mollyfamwatWelcome to this week’s comic review! The staff sat down, read and discussed almost everything that was released today. It’s not complete, but it covers just about everything from DC and Marvel with great books from Image, Boom, IDW, Valiant and more.
The blurry overview you find here is partly supplemented by lengthy individual reports on important topics. This week, including Future State: Detective #1, The King in Black: Thunderbolts #1, and Haha #1.
And, in case you’re wondering, our listening sections are simple: You give a whole number of five and that’s it! If you want to read our previous reviews, they are all available here.
The same goes for magazines, which are arranged alphabetically, but DC, Marvel and the rest of the publishers come first.
DC #1
(Photo: DC Entertainment)
American Vampire 1976 #4 introduces some interesting innovations in the final arc of the series, presenting the origins of all mythological monsters in the appearance and linking it to the origins of America. It’s an idea that has a lot of potential, but at the same time it’s embedded in a story that struggles to bring a lot of things together, including characters who haven’t had enough space over the years to unpack their roles in the process. New ideas are presented with the flair of Albuquerque, and the nightmares about what might happen during the nation’s bicentennial are strong. However, much of this issue is devoted to explaining these ideas, using only imaginary sequences to add a little excitement. Combining these revelations with Gerald Ford’s clumsy explanation of the series’ metaphors, it’s clear that the American vampire is struggling to find his way around the page and into this particular part of the story. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 3 out of 5
Future Condition: Dark Detective #1 is exactly the kind of Batman story that comics have long needed. It’s raw without being overly dramatic, it’s dark without being gritty, it’s gritty without being clichéd, and it delivers all that without being gimmicky. There’s a lot at stake for all of Gotham. It’s a story that has nothing to do with the main issue. — Nicole Drum
Rating: 5 out of 5
Sometimes less is more, but that’s the state of the future: The Green Lantern seems to be an exception to this rule, as the three stories are radically different from each other while providing a unique lens through which to examine and appreciate the myths of the Green Lantern. The new Lanterns (Jeffrey Thorne and Tom Rainey) are a battle for survival with new twists on several Lantern icons, including Jon Stewart, and a welcome burst of new energy that some of these Lanterns haven’t had in a while. Meanwhile, Capture of Sector 0123 (Ryan Cady and Sami Basri) serves up a solid Green Lantern with Jessica Cruz continuing to be the great character Cruz has become over the years. If you haven’t noticed, it might be something that catches your attention (Basri’s new design comes in handy too!). The next episode is The Book of Guy (by Ernie Altbecker and Clayton Henry), with a significant change in tone showing Guy’s more comedic side. Watching the Lantern Rebels try to keep the peace is as entertaining as it sounds, but also far more varied than one might expect. Each of these points would be a simple recommendation in itself, but overall, the future of the state cannot be overlooked: Green Lantern has something to offer. -Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
A title as a future state: The Justice League is an organization that raises great expectations, especially with such a promising cast. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite reach that bar, but that’s partly because of the kind of story the series is trying to tell. Writer Joshua Williamson introduces us to a team that lacks the family elements that have defined and intrigued us so much in previous teams, and that the decision to abandon these aspects is at the heart of the conspiracy and conflict between the teams. On the other hand, we don’t spend enough time with the new team before they leave, and while the little moments we do have are excellent and visually stunning thanks to performers Robson Rocha and Romulo Fajardo Jr, there simply aren’t enough of them throughout the outing. This phenomenon is amplified when you find yourself in the next Justice League Dark (Prophecies) story, which takes you off the front page and takes you through the struggle to survive in a harsh and overwhelming world. Things are going pretty badly for the team, but screenwriter Ram V injects enough humor into this rather dark scenario to keep you on the path to the light of hope at the end of the tunnel, and artist Marcio Takara and colorist Marcelo Maiolo break up this sense of unhappiness with pungent oranges, violets, and reds. This story alone is worth the price of admission, and combined with the promise of this Justice League team, it’s a definite addition to your list this week. -Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
