Stan West Comic Reviews

Deniz Camp proves you can't outrun your authentic self: even if that self is a green Martian living in cigarette smoke. John Jones tries every harmful coping mechanism in the book, but all he gets is a horrifying new partner. Rodriguez's psychedelic visuals make John's mental breakdown as beautiful as it is tragic. Absolute Martian Manhunter continues to be essential reading.

Absolute Superman #14 proves this series should be talked about as one of the Absolute line's best as well as one of the premier comics on the shelf. We get an important glimpse into the nature of our hero as Superman remains good in a world that's anything but.

After the spectacle of The Battle of Kansas, Aaron shows us the true burden of being Superman. He's still the person everyone needs, and he doesn't get to rest because there's always one more person in danger.

Absolute Superman #16 asks whether idealism can survive in a cynical world. Hawkman tells Clark to compromise and work with tyrants like Lazarus. Superman answers with a single, devastating punch, beautifully brought to life on one of the line's best splash pages. Aaron understands what makes Superman special, and Ferreyra makes it gorgeous. This book keeps getting better.

Alien vs. Captain America is pure fun that succeeds in entertaining, even if the plot is thin. Tieri and Raffaele keep their focus firmly on what matters, giving us frenzied battle scenes and hard-nosed character moments.

This series is what superhero/Alien crossovers should be. It's visceral, shocking, and explores dark outcomes. Tieri makes it seem like nobody is safe, while Raffaele and Menon wonderfully portray the Red Skull Alien Queen and the Supreme Intelligence's death. This was a knockout penultimate issue. Bring on the finale.

Amazing Spider-Man #16 is a strong yet flawed addition to the run, significantly advancing the characters. Kelly explores the idea that Peter's humanity is his greatest power, highlighting how neither Norman nor Ben can replicate it.

The space storyline continues to be the stronger half of Kelly's run, and The Amazing Spider-Man #17 proves why.

Amazing Spider-Man #19 serves as another exhibition for Pepe Larraz's incredible art. Hellgate finally looks like a cosmic threat; the color work transforms him into a genuine monster, and the fight choreography is fast-paced and animated. But even he can't save the training arc that never materialized.

This comic proves Kelly understands Norman's psychology, but he won't let us spend time with it. Between Aunt May's subplot, Ben's one-page exit, and the Spider-Family's promotional cameo, Norman's best moments drown in clutter. Kelly needs to cut his cast in half and give his strongest threads space. Peter returns in issue #22. Kelly's focus needs to return with him, because this book is running on empty.

Samantha Strong's cruelty has finally been exposed, and her response is what makes her one of horror's great villains. Her madness has increased throughout this series, and she's pushed past her limits here. No one is safe. The last issue arrives in March, and the wait is going to be agonizing. February's going to feel like the longest month of the year.

DC K.O.: The Joker vs. Red Hood was a book this event needed to nail and it delivered. Snyder and Williamson know there's too much history between these two characters to be superficial and they rightly leaned into it.

Those who were worried Bruce would be sidelined during this event can rest easy. Williamson and Mora have sent him on a journey to confront the darkness within himself.

The conflict in Doctor Strange #2 is compelling, and there's strong character work, just not for Strange. Landy needs to incorporate him more directly into the story instead of leaving him on the sidelines. Right now, we have a good Asgardian political thriller, but a mediocre Doctor Strange comic.

Exquisite Corpses #8 is a fantastic entry in one of comics' best ongoing series. The way Pichetshote and Tynion weave social commentary into visceral action elevates it beyond typical thrillers. Laura's defiant choice and the townspeople's solidarity prove that even at the mercy of elite manipulation, community power can fight back.

Exquisite Corpses #9 excels in its human moments. My chest swelled when I read Xavi's breakdown and Massachusetts' twisted scheming, while Rascal Randy's hunt is horror movie perfection. Boss and Tynion need to give the other killers this same attention, but this book still hits hard. It remains an essential addition to any pull list.

Fantastic Four #6 is an enjoyable opening to a new arc that's sure to capture the attention of any longtime fans. Galactus is coming and he's gunning for Sue. North and Ramos have set the stage, now it's Sue's time to shine.

Infernal Hulk #1 is an exciting start for the series that pushes our protagonists in a fresh direction. Johnson and Klein are one of the most exciting creative teams going today, and their dive into the dark nature of the Hulk is shaping up to be a classic.

The Infernal Hulk #2 continues to escalate PKJ and Klein's story with ruthless efficiency. The visceral destruction and body horror on display make this a must-read for fans willing to watch a hero become a monster. Now that we've seen the Hulk humble Namor, it begs the question: who's next on his list?

The Infernal Hulk #3 proves Bruce Banner can't escape his past, no matter how far he runs. His confrontation with his heroic peers and Betty's breakdown offers devastating proof that separating from the Hulk solved nothing. PKJ wisely shows the full repercussions as Bruce's coworkers lose sons, Betty loses herself, and the Marvel Universe edges closer to destruction.

Nightwing #133 explores Dick Grayson's childhood trauma through the lens of Bldhaven's missing children, proving how well Watters understands the character.

Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four #1 delivers a first issue that kept me guessing. The Fantastic Four are helpless as the apes gain their powers. Di Vito and Arciniega honor each franchise's unique look, while Josh Trujillo captures every character's voice. These franchises may be sixty years old, but seeing an ape covered in flames makes them feel brand new.

Predator Kills the Marvel Universe delivers the vicious bloodshed that it promised, but fumbles where it matters most. Sue Storm gets her revenge, and Wolverine battles Graveyard with his trademark savagery, but characters with entire miniseries of buildup, like Black Panther and Spider-Man, get sidelined. Worse, Kraven never faces Peter despite multiple setup issues.

Ultimate Endgame #1 is a high-octane, visually stunning opening to the event we've been waiting two years for. While the pacing is a bit frantic and the cast list is getting crowded, the genuine sense of consequence makes this feel more vital than your average Marvel event.

Howard's last words to a robot instead of Tony are gutting, but Ultimate Endgame #2 doesn't give that tragedy room to breathe. After two years of brilliant books, this finale deserves better pacing. The pieces are here for something special. They're just crammed together too tightly.

Ultimate Spider-Man #23 positions every piece for the ending Hickman and Checchetto have been building to. Peter's grown into his powers, Harry made his choice, and the truth is about to come out.

Camp and Paknadel challenge readers with philosophical questions about the nature of living and the complex emotions it brings to people simply trying to do their best.

Ultimate Wolverine #13 is an intense display of Wolverine's fighting prowess, but not much else. If you're looking for Carbone's bone-smashing fights or Valenza's blood-soaked palette, then you'll find what you wanted. But if you were expecting story momentum, forward progress, or meaningful character development, you won't find it here.

The Ultimates #20 proves that Deniz Camp understands a truth many people forget: no single person can save the world. Vision's omniscience doesn't make him a solo savior–it makes him the node connecting thousands of resistors. Hammond sacrificed his identity, and a forgotten city came together for the cause. This is what revolution looks like: not one individual but thousands of people coming together to save the world.