Keigen Rea Comic Reviews

A Guest in the House isn't just one of the best comics this year; it's one I'll be thinking about long after 2023. It's the kind of comic that's thankfully becoming less rare, but is still refreshing, especially amidst the male-dominated world of direct market comics. It certainly makes for a wonderful addition to the "women's wrongs section of my collection.

Second issues are hard, and this issue had more of an uphill battle because of the series' stellar debut. Worth reading if you enjoyed the first issue, and I'm still excited and confident that the rest of the series will deliver.

This comic isn't just for fans of Angel or Buffy, but for everyone who likes good comics. It has unique art, and is approachable without being too slow or exposition heavy. If you're a fan of the Buffyverse this feels like a great place to get more of it.

In all, The Autumnal #1 is an issue thats highly elevated by the craft on display, but the story isnt something that really engaged me. It feels like it could be the opening chapter of a great trade, but it also feels like it could disappoint if it continues to lean on familiar horror ideas.

A fun issue of a fun series thats held back by its handling of its protagonists disability. The future of the series may allow for some recovery, but it hurts much of my enjoyment of this particular comic.

Bang! #5 is a fun finale to a fun arc. The execution is superb, even while Im not sure the mystery at the heart is really driving me along. This spy Avengers book is good fun, if nothing else.

There are far worse first issues than this one, and its competently well-made in every way but the story. Tonal inconsistencies and derivative characters hold this back from being great, but future issues may correct those issues.

'Call of the Night' is a fun, funny, and accessible manga about a vampire, insomnia, and love. I had a great time with this volume and I think I'll keep reading!

Captain Carter #1 is a debut issue that knows what to focus on while also delivering everything a superhero comic is supposed to deliver. A take on a Captain that feels well balanced between political symbol and character.

This series is heating up! Hop on now, because it's worth it for the excellent art alone.

The conclusion to this opening arc is good, if a bit overstuffed. The promise the last page makes is more than enough for me, though, and I'm excited for more!

I was surprised that this comic worked as well as it does for me, and Im happy about that as well! If The Leftovers+Purge+zombies sounds like a good time, pick this book up.

As much as I thought the plot was alright, the art was always the reason to pick Defenders #1 up. This might have been a slow opening, but I'm wildly excited for the rest of whatever this story ends up being.

If you're behind, catch up; if you aren't reading, pick up the trades. This issue is a highlight in a week full of highlights, and it's about as recommendable as any comic running.

One of my favorite comics of the year concludes an absolute monster of an arc. Trades out next month if thats how you read, but if not, youre gonna love this one.

This issue continues the streak of near perfection that Far Sector operates in. It's interesting, prescient, and cooler than any other comic you could buy right now.

'Far Sector' #9 is a continuation of everything good about the series. Worth the wait, and brilliant in art means story.

The worst issue of 'Far Sector' is still much better than most comics. This one is just a bit too focused on thing things up for the ending, which is necessary, but less fun that the rest of the series. Will work much better without a two-month gap between issues!

This is easily one of my favorite issues of 'Future State', if not my actual favorite, and has set me up to enjoy issue #2 even more.

This comic was fine. It had mostly above-average art with some hiccups, and a mostly forgettable story with a fun twist on a classic relationship.

This is a confusing mess of a comic that maybe accidentally says something great and I'm fascinated by it.

This is an average comic. I like some of what it does with Superman, but it ain't new by any means. Hopefully it uses its extra issue well by the end.

This issue is good, and I think Ill enjoy it more with the coming issues. Its full of heart, and a relative rarity in the direct market. As such I plan on cherishing this series.

Despite the crime genre being a crowded field, The Hellbound is able to stand out, not just through its supernatural concept, but through great execution throughout.

Add another book to the list of DC's YA successes! 'House of El Book One' delivers a strong and unique story in the crowded superhero genre.

This comic makes me want to eat mushrooms and also not ever eat meat again. It's awful, horrifying, and incredible. Read it.

This is a great comic in many ways, and I'm excited to follow up on it, but it does little to make me feel that I need to to so urgently. Still, this is a strong horror comic in a year of strong horror comics.

This issue has me more on board than the first issue did, and Im fully intending to read the next one, but I am a tentative about where the series is going. If you like pretty horses or westerns focused on social progress, Id recommend this.

This is a book that I enjoyed as much as possible, and maybe would have enjoyed more if I had read the rest of the series? And it's getting me to do that. So...

Coming out of nowhere, The Kaiju Score #1 is one of the most fun and delightful first issues this year. Check it out if you like heist stories or being happy.

This is an approachable and fun comic, that feels perfect for everyone who's hyped for swords right now.

This is still on track to be my favorite comic of the year, with an issue where Jen Hickman gets to shine.

Sensual, surreal, haunting, this issue is a highlight of a series that was a highlight of my year. Horror comics are becoming more popular and good and 'Lonely Receiver' belongs right at the top.

So much of 'Lonesome Days, Savage Nights' feels like a missed opportunity, and it mostly lies with sticking too close to stories it shares a genre with.

I tried to give this comic a 10 but my IPad made fart noises and I heard my neighbors laughing at me. Hard. Ludocrats enjoy ass kissing, but not that kind.

