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
Lobo #1 (DC) – Almost in time for his big screen debut, Skottie Young, Jorge Corona, and Jean-Francois Beaulieu put together a comic that understands why the Main Man is such a fun character. Lobo #1 is equal parts satire and over-the-top violence with Corona going for a hard PG-13 version of the shenanigans that go on in Young’s indie comic, I Hate Fairyland. The code and origin story is intact (In a gorgeous double page spread), but the plot fits a society that is oversaturated with content so why not add bounty hunters to the docket. (Dog, who.) I love the jabs that Skottie Young and Jorge Corona take at Disney, Warner Brothers, and all the megacorps, but it’s because they have jester privilege. Most folks with an HBO Max/Paramount Plus/Disney Plus subscription are unlikely to read this comic. I’m very here for Lobo’s trying very hard not to sell out era, but of course, he does because late capitalism, and wow, I’m overintellectualizing this book. There are lots of funny one liners and excessive violence, and somewhere Simon Bisley is smiling at Corona and Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s over a bottle of Johnnie Walker. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy
Batwoman #1 (DC) – Kate Kane relives past trauma in a mental hospital in Greece in a gorgeously drawn comic that also feels like a retread of a book from 19-20 years ago. Much of the book’s page count is Greg Rucka and Dani retelling the story of the relationship between Kate and her deceased villainous twin sister Alice. It’s cool to see Dani’s take on some iconic layouts and panels from JH Williams, but her and Matt Hollingsworth’s work resonates more in the present day scenes as Kate struggles with her past guilt and mental health. In the last few pages, Batwoman #1 does break new ground so I’ll give the next couple issues a shot especially since the book hasn’t looked this good since the Williams days. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read
Sentry #1 (Marvel) – Paul Jenkins is back writing Sentry, and he and artist Christian Rosado really put the titular character through the wringer. Seriously, Watchdog is involved, super creepy Void stuff, and it feels like Bob Reynolds’ story is progressing for the first time time in years. Jenkins just *gets* Sentry’s voice and thoughts, and his insightful captions pair well with Rosado and Matt Milla’s epic-meets-psychologically disconcerting art style. We don’t know how much damage the Void has done, and that’s a frightening thing for this story and the Marvel Universe as a whole. Overall: 8.3 Verdict: Buy
Dead Teenagers #1 (Oni Press) – Dead Teenagers #1 is a clever, nostalgic postmodern sci-fi slasher from Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Caitlin Yarsky. True to its title, it’s about a diverse group of teens trying to escape the worst life of their night. Each scenario riffs on fictional tropes, and Doyle and Yarsky revel in the references and especially the 90s fashion. This first issue also gives a nice handle on the key cast of characters before the status quo shifting twist. I thought I knew what this book was about, but I don’t and I love Dead Teenagers more for it. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy
Super Creepshow #1 (Image) – In Super Creepshow #1, two of mainstream comics’ finest writers, Kieron Gillen and Ryan North, get to put their own sick and twisted spin on the superhero genre with artists Rossi Gifford and Derek Charm. Up first is Gillen and Gifford’s body horror twist on Spider-Man, The Creep. The hormones and gore are turned up to 11, and the female of species is deadlier than the male. I love the Sam Raimi energy of this 10-pager. The second story “Speed Freak” from North and Charm shows the frightening consequences of super speed with bullied Ron going from ersatz Flash to cosmic menace haunting his town and the only girl who was nice to him. Derek Charm’s Archie-style art especially works for the horror bits as Ron’s body breaks and bends with the the copyright friendly Speed force. Clever superhero and horror from some of the best talents in the industry means that Super Creepshow is a no brainer to pick up this week. Overall: 9.4 Verdict: Buy
Brett
Sentry #1 (Marvel) – The Sentry is back and Paul Jenkins is back at the helm with artist Christian Rosado and Matt Milla. The debut issue brings up the interesting dynamic of superheroes who do so much damage and destruction while also trying to do good. What’s the balance? It’s an intriguing concept that uses the Sentry to examine the concept of modern superheroes. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy
The Infernal Hulk #5 (Marvel) – Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, with art by Kev Walker, ink by Cam Smith, and color by Matthew Wilson, The Infernal Hulk #5 is an interesting one that feels a little out of left field, but feels like a key chapter in building toward whatever comes next. It’s a massive battle with heroes standing witness and key ramifications. The series has been a fantastic mix of traditional superhero comics but deeply infused with horror. The art and colors add to the vibe of the overall comic, making this a series that shouldn’t be missed. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy
Wrestle Heist #4 (Image Comics) – Kyle Starks‘ style, with colors by Vlad Popov, is on full display here with a gonzo issue where things go so right and so wrong at the same time as the heist begins. We learn far more about the evil promoter in a series that brings the fact and fiction together for a world we want to see more of. This is one you can appreciate at the surface level though those with wrestling knowledge will love it more. The backmatter is absolutely fantastic as always. Another great issue in a series that’s a hell of a lot of fun. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy
