Abel Loza Comic Reviews

The ambitions and justifications of the characters seem all over the place and fail to make sense or follow any logic. However, despite its faults, Marvel Zombies: Red Band #4 can still be fun if it is read without comparing it to the other, better chapters of the Marvel Zombies franchise.

The entire run will be remembered for what could have been, not what was, indicating missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. Do you know how sometimes we get a “Director’s Cut” of a movie that makes the film that much better? I think that would benefit this run immensely. If we could get a director’s cut of this series that fills all the holes and adds layers to the main story, it would do wonders for Marvel Zombies: Red Band.

Ultimately, the lack of any significant resolution between the battles is what sank this issue, but the story at large acted as a lifesaver in those waters of inconsistency. I’d love for DC to revisit the concept of a multiversal tournament that stretches beyond their universe—one where the combatants actually lose. But for now, what we got from Boss Battle #1 will have to do.

The Final VerdictDC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam is a world-merging, well-drawn single-issue comic book that is a must-read for any comic/wrestling fans. While not entirely necessary to the DC K.O., it's always great to see heroes who aren't entirely involved in the main story on their own side missions. Writer Jeremy Adams, artist Cian Tormey, and colorist Romulus Fajardo are true wrestling fans whose passion for the sport comes through on the page. They leave you wanting more of these characters and of this world. While one of the major plot points wasn't entirely necessary, the issue does more good than bad, which ultimately makes it a fun read.

The plot is simple enough, and Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna colors within those lines without straying from the framework. While some elements could improve—specifically the art and dialogue—this issue successfully takes the baton from the previous one-shot battles and hands it to the next. While not earth-shattering, it wasn't supposed to be; it moves the plot forward and gets us ready for next week’s round of tournament battles.

Even with all of its faults, DC X AEW #1 is still a fun and entertaining issue that should make every AEW wrestling fan celebrate how far the start-up company has come since starting 5 years ago. While being drenched in corporate synergy, it is nice to see the second-most-popular wrestling promotion in the United States on such a big platform. So while the comic might leave something to be desired, AEW wrestling fans should be extremely happy to see Darby Allin and Batman on the same page!

1776 #2 ultimately accomplished what it needed to do: continue the story as a bridge issue while piquing our curiosity. The juxtaposition of American historical figures with modern pop culture icons can be empty at times; however, this issue does a good job of conveying a message through a decent comic book storyline.

​Questions and issues about our founding fathers are never easy to answer, and this issue adds context and complexity. It's not here to sway you one way or another, but it does raise the question, especially given the Avengers' entrenched place in American culture. It took two issues to get there, but 1776 #3 masterfully gave this series gravity.

The pacing is a bit off, and some of the age-old tropes do not fully work, but nothing detracts from the story as a whole. The art is as good as it has ever been, and it finally comes together in sync with the rest of the story. Ultimately, the job of 1776 #4 is to get us ready and set everything up for the final issue. Job accomplished.

This was a fantastic issue, one that not only continues the main story of the K.O. tournament but also satisfies the craving for more, as we wait for issue #3. There are so many instances where these tie-in issues feel more like a side mission or unnecessary for the main plot, but Aquaman #12 really does feel essential reading to fully grasp what is going on with the story as a whole. That is what these tie-in issues should be, and it makes you want to pick up the others immediately to get the complete story. While a little hiccup at the beginning, that didnt take away from the overall success of the issue. This was a watershed issue for Aquaman's character. Make sure to read it.

The introduction of Mera’s mother, Crimson Queen Lolanna Merana Challa, is an added element of storytelling not only to Mera and Arthur Curry, but also to Atlantis. The tension already building between Mera and her mother will be a detail that makes the next issue a must-read. The art is great and goes hand in hand with the story the creative team is trying to tell. The momentum is there for the book to pull off a great story and ending.

The anthology of stories in this first annual edition in Batman;Rebirth took a swing at something original and it hit a home run. Along with the issue having some very good and interesting stories, these stories are tied in with the holiday season and makes for a great read for the holidays.

