Percy Waelchl Comic Reviews

Force Works #1 is a quick introduction to a team with potential. These are not Earth's Mightiest Heroes, nor are they colorful and flashy superheroes. What they are are heroes with a past and a sense of duty. Each of these characters is usually relegated to supporting roles and this provides Rosenberg room to expand and define the team as the series grows. As Rosenberg draws out that sense of duty while dealing with their past, he will make this series and these characters successful.

After the galaxy spanning last arc, Jurgens returns to Superman the man and develops a caring narrative. His ongoing story with Lois and fake Clark finally starts to pull back the curtain on the mystery and promises some surprises. Both plots move readers forward and make the wait for the next issue difficult.

Complex, dangerous, yet still fun. Action Comics #975 delivers some of the the best comic book value available. Beyond dollar value, DC's commitment to every other week shipping ensures a sense of momentum to this story line.

What appeared a filler story, may result in a turning point moment for Superman and Mr. Oz.

Action Comics #1018 succeeds as two short character stories tucked inside the ongoing battle. And even though there are some questionable pacing and sequencing for those reading the rest of the Superman line, Bendis gives readers reasons to care about the side characters in his ongoing story.

While Superman's recent reboots create continuity tangles, Bendis effectively crafts a rewarding narrative that works for fans of each generation of Supermen. The interactions of the Superman's son Jon, Superman's partial clone Conner, and Superman provide new ground for stories and new opportunities for all three characters.

The artwork is amazing. The story setup is spectacular.Slott and Immonen make the case that Spider-fans of any generation should pick up this book and hang on for the final ride from this creative team.

Norman Osborn's character has remained in an awkward and often irrelevant position since the end of the Dark Reign storyline almost a decade ago. It is fitting that Slott's decade-long reign on this title draws to a close with the return of Osborn as an urgent threat to Peter Parker's world.

Rarely do comics create the sense of adrenaline that an action movie climax can, but Slott achieves that here. While the “Go Down Swinging” arc may have dragged at times, this issue grabs a hold of the reader and never let's go. Any superhero fan looking for that next great story will find it within this landmark issue.

Amazing Spider-man #32 provides a solid foundation for this new story arc and the creative team. Readers who may have fallen off during Absolute Carnage owe it to themselves to return for this new arc. Spencer, Gleason, and Wilson's work beautifully realizes both Parker and Spider-man's world and tease readers with enough questions to come back for more.

After Nick Spencer's last arc, he provides a brief palate cleanser with a few appetizers for the coming story. The issue is a nice break in the action, but ultimately minor in the scope of the ongoing storylines. The result is a needed, but quickly consumed issue bridging major arcs in Spencer's ongoing run.

Spencer's re-introduction of historical characters may bring back readers or create opportunities for new readers to explore the original story arcs. But as an oversized issue, it does little more than set the stage for the new arc. Bagley's artwork though, continues to be quintessential Spider-man.

A fine life raft for readers to jump on, but a safe local story in what could have been an exciting world building opportunity. Issue #16 floats safely on.

Brandon Thomas returns to Jackson Hyde after his creative approach in Future State. Aquaman: The Becoming is a solid start for a creative team who hopeful has a lot to say during this limited series.

Readers will likely find different favorites in this anthology, from the silly Darkseid and Harley to the stylish Phantom Stranger's staircase. The short story format still allows the Green Lantern and Vixen/Wonder Woman stories to ask deep questions about one's self and the world. Consequently, this is the strength of the collection. A little something to satisfy different readers while introducing something thought provoking. Like a good scary story, Are You Afraid of Darkseid? holds a little truth about the human condition sprinkled in to resonate with the audience.

A few parts space pirate, a few parts evil empire, a dash of lost bloodline all go into the first issue of Jai Nitz's Astro Hustle. While readers may still be wondering what to expect from this limited series, this issue makes the case that whatever happens, it will be an adventure.Astro Hustle #1 doesn't reveal all its' tricks, but like a traditional matinee serial, it encourages readers to enjoy the ride.

Aaron and McGuinness have created a title with enough Marvel lore to engage longtime fans, while still being accessible to the casual comic or MCU viewer.

