Kelly Gaines Comic Reviews

As for the Assassinistas art style, artist Gilbert Hernandez gives the book a very straightforward look reminiscent of punk rock album covers and 1990's 'zines'. The main question I ask myself when critiquing a comic's art is whether or not the art fits the story, or distract the reader from fully engaging with the text. Hernandez's art fits the gritty flash of Assasinista's style like a custom bullet in an illegally purchased gun (ahem, Octavia). Assassinistas has the potential to appeal to comic fans of multiple genres. It's a read worth checking out.

This whole series has been refreshing, fast-paced, and full of clever twists. Simply put, I'm enjoying the ride. If you haven't read the first 3 issues it'll be difficult to jump in, so I recommend backtracking to #1 and giving the title a shot. Who doesn't love a quirky spy story with complicated parents and even more complicated backstories? It's like a more female-centric Archer, minus the wealth and double the mommy issues. If you're interested, it's not too late to catch up. And if you're not interested, well, you must not be any fun.

Between emotionally poignant artwork and a story that feels straight from the mind of Ursula K. Le Guin, Batman: One Bad Day: Ra's Al Ghul #1 is a stand out Batman book.

Every page was a pleasure to read, and I am fully looking forward to the next installment. Simply put, this book is doing diversity EXTREMELY well. If you enjoyed Assasinistas, High School Hooker Vigilante Witch, or any of the clever, irreverent comics that have been gaining popularity lately, I would recommend trying out Black Crown Quarterly (and picking up issue #1 as well).

DCs Harley Quinn Romances is a pleasant read for fans of Harley Quinn, and any DC fan looking for a low-pressure imaginative ride through the love lives of our favorite characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a wide range of art styles and zany concepts. Some of the follow-throughs could be improved, but all in all, I think Harley herself would get a kick out of these stories.

I genuinely enjoyed reading Eternity Girl. It's a title I know I'll continue to pick up and watch develop.

I'm hooked. I love Eternity Girl thus far, and I'm excited to see what comes next. I can also say wholeheartedly that this book took a turn I did not see coming. I guess I was expecting more of a 'saves a little kid and sees life as worth living' or 'decides revenge is not the way at the last second' sort of thing, and #2 took a HARD left. Bravo, I'm into it. And if there is anyone out there debating whether or not to just erase all of human existence as a favor to us- maybe take a vote first? Maybe don't do that. Please. Sure, life is hard and most of us suck, but there's good in us too. The fact that that's coming from me is another twist I didn't expect this week- so once again, bravo Eternity Girl. This is a fun ride.

#3 brought us closer to the cliff, and I'm hoping #4 pushes us off. I'm not ashamed to say Caroline's nihilistic new creed is magnetic, and I am very excited for the next chapter.

At the risk of wading farther into college term paper territory, there's one more impression from Eternity Girl #4 that I would like to mention. Caroline Sharp/ Chrysalis is a living atomic bomb. Right now, so many of us are afraid of nuclear destruction, of powerful people being pushed too far and the rest of us paying for it. Caroline is dealing with this on an internal level. She's volatile, and her own power can be pushed too far and cause a reaction that thousands of unaffiliated people will pay for dearly. If you were her, in moments of hopelessness, would it look tempting? Would the nightmare start to feel like the solution? What sort of cosmic misfortune, or rhythm breaking, would allow anyone being to have that kind of power?

Eternity Girl is a title that uses the medium of comics to it's fullest extent. The story, dialog, and character development flow seamlessly through stunning artwork.

Paz is in tune (whether she wants to be or not) with the call of those in need of justice, and though the issue did feel a little short, I'm invested in seeing where that call takes her. If you're looking to spread your comic wings and find a different sort of superhero, a fan of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, or a fan of Jon Morris and his 'Regrettable' hero and villain books, Fantomah #4 is definitely worth a look.

A little complex but worth a look (especially if you love cool costumes).

Despite the book's shortcomings, Harley Quinn Be Careful What You Wish For is visually a good time. As a personal fan of Amanda Conner (yes, the same Amanda Conner that co-wrote the book), I am never disappointed with her artwork. Harley Quinn has never looked so close to bursting with life than she does when drawn by Amanda Conner. Overall, I'd recommend this special for fans of fun, quick reads- and any diehard fan of Harley Quinn.

Hollow Monsters #1 is complex, ambitious, and just over my head. It's written by someone who loves comics as a medium and is willing to take risks and experiment with the boundaries. I respect that, difficult as it may be to understand. So far, I would only recommend this title to seasoned indie comic fans. I would have preferred reading It over another time or two before seeing what the writer had to say (and I've done my best to keep from mentioning what he said here as it feels like a spoiler). I intend to follow this title a bit further and see what can be fleshed out down the line. I don't know who The Hollow Man is, or what he has to do with Jay, but I'm up for finding out.

The crazy Sci-fi vibe is definitely worth the journey, but mind the gap between the first and second story.

This issue passes, not with flying colors but with colors maybe somewhat rustling in the breeze. Less exposition, less big ideas, more character. Please. I think I speak for a majority of the DC fans in the world when I say stop playing with our hearts.

Mera: Queen of Atlantis is a great addition to DC's current line up. It's a chance to look at Aquaman's mythology through another lens while his story continues to play out simultaneously. Whether or not you're keeping up with Aquaman, give Mera a try. So far it just keeps getting better.

I hope that the good aspects of this title will overcome some of the areas that have started to feel played out. As a stand-alone title or companion piece to Aquaman Rebirth, Mera: Queen of Atlantis has a lot to offer, and I'm still here for it. Plus, how can I turn away without finding out who kidnapped Tula? And for that matter, why Tula took such a dramatic jump to action after a conversation, I'm certain she's had before? I need answers, and I'm glad that I'm still having fun finding them.

Mera has been a painless read thus far. The story is clear and easy to follow even for readers who are not reading the current run of Aquaman. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Mera: Queen of Atlantis is worth the read. There's still time to catch up before the grand finale, and if you've been following Aquaman, this title may be the perfect lead into the next epic battle.

The series was well written and perfectly paced. #6 ends triumphant, but by the final panels, the end feels a little too obvious.

Overall, Cave Carson has a Cybernetic Eye/ Swamp Thing #1 is as fun as the other Milk Wars tie-ins have been. The groundwork for an amazing DC event has been placed carefully and cemented with unpredictable (and sometimes gross) setups for each of the major players. I was not as glued to the page with this issue as I was with the first three, but it is none the less necessary to properly set the stage for what is to come.

The best way I can sum up Milk Wars is to say this: it was one hell of an event. I doubt this will be a universal fan favorite, and for some readers, it might be a complete waste of time. However, if you're a fan of playing with the concept of narrative, or a DC virtuoso, I would recommend giving it a try.

If you'd told me five years ago that Gerard Way is going to be the person to save DC, I would not have believed it for a second. I was never really even a fan of My Chemical Romance, so the idea that their lead singer might take the reins on my favorite comic universe would have been unfathomable. But he did it, he took them, and he's pulling it off magnificently. Milk Wars is going to be a fun ride. For any fan of DC, I consider it a must-read. Forget this whole Doomsday Clock nonsense, take a break from Dark Nights Metal, and pick up some of the Young Animals titles. You'll regret missing out on this hurricane of insanity and milk.

Like most long-time comic fans, big crossover events make me nervous if not somewhat pissed off. They tend to be disappointing money grabs that insert themselves into arcs we were enjoying and demand to be read. Previous prejudice aside, I'm kind of pumped for Milk Wars. This issue pulled me right to the edge of my seat, and come hell or high water I'm just going to have to go along for the ride. So here's to Milk Wars- an event I really want to believe in. And here's to Mother Panic, I hope she gets to say fuck someday.

I won't tell you that you should go out and pick up Shade the Changing Girl/ Wonder Woman #1. If you haven't read much of either character, I would actually advise against it. This is not a good first impression of either. However, if you have been following Shade, the Changing Girl or you're a long-time fan of Wonder Woman, I would absolutely recommend reading this issue. After reading this review, you'll be prepared for the initial blow and able to just appreciate the striking detail that went into making what is essentially anti-Wonder Woman. It's gross. It's creepy. And it's impossibly well done. If this is an omen of what Milk Wars has to offer, I'm excited. It's good to see DC making good on their promise to weird us all out. I'm weirded out, and I feel like I bought a one-way ticket to a week of nightmares and a newly developed aversion to Dustbusters. Well played, DC. Well played.

Whether you're a long-term comic fanatic or new to the fanbase, Mister Miracle is a title to read. It's a special take on a superhero narrative with a unique and carefully crafted tone. I'm willing to bet that someday this book will be on the textbook list for a college course (probably similar to the ones I took) as an example of a literary work that can be deconstructed and analyzed in a dozen significant ways and still have more to offer. I can't stress this enough- READ THIS TITLE. It's a superhero story about love, sacrifice, personal tragedy, and struggling with the dark things that may lurk in your mind. While Mister Miracle is certainly not for the easily triggered, I truly believe there is something in the pages that can speak to everyone.

If you've been following Mister Miracle since #1, you're already familiar with the sheer quality of this series. The story is riveting, heartbreaking, and still violent enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Artist Mitch Gerads manages to convey the world inside Scott's head through the style and coloration of the panels- a feat that takes Tom King's writing to even greater heights. If you know someone on the fence about starting Mister Miracle, or if you yourself have not actually read the title, I would absolutely encourage you to pick it up. This is a title that seems to get better with each issue, and an absolute must-read for any DC fan.

Once again, I encourage any and all comic fans to read this run of Mister Miracle. Give me the unappreciated free time of college and a new Adderall prescription and I could probably write a Master's thesis on the merits of this book. Secretly, I really hope someone out there is.

Mister Miracle is an amazing read. The consistency of both quality design and thought-provoking writing is a gift straight from the comic book gods. I'd call this another strong point for doing limited series. Having twelve issues to tell a story means you have twelve issues to expertly and deliberately craft something amazing. Mister Miracle's team is knocking it out of the park.

Mother Panic, along with most of the other Young Animal titles, will be reaching its conclusion in August of this year. I'm heartbroken, but incredibly thankful for the adventure these talented creative teams have taken us on. Mother Panic has made her way into my top five list of superheroes, and Mother Panic Gotham A.D. #4 did not disappoint. There's an artful balance of complex elements and riveting storytelling keeping the pages of Mother Panic A.D alive. If you checked out after Milk Wars, I sincerely believe you made the wrong call. It's worth reading, if not to simply add an exciting new layer to the mythology of Gotham.

Interesting closing thought: this is the only comic I've ever reviewed that gave me a hard time in figuring out the publishing company. My initial thought was 'screw it, I don't care who published it, it's great,' but I do actually need to list the publisher.

As overplayed as myth and fairytale retellings may feel right now, I'm still a sucker for them. Persephone feels fresh despite being based on a story that's been told for thousands of years. This is about as lighthearted as the Underworld can get, and as beautiful as it can possibly look. I wouldn't call this a story for all comic fans, but if your tastes range closer pastel colored magic than gritty superhero stories, it's certainly worth a read.

is a Goosebumps set up with a Stranger Things delivery but has certainly shown a lot of Polybius Dreams #1potential to be a really fun ride. As of the first issue, I wouldn't deter any readers from giving it a try. Stranger Things is popular for a reason- there's something fun about stepping into the far passed yester-years of the 1980's (which I'm only being semi-sarcastic about because I was born in '94 and I actually missed the 80's), and who doesn't love a good best friend monster hunt? It's worth a shot- if not simply to hold you over until Stranger Things season 3.

I have to admit how relieved I was while reading this new title. The previous Raven arc ( ALSO written by Marv Wolfman) started out promising but seemed to slowly develop into a cliche. I lost interest toward the end of the first volume, which was somehow more disappointing than the entire run being garbage from the start. I was terrified that Wolfman had lost sight of the character, and let her get lost in the shuffle of damaged teen heroes. As a long time Raven fan, the thought was completely unacceptable. Luckily, this #1 has convinced me that Wolfman has stepped back up to the plate refreshed, and I have high hopes for what his Daughter of Darkness will achieve.

If you haven't checked out this run of Raven yet, it's not too late to jump in. Marv Wolfman is writing a superhero story that looks at power in a way we don't get to see very often. Specifically- when do we use power, who do we manipulate with it, and how do we navigate a moral code knowing something more powerful can be right around the corner. This is not a book that will get your adrenaline pumping, and as of #2 I would not call it a page-turner yet, but Raven: Daughter of Darkness has not let me down yet. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

I think it might be time for me to call it with this title. I feel like I've gone back to a cheating ex and got burned again. It's the same exact problem the last title had- Big potential, little payoff. Don't waste your time. You'll have more fun going in circles on a slow merry-go-round.

My impression as of Raven Daughter of Darkness #4 is the same as it's been for a few issues now. There's too much noise and not enough substance. There's so much going on without exploration that the whole thing starts to feel disconnected and uninteresting. I love Raven, and Angela presents a perfect opportunity to explore sides of her we don't often see. I can't say I'm optimistic, but issue #4 was slightly more readable than #3, so maybe there is hope. We'll have to pray to Alice's fairytale god.

The conclusion of #5 makes it look as though all of this will come together in the end, but I'm not interested. The action is flowing, but the story just isn't there.

Rick and Morty comics are typically very funny, but this spin-off relies completely on the humor created by the show and does nothing original to make the comic stand out. I finished my reading with the feeling that I could have just watched the original episode instead.

Zombie apocalypse stories are THE thing, and quickly becoming overplayed and repetitive. Run for Your Lives may not be the last straw for the genre, but it's pretty damn close. It's not a title I see myself looking any further into. Is the title redeemable? Maybe, but I wouldn't bother.

Don't let the bright colors and swirling patterns fool you- Shade the Changing Woman #2 takes Shade's new arc down a darker road than before.

And a quick P.S.- Read Shade the Changing Man, whether you like Shade the Changing Woman or not, it has a similar madness with a different soul- the soul of Rac Shade. It's one of the best comics I've read, and as a companion piece to the Young Animal version, it drives a deep message home.

A well-written comic with uniquely beautiful art and a fun concept. Absolutely worth checking out.

Hookah Girl gives readers a fair picture of what Dabaie's culture means through her own lens. Publishing this comic gives her the space to speak freely about pride, embarrassment, bright moments and harsh conflicts as her own champion. We're gifted this full-bodied image on an interactive plane via the visual diagrams, recipes, and glossary provided throughout. I wouldn't say that every comic fan should read Hookah Girl. The format and subject matter is far off the mainstream path and riddled with hard truths about American Culture (or a lack thereof). The Marvel and DC/ Superhero crowd may not find it to their liking. That being said, Hookah Girl is a comic that could become a favorite of non-comic readers as simply a good piece of art and writing. For those of you who enjoy independent comics, or autobiographical comics like the immensely popular Fun-Home, Hookah Girl is a must read. If you're a comic fan looking to venture out into independent work, Hookah Girl offers a well-done d

Even so, this issue has the potential for niche appeal. The title as a whole, if given the room to develop its humor and flesh out the characters, could become an enjoyable read in the future. The artwork alone is solid enough to warrant some faith. If you enjoy Kevin Smith's Bluntman and Chronic characters you may be just the niche to tune in for some Weed Magic.

The lasso is an interesting choice of gift for a man like Conan. From issue one we have seen his animalistic ability to lie, cheat, and kill when he deems it necessary. The title of "barbarian" is well deserved. I'm interested to see where the lasso takes Conan, and if compelling others, to tell the truth, brings out extra honesty within himself.