Alexander Jones Comic Reviews

"20XX" #1 is a tense thriller that grows more intriguing as the issue progresses.

A.X.E. Avengers #1 utilizes a tie-in issue setting to explore Tony Stark's newest mistakes.

"Action Comics" #993 is crass and absurd but the nostalgic attitude and artwork make for an engaging read.

"Action Comics" #1004 boasts an honest interpretation of Lois and Clark's relationship and beautiful illustration work.

"Action Comics" #1012 enriches "Event Leviathan" with minor details and a spooky tone.

Action Comics #1055 is loaded with fascinating content that fleshes out the world of Metropolis vividly in the Dawn of DC era.

Deadpool Annual #1 carries a fascinating message beneath the cringe-laden, surface-level Deadpool humor.

"Adventureman" #2 is a well-written and drawn superhero adventure story that is pleasant but derivative.

Adventureman: Ghost Lights #1 melds strong visuals and characters with a forgettable plot.

Taylor and Henry examine the complicated morality of the "Injustice: Gods Amongs us property in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5.

"Adventures of the Super Sons" #1 bears an excellent tone and cheesy villains.

Age Of Conan: Blit #1 is a surprisingly beautiful depiction of Blit's fractured mind.

With an incredibly familiar story Age Of Ultron has a lot to prove in the next few issues.

I would give the issue a BUY for being so ambitious and endearing with the plot and concept. Marvel should be willing to experiment with established characters like this on a more consistent basis.

"Age of X-Man: Nextgen" #2 is a welcomed turning point for the formulaic Age of X-Man crossovers.

McGuire and Frigeri present a slightly unlikable and derivative alternate version of a fan-favorite mutant in Age of X-Man: The Amazing Nightcrawler #1. Seeing the narrative bring nothing new to the character marked a definitive low point for the crossover this far. Frigeri's art is lacking in polish. Nightcrawler's life feels eerily similar to the regular version of him due to the fact that his real life are famous in their own right.

"Age of X-Man: The Marvelous X-Men" #1 brings an unsettling level of intrigue and paranoia to the 'Age of X-Man' crossover.

The newest installment of "All-New Guardians of the Galaxy" offers readers a deeper look into the tortured mind of Drax the Destroyer.

Cyclops escaping from prison so soon is a jarring transition, but if he indeed is serving as the antagonist for the book then Bendis indeed has a lot to play with. The two new mutants introduced are also endearing. The ending of the comic, which features the original X-Men being sucked out of time makes for an interesting dynamic between characters. Fortunately we need only wait a few weeks for the continuation of the story. Overall this is an incredibly solid issue even if it offers little in the way of surprise.

The content of the comic while wordy is still fantastic. The classic X-Men are very naive and scared. The notion of innocence being swept away into the future is great. Examining the ramifications on Wolverine and seeing him being put to sleep like commonplace dog is a shining moment in the script. The two Icemen also have a scene stealing moment when they look into each others eyes. The classic X-Men also think that Utopia is heaven itself. Then they steal a Quinjet and are whisked away into another adventure. With the impending doom that is present day Cyclops next issue and the fun to be had in this issue as well this series is highly recommended.

In spite of that fact this issue is simply great. Emma Frost arguing with Cyclops about her stance on the state of things in the Marvel Universe is enchanting. Magneto finding the true intentions within a lying Cyclops is also a deep introspective and engaging character moment. Another incredibly smart idea is enhancing the mutations for all of the X-Men in general. Even though an X-Men may not believe this, it is an inherent fact that a power or mutation would be an extent of an individuals personality. During an interview Bendis stated that regardless of what people think when going through a drastic change in your life your appearance changes along with you. Knowing the costumes of the Cyclops team of X-Men will soon change seems incredibly appropriate. The present and future are finally looking bright for readers of X-Men this title is every bit as exciting as we could have hoped for. Although for the X-Men themselves dark times lie ahead.

Once again the gorgeous visuals that Immonen renders only turns the comic into a truer work of art. All New X-Men is a can't miss title for any fan of the current Marvel Universe.

Then to top off this spectacular issue the audience is treated to the return of Mystique and the Raven in possible a more intimate manner. This story angle is touched on in the cover to next months issue of the title. With Marquez staying on art and Bendis staying on scripting duties for this marvelous comic readers have nothing to worry about anytime soon.

All-Out Avengers #1 is a good idea with poor execution.

The supporting cast gets a nice moment to shine here and in many cases those parts are the strength of the issue. Mary Jane has fun bouncy dialogue and has opened a new nightclub. Aunt May is suffering from minor health issues. The conversation piece of the issue itself lies in the end. Spider-man emerged from the previous story arc scathed. Spidey has been possessed by the mind of Otto Octavious. Which changes virtually everything and explains why the arms play such a prevalent role on the covers to upcoming issues of The Amazing Spider-man. While the cliffhanger is a new spin on the series it is hard to imagine that Spider-man will be possessed by Doctor Octopus for much longer. The only thing true believers can do at this point is speculate and wait for the next issue.

One of the more somber scenes of the book was seeing the Lizard. While he claimed to be healed Connors decided to stay in prison to protect the people he loves. Another incredible tense scene was waiting for the villains to break Spidey out of prison. Slott has some great moments in this issue and the wait for Spider-Man 700 is almost unbearable. It is only a few weeks till The Amazing Spider-Man 700 and The Superior Spider-Man. Spidey fans need not wait much longer.

There is a reason that Dan Slott the current writer of Amazing Spider-Man has received death threats from fans. Fans that have been following the title for the last few issues could have seen this issue coming. Therefore what particularly matters at the end of the day is the execution of Amazing Spider-Man 700. Unfortunately this is where the issue falters. Humberto Ramos is not doing Spider-Man any favors. Ramos makes the issue forgettable dry and dull. Slott's script is not up to par either.

Despite falling into the same potholes as previous installments, "Amazing Spider-Man" #30 is the best single issue of the comic in years thanks to Slott's deft writing and Immonen's slick and vivid art.

To put it simply, Amazing Spider-Man #789 is inspired work from each member of the full creative team.

It isn't like every issue of the comic needs to be incredibly exciting but this felt particularly dull to my eyes. The art just wasn't up to normal standards for Immonen either.

I think bad is probably too harsh for the entry, but mediocre seems like a fair assessment. I would say unless you are heavily invested in The Amazing Spider-Man #800 this comic embodies the attributes to make it a SKIP.

Brown and Ahmed mine interesting story content from an infamous moment in the past via Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1.

"Amazing Spider-Man" #30 brings out elements of Peter Parker's personal life to deliver a formidable tie-in story.

The Amazing Spider-Man #93 successfully closes the 'Beyond' era of Spidey and starts to hype upcoming plot beats with grace.

The dull script and artwork for "Angel" #1 lack the charm of the beloved television series and sister title.

"Angel" #1 is a confident opener to the new era of a franchise that has room to grow in terms of tone.

"Annihilation " Scourge: Fantastic Four" #1 is a forgettable Annihilation one-shot that serves its purpose by bringing the Fantastic Four into the cosmic story.

Continued below(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Final Verdict: 8.5 " “Aquaman” #44 pays off huge questions while enriching the mystery of Arthur's new status quo.

"Aquaman #49" provides the subtext that will carry the title to a climactic anniversary issue.

"Aquaman: The Becoming" #1 is finally able to identify a place in DC's current continuity for Jackson Hyde.

Final Verdict: 5.4 " ""Aquamen" #1 struggles to find focus between the dual protagonists.

Waid and Woods continue to craft a series that is truly for all-ages in the newest issue of "Archie".

"Archie" delivers a good story marred by small blemishes and a lack of ambition in the series' 19th installment.

"Archie" #701 does a great job exploring Archie's post-summer break status quo.

"Archie" #706 recaps the most recent Riverdale Summer with an emphasis on a secret romance.

"Archie 1941" #1 is a modest and sobering representation of the early days of Archie Andrews.

"Ash Vs. The Army of Darkness" #1 finds a brand new aspect of Ash Williams' personality and style while delivering the hits even if it is a little light on the chainsaw hands.

Astonishing Iceman #2 expands on Bobby Drake's relationships and teases the grand return of Orchis!

"Astonishing X-Men Annual" #1 is loaded with great visuals and fascinating characterization.

"Astonishing X-Men" #2 is a wild journey into the astral plane worthy of the "WTF" cover.

"Astonishing X-Men" #5 will keep readers guessing until the final page and hits an emotional high with both of the dual storylines"what else can you ask from a serialized comic book?

The rest of the issue centers on a meeting between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers discussing the future of the Avengers. It is a flashback to the past and a tried and true concept of putting a huge team together. While issues like this frustrate some the motivation of each character joining the Avengers should be appreciated. Something that will interest most readers is the strange elusive Avengers machine in which the characters spoke of. A clever reader might refer back to this specific arc of Avengers being called Avengers world and wonder if the Avengers machine ties into the idea or story arc. While many fun character moments are had this issue slowed things down a bit and smelled the roses of the first issue. However there is no need to worry until next month. For now enjoy this era of Avengers written and drawn by forward thinking people.

You should take a look at this issue on Marvel Unlimited or at your shop for the wonderful talent of Sean Izaakse.

Waid and Mundo tell a solid one-off story with The Mighty Thor before settling into Secret Empire insanity in Avengers #9!

"Avengers" #11 is full of complex character dynamics and an undying enthusiasm for the mundane.

Avengers #675 may not be the most exciting debut ever but this is an interesting experiment Marvel is taking with the Avengers franchise and I'm excited to see where the publisher could be going next.

Avengers #676 through a ton of plot into the ether and took some big changes"don't miss this one!

"Avengers" #677 is a focused comic providing additional beats with Quicksilver while retaining forward momentum from past issues.

I think this issue is coming from the right place. I think it does the right things and I'm willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and a light BUY mainly because the ending was executed perfectly.

"Avengers" #690 is a charmingly intimate, yet large-scale sendoff for the bulk of the cast up making the weekly 'No Surrender' storyline.

"Avengers" #9 is an fine prelude to a new direction for the franchise.

"Avengers" #21 is an enjoyable, character-focused diversion and a great place to jump onto Aaron's run.

Avengers #22 lays the groundwork for an entertaining story but doesn't deliver any payoff for the past year of Avengers-centric Ghost Rider stories.

"Avengers" #25 has good intentions and plotting but falters in execution and humor undercutting the emotional core premise.

I think you can safely tuck this one under the welcome mat and serve your Trick-or-Treaters some real candy.

"Avengers Assemble Alpha #1 is a monotonous, decompressed kick-off to an important Avengers story.

Final Verdict: 9.0 " “Avengers Forever” #2 offers a dizzying Avengers revelation that evokes the greatness of the original series!

Avengers Standoff is great fun. Pick up this issue and continue reading the Marvel books you've already been reading that are involved in the crossover.

If you missed the middle like me, have no fear and jump in" this is just like the ending of a major Marvel Cinematic Universe film" it reads slick and looks pretty.

The most disappointing thing about this issue is Adam Kubert's pencils. They are very inconsistent. Some scenes flash true greatness such as the scenes with Scarlet Witch and Hope have great facial expressions. Some are just lacking like the scene with Cyclops in jail. This finish is exactly what we needed. It houses a few twists and interesting revelations and leaves the Marvel Universe in an interesting place for Marvel Now.

Huge Avengers fans will not be disappointed by this frenetic sequel series supplanting a sophomore slump!

"Avengers No Road Home" #8 is a bland middle chapter of the weekly event series.

Avengers: No Road Home #10 is a solid conclusion to a mini-series that underwhelmed.

"Batman" #54 is an impressive and emotional exploration into one of the most overlooked aspects of the relationships between Bruce and Dick.

"Batman" #88 comes out of the shadow of the previous run and proves that Tynion and March can collaborate exceptionally well on DC's flagship series.

"Batman" #99 is a solid issue of Batman with the promise of something greater on the horizon.

When a comic book truly utilizes the medium a masterpiece like Batman and Robin #18 is created. For any writer to evoke a sense of loss this devastating is truly incredible. A perfect score is awarded to the best collaboration between Tomasi and Gleason on a Batman title.

"Batman and the Outsiders" Annual #1 adds more context to the relationship between Tatsu and Jefferson but doesn't rise above a dull premise and art direction.

Batman vs. Robin #3 hosts beautiful artwork and contrived plot beats.

"Batman Prelude To The Wedding: Robin Vs Ra's Al Ghul" #1 adds the context for the Selina and Damian relationship missing from the "Batman" ongoing series.

"Batman: The Detective" #1 finds an intriguing direction for a different kind of Batman.

"Batman: The Red Death" #1 is a fun Elseworld's style story presenting an interesting solution when everything in Batman's world goes horribly wrong.

"Batman: White Knight" #1 has a twisted sense of ambition and beautiful art but spins an underwhelming narrative.

Final Verdict: 7.9 " “The Batman's Grave” #1 establishes a strong tone and murder case with an inspired visual direction.

"Battlestar Galactica vs. Battlestar Galactica" #1 packs a strong script but doesn't live up to the potential baked into the premise.

"Batwoman" #17 picks up the pacing of the series and introduces readers to a fan-favorite DC antagonist.

"Beasts of Burden: The Presence of Others, Part One" reintroduces the concept of the series with grace and throws in a few creatures that go bump in the night.

"Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men" #1 is a solid reintroduction to the cast which also happens to feature phenomenal illustration work.

Ben Reilly's newest solo series is one of the weakest Marvel debuts I've read in recent memory. Reilly's characterization is unflattering while being both generic and boring.

"Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 gives Betsy a focused series that her character needed all along.

"Bishop: War College #1 utilizes remixed elements of mutant continuity to tell a thrilling new X-Men tale.

"Bitter Root" #2 expertly follows-up on the cliffhanger from the debut to widen the scope of the story.

Final Verdict: 7.8 " "Bitter Root Red Summer Special" #1 explores short stories relating to the property with ambitious new artistic directions.

Black Bolt #1 is an exciting new start to a book bursting with lots of untapped potential.

Ward's fully realized insane locales paired with his great facial expressions and composition of the page continues to put me in awe of what this book has achieved with characters so few creators can get right. Black Bolt is so complex and beautiful but every month when I read it, it seems so effortless. Don't make the same mistake I did and miss out on one of the best comics currently published at Marvel!

Much like the recent Hercules, this ongoing may need the reader to get invested before they can see the heart at Black Knights's center.

"Black Magick" #7 is a back-to-basics issue of the series catching readers up to the series' supporting cast while promising some big moments in the near future.

"Black Magick" #14 is subtle and haunting.

I enjoyed the fact his story mixed up those elements and brought out those ideas but was disappointed in how sort of pedestrian it was. Something I wasn't disappointed in was how each artistic contribution brought something wholly unique and different here. Daniel Acuna's work was majestic and wonderful while Perkins was able to really dig into the finer aspects of Priest's script and Lashley brought out the regal elements of T'Challa in his contributions.

In the tradition of writers like Jason Aaron, Roy Thomas, Don McGregor, Stan Lee, Reginald Hudlin, Jonathan Hickman and Christopher Priest, Coates is able to channel that classic voice of T'Challa and further expand his world in an exciting and unique within this brand new story arc.

This is a great issue of Black Panther, and while we don't see the hero appear until the end, we know that all the time leading up to clash between Klaw and BP will be worth the set-up. Klaw's collected sociopathy is tangible from the first panel, and though there isn't catharsis to his deeds in this issue, I sense that something truly special will happen in upcoming weeks.

Coates definitely won me over here and showed me what he has learned about comics since he started writing at Marvel. Acuna is a great choice for the issue making the title a BUY for me. This is how you craft a good debut script.

"Black Panther #7 transcends familiar storytelling tropes with thrilling elements of espionage.

Black Panther & The Crew is an interesting look at Misty Knight and the Marvel Universe's take on Harlem that doesn't stand out in a crowded market.

Add to the pull box. This is what comics are supposed to be.

"Britannia: Who are About to Die #1" is massive leap forward for the quality of the overall series.

"Buffy" #5 keeps the narrative interesting while the title gears up for an emotional climax.

The elegant interior art and stark script of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" #13 achieve beauty.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" #15 is a passable issue that feels like it is on the cusp of transitioning into a bold comic book again.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Faith" #1 is a clever reinvention of one of the most interesting Buffy characters with solid writing and artwork.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow" #3 carries the subtext and magic to make the setting of Abhainn finally seem interesting.

Bullseye almost nails the landing with a solid, but not perfect debut issue.

There's an unprecedented level of fun in Cable #1 that calls for your attention!

"Captain America" #697 slightly mixes up the tone and pace of the book for a more immediate story filled with danger and fantastic artwork!

The main story was fantastic and hit the right emotional beats for me but reading the backup and being disappointed upon closing the issue is definitely not the emotion the comic was trying to elicit from me.

"Captain America" #703 is a heartbreaking look at the terrifying quest for Jack Rogers embarks on to save his son.

"Captain America" #4 carries fast, fluid fight scenes and the series' best script to date.

Captain America #8 is building towards what could potentially be a fascinating plot development but has not yet achieved greatness.

The ghosts of Steve's past return in "Captain America #1!

"Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #9 is a clever issue that distorts the reality of Captain America to deliver one of the most fascinating issues of the series to-date!

"Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #11 concludes a decisive battle and teases an upcoming crossover story with enthusiasm.

The bottom line is that this book is wonderfully crafted with some of the best, most heartfelt flashbacks to Steve's childhood that I have ever read. Spencer has established some really interesting ground to move and shake around Rogers' character and while I can't wait to see what happens next, the author must proceed with caution and add plenty of new layers and aspects of this series to really flesh things out.

"Captain America: Steve Rogers" #15 is an essential piece in Secret Empire that pays off a huge plot thread of the series and features stunning work from Guinaldo, Pina and Spencer.

"Captain America #0 is an underwhelming first taste of two important upcoming Marvel comics.

"Carnage #2 begins subverting character tropes to tease curious plot developments.

Carnage #1 is an impressive debut that finds a compelling hook for its protagonist.

With the most focused and concise issue to date, "Cave Carson Has An Interstellar Eye" #1 has reached an unprecedented level of quality.

Whitley's dialogue heavy script makes Champions #1.MU a snore while Brandt and Stein feel like they are developing an interesting style.

The pieces of this title are all interesting, but the characters are so similar in their dialogue that they start to drown each other out, making this an even bigger disappointment than it would have been otherwise.

A strong creative team continues to implement a unique vision to DC's "City Boy #3.

City Boy #5 evokes nuanced characterization for Swamp Thing and Cameron Kim.

Civil War II #0 is a really nice issue full of sweet and interesting character moments" if Bendis can add just enough plot to the proceedings, readers will be in for a treat in the months to come.

There's plenty of other exciting things going at Marvel and big, exciting new books to enjoy to be overly disappointed in this finale, read on!

Do. Not. Miss. The Marvel Universe is paying off a HUGE storyline in this issue!

"Conan The Barbarian" #2 lends the title hero a strong sense of characterization and vivid artwork.

Cates and Burnett's Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 gives the fan-favorite hero his time in the spotlight!

"Cosmic Ghost Rider" #2 is another wonderfully absurd entry into the series.

"Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 has a great sense of humor and finally pushes the plot of the series forward.

This comic has me really worried about the future of Cosmic Ghost Rider and I hope we don't get overexposed to the character.

"Cover" #1's gorgeous artwork and strange sense of humor make the title a wonderful addition to Jinxworld!

"Cover" #6 is a poignant finale to a wonderful mini-series.

The debut of the 'The Seventh Day' lives up to the epic title as Charles Soule finally plays some of his best hidden cards.

Soule and Laming introduce readers into some bleak, introspective territory in "Daredevil" #18, calling on the very core of the blind lawyer.

Final Verdict: 8.4 " “Daredevil” #25 continues to spin a wild new status quo shift directly into the ongoing series and maps out the next phase of the title.

"Daredevil" #27 pushes the story surrounding Blindspot to a tense, nail-biting pressure point further instilling the book's strong sense of tone.

Daredevil #595 stumbles and takes a couple of bombastic leaps of logic in the new storyline which still features fantastic art and the classic current vibe of the book.

"Daredevil" #601 is a fantastic introduction to the new status quo of Matt Murdock's life as the mayor of New York City.

For a story that had a tough job at making some kind of finality and last statement on the character in a really short amount of time, Soule did an excellent job pulling the rug out from underneath readers at the last minute.

A hum-drum holiday turns into a compelling case of body horror for Marvel's First Family.

"Daredevil" #31 is a frustrating, unfocused issue with vivid art.

"Daredevil: Woman Without Fear" #1 feels more like a derivative Daredevil issue rather than a special event tie-in story.

The morose script and art of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #3 captures the promise of a dark event storyline.

"Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League Superman" #1 pushes the Aquaman franchise forward but stumbles to characterize Superman properly.

"Dark Days: The Forge" #1 asks the right questions and doesn't give away too much.

"Dark Nights: Death Metal" #4 is an apocalyptic issue that combines several plot threads together to craft a new direction for the event.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Multiverse's End" #1 is a wild, Multiverse-spanning ride that loses focus.

Unlike the disappointing first installment of the title, "Dark Nights: Metal" #2 starts to push the plot of the series forward while introducing both comedic and horror elements of the tale to the forefront.

Dark Web: X-Men #3 offers an unexpected resolution for a key piece of Marvel's Dark Web crossover.

"The Darkhold: Blade" #1 is a creative tie-in issue lacking in execution.

The "Suicide Squad/Banana Splits Annual" #1's wild, irreverent tone will demand your attention thanks to the beautiful art and surreal writing.

"Super Sons/Dynomutt and Blue Falcon Special" #1 is equal parts heart-wrenching and horrifying yet always fascinating!

"DC Nuclear Winter Special" #1's strong framing device and obscure characters are more than the sum of their parts.

While "Dead Kings" #1 carries an interesting personality, the script fails to make a strong first impression.

My once a year obligation to reading a Deadpool #1 has been fulfilled.

So, while I was disappointed with what I view as wasted potential for a first issue, I'm looking forward to see how Deadpool dispatches our favorite heroes in the weeks to come.

This issue contains a flair courtesy of Henderson, but Logan and Deadpool's interactions need to have more weight if their conflicts going forward are to have an effect on readers.

I just assumed this concept would aggravate me, yet Deadpool the Duck made me a believer.

"Death of Hawkman" #6 ratchets up the tension of the series, paying off the journey of previous issues with a deadly conclusion.

This is a great new Inhumans mini-series.

"Death or Glory" #2 starts the build-up towards a deadly confrontation and continues to feature excellent artwork.

"Deathstroke Annual" #1 plays off Deathstroke's corruption of character and explores how he has damaged those surrounding him.

"Deathstroke" #20 executes the first steps of a new status quo and paints a bleak picture of the Wilson family along the way.

Final Verdict: 8.5 " “Deathstroke” #25 is an anniversary issue loaded with fascinating story elements and action that make the issue and series prove why this milestone has been earned.

"Deathstroke" #44 melds recent DC continuity with the irreverent and bleak tone of past installments with great effect.

Even though Fraction's run on Defenders is an underappreciated gem it is not one to be missed by anybody. Do yourself a favor and read this series.

Despite stellar work from David Marquez, "Defenders" #2 is out of touch with the individual personalities of Marvel's Netflix heroes.

Overall, this is a solid beginning of a new Deadpool storyline. But there isn't anything here that would turn new readers into believers; it's tried and true Deadpool.

While I may be turned off from some of the more juvenile aspects of the book, there is a stronger than needed story here that will please longtime fans and tickle their funny bones with violent glee. Thanks for the laffs, Gerry!

Browse. Tynion seems almost ready to pump the gas towards a big conflict with the current League of Shadows storyline.

"Detective Comics" #967 continues to evoke an emotional high for the series other comics can only dream of.

All the dominoes are falling into place in the pages of "Detective Comics" #978.

"Detective Comics" #983 is a slightly derivative start to a brand new era of "Detective Comics."

"Dial H for Hero" #5 continues to utilize the history of the DC Universe to tell a thrilling new story about the timeless H-Dial.

"Dick Tracy Forever" #1 is an expertly written and drawn adventure into the world of a noir icon.

"Die" #1 ends shortly after establishing the premise for the series offering little payoff and lots of setup.

Wilson and Gill find a new way to establish Shadowman in the Valiant Universe as Kindt and Ryp get the chance to haunt your dreams.

"Do a Powerbomb" #1 is a gorgeous but rushed opening issue.

I'm not sure why Monsters Unleashed hasn't applied this comics' fun and frenetic action to the overly-serious main series.

I really like Waid's direction and Saiz's artwork, but I hope the team establishes a strong supporting cast and a more compelling emotional hook in the issues to come.

"Doctor Strange" #10 is a wonderful celebration of the hero worthy of the milestone numbering placed on the cover.

Doctor Strange #2 tells an intriguing, self-contained story featuring Moon Knight!

Doctor Strange #3 is a subtle issue that avoids cliches with nuanced plot threads.

Despite troubled art, "Doctor Strange: Damnation" #3 is a fun chapter providing plenty of insight into Marvel's resident oddballs.

"Dr. Strange Damnation" #4 is a formidable finale to one of Marvel's more risky and condensed crossover series!

"Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor: Year Two" #1 packs a clever script and elegant pencils into a non-linear script.

Even with good intentions and great energy, Domino doesn't shine above the rest of Marvel's crowded roster of titles.

Marvel's "Doom #1 features beautiful artwork with a narrative keeping readers at arm's length from it's title character.

Doom Patrol #5 continues the wonder and charm this series evoked since the first issue!

"Doom Patrol" #7 is a strong change of pace giving readers a chance to breath in a done-in-one issue featuring the indelible Michael and Laura Allred!

"Doom Patrol" #12 is a touching final chapter to the series that may not deliver everything fans were looking for.

This issue isn't unlikely to offend anyone, but I don't necessarily know who this is aimed at, either. Even fans of CM Punk may not find enough nuance to get interested in the adventures of Drax.

"Electric Warriors" #2 is loaded with pulse-pounding fight scenes and intriguing intergalactic drama.

Elektra #1 steals the show thanks to Owens' tortured script and Cabal's lovely art.

"Empyre" #1 is an intriguing but methodical start to an important Marvel storyline.

"Empyre #0: Avengers" loses sight of being a good comic in order to give readers an in-depth recap of key "Avengers" stories.

Final Verdict: 9.5 " “Eternals” #1 masterfully ressurects a dormant Marvel franchise bursting with potential.

"Eternals #11 gracefully ignites the flames of Judgment Day!

"Eternals: The Heretic #1 enriches the main story with additional context and vivid art.

laden premise but still carries a mysterious personality.

"Excalibur" #6 is an evolution of the work that brings significant change to core characters and the overall story for the better.

"Excalibur" #10 is a visually stunning reintroduction to the comic with an ambitious but flawed script.

"Excalibur" #14's slow pacing muddles the script's solid character beats.

"Extermination" #4 is a solid superhero title and evolution for the X-Men despite a few contrived story beats.

If you're looking for all the answers to your continuity problems, search elsewhere. If you are invested in the X-Men as a whole, this series is worth a look. The comic is probably not where new readers should be advised to start, either.

"Faith's Winter Wonderland Special" #1 is a festive look into Faith's solo adventures which should please old and new readers alike.

"Fall of the House of X #4 has a moment for every X-Men fan.

"Fallen Angels" #1 is unable to achieve the greatness of the premise and creative team.

I think right now this is essentially Fantastic Four Rebirth and right where these characters need to be at the moment. This issue was adequately grounded for me and had all the feels.

Fantastic Four #2 feels like a first issue and does an excellent job introducing each member of the cast and filling the issue with an unabashed sense of delight. From every conceivable metric of quality, Fantastic Four #2 is excellent.

"Fantastic Four" #3's emotionally potent script is made all the better thanks to the issue's gorgeous artwork.

Fantastic Four #5 is everything you wanted it to be and more thanks to the stellar artwork and scripting.

"Fantastic Four" #13 is a heart-warming and action-packed new installment of the series.

"Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha" #1 is a confident start for a packed storyline tasked with fusing so disparate cosmic plot threads together.

"Far Sector" #3 gracefully executes an ambitious premise through clear artwork and scripting.

Fans who are devoted to the Avengers property could find a lot to like here. The odd script in the first segment is as dull as the artwork in the second. Each half of the issue has a glaring flaw. I still enjoyed my time with the issue because of the really crazy ideas but hardly find this chapter essential.

You can SKIP this entirely. Marvel's Free Comic Book Day offerings are underwhelming. The issue is too silly in one section and too bleak in the other.

Thanks to a solid script and good artwork, "Firefly" #1 is a solid return to comics for the beloved television series.

"Firefly: Brand New Verse" #1 expands the world of a beloved property in a whole new context.

"First Strike" #1 is a cluttered reintroduction to the sprawling Hasbro Shared Universe.

"The Flash Annual" #2's heavy references to previous continuity will reward longtime Flash readers but may alienate new fans.

For devoted DC Comics readers "The Flash" #46 is a delightfully dense continuity paradox centered around Wally West.

"The Flash" #48 is a heartfelt next chapter into the 'Flash War' storyline with a powerful finale.

"The Flash #73" is a frenetic comic book that fills in some of the gruesome details behind Barry Allen's first days as The Flash.

"The Flash" #776 dissects the entire medium of comics with a powerful collaboration.

The Flash #784 utilizes the best aspects of the entire Flash franchise to tell a strong story.

Flashpoint Beyond #2 continues exploring a dark and violent world from DC's past.

"Future State: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman" #2 contains beautiful art alongside a generic script and strong ending.

Mark Russell and Steve Pugh draw satire out of modern politics to show off Superman's compassion in "Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex" #1.

There's potential in this troubled debut.

Christina Strain and Amilcar Pinna bring the fun and the weird back into the X-Men with their new take on Generation X and the Xavier Institute for mutants who can't do powers good.

"Generation X" #3 promotes a new team of X-Men to the forefront!

"Generation X" #8 brings equal parts weird, X-Men and drama to hold the book together as one of the most delightful series to emerge from the ResurrXion.

The penultimate chapter of "Generation X" #86 is also the series' finest installment yet!

Generations: The Marvels #1 has beautiful art and teases an incredible premise but doesn't have the pages or concentration to follow-through on the big ideas.

Generations: The Archers #1 is a success in displaying the vitality of the Generations concept.

I think for a Generations title this does everything it needs to. I would give the comic a solid buy. This issue is a great place for someone with a passing interest in the X-Men to really get in touch with what is currently going on in Jean Grey's life while getting the chance to touch on an old favorite version of the character. When you wrap the package up in R.B. Silva and Rachelle Rosenberg line-art and colors I am a happy Marvel fan.

Everything about this issue was wonderful from the emotional stakes to the relationship quickly established between the two characters. Going forward Generations must live up to the strong level of quality established by this installment. Knowing the next chapter in the story is centered my favorite ongoing in the Marvel Universe makes me all the more excited.

From my vantage point this is everything you could ask for in a tie-in crossover. There is solid writing and art and a hokey premise tailored to an event like War of the Realms.

"Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex" #1 unearths a few decades in the life of a mutant thief.

If you can overlook a cluttered script, the art and personality of "Gotham City Monsters" #5 is intriguing.

DC's latest chapter of "Green Arrow #3 starts answering questions about the mysterious status quo of Oliver Queen!

The Green Lantern franchise has continued to evolve into something rife with potential and incredible. Geoff Johns along with writers Pete Tomasi and Tony Bedard have made this side of the Green Lantern universe endlessly exciting. Artist Doug Mahnke has crafted very unique imagery that will stick with the franchise in this next evolution and for years to come

This issue of Green Lantern was very effective in setting up the endgame of the series and still remaining interesting.

"The Green Lantern" #3 is a weird, wild and wonderful exploration Hal Jordan's morality.

"The Green Lantern" #7 delves deep into a heady sci-fi concept with spooky aliens and beautiful art.

"The Green Lantern" #10 prepares the series for an endgame with a legion of Multiversal Green Lanterns.

"The Green Lantern" #12 refocuses the series to deliver a chilling final battle and cliffhanger.

"Green Lantern" #3 is a solid issue that takes risks to push the series closer to greatness.

"Green Lantern: Blackstars" #3 pays off ambitious plotting with an emotional final script.

Guardians Of The Galaxy 0.1 will haunt your dreams and leave you incredibly excited for the next issue. In serialized storytelling where a new issue is published monthly there is nothing more that you could possibly ask from a series. Get in on this Comic Book from the ground floor and discover this new cosmic side of the Marvel Universe.

Sit Bendis' final issue of Guardians out and hope Marvel takes more chances with the launch of "All-New Guardians of the Galaxy" in May.

All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #146 is a welcome but inconsequential diversion for the series that maybe was mismatched by the amount of hype that readers have to surround the book and the big event storyline that the comic book is supposedly leading into.

A well, constructed and fitting end for this run, sprinkled with fantastic art, this issue of Guardians of the Galaxy closes the door on one era while opening one for the next.

"Hallows' Eve #1 utilizes plot threads from Spider-Man to characterize Janine Godbe with nuance.

After a slow first half, "Hawkeye" #6 gets into gear with an interesting supernatural mystery from Thompson and Walsh.

"Hawkeye" #11 closes out the series latest arc with heart while opening up potential new stories for later issues.

Whether you are a huge fan of the character or not, as long as you go in with some movie knowledge and understanding Kate is a younger Hawkeye not related to Clint I think this is a great comic to hook new readers on. This is something I wouldn't have a problem giving to open-minded comics readers.

"Hawkman" #3 is a slightly dull, but well-paced next chapter into one of DC's most consistent ongoing series.

"Hawkman" #8 sets the stage for a pulse-pounding finale to the Deathbringer storyline.

"Hawkman" #11's strong writing and art allows for potent emotional beats gearing up for the end of a long-running storyline.

"Hellions" #1 is a solid debut outing for Marvel's band of merry Mutant villains.

"Hellions" #11 deconstructs the mind of Mister Sinister with a terrifying sense of glee.

This book needs a few more issues to get into the Olympian heroes' new adventures.

"Heroes Reborn" #2 struggles to connect with readers due to a derivative premise and poor execution.

"House of X" #4 carries pulse-pounding action, beautiful art and a massive amount of comic book death.

"House of X" #6 carries the answers you crave and asks a few fascinating questions along the way.

Zdarsky and company's new #1 with the character continued all the ongoing plot threads and barely introduced anything to readers who are just jumping on right now, making this a poor "first issue" read.

Hulk #1 gives Jennifer's life a new direction and personality and I can't wait to explore more of her post-Civil War II state of mind.

This could have been much, much worse than what it was. If you are a big X-Men fan or seriously in invested in Marvel continuity, feel free to pick this up. Otherwise, this is a browse.

"Hunt for Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda" #1 is a light and enjoyable contribution to the "Hunt for Wolverine" storyline.

"Hunt For Wolverine Mystery In Madripoor" #1 is a slightly enjoyable but inconsequential next chapter in the "Hunt for Wolverine" event storyline.

Even with an absurd premise, "Hunt for Wolverine: Weapon Lost" #1 is a delightfully strange tribute to some of the weirdest street-level heroes at Marvel.

Iceman is pleasant but doesn't stand out on a crowded rack of comics.

Ewing and Bennett do a solid job reinventing the character with a new tone, but the direction wasn't enough to win me over as someone who is not a Hulk or horror fan. If EC Comics, horror or The Hulk is your bread and butter, I would encourage you to give this a try.

"Immortal X-Men #11 features adept characterization and hints at greater consequences for Sins of Sinister.

Marvel's latest Incredible Hulk #1 series focuses on strong characterization and horror elements to deliver a subversive debut issue.

The Incredible Hulk #3 tests its dual protagonists with tense and horrific scenarios

"Incursion" #1 is a strong shake-up to the traditional Tama and Gilad story thanks to an intergalactic twist.

While Leinil Yu has some slick ultra detailed pencils the storytelling is not completely there in the talking head sequences which pretty much comprise most of the book. The action scenes are explosive and are rendered fantastically. Black and white preview pages for the series will make the reader appreciate the comic more because you can see every individual line that Yu carefully drew in. Even though the comic reads like a mission state from Bruce Banner there is some fun to be had here. Given Mark Waid's track record as of late it is worth trusting him to take you along for the ride. Even though this first issue isn't great it is bursting with potential.

"Infamous Iron Man" #12 offers a smooth finish to a series-wide storyline and finally delivers on the promise of the strong idea at the core of the book.

"Inferno" #1 is the most foreboding comic book event debut issue you will read all year.

All the elements in the story are unwieldy, huge, bombastic and amazing.

This story has entertained me every step of the way. The high points are the interlude and epilogue and I'm fascinated to see how all of this will tie together with the main Guardians plot thread.

This was a huge winner on so many levels and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone even somewhat interested in the character.

"Infinity Countdown: Daredevil" #1 is an oddly endearing Infinity Countdown rabbit hole starring someone who will likely not play much of a role in the series' larger context.

The lack of any clear purpose or narrative thrust makes following the adventures of Matt Murdock a frustrating endeavor to say the least.

Infinity Countdown: Prime #1 is a humorous, yet bleak and epic entry that will defy all of your expectations for the upcoming Marvel event!

It is more of a guilty pleasure for me at this point though. It is a giant stew of everything I love. If Duggan does not narrow his focus in the coming installments and really start to give out a motivation and story structure, even I may not be able to hang on much longer.

"Infinity Wars" #3 is a wild, mismatched and slightly tedious issue that still manages to entertain and carry a lot of momentum for the overall direction of the title.

Infinity Wars #6 is an intriguing and flawed conclusion to the event series. I hope some of the big changes in the issue will affect the Marvel Universe status quo going forward. For big Marvel cosmic fans or people who are intrigued by the films, it is worth reading through a slightly obtuse story for the charming personality and wild tone of Infinity Wars.

Infinity Wars: Prime #1 is the most fun you can have with a Marvel event.

I have no clue what lies ahead for the Royal family and what this issue means for the Inhumans as a whole.

If you are at all interested in seeing the end of a status quo for the Inhumans make sure to pick up this epilogue to Royals.

If you give Inhumans: The Once and Future King #1 your time and money you will be rewarded by complex writing and art and a fascinating look at the early days of the Inhuman royalty.

While it may not reach the exciting heights of the debut issue, "Inhumans: Once and Future Kings" #2 is still so good the comic will make you care about the Inhumans.

The Invincible Iron Man #3 manages to balance the tone of the series nicely with dynamic scenes showing how Tony Stark is slowly rebuilding his life.

If Tony Stark's self-effacing jokes in "Iron Man" #2 don't melt your heart, Patsy Walker's subtle jabs will.

Iron Man #23 has a strong script with visuals holding back the more complex elements of the story.

"Iron Man 2020" #1 is a boring, emotionally distant debut for what should be a triumphant new direction for an irreplaceable hero.

I read some painfully half-baked and underdeveloped comic book events in 2016. I read storylines that were close to breaking chains of logic or stories that had too many characters or factions of team to convey a focused idea. I read events that were not paced correctly, stories that had nothing new to say about characters and events that missed key moments of drama that would have made an event storyline excel. Inhumans Vs. X-Men has not fallen into any of those traps yet and really has a unique potential to push both franchises forward" and it has wonderful artwork!

Soule and Lemire close out their Inhumans and X-Men event with an emotional finale.

Jean Grey #1 misses a couple of big character moments and looks like set dressing until the comic teases a big character moment. A mixed bag that huge X-Men and Victor Ibanez might really enjoy.

Jean Grey #11 has good ideas but doesn't properly follow-up on the twist seen the last issue and also fails to justify why having two Jean's is a good idea.

Sherman steals the show, but Wood and Coxs minimalistic script in John Carter: The End needs to pick up in future installments.

Even though "Justice League" #6 is filled with too many caption boxes, the strong art and pacing make this installment a solid contribution to Snyder's run.

"Justice League" #8's fascinating portrayal of Lex Luthor makes for a solid, more contained entry into the series.

Even with incredible artwork, "Justice League" #22's tedious script will leave readers wanting more.

"Justice League" #27 starts to pay off important plot threads but carries an incohesive artistic line-up.

"Justice League" #34 is a focused yet wildly expressive entry into the 'Justice/Doom War' storyline.

"Justice League" #54 is a delightfully subtle "Dark Nights: Death Metal" tie-in with strong execution from both the art and script.

The quality of the artwork and backup story in "Justice League" #60 is held back by a weak script in the main feature.

"Justice League Dark: Annual" #1 features a thrilling, creative expansion to the Swamp Thing property undercut by a script littered with unnecessary dialogue and captions.

"Justice League Dark" #3 is a creepy, strongly written and drawn conclusion to the eventful "The Last Age of Magic" storyline.

"Justice League Dark" #24 resolves key character moments resourcefully while leading up to an impending battle.

Orlandos physically daunting villains dont take advantage of what this new Justice League of America team is capable of, as Watanabe has the impossible task of filling the shoes of Ivan Reis.

"Justice League: No Justice" #2 is a chaotic, endearing follow-up chapter to DC's ambitious new Justice League storyline.

Despite inconsistent artwork, "Justice League Odyssey" #3 briskly establishes relationships between the cast members of the team and a new conflict.

"The Kamandi Challenge" #2 is a surreal visual feast where Adams and Tomasi seem to find delight in chaos!

Kingpin #1 feels like the perfect platform for Rosenberg and Torres in the Marvel Universe. The writer is truly able to channel some dark thoughts into a complex narrative that isn't quite as simple as the character's Civil War II mini-series. Torres gets to utilize style with unsettling psychological horror that will show readers how great of a talent he is in the first place. This Running with the Devil series is a wonderful intersection of art and style in the Marvel Universe.

Final Verdict: 8.5 The bleak, psychological aesthetic from “Knight Terrors: Detective Comics” #2 captures the full potential of DC's “Knight Terrors” premise.

There's certainly enough goodwill bought in these pages to merit this comic to be a BUY for me. Going forward, I would love for the team to shoot for the moon and keep their strong focus.

"Legion of Super-Heroes" #1 is a solid introduction to a property brimming with characters.

"Legion of X #6 uses the confines of a crossover to flesh out critical character beats with precision.

"Leviathan Dawn" #1 teases the next steps of Leviathan's mission with an emotionally cold script.

tinged introduction to an adorable group of sad little vampires.

Lockjaw #1 toys with a couple neat ideas but leads me to wonder if I need to come back for the next issue of the series.

Lois Lane" #9 is packed with clever dialogue and serene silent sequences.

"Loki #3 utilizes Marvel's vast mythology to craft an expansive narrative with wonderful art.

"Lucifer" #1 excels thanks to an excellent set of pencils paired with a grounded script and sharp sense of humor.

"Magnus" #1 shows off a foreboding vision of the future.

While "Man Without Fear" #4 can be tedious, the issue does a competent job re-establishing the status quo between Matthew Murdock and Wilson Fisk.

"Marauders" #8 tells the worse case scenario of a cautionary tale.

"Marauders" #11 has a few great emotional beats with a flimsy plot device undermining the goodwill of the issue.