Adam Barnhardt's Comic Reviews

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Like most other entries in this Marvel event, A.X.E.: Iron Fist #1 exists to help bolster a central title and make it bigger than it really is.

While the event itself has been intriguing with its warring dynamics amongst the various groups, this issue pumps the break so that Tony Stark can lead his own psyche through a round of therapy about the very same topics we've seen him battle before. It's tiring to the point of exhaustiveness, and it adds littleif anythingto the overarching narrative of the event.

For the most part, it's hard to shake the feeling that Action Comics #1005 is nothing but filler for a larger story arc.

Bendis has been relying all too much on cliffhangers as of late, and it's but a matter of time before these leave-ya-hanging issues with zero sustenance will get tiring.

No matter which way you shake it, this outing could very well be Bendis' best book on Action Comics so far.

Dynamite premise. Beautiful artwork. Action Journalism is a bonafide hoot.

Nick Spencer is firing on all cylinders when it comes to Amazing Spider-Man, and this issue in particular is the perfect launch for a brand-new story arc.

While it seems like it's back to form for Spider-Man, it just feels like something is missing from this title.

The majority of this issue serves as the prelude to the latest book featuring Kraven on a massive hunt, and it's shaping up to be quite the event.

With an event that's been building for quite some time, this first issue is certainly a step in the right direction.

Two issues in and this mini-event has gone just as one would predict.

Certainly a disappointing outing in an otherwise promising event.

It's definitely hard to stay dry-eyed during this beautiful, poignant tale about being different from the norm.

While this book is paced better than its predecessor, it's a bit muddied and tiring.

Focusing on Lizard's love for his son, this is a classic father-and-son tale full of heart.

On the final home stretch, the event seems to finally be getting some footing underneath itself.

Cunning and mischievous are two words that can describe both the Vulture and this book.

The penultimate issue of "Hunted" is the arc's best book yet, setting up an explosive finale.

All in all, "Hunted" left a bit more to be desired but issue-by-issue, #22 is by and large the best"and most important"comic of the event.

While a massive cliffhanger at the end is in store, this issue was, by and large, business as usual.

Despite coming off a mini-event in which people were hunted, Nick Spencer and company take Spider-Man to a whole new low here, introducing an all-new villain that's bone-chilling, to say the least.

Something like this would get exhausting week after week but it's a great trip off the beaten path this Wednesday.

Daily Bugle isn't entirely necessary but at the very least, it's a solid-enough read to warrant a return to the second issue when it comes out next month.

Sure, there's the predictable cliffhanger of an ending but at the very least, it doesn't attract from the solid storytelling in the first twenty pages.

The way this issue is plotted, it reads as a filler at it fights to churn the wheels of a story forward.

This book has its fair share of thrilling scenes"and it also has its fair share of hopelessness and sorrow. Luckily it's all balanced to equal a pretty well-rounded book.

Equal parts survival war story and explosive space-faring sci-fi tale, Annihilation Scourge: Alpha is an incredible nod to the Annihilation stories that came before it.

Left picking up the pieces after Silver Surfer: Black, the wielder of the Power Cosmic has his first major standalone story since and right away, it delivers.

Out of the four one-shots they've done, this one might be the most inconsequential as it feels largely standalone with little connective tissue to the rest.

Antioch #1 is a formidable debut issue in a new comics world full of promise.

Antioch takes a step back here, slowing to a crawl as Kindlon and Ferrari weave a microscopic tale.

. In a world a bingable content, Aphrodite V might not be for those looking for high-flying action within every panel.

On the surface, it's an action-packed page-turner but as you dig deeper as the issue progresses, it's a political thriller that'll keep you trying to catch your breath.

Foxe's script is brisk and packed to the brim with Deadpoolian jokes, some of which land to great effect while others are rather groan-inducing.

In a world where space-filled adventures saturate the market week after week, Astro Hustle manages to stand out in the best of ways.

As the new chairman of the Avengers, T'Challa finds himself in the most peculiar of situations, and fans are left debating whether he'll be a character they can end up trusting. If that's not enough, the subplot featuring the return of Phil Coulson includes a blood-chilling turn that shows off a whole new side of that character we've never seen before.

Equal parts thriller and spectacle, The Devil You Know #11 is the Hellboy Universe at its finest.

Though the issue ends with a totally gnarly semi-splash that's very applause-worthy, the rest of the comic is a bit too dry for the expected Hellboy fanfare.

There's no denying that BPRD: The Devil You Know is firing on all cylinders as it continues to inch closer to its end.

With just one issue left in this 15-year run, it's safe to say that it can't get much better than this.

This issue serves as the perfect cap to the Hellboy timeline by bringing back some characters lost deep in the mythos in addition to having the titular character go out in the best way imaginable.

It's angry, sad, and hopeful all rolled into a single issue, and at the end of the day, the sheer existence of this story is a win for anyone in the world comic books.

Set in a world of massive tales and interdimensional stories"see Colonel Weird: Cosmagog, as an example"Red Planet is a deeply personal read that makes the Black Hammer world better with each passing panel.

There's just enough of that "supe action" to keep things very interesting, though this is a rare occasion where one can do without it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again here"if you're not reading Barbalien, you're missing out on one of the best indie comics of the past year, there's no doubt about it.

Barbalien: Red Planet might have an alien from Mars as its lead character, but this story is much more human than most other comics you'll read today.

This tale has left me speechless plenty of times before, and I get that sense more than ever now. While the Black Hammer universe has already deconstructed the superhero world as we know it, Barbalien is a book that upsets the status quo, and this issue, in particular, is entirely the perfect example of that.

While the classic style of Adams' art is on full display here, the plot seems to pull me every which way without building any story arc up to its full potential.

It's all just a hodgepodge of dialogue with little direction or connective tissue.

This mini-series is only half over and it already feels like it's run its course two issues too long.

The dimension-hopping plots is far from a normal Batman tale and it's beginning to be evident why that's fairly uncommon.

Issue #5 is supposed to be this mini-series' penultimate issue and I still haven't the slightest idea of what's going on.

Plagued by delays over the better part of a year and some change, Batman vs. Ra's Al Ghul goes out with a whimper with the sixth issue this week.

Reading Batman Kings of Fear #4 is akin to finding yourself waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat after a terrifying fever dream.

Though the dialogue seems rather cut-and-dried, the premise of the mini-series is still intriguing enough to provide an alternate look at the Caped Crusader.

The plot behind this story was good in small bursts with six issues falling right in the sweet spot between ending too quick and dragging on too long.

A fun take on the trading-a-paper-clip-for-a-car viral events of yesteryear, Ridley's script is a powerful look at how one of Gotham's villain came to be.

