L.E.H. Light Comic Reviews

This is a classic story told well. It isn't surprising and the "twist" — oh, Loki is the villian! — isn't. But the characterizations are true and believable. The all-women crew works well and never resorts to stereotyping while also remaining distinctively women, centered in their own paradise. Next issue is the conclusion of this arc, making way for the all-new, all-different A-Force which continues on after the end of BattleWorld. So much to read, so little time.

Overall, this is a great comic series. It has a concise plot arc and the art fits each action perfectly. It is both action packed and emotional. While it is clear that a point about an all-women's team is being made, that is never taken too seriously. Practically every issue has a tongue-in-cheek reference to the woman-centered nature of the island and the plot, always keeping the reader in on the joke. It is accessible, fun, but not frivolous. If you're looking for an on-ramp to comics and the All-New, All-Different Marvel, it doesn't get much better than this.

I love that shot. It is simultaneously the intelligent, rational lawyer Jennifer Walters and the muscle-bound, irrational She-Hulk. This is the kind of juxtaposition that this team can pull together, bringing a million stories into one panel. I expected nothing less. This was a good first issue and if they keep delivering, this will be one of my favorites of the new year.

There's goodness in this comic " punching, kicking, magic-ing, dazzling goodness. Kelly Thompson joins the writing team on this issue as lead writer, with G. Willow Wilson getting the "with" next to her name. Thompson is coming off her success with Jem and the Holograms and Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps. It is hard to tell where she starts and Wilson ends, which is exactly what you want in a collabo of this level.

This issue ends with the set up for the showdown between Singularity and Antimatter. Let's see what revelations remain, and what sacrifices are yet to be made, in this battle to get rid of Antimatter for good.

For this arc though, there's no doubt this creative team is at the top of their game. The action-to-dialog balance was perfect and the emotional tenor was strong. This is pretty much everything you could ask for in a superhero comic. My recommendation is that you should buy two, one for you and one for your best girlfriend.

As expected, Thompson delivers the characterization and female relationships that you're looking for, drawing the team closer together even as they reveal all the secrets they're keeping from each other. This is a fun read that doesn't disappoint. You'd be hard pressed to find a better comic for your money. I recommend you get in on this before the plot gets any deeper, you don't want to miss out.

I love Singularity. Her look, her personality, she's just a pile of joy in every panel she's in. Unfortunately, her compliments don't slow down She-Hulk and the situation gets more and more out of A-Force's control and into The Countess'. The ending is a magnificent cliff-hanger that makes me want to make writer Kelly Thompson my best friend so she'll tell me what happens next.

The central fight of the issue looks fantastic, all Countess teal and Dazzler pink. The artists aligned well to bring the climax with a punch that had me cheering. I can't give you more detail or else I will spoil the hilarity and humanity of the ending, but just know that being up on your 80's pop will greatly deepen your appreciation of the issue.

This issue brings us the art of Paolo Siqueira and Rachelle Rosenberg. Their style is NOTHING at all like Caldwell and teams' from previous issues, and returns to the candy-coated look of Molina. I loved Molina's work on the first arc, and I think that this style will be well suited to fighting giant bugs.

This is a a'ight issue, the art still wins even with the new artist team on board, and it has a few of those moments that make superhero-ing seem like smash-bang-pow-fun. But maybe it is because this is the last issue that I'm left feeling disappointed. I don't know of any other all-women team up that will fill these A-Force shoes.

Abbott is an atmospheric crime drama with a supernatural bend. If any of those words make you happy, then pick this book up for #NCBD.

This comic is witty and biting and on point. This comic is like Twitter without the Trolls and the Trump. It is what I needed this week, and may be what you need next week. If you're a Ms. Marvel fan, or a fan fiction fan of any sort, this needs to be in your collection.

I currently care deeply about a fishing village with a funny name full of odd buck-toothed fishermen and the magic girl who lives with them. DeConnick and squad are going to lead us all over the seven seas and we're gonna go. This isn't the movie Aquaman, all muscle and water and action. This Aquaman is someone else and I'm excited to find out more about him as he rediscovers himself. Get on this arc friends, it is going to be magic.

