Chris Coplan Comic Reviews

This dynamic fantasy series ends in all best ways possible (except for actually being over).

The finale proves what I've thought all along: we are not worthy of 'Golgotha Motor Mountain' and its singular, one-of-a-kind tale about family, fate, change, and the real monsters of the world.

A dazzling drama of big scares and bigger emotions.

I can't hide it: Nights is peak comics storytelling.

Because sometimes closure can be a truly beautiful adventure.

A story that grabs, shakes, and disarms readers in the very best ways.

After a truly potent and impactful three issues, 'The Voice Said Kill' #4 nails the landing with an affective, disarming finale that is genuine narrative and thematic gold.

You aren't ready for this psychedelic trip into the human condition.

A poignant, trippy ending for this compelling dissection of superhero comics.

The third issue of 'Golgotha Motor Mountain' proves to be an intellectual and visual feast that will disarm you entirely and let this powerful story of family and politics consume your whole being.

Home is where the heart (and dead bodies) is.

Nights continues to be a profound book that you must experience firsthand.

Another issue down, and Nights grows ever more robust and life-affirming.

I won't shut up till you love this dang comic book.

Truly, Nights is the gift that keeps on giving.

A very potent b-day celebration for us and the characters alike.

After a massive build up, 'Nights' ends its debut arc with an issue that affirms everything great and kicks the door open for what's next.

The warmth of familiarity, the exciting sting of something entirely new.

Even with one more issue in this arc, 'Nights' #17 has all the bloody action, emotional resonance, and proper developments to deem this chapter a roaring success.

You are not ready or prepared enough for what Lynch is about to cram down your gullet.

The finale cuts through a lot of the complexity and robustness for a powerful message about memory and hope.

Slow Burn continues to set us ablaze with its deep mystery and wells of emotions.

As this flame burns out, it sets your very brain ablaze.

Even just two issues in, the story is a powerful meditation on superheroes, the 20th century, and our own place in building a better, more just world.

If you want to see how a comic can snap your heart and muck with your sense of gravity, issue #4 will do that and then some.

Just 'cause you see it coming doesn't mean it won't rip you in two.

With power and momentum to spare, 'The Voice Said Kill' #3 brings us through another twisting, compelling chapter of the best crime story going right now.

With a few more issues to go, 'Uncanny Valley' delivers perhaps it's most streamlined, potent, and utterly interesting issue to date.

You ain't ready for this one, folks.

Each new issue solidifies it: The Vigil is truly special.

Really and truly: this is essential reading for all comics fans.

A bloody good end to a truly brutal journey.

The book's "finale" (right?) is one that gives us the big moods, feelings, and events that makes this ending truly and utterly worthwhile

This B-squad has A+ potential.

A story about family, aliens, and transcendence will romance and disarm readers in one fell swoop.

'Golgotha Motor Mountain' is a mystery you don't so much solve as let it unravel its many layers and nooks/crannies in a brilliant symphony.

I think flashbacks get a bad rap sometimes as they're sometimes just a cheap device to draw out stories. But here, this was treated with the subtle care and intention of any other moment in this book, and it lent a lot of heft and power. It wasn't so much a quiet moment before the action picks up with the recently-swallowed (gross, sorry) Guardians but a maelstrom of emotion and history colliding together.

Local Man is the hero for all modern stories about superpowered paladins.

This book continues to scare, dazzle, and engage in decidedly massive ways.

Let me say it again: Nights is truly amazing storytelling.

This may be a new story direction, but you'll love it all the same.

After a six-month break, 'Nights' returns with a potent issue that's both slow and welcoming while furthering the true power of this increasingly magical and undeniable universe.

No mystery here: this book continues to demand our energy/attention.

The debut does quick work to both connect to the beloved original series while innovating both visually and thematically.

The second issue grows the world, people, lore, and conceptual gold into something that'll grab you by the whole of your body.

Apply whatever archetypes and other ideas you have to this book, but 'Precious Metal' is this grand, swirling adventure that utterly consumes readers.

'Precious Metal' may have reached its peak with an issue of robust action, brilliant character work, and expert worldbuilding.

The penultimate chapter smashes down walls and perceptions for perhaps the most poignant and thrilling chapter yet.

The series hits yet another high mark with a tale of friendship and obsession.

A blazing start for a truly poignant and affecting bit of noir.

You can't track this bad boy as it rips your heart out.

This grounded, slightly deconstructed take on Superman's early days makes for a true crash course in exploring and appreciating Superman.

Endings suck, but g-d can they also be life-affirming.

A powerful start for a book that examines home, family, social structures, and the very nature of reality.

This second issue defines the slow but brutally effective path this book is taking to mess with our very equilibrium.

The world is a bright and awful place and I shan't turn away.

While it stands on its own, 'The Toxic Avenger' is a mighty continuation of that extra cheesy, extra violent film that defined an era in truly great (bad) cinema.

Following a really solid pivot to a five-issue storyline, 'Toxic Avenger Comics' #7 dazzles with bigger lore, bigger stakes, bigger enemies, and bigger opportunities.

Gritty and poignant, 'The Voice Said Kill' is the start of a new, more lethal kind of crime story that's about emotional responses and setting over villains and misdeeds.

As this issue brings down the overt mystery and supernatural vibes, 'The Voice Said Kills' remains this profound experience of violence and survival you have to experience first-hand.

After a generally solid start, 'Toxic Crusaders' #2 gives us the timeliness, emotionality, and general weirdness to feel even more special and effective.

The penultimate issue steps up in every important way, and we get this reality- and idea-bounding narrative that pulls us in like never before.

Both faithful to the Bram Stoker original, and capable of mining new psychic terrors, this adaptation will consume you from page one.

This passionate remake of the Bram Stoker original continues to be equally scary, thrilling, and all around deeply human.

Another chapter of this bloody good adaptation shows that you can have it all with the right pace and expert application of sensuous gore.

The finale crystalizes this beast of a story's true power in disarming even the most guarded of readers.

Whether a beginning or an ending, this issue delivers.

It took a little time, but 'Ain't No Grave' is really coming into its own as this wild, potent story about how we can be our own worst enemies and how life doesn't alway wait for us to live it.

Ryder's story may be over, but thanks to Ain't No Grave, I think we'll be singing her song for quite some time.

This story makes you want to tumble deeper and deeper into Wonderland.

Just two issues in, and 'Ancestral Recall' is already this poignant, intelligent story that does so much (emotionally, visually, and thematically) and does it all quite well.

As Melvin and June get closer to their definitive reunion, 'Ancestral Recall' reaches its stride with sci-fi coolness, big-time emotionality, and thematic heft to spare.

With a finale that ties it all up in a neat little bow, 'Ancestral Recall' became this perfect thing to remind us that life is a story, and you either tell your end or it'll get written for you.

This is a superhero story without all the pompous mess; a thriller with ample heart; and an HBO-esque drama with some comic book-style silliness. It's a damn good story, and you'd be wise to join the fray before things truly take off.

Friendship is a blade that cuts both ways.

One hell of an issue.

A massive issue for this young-but-promising character, 'Bloodletter' #3 extends the lore, offers ample gore, and makes us re-engage with our lead.

Come for the bloody, unwavering battle between two supernatural foes, but be sure to stay for another master class in great world- and character-building.

Blood and guts and the tedium of daily life make for exceptional comics.

Give me even more barbarian journal entries penned in gore!

The debut of 'Blow Away' sets the stage for a deeply human journey into a cold, hard world of big emotions and equally giant mysteries.

With a slight shift in mood and trajectory, 'Blow Away' is building toward a deeply compelling mystery that we may not totally see coming.

The penultimate issue of 'Blow Away' uses emotion and violence alike to set up a tense and tantalizing finale.

Despite a long-ish wait, 'Briar' roars back more funny, bloody, and motivated than ever before.

This book continues to reach into the beating heart of fantasy and pull out an increasingly textured and compelling story of life and its many (mis-) adventures.

In an issue with so much suffering and loss, 'Briar' continues to be this massively human story about finding strength in a cursed world.

Like actual cats, this title is playful, unpredictable, and never afraid to draw a little blood.

This cat wastes no time in occupying the most primo spots in pet daycare.

As this book's two worlds further merge (offering fresh horrors and story magic alike), 'Cemetery Kids Run Rabid' reaches the apex of its power to move us and get us thinking about our scary digital age.

After a brief hiccup, our boy is finally building to something big.

Really good stories don't end so much as they alter your brain chemistry and values.

Pardon the cliche, but this finale is an emotional TKO.

This is the issue that drives home the loss and anguish inherent in this fantasy series.

A mightily potent and hugely satisfying finale to a story that did great things for fantasy, social commentary, and nihilistic lambs.

Even a year later, 'Cult of the Lamb' feels fresh as it sets its sights on an even bloodier, bolder, and thoughtful new chapter.

A deep dive into Batman amid some creative circumstances reveals huge truths and demonstrates the hero's value across the board.

This story continues to crackle with life and energy, even as the potential for a backdraft rears its ugly head.

If you want to do a sequel right, turn up the blood and the heartfelt displays.

A rather intimate issue (in ways both beautiful and stomach-churning).

This debut issue shows a well-crafted universe of horror and humanity, a realm we can explore as the book slowly unveils the world in front of us.

As this universe gains new layers, the story never once falters as a top-notch piece of horror-fantasy.

The penultimate issue of 'Edenwood' is full of big reveals, big emotionality, and big stakes.

With its first arc over, there's still plenty of mystery, adventures, and humanity left to explore for this increasingly compelling book.

As the first full arc effectively ends, this series readies to branch into exciting new directions.

'Feral' may be a little gimmicky, but that doesn't stop it from being hugely effective in its layered approach to horror.

Jeff Lemire is working at a career high with this weird and enchanting tale.

With heart and humor galore, this modern 'Friends' continues to engage and entertain.

This is one of the best Kindt offerings in some time, and a powerful exploration of family, history, and art.

A horror story where the humanity is just as vital and integral as the jump scares and gory bug monsters.

PKJ's a massive fan of John Stewart, and this book is a poignant exploration of the person beyond those green constructs. And while #1 was a truly solid start, I think PKJ and company hit the veritable second gear with issue #2.

'Grommets' tackles a weird time in music and culture with the utmost integrity, hilarity, and passion to spare.

The book lures you in with its playfulness, bright colors, and sick jokes before hooking you with an increasingly potent story of true growing pains.

This book knows itself well enough to continue to add new ideas and characters to extend this intriguing exploration of nostalgia.

Friend is a four letter word, indeed.

I'm not crying, that's just space dust in my eye.

New members, big reveals, and oversized drama await you in Grootspace.

To quote Mischief Makers, "Through fire, justice is served!

This book is interesting for managing to do so much world- and character-building in such an array of sizes and scopes. And even if that architecture is wildly compelling, it doesn't quite add up to the inner workings of the people in these spaces, who explore ideas both emotional and existential in really novel ways.

A busy issue proves just as heartfelt and essential as ever.

A solid ending brimming with light and intellectual joy.

Forget the marketing and the gimmicks; 'Kid Maroon' is a fun slice of pulp that'll charm your bowtie off and have you eyeing a move to Crimeville.

After a massive reveal at the end of issue #3, 'Kill All Immortals' digs deeper for an even more satisfying, harrowing, and wonderfully complex penultimate chapter.

This issue is both a laugh riot and an existential cluster bomb.

A true hero for our weird, super dumb world.

Enough mystery and heart to make up for cliqued noir tropes.

Emily may shine but this remains the story of Newburn's downfall.

Solid noir like few others can truly muster.

If you love something, you must sometimes poke at its open wounds.

Another great "gimmick that dazzles as much as it builds toward the future.

This issue does a bang-up job in balancing a hint of nostalgic Nightwing storytelling and canon while furthering this run's vibrant spirit and mission statement.

Dr. Cecelia Cobbina is the cure for bland superhero comics.

The series you think is about robot racers is a more vivid and thoughtful exploration of our complicated humanity.

This debut is a testament to the power of effective character work.

Love is a many brutal and wonderful things.

As finales go, this one gets all sorts of bloody and thoughtful as the creators tell this deeply human story about love, friendship, and beheadings.

The debut issue sets the stage for a bloody, insightful exploration of a humanity that we'd rather ignore outright.

This book continues to evolve in ways that retain its essence even as it's becoming something altogether more brutal and beguiling.

With the finale of "Protection," the book once again demonstrates its power in telling a highly personal and deeply moving tale of sex and politics.

A expert melding of ideas and mediums, 'Spectrum' is an experience for the ears, eyes, heart, and mind.

This issue brings it all together for a massive surge forward.

Because this book's started with a mostly lofty idea, and through key creative decisions, robust collaboration/teamwork, and an overt passion, it's executed that vision in a way that remains approachable even as it's all the more intellectually "involved. To put it more simply, you + this book = a great time.

From sci-fi to horror, this anthology expertly sets the stage for DSTLRY's true revolution: great comics.

'The Displaced' continues to be a deeply powerful story about family, memory, community, trauma, grief, and what happens when that's all that remains.

You can't deny the sheer humanity and poignancy of this book even as it wasn't an entirely perfect ending.

A gold standard for telling deep, affective westerns in comics.

War is hell, but not nearly as hellacious as working for a spoiled space goddesses.

The second arc ends with weird allies, fresh enemies, heaps of tension, and the promise for even for madness.

With a proper mix of humor, action, thematic gold, and humanity galore, 'The Holy Roller' is now on a proper roll.

Our hero continues bowling a game a touch closer to 280 than 300.

A spy thriller with more depth, charm, and intent than you've seen in some time.

A biting end to the latest chapter of this deeply personable adventure story.

Issue #1 of 'The Pedestrian' gives us enough road to hint at the big ideas and bigger emotions awaiting in this intriguing series.

While retaining its grounded humanity and drama, the second issue adds new layers and objectives to grow this story exponentially.

From the realms of the cosmic to the darkest alley in Summer City, this issue expertly furthers this book's scope, ideas, and impact.

This book continues to make all the right moves in balancing fun and emotionality, thoughtfulness and insanity.

Get ready to sacrifice some real tears.

There's some proper adventure to be had once we get to issue #5. And while I can't wait for it and, again, that better mean more stuff with Pigeon it's my hope that this book retains that smaller, quieter focus and accompanying ability to jab our souls with tiny blades. If it can, then this will be a book most of us will never recover from, no matter the available elixirs.

After a misstep with issue #2, 'The Toxic Avenger' really starts to sing as themes and character development align in this massively important configuration.

While the former one-shot approach worked well enough, this title reaches its truer potential with more sharp satire, just enough blood and gore, and a proper balance of relevance and absurdity.

Even with a minor concern with our lead, 'Toxic Crusaders' debuts with the charm, mutants, and story layers that will make this team story flourish.

With an origin story, new villains, action galore, and a little bureaucracy to boot, 'Toxic Crusaders' #3 is a bounty of great story that delights without overwhelming.

It's this issue that cements 'Uncanny Valley' as this joyous but potent exploration of nostalgia, responsibility, family, self-love, and holding onto magic throughout your life.

This seemingly silly series continues to unveil new layers of deep emotion to truly engage its readers.

This sci-fi epic promises to be just as heavy on emotion as spaceships and sweet visuals.

This space epic continues to open up like some strange alien flower.

Like Aliens, if the Chestbursters were a strange and beautiful-looking human drama.

This book continues to find the charm, wit, and power to further step into itself for a silly but poignant adventure and a deep look at religion/spirituality.

The finale leans into everything weird and wonderful about this book for a robust story about family, faith, and the real magic of the world.

As this bout enters its second fall, 'Wrestle Heist' manages to up the humanity, increase the action, and unfurl a sturdy heist as it reaches "Apex Predator" status.

'Ain't No Grave' tackles some of its early uncertainties and downsides for a more textured and exciting second chapter.

You don't need to actually say much when the world is this robust, the emotions are big and clear, and the story has so much raw power.

Drink the tea, eat the pastry just get to Wonderland pronto.

Realities blur as we reach a vital turning point.

For a title about AI, missing people, culture-based superpowers, and so much more, 'Ancestral Recall' excels for being so engaging and relatable.

This third issue feels decidedly more personal, as Melvin's journey is as much a socio-political dissection as it is one man coming into himself in many big and splendid ways.

This magical game of cards offered the best prize of all: A thoughtful, potent story about owning your life, betting on yourself, and finding that win when it's not so obvious.

While most video game tie-in titles are iffy, this one makes bold story and design choices to potentially set itself apart.

The story that took off like a magically-empowered demigod settles into itself. But that change of pace opens up new ways to delve into these dynamic characters.

This end may just have you feeling particularly overjoyed.

This book slays.

Issue #4 is likely to be even more of a magically-oriented affair, but there's no denying that #3 cast its own spell with a solid chapter of big fights, robust intrigue, and poignant character developments.

This brawl is only getting started, folks.

The story and hero evolve in bold and deliberate new directions.

The second issue adds to and augments the Spawn canon to herald 'Bloodletter' as an increasingly relevant extension of this rich action franchise.

The ice has thawed on this mystery, and I can genuinely say this case has been a terse but satisfying treat.

This supernatural noir does a lot to lean into its influences, find new ways to stand out, and generally foster a charming, compelling experience.

This book's gonna crack the safe around your emotions.

This book's teeth sink even deeper.

So much more than just a sequel, 'Cemetery Kids Run Rabid' ups the ante emotionally, thematically, and in terms of outright terror/horror.

Forget the super VR games and biopunk delights: 'Cemetery Kids Run Rabid' has me by the heart and it won't let go.

More like, "The Man of Feels, amirite?!

Get ready to wander into the great, wide emotional unknown.

In this latest issue, the creative time aren't pulling any punches in telling a bloody, highly emotional tale of vengeance and second chances.

Despite my own hesitations, 'Cult of the Lamb' is both hugely faithful and a more thoughtful and impassioned take overall.

The second issue confirms that 'Cult of the Lamb' is both a profound continuation of the game and also something more robust and thoughtful in its own right.

They're clearly telling the story of the cutest and creepiest adventurer ever, and it's working on so many levels.

Forget most tie-ins: this story feels like a powerful storytelling experience that doesn't so much extend Dark Crisis itself, but its core themes and ideas.

This sequel both leans into and against certain ideas and expectations to offer a well-developed follow-up.

With just its second issue, 'Death to Pachuco' establishes itself as this community-centric crime story with heaps to offer everyone.

Whereas the third issue felt a little empty or under-filled, 'Death to Pachuco' #4 claws and scratches to get us ready and primed for a combustible finale.

The third chapter of 'Edenwood' may be decidedly more robust, but that beating heart of fantasy heroism remains as approachable as ever.

After a misstep in #3, this issue grabs you by the roots and wrenches out every drop of beauty and heartache.

'Feral' uses cats both as a novel device to stoke nostalgia while clawing away at our sensibilities to tell a deeply brutal horror story.

Despite some tension, unease, and inefficient techniques, the final reveal for 'Gilt Frame' paints a powerful portrait of family as filtered through a classic whodunit.

With even just one extra issue under its belt, 'Good As Dead' achieves more of its potential with a chapter marked by tasty human suffering, thematic gold, and a general air of confidence and intent.

The journey of John Stewart grows ever more robust and compelling.

The legend of John Stewart grows ever greater.

In which peace and joy are the mightiest of storytelling weapons.

You're the sofa, and this story is the cute, slightly angry Calico cat.

Coming clean can be both a beautiful and horrific prospect.

A life-affirming, physics-smashing family story.

In which the world opens in even more glorious light and detail.

Even if you don't always see your prints in the sand, 'I, Tyrant' is a thrilling, no-holds-barred slice of existential horror that will drag you to understanding or death (whichever comes first).

This anthology from some promising indie upstarts has some solid entries and one profound story that could change the way you view/engage comics.

Turns out, there's heaps and heaps to admire when the corporate drama and viking mayhem come crashing together with heart and purpose galore.

It's the pacing, mixed with the emotional potency and massive battle scenes, that make this second issue a mighty continuation.

Turns out having a formula opens you up to storytelling wonders.

As the bloodshed is turned up to 11, this chapter of the father-son drama delivers both heart and gore.

In addition to poignant emotions and narrative threads, this bottle's packed with blood and gore.

A fun and important addition to this event's deluge of tie-ins.

Sometimes the real terror is getting exactly what you want.

Let's hear it for the man-child for a job done well (enough).

Local Man feels like a perfect superhero story for our time. Not just because of the whole MAGA subplot, but also because it's both earnest and optimistic while never pulling punches in exploring what these stories really say about us as a people.

The "downfall of Easton Newburn continues in dazzling fashion.

There's just so many great decisions here, many of that seemingly small or innocuous, that take this great character work and push it to the upper stratosphere.

A fitting enough ode to antiheroes and outsiders.

Maybe this issue doesn't dazzle as much as some previous chapters, but it certainly plays an important rule in this prequel tale.

An ending, for sure, but hopefully the start of something else entirely.

This vampire story goes for the heart and jugular at every turn.

Welcome to the weird, bloody, and silly endgame, folks.

For fans of life lessons told in the most horrific way imaginable.

While less frenetic in its pace, this second issue lands with heaps more story depth and humanity galore.

This last lap of book one is packed with quick, lean storytelling, powerful character work, and even more visual magic.

Get ready for some big laughs and bigger heartache.

The latest issue of 'Plastic' continues this uncomfortable but undeniable character study of a man we can all grapple with whether we like it or not.

This book isn't meta like some other recent titles, and it tries to celebrate and dissect storytelling and our connection with fiction with true prowess and intent.

This story continues to grow and develop in such a way that we're getting something warm and enjoyable that's also quite inventive and exciting.

While the ending seems a tad trite, it hums with a deep humanity that's been central to this case the entire time.

The debut of 'Self Help' sets up a thoughtful, funny, and satisfying crime story that takes down the empowerment community with grace and skill.

This second chapter further refines and focuses the story in ways to make it feel all the more lively and potent.

The story's showing us its true face, and things are coalescing brilliantly.

An issue as naughty as it is deeply compelling and emotionally nuanced.

The sixth and final issue doesn't just open up new roads for the Sinister Sons, it also gives us a fun, charming, and resonant end to their first chapter together.

Prepare for a clash both deeply personal and wildly magical.

Growing up is the best worst mistake you could ever make.

Somehow the car stuff isn't even the best part.

This slow burn time travel thriller continues to be shiny and full of substance.

The only thing cooler than freezing time is making new friends.

The real terror is having to work for a living.

To his benefit, Morrison has assembled a book that's fun, thoughtful, unabashedly whimsical, and clearly on the side of goodness and light. And that's more in line with The Beatles' general vibe and brand than 1,000 covers of "Hey Jude."

With an inventive and brutal second issue, 'The Butcher's Boy' is among my new fave horror stories of 2024.

If you want horror that's smart, bloody, and unafraid to mess with its readers, 'The Butcher's Boy' will consume you entirely.

The finale may not have been a total horror bonanza, but it gets great marks for its emotional heft and impact.

This slice of palace intrigue just got way more intriguing.

This third issue sees a balance struck between silly hijinks and an increasingly complicated take on family, memory, and legacy.

In this issue, it feels like the juvenile jokes, thematic gold, and endless gore are combining in a way to really tell a more potent and impactful story.

Big emotions more devastating than a giant magical sword.

There's still plenty of questions circulating about the book's enemies and character development, but it's already clear we have a compelling "new" hero in Mary Bromfield.

Greater speed and a bigger story never take away from this story's devastating emotions.

A deliberate take continues to pay off handsomely.

Seasons may change, but a gut-wrenching human drama remains eternal.

As the Creature from the Black Lagoon emerges, we're promised not just teeth and claws but a textured mystery with just as much emotional strength.

The finale may stumble a little in some parts/elements, but it ultimately delivers this deeply human meditation on life-death, grief, and being truly alive.

Issue #2 builds the story slowly and surely as we venture toward narrative paydirt.

This second issue does a lot to extend, augment, and generally improve the book into something with its own style, end goals, swagger, and sense of drama.

With a fan's true passion, 'Wrestle Heist' expertly grapples with the ins and outs, ups and downs of this story-centric industry.

Come for the visceral action, but stay for the heartwarming tale of family and anti-capitalism messaging.

Maybe you can beat Xenomorphs with the power of family?

Aliens, heartache, and stakes galore, oh my!

Somehow the people and the politics are the most nasty and venomous.

As the game draws to its eventual finale, 'Arcana Royale' ups the ante on the weirdo vibes, human drama, and all that's dark and compelling.

A compelling little peek under the Hood.

Red Hood is a star, no matter what Batman says/does.

This ain't my beloved cartoon, but this comic adaptation still brings all the heart, humor, and motorcycle hijinks to both entertain and engage young and old fans alike.

While there's some long-term issues brewing, the ongoing series turns the Biker Mice into this dramatic thrill ride of nostalgia and geeky awesomeness.

While the book's endgame may be obvious enough, 'Biker Mice from Mars' continues to innovate and extend in the best ways to make something more robust and thoughtful.

Universes collide and storytelling magic takes shape.

Fewer multiverses means bigger action and intrigue.

All we need in the multiverse is family and years of trauma.

But we've finally reached the end, and I have to say I'm satisfied enough even if I still can't help but wonder what could have been.

The new world of Black Panther grows ever more human and engaging.

Na na na na na, great issue!

Sometimes you've got to go backwards to move forward.

Black Panther's "vacation continues to pay off in some major ways.

Like the titular hero, this story cuts deep without you fully realizing it.

The road from hell is less about intentions and more meaningful character work.

In the grand scheme of the Spawn-verse, 'Bloodletter' is a great new entry that both honors and adds to the canon.

While this fifth issue had its share of concerns and structural issues, you can't deny that this series sets the stage for a wild and bloody future for Bloodletter.

Despite some minor (but still valid) issues, 'Blow Away' continues its thoughtful repurposing of noir, nature, and dramatic stories/structures.

More strategic magic and grittier noir is the optimal formula.

Despite some minor concerns, this second issue brings the horror vibes, plays around with genre, and mostly feels like genuinely great pulp/noir.

While the rest of the story resonated with depth, heart, action, and horrors, the ending of issue #4 left a bad taste in my mouth for a book I still expect to have a long future.

We built this city on poignant human drama and superhero action.

The story may be familiar enough already, but there's signs that 'Convert' is moving into dangerous and compelling territory.

Buck off the deja vu as this series is still doing wholly new, inventive things.

The issue dances around you before pummeling your chest.

If you don't have a villain, you don't have story.

A tale of second chances and revenge begins with raw emotion and empathy.

Dark Horse's newest series combines 'Red Sonja' with a heaping helping of drama.

A bloody good, if not all-too-direct, tale of crusading action.

This issue cuts to the core of the book's interest in identity and the self.

Sure, I still think I prefer DC to Marvel's Halloween offerings. But there's no denying that this title had a solid mix of laughs, scares, and even a regular sprinkling of more poignant topics/ideas. (That last bit really sets it apart for better and worse, and it feels like a compelling enough bent.) If someone gave me this in my bag on Halloween night, I'd share it with some friends instead of chucking it at someone's house.

After a lukewarm start, this second issue turns up the heat in character development, overall pace and intensity, and the general stakes at play here.

While this new series nails the Merc with a Mouth, it could set itself up for a future tumble.

Equal parts crime story, love letter to Chicano heritage, and socio-cultural warning, 'Death to Pachuco' is exactly what we need right now.

Shintaro Kago deftly combines realism and absurdity for a manga title that's equal parts joyful, evocative, and jarring.

Family Tree has become a huge favorite in just two issues, which is amazing because it took me Greg Rucka's entire run on Wolverine to be quite as certain. It's the emotional weight, the unsettling imagery (that's also deeply touching), the exploration of family and fatherhood, and the way this tree-based mystery flourishes inch by painful and exciting inch. It doesn't so much grow on you as it bursts fully in bloom from your chest cavity.

Cute and creepy, this book is finding itself more and more.

This comic "sitcom" brings the tropes while still delivering great emotions and character development.

The real ghosts are the sentiments we try to bury under the surface.

This may be the most busy and revealing issue of 'Good As Dead' so far, and it works exceedingly well to reward our investment (even when not everything clicks).

With even more happening than ever before, 'Good As Dead' manages to be exciting and thoughtful (even as it's also more demanding and a touch chaotic).

As the book has continued to come into itself in the last couple of issues, 'Good As Dead' will at least leave us engaged but questioning as it makes its final move in the weird saga of Port Linden.

We're building up John Stewart in a thoughtful, impactful manner.

In space, everyone can hear you become a better person.

Bring the popcorn and the Kleenex, 'cause you're going to need both to tackle this giant-sized drama.

After a good but imperfect start, 'I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer' lays out a vision that feels exciting, bloody, and deeply human.

This third chapter sees a more deliberate, psychically intense plan unfold for the remainder of Rennie's first year at fashion school.

With a new scope/tone leading into the finale, 'I Was A Fashion School Serial Killer' makes a big swing that's as intriguing as it is potentially tenuous.

Here we see that 'I, Tyrant' is at its best when the story is direct, the messaging is subtle but unavoidable, and the art does more to really carry its big objectives forward.

It's an exploration of how you might not be able to meet your heroes but you can interact with them in the great abstract that is creative expression. And it's a solid reminder that the best stories can and will live forever, even if they're about the one-millionth spacefaring hero.

While there were some key issues along the way, this finale demonstrates the true visual and thematic power of 'Kill All Immortals.'

The balance of power shifts as our interest grows ever wider.

Yarsky's debut creator-owned title has the family drama, fantasy magic, and inventive edge needed to be a proper success.

If you want to save the world, you've got to shatter a few hearts (and maybe some kneecaps?)

No one's eventual downfall has ever seemed so delicious.

The life of Easton Newburn grows ever darker, compelling, complicated, etc.

It'd be a real shanda if you missed out on this book.

Fantagraphics unveils an exciting debut issue of its new anthology series built on a diverse group of creators, intriguing stories and art, and a whole heap of creative potential.

Another promising collection of weird and wacky comics from across the indie scene.

A compelling and cohesive collection celebrating indie comic goodness.

A transformative and entertaining spin on the same old vampire story.

Life sucks and maybe that's a good thing?

The heisting grows ever bigger and more rich.

A new title, but same old wonderful vampire hijinks.

Petrol Head and co. continue down a bath that expertly rides the line between action, comedy, and drama toward compelling new paths.

Because this book's started with a mostly lofty idea, and through key creative decisions, robust collaboration/teamwork, and an overt passion, it's executed that vision in a way that remains approachable even as it's all the more intellectually "involved. To put it more simply, you + this book = a great time.

A great lead up to what should be a bloody, dramatic finale.

Maybe it ain't the best issue thus far, but #3 really does crystallize some big ideas within the overarching 'Plastic' story.

Whether you like or love meta stories, 'Profane' does it with a depth and sincerity that'll have you on board regardless.

While it feels like a slightly slower issue, lots of big things still happen to get 'Profane' toward the end of its biggest case.

I continue to fall deeper and deeper for this wacky little tale.

A powerful exploration of youth's splendid highs and gut-wrenching lows.

This quest is becoming all the more compelling and rewarding.

A chapter of big enemies and even bigger revelations.

Ultimately, we like horror tropes like this not cause they're groundbreaking but because they force us to empathize and engage with the people on screen before they may get shuffled off this mortal coil. We also like horror because it makes the most of these huge, over-the-top, hyper bloody scenes to foster a level of intimacy. And this book has done all of that thus far, including doubling down across issue #3.

The war may end but the glorious suffering persists.

The cats really were this big force across the issue, and the reason why this book is humming now more than ever.

A winning finale for this cute and quirky (super) dog's tale.

Like "The birds and the bees" but with actual insight. And fight scenes.

The sex-positive tale of revolution starts letting the characters shine bright.

A mid-series "flashback" provides new insights and emotions.

An imperfect issue about opening up and expanding the world before all hell breaks loose.

These sons may be sinister, but there's a lot of emotionality and potential in their pursuit of fate and legacy.

The penultimate issue of 'Sinister Sons' checks all the most important boxes on the way to a potent and exciting finale.

The story and art align as this book makes good on its magical potential.

When fantasy and reality collide, there's true magic to be found.

Any issues aside, 'Standstill' has the charm, premise, and vision to be a truly rip-roaring story of sci-fi revenge.

Complaints aside, the second chapter brings the heft with action and character work.

It's made this human story of heroes more gentle and slow moving than it needs to be, and having more visual razzle dazzle would go a long way to landing closer to the realm of genuine thriller.

Even if this story isn't as strong as others Bang! really nailed the rush and absurdity of this specific plot device there's evidence here that as these two worlds further blur, there could be a gritty slice of noir adventure awaiting readers. You've just got to hold on and wait for the walls to really start crumbling.

Subgenre is still building, and the end result could be a triumph or a meta letdown.

This revenge story already has the right setting, tone, vibes, and layers to make it something truly potent.

Maybe this book can't ever make you feel good about death (yours or someone near and dear). But then maybe that's not the point: it's a gross, soul-crushing process, and the best art makes you lean into that with your whole dang chest.

A huge issue visually, emotionally, and contextually for this deeply human noir.

'The Butcher's Boy' is for fans of blood and guts, old-school serial killers and folklore, and emotionality as sharp as a hunting knife.

It's a bigger book now, even as some things remain undeveloped for the time being, and one that has real layers. In a big way, that connects it even further to other grand sci-fi franchises, and makes everything feel all the more important.

After a generally solid first frame, this book cuts down on the humor and upps the heart (and violence) to gain proper momentum.

The fourth issue sees the humor and heart shine even as there's still some minor concerns with this book's fundamentals.

This story might spring on you just like the wolf.

'Uncanny Valley' is a story about family and connection that never skimps on the emotionality or the sheer whimsy.

With new layers and a continued commitment, 'Uncanny Valley' is becoming a wonderful, reality-smashing family drama.

While this issue can feel a touch uneven, there's absolutely no denying that the book is onto a revitalized take for the Creature.

A thrilling, decidedly contemplative end to an imperfect miniseries.

This penultimate chapter is very much this series' beating heart.

With a distinct look and a novel storyline, 'The Mummy' isn't your traditional horror story and that's a very good thing so far.

As the story advances to darker terrains and ideas, it's the playful, romantic core that keeps 'The Mummy' feeling truly alive.

A solid ending to a charming tale, 'The Mummy' #4 makes good on the book's thematic promises and novel, extra human horror framework.

You're the animal if this book doesn't grab you by the heartstrings.