I guess the whole one complete story per-issue concept was tossed out with Batman #3, as almost every plot point was left dangling for the next issue. The book is well written and beautifully illustrated … but … I’m still not as invested as I would like to be. There are so many threads carried over from the previous run that I just don’t care about. There is some machinations underway by the clearly evil Vandal Savage, who is somehow the police commissioner … still waiting on an explanation for that. Also Batman having more than one Robin is confusing and a bit too much. Oh and who the heck is Bernard? I already have issue 4 so I’m sticking around for at least one more issue … maybe that will give me a reason to keep going with this series. more

Skinbreaker #3 is a well thought out story, that impressed me by not falling into a rut. I thought I knew exactly what I was going to get with this story … but this issue turned away from that. Kirkman is a great writer with a knack for creating great worlds and characters … but his storytelling is slower than I expected. I see this with Void Rivals … he takes his time getting to the point ��� and that’s the case with this issue. Most of the story seemed to take place over the course of a few minutes. Though the issue had a great (if not somewhat expected) cliffhanger, I just felt that more could have happened in the story. I guess the trade-off is more Finch art … so still worth the price tag. more

Issue 3 doesn't give us much story. The art looks great as usual, but Finch doesn't seem to be interested in drawing anything we haven't seen in issues 1 and 2 already.

Speed Racer #4 was another solid issue, the storyline is getting a little tired and sort of in the way of the real reason I read this book ... the races. Something about the way Pepose writes them and then Tinto illustrates what’s on the page - really gives the sensation of speed … it's hard to explain - but they nail it. As I said the story is starting to drag on … but that’s really a paper-thin setup for a fun FAST comic. more

Things are slowing to a snails pace with Transformers #27, going from the fast paced previous run to this is a little hard to take. While the writing is good and very introspective (especially with Optimus Prime and Thundercracker) more needs to happen in these issues to keep me tuned in. Not saying that we need giant robot battles every issue … but something … anything! Again total props to Kirkman for juggling so many plots and characters, there are a lot of pieces at play and he’s (slowly) moving each one around while telling a cohesive story … I just wish there was a clear path to exactly where the story is going. Also … this may just be me … but I’m over MASK being in this title … it just adds yet another plot that takes the attention away from the main players. It’s still a top tier title, and one of the best I’m currently reading … but take a cue from G.I. Joe and speed things up a bit.
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Duke & the Commander against the Dreadnoks in what I can only describe as Road Warrior meets G.I. Joe. The action is perfectly written by Joshua Williamson with art to match by Tom Reilly, everything just works on all levels.

I really don’t think the whole DC K.O. event is all that great … however Aquaman #12 elevates things a bit. Sharp writing by Jeramy Adams and sharper art by John Timms make this book continue to stand out from the crowd. This issue is really just one big fight between Aquaman and Hawkman and shows off how powerful Arthur has become. The story is about his escalating powers as he faces off against his old friend Carter Hall, who also gets a power boost in the middle of this issue. I don’t like this whole concept of heroes fighting other heroes to the death … but Adams does what he can with the concept to make it fit into the running Aquaman story. I feared that the superb supporting cast might be forced into the backseat with this event and that’s what happened here. Aquaman’s daughter was given a little “screen-time” in a flashback … at least we got that. While I didn’t mind this little detour … I can’t wait for the next issue so we can get back to the good stuff.
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I get it … the whole DC K.O. thing is a silly romp and not to be taken too seriously, but the writing contradicts the joke. The writing is legitimately good and the art is pretty solid (with a few exceptions) - but the concept betrays all of that. On one hand a reader can simply say that this is a fun action packed issue and I cannot deny that reality. On the other hand there is a layer of competent writing mixed in with all of the goofiness. The pace is perfect the dialog is well written and “on character” for the most part. However the characters are another issue - because I have been reading comics for 40+ years I know who these heroes and villains are … but a new reader would be lost in the mix. You would think that a big-event book would be where DC would want to draw in new readers - but I feel this book is unapproachable to anyone but die-hards. As a reader I’ll be honest I lost interest in the event while checking out a few of the tie-ins … that being said - the core book here has me curious as to what’s next … so in that single respect the book was a success. more

