Nicholas Palmieri Comic Reviews

Final Verdict: 8.5 – A visceral conclusion that shows how a one-man creative vision can turn a straightforward take on an established franchise into something special.

The start of something special for both new and old readers.

Too much stuff, not enough space. What we do get is decent, though.

A thorough exploration of the concept of character rebirths and reinterpretations that grabs you and doesnt let go.

Another great chapter in an expressive, imaginative book, with special resonance for anyone who has ever been involved in a creative group.

With unique visuals and unexpected plot developments, these creators keep this crossover from being anything close to predictable.

A good showcase for some of DC's newer talent, showing off some of the unique perspectives these creators can bring to the table, even if stifled a bit by the fact that this is only a single-issue fill-in.

An immensely rewarding and well-crafted tale that actually manages to say something new and interesting about Batman.

Primarily meant to hype an upcoming storyline in a different title, this issue is completely skippable unless you unconditionally love dark futures or the Kate/Renee pairing.

Final Verdict: 6.5 – "Bettie Page" may not rise above the issues inherent in creating a fictional story starring a real-life pin-up model, but there's enough here to keep it entertaining.

A fun little read that didn't completely connect to this Bill & Ted first-timer, though the creators are clearly doing great work.

Another bittersweet, moving issue of Black Hammer. Check it out if youre looking for something different from normal superheroics.

Great concept, but the not-so-great writing drags down the issue and takes the artists down with it. Here's hoping Gay will learn more about comics before writing another one.

A mediocre outing with a few too many small problems. One day this character will get the book he deserves. Unfortunately, this probably wont be it.

A simple, effective one-off of pure superheroics.

Check it out for the incredible visual experience, and hope the story finds a hook while it still can.

Theres definitely potential for a great experience, but for now "Coady and the Creepies" lacks a special touch and a clear direction.

Soule and Browne know how to cook up a great time. Whether you love or hate fantasy, this book begs your attention.

A solid read for fans of the genre, the character, or the creators, Dan Dare shines the brightest in its small creative details.

A fitting tribute to Kirbys work and all thats been inspired by it.

An unevenly madcap journey between high excitement and meandering exposition.

A great read for Green Lantern and sci-fi fans and a good read for fans of a straightforward Space Ghost, but not for anyone expecting a revolutionary interpretation of the latter.

A thoroughly enjoyable spoof of 80s Legion comics, this issue fully understands both the greatness and ridiculousness of its source material.

Even when crossing over with other series, "Deathstroke" remains a must-read title.

Even building a story around Azrael can't slow down this team's momentum. The fantastic portrayal of Zatanna doesn't hurt, either.

This could be the start of something special.

This is true, unrestrained comic book joy.

Exceptional technical skills from top creators doesnt mean much when they dont work well together.

A focus on detective work and a minimal amount of moping make this one of the better recent "Flash" issues.

I've always had a great time with this comic in my limited exposure, and even with reduced roles for two of the leads, this issue is no different. If you enjoy slice-of-life sitcoms, check out "Giant Days."

Great story, great art, great characters, and this issue gives you some major twists, too. This is the type of YA comic DC should always be publishing. If that appeals to you, definitely check it out!

This issue's expertly structured fast-paced fun makes an effort to finally show why this title should exist.

With Nations's singular voice in both writing and art, this one-man anthology shows the importance of diverse voices in comics.

A good debut which stumbles a bit in introducing its themes.

Despite some odd artistic and narrative choices, this character study does good by its concept.

If you are interested in either creator or are a Zim superfan, Id say try the issue out; for those who pick and choose which issues they read from this title, Id say skip this one and wait for the regular team to come back.

A fun, if insignificant, piece of escapist entertainment.

Great fun for this inexperienced Dredd reader.

North and Charm start a new arc with a bounty of jokes and creativity, all covered in self-awareness. The perfect book to read when you want something that actively pushes against taking itself seriously.

One of the best single issues in an already impressive line of comics from Archie. Horror fans, comics fans, fans of great storytelling: check this out!

What started as a repetitive standard issue of "The Kamandi Challenge" ended up as a striking, subversively positive meta-commentary on both this title and Kirby's career.

Milligan has lost his flow, even if Fowler and Loughridge do their best to keep up.

An exploration of the life of struggling musicians through relatable characters and some experimental methods, resulting in some highly realistic portrayals of this lifestyle.

More fun introductions, with only a small indication of how the series will progress now that those are done. The future looks bright, even if this opening arc will probably read much better in trade.

Not the strongest of Orlando's Midnighter saga, but still a solid second-to-last chapter for those who have been following along so far.

A great debut that subverts expectations and has the potential to make a fan out of anyone.

Something unique for Image, this LGBT positive tale comes into its own with this issue as a fun slice-of-life book with some gripping mystical elements.

A great aesthetic can only take you so far when your story is this formulaic.

Moore brings his talents to a series both fun and melancholy, told with a smoothness rarely found outside or inside of single-creator books.

A near perfect ending to a wonderful series.

Extremely strong character and thematic beats save this slightly anticlimactic arc-ender.

A superb, layered continuation of the adventures of Kong Kenan and the Justice League China. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates good storytelling.

A high octane single issue action tale so well crafted that it's hard to tell where one creator's influence ends and another's begins. They don't make 'em like this anymore, folks.

A strong set of diverse stories and diverse art styles by diverse storytellers that faithfully capture the heart of Over the Garden Wall while bringing their own styles to the table.

There may not be much progress on the plot side, but this collaboration between creators impresses in every other way.

Fine for its target audience, not so much for anyone else.

The best superhero satire you aren't reading.

A few good laughs couldn't save the overall mediocrity of these stories at this price point, though die-hard fans will likely still enjoy it.

The creators and property are way better than what we got here. Unfortunately, a few solid jokes cant save a book that just doesnt work.

Viewers of the show have already seen everything here, and while some of the art is great, its not enough to save the insignificant stories.

Don't let the hilarity fool you: This book knows how to tell a story.

Successful far beyond the nostalgia factor, Brown and DuBois directly tackle concepts only a modern-day "Rugrats" comic could with a high level of intelligence and charm.

More about the feeling than the plot, the journey rather than the reason, and expertly portrayed by every member of the creative team.

A well done issue, as much for its ties to Black Hammer as for its engaging detective story and stunning otherworldly visuals.

An adaptation so absolutely faithful that there is very little reason to read it. Watch the show instead.

A fantastic debut, the creators make the experience of reading this issue far better than you could imagine from the concept.

Remarkable art with a story that's only there to further the visuals, and that's okay.

I want to keep liking you, Stray Bullets. Looks like this issue wasnt the one to convince me.

An issue that showcases some of Tomasi's negative storytelling tendencies, but there's still enough positives from him and Jimenez to keep the issue likable.

Tamaki and Jones keep bringing their slow indie drama style to a hero who deserves it. If you like stories that focus on emotion and character over plot and superheroics, check this out

A great showcase for Fiumara's dark and eerie art, as well as Tomasi and Gleason's expertise at writing children.

Light on plot, but a good time nonetheless for those interested in 20 pages of superhero fights.

These characters finally get the competent comic they deserve.

Not everything works as well as it could, but the parts that do work hit hard. Regardless of its downfalls, "The Flintstones" is a rare beast. Give it a shot while you still can.

Even with no particularly groundbreaking concepts and a cast that spends most of the issue in separate situations, Palmiotti and Brito have built up a satisfying world and established a down-to-earth tone that I can get behind.

Final Verdict: 9.3 – An inspired mixture of the real and the surreal, Asaf Hanuka's collection of his thought-provoking comic strips end up being far greater than the sum of their parts.

A riveting story that uses unconventional means to show why this book needs to exist right now. One of the best debuts Ive read in a long time.

A collection of fantastic visuals and engaging scenes that never personally connect.

Like visiting a small winery and the soaking up the history of small human dramas within, this story of a time traveling wine cellar keeps surprising me with its storytelling nuance. Please read this book.

A competent one-shot with some interesting concepts and themes that is sure to deliver a good time to those looking for some one-and-done fun.

Exactly what it says on the tin. Not exactly a quality comic, but if the title sounds like something you'll enjoy, you'll probably enjoy it.

Though better when looked at in context of the overall story, all elements of this comic work together so well that even this small piece shines.

Messy storytelling concludes a disappointingly skippable arc, though the visuals are nice.

A fun one-shot for fans of the movie and a nice Rebirth of sorts for Steve Trevor. Hopefully, this leads to more from these characters!