beastfire Comic Reviews

Black Lightning #1 is a decent jumping-on point for the uninitiated, though if you've read Absolute Power already, that's even better. I feel like things would have been enhanced a bit more had I read the event before it.

Things are picking up a bit more in this issue, with some hints of family drama and a bit more insight as to the fallout of prior events.

A wonderfully-rendered blend of action, family drama, and societal issues. Black Lightning #3 is a solid installment overall, with the art in particular pulling the reader's attention.

Between retrieving Isaac and his mother and the prospect of de-powering the Metahumans, the stakes have certainly increased with Black Lightning #4. This creative team keeps on delivering!

Black Lightning #5 is a solid conclusion to the current arc, with some pretty big reveals and a promise for the future.

Maybe not the greatest jumping-on point for newcomers, but Blade Runner Black Lotus: Las Vegas #1 is interesting enough to make one curious about playing catch-up.

Blade Runner: Black Lotus Las Vegas #2is a solid follow-up to issue 1, this time we get to dive into the end of humanity's Las Vegas and the beginning of the Replicants' Paradise. The exposition was plentiful (but both interesting and necessary), but it might have been even better if there was a little more time with the Doll Squad to sort of flesh a few of them out more. But other than that, a good read.

Solid characterization, some well-done expressions, and some interesting plot developments comprise Blade Runner: Black Lotus - Las Vegas #3.

Round three of the DC K.O. event is here, and it's an entertaining one. It may not be as steeped in dramatic tension as some others, but it's still an entertaining experience.

I've been really enjoying the story. It's told well. Each issue is concise as it unfolds. Issue #5 is that all-important climax.

All in all, it's good to see things end positively for this kid, especially after the bonkers ride leading up to it.

Need a break from reality? Shazam #20 is a bright and joyful little shot of wish-fulfillment.

Break out your tin foil hats and red-string conspiracy walls for this one, because with The Department of Truth #0, we're sure to be in for a ride. If you're already a fan of this series, you may have some idea of what to expect. If you (like myself) are entirely new to this, it's definitely an intriguing jumping-on point.

An enjoyable first installment in a new run of one-shots. It may be best enjoyed in print form due to a series of spreads, though.

With some entertaining reveals and some well-done character drama, JSA #9 is definitely worth the read. JSA #9 was easy enough to follow without much prior knowledge, but is enhanced considerably by the context.

There's a lot going on, and plenty to like, with some great story progressions and well-done artwork.

Everything's coming together now, and it's a joy to see. It feels like this is what we've been building to for several issues, now. JSA #11 sets the stage for an epic confrontation, and brings all of the plot points together handily.

JSA #13 provides the start to an intriguing origin story, complete with the promises of conspiracy. A great time to jump in, if you're new to it. It took a few moments for me to catch onto the swing of things, with it leaping between plot threads, but when I did, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

JSA #14 continues to provide us with a solidly-written, well-drawn puzzle. Fans of this team should find much to enjoy about this rendition of the Justice Society's origins.The mystery thickens, and it's keeping my interest effectively.

JSA #15 may not be the most dramatic installment of the current JSA tale, but it's definitely starting to bring a few pieces of the puzzle together.

Universal Monsters: The Mummy #1 is a familiar story, but with an intriguing main character that may push the tale into a different sort of direction. The art could be slightly more dynamic, but the story's already pulling me in.

With the lovers' tragic backstory revealed, and the battle for control of Helen's body begun, this penultimate chapter keeps this take on the classic tale of The Mummy riveting.

The creative team brings Universal Monsters: The Mummy #4 to an epic (and tragic) conclusion. It's a well-rendered, beautifully-paced conclusion to this take on a classic tale. And it might be even better after a binge of the first three issues.

Supernatural #2 is a good read, no matter if you're already a fan or if you're a newcomer. There'll be something to enjoy about this one. It was a good solid issue, with an interesting ghost story at the center.

Things are getting stranger for the Winchesters, and I'd say it's definitely worth buckling in for the ride. The story's stronger than last time, actually improves upon the previous issue, and still has room for things to be further contextualized next time.

A story of friendship, with the dark undercurrent of madness (or possibly possession), The Thing on the Doorstep #1 serves as an excellent first chapter. It’s a beautifully written introduction to the story itself, showing the evolution of a friendship that ultimately ends in tragedy.

Public Domain #8 keeps things moving along nicely. We get some progress with both comic companies. When bringing new talent aboard a still-not-fully-established company, there would definitely be a few conflicts, and that's shown here without it being overwrought. We also get a couple of major developments for the gambling problem subplot, as well as a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that makes me eager to see how issue 9 plays out.

By keeping things focused on the Expo and all of the goings-on with that, Zdarsky was able to keep it at a good pace without it becoming overly busy.

Public Domain #10 is another strong issue. Not a lot of forward momentum, but some necessary context keeps the story moving along well.

The Moon Is Following Us #1 leaves me wanting to see more of these characters and I want them to succeed, but at the same time, a bit more world-building would have been nice to see. Maybe in future issues?

With The Moon Is Following Us #2 we get an emotional kick-off to the journey itself, which leaves the reader thirsty for what comes next.

The Moon Is Following Us #3 is a strong installment, with some beautiful art and excellent forward momentum.

An intense installment, showing that the gloves are officially off.

Overall, The Moon Is Following Us #7 is perfect, especially for that battle at the zoo and the awesome visuals connected to it. And the themes of dealing with grief and growing up are just as strong as ever.

With Penny found and an absolute shocker of an ending, the stage is set for an intense final battle.

Excitement, joy, tears…you'll find all of the above in The Moon Is Following Us #9. The rest of the series was already great, but this is what it's all led up to.

The Moon Is Following Us #10 is a satisfying ending to an excellent series. All of the triumphs, near misses, and losses have led to this. Some very well-executed callbacks to the prior issues of the series, and some emotional beats make this a fitting conclusion.

Someone's found a way to make the mythical Book Boyfriend a reality with Artificial #1. If you're into steamy stories with a semi-futuristic (if slightly dystopian) bent, this one's for you.

Romance isn't easy, but the real thing has its charms. And Artificial #3 is a great look at the difference between the two.

Gehenna: Naked Aggression #1 is a delightful throwback to the 80s and 90s action genre. Gehenna: Naked Aggression is a comic that knows what it is, and makes no apologies for it.

Gehenna: Naked Aggression #2 continues the flow of action from last time, barely letting up. And that intensity is what makes this title a delight to read.

There are a lot of ways to handle a fight scene, but Gehenna: Naked Aggression #3 is a master class in the glorious chaos that comes of a true action movie fight.

The battle may have come to an end with Gehenna: Naked Aggression #4, but there's another promised for the future. It's a wonderfully explosive ending to this storyline, with a tease for the next chapter (and I, for one, look forward to it).

Creepshow brings us two more eerie tales to close out volume 4, and I enjoyed every second of it. One's more overt about its horror, one's more subtle, and both excellent.

If you're looking for a good spooky time, the good crew at Creepshowhave got you covered with Creepshow #1.Both stories are wonderfully creepy in their own ways, as befitting a title like Creepshow.

Looking for some prime Halloween-season reading? Creepshow #2's two bite-sized stories can scratch that itch. We've got an excellent pair of stories for this installment, with a pair of timeless lessons.

I loved both stories, though the first one felt just a smidge stronger. If you're a Creepshow fan (or even just a fan of horror in general), feast your eyes on these delightful little morsels of twistedness with Creepshow #3.

Creepshow #4 delivers another pair of horrific tales, featuring such nightmares as the lengths one might go to for their job and the importance of watching one's step.

Blood Type #1 is a slight break from the traditional EC Comics format, but still packed with the blood, chills, and gallows humor that can be expected from the line. If you're a fan of vampires, sink your teeth into this one.

There's a juicy mystery afoot in Blood Type #2, and Ada's backstory definitely has some bite. A worthy read for anyone that's a fan of vampires (hold the romance). The story progresses nicely, while giving an interestingly-presented backstory (full of backstabbing).

I can't think of a more fitting end to this story of betrayal and the search for immortality than what we get in Blood Type #4. Was the story overall a bit short? Perhaps. But that doesn't take away any of its bite.

If you've ever wondered about what a Slasher Film Final Girl would be up to in her future, It Killed Everyone But Me #1 is a great example.

As It Killed Everyone But Me continues, we're seeing some fascinating questions come up, and are getting a good look at the trauma that comes from surviving one's own personal horror film scenario. The way the past is juxtaposed with the present in It Killed Everyone But Me #3 is well done, and some interesting questions have come up.

It Killed Everyone But Me #4 brings Sutton out of hiding and right back into the thick of things. Bring on the final chapter! The stage is set for an epic confrontation between two demons and a Class A Survivor.

We've got a solid introduction here, and I think anyone with a taste for space horror might find a lovely case of the creeps in this title. Bring on issue 2! It did take me a little bit to really focus, but once I did, I greatly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing things get worse.

Things in Event Horizon: Dark Descent #2 quickly escalate from tense to freaky, and I'm definitely here for it. If you're in the mood for demons in space, this may be a book for you.

Fear with a side of tears await on this leg of the Event Horizon: Dark Descent journey. The terror this time around comes with an added layer of humanity and emotional resonance, and I look forward to seeing how it ends.

Those parental issues take center stage in Event Horizon: Dark Descent #4. And that focus makes this one of the most intense segments of the story yet.It's a disturbing look into the past of what seems to be a decent man, tainted by the touch of a demon that's having fun torturing him.

I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer #1 is a twisted little delight, filled with killer style and a good amount of blood.

I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer #2 is a stylish slasher with heart. If you're a horror fan, you come for the blood, and stay for the friendship.

Some wonderfully-done character development in I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer #3. It's further driven home that the true heart of this series, behind the blood and flaying, is the friendship between Rennie and Sofie. But that friendship may prove to be tested soon.

The narrative in I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer #4 takes a definite turn here, bringing in a conspiracy of class and plenty of bloody payoff for the gorehounds out there. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this story wraps up. If only because so much happened, it might have benefited from being somewhat longer.

I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer #5 reaches a logical and bloody conclusion that leaves its two leads with a bright future. It's a great ending to an enjoyable story.

The art and writing combine to craft what's sure to be a fun, well-crafted story. Five stars for this thrilling first installment in the new series.

Zatanna #2 is a gripping narrative, with some slightly disturbing visuals and an ever-deepening mystery.

If you're a horror fan, you will not be left starving with Zatanna #3. With some crazy visuals and a tense psychological aspect, this title keeps on delivering.

With some gorgeous artwork and a nice emotional rally point, Zatanna #4 preps us for a climax.

With some beautiful compositions (and a well-executed meta moment), Zatanna #5 is an exercise in reclaiming one's power. Bring on the final fight!

Epic battles, twisted visuals, and some closure, Zatanna #6 wraps things up in a most fitting way. This was a lovely end to one hell of a story. There are still a few things left to answer, but overall? Satisfied with how it concluded.

With a good strong setup and even stronger visual language, it's worth it not to sleep on Sleep. Sleep #1 sets up an intriguing mystery, and evokes a bit of 90s nostalgia without being too over the top about it.

Sleep #2 is a juicy mystery, combined with a creepy premise, this comic keeps on delivering with some top-notch artwork and for all of the curiosity it's raising for me.

Sleep #3 is a well-rendered illustration of sheer desperation. The whole situation's getting more and more intense, with the introduction of mob justice to the equation and Jon being pushed to his limit. The artwork is phenomenal and that cliffhanger is cruel in the best possible way.

Now that Jon has someone on his side willing to search for solutions, Sleep #4 has an added glimmer of hope for him. Will they find some answers? Maybe not right now, but there're still a few issues left to the story, and friendship can go a long way.

I've been hooked since issue one of this story, and it shows no sign of letting go just yet. Sleep #5 is an excellent progression of the story that may provide some hope (and provides some fertile ground for theorizing).

Sleep keeps on delivering on the theory-fuel and narrative juiciness with Sleep #6. Also, read past the Letters page for this one. The story is just not letting go, and as more things get answered, more questions keep popping up and I look forward to seeing those answers.

Sleep has been one of the most consistently gripping comics on my list, and Sleep #7 is no exception. It does an effective job at showing the new level of desperation Jon finds himself in, and leaves me eager to see how it all ends.

30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #2 helps cement this title as a worthy addition to the line. It's a long issue, but it's loaded with enough tension that it doesn't feel all that long and it moves along at a great pace.

The 60s aesthetics of this comic are a highlight, and the story is designed to keep you guessing. The visual aspects are strong, and the story itself looks like it'll have some fun mind-screw elements. A great start to this series.

Absolute Martian Manhunter #2 is a visual masterpiece, mixed with teases of the story's antagonist and what they're capable of. Things can only get crazier from here, and I, for one, am ready.

This story is definitely heating up with Absolute Martian Manhunter #3, and the visuals continue to be a wonderful mind-screw. If you want to feel something, be it empathy or maybe a bit high, this may be right up your alley.

Things get quite explosive in Absolute Martian Manhunter #4, both emotionally and in the most literal way possible.We got some great escalation of drama, with the visuals as stunning as ever.

Absolute Martian Manhunter #5 brings darkness and madness, all with some striking artwork and dread for what's to come. It ramps up the intensity and sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

Absolute Martian Manhunter #6 is a brain-melting (and possibly thought-provoking) conclusion to the current storyline, but it kicks the door for the next chapter wide open. If it's an absolute trip you're looking for, this is it. It's sheer madness, but it wears that madness well.

Absolute Martian Manhunter #8 is great in both the visual and story departments. As brilliant and eye-catching as ever, I can't recommend Absolute Martian Manhunter enough.

This twisted (yet aesthetically comforting) tale continues with Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees: Rite Of Spring #2 , giving us a look into Sam's perspective. If you enjoyed the first installment, it'll be like catching up with old friends. If you hadn't read the first one, this is still a pretty good starting point. Either way, it's a good time.

Samantha Strong keeps proving that she's one of the most chilling murderers in comics, toying with a former victim's family just for her own curiosity, all with that same serene smile.

Bleeding Hearts #1 is an entertaining (and possibly even thought-provoking) perspective flip on the ever-classic zombie apocalypse, Bleeding Hearts #1 is already looking to be a fun story with a lot of heart.

Looking for a story of sisterly bonds so strong, not even death can truly stand in the way? Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story #1 is a creepy tale may be just what you need. The setup interests me (and you can't go wrong with a good ghost story).

Looking forward to seeing Violet fully get her revenge, and seeing how Sophie deals with it all. Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story #2 moves the plot along beautifully, with some added emotional beats and some nicely-expressive art. And read past the story for some fun bonuses!

Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story #3 is a tale of revenge becomes a story of betrayal, making the reader wonder if this is what it'd take to sever the friendship between Sophie and Violet.This one really brought the intensity, and it doesn't feel like it's about to slow anytime soon. Issue 4 can't come soon enough.

The friendship may be on the rocks, but the story is only getting more intense. With one issue left in this tale, now's as good a time as any to pick it up.

Sisterhood comes to a fiery conclusion in Sisterhood: A Hyde Street Story #5, and it's definitely worth the read. It's a satisfying end to an intense story, and it really brings the whole thing together.