Brandon Davis Comic Reviews

A strong issue which could be one of the series' last or the beginning of a string of brand-new stories which revamp the franchise.

Robert Kirkman continues on a roll with the Commonwealth story and, although it has had its speed bumps, issue #188 should be the "Full Speed Ahead!" kick the book needs.

In true Robert Kirkman fashion, the most interesting part is saved for the last page, and it's just enough to keep us coming back next month.

After consecutive issues with no zombies, The Walking Dead reminds its readers that it is set in a post-apocalyptic and often barbaric world where anything can happen at any time. And yet, the evolution of the series continues in a welcome, refreshing manner.

A welcome clarification of the mission and stakes is introduced, as a quick-and-awesome action-sequence accompanies the interesting exposition.

With differences arising between leaders, a new type of war is an intriguing thought nearly 200 issues in as the most expansive and exciting chapter in The Walking Dead continues.

The supporting characters continue to be more interesting than the titular hero.

With the heroes relegated to hiding out, a catastrophic loss of hope helps fuel an interesting narrative for the heroes as the larger story seems to just be awakening.

It's the most exciting entry to the adventure yet.

A strong, if also crowded, first entry to a saga with potential.

The world's colliding makes for a more surprising encounter than expected, with a traditional type of cliffhanger this series has become accustomed to.

Characters grow along with the world in this important, pivotal issue of Youngblood.

A new type of complexity for the zombie series, though, asks new questions about humanity and rebuilding civilization, far beyond whether killing to survive is the right thing to do.

An intense journey of discovery for Boston Brand, Deadman #6 gets the ball rolling faster with each page.

Another hilarious and tense thrill ride, Joshua Williamson might have a home run series on his hands.

Rob Williams makes quick work of his characters to give the world a sharp hook, in a vibrant world sparking childhood imaginations.

Though nothing of substantial impact happens until the final pages, Cho's continued reign as an aggressive and determined rage monster is a little bit of fun.

James learns about a new friends but also learns about himself in a welcome edition provided more grounded development than previous issues.

Picking up after the events of Doctor Strange: Damnation #3, Doctor Strange #388 is a trippy adventure, but is, most importantly, easy to follow.

Not using prop characters like issue #1 did, Gideon Falls issue #2 focuses on building characters, teasing new arrivals, and developing its core story which looks like a promising, terrifying saga.

Robert Kirkman's massive expansion of The Walking Dead hits the brakes in issue #178, providing a few important character moments for Michonne and Maggie

Another installment to yet another title which begs the question, "Do we really need this?" provides the obvious answer of "no."

One of the best books being printed right now, Motherlands #3 is a another wise-cracking and endlessly fun journey, paired nicely with the dramatically tense mother-daughter relationship of its conflicted heroines.

Andrew Constant's latest installment to this hellish adventure is loaded with fantastic elements as our heroes attempt to dethrone a demon king.

Yet another installment of Deadman arrives from Neal Adams, bringing the traditional bits of wit and deadpan humor to a team which is not exactly traditional.

Witty punchlines, brash illustrations, and unthinkable scenarios become reality thanks to Joshua Williamson, Riley Rossmo, and Ivan Plascencia.

Jeff Parker's issue #8 tells its own complete story, while also teeing up those which will follow.

It's certainly a James Bond character which casual fans might be unfamiliar with as he murderously trots around in R-rated fashion.

As his mission proves trickier than expected and Ed Brubaker crafts a genuinely interesting internal conflict, and external bout with the copycat vigilante's inability to properly copycat poses a whole new wrench in all of Dylan's plan.

The inner turmoil amongst the group struggling to form in the aftermath of their bouts with the Bloodstream make their difficult decisions based on the character history all that much more enjoyable as they transform into greater heroes both individually and as a unit.

Bryan Hill has a hit on his hand, wisely collaborating a bit with the well-versed Warren Ellis on this adventure.

Introducing a new supernatural mystery to the comic world, Gideon Falls does little to introduce interesting and compelling characters in its first issue.

The Walking Dead has officially introduced the most interesting story in years as a new community might force the core group to make difficult decisions.

Well-written banter and the use of technological warfare carries the issue toward some shocking reveals, while the overarching story reaches its midway point.

Nothing's quite new about the book, nor is there much of an arc taking place, but it's a fun read with Ted coaching stubborn teen Jaime towards true heroism.

Daniel Kibblesmith pairs the oversized teleporting pup with once-hero D-Man for an adventure which will certainly teach them to rely on each other, possibly one more than the other, in an unnecessary but potentially quite fun adventure.

Wacky, fun art and a slowly unfolding, yet very dramatic narrative make Motherlands #2 a fun read.

This issue uses most of its time to step back from the hot action to develop its characters, including a major development in one particular relationship.

Poised to meet his maker, Mr. Luna becomes an intriguing protagonist in Joshua Williamson and Riley Rossmo's brash new supernatural series.

In the end, most readers will share Avenger's last words of the issue, "To tell the truth, I kind of dig it."

Readers will have to had been on board for the first three issues to have a clue what's going on as Deadman's deadpan comments and wit (or lack thereof) are the most entertaining bits of the book, even if we aren't laughing with him, but at him.

Haunting currently relevant social issues are tackled as the narrative drives on toward a complicated but severely interesting story for Dylan.

Packed with violence, savagery, and near poetic writing, it's an intriguing read with a door open for future tales or the haunting existence of its characters being left behind for Lazarus readers to have poking the back of their mind in the future.

Though somewhat hollow, the issue makes good use of its characters' abilities to plan, adapt, and act quickly for an entertaining few pages in an otherwise expositional batch of pages likely setting the stage for something further down the line.

Though a bit slightly abrupt, Kingsman Red Diamond's conclusion is a clever and simple read with enough laughs to warrant the price of admission.

The book finally decides not to hold back on delivering a specific moment fans are hungry for, and in true Kirkman fashion, gives just enough on the final pages to force a return for issue #177.

HAWKEYE #10 is an excellent chapter, playing with dual perspectives that add to an already engaging story for our hero.

DEADPOOL #35, despite getting caught up in the throes of SECRET EMPIRE, is a fitting cap-off to our hero's dark turn.

THE DEFENDERS #2 is a strong follow-up to the debut issue, introducing cast members and expanding upon a powerful team dynamic.

PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN #1 is a welcome return to form for a character that's already larger than life.

DEADPOOL #32 is another worty installment not only for SECRET EMPIRE, but for the Merc and his guilty conscious.

DEADPOOL #31 is a powerful installment that not only adds to the gravitas of SECRET EMPIRE, but gives more depth to the Merc with a Mouth.

CHAMPIONS #8 explores the emotions and dynamics that make the team great in the first place, giving us a story with true heart.

A fitting end to the "'Til Death Do Us..." event, the humorous DEADPOOL #29 is the end and beginning of a new chapter for our problematic hero.

STAR-LORD #6 is a phenomenal conclusion to the book's first arc, leaving doors open more more growth and new adventures.

BLACK PANTHER AND THE CREW #1 hits the ground running, with action, strong characters, and an exploration into the conflicts and issues that plague some communities today.

GWENPOOL #14 can be a bit frenetic at times, but it's a fun read that sets the stage for character development.

SPIDER-MAN #15 brings us back into focus on our hero with an amazing issue. A strong showing of the relationships and responsibilities for our hero and his supporting cast.

STAR-LORD #5 comes at you with full on action and suspense, cementing itself as the best in the series with more in the tank.

X-MEN PRIME #1 gets the reader ready for a new age for mutant-kind, with exciting new prospects.

THE WILD STORM #2 is low on action, but high on great exposition and character. A sign of positive things to come for the arc.

An amazing issue packed with both action and development, STAR-LORD keeps you invested from start to finish with engaging characters and enthralling situations.

An amazing issue packed with both action and development, STAR-LORD keeps you invested from start to finish with engaging characters and enthralling situations.

INJECTION #11 is a welcome return for the acclaimed franchise. From solid wit to amazing plot setup, this issue is a promising sign of things to come.

Our heroes receive a much welcomed and mildly quiet reprieve before the storm, and it gives us much appreciated character development. Loveness' character development is stellar and Perez's artwork gives us very thoughtful scenes.

Providing more jokes than substance, Spider-Man/ Deadpool will have you laughing at self referential jokes and admiring monster showdowns. The overarching plot move slow enough, but does it's job at being a handy tie-in for the Deadpool epic.