Alan Comic Reviews

With a positive message to deliver to the little one running around your house, A Reason to Smile is a terrific addition to the world of kids comics and I hope it gets the attention it deserves. With so much crazy in the world today, kids need to hear the positive messages contained in this book.

Age of Reptiles: Ancient Egyptian #3 continues to push the envelope with its unique approach to storytelling and is an enjoyable read whether you're just having a quick read or want to take your time with it. This series is like watching a documentary on the animal planet and dinosaur lovers of all ages should enjoy this issue.

Airboy #4 is a proper ending to one of the best comic stories I've read this year. In the span of four issues, James Robinson and Greg Hinkle found a creative way to reinvent a classic character and tell a story that revolves around an extremely intimate look into Robinson's life. Robinson's storytelling was engaging and funny, while Hinkle's artwork never missed a step through the series.

While you're putting together your future pull lists, add this one to the list for your kid. Now you guys can sit on the couch and read comics together!!!

Black Panther #1 is intelligently written, beautifully drawn & colored, and should be a welcome addition to the history of this legendary character. MUST READ

Final Verdict: If you loved the first issue (like I did), you will love Black Panther #2. I couldn't wait for this issue to finally release, and I feel the same about the next installment.

Coates, Stelfreeze and Martin continue to strengthen the legacy of the Black Panther, while educating readers on the history of Wakanda and it's people. Readers continue to prosper from the obvious care for detail and effort being put into this book. Whether you are a longtime Black Panther fan or just had your first taste in Marvel's Captain America: Civil War movie, you will enjoy exploring the nation he rules.

Shout-out to Coates for the gem he dropped on leadership and inspiration in the middle of the story…Respect…

Look, it's might not be the best story you ever read or art you ever see, but Bloodstrike #1 is FUN. This issue was a refreshing reminder of another era of comics for me. Fans of 90's Image comics and characters should definitely have a great time with this series. If you weren't a fan of Liefeld's before, don't even bother picking this one up. If you're new to Rob Liefeld or the characters he's created, give it a try. You might like it, you might not but it's worth a shot. I can't stress enough this is not for young kids. Don't leave this mixed in with your Gotham Academyand Ms. Marvel books.

Another strong issue from Bunn & Jones. If you are a fan of the Helheim series, you will continue to enjoy this series.

I hope the creative team keeps pushing forward with this title. There are some really cool ideas beginning here. There is room for improvement in both the story and the art, but from what I've read in the first issue, I have no reason to believe this won't get better going forward. For mature readers only, but if you want to get away from the mainstream for a second, hang out in limbo with Cabra Cini for a few pages.

This book feels flawed from the concept, and I think the story will suffer from it. Cage Hero #1 is not a strong start for a series that's only lasting 4 issues. If you are going to check this out, pick up the trade when the series has finished. There's no need to pick this one up in issues.

This book had a lot of buzz prior to release and deservedly so. Mark Millar has created some interesting stories over the years, and has breathing life into those stories on the big screen. After reading the opening issue of Chrononauts, I believe this series has the potential to be one of the best stories in the Millarworld family of titles. Time travel is nothing new, but the twists Millar puts on his story are really interesting. I also have to give him credit for picking artists that enhance the story he is trying to tell. Sean Murphy seems like a perfect fit for this book. Millar delivers a lot of details in this opening issue and Sean Murphy illustrates them beautifully. I'm really excited not only to see where the story goes, but to see Murphy's visual interpretations of destinations past.

Final Verdict: BUY, BUY, BUY..This book is terrific. It's very different from the last version of Daredevil, but it's great. I hope this creative team sticks together for the long haul on this title.

Final Verdict: It's not the most in-depth first issue you will ever read, but Death Head #1 could be the beginning of a great horror story. The creative team has cooked up a cast of interesting characters and a creepy ba

FINAL VERDICT: Dedication #5 has the feel of a “filler” issue in the middle of a long-published series, but it's only the fifth issue of a new series and when you're trying to bring in new readers, there's no time to waste on unnecessary dialogue and plot points. The shared universe approach Double Take has deployed is intriguing, but the creative team of Dedication #5 needs to take this book back to square one and reevaluate what it is they are trying to get across in their issues.

