Martin Doyle Comic Reviews

All in, its a solid opening salvo featuring some fantastic artwork, but a little background reading might be required to fully appreciate the premise.

Conceptually, 'Age of Reptiles' is perhaps not the kind of book I would actively seek out, but I was genuinely surprised by how quickly I became engrossed in the story. I'm not really sure of it's broader appeal, but with the release of 'Jurassic World' sure to spark interest, it might be the perfect time to give it a go. Highly recommended for all ages.

This is not to say that Alice Cooper Vs. Chaos can't become a success, clearly there's a complex story brewing here, but it's contrary to my expectation based on the title. A compelling first third and excellent artwork aside, this opening issue might be a little too niche for the casual reader, and may be enjoyed more by fans of the Chaos Universe.

With the Predator series set to hit the shelves later this month, Dark Horse's event continues to go from strength to strength. Although maybe a little confusing with regards to the over-arching story, it's certainly one you don't want to miss.

Short, but far from sweet, this collection of bleak fables are clearly the product of twisted imaginations, and its dark sensibilities will surely captivate those of a similar mind.

As debuts go, its mightily impressive stuff, and the creative team deserve enormous credit for setting such a high bar on their freshman outing. Im sure well be hearing a lot more from these folks.

I'd never read any Archer and Armstrong going into this, but now I'd kinda like to see these guys get their comeuppance. There's a new breed of One Percenters on the block, and they are a thoroughly nasty bunch of folks.

A great opening issue, and definitely one for fans of the film franchise. Hail to the king, baby!

Although the pacing drops a little the story feels more balanced and is backed by some stellar artwork. Perhaps not a must-read, but the next issue promises to be a biggie.

The reverence for the source material is clear to see here, and with an creative team of this calibre handling the action, you can't be a fan of the Evil Dead series and not pick this up.

King and co.'s tenure on DC's flagship title opens with a bombastic, action-packed first issue, and its exciting, over-the top premise echoes some of the great 'Silver Age' stories. DC's Rebirth continues to go from strength to strength.

Ultimately, its all about balance. Past and present, light and dark, etc., and the teams involved in this arc are performing their own balancing act by delivering an engrossing, visually spectacular adventure that gives a respectful nod to what has come before, whilst delivering something fresh, exciting, and downright intriguing.

Overall, the issue feels very much like a typical Powell tale, but there is an added layer of depravity, and perhaps this is where Wieschcomes into play. Theres no doubt, Powell and Wiesch are a pair of sick puppies, and I for one am glad they've been allowed off the leash.

Maintaining the high standards of the first issue was a tough ask, but Powell and Wiesch have delivered a stunning hammer blow to the temple as a follow-up. If you like your revenge-fuelled crime stories brutal and uncompromising, look no further.

If you like your comic violence gory, brutal, and unnervingly creative, you be hard pushed to find better than this.

In short, I love this book, and fans of the movie should not be without it. It's as close to a sequel as we're probably going to get. I still haven't found out what's inside a 'six demon bag', though!

The old Pork Chop Express rumbles ever onward. It's time to get onboard, folks!

Brian Churilla's artwork continues to be a real highlight of the series, and this issue features some of his best work to date. His interpretation of each of the characters from movie canon has so far been spot-on, and his creature concepts and designs have been first rate. He continues in the same vein here, although I felt the issue's 'big bad' didn't quite hit the same high mark of his previous work.

Whilst its a pity such a talented scribe is clearly writing far within his capabilities, Big Trouble in Little China continues to exhibit the same charm and bewitching sense of fun that made the movie so popular, and for a fan, its pretty hard not to love it.

So, the Pork Chop Express is very firmly back on track for the last few issues of this current run, bolstered by some great artwork and big dose of hilarity.

From start to finish, the series has been an absolute joy and I can only hope the next arc is of a similar level. So, If you havent been collecting the monthly series, then do what good Ol Jack Burton does in a situation like thatbuy the trade!

Much like its protagonist, Bitch Planet #3 is bold, brash, and unashamed, and definitely worthy of your attention.

From a technical standpoint, Bloodstrike has many problems to forgive if you are going to enjoy it fully, and for me, there are just too many.

Acedia is the fourth volume of this series, and for those unfamiliar with the universes lore, it provides an inviting, if fairly puzzling jumping on point, and it might take a little investment in previous volumes to fully appreciate the nuances of the story. However, theres no denying the creators have conjured a challenging, visually arresting, and ultimately rewarding experience here; one that is definitely well worth the effort.

Despite the lack of character development at this point, Chrononauts is a fast-paced, fun, and gorgeously drawn book, and looks like it's another sure-fire winner for Millar, both on the page and on the silver screen.

As I mentioned before, this story has Hollywood blockbuster written all over it, but there's plenty of scope for further development into an ongoing series, so hopefully next month's concluding issue won't be the last we hear of Chrononauts in comic book form.

Going into Cognetic knowing it's part of an 'Apocalypse Trilogy', you accept that things are not going to end well. Just how rough it was going get is entirely another matter, so this final issue in the series was always going to be intriguing, but it's jarring final moments were the icing on a deliciously twisted cake.

The set-up leaves two fairly obvious routes available to the character; the path of redemption where his power will be harnessed for good, or a vengeful path, using his power for more malevolent purposes. It's an interesting opening issue, with plenty of potential to be explored.

Although lacking a little in the originality stakes, this is a nicely poised slow burner. Let's hope it doesn't fizzle out.

On the whole, it's a pretty solid opening issue, if a touch heavy-handed with regards to the overall theme, and nicely foreshadows some of the key elements seen in the latest film. Perhaps not a must-buy, unless of course you're a POTA completionist.

Polished, elegantly paced sci-fi, sublime visuals, and a cast of authentically engaging characters. Quite simply, this is a series you cannot afford to miss.

Although light on action, issue nine is still a richly rewarding read, and lets face it, when a lower key issue of a book is this engrossing, you know youre onto a winner.

As a cornerstone of the company's catalogue, the 'Detective' title carries a hefty burden of responsibility for the creative team who tackle it, and if you add the pressure of the company's 'Rebirth' to the equation, it's an almost Herculean task. Luckily, DC have made every effort to secure some of the industry's top talent, and this particular team are off to a highly impressive start.

In short, chalk up another win for DC. The Rebirth titles continues to impress, with Detective Comics right at the forefront. But lets not forget: its all about the talent involved, and James Tynion IV and co. have just pulled another rabbit out of the hat.

Although missing any form of antagonist at this point, Django/Zorro is a solid opening issue from a pretty high profile creative team, that has potential to be something special.

The scale of the task facing our heroes is detailed in a superbly illustrated and coloured issue. Although Django is a peripheral figure at this point, my interest in this title has certainly been ratcheted up a few more notches.

Dreaming Eagles is one of those comic books that prompts you to learn, a process which leads to a greater understanding of how our present was shaped, but also of the work itself. It's the perfect combination of a captivating story, characters to care about, and artistic spectacle; in short, everything you'd want from a comic.

Although minus a compelling narrative at this early stage, and with Christopher Sebela on writing duties, this series can and hopefully will come good in the long run. An intriguing last few panels have helped retain my interest, but I had expected quite a bit more.

Most impressive, however, is the way in which Williamson has been able to bring each of Barrys problems to bear whilst sustaining cohesive, complementary narratives. And given the mouth-watering opening hook, its clear the foundations have been laid for another hugely enjoyable romp with the Scarlet Speedster. The big question is whether or not he can emerge from this period of adversity with his optimism intact.

A rip-roaring slice of high adventure, that combines elements of the character's rich history to great effect.

I was really looking forward to this issue, which is probably why my feeling of disappointment is so strong. However, it was tempered somewhat by the second half of the issue, giving me hope for the next instalment.