Aquaman #11 was not the best entry into this series … however it was the best DC K.O. tie-in I’ve read. I really enjoyed Arthur’s adventures off-world and the cast of characters that joined him on his quest … but I fear these supporting characters are falling out of the spotlight and that’s a shame. This issue runs smack dab into the DC K.O. event while still trying to keep all of the other subplots in motion. While they pulled it off with this issue I fear for what’s to come as we get further into the punch-fest event. I hold out hope that after the DC K.O. finally wraps up, that the Aquaman story will find its way back to greatness. I still recommend this series as a high point for DC and the character.
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G.I Joe #15 shifted gears from a Mad Max style action story (in issue 14) to what felt like a 1970s horror film. A brand new antagonist was introduced and dominated Duke, Cobra Commander and the narrative. The story was visceral and “full contact” very much like the Coba Commander mini-series from a few years back. The story continues to move at a great pace, letting up for brief interludes, keeping up with the other members of Cobra and G.I.Joe. This issue was nearly flawless in art and story - I very highly recommend this issue and the entire series.
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I know I criticised Jordie Bellaire's monochromatic coloring in the past, but in this issue it works perfectly, summoning up a fever dream reminiscent of a 1980s post-apocalyptic action movie. It's gritty and glowing in the most fucked-up way possible. Love it!

Transformers #26 was by every metric a great comic, solid storytelling and amazing artwork. That being said going from the hyperactive storytelling of DWJ to the more subdued writing of Kirkman was a bit jarring. That’s only a slight criticism, I did enjoy the heck out of this book. The new direction is very interesting and has me curious where everything is heading. There were at lot of dangling plot threads left over from the previous run and it seems that Kirkman has a good grasp on things … but just like Void Rivals … there might be a little too much going on. The introduction of MASK as a subplot is almost a distraction from the main plot … I’m not sold on this concept … yet. All-in-all my few gripes aside - this is still a top tier title and I highly recommend it. more

Out of all the issues of Star Wars: Jedi Knight, issue nine is giving off the most prequel vibes. From the first few pages I felt transported back to 1999, when this era of Star Wars felt new and interesting. There was a quiet reserve to Episode I that is echoed here. Granted the story is now squarely focused on Qui-Gon Jin so there is that connective thread, however the story is fresh and fun. Qui-Gon is on a mission to discover the identity of his would be assassin Corlis Rath and it takes him back to a mission from his past while he was still the apprentice of Dooku. The narrative is layered and the characters are true to what we’ve come to expect. Guest appearances from Dr. Nema and Jocasta Nu help tie the story to the larger Star Wars universe without beating you over the head with it. If you are an old-school Star Wars fan … this book is 100% for you. more

After what I perceived as a bit of a stumble with issue 23, Void Rivals 24 seems to get things back on track … almost. It still feels like the story is meandering a bit and spending too much time lost in the weeds. The intercutting between the 5 plots worked to keep the pace moving without too much really happening. Things seem to be pointing towards a shift coming with issue 25 and I think the narrative could use a shake up to stay interesting. The writing is still better than many other comics … I just wish more would happen in each issue.
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I had started to grow a little cold on the G.I. Joe Energon book … but issue 13 pulled me right back in. This was a fast and fun comic that echoed all that I love about G.I. Joe. The book opens with Cobra Commander acting like his classic self as Destro perfectly plots behind his back. Once Duke drops into the story and the action gets moving, its a fun ride to the cliffhanger. This series should be the template for the next G.I. Joe movie, especially now that the “Dreadnok War” has started. Great writing by Williamson and awesome art by Reilly, have me excited for issue 14! I highly recommend this issue, if you haven’t read issues 1-12, this is where you can jump on and enjoy the ride! more

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #8 is by far one of the most interesting Star Wars comics I’ve read in well over a decade. Guggenheim made the bold decision to tell the story entirely first person AND that person was a child being taken by the Jedi to join the order. It was unfortunately a quick read, but a very solid and super intriguing one. If you’re not reading this book and you are an old-school (well 1990s-2000s) fan of Star Wars - you need to be reading this book. Also this issue is notable for an appearance by Kelleran Beq. What? You don’t recognize that name?
Me either - it’s the Jedi that Ahmed “Jar Jar” Best played in the Mandalorian.

