Aaron Kleinman Comic Reviews

The writing team of Lanzing & Kelly give us a stellar start to their run along with the amazing talents of artist Carmen Carnero, letterer Joe Caramagna and colorist Nolan Woodard. I'm excited to see where this run goes, what with the mystery elements and lack of cowardice towards discussing some of the politics involving Captain America.

With issue #2, Hexware remains a book with a lot of soul. It continues to take the magic of yesteryear and mix it with the techno-punk of tomorrow.

Hexware continues to beg the question "Just what is it to be human?" Cyberpunk drenched in ghosts and monsters remains a fantastic setting for such discussion and storytelling.

Although one of the strongest issues in terms of colors and letters, the art and writing feel like they're tripping over themselves at times. While not the best issue of Hexware, it certainly has some spotlight moments.

Comics is a medium that has always been filled with the weird and the wacky. Sweet Paprika is a book that looks at that aspect, and turns it up to 11. Issue 1 of Sweet Paprika is a wild ride from the first to the last page. This is a book to keep your eye on for sure. Especially with an animated show on the way.

Mirka Andolfo continues to deliver a compelling story about a person who struggles with companionship, sexuality and work/life balance. The book continues to remain relatable despite the outlandish characters. Once again I've found myself enjoyingSweet Paprika from front to back.

P.S. I always appreciate Dick's Romani ancestry being mentioned, being of Romani descent myself, so thank you to the creative team for that!

With its first arc finished, Taylor'sNightwing is proving to be a stand out book. It's a must-read for any fan of The Boy Wonder or the Bat-Family in general. I'm excited to see what else is on the way from Taylor, Redondo and Lucas when it comes to Dick Grayson and his world.

Nightwing so far has been a strong book since Taylor's takeover as writer. This issue in particular falls short of the standard the team has been setting. Whether it be due to art changes or the fact that it's a tie-in to a very unrelated event, issue 84 ofNightwing just isn't up to par with previous issues.

Nighting#87 was the perfect issue to cap off the year with. It's fun, it's bright, it's a must read for anyone who claims to be a fan of comics. The creative team swung for the fences, broke the bat, and knocked it out of the park. It's the first time in a long time where I truly felt a child-like sense of wonder reading a comic.

Nightwing continues to stand apart from the crowd with its vibrant art and vibrant characters. It's proof that not all superhero stories need to be dark or gritty to succeed. It shows that family is all around you.

This issue ofNightwing is very low-key in terms of its events compared to previous issues. Light on action, but full of fun character writing. A welcome break from the action for sure. Not necessary, but welcome. Another stellar issue from the Nightwing team.

Superman: Space Age is a book that's quality will be determined by its ending, that comes into this world with a very interesting start. I am intrigued to see where it goes with issue two.

Overall, the issue looks fantastic, but the story didnt capture like a debut issue should. Setting up a murder mystery with a character whos died so many times they probably get a free sundae this time around doesn't instill a great sense of high stakes - but the character beats, along with the creators' track records, are enough to bolster hope that bigger things are in store.

Transformers continues to set itself apart from previous series, going for a much slower burn in terms of story. While build up takes a moment, it is worth the pay off. Especially with character moments as satisfying as these.

Transformers #1 is a kick-ass start to a whole new story. Its familiar, but not too familiar to the point of feeling like it has already been done. Fans old and new should be grabbing this off of the stands. The team is already proving they've got what it takes to play in this sandbox.

Transformers #3 is a tour-de-force. I'm not sure if the creative team is showing off or not. I'd argue they're just that freakin' amazing in general. With every issue of Transformers, I get more and more hooked on this universe and issue #3 is no exception. Get out to your shop and pick this up as quick as you can! Cause this team is only getting warmed up.

Its first arc now over, Beast Wars hasn't been doing much in the way of standing out besides its art style. While a rocky start to the series, there's hope in the characters being able to carry the book along. That is if these new characters introduced can be fleshed out more. For a celebration of Beast Wars being 25 years old, it doesn't feel like a celebration, so much as a retelling with extra bits.

With the feel of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, King Grimlock is looking to be a fun ride full of robots, swords, and sorcery.

Issue 1 of Transformers: Shattered Glass is a tour de force of comic book creation. With a very clear voice and explosive art, "Shards" is sure to be one hell of a 5-parter. If you see this book on the shelf, you better be leaving with it.

Transformers is an ever-changing beast. Characters differ from continuity to continuity. Autobots and Decepticons switch sides. So it was only a matter of time before a new crop of Wreckers popped up. I can say with confidence that this group will be an enticing one to follow.Wreckers: Tread & Circuits#1 delivers in alluring story set up and amusing character introductions.

All in all, issue 2 ofTransformers: Wreckers - Treads & Circuits leaves us off in a bit of a weird place where something major has happened, but there's no real time to take it in...yet. The issue itself is incredibly fun, but feels like it gets dragged down by its place in the story.

Transformers: Wreckers - Tread & Circuitscontinues to provide enjoyable banter and top-notch art, but it can't seem to make a name for itself. Three issues in and, while I'm having fun, I find myself questioning why this wasn't just a main book story. Hopefully the back half of this story can really make it stand out among the other currentTransformers books.