Also, check out what the IGN All-Stars are doing in their reviews of this week's Comixology Submit releases!
DC COMICS
Aquaman #27
Written by Jeff Parker | Art by Paul Pelletier
"If you liked Jeff Parker's debut on Aquaman last month, you won't find much different in issue #27. This is still very much a slow burn of a story as is usually the case when Parker takes on a long-form assignment. The series is heavily steeped in the same elements that defined Geoff Johns' run - political intrigue among the Atlanteans, mounting distrust of Atlantis in the surface world, and bizarre creatures from Atlantis' secret past coming to light. If it ain't broke, don't fix it." -Jesse
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Final Score:
8.4
Batman and Robin Annual #2
Written by Peter J. Tomasi | Art by Doug Mahnke & Patrick Gleason
"There's been a clear trend with Pete Tomasi's Batman and Robin run that the best issues have been those that focus on standalone stories that revolve around Damian Wayne and the impact he made on the Robin mantle. It was true for Batman and Robin #19. It was true for Batman and Robin Annual #1. And it's true for this year's annual issue, too. If you're at all a fan of either the Bruce/Dick or Dick/Damian dynamics, you'll definitely want to add this issue to your buy pile this week." -Jesse
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Final Score:
9.5
Dead Boy Detectives #2
Written by Toby Litt & Mark Buckingham | Art by Mark Buckingham
"Because of an increased sense of focus, issue #2 is a stronger and more fast-paced read than the first. Toby Litt delivers an eclectic script that bounces between Crystal's voice and that of the two boys. It's not easy to write an issue from the point of view of three different characters, complete with running narration, but Litt is able to pull it off. Todd Klein deserves ample credit as well, as his lettering constantly shifts to reflect the changes in narrator and speaker. In general, Litt is able to pay homage to the Sandman source material while giving this series a voice and wit of its own." -Jesse
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Final Score:
8.5
Earth 2 Annual #2
Written by Tom Taylor | Art by Robson Rocha
"Since Tom Taylor took the reins of Earth 2 late last year, perhaps the biggest question surrounding the series has been the identity of the new Batman. If Superman cheated death at the hands of Darkseid's forces, is it possible Bruce Wayne could as well? Or is this a new heir to the mantle? The series' second annual issue answers all questions as it provides a detailed origin of this new Batman and explores his connections to the old." -Jesse
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Final Score:
7.1
Green Lantern Corps Annual #2
Written by Van Jensen & Robert Venditti | Art by Neil Edwards
"Van Jensen and Robert Venditti inject a sense of epic scale and swashbuckling action into the franchise as the Lanterns battle their old Sciencell foes and the shape-shifting Durlan masterminds. The wide-scale battle allows room for many Lanterns and villains to have their big moments. The humor also shines through as characters like Kanjar-Ro and especially Bolphunga interact with the Lanterns. And rather than trying to tie a neat little bow on this conflict, the writers give the story a more open ending that paves the way for a more lasting conflict and a cool mystery that can serve as the driving force of this series moving forward." -Jesse
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Final Score:
6.5
Red Lanterns #27
Written by Charles Soule | Art by Alessandro Vitti
"All the Green Lantern books seem to be finding their footing lately, but Red Lanterns is very much the series to beat right now. You can credit that to the winning premise or the fact that the book is allowed to exist largely on its own within the Green Lantern franchise. But really, it all comes down to the inhumanly productive and talented Charles Soule. Lately it seems as if he can do no wrong." -Jesse
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Final Score:
8.2
Superman #27
Written by Scott Lobdell | Art by Ed Benes
"It's no secret that Superman has had a rough time finding his footing since the launch of the New 52. This issue is a testament to that, no doubt. It's certainly not bad, but it reads like a comic from 20 years ago. There's something just off about it, failing to feel new and energized but still falling short of nostalgic and classic. It looks good, at least, it's just a shame there are so many words, thought bubbles and strange narrations covering up all that nice looking art." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
6.1
MARVEL COMICS
Cataclysm: Ultimates Last Stand #4
Written by Brian Michael Bendis | Art by Mark Bagley
"For a story that hinges on the heroes of the Ultimate Universe fighting for their very survival, Cataclysm doesn't hold quite the sense of danger or spectacle you might expect. Even this close to the climax, the mini-series seems trapped in a holding pattern. There hasn't been much in the way of consequences for the Ultimate U. since New Jersey was blown up. As with so many event comics, the real emotion and human drama is relegated to the tie-ins. For example, I care for Miles and his current struggles far more in the pages of Cataclysm: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man than I do here. Considering that the same person wrote both books, that's a little odd." -Jesse
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Final Score:
5.0
Guardians of the Galaxy # 11.NOW
Written by Brian Michael Bendis | Art by Sara Pichelli
"This is fun issue of Guardians of the Galaxy, even if it's another one of these 'talking head' issues that features lots of the characters setting up the status quo of the coming event. In case you have not heard, Guardians of the Galaxy is crossing over with All-New X-Men as the young Jean Grey is put on trial for the crimes her future self eventually commits. It's an odd setup, for sure, but this creative team has such a great handle on these characters, it's a treat to spend time in their world." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
7.8
Inhumanity #2
Written by Matt Fraction | Art by Nick Bradshaw