This issue is tense right up to the last page, from Aquaman's contained frustration to Caille's matching emotions. The faces and pauses continue to tell fascinating stories. The backgrounds are sketchy, but that only makes it feel more like a myth. I can't wait to see how the team weaves all the stories of these gods and goddesses together into Aquaman's. I didn't think it was possible for Arthur Curry to become more iconic, but this arc is definitely driving to that end. Depending on how it goes, will Arthur earn his seat among these fallen gods? Or surpass them?

Summary, the art is fantastic. Huge splash pages of gods and monsters, colors blending and colliding. I scanned through this Aquaman #45 and didn't even read the words at first. Just looked at the pictures. This is an issue worthy of being collected, whether you're a fan or not.

Another strong showing. The crew has built a speedboat of a story, and now it is straight ahead to victory or defeat for Andy and the minor goddesses and gods of the sea.

Looking forward, I'll continue reading as DeConnick and team continue to craft an Aquaman run to remember.

DeConnick's dialog moves easily between snarky inter-character quips and haunting narration. In the end, when the other shoe drops and we get the first hints to how Arthur Curry lost his memory in the first place, the cliffhanger is real, even if you've read previous Aquaman issues. I'm looking forward to how the team stitches this all up. Does Arthur return to his Queen? To the Justice League? This issue feels less like the start of a new arc and more like a natural continuation of the previous one. Just keep reading, there's so much more for DeConnick and team to explore.

In short, this is another strong entry in this Aquaman run, which isn't so much re-writing the canon as it is giving new perspectives and depth to it. The art is lovely, the story compelling. Pick it up.

The artist team has shifted a little since the run began, but the comic remains lovely. Strongly colored, with good shadows and lines. The panels with Wonder Woman are my favorite. She throws some serious attitude here, and I love it.

Bingo Love is a nice romance story that is perfect for teens and up. I read much of it to my kid, and she loved it, and she learned something about how lesbians and queer women were treated in the past, so that's a win all around. For adults, the voiceover may get a little thick in places " there's a ton of exposition covering the years between the major story beats. At some points the dialog feels stilted, like word choices didn't match the person speaking. Even with that, this is a fun, funny LGBTQ graphic novel now out in wide release. It is great that Image saw and decided to support a good thing. I look forward to Franklin's next project.

Pick this comic for Ahmed's tense, sharp writing, and deep character work. Stay for Ward's evocative art and Cowles' masterclass in lettering. All together, the package is shaping up to be one of the best new titles of the year from Marvel.

Black Panther: World of Wakanda has started out delivering on its promise to bring us the rest of the story about Wakanda. It feeds our communal imagination about the country and gives us more characters for our personal fan-fictions. It deserves a spot in your collection.

The energy of the story is starting to drag. This is also the challenge of writing a story the ending of which I already know: you have to give me a reason to stay around for the telling.

From here World of Wakanda continues, but without Roxane Gay, Alitha Martinez, Roberto Poggi, and Rachelle Rosenberg. The next issue will feature Rembert Browne as writer (he's got Grantland and New York Magazine credentials) and Joe Bennett as artist (who drew the original The Crew series back in the day). The story will return Kasper Cole, AKA The White Tiger, to comics, with a new direction and almost certainly more cross-over with the main Black Panther title and The Crew spin-off. In short, it is a great time to be a Black Panther fan. Keep it here to read reviews and commentary on all this goodness.

Despite the slower talky parts in the middle, the book really gets off to a running start, ending with a cliffhanger that has me digging back through Wonder Woman's other adversaries so I am in the know for the next issue. If women-led comics bursting with diverse women characters is your thing, pick this one up. It looks to be a hell of a ride.

By the end of the issue the action does pick back up and we whisked off to another fight. But really, by the time I got there, I was done. There are some fun things going on in this comic — it is all women and there's a strong possibility of some lesbian romance — but it is all just a bit too packaged for my taste, and that package doesn't include any meaningful racial/ethnic inclusivity or variety in the characters. If you're in the market for some skin-deep diversity, this may be for you, but for me, I'll go elsewhere.

What is special about this issue is the way Thompson and team show us the Captain Marvel we already love. If you're looking to get to know Carol before she hits the big screen, this is designed to be the perfect place to start. If you're a fan from the past, come on home. This is our Carol, through and through.

The end of the issue reveals a further complication. Hopefully that's the last thread, so that Thompson and crew can get to weaving this together into a story worth reading. This is a weak issue overall, but one that lays promising ground-work. Sometimes a story stumbles out the door then finds its feet after a few issues. I'm willing to say that's the case here.

