Ellis Owens Comic Reviews

Time will tell whether or not Action Comics #1050 is truly the beginning of a new Golden Age for the Last Son of Krypton, or the latest failure by DC to effectively utilize its most important character. Despite the excellent art, a handful of questionable decisions leave me with less confidence in the upcoming Superman family relaunch.

Johnson and Sandoval continue table-setting in Action Comics #1052, with backup stories from Jurgens & Weeks and Williams & Sauvage providing some enjoyable accompaniment.

Action Comics' main story continues to fulfill the promise of a Superman Family book, while the backup stories leave a little to be desired.

If you're keen to see Superman get another new power that will probably be forgotten after this run, you'll want to pick this up. Otherwise, you can let this one ride the discount bin.

Overall, while I enjoyed the principal story for this issue, I am ready for this arc to wrap up so Johnson can move on to whatever is next in his run. I also hope that the next issue can conclude this portion of Johnson's run in a satisfying way without feeling rushed; time will tell whether or not such a thing is in the cards for Action Comics.

Despite feeling somewhat like a step towards a larger story, 'Defenders: Beyond' #5 serves as a fittingly weird and contemplative conclusion to this latest miniseries.

A artistic marvel (pun absolutely intended), Trad Moore's Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise #2 is a fun time in cape comics with visuals that are sure to melt your brain.

In Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise #3, the Moores shuttle readers toward the finale in spectacular fashion. Art enthusiasts and fans of the character would be remiss to skip this issue.

Heady in all the best ways, the final issue of Fall Sunrise secures it as a must-read story for fans of Doctor Strange and truly unique, stimulating artwork.

If you don't mind a mildly confusing plot, I Am Iron Man #1 will draw you in with its incredible artwork and understanding of the character of Tony Stark.

Another solid entry from Gillen, 'Immortal X-Men' #9 keeps readers in the (time) loop on Council goings-on, while also continuing to build towards Sins of Sinister.

'Iron Man' #25 caps off the Christopher Cantwell run with a more intimate story of heroism from the Armored Avenger, plus some pretty bang-up backups. A fitting conclusion for a writer that will be missed on the title.

Neither as "Special" as the title might imply nor as tedious as it could have been, 'Nubia and the Justice League Special' #1 is a perfectly average comic book, for better or worse.

Static: Shadows of Dakota #1 is a perfectly serviceable superhero comic, even though it doesn't do anything too shocking (wink wink) until the final page. Content-starved fans of the character should give this a read.

This "Special" isn't anything to write home about, but it's not a total waste either, whether you're a die-hard fan or a new reader looking for some undemanding Superman stories.

The VerdictAll in all, Small Worlds is definitely an enjoyable read. I love that Ewing is able to put out these "minor projects like Defenders that really lean into the more mysterious corners of the Marvel Universe, while still remaining character-driven. While there's nothing here that I would count as extraordinary or particularly exemplary, the story is tight, the art is well done, and, if my suspicions are correct, the events of this series will inform the upcoming Avengers, Inc. to some degree. I'm not sure I can ask for much more from a Wasp miniseries.

X-Men: Red #10 pays off a number of running plots from this and other Ewing written series in fittingly epic fashion. A must-read for Storm fans.