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
Phoenix #1 (Marvel) – Stephanie Phillips, Alessandro Miracolo, and David Curiel showcase why Jean Grey is one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe in the first ever Phoenix solo series. The story opens and closes with “Thor: Godbutcher” meets Superman vibes as young, basically space ex-vangelical girl named Adani comes into contact with both the life and death sides of the Phoenix. Miracolo and Curiel’s visuals are glorious for the Phoenix’s feats of restarting a sun or collapsing a black hole while they use grid compositions for more human moments like her and Cyclops’ long distance relationship. The hook of the series is so compelling, “What if a good god made one mistake”, and with a lengthy guest appearance from Richard Rider’s Nova, Phoenix #1 feels more like a cosmic book than an X-Book. It’s the first hit of the “From the Ashes” era. Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy
Witchblade #1 (Image/Top Cow) – Marguerite Bennett, Giuseppe Cafaro, and Arif Prianto reimagine Sara Pezzini for the 21st century in a fragmented Witchblade #1. Most of the comic is standard noir/corrupt fare setting up for the big moment where Sara Pezzini wields the Witchblade. But then Bennett’s steady narrative captions and Cafaro’s powerful art really put me in the shoes of someone perfectly bonded with the Witchblade, which for most of the issue is like a body-snatching parasite hopping from person to person. This interactive experience offsets the steady, well-trod beats of the police procedural make the relaunch worth checking. Plus Marguerite Bennett’s prose is soulful and empowering. Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read
The Rocketeer Breaks Free #1 (IDW) – Stephen Mooney and Staz Johnson prove that the Rocketeer is one of the enduring “neo-pulp” heroes in this delightful new miniseries. Rocketeer Breaks Free #1 is mostly table setting starting with a thrilling action sequence and then establishing the new status quo with Cliff temporarily going to San Francisco to be with his girlfriend Bettie while she works on a film. Johnson’s art is photorealistic, but not stiff, and colorists Len O’Grady and Marco Lesko add an optimistic touch to Rocketeer’s big rescue scene. I also like Mooney’s approach to the whole secret identity thing ; Bettie knows Cliff is the Rocketeer, but she doesn’t like him doing it except when there’s imminent danger. Add in a couple colorful supporting characters, and Rocketeer Breaks Free #1 is modern retro superheroics at its finest. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy
Biker Mice from Mars #1 (Oni Press) – Melissa Flores, Francis Portela, and Leonardo Paciarotti revive the 1990s cartoon Biker Mice from Mars in this new miniseries. This launch issue balances toyetic, explosion-filled action with heavier content like a forever war, military conscription, and caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s. Plus the baddies they fight this issue are arms dealers. Like a box full of action figures, the characters are a little interchangeable, but the final scene hits like a “To be continued…” sequence in the 1992 X-Men cartoon so I’ll be back for issue two. Overall: 7.8 Verdict: Buy
Powerpuff Girls #1 (Dynamite) – As someone who grew up with the original cartoon, Powerpuff Girls is a fun and nostalgic read. Bubbles, blossom, and buttercup write down their destinies, feed into a HIM machine (Hmm?), and end up very different from the superheroes of Townsville. Artist Paulina Ganucheau revels in bringing the aesthetic of cute animals, film noir, and wrestling to the Powerpuff Girls art style while writer Kelly Thompson tells a high energy done-in-one tale with a fan-favorite villain. This is like experiencing a new episode of Powerpuff Girls, which is the highest praise for a comic licensing a cartoon. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy
