While the real meat of this five-part story is yet to fully reveal itself, the groundwork laid in this first issue is nothing short of impeccable, throwing out several intriguing storyline hooks and doing a fantastic job of establishing the latest version of this classic villain, with plenty of teases and hinted cameos to please long-time G.I. Joe fans. A violent and ambitious reimagining of the classic Saturday morning cartoon baddie, and another thrilling addition to Skybound's Energon Universe.

If you're a He-Man fan, this should absolutely be viewed as an absolutely essential purchase, as it most likely captures everything you love about the fan-favourite toy and cartoon franchise. Highly, highly recommended.

While it perhaps doesn't have the same shock factor of the first issue, there's absolutely no doubt that Snyder and Sherman are crafting something truly memorable here, and if you're a fan of slow-burn ing psychological horror with a sickening hook, I truly can't recommend this series highly enough.

I honestly can't stress how much I'm enjoying this series. And while it's only technically going to have two issues published in this calendar year, it's already rocketing its way to the top of my “Best of 2023” list. Blending cutesy animals and twisted psychopaths into a weirdly compelling mixture, this series once again gets my highest possible recommendation.

The final pages draw the battle lines effectively for this series' final conflict, and give us some interesting possibilities as all the separate plot threads prepare to combine. I've said it before and I'll say it again this is, for my money, the best MOTU comic book series that Dark Horse has produced so far, and a lot of that comes down to Seeley and co. opting to tell a clean, coherent He-Man story with a simple narrative, rather than trying to pack too much into too little space. Well worth a look, and I absolutely can't wait for the final issue next month!

The final pages provide a little more insight into the events of the robbery itself, reveal the source of Luke's possibly fatal gunshot wound, and leave us with a eye-widening cliffhanger to make us immediately want to tune in to the next “episode.” Smoothly delivered noir with a beating heart of emotion and an almost tangible tension, this is a new series that demands your attention.

For a company perhaps best known for their licensed content, IDW are doing some absolutely stellar work with their Originals creator-owned line, and this new series deserves a place near the very top of that list. Feeling like Sylvanian Families meets Dexter, this is a beautifully disturbing concept executed to absolute perfection. Highest possible recommendation.

This is a character-driven, slow-burning masterpiece, no pun intended. Buccellato, Simeone and Otsmane-Elhaou deliver a story of everyday heroism that promises to become truly extraordinary before all's said and done. Highly recommended.

For my money, this is shaping up to be Dark Horse's best MOTU comic book offering to date. Which, given their stellar track record to this point, is quite a statement. Packed with thrills, action, drama and plenty of clever nods to previous source material, this is a series you owe it to yourself to check out.

The final pages see the stakes raised significantly for Tyler and his family, and ensures that any reader picking up issue one is all but guaranteed to want to pick up issue two. A character-focused thriller that taps into some stomach-churningly primal fears, this is a series you owe it to yourself to check out. Snyder and Sherman are a match made in creative heaven, and the Dark Spaces anthology continues to deliver banger after banger. Highly, highly recommended.

The final pages hammer how just how much Hum and Serka's life has changed from when we last saw them, and with them both finding themselves drawn into their own (shudder) “quests”, it's going to be really interesting to see how the rest of this series unfolds. Whatever happens though, I'm going to be right there every step of of the way yet again, because like a drunken reunion with an old friend, Coda's triumphant return ticks every chaotic, subversive box you could possible hope for.

The final pages throw a spanner into the works of the peaceful diplomatic mission, ensuring all manner of action and intrigue in the issues to come, and as is the case with almost anything He-Man related Seeley turns his hand to, I'm finding myself well and truly hooked right from the get-go.A fascinating new story set in a previously untapped period of Eternian history, and an absolutely essential purchase for any self-respecting Masters of the Universe fan.

While this doesn't quite hit the dizzy heights of the first issue, it's still another fiercely strong issue that has all the winning components of its fan-favourite parent series. For me, “irreverent fantasy” is a really tricky genre to crack. Pull back too much and you've basically just got plain ol' fantasy, but push the envelope too far and you run the risk of becoming out-and-out parody. Thankfully, Moreci, Howell and co. continue to land right in the sweet spot, delivering a cracking new series packed with dark humour, dark fantasy and sexually inappropriate swordplay. Highly, highly recommended.

This could probably be called a slow-burner of a first issue, but Thomson and De Iulis don't waste a single panel along the way, introducing us to a relatable group of friends, each with their own drama, quirks and trauma, and slotting them into a shockingly unexpected situation. With Thompson continuing to go from strength to strength as a writer and De Iulis delivering a striking visual style, The Cull has the potential to be the next big hit from Image Comics, and is a new series you really owe it to yourself to pick up.

With Remender and Fiumara at the helm, this series has the potential to cement itself alongside the Sagas and Black Sciences of this world in terms of A+ science fiction comics. With a few thinly-veiled allusions of what's still to come in the post-comic notes, this is a truly fantastic start to a new series that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Given my well documented love affair with the previous three volumes, it was unlikely that I wasn't going to thoroughly enjoy this new release. However, putting my obvious bias aside, this is still a truly fantastic story, blending two seemingly disparate genres – old-school sci-fi horror and… well… talking animals – into a genuinely thrilling comic book series. I mentioned in my first review that I initially had some reservations that this release may not even be truly necessary given how well the first arc wrapped up, but honestly, this is matching the original series step for step in terms of stakes, tension and emotional investment. Highly, highly recommended.

An intriguing character piece that looks set to evolve into a thrilling, twist-filled adventure, Antarctic is a new series that most certainly deserves your full attention. Well worth a look.

After a blistering setup, the overall premise we're left with – where the monsters of the world of are directed towards the Hulk and urged to destroy him by the Mother of Horrors – is pure gold, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where this story goes next. Johnson and Klein have SMASHED it out of the park with this dark, horror-filled tale, and this is one hell of an opening salvo in what promises to be a gruesome, terrifying series. Highly recommended.

A measured beginning to what promises to be yet another cracking series. Abnett and Culbard bring back their ‘A.A. Milne meets H.G. Wells' series with a triumphant fanfare, and as before, the blend of engaging characters, high-stakes drama and gorgeous artwork makes this a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

A measured beginning to what promises to be yet another cracking series. Abnett and Culbard bring back their ‘A.A. Milne meets H.G. Wells' series with a triumphant fanfare, and as before, the blend of engaging characters, high-stakes drama and gorgeous artwork makes this a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

Theres not too much in the way of action here (although we do get a little), with the bulk of the issue is focused on character development and letting each of the key characters adjust to post-Armageddon Game life. As I mentioned above, I'm firmly in favour of this approach, and even though this is very much a ‘catch your breath' kind of issue, there's still more than enough tantalising new plot threads being introduced and intertwined to keep the pages turning throughout An intriguing new status quo for IDWs cornerstone title, and a perfect jumping-on point for curious new readers.

Honestly, there's not really too much to get excited about here at least not yet. Sure, Medel and Myer do an impressive job with the artwork, but as far as the story is concerned this feels about as generic as you could imagine at this point. I'm hopeful that things get a little more creative as the series unfolds, but for the time being this is already starting to feel like a bit of a missed opportunity.

All in all however, this series has been a real treat for He-Man fans, delivering some fascinating and unconventional takes on this well-established universe. While a lot of the stories have suffered slightly due to the constraints of the format (i.e. the low page count allotted to each one), this series should be considered an essential purchase for fans who want to see their beloved franchise taken in some new and unexpected directions. Here's hoping we get more of this kind of thing in the future.

I'm getting some serious Stephen King vibes from the faintly insidious small town setting, which is most definitely a good thing, and the final pages ramp up both the horror and the intrigue while still managing to provide way more questions than answers. It's still too early to tell exactly where this story is headed, but you can consider me well and truly hooked. Another solid addition to the ‘Dark Spaces' series.

The final pages ratchet up the tension considerably as the ‘discovery' starts to thaw and Zasha, Batya's young daughter, finds herself on the run. It's clear that all hell is about to break loose, and I'm definitely planning on sticking around to find out what happens next. Sure, there's perhaps nothing too groundbreaking at play here yet, but there's enough atmosphere and intrigue to keep the pages turning throughout the course of this first issue. A chilling new chapter in Marvels Alien saga, and a first issue that's still well worth a look.

The final pages give us another brief snapshot of the scale of the problem, before seeing Vin and Reynolds setting out in unified direction with a shared mission. It's a simple enough premise at its heart, but the execution here is admirable and all the pieces fit together extremely well. Honestly, I'm a sucker for a creature feature, and everything about this series, from the characters to the location to the skittering menaces themselves, hits the mark for me. Highly recommended.

In terms of what the creators set out to do in this first issue, this has to be considered a success. Yes, it's a lot of groundwork laying, and yes, other than the characters themselves there's nothinghere we haven't seen a hundred times before. But given the track record of the writer and the obvious talent of the artist, this is definitely a series that's well worth checking out. A solid enough opening then, but I'm eager to start getting into the real meat of the story now that the introductions are out of the way.

Delivering a thrilling blend of B-movie horror and razor-sharp social commentary, I honestly can't recommend this series, and its two predecessors, enough.

Overall then, this is probably the weakest of the issues so far, although Rubn's work on the second story is almost worth the cover price on its own. I'm still absolutely loving the fact that we're getting regular He-Man output from Dark Horse, and Seeley's clear affection for the franchise shines through on almost every page, from the overall feel to the deep-cut cameos and references. I can't wait to see what he comes up with for the final chapter next month.

I've been a big fan of IDW's Saturday Morning Adventures releases so far, and this latest offering certainly pays homage to the classic kids cartoon while adding some fun new wrinkles to these much-loved characters. Highly recommended.

Perhaps what works best about this first issue is just how relatable the horror is. We've all felt out of place in new surroundings, so having the creative team underscore that with a creeping sense of dread and the aforementioned finale that could be ripped directly out of a lot of people's nightmares makes for a thoroughly engrossing read. Packed with eye-widening horror and believable personal drama, this feels like an A24 horror movie in comic book form, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what's coming next.

Another fascinating issue then, featuring two strong yet utterly distinct stories. I'm loving getting to see all these established creators provide their own spin on the world of He-Man, and with things promising to get a little darker and conflicted – if Zodac's final words are anything to go by – in the issues to come, this series may be destined for even greater things as it continues. Highly recommended.

It's certainly far from essential reading, but The Feast of the Moon delivers an enjoyable slice of swords and sorcery, and provides a fun introduction to the characters of Honour Among Thieves before the movie hits cinemas at the end of the month. Worth a look for the curious, the impatient, and those who just love some good honest fantasy action.

This is a fascinating idea executed with a real passion and enthusiasm. Your mileage on each individual story will definitely vary, but watching Seeley throwing He-Man into a variety of unusual styles and situations is going to be well worth the price of admission. Highly recommended for any self-respecting He-fan.

At the end of the day, The Last Ronin was always going to be a tough act to follow, and while there are some undeniably intriguing storyline threads being introduced (or reintroduced) here, the basic question of is this series really necessary? still remains. Im going to reserve full judgment until I see where Eastman and Waltz are taking things, but for the time being this feels like a solid, if slightly superfluous, expansion of what is, for my money, one of the best TMNT stories of all time.

In spite of a cracking premise and an impressive creative team working smoothly together, it's safe to say that this series hasn't quite hit its full stride just yet. Don't get me wrong, all the pieces are most definitely in place, but we're still just fleshing out the actual story at this point. I have no doubt that this is going to turn into hell of a series though, and if you're a fan of serial killer tropes or Kyle Starks' distinctive sense of humor (or both!) this is most definitely the book for you. Just keep one eye on the Fuckmaster at all times, yeah?

Kaplan, Pearson and Otsmane-Elhaou are a creative triumvirate that I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of. Pulling off some outstanding narrative misdirection and delivering a thoughtful look at the insidious nature of technology and social media, Mindset is, for my money, the glittering crown jewel in Vault's already stellar library of titles.

That said, the relentless energy and violent, chaotic vibes definitely keeps the pages turning throughout, and if you're a fan of reading stories where groups of strangers are pitted against fiendish traps and each other for the amusement of an invisible audience, this is definitely the comic book for you. Well worth a look, but hopefully the next issue will start to draw back the curtain on the reasons behind these horrors.

Honestly, it's always a tricky thing reviewing a single chapter of a sprawling event like this, as each issue really only gives you a snapshot of such a rapid-fire succession of events. And, as with so many of these events in the past, theres certainly a little ‘hit and miss' at play here in terms of the different storyline threads. Thankfully however, with so many ideas being thrown at the wall and such an extensive cast of characters, theres guaranteed to be something here to satisfy any TMNT fans tastes.

The final pages give our hapless protagonists a new direction to travel in, and as I said above, it's impossible not to find yourself completely drawn into this violent, murky and darkly comic fairytale reimagining. Another home run for BOOM! Studios' creator-owned slate of comics then, and series that once again gets my emphatic recommendation.

By the end of the issue, we're a total of eight years removed from “G-Day”, with our sprawling cast of characters each finding unique ways to survive in the new world. It's going to be interesting to see how Soule and Browne tie everything back together in the final two issues, but given the growing friction between the different sanctuaries, you can bet that when they do, we're going to get a finale that goes beyond our wildest dreams (or should that be wishes?) A fantastic premise executed with an almost giddy flair once again, and if you haven't picked up this series yet, you should definitely try to remedy that before it wraps up this coming February.

This issue manages to emphatically erase my main criticism of the series so far (namely the lack of cohesive narrative), serving as a bridge to bring the various storyline threads together. Once again, the mood and look of this series is going to be a real treat for fans of the video game source material, but even if you've never picked up a controller and taken to the streets of Yharnam yourself, this is still a horror series that comes highly recommended.

Overall then, while some of the themes and dialogue are perhaps a little on the nose, there is more than enough tension and drama to keep the pages turning rapidly throughout. A thrilling pressure cooker of a disaster comic that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

A tale of loss, family and the power of imagination from one of the most talented cartoonists in the business today, Salamandre comes highly, highly recommended.

While science fiction comics are a dime a dozen these days, genuinely interesting sci-fi is a far rarer beast. And, as I had hoped from the moment I heard the creative team for this new series, All Against All has the potential to become something something truly memorable. An intriguing premise executed with real creative flair, it's going to be fascinating to see what direction Paknadel and Wijngaard take this story in as it unfolds. Consider me well and truly hooked.

While it's certainly using a lot of established tropes, there are more than enough fun ideas and snappy artwork here to make this a comic that's well worth a look. IDW are churning out a ton of top quality creator-owned books, and Dead Seas has the potential to be right near the top of that list as it progresses.

The Predator franchise has been tweaked and adapted so many times over the years that it's honestly difficult to do much that feels fresh at this point. However, while there are obviously some familiar tropes at play here, Brisson, Walker and the team do a fantastic job of injecting this series with an authenticity and enthusiasm that keeps the pages turning and the reader engrossed from start to finish. Highly recommended.

A solid start for the new series then, but for me, it doesn't quite capture the same magic of the original – at least not yet. That said, there's a huge amount of twisted, day-glo fun to be had here, and fans of the original series will be over the fluffing moon about the return to this crazy fairytale world.

For my money, Mindset is one of the best books being published right now, and this is the strongest issue of the series so far. It continues to take an extreme look at the increasingly insidious nature of social media, but does it with such seemingly effortless flair that it's difficult not to find yourself completely and utterly sucked into the story from the moment you turn the first page of each issue. Absolutely essential reading.

Honestly, this is a difficult book to review simply because its so personal. Sure, the technical execution is impressive, and the use of different artistic styles and metanarrative devices is certainly engaging, but your individual mileage here will undoubtedly vary based on your own experiences, mindset, and empathy, I guess? For me, Im not sure I can remember the last time a graphic novel hit me quite as hard as this one did. Deeply moving at some points, and actually kinda uplifting at others, Zoe takes us on a brief but memorable journey alongside her for six months of her life, giving the reader a firsthand insight into the mind of a troubled but supremely talented creator.

Being able to deliver a genuinely engaging horror comic is a real accomplishment, but doing so without utilising unnecessary gore or schlock is even more impressive. Snyder and Francavilla are a dream creative partnership for a pot of people, myself included, and watching them work together seamlessly to bring the chilling tale of the Ghoul to life is a real treat. An impeccably crafted, genuinely unsettling horror tale packed with depth, twists and real narrative depth. Highly recommended.

While there's undoubtedly a lot to like here, and a lot of potentially great storytelling to come, the niggling gaps in the exposition and an overall lack of urgency slightly derailed my enjoyment of the first issue. That said, I'm still planning on sticking with this series as it unfolds, if only to see whether my many, many questions are going to be answered. Worth a look, but dont expect a lot of information or context right away.

It's definitely a good sign when the first issue of a comic is already an oversized thirty-two pages long and it's still not even close to being enough to satisfy you. A triumph of world-building, scene-setting and dark fantasy excess, Briar takes the familiar and makes it unfamiliar, twisting the safe ‘happily every after' world into something dark and deadly. Highest possible recommendation.

This isn't what you might think it is, and in this case, that's definitely a good thing. Klein and Beem deliver a wonderfully nuanced look at the complex nature of addiction, set in a world where superheroes are a part of everyday life, which was not necessarily what I was expecting when I first picked this comic up. A high-concept ‘heroes and villains' drama grounded in a gripping personal struggle, this is a series that comes highly recommended.

On paper there's certainly a lot to like here, but if I'm being honest, the bulk of my excitement about this series is based on the track record of its creative team, as opposed to what actually happens in this first issue. Dont get me wrong, its not bad in any significant way, its just a little bland, particularly when you compare it to the creators' previous work, both individually and together. One to keep an eye on if you're a hardcore fan of the creators, but this definitely isn't setting the world on fire.

In terms of capturing the bleak, unsettling tone of the source material, Bunn and Kowalski do a stellar job. And aside from a few minor niggles, this is still a series I'm fully planning on sticking with until its no doubt tragic and upsetting end.

An intriguing opening chapter of a story that clearly has a huge amount of layers still to be revealed, particularly when it comes to our leading lady herself. Visually stunning and packed with clever ideas, this is another fascinating collaboration from one of the hottest creative teams in the business today. The least you can do is give it a look. Sorry, couldn't resist.

This is a slice of high-concept, perfectly-pitched superhero fun that blends established tropes into a fresh, enthusiastic love letter to comic book excess.It's an opening issue that makes you immediately want to pick up the next one, which – as someone who reads waaay more comics than he probably should on a daily basis – definitely isn't always the case. Pick up this issue as soon as you can and get the rest of it added to your pull list right away. You can thank me later.

All in all, this is yet another cracking adaptation of the source material from the folks at Titan. Translating the creeping unease of the hugely popular video game to the printed page was never going to be easy, but in the hands of Bunn (and Ales Kot before him) and Kowalski, Titan keep hitting the mark time and time again. Captures the haunting tone of the game so vividly you can almost hear that accursed melody playing in the background while you read.

The issue whips along at a brisk pace, with Lona trying to seek out a tag partner for herself ahead of the tournament, and ends with a jaw-dropper of a final page that I don't think anyone will have seen coming. Another gripping issue then, and with the stage well and truly set for the series to come, I can't wait to see what sort of teeth-clenching insanity awaits once the Tag Tournament itself begins. Pure unadulterated enthusiasm and creativity crammed into lycra and unleashed onto the printed page for your viewing pleasure.

A fun bout of irreverent swords and sorcery fun, and one which will likely serve as a gateway drug to the glorious main series for a lot of readers. I'm loving the idea of bringing new artists into the rapidly-expanding world of Owen and Axe with these one-shots, and while this isn't quite an essential read in order to follow the Barbaric continuity, it's still a bloody fun one. Well worth a look.

The final pages see an exciting shift in the status quo as youngster Robbie finally decides what to spend his wish on, and considering we're only eight days into the wish-pocalypse, I'm already absolutely hooked on this series and desperate to know what happens next. High concept carnage from a creative team that are clearly having an absolute blast. What more could you wish for?

A slow burn of a first issue, no pun intended, which takes its time establishing this intriguing cast of characters before the real meat of the story gets going in the final pages. Snyder, Sherman and Pattison do a stellar job of gradually ramping up the tension of what promises to be a thrilling pressure cooker of a heist that I simply cant recommend highly enough.

For me, this is the best science fiction comic since Image's Black Science, and if you know me in any way, you'll know that's not a comparison I throw around lightly. Ewing and di Meo continue to reinvent their narrative, taking the story in unexpected new directions and keeping the reader on the edge of their seats throughout this wild journey. If you haven't already got on board with this series, I fully recommend you do so as soon as possible so you can enjoy this final arc as it happens.

A fantastic addition to the wider Walking Dead world, the long-awaited return of a fan-favourite character, and a supremely talented cartoonist at the absolute top of her game. Highly recommended.

If the purpose of a first issue is to completely and utterly draw the reader into the world being created, then Above Snakes should be considered a massivesuccess. A darkly humorous tale of Western vengeance with a supernatural twist, this is a series you owe it to yourself to pick up.

Definitely the strongest issue of the series so far, and one which pushes the narrative – as well as the level of peril that our unfortunate protagonist finds herself in – to a whole new level. I can only hope that poor Alice finally gets some sort of reprieve from her seemingly endless torment, one way or another, during next month's finale. Dark, gripping and packed with visual and narrative flair, this series comes highly recommended.

It's a solid enough opening issue that takes quite a while to get to where it's going, but the final few pages offer some promise that we're going to venture into some far more exciting waters as the series unfolds.I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how the creators lean into the horror aspect of the story, so I'll be tagging along at least as far as issue two. This series has lot of potential for sure, but let's call it unrealised potential for the time being.

While this is very much an issue that is here to help to bridge the gap between the stellar ‘Conan versus Conan' showdown and what promises to be a stunning finale, there's still a lot of great content here. Aaron and Asrar is a partnership made in comic book heaven, and their work on Conan over the past few years has been damn near faultless, in my eyes at least. As such, this issue still comes highly recommended, although if you've read any of their previous Conan collaborations, you're pretty much guaranteed to already have it in your pull list.

I love wrestling, and I love wrestling comics that clearly share that love, embracing the spectacle and the sacrifice without feeling the need to poke fun or roll eyes at its more eccentric qualities. More than just a series of flashy spots though, this series also shows some much-needed psychology, adding a generous dose of that vital personal drama to the mix. Simply put, if you're a wrestling fan, or just love kick-ass artwork, this is an absolutely essential purchase.

Honestly, this is fantastic. Striking, inventive and deeply relevant in today's technology-dependent world. And if this stellar first issue is anything to go by, this may end up being one of the true standouts in Vault's already impressive library of titles for quite some time.

Another strong issue for this thoroughly intriguing series then, and with the mystery at its heart still tightly under wraps for the time being, it's the overall fascination – not to mention the strong reader investment in the sweet, optimistic but clearly broken Alice – that's keeping the pages turning for the time being. Definitely one to add to your pull list if it isn't there already.

At the end of the day, this is a fun series that crackles with excitement and enthusiasm from the entire creative team. For my money though, it's the final page twist that really kicks things into a whole new gear, guaranteeing that I'll be picking up issue two as soon as it goes on sale. Well worth a look, even if you're a MCU Conan denier like myself.

While the inclusion of the middle issue drags this collection (and my final rating) down considerably, it is bookended by two really high quality offerings that serve to showcase the growth of the Rat King character over the last 30-odd years, as well as his innate appeal as we head into Armageddon Game. These offerings alone already make this one of the most essential of IDW's TMNT "best of releases, and the first issue in particular almost justifies the cover price on its own.

I've been a massive fan of Aaron and Asrar's run with this character since the very first issue of Conan the Barbarian back in January 2019, and seeing them reunited for this limited series has filled me with a real joy. The island-based drama with Thoth-Amon and the malevolent Princess Prima has delivered a thrilling swords and sorcery read to this point, but the Conan versus Conan storyline has elevated this series to all-time great status. Highest possible recommendation.

Another intriguing new series from BOOM! Studios then, and while this is certainly more of an appetizer than a main course, there are enough intriguing storyline seeds being sown to make anyone picking this first issue up feel fairly confident about forking out for the second. A sharp, stylish take on the afterlife, this series has a ton of potential and is well worth a look.

In terms of fun, colourful DC dino action, this does exactly what it says on the tin. And if you're looking for puns, gags and prehistoric versions of your favourite DC heroes and villains, you're really not going to get much better than this.

For me and heres some of the hyperbole Ive been trying so hard to suppress to this point every arc of this series goes further and further towards cementing its masterpiece status. Blending popcorn action with incisive literary acrobatics, Once & Future is like absolutely nothing else on the shelves today, and gets my highest possible recommendation.

Was I blown away by this first issue? Perhaps not, but there was definitely enough of an interesting hook that I'm seriously considering picking up the second issue when it goes on sale to see how Nicholas' story develops.A solid enough opening chapter then, albeit one which treads a lot of familiar ground and takes quite a long time to get to where it's going. But hey, who doesn't love a foul-mouthed and surprisingly dark Santa Claus retcon at the end of April? Definitely worth a look.

Art the end of the day, this series is to the Hulk what Cates and Dylan Burnett's Cosmic Ghost Rider was to the Spirit of Vengeance. Your individual mileage will no doubt vary, but I have to say, I absolutely loved what the entire creative team came up with here. A brash, bombastic and aggressively ambitious story with some scintillating artwork, this latest Hulk series has been an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. And with things switching gears for the upcoming Hulk versus Thor “Banner of War” event, it's safe to say that things are going to get a lot wilder before all's said and done.

A dark, unsettling feast for the eyeballs, A Town Called Terror grabs your attention from the first page with its striking visual style, and while we're not quite there yet story-wise, I have no doubt that this series is going to take us to some truly horrific places before all's said and done.

An impressive first issue which actually exceeded my expectations coming in, West of Sundown takes the familiar and makes it lively and fresh, sinking its teeth into the reader from the very first page. Another impressive addition to the Vault Comics library, and a series I'm going to be paying close attention to moving forwards.

A dark, grown-up sequel that takes a twisted look at what happened next for Alice. Panosian, Spalletta and Mascolo each do a stunning job of bringing this tale to the page, and I absolutely can't wait to see just how far down the rabbit hole this story is going to go.

This is a creatively structured opening issue that does a fantastic job of setting the table for what should be a cracking new series. The prospect of Snyder's boundless creativity running completely unchecked was always going to be a bit of a risky proposition, but watching him absolutely nail the bulk of this story is a real treat. Plus, the tone both he and the rest of the creative team set throughout this opening issue – that of a foul-mouthed, bombastic action adventure with an immensely likeable protagonist – makes this a new series that I'd definitely recommend seeking out.

Pushing that to one side, theres no denying that this is an absolutely fantastic series that showcases the strengths of its entire creative team beautifully. Rosenberg gives us fully rounded, believable and relatable characters; Boss gives us stylish, evocative layouts and note-perfect moments of visual comedy; and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou keeps the story flowing throughout with his trademark immaculate lettering. A gripping story that's in no hurry to give its bigger secrets away, this is a wonderful series that I can't recommend highly enough.

As utterly sublime as Stokoe's work is here, it's hard to give this issue a perfect rating because of its deeply frustrating ending. Yes, the visuals are world class, and the story is just the right side of out-and-out-madness (you can decide for yourself what side that is), but it ends with a whimper rather than a bang. And while I'm sure the subsequent issues and remaining three beasts will more than deliver on the promise of this story, I still can't help but feel a little let down here.

Full disclosure, I was never really the biggest G.I. Joe cartoon fan growing up (loved the toys though), but watching this creative team sprinkle a little of their Ghostbusters fairy dust onto this classic franchise is a real treat. This is definitely a series I'm going to be sticking with for the next three issues.

A stunning achievement of both ambition and execution, Step by Bloody Step is a near flawless offering from a creative team at the absolute top of their game. Highest possible recommendation for this one, folks.

Inventive, unconventional and like absolutely nothing else being published by Marvel Comics right now, Ka-Zar and the Savage land is a series that comes highly recommended. And, if you've happened to miss the five-part story as single issues, then I'd wholeheartedly suggest picking up the collected trade paperback as soon as it becomes available. You can thank me later.

All in all, while it perhaps takes a little while to find its feet, All Guts, No Glory ultimately delivers a creative, enjoyable twist on the ‘monster hunter' trope, all wrapped up in a pleasing visual package. Definitely one to keep an eye on as the story unfolds.

Ultimately, what we have here is a beautiful, thought provoking and genuinely moving conclusion to what has been truly unique comic book series. Mazebook takes an experimental and unconventional look at the nature of grief, wrapping those themes up in a tightly structured mystery tale, and I absolutely loved it. With the likes of Sweet Tooth, Black Hammer and Descender already under his belt, it's safe to say that Lemire's creator owned credentials are pretty much unquestioned at this point, and with the Canadian cartoonist recently signing an exclusive deal with Image Comics, I honestly can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

It feels like there's a “twist” which is being fairly heavily signposted given the apparently Batman parallels, although that remains to be seen. Regardless, this is certainly an intriguing opening chapter for a series that feels like it hasn't quite hit its full stride yet. The groundwork has been confidently laid though, and with some striking artwork, an engaging tone and an eyebrow-raising cliffhanger, this is definitely a series I'm going to be keeping an eye on.

An exciting reimagining packed with plenty of the classic Buffy charm, The Last Vampire Slayer is a new series that comes highly recommended.

The final pages establish the direction of the story moving forwards, and with two likeable leads, two supremely talented creators and a lot of open road ahead of us, I'm well and truly hooked on this series.

In summary, Cates' Midas touch continues here, working seamlessly alongside Ottley's dynamic artwork to deliver what could be a Hulk story for the ages. Highly recommended, both for Hulk fans and those who love hard-hitting, high stakes comic books in general. Bring on issue two!

Honestly, this series has been an absolute blast from start to finish, something which was pretty much guaranteed given the pedigree of its two creators. If you've been here since issue one, then this conclusion is definitely not going to disappoint, and if you're new to the series but enjoy hilarious dialogue, kung fu action and cheesy TV references, this series should be considered a must buy once the trade paperback hits shelves in January.

A strong start from a must-watch creative partnership then, blending the same expressive artwork and charming character work of Alice in Leatherland with a far more dramatic, energetic and action-packed story. Zanfardino and Romboli are a team you really need to keep an eye out for, and this is a new series that you need to add to your pull list right away.

Another banger of a first issue from Image Comics then, as Rosenberg and Boss effortlessly recapture the magic of their previous collaboration, delivering a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre. The themes of record collecting and music as a whole tie into the adolescent experience beautifully, and the way these themes are framed in a world where groups of kids battle for survival in an adult-free wasteland is likely to speak to a lot of readers on a lot of different levels. I'm well and truly hooked anyway, and can't wait to see where this story goes next.

Ultimately then, as a cohesive four-part narrative I think it's safe to say that this series has been a bit of a bust, only loosely hanging together with the "Orlax" storyline repeatedly failing to hold the attention. However, as an anthology-esque series which helps to provide context, depth and character motivation for the events of the Netflix animated series, this definitely hits the mark.

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely going to be sticking around to see what the slightly puzzling cliffhanger means for Tan and her story, but I would completely understand if other readers found themselves drifting away in search of series with a bit more urgency and bite.

Ultimately then, it's safe to say that Cates, Brown and co. stick the landing with style here, wrapping their hellacious teenage pregnancy story up in truly satisfying fashion and bringing the story of Sadie Ritter full circle. Hopefully the fourth and final collected trade will follow shortly (along with one of AfterShock's suitably chunky omnibus editions, perhaps?) to give those readers who drifted away during the break a chance to experience the whole cracking narrative. Fantastic stuff from all concerned.

Stripped-down storytelling at its absolute finest, Mazebook is a captivating mystery that isn't in any hurry to share its secrets. Lemire pretty much can do no wrong in my eyes, and this is another worthy addition to his considerable catalogue.

Ultimately then, while the whole Orlax storyline appears to have been pushed to the side in favour of what actually feels a little more like an "origins" themed anthology series, I'm actually kinda digging the approach that Smith, David et al have adopted here. Fleshing out of the backstory of characters like Skeletor and Evil-Lyn, while cementing the new canon for the likes of King Grayskull has made for fascinating reading, and while I'm sure the vocal minority of the "fandom" will disagree, it's actually making me more excited for the second part of the Netflix series. I can't wait to see how they wrap things up in the fourth and final issue next month.

Ultimately then, while it's not quite in the Kyle Starks “A Tier” alongside Sexcastle or Rock Candy Mountain, at least not for me, this is still a lovingly rendered and downright hilarious genre mash-up, bringing two of my favourite things – basketball and cheesy monster movies – together into a thoroughly enjoyable 120 page read. Highly recommended.

I've read some truly brilliant comics this year, but Department of Truth is sitting right at the very top of that list. And with four months left of the year, its going to take something very, very special to knock it off first place.

However, while it's slightly disappointing to see Boba Fett effectively becoming a supporting character in what was marketed as his event, there are enough cool moments of excitement and fan service here to keep the pages turning. And, whether it's an intense exchange between Darth Vader and Jabba the Hutt or Boba Fett and Chewbacca going at it hand-to-hand, there should be something here to satisfy pretty much any self-respecting Star Wars fan.

My only complaint about this series is that it isn't the 99 Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton, because I seriously don't want it to end!

Ultimately though, while the significant events of this issue can essentially be boiled down to one single splash page, the journey to get there is undeniably entertaining, and the spectacle of Spider-Man being forced to take on so many bad guys at once gives this event a really unique feel. We're back here in a fortnight for more Sinister War, and I'll definitely be checking in to see where this story goes next.

While it may be aimed squarely at the young adult market, I can see any pet owner who has lost a beloved friend too soon getting a lot out of Rocket and Andy's story. It's a fun, uplifting tale that frequently delves into some fairly complex emotions, and seems perfectly pitched at the 12-18 year-old market (and, as I mentioned, anyone who's ever had to say goodbye to a pet). Another massive success from AfterShock and the entire creative team, and an emphatic statement of intent for Seismic Press. Highly recommended.

Ultimately, while it doesn't really advance the story much, or add any real new context to the Revelations animated series, there are still some fun ideas being explored here. And, while I'm personally not a huge fan of the possibilities offered up here, the execution is admirable and the enthusiasm for the franchise shines through on pretty much every page. The final pages promise to take the story in a new direction, and – with early apologies to the fans who are already seemingly in uproar about the lack of He-Man in the Netflix series – it looks like we're going into an Evil-Lyn focused issue next time out. I absolutely can't wait though, although I hope we do get a little more advancement of the Orlax story in the process.

Spencer gives us another cliffhanger to end things on, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the pace, scale and emotional complexity of this event so far. This is certainly a solid enough issue to move things along, but perhaps lacks the punch of the bombastic event opener. Regardless, I'm still well and truly hooked, and not only is this event well and truly rekindling my love for Spider-Man in general, it's also making me want to pick up some of the older issues to fill in all the gaps. Well played, Marvel. Well played.

For me, this perhaps wasnt quite as strong an issue as the opener, taking the focus away from loveable and disarmingly human Francis in favour of the admittedly rather entertaining Director. It certainly helps to establish the increasingly twisted tone of the story though, not to mention the looming drug war that seems poised to engulf NYC, but I'd have liked to see a little more of Darling himself here. It's still a fantastically unique slice of sequential art, and a story I'm definitely going to be following until its conclusion.

The final pages feature something of a transformation for the series as it moves forwards, and the immense likeability of Alice as a protagonist continues to carry the load and ensure that anyone picking this issue up will be guaranteed to want to read the next. Blending wholesome fun with sizzling sexuality, Alice in Wonderland continues to be a series I have no problems recommending.

At the end of the day, what we have here is a fast-paced, straight-faced, sword and sorcery adventure. It isn't trying to subvert or reinvent anything, feeling instead like a love letter to the genre in all its glory. And while there isn't necessarily anything here we haven't seen before, the confident execution and clear affection from the creative team ensures that this is still a thoroughly enjoyable read.

All in all, while I could certainly have opted for a gentler reintroduction into the world of Spider-Man, I'm still glad that I chose this particular moment to hop back onto the bandwagon. I'm also fairly relieved by the fact that, including the prelude issue, this “event” is only going to run for eight issue across two titles, which is far more palatable than some of Marvel and DC's other events in recent years. A fun, action packed start to what promises to be a hell of an event.

The final pages deliver the meat of the story moving forwards, and while it's not exactly a surprising destination, the journey to get there is well worth the cover price. Much like Middlewest, the synergy between Young and Corona is fascinating to watch, and this new series promises to evolve into a hauntingly beautiful tale of fear, discovery and love.

Ultimately though, if you're in any way excited about the Netflix show, this should be considered an essential purchase. While it doesn't really give anything away about what to expect on July 23rd, it does provide some additional background and historical information that may prove to be invaluable when the show goes live. At any rate, more He-Man comics are always a good thing, and while this one doesn't exactly try to reinvent the wheel, it does make for an enjoyable appetizer for the main course to come.

It's always great to see a comic living up to its impressive hype, but in all honesty, I think BARBARIC may have actually exceeded it. From the legitimate belly laugh on page five to the air-punching violence throughout to the the eyebrow-raising final page, this is a perfect example of exactly why I read comics. To be entertained. And if entertainment is what you're after, I really can't recommend this series highly enough.

While the overzealous gore and violence may turn off some potential readers, I'd still heartily recommend dipping your toe into Piskor's crimson-coloured waters. And with ten more issues to go, it's going to be fascinating to see how many interesting situations he can wring out of this depraved setting. I'm definitely going to be turning in to see what comes next, that's for sure.

While humorous and sex-positive stories of love and misfortune might not necessarily appeal to every comic book reader, they most certainly appeal to this one, and the charm and energy that the creators inject into this tale make it an easy series to recommend. Sweet, wholesome, honest and funny, this is the LGBTQIA+ sex comedy you didn't know you needed in your life.

Honestly, this is easily the best opening issue to a series that I've read for quite some time, and delivers a perfect execution of a high-concept bait and switch that takes something normal and turns it into something else entirely. Most excitingly of all though, this series is getting the longform treatment with no less than twelve (count 'em!) issues, so there's almost no way of knowing just how far this wild premise is going to be pushed in the months to come. One thing's for sure though, I'm going to be right there every step of the way to find out, and I strongly recommend you do the same.

I'll freely admit that I was initially a little skeptical about how Ewing could continue his narrative in a compelling way following the conclusion of the first arc, but he and the rest of the team simply haven't missed a beat here, and the shift in pace has added even more depth and intrigue to this already fascinating world. A richly textured, gorgeously illustrated sci-fi comic that gets my highest recommendation.

Were sixteen issues in and this series still hasnt missed a beat. Simply put, Die is an absolute masterpiece that will either have you pining for your lost D&D days, celebrating your current D&D days, or wishing you had D&D days to get excited about. Highly, highly recommended.

Simply put, this new series is fantastic, and provides a perfect platform for Stokoe's striking visual style and quirky sense of humour. My only minor niggle about this issue is that we don't get a glimpse of (or even a hint at) the second beast, but that's more my personal greed and impatience talking. Ultimately, if you like action, humour, over-the-top violence and cracking artwork, I honestly can't recommend Orphan and the Five Beasts highly enough.

As youll no doubt have realised, were serious horror fans here at the Big Comic Page, and with all manner of evocative and thrilling books being released from publishers all over the world on a weekly, Vault Comics continues to stand out from the bulk of the crowd with titles like this. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.

Well worth a look, and while I had a few minor niggles with the execution, the overall message is deeply relevant and Ill definitely be sticking around to see how the rest of this series plays out.

The final pages throw a shocking twist into the proceedings, effortlessly answering my question about how Orlando and co. could spin a whole series out of this premise, and making my picking up of the second issue an absolute certainty. A powerful opening then for a series which injects new life into a familiar trope and puts an intriguing, smoke-and-mirror slant on the worlds greatest superhero. Definitely one to look out for.

While Kingdom Kong felt like a bit of a blunt instrument, telling a familiar story in a familiar way, Dominion feels like a scalpel as it carves out the most interesting facets of Godzillas true nature and presents them in a fresh and interesting way. Highly recommended for Godzilla, Swamp Thing and giant monster fans alike.

The finale introduces some familiar big-screen faces, and while it doesnt quite bridge the gap completely between the existing continuity and the recently-released movie, it does go a long way towards fleshing out the hollow earth theory and adds some interesting new threats and wrinkles into Kongs ongoing saga. Well worth a look if youre a bigtime King Kong fan, and certainly well written, but for me, the artwork was too much of a hurdle for me to fully recommend this one.

The final pages introduce the first of the five beasts in gloriously over-the-top fashion, setting the scene for what promises to be a similarly outlandish battle in issue two. While Ill admit that it was the name on the cover that first drew me in, Stokoes singular talents and clear affection for what hes doing ensured that I was well and truly hooked by about the third page. If you like your tales of revenge to be packed with dynamic enthusiasm and immaculately illustrated, this is most definitely the book for you.

Im a big fan of the God of War franchise as a whole, and the pedigree of the creative team is enough to convince me to stick with this one, but Id have liked a little more meat on the bones of this first issue to really get my excitement flowing. Ultimately, this is a solid introductory issue that doesnt quite find its feet before it ends, and Ill definitely be checking out issue two to see how Roberson and Parker build on the story they've started here.

Despite going in with zero expectations or prior knowledge, I had an absolute blast reading this one. Delivering a cool modern twist on the Tarzan/Turok trope, with a creative team clearly loving every second of their work, Savage is a new title I have absolutely no problems recommending.

Overall, your enjoyment of this series is likely to hinge on your familiarity with the wider IDW Transformers universe. For newcomers, its still a solid story with some lively artwork, but for those who have already immersed themselves in the ongoing Cybertronian narrative, this one is going to be a real treat.

Ultimately then, this feels like yet another win for Kindt and Jenkins. A tasty, supernatural-tinged mystery with a strikingly unconventional art style. As I mentioned above, this is very much a slow-burner of an opening chapter, and while the narrative is yet to fully embrace the potential of its premise, there are enough hints here not to mention the stellar pedigree of the creative team to ensure that this is an incredibly easy title to recommend.

Overall, this is an ambitious and cleverly structured start to the series, and knowing Peposes track record, I have absolutely no doubt that the onslaught of plot points will sort themselves out into a thoroughly enjoyable series in short order. Packed with action, drama and an undeniably clever premise, this one is definitely worth earning your Read Dangerously badge with.

All in all, Im a fan of this series. Pryor is a likeable protagonist, and his complicated family situation established via a rather endearing exchange with his older sister only helps to cement that. Minor niggles about the pacing of the reveal aside, its clear that this series is really going to hit its stride from issue two onwards, and if you want to read a supernaturally charged tale of a failing stand-up comedian and the near-death experience that gives him his big break (and who doesnt?), this is just the book for you.

This is another absolutely stunning debut from Vault Comics; a literary horror series that provides a visceral, haunting depiction of what happens when you change the world through art, and I absolutely cannot recommend it highly enough.

A solid opening then, and while the full scope of the story is still to be revealed, the emotional impact of the final page and the confident delivery throughout is more than enough to draw this particular reader in. Ill definitely be picking up the next issue when it goes on sale, and for readers looking to delve a little deeper into the world of Geralt of Rivia, this new series comes highly recommended.

Honestly, I could rant and rave about this book all day, but the best way to experience it is to pick it up for yourself when it goes on sale next week. Wildly ambitious and relentlessly creative, Crossover may end up being the coolest thing Cates and Shaw have ever done, which is certainly saying something. I loved absolutely everything about this comic, and I hope you will too.

Honestly, if youve read any of the main series, youre likely already picking this one up. Cosmagog brings the best qualities of its leading man to the page, making for a fantastic read. Its touching and exciting and confusing and pretty much essential reading for any Black Hammer fan out there. Dont miss it.

Another impressive offering from AfterShock Comics then, with strong character motivations and an intriguing premise ensuring that readers picking up this first issue will be absolutely hooked from the outset. Taking a look at the end of the world through the innocent eyes of a child, We Live provides a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre, and as such is an easy series to recommend.

Simply put, Watters is a genius, Dani is a magician and Coffin Bound is one of the best books being published right now. What are you waiting for?

If youre a Transformer fan, particularly one with an affinity for the 80s comic series or the cult favourite cartoon, I honestly cant recommend this enough. Faithfully created and lovingly embellished, this is series which proves that theres always more than meets the eye, even when it comes to classic stories.

If you missed the first four-part volume of this series, I suggest you remedy that immediately. Bold, creative and utterly sublime, Coffin Bounds second arc shows no signs of squandering the freight train momentum of its first. Highest possible recommendation.

At the end of the day, while its perhaps not quite essential reading for those following the main ongoing series, theres more than enough great content and important character beats here to justify the cover price. Rat King is always great value, and getting to check in on Oroku Saki, Karai and the hideously intriguing Leatherhead/Krang symbiotic partnership, this an annual I have absolutely no problems recommending you pick up.

Would trying to expand this story work? Would it dilute the awesomeness? Cheapen the narrative? Oh, me of little faith. This second arc has only added to the fantastic premise, throwing exciting new wrinkles into the story of the reluctant monster hunter and his bad-ass gran. Blending humour, action and high-stakes fantasy into a thoroughly enjoyable read, this is a series that comes highly recommended.

Ultimately though, this is every bit as gripping and captivating as the original series, and its always great to see this particular creative partnership making magic together. Providing a dark, unsettling take on this traditional bible story, The Virgin Brides proves to be more than worth the wait, and while my excitement is tempered with no small amount hesitation for the welfare of our two leads, I absolutely cant wait to see where this story goes next.

A note-perfect manipulation of the fantasy RPG setting, featuring enough layers (or sides, I guess) for die-hards and casual gamers alike, DIE is like absolutely nothing else on the shelves right now and as such, is a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

An impressive opening then, with the creative team which includes the dynamic-yet-unobtrusive lettering of Aditya Bidikar working together seamlessly as they take full advantage of every inch of every single page to tell their story. A story of magic, secrets and the fear which comes with being true to yourself, Wynd is a new series which comes highly recommended.

Another solid addition to The Storyteller back catalogue then, and an introduction to a new artist who I'll definitely be seeking out in the future. Well worth a look, particularly if you have any sort of interest in Asian folklore.

At the end of the day, Sabrina fans – particularly those who have already picked up the previous series – will find a lot to like here, although there's just about enough for new readers to entertain themselves with too. I'm hoping that once the series picks up some momentum and the more spooky aspects of the story are pushed to the forefront this could becoming something great, but for the time being this is still a serviceable beginning to the latest chapter in the life of everyone's favourite Teenage Witch.

The final pages deliver the showdown the issue had been building up to, and – very possibly – feature the death of yet another Squad member. After a strong introductory mission, Taylor is really starting to stamp his mark on this particular arc, and the more invested we become in these new faces, the harder its going to be to watch the inevitable happen (hey, we all know how this comic tends to go, right?). Either way, the series has the same blend of humour, drama and slightly over-the-top violence that has made these characters so damn enjoyable to read over the years, and Im definitely on board with this new run for the long haul. Well worth checking out.

At the end of the day, theres little I can fault about Archangel 8, save for a slight deviation from my expectations. Providing a bleak and violent introduction to this world of hired killers, Moreci, Smith et al do a great job of laying the groundwork for what promises to be an entertaining series. With an enigmatic leading man and a twisted succession of feints, twists and shocking violence, this is a new series you really ought to be checking out.

Nobody writes a comic book quite like Jonathan Hickman, for better or worse, and while the exposition here is delivered in a typically unwieldy fashion (read: chunks of text and intentionally confusing, encyclopaedia-style excerpts slotted in between chapters), the striking artwork and strong characterisation of our two female leads is more than enough to keep the pages turning, and in my case, at least to make sure I come back to check out issue two. Well worth a look, particularly if youre already a fan of Hickmans distinctive style.

A captivating start then, with an intriguing protagonist being thrust into a bewildering situation, and some of the best artwork youre likely to see on a monthly comic book. There are certainly far more questions than answers at the moment, but isnt that how all good mysteries begin anyway? Highly, highly recommended.

Five years removed from its initial release, I still cant find anything to fault about ApocalyptiGirl: An Aria for the End Times. The narrative is tight, the characterisation is spot-on, and the artwork while frequently unconventional in its approach is truly a feast for the eyes. MacLean has managed to weave a tale filled with humour and emotion with a powerful message at its core, and I simply cant recommend this book highly enough.

At the end of the day, there are more than enough intriguing beats here for Andolfos story to sink its claws into me, and while there are definitely a variety of different directions the narrative could be taken from here, at this point, pretty much any of them are appealing enough to make me stick with this series moving forwards. Definitely well worth a look, and absolutely essential reading if youre a fan of Andolfos previous work.

The final pages reveal the real meat of the story, hinting that Cliffjumper may be poised to become an actual hero rather than merely a crimson facsimile of one, and absolutely hooking me for the remainder of this particular arc. Its always fascinating to see what new creators do when theyre given access to the Transformers toy box, and Leth, Edenfield and Milne have come together here to create something packed with humour, drama and relevant real-world parallels. Highly recommended.

It has been a solid few opening issues for sure, but with the bulk of the narrative now seemingly hinging on new Waller Lok a character who has shown himself to be blindingly one-dimensional to this point it remains to be seen whether Taylor can keep this books head above water as its run continues. Either way, Im definitely going to be sticking around for at least a few more issues to see how this all plays out.

At the end of the day, if youre even remotely interested in the newest Ninja Turtle on the block, then you owe it to yourself to pick this one up. Packed with emotional beats, intriguing character development and fluid action, this is a legitimately essential purchase for Jennika fans.

Simply put, this is pure, unadulterated fan service from start to finish, and I absolutely love it. If youre a fan of He-Man in his many and varied forms, you really owe it to yourself to pick this one up.

Kindt is a writer whose track record all but guarantees that going to at least check out everything new he releases, but even with that said, I had absolutely no idea I was going to enjoy BANG! as much as I did. Ive been waiting for my first new series to get really excited about in 2020, and I think BANG! may well be the one. Next month cant come quickly enough.

At the end of the day, while this is likely to be something of a tough sell for Harley haters, as well as bearing little-to-no resemblance to its big screen counterpart, fans of the character and Palmiotti and Conners iconic take on her are going to be in absolute heaven. Even as a self-confessed Harleyskeptic, I still found myself chuckling at a lot of the gags here, and Conner and Mounts action sequences are almost worth the cover price alone.

A tightly-structured and entirely self-contained story that fits effortlessly into the existing Firefly continuity, The Sting is well worth a look for fans of the cult series, or simply those of us who like a good crime caper with some likeable, interesting protagonists.

The final pages set up a future conflict that Im fully on board with, and in spite of the at times overly bombastic approach, Im still fully planning on picking up issue #2 to see how this story pans out. Well worth a look if youre a fan of the characters, or if over-the-top superhero silliness is your bag.

With an interesting twist thrown in at the end for good measure, this new Suicide Squad series is certainly off to a strong start. The idea of having Task Force X effectively merging with a group of super-powered freedom fighters adds an intriguing dynamic to the proceedings, and both Taylor and Redondo are doing a great job so far of bringing these familiar (and not-so-familiar) characters to the page. Well worth a look.

Slotting itself into my Best of 2019 list with ease, Wasted Space is showing absolutely no signs of letting up as it surges forwards into 2020. And while weve taken a rather spectacular detour from the main storyline, I could quite happily read this comic every single month for as long as Moreci, Sherman, Wordie and Campbell keep making it.

With a heady blend of snappy, unmistakably British banter and epic fantasy, Once & Future is a series I have no problem recommending. Managing to avoid either taking itself too seriously or devolving into parody, it lands right in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer sweet spot, and I absolutely cant wait to see where Gillen, More and Bonvillain take us in the upcoming second arc.

Ultimately then, while its clearly still ramping up its momentum, Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy is an exciting new addition to the Black Hammer universe. Zonjic and Lemire are telling an interesting story that once again plays with established comic book tropes in exciting ways, and once the story hits its full stride this has the potential to become something truly special.

At the end of the day, while it doesnt quite elevate itself into must read status, A Sparrows Roar – featuring a pair of comic book newcomers delivering an engaging young adult fantasy tale, a likeable cast of characters and an eye-catching visual style is still definitely worth a look.

A fun, lively start to a new superhero action comedy series, and while the final page reveal is perhaps a little obvious (especially with anyone who has seen any of the preview material or read the solicitation info), the execution throughout is admirable. Definitely a new series to keep an eye out for, and now that weve got the big reveal out of the way, Im definitely keen to find out where the creators take their story next.

Id imagine this might be a bit of a tougher sell for readers who arent already massive fans of the character, but hey, those people dont deserve good comics anyway. Simply put, this is Into The Spider-Verse for He-Man fans, and if that's not enough of a recommendation, I really don't know what to tell you.

A simple story beautifully executed, Berserker Unbound tells a gripping tale of loss, acceptance and wordless camaraderie, and as such comes highly recommended.

Honestly, I absolutely love this series, and its going to take a misfire of cosmic proportions from the creators to change my mind on it at this point. Each issue adds more tension, intrigue and humour to the proceedings, and the blend of character-focused drama, epic scale world-building and masturbation jokes ensures that Wasted Space is like nothing else on the shelves today. Pick up the first two volumes as soon as you can, and hop on board this gloriously irreverent space juggernaut!

DIE is a book packed with nuance, depth and imagination, and while its (admittedly concise) description as Goth Jumanji feels fairly accurate, it also doesnt even begin to convey just how rich, detailed and utterly addictive the world that Hans and Gillen have created truly is. Highest of recommendations yet again for one of the best books of the year.

However, with all that said, Im still going to be sticking with this series as it unfolds. Partly because good fantasy comics are hard to find these days, and partly because of the unquestioned talent of the creators involved. Plus, with this issue being merely the set-up for the story to come, Im happy to give these characters a chance to evolve from the one-dimensional versions of themselves presented here. And if nothing else, Federici is going to ensure that whatever happens next is going to look utterly fantastic. Well worth a look, but its probably worth tempering your expectations somewhat – for the time being, at least.

Another cracking issue from this impressively rejuvenated series then, and in all honesty, its probably worth the cover price for Hannahs opening rant alone. Trust me, its a thing of foul-mouthed beauty.

Ultimately though, as a what if? yarn which asks a fairly intriguing question, Tales from the Dark Multiverse does a solid enough job of spinning a dark, disturbing tale out of the Knightfall saga. And while the story itself never really gets past the realms of superficial spectacle, if nothing else, this oversized one-shot has introduced me to the immense talents of Javier Fernandez, an artist Im going to be keeping a close eye on from now on.

There are plenty of good ideas in here, and the beginnings of what could be an intriguing new series. For me though, the story and pace just never seemed to click into gear. The reveal at the end left me unsure of where this is heading, and it feels like it could be quickly moving away from the original premise.

This is a stripped-down, street level Batman detective tale with a genuinely disturbing denouement, but it doesnt quite feel like the first issue of a series just yet. Whatever direction this is going, Ellis is clearly keeping his cards close to his chest so far, although the solicitation info suggests that the aforementioned denouement is likely to have a profound effect on the psyche of the Dark Knight moving forwards and rightfully so. So at the end of the day, youre even remotely a fan of Batman the detective, this is definitely worth a look.

Ultimately then, the narrative style is undoubtedly effective and the story, while certainly familiar, is truly gripping, but its the world class artwork that makes Harleen an absolutely essential purchase. If ever there was a perfect character for Sejic to sink his teeth into its Harley, and this series seems poised to deliver a tragic and nuanced retelling of this immensely powerful origin story.

Like most of these one-shots, and indeed the Year of the Villain as a whole, this really isnt required reading unless youre a fan of the character, although it does open up some interesting possibilities for the Riddler moving forwards. I hope theres some sort of payoff down the line, and while we dont get to see him at his Riddler-y best, this is an enjoyable, slightly meta look at a character who has been dismissed by a lot of people for far too long. Nothing ground-breaking, but still well worth a look.

Its going to be interesting to see where the story goes next, but Im truly grateful that Lemire has opted for intriguing character drama rather than fish-out-of-water comedy, and Deodato Jr. and Martin's artwork alone is more than worth the cover price every month. Highly recommended.

That said, this is still very much worth a look for fans of Adams or Batmans classic heyday, and inclusion of Deadman livens things up considerably (even if he doesnt necessarily do much besides hopping from body to body), but I cant help but feel that the clunky dialogue is limiting this new series as being something merely serviceable rather than something truly special.

With the likes of Faithless and Once & Future already on the books this year, BOOM! Studios are undergoing something of a renaissance in 2019. And based on the strength of this first issue alone, Someone is Killing the Children has the potential to become the best of them all. Like a tense, terrifying blend of Hack/Slash and Stephen King's IT, this new series comes highly recommended.

If you've been following the sadistic escapades of the Batman Who Laughs since his debut in Dark Days: The Casting this is an absolutely essential purchase, and if you love a good superhero horror mystery story, you definitely owe it to yourself to pick this one up.

Honestly, this is a fantastic start. Gillens confident structure and snappy dialogue paired with Mora and Bonvillains lively, expressive visuals make this a book that you simply cannot afford to miss. Mixing humour and earnest, high-concept fantasy into a heady potion and pouring it right into the modern world, Once And Future is a new series that comes highly recommended.

Wild, humorous and boasting some full-on heavy metal artwork, Deaths Head is your new favourite Marvel Comic, yes?

An enjoyable read then, almost in spite of itself, and a solid set-up for the third and final act when it comes.

Boasting a genuinely interesting premise packed with emotional heft and stunning visuals, Strayed is an impressive new series that will appeal to cat owners and sci-fi fanatics alike. Highly, highly recommended.

At the end of the day, and considering the fact that I wasnt previously familiar with the source material at all, The Magicians: Alices Story succeeds in a lot of different ways. It confidently adapts Lev Grossmans source material to the comic book format, it serves as both a welcoming entry point and fresh reinterpretation of the first novel, and perhaps most importantly it provides a fun, exciting and thoroughly unpredictable fantasy tale. Well worth a look.

In a world of relentless marketing, press releases and solicitation info, its a rarity that I go into a comic completely blind, but boy am I glad that I did on this occasion. And while its unlikely youll be afforded the same opportunity, Id still highly recommend picking this new series up, and enjoy as it delivers a cracking blend of frantic fantasy violence and high-concept intrigue.

Sure it's a little absurd at times, and readers looking for a more straight-laced superhero pal story are likely to be bitterly disappointed, but I absolutely defy anyone to make it all the way through this first issue without at least cracking a smile. Fraction and Lieber are about as perfectly suited a creative partnership as I can think of, and the way they continually play off each other here makes this nothing less than an absolute joy to read.

At the end of the day, if youre a fan of either creators previous work, you really owe it to yourself to pick this series up. Blending John Woo-esque balletic violence with crass humour and action movie excess, Assassin Nation ticks a hell of a lot of boxes, and does so with style.

At the end of the day, while I was expecting something soul-damningly blasphemous or a mean-spirited affront to Christianity, what I got instead was a fairly humorous look at the return of Jesus Christ and the way his teachings and ethos have been woefully misinterpreted by the majority of the modern world. Its a great first issue which sets out its stall impressively, and honestly, if the worst thing about a religious-themed comic is Jesus healing bad guys “because they're in pain” as an overzealous superhero punches them through windows , I think our eternal souls are gonna be just fine.

For my money, Lab Raider is the best thing Black Mask Studios have released in quite some time, and deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible. Boasting strong characters, striking artwork and an impressively tight structure, this is an animal rights activism series with a dark, violent edge, and I absolutely cant wait to see where this story goes next.

For my money one of the absolute best books on the shelves today, Assassin Nation is a sleeper hit that truly deserves to be on your radar. Combining Starks knack for grin-raising violence and humorous gags with the sheer delight of Hendersons Squirrel Girl-looking ultraviolence, this is a pure joy to read. Highly recommended.

Its an incredibly strong package visually, and while the story is clearly going to take a little while to get going, theres already a lot to like about this new series. Sitterson and Ossio have introduced us to our key players, and now all we have to do is sit back, relax, and watch this striking blend of Dragon Ball excess and midlife crisis drama unfold. Definitely well worth a look.

While it could have very easily have ended up feeling like a cheap, superficial or slightly tacky gimmick crossover, this is actually anything but, with Lemire and Walsh putting together a sharp, thoughtful opening issue that promises much for the rest of this story. The world of Black Hammer has offered up some of the absolute best comics of the last few years, and this series has the potential to end up right there at the top of that list.

At the end of the day, while it isnt exactly reinventing the wheel, Birth of the She-Devil is a confident and dynamic look at Red Sonjas formative years, and features more than enough blood, booze and intrigue to keep the pages turning.

As Ive said before, if you like your sci-fi more than a little rough around the edges, Wasted Space is definitely the comic for you. Nothing about it is clean or straightforward, from the artwork to the dialogue to the flawed character choices, but theres something about it that just draws you in issue after issue. The next arc cant come soon enough, thats for sure.

At the end of the day, this is a thoroughly enjoyable collection that shines a light on several members of the Avengers roster that a lot of readers – myself included – may not be hugely familiar with. With the likes of Sunspot, Cannonball, Hyperion, Smasher and Starbrand all stealing the spotlight from Cap, Iron Man and Thor, this is a well-rounded and (mostly) character-focused collection that, while the quality of writing and artwork does ebb and flow slightly throughout its five hundred-plus pages, I have absolutely no problems recommending.

So, while it feels like Heroes in Crisis is going to be a divisive comic for as long as people are still talking about it, I can say with a fair amount of certainty that I've enjoyed the ride. The whole "superheroes struggle with mental health too" theme is well executed, the artwork is terrific throughout, and even though the "murder mystery" we were promised at the beginning ended up being a bit of a damp squib, I honestly can't be too mad about the way things turned out.

A powerful and oft-overlooked chapter in one of the most historic campaigns in modern warfare. By turns uplifting, heroic and tragic, the story of The Battle of Graignes is one that deserves to be told, and in the hands of these respectful and passionate creators, DC Vertigo have done a truly impressive job of bringing it to life here.

Alongside DC Zoom, DC Ink has been set up as a gateway to the wider comic world for a new generation of readers, and Im absolutely loving the approach the creators have taken here. This is an accessible, stand-alone tale that confidently tackles the kind of issues teenagers can relate to, and does so without any unnecessary schmaltz or sugar-coating. If I had a child, this is exactly the kind of book Id love for them to be reading.

HOBO MOM features a seamless collaboration between artist and writer as the pair combine to deliver a stripped-down story packed with nuance, emotion and understatement. Sometimes an unexplained longing for independence and freedom can be a painful experience for all involved, and while this isnt a romanticized story with a tacked-on happy ending, the stark reality of the situation and the beautiful complexity of the characters still makes it a thoroughly rewarding read.

I always enjoy digging into BOOM! Studios event-themed WWE anthologies, and for my money this might be their most consistent offering yet. Nothing here is less than great, and with Ferriers writing in the last story and Kims artwork in the first not to mention a deliciously weird look at the childhood of Taker and Kane this is definitely a fitting celebration of the Granddaddy of Them All.

If you've ever even remotely considered taking the advice of a random online comic reviewer, this would be the time. Wasted Space is the real deal, folks. And with each issue improving on the last and expanding this raw and cynical space opera in new and exciting ways, you really owe it to yourself to start picking this one up. Trust me, you won't regret it.

A lively opening issue then, and with the final page throwing an intriguing wrinkle into the group dynamic, Ill definitely be coming back next month to see just what brought our cast of characters to this point. It's perhaps still a little too soon to tell exactly how this story is going to play out, but as introductions go this is definitely a strong one, and is well worth checking out if you love fantasy as much as this creative team clearly does.

A spellbinding feminist drama that delivers an utter masterclass in tension, drama and satire, HEX WIVES is a series that comes highly recommended. If you somehow managed to miss out on it to this point, you really owe it to yourself to pick up the trade as soon as it becomes available. You can thank me later.

With new science fiction comics being released on a weekly basis, it really takes something truly special for a new story to push its way through the crowd and stand out on its own. Thankfully, special is something INVISIBLE KINGDOM has in spades, and whether it's brash action, quiet contemplation or the way these two themes come crashing together, this is a new series that deserves your full attention.

A solid opening chapter then, and while the monster slaying and potential showdown with rival hunters is all well and good, its Kate herself who Im ending up wanting to know more about. Visaggio, Howell and Pinto are working together seamlessly here, and if the idea of an ass-kicking, sword-wielding, monster-slaying woman kicking some serious ass appeals to you in the slightest, this is definitely the book for you.

Every so often a comic comes along that grabs you from the get-go, either with its unconventional creativity, its striking originality or its passionate execution. Or, in the case of LITTLE BIRD, with all three. An utterly fascinating, gorgeously illustrated opening salvo in what promises to be a savage assault on the senses, this is a new series I simply cant recommend highly enough.

That minor criticism aside, it feels like this series is finally starting to pick up some real momentum, with Kindt throwing all manner of complex conspiracies – something of a calling card of his – into the mix. The final page suggests that the conflict between the Black Badges and the “Honor Society” has only just begun, and it's going to be fascinating to see how this whole situation plays out in the issues to come. Another highly recommended issue of what has become a ‘must buy' series.

The anticipation is definitely being ratcheted up here, and the sheer consistency of IDWs ongoing TMNT series, even in the down issues, continues to be its greatest strength.

Theres a hell of a lot going on here, both on the surface and beneath it, and Die is most certainly a series that will reward repeat readings. Whats more, this feels like a genuine passion project from everyone involved, and that level of investment and affection is difficult not to become sucked in by, particularly in what is starting to feel at times like an increasingly disposable comics industry. Gripping, emotive and profoundly moving, this is a new series I cant recommend highly enough.

While it doesnt necessarily advance the overall storyline in any significant way, this for me is easily the best issue of the series so far. Its beautifully laid out, strikingly illustrated, and blends humour and drama into what is an utterly enjoyable read.

If you like your science fiction raw, cynical and rough around the edges, I honestly cant recommend WASTED SPACE enough.

Boasting dynamic storytelling with real-world relevance and a wonderfully engaging cast of characters, Animosity has been one of the absolute best comics of the last few years. And with this miniseries, Marguerite Bennett has proven that her absolutely genius central concept can be adapted and expanded upon in a variety of interesting, creative ways. Lets all keep our fingers crossed for more Animosity spin-offs at some point in the future.

If you're a long-time reader of IDW's TMNT series you'll be familiar with these sorts of issues. A deep breath before the next big plunge, where Waltz, Eastman and Curnow subtly shift their playing pieces into position for the upcoming storyline. In that respect this issue certainly delivers, and while it may not provide the same level of excitement as other recent single issues, its impact in the long run is likely to prove invaluable. Definitely worth a read, particularly if you're in this one for the long haul.

This first issue follows a lot of familiar tropes, but does so with a gentleness and confidence that prevents it from ever feeling clichd or derivative. And, at the end of the day, if the intention of an opening issue is to make you care about the leading character and want to find out what happens next, then The Girl In The Bay succeeds on both counts. A slick, emotive story that deftly treads the line between drama and horror, this is an easy new series to recommend.

As a cool standalone one-shot, this is an enjoyable read. 20 years of IDW is no small achievement, and its fun to see the classic team a lot older. Ultimately, the creators give us a glimpse at an intriguing potential future here, albeit one that doesnt seem to tie in to the grander scheme of the Ghostbusters comic universe. And if you're able to take that into account and view this as a self-contained story removed from the wider GB continuity, this one's definitely worth a look.

I'm slapping on an extra half star for the potential of the premise, but as a first issue this feels like a bit of a missed opportunity. There are great ideas here, along with great characters and a writer who clearly knows how to deliver a top-notch Aliens story, but it just doesnt all seem to be coming together just yet, for whatever reason. Ill probably pick up the second issue out of loyalty to the franchise, but Im really hoping for a marked improvement in terms of tension, urgency and some real stakes if this series is going to keep me reading much longer than that.

As much as I love IDWs ongoing TMNT series, Ill fully admit that I picked this one up with a healthy dose of scepticism. Im never really a fan of these kind of gimmicks, and was concerned about the creators abilities to tell a compelling story in just one issue. Well, as it turned out, I neednt have worried. Allor and Daniel work together incredibly well to deliver an immensely satisfying snapshot of an alternate future, letting us know that however bad things may get, Clan Hamato will always be there to battle for the forces of evil. And I think thats something we can all get on board with.

At the end of the day, the story so far is definitely cause for optimism, but its the legitimately world class artwork from Santolouco that makes this an absolutely essential purchase for TMNT fans. Highly, highly recommended.

While I was immediately hooked on Dark Ark from the first issue by virtue of its million dollar premise (a second Noahs Ark for all the worlds monsters? I mean, cmon), I always had a faint niggling doubt in the back of my head about just how Cullen Bunn would manage to keep the story going in a satisfying fashion. Well, as it turns out, pretty damn well, with this latest issue delivering a paradigm shift that takes the story in a fresh and exciting new direction.

The latest in a long line of rock solid Faith offerings from Houser then, and with some fantastic contributions from Kim, Bellaire and Sharpe, this series serves as a perfect microcosm of just what makes this character so special. Charming, dorky and with a heart a mile wide, this is a superhero whos difficult not to love.

A scintillating start to what looks set to be a triumphant return to Marvel by the worlds most famous barbarian. By Crom, you truly owe it to yourself to pick this one up!

At the end of the day, Dust to Dust does a great job of taking the Aliens franchise back to its stripped-down horror roots, and while this final issue sees the scale ramped up to almost ludicrous proportions at times, the focus on character and the frantic, almost primal sense of fear throughout makes this easily one of the best Alien books Dark Horse has released for quite some time. Highly recommended.

All too often the end of a writer's extended run on a title can be viewed by long-time readers as a “perfect jumping-off point”, but I'd strongly advise against that course of action here. True, this isn't your typical Aquaman tale, but DeConnick and co. have put together a fresh and inventive look at the character, and in the wake of forty-six issues of Dan Abnett's epic-scale “underwater Game of Thrones”, it's strangely exciting to be presented with something so markedly different here.

Its perhaps not an essential read in terms of ongoing continuity, but its still a thoroughly enjoyable festive-themed issue that gives us a much-needed reminder that behind his current role as the unflinching, frequently ruthless leader of the Foot Clan, Splinter is still the same loving father and conflicted patriarch he always has been. Great stuff.

This is an action heavy first issue which beautifully showcases the skills of the art team while introducing us to our likeable leading lady and the difficult situation she finds herself drawn into. The story itself perhaps feels a little flimsy for the time being, but the overall package is intriguing enough for a total newbie like me to still want to pick up the next issue. Which, at the end the day, is probably the main things a first issue should be hoping to achieve.

With TChalla frequently feeling like the least interesting character in his own stories, Im incredibly grateful that Marvel have opted to put a little focus on such a fascinating character, and the fact that Killmongers story is being delivered by such a supremely talented creative team is just the icing on the cake. This is an attention-grabbing and visually dynamic look at one of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel Universe, and you can definitely count me in for the rest of the journey as this story continues to unfold.

At the end of the day, if youre a fan of the characters then youll definitely enjoy what Tomasi and co. serve up here, and if youre looking for a funny, lighter-hearted DC series that doesnt insult the your intelligence, then Super Sons comes highly recommended.

A major missed opportunity then, and while this first issue is potentially worth considering for Albaquerques artwork alone, the lack of story, characterisation or any semblance of emotional investment make it a really tough sell.

Artistic inconsistencies aside, LIVEWIRE isnt necessarily a bad comic as such, its just a fairly forgettable one, and one which completely fails at delivering on its brand new jumping-on point! claim. Theres clearly some interesting history between the main characters here, but without a prior knowledge of backstory which provides the main thrust of the narrative, theres pretty much zero reason for new readers to pick this one up.

At the end of the day, Black Badges is still an easy book to recommend though, and whether its the striking artwork or the sheer creativity of the premise (Black ops boy scouts? Whats not to like?), theres absolutely no reason you shouldnt be picking this BOOM! Studios series up every single month.

A promising start to what has the potential to be another great series from BOOMs all-ages imprint then, and while this first issue does a solid enough job of introducing our two leading ladies and establishing the unusual premise, the real test of this quirky heist tale is going to come as the story gradually unfolds in the upcoming issues.

While its far from essential reading for fans of the main Black Hammer story, this one-shot still comes highly recommended, telling a touching story of Lovecraftian teenage angst and introducing us to a young girl lost in the shadows of the relentless, larger-than-life heroes versus villains conflict.

That said, at the end of the day this nothing less than a faithful continuation of the live-action source material, and delivers some colourful, bawdy fun that fans of the movie and Netflix TV series will definitely get a real kick out of.

It isn't great, it isn't awful, it just" is.

At the end of the way, probably the best way to describe PETALS would be to say that it feels like one of those award-winning Pixar shorts, albeit in comic book form. An emotionally arresting tale of friendship and sacrifice, this is an easy book to recommend.

If youve made it all the way to issue 85 then youll already be familiar with the hallmarks of this series, and the blend of sheer consistency and impressively nuanced storyline development ensures that this series feels as fresh now as it did all the way back at issue one. Another solid issue then oval heads notwithstanding.

At the end of the day, your enjoyment of this series is going to depend greatly on just how much of a fan of each of the two properties you are. Theres a lot going on here that relies pretty heavily on fan service and nostalgia, and while the story on its own is solid enough, its pretty obvious that fans of He-Man or Injustice are going to get far more out of this series than those just picking it up out of curiosity. That said, theres something here for everyone, and Seeley and Williams are putting together a fast-paced, character-heavy sprint of a series that shows no sign of letting up over the next four issues. Well worth a look if you like your heroes ripped and your artwork stunning.

Over the last twelve issues, BABYTEETH has gradually evolved from an intriguing high-concept elevator pitch (single mother gives birth to the antichrist) to a fascinating and multi-layered story packed with intriguing characters and an enjoyable blend of humour and gravitas. If you havent picked this one up yet, then Id wholeheartedly suggest grabbing the first two trades and joining us in the Red Realm as soon as possible. Seriously folks, this is one of the best books on the shelves right now.

Its another solid issue for sure, although its starting to feel like the artwork is doing the bulk of the heavy lifting to this point. Dont get me wrong, there are some interesting storyline elements at play here, and the new villain is definitely worthy of your attention, but it doesnt feel like the story has quite made it into full gear just year. Regardless, Jones track record should be considered pretty much impeccable by this point, so theres absolutely no reason not to pick this latest issue up.

Its probably no secret that I was going to love this one, but seeing Kindt and Jenkins tackling a whole new subject matter in a whole new genre is truly delicious. Theres also an enjoyable blend of humour, drama and high-concept espionage here that makes this an extremely easy series to recommend. With this new series, Tyler Jenkins and Matt Kinds have earned their making another fantastic comic badge with style.

If you havent been exposed to the Super Sons yet, this is the perfect time to start. Packed with humour, heart and high-concept shenanigans, Tomasi is quietly carving out one hell of a niche for himself with these characters, and this new series delivers more of the same unbridled awesomeness as the original. Its the Summer of Super, everyone! What the hell are you waiting for?

At the end of the day, this series, much like its stars, is likely to be something of an acquired taste. If youre a fan of cheesy gags, wild action and little-to-no characterisation or logic, then this is definitely going to be right up your street. Utterly, utterly bonkers. But in a good way, I guess?

At the end of the day, if youre even remotely familiar with BOOM!s WWE output, youll know exactly what to expect here. And while the fun in this series usually comes from seeing the fictional, fully kayfabed behind the scenes sequences that take place away from the cameras, the strongest story here is the one which is fixed squarely on the in-ring action. Yes, the first and last stories dip ever so slightly, but the middle two are more than worth the cover price on their own, and if youre a fan of the WWE particularly a younger fan then this latest anthology is definitely well worth a look.

That said, at the end of the day, this first issue provides a little sci-fi, a little horror, and a cracking cliffhanger that promises a lot from the series as it unfolds. Sure, theres nothing particularly groundbreaking here, but theres something to be said about good, well-structured science fiction, and in STARCRAFT: SCAVENGERS, thats exactly what Houser and Guzman have delivered.

Ultimately then, while its clearly still ramping things up story-wise, this first issue proves that this latest JLD resurrection is going to be a worthwhile one, with a blend of interesting characters and a passionate creative team who are clearly planning on shedding a little light on some of the darker corners of the DCU. You can count me in for the foreseeable future, thats for sure.

At the end of the day, and while there may be some peaks and troughs along the way, LUCY DREAMING is still a series thats well worth a look, featuring some creative ideas about the power of imagination, some smile-raising humour, and some cracking artwork from one of the best kept secrets in the business today (for my money, at least). Definitely worth picking up once the collected edition goes on sale.

A pleasantly focused conclusion to what has been a solid, enjoyable arc, then. And, in spite of the Pantheons involvement, this has felt like a far more grounded, far more Turtle-focused chapter of this ongoing saga, and a welcome departure from the silly, spacefaring shenanigans of recent months (Hakk-R notwithstanding). More of this, please! And more Dave Watcher, while youre at it.

Dark, demoralising and utterly captivating, SHANGHAI RED is a wonderfully atmospheric revenge thriller that you need to add to your pull list right away.

At the end of the day, theres definitely a great story waiting to be told here, and hopefully once we get to venture a little deeper into the Los Spinoza Convention centre, Meconis and Coleman will get a chance to tell it. As it stands now, The Long Con is a winning elevator pitch with quality gags and some lively artwork, which while not exactly setting the world on fire just yet should be more than enough to ensure that people who pick up this first issue stick around to check out the second.

Like most crossovers, theres a certain suspension of disbelief required about exactly how these two worlds are colliding in the first place, although I usually find it best to simply gloss over whatever shennanigans the writer employs and focus on the story itself. And in that respect, Injustice vs. Masters of the Universe delivers a jolt of gloriously unsubtle storytelling packed with copious amounts of fan service and some cracking artwork, which isall you can really ask for from a crossover like this. Well worth a look.

INFIDEL is to horror comics what GET OUT is to horror movies; a perfect example of the genre viewed through a remarkably socially aware lens. The entire creative team should be immensely proud of what theyve created here, fleshing out a million dollar elevator pitch like racist ghosts into something utterly unforgettable.

Every now and again, a comic comes along that grabs your attention and simply refuses to let go, and THE SEEDS is a perfect example of that. It isnt flashy and it doesnt lean too heavy on the broader aspects of its premise, but theres something truly mesmerising about the way Nocenti and Aja work together seamlessly here to bring this fully-realised, utterly captivating world to life. A masterclass in precision and understatement, THE SEEDS is a new series you need to add to your pull list as soon as possible.

If youre a fan of Guillorys work on CHEW, this should be viewed as an absolutely essential purchase. FARMHAND has the same blend of twisted humour and enjoyable character work as the multi-award winning epic, and its fantastic to see Guillory flexing his writing muscles here and providing us with a fascinating world packed with mystery, intrigue and trees growing human arms. What more could you want?

Ultimately then, while it's definitely pitched more at the younger end of the “all-ages” spectrum, there's a heck of a lot of fun to be had here, and the chemistry and back-and-forth banter between Pogo and Rex is probably worth the cover price alone. Another enjoyable addition to the KaBOOM imprint then, and a book that Id highly recommend picking up if you have a young comic fan in your life.

With this series, Cates and Burnett have managed to make things just the right amount of crazy, with a mixture of humour and epic-scale storytelling that really hits the mark. Providing a heavy metal dose of full-throttle insanity, Cosmic Ghost Rider is one of the most unashamedly bonkers comics on the shelves today, and for that reason alone, it's a new series that I have no problem highly recommending.

Theres no denying that Catwoman has had something of an uneven comic book history in terms of quality writing and artwork, but in the hands of Jolle Jones, it feels like Selina Kyle is finally going to get the solo focus she richly deserves.

Ultimately then, as a first issue, this feels like it does more than enough to get its hooks into the reader. It's going to be interesting to see how the story unfolds and whether the premise can sustain itself once we delve a little deeper into the mystery, but for now, beautifully rendered art, a brilliantly relevant premise and a thoroughly likeable protagonist make UNNATURAL an easy new series to recommend.

You can probably knock half a point off my score if youre not already a fan of the character,but while its clear that the larger story is still waiting to be told, this is still an undeniably attention grabbing opening chapter. Rosenbergs wit and enthusiasm works wonderfully alongside MacDonalds fluid artwork, and the strength of Jamie Madrox as a leading man (or should that be men?) makes this an easy series to recommend.

If you like your historical retellings with just a dash of supernatural horror, then you really need to sink your teeth into Brothers Dracul. Bunn and Colak are carving out one hell of a niche for themselves with this particular subgenre, and I cant wait to see where this story goes next.

It remains to be seen just how this one will play out, but in spite of how great its going to undoubtedly look, Ill confess that my excitement has been dampened just a little by the way the creators have left things here. Either way, Im definitely going to be checking in again next month to see if Bemis and Dialynas stick the landing of what has been a creative, visually striking series.

Promisingly, the final pages hint at a stronger thematic link to the original Black Hammer series, but for the time being this feels like a slight misstep from a property that has pretty much redefined the world of creator-owned superhero comics. Ill still be sticking around to see if things improve, though. The pedigree of the creators justifies that, at least.

At the end of the day, theres nothing particularly ground-breaking here, but as always, the charm in BOOM! Studios WWE series comes from seeing the kayfabed behind the scenes moments which led up to the on-screen storyline twists and turns. If you're a fan of KO, Sami or the WWE in general then this is, as always, well worth a look, but those expecting to find any fresh insight to one of the more enjoyable heel turns in recent months may end up disappointed.

If anything, it feels like this series will fare better moving forwards if it keeps flying fairly close to the ground, rather than trying to soar too high towards a payoff it hasnt necessarily earned. Still well worth a look, though, particularly for Hawkfans.

Much like the interaction between Selina and Damian in the last prelude issue this one is made so perfect by the last pages with Bruce and Dick. Again we see how the Batfam feel about this new addition and how they care for their surrogate father, providing a truly beautiful and meaningful moment in a fantastic set up to the big day.

Unquestionably one of the best comics of the last two years, Grass Kings takes all the good and bad things about society andshrinks them down intoone single, insular community. Sharply written and gorgeously illustrated, this is series I honestly cant recommend highly enough, and this final issue provides about as perfect an ending as any of uscould have hoped for.

As a series, Mera: Queen of Atlantis is continually proving itself to be much more than a lazy Aquaman spin-off, providing some fantastic characterisation for one of the best kept secrets in the DCU. Packed with twists and turns, this series manages to blend the Underwater Game of Thrones intrigue that has made the main Aquaman series such a success with some genuinely intriguing character development as Mera and Orm continue struggle with the burden of their responsibility. Well worth a look.

It definitely looks the business, but the story is clearly treading water a little here before this latest arc really kicks into high gear, and the tonal inconsistency makes it a slightly uneven read. Its still well worth a look though, and a thousand miles removed from the nonsense of the Triceraton Invasion.

At the end of the day, while it does feel at times like a four-part series dragged out to six, the sheer visceral impact of Jack T. Coles artwork makes it easy for me to recommend The Unsound. If youre looking for conventional structure or a clean, neat conclusion then you might want to consider looking elsewhere, but if you feel like having your mind messed with for 132 pages or so, this is well worth a look.

As a slice of bold, ambitious storytelling, No Justice provides exactly what youd want from an event like this. Subtle it definitely aint, and characterization is sacrificed somewhat at the altar of plot (with a few notable exceptions), but when large-scale, high-stakes ensemble carnage looks as a good as it does here, you definitely owe it to yourself to check it out.

A solid enough start then, with a faithful recreation of the distinctive Games Workshop Warhammer 40k aesthetic. The story hasnt really done much to stand out yet, but the pieces are in place for what has the potential to be a genuinely enjoyable dose of large-scale sci-fi action.

No Justice takes the traditional DC summer event, breaks it down into its component parts and puts it back together in a far more pleasing formation. Highly, highly recommended.

A slight dip in both quality and originality then, but the strength of the first issue gives me hope that Jordan and Tan will be able to right the ship before things end up going too far down the cookie-cutter troubled superhero road. Its also worth reiterating that it still looks fantastic, and is worth the cover price on the strength of the artwork alone particularly the sections which feature Brimstone cutting loose with his dangerous and unpredictable new powers.

At the end of the day, there's no denying that the Transformers tie-in was enjoyable, and helped give the new incarnations of these characters a decent anchor to hold their story in place. However, if this series has done nothing else, it has managed to convince me that this is a franchise that has a huge amount of potential in the modern comic marketplace. I mean, surely an ongoing Visionaries series cant be too far away? Whatever happens though, there's no denying this has been a hugely entertaining mini-series, and not just for '80s nostalgia junkies like me.

As an actual story, this new series is clearly still in its incubation stage waiting for the right time to reveal itself, but as a slice of pulse-pounding Aliens horror, Dust to Dust is a veritable chestburster of frantic terror, and as such comes highly recommended.

Ultimately then, this is an impressively paced issue that allows us to take a deep breath before hurtling headlong into the finale next month. The sheer consistency of Grass Kings has perhaps been its greatest selling point over the last thirteen issues, and neither Kindt nor Jenkins miss a beat here as they line up the crosshairs for what promises to be an absolutely stunning conclusion.

Its a slow start for sure, but the characterisation is strong and the basic premise is sound. It also looks fantastic, so theres absolutely no reason not to pick this first issue up and gradually immerse yourself in what promises to be a fascinating look at the fragile nature of faith through the lens of dystopian sci-fi.

At the end of the day, Her Infernal Descent manages to reimagine an iconic work of literature in a strikingly creative fashion, and as such comes highly recommended. There are some minor flaws in the early delivery, but the latter stages of the book see things kicking into high gear, and Im already finding myself deeply invested in this grief and guilt-stricken mothers journey to reach her family.

At the end of the day, while it does introduce a potentially intriguing concept to the DCU, it does so in a cramped, bloated way that really misrepresents the stellar abilities of its creative team. An uninspiring start then, and not one that I imagine will be encouraging many new readers to pick up issue two.

Ultimately then, while the actual progression is fairly minimal here, this feels like an almost tangible slowing down of things after the cartoony chaos of the Triceraton Invasion. It also serves as a welcome return to the great character work and multi-layered storytelling that has made this series such a runaway success for the past six years, and I cant wait to see where this new arc leads.

Part social commentary, part tense thriller, No. 1 With A Bullet delivers on both counts, providing a gripping and worryingly relevant read that comes highly, highly recommended.

A well-balanced, emotionally involving first issue with a great protagonist and some striking artwork, The Curse of Brimstone is the undisputed high point of DCs New Age of Superheroes, and I for one cant wait to see where this new story leads.

With their track record on historical reimaginings already pretty damn strong, Bunn and Colak are clearly onto another winner here with The Brothers Dracul, providing a sharp and wickedly unconventional look at the formative years of Vlad the Impaler. A patient start to what promises to be another fantastic series from AfterShock then, and definitely one to keep an eye on as the story slowly unfolds.

At the end of the day, its nothing short of a crime that this series isnt getting the full live-action Jim Henson treatment, because Spurrier and Bayliss are practically exploding with great ideas here. Coronation serves as a welcome return to a much-loved word, but also stands as a terrific story in its own right.

The Triceraton Invasion arc has been, for me, a bit of an ordeal, but in its conclusion Im left feeling positive again about the immediate future of the series. The Cosmic TMNT diversion finally seems to be at an end, leaving us to focus once again on the street-based drama and conflict that has been this series defining quality over the last six years. Plus, if this issue is anything to go by, the eventual showdown between Clan Hamato and the Splinter-led Foot Clan is going to be absolutely epic, and simply cant come soon enough.

At the end of the day, Black Hammer clearly hasn't lost a step during its six month hiatus, hitting the ground running with this new chapter and providing the same fantastic characterisation, razor-sharp homages and wildly expressive artwork that made the original series such a runaway success. But perhaps more than anything else, its just an amazing feeling to know that youre reading a comic that future generations are going to be looking back on with wide-eyed reverence. An all-time classic in the making.

So, while the core concept isnt exactly revolutionary, the execution is nothing less than impeccable, with a wonderfully relatable protagonist and some striking artwork throughout. Yet another new BOOM! Studios series to keep an eye out for then, and I absolutely cant wait until next month to see where Lucy's dreams take her next.

Ultimately then, the first issue of this new series provides a fun swipe at the absurdity of big two cape-and-cowl comics, but perhaps lacks a little of the smart, subversive approach that has become synonymous with Rick and Morty over the years. There are definitely some laughs to be had here, but it feels like its missing that spark of creativity to elevate it from just another Rick and Morty story to the realm of something truly special. That said, its still well worth a look if youre a fan of the show although that's something that could pretty much be said for all of Onis Rick and Morty output so far.

If youre already a Black Hammer fan then this should be viewed as an absolutely essential purchase, but given the strength of both the writing and the artwork, this could also be looked at as an equally enjoyable stand-alone series. Highly recommended either way.

An enjoyable opening chapter then, and I honestly hope this series does as well as it clearly deserves to, leading to a fully fledged Mera solo series, because to be perfectly honest, shes one of the most interesting DC characters not to already have one. Well worth a look if you've ever been curious about the character, and an absolutely essential purchase if you're already following the main Aquaman series.

The defining characteristic of IDWs TMNT run has always been, in my opinion, its consistency. So after almost eighty issues, its perhaps understandable that wed eventually hit a low point like this. On the plus side, the whole thing seems to be drawing to a close, which is definitely a welcome prospect at this stage, and the track record of the series still has me excited about what we can expect from it in the future. Just no more space invasions, yeah?

Ultimately, while it's perhaps a little too early to tell exactly how this series is going to unfold, this first issue goes a long way towards allaying any concerns that die-hard Labyrinth fans may have had. Quite whether we need to know more about Jareth's origin is a separate question, but it's clear from this opening chapter that Spurrier and Bayliss are treating the source material with the respect it deserves, and have done an impressive job of capturing the charm, humour and all-ages fantasy that made the 1986 movie such a well-loved classic.

Its a thought-provoking and gently delivered story that works well to showcase the distinctive artistic style of Jenkins, and comes with an underlying moral message the hallmark of all good fairytales. Jenkins is one of the few artists working today that Ill happily follow anywhere, and on this occasion he proves that hes every bit as talented a writer as he is an artist. Highly recommended for fans of fantastical storytelling and beautiful watercoloured artwork.

At the end of the day, as a first issue it establishes the premise of the series well, but I'm definitely worried that Vampironica might not have enough here for the reader to sink their teeth into. Things could definitely pick up in the issues to come, but this does feels like it has the potential to be a bit of a missed opportunity for what is an undeniably cracking premise.

The mystery only promises to deepen as the series continues, and this latest issue ends with a fairly shocking change of demeanour from a small group of established characters. Bennett continues to add layer upon layer to her richly developed Animosity universe, and while the Evolution series is definitely more of a slow-burner than the main title, theres still more than enough of the same blend of drama and emotion on display here to make this a highly recommended purchase.

The opening and closing pages hint at a wildly chaotic story, and now that the nuances of Philo's personality (i.e. he's an asshole) have been well and truly laid out, I can't wait to see Jordan and Delay actuallygetting to tell it. It's going to be interesting to see whether this ends up being a road to redemption and reassessment for Philo, or merely a cautionary tale for the reader, but whatever it is, there's a huge amount of potential here for Death of Love to become one of the most inventive and irreverentValentine-themed comics ever made.

Ultimately, while for now it feels primarily like a harsh look at the desperate nature of social interactions, the horror undertones of the story – particularly once the reader turns the final page – are definitely more than enough to make this new series stand out. Taking a long, hard look at body image and the deeply ingrained desire for approval and connection, Come Into Me is a new series that's guaranteed to get under your skin. Definitely one to keep an eye out for next month, folks.

Ultimately then, while its playing its cards fairly close to the chest from the time being, Infidel has more than enough intriguing storyline concepts as well as some truly striking artwork to help it stand out in the bloated world of modern day comic book horror. And while blending aspects of horror and racism isnt exactly a unique approach (see Jordan Peeles Oscar-nominated Get Out, for instance), Pichetshote and Campbell have done it in a terrifyingly believable way here. Definitely a new series to keep an eye on.

At the end of the day, if youre a Swamp Thing fan this should be viewed an absolutely essential purchase, as both King and Fabok show a great level of affinity and passion for the iconic character. The Wein strip feels a little hollower, even if its always a treat to see Kelley Jones artwork, although there may be an aspect of grief and frustration thats stopping me from fully investing in the story. Either way, lets hope this Winter Special does well enough to spark some line-wide interest in Swamp Thing, as theres simply too much potential in the character for him to be relegated to a series of fleeting cameos.

Without wanting to give anything away, this is a perfectly poignant ending for what has been one of my favourite comics in recent memory, as well as a living, breathing testament to the fact that comics dont need to be intricately detailed or packed with eloquent, flowing prose in order to really resonate. Highest possible recommendation for this one, folks.

Regardless of whats still to come, theres no denying that this second issue shows a marked improvement on the first, leaning into the terrifying nature of the drug-induced hallucinations in a move that really helps to showcase the distinctive skills of its artistic partnership. And at the end of the day, whatever Miller, Whynot and Cunniffe have in mind for the remainder of this series, its safe to say that Gravetrancers has me well and truly addicted, to the point where I simply have to know what happens next.

At the end of the day, Gideon Falls is a mesmerizing read, offering up question after question without even hinting at any answers at least not for the time being and drawing us deeper and deeper into the secrets of this seemingly ordinary small town. For some this may be incredibly frustrating, and there definitely isnt a huge amount of substance in this first issue., but with Lemire at the helm, theres absolutely no doubt in my mind that the series will end up delivering on its potential, and Im more than happy to let this slow-burning horror crawl under my skin and linger there for as long as its creators see fit.

A face-peelingly awesome finale which sees Chapman and Levang effortlessly stick the landing, providing a conclusion that, while it may not necessarily be happy, is certainly incredibly memorable. Lazaretto is one of those rare things in the world of comics – a fascinating premise that actually manages to live up to its potential. Highly, highly recommended.

Redneck continues its almost supernatural consistency here, providing a violent and dramatic look at warring families and the bonds of blood. Oh, and one of the families just so happen to be vampires. Its gripping and entertaining from start to finish, providing a vampire story for people who dont necessarily like vampire stories, and comes highly recommended as always.

Ultimately though, as an introduction to the title character, her strengths and her flaws, this first issue definitely gets the job done. Featuring a female editor encouraging two supremely talented female creators as they tell the story of one of the most intriguing women in modern history Mata Hari is a new series that comes highly recommended.

If the idea of Bane leading the Foot Clan, Bebop and Rocksteady into battle against Batman, Damian and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles doesnt fill you with giddy excitement, then you might want to check your pulse. This is loud, bombastic fan service of the highest order, and I absolutely love it.

One of the absolute best comics on the shelves today, Angelic is a rarity in that it can boast genuinely universal appeal. True, now is perhaps not the greatest time to jump on board, but if you can get your hands on any back issues, Id highly recommend picking them up as quickly as possible. Trust me, you wont regret it.

Ultimately however, for one of the most consistent ongoing titles of the past six or seven years, IDWs TMNT series definitely feels like its treading water here. The mixture of nuanced storytelling and big-time blockbuster action has been replaced by what feels like an uninspired attempt to flesh a simple misunderstanding out into a full-fledged arc, and while there are some decent moments along the way, I honestly cant wait for this arc to end a sentence I never thought Id write about this particular series.

That said, business is clearly about to pick up in a major way, and while the visual side of the comic is definitely in safe hands, I really hope Rahal is able to stamp more of his unique personality on the series as it continues, otherwise this could end up being a missed opportunity of the highest order.

Its still a great-looking book, and as Ive mentioned above, Stanley Dance is a fantastic creation, but I cant help but find myself hoping that the spotlight is once again allowed to fall squarely on our roguish leading man as the series nears its conclusion. Either way, I'm still all in with this one.

At the end of the day, Rock Candy Mountain remains one of the absolute best things on the shelves today, and while this issue may not necessarily be the best place to jump on the series for the first time, theres absolutely no excuse not to go and pick up the first trade right now – assuming you havent done so already. Seriously, you can thank me later.

Ultimately, in spite of what may seem like unnecessary nit-picking, Im still absolutely loving this series. Semahn and Corona are telling a story that truly needs to be told in this day and age, but are doing it with a flair for the dramatic and a strong sense of characterisation that keeps the pages turning throughout. I only hope that they dont end up trying to cram too much in and ruining the fantastic potential of this series as a result, but based on what Ive seen so far, I really have no reason to doubt this particular creative partnership.

All in all, this is an incredibly enjoyable package, and – as I mentioned above – is definitely one of the best issues of the TMNT Universe series to date. Boss gets to showcase his visual comedy chops and Allor brings us a story that is both blindingly simple and brilliantly inventive. Highly, highly recommended.

Things are clearly moving towards a definite conclusion, but with the virus itself behaving in some thoroughly unexpected ways its going to be interesting to see what sort of resolution Chapman and Levang have for us in the final issue. Ill wager that unlikely to be an uplifting finale with smiles and high-fives all round, and Im already bracing myself to see what the pair have in store for us next month. Whatever happens though, theres no denying that Lazaretto has been one of the most impressive BOOM! Studios books of 2017, even if it is gradually morphing into something different from what I was initially expecting.

Its confusing and unconventional, both narratively and artistically, but theres no denying the fact Cold War is a new series that flat-out demands your attention.

With bright, manic visuals and the distinct brand of crazy that has become synonymous with Curse Words over the last year, this Holiday Special is well worth a look if you like your magic sprinkled with a dash of day-glo insanity. Its also pretty much worth the cover price alone just to see Sizzajee in a Christmas jumper. Happy Meatmeet, everyone!

With a diverse blend of humour, drama and mystery, Assassinistas has exploded out of the gate with a strong opening issue. We instantly care about the characters, and with such a compelling story being dangled in front of us, you'd be hard pressed to find a reader who didn't instantly want to pick up the second issue after reading this one.

Ultimately, Dead Orbit provides a welcome return to the haunted house horror that made Ridley Scotts movie such a runaway success while proving that, in the right hands, it isn't necessary to reinvent the wheel in order to produce a compelling Aliens comic. We can only hope that this isn't the last time Stokoe is allowed to play in this particular sandbox.

Ultimately then, as a straight-up Christmas story, Faith in Wonderland definitely ticks all the boxes, providing a fun, fantastical tale with an uplifting message about the importance of imagination at its core. However, as an actual Faith comic, it doesnt quite deliver the way it should, hampered slightly by an unfamiliar version of our favourite Valiant heroine. Whatever way you look at it though, its still well worth a look if youre in the mood for an upbeat, eye-catching slice of festive fun.

Its not overly original, nor is it particularly ambitious, but Giants manages to land right in that halfway point where the pages keep turning without the reader particularly feeling the need to sing the books praises. Its a solid read with some intriguing protagonists and a striking visual style, but it really needs to try to dig into all the things that make it different if its going to stand a chance of surviving the harsh, unforgiving and overpopulated sci-fi comic wasteland.

In an increasingly bloated science fiction market, it can sometimes be difficult for new titles to stand out from the pack, but with its measured approach, solid world-building and jaw-dropping visuals, Paradiso has managed to do just that. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.

Ultimately then, while the artwork is truly top-notch, the story is just a little too weird to land with any sort of authority. Its not quite on the lump of coal end of the spectrum, but nor does it deliver on the near-limitless potential of a story based around a sword-wielding, ass-kicking Santa Claus. That said, this is well worth a look for fans of Morrison, fans of great artwork, or simply those who like their festive fables to hit them like some sort of weird, disorienting, alien-filled acid trip.

Don't get me wrong, this is still an enjoyable enough story in its own regard, but there's no ignoring the fact that it does feel like a slight step back in quality from some of the previous arcs. Worth a look if you're a fan of the series, but not essential by any means.

Ultimately then, while No 1 With A Bullet is far from a comfortable read, its still an impressively engaging one. And with the stalker storyline escalating in terrifying fashion at the end of the issue an issue where were forced to watch Nash Huangs life fall apart in excruciating detail – its clear that things are really going to kick into high gear as this remarkable story continues to unfold.

Ultimately, while the real meat of the story is only being hinted at for the time being, this first issue does a great job of establishing the unsettling tone of the series. It introduces us to our protagonists, building up a little emotional investment before launching them headlong into a genuinely horrifying situation. And, in spite of some familiar tropes, Gravetrancers proves to be one hell of a weird, disturbing and genuinely uncomfortable trip, and I honestly can't wait to see where Miller, Whynot and Cunniffe take this story as it unfolds.

Putting the questions about whether we necessarily needed a John Wick comic in the first place to one side, what we have here at the end of the day is a fairly enjoyable action thriller with a solid, if slightly unremarkable storyline. If youre a fan of the movies then youll definitely get a kick out the extra content here, but if you arent already familiar with Keanus critically-acclaimed big screen bad-ass, then this new series is probably worth skipping.

Its a solid, engrossing tale that really kicks things up a notch in the final pages, with Bernstein and Dorman combining to provide a brilliant denouement that ties everything together perfectly, providing a fresh new perspective on the events of the book. So if you like your Christmas stories to have murder, mystery and lashings of noir-soaked violence, then Santa Claus: Private Eye will be right up your street or right down your chimney, as it were.

A tense, violent family drama packed with twists and turns that hit you like a stake to the chest, Redneck is a series that comes highly recommended, and this latest arc shows no sign of losing the fantastic momentum of the first. If youre not already on board this bandwagon, pick up the first trade and this issue as soon as you can. You can thank me later.

Ultimately, Jenny Finn is an uncomfortable, unsettling read that offers up way more questions than answers – for the time being, at least – but given Mignolas unquestioned pedigree and the fresh, disturbing feel of Troy Nixeys full-colour art, this new series still comes highly recommended.

Ultimately, this is pretty much a perfect jumping-on point with an exciting new creative team and a bold new direction for this iconic character. Cates, Walta and Bellaire are working in perfect harmony here, and the mixture of humour, drama and sorcerous shenanigans make this an easy series to recommended.

That said, the final page throws an interesting wrinkle into the mix, suggesting the welcome re-integration of yet another previously dangling plotline, and the dynamic between the different parties of which there are now four has the potential to make for a genuinely exciting arc. Definitely a storyline to keep an eye on, Turtle fans.

Six issues in and Babyteeth is losing none of its early momentum, and this tale of teenage motherhood, demons, assassins and shadowy conspiracies only promises to get better and better in this thrilling second arc. Cates and Brown are both firing on all cylinders here, and while this issue does admittedly feel like a brief pause for breath before the real action of the second chapter starts, it's still packed with both memorable and shocking moments. Highly recommended.

Part Kung Fu movie, part twisted fairy tale, Coyotes is a thoroughly original new series, and while there are definitely a lot of unanswered questions here, the strength of the leads and the striking visual style makes this an easy first issue to recommended.

For me, the best sci-fi is always the kind that impacts you viscerally in the first instance, but then lingers in your mind long after youve walked away from it. And in that respect, Eugenic hits the sweet spot beautifully. Its dark, troubling and thought-provoking science fiction of the highest order, and comes with my strongest possible recommendation

Ultimately then, while it's likely going to prove to be an invaluable chapter in the long-term, providing some much-needed context to the events of the series as a whole, theres no denying that this is still a fairly dry, exposition-heavy issue. That said, with all the backstory now hopefully out of the way, we can finally start digging into the real meat of the story, and the prospect of seeing Stanley Dance lacing up the gloves and returning to the ring should provide more than enough encouragement for readers to pick up the next issue.

Packed with great character development and several compelling mysteries that all seem to be intertwined within the same small, insular community, Grass Kings continues to be an absolutely gripping read. It's the latest in a long line of comics that feel like like they would work perfectly as TV shows, but vitally, Grass Kings feels like it's being written as a comic book first, rather than as an extended small-screen pitch. Highly, highly recommended.

Ultimately then, while there are definitely some interesting ideas at play here, the overall delivery is utterly flat, and the overwhelming question of “why?” hangs over the series like a dark cloud. Simply put, The Jetsons could pretty much be any other bland science fiction comic released over the last decade or so, and without any real unique selling point – aside from the nostalgic appeal of its cartoon namesake – its really hard for me to recommend this one.

As I said in my review of the first issue, Lazaretto is a comic that makes you want to go and wash your hands as soon as youve put it down. Tense, shocking and utterly gripping, its like Lord of the Flies with actual flies buzzing over actual diseased and dying college students. Highly recommended.

Ultimately though, while its a solid enough opening issue, there really isnt anything here to make either the story or the artwork stand out. Sure, its cool that the story features characters wed normally associate with high school hijinks, but as that novelty rapidly wears off, its going to be interesting to see whether Tieri and the Kennedys opt to steer this story into uncharted waters or play it safe with another enjoyable, inoffensive werewolf yarn.  Im definitely going to be sticking around to find out, for the next issue at least.

Ultimately, Angelic is nothing less than an utterly fascinating series packed with an almost tangible sense of adventure and rebellion, all wrapped up in a beautiful, pastel-shaded package. So be a goodmonk and pick this one up as soon as you possibly can.

Ultimately then, while its fun to take a peek at a larger universe filled with aliens, talking trees, humanoid triceratops warriors and genocidal pink blobs, it does feel like IDWs TMNT ongoing series is a book that flows a lot more smoothly when it keeps its feet on the ground. A fun diversion then, and one that leaves a lot of interesting unanswered questions, but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing the Turtles getting back on terra firma in the weeks and months to come.

If you somehow missed out on the first arc of this series, then you really need to rectify that as quickly as possible. Rock Candy Mountain is the cult classic martial arts movie you didn't realise you were missing out on until right now. It's also a book I can't recommend highly enough, so make sure to grab your bindle and get ready to ride the rails when it goes on sale this November.

Its often the case with high-concept stories that the writer doesnt actually bother to include any real story, happy to let their headline-grabbing idea to all the heavy lifting. Thankfully, in the case of Dark Ark, Cullen Bunn has simply used the premise as a backdrop to what is fast becoming a tense, gripping ensemble drama with some utterly mesmerising artwork. Don't miss the boat on this one, folks. You have been warned.

Ultimately, No. 1 With A Bullet boasts a fascinating and legitimately worrying core concept surrounded by genuinely intriguing characters and a slick, eye-catching artistic style. And if thats not enough to make you want to give this new series a try, then honestly, Im really not sure what to tell ya.

It's a simple premise and, as I mentioned above, is ultimately an exercise in world-building rather than providing any real unsolved mystery (we know where her dad is, after all). But watching Lemire and Rubin working together to add yet more flavour to one of the better developed comic book worlds in a long time is nothing less than an absolute joy. More Black Hammer is always a good thing, but with Lemire and Rubn at the helm, pouring their passion into this project, this new series is poised to become a great thing.

The Eisner Award-winning Tobin's writing chops are pretty much unquestioned, and with what looks set to be a mixture of “mission of the week” and an overarching revenge conspiracy, this feels like your new favourite TV show that hasn't quite been made yet. In lesser hands, a “reanimated special ops unit led by the descendant of the Frankensteins themselves” could feel more than little hokey, but Made Men is delivered with an impressively straight face, making it a book I have no problem recommending.

Ultimately though, when you strip away the nostalgia and the fact that you'll likely be humming the theme tune in your head all the way through this first issue, there really isn't much more here than an enjoyable, inoffensive, middle-of-the-road children's comic. It's not bad by any means, but nor is it particularly memorable. Plus there's no Angelica (for the time being at least), and I think we can all agree she was pretty much the best thing about the show, right? It's still worth a look for a dose of nostalgia, or to give to a younger reader who has already blown through the rest of BOOM!'s stellar all-ages back catalogue, but that's about all, sadly.

Ultimately then, while I'm sure die-hard Warframe fanatics will get a real kick about seeing their beloved FPS getting the comic book treatment, the comic itself is, unfortunately, a little on the flimsy side. Perhaps once the story kicks up a gear and we get a genuine sense of character development from our leads (or ‘lead', as I think the Tenno is about as developed as he's ever going to get at this point) it'll be a more enjoyable read, but as things stand now, it's difficult to really recommend this one.

Ultimately then, while the story itself isn't exactly evolutionary, Slots boasts an utterly intriguing leading man and a distinctive visual style, both of which make it a new series well worth taking a gamble on.

That minor niggle aside, this is still a pretty damn perfect ending to yet another stunningly impressive series from Black Mask Studios. Obviously the release problems have hampered the flow of the series significantly, but if you get a chance to pick up the collected edition, you really owe it to yourself to do just that. You can thank me later. Its razor-sharp, hilariously relatable and surprisingly heartfelt, and if it werent for a certain homeless noir series, would stand alone as the unquestioned jewel in the Black Mask Studios crown. Highest of recommendations for this one, folks.

Ultimately, this serves as a gripping and horrifying opening chapter of what promises to be one hell of a new series. Lazaretto makes you want to break out the hand sanitizer as soon as you put the book down, and is guaranteed to make you look a little differently at the next person you see coughing in a public place. Highly, highly recommended.

If the primary objective of the first issue of a new series is simply to hook the reader into picking up the second issue, then Made Men succeeds on all counts. And whether its the gripping opening, the thoroughly intriguing protagonist, the surprising twist or the eyebrow-raising final page, this new series ticks all the boxes, and reanimates the fairly lifeless crime revenge genre with a satisfying jolt.

Ultimately, while theres definitely something repetitive about this issue, its also clear thats pretty much meant to be the point, and the gradual escalation of the situation in every conceivable way makes picking up the next issue a fairly easy choice. And, while there are some off-putting, continuity-referencing moments, for the most part this miniseries remains entirely standalone, and with Houser at the helm, this genuinely creative series looks set to go from strength to strength as it reaches its tense, epic conclusion.

In summary, this is a finale which is more than worth the wait, and, as Ive said before, Lady Killer remains one of the absolute best comics on the shelves today. Slick, stylish and toe-curlingly violent, this is a series which comes highly, highly recommended.

If you like your comics dark, gritty and realistic, you should probably give Fu Jitsu a wide berth. If on the other hand you're willing to take a chance on a story packed with eccentricity and willfully unconventional ideas, then this new AfterShock Comics series is definitely well worth a look.

So then, another fun and exciting issue for a series that seems to be ramping up to full speed again after a brief dip in pace last time out. Humorous dialogue, an intriguing mystery and some brilliantly rendered characters help make Misfit City a series that comes highly recommended for anyone with at least a little adventure in their heart.

As an amusing parody of Pokemon-style mobile games, Pocket Like You Stole It does an admirable job, but as a Rick and Morty parody of Pokemon-style mobile games, it doesnt quite meet the high standards youd normally associate with the property.  Not yet, at least.  That said, the creators all clearly have a firm grasp on the appeal of the source material, so its surely only a matter of time before they bring it all together and this series starts to deliver on its near-limitless potential.

Ultimately however, this is another enjoyable stand-alone tale that can tie into the overarching narrative as much or as little as you want it to. Farinas and Freitas deliver their moral-laden story with gusto, and Dialynas brings a light, airy aesthetic to the proceedings with some striking, expressive characters. And, while its still not quite an essential read, its certainly a highly recommended one.

This is a beautifully written issue, both in terms of dialogue and narration, and the artwork truly shines during the more supernatural beats of the story. As I mentioned in my review of the first issue, the legend of King Arthur is a story that has been flogged to death over the years, but this subtle tweak to the established mythos has given it a new lease of life, and I genuinely cant wait to read more of this bleak, twisted tale.

It actually almost feels more like a prologue than a first issue – a tense, memorable introduction to the witches themselves as they make their presence felt at the expense of the utterly dislikeable Redlands police officers. And while this opening chapter only vaguely hints at the promise to come once the witches actually take over the town, as emphatic statements of intent go, youre really not going to find much better. Scintillating stuff, and a new series that comes highly recommended.

Ultimately then, while its a little hit-or-miss at times, theres no way I can give anything featuring an awesome strip like "In The Mandible of Madness" anything less than four stars, so that's what I'm going for. And, based on this, Ferrier, McCormack and Cunniffe clearly deserve an opportunity to dip into the WWE Universe on a more regular basis. But until then, their brilliant Mankind-based strip is pretty much worth the cover price on its own.

A million-dollar concept executed to absolute perfection, Dark Ark manages to twist the established story of Noah in a thoroughly unexpected way. Filled with interesting wrinkles, colourful characters and a surprising amount of heart and humanity, this is a series that you really need to add to your pull list as soon as possible.

Ultimately, Freedom Fighter provides a fun, if slight, post-apocalyptic yarn with some top quality artwork, and the fact that its based on some of the most iconic childrens books ever (screw you, Harry Potter) only makes it even more enjoyable. Lets just hope this opens the floodgates for more comic book adaptations of the Fighting Fantasy back catalogue, as theres a huge untapped vein of stories just waiting to be poured out onto the page.

The closing pages see Cain finally revealing his endgame, and its every bit as twisted and vengeance-fuelled as you might have expected. This is definitely a series that will read a lot better in a single sitting, with the pacing feeling a little broken up by the month-long delay between issues, but if Jordan and Moustafas intention was to create a thrilling, dynamic and unashamedly violent action movie in comic form, then theyve succeeded in every possible way.

A lively, enjoyable stand-alone story then, and while reading the first chapter of the Trial of Krang arc is definitely recommended before picking this one up, its by no means essential. So, with four more issues, four more planets and four more witnesses to be rounded up, this is shaping up to be an incredibly enjoyable supplementary series. Well worth a look.

Ultimately, Dead of Winter is an enjoyable and inoffensive read, but with the exception of the few points I mentioned above, there isnt really a huge amount of new ideas being brought to the fore here – although Ill freely admit that the events of the final few pages may go a long way towards remedying that. Perhaps not quite an essential read then, but if youre a fan of zombies, awesome dogs or Plaid Hat board games, this is definitely well worth a look.

The Trial of Krang provides yet another showcase for the genius of Eastman, Waltz and Curnows ongoing series now currently the longest-running TMNT book of all time where storyline seeds can be planted years previous before being gradually nurtured and brought to bloom, transforming into full-fledged arcs like this one. And with our four brothers set to embark on a dramatic, in-your-face bout of cosmic witness wrangling in the weeks and months to come, this latest arc has the potential to be one of the most enjoyable TMNT storylines for quite some time. Here's to the next 73 issues

The concept is solid, but the series feels like its visibly trembling under the burden of expectation right now, and the sooner we get some cohesiveness to the narrative rather than it just feeling like a series of seemingly unconnected events the better. It's a great idea with some great moments, but the creators really need to start pulling things together before its too late.

As I mentioned above, Pride of Baghdad is a book that will stick with you long after youve put it down, and the themes and emotions explored within these pages still feel every bit as relevant today as they did a decade ago. Vertigo Comics have made their living by producing inventive, thought-provoking works of art, and if youre putting together a list of their most affecting releases over the last twenty-five years, Pride of Baghdad has to be right at the top. Highly recommended.

Ultimately, while the story itself isnt necessarily anything to write home about, Sakai handles this reunion with care and affection, providing an energetic and ultimately rewarding crossover that fans will absolutely love. And, if you consider yourself a fan of either the rabbit bodyguard or the heroes in a half shell, this should be viewed as an essential purchase.

While the mainstream focus still seems to fall squarely on the big two of DC and Marvel, its becoming more and more apparent than Valiant are rapidly becoming the go to publisher for truly great superhero stories. And amidst an already stacked roster of characters, Faith Herbert continues to push her way right to the front of the line, making every story involving her an all but essential purchase.

Ultimately, this very much a set-up issue for the next arc, but with so much fantastic world-building at play, its still a thoroughly enjoyable read. Soule and Browne are onto something truly special here with their entertaining mix of magic, humour and fantasy drama, and with a willfully unconventional approach, Curse Words is all but guaranteed to make you yell Abraca-DAMN-bra!. Sorry Ill get my coat.

For me, horror comics are all about mood and character. And while the latter may be a sorely lacking for the time being, the former is being executed to absolute perfection, with a genuinely unsettling aesthetic and an willfully unconventional style. Unfortunately, as striking as Sampsons artwork undoubtedly is, theres no getting away from the fact that Winnebago Graveyard still only feels like half a story.

So, while its undoubtedly a slower issue, the charm, humour and sense of adventure that has typified the series to this point is still very much present here. As a single issue it may feel like a bit of a dip, but as part of an overall narrative, this is a much-needed reduction in pace. And with a lot of different storyline threads heading for a dramatic intersection (including that cliff-hanger), its obvious that well be back to that fast-paced, quick-witted adventure story again in no time.

Ultimately, this is very much a set-up issue, and the gradual pace means its difficult to give a definitive prediction of just where this series is heading, or a conclusive scorecard for its new creative team. But, while Fontana and Andolfo are definitely going for a noticeably different tone and style to Rucka, Sharp and Scott, theres still a heck of a lot to like here.

Easily one of the best single issues of a Transformers comic that I've read for quite some time, and that's even before the gut-punch of a finale. Barber and Zama deserve all the credit in the world for putting this one together, and as an example of just how far IDW's Transformers property has evolved beyond its “giant robots shooting each other” roots, you need look no further than this latest issue.

Fun, authentic, but not quite reaching those Szechuan sauce levels of must have just yet, this is still a great way to indulge your Rick and Morty fix while youre waiting for the third season to premiere at the end of the month.

A slight lull then, hallway fight aside, but only because Starks has set the bar so incredibly high to this point. As a single issue theres a hell of a lot to like here, but as the conclusion to the first arc of what has been a stellar series, it does fall a little short. Still comes highly recommended, though.

A coming of age drama wrapped around a superhero origin story, Supergirl: Being Super comes loaded with relatable emotions and impressive character beats. It almost feels at times like a Smallville-esque take on Supergirl, which may perhaps be oversimplifying the impressive work that Tamaki, Jones and Fitzpatrick have done here, but should at least give you a rough idea of what to expect. And, as Ive said before, this is a Supergirl comic that puts the super on the back burner and focuses squarely on the girl, providing one of the most enjoyable alternate origin stories Ive read for quite some time. Highly recommended.

I mean, its not a bad issue per se, but it does feel a bit like Ive accidentally picked up an entirely different comic, save for the final page. Im all for trying something different to flesh supporting characters out, and the overall experience isnt exactly an unpleasant one, but as an issue of IDWs ongoing TMNT series, this falls down significantly and is far from essential reading as a result.

Beautiful Canvas is a story impressive in its ambiguity, with a compelling lead and a slick visual style. It's not what you I thought it was going to be when I started reading, but that's okay, because Lindsay and Kivela have aggressively grabbed my attention here, and I absolutely cannot wait for the second issue to find out just where the hell this story is going.

The Dregs is gripping, powerful and through-provoking stuff, and as Ive been saying since the very first issue is my runaway pick for the best comic of 2017. Lets just say that its going to take something truly special in the next six months to knock The Dregs off its perch. Hats off to everyone involved in helping to bring this series to life, and I can only hope that it reaches the level of audience that it clearly deserves.

Ultimately, Head Lopper continues to confound expectations, creating a nuanced fantasy storytelling experience that Robert E. Howard would be proud of and wrapping it up in a bright, vibrant and highly stylised visual package. I honestly cant recommend this series enough.

Aquaman has been always one of the better written titles in the post-Rebirth DC Universe, but after twenty-five issues, it finally has what feels like the perfect artist to work alongside Abnett on this dark, politically charged story. Highly recommended.

Ultimately, there's definitely an intriguing idea here, and there have been genuine flashes of greatness throughout the course of the first three issues, but Colossis flawed pacing and lackluster character development are really starting to hurt the series now, to the point where its going to be difficult to justify sticking with it for too much longer.

The exposition is handled smoothly, the characters are relatable and interesting, and the final page provides an eyebrow-raising cliff-hanger to spur the reader on to the next issue. Colour me impressed then, as Bowers and Sims make some bold storytelling choices to give what is ostensibly a video game tie-in the potential to be something much, much more. Well worth a look.

An exciting premise solidly executed, and the groundwork has been laid here for what could potentially turn into one hell of a series. The only reservation I have so far is that sometimes in these situations, the reveal doesnt quite live up to the suspense, and after such an intriguing opening chapter, its going to be interesting to see how this series fares once Torquemada draws back the curtain to reveal the bigger picture. Im definitely planning on stick around to find out though, thats for sure.

If Ive said it once Ive said it a hundred times, horror is one of the most difficult genres to get right in the world of comic books. Thankfully, with Niles and Sampson taking their turn at the steering wheel, this disturbing road trip is all but guaranteed to be worth the journey.

Honestly, it seems like every month I come out and sing the praises of this series, not just for its impressive storytelling and artwork, but for the sheer consistency that has seen it maintain such a blistering pace for almost six years now. If you're not already on this bandwagon then you really need to remedy that, and if you've ever shown any kind of affinity or affection for the ‘heroes in a half-shell', then this is most definitely the series for you.