Matthew Sardo Comic Reviews

ALAN SCOTT: GREEN LANTERN #1 is a beautifully complicated comic that has me excited for the series and the potential of these creators to push the medium with emotional storytelling.

AMAZING FANTASY #1000 delivers amazing art and spectacular writing, it is a must-read.

This isn't the easiest entry point into THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, but there is a lot of Peter Parker heart.

ANTIOCH #1 hits the right notes to engage the reader, and the art works well for the story. The second issue will determine if it's a must-read.

Go bug your local comic book store for Arcadia #01.

Did we get all the answers in issue two of a six issue mini-series, no. But why would we want that? This is the part of the roller coaster ride where you look around and admire the scenery, enjoy the suspense before the big climb to the drop.

ASGARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 is as if Cullen Bunn himself has two M16s and is defending the Gjallerbru bridge next Skurge The Executioner.

Issue two needs to come out strong and right the ship of the series.

Batman: Last Knight On Earth #1 will give you goosebumps, and we could be on the cusp of a game-changing story that only comes along once a generation.

The artwork and writing connect on an emotional level that penetrates the soul. A must-read.

BATMAN: THREE JOKERS #1 is good, but it is not revolutionary. The creative needs to push the envelope of storytelling instead of using the 80s for inspiration.

AfterShock gives you an original adventure, that is packed with action.

With BETSY BRADDOCK: CAPTAIN BRITAIN #1, the second issue will determine if the series is a must-buy.

BEYOND REAL #1 is an all-star creative team working on a high-concept book, that looks to impress.

Why are you reading this?! Go to your comic book shop and get your copy of BIRDS OF PREY #1.

If the first season of TRUE DETECTIVE were a comic book, it would be BLOOD TREE.

CABLE #1 hits a home run on some pages and on others might need some batting practice. If you are a fan of young Cable, this is a must-read, whereas a general X-Men fan might wait for the second to see if there is a better hook for the readers.

CAPTAIN AMERICA #1 is a good start to the series but needs to get going in the second issue.

Champions #1 is a great way to start 2019, it will be interesting to see how Jim Zub ends the year for his team.

Compass #1 (of 5) is a fun read with a solid mystery that grabs the reader's attention.

DUKE #1 is everything I want from a G.I. Joe comic book, must buy!

FALLEN WORLD #1 is a book you need to add to your pull list. Dan Abnett and Adam Pollina are in harmony as writer and artist.

FANTASTIC FOUR #1 is what's been missing in superhero comic books.

Tyler Durden lives! Some imaginary friends never go away . . .Ten years after starting Project Mayhem, he lives a mundane life. A kid, a wife, pills to keep his destiny at bay. But it won't last long; the wife has seen to that. The time has come . . .Rize or Die.

Si Spurrier and Mike Deodato Jr. are working on something special with THE FLASH #1, and I'm excited to see how the first story arc plays out.

If Marvel Comics was making a blockbuster film, G.O.D.S. #1 would be a great example.

GODZILLA #1 is action-packed fun, and a must-buy.

Liam Sharp's artwork and Steve Oliff's colors take THE GREEN LANTERN back to glory days of 80s sci-fi. The more aliens they put in a book, the better.

Tell your local comic shop to add GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 to your pull; you won't regret it.

Overall, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1 is a must-buy in my book. I need to know what happened to Groot and Rocket Racoon!

I read this book at 10 o'clock in the morning, with all the lights on, and it still gave me the creeps.

The wait for Heroes In Crisis #4 is going to feel like FOREVER!

To keep the reader engaged as you slowly reveal clues and not give the story away is a 'hero's journey' in itself. I do not envy King; he's put his emotions on his sleeve and is writing from the heart. Hopefully, the business side of the industry doesn't sink its claws in him too deep.

HEROES IN CRISIS #9 is a book we will be talking about for a very long time as the series changes the status quo with the intent of raising the bar of what it means to tell a comic book story.

IMMORTAL SERGEANT #1 is a quick read that left me wanting for more.

IMPERIAL #1 sets the stage for a grand event and the creative teams brings a blockbuster feel to the story.

As corny as it sounds, Eve L. Ewing puts the heart in Ironheart #1! An emotional read that took me back to reading comic books as a teenager.

Overall, Kerschl's art leads the way as Fletcher slowly reveals the world. Issue one is a must read, but issue two really needs to dig its claws into the reader.

JUNIOR BAKER THE RIGHTEOUS FAKER #1 is a must-buy for the art alone, but the story is what will make buy the second issue.

Overall, Justice League #9 is a mellow issue with a fantastic message. The sophisticated levels Synder reaches is impressive as the casual reader can enjoy the book and the Justice League nerd can grab a glass of Scotch and appreciate the detail and story of each panel.

Darin X. Cape has created intriguing characters that will hook you into the story along with exciting art from Geoffrey Krawczyk

If you love how comic books make you feel like a 12-year-old kid, you need to read KING IN BLACK #1.

KING IN BLACK #2 is a base hit, where KING IN BLACK #1 was a home run.

KING IN BLACK #3 delivers several impressive moments, with a glorious last page.

KLIK KLIK BOOM #1 is a must buy!

MIDLIFE (OR HOW TO HERO AT FIFTY) #1 is a special book, that carries an emotional weight that knocked me off my feet. A must buy!

There's a good story in this book, but it feels as if Marvel had too much influence in the first half.

NIGHTS #1 is going to hook you for a wild ride. I do no know where we are going, but I'm very excited about the journey.

THE O.Z. #2 is a fast-paced adventure with an emotional weight that will have you begging for the next issue.

PUNISHER #1 launches a new character and the creative team creates an epic adventure that has me excited for the next issue.

Call your local comic book store and ask them to out Roche Limit: Clandestiny #1 on hold for you.

Don't miss out on SCARLET WITCH #1, there is something special brewing in this book.

SPAWN is the 90s, and as the series approaches its 300th issue, it's essential to see how Todd McFarlane handles the milestone and if the character is still relevant today.

Steve Orlando, Paul Fry, and company are setting up a grand adventure with SPIDER-MAN 2099: EXODUS.

STRANGER THINGS #1 is a solid start to a quick series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even though you know half the story.

STRANGER THINGS: SIX #1 is a must-read for fans of the show and of incredible graphic storytelling!

There is no way The Superior Octopus #1 should be any good. The character is a spin-off of a spin-off, clones are involved, the Brothers Grimm make an appearance, the book is set in San Francisco where Spider-Man spin-offs go to die. Yet, Christos Gage writes a compelling story loaded with heart, and as goofy as Doctor Octopus is, his arrogance is entertaining.

With a $9.99 price tag, it is hard to tell you to put SUPERMAN: LEVIATHAN RISING SPECIAL #1 on your must-read list.

If you are reading the cosmic books from Marvel, you need to read Thanos Legacy. N'uff said.

THANOS #1 is the perfect book to get in the mind of Mad Titan himself, with excellent writing by Tini Howard that had me scared to walk down a hallway.

Overall, Synder wows with an over-the-top first issue that will leave you guessing till issue two hits the stands.

Scott Snyder has me convinced that all hope is lost!

THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #1 will be in our conversation for 'Best Of 2020.'

THE DEVIL THAT WEARS MY FACE #1 is a master class in how to setup and hook the reader for an entertaining series.

THE DEVIL'S CUT #1 is a must-buy based on scale alone, but the talent and the stories back up the bold debut of DSTLRY.

THE FORGED #1 is a must-buy because of its concept, depth of story, and over-the-top artwork.

THE HOLY ROLLER #1 needs to be turned into a film immediately - witty, fun, insane!

I'm the guy that never gives a perfect score to a comic book, Jason Aaron compelled me to give THE MIGHTY THOR #705 a perfect score. This is an absolute must-read.

Overall, this is a brand new day for the franchise, and it will be interesting to see how the next five issues unfold.

Kirkman knows how to pace a comic book series, and 176 is a perfect second issue of a six-part arc. He answers the primary question from part one and adds additional questions to pore over moving forward. Part three should introduce the conflict, and then we are off and running with the two-part finale.

"NEW WORLD ORDER," Part Three is a great introduction to new characters. Now let's see how long they stay alive.

178 is exactly where the book needs to be at this point in the story arc. There was some misdirection in the storytelling which has led to an unexpected outcome. All bets are off over the final two issues of the arc.

Overall the cliffhanger at the end of the book is enough to compel you to read the second issue. The backup story, "The Grace Of Thor" has an even more significant cliffhanger / WTF moment that has me freaking out inside.

Pick up Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 and turn your brain off and just enjoy the comic book.

TWIG #1 is a fun original idea and displays how far comic books have come.

USAGI YOJIMBO: ICE AND SNOW #1 is a great introduction to the world created by Stan Sakai, and I would recommend this issue for first time readers.

Overall, Venom #1 is a great launch to the series with over-the-top 90s inspired writing from Cates and McFarlane-inspired art by Stegman. The cliffhanger at the end will compel you to read the second issue as well.

VENOM #6 is a beautiful book with a complex storyline. On the surface, it looks like 90s glory, but a Donny Cates comic is much deeper than that.

The first story arc of the Donny Cates led Venom series ended with Eddie Brock and the Symbiote burned to crisp, the story itself expanded on the mythos of the character and capabilities. The question now is, where does the book go from here.

Venom: First Host #1 is a book you should root for. A weekly mini-series that could change the universe if the creators decide to turn up the volume.

Mike Costa expanded the story in issue two and brought compassion and a deeper level to the plot. The symbiote is an interesting creature, and it's always fascinating finding out new information about its origin, and watching how it interacts with other people. I didn't think a crying Venom would take me back, but it did.

The combination of Ribic's art and Brandon's writing filled me with adrenaline, and I had to write this review. The action movie genre is in a bit of a slump with universe building and reboots. VS quenched my thirst for action as it's an original idea soaked in 80s sci-fi nostalgia. The first issue is a fun read worthy of the cover price.

Web of Venom: Ve'nam #1 is an above average book, that if there were a few minor tweaks made to the issue, it would be in the Top 10 Books Of 2018 discussions.

Winter Soldier #1 is the most excited I've been at the end of an issue in a long time. So many questions!

WONDER WOMAN #1 by Tom King has me all in and at the edge of my seat for this series.

X-Men Red #1 feels like a superhero book, but more importantly, it feels like an X-Men book. A must read for X-Men fans.