Dan Crotty Comic Reviews

Creepy Xenomorph tale artfully done, but I wish this team could have been used on a book that didn't have a pre-defined outcome.

There was a time when I would've stuck my nose up at the idea of a crossover like this but dammit if these "Army of Darkness" books are better than they have any right to be. Lobdell balances the personalities of his distinct cast and Fernandez's layouts are superb, making full use of page and insets to guide the action.

"Batman Beyond" may upset those expecting a return to the world of the eponymous animated series by leaning too hard on it's "Futures End" predecessor. However, it gives Bat-fans a chance to see Tim Drake in a new suit and in a new era. Bottom line: it's not that schway.

There are some solid PG laughs derived from the early talkie style humor that was quite charming. My lone (small) gripe is I wish the art was more dynamic and captured that energetic Fleischer feel. There are spirited scenes of a taxi racing through a neighborhood and a skeleton jazz singer performing but visually I was left wanting more.

With jokes crammed into nearly every panel, there's plenty of bang for your buck. This burger is well-done.

While not as visually dynamic as last month, this issue still brings the jokes and is one fun ride with the burger-selling Belchers.

While the last panel had me grinning like an idiot, I am holding out for the swashbuckling, guns-a-blazing adventure that's sure to come. You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.

All ages books can be ultra-dull but there was enough PG action here to keep me turning the page.

The art perfectly matches this gritty tale and #5 serves as a shocking yet all-too-suitable finale.

A "glass full" entry point for Valiant virgins and a fun inaugural issue with a fan favorite for Valiant veterans. Personal drama, jokes, cheerful art, and superheroics from a gal who wants to be the best superhero around " put your faith in this book.

Another solid issue coming after one of the biggest revelations in the series. Don't go hunting for monsters in Harrow County lest they hunt you back.

Bunn continues to weave an intriguing and creepy horror-fantasy, unafraid to pile on new moral quandaries for our heroine. Part of me wonders if Kammi (or some other actor) is actually behind Bernice's turn. Either way, Emmy has some very hard choices ahead of her. Crook produces some stirring images, particularly when the girls confront a keyhole ghost (so much red!). And last (but certainly not least), don't let the bright art in the Chris Schweizer bonus story fool you " it's one of the most unsettling one-pagers yet.

Just wow. As perfect an issue of "Harrow County" that's ever been. A sum of 2 years worth of storylines, exceedingly beautiful (and haunting) artwork, and a final panel sure to thrill fans. September 13th can't come soon enough.

A riveting warm-up to next issue's Teen Witch Throw-Down. Emotionally charged and blood-splattered " I can't wait for #28.

From the first page, you know the utopian vision being presented in this book is off. But when it goes on and on, becoming so hopeful and touching, you almost want it to be true.

Fun, violent, and vividly drawn, "Lady Killer" is a new take on the tired assassin trope.

It still manages to be particularly brutal (they don't call her Red Sonja for nothing) so don't think too much and enjoy the climactic carnage.

Joins other mini-series, like "Britannia" and Divinity", that expand the boundaries of the Valiant Universe. Lovingly drawn and colored; a strong yet simple story that let's the art do most of the talking. Turok who?

Strong opening issue, great jumping on point for new readers, and first-rate art that crackles with energy. Pick it up " your eyeballs will thank you.

I'm little but the non-conformist is HUGE) almost wants to be annoyed at the popularity of this title but damn if I'm not charmed every book. I was worried the series would lose steam after we finished the bank robbery plot, but Matt and Chip keep widening this world. Now we're looking at the possibility of adding to this motley crew of degenerates, maybe even a team (The Sex-vengers? The Sex-Men? The Just-Sex League?). I'm definitely excited for the next issue.

Suze and Jon's relationship continues to mature, sharing the not-so-sexy realities of making an adult relationship work. But hiatus or not, Jon's psych files in the hands of Kegelface is too big a thread to be ignored.

This is a detective story with some grit and fresh art.

The action flows so cohesively from one panel to the next, you're engaged from the first smashed window.

This time travel tale reads like a dark Back to the Future. I don't want to give a lot away so I'll just say I will definitely be reading the next issue.

The art finds its own way to stand out, particularly with the panel arrangement. One sequence has Roy interviewing a witness and we get one dialogue-less panel, which really elevates the scene with that extra pause. This is followed by a montage of Roy hitting investigative dead ends framed on a silhouette of his stubbled face. Not crammed into a single issue, the story has space for these fancy flourishes, which make me excited for what's to come.

Familiar Twilight Zone tropes with a modern coat. Competent issue, but I'm knocking it because I think it might have given away the ending to the upcoming finale.

I'll be back for the conclusion but this issue mostly came off as superfluous.

With so much butt to kick, there's action on nearly every page. That alone is worth the price of admission. But the fact that Vampirella looks so good doing it makes it extra special.

It's a fun centennial celebration for our blood sucking heroine that Vampi-virgins may want to check out and die-hard fans won't want to miss.

"Year One" continues next issue while "The Lies" is to conclude in issue #11. As much as I would like more answers than new questions in the next few chapters, if the art looks this good Rucka can take all the time he wants.

Seeley gives all members of the team time to shine and let off a few laughs, but is able to keep the story on track for a somewhat serious finale. I don't think the world is clamoring for a "Steve Rogers and his Howling Commandos" series but if their appearances in the main title (or in a few more one shots) are anything like this I'm game.

A solid (if uneventful) set-up for the elaborate arc to come with art equally as remarkable. Let's hope Wondy hits the ground running next issue.

It's said that every comic book is someone's first. This issue is a great example of that mantra in mind. Multiple locales, mostly self-contained weaving plots within the issue, and even some humor. All this bang for your buck is what comics are all about.

This self-proclaimed jumping on point sports a new art team giving us an incredibly lush flashback to Aric's barbarian days.

A resounding send-off for a king and Valiant's premiere title. Killer art from cover to cover, interesting & varied stories featuring a diverse team of talent. Long live X-O Manowar! Long live the king!