Joshua Davison Comic Reviews

Overall, this extra-sized issue of 2000 AD is a mixed bag. Slaine, Sinister Dexter, Indigo Prime, and The Fall of Deadworld really hit the sweet spot. Rogue Trooper was pretty good. Judge Dredd was underwhelming, though, and Grey Area was near-intolerable. I can recommend it if any of those first four are really your jam. If you were interested in the rest, its not really worth it, especially at the $5.45 price. If you like Judge Dredd, though, youll still probably want to read Deadworld. In the end, I tentatively recommend the book.

2000 AD #2051 was a far more solid read than the mega-sized #2050. While Judge Dredd still disappointed, the rest of the tales were good reads. I can recommend this issue more confidently. Pick it up.

2021: Lost Children #1 is far from a bad comic, and it has a lot of good ideas. It just needs more personality, both in terms of the characters and the visuals. I find myself liking a lot of it and ready to recommend it. However, that recommendation is tentative and relies on you being ready for a slower and longer comic with a price hike. If youre up for that, feel free to check it out. Even then, its not a must-read.

A Walk Through Hell #1 is an impressive and chilling opening salvo for the AfterShock series. Ennis, Sudzuka, and Svorcina deliver, and the ending will leave you impatient for the next installment. The tone and pacing are near-perfect, and this one earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read when it comes out this Wednesday.

A Walk Through Hell #2 is another chilling installment to this horror series. The characters are interesting, the themes are strange and unnerving, and the imagery is delightfully horrific. Garth Ennis continues to show he is a force to be reckoned with in the comic scene. This one earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

A Walk Through Hell #4 is another triumph for the team. Ennis, Sudzuka, and Svorcina have made it is almost certainly my current favorite horror comic being published. Its an unnerving and nihilistic experience rivaled by only the likes of Infidel in recent memory. A Walk Through Hell #4 earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Abbott #2 is frustrating. It has a story baking underneath the supernatural elements, and the lead is a fantastic character with an interesting history that keeps coming back to haunt her. However, the supernatural themes feel like theyre hijacking the story, and the dialogue is daunting in its sheer volume. I can still tentatively recommend this one and want to promote its good ideas. Just beware of its drawbacks should you choose to read it.

Abbott #3 is another frustrating issue of a book that could be truly great but falls short at pivotal moments. I cant outright say to stay away from this comic, but I cant recommend it either. If youve been enjoying it so far or the flaws I list dont seem like big killers, feel free to check it out. If neither of those are you give it a pass.

Abbott #4 continues to show signs of a great comic hidden within its depths, and I would even like to see another volume of this series somewhere down the line. However, with badly flawed plotting, pacing, and dialogue, I cant recommend Abbott #4. Give it a pass.

Abbott #5 closes out a series with a lot of promise that faltered in its own execution. The story and pacing are clunky, the text walls often tell more than show, and the great art isnt enough to make up for the narratives faults. Unfortunately, this one doesnt earn a recommendation. Give it a pass.

Aberrant #1 is a flawed but functional opening issue to what, again, could be a solid superhero deconstruction story. There is a lot to improve upon in coming issues, but this is a decent foundation from which to build. I can tentatively recommend this one. Feel free to give it a try.

Action Comics #993 gets a strong recommendation. Booster Gold is back and as great as ever. The Superman story is quite interesting, and the art team does some damn fine work. Give this one a read.

While this comic has its fun moments, the pointless nature of this plot cul-de-sac make it pretty frustrating to read. Given how hard it is to track down Booster Gold in a comic book these days, I can understand wanting to grab it anyway. However, I cant recommend this one. Give it a pass. Hopefully next issue will be better.

Action Comics #995 brought this story back into my good graces. While it is a little disappointing that it hasnt concluded, and the story feels a little meandering at times, its focus on character histories and development makes it a book worth reading. Plus, Booth, Rapmund, and Dalhouse make it a great-looking comic. I recommend this one. Pick it up.

All-in-all, Action Comics #996 is an entertaining read. The slowing of the Superman/Booster Gold plot is made up for somewhat by Lois Lanes story. Conrad and Nuness art does look good, even if it is a jarring change. The overall plot is starting to outstay its welcome though, and it will hopefully come to a conclusion soon. That being said, I do still recommend this comic, even if it isnt a must-read. Feel free to give it a read if youre so inclined though.

Action Comics #997 makes it clear how much of a stopgap the Booster Shot is intended to be on the road to #1000. While the book has its bright spots, Booster Gold himself being chief among them, none of them make up for how empty this story was intended to be all along. I can recommend it to the Booster and Superman completionists, as the story is not entirely a disaster. However, anyone with cursory interest may as well wait for #1000.

Action Comics #998 brings a long-overdue yet still enjoyable finale to the Booster Shot story. Theres action, heart, decent artwork, and an answer to the Oz mystery. Its a good read, and I can give it a recommendation. Check it out.

Action Comics #999 is an all-around feel-good comic. Bridges are mended. Kindness is shown. People bond. Plus, the art is solid to boot. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

In any case, Action Comics #1000 is everything I hoped it would and more. The writers, artists, inkers, color artists, and letterers all do pristine work, and even the weaker parts were still very enjoyable and only weak by comparison to the incredible work done in this comic. This is the birthday both Superman and Action Comics deserved, and you should definitely give it a read. Dont miss out.

Action Comics #1001 is a fun and endearing Superman adventure that pits the well-meaning Man of Tomorrow against some of the complexities of his role. It also shows how people can even take advantage of his good nature, which is an interesting obstacle for Clark. In any case, this was a good book and comes recommended. Check it out.

Action Comics #1002 is a bit of a weird one. Its very Bendis, and its a little slow compared to the previous issue. The tone can get especially wonky in parts. That said, it tells in an interesting story, is often quite funny, and has a strong artistic team behind it. In the end, I can recommend it pretty easily. As such, you should feel free to check it out.

The Action Comics Special #1 is a wonderful read crafted by talented creators, and its definitely helping me get into Superman more than I already was. With great art and solid storytelling, this one easily earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Adventure Time: Beginning of the End #1 is an impressive opening issue for this miniseries. Its a more serious and grounded story, and it has potential to go to some very sad places. The characters are as lovable as ever, and Julia and Cogar do a great job on the art. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Adventure Time: Beginning of the End #2 once more impresses me with the intelligence of its storytelling and the maturity of its themes. It has the air of a franchise reflecting upon its career and what it has accomplished. Its a great read and easily worthy of a recommendation. Give it a read.

Agent 47: Birth of a Hitman #6 is not a particularly smart or quality comic, but it is fun and appealingly trashy. If you like the game series or generally dumb action comics about assassins, this one is up your alley. Feel free to check it out.

Aliens: Dust to Dust #1 is a tense starting point for this comic, and Hardman nails it on both the scripting and the art. While I had my complaints about how the Face-Hugger situation is handled, the book works in almost every other regard. I definitely recommend checking this one out. Give it a read.

Steer clear of this one. Its not smart, witty, or insightful. Its not entertaining. Its just there. It comes. It goes. Read Aquaman instead.

All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #11 surprises with its grittiness and unflinching narrative. It fills in some story gaps from years back while focusing on one of the more underappreciated Marvel heroes. I highly recommend this one; give it a read.

Overall, All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #12 was a decent read. The Guardians are a fun team, the new member has me excited, and the plot looks like it will be interesting. This issue doesnt really have much of its own to stand on, but its still a fun enough experience. I can recommend this if you have an interest in the Guardians and the upcoming cosmic saga (whenever that will happen).

Despite its flaws,All-New Wolverine #22 is a good read. Laura is a great protagonist, Gabby is a good support character, and this is a fun adventure comic that is more interested in getting you to have fun than spending too long explaining itself. It definitely a recommended comic.

All-New Wolverine #23 isnt a particularly bad comic, but it is fairly mediocre. The tonal issues of horrific events clashing against the endless one-liners dont make for the most compelling or together story. The tale itself isnt made all that compelling given how far removed from Earth and Wolverine it is. Amping up the tension by having Gabby taken and transformed does little to remedy this. Give this a read if you love Wolverine and/or the Guardians of the Galaxy, but its not likely to appeal to anyone else.

This is easily one of the best issues of All-New Wolverine Ive read. Its fun, fast-paced, and pretty brutal at times. This one fights hard to win its recommendation, and yet it accomplishes with aplomb. Give this one a read.

All-New Wolverine #26 provides a compelling continuation to the Orphans of X saga, and this story has proven to be very promising. I greatly look forward to where this story is going and highly recommend it.

Though I suspect next issue will be a better read, All-New Wolverine #27 was a bit of a letdown. Little in the way of plot progression or excitement result in a rather dull read which the decent artwork cant save. Ive liked the series for the most part, but this issue leaves a lot to be desired. I cant quite recommend this one. Give it a pass and come back next issue.

All-New Wolverine #28 is a heavily flawed book, but it is decent enough in spite of that. Its characters manage to save it where the plot and pacing fails, and the art is mostly effective. I can recommend it to the devoted Wolverine fan. However, you may not get much out of it unless you have a specific interest in Laura, Gabby, and/or Daken.

All-New Wolverine #29 is one of the high points of the Orphans of X story, but its still a little disappointing to see how this tale has turned out. Its still too wrapped up in its own plot contrivances, but its still a fun read. On the whole, I can recommend it, but I wouldnt call it a must-buy by any stretch of the imagination.

All-New Wolverine #30 sticks the landing for the Orphans of X arc. It returns to the things that made this arc initially interesting, and it takes a fairly nuanced look at the Orphans as characters. The art of Cabal and Woodard continues to be solid, and the comic gets a recommendation. Check it out.

All-New Wolverine #31 is a ridiculous, fun, and hilarious one-off story full of Wolverines of all shapes and sizes, Deadpool, and zombie woodland creatures. Its a great read supported by solid artwork, and it earns a recommendation. Check it out.

All-New Wolverine #32 is another great one-off story of forgiveness, justice, and stomping Nazis. What more could you ask for in a comic? The humor is (weirdly) good, the pacing is done well, it manages its tone, and the art is great. This one gets a strong recommendation. Check it out.

All-New Wolverine #33 starts ‘Old Woman Laura' on an intriguing note, giving us the image of a future where everything turns out alright, but Laura still has unfinished business. On the surface, it seems incurious about the premise its established, but the door is open to address these things. Rosanas and Woodards artwork is solidly good. I can recommend this one. Give it a read.

All-New Wolverine #35 finishes the series with a heartwarming finale that this series has earned. Its characters are charming and likable, the finale is tense and dramatic, and the visuals look good. This ending earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Alters #9 got me to fall in love with it very quickly. It has a diverse cast of endearing characters, it keeps things emotionally grounded, and its fairly different from the common superhero fair. You bet your ass this one gets a recommendation. Check it out. Do it. Im watching you.

Alters #10 is a gripping and highly engaging finale to this first season of the title. Paul Jenkins has set up a lovable group of characters here, and the artistic team of Leiz and Paciarotti works like a charm. This issue comes recommended. Check it out.

Dont buy this book. It is hilariously bad, but it still doesnt deserve your five bucks. This is probably the worst comic Ive read since Suicide Squad #33, even if this one is better for at least giving me some joy, if by accident. Give it a hard pass.

However, Venom Inc. has already turned out to be pretty awful, and this is only issue two of the story. I almost dread the next issue of Venom, but heres hoping Mike Costa can pull something together here. While I may still ride this one out for review purposes (and for a bit of masochism), avoid this Amazing Spider-Man #792. Its a grating experience with very little redeeming value. I do not recommend it in the slightest.

I could tentatively recommend this one, even with the increasingly convoluted plotline. However, the dialogue sinks this ship. I wouldnt even still be reading this if it werent for the fact that Ive already read half of Venom Inc. The humor is insufferable, and the solid artwork cant save it. Give this one a pass.

Amazing Spider-Man continues to trudge onwards toward its 800th issue, doing whatever it can to fill the space between now and then. This isn't a recommended read, no matter how good the art is or how much Loki is in the comic. Give this one a pass.

All told, this issue is significantly better than the last two. Its still not good, but its not hilariously awful or outright bewildering. Its plot flows smoothly, and the main problems go back to character and dialogue. I dont recommend it, but if youre dying to see true hero Agent Anti-Venom, aka Flash Thompson, then this seems to be the only option right now.

So, yes, Amazing Spider-Man #797 is a decent read. Its not good, but its not bad either. It's decent. It's structure is flawed and has other relatively minor problems. Pulling back a little on the cringe-worthy one-liners, having a lot of Norman Osborn, and some fun with purse-snatchers made for a solid issue in this series. Plus, Immonen, von Grawbadger, and Gracia put in some excellent work. Its not a must-buy, but I can still recommend this one. Feel free to pick it up.

This was another decent issue of Amazing Spider-Man. Go Down Swinging looks like it could be a good finale to this troubled run of ASM. The comic is fun, the dialogue is funny at times, and its nice to have ole Norman Osborn back on the scene. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Amazing Spider-Man #799 is far from the worst issue of ASM that Ive read in the past few months. However, it has a lot of squandered potential. This could have been an awesome fight issue. However, the battle was held off for too long, and the execution was disappointing. I can recommend it to the devout Spider-Fan, but I wouldnt bother if youre not in that category.

If youve not been paying attention to this series in a while well, you wont feel that lost, but Id still give it a pass. If you absolutely must have Amazing Spider-Man #800, well you were going to buy it no matter what I said and more power to you. I understand the compulsion to buy a landmark issue like this. That said, even if youre lukewarm on Slotts ASM, I wouldnt cough up the 10 bucks to buy this book. Its just not that good, and thats the risk you run with a price point like this.

Amazing Spider-Man #2 is a fun, fast-moving, and comedic book. I was laughing with Peter as opposed to cringing after another part of his life fell apart. Im on board with this new take on the Lizard, and this book is showing a lot of promise now. This one comes recommended. Check it out.

Amazing Spider-Man #4 has me once more hopeful for the future of Marvels premiere superhero. It is both funny and meaningful, and Ottley, Rathburn, and Martin each do solid work in the art department. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

It's not an atrocious read; it is fun at times. However, it doesn't excite with the exception of one moment that had me aghast as a Flash Thompson fan. I can recommend it to the most devoted Venom fans, but even that is a tentative recommendation.

Looking back on it, Venom Inc. probably could have been condensed to one mega-sized issue and I would have enjoyed it more for the expediency. That being said, Omega is a fun read. Its got action, its heroes have moments where they dont say dumb things, and the art holds together. In the end, I can recommend this one. Feel free to check it out.

While the exposition is pretty overwhelming, I cant say that this isnt an engaging issue. The presented mythos is cool, and America is an engaging character through which to experience all this. Plus, there are some really emotionally weighty moments that support the narrative. I have to recommend this title. Its good, and Marvel certainly isnt marketing it well enough.

America #8 shows a social conscience, which has been in much of the series but is more emphasized here. The titular character remains an engaging protagonist with a likable supporting cast, and this issue definitely worth a read. I highly recommend it.

It is quite sad to see another book like this reach its ending, but the finale was beautiful nonetheless. With a deceptively simple plot, an optimistic finale, and good, if conflicting, art styles throughout, this ending earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

American Gods: My Ainsel #3 is a dull comic. It aims to be an experiential comic, but its not even a good one of those. It has good lines sprinkled without, but it has no meaning or character dissection to deliver to the reader. The art is good, but it doesnt save the book. This is one you can pass on this Wednesday.

Analog #1 gives a highly promising start to the series, with Gerry Duggan showing once more his chops when it comes to sci-fi and comedy. OSullivan and Bellaire are no slouches either, making the comic look as good as it reads. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Analog #2 follows on the promise of its first installment with a continuation that expands on the premise and the characters in compelling manner. Jack is a solid protagonist, and Gerry Duggan and David OSullivan have a very promising series on their hands. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Analog #3 is another good issue of Gerry Duggans fledgling series. With tight pacing, compelling leads, and great artwork, this comic continues to impress with every installment. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Pick this one when it hits the stores this Wednesday. Its a really charming read, and I enjoyed every page of it. Animosity easily earns its recommendation.

Animosity #11 is another excellent chapter in the series from Bennett and company. The story is still going strong, the characters are still lovable, and de Latorre and Schwager are killing it on the visual side. This one gets a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

While it feels like one of the weaker issues of the series, Animosity #12 is still a gripping read full of fantastic characters. The story feels a little lacking in this issue, but the character interactions largely make up for that. Plus, the art of Rafael de la Torre and Rob Schwager continues to be great. This one still gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Animosity #13 is another landmark issue in the series with Marguerite Bennett showing a skill at balancing the complex issues which Jesse and her friends face and the mixed emotions they illicit. This issue provides a fantastic read, and I recommend it. Check it out.

Animosity #14 is another high point for the series, showing an emotional intelligence accompanied by a compelling plot of each character just trying to do what they think is best for those they care about. This one earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Animosity #15 delivers another homerun for Marguerite Bennetts post-apocalyptic talking animal series. We dive into the all-too-real and painful history of one of the main characters and see how he became the man he is. This comic easily earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Animosity: Evolution #2 turns in another great story in the Animosity world for Marguerite Bennett and company. The characters are engaging, the premise is explored in a new way, and the story feels fresh. This one is recommended. Pick it up.

Animosity: Evolution #3 is another enjoyable venture into this world of talking animals. While the previous issue had more heart, this book is definitely more focused in its narrative. In any case, I definitely recommend it. Give it a read.

Animosity: Evolution #4 gives absorbing insight into how this world works in practice now that everything has been overturned by the talking animals. Its always a bit of a treat when this kind of sociopolitical discourse can be accomplished with talking animals. Between a thoughtful narrative and solid artwork, Animosity: Evolution #4 earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Animosity: Evolution #5 is another impressive and thought-provoking installment of the series. The story deepens and becomes more complex as it progresses, and it continues to introduce interesting and complex characters supported by the excellent artwork by Gapstur and Schwager. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Animosity: Evolution #6 is a bit slow, but it has some compelling developments for those who can tough out the slowness. Theres political intrigue, violence, and rebellion. The characters continue to be interesting, as this is a Marguerite Bennett book so thats to be expected. I can recommend this one regardless of its problems. So, feel free to check it out.

Ant-Man and the Wasp #1 is a delightful, fast-moving, and funny comic with two badly underused Marvel characters. The dialogue is solid, the concept is creative and strange, and the pacing keeps things engaging. Plus, Garron and Silva do excellent work on the art aspect of the book.

Ant-Man and The Wasp #2 is another fun yet emotionally centered issue of the superhero sci-fi comic. Scott and Nadia continue to be endearing and compelling protagonists, and the story is strange and unique. This one comes with a recommendation. Check it out.

Ant-Man and The Wasp #3 is another fun if somewhat thin entry in the Mark Waid miniseries. Scott and Nadia get plenty of good moments and lines of dialogue, and the aliens have a lot of charm to offer as well. The art has problems but is mostly appealing. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Ant-Man and the Wasp #4 is probably the weakest issue of the miniseries, but its still an entertaining book. The charm of Nadia van Dyne and Scott Lang outshines the somewhat shallow plot. I can still recommend this one. Check it out.

Ant-Man and the Wasp #5 finishes the series on a decent note. Its not the best issue of the miniseries, and the book doesnt give a narratively strong finish. That said, its still a good bit of fun and worth a recommendation if you want more of the wacky sci-fi adventures of Scott and Nadia. Feel free to check it out.

Antar: The Black Knight #1 isnt quite a bad book. There are engaging points, and the art is solid. The myth and character have potential for something special, and I will personally be keeping an eye on the series. If youre into ancient fantasy stories and myth in general, this comic will likely give you something worthwhile.

Aquaman Annual #1 tells a beautifully sad tale of Arthur and Mera being given the exact world they want before it is stripped away. Its paced well, its tone is consistent, and the finale is a gut punch. While the art leaves a lot to be desired, the overall book still gets a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

But really, why is an ancient Atlantean weapon named after a Biblical reference?

This comic was well worth your time. Aquaman has been one of the narrative powerhouses of Rebirth, and it remains that here. Pick up Aquaman #25. It kicks off a new era for Aquaman, and it looks like its going to be another good one.

Regardless, this is a fantastic comic book. The art is gorgeous, the story is enthralling, and the characters are engaging. You should be reading this. Pick it up.

Despite some minor quibbles, this is still another fantastic issue of Aquaman. Its easily among DCs best books right now, and you should be reading it.

This is another amazing issue of the Aquaman comic. With great characters, a compelling plot, and a powerhouse artist, its easily among DCs best comics at the moment. If youre not reading it, you are missing out.

Aquaman #29 continues the story of Underworld in an interesting and effective manner. This story remains great, and I look forward to where it will go by the end. It gets a recommendation, and you should definitely hop on board the Aquaman train.

While this is an unexciting issue of Aquaman to discuss, it is still another solid entry in Dan Abnett and Sejics tenure on Aquaman. It lays the groundwork for the finale pretty well, and next issue should be quite something. I do still recommend this issue, and you should definitely read it.

Aquaman #31 moves the plot forward in an exciting manner with many interesting developments and compelling characters. Federici and Gho make it a gorgeous read, and this is easily one of the best issues of the series Ive read in a few months. This one gets a strong recommendation, and you should certainly check it out.

Aquaman #32 is a slower issue than #31, but it is a brilliant read regardless. With Abnett building up to a spectacular climax in The Crown Comes Down and Federici and Gho making this a visually astonishing comic, I have no doubt that this will be an Aquaman arc remembered for years to come. Give this one a read. I highly recommend it. You wont regret it.

Aquaman #33 is a fun and beautiful climax for ‘The Crown Comes Down'. This is what weve been waiting for, and Aquaman and his allies get to show the tenacity and commitment to saving Atlantis theyve been paying forward these past few issues. This one is strongly recommended. Check it out.

Aquaman #34 is the deepest look into Corum Raths identity weve had so far. Its a good start in making him a villain worth remembering. Hes not yet on the level of Black Manta or Ocean Master, but its a start. Hopefully Dan Abnett will be able to seal the deal on this character. In any case, this issue is recommended, and you should certainly check it out.

Aquaman #35 is another great installment from Abnetts series. There is a lot of compelling actions scenes brought to life well by the team of Rocha, Henriques, Miki, and Gho. The story nears another exciting climax with Rath gathering dark and unholy powers to unleash upon the rebellion. This comic earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Aquaman #36 brings us ever-nearer to the grand finale of Corum Raths reign over Atlantis, and this issue provides plenty of impressive fight scenes, a few solid character moments, and brilliant artwork. This one earns another recommendation. Give it a read.

Aquaman #37 shows a potential for this crescendo to the Corum Rath story to grow stale, but it also shows signs that it will soon come to an ending. Hopefully, that ending will be worth it. Regardless, this comic is still worth recommending. Check it out.

Aquaman #38 isnt perfect, and these past arcs concerning the reign of Corum Rath could almost certainly have been trimmed. That said, this book is a cover-to-cover thrill ride with an engaging conflict and marvelous artwork. This one comes recommended. Give it a read.

Aquaman #39 is a solid if unexciting continuation to the tales of Mera and Arthur Curry. I do look forward to more battling with the Suicide Squad, but the comic struggles against its two goals of reestablishing the Aquaman canon while fulfilling its duties as a crossover. That said, it still earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Armstrong and the Vault of Spirits #1 is an enjoyable read wherein the characters really do carry the story. Armstrong and his friends bring a lot of joy to the story. Cafu, Derrick Robertson, Diego Rodriguez, and Andrew Dalhouse collectively make the comic quite gorgeous, and there are a lot of laughs and emotionally weighty moments to be had. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Asgardians of the Galaxy #1 is a bit of fun, but its depressingly shallow. The interplay between characters doesnt hook the reader, the story is pushed out with little explanation, and the art is the only strong aspect of the comic. I cant say to not buy this one, but I cant strongly recommend it either. If you just want to see a bunch of Asgardians come together and kick ass, then youll likely get some enjoyment out of this one. It you want anything more substantial, then I cant suggest this one.

Overall, Ash vs. Army of Darkness #4 isnt a particularly bad comic, but it doesnt really engage much either. Its fun in parts, and it does have some good moments. Beyond that, its just middle-of-the-road high school supernatural tale. I cant recommend it. Give it a pass.

Assassinistas #3 has some interesting ideas at its core, but the clunky storytelling weighed down by superfluous flashbacks and the unforgivable state of the artwork kills any appeal it could have. I cant recommend this one. Give it a pass.

Astonishing X-Men Annual #1 is a unique read. It tries to tackle some complex ideas regarding tone, presentation, and handling the difficulties of ones life. It reflects on itself and the current state of X-Men comics, and it does so in an intriguing manner. Its not perfect and comes close to contradicting itself in parts, but its a compelling read, helped a lot by the artwork of Travel Foreman. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out tomorrow.

That being said, Astonishing X-Menis a great read and has potential to be the best X-Men comic on the stands right now. Its fun, engaging, and the art (for how long it will look like this) is mostly great. Give it a read.

This is a solid issue of Astonishing X-Men. While the machinations of the Shadow King don't really go to particularly unexpected places, they're still brought to life well by the team of Deodato and Martin. The dialogue between the characters is enjoyable, and the plot does move itself at a decent pace. This book is quickly becoming my favorite X-Men book on the market, and it is easily recommendable to the seasoned mutant fan.

I can still recommend this comic. It is a good read, and, on the surface, Ed McGuinness artwork does look good. This is still the best X-Men book on the stands at the moment, and I suggest you pick it up.

Astonishing X-Men is still the best X-Men book currently on the stands. That is not to say that Blue or Gold are bad, but for all its flaws, Astonishing has me consistently more engaged and interested in the characters. I do recommend this issue, but I do hope its problems get ironed out soon.

Astonishing X-Men #5 is the weakest issue of the series thus far, but its not awful or unreadable. Its still recommendable to the devoted X-Men fan, but Im not sure it will do much for anyone disinterested with Marvels premiere mutants.

Overall, Astonishing X-Men #6 comes out being one of the weakest issues of the series so far. Its not bad, but its not great either. If youre devoted to the X-Men and this book, then you may as well purchase it to continue the story. However, if you were just wanting to try this series, I would give this issue a pass.

If youve really enjoyed the past few issues of Astonishing, then this one will likely appeal to you as well. I cant quite recommend it though. The story is far too bloated and uninteresting while still being far too complicated for its own good. It underuses almost all of its characters, and Noto will be gone next issue.

Astonishing X-Men #11 is another installment in a frustratingly long story, but it is a fun read nonetheless. It has its problems, but the product is both fun and visually appealing. This one gets a recommendation. Feel free to pick it up.

Astonishing X-Men #12 is a good enough finale to Soules stint on the title. Its decent and has enough good points to mostly drown out the bad. The art looks solid too, and I can recommend the comic. Its not a must-read, but feel free to check it out.

Astonishing X-Men #13 is a disappointing opening salvo for Matthew Rosenbergs stint on the title. The characters are difficult to like, everyone is nasty towards one another, and the artwork leaves a lot to be desired. There were some good moments that keep the book from being completely unappealing, but they were few. I cant quite recommend this one, unfortunately.

Astonishing X-Men #14 is another disappointment from Rosenbergs new direction on the title. I love the lineup, and Rosenberg has put out a few comics I genuinely adore in his time with Marvel, Tales of Suspense and Punisher being among his better works. This doesnt gel for me though. I cant recommend it reading it.

Unfortunately, I cant recommend this comic. The slow pacing is problem enough, but the art is a killer. Give this one a pass, and try again next month.

#672 isnt a bad book, but I cant quite recommend it either, especially since you would need to follow Champions as well to get the full story (something which seems like a baffling move in what is supposed to be a new era of both books). Give this one a pass.

It has its flaws, and it has many storytelling tropes of modern Marvel that desperately need to be given a rest, but Avengers #675 is a fairly entertaining and compelling read. I can go on and on about everything hateful and anti-consumer about a weekly book being kicked off with a $4.99 price tag, but I'm here to evaluate the story itself. It works for the most part, and I can recommend it to you if you are a die-hard Avengers fan who can't bring themselves to miss an issue.

Avengers #684 confirms what a lot of my assumptions about No Surrender were. Its bloated, confusing, and unwieldy. While its not miserable, the dense plotting thats gone into it is ludicrously unforgiving. The art team brings their A-game to at least leave it visually appealing, and the Hulk is back at least. I cant recommend it on the business model alone, but, as its own issue, its mediocre at the best of times. If youre already on for this ride, youre probably going to stick it out anyway. If youre not, its not worth it, even for the Hulk.

This new start for the Avengers didnt blow me away, but it did hold my attention well. It has the potential to be the flagship title that Marvel needs, and it is an enjoyable read. Each character seems to bring something unique to the table, and the art is solid. $4.99 is a bit of a pain in the ass, but I can recommend the book even at that price point. Give it a read.

The Avengers are back, and I can feel more confident in saying that with this second issue. We have a tight and impressive team fighting a mind-boggling cosmic threat. Jason Aaron is penning a solid story, and the artistic team is rocking it so far. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Avengers #3 is a weaker installment than its two predecessors, but its still good. The characters have compelling chemistry, the plot is intriguing, and the art is mostly quite good. I can recommend this one easily. Check it out.

Doctor Strange art by Steve DitkoAs I write this, it recently came over the wire thatSteve Ditko,renowned creator of Doctor Strange and Spider-Man, has passed away. It saddens me to hear that another comic book legend is no longer with us. Admittedly, I don't know as much about the late Mr. Ditko as I should given my profession, but I'm learning more about him every minute. He truly was a different kind of person and deserving of honor and respect given to him as a creator and a person. He will be missed.

Avengers #5 is another fun and out-there installment for Earths Mightiest Heroes. There are slow parts and subpar one-liners, but the overall book is a lot of fun and presents its characters well. Mix that with some solid artwork, and you have a book well worth recommending. Check it out.

Avengers #6 isnt all that it could be, but I would be lying if I said that much of it wasnt still a ton of fun. We get to see the Avengers come together and fight the gods that wrought them, and they do so in a truly mighty fashion. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Avengers: Shards of Infinity #1 is a fun and light read best enjoyed by those just getting into Marvel or interested in a simple read about four classic Avengers. While it didnt grab me, it had its fun parts. I can recommend it. Feel free to pick it up.

Babyteeth #7 was a treat to read and only got better the more I thought about it. With phenomenal writing and great artwork, this one definitely gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Donny Cates, Garry Brown, and Mark Englert bring another enthralling issue of Babyteeth with its eighth installment. Despite the slow pacing and text-heaviness, the comic manages to still be quite interesting and earns a recommendation. Give it a try.

Babyteeth #9 brings the action and tension as Carl lays waste to the cults headquarters and Christine decides what to do with the people whove been giving her trouble. Its a compelling read and comes highly recommended. Check it out.

Babyteeth #10 is another solid issue of the horror series from Cates and Brown. It may have its drawbacks, but the overall book is compelling and concludes the climactic attack on the Ways compound well. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Babyteeth once more delivers a compelling horror book about family and doomsday cults with #11. The character development is on point, and the tension and pacing has been cooled down for this cooldown issue. This book earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Backways #1 provides a compelling opening gambit for this mystical series. With promising characters, an interesting premise, and great artwork from a solid team, this comic is definitely worth checking out. I recommend it.

The mystery of Sylvia, Anna, and Coyote Bones deepens as we explore the Backways themselves this issue. This is a deep world, and Justin Jordan is pacing its revelations in an economic yet tantalizing fashion. This is a fun and intriguing read, and it earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Backways #3 is another fun and dark issue of this magic series. The comic doesnt have as much entertaining and winding dialogue as the previous two issues, but it's made tense and fast-moving by the wolf threat. In any case, this one earns another recommendation. Check it out.

Backways #4 is another intriguing issue of the magic-mystery title. Justin Jordan continues to flesh out the world while basing it around grabbing leads. Carlini and Tidei continue to make every page visually stunning. This is a great book, and I definitely recommend it. Give it a read.

Backways #5 is a disappointing ending to the first arc of the series. Justin Jordans modern fantasy tale had a lot of promise in its first few installments, but the conclusion to this volume is painfully rushed, does little to flesh out its thin lead characters, and its elements are ill-explained. Carlini and Tideis artwork is still excellent, but its not enough to save the comic. Unfortunately, this one doesnt earn a recommendation. Give it a pass.

Barrier #1 is a wonderfully engaging comic with compelling leads, an interesting plot, and a twist ending so ridiculous that it may just work. Brian K. Vaughn, Marcos Martin, and Muntsa Vicente do phenomenal work here, and I look forward to seeing how this one shakes out. This book comes highly recommended. Give it a read.

That aside, Barrier #2 is a good follow-up to the first issues opening. The theme of separation both linguistic and figurative is held true in this insane twist, and the art of Martin and Vicente continues to dazzle and astonish. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Barrier #3 doesnt have as much going on in terms of narrative, it is a strong character book and a generally good reading experience. There is no text, and the comic can get its subtleties across regardless. Plus, Martin and Vicente continue to put in excellent artwork. This series gets another recommendation. Check it out this Wednesday.

Barrier #4 is a faster-moving issue than the previous installment, and it delivers more engaging character drama while showing the ingenuity of our leads. The art continues to astonish in its creativity and beauty, and this series earns itself another strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Barrier #5 isnt bad, but its not as smart as issues prior. The focus on language and strained connections across cultures is copped out upon. The ending is far from satisfying. Liddy and Oscar are still great characters, but youre left wanting better for them. The art is the biggest saving grace here, and its why I can still give this book a recommendation, if a bit less enthusiastic than recommendations to prior installments. Feel free to check this one out, though.

Batgirl Annual #2 is an engaging one-off story about Barbara and her brother. Our hero must weather the darkness within not only his mind but those of his fans, making this a genuinely creepy read. Casagrande and Bellaire do great work on the visuals, and the book earns itself a recommendation. Check it out.

With a deceivingly simple plot with a lot of implications, solid artwork, and a great cast, Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #16 is a compelling read. It has a point to make, and thats always appreciated. This one earns a recommendation, and you should definitely check it out.

I also highly recommend Batman Annual #2, even though its likely been bought by most of the people who would be interested. Its a heartfelt tale with fantastic art, and you should definitely read it if you havent already.

In all seriousness, Batman #25 wasn't atrocious. But it was by no means great, and I wouldn't recommend it as a must-buy. Odds are that most of the people reading it have bought it anyway, so what would be the point? It didn't change my mind on Batman and really only reinforced how I already felt. I was up for being proven wrong, but this comic didn't do it.

Joe and I have very similar feelings on Batman #28 for a change. It had a lot of potential, and it used two of DCs greatest villains. However, the story feels mishandled, and Deathstroke and Deadshot dont get nearly enough time on the page. The abbreviation of events make the story feel rushed, and it seems like there was a lot of paranoia about this arc taking too long. I cant recommend this one.

So, this is it, the Batman-Hater falls at last. In his place is just normal (as possible) Josh. There is still one more part to this saga, and its a review of Batman #37. Check that out when it comes up later today.

So, the epilogue to the saga of the Batman-Hater is yet another recommendation of a Batman comic from the phenomenal Tom King, Clay Mann, and Jordie Bellaire. This comic is one of the most joyous experiences one could get from a comic, and it brightened my day. I highly recommend it, and you should definitely give it a read.

Like I said, this one gets a strong recommendation. It is bizarre, chilling, and brilliant.

Batman #39 is another fun and endearing installment in this delayed continuation to the Superfriends story arc. Tom King continues to make this an incredible read, and Jones and Bellaire make the comic quite beautiful on the whole. I strongly recommend this one. Give it a read.

Batman #40 has its story problems, but it saves itself with charming character interactions between the leads and excellent art form Jones and Bellaire. In the end, it still lands a recommendation. Check it out.

Batman #41 is a promising if thin start to a new chapter in the saga of the Dark Knight. Ivy is back and more dangerous than ever. Bruce and Selina are left alone to stand up to the threat. Janin and Chung provide some fantastic artwork. This one comes recommended for sure. Give it a read.

Batman #42 is yet another compelling entry in Kings run with the character. It takes the premise of last issue and drives it to interesting places while keeping a tantalizing distance from what is really going on with Poison Ivy. Janin and Chung ply their talents to wonderful effect, and this book earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Batman #43 is a great dive into the character of Poison Ivy. This reexamination of the character may turn a lot of people off, but I liked it quite a bit. The story is touching and flows well, and the artistic team does a great job in this issue too. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Batman #44 is a charming tale of wedding dress shopping. A good writer can make just about anything compelling, and King proves that here. The artistic team show they are now slouches either, earning this comic a recommendation. Give it a read.

Batman #45 is a welcome return for Booster Gold, but the issue falls short when it comes time for the comic to tilt its hand. The premise is bafflingly short-sighted and will either reflect badly on Booster or the comic itself depending on your perception. It could be almost funny depending on your viewpoint, and this version of Gotham does have a lot of potential to make for an interesting story. Perspective does count for a lot in this one, and your mileage may vary. For me, its a bit of a wash. Some good ideas are countered by some bad ones. Daniel is here, but his work isnt quite up to his usual standards. I cant quite recommend it, but I cant say to definitively say to stay away either.

Batman #46 is even more frustrating than the previous issue. I had hoped that this arc would become more engaging after the setup, but its only gotten worse. Booster Gold behaves like Deadpool. There are extreme tone issues, even if theyre intentional. The art is good, but it doesnt make up for the narrative. Give this one a pass.

Batman #47 brings a surprisingly solid ending to The Gift. This issue is still tonally off and makes Booster out to be near unlikable, but the ending lands some emotional resonance. Plus, Tony S. Daniel, Sandu Florea,Danny Miki, and Tomeu Morey bring some great artwork to the title. I can recommend this one who have been enjoying Tom Kings Batman, and tentatively recommend it to others. Booster Gold fans, however, will still find the comic misrepresenting this great character.

Batman #48 finds the book back on track with a shocking confrontation between the Dark Knight and his most fearsome and hated nemesis. There is a lot added to the margins of this story, made possible by the writing of Tom King and the art of Mikel Janin and June Chung. This book is outright awesome and earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Batman #50 is a massive letdown of a comic. It shoots for meaning and deep emotional resonance but trips itself up on its own perception of what the Batman should be. It's a visually gorgeous book, and some of the writing is genuinely eloquent and beautiful. However, the whole is far less than the sum of its parts, and I can't recommend it.

Batman #52 isnt a bad issue. Its built upon a clever idea, and the dialogue is solid throughout. The slowness and monotony are the books biggest problem, and I cant say that even that sinks the book. Plus, the art is great. Its a decent comic, and I can recommend it. Feel free to pick it up.

Batman #53 is a damn good issue. It has its flaws, but the emotion King puts into it and the art of Weeks and Breitweiser is incredible. This one definitely earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Batman #54 is a heartfelt comic focusing on the importance of Bruces first ward and closest companion. Its about being there for those vulnerable and in pain, and it tells the story well. Its good read and comes with a recommendation. Check it out.

Batman Beyond #18 is a solidly entertaining superhero read. The story is interesting, theres plenty of action, and the Neo-Gotham setting always offers familiar-yet-new possibility. The artistic team provides some solid work too, and the comic earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Batman Beyond #20 has its clichs, but the story is paced well and its hard to dislike the lead characters. The art team does a good job on the visuals, and the complete product is worthy of a recommendation in the end. Feel free to pick it up.

Batman Beyond #22 is a solid damn read. Dan Jurgens shows his expertise in this field tempered by decades of writing, and Conrad and Baron make the book look great. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Batman: Kings of Fear #1 is decent. Its okay. It rises a bit over mediocre but doesnt in itself bring anything to the table beyond aforementioned fantastic artwork from Jones and Madsen. I can recommend it as a classic-feeling Batman tale, but its far from a must-read. Hopefully, #2 will bring something memorable in terms of story.

My favorite Batman story isHush,by the way. I just dig it so much. Hush is a great villain.

Batgirl vs. Riddler #1 is another good installment to the Prelude to the Wedding line of one-shots. Barbara and Nigma make for good opponents, and the pacing is incredibly tight despite the somewhat pointless flashback/flashforward thing. This one is recommended. Check it out.

Nightwing vs. Hush is an even stronger entry than the previous Batman: Prelude to the Wedding issue, though I will admit being a fan for both Nightwing and Hush. The story is strange and interesting, the action beats are solid, and the artwork is excellent.

Red Hood vs. Anarky is a fun and solid one-off story to build up to the grand climax of Bruce and Selinas wedding. Red Hood gets plenty of good lines and scenes, and Anarky gets a moment to be that complex antagonist that he is. Its not brilliant, but its good and well-rounded comic. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Robin vs. Ra's al Ghulis a nice start to the Wedding Batman story arc. We get to see how all of this is affecting Damian, and he faces down a member of the extended family who has a stake in this wedding too. The art is solid to boot, and this comic earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Ive been very impressed with these one-shot Metal tie-ins so far. Each one plays with similar themes, but the outcomes are always very different and shocking. It takes a lot for me to become interested in Batman stories, and these books accomplish it against the odds. Give Dawnbreaker a read.

While its conceit leaves a lot to be desired, Batman: TheDevastator pulls through with a genuinely compelling spin on Batman and a great story in the present. Its up there with Murder Machine, Red Death, and Dawnbreaker in quality and earns a strong recommendation. Check this one out.

The Metal tie-ins continue to be quality one-off reads, doing a good job of getting the readers psyched for the continuation of the main story in a way which few tie-ins accomplish. Batman: The Drowned gets a recommendation too.

Batman: The Merciless is the least good of the Nightmare Batmen tie-ins to Metal so far. The slight repetition in the narratives doesnt help, but it also comes down to the fact that Merciless and Drowned just arent as compelling has the first three. Its by no means a bad book, and I still do recommend it. However, it doesnt quite stand up to its predecessors.

Like Red Death, Murder Machine adds another cool story behind one of the members of Barbatoss Bat-League. It fleshes out their world in a delightfully macabre manner, and I recommend it.

Those looking for new insights into Metal will only really get anything from the lead-in explanation I recited above. Beyond that, this is just a fun little diversion about Bat-Flash from Metal #2. I can still recommend it though. Its a cruel yet fun read, and you should give it a look if that sounds appealing to you.

The Batman Who Laughs lives up to the excitement which has been surrounding it. Its a disturbed look into a wrong Batman, a warped Batman a Batman who laughs. This one is highly recommended. James Tynion IV does some of his best work here, and with him, thats saying a lot.

Battlecats #1 is an underwhelming opening from the Mad Cave Studios title. While the premise of cat-people warriors is a good one upon which to build your comic, theres nothing especially creative done with it. The action sequences are good, but they overwhelm the comic. Its not so bad that would recommend giving it a pass outright, but I cannot give it a recommendation either.

Batwoman #13 is a compelling noir/horror hybrid that can grab you and keep you engaged through to the back cover. Admittedly, the slow burn leaves the plot moving a little slowly, but the trip through the Kane house and the ending reveals make it worthwhile. Plus, the art looks great. Marguerite Bennet and company put together a solid book here. Pick it up.

Batwoman #14 is a highly compelling and brutal entry in the series. Bennett, Blanco, and Rauch construct a great story of stakes both personal and apocalyptic. This one earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Batwoman #15 is another stellar entry into Marguerite Bennetts Kate Kane series. This book has yet to disappoint me, and Blanco and Rauch make it even better with awesome artwork. This book gets another recommendation. Give it a read.

Batwoman #16 continues to impress and amaze with another rough and emotionally intense issue, this time bringing the Kane and Wayne in-fighting to a head. The storytelling is brilliant, and Blanco and Rauch do excellent work with the visuals. This one comes highly recommended. Give it a read.

Batwoman #17 is another great issue of the better Bat of Gotham. The book takes a drastic turn here, laying out a new future for Kate Kane and her crew. Its fun, endearing, and compelling. Blanco and Rauch turn in more great work here too. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Batwoman #18 is a beautiful and brilliant conclusion to this run of the series. Its action-packed, fun, emotionally resonant, and visually gorgeous. This one comes with a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men #1 is a fun read. The world and characters are unique and strange, and the conflicts are fantastical and well presented. Mix that with some good artwork, and you have a comic worth a recommendation. Check it out.

Bedtime Games #1 is an intensely compelling story of youths end and reflecting on the tragedy and struggles of these three children. Theres a monster lurking in the margins, but its powerfully overshadowed by the character drama. Trust me, I love monsters as much as the next geek, so I look forward to the monster becoming more prominent. The characters are just that good. In any case, this one is strongly recommended. Give it a read.

This was an overall enjoyable comic. The drastic change in perspective was interesting, and it did manage to feel like an issue of Yost'sScarlet Spider with it. It wasnt brilliant, and it wasnt especially exciting, but it is recommendable. Bagleys art is great, and you can bet Ill be back for the next issue. Hopefully, Kaine will kick Reillys ass.

As I already said, this book is alright. Even though its over, I definitely recommend the last Spider-Man 2099 run in terms of David and Sliney Spider-projects. I dont strongly recommend it, but its a bit of fun if you need some more Spider-Man periphery.

Also, Kaine was on that damn cover. Where is Kaine? I want Kaine! #kaineisscarletspider.

Betrothed #1 is a manic and fast-flowing book with some ideas it really wants to tell you, but it doesn't seem to know what to do with them or what they mean.

Betrothed #2 continues the struggle of establishing its characters. They arent especially compelling, and the circumstances which have forced them together takes more of a focus than the relationship itself. Worse yet, the plot just isnt interesting. Uys artwork helps some, but it cant save the comic. This one doesnt get a recommendation. Give it a pass.

Betrothed #3 is an up-turn for the series. It still has a myriad of problems that need addressing, and its two main characters arent well fleshed-out yet. However, there is enough humor and human moments in this installment to make it recommendable, even if it isnt a must-read.

Beyonders has room to grow and improve, but its first issue is predictable, slow-moving, and centers on an unlikable protagonist. Perhaps it will improve with future issues. Unfortunately, I cant recommend this installment. Id suggest giving it a pass.

Kwanza Osajyefo brings us an endearing and compelling tale of a black superhero just trying to do the right thing with Black AF. With a lovable protagonist, an interesting premise with some intriguing observations, and an overall high-energy and optimistic plot, Osajyefos comic comes together beautifully. Johnson and Smith IIIs art is beautiful to boot, and this comic definitely gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Black AF: Widows and Orphans #1 is a shaky first step for this new series in the Black AF universe. The generic ninja narrative isnt bad, but it doesnt stand out well either. The art and premise carry the book pretty far, but not as far as must-read territory. Feel free to check it out, and I can still recommend it on the basis that I expect this series to get better from here. However, as I said, its not required reading.

Black AF: Widows and Orphans #2 isnt a mind-blowing read, and this series still has yes to match Black AF: Americas Sweetheart for quality and personality. That said, this book exceeds Widows and Orphans #1 for its focus and blunt allegory. As such, it does earn a recommendation. Feel free to pick it up.

Definitely give this one a read. Its premise makes it an interesting addition to Marvel canon due to its relevance in one of its most oft-used villains. It gets a high recommendation from me.

Black Bolt #9 is a phenomenal read with great art. It bears a lot of emotional weight, and I cannot recommend it enough. Give it a read.

Black Bolt #12 gives the series the ending it deserves, uniting the characters in an emotionally weighty and touching finale. Ahmed shows his versatility with the characters, and Wards art continues to amaze. This one definitely gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Black-Eyed Kids #15 is a compelling and creepy read. The characters are all quite cool, and the black-eyed kids themselves are really unnerving. This is a great read for the horror reader, even if it is the final issue before a hiatus, which makes it completely understandable if you wait for the collected edition. That being said, I do recommend this comic. Give it a try.

Black Hamer: Age of Doom #1 is interesting, has some well-designed characters that are good send-offs of the Golden Age of comics, and has some solid artwork. However, the pacing is slow and has little to offer those who arent already invested in this world. As such, I can recommend it to those who enjoy Black Hammer, but I would give it a pass if youre not already into this continuity.

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #2 is still a rough experience. The story is livelier in this issue, but its events are strange and disjointed. The main plot falls quickly to the background, and Black Hammers half of the plot is more fun than it is compelling are important feeling. I can recommend this issue, but its far from required reading. Feel free to check it out, though.

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #3 is much better than the previous two issues. Im not sure the miniseries has gotten great yet, but I can confidently recommend this issue to anyone interested in this Dark Horse franchise. Feel free to check it out.

Black Hammer: Age of Doom #4 sets up the miniseries for what will hopefully be an exciting finale. Many of the mysteries are revealed, and the heroes of Black Hammer will have to discern what to do with the revelations. This book comes with a recommendation. Feel free to check it out.

Im definitely a fan of Black Lightning, but this comic doesnt make great use of the character. I respect the attempt to be culturally relevant, especially making use of the term DWB. However, the pacing is overenergized, and the social commentary feels shallow. If you like Black Lightning, feel free to pick this one up. However, I cant recommend this one to everyone.

The overall product is easily recommendable. Its a fun celebration of Black Panther by some of its greatest scribes accompanied by talented artists. Given Coatessdifferent take on Panther, it would likely confuse new readers. However, an experienced follower of TChalla will find a lot to enjoy. Give it a read.

Panther manages to firmly hold my interest through this new installment, and I can't wait to see it continued next month. If you're not on board the Ta-Nehisi Coates"Black Panther train, then now is a good time as any. Give it a read.

This is still one of the comics I most look forward to every month from Marvel. Ta-Nehisi Coates and the artists he collaborates with consistently bring an interesting and compelling read starring one of Marvels greatest characters. If you havent started reading this one yet, do so. It is one of the best comics on the stands.

Ta-Nehisi Coates once again proves that he was just about the perfect choice to take on Black Panther. With good character moments, an enthralling plot, and a protagonist who is easily among the coolest and most interesting heroes of both of the Big Twos gallery of heroes, Black Panther #16 easily earns its recommendation.

Black Panther is one of the books I most look forward to every month. With a great writer and a solid stable of artists, this is one that should be on everyones pull list. Pick it up.

Black Panther continues to be among the best of Marvels offerings with another knockout issue by Coates, Sprouse, Torres, and company. Its a pensive and intriguing title that knows how to let loose with some kick-ass action sequences. I highly recommend it.

Black Panther #166 is an astonishing rebirth for a classic Marvel rogue, and it fleshes him out more than many writers have cared to do in the past. The Klaw as his own master is a compelling change of pace, and I look forward to him opposing the Black Panther in upcoming issues.

All of that English major pontificating aside, Black Panther #167 is a good and thoughtful read. The Thunderball subplot is good, and TChalla and Shuri are great leads under Coates. The art of Kirk, Martin, and Milla is solid. Its message seems confused and muddled, and it doesnt advance the plot all that much. However, its still an engaging read, and it is thought-provoking at the very least. I still recommend it, and you should hop on the Black Panther train.

Black Panther #169 delivers an exciting and high-action chapter focusing on the Dora Milaje. The arc is making some gestures towards a conclusion, and this issue is a lot of fun in itself. As is often the case, Black Panther gets another recommendation. Check this one out.

Black Panther #170 isnt a bad issue, but the continued reluctance to move forward is increasingly tiresome. While I can still recommend this issue, it really needs to advance soon. Its very likely this will conclude whenever the new title starts. Thats not too far ahead, at least. In any case, feel free to pick this issue up. Its still solid.

Black Panther #171 is a much-needed and highly enjoyable crescendo to Avengers of the New World. It holds together well throughout, even if its later than it should have been. Kirk and Martin give it some solid, if at times flawed, visuals. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Black Panther #172 is solid and enjoyable finale to this run/arc of the series. Ta-Nehisi Coates brings ‘Avengers of the New World' home in an absorbing fashion, and Kirk, Deering, and Martin make the book look damn good. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Black Panther #1 is a tight and fast-moving introductory issue for this new era of TChalla. The story is fresh to the character and series, the narrative is interesting, and the art is great. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Black Panther #2 is a good issue. It doesnt go beyond that, but it doesnt sink below it either. Its fun, TChalla remains one of Marvels best, and Daniel Acuna does incredible work with the visuals. This one comes with a recommendation. Check it out.

Black Panther #3 has further ignited my interest in this new direction. Coates is recreating the Black Panther mythos in the far reaches of space, and he has the same fire and strength which he showed at the beginning of his time with T'Challa. Plus, Daniel Acuna continues to show his every-growing artistic talent. This book earns a recommendation for sure. Give it a read.

Anyway, everyone should be reading Black Panther & The Crew. If you havent been on board since the beginning, I cant blame you for wanting to wait for the trade, since the hangman has already called for this series. That being said, with a brilliant script, a smart story, and great art, I cant help but recommend this book. It tells an important story and centers on a great cast of characters.

Pick up Black Panther and the Crew before it dies. If not, at least buy the trade paperback collection. I have a feeling that in 10 years, this will be considered one of Marvels unsung gems. It will be something which pairs perfectly alongside writer Ta-Nehisi Coates Black Panther.

I guess my point is, as always Ta-Nehisi CoatessBlack Panther and the Crew remains a thought-provoking comic giving a measured discussion to real-world problems, and I continue to recommend it. If you havent hopped on by this point, buying the trade is a more prudent option. There is only one issue left before this story ends. I look forward to seeing how it wills stick the landing.

At least Coates is still doing a fantastic job on Black Panther. Hopefully the Crew will cross over into that comic in the future.

Black Panther: The Sound and the Fury #1 is a decent read for a young and new Black Panther fan, but it offers little to anyone with some experience with TChalla. Its not bad, but its not good either. The art does a lot of it, and it does get some extra credit for including TChallas first appearance in the back. All told, I can recommend this to someone with kids, but its far from a must-buy.

Black Science #36 is another brilliant dive into the protagonists Grant and Sara. We see a world designed to aid them in repairing their marriage as well as their emotionally weighty responses to it all. Plus, Scalera and Dinisio make it another visually stunning installment. This one earns a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Blackwood #1 is a promising, fun, and intriguing first step for the series. The premise may not be the most unique, but the characters are likable and distinct enough to keep the comic interesting. The story has a slow start, but it grabs your attention by the end. This comic earns a recommendation. Check it out when it hits stores tomorrow.

Blackwood #2 is a good follow up to the premiere issue, and it expands the magic and occult elements in a manner that feels akin to Harry Potter crossed with Scooby-Doo while shooting for more mature than either. Its a promising series, and I look forward to seeing where it goes from this point. This one comes recommended. Check it out.

Blackwood #3 is a slow book, but its enthralling and populated with a cast of unique and engaging characters. Veronica and Andy Fish support it with some damn good artwork, and the book earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Blackwood #4 has some weaknesses in the revelations of this story, but it has enough self-awareness to counteract the moments of over-sentimentality. The engaging leads pull the comic together well. The ending is enjoyably somber and understated. The story is fun, it has some good moments of horror, and the artwork of Veronica Fish is very strong. This one earns another recommendation. Give it a read.

Needless to say, I highly recommend Bloodborne #1. Ales Kot has shown a great love for the game here with a lot of references and understanding that only a fan could bring. Kowalski and Simpson's art is impeccable. The comic is creepy, gory, and could open new avenues in the story. Fan or not, this one still comes highly recommended. Check it out.

Bloodborne #2 continues to entice the fan in me, even if I must count off for the inorganic integration of things like the Hunters Dream in the narrative for those unfamiliar with the game. That aside, the tight pacing, cold personality given to the Hunter, and the stunning artwork from Kowalski and Simpson more than make up for that shortcoming. This one earns another recommendation. Give it a read.

Bloodborne #3 is another chilling and action-packed installment to this comic series with content capable of entertaining both the hardcore fan and the newcomer. Both the narrative and art knock it out of the park this time, and I highly recommend giving it a read.

Bloodborne #4 is a cold yet great finale to this first volume. Ales Kot crafted something unique yet faithful to the game in this story, and Kowalski and Simpson deliver phenomenal artwork. Thankfully, this book has been promoted to an ongoing, so we will get to see more from here. In any case, this book earns another recommendation. Give it a read.

