A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance #3
Written by Rick Remender; Art by André Lima Araújo
Published by Image Comics
Remender and Lima Araújo have established the formula for this title so far: a mystery in which everyday actions and routines interrupted by swift, brutal violence. And that here, among contract killers, some rich sex trafficker on the other side of the world confirms a hit job happening near Vancouver.
Is the man we see at a bacchanal in French Polynesia the unknown Mayor Oak? We don’t know yet, because the action goes back to that apartment with Sonny Wen and a hitman are in the apartment of the target. It becomes clear that Sonny is posing as a contract killer on the dark web, trying to stop Mayor Oak.
When the heavy action hits, Lima Araújo goes blow by blow in a way that you can vividly imagine everything happening in that kitchen. However, the use of manga-style speed lines for some pretty rough violent parts in the story takes away from the brutal-violence-in-the-everyday that the book thrives on, instead making it feel far more cartoonish than the rest of the storytelling and content. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Nubia and the Amazons #3
Written by Stephanie Williams and Vita Ayala; Art by Alitha Martinez and Domo Stanton
Published by DC Comics
Medusa and Nubia appear to be more connected to each other beyond the fact that Nubia threw the Gorgon into Hades and guarded against her return. As the Themysciran queen frets over her new role, she gives voice to the surfacing of her past and other issues that she long sublimated into her role as guardian of Doom’s Doorway. Williams and Ayala deftly juggle and connect the Nubia storyline, the development of the new Amazons on the island, plus Medua’s arc.
Even as the Amazons argue among themselves over Nubia not yet choosing a new champion of Doom’s Doorway and accusations of lording over the new crop of Amazons amid other upheavals on Themyscira, Martinez and Stanton create distinct looks for each Amazon continues pushing the most diverse, openly queer Paradise Island that we should see in 2021.
On top of all that, we still get some slice of life and some slammin’ action involving Nubia, the island’s greatest fighter. Yeah, I said it! ( – Marvin Pittman)
Wonder Woman: Evolution #2
Written by Stephanie Phillips; Art by Mike Hawthorne & Adriano Di Benedetto
Published by DC Comics
“Is that confusing for you? To not know where you belong? To not know who you are?”
The cosmic beings who have drawn Diana to this neutral dimension in spacetime pose these questions to Wonder Woman, and it appears this will be a main theme. They note that Wonder Woman protects humanity despite being half-god and not having been raised among them, and perhaps Phillips is setting up Diana’s journey as the provider of a metaphorical evolution mentioned in the title. Hawthorne’s layouts and compositions impress the eye and do a great job of manipulating the reader.
An opening sequence, for example, reflects Diana’s disorientation after being zapped through the space portal by directing the action left and right in zigzags while also shifting perspectives. It’s excellent work amid what’s still a lot of setup to get Diana up to speed on this series of trials for the fate of all humanity on Earth.
All this rests on Diana’s CrossFit physique in this story, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Moon Knight #6
Written by Jed MacKay; Art by Alessandro Cappuccio
Published by Marvel Comics
Where there is loyalty, betrayal can lurk.
McKay does such a good job of carrying a theme through an entire issue, and this one proves just as strong for it. This issue explores the line between loyalty and betrayal, and how betrayal tests loyalty from several points of view. Terry, a member of Moon Knight’s trusted circle of the Midnight Mission, has revealed himself as Zodiac, who pulled the strings on nearly all of Moon Knight’s trials so far this series.
Zodiac just blew up the Midnight Mission building, and has both Mr. Knight and ally Soldier in his clutches. “I want to break you,” Zodiac says. “I want to help you … You could really be something. But you’re addicted to the stink of your own hypocrisy.” But at the last second, Hunter’s Moon/Dr. Badr appears and nurses Spector back to health.
While doing so, Dr. Badr tells his own life story, how Khonshu came to him, and why he despises Moon Knight as a misuse of a Fist of Khonshu. Yet, because of loyalty as brothers in service of Khonshu, and because of the loyalty and bravery of vampire assistant Reese to ask Badr for help (vampires did kill him, remember), Badr reconsiders his animosity toward Spector. Perhaps Hunter’s Moon will show up again, maybe not, but a recovering Moon Knight goes back to the bombed-out site of the mission with his friends and welcoming neighbors. Loyalty makes Moon Knight strong and ready to fight again.