Ludocrats #3 doesn't feel like a story that festered and fermented for a decade or two (even though it kind of did), it feels like a collaboration, not just between creators, but characters. The characters have agency and use it to be as big and ridiculous and as terrible as possible, and it is so. Much. Fun.

The Ludocrats #4 is my favorite issue of a series that will likely end up being one of my favorites this year. Very excited to see what the finale has in store.

Ludocrats ends its life as a monthly comic, but will be immortalized in my heart and on my shelf soon enough. I'm not sure I'm it's biggest fan, but I am 6'4" and 215 pounds, so I might be competitive!

Mega Man: Fully Charged #1 has great pacing and art, but leans pretty heavily on common superhero tropes. Despite that, its still fun and energetic, and Im excited for the next issue.

Im not ready to write Miskatonic off completely yet, but this first issue isnt among my favorite debuts of the year. Give this a go if youre really into Lovecraft and X-Files and not into critiquing those things (yet).

Read this. No Ones Rose should be the crossover hit of 2020, not only because of its combination of notable pieces, but because the execution of it all is top shelf.

This is a dense issue that is very close to being overfull, but the team as a whole pulled off another great issue. It also has a hairy chested piece of man beef on the last page. In other words, this comic is worth the $3.99.

I love this series, and Im onboard even if they keep adding more volumes as they go,but it it isnt something that I would give a blanket recommendation to. Give it a go if you enjoy formalism, non-traditional story structure, or beautiful design, provided youve also read book I.

It's a showcase for one of comic's best artists in Elsa Charretier, and a place for everyone else to work hard to match her.

Still a great series, this is simply an issue where little of substance happens, and/or I dont know enough about Beowulf to get excited. The art shines, especially the colors.

A disappointing issue of 'Paklis' is still among my favorite comics of the year. Weaver is a master at work, and I'm here for every page.

The penultimate issue of this arc delivers a meaty story and beautiful craft, along with perfectly setting up the arc finale. If youve been on the fence about the series, consider this your chance to catch up!

This issue is fine, but I was hoping for a newer perspective on Jason Todd. Hopefully future issues will do so.

Sex Criminals #30 holds the weight of the previous 29 issues, and on one hand does it well, and on another disappoints. The fact that this isnt the actual finale is a sneaky strength, and sets up issue 69 by tidying up the series plot.

Sex Criminals was already going to be one of my favorite series ever, but a finale this good that feels designed for me makes my argument much stronger, at least to myself. Pick it up without hesitation if youve read the other 31 issues.

Something is Killing the Children #8 is able to deliver a creepy, funny, and engaging issue while mostly consisting of characters talking to each other. You shouldn't be missing one of the best monthly horror comics!

This is good Star Wars, and more importantly, a great comic. The High Republic era is off to a wonderful start.

The High Republic era continues to click along, with Star Wars - The High Republic Adventures #1 being a less spectacular debut, but one that was still very enjoyable. Now please give me a clear timeline!

This comic feels designed for everyone to enjoy it, and I think everyone will. Its extra-sized for the same cost as the average comic, and it is extremely worth it. Jump on now and dont regret it.

An issue that does a lot of necessary set up, while still setting up the mysteries of the series, but is able to escape being dull by the creative teams endless creativity. Keep up with one of this years best new series!

Stillwater #3 maintains the pace of the previous one, opting to spend its time fleshing out the town. Not the strongest issue so far, but still worth checking out.

As long as this book is being published Ill be reading it, and hopefully Ill be reviewing it too! If you arent reading monthly, start searching solicits for the first trade, because this is a series I highly recommend!

The situation in Stillwater has for some time been a powder kegand after Stillwater #5, it is now ashes that used to be a powder keg. This is yet another solid issue of one of my favorite series, a big comic for this week.

On one hand, I liked the issue's story fine. On the other, it fell short as a follow-up to issue 5. The wait til May's issue 7 will be perfectly bearable.

As good as your favorite meal. Friendship, coming of age, food, everything a story needs to be great.

This is a comic that's informative without being boring. It is only the first chapter of a series, but it still delivers a complete part of the narrative. If you've been waiting to dive into one of these collaborator's books, now is the time!

A love letter to everything sci-fi from Star Wars to Warhammer 40K. It's the kind of thoughtful action/sci-fi story that doesn't lose track of its genres, but still manages to be about something.

I enjoyed the craft more than the story in The Silver Coin #1, though the story wasn't bad by any means. I'm on board for at least the next issue, although I should note that there is plenty of room to disappoint"which almost feels like a fun part of this series' format.

No other word, or rating, would better encapsulate this comic than 'Fantastic'. Superb by any definition. One of the best comics of the year.

A unique and special book that feels like a steal at three dollars. The quality of the physical book is only matched by the quality of storytelling. Don't miss it!

This issue is plot heavy in a genre that is incredibly well tread. If you like Giant Days, this feels exactly like an average issue of that, but lacking much of the uniqueness of that beloved series.

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is about losing your way of life and finding a new one. It's about using your abilities to help others for their betterment. I love this comic, and it's themes will stick with me for some time.

This is a delightful comic that has me excited for more X-Ray Robot. If you like The Allreds, this is a book for you!