DC COMICS
Action Comics #978
Written by Dan Jurgens | Drawn by Carlo Barberi
If there’s a choice between the Post-Crisis Superman and New 52 Superman, then I’m always going to pick the Superman that I grew up with. Action Comics #978 puts forth the notion that thanks to the recent "Superman Reborn" story, the two Supermen have essentially shared the same history all along. And while I’m in favor of the current status quo, there is such a thing as too much continuity. This issue is so concerned with trying to make sense out of the recent retcon that it doesn’t fully function as story unto itself. Even Dan Jurgens seems to have trouble figuring out what to latch on to, and he not only co-wrote "Superman Reborn," he also penned most of the classic tales referenced in this issue. Carlo Barberi’s art definitely captures some of the spirit of Superman, and he gets to revisit several of the Man of Steel’s most memorable moments in these pages. But this issue feels like a cover band playing another band’s greatest hits. It’s not bad, but it’s also not very satisfying. -Blair
Final Score:
7.2
Batman/The Shadow #1
Written by Scott Snyder & Steve Orlando | Drawn by Riley Rossmo
"We truly are living in a new golden age of comic book crossovers. Recently we've seen everything from Batman/TMNT to Archie vs. Predator to Star Trek/Green Lantern to Tarzan on the Planet of the Apes. The common thread among all four of those books is that they delivered more than simple novelty value. They blended their respective franchises in clever, inventive ways and made the most of the new character dynamics that arose as a result. Now we have Batman/The Shadow, one more worthy addition to this lineup of terrific crossovers." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
9.0
Clean Room #18
Written by Gail Simone | Drawn by Walter Geovani
From her very first issue, Gail Simone has paired breadcrumb hints with more direct, foul-mouthed frights, teasing an end game both harrowing and horrifying. With issue #18 the writer brings Clean Room’s first season to its bitter end. The book’s finale delivers on most, if not quite all, of the book’s presumed promises. The resolution, while quick, is nevertheless effective, Simone bringing her expansive cast together in ways that fit well within the preexisting confines set by the story. If there’s any quibble it’s that the returned focus on lead Chloe feels a bit forced given her limited usage of late, but overall this is a satisfying conclusion to Simone’s first extended story. On the visual end, Walter Giovani pulls out all the stops here, his pages stuffed with all sorts of unsightly imagery. And yet for all his obvious scares, it’s again his more human emotion that powers the book’s most uncomfortable moments. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.2
Detective Comics #955
Written by James Tynion IV | Drawn by Marcio Takara
The problem with having so many Batgirls is that DC hasn’t quite figured out what to do with two of them ever since Barbara Gordon took back the role in the New 52. James Tynion’s Detective Comics run has brought two of the former Batgirls back into the fold. And while Spoiler is currently on the shelf, the “League of Shadows” story seems to be focused on redefining Cassandra Cain as both a heroine and a character. It’s not a radical departure from who she was when she had the Batgirl identity, but there are some forward strives that are intriguing. This issue really belongs to Cassandra, and Tynion has proven that she can still carry a story largely by herself. Marcio Takara’s art is still rougher than it needs to be; which is frustrating because he’s quite capable of delivering more finished looking pages than he has here. His action sequences are frantic and well staged, and Takara also successfully captured Cassandra’s emotional moments. But his artwork just lacks a certain polish that makes the issue feel incomplete. -Blair
Final Score:
7.7
The Flash #21
Written by Joshua Williamson | Drawn by Howard Porter
We’re still in uncharted territory when it comes to mixing characters from Watchmen with the DC superheroes. The second part of “The Button” storyline hasn’t quite pulled that trigger yet, but both installments have been very good so far. Joshua Williamson starts this issue in an unusual crime scene: the Batcave; while Howard Porter goes to town depicting Batman’s inner sanctum in its broken state. It feels like a fresh approach, but it's even more impressive that Williamson and Porter give Barry Allen a moment to really process the emotions that he feels when investigating the murder victim. That little touch plays into the Flash’s best quality: his humanity. The rest of the issue takes the Flash and Batman on a very unexpected trip, and it ends on a pretty effective cliffhanger. “The Button” definitely has our attention, and hopefully it can maintain this level of quality. Because when DC finally does get around to officially reintroducing Doctor Manhattan, it had better be a great story. But this is definitely a good start. -Blair
Final Score:
8.3
Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps #19
Written by Robert Venditti | Drawn by V. Ken Marion
What if one of the major Lantern corps ceased to be simply because it won over the remaining members of another group of ring wielders? That’s the idea put forth in the latest issue of Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps, and it’s also the thing that the story may end up destroying. There’s still a unique quality to seeing the Green Lanterns and the Sinestro Corps as partners, and it would be unfortunate to lose that so quickly. V Ken Marion capably handles himself here, but Robert Venditti’s characterizations of Hal and Kyle were somewhat shaky. Venditti does tend to write an overly arrogant Hal, and that comes into play again here. As for Kyle, there’s a moment in this issue that seems completely wrong for him. It's as if Kyle regressed back to the ‘90s in ways beyond his old Green Lantern uniform. Overall, this is a solid issue, but it doesn’t entirely click. -Blair
Final Score:
7.0
Justice League of America #5
Written by Steve Orlando | Drawn by Andrew T. MacDonald
We’ve said this before, but a superhero team needs a reason to exist. If the new Justice League of America is just random heroes currently appearing on The CW, plus Batman and Lobo, then there should be some compelling reason that they’re all together. And yet after five issues, Steve Orlando still hasn’t successfully made the argument for either this team or for the book itself. There are some personality clashes, but it’s not the type of conflict that entertains. It is nice to see Vixen step up as the public face of the team, but Batman’s continued presence in the series means that she’s not really in charge. It’s always going to be Batman who makes the calls here. Andrew T. MacDonald makes some really good artistic choices in this issue, including Killer Frost’s obvious discomfort at being in the spotlight, as well as the mystically enhanced weapons at the heart of this story. This particular storyline seems to be giving Lobo a renewed focus, which is both good and bad. We need to understand why Lobo is on this team and why he’s tolerating Batman’s orders. But even within the comic itself, Lobo’s presence feels like a stunt that will never pay off. It’s as if DC wanted Lobo to really become their Wolverine, and it seems like they finally got their wish. -Blair
Final Score:
5.5
The Kamandi Challenge #4
Written by James Tynion IV | Drawn by Carlos D’Anda
For all its rigid structure, it’s the Kamandi Challenge sense of spontaneity that remains its biggest joy. The formula is well established—each issue sees Kamandi escape from one frying pan to the next—but its rotating round-table of writers and artists keeps things feeling fresh. With this chapter James Tynion IV and Carlos D’Anda prove to be a fine pair, their adventure taking some particularly inventive liberties. Tynion’s script takes full advantage of both the premise and Kamandi’s storied history, delivering a roller-coaster installment filled with Kirby-esque highlights. For all its cleverness, however, it’s D’Anda who proves the star here. His high energy style meshes perfectly with Tynion’s continually escalating script, his pages filled with expressive character work and dynamite action. The ever forward nature of this story doesn’t allow for many breathers, but as far as pure entertainment goes, this book is an easy sell. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.0
Suicide Squad #16
Written by Rob Williams | Drawn by Tony Daniel
At long last, Suicide Squad is moving away from the choppy structure of previous arcs and focusing on telling one story per issue. The book's pacing improves immediately and significantly as Rob Williams and new artist Tony Daniel explore a clash between Amanda Waller and Lex Luthor. That core dynamic is a lot of fun, as is the constant comedic relief provided by the Suicide Squad as they attempt to infiltrate Luthor's heavily guarded lab. Williams seems to have honed his team dynamic by now, with Enchantress surprisingly becoming the breakout character in this chapter. Daniel brings a clean, angular look to the series that suits the tense but bombastic tone oft he script. Daniel's figures could stand to be a little more expressive at times, and his depiction of captain Boomerang seems a bit wonky, but in general Daniel proves an apt fit for this darkly comical take on the team. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.1
Teen Titans #7
Written by Ben Percy | Drawn by Khoi Pham
The new Aqualad looks more like his Young Justice character than ever before, but his characterization is quite different. It’s a little disconcerting, since Benjamin Percy clearly has his own plans for the character. But the real problem with this book is that it doesn’t feel like it has an identity yet. Even the team dynamics seem to be largely unformed, other than the way that everyone resents Robin for automatically assuming that he’s in charge. Khoi Pham’s artwork has some occasional epic splashes, when Percy lets him cut loose on the pages. Pham may actually be suited for more Aquaman adventures, as his underwater sequences help carry this book. I still feel like there’s a lot of potential with the DC Rebirth era of the Titans, it just hasn’t quite come together yet. But first, this series needs to figure out what it wants to be. -Blair
Final Score:
6.4
Wonder Woman #21
Written by Greg Rucka | Drawn by Liam Sharp
The impending end of Greg Rucka's Wonder Woman run doesn't necessarily inject the series with a greater sense of urgency. Rucka and artist Liam Sharp are content to maintain a slow, steady pace in this issue, drawing out the clash between Diana and Veronica Cale for maximum dramatic impact. If not quick to advance the plot, this issue does serve as both a strong character study and another great showcase for Sharp's storytelling skills. The creators show both Diana's strength and vulnerability as she shrugs off bullet wounds and literally bleeds for her cause. The fact that Diana is so quick to shift from battling Cale and Cheetah to extending a helping hand speaks to her compassion about as well as anything else we've seen in this run. Sharp delivers a gorgeous and hard-hitting depiction of the battle, using dynamic framing and carefully rendered body language to wrangle the most emotion possible out of this violent encounter. Colorists Laura Martin and Hi-Fi lend a lovely sheen to the book, especially towards the end as the setting takes a more supernatural turn. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.5
MARVEL COMICS
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #1
Written by Peter David | Drawn by Mark Bagley
"Ben Reilly lovers have been clamoring for the character's return for years. But now that the original Spider-clone is back and in his own series again, the question is whether those fans will be happy with what they're being given. Ben is a very different person from the one that existed in The Clone Saga. That fact proves to be Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider's greatest strength and most glaring flaw as the new series gets underway." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
6.6
Black Panther #13
Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Drawn by Wilfredo Torres
This issue kicks off the second season of Ta-Nehisi Cates' Black Panther run, and there's an immediate and palpable stylistic shift. The emphasis is less on politics and high-minded ideals and more on the supernatural side of Wakandan culture. T'Challa is rightly questioning why Wakanda's gods have remained silent throughout its recent ordeals, and that dilemma coincides with the sudden appearance of strange, snake-like monsters throughout the country. Basically, the book has shifted in a more approachable and superhero-y direction. It's a transition that mostly works, though the decision to have T'Challa narrate his adventures to Storm tends to overload the script with pointless exposition. Wilfredo Torres matches the general aesthetic established by artists like Brian Stelfreeze and Chris Sprouse. His figures aren't always consistent in terms of overall detail, but there's a lot of striking design work at play here. Torres' rendition of the gods is suitably otherworldly. -Jesse
Final Score:
7.4
Deadpool vs. Punisher #2
Written by Fred Van Lente | Drawn by Pere Perez
The Punisher actually makes a really effective straight man when he’s next to the sheer insanity of Deadpool. While the second issue of Deadpool vs. Punisher has some deliberately bizarre moments, Fred Van Lente’s script does capture some very funny moments as Deadpool does what he does, and the Punisher starts openly questioning his decision to play along with it. Even Perez’s artwork is integral to the jokes of this issue, including the reveal of what Frank Castle carries around in his bag just for the occasion of teaming up with the Merc with a Mouth. It’s not quite as easy to follow the mob story because the focus of this series isn’t nearly as compelling as the crazy moments between Frank Castle and Wade Wilson. It’s not the instant comedy of the Spider-Man/Deadool comic, but there is definite potential here. -Blair
Final Score:
6.8
