Despite being published by the biggest independent publisher in the land, 7147AD #1 feels like an underground comic through and through.

If it wasn't clear by now, Dead X-Men is a series born out of the need to connect the dots of the wider "Fall of X" event, even if it does make for some awfully jarring moments.

Nightwing is the best it's ever been, and that's saying something.

Although the plot is something this run has already used a few times, the abilities of the character and inter-dimensional traveling involved with the current plot helps set this time apart from the others.

Patch Zircher joins the series as guest artist, the perfect match for the darker themes introduced in issue #17 that will likely carry through to the end of the series.

Little Black Book jumps in headfirst on the mystery laid down in its debut issue last month a little too hard here.

Phantom Road has now run for 10 issues and it's arguably exactly where it was when the story started. Few things have been answered, and many more questions have been asked. Yet here we are, tuning into the comic month after month because of the mystery Lemire has written.

The Cabinet #3 begins to go off the rails a little here, but that's largely part of the title's charm in the first place.

There's something about Crave that feels like wasted potential. Despite showing glimpses of brilliancy, most of the story has felt hollow and empty.

Naturally, the pacing was a bit too fast given an entire arc was told between this issue and last month's, but the concept is such a hoot, it doesn't even matter.

Minor Threats is back with a vengeance, with The Fastest Way Down refusing to pull a single punch with its over-the-top (yet delightful) debut.

Though the series and issue a like are light on characters, Time Traveler Tales #5 is an earnest, even heartfelt, ending.

Black Hammer: The End excels on every level and would make for a delightful finale if the title wasn't set to soon return.

Cantwell expertly maneuvers this script forward ever so slowly, interlacing Plot A with flashbacks that finally give Nymira some backstory.

While the story itself seems to know where its going, the characters lack any sense of direction and they just exist.

Weisman's script pushes together every lingering plot thread possible to wrap things up far too quickly.

If this isn't definitively one of the best Iron Man stories ever told, it at least deserves to be in the conversations.

If the script called for more action sequences, Night Thrasher #2 would be one hell of an homage to all things 90s but for now, it's a bit too tame.

Interestingly enough, Nightwing #112 is told from a character's POV that isn't Dick Grayson, but I think that's what makes it so good. We see how other viewers view the character, and they boost his worth up that way.

The pairing of Taylor and Lucas Meyer helps create a dynamic story that's lighter on the script side and darker on the lines.

Though the change in artists between timelines keeps things fresh, the wheels of this story churn in place taking readers on the same journeys as before.

While the riddles laid out may bring back fans of mystery thrillers, the premise and characters alike are a bit too vanilla.

The Cabinet reads like a spy thriller tinged with echoes of Everything Everywhere All At Once as Ebeltoft, Hart, and Raimondi craft a story as charming as it is psychedelic.

Crave #4 gives a little substance to the story at hand, putting its horniness on the back burner for now in exchange of story and character work.

The end result is a certified Hoot, with the writer giving Marvel it's very own Jumanji by way of Dungeons & Dragons

As has been the case as with the rest of the Dark Ages story, this finale is rushed and clunky.

Though it's really an all-ages tale, there's a lot of darker elements the writer handles with a certain lightness, pulling the title far from despair.

It's camp to the fullest, and that's something this issue wears proud.

Together with Creees Lee, the duo executes a flawless comic with epic character work and even better comic-booky goodness.

Despite back-to-back gut punches and two wild-as-Hell introductions, there still seems to be a bizarre sense of hope within these pages. Indescribable, really.

Star Trek: Defiant takes a hard left turn from sci-fi politicking and puts itself smack dab in the middle of a terrifying tale of cosmic horror.

It's a light, feel-good ending for the crew we met in the series, and there's a heartfelt message of perseverance and pushing on throughout this finale.

The team behind Undiscovered Country has the unique ability to reset the status quo often, helping keep things fresh in an increasingly rare years-long indie ongoing.

If this is the type of stories Taylor tells between now and the end of his story, Nightwing is going down as one of the best superhero stories ever told.

On one hand, it's good to see another member of the superhero group; on the other, it's running the risk of this title already running stale given most ideas have asked the question, "What if that Titan were bad?"

Faceless and the Family refuses to be put into any one box, and more comic creators should fall in line with this concept.

It's a beautifully harrowing comic, that much is for certain.

The script for this story is so microscopic, it's even a bit too small for Marvel's street-level heroes.

When Superior Spider-Man works, it works exceedingly well and luckily for fans of the story, Superior Spider-Man #4 is one of those times.

The Cabinet is a subversive tale, zigging when you would bet the house on a zag. It's a genre-bending story that takes a slice-of-life comic and blends it with science fiction and high fantasy. All that to say, it's peak comics.

