Billed as a "must read" for Flash fans,Flash Annual #2plays on questions unanswered while failing to deliver any real substance.

Given the long and storied history the word Crisis carries in the DCU, I had much higher expectations from this issue. It is difficult to judge a 5-part series from the first issue, but as it stands, the path established for this series doesn't look promising.

Amidst moments of brilliance, King fails to craft a cohesive and sensible enough narrative to sustain a Crisis-Level event. For many readers, the brilliance of Mann's artwork may not be enough to pull this series up by its bootstraps and elevate it to the level of the hype.

Heroes in Crisis#3 is probably the best installment to date but the series still feels lacking the gravitas of a major event and thus continues to confound readers.

It is worth noting that Mann's artwork, the high point of the series and perhaps a high water mark for comics in 2018, seemed rushed in several sequences, particularly the much-debated Batgirl session and the above Donna Troy session. Coupled with the fact that Lee Weeks subbed in for nearly a full issue recently already, it does raise questions as to how well Mann is able to keep up with this title.

Those of you waiting for the trade will eventually hit this point in the book and have an "ah-ha" moment. For the rest of us, its an "about damn time" moment.

I have rated this book as low as I have in order to ensure it stays an outlier on the various sites that compile reviews. In reality, my aggregate score would be somewhere around a 5/10 but I acknowledge that the most looked at reviews tend to be the lowest and the highest and I want this review to be looked at because of the issues addressed here.

Justice League Odysseyis certainly an interesting series thus far, although plot seems to have stalled heavily in this latest issue despite valiant efforts to tie everything together from the creative team.

Justice League Odysseyis the most skipable Justice League series in decades. Bland characters, bland story. But the art is really nice.

Perhaps I'm over analyzing the speech in a desperate search for meaning in an otherwise dull read, but it would seem Abnett is using the Ghost Sector as a metaphor for comics fandom. With fandom becoming more and more an “Us vs. Them” environment, there seems to be a veiled call to unite within the sanctuary of comics here. Or maybe it is just my imagination running wild.

Justice League Odyssey #10is yet another lackluster showing in which very little happens, but what does happen is discussed at length with no conclusions drawn.

In case you forgot, Justice League Odyssey is still a thing.

Justice League Odyssey #12(Abnett, Conrad) sees Darkseid's plans go into full motion and results in the apparent death of a major character, yet still manages to leave me feeling empty after reading.

Do yourself a favor and just skip Birds of Prey(Azzarello, Lupacchino). A very pretty book with no imagination and a high price tag.

Unless this arc takes a shocking turn somewhere along the way, I doubt it will go down as something fans will be talking about years, or even months from now, but not all comics need to be groundbreaking. I have hopes that, as Promised Land develops, it will get better, but if it stays the course, it will still be a fun, although throwaway, story.

In the last issue (Captain America #701), the focus of the narrative was unclear, leading to what appeared to be a highlight forum for some high-profile artists to get to do Captain America sequences set in a story with no real consequences. With part 2, however, the story gains some much-needed traction and becomes reminiscent of some of Waids more prestigious work. I am very much looking forward to seeing what comes next.

I may have set myself up for failure here, given that I spent a large part of the week writing a Kingdom Come review, which you should check out if you havent!

The arc was okay. It was fine. Not great, not awful. Mostly forgettable, sadly, but not every arc can knock you on your butt and change the way you look at the world. That said, next up: Ta-Nehisi Coates!

Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #1was a shockingly well-constructed and heartwarming tale set amid absolute absurdity. A must-read for long-time Frank Castle fans.

Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #2continues to surprise me by blending the lowest forms of comedy with a heartfelt tale of redemption and atonement.

Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #3continues to deliver more of the same. If you enjoyed the first two issues, you'll likely still be on board with this one. If you merely tolerated the first two, then you're probably nearing your breaking point by now.

Cosmic Ghost Rider #4takes us back in time to WWII, where Frank Castle apparently had an important role to play.

Join Cosmic Ghost Rider for an afternoon of catch and stories with the Castle Family on an unassuming afternoon in Central Park inCosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #5.

Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #6 delivers a predictable ending to an unnecessary series. The ride was fun at times and the art was mostly solid but I can't help but feel this was time spent that I'll never get back.

Captain America and the Invaders: The Bahama Trianglecaptures the spirit of an era in comics that has fallen by the wayside, guided by the legendary hands of Roy Thomas and Jerry Ordway.

Iceman is a fun, mutant romp that promises buddy cop action and a clear direction, although lacks the punch of the previous series and its exploration of Bobbys inner workings, growth, and exploration.

Icon and Rocket Season One #1 shows a lot of future promise but the first issue fails to deliver a compelling enough debut to please both old fans and new fans alike.

An interesting collection of "love stories" from across the universe,Mysteries of Love in Space #1is not the best holiday collection DC has released in recent memory, but it has its highs.

Robins #1, winner of the Round Robin tournament, is a story with a lot of potential but suffers from a bit of a rocky start as all the past Robins unite to discuss being Robin and are flung into a new mystery.

This issue wont change your life, but its definitely worth a read. A pleasant surprise from a writer I only know by reputation and an art team I couldnt quite wrap my head around working together well. A solid book all around.

Flash Forward #1(Lobdell, Booth, Rapmund, Guerrero) begins the road to redemption for Wally West in a book that is rife with potential despite being at a severe disadvantage at the starting line.

Flash Forward #2(Lobdell, Booth, Rapmund, Guerrero) dives further into the Multiverse but provides very little in terms of answers to Wally's importance or a sense of direction.

Flash Forward #3(Lobdell, Booth, Rapmund, Guerrero) doesn't push the story forward very much but who has time to complain when Wally and Roy are fighting Vampire Superman?

The Road to Flash War begins with issue #46, so if youre late to the party, pick up this issue and The Flash Annual #1 and youll be in good shape. This issue marks an excellent jumping on point for new readers. And if there is one thing Ive learned in 30 or so years of reading comics, Flash Fact: you should always be reading Flash, because no major event in the DCU doesnt pass through these pages in some capacity.

I have truly enjoyed the past several issues of The Flash, and as a longtime fan, I am worried about what comes next for Barry and Wally, but I can't wait to see what Williamson and company have in store for us. This title has really hit its stride, banking on an emotional core and a nostalgic draw that Williamson executes extremely well. And how about that GORGEOUS variant cover from Mattina? Be still my beating heart!

If Ive said it once, Ive said it once, Ive said it a million timeseverybody should be reading The Flash. Doomsday Clock may be getting all of the hype, but the role of this series and the outstanding work being done by Williamson and the gang cannot be overstated.

The combination of Williamson and Porter is a force of nature.

If ever I could bring myself to levy a complaint against this arc, it would be that there was no reference at all to the fate of Iris and Wallace, and with the impending Flash mnage a Trois, there is a high likelihood that there wont be room in the next issue to address it either.

All in all, a much-hyped event that lived up to the hype, "Flash War" will go on to shape the DCU for the next few years.

This run of Flash has been remarkable, and not only for the outrageous action moments, but the truly well-crafted and heartfelt issues that have set this series apart from many others. It is clear that the love for these characters that we feel as fans are matched only by the love felt for them by the creative team. To be capable of setting aside the two major reveals at the end of #50 and turn the attention of the readers inward is the mark of a truly great team.

I have a feeling that, as this arc develops, the focus and magnitude will grow, but for now, its a fun arc that doesnt feel quite as powerful as weve grown accustomed to lately. Weve clearly been spoiled.

There are big things happening in Central City, but with so many mysteries arising, I am somewhat concerned with the future of the series. Where is Bart and when will we see him again? Who is the prisoner of Iron Heights in the 25th century, and are the rest of the Renegades alive? Who is Cold, really? What secrets does Iris still hide not only from Barry but from us as well? The coming months seem like a crucial time in the Flash mythos.

The idea of all the forces possibly being rooted in movement is intriguing and something to track moving forward, but the biggest question at hand currently is: Who is Commander Cold?

I am a long-time believer thatThe Flash is a must-read title if you are following any of the DCU titles, but at this moment in time, the series is clearly in a rut and struggling to find its way out.

This issue marks the fourth in a row that I just have not found much to enjoy. Hopefully, after this short arc, we will see a return to the quality levels this team and this book are capable of.

Another month and another issue ofFlash.Hopefully, with these short Force arcs behind us and Force Quest ahead, we'll see Williamson and company return to form.

Barry Allen may be "out of step" butThe Flashis back on its feet after a rough couple of months. "Force Quest" has all the potential to put this series right back among the elite DC books.

"Force Quest" continues to be a very interesting arc with gorgeously smooth art. Flash is on his way back to the top of the DCU!

The Flash #60continues the saga of "Force Quest", raising a few potentially interesting wrinkles into the purpose of the Forces, but not really resolving much of anything.

The continued ebb and flow of Williamson's run onThe Flashmakes for an incredibly inconsistent title that I just can't seem to stop reading. I want to know where it goes but the journey is arduous at times.

Christian Duce also continues to bring a fresh, clean look to the Scarlet Speedster, however, in the lone real bright spot this issue.

'Force Quest' ends as Flash prepares to take a timeout from the Forces in order to team up with Batman for the next month.

A Heroes in Crisis tie-in crossover, Flash #64 picks right up where Batman #64 left off, both in narrative and in execution.

"The Price" concludes with little more than a whisper inThe Flash #65.You'll now be returned to your regular scheduled programming.

The Flashcontinues to plod along under Williamson's direction. What started out as a run full of promise and excitement has fallen to the depths of a truly forgettable experience, which is, I would say, better than being remembered for being terrible.

The Flash #67 continues the trend of taking a top-tier character with a ton of interesting story threads to explore and instead pushing all of the good into a corner and giving us filler instead.

Ruins of Ravencroft: Carnage #1(Tieri, Unzueta, Vilanova, Rosenberg) begins the journey into restoring the institute while also uncovering the darkness of its past but presents some problems for new readers.

If you were a fan of volume 1 ofArchie vs Predator, volume 2 offers something distinctly different yet maintains the high enjoyment factor of the original. If you haven't read volume yet, what are you waiting for?

Second Cominghas arrived thanks to its new home at AHOY and is sure to be a contentious series. I recommend reading it for yourself and forming your own opinions.

Titans United #1from #DCComics @cavanscott #JoseLuis #JonahTrinidade @RexLokus @social_myth brings the characters of television Titans Season 3 together in a comic for audiences insterested in learning more about the inspiration behind the characters.

Age of X-Man: Prisoner X #1 starts, not with a bang, but a whisper. The prison of the mind appears the most clear and present danger.

Lucas Bishop continues to push against the walls of the false reality he finds himself in, inAge of X-Man: Prisoner X #2.

Prisoner X continues to be perhaps the most crucial series in the "Age of X-Man" event as it uncovers the dirty underbelly of what it takes to make a Utopia function.

Age of X-Man: Prisoner X nears its conclusion as Bishop manages to raise an army of political prisoners and fight back!

A rather predictable end to an otherwise quite well-constructed series,Age of X-Man: Prisoner X #5simply suffers from being tied to a larger event.

I felt like the story was enjoyable but wish there had been a clearer resolution for the children of Vakhar. Nothing could have been written in a clearer balance/counter-balance to give the issues a bit more poignancy, rather than ending in a world of black and white. Takaras highly stylized art threw me off-balance at first, but I have come to really appreciate it on this arc and look forward to seeing what comes next.

A nice offering from a creative team I was unfamiliar with. Worth picking up as you wait for #43, but if you choose to pass it over, you wont be worse for wear for missing it.

What began as a filler arc turned into something special. With a few minor tweaks to pacing and framing, this arc could have been Eisner material. As it stands, it was very good and definitely worth a read!

It was a slower start than I expected, but thats not a bad thing. I can see seeds being laid that show the potential for this story to grow and develop over time in a way that has almost been lost in modern comics, which is something I can absolutely appreciate. I do have a feeling that this run may read at its best as a binge-read, but time will tell. Tune in next month!

Im hedging my bets with this months rating, erring low with the understanding that eventually, this could become an arc that I cherish. I want to have the utmost faith in writers that I have come to greatly respect, but editorial oversight can and has muted potential in the past, so I will remain reserved and see where the arc goes from here.

In an era of comics where death holds very little power over our favorite costumed heroes, Julie and Shawna Benson craft a tale of finality that leaves the reader with enough closure to feel like this time, he may not return to us.

As we barrel towards the conclusion of the Julie and Shawna Benson's tenure onGreen Arrow, we see a story teetering on the line between greatness and forgettable.

The end of a short-lived era, this issue marks the end of the Benson Sisters' tenure onGreen Arrow and leaves behind a world of possibilities for the Emerald Archer.

Perhaps the most enjoyable of the "Age of X-Man" mini-series,NextGencomes to a fairly bleak ending in preparation for the event finale.

As with most anthologies, there were some real winners and also some misfires in this one. The highs were incredibly high, however, while the lowlights were all still fine if forgettable stories. With a fairly steep price tag, we wouldn't recommend this volume toeverybodybut I would recommend it to most. It was interesting how many of the stories ended on a high note, with no real sense of lasting dread, but all in all, we enjoyed this volume quite a bit.

In a crowded market during a crowded release week, it's very possible for this issue to slip under your radar. Don't let that happen. It's time to dig out those old Marvel Knights comics and celebrate!

A well-crafted story that reads like a love letter to the storied history of Marvel Knights.

Cates' love letter to Marvel Knights continues and long-time fans of the work done by the imprint over the last 20 years will not be disappointed.

Marvel Knights 20thcontinues to be a beautiful examination of a by-gone era for Marvel Comics. Hope springs eternal as Cates gathers some of the hottest industry talent to revisit this era of story-driven, character-centric narratives.

With the conclusion nigh, nothing is as it seems in Marvel Knights 20th #5.

A beautiful conclusion to a wonderful mini-series. Marvel Knights 20 this the series you didn't remember you wanted.

AHOY is pouring a lot of love into their books and it shows, from the strong storytelling and art to the addition of prose short stories and poetry.Planet of the Nerdsis a fascinating study of what comics in the 21st centurycanbe and is definitely worthy of your pull list!

Green Lantern: Blackstars #1(Morrison, Xermanico, Oliff, Wands) is a gorgeously rendered narrative in which Morrison out-Morrisons himself, for better or worse.

There was a time where I let my pile ofOld Man Loganissues grow until it was an intimidating project to tackle. That was my mistake, but now that I have caught up, I'm happy to be able to share with you a wonderful close to this chapter in the saga of Old Man Logan.

Once more into the breach withStranger Things: Into the Fire #1(Houser, Kelly, Underwood, Farrell, Piekos) in what looks to be the most promising of the Dark Horse tie-ins toStranger Things.

With nearly a month before its release, Stranger Things should be on the pull list of any fan of the show, as well as fans of the genre in general. If you like strong narrative and clean, beautiful imagery, Stranger Things is just the series for you!

Stranger Things: Six #1enters into a whole new level of the Stranger Things phenomenon with this prequel focusing on the lab subjects prior to the famous Eleven.

Stranger Things: Summer Camp #1 see the team reuinited to deliver a solo-Dustin adventure that will have all fans stand up and cheer!

Stranger Things: Six #2begins to answer some of the questions fans of the show most certainly have making it a must-read for many!

Stranger Thingsis a must-read for fans of the show as it works to answer questions burning in the hearts of the most dedicated. If you aren't a fan of the show, there is a chance this comic will fall flat for you, despite how well it is crafted, simply based on the way it speaks directly to fans without offering repetitive narrative from the series.

Stranger Thingsis a pleasant but dominantly unnecessary series that is a must read for a die-hard fans of the show but passable by the casual observer.

Stranger Thingsconcludes as expected, as there was little room for new exploration within the narrative framework, but the execution of the pre-set story was done well making this series a must-read for allStranger Thingsfanatics.

Tales of the Dark Multiverse: Blackest Night (Seeley, Hotz) captures the spirit of the original story while showing just how easily it could have all gone wrong. Then it goes further.

Captain America/Iron Man #1(@dereklandy @_angelunzueta @rachellecheri @joecaramagna) is an action-packed, fun start to the series!

Meet the Skrullsis an entertaining, if slow-paced, start to what could be a sleeper (no pun intended) hit mini-series that takes full advantage of the Skrulls' new-found visibility in today's market.

Meet the Skrulls#2continues to deliver a poignant and complex narrative of displaced peoples and the struggles they face.

This powerful and relatable narrative continues as we watch the effects of trauma play out amongst the Warner Family inMeet the Skrulls #3.

The surprisingly insightful and well crafted mini-seriesMeet the Skrullsnears its conclusion with this episode of family drama and spy intrigue that is a must read.

The finale ofMeet the Skrullsis here with shocking revelations, answers, and farewells.

Pennyworth #1 is an intriguing look at the character through multiple points in his life and despite some narrative flaws, is still a stunning start to what should be a very cool miniseries.

Batman Universe #1delivers the Walmart Exclusive story to the direct market, giving readers a small taste of what a Bendis Batman could be.

Batman Universe #2(Bendis, Derrington) continues the reprints of the Walmart Giants with a classic-feeling Batman story getting back to the roots of what has made the character great for the past 80 plus years.

The Black Ghost #1(Segura, Gallagher, Kambadais) delivers an on-point crime noir narrative with the brightness of an Archie comic and a pitch-perfect protagonist in Lara Dominguez.

Green Lantern 80th Anniversarybrings together an all-star list of talent and delivers on its potential in a way few anthologies have. In all aspects, this book is an incredible tribute to an incredible cast of characters!

Join Comic Watch and DC Comics in saying a very happy, 8oth birthday to Catwoman with theCatwoman 80th Anniversary 100-page Super Spectacular!

It is 2019 and I am here to say that Archie Comics' flagship title,Archie, is worth your time and your money. A well-crafted narrative with perfectly suited art that doesn't stoop or pander in its efforts to deliver a relevant Archie story in the modern era of comics.

A fun book for new and long-time fans of the Riverdale kids alike.

Check out the enjoyable start of Nick Spencer and Sandy Jarrell's "Archie and Sabrina" arc in Archie #705.

Witness the tale that united Archie and Sabrina beginning inArchie #706,a fun and beautiful book on sale now!

Archie #707(Spencer, Tamaki, St-Onge, Herms, Morelli) tells the meet-cute and subsequent falling in love of Archie and Sabrina through beautiful artwork and brilliantly subtle writing.

Archie #708(Spencer, Tamaki, Jarrell) accelerates the story after a brief narrative holding pattern, bringing several story elements together elegantly.

Archie #709 (Spencer, Tamaki, Jarell) layers more mysteries onto the existing mysteries as we begin to wonder what Sabrina is doing in Riverdale after all.

A fun one-off story and an excellent way to create familiarity with the character ahead of the film release,Captain Marvel: Braver & Mightieris a pleasant surprise for new and old fans alike.

Post-Americana #1(#ImageComics @Skroce01 @Dragonmnky) delivers a violent, grindhouse feel in this post-cataclysmic tale of an America falling apart that strikes very close to home.

Johns, Eaglesham and company capture "lightning in a bottle" with the first issue ofSHAZAM!--a must read book for old fans and new ones alike!

Shazam continues to impress as Johns builds upon the mythos of the Marvel Family.

SHAZAM continues to strike all the right chords and hit all the right notes in this third installment.

SHAZAMis a series obviously crafted with a lot of love and care from the creative team and with the fourth installment is clearly firing on all cylinders. Long live the Marvel Family!

SHAZAM #5stalls a bit narratively speaking but manages to do an excellent job of organizing a cacophony of artistic voices.

SHAZAM #6continues what appears to be a transitory time in the narrative, setting up what is to come slowly, at Geoff Johns' pace.

SHAZAM #7 (Johns, Eaglesham, Kolins) is finally here but was it worth the wait? The jury remains out.

After a myriad of delays,SHAZAM #8(Johns, Kolins, Atiyeh, Leigh) continues to chug along with the expansion and revision of the SHAZAM lore by revealing the Seventh Champion.

SHAZAM #9(Johns, Kolins, Santucci, Eaglesham) continues the "Magiclands" epic. This series may not be what many fans were expecting but it is undeniably fun regardless.

SHAZAM #10 (Johns, Kolins, Eaglesham, Atiyeh, Leigh) finally sees the bigger picture coming into focus, giving this book the buzz it feels should have always been there.

After a slow start the arc, "SHAZAM and the Seven Magic Lands" is picking up the pace and barrelling towards the finish line withSHAZAM! #11(Johns, Kolins).

SHAZAM #12 (Loveness, Peterson) is a stand alone fill-in issue that at first feels unwelcome but actually turns out to be a lovely tale in the greater story of Billy Batson.

SHAZAM #13 (Johns, Eaglesham) delivers the twelfth chapter of "The Magiclands", a story that has been going on since December 2018. The world has changed drastically but SHAZAM has not.

SHAZAM! #14 (@geoffjohns @daleeaglesham @ScottKolins @atiyehcolors) finally delivers the end of "The Magiclands," leaving fans and critics to debate whether the wait was worth it or not.

SHAZAM #15(@JeffLoveness @BrandonPeterson @atiyehcolors #robleigh @DCComics) is a beautiful, gut-wrenching story about being the change you want to see. An unexpected but delightful end to the series.

Avengers: No Road Home #1is a fascinating start to what could be the surprise hit of the year.

Batman vs. Ra's Al Ghul #1 is beathless and exciting action from Neal Adams, and a mystery that could go in any direction. Inject Adams art directly into my veins.

A fun anthology that is a must-read for all X-Fans. The talent collected here is exceptional!

SHAZAM #1 spins directly out of the pages of Teen Titans Academy and is barrelling towards the fate of Billy Batson seen in FUTURE STATE: SHAZAM. A fun book with promise coming from #DCComics @Iamtimsheridan @claytonhenryart

SHAZAM #2 improves on the already strong start to this mini-series through witty banter and beautifully rendered landscapes. From #DCComics @iamtimsheridan @claytonhenryart #marcelomaiolo #robleigh

"Unity" continues as the entire House of El stands against the Phantom Zone escapees inSuperman #12.

The penultimate chapter of the "Unity Saga" delivers as many answers as the previous twelve issues inSuperman #13.

Read the beginning of the end of the beginning of The Unity Saga in Superman #14 (Bendis, Reis) as the United Planets is formed and some guests arrive to celebrate Unity Day!

It's the dawn of an exciting new era for Superman and his family in Superman #15(Bendis, Reis, Prado, Olcair, Sinclair, Sharp).

Witness the strange reunion and prompt separation of the Super Sons inSuperman #16(Bendis, LaFuente, Mounts, Sharpe).

Superman #17 (Bendis, Macguire, Mounts, Sharpe) begins a new story arc with the potential to have massive consequences for the Man of Steel if the execution can hold up.

Superman #18 (Bendis, Reis, Prado, Sinclair, Sharpe) reveals the Man of Steel's identity to the DC Universe at large but what will the underlying impact to the character of Superman be as we move forward?

Superman #19 (Bendis, Reis, Sinclair) explores the aftermath of the revelation while moving towards a new status quo for comics' oldest superhero as "The Truth" continues.

Brian Michael Bendis and Ivan Reis are firing on all cylinders as the ramifications of "The Truth" keep coming inSuperman #20.

Superman #21(Bendis, Reis) continues to push the Superman to new heights as "The Truth" continues.

Superman #22 (Bendis, Maguire) sees the series return after the COVID-19 induced hiatus to deliver an anti-climactic finale to an otherwise extremely well-done arc in "The Truth".

Superman #23 (Bendis, Maguire, Timms) introduces a new magical foe but more importantly gives some much needed clarity and unpacking of the entirity of Bendis' run on the run thus far.

Perhaps less of a villain that originally announced, Synmar is introduced inSuperman #25(Bendis, Reis, Ferreira, Miki, Sinclair, Sharpe) and it is clearly poised to be a complex threat moving forward.

The end of the two-year run is over with this slightly awkward end to an otherwise spectacular year inSuperman #28 from #DCComics @BRIANMBENDIS #ivanreis @DannyMiki_ @Sinccolor @daveLsharpe .

Superman #29 is a heartfelt, emotionally impactful book from start to finish, focusing on the complex relationship between Clark and Jon as well as Metropolis and the rest of the universe.

Wasterlanders: Hawkeye #1 is certainly not a must read book but if you like the characters and the lore surrounding the Wastelands, you don't want to miss this sweet little slice of that mythos.

Not a perfect book, but an excellent start to a series and an imprint that each contains an infinite amount of potential moving forward. Even if you have to get a censored copy, I highly recommend picking this book up.

2020 brings with it new hopes in the wake of fresh traumas withBatman #86(Tynion IV, Daniel, Miki). A fresh new story for a new decade.

Batman #87 (Tynion IV, March, Morey) continues to bring readers a familiar Bat-story and although the shift in art team is jarring, still manages to pull off a highly proficient issue.

Batman #88(Tynion IV, March, Morey, Cowles) continues to develop the mystery of the new (old?) foe, The Developer.

Batman #89(Tynion IV, Pagulayan, March, Miki, Morey, Cowles) sees the arc trajectory start to round into form as the series is given an artistic booster shot.

Batman #90(Tynion, Jimenez) takes a look into the origins of The Designer and their link to the current crimes occuring in Gotham.

Batman #91(Tynion, Albuquerque, Pagulayan, Jimenez) inches us closer to "The Joker War" as the team pivots The Joker towards a deeper darkness.

Batman #92 (Tynion, March) is dominantly a groundwork issue setting up later development but does feature some of the most fleshed out Punchline development to date.

Batman #93(Tynion IV, March, Fernandez) leaves readers with more questions than answers. Chief among them: Is "Joker War" here yet?

"Their Dark Designs" comes to an ending of sorts with Batman #94 (Tynion IV, March, Albuquerque), paving the way for "The Joker War".

Batman #95(Tynion, Jimenez, Morey, Cowles) begins the "Joker War" and with new art and a new twist on classic tropes, the series gets a much needed shot in the arm just in time!

Batman #96 injects a strong emotional core into "The Joker War" while possibly quietly introducing a new character.

Batman #97 slows the story down to flesh out some details and indeed cofirms a new player on the scene. How long will The Clownhunter last?

Maybe this book won't be for everybody. I know some of my colleagues are far colder on the book that I am and they all make valid points. But for me? As a lifelong Batman fan" this was the story arc I needed at a time when I was starting to lose faith. A round of applause all around.

Batman #101 (#DCComics @JamesTheFourth @GuillemMarch @tomeu_morey @ClaytonCowles) closes out "The Joker War" story, setting up a bold new era for the Caped Crusader. And any era that includes Grifter is one I'm ready for!

Across the board, the post-"Joker War" era for Batman feels like it offers an incredibly fresh voice that pays respect to the past while keeping an eye to the future. I can't wait to see what comes next!

The farther this run progresses, the better it gets. Learn more about Ghost-Maker and Clown-Hunter in Batman #103 from #DCComics @JamestheFourth @GuillemMarch @carlopagulayan @DannyMiki_ @ClaytonCowles !

More than meets the eye is happening here with Batman #104 as @JamestheFourth continues to expose the humanity of the Dark Knight in new and exciting ways! From #DCComics with @guillemmarch @bengal_art @DannyMiki_ @ryanbnjmn @MyZombies @ClaytonCowles

The finale of the fantastic "Ghost-Stories" arc lands with emotional depth and beautiful artwork in Batman #105 from #DCComics @JamestheFourth @CarloPagulayan @DannyMiki_ @Christian_Duce @MyZombies @ClaytonCowles

A book many have been looking forward to and simultaneously dreading,Dead Man Logan#1 delivers on all counts as we begin our long goodbye to Old Man Logan.

Dead Man Logan#2 delivers on the promise laid out by #1 as a series worthy of saying farewell to a character that has become a favorite for many fans over the past several years. Brisson and Henderson have incredible synergy.

Dead Man Loganvs The Avengers, in a crossover that Captain America and Jubilee assure us "nobody wants" but still was executed wonderfully!

Dead Man Loganis the best written X-Book on the stands at the moment and that's saying something in an era of X-Resurgence.

Dead Man Logan continues to be a shockingly well-constructed farewell to a character beloved by many and hated by equal numbers.

'Dead Man Logan #6' is a key turning point in the series that fans will not want to miss. Joyous and heart-rending at the same time.

Return to the Wastelands with Dead Man Logan #7 for a wonderfully crafted tale of dark humor and snacktimes.

Old Man Logan #8sees Logan exposed to a world of new threats that have sprung up in the Wastelands during his seven year absence.

I've said it before and I'll say it again-- if you aren't readingDead Man Logan,you're missing out on one hell of a book!

Dead Man Logan #10 (Ed Brisson, Mike Henderson) continues to deliver an emotionally-driven and well-crafted story that just might be the best Wolverine story in a decade.

The end is nigh as Logan and Dani run into some familiar faces on their raid of Weapon X in the well-craftedDead Man Logan #11(Brisson, Henderson, Woodard, Petit).

Dead Man Logan #12(Brisson, Henderson, Woodard, Petit) delivers a beautiful sunset of an ending with the promise that tomorrow, the sun will rise again.

The Green Lantern Season 2 #1(Morrison, Sharp, Oliff, Orzechowski) is here and it is probably exactly what you would expect. It's strange, weird fun with amazingly detailed artwork and moves in a direction that keeps you constantly off-balance.

The Green Lantern Season 2 #2(Morrison, Sharp) is not an interpretation for everyone but if you want a wonderfully strange Green Lantern story, then it may be the one for you.

Justice League #29provides a perfect jumping on point for new readers while helping long-time readers re-organize the events of the past two years in a way that facilitates the move into the "Justice/Doom War."

SPOILER LEVEL: HIGH Justice League #30 (Snyder, Tynion IV, Jimenez) launches the Justice/Doom War in spectacular fashion, reintroducing a couple of old concepts into the moderns DC Universe. If youve hung on for this long, your payoff is finally here!

The "Justice/Doom War" continues inJustice League #31(Snyder, Tynion IV, Jimenez). Don't miss this wild thrill ride filled with even more blasts from the past (and future!)!

"The Justice/Doom War" continues as the true focus of the narrative begins to come into view inJustice League #32(Snyder, Tynion IV, Porter, Napolitano).

Justice League #33(Snyder, Tynion, Redondo, Sampere, Albarran, HI FI, Napolitano) delivers a final page that will leave many fans squealing with joy as "The Justice/Doom War" continues.

"Justice/Doom War" continues inJustice League #34(Snyder, Tynion IV, Redondo, Porter, HI FI, Napolitano) as the past and the future missions conclude, refocusing the story on the present.

Justice League #35 (Snyder, Tynion IV, Manapul, HI-FI, Napolitano) brings the reader to the brink of failure as Doom continues to dominate the war and familiar faces are wiped off the face of the multiverse.

The tide of the "Justice/Doom War" begins to shift as the Snyder/Tynion era approaches its end, leaving readers to wonder "what comes next" inJustice League #36(Snyder, Tynion, Manupal, HI FI, Napolitano).

Justice League #37(Snyder, Jimenez, Sanchez, Napolitano) is a fun issue full of small,Crisis-esque moments as we build to the conclusion of "The Justice/Doom War".

"The Justice/Doom War" nears its final chapter inJustice League #38(Snyder, Jimenez, Sampere).

nd thus we come to the end of an era, for better or worse. Snyder's Justice League was complex from the opening pages and a complex ending should surprise nobody who stuck around to the end. Perhaps it was overly complex in the end given the droves of internet comments of people who couldn't stick with the book for various reasons. Those of us who did stand by, though, were treated to something that certainly pushed the boundaries of comics narrative.

Justice League #40(Venditti, Mahnke, Friend, Baron, Napolitano) is off to a strong start with back-to-the-basics, straight-forward superhero action.

Justice League #41(Venditti, Lopresti, Ryan, Baron, Napolitano) continues this new, drastically different take on the Justice League as they battle against Daxamites for ownership of the Earth.

Justice League #42 (Venditti, Lopresti) are producing a consistently classic Justice League story that is fun but feels like it lacks depth.

Justice League #43(Venditti, Mahnke) wraps up the war with The Eradicator neatly with plenty of fun, action-oriented storytelling.

Superman: Man of Tomorrow #1(Venditti, Pelletier, Hennessy) delivers a well-timed Digital First Superman story full of heart that calls back to earlier eras in Superman story-telling.

Excellent craftsmanship from writing to art to lettering makes Unborn #1 stand out in the field of sci-fi/horror! From @frankgogol @ev_cantada @seanrinehart @sourceptpress

My waning struggles with the artistic style aside, this particular issue makes impressive strides in its move to globalize the X-Men in a way that has been seemingly absent for a few years, between the retreat into Limbo and the subsequent move to Central Park. The introduction of sentites is an interesting spin on a time-tested trope, but moving forward, the real test will be in the execution and handling of said trope (how is it different from similar devices?).

This issue marks Mahmud Asrars last issue with the series, yielding way for the absolutely electric Carmen Carnero. Watch for the sharpest book in the X-Universe to leap into the stratosphere next month.

A nearly perfect issue of an already powerful series. If it isnt already immensely clear, I am extremely happy to have Carmen Carnero on board!

Apocalypse and the X-tracts is a series off to a fast start and fires on all cylinders. The best book of Age of X-Man thus far.

Apocalypse and the X-Tracts #2takes the purity felt in the first and issue and subverts it here for the reader making this one of the most compelling of the five mini-series thus far.

Apocalypse and the X-Tracts #3 is a beautifully rendered book that is operating both at base and high levels of conceptual interpretation.

Age of X-Man: Apocalypse and the X-Tracts #5:Genesis vs Omega Red! A Light Rider will fall and deep secrets will be revealed in the penultimate chapter.

The stunning conclusion toApocalypse and the X-Tractsheralds the end of the "Age of X-Man" in spectacular (and beautiful) fashion.

A traitor is planted among the Freedom Fighters as Uncle Sam and company are ambushed by the Plasstic Men inFreedom Fighters #7.

Return to Detroit with Black Condor inFreedom Fighters #8(Venditti, Barrows, Herbert) for an emotional story about the price of freedom and the power of community in the face of oppression.

Green Lantern #1 is a visually stunning book that sets off what promises to be an interesting new era for the franchise. From #DCComics @GeoffThorne @dextersoy @MSantucciArt @Sinccolor #RobLeigh

Nocterra #1 (@Ssnyder1835 @TonyDanielx2 @tomeu_morey @andworlddesign @ImageComics) tells a dark tale of a dark world, where the only hope may very well be the headlights of an eighteen-wheeler!

Stone Star #1is both strikingly familiar and stunningly fresh, making Jim Zub and Max Dunbar's surprise release a pleasant surprise on this Wednesday morning.

ReviewZub and Dunbar'sStone Starcontinues to be an exciting entry into the field of sci-fi/fantasy with its second chapter. The dynamic artwork and superb world-building makeStone Staran incredibly fun read for anybody looking for a new series in the genre. As yet, there isn't a great depth to the narrative but it is quite enjoyable as a form of escapism with undertones of the exploitation of indigenous people bubbling to the surface slowly.

USAgent #1(#Marvel #Priest @KabaLounge @JoeSabino) may not go down as smooth as Johnnie Walker but it is a Red, White, and Blue disaster that fans of the creative team won't want to miss.

Apologies to Tom Taylor if I came off as overly critical today. He has set the bar extremely high with absolutely stellar storytelling thus far, so it is his own fault, really!

DC Superhero Girls: Infinite Frenemies #1(Deibert, Owen, Downie) is a surprisingly fun and relevent story to help us get through this difficult time in the comics industry!

Dial H for Hero #1starts strong and finishes stronger. The best of the Wonder Comics line to date,Dial His both whimsical and slight terrifying at the same time.

Dial H for Hero#2 continues on the momentum of the first issue with fun storytelling and exceptional artwork throughout.

Dial H for Hero #3 continues to deliver interesting experiments with art and form while also developing the characters, particularly Summer, into something more than just a throw-away name in a wikipedia article.

Dial H for Herocontinues as Miguel and Summer road trip to Detroit to hang out with Snapper Carr!

Dial H for Hero #5(Humphries, Quinnones) kicks the story into high gear as the nature of the Heroverse and Mister Thunderbolt's plans are finally revealed.

Learn what it takes to be a hero in the extremely thoughtful and emotionalDial H For Hero #6(Humphries, Quinnoes).

Generations Shattered #1 (#DCComics @thedanjurgens @39aAndy @robertvenditti @hificolor @tenapolitano) is a high-priced nostalgia-bomb that is well-executed even if it isn't particularly ground-breaking.

An excellent start to a surprise mini-series,Gotham City Monsters #1(Orlando, Nahuelpan, Mulvihill, Napolitano) delivers a fun and thrilling delve into the more monstrous denizens of Gotham City.

Gotham City Monsters #2 (Orlando, Nahuelpan, Mulvihill, Napolitano) continues to be a refreshingly solid read, crafted with great care by all involved.

Gotham City Monsters #3 (Orlando, Nahuelpan, Mulvihill, Napolitano) continues to be criminally under-rated and under-sold. With sharp storytelling and beautiful art,GCMis one of the top DC books today.

Gotham City Monsters#5(Orlando, Nahuelpan, Mulvihill) edges closer to its conclusion by carefully blending horror-action elements with deeply personal character work.

Gotham City Monsters #6(Orlando, Nahuelpan, Mulvihill, Napolitano) closes out this surprisingly excellent mini-series with blood, guts, and a whole lot of heart.

It's a fresh-ish start and a redemption arc for Dr. Harleen Quinzel in Harley Quinn #1 and the sky is the limit! From #DCComics @Steph_Smash @rileyrossmo1 @ivanplascencia @deronbennett !

Suicide Squad #13 (@HopelessDent @rthompson1138 @edupansica Julio Ferreira @soydexterr) pumps up the action and intrigue as this chess match between Waller and multiverse continues!

Teen Titans Academy #1 introduces readers to tons of new characters and new concepts as the Teen Titans continue to change and adapt with time in the most wonderful ways! From #DCComics @Iamtimsheridan @rafasandoval75 @jorditarragona6 @loquesunalex #RobLeigh

Batman: Gotham Nights features two Digital First stories-- "Medal of Honor" (Giunta, Meltzer, Lee, Williams) and "Honor Code" (Hama, Colak, Kalisz)-- that take a heavy military influence to create two distinct tales of heroism in combat.

Ten tales of love-the kind of love that can push people over the edge.

Priest continues his tour de force with Deathstroke and promises much more to come. Deathstroke continues to be an underrated series, and I fear greatly for its cancellation in the near future, but for now, I will live in the moment and enjoy the ride while it lasts.

The running joke in this issue about Bruces overly-complicated explanations for how he figured things out as a cover for actually very simple processes was comedic gold that deserves to be applied to a regular Batman book. If Priest is so inclined, Id welcome him on any Bat-Family book he wanted to write. That is, in no way, a knock on King or Tynion IV, both of whom I think are doing a marvelous job, but Im ready to see Priest move in and shake things up.

Carlo Pagulayan & Roberto Viacaras artwork on this series continues to be stunning. I wanted to make sure I didnt leave that out, even though I didnt have any particular revelations associated with it this month.

The recall of Operation Gibraltar as the source of the name for the bioweapon featured in this tale felt a little too off-hand yet deliberate at the same time. Perhaps it is a clue to the mystery? It would seem like anything involving Vietnam could be pointing towards Rose making an appearance soon, as she is the only one of Slades children who has not had some impact on the story thus far.

The art team continues to be absolutely stunning in their execution.

As we bid farewell to Deathstroke vs. Batman, a beautiful and often surprising arc, we find ourselves preparing to return to present-day Deathstroke, which finds Slade Arkham bound.

An interesting and exciting start to a new story arc,Deathstroke#36 is a book worth picking up. If you haven't been readingPriest'sDeathstrokealready (shame on you!), this issue marks a pretty solid starting point for new readers.

Not a statement I often use, but this arc may actually read better in trade format. It is interesting and engaging, but difficult to follow up to this point.

Deathstroke: Arkham Asylumstarted at a slow burn but accelerates into a full-blown blaze with this third installment.

Only one issue to go in order to determine the level of complexity and the overall execution ofDeathstroke: Arkham.As it stands in this issue, the final verdict could go either way but I'll continue to put my faith in Priest as one of the industry's top talents.

Deathstroke #40ends the 'Arkham' arc leading into next month's crossover withTeen Titansbut leaves readers with more questions than answers. At leastthisreader.

Deathstroke #41- "Presumed Innocent" is the prologue to "The Terminus Agenda", a six-part crossover event withTeen Titans penned by Priest. It would appear that years of careful planning and execution have all come to this arc! Don't miss out!

There is a distinct feeling building in this arc that either "The Terminus Agenda" will fade into the background of the rich history between Deathstroke and the Teen Titans or it will exceed all expectations and change the trajectory of both titles for years to come.

The conclusion to "The Terminus Agenda" in Deathstroke #43promises a major change in status quo for bothTeen TitansandDeathstroke.

Deathstroke #44is a fitting end to the life of Slade Wilson while also contemplating the future. The Terminator is dead; long live the Terminator.

Follow the slow unraveling of Slade's surviving children inDeathstroke #45,a "Year of the Villain: The Offer" tie-in.

Deathstroke continues to be one of the most overlooked books being published by DC Comics at the moment, asDeathstroke #46(Priest, Pasarin) delivers one of the most intriguing stories in the "Year of the Villain" event.

Deathstroke #47(Priest, Pasarin) continues the "Year of the Villain" tie-in story with excellent character work amidst a moderately difficult to follow plot.

Deathstroke #49 (Priest, Pasarin) gathers all the pieces in play for a final gambit pitting Deathstroke against his greatest ally and enemy-- himself.

Deathstroke #50 (Priest, Pasarin, Pagulayan) brings this daring and underrated series to logical conclusion despite a number of roadblocks along the way.

Detective Comicsreturns with #1034 and ushers in a brand new era for Batman as @marikotamaki and @Danmora_c take on a Bruce Wayne sans the fortune in a Gotham growing increasingly tired of masks. In the backup, @Williamson_Josh and @GlebMelnikov8 tease their upcoming Robin book with the return of a fan favorite character!

Ivan Reis is one of the greatest superhero artists of a generation and he is quick to remind readers of such here. In terms of story-structure, the time-lapse stories we've been witnessing since "Future State" continue to be the dominant story-telling technique at DC right now and while it's growing somewhat played out, it's certainly not enough to completely derail the story.

Palahniuk, Stewart, McCaig, Piekos, and Mack are back withFight Club 3,a daring comic narrative you need to see to believe.

Superman: Heroes #1 (Bendis, Fraction, Rucka, Maguire, Lieber, Perkins, Norton, Godlewski) is a well constructed comic by a gaggle of comics superstars that many fans will enjoy but isn't necessarily must-read material for the new era of Superman comics.

Superman: Villains #1(Bendis) takes an insightful look at the reactions of various Superman villains' to the revelation of his secret identity.

Superman: Red and Blue #1from #DCComics sets up what promises to be a beautiful and complex anthology series that examines what being Superman really means. Enjoy the star-studded first issue, including @claytonhenryart @evilmarguerite @danpgwatters @wescraigcomics @bradoneaston and many more!

I wish I could keep this review open for editing for weeks. I have now read the issue four times through, and each time, I come away with new questions. The establishment of the current national discourse between the US and Russia could be a doctoral dissertation in and of itself. As it stands, though, I will leave it here and revisit next month as the picture comes clearer into frame.

A masterful first two issues that reminds readers from all walks of life what power can be held in the magic of comics narrative.

Another excellent entry in what is sure to be a historic run for the Sentinel of Liberty.

If you are among the throngs of fans that are turned off by hamfisted political commentary, I would urge you to readCaptain America with an open mind. If you want to see a liberal boogeyman here, I'm certain you can convince yourself of its presence, but the multi-layer narrative actually may be the most bi-partisan (or perhaps anti-partisan) text to be found in comics today.

Captain Americacontinues to astound, month in and month out. A highly anticipated book that has lived up to the hype.

Stunning art and intelligent writing combine to make "Winter in America" one of the most power and relevant arcs of 2018. The conclusion to the first arc of Coates/Yu era delivers on all fronts.

A dense thought-piece that will enrage some and invigorate many for all the wrong reasons. Coates continues to explore the very DNA of the United States and where our iconography and propaganda stand in the 21st century.

Captain America #8carries forward the story of the one true death of Captain America in marvelous fashion.

"Captain of Nothing" continues to fill readers with a sense of dread as the slow, effective death of Captain America continues before our eyes inCaptain America #9.

Another excellent chapter ofCaptain Americafrom Coates and Kubert, but what else is new? This series continues to exceed all expectations.

It's a full-scale prison break inCaptain America #11. The question is, what happens next? "Captain of Nothing" continues here.

The end of an era is upon us as Steve Rogers is forced to take on a different role in this new, 21st century America inCaptain America #12.

"The Legend of Steve" begins inCaptain America #13 (Coates, Masters, Izaakse) and the tale raises a number of significant questions not only for Steve but for the reader as well.

Captain America #14(Coates, Walter, Milla) takes aim at systemic ideological problems within the United States and promises to move the conversation global in the near future.

An old foe returns as Captain America and the Daughters of Liberty investigate a cop killer on the loose as this exceptional run on Cap continues to accelerate inCaptain America #15 (Coates, Masters, Milla, Caramagna).

Captain America #16 (Coates, Quinn, Milla, Caramagna) continues to dissect Captain Americas place in the socio-political landscape of 21st century America.

Captain America #17 (Coates, Masters, Milla, Petit) continues to ask the question of Caps place in the modern world by taking a closer look at what that modern world really looks like.

Captain America #18 (Coates, Masters, Milla, Petit) sees Cap emerge into the open and confront the people in what could have been a masterful issue that fell short in many ways.

Captain America #19(Coates, Masters, Quinn, Milla, Petit) provides intriguing background on the Daughters of Liberty but still the underlying themes of the run seem to be eroding with time.

Captain America #20(Coats, Quinn) sees previous tropes of national discourse and where Steve Rogers fits into the 21st century return as the series course corrects from the previous arc.

Steve Rogers is back on the stands withCaptain America #21(Coates, Quinn) as Coates' run begins to build towards a crescendo following the COVID-19 delays.

Not the return of Red Skull as the solicit would indicate,Captain America #23(Coates, Milla, @RobotJQ @JoeCaramagna @Marvel) instead turns out to be a riviting realignment of the focus of the series, vaulting it into elite status.

Does the Power Elite know what they're doing by bringing back the Red Skull? What power lies in the hands of monsters? Find out in Captain America #24 (Coates, @LagartoMurciano @JoeCaramagna #Marvel), in stores now!

Leonard Kirk's art in this issue is solid, with above-average figure work and good play with lights and darks (with the obvious assist from Milla in that department).

What in the world is Sin up to? Find out as this epic run on Cap continues in Captain America #28 from Marvel Comics.

Captain America #30 sees the end of Ta-Nahisi Coates' run on the book as Cap and his allies face down the Red Skull and the Power Elite's plot to discredit the Sentinel of Liberty. But will the American public accept the truth? Find out for yourself in this issue from #Marvel .

Hawkman hit the ground running. I came into this issue with no expectations, but now that the bar has been raised, it will be exciting and interesting to see what Venditti and Hitch do for an encore.

Hands down my favorite solo series launch since the first wave of Rebirth titles, Hawkman is busy crafting what appears to be a tale of epic proportions. Epic in the classical sense.

Im sure some of you out there are reading these reviews, 10/10 over and over again, and calling me a Fanboy. Ill take it. Ill even embrace it. The entire Hawkman team is in sync in a way that seems rare in modern comics, and Hawkman continues to be one of the quietly best books in the mainstream market today.

The return of Hawkman and Atom, a mainstay of yet another bygone era of comics, should certainly get fans excited for what is to come, as Awakenings comes to a close. What could the next arc bring?

If you're in the group of comics readers that isn't buying this series (and based on the sales figures of about 27k sold for #4, that's a lot of you), run-- don't walk-- to your LCS and putHawkmanon your pull list. You'd be hard pressed to find a more thoughtful, fun, and beautiful comic on the shelves right now. What a great time to be alive!

Hawkmancontinues to expand on the rich mythology of the character, taking Carter to all-new heights.

An all-new era starts here asHawkman#7 reveals an updated origin for our winged hero. A perfect jumping on point for new readers.

Hawkman continues to be among the best ongoing titles at DC today.

Hawkmancontinues to be the hottest, most well-constructed book coming from DC Comics right now.

Hawkman #10feels like the culmination of all the mythos building Venditti and Hitch have so valiantly done. A truly exceptional issue.

Hawkman #11suffers the same fate as so many issues in the latter half of a trade paperback-sized arc, as the narrative stalls a bit with this one. Old Hawkfans will still have fun revisiting a number of new and old incarnations of Hawkman but the story does not move forward in this issue.

The "Cataclysm" arc ofHawkmanends with #12 and brings with it major changes to the status quo. Run, don't walk, and pick up your copy of Hawkman #12today!

Join Will Conrad and Robert Venditti for the start of an all-new era inHawkman #13.

A certain "fall from grace" issue,Hawkman #14 disappointingly ties into the "Year of the Villain" event this month.

Hawkman #15 (Venditti, Olliffe, Palmer) sees the title get back on track after a minor bump in the road with a special guest appearance by Shade.

Hawkman #16 (Venditti, Oliffe, Palmer, Skipper) continues the "Year of the Villain" tie-in series while strongly hinting at future developments for Venditti's vision of the Hawkman character.

Coming in September from Mad Cave Studios, Stargazer #1(Cleveland, Fuso, Simeone, Birch) delivers an emotionally driven story that plays on both nostalgia and contemporary concerns.

Stargirl: Spring Break Special #1 (#DCComics @geoffjohns @ToddNauck @hificolor @thebryanhitch) has Johns writing like classic Johns for the first time in a while as the world prepares for his upcoming Stargirl and JSA books.

Batman Damned,the maiden voyage of DC's Black Label imprint, ends in spectacular fashion.

I'm not sure where the over-arching narrative is headed but the charming and endearing writing of Peter by Taylor has me on-board for my first Spider-Man title in over a decade.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Manis a must-read title for Spider-Fans and non-fans alike!

Shut up and take my money!Friendly NeighborhoodSpider-Manis one of the best books on the stands today.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Manmay not be the Spidey book we deserve but it is certainly the one we need!

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #5 is a must-buy comic regardless of your feeling on the character.

A wonderfully heartfelt and heartbreaking issue,Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6delivers an unforgettable tale that shatters the barrier between reality and comics fantasy.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #7continues to deliver on all counts by giving readers a Spider-Man story that matters.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man#8continues to be a breath of fresh air as Taylor tackles corporate greed in his ever-growing list of problems facing the world today.

Learn the secret origin of Marnie and her connection to the new villain Helminth inFriendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #9.

The second arc ends inFriendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #10(Taylor, Lashley, Hanna, Maresca) as Spidey and company seek conventional solutions to very real world problems.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #11 (Taylor, Cabal, Woodard, Lanham) does it again to the shock of literally nobody. If you arent already reading this series, what are you still waiting for?

Once again, withFriendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #12(Taylor, Perez, Leisten, Rosenberg, Lanham), the book exceeds all expectations and delivers a pitch perfect Spider-Man story.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #13(Taylor, Lashley, Nauk, Guara, Ruan, Rosenberg, Lanham): As we near the seeming end to this fantastic series, loose ends and dangling plot threads are swiftly tied up.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #14 (Taylor, Sauvage, Lashley, Rosenberg, Lanham) closes out this series in the same way it livedfull of heart.

Take a jaunt back through time with Archie and the gang as the hit writing team of Archie: 1941 returns to show us Archie at the dawn of rock'n'roll in Archie: 1955 #1 (Augustyn, Waid, Grummett, Smith).

Archie: 1955 #2(Augustyn, Waid, Grummett, Burchett, Smith) delivers a fun read that is quietly laced with lessons in power and privilege.

Future State: SHAZAM! #! (#DCComics @iamtimsheridan @edpansica ) is a must-read for SHAZAM! fans for sure but manages to reach beyond and touch so many corners of the DCU that it's nearly a must-read for comics fans in general!

An all-star cast of creators including @MarikoTamaki @Danmora_c #jordiebellaire @adityab @ashcanpress @digiandomenico73 bring the heat with Future State: Dark Detective #1 from #DCComics !

Future State: Green Lantern #2 offers a look at the possible future for the Green Lantern franchise, setting up stories for 2021 and perhaps years to come with offerings from @GeoffThorne @CozyJamble @andie_t @robertvenditti @TomRaney_art @dextersoy and more!

Future State: Dark Detective #3 (#DCComics @marikotamaki @ashcanpress @Danmora_c #CarmineDiGiandomenico #JordieBellaire @Andworlddesign @adityab) continues to set the high water mark for the exciting Future State project!

Future State: Dark Detective #4 (#DCCOMICS @marikotamaki @Danmora_c) simultaneously ends decisively and leaves threads dangling in this final issue before returning to the current timeline.

There's always something a little bit unnerving and spooky in Lemire's writing. His descriptors always seem to paint the perfect picture but that picture is often of something slightly (or very much so) supernatural and eerie. When you couple that skillset with art also provided by Lemire here, that one-two punch combo is incredibly effective at setting an unsettling tone in the work. Add in the gorgeous color work of Villarubia and letters by one of my favorite letterers in Steve Wands (although sadly replacing another Comic Watch favorite letter in Pat Brosseau) and you've got the makings of an incredible new mini-series from a brilliant creative team.

Is it strange to say this issue is simultaneously self-contained and utterly connected to everything that surrounded it? Perhaps, but that is the case here. You can see the era of "writing to the trade" on the near horizon but it isn't here yet and that makes issues like this one possible. Gone were the days of endless self-contained issues but the era of the mega-arc was still just out of reach. Finding issues like this one is like finding that one last piece of chocolate in a full candy jar.

Green Lantern Annual 2021 is a stunning piece of character work that might be one of the best unexpected surprises of the year! From #DCComics @rycady SamiBasriArt on IG @tderenick @hificolor #robleigh

Hellions #1(Wells, Segovia) offers solutions to the problem of anti-social mutants in the New World Order with a misfit team of wildcards under the command of Sinister and Kwannon.

Hellions#2 is a remarkable experiment in taking what shouldn't work and making it sing.

Far Sector #1(Jemisin, Campbell, Bennett) is off to a promising start. Gorgeously detailed in both word and text, when this new Green Lantern eventually takes flight, it will be a sight to behold.

Far Sector #2 (Jemisin, Campbell, Bennett) dives ever deeper in the City Enduring and its resident Green Lantern as Jo begins to gain a better understanding of just how pervasive a lack of emotion can be.

Far Sector #3 (Jemisin, Campbell, Bennett) is here and if you arent already reading this series, what are you waiting for?

If I thought No Justice lived up to the hype, this would undoubtedly be a 10/10 issue for me. As it stands, it was an issue that elevated a writing team and an artist that I previously respected into a circle where I will be in on any project they hang their hats on. If Carmen wants to chronicle a series that illustrates the life of a New York City trash can, Ill be on time for that. If the Bensons want to write a 200-page opus to paint drying on a wall? Sign me up.

I Am Batman #1is an extremely thought-provoking and exceptionally beautiful comic that should be on every reader's radar. From #DCComics #JohnRidley #OliverCoipel @sinccolor @troy_peteri

M.O.D.O.K. Head Games #1from #Marvel delivers a shockingly well-crafted book with true narrative depth where none was expected. From upcoming showrunners @BlumJordan @pattonoswalt with Scott Hepburn @co_carloslopez @TravisJLanham !

Suicide Squad #1(Taylor, Redondo) arrives and carries with it a familiar sense of apprehension for old school Squad readers. Anybody could be offed at any moment as Task Force X returns to its past glory.

Suicide Squad #2 (Taylor, Redondo, Lucas, Abbott) delivers a fresh new Squad that feels more like a classic Suicide Squad story than anything in recent history.

Suicide Squad #3(Taylor, Redondo, Lucas) sees the story begin to really take shape as the team begins to breathe new life into a somewhat stale property.

Drawing on an exceptionally diverse creative team, the book has a quality feel from top to bottom. From the exceptional color palates by Woodard to gorgeous finish work by Underwood and Geraci, the book delivers on all fronts. Travis Lanham continues to be among the most under-rated letterers in the industry and is, of course, on full display here.

The Union #2 (#Marvel @mistergrist @Andrea_Di_Vito @LebeauUnderwood @nwoodard @TravisJLanham) continues to surprise with sharp art and subtle social commentary wrapped in dynamic storytelling!

Undiscovered Country #1 (Snyder, Soule, Camuncoli, Orlandini, Wilson) is nearly upon us and looks to be an exceptionally complex and gorgeous entry into the world of comics.

The Batman's Grave #1(Ellis, Hitch, Nowland, Sinclair) is a perfect Batman story in an era that desperately needed one.

The Batman's Grave #2 (Ellis, Hitch, Sinclair, Starkings) carefully navigates the balance between image and text as a complex conspiracy seems to be slowly forming.

The Batmans Grave #3 (Ellis, Hitch, Nowlan, Sinclair, Starkings) continues to take a hyper-realistic look at the intricacies of being The Batman and what implications may lie in the more mundane moments of his life.

The Batman's Grave #5(Ellis, Hitch, Nowlan, Sinclair, Starkings) sees the mystery building around Batman start to coalesce.

Midway through the arc,The Batman's Grave #6(Ellis, Hitch) continues to be a stunning interpretation of the Dark Knight.

The SGT Rock story, "Able" in #DCComics Love is a Battlefield #1 is a stunning tale that reminds us that while all gave some, some gave even more than all in defense of the United States over the decades. Brought to you by @real_pornsak @CTMooneyham @SpicerColor @FerranDelgado

Edgeworld #1 is an excited new entry into a brand new sci-fi world that doesn't care if you're not ready for adult material!

From the superstar Descender team of @jefflemire Dustin Nguyen and @swands comes a thoughtful and heart-wrenching look at how a young Dick Grayson comes to terms with being an orphan in Robin and Batman #1 from #DCComics.

The Butcher of Paris #1(Phillips, Kotz, Wordie, Peteri) sheds a terrifying light on a monster nearly lost to history and the limits of human empathy.

A suprise hit from Dark Horse,The Butcher of Paris #2(Phillips, Kotz, Wordie) packs incredible depth of narrative behind gorgeous Dave Johnson covers.

The Butcher of Paris #3(Phillips, Kotz, Wordie, Peteri) continues to tap into the current fascination with serial killers in media with a unique and thrilling entry into the genre.

The Butcher of Paris #4(Phillips, Kotz) explores terror and apathy through a historical lens that remains extremely relevant in modern day.

The Butcher of Paris#5(Phillips, Kotz, Wordie, Peteri, Johnson) sees the trial of serial killer Marcel Petiot turn circus thanks to a terrifyingly familiar sort of national apathy.

United States of Captain America #1 continues the critical work of reimagining the meaning of Captain America in the contemporary world by introducing the concept of a legion of Caps, first with Aaron Fischer, the queer young Cap of the railways!

Ash & Thorn #2(McCourt, Lee, Bowland, Thompson) continues to deliver on-point geriatric adventure with its unconventional heroes and eerie villains!

Journey back to the Wastelands with Ed Brisson and company in Avengers of the Wastelands #1 (Brisson, Scharf, Menon, Petit) for what looks to be an exciting new chapter for this long-running trope.

I don't know what the future will bring but in the present, this issue is the sendoff that Alfred deserves and for now, that will have to be good enough.

Batman/The Joker: War Zone #1 delivers a rare instance of a one-shot, event tie-in that is excellent from start to finish and important to not only the story but the future of the Bat-verse!

Batman Secret Files: Clownhunter #1 is a work of art, finally putting the spotlight onto the most interesting fresh face in Gotham we've seen in decades!

Billionaire Island #3is the scariest book on the shelves today-- a true horror story that shockingly resemebles the world we currently occupy.

We have finally reached the point in which this series begins to make sense in terms of merging the two sets of characters into a shared universe, for however brief a time that may end up being.Doomsday Clock#7 strives for greatness and delivers on all counts.

A series that changes the landscape of comics narrative, Doomsday Clock is a once in a generation series that lives up to the hype.

Doomsday Clockticks closer to midnight as the heroes of Earth come face to face with Doctor Manhattan.Doomsday Clockis an epic superhero story for the ages.

Doomsday Clock #10re-evaluates everything we thought we knew about the DC Universe. A must read issue from Geoff Johns and Gary Frank.

The penultimate chapter ofthe most important comics series of the century is here as Doomsday Clock #11(Johns, Frank, Anderson, Leigh) begins to gather all the various story threads to prepare for the conclusion.

The wait is over andDoomsday Clock #12 (Johns, Frank, Sinclair, Leigh) is available today. SPOILERS AHEAD for an event that will surely go down as one of the most well-crafted superhero events in the history of comics.

It's hard to not be excited for the future of #DCComics after reading Infinite Frontier #0, brought to us by @Williamson_Josh @JamestheFourth @Ssnyder1835 @johntimmsart @sinccolor @BrianMBendis and many, many, many more!

DC Digital's Sensational Wonder Woman #1 ( @Steph_Smash @MeghanHetrick @marissadraws @droog811 ) starts off with a bang that helps remind every reader that 2021 is the year of Wonder Woman! #DCComics

X-Men/Fantastic Four #1 (Zdarsky, Dodson, Dodson, Vines, Story, Martin, Caramagna) begins the journey of figuring out Franklin Richard's place in the New World Order of the post-Krakoa Marvel Universe with a bang!

BANG! #1(Kindt, Torres) comes out of the gates swinging with one of the sharpest comics you're likely to find on the shelves this year. Witty, fast-paced, intelligent, and gorgeous.

BANG! #2(Kindt, Torres) continues to deliver a non-stop thrill ride through the pulp archetypes of the late 20th century. This series is a must-read for fans of all types.

Obviously this story will speak more to Wildstorm fans but because of the craftsmanship applied to every element of the story (including the fantastic letters and SFX from Temofonte and vibrant colors from Fabela), even the most uninitiated can enjoy this story as an expertly crafted story that leaves the reader salivating for more, more, more!

Cover is a masterful book with which I found no flaws. Jump on board now and witness history in the making.

Coveris a modern masterpiece, entangling both a sharp global social commentary with an intriguing look inside the comics industry. There are moments that are simultaneously self-aggrandizing and self-depreciating, striking a beautiful balance that is punctuated by exceptional artwork.

Coverremains one of the more remarkable books I've read this year. An instant classic built from a blend of spiritualism and realism, the absurd and the commonplace.

Cover, in terms of the over-arching narrative, continues to be a slow burn. While one could argue that little of interest happens in this issue in terms of pushing the story towards a natural conclusion, the beauty of Cover is not found in the plot, but rather in the delivery.

Cover continues to be a formal masterpiece that shows the strength of the medium as it could be in the right hands.

Cover #6 is the ending to bravest comics narrative in a generation.

Nightwing #78 marks a bright new future for the fan favorite character.

A bold new era for Diana begins in Wonder Woman #759(@marikotamaki @mikeljanin #jordiebellaire @droog811 @JimLee @Sinccolor @DCcomics) as the new creative arrives and brings along new allies and old foes!

If you've been away from Wonder Woman, there is no better time to return than now, with Wonder Woman #760 on the stands!

Batman Annual #5 features Clownhunter's origin and so much more. Do yourself a favor and check-out this late Christmas gift from DCComics

Seven Secrets #1 is finally here and delivers on all of the hype.

Whatever it is that you look for in comics,Seven Secrets (@boomstudios @tomtaylormade @imkota @WalterBaiamonte @eDukeDW) is currently delivering. #3 is out today so pick it up while you still can!

From the vibrant and warm colors to the uniqueness of Nicuolo's art work; from Taylor's always sharp dialogue to Dukeshire's variety of fonts of effects, Seven Secrets continues to be one of the strongest books in BOOM!'s rapidly growing stable of excellent creator-owned projects. Check this book out if you haven't already.

Noisemakers, for starters, is an absolutely beautiful volume, both aesthetically as well as in its intent. Kazoo Magazine and Editor in Chief Erin Bried have gathered a tremendous amount of talent with this book in the name of reminding young girls that their voices are just as valuable as anybody's and that they are capable of doing anything.

From master satirist Mark Russell (@manruss), Eisner Award winning art team Steve Lieber (@steve_lieber) and Dave Stewart (@dragonmnky), and letterer Dave Sharpe (@daveLsharpe) comes an emotionally charged story about what happens to heroes after their moment has passed in One-Star Squadron #1 from #DCComics.

Six Daysbrings a harrowing tale of the horrors of war and the power of the human spirit in this wonderfully constructed original graphic novel from Vertigo.

I will echo what I'm already starting to see across the internet as I write this on release day: X-Men: Red Annual #1 is my front-runner for the single comic of the year thus far. I intentionally tried to not spoil too many of the more touching moments experienced here, because one should not rob others of that beauty if it can be helped.