Mary Swangin Comic Reviews

Lois Lane #1 is the engrossing first chapter of what is sure to be a gritty and nuanced neo-noir comic.

Supergirl #21 spirals out of Man of Steel's story, but Andreyko sets up a plan to make it uniquely Kara's story as opposed to an offshoot of Clarks. Absolutely worth picking up.

Doctor Aphra #20 is a filler issue but is still an interesting one that definitely sets up a pretty big event for the next issue.

Red Sonja and Tarzan #1 is a character-driven introduction to what promises to be a brutal, emotional, and amazing crossover. If you love Sonja or Tarzan or both this a must read.

Batwoman #17 is teasing the return of the relationship between Kate Kane and Renee Montoya, however, the Clock King plotline serves as a backdrop for this. The issue feels a little rushed and is desperately trying to tie things up since there are only 2 issues left. If you enjoy the romance between Kate and Renee than this issue is for you. Just don't dig super deep into a flimsy plot. It's all about teasing the romance.

Skyward #1 provides a new and interesting take on the post-apocalyptic genre and thelight-hearted tone doesn't negate the danger that still exists in that world. Henderson andGarbett craft a memorable issue. I adored every panel and I really look forward to what thefuture holds. If you want a new series to pick up Skyward is for you.

DC Nation #0 is a little gem and for 25 cents (or free on Comixology) you have really no reason to not give it a shot. It's an ambitious layout for the future of the DC line and it pulls it off really well.

Wonder Woman #45 is a decent wrap up to a pretty intense arc and the art pairs well with the emotionally charged nature of the issue. Now that the family drama has, seemingly, come to a close, it'll be interesting to see where it all goes from here.

I'm still not a huge fan of Robinson's Wonder Woman or this whole Jason thing, but this issue does give me a little hope. Bringing back fan-favorite villains like Cale and Cheetah really makes this issue feel like Wonder Woman's book again. As usual, any misgivings I have about Robinson's script are made up for with absolutely stellar art.

Wonder Woman #47 is another issue where the art makes the book. Segovia is an absolute treasure and DC needs to take notice. Robinson is really onto something with The Dark Gods and I am interested to see more.

I hate to say it, but Wonder Woman #48 is skippable. Merino's art is pretty damn good, but it's a bad script.

Wonder Woman #49 is a complete miss. The art is amazing as always but Robinson's script just burns the whole thing down.

Wonder Woman #50 is an unremarkable end to an unremarkable run. Mediocre villains serve as a boring backdrop to an issue that really misses its mark during the emotional high points.

Wonder Woman #51 is probably one of the best Wonder Woman single issues I've read in a long long time. I adore the Golden Age so it's always amazing to see bits of that history reinvented and brought to a modern audience. The script is complemented so well with gorgeous covers by Artgerm and Frison and capped off with stunning interiors by Braga. I don't give perfect 10s often but this is absolutely deserving of one.

Wonder Woman #53 is an action-packed and visually stunning issue. Orlando continues to bring his A-Game to this book, writing the best Diana since Rucka and is backed up by fantastic art, colors, and letters.

Tension is high as Diana and Artemis successfully rescue Atalanta. Feelings are conflicted between the Amazons of Themyscira and the Amazons of Bana-Mighdall. A beautifully written issue. The emotional conflicts did not feel cheap.