Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #17
Written by Eathan Sacks; Art by Paolo Villanelli
Published by Marvel Comics
Just when we thought Valance was finished, his cyborg body parts bring him back from the cusp of death. This action-packed issue refuses to slow down, even when it’s giving us crucial character building backstory.
You won’t see the ending coming. It’s a perfect mind-blowing beat for Valance, a character that’s been a highlight for me in this series. (–Anthony Sword)
Rating: A-
Star Wars #18
Written by Charles Soule; Art by Ramon Rosanas
Published by Marvel Comics
Fans of this series have been waiting for this issue ever since it was revealed that Han Solo’s old flame, Qi’ra was behind Han’s abduction. Leia and Qi’ra meet face to face.
Where this issue works is trying to work out whether or not Qi’ra is acting in good faith. It also brilliantly reminds us that Han’s heroic qualities have been a part of his DNA from the start. The very reason we’re rooting for his survival.
This satisfying meeting sets up our heroes’ ultimate rendezvous on a certain desert planet with a certain large slug. (–Anthony Sword)
Rating: A
Radiant Black #9
Written by Kyle Higgins; Art by Eduardo Ferigato
Published by Image Comics
Radiant Black is a book that I have enjoyed but never felt overlying enthusiastic about. This issue is the one that deserves a full rave.
Will Nathan recover? Will Marshall mature into his powers? How are the locals receiving this hero and the violence that has impacted their city? Radiant Black #9 tells us this story in a unique way. Using vignettes that take us back and forth over a wide period of time, the storytelling stands out. This issue manages to be poignant and funny.
With superheroes appearing in TV and movies, it can hard to explain what makes comic books special. Why even have superhero comic books if we can just stream superheroes to our TV’s and phones? Well, with fully fleshed characters and a distinct point of view, Radiant Black reminds us what makes comic books special. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Batman #116
Written by James Tynion IV; Art by Jorge Jimenez
Published by DC Comics
Fear State has the makings of a cool Bat Event. There are elements that I could easily see adapted and recycled for TV or movies. As it’s presented in recent issues of Batman, Fear State is overstuffed. An event that up to this point is servicing every one but the title character. This issue is more of the same.
As Saint’s forces bear down on Poison Ivy, Batman confronts Scarecrow. But Peacekeeper 01 has a confrontation of his own with Batman.
This issue features scenes full of action and suspense, but it never truly develops. It’s overly kinetic to a fault.
But Jorge Jimenez delivers again. With Tomeu Morey’s spectacular color work, it’s a fun book to look at.
Saving the best for last, the Batgirls back-up is full of good energy and fun characters. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: B
Dark Knights of Steel #1
Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Yasmine Putri
Published by DC Comics
This 12-issue series kicks off with the basic premise of “DC Universe, but Dungeons & Dragons.”
Imagine Krypton, the dying planet, and that ship bearing a baby Kal-El lands on a medieval Earth. This first issue dives headfirst into that premise, envisioning new versions of DC heroes from Black Canary to Black Lightning.
But don’t think this a mere trove of DC Easter eggs. No, Taylor swiftly establishes family drama, kingdoms at war, and a Kryptonian throne protective of its Superman while jealous of all others who possess the “magic” metahuman abilities, all delivered with Putri’s expressive art. The title’s not great, as too easily evokes all the Dark Knights storylines of the past few years.
However, the title fits well thematically with the entanglements between Clark, heir to the Kingdom of Els, and Bruce the Bat-Prince, the Els’ top knight and enforcer of the realm. And things escalate quickly as this issue draws to a cliffhanger close. Pick this one up for sure. Who knows what versions of the DC villains will show up. ( –Marvin Pittman)
Last Flight Out #3
Written by Marc Guggenheim; Art by Eduardo Ferigato
Published by Dark Horse Comics
This latest installment takes us down some other road by not fixating solely on the relationship of Ben Caewood and his daughter Sara as we approach the final evacuation of Earth.
Instead, we get another window into the overall human cost of the Tevat Noah project, and the fate of humanity migrating off planet, on Caewood’s shoulders. It seems kinda silly, when you think about it, that the whole project would sit on one man. And so we meet Alex Drummond, a Stanford grad genius who works for Caewood and becomes his protégé. That is, until their falling out over Alex’s insistence that his idea to terraform the planet and reverse the effects of global warming – SecondGenesis – can be made real.
Of course, this is the same project that Caewood’s daughter gets involved in. All of this adds new dimensions and wrinkles to the current plot to extract Sara from Chicago with the clock ticking on when Tevat Noah III launches. And it turns out we’re gonna get more of that wading through apocalyptic Chicago that the first issue appeared to promise.
Every new turn in the plot lands like the punch to the face Caewood gets on the cover. ( –Marvin Pittman)
Newburn #1
Written by Chip Zdarsky; Art by Jacob Phillips
Published by Image Comics
At first sight of the cover, of a beaten-down handsome older man looking over his shoulder, overlaid with a brownstone and NYPD squad cars parked outside, I had two thoughts.
First, this is a new noir-style crime series.
And, second, that single lit window also gave me feelings of The Exorcist.
And while title character Easton Newburn is no priest, he definitely walks with demons. This comic opens up with Newburn as a private detective who plays between the cops and rival crime organizations. A man is dead after stealing from his own mob family, but he soon reasons that someone else ordered the hit. It’s the kind of story that goes hard, swift and mean, and immediately sucks you in. It also helps that Jacob Phillips, son of Sean Phillips, is already long practiced at these kinds of comics, having worked as a colorist and back-matter artist for his dad’s ongoing crime books with Ed Brubaker.
Reading this first issue, this is the kind of family tree I’m in favor of. ( –Marvin Pittman)
My Bad #1
Written by Mark Russell and Bruce Ingman; Art by Peter Krause
Published by Ahoy Comics
Who needs a good superhero spoof? I know I do! And so we get this latest entry to the super-spoof world with Gravel City, and its heroes and villains.
What if Batman were a vain aristocrat with a chandelier on his head? What if Superman were a self-absorbed blue man with speed powers who also runs a fried chicken restaurant? What if another hero were based in Los Angeles and tasked with improving traffic?
The comic, full of short stories on these super-jerks, also makes light of old comic books with written notes from the editor-in-chief, player guide entries, and more. This collection of blackout-joke short stories gives the comic more of a Little Britain feel, where the story ends once the one joke is paid off.
That said, it’s pretty fun, even if not treading new ground. ( –Marvin Pittman)
Mister Miracle: The Source of Freedom #6
Written by Brandon Easton; Art by Fico Ossio
Published by DC Comics
Man, this miniseries was definitely better than I expected.
I loved every part of it and this final issue really drove things home. This was a great ending to the series and the whole story finally gave the character of Shilo Norman a moment to shine. It also features his greatest escape.
Shilo travels to the future here. He wants to stop the N’Ver and so he goes to there the revolution first took place. Can he get his bearings and stop and fix everything? Or is everything going to go to hell in a hand basket? The writing is spot on and the artwork is spectacular. This is a great issue overall. (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Batman/Superman/ Authority Special #1
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson; Art by Trevor Hairsine and Ben Templesmith
Published by DC Comics
I am loving the direction that the Superman line of books have been taking at the hands of writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson. Superman’s world has changed a lot. Mongul has become a real threat and he is somebody that Superman must stop at any cost!
Superman has reformed the Authority team and they are going with him to stop Mongul. But Batman has a few things to add to all of this. It becomes very exciting. The writing is sharp and perfect. The artwork is interesting and feels fresh.
The whole thing is fantastic and I am here for this ride for the long haul! (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
The Silver Coin #6
Written by Joshua Williamson; Art by Michael Walsh
Published by Image Comics
There have been some great writers on the book thus far. This issue has writer Joshua Williamson joining up. He collaborates with series artist Michael Walsh to create one heck of a dark tale. I loved the whole thing and I have to say that this is really well done.
This issue takes place at an arcade. Our main character is a kid who is playing a hot new video game and losing. That is, until he comes across the Silver Coin.
Then, the kid can’t stop winning. But that is when he finds out what the price of using the coin actually means. The writing and the artwork are both strong here. Well done. (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Magic Order 2 #1
Written by Mark Millar; Art by Stuart Immonen
Published by Image Comics
Mark Millar has made some of the most interesting comic books in recent years. They all feel like a Hollywood movie and I am here for it. The first series of this book was very fun and funny and smart. This issue picks up where that one left off and it just starts off fast and doesn’t let up.
This volume has to do with the London chapter of the Magic Order and a turf war. Basically, they are in for the fight of their lives against their foes. They have Eastern European Warlocks worming their way into their territory and a whole lot of hell breaks loose.
The writing is sharp and the art by Is fantastic. Well done! (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Arkham City: The Order of the World #2
Written by Dan Watters; Art by DaNi
Published by DC Comics
The first issue of this series was fairly interesting. I do enjoy the world that the creative team invented here and I think they are doing a decent job telling this story. It shows us a really great character in Dr. Jacosta Joy. She is having a decent into madness here and it is the crux of this story here.
We also get to see Dr. Double X and the craziness that he is stirring up. He is becoming addicted to his powers. Azrael is involved in all of this too. Dan Watters writes a decent and intriguing script here. The art by DaNi is well done too. I am liking very much where this is going. (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: B
Orphan and the Five Beasts #3
Written and Illustrated by James Stokoe
Published by Dark Horse Comics
James Stokoe is one of the most original creators in comics in years. I love his artwork and his stories are really out there and unique. Every time I dive into one of his books, I know that I am in for a treat. This book in particular is action packed and doesn’t let up.
After a huge battle last issue, we get to see another big battle as Orphan Mo heads over to fight another big boss. The story is all about that fight and it is exhilarating. The writing is pretty light but the action is awesome and detail oriented. I loved this book! (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Frontiersman #2
Written by Patrick Kindlon; Art by Marco Ferrari
Published by Image Comics
I am trying really hard to like this books but I feel like it’s tone is working against me. I am trying my hardest to figure out where it is going and if there is anything to grab onto but Patrick Kindlon’s script is making it real tough. I am not excited about anything going on and it is sort of a problem.
The Frontiersman is not that likable a character either. He sort of puts himself out there. He is then attacked and a whole bunch of craziness breaks out but none of it is very focused. The art is decent but there is nothing that is really holding it together. Hopefully, it gets better. (–Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: C
Static Season One #4
Written by Vita Ayala; Art by ChrisCross and Nikolas Draper-Ivey
Published by DC Comics
As Hotstreak, accompanied by government agents, track down Virgil Hawkins, he makes some decisions. Coming to terms with his family and the situation, he suits up. All this leading to a battle with Hotstreak.
Vita Ayala continues the strong work in this issue. In other hands, these characters could come off flat. But Vita proves exceptional at capturing the dialogue in Virgil’s family. Here, the hero is given a loving family that is fearful for Virgil.
The art takes the action to new heights. The action scenes are energetic without losing focus of the story. Static is fun without being empty. It continues being a book I look forward to reading. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: B+
Superman ‘78 #3
Written by Robert Venditti; Art by Wilfredo Torres
Published by DC Comics
Superman ‘78 continues to get so much just right. All the little details that could go wrong hit their mark. From the background characters to the villains, it all works. And it works because the people behind it obviously care.
Superman realizes that the best thing for Earth would be letting Brainiac take him. Leaving Metropolis saddened, and Lois Lane heartbroken. Once captive, Superman is taken down to size which results in an unexpected reunion. Back in Metropolis, we learn that Lex Luthor has a plan up his sleeve.
