Jazmin Aguilera Comic Reviews

Afterlife #4 is a strong issue that exhibits a lot of personal character development for Archie. Though this issue loses a bit of strength in the lack of characters, the dog emphasis will make you weep, unless of course you don't have a soul. Then you may even find yourself rooting for the zombie horde.

Afterlife #7 while not as action-packed as previous issues still delivers the same amount of gasps, especially if you are familiar with Archie characters. Every insight we get disturbs us, and yet the promise of rescue or the fear of destruction keeps us turning pages, wide-eyed and searching for escape.

I keep thinking that the next Afterlife issues can't possibly beat their predecessors. And yet, here were are, on Afterlife #8, and Aguirre-Sacasa continues to take every opportunity to monopolize on horror cliches and pop culture references and turning them to pure gold. He's got the Midas touch of classic horror.

If you're looking for gripping excitement, this is not your comic. But, if you're already an Archie fan, chances are you know what you're in for: sentiment and sweetness. And that's exactly what you'll get.

It's a short, but fun take on life in Riveros when playing the game of phones is playing for the title of prom king and queen.

As Betty and Ron realize their collective issues, Veronica has an idea. Why not switch places? At this point I was expecting a clothes-swap and some kind of "you pretend you're me and I'll pretend I'm you" type of situation. Nope. They're going to go all out and change identities, because haven't you noticed? Betty and Veronica are twins.

You can't miss with space-race era sci-fi, but Divinity #1 goes beyond with their protagonist, a black astronaut, and their clever ways to augment time. Graphically vivid and poetic narrative, this issue is a strong gauntlet thrown down for this genre.

I have to say this issue was difficult. If you're into complex non-linear comics then you may really enjoy Divinity #2. I found myself pausing, thinking, reviewing constantly, which while challenging and reflective, ultimately left me confused and unsatisfied. This issue seemed to be all set up, yet cryptic and confusing. In future issues, we may see some pieces come together better and then this issue will seem like much needed - if confusing- explanation.

Overall, Jughead is the same Jughead as he has always been. He's wittier and more modern, but still just a garbage disposal. This comic is goofy and not as dramatic as the Archie revamp, but if you're looking for the comic relief, this is your guy.

A neo-noir set in Philadelphia, Black Hood #1 is a welcome foray into the classic dark yet sexy world of gutter crime thrillers. It's Taxi Driver meets Batman meets real-fucking-life. This is a movie in print.

TCAS #2 is an exposition into the back story of the wonderful world of witches, and when I say "wonderful" I mean horribly disfigured and intensely unsettling.