acnbat Comic Reviews

This one-shot does exactly what it's meant to do. It's inspired me to go out and read more Alpha Flight books. Like all of them.

Despite a far-fetched story, this issue has pretty much what I want in a comic. Really good art, for the most part, and a FUN story. Throw in a few nice easter eggs that long-time fans will no doubt pick up on, and we've got a good start to this ongoing series.

While the cliffhanger does provide a slight glimmer of hope, it can't save this issue. MJ is a truly great character, but unfortunately doesn't get a chance to shine in her own book. This series should really be called "The Mystery of Mysterio's Missing Self-Esteem". Because it's been ALL about him so far.

The Amazing Mary Jane is all together anything but amazing thus far. Three issues in and MJ has done next to nothing. I'm beginning to think this series was done just to sell variant covers to collectors because the story is severely lacking when pertaining to the title character.

While Spidey takes a backseat again for most of this issue, it's not all that bad! The twists and turns make this a story I want to see through till the end.

Final Thoughts: As I read this utterly completely confusing issue I actually got mad at myself because I'll never get that time back. The fantastic art is the only thing preventing me from giving this issue a negative score. If that's even possible. And to give ASM this low a score really makes me sad. It should be held to a much higher standard and treated as such by the creative team.

Final Thoughts:Nick Spencer will surely enrage some fans with this issue, but I prefer to look at it as Spencer slowly but surely beginning to tie up all the dangling threads he's left us. Not a must-buy by any means but it left this reviewer with a lot to think about and looking forward to the next issue. That's kind of the pint right?

Final Thoughts: This issue reminds me of buying comics as a kid from the local drug store. I went in filled with anticipation and came away pleasantly surprised. Not a groundbreaking issue by any means. No major cliffhanger or shocking deaths here. Just some solid storytelling with way above average art, and it leaves me wondering what'll happen next!

James Tynion brings the Bat-Family back in a big way! He also sets up several storylines while finishing out the Joker War with a character that doesn't feel like the Joker all that much to this reviewer. The art is absolutely stunning! So while the main villain seemed a bit off, the issue/arc end with the series trending upwards.

James Tynion keeps churning out quality comic after quality comic. He's taken over after King's run, made it past issue 100, written an event, and bided his time during Future State, and come out swinging for the fences! Let's hope that this Batman run as well as Tynion's upcoming Joker book means there are great things to come for Bat-fans everywhere!

While the backup story isn't terrible by any means it's need to drown us in new characters bring my score down a bit. The main Batman story has me extremely excited for what's coming up in Gotham and the art makes this book a pure joy to look at!

Tynion and company stay on a roll and even step up their game with the introduction of a fascinating new character in Miracle Molly. I cant wait to see how the character develops and also wonder just how popular she may become!

Final Thoughts: While Black Cat isn't the most well-known character or biggest selling book by any means, it remains one of the best monthly books that Marvel puts out. It's a quick, fun read that has me waiting for issue number 12 very impatiently!!

Art:The art by Nina Vakueva and Brian Reber is on point for the most part. There were a few things that caught my attention though. Two of the four cats on the cover don't appear to have coloring on their eyes. Of course, this could be explained by saying the black cats have black eyes. Even if that were the case it looks a bit off to me. More importantly, there's a panel towards the end with Felicia standing with the moon behind her and she's only got one nostril. Not a huge deal by any means but it stuck out big time to me.

In an issue that has obviously been bogged down by the weekly schedule, the highlight is one of Marvel's best street-level heroes getting a chance to shine! Hopefully, this series will end next week with a home run rather than a warning track fly out"..

This finale unfortunately sputters to its end. A series that started off so great couldn't maintain that pace and was only barely kept afloat by a very well written Moon Knight.

Chip Zdarsky works his magic yet again in this King in Black tie in issue. He continues to add depth to characters that have been around for over half a century while still having them drenched in their history and legacy.

Final Thoughts:Chip Zdarsky continues his stellar run of Daredevil with another exciting, yet thought-provoking issue. This second tie-in issue touches on the King in Black event all while not putting his “own” Daredevil story on the back burner at all.

Chip Zdarsky takes what I considered to be a so-called cooldown issue to reset after the King in Black tie-ins, and uses it as an opportunity to create a very "human" story, albeit with superheroes. The results are that it makes me care even more for the characters and the "world" they live in. Can't wait for the next issue!

This creative team continues to run like a well-oiled machine. It's truly hard to find anything at all about this issue that just isn't less than great! If you're not reading this, do yourself a favor and pick it up and give it a try. You can thank me later.

Those waiting for this run to take a dip in quality can just stop now. Zdarskys Daredevil run continues to be the best ongoing Marvel book and has been for quite some time.

A spectacular start to Tamaki's Detective run is blemished slightly by a lackluster Robin story. Hopefully, the Robin backups will stop once his solo book starts. Still, the strength of the Detective story keeps my score high. I also can't wait for more Dan Mora art!!

It's very hard for this reviewer to find very much at all to complain about in this issue. So I won't! Detective Comics gives readers a very different option than the Batman book. That variety is very appealing when well done, and two issues in Mariko Tamaki is passing with flying colors! Can't wait for the next issue!

This arc has been thoroughly enjoyable for me. The evoking story brought to life by top-tier art work put Detective Comics at the top of my read list each and every time it comes out!

Detective Comics remains at the top of my read pile whenever it comes out. I find the pacing, storytelling, and editorial work all top-notch, at least for this reviewers liking. And the art tandem of Mora and Bogdanovic in this book is hard to beat. Each gets a break, but the quality NEVER suffers. If you havent given Detective Comics a chance recently give it a chance! You may be surprised!!

Final Thoughts:This is a very thought-provoking issue, in a good way! We've got a major villain, a big disaster, and a major catastrophe that sets Doom up as their perpetrator. Throw in Doom's inner battle with himself, and we've got an awesome number one issue. I can't wait to see how this unfolds!

Many pages of the story went into Mephisto's deal for Doom, all to then be thrown completely away. While this was a slight twist, I preferred Mephisto's deal. I'm still invested enough to see where this goes, but I hope for some more plot development in issue four.

While the first half of this book is far better than the second, it's still well worth picking up. Whether you're in it for the X-men, Empyre, or both, it's worth your money for sure! And while it does get bogged down in its own wordiness, the good far outweighs the bad. Plus we do get some actual progression in the story as far the X-books. What has felt like being on a runaway train at times now feels like a more focused book. And I'm SO down for that!

While this comic will try to get you hyped for seeing Thanos, hes barely in it and the issue kind of slows down to tell a flashback that may or may not be important. If you want to see the Eternals fight Thanos and the Deviants, then you should wait till the next issue for more. If you want to see more of the Eternals drama, then this comic might be for you.

Coming at this from the perspective of a new reader, which I am, I'm left with too many questions and kind of lost honestly. I really want to like this series. Unfortunately, it's extremely hard to right now. I'm hoping it improves. Quickly.

My faith has been restored in Tini Howard and in magic! This is my favorite issue so far. The story is told in a way that isn't nearly as confusing to the reader, even while adding more characters to the mix.

Dan Slott changes perspectives and we get a completely different outlook on the Fantastic Four. I think he did a Fantastic job!

This book has a great silver age sensibility to it and that's about all I needed to enjoy it. It's a whole lot of fun and the art fits it all perfectly. If you are looking for something a little less serious in a sea of dark and miserable comics, you should check this out.

Final Thoughts:This is all I want in a comic book. A great story and great art! Mark Waid and Neal Adams take some of the most popular cosmic characters in the history of the Marvel universe and create a fresh new story with a classic look and feel. I really wish this wasn't limited to a five-issue mini! I'd be SO down on reading a title like this every single month!

Final Thoughts:A solid second issue. While this issue is jam-packed, I wish the X-23 story was longer. Looking forward to seeing how the camp story unfolds next month!

Final Thoughts:Tom Taylor continues to build his character-driven book in fine fashion. He once again shows that he truly has the perfect voice for Peter and Spider-Man.

Final Thoughts: After being on the fence about Future State I'm now fully on board! Being set in the future, it's set up perfectly for new fans as well as long time Nightwing fans. I hope that DC will keep the momentum going through Future State and into the new Infinite Frontier era. This is a super book. I can't recommend it enough!

