Star Wars #19
Written by Charles Soule; Art by Marco Castiiello
Published by Marvel Comics
This Star Wars story has a very rocky start in exposition city. Seriously. Page one is an inefficient effort bringing the reader up to speed on past events while setting up long range goals. Convoluted to the point of nearly derailing the entire point of the issue; setting up Luke’s journey to complete his training to become a Jedi.
That piques my interest. But once again, the issue nearly loses me by following Luke on an unexciting investigation of multiple planets in search of a clue.
When Luke finally does get to where he needs to be, I was finally fully engaged. I just wished I had been that engaged for the first half of the issue. (– Anthony Sword)
Rating: C
Star Wars: Crimson Reign #1
Written by Charles Soule; Art by Steven Cummings
Published by Marvel Comics
As the title and cover suggest, this is the beginning of a limited series following the exploits of Crimson Dawn and Qi’ra, Han Solo’s former lover. The bookends of the issue are to the point and tell us exactly what we’re in for. Always a dramatic storytelling device.
Too bad the in between bits are a mess. The goal established at the outset of the issue is noble: bring down the empire. However, the fatal flaw here is that this is being prompted by an anti-hero we can’t just can’t behind.
Can’t wait to see where this goes nonetheless. (– Anthony Sword)
Rating: B
Hardware: Season One #3
Written by Brandon Thomas; Art by Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz
Published by DC Comics
Curtis Metcalf’s battle with Edwin Alva takes on another dimension in this chapter of the story, as Thomas, Cowan and Sienkiewicz dig deeper into the racial dynamics of young Black genius eyed by old white money. All too often that paternalistic sense of ownership, which informs the practice of plucking that singular being away from the adverse conditions surrounding them, but confusing those conditions with Blackness itself. And that the mentor may have their own rapacious ends; that the charity bestowed is expected to be repaid in unquestioning loyalty, fealty, gratefulness.
In this issue we meet Asher Sim, Alva’s former partner, first through Metcalf’s eyes as a child and then later as a grown man. Metcalf remains on the run around the world after Alva framed him for the Big Bang event, and we get to see him MacGyver his Hardware suit back together before he reunites with Sim, who once upon a time was another young, talented person of color in Alva’s circle. Quality work all around. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Wonder Woman 2021 Annual
Written by Michael W. Conrad & Becky Cloonan; Art by Andy MacDonald
Published by DC Comics
Well, that was refreshing.
I’m not used to DC annuals having too strong a connection to the continuity’s main storyline anymore, but it looks like they’ve turned it around again. Series writers Conrad and Cloonan handle this go-round, with Diana still freshly returned to the living world after her death and odyssey through the godsphere. From DC Future State onward, this past year’s slate of Wonder Woman titles have been teasing and building toward some kind of conflict between Amazon tribes amid a growing danger of “imbalance” that may be tied to Themyscira’s secret: Doom’s Doorway, a portal to hell on the island.
And this annual introduces us to the Altuum the Survivor, whose story, if true, would invalidate much of the Amazons’ history on display at the Museum of American History. Diana is checking out the exhibit out of curiosity for how Man’s World sees the Amazons, only to meet Altuum and be given a much more hostile view that casts the Amazons as violent colonizers rather than fierce survivors graced by the gods. MacDonald’s detailed art carries the big action moments as well as the smaller, quieter moments between Diana and Etta Candy. He takes the time to show Altuum rolling up his sleeves, and Diana unbuckling her sandals before they thrown down, while also creating lifelike expressions for girl talk that involves whispering about that door to hell under Paradise Island, or the way Diana’s eyes tilt upward when Etta asks about Siegfried in the godsphere. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Wonder Girl #5
Written by Joëlle Jones; Art by Adriana Melo
Published by DC Comics
Jones attempts to find the action-comedy sweet spot in this latest issue, with hits and misses along the way.
