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

Space Outlaws #1 (Scout Comics) – Marco Fontanili brings his gonzo visual sensibilities to the sci-fi and western genres in Space Outlaws #1. It’s Terminator meets Alien in Texas as a killer robot is chasing after an escaped alien parasite convict in the deserts of the Western USA. Fontanili makes Space Outlaws a memorable read with intricate panel layouts and a deadpan sense of humor (A Western gunmen is described as “Armed not dangerous”) He’s also not afraid to prob the darker side of the human psyche with a supporting character who is an alcoholic farmer down on his luck and about to hang himself. As evidenced by his previous work on Pentagram of Horror and Kingjira, Marco Fontanili is the shlockmeister supreme of indie comics, and Space Outlaws is another hit for him. Overall: 9.0 Verdict: Buy

Superman Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 (DC/Black Label) – The Last Days of Lex Luthor #1 is a strong character study about the relationship between Superman and his greatest foe. Lex takes advantage of Superman’s compassion to enlist him on a quest to cure his terminal illness. Writer Mark Waid weaves in flashbacks of their life in Smallville, and their attempts at friendship because they both felt different yet acted in opposite ways about their feelings. On the art side, Bryan Hitch and Kevin Nowlan seem to be having the time of their lives drawing big rescues, the Phantom Zone, and the Bottle City of Kandor. It’s kind of a greatest hits set for these great masters of superhero blockbusters. Last Days of Lex Luthor is off to a promising start because Waid and Hitch know the best Superman stories are when he faces moral challenges and not just physical ones. Overall: 8.6 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Ultimate Invasion #2 (Marvel) – The Maker’s plan comes into the picture as we see the world he’s shaped after his escape in the first issue. The question that’s raised is the world seems great, but we’re not really shown the negative. The Maker is supposed to be this evil person but beyond preventing heroes from their origins, he’s generally benevolent to the end. It’s something that sticks out in an otherwise interesting concept. There’s some solid art in moments that deliver some shock. Overall, an interesting series so far but not one that really stands out as amazing… yet. Overall: 7.75 Verdict: Read

Avengers #3 (Marvel) – The Avengers have been tipped off by Kang of major events coming and the first is here. Being that are supposed to be a real challenge have shown up to terrorize cities and overall it… falls a bit short. The new characters are interesting but the setup that they’re a real threat isn’t there. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read

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 (**).