Lillian Hochwender Comic Reviews

At its finest, Adler is a delightful, progressive penny dreadful that reminds readers of its Victorian inspirations. Yet, the unbalanced narrative and facial monotony may make you wish youd read Sherlock Holmes, Carmilla,or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen instead. Hopefully, Adler will come into its own with time. For now, Adlers biggest mystery is what anyone should expect from it.

Funny and fast-paced, Ant-Man #1 may be small but it still packs a punch.

Ant Man #2 continues a full-throttle, f-ant-astic, cant miss adventure. Filled with laughs and thrills, its largest flaw is how quickly its going to be over.

Ant Man #3 is so far the runs weakest issue narratively, but the art remains first rate. With larger threats around every corner, hopefully the next issue will be a return to form.

Ant-Man #4 may be stuck on the web, but its as vibr-ant and ant-ertaining as ever.

Ant-Man #5 is a larger-than-life finish to a playful and striking miniseries. Not as comedic as its first issue, or emotionally hefty as its fourth (R.I.P. Pam), its nonetheless a satisfying, fast-paced page-turner.

Arkham City: The Order of the World #1 is ambitious and visually arresting. Looking through the eyes of Arkhams former inmates, it also accentuates the ways both reality & fiction often fail mentally ill people.

Arkham City: The Order of the World #4 (@DanPGWatters, DaNi, @Dragonmnky @adityab) continues to be a sympathetic, visually arresting look into the world of Arkhams former occupants.

Arkham City: The Order of the World #6 ends the series as it began: visually arresting, terrifying, and refreshingly compassionate to vulnerable people that society forgot.

A heart-wrenching story in a slick and stylish package, Batman: Catwoman: One Bad Day is surely an instant Catwoman classic.

In Big Girls #1, 300-foot-tall Ember fights against the patriarchy-as-kaiju. Yet, Howards bioessentialist metaphor is battling itself, as is his striking yet simultaneously underwhelming art. One can only hope Big Girls comes into its own with time.

Blacksad: They All Fall Down, Part Oneis a gorgeous, twisting page-turner that invites us to peek into New Yorks past through a pair of shattered rose-colored glasses.

Cat Fight #1 is a heist thriller that dazzles and delights before leaving us to breathlessly wonder where its taking us next.

The Chilling Adventures of Salem is equal parts skilfully crafted and charmingly cheesy. If youre searching for a horror comic to help you start the Halloween season off right, you cant go wrong with this.

The Nine Lives of Salem is a nostalgic revisitation with all the charm, chills, and thrills of its predecessor.

In its eleventh issue, Crowded continues to be a masterclass in space. Never has a silo felt so small. With less running to do, Crowded becomes somehow even more claustrophobic and even more character-driven. Everything gets worse but the story only gets better.

Crowded #12 is a flawlessly executed finale of an exceptional second arc. Its a mystery where everyones favorite queer rom-com near-future thriller is taking us, but it cant arrive soon enough.

"Be Gay, Do Crime" is a fun, stylish story confronting systemic injustice. Yet, while the comic introduces a new queer character alongside Pied Piper, that characters queer identity remains strangely out of frame.

Its A Horrible Life! is a darkly comical take on a Christmas classic. All of its jokes dont land, but its fun while it lasts: great if you want more Harley Quinn and less seasonal schmaltz.

Defenders: Beyond invites us on a journey outside the bounds of reality. Visually surreal and narratively inventive, its creators push the boundaries of the medium and remind us what wonders comics are capable of.

This comic remains a visual feast thats just as technically masterful as it is engaging. Its sure to leave you wanting more.

Mythic and magnetic, Defenders: Beyond #5 is a sentimental farewell to one of the decades best comics yet.

Die #15 isn't only vibrant and violent but vital. Cathartic. Die begs us to run away, yet forces us to rethink our very act escapism and to confront the confinement and mortality we'd hoped to leave behind.

DIE #16 is a breathtaking and bloodcurdling plunge into a new genre. As always, DIE is a compelling read and its world remains with you long after youve left it.

DIE #19 is a beautiful and poignant exploration of finding and accepting queerness through RPGs. With its stunning visuals and gripping narrative, its a shame the journey is ending soon.

As with all things, DIE has come to its end. DIE #20 is a satisfying conclusion and bittersweet farewell to a masterful piece of storytelling.

DIE: Loaded #1 is a contemplative and dazzling meditation on parenthood, creation, and mortality from one of comics dream teams.

DIE: Loaded #2 offers readers a visually striking meditation on art and the people who make it. It also strongly implies Stephanie Hans is an art goddess, and who am I to disagree?

It also reminds us why we’re drawn to games in the first place: because they’re good fun. And so is DIE: Loaded.

Hedrais a beautifully rendered, retrofuturistic tale that reminds readers that there is always hope even in the grimmest of circumstances.

Immortal Thor #1 embraces everything that makes Thor great. Brimming with hope and mythic in scope, this series storytellers are creating something truly special.

Immortal Thor #2 is another phenomenal chapter in an enchanting tale of epic proportions.

Immortal Thor #3is a witty, weird, wild ride. Its Thor and Loki at their finest and the creative team behind them at their finest, too.

Immortal Thor #4 continues to offer readers the perfect blend of old and new. Its creators are unafraid to take Thor to new places, but never lose sight of what made himand the myths he comes fromso beloved in the first place.

Immortal Thor #5 is a poetic and powerful exploration of mythology, creation, and what it means to be worthy of the power of Thor.

Immortal Thor #6 is a compelling reworking of Norse myth brimming with humor, horror, heartbreak, and humanity.

Immortal Thor #7 reminds us that storytelling at its best is a form of magic.

Immortal Thor #9 is a darkly comedic metafictional adventure that asks readers to consider what happens when corporations Marvel first and foremost control art.

Immortal Thor #10 is an ambitious and twisty issue that unfortunately never quite lives up to its cover.

Immortal Thor #12 wraps up a quirky, charming two-parter weakened by uninspired art and its reliance on Marvels G.O.D.S. series.

Immortal Thor #14 shares a tale of mythological proportions with an energy nothing short of electric.

Immortal Thor #16 promises an enchanting exploration of superheroes as modern mythology and mythology-as-superhero-story. However, it ends up being something far more formulaic.

Immortal Thor #18 continues a nostalgically familiar romp outshone by the series former magic.

Immortal Thor #19 gives Thors supporting cast the Marvel Comics #1000 artistic treatment to similar results. Favoring novelty and variety over depth and focus, there are nonetheless moments of brilliance.

Immortal Thor #20 is a thoughtful, visually devastating work that asks us to consider what the series title really means.

Immortal Thor #21 takes a long overdue look at one of the series oldest supporting characters. It seems all Skurge needed to be brought to life was a fight to the death.

Immortal Thor #22 is an engrossing and fiendishly clever installment that demands rereading. Literally.

Immortal Thor #24 is the sort of tale that leaves you buzzing, breathless, and desperate for more. The Mead of Poetry may be a myth, but I still suspect Al Ewing may have had some.

Immortal Thor #25 is a monumental farewell issue that sets the stage beautifully for the new series next month.

Invisible Kingdom #10 is a beautifully painted finish examining and celebrating rebirth in a multitude of forms including one particularly beautiful queer one.

Its Lonely at the Centre of the Earth is a vital reminder of what comics and their creators are capable of - and its a hilarious, horrifying, heartbreaking read, to boot.

Seeing the return of both familiar faces and a mysterious foe, Jane Foster & The Mighty Thor #1 is sure to leave readers hungry for more.

Jane Foster & The Mighty Thor #2 invites readers to follow Jane on a nail-biting, expansive adventure and puzzle over Thors disappearance. Its the rightful successor to Journey Into Mystery in everything but name.

Jane Foster & The Mighty Thor is a masterful miniseries that is somehow both larger-than-life and beautifully, achingly vulnerable at the same time.

Jane Foster & The Mighty Thor #5 is an action-packed and overcrowded ending that under-delivers on exposition but is nonetheless poignant. While this series may not nail the landing, it's still one of the best Thor comics in years.

King of Nowhere #1 is a promising beginning to a darkly funny, mysterious, and pleasantly off-kilter miniseries.

King of Nowhere #5 finishes this series as it began: hard to put down due to a constant hope that it might improve. Yet, lovable characters and the books off-kilter artistic brilliance remain undercut by its unbalanced story and uninteresting protagonist.