With an incredible amount of heart in just a few short pages, I found myself relating with Detective Chimp more than I'd ever thought.

This coming-of-age tale has just enough charm and heart to make it a tolerable, but nothing more.

While the dialogue seems a bit elementary at points, it's perfectly written for the two youngest protagonists in Mikey and Brennan.

While Williamson, Bressan, and Lucas are great, this issue serves as a lettering masterclass courtesy of Pat Brosseau.

Though this issue takes it down a notch, enough happens to keep you interested.

Though hard to follow at times, this genre-bending issue is firing as well as it ever has, which is saying something as it's been great of late.

Though it has its faults with some weaker character development with the vast supporting cast, Birthright might be stronger now than it has ever been.

Things finally come to a head in Birthright #40 in an incredibly powerful and epic issue. If you've been waiting for massive magical marvels, this issue has it all and finally, readers are taken to a spot they've been waiting for all series.

From the second you open the cover and flip the first page, Birthright #41 is in your face with a set of three two-page splashes that sets an epic tone for the second-to-last arc of the series.

This book has definitely had its highs and low and at this rate, it's looking like it just might stick the landing if the past few issues have been any indication.

Despite being set in the midst of a battle between worlds, Birthright #43 is slow on the action but thankfully, that's completely warranted this go-around.

The finale to this book is coming at a break-neck pace so you better buckle in"everything's getting super real, super fast.

Anxiety-inducing in its fullest, this title is setting up an epic conclusion"here's to actually sticking the landing when it so arrives.

Here, the events that unfold are a bit too drawn out as the action gets pushed to the backburner. Nonetheless, this final arc does appear to be wrapping up most of the outstanding questions in the series, so at least it has that going for it.

For this final arc, the Birthright team decided to change up the status quo"a move that's paying off as this new story is as fresh as ever, despite the title already nearing 50 issues.

Birthright #48 is in a unique position where it feels like the book moves by at a rapid pace, even though the plot hardly inches forward in the slightest.

With Birthright #49 here, the story is quick to wrap itself up, bypassing the slow-burn methods of issues in the past for a brisk story that rushes to the end.

The end of Birthright is here, and it's a fitting end for where the story has gone.

Sometimes event tie-ins work, and sometimes they don't. Believe it or not, giving Felicia Hardy the most powerful magics in the universe works"and it works damn good, at that.

This issue is exactly what it needs to be at this point in the arc and then some.

For a street-level character that oftentimes aligns herself with the slimiest characters in the entire Marvel stable, Black Cat: Infinity Score #1 is packed to the brim with heart and a certain warmth that's perfect for the holiday season.

Though it's not serialized storytelling in the form of a comic, The World of Black Hammer #1 is essential reading for all things Black Hammer.

Though Lemire's inspiration is felt throughout the book, Fawkes and Kindt take the Black Hammer universe to a whole new level.

Most certainly a period piece, this job does a fantastic job of tackling a war-time tale.

At times, the plot feels redundant as the same characters fight time and time again, but that's a war for you.

A fitting end for this Black Hammer mini-series, '45 makes sure to touch on it all.

By the end of the issue, I was left wanting more, mainly because it felt this issue was a couple of pages too short.

Though a bit toned down from the last issue, this title is still interesting as all get out"there's no denying that.

The issue does some interesting things to help deepen the world Lemire has built over the past couple of years but even then, the book still has a looming feeling of inconsequential storytelling.

At this point, it's hard not to think this issue could have taken place in half the issues instead of drawing it out a few extra issues.

More than anything this series ended as if it feels like part one of a two-part story.

The Eisner-winning pair of Jeff Lemire and Dean Ormston have crafted a suspenseful tale and with a few sub-plots intertwined with each larger story, there's enough going on to keep anyone entertained.

While everything eventually comes to a head, it's a little too late to make much sense at all.

With a little too much dialogue for my own tastes, I'm still not sold on this title five issues in.

This self-aware issue was only made better by the incredible Colonel Weird, and Rich Tommaso's simple, yet effective, art was a perfect pairing with the tale at hand.

With an incredible amount of promise and an unbelievable twist, it's hard not to smile and be thankful this book is back.

When you think it's going left, they go right and keep you guessing, something that leaves you begging for the next issue in line.

In a world full saturated with superhero comics, this team manages to continually innovate to story time and time again so that they don't blend in and fall by the wayside.

You can feel a massive shift is coming to the Black Hammer universe and after a few scaled-back, more calm issues, Age of Doom #11 is a pleasant breath of fresh air before the proverbial s**t hits the fan next month.

One moment leaves you grinning ear to ear while another makes you sob, this issue is the perfect example of why Black Hammer is an award-winning comic.

Black Hammer: Reborn #1 has nearly everything a fan of this world could ask for.

Lemire, Yarsky, and company are slowly pushing this title to a massive Black Hammer event. Because of the simmering plot that continues to heat up, the tension in Reborn #2 is especially palpable.

There's a certain mystery still lingering about Lucy and her past with Doctor Andromeda and that's starting to run just the slightest tired since there's been no real movement on it in two issues but as of now, it's a pretty big non-factor.

Between the script and Yarsky's exceptional lineart, Lucy Weber's desperation and heartbreak bleeds off the pages throughout this issue and it hurts"like really bad.

Malachi Ward and Matthew Sheean arrive to take over Reborn artist duties, and the new styles conveniently fit the changing tone of the book.

The Black Hammer story has always been best when Lemire balances complex storytelling over the span of multiple timelines. While that could introduce more confusion, especially when the plot itself involves the introduction of a multiverse, this script manages to balance it all exceptionally well.

The story that begins in Black Hammer: Reborn #7 is what happens when you let a creator like Jeff Lemire do absolutely anything his heart desires.

Seriously, this issue is a genre-bending thriller that takes you to plenty of points in the Black Hammer universe, giving you whiplash as each turn of the page.

Black Hammer: Reborn #9 is the biggest proof of the idea this series will always have your back.

The mysteries of the Black Hammer universe come to a head here, in heartbreaking fashion.

Black Hammer: Reborn #11 might be the most "Black Hammeriest" issue one of this world's books have ever been.

The most important plot thread is tied up, so kudos there; there's just a lot left dangling by the time you close the back cover it hurts there's a wait until Black Hammer: The End.

Compared to other Black Hammer, it's toned down and the pace moves at a crawl"that might be for the best here. The end result is an intense character study into the foul-mouthed hero that takes the form of a kid, even though she's actually an adult.

If you need a reason as to why this Black Hammer anthology series is necessary, Visions #2 proves exactly why it deserves a spot on your pull list.

Chip Zdarsky and company tell the typical "disgruntled old man" tale, injecting fresh ideas in it at just the right places.

At the very least, it's another interesting addition that fans of this particular superhero franchise will enjoy, but it's not a must-read for those looking to jumping into it all for the first time.

I don't want to say this one-shot is "peak Black Hammer," but it does include the typical benchmarks that always sets this indie superhero world apart from other cape books.

At the end of the day, you can probably take it or leave it, but like many others in this line of storytelling, you don't need any additional Black Hammer knowledge before hopping in.

Its purpose is to flesh out these characters and tell fun stories while doing so and on that front, Black Hammer: Visions #7 aces it.

As with other entries in this anthology, this book neither really adds or detracts from the primary Black Hammer storyline. It does, however, finally lay some groundwork for the Horseless Rider, giving a character we may or may not see again some time to shine.

This introductory issue provides a great launch, and it's exciting to think of where this creative team can take the story next.

Because that world-building takes center stage, the plot progresses to a crawl. Despite that, it does bounce around to a few different scenes, introducing new characters and ideas along the way.

All things told, this issue takes its time moving forward, enough so it makes you wonder if this vampire angle is sustainable.

Gorgeous lineart and colors propel this story forward, I just hope the wheels of scripting get to turning.

If you were hoping Blood-Stained Teeth scaled back and slowed things down you're out of luck. Ward, Reynolds, and Moore press the pedal to the metal with Blood-Stained Teeth #5 and don't let up at any point between this issue's two covers.

While the storytelling of issues past has been equally outstanding, Ward's script here crumbles in on itself as it jumps around time one too many times with its non-linear story. Still, it's one of the most gorgeous comic books you'll be able to pick up this week.

Blood Stained Teeth continues to weave an intricate vampiric tale.

While Reynolds and Moore's neon-soaked artworks continues to be a delight, the story is starting to grow tired as it fails to make any serious progress forward.

Luckily here, the issue both pushes the story forward significantly while also giving readers some lore-building that helps build out the main character's arc and role.

Blood Stained Teeth comes to its roaring conclusion, ending only as a story featuring a character like Atticus Sloane could.

Should the team manage to flesh out Jessie's introductory story arc in due time, they may have something special on their hands.

. From the opening sequence until the end of the book, my jaw remained dropped throughout the entire read.

Jeff Lemire and Doug Braithwaite's limited series comes to a roaring conclusion in Bloodshot Salvation #12.

Book of Shadows #1 is a solid set-up for an intriguing premise, giving Valiant their own shot at hosting a summer comic book event.

Cifuentes continues to put at some strong work on the art. Between he and Filardi, these horror characters are rendered just as well as they've ever been.

Featuring an ensemble cast, the story in this issue is spread awfully thin, almost to the point it breaks into nothingness.

Book of Shadows is a title that was simultaneously too short and too long.

The narrative throughout this entire book is nearly flawless, and the ending should be a welcome sight to comic fans from all walks of life.

Beaten and broken, there's nobody that writes a fractured Steve Roger better than Ta-Nehisi Coates.

"Captain of Nothing" continues with a pretty flat issue that fails to ever find its footing.

With just the right pace and storytelling, it's hard to go wrong with this run -- it hasn't let me down yet.

While the prison has grown slightly tiresome, at least there's a fair share of explosions, bangs, and action and keep you excited for a moment.

If Marvel Studios' Captain America: The Winter Soldier were a comic series, it'd be Coates' latest run with the character. A political thriller from cover to cover, this tension in this month's issue is palpable.

As I've said before, Steve Rogers is at his best when he's his own worst enemy and that might be more apparent than ever.

This whole Captain America goes Western is totally a vine I can get behind. There's a certain Frank Miller-Esau's storytelling that comes from Coates and luckily for this creative team, I happen to be a major fan of that.

Captain America #15 slows this run to a crawl and yet, it manages to be captivating.

A bit of a slow burner, this issue sets up some major points for future issues and when (or if) they pay off, they're bound to pay off in an epic fashion.

The worldbuilding in just two short issues is incredible and Bergara's art matches the world they've built to a T.

Three issues of Coda in and I'm fairly confident to say that BOOM! Studios has a hit on their hands.

In this tale of going to great things to help those you care about, Coda #4 packs a tremendous amount of heart in just a few short pages pages

Although Simon Spurrier has scaled back the pacing for Coda #5, this issue is the first real deep dive we take into the relationship between Hum and his wife, something I've been begging for the entire series.

Spurrier's able to make the reader care a whole lot about a character such as Hum the Bard, somebody that says as few of words as possible.

Spurrier and Bergara have done it again " the entire series has built up to this one issue and the creative team delivers a picture-perfect issue.

With more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan movies, Coda is difficult to follow at times, but there's never been a time where Spurrier and Bergara leave us hanging.

Si Spurrier continues to craft an interesting tale with the down-on-his-luck bard that should be tired by now but yet, it remains intriguing and fresh.

Though this issue was rather slow and smoldering in and of itself, it's pretty apparent worlds will collide next month in spectacular ways.

The end of Coda is here and it's just as delightful as you'd hope.

Conan the Barbarian: Exodus is as harrowing as it is beautiful. It's peak storytelling without uttering a single word and, I'll be damned, it's hard to put down.

If you're looking to laugh out loud, this book's the right one for you as it will have you rolling on the floor.

This title knows exactly what it needs to be and it executes it perfectly. While it continues to be void of substance, it's damn entertaining at the very least.

The second you try treating this title like a serious comic is when you'll start having a bad time.

One can't help but think this storyline is one big throwaway.

So, this title is still a thing... And surprisingly this month, it may be the best issue yet.

While the run has been rough at times, leading all the way up to this issue"for whatever reason, #6 was incredibly complex and more emotional.

Using Russian folk tales to help push the overall narrative forward, this book is wholly unique, and a grand introduction to a promising story.

Crimson Flower is moving full steam ahead, there's no denying that.

Crimson Flower has never been any gorier than it is now as #3 injects a splash of blood wherever it can.

For what it is, Crimson Flower is an action-packed mini-series that adds a fresh stance on today's popular pieces of action media.

In the penultimate issue, the art team of Mindy Lee and Michelle Madsen really let the work stand out, crafting some of the best art on the shelves this week.

An explosive finale, Crimson Lotus #5 has all the makings of a classic horror thriller. From fiery creatures to demonic children, this issue keeps engrossed throughout.

Mackie's plot does take a little bit too long to get going but once it starts lurching forward, the title is quickly off to the races with exciting action set pieces to boot.

While Herbert's layouts and lineart sync perfectly with Adams' pulp-style adventure, the Stewart story is a bit too small for its own good, especially when dealing with the idea of a multiverse head-on.

This Marvel Digital Original was surprisingly well-constructed, and Jed Mackay and Travel Foreman bring the heat.

The book features an ending that's all too cliche, but the stories told and lessons learned amongst the way make it a very solid read.

When a property like this fully realizes what it is and embraces it, that's when the results are best and Simone and company fully embraced this bizarre crossover and made one hell of an intriguing read.

If you're looking for blood-pumping, page-to-page adventure, Death or Glory #4 might be the perfect book for you.

Rick Remender always make sure to pack a strong narrative into his stories, but even then, this issue almost read like a generic Fast and the Furious-type comic book.

The story itself is still a bit too slow for my liking, but I can overlook that with all of the other positives in this month's issue.

It may have taken a while to get there but I'm totally digging where this book"and Remender's world"are going from here.

The timing and pacing is right, and the split between captioning/narration and dialogue is a silky smooth blend.

There's only one issue left and that's a damn shame because Death or Glory is finally firing on all cylinders.

This Remender and Bengal hit has been nothing but blood-pumping action for nearly a dozen issues and the finale lives up to expectations in every single way.

Accompanied by Riley Rossmo's beautiful, vibrant art, Joshua Williamson's Deathbed teaches us to get over self-doubt by putting one step in front of the other to finish what we start.

As the finale of a six-issue mini-series has now come and passed, Deathbed creators Joshua Williamson and Riley Rossmo should take pride in their ability to tell several splendid stories over the past six months.

While this issue in particular takes a while to lift off, Priest ends it on a note of promise moving into the next issue.

As with any storyline set in an insane asylum, you always run the risk of the end result appearing convoluted as the writer tries tie dozens of loose ends together. That's not necessarily what's happening here ,but two issues into this arc and I'm not quite sure they're executing the idea as well as they could have.

Several issues into the story arc, it's beginning to feel stale as the pace seemingly slows to a crawl.

For the first time in a few issues, Deathstroke #39 pumps the brakes a bit and allows the story tobreathe, giving extra time to the bits and pieces that need it.

Deathstroke's time in Arkham finally comes to a head, making Deathstroke #40 the most exciting book of the story arc.

Priest manages to go full-on Bond this issue, creating an intriguing premise that shows promise for the next story arc.

Practically a Deathstroke comic in name only, this issue sees the Teen Titans storyline carry over, for better or for worse. Slade continues finding himself imprisoned, and at this point in the run, it's plenty tiresome.

Backed to the brim with panel-leaping action, this issue leaves you with a massive twist that's both shocking and heartbreaking.

It's sharp and clean, character-driven and witty. It's the beginning of a mini-series that is already showing incredible promise.

Coupled with the line art from Javier Rodriguez, Defenders: Beyond #2 is one of the most gorgeous books you'll lay your hands on this week.

Defenders: Beyond #3 is unlike anything you'll read this week, and it's no contest.

Few artists have the ability to tell the story Ewing set out to tell and luckily for comic readers around the world, Marvel managed to land Javier Rodriguez for this. Rogriduez's work on this issue, in particular, shows just how perfect a match this whole team is.

While Javier Rodriguez' artwork continues to shine through to the end, the story as a whole goes out with a whimper, little more than an overly-meta take on a story.

While some might find the premise tiring, this creative team pulls the right moves to make it something exciting"incredibly exciting, at that.

Even at its darkest, there's still a sense of hope"and that's what's going to end up setting this tale apart from the rest.

Devil's Reign straddles closer and closer to a pseudo-Civil War event with each passing issue, but Zdarsky's scripts are fully aware of that with some meta references throughout.

Reading through Devil's Reign has been like watching master chess players duke it out. That's why it's infuriating the major turning moment here"the big reveal, if you will"happens solely by chance, and not by the calculating characters this title has built up.

The story itself continues to be fine, despite Kingpin's motivations changing with each issue. As it stands now, Fisk's motivations will surely be his downfall, and it feels like that's something we've seen one too many times before.

Zdarsky and company pack the Devil's Reign finale to the brim with the right bits it needs to end up as a suitable finale.

The comic's Omega issue sets out to answer many of the loose ends left over by the main storyline and does a pretty adequate job on the front. What's more obvious, however, is that this issue serves much more like a #0 issue than part of the previous tale.

For being an event tie-in, Devil's Reign: Spider-Man #1 packs one heck of a bunch.

Together, this creative team creates an epic new Doctor Strange debut that sets the character on an exciting new path across all dimensions.

Trying to predict the future aside, Doctor Strange #2 does a lot of the heavy lifting required to establish an elaborate story and it does an exceptional job of it at that.

It's good at what it is, but it comes at the expense of sacrificing a story that's debuted to an incredibly interesting start.

A genre-crossing thriller, Dogs of London #1 simultaneously tells a classic noir tale while updating the narrative for current times.

For being billed as a supernatural crime thriller, Dogs of London #2 spends all too much time on anything but.

The book constantly bounces around between timelines and characters and the end result is a mishmash of storytelling that's clearly better off as an OGN or a binge-read, if only because the month-to-month release has created jarring cuts in an already jarring story.

Dogs of London seems to finally hit its stride in the title's fourth issue, bringing lot points together in a cohesive manner for the first time.

A delightfully brutal ending.

Hilarious, action-packed, and thoughtful " Domino #5 is just good enough to keep the Domino hype train rolling full steam ahead.

If you want to see Gail Simone at the top of her game, pick up this title.

Although a book like this would probably get tiring as an ongoing, this one-shot was more than enough to keep me laughing.

The latest from Soule and Browne might be the wildest yet.

Interpersonal battles remain the crux of the story here, and those can often be the toughest stories to write. So far, so good here.

As you might expect, things get real weird, real fast. Almost so weird, a sense of doubt is instilled as to whether or not Soule and Browne can tell this massive of a story in just eight issues.

Eight Billion Genies #4 is no different as it's packed full with equal amounts of character development and world-building, coupled with Browne's genre-bending artwork.

A major tease at the end teases big things coming but so far, Eight Billion Genies #5 might be the most solid issue of the bunch.

Eight Billion Genies barrels forward here with another action-packed issue.

Though there's one more issue left, this issue feels like the definitive conclusion given virtually all character arcs are wrapped up by the time the back cover closes.

Though this series was inconsistent throughout its run, Soule and Browned pulled out all the stops exactly when they needed to.

Travel Foreman and Hi-Fi team up to create art that's out of this world, and it'll have you marveling over it the entire time this issue is in your hands.

The world Steve Orlando continues to craft in Electric Warriors is astonishing.

The pacing of this issue never quite clicks, and it seems to jump around too frequently, creating jarring transitions from scene to scene.

Four issues in and the creative team hasn't even scratched the surface of what's possible with these characters.

Orlando and company lay out massive world in this series, but it has yet to really execute on that premise, and there's only one issue left.

A fitting end for the miniseries, Electric Warriors ends on its highest point.

Perhaps in due a worthy tale will be told but as of now, only a slight glimmer of hope shines through an otherwise murky story.

The plot threads here make sense and over all, it pushes the whole spin-off forward. That said, it's still a far cry from being an essential part of the overall story of Empyre but after the improvement from issue #1 to #2, I'm anxious to see where this book goes next.

Despite rock-solid Captain America writing from Phillip Kennedy Johnson, it's still hard to shake the feeling the stakes or story from this Empyre doesn't really matter, either as a whole or to the larger Marvel event currently going on.

It's an intriguing new start for readers new and old, alike and, at the very least, it's evident this creative team is setting out to establish a definitive take for one of Marvel's biggest unproven ideas.

Eternals is a slow burn, but it's becoming more worth it with each passing page.

The Eternals have always dabbled in political intrigue, dipping their toes into the whole Game of Thrones or House of Cards of it all. Gillen increases that tenfold with this run, and it's a plot thread more evident than ever in this third issue here.

It's not quite there yet as there's plenty of story to go, but this Eternals run has all of the markers it needs to be something really special.

Just when you think you know where everything's going, Gillen and company flip the script on you and subvert any expectations you may have.

Luckily for this creative team, they ended the arc on arguably the highest note of the series yet, with good signs pointing to the second arc next month.

After a brief hiatus and venture into some world-building one-shots, the main Eternals story has returned... and boy howdy, it's a doozy.

There are no large action set-pieces, yet Ribic's pages still manage to draw you in and hold your attention. But that's just it"this issue neither sets up the book's demise nor makes it an award contender. Eternals #8 just is.

While the vast majority of this issue falls in line with the rest of the series, with Gillen's dynamite scripting and lineart from Ribic and Guiu Vilanova, a reveal towards the end cheapens the story at hand a little bit.

At some points, this run as been a bit difficult to get through and Eternals #10 isn't an exception. This comic is overhauling a certain part of an expansive world and there's no way around it.

Guiu Vilanova's work here is welcome, close enough to that of Esad Ribic's that there's not too much of a departure of previous issues, yet new enough that there's a certain sense of freshness injected into the series as it winds down.

It all led to this, and Eternals #12 delivers in full.

Here, it's more apparent than ever those in publishing are transforming the comic characters to look and act like those on the film studio side of things.

With all that taken into consideration, this issue is still a necessity in the grand scheme of things, because it shows just how dangerous of a villain Thanos is. Not only that, Gillen and collaborators flesh out this corner of the Marvel universe tenfold, and as a result, have created a must-read issue for those keeping pace with the primary story.

In the grand scheme of things, a comic like The Heretic fits in perfectly with what Gillen and Esad Ribic have built with the main title, but not so much on its own.

This book had it all " action, heartbreak, lessons learned, and jaw-dropping twists and frankly, it's quite the high note for the House of Ideas to end their year on.

Made up of two stories, the Fantastic Four Wedding Special included everything I wanted and then some.

The potential is there for Antithesis to redeem itself, sure"it's just got a long way to go.

Some may love it for its nostalgic value but in an age where there's dozens of superhero stories to pick from any given week, Antithesis is largely forgettable and entirely passable.

The Waid + Adams combo here makes it look like this book was ripped straight out of the Silver Age of comics, tone and all. While nostalgia can carry you pretty far, this story still isn't hitting the right notes.

Antithesis comes to a close here and surprisingly enough, it might be the mini-series' best issue yet.

Though an over-sized issue, it's light on character and carries a painfully slow plot that churns little from front cover to back.

Though the comic very-much has a movie tie-in vibe, it's still leaps and bounds better than it should be.

Porter allows Barry Allen to find himself throughout this slightly oversized issue. That means that even though another new villain was introduced, the character moments were delicious little treats making for a well-rounded and, dare I say, excellent comic book.

While I didn't find much of substance within the pages of Future Quest Presents #12, I remained intrigued throughout mainly because of nostalgia.

Weisman and company stay true to the property's roots, and that should prove beneficial in the long run.

Because of the various different plots, the script does get quite jarring at times, yanking readers back and forth as the writer tries to jam as much as possible into one issue.

Already three issues in and the first arc of this new Gargoyles comic seemingly reaches its conclusion in unspectacular fashion as characters literally drop what they're doing mid-fight and go home as all if well.

Now a third of the year into this run, Gargoyles has no focus. Given the first arc seemingly wrapped with the last issue, Gargoyles #4 is a mismatch of sizable proportions with a script that goes nowhere, nor does it know what it wants to be.

It's only taken the better part of six months to get this comic on the tracks, but Weisman and Kambadais really start cooking with Gargoyles #5.

Though the story moves forward in Gargoyles #6, it does so in a haphazard fashion.

Brisson and Kuder team up to pack a hellish punch in a debut issue many will likely see as a return to form for these ol' hotheads.

Just when you think it can't get more bizarre, it does and dammit, it has all of the fixings for a killer Ghost Rider tale.

Things are pushing forward full steam ahead and before too long, there's bound to be an epic showdown"we've just got to wait.

This issue, the last of the run's initial arc is exactly as brutal as you'd expect a Ghost Rider story to be. Exceptionally grim, this book is peak Marvel horror with goosebump-inducing thrills throughout.

The Spirit of Corruption is a killer concept (no pun intended) but so far, we've yet to see just where it's going to take the character and as if yet, it hasn't taken him very far at all.

The cameos from Marvel's edgier characters"you know, like Punisher and Wolverine"still feel really hollow; instead of diving into Danny Ketch's massive transformation, it feels the character is using the aforementioned A-list names as a crutch to hobble along.

As a book, everything's incredibly well paced and it's got everything you would want from a Ghost Rider comic"motorcycles, fire, Mephisto, and a whole ton of demons. Though the plot resolves itself successfully enough, it's a bit messy in how it gets there.

Smith's lineart is ideal for a story such as this, and when combined with moody colors from Bryan Velenza, a dark and gritty issue of Ghost Rider is delivered.

If I had just two words to summarize Ghost Rider #2, there's no doubt they'd be "Hot damn!"

Ghost Rider #3 is dark and disturbing, and there's really no way around that.

Ghost Rider continues to chug along with a surprisingly action-packed issue despite a script that's paced to a crawl.

While that tone still remains, Ghost Rider is finding its footing as a series, making it into a formidable run from the House of Ideas.

Despite this run from Percy, Smith, Peeples, and company already having been plenty graphic, Ghost Rider #6 takes it up a notch as it dives into monster horror with a few jaw-droppingly gruesome scenes.

As metal as this book as been through six issues, Ghost Rider #7 might be its grimiest yet, introducing one of the wildest villains the Spirit of Vengeance has ever seen.

Ghost Rider slows to a crawl this issue, one that largely goes out of its way to make itself a shallow springboard into the next issue rather than adding some meat to its own bones.

This issue, in particular, is one of the most thorough of that arc, explaining much of the mythos and lore this creative team has introduced in a little reimagining of the Spirit of Vengeance.

Every loose end comes together and it comes together quickly without so much as a second to breathe, all leading to one of the biggest Ghost Rider reveals in recent memory.

It's a masterclass in character development, even though plot takes a backseat and to add the cherry on top, David Wachter's artwork as a fill-in guest on this issue matches the tone of the title totally, making for a well-rounded issue.

A full year into this latest series and it's still firing on all cylinders, giving readers one hellishly good time.

If you've yet to get on the Ghost Rider train, you better get your ticket as soon as you can because thinks are about to get real crazy.

Though the story isn't as physically dark as this has been in the past, it's a psychological thriller that leaves you uncomfortable as it moves along.

As with the main line, Vengeance Forever is dark and deeply personal, and even though it carries a T+ rating, a lot of the content within borders on the mature side.

Suffice to say, this special release is the perfect tribute to both Len Wein and Dave Cockrum, two iconic creators no longer with us.

With undertones of M. Night Shyamalan's Signs, the all-star duo of Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino have a thrilling tale on their hands.

In Gideon Falls, it seems for every question answered, two or three new questions arise and therein lies the beautiful story Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino have been able to weave through nearly half a dozen issues.

Gideon Falls continues to be nothing short of a breath-taking thriller and when you think it's about to go left, Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino go right.

Just when you think you have it all figured out, Jeff Lemire throws a wrench in the forks and upsets the status quo. That's how it's been nearly every issue in this young run so far, and Gideon Falls #7 is no different.

Although past issues have fallen flat, Gideon Falls #8 is a page-turning thriller that you won't be able to put down.

Without Lemire's thrilling writing, Sorrention's artwork continues to be picture-perfect for a horror title " you could practically read this issue without any of the lettering and still feel a palpable tension exude through.

Slowly but surely everything fits together all nice and snug, and now, this book is off running like a well-oiled machine.

Gideon Falls continues to be one of the most perplexing, head-scratching titles on the shelf today.

While you'll likely get lost jumping in around this point, there's no denying that Gideon Falls is a must-read comic as it enters another year in print.

When this title hits, it hits hard. What started out as a thriller is now straight-up horror with a sprinkle of this peculiar mix of supernatural and science fiction, resulting in a genre-bending tale that's absolutely incredible to take in.

With the usual twists and turns that come with this title, nothing particularly stands out this month, but thankfully it's apparent something massive is coming to Gideon Falls... Eventually...

At long last, the storylines of Gideon Falls finally begin to converge and it's as mind-boggling"or downright confusing"as you'd expect.

Just when you think things are figured out, the status quo is shaken and the world of Gideon Falls turns on its head.

This title is a master class in creating tremendous tension but at what point does will that tension lose its impact? Its strong hold is starting to wane, that's for sure.

All in all, Gideon Falls has never moved more quickly ahead and this month's book is one of the strongest yet.

The story of the Black Barn is even more mysterious than it's ever been and as this particular arc inches towards a close, it's clear big things are in play.

This series continues to be a psychedelic thrill ride month in and month out.

This is most certainly another storytelling feat for Lemire and Sorrentino.

With Gideon Falls #22, this title turns from western horror to full-on sci-fi thriller and that's probably the least bonkers thing about this book.

By itself, Gideon Falls #23 is a solid-enough read but if you can learn one thing from this book, it's that it's just another piece of a thousand-piece puzzle.

There's no denying this series is coming to its screeching conclusion and that end, it all kicks off here.

With such a strong streak for the better part of its run, this issue might be the first misfire of the title and one can only hope things are ironed out with the finale.

Gideon Falls #27 is a nearly perfect finale to the story that's been introduced and examined for the past three years. While it seems partially empty, it ends exactly as it should"surrounded in a shroud of mystery, leaving you wanting just a little bit more.

While some things may be tired, Abnett's scripting gives it all a fresh coat of paint that injects life into Marvel Cosmic with every passing page.

While we're still a long ways from comparing Guardians of the Galaxy to the cosmic likes of Annihilation or War of Kings, it's safe to say the company has a hit on its hands with this one.

Though plenty of story arcs are running through this title, it's balanced well, giving each arch it's own chance to shine without being either overpowering or shallow.

Certainly a slower issue than books past, the team continues laying the groundwork for an explosive cosmic outing.

Guardians of the Galaxy #4 is full of blood-pumping action " quite frankly, it may be the best book in this budding run yet.

As far as wide-reaching cosmic epics go, this issue has it all.

If you like human stories and cosmic tales intertwined, it doesn't get much better than this.

. If we want to compare it to television, this most certainly was a filler episode trying to help build anticipation for a future story.

Ghost-Spider #1 functions as an easy introduction to the current status quo of the "Spider-Gwen" story, but moves at a glacial pace that hinders it from offering much to new readers.

This cliffhanger in this issue was almost too predictable, although the reveal itself was as metal as anything else you'll see this week.

Finally, things start materializing in this issue, even though it might be in the most predictable of ways.

The only thing bad about the issue coming out means there's only one book left in this top-shelf run.

If you're looking for a Guardians story to pick up"this is it. If you're a fan of the team, there's no way you'll leave disappointed.

With four different stories and four different art teams, all the work is top-notch"even more so with Filipe Andrade and Mike Spicer's art on "You're Only Young Once."

There's plenty here to make any fan of Marvel's cosmic heroes excited about the future.

This arc is off to an exceptionally strong start, and if the first two issues of the story are any indication, fans will soon be in for a delightfully tasty treat.

This story is getting real big, real fast and combined with one hell of a cliffhanger, it's hard to make an argument against reading this book.

Ewing's been excellent about spreading that out from issue to issue, however, so if that keeps up, "The Last Annihilation" could be something special.

The plot combining cosmic and magic doesn't happen all too often but when it works, it works exceptionally well, especially right here in Guardians of the Galaxy #17.

There are some interesting developments here with Rich Rider, but outside of everything else, this mini-event really ended with a whimper compared the other entries in the line the past few months.

A satirical tale sure to make Master of the Universe fans jump with glee, Ewing's script here balances seriousness and comedy exceptionally well, injecting jokes right when needed.

Though Kindt's script is slow and missing a little spice, the frameworkcombined with Jenkins' nightmare-inducing lines and watercolorssets the stage for a killer horror title.

Tones of Stephen King intertwine with Lovecraftian-esque monstrous horror in this slow burn.

Rodriguez's artwork is exemplary here with this telekinetic tale that features an unsettling lead that could erupt at any given time. That combined with a stellar script and narrative crafted by Lanzing and Kelly makes for a killer return of one of Valiant's most popular characters.

Between the mind-bending story"which pairs seamlessly with stellar lineart from Rodriguez"The Harbinger has cranked out two great issues about the return of Peter Stanchek. There's still a little more character work I'd like to see done, but so far, a complex plot sets the stage for one insane story.

The Harbinger #3 is wild"for better or for worse.

The dialogue and pacing reads as a story that was shoehorned into being a four-issue tale, rather than giving it the time to breathe over a traditional five or six-issue arc.

The story and plot itself isn't anything to write home about just quite yet, another street-level superhero trying to take a one-percenter.

Regardless of the story or plot, it's hard to get past Cowan and Sienkiewicz on the same team. It just so happens they work seamlessly with Thomas' scripts so far.

Sure it helps to have Cowan and Sienkiewicz involved, but this latest story feels undeniably 90s, for better or for worse.

Celebrating the beloved DC icon, some of the character's best artwork is collected into an extended one-shot here loosely tied together by a "story" from Dave Wielgosz. Actually, story's probably putting it on a little too thick given there are roughly five dialogue balloons throughout the duration of the book.

Although being reincarnated throughout time has long been part of the Hawkman mythos, DC makes a tweak to the character's origin, revealing that in addition to being reincarnated through time, he's also been reincarnated through space, a move that should add plenty of depth to the character as the series progresses.

After an intriguing first issue, Hawkman #2 ends up falling flat when compared to its predecessor.

Now three issues in, Hawkman #3 is beginning to plateau in terms of advancing any storyline.

While the travel across space and time can be a bit jarring at points, Hawkman #4 includes a fun cliffhanger that definitely begs you to pick up the next book.

With the direction this title is heading, I'm sold on a Hawkman comic for the first time in a long while.

A slight dip from the previous few issues, Hawkman #6 feels like a filler issue until the next story arc begins.

This issue's plot seems as if it could have been resolved in a handful of pages rather than dragging it out over an entire issue.

Arguably the best issue of Venditti's run, Hawkman #8 kicks off a new story arc that's bound to please.

Arguably the most exciting book in Venditti's Hawkman run, this issue has page-turning action from the moment you flip over the cover.

Page-turning action, attention-grabbing dialogue, and beautifully-crafted art, Hawkman #10 is a very solid read.

Venditti's certainly hitting his stride on this title and this may be the best Hawkman's ever been written.

A fitting conclusion to the second Hawkman arc, this issue is an explosive end to one of the best arcs this character has seen.

Quite frankly, this issue is just what the doctor ordered after wrapping up two elaborately dense story arcs.

Coming off an arc that was bigger than it had any right being, it's no wonder Hawkman #14 feels like the smallest issue of this volume yet.

This title continues to genre-bend, week in and week out, and it will always keep you on your toes.

Part of DC's ongoing "Year of the Villain" event, it's unfortunate Shadow Thief is about as one-dimensional as a villain can be, otherwise this book would be an enthralling read.

Just when things begin to show even the slightest staleness, Venditti rips you back into the fray with another jaw-dropping issue"that's exactly what Hawkman #17 is.

There's going to be a chance that this arc writes itself into the corner based on the groundwork it's laid so far but hey, enjoy the fun while it lasts.

If there's one thing for certain, it's that Rob Venditti isn't afraid to push this book to the brink and back.

There's heart and soul. Horror and science-fiction. Hawkman has it all.

Despite being out among the cosmos in an arc that is peak science fiction"something Pasarin darws exceptionally well, might I add"this issue packs a major punch for how "small" it really is.

Again, 23 issues in and Venditti keeps this title as fresh as ever.

For the first time in quite some time, the action-packed adventures of Carter Hall and company take a backseat to some exposition and a tad of world-building.

The pace of the past few issues has been slipping to a crawl but that's something more the welcome here as the quality of the story remains at an all-time high.

If this were the series finale, it'd be the perfect ending.

With zero disrespect to the legends who came before him, Venditti's Hawkman run is one of the best comic book runs featuring Carter Hall and his supporting cast ever printed"it's certainly a favorite with this critic.

This Hawkman run roars to his conclusion and as you might expect from this team, the penultimate issue is as good as they come.

While one story does manage to wrap up here, it also does seem to introduce DC's next large event, though only tones and teases are available. Either way, there's little Venditti & Co. could have done to make this a better finale.

Despite the general "corniness" of 80s cartoons found within, He-Man and the Masters of the Multiverse is a very on-brand, worthwhile read for fans of Prince Adam and company.

At a heftier 48 pages, this zine packs one hell of a punch, going places you'd never expect.

If you're looking for a page-turning, blood-pumping action thriller, this isn't it.

Continuing to build out the earliest days of the BPRD, this Hellboy spinoff certainly provides interesting storytelling to supplement the Hellboy-based tales.

With a particularly gruesome scene early on, this issue is a reminder that once you feel things might get stagnant in this universe, something comes right along to shake things up.

A fitting end to BPRD '56, this issue " believe it or not " manages to take Hellboy to places he's never been before.

In the annual tradition of making the holiday season a little more sinister, the creative teams assembled on this Hellboy Winter Special hit their stride as they craft tales perfect for the season.

The story is split amongst everyone, and that's where it begins to really falter, as things jump around far too frequently. Remove any sense of development, and Siege Society starts to begin hollow. Luckily, it has a main story to fall back on, making it a suitable (yet nonessential) read.

At first glance, Weapon H seems like a character that was something dreamt up in a Liefeldian fever dream in 1995, but Hulkverines manages to expand on the character's depth in satisfactory ways.

The good thing is that Hulkverines knows exactly what type of book it needs to be " and it executes that pretty well.

The story at play here isn't new or groundbreaking, but the treatment of the characters is, and that's what you'll need to watch as the series moves along.

Icon and Rocket #1 served as a suitable relaunch for DC's Milestone revival and now, the title's second issue blows the lid off it all.

The story here takes a hard pivot into incredibly real-world issues and the ongoing opioid crisis and the effect is has on the various societal classes around the world.

A character-driven story can go a long way, so let's see how Icon and Rocket can carry this before we get a solid-enough plot.

Green Lantern #10 brings several running mysterious into focus into one colossal battle, and it all feels decidedly epic in scope, a threat perfect for a Corps such as the Green Lanterns.

Icon and Rocket wraps its first arc in high-octane fashion, pumping out one of the most action-packed issues of the return yet.

While Niimura tries to make some lemonade out of the lemons of a character with his kinetic action pieces, Immortal Sergeant goes nowhere in its script, despite being oversized at 40 pages.

Immortal Sergeant wears its heart on its sleeve, and that's something you ought to applaud it for.

After two issues of Immortal Sergeant that have left me wondering "Why?," I think I've figured it out. This comic is a manifesto for those looking for a reason to yell at clouds or the kids trampling across your lawn.

The creative team proves the potential this title has had all along before dashing hopes not even halfway through the issue.

In lieu of any meaningful character development, the cast here refuses to change for the better. In fact, if any change is to be had, most of them are regressing as the title moves along.

Using her recent death"ah, comics"to her advantage, Natasha goes through this "Infinity Countdown" one-shot tie-in with no worries in the world and by the end of it, she seemingly becomes one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel universe.

Complete with an appearance by a certain villain and just became a blockbuster sensation on the silver screen, writer Jim Zub continues to knock it out of the park with this coming-of-age superhero troop.

This issue has tremendous amounts of heart and proves the old adage of "never build your house on rented land" correct.

While the ending was a bit all too predictable, the creative team pulled some interesting strings with Adam Warlock and reintroduced a few new characters that are sure to make cosmic fans happy.

Albeit a bit disappointing, the issue doesn't include any Earth-shattering revelation despite the title and prior marketing.

Quite frankly, this issue raised more questions than answers, paving way to an unsatisfying ending.

Arachknight #2 is good enough to ensure this title finishes as one of the best Infinity Wars tie-ins.

Jed MacKay's script is strong, and Jefte Palo's artwork looks as if it was taken straight from a comic produced in Wakanda.

Some people might find the antagonist Killraven one-dimensional and the artwork bizarre, but once all the pieces of the puzzle are placed together, it makes for an enjoyable read that knows exactly what its purpose is.

Infinity Warps #1 is exactly what it needs to be. With three-and-a-half mini-stories in one title, it gives creative teams just enough room to experiment with this mashed-up characters without drawing it out too long.

Though each of the three storylines ends rather abruptly, each character could have a future elsewhere should the House of Ideas decide to carry them out of Infinity Wars.

I'm not sure if it's because Gerry Duggan isn't behind it, but Infinity Wars: Iron Hammer #1 felt distinctly different than any of the other Infinity Wars outings thus far, and it rubbed me the wrong way

Sure, most of this material might not stick around in a post-Infinity Wars world, but the lore and origin laid out in Infinity Wars: Iron Hammer #2 is quite interesting, and for fans of other of the two main characters Iron Hammer represents, it'll be a fun read.

This book isn't bound to win an Eisner, but it invoked enough fuzzy feelings within me that allowed me to look past its shortcomings.

Sleepwalker's powerset combined with the various amalgamations of characters is a recipe for a bizarre comic, one which will either be loved or hated.

Sleepwalker is a character rooted in nostalgia, and although these Infinity Wars tie-ins have an awesome opportunity to do some cool things, Sleepwalker #3 falls flat.

Though most of the tie-ins have largely felt like fan service, Sleepwalker #4 stands out as its themes of dreams and nightmares runs deep.

Though origin stories tend to be slow for me, I thought this issue was fairly well paced, and it introduces some additional warped characters you'll be sure to love.

Although the story seems rather rushed, with decades after decades of stories crammed into two issues, Infinity Wars: Soldier Supreme #2 is probably my favorite issue of these "warped" tie-ins so far.

As with the remaining titles, this issue suffers from trying to squeeze in more warped characters than necessary. Regardless, Infinity Wars: Weapon Hex #1 didn't leave me bored.

This is a title collectors will buy to complete their Infinity Wars set but as of now, Weapon Hex #2 does little to nothing to advance any sort of storyline.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Invader Zim #32 seemingly rebounds the title after a few...several...off issues.

Invader Zim is good at what it needs to be, but it's a far-shot from ground-breaking, Earth-shattering serialized storytelling.

Ah, Invader Zim. In a book in which we probably shouldn't expect much, this title imagines to exceed what little expectations I had in place.

At the end of the day, the powers that be know exactly what an Invader Zim comic needs to be, and they consistently execute that plan fairly well, for better or for worse.

For as inconsistent as Invader Zim can be, when it packs a punch " it packs a big ol' uppercut that'll knock you on your butt.

With just enough heart and the ability to land jokes right, Invader Zim #39 is a pleasant read " or as pleasant as an Invader Zim comic can be, at least.

Luckily, for fans of Tony Stark, Invincible Iron Man #1 from Duggan and Frigeri strikes the perfect balance between a complete reinvention and redundancy. The story is a fresh take on the beloved Avengers while staying true to his roots. The fact this creative team is able to balance the two ends in a flawless manner is stunning, making this one of the most impressive Iron Man debuts in recent memory.

Just two issues in and Gerry Duggan has already spun a masterful whodunnit as Tony Stark and Riri Williams have a quick team-up as they work to find who's impersonating Iron Man.

So far, however, the story has been pretty safe and Stark is living up to expectations. That said, little has been done to set this particular run apart from the others since the title's first issue last year began to change the status quo.

Luckily for fans of the character, Duggan's script in issue #4 stands out incredible well, reducing the egomaniac Avenger to his most vulnerable and the end result is a comic that's as uncomfortable as it is personal.

Duggan's relentless in his punishment of Stark, putting the character into a corner that he may not escape from.

Though the overarching plot does eventually move forward by the end of the issue, this part of the tale largely focuses on a standalone story. Because of that, this read could be a hit with those that have a soft spot for all things Marvel 80s and 90s.

I've never put a series down after one issue, so I'll continue reading to see where this goes but this issue is sufficient and that's about it.

This issue is just what the run needed to show it's an excellent reimagining of the character.

While Wong's plot took a while to ease into it, Iron Fist #3 is the biggest issue of the series, combining origin with plot advancement, character development, and intense action sequences.

The reimagining of Iron Fist continues with Lin Lie's biggest fight yet, and it should be one for the ages. Instead, the plot skirts around the fight between Iron Fist and two Immortal Weapons and goes back into the main plot awfully fast.

It could have used another issue to slow things down and give things some time to breathe but all in all, a formidable ending for a solid Iron Fist story.

This is definitely the X-Book to check out if you can only pick one outside of Hickman's foray.

If this mini-series gets some time to breathe sort itself out even the slightest bit, the end result could be something very special.