I continue to recommend this series and highly recommend this 100% stand alone issue. more

Justice League Unlimited #12 is another one of these DCKO tie-ins that did zero for me. This whole concept of evacuating the planet Earth is preposterous and this comic just kept beating that drum. It’s written as if the Justice League are Gods overlooking the human race and the humans are just mindless lemmings following the will of the “heroes”. The major plot of the over powered super villains is quickly explained on one page and then on the next page, there is another silly concept featuring alternate/earlier versions of key League members. There is very little to latch on to or care about in this book. If this KO event was supposed to pull me into these DC titles … it’s failing miserably. more

First off the art in this book was simply amazing - easily one of the best drawn books I’ve seen this year. The story was tight and well written … if not a little too familiar. I enjoyed every page of this comic. I was honestly ready to jump right into issue 2. The coloring is a little muddled in some spots … but all in all a near perfect comic reading experience. Books like this validate comics as a unique and beautiful form of entertainment. Highly recommend!
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The silliness of the DC KO event has slipped into the monthly DC books. Nothing wrong with the writing or the art - but conceptually it’s bonkers. The whole story is predicated on heroes having to duke it out to claim the Heart of Apokolips and become King Omega for some very convoluted reasons and now how that goofiness effects the Superman family. I feel bad for the creative team on this book having to wedge this preposterous concept into their monthly title. Evacuating the entire planet Earth … please … only in comics I guess. Also the last page reveal … meh.

Feels like if you are reading DC KO … you could skip this book. more

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #7 was a slight step down from the previous issue - but still strong. Mace & Aalya go on a quest to find the antidote for the poison that is killing Qui-Gon. It’s a fun romp with some AMAZING art and three splash pages (making it a quicker read). If you had never seen the prequel Star Wars films you might be under the impression that Qui-Gon might actually be on death’s door … but … no spoilers. The art alone makes this book worth the price of admission … but the book provides a solid and fun story - even if Mace & Aalya do a morally questionable thing. Still the best Star Wars comic on the market.
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The Flash #26 was a fine comic, well paced and fun but ultimately - middle of the road. At the end of the day for all of the over written narration it felt a bit pointless. I picked up this issue because it was a DC KO tie-in and it served that purpose flawlessly. Gave us all the info about the event showed the story from a different point of view … but then it does what most event cross-overs do - launches a side-quest. There was a bunch of speed-force / time travel stuff at play that ultimately takes a few characters off the board and drops them into a story that most likely will have zero impact on the overall event. It’s not likely that I will be picking up issue 27. more

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #6 was another excellent prequel era story! Three Jedi investigating the death of a fallen master - exactly what I would want from a comic set in this time period! Mace Windu, Qui-Gon, and Aayla Secura are all on point, especially Qui-Gon Jinn. Things go sideways … as is tradition, and suddenly we are thrust into the larger plot that has been in the background of this series since issue one. Guggenheim’s writing and Musabekov’s art echo the finest work done by Dark Horse back in the day. Also (I had to look it up) the planet they visit in this pre-Episode One story will later be important to the Andor series … I love connections like that.

My only complaint was that in one panel Qui-Gon says “I don’t know” … that didn’t fit his normal cadence - I believe the character would have said “ I do not know.” - #NitPick

This is still the BEST Star Wars comic being published! If you were a fan of the Star Wars comics that came out post Phantom Menace - this series is for YOU. more

I don’t feel I got my money’s worth with Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #2 - 20 pages of story and 12 pages of ads feel very uneven to me at $4.99. If this were some random indie-book, I would completely understand … though they would only print 20 or 24 pages not 36. This is a licensed comic from a very well established publisher … I expected a little more bang for my buck … or rather FIVE bucks. It was explained by my retailer how Dynamite is suffering due to Diamond comics distributors owing them a serious amount of money … so I will give a bit of leniency … if the book is good … hence where the problem lies.

The story feels very short and a bit silly and nothing really happens until the literal last page. Pasquale Qualando’s art on some pages is eye catching and captivating, on other’s its drab and boring, very inconsistent. The writing by Jimmy Palmiotti is well done with rich narration and strong dialog … however there is a serious lettering mistake the no one caught. I hate to harp on this … but I did pay $4.99 for this book, these sort of mistakes shouldn’t get passed the editor. Again if it were a smaller publisher - I wouldn’t mind.

All in all - I expected better and hope that Dynamite will do better - I’ll come back for issue 3, with hope in my heart. more

G.I. Joe #12 felt like a Special Missions story, a small group of Joes (this time Night Force) on a single mission to rescue a sniper by the name of Shooter. Points off for using that name, it was put into the original G.I. Joe #1 in the 80s as a tribute to Marvel EIC Jim Shooter who recently passed away … they should have just retired the name. Personal feelings aside - the writing was tight and fun - had an action film vibe … the art was a little rough … seemed like in a few panels they just colored over the pencils. Though it did very little to add to the overall Joe story and even less to add to the Energon Universe … it was still a nice one-off. more

DC KO #1 was a ridiculous mess. The story was an overly complicated plot device to have the DC heroes fight each other. I don’t know what I was expecting from such a silly concept. It’s well written and that alone might have me return for the next issue … the art was decent … though it seemed a bit sketchy and during the final pages was a tad confusing. The concept that in a real fist fight Superman might lose is a bit ludicrous - looking at the heroes (and villains) they are using for this story … he could punch half of their heads off without even trying. This is by far the silliest Crisis or event DC has put forth since the original … however - it’s already better than Final Crisis or Heroes in Crisis or Dark Crisis … and I bought all of those issues. All that being said - I guess I’ll stick around for the next issue. more

This is one of those comics where I keep getting stuck staring at panels to try to make sense of what's happening in them. The art's way too busy and sketchy for a story that has dozens of cameos that need to be identifiable. As an example, without the speech bubble where he identifies himself, Damage would have been just a black shape and a weirdly-colored partial figure (mostly arm). The coloring also makes it hard to distinguish who's who and what they're doing, with whole panels just being similar shades of unnatural colors.

The story, eh, it's silly; really just a gobbledegook working-backwards to justify the bracket tournament which is the core. It peaks when Mister Terrific captures every super-villain on Earth in a few pages (granted, it doesn't stick), which begs a LOT of questions if it's taken more seriously than the most ridiculous Golden Age story gimmick.
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Blood & Thunder #6 - while not horrible makes a great jumping off point. The book was intentionally anticlimactic … with nothing too important to say. I don’t mind a good bait & switch, but the switched out segment needs to at least mean something … not just “see ya next issue”. When I first started reading this series I felt that the writer was just making things up as he went along, now I’m pretty sure. 

I’m out. more

Star Wars: Jedi Knight #5 was a coda for the 4th episode of the cartoon - Tales of the Jedi on Disney+. It only serves to add more context to that episode even opening with 2 pages pulled right from the cartoon. If read before seeing that episode … it spoils it, if read after that episode (and Attack of the Clones) it hints at things you already know are going to happen. So ultimately the story is pointless outside of just being another short Star Wars tale. All that criticism aside, it was another well written and beautifully illustrated comic, that still remains the BEST Star Wars book being pumped out by the Marvel/Disney machine. more

While I enjoyed Aquaman #10, I miss the straight forward adventure story that was presented in the first arc. I felt a lot of the supporting cast, especially Nemo are being sidelined in favor of exploring Arthur’s new powers. While this is fine and understandable I do miss the “Justice League: Blue” and the nuances they gave to the book. I did think Aquaman fighting ghost pirates was super fun, the only thing missing was Topo to make this a true classic. The mystery surrounding Atlantis and now Aquaman’s daughter are interesting … but not exactly intriguing. I’m still squarely behind this title, but am worried it might be drifting out to sea a little. more

Transformers #25 was exactly what it needed to be … it executed the story spectacularly - every beat was played to perfection. It’s strange … one can easily say “not much happened in this issue” while a the same time saying that “so much happened in this issue”. All the pieces were rearranged on the board to set a new status quo going forward and did so with out discounting anything that has come before. The characters were on point (though Prime was a little quite at parts). Not only did this book refocus the Energon Universe … it also expanded it’s world by introducing … no … that would be spoilers.

All in all Kirkman, Mora, and Corona delivered what they promised and then some. I am ready to see where the story goes from here and HIGHLY recommend this issue. Even if you didn’t read the first 24 issues … Transformers #25 is a great place to jump in. more