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

Killer Influences #1 (IDW Publishing) – Joey Esposito and Valerie Burzo serve up a satirical look at the true crime genre in Killer Influences #1. This isn’t a “catch a killer” story, but more of a psychological narrative with podcaster/journalist Kylie joining forces with local serial killer Melvin to boost both their profiles. No one is likable, but the book is great commentary on the exploitation of mass murderers on pop culture as well as the banality of middle America. The cast of Killer Influences have really money and family issues which grounds the story when it gets more macabre. And speaking of macabre, Burzo has a great visual storytelling rhythm going from sleepy smoke stacks to a dead body that will haunt my dreams tonight. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy

Beast of Boriken #1 (Dark Horse) – In Beast of Boriken #1, Julio Anta, Daniel Irizarri, and Patricio Delpeche tell a ripped-from-the-headlines horror story about the resilience of Puerto Ricans against hurricanes and Western developers. This first issue fleshes out the Flores family and their Paul brother-esque adversary Simon Hunt. And, of course, there’s the titular Beast who gets Delpeche’s darkest colors and Irizarri’s most dynamic line work. Beast of Boriken #1 welcomes you into this sad, yet cathartic world full of activism, a fighting spirit, and a serious badass monster. Justin Jordan and Tony Akins’ black and white backup “Seven Gates” is a different kind of atmospheric horror rooted in urban legends and a crush gone haywire. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

The Shaolin Cowboy: Staying A.I. Alive #1 (Dark Horse) – Geof Darrow’s laconic Shaolin Cowboy is back for a new miniseries set in a heightened version of our current right wing hellscape. The satire is broad, but there’s something cathartic about a king fu master kicking the literal shit out of some racists or taking a beat before refusing a MAGA hat and wearing a good Ol’ Stetson. Staying AI Alive has the pitch black humor and detailed art that Darrow is known for, and that’s the appeal with the initial plot being a little thin. I love the talking animals though. Overall: 7.6 Verdict: Read