Molly Barnewitz Comic Reviews

Groovy artwork, captivating writing, and a hero with a cause make ABBOTT #1 a triumph. The BOOM! Studio's comic combines magic realism and astute political commentary to great effect.

Saladin Ahmed and Sami Kivel's ABBOTT #2 is even more exciting than the first. With even more gruesome artwork and tantalizing plot twists, the BOOM! Studio's comic is a spellbinding read.

ABBOTT #3 keeps the pace of past issues, with just as much passion and intrigue. Ahmed Saladin gives readers more tantalizing hints, and Sami Kivel and Jason Wordie give the comic its dramatic edge in the detailed artwork.

Elena Abbott faces down the shadows in Saladin Ahmed and Sami Kivel's breathtaking ABBOTT #5. The BOOM! Studios comic features complex artwork fitting the equally complex narrative that is one-part fantasy and one-part social critique.

ABOUT BETTY'S BOOB is a sweet and humorous comic about loss, recovery, and self-love. Vro Cazot and Julie Rocheleau cleverly mix together surrealism, referencing classic cartoons and exaggeration to portray Betty's experience with cancer and her whimsical journey to reinvent herself.

Olivia Burton's travel comic, ALGERIA IS BEAUTIFUL LIKE AMERICA balances her French family's history with the realities the Algerian War for Independence. The complicated narrative features whimsical art by Mahi Grand that captures Burton's sense of wonder.

Tini Howard and Gilbert Hernandez bring fast-paced energy and brilliant artwork, respectively, to ASSASSINISTAS #1. The series' badass lead, Octavia, and her son, Dominic, make this issue a fabulous start to a tantalizing new series.

Tini Howard and Gilbert Hernandez's ASSASSINISTAS #2 is an exciting development in the story of hitwoman Octavia "Red October" Price. The second issue takes time to develop the characters, introducing intriguing facts about Octavia's personal history. What the issue lacks in plot, it makes up for in brilliant and humorous details.

Tini Howard and Gilbert Hernandez start to answer some pressing questions in ASSASSINISTAS #3. The IDW comic is as exciting, humorous, and bizarre as the last, but with added intrigue between Octavia and her old colleagues this time around.

Tini Howard's sense of comedic timing makes ASSASSINISTAS #4 a fantastic read. Moreover, Gilbert Hernandez's bright illustrations support the quick paced character development in the latest issue of this IDW series.

Tini Howard puts Octavia's choices under the microscope in ASSASSINISTAS #5, hinting at the challenges she faced to balance motherhood with life as an assassin. Humorous and bright, Gilbert Hernandez makes the comic all the more hilarious and chaotic with his vibrant artwork. Watch as chaos ensues in IDW's latest issue of ASSASSINISTAS.

ATOMIC EMPIRE gives readers a lush adventure through time and space. Alexandre Clrisse's retro art captures the aesthetics of the Atomic Age and illuminates Thierry Smolderen's cosmic journey into the history of the future.

BLACK [AF]: AMERICA'S SWEETHEART delivers powerful political commentary and a lovably optimistic young heroine. With brilliant art and writing, the comic makes difficult social justice issues accessible to all audiences.

BREATHLESS #2 drives the surprising series forward with style. Pat Shand and Renzo Rodriguez successfully develop their daring heroine, Scout, as she faces-off against Big Pharma's big monsters.

CHECK, PLEASE! Book 1: #HOCKEY brings Eric "Bitty" Bittle's freshman and sophomore year of college to colorful life. Ngozi Ukazu's endearing characters are more than enjoyable goofballs. These hockey players prove that loyal teammates don't have to perpetuate toxic masculinity.

Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey serve up more history in IDW's THE COMIC BOOK HISTORY OF COMICS Vol. 2. Focusing on the place of European comics, Van Lente makes comics history interesting and accessible. Dunlavey's wild art makes for an exciting history lesson.

COYOTES #5 is a riveting start to a new arc in Sean Lewis' werewolf-filled recreation of the Little Red Riding Hood story. With magical artwork by Caitlin Yarsky, COYOTES #5 takes Red deeper on the hunt for her sister's murderer.

With hair-raising art and ghastly ghost stories, the debut issue of THE ELECTRIC BLACK by Joseph Schmalke and Rich Woodall proves that horror comics are rich space to explore taboo, curiosities, and new takes on old narratives.