"Inhumanity is a hard title to get invested in. It requires a hearty interest in the event that came before it and the one that it is setting up. It's both an epilogue and prologue, a series that just exists between important events. This is not to say it is bad, because it's not. There's entertaining stuff here, for sure, but there's a sense that it's just killing time. Choppy artwork doesn't help anything, either. Unless you really love the Inhumans – really, really love them - it's hard to recommend this title." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
6.0
Night of the Living Deadpool #2
Written by Cullen Bunn | Art by Ramon Rosanas
"Aside from a few chuckle-worthy moments, Night of the Living Deadpool #1 didn't do much to stand out from the various zombie comics or even zombie-themed Marvel comics. It's a crowded genre. Luckily, the series finds its footing somewhat with issue #2. It's a denser read this month, and one that balances out the humor with moments of darkness and despair. A more well-rounded zombie story, in other words." -Jesse
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Final Score:
8.1
Superior Spider-Man #26
Written by Dan Slott | Art by Humberto Ramos
"Superior Spider-Man #26 is the proverbial one final breath before the deep plunge. As "Goblin Nation" and the end of this series loom, Dan Slott sets the stage with a war between Green Goblin and Hobgoblin. There can be only one Goblin. But alongside that conflict is the long-awaited showdown between Spider-Man and the Avengers, as well as a third plotline dealing with the disembodied consciousness of Peter Parker struggling to maintain a foothold in reality. It's yet another jam-packed issue, though thankfully not quite as overstuffed as many recent issues have been." -Jesse
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Final Score:
8.0
Thor: God of Thunder #18
Written by Jason Aaron | Art by Das Patoras
"If we learned anything from Thor: God of Thunder #18, it's that dragons are nasty drunks. That's the moral of the story, and what a story it is. Yes, this series has been great since day one, and this issue is proof as to why. It's heartfelt, but more than a little bit ridiculous, filled with violence, drinking and lots of puke. This issue is like a blueprint for a great one-shot, a done-in-one story that still gives us character development and insight. Before this, who knew that Thor and dragons had so much in common?" -Benjamin
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Final Score:
9.0
Thunderbolts #21
Written by Charles Soule | Art by Carlo Barberi
"Every time an issue of this volume of Thunderbolt hits the stands, I'm amazed all over again that it works as well as it does. The series started off rocky, to say the least, but once Charles Soule came on board, it found a groove that we didn't even know existed. Against all odds, this comic series is good. Really good. Hell, Thunderbolts #21 is great, and most of the time the characters are just talking and walking (but in Hell, so it's cool)." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
8.3
Uncanny Avengers #16
Written by Rick Remender | Art by Steve McNiven
"Thor is a pretty cool guy, and when he puts his mind to it, he can deliver the most epic action and spectacle you'll find in the Marvel Universe. That's how he won our Best Moment of 2013 award for Infinity #4. And he's up to his old tricks again in Uncanny Avengers #16. This issue spotlights those handful of Avengers who haven't been in the spotlight in recent months. Thor, with a little help from Captain America and Wasp, finally returns to school the Apocalypse Twins in the art of war. He's quite a teacher." -Jesse
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Final Score:
9.7
DARK HORSE COMICS
Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1
Written by Zack Whedon | Art by Georges Jeanty
"Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1 is the sequel you've been waiting for. No, really. Browncoats -- as some Firefly fans like to call themselves -- the world over have dreamed of this day for years. Now that it's finally here, does the comic book, by writer Zack Whedon and artist Georges Jeanty, live up to the hype? The short answer is yes." -Melissa
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Final Score:
9.0
Furious #1
Written by Bryan J. L. Glass | Art by Victor Santos
"Furious plays on some tropes we have been seeing in superhero comics a lot these days. It essentially one of those 'superheroes in the real world' sort of comics, but it manages to do things better than most, without covering the same ground. It focuses heavily on media and celebrity, the difficulties in always doing the right thing. It might not feel entirely unique or new, but Furious is well executed and beautifully drawn. It's definitely worth checking out." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
7.2
IDW PUBLISHING
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #30
Written by Tom Waltz & Kevin Eastman | Art by Ross Campbell
"The turtle clan is still recovering from the events of last year. Most notably, Leo is still struggling to escape the effects of Shredder's dark control. This issue is a bit of a cool down as everyone tries to pick up the pieces of who they once were. There's no action to speak of, but that doesn't stop this comic from being an engrossing tale of family and love. It's really quite moving." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
8.6
IMAGE COMICS
Black Science #3
Written by Rick Remender | Art by Matteo Scalera
"If there was an award for best first pages, Black Science would win it. Each issue opens with a stunner, a simple, static image that instantly reminds you just how incredible this series is. This month, we get an insanely detailed city skyline, nothing but buildings, crowded together and falling apart. It's the kind of image that gives you pause before you say, 'Oh yeah, this is one of the best looking comic books around.' Seriously, it's brilliant stuff and you guys better be reading it. Don't make me force you." -Benjamin
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Final Score:
9.5
Saga #18
Written by Brian K. Vaughan | Art by Fiona Staples
"Saga #18 sees the conclusion to the story writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples have been building for months now. While the arc may have felt a tad stretched thin in certain areas (though that might be mitigated when read as a trade), this issue provides a mostly satisfying end to the emotional high stakes of the chapters that came before." -Melissa
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Final Score: