Aaron Gillingham Comic Reviews

Though it is carried by its artwork and has some genuine moments of adrenaline-filled suspense, Storm Warning ultimately falls short in accurately translating the same level of edge-of-your-seat tension that is found in the films.

American Caper is a chaotic and scatterbrained read that pushes satire to the absolute limit, for better or for worse. It's unhinged in all the right ways, from its crude comedy to its absurd violence, cramming as much as it can into just its first issue.

Issue 2 doubles down on the unfiltered depravity established from the start. As the plot threads start to unravel and tensions boil under the surface, Houser continues to have as much fun as he can within this vulgar and violent playground he has created.

Barstow is a weird combination of dark comedy and grotesque horror that shouldn't work but does. It wears its influences on its sleeve but yet isn't afraid to do its own thing, no matter how disturbing that may be.

This second issue doubles down on the surreal visual style that made the first issue so intriguing. The mystery, gore and especially the humour are a lot tighter and more refined here making for a morbidly enjoyable read that improves everything in a massive way and will make any reader want to know what happens next.

Just as gruesome and morbidly funny as it's previous instalments, Barstow continues to be a wild ride with each new issue. Though it is juggling a lot of elements all at once, it thankfully never collapses under its own weight.

Batman/Deadpool is everything you want it to be and more. The humour, fourth wall-breaking storytelling and truly stunning artwork make this one of the most satisfying crossovers in recent memory. The addition of four equally brilliant short story collabs is the bow on top of this already brilliant comic.

Arcadia is a solid mystery thriller blending the iconography of DC with a brooding, noir style. This is a great story that features these three distinct characters in a way that plays with their strengths and weaknesses, all backed up by Hardman's own fantastically stylised artwork.

Be Not Afraid is a genuine masterclass in horror storytelling. A disturbing tale mixed with beautifully nightmarish artwork results in a comic that is endlessly chilling from start to finish.

Behemoth presents a familiar premise from, quite literally, a unique perspective. All the archetypes of a Kaiju story are on display but are presented with genuine care for the human characters and artwork that captures the sheer intensity of the creature and the devastation it causes. A great concept with solid execution that can only get better from here.

After a simple but effective opening issue, this second instalment really hits the ground running and makes the most of the concept that drew readers here in the first place.

Raising the stakes yet again, issue 3 adds a decent amount of drama and horror to the proceedings. Behemoth gets more gripping with every instalment.

With its darkly comedic tone and instantly memorable characters, Bleeding Hearts is a great sign of things to come for DC Vertigo's original titles. This series also offers a refreshing take on the tired tropes of zombie stories, bringing new life to this rather saturated subgenre that I can only imagine will get more creative with future issues.

Bleeding Hearts continues bring a fresh voice to the horror genre within comics. Thanks to its fantastic artwork and thoughtful writing, this second issue presents an interesting new dynamic for the series to explore.

Camp and Co. effortlessly balance consistent tension with a truly inventive exploration of themes such as empathy and anxiety that are equal parts heartbreaking as it is fascinating.

Blood Honey is playfully stylised and devilishly fun in all the right ways. With its retro, pop art visuals and dark humour, this really is one comic you should be reading.

Clayface: Celebrity Dirt kicks things off in grotesque fashion with a gripping story, intense artwork and a perfect balance of body horror and noir sensibilities that proves why Jude Ellison S. Doyle is still one of the most exciting horror comic writers working today.

With issue 2, Clayface: Celebrity Dirt continues its gripping story while doubling down on the body horror and noir sensibilities that created so much intrigue at the start. Jude Ellison S. Doyle and co have certainly found a winning formula here, one that isn’t afraid to critique real-world issues.

Whether you've been following the DC K.O. event from day one or you're jumping in just for this colossal mashup, you will certainly find something to love in Boss Battle. This one-shot from Jeremy Adams is an explosive and ridiculously fun read that presents some truly satisfying brawls, all complemented by a team of artists that bring their A-game to their respective parts.

Dead Teenagers is an enjoyable and creative take on the time loop concept, playing off teen horror movie stereotypes and creating something genuinely refreshing in the process with likeable characters.

Issue 2 of Dead Teenagers veers into new, slightly more mature territory, and for the most part, it works. It still very much maintains its humorous self-awareness, but continues to add extra layers on top of that to keep the story and characters fresh.

The Prison Paradox is a fun Doctor Who adventure filled with vibrant artwork and tonnes of easter eggs for fans to revel in with every turn of the page.

Dog Tag offers a perspective on war that rarely gets talked about, which, in turn, makes for a compelling read. Here, Russell is more concerned about brutal honesty and the unsung heroes rather than throwing you headfirst into the violence like most World War II media can get carried away with.

With Downlands, Norm Konyu presents a ghost story that is just as haunting as it is emotionally rich, all while paying homage to the English countryside and history of the local area that encompasses every fibre of this comic.

Dread The Halls is a wacky assortment of freakishly festive tales. Ranging from playful to downright disturbing, Jordan Hart and Chris Ryall have certainly outdone themselves with these bizarre stories.

Everything from its razor-sharp humour to its stylish artwork and chaotic energy is pitch-perfect, proving wholeheartedly that End of Life means business and that this relaunch of the Vertigo imprint is no one-trick pony.

Issue 2 of End of Life doubles down on the pitch-perfect writing and, most of all, its comedy. What this instalment lacks in action, it more than makes up for with some genuinely hilarious dialogue and honest character moments.

Once again, End of Life keeps readers on their toes by going from quiet character moments to bombastic action setpieces, all whilst sticking with its hilarious writing that has defined this series from the start.

Four issues in, and Starks and co keep finding new ways to make Eddie one of the most stupidly arrogant but likeable protagonists in recent comics. This instalment wonderfully balances engaging character work with palpable tension, sharp dialogue, and a strong visual flair that has held this series together since day one.

Seven issues in, End of Life continues to prove why it is one of the best comics of the year with its frantic energy, nihilistic humour and stylised artwork. This series keeps finding new ways to make the scenarios stranger and the characters even angrier at Eddie, all of them weaving in and out to create a truly chaotic yet entertaining story.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of this duo or only discovering them for the first time, When Hell Freezes Over is a great introduction to these characters done so with heart, humour and a grounded approach to their relationships.

Dead Man's Chest is a more than successful translation of the Ghostbusters films to the medium of comic books. It's cartoony in all the right ways, but only feels like it's getting into a groove in the last few pages.

Bursting with tonnes of life and personality, this new iteration of Godzilla is a total joy to readeven if it could do with a bit more of the titular kaiju. Nonetheless, a solid start to what could be a really fun series.

Jim Henson's Labyrinth #1 does the near impossible task of breathing new life into this beloved classic. With vibrant artwork and an eye for detail, the amount of respect Vanderklugt and Spalletta have for the 1986 film is inescapable with every turn of the page.

Jim Henson's Labyrinth #2 is another solid entry to this timeless story that starts to take full advantage of its fantasy setting. The visuals, once again, are the standout here.

Possibly the weakest entry so far but still a visually engaging one nonetheless. This series continues to bring Henson's original idea to life in a vibrant manner but it needs to do more in future instalments to justify its purpose beyond retelling the story we all know and love and whether it can bring anything new to the table in the process.

An improvement over its previous instalment but still lacking in certain areas, Vanderklugt's retelling of Jim Henson's classic film continues to do little in the way adding its own flair to the proceedings yet works wonders when it takes full advantage of the whimsy and charm of the world and inhabitants of Labyrinth.

This is a bizarre comic that delivers on hyper-energy, bright colours and an over-the-top sense of humour that some may find hit or miss. Take the style and attitude of Tank Girl, mash it with the futuristic setting of Blade Runner, and sprinkle the crude comedy of Deadpool on top for good measure, and you have Junk Punch. If that sounds like your thing, then you’ll have a blast.

Lost Fantasy is a classic in the making. This first issue is striking in its execution, blending tones and genres together in a way that is both familiar and endlessly refreshing.

Kaplan and Thompson kick Masterminds off to a brilliant start. With beautifully detailed artwork and mystery around every corner, this series looks to fill that technology-themed thriller hole you may have been looking for.

News From The Fallout is a bleak and visceral read that is heavily reliant on visual storytelling in the best possible way. It's a comic that will grip you from page one and never let you go.

You're The Greatest Charlie Brown offers a solid selection of classic Peanuts comic strips that will never fail to warm your heart and make you laugh.

Red Roots takes two drastically different perspectives and puts them together with great effect. Felici bounces between these varying stories with ease, giving each their own breathing room without prioritising one over the other and leaving just enough intrigue to keep you wanting more.

Issue one of Royals quickly and confidently establishes a playful premise that works incredibly well. It’s got a lot of energy and heart at its core, all whilst being genuinely funny, visually stylish and downright entertaining.

If you're looking for a burst of late 90s/early 00s, Cartoon Network-infused skateboarding fun, then Shred or Dead will be right up your street. It's equal parts charming as it is funny, and the artwork will give you that nostalgic kick you may need in your life. This one is definitely worth a read.

Sleep is disturbing and expertly crafted, filling every page with a palpable sense of unease and intrigue made even more impactful thanks to Cannon's unique art style.

Spirit of the Shadows #1 comes out swinging as one of the most visually creative and stylish comics in recent years. From its luminous artwork to its instantly memorable characters and playful energy, this is one series you don't want to miss.

Spirit of the Shadows continually pushes its unique visuals and storytelling to the extreme in a second issue that raises the stakes in an endlessly entertaining fashion.

Though Star-Crossed probably works best for pre-existing fans of the Space Bandits universe, as a standalone story, it is pretty decent even if it borrows heavily from other works ‘vigilantes-on-the-run’ tales we’ve seen before.