6.5 "How many women named Jessica are there on this island" out of 10

Truly, I've been waiting for this kind of showing from the team. It has all come together here in Issue #4 and I'm looking eagerly forward to how Carol gets out of this one with Rogue and the others.

Truly, Captain Marvel is a comic that knows what I want to see. A charismatic woman leader overcoming her own limitations and kicking ass. Now if I could get Monica Rambeau in the next arc, I'd be flying as high as Carol Danvers.

Overall, The War of the Realms tie-in will all be over in another issue. Camero will be back on art, and we can get back to Carol being Carol (maybe with some more new heroes at her side). If you're not reading the rest of The War of the Realms, maybe skip this one and come back around for #8 in July.

After a hand wave, they arrive in Rio. Stephen, in Captain Marvel's body, goes Binary. Carol, in Doctor Strange's body, causes a mutiny of the dead, defeating the Enchantress. Boom. Done. They all go their separate ways and swear to never do that again.

I'm glad we're back with a new plot for Carol. Thompson can show off her creativity and ability to deliver the laughs, the punches, and the hugs in equal measure. This team is only going to get stronger as they dive into what makes Carol tick and build her relationships around her.

9.8 Oh Thank Gods out of 10Note: I'm saving that last .2 rating for when this comic gets even better. Here's the promo trailer, in case you need more convincing.

If you like gangsters, mysteries, stories where women find their power and bad guys use their powers for good, this is the comic for you. Really, pick it up. This is one we'll be raving about for years to come.

One of the tricks of this book is that both of the trails of the plot end up with Juniper's liberation. Juniper in Cason's body is finally being treated well. Juniper's body, with Cason driving, if finally handing out satisfying vengeance. I'm sure the story won't remain this twisted fairy tale for long, let's see where the Simone/Skaggs team takes us next month.

Finally as the issue wraps up, both Juniper and Cason are embracing the new reality in word and deed, while giving only some thought to how to get out of it. So is Juniper now willing to go full hitman and fight off Cruz? Can Cason brave housewife ennui and survive the mall for back to school shopping? Only the next issue will tell.

This is a great comic, and the TV show can be just as good. But first, the final issue is coming. Let's see what #TeamCason and #TeamJuniper get up to? This month, I'm TeamJuniper all the way.

Staggs and Simone have delivered a great, cinematic experience. The trade paperback version is out in a few weeks if you haven't been reading along. Get it. Crosswind made lots of "Best of 2017" lists and this issue shows why.

Currently, however, I'm willing to hold on for the reveal. The worldbuilding is fun and feeds all my fantasy needs. I want to know what happens, why, who gets saved, who doesn't. Also, there's a code in each issue. I love this stuff.

If you can keep up with the time shifts, then this is a great comic to read.

I noted that the flashbacks are "two-tone," and you probably thought I meant black and white. That's because you read boring comic books. These flashbacks are two-tone, blue and livid green, or red and purple. Randolph, Lopez, and Bennett are not here with that basic output. They combine sparkling magical combat with a fist to face street fight in a way you won't see anywhere else. And they can still end here, nailing it with a single side-by-side where the faces say everything.

What Daddy Dales is up to is a deep secret that only he has the details on. And Aaron, as usual is too tied up in his own drama to pay any attention to his father anyway. But Monique, the only person with the perspective to see both of them as people, she puts somethings together. What? I don't know. I guess we'll find out in Excellence #6.

So far I'm cautiously optimistic about Exiles. The artistic team can bring all these pieces together, but can they make them gel into a coherent whole? Or will it get shredded in all the teleporting? Time will tell. For now, the team, both the writer/artists and characters, are promising enough to ride along with for a few issues. Let's see where Blink can take us.

I enjoyed the hell out of this comic. The only thing I can say bad about it is that the villain clearly only exists as an excuse to bring the Marvels together. But really, there's a Peter Parker cameo, so that balances it out. If all of the Marvel Generations titles are this fun, they've got a series-spanning winner on their hands.

Despite some odd artistic choices, this is still a good book. Well, at least I know it'll still be good as long as I know it's still going somewhere.

Back on track, with threatening cliffhangers for all our main characters, Heathen is back as striking and effective as ever.

