Scott Morse Comic Reviews

Cognetic #1 is an overall solid start to this 3 issue mini-series. While Tynion and his collaborators leave the reader with far more questions than answers, and with the death toll rapidly rising, Cognetic is taking shape to be a truly original experience.

Titan Comics has an absolute winner on it's hands with the Four Doctors. There is little indication as towhere this story is going, and readershonestly shouldn'tcare. Lucky, this event is weekly so it's only 7 days until thenext fix!

At the end of issue 2 we now have some answers grouped with an entire new set of Questions. What is the Voord's endgame? Why do they need the Doctors? and what will happen when Ten through Twleve finally meet the War Doctor? While we await these answers and more Cornell and Edwards are giving us a crossover event that is not only redefining how adapted properties should be treated in the comic book medium, but one that is vying for the title of best story of 2015!

This series cannot be recommended more highly and the only trouble in the foreseeable future for Cornell and Edwards is going to be topping this issue, because Doctor Who: Four Doctors #3 has been the best of the series so far!

Cornell & Company offerreadersmultiple cliffhangers throughout the series, and Doctor Who: Four Doctors #4is no different. Too often, these types of crossover events promise massive changes thenwoefully under-deliver. That said,Four Doctorsbalks at the stereotypical crossover format for a weekly structure that doesn't lead to event fatigue. Each issue of Four Doctors has been more enjoyable than the last, and next week's conclusion will be a bittersweet ending to a fantastically well-done series.

This issue is certified Doctor Who brilliance. The story is incredibly fun and new reader friendly. While it at times it feels almost meta, the plot doesn't stray from what works in this universe and dive too deep for the reader. It balances along the fine line of deep thought and adventure like only a Doctor Who story can. Titan has another hit on their hands and no one should be happier than the Doctor's fans!

Titan Comics is on a roll to beat all rolls right not with their Doctor Who line of comic books and this issue is a prime example of how fun should be done!

The start of arc number 2 for the tenth Doctor does not exactly sprint out of the starting gates but there is enough intrigue (coming preeminently from it's conclusion) to keep the reader engaged and interested to find out where the story goes. This book comes with a decent recommendation for established Who fans but may not be enough to draw in the casual Whovian or new readers at all.

This was a fantastic kick-off to the second year of the Twelfth Doctor. The same feeling of fun and adventure that was present in the first is now accompanied by a dark yet classic mystery that permeates through the story. This book was by far the strongest outing for the Twelfth Doctor in his four color universe and will leave readers clambering for the follow up second issue. It is not only a must read for Whovians but also a fantastic jumping on point for new readers. The bottom line: read this book!

The creative trio of Kelly, Lanzing and Marcus hit this first issue in such a stride that I would not be surprised to find out that it was written in succession with the first volume. The plotting, dialogue and art compliment each other so well and capture the break neck pace of the cyber world in an almost cinematic way. The flow of this story lends itself naturally to the mini-series formula while not taking anything away from the importance of an individual issue which can at times be a feat in and of itself.

As a whole this story reads as more Viking Nomad than jolly Saint Nick and that is a good thing. Klaus: How Santa Claus Began is being taken as seriously as any Grant Morrison fan could have hoped for. The biggest praise that can be levied upon this story is that halfway through issue #1, the reader will completely forget that this is a story about "Santa: Year One" and will be thoroughly invested in the journey of Klaus. Anyone familiar with Santa Claus will get the Easter eggs left along the way and will close this book clambering for the next one. Morrison has once again tackled a legend of epic proportions and made it entirely his own.

While the formula may not be groundbreaking (a robot is on the loose and both the government and a criminal syndicate are on it's tale, but why?), Araujo has made it feel as fresh as ever. His passion for this project shines through and this seriesfeels like it may be a seminal moment in the creators career, a breakout book if you will. Leave any and all preconceived notions of this genre at the door and enjoy a gripping tale with what just may includethe best artwork of 2016!

The transition of Sleepy Hollow from television to the graphic page almost makes too much sense. The fact that it has birthed an initial mini-series, one shot origin issue and now this, a second mini is baffling in the most pleasant of ways. The entertainment industry is a place where greatideas are often botched with the veracity of an axe strike from the Headless Horseman himself, but this time they got it right. The suits at Fox have entrusted their property in the capable hands of BOOM! Studios and so far it is paying dividends for Sleepyheads everywhere.

Between the witty repartee that draws inspiration directly from the television series, to the fantastic artwork of Victor Santos whichpulls the readerdirectly into the world of Ichabod Crane, Sleepy Hollow: Providence is shaping up to be another fun addition to the franchise. Hopefully, it is just one of many more more to come.

With BOOM!'s release of Sleepy Hollow: Providence #3, the creative team of Eric Carrasco, VIctor Santos and Jason Wordie weave between the storytelling platforms of television and comics in a seamless and fluid manner. This issue truly highlights the history, mystery and mystical nature of Sleepy Hollow that Sleepyheads have come to expect from their Tarrytown trio of Ichabod, and Jenny and Abbie Mills. Though the series antagonists, The Wild Hunt don't hog the screen time in this issue their presence looms over the story with an eerie ominence that eventually pays off by issues end and propels these big bads to even more terrifying heights.

This issue is a great jumping on point for readers that are familiar with the SOA and those who are looking for intense, street level, action packed, mature readers style drama in their comics.

If you are worried that Strange Fruit is just another crack at rewriting the traditional Superman mythos in a radical new way, you can leave those notions at the check-out counter. Waid and Jones' intentions reach far beyond comic book lore.

The Fiction #2 begins and ends with a question that is equal parts ironic (considering the title of the book) and existential: "What is reality?" This question, though not answered here, is a great bookend for what was an otherwise muddy outing for series writer Curt Pires.

This was the pivotal entry of the series, and the one that will be looked at as the moment where The Fiction transitioned from a good idea to a tremendous series.