Steve Gustafson Comic Reviews

Pick this up and then get started on Animosity, you won't regret it.

AfterShock has earned their reputation for putting out some of the most diverse and entertaining comics in the industry. Animosity is a prime example of this. Writer Marguerite Bennett has filled the book with likable characters and realistic scenarios that will intrigue readers from the start. Artist Eric Gapstur has a clean, familiar style that makes it easy to follow both the quiet scenes and action moments.

The Devil You Know kicks off another bold and dramatic chapter and is a great read for fans and best enjoyed during a rainy night with plenty of lightning in the background.

Do yourself a favor and head to www.bartkira and experience it for yourself. It's something you probably didn't know existed but everything you always wanted.

Great wrap up on the story and King continues to write some of the best Batman/Bruce Wayne stories out there.

Familiar with a twist of surprise, this is a great pick up for any Batman fan looking for something that gives a new perspective on old tropes.

To go into details and spoilers would ruin the book's impact and while I wouldn't want every Batman story to be like this, this is one book just about anyone could pick up and be engrossed by. Grab this one and get a glimpse of what the Black Label can offer DC's characters.

Yes, Batman: Universe #1 is a reprint that was originally published in the Walmart exclusives Batman Giant #3 and #4 but it reads so much better combined and on its own.

Dan Dare is another solid read from Titan Comics and gives you plenty to chew on while waiting for the second issue.

AfterShock Comics is quickly becoming my favorite publisher with a long line of selections that fill a number of genres. Dark Ark is another smash and one that I heartily endorse. I can't wait to see how the story (and art) unfold.

Trust me. This is one of those books that more than delivers in value for what you pay. Detective Comics #1000 is to be celebrated not just for attaining the #1000 landmark but also for being a fun, imaginative read about Batman. Find it at your local comic shop today!

If you've every enjoyed a Doom Patrol book in the past or like the series, give this a read.

There's certain baggage and a fine line when it comes to comic characters whose best days may be behind them. It takes a special creative team to find the right angle and Renni and Mighten have found it. Even better, they have me looking forward to the next issue, thanks to a fresh twist that's best left for you to read for yourself.

The first issue does a great job setting everything up and giving us a taste of what to expect. Pick this one up and enjoy the ride!

I brought up Power Pack at the start because that was the vibe I got from this book. A wish fulfillment book that puts a little wonder back into comics. I'm all for it. It reads a little bit differently than the usual Marvel book and I'd say fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy vibe will like this book, as well as Fantastic Four followers. A solid first issue that will hopefully build to new and better things.

I had high expectations for this one and it exceeded them. An easy book to suggest and one you'll be glad you did/

It's a solid story with an old school feel to it that's fun but ultimately a forgettable ride. It's one of those books that's made for reading in the backseat of the car while your family is driving to the beach and after you're done reading it you leave it at the beach house for the next guest to peruse.

Jimmy's Bastards is familiar but never trite with its portrayal of the secret spy genre. It mixes plenty of flavors into the recipe, mystery, romance, action. The book flows with excitement, laughs, and by the end you'll want to go back and read it again to catch all the cool things you missed the first time.

The Legion is back and looks better than ever. If you've ever been interested in seeing what the fuss is about, you won't have a better opportunity than now.

While new readers might miss some of the fullness of the stories, this book is a treat for long-time fans. The Legion is back and (hopefully) here to stay. Time will tell.

First published back in 2015, I missed the Postal boat and only through a Kickstarter was I reminded that I needed to catch up on this. I'm glad I did. Hawkins has become one of my favorite writers and has yet to disappoint me.

I've been on an AfterShock kick recently and Shipwreck is another stellar addition to my reading list.

A simple story with great art. That's perfect for Boba Fett. Greg Pak, Marc Laming and Neeraj Menon get it right and make this an easy one to recommend.

It's a good set up but the 3-man art team stops it from reaching its full capacity. I'm not sure what the thinking behind it was but it's a shame they went this route. A soft recommendation for Star Wars fans.

Not the first issue I was thinking I'd get and while I'd pass on this one, next month might be a different story.

Bottom line, this issue is geared to ride off the publicity of the movie and bring in new fans. For those of us who've been on the Suicide Squad team for years, it's a filler but good enough to get me to come back for the second issue. Good not great but hopeful for the future.

Run, don't walk, to your nearest comic book shop, and grab this book.

This book passed with flying colors and has joined the rotation of holiday classics for me to read to them. A book that's worthy to be passed down from generation to generation. Visit your local book store and pick this one up.

For fans of The Walking Dead TV show, this issue might be a little jarring with what the future holds. Still, it's an entertaining read and you get more than your moneys worth.

As a fan from the start, I'm more than happy to say that this book still finds ways to entertain and keep us engaged in what happens. Don't believe me? Pick this one up and see for yourself!

Some are calling this a jumping off point but I beg to differ. This is a great time to pick it up and see where they go next. Based on what this issue lays out, this is a must-read for Walking Dead fans.

This is an easy book to recommend and not just for Walking Dead fans. It's a book that deserves a place in just about every collection. An end to an era that won't soon be forgotten.

Torchlight Lullaby fits the criteria. It teaches without being condescending, entertains without being over-the-top, and opens the door for discussion without being pushy. Torchlight Lullaby has the spirit of Jeff Smith's Bone and the heart of The Saga of Rex by Michel Gagne.

Bringing it all back, this was a solid book to push out into the market and I'd give it a solid push as a pick up.

I love coming across projects like Unseen. It's a needed reminder of what's attainable with comic books and storytelling. While some feel tied by constraints, creators like Chad Allen realize the limitless possibilities. Find out more by visiting www.unseencomic.com.

Outside some flow issues, War of the Realms gets it right and while another epic, crossover, this is one that feels fresh, almost cinematic.

The Venom corner of the Marvel Universe continues to grow, which may end up being its undoing but at the end of the day, it's a surprisingly good book and one worth picking up.

Wild Storm #1 is a tremendous new take from Ellis and Davis-Hunt that lays the lines for a new Wildstorm that won't be content with following the rules of the old Wildstorm.

I'll also say that you get your moneys worth with a whopping 56 pages of story. Will the hardcore gamers enjoy it? I can't tell you but the first issue definitely gets your interest. What more can you ask for?

Easy issue to recommend and one that has me looking forward to DC's next big event.