Drew Bagay Comic Reviews

Are You Depressed? tries to study the different aspects of one's life that makes a person depressed. The right set-up is already in place but the execution for the rest of the story just isn't up to par. However, the art is easy and pleasant on the eyes. It is a treat for Bryan Lee O'Malley fans.

Barrier #1 is a tale that mixes violence, border politics, illegal immigration, and something totally unexpected. Aside from being beautifully made, the 54-page debut issue comes with a bargain price (pay-what-you-want). Although a few dollars would go a long way for the creators. This comic is hard to pass up.

With the comic industry's recent push towards more female-oriented stories, Bitch Planet #1 is a great debut issue that offers strong-willed female characters with engaging art. While the premise is a derivative of the exploitation genre, DeConnick writes the story and develops the character in a way that still attracts readers of both genders. There's the women exploitation and action for the male readers, and women empowerment plus interesting female characters for female readers. Think of Orange is the New Black, but in space and with more advanced technology.

Black Market #1 offers a new approach to the superhero genre. Given that the comics world is saturated with superheroes doing good deeds, this title gives it a new perspective that will certainly interest readers by letting us know that ordinary citizens can sometimes be the villains as well.

While the issue seems to hit all the right notes, the biggest flaw I see is the chosen medium. For people who are used and have read the completed story, it could feel a bit tedious to see the story unfold in little chapters. Perhaps Drive could have suited better as a graphic novel, instead of the single issue format. All that said, Drive #1 has the right mix of great visuals and compelling narrative to draw the reader in.

Ivar, Timewalker #1 is a strong debut issue from the successful creative team of Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry. It delivers a right balance of a good story, fun characters, and the right amount of humor. There's no better team to be attached to the title than these guys.

Boom's RoboCop title is a great way of reliving the original incarnation's world. It's perfect for fans of the character, not so much for new readers. The title could probably get better along the way, but for now it's certainly missing something that could capture modern audiences.

Strayer #1 is an average action fantasy comic book, but it doesn't have to stay that way. The potential is there; the characters, visuals, and more importantly, the world all seem very interesting. However something is lacking to make us care for everything that's going on. Hopefully, things smooth themselves out in the subsequent issues.

Most of the things in The Death Defying Dr. Mirage #1 are just set-up meant to introduce the reader into its world. Although it is pretty entertaining, the pacing of the issue suffered due to the heavy exposition in some scenes. At this point it seems to be just another paranormal comic book. I believe Van Meter could have done much more for the debut issue. Hopefully the next issue will improve on that. Nevertheless, de la Torre's art fits perfectly in the theme of the book. And one can truly appreciate his art in a comic like this.

The Delinquents #1 does not feel much of a crossover at this point. And it begs the question of why launch a new title over something like this where it could have easily been a crossover arc for Quantum & Wood and Archer & Armstrong. It feels very much like a Quantume & Woody book with guest stars Archer & Armstrong. With that said, this book is chock full of jokes and funny moments (which is somewhat already expected with these characters and writers) that makes it a nice easy read, although not that engaging.

Things to Remember is not without flaws, however the positives definitely outshine every one of them. A touching and heartfelt story, everyone can relate in some aspect of the themes present. This komik is good for people looking for something light and easy.

X-O Manowar #26 is a perfect jumping on point for new readers looking into one of Valiant's flagship science fiction titles. Although it's a great introductory issue, it's only just that " an introduction and set-up to a much bigger story. With that said, even if somehow you're not reading the main event title, Venditti writes this tie-in a story that can stand on its own very well.