Packed with as much fourth-wall-breaking humour as it can manage, this new relaunch for Teen Titans Go! is a promising start, to say the least. It's entertaining, colourful and most of all, funny.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla is the crossover you never knew you needed in your life. This is a comic that is filled to the brim with all the over-the-top, cartoony antics you'd expect from a TMNT story, whilst perfectly setting up the scale and threat that comes with Godzilla.

If you thought the first issue spent too long setting things up, then issue 2 of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla will certainly win you over. Seeley and Co. hit the ground running with a cartoonishly action-packed instalment that will undoubtedly please fans of both franchises.

TexArcanum is a gruesome, gritty and incredibly entertaining read. The horrific imagery and worldbuilding here are truly special and leaves so much potential for this four-part series to delve into.

Monfette and co continue to work their magic on this brilliant series, all whilst doubling down on the graphic violence and horror to rather grim results.

The Eye Collector is an entrancing and endlessly disturbing read that you won’t soon forget. From its emphasis on visual storytelling to the kaleidoscopic fever dream of a Rorschach test that is GMB Chomichuk’s artwork, this is one series that will have you glued to every page.

The Life and Death of Lucas Dreamwalker is a fantastically stylised one-shot story that blends compelling storytelling from the one and only R.L. Stine with genuinely stunning artwork and a great mix of genres that shouldn’t work but totally does.

The Lucky Devils gets off to a hilariously bold start with this first issue. Soule and Browne pull out all the stops, delivering consistently intelligent writing and beautifully colourful artwork that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. This devilishly entertaining comic is a must read and is a brilliant one to start the new year with.

Soule and Browne really crank up the insanity with this issue. It's bonkers, raunchy and doesn't hold back in many ways. This series continues to be a hilarious ride with vibrant artwork to match, I can't wait to see where it goes next.

Every part bonkers as it is fun, The Lucky Devils continues to be one of the most entertaining series out there. This third instalment pushes Soule's creativity and Browne's artwork to chaotic new heights, bringing out the absurdity of this premise in the best way possible.

Dan Watters and co. have expertly translated the essence and style of the original TV show onto the page. This first instalment of The Twilight Zone is just as chilling and disturbing as you'd want it to be.

'THE RELIC' is a great example of The Twilight Zone format being used to its fullest potential. It takes a premise that seems straightforward on the surface, and really pushes the sci-fi/fantasy elements in an inventive and surprisingly humorous manner.

Compared to previous issues, 'FALSE BOTTOM' is possibly the bleakest and most emotionally resonant story this series has offered yet. Powell's blend of down-to-earth character drama mixed with horror sensibilities and an exaggerated art style makes this a genuinely powerful instalment.

The Tin Can Society #1 manages to blend heartfelt drama with a compelling murder mystery in a fairly unique way. Its emotional depth and intrigue shows a lot of promise and is something that will only grow with future issues.

Once again, The Tin Can Society delivers another riveting issue which ups the stakes with its compelling central mystery, gripping drama and beautiful artwork courtesy of Francesco Mobili.

This issue perfectly raises the stakes and tensions of this ever growing and emotionally charged mystery. Every page is just as engaging as the last and The Tin Can Society continues to be even more engrossing with each new instalment.

Once again continuing it's streak of brilliance, this fifth instalment keeps things simple and to the point. With each issue the central mystery becomes even more complex and thanks to the many twists and turns presented here, the intrigue remains at an all time high.

This sixth instalment is an action-packed entry full of mind-blowing revelations and jaw-dropping moments. The Tin Can Society continues to be one of the best series out there, and as the story slowly creeps towards its end, the tension only seems to be getting more and more palpable with every issue.

As The Tin Can Society veers towards its end, Warren and Remender continue to up the stakes in the most gripping ways possible. Another incredible page-turner that doesn't disappoint.

As the tensions are raised to an all-time high for the series finale, Warren and Remender use the penultimate instalment of The Tin Can Society to push the action, emotions and stakes as far as they've ever gone…and the result is a nailbiting page turner.

The War of the Worlds: Thunder Child is a must-read for fans of the classic novel. It presents a fresh perspective on the original story, with fantastic artwork and writing that both respects and expands the source material in a genuinely compelling manner.

White Sky cleverly takes elements of post-apocalyptic stories we’ve seen before, moulding them into something both familiar and refreshing in the process. This first issue gets things off to a thrilling start and leaves you on the edge of your seat in its closing moments.

Issue 2 of White Sky hits the ground running, revelling in its pitch-perfect atmosphere and underlying tension. This second instalment instead doubles down on the horror, allowing JP Mavinga’s haunting artwork to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

White Sky #3 is where the concept of this series really comes into full effect. With palpable tension, great character work and a truly intense set piece at the centre of it all, this issue showcases everything the series has been working towards since day one.

Issue four of White Sky continues its pursuit of gradual tension and brilliant worldbuilding. Unfortunately, what it has in occasional unease and visual flair, it is starting to lack in pacing and overall engagement…even if it is only slightly.