Elektra #3
Written by Matt Owens | Drawn by Juan Cabal
I’m really not a fan of TV and film costumes supplanting the original outfits in superhero comics. That’s why the extended flashback of Elektra in her classic outfit is one of the highlights of this issue. Juan Cabal has an excuse to go full classic Daredevil in those pages, and that included an appearance by the Man Without Fear himself. It’s a great series of moments that also serves as Elektra’s new mission statement. The present day sequences feature Elektra trapped in Arcade’s Murderworld alongside a few reality show stars. What’s interesting here is that Elektra is really trying to be more heroic than she’s been in the last few years. But she’s failing on a spectacular level, and when she fails, Elektra is much more compelling. That said, the Arcade story is starting to wear out its welcome, and this book should wrap it up and move on to something new. -Blair
Final Score:
7.1
Infamous Iron Man #7
Written by Brian Michael Bendis | Drawn by Alex Maleev
With a tighter approach to pacing, Infamous Iron Man could easily become one of Marvel's best ongoing books. There's a lot to like in this latest chapter, as Doom launches an attack on the very villains who used to revere him and then has a heart-to-heart chat with Ben Grimm. That latter sequence is especially well-executed, playing nicely on the long, shared history between the two and smoothing out the rough edges in Ben's characterization from previous issues. But again, the series continues to unfold at a snail's pace. Two issues into this arc, it still feels like the conflict between Doom and Ultimate Reed Richards is stuck in its most nascent stage. Alex Maleev brings a very moody, evocative look to the Ben/Doom confrontation. His art is somewhat less successful during Doom's early supervillain battle, however. Maleev's style is sometimes too understated to really do justice to the more outlandish residents of the Marvel Universe. Characters like The Hood and the Wrecking Crew lack the imposing quality fans would normally take for granted. -Jesse
Final Score:
7.6
The Mighty Thor #18
Written by Jason Aaron | Drawn by Russell Dauterman
Aside from the sheer, epic insanity that is "The Asgard/Shi'ar War," half the fun with this current storyline is seeing writer Jason Aaron reconnect with so many familiar faces from his Wolverine and the X-Men run. Now Aaron throws Quentin Quire into the mix, and the personality clash between this self-absorbed mutant teenager and the goddess of thunder is every bit as entertaining as one would expect. The scale of the story continues to grow even as hostilities between the Asgardians and Shi'ar cool. Aaron pushes the conflict in a new direction that speaks very directly to the recurring themes of worthiness and the relationship between mortals and their gods. Russell Dauterman and colorist Matthew Wilson render all of this beautifully, proving once again their one of the best artistic teams in comics. There's huge scale and drama in this story, but the artists take time to ensure that every character is as painstakingly rendered as the last. -Jesse
Final Score:
9.1
Old Man Logan #22
Written by Jeff Lemire | Drawn by Eric Nguyen
"Past Lives" works well as a celebration of Wolverine's long, often tortured history. This issue drags the Ol' Canucklehead through more key moments of his costumed career, including his pivotal first battle with Hulk and Wendigo, the climax of The Dark Phoenix Saga and the events of the original Wolverine mini-series. Jeff Lemire's script channels the complicated mix of emotions Logan feels at being faced with these difficult moments all over again. That's especially true for his brief reunion with Jean, proving that there are worse memories to relive than his Weapon X ordeal. Eric Nguyen offers his own spin on these iconic tales, with his dark, moody style working particularly well during the Dark Phoenix and Japanese scenes. All these pluses aside, it's not really clear what this arc is meant to accomplish at this point. Revisiting these familiar moments has its appeals, but it's not clear what imapct any of this is having on Logan's ongoing struggle. I was hoping for a little more from Lemire's final arc. -Author
Final Score:
7.2
Rocket Raccoon #5
Written by Matthew Rosenberg | Drawn by Jorge Coelho
