Max Delgado Comic Reviews

I'll be honest: A Distant Soil #40 is so geared towards the die hard that fan I won't be picking up #41. But I might go back and read the first issue.

Even though Abe Sapien #6 feels like a bridge issue, it's a rich one, with plenty of good story and some beautiful art.

Issue #8 of Abe Sapien offers the best of both worlds — a tidy little one-shot for readers just discovering the series, and a bit more Mayan flavor for those who dug the most recent plotlines.

There's a lot to be excited about with Abe Sapien #9; the story already has legs, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

There's still many miles to go before we see if Dark Horse can fully deliver on the promise of this launch, but as long as they keep story first and the tie-in second, I think they'll be okay.

Akaneiro #2 offers a decent follow-up to a strong premiere issue. But in the end if mostly offers this: a great premise, but without the time to really make it work.

If you're an Angry Birds fan, then issue #1 will certainly deliver. If you're looking for the next evolution of this franchise, however, you're going to have to wait.

If you sit back and enjoy this series for what it is — a protracted marketing strategy — then it's not too shabby. It is, frankly, "good enough." But if you want more, keep looking.

For fans of the Angry Bird franchise, issue #3 offers more of what yo already love - but nothing new.

Overall, the Angry Birds Holiday Special will delight younger fans — even if it missed the mark with older ones.

While B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #112 feels like a bridge issue, its so much more — it's a recharging of two essential characters, and launch towards the conclusion.

Overall, B.P.R.D continues to impress, and prove that although Hellboy might be what draws fans in, it's the larger Universe that will make them stay.

If you've always wanted a cop drama with blood and guts, Bedlam issue #9 might have been written just for you. And it's worth checking out.

Both volumes are beautifully illustrated, masterfully structured, and appropriately subtle — for those of you who read American Born Chinese and were turned-off by the blatant symbolism and thesis-ready literary themes, you won't find anything that overt here. The notesGene Luen Yang plays are gentler, although he still holds onto elements of slapstick which might annoy some older readers. Still, Boxers and Saints marks a quantum leap for Gene Luen Yang; it's funny, tragic, complicated and hopeful.

Breath of Bones #1 is off to a strong start. If you want a title that seems intent on exploring the line between hero and monster, then go pick this up.

Breath of Bones #2 is nearly pitch perfect. Well paced, carefully rendered, and thematically rich. Go get this thing. Now.

The creative team behind Breath of Bones had a tricky challenge on their hands when they first launched this title. Out of all the varied directions they could have taken this book, they landed in a perfect place: a horror story where Nazi's are the real monsters, the townsfolk are the real heroes.

Even though the initial drama of Clone has been resolved, there's still plenty going on; this title has done a nice job of offering readers a book that seems capable of a lengthy and enjoyable run.

Does a documentary really need to be seven hours long? Well, when you're unpacking one of the most significant contribution to the American horror genre in the last quarter century then the answer is hell yes. And CRYSTAL LAKE MEMORIES takes this responsibility seriously…but also has a lot of fun while doing it.

Danger Girl: Trinity #2 has a lot going for it — guns, and bombs, and car chases. But if it's not careful, kick-ass female protagonists won't be one of them.

Danger Girl: Trinity #3 delivers a little more of what it always promised. We still got sexy spies, but at least now they're smart ones, too.

So far, Death Head is a winner — issue #1 is a freaky, perfect launch that'll leave you wanting more.

Dia De Los Muertos #3 is a strong issue, and marks the end of a compelling concept project. And one I'll miss.

If Doomsday.1 were an on-going series, then issue #3 would be an engaging chapter. But as the climax of a four-part arc, it leaves you wanting more. And not in the good way.

In the last page of Doomsday.1 issue #4 we get the little caption: "Doomsday.2." While it's easy to read this blurb as a promise the series will continue, I hope it also means the premise will get revamped to offer readers a stronger central story.

Dream Police #1 is an excellent example of how to launch a run — it's story first, and premise second. And I can't wait to read the next issue.

Dream Police #4 offers a promising start to what could be an awesome arc.

Drumhellar is like nothing else out there. Really. So if you have a thirst for outstanding art, and a high tolerance for strange and spacey tales, this might be the book for you.

After five good issues, Drumhellar has delivered a stellar one. This might be the best book of the series so far.

I've read every issue of Drumhellar so far, and still can't neatly categorize it. But that doesn't matter. Because I'm loving it. And for now that's good enough.

Go grab this thing today.

Overall, a muted ending to a two-issue arc. But the art is worth the cover price alone.

Overall, Fairy Tale Comics is an incredible treat. There's simply not one bad thing about it. And in fact, it's mostly wonderful.

It's hard to know where Farlaine the Goblin will go, or if the writer/artist will be able to keep up the momentum of this title, or the anonymous mystery surrounding it. But as far as premier books go, this is something special.

Farlaine the Goblin has been one of my most delightful discoveries this year. It's fun, engaging, and disarming"in just the right way. Go grab this thing today.

Overall, I continue to be impressed with this series — it offers a sweet, rich, and imaginative universe. There's definitely something special going on here. Go grab a copy and see for yourself.

While issue #3 didn't push the story forward as far as it could have, it was still a treat.

With very little attention given to the central drama of this story, Five Ghosts #4 has painted itself into a corner. The concluding issue of this series will have to do a lot, and have very little time to do it.

It's nice to have Fabian back, especially without the emotional baggage that weighed down some last season's arc. And so far, this new arc has a lot of promise.

In the end, Geddy's Moon feels less like a book and more like the outline to a kick-ass twelve episode season for some larger genre-bending show. This is to say, Mulhall's story felt ill-suited for a 483 page book; it was too vast and unwieldy to be a page-turning genre thriller, and too short to capture the episodic scope of his imagination. But still, his imagination is strong. And I look forward to seeing what he writes next.

Ghosted #3 is the best read of the series, but if you're looking more horror in your crime, it doesn't quite deliver. At least yet.

Ghosted #4 brings a great dose of spookiness back to this title " something that was missing for a while, and wonderful to have back.

Ghosted #5 wraps up the first of an uneven arc for this new series. But the premise is so good, I'm looking forward to reading more.

Ghosted #10 wraps up the second arc of what has felt (at times) like an uneven series. But the premise is so good, I'm looking forward to reading more.

Great issue. Go grab this thing today.

Chris Peterson's art is pretty fucking awesome, however. It fits the Grindhouse style perfectly, offering everything in extra-large " from the buxom women to the gnarly car crashes. He has a simple and clear style, but gets into the messy details of blood gore quite nicely.

Grindhouse movies succeed in large part thanks to the big emotions they invoke. Too bad Grindhouse #2 only got me feeling one thing in a big way: bored.

After a subpar premier, Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight returns with a strong sophomore effort. Let's hope this good momentum keeps going.

Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight has yet to fully find it's groove. But it's getting closer everyday.

It's hard to know how this run will be remembered overall, but I know one thing for sure: I'll remember "Feast of Flesh" as my favorite story overall.

Grindhouse: Drive-In, Bleed-Out #1offers a very strong start. Fingers crossed it keeps going this way.

Grindhouse: Drive-In, Bleed-Out started strong, and despite the shortness of this particular arc, it finished with a bang. Go grab this thing today.

Overall, Blood Lagoon delivers everything the Grindhouse moniker promises " mostly blood, and a little bit of story.

How i Made the World is a pure joy. Go buy it here.

Like many fans of Baltazar and Franco, I mourned the loss of Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures. But I'm delighted to welcome their work on Itty Bitty Hellboy. And it's as good as anything they've ever done.

Itty Bitty Hellboy #3 offers another delightful installment of this five part run. Go pick it up today.

But issue #4 offers a misstep that turns this comic from something that an adult might read with a kid, into something that's more suited for adult tastes and humors. Which is too damn bad.

Like most comic fans, I'm grateful that Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani exist. And that they're trucking along on this beautiful and spastic mission of theirs. But I also don't think Itty Bitty Hellboy will be remembered as their best work. That said, I'm already looking forward to their next project.

Overall, Kiss Me Satan is a promising series, especially for those of us with a high tolerance for fantastical creatures and supernatural stories.

Here's the good part: Kiss Me, Satan #2 is a quick, fun read — the narrative arc is tight as a drum. The bad part? Most of the characters are so one-dimensional that readers might not care.

Kiss Me Satan delivers another satisfying installment of its inaugural five-part arc. But make no mistake about it: this is a comic driven by its supporting actors. Not the lead.

It'll be interesting to see if Dark Horse launches this as a full blown series. Although this inaugural run felt rushed (and at times uneven) there's no doubt that there's a lot of possibility inherent in this title.

Max Delgado is the founder and curator of The Longbox Project (@LongBoxProject), a memory project where comics are both inspiration and point of departure. You can check it out here.

Mice Templar continues to be one of the most innovative and enjoyable titles out there. Go grab this thing today.

Mice Templar is one of the best books out there. 'Nuff said. Go grab this thing today.

So far Millennium #1 has a little bit for everyone. Go grab this thing today.

So far Millennium is kicking ass. Go grab this thing today.

Issue #3 of Millennium did exactly what it was meant to do: make me want to read issue #4. Go grab this thing today.

One more issue left in this arc, and I can't wait to see where it all goes.

Miss Fury #3 is worth checking out, but if Dynamite wants readers to stick around, they're going to have to start offering something other than a cool premise.

Miss Fury #4 tries its best to make up for lost time by quickly answering some of the questions that it so delicately placed in earlier issues. But the result is uneven. And ultimately unsatisfying.

Miss Fury #6 provides a breath of fresh air. For a title that was heading south a few months ago, issue #6 provides a strong upswing.

Mister X: Razed offers a great new start, to a beloved character. Go grab this thing today.

Overall, issue #6 of Nowhere Men offers another great example of why this title rocks. Go pick this up today.

Issue #1 of Orphan Black offers little new to fans of the show, although it does offer a foundation to comic-only readers who might be discovering this premise for the first time. Whatever happens next will be the thing that determines if this series is worth hanging around for.

The real joy of Outr #1 is the art. As a reader, you'll discover new styles and new names, and each contributor seems keenly aware that this project offers an unparalleled opportunity to shine. And they do. I can't wait to read the next volume. But for now, go get your copy here.

Outr is clearly making a niche for itself by providing great content, for free. I could easily see this anthology becoming a place where creators go to get discovered, build their portfolio, and shape their brand. And for us as readers, it's win-win. So get your free issue here.

Rasputin #1 offers a very gentle start to this new title — short on words and action, yes, but loaded up with kick-ass art.

Rasputin is full of promise and blessed and offers a wonderful premise. It's still too early to tell if it'll deliver.

Overall, Rat Queens #1 is a strong first issue. If you want guts, magic, and a lovely overdose of femme fatale, go grab this thing today.

Rat Queens #2 has got it all: characters you care about; enjoyable team dynamics; a well paced plot; and mythical creatures getting drunk — a lot. Go pick this thing up today.

If you haven't fallen in love with the Rat Queens yet, just pick the book up and start reading. You will.

Rat Queens is simply one of the best books out there. And it should be for a while.

Rat Queens keeps hitting it out of the park. If you want guts, magic, and a lovely overdose of femme fatale, go grab this thing today.

Issue #7 offers another great installment of the Rat Queens. Go grab this thing today.

Go grab this thing today.

Rat Queens #9 is worth every penny. Go grab this thing today.

Rat Queens is trying to evolve to new places with issue #10. And I'm happy to join them.

Resident Alien first appeared in Dark Horse Presents, and I'm pleased to see it's getting this shot at a longer run. It's got tons of potential, and a strong execution.

It's too bad Hogan has effectively cleaved the murder mystery from the alien story in this first arc of Resident Alien. Together, these two elements might have offered a compelling new take on two very familiar narratives. But separated, neither is developed enough to stand on their own.

Rocket Girl #1 is a very strong premier issue, with a hardly thing to complain about. This might be the start of something beautiful.

While the ending of Rocket Girl leaves a tad to be desired, it's still better than most of the stuff out there. And you need to support this creative team today.

So far, so good: Rocky and Bullwinkle is working — and issue 2 works even better than the last — so check it out.

Kudos to IDW, and this creative team. So far, this book rocks.

Overall, Rocky and Bullwinkle #4 is a perfect end to a wonderful run. Go grab this thing today.

Overall, Rumble #1 offers an enjoyable introduction to what promises to be a strange and quirky title. Go grab this thing today.

Overall, an awesome series. Go grab this thing today.

Bravo to Image for taking such a big risk with Sex Criminals #1. And congrats to this creative team. This is a book to keep your eye on.

Sex Criminals #2 is a home run. And only promises to get better. Go grab this thing today.

Sex Criminals is one of the strongest comics out there. Let's hope that this new arc helps it stay that way.

If you're interested in reading The Shadow Hero be aware that each individual issue will only be released digitally. First Second will release an old-school trade in July 2014.

The Shadow Hero is shaping up to be a phenomenal book, and shouldn't be missed. If you're interested in reading The Shadow Hero be aware that each individual issue will only be released digitally (find details here). First Second will release an old-school trade in July 2014.

Again, The Shadow Hero is shaping up to be a phenomenal book, and shouldn't be missed. If you're interested in reading The Shadow Hero be aware that each individual issue will only be released digitally (find details here). First Second will release an old-school trade in July 2014.