Continuing the same high standard of the previous volume, the second arc of Four Eyes if off to a fantastic start. With its unique blend of genres and truly spectacular art, its a series you wont want to miss out on.

Although I do prefer a more action-oriented slant to G.I. Joe, this re-launch has me intrigued. Its serious tone requires a fair degree of patience and might not be for everyone, but I have a feeling the investment might just be worth it.

The issues closing panels hint a few possible avenues for the narrative to take, and itll be interesting to see how it plays out. Although not quite as action oriented as Id hoped, the issue certainly retained my interest in its more character driven second half. Of course, the biggest question is: has Snake Eyes really switched allegiances to COBRA? The answer to this question and the promise of an upcoming Snake Eyes / Storm Shadow face-off has me pretty excited for the forthcoming issues.

So, after tantalising us with an exciting premise and intriguing setup, Snake Eyes: Agent of Cobra ultimately comes down to a climactic battle between two old foes, which sadly misses its mark.

Gabriel is a deep, surprisingly complex and finely illustrated piece of work from two creators in synergy, and is a title fully deserving of wider recognition.

The only minor criticism I have of this opening issue, is that the pacing slows significantly in the middle section, and the writing is perhaps not quite as tight as some of Burnhams other work. There is no doubt, however, that he has a special talent for transposing film characters authentically to the page, whilst creating engaging, humorous, and action packed stories, so I really cant think of another writer Id prefer to be at the helm of this series. Hes begun the expansion of the Galaxy Quest universe beyond the movie in fine form, and its all done with the same clear affection for the source material hes shown in his work on Ghostbusters and TMNT.

Although it might seem harmless from the outside, the content is most definitely aimed at a mature audience. Its jammed-packed with cursing, puerile humour, and crude sexual references, including some bestiality. Some of the material is pretty funny to be honest, but it does become tiresome fairly quickly. The book in general feels a little too long, and perhaps a twenty page issue might have made a difference to how I felt about it overall.

For some, the gratuitous nature of the imagery might seem a little excessive, but for me, thats part of the books appeal, and why it works on multiple levels. Not only is it an accepted element of the genre (so it will please hardcore fans), but its brutality serves to emphasise the importance of the underlying message. Slay Ride is a metaphorical sledgehammer to the temple, which underscores the heightened sense of loss some people feel at this time of year.

Coincidence or not, there are many intriguing avenues to be explored in the coming issues, and Id strongly advise you jump on-board. It looks like another one in the win column for Image Comics.

The second arc of Invisible Republic is now in full flight, and if you havent yet checked out this absorbing series, you really owe it to yourself to get on-board.

In the pantheon of great comic artists, there arent many better than Brian Bolland, and this book helped remind me of his undoubted genius. From his peerless character work, to the foreboding environs of Megacity Ones neon bathed streets, he is able to effortlessly convey mood and atmosphere within tightly framed panels just bursting with detail and depth. As an additional bonus, his original monochrome artwork has been enhanced by a superb colour job by Charlie Kirchoff, echoing John Higgins seminal work on the Killing Joke, which adds another level of realism and vibrancy to Bollands already masterful pencils and inks.

A serviceable re-introduction to the character, wrapped in a neatly poised conspiracy tale.

Building on a solid opening issue, the creative team have ramped up the tension and intrigue admirably. I predict exciting times ahead.

Whilst not exactly action-packed, volume two is off to a solid start, and certainly contains enough intrigue to keep youfirmly on the hook.

I'm unsure how much interest there will be in this title aside from those who are already aware of the characters, but for new readers it's an accessible introduction to some of comic book history's most significant forerunners.

As with any story involving time travel/parallel universes, a few plot holes are beginning to emerge, but they are relatively minor points and not something to be overly critical about. Although the plot does border on the outlandish at times, the prevailing action/adventure vibe would be lost if protracted justifications were added to the mix. Its strength comes from the unrelenting pace and the reverence and respect shown for the source material. Justice Inc. simply invites you to suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride. And what a ride it is!

At this point in the series it seems fairly obvious that Batman has served his purpose, given his ever decreasing influence over the general narrative. His inclusion provided a catalyst for these characters to shine, particularly in regards to redemption, and it was a smart move in terms of spotlighting the series, but this issue feels like a point where the team might part ways with the Dark Knight having established clear roles for each member. Orlando has used him sparingly to great effect, and he would leave the JLA in good shape. This latest vision of the team is undoubtedly thought-provoking, but this disparate collection of misfits and maniacs can certainly bring the noise, too.

I hadn't been exposed to this creative team's work before now, but it's easy to see why they are considered fan favourites. This first issue sets up the inevitable adventure in engrossing fashion, and features some truly terrific artwork that is worth the cover price alone.

The tale so far packs all the excitement and spectacle you'd expect from the title, and is certainly worthy of the 'high adventure' tag. If the same high standard continues into the final two issues, the series will surely be remembered as a fitting addition to Robert E. Howard's existing lore.

So, if youre looking for a darker alternative to the saccharine sweetness of traditional Christmas fare, this superb collection of nightmarish morality fables might just be the book for you.

The creative team have really hit their stride here, fusing clever storytelling and suitably effective art. After fearing that this series might be veering towards becoming a formulaic, run-of-the-mill action story, the shift in dynamic and personal level of engagement in the story was a pleasant and very welcome surprise.

Occupation is one of those comics that brings something truly unexpected. The subtle shift to a grim, pathos-laden tone is a masterstroke, given dramatic weight by a compelling central character and fantastic art.

Personal gripes aside, it is great to see the duo return, if only in comic book form. Crockett and Tubbs are back as never before, in an edgy, over-the-top reinvention that shows plenty of promise.

With 'The Unified' now an actual formidable threat, and the might of Apollo by the side of Midnighter, the series is primed for a knockdown, drag-out conclusion. Although the news of the series' cancellation must sting, it's great to see the creative team haven't taken their eye off the ball, maintaining the same high standards from issue one, and if the conclusion continues that trend, it's one I certainly won't want to miss.

Yeah, Hester and McCrea are onto a winner here, and with the promise of a giant baby wrestling a dinosaur in the next issue, you can most certainly count me in for more.

Although this issue moves at a slower tempo than the previous two, nonetheless its a thoroughly engrossing read, which builds on the impressive groundwork already laid down, and features some of the best comic artwork on the shelves today.

Magic, Monsters, Myths, Mayhem, and Mirthwhat more could you ask for?!

At first seemingly impenetrable (at least to me, anyway), Neverboy turned out to be a pretty rewarding experience, one worthy of your patience and your coin.

Building on a solid opening, Ninjak continues to impress on all fronts. Matt Kindt is doing an admirable job here, and the art team are quite simply killing it.

As debut series go, Nonplayer is right up there with the very best, being extremely ambitious in terms of scale and content. Lets just say if I wore a hat, it would be most sincerely be doffed in Nate Simpsons direction.

If I had a hat, I'd probably be eating it around now. Issue six closes this wonderfully crafted love letter to the halcyon days of music video in fine fashion, and sets the seal on a series that will resonate with lovers of music, and good comics.

With Lemires name on the cover, Plutona always looked like a safe bet, and it certainly doesnt disappoint. With an intriguing mystery at its heart, relatable characters, and gorgeous artwork, youd have to be a dead superhero not to pick it up.

Another tantalising hook at the end of the issue, makes certain Ill be picking up the next one. Id highly recommend you do the same.

Prometheus: Fire and Stone is a spectacular start to a highly anticipated event, by a creative team at the top of their game. Hopefully, the other teams involved in this crossover can match their level.

So Life and Death has come full circle, if you will, and this one-shot neatly brings the year-long event to a satisfying conclusion, whilst predictably " given the success of both this series and its predecessor " leaving the door ajar for further exploration. Whatever happens, theres been an impressive marker laid down here, and itll take some doing to match it.

Writer Kurtis J. Wiebehas unflinchingly broached a sensitive subject without resorting to fanfare or sensationalism, and given us one of the first, if not the first, transgender characters in comics. There are many who could take a leaf from his book with regard to handling such a ground-breaking move.

Overall, the story is the kind of tangential anecdote that could quite easily have been condensed into a few pages as part of a larger story and perhaps doesnt warrant an entire issue, but it works as a serviceable introduction for those unfamiliar with the character's most recent iteration.

Yeah, so it might be no secret I love this series, but it's certainly not just for wrestling marks like me. The creative team have struck gold here, and I think this title reign will last a long time.

Shaft was not a book I was actively looking to pick up, but it's one I won't be missing from this point on. Slick dialogue, superb art, and central character who's as cool as they come. Need I say more?

Art issues aside, Holmes Vs. Houdini creates an interesting dynamic between two larger than life characters and has great potential for further exploration.

A sound idea in theory, but sadly it feels like more of a gimmick.

Sunshine and Roses was my first foray into the world of Stray Bullets, and it offered a thoroughly engaging snapshot of the world that Lapham has cultivated over the course of the last 20 years. Unfortunately, it looks like I now have plenty of reading ahead of me to get fully up to speed.

So what are you waiting for? With each new book providing a prefect jumping on point, theres really no excuse to overlook this thoroughly engrossing crime series from a creator at the top of his game.

The final page sets up a cracking finale to the arc in a series which seems to get better with each issue. Superman has certainly flown to the top of my pull-list, and if you're not reading it, you really should be.

So, just in case you were in any doubt, I'd highly recommend you check out this series. A brilliant conceit that's stunningly illustrated, Symmetry is stimulating and challenging sci-fi to the nth degree.

Although somewhat superficial from a story perspective, the action and artwork is where Tech Jacket excels. It's a breathtaking new dawn for Zack Thomson; here's hoping the rest of the journey is just as exciting.

If you're after a quick action sci-fi fix, you need to check this out. The art alone is worthy of your coin, but there's a solid story forming, too.

This one is really coming together nicely, and with the mysterious Mr Crowe looking set to become the focus over the next few issues, excitement levels are reaching critical mass.

For me, this book encapsulates the essence of what a great comic book should be; accessible, colourful, big, bold, fun, and exciting, but with enough beneath the surface to challenge and emotionally engage its readers. This series has each of these attributes in spades, and long may it continue.

Tech Jacket continues to impress, and issue five is another outstanding effort from a creative team very firmly in their groove. This initial arc has only one issue left, and with the fate of our hero hanging in the balance, it's not one I'm going to miss out on.

If youre not on the Tech jacket bandwagon yet, why the hell not!? Seriously, youre missing out on one hell of a comicbook.

There are no such wrinkles in the art department, however, with Khary Randolph delivering yet another visual tour de force. Seriously, this dude is one of the best in the business at creating scale through perspective, from his whirlwind cinematic opening that conveys the story of Geldarias creation, evolution, and ultimate destruction, to the spectacular sight of the Colossals networking to form the super massive weapon, its a feast for the eyes. Its no surprise DC recently announced hell be the artist on the upcoming We Are Robin series, one he is surely a perfect fit for.

As one of my favourite books of the last two years, Im obviously sad to see the series come to an end, but so happy to see the team finish their arc on such a high note. Although the issue has the feeling of a goodbye, it does leave the door ajar for others to take up the reigns, but they have a hell of a set of boots to fill.

This series is already exceeding my expectations, and looks set to go down as one of the best of the year. If you're a fan of either franchise or both (and let's face it, who isn't, right?), you need this in your pull-list right now.

A tip of the hat must also go to the writing team of Erik Burnham and Tom Waltz, who continue to do an admirable job of squeezing eight main characters, a supporting cast, and a major villain into the story, whilst continually pushing the plot forward and keeping the action fast and furious. Of course, some relationships are more central to the plot, but each and every character is shrewdly afforded a degree of panel space and no-one feels superfluous.

Another solid entry on the shelves for Valiant.

There's so much to admire about this series so far, from it's intricate and complex nonlinear narrative, to the simply stunning art on display. The overarching story is pushed along to a degree, but this is issue is more an exercise in character building, and it's done with a level of detail that's just incredible.

Having now established background and motivations for a number of characters, it will be interesting to see how much of a bearing each will have on the final outcome. The central conflict that makes up the core of the overarching narrative has, up to this point, merely provided a backdrop for detailed character development, but it is sure to become the central focus in what promises to be an exciting, action-packed final issue.

To some, the final issue may appear to have ended rather abruptly with too many loose ends, but the pitch-black world Powell has crafted for the Goon is also complex and nuanced one, and we were never going to proffered a neatly packaged resolution. In the best traditions of classic noir fiction, we bear witness to a pivotal moment in the transformation of a character who, as Powell stated himself, will never be the same again.

If this is to bethe last Goon story, at least as we know him (and believe me, there are strong hints here that it might indeed be), it looks like hes going out in a blaze of blood-soaked glory, and it's a ride no-one should deny themselves the opportunity of witnessing.

Having said that, this type of lateral step in the narrative is common in Powells work, and generally has the two-fold effect of enhancing our understanding of the character, and increasing anticipation of the next issue, which is still very much the case here.

The final chapter of this tale cannot come quickly enough, but at the same time, Im dreading what I might read. One thing is for sure though; itll be an absolutely essential read for any discerning comic book fan.

'Legend of Wonder Woman' steps back though the mists of time and myth to explore the woman behind the wonder, and provides the perfect jumping-on point for new readers.

If you're a fan of the films (and let's face it, who isn't?), you should definitely give this series a look.

Although not exactly the finale I was expecting, GB #20 provides a fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable run. The door has been left open for future instalments, and it will be interesting to see how the franchise develops from here.

Equal parts murder mystery and police procedural with a liberal dash of action and horror, The Precinct is off to a strong start.

This book is a solid foundation for a larger story, which while a little disappointing from an artistic perspective, is still a thoroughly riveting read.

Its easy to be sold on the premise of this story from the cover art alone, but as an adaptation its a little thin on substance and perhaps doesnt translate so well to the comic medium.

This was my first experience of The Strain in any form, and it definitely wont be the last. Strongly written, through provoking, and strikingly illustrated, this is a must read for all.

Maintaining the high standards of the opening issue was alwaysgoing to be a tough ask, but from both a writing and artistic standpoint, the creative team deliver with aplomb.

Although I have some reservations about the direction of the story, this is still a very well written and brilliantly drawn book. Heres hoping it ends as well as it started.

The challenging nature of The Surface might narrow its potential audience, but if existential, dystopian sci-fi is your thing, there's plenty to get your teeth into here.

On the plus side, the art on display is solid, and Jamal Igle's handling of action sequences is creative and cinematic in execution. Additional visual effects, such as lightning, smoke, muzzle fire, and explosions are well rendered giving the scenes a little extra depth and vibrancy. The only minor criticism I have is the lack of a discernible 1980′s feel to the art. Perhaps a different colour palette, or some more period detailing might have grounded it more firmly in the era.

With its tenuous premise and under-developed characters, this series has sadly lost its way. Perhaps there will be a series defining finale, but as is, this is purely one for the die-hards.

If you're a fan of the animated movie or Transformers in general, you owe it to yourself to pick this up.

Although it might be a little too slow burning for some, UFOlogy succeeds in recapturing the magic of E.T. and Close Encounters, and sets up an intriguing conspiracy-themed story in the process.

Perhaps I set my level of expectation too high, but the opening issue of this new series was disappointing. A missed opportunity.

Quite simply, this is how you open a series if you want to encourage readers to come back for more. A gripping, emotional and dramatic opening which is truly fit for the Gods.

So, If like me you are newcomer to the Valiant-Verse, and are looking for a suitable entry point, X-O Manowar #43 provides the perfect place to start.