Andrew Constant ties up his Future State Nightwing story in a fine fashion. There's something for everyone in this issue. Great action on display with great art, and Constant showing us prior to Tom Taylor's arrival that Nightwing is in fact an “A” list hero!! Come on DC, let's get Andrew Constant on an ongoing book!

Future State: Robin Eternal is another big hit for DC Comics during this two-month interlude of sorts. If you love Tim and Steph you won't be disappointed!!

Megan Fitzmartin, Eddy Barrows, and Adrian Lucas put their best efforts forward in a thoroughly enjoyable two-issue arc that leaves me a bigger fan of Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown than I was before. It's also left me wanting to read more DC Comics about these two! Bravo!

This "Untold Tale" of a battle fought almost entirely in the air is a fresh approach that works extremely well for the G.I. Joe franchise. Larry Hama is in top form throughout, and the art by Alex Sanchez provides the icing on the cake!

Larry Hama has the unique ability to create a story today that fits perfectly in between two issues he wrote 35 years or so and ago, and never misses a beat! This “Untold Tale” one-shot gives us an in-depth look at Baroness and what makes her one of the most interesting characters in the massive G.I. Joe universe!

I feel right at home reading anything that Larry Hama writes. Whether its the nostalgia, or that hes just a great writer or a bit of both. Comic fans looking for something other than superhero comics or comics from the big two should do themselves a favor and check this series out.

Final Thoughts: This issue brought me back to my childhood immediately. I felt like I was 14 again. While I haven't read G.I. Joe since the mid-eighties I remembered every character immediately. Larry Hama is a master in creating a fun, action-packed issue that leaves the reader wanting more! I loved every second I spent with this issue.

Bucking the trend of a big let down on issue two, Gwen Stacy ups the game with more impressive character study, and storytelling of one of my favorite Marvel characters. I really hope this series sells well enough to stick around past the five scheduled issues. These first two issues have been a breath of fresh air for me. Such great storytelling!!

Final Thoughts:While this issue was a quick read there sure is a whole lot going on! Zeb Wells leads what is one of my favorite of all the “X” book ongoings in his typical snarky, fun fashion. Mr. Sinister is also cementing his place as one of my favorite mutants ever!!

Final Thoughts: As we get into dive into what I consider the greatest era of Marvel Comics, Mark Waid and Javier Fernandez bring their “A” game yet again in another very informative and beautiful issue.

This issue cools things down and takes it slow as Joe Fixit takes the drivers seat and takes readers on a cool yet predictable story. However, its not without a good bit of action, mystery, and suspense as it reopens a few past storylines and sets up new ones. This comic is a recommend for readers who want to see more of Joe Fixit in charge and like a slower story. But if you want more action and heart-pounding body horror, then you might want to wait for the next issue when the Hulk faces off against the U-Foes.

Final Thoughts : While I may have personally been a bit disappointed in not seeing some of my favorite heroes besides in a tiny panel with no dialogue, that doesn't sway my feeling that this is one heck of an issue! Everything is open. Everything is basically up for grabs. Now, hopefully unlike Rebirth, DC can follow through with some GREAT stories! This issue is certainly accessible to new readers and left this fan filled with a sense of hope and genuinely excited about what's to come from DC for the first time in quite a while!

As a prelude of sorts to the Rise of Skywalker, I was expecting an original story. I didn't get that at all. I feel like I'll never get that time back that I spent reading this issue.

Joshua Williamson proves again that he's up to the task of writing DC's premier team book. He's taken a book with lower-tiered characters and brought it to a level higher than previous writers did with the so-called Trinity.

Jed MacKay seems right at home writing Spidey and it's nice to read a different writer's vision/take on Spidey. I'd certainly like to see him writing him again in the future. A mini or satellite book perhaps Marvel??

Although I prefer one of the stories and art styles far more than the other, I overall had an enjoyable experience. I appreciate the scope and expanse of how Nightmare may be interwoven throughout this whole series. Any Alex Ross art is always a plus too, even if the cover doesn't have anything to do with this current series.

Final Thoughts:Another great Wolverine story highlight this issue. The Spider-Woman story is also very relevant in our social media-obsessed society. As with the previous issue, one of the three stories bring down the overall story, albeit slightly.

The main Wolverine story carries this issue. And once again, the lackluster backup story brings down my overall score a bit.

