Brian Clements Comic Reviews

Writer Tim Seeley has put together a nice, tight adventure for Batgirl, centered around the upcoming nuptials.

I am blown away by the extremes already taken in telling this Batman's story. Humphries has pulled no punches with Dawnbreaker and I shudder while I commend him for the work.

This mini-series is off the rails in a major way and there's just no time to fix it before whatever happens with Justice League.

Things do not end well. It seems they never will again.

I want to see where this is going, but I am concerned that the two remaining issues just won't be enough space to tell the story that they've set up. I hope I'm wrong.

I really dig what has been going on in the Metal line, but I'm afraid of the ending being a letdown.

Like all things, it is by no means perfect, but for the work it has done and the new change to an entire comics universe it has wrought, it has been worth the journey. It is rebellious and shocking and will be remembered for introducing some of the most vicious villains ever seen in comics. And, in the end, that's pretty metal.

In the end, Generation Gone sets a provocative table. It could have fallen into any number of cliched traps. Instead, it gives the characters a chance to break through the obvious and, for lack of a better word, soar.

The second issue of Generation Gone gets into the second act of the story of three suddenly super-powered millennials quickly.

Don't get me wrong, the book is solid, just coming down from such a powerful first issue into a more predictable origin story. I'm hopeful that we will see the book move back into the promise that issue showed: a new take on superpowers for a new generation.

After moving each character around the hero/villain continuum, including Dr. Akio, the General and the "government" itself, it seems we finally have lines drawn in the sand.

Where they are taken next remains to be seen, but the genie is well and truly out of the bottle.

Thompson nails the quick dialogue between the four that seemed to flow naturally in the film. Add in a series of new weapons from the Holtzman line of ghost-catching arsenal, a super-creepy big bad, and a heaping dose of Kevin and you've got a winner.

There's a great deal of exposition in this issue, but it really fills in some gaps that exist in reconciling not only the films and the comics, but the films with each other.

This is going to be big, folks.

The story Van Lente has written is a fun adventure worthy of the Guardians and the art is perfect for the irreverent team.

It's pretty entertaining, but did it really need to be made?

Harley is, in her own way, taking agency in her life and trying to give it to those she might have stepped on or over in her previous life. Let's hope she gets a shot to do so.

Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner kick off the beginning of the end of their unforgettable run on Harley Quinn with a powerful issue.

Harley has grown stronger issue by issue, setting aside the anchor around her neck, finding love and friendship, and losing that which she truly cared about. It should affect her moving forward. Let's hope that this isn't the end of this new, better Harley Quinn.

As is evident from my reviews, I adore Harley as a character and have loved Conner and Palmiotti's run immensely. I will certainly miss their work, but am hopeful that the legacy they've created will continue well into the future.

This series has been a true bright spot in comics.

I'm going to give it a shot, but I have concerns for the future of one of my favorite characters.

Certainly, there is a long way to go for Frank Tieri and company in living up to what Conner and Palmiotti brought the the table, but if the beginning of this storyline is any indication, Harley is in fine hands.

Writer Frank Tieri and artist Ikani Miranda are really hitting their stride with Harley Quinn.

The latest issue from the new team of writer Frank Tieri and artist John Timms is perhaps a symptom of the growing pains new creative teams must go through to establish themselves apart from their predecessors.

How do you mess up a comic series so quickly?

All of the credibility bought with the expert and nuanced storytelling -- mixed judiciously with actually funny jokes and puns -- has been squandered, as Harley is headed back towards being an afterthought in the DC Universe within her own story.

Writer Jeff Lemire does an excellent job working in some key elements of dreams and nightmares that purport to represent some inner turmoil.

nestly, fill my days with tales of Hellboy-past, where frog monsters are but a wisp in the future. With four different artists in the book, not to mention the cover and chapter break artists, every page still feels like a Hellboy book in the Mignola style from cover to cover. Think we can hold off the apocalypse for a while and just go back to the good-old-Nazi-punching days?

With all the hype leading to the return of both the Infinity Stones and Logan, everyone has high expectations for this series. If Duggan and Kuder keep up the good work, I think most people will be pleased.

The big reveal on the final page is well worth the intrigue surrounding the future of the new Infinity Wars to come.

The big reveal in this issue is BIG. Silver Surfer knows that Pym-Ultron is too powerful to stop, even teamed up with the might of Adam Warlock, so he heads for the one being in the Universe he knows has the ability to destroy an entire planet. The question, however, is whether Galactus the Lifebringer will devour one final planet to save the universe.

As in many mini-series, especially those leading up to a larger event, there is a lull in the center of the story where pieces must be moved into place, stories must be sorted, plots must be plotted. Infinity Countdown #4 is that spot. I'm looking forward to seeing where we go from here.

Writer Gerry Duggan has put together a good setup for the future of the upcoming Infinity event, allowing a cosmic story to affect characters on a smaller, more local scale.

While I hold cautious optimism about this series considering the bang-up start it has had, I am concerned about how far it will be allowed to go.  Is this a permanent sea change for the Marvel Universe, or will we find in issue #6 that it was all some kind of Elseworld/Dallas dream sequence? Given what has happened already and the speed with which it happened, I hope we're seeing a real change in the future of the heroes involved as well as the larger Marvel Universe going forward.

If Infinity Wars continues down this path, good things will follow.  They must, however, see it through. Making Gamora the baddie immediately was a bold move, but this cannot be another Civil War or Civil War II or name-your-event moment.  Follow through on this one and see the story out.  I guess it all depends on who is really in control.  Whatever happens in the end, though, can we keep Ghost Panther?

As much as I applaud the clever twists and turns in the story, the emotional content is what will keep this series among the best we've seen in years. No matter what, relationships are the core of this story and, in the end, will determine the fate of the multiverse.

As much as Infinity Wars has been a major leap forward in storytelling and universe-building for Marvel, issue 5 takes things to a new level, reaching back into not only the history of the brand, but the personal history of one of its most intriguing characters.

The teams on this book have put together some fun combos that speak directly to their respective audiences. Luckily, the pairings all work with the writing pretty well. I'm not sure how pairings like "Squirrel Hulk" or "Iron Widow" would have worked. Actually, I kinda want to see "Iron Widow." Marvel! Make my dreams come true!

Two great combos mixed with two obscure ones will take the average reader out of what is otherwise an excellent series concept.

Out of the spin-off comics from Infinity Wars, Weapon Hex is quite different and probably the newest feeling story of the bunch. With the introduction of Speed Weasel and the continuing shadow of Mephicththon, X-23's future is bleak. I can't wait to see where she fits into the larger story.

Invasion from Planet Wrestletopia is a love letter to the idea of professional wrestling in all its ludicrous glory.  

Writer Scott Snyder has picked right up where his DC Metal epic left us, forming the new league with new purpose.

Could we see the appearance of another near-immortal coming this April? Only time and the movies will tell, but this is an excellent introduction to a number of characters and plotlines that could be explored in the upcoming Avengers movies and beyond to Phase Four.

If the first issue is any indication, many magical mysteries are afoot behind the scenes, including the question of when the abandoned floating castle might plunge to the ground, destroying everything in its wake. Fun times. Gotta run. Late for a meeting on synergizing assets that should only last four hours. Text me on my iScroll.

All-in-all, this is a solid go at essentially a brand-new format, integrating the biting (and the not-so-biting) wit of MST3K into the four-color pages of a comic book.  Much like the show, long-term success for the format will depend on the writing and the innovation rather than relying on nostalgia and easy laughs.

Writer Mariko Tamaki has found a balance between the internal struggles of Jen Walters to control Hulk and manage her PTSD while also introducing a plot more standard to superhero stories.

The Leader is an unironic classic villain, spouting lines like "This will be your undoing." Vintage Leader. In the end, Jennifer Walters comes to a realization that, to be honest, she should have had months ago.

Sometimes, artist Jahnoy Lindsay does really good, detailed work and other panels just look unfinished. The reappearance of the green She-Hulk breaking through is very well done and captures some of what I've enjoyed so much about Russell Dauterman's work on The Mighty Thor, another female-led comic that is being cancelled. The final pages of the issue, however, have some odd proportional choices and Jen's more cartoonish face just doesn't work as well with her larger, green-skinned form.

With spot on dialogue by writer Rodney Barnes and excellent character design by artist Paolo Villanelli, this comic should be an easy hit for the long term. Lando and L3 bicker, take a job they probably shouldn't, get into some trouble, escape by the skin of their teeth, make some jokes about capes, lather, rinse, repeat. I'm in.

While I, personally, don't want this story to end, I can't wait to see where it's going.

Whether she wins her battle or loses, she made her own choice. No god forced her hand, no person influenced her. Through all her struggles, Jane is, no matter what, her own woman. Jane Foster is worthy.

This is one of the best comic series I have ever read and the creative team should be proud beyond measure.

Together, this team has built a legacy for themselves and for a character who will be truly missed. The bar has been set and the gauntlet laid down. Aaron, Dauterman, and Wilson have truly created a masterpiece. Congratulations.

Writer Jason Aaron has done a phenomenal job writing Jane Foster's Thor and I would love to see more of the goddesses of thunder, sooner rather than later.  Any chance to have some more kick-ass women traipsing across the galaxy, especially if they're carrying the intelligence of Jane Foster, the brashness of Thor Odinson, and the strength of Odin with them.

This issue, as always, is delightful. The jokes are quick, the story is funny, and the general plot remains serious as to the consequences without losing the joy that inhabits every page of Squirrel Girl. Writer Ryan North is quick and clever and artist Erica Henderson is the perfect person to pencil the provocative perlurious programmer

This is the most insane, roundabout way of getting out of Dormamu's trap and I am in awe of the thought process involved.

I am very much enjoying this galactic romp of Squirrel Girl's. North and Henderson put together a delightful comic every month and somehow weave together social issues along with discoveries of true friendship to create a character that is a hero everyone wants to be.

Squirrel Girl is and always has been exactly the right amount of silly mixed with true goodness that everyone can get behind.

Where other comics would have a "villain of the week" throw away after such a big space epic series, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl takes them time to deliver a heartfelt and moving issue that should be read and appreciated by all comics fans.

We will miss you, Erika, but, if this issue is any indication, Squirrel Girl is in the right hands. Paws. Whatever.

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is one of the most sincere and consistently funny books on the shelf today.

One of the best things about North's run on USG is Doreen's ability to not only see the best in everyone, but to make them want to see that side as well.

As always, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is a must for your pull list, no matter your age or gender.

The plot is pretty straight-forward: spooky, matronly ghost shushes all of New York City, superheroes try and fix the issue. The real story here is the treatment of both the ghost and Squirrel Girl by the mainstream heroes who, not being able or willing to communicate, fail over and over again. Brute force isn't always the answer. As an educator, Doreen understands that sometimes the answer isn't kicking butts, but eating nuts and kicking peer-reviewed research!

As someone who loves stories about truly good people working to help others, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is always a hard yes. Every time my kids ask me what superhero I want to be, I say Captain America. That's not entirely true, though. Most days, I wish I could have Doreen's powers, her enthusiastic joy, and her faith in others. When I grow up, I want to be Squirrel Girl.

I love USG and am looking forward to the 50th issue (issue #42, don't ask) as much as anyone else. I just need some long-term consistency before we shift directions again.

Whether it's in floppy form or in the next graphic novel (or both!), this issue is an important one for fans to pick up. From all of the Squirrel Scouts, congratulations on the milestone. Here's to 42-ish more!

With North and Charm, USG has the chance to take her to new heights of importance in the overarching comic story. If her inclusion in The War of the Realms -- even on the periphery -- is any indication, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl will be a significant player in the Marvel Universe for years to come.

Taken all together, this issue is a good follow-up to USG's first major event tie-in, and her communications with Iron Man give it real credence that she is the hero in charge of freeing North America rather than an afterthought. It's a huge step up for both Doreen and the creative team and both deserve the promotion. Next squirrel squad goal: Squirrel Girl in Phase 4.

North and Charm explore the heart and soul of Squirrel Girl in one of the most moving moments in recent comics.

Ryan North and Derek Charm continue to be a perfect pairing, creating a look and punch to Unbeatable Squirrel Girl that creates a serious, funny, inclusive, and heartfelt comic that appeals to all ages and people. This is truly a book that will be missed.

Everything great must, apparently, come to an end. Doreen Green has swiftly become my second-favorite superhero (sorry, Doreen, but Cap's always #1) and it's truly due to North, Charm, and prior artist and continual cover artist Erica Henderson. This comic should have never worked and yet it is the best of us. It's ridiculous and inclusive, insane and wholesome. I am sad to see it go, but trust that North, Charm, and the Squirrel Scouts have great things in store for the finale.

I am truly and absolutely going to miss this comic. All good things must come to an end, but we need someone like Doreen Green. We don't deserve her, but boy, she's the perfect hero for our times. Here's to all the years of eating nuts and kicking butts.

There is not a more cohesive, talented, and innovative creative team in comics today, and giving Aaron, Dauterman, and Wilson the opportunity to play with the Marvel Universe of heroes and beings from the ten realms brings us the most visually impactful event in recent memory.

With War of the Realms #4, Aaron, Dauterman, and Wilson have topped themselves in several respects, exceeding already high expectations.

This is a fun comic in general, but seeing real crossover with fictional stories is getting better and better with each issue that passes. Focusing on the Women's Evolution is not only timely -- it also could help bring in more readers to the comic.

Writer Dennis Hopeless has done what WWE Creative spent three years trying to do but just kept missing the mark: he established clearly the relationship these two men have had, why it broke down, and why the ultimate babyface Zayn would suddenly rescue Owens from a disastrous defeat at the hands of Shane McMahon.  Artist Serg Acua captures both Zayn and Owens well, but also establishes his own version of in-ring action in comic form.

For even casual fans, BOOM! Studios comics are where the real WWE story is happening.

WWE #22 is a continuation of the excellent work done by Dennis Hopeless to make the unrealistic characters of WWE feel real.  If it can't always be done on TV, at least we have the comics.

With a healthy bit of backstage kayfabe, Dennis Hopeless has once again proven himself to be the most talented writer WWE doesn't know it has.

With a consistent protagonist and a deep story to tell, BOOM! Studios' 'WWE' has come into its own, balancing the kayfabe comic book storyline with enough actual events to give even jaded wrestling fans something to get excited about.

Take your vitamins, say your prayers, and pick this issue up, brother!

WWE Royal Rumble is as good as the event itself. Don't wait for the bell, run in and pick up this phenomenal tribute.

This comic encapsulates the current WWE product: it is, at times, ridiculous, confusing, infuriating, and oddly brilliant.

Overall, WWE: The Undertaker is an in-depth telling of the not-so-true story of the man they call The Phenom. His life in the squared circle is legendary, matched by few. His full kayfabe story deserves to be told. This feels like it would be a wonderful cap to the end of a great career, but, as of this upcoming Friday at WWE Crown Jewel, Undertaker will have two more notches on his belt. Is there another Wrestlemania in his future? Will the Undertaker make it to his 30th year in WWE? Only time, and the Dead Man, will tell. Until then, his opponents will continue to Rest...In...Peace.

In the end, is this comic WrestleMania-worthy? Eh? Probably not. Except for the honestly funny "Savage goes to Wally World" section, this one's destined to be future endeavored.

BOOM!'s WWE WrestleMania 2019 Special is a hit and miss collection of some of the greatest stories told over the first 34 events. The title suffers from inconsistency at times, much like the event it celebrates, but in the end, tells the stories that we wrestling fans love and share over and over again.

Between this issue and last issue's portrayal of the late, great Dusty Rhodes, I feel like WWE NXT has hit its stride pretty well, telling a story that Dusty, and current COO and NXT Papa, Triple H, would love.

Now, the Undertaker has a successor and, in some ways, he is even more terrifying. For NXT and WWE fans, the tale of Aleister Black is a must buy.

Toeing the line of kayfabe vs. reality in a wonderfully pro wrestling way.