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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

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.

A Business Proposal Vol. 5 (Yen Press/IZE Press) – We’re a sucker for this rom-com.

Archie Comics: Judgement Day #1 (Archie) – When Archie changes up their formula, it’s usually a winner.

Barkham Asylum (DC Comics) – The title alone puts a smile on our face and DC has a good track record when it comes to graphic novels for kids.

Blood Hunt #2 (Marvel) – The first issue of this event far exceeded our expectations and we can’t wait to see what comes next and who gets turned.

The Butcher’s Boy #1 (Dark Horse Comics) – A true Lovecraftian horror? Or just the feverish dreams of a mentally unstable serial killer. Six friends on a road trip are about to find out…

Cobra Commander #5 (Skybound) – The newly launched “Energon Universe” has breathed new life into Transformers and G.I. Joe and we’ve been sucked in to see how Cobra has come about. We’re excited to see this series wrapping up and what comes next.

Conan the Barbarian #11 (Titan Comics) – The series has been fantastic with every issue. The best sword and sorcery on the comic shelf right now.

Fall of the House of X #5 (Marvel) – The event overall has been ho-hum but we want to see how it wraps up and leads to the new start in July.

Karate Prom (First Second) – We loved it. Check out our review.

Local Man #10 (Image Comics) – This series’ praise and award nominations is well deserved.

Oshi No Ko Vol. 6 (Yen Press) – The series has been an interesting inside look at celebrity as well as a murder mystery.

The Talk (Henry Holt) – Darrin Bell examines how “the talk” has shaped nearly every moment of his life into adulthood and fatherhood.

Ultimate Black Panther #4 (Marvel) – We have no idea what it was at the end of the issue, but we’re excited to find out!

Void Rivals #9 (Skybound) – Another series in Skybound’s “Energon Universe,” Springer from the Transformers is in this and we’re intrigued as to how that piece of puzzle works.

White Boat #1 (DSTLRY) – Scott Snyder and Francesco Francavilla are a must buy, especially when together.

Mini Reviews: Kid Cudi’s Moon Man, Wolverine, Charred Remains, Jill and the Killers, and so much more!

Posted on February 4, 2024 by Logan Dalton

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

Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Kid Cudi (Billed as Scott Mescudi) seamlessly transitions from music to comics in his new series Moon Man with co-scripter Kyle Higgins and artists Marco Locati and Igor Monti. The protagonist of Moon Man, Ramon, is a stand-in for Mescudi with much of the comic taking place in his real hometown of Cleveland. Plus there’s the lunar and cosmic imagery that have been a part of Kid Cudi’s lyrics and sound from day one, but are visually intensified in this comic. Monti’s color palette has a field day as Ramon’s abilities are unlocked, and he goes back to the mysterious events on his billionaire sponsored moon voyage. There is a lot of Jack Kirby and early Fantastic Four in the more sci-fi elements of Moon Man #1, but its world is very much our own with plutocratic monopolies and income equality. I especially love the conversations Ramon has with his little brother Micah about the current generation (Z and Alpha, I guess) not having the same opportunities as previous ones, but also pointing out that Ramon’s corporate astronaut gig is why Micah has shelter, food, and can go to college. Moon Man #1 captures the tension between resigning one’s self to the rat race and wanting something more in a gorgeous take on superhero and science fiction stories. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Avengers: Twilight #2 (Marvel) – While the concept of a world where corporate/fascism has taken over is interesting, there’s something that feels surface level in this future take on the Marvel Universe. The art is decent, action interesting, but the concept continues to be far better than the execution. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

Charred Remains #2 (Mad Cave Studios) – The series is a horror version of Backdraft and what’s real, what’s not is an intriguing part of it all. The fire focused psychological thriller features beautifully haunting art and an overall concept that’s some solid and entertaining horror. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy

Jill and the Killers #1 (Oni Press) – Crime podcasts and shows are a hot thing and this series plays off of that. Jill’s mother has disappeared as well as kids in her town. Are they all related? And what’s with a mystery game box that seems to be involved too? A solid start full of emotion and questions. Overall: 8.65 Verdict: Buy

Local Man #9 (Image Comics) – The action amps up in this issue as everything comes together in this revitalization of Image’s superhero comics. The series continues to be a highlight for the publisher delivering with every issue. If you’re looking for a superhero comic that’s not one of the Big Two, look no further. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

Ministry of Compliance #2 (IDW Publishing) – All hell has broken loose for the Ministry of Compliance as they’ve been cut off from their homeworld and there’s treachery from within and from outside forces. This is an action drama from John Ridley that shows how amazing Ridley is at world building. Overall: 8.35 Verdict: Buy

Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Something has gone wrong on a corporate funded mission to the moon, but what? The series is most solid in its discussion of corporate takeover of our lives and while we work for horrible corporations, they do provide us with opportunity. Some art is a little muddied and hard to make out what’s happening, but overall, an interesting start. Overall: 7.75 Verdict: Read

Punisher #3 (Marvel) – Absolutely fantastic action with a solid villain and what’s next looks awesome. This series really brings back a classic Punisher feel and is a must for fans of the character. Overall: 8.45 Verdict: Buy

Resurrection of Magneto #1 (Marvel) – Focusing on Storm attempting to bring Magneto back from the dead, unless you’re really into that aspect, this one’s a pass. But, if you’re deep into the story, it feels like a must. I’m not too into it, so it was rather blah for me. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

The Deviant #3 (Image Comics) – Such an amazing comic. If you’re into horror, it’s a must. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Wolverine #42 (Marvel) – Again, we were promised a brutal and bloody Wolverine story and this delivers. Holy crap is this R-rated fun. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

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

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

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #4 (DC Comics) – The series continues to be a great blend of fact and fiction all mixed into some solid entertainment.

Charred Remains #2 (Mad Cave Studios) – The first issue was interesting having to do with a mysterious being and fires.

Conan the Barbarian #7 (Titan Comics) – The series has been fantastic so far evoking classic Conan with some beautiful art.

Dark Ride #10 (Skybound) – Absolutely great, and entertaining, horror, with some solid art. We get excited for each new issue.

Dead X-Men #1 (Marvel) – We’re intrigued about this one that has to do with some “dead” X-Men. With Krakoa in shambles, we’re pondering how it all comes together.

The Devil That Wears My Face #4 (Mad Cave Studios) – The concept of the Exorcist meets Face/Off might seem silly but this comic rocks. Fantastic action and horror mixed together.

Duke #2 (Skybound) – The first issue gave a shot in the arm to G.I. Joe and added more energy to the Energon Universe.

Jill and the Killers #1 (Oni Press) – Oni is launching a bunch of new series in 2024 and this one sounds like a cool mix of murder mystery and games.

Lilo & Stitch #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – The beloved animated film comes to comics! Dynamite has been knocking it out of the park with their Disney releases.

Local Man #9 (Image Comics) – The series has been fantastic delivering a vibe that’s a mix of modern and classic Image superhero comics.

Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Kyle Higgins, Marco Locati, and Kid Cudi team up for this series about “missing minutes” during a moon mission.

Somna #2 (DSTLRY) – Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay’s first issue featured some amazing art and we’re expecting more of that in a series set amidst the terrifying backdrop of the witch hunts in a quiet 1600s English village.

Wolverine #42 (Marvel) – The first issue was brutal and we expect nothing less from this.

Local Man #8 begins to bring it all together with some amazing art

Posted on December 27, 2023 by Brett

Local Man’s gotta find a real, genuine monster, while the very human one who shares his bed looks for any means possible to shake him from her trail. ANY. On the flip side, Inga’s quest to save Farmington has hit a dead end. But along comes her partner, her savior, her cool new best friend, Farmer Xaver… her ex-boyfriend’s dad? Local Man #8 continues its fantastic mix of originality and homage giving us an Image superhero universe we want more of.

Created and written by Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley, Local Man #8 continues what has been a fantastic second arc. The story has built off the first one bringing more mystery and intrigue to the town of Farmington. It’s been clear since early on who the “villain” of the story is, but Local Man #8 gives a better idea as to who the murderer is.

Jack is still tripping a bit delivering some fantastic moments in the comic as he interacts with some familiar characters. But, it also has allowed Jack to expand his powers in a way that’s unexpected and fun. Like the previous issue, this one has fun with Jack discovering things and opening his mind.

That extends to the art which continues to knock it out of the park in this arc. The previous trip was solid by Fleecs and Seeley along with color by Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobreiro extend Jack’s discovery to the flip back up feature. While this story usually has something in the past that ties to the present story, this issue has Jack wandering through not just that story but the ads as he ponders what he has learned. It’s utter brilliance and makes it stand out as an issue of the year. It’s something so simple and so memorable that takes a fun series and elevates it even further.

Local Man #8 is a great issue and a fantastic continuation of the story arc. It doesn’t stand on its own, it’s a piece of the bigger puzzle, but it’s so good. The team plays off of the cover, Jack’s mind being blown, and takes it to the next level with visuals. Such a good series, one of the best superhero comics on the market.

Story: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley Art: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley
Color: Brad Simpson, Felipe Sobreiro
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.75 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Purchase

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

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

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

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #3 (DC Comics) – The series has been a great mix of real history, DC comic history, and an expansion of Alan’s origin. Solid so far.

Batman/Santa Claus: Silent Knight #4 (DC Comics) – So much fun and perfect for the holiday season as Santa teams with DC’s heroes to stop the Krampus.

Duke #1 (Skybound) – The launch of the G.I. Joe portion of the Energon Universe. We’ve read it, it’s really good.

Fist of the North Star Vol. 11 (VIZ Media) – The next chapter kicks off with a new storyline. We’re hoping for more of the same action with a new focus.

Holy Roller #2 (Image Comics) – The first issue was a surprise as we were introduced to a new “hero” taking on the bigotry in his town.

Local Man #8 (Image Comics) – Every issue has been fantastic as it balances an original story, being an homage, and teasing connections to classic Image superhero comics.

The Penguin #5 (DC Comics) – One of the best series on the shelves right now. It makes you feel bad for the Penguin while fearing him as well.

Timeless #1 (Marvel) – Marvel teases next year’s comics with this end of year release.

Universal Monsters: Dracula #3 (Skybound) – An amazing adaptation of the classic novel.

Local Man #7 drops some laughs… and some mushrooms

Posted on November 29, 2023 by Brett

Local Man gets creative in his search for a murderer, as Inga prepares to bring the superhuman trade to Farmington. On the flip side… while Crossjack attends celebrity weddings and goes on dates with models, Inga is going to save Farmington, one person at a time. But how? Local Man #7 is another fantastic issue of the new arc packed with laughs.

Local Man #7 continues the series split story with some having to do with the present and some in the past, that has to do with what’s going on in the present. Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley handle the story and in the present go with the laughs as Local Man does what he can to try to solve the murder of a local girl. That includes visiting a weird cult that may or may not have had something to do with it. But, really, it’s where that meeting goes that’s the highlight.

Fleecs and Seeley deliver laughs with Local Man #7 as Jack is fed some magic mushrooms creating a comic that’s packed with jokes and some fantastic visual humor. The visuals really stands out as the art plays with the fact that Jack is tripping and he does things like interact with the speech bubbles. The result is amazing and creates an issue that stands out in a series that’s already filled with moments that stand out.

On the flip side, the other story focused on Inga continues to build as we get get an idea of how she got to where she is. Like the previous arc, this “back-up” story does a great job of fleshing out the world and delivering information in entertaining ways.

Fleecs and Seeley handle the art as well with Fleecs providing the art for Local Man’s current adventure and Seeley handling the flashback. They’re joined by Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobriero and each art style really enhances the main story overall. As stated above, Local Man’s tripping is just amazing visually and doesn’t go completely for the usual tropes, instead focused on playing with the literal words on the page.

Local Man #7 is another fantastic issue of the series that takes a rather weighty subject, death of a teenage girl, and approaches it in a way where the issue itself doesn’t feel heavy. It’s a murder mystery of a different sort.

Story: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley Art: Tony Fleecs, Tim Seeley
Color: Brad Simpson, Felipe Sobriero
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on November 28, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

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

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

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #2 (DC Comics) – The second issue is solid building off some real world history and creating an even more tragic story for Alan Scott.

Amazing Spider-Man: Gang War – First Strike #1/Luke Cage: Gang War #1/Spider-Woman #1 (Marvel) – Gang War kicks off!

Barbaric: Wrong Kind of Righteous (Vault Comics) – The tale of Sir Borys the Righteous Paladin and his trusty, talking Flail, as he enlists the help of Owen, Axe, and Soren on his noble path.

Basic Instinct #1 (Massive Publishing) – A sequel to the film?

Batman ’89: Echoes #1 (DC Comics) – Building off the classic film, the Caped Crusader has disappeared. Where is Batman?

BRZRKR: Fallen Empire #1 (BOOM! Studios) – The lone survivor of Olos, a long-dead empire that once thrived, tells a tale of B.’s distant past, and the death and cataclysm he brought forth.

Conan the Barbarian #5 (Titan Comics) – A new arc kicks off as Conan is haunted by memories of Belit.

Count Dante #6 (Scout Comics) – The series that blends fact and fiction wraps up. If you’re a fan of martial arts, check out this series!

Darkwing Duck #10 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Darkwing and The Justice Ducks must race to free Launchpad from an underwater Ducklantian prison.

Howard the Duck #1 (Marvel) – Celebrating 50 years with this all-new one-shot!

Jennifer Blood: Battle Diary #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Jennifer is back and hopefully with more over the top violence.

Local Man #7 (Image Comics) – A new mission as Local Man searches for a murderer.

The Penguin #4 (DC Comics) – The series has been amazing so far making the Penguin a character to have sympathy for but also fear.

Titans: Beast World #1 (DC Comics) – The event starts here!

X-Men: Blue Origins #1 (Marvel) – Mother and son reunite in a mold-shattering tale that exposes secrets held for decades and redefines both characters forever.

Local Man #6 kicks off a new arc with familiar troubles

Posted on October 18, 2023 by Brett

Local Man, for me, is one of the best superhero debuts of the year. The comic has done an amazing job of delivering new characters and story but integrated in a way with the rich superhero history of Image Comics. Presented as a flip book, each issue delivers two stories, one the more modern, and the other delivering some history and background that has to do with the main story. Local Man #6 keeps that up as Jack Xaver must figure out what to do next and trouble comes calling in multiple ways.

Written by Tim Seeley and Tony Fleecs, Local Man #6 dives right into the impact of the first arc. The death of the beloved Camo Crusader has driven a conspiracy that threatens the town. Then there’s the death of a girl who has drowned… on dry land. And Jack is still legally not allowed to be a superhero. It makes it a little difficult for him to do what needs to be done.

Seeley and Fleecs keep on delivering an interesting character in Jack who is both very good at what he does, generally wants to do the right thing, but also kind of scummy. We learned of his affair in the first arc and this arc continues his ways as he’s now sleeping with the police chief’s wife. It’s hard to cheer for Jack but at the same time, you kind of want to. Kind of.

The issue sets things up quite well and the conspiracy theory concept feels like it’s timely and fits right at home in our current mess of a world. There’s also a nice sadness and weight you feel from the characters about what happened with Camo Crusader.

In the flip story, we meet Inga whose boyfriend just skipped town to join a superhero team. You can guess who that is… As I said above, these snippets are great in that they deliver a lot of backstory that come into play later in the comic.

The art is split between Fleecs and Seeley with each handling one story and they’re joined by Brad Simpson and Felipe Sobreiro on color. The comic looks great as always with a style that feels a bit like classic Image superhero comics but also a bit modern as well. The visuals really emphasize the more humorous aspects of the comic showing it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s visuals that’ll just get you to pause and laugh. The two stories are very distinctive as their visual styles are so different but it really works well.

Local Man #6 continues the solid series. The next arc looks interesting and should be intriguing to see where it goes, especially when it comes to the greater Image superhero universe. If you haven’t been reading this series, it’s not too late and highly recommended.

Story: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs Art: Tim Seeley, Tony Fleecs Color: Brad Simpson, Felipe Sobreiro
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.15 Overall: 8.15 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on October 17, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

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

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

Avengers Inc. #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was interesting with a mix of detective story and superhero antics. We’re intrigued to see where it all goes after the debut.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #20 (DC Comics) – Head back to Kingdom Come!

Dauntless Dames (Fantagraphics) – The book itself is gorgeous and a solid coffee table book. We like the presentation and the history combining for an education read that’s beautiful to look at.

Green Lantern: War Journal #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was amazing with some solid teases, horror, action, and drama. We’re hoping for more of the mix in this grounded superhero series.

Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong #1 (DC Comics) – The concept is so silly but we’re in all the way and excited for it.

Local Man #6 (Image Comics) – The first volume was fantastic with a nice mix of new and old superheroics. It’s one of the best superhero comics of the year and we’re excited to see where this next arc goes. Jack must investigate a drowning on dry land.

The Man From Maybe #1 (Oni Press) – A postmodern, post apocalyptic epic of Western-infused action. The art looks cool and we’re excited to read the first issue.

Sensational She-Hulk #1 (Marvel) – We’re hoping the new series has the same fun as the television show.

Subgenre #1 (Dark Horse) – A man is living two lives. He is a private detective in a dystopian cyberpunk future trying to solve a triple murder. But when he falls asleep… he wakes up as a wandering adventurer in a barbaric fantasy world where magic exists. Is he two separate people? Or is he a third person that has undergone a psychotic split? New Matt Kindt? Yes please!

Watership Down (Ten Speed Press) – A faithful graphic novel adaptation of Richard Adams’ beloved story.

Local Man kicks off a new story arc with ’90s inspired Variant Covers

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Graphic Policy Team

Tony Fleecs and Tim Seeley’s popular superhero series Local Man will kick off a new story arc in October with a line of exciting ’90s inspired variant covers. These variant covers will pay homage to some of the most legendary Image Comics of the ’90s.

Jack Xaver, Farmington’s very own Local Man, is called in to investigate a mysterious drowning on dry land. The problem is, Jack isn’t legally allowed to be a superhero. Oh, also, he’s sleeping with the police chief’s wife. AND there’s a conspiracy theory gaining traction that Jack murdered America’s most beloved champion, the Camo Crusader.

Now, Local Man, already in over his head, is drawn into another twisted case with dark ties to his superhero past. On the flip side—meet Inga. Her stupid boyfriend just skipped town to join a superhero team. He left her with nothing…and now she has nothing to lose.

Local Man #6 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, October 18: