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

Concrete: Stars Over Sand #3 (Dark Horse) – Concrete: Stars Over Sand starts to ramp up as pieces of memories start to form in its amnesiac protagonist’s head. Paul Chadwick’s visuals depict the pure beauty and savagery of nature, and I love the details he spotlights for the different flora and fauna. This issue explores the monstrousness and humanity at the heart of Concrete and sets up a doozy of a penultimate issue. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Badrock #2 (Image) – Badrock continues to punch above its weight as the titular character comes to grips with losing his power. Rob Liefeld’s captions capture the sadness Thomas feels when he’s powerless and then the triumph when he regains them temporarily. Artist Seth Damoose also gets to channel the Extreme Studios 90s with a massive double page pinup. However, the real emotional crux of this story is the relationship between Badrock and his mom. This is what made Badrock #2 sink its hooks into me along with big, explosive turn your brain off action. Overall: 8.3 Verdict: Buy

Witchblade/Vampirella #1 (Image) – Two 90s “Bad Girl” icons collide and wrestle with their cravings for revenge, violence, and of course, blood in Witchblade/Vampirella #1. Marguerite Bennett and Laura Braga focus on friendship and visceral ass kicking in this one-shot with several double page spreads full of kicking, biting, and the power of the Witchblade. I love how Vampirella acts as a kind of devilish guardian angel for Sara Pezzini while female friendship triumphs over the male gaze. Braga’s design for the vampiric Witchblade is very cool though. Overall: 7.9 Verdict: Buy

Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy #1 (DC/Vertigo) – The occult, spycraft, and supernatural creatures all collide in the multi-layered first issue of Ram V and Mike Perkins’ Black Tower: The Raven Conspiracy #1. An American going to England to find magic is relatable to me, but not the chases and conspiracies. There’s quite a bit of exposition in Black Tower #1, but it’s tempered by the aforementioned chases and one bloody fight scene. V stays out of Perkins’ way and keeps the set pieces quiet before bringing his snarky, yet thoughtful dialogue to bear. I’m definitely lost in a maze after reading this first issue, but definitely want to see where the rabbit hole leads. Overall: 8 Verdict: Buy