Capuuccio’s art remains as fluid and evocative as ever, and color artist Rachelle Rosenberg gets to play with the oranges and reds of fire against the grays, whites and glowing accents we’re used to in this title so far. (– Marvin Pittman)
Nightwing #87
Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Bruce Redondo
Published by DC Comics
This excellent series by the current creative team continues this month! A lot of good things have been coming out of this run thus far. This issue in particular is very intriguing as it is one continuous image from page to page! That’s right, the whole issue is just one continuous panel. It is pretty thrilling to read as well.
The artwork takes the front seat of course in an issue like this. Bruce Redondo does a hell of a job telling the story and keeping everything fluid and straight. There is a story, too. Dick Grayson is a wanted man, and here he has to track down the people who have kidnapped his dog. It is a fun issue and it has a good script by Tom Taylor. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: A
Catwoman: Lonely City #2
Written and Illustrated by Cliff Chiang
Published by DC Comics
This book is a really excellent addition to the Catwoman legacy.
Cliff Chiang is really doing the best work of his career and it shows in every page that he produces. This issue shows us that Selina Kyle plans to break into the Batcave. She is a little older now so she is going to have to find some recruits to help her.
She turns to some of Gotham’s villains here and it is a surprise who makes the cut. We also get to learn more about the OGBeast and what their connection is to the main story. All of this, and Selina may have to deal with Mayor Harvey Dent who is currently none too pleased with her.
The story and artwork here are really great and the series is working really well. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: A
Batman/Catwoman #9
Written by Tom King; Art by Liam Sharp
Published by DC Comics
This mini-series rages on with this issue. Tom King has been writing a really great story with this series. This issue shows the aftermath of Batman and Catwoman getting back together.
The Joker just has to interfere though, by asking Selina for a favor. This favor is pretty crazy of course.
But the Joker isn’t let things stop there. He also has to go out of his way to antagonize Phantasm.
Phantasm isn’t happy with this and decides to retaliate as well. It is a pretty intense issue and the writing is pretty good. I wish they kept Clay Mann on the art for consistency sake but this is pretty good as well. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: B
Snelson: Comedy is Dying #5
Written by Paul Constant; Art by Fred Harper
Published by Ahoy Comics
This issue ends this miniseries and it is pretty awesome. I love how this book unfolded and it is really just an amazing treat. Snelson is on his way to one of the worst places he can imagine and he tries to deal with it all the best way he knows how.
Needless to say, things haven’t gone very well for him.
Things turn around for Snelson a bit in this issue. It all leads to one of the coolest endings that I have seen in quite awhile. The writing and artwork are both pretty good here. I hope that we get to see more of these characters in the future. This was pretty great overall. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
House of Slaughter #3
Written by James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal; Art by Wether Dell’Edera and Chris Shehan
Published by BOOM! Studios
This has been a very entertaining ad very satisfying spin off series.
The creative team has taken the concept of it and really expanding on it. This has become a wholly original series as well by it’s own right and this issue Is just pretty awesome. It has me hooked for sure.
The House of Slaughter is discussing the fate of the Last Butcher as this issue begins. They are trying to figure out which way to go with his fate. We then get to see Aaron and Jace make their escape and it is very thrilling. The writing is very strong here and the artwork is damn great. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next! ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: A
Joy Operations #2
Written by Brian Michael Bendis; Art by Stephen Byrne
Published by Dark Horse Comics
This comic book series continues with this issue and it is actually a pretty good one.
Brian Michael Bendis is actually writing a pretty decent script with this book. In the future, our main character Joy rights all of the wrongs that the organization she works for. This organization known as the Trust is much more dangerous than she knows.
Things get sort of explosive in this issue.
Now, Joy has a voice in her head that isn’t hers. It is revealing things to her that she never thought possible. We get to see the results of some of the things that the voices say. It is pretty exciting overall and the art by Stephen Byrne is pretty powerful. A decent issue. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: B+
Catwoman #38
Written by Ram V.; Art by Caspar Wijngaard
Published by DC Comics
This is the aftermath of the Fear State story in this book. We get to see a lot of the things that happened and the results of them. There is a new Poison Ivy walking around and making her presence known. It is a bit unnerving to see. Meanwhile, Selina herself has to make a choice.
The choice is to see if she should finally just leave Alleytown. She has to weigh a lot of her options and all of the things she has been up against. It starts to become very apparent that she doesn’t have a place any more. The writing is pretty good her and the artwork is especially good. Overall, it’s a decent issue. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: B
Justice League Incarnate #2
Written by Joshua Williamson and Dennis Culver; Art by Andrei Bressan and Kyle Hotz
Published by DC Comics
This issue continues a much bigger storyline that isn’t terribly interesting.
Darkseid is leaving a bloody trail through the universe yet I can’t seem to get that excited about it. The story is okay, not great but not terrible either. Super Demon and the League of Shadows are after Darkseid and they aim to stop him!
There are some decent moments in this. The fighting is especially good as well. But there seems to be a big gap in story. Why is this story so important? Why does it need to be told? It doesn’t seem necessary and that hangs across the entire issue. Still, nice art. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: B
Clear #3
Written by Scott Snyder; Art by Francis Manapul
Published by ComiXology
Clear is a really great book. It is really full of some crazy ideas and it has some incredible storylines happening.
Writer Scott Snyder is taking his writing and really bringing it to the next level here. This issue focuses on Dunes and it shows us with his family on a car ride together. It is the emotional core of the issue.
The concepts that are shown after that are crazy. The whole thing though ties into the center mystery of the series itself. The artwork by Manapul really completes the package here, wrapping it all up into one complete bow. It is a pretty awesome book from start to finish. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: A
Night of the Ghoul #3
Written by Scott Snyder; Art by Francesco Francavilla
Published by ComiXology
This is a very interesting book that is fueled by horror.
There are all sorts of crazy things happening. Yet, writer Scott Snyder ties it all together with a strong script. This issue focuses on T.F Merritt who was a filmmaker. We get to see a lot of his machinations. We also get to see an organization from his film causing some trouble.
The Order of the Fly is the organization in question and they aren’t the nicest people. Orson is having some problems in the meantime. He is falling deeper and deeper into this cinematic nightmare and he can’t seem to crawl out of it. The story is strong and the artwork by Francavilla perfectly captures the mood. This is a good book overall. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: A
Robins #2
Written by Tom Seeley; Art by Baldemar Rivas
Published by DC Comics
This book is a lot better than I was initially expecting it to be.
Seeing all of the Robins working together for a common purpose is pretty darn excellent. I am enjoying the banter and the adventure very much and it seems to be getting better with each page.
There was an assault at Dick Grayson’s apartment. The Robins just into action and try to figure out who is responsible. They follow some clues and it leads them to some really interesting places. They are all trying to solve the mystery and that’s when things take an unexpected twist. The artwork is very good, and this is a fun story for sure. ( – Lenny Schwartz)
Grade: A
Radiant Black #11
Written By Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark; Art by Marcelo Costa
Published by Image Comics
Marshall has succeeded in bringing Nathan back.
However, he’s lost six weeks of his life in the process. With Marshall’s life in upheaval as a result of his disappearance, he gets an offer. Team up with Radiant Pink to capture a villain as part of a twitch stream.
Marcelo Costa’s art highlights this book. It brings a sense of high energy and fun. However, Radiant Black as a book wants to be more than a standard superhero book, but never quite escapes the trappings of being just another superhero book. Marshall and Nathan’s reunion was warm and reflects friends who know each other well. But the in costume adventures never really elevate this issue. (– Alex Vaello)
Grade: C+
Rain #1
Written by David Booher and Joe Hill; Art by Zoe Thorogood
Published by Image Comics
It’s move in day for Honeysuckle Speck and her girlfriend Yolanda. It’s a warm August day. The sky is blue and clear. When suddenly tragedy strikes.
Rain is an adaptation of a 2017 novella. But it’s themes of sudden tragedy strike a chord in 2021. The brilliance in this first issue is how the hopefulness of a bright summer day hints at darkness to come. The young romance is a bit too sweet, but it’s meant to be.
The art is bright, yet has dark angles in which tension is carried. And once the titled rain arrives, the art delivers.