When Llovet allows the characters to speak and take action, Crave shows just how impactful it can be. It's a slippery slope for many of reasons but when this comic works, it works extremely well.

Doctor Strange #12 is just the right one-shot coming of one of the Sorcerer Supreme's biggest story arcs in quite some time.

Rogue Sun blows the lid off it all in this non-finale that most certainly feels like it's wrapping things up for good.

Feehan and Keane's teamwork echoes the work of House Allred, and the end result is a delicious little sci-fi romp.

Time Traveler Tales #3 features a surprisingly light script based on rather dark and dreary subject matter. Scheidt handles certain themes with a certain lightness and the title is better off for it.

Dead X-Men #1 is simultaneously a great hopping on point for someone looking to catch a final glimpse of this current X-Men era, while also being faithful to the past few years of mutant storytelling. It helps reinforce the idea of the X-Men being Marvel's most elaborate and extensive house of characters, hopping genres without missing a single beat along the way.

With just one issue left, this story is turning into one that will be hard to part with.

The dialogue is elementary, and things move at far too brisk of a pace to allow for readers any sort of comfort.

This Star Trek: Defiant annual does exactly what annuals are supposed to do: it gives readers a fun detour into a story that's told within the pages of a single comic issue.

It only took three issues, but Superior Spider-Man #3 is a true return to form.

Despite being part of an event, and a massive globe-spanning one at that, it's a relatively small-scale story that puts character first.

After multiple issues of waiting for some development by Lucy Weber, readers finally get that movement here and the story is much, much better off because of it.

Phantom Road is the most stagnant it's ever been, with dialogue-rich issues that move the plot forward the smallest of amounts.

The ending of The Enfield Gang Massacre was shown in the series' opening pages yet it still came as a heartbreaking surprise. That much is a testament to how well Condon and Phillips draw readers in with this particular Western, which puts character over story first.

It's all too predictable, which is a shame for an entire issue that takes place over the span of a single fight.

If there's an award for horniest comic of the year, Crave's already a frontrunner as it starts to blur the line between art and pornography.

Ziglar gets the voice of Miles arguably more than anyone in comics today, and Coello's kinetic linework provides for some tasty action pieces.

The plot progresses, but it does so in such a jarring manner, this issue is a tough one to get through.

At the very least, Percy and Smith can applaud themselves on a job well done on introducing Talia Warroad, one of the best, most complex new characters introduced to the Marvel stable of heroes in recent memory.

While the script of Miles Morales: Spider-Man #14 is ultimately something readers might expect from tie-in issues, the line-art of the issue is something that elevates it to any entirely new level.

Ben Percy's writing is good enough for a book akin to "Godzilla vs. Kong," where the spotlight should belong to two monsters fighting rather than any thought-provoking dialogue or meaningful human interaction.

Still, it's impressive how Taylor is able to tie the two together, making this issue much more important than your standard event tie-in fare.

By now, Capwolf & the Howling Commandos feels like it's largely just running in place.

In a title full of psychedelic art, Ferry and Moore pull out all the stops to make the art as multi-dimensional as possible. That said, there are some instances where some panels pull readers out of the story due to rushed line work and hurried shading.

Superhero stories come in all shapes and sizes and this week, it just so happens the best superhero tale you can read comes in the form of a swashbuckling pirate adventure.

It's incredible the amount of humanity Cantwell can inject in a Star Trek series that features little to no humans.

It's got potential, but it definitely isn't there yet.

A colorless comic can only work under the exactly right instance, and Lesniewski continues to nail it.

Phantom Road seems to zig-zag more than any other Lemire-ian tale, with this issue possibly being the most solid evidence of that.

Rogue Sun #17 is hectic and jarring because it has so much to balance, and it's too big for its own good. At the very least, some of the action set pieces work incredibly well and spice up a rather lackluster outing.

This story might be about exploring the furthest reaches of space and even then, Picard's Academy #3 is strikingly human.

Combined with the particularly brutal work of Phillips this issue, The Enfield Gang Massacre is nothing short of a rootin' good time.

It's taking a long, long while to get from point A to point B but thankfully, Duggan and Frigeri have plenty of stories to plant along the way.

Time Traveler Tales is silly, goofy, and full of root beerand a story that bounces around enough to make your head hurt.

Crave #1 is as sexy as it is tense, a coming-of-age story shrouded in a story made for an older generation.

Things just kind of exist here as the universe tries to decide what it wants to do with Anti-God.

Brynmore ends as abruptly as it started, light on plot, action, spooks, and much of anything at all.

