Joe Bones Comic Reviews

I cannot wait to see where the mini-series goes from here.

I enjoyed the concepts and modern adaptations of mythology in Afterlift more than I enjoyed the actual plot. That being said, the story itself is really exciting, though I found it to be a little predictable. The artwork is solid if a bit underwhelming. It's always easy to tell what's going on in each panel, though some panels are more visually exciting than others. All in all, this graphic novel was a fun read, but it didn't really wow me. Even though I wasn't necessarily blown away, this is a series worth checking out. After all, it did win Eisner, Shuster, and Harvey awards last year. Afterlift will be available on February 2nd at bookstores and February 3rd at comic book shops.

The kind of comic where you come for the story, but end up staying for the art.

Totally worth the wait.

Belle: Ghosts and Goblins is a very fun read. There's a lot of action and the whole thing centers on a strong and independent female protagonist. This one-shot is a great introduction to Belle for those who've never read any comics featuring her character. On the other side of the coin, this issue is an awesome next chapter for those who have been following Belle's adventures for some time.

Poignant and humorous.

Shalvey weaves together a poignant crime thriller.

Burning Rubber is a comic that stalls out on the starting line.

In Byte-Sized #1 Cullen Bunn once again showcases his talent for blending genres. This first issue has horror and sci-fi elements, all wrapped up in a Christmas bow. The last few pages left me legitimately excited to see where the story will go from here. The art team breathe life into Bunn's script and give each panel a unique look. Plus, you can't go wrong with cute doggie action! Get in the holiday spirit and pick up your copy of Byte-Sized #1 when it hits shops on December 9th.

An important book that a lot of readers can relate to.

For those who have been following Cinderella's adventures through the Grimm Universe for the last few years, you'll probably want to pick up Bloody X-mas. For everyone else, this comic may turn out to be hit or miss. The story is dialogue-heavy and full of attempts at cleverness. For me, not all of the jokes and quips landed, but humor is subjective so individual reader experiences may vary. I enjoyed Cinderella's character, but recognize that there are those who would quickly become annoyed by her. The artwork isn't bad, and the various artists work well together. However, few of the pages stand out as exceptional and some might find the random switches between artists to be visually jarring. At the end of the day, Cinderella Annual: Bloody X-mas accomplishes its goal of telling a wacky Christmas story. For those who decide to read it, here's some advice. Don't think too hard about what you're reading and just enjoy the ride.

A cool premise, but things quickly fall apart.

DCeased Unkillables is an awesome comic!

A funny, fast paced action comic and a worthy successor to the original series.

If you've yet to pick up DCeased or its spin-off Unkillables, I highly suggest you do so soon.

Long time fans of the Evil Dead and readers who are new to the franchise can equally appreciate and enjoy this comic book.

Elle(s) is an incredibly cute story about friendship and learning to be true to yourself. I really enjoyed reading a graphic novel that demystifies a common mental illness. Elle is relatable and the reader cannot help but root for her. The compelling story is made all the better by the near-flawless artwork. This title will keep the attention of readers of all ages but would be especially appropriate for a young adult audience.

Love is stronger than fear. That's the central theme of Girl Haven and it's a message from which we can all learn. I didn't get this written in time to make the pre-order cut-off, but this is a graphic novel you're going to want to check out when it releases on February 17th. It's a book with something for almost everyone and is especially appropriate (and important) for young readers. This fantasy adventure story is well written if a bit derivative. The graphic novel is drawn in a fun and coherent style, and the characters are representative of people not featured often enough in comic books. Grab yourself a copy and get ready to journey through Koretris.

Love is stronger than fear. That's the central theme of Girl Haven and it's a message from which we can all learn. I didn't get this written in time to make the pre-order cut-off, but this is a graphic novel you're going to want to check out when it releases on February 17th. It's a book with something for almost everyone and is especially appropriate (and important) for young readers. This fantasy adventure story is well written if a bit derivative. The graphic novel is drawn in a fun and coherent style, and the characters are representative of people not featured often enough in comic books. Grab yourself a copy and get ready to journey through Koretris.

Those who havent seen the movie Godzilla: King of Monsters shouldnt be worried. You dont need knowledge of that film to enjoy Godzilla Dominion. Theres plenty of action in this original graphic novel but the main draw is the focus on Godzilla himself. Within the pages of this book is a very well-done character study that casts Godzilla in a new light. The art isnt perfect but still manages to hit a lot of high notes while shining a spotlight on Godzilla. Godzilla Dominion is an incredibly unique book and well worth the time of both casual and longtime fans of kaiju films and comics.

Those who havent seen the movie Godzilla: King of Monsters shouldnt be worried. You dont need knowledge of that film to enjoy Godzilla Dominion. Theres plenty of action in this original graphic novel but the main draw is the focus on Godzilla himself. Within the pages of this book is a very well-done character study that casts Godzilla in a new light. The art isnt perfect but still manages to hit a lot of high notes while shining a spotlight on Godzilla. Godzilla Dominion is an incredibly unique book and well worth the time of both casual and longtime fans of kaiju films and comics.

Unlike some of the artwork, the stories contained in this comic are all high quality. The first story has a lot of different horror elements, but the writers are able to connect everything into a creepy story. In the second story, the writers put a cool twist on a classic monster myth. The final story takes a familiar premise and brings it into the modern world. The obsessive nature and depravity of the main character in this story made my skin crawl. Plus, it's got a surprising ending that's tinged with a touch of dark humor.

If you're one of those people who's tired of Harley Quinn, I suggest you pick up her solo title.

As we move into 2021, all of us are hoping for a better year. The Hazards of Love is both something to look forward to and a reminder of the risks one must occasionally take in order to become a better person. The story is full of excitement, humor, and touching moments. The artwork, especially the colors, is spectacularly done. There are a few minor flaws, but they aren't enough to detract from the greatness of this graphic novel. Upon finishing the book I was immediately excited to find out what happens next.

Good for a chuckle, and the occasional guffaw.

An awesome set up for what promises to be an impressive short horror story.

The series is really coming into its own.

We've all heard the proverb, "If a man starts a journey of revenge, he should first dig two graves." When the target of your revenge is Red Sonja, you probably just need to dig a grave for yourself. Though who knows? Maybe young Prince Cyril will surprise us all? He's young and it will be interesting to see his journey from crown prince to emperor to potential avenger. With Killing Red Sonja #1, Russell and Ingman begin a new chapter in the Red Sonja mythos. This strong first issue has a lot of potential to be a thrilling sword and sorcery tale.

Leap M has everything I want out of a crime story. Action that gets your adrenaline pumping, high stakes that deliver palpable tension, and a conclusion that produces an emotional response. I must confess that I'm not usually the biggest fan of the comics Action Lab puts out. However, Leap M has truly converted me. From the writing to the page layouts to the art, this one-shot is a prime example of quality comic book storytelling.

Muhammad Ali, Kinshasa 1974 is no ordinary graphic novel. It's a testament to the kind of innovative storytelling possible when a creative team thinks outside the box and mixes media. It is more than just the story of a boxing match. This graphic novel offers a snapshot of history and uses context to explore everything surrounding the fight between Ali and Forman. This graphic novel is perfect for fans of boxing, fans of history, fans of photojournalism, or those who prefer their fight scenes to be between well-developed (both physically and artistically) men in shorts instead of superpowered dudes in tights.

It's fun to see the characters from the movie appear in a comic book, but both the story and the artwork leave a lot to be desired.

This March, David Hazan begins a new chapter in the Robin Hood mythos with Nottingham #1. One filled with murder plots, zealous intrigue, and an element of mystery. Although the pacing of this first issue was a little slow, it picks up toward the end and it finishes with an exciting conclusion. The ending left me wanting to know more about this version of Robin Hood's world. Volk's artwork hits a lot of high points but the low points, namely the level of detail put into the characters' faces, make it hard to stay completely engaged in the story. The world Volk draws feels real though, even when the character's faces look off. Despite my criticisms, this is a series you'll want to have on your radar, if not in your personal collection.

Offworld #1 is a really great first issue. It sets up two unique Sci-Fi mini-series, each with its own merits. Interstellar Dust is quirky and features a diverse group of both human and alien characters. Hazel is a thrilling action story starring a squad of tough women on a futuristic S.W.A.T. team. Each first chapter came to an abrupt end, but each left me excited to see where the story goes from here. For some out of the world science-fiction fun, check out Offworld #1.

Whether it's tracking the narration or taking in the artwork, One Soul is a book that can be, and should be, read multiple times. Fawkes weaves together eighteen perspectives into a single beautiful narrative that explores what life is all about. No two lives are the same but from birth to death, we are all connected by similar experiences. We may be different people but universally, we all share one soul. Throughout the graphic novel Fawkes stretches his creative muscles through his beautiful poetry and by drawing an expansive catalog of objects, settings, and situations. It's a challenging read but well worth the effort. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of the One Soul Tenth Anniversary Edition when it releases on February, 23rd.

Add Remnant to your pull as soon as possible.

Filled with palpable tension which makes for a very exhilarating read.

The sense of dread seeps from the page.

Entertaining and compelling

A familiar plot, but it explores some important themes.

This graphic novel presentation of Slaughterhouse-Five is a great adaptation, but not necessarily a one-hundred percent faithful one. The story and most of the dialogue and text are purely Vonnegut. Unfortunately, North's artistic liberties and literary additions don't add to the quality of the story.

Spy Island #1 featured a large cast of unique characters, but little plot development.

Full of action and interspersed with hilarious dialogue.

Dear Becky is a series written for fans of The Boys.

Fans of classic Star Trek or the Orville TV show might find something to like about The Orville #3, but there's not much in this comic to hook most readers. The story is boring, the plot predictable, and the dialogue flat. The artwork is of good quality but doesn't offer many impressive visuals. Ninety percent of this comic is just people standing or sitting around talking. Goodman has a plethora of sources to pull inspiration from, yet he gives the reader a drama with no real tension. Hopefully one day, Seth Macfarlane can be convinced to consult and punch up the dialogue or story. Otherwise, I find little that would make someone want to buy any of these The Orville inspired comic books.

This graphic novel adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera is perfect for fans of gothic fiction. It's the sort of book that a person could buy solely to look at the art. Admittedly, the story within may not appeal to everyone, as it's different from the version with which they're most familiar. Tomi also presents a faithful adaptation of Leroux's novel and doesn't update any of the language for a modern audience. This doesn't make for the easiest read for those who aren't used to reading works from the last century. For those who like the story of The Phantom of the Opera, but don't care for musicals, this graphic novel is a perfect compromise.

In my opinion, The Picture of Everything Else is a comic book love letter to Oscar Wilde. It's a modern philosophical examination of the nature of art and the role of the artist, that retains the setting and tone of The Picture of Dorian Gray. It has lovely art and a story that, while inspired by Gothic romance and Wildes imaginings, still has a contemporary feel. As much as I loved this comic, I recognize that it may appeal to all readers. This is a solid first issue, but it may lack enough action or mystery to engage those looking for a traditional murder mystery thriller. For those who always wondered what happened to Basil Hallward however, this is a series you'll want to pick up.

The Scumbag #1 is not for everyone. The first issue alone has blood, gore, diarrhea, masturbation, and heavy drug use. Fans of action movies and anti-heroes will surely find something to like about this series. Those who enjoy character development and complex plots should probably choose a different title. Honestly, considering the string of artists slated to draw covers for each issue, this might be the type of series a person buys just for the cover art. In any case, give this one a browse before you commit to purchasing it.

At only ninety pages, The Sprite and the Gardener is a quick read. However, the art is so beautiful that once you finish it, youll want to immediately flip back through it, just to take in the artwork again. The story is a little on the simple side, but its never hard to follow the plot. The best way to describe this graphic novel would be, its like a picture book for adults (though kids would love it too). Put this title on your pull list so you can add it to your collection when it releases on May 5th.

Capable is a comic that should be shared by everyone.

The Two Lives of Penelope features strong character development, interesting page layouts, and incredibly artistic illustrations. The story is simplistic in some respects and complex in others. The same can be said for the artwork. These dichotomies support the books overarching theme of duality. If youre looking for a dramatic character study that also happens to be a graphic novel, this is the title for you.

WritingArtwork4.8Summary

The perfect comic for fans of strong female characters, detective stories, or the work of John Allison.

Venus Rises #2 is an exciting second chapter in this Sci-Fi adventure.

Powerful story and gorgeous art.