Yara is poised to drink the ambrosia and become Hera’s champion from Olympus as this issue opens, but every time she holds the chalice to her lips, she stops to question whether the ambrosia contains pineapple (y’know, allergies) or her centaur trainer were coming to the proceedings. Is this supposed to be Gen Z humor? Why spend all that time in Olympus to reach this point, just to crack jokes at the ceremony? Didn’t she, to quote modern internet speak, understand the assignment? As Yara battles Hera and her forces in Olympus, Brazilian warrior woman Potira takes Wonder Girl Cassie Sandsmark to meet her people, and this sequence is glorious – even more so when another familiar face is there to greet them. Both the A- and B-stories click once they get going in earnest, but I’d rather curtail the wordy attempts at comedy. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Fight Girls #5 (of 5)
Written and Illustrated by Frank Cho
Published by AWA Studios
That’s it? For real, that was the whole story? After four issues of exploitation-style ultraviolence in the A-story, with a side bit of political intrigue in the B-story, Cho’s latest foray into creator-owned comics ends with an unsatisfying thud for a crime caper we didn’t know was happening until the final page. In better hands, Fight Girls could have been really fun by playing out the mystery of Xandra Blackwater, who again is not the real Xandra, and what caper she’s actually up to with the throne in the balance. I won’t spoil the story, but the next twists turn out to be not about the throne much at all, but a tale of revenge that is sloppily tacked on because, I guess, the king is gross?
We finally see the king, and yes, he’s a Baron Harkonnen bootleg: gargantuan fat body, boils, floating harness, red hair, and sadistically insatiable sexual appetite. I’m sure Cho thinks this story, and its ending, are clever. But a twist of this magnitude requires build-up and breadcrumbs both leading you to the twist while other balls in the air keep you distracted, and Fight Girls accomplished neither. This turned out derivative and, perhaps its greatest crime of all, just dull. What a shame. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Search For Hu #3
Written by Jon Tsuei & Steve Orlando; Art by Rubine
Published by AfterShock Comics
When the party’s this fun, you just keep it going, right? The cliffhanger from the previous issue found the Margolis and Hu crime families meeting up for a parley – with guns drawn, of course. After waves of violence spilling blood on both sides, the Hu leader gives an ultimatum for Margolis to leave Dalian or go to war. But no one in that room knows actual war except for Aaron, who’s torn between whether to leave and go back to his parents, or to dig in and do the only work he’s trained to do.
Tsuei and Orlando depict Aaron as a man barely holding it together amid his trauma from combat and the emotional toll of his father clinging to life in the hospital. Also it’s good that MK gets more to do here, even if not much, by watching Aaron’s six. I hope she gets in the action soon and we see more of her own motivations. Rubine throws in a lot of John Woo gangland imagery here as well. Just keep the party going! ( – Marvin Pittman)
What’s the Furthest Place From Here? #1
Written by Matthew Rosenburg; Art by Tyler Boss
Published by Image Comics
What places do you think of when asked about imagining a post-apocalyptic world? We’ve seen so many of them in our recent fiction: The Walking Dead, Mad Max: Fury Road, Last Man on Earth, 28 Days Later, I Am Legend, Y: The Last Man, The 100, and so on. But did you ever see the end of society from the ruins of a record store with a gang of teenagers and no adults?
In this world, the vinyl record you pick becomes your identity, the artifact of who you are when you “grow old” and leave the gang for whatever else is out there. It’s an intriguing story so far meeting the kids in the Academy: Sid, Slug, Oberon, Alabama and Prufrock. Amid sudden violence of gang skirmishes, and a very pregnant Sid who seems not to know she’s pregnant, an old friend reappears and we also see the mysterious Strangers who are somehow connected to the state of the kids’ world. Boss’ art comes from the David Mazzuccelli school of slight detail on the people, heavy detailing on the backgrounds, and the stylized colors add to the dread and bleakness of these dumb, lost souls. I didn’t get the benefit of listening to the limited vinyl records being released along with the issues, but crank up your punk playlists and get lost within this triple-sized issue. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Batman ’89 #4
Written by Sam Hamm; Art by Joe Quinones
Published by DC Comics
As this limited series got under way, I was surprised by how deep Hamm was going in on filling out Harvey Dent as a character by digging into his Blackness and any politics of race in Gotham City.
However, the opening of this issue feels like a serious misstep. The residents of Black neighborhood Burnside are marching on city hall in support of Dent, who was horrifically injured in an arson there. Bullock, against Commissioner Gordon’s orders, has riot police ready to brutalize the marchers. But Tim Drake, shown in his Robin costume for the first time, drops paint cans to the crowd, who use it to blind the riot cops’ visors and then take the tear gas off them and throw it at the cops, and then Drake then throws a firebomb at their vehicles!
