C.V.R. The Bard Comic Reviews

This anthology is a staple in comics, but for years has had yet to come out with a title to fully sell me on giving them a read. Hell I even saw Dredd in theaters and still have yet to pick up a book, now thanks to Abnett and Harrison, I might go back and read the Dredd short at the start of this collection. Whether or not I follow up on that, there is one thing I am certain : when the next issue of 2000 A.D. drops I will be checking on “The Out”, and anyone looking for a read on “The Out”-lier of the comic shelves should be on The Look Out too.

So it's not a reach to say that "A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance" feels like sitting down and watching Christopher Nolan's "Memento" in consecutive order : just because everything is laid out and filled with loud, explosive, action does not mean that the form of entertainment should be taken as simple. Rather, Remender's "A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance" is an unpredictable dingy joy-ride in a fish bowl Honda Civic, where one reading does not know if there is death waiting around the corner with every (page) turn.

Not once throughout "A Righteous Thirst For Vengeance does Remender and Co. handle pander to the audience or handle this tale with kid gloves, and the medium of graphic storytelling is all the better for the respect and devotion these men have put into this foray into a fine piece of fiction.

In Judgement Day No.4, Gillen has written more than just a comic, he's written a self help book, and to think all it took was to finally have Captain America lose hope.

Nods like these are just further evidence that Milligan is no dinosaur, his pen is still as sharp as his commentary on the poisons of society as they were when he wrote up The American Scream. This with Deodato on pencils who has mastered the art of capturing effeminate allure is a signal that "Absolution is truly that in a meeting of two of graphic art's greatest finally come together to create something in the vein of what their art always has been panned for : the realities of rape culture and violence towards women. They aren't guilty of it, they're just reporting it.

If Kennedy Johnson thinks competition for having best chapter in this storyline is Superman revealing he's in desperate need for some rogain in front of some boastful villains who were just reiterating the same spiel Thao-La was saying issues ago, he's dead wrong. What Kennedy Johnson & Co. released here is not enough for DC to try and solicit this as a storyline that could stand shoulder to shoulder with "Death of"". I call blasphemy.

Just as long as Gleason can avoid characters bordering on Jim Crow caricatures and actually delivering on another Knight & Wing team-up instead of a bait and switch, then he and the rest of the Beyond Board can continue to ride the wave of a solid run that can be talked about for years to come, instead of just another blip in long-running comics continuity.

Even though Ant is a familiar face in comics, she still appeared brand new. Larsen's reinvention of Ant is can't miss, calling back to the early years of Image with gritty action, femme fatales, and a spirit of envelope pushing that got Image to the 30 plus years it has under it's belt, with one of it's main forbearer's showing reader's the ropes to great graphic reading yet again.

This is the type of comic that can make first-time readers lifetime comic book collectors.

With 9 issues to go , "The Knight" is shaping up to be a cut above the rest of the many prequels contained in the Bat-mythos.

Certainly there must be more in the chamber for Hawkins & Perugini's run. With five in the can, these two are just too good to run out of ammo at this point.

I know for certain I didn't have to read those back up stories that were a prominent b-side a few issues ago, and I am happy to see that was not included at the end of this book. Side stories typically take away from focus on the main story, water down the importance of the A-side, so I'm glad to see that things are back to normal as much as they can be in this weird-ass publication that I never want to end.

Years removed from the most recent "American Way" saga, the opening pages show that Ridley still hasn't lost his chops to tell compelling superteam stories, even after so many successful solo he's recently been known to pen.

The humor is dark as ever and Mutti's colors makes the panels look almost like ripples in a body of water. I can only wonder what corner Tobin will put his main character in with the next arc of his tale and just how the woman with the Bunny Mask will tie-in. Bunny Mask is pulp mixed with the supernatural, a puzzle waiting for it's next pieces Tobin & Mutti left in the box, and Aftershock would only be silly to not invest in seeing Tobin's jigsaw to completion.

Mature and dark, the humor is still there to see any reader through with even the smallest of funny bone's within their body, and many scenes are guaranteed to get you smiling like a cheshire cat. Certainly a trip into Chiang's "Lonely City can leave you looking like you have a cat mask on yourself, even as the tears roll. The trick to survive through Chiang's "Lonely City is like any large metropolis : when the punches come, learn to roll with them, and when the humor arises enjoy the laughs until your so punch drunk you can't differentiate pain from pleasure.

As a reader who thought that Archie & Sabrina were just for female audiences, "Chilling Adventures "" was catalyst enough for at least a 180 on my perspective. Just because an Archie comic was the only book with panels I found once upon a time ago at my grandmother's residence doesn't mean that every Archie book after will carry the same themes.

With Owsley's tale as the end cap and a new King Conan series on the horizon to succeed this Conan run, Marvel does it again by providing further interest for new and old readers ready for the next chapter of this Cimmerian's adventures.

"Tres Equis" is yet just another successful venture in where the group has found only another medium to conquer through their mastered skill of controlling a crowd through the art of storytelling.

Out of all the installments of Darkhold so far, "King Maker"'s merit is one not as fantastical as the others, grounded in a base of reality that all reader's come face to face with given that relationships (romantic or otherwise) can have a "Darkhold" indeed.

"Deadly Class" is the type of series that streaming services would clamour for and can only provide a watered down presentation, because this is what comic books are made for. An title that can be picked up months and years in between life and still set the bar as the representation of high-level entertainment. Image might want to consider getting into film, action figures, etc because "Deadly Class" is the type of franchise that should not be allowed to ever die.

All that plus a carjacking that would make gamers want to reconsider spending their money on the latest add-on to GTA and instead cop this issue to fulfill their cheap thrills. "Devil's Dominion" might have a sexy throwback style to entice readers, but the rhetoric on mental health and social justice issues snuck in to the panels are what will stay deep in reader's minds and have them begging for more attention brought to this underserved rag.

"Duo is every lover's dream : to have their romantic counterpart live within their head , while adding twists of espionage, along with the bucking of corporate confines that could be best be found in one of Milestone's other great titles with "Hardware; "Duo is off to a great start in the ever-expanding, rich, Milestone World.

All this, plus the inclusion of period piece villains (both Medieval and Feudal eras respectfully) who are associated with the nanites makes the widening of this plot a joy to bear witness to. A duo of issues deep with this "Duo and that's precisely what Pak and his team's revival of this Milestone character is : a joy.

Yeah, that goofy Sony movie might have introduced the mainstream to the Klyntarian's , but for those interested in seeing the symbiote's in real action with heavy stakes while delving into their individual biographies, then "Extreme Carnage" is that book that covers all those bases, making "Omega" the rightful, well done, home run !

"Faithless III" No.2 is a thing of absolute beauty as for every blood drenched phallus, there are two women having casual coitus in the pews of a Catholic church. This is Azzarello's Levyian opus, with this book, this man has earned the point in his goatee. And as for Llovet, woe betide any vendor for putting her books in the adult section of a comic book shop. Because if Michelangelo could decorate the Sistine Chapel with chubby naked cherubs and call that high art, then Llovet's visage of the vagina being pleasured by demons, deserves an exhibit at Art Basel, annually.

Though this trip is coming to a close, as someone who's followed the series since the first Faithless hit the streets, I have to say this is a relief. Faithless is a literal literary acid trip : the high points are wonky and almost indescribable, but those low points they stick and are sure to more cause flashbacks than the positive instances. And with the graphic novel collection soon to be released after the series wraps with it's next issue, to connect the whole series without any breaks, this is a trip that reader's will deign to take again; if not for nothing more than the experience, which this gem from Azzarello and Llovet should be described as if nothing more could be said.

Not a dull moment and worth it's inclusion within this Reckoning War saga, which I guarantee will be sought after at back issue bins and circulation desks years after this story sees it's first printing within a collection that will be tattered and filled with all sorts of smudges and dust because Reckoning War will pass through many hands (dirty and sanitized) for pure enjoyment of Kirby and Lee's First Family, done right.

Ending with something of a foreword by the accomplished Julian C. Chambliss and beginning with a cover by a comics legend (Denys Cowan) known to make "Milestone's , Chuck Brown's most recent installment is a standout on the rack. Combining neo-crime noir and blaxplotation elements with action heroics and philosophies based on eugenics and psychiatry not seen this deep since Tom King's "Heroes In Crisis, Chuck Brown's "Flawed is a praiseworthy piece.

Percy's Ghost Rider in that regard is a true paradise that may come up lost for those overlooking the more darker corners of the Marvel Universe, but for those who enjoy the seedy underbelly of mysticism that lays in orrery of worlds that claims the 616, then Percy's "Ghost Rider is as exhilarating as a tour through a living necropolis like South Dakota or Minnesota, which Blaze visits in this very issue. Got to show the Midi love.

With Blackheart in the background, Exhaust as the new bad, and the femme fatale Talia Warroad sticking around front and center, it's no wonder that Percy has cornered a monopoly on the horror section of the Marvel Universe. Though it would be nice to see Man-Thing, Blade, and a host of others come back around for a dedicated one-shot or two for the Hallow's Eve season, "Shadowhunters comes a few weeks early for Devil's Night, but even though a good scare carries a somewhat orgasmic sensation, in no way does this premature release kill the momentum of Percy and Smith's sinisterly salacious run.

But seriously, Cowan & Sienkiewicz are a match made in heaven, as Sienkiewicz is able to set the moody tone with inks and Cowan has drawn some of the most gorgeous female jowl and ocular work that I have ever seen in comic history, putting to page the cleanest depictions of Afro-centrism that I have seen in comics in contrast to the rawest depictions that I have seen from the likes of Risso or Corben.

"Hellions" is a team book, so roster changes are par for the course, but in the Hickman-era no team can truly compete with the Hellions, even if they are breaking down. "Hellions" No.16 let's readers in on the secret adhesive that holds this title together as other groups go about their fall in the vein of "X-Factor" & "Children of the Atom" . There's evolution regardless even if the reset button is pushed a few more times.

With Thor and Hulk rampaging through some make-shift Candyland, to these two both dealing with the ghosts of their pasts the similarities and differences of two of Marvel's strongest will prove to be an entertaining tale, and Cates and Coccolo can be trusted to deliver this since they have came out swinging here at the opening bell.

The hated Hulk got his flowers, but he could use some more. I would like to see another issue to complete the Hulk's vision. Didn't the X-Men reach Krakoa in their Grand Design series? I know they had more than two issues. And if there's anything to take away from Rugg's retellings is that the Hulk in all his madness, deserves the spotlight; yes, even Berserker Banner too.

Looking at Morazzo's pencils here when fused with O' Halloran's colors is like watching a wrestling event on a cell phone where the screen brightness keeps shifting, not exactly making it hard to focus but definitely encouraging a spirit of unsettlement throughout the viewing experience.

From the base of U.S. indoctrination schools, children were told about the Very Hungry Catapillar, in adulthood those very same children should pick up "Morphometasis" to learn that change is the greatest magic trick pulled of all time.

"Icon & Rocket Season One" No.3 is a slow-burn for those on the fence about a reboot for some of their favorite characters straight out of the coveted Dakotaverse. But the slow burn is like a stick of incense : when the scent hits the nostrils and rests in the mental's temple.

"Knuck If You Buck" is just another day in Dakotaverse, where extraterrestrials who look like they came straight of a J.Lo 2000-era anime is as common as female protagonists constantly stealing the limelight from arguably one of DC's most powerful male characters. Perhaps, stealing is the wrong word since Braithwhite and Co. have the heroes in Rocket & Xiomara look so good while doing just that. But fans of Icon wont be disappointed, you get to see him plenty, even if he gets knocked down a few times, he gets as up as this book is sure to put spirits in as soon as the first panel meets iris, guaranteed.

Pain, suffering, torture, indifference, isolation : these are constants in Banner's life, whether he has on a pair of eyeglasses or ripped shorts. If you dont know these constants then this book is not for you, I invite you to spend your time elsewhere. But if you've been through hell to the point that is all you know and all you have to look forward to, then Ewing and co. invite you for one last trip to The Below Place : with Bennet's absolutely devious art style that would make Elphias Levi blush, and Ewing's soul piercing words ; even if your tear ducts become dried up from this trip through the Hulk's personal hell " one page of the Immortal Hulk No.50, and you'll consider making reservations where the One Below All can only be called a great host.

First issues are supposed to entice readers with a bang, at least that is to be expected on a line called "Dynamite"; but starting things off here with the slow burn effect was arguably the wrong choice for "Jennifer Blood " No.1. For the coming issues I want to see gratuitous levels of gore, I want witty & biting comedy, and overall I want Blood's sexuality to be played up to the level that Parillo is able to deliver on every cover he touches. If he can do that, then there will be hope for the new kid on the block yet.

Still, the fact that this issue is not as inviting to new readers as it expects one to have knowledge of the current storyline (which I have been ducking) to pick it up, as well as being attached to an unflattering cover of the Hall of Justice does not entice me to continue with Bendis' run, though I am encouraged to peek in periodically every now and again for a periodical like this.

To paraphrase Wolverine "just because I've died before, doesn't mean death doesn't hurt; and with that being the standard, Joshua Williamson brings the type of pain that puts smile's on faces, like a trip to Suplex City only can.

Peterson, Bressan, and Dinnick all have seamless art, the styles distinct, but not jarring to draw attention away from Williamson and Culver's story. So refreshing to read a story that stands great on it's on two before it hits omnibus slot where it belongs in the pantheon of essential DC history.

From battles of gods with voices that boom in your head, to Captain Carrot's quips, and the definitive Flash running in the opposite direction of danger while legacies are passed down and the weight of existence is tested against some of the most powerful wills in DC's orrery of worlds, Justice League Incarnate : World's End is a bleak story promising that things will only get darker, tying directly into the upcoming "Death of The Justice League" and "Dark Crisis".

King Conan may be under the Marvel banner , but don't expect any crossovers like the "Serpent's Crown" or "Savage Avengers" (great as those stories are). Nah, this is straight high adventure Conan and for those who want to read something that can best be described as neo nostalgia, Aaron has your fix right here.

Not hard to shed a tear for Spawn during this, as his plight is very easy to mirror since life is filled with loss and the opportunity to philosopher's stone that natural part of life would be enough to drive anyone to the depths of their most depraved. Fitting behavior for a ruler of the damned. Long live the King, as long as Sean Lewis and the gang can keep providing such a prestige reflection pool.

Slogging through packed work weeks while reading comics can be exhausting, even though it's the only escape into another world that panels can offer. That's why I'm early in recognizing Doug Wagner's Klik Klik Boom as this year's breakout hit.

Whether she's screaming out in frustration in boisterous letters designed by Dave Sharpe, or visibly tired while attempting to turn invisible to stomping out a seagull with a vigor that I've only had in the past with Payless "Timbs on, Hel has arrived as a character audiences can actually care about. The team behind "Lady Hel has allowed her to be more than just the villain that everybody knows is going to get her comeuppance at the end, and definitely more than just the typical Dynamite! sexy fantasy that effectively sells covers for convention cosplayer's to only dream of replicating.

A touching send off for the God, as Maestro could only dream to be, but alas, Perez and David's character takes too much pleasure in destruction; something that Hulk fans love the Green Goliath for (and are sure not to be shorted of) when they pick up World War Maestro Act 1.

I loved the team aspect here. The Reavers vs.The Marauders " this is the type of teamwork that playoff games are made off of. And seeing Shadowcat & Frost perform so cohesively, as if co-captains, was an excellent reference to the relationship that they have grown together since the days when Kitty was choosing between Hellfire & the Xavier Institute like Gryffndor & Slytherin.

A majority of the book is somewhat juvenile, so for those looking for a "The Other History of the DC Universe", this is the PG version. Though, just because a book is aimed at a younger audience it does not mean that older heads can pick up a thing or two from picking "Communidades" up.

The African diaspora does not need Marvel to continuously throw fuel on that fire. I don't give a damn how dope Marcus Williams or Dee Cunniffe's pencil work is of these female warriors, I'll be happy to see more of it when there's a visible balance. Heroism should not be designated to a gender role, but that's all that this issue of Marvel Voices screams.

Inclusion of different characters instead would have been better suited for a book about the hidden arts. But other than that casting fiasco, "Midnight Suns as a team book, is off to a great start. An excellent utilization of comic books as promotional tool not only for console games, but for the spot where the stories are started in the first place. Now if only Sacks could get the green light to write some solo titles for the more unsung heroes of this group, then we'd really be going somewhere

Usually zero issues are previews of what's to come but "Miracleman #0 is a celebration of what has passed as well. Zero issues also tend to be something that the average reader can just gloss over or entirely skip, but this motely crew of artists that have assembled to create this issue to usher in Gaiman's new run have created a read just as deep and essential as anything else within the Miracleman library.

With the shift to a Blade Runner like existence constantly gaining traction, "No Left To Fight II" isn't the book that can revitalize the physical memorbilia economy to keep your cities Barnes & Noble from closing it's doors, but Sitterson & Ossio have created a periodical good enough to have readers remember why they enjoyed cracking open a page in contrast to swiping and pinching panels.

The way that the panels are tilted look like a retro porno, which at first is disorienting, but after awhile, the diagonal design attached to the comedy and action here puts this issue of "Non-Stop" up like toothpaste on a prison wall. Especially in the class of passion projects, "Non-Stop" is setting the bar, a little late in the series, but I guess comic readers everywhere will be able to chalk it up that ol' "Parker Luck".

The next issues should feature heavier action sequences with dialogue mixed in, instead of these two core concepts being divided. If that can be successfully executed then "Nubia and The Amazons" can go down as a touchstone for the future of DC, instead of a tokenized mini-series only put out seemingly to appeal to marginalized readers.

With all of that and William's paragraph style script, there is a lot of book here in a mere twenty something pages (because of the Batgirls preview, which seemed completely unnecessary so I skipped) that will keep reader's of "Nubia And The Amazon's" satisfied for the next 30.

Credit to Marc Borstel for drawing these pieces that show a different side of two of Dynamite's flagship characters. But with all those gorgeous variant covers, Dynamite might want to reconsider their main, because comics are not sold by the art inside, primarily, but by the cover; and whoever selected Rose Beech for the main almost made me miss out on the beauty inside.

So many questions, and this is only just the first issue. Jason Aaron has provided a head scratcher for Punisher reader's of Earth-1218 over, leaving in a shroud of unknowns as dark as Dave Stewart colors for this carnage Jesus Saiz is responsible for in the new era of the flag bearing Marvel Knight.

This new Purgatori arc is loaded with mystery, sensuality, and violence using touchstones of previous pop culture successes but not going to far with those influences so as not to be classified as an original work that will leave readers questioning what will come next as they reach the last page. With Purgatori here in this brand new number one, "Witches Get Stitches" is the new benchmark on how to win over crowds both familiar and brand new to the Dynamite imprint .

Just like the Spaceman and his avatar itself (a mech with a head like Ghost Rider in a Futurama human head tank operated by a man who looks like he belongs in a Futurama human head tank), Radio Spaceman is an oxymoron in comics, that would look great with more (legacy wise) though Mignola and Hinkle threw everything and the kitchen sink into this effort. If there was a successful animated series in the future spun off of this well of entertainment, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised. Hey, it worked for Miller & Darrow with Big Guy & Rusty...

"Refrigerator Full Of Heads" may not win over new readers like myself, but taking a peek doesn't hurt. Youers and crew have curated an issue that could stand up to rival as entertaining with anything on the shelves come it's release on new comic book day, and would look nice and make a tough trade out of any collector's crate. This is the type of unexpected gem that makes digging through the dollar bins a praiseworthy tradition.

This ending to "Refrigerator of Heads" completely lost me and discounted everything within the series that I had read before.

Priest puts a cap on possibly one of the greatest tales to spin out of the Dynamite catalogue.

So if anyone wants to argue this story has a lack of brains, aside from the giant brain the antagonist s are attempting to weaponize in the tale, the island both Spidey and Zemo are stuck on also serve as a slick metaphor, except to point out that this story is occurring in it's own little slice of the Marvel Universe. Maybe the "Savage" Universe ? Because Kelly has picked up right where Duggan left off with "Savage Avengers", solidifying the "Savage" tag line. How, when these comics are not exactly related? By guaranteeing anything with "Savage" in it's name premium entertainment according to the Marvel U.

Sheridan is a comic genius here, "comic" defined as comedy in this case. And the comedy works in such a dreary backdrop as somebodies' hell " complete with demons and people with dollar signs in their irises " basically any gambling town you could think of.

Yes, I was turned off by Spidey's new suit during the beginning of Spencer's latest run, but with the right amount of nostalgia featured here in this mini-event, Bagley & Spencer and just got me back on board for the next chapter of "Amazing", and the motivation is all here in this conclusion known "Sinister War" No.4.

The danger, the sarcasm, and the dashed hopes with a little peephole for the opportunity of success to peek in, Constant has done his homework on the modern jester and the art of comedy : loaded with hard truth and ending with a little something to make anyone in an audience smile.

Kraven being an exile from his own land like Orisha just isn't enough of a reason for me to just sit back and smile as I read secrets of Africa be spoiled and perverted by European colonists thanks to a native woman who never should have been trusted with the sacred information in the first place, even if the African land this time around is fictitious.

Kraven being an exile from his own land like Orisha just isn't enough of a reason for me to just sit back and smile as I read secrets of Africa be spoiled and perverted by European colonists thanks to a native woman who never should have been trusted with the sacred information in the first place, even if the African land this time around is fictitious.

The unbridled violence, the disregard in the faces of Picard's crew whenever he screws up, shows just how threatening "The Mirror War corner of Star Trek really is, where everybody is in it for themselves and nothing is ever what it seems. Fresh and surprising, this is a Star Trek story that will stay in the heads of Trekkie's for years to come, out of fond memorability not mockery. If the dialogue is as gripping as heads being blown off, then what the Tipton's' and their team have created here in "Mirror War is a treasure deep as a dilithium mine.

Every issue of "Mirror War" is the definition of reinvention, and "Geordi" continues to add to the argument as to why the universe of "Mirror War" should be the main continuity for Rodenberry's most known franchise, just off the levity of pure entertainment.

Ayala's "Static" series is certainly picking up steam in the third issue of the Milestone reboot. If she keeps this up and decides to work with a different penciller, I can smell a "Hot Streak" coming !

For all the books on the Suicide that have dropped since Dave Ayer first threw them on the big screen, "Get Joker is one of the most craziest Suicide Squad stories to ride the wave of the Suicide Squad craze.

With this book IDW has published the only holiday special that I will be reading in awhile, and even though it came out of left field, now I can say that I spent the holidays with my family on these pages, and I'll be damned if these Turtles don't make you feel more welcome and warm than a room full of humans ever could around a yule tide log.

Yes, access to comic books has never been any bigger than now in 2022, so reader's are never short of having something new to pick up and satisfy their taste's in graphic entertainment, but Magic Order II has a special quality about it that will keep it from being lost in the shuffle, with enough packed in to just a single issue (like this conclusion itself) to keep reader's revisiting this story for years to come. Hey, it's magic!

Yeah the stories might be mature, but when the art style is juvenile it can make a comic book head feel ashamed to even be reading panels in public. Thankfully, Cavenago understands the seriousness of Millar's script and Millar understands that hard truths are best served with bitter humor. The fifth installment of "Magic Order III is far from dumbed down and will leave even the casual reader with an attachment to the characters in this corner of the Millarverse.

A book published by both Dynamite and Atlas, it's only natural that "Ninjettes plays off both with perverted displays of violence and sensuality, but Van Lente's pop culture nods and socially conscious asides, coupled with Kelly's colors that make "Ninjette'sappear harmlessly pulpy while Cooper's dark shades reveal the true tone of this book is what forms indie-comics' latest mech that is in the same breath both mindful and mindless.

Again, I haven't heard of Christmas before this read, but "Threshold in all it's inspiration from "Rosemary's Baby (see the one featuring Zoe Saldana), is a memorable experience. A threshold indeed that can only be a gateway into forms of art and stories from Christmas that can only meet or exceed the bar of this comic book contraceptive not seen since the days that Death taught John Constantine how to put a condom on by using a damn banana.

From the dialogue to the art and the expansion of the characters (Dr. Doom was barely even there and I cared about his problems), "The Next Big Thing was handled with a precision rare for most mini's, and this conclusion follows suit like forty thieves.

Razorback is quickly becoming one of my favorite Predacons. His duplicitous nature, a dark horse of sorts in the shape of an underestimated threat. The Lenny in this "Mice or Men" tale. Burnham is doing for him what the anime did for Black Arachnia. And as the 25th anniversary of the definitive Transformers series continues, the characters under Burnham's pen are more fleshed out than metallic, but athe pencil work needs a dirtier touch as the battle between Maximal & Predacon continues to rage on.

Yes, the book is busy and jam-packed with so many different characters and plot lines from different books you need to be sure to read the editor's notes when dealing with this series. But, if you're anything like me and would rather loosely follow along while still being entertained by the level of deep storytelling occurring here in a book that looks like an expertly drawn Tijuana Bible (seriously, some of Gunduz' pencils here belong in a museum at the most, a screensaver at the least) then Vampirella number twenty-two will be right up your alley.

"Vampirella" No.24 doesn't feel like the penultimate issue that it is, this Priest work can standalone in any comic book collection as a collectible or as a book that needs to be re-stapled because the mind-bending story inside could only be read over and over for years to come. A recurring theme with Priest and his associates as they continue to make the Vampi-verse proud.

Five issues in and Ewing has put the pieces in play to dig deep and create yet another branch of deep mythology within the Marvel mythos.

This Venom book is bleak and intelligent at it's foremost with a comedy that pops in here and there, but is not the focus of the precious time of such a precious character. It's been about time that Todd McFarlane's baby gets the respect that he deserves, and Ewing and Hitch are the one's paying those dues in dividends.

That's okay though, because Micheline is willing to take the Marvel faithful back to school, but even though this can serve as a remedial course, truly this remix of "Venom : Lethal Protector follows the same vein of "X-Men Legends or "Spider-Man Ben Reilly, but without the same promo campaign for either title. But ever the underdog, Venom would be proud of the rollout for this series with Valenza's base colors, Fiorelli's art that is far from Clayton Crain level, but captures the simplicity of Venom's first foray into his own comic series, finding his own legs. Well, Eddie should not have any problem now, with the rich universe built around him that Spidey doesn't even have to pop his head into one issue of this new series !

So, to have to sit through this book and to be forced to think like a parent would, really did not sit well with me. A great book is able to suspend time and carry a message to anyone no matter their age, ethnicity, or prevailing culture. W.E.B. of Spider-Man makes such a direct attempt at marketing the Marvel brand when Marvel should be focused on marketing good stories that could sell themselves. I have no doubt that this one was not flying off the shelves.

All the characters are important, even as new one's are introduced. The settings are all familiar yet twisted. With only two issues complete , "Whats The Furthest Place From Here", the is already a triumph in the graphic genre on the way to becoming a solidfied cult-classic. Now if that isn't enough to get this book to fly off the shelves, the added on 7" singles packaged with the paperback should be enough of an incentive to light a fire in the memorbillia collector in all consumers to consider checking this out. A unique form of marketing for a book destined for a well-deserved mark-up.

"Homecoming Part IV" features poster worthy art, a modern and entertaining story without appearing to forcefully garner attention from a specific demographic. This approach Jones takes sets "Wonder Girl" apart from the rest of the current titles DC has featuring the Amazons of Themyscira " possibly the best spot to vacate, but Jones might just have rewrote history and switched that destination to the Brazilian rainforest. Hats off.

I cant even lie that I have some severe issues with Wonder Woman in "Trial of The Amazons", and Becky Cloonan's puzzle piece here brings up nearly everything I have a problem with Wondy about in this integral piece of the DC Universe.

"Whatever Happened To The Warrior Of Truth? is heartwarming, visually stunning, and the perfect journey down memory lane towards a promising future with one of pop culture's most beloved and enduring icons.

The pages are sprawling, the mythologies are deep, and the feminist case that the Goddesses' have against males are enough to carry a great conversation in a Human Sexuality course. Scratch that, enough to teach an entire Human Sexuality course - and this is only Book One! "Historia: The Amazons" deceivingly looks like a storybook, but in actuality carries multitudes featuring some of the best work that a comic book legend who drew the titular icon during her golden years has ever put to page, whether pencil or paint.

The Power of Positivity is a tale about the most positive stable in WWE today " and showing that every feel good story has shadows behind it to bring out the bright colors so well.

I'd rather own and recommend this House of XCII run than any of the Hickman books for anyone looking for a good X-Men story for any era, because House of XCII is like a hoagie or a pizza for the blue collar worker looking to fulfill all the necessary food groups on a half hour lunch to fuel the rest of the work day it's all here.

Foxe and Espin's House of XCII might be simplified, but it's intended to be just like the animated series in successfully interpreting the deeper works of Claremont, Byrne, Kirby, and both Lee's (Stan and Jim). House of XCII continues that tradition by giving that treatment to the Hickman-era and at the book end a legion of mutant rights supporters inner children smiled the whole way through. I'm just happy to say I was one of them.

The foray into the romantic side of fanfic is successful in this issue because it is balanced so well with the violence and inevitable doom that the mutants face throughout this event, but here Ewing and Casselli have turned "X-Men Red into the frontlines and I don't believe the Arakkians would have it any other way.