This issue, written by Chip Zdarsky w/ art by Jorge Jiménez, was pretty middle-of-the-road issue that neither wowed nor disappointed. Part 3 of the Dark Prisons arc dove deeper into Failsafe’s long-term plans & sets up his interactions w/ Amanda Waller, which will play a bigger role in Mark Waid’s Absolute Power event. We also see a much more positive Bruce, who gets a surprise visit from Tim Drake. While Zdarsky’s script is engaging & moves things along, it lacks a punch to elevate this arc.

Jiménez’s artwork is, as always, a highlight. His dark & moody style perfectly captures the tone of the Batman universe, & his action sequences are fluid & dynamic. Tomeu Morey’s colors & Clayton Cowles’ lettering complement his art, creating a visually appealing package.

Overall, this issue’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, plot development, & character moments. However, it all feels somewhat predictable. I’m actually more intrigued with Failsafe’s arc than I am Bruce’s, & I can’t tell if I’m meant to feel that way or it’s just that Bruce’s story is milquetoast. more

The issue feels like a rushed & messy conclusion to a phase that seemed to forget its main cast along the way.

The biggest issue for me is Duggan’s treatment of the main X-Men lineup. Laura, Sync, Firestar, & to a lesser extent Shadowkat, have been so underutilized outside random missions. It’s as if the creative team realized they had forgotten about the actual X-Men team needing to be involved in the main plot & hastily shoved them into a new side quests to wrap up their stories before X-MEN #35 closes the book on this run.

There were also a few head-scratching editing mishaps that made this all feel like it was an afterthought. One example is how we see Synch using Polaris’ powers to fight MODOK & then on the next page Laura tells him to load Polaris’ power up WHILE HES GLOWING GREEN ALREADY. 🥴

The only redeeming aspect of this issue is the continued addition of Ms. Marvel. Her character has been a highlight of this phase, and her mutant journey is genuinely compelling. Her ascension to one of the most interesting X-Men is a welcome addition to the team, & I can’t wait to see more of her growth in From the Ashes.
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I'll admit that I'm a bit biased when it comes to the Barbaric universe. Michael Moreci's creation has been one of my favorite projects since it debuted in 2021, and I've loved every entry so far. But trust me when I say that this week’s Barbaric: Born in Blood #1 is another absolute banger! The duo of Owen & Axe have basically become comfort characters for me at this point. Their relationship is pure comedy gold, and I can't get enough of seeing these two together.

The issue’s cold open "recap" was a hilarious way to bring readers up to speed on where the story left off and the awesomeness doesn't end there. Moreci continues to perfectly balance his satirical writing w/ classic elements of the sword & sorcery genre. Axe is as blood-thirsty as ever (he may actually need help), Owen is his miserable, disgruntled, yet heart-of-gold self, Soren's one-liners are hilarious, & Steel rounds out the core four-some with outlandish buffoonery. But it's not all jokes. Moreci also lays the groundwork for an intriguing plot w/ a new side-quest that will seemingly bring Owen face-to-face with his Barbarian past.

As expected, Nathan Gooden's art continues to be a bloody good time (sorry, had to go there!) & his approach has truly become a calling card of the Barbaric universe. His illustrations bring the world to life and Fabiana Marques’ colors make them pop in all their blood-spattering beauty.

Overall, I'm so happy to have more Barbaric in my life & I'm totally along for the ride! At this point just pump any new Barbaric story into my veins & call it a day. more

Brian Azzarello & Eduardo Risso, the team behind the award-winning 100 BULLETS, are back w/ a vengeance in this new DSTLRY series, spinning out of the team’s short story Deleted Scene #2 from The Devil’s Cut last year.

On the first page, we’re told that this debut issue was going to be a backstory. Azzarello's script wastes no time crafting a despicable antagonist in Carter, whose heinous actions will leave you seething with rage. Carter & his gang of outlaws’ utter disregard for human life, Grade-A misogyny, and horrific cruelty to animals makes them instantly hateable to an almost over-the-top degree. Carter’s reprehensible actions drive the plot, setting the stage for a thrilling series of revenge as the Blood Brothers will ultimately set out to try & save their mother, Anna, who has been kidnapped by Carter. It turns out Anna is Carter’s ex, who had the “audacity” to marry a different man while he was doing time in a Mexican prison. Toxic masculinity much?

Risso's artwork is a stunning complement to Azzarello's script, perfectly capturing the Western theme with gorgeous watercolors on every page. While some character designs were slightly indistinguishable at times, it never detracted from the immersive atmosphere and environment Risso is creating. The visuals are a perfect blend of gritty designs & pops of color, drawing you in and refusing to let go.

Overall, The Blood Brothers Mother #1 is a gripping and intense start that isn’t for the feint of heart. Even though my blood was boiling with each new action Carter took, I couldn’t put this story down. My only complaint is that there isn’t a ton of focus on the Blood Brothers themselves, so it will be interesting to see how much character development Azzarello puts into the next issue while still moving the plot along. more

This issue is comprised of 3 mini-stories meant to provide insights on how the current Brainiac storyline is playing out across parts of the DC Universe we haven’t seen yet.

Superman scribe Joshua Williamson helms the 1st & 3rd stories & writes them as if they’re part of Brainiac’s mission log. The 1st story provides background on the villain’s past conquests on Krypton & Czarnia, giving readers some more explanation of why Lobo is involved. The 3rd story sheds more light on how Amanda Waller fits into Brainiac’s plans. It was easily my least favorite of the 3. Neither of these stories was groundbreaking or felt like they’ll have major payoffs later on, acting more as fillers for some event-specific world building.

Mark Russell joins the fray for the middle story & focuses on Perry White’s struggling mayoral campaign. This one gets an outsized amount of pages compared to Williamson’s, and it’s a not-so-subtle metaphor for the US’s current state of political discourse, using the anti-Supers fever spreading through Metropolis as a stand-in for the rise in hatred against almost any minority group over the past few years. This isn’t anything new for comics, though Russell executes it well here.

Even though the 3 stories weren’t home runs, the art teams nailed the visuals throughout the entire book. Artists Edwin Galmon, Steve Pugh, & Fico Ossio, & colorists Jordie Bellaire & Rex Lokus bring a level of life to all three stories that the scripts alone couldn’t achieve & deserve a lot of credit for making this book worthwhile.

Overall, this was a fine, if unspectacular addition to the House of Brainiac arc. The main story has been great enough so far that I’m not mad that this was a short distraction, but I can defnitely say I’m ready to get back into the main plot. more

As a kid of the 90’s, my first (& only) exposure to Space Ghost was through the Cartoon Network series Space Ghost: Coast to Coast. My parents told me that it was a far cry from the Space Ghost they grew up with, but I was never introduced further to the character they remembered. So I was super excited to see the character getting a new series from Dynamite which would pay homage to the classic Hannah-Barbera version of Space Ghost I had heard so much about. I was also pumped to hear David Pepose was attached to it, as I loved his recent Punisher miniseries at Marvel.

This first issue exceeded my expectations in every way possible, packing it’s 20+ pages with action, intrigue, suspense, & heart. Pepose's was a perfect choice for this story as his writing is so accessible to readers like me, who may not be familiar with this version of Space Ghost. Some of my favorite parts of the book were his dialogue for Jan & Jace, the adolescent siblings I wasn’t expected to love as much as I Pepose made me.

The art by Jonathan Lau & colors by Andrew Dalhouse perfectly capture the space epic tone, offering just enough elements to give the book a touch of nostalgia without making you feel like you're picking up a 50-year old comic book. I loved the details for character designs & facial expressions, particularly the adorable Blip, and the action sequences leap off the pages. Taylor Esposito's top-notch lettering adds depth & polish to the visuals for a complete package.

Space Ghost #1 is a thrilling revival for a classic character, offering a fresh start while honoring the original spirit. I finally feel like I understand what my parents were talking about all those years ago & I can’t wait to share this with them. more

The iconic detective is back! I distinctly remember watching the 90s movie & the bright yellow coat when I was a kid but was never really exposed to the character further, so I was pumped to hear Alex Segura & Michael Moreci working on this new project. The writing duo presents a classic origin story while retaining the essence that I’m sure longtime fans will love & new fans, like me, will immediately be drawn into.

This fresh take offered something for everyone. I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the gritty, noir-inspired narrative & visuals. I fell down a Wikipedia rabbit hole & was shocked how many references to the OG comics made it into just this first issue. The creative team has struck a perfect balance, crafting a story that’s both nostalgic & accessible.

Geraldo Borges’ artwork is a standout, bringing the dark streets to life w/ a level of detail that’s both haunting & beautiful. Mark Englert’s colors perfectly complement the illustrations, adding depth & atmosphere to every panel. The opening diner sequence immediately set the stakes for the book’s visual identity.