Batman #8 helps transition the previous story to the next upcoming arc. This issue raises more questions than answers, but it does help build up momentum towards the new story line, "I am Suicide".

This issue is simple, but does a fairly good job of laying the out premise for the upcoming arc. Although it is a simple premise, it does not make it any less exciting. Really looking forward to seeing where this story ends up.

…237 dead. What am I supposed to do?

Overall I think that Batman #14 brought me back from being underwhelmed from the final issue of I am Suicide and really has ne excited for this upcoming arc, which I can safely assume will also involve Catwoman. Tom King did an excellent job humanizing not only Batman but Catwoman as well, and made them much more relatable to the readers. King also continues to use little known villains in his story arcs which bring some much needed villain-diversity in the Batman universe. Rooftops Part one sets up a very intriguing story line that will no doubt involve Catwoman.

What then did she steal, sir? The night, Alfred. The night. She stole the night.

Batman #16 started off light and humorous but ended up with a much darker and more serious tone. It looks as though the I am Bane story arc will bring an end to the story that has been building over the past 3 to 4 story arcs. Batman #16 starts off slow but ends with a bang. For the most part, I have enjoyed Tom King's take on the characters and I can't wait to see where he goes next.

The ride that King is taking us on I am Bane picked up on Batman #17. The tension that has been building up for the better part of two issues, was finally broken. This then is building towards the inevitable confrontations between Bane and Batman. This is a must read story arc!

Batman #20 was fitting ending for what has been building up for 19 issues. King makes some fundamental changes to the Batman character that make a much more well rounded person. This Batman story arc was a good start for Tom King in Batman and it has me excited to what he has coming up next!

Batman #21 did a good job of setting a tone for the rest of the mini-series. Its script and art made the story come to life, and it really showed of the brutality and anger that came of Reverse Flash. Although no Watchmen characters were physically scene, their presence in the DC Universe has never been stronger and that is perhaps the most important part of this issue!

Batman #23 was perhaps the best single issue of Tom King's run so far, and that is saying quite a lot since he has had some really good issues. I absolutely love when Batman and Swamp Thing team-up and when left in good hands, those characters can work very well together. This issue peals back so many layers in only a few pages, and this is true talent at work.

Tom King has taken Batman in an entirely new direction, one that we have not seen Batman in before, and is really reinventing on how we think of Batman. This is the most vulnerable Bruce has been and we can't wait to see where this plays into for the next story arc.

Batman #25 is the perfect set up for the The War of Jokes and Riddles story arc which will bring us Tom King's most adventurous and original story to date. King continues to explore who Batman really is, while at the same time exploring the war that nearly broke Batman. This continues Tom King's young, but great line of great Batman issues so far.

Tom King and Mikel Janin keep pushing the Bat-Envelope by telling and beautiful yet brutal story of batman's second year in action. As the Joker and Riddler continue to spill Gotham blood all over the streets, it is now up to Batman to determine what he is going to do to stop The War of Jokes and Riddles.

Batman #28 was an interesting and fresh way for Tom King to continue to tell a Batman "Year Two" story during The War of Jokes and Riddles. During this issue, King also continues to peal back more layers in the Batman myths which leaves Bruce Wayne as vulnerable and relatable as he has ever been. The art of Batman #28 also continues to excel and adds a dimension to King's story that gives the reader a full immersive experience of the The War of Jokes and Riddles.

Batman #29 raises the stakes for the main players and pushes Batman to pick a side of the ongoing War of Jokes and Riddles. Tom King, Mikel Janin, and June Chung create a story that makes you want to read each issue twice

The artwork by Gabriel Hardman gives the story a sense of fullness that only the author can provide. There is a sense of great anxiety between the artwork and the story themes that gets you hooked on this issue. Because of its themes and fantastic art, Batman/Green Arrow/The Question: Arcadia #2 is a cannot-miss issue and a cannot-miss series.