Alexander Handziuk Comic Reviews

There is a moment in the issue where Aquaman asks how far off he is and in the case of this book, the answer is not that far. The fact of the matter is that the ingredients of a great book are all here but the execution is muddled and uninspired. That being said, the introduction of Black Manta as the formidable villain that he is, salvages what could have been a completely wasted issue.My advice to you fair reader, is to wait until the #1 Issue of Aquaman because Abnett and the rest of the team can do better and Aquaman as a rebirthed character, deserves better.

Fernando Ruiz literally kills it on art duties and his Archie house style really amps up the horror that goes on in this book. Had this series been drawn by a Marvel or DC artist then it wouldnt have the same disturbing feeling that it has with Ruiz on board. I have seen Ruizs art before and it has always been clear that he excels at drawing a comedic book. This issue however, cements Ruiz as a double threat as his rendering of a certain establishment owner getting his brains blown out is just as effective as his crossdressing Jughead. Seriously, go buy this book.

Batgirl #1 is a bold new direction for Batgirl, that succeeds with a blend of believable character moments, pop-style art and some wicked fight sequences. What's more, it makes great use of its setting and manages to make Japan as much of an important character as any in this book.

Batgirl And The Birds of Prey Rebirth Special #1 is a mediocre start to a promising series, that finds itself bogged down by the familiar over exposition that most of DCs rebirth specials have also been guilty of. There is potential in this series as the characters are intriguing, the action pieces are well rendered and the overall mystery of the new Oracle's Identity is an interesting one. If you're on the fence about this series after this special then waiting for the true #1 issue is something I'd recommend.

Overall, Batman #41 is a bold new start for what promises to be an exciting and mythos shattering story direction.

Five issues in and Tom King' and David Finch's Batman series reads very much like a highly skilled athlete who just can't seem to put it together in the Olympics. The book is a good looking one, with plenty of great ideas, but the execution and questionable characterization turn it from a potentially great book into a missed opportunity.

Batman #37 is a monumental issue, one that manages to capture the essence of the characters it features, while also remembering that superhero stories can and should be fun. If you're tired of the same old superhero slugfests or just want to read a fun and beautiful book, then I highly recommendpicking up this gem. I'd even consider bringing it up on your next date.

In an industry teaming with crossovers and tie ins it's nice to have a book that stands on its own and is accessible as this issue is. Whether you are a seasoned Bloodshot veteran or someone who has never read a Valiant Comic, Bloodshot #6 is a comic that demands to be read.

Unlike many other rebirth specials, Blue Beetle hits the ground running, setting a fun tone full of intriguing characters, bombastic visuals and great one liners. If this debut is any indication of the quality of this book going forward, then it's a good time to be a comic reader, regardless of whether you like the colour blue, or beetles.

Convergence #6 is a great comic book and it effectively breathes new life into the Convergence series. This is an issue that will leave you not just willing to buy the next issue but make you excited and properly psyched for the climactic ending that is hopefully coming.

The problem with Convergence is that on paper it had all of the components to make a fun and interesting series but the execution has been muddled as it has focused more on the destination than the journey and thinly has ultimately failed to capitalize on its great potential. That being said this weeks cliffhanger at least redeems the issue in the sense that it makes the reader want to return for the finale. If you've made it this far one more week is not going to kill you and who knows the journey might even lead to one heck of a destination.

The art by Fernando Melek is solid if unspectacular. he draws some really cool animal hybrids and is people are solid too. IF anything his art is waged down by the story and he really doesnt get any chance to fully shine.

Batman/Elmer Fudd #1 is a joy to read as Tom King manages to find a sweet spot between grit and goofiness, resulting is one of the most enjoyable crossovers I've ever read.

Death Head #1 is a standout horror issue that successfully follows the many tropes of horror while also introducing its own dark and terrifying twists. If you love horror or if sleepless nights are your idea of a fun time then give Death Head #1 a try. You wont regret it.

Detective Comics #940 is a masterful end to a great first arc as Tynion and Barrows come together cohesively to deliver an issue that is able to balk expectations and deliver a book full of emotionally rich moments. This is an issue that should not be missed, and a series that can't be ignored any longer. Seriously, go buy this book!!

God Country #4 is another spectacular issue and one that manages to be both simple yet packed with emotion. On one hand, it's a shame that the book only has a couple issues left, but on the other hand, if the conclusion is anything like the journey up till now, then it's going to be a grand finale.