Segura & Moreci’s script is suspenseful & engaging. As a huge Sam Spade & Philip Marlowe fan, Dick Tracy #1 was everything I could have hoped for in a detective story! more

**Joint review w/ Rise of the Powers of X #4**

These two titles had so much overlap this week, it was impossible for me to write individual reviews. Both titles continue to suffer from an overload of dialogue & exposition, as Kieron Gillen tries to keep readers from getting lost in the (unnecessary) complexity of where this story has veered.

Split across these two titles, each story is fragmented & incomplete on its own. Furthermore, the handling of Xavier’s character has been frustrating & yet Gullen seemingly does a bait and switch here. If you only read Rise, you’d continue to think he’s a complete monster. You NEED to read Forever in order to realize to understand the rationalization for his horrific decisions. And at this point, is Exodus’s plan, which will basically kill the majority of mutants in the White Hot Room, any worse? Yet nobody seems to question the philosophical grey area there.

The only redeeming quality of these issues is the artwork by R.B. Silva in Rise & Luca Maresca in Forever. These were at least great issues to look at, but that’s about it. more

**Joint review w/ Rise of the Powers of X #4**

These two titles had so much overlap this week, it was impossible for me to write individual reviews. Both titles continue to suffer from an overload of dialogue & exposition, as Kieron Gillen tries to keep readers from getting lost in the (unnecessary) complexity of where this story has veered.

Split across these two titles, each story is fragmented & incomplete on its own. Furthermore, the handling of Xavier’s character has been frustrating & yet Gullen seemingly does a bait and switch here. If you only read Rise, you’d continue to think he’s a complete monster. You NEED to read Forever in order to realize to understand the rationalization for his horrific decisions. And at this point, is Exodus’s plan, which will basically kill the majority of mutants in the White Hot Room, any worse? Yet nobody seems to question the philosophical grey area there.

The only redeeming quality of these issues is the artwork by R.B. Silva in Rise & Luca Maresca in Forever. These were at least great issues to look at, but that’s about it. more

I adored the debut of Man’s Best from Pornsak Pichetshote and Jesse Lonergan, so I was amped for this next issue. Man’s Best #2 ramps up the action BIG TIME, plunging our beloved trio - Athos, Porthos, & Lovey - into even more perilous situations as they journey across an alien world looking for their humans.

The concept of Homeward Bound in space continues to captivate me, and Pichetshote & Lonergan leans into this big time, delivering another exhilarating experience. However, I have a minor criticism: the characters’ personalities feel somewhat stagnant from the first issue. Their communication issues and inability to work together feel like a repeat without any new layers added. While the scale of their situation is greater now, I hope to see more complexity and/or growth in future issues to give these adorable pets some added depth.

On the other hand, Lonergan’s art is a standout yet again. The action sequences are heart-pumping. I found myself genuinely worried for our main characters during several intense panels (poor Lovey). Lonergan’s style might not appeal to everyone, but it resonates with me & really enhances the overall experience. The scene where our trio escapes Klangers by navigating a tight corridor was insanely drawn!

Overall, Man’s Best #2 is an action-packed adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While I’m eager to see more character development, the creative team’s vision & execution have me hooked! more

In the latest installment of Ram V’s Gotham Nocturne opera, Detective Comics #1084 sets the tone for a thrilling new act: Crescendo. With Javier Fernández’s captivating art, Dave McCaig’s evocative colors, and Ariana Maher’s meticulous lettering, this issue is a home run in storytelling.

The writing is exceptionally strong, weaving a narrative that’s both personal & profound. V’s script balances darkness & hope, mirroring Batman’s journey from his lowest points in the previous Acts to his triumphant return to Gotham here. The art feels distinct from previous Acts as well, w/ a much brighter color palette that effectively conveys the shift in Batman’s mental state. Fernández’s illustrations are detailed & maintain a grittiness that keeps a sense of consistency, while McCaig’s colors bring a sense of depth & emotion to each panel.

The backup story featuring Cassandra Cain is a great addition, offering a new character’s perspective on the Orgham’s version of Gotham. The nod to Bruce’s flashback earlier in the issue was clever & tied the two stories together nicely. As a fan of Cassie, I’m excited to hopefully see her play a bigger role in these final issues.