Jorge Corona's gripping fairy tale FEATHERS soars into readers' hearts with vibrant artwork, dynamic narrative choices, and surprising twists and turns.

BOOM! Box's FENCE #3 by C.S. Pacat takes young hero Nicholas Cox to the Kings Row boarding school where he must prove himself or lose his place. The exciting sports drama is brought to gorgeous life by Johanna the Mad. Her attractive characters and animated action scenes make FENCE #3 a winner.

C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad's latest addition to the BOOM! Studios series FENCE takes a step back from plot development to focus on characters detail. FENCE #4 builds tension and excitement, but is over before it can get off the ground.

FENCE #5 delivers a heartfelt message about sportsmanship, along with the usual high school drama. C.S. Pacat's sharp writing reinforces Johanna the Mad's exquisite character design.

BOOM! Studio's FENCE #7 sees exciting progress as Nicholas moves towards his final chance to make the Kings Row fencing team. C.S. Pacat develops other characters in the series and Johanna the Mad uses kawaii aesthetic to add cuteness to the humorous issue.

C.S. Pacat lets readers in on the life of Seiji Katayama, the series' antagonist. With expressive artwork by Johanna the Mad, FENCE #8 is an exciting character study that builds towards the tryouts finale.

FENCE #10 returns us to the rivalry between Seiji and Nicholas. The exciting issue brings precise art and writing to capture the core conflict between these fencers.

FENCE #11 lacks the pace of previous issues, but C.S. Pacat takes the opportunity to dive into character development and explore what makes a great fencing team. Johanna the Mad's artwork reinforces the comic's strengths as a character study.

Music producer Jeff Rougvie brings his knowledge and imagination to the comics world in Image Comics music thriller GUNNING FOR HITS #1. Moritat's artwork and Casey Silver's colors give Rougvie's work the crime noir/punk rock vibe it deserves!

HEARTBREAK QUADRANT brings together rambunctious intergalactic heroines, vintage art appeal, and riotous sci-fi high jinks. Pull up your favorite gas-station snack and take a wild ride through Barrett Stanley's comics.

Sam Davies' HEX VET: WITCHES IN TRAINING is full of heart and adventure. In a pink and teal color palette, Davies' charming characters make magical animal care their top priority - to exciting effect!

Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl's epic journey begins in ISOLA #1. The Image Comics series features fantastic world building, with mesmerizing landscapes and animals. Kerschl's artwork perfectly captures Fletcher's well crafted characters and their dangerous quest.

With elegant artwork and pithy writing, ISOLA #6 supplies only enough information to leave readers wanting more. The comic's heroes tread ever closer to the land of the dead in a dreamlike landscape full of magical creatures and dangerous twists and turns.

LEVIATHAN #1 wastes no time in bringing the monster to life. John Layman's humor shines as Nick Pitarra and Michael Garland bring forth a vibrant comic filled with grotesque and politically pointed details!

Salim Busuru's first issue in the new adventure series DUNAMIS features a compelling cast of superheroes with disabilities up against a powerful witch doctor. This urban fantasy addresses identity, ability, and what it means to be powerful.

Layered with intrigue and detail, RONIN ISLAND #1 by Greg Pack and Giannis Milonogiannis is an ornate first issue. The new BOOM! Studios series -- about an island community of warriors and survivors who face off with a monstrous enemy -- is utterly satisfying.

RONIN ISLAND #2 jumps headfirst into the chaos of a zombie ogre attack. Greg Pak's meticulous writing sends readers into the chaos where Giannis Milonogiannis and Irma Kniivila's artwork meets us with full force.

As Greg Pak's heroes wade deeper into the mystery behind Asia's collapse and the rise of zombie Byonin, RONIN ISLAND #3 engages with tougher issues including racism, cross-cultural conflict, and loyalty. The BOOM! Studios comic highlights Milonogiannis' skill for dramatic battle scenes.

RONIN ISLAND #4 investigates the nature of evil: is it ignorance, apathy, or both? Greg Pak's and Giannis Milonogiannis' genius shine in this issue of the BOOM! Studios series.

Brenna Thummler's graphic novel from Lion Forge is an overwhelming tribute to the power of friendship in challenging times. SHEETS is a triple threat of charming characters, honest writing, and spellbinding artwork.

Sarah Vaughn's skill for world-building shines through as the dangers mount against SLEEPLESS's hero, Lady Pyppenia. Ornately illustrated by Leila del Duca, SLEEPLESS #6 captures the challenges of life at court and excitingly sweeps the reader into an enchanting world of politics, relationships, and beauty.

If you have been looking for a queer millennial love story, look no further than Hazel Newlevant's SUGAR TOWN. This tender comic explores open relationships and queer identity with heartwarming characters and glowing artwork.

Gabriel Rodrguez creates a fantastic sci-fi retelling of the Arthurian Legend. With Avalon at the helm, SWORD OF AGES depicts a gender-bending new version of the medieval myth.

Gabriel Rodriguez' Arthurian heroine, Avalon, makes a triumphant return in IDW Publishing's SWORD OF AGES #2. Packed with adventure and vibrant illustrations, SWORD OF AGES #2 is a little choppy, but filled with excitement.

BOOM! Studios' latest sports comic THE AVANT-GUARDS #1 delivers drama, charm, and wit to the basketball court. Carly Usdin's brilliant girl-gang recipe delivers exciting plays with an assist from Noah Hayes' delightful artwork.

Carly Usdin jumps directly into the fun with the fast-paced AVANT-GUARDS #2. With bright artwork by Noah Hayes, Usdin's comic is full of charismatic characters and celebrates basketball, friendships, and the thrill of young love.

Carly Usdin charms readers with another enthusiastic issue of THE AVANT-GUARDS. Usdin's passion for fun perfectly aligns with Noah Hayes and Rebecca Nalty's exuberant artwork.

THE AVANT-GUARDS #4 flirts with fate as Carly Usdin's adorable protagonists Liv and Charlie get closer to each other. Artist Noah Hayes and colorist Rebecca Nalty add key details and help reinforce the series' adorable queer representation.

The team is at it again in THE AVANT-GUARDS #5. This time they're facing major threats to the entire league. However, writer Carly Usdin and artist Noah Hayes focus on another important event: teammate Jay's art show and a visit from their partner!

It was 50 years ago that the iconic Beatles film introduced us to Sgt. Pepper, the Blue Meanies, and the Nowhere Man. Now, in brilliant color, Bill Morrison's stunning graphic novel tribute THE BEATLES YELLOW SUBMARINE showcases the film's psychedelic art and clever wordplay.

Sylvain Savoia tells the tragic history of eighty Malagasy people abandoned on Tromelin Island in 1761. THE FORGOTTEN SLAVES OF TROMELIN is meditative and informative. Savoia's delicate artwork captures the sublime island, the archaeological work being done, and the story of the forgotten people.

THE GHOST, THE OWL breaks from the horror tradition to tell a wandering ghost story akin to folklore and fable. Sara Richard's vibrant artwork makes the the comic glow with beautiful animals and energizes Franco's blunt writing.

Christian Carnouche and Crizam Zamora's THE RESURRECTED #1 is a harrowing zombie thriller. Exceptional characters and creative world building make THE RESURRECTED #1 a philosophical and entertaining introduction to the series.

First Second's THE SILENCE OF OUR FRIENDS puts names and faces to the Civil Rights Movement, powerfully giving voice to two young families in the wake of the TSU riots. Writers Mark Long and Jim Demonakos and artist Nate Powell humanize the movement with clear voices and nuanced characters.

LA BORINQUEA #2 vibrantly develops Puerto Rico's new superhero as she explores her powers and the magic of Puerto Rico. Miranda-Rodriguez' keeps the pace as the comic's artistic team delivers crisp character design.

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY came into the world with a bang, and the latest issue in the series, HOTEL OBLIVION #1 is no different. Gerard Way and Gabriel B start off the new issue with the same chaos and absurdity as ever.

Julie Delporte's graphic novel from Drawn & Quarterly THIS WOMAN'S WORK is a tribute to women in the arts. The flowing narrative and impressionistic artwork is both heartbreaking and healing.

Ann Marie Fleming's comic WINDOW HORSES is a beautiful exploration of poetry, identity and art. Lead illustrator Kevin Langdale's work in this Bedside Press comic balances humor with sincerity.

YOUNG FRANCES is a meandering journey into the life of Frances as she searches for place in life despite her anxieties. Hartley Lin carefully captures the existential worry many millennials experience with whimsical art.