This ninth issue reveals the true horror that lie in the minds and actions of normal people and that could very well prove to be the most terrifying idea of all.

With plenty of shout outs to ships and a heap of good-natured ribbing, All-New All-Different Avengers Annual #1 is a delightful love letter to the new generation of Marvel fans.

All-Star Batman continues to surprise as Scott Snyder and company give us a superheroic pirate adventure starring Alfred Pennyworth and yes, you read that correctly.

Easily one of the more impressive efforts from the crossover Annihilation Scourge: Silver Surfer #1 sets the bar high for the incoming finale.

You don’t often hear words like “sexy” or “beautiful” in regards to an Aquaman comic book, but the sheer talent on display in #25 cannot be denied, even by the staunchest of Aquaman haters. Dan Abnett completely tore apart Arthur’s world, and is now showing us just how a hero and king without a throne operates in a world that has seemingly abandoned him. Couple that new, propulsive direction with the smoothly engaging and often vapor-inducing artwork of Stjepan Sejic, and you have a title that has leveled up in a big, big way.

When Archie is on, it is really freaking on, and #18 exactly that level of great.

Avengers: No Road Home #6 could have been a real mess. It could have been a rote team-up, made only to move readers to the new Conan line or to give the series that "Wolverine Bump" just with a Barbarian instead of the Ol' Canucklehead. But the team here really rises to the occasion, for the audience and the story, making Conan's modern Marvel debut feel like the moment it should be. By Crom, I can't wait for more.

Though DC as a whole is headed for a Rebirth, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo can hold their head high after delivering a thematically rich finale to cap off a stellar run with the Dark Knight and his wonderful and terrible city of his birth.

Dark in all the best ways and willing to let certain heroes be scary again, Batman #23 is a triumph that could have been a world-class team-up flop. Tom King and Mitch Gerads took what worked from their working relationship and translated it perfectly into the main line of DC Comics and in doing so, delivered what could be one of the better team-ups Batman has been involved with. You don't often associate one-off hero pairings with haunting visuals and uncompromising character moments, but after Batman #23, you just might.

Engagements are tricky to begin with, but Batman #36 shows how superpowers and the "professional" relationship between superheroes complicates matters even further. I mean, it isn't like Clark Kent can just send a bread maker and call it even, right? But Tom King, Clay Mann, Seth Mann and Jordie Bellaire deliver a Batman/Superman story that cuts to the quick of their relationship with plenty of heart, laughs, and a deep respect between the two heroes that neither they " or the comic reading audience " can deny.

Batman purists and casual fans alike will find a lot to love about Batman Annual #3 thanks to its accessibility, its emotion, and its innate understanding of Alfred Pennyworth and his commitment to Bruce Wayne.

Handled by a powerhouse group of creatives like Andy Kubert, Mairghread Scott, Steve Orlando, and many more, Secret Files #2 turns the focus on the villains as "City of Bane" comes to the anthology title. And in that focus comes real strength and chilling fun with the Joker, Bane, Hugo Strange, and the Psycho-Pirate all taking center stage in stories that cut right to the core of their villainy and their relationship with the Batman.

Don't let the "grocery store comics" reputation of this issue's first run fool you, Batman Universe #1 is the real deal.

Cross-company titles are always a novelty, but I am hard-pressed to think of one as true to itself and its sources than Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice. Leaning into the cinematic weirdness of Black Hammer, which is itself a sort of a love letter to the various subgenres of comics, as well as the mythic stakes of the Justice League, Jeff Lemire and Michael Walsh somehow pay loving tribute to both. All while delivering a welcome entry point for both franchises. Quite literally the best of both worlds (or multiverses?), that's Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice #1.

Bloodshot Reborn Annual 2016 #1 is like reading a beautifully curated intro to Bloodshot's regular title, and stands as yet another example of Valiant Entertainment's dedication to delivering accessible and fun comics.

Even if you missed the debut series, Britannia: We Who Are About To Die #1 is a wonderfully dark and twisted return to the crime infested pre-fall Rome.

Helmed by a steadily-improving writer who has no problems delving into the political ramifications of superheroes and their world and an art team who understands Cap and his dynamic movements, Captain America #1 is a triumph for one of Marvel's A-listers who was in dire need of image rehab. Cap may be unsanctioned (again), but the dream is still alive and in good hands, despite the impossible.

Though this run of Daredevil has been steadily improving from the start, #10 shows there might not be a ceiling on just how good it can get.

With high drama and even higher emotions, Daredevil #18 continues Ol' Hornhead's hot streak.

Brandishing an epic, reality-spanning scope, emotional character moments, and a surprising reader-friendliness to its multiversal yarns, Dark Knights Rising: The Wild Hunt #1 might just be Dark Night: Metal's first truly unmissable tie-in issue.

Anthologies are a tricky business and adaptations are doubly so, but thankfully, Titan Comics' Dark Souls offerings got gud early on and provided stories that both fans and newbies could enjoy by the warm light of a Blighttown bonfire.

Fans of Lethal Weapon and shows like Life on Mars will find a lot to love about the Green Lantern/Space Ghost Annual. James Tynion IV, Christopher Sebela, and Ariel Olivetti really go for the gusto here and it pays off big time thanks to their tight scripting, snappy banter, and sweeping science fiction visuals. Team-up books like this are usually a mixed bag, but thankfully the Green Lantern/Space Ghost Annual #1 quickly stakes a claim to being the exception to the team-up slump.

With blood to spare and a strong human element at its center, Demonic #1 is a winner from start to finish. Christopher Sebela has taken the pilot one-shot and completely ran away with. Running along side him are Niko Walter and Dan Brown who nail the both the horror and mundane elements with equal aplomb, making this debut strong not only narratively, but visually. There are many horror books on shelves right now, but Demonic #1 is one that more than deserves your attention.

Simply put, Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #2.11 is a treat both narratively and visually, and should be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

With an intensely fun new companion and smooth new look Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #2.11 starts this new story off on a very strong note.

Mustering the full powers of the title's cast and creative team, Excalibur #17 brings forth once again the old-school flair and appeal of this team without sacrificing its own feel and look as a 'Dawn of X' highlight. In fact, I would go so far as to say Excalibur #17 could be one of the best issues of the series so far. Equipped with the weird charm of the past and the slick production of the present, Excalibur #17 is a winner.

Blessed with the raw energy and wry comedy of old-school comics, Fantastic Four: Grand Design #1 is an entertaining trip down memory lane for Marvel and Scioli.

Armed with the perfect mixture of heart and humor, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 is an absolute winner.

Never in a million years did I think that I would see Dr. Zin and his army of walking eyes grace the pages of a major comic publisher, but Future Quest #1 granted that wish and did so in the middle of a truly great and infectiously fun debut issue.

Packed with action, humor, and more than a little pathos, Generation Zero #3 stands as the best issue of the series since its debut and a gleefully weird use of another title’s visuals and tone. Though not quite as punk rock looking as the previous installments, #3 still impresses and shows a whole other side to artist Derek Charm, one that isn’t afraid to render burger joints and psiotic blasts with equal attention and brightness. But while Charm delivers an unexpected new set of visuals to the title, Fred Van Lente continues his streak of insane science fiction tempered with genuine emotion and compelling lead characters with understandable motivations all their own. Thanks to vintage visuals and a big heart to go along with them, Generation Zero #3 continues to get better and better.

With its creature-feature hook and its blunt focus on the dark things women are subjected to in Hollywood, Glitterbomb #1 is a triumph. While titles like Satellite Sam and The Fade Out take a more genre centric look at the seedy side of entertainment, Jim Zub, Holly Raychelle Hughes, Djibril Morrissette-Phan and K. Michael Russell present their story as straight-faced as possible, warts, misogyny, and all. Real horror comes from a human place, and even with the monsters and the murder, Glitterbomb #1 feels almost too human, and that is what makes it so scary and so scary good.

Sassy, smart, and more than a little pissed-off, Goddess Mode #1 is another thunderous debut for the new era of Vertigo Comics. Zoe Quinn, Robbi Rodriguez and Rico Renzi build up a rich, expansive world, chock it full of ideas, and throw a trash-loving mess of a woman into the thick of it - and the result is a beautiful blast to read from start to finish. There are a lot of great comics hitting shelves this week, but I'll be damned if Goddess Mode #1 isn't the best of the bunch.

Grayson was already a pretty entertaining book beforehand, but this sixteenth is on a whole other level of charming. If you have friends that are on the fence about Dick's new status quo, give them this issue and stand by for major feels, laughs and thrills.

Hellboy in Hell #10 is big, powerful, and a fittingly poignant end for one of comic books' most enduring characters and his prolific creator.

Chock to bursting with dread, body horror, and tremendous turns of phrase Immortal Hulk #24 is another stone cold classic issue for the consistently impressive series.

Chock full of existential dread and dynamically emotive artwork, and further armed with a tremendous cliffhanger, Immortal Hulk #38 makes a very strong case for being one of the best issues of the whole series. Keeping the consistency of Marvel's heaviest titles hovering between good and great, Immortal Hulk #38 is another standout issue for the standout series.

While a more low-key affair than we are used to seeing from the series, Immortal Hulk #43 still comes to the table with a great deal of power, both visually and narratively. Bolstered by Al Ewing's attention to character and the art team's terrifyingly good synchronicity and handle of the title's visual tone, Immortal Hulk #43 stays strong as the title heads into its final issues.

After checking in with England's new head "Breaker," sewing that thread up for next time, and ending with a bold proclamation that "Injection Will Return At The End of The Year," adding a nice serial-like coda onto the issue, Injection #10 ends its second season with a confident and contained finale that will leave fans counting the days until these weirdos return to shelves.

Though it took four issues to get there, James Bond has finally achieved must-read status. The issues that proceeded this month's were good, but even the best of the first three pales in comparison to this latest one. Warren Ellis, Jason Masters and Guy Major have all hit there stride in a big way with #4 as each element of their work just flat out works. If you are looking for a tension-filled spy drama, James Bond is the book for you. If you want bone crunching action, James Bond has that for you as well. But above all, if you are looking for a stellar single issue of comic books that hits notes other comics just dream of, then James Bond #4 is the book you both want and need.

While the format and unexplained connections to the first arc may prove too much for some readers to fully engage with, there is no denying that James Bond #7 delivers, proving that the perfect Bond experience doesn't always have to be on the silver screen or in the yellowing pages of a vintage novel.

While New Riverdale has enjoyed the name recognition of Archie and Jughead, Josie and the Pussycats #2 proves that Josie, Valerie, and Melody are poised to be your new favorite Riverdale teens.

Jam packed with heart and laughs Josie and the Pussycats #3 continue to keep the Pussycats dominating the charts.

Though Jughead's brush with dating was fun while it lasted, Jughead #10 puts him in a teenage witch's crosshairs to deliver laughs and all sorts of fun.

Karnak #3 is grim, stars one of the most nihilistic heroes I've ever seen, and yet, is an absolute blast to read.

Like the issue’s introduction states, Wilson Fisk has done horrible things, but after Kingpin #1, you may be convinced otherwise. Matthew Rosenberg, Ben Torres, and Jordan Boyd’s quietly entertaining debut sneaks up on you and quickly pulls you into Fisk’s new world, keeping you just as off balance and curious as Sarah is. Standing as a compelling mixture of crime story and tale of courtship, Kingpin #1 has the potential to be Marvel’s next dark horse blockbuster.

With a strong sense of history and a quiet sense of poetry, Lois Lane #10 might be the comic to beat this week.

Capped off by the latest grittily poetic Turok backup to tease his upcoming title, Magnus #1 keeps the Gold Key revival on track with suspense, science fiction, and smarts.

I am sad to see Marvel 2-in-One go as it was a consistently great and engaging take on a classic Marvel title, but I am happy to see it ended in such a sweeping and fun way thanks to Chip Zdarsky and Ramon K. Perez and their clear love of the Fantastic Four.

As Casey said, strange deserves a shot, and this finale really made that shot count.

War is hell, but hell is Darkseid, and after Mister Miracle #2, Scott may be closer to him than he ever thought possible. Capitalizing on an ambitious first issue, Tom King and Mitch Gerads go even bigger while at the same time keeping it laser-focused on their cast all meticulously set into a taut nine-panel grid. Believe the hype and submit to Anti-Life. You’ll be glad that you did.