Avengers #31 stands nicely on its' own echoing the origin of Iron Man and reminding readers of the complexity and flaws of Tony as both a human and hero. Readers not following Aaron's run deserve to pick this issue up as a character exploration. Readers keeping track of Aaron's connections will find more threads and future story arcs to enjoy. And all will marvel at the artwork that sets this issue apart from the previous arc and standard super hero fare.

The opening chapter of this arc raises the stakes and makes it personal for the Avengers, while providing hints at some twists and deception for Moon Knight and Khonshu. Aaron and Garron pace the issue well and provide readers with a reason to return for the next chapter.

Batman #112 treads water. While the artwork is beautiful and haunting, the narrative barely moves forward. Hopefully, James Tynion IV can regain momentum for this event as it moves forward.

Batman Fear State Alpha is a good jumping-off point for Tynion's comic event. All the players are on the board, and there are numerous plot threads to develop and resolve. Batman fans, both current and lapsed, have something to connect with within this event. The next few months and multiple titles will tell if they leave satisfied.

The creative team of Bennett, Tynion, Epting, and Cox crafts an artistic issue that invites new and former readers back to the character, while teasing just enough for fans to get excited about. Kate Kane remains a powerful character who is often easier to identify with than Bruce Wayne.

This new comic series leans more toward the light-hearted humor of Baltazar and Franco, while remaining true to the source material. If this direction continues, young fans of the series and the property will enjoy having something new about their heroes to read in between episodes of the show.

Duggan's teased storyline and space warriors shifts the mutant focus from humankind to something on a much grander scale. That grand scale and luxurious artwork makes Cable #1a perfect jumping on point for casual X-men fans and an essential pickup for readers keeping up with the inhabitants of Krakoa.

The cliffhanger ending and new setting result in an attack on Conan's mind and soul, more than his body. This mindful approach to a physical character creates a story arc that transcends expectations, engages new readers, and builds on the character's long history.

Damage#16 is a suitable sendoff providing some character growth and an unknown future. Damage‘s pitch might have initially sounded like DC's Hulk, but over the course of sixteen issues, he evolved into something that could be unique in the DC universe. Like a good movie monster, Damage's story is only over until the next time he returns.

A good writer can still tell engaging, relevant stories almost a century after a character's creation. Becky Cloonan does just that with Dark Agnes#1. Cloonan, Pizzari, and Ramos successfully maintain a French period piece while constructing an adventure for modern readers. The classic setting is unique within Marvel's publishing catalog and hearkens back to a time when adventure comic books shared newsstand space with the new upstart genre of superheroes.

After a slow start to this crossover, Deathstroke #19 finally makes up time and creates an engaging event.

While it will only be a matter of time before things fall apart, with Priest at the helm, readers can trust that it will be a ride worth taking.

Readers seeking layered intrigue and complicated family dynamics will savor the layers Priest has created. Those looking for a flashy superhero title will need to invest some head space for Priest's writing.

Deathstroke#24 is an enjoyable issue for existing readers and an accessible entry point into a layered title.

Creating a new character, free of the narratives from previous media, provides writers Nunzio DeFilippis and Christina Weir with the opportunity to tell their own story.

The first issue was best enjoyed by Dragon Age fans, but issue #2 can be enjoyed by any reader or fantasy fans. The racial themes are engaging and do not depend on existing knowledge of the world.

The lack of emotional connection is the missed opportunity of this issue. After a solid second issue, this issue regresses.

In this final issue, those new characters shine brightly and create a strong justification for future tales. Ifreaders fell away from the series over the past months, issue #5 is a worthy return to the Dragon Age lineage.

While Blood of the Sardaukar may not be inviting to new readers it is rewarding for current or lapsed fans. Frank Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson provide depth and nuance to what originally was a plot device that sent Paul Atreides into exile. New readers have better options for a starting point, but Blood of the Sardaukar should interest lapsed fans into exploring the new Caladan series.

The combination of Sarah Gailey's pacing, world-building, and characters combined with Bak and Titov's art creates a compelling first issue of Eat the Rich and builds anticipation for the series.

Flash #22 is a necessary conclusion to a crossover that raised more questions than it answered. Williamson's writing and Porter's art make the journey more satisfying that than destination. Personal moments of each hero's failure and loss stick with readers well past any new tease at the larger Rebirth mystery.

