Alan Rapp's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Razorfine Reviews: 2948
7.0Avg. Review Rating

8
007 (2022) #1

Aug 15, 2022

While on suspension, a voice from the past reaches out. An old mentor (and lover?), the former 003 Gwendolyn Gann, reaches out to Bond with a proposition. 007 #1 offers an interesting wrinkle to Bond's history in suggesting the primary influence to him as an agent was a woman. We're given a handful of images from his memory suggesting there might be more to delve into. But, is it already too late? Can Bond solve the clues left behind, and how might all this relate to the shadowy operatives testing him at the beginning of the issue?

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8
007 (2022) #2

Sep 14, 2022

The last half of the issue deals with Bond turning down taking over the case only to be attacked outside his apartment and abducted by mercenaries from Myrmidon who appear to want to know just how much Bond knows about their plans. A solid issue that underscores the talents of 007, teases us with the toughness of the Myrmidon agents, and sets Bond up all alone on a fight for revenge.

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8
007 (2022) #3

Oct 25, 2022

Like several Bond villains before him, Fromm gives Bond the hard sell which ties back into that same dictator England wants to put back in power. At the time of her death, Gann was working with Myrmidon to prevent this. All the other trappings of the organization's facility, while interesting, are secondary to this idea which offers a plausible reason, at least in the short-term, for Bond to go with the flow.

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7
007 (2022) #4

Dec 7, 2022

Looking for answers, Bond begins working for Myrmidon with his first assignment stealing secure information from the British Government. Seducing a young woman at MI5 for access and then breaking into a secret government server room, Bond looks for answers about Gwendolyn Gann and for what his government is doing in bed with a terrorist and dictator.

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6
007 (2022) #5

Jan 2, 2023

007 #5 offers the twist you've been waiting for explaining both Bond's endgame with Nassar and his role with helping Myrmidon (or not so much helping, but delivering them into the clutches of the authorities).

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6
007 (2022) #6

Feb 6, 2023

My complaint is the story relying on the laziest of action cliches with our obvious hero being hunted by his own head-up-the-ass government mistakenly believing Bond is a traitor. It's a move that makes M6 look so incompetent, that if Bond wasn't around, every one of them would likely end up like White Boy Bob in Out of Sight.

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7
007: For King and Country #1

Apr 25, 2023

Solid first issue with the action bookended a bored 007 living in hiding with Gwendolyn Gann for much of the comic, getting grouchier day by day, before new trouble comes calling.

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7
007: For King and Country #2

Jun 6, 2023

We're given a couple action sequences, first with the new 00 catching up with them, who our spies on the run easily dispatch, and later with the much more seasoned 006 finding them in Rome as Gann attempts to recruit an old friend to help the pair in their fight.

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7
007: For King and Country #3

Jul 11, 2023

Just what is the secret Gann has been keeping? And how much will it effect Bond's mission to destroy Myrmidon (which we see more examples of their monstrosity on display underlining that despite Gann's secrets, Myrmidon needs to be taken down whatever the cost).

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7
007: For King and Country #5

Oct 23, 2023

007: For King and Country #5 opens with a trigger-happy 009 and an assassination attempt James Bond barely survives in an action sequence that cover several pages.

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7
007: For King and Country #6

Dec 6, 2023

3.5 Razors, Action, James Bond

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8
47 Ronin #1

Nov 18, 2012

The first issue of the five-issue mini-series is presented in a way that should appeal both to those who already know the story and those discovering it for the first time. Worth a look.

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8
47 Ronin #2

Jan 10, 2013

With their master now dead, and the man responsible unpunished, the story can begin in earnest as the 47 ronin will begin their own search for justice for the death of their fallen lord. Worth a look.

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7
47 Ronin #3

Mar 11, 2013

Three issues in 47 Ronin is still quite a bit of politics and set-up without delivering much action. That said, the story is well told and I'm willing to read anything drawn by Sakai (although I prefer it to center around a rabbit with a samurai sword). Worth a look.

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7
47 Ronin #4

May 7, 2013

Writer Mike Richardson and artist Stan Sakai's retelling of the classic Japanese legend has been heavy on story and character, but that should change with the series' finale. (And, even more importantly, it will free Sakai to return to doing what he does best – write and draw Usagi Yojimbo.) Worth a look.

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7
47 Ronin #5

Jul 6, 2013

I happy to see Richardson and Sakai bring to story to a satisfactory conclusion, especially as that means Sakai's responsiblities on the mini-series are done once again freeing him to do what he does best and return to beloved creation Usagi Yojimbo. For those of us with serious rabbit ronin withdrawal it can't come soon enough. Worth a look.

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5
5 Ronin #1

Mar 9, 2011

More of a curiosity than anything else, this first issue is really nothing more than a mediocre What If"? story. It's not bad, the tale simply doesn't engage the reader and there's nothing here to make someone like me come back for four straight weeks to see if the other X-Men characters fare any better. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular: Catwoman #1

Jun 15, 2020

We also get Catwoman going up against Clayface in "Born to Kiln," escaping a trap by the Taxidermist in "Save the Cat," and dealing with a crooked rent-a-cop in "Now You See Me," And, as with the other collections we've seen, the story included from the current timeline, "Addicted to Trouble," featuring Catwoman on the road proves to be one of the lesser entries.

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6
80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular: Robin #1

Mar 23, 2020

The other Robins also get tales, my favorite of which features the Red Hood completing a task he started during his time as Robin in “More Time.” Tim Drake gets a pair of stories in “Extra Credit” and “Boy Wonders” both touching on themes of growing up and learning to grow into his own Robin. Stephanie Brown struggles with becoming the new Robin in “Fitting In” in a nice story featuring the shortest tenured Robin of them all. Damian is seen in “My Best Friend” centering around his friendship with Jonathan Kent and “Bat and Mouse” which ties into current storylines (and is the least interesting of all the tales). For fans.

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6
80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular: Green Lantern #1

Jun 29, 2020

Guy Gardner and Kilowog are given a tale with a fun twist, Sinestro tortures a Green Lantern in his story, and Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz overcome fear and hatred respectively in their solo tales. Like similar recent one-shots from DC, this one's mostly for fans.

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8
A Haunted Girl (2023) #1

Oct 19, 2023

Halloween time fits well with the release of the first issue, although I'll be curious to see just how long it takes for Cleo to get answers to what is going on and seeing how the pieces begin to fit together.

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7
A+X #6

Mar 30, 2013

The second story, although not nearly as entertaining, also features two heroes winding up at a poker game as the Yancy Street friends of Ben Grimm invite Gambit, over for the weekly poker game. There's some okay back-and-forth between the characters and late twist, but it's the less interesting of the two stories. Worth a look.

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5
A+X #8

May 30, 2013

Although I've never been a big fan of Hawkeye, I really enjoyed Deadpool Team-Up and the idea of Deadpool driving any Avenger crazy for half an issue appealed to me. Despite having some nice moments as well, the story isn't nearly as zany or outrageous as I was hoping. Hit-and-Miss.

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5
Action Comics (2011) #19

Apr 6, 2013

The rest of the comic features Superman battling giant robots (for reasons that don't make a lot of sense), Lex Luthor keeping his shrink locked up for an accurate diagnosis of him as a megalomanical psychopath, and a weird hallucinatory moment where Superman thinks one of the soldiers piloting the robots is Jimmy Olsen (which, also, makes very little sense). Hit-and-Miss.

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9
Action Comics (2016) #1000

Apr 20, 2018

Action Comics #1000 may lack one stand-out story, but the comic offers something for everyone with some great art by a variety of comic artists celebrating the Man of Steel's 80 years. Must-read.

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8
Action Comics (2016) #1001

Jul 31, 2018

We also get introduced to a new super-powered threat in Red Cloud (think Livewire except on fire?) who may have ties to Clark Kent's world as well as Superman's. Hmmm…. Worth a look.

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8
Action Comics (2016) #1003

Oct 2, 2018

The issue is worth picking up for the Batman and Superman angle (including Bruce's joke about what he plans to do with the Kryptonite). Also of interest, though, is the late reveal of Lois Lane being tracked down by an old “friend.” Worth a look.

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9
Action Comics (2016) #1006

Jan 9, 2019

There's some nice action here once Red Cloud rebuffs our hero's offer (the character's nature provides some interesting visuals of Superman fighting mist without a solid physical form for the Man of Steel to punch his way through). I'm really enjoying Bendis' take on Superman (and again huge props for pushing for the return of the trunks on both Batman and Superman!). Worth a look.

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8
Action Comics (2016) #1008

Mar 4, 2019

Whatever Leviathan is, and apparently its big enough to take out several secret organizations without much effort or leaving much of a trace, it looks like the threat is very real. The first question Superman will have to decide is if he can trust Waller (who apparently has known his secret identity for some time)? Worth a look.

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8
Action Comics (2016) #1009

Apr 9, 2019

I'll admit I'm a bit confused by the final few panels in which Superman and Lois appear transformed for an undercover mission (what did I miss?), but even an unclear ending doesn't detract all that much from another solid issue. Worth a look.

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8
Action Comics (2016) #1011

May 29, 2019

The night before the new day that Leviathan has promised, there are still quite a few questions unanswered including what happened to all the agents from the agencies that Leviathan put down? And just what does Leviathan have planned when the sun rises tomorrow? Worth a look.

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9
Action Comics (2016) #1022

Jun 15, 2020

The issue's B-story continues the fallout of The Daily Planet's recent woes (keeping that plot thread alive), but this issue is primarily about re-incorporating another character back into the Kent family.

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8
Action Comics (2016) #1028

Dec 28, 2020

Kara earns really only a token appearance, but there are also several pages of Superman hanging out with Jon prior to his son returning to the future in which we get to see Clark in the role of a father once more.

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5
Action Comics (2016) #1051

Feb 1, 2023

3 Razors, Power Girl, Supergirl, Superman

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9
Adventureman (2020) #9

May 30, 2022

I'll admit to not giving this comic as much attention as it probably deserves and feeling a bit lost, not unlike Claire and Crossjaw wandering through the underground tunnels, after taking a break from this story after the introductory first issue. That said, I still enjoyed the mix of humor and creepy weirdness here involving a gang of ghosts returning to the living and a woman taking on powers of a pulp hero being the only thing standing in their way. I'm curious to see the adventure continue.

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2
Age of Ultron #1

Mar 13, 2013

Aside from being extremely violent, unnecessarily gritty, and all around unenjoyable, this first issue is also rather pointless as we don't really spend any time getting to know any of these versions of classic Marvel characters. Maybe they're saving that for the next nine issues. God help us all. Pass.

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8
All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2011) #13

Nov 14, 2011

The comic ends with a discussion between the Phantom Stranger and Madame Xanadu. Xanadu congratulates the Stranger on the success of his plan but reminds him Robin wasn't Batman's only partner. Best of the week.

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4
All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2011) #14

Dec 17, 2011

I know the title is geared towards younger readers, and this is a holiday issue, but it has done a pretty good job not talking down to them and spoon feeding them issues (religious or otherwise), which we get more than our fill of here. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
All-New Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2011) #16

Feb 11, 2012

Bat-Mite manages to take the rejection rather well, and finds a new target for his amorous advances. It's not a bad end to the series but with the show already off the air and the rest of the New 52 Bat-titles firmly entrenched in a far less stories there certainly seems like there's a market to keep this title around. I'm going to be sad to see it go. Worth a look.

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8
All-New X-Men #23

Feb 17, 2014

Filled with action, suspense, and an awful lot of humor and inside references (such as Kitty Pryde's mention of her uncomfortable past with space travel), the pairing of the two teams is a lot of fun while the pre-trial moments between Jean Grey and a Shi'ar telepath continue to set the stage for the trial yet to come. Worth a look.

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5
All-New X-Men #25

Apr 14, 2014

Don't get me wrong, there's some very nice artwork here (highlighted for me by Bruce Timm's showcasing Jean Grey in her various forms), some of it quite funny, but as a fan of the original idea of The Watcher as a silent observer I'm less than satisfied with this verbose version that even goes so far as to insult the X-Man after speaking his mind. For such a momentous issue All New X-Men #25 can easily be skipped by those not willing to pay $5 for a story that doesn't do much of anything to further ongoing stories and whose absence won't be felt going forward if you choose not to read it. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
All-New X-Men #27

May 19, 2014

Smartly, the group attacks the team's psychics taking down the Cuckoos and then turns its attention to Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Jean Grey (who Xavier psychically reaches out to at the end of the issue). Even with a full issue of action, there's not much here in terms of advancing the story as the Brotherhood is only marginally more in control of their attack on the base than it is at the beginning. Worth a look.

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7
All-New X-Men #28

Jun 16, 2014

Faced with a serious threat in Xavier and his team, All New X-Men #28 continues the trend of showcasing Jean Grey as the pivotal figure on the team whose power continues to surprise even those who know her all too well. Worth a look.

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7
All-New X-Men #29

Jul 16, 2014

All-New X-Men #29 is another strong issue although by their nature the Brotherhood's failed attacks are beginning to grow stale. Hopefully next month's issue moves towards an end to this storyline and begins to look forward to something new for the team to sink its teeth into. Worth a look.

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8
All-New X-Men #30

Aug 16, 2014

The other major plot thread involves Emma Frost trying to pick a fight with Jean Grey, but not for the reason you may suspect. The ending of that story completely changes the pair's dynamic (which didn't have anywhere to go) and opens up the door for several new possibilities between Scott Summers‘ ex-girlfriends as actual friends. Poor Cyclops. Worth a look.

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7
All-New X-Men #31

Sep 9, 2014

Although I think it's very possible for these characters and this comic specifically to get time/space dimension fatigue beginning so quickly after wrapping up a storyline involving villains from the future, Brian Michael Bendis' choice to bring Jean Grey into a universe he knows so well (he did help create it after all) does open the door for some intriguing possibilities as long as the arc doesn't overstay its welcome (a problem the title has had issues with in the past). Worth a look.

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6
All-New X-Men #32

Oct 1, 2014

The Jean Grey/Miles Morales team-up sells the issue (while also providing a pretty cool splash panel of Miles' time as Spidey), but the other storylines don't put the original X-Men in situations which they couldn't have found on their own Earth (in either timeline, really). As someone who has largely ignored the Ultimate Universe since its creation the comic is is only mildly interesting to me but longtime fans may get more out of it. For fans.

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6
All-New X-Men #33

Nov 10, 2014

Getting Angel and X-23 back adds some nice levity to the situation while the rest of the team mainly freaks out with their new reality. For someone unfamiliar with Marvel's Ultimate Universe (which I've mostly avoided other than the early Ultimate Spider-Man arcs) I felt as out-of-place as the X-Men, but given the fact that is exactly the issue's hook it certainly doesn't hurt the story (although those more familiar with the universe will obviously get more out of the cameos of the various alternate versions of Marvel Comics characters). Worth a look.

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7
All-New X-Men #34

Dec 29, 2014

Things aren't any easier for the Beast who has a dinner date with this world's Doctor Doom who is fascinated with the tale of time-and-space-displaced mutants. Just what the super-villain plans to do with such knowledge is yet to be seen. And, in the least interesting of the three storylines, Iceman finishes battling the mole monster on the streets of New York only to run into a couple of police officers and discover mutants are no more beloved in this reality than his own. Worth a look.

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6
All-New X-Men #36

Feb 15, 2015

The issue is really a microcosm of the entire arc in that it includes some fun moments but never quite lives up to the promise of its premise ultimately offering a mostly forgettable adventure. For fans.

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5
All-New X-Men (2015) #2

Dec 23, 2015

As to the storyline, the Ghosts of Cyclops aren't that interesting and the increased hatred of mutants outside Austin, Texas where Iceman finds some new friends paints a bleak world view I don't have interest in returning to month after month. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
All-Star Batman #1

Aug 15, 2016

One issue in it's unclear whether, like Frank Miller's All-Star Batman volume, the series is supposed to exist in its own continuity or not. One thing is clear, seams are the new pouches in terms of overused comic cliches. Seriously DC, I don't need to see every damn seam highlighted in every super-hero's costume. Pass.

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3
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #634

Jun 19, 2010

Although I've liked individual stories in The Gauntlet, the story behind the scenes, which comes to the forefront here, has done more to weary me than our hero. Why am I supposed to care about forgotten Spider-Women, Madame Web (a character I've never liked), Ezekiel, Kaine, or Kraven's wacky family? Hopefully Marvel can get through the "Grim Hunt" and on to better things for the wallcrawler as fast as possible. Pass.

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #651

Jan 18, 2011

The issue also includes a short Scorpion story tacked onto the end of the issue. I'm okay with Mac Gargan taking back the name, but I'm not sure I like the HYDRA looking design of the new suit, and I'm sure I hate the issues final couple of pages where the new Scorpion army is revealed. Ugh.

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #657

Apr 4, 2011

There's also a nice moment at the end where the family sits down to watch the message Johnny left for Peter. It may not be as good as the one from FF #1, but it's still a nice moment. Worth a look.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #658

Apr 19, 2011

I have to say the amount of whining Spidey does in this issue troubles me a little. It looks like the decision is to make Peter far more kid-like than we've seen him in recent years in an attempt to better the team dynamic (which I think is a really, really bad idea). We also get the first rumblings of a major problem with Peter and Carlie's relationship which could lead to a big confrontation in the next issue. Worth a look.

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #659

May 4, 2011

Meanwhile, back in New York, Carlie makes a decision that just might earn her the title of worst girlfriend ever by getting a tattoo of the Green Goblin to spite Peter for lying to her about his plans. So to teach him a lesson she permanently marks herself with the image of the man responsible for killing Peter Parker's first love. Yeah, that should go over real well. I think it's time to dump this chick Spidey and spend some more time with Ms. Marvel. Worth a look.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #660

May 18, 2011

And, finally, the Carlie Cooper tattoo fiasco in a switcheroo that makes no sense whatsoever and yet is still better than what was shown in last issue with her brilliant idea of branding her body with the image of the man who threw Peter Parker's first love off a bridge. Worth a look.

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8
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #677

Jan 18, 2012

I haven't been keeping up with Amazing Spider-Man lately given my lack of interest in Spider-Island and sheer the number of issues the title puts out every month. However, I have to say I love what Waid does with the ol' Web-Head here and I'm eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the arc this week. Best of the week.

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2
Amazing Spider-Man (1999) #700

Jan 1, 2013

I'm sure there will be some who will be looking forward to the fresh take on the new “Superior” Spider-Man, but, following the example laid down in the Ultimate Universe, Peter Parker is dead and replaced (this wasn't even an original idea). Sure, Marvel is likely to return Peter Parker to the living (perhaps within a year if fan outrage hits critical mass and sales drop), but, to put it bluntly, I honestly don't care what happens from here on. He was inarguably the heart and soul of Marvel Comics, and the Marvel Universe is going to miss him far more than they know. Pass.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #1

Jul 15, 2018

The only bright spot for Pete is a bit of super-heroing and getting back together with Mary Jane, which offers a fan-friendly moment but is undrecut by the uncertainty of not knowing how much of their history is still canon (or, to be honest, what ages either character is supposed to be at this point). For fans.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #51

Oct 29, 2020

Despite my absence from the title, and this being the second issue of the storyline, the plot was relatively easy to follow and artist Patrick Gleason has some fun with Spidey in shadow and falling through reality. Enough to keep me around for another issue? Hmm… maybe?

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #77

Oct 28, 2021

After seeing Ben in action for the past couple of issues, The Amazing Spider-Man #77 takes a step back and examines the life of a corporate super-hero trying to live up to both internal and external expectations. If Ben is likely to have struggles, they may be more from Beyond than what he faces on the streets. It's more building block than standalone issue, although it does offer Spidey versus Morbius for a late fight cliffhanger.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #81

Dec 22, 2021

The bad guy of the issue (if you don't count the evil corporate types of Beyond while foreshadowing the inevitable turn of Maxine Danger as a super-villain) is the utterly forgettable Rhizome who the two Spider-Men team-up to stop. Seriously? It took two of them to stop what looks like a drunken mistake by Poison Ivy? Anywho, Maxine isn't pleased with Ben for not pushing the copyright issue with the other Spider-Man, although she may have other more pressing concerns involving Doctor Octopus.

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #89

Feb 22, 2022

Although we don't see him in action, other than a quick save to save a confused Black Cat from taking a 60-story swan dive onto the pavement, The Amazing Spider-Man #89 offers us Peter Parker back in costume for the first time in several issues.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2018): Chameleon Conspiracy #1

Jul 7, 2021

The issue wraps up the storyline in explosive fashion (heh), with a host of cameos late foreshadowing new stories to come involving Silver Sable, Taskmaster and Black Ant, Kindred, Doctor Octopus, Kraven, and Electro.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #1

May 6, 2022

At least he's still got the suit and can do a little wall-crawling which leads into the other thread of the Rose making a play for Tombstone‘s territory. For some reason Tombstone blames Spider-Man, instead of the guy who blew up his home, and threatens to destroy his life (if he only knew). At least Peter is going to have somewhere to put his pent-up aggression.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #20

Feb 23, 2023

The second-half of a two-part story by Joe Kelly and Terry Dodson doesn't make a lick of sense, but it does offer some fun moments between Black Cat and Spidey beating the wannabes.

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6
Amazing X-Men (2013) #1

Nov 14, 2013

I really enjoyed the opening sequences of Nightcrawler and the apparent choice of writer Jason Aaron and artist Ed McGuinness to bring him back into the Marvel Universe. Although the chaos on Firestar's first day is humorous, there's a bit much of it for my tastes as the joke runs a little too long. That said, Firestar's inclusion in the title as a part of this core team certainly brought a smile to my face (as did her awkward interaction with Iceman). I haven't yet been sold on any of the X-Men books on Wolverine's side of the X-Men split, but this one I may stick with. Worth a look.

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8
Amazing X-Men (2013) #2

Dec 11, 2013

Despite his voice commenting on actions and events he couldn't possibly be witnessing, the comic is missing the character who the entire first arc of the series is named after on. Because of this the second issue isn't as strong (or as interesting) as the first, but it's still worth a look.

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8
Amazing X-Men (2013) #3

Jan 22, 2014

After two issues of set-up, Amazing X-Men finally starts delivering on the promise of working Nightcrawler back into the group. Although I didn't expect the level of romantic undertones we get here, I love the reunion between the pair and can't wait to see where they go from here. Worth a look.

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8
Amazing X-Men (2013) #4

Feb 25, 2014

Along with the various reunions writer Jason Aaron reveals the origin of the Bamfs and lays the groundwork for the possible cost of Nightcrawler's current heroism which may have serious repercussions for the still-dead hero and his teammates very soon. Worth a look.

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8
Amazing X-Men (2013) #5

Apr 5, 2014

Kurt's return should also force Logan to admit his own failures including the split in the X-Men. How Nightcrawler is going to fit into that schism should be interesting to watch. Worth a look.

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7
Amazing X-Men (2013) #6

Apr 24, 2014

Despite Mystique's plans to kill Kurt's father the pair form an uneasy truce which can't spell good things for any of the X-Men going forward. Worth a look.

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4
Amber Blake #1

Apr 16, 2019

The entire issue is prelude to who and what Amber Blake may become. There's a kernel of a good (but hardly original) idea, but without at least a tease about where the tragic events may lead her, the first issue feels hollow. Pass.

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6
Ame-comi Girls #2

Nov 24, 2012

The comic's major weakness is its choice of resurrected best forgotten C-list character in Duela Dent. That said, there's still plenty of fun to be had, and quite a bit of story jammed within the pages of the comic. Worth a look.

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8
Ame-comi Girls #4

Jan 20, 2013

The retelling of Supergirl's origin isn't tweaked too much, but before out two super-powered Kryptonian females can get to know each other they've got an army of Manhunters to deal with. Goofy? Yeah, but it's an awful lot of fun and I'm certainly willing to stick around to see where things go from here. Worth a look.

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8
Ame-comi Girls #5

Feb 16, 2013

Once again this all-female version of the DCU provides tons of action and a sense of craziness and goofiness missing in far to much of the New 52. The issue ends with the promise of an all new series beginning next week and a Dark Supergirl/Wonder Woman throwdown to kick things off. Worth a look.

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7
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #1

Mar 9, 2013

Although Brainiac's master plan seems more than a little ridiculous (even by Silver Age standards) this first issue is full of action and some humorous moments (such as Duela's amusement of Wonder Woman's attempt to stab every problem into submission). Worth a look.

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5
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #2

Apr 10, 2013

There are some interesting ideas in the later-half of the comic dealing with vigilantes working with the government (especially when two of them are minors), but (like the final few pages of the Braniac story involving Power Girl nearly coming to blows with Wonder Woman while trying to help a poisoned Supergirl) the writing seems rushed with panels, or even whole pages, missing. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that two-issues worth of story were crammed into this one book. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #3

May 6, 2013

I like the unusual choice for the Ame-Comi version of Green Lantern, although the change in the Green Lantern Oath threw me a little (as did the musical aspect of this GL's power). Star Sapphire's origins allow them to sort of merge Hal Jordan and Carol Ferris into a single character who could be friend or foe, depending on if Carol is able to control her emotions and new-found power. I'll be interested to see where this storyline goes from here. For fans.

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7
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #4

Jun 12, 2013

Personally, I'd have preferred the comic to stay away from the various rainbow corps other than Sinestra (especially the Black Lanterns), but the introduction of the backstory of the character is certainly no more ridiculous than Geoff Johns‘ original concept. Worth a look.

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8
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #5

Jul 8, 2013

Although its themes can't be called subtle, I really enjoyed the Hawkgirl story. The Strange story isn't quite as strong, but it works as well to bring the characters together and set-up their eventual arrival on Earth. Worth a look.

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7
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #6

Aug 9, 2013

Things fall apart for me in the final pages where Metra gets directly involvedk. I would have preferred the ladies to win the day on their own but the (unsubtle) Motherbox metaphor works okay and sets up new possibilities (albeit for a comic whose days appear to be numbered). Worth a look.

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7
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #7

Sep 7, 2013

There's plenty of action and some nice humor between Raven and Trigon as the invasion of Earth by a demon horde all because of one guy's daddy issues embraces the absurdity of the situation in a way the New 52 never would. Worth a look.

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7
Ame-Comi Girls (2013) #8

Oct 24, 2013

The White Canary story gives us a character whose sonic scream is far more pronounced, making it impossible for the heroine to communicate at anything above a whisper (unless she wants to destroy all surrounding structures). I've enjoyed this series, and even if the final issue is one of the weakest, I'll still miss it's optimism and gleeful spirit. Once again, this is something the New 52 could use far more of… as well as more strong (preferably not insane) female characters. For fans.

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4
Angel & Faith Season 9 #1

Sep 7, 2011

This first issue isn't awful, but it's pretty disappointing. Season Nine, the first full comic season with all the characters under one publisher's banner, begins not with a bang but a whimper. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Angel (2019) #0

May 7, 2019

Although the supporting characters we see here aren't likely to make many appearances once the series begins in earnest, Angel #0 is a solid introductory issue to the updated version of the character about to make his first appearance in Buffy the Vampire Slayer #5. Worth a look.

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6
Angel (2019) #1

Jun 5, 2019

Relocated to Sunnydale, Angel #1 features the vampire with a soul looking in an old friend who attempts (but fails) to help Angel see the good he has done. Oh yes, Angel is in full brooding mode. The issue also includes cryptic warnings about dangers Angel is about to face and an opening flashback to his time as Angelus when he sired a vampire hunter. Although the flashback appears completely disconnected from the current storyline, it's obviously important to upcoming events surrounding Angel (who it appears will stay outside Buffy and the Scoobies' orbit for the time being, at least in this plotline). For fans.

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8
Angel (2019) #2

Jul 8, 2019

Other storylines in the comic continue the flashback of Angel siring the new vampire Marius and quite a few pages are devoted to the unseen enemy attacking young victims through social media and text messaging by offering an understanding his victims aren't finding elsewhere. No doubt this is the looming threat Angel will need to solve, but personally I'm looking forward to seeing the handsome man save Fred from the monsters. Worth a look.

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7
Angel (2019) #3

Aug 8, 2019

Fred is an interesting choice of a first companion to Angel, rather than Cordelia (who is still in high school) and Lilith‘s note about Angel's journey helping to quiet her mind makes you wonder what version of the character we may see when Angel emerges from the hellish maze Fred just sent him to. Worth a look.

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7
Angel (2019) #4

Sep 10, 2019

The comic also features a scene between the victorious Angel and the more lucid Fred who foreshadows more trouble to come as well as the next member of the gang to be introduced to the fight. Worth a look.

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8
Angel (2019) #5

Oct 3, 2019

The issue ends confirming it was Angel who Buffy spoke to previously at the Halloween dance, and putting Angel in place in time for Drusilla's plans to come to fruition (in the upcoming Hellmouth crossover). Will Fred and Gunn be joining the party? Or will we have to wait a bit for more from them? Worth a look.

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8
Angel (2019) #9

Mar 5, 2020

Angel + Spike #9 also introduces the First Season character Kate Lockley for the first time in the rebooted universe as the detective runs across monsters and is guided to Angel by Lilith. I'll be curious to see if Kate ends up having a larger or smaller role in this version of events. of The comic also furthers the foreshadowing of Wolfram & Hart becoming a major part of the comic in the near future.

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7
Angel (2019) #11

Jul 1, 2020

There are no big reveals or answers in Angel + Spike #11, although Lilith's talk with Angel does seem to suggest that Kate and Mara, the woman we've seen from Angel's past, are linked in some way and may offer Angel a second chance. Fred's journey appears to be taking a dark turn as well, but just what is Wolfram & Hart's endgame and where is Lilah leading her (other than the literal destination, which appears to be Hell)?

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7
Angel (2019) #12

Aug 3, 2020

As Lilith states, Angel chose Kate's safety over Fred. Now bonded with Baphomet, Fred has been given a new position: CEO of Wolfram & Hart. As to how much of Fred remains (from what little Lilith reveals it appears Fred has be joined with the demon rather than taken over by him), and whether she is still friend or enemy, that remains to be seen. What happens when Angel interferes with the plans of Wolfram & Hart?

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6
Angel (2019) #13

Sep 1, 2020

While the comic feels disconnected from current events on the title, it works as a self-contained story offering us a glimpse into Angel's past (which is always tricky given continuity issues). It's not a must-read, but for fans there may be enough of interest.

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6
Angel (2019) #15

Nov 2, 2020

Issue #15 also continues to tease a more romantic relationship between Angel and Kate, which the TV-show hinted at but never developed. The comic also checks in with Fred, who it appears is having a bit of trouble staying sane with the metaphysical entities warring within her skull.

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6
Angel (2022) #1

Feb 16, 2022

The reimagined Buffyverse continues in a new series for Angel who is now a TV detective with Cordelia while his friends continue to fight monsters and things that go bump in the night in his absence.

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6
Angel (2022) #6

Jun 22, 2022

Our baddies seem to be multiverse versions of other characters, although (after skipping several issues of this title) I'll admit to being a bit lost about the point of the story or their reasons for attacking in such public places. I'd guess their shared trouble should bring Angel home, but we'll have to wait and see.

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8
Angel Season 11 #1

Jan 19, 2017

The story itself is an okay set-up for the new season. However, I'm far more excited by the return of Fred (who apparently is sharing a body with Illyria this time around). The idea of exploring an Angelus storyline is intriguing, but my squees for joy come from seeing Fred back in action. Worth a look.

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7
Angel Season 11 #3

Mar 20, 2017

Angel Season Eleven #3 continues the unexpected opening arc with Angel meeting some of Illyria's worshipers/victims. When present, the current version of Illyria runs straight into danger which makes it a pretty good thing Fred is able to pull her back when things get too crazy. However, given what Illyria discovers at the end of the issue, Angel and Fred may need all the help they can get just to makes sure there is still a future worth returning to. Worth a look.

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6
Angel Season 11 #5

Jun 2, 2017

The other question left unanswered is what is the mystical beetle in the carved wooden box? What is its power and how is it connected to the dark visions of the future Angel must stop? I guess we'll have to wait and see. For fans.

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7
Animal Man (2011) #1

Sep 14, 2011

I have to admit a slight disappointment that the character's goofy costume (bright orange and blue tights complete with jacket and goggles) didn't survive the reboot, but other than that I have few complaints. Those looking for a typical hero comic may want to try something else, but if you want a little horror mixed in with an atypical hero saving the day I'd suggest giving Animal Man a shot. Worth a look.

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7
Animal Man (2011) #2

Oct 8, 2011

Even though I'm not the biggest fan of this type of story, and I'll probably move on from the comic before this storyline is finished, I'm interested to see where Lemire and artist Travel Foreman end up taking the character, and how big a role the young Maxine will have in her father's use and understanding of his powers. And given the early glimpses we've seen here, the exploration of The Red is going to be a trippy experience. Worth a look.

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7
Annihilators #1

Mar 8, 2011

Even if I find Doctor Dredd to be infused with way too much power for such a ridiculous character, there's still much worth reading. The choice of Quasar as the main story's narrator is an interesting one, although I am surprised (given his quantum bands) how insecure he feels towards the rest of his teammates. The real fun here, however, is the Raccoon story which alone is worth picking up.

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9
Annihilators #2

Apr 13, 2011

Both stories get equal time this time around and both provide great moments. The cosmic level of the Annihilators matched with the craziness of Rocket and Groot is a great combination. The level of adorableness Timothy Green II infuses the art the B-story with (particularly the look of Rocket Raccoon) is just wonderful. If you only bought one comic this week I hope it was this one. It's rare I'm happy paying $5 for a single issue, but this time I think I got my money's worth. Must-read.

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9
Annihilators #4

Jun 14, 2011

The final panels of each story seem to suggest we'll be seeing both of these groups again (hopefully at a much-reduced cover price). Even though I love the Silver Surfer, I'm far more interested in a quirky comic about a new Guardians of a Galaxy than further adventures of the Annihilators. Worth a look.

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8
Annihilators: Earthfall #1

Oct 5, 2011

Although we do get a Rocket Raccoon/Groot back-up story it's far shorter than what was included in the first Annihilators mini-series. And that's really too bad because less Rocket Raccoon is never a good thing. Best of the week.

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7
Annihilators: Earthfall #2

Oct 31, 2011

My only real complaint here is the Rocket Raccoon/Groot back-up story gets even more truncated than it did in the first issue. We only get five pages of the pair stuck in Mojo‘s TV studio fighting out battles for the alien's entertainment. I enjoyed the story, and I love how artist Timothy Green II draws Rocket Racoon. I just wanted a few more pages of this story. Worth a look.

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7
Annihilators: Earthfall #3

Nov 29, 2011

With only one issue left it looks like both stories (even if the second isn't being given as many pages as I'd like) look set to go out with a bang. Worth a look.

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6
Annihilators: Earthfall #4

Jan 4, 2012

Much like the first mini-series Earthfall was fun, but not as good as I hoped it to be. Here's hoping the next one knocks it out of the park (and gives us at least twice as much Rocket Racoon and Groot). I AM GROOT!

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6
Aphrodite V #1

Aug 2, 2018

Although we don't see much in terms of a larger threat for a character, the series does present the idea of a looming threat just beyond the horizon that she alone may be able to deal with. Honestly, I'm not sure that there is enough here to keep me around long enough to find those answers, but Aphrodite V #1 works as a single issue. For fans.

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8
Archie Meets Batman '66 #2

Aug 21, 2018

With help still on its way, Archie and the gang try to figure out what has happened to all the adults in town who are acting out of character (it seems the Siren has swayed their minds and hearts, but her powers prove to be inadequate over the teen population). Hmmm, sounds like a convenient way for Archie and company to help save the day. I'll be curious to see where things go from here. Worth a look.

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8
Archie Meets Batman '66 #3

Oct 3, 2018

Will the joke be on Jughead? With the city continue to stay under the Siren's sway? Will Archie team-up with Robin and Batgirl to save the day? Stay tuned! Worth a look.

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8
Archie Meets Batman '66 #4

Nov 13, 2018

Holy power grab, Batman! Has the Dark Knight Detective arrived too late to save Riveredale from his most fiendish foes? I guess we'll have to tune in next issue to find out. Worth a look.

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7
Arrow: Season 2.5 #7

Apr 16, 2015

With Oliver and Felicity both in enemy hands it should be interesting to see Arsenal and Huntress team-up to save them in the storyline's conclusion. Sadly, I have to admit the apparently imminent death of Khem-Adam makes me less interested to see how that plot thread eventually plays out. Worth a look.

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7
Arrow: Season 2.5 #9

Jun 18, 2015

Although both the killer and the vigilantes manage to get away from the police, the need to create another batch of Mirakuru cure sets up further issues of this arc by sending Oliver back to Lian Yu (taking Harper along for the ride). I'm curious to see what buddy bonding the two might go through, and what trouble they might get themselves into, in Ollie's old stomping grounds. Worth a look.

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6
Arrow: Season 2.5 #10

Jul 23, 2015

The rest of Arrow Season 2.5 #10 deals with events back in Starling involving Caleb Green‘s (who sadly is a far less interesting character than Slade) short encounter with Laurel Lance (which, as intended, drives Oliver crazy). The issue also spends time filling in the gap between Season Two and Season Three to help explain how Quentin Lance became Starling City's newest Police Captain. The first-half of the issue works better than the second (each was released previously as digital-first issues), but fans can still find some enjoyment here. For fans.

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6
Artemis: Wanted (2022) #1

Jul 28, 2022

While I don't think you needed an over-sized issue to tell this tale, the comic does what it sets out to (with quite a bit of exposition in the middle with a literally deus ex machina spelling things out for us including suggesting the roles for all three woman going forward amongst the Amazons) and returns not just Artemis to the Amazons but Freya and her daughter as well.

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6
Asgardians of the Galaxy #1

Sep 11, 2018

The comic is tied into Marvel's larger event (Infinity Wars) but because so much of the writing is cribbed from other sources its pretty easy to follow. Issue #1 is really memorable only for the unusual makeup of the team (involving villains and magical frogs) who may be able to save the day if they can stop themselves from destroying the universe. For fans.

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6
Astounding Wolf-Man #25

Nov 26, 2010

That's not to say I didn't enjoy the issue, I did. The final few pages present several new opportunities should Kirkman and Howard ever decide ever decide to return to the character. And just the thought that they've unleashed an army of werewolf covert opps into the Image universe, answerable only to their new leader, does make me smile.

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9
Astro City (2013) #1

Jun 10, 2013

Although I thought The Broken Man's intro was a little odd, the character's sly narration works well to introduce the world of Astro City to both old and new readers as well as create an idea that the reader is being used to help steer the story to the outcome The Broken Man wishes. I'm happy to see the series get new life at Vertigo, and if this first issue is any indication it looks like Busiek and Anderson still have plenty of entertaining stories left to tell. Best of the week.

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10
Astro City (2013) #2

Jul 15, 2013

Presented completely from Marella's point of view, we get her initial awe at her new job, the driven nature and yearning to get that one call to help save the world, and finally the acceptance and understanding of her small role in the larger picture. Without doubt, Astro City #2 is one of the best comics I've read this year. Best of the week.

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9
Astro City (2013) #3

Aug 19, 2013

Although it may not be as good as Astro City #2 (which is easily one of the best comics I've read this year), it's a joy to see a comic delve into this side of super-hero comics again. Must-read.

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9
Astro City (2013) #4

Sep 17, 2013

Of course when villains such as the ridiculous Majordomo show up to forcibly recruit those like Martha who have no interest in their conquest, the Sidelineres do know how to defend themselves. Once again writer Kurt Busiek and artist Brent Anderson find another niche in super-hero comics to explore with entertaining results. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #5

Oct 15, 2013

The stories break down into a secret government agency in the 1930s dealing with the alien and bizarre, a Kobra-style cult leader in India during the 1940s, and a steam-punk heroine named Dame Progress chasing down a crafty villain whose motives aren't as black-and-white as she believes. Each story, although truncated, is worth reading.

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8
Astro City (2013) #6

Nov 20, 2013

Although presented through the trappings of a sci-fi story, the latest issue of Astro City is a straightforward character study of a complicated man taking advantage of an unique situation. For a mobster Thatcher is rather pleasant, but he also knows how the world works and is always looking to take the next available opportunity to improve his situation. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #7

Dec 16, 2013

The focus may be different than the adventures we've gotten so far, but the storytelling is still just as good. Given what we've already seen over six issues I'd expect the role of the battered young boy to play a larger role in the story than we've seen so far, as will The Confessor who makes an appearance in the comic's final panel. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #8

Jan 20, 2014

With the help of The Confessor the group begins to narrow potential suspects, but Winged Victory appears dangerously close to throwing in the towel. However, I'm betting she's got at least one good fight left in her. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #9

Feb 17, 2014

Although the overall story isn't advanced much (the investigation hits dead ends and the evidence against Winged Victory mounts), in terms of exploring the effect of the attack on the hero Astro City #9 works well. And before it's over we get the tease of how the young man who came to her door just before her world started crashing down might have a big role to play in the arc's final issue next month. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #10

Mar 17, 2014

Although the full effect of the smear campaign isn't yet clear, Winged Victory earns her hard-fought victory and proves her worthiness to continue her quest to help troubled and abused woman (and her first male student) across the globe as her story, thankfully, isn't over quite yet. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #11

Apr 18, 2014

Writer Kurt Busiek and artist Brent Anderson have a flair for telling this kind of story focused on those on the periphery of the super-powerful individuals and eventful moments in the world of Astro City while continuing to deliver one of the best monthly comics available. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #12

May 19, 2014

Obsessed with the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood, the glory days for Edward “Ned” James Carroway involved working alone and with other “Dapper Dans” or “Clotheshorses” whose robberies always included a touch of style and grace and providing an ideal life for his wife and daughter. However, after being caught first by Jack-in-the-Box and later the Confessor we also see the lows of Ned's life which include loosing his family and being lured once again back into a life of crime by old friends and a pair of expensive shoes. Worth a look.

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7
Astro City (2013) #13

Jun 17, 2014

Although similar themes have certainly been developed and explored in more depth elsewhere, Astro City #13 still works by playing with the lives of normal characters and larger-than-life entities who don't always have the same needs or desires. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #14

Aug 19, 2014

The slimy nephew taking advantage of the old woman is a bit pretty easy to see coming, but writer Kurt Busiek hints that there's far more to Ellie's story than we've seen so far. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #15

Sep 24, 2014

Despite every motive to seek revenge from the woman who stole her life, Ellie proves to be a hero in every sense of the word not even accepting the praise or help of the world's heroes once they realize the true story. As always, worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #16

Oct 18, 2014

The result is another great addition to the current Astro City series, a heartfelt message to those still struggling to find themselves during adolescence, and a hero in Starbright who I hope to see much more of in the future. Must-read.

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10
Astro City (2013) #17

Nov 29, 2014

Told as the story by the one who witnessed it, first in dreams and later in reality, Astro City #17 delivers on every level with action, loss, true heroism, and a very Silver Age message about the nature of sacrifice. Best of the Week.

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9
Astro City (2013) #18

Dec 27, 2014

Although I've quite enjoyed the short one-off issues of the current series, Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson open a door here I'll gladly walk through and stick around to see what does happen when a super-hero decides (or is forced to) retire? Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #22

Apr 20, 2015

As with most of these one-off stories writer Kurt Busiek creates a beautiful tale that leaves us wanting more. From the man's life as a cosmic hero, a very John Carter-ish father and husband on an alien world, to life on Earth as a sci-fi author, there are many facets to Starfighter I certainly wouldn't mind be explored more in future issues. Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #23

May 26, 2015

As is true with almost all of the comic's best storylines, Astro City #23 leaves the reader wanting more of the central character's story and Sticks' adventures in his new home. Thankfully we will be getting at least one more issue with the simian hero/drummer, but from what we're given here I'm hoping that won't be all we see from the character for the foreseeable future. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #24

Jul 7, 2015

As with the opening issue to this two-part tale Astro City #24 offers some twists and turns as Sticks struggles to find his role in Astro City where it's too dangerous to be a drummer and too hard to be a hero. His solution, thanks in part to an unexpected pep-talk from the Samaritan allows the character to create an unorthodox solution that not only allows him to live the life he's always wanted but still find a way to put his obvious skills to use. And if he's got to occasionally dress up in a monkey suit, so to speak, well that's a small price to pay for finding the freedom to play beautiful music. Isn't it? Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #25

Aug 6, 2015

And she's heroic! Presented with hard choices our hero rises to the challenge to save not just one world but two. There's no cynicism or unnecessary grim filter that Busiek and Merino are forced to tell their tale through. This results in a fresh take on a rather basic premise that, like nearly all issues of the series, delivers just the kind of story you've been looking to read. Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #26

Sep 4, 2015

When the nightmares begin to effect the hero's work he seeks out some super-human help. Although there's an explanation given for his experiences, and a villain to be caught, like most issue of Astro City the truth is never that simple. Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #28

Nov 17, 2015

The heroes brought to life storyline is a common one in comics. Even if the resolution of the twist is the weakest aspect of the story, there's still plenty to enjoy here including the art of Gary Chaloner who does a good job of fitting his style to match the established art of the series by Brent Anderson far better than we saw in the previous issue (which, while certainly not awful, simply didn't look or feel like Astro City). Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #29

Dec 8, 2015

I have a strong hunch about how the storyline will unfold but even so Busiek and Anderson sell me on the concept within the first few panels of the comic. I'll definitely be coming back for more of Zozat and those damn dirty humans. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #31

Jan 28, 2016

I don't know if or when the series might step back in to give us a look at the creature's new life with the Honor Guard, who accepts the Living Nightmare when it shows courage and true heroism and a driving desire for change, but in a series with countless nooks and crannies that might go unexplored for years, its good to know that the creature has earned a new life. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #32

Mar 9, 2016

As to the how, I'm looking forward to see that be played out over the next two issues and learn where it all went wrong (again) for Steeljack. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #33

Apr 4, 2016

It makes perfect since in a world where heroes and villains exist that someone would eventually make a cheap buck off their former merchandise and costumes. It's what they man behind the scenes may be doing with the old weapons which concerns Steeljack and his old friend (who is a little too enthusastic about seeing the Fix-It Man's wares to be completely trustworthy at this point). Worth a look.

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7
Astro City (2013) #34

Apr 28, 2016

Steeljack‘s three-issue arc comes to a close as the former super-villain turned private detective and one-time squeeze Cutlass come up against the arc's true villain: a greedy collector grabbing and using super-villain tech for his own amusement (and to decorate his garish restaurant). Astro City #34 is the weakest issue of the arc but that doesn't mean there isn't still plenty for fans to enjoy including a nice (if a bit hokey) epilogue as dejected Steeljacket is surprised by the support of his friends which helps the man of steel put the entire sordid mess behind him.

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7
Astro City (2013) #35

May 19, 2016

While his family digs at the archaeological site of the death of the first Jack-in-the-Box, Jerome's narrates the history of the hero from his grandfather to father, to the current incarnation of sidekick turned hero. Before he can catch us up on the full story things get interesting with the arrival of a new villain as, thankfully, this storyline will continue for one more issue. Must-read.

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10
Astro City (2013) #36

Jun 22, 2016

Just as we saw heroism and a desire to do good passed down in the last issue, here the hatred and need for vengeance leads to the creation of a new super-villain hell-bent on revenge for events she doesn't even understand. Finally uncovering the truth proves too much for the tortured soul who spent her entire life on a singular purpose which, now knowing the truth, can never be fulfilled. Worth a look.

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10
Astro City (2013) #37

Jul 28, 2016

Through the stories from the Broken Man we learn about the legendary traveling musician Silverstring, the rebellious Mister Cakewalk, and see the birth of Jazzbaby. Presented through the view of omnipresent narrator who is only telling us the parts of the story he wishes us to know, it's an unusual walk down the streets of Astro City's dark and troubled past that nevertheless still holds its share of magic and wonderment. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #38

Sep 22, 2016

Only tied to the previous issue through it theme of music and how it connects the world, Astro City #38 may not be as strong an issue but there's plenty here to enjoy including both the musical theme which is further developed, the issue's big action sequence, and Jazzbaby herself. Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #41

Feb 25, 2017

Totally accessible, the issue could be read easily by those who have followed the adventures in Astro City over two decades or someone picking up their first comic book. Nostalgic and wistful (two more trademarks of Busiek and Anderson's work), Astro City #41 in one comic you don't want to pass up about a hero who was more than just a cape and whose convictions helped him save the world (from both internal and external threats). Must-read.

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9
Astro City (2013) #43

Apr 28, 2017

With Tillie stealing nearly all of the Broken Man's thunder it's a little unclear what lesson he wanted to impart to the readers in this issue. However, Tillie's story is easily entertaining enough to forgive her. I wouldn't mind hearing more from the girl and learn where he path goes from here. Worth a look.

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10
Astro City (2013) #44

May 22, 2017

Every piece of this comic is terrific including the heroes unaware of the cat's action, the villain's Scooby-Doo style cursing about how his plans were foiled by a meddlesome cat, and the cat's own cat-like nature to, despite her super-powers and obvious intelligence, still cause mischief around the house. I want so much more of Kittyhawk than just one issue. Must-read.

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7
Astro City (2013) #45

Jul 6, 2017

It's hard to judge part one of “Who Broke the Broken Man?” as so much of the story is left untold. Next month's concluding issue certainly has plenty of questions to answer, however, and plenty of dots left to connect. Although he's popped up here and there over the current run of the series, so far the Broken Man has been more of a distraction than anything else. To properly judge this two-issue arc, and the number of appearances we've seen in previous issues, we'll have to wait and see just where the character's meandering story takes us, and what it all means for him… and for Astro City. Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #46

Aug 24, 2017

I'll admit being surprised by the reveal of the Broken Man's creation. Plus, we get some classic Jack-in-the-Box action thrown in for free. While the comic does give us hard facts about the odd character, the truth about the Oubor remains largely a mystery. It's obviously opposed to the Broken Man and what he stands for, but what does it want? And how can we, the audience, help? Worth a look.

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10
Astro City (2013) #47

Sep 19, 2017

While the cliffhanger suggests the next issue may get far more serious for our characters, this one is pure magic and definitely worth picking up. Best of the Week.

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10
Astro City (2013) #48

Oct 26, 2017

While it might be easy to dismiss the two-issue story as the ridiculous adventures of a canine hero, writer Kurt Busiek and Mike Norton tap into some wonderful Silver Age magic with the reflective touch of a more modern tale. It was a joy to read, and my only sadness comes from knowing G-Dog's adventure is done. Best-of-the-Week.

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8
Astro City (2013) #49

Nov 30, 2017

There are several layers here. We have the reporter searching for the truth, a daughter looking for her father, a woman realizing how her father's abandonment of her is mirrored in her relationship to her husband, and the (highly-speculative) origins of one of the more unusual heroes in Astro City who manifests through different hosts to protect and defend those in danger. While I think ultimately that might be a bit too much to tackle and fully develop in a single issue, writer Kurt Busiek and artist Brent Anderson definitely provide an intriguing story that leaves the reader something to think about. Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #50

Feb 7, 2018

There's obviously more going on with Michael than he's willing to talk about, or admit to himself, but the loss of the woman he loved in an event that literally removed her from existence has obviously taken its toll. Finding meaning by helping others in the group achieve some measure of peace has given our protagonist a purpose. But who is paying for the group (not to mention his apartment and groceries) and just how will a survivor of the latest attack on the city in the final panel effect his fragile peace? Worth a look.

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8
Astro City (2013) #51

Apr 10, 2018

The comic's next issue wraps up both this storyline and (sadly) the series. Although it's the longest run of an Astro City comic to date, it still feels far too early to say goodbye. Thankfully, Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson will be continuing to tell stories less-regularly in graphic novel form. However, we'll only have one issue left to investigate more into Michael's odd story and whether or not he can find the support and solace he needs from those he's offered the same to week after week. Worth a look.

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9
Astro City (2013) #52

Jul 5, 2018

The issue deals with the conflict in the group led by the woman who refused to believe Michael's story and the others who were confused by it. There's healing here, but no quick fixes (despite what the Hanged Man offers). Like always, Astro City reminds us it's a complicated world out there in this fitting finale. Must-read.

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8
Astro City (2022): That Was Then...

Apr 7, 2022

As a kick-off point, Astro City: That Was Then feels a bit odd. It's really more of a teaser of things to come. Along with the introduction of several new heroes we do see some familiar faces as well and are teased that although the Jayhawks may be dead that doesn't necessarily mean they are gone.

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8
Atomic Robo and The Ring of Fire #1

Aug 3, 2015

The issue's B-story involves the new day-to-day life within Tesladyne, now controlled by Majestic 12 (under their new brand ULTRA), which begins to answer questions about why the group went to such lengths to take control of the company. The Action Scientists better get their boss back into fighting shape soon; it appears the world is going to need him. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo and The Ring of Fire #3

Nov 30, 2015

It's good to have Atomic Robo back looking more like his old self. And it's about time as the situation is only growing more dire issue by the issue. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od #1

Aug 15, 2016

Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od #1 is a solid issue to set-up the latest Atomic Robo mini-series. Filled with homages to the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as well as the comic's trademark humor, tie-ins to previous issues, and action-packed science adventuring, I can't wait to see where we go from here. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od #2

Sep 28, 2016

One heroic rescue later and Atomic Robo, Dr. Lu, and Helen are all fleeing the burning laboratory, leaving one pissed-off super-soldier in their wake. Now that the immediate goal of rescuing Dr. Lu has been accomplished, Robo and his friends will still have to deal with a crumbling laboratory full of the tools necessary to create an entire army of enhanced soldiers just like the one that was able to capture Robo all on his own. Good thing we've got three issues left! Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo and the Temple of Od #3

Nov 3, 2016

The issue ends with our hero in danger yet again. Although the science of his plan seemed sound, the execution may not have been all that he hoped. With only two issues remaining, Atomic Robo needs to buckle down and find a way to stop the Japanese, their Zero Point experiments, and the super-soldiers at their command. Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #2

May 21, 2012

Although all four stories are fun The Sparrow is still missing a certain robotic hero to liven things up, and it certainly feels like it would have been better served told in more than a few pages at a time (honestly, I'd completely forgotten what happened in this story in issue #1). Sadly, the killer robotic dogs on the cover don't make an appearance in this issue. Only the Rasputin tale stands out and I would have gladly traded the pages of one of the other stories to have this one fleshed-out a little more. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #3

Jul 3, 2012

The fourth tale, “Atomic Robo and the Electromatic Dream Machine” finds the science adventurer trapped in a dreamlike battle of wits with a disgruntled fired scientist. It's fun, but not too memorable. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #4

Jul 14, 2012

The most interesting story is the very personal take on today's comic industry as Atomic Robo steps into a comic book shop for the first time in 40 years only to discover the bizarre nature of reboots, retcons, variant covers, and grim and gritty comics – none of which appeal to the comics he once knew and loved. Worth a look.

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6
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #5

Aug 13, 2012

Is it still enjoyable? Will I still pick up the final issue of the series? Of course, but with the new series The Flying She-Devils of the Pacific already underway, I'm ready to delve into an ongoing arc with the more consistent art of Scott Wegener and (hopefully) a bigger payoff than what I've seen here. For fans.

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6
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #6

Sep 23, 2012

Although the mini-series gave us some fun short stories over its six-issue run (which turns out to be at least two issues too many) we've seen the comic sputter to a finish the last few months with meandering stories, too many of which didn't include Atomic Robo. What I'll likely remember Atomic Robo Presents Real Science Adventures for is some terrific covers and a lot of missed opportunity in terms of storytelling. For fans.

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6
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #7

Apr 23, 2013

Even without Atomic Robo, writer Brian Clevinger still delivers a fun (if somewhat unmemorable) adventure. I like Erica Henderson's art, but at times felt like an odd choice for the tone of the comic. That said, I'm still likely to pick up the next issue. For fans.

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8
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #8

Jun 3, 2013

The back-up story concludes Atomic Robo and his group's discovery of a giant robot in Egypt. As Robo and the other scientist argue how best to continue with the creature looming large before them, Jenkins takes matters into his own hands and settles the question once and for all. Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #9

Aug 13, 2013

Although their investigation leads to little in the way of concrete answers, it does narrow the focus of the storyline going forward as well as bring the threesome to the attention of another interested party: Nikola Tesla.

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8
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #10

Sep 6, 2013

I was happy to see the return of both Ke-Ying and Oakley (although Annie isn't given much to do this time around) as it looks like there will be plenty of trouble for all of Tesla's associates to handle beginning next issue with the reprisal from the Black Coats. The issue also reprints the amusing “The Yonkers Devil” as a back-up story. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #11

Sep 30, 2013

The second back-up story, years later, involves Atomic Robo answering a distress call from the military who have gotten into a spot of trouble into the Vampire Dimension while using that same lost technology (a fact that doesn't go unnoticed by the incensed Robo). Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo Presents: Real Science Adventures #12

Dec 1, 2013

The issue includes two short back-up stories involving Atomic Robo taking down a pair of spies in Nevada (by jumping out of an airplane and landing on their car) and Dr. Dinosaur laying what he considers an ingenious trap for members of Tesladyne that doesn't produce the results the insane dinosaur hoped for. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: Ghost of Station X #4

Dec 20, 2011

Thanks to the help of some low tech trucker know-how, Robo is able to trace the signals back to Hashima Island (where Louis and Martin are about to land). With one issue left (enclosed in a giant crate on his way to the island) Atomic Robo will have to save his friends, uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that wants him dead, and save the world. Best of the week.

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8
Atomic Robo: Ghost of Station X #5

Feb 17, 2012

One final note: I struggled to find a comic in any local comic shop around Kansas City. I mentioned this to Brian Clevinger via Twitter and was almost instantly granted a review copy to enjoy. Thank you! You're a class act, sir, and I can't wait to read Volume 7 (and I'm already super-excited for the news that Dr. Dinosaur will return in Volume 8). As long as you and Scott Wegener keep making Atomic Robo comics I (and a whole bunch of comic nerds everywhere) will very, very happily keep reading them.

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8
Atomic Robo: Revenge Of The Vampire Dimension #1

Feb 20, 2010

The team of writer Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener return to their characters in the first issue of this new Atomic Robo mini-series, and, if this first issue is any indication, it should be a fun ride.

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9
Atomic Robo: Savage Sword of Dr. Dinosaur #1

Jun 28, 2013

Although we only get Dr. Dinosaur in the first issue's final pages, there's much to enjoy here including the multiple references to Jenkins hatred of paperwork, the mystery of 8/11 and who exactly is out to destroy the image of our lovable hero, the Tesladyne team realizing they've just been framed (again), and Robo's team on-the-nose reading of why Robo has joined them on what appears initially to be a wild goose chase. Oh, and did I mention, it has Dr. Dinosaur! I can't wait for issue #2. Must-read.

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10
Atomic Robo: Savage Sword of Dr. Dinosaur #2

Aug 20, 2013

I simply can't recommend the awesome of this comic, and the first two issues of the latest series, enough. Bring on issue #3! Must-read.

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8
Atomic Robo: Savage Sword of Dr. Dinosaur #3

Nov 25, 2013

Next issue I'd expect to see more of Jenkins leading the group to repel the soldiers who have finally arrived and, hopefully, more back-and-forth between Atomic Robo and Dr. Dinosaur. Worth a look.

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9
Atomic Robo: Savage Sword of Dr. Dinosaur #4

Jan 6, 2014

With only a single issue left, Jenkins captured and Tesladyne in the hands of their enemies, and Dr. Dinosaur detonating his absurd creation, there's still quite a bit of ground to cover to find out just how Atomic Robo and his friends defeat his supremely-awesome arch-nemesis and get out of this one. Best of the week.

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9
Atomic Robo: Savage Sword of Dr. Dinosaur #5

Jan 27, 2014

The issue also sees Jenkins turn the tables on Majestic, but, just as Atomic Robo's story ends on a cliffhanger, we're left to wonder just what happened after the explosion at Tesladyne. Must-read.

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8
Atomic Robo: Spectre of Tomorrow #1

Nov 13, 2017

While the day-to-day of Robo's existence may be lacking excitement, the same can't be said halfway around the world where at a conference in Hungary something quite bizarre occurs (which will no doubt help take Robo's mind of his current troubles" while obviously causing all kinds of new trouble). Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: Spectre of Tomorrow #3

Jan 22, 2018

Robo's adventure takes him, a gung-ho Foley, and a less-gung-ho Fischer to Hashima Island after our intrepid science adventurer deduces that the causes of whatever is happening with this cybernetic attacks traces back to the island and to Alan. With Robo getting his butt kicked by the island's defenses, and some poor shooting by Foley, unexpected assistance comes from an equally unexpected source. Worth a look.

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9
Atomic Robo: The Agents of C.H.A.N.G.E. #1

Dec 8, 2022

Fun times all around, including some always enjoyable frustration of Robo concerning a dinosaur scientist (who he tricks into staying home and taking messages), examples of the dinosaur's twisted thinking, and the introduction of threats both new and old for the team to deal with.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Agents of C.H.A.N.G.E. #2

Jan 3, 2023

A solid follow-up to the first issue featuring action and plenty of humor fans of Atomic Robo expect.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Dawn of a New Era #1

Jan 15, 2019

The first issue gives us a feel for the new recruits and foreshadows potential issues on Bernard's adventure. However, it's Robo's conversations with Alan that prove the most interesting. In instructing his "son" the history of robotics and humanity the lesson turns philosophical and Robo finds himself in the unenviable position of a father asked a question he wasn't prepared for and doesn't know how to answer. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Dawn of a New Era #2

Feb 20, 2019

Vikram and Lang have found their trouble, Bernard appears good and lost in his exploration, and the question now becomes is how soon before the rest of the Action Scientist run into troubles of their own? Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Dawn of a New Era #3

Mar 13, 2019

The latest issue also offers more of Robo teaching his "son," and Foley growing more confident (and sassy) in her role as mentor to the next generation of Action Scientists. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Dawn of a New Era #4

Apr 9, 2019

Deep inside the Earth, Bernard discovers just what Princess Nequai needs from him to save her people from the lasting influence of Dr. Dinosaur. Although the rock creature gets what she needs from the scientist, what effect will this have on Bernard going forward? Bring on issue #5! Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo: The Dawn of a New Era #5

Jul 8, 2019

In other storylines, Jenkins continues to be Jenkins while arguing for a larger offensive against the dangers he believes to be coming, Vikram and Lang make another attempt at a vacation, and Bernard's transformation has apparently just begun (although it is still to early to tell if this is ultimately a good or bad thing for everyone else not being transformed by talking crystal creatures who live deep under the Earth). There's still plenty out there for the science adventures to tackle, but for today everything seems to be fine. Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #1

Nov 13, 2010

Fans of Brian Clevinger and Scott Wegener's off-beat character should feel right at home. Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #3

Feb 15, 2011

A very enjoyable issue all around punctuated with Tarot's increasingly short-temper towards all of Atomic Robo's "help." And aside from giving or hero his first kiss, Helen also teaches him a lesson about family which gives us a nice closing sequence between Robo and his creator Nikola Tesla that brings the pair's confrontation earlier in the issue full circle. Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #4

Feb 28, 2011

We also get a little more of the book's villain this time around " Thomas Edison. We only get a short glimpse as to what his scientists are working on, but the final issue seems primed to wrap-up all these stories satisfactorily. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Deadly Art of Science #5

May 9, 2011

From beginning to end this is the best series of so far of Atomic Robo and I'm going to be on the lookout for the trade paperback of the full series to add to my shelf. Definitely worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils Of The Pacific #1

Jul 5, 2012

A fun first issue to start the new series with an unexpected (but humorous) chauvinistic slant from Atomic Robo. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils Of The Pacific #2

Aug 18, 2012

Robo also has to deal with the news that Lauren, the She-Devil's resident mechanical whiz, has cannibalized the prototype airship Robo was shot down in. Initially furious, Robo comes to find Lauren's inventiveness and outside-the-box thinking infectious and agrees to help her redesign the jet packs using his technology. This brings peace back to the island, or would except for the arrival of the mysterious planes attacking the She-Devils' hidden island. Must-read.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils Of The Pacific #3

Sep 27, 2012

With so much action there's not a lot of time for character and story development, but writer Brian Clevinger does find places to insert the oddball humor of the comic we've all come to know and love. Hopefully next issue will reveal the identities and motives of the She-Devils' enemies and continue to bring more zany action. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils Of The Pacific #4

Nov 20, 2012

Issue #4 sets up the events of next month's series conclusion, reunites Atomic Robo and the She-Devils, and provides tons of action and a couple of very amusing moments. In other words, exactly what you'd expect from Atomic Robo. Worth a look.

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7
Atomic Robo: The Flying She-Devils Of The Pacific #5

Dec 20, 2012

Most of the action is pretty straightforward, but the comic's best moments come in the battle's aftermath when Atomic Robo looks to see what his involvement with the women has cost the She-Devils (and his own company). We also get a sweet epilogue set years into the future as the granddaughter of one of the She-Devils discovers her Gramms has lived a far more exciting life than she ever dreamed. It's this final scene that really ties a nice bow on the entire series and sends it off in style. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Knights of the Golden Circle #1

May 1, 2014

It didn't take long to sell me on the new series, and even after receiving a free digital review copy of the comic I gladly spent the money to grab a print copy. Giddyap Robo, I'm ready to ride! Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Knights of the Golden Circle #2

Jul 9, 2014

Assuming the role of Ironside (who he's mistaken for by both friend and foe), Robo is forced to take part in events leading to the kind of zany fun regular readers of his adventures have come to expect. The reveal of a nefarious plot involving Helsingard certainly raises the stakes (or at least it will once Robo catches sight of his old, but here younger, enemy). Worth a look.

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9
Atomic Robo: The Knights of the Golden Circle #3

Jul 28, 2014

Another fun action-packed issue clues us on to the limited time our time-displaced robotic-science adventurer has before he runs out of power while also letting our hero learn just who is behind the abductions leaving a series of empty old west ghost towns while creating weapons for conquest and (one would assume) other nefarious purposes. Must-Read.

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9
Atomic Robo: The Knights of the Golden Circle #4

Oct 28, 2014

Brian Clevinger and artist Scott Wegener don't skimp on the action or humor as the latest Atomic Robo limited series continues to rolling along towards its conclusion in the next issue. Worth a look.

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8
Atomic Robo: The Knights of the Golden Circle #5

Nov 22, 2014

It's not every issue of Atomic Robo in which you get to see our hero die, although the state of his remains keeps the door open for his return to the present (or perhaps near future?) as soon as the crate is discovered. Who exactly opens the crate, now that Tesladyne has been shut down, however, opens up new possibilities for what kind of world Robo will find himself in, and what kind of Robo readers may find, once our hero is brought back to the world of the living. Worth a look.

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7
Avengers (2010) #2

Jun 24, 2010

The bad news? The time steam is broken. The good news? The Avengers, with the help of Noh-Varr, are ready to hop into the future and set things straight (unless Wonder Man can stop them). And any title that has a cameo from both the 2099 Universe and the original Guardians of the Galaxy gets a pass from me. Worth a look.

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7
Avengers (2010) #7

Nov 20, 2010

If the story moves forward Parker should be a match for the Avengers, and a villain worthy of the team needing all the help they can get. I just hope writer Brian Michael Bendis isn't set on putting all the gems in the hands of this two-time loser.

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6
Avengers (2010) #8

Jan 11, 2011

This is actually an issue you could easily skip and not miss any big developments in the story arc. That said, it's still worth a look for the interactions between the Illuminati, but it's far from a must-read.

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9
Avengers (2010) #10

Mar 1, 2011

All that plus our heroes finally come face-to-face with the villain amassing the Infinity Gems for himself – the Hood (who's gotten his grubby hands on yet another gem). Must-read.

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8
Avengers (2010) #11

Apr 6, 2011

Oh, and the surprise guest who makes his appearance on the final panel? Yeah, that's pretty damn cool, too. Must-read.

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7
Avengers (2010) #12

Apr 25, 2011

In the end the Hood goes back to jail, the Red Hulk becomes a permanent member of the Avengers, and we see Steve Rogers making a compromise he wouldn't have made three or four years ago. It may not be as good as the last issue, but it's still worth a look.

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5
Avengers (2010) #14

Jun 21, 2011

I don't mind the elevated nature as the heroes say kind words about the Red Hulk for apparently (but not really) giving his life in a futile cause, but given the level of reference displayed here you'd think they were talking about someone on the level of Captain America (all the more empty given the absence of any body foreshadowing that this isn't the end of the character). Good idea. Bad execution. Hit-and-Miss.

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3
Avengers (2012) #1

Dec 10, 2012

The first comic certainly teases big, epic-size adventures to come, with what looks like may be a rotating roster of reserves. Far less talky than Brian Michael Bendis‘ take on the characters, I've got to admit I kinda want my money back for how little Jonathan Hickman delivers, compared to the epicness which is promised in the first few pages. And I'm sure as hell not going to spend $4 more in just two weeks to see where he goes from here. Pass.

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4
Avengers (2018) #1

May 8, 2018

Anyway, bad shit is coming. Time to assemble, or something. Just do it without me. I'm out. Excelsior this ain't. Pass.

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8
Avengers (2018) #33

May 28, 2020

Following the will of Khonshu it's unclear just what the endgame of Moon Knight or his God is, but it's obvious he's only getting started. He's unable to draw power from Black Panther, but there are plenty of other mystical forces in the Marvel Universe to draw from.

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4
Avengers (2018) #34

Jul 20, 2020

It's hard to separate the tone-deaf Black Panther scenes from the rest of the story, which is a serviceable middle-issue to the larger arc foreshadowing more trouble to come and a larger threat still yet to be identified.

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6
Avengers (2018) #35

Aug 25, 2020

Elsewhere, Captain America, Blade, and She-Hulk rescue some of their captured allies aboard the Moon Train. But it's the Avenger left behind that shows up to confront the Khonshu heading into the next issue.

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8
Avengers (2023) #1

May 30, 2023

Our Avengers lineup includes Sam Wilson, Thor, Tony Stark, Black Panther, the Vision, and the Scarlet Witch. with Carol providing some insight, both through narration and dialogue, about her reasons for wanting each for the team (and choosing them over other contenders). It's an interesting team. Now assembled, let's see just how this new team functions.

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7
Avengers Assemble #7

Sep 14, 2012

The use of the Badoon is a nice touch (given their importance to the original Guardians of the Galaxy) and although Thanos omnipotence and brashness to the Elders of the Universe is nothing new, it's presented well. Worth a look.

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7
Avengers Assemble #8

Oct 24, 2012

The end of the arc works well, and gives us two full pages of the two teams beating the crap out of a de-powered Thanos. There is still the matter of the Badoon armada on their way to Earth, but it looks like we'll have to wait a few months to see how that plays out when the Guardians return in their new monthly comic in February. Worth a look.

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8
Avengers Prime #1

Jun 5, 2010

Can a fractured friendship be forged anew? Can trust lost be regained? Can Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, and Thor stop from killing each other long enough to survive the hell to which they've just been sent? Those are just three questions this new mini-series sets out to answer. There's much to enjoy here including Iron Man in my favorite classic armor, Steve Rogers taking down a small army, and an unexpected villain for Thor to battle. Worth a look.

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7
Avengers Vs. X-Men #0

Apr 1, 2012

It's no coincidence the first issue (or does a zero issue still count as a preview issue – goddamit, did I mention I hate zero issues?!) begins with the character who made mutants an endangered species and the one believed to be able to return them to glory. Of the two, I think Hope's story is stronger. Knowing the cold reception she would receive I just don't buy Wanda getting talked into visiting the mansion that easily, even by Carol Danvers (who also should have known better). Worth a look.

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7
Avengers Vs. X-Men #1

Apr 6, 2012

To the X-Men, however, handing over what many believe to be the Mutant Messiah their only chance at fighting back from extinction to a species known to hate and distrust them isn't going to go over well. What's going to be intersting is how these characters and two teams are going to coexist after all the smoke clears. I can't wait until issue #2. Must-read.

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7
Avengers Vs. X-Men #2

Apr 24, 2012

But it's bad news for the Avengers as it seems Cyclops has bought Hope enough time as the Phoenix has indeed started to rise. The fallout of this issue, in two weeks, should be very interesting. Worth a look.

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7
Avengers Vs. X-Men #3

May 5, 2012

By the end of the issue we now have three distinct groups. Cyclops and the X-Men who want to keep Hope away from the Avengers, the Avengers who want to keep Hope away from becoming the new Phoenix, and Wolverine who just wants her dead. Worth a look.

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6
Avengers Vs. X-Men #4

May 19, 2012

In the end we're left an okay comic with a couple of nice scenes but where the big tease of Hope becoming the new Phoenix is still unfulfilled. I'm probably done with the series until the focus shifts to the actually event and its fallout, rather than just teasing us about what's coming (especially at $4 per issue). Worth a look.

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5
Avengers Vs. X-Men #5

Jun 11, 2012

Honestly, as twists got this one is pretty damn dumb, but having the power dispersed among five different X-Men may create some unusual battles over the next few issues before Marvel finally relents and gives us the only thing we're reading this comic for – the new Phoenix. Hit-and-Miss.

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8
Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes #9

Dec 12, 2012

The back-up story involves the Black Widow and the Wasp sneaking into Doctor Doom‘s laboratory to rescue a pair of scientists whose work Doom is corrupting to turn into a biological weapon. Complete with insane escape, quarreling scientists, and Doombots, it proves to be just as much fun. Worth a look.

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6
Bat-Mite #1

Jun 13, 2015

I've always had a soft spot for Bat-Mite who I remember fondly co-starring on The New Adventures of Batman when I was younger (a show that hasn't aged as well as I'd like). I have no problem with the character getting his own mini-series but this toned down version without his abilities feels like a shadow of his former self. For fans.

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6
Bat-Mite #4

Sep 16, 2015

It's an unusual team-up to be sure (especially since the New 52 seems fine with writing Booster out of its current continuity). Still, the two unlikely heroes make a fun pair (even if neither is clad in their traditional costumes). Eventually Booster and Bat-Mite learn to work together to stop a villain stuck in the past (and stop him from collecting vintage comics?). Oh well, even if Gridlock's crimes aren't exactly world-shattering, it's still fun to see Booster back in action (whatever he's wearing). Worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #12

Jul 15, 2010

A new Batgirl has found her place in the DCU, and I'm glad. Worth a look.

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8
Batgirl (2009) #13

Aug 12, 2010

Throw in the seamless addition of Proxy (who just might be an okay replacement for Oracle), the early scenes of Batgirl at college, and Stephanie's conversations with Detective McHandsome (great nickname), and you've got yourself a really good read. Definitely worth a look.

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8
Batgirl (2009) #14

Sep 11, 2010

Throw in several humorously drawn moments from Lee Garbett as our pair of heroines take down the Dracula's all over town, and a terrific cover by Stanley Lau, and you've got yourselves a one hellova fun comic. I wasn't kidding about the petition. I definitely want to see more of these two together. Must-read.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #15

Nov 12, 2010

Not as good as some recent issues of Batgirl, but the trademarks that make the character and comic work are still here. Worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #16

Dec 9, 2010

And after being framed for murder writer Bryan Q. Miller has given Stephanie the added incentive of revenge to track them down. We also get some great trademark great dialogue between Stephanie and Oracle and another appearance by “Detective McCute.” It may not be the title's best, but there's plenty here worth reading. Worth a look.

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8
Batgirl (2009) #17

Jan 19, 2011

There's also a good opening dialogue between Damian and Alfred, who Damian has come to accept as "an adequate servant," and the random panel of Stephanie's dream mumblings about killing Abraham Lincoln. Throw in a high speed chase involving a school bus, which Damian stabs (successfully) and attempts to drive (a little less successfully), and you've got everything you need for a great read!

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7
Batgirl (2009) #18

Feb 15, 2011

Of course this includes dimension jumping, trying to prevent herself from being burned at the stake, fighting off a Witch Boy's cat (which turns out to be a man-sized vicious were-cat), and even kissing Witch Boy in front of her friends. Weird, but also worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #19

Mar 16, 2011

Even with these minor quibbles Batgirl continues to deliver yet another good story. Worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #20

Apr 18, 2011

Even if the central relationship to the comic seems to be going away, it's tongue-in-cheek humor is still very much in display here (including an impatient Steph struggling to get through class). Batgirl also creates some new super-duper Batarangs and takes her new ride, "The Compact," out on its first mission. Worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #21

May 17, 2011

The latest issue also shows us how far the new Grey Ghost is going to go in order to protect Batgirl, even if that means betraying her to her enemies. I'm sad that with everyone else leaving this is the character who seems to be sticking around, but we'll have to wait awhile to see how this storyline plays itself out. Worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2009) #22

Jun 16, 2011

As to what further trouble Steph will get into overseas we'll have to wait for the crossover in Batman: Incorporated #9. Meaning I have to read a Grant Morrison Batman story to get more Batgirl. Sigh. Worth a look.

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9
Batgirl (2009) #23

Jul 14, 2011

Pick this issue up. My only complaint is there's only a single issue left, but I have a feeling Mr. Miller is going to have Stephanie Brown go out in style. I would expect nothing less. Must-read.

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9
Batgirl (2009) #24

Aug 15, 2011

Miller doesn't sign-off with regret, or anger. He leaves us with a tearful but hopeful Stephanie Brown savoring her moment in the sun. It's an unbelievably classy exit for a character I couldn't have cared less about two years ago and now I can't imagine the DCU without. For rebooting Stephanie Brown into one great character, for giving her such a terrific farewell, and for everything in between, I've got to thank Bryan Q. Miller. Here's hoping we haven't seen the last of Stephanie Brown; the DCU needs far more characters like her, not less. But if we have, man, what a way to go! Must-read.

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4
Batgirl (2011) #1

Sep 13, 2011

Of all the new #1′s Batgirl had the most to prove out of the gate, and it's the most disappointing (at least so far). I'm willing to give Gail Simone some time to try and work this version of Babs into the new DCU, but this is an inauspicious start. Pass.

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6
Batgirl (2011) #3

Nov 15, 2011

It's not the character I want to see in the role, or the type of stories I want to read, but I wish Gail Simone luck on this Batgirl. I'm not sorry I picked up this issue but I have a feeling it might be a long time before I buy another.

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8
Batgirl (2011) #35

Oct 17, 2014

The comic gets a new direction with Batgirl #35 that effectively de-ages the character and creates a more lighthearted world for her to live. Throw in a kick-ass new low-tech costume, a guest-appearance from Black Canary, and Babs fighting the mother of all hangovers to recover her stolen property, and the creative team of writers Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher, and artist Babs Tarr, sell me on the concept fairly early. Do I still wish it was Steph under the cowl and Babs behind the computer? Absolutely, but at least this version of Batgirl has a little of her youthful energy and a slightly less dingy world to explore. Worth a look.

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8
Batgirl (2011) #36

Nov 24, 2014

My only disappoint with Batgirl #36 is the fact that neither the flashbacks to Barbara's past nor the investigation into the anime lead to Barbara eventually defeating the evil duo as she simply beats them using her usual skill-set. Batgirl #36 is a good example of where the new New 52 series gets into trouble by trying to make Barbara appear younger and inexperienced but still include her lengthy history and experience (which comes and goes as need-be). Despite these issues it's still pretty darn entertaining. Worth a look.

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8
Batgirl (2011) #37

Dec 22, 2014

The new creative team keeps up the energy and more lighthearted feel of the comic. Although Barbara eventually defeats the fake Batgirl, the artist isn't the one actually responsible for the calculated attacks on Babs. Once again the comic foreshadows a bigger villain in the shadows, one who knows all of Batgirl's secrets and is having way too much fun at our heroine's expense. I'm still betting it's Calculator. Worth a look.

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6
Batgirl (2011) #39

Feb 24, 2015

Once again the art of Babs Tarr is the highlight of the issue, but the style and look of the series in and of themselves can't hide the fact that better storytelling is needed. For fans.

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6
Batgirl (2011) #46

Dec 30, 2015

I'm appreciative of any issue that tries to incorporate Steph back into the DCU but this feels more like fan service than an actual attempt to bring Spoiler into Barbara's orbit. For fans.

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5
Batgirl (2011) #47

Jan 31, 2016

When the break-in inevitably becomes a complete fiasco it also ends the comic on an anti-climactic note. In fact, the only real development here are the final panels where we see the truth of Barbara's memory issues and how she's being coerced into making decisions she neither remembers nor completely understands. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Batgirl (2011): Endgame #1

Mar 25, 2015

I'm still very much on the fence about the New 52's version of Black Canary, or her new title as the lead singer of a touring band, but at least Batgirl: Endgame #1 makes Dinah less of the vacuous bitch than she's been in the last few issues of Batgirl and allows the former besties to finally bury a hatchet whose very existence was perplexing to begin with. Worth a look.

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7
Batgirl (2016) #1

Aug 5, 2016

I don't know that I'm quite sold enough on this first issue to begin picking it up monthly, but at least it has the more lighthearted feel of what a Batgirl comics should be and is staying away from the dark and gritty (at least for now). Worth a look.

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4
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #1

Aug 23, 2016

While I think the pairing of this trio could work under the right circumstances, it doesn't work for me here. Nor, based on what we see here, is there any reason to expect that this trio would stick together after their common goals have been met. Pass.

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5
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey #2

Sep 25, 2016

The second issue works slightly better than the first, although the group is still far from the team it will need to properly earn the name Birds of Prey. There are rumors that another DC character will be joining the Birds in the coming months. Here's hoping it's someone like Zinda Blake who can add some lighthearted ass-kicking fun to the proceedings. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey: Rebirth #1

Jul 24, 2016

The storyline of Barbara reconnecting with her former partner involves a new hacker using her old moniker. When their paths cross with the vengeful former Spyral agent events are set for the comic's opening issue. For fans.

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5
Batman #700

Jun 14, 2010

Is it worth picking up? For big-time Bat-fans, yes. For everyone else, probably not. The time mystery isn't that interesting and of all the stories here only the current version of Batman and Robin is told all that well. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Batman #702

Aug 26, 2010

There are also a couple of really good lines describing Superman, his abilities, and his larger world, from Batman's point of view. Better late than never, and worth a look.

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5
Batman #703

Sep 9, 2010

There are some nice moments between Dick and Damian (especially towards the end of the story), but nothing that would make anyone other than hardcore Bat-fans pick this issue up. Nice cover, though. For fans.

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7
Batman #706

Jan 23, 2011

The story itself works pretty well as the various stories hint without giving too much away. Filled with action, this actually is a mystery story (in several different ways) for Batman to solve. It's also nice to see Grayson's detective skills highlighted.

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3
Batman #710

May 25, 2011

I've read some bad Batman comics in my day, but this issue is such a clusterfuck it's baffling to behold. Here's hoping the title makes some swift changes and gets back on track as soon as possible.

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7
Batman #713

Aug 24, 2011

Some might find it a little schmaltzy, but I thought this story worked well as a Coda for the series and a nice send off for this version of Batman and Robin. I also enjoyed art recreating the various looks of Batman over the years and the outline of the big moments in Batman's history. There's also a nice splash page of the Bat-Family. It may not have been my first choice for the Caped Crusader's final issue, but it's a solid one. Worth a look.

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7
Batman #428: Robin Lives! (2023) #428

Dec 16, 2023

For fans who lived through the original storyline, or saw it brought back up with Todd's eventual return, it's an interesting “what if,” although it's just the planting of a seed and we'll never know exactly how Todd's recovery and his eventual return to the role of Robin would have changed Batman's history. On a personal note, I love seeing Batman drawn in his classic costume again, lovingly rendered by artist Jim Aparo, which has been far too absent in recent years.

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7
Batman '66 #1

Oct 19, 2013

As a fan of the old television show I can certainly see the nostalgic charm of the comic and the recreations of the designs of the TV-show (who doesn't love that old Batmobile?), the ridiculous riddles and cornball moments (such as Batman and Robin taking a milk break in the Batcave), an a sense of fun missing from far too many of today's Batman titles. Worth a look.

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7
Batman '66 #2

Oct 27, 2013

The back-up story we get isn't as entertaining but it does feature a pair of the more ridiculous TV-show villains fans of the show should enjoy in Chandell and Lorelei Circe. The story is also notable for the cameo by Kathy Kane who even gets to dress up as Batwoman (although only in Batman's Siren-caused hallucination). Worth a look.

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7
Batman '66 #5

Nov 30, 2013

The issue also includes the first appearance of Batgirl in a back-up story, featuring some fun art by Colleen Ann Coover, when she takes on the Eartha Kitt Catwoman who attempts to rob the Gotham Museum of the priceless Tiger Topaz. Worth a look.

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4
Batman '66 #6

Jan 1, 2014

The issue's back-up story has a ridiculous moment of Batman taking control of trained killer bears with sign language and then riding them to victory (seriously, WTF), but is also stuck with a D-list villain in Olga, Queen of Cossacks. While I think there are possibly good stories to do with both the Bookworm and even Olga, the margin for error is very small. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Batman '66 #7

Jan 30, 2014

The back-up story is a bit odd as the Joker decides to take Wall Street's advice and downsize to increase profits only to not have enough henchmen to properly execute a heist or defend himself against Batman and Robin. Worth a look.

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5
Batman '66 #8

Feb 22, 2014

The back-up story is also a bit odd as it puts Batman and Robin in cowboy hats and sends them after the outlaw Shame in the modern Old West. Only partially successful like the main storyline, the adventure seizes on a villain from the show while offering an odd story which would have been more in line of the comics at the time than on television. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman '66 #9

Mar 26, 2014

Featuring not one but two death traps, Batman '66 #9 offers some enjoyable (if forgettable) moments along the way to the heroes eventually taking down the villain while also crafting a possible origin story for the young woman who Zelda may have turned to a life of crime. For fans.

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8
Batman '66 #10

May 7, 2014

Not only does Batgirl beat Robin to uncovering the villain's hideout (he only shows up after at the very end of the issue), but she also makes short work of Cleopatra who turns out to be all bark and no bite once her venomous cobras are taken out of play. I hope the series has more Batgirl stories in store. Worth a look.

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8
Batman '66 #11

May 26, 2014

The Joker's plot certainly works well, and teaming him up with Catwoman offers a reason for Batgirl to find her way into the comic's main story – something I hope we'll see more of in the months to come. Worth a look.

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8
Batman '66 #12

Jul 1, 2014

The back-up story is fun but dumb as the Minstrel steals the Shakespeare bust out of Wayne Manor locking Bruce and Dick out of the Batcave (umm… couldn't they just use Alfred's entrance?) and forcing them to wear old prototype costumes to track the villain down. Worth a look.

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7
Batman '66 #13

Aug 3, 2014

The choice to drop the price of the issue a dollar and forgo he back-up story is of interest making the comic a bit more affordable but also meaning we're left without a Batgirl sighting or a second villain. Worth a look.

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9
Batman '66 #14

Sep 11, 2014

Widening the Batman '66 universe to include the wacky comic storylines that the TV series inspired, Batman '66 #14 offers a fun issue all around in what is easily one of the title's best issues to date. Must-read.

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8
Batman '66 #15

Oct 9, 2014

In another nice mix of action and camp (the citizens of Gotham actually help the police track down money blowing through the streets from the villains' bank robbery), the latest issue puts a more comic book spin on a villain who only made a single appearance on the television show in one two-part episode. Relying less on gadgets than chemicals and animal attraction (and one of the first villains not to be drawn distinctly different than the actor who played her on television), the woman earns her super-villain name as she gets as close to any of Batman's villains in her attempts to kill The Dark Knight Detective and Boy Wonder. The result is an entertaining issue that offers readers the rare opportunity of seeing one of Batman's oldest enemies fight beside Batman and Robin. Worth a look.

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7
Batman '66 #16

Nov 11, 2014

Although more supernatural than the old television show ever got, Batman '66 #16 certainly feels like a comic of that time period. Eventually the Cro-Magnon Duo find a way to outsmart the super-villain, who has grown weary with how easy his life has become, and restore his brain, their likenesses, and Gotham, back to the status quo. Worth a look.