I wanted a little more from Son of Merlin #5. I wanted emotional closure, not just plot consistency. But if the last page is any indicator, it looks like Image might be giving it another try. And maybe soon.

Sovereign #2 continues to provide a tremendous amount of universe building, but so far not enough story to feel truly engaging.

This series has had enough bright moments that one can forgive the misstep of Star Trek #22. But let's all hope that Spock has sex soon so we can move on to better stories.

Go grab Stray Bullets: Killers #2 today. It's by far the best book I've read this month.

When Stray Bullets first hit the scene back in 1995 it captured the imagination of countless geeks "Lapham's character-driven opus was both violent and heartfelt. And with Stray Bullets: Killers we can fall in love all over again.

I'm so glad Stray Bullets is operating back in the universe again. May it go on forever!

Go grab Stray Bullets: Killers #6 today. It's rocks.

Go grab Stray Bullets: Killers #7 today. It's the best thing ever.

Go grab Stray Bullets: Killers #8 today. Despite it's flaws, it's Lapham. And Lapham is one of the best.

It's wonderful to have Stray Bullets back. Go grab this thing today.

My only criticism of The Activity is its tendency to ignore the human drama of the soldiers it so dutifully profiles. Yes, we get awesome action and in-depth insight into military strategy, but missing is the messy and heartbreaking humanity of people who kill people for a living. Again, consider Tara Chace, the complex heroine from Queen and Country as an example. It was Ruka's willingness to explore Tara's emotional fucked-up-ness that helped Q&C transcended the spy genre. And it's what made that title great. I'd love that for The Activity, too.

I know this seems like a harsh review, but the fact is this: if any other team had put this issue out, I'd be pleased with the result. But I've come to expect so much out of this title and this team that the bar is higher than the average monthly comic. And this time they fell short.

Max Delgado is the founder and curator of The Longbox Project (@LongBoxProject), a memory project where comics are both inspiration and point of departure. You can check it out here.

Overall, The Empty offers a wonderful premise and fascinating start. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

So far The Field has been a joy to read. If you want a book that offers equal doses of violence and mystery, go grab this thing today.

The Field is crazy fun. Go read this thing.

The Field had a daring premise, but an underwhelming ending. But still, it was ride worth taking.

Ghost Fleet #1 offers a cryptic although strangely fascinating start. We'll see what happens next.

Ghost Fleet #3 offers a cryptic continuation it's inaugural arc. But it's still worth reading.

Green Hornet is a man on the edge, and just when you think he can't be pushed anymore, Waid nudges him a little further. And issue #6 is delight to read.

For longtime fans of The Manhattan Projects, issue #18 will offer a familiar romp full of gore. But for those looking for a story, try again next month.

The Manhattan Projects continues to be a creative and engaging read. And I'm not embarrassed to say I continue to love the book even if I don't always know what the hell is going on.

While I'm a fan of Pitarra's art and Hickman's history-bending storytelling, I do think it's fair to say that issue in particular, with it's tongue-in-cheek and hyper-gory approach to JFK will *probably* rub some older readers the wrong way. But younger readers might be unphased. But it's a fun read regardless.

With Volume 4, Mice Templar might be nearing a perfect game. And if so, then issue #4 is taking this book one step closer.

Again, The Mice Templar offers another home run. This title might just be the best thing out there.

The Mice Templar #8 does everything a great book should: it provides a major shift not only for the mega-arc of Volume IV, but develops its cast of characters as well. Go pick this thing up.

Overall, Mocking Dead is a relatively funny title, offering a new twist to a genre that's become mainstream enough to parody. But the humor can be hit or miss, and this detracts from the read as a whole.

Max Dunbar draws awesome zombies. They drool, they growl, and they stumble in all the right ways. Again, Van Lente offers Dunbar some nice moments of dialogue-free action (mostly through the embedded clips of The Mocking Dead movie which he's peppered through the series " a cool narrative device in its own right). The result is strong moments of visual storytelling, and gag jokes that really amplify this title overall.

The Mocking Dead adds a new wrinkle this the zombie genre by mixing death with slapstick. The result is a mostly enjoyable read, with some definite misses, but its own share of some slam dunks, too.

While I love this title overall, this particular one-shot was more undercooked than I had hoped. But there's always next month".

While the current Twilight Zone arc might take some of the shine off Dynamite's newest attempt to expand the boundaries of this franchise reboot, time travel is still fun. And depending on where issue #2 of Shadow and Substance goes next, it might be great.

It's fun to see Oeming branch out on his own again, and even though I'm excited about where this title is going, I can't help but feel a little nervous that the scope of what he's going for might be hard to manage. But I want to believe. And so I'll keep reading.

The Victories continues to catch me off guard. And in a good way. Just when I think I've figured this book out, Oeming shifts the ground and takes us somewhere new. And better.

The Victories #6 is a great read — creative, insightful, and beautifully strange. Go grab this thing today.

Overall, The X-Files Art Gallery #1 is a must-have for any diehard fan. And an issue to skip for those just discovering the series.

X-Files Season 10 #1 offers a strong start. Will it continue doing so? Well, I want to believe.

After a an overly busy issue #2 (which felt a bit like swallowing peanut butter) issue #3 goes down smooth. And it leaves you wanting more.

After what felt like an uneven inaugural arc, issue #6 offers a delightful return to the X-Files we all know and love. Creepy, innovative and just plain fun to read.

While issue #7 doesn't provide a top-shelf story, it does provide a delightful trip down memory lane as readers get to revel in all the nastiness of Flukeman one more time.

This latest dose of X-Files might be the best one yet. Go grab this thing today.

Although IDW had originally promised a real Season 10 with the launch of this new series, X-Files: Season 10 feels like a meme at best.

Overall, X-Files #11 is a joy to read. Go grab this thing today.

So far, issue #12 offers the second installment of what might be one of the most satisfying arcs yet. Go grab this thing today.

From the beginning IDW claimed that X-Files: Season 10 would ostensibly be a continuation of the show that millions of geeks fell in love with back in the '90s. Well, with issue #13 it totally delivers on that promise.

Issue #18 offers the start of a new arc for X-fans. And so far, so good.

Overall, X-Files Season 10 #19 offers a silly break from regular programming. Even if you weren't looking for one.

Overall, X-Files Season 10 #20 offers a silly break from regular programming. Even if you weren't looking for one.

The series finale is on the way — and I'm eager to see what happens next.

X-Files Year Zero is a surprise treasure, and one you should grab today.

Overall, X-Files: Year Zero will be remembered for the new monsters and heroines it introduced — but not the story.

Overall, this Twilight Zone reboot is off to a beautiful start. And I hope it stays that way.

This Twilight Zone reboot continues to be a blast. And I can't wait to keep reading.

Overall issue #3 feels offers some helpful backstory, but at the expense of momentum. Still, Straczynski is such a strong writer that even his mid-level work is better than most things out there.

So far this Twilight Zone reboot has been a delight to read, offering reader's exactly what we want: a story that's creepy…and compelling.

Overall, the second arc of the Twilight Zone is off to a beautiful start. And I hope it stays that way.

Overall, the second arc of the Twilight Zone is off to a beautiful start. And I hope it stays that way.

While it's true that the Twilight Zone has always been a veiled morality tale, this latest arc forgot that one essential element: the creepy storytelling. What a bummer.

Overall, a solid continuation of what's been a solid run.

Only one issue in and Undertow has hit the ground running. And I can't wait to see where it goes next.

So far Usagi Yojimbo: Senso has been a delight to read. And I can't wait for the next issue.

Even though issue #3 offers many endings, it feels like a bridge issue. And I want to keep reading no matter where it leads.

Hardcore fans will love Usagi Yojimbo: Senso. Even if they secretly suspect it could have been so much more.

Readers will love the new direction that Usagi Yojimbo: Senso has suddenly taken. It was worth the thirty year wait.

Fans of Sakai will love this elseworld tale, even if they secretly feel it could have been so much more. But make no mistake about it: Stan Sakai is still one of the best things to happen to comics. Ever.

Carrion deserves a lot of credit for conceiving of such an imaginative project. Vescell is definitely unique. But it could benefit from not trying so hard.

Overall, X-Files Annual 2014 is an uneven attempt — but thanks to Dave Sim's work, it's one of the best comics of the week, too.

The X-Files Conspiracy #1 offers a great read, hitting many of the notes you'd hope for when it comes to anything featuring the Lone Gunmen: humor, mystery, and eeriness. But the real accomplishment so far is that it comes in equal doses.

It'll be interesting to see how IDW juggles the next few issues of this crossover: the Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Crow are radically different titles and it seems the only thing they'll have in common (at least for now) is that they'll get a visit from our favorite geeks.

The X-Files: Conspiracy: The Crow doesn't feel like a major contribution to this mega-arc. And might be worth missing.

While this crossover event has yet to fully satisfy, X-Files Conspiracy: TMNT is by far the best.

Overall, X-Files Conspiracy -Transformers #1 is one of the best reads of this series yet.