And I’m supposed to believe the marchers got away without a horrific massacre? Don’t y’all remember what real-life police did to peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors last summer?!? That aside, this issue continues with some strong work for both Dent and Drake around their social stations and the history of Burnside shaped by racist outside forces. Meanwhile, it remains intriguing to see this Batman in over his head, and Drake as the one pushing Batman to take a stand. Selina Kyle, not as Catwoman, also returns in this story with some sleuthing of her own. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons #1
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick; Art by Phil Jimenez
Published by DC Comics
I feel like I’ve been waiting for this title for ages ever since I first laid eyes on Jimenez’s artwork in progress through his Instagram feed. And now the finished work is finally here, a revolutionary and breathtaking piece of art, a staggering juggernaut of passion from two legendary talents in the industry who pushed themselves beyond anything they’ve ever done, and they’ve done a hell of a lot. Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons, in this first issue alone, is a masterpiece for them both, as well as colorists Hi-Fi, Arif Prianto and Romulo Farjardo Jr.
Published under the DC Black Label imprint for adults-only, out-of-continuity storytelling, earns every inch of its oversized pages. DeConnick is already long known for marrying righteous progressive feminism with propulsive, engaging storytelling, and now she gets to sink her teeth in a hefty tale of superhero comics’ preeminent woman. Long cast and recast as totems of feminine power and strength, the Amazons under DeConnick’s pen are imbued with all the bloody, enraged magic of their goddesses as a battle cry of women’s suffering and rage under abusive men and the patriarchy built to protect them. And Jimenez, a disciple of the great George Perez’s intricate tableaus and detailed characters, creates his Sistene Chapel in this origin story of the original tribes of Amazons. Each costume, each character design, should be studied forever, cosplayed forever.
Historia stands poised already to be an all-time great in DC’s history, as this issue grips the reader and shakes them out of comic book complacency. Go get this one and appreciate it now in the moment, because you’re not going to see another like this. ( – Marvin Pittman)
The Marvels #6
Written by Kurt Busiek; Art by Yildiray Cinar
Published by Marvel Comics
With the conflict under the black dome in Siancong growing ever more intense, Busiek and Cinar step away from the main action to present this in-depth character study of Lady Lotus. Not simply an origin story, Lotus explains her worldview and how it was built over a century of toil and being treated as a plaything by men. She learns to manipulate the criminal men in Siancong’s history of foreign occupation and monsters, with the mysterious power within the black lotus aka the dragonsbloom.
Lotus’ own experience enhances her mental powers and slows down aging; Lotus says she was born in the 1890s. And after a lifetime of hearing voices calling out to her, Lotus finds a path to the source – whatever’s behind a gigantic subterranean door with a bolt lock across it. We’ll see if Lady Lotus uncovers that mystery. ( – Marvin Pittman)
World of Krypton #1
Written by Robert Venditti; Art by Michael Avon Oeming
Published by DC Comics
The cover of this new limited series kinda tells it all.
Grant Morrison’s words at the start of All-Star Superman come to mind looking upon the visage of Jor-El and Lara standing over an exploding Krypton: “Doomed planet. Desperate scientists. Last hope. Kindly couple.” Strap in for a modern retelling of Krypton, the utopian planet most advanced in science and culture. An ancient race of explorers, warriors, royal houses and gleaming towers. But little did its people know that the planet beneath their feet was rotting away.
A scientist stumbles upon a mass death of wildlife and interrupts Jor-El at the naming ceremony for his niece, a newborn Kara Zor-El. But if that’s not enough, it becomes clear that the House of El is a target for political forces bubbling to the surface. Lucky for Jor, his good friend General Dru-Zod is by his side to protect him. Venditti’s script zips along even with the stilted, Vulcan-ish speech of the Kryptonians, and Avon Oeming’s art appropriately evokes Jack Kirby amid its retro-styled sci-fi sheen. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Sir Edward Grey: Acheron
Written and Art by Mike Mignola
Published by Dark Horse Comics
In this simple but mythically powerful one-shot from the pages of the Hellboy comics, Mignola takes us to Sir Edward Grey’s next quest as the world comes to its end. Here Mignola makes his first full comic since 2016’s Hellboy in Hell #10.
Set after the events of B.P.R.D.: The Devil You Know – Ragna Rok, when Hellboy is gone and the last of humanity has escaped underground, Grey returns to Hell to confront an old foe. In doing so, Mignola leads us through a doomed man’s welcome race toward his destiny and death, because he’s the wizard who becomes a great evil in order to do a greater good. And then that good is done, can he cross over, forget, and fade away? For all its magic battle, this story is profoundly elegiac and a good read for those late winter nights. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer #1
Written by Casey Gilly; Art by Joe Jaro
Published by BOOM! Studios
Wait, is this Old Lady Buffy?
