Joe Glass Comic Reviews

And hey, at least this series is safe from Marvel's early cancellation chop, so we'll get a creative team capable to telling a full story for a while yet.

So while the reason for Drax's current pacifism in All-New Guardians of the Galaxy may be a little guessable, it doesn't take away from the powerful way in which this reason would have its effect. And the emotion of the reveal still packs a punch.

Overall, All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #9 adds some interesting new elements into the widening story of the Guardians books. The hints of bringing back deeper history into the series is very intriguing, as well.

Intriguing issues bringing twists within the context of the story, and also the nature of Batman stories.

A great start to a new story arc, introducing interesting elements and mystery to go on.

Overall, All Star Batman continues to try things different with Batman and give us stories that feel different but also add interesting new wrinkles to the mythos of the Dark Knight.

Overall, Batgirl #7 is a return to form for the title, not that it had fallen into bad form in the interim. But with a refocus, and a recenter, this return to Burnside feels as interesting and fresh as it did the first time.

King has shown something that so many creators miss: the Batman is a man all about emotion and heart, as damaged as it may be. King has been fortunate enough to have worked with a great many incredibly talented individuals that have worked together to bring this more emotional and heartfelt look at the Dark Knight to life, and this Annual issue is no different.

A huge emotional pivot to Batman, and a tightly made issue, but little progress in the overall Rebirth mystery. However, it sets up for a big finish in final part.

Art by Mikel Jann and June ChungBatman #25 sets up what promises to be a promising, epic arc that will touch almost every corner of the Batman rogues gallery and the character itself, and the ramping tension in this issue serves to amp up the expectation for the reader. In the hands of this creative team, we can probably expect to see something that could become one of the biggest, most key stories in Batman history.

This is a tight issue, with powerful characterisation and ramping sense of danger. I have high hopes the team can keep this up.

This kind of wobble can often happen in the middle of a story, and not every beat will hit as well as the others. I have faith that we'll get back on track for the rest of this event, but sadly, this particular issue left me a little…wanting.

Because Batman pities him. And we pity him. His pain is something we understand, and we can realise "Oh my god, I'm Kite Man!" And isn't that funny?

Jones has an excellent range of emotions of show that are clear and look natural and realistic, and creates the best 'acted' comic visually I have seen in some time. Bellaire's colours, especially between scenes from the cooler Wayne Manor to the desert sands of Khadym, are strong and vibrant, and help add to the important clarity in the pages. Combined with Jones' linework, it creates some genuinely gorgeous artwork.

DC's Batman title continues to be one of the most fantastic and powerful comics on the shelves today, with this issue starting a fun exploration into Batman's connection to the other elements of the DC Universe that connect to his life. I cannot recommend it enough.

Want to know how good this single issue is? I have read it three times already, and I intend to read many more times. It's an absolute delight of an issue and a reminder that even Batman is capable of emotional vulnerability and humour. It's great to see.

Bingo Love is a strong and beautiful romance and tale of love, family, and inclusiveness with a powerful effort at diversity and representation that would be great to see more of in comics. This is well worth checking out for anyone needing a touch of romance in their lives.

Black Bolt #5 continues to be quirky, weird and absolutely special, and is a Marvel book that is well worth checking out.

Bloodshot Salvation #3 is available in comic shops and digitally from Wednesday, November 15th.

Cadavers #1, as well as the second issue of the series, are available at the Mad Robot Comics website.

The comic is fun, has an element of mystery, and an anti-hero pretending at being a straight hero, giving us the pleasure of seeing if he can truly change his nature. As first issues go, it's a really great start. It will be fun to see where the series goes in the future.

Damage #1 may look like a simple case of DC trying to make lightning strike twice by doing their own version of another publisher's character, but that is the most superficial way of looking at it. Damage has some new kinks and subtleties that ultimately make for a different story and experience, despite the surface appearance.

So if nothing else, Dark Days: The Casting is the perfect teaser for what is to come in the next few months from DC, and it's shaping up to be a wild ride.

Overall, Dark Days: The Forge is a great issue setting up a big event. There's still enough mystery and intrigue to keep fans guessing, but gives plenty of clues to make it tantalising and reveals that will make long-term DC fans very excited.

Dark Nights: Metal #1 is a bombastic, twisted thrill ride that invites the reader to come in and enjoy, rather than stand back and be shocked. Metal surprises, but in the best way. Put those horns up. Rock the **** out!

Dark Nights: Metal #2 keeps the ride going, by bringing in some more explanation, upping the stakes, and just showing how wild the DCU really is. It's so nice to see an event have such level and depth and be a whole heap of fun, too.

Well, we have hit the mid-point of the main story of DC's major event, Dark Nights Metal, and Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion and FCO Plascencia really hit their stride with the series and the stakes for the DC Universe.

Dark Nights: Metal #4 moves the goal posts of playing field to take in a full scope of the DC Universe, and while it does loose track of some elements for now, it does show its true heart in the process. From here, the series can only get stronger as the heroes make their final plays to saving the day.

Ultimately, the DC Holiday Special 2017 makes for a strong annual or festive tales for those looking for a little bit of hope and cheer in a dark and troubled year.

Overall, this issue of Defenders in particular feels like a comic making masterclass in what a truly fantastic comic can really be and look like.

In short, Bendis has done a great job with Defenders, but he wobbled a bit on the landing. Still, the potential in this series is a lot higher than most, and this is definitely a series to keep your eye on.

All in all, Defenders #5 continues the pace and tone of this great new series, and it shows no signs of slowing down yet.

The Defenders #6 culminates effectively, interestingly and genuinely entertainingly an incredible series at Marvel, and every single person attached to this book should be proud as hell about it. If you have not been reading The Defenders as yet….start.

Defenders #7 continues the series' fantastic run from a creative team working hard to make the best, most consistent comic they possibly can.

Art by Alvaro Martinez, Raul Fernandez, and Brad AndersonDetective Comics #962 is a superb comic, a great end to a fun arc, and it's great to see that there'll be plenty more to come.

Doctor Strange #382 is a damn near perfect example at painting a human drama in an absurdist scenario in the broadest of strokes that contains all the things that good comics are capable of bringing to the audience. If you'd stepped away from Doctor Strange, as I had of late, now is most certainly the time to come back.

However, setting that aside for the purposes of this review: this issue is good. It's damn good, in fact. And while there's still plenty I would like to see and learn, this is still early days, and this issue provides and strong and intriguing start to a series that may yet prove to be a strong follow-up to the 1985 classic.

A tense fantasy story with rogues and knights and court intrigue, respectful of the Dragon Age material and fun for fans of the game or the genre alike.

And distressingly, this is perhaps the one of the teams apocalyptic titles that feels the most hauntingly plausible.

Eugenic #2 hits comic stores and digital stores this Wednesday, November 8th, 2017.

Eugenic #3 presents a final, very real horror that is perhaps more horrifying than anything that has come before, and that audiences would do well to keep in mind.

Art by Martin Morazzo and Felipe SobreiroUltimately, yes, this is not the Generation X I remember and that I hold so dear, and maybe that is part of the issues I have with it, but it does feel like it has tried to sell itself based on an older series that it hasn't so far illustrated much connection to outside of some superficial similarities and shared characters. However, this latest issue does give a few small pieces of hope that it could become more than that. Eventually.

Generation X #6 artwork by Eric Koda and Felipe SobreiroGeneration X #6 really raises its game for me, so I am back on board but I'm still wary. There's still a number of issues I have with this series, but I am intrigued to see how this will develop going into Marvel Legacy now.

By moving away from the problematic premise of the title, and focusing more on the teen angst melodrama of the original series, it creates a more fun and enjoyable book.

This issue makes next to no mention of this premise, and as such, it makes it easy to focus on the relationships and dramas of the teen mutants and their teachers, and this is way more like the original series, so it finally i something that matches with the themes and feel of the original series more than just a title.

With a refocus and the elephant in the room being addressed effectively, Generation X #8 makes the series feel refreshed and finally a book worthy of the original run's place in fans hearts. Winning me over, I'm excited to see just where Generation X goes in the future.

I mean, it has a dust up between the Phoenix and Galactus, and him getting clocked out by a teenager! What more do you want?

Green Arrow remains one of the most interesting and relevant titles that DC is putting out into the comics market. If you haven't read it yet, now is the time to get on board.

And Hawkeye #10 ends on a powerful final scene that could lead to some huge revelations for the character, so this comic still has me hooked.

All in all, Iceman #3 may simply be hands down the best issue of the series to date, and gives the most succinct and complete idea of the creative teams goals. It leaves me excited to see just where they go next.

Honestly, this issue strikes a wonderful balance between bombastic and intimate, and the team have put together a stunning issue, a vital and important new entry in the growing lexicon of LGBTQ+ representation and understanding in comics.

Iceman continues to be one of the best Marvel titles hitting the shelves at the moment, told beautifully by Grace and his team. I have a lot of faith in Grace's ability to continue to quite the character forward into the future and keep Bobby's growth something both fun and vital on the comic shop shelves today.

Iceman #8 continues to be one of the X-Men books with the most heart and a strong understanding of emotional stakes, bringing them into the realm of the superhero.

Overall, Inhumans Prime sets up the Inhuman line with intriguing mysteries, allows the Inhumans to move from a well written (largely) but controversial time to a time when they can maybe finally be total heroes without causing the displacement of others, and presents a potentially exciting time of exploration and adventures to come. Setting up almost all the series of the line to come, and itself a great read with stunning art.

It's a fun story, it's got great artwork, and in the grand scheme of the story through the series, it is a great and logical next step. It takes into account some old, forgotten plot threads, which is nice to see for existing readers. Unfortunately, I think it would overall be a little confusing to anyone coming into this fresh.

Jean Grey #9 gives us a return to a character's greatness (and not the titular lead), and a fun, emotionally complex build to what may be the conclusion to the series but certainly the conclusion to this arc. If nothing else, for those who've been missing the "real" Emma Frost, this is a great issue to pick up.

As the story progresses, this may well change, but for now we have Judas #1, which is stunningly beautiful and effective, and has me intrigued to see where it goes next.

This arc certainly has me interested and hooked to keep reading, particularly as the philosophical debate appears to be coming up: what does the Justice League actually change by saving the day from alien invasions, but not stepping into human conflicts? Should the heroes do more than just preserve the status quo? Will it be their inaction or a decision to take action that causes this dark future reality?

Overall, Justice League of America #10 is another entry in a series that is presenting us with a very new take on superhero-ing one that gives everyone a sense of importance. It carries an important message without bashing the reader over the head with it or boiling it down and oversimplifying it into another gratuitous hero vs hero bust-up over a difference of opinion.

This is what a superhero story should be. It is hope. It is conscience. It is action. And it is accessible to anyone at all. JLA Rebirth: The Ray is a great example of what Justice League of America can bring to us. And it is bright indeed.

Klaus and the Crisis in Xmasville #1 is a beautiful and fun entry to comics Christmas stories, and well worth a read if you need something with a bit of brightness and sweetness this cold Holiday Season.

Overall, Marvel Legacy #1 almost gets it right. In fact, it gets very close. However, it is far from the perfect, emotional and genuinely earth-shattering shocking moment that DC Rebirth provided. But it does come ever so close, and it is certainly enough to renew some cautious hope for the future of Marvel and where this continuing story will lead.

Mister Miracle #2 may not be as mind-blowingly amazing as the premiere issue in the series, but it's still a fantastic issue telling an interesting story, and that simply looks beautiful. And as I say, there is still clearly a lot more to the story than I think any of us can guess just yet.

Mister Miracle #4 continues the series' powerful and expert look into the ways in which we entrap ourselves, either willingly or unwillingly, through our actions or our states of mind and emotions. Whatever it is that keeps us where we are.

Mystik U Book One is a great start, with plenty of intrigue and fun teen drama to keep the series fresh and entertaining moving forward.

Ninja-K #1 is available in comic shops and online from Wednesday, November 15th.

Nothing Lasts Forever, just as Not My Bag and Self-Obsessed before it proved, is a wonderful snapshot into the life of Grace, with profound moments of realisation and self-discovery that all can relate to.

Art by Kris Anka and Matthew WilsonWe get a Punisher who is like a threat looming through people's lives, and ultimately of extreme karma that leads to heavy injury and yes, death to those most deserving of it.

Redlands is a brave and committed start to a tale of horror and rebellion that will keep you hooked and show you where that rebellion can lead. A powerful start to a great new series.

It's warm and witty, fun and fabulous, and makes for a fantastic hook to a new series. It already has me thinking Thompson would write a great X-Men team ongoing series, too " she knows exactly what the X-Men are all about, and that is soap opera superheroics.

Runaways is frankly one of the most beautiful, intriguing, and strong books that Marvel has on the shelves right now.

As a whole, this is an incredible first issue to an event. It just remains to be seen if it will be enough to change the minds of those angered by the content in the story leading up to this.

This is a great comic, in the most objective terms, of that there is little doubt. It may even be an important kind of story to tell right now. But it is not a good idea, the way it has been executed in this manner.

All in all, taking this issue by itself and not as part of the whole, this is actually a very enjoyable issue.

In the end, Secret Empire #10 was a massive letdown of a final issue to an event. It was an ending we all saw coming from before the very first issue, and it's commentary on hope and fighting back against fascism felt unearned and even a tad problematic in and of itself. At the end of the day, after waiting and seeing, if it's not about the destination and about the journey instead, this still does not feel like a journey anyone needed to be taken on. And if it was about the destination? Well, I'm afraid it wasn't a very awe-inspiring one at all.

All this being said, Star-Lord is simply fun, even when the story is given some pretty strong emotional weight. This comic genuinely made me audibly sigh (in sadness, not because of how thirsty it made me), but I wouldn't want to spoil why. Read it yourself! Go on! You'll thank me for suggesting it, I swear.

A wonderful complete piece of character story, with consistent and beautiful artwork and a powerful issue.

Super Sons so far is proving to be a surprise gem of the DC Rebirth line, as it could easily have played completely silly, but instead we get something fun and with character and heart.

Super Sons #11 slows the pace somewhat, but is still pretty explosive and a fun next part to the growing crossover. Super Sons #11 comes out Wednesday, December 20th the same day as the first part of the crossover in Superman #37.

Superman #37 is a cracking issue and great start to the crossover, so be sure to pick up your copy come Wednesday, December 20th.

All in all, Thanos #13 is a tremendously fun start to a new arc and creative teams story. It will be a lot of fun to see exactly how it progresses over time.

Marvel Legacy #1 has been definitively set up as a must read for the future of Marvel, but for my money, I would say that The Mighty Thor #700 might be just as important a book to read, too.

So yeah, check this issue out, especially if you are a big fan of The Wicked + the Divine, or even if you're a fan of any of the creators involved, this is a must-buy. It's a gift that just keeps on giving.

In this issue, we see things really start to fall about. The shit hit the fan, and now the characters have to deal with the mess. And that is just going to get messier.

The Wicked + the Divine #31 artwork by Jamie McKelvie and Matthew WilsonThe Wicked + the Divine is easily one of the best series on the stands right now, so it's nice to see us having reached the top of the rollercoaster again and heading for that deep drop, because after The Wicked + the Divine #31, things are going to blow up.

And spoilers aside, it is not hyperbole to state that this issue changes the whole game of The Wicked + the Divine in a way that makes the future ever so exciting going forward.

It also makes for a pleasant conclusion to the arc, and maybe the series. U.S.Avengers becomes part of the massive Avengers crossover in 2018 that sees all Avengers titles become one book for the weekly event, and it remains to be seen if U.S.Avengers will return after it ends. If not, this makes for a nice end to a series that has been both a lot of fun, and filled with layers or story to explore.

Ewing and team have put together an incredible series that has built new layers into the Marvel Universe going forward, and provided a sprig of hope in a time when it's sorely needed.

With the creative team working on the next two parts of the three part Rule of Three storyline, Untethered looks to be an intriguing new story and is well worth checking out.

It's a great, fun read, and I'll probably be sticking with this version of the X-Men stabbing squad for a while longer yet.

The team have done something which I feel has been a long time needed for Wonder Woman: they've created the story that speaks to the very core, the very essence of what Wonder Woman is. Of why she is important. They have made Wonder Woman's All Star Superman or Green Lantern: Rebirth. They've re-established why Wonder Woman is unique and vital.

Overall, the X-Men Prime one shot is good, and it is nice to see the change in tonal direction finally, but it is a shame that it only really works as a primer for three titles and not the whole line.

Personally, I cannot wait to read more, and that this is including the teen O5 that is saying something. This series has the classic feel but still feels fresh and has enough exciting possibility for development that it could really become something, with a creative team who seem just made for making awesome comics.

X-Men Gold is a fantastic leap in the right direction. For so long, the X-Men books have been about survival, which has not worked well with the core allegory of mutants and what the X-Men are. Finally, this book is less about survival, and more about living.

X-Men Gold #7, ultimately, is one of the better Secret Empire tie-ins, mainly because it largely ignores the thrust of the event and just uses the setting for its own story needs.

Ultimately, though, it's the story and the weirdly compelling nature of that stories seeming metatextual commentary carries X-Men Gold #13, and sets up a good start to the crossover. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.