Elias Rosner Comic Reviews

"A Walk Through Hell" continues to low-key terrify as it builds its narrative towards greater reveals and questions. The dialogue and narration don't always land but the artwork makes sure you're kept on the seat of your chair.

Unnecessary repetition and the wrong choice of opening and closing holds back an otherwise fantastic issue filled with exquisite paneling, fantastic character moments and an intriguing mystery. Hopefully the next one can recapture the magic of the first issue.

After last issues' missteps, it's nice to see the story moving forward with an artist who really deserves more interior work.

A slog of a first issue that doesn't quite grasp the show's characters, which, as a fan, is disappointing.

An Aliens comic for fans new and old filled with atmosphere, horror, action, and truly cinematic pages. Hardman has proven he knows how to construct a page, now lets see if he can construct a story.

'Hunted' starts off on the wrong foot, offering an opening that would have been better off closing, in spite of the always stellar art team.

"Amazing Spider-Man" #56 tries to do too much, narrating all of it and rarely trusts it's audience, squandering the interesting ideas it has in favor of cheap "gotcha" moments.

This is another very strong issue of "Amazing Spider-Man," despite some artistic hiccups that distract from the otherwise excellent art, proving the Beyond Board can do the impossible and not only make Spider-Man feel exciting again, they can make Ben Reilly's adventures as compelling as, if not more than, Peter's.

Kamala's death sends this score into the pits, even as the rest is well-constructed, action-packed, and a good resolution to an intriguing arc.

Held back by some of Milligan's inconsistent dialog and confusing plot elements, "American Ronin" has the potential to be a great espionage thriller with a visual style all its own.

A decent issue with some stellar pages and the same writing you'd expect from Bennett. A tighter focus would really benefit the comic though.

Too much dialogue crowds the panels and harms the comic, despite it being necessary to characterize the animals.

A serviceable issue that is really all set-up for the final issue, making me wonder why the series couldn't have been 5-issues instead of 6.

A serviceable issue that does nothing really new but has enough good ideas to give it a cursory glance. At least it's not just a rose-colored nostalgia trip.

A solid one-shot that gives some insight into Armstrong & his corner of the Valiant Universe.

Final Verdict: 7.8 " A Fantagraphics book at IDW, essentially. Read that however you believe it should be read.

Astro City will be missed when it goes from monthly to OGN in two months but until then, we can continue to revel in all its wonderful humanity.

A good climax to a large series that had the misfortune of having too many Avengers and not enough panel space for them.

Held back by some of the art quirks that help establish the tone of the comic, Bad Luck Chuck #1 is a fantastic start to a funny, brisk new miniseries that, I believe, is only going to get better from here.

The ending to an arc that is deeply sad and effective yet hard to classify. Not everyone will find this arc engaging, especially if you find King's dialogue trite, but for those invested, this won't disappoint, just merely confuse.

A lifeless story is held together by a competent art team that arent bringing their A game. Only those heavily invested in Kings take on Batman should read this.

I cannot stress enough how perfect a starting point this is for any comics reader. New, old, lapsed, whoever, you need to pick this book up. You won't come away disappointed and you might even find yourself having a little fun along the way.

"Batman: King of Fear" #3 is good fun, with dark, soulful art, providing a nice counterpoint to the main "Batman" title.

Dialog is lacking while the art shines and the plot confuses. Fans of Keith's "The Maxx" will almost certainly find this enjoyable and if you aren't sure you'll like it, you can't go wrong with this issue, priced as it is.

Not the best second issue but still reflective of a series that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest.

"Black Badge" ends much as it began: strange, earthy-crunchy, adventurous, and filled with ideas that are well explored but never quite answered.

A worthy second issue filled with mystery, dynamic characters, and wonderfully, grand artwork.

Another great issue, filled with excellent characters, color, horror, and a boss from Dark Souls. The Silent King may have had a mouth but now, now he must scream.

A beautifully crafted issue soaked in questions, with no answers yet. At least, no easy ones.

"Black Bolt" speaks volumes and I am all too willing to listen.

Final Verdict: 9.4. Ward and Ahmed saved their A material for the end of their first arc and has cemented for me this run on my shelves. If they ever release an oversized, library edition of this, I will buy it no questions asked.

A weird, not very cohesive quarterly that is more magazine than comic showcase. Still, check it out if you miss the old Vertigo or an imprint with a strong editorial voice and a position.

The mystery deepens, the characters face tragedy, and we get a Liefeld tribute variant cover that sums up the 90s in a much better proportioned image.

Another fantastic backstory issue that shows builds the world, literally.

"Black Hammer's" most recent arc goes out, not with a bang, but with a KRA-KOOM!

Not the strongest Hammerverse title but only because the comic tried to do too much, in too few pages. The heart is there, the art is there, the story is almost, almost there.

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #8 returns with a slow, quiet issue that showcases just why the series is so lauded. It may not have answered many questions but it made sure the ones it asks are worth our time.

An excellent start to what I expect will be an excellent series. "Black Hammer" is back and I cannot wait for more.

Tamaki & Olortegui's exploration of the "Black Hammer" universe is as considered and textured as one could hope for, crafting a tale that is thoughtful and engaging with only a few confusing moments tucked away inside. If you ever want an example of why anthology works are special, look no further than this issue.

A decent, although repetitive, start to the second arc that has the misfortune of having art that has no emotions to it. This is an issue of necessary, just not very interesting, set-up.

A crime drama masquerading as a horror story, "Bone Parish" #1 is equal parts intriguing, creepy, and intense. If this is merely the setup, then we're in for a fantastic journey.

I am intrigued enough to continue but this feels like the first half of a pilot episode instead of the first issue.

Love the last two pages, the rest is a bit of a mixed bag. Story and character clash as "By Night" #1 tries to find its footing prior to the inciting incident.

A good penultimate issue that is hampered by some thin characterization and set-up but still retains the charm and magic of the rest of the series.

By forgoing the set-up that issue #11 neatly delivered to it and instead providing us with a less neat but more satisfying conclusion, "By Night" #12 shows its roots in PG sci-fi films of the 70s and 80s and solidifies the quality of the series as a whole.

A solid second issue that complicates Kate, showing that despite the frustration she engenders, she is the perfect protagonist and the right, complex character to follow. If only the issue had used its space a bit more economically.

A fitting conclusion to Coates' uneven but always thoughtful run on the character. It may not end with a neat bow but that just means the next person will have an easier time opening the gift.

From Upton's snarky narration, to the constant playing with traditional whodunit narratives, this was a thoroughly enjoyable comic and this issue caps it off with an ending I certainly didn't see coming, even if it wasn't as satisfying as I'd have liked.

While certainly not everyones cup of tea, Clue: Candlestick is a mesmerizing take on the board game that captures its essence and crafts a mystery that you cant help but try to solve.

"Coda" #2 expands the cast and complicates the narrative in ways that feel fresh and bringing our protagonist further from his goals in the best of ways.

Homage and update, Crypt of Shadows #1 shows how to do anthology horror right and how to properly honor the property for Marvel's 80th.

The spectacle of the artwork can't save an overdone plot and one-dimensional characters that skirt the line between semi-realized and flat as a board.

A good first issue but one which could have been a whole lot stronger and a whole lot creepier.

Nothing too original but a great, fun throw-back issue to a '90s Marvel property and a narrative homage to a series that Hasbro and Marvel really need to reprint.

Another strong example of why Kindt's characters are the highlight of his stories.

Nice lettering and the start to a couple of cool ideas still don't make "Descendent" #3's plot or characters particularly engaging. If you aren't already sold, this issue likely won't do much to change your mind.

The stakes continue to raise as we head towards the mid-point. I, for one, am excited to see how they'll get out the situations they're all stuck in.

Conclusions and goodbyes are difficult but the whole creative team made it look effortless, despite a few artistic stylizations that dont quite work.

Overdone, rushed cliches pack much of this comic that reads more like the start to a particularly bad horror anthology tale than that of a stand-alone series.

For the homages alone, this comic is worth the price of admission. Tack on the themes at play and the characters we follow, and the comic becomes better and better with each issue.

An ending that will frustrate all in the same ways the series as a whole did but in that frustration, a story told all too perfectly.

From beach bods and terror in the water, "Dog Days of Summer" has something for everyone in this fun anthology. Plus, the line "I cannot serve fungus burgers to the Justice League!" is spoken. 'Nuff said.

"Snifter of Blood" #1 is another fun installment in the anthology series. Pick it up if you're looking for chills, thrills, and a bit of a chuckle in this, the spooky season.

A fun and energetic one-shot that gives us plenty of that alternate Spider action we've been craving. Punk gone global meets the Marvel Universe.

"Elric: The Dreaming City" #1 is an excellent adaptation of the 60 year old novelette, feeling appropriately grand and consequential, but lacks the novelty or simplicity to attract newcomers. Those who find themselves confused but enjoying the story should likely check out the preceding volumes before plunging further.

A good, albeit flawed, first issue that captures Elvira but cannot quite capture her humor or place her in anything but a mediocre plot.

Rubn and Kindt return to the world of Ether better than ever, penning a beautiful and somber opener to what promises to be a wild ride.

Final Verdict: 7.0. A gorgeous comic that has the potential to be great but will lose readers due to an overwhelming amount of information that doesn't fit together as of yet.

Another Marvel cosmic book hitting it out of the park with writing and art seamlessly intertwined to provide a host of worlds and an adventure with true stakes. Three issues in and Ahmed has me hooked in full once again.

Actors take the stage this month in this slow but important issue with some art qualms.

A poetic and bittersweet ending to a series that is more historical fiction than a "funny animal cartoon" adaptation. The back-up, despite its creativity, should have ended last issue.

Doctor Mirage has never felt more real thanks to Kim & Bellaire's artwork. The story may be slow, but everything else more than makes up for it.

Fallen World #2 continues the standard narrative without much flair and, while it feels entirely extraneous, has enough moments of interest to make me reach the end.

Fun characters and the always wonderful and unique artwork cant quite make up for the rocky pacing of the issue. It has plenty of heart but not enough answers and, perhaps, too much technobabble.

A fantastic follow-up to a stunning debut that is perhaps a bit too obtuse for its own good. It is also a comic wherein the word obtuse would be simultaneously praised, used and ridiculed and it is all the better for it.

A return to form and a strong debut for Moore's newest series. Even if you have never read a previous Terry Moore comic, pick this one up"and then check out the rest of them.

Despite the unintentional melting faces, "Friendo" #3 continues put a fun-house mirror to today in intriguing, new and messed up ways. It twists and turns without ever feeling cheap, I can't even begin to imagine what is going to come next. . .and that is exciting.

"Future State: Catwoman" #2 concludes the series just like it began: strangely paced because of its length but very fun.

Exactly the kind of comic I need month to month. Sarin and Allison craft another highly funny issue while also continuing to let the characters grow.

"Giant Days" is consistently fantastic and issue #42 is no exception, showing the growth of not only the characters but of the artist and writer as well. A bittersweet issue, much like that Babylon 5 advent calendar and the embrace of Sexy Petrock.

"Giant Days" hardly has a bad issue and this one is no different. Pick it up and enjoy your time with Ester, Daisy, and Susan to the fullest.

A fantastic, action packed third issue that leaves me wanting more in all the best ways.

We need more Giants if only to allow the Valderramas to explore a world they werent given enough time or pages to explore. As a conclusion, this issue felt rushed and underdeveloped but as a piece of comic art, it was beautiful and tense.

An ending that has come too soon but one which was executed well and delivered on the promises of the series. Mysteries were solved, stories resolved, and characters were forever changed. Maybe one day we will be able to revisit the kingdom.

Norton's art is in top form but the world, while fully-formed in the minds of the creators, isn't conveyed well enough to make the story feel substantial enough. The ideas, however, are wonderfully out there.

Biting and always funny, "Gryffen" #12 is a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series. Some art hiccups hold the issue back but the rest more than makes up for it. Plus, the issue is, like, .99 digitally and you can get the whole series for less than the cost of 3 Marvel comics. Go pick it up now!

Head Lopper #11 bring the story of the Knights of Venorah arc to final chapter, answering questions that then beget more, better, more tantalizing ones. A strong third chapter on all fronts.

Thompson and McClaren's tale of heartbreak and healing is painfully aware of reality and, even though it is an unreal situation, conveys that in a short, impactful book. You will recognize yourself in the story more than once and even when you don't, it will resonate deep in your chest, as if a little piece of Emma's heart was gifted to you, the reader, just by being there when she gave it away.

The best issue so far, with art that gets the tone of the piece. Yet it is hampered by a cynical story, near-non-existent characterization and aspects that should have been present two issues ago. Hopefully the shift in focus is indicative of something better to come but I'm not holding my breath.

It's insulting and shows a contempt for the audience that does not feel intentional but is there nevertheless. It excavates King's larger misunderstanding of who Wally is and what motivates him as well as bringing into relief just how little we know about how Sanctuary was supposed to work.

It ends, much as it began, with the seeds of a strong idea smothered by its own pretensions and a muddy method of delivery, leaving a trail of senseless death caused by one moment of weakness.

Ice Cream Man #9 succeeds thanks to the power of the creative team in this genre switching origin story that answers exactly the right number of questions and provides the right amount of creepy.

Suffering from a detour that is equal parts important and wasteful, as well as the dissonance between art and lettering, "Incursion" #2 remains strong thanks to its individual components and the simplicity of its narrative.

The "Incursion" may be over but this isn't the end for the Eternal Warrior and the Geomancer, and I cannot wait to see more.

Despite some artistic hangups, "Infinite Dark" #4 wraps up everything it needed to in a satisfying manner while providing enough of a hook that the next installment can't come soon enough.

A good reintroduction to the character and the start to something but ultimately nothing special. Lim's art and the return of Death's Head are the big draws.

The weakest of the issues so far with somewhat inconsistent art and a story that hovers too much near the start.

A storyline that has been decompressed, perhaps too much, nears its end in a standard but technically well-handled manner.

A decent first issue but will need to complicate its characters more in subsequent issues or it risks just being an NC-17-rated Bond parody. But I believe it can be done.

An unfortunately empty second outing to a promising new horror title. Hopefully the series finds its footing soon.

It is not Zdarsky's strongest work, but it is one close to my heart. I am sad "Kaptara is over. I am glad it ended well.

"King in Black" #3 looks cool and has enough cool to satisfy die hard "Venom" or Cates fans but it's overwritten and lacks the emotional connections needed to sell the event as a whole.

"Locke & Key" is back and never looked so good. The story may be just getting started but it has firmly established why it should exist. For a series as tight as the original, that should be commended.

Mark Russell is still in top form with a new #1 for a licences property and the creative team couldnt be stronger. While a bit light on the Lone Ranger part, it is a beautiful, smart book that interrogates its premise and the history behind it.

A good end of the arc that would have benefitted from coming out closer to the previous issue.

Tocchini's stylizations, and the long break between issues, hurts "Low's" return to shelves as it spends too much time on the tonal returns.

Black Crown continues to make strange, off-beat, resonant titles and "Marilyn Manor," from members of my two favorite "Young Animal" titles, is no exception. A hell of a good time, it's only going to get weirder from here and I cannot wait.

"Mars Attacks" goes out with the war in the background and the human drama at the forefront, providing a fitting end to a wacky, heartfelt mini-series.

"Martian Manhunter" #1 is the start to the detective-noir-cop procedural comic we've all been waiting for from DC. Not a perfect debut but a small stumble at the start of a marathon doesn't mean much by mile 15 and if you aren't blown away by Rossmo's art, then you need to get your eyes checked.

"Marvel Zombie" #1 makes me continue to hope we'll get more fun, obscure one-shots in the future. If you're ok with the gross factor, pick this up and experience the laughter and the zombies.

Shattered Grid #1 managed to conclude a Power Rangers crossover and fill it with heart and nuance all the while setting up what promises to be new, yet familiar direction. Despite its flawed pacing choices and artistic decisions, it is what I wish more DC/Marvel events were like. Im sure anyone whos followed the crossover will find this conclusion satisfying.

An action-packed, wild penultimate chapter to an already wild crossover. Bring on the finale!

A very well drawn but over-narrated and thinly characterized issue that fails as an introductory issue. This should have been the start of at least the second arc.

In a run with moments of brilliance, the conclusion drowns them all out with a nonsensical story without a satisfying resolution, art that is mostly, technically fine but clashes with the tone, and a main character that was less developed than one of his antagonists.

Final Verdict: 7.9. Romance wafts through the comic like coffee even if it is overshadowed a bit by a burnt smelling prophecy.

Moth and Whisper #5s strengths are the same as always but the weaknesses are more readily apparent now that were at the end, closing out with the thought that a little more decompression wouldve gone a long way.

Too much action, not enough mystery and a lackluster conclusion to what started off as a very engaging book. Their next adventure will need some retooling but the characters are too good for this to be their only adventure.

A comic that has the makings of something great but needs to find its footing. Older fans will probably get more millage out of this than new fans.

Nightwing #53 fails to impress, focusing on too much of the wrong thing. There are the seeds of a good story here but its being drowned and crushed by dialogue and pacing issues.

"Nomen Omen" is not a bad series but its 14th, and second to last, issue acutely highlights its structure and pacing problems. Those who grasp its magic system & thematic reaches will get far more out of it than those who have been frustrated by its sometimes obtuseness.

Your mileage will vary; for me, it didnt get me very far.

"Outer Darkness" #5 solidifies that nagging worry in the pit of your stomach, making certain that something terrible is coming to this adventure, and that we can only watch from afar. It is equal parts terrifying and engrossing and something not to be missed.

A great start to the ever-expanding Over the Garden Wall franchise that captures the atmosphere of the show almost perfectly with some stylistic hiccups that will take some getting used to.

A very strong, emotionally heavy issue of this comedy series, if not a little out of character for Peter. Plus, it all took place over dinner, which is something I never thought Id see.

While issue #6 might still be my highlight of Zdarsky's run still, this issue makes me hopeful that 'Amazing Fantasy' will be a much better arc than the previous one.

A truly perfect example of a series that everyone should be reading. Fun for the whole family, potentially only held back by a word density that is easily ignored.

"Project Superpowers" #1 is a bombastic first issue held back by two pages, and a couple other art gaffs, that don't quite live up to the rest of the comic.

The penultimate issue of "The Quantum Age" proves itself to be a powerful story of reconciliation and connectivity in spite of the slowing down of the rest of story this creates.

"The Nicodemus Job" #2 is a heist plan gone right, with art that is oozing charm and humanity while keeping a solid grasp on the world around it.

Red Sonja #2 is a strong book thanks to the interplay between members of its creative team, deserving its place among the great Red Sonja runs. Humorous and biting but serious enough for the world the characters inhabit, its clear this team understands Sonja.

A well-crafted issue that is held back by having to be an introduction point as well as the first issue of the fifth mini-series. It's hurt by its slowness but its slowness is also its greatest strength. If you've read all the previous series before this one, you'll probably get a lot more out of it than I did.

Concluding this mini on a bombastic and somber note, it couldnt hide some of the more persistent flaws of the mini. May more Rom and Micronauts come soon.

A great continuation to a series that hasn't quite found its center yet. Anka, keep drawing those beautiful people and Rowell, keep writing complexly.

"Sabrina: the Teenage Witch" #3 is fun, funny, tense, and everything a modern interpretation of the property should be, with the right balance of snark and darkness, and gorgeous visuals to match, even if the story itself is taking its sweet time.

Sabrina is back and better than ever, and by better, I mean she's in way over her head and I'm here for that sweet, sweet drama.

Closing out Dorma's emotional arc in an issue that should have been two, "Scales & Scoundrels" doesn't end on a high note but it does leave me craving more. This series will be missed.

"Sea of Sorrows" #3 is a solid middle chapter of this mini-series, even with a few clarity issues.

A great entry point to Valiant and a wonderful character issue that is held back by a cramped layout and the constraints of it being a character focused prequel. So, what youd expect from a zero issue for a series that already exists.

"Serial" #1 is another fantastic Moore debut and while it may end a little too early, the journey to that end is lively, twisted, and thrilling. New readers will find something to love and old readers already know they'll love it. Win-win!

"Shade the Changing Woman" #6 concluded the only way it could have: beautifully poetic and surreal but lacking the clarity and supporting character depth that would have made this a fantastic work.

Exactly what one could hope for from the follow-up to "She Could Fly." If you slept on the original, get in on this now.

Julia may not be Fish but she brings a whole different feel to the world of SLAM! The track is set. Let the match begin!

A decent second issue but one with a few structural issues that I hope are ironed out next time. Also, poor Knockout and Cancan, they just can't catch a break.

Held back by the opening chapter and continued rushed pace, this is still well worth your time, especially those craving that new fantasy romance series that just refuses to get published by american comics companies.

A sensual, strong second issue rife with more questions than answers that leaves you aching for more. The last issue can't come soon enough.

Sonic the Hedgehog Annual 2019 is nothing special but a lot of fun. Its certainly leagues better and less terrifying than the Sonic 06 adaptation Paramount seems desperate to make.

This is what A-tier comics, and A-tier horror comics, look like folks.

A solid issue, with a couple clarity issues, but just not what "Spider-Gwen" needed right now.

Better than the last but still too much Murdock, not enough Gwen.

A busy issue but filled with great moments and welcome amount of emotional scenes.

A return to form for "Spider-Gwen" and an issue that, even if you have no knowledge of the series prior, you should pick up, especially if, like me, you are a fan of Giant Days. Plus, a stellar cover.

After last months issue, this feels like one step forwards, four steps back. Still, Gwenom looks rad and Id be lying if I said I wasnt excited to see where this leads. Whether it disappoints me or not thats a whole 'nother story.

A return to form, even if it is a different form, for the ever changing Gwenom. Hopefully we dont ever have to see the Rhino again.

With any other conceit, this book would be a great return for Gwen. Sadly, that is not the book we got. Good action with contemplative moments I like, but all in all, not the auspicious start one would hope from Gwen's latest ongoing series.

A disappointing second issue that eschews Jessica's more interesting aspects for a generic plot with little to say about the character.

Static art and pacing tensions hold back an otherwise good introductory piece to the Voyager universe. A worthy read for the jokes at least.

Atmosphere abounds in this creepy, spooky tale but not even the art can save a mediocre story that feels paint by the numbers. There was potential for a great all-ages horror story here but it fails to surprise or remain cohesive.

Not the strongest first issue but with a new take on old tropes, this could shape up to be a fantastic sci-fi story. Fans of this genre will most likely enjoy it more than those approaching it for the first time.

Strangelands #1 doesnt deliver on its high flying promise but has enough elements to make me want to keep going.

Moore's talent for crafting a compelling narrative, rich in visual emotions, continues here. If you haven't read anything by him, pick this series up or read any of his previous ones.

Moore's artistry and storytelling are as strong as ever but the slowness of the issue holds it back.

Moore's draftsmanship is obscured by heavy amounts of narration that take away more than they add. A weaker issue but even the weakest of Moore's work holds greatness.

Moore's strong character work, animated lettering and always stellar artwork turns what could've been just an OK conclusion into one that provides the right balance of closure and open-endedness. Despite "SiP XXV" ending, the door is still open and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Competent though rife with mismatched creatives and choices, you could have a far worse time than "Slay Ride. It's fun and features Santa with a chainsaw and a bag of rats. Just ignore Mall Cop.

I cannot, in good conscience give this a 9.0 or higher due to the incomplete nature of the second story and the narrative flaws of the first. However, this is a special that made me WANT to reread it, not out of confusion but just to take in the storytelling. Do with that what you will.

A disconnect of tone between the art and writing holds back this enjoyable issue.

A visually stunning work that is held back by some impenetrable narration, although not enough to bar a firm recommendation.

An off-putting art style and strange color decisions bring down the score but the comic has the potential to be a good addition to the genre.

Archie Horror is back with a creepy beginning to a new arc (that will hopefully takes less than two years to complete).

An issue that'll make you squirm in discomfort but you'll be unable to look away.

The Cull shows what three creators working in beautiful harmony can create when pointed in the right direction. It may be mostly introduction but what an engrossing intro it is.

Final Score: 7.3. A solid start to a new sword and sorcery mini from a fledgling publisher. Come for the blood and undead guts and stay for the philosophical questions and banter.

A gorgeous book that continues to ask great questions and develop new characters with longevity held back by a chapter that seems listless and unsure of how to kill time before the finale.

Action takes the fore and pulp is the name of the game in this stylish and fun modern take on an old genre. Plus, Doctor Fang's design is so cool.

There is nothing truly horrible about this comic but as the conclusion to the mini, it serves to remind us how little actually happened and how utterly bland and overly-done its premise, and execution, was.

"The Last Book You'll Ever Read" #1 is a slight first issue that would be better suited as the start of an OGN. The art is well-suited for the book in all respects but the ideas have yet to show why they are unique and deserving of attention. Fans of the genre may have fun but for those burnt out by "what if moral panic X held weight" type books, I would skip this one.

A boring opener to a standard superhero story that left very little impression on me. Nice, varied colors though.

The War Thor is loose and, as this issue proves, heaven help anyone who stands in his way.

A stellar issue of grand scale and grand set up. A title worthy of the hammer.

A celebratory issue overflowing with talent that doesn't lose sight of the past while forging ahead into new territory. Plus, Throg, Frog of Thunder battles the Rats of Queens. 'Nuff said.

"The Nice House on the Lake" is a debut that should not be missed from a team working in perfect synchronicity. It is horrific, it is intriguing, it is light on answers but heavy on information, and most of all, it speaks to the moment without necessarily being of it. This is a special book and I am glad to be getting in at the ground floor.

Sharp, contained yet a part of a greater whole, "The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage" #3 manages to surprise and excite with each new issue thanks to a stellar creative team.

Deodato's art has its usual quirks and the narration can get a bit hokey but "The Resistance" #5 is a perfect example of how to tell a story that sets up others without sacrificing itself.

A worthy continuation of the story of volume one and the strength of the story ups the score but the art is lacking in character clarity and facial expressiveness. Here's hoping that it's fixed in future issues.

A great issue for fans of the series but for those who are not, this may not be the best introduction. Still, an enjoyable ride for all ages.

The artwork presented is scrumptious, the introductions to the four new series tantalizing, and the characters feel alive in all the right ways. Sandman Universe #1 is only held back by a nebulous sense of disconnect between what should be and what is on the page.

"Unbeatable Squirrel Girl" continues to prove that it is funny, interesting and smart, all while being very accessible. It's a welcome comic to be on my pull list each month.

Emgard, Aira and Mantella are crafting something special here, with a main character that who's narration can't quite be trusted, beautifully rendered artwork, and a story that plays on paranoia in a way that few modern comics do effectively.

Wicked and Divine continues to be consistently great and is fast approaching what I believe will be an explosive and bloody conclusion to this arc.

These specials have been nothing short of fantastic and this is no exception. Stunning artwork and a story that has way more layers than it out to.

A comic that is greater than the sum of its parts that managed to remain true to the spirit of the series while taking the piss out of it the whole time. If I were a less fun person, I think Id just call it OKAY.

Tynion and Dialynas have created a story where a lot has happened, especially since we started this final arc, and this issue is no exception. Balancing another series of character building flashbacks " filling in small details about Ben's character and the decisions he's made " with prepping for a war against a giant, green Isaac, as well as setting up the climax on Earth and deep beneath the mystery planet; this is no easy task and, for the most part, it is done well.

"The Woods" is a bittersweet tale of mystery, woe and growth. It opened on death and horror and now ends in death and tears"and hope.

A fun battle comic featuring the heroes in a half-shell and the long lasting samurai bunny that is more accurately titled, "Usagi Yojimbo ft. TMNT."

A gruesome B-movie comic that doesn't do enough to move beyond that which inspired it. While it's setting may be creative, its story is anything but.

A lot of great imagery and creepy visuals but light on plot and heavy on the empty space. Fawkes' fans will love it, others might have a harder time getting into it.

The first volume of Rumiko Takahashis first manga is filled with her trademark slapstick and romantic frustrations but may be too dated in its utilization of lechery for everyone to enjoy.

With no new revelations or exciting developments, "Usagi Yojimbo: The Hidden" #6 is the weakest of the mini-series so far but is still a thoughtful, fun and beautiful book.

Another excellent entry in the "Vampire: The Masquerade: Winter's Teeth" series and I am very glad Vault allowed it to return. May this comic one day reach issue #50.

The anthology format of "Vault of Spiders" has been a real treat, despite some of the stories' lackluster elements and the somewhat unimportant framing device. The shortness of the stories was a boon to some and a hindrance to others but all were enjoyable in their own rights.

For a comic called "War for the Planet of the Apes", it is surprisingly boring and doesn't have nearly enough apes or war.

A weak first issue that has a light at the end of the tunnel. Whether that's something good or just the sheen on Ignacio's face will be revealed, next month.

Visually stunning and suitably epic, this is an event comic that earns the moniker, even if this first issue does more set-up than it ought to.

A thoroughly skippable issue that amounts to exactly what you thought would happen at the end of issue #5. No twists, no interesting dialogue, and certainly no good art.

A fantastic and intriguing first page attempts to hide the piecemeal, confusing first chapter of this new Witchblade series that really could have used a more coherent core and a second chapter directly afterwards.

A new direction for Wonder Woman, certainly, and not a terrible issue but it struggles to justify itself, doing little to endear itself to anyone except hard-core King fans.

If all of "WWE" is as good as this issue, I may have to check out the rest of the back issues. Color me surprised.

Does what every good #1 does, even if it did have to go to a $5 price point, with only a few hiccups and bricks of text to hold it back.

"Young Justice" #4 spends too much time circling in place and dramatizing events that could easily have been summarized. Character voices may be strong but the larger narrative needs to get a move on soon.

Final Verdict: 4.5. A weak end to a good mini-series. Read it for Paulina's art and the set up for a possible third series…if we ever get one. Until then, I'll stick to re-reading issue #2 and the first series.