Yes, it’s Old Lady Buffy. Set in an alternate reality in the not-to-distant future where the world has fallen and dark magic has dampened the effect of the sun on earth, vampires walk the streets free from dangers of sunlight. Humans and vampires (or “extra-humans,” as they’re called here) now attempt to live together in an uneasy truce by which neither side can harm the other. Which, of course, renders Slayers pretty much illegal. So what happens to Buffy Summers, essentially the only Slayer left after 50 years of work? As vampires stepped into the light, Buffy clings to the shadows and attempts to live undetected.
But some new developments – including some new powers for Buffy – are making that life undercover much more difficult. All this just as a group of terrorists have emerged, and a callback to some old friends appears. Gilly attempts to keep some of the Buffy banter fans love, and Jaro’s art is fine, especially his panel storytelling, even though it lacks detail for my tastes. ( – Marvin Pittman)
Superman: Son Of Kal-El Annual #1
Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Steve Pugh
Published by DC Comics
I have really been loving this series and the annual here is very well done! Tom Taylor is writing some really great stories with this title. He’s got a plan in mind and it shows in every Issue. This story shows Jon Kent’s first day on the job as the Superman of Earth and it is pretty thrilling to say the least.
Who does he meet up on his first day of work? None other than Lex Luthor! It is a lot of fun watching the two characters confront each other. It also is a fresh take on the usual dynamic that we haven’t seen before. The writing is fantastic and the art really works well. I really enjoyed this annual very much. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
The Silver Coin #7
Written by Ram V.; Art by Michael Walsh
Published by Image Comics
This comic book has been extremely entertaining. Each issue is done by a new writer alongside artist Michael Walsh. It also has a new perspective every issue and a new environment. This issue has writer Ram V. working his magic and it is very well written and developed for sure.
This issue takes place at a casino! Lou Prado, our main character here, is on a winning streak. He has never had this happen before. It must be the the lucky coin in his pocket. He feels invincible and that he can do anything he wants. But he decides to make the biggest bet of his life. Can he succeed? The story works well and the art by Walsh is fantastic. Well done. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Frontiersman #3
Written by Patrick Kindlon; Art by Marco Ferrari
Published by Image Comics
This book is seemingly running on fumes at this point. I know that it is only the third issue, but there doesn’t seem to have a lot going for it. The Frontiersman battles a crazy person in front of the entire world! They are all watching it happen and judging him. The whole book is an all out battle but it doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for character development.
This is actually a shame as the book could stand for a lot of character development. The story is thin at best and I don’t really care about any of that characters. The artwork is decent enough but there is nothing backing it up. Hopefully, it turns around but I am not certain that it will at this point. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: C
One Star Squadron #1
Written by Mark Russell; Art by Steve Lieber
Published by DC Comics
I have to say that I am willing to read anything writer Mark Russell creates. His stories are fun and smart and they also have some relevance to them. This book is no different. This book features a team led by Red Tornado. They are super heroes that you can request on an app.
This concept was sort of used a few years back on a run of Youngblood. But Russell seems to mine it a bit more for laughs on this one. They do children’s parties and also global domination. No job is too big or small for this team. The story is fun and the artwork by Steve Lieber is perfect. Overall, this is a pretty fun and hilarious book. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Memoria #1
Written by Curt Pires; Art by Sunando C
Published by ComiXology
ComiXology is on a roll lately. This is another hit for them. It is a book that is well written and well illustrated. It has a lot going for it as well. I generally love the detective genre and this story involves two crazy detectives. One of them is an alcoholic and the other one is dying of cancer.
This leads us into some really dark places, even in this first issue. The two of them have been assigned together by their police captain to track down the most prolific serial killer in history. It is a hell of a concept and Pires writes a great script. The art is pretty good as well. I can’t wait to see where this goes! (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Arkham City: The Order of the World #3
Written by Dan Watters; Art by Dani
Published by DC Comics
This mini series has been really cool thus far. There have been some excellent moments and this issue is pretty good as well. This issue here focuses on Solomon Grundy and really shows us a different aspect of the character. He actually becomes something that I never thought we would see: A tour guide!
That’s right. He takes some of the characters in this book on a nice tour through Gotham City. It is full of fun and some really excellent moments too. The writing by Dan Watters is especially good here and I enjoyed the direction of the book. The art is well done too and it makes the package worthwhile overall. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: B
Fantastic Four: Life Story #5
Written by Mark Russell; Art by Sean Izaakse and Carlos Magno
Published by Marvel Comics
This has been a really great book thus far and it is surely my favorite Fantastic Four book out there currently being published. It has been a great story thus far going through the ages of this team. In this issue, we finally get to the point when Galactus becomes a part of their lives.
This is truly one of the coolest issues of the series. Mark Russell writes an incredible script here and I wish that he would take over the regular title. His writing work really fits these characters. The artwork is pretty good here. Overall, I really enjoyed this. I can’t wait to see how it is all wrapped up. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
My Bad #1
Written by Mark Russell and Bryce Ingman; Art by Peter Krause
Published by Ahoy Comics
This book is an incredibly fun read. This issue has four stories set in this fictional universe and all of them are fun. We get to learn all about these characters in a new structure that really works. It also has some continuity to the stories and they are fast and funny.
The main character is the Chandelier. He is a Batman type of character that the creative team use for different situations. The best story is “Happy Birthday” which opens the book. It is funny and made me laugh out loud a few times. The art by Peter Krause is very good too. Overall, this is well done. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
My Bad #2
Written by Mark Russell and Bryce Ingman; Art by Peter Krause
Published by Ahoy Comics
The fun in this book picks up directly where the first issue left off. The action takes place in the New Important Superhero Universe (I kid you not) and it is funny and pointed. We get a bunch of fresh new stories from the creative team and all of them are really great.
I loved the character of Emperor King in this issue. The Chandelier is great as well. In this issue, there is an investigation of the Salad Shooter. It is hilarious and I loved the direction it veered off in. The stories are great and the artwork by Peter Krause is superb. I loved it. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
The Department of Truth #14
Written by James Tynion IV; Art by John J. Pearson
Published by Image Comics
The last storyline of this book ended in quite an interesting way. I have to say that this series has had some truly get moments. I like it the best when we get to see another perspective from this series in the flashback issues. And that is what we get here, a very interesting flashback story.
This issue has Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and rocket scientist Jack Parsons teaming together. They are performing a series of rituals together to summon up a being called Babylon. The writing is crazy in this issue and I really liked the art. This book is a solid issue from start to finish. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Human Target #1
Written by Tom King; Art by Greg Smallwood
Published by DC Comics
Tom King really excels at writing some excellent miniseries. He often takes some obscure characters and makes them feel fresh with his artistic partners. Such is the case here. He has written a cool miniseries that really has a lot on it’s mind and all of it is interesting.
Christopher Chance has been a “human target” all of his life. He disguises himself as his client so he can be a target for the assassin that is coming. It is all going well until Lex Luthor hires him. Now, Christopher has to solve his own murder here and he has to figure out who might want him dead. The writing is intriguing and the art by Smallwood is especially good. This was an excellent start to a new series. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Human Target #2
Written by Tom King; Art by Greg Smallwood
Published by DC Comics
I love when Tom King writes these self contained miniseries. Some of them turn out to be better than others. This one is quite intriguing. I loved the first issue and I have to say that this issue is very well done too. The structure is very good and the whole issue is thrilling.
Christopher Chance has now only 11 days to solve his own murder. He has no leads and he has no idea which direction he should go towards. Ice shows up at his office and is there to help him with some information. Can he use what she’s giving him or is it too much to handle? The writing here is good and the artwork by Smallwood is well done. This is another good issue in this series. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Action Comics #1037
Written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson; Art by Miguel Mendonca
Published by DC Comics
Action Comics really has heated up over the course of the last year! Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson is doing the work of his career on this title. There is a lot of action and also a lot of character. I have to say that this book is only seemingly getting better with each passing issue and I am totally loving it.
Superman is on Warworld ready to take on the new Mongul! But this is a Superman that is weaker than normal. Together with the Authority, he still takes the fight to Mongul! This is an action packed issue. It is basically a brawl on Warworld and it is fantastically drawn by Miguel Mendonca. All in all, this is another excellent issue of this series. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Nightwing Annual #1
Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Cian Tormey
Published by DC Comics
Tom Taylor has been writing some really excellent and exciting Nightwing comic books. So You have love to that this annual he has written here is truly extra special. This issue focuses on Dick Grayson and Jason Todd coming together to help each other solve a mystery.
I have to say that Taylor writes them both perfectly here. The plot is almost not important. What matters in this issue is seeing the two characters work together to solve what is in front of them. It is a fun time. The art is pretty good here as well. The whole issue is very entertaining and had a few laughs even. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A-
The Magic Order 2 #2
Written by Mark Millar; Art by Stuart Immonen
Published by Image Comics
This second series started off with a bang last issue. Writer Mark Millar certainly knows how to start a series off and keep his readers intrigued. This series is no different as we get to see some of the ramifications of the first issue come into play. I am loving where this is headed and I really am enjoying the dialogue here too.
Kevin Mitchell is under attack. Kevin is the leader of the London chapter of the family. The monsters that the family made go away 500 years ago are coming back. They want to take things over again. This is not good news. The story of great and the artwork by Stuart Immonen is tops. Overall, this is a great issue of the series. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #18
Written by Ethan Sacks; Art by Ramon Bachs
Published by Marvel Comics
Start to finish, Bounty Hunters #18 is an outstanding issue. The main story follows Valance in the aftermath of his resurrection from the dead by Darth Vader. The bookends not only give Valance’s character weight, but also make him sympathetic. He’s become one of my series favorites.
The B Story concerns the Bounty Hunters Valance had teamed up with, T’onga, Losha, Bossk and Zuckus, who believe he’s dead. On the surface, these sections feel like filler but are much more than that when we see how much Valance’s loss affects them.
Darth Vader is cunning here and his manipulation of Valance feels like Darth Vader, a blunt instrument. This delivers an ending that messes your mind as much as Valances. ( – Anthony Sword)
Rating: A
Star Wars: Darth Vader #18
Written by Greg Pak; Art by Leonard Kirk
Published by Marvel Comics
Darth Vader is on a new mission, perfectly motivated by the events of War of the Bounty Hunters: Eliminate Crimson Dawn. I dig it and am anxious to see how well this intertwines with Return of the Jedi when Darth Vader’s story reaches that point.
However, major kudos go to the creatives who decided to model the Pontiff’s species in this issue after the unproduced 1986 Kenner Star Wars figure which was a kitbash of the classic figures Hammerhead and Squidhead, turning Squidhead’s tentacles pointing straight up. They even incorporated the former neck joint at the base of the head into the Crimson Dawn emblem.
Well done.
Solid issue. Darth Vader’s continuing adventures are in good hands. ( – Anthony Sword)
Rating: B+
Snow Angels #6
Written by Jeff Lemire; Art by Jock
Published by ComiXology
Snow Angels has been one hell of a series. Lemire has been writing some truly different scripts even for him and the artwork has been really something great. The story of the Trench and the mythology behind it has been really intriguing to read and this is the issue that goes it all together.
The two daughters here meet their final fate. But Is it s dark fate? Or is it just the start of something totally new for them. This issue also gives us the fate of the entire world. The writing is superb here and the artwork is very good. This was a great ride and worth tracking down. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Justice League Incarnate #1
Written by Joshua Williamson and Dennis Culver
Art by Brandon Peterson and Andrew Berssan
Published by DC Comics
This book is a spin-off of the Infinite Frontier book. Yet, I am not sure how necessary the whole thing is. Infinite Frontier itself was just okay and this book follows some of the characters from other universes coming together. There is a lot going on and it took me a bit just to figure out the flow of the book.
The book starts off on Earth – 8 and features the Retaliators who are basically the DC version of the Avengers. Doctor Multiverse shows up and tells them that the multiverse is sick(I kid you not). But then there is an invasion and things get a bit out of hand. Once I figured it out, I found the issue enjoyable, but this was a bit hard to get into. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: B
We Only Kill Each Other #1
Written by Stephanie Phillips; Art by Peter Krause
Published by ComiXology
With the number of creators headed over to ComiXology for some of their original series, the comic industry might be preparing for another shift. This book features top notch creators like writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Peter Krause and it is a very good look at the 1930’s. It does have a bit of a twist though, and I loved it.
This book has a bunch of Jewish gangsters facing off against Nazis. What more could you really ask for? It takes place in New York City in 1938, right on the cusp of the war breaking out. The story Phillips writes is very strong and has great characters and the artwork is really great by Krause. Overall, this is a pretty excellent debut issue. (– Lenny Schwartz)
Rating: A
Detective Comics 2021 Annual #1
Written by Mariko Tamaki and Matthew Rosenberg; Art by David Lapham
Published by DC Comics
Arkham Asylum becoming Arkham Tower is an idea that seems great on paper, but bound to be disastrous. Recent back up stories have being leading up to it. But from a reader’s point of view, it smacks of horror movie logic. The people who run into the haunted house.
The script is trying to make this work by setting Arkham aside and giving us a creepy villain. David Lapham’s work really amps up the sense of dread. The best parts of this annual give us an opportunity to compare and contrast Nightwing and Batman. But we’ve been there before.
A solid, but by no means essential, Annual. ( – Alex Vaello)
Rating: B
Batman Fear State Omega #1
Written by James Tynion IV
Art by Riccardo Federici, Christian Duce, Ryan Benjamin, Guillem March, Trevor Hairsine
Published by DC Comics
Fear State comes to a fitting close. Just about every question raised by Tynion’s run has been brought to a close. Some more a lot more satisfactory as others. For all the push that Ghost-Maker has gotten, as a near equal, to Batman, he gets an anticlimactic couple of pages here.
But every artist gets a couple of pages to flex, and it flows smoothly for the most part. Fear State Omega gives Tynion’s run a satisfactory capstone. ( – Alex Vaello)
Rating: B
Gotham City Villains Anniversary Giant #1
Written by Danny DeVito, Wes Craig, G. Willow Wilson, Stephanie Phillips
Art by Wes Craig, Max Fiumara, Dan Mora, Emma Rios, Riccardo Federici
Published by DC Comics
A grab bag anthology. Eight tales featuring some of Batman’s greatest villains.
Credit to editors that put this together because there is not a bad one in this bunch. Every anthology has an obvious weak link. Not here.
Not to say that there are not a few standouts. Federici’s art feels just right for a Ra’s Al Ghul story. Danny DeVito’s dark yet hopeful sense of humor shines through. Wilson’s Poison Ivy story promises more to come next year.
A fun collection of stories if you’re a fan of the Batman (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: B+
The Joker 2021 Annual #1
Written by Matthew Rosenberg and James Tynion IV; Art by Francesco Francavilla
Published by DC Comics
My favorite issue of this Joker series has been the flashback issue with art by Francavilla. So this annual is a gift of 42 pages of Francavilla’s art.
The Joker here is far more clown than terror, and the art heightens that aspect here. The script has darkness and terror around its edges though. It has a sense of humor but the dread is there.
Even if you’re not following the Joker, this annual is worth picking up. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Robin 2021 Annual #1
Written by Joshua Williamson; Art by Roger Cruz
Published by DC Comics
Some annuals just give us fun issues that fill in some story, some annuals are just stuffed full of story that did not fit into the main title. This one is more the latter.
If you have enjoyed the never ending Island Tournament on Robin, this annual is for you. It plays like a bigger issue of the main title. There are small bits and pieces that are entertaining (Basically anything with Ras Al Ghul or Connor Hawke). But overall it drags just like the story in the main title. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: C+
Justice League Dark 2021 Annual #1
Written by Ram V and Dan Watters; Art by Christopher Mitten
Published by DC Comics
I’ve been impressed with the Justice League Dark stories that have served as back ups in recent Justice League issues. They often surpass the main story. Knowing that pages are limited, they have been clever in telling a story full of superheroes and magic.
Unfortunately, this annual does not quite match up to the back up tales. Given space, we are being served a lot of exposition and set up more than anything else. There are clever moments between the characters, and the art delivers on the weird. But it’s all set up. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: B-
Batman 2021 Annual #1
Written by James Tynion IV and Ricardo Lopez Ortiz; Art by Ricardo Lopez Ortiz
Published by DC Comics
If you’re a fan of Tynion’s run on Batman and you enjoyed Ghost-Maker this annual is for you. While I’ve enjoyed his run I’ve found Ghost-Maker stories lackluster. This one is slightly better.
This annual gives us a battle as he works his way up to destroying a crime organization, while we see his motivation for donning a costume.
It all falls a little flat but there is some fun action sequences. But much like Ghost-Maker, it all feels empty. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: C+
Batman:The Detective #6
Written by Tom Taylor; Art by Andy Kubert
Published by DC Comics
Tom Taylor is on quite a roll. While his work with Superman is getting the most attention, this miniseries has been a blast.
This issue closes out with quite a splash. Equilibrium’s master plan falls apart in a fashion that’s a bit anticlimactic. Yet the character is both visually impressive and interesting that I hope we get to see them again.
A meaningful tale of legacy and responsibility, with Andy Kubert’s art bringing an epic scope. I look forward to reading this series again and again once it’s collected. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: A-
Bolero #1
Written by Wyatt Kennedy; Art by Luana Vecchio
Published by Image Comics
It’s so rare in this day and age to find something and be gobsmacked. But Bolero left me so impressed, I can’t help but rave.
This first issue introduces us to Devyn Dagny. Heartbroken and full of the confusion that characterizes those in their early 20s, she gets an amazing offer. She can visit herself in various multiverses. There are rules that I’m sure will set up various adventures in upcoming issues.
The art taps into that raw nerve that is young love and the hopefulness of youth. The script and dialogue are sharp, the characters are so fully drawn.
The back filler is a fun must read. All together a great first issue. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Devil’s Reign #1
Written by Chip Zdarsky; Art by Marco Checchetto
Published by Marvel Comics
This first issue kicks off a Marvel Event in the grand style that Wilson Fisk deserves.
If you have not been following Daredevil, this issue does a great job of filling you in without feeling like heavy exposition. There’s a lot of set up for what feels like an exciting Marvel event. There are some twists that seem promising. (Stark for Mayor)
Admittedly the idea of superhero vigilantism being made illegal has been done previously. In most superhero universes this type of story just fizzles out. Zdarsky seems to have a firm idea of what he wants to do here, though. In particular, the story he wants to tell with Daredevil and Wilson Fisk. Two rivals whose mutual disdain has repercussions, and Devil’s Reign seems to be ready to deliver. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: B+
Post Americana #7
Written and Illustrated by Steve Skroce
Published by Image Comics
The first six issues of Post Americana came out pretty regularly. With a big lag between the sixth and seventh issues, the seventh issue suffers a bit as a result. Nevertheless, if you have made it this far it’s well worth a read.
A final battle between Eve,Carolyn, and President Hawksworthe to decide the fate of the ruins of what was once America. Some characters make a surprise return. The ultra violence does not let up. It’s all a giant bag of fun.
Steve Skroce’s art work still carries the detailed, expressionistic character action and humor that we have come to expect. I just found myself looking for the sixth issue that came out months ago to remember where we stood at this point. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: A-
Batman #118
Written by Joshua Williamson ; Art by Jorge Molina and Mikel Janin
Published by DC Comics
Batman’s newest writer has him traveling. But first we get a view of a celebratory Gotham.
Gotham is in full on party mood. Even the rich are celebrating in the gaudiest of ways, but even in the happiest moment that Gotham can muster, villains find their way and Batman is there. But even in celebration, a case featuring former Batman, Inc. heroes will have him leaving Gotham.
Williamson is stepping right in and he is telling a different Batman tale right away. The surprise villain in the last few pages promises to be interesting. I’m curious how he gets reintroduced to the DC Universe.
The art is is distinctive as the main Bat title deserved. But a special shout out to Tomeu Morey. The colors, the depth and variety that he brings to Batman continues here.
Williamson is off to an intriguing start. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: B+
Justice League Infinity #6
Written by JM DeMatteis and James Tucker; Art by Ethen Beavers
Published by DC Comics
Amazo is on a spiritual quest that takes him to the ends of the universe. There he finds the Justice League and members from across the multiverse warning of the danger his quest is causing. As we discover, Amazo is being manipulated by a different Amazo armed with the Anti Life Equation.
This book continues to be superior to a lot of the other DC team titles. It’s fast paced, light without being silly. The writing somehow manages to juggle a bunch of characters without losing track of the story.
This book is a joy ride for fans of the animated Justice League series. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: B+
The Swamp Thing #10
Written by Ram V; Art by Mike Perkins
Published by DC Comics
I have loved this run. The 10th issue is as engrossing as the rest.
Ram V opens up Levi as Swamp Thing just a little more. We get a better idea why the Green chose him. We get a glimpse of his relationship with his brother.
But yes we get action and horrific spectacle, and Mike Perkins delivers it brilliantly. Few artists can make you feel what the characters feel. His detail, his use of scale really gets you in the ground with Levi and Jacob. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
Dark Knights of Steel #2
Written by Tom Taylor ; Art by Yasmine Putri
Published by DC Comics
This type of mini-series could get caught up in world building and bogged down in details and forget to tell a decent story. To his credit, Tom Taylor does the world building and tells a gripping tale full of palace intrigue. In two issues, he introduces these characters and manages to give us a sense of tragedy.
Yasmine Putri’s art is perfect for this series. It’s clean and bright, with just a hint of darkness. The action scenes just spark.
Two issues in and I’m sold on this book. (– Alex Vaello)
Rating: A