Equally hilarious and heartfelt, albeit with an raunchy attitude all its own, Motherlands #1 could very well be Vertigo’s next standout hit. It certainly has all the makings of a hit, what with the talents of Felipe Sobreiro, Rachael Stott, and Simon Spurrier on full display and an obscenely funny, but still affecting opening gambit. If you like your comics bristling with ideas, stocked with gorgeous artwork, and more than a few well-placed F-bombs, then take a trip down to the Motherlands and have yourself one hell of a time.

Melding cyberpunk, haute couture, and bloody cricket bats, Motor Crush #1 is a high octane debut from a group of top tier creators. Image Comics has a well earned reputation for allowing a mainstream creative team room to explore whatever ideas and visuals they wish and Motor Crush #1 is another example of how good of a book that kind of mentality can produce. Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, Babs Tarr, and the whole production team of this series have made their world and now they get to play in it. And we, as the readers, are the real winners for it.

Though the plot of Kamala staging a fake crime with Canadian ninjas in order to open Basic Becky and Carol Danvers' eyes to the dangers of predictive justice would be enough to make this issue a good one, G. Willow Wilson pushes it into great territory with plenty of emotional fallout from the earlier issues.

Nightmarish and thought-provoking, No Longer Human is a worthy tribute and representation of the singular original work. Though not nearly as "monstrous" as his past original works, Junji Ito reveals a whole new depth and realism, both in his artwork and writing. Just don't expect to feel too sunny after reading it.

If you want your crime comic books cleanly drawn, with tonally rich colors, and starring a female protagonist that can absolutely, positively get s@#$ done, then head to your local comic shop this week and ask for her by name - Normandy Gold.

Adaptations of television shows and movies as comics are a dime a dozen on shelves these days, but none of them capture the source material as lovingly as Penny Dreadful #2.

While the other tie-ins were fun, but disposable, Rai #14 is a can't-miss affair for those following Valiant Entertainment's sprawling superhero epic.

Renato Jones: The One% #1 is beautiful, engaging, and very, very pissed off. Comic books can be powerful weapons of satire and that is exactly what this debut is and why its just so damn good.

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, Rick and Morty is the real deal, and #12 is yet another example of its raw and hilarious commitment to telling great stories.

Packed with laughs and sharp one-liners, Rick and Morty #16 makes a strong case for being the best comedy title on shelves this week.

Ending with an appropriately inappropriate "Pocket Mortys" tie-in back up from Mac Ellerby, Rick and Morty #18 continues to be the best possible extension of the Adult Swim hit.

When the main "NickToons" line of shows went off the air, an entire generation of latchkey kids cried out in anguish. Thankfully, BOOM! Studios have heard our cries and have not only revived one of the mainstays of the line, but did it in such a way that it feels like it never left. Filled with plenty of snort-inducing laughs, both visual and scriptwise, and aesthetically accurate and pleasing artwork Rocko's Modern Life #1 is a triumphant return for Rocko and the gang.

Mobilized, angry, and chock full of great character moments (Karnak meeting Moon Girl will leave you snorting like a dork), Secret Warriors #1 is the right team for the right time in today's dark and divisive comics landscape.

Ready made for a black light or maybe even some sick van art, Silver Surfer: Black is a rollicking, mind-altering debut.

Hot on the heels of another tremendous debut issue, Star Trek: Boldly Go #1 proves that IDW's new Trek titles are forces to be reckoned with.

Though IDW Publishing has delivered rousing Trek stories in the past few have touched on the narrative themes and characterizations as well as Star Trek: Waypoint #1. By deftly bouncing between eras with respect this anthology presents the franchise in a light that is more entertaining than dry, while still staying true to what made it last for fifty years in the first place. If you like your Star Trek with a more moral quandaries and character centered storytelling and less red alerts and photon torpedoes then Star Trek: Waypoint #1 is the series for you.

The House of El is finally back on a strong foundation thanks to this creative team and Superman #6 just makes that foundation on the stronger thanks to its tight script and sumptuous visuals.

As the Man of Tomorrow heads into that relaunched and headline-grabbing tomorrow Superman #45 shows that there is still power in looking toward the past.

We still don't get the whole scope as there are still 9 issues left, but Jimmy Olsen #3 finally shows that this new series isn't just mindless fun (even when it is just mindless fun).

Winter is the cruelest season, but the Swamp Thing Winter Special never lets the cold slow it down as it eulogizes Swampy's creators the best way it knows how; with a one-shot that perfectly encapsulates the character's artistry, horror, and emotion. Though the void left by the loss of Wein and Wrightson is a big one, Tom King, Jason Fabok, and Brad Anderson do the swamp and its keepers proud with a truly superb one-shot.

With engaging characters and a surely well researched plot, Image Comics has another hit on their hands with The Black Monday Murders #1.

Respectful of the previous Sandman entries, but never too reliant on them, writer Simon Spurrier, along with the wickedly talented Bliquis Evely and Mat Lopes, pay loving tribute to the realm of stories, breathing brand new life into Neil Gaiman's characters for a whole new generation of readers and dreamers anxious for the Dream King's return.

The Superior Foes of Spider-Man was a surprise hit, but The Fix #1 isn't just going to take you by surprise - it's just going to make you laugh your ass off. Nick Spencer, Steve Lieber and Ryan Hill have struck raunchy gold here with this new Image Comics debut and they confidently show that that weird little book about Spider-Man villains wasn't just a one-hit wonder. The Fix has it all; compelling yet morally corrupt characters, a hilarious script, and more than a few visual gags that are sure to reward repeat readers. Bottom line, you need The Fix, whether you know it or not.

Building to a true gut punch of an ending that completely took me by surprise, The Fix #3 shows that Nick Spencer's most incendiary and affecting work isn't with the man with a shield, it's in the seedy world of Hollywood.

While film has fumbled with the story of Lou Ford, comic books provide a reverent stage for The Killer Inside Me. Devin Faraci, Vic Malhotra and Jason Millet provide an almost direct translation of Jim Thompson’s work, never once shying away from the more unpleasant aspects of the original work, and using Thompson’s own prose as a weapon instead of a crutch to be relied on. You never know what is lurking in the mind of those around you, but The Killer Inside Me #1 shows you exactly what Lou Ford is thinking, and while it isn’t easy to take it, it is impossible to look away.

Leave it to comics to completely knock out of the park the long gestating sequel to a beloved Jim Henson production. Though being attached to a well known IP certainly doesn't hurt, the work that Simon Spurrier and the Matthews turn in here are teeming with new ideas and new visual designs that are informed by the original movie but not chained to them. By melding both the new and the recognizable, The Power of the Dark Crystal #1 is a bold experiment that could very well turn into a bold hit.

Film fans, crime enthusiasts, and history buffs will find a lot to love about The Prague Coup. But at the same time, I feel like this is a book that has a broad appeal for readers looking for something different this release week. Packed with enough historical accuracy and intrigue to sustain a whole series, The Prague Coup is a substantial and satisfying read from start to finish.

Superhero noir is a strange beast, but The Shadow/Batman #1 and its talented creative team pull together a debut that makes it look easy. Armed with wit, history, and two timeless leading men, Steve Orlando, Giovanni Timpano, Taylor Esposito, and Flavio Dispenza see and raise Orlando's first team-up as it throws down weirder villains, a boy assassin, and a vast empire of crime to dismantle, all for our reading pleasure.

Hitting harder than a right hook from the Dark Knight and moving faster than a .45 from The Shadow's holster, The Shadow/Batman #3 is another winner from the Dynamite/DC Comics co-production.

It is truly, truly crazy, but exactly the kind of crazy we have come to expect from Darrow, giving this second installment a new favorite bit of lunacy and continuing this volume's commitment to delivering satirical surreal displays of comic book storytelling.

With an eye for charm and armed with a boatload of pulpy mood, The Corpse-Makers #3 keeps Francavilla's auteur solo effort going strong.

Honestly, that should be the lasting legacy for The Walking Dead - consistency. Consistent shocks, consistent stakes, and consistent surprises. It was only fitting that their last one be the finale. And wouldn’t you know it, even that is a rock-solid experience, paying loving tribute to the universe it created and its characters. They say part of the journey is the end, and Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn made both worthwhile. Putting a heartfelt capstone on an incomparable achievement in creator-owned comic books, The Walking Dead has more than earned its time to rest in peace.

Believe the hype, Midgardians, Valkyrie: Jane Foster #1 is wall-to-wall awesome.

This series has been a critical darling since its debut, but Vision #11 elevates it from critical success to full blown masterwork.

Spurrier's script coupled with the visuals of Dylan Burnett and Triona Farrell, who manage to throw in some truly funny business names that would make Chip Zdarsky proud among the neon, grime, and blood, take Weavers from good to great with confidence.

Weird Detective #1 does what many comics and Lovecraft adaptations have failed to do, make the seminal weird fiction balls out fun. By fleshing out their original short story into a double-sized debut issue, Van Lente, Vilanova, Gonzalez and Wallace are allowed the page count to let their plot breathe, add much needed dynamics and depth to the characters, and fully revel in the monster and supernaturally power filled weirdness of the world they have created. All the while delivering a by the numbers buddy cop story complete with banter and straight up comedic beats. Lovecraftian genre tales are a dime a dozen in popular culture, but Weird Detective #1 stands above the lot by displaying a vast knowledge of the source material along with a keen eye for funny, engaging ways to present that material.

If you have been sleeping on or trade-waiting throughout The Wild Storm, Michael Cray #3 will be the issue that wakes you up. Armed with a strong point of view, the incideniary spark of indie comics, and a hard as nails, but engaging protagonist The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #3 is the best kind of winner " a daring and responsible one.

Further strengthened by strides in character building, 4001 A.D. #2 establishes the series as arguably the summer's biggest and best event.

As a recent convert from Valiant newbie to full-tilt fan, A&A: The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong #1 is exactly the kind of book I want as a reader. Though the duo have been a staple of Valiant's line for a long while, this new #1 presents them almost as brand new characters, unmoored from their own continuity. Rafer Roberts, David Lafuente, Ryan Winn, and Brian Reber show those unfamiliar with the characters exactly what their world is like and why their dynamic has stood the test of time. Valiant Entertainment may have a slew of heroes under their umbrella, but A&A #1 shows why these two knuckleheads are two of their most popular and entertaining characters.

Though Archer and Armstrong have long been a staple of the Valiant Universe, this new title makes them read, feel, and look better than ever.

A-Force #2 reads like a Sleater-Kinney song sounds: all confident bravado and a relentless pace. While the original series was inescapably tied to a company wide, Kelly Thompson, G. Willow Wilson, Jorge Molina and Laura Martin quickly cast off those ropes of continuity to let these ladies stand on their own and get down to the important work of punching weird stuff and giving each other sass. Teams are a dime a dozen in comics, but very rarely do you get a team like A-Force; one stocked with fan favorite powerhouses with a creative team with the talent to give them stories worthy of their station. There's the All-New All-Different, the New, and even the Uncanny, but make mine A-Force.

Stories about religion and our relationship with the divine are always a thorny prospect, but I feel Afterlift finds a good balance between entertaining and preachy. Thanks to the droll charm and bold emotions of the script and the consistently impressive artwork this comiXology Original stands as a sweet, effective binge-read for these uncertain times.

Though annuals are sometimes known for flashy theatrical storytelling, All-New X-Men Annual #1 succeeds by aiming for the heart rather than the big action fireworks. Sina Grace and Rex Ogle both delve deep into characters deserving of center stage, but instead of trying to make them superstars, they make them real people with relatable fears and emotions, showing readers new compelling aspects to their lives as X-Men during the M-Pox crisis. This annual also soars thanks to cinematic artwork and full-bodied colors from two art teams that lean into the grounded stories presented. While mutants thrive as a group, All-New X-Men Annual #1 scores by going small.

It's a great time to be a Batman fan because we keep getting books like All-Star Batman #8. Capped off by another moody installment of "The Cursed Wheel" from Snyder and Francesco Francavilla, this latest issue continues the title's offbeat hot streak and stands as a true testament to the thematic and artistic malleability of this series. If you like your Batman comics to be a little more Grant Morrison and a little less Doug Moench, then All-Star Batman #8 is the issue for you.

Though you’ll have to wait until November to fully experience it, know that Vertigo Comics’ crime bonafides are in great condition thanks to the incoming debut of American Carnage. Helmed by a rising star around the DC offices and an art team that has a keen eye for character, violence and mood, this Vertigo debut continues their strong efforts from original, creator-driven series with a bracing dose of socially conscious mayhem.

With its subversion of a well-known genre and its powerful female lead, Angel City #1 is a boldly entertaining debut for the new Oni Press title. Janet Harvey, Megan Levens, and Nick Filardi take what readers love most about noir and filter it through an unapologetically feminist lens with fantastic results. Armed with both hard knuckles and soft emotions, Angel City #1 is a noir tailor-made for today's progressive reading audience.

Though a bit slow going in the start Angel City #2 keeps the title deeply rooted in cinema history and the mystery genre.

If you've ever wanted to marry the humor of What We Do In The Shadows with the sexy supernatural intrigue of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, then Anno Dracula #3 is the comic for you.

Mark Waid once again endears us to Archie as he struggles against his own innate sense of right and wrong and displays that famous Archie clumsiness during a particularly hilarious scene of his short-lived job at the local paper.

Archie #9 is a big turning point for Veronica. Before she was a sassy foil for Betty and very much defined by her relationship with Archie. However, now Mark Waid, Veronica Fish, Andre Szymanowicz, and Jen Vaughn show her in a new and surprisingly flattering light that allows her to stand apart from Archie as her own character, though the ginger did provide a strong push toward the development. Relationships are all about compromise and now with Archie #9, Veronica is finally at a place where she can comfortably do that for the man she loves.

Though relationships are strained in Riverdale, Archie #12 continues the title's commitment to examining these characters with clear and heartfelt eyes.

Riverdale gets its own low-key Freaky Friday in Archie #15. Mark Waid and Lori Matsumoto take a novel approach to the old plot, providing a heartfelt foundation to the humorous circumstances while also taking the time to provide the coolest kids in school with more layers beyond their core identities. Along with finely detailed pencils from Joe Eisma and colors that cultivate the grounded tone of the script from Andre Szymanowicz, Archie #15 is another winning installment from a consistently entertaining book.

Avengers #5 is all killer, no filler, and that was precisely what the A-list title needed. Mark Waid and his characters have a problem to solve, and come hell or high water, they are going to solve it. This narrative focus gives his script a pointed energy and real sense of fun as he barrels from one cliffhanger to the next. Harnessing that energy are Mike Del Mundo and Marco D’Alfonso who compound that fun then project it into impressive visual storytelling. If you like your plots big and your artwork super weird, then Avengers #5 is the book for you.

Though Jason Aaron's era of Avengers has had its ups and downs, Issue #30 finds it hitting a fine balance between emotions and fun.

No Road Home certainly has the talent, the cast, and the potential to succeed, topped off with a high fantasy hook that is tailor made for serialization. Eyes front, True Believer, because Avengers: No Road Home #1 is Marvel Comics in their purest form.

Weekly series storytelling is a tough needle to thread, but somehow Avengers: No Road Home managed to do it. Though it will surely stand up better as a collected read, each issue of this series has either thrilled, moved, or entertained - and sometimes accomplished all three. I had high hopes for the finale and it more than delivered.

Ushering readers through a very specific time period in a richly historied Europe with a honed understanding of the genre it inhabits, Babylon Berlin is another well executed and beautifully brutal yarn from Hard Case Crime and its comic publishing patron.

I've always said that horror needs more heart and armed with said heart and a sneakily large scale, Babyteeth #1 makes AfterShock Comics two-for-two when it comes to great comics of the spooky variety.

With heart and chutzpah to spare, The Backstagers #1 soars as a sincere love letter to the unsung heroes of the theater world.

Spy stories aren’t exactly a rarity in creator-owned comics, Bang! stands out from the pack. With reverence to the genre, but at the same time a willingness to poke fun at it Matt Kindt, Wilfred Torres, and Nayoung Kim deliver something truly strange and striking. With both a foot in the past of the genre and an eye toward a more forward-thinking future, Bang! portends a new, irreverent era for spy fiction in comics.

Fun, flirty, and armed with fantastic visuals, Barbarella/Dejah Thoris #1 is a far-out winner.

While this may be just an ordinary Tuesday in Gotham City, both Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne stand at crossroads that are anything but ordinary. The people's Batman may be at death's door thanks to his first proper rogue, while the genuine article stands at the edge of the abyss, willing to dive in once again to save his city and reclaim his crusade no matter what the personal cost. Scott Snyder and his art team, while consistently entertaining, don't rest on their laurels with this eighth part of "Superheavy." They started this arc big and they intend to end it even bigger.

Though the first arc displayed some growing pains, Batman #5 is every inch the blockbuster that this title deserves to be.

At times the "Rebirth" era of Batman has felt more like an odd Legend of the Dark Knight-like freakout instead of the main Bat solo title, but Batman #17 has finally struck a nicely entertaining balance between the two. Tom King may not take the most direct route with his plots, but always finds a new angle for superhero storytelling stocked with strong evocative characters. David Finch, Danny Miki, and Jordie Bellaire provide another strong showing after their return to the title, but #17 shows another side to Finch that I hope continues throughout this arc. Though it may not be the easiest title to get into at times Batman #17 puts the series back into the win column with a stylishly tense installment.

The current Batman title has been a tough one to champion due to its odd structure, but this chapter shows that payoffs sometimes are worth the wait. Tom King has marched to his own beat from the start of this run, and now with the debut of this newest issue, he's earned back much of the goodwill some of the slower and more esoteric issues of this arc had sapped away.

While Batman #26’s big moment will surely be known as the showstopping double-page splash of the entire Batman villain roster taking their respective sides over a marked-up map of Gotham, the character moments sell this comic better than any splash page ever could. With Tom King’s emotional focus on character and mood and Janin and Chung’s precisely bone-chilling artwork, Batman #26 portends the opening salvos of a war that’s as lovely as it is gut-wrenching.

With "The War of Jokes and Riddles" still raging, Batman #30 is another weird gut punch of an issue from Tom King. Though the way he structures his stories can comfortably be called "head-scratching," the actual scripts and artwork throughout the arc have been too good to deny and too strange not to experience firsthand. I have no idea how the "Ballad of Kite Man" will end, but for now, it is a journey I am still enjoying.

Though it would be nice if we got this kind of procedural, crime-busting story throughout a whole arc, I am more than happy taking what I can get if these one-offs continue to be as good as Batman #38 is.

Armed with big deal stakes, dynamite visuals, and a portentous voice, Batman #75 is a thrilling jumping-on point for those who may have moved on from Gotham.

Armed with a newfound introspection and thrillingly laid out artwork, Batman #101 sets the title up with real room to grow into something fresher. After the bombast of his first arcs, James Tynion IV seems to be settling into a more pared-down, leaner take on the Dark Knight and it couldn't have come at a better time for the book. Couple this new direction with the expressive and smoothly produced artwork of Guillem March and Tomeu Morey and you have a Batman that could rise from the ashes of 'The Joker War' a better title and hero.

Tom King's Batman run has run hot and cold for readers since it started but as Batman Annual #2 proves, there is no denying the very real emotional core that lies at the center of his take on the Dark Knight. Buoyed by his heartfelt, emotional focus on Bruce and Selina's relationship and some fantastically human artwork from Lee Weeks and Michael Lark, Batman Annual #2 continues the series' streak of wearing its dark heart on its sleeve.

Made whole with Plascencia's rich colors, the debut of Batman/The Shadow is a moody and engaging trek down the darker path with two of comic's darkest heroes.

With a script that builds well on the debut issue’s character work and artwork befitting of the heroes of the night, Batman/The Shadow #2 uses the tools and visuals of the past to bring new life to a vigilante icon and a vintage edge back to the World’s Greatest Detective. Steve Orlando, Scott Snyder, Riley Rossmo and Ivan Plascencia have tapped into something wonderful, and strange with Batman/The Shadow, and one can only hope they continue this streak to the bitter end.

Armed with a mystery ripped right out of his Image Comics works and an unexpectedly heartfelt and clear-eyed take on the Alfred and Bruce Wayne dynamic, The Batman's Grave #1 is a big statement of Warren Ellis' intentions for Gotham City. It also doesn't hurt that he's standing shoulder-to-shoulder with a truly activative art team that is moving in lock-step with his take and aiming to make it look as good as they possibly can. Cinematic, well-thought out, and pointedly written, The Batman's Grave #1 is a stellar debut for the reunited creators behind The Authority.

Flexing with a Legends of the Dark Knight-like energy and making great use of a uniting theme, Batman: Secret Files #3 is an impressive showing.

With an eye toward bigger narrative spaces and blood on its knuckles Bitch Planet #9 is a worthy return for the hit series. Kelly Sue DeConnick, Valentine De Lando, and Kelly Fitzpatrick prove that the time between issues hasn't dulled their focus on the cast nor their sharp storytelling. #9 positions the title to go from big to grand as it expands its scope, armed with a diverse compelling cast and Margaret Atwood level satire. The fight for the ACO may be ongoing but Bitch Planet #9 is a decisive victory in the name of non compliance.

Though the Inhuman titles have had a rocky win/loss record as of late, Black Bolt #1 looks to be just the home run they need in order to shift the odds in their favor.

Though not as flashy as some debuts, Black Hammer #1 is still a great debut from a creative team that seems to be in lock step about the kind of story they want to tell. Unhindered by the need to delve into what it means to be a hero or the tendency to poke fun at Silver Age silliness, Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston and Dave Stewart deliver a debut that is structurally sound and packed with the kind of dark allure that one would expect from Dark Horse Comics. Simply put, Black Hammer #1 isn't blockbuster filmmaking, but the indie drama that stays on your mind long after the credits have rolled.

Though the central mystery of the series is still shrouded, Black Hammer #4 shows that its real strength lies in its characters.

While the first act of this sprawling narrative had its ups and downs, Black Panther #5 starts the title's latest arc off strong.

Though readers in the loop know where this story ultimately ends, World of Wakanda #4 shows that there are many more tales to be told beyond the throne and the king who occupies it.

Allowing a fine humanity into the usually cold, detached genre of cosmic horror, Black Stars Above #1 is a sterling example of elevated horror in comics. It both delves into the weird, but it’s not afraid to make its characters real people rather than doomed mouthpieces to be dashed into insanity. It doesn’t handwave away the racial politics of the era, nor does it engage in blatant racism like genre’s most prolific contributor. Instead it makes the racial strife at the center of this family text, tempering the insolation and tension of the cosmic horror with timely social horror. Armed with brains, heart, and a dark soul, Black Stars Above #1 is a nightmare well worth having.

Just the right amount of poetic and unsettling, Black Stars Above #2 avoids the sophomore slump.

By keeping one foot in classically inspired Roman epics and the other in more pulpy genre affairs, Britannia #1 stands as an wildly entertaining mix of high and low culture. Peter Milligan heaps mood, monsters, history, and blood onto the readers plates and after this sizable first helping, you will be begging for more. Juan Jose Ryp, Jordie Bellaire, Raul Allen and Patricia Martin also go for the gusto with culturally inspired art and a more tactile and focused take on the main pages, keeping very much in line with the high and lowbrow scripting. They say you can’t be all things to all people at once, but Britannia #1 makes a valiant attempt at being precisely that.

"All-ages" can be a dirty word to some readers, but Canto #1 takes a number of influences and mixes up a truly entertaining and striking modern fairy tale.

Graced with driving action and well-deployed pathos, Captain America #11 is a winner. Ta-Nehisi Coates is still playing a longer game with “Captain of Nothing,” but the single issues to get there have been a ton more fun to read, thanks to his new pacing and Kubert and Milla’s keen artwork.

If you like your Captain America tales with more period flair and a hefty dose of Nazi-punchin’, then the Captain America Annual #1 is the comic for you. Given a beating heart and fantastic characterization by Tini Howard and classic war comic visuals by a stocked roster of talented artists, inkers, and colorists, this annual cuts right to the core of what makes Captain America such a resonant character both then and now.

While Sam Wilson’s days ahead look tough, Captain America: Sam Wilson #14 provides a springboard for this creative team to achieve greater heights. Nick Spencer continues to take Sam’s story to unexpected places while still keeping the same timeliness that has set this series apart from Steve Rogers’ sister title. On the art front, Paul Renaud and John Rauch deliver the same kind of detail and character moments that have made the Daniel Acuna issues so good-looking, while still providing distinct action and color choices. As #TakeBackTheShield has grown from grassroots outrage to a larger-scale conspiracy, Captain America: Sam Wilson #14 shows that there are still plenty of great stories to be told with Sam behind the shield.

While the rest of the imprint's output is more flashy, Cave Carson has a Cybernetic Eye #3 grounds, quite literally, its weirdness with great results.

Armed with sharp visuals and a deep well of heart, Cave Carson Has An Interstellar Eye #1 is another big win for DC's Young Animal.

Armed with a keen drive and high adventure fun, Conan the Barbarian #13 keeps the main Conan title on strong legs.

A lot of hype has surrounded Cry Havoc #1 as it approached its release, but after finally being able to read it, I can happily report that it backs up every bit of it.

While the debut issue was all about laying groundwork, Cry Havoc #2 is all about expanding on the groundwork with a funny, blood soaked, and entertaining second issue.

Daredevil #2Written by Chip ZdarskyArt by Marco Checchetto and Sonny GhoLettering by Clayton CowlesPublished by Marvel ComicsReview by Justin Partridge‘Rama Rating: 9 out of 10

It probably didn't need to take five issues to get here, but Daredevil #5 is a brutally entertaining finale for this new volume's first arc.

I will admit a certain apprehension for Zdarsky's take on Daredevil, but the more time he spends with Ol' Hornhead, the better it gets.

Another chapter closes for Matt Murdock in Daredevil #20 and it does so in a grand, highly effective fashion. But while this finale is a showy one, Daredevil #20 also brings to the table some great development, both for Matt Murdock and the title as a whole as it prepares to enter its next arc.

The first issue of Metal is still a month away, but Dark Days: The Casting #1 gives us a prelude that really sells the hell out of the upcoming event and gives us juuuuust enough to tide us over until that first issue drops. Batman may have learned to master the dark and instill fear in his foes, but after Dark Days: The Casting, the Caped Crusader may start to fear what lurks in the dark.

So with a honed irony, tremendous visuals, and truly gonzo scripting Dark Nights: Death Metal - Multiverse's End #1 raises the stakes, emotions, and weirdness of the event and not a moment too soon. If the main series has left you cold, pick up this tie-in and revel in just how crazy (and purposefully cheeky) event comic books can be.

Filled with dread and plenty of recognizable foes from the franchise Dark Souls: Winter's Spite #1 is another gloomy winner from Titan Comics.

With three gorgeous standalone stories and a strong ongoing thread connecting them, Dark Souls: Legends of the Flame #1 is a strong example of having your cake and eating it, too.

Every once in awhile, these DC anthologies will surprise you, and I am glad to see that the DC Nuclear Winter Special #1 rises above it's bleak premise and delivers some truly great holiday superhero stories.

The League of Shadows may be a myth, but the Bat-Family is finding out just how real and deadly focused they are in Detective Comics #951.

Tim Drake might be losing touch and the team may be headed for another breakdown, but Detective Comics #970 keeps the title going strong.

The Bat-Family may be on the ropes, but Detective Comics #980 continues to come out of the corner swinging, thanks to its attention to character and its commitment to heartbreaking set pieces.

The Bat-Family is a collection of special men and women, but this run of Detective Comics and the characters it assembled will always hold a special place in the heart of this era of the DCU.

While the introduction of a fan-favorite video game character winds up a surprising fizzle — in that regard, this does have a lot in common with the introduction of Rogol Zaar in Action #1000 — the rest of Detective Comics #1000 is more than worth your time and money. Stocked with all manner of veteran creatives and packed with classic, emotional, and highly entertaining Batman stories, this feels like a fitting celebration to the Caped Crusader. Exploring both the darkness and light of Batman, Detective Comics #1000 has something for every kind of Batman fan.

If you have been wanting a street-level mystery from the new era of Detective Comics, then #1006 will be a breath of fresh air. Not only that, but it serves as a larger-than-life return for the Spectre, one handled by a creative team who understand how fun and weird his inclusion can be. If you have fallen off of Detective Comics here lately, then #1006 is a great place to pick back up.

Armed with a fun accessibility and dynamic visuals throughout Dick Tracy Forever #1 returns to the streets, ready for action.

Chocked full of canny gamer culture in jokes and darkly funny characters, Die #2 levels up the series, providing major buffs to fun and a higher entertainment modifier.

Divinity II #1 puts the drama back into superhero drama in grand fashion. Though packaged as a science fiction yarn with engrossing visuals, Matt Kindt, Trevor Hairsine, Ryan Winn, and David Baron take the genre and warp it to include themes of responsibility to the state, self-actualization, and cold logic in the face of death. Divinity II #1 shows what superhero comic books can be when they are given a chance to be something more than what they are expected to be, much like Valentina Volkov herself. Underestimate this debut at your own peril.

Divnity II #4 shows that in the right hands, comics can do it all. They can, in equal parts, provide thrilling action and heady narrative ideas while also engage in emotional storytelling. Valiant Entertainment has had a great many wins under their belt as of late but Divinity II stands above them all with grace, energy and heart.

The world has grown colder in the wake of Doctor Strange #6, and the embers of magic are quickly dying. While Jason Aaron started this new solo title with a comedic edge, it seems that he is turning a corner with its first major story arc. Aaron has brought Strange as low as he can go in the opening issue and even though we know there has to be a triumph at the end, things look very dire right out of the gate. Armed with an art team that refuses to give anything but their best Doctor Strange #6 is exactly the kind of start you want for your first big major story; one that digs its hooks into readers deep and refuses to let them go.

Doctor Strange #10 puts a bombastic cap on the title's first arc and sets up for very interesting things down the line.

Though things look bleak for the Doctors and their companions now, Doctor Who: Supremacy of the Cybermen #4 promises plenty more action and out there science fiction before this series has had its final say.

Armed with plenty of style and fast-paced action, Doctor Who: The Eleventh Doctor #3.1 starts the Doctor and Alice's 2017 off on a high note.

The walls are closing in for the Doctor in The Eleventh Doctor #2.14, but rarely has his desperation been this fun to read about.

Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor may have taken a while to well and truly kick off, but the fourth issue sets up the mini-series for a thrilling conclusion worthy of the classic serials.

By capturing the wit, charm, and high concept storytelling of the Tom Baker era, Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor #5 ends another worthy chapter in Titan Comics' ever-expanding Who canon.

Standing as a sort of Valiant Entertainment crossover for the Anglophile set, Doctor Who: The Lost Dimension-Alpha is an expansive, charming, and gorgeous opening for the Time Lord's latest epic.

Titan Comics' Ninth Doctor series started off on a slightly stiff note, but the third issue of the ongoing shows that this series can get loose and fun, just like its TV counterpart.

While light on plot Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #1 is a tonally perfect and kinetic start to Titan Comics' newest Classic Who series. Paul Cornell adds another incarnation of the famous Time Lord to his growing collection with a fast-paced first issue with huge implications for the rest of the series. Artists Christopher Jones and Hi-Fi keep pace with Cornell, keeping the visuals just as in tone with the classic series as Cornell's script. Though the stars await the Doctor, The Third Doctor #1 shows that there is plenty of adventure to be found on planet Earth.

Though the Third Doctor is best known for things like his hand-to-hand combat and his beloved Bessie, Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #3 shows that the Doctor is still the same compassionate Time Lord we all know and love even when he is chopping necks and giving the Brigadier grief. Paul Cornell, drawing from a vast font of canonical knowledge and emotional intelligence, turns in his most pathos filled issue to date while keeping the fun and action of the series intact. Helping keep that action on point is the art team of Christopher Jones and Hi-Fi who continue to improve with each issue, giving the series a slick vintage look filtered through a vibrant lens. Strengthened by heart and engaging artwork Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #3 is a treat for both the eyes and mind.

While it may not be as witty or as action packed as the previous issues, Doctor Who: The Third Doctor #5 still stands as a confident thesis for the franchise's offbeat yet engaging style of storytelling, and is another strong showing from one of Titan's most consistently cool art teams. As a fan, I have to admit, it is sad seeing Paul Cornell leave the TARDIS and head for other characters and IPs. That said, I am glad to have gotten the stories I got from him and even more so that his last foray stayed true to both the content and tone of the Doctor Who that fans want. So long, Paul Cornell; thanks for all the fun, and for The Third Doctor #5.

We might not be getting a TV Christmas Special this year, but The Thirteenth Doctor Holiday Special #1 is a worthy alternative thanks to it's charm, characters, and Christmassy trappings.

We aren't getting a Christmas Special on TV this year, but The Thirteenth Doctor Holiday Special is the next best thing.

Frustrated fans and readers can rejoice, for Doom Patrol #4 is the blast of answers that we all desperately needed and wanted. But more than that, Gerard Way, Nick Derington, and Tamra Bonvillain plant a flag for this series being the most emotionally vulnerable and sincere of the Young Animal line, telling a story of self-actualization, goodness, and coping that just happens to have biological Teddy Ruxpin like creatures and sassy robots in it. If you found yourself pushing back from this title during its frustrating genesis then Doom Patrol #4 will welcome you back with strange and weirdly comforting arms.

Capturing the energy of a well plotted campaign is no easy feat but Frost Giant's Fury #1 is so fun you can practically hear the dice roll.

A treat for longtime fans and new converts Elric: The White Wolf is an all around winner for the infamous elven emperor.

With a foot in Marvel's past but portrayed with modernly cinematic art, Empyre is already off to a pretty good start. Opening with the continuity-laced poetry of Ewing and the intense artwork of Larraz and Gracia, Empyre: Avengers #0 is an overture well worth sitting through.

Eternity Girl’s frank emotion and dreamlike structure won’t be for everyone, but that doesn’t lessen its power or artistry. Backed by an imprint that thrives on risky, but necessary storytelling and armed with a creative team with genuine heart, skill, and drive, Eternity Girl #1 feels like exactly the kind of comic that this forward-thinking imprint should be doing.

Still standing as a distinctly mythic flavor of Dawn of X, Excalibur #3 continues the series' streak of improvement.

Still one of the standouts of Dawn of X, Excalibur #6 continues to live up to the legacy.

Mileage may vary with audiences and some may just outright disagree, but the artistry and ideas behind Factory #1 cannot be denied, and the best part is, it won't let you deny it. At least not without a fight.

Packed with charm and plenty of tasteful pop culture references, Faith #6 is still one of the most human superhero books on shelves.

Though Valiant Entertainment is mainly known for high-flying action and gritty science fiction, Faith continues to shine by leading with its heart instead of its fists.

The end is just the beginning for Faith as she is poised to close this chapter and to open a new one as a full fledged leading lady. Though the character made waves as a avatar for under represented fans all over the world, Jody Houser, Francis Portela, Marguerite Sauvage, Andrew Dalhouse and Pete Pantazis transform this final issue into not only a tight wrap-up of her first case, but a love letter to all of those who found strength and a sense of belonging in the pages of comics just like this one. Stories matter to people and even though she may have superpowers and a burgeoning career as a hero, Faith Herbert is still a fan just like we are. Faith #4 is a book for the nerds and a shining example of Valiant Entertainment's continued commitment to character.

Spider-Man may not have been able to give his wedding speech but I can confidently call the nuptials of Ben and Alicia, and Fantastic Four #5, a rousing success. Packed to the rafters with charm, heart, and superhero comedy, not to mention some tremendously fun artwork, the Dan Slott era arguably has its best issue to date with #5. I would RSVP as soon as possible.

Calling to mind more smaller scale runs like Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa's Marvel Knights run, Fantastic Four: 4 Yancy Street #1 is a satisfying side tale for the Thing and his super-family. Blessed with the wit and heart of Gerry Duggan and a wonderful roster of artists, this one-shot holds the standard of the Richards' family and Yancy Street well, giving us a fun window into their new street and HQ. Proving you don't have to head to the starts to have fun 4 Yancy Street #1 is a block party waiting to happen.

All three tales are charming in their own right (through none reach the heights of a drunk Crystal and She-Hulk smashing "puny self-esteem issues"), taking what could have been a rote anthology into a fun entry into the F4's new canon.

Though Matt Trakker, the Micronauts, and the enigmatic Space Knight are absent during the opening, there is still plenty of fun to be had with First Strike #1. When you think of a Hasbro toys crossover comic book, you probably wouldn't think "political action thriller with themes of paranoid isolationism and paternal honor," but here we are.

I have some reservations about the way this opening issue of "Flash: Year One" ends " mainly because I am a little over time travel being a central story element to The Flash. But all told, I am very impressed with The Flash #70, both as a "new origin" and as an example of Joshua Williamson's innate understanding of Barry as a character.

Against all odds Future Quest #2 avoids the sophomore slump and is quickly establishing itself as one of DC Comics' most unlikely of hits. Though the team hasn't taken a solid form just yet, Jeff Parker continues to make full use of the Hanna-Barbera canon while injecting an unexpected pathos amid all the craziness. Along with Parker's epically fun script, Future Quest #2 continues its artistic hot streak with a team that keeps the pages consistent, both in tone and energy, tied together by one of the best colorists working in comics right now. Even if you don't know every little detail about the Herculoids or if Space Ghost Coast to Coast is your own exposure to the phantom of the space-ways, Future Quest #2 still offers a lot to love for both fans and newbies.

So by standing apart from the rest of the line, both on a visual and narrative level, Future State: Swamp Thing #1 makes a compelling case for being one of the best of the first wave. Empowered with a singular look, dark expressionism, and reverently cool take on Alec Holland, Future State: Swamp Thing #1 means business, both as a series opener and an example of this team's prowess with the Green.

I once thought that putting "The Crown Jewel of the Hasbro Universe" on the cover was a cheeky advertisement, but after G.I. Joe #4, this book might just have earned its tagline.

Filled with slick art and plenty of sass, Ghostbusters Annual 2017 is a top-to-bottom blast.

The IDW Ghostbusters books are often overlooked in terms of long-term comic book world building, but fans looking to dive in will find well-made books like this one-shot waiting for them.

Standing as a clear entry point for new and returning fans, Go-Bots #1 could arguably be this week's dark horse pick of the week.

Though armed with plenty of kaiju action Godzilla: Rage Across Time #2 reveals that this series might have more on its mind than just awesome Godzilla action.

With stories ranging from his selflessness in the face of innocents in danger to a story about sexy vampires that is sure to launch the ship to end all ships thanks to John Constantine's shamelessly hitting on Agent 37, Grayson Annual #3 is everything that made the title fun month-after-month, distilled into one fantastically entertaining annual.

Strange, fun, and anchored by the gruffly hilarious dynamic between Hal Jordan and Ollie Queen, The Green Lantern #8 is another odd winner for the series.

Even as it heads into its "season finale," The Green Lantern #10 shows the commitment the title has to being as weird and as big as possible.

Gryffen: Galaxy’s Most Wanted #1Written by Ben ‘Bee’ KahnArt by Bruno Hidalgo and James PenafielLettering by Sal CiprianoPublished by SBI PressReview by Justin Partridge‘Rama Rating: 9 out of 10

Al Ewing heads to the stars in the funny yet cosmically grim Guardians of the Galaxy #1.

Though edged with a dark undercurrent Guardians of the Galaxy #2 is another solid entry for the new Guardians.

A big return marks big things for Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps and suddenly the dream of the 90's is alive in the DCU. Robert Venditti, Ethan Van Sciver, and Jason Wright have taken their slice of the universe and steadily expanded it while never forgetting what makes these characters heroes to start with. And now, the "Torchbearer" has returned, and maybe now, hope won't be far behind.

If you like your pulp with plenty of hooks and just a touch of steaminess, then Breakneck #1 is the book for you. Armed with a real down-to-earth tone and a tense ticking clock gimmick, Duane Swierczynski, Simone Guglielmini, Raffaele Semeraro, Lovern Kindzierski, and Chris Chuckry hold the Hard Case Crime standard high while also delivering a pretty damn entertaining first issue of a comic. It is win-win for crime and comic fans alike.

Though the length of time between these first two issues has been frustrating, I truly think Hellions #2 was worth the wait. Chock full of wonderful, darkly wacky character moments, a rich team dynamic, and story hook that continues to pay out dividends (now made even more richly complex thanks to Pryor's return), Hellions #2 continues to be wholly it's own thing and by doing so, absolutely stands out amid the Dawn of X pack.

Filled to the brim with magical realism and genuine heart, Her Infernal Descent #1 is another gut-punch of a winner for AfterShock.

If films like Crimson Peak or true weird tales of history strike your fancy, then House of Penance #1 is certainly the book for you. Even the staunchest of genre fan will find something to love about this Dark Horse debut because it is so singularly weird that it demands that you take notice of it. Peter J. Tomasi, Ian Bertram, and Dave Stewart fully commit to this dark tale of an American heiress, gripped by grief and use it as a firm base for this creepy tale of woe, bullets, and stairs that go to nowhere. Horror fans, get your pre-orders in now. The House awaits.

Deliberate and grim, House of Penance #3 once again establishes the title's dominance as one of Dark Horse Comics' premier horror stories.

It has kind of become rote at this point, but believe the hype, House of X continues to be the real deal.

While I am sure this is just the beginning of the end for whatever these series have to offer, as we've hit the midpoint of the "two series that are one," House of X #3 is another winner for this new era of X.

Immortal Hulk mucks about and delivers its first stone cold classic issue with #3.

While the title overall seems to be moving away from "one-and-done" stories and into longer sustained arc, Immortal Hulk continues to be a dreadfully entertaining experience.

Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy Jose, and Paul Mounts seem to have a very clear vision for their era of Hulk and, if the multiple printings are any indication, people are clearly responding to it. #16 is just another great example of how grimly entertaining this series continues to be.

Managing to be both a horror book and stunning deconstruction of the Hulk mythos, Immortal Hulk #18 continues to play to the series' strengths.

With a horrifying audacity in its script and doubly horrifying surrealist quality in its artwork, Immortal Hulk #25 delivers yet another monster issue for the lauded series, one that takes an unexpected yet tonally sound track heading into the title's final act.

This continues Immortal Hulk's strong streak of characterization and narrative as it barrels toward its conclusion. Come for the monster fights, but stay for the compelling script in Immortal Hulk #29.

Continuing its commitment to character and plot Immortal Hulk #31 is another winner for the Immortal Era of Hulk.

While it might not have the same drive as the previous issues, Immortal Hulk #32 is just as weird and creepy as you would expect.

But even with this visual misstep, the sequence itself is incredibly harrowing, made even more so by the art team's expansive, hard-hitting layouts and Ewing's pitched dialogue. As the Hulk tries to defend himself, giant tears in his eyes, Gamma Flight takes the fights right to him, pinning Ol' Jade Jaws down and leading Crusher Creel to take on a major power upgrade. To spoil it would be to give away the issue's biggest moment, but trust me when I say, it's much more than just a run-of-the-mill comic fight. With a sharp darkness and eye-grabbing, unsettling artwork, Immortal Hulk #36 returns to its main story with a bang.

Al Ewing and Joe Bennett continue to deliver with Immortal Hulk #39.

Al Ewing's Immortal Hulk run is among Newsarama's best Hulk stories of all time.

Though comparisons to Lemire's Black Hammer will be expected, this new Inferior Five displays a much weirder, much more DC-specific kind of take on these fun Z-listers.

If you haven't read Injection before now, this sixth issue will welcome you with its weird and darkly funny arms wide open.

While the Invaders may be a product of their World War II upbringing, Zdarsky, Magno, and Guice show that the war has followed them with an all-too-eerie modernity.

Though slightly delayed Jade Street Protective Services #2 proves that the delay hasn't lessened the title's fun or charm.

As this first arc barrels toward its conclusion it once again proves itself to be one of Dynamite's consistently entertaining and well put together series, armed with strong characters and consistently beautiful artwork.

While the issues we have left with this arc are growing perilously few, issue ten proves that this creative team has no intention of ending this series with a whimper.

James Bond: Service, to me, is the best possible version of Moore's attempts, providing a Bond for the world we live in now, racist warts and all. Dynamite Entertainment has made great use of the Bond license so far, and Service proves that they have no intention of slowing down quite yet.

James Bond may not have a biological family, but M may be the closest thing to a father he has, and Solstice shows just how far he is willing to go for his surrogate parental figure. Fueled by an energy and respect that only a fan could muster, Ibrahim Moustafa delivers classic Bond thrills for the more character minded audience of a new generation and provides the best of both worlds for both new and old Bond fans.

If you are disappointed or let down by recent teen titles, then look Jem: The Misfits and they will show you the rock-and-roll way.

By keeping a firm handle on its tone and by employing the same kind of wit and inclusiveness that has made "New Riverdale" such a delight thus far, Josie and the Pussycats #1 succeeds on more than a few levels. Marguerite Bennett, Cameron Deordio, Audrey Mok, and Andre Szymanowicz all meld together to deliver a fun and focused female-led title that not only respects its characters and audience, but also takes elements of what came before and uses them to the title's advantage. Though it just started, I predict that Josie and the Pussycats will rock Riverdale for a long time to come.

For my money there will never be another story about Judas and Christ's relationship as good as the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, but Judas #1 comes real damn close.

As a single issue Jughead #6 works, but as the culmination of Zdarsky, Henderson, and colorist Andre Szymanowicz's first (and only) arc in New Riverdale, its a satisfyingly funny and heartfelt conclusion to Jug's first big adventure.

While the departure of the original creative team usually portends a dip in quality, Jughead #9 shows no sign of slumping as it heads into its new arc. Ryan North and Derek Charm adhere to the title's original tone and sense of humor while not playing it safe with their storytelling and developing Jughead past his love of food and aloof nature. Magic is in the air and if Jughead #9 is any indication, North and Charm will have many more spells to cast on readers before their time is up.

While not exactly the all-out magic fest that readers may have been expecting, Jughead #11 is still an emotionally affecting and chuckle inducting finale to Sabrina's long-awaited debut in New Riverdale.

Finding strength in silliness Jughead #12 is another winner for everyone's favorite burger lover.

While not as bombastic as the previous 50 issues, Justice League #51 succeeds with solid artwork, an easy-to-follow plot that firmly connects it to the New 52's early days, and compelling characterizations.

Justice League continues to just flat-out rule as it heads into its second installment.

Steadily building since No Justice, this fourth issue feels like a real climax to the story so far, even though we still have at least two issues left in this opening arc. But even just as a single issue, #4 succeeds thanks to titanic artwork, a clever script, and truly huge stakes for DC's A-listers.

Though I am not sure just how much bigger the Justice/Doom War could get, Justice League #31 continues the title's streak of splashy, mythic storytelling.

Justice League of America #8 is superhero comic books in its purest form and that is fun as all hell to read month after month. If you are looking for impossible feats, larger than life heroes, and end of the world stakes, all wrapped in a gorgeously cinematic package, then Justice Leaue of America is the book for you.

Though I still have a full "season" and a half to catch up on, Oni Press did me and others who missed out a great service with its Square One Marketing push and the $1 edition of the stellar Kaijumax #1.

Though probably the darkest current Marvel title by a long shot, Karnak #5 presents the other side of Karnak's philosophy with engaging results.

Backed by confident and moody artwork, Kill or Be Killed #1 zigs when you expect it to zag in the best way and stands as another strong debut issue from a consistently great creative team.

With razor sharp scripting and moody and beautiful artwork, Kill or Be Killed continues to be a title to watch.

Armed with two leads that are sure to become fan favorites and a firm understanding of the kind of story it wants to tell, Kim & Kim #1 is a fantastic debut from Black Mask Studios.

With its diverse cast, firm understanding of western story tropes and a rich world just waiting to unfold, Kingsway West #1 is an action-packed and engaging opening gambit for Dark Horse's new series. Greg Pak, Mirko Colak, and Wil Quintana not only deliver a great story, but also a world that hasn't even broken the surface of what it has to offer in terms of story potential. It may not take much to deliver a great western, but it takes a whole lot more to deliver an alternate history that feels as rich as this one does. Thankfully, Kingsway West #1 certainly delivers that and more.

Modern pulp stories are a tricky thing. Often times they come across, at best, as empty parody, or at worst, unabashed aping of previous stories. Thankfully the team behind Lobster Johnson: The Glass Mantis are talented enough to sidestep all those pitfalls, while making the story feel and look fresh thanks to an inspired choice of artist. Mike Mignola, John Arcudi, and Toni Fejzula waste no time getting to the meat of the story and then it is done before the audience is allowed time to catch its breath. The Glass Mantis is pulp done right; no frills, no grand set-up, just a cool character, some diamonds and two .45's.

With its eye set on social commentary and armed with a strong connection between its leads, The Lone Ranger/Green Hornet #1 is a debut with both brains and heart. Michael Uslan, Giovanni Timpano and Pete Pantazis deliver an unexpected treat with the debut, one that rises above its marquee team-up to present a comic that is more than just spectacle and vintage adventure storytelling, though it does have its fair share of those as well. The Lone Ranger/Green Hornet #1 gets you in the door with the promise of a team-up for the ages but leaves you mulling over emotional and political themes you couldn't possibly have predicted.

With a tone that straddles the line between classic and modern, Lone Ranger/Green Hornet #2 stands as another well-constructed installment for the heroes of yesteryear.

It's been years since readers have seen Vertigo's Lucifer, but this debut makes it feel like he never left at all. Holly Black not only picks up the baton from the original series, but runs with it, tempering the charm and style of the character with a metaphysical detective story sure to hook readers of all stripe. Black's script coupled with Lee Garbett and Antonio Fabela's stylish pages and colors makes for one hell of a good time that can only get better from here. The Devil may go by many names, but after this week, he will go by another one: the leading man of yet another hit series.

Chock-full of death rays, imposing flying saucers, and actually funny edgy humor, Dynamite’s new Mars Attacks is a real winner for the property and imprint. Kyle Starks, Chris Schweizer, and Liz Trice Schweizer have really found a neat take on the franchise, imbuing it with relatable family drama which gives it stakes and another deep well of comedy to draw from. All that plus the destructive return of some of the meanest, best-designed aliens fandom has to offer, and you have a relaunch that is more than worth your time.

Though certainly not perfect, as it suffers from the dreaded first issue "Mystery Box" that comic books tend to suffer from nowadays, Marvel 2-In-One #1 is ultimately a fun and affecting opening chapter in the greater Fantastic Four saga. In many ways, this book feels like an answer to DC's "Rebirth." It's a trip down memory lane - even if it's a memory that brings happiness and pain in equal measures - but more importantly, it's a way forward. The past can trap us, but it can also set us free - and thanks to the bonds of time and friendship, Marvel 2-In-One is the kind of throwback that could define Marvel's "Legacy."

It may not be the FF, but at least it's a FF as Marvel 2-in-One continues to keep the First Family's light alive.

The Four might be back, but Marvel 2-in-One is still telling great stories with just half of the cast.

Delivering both human drama and rousing old-school superhero action, Sub-Mariner: Marvels Snapshots #1 is a real blast from the past. Unafraid to face the reality and personal cost of the Second World War and written with a boisterously vintage voice, this debut issue melds the earnest charm of the Silver Age with the rich thematics of the Modern Age of comics. We will have to wait to see if the rest of the line can run with this particular baton, but for now, Marvels Snapshots is off to a great start.

Keeping the action intimate and hard-hitting are artists Aco and Hugo Petrus both of whom keep the style and punches coming as they break up pages with tiny inset panels of certain important visuals amid the chaos of Midnighter's newest mission.

The Morphin Grid may be shattering but Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #25 keeps the series from scattering as it heads into its headline-grabbing new event.

Moon Knight has had his fair share of #1's here lately, but this one looks to stand out above the rest thanks to yet another fresh, yet studied, take on the character.

Opening with an emotional flashback from original series artist Adrian Alphona, G. Willow Wilson puts Kamala's guilt about Bruno front and center this week along with her increasing doubts about her squad's predictive justice crusade. This all adds up to an emotional growing experience for the young hero and an interesting, personal feeling rumination on the human cost of big event comics.

Though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar writing a story about a Victorian rouge might sound like a gag, Mycroft Holmes #1 shows that his scripting and sense of humor is anything but a joke.

New Avengers has always been fun, but never has it been this much fun.

Writer Jeff Lemire lightens up Logan's quest to save the future with some great Kate banter, but also casts the best Hawkeye as the one person in the series so far that is asking the right questions about old Logan's temporal hit list.

Though its lately been hampered by the dark clouds of the Civil War, Patsy Walker, AKA Hellcat! #15 gets the title back on the sunny and funny side of life.

Though clearly marketed toward diehard fans of the television show with its teasing glimpses of the story within the story of season one, there is a lot to love about Penny Dreadful #1 for fans and non-fans alike. Krysty Wilson-Cairns and Louie De Martinis use the solid base of the show's established characters and narrative to deliver an adaptation and side story that isn't afraid to stand on its own as a single story, instead of using the show as a crutch to be relied on throughout. And it does so confidentially thanks to the attention from the writers, blood soaked visuals, and an imprint that goes out of its way to deliver unto fans exactly what they love about the show, just in a different medium. While Penny Dreadful became an unlikely hit for Showtime, there is nothing unexpected about the quality of this debut issue from Titan Comics.

Though Penny Dreadful #3 doesn't advance its own plot forward by much, this installment is still a must-read for fans clamoring for a bit more time in its grim world.

I was excited about this new debut issue, but now, I'm just straight-up terrified of Cloonan, Dillon and Martin's Punisher.

Red Sonja has always been a fan favorite but with this new volume, I predict a massive, and well-deserved, surge in the She-Devil's fanbase. Marguerite Bennett, Aneke and Jorge Sutil may be taking a less action-oriented course, but their character-first approach to this first story as well as the knowledge that Sonja's sword doesn't stay sheathed very long makes me think that this new series is going to get very big very quickly. Plus with Bennett's new layered take on Sonja herself, all signs point to Red Sonja continuing Dynamite's sword-and-sandal hot streak in grand fashion.

In a cheekily-placed double-page ad for the series, sandwiched between the wall-to-wall action of the debut issue and the rest of Kaare Kyle Andrews' beautifully satire starring real-life models, the comic asks "How Do You Feel About Anarchy?" After Renato Jones, Season 2: Freelancer #1, I feel pretty $%@$ing good about it, and I think you will do. The world at large right now feels strange and alien, and we need our art to reflect that. Renato Jones aims to do just that, showing that comics can and should be just as dangerous as the world they inhabit.

Rick and Morty is a property that is quickly becoming a sure thing, but as this eleventh issue shows, all the jokes in the world don't amount to much if you don't care about the characters telling them. Pamela Ribon clearly cares about Rick and his dysfunctional family and she wants us to care to, so she delivers a story where they are more than just joke machines, they are people; weird, semi-broken, and wanting people. Aided by the show accurate colors and pencils of Ryan Hill and Marc Ellerby, Rick and Morty #11 is the kind of story that would be right at home on your TV screens and one that you give to any reader on the fence about this property and have them be converted.

Made complete with a violent Christmas themed back up from Marc Ellerby, Rick and Morty #20 is a prime example of how to make the most out of a standalone issue.

By keeping with the show's heart first then jokes approach to storytelling, Rick and Morty: Lil' Poopy Superstar #2 continues to stand as a worthwhile spin-off series.

Though not a particularly earth-shattering finale, Sarah Graley delivers a final and hefty dose of heart and comedy.

With its numerous touchstones to previous series and a moody eldrich mystery at its center, Rise of the Black Flame #1 is a rare example of a worthy prequel.

Filled with sass, crime, and dames that are also otters, Rocket #1 is a silly but deceptively competent return to the life for our favorite gun-toting furball.

Blessed (or perhaps cursed) with huge ideas and an unconventional way of telling the story, S.H.I.E.L.D. #5 is too rare to live, but too weird to die.

If you have been wishing for more Sabrina stories, but less of the "Chilling" sort, then Sabrina the Teenage Witch #1 is the book for you.

Valiant Entertainment and its “Future of Valiant” initiative has been on a roll as of late and with Savage #1 it shows little sign of slowing down. B. Clay Moore, Clayton Henry, Lewis LaRosa, and Brian Reber deliver bloody action and riveting drama in equal measure rendered with an eye for visual flair. Throwing members of the elite into the wild isn’t a new narrative, but Savage #1 looks to reinvigorate the genre with rich thematics and bloody precision.

If you like your Conan stories more horror-inspired, then The Savage Sword of Conan #5 has the pulp you crave.

We may be only getting this title for three issues but Nelson Daniel, Aubrey Sitterson, and Ryan Hill seem to be hellbent on making each of these issues hit as hard and look as good as they can until the bitter end.

While I am not sure it is worth all the controversy surrounding it, I can for sure say that Second Coming #1 is hilarious for sure.

Taking cues from misfit team books like the West Coast Avengers and Valiant's own Generation Zero, this debut issue takes Harada's "disappointments" and puts them on the road to stardom with a charming, heartfelt debut that also just happens to be a blast to read.

Supported by a boatload of sex workers on the production side, Tina Horn and Michael Dowling have put the time and effort into building this world and cast, making SFSX #1 incendiary and fun social science-fiction.

Though its approach to its story is much more direct than expected Shade the Changing Girl #1 keeps Young Animal's 1990s Vertigo approach to comic book going with another strong debut. More than that Cecil Castellucci delivers a very real and respectful female focused debut that cuts to the heart of issues that readers could be dealing with. Couple that humanist approach with Marley Zarcone and Kelly Fitzpatrick dynamic visuals and vibrant colors and you have another high point for the fledgling imprint. Being a teenager is rough no matter what world you live on and as Shade the Changing Girl #1 shows, sometimes you have to embrace the madness in order to find who you really are.

Continuing the title's commitment to stylish visuals and emotional teen centered storytelling Shade, the Changing Girl #2 continues to be a standout entry for DC's newest imprint.

With classic and more than a little heart, Shazam #1 brings Billy and the Shazam Family back to shelves in grand, old-school style. Geoff Johns brings back that grounded, emotional style that made his career in the first place, and teaming up with Dave Eaglesham, Mayo "SEN" Naito, and Mike Atiyeh, this creative team taps back into the magic of the title for a fun and beautiful first issue.

I am happy to report that I was dead wrong in my assumptions and Sherlock: A Study in Pink #1 injects new, wholly unexpected life into one of pop culture's most widely known properties.

Shipwreck might not be the first title readers think of when they think of new Ellis works, but after #5, I have a feeling that that could (and should) change.

This new debut is the best kind of entry point into the series for new readers, yet familiar enough to keep readers who have been around since the first #1 satisfied.

While Donny Cates' profile has been steadily on the rise for the last couple of years, I think it may be reaching a new peak with Silver Surfer: Black. In teaming with Moore and Stewart, two artists well acquainted with weirder runs, Cates seems to have found the best synthesis of his theatrical voice and expansive scope. We still have three more issues to see if I'm fully right, but after Silver Surfer: Black #2, I am pretty confident I am.

Snotgirl #1 delivers everything you want from a Bryan Lee O'Malley book, but also gives you something unexpected to hook you in deep, making it so much more than another story about millennial angst.

Sure, it isn't the classic Gold Key or even one of the many attempts at a reboot, but The Sovereigns #1 plants its flag confidently as the new Gold Key standard.

Melding science fiction action, Mexican culture, and mysticism Space Riders: Galaxy of Brutality #1 stands as yet another wholly singular but wildly entertaining experience. Fabian Rnagel, Jr. and Alexis Ziritt clearly just created a book that they would want to read and it just so happens that that book is really cool, looks tremendous, and is, arguably, one of the most punk rock comics on shelves. Black Mask Studios has built a reputation of being a company in the business of taking chances on books like this and many others. Space Riders: Galaxy of Brutality #1 makes that a chance worth taking.

By expanding the cast's capabilites and pitting them against Buffy the Vampire Slayer-like problems of the week, Spell on Wheels #2 continues to be an arcane and female-focused delight.

Spider-Man #2 is a true testament to how quickly Bendis can keep a story moving along as well yet another example of Sara Pichelli's control of fight scenes, made even more detailed by inks from Gaetano Carlucci and colors by Justin Ponsor.

I will admit a certain annoyance that Peter in this series is always retiring and un-retiring, but Zdarsky's world-building continues to be very impressive and meticulously laid out.

IDW and its Deviations one-shots now stand 2-0 thanks to Star Trek Deviations. Donny Cates, Jason Lewis, and Josh Hood completely tear down the history of Trek and in its place build a stirring, action-packed tribute to the core ideals and aspirations of the Federation as well as what it represents to both the characters and the fans that love it. This one-shot could have coasted on its killer central idea, but instead it became something more, just like franchise from which it takes its name.

By balancing both fun and pathos Star Trek: Waypoint #2 is a great example of the lasting power and emotional scope of this property.

While it doesn't contain the propulsive energy of a ongoing plot, Star Trek: Waypoint #3 still delivers its own brand of compelling Trek storytelling. Backed by a full bench of talent and using the backdrop of two well established pillars of the Trek franchise, this third issue Waypoint continues to stand confidently apart from the rest of the line thanks to the creative freedom it gives its writers and artists.Star Trek: Waypoint #3 again shows what creatives are capable of when they have so much unexplored space around them.

Punchy, fun, and filled with the kind of heart fans expect from Star Trek, Year Five #2 ends the publisher's new title's first arc on a fantastic note.

Rising above the level of usual licenced comics fare, Star Trek: Year Five #8 continues to deliver impressive Star Trek action and storytelling.

Star Wars #13 might contain more than a few laughs, but something tells me that this levity is going to be short-lived come next month.

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny - Rose & Paige may not be for you, but it is certainly for somebody and that is what comics, and Star Wars, really should be about.

Though I expected a breezy tale starring one of Star Wars' comedic lead, what I read was so much more, and so much better, than I ever could have hoped.

Charles Soule is quickly becoming the unsung hero of Marvel's Star Wars line. After handling another dashing leading man in Lando, he returns with a story starring Star Wars' newest space boyfriend, Poe Dameron... and I am happy to report it is fun as all hell.

While the television show has moved on to grander stages like outer space and Gem homeworld prison ships, Steven Universe #1 shows what kind of fun you can get up to while keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground. Melanie Gillman, Katy Farina and Whitney Cogar take the reigns of the beloved property and treat it with the utmost respect while still extrapolating what makes it so loved in the first place and funneling it into a sweetly funny opening story. As far as returns go, the latest return to store shelves for Steven Universe is pretty much the best-case scenario.

New York has been the setting for a myriad of stories across all kinds of mediums but Strange Attractors #1 not only uses the city as its setting, but gives readers a fascinating well-researched look beyond the concrete, injecting into an energy beyond surface level "characterization", given visual life by the work of Greg Scott, Soo Lee, Art Lyon, Matthew Patz, Felipe Sobreiro, and Robert Saywitz. BOOM! Studios have made a bold move with this reprint. In breaking Strange Attractors from its OGN format, it has given it a whole new energy and feeling of suspense as well as introducing a new crop of readers to a largely overlooked work from one of comic's rising stars.

Superman started relatively big, but as you'll see with issue 12, it aims to just keep getting bigger.

I've used the term "old-school" a few times in this review and the more I think about it, the better I feel it describes Swamp Thing #2. Len Wein, Kelley Jones and Michelle Madsen stripped away all the superhero trappings that made the previous title so engaging and have returned the series to a dark and disturbing place. Modern horror comic books often resort to disturbing ultra-violence or nihilistic gags that keep the audience gasping, but not Swamp Thing #2. No, Team Swamp Thing is determined to make your skin crawl without the modern tools of horror. For Wein, Jones, and Madsen, the old school is the best school, and Swamp Thing #2 is their stylishly weird proof.

Genuine dramas are a rare breed in comics, but Teeter Topple goes out of its way to add to the conversation while never sacrificing what makes comics dynamic in the first place. Offering up a work of true vision and heart, Karl Slominski wears his heart on his sleeve as does his book and us, the readers, are all the better for it. While it may not have the bloody angle or crime basis that people might want, Teeter Topple is the kind of brutally honest human story we need more of in comics.

Vault Comics has been in the conversation here recently as the heir apparent to Vertigo Comics. To me, Test might be the best evidence for this argument. Armed with a killer science fiction hook and punk rock energy, Christopher Sebela, Jen Hickman, and Harry Saxon deliver an assured, immensely readable debut, one that establishes a whole world and lead character with confidence.

Though it doesn't quite reach the dizzyingly creepy heights of the main series, Immortal Hulk: The Best Defense #1 is a wonderful side story for one of the best books Marvel has going right now.

These Best Defense lead ups have been hit-or-miss, but Silver Surfer: The Best Defense #1 is a definite win thanks to Jason Latour's stellar artwork and his well-researched take on the Sentinel of the Spaceways.

While the wait for this issue may have gone on a bit too long, this creative team makes sure that this issue feels and reads well worth enduring its absence.

Though The Dregs started strong, it's only gotten stronger, as this creative team delivers another poetic and engaging installment.

While I never would have guessed that out of all the books on shelves The Flintstones would be the most satirical and affecting, I am very glad that it is, proving that even classic cartoon reboots can have something to say.

With its heady ideas and heartfelt approach to storytelling, The Flintstones #5 keeps the title fresh and funny.

The heat may be off Lou Ford for now but The Killer Inside Me #2 shows readers the real monster hiding under his easy smile.

Only time will tell if they can channel the dark cult classic energy of the original series across a whole line of titles, but for now, The Sandman Universe #1 is a gothic delight for dreamers, both old and new.

The plains are weird in the world of Shaolin Cowboy but if this new #1 is any indication, the journey through them will be quite the trip.

Though the Odinson hasn’t been on the scene that much as of late, Unworthy Thor #2 puts him back in the spotlight in large scale and unexpected way. Re-adapting to his voice with ease, Jason Aaron swings for the fences in a big way, both in terms of plot and character and through he’s only two issues into this latest story, he’s already displaying a high batting average even after all the time detailing Jane Foster’s adventures. Along with the pencils ready made for a heavy metal album cover from Olivier Coipel and rich colors by Matthew Wilson Unworthy Thor #2 proves that age old adage that the first time is luck, but the second time is skill.

While I am curious about how the two-part structure of this series will sustain over time, The White Trees #1 is a gorgeous, thematically rich debut issue. One that helmed by a new generation of creatives aiming to breath new life into a tired genre of comic books. We will have to see if they stick the landing, and have further plans for the lands and heroes of Blacksand, but for now The White Trees #1 is a worthy adventure waiting at this week’s comic shelves.

With its dual storylines and focus on the feelings of its characters The X-Files: Origins #3 continues to rise above expectations.

If you have been missing the adventures of the Spectral Knights or if you just want to give these 'Visionary' characters a shot, then Transformers vs. Visionaries #1 is the main event you have been waiting for.

Armed with a sharp script and genuinely unexpected emotions, Transformers: Till All Are One #11 is truly more than meets the eye.

Comic books are a long way from "This A on my head doesn't stand for France!" and The Ultimates2 #100 proves that with cosmically grand style.

AfterShock Comics may not be a household name like other third-party imprints, but if they keep producing titles like Unholy Grail, that kind of notoriety may be coming sooner than we could have imagined.

The Lethal Protector is in top form with this finale, as Venom #6 ends this new volume with vigor and heart-stopping action.

God is still coming, but things aren’t exactly looking up for Eddie in the meantime in Venom #22. But I think that’s the real niche of the Donny Cates era of Venom. There has always been this drive to the stories, along with the layered characterization, and “Venom Island” seems to be continuing that streak in spades. Not only a treat script-wise, but the addition of Mark Bagley to the title gives it a real visual street cred as a major Spider-title. Too bad Knull is going to just destroy it all when he gets to Earth. Until then, fingers crossed we keep getting fun, engaging issues like Venom #22.

Usually when readers see the word "crime" on a cover of a comic book, the image of dingy alleys, rain soaked trenchcoats and flying bullets instantly pops into their heads. However Violent Love #1 offers a much sunnier and much more humanist take on the genre, focusing on the person before the taint of crime and allowing readers to fully understand one of the leads before the dam breaks. Frank J. Barbiere, Victor Santos and Dylan Todd take things slow, but not slow enough to make this debut a durge. While we know where the story ends, they work to make the journey to get there as vibrant and as affecting as possible. Not all stories have happy endings, but Violent Love #1 starts this one off on the right foot.

Armed with clever cinematic tricks and a breakneck pace, Violent Love #2 avoids the sophomore slump with style.

We don't have many issues of The Vision left, but this creative team is making sure that every issue until the title's end hits as hard as possible.

But some occasional slowness cannot sink the heavy metal fun that is War of the Realms #1. Armed with a bombastic script from Jason Aaron and expansive, richly colored artwork from Russell Dauterman and Matthew Wilson, this opening issue swings for the fences and largely clears them. Could it have lost a few pages in the middle? For certain " but even with its occasional pacing hiccups, War of the Realms #1 is one of the rare excellent starts for an event. While it's impossible to tell what this war will bring in future installments " especially given the numerous tie-in books for this event " this debut heralds big fun and even bigger stakes for the mythic side of the Marvel Universe.

Reveling in craziness from the very start, Weird Detective #5 is an ending befitting of Dark Horse Comics' strangest hit series.

While some readers might be turned off by this new meditative and emotional take on Michael Cray, this first issue offers more of the same super-espionage that makes the main title so fun, but with a heaping helping of poetic character work for good measure. You wouldn't think that you would identify emotionally with the loneliness and despair of a guy named "Deathblow," but I will be damned if The Wild Storm: Michael Cray doesn't make you feel something, adding a much-needed warmth to the coldness that is The Wild Storm.

While disconnected somewhat from the main title, Bryan Edward Hill, Dexter Vines, N. Steven Harris, and Dearbhla Kelly take a simple pitch, "WildStorm hitman takes out contracts on DCU heavyweights," and turn it into a diverse, clever, and thrilling side story that keeps injecting genuine character and pathos into the coldness of The Wild Storm. And if this issue's cliffhanger is any indication, Michael Cray has a lot more crazy in store for us before its 12-issue run is concluded.

The Wild Storm may be all about big moments and big ideas, but Michael Cray #4 continues to find strength in the smaller moments along with its killer hook. A hitman with a code isn't exactly groundbreaking when it comes to comics, but The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #4 continues the title's streak of being more than just a sum of its own parts with grace, grit, and a consistent focus.

We are five issues into Michael Cray and just when you think you have it figured out, they do a Shadow Over Innsmouth riff starring Aquaman. Spinning gold out of the unexpected, The Wild Storm: Michael Cray #5 is another dark delight.

Steeped in Hammer horror style and offering an intriguing plot, Witchfinder: City of the Dead #1 is a strong opening for one of Mike Mignola’s enduringly interesting leading men. Along with his consistently wry co-writer Chris Roberson, Mignola presents a fresh take on zombies while also providing readers yet another easy entry point into Grey’s exploits. The pair’s script, bolstered by the classically inspired pencils of Ben Stenbeck and the strongly in tone colors of Michelle Madsen, culminates in an experience tailor made for comic fans of all stripe. If it’s your first Mignola-verse comic or even your hundredth, Witchfinder: City of the Dead #1 is a ghoulishly fun read.

With an almost realistic take on vampire hunting and a staunchly compelling narrative Witchfinder: City of the Dead #4 makes the most of its penultimate offering. Mike Mignola and Chris Roberson keep making the old feel new again with grounded stories about a grounded, almost bored man standing against the monsters for Queen and Country. Adding to the vintage flavor of the series is Ben Stenbeck and Michelle Madsen who render the script with a steady, old school influenced hand and tone appropriate colors that make the most of the universe's established look. Armed with a stiff upper lip and a sharp steak in its hand, Witchfinder: City of the Dead #4 is a robust lead up to the series' end.

Diana may be headed for the man's world, but Wonder Woman #4 makes the most of her final days on Themyscira. With a a focus on character, an organic take on a familiar origin, and backed by smart and striking artwork, Greg Rucka, Nicola Scott, and Romulo Fajardo, Jr. revitalize Diana and her family, side-stepping what could have been a rote recollection. Wonder Woman #4 shows that sometimes, narratively, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

"Labyrinth" may have just started but has quickly proven itself, boasting a focused narrative and confident visuals, as an enthralling new arc for one of Valiant's A-list players.

This WWE WrestleMania 2018 Special is the perfect warm-up for this Sunday's festivities.

In summation, if you are a mark, smark, or even if you have no idea what I just said, there is fun to be had with this year's WrestleMania Special.

While the pace of the issue is faster than a surprise Money in the Bank cash-in and the art styles clash a bit, especially the lovably wacky New Day jaunt through time, WWE: Then. Now. Forever. #1 is a well-produced treat for wrestling fans and non-wrestling fans alike.

So as forces gather on both sides of =[A]='s External Gate, X of Swords: Creation #1 heralds one hell of an incoming epic; the first crossover event of this new era of X-Men. Packed with energy, new lore, new threats, and some shocking turns and returns (just wait for the final page, True Believers), X of Swords: Creation #1 sets the X-Men up beautifully for their first post-Krakoa crossover.

It might be a bit slower pace than the previous issues, but X-Men #6 provides some wonderful detailing and character work to the ongoing Dawn of X.

Though far more focused on heart and less on spectacle, X-Men/Fantastic Four #1 is a wonderful start for Krakoa’s first major crossover with the Marvel mainstream. Thanks to a dynamic art team and a truly rich script from Chip Zdarsky, this crossover stands apart from other, less defined “marquee” crossovers. Armed with genuine emotional stakes and a deep connection to FF and X-Men lore, X-Men/Fantastic Four #1 provides the best of both worlds.

Valiant Entertainment has been really shaking things up here lately and if Matt Kindt, Tomas Giorello, and Diego Rodriguez's X-O Manowar isn't careful, they make end up making the biggest waves of all.

With a dual middle fingers proudly held above its head, Young Terrorists #2 is exactly the kind of pissed-off spectacle we deserve right now.

Though I applaud Valiant's continued insistence on accessibility, that same accessibility proves to be 4001 A.D.'s biggest strength and weakness. Make no mistake however, this debut is bold, stocked with crazy slick visuals, and presents an epic entry point into an universe that is quickly and confidently holding its own against established imprints and household name characters. Minor missteps aside, 4001 A.D. #1 offers an ambitious new title that is tailor made for readers either looking to take a chance on a new imprint or those looking for a respite from the standard tights and fights of a traditional summer crossover event.

While the War Mother doesn't quite earn the obvious comparisons to Imperator Furisosa quite yet, 4001 A.D.: War Mother #1 is a solid debut for Valiant Entertainment's newest heroine.

Armed with a pervasive sense of dread and fantastic artwork, A Walk Through Hell #1 is a best-case scenario when it comes to a horror debut. Though it holds out deploying overt scares and takes its time getting to the real crux of the plot, Ennis' script, coupled with the emotive pencils and colors of Sudzuka and Svorcina, comes across truly bone chilling thanks to its "mundane until it isn't" tone and sudden turns into visceral gun violence.

Though it is only their first proper date A&A: The Adventures of Archer and Armstrong #5 makes me curious to see what the next one will look like and just how painfully cute this pair can get.

If you like your comic books just slightly, or perhaps way off-center, with plenty of humor to boot, then The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong continues to be the comic for you.

Every team in Marvel's history has had to endure some sort of trial by fire and A-Force #3 is this team's first beautiful crucible.

Though a bit more standard issue superhero fare than the opening, Absolute Carnage #2 shows that there is still some fun to be had in this newest symbiote-centric event.

Big, splashy, but also heartfelt Absolute Carnage #3 continues to keep this event on solid legs.

Separated from his other half and welding borrowed weapons, it’s in Absolute Carnage #4 that Eddie Brock learns what it means to be a hero - assuming that lesson doesn’t kill him first, that is. Graced with heart, theatricality, and intensely creepy artwork, this issue positions this goopy event for a thunderous ending. And the best part is, it could go either way. It could be a legendary showdown between Carnage and Venom for the fate of the world, or it could be another densely-packed emotional catharsis for Eddie and his sphere of influence. Either way, this issue is proof that the suit doesn’t make the man - that Eddie Brock is a worthy hero no matter what he’s wearing.

With its emotional hook and high production values Action Comics #977 doesn't shake the planet, but its aim is true when it comes to heartfelt superhero storytelling. Dan Jurgens, Ian Churchill, and Hi-Fi use the momentum from the recent Superman crossover and capitalize on it well, showing that Action is just as equipped for the kind of character-focused storytelling Superman has been enjoying since "Rebirth". Action Comics isn't essential reading just yet, but #977 shows that it has the potential to be.

While it is always entertaining to see Superman flung through time and subjected to Hi-Fi's beautifully colored double-page splashes of fractured time, it is Action Comics #993's down-to-earth moments that make this issue feel truly like a "Superman Family" book.

While I would have loved a bit more time delving into Lois's investigation into her father's capture, Action Comics #994 still brings the old-school thrills and fun that I really want from a Superman title.

While this event tie-in could have used a little bit more information to provide context, the Bendis era of Action Comics seems to be continuing to go strong.

It isn't often a comic gets better after scaling down in stakes, but somehow Action Comics continues to do it, even in the shadow of big events.

Could this book have used more actual aliens? Absolutely. But fear is and can be more than just monsters, and I believe that as it goes on Aliens: Dead Orbit will prove just that.

While it may have not taken long for the team itself to start splinter, the All-New All-Different creative team is still rock-solid and delivering superb Avengers stories.

Though it took a bit to get there, All-New All-Different Avengers #9 shows not just a team, but a family, thanks to a script that genuinely cares about their connection and an art team that keeps them looking consistently great.

By keeping All-New All-Different away from the looming Civil War II, at least for the time being, Mark Waid, Mahmud Asrar, and Dave McCaig are allowed to focus purely on character, striking a nice balance between team heroics and intimate emotional arcs. Armed with colors that pop off the page, funny in-character banter that allows the team to come across as genuinely caring for one another, and finally a nice bit of trippy transitioning to send us into this month's cliffhanger, All-New All-Different Avengers #10 is an example of what can come of putting strong themes and resonating personal arcs first.

The superhero world and the political landscape of the Marvel universe collide to great effect in All-New Inhumans #1.

Amazing Spider-Man got off to a rocky start with its first arc, but issue #10 shows a writer who has gained a real purchase with the character, backed by artists who get the title's visual tone well.

Though slightly hampered by some flat jokes, Dark Horse Comics has produced something specially singular with Angel Catbird. Margaret Atwood, delving into a new medium with almost reckless abandon, delivers something roughly beautiful, marked with her trademark world building and too-crazy-not-to-love characters. Artists Johnnie Christmas and Tamra Bonvillain make Atwood's words fly with plenty of slick action and eye-popping colors. While the overall story still stands incomplete, Angel Catbird, Vol. 2: To Castle Catula is a worthy return to shelves for the team and their furry companions.

While the ending is a touch anticlimactic, baldly setting up the finale Omega issue, Rosenberg and artists Ibraim Roberson and Carlos Lopez deliver a fast-paced and darkly funny cosmic adventure, one that provides another angle on the looming Annihilation Scourge.

By mixing family drama and high stakes action, Annihilation Scourge: Fantastic Four #1 cuts to the heart of why the Fantastic Four have endured.

Armed with a tight script and flowing, well rendered visuals Assassin's Creed: Uprising #1 is another formidable debut for Titan Comics and its evolving Assassin's Creed line. Alex Paknadel, Dan Watters, Jose Holder and Marco Lesko leap into the unknown of this new title and despite working without a net this creative team provides a nice balance of new ideas and established continuity culminating in an all around satisfying first volley for this new ongoing series.

Avengers #672 is what happens when superheroes stop being polite and start getting real. Fingers crossed they can put aside their differences and have a day unlike any other once again by standing together and facing down whatever else Mark Waid and company plan to throw at them next.

The Avengers and Champions may only have 58 minutes to save the world, but Avengers #674 shows that they only need 21 pages to make you feel.

Big, strange, and all kinds of fun Avengers #22 starts this new arc on a strange but engaging foot.

They say big things have small beginnings, and Avengers Standoff: Welcome to Pleasant Hill #1 is proof of that. As Marvel primes for the summer event season, Nick Spencer, Mark Bagley, Scott Hanna and Paul Mounts quietly light the fuse with a weird, Orwellian tale set in a world populated with gods and madmen. This debut issue revels in the unexpected and in a market dominated by sprawling action sequences and a hesitation to color outside the lines in terms of plot, it is a long overdue shift. Welcome to Pleasant Hill, gentle readers, and may you never, ever leave.

Zine culture and production is a lost art, but Red Stylo Press and a full roster of talented creators aim to change that with a properly weird tribute to the woman behind "Hollywood sadcore."

While the marquee heroes don't make the scene together in this debut Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 Ch. 1 still shows a lot of promise for fans of both classics. Writers Jeff Parker and Marc Andreyko are having a blast with the retro setting and classic characters while trying to make the most of their limited page count. Helping the pair along is an art team that revels in the optimistic tone and rich colors, delivering another snazzy entry into DC's digital comic canon. Though absent on shelves for the time being, Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 Chapter 1 is still a debut worth seeking out digitally.

Though the understudy has had his time and the real star of the show has once again graced the stage, Batman #50 is one hell of curtain call for Jim Gordon. While the exploits of Bruce Wayne are mainly wish fulfillment, Scott Snyder, in putting Gordon in the suit even for a little while, gave us a Batman that could be us and in doing so, reminded us why Batman matters. Gordon himself even comes to realization as he faces down the horror of Bloom; "He's the superhero who sees in us the heroes that we can be." Superheavy may be remembered for its fantastic artwork or its terrifying new villain, but for me, it will always be the story that showed that anyone could be Batman, and that is worth its weight in Batmantium.

With focused artwork and scripting throughout, Batman #2 finally puts the flagship Bat-title on solid ground. Tom King and his art team have caught their second window, and finally have a compelling Batman as well as a looming threat, giving the title a palpable dread along with their solid characterizations.

Big and new reader friendly, Batman #7 kicks off the “Night of the Monster Men” with a confident start. Tom King and Steve Orlando, two men who have made their homes in Gotham as of late, play their opening gambit smartly by focusing on character and emotion first and building out the action from there. Orlando and King also effectively use artist Riley Rossmo in order to get the most of his style and deliver a satisfyingly different visual style for this crossover. Strange days are ahead for the Bat-family, and Batman #7 gives us a front-row seat to the unfolding madness.

While a considerably low-key penultimate issue, Batman #22 provides a nice emotional context to this crossover tempered with stylishly restrained superhero action. Tom King and Joshua Williamson have taken what could have been a rote crossover and taken it so many unexpected directions, I am pleasantly in the dark about exactly what the hell this thing will read like once it hits the finale.

Tom King’s Batman has taken some strange turns, but #27 may be the strangest one yet. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing! With heavy pathos and a willingness to break out of the mold of everyday, run-of-the-mill superhero storytelling Batman #27 pulls a Smiths, showing that this joke isn’t funny anymore because it hits too close to home and too close to the bone.

And so the war looks to end like it began, with three men, alone in a room, and no way the whole mess doesn't end in bloodshed. Though certainly a downgrade in weirdness and ambition, Batman #31 is still a rousing read. That may not be good enough for some, but I have faith this story's last chapter will still fly.

Though it will never be accused of having the most substantial plot, Batman #44 stands as a loving, well-constructed tribute to the Cat, her history, and her mercurial nature - and the outfits aren't bad, either.

Supported by the unique position allowed as an arc's end and noteworthy issue number, James Tynion IV and company deliver a rousing, well-constructed tribute to the power and timeless nature of solid Batman comics. All while shaking things up for the issues to come and commenting on the ever-evolving 'theory of Batman'. Not too shabby for 100 issues if you ask me.

It all culminates in yet another resoundingly solid issue of Batman. Though a touch expository in parts, Batman #102 finds James Tynion IV still committing to his 'new' era of the main title, injecting new characters, new perspectives, and new street-level avenues of narrative that were absent in the more baroque and conceptual Tom King Era. Let's just hope Bruce Wayne and his allies survive long enough to enjoy it.Keep up to speed with the Dark Knight with our always-updated list of new Batman comic books, graphic novels, and collections.

Though audiences have had their fill of the versus aspect of Batman and Superman's relationship, Batman/Superman #31 shows that they are at the strongest when they work together.

Armed with drive and sterling characterization Batman the Outsiders #2 deftly avoids the sophomore slump.

Though we still don't know who is actually digging The Batman's Grave just yet, #6 confidently shows we will have visceral fun continuing to try and find out.