Five issues is probably as far as a Rocket-stuck-on-Earth tale could go, but credit goes to Matthew Rosenberg and Jorge Coelho for getting the most out of their premise. The limited nature of the series doesn’t allow Rosenberg to go too crazy with his finale, but he’s still able to eke out another round of snarky hijinks between Rocket and the persistent Kraven. The majority of the issue again plays with that enjoyable dynamic, but Rosenberg is also able to draw just enough depth from the sometimes reluctant hero to make his trials worthwhile. All that said, it’s the art that has made this series so consistently entertaining, and that doesn’t change here. Coelho's elongated, hatch-heavy style again provides the book its trademark edge, his pencils physical and humorously expressive. It’s tough to say if this series reinforced the necessity of having an ongoing Rocket title—though that won’t stop Marvel from trying again come May—but the entertainment value is there. -Jeff
Final Score:
7.2
Star Wars: Darth Maul #3
Written by Cullen Bunn | Drawn by Luke Ross
Darth Maul’s prequel appearance featured little screen time and even less dialogue, which makes him more or less a blank slate as far as his early days are concerned. It’s that fact that makes Cullen Bunn’s series so frustrating. Now three issues in, there’s little to be said in regards to what makes Maul tick beyond his constant anger and thirst for revenge. And given that much of Maul’s dialogue takes place in his head, his lack of nuance makes him come off as one-note and lacking in any real depth. That fact is compounded by the lively takes on Maul’s supporting cast. When even the protocol droid is more memorable than your lead, that’s a problem. The book’s art is still a high point — Luke Ross gets more out of a steely glare than Bunn does in panels of exposition — but it’s still not enough to carry this tale. -Jeff
Final Score:
5.8
Weapon X #2
Written by Greg Pak | Drawn by Greg Land & Ibraim Moustafa
Two issues in, Weapon X is still shaping up to be one of the weaker additions to the ResurrXion relaunch. Greg Pak's characterization is strong. The ongoing banter between Old Man Logan and Sabretooth is enjoyable to read, and Pak shows a particularly strong handle on Warpath, the free-spirited hero who can't seem to escape the outside world. But characterization alone only takes a book so far. The revived Weapon X doesn't make for a very compelling threat. There's simply too much about the conflict in this book that feels familiar and played-out. The series also continues to struggle in terms of visuals. Greg Land's heavily photo-referenced art is frequently distracting, though his action scenes are quite a bit stronger this time around. But this issue also suffers from the constant back-and-forth swapping between Land's work and that of guest artist Ibraim Moustafa. It's never a good sign when a series relies on fill-in art this soon. -Jesse
Final Score:
5.2
X-Men Blue #1
Written by Cullen Bunn | Drawn by Jorge Molina
"There was a time when All-New X-Men was the most exciting X-Men book on the stands. Sadly, between the underwhelming end to the original volume and all the mistakes made in the post-Secret Wars era, the All-New X-Men aren't quite as captivating as they once were. But that seems to be changing, as X-men Blue is doing a bang-up job of recapturing that earlier magic." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.8
X-Men Gold #1
Written by Marc Guggenheim | Drawn by Ardian Syaf
"Given the generally sorry state of the X-Men franchise over the last two years, there's a lot to be said for a book that simply tries to take the team back to basics and capture what made them popular in the first place. X-Men Gold is a clear throwback to the days of Chris Claremont, and it succeeds in capturing the look and feel of that era. The downside to this approach is that, so far, Gold doesn't have a very distinctive voice of its own. This is one X-Men comic to play it safe." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
7.1
BOOM! STUDIOS
Lumberjanes #37
Written by Shannon Watters & Kat Leyh | Drawn by Ayme Sotuyo
Looking to make a return to more character driven fare following a spate of spectacle-focused arcs, Lumberjanes latest dives into the most time honored of camp events — Parent’s Day. This setup works well for two reasons. For one, with such distinct personalities it’s hard not to wonder what the girl’s various families must be like, and writers Shannon Watters and Kat Leyh do a strong initial job of playing both to and against that expectation. That setup works from the opposite end, as we see how the lack of visiting family shapes Molly and her relationship with the other ‘Janes. It’s a solid start to what looks to be a fun arc, and artist Ayme Sotuyo’s style fits well with the new direction. While her lines don’t quite possess the same overly effusive charm as Carolyn Nowak, she nonetheless manages to capture the requisite Lumberjanes energy. -Jeff
Final Score:
7.5
DARK HORSE COMICS
Aliens: Dead Orbit #1
Written & Drawn by James Stokoe
"Dark Horse really came through for this year's Alien Day. The publisher is finally kicking off the eagerly anticipated Aliens: Dead Orbit from the one man creative force that is James Stokoe. Not content to deliver one of the best Godzilla comics ever with The Half-Century War, now Stokoe seems determined to leave a similar mark on the Alien franchise. And based on this first issue, he very might well pull it off." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
9.2
IMAGE COMICS
Bitch Planet #10
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick | Drawn by Valentine De Landro
From the extended delay between issues to its increasingly complex narrative, Bitch Planet is not an easy book to pick up on the fly. Such a long lull would fell a lesser title, but yet again the book manages to overcome any rust by the sheer strength of its content and the vision of its creators. It’s a tad early to say that this is the best work of Kelly Sue DeConnick’s career, but it’s certainly her most important. With issue #10 the writer turns in another thrilling and incisive chapter, again balancing razor sharp commentary with a tense, ever rotating plot. While the bulk of the issue focuses on transitioning the story into its next act, DeConnick’s script nonetheless allows for plenty of thematic snapshots rich with character. Valentine De Landro and Kelly Fitzpatrick further drive home these powerful moments, the latter’s deceptively bright colors bringing out the raw realness of the former’s pencils. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.8
The Old Guard #3
Written by Greg Rucka | Drawn by Leandro Fernandez
Of Greg Rucka’s many strengths, it’s his ability to find the relatable among the fantastic that best shapes this series. When exploring characters that are immortal, any depth is often conveyed through the showing of their various places in history, a tactic Rucka himself uses here. What sets him apart is in how he emphasizes the toll such a long life has on both the immortals and those they leave behind. Issue #3 really dives into that baggage, Rucka punctuating his script with moments both poignant and affecting. This pointed look is taken even further by the issue’s escalating danger. A lifetime on the run really hones one’s combat skills, something Leandro Fernandez showcases with his multi-panel spreads and detailed splash pages. Further bolstered by Daniela Miwa’s oppressive color palette, this issue delivers the goods on both a visual and emotional level. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.7
VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT
Britannia: We Who Are About to Die #1
Written by Peter Milligan | Drawn by Juan Jose Ryp
Britannia: We Who Are About to Die is more than just a hard-boiled detective mystery set in the Roman Empire. It's also an examination of the debauchery of late-stage civilization and the contradiction of a man of reason and deduction being tormented by visions from the gods. All of this, plus this Britannia sequel introduces a new player in the form of female slave-turned-gladiator. The result is a dense story full of intrigue, murder and Roman politics. It makes for an intriguing blend, even if Peter Milligan's script sometimes feels overburdened by dialogue and exposition. Juan Jose Ryp's artwork is great about capturing the look and feel of Rome consumed by hedonistic excess. There's a slightly maniacal, unnerving quality to many of Ryp's figures. Frank D'Armata's colors heighten that uneasy quality, though they also tend to overpower the line-work. Ryp's style normally stand out because of its bold confidence, and this series downplays that quality to some extent. Even so, the lavish depiction of Ancient Rome in all its profane glory is something to behold. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.0
X-O Manowar #2
Written by Matt Kindt | Drawn by Tomas Giorello
It wouldn't be out of line to describe this X-O Manowar relaunch as "Space Conan." While set on a war-torn alien world, the emphasis is often more on brutal swordplay and hand-to-hand combat over sci-fi pyrotechnics. Aric's trademark armor barely factors into the plot other than as a means of reminding the character about his tortured past. All of this serves to create a very inviting, approachable new status quo for the character. Writer Matt Kindt doesn't allow his story to get bogged down in pre-existing Valiant continuity. All that matters is that Aric is a man haunted by his failures and the realization that he may never escape the cycle of bloodshed that's defined his life. Tomas Giorello's art certainly has a lot to do with the Conan vibe. Whether human or alien, his detailed figures have a real stone-chiseled look to them. Giorello paints an evocative picture of the planet Gorin, focusing just as much attention on creating distinctive technology, fashion and architecture as he does powerful warriors. -Jesse
Final Score: