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

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Talespin #1

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

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

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

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

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

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

EC Shellshock #1 returns EC’s shocking style to war comics

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EC Shellshock #1

Kiss your rifle and swallow your fear, because EC Comics is rotating back into combat for the 21st century’s first dose of two-fisted fury with staggering new tales of war and fighting men in our next giant-sized special! EC Shellshock #1 is a fun debut that brings back EC’s classic horror and twisted style to the war comic genre.

Featuring four brand-new stories and one reprint, EC Shellshock #1 is an anthology varied in its concepts and ideas delivering tales of war from various time periods. The comic is an interesting one, and like all anthologies, the stories can vary in so many ways.

The issue opens with a more modern story, “Scorched Earth,” taking place in Afghanistan in 2002. It’s an interesting one touching upon the very real burn pits that have caused severe health issues for those who were around them. By John Arcudi, Shawn Martinbrough, and Matt Herms, the comic’s premise is nothing new, but how the story plays out does feel like something different. Readers may think it’ll go in one direction when it doesn’t, resulting in an entertianing opening that ends in unexpected ways.

“Christmas” by Michael W. Conrad and Albert Monteys for me is the highlight of the issue with a very real moment where battling armies paused to celebrate Christmas together. The comic focuses a lot on the perceptions of one army has an the other but it’s depiction of German soldiers builds up sympathy before delivering a subtle and twisted ending. It’s a good one that feels like it almost has a punchline as its final panels play out.

“Blowback” by Julio Anta, David Lapham, and Nick Filardi is a weirdly comedic entry that feels like it might fight in Mad Magazine. A CIA operative goes to a BBQ and… well things get a little explosive. The end absolutely delivers a punchline but the entry has a clear vision of being over the top in its delivery, and it works.

“World of the Wars” is the final new entry for the comic by Benito Cereno, Tom Fowler, and Michelle Madsen. It’s a weird one that follows intergalactic powers as they figure out their disputes with a very familiar world as their place to do it. With three stories grounded in the real world, this addition is an odd one. It’s really entertaining and good but its more sci-fi bent feels out of the place surrounded by much more grounded war stories.

Finally, “Yellow,” by William M. Gaines, Al Feldstein, Jack Davis, and color restoration by Michael Atiyeh is an interesting reprint. It’s high quality in its storytelling but fascinating to read it after four modern stories proceeded it. It’s very different in its style and you can see how much things has changed in comic storytelling techniques.

The comic is an entertaining one overall and for those who like war comics but don’t need them to be detailed with accurate facts, it’s a great entry in the genre and another solid return from EC Comics. The art is well done with each story featuring a distinct style and the stories themselves are unique and so different though all have a connection in they all have to do with war in some way. Oni Press has been doing a fantastic job with bringing back the classic EC Comics brand and this is another solid return.

Story: John Arcudi, Michael W. Conrad, Julio Anta, Benito Cereno, Tom Fowler, William M. Gaines, Al Feldstein
Art: Shawn Martinbrough, Albert Monteys, David Lapham, Tom Fowler, Jack Davis
Color: Matt Herms, Nick Filardi, Michelle Madsen, Michael Atiyeh
Letterer: Richard Starkings, Tyler Smith
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Oni Press provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Exclusive Preview: Destination Kill #4 (of 4)

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Destination Kill #4 (of 4)

Writer & Artist: Joe Palmer
Cover A: Joe Palmer
Cover B: Dani
Full Art Variant (1:10) Dani

THIS IS THE END! Dive into the explosive conclusion of the legend-in-the-making Joe Palmer’s (Time Before Time) neon-colored, action-ridden, justice-powered series that has been kicking down comic shop doors everywhere!

After discovering the true, terrible scope of the Builder attacks on the Paradise Loop station ahead of the supersonic train’s anniversary gala, detective Gina Serene and P.I. Lance Wingman gear up for their last stand: attending the swanky corporate party. Glen and the Builders are on the loose, Police Chief Powers implements martial law to quell rioters in the streets, and Overcon CEO Kovacs prepares for the celebration of his late-stage capitalist dreams. Can Gina and Lance pull through and defend their city against its biggest threat?

Destination Kill #4 (of 4)

Faceless and the Family: Maze of the Mechanical Aliens #2 mixes amazing art and weird sci-fi

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Faceless—the enigmatic space-faring wanderer—desperately searches for a way to free himself from the biomechanical armor fused to his body. But as hope flickers, danger closes in. Alongside his found family, he becomes the target of the ruthless Carpal Tunnel Gang. Trapped, hunted, and running out of options, Faceless faces an impossible choice: fight to protect those he loves or walk away before he becomes the reason they fall. Meanwhile, Katari confronts a harrowing decision of his own—risk everything to remove his own bio-armor . . . or lose a member of his family forever. High stakes, emotionally charged, and visually unforgettable—this is a chapter you won’t want to miss!

Story: Matt Lesniewski
Art: Matt Lesniewski
Letterer: Ferran Delgado

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.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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

Oni Press Conjures MIDNIGHT Promo Program for Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 – Coming to Stores October 7th!

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MIDNIGHT IS COMING TO RIVERDALE! Oni Press and Archie Comic Publications, Inc. have unveiled a brand-new MIDNIGHT release initiative for Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1, the FIRST ISSUE of the mischievous NEW ONGOING SERIES starring America’s iconic sorceress-in-training from Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko and Eisner Award-nominated artist Kano! 

For the first time ever, Oni Press is officially giving retailers the green light for an early, MIDNIGHT release of Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 at 12:01 AM on October 7th, 2027 – making the milestone issue available for sale alongside Marvel’s Midnight Fantastic Four #1, Midnight Spider-Man #1, and Midnight X-Men #1. 

But, abracadabra, that’s not all… In tandem with the early release, Oni is also making a special, open-order variant cover available to participating MIDNIGHT release retailers, who wish to mark the occasion in suitably spooky fashion. Enter: The first Archie Comics PYRE SATANIC variant cover — a new subset of surprise variant covers echoing a unique chapter of Archie Comics history in a playfully subversive way. HECK YEAH!

The Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 PYRE SATANIC VARIANT features stunning artwork by cover artist Chloe Brailsford and will be available as an open-order item for all accounts alongside every other Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 cover on Final Order Cut-Off (FOC) on August 31st.

Finally, Halloween is coming early because Oni Press is also giving retailers an extra-added treat by matching all of Marvel’s deep discount incentives for the MIDNIGHT program for Sabrina #1!

Who knew that Sabrina could cast such a spell? 

Stock up and come armed with a new bag of tricks for the fall’s biggest comics release day – and tell them Sabrina the Teenage Witch sent you! 

Matt Kindt’s Mind MGMT: New & Improved #5 Begins a Brand-New, Brain-Shattering Jumping-On Point in November!

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Oni Press and Flux House have revealed a mesmerizing new jumping-on point for New York Times bestselling cartoonist and multiple Eisner Award nominee Matt Kindt’s comics masterpiece, beginning this November in of Mind MGMT: New and Improved #5! The first series to be released under Kindt’s acclaimed FLUX HOUSE banner at Oni Press, Mind MGMT: New and Improved marks Kindt’s first ongoing return to the world of Mind MGMT since the original series’ conclusion in 2015—and the top-secret new arc, promises to plunge readers even deeper into a world of paranoia, psychological subterfuge and sabotage by subversion. 

When Detectives Swon and Delphi are together, nothing can take them by surprise—or maybe that’s what Mind Management wants them to believe. But their professional bond and uncanny abilities are about to be tested in more ways than one as Swon’s feelings for his partner begin to deepen, and Deplhi experiences the full-on cognitive shellshock of another operative’s tragic mission gone wrong. If only Swon’s extrasensory cognition could let him see into the future . . . But, even if he did, it would already be too late. 

Written, drawn, inked, colored, lettered, and designed by subversive comics master Matt Kindt, discover why Mind MGMT: New and Improved has been instantly heralded as one of the year’s most acclaimed new series: 

Join the investigation everywhere comics are sold this November in Mind MGMT: New and Improved #5 — featuring covers by series creator Matt Kindt and multiple Eisner Award and Harvey Award nominee Mike Del Mundo.

Welcome to the all-new Mind MGMT. We’ve been expecting you . . .

Fort Psycho #1 is an awesome start and delivers a fantastic ending that you won’t expect

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Ten years ago, the nation of Singapore sank into the Pacific Ocean. The underground terrorist network known as the Seven Seals took credit for the largest act of terror in human history. In the aftermath, the United Nations created a strike team of highly trained covert operatives with one mission: locate, identify, and eliminate the Seven Seals’ secretive leader. The team’s clandestine affairs were to always remain in the shadows—until their final, explosive confrontation resulted in a large-scale tragedy too bloody to cover up and too tragic to ignore. Disgraced and disavowed by the governments that trained them, the world’s most dangerous secret agents have been convicted for their crimes and sentenced to serve time side by side in the one place capable of holding them: their old island headquarters, Fort Cyclone—now known in the media by the derogatory nickname “Fort Psycho.” And that’s where the official story is about to go terribly, terribly wrong . . .

Story: Matt Kindt
Art: Brian Hurtt
Color: Bill Crabtree
Letterer: Becca Carey

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.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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

Oni Press’ Archie in Hell #1 Bursts into Flames with New Covers by Tyler Crook, Patrick Horvath, Paul Azaceta, Jesse Lonergan, Kano, Dan Parent, Mirka Andolfo, and more!

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Oni Press and Archie Comic Publications, Inc. have unveiled a first look at the suitably scorching covers for Archie in Hell #1, an infernal new ongoing launching out of Oni Press’ monumental new line of star-studded Archie Comics series … just in time for the 85th anniversary of America’s teenage icon! 

Debuting in November, Archie in Hell #1 – written by multiple Eisner Award nominee Patrick Horvath and illustrated by Russ Manning Award winner Tyler Crook – will feature a main cover by series artist Tyler Crook alongside variant covers by Patrick Horvath, Paul Azaceta, Eisner Award winner Jesse Lonergan, Kano, legendary Archie Comics artist Dan Parent, Harvey Award-winning artist Mirka Andolfo, ​and Mahmud Asrar!​ Join Horvath and Crook as they forge a brand-new legend of Archie horror in Archie in Hell #1, leaving a blood-stained trail from 1690 to the present day, this November! 

They say that every small town has a secret. Well, in the case of Riverdale, it’s one heck of a humdinger: An ancient order of cultists has infiltrated its townspeople, bent on using human sacrifice to usher a demon lord into our mortal plane. And they’ve finally identified the final target they need to bring a century’s worth of planning to fruition: hometown football champion and all-around good guy Archie Andrews. But this secret cabal never dreamed that actual witches walk Riverdale’s streets . . . and when cult and coven clash in the final stages of Archie’s secret ritual sacrifice, the consequences will be cosmic . . . and young Archie Andrews will find himself damned to something far worse than Hell’s inner circle. 

Unstuck from time and space. Bound to a terrible curse. Late for school. Things are about to go from bad to downright diabolical as Horvath and Crook unleash Archie in Hell #1, the most malevolently merciless Archie Comics tale ever told . . . and, truly, you’ll never ever expect what happens next!

​Oni Press and Archie Comics will put your feet to the flames when Archie in Hell #1 arrives this November!

Archie in Hell #1

Go Beyond Armageddon in Christian Ward and Sami Kivelä’s The Forever Home #1 – Coming in September! Check out the Trailer!

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HEY HAVE ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD . . . WILL IT BE ENOUGH TO SAVE THEM?

From comics superstar Christian Ward and visionary artist Sami Kivelä, prepare to challenge the limits of time, technology, and human endurance itself as one family’s refuge from the end of the world becomes a mind-bending nightmare reaching far beyond the future. Inside: Time stands still. But outside: something even worse than the apocalypse awaits…

Famed scientist Henry D’mour tried to save the world. He failed. But, in a desperate bid to save himself, his wife, and their two children, he constructed THE FOREVER HOME—an ark of luxury and ultramodern convenience insulated from the agony of the planet’s death throes outside its walls . . . and even time itself. Inside THE FOREVER HOME, only 20 minutes pass for every year on the outside . . . allowing the D’mour family to slowly enact their plans for a new world as their automated environment and robotic companions keep them safe. Safe on the inside. Always inside. Until a childish misstep accidentally breaks THE FOREVER HOME’s barrier… and what’s outside decides it wants back in.

Patrick Horvath and Tyler Crook Condemn Archie in Hell #1 – Coming in November! Get a First Look!

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Oni Press and Archie Comic Publications, Inc. have revealed the first look inside the delightfully diabolical pages for Archie in Hell #1, an infernal new ongoing launching out of Oni Press’ monumental new line of star-studded Archie Comics series … just in time for the 85th anniversary of America’s teenage icon! 

This November, join multiple Eisner Award nominee Patrick Horvath and Russ Manning Award winner Tyler Crook as they forge a brand-new legend of Archie horror, weaving a blood-stained trail from Riverdale’s dark colonial past to its all-too-sunny streets in the modern day!

They say that every small town has a secret. Well, in the case of Riverdale, it’s one heck of a humdinger: An ancient order of cultists has infiltrated its townspeople, bent on using human sacrifice to usher a demon lord into our mortal plane. And they’ve finally identified the final target they need to bring a century’s worth of planning to fruition: hometown football champion and all-around good guy Archie Andrews. But this secret cabal never dreamed that actual witches walk Riverdale’s streets . . . and when cult and coven clash in the final stages of Archie’s secret ritual sacrifice, the consequences will be cosmic . . . and young Archie Andrews will find himself damned to something far worse than Hell’s inner circle. 

Unstuck from time and space. Bound to a terrible curse. Late for school. Things are about to go from bad to downright diabolical as Horvath and Crook unleash Archie in Hell #1, the most malevolent and merciless Archie Comics tale ever told . . . and, truly, you’ll never ever expect what happens next!

Do you dare? Archie in Hell #1 will pull no punches when sends America’s number-one teenager six feet under in November with a ghoulishly gruesome line-up of covers from series co-creators Tyler Crook and Patrick Horvath, alongside Paul Azaceta, Jesse Lonergan, Kano, Dan Parent, Mirka Andolfo, and Mahmud Asrar! 

Archie in Hell #1
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