Knight Terrors: Poison Ivy #1 tries to breathe life into a tired trope, but like Ivy herself, I think Ill be happier when she leaves the Stepford Wife life behind.

Loki #1 effortlessly blends horror and comedy to capture the spirit of Norse mythology. If you can forgive queer erasure and a formulaic plot, spellbinding art and storytelling make it worth the read.

The creators behind this miniseries have gone above and beyond to craft a tale worthy of the God of Stories herself. Rich, compelling, and surprisingly tragic, Loki #2 evokes the very best of the original Norse myths.

Loki #4 is an exquisitely crafted but nonetheless profoundly sad book. Check your hopes at the door.

So what is The Ludocrats? A gratuitously violent, artistically inspired, fourth-wall-obliterating, steampunk/fantasy Saturday-morning-cartoon-meets-Asterix for people who love profanity. Is it ludicrous? Most definitely. Is it funny? Thats subjective.

Mazebook #1 is an intimate exploration of grief and memory that wont soon be forgotten.

Mazebook #3 continues to showcase Lemires skill as a storyteller in this contemplative but raw exploration of grief and memory.

Mazebook #5 is a poignant conclusion to an intimate and surreal exploration of love, loss, and memory.

Metamorpho: The Element Man #1 is gloriously, gorgeously weird. While a new year is just around the corner, its creators show us there is still plenty of fun to be found in the past.

Norse Mythology III #4 admirably attempts to make a thousand year old literary tradition accessible to a new audience. Regrettably, it leaves both history and nuance on the cutting room floor.

Poison Ivy #1 is an elegantly crafted work of psychedelic horror, ecoterrorism, and desire. Its visuals are sure to haunt you and its yearning will linger long after youve put it down.

Poison Ivy #3 is a surprisingly intimate exploration of what it means to find hope and connection in the face of ecological disaster and insurmountable despair.

Poison Ivy #6 is every bit as terrifying, compelling, and sentimental as the issues that have come before it. Ivys future looks bright. Hopefully, she isnt doomed to keep repeating herself.

Poison Ivy #7 is a slow burn that deftly balances horror and heart and will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Poison Ivy #9 is a meditative interlude that begs readers to embrace every gay and hopeful moment for however long it lasts.

Poison Ivy #10 is every bit as smart, scary, and sexy as Ivy. However, some moments of narrative ambiguity keep it from being the best possible version of itself.

Poison Ivy #11 is a gripping character piece dripping with delirium sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats. Turning over a new leaf is hard work. Especially when youre part plant.

Issue after issue, Poison Ivy continues to be a near perfect marriage of style and substance. Poison Ivy #12 is no exception.

Poison Ivy #13 is an intriguing premise undermined by perplexing art direction and deceptive marketing. Its a worthwhile read for monthly readers, but anyone expecting a Harley & Ivy rom-com for Pride Month will be disappointed.

Poison Ivy #14 is an engrossing read filled with shocking twists and turns. Creating a pitch-perfect balance of mystery, horror, and romance, it's one of the series' best issues thus far.

Poison Ivy #16 brings us face-to-face with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in nauseating psychedelic technicolor. While the central metaphor struggles to convey real-world nuances, the comic remains vital and poignant.

Poison Ivy #18 offers readers a gripping and unsettling exploration of pregnancy and bodily autonomy in the post-Roe era.

Poison Ivy #19 strips away the series hallmark psychedelia in a compelling exploration of one of lifes mundane horrors: abuse.

Poison Ivy #23 is a splatterpunk extravaganza undermined by its emphasis on queer tragedy.

Poison Ivy #24 packs a narrative and artistic punch, asking readers to consider the nature of death and change in superhero comics.

Since its inception, Poison Ivy has been an "ideas book" first and foremost, exploring the complex and messy relationship that humans have with the natural world. Poison Ivy #25 is visually gorgeous, but feels comparably light on this vital element and character exploration alike. The result is a jumbled, visually gorgeous anthology struggling to find something to say.

Poison Ivy #29 sets aside its subplots and supporting cast to offer a focused meditation on faith, love, and control.

Poison Ivy #30 turns the series on its head. Literally. A perfect mix of character-focused deep-dive, atmospheric artwork, and visual experimentation, this issue isnt to be missed.

Red Mother #3 offers a beautiful balance of humanity, mystery, and monstrosity. It also proves this title is still worth keeping an eye on.

The Red Mother #4 remains haunting and, at moments, striking, but its predictable narrative structure and artistic shortcomings can get in the way of an otherwise creepy and compelling story.

Roxxon Presents: Thor #1 is an outstandingly funny, gloriously trashy satire of brand-sponsored comics.

Sins of the Black Flamingo #1 is a stylish heist story with a heart of gold. With creators who understand what it means to be gay; do crime, this comic fights fascism & looks great doing it.

Sins of the Black Flamingo #3 is a perfect marriage of style & substance. Its unapologetically queer, unflinchingly antifascist, and a tender exploration of what it means to have a crisis of faith. And it looks great doing it.

Space Bearmay be silent, but it has a big story to tell. Its a vibrant, charming sci-fi about communication and compassion that offers children a chance to learn, while giving comic-loving adults a way to share a medium they love. Its also plain good fun.

Spider-Punk #1 is a well-crafted, striking introduction to Marvel's anti-fascist arachnid.

Spider-Punk packs a visual and narrative punch, showing what it means not just to embrace your individuality but to build community in the face of fascism.

Supper Clubis a cozy but nonetheless surprisingly deep read. Not just eye candy, this graphic novel will leave your heart feeling full.

Tartarusoffers readers a refreshingly diverse and complex world to sink their teeth into. Equal parts driving plot and intricate art, this story is one to keep an eye on.

Tartaruscontinues to offer readers an engrossing, symbol-rich, trope-defying science fiction epic worth sinking their teeth into.

Tartarus #3 is an action-packed, vibrant continuation full of twists and revelations, plunging readers further into Tildes world.

In Tartarus #4, every character is forced to question what sacrifices are worth making. For readers, its more than worth sacrificing $4 and an hour of ones day to read such a beautifully executed book.

While Tartarus #5 may focus on an eclipse, neither writing nor art eclipses the other. Bursting with intricate twists and elaborate art, its an ambitious albeit flawed ending to a fascinating first arc.Where will Tartarus take Tilde next?

Tartarus #6 is a compelling start to the books second arc. Though bordering on clich, the narrative is still well-paced and thought-provoking. Tartarus loses something without Jack T. Cole, but the dynamic and vibrant art from the new artistic team is nonetheless a delight. Tartarus #6 is a compelling start to the books second arc. Though bordering on clich, the narrative is still well-paced and thought-provoking. The dynamic, vibrant art from the new artistic team is a delight.

In Tartarus #10, the past hurtles into the present with an ambitious, action-packed conclusion. As Tartarus goes on an indefinite hiatus, readers are left to hope for its future.

The Great British Bump-Off #1 combines two great tentpoles of British media - Agatha Christie mysteries and Great British Bake-Off - wit, panache, and even some ganache. Its delicious first issue is sure to leave you craving more.

The Great British Bump-Off is a deliciously addictive miniseries that captures Bake-Offs best bits in loving parody. However, readers in search of a satisfying mystery may be left feeling hungry.

The Great British Bump-Off: Kill or Be Quilt #1 is light on mystery, but has charm and comedy in spades. From start to finish, Shauna's adventure had me in stitches.

The 2024 Immortal Thor Annual is the fun, lighthearted comic book equivalent of a beach read.

The Me You Love in the Dark #1 is a chilling tale driven by familiar fears: ghosts and creative block. While the artist-protagonist may feel insecure, the comics creators seem more inspired than ever.

The Me You Love in the Dark #3 flawlessly mingles horror with romance. Reminiscent of a Guillermo del Toro film, its hard not to fall in love with The Me You Love in the Dark.

The Me You Love in the Dark #5 is an exquisitely crafted conclusion. From start to finish, The Me You Love in the Dark is a beautiful and unforgettable addition to the horror genre.

The Mighty Valkyries #1 begins two exciting Asgardian adventures. The primary tale is mouthwateringly cinematic, but both have tantalizing secrets urging readers to return.

Mighty Valkyries #3 is often a feast for the eyes. However, the writers have perhaps bitten off more than they can chew. While the issue sets the stage for the latter half of the miniseries, its sadly lackluster on its own. Hopefully, the next issue is a return to form.

The Mighty Valkyries #5 is a visual feast that strikes a balance between the high-octane and the profoundly human.

The Mortal Thor #1 paints a bold, electrifying picture of Thorsor shall I say Sigurdsfuture.

The Mortal Thor #3 is an unevenly paced installment that establishes a fascinating central dynamic between Thors former alter egos.

The Picture of Everything Else #1 is an artistic tour de force soaked in blood, booze, terror, and homoerotic longing. Ending on a chilling cliffhanger, this is certainly a book worth keeping up with.

The Power Fantasy #1 is a fresh and captivating exploration of the superhero genre and the Atomic Age anxieties irradiating it.

The Power Fantasy #3 continues to create the impossible: a captivating superhero series where one wants the protagonists to do literally anything but fight.

Reading The Power Fantasy #5, one is struck by the sense that it could only have been made by this creative team. In a comics landscape saturated by superhero subversions and deconstructions, The Power Fantasy remains refreshingly unique.

The Power Fantasy #6 is a slick and perceptive political thriller that speaks to the present with terrible clarity and, it seems, clairvoyance.

The Power Fantasy #7 blends music history, moral philosophy, and mind-bending psychedelia, with intoxicating results.

The Power Fantasy #9 packs a punch even when its characters are trying their best not to. Never has magenta felt so haunting.

The Power Fantasy #11 provides a tense, methodically paced conclusion to the series nerve-shattering second arc.

Thor Annual #1 is an action-packed, nostalgic read. In some ways a What If? issue, it reminds us of what transpired in older Thor stories, but also asks what might have happened instead.

Thor #12 shows a creative team in their element. As Donald Blake rips the world apart, the mix of humor, horror, and high stakes can only leave readers begging for more.

Thor #14 is a brutal read worth every Thor fans time. Visceral & striking, it always puts its characters who they have been and who they are becoming above all else.

Thor #15 is a thoughtful and visually arresting read. Offering readers a much-needed look at Thors fears, it also sets the stage with plenty of intrigue for the future.

Thor #17 is unquestionably one of the best issues in the last two years. Deftly balancing humorous action with character-driven drama, its not one to miss.

Thor #19 teases a gripping new twist in Marvels Thor mythos and offers readers page after page of spectacular artwork.

Thor #21 is an action-packed visual feast. Each and every issue seems to break down Thor further than the last. Where will all of this destruction and deconstruction take us next?

With Thor #23 bringing another electrifying arc to a close, where the future will take and perhaps break Thor is anyone's guess. But as always, it's exciting to be along for the ride.

Showcasing decades of talented writers and artists, Thor #24 is a beautiful and broad-ranging retrospective. It's a nostalgic look at where the God of Thunder has been and where Marvel may take him (and us) in the future.

Thor #26 continues "Banner of Wars" endless fight scene. Its a fast read and apristine-looking comic, but its story is only surface deep.

Torunn Grnbekks first outing as Thor writer teases a creepy new mystery while making exciting additions to Marvels Thor mythos. And as always, every page of Thor is gorgeous to boot.

Thor #33 is a competent comic filled with unkept promises and unanswered questions. We can only hope the comics creators find their footing again soon.

For MCU fans, following your favorite character into the comics can feel intimidating and confusing. Luckily, comics like Thor: Lightning and Lament are finally helping bridge that gap.

Thor and Loki: Double Trouble #1 whisks young readers across the Bifrst while staying faithful to the characters and fun for older fans. While a tad slow to get going, its a shame how quickly it ends.

Double Trouble #4 effortlessly sustains the energy and playfulness of previous issues. Disappointingly, its charm is undermined by a subtle but pervasive undercurrent of transphobia.

We Called Them Giants is an ambitious, drop-dead gorgeous, and inspiring twist on fairy tales and post-apocalyptic sci-fi.

What If? Dark: Loki #1 is a nostalgic romp long-time Thor fans are sure to love.

Young Men in Love is just as stunning as it is essential. It reminds queer readers that they across all times, places, and genres are worthy of love and celebration.