BUY THIS BOOK. The story gets off to a strong start and I guarantee after finishing the story you'll go back to revisit some of the wonderfully painted panels.

If you're reading the series, you should be pleased with this chapter of the story. If you are not reading this series, you should be.

Final Verdict: The Eyesight creative team is making comics their way, following their own rules. The story is strange, the art is odd, and it fits perfectly. Try something different. You might be surprised. Catch up at http://www.eyesightcomix.com/.

Final Verdict: Faith is the poster child for what caped heroes would be if they existed in our society today. Not everyone is built like Superman & Wonder Woman, and neither would real life heroes. But don't pick this book up because of that, pick it up because it's extremely well written and a fun read. Can't wait for the next issue!

With a strong creative team, good source material and a BEAUTIFUL color by David Mack, Fight Club 2 #1 is a must read.

Neither the story or artwork did much for me, even with the advertised enhancements. Besides the additional content in the back of the book, there isn't much I can recommend here.

I strongly suggest giving this one a try. The silent assassin finally has his own book and it looks to be an action packed ride.

Who doesn't like a good vampire story? There's a lot out there to choose from, but this story has earned my attention at least through the first arc.

In a market saturated with the big three of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, it's nice to see some other Justice Leaguer's grabbing a bit of the spotlight. Green Arrow #1 matches the quality of the Green Arrow: Rebirth one-shot and continues full steam ahead with a strong opening arc. Green Arrow is cool again. Check him out as he re-enters the spotlight.

When I first started the issue, I wasn't sure if I would make it all the way through. By the end of the issue, I was wishing for more pages. I've read the issue 5 times over now, and absolutely can't wait for the next installment. This is not your shiny, polished, traditional hero comic. This is a story with feeling, motivation and visuals that make you work for the payoff. Try something different"Try Heathen #1.

FINAL VERDICT: Home #5 is not a perfect comic by any stretch of the imagination, but there is enough there to cautiously keep an eye on the future of the book. Catch up on a future star in the making in Little Ms. Lisa!

I Hate Fairyland #1 is an ambitious new entry into the world of creator owned comics. It's refreshing to see a creator try something new like Skottie Young has done here. I recommend buying the book for the art alone, however, I caution this book is not for kids. Don't let the cute characters and bright colors trick you into letting your little girl get her hands on this one.

This is not the most in depth story I have ever read, but this first issue was a fun read, and has earned my attention throughout the remaining issues. It is accessible to readers of all ages, and i recommend you give it a try.

As much as I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the art even more. Doug Wheatley and Rain Beredo have created unique, eye catching pages for our entertainment. Wheatley'

Two issues in, the King Tiger series has earned my attention through it's conclusion. This is a strong issue that not only gives you great plot details, but some awesome action to wash it down with. I wanna see where this one goes.

If you are not reading this series, you are doing yourself a disservice. Pick it up NOW. If you are an existing fan, you already know what to expect from Lazarus #14.

Mystery Girl #1 looks like a fun new series. Let's hope the story Tobin and Alburquerque have in mind is interesting, and they continue to build on the character they are introducing.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. A great bad guy will do wonders for a story and Oxymoron in no exception. He's a motivated villain that falls somewhere between Heath Ledger's Joker and Mark Millar's Nemesis character. A great first issue filled with great art, Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #1 does it's best to earn your money this week. Buy it.

The creative team is firing on all cylinders, and Oxymoron: The Loveliest Nightmare #2 is a strong follow up to the terrific first issue they released. Never more have I wanted the bad guy to win, and I fully expect there are plenty of surprises to come before this one is over. Add this one to the collection.

FINAL VERDICT: If you're anything like me and prefer villains over heroes, this series is definitely for you. Oxymoron: The Lovliest Nightmare #4 is the proper send off this comic series deserved. PS…Hang around after the letters column for an after credits scene”.

Joey Esposito and Sean Von Gorman should be proud of the piece of work they have created here. Esposito's story is meaningful and engaging and Von Gorman's art fits perfect with the story. If you've ever had to deal with hard times, it shouldn't take you long to build a connection with the characters. I seriously recommend reading this book. If you like it, pass the word. Pawn Shop is a great story for non comic book readers as well and shows there is more to comics than capes and bat-a-rangs.

Final Verdict: Much like the overall series, I think this issue is going to be hit or miss. If you've enjoyed this title so far, you will probably enjoy the issue. Neither the story or art really called out to me this issue, but it did enough to keep me cautiously intrigued in the next installment.

If you are an existing fan of the Prophet universe, and enjoyed the first issue of Prophet: Strikefile, give this one a spin. There is a lot of information and backstory provided in this issue for the inhabitants of the Prophet universe. Unfortunately, I can't recommend this as a jumping in point for new readers. As fun as the art is in this issue, it doesn't make up for task of having to try and decipher the dialogue being presented. I read this issue 3 times over, and still felt as though I didn't have a full grasp of everything going on. It's all a bit much for a new reader to take in.

I could recommend this book on the art alone, however you also get a well written story to go along with it. I couldn't recommend this issue more.

Replica #1 has the feel of a comic with a lot of potential that just stumbled out of the gate.. Star Wars and Saga would be good comparisons to the type of world that Replica #1 wants to create, but it didn't take the time in this issue to lay the groundwork needed. It's only the first issue, and it was only 20 pages, so there is definitely an opportunity to right the ship. But if the storytelling and art approach do not change, I don't see a bright future for this comic. To sum things up, I would ask the creative team why I should read this book over a Star Wars or Saga. Whatever their answer may be is what I believe can make this story a success.

Final Verdict: Hopefully the creative team is able to effectively tell the story they have in mind over the remaining 5 issues. I'm not sure what that story is, and Satanic Hell #2 doesn't do much to change that.

The story Becky Cloonan presents in her opening issue is very “middle of the pack”. The story flows well, but doesn't do much to excite the reader. The same can be said about Andy Belanger's art. While he does a terrific job depicting the Southern Cross and it's travel through space, his character design doesn't do much to impress.

Final Verdict: If you are fan of the series, this is a must have. Or, if you know someone who is a fan, this would make a great gift. If you are new to the world of Mouse Guard, this book may get boring to you halfway through,but it's still worth alook.

This week Dark Horse Comics will be releasing The Art of Satoshi Kon. This beautiful 136 page hardcover captures everything from pin-ups to character designs from the late Manga artist/animator. If you are a fan of his work this is a must have, but any art fan will be able to appreciate the beautiful pieces included in this book. Check out a few images below, but get The Art of Satoshi Kon in your hands ASAP!

Quality storytelling. Great art. Definitely give this one a try.

Final Verdict: The Eighth Seal #1 may be the start to a great comic series, but I didn't see it. The bright spot is that if you find yourself enjoying the story, additional chapters can be found online and you don't have to wait for the next issue. I'm bowing out now, but best of luck to the creative team in future issues.

Final Verdict: Eric Powell delivers another great chapter to the Goon saga. If you like big action and don't mind a little violence in your comics, this is right up your alley.

FINAL VERDICT: If you followed the web comic as chapters were released and enjoyed the story, then this is a MUST HAVE. If you are an overall fan of this creative team, you won't be disappointed. If you didn't have a chance to read this one as it was coming out, this is the perfect way to get in on the party. I also think this story reads better as a collected version, so if this is your first go, you actually lucked out.

Overall, nothing about this issue made me want to pick up the next. This Damned Band #1 feels like a missed opportunity to grab readers and bring them along for the story Cornell and Parker are telling. Maybe this will read better collected as a trade, but I wouldn't recommend this title as something that needs to be followed in issues.

Give this one a try. Whether a new reader or existing Quantum & Woody fan, you'll have a fun time reading this story.

A lot of the installments are funny. Some are not. Some of the jokes are straight forward, and some are for those with a twisted sense of humor. Overall, I'd say this is a well done project. Each installment is only 2-4 panels and only takes a few seconds to read. You can breeze through a bunch during a train or bus ride to work, or you can read one at your desk every morning before getting your day started. Updates occur ever Monday, Wednesday and Friday over at www.sadsacks.ca.

You can't really ask for much more from an opening issue. Weird Detective #1 gives enough to draw you in while holding back enough to bring you back for the next installment. The writing is strong, the art is beautiful and I highly recommend seeking this title out during your next trip to your local comic shop. Dark Horse has a hit on their hands with this one.