Christopher Egan Comic Reviews

Keep comics weird, keep the ideas flowing, keep turning the page. 7174AD continues the tradition of giving readers bizarre and off center sci-fi tales that are guaranteed to make readers think about what they are reading.

A heightened crime story with an engaging, but wholly unlikable protagonist that seems a bit confused as to what tone it is trying to set and take moving forward.

"A Man Among Ye" #1 is a fun and quick read, but like any good pirate, it needs its independence to truly stand against the competition.

Exciting and fast-paced to the point of anxiety inducing, "Aliens: Resistance" #1 kicks off the miniseries in perfect fashion.

Final Verdict: 8.5, An everlasting classic issue that fully encapsulates Peter Parker and his dual life and a fantastic introduction to one of the all time great super villains.

A surprisingly hollow issue for how important it tries to make the main storyline seem.

"Amber Blake" kicks off a new series that focuses on a strong woman and young adults in a world that needs them more than ever. Solid art and a decent script that is interesting, if not a bit rushed make for a fun read.

A decent start to this series that sets up bigger questions and a much bigger story to unfold.

provoking read that sets up a decent amount of future story threads paired with wonderfully delightful art.

A very good start to the new arc introduces political and emotional weight to a book that is still loads of fun, even with those heavier elements included.

You will be intrigued by the plot it sets up, you will enjoy seeing a very 1980s Batman come up against bonkers situations and Ra's al Ghul, but in the vast market of comics, you may want to ask yourself if this one is worth much once you take off those rose tinted glasses.

Brian Azzarello's writing gets dark and uncomfortable just for the sake of it, but Lee Bermejo's incredible art continues to stun and carry this collaboration.

'Kings of Fear' #1 is a love letter to the "Batman" comics of the 1990s that is a welcome tangent from the current continuity.

Final Verdict: 7.0 - A good start to this horror-fantasy with heart, if not a little too reminiscent of other stories.

Serving as a bridging issue, "Black Hammer: Age of Doom" #9 is an extremely satisfying push forward in story that gives readers a peek into what could be on the horizon for Black Hammer and co.

Another near-perfect entry in this universe, one of the best issues of "Black Hammer Reborn, and an equally satisfying chapter end and future tease.

As this universe has done from the start, "Black Hammer Visions" #3 both challenges and embraces the superhero genre.

Continuing its strong premiere, the gorgeous "Blackbird" #2 plays a narrative tug-of-war with itself with how much the reader should know.

A thoughtful and terrifying vampire yarn set in the deep, dark woods that looks to sink its teeth into you.

telling older sighting and urban legends doesn't give readers much of note with "Blue Book."

A dark and beautiful survival horror story set within a harrowing crime drama.

Verse, that ranges in quality, but the highlights are fantastic, and the low points are still decent, if not unnecessary for this issue. Fans of the current canon will definitely want to pick this up, but for those who can't let go of the original timeline (like me) the latter 2/3's of this issue will appeal to everyone.

stuffed premiere to a miniseries that will definitely have more story than pages to do it real justice.

"Bunny Mask" #1 is an original and truly shocking first issue that will leave both horror aficionados and newcomers alike with their mouth agape by the final turn of the page.

Fantasy horror, a dark spin on the hero's journey, and includes ties to the overarching themes of the greater "Hellboy universe? What more could you ask for?

A solid tween horror story set within our beloved Hellboy Universe that keeps the mystery and intrigue going strong.

This didn't quite come together for us, unfortunately. The plot and structure is solid, but for a story with such a strong emotional component, the emotions felt strangely muted.

A bleak sci-fi tale that takes familiar themes and brings them together to create something truly original. All signs point to an excellent game changer on the horizon.

A surprisingly exciting horror/action comic with a fun hero and an unexpected plot that makes for an intriguing read.

A truly smart, gorgeous, and thrilling cyberpunk noir worthy of the genre.

Gorgeous from start to finish, this return to the inner circle of "Black Hammer" is a beautiful and touching mind puzzle.

"Cosmic Ghost Rider" #3 is a fantastic turning point for the mini-series and a wonderfully exciting and hilarious story to boot.

A funny and wild time that throws readers through major moments in Marvel History, specifically events surrounding the Fantastic Four.

"Count Crowley" is equal parts homage, heart, sadness, and scares.

The debut of "Creepshow is pretty standard horror anthology fare. Fun and spooky in the moment, but ultimately forgettable and never comes close to its great counterparts.

"Criminal" is a nearly flawless return to the series with writing and art so perfectly executed you'll be amazed that it didn't just blink into existence.

An idea that could have a lot of weight and power, never really reaches its potential in this introduction.

"Cult Classic: Creature Feature" #1 is an incredibly well made tale of gross-out sci-fi/horror, wrapped in Americana.

An energetic punk vampire yarn that drops intrigue into a familiar template.

Man adventure with action, twists, horror, and great character moments.

An exciting page turner crossover event that puts a new spin on quite a few ideas and plot devices Marvel fans have seen over the years.

Final Verdict: 3.0, This is Frank Miller fighting to express his beliefs, tell an interesting story, and to stay relevant and he fails in all attempts. Time to hang up the cowl.

A classic tale of creepy history found in the oldest towns of the United States that plays with universal human and horror themes while still tackling issues that feel so distinctly American, in the worst sense. We've seen it before, but we can always use fresh voices.

"Dead By Daylight #1 is generally bland start to a prequel that should have had fans of horror and the original game drooling from excitement, not boredom.

Final Verdict: 7.0, A fast paced premiere that uses a pulpy, crime story influence seen through a filter of modern society making for some interesting dramatic effect.

A very good sci-fi mystery that teases the fantastical side of "Dredd" just as the series is wrapping up.

A upsetting look at social anxieties, and true terror, all wrapped into a sharply written narrative.

A beautiful and smart cyberpunk action-adventure that integrates excellent science fiction with a perfect dose of futurist horror.

"Family Tree" continues to be an outstanding blend of sci-fi/horror constructed with Lemire's incredible world building.

out mystery that turns on a dime from subtle to terrifying.

A fun, bubblegum teen superhero manga adventure that is unfortunately far too over-stuffed for its own good.

"Folklords" is a cleverly written fantasy filled with twists, intrigue, and believable characters.

A quite exciting, if not a little half-baked, start to the "Giant-Man" miniseries that brings some welcome humor to the ever-expanding War of the Realms.

The near perfect "Gideon Falls" keeps the dread palpable and reveals some answers as this series continues to confuse, thrill, and unnerve straight through its tenth issue.

By no means a boring slump, a decent, if decidedly unrealistic story bookends some fun action and brutality as two fan favorite monsters slug it out for the fate of humanity.

Falling somewhere between Breaking Bad and "The Colour out of Space, "Golgotha Motor Mountain is nothing short of bizarre, funny, and terrifying.

A somewhat faithful script is rushed, greatly shortened, unfortunately losing a lot of the story's original power, but gorgeously designed artwork honors the world that H.G. Wells created 123 years ago.

A thoughtful and intriguing return to the world of "Harrow County.

The intentions and ideas are bigger than the final issue in "Heart Attack" #1.

70s era detective story that will keep readers sufficiently creeped out and invested in what's to come.

"Hellboy and the BPRD: The Return of Effie Kolb" #1 is not only a fantastic Hellboy story, it has all the makings of a perfectly rendered horror tale. It is everything fans have come to look for in a "Hellboy" miniseries.

"Hollow Heart" #1 bears its heart on the page and to the reader and it is bound to be someone's new favorite comic.

"House of Slaughter" is visually stunning and emotionally enriched as it continues to expand its impressive story.

It's fine, but it won't make a believer out of the uninitiated.

The attempt to blend both horror comics with paranormal mystery docuseries simply never meshes the way the creatives hope it will.

Final Verdict: 8.5, "I Walk With Monsters" #1 takes the worn out idea of 'people were the real monsters all along' and makes it interesting again.

An excellent addition to "The Immortal Hulk" with a story motif that can change the medium when used so well.

A great sense of comforting familiarity with some fresh twists and wonderfully crafted characters makes for one of the most enjoyable new comics this year.

A weak final issue with a few decent moments that is ultimately a letdown.

A decent start of a threequel to the Jim Henson classic that has some necessary pre-requisite reading.

A unsettling, violent, and welcome return to the world of "Hellblazer."

An exciting and well done introduction to this story, that never quite makes the leap to a great addition to the canon. Stellar artwork ratchets up the energy and quality overall, and is worth the pick up.

At times upsetting and violent, this is an incredibly well-crafted start to a tale of humanity.

When "Kroma" is really firing, it feels right at home amongst the great fantasy adventures.

A truly enjoyable and creepy horror tale that is full of spooky fun making it quite a page turner.

This is a fine love letter to pulp books of all sorts, "Lester of the Lesser Gods #1 knows its audience and it refreshingly does not care if you're offended or not.

Rich mythology and incredibly beautiful artwork continue to make "Lightstep" a delight in the world of sci-fi and comics.

An exceptionally balanced issue that continues to do justice for both the feminist and family messages at its core and the horror tale it continues to weave.

Beautifully crafted and wonderfully told, "Man's Best #1 is bringing a lot that should and could appeal to readers of all kinds, but it's going to have to do a little more to really get out ahead of its inspirations.

A perfectly creepy blend of old world horrors and magic. Bunn, Hurtt, and Crook deliver on a beautifully sinister premiere that is akin to Lovecraft, Blackwood, and Mignola.

Classic Spidey action that packs a punch with a new spin on his relationship with Black Cat.

Once the mystery of "Masterpiece #1 has its hooks in you, you'll be hard-pressed to put it down.

A strong start filled with pain, hope, and a lot of questions.

A masterclass in telling one man's journey through the worst pain of his life.

Final Verdict: 5.0, A typical and highly derivative mecha adventure that works as a new story and as a follow up to "Mech Cadet Yu."

A fun send up of Ferris Bueller mixed with classic Spidey antics, and nicely polished and modern artwork make "Miles Morales: Spider-Man" #4 a delightful read for fans of any age looking to take a break with a comic book.

Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum have created an homage to all super-powered comic books that have come before it with a satisfying narrative that lovingly, questioningly, pokes at the rules of superheroes and the worlds they inhabit.

A hulking brawl of an issue that leaves little to the imagination and reminds readers that a lot of "Spawn is still caught up in its "Dude-Bro era.

A quick and savage read, "Nemesis" will stay with you long after you've put it down.

A strong premiere that introduces some real fear, and an expansive knowledge of horror lore and filmmaking, without feeling gate-keepy to those who are still learning the language of horror cinema.

Whether you laugh or cry; prepare to bow to, and find common ground, with our robot overlords.

There is nothing new here and seeing names like Starlin and Morales struggle to make this interesting by over-complicating a mostly simple story within this sci-fi adventure makes the read all the more unbearable.

An intriguing and original story clawing its way out of the usual 'humanity has ended and the world is run by a limitless A.I.' setting.

A solid new story in the "Predator" franchise that has all the severed heads, exploding entrails, and ripped-out spines fans crave.

perfect satirizing and condemnation of some of the worst aspects of the comic book industry as told by someone within the machine.

Final Verdict: 8.0, A strong start to a new chapter in Frank Castle's life and mission with some truly unexpected twists that could make this series soar or come crashing down through its attempts at something new.

"Punk's Not Dead: London Calling" #1 keeps the punk in all of us alive with this excellent genre-bending series.

A nasty little sex thriller that is OK at best and unnecessary at worst. Nothing about this feels like it belongs in the Askewniverse, other than its odd build-up to Mooby's origins.

wrenching tale of pain and hopelessness covered in a snowdrift of spookiness.

"Rorschach" #4 again prove why this series is so intriguing and emotionally gripping.

"Samurai Jack: Lost Worlds" #1 is both an excellent continuation of the established canon, as well as a great jumping on point for new fans.

Final Verdict: 8.0, "Secrets of Sinister House" #1 is a mixed bag of terror and suspense that covers a decent amount of spooky genres that will appeal to all kinds of horror fans

Final Verdict: 9.0, A dark, satirical tale of sexual expression and oppression. With an experienced author who is well versed in kink and sexual literature this is never shocking for shock's sake. It is a mature thriller for adults by adults.

Tragic and gorgeous with a world-building sensibility rarely seen in independent comics.

A beautiful and wild cosmic adventure that perfectly balances the opposite traits of the two lead characters.

Fun and witty, this premiere issue could have done more with the premise it set up, but is still a humorous adventure.

Quiet moments of reflection and revelation in the dark set this series apart from most other horror books.

A series of conversations, revelations, and re-evaluations are the central focus of issue #8, another stellar entry in this outstanding horror series.

A thwipping good time, with a fan-favorite villain, but it doesn't really have a greater purpose in the grand scheme of things.

A satisfying ending to a dark and wild whodunit and an exciting and enjoyable return to the world of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

A surprisingly exciting and emotional journey for a long-running fan favorite, but long absent, Trek villain!

Star Trek does a heist in the Mirror Universe? It's just a silly and entertaining as it sounds.

Blatant fan service aside, "Star Trek: The Q Conflict" is an entertaining and thoughtfully crafted comic with writing fans will absolutely appreciate.

One of the best "Star Trek" comics to come out, expanding on a much-wanted point in time that looks as good or better than any of the original series episodes. This is a faithful continuation that fans have been waiting for.

intended narrative bridge. It somehow works for both new and old readers and never really suffers from "Star Wars" fatigue.

Final Verdict: 6.0, Come for the Luke/Palpatine connection, leave wondering if there's a real point to any of it.

A dark and brutal expansion on the mystery that is Captain Phasma. Rightfully shines the light on her villainous ways, both her outward and shadowy actions she keeps hidden.

'Out of the Shadow' shows us a story of Kylo Ren both respecting Darth Vader's legacy and looking to become an even greater figure in the eyes of the galaxy.

This is a really nicely done adventure that wears its heart on its sleeve and feels like classic Star Wars and knows the soul of the character at the center.

Trust in the Jedi, for the Force is strong with this one.

Final Verdict: 8.5, A "Star Wars" adventure that is attempting to flip the script on who we are rooting for. Well crafted writing and artwork make from a solid foundation in this war story.

"Stealth" is an excellent and emotional character study. It's rare to get readers so invested in a brand new superhero comic, but this team has done it.

A well told story that finally gives fans a proper expansion of the Hawkins, Indiana based sci-fi adventure.

"Subgenre" #1 is playing a few mind games with not only its protagonist, but the reader as well. A fascinating blend of satire, cyberpunk, and high fantasy that will keep you guessing as to whether or not it is all worth it while whispering to you that it is.

requisite reading.

An incredible look into the heart and soul of the Man of Steel.

"Swallow Me Whole" is a fascinating story about coming-of-age through chemistry with outstanding writing, and a simply incredible illustrated narrative.

A fun and true to form Spider-Man vs Mysterio story that sets up things to come. Exhilarating action and brooding darkness swirl around like a symbiotic alien looking for a host. "Symbiote Spider-Man" #1 reads fast and looks great.

A decent kickoff to the mini series that seems a little unsure of what it is trying to achieve.

bending world building, "Tartarus" #1 is a fascinating attempt to bring what feels like an underground science fiction and fantasy saga to more mainstream comic book readers.

A great horror/sci-fi tale mixed with the hard-nosed action that has been sorely missing from this property.

A modern take on the old detective strips following the plucky reporter on their first big case.

A compelling, if not, muddied start to a horror fantasy series that could really take flight once it gets past its growing pains.

"The Clock" #1 is an engaging, globe trotting medical thriller.

Final Verdict: 8.5, A solemn and truthful look at the feelings, and the monsters, hiding in our closets.

A sci-fi tale of people frozen in time that holds a lot of promise for future issues. Solid artwork and confident writing keep this book from falling into the depths where average sci-fi stories go to drown.

Even with some minor stylistic flaws, "The Girl in the Bay" #1 begins a truly fascinating and dark fantasy that is guaranteed to draw you in.

Like Craig-san, the story soars at times, but winds up hitting a few billboards along the way.

"The Jaguar #1 is a fun return to a cult pulp hero series, but it is held back by its inability to balance between being a new story and a continuation of past comics.

A fantastic dystopian, character piece. Keep an eye on this creative team, they are something special.

"The Plot" is a classic tale of haunted people that will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished it.

An absolutely charming and winning return to form with creatives who knew how to revive this beloved hero.

fi that has a lot to say. Here's hoping it has the room to grow and tell the story it wants/needs to.

'Hotel Oblivion" #1 is an intricately crafted, welcome return to not only this universe, but for genre books of this nature.

The explosive superhero story that fans have been hoping for for years. Way's open-ended script paired with B and Filardi's combined talents help push everything in the right direction.

A deserving, if not slightly predictable, ending to this final(?) adventure of the UNBELIEVABLE UNTEENS!

A beautifully bleak sci-fi drama that gives nearly no answers, but it makes up for that with plenty of intrigue, set up, and incredible art.

A callback to classic horror, "The Whispering Dark" relies more on real world horrors and inner turmoil than things that go bump in the night to evoke a true feeling of terror.

A gorgeous and haunting fantasy. "Trout: The Hollowest Knock" takes a look at inner pain with an inky black sense of humor. A must buy.

Plenty of creatures and fun concepts stock the shelves of this second issue, and while pretty to look at, the plot and ideas are derivative of many other horror and sci-fi properties.

Final Verdict: 7.0 - An enjoyable mash-up of intergalactic and street-level battles come together in this new mini-series that delves into the past and present of never before seen chapters of Venom's life.

"Vinyl" is all at once unnerving, gory, funny, frustrating, and wonderful.

A bloody fun vampire romp, with solid twists that even the most jaded horror fan may not see coming.

Issue one of "Alien 3" is an interesting and engaging alternate take on what could have been.

"X-Men/Fantastic Four" #1 is not only an enthralling story of heroes and finding one's place in the world, it's an absolute delight to read.