Venditti captures the characters in such a way that you could easily imagine the original stars here with us. His Braniac is cold, calculating, and would have made a calculating big screen villain. Torres has this attention to detail that reminds us of the Metropolis from the original film. The people of Metropolis are distinctive in their own way.
Superman ‘78 is a warm blanket on a cold night. It’s going back to the old neighborhood and finding out that the old pizza joint is still there. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Justice League Infinity #5
Written By J.M. DeMatteis and James Tucker; Art by Ethen Beavers
Published by DC Comics
Each issue of Justice League Infinity has focused on a different character while still pushing the plot forward. This issue the spotlight is on two Supermen from alternate realities working together.
Justice League stories can become too convoluted. The best League stories juggle all our heroes while telling a rousing adventure. The worst become too convoluted and fall apart. DeMatteis and Tucker have created a story that is in the good end of the Justice League. A fun rousing tale that, up to now, have given plenty of characters time to shine.
Ethen Beavers art is faithful to the original Justice League Unlimited series. The series expands on the series but Beavers keeps up. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: B+
The Swamp Thing #9
Written by Ram V; Art by Mike Perkins
Published by DC Comics
The Swamp Thing is heading to a strong finish. Ram V has created a fully formed world for Levi Kamei. It would have been easy to fall back on old Swamp Thing tropes. But Ram V and Mike Perkins elected to expand use this character in a fresh, new way.
Mike Perkins’ art is full of shadows and details. He uses space and staging to create suspense. Every page is created skillfully. A page of villainous exposition, that under lesser hands would come off dull, rewards the reader.
Ram V has written a script that lets Perkins rip. It swerves from pulp action, to science fiction horror, and it does it brilliantly. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Icon and Rocket Season One #4
Written by Reginald Hudlin and Leon Chills; Pencils by Doug Braithwaite
Published by DC Comics
The previous issues have been all about character and world building. While they have not lacked action, this issue is mostly dedicated to a flat out brawl, and it works.
Rocket’s Mom gets protection while Icon goes on the offensive. We get introduced to Xiomara, a mysterious character who is flirtatious with Icon and powerful in her own right.
The writing from Hudlin and Chills is sharp. The dialogue and characters are engaging. Doug Braithwaite has been at it a long time, and his expertise shines through.
Icon and Rocket Season One might be the best book from the new Milestone. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Primordial #2
Written by Jeff Lemire; Art by Andrea Sorrentino
Published by Image Comics
A story of a dog in space from this team would have been exciting. A Cold War spy thriller would have had me over the moon. Primordial combines the two and it’s been brilliant.
This second issue tells the tale of Laika before she ends up in a Russian lab and when she goes to outer space. We also get to see Dr. Pembrook in 1961 Berlin playing spy, clearly in over his head.
Lemire and Sorrentino deliver this story full of verve and style. It would be easy for a story like this to just collapse in on itself. But Sorrentino’s art never loses the reader. Lemire’s script gives us a simple dog but makes him a full, sympathetic character.
I’m going to read and reread my copy of Primordial. (–Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Amazing Fantasy #4
Written and Illustrated by Kaare Kyle Andrews
Published by Marvel Comics
This series opened with so much promise. The action, humor and mystery leapt off the page. Writer and Illustrator Kaare Andrews held that pace for two issues. The plot took an unexpected turn in issue #3. It could have been forgiven as a bump in the road, but after reading issue #4, this tale of science fiction is completely off track.
Tonally the story feels like another book entirely. If you haven’t picked up previous issues, do not start with this chapter. The plot felt confusing with a heavy dose of nihilism. Because the artwork remains stellar, Andrews might have pulled off this series. All that was needed was a little more explanation. Now the central characters are unrecognizable and the supporting characters defy logic. Perhaps the final chapter will tie everything together.
The cliffhanger seems promising. There might be too much plot to explain. (–Eugene Johnson)
