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 short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

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Alex

All-New Wolverine #1* – Was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn’t that interested in X23 as a character before, so this comic was never that high on my radar (unlike the Old Man Logan series that’s due to hit in a couple months). Elana convinced me to pick this up, and I’m glad she did. This first issue is one of the best of the All New All Different offerings from Marvel that I’ve read in the last month or two, and it’s a damn good Wolverine story, too that has just the right combination of action and inner conflict. Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy.

Batman #46* – If you’ve been reading this series, there’s no reason for you not to pick this up. Not my favourite issue by this creative team, but still better than most other Batman books out there. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Read

Heroes: Vengence #2 – I really wanted to like this series as much as I did the Heroes Reborn TV show. Not quite there yet, but it’s getting closer. It may be worth waiting for the trade, but there’s some interesting back ground here for fans of the show. Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

 

Brett

Abe Sapien #28 – Abe is still figuring out his role in the world as he continues his cross country trip. The series has been interesting in that its provided a way for us to see more of the country and the hellish landscape. Each series arc is much stronger than the individual issues, and this one begins a new one that could be interesting. Overall Rating: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

All-New Wolverine #1 *- A ho-hum start that glosses over X-23’s abusive and killer past. She should not be this chill. Plus the ending reminded me WAY too much of Orphan Black. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Birthright #11 – Sword and sorcery fun in the “real” world. Joshua Williamson has been putting together an entertaining series backed up with solid art. Plus a solid twist in this issue where we learn more about the Nevermind. Overall Rating: 8.23 Recommendation: Read

Letter 44 #21 – Ryan Kelly steps in on art in this special issue that looks at how the Clarke astronauts were recruited. It’s an amazing comic that intelligently adds so much depth to each character. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #3 – Oh what a messed up comic (and series in general). This is the Joker with no limits, and the body count and sadism is proof. Overall Rating: 7.8 Recommendation: Read

Rebels #8 – Two standalone stories in this issue. One focuses on a woman who runs a print shop in occupied Boston and the other is about a freed slave who fights on the British side. While touching upon history, the comic isn’t actual history. But, each issue makes me want to find out more. And the art is solid as usual. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Southern Bastards #12 – Continues to be one of the best comics on the market. Jason Latour writes this one which… well it’s best to just read it. However, it’s amazing how much he made me actually feel sorry for someone who almost beats to death a kid. Overall Rating: 9 Recommendation: Buy

The Walking Dead #148** – The series continues to build, and looks like it’ll explode soon. That ending is amazing.  Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Zodiac Starforce #3 – The series is fun, but feels a bit like 80s cartoons in that it’s not too deep. I think this issue is where I see that the most. It’s still fun, but some of the dialogue is a little stilted, much like 80s cartoons. A fun series and read. Overall Rating: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

 

Elana

All-New Wolverine #1*  is the best Wolverine comic in a generation. It’s version of Laura is one of the most richly written female heroes around. But it also serves as a Wolverine comic in the classic sense. She IS Wolverine. She is wrestling with a lot of the same issues Logan always has yet she is handling them from the perspective of a young woman. I truly appreciate her wearing the classic Wolverine costume and realistic street clothes which suit her personality rather then being out of character cheesecake as is often the case. I think its a must for both fans of Wolverine and fans of complex female leads. Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy!

Zodiac Starforce # 2 & 3 – Charming and inventive all ages comic with a kick-ass diverse and distinctive cast. Your sure to have a favorite to identify with (and that almost never happens to me). Feels a bit like a technicolor Buffy for kids. The stakes feel pretty high. And of course we’re cheering for Lily and Savannah’s adorable romance. Overall an 8 especially for kids.

 

Mr. H

Batman and Robin Eternal #6* – Ok now we are talking! Best issue since the first. Maybe it’s the addition of Tony Daniel’s art being back but this issue stood out. The parallel between Bruce’s fear over Mother engineering orphans into what she wants and what he could be doing with young Dick Grayson’s future was powerful. Finally we have a potential Bat villain with long reaching scope. I also enjoyed our current Bruce Wayne at peace. To me this was one of the single best Bat books I’ve read this year. Score: 9 Recomendation: Buy

Secret Wars #7* – So finally things are starting to unravel for God Doom. This issue had a lot of action, it just didn’t grab me that much. Great visuals by Essad Ribic. What a talent he is. Reed Richards’ contingency plan was intriguing but I want more. However seeing T’Challa with an Infinity Gauntlet was way cool. Looking forward to The Thing cutting lose next issue. Score: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

 

Paul

Squadron Sinister #4* – Nighthawk finally makes his move to take over Utopolis and to do that, he needs to take out Hyperion. The action was so so and Nighthawk wins…just in time for the Thors to arrive and arrest him for his actions against Battleworld. He is tried by God Doom, and Warrior Woman is responsible for the final nail in his coffin. Nighthawk is sentenced to life beyond the shield. A group of Starbrands attempt to liberate Utopolis, but the citizens rebel, saying they had it better under the rule of Hyperion. Yawn..nothing exciting and a less then stellar conclusion. Overall: 5 Recommendation: Read, but only if you’ve followed the series.

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Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.

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 (**).