairs well with Campbell’s art and helps the city come to life. Lastly, Aditya Bidikar‘s phenomenal lettering ties in well with the established noir aesthetic and brings visual character to the dialogue. 

However, The One Hand does not exist in a vacuum and co-exists with The Six Fingers by Dan Watters and Sumit Kumar, which serves as a sister series focusing on the killer. This decision provides a fascinating opportunity where not only is the killer’s identity known, but it also makes the mystery more about how Ari will discover the killer and capture him. Ram and Laurence provide an original and suspenseful mystery you want to take advantage of. 

Story: Ram V Art: Laurence Campbell
Color: Lee Loughride Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Co+mics

ThunderCats #1 kicks off a new era for the beloved franchise

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ThunderCats #1

ThunderCats #1 has a tough task. It kicks off a new era for a franchise that has had a resurgence in toys but hasn’t had much else for some time. It’s a property full of nostalgia. And, as a new series, it must play to long time fans as well as welcome new readers for something that originally launched nearly 40 years ago. Written by Declan Shalvey, ThunderCats #1 does a decent job of delivering a balance that sets up what’s to come and establishes what this take of ThunderCats is about.

I wasn’t the biggest ThunderCats fan, but remember watching the animated series in the 80s and had some of the toys. There were other 80s cartoons I was far more into. But, I remember the basics of who the good guys and bad guys are and the general personalities. The specifics, that eludes me. Thankfully, ThunderCats #1 delivers all of that, focusing on the ThunderCats escape from their dying world and being attacked, eventually winding up on Third Earth. But beyond that, the rest feels new and fresh and I have no idea how much has changed and how much remains the same.

Shalvey’s main focus seems to be Lion-O, the leader of the ThunderCats. In this take Lion-O aged up during his space travel, creating a man without the experience of his years. Lion-O is also forced into leadership, though it’s never quite explained why this has to be. That’s part of the issue with the debut, there’s a lot packed in and a lot delivered in broad strokes. It feels like the comic rushes through some of its more interesting aspects to get to its “shocking” ending. That creates for a somewhat choppy read.

The art by Drew Moss to isn’t quite as consistent as I’d hope. While the characters are familiar and overall the comic looks good, there’s slight panels where the characters don’t quite look themselves. It’s small quibbles and here but it’s noticeable. The interior doesn’t quite have the polish of the covers or the excitement and like the story itself, the art feels a little choppy at times. With color by Chiara Di Francia and Martina Pignedoli, and lettering by Jeff Eckleberry, the overall looks is good but not great. Moments that should pop, don’t. There’s nothing visually that I get excited about.

ThunderCats #1 is a good start that lays the groundwork for what’s to come. It mostly rushes through it’s story to get to its finale which is the real hook for what’s to come. It teases too much and doesn’t focus enough on what makes the debut comic truly interesting. It’s a bit scattered. But still, it’s nice to see this classic property return and as a debut, it’s more than enough to see what comes next.

Story: Declan Shalvey Art: Drew Moss
Color: Chiara Di Francia, Martina Pignedoli Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry
Story: 7.35 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.2 Recommendation: Read

Dynamite Entertainment provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics

Ultimate Black Panther #1 delivers a new but familiar take

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Ultimate Black Panther #1

In the wake of Ultimate Invasion, Khonshu and Ra – the force known together as Moon Knight – are seeking to expand their brutal control of the continent of Africa. In response, the lone bulwark against them, the isolated nation of Wakanda, will send forth its champion…its king…the Black Panther! Ultimate Black Panther #1 delivers what feels like a solid remix of what works so well for the series.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 seems like it’s the new hotness in comics, selling out well before its release. And that should be no surprise. Marvel’s new Ultimate Universe seems to be capturing lightning in a bottle a second time. The new line is somehow both a relaunch and a continuation of what has come before. And, so far, the series that have come out of it are solid. The second of which begins with Ultimate Black Panther #1, a different take on the classic character that leans into what works so well for the series and its characters.

Written by Bryan Edward Hill, Ultimate Black Panther #1 is very familiar. The characters within are ones we’ve seen before. Wakanda is pretty isolationist and reserved in its engagement. And, there’s a tension as if civil war will break out at any moment. It’s a story of political intrigue mixed with solid action. It just so happens the main leader of this nation wears spandex and kicks as on his own.

And Hill does an excellent job of presenting it all. We get a good sense of the personalities of all of the characters and the tension and strife within that will drive the conflict externally and internally. This is a land whose leader is being questioned by those around him and we’re told straight up to not trust anyone. Hill delivers the beginning of enough paranoia to keep readers on their toes for twists and turns.

There’s also just a nice amount of “remixing” of its characters. These are all ones we’ve seen before in the main Marvel Universe, but their roles might be switched up just a bit. Their personalities slightly different. It creates a beginning that’s both new and exciting and familiar. Some of that excitement is seeing what’s different.

Stefano Caselli‘s art is fantastic. The designs are great and what we see of Wakanda feels again familiar but maybe not quite as exaggerated as we’ve seen in before. It’s technologically ahead but not to a point it feels too far ahead. The designs build off recent designs that are popular mixing garments that feel ceremonial but also liveable. Caselli’s work pops partially due to the colors of David Curiel who feels like has given each character their own palette to make their personality pop. Cory Petit‘s lettering too is solid adding emotion and tension to the internal debates and action.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 is a solid start. It’s a bit more backroom debates than expected, but that makes the comic stand out as Black Panther should be about the balance to statesmanship and being a superhero. It gets to the core of what makes the character and this world work so well. It also again stands out just enough from what has come before, laying the groundwork to expect new and exciting directions. Another solid start for the Ultimate Universe which is quickly standing out from everything else Marvel is currently doing.

Story: Bryan Edward Hill Art: Stefano Caselli
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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U & I #1

Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in

Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.

Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees #3 (IDW Publishing) – If you like serial killer stories, this is one to not be missed. Every issue has been amazing.

Gone #2 (DSTLRY) – Jock’s series has been interesting sci-fi about a stowaway on a spaceship and being caught between two warring factions.

The One Hand #1 (Image Comics) – Neo Novena detective Ari Nasser is about to retire with an enviable record, until a brutal murder occurs, bearing all the hallmarks of the “One Hand Killer”… which should be impossible, since Ari already put him away not once, but twice in the years before.

Pine and Merrimac #2 (BOOM! Studios) – Interesting private eye series, there’s some intriguing political intrigue involved in it all.

Thundercats #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – The classic series is reborn in this new comic that has a hell of an order. This is a hot debut to not be missed!

Traveling the Mars #10 (Ablaze) – One of the best series on the shelf right now.

U & I #1 (AWA Studios) – The next chapter in the saga of the Resistance Universe focuses on an unlikely love story.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 (Marvel) – Already sold out, the second series of the new Ultimate Universe is here with a familiar but new take on Black Panther!

Kodansha Celebrates Noted Award-Winning & Nominated Manga with Humble Bundle

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Kodansha Humble Bundle

Kodansha and Humble Bundle announced today they are rolling out the red carpet and giving fans over $1500 worth of critically acclaimed manga for only $25 during Kodansha’s Award-Winning (& Nominated) Humble Bundle. Available now until February 22, 2024, this latest Humble Bundle is packed with 135 digital volumes of noted award-winning series. Not only that but each Bundle sold gives back to booksellers and book workers across North America with a portion going to support BINC – the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. 

All the acclaimed and celebrated manga featured as part of Kodansha’s Award-Winning (& Nominated) Humble Bundle will be delivered digitally upon purchase in multiple formats, including CBZ, PDF, ePub, and FLAC, so fans can read these titles across their computer, e-readers, tablets, cell phones, and a wide array of mobile devices!

Kodansha will be leveraging the purchasing power of each bundle sold – whether it’s at the $1 or the $25 tier – to donate a portion of the proceeds to a worthy cause! This Humble Bundle supports BINC, the Book Industry Charitable Foundation – an organization helping bookstore owners, booksellers, and comic store employees and owners with unforeseen emergency financial needs. Pay what you want and choose how much of your purchase supports BINC or choose a charity of your preference via the PayPal Giving Fund.