Gwenpool Holiday Special: Merry Mix Up #1 is a fun if mixed bag collection of festive stories that vary in quality . While a couple of stories left me feeling cold, there are enough laughs inside the more than 60 page issue to warm even my frozen heart. If you enjoy seeing your favourite (or least favourite) Marvel characters reimagined in a wacky-holiday way then this may be the Holiday Special for you.

This issue does leave a lot more questions then it does answers. It's inconclusive whether this series will recapture the grandiose feel of the last character driven series, but it's a great start. Even if you haven't read the original Injustice run, I urge you to give this issue a chance as it's a great start to a promising series.

But words are only half of the equation of a successful comic book, and thankfully Clayton Henry delivers the other half with some gorgeous, lifelike art. He gives the book a real cinematic feel, and the explosions and character emotions look especially lifelike. I will say that my one quip with his work is the design for the villain on the last page, but seeing as this is just the first glimpse of her, I am hoping her design matures.

Overall, Issue #6 serves as a fitting conclusion to the first arc of the newly revamped Jughead series and it demonstrates that this book and its pointy nosed protagonist are in great (albeit funky) hands.

Nightwing #2 effectively establishes a new partner/mentor for Nightwing, but does so at the expense of Dick's defining features. While these questionable decisions may make sense in future issues, it causes this issue to feel rather flat.

Ninjak #3 is a good issue, and even though the main story isn't that interesting its made up for by the quality of the art and that of the various flashbacks.

Packs of The Lowcountry #1 is a book that will leave you with more questions than you had entering it and that is a great thing. The art is solid for the most part and the characters are believable and dynamic. If you are tired of the same old post apocalyptic storytelling or just love some scary looking werwolves, then Packs Of The Lowcountry #1 is the book for you.

Two issues in, John Dudley and Don Cardenas have revealed so much about the mysterious world of Packs of The Lowcountry and those who inhabit it. Thankfully all these reveals have been met equally by new mysteries and twists that make this series engaging and entertaining. If you liked issue one, or just enjoy quality, pulse pounding, genre bending comics, then Packs Of The Lowcountry #2 is the book for you.

These four separate eras are beautifully brought to life by Johnnie Christmass frenetic, yet crisp art. Every single page seeps with emotion and works synonymously with Wiebes story. All of the characters featured here are breathtaking, and Christmas really gives each person his own distinct look and feel. Also, and possibly most impressive, is how well presented moving liquid are, such as rain and blood. I would recommend Pisces #1 to anyone based solely on the artwork alone, but the fact that the story is on the same level as the art makes this comic something truly special.

Q2:The Return Of Quantum and Woody is a fun, 90's style book that delivers on its promise of classic Quantum and Woody action with a spin. It solidly continues the recent trend of excellence we've come to expect for Valiant while also going in its own very different direction.

Secret Empire #1 is a great start to the event, but one that is overshadowed by a lack of overall tension and outward factors. That being said Nick Spencer creates an engaging and harrowing Hydra led America, while also providing Steve Rogers with some of the finest characterization he's seen in years. I truly hope that this series doesn't end how I'm expecting it too, but even if it does, at least the journey will be an engaging one.

Suicide Squad Rebirth Special #1 is a mouthful to say but a great book to read as Williams and Tan make the squad engaging, without sacrificing pacing.It manages to sidestep the over exposition heavy trap that has befallen many Rebirth Special issues, and while this issue is light on the payoff, it sets this series up as a potential must read.

Superman is a character that is at his best when he is a beacon of hope and an inspiration to people he interacts with. Superman #2 achieves this for the most part with solid character moments and emotionally charged interactions. And while their are a few odd moments as well as a bit of lacklustre ending, this issue still effectively demonstrates that Superman is in great hands, under Tomasi and Gleason.

Superman #3 is another great relationship issue for this series, and the series is quickly becoming one of the standout Rebirth titles. Jorge Jimenez' dynamic art melds wonderfully with Tomasi and Gleasons' script and while the Krypton narrative is forgettable, the family dynamic more than makes up for it. If you're a fan of great Superman stories or are a fan of relationship charged books, then Superman #3 and this series as a whole is worth your while.

As much as this issue was a disappointment the last eight pages were a reminder of what this series can and has accomplished when it's a little more focused, and thankfully it's kicking off a new story arc next issue. I recommend you skip this one and come back in two weeks for Superman #26 which will hopefully be much, much better.

Teen Titans Rebirth #1 serves as a good introduction to the new titans team, but like many rebirth issues is a little lacking on the substance side.

The art by Ben Dewey is edgy yet crisp and he really captures the human side of these animals, while still retaining their animalistic ferocity.Seven Scars, a giant Bison like creature is masterfully drawn and the moment he appears on the page, he immediately draws the reader in through his intimidating and frightening appearance. All of the animal/humans look stunning and each one drawn is distinctly its own unique creature. There are as I said earlier an insane amount of animals featured throughout the forty pages and not once did I notice any that were misdrawn.As if the Deweys pencils weren't good enough, Jordie Bellaires inks are rich and blend especially well and her inks really meld well with the medieval world of Tooth and Claw.

Ultimately, the Shield #1 is a good debut issue, that successfully reinvigorates a 75 year old character with wit, vigour and a whole lot of badassery. If you're into dark superhero comics or are just interested in an easy jumping on point into the world of Dark Circle Comics, then The Shield #1 is definitely the book for you.

The art duties are filled out by one, Paolo Rivera, a familiar name to those who have been reading Daredevil recently. As much as Riveras work on Daredevil was great, his work on this issue is simply breathtaking. Rivera draws a crisp yet edgy Valiant Universe, which works superbly. His depiction of The Immortal Enemy, which The Eternal Warrior fights, is truly horrifying and causes the reader to both bask in the beautiful art and cower in fear at the same time.

I am running out of adjectives to describe Paolo Riveras art because he simply knocks it right out of the park seemingly every time he draws a book. He conveys the various characters emotions masterfully and really gives each one their own distinct personalities. His depiction of Mr. Flay is truly the stuff of nightmares and reading this series makes me want to see him on a purely horror esque book. Jeff Lemire also provides a few panels of art in the style of a children's book and as a fan of Vertigos Sweet Tooth, its really cool to see Lemire take up art duties again, if only for a couple of pages.

Above all, Trinity #1 manages to capture a sense of intimacy, as it begins to peel back the layers of DC's founding heroes in a loving and beautifully drawn way.

Gwenpool is not the book I thought it would be going into it and that's a glorious thing. It takes part of what makes Deadpool great and puts its own distinct spin on it, creating something truly special and hilarious. If you are interested in a book that is funny, features comic book fans and even a serious moment or two, then Unbelieveable Gwenpool #1 is a book you won't want to miss.

Pere Prez and Brian Level handle the art duties and they although they have different styles, they both fit well with the portion of the book which they draw. Prez draws the first few stories in this issue and his art is clean and crisp, and accentuates the comedy written by Siedall and Asmus. On another note he also draws a great Kim Jung Un. Levels art is visibly less clean and much darker. He draws the part of the book featuring Turkeyman and he draws him like a dark and gritty villain but since he is nothing like most super villains, this dark portrayal accentuates the comedy and really brings this aspect of the book to fever pitch levels.

Wacky Raceland #2 is a mess of a book, as it is full of unremarkable characters and helmed by a downright awful one. The art is solid for the most part, but is not enough to save this stinker. If you have any interest in buying this book I strongly urge you to reconsider, as you'll live a much happier life if you never read this book.

We Stand on Guard #2 is a great issue that successfully carries over the momentum from its debut issue by focusing on character interactions while providing some further world building. At this point any book that features the name Brian K. Vaughan on its cover is a must buy but add in Steve Skroches stellar art and a Canada, U.S invasion story and you have a book that you really should just throw all of your money at.

Wonder Woman #1 is a bit of disappointment for a debut issue, but only because the creative team is so strong. I would be shocked if this series did not pick up the stellar form that it showed in its Rebirth special, and this should be a series going forward that is a delight to read.

Wonder Woman #2 improves upon its' previous issue, with a balanced and revealing look at the separate lives of Diana and Steve, that also seems to bring them together in the end.

Wonder Woman Rebirth #1 is everything I didn't know I wanted from this issue, as it sidesteps big twists and action pieces in favour of characterization and accessibility. For any fans of Wonder Woman, or basically anyone who enjoys a well characterized, beautiful looking book, Wonder Woman #1 is well worth the buy.

Wonder Woman/ Conan #1 is a good start to a promising miniseries, that's held back slightly by a lack of emotional resonance. That being said the night's still young, the party's still kicking and the forecast looks promising.