Connor Christiansen Comic Reviews

Crude #1 lays the foundation for an intriguing yet bleak story rife with socio-political commentary and in-depth analysis of family life gone awry, although the lack of action promised in the solicitations may dissuade some readers.

A kick-ass, expansive second issue with great fights, memorable dialogue, and unrelentingly hopeless setting, CRUDE #2 will have readers hooked into this new Image series.

CRUDE #3 expertly paints a grey world where nothing is black and white while adding immense depth to both its protagonist and narrative.

Crude #6 concludes the series with an excellently drawn and wonderfully paced finale that packs a powerful message of hope and understanding.

There are signs for potential throughout this first issue that still give me hope for this series to blossom into a beautiful, violent, and hilarious butterfly of a book. The art direction is great, the supporting cast is wonderful, and some jokes really land. Unfortunately, most the jokes miss and there's a forced attempt to make this Wade more like movie Wade. This first issue is best summed up by Wade himself: "I know there's a joke there, but I can't find it."

Enjoyable art isn't enough to save Deadpool #2 from a poor script and generic, stake-less narrative.

Plagued by the same problems of the first two issues- bad dialogue and a poor story- Deadpool #3 continues this series' downward spiral.

Deadpool Assassin #1 is an action packed, hilarious, and authentic Deadpool story reminiscent of more classic regeneratin' degenerate stories.

Deadpool Assassin #2's grounded story allows for a greater emphasis on what makes Deadpool so enduring in the first place- killer action scenes and well executed irreverent humor.

This may be the weakest issue in the series thus far, but it's still a funny read filled with awesome action sequences.

Deadpool Assassin #6 closes this series out with an issue that exemplifies why this series was so enjoyable all along. It's an exciting, action-packed, and hilarious Deadpool adventure that is surprisingly and unexpectedly dark.

Deadpool #299 is a hilarious and reflective issue that shows just how horrible and depressing Wade Wilson's life has been since Secret Empire.

Gerry Duggan and Mike Hawthorne bid farewell to Deadpool with a hilarious finale that sets up the incoming relaunch perfectly, despite an underwhelming conclusion.

Clayface receives a new origin in emotional fashion that humanizes the villain into less of a monster and more a victim of tragic circumstance .

Factory #1 is unbelievably weird, yet creates an intriguing world rife with struggle. The issue suffers fro a complete lack of context that will leave most readers feeling left out.

Goodnight Paradise is a hidden gem of a comic that puts a new spin on the muder-mystery genre with a deeply engaging and unforgettable story brought to life with incredible characters.

Despite its conflicting tones and otherwise forgettable story, this remains an entertaining, if not particularly memorable, read.

An enjoyable issue brought down by cringe-worthy attempts at parodying dating apps and trying to be "cool".

Some nice character moments but they're not enough to save this issue, or the whole arc, from poorly constructed villains that drag the troubled plot further into the dirt.

Green Lanterns #43 closes out the Superhuman Trafficking arc with one of better issues of the four part story, but when the story itself is sub par, that isn't saying much.

Green Lanterns #44 kicks off a story that is shaping up to be a defining arc for Jessica Cruz with a character driven issue that places emphasis on the effects of unchecked trauma executed wonderfully.

Green Lanterns #45 is a solid issue that expands on Singularity Jain as a villain while further showcasing the traumatic nature of Jessica Cruz's past.

The tragedy of Jessica Cruz's past plays out with gut-wrenching swiftness in a solid issue that raises the stakes of the entire arc while placing a greater strain on the two Lanterns' relationship.

The "Ghosts of the Past Arc" wraps up with a powerful, character driven issue packing an inspiring message.

At the base of Green Lanterns #48 lies an entertaining story, unfortunately it's buried under a frustrating regression of Jessica Cruz's character that make way for a lesser rogue-Lantern story.

With the exception of the mistreatment of Hal Jordan, nothing about Green Lanterns #49 is particularly bad nor particularly good. It's simply an average comic.

Dan Jurgens and Mike Perkins kick off their Green Lanterns run with an exciting and excellently drawn issue that brings all the Lanterns together to face a truly intriguing and mysterious new threat.

Green Lanterns #51 loses all momentum and excitement that may have been built up in issue #50 thanks to obvious dialogue, inconsistent art, and a predictable narrative.

The campy dialogue and disconnect between art and narrative context may keep Green Lanterns #52 from greatness, but the underlying mystery and commentary on misinformation make this issue an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Good action and solid pacing can't save Green Lanterns #53 from its utterly dull dialogue and dwindling narrative intrigue.

Green Lanterns has better dialogue and presentation than previous issues alongside some interesting reveals, but it's ultimately a forgettable issue with not much going for that also makes a fool out of one of its best characters- for no good reason.

While Green Lanterns #55 does make it's villain out to be more intimidating, the lack of any clear motive ultimately causes Hank Henshaw to be forgetful. Meanwhile, the continued progression of Jessica Cruz is admirable, yet poorly timed and out of place.

Legion #2 has enjoyable, trippy visuals but it's not enough to save the book from the poor dialogue, lame not-Legion protagonist, and underwhelming story.

Legion #3 is a boring story led by an uninspiring protagonist who's name isn't on the cover.

Legion #4 may be an improvement from #3, but it's still a completely uninspired story led by a boring protagonist pitted against an underwhelming villain.

The disappointing Legion miniseries concludes with Legion #5, an equally disappointing and bland story exemplary of the entire run.

The New Mutants: Dead Souls #1 is an entertaining start to a quirky mutant series, although it is not as much a break from the status quo as I had hoped.

The New Mutants #2 doesn't have a plot that will shock or particularly grip readers, but the playful chemistry of the team and hilarity of Tabitha Smith make this issue a worthwhile ride.

Add Oblivion Song to the list of must-read Robert Kirkman books -- it's a flawless debut.

Oblivion Song #2 delivers a deep examination of its protagonist in a detailed, world-building issue brought down by a jarring departure from the fast paced progression and action of the first issue.

The Punisher #221 is a fantastic issue that respects the character of Frank Castle while continuing a story unlike anything Frank Castle has been apart of before.

The Punisher #222 is a thrilling, joyously violent issue that manages to elevate the Punisher's criminal status while setting up a climatic next issue.

The Punisher #224 forces readers to re-examine Frank Castle as a character in a bloody, entertaining issue showing just how vile The Punisher has become.

The Punisher #225 cements Frank Castle as the true villain he is in unforgettable fashion, despite a rocky first half to the issue.

The Punisher #226 is a highly entertaining and surprisingly funny story that sets up an exciting new future for the series.

Rosenberg and Kudranski kick off a new volume of The Punisher that blends a familiar tone with a fresh narrative direction to create a stellar start.

Fantastic, versatile art and a wonderfully paced script that truly understands the titular character make The Punisher #2 a stellar issue.

The Punisher #3 trades in the slasher-villain vibes of the first two issues for a more mundane "good guy with guns" feeling, yet the combat sequences are still wildly entertaining while the partnership with Daredevil illuminates why the Punisher is no hero, just a killer.

Whatever your opinions of the New 52 are, this is a New 52 reunion that can't be missed. Lobdell masterfully presents Roy and Jason's friendship in both comical and heartfelt ways.

A sad excuse for a Valentine's Day issue that inexplicably crams its forced story into the greater context of an otherwise solid series.

There's nothing horribly wrong nor right about Red Hood and the Outlaws #20. Its biggest flaw is that it fails to end a story arc that has been dragging this series down.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #21 sets itself up for big emotional moments, but ultimately stumbles.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #23 is genuinely heartfelt and emotional yet it ultimately feels like a poorly timed interruption of the ongoing story arc.

With incredible art that both builds tension and breaks hearts and a heart-pounding, shocking, and emotional plot Red Hood and the Outlaws #24 is an absolute must read.

Red Hood and the Outlaws #25 is an anniversary issue truly worth celebrating thanks to an unforgettable story stuffed with raw emotion and jaw dropping surprises.

Launching a fresh and darker take on the series, Red Hood and the Outlaws #26 is action-packed, thought-provoking, and rife with wonderfully executed character progression in the titular hero, making it yet another standout issue in a series that has already been consistently great for months.

The first 11 pages of Red Hood: Outlaw #27 are great- wonderfully drawn and masterfully scripted. The remaining 11 pages are filled with infuriating, completely out of character decisions that completely botches the impact of Roy Harper's death.

Red Hood: Outlaw #28 is rife with well illustrated action sequences, but the action lacks any context and the plot doesn't barely moves forward making for an enjoyable but ultimately forgettable issue.

The excellently paced and awesomely drawn fights in Red Hood: Outlaw #29 make up for the thin, forgettable narrative.

Pete Woods and Rex Lokus' art does a fantastic job crafting a genuine sense of suspense and tension, however the ensuing narrative spends more time teasing what is to come instead of focusing on the current story.

Masterfully-drawn action scenes and excellent use of colors are wasted on a rushed, anti-climactic issue that closes out the latest Red Hood: Outlaw arc that leaves a lot to be desired.

Shadow Roads #1 is a worthwhile read for fans of The Sixth Gun and newcomers alike with great dialogue and solid characters, albeit little narrative context.

Greg Pak and Phil Noto embark on a new Star Wars adventure that perfectly captures everything fans love about Star Wars while building the foundation to an exciting, and impactful, new story.

Star Wars #11 might do a good job setting up future plot threads and it does have some dazzling action with solid emotional moments, but the overall absence of stakes and continued lack of meaningful narrative progression really leaves this issue feeling insignificant.

Star Wars: Age of Republic: Darth Maul is surely an enjoyable Star Wars story, but is underwhelmingly formulaic and unfortunately forgettable with nothing new added to the character or Star Wars mythos.

Star Wars: Age of Republic: Jango Fett #1 is a wonderfully insightful and expertly illustrated one-shot that subverts expectations in nearly every way to give fans a new perspective on both members of the Fett family.

While this issue does provide new insight into Obi-Wan's early days as a teacher to young Anakin, it's ultimately a pointless, completely forgettable story that is really indicative of this entire series thus far.

It may not pack a big punch, but Star Wars Age of Republic: Qui-Gon Jinn #1 provides the most intricate analysis of the legendary Jedi yet that will leave readers with a new understanding and admiration for the character.

There's nothing particularly bad about Star Wars: Age of Republic: Special #1. Unfortunately, there's nothing particularly good either. It's simply a mildly entertaining collection of forgettable Star Wars tales.

Star Wars: Han Solo- Imperial Cadet does nothing to deepen the lore of Han Solo nor add to the Star Wars canon. It is ultimately a waste of time, even for the most die-hard fans.

It focuses far too much on Celtic folklore and not nearly enough on its titular characters, making for a boring first issue.

The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #2 deepens the underlying mystery and more clearly defines what is at stake, but still suffers from really slow pacing and poor use of Wonder Woman.

A downright boring Batman and an aimlessly meandering story make the Brave and The Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #3 an utterly worthless read.

Through gritty dialogue, excellent mood setting art, and a commitment to realism, The Last Siege #1 is a terrific debut in a often forgotten genre of comics.

The Last Siege #2 uses pencils, colors, and a great script to set the tone of its bleak world while serving up solid character progression and deepening the narrative. All this makes the issue enjoyable in spite of wacky pacing and a lackluster conclusion.

The Wilds wastes no time thrusting readers into the mysterious beauty of its apocalypse for an engrossing and entertaining first issue.

X-Men Gold #21 focuses on the development of its characters but rushes through each situation so quickly that the biggest revelations have no impact.

It's nice to see the X-Men stay on Earth for more than a couple issues, but X-Men Gold #23 is plagued by a generic plot and forced teases for incoming threats that disrupt the already dull story.

X-Men Gold #24 is a fast-paced, entertaining issue that allows the new X-team to shine while putting Rogue back in the leadership role she belongs in.

X-Men Gold #26 may kickoff Piotr and Kitty's wedding preparations with little fanfare, meanwhile the standout moments of this issue are found in how it pits the X-Men against their oldest enemy- bigotry.

X-Men Gold #27 is an uninspired and stale issue save for a lovely exchange between Rogue and Kitty Pryde.

After a string of mediocre issues, X-Men Gold #28 is a breath of fresh air featuring entertaining dialogue, chilling moments from its villain, and stellar scenes from Kitty Pryde.

X-Men Red #3 pits Jean Grey's team against very real societal issues in a thought provoking, expertly crafted issue.

While the story doesn't move forward much, X-Men Red #4 is still an entertaining issue that elevates the stakes even more.

With emphasis placed on it's unsettling villain and heroic lead plus a hint of sassy, adolescent humor from Honey Badger, X-Men Red #6 is a wonderful read even if it doesn't move the plot forward much.

X-Men Red #7 is an entirely action driven issue, but that becomes a problem when the action is poorly and inconsistently drawn.

X-Men Red #8 is still an entertaining issue, but fails to be the climatic epic it strives to be due to weird pacing and an off-brand conclusion to the nanite problem.

X-Men Red #9 doesn't live up to its potential and serves up yet another disappointing "confrontation" between Cassandra Nova and Jean Grey. Honeybdager, however, is once again a laugh riot and the unsung star of this series.

X-Men Red #10 feels like a return to form for the series, gracefully and pointedly commenting on and analyzing the world outside our windows and the chaos of it all.