Taylor's dialogue and banter is the highlight in an otherwise run-of-the-mill comic. Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man#13 is a standard superhero adventure that could work as a Spider-man tale in any decade. Fortunately, this series is strong enough to survive a few stumbles and will keep swinging even with the frayed web of this issue.

Even though Thomas' narrative is narrow in scope, the characters he's created and the artwork create a title worthy of multiple reads. In a line of heavy, doom filled titles, Aquaman stands on its' own. The plot does not need to connect to other titles to create an enjoyable comic. This distance creates a meaningful breath of fresh air in DC's current event.

Readers of good characterization will value the intelligence Phillips brings, without losing the chaotic fun in Harley's character. And Harley fans have a lot to look forward to with Phillips at the helm.

Combined together, this writing artistic team creates a comic worth reading twice. Once the reveal is known, the layers of art give additional meaning to the larger story. Sheridan has crafted a tale that retains the bleak vision of the Future State line without sacrificing the bright comic wonder that accompanies Shazam.Combined together, this writing artistic team creates a comic worth reading twice. Once the reveal is known, the layers of art give additional meaning to the larger story. Sheridan has crafted a tale that retains the bleak vision of the Future State line without sacrificing the bright comic wonder that accompanies Shazam.

Thompson and Adams stories could each carry a satisfyingly standalone issue. Packaging them together prevents the story stumbling that has occurred in other Future State titles. That is a victory worthy of returning to for another issue.

As an adventure comic it succeeds, but readers have to hope the creative team has enough time to craft a story that pays off in the end.

The freedom the Future State provides is the greatest asset to the issue. Readers can not assume the heroes always win or that everyone can be saved. This creative freedom creates a worthy issue that is allowed to wrestle with the issue of evil triumphing over good. The ending may not be satisfying to fans, but it provides DC the ability to play around with concepts usually off the table in traditional super hero franchises.

Fortunately, even though this volume is finished this world is not. McGuire has more in store for Gwen and her supporting cast. While the future is uncertain for when and what comes next, Ghost-Spider delivers a successful final issue that gives fans something to look forward to and new readers something to invest in.

As a one shot,Giant Size Nightcrawler is easy for any reader to pick up and follow. No knowledge of Hickman's current story lines are necessary for the story to succeed. It reintroduces a classic character and inches some larger plot threads forward. In the context of Hickman's larger narrative, Giant Size Nightcrawleris a missed opportunity.

Writer Mary Kenney creates a world where the reader understands humanity's selfish and scared tendencies and cheers as the female leads, both human and Kaiju stand up to save the day. Godzilla Rivals: Vs. Mothra is an excellent stand alone title that is undercut by the steep price tag.

Benjamin Percy creates a fine jumping off point for a new storyline, but in doing so he reduces the significance of the characters and events his previous arc. While there's plenty of questions keep readers coming back, there is a disregard for readers that invested in this series over the last year.

The combined narrative and artistic efforts create an issue necessary for reading twice to unpack the plot and unravel the imagery. Wherever this creative team takes these galactic heroes next will be worthy of their modern mythology status.

Hardware pairs a new creative writer with the title's original artist. This new creative pairing retains a hero as relevant and meaningful as when it was created. That is a sign of a lasting superhero.

The issue is action packed but ultimately does little to move the story forward. Issue #6 should be an exciting conclusion to this fandom crossover

In today's story, He-Man and Lion-O learned that working together allows people to accomplish more than doing things alone. Skeletor and Mumm-Ra found out that being greedy only hurts people, including themselves.

All of this care creates an issue that is much more than simple fan service. He-man and the Master's of the Multiverseis an invitation for any fan across generations to return to the characters they remember and an excellent launching point for a new story where anything can and does happen to characters and expectations.

As a first issue there is more stage setting than revealing character development, but the setting, premise, and composition ofHellions provides a voice for an unexplored segment of Krakoa's society.

John Ridley's I Am Batman #1 is a strong first issue. Coipel and Sinclair's artwork propel Jace Fox and his version of Gotham. Readers that do not care or do not try to fit it into continuity will discover a satisfyingly new approach to this hero.

Taylor crafted a well-paced series with the original Injustice and there is a reason to believe that he can do the same again here.

The strong, confident voice of Jinny and her friend Lady Bird are the core of this title and the characterization Visaggio creates shines brighter than the warm sun on the horizon. Jinny clearly has more mysteries to uncover and this creative team should be along for the adventure.

The story set up thus far is as static as any iteration of a predictable episode from Saban's long running series.

A successful transition from Killer Frost's role in Justice League vs. Suicide Squad into her new role on the Justice League of America. Caitlin Snow's internal battle to fight against the prejudice and judgment of others and set her own future continues the empowerment themes that Orlando and Houser created with each of these JLA:Rebirth one-shots.

It is too early to tell if this series has something meaningful to say, but Chapman has created a solid foundation.

In spite of the unnecessary plot device, Rucka and the creative team craft an enjoyable and well-paced chapter in the ongoing detective story. Readers will see this as a filler chapter in an otherwise strong run.

Major X waffles between feeling like a new event in the lineage of time traveling X-tales and a “what if” story by a creator revisiting an earlier work. The question remains if Liefeld and readers are simply playing with old toys for nostalgia's sake or if there is a meaningful story to share all these years later.

2099 Alpha is a visually beautiful book that sets the stage for future action. Readers will more likely be pulled into the narratives of the individual titles, but Nick Spencer has proven that he can craft a complex narrative. Sometimes those story arcs resonate with fans, as in Captain America and his current run onAmazing Spider-man, and sometimes they fall flat, likeSecret Empire.Time will tell if this is more of the former rather than the latter.

Avengers: Hulkworks as a teaser to the greater game world, and Zub's angry Bruce Banner creates story opportunities for the game to further explore. Marvel has already shown with their series set in the PS4 Spider-man game that they are interested in continuing their game worlds, the question is if readers care enough to remain in this world.

Both the Power Rangers and the Turtles are no strangers to comic crossovers, but the teams rarely cross paths with each other. Ryan Parrott's writing and the strong artwork by di Meo, Baiamonte, and Monti provide justification that these teams should do more together. Parrott has crafted a narrative that is accessible to any lapsed 80's or 90's fan but fills the story with enough details for readers of either franchise to latch onto and enjoy.

The juxtaposition of multiple mythologies provide Grevioux with a world of adventure to explore that looks to earn the Odyssey in the title. This first issue is successful in investing the reader in these characters. While there is not a strong tie to any of DC's existing story lines, this stand alone adventure may prove to be a journey worth taking.

Marvel has witnessed success over the past few years with younger and more diverse interpretations of classic heroes. Outlawed presents a society and power structure pushing back against that success. Eve L. Ewing has successfully set the stage for a tale that provides a voice to youth struggling to stand up for what is right and push back against the establishment.

This wonderful issue remains true to who Todd is while adding a new layer that many readers never considered. As a result, Jason Todd and the reader are left in a better place.

Dark and jaded, yet full of hope, Red Hood and the Outlaws #9 is confident in tone and artwork.

The darker realities of the team are kept at the edges for now, but the creative team has constructed new opportunities for character growth for issues to come.

The Power Rangers maybe a franchise built in the 90's, but Power Rangers: Aftershock is a standalone tie-in with modern day sensibilities. Rather than throw away fan service, Aftershock succeeds in continuing to develop the characterization of the Power Rangers. The price tag maybe high for a comic, but for the price of another movie ticket, Parrott provides fans an opportunity to enjoy more time with the heroes of Angel Grove.

Section Zero is a return to a long dormant creative idea and a return to form for industry veterans. Issue #1 is also enough to get any reader to return for the rest of the series.

Shazam #3is a simple story that sets up the second half of this initial story arc. Johns uses this issue to build out his world around Shazam. This is important for the series, but as an individual issue, it lacks the emotion and character building of the first two issues. New readers would be better served to pick up either of the first two issues to find introductions to the characters. Returning readers will be ready to discover how lasting of an impact these magic lands will have for the series.

If Henderson can sustain this momentum, Skyward will be aseries, and a world, worth exploring.

Slots #1 is a must-read for fans of human drama and the seedier side of existence.

Vested Marvel fans will enjoy Zeb Wells' take on classic characters and new fans will recognize Peter Porker's wit from the animated movie. The Spectacular Spider-ham is a humorous, engaging, and smile-inducing comic that understands what it is and succeeds.

Spider-man: Life Story is a wonderful premise and a solid start to the series. There are missed opportunities since the concept deserved a wider breadth. Marvel could have published a mini-series for each decade and still left fans with unanswered questions. Fortunately, any Spider-man fan with at least a passing awareness of the character will find something to enjoy, even if the book is over too soon.

It is a joy when a long-standing character can be viewed through a different lens and provide readers with thought-provoking questions and emotional responses.Spider-man: Life Story#2 does this and more. Spider-man fans of every age should pick up this book even if they missed issue #1.

Star Wars #40 is big on atmosphere and limited in character development. Gillen's use of conflict between Luke and Leia demonstrates an understanding of where each character is in their story arcs and hints at more to come.

Five panels of a meaningful story, a worn out plot device, and pacing slower than the continent class machine creates a disappointing filler chapter in this story arc.

Creatively, the worn out plot device is a missed opportunity to do something more interesting for the larger Star Wars lore when the original trilogy characters deal with the destruction on Jedha.

Gillen's drawn out and disappointing Jedha tale comes to a close withStar Wars#43, an enjoyable single issue weighed down by a poorly paced story arc.

Like any narrative told in serial fashion, that tension and action works best for those who have come along from the beginning. Fortunately, Star Wars can rely on the cultural awareness of these characters so that casual readers, who may pick up an issue after watching the newest trailer, can be carried away on this adventure. Pak and Noto's pacing and storytelling successfully orchestrates the bars of John Williams' score as the action builds to the penultimate issue next month.

Writer Charles Soule approaches Vader as a nuanced and flawed character and this issue carries greater meaning because of it.Darth Vader #10 is strong in the force and easy to recommend for any Star Wars fan.

This issue starts a new story line that looks to test Vader and readers will benefit from the emotional responses this create team will invoke.

There is a lot to love in this issue and Soule and company retain their tight grasp on the evolving character of Vader.

Fans of the novel may long for the visual version of a favorite scene, but new readers will never feel lost or shortchanged in this adaptation.

Strange Academy transcends it's well worn fictional setting of a magical school and provides a new and unique perspective on magic in the Marvel universe. Young and the artistic team are off to a solid start in this book that young and old will enjoy.

The Superior Spider-man was a complex and conflicted character throughout this series. And while this concept could have continued on, Gage and the creative team create a satisfying transition for Octavius and the characters in his orbit. Superior Spider-man fans will have a sad goodbye, but any reader with an awareness of Dr. Octopus will enjoy the exploration of this character.

Superman #27 feels like a one-shot that brings the family closer together and honors the military service of American women and men.

Gleason and Tomasi's celebration of the Kent family carries emotion that rivals the oversized weight of other releases this week.

This issue could easily carry the page number and price of an oversized special issue, but the standard size and price allude to the subtle nature and natural eventuality of this reveal. Regardless of how any reader feels about removing the secret identity, this issue is a master course in comic book execution. Superman #18 is focused tightly on what it wants to accomplish while remaining emotionally grounded and heartfelt.

The first half of the issue is another super use of characters and new ideas. A perfect 10. Unfortunately, the second half leans into the superpowers of the character but it is not a super use of character. A standard 7. Ultimately, the issue will be remembered for the excellent first half that reminds readers why Superman is a relatable character.

Superman #20leaps back from the lackluster issue #19 and sets up a new story angle where humans are questioning Superman's role. The quick turn from praising Clark Kent's bravery for coming forward as Superman could quickly be replaced with suspicion and judgment from humanity. The storytelling twist gives readers another reason to stick around to see how Bendis handles his characters in the face of this new challenge.

Superman Heroes may not be as deep and expansive as fans hoped, but it provides enough to justify the price. Filled with worthwhile stories that explore Superman's world, the creative teams ground readers in the human side of Superman's reality.

Superman Son of Kal-El is an easy entry point for readers interested in a new twist on the classic superhero. Tom Taylor's DC legacy may provide longtime readers hints or red herrings as to the direction of the series. Either way, readers are given a Superman determined not just to fight the problems of the world, but to be a solution.

This new powerless Superwoman is a great starting point for any reader interested in solid characters. Readers turned off by the direction the last arc took will find a welcome return to a passionate and powerful new Superwoman.

In spite of a historic and convenient plot device, K. Perkins defines a strong, human voice for Lana and a confidence to Lana's role as Superwoman.

K. Perkins again delivers strong and emotional characters inSuperwoman #11, but the plotting jumps too quickly to deliver the emotion the story deserves. Fortunately, this arc is not finished and neither is Perkins time with Lana Lang.

As a conclusion to the story arc,Superwoman #11 is rushed and spends too little time with too many characters. As a journey of self-discovery for Lana Lang,Superwoman#11 is a success.

DC's cancellation of Superwoman removes a smart, scientific, never sexualized, female superhero from their lineup. But thanks to K. Perkins strong characterization of Lana Lang in this issue, and across her run on the series, a hero remains within the DC universe.

While Teen Titans #7 serves up a nice introduction for Aqualad, there are lingering concerns with Percy's character balance and lack of strong female characterization.

Benjamin Percy continues to expand and develop team members and his scripting makes it easy for any reader to join in.

Even with the over reliance on Robin and struggles with Starfire's characterization, Percy crafts an engaging team that continues to discover who they are as individuals and who they want to be as a team.

Teen Titans both as a series and as a cast of characters is growing. Percy's writing has always been building to this growth, even when it came in small increments.

The "Lazarus Contract" is too rush for readers of any of the three titles to invest heavily in the conclusion. With a number of plot threads, confrontations, and explanations still lingering, this finale is unsatisfying.

IfThe Clock was a new show on a streaming service, social media would be buzzing with the concepts that it wrestles with. Thankfully, Hawkins' story works in a variety of mediums and comic book are no exception. Viral cancer and overpopulation are a rich storytelling framework for the creative team to draw the readers in and allow them to confront difficult social and scientific concepts.

Overall Russell's The Flintstones remains socially relevant, but this issue's valuable gems of commentary are obscured through the pile of story threads.

Russell has time and again held a mirror up to human nature to reflect back our own ugliness.

Mark Russell's The Flinstones was one of the most important and relevant titles to come out of a major comics publisher over this past year. The final issue is an excellent stand alone criticism and a concluding chapter to his social commentary.

The Jetsons' worldis living on borrowed time and hopefully, Palmiotti has something to say about how we, as a world, can either prevent that end or make the most of the time we have.

This is an essential read for fans of the franchise and for any fantasy fan. Even readers not connected with the franchise will find themselves pulled into this world and wondering what comes next. The setup of the first issue promises a world changing tale of adventure, sacrifice, and hopefully renewal.

The Power of the Dark Crystal #3 brings excitement, confrontation, and drives the narrative forward.

While readers that fondly remember the "good ol' days" of the Teen Titans will welcome this issue, casual fans can safely skip this beginning of a new story arc.

Writer Brian Ruckely and artists Angel Hernandez and Cachet Whitman create a new, yet familiar, world for the Transformers to inhabit. Longtime fans will feel comfortable in the settings created and new or returning fans will be able to start fresh with this new series and continuity.Transformers#1 may not do much beyond establishing the characters and raise questions, but that is enough reason for readers to return to Cybertron and to return for issue #2.

Transformers#3 is another solid step in building and expanding this world. While light on action and answers, it raises more questions that should keep readers engaged over this first story arc. Lapsed fans of the franchise can still jump on to this series and find out if there is more than meets the eye.

Dan Watters plot surpasses expectations of a Halloween special to delivery a brief character study of the most self-interested and arrogant Decepitcon, Starscream. While its' over too soon and misses some opportunities, what it delivers is a beautifully illustrated and unique Transformers tale.

Jumping into a Transformers title can be difficult given the ongoing storylines and multiple books. However, Danny Lore's Transformers Shattered Glass is accessible for new readers and a rewarding twist for fans. This first issue introduces the world and provides readers the ability to cheer on Starscream.

Fans familiar with the expansive worlds created by Snyder and Soule will be hooked by the final page of this issue. Readers with an interested in culture and society will want to return to this world they created. And any citizen could benefit from the questions this series is starting to raise.

Weapon Plus#1 provides both the complicated character of Man-Slaughter and the camp of Brute Force. Man-Slaughter's tale could easily expand into future issues and Brute Force ends with allusions to the future, but it leaves readers with the question of what is next for the Weapon Plus project?

Hickman continues to add small pieces to a larger narrative, and Yu, and Gho create another solid visual experience. Even though readers have not seen a payoff, the stand alone stories of each chapter in Hickman's grand design remain worth reading.