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
E-Ratic Recharged #1 (AWA Studios) – Even though Kaare Andrews’ art and Brian Reber’s colors crackle with energy, E-Ratic Recharged #1 is a pretty, by the numbers teen superhero comic. Andrews’ female characters are basically all written and drawn interchangeably, and the new one he introduces this issue has more thong wedgie shots that ones of her face even though she plays a pivotal part in this plotline. However, E-Ratic Recharged isn’t without its charms, especially in its fight scenes, and in how its protagonist Oliver’s patheticness and vulnerability makes Peter Parker seem like a picture of stability. Plus it has a solid cliffhanger. However, it feels like Kaare Andrews’ visual storytelling skills would be welcome on something more compelling than Wish.com Spider-Man meets Hourman. Overall: 6.0 Verdict: Pass
Alien #1 (Marvel) – Of course, utopias always go wrong in a world where the Weyland-Yutani corporation holds sway, and the new Alien comic from Philip Kennedy Johnson and Julius Ohta is no exception. Alien #1 has great pacing with a xenomorph attack before the title page before pulling back and focusing on a group of androids on the run, who get pulled back in to help some human colonies with the greatest prize of all: citizenship. Even though Alien #1 is an action-driven book, there’s still some good commentary about basically some people are less, say, American than others and have to earn basic human dignity. Ohta’s art isn’t super breathtaking, but I love how he draws the androids as basically flawless humans plus the aforementioned xenomorph attack has a great atmosphere and chiaroscuro lighting thanks to colorist Nitro. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy
Brett
Batman #127 (DC Comics) – I’ve generally liked the new direction and creative team but the story feels like it’s mining a bit too much in Batman’s history as opposed to charting a new course. Alternate personalities dominate and if you don’t care about this particular one, I don’t, then the issue falls flat. The back-up story featuring Catwoman and Penguin is great though showing off a lot of potential for a classic villain. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read
Dark Crisis #4 (DC Comics) – This event completely relies on your nostalgia for Crisis on Infinite Earths and the multiverse. Neither really excite me and since recent events have touched upon the same topic, the overall story feels like we’ve seen this one too many times. Overall, a follow up event of a classic feels like a mash-up of too many events we’ve seen before. Overall: 6.0 Verdict: Pass
Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write. See you next week!
Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).
