Andrew Lamb Comic Reviews

The third issue is already out, but I wanted to start with the first to give those a chance who missed it last month to start from the beginning. Like Hawkeye, grounded and imperfect characters are becoming the norm in the Marvel universe, especially ones that readers can relate to. While most of us aren't soviet assassins turned Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Natasha lives in a small apartment, craves a glass of wine at the end of the day, and befriends a neighborhood cat. If any of that is you, or you just want to see someone with a dark past turn on the light, then pick this up.

As I await the third and final issue of Breath of Bones: A Tale of the Golem, I have no doubt I will be left wanting a monthly run. But, as with folklore, some of the best stories aren't necessarily the longest. Battling the Third Reich is good versus evil of the highest order and, along with Niles' exceptional miniseries, will never get old.

Designer: Klaus Teuber Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Designers: David Blanchard, Brian Frodema, and John Jacobsen Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Are there two sets of X-Men in the same time period? Which Robin is this? Unraveling the Marvel and DC worldscan be paralyzing, even for the most ardent fans. Fear not, if you are looking for a compelling script, vivid illustrations, and a perfect starting point…Conan the Avenger is it.

This four book series is a great starting point for Niles' long-running noir horror detective series and will leave readers wanting more of the pill-popping, degenerate protagonist. If Eyes of Frankenstein isn't bloody enough, look no further than the Criminal Macabre/30 Days of Night crossover trade that came out in September. Either way, for those dreading the Thanksgiving gourds and Christmas commercials, the ghoulish haunts of Halloween don't have to go anywhere.

Picture Guy Pearce in The Proposition traveling through Blade Runner and you'll have some semblance of Death's quixotic journey. While not flawless, each issue leaves the reader wanting more. Not sure how long they can keep that up, but for now, I'm in.

I mistakenly read all four issues in one sitting. I am now aching for Part Five. If the next book is as good as its predecessors, this series will compete with Helheim as one of the best reads of the year.

Barbiere and Mooneyham took a chance on a pulp adventure in a market that is becoming filled with 1930s heroes battling world-domination-seeking nazis. Through premise, script, and art they've set the standard for all others to emulate. November can't come soon enough.

Like I said, maybe I'm the odd man out, and people do want to see the shambling dead merge with other creatures of the night. If that's you, then definitely pick this up. Otherwise, for those of us traditionalists that want their church with an 80 year old organist and predictable sermons, rather than a praise band and a coffee shop in the foyer"you should look elsewhere.

The art and color create a vibrant cityscape filled with equally colorful demons. Terry Dodson's cover sets an almost unmatchable standard, though illustrator Ryan Sook takes up the challenge. Sook takes this female Moon Knight and adds a melancholy, almost sultry persona as she scours the city for answers (the two panels of Elisa in front of a mirror are particularly exceptional). I'm a firm believer in reinvigorating characters and storylines as zero issues or number one issues, and Ghost is no different. While they should have taken more time to flesh out the story, DeConnick, Sebela, and Sook will take Chicago's apparitional superhero to new heights.

The potential is there, especially how Shand introduces Harker, Mina, and Renfield (which are hopefully familiar names to most). Couple that with somesubtle, tongue-in-check present day references and it could have been a wholly different read. Unfortunately, the depth of the storyline didn'tmatch the depth of the plunging necklines.

For those that have yet to journey into Oni's territory, you need to fear, this series is a far cry from their now-popular Scott Pilgrim title. Bunn and Jones continue to push the boundaries, and I have yet to see anything short of excellence.

Simon Coleby's visuals bring out the gritty streets and hollowness of Dredd's current predicament. His pencils have an early 90s look to them, much like The Wake's Sean Murphy. Unfortunately, at times faces lose detail in close ups, thankfully this doesn't detract from our helmet-wearing protagonist. Leonard O'Grady's colors compliment Coleby's artwork, and although they pay homage to Dredd's 2000 AD days, I've always disliked the green gloves and boots.

Three issues in and I feel like we've only seen the tip of the iceberg. I hope that Truman and Giorello continue to explore the land and people while remaining true to the Conan bloodline. They do that, and I'm on board.

While I personally feel Dynamite Comics made a great choice in bringing this team back as a miniseries, after reading that theysold out the 10,000+ print runon the first day of release, I've got a feeling we'll be seeing them regularly. Die hard fans can rejoice, their comic strip pulp trio is back.

The brevity of this series is a direct representation of Mignola's desire to maintain the cult status without selling out to the masses. A monthly run would shatter the intrigue and inevitably churn out Lobster Johnson key chains and smart phone covers (which I would still buy, admittedly). Whether he takes back the reigns or leaves the story with Arcudi, the future of our crustaceous pulp hero is in good ha…er, claws.

I don't write this review lightly. Lobster Johnson, along with Mouse Guard, was last year's where-have-you-been-all-my-life comic. As mentioned, I'm praying that the longer run, which affords the creative team more time, explains away the slower start. Mignola, Arcudi, and Zonjic know what they're doing, this issue though, the Lobster just"didn't taste right.

A successful video game to comic book transition is a rarity in this industry. Amidst a number of high quality Titan series, this one, unfortunately, missed the mark.

Great concept, but flawed execution. I doubt this is the last we've seen of these superheroes, but let's hope they can work out the kinks the next time around.

Miss Fury has clearly come a long way since her her 1941 debut. Williams chose a unique direction for her resurgence, and although the storyline might lose some folks, those that stick with it will be glad they did.

Six issues is too brief, but I have confidence in the reinforcement team. If you can't wait for what will be an amazing trade, I'd pick this and past issues up and see just how far down the rabbit hole they take our lunar detective.

Designer: Mike Selinker Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

As Graphic Policy continues to branch off into new arenas, I am sure one day I'll review some of Paizo's other products, even though their site states, "players need only the single 576-page core rulebook," to play Pathfinder (yikes). For now, I'll stick with their comics…they are a nice break from the Marvel and DC universes that can oftentimes take themselves way too seriously.

Valiant-thankfully-took a risk on bringing back a relatively short lived series from the late 90s. Light and fun, I hope this time Quantum and Woody is here to stay.

Skottie Young makes the arduous task of writing and illustrating look easy. After much thought, I've come to the conclusion that his drawings evoke a ToeJam and Earl vibe (any other Sega Genesis fans?), especially Star-Lord's cliff jumping panel. Colorist Jean-Francois Beaulieu's reds, oranges, and yellows merely add to my conclusion. Rocket Raccoon #1 won't break down comic barriers or raise up comic awards, but it is fun to read, fun to look at, and fun to look forward to…and at the end of the day, isn't that why we spend $3.99?

Designers: Darwin Kastle, Rob Dougherty Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

I'm still undecided as to whether Suicide Risk as a whole is a read or buy. It has a great premise, but can sometimes be bogged down by the ubiquitous heroes and villains and their often corny names (i.e. Just A Feeling, seriously?). Regardless, I clearly recommend this issue, so go get it and decide for yourself if you want to take a risk and delve into Carey's suicidal world.

For the casual fan, the NickToons kid, the everyday comic reader, or the diehard loyalist…this is a must buy/read/save. It misses perfection being too short in length, but still delivers on all other accounts. Thirty years in and Turtle Power! has yet to let up.

I was planning on spending $3.99 an issue on cover art alone over the next few months, but thanks to the IDW team, I get a good read to go with it.

With glimpses at who Tony Quinn was, is, and can be, there is a wealth of storyline left to build on. Cliquet's canvas is as vast and opportunistic as Buccellato's plot. Together, they are going to make The Black Bat one of the best series on the market.

Unless they are fresh in your mind, I highly suggest re-reading the previous issues in order to fully understand the big reveal. I know I'm late to this party, but for those in the same boat or who happened to miss this the first time around, Francavilla's The Black Beetle is a must read.

Hopefully it's not too early for a Fall graphic novel review. Part of me feels like this is the shelf of a department store lined with Christmas decorations in the summer. Early or not, when The Halloween Legion is released on September 11th, I urge fans of All Hallows Eve of all ages to get it.

This latest book, and series as a whole, are par for the course. For our young readers, or the young at heart, this isn't a bad buy. For all others, you should probably look elsewhere.

I was going to wait for the next and final issue to post a review, but I wanted to get this up to convince anyone on the edge that it's worth it. Old and new fans alike will appreciate what Harris and Carter have done for the series.

Executive produced by creator Chris Carter, this first issue is a great start to a promising series, one which will hopefully answer some of the series'burning questions. After sweeping this year's Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards with seven wins, IDW is clearly the publisher to beat.

IDW takes readers back to its bleak 30 Days of Night origins. Where it lacks in horror, itmakes up in dreary, freezing cold. Put your wool cap on and get some hot chocolate, this Winterworldisn't going anywhere.

Great concept and execution, and while likely the intent of this series, this issue left me wanting more. Looks like I can't just stop after the City Fall arc, I'll have to actually see how the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are faring in New England. I hope IDW never takes their licenses for granted, as of right now they are doing them justice, I pray that it stays that way.

Designer: Steve Jackson Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy