Jo Lewis Comic Reviews

Valiant's return has been one of my comic highlights this year and Archer & Armstrong my favourite title.

Van Lente's dialogue has made this the funniest book on the shelves. This month, however, he introduces such political and societal elements such as the 1% and global warming, as well as some kick-ass mathematics.

Batman #16 is a masterpiece of modern comics by creators at the top of their game.

On closer inspection, it's an issue which lives up to its early premise and ends 'not with a bang, but with a whimper'. But it is a whimper which will be heard long into the night.

Romitas art is polarising personally I think his action sequences are some of the best in modern comics, however his character posing is often unnatural and therefore jarring; the cover is one such example.

Colder is another fantastic addition to the horror comics genre " you'll want to add this one to your pull list at your local store. This issue left me anything but cold.

The issue falls short on expanding upon its concept and character development, both of which are key when the miniseries is scheduled for 5 issues. However, Comeback #1 raises questions, tempting the reader back next month.

It's yet another strong debut from Image Comics in what has been a stellar year for the publisher.

Scan the shelves at your local store for this series because by Crom it's good.

Unfortunately, the comedy has grown tiresome already " the incessant one-liners are particularly problematic, hindering development of plot or character. And if that's your thing, by all means, enjoy. Deadpool isn't for me.

Read for Laymans story rather than any Death of the Family tie in. The crossover content doesnt add anything to the event or the issue.

It was broke but DC has fixed it - this one hits the bullseye.

Mignola's strength beyond impressive visuals and humour are multidimensional " often he weaves a fable, where others tell only simple stories. This is a tale only he could tell and we're promised revealed secrets, as somehow 'death is only the beginning'.

Matt Kindt is one of the most original creators in comics today and Mind MGMT is a complex, science fiction mystery " life isn't complete without it.

Comics oft disappoint " key to avoiding such feelings of discontent is to follow creators rather than titles. Make Jay Faerber was one of these creators " he's crafting 'good comics'.

oin me down the rabbit hole into this fantasy world " you shan't be disappointed. This is Vaughan and Staples' career defining work to date " as who knows what the future holds for such talented creators?

Lemire and Sorrentino have hit the bulls eye. Weve the passable TV series to thank for this.

With his 'Iron Man' or Epimetheus (in Greek mythology brother of Prometheus, often depicted as foolish), Mignola has, seemingly without effort, created another iconic superhero. The character and tale is yet another great addition to the ever expanding Hellboy universe, whilst the book benefits from a number of surprise twists, which ensure I'll return for issue 2.

Whilst like the original trilogy, Star Wars #1 is packed full of the aforementioned frivolity. However, science fiction, action adventure has moved on, see Image Comics' Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, or any number of modern films ranging from Looper to Moon, Cypher (or Brainstorm) to District 9. And so it has come to pass 'when was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child, but when I grew up, I put away childish things'.

The Top Cow universe is changing, not necessary for the better for its inhabitants, but for the reader it's a wonder. Whilst the issue lacks the action of the previous outings, it is steeped in characterisation, which is often well-established or absent in mainstream comics " it's a refreshing change. Credit to David Hine and Jeremy Haun for injecting such verve into a character who was introduced more than 15 years ago (first appearance Witchblade #10 circa 1996).

The goings-on in this title were a bold creative move for a character who was introduced more than 15 years ago, particularly in an era of reboots by both DC and Marvel. The creative team and the publisher deserve recognition for this. One of my favourite monthlies, which is why its classified as REQUIRED READING.

And so, another issue steeped in dramatic tension, throughout which Kirkman holds the readers' attention, with the aid of an iron. There's an intensity to The Walking Dead often lacking in modern comics " it's why I return again and again.