This series is 5 issues. As good as this first issue is, I wonder if there is enough story for five issues. (– Alex Vaello)
Grade: A
Avengers Forever #1
Written by Jason Aaron; Art by Aaron Kuder
Published by Marvel Comics
This first issue takes the Robbie Reyes’ Ghost Rider into a wasteland of an Earth in the Multiverse. Along the way we meet Tony Stark in an unexpected way. Venom Ants, War Machines, Black Skulls. This first issue is teeming with ideas.
One Avengers story that I’ve read and reread is Busiek’s Avengers Forever. It’s fun and stands on its own as Avengers tale. So it’s a little bold to use that same title here. It’s a lot to live up to. I can’t say that it lives up to that standard.
Jason Aaron’s first issue is full of concepts, and we get to spend time with an unusual, but fun version of Tony Stark. But outside of this Tony Stark, there wasn’t much of a draw here. I feel we have seen apocalyptic wastelands a thousand times. As of the first issue, this wasteland doesn’t feel any different.
Aaron Kuder’s art takes us to fun places. He clearly revels in characters who are in danger. It’s obvious he’s having fun.
Have you ever followed a creator of any stripe who is on a long term project that doesn’t compare to their other work. You anxiously wait for them to finish working on a company’s IP to see their own creative output. I’ve felt that way about Jason Aaron on Avengers for a while now.
Avengers Forever #1 ranks as some of Aaron’s best Avengers work. (– Alex Vaello)
Grade: B-
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #6
Written by Tom King; Art by Bilquis Evely
Published by DC Comics
Supergirl faces down the villain she has been pursuing, Krem. But first, Kara shares the tragedy of her final days in Argo City. This issue features Zor-El, Argo City, and Comet!
If you have not been following this series, I would recommend this issue. It does a good job of standing on its own and delivering what might be one of the best Supergirl issues.
Tom King delves into the tragedy and scars that Kara carries to this day. In doing so, he really gives her new dimensions.
Evelyn’s work is just detailed and breathtaking. This series deserves a beautiful hardcover collection.
I can’t wait to see how King and Evely wrap this up. I hope we get to see more Supergirl from this team. (– Alex Vaello)
Grade: A+
Legends of the Dark Knight #8
Written by Che Grayson and Yedoye Travis; Art by Belen Ortega and Nina Vakueva
Published by DC Comics
Yet another Batman anthology title. This issue features two stories. One that stands out and one that feels like a retread.
A patrolling Batman breaks up a robbery in progress. When he catches up with one of the thieves he is in for a surprise. A lesson in how Batman just can’t solve all of Gotham’s problems. Belen Ortega’s art enlivens a story that under less talented hands would have been flat and talky.
The second story travels down roads previously traveled with the Scarecrow. As Bruce Wayne struggles with the trauma of his parents murder.
Again.
The usual hit and miss of an anthology book (– Alex Vaello)
Grade: B
Batman: One Dark Knight #1
Written and Illustrated by Jock
Published by DC Comics
One hot, sweltering summer night. One night in which, with Batman’s help, a villain is being transported from Arkham Asylum to Blackgate. Whatever could go wrong.
With a title like that, you might expect a noir Batman story. Maybe garish villains. But this story has owes a lot to action movies such as The Gauntlet and 16 Blocks.
Jock’s work elects to clearly show the reader what lies ahead for Batman. It’s no mystery, but an action adventure on the streets of Gotham.
The first issue was a lot of fun. It could’ve been a bit tighter. As it stands it’s promising. (– Alex Vaello)
Grade: B+
Star Wars: Darth Vader #19
Written by Greg Pak; Art by Guiu Vilanova, Color by Alex Sinclair
Published by Marvel Comics
Another outstanding issue by Greg Pak.
Darth Vader continues his mission to eradicate Crimson Dawn with the help of Ochi of Bestoon, the cyborg Valance, and a team of revenger fighters. Pak truly understands the mythos of Darth Vader, portraying him as the cunning bad-ass we all envision.
Always a Dark force, no pun intended, weighing heavily on all who have the misfortune of crossing paths with the Dark Lord of the Sith.
Pak even manages to invoke sympathy for Vader through well-used flashbacks.
If you’re a fan of Star Wars and Darth Vader, this is a must read. (– Anthony Sword)
Grade: A