Pay $1 or more to get:
A Silent Voice Volume 1
Blue Period Volume 1
Medalist Volume 1
Nina the Starry Bride Volume 1
Shangri-La Frontier Volume 1
Witch Hat Atelier Volume 1

Pay $10 or more to get:
A Silent Voice Volumes 2-3
Blue Period Volumes 2-8
Medalist Volumes 2-6
Nina the Starry Bride Volumes 2-6
Shangri-La Frontier Volumes 2-8
The Drops of God Volumes 1-15
Vinland Saga Volumes 1-3
What Did You Eat Yesterday? Volumes 1-2
Witch Hat Atelier Volumes 2-5

Pay $15 or more to get:
A Silent Voice Volumes 4-5
Blue Period Volumes 9-13
Medalist Volumes 7-8
Shangri-La Frontier Volumes 9-10
The Drops of God Volumes 16-30
Vinland Saga Volumes 4-9
Witch Hat Atelier Volumes 6-9

Pay $25 or more to get:
A Sign of Affection Volumes 1-7
A Silent Voice Volumes 6-7
Nina the Starry Bride Volumes 7-10
Shangri-La Frontier Volumes 11-12
The Drops of God Volumes 31-44
Vinland Saga Volumes 10-13
What Did You Eat Yesterday? Volumes 3-10
Witch Hat Atelier Volumes 10-11

Explore the Massive-Verse with Humble Bundle’s Radiant Black & the Massiveverse Comic Bundle

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Dive into the Massive-Verse with the Radiant Black & the Massiveverse Comic Bundle, the interconnected comic universe that bridges genres, artistic styles, and even mediums to offer some of the boldest superhero stories out there! This bundle, packed with 15 volumes, will get you up to speed on these essential stories. Start at the beginning with Radiant Black, which follows a down-on-his-luck 30 year old who discovers immense cosmic power… and its attendant perils. You’ll also get Inferno Radiant Red, Radiant Pink, Inferno Girl, and a ton more series collections and one-shots, serving as the perfect vehicle for immersion into this hot new universe. Pay what you want for this killer bundle and help support the Book Industry Charitable Foundation!

A $189 value, you can get 15 items for just $18!

Radiant Black Vol. 1

Sideshow adds Yasha Nydoorin to the Critical Role Collection

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The Yasha Nydoorin – Mighty Nein Statue brings her celestial strength to Sideshow’s Critical Role collection. This cutthroat collectible is a fully sculpted three-dimensional tribute to the party’s mysterious warrior from the Wastes of Xhorhas.

From her troubled past as the Orphanmaker to her tempest-tossed present Yasha Nydoorin walks a complicated path across Wildemount. Channeling her inner storm, she uses her rage and fury to fiercely protect the ones she loves, whether they are her tribe or her team. 

The Yasha Nydoorin – Mighty Nein Statue wears her mid-campaign costume, including a black bodysuit, a lightning-patterned cape and furred collar, and brick-patterned leggings. The symbol of the Stormlord is affixed to her chest along with a silver chain. With her skeletal wings extended, Yasha draws her sword, Magician’s Judge, in preparation for battle. Her detailed design is finished with accents like flowers in her black and white ombré hair and navy blue warrior paint on her face, accentuating her blue and purple heterochromia. 

She’s learning how to people — so lend a hand and add the Yasha Nydoorin – Mighty Nein Statue to your Critical Role collection. Available to pre-order.

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Around the Tubes

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Resurrection of Magneto #1

It’s new comic book day! What are you excited for? What do you plan on getting? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.

ICv2 – CGC Files Suit Against Two Former Employees Alleging Theft, Label-Swapping – What happened has become clearer.

Kotaku – IGN Staff Announce New Union Amid ‘Hectic Media Landscape’ – Good for them.

Reviews

The Beat – Ninjak: Superkillers #2
CBR – Resurrection of Magneto #1

Preview: Alien #4

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Alien #4

(W) Declan Shalvey (A) Declan Shalvey, Andrea Broccardo
(CA) Javier Fernandez, Corin Howell
Rated T+
In Shops: Feb 07, 2024
SRP: $4.99

THE PERFECT ORGANISM MEETS ITS MATCH?!
When Xenomorphs crash-landed on moon LV-695, they did what they do best: SLAUGHTER. And…transformed. The native kaiju of this icy rock thought themselves apex predators, but they were no match for Xenomorph fury. Now a hybrid creature has emerged…is this the evolutionary twist that ends Xenomorphs? And will any humans live to tell the tale? Jun Yutani springs his final trap!

Alien #4
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