Overall, Detective Comics #1084 is a really strong issue that sets the stage for a gripping & emotional ride. V has a very strong grasp on what makes Bruce Bruce & I can’t wait for what he has planned for the Dark Knight now that he has renewed confidence and a sense of self. more

Spectregraph #1, previously teased in DSTLRY's THE DEVIL'S CUT last year, presents an intriguing concept that feels reminiscent of Tynion's past sci-fi horror stories, a mix of Department of Truth, W0RLDTR33, Nice House at the End of the Lake, & SIKTC. While it didn't immediately capture my attention as some of these other works of his, this first issue hints at a rich narrative with much to be uncovered.

Part of the reason I couldn't get into this fully is that I wasn't immediately invested in the characters introduced. Janie, the main character, makes some VERY questionable choices that physically made me angry and, while it may be my privilege showing, are choices I don't think anyone would make. Val, the other prominent character, walked a tightrope of being captivating & a caricature.

From a visual perspective, Ward's signature art style shines through with vibrant, bold colors that bring the pages to life. The opening sequence is particularly striking, with bright orange flames that seem to leap off the page. However, outside of a few key scenes, Ward's talents aren't fully utilized. It was a far cry from his recent work in Batman: City of Madness where every page felt like it was stretching his skills to the max.

Bidikar is one of the industry's best letterers & does a great job here, though one speech bubble in my ARC appeared to be attributed to the wrong character. Hopefully that got fixed in a final edit.

Overall, SPECTREGRAPH #1 is a solid, if unspectacular start to what has the making of a thrilling & unsettling ride if we can get a bit more from the creative team. more

Just caught up to the Final Krakoan X-Men story. Maybe because I'm a stupid idiot, but the pacing is all over the place and this made no sense whatsoever. the dialogue and pacing does not work for me here, and the characters arent interesting.

Cody Ziglar delivers an epic showdown between Miles & Rabble that will leave you breathless. Ziglar’s script creates extremely high stakes for Miles & his team, elevating the tension to heart-pounding levels you’d expect from a summer blockbuster. The action unfolds panel by panel, perfectly captured by Federico Vicente’s dynamic art, Bryan Valenza’s vibrant colors, & Cory Petit’s meticulous lettering.

Valenza’s color palette is a standout, particularly when black & white is used after Miles is “blinded” by a solar flare for a few pages, creating a haunting & intense sequence of events that had me hooked. The art team’s synergy is on full display, as each page turn reveals a more visually stunning action sequences.

But what truly sets this issue apart is its emotional resonance. The fallout is both poignant & impactful, feeling like a long-awaited payoff. Ziglar reminds us how Miles leads w/ his heart & why he’s earned a place as a fan-favorite amongst Marvel heroes.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #19 is a must-read, showcasing the best of comic book storytelling & character spotlighting. With its pulse-pounding action, stunning visuals, & emotional depth, this issue is emblematic of why this series is one of the best Spider-Man titles currently on shelves. more

Thank god this is over.

Bryan Hill is creating something truly special w/ this series and issue #3 is no different. I am completely enthralled w/ Hill’s character-driven focus, as he’s takes his time building a rich & immersive world for T’Challa, even if it means sacrificing action & long-term plot development in the short term. We’ve yet to revisit some of the plot threads introduced in the first issue, but I��ve hardly felt unfulfilled because of all the amazing character work we’re getting instead.

Hill’s development of Killmonger here is particularly noteworthy, as he adds subtle twists Erik’s worldviews & motivations without betraying the spirit of Killmonger of Earth-616. We also get to see more development from Shuri & Okoye as they literally go toe-to-toe in a tense power struggle while T’Challa is MIA from Wakanda. There are A LOT of seeds being planted for Shuri & these small bites are paced perfectly to keep you hooked.

But Hill’s writing is only half the equation — Stefano Casseli’s art is simply breathtaking. The environments are stunning & the character designs are regal. The new looks for Killmonger & Storm look gorgeous. It’s a really awesome homage to their African roots without leaning in too far where it edges on patronizing. David Curiel’s colors & Cory Petit’s lettering are the cherry on the sundae to make this an all-around visual treat.

What’s most impressive about Black Panther #3 is its willingness to take its time, to let the characters breathe & grow. Hill is playing the long game, and I’m more than happy to be along for the ride. If this means quieter moments now, I’ll wait for the flashier, more action-packed ones which are sure to come in the future. more

This was a sidesplitting, clever, & refreshingly self-aware commentary on the comics industry, capitalism, & pop culture all in one. It’s also literally a meta-comic, as it’s the same one Minotaur handed to Thor last issue to promote Roxxon’s corporate synergy, so it’s a comic-within-a-comic. Al Ewing strikes a perfect balance between overt commentary & nuanced subtleties, making this a multi-layered treat for anyone wanting to examine the current state of comic books, their titular superheroes, & the corporate overlords who own them.

Ewing’s script is a lesson in satire, tackling the commercialization of heroes & the influence of corporate interests w/ both humor & poignancy. The issue is expertly constructed, from the hilarious faux-editor notes to the fake Roxxon ads that add to the issue’s corporate veneer. Even Greg Land’s art, which may not typically be my cup of tea, is perfectly suited to the script, oozing the very essence of corporate superficiality.

It’s impressive that Marvel allowed the creative team to push the envelope as far as they did, or if they’re just Roxxon in disguise. Either way, Roxxon Presents: Thor #1 is a blast, offering hilarious commentary & proves yet again that Ewing is one of the best writers working today.
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The latest installment of Fall of the House of X had all the makings of a thrilling pentultimate issue, but unfortunately it prioritized quantity over quality. The issue felt like a rushed sprint from one set piece to the next, leaving key moments underdeveloped and lacking the emotional resonance they deserved.

One of the big missteps was the handling of Apocalypse's story. To save a dying Krakoa, he begins a new version of the Crucible, which had the potential to be a powerful and poignant moment acting as an homage to the early days of this era. Instead, it was weighed down with too much dialogue and underwhelming art. Similarly, the utterly consequential deal between Xavier & Nimrod was relegated to a data page. A total cop-out & disservice to the severity that one conversation will have on years of storytelling.

As touched upon briefly, the issue fell short in the art department for me. It failed to bring the action panels to life, leaving them feeling static & removed from the intensity of what the script was trying to imply. At worst, we didn't even get to see the full scope of certain scenes which were either handled via the aforementioned data page, or off-page. If this were a movie or tv show, I'd be saying they had to be mindful of budget but I'm not sure why they made the decision to limit the visuals in a comic book.

Overall, Fall of the House of X #4 was a let down for me. With better attention to pacing & a focus on quality over quantity, this could have been an emotionally powerful chapter in the final days of Krakoa. Instead, it feels like Xavier is getting the Daenerys Targaryen treatment. You can understand how they'd become an ultimate villain, but the writing fails to justify their turns & instead speeds to a finale. more

The latest installment of the House of Brainiac event in Superman #13 is a thrilling ride that lives up to its predecessor. Joshua Williamson & Rafa Sandoval deliver an issue that’s packed with action, emotional depth, & a couple plot twists that will keep you reading on.

The story picks up where we left off, with Superman’s allies captured by Brainiac & our hero teaming up w/ Lobo to take him down. The pace feels faster & more intense & Williamson starts to tease Brainiac’s sinister plans while revealing a few new wrinkles. Meanwhile, Superman’s rage is pushed to new limits, and we even see Lobo’s vulnerable side. I’m not the biggest Lobo fan around, but I can tolerate how Williamson is using him here so far. The one character who I didn’t exactly know how to feel about is Lex. I’m worried we’re falling into a redundant cycle of “is he really good?” & it’s verging on being annoying. At some point we need to move past this & establish a more firm new normal w/ him.

The action sequences are expertly choreographed, with Sandoval’s detailed linework & Alejandro Sanchez’s vibrant colors bringing the action to life in stunning fashion. They also capture the sci-fi feel of Brainiac’s galactic lair in a wonderfully creepy, foreboding way. Superman & Lobo’s space motorcycle ride may be the ultimate highlight, showcasing the creativity & imagination that makes this series stand out. more

Tom King masterfully weaves a subversive and thought-provoking narrative that delves deep into the psyches of Diana and The Sovereign. King’s character work is nothing short of impressive, as he expertly explores the intricacies of Diana’s willpower and The Sovereign’s twisted ideology.

One of the standout aspects of this issue is King’s bold & unflinching examination of religion as a tool of oppression throughout history, particularly against women. This commentary adds depth & substance to the story, making it a purposefully uncomfortable read.

Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey delivered truly stunning art. The alternate reality sequences, where Diana is trapped in a never-ending cycle of domestic torture, are as visually attractive as they are painful to watch. The attention to detail & the mastery of color & composition make these scenes a true visual spectacle.

Breaking up the seriousness is a delightful scene featuring Donna, Yara, & Wonder Girl playfully tormenting Sergeant Steele. This brief interlude serves could be seen as a throwaway, but I saw it as a reminder that Diana still has allies out in the world.