Final Thoughts: Despite a few major gaffes that keep my score down, this is quite a ride! To get the full story though, trust me and pick up Marvel Zombies Resurrection #1 from October 30, 2019! I can't believe I have to say that but I am because it's really worth reading and make this weeks issue much more enjoyable! Let's hope the mistakes are behind us for the remainder of this short mini!

While we did get some progression to the story, it was done in a very boring way. The art also seemed hurried. If issue three isn't a marked improvement, I'm out!

This issue was like a breath of fresh air to me. A top-notch story that by the end of the issue had me changing my opinion in a big way about Cyclops. Another rarity is an oversized issue that in this reviewer's opinion is well worth the extra dollar! Jay Edidin deserves a shot on a Cyclops ongoing for sure! Come on Marvel, you know you've got more X books in the pipeline!!

And what is now commonplace for any number one issue, we get a myriad of variant covers. At last count well over 20 for Moon Knight #1!! Several of my favorites are featured in this review.

Although the introduction of the characters could have been handled better, the premise of this story and the artwork have me really looking forward to issue two. Give this a chance, I have a feeling we'll all be pleasantly surprised. At least I hope so!

The spectacular art really set the tone in this series. Unlike a few other books I've reviewed this week, this issue was actually fun to read. I'm thoroughly enjoying reading it and hope the reasonably good sales will justify this series continuing.

X fans/comic fans need to head to their LCS or favorite digital platform and read this issue. This issue is a perfect example of the foundation of what X-men books were built on. You can thank me later!

Ed Brisson ends his tenure as the writer of New Mutants by leaving it in better shape than when he started, in my opinion. He's crafted a story in this issue of the X of Swords event that could swing the tides in the favor of the mutants or it could be the lynchpin that causes it to crash and burn. I hope that Vita Ayala is up to the task of writing New Mutants because he's got some big shoes to fill!!

Final Thoughts:Believe the hype! It's real, and it's deserved. Drop what you're doing and go to your LCS or online comic store and buy this book! Trust me, you'll love it. It's quite honestly the best single ongoing comic issue I've ever read.

Taylor doesn't show all his cards yet, and I love the slow burn approach. It feels like he's super confident that he's in this for an extended run and is setting things up in a relaxed, non rushed manner. The chemistry between Dick and Babs is obvious and extremely well written. The art and colors by Redondo and Lucas bring the story to life. And while this isn't as good as issue one, it's one heck of an issue two. I wonder how long before DC wants to double ship Nightwing??!!

While some reviewers have lamented the somewhat slow pace of this run, I love it. The art and coloring are best in the business bar none and the writing is top-notch for sure too!

Four issues in, and no letdown at all from Taylor and company!! Nightwing #81 really gets numerous storylines rolling on all cylinders and I literally can't wait for more

While we definitely get a retcon of sorts to the Grayson back story, Im having a hard time finding anything at all that I dont like about said retcon. Nightwing remains the best ongoing book in DCs roster in my opinion, so if you havent checked this run out yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up. You will not be disappointed!!

Nightwing #83 continues to be the best ongoing book that DC publishes, in my opinion. I wait with great anticipation for each upcoming issue! Could we have gotten a better first run out of this creative team?? Id bet not. Cant wait for issue #84

As we go on though it didn't bother me as much…for the most part. Just seemed a bit odd that in a visual medium the whole page isn't used. It certainly gives this book a distinct look though. We'll see going forward if this changes, still bothers me… or not.

Donny Cates and company have outdone themselves yet again as each issue gets better and better! They continue to build the Surfer's mythology while giving a shocker of an ending.

We get yet another in-depth view of the complexities that make up the Silver Surfer, and some stellar artwork too. An outstanding issue!

As the issue came to its conclusion, I was left a bit surprised. There is a definite ending, something we don't get in some comics, but not the ending I was expecting at all. I'll be very very curious to see what role the Surfer plays in the upcoming months!

Abrams proves he can hang in the "primetime" of the comic world! An absolutely fantastic first issue that will have Spidey fans a buzz for sure! I highly recommend this book!!

While we do get a few answers, we also just just get more unanswered questions in issue two. However, the art steals the show. Sara Pichelli clearly is in her groove while drawing Spidey. This book also loses points for a typo. It can't happen on a book at this level. Or any book for that matter.

This is everything a number 1 should be! A super fun issue that introduces us to the characters, what the problems are, and what the plan is to resolve the problems.

If you can get past the fact that Ryan North basically ignores everything Jed MacKay did in issue one, you'll be pleasantly surprised with what basically is Miles lending a hand in an Aunt May one shot. How this issue matters in the Spider-Zero/Annie May story I have absolutely no idea. Hopefully it'll be explained by the end of the mini-series. I'd give this a much higher score if it was just a one shot.

While the actual story in this issue isn't bad at all, I'm growing increasingly frustrated in lack of seeing or mentioning who were to be the main focal points of this entire series.

While I'm thrilled there's a new Spider-Woman series, perhaps my expectations were set too high. This book isn't terrible by any means but I want it to be great!! My hope is that after we get some stability with release schedules and Karla settles in, that this book will find it's groove.

This book continues to be a wild ride and has stayed true to itself thus far, and I'm totally fine with that. I love the recaps/editors notes that Karla uses. It adds depth to the story. And after this month's cliffhanger, I'm really curious to see what Karla has up her sleeve in issue 5!

In reviewing my first Star Wars comic I'm immediately thrown into the Star Wars Universe. It may not all make complete sense to me now, but I want to read and review more so that it does!

I've become even more immersed in the Star Wars universe, and despite a bit of lackluster art, I'm all in on this series!

Unless you're a die-hard fan of this series you'd be better off to skip this issue. Rather than being allowed to end well, this issue is clearly rushed as the "next" relaunch seems more important even though it doesn't start until January. What a shame.

Final Thoughts: For this reviewer, the story trumps all. And despite some art issues, the story rebounded nicely with a couple of very clever things that move the story forward. While all eyes are seemingly on the reboot, I'm holding out hope for a nice series finale.

After giving some previous issues some pretty low scores, I couldn't be happier with how this series ended. Greg Pak took a big chance with Star Wars canon and it worked wonderfully!

Despite a few minor issues in how I may have chosen to interpret this issue, Charles Soule has given us a fine introduction into this period of Star Wars history. It takes a lot of guts to write this period of Star Wars history, so I give him a lot of credit.

Charles Soule is becoming one of my favorite writers as he continues to surprise me with another great issue of Star Wars! No let down at all as far as I'm concerned. Soule clearly is a fan and takes pride and care in filling in this huge gap in the Star Wars universe.

This shared Star Wars universe that all the Star Wars books are in is quickly shaping up to be really good. All the books are off to really good starts, led here rightly so, by the flagship book. Do yourself a favor and check one or all of them out. I can't recommend them enough if you're a Star Wars fan.

The Star Wars flagship book does exactly as it should. It's leading the way for this rebooted comic line in both its writing and art. So, if you're not sure which of the four Star Wars books to get, you can't go wrong with this, the main book.

The Star Wars flagship title also continues to set the standard for all Star Wars books as far as top-notch stories! It continues to be one of my favorite books month after month.

As with the current Star Wars, and Vader comic, Bounty Hunters takes a huge gamble/risk in tackling the period of time that starts literally as soon as The Empire Strikes Back ends. Ethan Sacks does a masterful job of introducing our cast while planting the seeds of what looks to be a thrilling story. Why can't we get a double ship on the Star Wars books?!?!?

Greg Pak keeps the momentum going and throws in yet another surprise. Our revenge/vengeance quest has added another layer of depth and intrigue. This was a real page-turner!

Issue three of Darth Vader is my favorite issue of this series thus far. That's quite an accomplishment considering the long period of time between issues. While Pak could have stayed in the vastness of Star Wars history, he didn't. He picks up the story and moves it along with some familiar faces, vehicles, and locations for sure, but what he's added makes this an even better Star Wars experience.

While there are elements of this issue that are much too similar to previous ones, we do get some progression to the story, albeit with not one, but two shocking cliffhangers. One of which made this reviewer a bit sad. This series continues to impress with a solid study of one of the most popular villains in the history of, well anything.

Final Thoughts: Alyssa Wong has done a pretty darn good job of crafting a solo series that also perfectly fits in the very tight time frame in which it's set. Star Wars fans are some of the most finicky, jaded fans in all of fandom, but I'd be surprised if this debut gets very many complaints at all! As with all the other recently rebooted Star Wars books, I'm greatly looking forward to the next issue!

This issue and series are just plain fun. It's a perfect example of why I love comics. It's an escape to another world. I don't have to do any research to figure out what I've read. I can just sit down, read an issue, and pretend for just a little while at least that I'm in a galaxy far, far away! All the Star Wars books are really worth checking out too!!

While not without some flaws, I still am getting far more enjoyment from Dr. Aphra than I am some of the major books that Marvel is putting out. Yes, Empyre, I'm looking at you".. And while this issue may not as good as issue two, there's still plenty to enjoy. I'm still "all in" with this series. Check it out "folks". I think you'll enjoy it!!

While the premise of the team and the story are intriguing, the execution of this debut issue of this series is extremely lacking.

Now This what I was hoping for in a Strikeforce series! After a very slow start, issue two really hits the mark! Great character moments, with Jessica Drew stealing the show!

Issue two of Sword Master continues to build on the previous issue while throwing in a few BIG surprises. A solid start to an ongoing series. Looking forward to issue 3!

We get very little in the progression of both stories, but the art by Gunji ALMOST makes up for it. This book seems to be struggling with finding it's groove.

This issue really seems to have hit its's stride. We get advancement to each story, some genuinely funny moments, all while maintaining the ever-present great art.

Tim Sheridan and company deliver a very nice debut issue. Not overly faced paced, not too action-heavy. Just about perfectly paced for this reviewer. It certainly has piqued my interest and will have me coming back to read if and how our new characters progress, and who the heck this version of Red X is?!

With one issue left we finally get Thanos being his own true self. I'm curious to see how Magus will factor in the finale.

Tynion and Guillem have crafted a wide-reaching story in scope and possibilities and I can't wait to read more. This is quickly reaching the top of my favorite DC ongoing books!

ART: The art continues to be way above average but not quite spectacular. The flashback scenes were very well done. A full-page spread of a car on a bridge with a Bat-Family member on top is my favorite art of the issue!

Ben Percy has created the perfect balance in this issue of flashback/data dump/present story to leave me % engaged and searching Marvel Unlimited for Weapon X stories! I can't wait for issue 10!!

In the ever-expanding list of the X book line, Wolverine continues to be a favorite of this reviewer. A roster page of two does me just fine with a well-written story and great art, and that's exactly what we get here. A page-turner for sure, issue 10 left me wanting more. Now I count down the days to issue 11.

Despite Wolverine's questionable choice in weapons, I enjoyed this issue very much. The vampire storyline is something I've been waiting to get back to for a long time! It'd be fine with me if we stuck with this story for a full arc!

As usual, we get a fantastic variant. This one courtesy of Mico Suayan.

Final Thoughts: There's a whole lot going on here. Unfortunately not much is all that good. I'll stick with this through the first arc, and hope that once this Mojoworld story ends that the nonsense will end too. But if I don't see a big improvement, very soon, X-Factor will be the first X-book I drop.

Final Thoughts: Leigh Williams has upped her game and written what will be a massive game-changer in the lives of mutants going forward. Actions now have actual meaningful and lasting consequences. And Leigh has also cemented in my mind what many already think. That being, who the biggest threat to mutants really is…

Whether you're a long-time X-men fan or a new reader this book is for you! It's easily accessible to newer readers even if you don't have access to the 90's issues! I'm really happy I gave this book a chance and look forward to the next issue!

X-Men Legends #2 is a fine "final" chapter of a tale decades in the making. The ending shocked me but in a way that left me feeling that while it is an ending to this chapter of the Summers family, it's an ending that shows they were all just pawns in a game, and were manipulated the entire time. A sad ending, but one that showed just what a bad dude Sinister really is. And while I'm sad this story is ending I am looking forward to the next installment of X-Men Legends and a new story!

ART:Dave Wachter does a great job of capturing the visual aesthetic of a comic almost 48 years old, but with a modern twist. This is by far my least favorite Wolverine costume ever, but it sure is drawn well! Logans facial expressions are also a highlight. We also get some fantastic variant covers from Todd Nauck and Dan Jurgens!