Christopher Rondeau Comic Reviews

Commander Rao One-Shot is an engaging comic book with complex themes. Commander Rao is a flawed character that does the impossible.

Deep Cuts #1 is a fantastic experience as the creative team dwells deep into the history of Jazz music.

Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #1 nailed the unity between setting, plot, and characters.

Saint John #1 provides an exciting insight into an incredible city and what it truly means to be altruistic.

The Last Barbarians #1 gives me everything I want from a new comic with stunning art and complex but not overbearing writing.

If this debut is any indication, The Rocketfellers has immense potential to become a standout series.

The United States of Captain America #2 challenges me to want to do better and isn't that what Captain America is all about.

The United States of Captain America #5 has been a great story and a thrilling ride.

The Uncanny X-Men #1 introduces complex characters as the focal tone of the story that I believe will build into a great story arc. Seeing Gail in the driver's seat for this story is also great.

Monstress has a complex set of characters that have to make difficult decisions. It is fascinating seeing them try to make the right one.

After the drama of last issue, Monstress #32 shows the aftermath and the emotions of all parties involved.

This comic shines a line on Kippa and tells a heart-breaking story of a defining moment.

Monstress Talk Stories is a masterfully crafted interim series that shows strong characters managing their trauma.

The strength of the story, the tension between strong characters, and a captivating art style compels me to add this to my reading list.

I was happy to finally see Matt get some spotlight. Seeing him talk about his family, approach other characters, and really see his struggle with his abilities was something I have been anticipating for a while and it was delivered well.

Die has continually impressed me. It is a book that tells a good story, has flawed characters, and most importantly gives me something to think about.

You can purchase this issue via comiXology

Angria is on the verge of war and our heroes just want to return home. Will our heroes be able to sort out their differences and leave Die?

Our heroes need to prevent a war in Die while still trying to figure out how to get home. To do so, they meet up with H.G. Wells!

Matt is in rage and grief. In his anger, he targets his two party members who made him miss the death of his dad.

Die #18 is ramping up for a thrilling conclusion but still manages to add complexity and character development for its protagonists.

Die #19 tells a story with a difficult theme with a skillful and respectful hand.

Die #20 offers us a thrilling conclusion to an amazing series that pushes the boundaries of the artform.

Arcade King #1 has a ton of promising elements and spectacular art.

Arcade King #2 is an outstanding comic that reads quickly. Check it out if you enjoy action-packed comics with a unique premise.

Arcade Kings #3 introduces an engaging point of view character, offering us a unique insight into the world and setting.

Arcade Kings #4 adds a level of depth missing from previous issues in a fantastic and thought-provoking way.

Arcade Kings #5 provides a great conclusion to a fantastic miniseries where you have to pick up your jaw from the floor based on how great the art is.

Psylocke #1 offers an engaging story of trauma and self-discovery, handled compellingly.

Psylocke #2 delves deeply into the character, engaging readers with every panel.

This little guy gives us hope to the heartless! Immediately as a reader I want to root for him despite being a fictional character.

The point of the story is not the final goal but the journey to get there. It doesn't matter if Canto succeeded at the Emerald Tower or not. Simply the act of trying his best pushed his movement forward.

Canto makes the difficult decision of sacrifice and we fall in love with him even more.

Eight Billion Genies #1 does an excellent job setting up the rest of the series by introducing the essential characters and establishing them before introducing their exceptional inciting incident.

Hulkling and Wiccan #1 managed to show that love overcomes in a well-paced and colored story.

New Masters #1 provides an excellent foundation for what is sure to be a fantastic story.

Sonic the Hedgehog: Imposter Syndrome #1 gives us a complex theme that is digestible for a younger reader. I respect the creative team for going down this route in their storytelling.

Lawrence is a complicated character that deals with guilt and grief. These two things plus the emphasis on afterlife myths ensures a good story.

Break Out #1 is a great introduction that successfully combines science-fiction, coming-of-age, and a heist story.

Break Out #2 is the perfect amalgam of excellent writing and detailed art.

Break Out #3 is a great story that suffers from a long publication schedule.

Break Out #4 did a fantastic job within the short four issues it had and is a good pick-up when the trade comes out.

We always see the trope that one decision can change the course of your life and Remender does a masterful job putting out that theme in comic book form.

There is quite a lot to unpack in this story but the creative team has created such an intelligent story. Black Science has been a nice ride throughout its six years and am sad to see it end. 4.5 out of 5 stars for me.

Way of X shows a new side to the Krakoa nation in a engaging and thought provoking way.

Way of X continues to explore the societal development of Krakoa in an engaging and complex way.

Way of X #3 presents us with the complex reality of Krakoa. Having Nightcrawler as our point of view character and observing society is engaging and exciting.

Way of X #4 is a series that challenges the nation of Krakoa and shows that it is not as perfect as we are made to believe.

Way of X #5 changes Nightcrawler from a doubter to a religious leader in an engaging and exciting way.

You can purchase this issue via comiXology

Amazing Fantasy #1 gives us an engaging storyline by taking classic heroes out of their comfort zone. Great work here by Kaare Andrews.

Beware the Eye of Odin #1 provides an excellent start to a promising new miniseries.

Beware the Eye of Odin #2 shows the power of a well-written comic working in tandem with the art.

Beware the Eye of Odin #3 is a spectacular fantasy comic that dives deep into the three main characters.

Noble was written so well that in one short book, I wanted to root for him and ultimately felt terrible when he sacrificed himself. The art was so well drawn that I can feel the sadness in everyone's eyes.

This issue was able to explore thought processes of the characters rather than erratic emotions they had during the moment of disaster.

The story was good, I enjoyed the art and the aesthetic of each and every hero. I just wanted a little longer epilogue. The series as a whole is a good jumping on point to see this rather young superhero universe.

Crashing #1 made us attached to the main character and created empathy for her complex situation.

Crashing #2 incorporates Rose's monologue to provide new insight into her battle with addiction in an engaging way.

Crashing #3 combines high emotional action with intimate drama in an artistic way.

Crashing #5 has a thrilling conclusion to complicated themes in an accessible way.

Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 provides a unique aesthetic while retaining much of Doctor Strange's signature charm.

Ghost Rider: Vengeance Forever #1 does a magnificent job paying tribute to all incarnations of the Ghost Rider.

Giant-Size: Spider-Gwen #1 is an excellent comic that sets up many potential storylines for the future.

Good Luck #1 sets up an interesting and complex world with a diverse cast of characters, which is the right recipe to be a great miniseries!

I really liked the dynamic the creative team has set for the book. There is a man vs man, man vs government, man vs nature, and a man vs self element to it. And usually, I would be overwhelmed with the bleakness of such a story but in this case, I'm intrigued to see what happens next.

I applaud the fact that the team kept the story high tension throughout the whole issue. All I needed was creepy incidental music to really set the mood.

Juggernaut is back in Manhattan working Demolitions for Damage Control!

Juggernaut sets his eyes on the destructive Hulk to earn his redemption!

Juggernaut is facing another enemy. Will he be able to survive the Manhattan Justice System?

Juggernaut is proving to be a very empathetic character despite the brutality of his actions.

For me, there is no such thing as a perfect comic book. However, this story was engaging and caught me off guard. I cannot wait to see what they do with the character.

A fun all-ages book that shows us that the people in charge aren't always the morally correct one.

Marvel United: A Pride Special #1 delivers a heartfelt message while still managing to tell compelling and well-crafted stories.

There is a lot of sexual tension between him and cat and a bit of guilt in his current relationship with Mary Jane Watson. Through the dialogue, we explore Spider-Man's psyche and it is such a great thing for the reader to grab on to.

Megaman comes back to comic book form to tell an exciting new story! Will he be able to prevent the second Hard Age?

This comic introduces a new hero and villain group and provides a well rounded story of why they are who they are.

Negasonic Teenage Warhead #1 impressed me with its character depth and complex emotional arcs, making every page a joy to read.

NYX #1 is an excellent title to reintroduce yourself to Kamala Khan and gain insight into how the rest of the world views mutants after the Fall of Krakoa.

NYX #2 offers exceptional characterization for Laura Kinney, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the series, even if I'm not particularly interested in the villain introduced in this issue.

Reaper struggls with having a huge cast of characters and needing to establish them. The ideas in the series are great but it needs time to develop each protagonist. It looks like they are taking the time now to work on each character.

I really enjoy this grimdark fantasy. There is something amazing about the depth of the characters that we didn't get to explore in the first arc. Essen Breaker is having so much doubt about his actions that creates engaging character development. I want to root for this guy even though he was a bad man who did a lot of bad things.

Essen breaker and Rekala have found the true mastermind behind the missing children and must now figure out what they are going to do with him.

Resurrection of Magneto #1 takes on the perspective of the iconic character, Storm, and humanizes her in a way I haven't seen in a while within recent X-Men Comics.

Resurrection of Magneto #2 is a book that causes the reader to evaluate their opinion on Magneto. Is he a hero, a villain, or something more?

Savage Squad 6 #1 starts with dynamic characters, making it an excellent start. However, the overarching plot hasn't grabbed my attention just yet.

I liked the theme of the Prince who is more a soldier then a leader and that fact makes him a better leader. Somehow being down to earth and talking to people seems to make him more understanding.

Soltaic #1 shows us a great new series that explores the relationship between an overprotective mother and her daughter.

I think Stonehenge #2 will read best as a trade paperback. There is so much going on, and it feels complex and engaging. Non-conventional stories like these are right up my alley.

Take this new character, Osita. She is a terrorist and even if I can agree with some of her ideas, I can't agree with her actions.

The Clay People: Colossus One-Shot is an excellent story about a kid who is dealing with a plethora of responses that provides a ton of death with your kin.

Courier talks about a woman wanting to have a normal line but being thrown back into a crowd of dangerous people.

I think this book did a solid job representing itself. On paper during a pandemic, this comic shouldn't work well but it succeeds spectacularly. Eve is a great protagonist and while we mostly get action in this scene, we do know she cares about people and has a stubborn will to survive.

The Courier: Liberty and Death #3 caught me off guard in a brilliant way. Great narrative arc and work from the creative team.

The Hunger and the Dusk #1 is a strong pick for fans of the high fantasy genre, as it skillfully explores and revitalizes old fantasy tropes, promising an engaging and exciting read.

Liza is an incredible antagonist and the change in her characterization is well written and believable. The series didn't sell me until we saw Liza becoming darker and darker as a character.

Jonathan Luna does a fantastic job paying homage to Image Comics in his new one-shot, The Phalanx.

Wraith returns back to his home world to try and finally get rid of his symbiotic curse!

White Ash Season Two #1 does a great job presenting our two main characters in an engaging and complex way!

X-23: Deadly Regenesis #1 is an excellent study on engaging new and veteran readers to a new plot line.

X-Men #1 provides excellent characterization and character design right from the start.

X-Treme X-Men #1 checks all the right boxes with a balanced plot, setting, and conflict-driven characters.

X-Treme X-Men #2 successfully combine multiple plot points in a digestible and entertaining way.

X-Treme X-Men #3 was visually captivating, but the art and the action were too much to understand the nuance of the complicated plot thoroughly.

The next X-men crossover event is now out! Come check out what dark storm is on the horizon.

In the end, I think the X of Swords event was a huge success. I'm happy to see that most of the plot lines were concluded and feels like a new chapter for the mutant nation of Krakoa. I'm curious about Mister Sinister and his role in the future and how some of our heroes will cope with the trauma of this event.

The Champions of Krakoa are preparing to enter the Contest of Swords.

Avengers Twilight #2 is a fascinating exploration of Old Man Captain America in a dystopia but has a lot of themes that are too prevalent for modern events.

Avengers Twilight #3 is an excellent comic that shows the power of storytelling in unconventional settings.

Avengers Twilight #5 is an engaging comic but provides some commentary on fascism and the media.

Avengers: Twilight #6 is incredibly well-thought-out and had an excellent miniseries conclusion.

This comic brings us into the psyche of the Black Knight and his struggle with managing the bloodlust of the Ebony Blade.

This issue failed to explore Dane Whitman's psyche that was set up so perfectly in the first issue. However the ideas of the series are still there and still strong.

The Curse of the Ebony Blade has been an interesting series that explores the psyche of Dane Whitman, Jacks, and Mordred. What we have learned in this issue will certainly give us a thrilling conclusion at the end of the miniseries.

Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #5 has been a thrilling miniseries that has the best possible conclusion for the plot and the characters.

Petrol Head #1 checks off all the boxes of what I want from a first issue with great skill and finesse.

Petrol Head #2 has gripped me in a way that engages me fully.

Petrol Head #3 introduced too many side characters when I wanted to see more characterization of the protagonist. Regardless, the concept and art are still worth your money.

Petrol Head #4 suffered from middle-issue syndrome and didn't make the most engaging plot choices for my taste.

Strange Academy: Finals #1 sets up an engaging conflict between Emily and Doyle in a splendid but unexpected way.

Strange Academy #2 perfectly depicts a lighthearted style to a grim dark tone that shows the well-rounded personalities of these characters.

Strange Academy: Finals #3 remind us of the emotional power of teenagers with superpowers intelligently and incredibly.

Strange Academy: Finals #4 provides excellent insight into the new isolation of Emily Bright and how her characterization shows her becoming the villain of this story.

Strange Academy: Finals #5 initiates the final battle between students in a fast-paced action comic book!

By the Horns tells a classic story of revenge and places it in a unique and engaging setting. Lots of good ideas coming from this book.

By the Horns has an engaging setting that the protagonist exists in. I'd pick this one up just to see how cool a unicorn hunter actually is!

The introduction of Evelyn provides a great foil for Elodie and I am excited to see where they take both of these characters next issue.

By the Horns #4 provides an action-packed novel that still emphasized character growth within the narrative arc.

By the Horns #6 executes a wordless comic with great skill and finesse.

By the Horns #7 concludes the first story arc in a creative, intelligent way.

Assassin's Apprentice #1 has the difficult task of adapting a novel to comic book form but does so with great skill and interpretation thus far.

Impact Winter #1 provides an excellent context for the source material and makes me want to learn more about Darcy and this crazy world.

Junk Rabbit #1 has a ton of exposition to understand the setting, but once you make it past that, you have an engaging premise with a ton of promise.

Marvel's Voices: Identity #1 gives us a glimpse at the Asian experience in the Marvel Universe and gives us a new perspective.

Anthologies gives us a chance to see some of our favorite heroes away from their main titles. For some people, this may be a skip because anthologies don't have the depth you may want from the comics. But this one is done very well, it shows them being heroes and how they act in their everyday lives.

Marvel Voices: X-Men #1 presents a plethora of unique stories, infusing humanity into these larger-than-life characters.

Once the story got to a point where Marco needed medical attention did I feel the issue really began to come to life. Tension became more prevalent, Evie's uncertainty begins to show, and Tabitha begins to shine.

This is a stressful situation that Phillip Sevy has set up and through these events we see our main characters act very human and make mistakes. What a critical moment where we increase the tension between characters to add another layer to the story.

In storytelling, I like to think of macro ideas like themes and plot that are supported by micro moments. This was a beautiful example of a micro moment that shows characterization of a character and supports the overarching theme. This is great attention to detail and shows Phillip Sevy's passion for the project.

Lucky Devil #1 has us wondering if Stanley is the protagonist or antagonist of this story.

Cullen Bunn does a great job hooking us into Lucky Devil #2 and the development of the protagonist Stanley.

Lucky Devil #3 does a great job bringing the characters to the front of the story.

Lucky Devil #4 is a thoughtful ending to a unique miniseries.

Frontiersman #1 sets up a great premise to what could be a very, very long comic run.

Frontiersman #4 is doing a great job creating a unique take on classic superhero tropes!

Frontiersman #5 feels like a well-established hero has been around for decades, and this is remarkable hard to achieve in only five issues.

Frontiersman Lock-Up Special shows us the storytelling potential of the modern adult superhero.

Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Shapeshifters #1 is consistently good and deserves more attention for the ability to tell a simple story incredibly well.

Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Shapeshifters #2 shows an endearing tale of an Apache woman that connects well to the reader.

The Storyteller: Shapeshifters #3 isn't a comic that you read for colossal action sequences and dramatic moments. It is a love story between a man waiting for his wife. The best part of this story is that the characters' small actions have significant development for the characters.

The Storyteller: Shapeshifters #4 tells a unique story that is darker than the previous issues in the series.

The Good Asian #2 has a respectable approach to a complex topic while also respecting the genre that it is in.

The Good Asian really shows the struggles of Chinese Americans in San Francisco. How Asians must act and react to the world around them is a great setting for a comic book.

The Good Asian #4 talks about an important part of United States history in an insightful and entertaining way.

The Good Asian #5 provides us great context to why Edison made the decisions he made.

The Good Asian #6 continues to explore the mystery of Ivy Chen and Mason Carroway but is still asking more question then it is answering.

The Good Asian #7 has done an excellent job trying to manage difficult topics and shedding them in entertaining ways.

The Good Asian #8 has reinvigorated my interest in the book and makes me excited for what will happen in the last two issues.

The Good Asian #9 does a splendid job setting up the conclusion in the next issue.

The Good Asian #10 provided a respectable conclusion to an amazing series.

Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #1 brings back a classic story from the early 2000s excitingly and engagingly!

Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #2 proves to be a well-written series that will be one to look out for in 2022.

This comic makes you think. It isn't designed to be an easy read or fun and enjoyable. Instead, we are taken into a different perspective of recent events that we may not have thought of. This makes it a great read because it reflects modern events.

Black Cotton gives intelligent social commentary to current events involving racism and the relationship of blacks and whites as a whole.

Black Cotton puts emphasis about systematic racism in this issue and does a stellar job about the word choice of every character.

Black Cotton #4 has us questioning the consequences of our actions and how people in power have the ability to ignore those consequences.

Black Cotton #5 continues to shine a light on racial and social issues that are prevalent in today's reality.

Black Cotton #6 masterfully explores the topic of systematic racisms and asks us to explore our own biases.

Devil's Reign #1 provides a great hook into a cool new event for the Marvel Universe.

Devil's Reign #2 is an excellent example of how to handle a Marvel event without overwhelming the reader.

Devil's Reign #3 does a great job focusing on the Kingpin and Daredevil while giving the rest of the cast solid moments in the spotlight.

Devil's Reign #4 shows us how unhealthy obsession is and its ramifications on a person's mind and attitude.

Devil's Reign #5 shows us how far Fisk is willing to go and changes the tone and direction of this Marvel event.

Devil's Reign #6 cements the partnership of Elektra and television in a super engaging way.

Devil's Reign: Omega #1 does a great job telling a concise story while providing exposition for future Marvel storylines.

Devil's Reign: Spider-Man #1 sets up a strong story that shows that a good team is not hard to find.

Sequoia is an interesting villain because the Celestial Messiah seems almost secondary to the Cotati people as a whole. Now in this issue, we get to the root of the character and his motivations.

The relationship between the Swordsman and Quoi is explored in this one-shot! Come see why these characters have decided to wage war on all animal life!

This issue shows the generational gap between Captain Marvel and Ghost-Spider in a relatable way to young readers.

Captain Marvel #2 shows us an importance of having a balanced life.

Marvel Action Origins tells a familiar story to a young modern audience will great skill and finesse.

Marvel Action: Origins #3 is a great comic to gift to a comic book fan to share with their children.

Second Chances #1 presents dynamic art and writing that hooks you right into this complex plot.

Sirens of the City #1 delves into complex themes, which can sometimes overwhelm the reader with too many characters and ideas.

Sirens of the City #2 is visually stunning and elevates the whole story to a new level.

M'Baku proves to be a good protagonist for The Last Annihilation: Wakanda #1 if you have the context of the previous storylines.

The Last Annihilation: Wiccan and Hulkling #1 shows us why these two characters are a strong power couple in the face of adversity despite leading different teams against the Mindless Army.

Wolverine is chosen to fight for Krakoa but first he must find a sword.

I was afraid that the challenges in the Contest of Swords was going to lose its subtlety. However, this issue brings us back to some of the interpersonal things going on within the X-men. This is because we get the option to focus on just a few characters rather than trying to give each character a moment. Because we can just focus on Wolverine, Storm, Magik, and their adversaries we get to see a lot more details that would otherwise be skipped.

Ultimate Spider-Man #2 plays on all the correct sensibilities to tell a complete story I can relate to.

Ultimate Spider-Man #3 has its best moments when Peter Parker acts as a fantastic father to his daughter and a nephew to his uncle while he takes over the Spider-Man identity.

Ultimate Spider-Man #4 takes us away from heroics and portrays a human conversation that entices us to love these characters.

Ultimate Spider-Man #5 continues with its excellent characterization, but I fear the plot's pacing might be too slow.

Ultimate Spider-Man #6 provides a solid foundation for many great future stories.

Ultimate Spider-Man #8 does a great job with interpersonal relationships but lacks the conflict to drive the plot.

Antioch #1 doesn't have the charm of Frontiersman but promises a great adventure regardless.

Antioch #2 provides a new superhero world with complex themes and modern concerns executed masterfully.

Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #1 provides a depth of character that plays well to the X-Men themes while keeping Kamala unique.

Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #2 is an excellent book for younger audiences that could be a gateway to get them into comics as an art form.

Ms. Marvel: Mutant Menace #3 takes a step back from the X-Men and her dysfunctional powers to explore living in the moment.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1 provides an excellent start to a light-hearted story.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #2 is an excellent all-ages story that balances order versus chaos.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventure #3 combines strong crew dynamics with science fantasy Star Wars adventure exceptionally well.

This What If miniseries shows us how brutal Spider-Man can be if he kept the Venom symbiote!

Spider-Man's descent into darkness is getting deeper and deeper. This issue shows us that he has made the commitment to be a killer.

This series explores what happens when Spider-Man goes too far. Is it the Venom symbiote or Peter Parker himself?

Spider-Man: Spider's Shadow #4 is a solid issue that explores a redemption arc now that Peter Parker no longer has the symbiote suit.

I really enjoyed the book. I'm not really familiar with the comic book universe but I remember Alyson Hannigan's portrayal of the character well and enjoyed the coming-of-age story. I enjoy the subtlety in the art, the writing, and the intellectual approach to the story. I'm kind of on board to read the entire first arc and will be returning to the series for the next issue.

Willow was drawn to the city of Abhainn and it is filled with mystery. What secrets could this small town in the middle of nowhere holds?

Willow realizes that Abhainn is filled with witches and is determined to figure out the reason why they are here

Willow has been a great series. The art has been very well drawn, the colors are vibrant, and I love the writer's patience in his reveals. Heck, it took us four issues for the antagonist to be revealed!

Willow and Aelara face off in a battle of wits and magic!

Syphon #1 gives us a rich story with an engaging protagonist that makes you hungry for the next issue.

Syphon #2 has a premise of a good story but lacks the execution to make you connect to the characters.

Syphon #3 provided a beautiful and riveting conclusion to Sylas' battle with Antonio and his own psyche.

Syphon Volume 2 #1 provides an intellectual but entertaining story about the power of emotions and how they affect everyday life.

Syphon Volume 2 #2 makes some difficult characterization choices for me to grasp, but it is still an excellent story with an engaging plot.

Blade Runner Origins takes us right back into the dystopian setting and brings us untold stories.

I think this is a great series that really makes you love that primary character. I really want him to succeed and I want to learn more about the world that is built here.

Harbinger #1 gives us a reintroduction to Peter Stanchek in a way that is easily digestible to new readers and thrilling for people familiar to the world.

Maw #1 does a great job giving you reasons to root for an unlikeable protagonist.

Planet She-Hulk #1 delivers exactly what you'd expect from Jen Walters on Sakaar.

Ragnark seems like a great series that is deeply rooted in Norse myths and I love modern reimaginings of the old stories. It is well written, well drawn, and overall a solid issue in the series.

There is a lesson here about how people should treat one another that is crucial to understanding both Gary and Maddie as characters.

Ultimate X-Men #1 explored themes I wasn't prepared to handle, but it still delivers a deep, well-thought-out story.

This is precisely what I desired from a new Kamala Khan comic. I wanted her themes to persist while allowing exploration of her newfound identity. I was concerned that all the X-Men plotlines might overshadow the narrative, making it feel like an X-Men solo book, but this isn't the case.

Ms. Marvel: New Mutant #2 presents a lot of clichs that work well due to the strength of the title character.

Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #3 is an excellent portrayal of a well-established character exploring X-Men themes.

Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #4 feels like a missed opportunity for the character, but it still manages to tell an engaging story.

X-Men Before the Fall: Heralds of the Apocalypse #1 lays a strong groundwork for the next phase in the history of Krakoa and Arakko.

X-Men: Before the Fall - Mutant First Strike #1 elegantly weaves a tale while hinting at future events.

X-Men Before the Fall: The Sinister Four #1 delivers a masterfully crafted storyline, blurring the lines between good and evil. The comic's exceptional writing compels readers to sympathize with morally ambiguous characters.

X-Men Before the Fall: Sons of X-Men #1 prepares for future events but weakens the development of significant characters.

Eddie as a hero is a dynamic character that I never expected would work. This book proves how wrong I am.

The theme of an evil Santa did not mesh well with Tony Stark trying to overcome his grief over the death of Eddie Brock.

This title gives us a glimpse on how Wiccan and Hulkling's love is blossoming after their wedding.

This issue felt like a complete chapter of a story. Saoirse is a compelling protagonist and the creative team is a master of the narrative arc.

The introduction of Hugh gives our protagonist a lot of solid character development and charm.

This miniseries sets up the future of the main characters but didn't resolve the final battle in a fulfilling way.

Gambit #1 has an excellent premise but suffers from an imbalance between text and visuals.

Gambit #2 provides depth to a fan favorite character and a new perspective about his loyalty to the people he cares about.

Gambit #3 shows the abilities of Gambit as a leader, fighter, and thief but lacks the interpersonal moments I saw earlier in the miniseries.

Gambit #4 does a great job developing the character of Gambit but rushed aspects of the plot and story.

Gambit #5 had a lot of love and consideration for the title character and supporting cast.

I love that we are seeing characterization from the supporting cast and fleshing out their personalities. In this second volume, the story has focused on Clari and the ongoing fight and I appreciated that these characters were not forgotten.

While the writing wasn't up to the standard I was expecting, the issue's art continues to be better than average and is worth the pick up for that alone.

Cult of Ikarus #1 tells another vampire slayer story with an engaging and intense art style.

Cult of Ikarus #2 is a coming-of-age story that has us focusing on the art to push the story forward.

Sins of SInister #1 provides an excellent backdrop as Sinister returns to his villain role.

Sins of Sinister: Dominion #1 concluded a complicated storyline with extreme skill and set up future storylines.

Legion of X #1 has a lot of great ideas, but they were too numerous for a successful exposition to a new series.

Legion of X #3 promises significant conclusions but gives a depressing vibe within this specific issue.

Legion of X #4 is a thrilling story exploring the philosophy of religion between Arakko and Krakoa in a spectacular way.

Legion of X #5 explores complex ideas that unite Krakoa and Arakko in an incredible way.

Legion of X #6 is a thrilling interlude that provides insight into one of Krakoa's most volatile characters.

Legion of X #7 presents a riveting new story arc that continues the remarkable story seeds from the previous volume.

Legion of X #8 has a ton of complex motifs presented in a digestible way that does threaten to overwhelm the reader.

Legion of X #9 is a complicated idea with many potential moments, but it feels rushed in its execution.

Legion of X #10 expresses a ton of complex plotlines in a way that informs but doesn't overwhelm the reader.

I really like the idea of this book and I think this title is very promising. However, I just wanted more family interconnectivity that this book did not have. Now that the technology is finally introduced, hopefully to see the family have more dialogue. I want to see tension between the kids and the parents while dealing with this odd "demon" threat. I think the foundation is there and I am enthused to find out how it is executed in the future.

I really enjoy this story and the themes. Since I became a parent, stories with strong parental figures seem few and far between. Most comic books seem to have broken families as a cornerstone of every protagonist. Visually the story is stunning and the writing is solid in this issue and I want to know more. I want to know the secrets of the parents and I can't wait for issue 5.

The Glass Family are trying to save Val's life by meeting with an old friend.

The Glass Family must figure out how they are going to navigate through the brutal Silver Bay!

The story as a whole is very strong but their was a dip of momentum in this issue.

Dryad's strongest asset is one of family. Unfortunately, the family unit has gone their separate ways this issue.

The introduction of Yale's extended family puts a lot of insight on the family values of our main casts. Great technique and skill from the creating team as they portray the larger theme of the story.

Immortal X-Men #1 made an excellent decision having Minster Sinister be our perspective. His inner monologues are engaging and worth a read.

Immortal X-Men #2 is an exceptional comic that shows us the strength of Hope Summers.

Kieron Gillen does a great job writing an engaging script for every character he introduces in the story.

Immortal X-Men #4 provides excellent characterization for Emma Frost in an engaging way.

Immortal X-Men #5 impressively sets up how the mutant nation of Krakoa will handle the Judgement Day event.

Immortal X-Men #6 reminds the reader why Sebastian is on the Quiet Council and what he can contribute.

Immortal X-Men #7 details Nightcrawler's psyche, but I wasn't 100% on board with this creative decision.

Immortal X-Men #8 uses Mystique as the point of view character, but she still doesn't feel like the main protagonist of the comic.

Immortal X-Men #9 sets up the next issue but doesn't give Kate Pryde the attention I was expecting based on previous issues.

Immortal X-Men #10 is a fascinating comic that portrays complicated writing ideas in an accessible way.

Immortal X-Men #11 is a dynamic book that resolves lingering feelings from the Sins of Sinister event.

Immortal X-Men #14 introduces a multitude of storylines that lay the foundation for compelling comics. Nonetheless, the risk of overpromising and underdelivering in future installments looms.

Immortal X-Men #15 has some pacing concerns but still appeals to my senses for writing a well-thought-out story.

Immortal X-Men #16 is a masterful book, but I still feel confused about what will happen next.

Immortal X-Men #18 is engaging, but there is so much going on that it is challenging to keep up.

Magic: The Hidden Planeswalker #1 makes ambitious choices that work well on the comic page.

Magic: The Hidden Planeswalker #2 explores the character of Vess in detail at the expense of pacing. However, the art is spectacular.

Magic: The Hidden Planeswalker #3 has a pleasantly good narrative arc that provides a great story despite initially being a card game creature.

X-Men Annual #1 does an excellent job of introducing the complexity of Firestar's situation.

The X-Men perform some amazing feats of power but are handling their problems quickly and without any real struggle.

X-Men #7 makes exciting choices that set up a different storyline than what I expected in the X-Men universe.

X-Men #8 has excellent small character moments and solid art but felt a little lackluster due to the choice of villain.

X-Men #25 is an outstanding comic that emotionally engrosses me, leaving me wanting more.

X-Men #26 explores complicated themes of trauma, revenge, and guilt but is surprisingly silent about the rest of the X-Men team.

X-Men #27 is needed in the larger narrative arc but is a little boring as a standalone issue.

X-Men #28 offers significant insight into Firestar, yet I just want the next phase of this chapter to come.

X-Men #29 excels as an individual issue but feels sluggish in the larger event's context.

X-Men #30 goes into dark themes that disrupt the pacing of the overall event. Despite that, this comic as a singular issue is well-written and well-drawn.

X-Men #31 sets up a beautiful yet tragic conclusion to Synch and Talon's relationship that makes me grieve for the characters.

X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 is an excellent comic that creates a lot of hype for future mutant storylines.

X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023 #1 kept me on the edge of my seat, and I can't wait to see what happens next for the mutants of Krakoa.

Uncanny Spider-Man #1 provides a unique insight into the headspace of Nightcrawler in a way that helps the reader interpret the Fall of X event.

Uncanny Spider-Man #2 offers an intriguing amalgamation of the Nightcrawler and Spider-Man characters, providing an excellent interpretation of their combination.

Uncanny Spider-Man #3 introduces complex plots and complex art that borders on being overwhelming.

Uncanny Spider-Man #5 is an excellent comic that plays well to both Nightcrawler and Spider-Man tropes.

Aria: Heavenly Creatures features a great cast of characters and an engaging premise that is worth a read.

Bermuda #1 grips us into solid worldbuilding by keeping up a fast pace that doesn't overwhelm the reader.

Bermuda #2 has solid art and a decent narrative but lacks the emotional depth I want as an adult reader. For a middle schooler, this is a great title.

As a heist story, this book is fairly interesting and has a layer of complexity that I enjoyed.

Broken Souls Ballad explores the darker trauma of teenagers who have been turned into monsters.

Clear #1 has a great premise but lacks a balance between the art and the writing.

Conan is shown in different stages of his life through different creative teams. While not all the styles were too my liking, the story is well told and well assembled.

Dancing with the Dragon #1 gives us an engaging new protagonist who is desperate enough to go into a life of crime.

Deadly Hands of Kung Fu #2 shows how Shang-Chi can solve problems while respecting Chinese philosophy.

Distorted #1 introduces a fascinating world that trusts its readers to read between the panels to understand the characters.

I think the theme of Doctor Who has often been identity. Many of the companions learn more about themselves as they experience new things with the Doctor.

Doom Academy #1 successfully introduces beloved characters into a new situation while maintaining some of the charm that made Strange Academy special.

Dragon Age: The Missing #1 hits that nostalgia factor but may not be a good entry point for those unfamiliar with the fandom.

Dragon Age: The Missing #2 hits the nostalgia factor well with exciting art and engaging characters.

Dragon Age: The Missing #3 has an excellent balance of plot, characters, settings, and conflict that shows a great understanding of the fantasy genre.

Dragon Age: The Missing #4 does everything a comic book storyline of a video game should do and does it exceptionally well.

Considering that the target demographic isn't for 26 year old me but more likely for my two year old daughter, the story is quite well written. The narrative arc has a rise and fall of tension and wraps up nicely for someone with a kid's attention span.

Eternals: The Heretic #1 shows a depth of character through a single conversation between two major villains.

There is a lot of subtlety here that you will only get by paying close attention. The flashback with archer's family is one such moment. While Archer's interpretation is that his parents grew old and they loved him; but it is far from the truth.

Gargoyles: Quest #1 brings us into a new storyline for new and old readers alike.

This is an extremely beautifully written book, and it doesn't shy from issues that are close to home. It is going to make you feel uncomfortable at times and some art is meant to challenge you. I'm reminded of the social commentary that comics consistently do.

Home portrays the struggles of immigrants trying to seek Asylum in the United States and challenges us to see the real issues in the world.

The Incredible Hulk #1 provides a captivating premise for what could be a thrilling series, although it's important to understand that it incorporates significant horror elements.

The book is well drawn and I appreciate the attention to detail. I enjoyed the shading on the clothes and I feel like you can see every single fold and wrinkle. This attention to details adds a huge amount of depth to the story and complements the powerful dialogue. I applaud the creative team on this book.

Clem is trying to deal with her emotions after the death of her family. She has the option to sell out to the mega city but we all know she isn't going too.

Kid Juggernaut #1 tells an excellent origin story that could have lingered a bit longer in its moral complexity. Still, it's a fantastic comic for young readers and a promising start for Marvel's newest hero.

Little Guardians #1 is a good book with a solid main character but explores ideas that I don't know are suited for all-ages.

Loot is a book about a young treasure hunter that might be too headstrong for her own good.

Love and War #1 is a solid story that immediately attaches you to the protagonist.

I love the quirkiness between both of the protagonists in the story. The creative team took the time to really develop some of these characters and ideas. It really shows a care for the work that they are doing.

Mech Cadets #1 has a fascinating premise but feels like a continuation of the 2017 title.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1 is a cozy read that provides some insight into Miles' extended family in an emotionally intelligent way.

No One Left to Die II #1 has some great ideas and phenomenal art but is not new reader friendly despite being a #1 issue.

No Time Left to Fight II #2 is a fun read that has spectacular art choices.

Pantha #1 does a great job setting up the lore that Pantha exists in but I'm waiting to learn more about the protagonist before deciding if I am on board.

Punisher War Journal: Brother #1 makes me want to check out the main title and find out what is going on with Frank Castle.

While I disagree with the direction they took our protagonist they told the story with expertise. The way they write the inner monologue with Robyn is done well.

Rogue Sun #1 introduces a simple plot drawn and colored beautifully by the creative team.

Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver #1 provides a nuanced commentary on their strained relationship, setting the foundation and tone for the rest of the series.

Sunstar is about to have a kid gifted to him by capital G God. His introspective of trying to figure out his own parents is impactful and grim despite the comedic tone.

Secret X-Men #1 assembles a team with a certain level of quirkiness that is engaging on the page.

Shang Chi: Master of the Ten Rings #1 is an excellent conclusion to Gene Luen Yang's saga and repairs some of the problematic interpretations of the past.

I was excited about this book because I think Silk represents the Asian-American heroes well. As a Chinese-American, some of the heroes I have seen fall into a lot of negative tropes. This character feels like a person rather than a trope and I appreciate that.

Space Bastards takes a comedic violent concept and uses it to tell an engaging story that has the potential to be a long-lasting series.

I expected a Saturday Morning Cartoons-type comic in Space Ghost #1, but instead, I got an engaging but tragic, grim origin story about how the title character met his sidekicks.

Spider-Man India #1 kicked off the series with a compelling introduction to the story. It left me impressed and engaged. However, moving forward, I hope the creators maintain the character's distinctiveness and avoid relying too heavily on predictable choices.

Han Solo is at it again with another adventure! Find out what trouble he is getting himself into.

Smuggler's Run is a delightful story that shows the strength and intelligence of Han Solo as a protagonist.

Tart: Toxic Origins #1 seems like a good book if you are familiar to the title but if you do not know who these characters are; it may not be worth picking up.

The Ambassadors #1 asks us unique philosophical questions but doesn't introduce a protagonist for the audience to latch onto.

Recently, I've been following the Empyre event and seeing a lot of complex themes that reflect society. It was nice to take a moment and just enjoy a comic that tells us a simple punch line. On top of that the digital release is cheap and I would suggest checking it out if you need a good laugh!

I enjoyed looking into this new Valkyrie and her journey to figuring out her name.

They Fell from the Sky tells a story of protagonist, Tommy, dealing with real and relatable problems even before the science-fiction elements are fully introduced.

Timeless #1 provides interesting insights into who Kang is and gives an in-depth analysis of his personality.

Timeslide #1 works better as a prequel to future stories than a standalone comic.

The premise of magic, 1930s crime in Chicago, and a compelling protagonist is all I didn't know I ever wanted out of my urban fantasy.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 appeals to my sensibilities and presents a complex world that balances conflict, plot, setting, and characterization.

Ultimate Black Panther #2 has a predictable narrative arc accentuated by fantastic art.