It’s impossible to ignore: Future Condition: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman #1 is the best Kara Zor-El story for a long, long time, and it’s a rare but perfect example of the quality of a character when done right. Having finally found purpose and a sense of peace by operating far from Earth and the rest of the heroes, Kara has taken on the mantle of Superwoman and oversees a colony on the moon inhabited by refugees from all parts of the galaxy. What makes this story so successful – the mysterious fugitive arriving, which could be a big problem for Kara – is that it builds on Kara’s trauma to give readers a mature, nuanced, and wise character like Superman will never be. Marguerite Bennett skillfully mixes history with action and introspection, showing how mature Kara has become and how strong she really is. The art of Marguerite Sauvage is fresh and amazing. It’s a great story, a great subject. Winners everywhere. — Nicole Drum
Rating: 5 out of 5
The ambition of the Future State is to discover new ideas that are not based on a canon or the status quo to be presented; novelty is essential. There’s nothing new about Robin Eternal. After Bane City and the Joker War, the stakes and story read like a familiar handful of desperate Bat-family members trying to take back their city, but only a touch of futuristic aesthetic is applied here. It’s not hard to guess that this story is a slight variation on an existing miniseries of an already outdated series, making the initial release boring. The story is clear, and there are no obvious objections, but there is nothing new or interesting to discover in these pages. Lack of experimentation is the biggest sin a series can commit in the Future State, and Robin Eternal seems to be indebted to it. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
The book Superman/Wonder Woman by Dan Watters, Leila Del Duca and Nick Filardi has something of the Silver Age about it, which is unexpected because it is a book about the state of the future. Superman puts Solaris to the test when the Sun Tyrant has already put the Sun God to the test. Watters writes that John Kent is very close to his character’s father, although the fact that he counts the seconds of each heroic act gives Man of Steel a clinical aspect. Sa Yara Flor shows more righteous anger and less adventure than in the title. Del Duca launches into the art, but doesn’t quite succeed in the execution. The text and visuals are of a consistent quality that prevents the reader from being completely immersed in the story. There are many funny ideas and simmering tensions between Superman and Wonder Woman…. It’s still disappointing, because part of the event should be future-oriented. — Jamie Lovett.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Future Condition: Teen Titans is a resolutely mixed bag, focused on the Titans’ departure after a disaster that killed many of their members. On the other hand, I liked that the book went a little deeper into the teenage heroes of the DCU, with some intriguing new characters on the list, as well as some welcome returns like Bunker and Jakeem Thunder. Most of the characters who aren’t in mourning have small moments, and I think some of the new characters could be strengths on the future state list. Yet the harshness of the book tends to deny most of the fundamental titans who are apparently broken and struggling to live in a post-disaster world. The comic also tries to construct a kind of mystery through intentionally misleading information, but the way it does so is more confusing than intriguing. All in all, a very mixed bag for this future state title, but it will be interesting to see what new paths the Titans take. — Christian Hoffer
Rating: 3 out of 5
As usual with Lemire, the mystery of Sweet Tooth slowly but surely begins to unravel here. There’s no denying that The Return was slow in the first two numbers; it remains so for the most part. The difference, however, is that it places the new plot elements at the exact moment you are interested and invested in the story you are just beginning to tell. Add a little violence with a killer elephant, and you get probably the most vibrant Sweet Tooth release yet: The return trip has already begun. — Adam Barnhardt.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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Wonder #1
The amazing Spider-Man No. 57 pushes Peter to the edge as Spider-Man announces that he will no longer be a part of Osborn’s feud. With his friends desperate to help him, our hero pushes the boundaries in hopes of protecting the people he loves. But in the end, the cliffhanger proves that Kindred is still a threat, and even Mary Jane is convinced that the worst is yet to come. — Megan Peters
Rating: 4 out of 5