Bloodshot Salvation #5 is a very engaging read. Jeff Lemires story continues to be enthralling, LaRosa, Suayan, and Rodriguez turn in some beautiful artwork. The overall comic is a great read. I highly recommend this one. Pick it up.

Bloodshot Salvation #6 is another solid issue in the series. Its fairly slow-moving and clearly trying to set up for the hyped-up next issue (oh, well get there). However, the emotional weight of it all as well as the phenomenal art make this an enjoyable read. I can recommend this one. Feel free to check it out.

Bloodshot Salvation #8 is a fun read that pits our hero against demons and into the paths of Shadowman and Baron Samedi. The narrative doesnt dazzle, but the art is so incredible that the comic is something that you need to take a look. This comic gets a recommendation. Check this one out.

Bloodshot Salvation #9 is, as I said, a solid WWI story that also serves as an origin for the Bloodhound. Its a solid enough read and even gets gut-wrenching in spots. It doesnt really serve to give anymore emotional depth or nuance to the Bloodhound until the very end (I know hes a dog, but these things have been done before), but it is an enjoyable read with beautiful artwork. This one earns a recommendation. Pick it up this Wednesday.

Bloodshot Salvation #10 is a good build-up issue. Omen is moving in on Jessie, Ray has been flung into the far future, and a big blowout between Omen and Rays allies is on the way. Braithwaite and Bellaire do excellent work on the visual front, and this comic earns a recommendation for it all. Check it out.

Also, this may be pointing out the obvious, but Deadlock's mask is just Wolverine's. And Project: Born Again? Why not just call it “Not Project: Rebirth but Totally Project: Rebirth.”

Its a wild comic, and it might be a little confusing at first if you, like myself, hadnt read any of the recent issues. However, you will likely get a kick out of it if youre looking for a weird and action-packed ride. Give it a try.

Anyway, get Blue Beetle #10. Im going to have a nap and dream of the Justice Society coming back and Martian Manhunter being on the Justice League.

Its disappointing to say it, but this was a very disposable issue. It does little to forward the plot or the characters, and it wraps up a story that was pretty much over already. I like Jaime and Ted and this book overall, but I cant recommend this issue even to Blue Beetle fans. I cant say this comic is a complete waste of your money if you follow this series, but it wont do much for you.

Blue Beetle has been a notably flawed title under this creative team, but its more often than not made up for these flaws with energy and dedication. Ill miss this book as it is, but I hope the future is bright. This issue is worth picking up to see this creative team off, as it keeps they keep the trademark tenacity of Jaime Reyes alive to the end.

Bone Parish #1 is far too conventional and tame for its own good. It follows crime story tropes too closely while not focusing on elements that could give it a unique identity. The art is very good, but that doesnt quite earn the book a recommendation.

Bone Parish #2 is still just too boring. There are improvements over the first issue with this one, but the plot burns very slowly, doesnt have a change in tone or atmosphere to break up the dreariness, and the color work is similarly stuck on the one note. Unfortunately, I cant recommend this book.

The only dumber thing I can think of is buying a shipment of Rose Tico toys with the intent of destroying them in a video, only to figure out you can't cut them with scissors because they're die cast.

Despite the issues with characters and motivation, the world of Brilliant Trash is certainly interesting enough to warrant checking out. Plus, Seeley, Petraites, and Lesko put together quite the world here, and its easy to get sucked into it. I can recommend this one, and you should give it a chance.

Brilliant Trash #3 is an engaging further exploration into the world of Kennedy Avis, Jim Heller, and the warring corporations. Tim Seeley has a really enthralling Blade Runner-esque cyberpunk dystopia here, and I look forward to seeing it evolve. Petraites and Lesko give it some really good visuals, and the overall comic earns itself a recommendation. Give it a try.

Brilliant Trash #4 advances the story in a compelling manner, even if it does throw in more action than necessary. The world gets deeper and more complex, and Petraites and Lesko provide some good artwork. This one is recommended. Give it a read.

Brilliant Trash #5 is an interesting comic. Your mileage on the ending will likely vary, but I dont feel that it sticks the landing with its people are naturally good given how brutal and nihilistic the story has been thus far. It feels like its stretching for a meaning it cant quite justify. I can recommend it to those who like the series, as it will doubtless stick with you for a time afterwards regardless of whether the ending satisfies you. Feel free to check it out.

Brilliant Trash #6 is an intriguing and enjoyable new beginning for the title. Its a great place to join in, and the story and characters have a lot of promise. The art looks great to boot, and this book earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Britannia: Lost Eagles of Rome #1 is a bit slow-moving at times, but the charms and novelty of the story carries. Antonius is a charming lead, Achillia is fun, and the art is good. I can recommend it in the end. Feel free to give it a try.

Brothers Dracul #1 is a tense and engaging read. With its compelling main cast and great artistic team, the book succeeds in keeping its reader absorbed regardless of the flaws the first issue bears. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Brothers Dracul #2 shows that the comic isnt interested in being just another historical fiction horror. It wants the character drama and the bloody horror, and it seems fit to carry both. Mix that with some good artwork, and you have a comic I can easily recommend. Check it out.

Bubba Ho-Tep and the Cosmic Bloodsuckers #1 is a painfully serious and, consequently, dull read. It wants to be a story of an old and war-weary Elvis in the autumn of a life fighting monsters, but the premise is too ridiculous to take this seriously. Im not saying such a tale is impossible to tell; its just that this one doesnt succeed in doing so. As such, I must say to give this comic a hard pass this Wednesday.

This comic isnt good. It has its charms, and it has intent. However, its all so middle of the road that theres nothing this can give you that other, better entries in the sci-fi action genre cant give you. I recommend Running Man. Its my favorite Schwarzenegger movie and Richard Dawson is an absolute delight in it.

By Night #1 is another charming excursion for John Allison. Heather and Jane are likable characters, the premise is cute and creative, and you'll love to look at Larsen's and Stern's art. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Cable #1 showed some promise and fun in its first few pages, but it falls apart in the second half with confusing fight sequences and an ending that is just tiresome. Give this one a hard pass.

Cable/Deadpool Annual #1 just isnt funny. The jokes are weak and predictable, and the only enjoyable parts were extended analysis of comic books as a medium and the only time the two characters acted like humans. I cant recommend this one, with my general love for the work of David F. Walker. I suggest giving this one a pass.

At least the Winter Soldier comes back at the end. That does help a little bit. He is Marvels greatest hero, and you can fight me on that one all you want. Youll still be wrong.

This is a weird one for me because how important it feels for me. I can definitely recommend it, and Im certainly going to give it a good score. Maybe Marvel did it; maybe they killed Captain America for me. Time will tell. That being said, pick this one up if youve missed classic Captain America comics. It definitely harkens back to those days. However, if youre looking for anything daring or fresh, this one isnt it. Maybe Ta-Nehisi Coates can bring something new to the Captain in a few months.

Waid, Samnee, and Wilson continue their star-spangled hot streak with this issue of Cap. Its a straightforward and fun story between two compelling opponents. I had a joy reading it and definitely recommend it. Pick it up.

Captain America #698 is another excellent entry in the saga of Steve Rogers. The high-concept setting of this issue is balanced by a focus on characters, and the politics of it all are refreshing and timely. Add to this Samnee and Wilsons artwork, and you have a fantastic book. This one comes recommended. Check it out.

Captain America #699 is another great entry in this stint from creative team Waid, Samnee, Wilson. It still mixes modern sensibilities and political philosophy with classic comic storytelling structure, aesthetic, and pacing. This is one is strongly recommended, and you should give it a read.

Captain America #700 lives up to the expectations one would have of such a landmark comic. The narrative is powerful and emotional while posing a unique struggle for Captain America. Waid and Samnee continue to show how much they understadn the character of Steve Rogers. As such, I can recommend it. Give it a read.

Captain America #701 is a lengthy setup for an underwhelming finale. While the book isnt quite bad, it comes dangerously close to becoming dull, and thats the worst thing a story can do. The artists turn in great work, and I can still recommend the book, but its not required reading.

Captain America #702 provides a stark improvement over the previous issue. The story takes more unique turns, Jack Rogers is allowed room to breathe as a character, and the art team contributes some great work. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Captain America #703 is easily the best issue of this story arc and hopefully signals a turning point for the better in Mark Waid's final tale in the series. It's fast-paced, Jack Rogers has come into his own as a protagonist, and the artists contribute great work.

Captain America #704 is a disappointing finale to this last story arc of Mark Waids stint on the title. Its resolution is both disconcerting and unsatisfying, and Jack Rogers turns from a beleaguered father to someone who is a little too ready to subscribe to borderline xenophobia. This one doesnt earn a recommendation. Give it a pass.

Captain America #2 shows more promise and intrigue for the future of this book. Coates is showing the talent that made Black Panther one of Marvels powerhouse books once again, and Leinil Francis Yu, Gerry Alanguilan, and Sunny Gho knock it out of the park on the visuals. This one comes strongly recommended. Give it a read.

Captain America #3 is another good issue of Ta-Nehisi Coates fledgling run on Steve Rogers comic. The story is interesting and has its finger on the pulse of the current socioeconomic situation in which the U.S finds itself, and the art is fantastic. This one comes with a recommendation. Check it out.

This is a decent comic. It's not among the best of the series, but it is functional and provides a character-driven, if depressing, read. Pick it up if you've been following the series, are a fan of Sam Wilson, or just want a peek into the everyday world of the Secret Empire.

Also, don't believe the cover. None of the rest of the Underground are in this comic at all.

Thats Kronos: Vampire Hunter #1. Its a fun, gory, and engaging action/horror title. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I imagine many would. Give it a read.

Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter hits some bumps in the road, but it still comes out a good read in the end. The comic still has the dirty, gory, and high-energy vibe appropriate of its Hammer origins, the art is still solid throughout most of the comic, and Im left intrigued as to where this comic is headed. I can still easily recommend it, and you should definitely check out this issue.

Captain Marvel #125 may not shake things up too much for Carol and Alpha Flight, but it is a good new beginning for the book. It relies a lot on whats been established, but its still moving in a new and compelling direction to keep both old and new readers engaged. This one gets a recommendation. Definitely give it a read.

Captain Marvel #126 is a decent read. The premise is interesting. Nothing especially exciting or dramatic happens. We get to see Carol shoot down some ships, but we get that one fairly often anyway. If youre a Captain Marvel fan like me, you will probably get something out of it. Otherwise, itll probably just give you some mild entertainment. I do recommend it, but not strongly.

Dark Origins takes a more entertaining turn with Captain Marvel #127. It plays with its premise better, the plot makes itself clearer, and the art continues to rock. This one gets a recommendation. Check it out.

Captain Marvel #128 has unfortunately brought Dark Origins to a grinding halt. Its the kind of misfire issue that makes the previous issues feel of lower quality because this is a part of what they were leading to. That being said, the conclusion of #129 still has a chance to redeem this arc, and the ending does promise some interesting developments. However, #128 is left feeling mediocre and aimless, unable to be saved by its solid art or charming characters and dialogue. I cant quite recommend this one. Check back next issue.

It doesn't feel great to knock Carol Danvers at the beginning of her 50th Anniversary month. However, Captain Marvel #129 just isn't that good. It's not entirely bad, but it doesn't really connect either. I can recommend this to someone who is a diehard Carol Danvers fan like myself, but I can't see a reason for anyone outside of that group to read it.

Joe Casey has put something quite special together with Catalyst Prime: Incidentals. This is a likable cast of characters with a solid plot and fantastic artwork. This one definitely gets a recommendation. Give it a try.

Catwoman #2 is a decent read. The opening fight and the quieter moments with Selina gel with ease, but the plot and villain are too vague and nondescript to be interesting yet. Hopefully that will change with subsequent issues. That said, the art is so good that I can still recommend this one. Feel free to check it out.

Champions remains a delightfully consistent Marvel title. Champions #9is easily recommendable and makes for a good one-off story.

This was a great issue; easily one of the better comics with the Secret Empire label on it. Like the most recent issue of Occupy Avengers, it gives the reader what they really want in a situation like this: heroes fighting the powers that be and the injustices they are committing. They are standing up for whats right in the face of tyranny. That seems like it should be more common during an event like this, but for some reason, it hasn't been.

Champions #21 is a fun and action-packed issue with a compelling conflict with intriguing implications. This is an all-around strong issue giving the reader conflict and character, and Izaakse and Menyz do a good job on the art. This one earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Champions #23 is an emotionally weighty and action-packed installment for this team of young heroes. They struggle to contain the Man-Thing while half the team is falling apart internally. Its a heavy-hitting issue, and I definitely recommend it. Check it out.

Charismagic Vol. 3 #2 is a fun and high-energy read. Its not genre-defining or rising to the top of the comic industry, but not every book needs to do that. Some can just be enjoyable, and this book falls into that category. I can recommend it. Feel free to give it a try.

Charlies Angels #1 is a nostalgia trap made for those who really miss the old series. I wont say that audience is invalid, but it doesnt accommodate anyone who would be interested in a genuinely fresh and interesting take on the comic like Dynamites own Nancy Drew #1, which came out a couple of weeks ago. I cant recommend Angels #1, as I genuinely find it unbearable. However, if you were a fan of the original series, you might find something worth enjoying in it.

Clan Killers #1 is a darkly grabbing first issue to the upcoming AfterShock series. The premise is interesting, the characters are awful, tortured, yet engaging figures, and the artwork is near-perfect for its purpose in this story.

Clankillers #2 follows the first issue with a strong second punch. Finola and Cillian are fun and mischievous protagonists trying to burn their brutal world to the ground while messing with vast magic forces they can scarcely comprehend. Its a great read and comes recommended. Check it out.

Coda #1 invites you to a cruel and decaying world with a cynical and duplicitous hero. That said, Sir Hum is compelling and interesting, and the world seems like it could only get more engrossing from here. Simon Spurrier and Matias Bergara knocked it out of the park with this comic. Give it a read.

Coda #2 is an excellent follow-up to the first installments creative flourish, and it contrasts it in all the right ways. Hum is shown to be vulnerable and capable of failure as opposed to the dashing and clever rogue he appeared to be in the first comic. Plus, Bergara and Doig do a hell of a job on the art. This book comes recommended. Check it out.

Coda #3 is a great read, providing character development for Hum and adding layers to the mystery of what happened to his wife. The battle between the raiders and Ridgetown is awesome, and the artwork is great. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Cold Spots #1 is a comic with a good premise and excellent atmosphere-building and an unlikable drain of a protagonist. I want to explore this world, but I cant do it with Kerr. Hes just too bad a lead. Its even more a shame considering how good Torress art and design work is in this book. Unfortunately, that leaves Im unable to recommend this comic. I suggest giving it a pass.

Problems with the characters and the art aside, Cold War #1 is still an intriguing book with a lot of cool ideas at its core. There is a cyperpunk corporate dystopia feel to it which works quite well with its premise. As such, I do recommend checking this one out. Its interesting, and youll likely have a good time reading it.

Cold War #2 takes a step forward in character but a step back in plot. Essentially, its in a similar place that Cold War #1 was in terms of overall quality. As such, Im still intrigued enough by to recommend it with some confidence, but it does need to decide where its going soon. In any case, feel free to give it a try.

Cold War #3 is a disappointing read, as it has plenty of potentially compelling leads that it wont give room to grow or develop organically. The art looks good on the surface, but the environments are a cluttered mess which are difficult to interpret. Unfortunately, this one misses the mark on getting a recommendation. Give it a pass.

Cold War #4 is a frustrating read. It has good ideas, but they are drowned in the method of their own delivery. The pacing is abysmal, the visuals are opaque in terms of clarity, and the heart of its mystery is threatening to be disappointingly conventional given the creativity of many of the comics ideas. This one doesnt earn a recommendation. Give it a pass.

That being said, Conan the Slayer provides largely compelling reading. The main character is fun, the art is gorgeous, and the mystery of the city is interesting for the most part. If barbarians, swords, and sorcery are your thing, check this one out.

I didnt hate Cosmic Ghost Rider #1, but I was never engaged either. The comedy isnt that funny, the stakes arent gripping, and the art is the only thing that reaches the level of functional. Its not bad, mind you. Its just a bland book. I cant recommend it, but its probably not the worst thing you could read this week if you must have it.

Cosmo is a fun and high-energy read well suited for its young target audience. It has a lot of charm, its funny, and it doesnt feel particularly dumbed down. The art is solid to boot, and I can recommend this to anyone looking for a good comic for their child. Feel free to buy it for them.

Coyotes is a charming and fast-moving read. Its characters and world are very unique, and it stays engaging in spite of its flaws. The art brings a lot of personality and energy of its own, and I recommend the comic. Give it a try.

Crosswind #5 is a great, funny, and high-octane read. The characters are lovable, the artwork is rock-solid, and the plot is intriguing. Gail Simone and Cat Staggs put forward some of their best work here, and I cannot recommend it enough. Pick it up.

Crowded #1 is a clever, mostly fast-moving, and entertaining skewering of crowdfunding, freelance work applications, and the potential nightmare those things could entail. Sebela, Stein, Brandt, and Farrell do some great work here, and the book earns itself a recommendation. Check it out.

Crude #1 is a story with a lot of promise but hobbled execution. The story, characters, and order of events are all muddled beyond reason, and you will likely leave the comic frustrated and with more questions than when you began reading it. I cant recommend this one. Give it a pass.

Crude #2 still has a few problems, but its far better than the inaugural issue. The story is more coherent, the action is more compelling, and we have more focus to propel the plot forward. Brown and Loughridge do solid work on the visuals too. This one gets a recommendation, even if it isnt required reading. Feel free to check it out Wednesday.

Cyber Force #1 isnt a horrible comic, but its not good either. All its ideas are bog-standard for the subgenre it inhabits, and it bores as a result. Solid artwork cant save a bland story. Give this one a pass.

Cyber Spectre #1 has potential, but that potential is ignored by a comic that relies too much on the clichs of cyberpunk dystopian fiction and a main character who is all attitude but no personality. Unfortunately, this book doesnt earn a recommendation.

This one gets a recommendation. Its a fun read, the characters are likable, and the story has a good amount 80s techno-futurism to keep the reader interested. Give this one a try.

Cyborg #21 isnt a bad book. Its cohesive, paced well, and has good artwork. However, it never grabs me and feels like a retread of other Vic Stone stories that never grabbed me either. Unfortunately, DC still doesnt seem to know what it wants to do with this great character, even if Christopher Priest is doing some interesting things with the character in Justice League, and Vics bit in Metal was pretty cool. In any case, I can recommend this one if your dying for some solo Vic Stone content, but its not required reading.

Cyborg #22 is another disappointing entry for a character who really is one of my favorite DC characters. I want to see him given a fleshed-out identity, more agency, and interesting villains to face. Hes rarely granted those things, and this issue is no different. I cant recommend it. Give it a pass.

Damage looks like it could be interesting. The first issue doesnt have me especially optimistic, but Im not ready to write it off either. I can recommend trying it for sure, though, and you should feel free to check it out.

Damage #2 is an underwhelming read. Elvis Avery receives little characterization compared to the likes of Silencer or Sideways in their respective opening issues. Daniels artwork is solid, and the Suicide Squad fight is enjoyable. I cant recommend this comic, but I cant tell you to avoid it either. If what I explained sounded cool to you, then feel free to try it. However, it is far from required reading.

Johnny Blaze: Ghost Rider #1 is a decent read. The action is fun, but its spread out and unfocused. Its nice seeing a comic focus on Johnny Blaze once again, and this is probably the most were going to get of him for a while yet. Plus, Notos art is gorgeous. I can recommend this one, even if I wouldnt call it necessary reading. However, if you like the Ghost Rider, youll almost certainly get some enjoyment out of it.

Daredevil is still a Marvel staple that has helped maintain hold together its stable of titles. Charles Soule and Goran Sudzuka are a good team, and hopefully the hits will keep on coming. Pick this one up.

This comic was decent. It didnt add much to the overall plot, but it did bring in a neat little team-up with a rocking, if short, fight between Tombstone and She-Hulk. Give this a read if youre a fan of the Man Without Fear or the Savage She-Hulk.

Give this comic a chance next time youre at a shop. Daredevil is one of Marvels greatest characters, and Soule is doing him some justice with a unique story. With a good artistic team of Morgan and Milla, this is a rock-solid comic deserving of a read.

This was definitely an interesting comic, and it does promise a new era for the Man Without Fear. I think this was a good waypoint, a touchstone, for Daredevil, and I look forward to what Soule has in mind next for Matt Murdock. Daredevil #25 does earn a recommendation, and its ambition didnt fail it even if it took some shaky chances.

This is a really good starting position for the next story arc of Daredevil. The setup is great, the story is fun while still very macabre, and Ron Garneys artwork is fantastic. Give this one a read.

While I cant say this was the most exciting or interesting issue of Charles Soules Daredevil, I can say that this comic never left me bored or dissatisfied. Fleshing out Blindspot is a good idea, and this is an engaging story arc. Garneys artwork helps elevate the book, as it is visually stunning. This comic does earn a recommendation in the end, and I do advise that you read it.

In the end, the comic was still enjoyable, and it had a lot of positives. However, its central fixture, the character arc of Blindspot, results in a lackluster climax and plot flow. I do recommend it, but quite tentatively. If youre a fan of Daredevil and the work of Soule and Garney, its still fairly enjoyable. If that describes you, pick it up.

Despite the hang-ups Marvels recent stories bring to the context of this issue, Daredevil #595 is a great read and the start of an enticing new arc for the Man Without Fear. The beginning of Mayor Fisk establishes the premise well and lays on the tension in large servings. I highly recommend this one; give it a read.

Despite having a fairly succinct plot, Daredevil #596 is a compelling chapter in the saga of the Man Without Fear. He is being chased and brought low by his worst enemy, and now that enemy has the law on his side. Mayor Fisk is showing itself to be a promising arc for Matt Murdock, and I look forward to what follows. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Daredevil #597 takes a true-crime approach to the Mayor Fisk art not unlike the first season of the Netflix series. Its a slow boil, but things are tense. The story is engaging, and it has me eager to read the upcoming issues. This one is definitely recommended. Give it a read.

Daredevil #598 is a gloriously horrific installment to Hornhead's series. With its noir-by-way-of-a-horror-movie pacing, an enthralling plot, and wonderful artwork by Garney and Milla, this comic becomes an easy recommendation for those with the stomach for it. Give it a read.

Daredevil #599 sets up for the next landmark issue while being a compelling read in its own right. Soule and Garney continue to make Daredevil one of the stronger Marvel books on the stands, and this issue comes strongly recommended. Give it a read.

Daredevil #600 is another excellent issue in Charles Soules run of the series. The lack of a complete ending does detract from the book, but the overall story is often fun, at times intense, and always compelling. The B-story is a nice little love letter to Matts best friend, and the overall comic earns itself a strong recommendation, even if the $5.99 price tag is frustrating. Give it a read.

Daredevil #601 brings us some fun with Mayor Murdock and advances the story of DD #600 in an interesting fashion. It does appear to be in a hurry to reestablish the status quo, but its still an enjoyable comic with great artwork thanks to Henderson and Milla. This one gets another recommendation. Give it a read.

Daredevil #702 doesnt go much farther in this Hand story, but the issue is a lot of fun regardless. Matt gets to be a cocky mayor, Foggy gets to be beleaguered, and Hand ninjas get punched. This book earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Daredevil #603 is a fairly slow issue without some of the edges recent issues of the series have had, but it is still a fairly enjoyable comic. Charles Soule has made this run of the series his own and remade it a few times since then, and its been a while since an issue has underperformed. This one doesnt break that streak, and I can recommend it as a result. Pick it up.

Daredevil #606 may be built on some less-than-optimal storytelling, but the issue itself holds together well. We get to see Matty tangling with Hammerhead and nail guns, and we get to see the return of some solid characters from Soules own Inhumans titles. This one is worth a read. Check it out.

Daredevil #607 is an unexpected but not unwelcome digression for Charles Soules book. We are returning to an old Matt Murdock cover in a new and almost unnerving way. Mix that with wonderful work from artist Phil Noto, and you have a book well worth recommending. Check it out.

Daredevil Annual #1 isnt anything special, but its nice to see Matt Murdock and Misty Knight teaming up again. The story is fine, the dialogue is solid, and the artwork is good. Its not what I would call a must-buyespecially at the $4.99 price tagbut its worth a soft recommendation. If youre a DD or Misty Knight, feel free to check it out.

Despite its myriad of flaws, I cant say to outright avoid Dark Ark. It does have a number of positives from the premise itself to the stalwart sorcerer Shrae. It just needs to play more towards its own strengths. The murder mystery element isnt bad, but the story wanted a scenario which doesnt feel organic in the setting. In any case, feel free to try this one if it sounds up your alley. I can recommend it, but, if the premise itself doesnt spark some interest, you should likely steer clear.

Dark Ark #4 is a fun read with some interesting characters. Shrae and Kruul do a lot for the book with their respective gravitas. The art is rough and visually confusing, even if it does have some decent panels scattered throughout. Unfortunately, the art is dire enough that my recommendation of this book is tentative. If you can look past the aesthetic mess for the fun occult themes, then I can recommend it to you. Bear this in mind should you run across it at your local comic shop.

Dark Ark #5 closes out the first volume of the story with a divine warning of the tightrope Shrae walks. He took a sinister lifeline that could be cut should the forces of Heaven ever discover his actions, and he is no saint for taking that line in the beginning. Its an absorbing tale and one that earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

All-in-all,Dark Days: The Castingwasnt genuinely bad like The Forge. Its story was more focused, the art didnt hop around as badly, and it introduced some interesting character moments and plot details. If youre into this story or are a die-hard Batman fan, this is for you. If you have any distaste for the character, it will probably only make that worse.

As previously stated, I am very aware that this book has already received a lot of praise from a lot of people. I take no umbrage with that. However, reading it, for me personally, was an arduous and frustrating task. It didn't work on any level, and it left me beyond unsatisfied and with no initiative to dive deeper into its perfunctory mystery. I cannot do anything but recommend passing on it.

Its hard to find information about this book, so Im entirely sure if its available yet. If it is, Im not sure where you can purchase it. I will update this article later with that information once I have it.

It's definitely not the best thing called Wild Hunt I've ever read/played.

So yeah, Dark Nights: Metal #1 was actually pretty solid. I enjoyed it far more than its preamble issues, and it finally clicked for me. Im fairly interested in whats to come. Feel free to grab this one when you see it.

This is a ridiculous story built on some crazy conceits, and it's finally coming together after the questionable Forge and Casting comics. I recommend this comic. Give it a read.

This was still a solid issue. It didnt have me as perpetually excited as Metal #2, but it is still really good. I recommend it and look forward to the next issuewhich is two months for some reason. Hopefully the admittedly excellent one-shots will hold me off until then.

Dark Nights: Metal #4 isnt a bad issue, and it give some intriguing new angles to the plot. Plus, the artistic team is still quite good. However, it doesnt advance much, and it is, overall, a little underwhelming. I can recommend it to those who have been following this story (which I would imagine is the vast majority of people who would buy it anyway), but it isnt as exciting or gripping as the previous three issues.

Dark Nights: Metal #5 may very well be the most exciting issue of the series. Its story is gripping, its characters are engaging, and the art is darkly beautiful. This one gets a strong recommendation, and you should give it a read.

Dark Nights: Metal #6 is a messy, extravagant, and highly entertaining finale to this miniseries from Snyder, Capullo, and company. It is flawed, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. I had a lot of fun reading it, and most with even a passing appreciation of DC Comics will too. This one gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Dark Souls: Age of Fire #1 is an interesting and darkly gorgeous introduction to this story set in the famed age of the gods. The main character is an interesting figure, and the conflict holds a lot of promise. This one earns a recommendation. Check it out.

Dark Souls: Age of Fire #3 is a solid read, even if it does highlight some of the flaws in the story. The scope is too narrow considering the events its expanding upon. It seems willing to hold much of the mystique of the Dark Souls canon while still trying to add a new part and additional information to it. Thats a good idea, but it still feels restrained. That said, it still has enough good going on with the artwork and characters to justify a read, and I can recommend it.

Believe it or not, I do still recommend this comic. My criticisms werent enough to sink the comic for me; they only made this a little underwhelming as a one-shot. It clashes against the framework of its presentation, but the story is still functional and engaging. Plus, Walker and Tartaglia turn in some great work here. Give it a read. This would make for a great series if it can take off.

Darkseid #1 brings another great add-on to the mythos of Kirby characters with a balance of charm and grit. Its a damn fine read, and it gets a recommendation from me. Go pick it up.

Days of Hate #1 is one of the most relevant comics Ive read as of late, and Im someone who quite enjoys a topical comic. Its an only slightly twisted vision of the current state of the U.S, and its all the more unnerving for it. This is a powerful opening salvo, and I definitely recommend it. Give it a read.

Days of Hate #2 is another unnerving installment to the series. Kot is just beginning to dissect the cultural zeitgeist of America at this point in time, and I find myself both excited and nervous about what he will next bring to life through the talented Zezelj and Bellaire. In any case, this comic comes highly recommended. Check it out.

The third installment of Days of Hate continues to give you the picture of its ugly, complex, pseudo-apocalyptic world. The characters are often cruel, their actions are questionable, and their motives are muddy. This is a viscerally compelling book, and Ales Kot and company have created something darkly beautiful with it. This one gets a strong recommendation. Give it a read.

Days of Hate #4 is threatening to drain its good will and tension by losing its scope and allegorical drive on near-mundane interpersonal drama. I know a pseudo-fascist national security agent isnt exactly a mundane thing, but his threatening edge is being lost, even if this issue is primarily an intimidation tactic of his. In any case, I can still recommend this comic for the visuals and how well its story is told, but I wouldnt call it required reading. Hopefully this series will pick up soon.

Days of Hate #4 reinstates my faith in the Ales Kot-written series and its focus on delivering a shocking and honest tale of revolution and an oppressive state brought about by complacency and xenophobia. This is a wonderful comic, and I highly recommend this installment to those who have the stomach for such content. Give it a read if you can.

Days of Hate #7 is another good issue of the Ales Kot story, but it highlights some problems which I had hoped would be ironed out by this point. I can still recommend the comic with ease, as it is a harrowing and effecting experience. Feel free to check it out.

Dazzler: X-Song #1 is an excellent self-contained story centering around the ever-lovable Allison Blaire of the X-Men. The themes are interesting, the characters that are supposed to be likable succeed in being so, and the art looks great.

DC Nation #0 provides three stories that range from dull to genuinely engaging. As I said, the Batman and No Justice stories worked well to get me genuinely excited for their upcoming stories. The Man of Steel prologue was just dull, and it makes me worried for the miniseries. The art holds together well throughout with talent like Clay Mann, Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez, and Jorge Jimenez. Plus, at the low, low price of free on digital and $0.25 in print, its hard to not recommend some genuinely good comic reading, even if its mixed in with some more underwhelming fair. As such, you should definitely pick this one up.

I dont feel great eviscerating a comic like this, but, frankly, it doesnt work on almost any level. The finale to it, without spoiling anything, is a rather manipulative play on readers emotions, and it feels very hollow. The tone is so all over the place that Im not sure what the intent of the comic was. Steer clear of this one. Even if you are a fan of the tabletop game, its still not worth a read.

Dead Life #1 is a disappointing read. The story is competently told and structured well; its just that it follows a strict zombie movie playbook that leaves it quite dull and predictable. Unfortunately, this one doesnt earn a recommendation.

Deadly Class #34 was an intimidating but ultimately rewarding introductory issue for the readers. Without further research, one may not get a solid understanding of the plot, but the recap does help clarify some of it. In any case, I wouldnt recommend this as your first Deadly Class issue, I recommend it to those who follow the series and checking out this title.

Unfortunately, the strong artwork of Neil Adams doesnt make up for how impossible it is to piece the story together. Even if one can interpret something from this reading, it is a shallow tale at best. Despite an appreciation for both Adams and Deadman, I cant recommend this one. Give it a pass.

Death of the Inhumans #1 is a very poorly-handled rending of the Inhumans oeuvre. The characters are slaughtered with little fanfare. There is no build-up or payoff, and its more frustrating than heartbreaking. The art is good, but it doesnt salvage the painfully thin script. Vox looks cool, but thats the best that can be said for this book. Give it a pass.

Death of the Inhumans #2 almost makes up for the cynical massacre that was the first issue. The Inhumans fight back, Black Bolt does his Black Bolt thing, and the art looks great. I can recommend this one pretty strongly. Check it out.

Death or Glory #1 is one of the most exciting and engaging introductory issues to a comic Ive read in some time, rivalled only by the likes Infidel, Exiles, and Terrifics. Rick Remender and Bengal have knocked it out of the park, and I cant recommend this comic enough. Give it a read.

Death or Glory #4 is yet another fantastic issue in this Rick Remender series. The action is insane and gripping, the characters are compelling, and Bengals art is top-notch. This one definitely earns a recommendation. Give it a read.

Deathstroke Annual #1 brings a satisfying and aptly dark conclusion to the Defiance arc. The comic provides more insight into Slades psyche, and the other members of the team make their own dramatic choices. The art team puts in some solid work to boot, and this comic gets a recommendation. Give it a read.

Deathstroke #21 isa genuinely intriguing play by Mr. Priest, and it really leaves me excited and curious about what will happen next. Give this one a read. I have a feeling one of the more interesting early Rebirth stories is about to play out here.

Deathstroke is quickly becoming one of my favorite DC titles. It is interesting, the story is often layered very well, and Deathstroke is one of the more fascinating anti-heroes of either of the Big Two. The Defiance team genuinely has me guessing as to where Deathstroke and legendary writer Christopher Priest are going with this. Give this one a read.