Featuring stellar lines from guest artist Ig Guara, this is another well-rounded issue in a string of hits.

From the leap, it's clear Stephen Byrne should have been drawing Nightwing stories long, long ago.

Titans #5 shows readers just how well Tom Taylor can balance two storylines at once, with his script here managing to tie both timelines together with ease.

Complete with monster hunting spies and more monsters than you can count, Capwolf & The Howling Commandos is much more thrilling than its predecessor.

hings get real weird, real fast in Ghost Rider #20 and quite frankly, it might be one of the most demented things we've seen in comics in a long time and that's a good thing.

Superior Spider-Man #1 simply doesn't move the needle any measurable amount. It refuses to inject new life into the concept, and so it simply exists. It doesn't want to stand out, nor does it lay the groundwork for an interesting story ahead.

Little happens on any front, both plot and character-wise, as the wheels of story refuse to churn forward even the slightest.

Few people can make diplomacy interesting, but you can count Christopher Cantwell as one of those that can make it work.

This is a breezy little comic that puts character first, even though it's starting to slightly err on the side of emptiness.

Phillips' artwork this issue is also brutal in the best of ways, with blood and kablam's found aplenty.

Largely set at a single location, MacKay's script is a beautifully woven tale that puts a battle of the wits at center stage, a tussle elevated by the psychedelically beautiful artwork of Ferry and Moore.

One hell of a debut from Oni Press.

It's an issue that can only be written by one Greg Weisman, and he definitively excels here

Black Hammer's familiar meta tone takes center stage in The End #3, giving readers a plot that's buried under what seems to be 20 layers of Black Hammer storytelling.

Four issues in and Brynmore finally becomes the title it was hyped as, a horror tale perfect for the season.

Unless it's on a Netflix docuseries or the trial of the century, there's rarely anything exciting about a standard court hearing. However, Greg Weisman not only made one exciting, but downright enthralling at points over the past few issues of Gargoyles.

Constant's script is about as powerful as they come as Gar deals with anxiety and other mental illnesses, making the hero as human as they come.

It's not a groundbreaking X-Men series by any means, but at the very least, it's a faithful tribute to one of the most beloved X-Men stories ever told.

There's a sense of mystery coursing through this issue, though it feels unneeded and unnecessary given we already know much of what the story is forcing itself to hide from us.

The pieces are falling into place exactly where they need to be and the excitement in this story is palpable.

Klik Klik Boom ends as explosively as it started, with Sprout kicking as much ass as humanly possible.

Rogue Sun #16 includes a little sample of everything that makes this title great. It skirts around horror, using demonic and monstrous characters in its ensemble, including multiple cameos and Easter eggs.

The script here weaves a web of mystery with the Church subplot, one that will apparently come to a head in next month's issue.

Stephanie Phillips takes the reins on the First Avenger, and the end result is something with a little more fluff than need be.

This story is far from serious, and that's largely why this one-shot is so dang charming.

Story-wise, Superior Spider-Man #1 is nothing to write home about.

All these years later, Undiscovered Country continues to be its bloated self, releasing issues that are far too grand for their own good.

It's a comic that does what it can to weave in and out of predictability, with jaw-droppingly complex art from Pasqual Ferry and Heather Moore to boot. This issue is one you don't want to miss.

With a creepy setting, Benjamin Percy writes a dynamite tribute to spooky season and it's darker setting combined with Danny Kim's lineart the errs of the side of camp, Ghost Rider Annual #1 is a good tome for the season.

The second arc of Star Trek: Defiant begins here, and it's one that evokes a variety of emotions from anger and sadness to hope and optimism.

Combined with the horrifically beautiful artwork of one Jacob Phillips, The Enfield Gang Massacre is indie western stories at their best.

The plot doesn't move forward all too much but with a script on display like this one, this is comics at its best.

Three issues in and Brynmore finally delivers on the promise of the horror, introducing readers to a story dealing with both vampires and zombies.

The tension created here is palpable and if we know this creative team, things are about to get real explosive, real fast.

The writer balances heroism with real-world change and the end result is an admirable story about anyone can be a superhero, powers or not.

The wheels of X-Men: Days of Future Past Doomsday #3 churn forth every so slowly, at times seeming as if they're not even churning at all.

It's not often you see a comic where the lettering is the best part of it all, but Steve Wands' work within Earthdivers #10 is substantially better than the story at hand.

Unfortunately for the title, the result is a rough comic that appears to not know what it wants.

Now halfway through its run, Hawkgirl is starting to feel like a story that doesn't know what it wants to be.

It's definitely a slog to get through at first, but Immortal Sergeant #9 isn't only the brightest part of this story, but it's an epic endcap to a human-driven story.

Heartwarming, charming, deeply personal, and down right gorgeous.

Taylor heads back to the days of Nightwing's previous creative team with this new arc, bringing characters and lingering plot threads from then and pushing them into the spotlight here. It's a risk brining much of that stuff back given how stale it ran, but let's see what this new team can with it.

Though this team continues to afford a lot of world-building to back-up prose, the comic itself is still a sci-fi delight.

Titans is simultaneously grounded superhero fun and supernatural satanic insanity.

Gargoyles #9 is an issue that'd make Matt Murdock blush. Not only does Greg Weisman write a trial (or hearing) accurately, he manages to keep this low-octane issue.

While the eponymous character is thrown to the backburner this issue, giving readers plenty of exposition on one of Marvel's new favorites is a welcome (and needed) change of pace.

It's humorous and clips along at a brisk pace, even though it runs into the trap of featuring an antagonist that's simply the opposite of its protagonist.

Phillips' lineart is at its most vicious yet, helping craft this story into a beautifully brutal Western.

Jack Russell and Elsa Bloodstone return to the Marvel mythos in this jam-packed one-shot, one that surprisingly overstays its welcome.

The water that is the War of the Seven Spheres is beginning to simmer once again, and if MacKay and Ferry can make it boil, Strange fans may have a serious hit on their hands.

Weapons of Vengeance is a Marvel event done right. No world-ending plot is needed, just a demonic invasion that is at as small of a scale as that can be.

There's a little bit of something for everyone here in Star Trek: Defiant #7, whether you're local for epic space explosions or a vulnerable character exploration of one of the franchise's most invulnerable characters.

All in all, Black Hammer: The End #1 is a very promising beginning to this story's conclusion, it's just pulled in one too many directions to be the perfect launch.

Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider #4 ties things up nicely with a neat little bow, serving as the conclusion for a story that was 30 years in the making.

Earthdivers doesn't reinvent the wheel, nor does it do enough to set one of its own issues apart from the next.

This issue, arguably more than any of the series, makes the character all-too-real and the story is so much better for it.

At this rate, it's almost sadistic for what Duggan is making the character endure, but hopefullyjust hopefullythe payoff happens before the gloominess runs stale.

This issue will tear your heart out, stomp on it, and use the closest defibrillator to get it going again within the span of 20 pages, with a hauntingly beautiful story told within.

Rogue Sun barrels towards an epic conclusion in issue #15 and though the script tries to demand your attention, the end result is much too hollow.

Like the title's first issue, Brynmore #2 is awfully light on spooks for being solicited as a horror story.

The Ghost Rider/Wolverine team-up is exactly what comics needs and this creative team executes it exceptionally well.

Though this finale is a bit rushed to get everything in in time, it's still comic book goodness to the max.

Axelrod's script skips along at an excellent pace, even though it doesn't focus on the eponymous hero for a solid chunk of the issue.

This issue has a lot to it, and it simply can't cover its bases in time.

Tini Howard picks up the reins and knocks it out of the park with a delightful passing-of-the-torch featuring DC's favorite sorceress.

Even though it's an X-Men story that's been told time and time before, but Guggenheim and Garcia manage to continue keeping Days of Future Past Doomsday fresh with its sophomore issue here.

Though Drew Moss' lineart continues to do wonders for this animated-based property, which brings across the tone of the show it's based on exceptionally well, a lukewarm script does no favors at it drags readers in far too many directions with bizarre pacing and questionable paneling.

With flames and snikts aplenty, the debut of Ghost Rider/Wolverine: Weapons of Vengeance is exactly what it needs to be.

This story knows exactly what it wants to be, and it executes that plan flawlessly.

Jed MacKay turns out a script that's nothing short of brilliant, taking all that's good about the Sorcerer Supreme and amplifying it tenfold.

While Gargoyles #8 doesn't do much to advance the plot, both Goliath and Coldfire get a substantial amount of character work.

Between Cantwell managing to pen a dynamite scene involving Data and Lore and Unzueta's larger-than-life action set pieces, Star Trek: Defiant #6 is good, ol-fashioned comic book storytelling.

If you want to keep the great memories of Strange Academy alive, stay clear of this iteration.

Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider #3 is where this story begins to crumble under the weight of its nostalgia.

A must-read for any Iron Man fan, no doubt.

Klik Klik Boom #2 continues the story of Sprout in spectacular fashion as the comic molds itself into one of the most inventive stories of the year.

There's simultaneously a lot going on and nothing going on whatsoever as the story is pulled forward in three or four new directions. Alas, the tension is palpable we just don't know if the payoff is going to be worth it.

Hawkgirl #1 ditches most everything fans know about the character, a hefty risk that pays dividends in this debut. As a result, comic readers are treated to a dynamic reimagining of the character that's nothing short of a delight.

In contrast with the ongoing Nightwing series, this Knight Terrors-spinoff is all too predictable and haphazard.

Reading like a Saturday morning cartoon, the script from Shannon and Dean Hale is both light and personal, allowing readers to examine Kory's persona under a microscope.

Earthdivers #8 finds itself a bit all over the place with sudden jumps between scenes providing readers with plenty of whiplash.

The first Gargoyles comic spin-off has arrived, and it's apparent from the leap it's a most welcome addition to the wider canon.

Groot #3 cements Abnett's status as one of the best writers to tell stories featuring characters from Marvel's cosmic stable.

Immortal Sergeant #7 soars as the title's best-yet as the eponymous curmudgeon finally starts turning the corner not into a likable character, but an understandable character at the very least.

Though stories with anti-mutant propaganda are a dime a dozen at the House of Ideas, Guggenheim's reductive script removes all the frills and turns it into a story that's incredibly human.

Even without the major twist at the end, this issue checks all of boxes of a killer Doctor Strange comic.

With the return of another Gargoyles favorite and some of the world-building that made the animated shit a cult classic in the first place, Gargoyles #7 is a breath of fresh air for this comic series.

Hairball #4 goes completely off the rails in its finale in the most haphazard of ways.

While some outstanding questions are answered, especially when it comes to this story's characters, the mysteries of many plot points only grow with the passing of each page.

For taking place in what amounts to a single set piece, Cantwell shines bright with a script that flourishes with its dialogue between its cast.

While there's likely (hopefully?) more to the story, this introductory issue is about as flat as can be.

Ghost Rider from Percy and Smith has been solid through and through; so much so, many would probably consider it one of the best stories featuring Ghost Rider told in years.

Two issues in and this story is very much grounded, but that's perfectly all right this comic knows what it needs to be and it excels at that.

While new concepts and mythologies are being introduced, it feels like Dylan's progress takes a step back as he fills the shoes of the character we knew a year ago.

After this issue, this storyline is barreling forward full steam ahead, and it doesn't look like it plans on pulling any punches.

It's frantic at times, which matches the tone of the story yet even then, it seems to be a mismatch.

Between the Polaroids and gritty-yet-refined line art of Doug Dabbs, Sprout's not only able to communicate effectively with other characters in this story, but with those reading the comic.

Abnett's care for Marvel cosmic shines through in Groot #2, where another Centaurian character is introduced, one that may or may not have something to do with the bloodline of Yondu. Regardless, this series continues to be peak cosmic goodness, there's no doubt about it.

It's surprising just how shocking this title can be even if you expect the unexpected, something that can largely be attributed to the brisk pace the comic carries, allowing you to flow between pages with incredible ease.

Just when you think Tony Stark can't dig himself a deeper hole, Gerry Duggan and Juan Frigeri punch ol' Iron Man hard enough the crater grows with each passing issue.

This issue, in particularly, borders on the edge of being too quick of a read, with little progressing on both the character and story fronts.

Like the characters featured within its pages, Star Trek: Defiant wears its heart on its sleeve.

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.

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

Kelly and Lanzing waste no time in showing readers the more relaxing parts of sci-fi life, a refreshing change of pace from what you may expect one of these stories to tell. Still, there's plenty of phaser beams and space battles for those interested in this well-rounded packages of inter-connected storytelling.

After months of stellar work, Tom Taylor and Travis Moore bring their biggest story to a close in an incredibly fitting fashion.

The first arc of this space epic draws to a fiery close, rounding off its debut story only as a title such as this can with more explosions and f-bombs on a single page than in all other new comics you'll read this week combined.

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.

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.

It's a solid start with one of DC's more beloved groups, it just feels like a lot was left in the bullpen.

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.

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.

Phantom Road goes full X-Files in its newest issue, introducing a no-nonsense FBI agent trying to investigate to the mysterious appearance of one of the demons, zombies, or whatever those things are in the "regular" dimension.

It's right about here Cantwell's script gets lost in the technical side of the Star Trek universe, opting to go the route of being "too Star Trek."

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.

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

The script of this finale was fun and full of excitement, and inar nailed the action sequences.

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 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.

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

Though the finale went exactly as most predicted, Young and Ramos manage to check most of the boxes they needed to before this title sailed off into the sunset.

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

If anything this title feels like a series of one-shot teasers for an expansive sci-fi world that has nothing to do with Marvel or mutant lore.

As has become the norm in this run, Tom Taylor has thrust Nightwing into a seemingly winless scenario. Only each time, Dick Grayson pulls through only as he could.

Phew, the second arc of Rogue Sun comes racing to a close with its 12th issue, and boy howdy, it sure is a doozy.

As Rucka and Trautmann are handed plenty of extra pages in each issue for backing material, the sequential part of the issue rushes by with a brisk pace, allowing the tempo to match Henderson's high-octane, punch-ya-in-the-mouth lineart.

After four stellar issues, Voyagis finally wraps its run here with a fifth issue that may be the weakest of the series.

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

It's a dark story that's microscopic on the surface, before exploding in scope with just the littlest peak under the hood and Walta's lineart is one of those that can provide the necessary range. Not only that, but it carries the script forward like the folktale it is.

Defiant continues to inject some fresh life into the Star Trek franchise through a surprisingly grounded sci-fi tale.

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 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.

Though the story fizzles out as it's stretched every which way, the action and panel-exploding punches are a sight to see, for whatever that's worth.

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

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.

Though the cast of this book has been plenty expansive, Strange Academy: Finals #5 adds even more into the mix, students and adults alike, in an issue that's sure to excite those who love all things mystical at Marvel.

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

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.

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.

After focusing on Spider-Man for a few issues, Joe Fixit finally gives some time to the eponymous Avenger, and it's all the better for it.

Nightwing #102 bridges the gap between two major story arcs, and things are definitely barreling forward full-steam ahead.

Though the story continues to be exceptionally light on character work in favor of shock and awe, Undiscovered Country #24 is a step back in the right direction.

The script is certainly a slow burn, but the line art from Unzueta and Marissa Louise helps bring it to life in a spectacularly realistic fashion.

Even if the plot doesn't feel like it's going anywhere until the final few pages, that's something completely forgivable due to the expansive world introduced in the pages before. It's a dynamic comics universe with even better artwork and together, this creative team has made a genre-spanning smash.

The rebellion against Mr. Sinister continues in a bombastic fashion while this story buckles beneath the weight of multiple worlds.

This title is at its best when Dylan lets his arrogance subside and willingly learns; luckily for both he and the readers, the introduction of the Knight Sun is helping move that along really well.

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

From the leap, Phantom Road has the Twin Peaks qualities Jeff Lemire tends to draw upon in nearly all of his titles and for that, you can't blame him. Lemire knows what he writes exceptionally well and continues to hit pay dirt with this recipe.

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

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.

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

The world's best superhero comic continues in surprising fashion, introducing the supernatural into an otherwise grounded book.

While this run has tugged at the heartstrings plenty of times before, that weight becomes truly burdensome here as the end nears, and Young and Ramos turn out one of the title's best outings yet.

Though Undiscovered Country can be wildly inconsistent at times, there is no doubt that it's an undeniably fresh tale.

Kesgin's fresh alien world continues to be a bright spot in an already perfect package.

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.

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.

Si Spurrier's lore introduced here is nothing short of heavy, with signatures of Hickman-ian world-building found throughout. Still, Spurrier's script is able to pace itself enough that readers connect with its characters as they traverse the universe in an attempt to stop the villainous Essex.

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.

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.

It's a big popcorn book through and through as the pacing on this issue is set at a breakneck pace.

The first arc of Minor Threats comes to a roaring halt in ways only this title can with a few laughs, a couple of tears, and a whole lot of blood.

All in all, another superb outing from team Rogue Sun.

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

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.

Though aliens make up this comic's ensemble cast, it's still a surprisingly human story that's as charming and optimistic as it is heart-wrenching.

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.

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.

This story is as good of an example as any to showcase two comic creators not only at the top of their own careers, but at the summit of the comics industry as a whole.

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.

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.

Though the story is satisfactory, it ends up being dense just to be dense at times. It's more evident than ever that Pearson's stunning artwork carried it through to the end.

The script moves along quickly, and Cinar's lineart is the perfect combination of 90s era Fixit goodness with an added modern-day sheen. Still, it's evident this book doesn't really know what it wants to be just quite yet.

For a one-shot Christmas special, this oversized issue has everything you'd need. Even then, the shtick started to run thin by the end.

Phew. That's my honest first reaction after reading something like Trojan, a comic that, on its surface, seems to exist solely to shock and awe the masses. It's gory, it's dirty, and at times it's downright uncomfortable to take in. Luckily it seems like Kraus, Laci, and Lesko have a purpose in place for the griminess that they give you here.

If there's one thing for certain, it's that both Young and Ramos care deeply about this batch of characters, that much is evident through their consistent work on this book.

While the teases are fine and dandy, MacKay and a team of artists do a splendid job at intertwining an Arthurian tale with the Marvel Universe with the end result being an absolute delight.

Though the script lurches forward a bit all too slowly, the payoff is entirely worth it.

As has become standard from this team, the character work done here is second to none, even when Taylor's script for this one brushes by at a brisk pace.

Parrott continues helping flesh out the MassiveVerse with additional characters. The only problem there is that they're the same characters the title introduced last issue, and neither their story nor development takes a major leap forward here.

A lot happens and it can feel burdensome at times, but that's easily forgivable when you look at this beautifully wonderful world.

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

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.

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.

Blood Stained Teeth continues to weave an intricate vampiric tale.

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.

A divergence from That Texas Blood's regular story, Condon and Phillips craft a charming Christmas tale that should warm the heart of even the grinchiest of Scrooges.

At long last, Tom Taylor gives an origin story to the villain that's been stalking Bldhaven, ripping the hearts out of those most unsuspecting. It's delightfully twisted, setting up the antithesis to Dick Grayson's all-American persona.

Readers are quickly reminded of the teenager that leads the title, covering some of the exact same coming-of-age angles told earlier in the series.

Since there are so many characters involved, the overall narrative can grow thin but that's perfectly all right for those hoping for a character-driven tale given this title has plenty of character to go around.

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.

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

This new era of Power Rangers hit the ground running and at this point shows no signs of slowing down in the least.

Even under the premise of a genre-spanning thriller, The Dreaming God #4 is a poignant tale of familialblood and otherwiseloss and the grief that comes with it.

Featuring guest artist Daniele Di Nicuolo, this story seems inconsequential on the surface. You dig even the slightest bit, however, and you get a treasure trove full of character exploration and examination on what it means to be a hero.

A stellar debut for this team.

The next great science-fiction adventure has arrived.

A delightfully brutal ending.

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.

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.

An action-packed story combined with Hepburn's ability to juggle two separate styles while jumping between timelines results in one of the most exciting indie superhero outings in recent memory.

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

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.

You get the best of both worlds in That Texas Blood #19.

Not missing a beat, Young and Ramos get fans caught up with comic book equivalency of a recap intro, throwing readers right back into the saddle.

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.

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.

After three dynamite issues, Mindset #4 seems like filler.

In what will likely be the biggest twist of this series, readers are left hanging with a rather large cliffhanger one that firmly ties Taylor and Bruno Redondo's run to that immediately before it.

High concept sci-fi mixed with horror, period pieces, and fantasy, The Dreaming God #3 is an immersive experience from cover to cover.

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.

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

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.

Minor Threats #2 has each panel packed with characters and various ensembles, making for a brisk and beautiful read. This is what comics are all about.

Coupled with dynamic artwork from Ze Carlos and Raul Angulo, this entry in the Massive-verse is one of this particular comic world's most unique entries yet.

That Texas Blood #18 finds itself in a classic Catch-22 scenario: the story that is told is so thrilling, reading pushes forth at a brisk pace as a tension-filled tale unfolds.

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.

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

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.

Superb pacing, exceptionally electric lineart, and plenty of zombies goodness to go around.

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

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

Taylor and Redondo have earned their spots as two of the best creators to get their hands on ol' Dick Grayson this issue alone cements that idea.

. In a sense, this book has a shallow depthit has many layers to the story, but each of those layers is light on characterization and plot progression. They do, however, standout because of the top-notch lineart courtesy of Andrea Mutti, only amplified by the excellent watercolors throughout.

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

Mindset stands tall and only gets better with each passing issue, rightfully finding itself amongst some of the best sequential storytelling available today.

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

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.

It's exceptional character work all around, even though the story goes nowhere.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a world saturated with superhero comics, Minor Threats #1 is a creative and well-rounded introduction to another world of capes and tights.

Rosenberg's deep exploration into the cycle of being constantly resurrectedagainst your own will, nonethelessis something pushed to the forefront here and this book is much better off for it.

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.

This issue has it all and it's a perfect reminder of how long it's been since this character has had a dynamite creative team at the helm.

Parasomnia returns with The Dreaming God #1, taking readers on an even deeper trip into the dreams of the title's protagonists.

Camuncoli and Grassiplus colorist Matt Wilsoncombine for another spectacular outing on the art front, even though the script finds itself playing things a little too safe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coupled with kinetic work from Nikola Cizmesija, this over-size one-shot is a stellar launching platform for an incredibly deep and rich story.

Frigid, frightening, and freakishly good, That Texas Blood #16 is about as close to perfect as a comic can get.

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.

Paired with the brilliant paintings of John Pearson, Mindset is still holding strong.

In the finale of its first arc, Rogue Sun grows more personal than it ever has before.

Matthew Rosenberg's ultimate plan is laid out in Task Force Z #10, simultaneously tying up the biggest loose ends while setting the title on a massive path forward.

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

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

In a "Reign of X" line that's already been exceptionally dense with its rich storytelling, Knights of X is the creme brulee of the bunch. You read all the mutant-related titles you can, then there's a book like Knights of X #4 that's too decadent for its own good, upsetting your stomach as you scoop out the last bit of remnants from the ramekin.

Grayson's character-work remains unrivaled, and the addition of Geraldo Borges on art is more welcome than ever, especially when it comes to a kinetic car chase.

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.

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.

Despite the gloomy story at hand, the art and coloring provides a great sense of balance to the tale at hand, and the end result might be one of the best Norse Mythology issues to date.

In standard fashion, the pacing of the issue pushes forward with ease hopping around from one scene to the next in no time at all. That creates a sense of unease and confusion, which may or may not be part of the design.

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

Something's building, and this issue is very much the first part of something else, despite being billed as a finale of sorts.

Great character work, impeccable art, and an all-around dynamite comic.

Mindset isn't your standard psychological thriller. In fact, it turns the entire genre on its head, introducing a wildly fresh take on mind control and the dangers of social media and influencer marketing.

A certain sense of wit and, in turn, charm shines through in the script here and that carries the book forward a substantial amount.

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

Knights of X #3 continues to move forward at an ever-slowing pace, churning forth just the slightest throughout its featherweight page count.

It's taken a significant while to get where it has, but the character work done on Dick Grayson is second to none.

Onward and upward, Rogue Sun is still moving forward full steam ahead.

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

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's probably one of the most well-paced reads across all three volumes of this title and Russell's line art matches exceptionally well with the story at hand.

It's simultaneously a nice breakaway from the main story while also adding to it and moving this grand scheme along.

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.

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

After a months-long hiatus, That Texas Blood comes roaring back onto the scene with #14...and it does. not. let up.

The end result is an exceptional fantasy stew that is a delight to behold.

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

Knights of X #2 shows a lot of promise and Howard's mini-world is something I hope gets explored further and soon. It's just unfortunate that exploration hasn't yet come in this very series.

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.

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.

Parrott and Abel turn it up to 11 in Rogue Sun #4, with the story pushing the pedal to the metal and never letting up.

All and all, it's a real solid issue that fires on all fronts.

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.

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

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.

All the right beats are hit, and this title is that much better for it.

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

In a series of stories that have had plenty of highs and lows, Norse Mythology III #4 might be one of those lows.

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

Even with a comic that largely runs on some shocking reveals, none of to be found here in this issue and the end result largely fills like a filler.

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

Some comics have a lot going on, and then there's something like Knights of X #1 that comes along and makes those stories pale in comparison.

The issue is as spooky as it is charming, largely thanks in part to Abel's tense layouts combined with a relaxed script.

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

Here, Taylor's script does an excellent job of balancing the two lives of a superhero the one where they save the lives of anyone they can, and the one where they try to live a life of their own.

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.

As with other entires in this series, the script is disjointed at times, thrusting readers around numerous places and scenes from panel to panel. That said, it's consistent in its storytelling, and Doran's folksy line art does wonder for this grim-yet-candid tale.

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.

There's good ol' Silver Age storytelling entangled with cosmic and horror, and the end result is a delightful mini-series that is very much worth a read.

Two issues in, and this series's spot amongst the pantheon of sequential greats is all but guaranteed.

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

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

Rogue Sun's sophomore issue quickly hits the beats glossed over in the comics' first issue, and it makes the title's second issue nearly as good as it can be.

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

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

For a book that wants to be Venom, it's rather aimless at this point.

Between the dialogue and Leigh's letters, Task Force Z #6 starts off like a classic Silver Age funnybook, and it only picks up steam along the way.

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.

Since Tom Taylor took over the reins to Nightwing, the series has been packed to the brim with top-tier storytelling and #90 is no different.

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.

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.

There's something about a story in which someone like a god fears death, and Doran illustrates that perfectly.

The best part of this entire series has been Young's character work on a fresh, new ensemble and Strange Academy #17 may be the best example of that yet.

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

It has the meat and potatoes of a classic superhero tale, just a little heavy on the potatoes as of now.

Now that this story has found its footing, The Thing #5 is allowed to breathe and the end results are incredible.

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

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.

Strange Academy #16 sets the pieces in motion for the title's last two issues and judging by this outing, the finale's going to be a real doozy.

Task Force Z started out as a novel idea, but it's just getting thin nearly half a year in.