Erika D. Peterman Comic Reviews

This story in no way resembles the Action Comics I signed up to read, and I hope this isn't indicative of what's to come.

Issue #2 builds upon the promise of a rousing debut, and I suspect the creative team has only just begun to shock us.

Afterlife With Archie brings its first arc to an eerie, satisfying end and creates high expectations for the next chapter. For Riverdale’s survivors, the adage “You can’t go home again” couldn’t be more true.

Afterlife With Archie #7 may not be as quite as gripping as previous entries, but that isn't a complaint given how high the bar is at this point. It's an immersing interlude that deepens the reader's understanding of the players and pushes yet more conflict to the surface while never letting us forget what lurks in those dark woods.

While it's not the most thrilling entry, Afterlife With Archie #8 is a rewarding and touching read.

"You picked a hard road to go down," Alex's grandmother tells him. This particular chapter might not be quite as exciting as its predecessors but as the cliffhanger demonstrates, Alex and Ada's road could be rougher and more unpredictable than either imagined.

With several plot threads running simultaneously, America's Got Powers has set an ambitious course for its limited run. We'll see whether Tommy is up to the task of holding our interest for the rest of the journey.

The standout is illustrator Gisele's delightfully sophisticated interpretation of Archie and the gang, which strikes a perfect balance between respecting the classic look and giving it a modern polish. However, I wish the narrative had more room to develop rather than just being a one-issue riff on a complicated current event.

Archie #666 will not go down in history as a particularly memorable comic. However, longtime readers who love the character will likely enjoy parts of this farewell to an era.

The new Archie continues to delight in a second issue that plays out like an episode of an especially good teen TV drama.

Funny and fresh with a dose of creepiness, this issue is a winning start to another intriguing Archie series.

"Underestimating me is a common and fatal error." No kidding. Batman Incorporated #2 is a rock-solid primer on all things Talia and an exciting setup for what surely will be an epic family reunion.

With a smashing first issue to its credit, Danger Club has all the makings of a high-quality hit. Join up.

There's a sense that for all their courage and determination, the group could be in way over its head. The path to that bracing scene early in Danger Club #2 is likely to be brutal and full of surprises.

The spirit of Freelancers, as well as the best friend dynamic between Val and Cassie, reminds me of the lighthearted moments in Gail Simone's outstanding Birds of Prey run. Joshua Covey's fun illustrations, a little cheesecake-y here and there, have an action cartoon look that's just right for this winning newcomer.

But overall, Hell Yeah comes out of the gate strong and is shaping up to be yet another winner from Image.

Though the concept has familiar elements, this series is off to an explosive start that will leave readers impatient to read Issue #2.

Kevin Keller #1 is engaging and fun, and you'll want to know what happens next.""

While this is a perfectly nice read for the whole family, I was more invested in the short subplot featuring a potential love interest.

One of the most entertaining aspects of Kevin Keller is the constant verbal sparring between Veronica and Jughead. Unfortunately for Ronnie, her disastrous school play/vanity project gives Jughead plenty of ammunition.

Though Archie will live forever as a teenager in other titles, there's something automatically poignant about knowing his mid-20s are the end of the line. Those of us who grew up on a steady diet of his adventures will mourn. I only wish Life With Archie #36 had done more to show us why.

Speaking of Kevin, he and his boyfriend, Clay, make comics history by tying the knot. The significance is obvious, so Kupperberg simply tells the story behind their relationship and treats their marriage like any other joyous occasion. There is one element of the wedding that's glaringly absent, especially in a comic with grown-up themes. But it's still a touching and undeniably progressive story, one that you don't have to be an Archie Comics fan to appreciate. Even if you have just a passing interest in the world of Riverdale, you should give this highly enjoyable series a chance.

Mind the Gap #1 raises a hell of a lot of questions, all of them fascinating, and it's yet more proof that Image is publishing some of today's best comics.

An exploding brownstone indicates a pretty serious cover-up, and I found myself combing each of the panels " exquisitely rendered by artists Rodin Esquejo and Sonia Oback " for clues. I can't say enough about these two. Their character work is impeccable and they make each panel a full experience in and of itself. Together with McCann, they're giving readers an excellent return on their $2.99.

It isn't necessary to read this comic, but Nightwing #0 does get the job done in helping to define the character and his approach to heroism.

Writer Kyle Higgins has done well by Nightwing, and he understands what makes the character tick. Dick's ability to rally and move forward after awful events is a big part of his makeup, and Higgins deserves credit for at least raising the question of how best to proceed when bad things happen. Do you put up walls or let people in? While life must go on, this issue seems in too much of a hurry to check mourning off of the list and get to the next chapter.

Richard Jordan's richly detailed interiors are great, though I fear that the silly, peek-a-boob cover will put off as many readers as it attracts. (Ian Churchill's variant is much better.) I almost took a pass because of that, but don't judge this book by its cover. It's obvious that Jordan put a great deal of thought into each character's look, from their clothes to their expressions. The story and the art all come together in an effective, suspenseful package that's well worth a read.

If the comics industry is interested in getting young readers " especially girls " into comics, more books like Princeless would be a good start.

But on the whole, Murphy deserves praise for giving Punk Rock Jesus readers a thoughtful, provocative and surprising story in a relatively short period of time. It's to his credit that even an imperfect ending leaves the reader wanting more.

Red Sonja #1 is a highly accessible re-introduction to a storied character that entertains from beginning to end.

If you haven't yet checked out this comic, issue #8 is a good entry point that sets things up nicely for the next chapter of Sonja's quest. For those of us already on board, it includes plenty of the elements that have made this comic a pleasure to read from the first issue on: memorable supporting characters, opportunities for Sonja to show off her skill and courage, and genuine heart.

For $2.99, you're not going to find a better single-issue read anytime soon. Rich in story and beautifully executed, Saga's first chapter sets the bar very high for the rest of this series. I think Vaughan and Staples are up to that challenge.

This has got to be one of the most consistently great comic books being published right now. Exciting, surprising and even sharply funny, Saga #5 provides more wonderful character moments and portraits of strange yet somehow familiar worlds.

Saga isn't bound by convention or continuity, so anything can happen. That's a win for readers, as it has created an exceptional and surprising experience. Suffice it to say that surprises can also break your heart.

However, this issue succeeds overall in re-establishing the Secret Six brand and generating interest in a new team. It's accessible for new readers and maintains the delightfully dark characteristics that charmed loyal Secret Six fans for years.

Every thread in Star Wars #3 " Vader's demotion, Han and Chewie's peril on Coruscant and the drama within the Rebel Alliance " hits the mark, adding up to the best entry yet in this series.

That said, Princess Leia #1 gives readers a fuller portrait of a deserving character and an energetic, well-paced story that bodes well for future issues. Even the casual S" fan will enjoy this entertaining and accessible re-introduction.

Those issues aside, Stripling Warrior #1 is a fine introduction to a highly likable, conflicted and unique hero who is on a meaningful journey. It's apparent that he's got some major trials ahead, and you'll root for him as he faces them.

Penciller Tyler Kirkham contributes some striking panels, though the art tends to be overworked.

The starkly different personalities could lead to some interesting stories about a group of kids who are learning how to use their gifts and work together. Now that the Titans are fully assembled, I'm hopeful that the comic will begin to evolve from a passable read into one that truly stands out from the team-book pack.

If this first issue is any indication, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is going to be right up there with Afterlife With Archie in the suspense and surprises department. High-quality storytelling, gorgeous art and plenty of chills cast a strong spell.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #2 also stands out in terms of its sheer meatiness. This issue rewards readers' patience by delivering a series of memorable moments that make it well worth the $3.99 price of admission. Rich in story and visually compelling, this is a comic to be savored.

The Fifth Beatle might require a little more work on the part of the uninitiated, as it doesn't trade in a lot of exposition. The effort is absolutely worth it. Dare I say it? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The issue is still pretty easy to follow, but the tie-in details " however unavoidable " are clunky. Fortunately, there's a juicy ending that will make Ultimate Spider-Man fans impatient to read the next issue. I know I am.

It's understandable that the shock factor of Wonder Woman #7 might further alienate fans who remain attached to Wonder Woman's pre-relaunch background, especially following the headline news that Zeus is her father. But speaking as a longtime fan of the character, I think Azzarello's risk-taking has paid off.

At a crucial moment, Wonder Woman " who is supposed to possess the wisdom of Athena " makes a patently boneheaded decision. Maybe this was intended to show that Diana isn't perfect, which is fine, but it only served to make her look, well, stupid. What a shame to end an otherwise enjoyable issue with grating whimper.

Wonder Woman #36 is very much a transitional issue without a major "wow" moment. Still, the Finches deserve credit for providing a solid next chapter with an ending that raises the stakes for Diana considerably. They've also put the character back where she should be: at the center of her own title.

Aside from the panels of Melody running like hell from packs of "admirers," this comic is a quick, pleasant read that's worth an impulse buy in the grocery store checkout line.

Like an overpriced Valentine's Day candy sampler, Young Romance is evenly split between short-lived pleasures and duds.