This is the last issue for which Alterici will be both writer and artist — Ashley Woods is taking over the art on the next few issues. With a style as unique as Alterici' and as integral to the book, I would usually be concerned. However, Woods's work on Niobe: She Is Life is just as atmospheric, so I'll take Aydis' example and have some faith. Besides, Woods' posts to Twitter of her practice sketches are super good.

If you liked Black Bolt, I can totally recommend Invisible Kingdom. It also strongly reminds me of many of Vault Comics' latest releases like Wasted Space. The opening is slow and steady, but this is space adventure and intrigue with a familiar beginning and unlimited possible endings. And the art, atmospheric and immersive, is the perfect visual vehicle.

Laguardia will be a satire and commentary on immigration, anti-"alien" sentiments, and American-ness, among other themes. I wouldn't call it a subtle commentary. As Okorafor says in her letter closing out the issue: "…it's pushback, it's playful shenanigans, it's looking forward, and it's trickster tendencies all rolled up into one narrative. It's metaphor and it's literal." Familiarity with the rest of Okorafor's work will definitely increase your enjoyment but isn't necessary. If on the nose social commentary with your alien sci-fi all mixed with an evocative African vibe is your speed, along with strong Black characters, I can recommend keeping up with Laguardia.

The art is a blend of digital sleek and hand drawn sketchiness, with a muted color palette that switches to all blue/grey at every right moment. So far, the cast is all-white and all-female, but the hints of the plot allow for that to change. This a good start to a comic that has plenty of room to grow. I feel like I've just opened a door and am peeking around the edge to see what's on the other side. I'm walking through. If you're looking for a new fantasy title, you may want to also.

So while the comic itself is visually beautiful and the forces behind all of the secondary characters is clear, the main character feels like an empty space. It is hard to invest in an empty space or be interested in what happens to her. I am curious to see what's on the other side of the magic door, so I'm still reading to see how Ha spins his tale. But as to Mae herself? *shrug*

This was a fun issue, full of action and anticipation of adventure. The imagery is intriging, right down to the costume design of the Cimrterens. I'm glad I stuck with Mae and I'm hopeful that the coming issues will just keep getting better.

Satire is a challenging tone to maintain issue after issue. But with these kinds of one-off parody "magazines" and products, Cain and her team are sure to keep this fresh and chillingly funny.

All together, for a #1, Marauders establishes its premise well, even as it is working on some of the characterizations. The art isn't spectacular, but it is up to the task. We also get a few of the graphic info pages, the fine print of which continues to earn Tom Muller a nomination for an award in my book. I'm not disappointed in picking this one up and look forward to where the mutant pirates of Krakoa set sail next.

To answer my own opening question: Does it work? Not really. There isn't a lot of reasoning or character development to hang the action on in this issue. At some point, these pirates will need a deeper reason to do what they do beyond "Emma told me so" or "I'm with Kate" if this adventure is going to make the cut.

I recommend approaching this anthology, and ones like it, as a collection of flash fiction " most aren't full stories, they are snapshots of moments in the lives of these characters. Some are built just on one line that a particular writer has always wanted their favorite character to say. Some are introductions to lesser known personalities. Altogether, this is necessarily a messy, unfocused anthology. Flip through the pages and you'll find a story you'll like. This isn't a must-have collection, unless that Wakanda Barbershop cover is your jam.

The art is a work in progress. At times, the perspective is skewed even for a genre famous for improbable perspectives. At all times, however, Mockingbird looks badass, physically strong, socially confident, intellectually curious. This is a woman who's been in the shit, but never on her own, with her own plot and direction. Now here she is. Let's see how this puzzle box unfolds.

The art from Niemczyk and Rosenberg keeps up well, maintaining the classic super spy aesthetic while also introducing great color and emotion. There are a few odd visual moments, but none enough to ruin the overall fun of this comic. I'm now very intrigued by the challenge here " for Cain to maintain and interlock the plot of each individual issue with the start is one thing, but to maintain and interlock the art, clothes, and all the other little details that make a flashback believable " I'm excited to see the artistic team pull it off.

The issue wraps up with success, but doesn't move us any closer to solving the puzzle box of the overall plot. So we wait for next month. Rumor has it that Civil War II will impact Bobbi too. I for one look forward to it.