The usual backup story, featuring Lizzie, Damian, & Jon, is another highlight of the issue. King’s script is full of humor & heart, & Belén Ortega’s art & Alejandro Sánchez’s colors bring the story to life perfectly. Lizzie’s adventure in Samurai Japan is an absolute hoot.

Wonder Woman #8 is a triumph in character-driven storytelling, thought-provoking themes, & stunning artwork. Tom King and the entire creative team have outdone themselves, and this is only the first act of a new arc! more

We’re deep in the heart of the Sabretooth War, & this week’s issue doesn’t slow down on the action. Laura unleashes her inner berserker to escape captivity, the remaining Exiles make a dramatic entrance to save a battered Logan, & a distraught Quentin continues to struggle under the manipulative grip of Sabretooth.

The issue shines brightest w/ Laura. We see her feral rage on full display as she claws her way through Sabreteeth. Artist Geoff Shaw doesn’t hold back on the brutality, and Laura’s escape, culminating in a showdown w/ Savage Sabretooth, is a gory highlight of the issue.

Quentin’s internal conflict is palpable as he wrestles w/ his own conscience & Sabretooth’s malicious influence. His convo w/ Phoebe was so sad to read as his helplessness was on full display. This is an entirely new feeling for Quentin who has never been one to let his insecurities show.

While the action & emotion is there, this issue feels a bit like a lull in the storm. The Exile’s growing role in the story is probably my least favorite development of this arc so far so their heavy involvement here weighed down my enjoyment of the book. However, the stage is definitely being set for an explosive final three issues. So, while this might not have been my favorite issue, it feels like setup for an epic conclusion. more

Steve Foxe delivers another heaping helping of low-stakes fun, exactly what this mini should be. This issue could have easily been ripped straight from the show’s storyboards.

Foxe nails the characters perfectly. Every hero & villain drips with the perfect amount of camp, delivering dialogue that sounds like it was lifted straight from the show’s iconic voice actors. In fact, this might be some of Foxe’s best X-Men work in recent memory, easily surpassing Dead X-Men & Dark X-Men.

The art by Salva Espín & colors by Matt Milla are the perfect complements to the script. The visuals are vibrant & energetic, bouncing off the page w/ a look that perfectly captures the animated series’ aesthetic.

Sure, the stakes might not be world-ending, but that’s the beauty of this miniseries. It’s a return to a simpler time in X-Men lore, where the focus was on team camaraderie, wacky adventures, & the occasional existential threat thrown in for good measure. more

This issue was definitely a mixed bag for me. Peter’s date with Shay did nothing for me & I found the Betty storyline quite boring. Don’t get me wrong, a breather issue with some Peter Parker slice-of-life can be enjoyable, but in this case, it felt like it came at the expense of more pressing matters.

We’ve barely seen much of Ben Reilly’s return, a development that should have been a major focus given where this new arc is headed. Hallow’s Eve hasn’t really resonated w/ me, nor does she feel like a serious threat, so the relationship between these two doesn’t offer quite the stakes that it’s trying to convey.

Adding to the issue’s questionable plot construction is the Goblin Queen’s reveal. Her presence hasn’t been consistent throughout the run due to the Gang War arc, so her sudden reappearance feels shoehorned in to elevate the threat. There’s no real tension as a result, because her return hasn’t been built up.

Thankfully, Todd Nauck’s art is a saving grace. His dynamic layouts and detailed characters bring the story to life, even when the narrative falters. The few action sequences, when they appear, are a joy to read thanks to Nauck’s energetic style. more

Following up on the jaw-dropping first issue by Peach Momoko, Ultimate X-Men #2 delivers another dose of creepy horror with Momoko's signature artistic brilliance. The unsettling environment and twisted vibes are still there, holding your attention with each panel. Momoko's art remains absolutely sublime in this extended setting.

However, there's a change in pace from the first issue, with Mei's introduction feeling a little rushed. Mei seems to have an interest in & understand Hiroki's mutant struggles. While their team-up against the shadowy menace is intriguing, the development of their connection feels unearned. We get little explanation for how Mei knew about Hiroki, why she's so readily on board to follow her into a spooky abandoned building, or how/why they both ended up at the same school in the first place. Momoko seems to be implying that there's more than meets the eye here, so hopefully these unanswered questions get resolved in the long run.

Despite these pacing issues Ultimate X-Men #2 is still a decent follow-up issue. The core concept remains fascinating, and I'm enthralled with the world Momoko is building. Here's hoping that future issues can delve deeper into the characters' motivations, relationships, & mutant powers while maintaining the chilling horror vibes that make this series so unique. more

Action Comics #1064 explodes onto the scene as the opening chapter of DC's "House of Brainiac" event as Joshua Williamson’s script crackles with tension from the very first page.

The visuals by artist Rafa Sandoval & colorist Alejandro Sánchez shine throughout the issue, but their work truly takes flight (pun intended) during Superman's "morning workout" sequence. Here, we're treated to a picturesque scene with Clark flying over a body of water in beautiful splash page. For readers who might not be die-hard followers of every Superman family member, the opening pages also serve as a helpful catch-up on the who’s who of Metropolis via a day-in-the-life montage of Lois Lane getting to enjoy her one day off per year.

Williamson expertly weaves in glimpses of the extended family, reminding us of their unique personalities and powers, all while seamlessly setting the stage for the impending chaos. Together, the first few pages offer wonderful moments of peace before the action kicks into high gear once Brainiac’s plan is put into motion. After that, the story starts to fire on all cylinders up until the final page.

This first issue serves as a thrilling opening salvo to the "House of Brainiac" event. Williamson laid the groundwork for several intriguing plot lines & left me wanting to read more of the story throughout the various tie-ins. The stakes for Superman and his loved ones couldn't be higher, and the tension is palpable throughout. The art team’s action-packed panels perfectly complement Williamson's script, making Action Comics #1064 a must-read.

Rating: 9/10 more

Jonathan Hickman’s Ultimate Spider-Man continues to be a delightfully fresh take on one of Marvel's most well-known heroes. Hickman weaves a narrative brimming with heart, humor, & action, proving that there was always room for a new spin on a classic tale for an author daring enough to go there.

Every character has been given a wonderfully refreshing update & they keep getting better with each issue. Peter’s interactions with his daughter May are pure heartwarming, Hallmark moments. MJ’s depiction as a strong, independent woman, who isn’t define by her role as mother or wife, is breath of fresh air and a striking juxtaposition to her asinine new Jackpot persona in the main 616. Uncle Ben & J. Jonah Jameson have become a surprisingly lovable duo who provide Peter with both inspiration & a healthy dose of reality. But the true cherry on top in this issue is the first meeting between Peter & Norman Osborn. Hickman manages to capture a genuine warmth in their initial interaction, making the inevitable conflict all the more tragic.

Amidst all these stellar character moments, Hickman doesn’t short us on action. The battle between Spider-Man, the Green Goblin, & Bullseye features witty dialogue perfectly complemented by dynamic & fluid visuals brought to life by Marco Checchetto, Matthew Wilson, & Corey Petit.

Hickman's vision for this new Ultimate Universe is becoming fully realized. He's assembled a creative team firing on all cylinders, with Ultimate Spider-Man already in the running for Marvel’s best current series. It’s a must-read for any Spider-Man fan, new or old. I can only hope it keeps slinging issues this good for a long time to come!

Rating: 10/10 more

I'll admit, I'm not usually one for superfluous comic tie-ins. However, X-Men '97 #1 is a surprisingly delightful exception. Writer Steve Foxe, artist Salva Espín, & colorist Matt Milla have givenus a low-stakes yet thoroughly enjoyable prologue to the new Disney+ series of the same name.

The highest compliment I can give this issue is that it felt like a full-fledged episode of X-Men: The Animated Series, spledidly brought to life w/ the visual style of the X-Men '97 series. It's got everything I crave in X-Men content: a dash of camp, thrilling action, witty humor, & of course, our lovable team of mutants.

Foxe captures the distinct voices of the characters, from Wolverine's gruff one-liners to Cyclops's earnest leadership. Espín's art, w/ Milla's vibrant colors, perfectly translates the show's aesthetic to the comic page (I may actually prefer the depiction here to the new show??). This looks exactly like what a comic book is meant to be.

While the story itself might not break new ground, it serves as a satisfying bridge leading up to the show’s revival. I do wish we would have gotten this before the series premiered, but this injects pure nostalgia w/ a fresh coat of paint, leaving me eager to dive back into this beloved world.

Rating: 8/10 more

The Krakoan Era has been building towards a monumental showdown between Professor X & Moira for months now, but Rise of the Powers of X #3 fails to land the moment with a lot left to be desired.