Chris Claremont’s special birthday party would have something to celebrate. It is not clear from the pages which day the issue is published. Giving Claremont a chance to revisit the Marvel characters he wrote in the past, especially those outside or near his famous Uncanny X-Men series, seems like a fun idea on paper. In practice, it simply results in asking the writer, best known for his tall tales, to analyze four different stories in a half-baked and misshapen mix of superhero clichés with banal art (Bill Sienkiewicz’s contribution stands out). Only die-hard fans will want to watch it, and even they will probably forget about it quickly. — Jamie Lovett.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Let’s start with one thing: Alex Ross’s tribute to Hieronymus Bosch on the cover of The Immortal Hulk #42 is a work of divine caliber. The upside is that once everything is settled, we can acknowledge that issue 42 is an interlude that explores the ramifications of recent events and lays the groundwork for the next final act in the series. It is divided into four different sequences, each featuring a different artist (and sometimes a colorist). But what is generally considered a necessary evil in the long run still makes a great story in these pages. The artists involved in the project were well chosen to work together and present a cohesive whole. Each sequence offers remarkable moments of humor and revelations about characters and events. Yes, it’s an in-between great stuff with lots of help, but Immortal Hulk #42 still manages to deliver a story that’s killer without fillers. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 4 out of 5
The king in black: The first edition of Gwenon vs Carnage will not save the day. Update with Gwen Stacy fighting in a world full of zeros, symbiotes and sticky dragons. With the heroine unable to save those around her, things get complicated when the symbiote orchestrating this attack uses MJ to get to Gwen. And in the end, fans are treated to a whole new bloodbath. — Megan Peters
Rating: 4 out of 5
Each superhero contains several links that only serve to remind readers of certain characters who are quickly forgotten after turning the last page. Are all five Creek fans happy this song came out? Maybe. None of the stories in this issue tries to characterize the people involved or create a problem that the reader can fit into; the child left to chance on the street is a prop, not a character. Symbiote Planet #1 is a pretext to show some symbiotic chaos surrounding the events of King in Black without bothering to tell a story. This mess is not particularly attractive, except for a few panels painted by Guiou Vilanova. Finishers can add this issue to their King in Black collection, but it’s the kind of publication that no one can claim to notice once it hits the shelves. Keep it. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 1,5 out of 5
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Wonder 2
Comic Book Reviews(Photo: Marvel Entertainment)
It’s easy to get cynical about superhero events, most of these publications deserve this attitude and more. However, the quick box-office haul is represented by mediocre entries like the King in Black : The symbiont planet does not represent the potential associated with any effort. It’s a potential well captured and exploited in King in Black: Thunder no. 1. The premise may not be entirely original, but it’s well played, with intriguing flashbacks of unfamiliar characters, fast-paced action and an exciting plot. Whatever the King’s appearance in black, the arrival of his Thunder Tie is something to celebrate in itself. If you are a fan of Suicide Squad Ostrander or similar places, you will definitely enjoy it. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 4 out of 5
Just when it seems like Marauders is taking a step towards a filling story, it shifts up a gear and ends up delivering a long arc of history that is, in many ways, a new beginning. But the surprises don’t stop there, as author Jerry Duggan continues to explore the fantastical construction of the world and the political intrigue that has become the hallmark of this book, while expanding the Hellfire Club’s influence through Kate’s adventures along the way. Each aspect of the book is self contained, but forms a compelling and cohesive whole. As for the visuals, artist Matteo Lolli and colorist Edgar Delgado offer another exceptional performance that manages to magnificently capture the humanity of each moment. With the upcoming Hellfire gala and all the story possibilities likely to present themselves, there is simply no reason for anyone to miss the Marauders. -Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5
Ochi plans Bestoon not quite as planned when the allies he recruited to help him fight Darth Vader discovered that the assassin wasn’t doing it, forcing him to confront Vader at his own risk. Despite Vader’s nastiness, this confrontation led to an unexpected end to the conflict between the two men on Mustafar. This part of the book is sure to appeal to fans of Vader’s physical prowess, as he efficiently and intensely performs all kinds of combat. It also allows Assassin Ochi to play the familiar trope of an imposing character who realizes he’s the best and shows off his vermin to his opponent. This issue also contains other clues about Palpatine’s plans for Exegoal, which may provide interesting insights into Vader’s mental state in Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi, which strikes a good balance between narrative development and action panels. — Patrick Cavanaugh.
Rating: 4 out of 5
In the second issue of S.W.O.R.D., Al Ewing continues to emphasize the bizarre nature of the collection of nameless mutants he has collected under the brand name Abigail. Fabian Cortez weaves a familiar web, as Wiz Kid works in science and Mentallo tries to prove his worth. The theme has no basis, largely because it is invested in the event The King in Black, with his cosmic god of darkness. The beginning of the series lacks ambition, but there are enough fun rhythms to make the read worthwhile, and Valerio Schiti and Marte Gracia make this a lush and beautiful book. — Jamie Lovett.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
The last page of issue #2 of The Union reads like a glimpse from the beginning, while the series finally ends with the introduction of the new characters (three in all) and the premise that unites them. But even these introductions would be incomplete if much more space were devoted to exploring their dead leader. In these pages, Glee goes through a series of milestones, but it’s hard to say more about her than the kind of powers she possesses; it’s also a capacity incompatible with the logic of the universe of villains she fights. The fact that the chorus is the most prominent here, and yet so poorly defined, attests to the lack of certainty at the beginning of this sequence, which focuses on explaining the events of the King in Black. This is a burden that talent cannot carry on top of the already arduous task of developing a whole new concept. This leads into another very messy act that has some quality moments – the individual jokes come in and the snake aesthetic remains intriguing – but it’s hard to find a clear reason to go back to #3. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 2 out of 5
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Other publishers #1
Avatar: The first track of The Next Shadow serves largely to cool down the events that preceded it. Therefore, not much happens in the first issue of the new series. The confrontation between humans and Spar’s Na’Vi and the clash of two worlds and cultures trying to understand each other is a big part of The Next Shadow’s debut, meaning it’s actually a more Avatar version, but the lush Pandora set at least impresses readers with complex representations of the world’s flora and fauna. — Tanner Dedmon
Rating: 2 out of 5
Author Jason Howard brings his book series to a satisfying conclusion. He takes another important step forward, but also ties the story together in a way that, if he wanted to, would be a great place to end it all. Howard’s massive amount of work in developing this larger-than-life story seems visually complete, but his messages go unnoticed, though it’s deliberate and works very honestly. The best thing about Big Girls is that it remains unpredictable even in the latest panels, it’s a comic that continues to reward us. — Spencer Perry.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Supported by the Rising Spirit project, Bloodshot makes a break with issue #10, giving us a new lounge strip to help Bloodshot, and a potential new sidekick/lover. It looks like they’ll be fighting evil versions of Bloodshot in the future, and that’s always fun. — Connor Casey.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Commanders in Crisis remains one of the strangest mixes in comics today – which seems to work both for and against the series. After three issues of canon that seemed too ambitious and thin to make sense, this issue begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that makes the reader want to keep following the story. The tone of the show is an intriguing and eccentric beast – there are moments of gravity and the ability to land, but then they’re sandwiched between awkward imagery and names like Executrix. Commanders in Crisis doesn’t land as much as it could, but it’s intriguing enough for readers. — Jenna Anderson.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Writer Sheldon Allen’s work gets better and better with each new episode of the series. He develops the world in an authentic way while looking for more mystery, which is even more interesting today than in his early days. The work of the artist Carl Moster is genuinely similar, but intentionally uglier because of the darkness of the subject matter, so that the quieter parts of this issue get the attention. Despite a bumpy start, Concrete Jungle promises to be a very unique and interesting series in the long run, but Problem #4 is the point where they really start cooking with gas. — Spencer Perry.
Rating: 4 out of 5
It’s hard to ignore the comparisons readers might initially make between Haha and many other pop culture clown characters. While the first premise may display iconic traits, readers will undoubtedly be seduced by what appears to be a more subtle and sophisticated exploration of Bartleby’s desperation, which doesn’t have to rely on gimmicks or gags to please its audience. — Patrick Cavanaugh.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The work is as beautiful as ever and there’s an amusing interpretation of Happy Horseshoe on the theme of horror, but the characters’ dialogue is as squeaky clean as ever. He also may have the fastest sequence to beat a bad guy I’ve ever seen. — Connor Casey.
Rating: 2 out of 5
The finale of Lonely Receiver is meant to be both poetic and scary, though the former sometimes gives the impression of being too dense and heavy for its own good. In the latter case, however, it is the most delicate and spiraling chapter of the entire series. I’m sure I’ve never seen the idea of being at ease with yourself in the same way as Lone Receiver with its terrifying imagery, and the final chapter cemented that feeling with an indelible impression. — Tanner Dedmon
Rating: 3 out of 5
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Other publishers #2
The ending of Man under Ye #4 is hard to stomach. It’s a perfect ending point that leaves a lot of room for imagination, but it also sums things up right after the climax, where there’s a lot more potential to explore. Each character has his or her own special moment in the final chapter to stand out as more than just teammates, and the nighttime setting with its masterful use of shadows and bold displays of our pirates provided the perfect backdrop for these triumphs. If this chapter is any indication of the story’s potential, we hope The Man Among Us will be a more original story with new adventures. — Tanner Dedmon
Rating: 4 out of 5
The mighty Morphin is starting to pay for the more exciting story seeds he teased when he started, and this series only gets better. Each fight seems like a natural extension of writer Ryan Parrott’s show through playful jokes, but the truly memorable moments come when the conflicts get more personal, like the familiar back-and-forth between Grace Sterling and Zordon. In fact, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much Zordon developed as a character, and not always in a pleasant way. Designer Marco Renna and colorists Walter Baiamonte and Katia Ranalli bring each of these sequences to life with style and brio. If some aspects of Eltar this story begin to bear fruit, like some other seeds, it will only be better for it. -Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5
We are now at a point in northern mythology where all the stories are about Loki and one form, one fashion or another. Unfortunately for readers of this book, this takes the form of Loki’s inability to keep his pants on, since both stories here involve him and the creation of his monstrous offspring. Gaiman, Russell and company made the perfect choice with David Rubin in the story of The Children of Loki, as Sherlock Frankenstein’s accidental spin-off adds an incredible atmosphere and depth to the book that we’ve never seen before with this title – somewhere between Handy Tartatowski and the pulverized goodness of steampunk, and the book is infinitely better for it. — Adam Barnhardt.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Origin still suffers from finding its own voice and differs from many dystopian stories we’ve seen in the past in creating fascinating characters, but it’s certainly one of the best editions yet. You can still see the illustrations, but the series would just take more effort if people weren’t talking about the world the creative team is trying to create. — Evan Valentine.
Rating: 3 out of 5
In Caller London #2, several other characters from the world of Overwatch enter the story. But even if you don’t know the game, you’ll quickly see what it’s about and where it leads (probably). Either way, it’s a fun little read. — Connor Casey.
Rating: 3 out of 5
There are elements in Red Atlantis that are too relevant to today’s events – but the story itself is compelling enough to not make it the sole plot or focus. This issue focuses on Miriam’s unique journey and origins, as well as some of the key players in this twisted and spy-filled saga. It feels like the series has started at full speed, with an unconventional superhero story and a paranoid character drama. Robert Carey’s art was also about to tell this story, and all of this resulted in an output that is not perfect, but strangely pleasantly surprising. — Jenna Anderson.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The final issue of Red Mother brings an end to Daisy’s arduous journey, and while the art is still fantastic and the story offers readers some sort of conclusion, the final issue of this normally first-rate comic suffers from some of the rhythm and plot problems we’ve seen in previous issues. Daisy’s confrontation with the Red Mother is rushed, anticlimactic and even a little cliché. And while there is a surprise, the way the story ends, it seems unfinished and too neat. Despite all the anticipation that has built up over the last few years, the end is not quite in sight. There are strong ideas here, but they don’t seem to be as fully realized or as bad. — Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5
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Other publishers #3
(Photo: Comic Books by image)
The story and issues of the final chapter of Alien Residents are becoming a reality as the mini-series reaches the halfway point. This part of the story retains the same atmospheric urban chaos, but this is no longer a problem as it undermines the apparent tension. Harry’s pursuit and the daily dramas in his adopted home give readers reason to worry, even in the midst of the wedding. This approach is also the main charm of the series, as noble concepts collide with a realistic approach to the story. Encounters play with the unspoken which are just as important as the contents of the bubbles, and the emphasis is on small gestures and expressions. My initial concerns about the start of Your Turn here have been allayed, as number 3 gives hope for a quick but not too confident final act. — Hunting magnet
Rating: 4 out of 5
Filled with intriguing backstory and few digressions, Savage Dragon #256 continues Larsen’s series of panels and fight scenes, but the pace of the story slows to many plot points, giving it a bit of a start-stop rhythm. After last year’s crazy adventure, it’s a relief to slow down, but fans will wonder why they let the gas out at such a time. — Russ Burlingame.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Seven Secrets #6 brings the energy the series needs, mixing epic action with unexpected twists and turns in an exciting mix that will leave you stunned. This series is known for its back-to-back, and while such a move is imminent, it’s not about keeping the tension going. Screenwriter Tom Taylor keeps the rhythm but gives the most intimate moments the time they need to impress, and cartoonist Daniele Di Nicuolo and colorists Walter Baiamonte and Katia Ranalli create truly unconventional sets and give the battle an old-fashioned adventure atmosphere that few others can match. The best part is that we don’t really know where the book is going, and unpredictability is what the series needs most and what makes the future so bright. -Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5
Soulstream looks like what you’d get if you stuck to the origins and adventures of superheroes and stuck to the specific parts of both types of stories. It has an infectious charm that lies somewhere between your favorite cartoons and the independent role-playing games that its protagonist Marie talks about so enthusiastically. He wastes no time in pushing Maria, Marcus, and the readers to the heart of the action and manages to strike the right balance between Maria’s fear and her determination to use her new powers. Soulstream’s dramatic and expressive characters are a sight to behold, and the prospect of seeing more is inviting no matter which side of the portal you find yourself on. — Tanner Dedmon
Rating: 5 out of 5
As for the history of vampires, Pyre takes an interesting turn by depicting them entirely through the eyes of the internet, with both the creatures of the night and the hunters who mow them down. The story itself follows the titular hunter, who lives in a world where the presence of vampires has been revealed, and tends to take great risks with his story and his art that is sure to hit or miss the specter of that entrance. — Evan Valentine.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Stranger Things, Dungeons and Dragons moves on to season 2, and Max and Eleven join the D&D gang. Having taken over the role of DM (so Mike Eleven can impress), this song is a great introduction to the way regular D&D games are played. I liked the way this comic shows that the Stranger Things gang are kids and use D&D to grow up and understand each other in a relatively drama-free moment. I also loved the way the comic moved to a fantasy sequence to show the game, which helped make the real game much more fun than sitting at the table. — Christian Hoffer
Rating: 4 out of 5
Killjoys has a raw and extremely engaging energy that radiates from every panel in this song. Without going into detail (and frankly, the question is too esoteric to be spoiled anyway), the issue intensifies the struggle between the incumbent group and the ever-changing outside world in a disturbing and fascinating way. Gerard Way and Sean Simon manage to create a story that shimmers in its strangeness and freshness, and Leonardo Romero’s art remains an incredibly vivid addition to it all. This series is a godsend for those who have followed the Killjoys’ love affair since the MCR album, as well as the comic book world at large. — Jenna Anderson.
Rating: 5 out of 5
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