I'm going to spend time this long weekend re-reading the previous issues and getting the events aligned so I'm ready for whatever surprises there are in the next issue. Is Mockingbird now a superhero? Or just a scientist with a strange relationship to ping pong balls? We'll find out!

One thing you have to say about this comic beginning to end, is that it is an action comic. Whether it is Hellfire Club members, teenaged girls, or science-terrorists, Bobbi knocks them all out with grace and skill and not one bit of remorse. It is fantastic to read.

In the end, what started as a "get the dirt on Hawkeye" mission turns into a much bigger mystery. Just as the boat sails into the Bermuda Triangle. The set up is clear, now let's watch while Bobbi goes full Miss Marple and cracks this one.

The wrap-up here is in keeping with the rest of the run " funny, sassy, Chardonnay-soaked, and corgi-filled. I enjoyed this comic so much and frankly I'm surprised and impressed that it came from one of the Big Two. If you can get your hands on the back issues, do so and see for yourself what a mainstream comic can be. You can read all our Mockingbird reviews here.

The colors are muted, with the people boldly outlined. Faces are well drawn and distinctive. Also, there is more than one Black character! What? Black people in the renaissance? Love it.

There's definitely more to the gentrifying company than at first meets the eye and it is clear that Kamala's going to be drawn in. But can she save the neighborhood and get back her not-a-boyfriend Bruno at the same time?

With Mike's help, Ms. Marvel settles the matter at hand but that doesn't let her off the hook with her fans, who expected who knows what from their idealized Internet folk hero. So while this intro hook is wrapped up, the outlines and themes of this series are becoming clear: what does a hero owe to her fans? Her community? How does she maintain her balance between her public and private lives? What do you do with the new girlfriend of your old crush? What is kombucha anyway? Whatever the answers, Ms. Marvel and her friends (and Wilson and the art team) will keep bringing their best.

And now I want to know how it ends. Not because I doubt that Kamala will defeat her own doubles, of course she will. I want to know how she satisfies the need to have them in the first place. What does she give up? Who does she finally have an honest conversation with? What is she going to wear to her brother's wedding?

It is a fun setting full of sight gags in the backgrounds of the panels that will have you doing double takes. They definitely let Alphona do whatever he wanted with this art and it is glorious in its chaotic creativity.

It is all bad, but feeling manageable, until all of a sudden, it is altogether not manageable. What's Kamala going to do now? What do you mean I have to wait a month to find out?!

Wilson and crew have perfected the short stories within a larger story framework of comic book story telling. This comic is nothing if not consistent in both quality and appearance. It is reliably good. In a world with new comics on offer every week, it is great to have a few of these reliable stories to come back to.

This issue is short on action, and answers, but this is only part 2 of 4, there's so much more to come.

Now everything is set for a final issue in the arc, which I'm sure Kamala will survive through a combination of embiggening and heart. But more heart than anything else. This comic just continues to win and make me feel good doing it.

Miyazawa and Herring's art style together is unique and has become synonymous with the feeling and joy of Ms. Marvel. The dialog stays funny and reference filled, while still delivering the moral you'd expect: every now and then, it pays to just be nice. Not because you always win, but because you have to fight cruelty when you see it. It is a great message in a time when comics about superheroes who are genuinely super seem in short supply.

Speaking of Wakanda and Black Panther, yes he does make an appearance, overseeing the real reveal of the issue: wrapped up within their attitudes and their tech, the people of Wakanda have grown attached to their weird American. So Bruno's going to stay a while. Maybe we'll keep getting these glimpses of his life as interludes between Kamala's arcs. Maybe we're seeing a new super genius teen team-up develop in Bruno and Kwezi. Either way, you'll enjoy this stand-alone issue for Ms. Marvel. There's no previous knowledge about Wakanda required. Just sit back and let Wilson do what she does best — tell a perfect tale in under 32 pages.

The set up is solid, the emotional tension high, the art top of the charts. This plot is ready to roll!

Lockdown and Discord are such great villains, perfectly suited to Kamala's fighting style and a great reflection of the ills that plague us, the conviction that we know best how to make the world a better place — to hell with the people who live in that world. Also, they have perfect names. And Becky's little freckled face… so punchable. By the end of the issue, Kamala is right where the bad guys want her, trapped between giving her self up to save her family and doing the right thing. Next issue, she figured out a solution. Let's see what it is.