The core conflict revolving around Xavier's descent into morally ambiguous territory has been one of the more interesting stories throughout Fall of X. His dream of a mutant utopia has become so twisted that he's willing to sacrifice lives to achieve his goals. This raises a chilling question: has Xavier become the very thing he once fought against? The internal struggle within Charles is palpable throughout the issue. Kieron Gillen crafts a tense atmosphere during the aforementioned meeting w/ Moira. The "will-he-or-won't-he" standoff kept me at the edge of my seat, but I was wholly dissatisfied w/ Rasputin IV coming in to disrupt things. It shielded Xavier from truly facing the consequences of his actions, robbing the scene of its emotional weight.

The other half of the book focusing on Moira’s conversations w/ Enigma was bogged down w/ convoluted sci-fi speak that has become a hallmark of this mini. Each new layer of Enigma’s plan that’s revealed feels like a deus ex machina of sorts to keep the story going. It’s one thing to not know what’s going on to create a sense of uneasiness or surprise. It’s another thing to never set the stage & let us as readers understand the rules of the game.

R.B. Silva’s designs & David Curiel’s colors continue to be worthy of the cover price themselves. Their are some truly epic panels featuring Rachel & team fending off Sentinels while Xavier is on his mission. Silva’s ability to convey motion is fully present throughout the action. And Curiel’s colors make every scene pop off the page.

Overall, this mini continues to be a mixed bag of unrealized potential. Gillen is trying his best, yet he’s up against months of head-scratching narrative decisions that he’s now being asked to land smoothly. more

Benjamin Percy throws everything but the kitchen sink at us in this final chapter of his X-Force run, delivering a frenetically paced brawl between X-Force & Beast Prime.

The core conflict w/ Beast Prime, the central narrative thread throughout this final X-Force arc, feels rushed & unsatisfying. Percy has planted seeds for a complex & morally ambiguous storyline for months, but the resolution feels unearned. Beast Prime's motivations are relegated to explanatory monologues that ring hollow & Defenders Era-Beast isn’t given enough time to convey his own ideology. There was a ton of potential to really get into the moral quandary between these two viewpoints yet Percy ran out of pages to explore things further & the “happy” ending comes across as a cop out.

This has been a recurring theme throughout Percy's time on X-Force. Intriguing plot threads are teased, only to be sidelined or abandoned altogether in favor of lesser storylines, like the Colossus/Rasputin arc that extended well beyond its shelf-life. That arc, which dominated a significant portion of the series’s back-half, ultimately feels like a roadblock that prevented this more compelling Beast story from reaching its full potential.

Even w/ those complaints, there's no denying the thrill factor here. Robert Gill's art, combined w/ Guru_eFX's dynamic colors, brings the action sequences to life w/ stunning visuals. Each X-Force member gets a moment to shine, showcasing their unique abilities in exciting detail. Unfortunately, where the action excels, Percy’s script isn’t as equitable in giving each member a final sendoff (I’m looking at you Omega Red). The underwater scenes in particular were phenomenal & I will miss the blues & greens utilized throughout this series.

Overall, X-Force #50 is a visually impressive comic, but it stumbles in its attempt to deliver a satisfying conclusion. While the action sequences are undeniably exciting, the story’s core thesis feels underdeveloped. more

Things pick up where we left off as we see more of Adam Frankenstein's tragic past. While the previous issue added some really interesting layers of depth to the character, this week'ss story struggles to maintain the emotional weight of Adam's origins even though there was an effort to continue adding complexity.

There were elements of what could have been, had Tate Brombal opted to focus on a single aspect. In one very quick scene, Adam comes face-to-face with a hateful town whose inhabitants are immediately scared of his presence and run him out of town. That immediate rejection, paired with the pieces around his master's desire to destroy him, could have been explored further to drive home the fact that Adam's always been hunted and had his back to the wall. In another part of the story, Adam observes a family of less-than-modest means, yet they are full of love for one another. Again, this could have been explored further to make a statement about what Adam yearns for now, yet it was presented as more of a show-don't-tell type of scene.

Soo Lee's artistic talents, so brilliantly displayed in the prior issue, are somewhat underutilized here. The more static panel layouts don't offer Lee the same opportunities to showcase her strengths in dynamic storytelling and emotional illustration as more detailed spreads do. Patricio Delpeche's color palette was also quite muted compared to what we're used to from Miquel Muerto, removing one of the book's more distinct features.

Overall, this two-part story may have been more impactful if condensed into a single, oversized issue as a bridge between main story arcs. Stretching it across two issues created a drag on the narrative momentum and ultimately left me feeling a bit unfulfilled after such a long gap. Even if this one wasn't my favorite, I'm very much excited to get back to the main story in the next issue! more