Hold up, Red Dagger was in Karachi, so was Kareem, HEY! Yep, it is like that. Teen superhero team-up! This is gonna be fun.

Kamala is deep in her teenage angst in this issue, making for a downtempo tale over all. This is shaping up to be a slightly different kind of arc — the villain here isn't an exterior enemy, it is Kamala's own self-doubt. But really, isn't finding her best self usually the fight that Kamala to win in order to be Ms. Marvel the superhero? Once she's dug in on her interior issue, and bested her personal demon, the solution to the exterior issue always presents itself. Well this time around, what's that solution? How does she defeat this demon?

As the mystery gets dangerous, Ms. Marvel's Friends (does this super group have a name? They need a name, G. Willow.) hook up with a perfect ally, tighten their scarves, and get ready to scrap. But is the villain who we think they are?

This remains a light-hearted, sincere, touching comic that encourages all of us to do our best and be our own hero. There's no better message than that.

As the folks with the big hats keep making changes to the different series, they'd do well to keep their hands off G. Willow and squad. This is a team that is doing just fine churning out the hits.

This 2-issue arc touched on a sensitive subject for some " teen romantic love and kissing " but did so with the usual combination of tenderness, honesty, and joy. No matter how you feel, having someone to talk to about those feelings is key. A friend, an auntie, a minister, whoever. This weekend, every comic nerd I talked to, regardless of age or gender or fandom, said they read Ms. Marvel first on Wednesdays. Arcs like this are why.

You're already a fan, you know all this. And if you're not a fan, if this is the first Ms. Marvel comic, welcome to the club. As good as this special issue is, the rest of the series is just as entertaining.

The metaphors that are possible for Kamala's "lack of control" here are many. Are we talking about growing older; or is it related to Bruno's return? There's also the science angle — the WHY of the thing — that has opportunity for a variety of special guests. All we can say is that the team of Wilson and Leon continues to put out a fun, accessible comic for all ages, races, and creeds. If you've been thinking of joining the Ms. Marvel fandom, here's your access point.8 wet sneakers out of 10

Part 2 of The Ratio is nearing the peak, with the complications coming fast and furious. But Kamala and Bruno, deep back in his sidekick job, are up for the challenge. The only question is, how zany will this get before the solution presents itself?

In The Deadlands, Logan meets another old friend and they team up for some classic zombie killing fun (not going to spoil that surprise!). I do enjoy Bendis' characterizations, each person is so distinct in accent, word choice, pacing — if you're writing dialog, this is how it should be done. In the end though, The Deadlands isn't where Logan is supposed to meet his Doom (hee hee. Sorry, couldn't resist that pun) and he again finds himself thrown into another realm. With this landing, I know we're getting somewhere: Logan lands in Manhattan which is where the roads in many of the other Secret Wars titles end. There's a convergence coming, and it is going to be good.

And that's my final critique of this issue: nothing seems to happen. Logan lands. Emma explains. There's an implied or suggested ending to the Secret Wars event, then Logan is dropped back into a world just like ours, off to do"whatever it is Logan does. After being taken on a tour of so many domains, to imply an ending without giving me one is anti-climactic and leaves me feeling like this was all a set-up to get me to read the main Secret Wars title " Which I'm doing any way. I'm unsatisfied and Emma Frost, well-written angst, and beautiful art can't quite make up for that.

There's no doubt that Raven has collected a surprisingly capable crew that is entertaining to follow even when she's not on the scene. Now to see what they can do when faced with their first real test in Free Woman's Castle.

The art in this issue is generally good but without the real standout scenes of the last issue. The color is a little muddy for my tastes. Characterization remains the highpoint, with each pirate having a unique face, range of expressions, and style of dress.

This issue is a real change of pace from previous issues — a fact that is both good and surprising. After the climax of meeting the key villains of the story, it is time for the characters and the plot to step back and redirect to the next arc. Don't worry, there's still plenty of swashbuckling and a good side of character development for the supporting cast. But there's also romance and angst, both of which have been bubbling under the surface in the triangle of Raven, Sunshine, and Ximena. These serious adult emotions are well handled by Whitley and an artist crew that just keeps growing.

Overall, this is a solid, if not amazing, issue. It didn't feel like it was just passing time, but there is a sense that we're building up to something on the same level as the battle for Palisades. We just aren't there yet, so in the meantime, we get to enjoy the ride.

If I'm keeping it a-hundred, the plots haven't been as tight since Roc Upchurch had his run in with the law and left (was booted from) the series. I've given it a fair chance and the comic hasn't been the same. The art and story don't inform each other in the same way. I'm trying to be patient for Weibe and Fowler to develop that same rapport but it doesn't seem to be happening, leaving the plot wandering from character to character. I know the resolution is coming, and I'm hopeful that it will be as big as the last climax. But I picked up this comic because of the combination of the female characters and their aggressive, Gods-be-Damned, fantasy RPG hero ways. One without the other is just leaving me as limp as, well as limp as any Gary.

This is an emotional issue, filled with meaty, dramatic dialog and a couple of good fight scenes. In that way it is closer to what I like in my Rat Queens comics. Vi and Betty still get shorted on their time, but the time they do have expands their characters and plays the foil well for Dee and Hannah. I have no doubt the Queens will get back together by the end of the next issue, promised for next month, this all feels too formulaic for them not to. Maybe as the plot bends to make that happen it will continue to improve, bringing us back to the stronger issues of the first run.

The issue ends with a cliffhanger, of course, but one that could, if necessary only imply that the Queens are up to their old tricks. Their personalities are intact with sharp, funny lines. Their style reset has been completed, with a brighter color palette and more nudity. The team has been juggled just enough to give us something to speculate about. I do hope they all come back. As much as I disliked the last issues, the Rat Queens are still my girls and I don't want them to go. In the meantime, I'll be looking for a new dungeon crawl of a comic to enjoy. Recommendations anyone?

Should you pick it up? Yeah. If you have lingering issues about the team, I can understand that. But if you were a fan of Rat Queens before, there's plenty here to like. The team is coming together and the plot is developing nicely. The whole thing is snarky as all hell. I was excited to see this new opening and I remain optimistic about the future of the team. Fuck yeah, Rat Queens!

The other thing I do really like in this issue is that the Queens are shown in a relaxed, bar hopping mode, and they are all very feminine and sexy. Well as stereotypically feminine as one can be while puking in a cemetery. There's no contradiction in these women being monster-slayers and also wearing pink lace (Braga looks particularly adorable). It is great to see this all male writer/artist team continuing to be committed to not stereotyping these characters.

By the end of the issue, things seem to back on track, with the return of an old nemesis, but the trip there isn't really worth it. This comic is *talky*. And *emotional*. And *low on action*. And the funny beats are all in the hands of someone other than Hannah, Violet, Betty, and the increasingly silent Dee. The whole issue feels like it doesn't quite fit with the rest of the series. Maybe it is set up for the next big thing? I hope so.

My romantic heart wants to give Sleepless a 10 out of 10 because there's no way in hell I'm not reading the rest of this series. It literally hits all of my nerd boxes. But my critic's soul says this isn't a perfect comic. The pace is measured a bit too slowly and some of the panels of action suffer from perspective issues. But the details are right on and as more is revealed, I hope the slow pace will become a building intrigue and tension. This is a first issue with plenty of promise, if you like historical fantasy, romance and intrigue, this is a good #1 to try.

The tourney winds down predictably, with Poppy and Rellen's rivalry getting more intense as Cyrenic shows why he gets so much respect. Watching Cyrenic do his battles while Poppy does hers is a great juxtaposition. We're still waiting for so much from this comic: the romance to blossom, the plot to be revealed, Poppy to come into her own. It is unfolding. The trip is going so well in Sleepless you won't mind taking your time with it.

Sleepless #5 continues to weave a unique magic system, multiple cultures, and the slow burn passion of a royal and her bodyguard into an engaging comic. I read each issue as soon as it hits my hard drive and can't wait for the next one. This is a recommended read, for sure.

If you're looking for something dazzlingly new, this may not be up your alley, but if you are a fan of quick, bite-sized action with a boatload of inclusivity, I'd give these a read. I'm certainly going to see where this story goes.

If you really dig character development, carefully crafted storytelling, and something that breaks from the clich superhero mold"look elsewhere.

If you like your comics complicated, unresolved, or edgy, this isn't it. If you're here for the fun, buy The Unstoppable Wasp. If you know a pre-teen girl who's interested in comics but doesn't know where to start, buy her a subscription. When she becomes a theoretical physicist, you can take a little slice of the credit.

The action and dialogue continue to be fun and friendly, I'm on board to see what G.I.R.L comes up with.

Ayala and team have put together a tempting first issue, one that is full of hints and threats with no safe places. The characterization is strong even if the ground is well-trod. Note: This is an adult comic, there are some panels that would earn this an R rating if it were a movie. If your interest is WoC protagonists, dystopian futures, and surprises, this is a good indie comic to pick up.

This issue sets up the arc solidly and tells us we're going to get here exactly what we're looking for: superhero action with the iconic Wonder Woman, written by one of the best in the business and backed up with fantastic imagery. Get on board, Wonder Woman fans and G. Willow Wilson fans alike, this looks to be a good one.

This is solid set up, and solid plot set up leads to great story telling. On we go!

The mythic beasts are officially my favorite part of the comic. They aren't quite comic relief, but they are flawed, and at odds with each other in an interesting way. Through them, I get a strong sense that nothing here is what it seems. That's a lesson that comes up often in comics, but that doesn't seem to have yet occurred to Diana. We'll see if she catches on next issue.

The issue ends on one more reveal, but it isn't all that surprising. Overall, this plot feels meandering and repetitive as Diana meets yet more Greek gods. Each conversation is a chance for her again to doubt herself, but only in the abstract — "What do I mean" is given more weight than "What am I doing?". I wish there was more of the latter and less of the former. For right now, this comic is a pile of questions and symbols embodied by perfect, white Gods. I keep reading to find out the answers, but there isn't a strong emotional investment to keep the forward momentum. For symbols to be effective, they have to connect to reality. I'm still waiting for that connection.

In the end, there is plenty more thinking and talking about justice and other big ideas, all wrapping up with a terribly modern feeling: there is no end to War, there is only sometimes an end to fighting. As endings go, it is a solid landing, planting Wilson's Wonder Woman squarely for take-off to her next adventure. Overall, reception for this arc has been lukewarm (not just me!). I'm hopeful, however, that now that the awkward start is complete, Wilson and team can really take Diana into new places and continue to build her legend. There's a lot of promise in this team-up of Wilson and Wonder Woman that hasn't yet been realized. Maybe next month! Always, in comics, there's next month.

This is solid escapist entertainment and while it won't blow you away, it'll be fun. For keeping score at home, kill counter to see who kills more people by the end of it, Wonder Woman or Conan.

After a turn in the arena, our duo gets themselves exiled to a pirate ship? Fishing boat? Both? A situation from which they escape by going overboard. But does Wonder Woman fight a shark? Nope. Next issue, Wonder Woman better punch those sharks.

I wouldn't consider this a ramp for a new reader " you still have to know who all these people are in advance to follow along. And it isn't properly part of any of the previous series. I almost feel like it is unfair to give this one-shot a rating, as it isn't so much a story, or even a pilot, as it is a tool designed to get other vehicles off the ground. It is a booster rocket. And only seeing the success, or failure, of the actual spacecraft will tell if it is a good one.

This is a on-ramp issue for what will probably be an on-ramp story arc. You know these characters and their powers, but maybe you've never had the guts to take the plunge and read a comic with decades of history. Believe me, I feel your pain. This issue is for you. If you've been wanting to start reading X-Men, buy this comic and jump into the deep end of the pool. If you've been reading all along, this is more of the same.

This comic is setting up nicely to be a solid superhero team book, with just enough super-powered action to keep it humming along. Let's see if it can manage to stay out of the drama swirling around much of the Marvel line.

This is a fine comic that is a good fit for fans of traditional superhero-ing and for new readers. For readers who've been ripping through more edgy superhero fare from indie publishers, stuff with more twists and complications, this may all be a bit tame. Is the market large enough for both? Time will tell.

Issue #5 of X-Men Gold starts off throwing punches and it barely slows down for the whole comic. The art and colors are quite good and the story definitely keeps upping the stakes. Once Kitty and Rachel have something to do, it'll really take off.

This comic isn't exactly action packed, but the meditation on responsibility, and indeed parenthood, combined with the fascinating discovery of the world, makes up for that.