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6
Batman '66 #17

Dec 24, 2014

King Tut seems to be a favorite of the Jeff Parker and other writers and artists as the villain makes yet another appearance in the comics while several other classic characters have seen far less attention. Much like his previous appearances, the standard set-up applies as Batman and Robin outwit the deranged pharaoh and conveniently knock the man on the head leading to him recovering his wits once again (almost as conveniently as the original hit which transformed him back into Tut at the beginning of the comic). The zombie plague is a bit bizarre, but Parker has fun with the concept having the mindless citizens bury the Dynamic Duo alive leading to their triumphant resurrection in time to foil the villain's plans once more. For fans.

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5
Batman '66 #19

Feb 11, 2015

Batman '66 fanatics may want to pick it up as it does still capture the feel of the series and highlight one of the show's lesser-known villains. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman '66 #21

Apr 6, 2015

That said, there's still fun to be had given how much Batgirl we get in this issue, Batgirl getting her own (slightly sexist) version of the Bat-Signal, and the chance to see Batman and Batgirl take down a group of ninjas. For fans.

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7
Batman '66 #25

Sep 27, 2015

The comic's back-up story by Gabriel Soria and Ty Templeton features Barbara Gordon taking down the Penguin, the Joker, the Riddler, and Catwoman when the four villains lay siege to the ad agency Miss Gordon recently began temping at. Hoping to get the ad men to rework their image, Barbara turns the villains' distrust of each other to her advantage and defuses the entire situation without ever having to don her tights. Worth a look.

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7
Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet #1

Jun 8, 2014

It's a fun first issue although it will be interesting to see how Smith and Garmin get around the Dynamic Duo teaming up with a pair of villains to keep the team-up going. Worth a look.

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6
Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet #2

Jul 10, 2014

Certainly a niche story within an already niche market, Batman '66 Meets The Green Hornet #2 continues the fun of the first issue although, even with the introduction of the Joker as a major player going forward in the mini-series, the limitations of the premise are already beginning to show. For fans.

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8
Batman '66 Meets Wonder Woman '77 #1

Jan 27, 2017

It's strange that it took someone this long to make such an obvious pairing, although having them meet when Bruce is a child is certainly unexpected. Except for the beginning of the issue, the entire storyline takes place in an extended flashback to the night Bruce met Talia, Wonder Woman, and Ra's al Ghul and the chase for a mysterious pair of books which it seems many people are wiling to kill for. Just what those books unlock, and why Ra's and his daughter have hunted them for years, isn't explained, but you can bet it's not simply to add to his extensive library. Worth a look.

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5
Batman (2011) #0

Sep 14, 2012

For a comic that ties all these threads together Batman #0 should feel more than a mixed success (at best), but too many of these pieces don't fit together and the overall narrative feels far too forced. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Batman (2011) #1

Sep 27, 2011

This one's an easy recommendation, and a solid read (even if the final panel is an obvious red herring). Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2011) #2

Oct 24, 2011

I'm also impressed with Snyder's ability to capture Bruce Wayne's arrogance while still being able to present a likable character. Even if he villain isn't a great one Snyder's story about the guardians of Gotham and Capullo's art elevate the issue into one of the best of the week.

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6
Batman (2011) #3

Nov 24, 2011

As to the Court of Owls, the uncovering of the mystery works well enough, but the conspiracy and super-secret organization full of people dressed up as owls hiding in the homes of Gotham's most wealthy doesn't come off any better than it sounds. Issue #3 isn't a good as I'd like but it's still the best of the Bat-titles. Worth a look.

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6
Batman (2011) #4

Dec 24, 2011

The art by Greg Capullo looks great, and the comic ends with a panel that suggests things will pick up in the next issue. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2011) #5

Jan 21, 2012

Although I don't think it's a great Batman story, it is well-told, with some strong artwork by Greg Capullo, and begins and ends with a couple of really nice moments such as the opening pages featuring Batman's friends wondering what has become of their hero and the comic's final panels which (finally) give us a glimpse that Damian may be more than the rebooted spoiled little shit we've seen so far. Worth a look.

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6
Batman (2011) #7

Mar 27, 2012

There was no real reason to tweak Dick's to include the Court of Owls (which is further explored in this week's Nightwing #7), but it's how Batman informs him (by backhanding him so hard he looses a tooth and nearly conciousness) that I found troubling. Like much of this story arc, the latest issue of Batman is a mixed success with many more Court of Owls stories on the way. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2011) #8

Apr 23, 2012

The structure of the book is a little odd as the first half is written by Snyder with art by regular Greg Capullo. However, the second-half of the story, drawn by Rafael Albuquerque, has a completely different look (which still works, although not quite as well). Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2011) #9

May 14, 2012

I wish the last few pages had dealt with the Night of Owls other than a mostly forgetable back-up story. I'm also not thrilled with writer Scott Snyder's attempt to rope Alfred's family into the seemingly all-encompassing Court of Owls arc. Worth a look

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3
Batman (2011) #10

Jun 18, 2012

However, Batman learns the truth as he discovers Lincoln March is alive and responsible… and claims he is Bruce Wayne's brother?? And, given the back-up story (which appears to support his claim) it might even be true. Stop the merry-go-round, I want to get off. Snyder better have one hell of a twist up his sleeve to try and salvage what, apparently, this whole arc was leading up to. Pass.

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3
Batman (2011) #11

Jul 17, 2012

Not surprisingly, the issue ends with Batman knowing that March was likely lying but unable to prove for certain. We also get scene between Bruce and Dick to smooth over the whole Batman cold cocking him thing and another chapter in the truly awful back-up story involving Alfred‘s father. Pass.

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6
Batman (2011) #12

Aug 11, 2012

It may not be as good as Snyder's pre-New 52 work, and it certainly drags in places with the sheer amount of Harper's narration, but it's refreshing to read something new after the prolonged Court of Owls arc. Whether meaning to or not Harper certainly reminds me of Carrie Kelly and from the final panels, despite Batman's orders for her to stop trying to help him, I have a feeling we may see her again. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2011) #13

Oct 15, 2012

The main story ends with a twist as the Joker chooses his first victim, but the issue's back-up story between the Joker and Harley Quinn (whose appearance helps sell how brutal the Joker has become in his time away from Gotham) takes their perverted relationship to disturbing levels I don't need to see. Worth a look.

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5
Batman (2011) #14

Nov 19, 2012

Snyder is careful by giving us an alternative explanation for the Joker's abduction of Alfred as well as the Joker never naming names when he “reveals” he knows Batman's secret identity. I'm hoping for a huge bait-and-switch. But seeing how the New 52 has given me very little of what I actually want, I'm not too hopeful. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
Batman (2011) #15

Dec 16, 2012

Don't get me wrong, I think Arkham Asylum is a hell of a video game – but it's story, design, and logic kinda sucks. I certainly didn't need a comic, yet alone the entire Batman Family across all of the DCU, redesigned in it's image. The comic isn't a total waste as it does deliver an okay back-up story between the Joker and the Riddler, but that's hardly enough from me to recommend spending $4 for this one. Pass.

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1
Batman (2011) #16

Jan 18, 2013

The Death of the Family issues dealing directly with the Joker have only gotten worse as the months have dragged on, finally hitting rock bottom here in this NC-17 horror fetish fantasy that's so far removed from classic Batman stories it's nearly unrecognizable. For those who enjoy it I'm leaving it to you. Mr. Snyder thanks for the memories, but I'm getting off this particular roller coaster with this issue. Pass.

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4
Batman (2011) #18

Mar 19, 2013

You know DC must have plans to unveil a new Robin before too long, and this issue certainly makes Harper the front-runner. Anointing a character whose entire comic history is less than the time between dental appointments, in my opinion, would be a huge mistake another reason to read far less Bat-titles. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman (2011) #28

Feb 15, 2014

Looking optimistically, as Stephanie Brown would do, I will say Snyder and artist Dustin Nguyen succeed with this initial tease by highlighting her new Spoiler costume with traits that suggest her Batgirl run and revealing her to be far more than just another vigilante working in Gotham. Even if the comic doesn't allow the character to speak, to find out if her voice has survived the transition into the New 52, there's the tiniest glimmer of hope in this one panel that the Stephanie of old may get a shot to live again. Of course that could all go down the shitter in record time if she opens her mouth and comes off bastardized like the re-branded Billy Batson. For fans.

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4
Batman (2011) #50

Mar 30, 2016

As to the storyline concerning the fall of Gotham (again) by a completely forgettable villain, honestly there wasn't anything here that made me regret giving the title such a wide berth for so long. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
Batman (2011) #51

May 4, 2016

I don't know what Rebirth has in store for Batman going forward (other than adding a splash more blue to the Dark Knight's new costume), but I'm glad to close the book on the run that offered the Court of Owls, the Face-Off Joker, and Jim Batman as its most noteworthy accomplishments. Pass.

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5
Batman (2011) Annual #1

Jun 5, 2012

Although the story follows events from Night of Owls, the recent crossover isn't directly addressed here. And at $5 it's a little pricey for a story that simply makes the character a little less interesting to me once again, but I'm willing to give Snyder a chance to play with the character's new history and motivations (as long as he keeps the flashbacks of Victor as a child to himself – ugh!). Hit-and-Miss.

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4
Batman (2016) #1

Jul 5, 2016

Despite these issues, the comic itself is a tense story that certainly sells the self-sacrifice (if not the ingenuity) of its hero. The main objective, however, isn't to present Batman with a problem he couldn't solve but provide the introduction of a new pair of super-powered heroes to the Gotham landscape. While plenty of vigilantes, both as part of the Batman Family and separate, have worked the streets of Gotham they have been normal (or what passes for normal) people relying on skills and training to get the job done. I guess we'll see what happens when you add those with powers to the equation. For fans.

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7
Batman (2016) #2

Jul 14, 2016

After stepping in to help Gotham and Gotham Girl stop Solomon Grundy, Batman agrees to give Gotham City's two new super-heroes a few pointers. This includes introducing the pair to Commissioner Gordon for the first time. Other than the fight at the beginning of the issue Batman #2 doesn't offer much in the way of action, but there's plenty of slow-boiling story here for Bat-fans. It also gives us the first appearance of a classic Batman villain for the first time since the Rebirth reboot. I'll be curious to see just what Hugo Strange is up to and how he ties into the monsters and suicide attacks around Gotham City. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #4

Aug 26, 2016

Even once Batman takes care of the super-powered hero run amok, he's still got to find Strange (who I'm sure has his own plans for the city, and Batman). Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #6

Sep 12, 2016

Batman #6 isn't your typical Batman story, but it gets the humanity of the character right, putting in forefront over justice or vengeance. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #9

Oct 24, 2016

If you accept that Batman does need the Suicide Squad's help the issue still has some problems as Batman's trek around the asylum offers plenty of cameos to several Bat-villains but also makes in increasingly confusing as to just who Batman is recruiting for his team as dossiers on random villains are highlighted. While I'm all in favor of Batman working alongside his final choice I am confused as to why she would be in Arkham rather Blackgate or another standard prison. For fans.

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5
Batman (2016) #14

Jan 12, 2017

Despite giving their act some meaning, the act itself still seems off (not laughably bad this time, but still off). I just can't buy Batman letting his guard (and pants) down in public, especially with a woman he admits he can never fully trust. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman (2016) #17

Feb 22, 2017

Despite some of Batman's decisions here, the comic does do a good job in presenting Bane as a legitimate threat. The need for Batman to have access to the Psycho-Pirate for a period of five days in order to fix what the villain did to Gotham Girl also presents an accelerated timetable for Bane. For fans.

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7
Batman (2016) #18

Mar 7, 2017

The comic is inter-cut with images of Bruce Wayne and Bane as children suggesting several similiarities between each's tragic past and the obsession born out of it. These scenes take up a few too many panels for my taste, but they do underline the arc's central message suggesting Bane is a serious threat to Batman with more in common than one might expect. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #19

Mar 23, 2017

Batman #19 features cameos from quite a few Bat-villains. Some get multiple panels such as Two-Face, the Riddler, and Calender Man, Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, (and for some reason Maxie Zeus) while others Bane dispatches in a single page (Black Spider, Solomon Grundy, Firefly, and others). The comic continues to build-up Bane as an unstoppable force which can be slowed but never stopped. Now, once again, he's Batman's problem. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #20

Apr 11, 2017

With Bane defeated, the Flash shows up next issue to begin the investigation into a blood-stained button and the secrets lurking behind Rebirth and the shitstorm known as the New 52. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #21

Apr 27, 2017

Centering mostly on Batman‘s fight with the world's most evil speedster, Batman #21 opens the door to the mystery of the reconstructed DCU but doesn't shine much light in. What we do know, based on the Reverse-Flash's curiosity, is curiosity can be very deadly indeed. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #24

Jun 13, 2017

Batman's choice here is more than a little out of character but it opens new possibilities for the Bat-Family in ways that I'm curious to see play out. While Selena Kyle wouldn't be my first choice for Batman choosing a wife, and there are a number of obstacles for the pair to overcome before this comes to pass, it does provide a shake-up for the character. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #25

Jun 29, 2017

While I'm not entirely sold on the concept, the brutality of the issue, or the comic moving drastically away from the big news of Batman and Catwoman becoming a couple again, I do think there is some promise to the story (although a war between the two criminals, as we see here, doesn't offer much time for Batman. Narrated well after the events, the issue is able to tease what's to come including Gotham's villains choosing sides between Riddler and Joker as pair's struggle is likely to reign down all kinds of chaos on the city. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #26

Jul 24, 2017

Although I'm still conflicted about this storyline, it does allow Rebirth to bring in several old and new characters as part of the growing factions between the Joker and Riddler. If Kite Man earns this treatment I'm curious to see what else may be in store for other villains. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #27

Jul 24, 2017

Although I'm still conflicted about this storyline, it does allow Rebirth to bring in several old and new characters as part of the growing factions between the Joker and Riddler. If Kite Man earns this treatment I'm curious to see what else may be in store for other villains. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #28

Aug 9, 2017

Batman #28 is notable for Jim Gordon in his underwear (ugh) and giving us a look at Catwoman in a version of one of the character's classic costumes (before she began aping Black Cat's look). It may not be my favorite version of the character, but I did like seeing Selina sport a different look (if only for a little while). Worth a look.

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4
Batman (2016) #29

Aug 22, 2017

The comic does have a couple of fun moments, such as the Joker offering his opinion about the Riddler and the pair agreeing about Batman's problematic nature. However, the story itself simply doesn't work for me. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
Batman (2016) #30

Sep 13, 2017

Despite an interesting start, the arc has overstayed its welcome and left some troubling continuity (Batman unable to stop the villains of Gotham, the Riddler carving a question mark on his bare chest, and plenty more) that the comic will unfortunately have to deal with in the months to come. Pass.

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4
Batman (2016) #32

Oct 8, 2017

In the end, the ambitious arc fails on at least as many levels as it succeeds and wastes most of Gotham under siege to short flashbacks with this the only payoff. Hit-and Miss.

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8
Batman (2016) #35

Nov 20, 2017

While the two women squaring off provides the action, and why Selina is so willing to fight for the man she loves, the conversation between Dick and Damian provides some insight into Bruce and where this proposal may have come from (and the opportunity for Dick to enjoy playing big brother). Worth a look.

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9
Batman (2016) #36

Dec 14, 2017

Fans of both Batman and Superman should enjoy this comic, and I'm looking forward to seeing where “SuperFriends” leads the unusual foursome of a thief in a catsuit, an alien, a reporter, and a man dressed up as a bat. Worth a look.

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10
Batman (2016) #37

Dec 28, 2017

While the action is light (other than taking down a mugger, or Bruce and Selina in the Tunnel of Love), there are some great interactions and character moments that fans of both the Dark Knight Detective and the Man of Steel will enjoy. Best of the Week.

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9
Batman (2016) #41

Feb 25, 2018

Knowing that the rest of the DCU is ignoring what's happening here makes it obvious that Poison Ivy's control won't last long. The question is, how will Batman and Catwoman stop her? I'm curious to find out. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #43

Mar 28, 2018

The issue hints at a deeper relationship between Pamela and Harley without ever confirming something more than friendship. There does seem to be quite a bit unsaid, and I wonder if this was by design or possibly DC getting cold feet about stating something unequivocally about the two characters. Either way, the story still works, even if the bit about the Riddler tricking Pamela, and continuity seemingly wiping away her more murderous past, does have me wondering just who the current version of Poison Ivy is. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #50

Jul 6, 2018

This, of course, leaves Batman solo and brooding once more and spins off Catwoman into her own series. I'll be curious to see if the wedding that never happened remains in continuity or eventually fades and is forgotten by all but fans. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #51

Jul 24, 2018

Bruce's single not guilty vote seems to suggest some serious introspection has begun. It looks like the rest of the jurors are in for a longer deliberation than they expected. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #75

Jul 24, 2019

We do get moments of Bruce Wayne, far away, searching for something… and finding someone, on his first steps to returning and reclaiming the city from Bane. Worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #77

Aug 28, 2019

During the series of events the comic offers us glimpses of Bruce and Selina who appear finally ready to return to Gotham and take on Bane. They still have time to save Damian, but not poor Alfred (whose tasteless death is celebrated a bit too much in full-page glory). Despite its questionable elements, still worth a look.

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8
Batman (2016) #78

Sep 19, 2019

While I was never all that enthused with DC's plans to marry Bruce and Selina, the last-second folding of that story never set right with me either. If you want do it, do it. Batman #78 begins to help repair the damage done to both characters and reset the romantic status quo one more time. Worth a look.

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7
Batman (2016) #86

Jan 14, 2020

The fight between Batman and Deathstroke is truncated as much of it takes place off-panel and comes to a quicker conclusion than expected. Catwoman's own crime-fighting foreshadows more about what brought Deathstroke to town (suggesting it has ties to the cat burglar's past). Worth a look.

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6
Batman (2016) #87

Jan 28, 2020

The issue does have some notable action, including a tussle between Batman and Cheshire, and the prison break which leaves the Dark Knight with more problems, along with highlighting the attempts of characters like Riddler and the Penguin to use the current state of the affairs to their advantage. For fans.

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7
Batman (2016) #92

Jun 16, 2020

Meanwhile, Catwoman and Harley Quinn battle zombie cops in the sewers, Harley meets the Joker's new squeeze Punchline, and Selina does some negotiating with the Underbroker. Between Catwoman and Batman, our heroes score victories on multiple fronts, but heading into the next issue the man behind all chaos, the Designer, still awaits.

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7
Batman (2016) #118

Dec 13, 2021

Batman #118 ushers in a new creative team, a mystery for Batman outside of Gotham City, and, once he touches down in Badhnisia, a change into the Batman, Inc. costume for our Caped Crusader. I've got to say I'm happy to have the Bat-Symbol back on our hero, but the lack of trunks (plus the unnecessary seams) means we still are denied Batman's classic look as DC seems incapable of providing more than half of a good costume for our hero. As for the mystery, it seems Batman may have an ally (of sorts) in… Lex Luthor?

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6
Batman (2016) #119

Jan 13, 2022

The issue also includes an unrelated back-up story involving Mia Mizoguchi to try and justify the higher price and page-count.

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4
Batman (2016) #121

Mar 8, 2022

In any case, the members of Batman, Inc. switch sides and stand with Batman against Abyss. The comic limps home to a finish with Batman tracking the escaping villain and by teasing the next big arc for Batman on his return home with a cameo by Deathstroke and the latest version of the Secret Society of Super-Villains.

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5
Batman (2016) #125

Jul 18, 2022

Setting aside Broke Batman, which remains one of the dumbest plotlines in the character's history, the first issue of “Failsafe” sets Batman on a series of events that will lead to him being more isolated. Selina Kyle (who is given her own back-up story in a failed attempt to justify the cover price) has moved on. Robin is shot during the gala. And the gloating Penguin frames Batman for his murder (despite, you know, the physical evidence of him killing himself with poison that you'd think would be easy for a hospital to find). While I enjoyed the look of the issue, I have little interest in yet another team trying to make Batman even more gritty.

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5
Batman (2016) #139

Nov 14, 2023

I can't tell if this was a Riddler story made to fit the Joker or a Joker story that simply relies on behavior better fitting another of Batman's most famous foes. In either case, Joker's breadcrumbs lead to an elaborate doll house where the most painful moments of Bruce Wayne's life are put on display leading to the Joker perhaps getting his fondest wish just as the comic comes to a close. I'm more interested in the art here than the story, having long ago grown tied of broke Batman (who's now schizophrenic… yah!?).

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7
Batman / Catwoman (2020) #1

Dec 8, 2020

Mostly set-up, the first issue jumps from story to story (at times more effectively than others). Although teased, we don't get the Phantasm here, although there is plenty of foreboding about how tragically events will unfold.

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2
Batman / Superman (2013) #1

Jul 1, 2013

This is a clusterfuck of a first issue that makes less sense the more you read it. Pass.

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2
Batman / Superman (2013) #8

Feb 28, 2014

We also see Superman‘s first meeting with an out-of-control Power Girl who he is determined to help whether she wants his help or not (or whether such efforts could endanger himself). I'm curious to see where this storyline will go. Worth a look.

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7
Batman / Superman (2019) #1

Sep 2, 2019

The comic features some back and forth between the two characters, along with some inner monologue from both, on the status of their partnership and the threat that the toxin presents. There may not be enough here to keep me around the long term, but I'm certainly curious enough to return and see how the current situation gets resolved. Worth a look.

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7
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #1

Mar 22, 2022

The comic goes off in multiple directions here with a separate team-up between the Man of Steel and the Dynamic Duo and also the addition of the Doom Patrol to help with an out-of-control Superman. There are some aspects of the story I enjoy, including character designs and Dan Mora's art, although once Superman gets infected (which seems to be where the comic's main storyline will be focused going forward) things bog down a bit.

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7
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #2

Apr 25, 2022

With the introduction of Supergirl, Batman Superman World's Finest #2 also begins a B-story sending Kara and Robin back in time to learn more about an immortal ancient Chinese warlord known as The Devil Nezha who has some connection to current events (but I'll admit being a bit confused by it all). There's obviously some tension between the two younger heroes, that isn't explained, but makes for some fun back-and-forth.

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9
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #12

Mar 1, 2023

Lots of fun here, including some back-and-forth between the Dynamic Duo to close out the issue.

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7
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #14

May 1, 2023

It's a pretty busy issue with not much time to breathe. That said, the story moves fairly well with our four heroes reunited looking for Stagg and Ivo ending on a cliffhanger.

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7
Batman / The Shadow #1

May 18, 2017

Following the clues left by history, eventually Batman finds the Shadow's Sanctum, the heart of his operation. Yet, the discovery only leads to more questions. The Dark Knight hopes a trip to seek out a mutual acquaintance might yield better results, but as the Shadow told him – Batman isn't ready for the vigilante's world. Worth a look.

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7
Batman and Robin (2009) #16

Nov 6, 2010

For a comic that's been the least of all the Bat-books since issue #2 this one's not half-bad. Given it's ending it also marks an important milestone in Batman's career and is definitely worth a look.

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8
Batman and Robin (2009) #23

May 24, 2011

The Red Hood is out, and things should be about to get interesting. I actually like this version of Jason Todd (in the biker outfit, not the worst comic costume of all-time), and I'm hoping by the end of the storyline we get a little better sense of how he's going to fit into the DCU and, more specifically, the Batman universe. Worth a look.

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6
Batman and Robin (2009) #25

Jul 11, 2011

That said, there are a couple of nice scenes where we're given a look into Todd's view of Dick Grayson, and vice-versa. This storyline, even when it has struggled at times has done a good job focusing on the differences between the first two Robins. Personally, I would have liked more of Damian's thoughts on Todd whose outlook is far similar to the Son of Batman than his current boss. With a look.

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5
Batman and Robin (2011) #0

Sep 20, 2012

Is it worth a look? Maybe. There one or two moments, although there's little here for those who have already read Morrison's story. For fans.

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5
Batman and Robin (2011) #1

Sep 21, 2011

As first issue's go this one struggles at times but it's the first time when seen father and son paired up as Batman and Robin since Bruce's return from the grave. I'm going to give it a few issue to try and find a balance between the pair, but the most pressing challenge seems to be where to find the fun that should be inherent in a title called “Batman and Robin.” Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #2

Oct 14, 2011

One a postive note the issue also includes an appearnce by Ace the Bat-Hound (sadly, out of costume). I'm all for finding ways to layer in various aspects of Batman's history into this New 52 version. Now let's see that giant penny, and Bat-Mite, and oh so much more! Worth a look.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #4

Dec 21, 2011

I'm less thrilled with Nobody and his connection with Henri Ducard. Although he does offer Damian a tempataion, we know, despite all his flaws, Damian isn't likely to give into his baser desires this early in the New 52. This means despite being handled with some skill (although the opening diatribe in the drive-in is pretty awful) this arc ultimately has nowhere to go. Worth a look.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #5

Jan 18, 2012

Patrick Gleason's art has gotten better as he's gotten more comfortable with the characters, but writer Peter J. Tomasi struggles with Batman's epiphany about his behavior to his son. It feels far too forced for the version of Batman we've seen so far. Worth a look.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #6

Feb 15, 2012

Damian's turning on Nobody is hardly surprising, but I'm thankful writer Peter J. Tomasi didn't milk the story for another issue or two. It's also good to see Damian standing up for something other than himself for a change (even if there's no one else to witness it). The final panels, suggesting some serious injury to the boy, should lead to a brutal confrontation between Batman and Nobody in next month's conclusion of the arc. Worth a look.

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7
Batman and Robin (2011) #7

Mar 21, 2012

I like the simple dialogue and reaction shots between Damian and Bruce once the battle has ended. I'm far less pleased with the comic's final choice. I certainly understand it, and the story arc certainly gives the “justification” needed for that choice, but just as the pair were coming together the results of Damian's deadly action are likely to tear Batman and Robin apart, again. Worth a look.

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8
Batman and Robin (2011) #8

Apr 14, 2012

The issue doesn't ignore Damian's actions from last issue, but it also doesn't condemn him for it (as I expected it to do, further driving a wedge between the two). Instead Bruce uses the opportunity as a lesson for his son to move both of them forward. By the end of the issue we're given a Batman and Robin I really want to see more of, and that's really all you can ask. Worth a look.

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5
Batman and Robin (2011) #9

May 17, 2012

If you're only picking this up as a “Night of Owls” tie-in you could probably give it a pass. If, however, you're a fan of Damian (even the New 52 version) there's enough here to keep your interest, at least for awhile. For fans.

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7
Batman and Robin (2011) #10

Jun 21, 2012

The comic's other storyline introduces a new villain named Terminus who prepares to kill the Batman before his own demise. Nothing special here, and Terminus is certainly overshadowed by all the Robins appearing in the same panel together for the first time in the New 52 (although we still haven't gotten Batman and Red Hood together, yet). Worth a look.

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5
Batman and Robin (2011) #11

Jul 19, 2012

As to Damian, who appears to be back in full on spoiled little-shit mode despite the tease that he might grow up a bit after the failure with Nobody, it's an interesting choice for him to view Todd (the Robin he's most like) with such contempt. I'll be interested to see what action the Red Hood might take in retaliation. Although the crowbar sequence is in bad taste, it certainly fits this version of the character. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #12

Aug 16, 2012

I like seeing the Robins together in this issue and if DC is looking for another Bat-title to replace one of the underperforming New 52 books may I suggest something along the lines of Robin Team-Up (featuring Robins current and past teaming up for short arcs – which would allow for the inclusion of Stephanie Brown, too). Worth a look.

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8
Batman and Robin (2011) #13

Oct 17, 2012

At the same time we see the more dangerous version of the character as his dispatches another assassin sent by his mother and the recklessness of his youth which leads him into danger in the stories final pages as he's caught in a mob of zombies. Honestly, I could have done without the zombies, but the rest of this issue works well. Worth a look.

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8
Batman and Robin (2011) #14

Nov 17, 2012

Aside from Damain actually doing some justice to the Robin name (and not being the complete tool the New 52 has been so focused on delivering month after month) there's almost nothing worthy of notice. The story is completely forgettable and the mix of both Patrick Gleason and Toms Giorello's art makes the comic look and feel uneven at best. Pass.

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3
Batman and Robin (2011) #15

Dec 18, 2012

I like Damian, and I certainly like how he stands up for himself against the psychopath, but there's nothing of note, and certain nothing enjoyable delivered here that makes this one worth picking up. Sadly, this seems to be an all to familiar trend with the Bat-books recently. Pass.

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3
Batman and Robin (2011) #16

Jan 22, 2013

There's plenty of gruesome action here. And the comic has one highlight where the far too dim Damian makes a concious effort not to kill the man he believes is his father. Sadly it's too little, too late. Pass.

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7
Batman and Robin (2011) #18

Mar 15, 2013

On one hand, the issue puts Damian's loss at the forefront and showcases the toll it's taking on Batman. On the other hand it's still a bit of a cheat as the hard but necessary conversations after such an event have still yet to take place. However, the set-up certainly makes the only words we do see, Damian's final message to his father, certainly have a greater impact. Worth a look.

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8
Batman and Robin (2011) #19

Apr 12, 2013

Red Robin gets the short-end of the stick here. Despite his name in the title, Tim is relegated to little more than a cameo in which he has no more luck talking sense into his mentor than the partially dissected Frankenstein's monster. It will be interesting to see, given the mixed reaction DC has gotten to Grant Morrison killing off Damian, how long the Bat-books might play with the idea of bringing the character back, in one form or another. Worth a look.

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4
Batman and Robin (2011) #20

May 13, 2013

Although I think Todd overreacts to Batman's grief, the result is to push yet another member of the Bat-Family further from the Dark Knight Detective. Batman and Red Hood #20 also offers another appearance by Carrie Kelley looking for Damian, teasing that she's not going away anytime soon. Pass.

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5
Batman and Robin (2011) #21

Jun 24, 2013

The confrontation between Batgirl and Batman in the cave is interesting, but isn't hardly the tact someone as smart as Barbara would use. I do like her offer of wearing the Robin costume, but its stuck in the middle of an out-of-control argument that has no hope of reaching Batman. Hit-and-Miss.

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8
Batman and Robin (2011) #22

Jul 24, 2013

Catwoman helps break Batman out of his funk as does Carrie Kelley whose continued perseverance at talking to Damian forces Batman to go to extreme lengths to continue the pretense that his son is still alive. I'm not sure where Carrie will eventually fit in, but any comic with her instead of Harper Row has to be counted as a win. Worth a look.

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8
Batman and Robin (2011) #23

Aug 27, 2013

Although the final former side-kick issue is done, the comic will continue the Batman and… with villains such as Two-Face and Killer Croc leading into Batman and Carrie Kelly #25 which may, or may not, begin a new direction for the title. Worth a look.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #23.1

Sep 12, 2013

By the end of the episode the luck of Gotham City (which is far less covered in vegetation that the Poison Ivy comic would suggest) has finally run out as the flip of the coin leads Two-Face back to his more destructive ways. For fans.

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7
Batman and Robin (2011) #23.3

Sep 22, 2013

Writer James Tynion IV and Jeremy Haun deliver a solid retelling of the various aspects behind the character even if he's decidedly lacking in the kind of crazed evil malice that has defined Ra's al Ghul since his creation. It's far from a great Ra's al Ghul story, but for those needing a primer on the character it's sufficient. Worth a look.

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6
Batman and Robin (2011) #24

Oct 18, 2013

All that said, even the changes can't ruin one of Batman‘s most interesting villains. As the beginning of a true origin for the character it's flawed, but fans may still enjoy the issue.

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5
Batman and Robin (2011) #25

Nov 29, 2013

On the plus-side we do get an appearance by Matches (which means the character, and Batman's use of his identity, is part of the New 52). Despite the promise the issue will have big revelations about Carrie Kelley (which I believe I've already guessed) the character fails to make even a cameo here. Given the false advertising and confusing storytelling this one is very much Hit-and-Miss.

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3
Batman and Robin (2011) #26

Jan 2, 2014

Although the comic has some nice moments, especially in the early scenes between Bruce and Erin, the flashbacks are so unbelievably dumb it wouldn't surprise me if everyone who read this issue lost a couple of IQ points. Pass.

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9
Batman and Robin (2011) Annual #1

Feb 9, 2013

And as for a pint-sized Batman ruling the night in Gotham, it's a blast! Damian truly works in brutal, but Batman-like efficency, and never becomes the isipid murderous twerp some writers use as his fallback setting. I know I have been hard on the Bat-books recently, but this is a perfect example of what they can be when a little joy is inserted into the equation. Must-read.

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4
Batman and Robin (2011) Annual #2

Feb 6, 2014

Even with the fan bait of giving Batman fans a taste of the character Grant Morrison killed only because he could, Batman and Robin Annual #2 is unremarkarkable except for the fact it will likely continue to piss off longtime DC fans. Pass.

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6
Batman and Robin (2023) #1

Sep 19, 2023

We also get an odd grouping of some of Batman's more monstrous enemies in Croc, Man-Bat, and others, as well as a general foreboding of yet another (likely less joyful) crossover. I'd like a little more normalcy for Bruce and Damian before jumping into the next big arc but there's enough here to pique my interest. Not everything is sunshine and roses, however, as the comic foreshadows a high school arc for Damian which would be the quickest way to make me run away from this comic as fast as possible.

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7
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #1

May 14, 2019

Writer Bryan Edward Hill and artist Dexter Soy deliver a solid first issue focused on the team's dysfunction and the looming threat which will force them to come together (that, and a common goal to discover just what Batman isn't telling them). Worth a look.

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7
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #2

Jun 18, 2019

The issue is also notable for Black Lightning making a verb out of Bruce Wayne as the two discuss the difference between what Batman and the Outsiders should stand for. The question now, is just what does Ra's al Ghul do now that he has the girl. And, now that Sofia is in his nemesis' possesion, is that enough to get Batman back in the field or does he continue to rely on the Outsiders? Worth a look.

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5
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #3

Jul 22, 2019

The fact that Batman's exercise helped begin to allow Signal to heal is a nice moment (as is the fact that its Cassandra who is the first to embrace him), but I'm not sure Batman's head is in the right place where Sofia's well being is concerned. One would think Sofia's life would be at least as important to Batman as the feelings of his fledgling team. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #4

Aug 26, 2019

From what we see in the panels of Sofia and Ra's, it seems the Demon's Head has done his work well and the Outsiders will have their hands full in the battle to save Sofia's soul. For fans.

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8
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #5

Sep 19, 2019

The other fight, that between the assassin Ishmael and Cassandra Cain and Signal will have to wait until next month, but Ra's obviously has plans for Batman's pupils. Will they be up to the challenge? Worth a look.

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7
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #6

Oct 10, 2019

Not being completely up-to-date on Signal's backstory, it's hard for me to judge the impact of the surprise that Ra's has for the young man. That said, the comic has already demonstrated the Demon's Head has a knack for breaking wills and bending them to his own. Is that what's in store for Signal? And just how far with Cassandra go to prevent this (and take a measure of revenge on her mother's part in Ra's plans)? And will Batman ever suit up in this comic? Worth a look.

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7
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #8

Dec 30, 2019

Despite the team's victory in extracting Sofia from Ra's al Ghul‘s clutches, the comic is far from done with the Demon's Head who has begun taking his revenge on the Dark Knight's pupils with the corruption of Signal, a jibe at Cassandra's destiny, and a hitting Black Lightning where he lives. Far from being finished, it looks like Ra's has just begun. The question is, after he's done how many Outsiders will still be standing? Worth a look.

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6
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #10

Feb 24, 2020

While most of the issue is actually dialogue offer clues about a doomsday weapon and Shiva's interests in partnering with Black Lightning, there is some action towards the end as Black Lightning and Shiva run into a bit of trouble though they do get some unexpected assistance from the sudden arrival of Katana, Signal and Cassandra. Maybe the team might survive Ra's machinations after all.

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8
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #11

Mar 18, 2020

While continuing to save the final fight with Ra's in reserve, there's still enough here fans of the comic can enjoy. Worth a look.

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8
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #13

Jun 22, 2020

Katana's gamble offers one example of how desperate the Outsiders have become. Another comes from Batman himself, who offers to boost Black Lightning‘s powers in order to fight the alien tech which threatens the world. But, at what cost?

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8
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #14

Jul 15, 2020

Batman & the Outsiders #14 (thankfully) marks a more proactive turn for the heroes who up until this point have been reacting to Ra's plans. It also reveals to the Outsiders that Shiva is in communication with Batman and has been working, at least in part, with him for the last few issues.

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7
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #15

Aug 18, 2020

Ra's plans to destroy civilization involves a secret corporate cabal with unprecedented access and power. While the latest issue of the series still doesn't yet provide the action we've been waiting for for 15 issues, it does (finally) put the last domino in place allowing for what should be a heavy-action issue next month.

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8
Batman and the Outsiders (2019) #16

Sep 15, 2020

Batman admits to Lady Shiva that her daughter deserves better, but what is that? Just how powerful is Black Lightning now? What happens to Sofia Ramos and the rest of the heroes? These are a few of the questions left to be answered in next month's issue.

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7
Batman Beyond (2010) #1

Jul 3, 2010

The choice to the tease from the very first panel to the last of who the main villain of the series might be (which I won't spoil it here) works very well. For fans of the show it's definitely worth picking up, but even if you never saw an episode it's still worth a look.

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6
Batman Beyond (2010) #3

Aug 22, 2010

Although I'm still not sure about this new Catwoman, this issue does give me the one thing I always wanted from Batman Beyond – Dick Grayson. And that's enough for me…as long as they don't screw it up. Worth a look.

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5
Batman Beyond (2010) #4

Sep 19, 2010

And then there's the final panel… Yeah. Um, yeah. I won't ruin for it for in case you plan to pick this one up, but lets just say the final panel flushes the promise of the previous pages right down the toilet. Sigh. I doesn't work, whether it's real or simply yet another twist (this comic has more than a Shyamalan marathon). We'll have to see if the series can rebound, but I have my doubts.

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6
Batman Beyond (2010) #5

Oct 21, 2010

We also lean the new Catwoman's identity and Bruce and Terry have a nice bonding moment. It's not a great issue, and some of the clone's super-villain banter is way too forced, but for all-encompassing Bat-fans it might still be worth a look. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Batman Beyond (2011) #1

Jan 12, 2011

One thing the issue does well is show-off it's main star, letting those unfamiliar with him get to know Terry McGinnis. The issue also includes an appearance by the future version of the Justice League. It will be interesting to see how big a role they play in the new series.

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7
Batman Beyond (2015) #1

Jun 12, 2015

The truncating of the Bat-Family's chronology in the New 52 reboot left a glut of former and current Robins all roughly the same age and not enough room for each to operate. Mercifully released from that regrettable Teen Titans title, I would have preferred Drake to have spun off his own book in the present but this at least affords him the opportunity to prove himself in new ways. Drake plus the Batman Beyond Universe, with a more dystopian feel, is an odd mix, but writer Dan Jurgens (at least initially) sells me on the concept while artist Bernard Chang shows he has what it takes for the series' unique visual look. I'll be curious to see where things go from here. Worth a look.

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8
Batman Beyond (2016) #50

Dec 29, 2020

The appearance of Wonder Woman and the use of one of the television show's most popular villains works to provide Dan Jurgens with a way to close out his 50-issue run in style. Given what we see to close out the issue, it will be interesting to see if a Batman Beyond Justice League is in the works somewhere in the near future.

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9
Batman Beyond Universe #13

Sep 4, 2014

Joining the comic with this issue, artist Phil Hester manages to faithfully recreate the look of both series. I particularly love the flashback art. Best of the week.

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7
Batman Beyond Universe #14

Oct 5, 2014

Filled with plenty of action, hard choices, and Bruce Wayne loosing another adopted son and apprentice, the latest issue of Batman Beyond Universe is worth picking up even for those (like me) who may not stick around to see how the fallout between Bruce and Terry is finally resolved. Worth a look.

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6
Batman Beyond: Rebirth #1

Oct 4, 2016

Fans of the show should enjoy this, but there's not much new here to explore (as with most Rebirth issues the main goal is to set the stage for what is to come). Batman Beyond: Rebirth #1 is mainly concerned with resetting the world with McGinnis back in the Bat-suit (mostly ignoring Tim Drake‘s New 52 run) and reintroducing readers to the series' core characters including teasing the possible return of Batman's most dangerous enemy. For fans.

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2
Batman Incorporated (2012) #1

May 30, 2012

So, let me get this straight, we get crappy redesigns for Deadshot and Red Robin, Stephanie Brown, Catman and the rest of the Secret Six are still in limbo, but Halo and Morrison's fetish creations get to run free in the New 52. Fuck you for this DC. This issue, which is in the running for the worst Batman comic I've ever read, is the kind of shit that makes me want to stop reading comics all together. Pass.

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3
Batman Incorporated (2012) #8

Mar 1, 2013

There's much speculation about who will fill the shoes the shoes of Robin whether it be Tim Drake, Helena, or even Stephanie Brown (who has yet to appear in the new DCU). Whatever the case, Damian's death wasn't necessary to accomplish the goal of replacing him as Robin, nor does his death serve any long term purpose in terms of Batman stories going forward (once DC moves past the obligatory couple months of characters grieving his death). This is a mistake and, as many of Morrison's stories are, a badly written one. Pass.

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1
Batman Incorporated (2012) #9

Mar 31, 2013

Or I could just say this: Grant Morrison has been planning the death of Damian Wayne for years, and if this is the best he can do with this amount of planning I don't know why anyone would want hire him to write a Batman comic ever again. Pass.

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4
Batman vs. Robin (2022) #1

Sep 26, 2022

Very much a mixed bag, Batman vs. Robin #1 takes characters backwards in their developments instead of forwards. I'm also not too pleased with the gruesome depicted of the lynched Zatanna who Batman and Alfred come to find while searching for answers as to just what is going on. Alfred may be back, and Batman is certainly pleased with that, but what kind of death will a magically-fueled Robin bring to bear in what's to come?

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5
Batman, Inc. #4

Mar 30, 2011

Had this story been told the way a normal human being might tell it, this might be fairly enjoyable. Sadly, Morisson's reluctance to let the plot stand alone and instead rely on cheap theatrics and convoluted storytelling works against him here. But then again, Grant Morrison really pisses me off. Those who like his increasingly maddening style of writing may find more here than I did. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Batman: Black & White (2020) #1

Dec 24, 2020

Other stories include “Demon Fist” which focuses on a single member of the League of Assassins hoping to land one punch on Batman, “Weight” gives us snapshots across Batman's timeline while focusing on the weight of his childhood vow, the Batcave becomes infested with Ninja Man-Bats in “First Flight,” and Emma Rios offers a dreamy tale of the external struggle of Batman.

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7
Batman: Black & White (2020) #2

Feb 3, 2021

In “The Spill” Batman is trapped in the Gotham spillway after an EMP goes off in Gotham City while pursuing the Joker who gloats for several panels about getting the see Batman's death before the barrier breaks and nearly drowns them both. And in “Dual” Batman tracks an all-white doppelganger across Gotham City.

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6
Batman: Black & White (2020) #3

Mar 3, 2021

Perhaps the most interesting story is “An Unquiet Knight” featuring Zatanna reaching out to the spirit of a deceased Batman and helping him finally find peace.

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8
Batman: Black & White (2020) #5

May 6, 2021

“A Father and Son Outing” offers a glimpse at Bruce Wayne's struggle to teach patience and the craft of making Batman larger than life to criminals. “The Man Who Flies” gives us a look at the city through the eyes of Nightwing, whose upbringing as a circus acrobat still colors his personality flying through the air with the greatest of ease. “Blue” offers a tale from the perspective of Harvey Dent‘s wife Gilda, examining her life both before and after the tragedy which created Two-Face. In “Signals” Commissioner Gordon chooses to act on a case personally rather than turning on the Bat-Signal and asking for assistance.

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7
Batman: Black & White (2020) #6

Jun 1, 2021

Less effective are Batman rushing to save a child from a war between a pair of chess-inspired groups in “Opening Movies” and Batman and Clayface working together, sort of, to investigate the disappearance of young women in “Like Monsters of the Damp.”

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8
Batman: Black and White (2013) #1

Sep 10, 2013

Also include here are a Zombie Batman story written and drawn by Neal Adams (weird, and a tad too preachy) and Batman hunting down a determined Ventriloquist by Howard Mackie and Chris Samnee (I liked the art better than the story). The only story that didn't work for me was the one offered by John Arcudi and Sean Murphy which turns the Dark Knight into a little too much of a gear-head for my tastes. Batman has had quite a career in comics over the years and this first issue gives us a little bit of everything from the Dark Knight's past. Despite a $5 cover price and the lack of color and inks, fans should enjoy this one. Worth a look.

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8
Batman: Black and White (2013) #2

Oct 7, 2013

Although I appreciated J.G. Jones's art in Dan DiDio's Man-Bat story, the hamfisted themes and Batman's questionable morality at the end left me cold. In much the same way, I liked the art and idea behind writer/artist Rafael Albuquerque Limbo storyline more than the final execution. Worth a look.

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7
Batman: Black and White (2013) #3

Nov 11, 2013

There's also an opening tale by Lee Bermejo about Batman's team-up with a young Jason Todd, and a beautifully rendered (if ultimately kinda empty) tale from Damion Scott featuring Batman chasing various members of his rogues gallery around a hall of mirrors. Worth a look. Worth a look.

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8
Batman: Black and White (2013) #4

Dec 19, 2013

Without any real weak stories this month, Black and White #4 also boasts a Mad Hatter and Penguin tale from Michael and Lee Allred where Cobblepot attempts to out-wit both the Hatter and the Dark Knight Detective (which features Micahel Allred's trademark smooth but quirky style), Dustin Nguyen does double duty writing and illustrating an average night for Batman in Gotham City ending with an appearance by Catwoman, Nathan Edmondson and Kenneth Rocafort offer up a tale of Batman taking on an invisible enemy, and David Macho and Rubn Pellejero deliver a tale of Batman getting the help of a homeless veteran (and his pet rat) to take down Killer Croc. Worth a look.

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8
Batman: Black and White (2013) #5

Jan 13, 2014

Although I enjoyed the tone of Keith Giffen and Javier Pulido's “Cat and Mouse” featuring a crook's version of his encounter with Batman, it's probably the weakest of this month's stories. Worth a look.

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7
Batman: Black and White (2013) #6

Feb 10, 2014

The final two stories also have something in common as they present rather mean-spirited versions of beloved characters. Dave Taylor's tale of robots and conspiracies isn't half as fun as it sounds and features an extremely unlikable Alfred. Adam Hughes offers us a Catwoman tale that while somewhat plausable makes Catwoman to be one hell of a manipulative bitch whose actions definitely cross a line. Worth a look.

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6
Batman: Killing Time (2022) #3

May 12, 2022

We also get Catwoman playing various roles from thief to enforcer to helpless bait while also rescuing a shot Riddler and flashbacks to Bruce Wayne training with Ra's al Ghul as the comic tiptoes around just what prize is in the small box that is worth all of this trouble and connects the current storyline with all of the flashbacks.

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue #1

Apr 16, 2020

Lex is an interesting choice of villain, and the Bane cameo is fun. But of all the pieces of the comic, there's a single panel that I find the most intriguing suggesting the comic is finally ready to introduce a pivotal character of Batman mythos which, up until this point, has been ignored up until this point. Worth a look.

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7
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Three #1

Jan 12, 2023

The plot of the first issue of Batman: The Adventures Continue Season Three revolves around the attempts to kill Muscle in prison, one of which Batman stops when Killer Croc gets into his cell. The source of these hits come from the hitman's former employer Esther Valestra. And she's not the only one who wants him dead.

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7
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Two #1

Jul 12, 2021

The addition of Deadman adds an interesting angle as he isn't able to possess the zombie Talons (who can see him), helping Batman accept their odd nature quickly (although a trip to Zatanna proves to be equally useful). Now, with Deadman's help, can Batman prevent the Court of Owls assassins from taking out any more prominent Gothamites?

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6
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Three #2

Feb 22, 2023

It's a fine, if mostly forgettable Batman & Harley story that could fit into any Bat-title, although, if it's not a purposeful attempt to steer the series in a different direction, it seems a bit out of place here.

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6
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Three #4

Apr 24, 2023

I must admit, I'm not enjoying this latest season of Batman: The Adventures Continue as much as the earlier runs. Don't get me wrong, the stories aren't bad, but as the comic has gotten a bit darker in tone the comic has lost some of the all-ages magic of the series which spawned it.

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9
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Two #4

Sep 28, 2021

It's an interesting choice to make Renee not a fan of Batman (which seems to conflict a bit with established continuity on the show). But when the Muscle kidnaps Montoya's girlfriend, and leads Renee into a death trap, the detective will need all the help she can get.

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6
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Three #5

May 22, 2023

Along with cameos from several Suicide Squad members, mind-controlled to go after Batman in the climax, we get Harley working with the Dynamic Duo as well. I've said this before, but this storyline hasn't been my favorite of the relaunched continuing adventures of the Batman: The Animated Series universe, but the issue does tie up the loose ends, with some fun Suicide Squad cameos, and should allow for something more interesting next month.

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Two #5

Oct 13, 2021

Overall, a pretty forgettable issue. Rick Burchett has the unenviable task of following up the amazing art by Jordan Gibson from the last issue. Burchett's art is fine here, if a bit rushed in some panels that's not altogether unexpected on a title like this (but it is a huge drop-off in quality from Gibson's work that makes it hard to believe issue #4 and #5 came from the same comic).

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue #5

Jun 10, 2020

While Deathstroke offers a plausible reason for his appearance in Gotham to the Dark Knight, the assassin's true purpose is revealed at the end of the issue where readers discover what he's doing in Batman's backyard and who he's working for. Now that Todd knows Deathstroke is being bankrolled by Lex Luthor to knock off Batman, what happens to his long-term plans for his former mentor? And, if indeed he decides to make himself more visiable, will we be seeing Hush? The Red Hood? Or something else entirely?

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7
Batman: The Adventures Continue: Season Two #6

Nov 9, 2021

Batman recognizes the disguised Clayface as his attacker, but he's safely locked up behind bars at Arkham Asylum. And later Clayface escapes to attack Batman again! And Barbara discovers he isn't the only escapee working for the campaign (which also explains the ex-mayor's sudden rise in popularity). But is there enough time to reveal the truth before Mayfield and the Bat-villains can steal the election?

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7
Batman: The Adventures Continue #6

Jun 25, 2020

The issue is punctuated with the battle between Batman and Deathstroke, but with the later finally out of the way the more interesting story can begin. Just what does Jason Todd have in store for the Bat-Family? And in what guise does he plan to reintroduce himself when he finally steps out of the shadows. His current look seems to suggest Hush but that doesn't mean once he's ready to take a more active role that we won't see the Red Hood or some other variation before the arc comes to an end.

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7
Batman: The Adventures Continue #7

Jul 13, 2020

Azrael is an unexpected addition here keeping Jason Todd on the sidelines. Catwoman gets a good cameo as well, although the choice to use the revamped designs of the characters means we don't get Catwoman's original BtAS look (still my favorite Catwoman desgin).

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue #8

Jul 27, 2020

With Azrael saying farewell at the end of this issue (at least for now), the comic once again teases the possibility of Jason Todd emerging from the shadows. Up until this point we've seen him spend much of his time shadowing the Bat-Family, but Batman: The Adventures Continue #8 points out the other target in his sights: the Joker.

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue #9

Aug 6, 2020

Looks like the surprise of Todd's return has been ruined, but we still don't know what his larger plans are (other than some revenge against the Joker). Along with Batman's discovery and the early action of Todd evading attacks from the Joker's minion, much of the comic is focused on Todd's backstory allowing Alfred to teach Tim about his predecessor and giving fans the first appearance of Jason Todd as Robin in the DCAU.

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue #10

Aug 17, 2020

Todd and Batman's interaction doesn't reveal details of the Red Hood's plans, but it does make the Dark Knight Detective aware how much the character has changed choosing to challenge Batman and impose his own kind of justice on Gotham City.

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8
Batman: The Adventures Continue #11

Sep 2, 2020

Although it's still unclear if we're going to get some version of the family crowbar and explosion sequence that ended Jason Todd's run as Robin in the original Batman comics, the flashbacks to foreshadow trouble for the younger half of the Dynamic Duo as after Batman's attempt to bench him leads Robin to act on his own and target both Harley Quinn and the Joker.

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7
Batman: The Adventures Continue #13

Oct 5, 2020

After having made changes to Jason Todd's final encounter with the Joker as Robin, lightening it up a little for the audience of Batman: The Animated Series by not having the Joker actually kill the boy (although hitting him repeatedly with a crowbar probably didn't help Jason's personality), I'll be curious to see what the current creative team has in store for the culmination of the Red Hood's master plan.

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6
Batman: The Audio Adventures (2022) #1

Oct 12, 2022

That said, I did enjoy the art of Batman: The Audio Adventures #1 and the comic has a nice nod to Batman: The Animated Series‘ odd pairing of Killer Croc and Baby-Dollalthough that didn't play into the somewhat unfocused story so far. The comic is far from a must-read, and there's not a lot to sell me on a larger storyline but fans may still get some enjoyment out of the issue.

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5
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2023) #1

May 24, 2023

It's not a bad collection, but the most notable story is very hit-and-miss, and the backup stories aren't are all that memorable, with the Stormwatch story missing some key characters to sell me on the team instead using the issue to recreate the concept of StormWatch yet again.

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7
Batman: The Dark Knight (2011) #1

Jan 5, 2011

Finch does a good job of jumping Bruce back into the saddle of Batman but still showing some rust (such as his confrontation with Killer Croc in the dark alley). I don't know that I'm ready for the “terrible ramifications” this story is meant to have on Batman's life, but it's a strong beginning. Worth a look.

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5
Batman: The Dark Knight (2011) #9

May 31, 2012

The focus is all wrong, the character teased on the cover isn't here (I was looking forward to a Bruce/Tim team-up), and there's just not enough here to justify picking up unless you simply want to grab all of the Night of the Owls issues. Hit-and-Miss.

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5
Batman: The Return #1

Nov 20, 2010

At least the cover is kinda cool.

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4
Battlestar Galactica (2013) #1

May 21, 2013

The art by Cezar Rezak isn't bad but certainly doesn't do much to make a story that's focused mostly on explaining the basics of the classic storyline for new readers all that interesting. And despite the absurdity of time missiles, the plot to this first issue by co-writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning feels sluggish and even, at times, uninspired. As much as I'd like to give this title time, there's not much here to prompt me to pick up next month's issue. Pass.

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5
Battlestar Galactica (2013) #2

Jun 30, 2013

Alternate dimensions, weird timelines, and plenty of classic Cylons, may be enough for me to stick around a little longer to see how this plays out. For fans.

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7
Before Watchmen: Minutemen #1

Jun 11, 2012

Although it doesn't really give any new information about the characters the setting and characters are a perfect fit for Cooke's writing and art. Worth a look.

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7
Before Watchmen: Minutemen #2

Jul 15, 2012

When the others don't seem interested in helping Silhouette with her cause to end a child trafficking ring (because it's not the kind of positive prestigious case to help them make a name for themselves) Nite Owl and Mothman agree to help but they're too late to do anything but stare in horror as to what they find. Worth a look.

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6
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #1

May 6, 2017

Even for a fan of the original Scarlet Spider, this comic is a hard sell. Reilly is even more unlikable than Kaine when he first decided to try his hand at being a hero. The comic also lacks the humor of that version of the Scarlet Spider. Kaine does appear here, searching for his missing clone brother, and we can expect a confrontation between the two before too long (and hopefully a costume upgrade). For fans.

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5
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #3

Jun 21, 2017

Like the previous two issues, Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #3 is a mixed bag. Reilly is still a wholly unlikable character and his antics (even the somewhat heroic ones) are self-serving. However, the comic does provide some fun moments such as our hero robbing the street heroes he saved in order to get himself a proper costume. Back in the red suit and hoodie, at least Ben is starting to look more the part. Now the question is how long do we have to wait before we see the original and current Scarlet Spiders square off? Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #5

Aug 2, 2017

As one might expect, Reilly and Kain are evenly matched, both getting the temporary upper-hand while neither being able to put away the other. Is the Marvel Universe large enough for two Scarlet Spiders? Or will Kaine attempt to make good on his threat again before this series comes to a close? Worth a look.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #6

Aug 30, 2017

There's plenty of questions left up for grabs. Also, Ben likely has to deal with the retaliation of his client whose child doesn't survive his experimental procedure. And as for Kaine, based on Marlo's effect on him, what's next for this Scarlet Spider? Worth a look.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #8

Oct 6, 2017

For now it looks like Ben's path is clear. Thankfully this should be a less jack-ass version of the character and (hopefully) one who is serious about his potential redemption. As for how long this new outlook will last, I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Worth a look.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #9

Oct 31, 2017

Subplots in this issue lay the groundwork for future trouble for our hero involving Cassandra making some deductions about Reilly and the arrival of a new player in town capable of creeping the fuck out of cab drivers (and possibly others). Worth a look.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #12

Jan 2, 2018

Kaine's return makes me wonder how Ben's clone brother may play into his attempt at redemption. After the current conflict will Kaine disappear for another few issues, or will the title get a co-star as the two flawed copies of Peter Parker try to make good together? Worth a look.

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6
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #14

Feb 21, 2018

You won't miss much skipping this issue, as the comic seems to be transitioning out of its last arc onto something new, but there is some fun to be had. (Did I mention the Hippo?). For fans.

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5
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #18

May 23, 2018

I'm also not wild about the art by Andr Lima Arajo which is a vastly different look from early issues in the comic. While I think the more muted palate as softer framing might work well for some comics, it wouldn't be my first (or even seventh) choice for Scarlet Spider. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #19

Jun 12, 2018

Given the lengths the story took to get Mysterio up to fighting strength, I was surprised how quickly the comic abandons what could have been a major villain for our heroes. We'll have to wait and see just what kind of fallout their is from the father/daughter actions. For fans.

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8
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #20

Jun 29, 2018

Will Sliney steps in to the writing duties with this issue replacing Andr Lima Arajo. While I don't dislike Arajo's art, I never felt it was a good match for these characters. Based on this comic, Sliney feels like a better fit. Worth a look.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #21

Jul 17, 2018

Most of the humor from this issue comes from Kaine's half of the story while we do see Ben make a scientific leap (relying on that old Peter Parker science knowledge, something neither clone does enough) to defeat the super-villain and begin his own investigation into the Diogenes Initiative. Worth a look.

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7
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #22

Aug 7, 2018

There are certainly big questions her about Gabriel and the true motivations of the Initiative. They obviously deserve more scrutiny. But for now, Ben has a cure (of sorts) for Abigail. Will choosing to use it cause more conflict with Kaine or possible unforeseen ramifications somewhere down the line? With the dying girl's life in his hands, can Ben afford not to use the angel's blood? Worth a look.

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6
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #23

Sep 12, 2018

Aside from the late reveal, the issue is more setup for next issue's payoff than anything else. As for Kaine, he's largely on the sideline here as events play out. Will he intervene to help Reilly survive? Or, now that the girl is dead, will he make good on his threat to kill the other Scarlet Spider? For fans.

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6
Ben Reilly: The Scarlet Spider #25

Oct 16, 2018

Issue #25 wraps up pieces of the Las Vegas storyline Ben Reilly has been involved in, but also leaves just as many questions unanswered. Ending with Reilly returned to the land of the living, with a new bloodlust and less-heroic spirit, and Kaine all but dead, where do these characters go from here? For fans.

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8
Beware the Batman #1

Oct 31, 2013

Artist Vecchio does a fair job in trying to adapt the show's sleek CGI-animated look to the printed page. The comic's continuity is a little perplexing as Katana seems to be Batman's fully-fledged partner (something hard won on the series over several weeks) but is still in possession of the Soultaker Sword. Small continuity issues like that aside, the first issue does a good job is selling the all ages Bat-book. Worth a look.

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8
Beware the Batman #2

Dec 7, 2013

Brizuela's panels make this one worth grabbing (even if it is a story about the ridiculous environmental terrorist Professor Pyg). I hope to see more of his work both here and on Scooby-Doo! Team-Up. Worth a look.

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8
Beware the Batman #3

Jan 8, 2014

Although Whale isn't the most interesting of villains, the underwater setting works well and the legitmate threat of weapons hitting Gotham's streets is incentive enough for our heroes to act. Katana is still in training, but it's obvious from Batman's relationship with Gordon the comic is taking place at least a few months down the line from the last episodes to air (although if the episodes hadn't been prematurely pulled the gap might not be so noticeable). Worth a look.

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7
Beware the Batman #4

Feb 7, 2014

With the show not returning to the air in January as scheduled I have a feeling these gaps in continuity could continue which may be why DC has decided to end the comic series after issue #6. As to the fate of the cartoon, given that neither DC nor Cartoon Network have discussed it in months, one has to wonder if it will meet a similar fate. Worth a look.

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7
Beware the Batman #5

Mar 9, 2014

Katana vs. Katana works well, and gives the police a heightened reason to target Batman and his partner. Of course all this leads up to next month's premature final issue of the series told completely from the perspective of Alfred. Worth a look.

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7
Beware the Batman #6

Apr 1, 2014

Neither the show nor the comic would rank high on my favorite versions of Batman (although they'd be higher than the current New 52 version), but both showed promise, and without another all-ages Bat-title to take its place the cancellation of the series (which had been consistently good) is sad news for Bat-fans everywhere. Worth a look.

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5
Birds Of Prey (2010) #2

Jun 18, 2010

The plot behind the mysterious assassin deepens as the Birds find themselves on the run from a foe who knows their secrets, is at least two-steps ahead, and is able to make everyone dance to the song they have decided to play. I have faith in writer Gail Simone, but I'm a little concerned with where the story is heading, the near omniscience of their opponent, and the long list of repercussions the book will have to deal with (perhaps for years) unless Oracle and her crew mount a comeback, quickly. Although I wasn't a big fan of either Savant or Creote they deserve a better fate than they're given here. Hit-and-Miss.

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7
Birds Of Prey (2010) #3

Jul 19, 2010

Next month's conclusion of this first story arc should be a doozy. Worth a look.

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7
Birds Of Prey (2010) #13

Jun 13, 2011

As the issue comes to a close it gives us an intriguing turn as it elevates Huntress to the role of field commander of the team. It's hard to argue against Oracle's decision as Helena really has earned the position. To steal a line from Virginia Slims, she's come a long way baby. Sadly, it looks like she's only going to get to keep it for a couple of more issues. Worth a look.

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5
Birds Of Prey (2010) #15

Aug 16, 2011

That said, the issue is an improvement over part one and does have some nice moments between Zinda Blake and the Phantom Lady. I also thought Manhunter worked pretty well with the team. Is it a great finale? No, not really, but for a comic that has struggled to live up to its own legacy (and struggles here without its trademark writer) it's about what I expected. Hit-and-Miss.

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5
Birds Of Prey (2011) #1

Sep 22, 2011

Even when Volume 2 of the series struggled (like whenever Hawk was in a panel) it still had Gail Simone's passion and wicked sense of humor. Sadly this one does not. I might give this another issue or two to see how the introduction of other members changes the dynamic of the comic, but more out of respect for characters Simone helped nurture and make wildly popular than any real hope for improvement. Hit-and-Miss.

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5
Birds Of Prey (2011) #2

Oct 26, 2011

This isn't a bad issue, and the art by Jesus Saiz is more consistant this time around, but this team of Birds is getting farther away from the team Gail Simone made popular (Poison Ivy, really?). Aside from Black Canary these aren't characters I really want to spend time with every month (especially for $3 a pop). Hit-and-Miss.

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5
Birds Of Prey (2011) #3

Nov 24, 2011

The real interesting tidbit is the news that Batgirl won't just be guest-starring over the next couple of issues but will become a permanent member of the team beginning next issue. Babs inclusion could be just what this book needs. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
Birds Of Prey (2011) #4

Dec 28, 2011

The good news is Batgirl works well here, especially with Black Canary. It's good to see the Babs/Dinah team back together. Now if we can just figure out a way to get Zinda Blake and the Huntress to replace Poison Ivy and Katana we might, might have something. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Birds Of Prey (2011) #8

Jan 18, 2011

The finally few pages really seem to drop the ball on what was a very fun, engaging story filled with ample amounts of action and internal monologue. It's still worth a look but ends on a rather disappointing note.

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7
Birds Of Prey (2011) #11

Apr 20, 2011

The story's climax is more convoluted than I'd like, but I actually like this pair together. It's also nice to see the screwed-up but still noble side of Catman that's been missing since before the storyline involving the kidnapping his son. I also quite enjoyed the final conversation between Catman and Deadshot. Their friendship (something else I've been missing from Secret Six lately), definitely deserves more page time. Worth a look.

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5
Birds of Prey (2020) #1

Jun 9, 2020

With a hefty $10 price-tag, the story is at best hit-and-miss as even the villains (who get a prominent role on the cover) are largely forgettable.

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7
Birds of Prey (2023) #1

Sep 12, 2023

I don't know that there's enough to get me to stay with the series more than an issue or two, but the structure (and Barda's offhand comments about Batgirl) make it an enjoyable read.

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8
Birds of Prey (2023) #3

Nov 12, 2023

The chemistry of the cobbled together team continues to work with the group now in action, even if this issue doesn't give Cassandra Cain much of anything to do. I'm loving the art of Leonardo Romero here as the Birds make their way through the island, even if the issue is only to set up the much more difficult confrontation in the next issue between Wonder Woman and the Birds of Prey.

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8
Birds of Prey (2023) #4

Dec 12, 2023

4 Razors, Birds of Prey, Black Canary, Wonder Woman

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8
Birds of Prey: Sirens of Justice (2020) #1

May 28, 2020

While the comic may not feature my favorite versions of these characters (also a few of the brand's staple characters are MIA), and I'm not quite sold on artist Inaki Miranda's depiction of Harley, the characters' interactions make this one a fun read fans should enjoy.

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9
Bizarro #4

Sep 29, 2015

With Jimmy and Bizarro temporarily switching places, giving us the Silver Age-ish Jimzarro for the first time, and Zatanna being frustrated with how well Bizarro understands magic, the issue is a complete delight that includes several fun cameos from the Rock of Eternity to Skartaris. There's also a nice message at the end before the mini-series sets up its next adventure (sadly without Zatanna). Worth a look.

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4
Black Adam (2022) #1

Jun 27, 2022

While fighting a fake Darkseid, Adam (and later Teth) are infected with some kind of malady that the power of SHAZAM! cannot fix so the anti-hero decides to transfer his powers to a random descendant (despite the wizard being the only one who can bestow such power). This has the Ron Marz lets randomly give one hero's powers to some dude stink all over it.

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5
Black Canary (2015) #1

Jun 25, 2015

Those expecting to see Black Canary kick ass will be disappointed as most of comic deals with the behind-the-scenes of a traveling band (which may be interesting but isn't really why you pick up a comic titled Black Canary). I'm happy to see Dinah get her own title but at the same time I disappointed that it had to be this one. Hit-and-Miss.

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8
Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell #1

May 30, 2014

The only real negative from the collection (other than the somewhat convoluted curse plot held together wonderfully by Zatanna and Black Canary's interactions over the years) is the fact that after you're finished there's no next issue to look forward to and only some depressingly insufficient New 52 titles currently featuring inferior versions of our heroes. That has more to say with the current state of the New 52 than this book which reminds us what writers and artists who know and like their characters, and are given the freedom in which to work (and an expanded classic DCU history on which to draw from), can deliver. Worth a look.

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9
Black Cat (2019) #1

Jun 13, 2019

The issue is light and fun, especially early on as Felicia turns the security guards own hyper-vigilance against them allowing her henchmen to commit the theft while they provide her with the perfect alibi. The best moment of the comic, however, comes from neither from the main story nor the Black Fox back-up tale but from the other short back-up story involving the Black Cat and her pets robbing a jewelry store. Worth a look.

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7
Black Cat (2019) #2

Jul 24, 2019

Black Cat #2 teases the reader for the first few pages before revealing the location. Knowing her own limits, the Black Cat enlists the help of a doped-up magician to deal with the inexplicable the team will face once inside. Despite the bizarre sights and obstacles they traverse, the plan goes mostly to plan… that is until the Cat looses control of Xander only moments after putting her paws on her prize leading to all kinds of complications and obstacles between the Black Cat and the front door. Worth a look.

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8
Black Cat (2019) #3

Aug 14, 2019

In this case it's Felicia's bad luck (provided by her Quantum Probability Rig inside her costume) that turns out to good luck for her and bad luck for the whacked our sorcerer allowing the thief and her minions to make it out of the Sanctum Sactorum will their prize and leave quite a mess for a confused Doctor Strange to clean up. Worth a look.

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8
Black Cat (2019) #4

Sep 24, 2019

The latest issue also offers the end game for the Black Fox and the madness behind the insane break-ins which will not only lead to a lifetime score but also offers an added bonus of sticking it to the Thieves Guild. Worth a look.

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8
Black Cat (2019) #6

Nov 13, 2019

The two storlyines unfold at simultaneously as Felicia enjoys her evening and the Fox runs from the Thieves Guild. It's good she enjoyed her night off, because now that her mentor has been captured, the Black Cat needs to get back in the game. Worth a look.

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8
Black Cat (2019) #8

Jan 21, 2020

The comic touches on the larger themes of the arc including the kidnapping of the Black Fox through some flashbacks with Felicia and her mother, but the real fun is in the heist and the madcap action that ensues wherever the Black Cat turns up. Worth a look.

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8
Black Cat (2019) #9

Feb 12, 2020

Felicia's plan includes Black Cat showing off her unique skills in a casino and getting poor Logan into far more than he bargained for. In other words, it's a darn good time. Worth a look.

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9
Black Cat (2019) #11

Jun 18, 2020

Unfortunately for Black Cat, her patsy can't keep Iron Man busy indefinitely preventing her to make it out of the building with her new bounty. However, while in the Nanoforge, she's able to create one other thing which should lead to an equally fun follow-up issue.

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10
Black Cat (2019) #12

Aug 11, 2020

As for Odessa, she does get a surprise visit from armored Black Cat. However that doesn't seem enough dissuade her from attempting to force Felicia back into the fold as the guild's most valuable asset.

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8
Black Cat (2020) #2

Jan 27, 2021

It also features several nods to Spider-Man history including Anti-Venom Symbiotes and dusts of both the Spider-Mobile and Goblin Glider. And, if that wasn't enough, ends on one hell of a cliffhanger as we're going to see just what a mega-powered Black Cat is capable of.

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8
Black Cat (2020) #3

Mar 3, 2021

The issue offers plenty of temptation for the title character, and a surprise for Strange who is astonished she was able to turn away from such power (and avoid creating an even more dangerous situation for everyone) as the title turns its focus back to the larger “King in Black” event.

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6
Black Cat (2020) #4

Apr 7, 2021

While offering several flashbacks to Queen Cat's hunt reminding us of Felicia's recent big scores, Black Cat #4 builds to an eventual throwdown between the two women as Felicia tracks down Queen Cat sooner than she anticipated and cleans her clock (although the Black Cat is amused as the idea of finally having a nemesis suggesting this competition between the pair will continue).

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7
Black Cat (2020) #5

Apr 21, 2021

Black Cat #5 is a solid, if odd, issue as the heist the characters have been building to has been turned on its head. The question is, what happens now?

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8
Black Cat (2020) #6

May 19, 2021

Now working alongside Odessa Drake, the rival who Felicia has been antagonizing ever since the first issue of the last volume of Black Cat, can Felicia play the hero and save all of Manhattan from the Black Fox's devil bargain? And, if so, what will the cost be?

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6
Black Cat (2020) #7

Jun 8, 2021

Of course the Fox is gone, and Felicia has an altogether different relationship with Odessa (which no doubt will lead to all kinds of new problems in not too long), but otherwise it appears that business is back to normal for New York's sexiest cat burglar.

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8
Black Cat (2020) #9

Aug 30, 2021

It's not easy to convince incredibly-powered individuals that they need you, but Black Cat uses events to make a pretty strong case to not one but two villains here. Felicia offers Star a plausible story for why an employer may want with Star and others with powers, although it seems far more likely a cover story to what Felicia is really after.

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8
Black Cat (2020) #10

Oct 6, 2021

With most of the pieces in place, Felicia plan is coming together, although Star seems to have her own plans for the other Infinity Hosts, Odessa Drake is making threats, and Fury hasn't given up just yet. Now the real fun begins as we learn just what Felicia has planned.

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7
Black Cat (2020) Annual #1

Jul 12, 2021

While making mention of the hero's recent adventures, Black Cat Annual #1 doesn't require the reader to know too much about her ongoing story. Instead, it's just a fun one-off adventure with an unrelated Nick Fury ongoing back-up story thrown in to try and help justify the higher cover price.

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8
Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #1

Mar 24, 2021

Camelot and the history of the blade will obviously play into the larger arc here as well as a professor who is likely now more tied to the story than she ever thought possible.

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8
Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #2

Apr 29, 2021

Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #2 is a solid second issue filling in some of the questions raised and laying the foundation and support for Whitman to take on his quest and stop Mordred from collecting all of the Ebony artifacts for himself.

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7
Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #3

May 31, 2021

Although defeated, Mordred takes comfort in that the knowledge Whitman may get from the Chalice is just as likely to drive him mad opening the door for the remaining items to fall into the villain's possession.

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6
Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #4

Jul 2, 2021

Other than lay the heroes low, foreshadowing their eventual comeback, Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #4 feels very much like the middle issue in a larger arc. It does offer some flashbacks to the history of the Black Knight and some dire premonitions about any future the Black Knight might have even if he gets out of his current predicament.

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7
Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade #5

Aug 2, 2021

Elsa Bloodstone returns as well to help in the battle against Mordred. Although she was a nice addition to the story, her involvement feels a bit forced given her hasty exit earlier in the series (which is then repeated again here).

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8
Black Widow (2016) #1

Mar 14, 2016

As good as the comic is getting me interested in a stand-alone Black Widow comic, it's impossible not to compare it to Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting‘s Velvet (about the world's best female spy on the run from her own organization) which likely inspired it. Under that high standard Black Widow #1 isn't great, but it's still quite good. Worth a look.

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7
Black Widow (2016) #2

Apr 13, 2016

Beginning with an extended sequence is a secret spy graveyard followed by a scene straight out the character's appearance in the first Avengers film, Mark Waid and Chris Samnee make sure there's plenty of action to go with slowly building out the series' ongoing storyline. It may not have the same breakneck pace of the first issue's chase sequence but there's enough her to keep me interested for at least one more issue. Worth a look.

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5
Black Widow (2019) #1

Jan 24, 2019

The new setting along with the return of Natasha's more brutal assassin instincts makes her something of a commodity in Madripoor. The forshadowing of some truly heinous actions in the near-lawless country continue to foreshadow a darker turn for the character that while different, may not necessarily be better. Hit-and-Miss.

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6
Black Widow (2020) #1

Sep 8, 2020

The rest of the issue is where problems arise as the comic looks back several months to Natasha's relationship issues and the world's greatest spy getting caught on camera by a local news reporter (something which seems near impossible and also likely leading to events in the present). Oh, and there's a mysterious new boyfriend. Exactly what's going on with Black Widow?

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6
Black Widow (2020) #2

Oct 8, 2020

While her amnesia seems to explain her obliviousness to being caught on camera, there are quite a few unanswered questions here as to what the hell is going on, and as Clint asks – is this a life she needs to be saved from?

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6
Black Widow (2020) #3

Nov 9, 2020

The action taken from the more vengeful members of the group push Black Widow a little closer to her old life, but once the dust has cleared just what version of the character will be left standing?

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7
Black Widow (2020) #4

Dec 3, 2020

For fans of the character, the best news here is Widow is back in fine fighting form and taking down all threats as they appear. However, her attention is still split between her old life and her new. How those will be reconciled may ultimately decide where the character goes from here.

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8
Black Widow (2020) #6

May 5, 2021

While the Apogee henchmen are monstrous and fearsome, none turn out to be all that memorable (although their combined threat does push Black Widow further than any individual fighter would). Now that she's save the girl, so to speak, what's next for the Black Widow and the odd collection of supporting characters she's putting together?

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8
Black Widow (2020) #7

Jun 2, 2021

Spider-Girl is an unexpected, but welcome, addition to the title. Her glee at being tapped by Natasha for an undercover mission is almost too cute (almost). And the comic continues the solid action we've seen over the course of the first arc and beyond. With mysteries still to be uncovered, it appears Anya is sticking around for at least another issue, perhaps even longer?

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7
Black Widow (2020) #8

Jul 8, 2021

The comic ends on a cliffhanger that would be more effective if we thought for even a second Marvel would be willing to kill off Yelena. Still, with the White Widow down, things are getting complicated for Natasha.

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7
Black Widow (2020) #9

Aug 4, 2021

Not a lot of surprises here, but a solid middle issue setting up the conclusion. All of this, of course, leads into the next issue's end of the arc in which the Widow will finally square off against Apogee (which might be harder than she planned as the villain goes full Hulk in front of her).

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7
Black Widow (2020) #10

Sep 2, 2021

Although the trouble has passed, things are far from settled with Lucy's powers locked in (rather than cured) likely cementing her role at Natasha's side for the near future. As for the others, Yelena is sticking around but it's a bit unclear what is going to happen with the others. Are Kate and Anya in a hurry to leave? Or might we see the beginnings of a new team?

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7
Black Widow (2020) #12

Nov 5, 2021

There's a lot of slow building set-up here, but eventually things get interesting. Although her Spidey-sense (so to speak) is aroused the entire evening, Black Widow is unprepared for what, or more precisely who, she finds. Whoever the Living Blade is, Natasha has tangled with him before (and he's certainly made an impression).

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8
Black Widow (2020) #13

Jan 11, 2022

Even after their encounter comes to an end, Widow isn't sure what she did to get on the legend's radar but she is sure that she hasn't seen the last of him. Recreating the character's older costume and look, along with a retro feel to the art, Black Widow #13 is a fun single issue that still serves a larger arc. Whatever the Living Blade wanted from Natasha all those years ago, he's back. Can she survive him a second time?

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7
Black Widow (2020) #14

Mar 1, 2022

In a somewhat surprising turn, after it appears everyone is on their way to safety and the Living Blade poses no current threat, Black Widow reengages the assassin when she could flee to fight another day (with back-up, like say the Avengers) rather than pick a fight she knows she can't win. The early results in their latest encounter don't look good for our girl.

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7
Black Widow (2020) #15

Apr 13, 2022

While not the run's best issue, Black Widow #15 does offer a little bit of everything we've come to expect from the creative team including several of our heroes kicking ass while supporting their friend and more of Spider-Girl‘s wisecracking along the way (I'm pretty sure it's Anya who I'll miss most here). There are also a couple of surprises including the return of a recent foe whose own story looks far from finished. As for what's next for Widow and the various members of her motley crew, well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

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8
Blood Brothers (2017) #1

Jul 11, 2017

When an Aztec skull is stolen from the local museum the police detectives are on the case which includes a little extra motivation as the mysterious skull has ties back to the pair's father. I'm curious to see where things go next. Worth a look.

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8
Blue & Gold (2021) #1

Jul 27, 2021

While I'm a bit confused to the ages of our heroes here (or just how much of their version of the Justice League existed in the current DC timeline), it's a joy to see these two back together again. Blue and Gold #1 if a fun read, and will no doubt appeal to those still nostalgic over these heroes (now bring back Booster's Elvis collar, please).

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7
Blue & Gold (2021) #2

Sep 21, 2021

Perhaps my favorite moment of comes in Booster thinking idly how the pair could earn both some fame and glory with a high profile "death." What other schemes might he have up his sleeves? The issue teases the introduction of Princess Omnizon who isn't part of this story but will have a larger role to play in the issues to come.

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7
Blue Beetle (2016) #1

Oct 3, 2016

Blue Beetle's initial confrontation with a member of the Posse provides the only real action of the issue while Jaime's dream sequence and a few words of warning from Ted Kord begin laying the foundation of trouble between the heroes and the Lord of Order (something I found more tantalizing that the Posse or Jaime walking the corridors of his high school). For fans.

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7
Blue Beetle: Rebirth #1

Aug 29, 2016

So far I like the concept of the new series more than the issue's adventure involving two throwaway villains attacking Reyes for reasons that aren't completely clear (but tease more trouble for the Beetles in the months to come). I'm also curious about Giffen's decision to make a huge change to the recent mythology of the Scarab which gives Jaime his powers. It will be interesting to see this unfold. Worth a look.

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5
Briar (2022) #1

Oct 11, 2022

There's some dark humor in the comic's early narration, but that fades away with zombie princess stumbling through the woods. Eventually her humanity returns only to see her captured by slavers. This is decidedly not a Disney story. While an interesting idea, the zombie disappears too soon as does the wit at the beginning of the tale as the comic fails to sell me on this version of Briar Rose or the setting she finds herself in.

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4
Brightest Day #24

May 3, 2011

Those who kept reading this one every couple of weeks have stronger constitutions than I do. However you feel about it, Swamp Thing is back and it seems like the beginning of reincorporating Vertigo properties back into DC proper has officially begun, especially considering the tease of a certain Hellblazer we're given as well.

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8
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batgirl #1

Oct 16, 2010

Those unfamiliar with Stephanie Brown's past as the Spoiler and her less-than-friendly relationship to Bruce Wayne get s couple of quick flashbacks before she finally wins Bruce's respect only to" well, I won't spoil it. There's also a quick mention of former Batgirl Cassandra Cain, who I can't say I've missed, and what she's been doing in recent months. I'll agree with Bruce on this one, Stephanie Brown has done the name of Batgirl proud, "reminding me of the original Batgirl in more ways than one."

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6
Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Oracle #1

Oct 28, 2010

On the positive side, we do get 32 pages for $3 (not too shabby) and I am glad that this issue lets Barbara correctly recognize and identify Bruce (even if it does take her more pages than I'd like). The ending leads us to a big showdown between Bruce and Ra's in the final “Bruce Wayne: The Road Home” One-shot.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #1

Jan 30, 2019

There are some differences including introducing Anya in the new series' first issue not as a vengeance demon but as an underground broker of mystical artifacts. Also noticeable by their absence are Cordelia, Angel, and the Master. Nor do we see Dawn, so it seems Buffy will start high school sister-free. I'll be curious to see who makes the cut into the new Buffyverse (and what other differences may be in store for all involved). Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #2

Mar 9, 2019

With Buffy Summers having Slayer duties, which include working with Giles to research the vamp with a shiny artifact, and avoiding her mother's new boyfriend (demon or demon victim within a few issues?), and Willow spending time with her high school girlfriend, Xander feels noticeably left out of things here. Poor Xander. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #3

Mar 25, 2019

The issue also offers the first meeting between Buffy and Spike and some foreshadowing about plans Drusilla has for Sunnydale and the Slayer's friends. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #4

Apr 29, 2019

Ending with Drusilla feeding off of Xander, and a cameo by Angel, we are left to wonder about his final fate. Does Angel save him? Or will Xander become a member of team vamp? Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #5

Jun 14, 2019

While some of the early pages of the issue feature an oblivious Buffy and Willow discussing her date, the later pages take a much darker tone focus on Xander being sired (but somehow not “completely sired” – a distinction the comic doesn't go into detail about) and the reactions of both Buffy and Willow to the loss of their friend. The issue also foreshadows trouble at home for Buffy as Joyce learns her daughter is skipping school again (but is still oblivious to her Slayer duties). Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #6

Jul 16, 2019

Other points of interest in Buffy the Vampire Slayer #6 are Xander's knowledge of the Hellmouth (and Drusilla‘s interest in it), more of Jenny Calendar (who makes a persuasive argument for Giles to take it easier on Buffy), and a late reveal about Robin (who it appears is more than he seems). Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #7

Aug 12, 2019

Taking place mostly inside Willow's mind, on the final couple of pages the comic does offer a bit more of the usual back-and-forth between Xander and Willow suggesting that, at least for now, things are getting back to normal (or what passes for normal in Sunnydale, at least). Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #8

Sep 12, 2019

Jenny quickly giving up the dagger may help save some initial bloodshed but likely won't help her relationship with the Watcher (or the rest of the world which she may have doomed). And what's up with Dru stabbing Spike? What does that mean for him, and for Sunnydale? Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #19

Nov 24, 2020

Faith is in town. Will she go bad? Will Kendra? Will Buffy? Will one or more die? Or is it Slayer season on vampires in Sunnydale? Only time will tell.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #22

Feb 4, 2021

Giles feels pushed aside by the arrival of Wesley Wyndam-Pryce who seems to have the Council's ear (although Giles imparts some wisdom, with a touch of foreboding, about Slayers to the young Watcher). As for Buffy, she seems to work well with both Kendra and Faith, although she too is feeling inadequate to lead a Slayer trio and with her guilt over recent events.

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5
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019) #25

May 20, 2021

For the big worlds' colliding event, Buffy the Vampire Slayer #25 is actually a bit dull as the new characters avoid their original counterparts and avoid any possible negative reaction to running into themselves.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019): The Chosen Ones #1

Sep 4, 2019

The other back-up story, "Behind the Mask," takes place during a masquerade in Paris in 1820 where Adelaide encounters a roguish gentleman who turns out to be a bit peckish. While there's nothing must-read about any of the three stories (the last, written and drawn by Alexa Sharp, being my favorite), there should be enough here for Buffy fans curious about the exploration of more Slayer history. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019): Faith #1

Mar 5, 2021

While the art is fine overall, the is a bit of an inconsistency from Eleonora Carlini who sometimes takes effort to make Faith look like Eliza Dushku and in other panels not so much. While I think die-hard Buffy fans may be interested here, the result is something of a mixed bag.

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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2019): Every Generation #1

Jun 10, 2020

There's certainly a market for Buffyverse stories like this with centuries of Slayers to explore along with various stories involving Buffy and her contemporaries as well. While I found the subject matter of “The Sisters of Angelus” the most interesting, nothing in the comic “changed the way I look at Buffy and everything about her world” as the publisher promised. I don't know that there is much here other than for die-hard Buffy fans interested in side stories like these.

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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #1

Mar 24, 2014

The reunion of Buffy and Giles is alone worth picking up Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #1, but the first issue of Season Ten has other strengths as well such as artist Rebekah Isaacs capturing the right feel for each of the characters and Christos Gage putting a new, and more adult, spin on Buffy and Spike's relationship. Even though Joss Whedon's personal touch is missing, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #1 kicks off the new season right, and I'm interested to see where things will go from here. Best of the week.

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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #2

Apr 29, 2014

Still haunted by visions of Anya (which appear to be her rather than simple hallucinations or The First toying with the one-eyed Scooby) and wrestling with the his strained relationship to Dawn, Xander heads off to talk with Dracula to see if he can shed any light on the situation (setting up what should be yet another amusing reunion). Best of the Week.

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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #3

May 28, 2014

Co-written by Nicholas Brendon the dialogue feels as sharp as ever, and not just with Xander as Buffy and Willow share the kind of bestie moment we haven't seen between them in quite some time. Must-Read.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #4

Jun 24, 2014

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #4 is the first issue to deal with with Dawn and Xander's relationship issues directly as Dawn explains her "reset" following almost being wiped out of existence in Season Nine. As to what this means for the couple long term, we'll just have to wait and see. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #5

Aug 4, 2014

The main takeaway from the arc (featuring the co-writing duties of Buffy star Nicholas Brendon), other than getting to see Xander and Dracula back together again, is the importance of the Vampyr tome which now controls the mutable laws of magic and which Buffy can trust no one but herself and her friends to keep safe. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #6

Aug 26, 2014

The only surprise with the fake reality is the one character who refuses to see through the lies as Giles continues to struggle with his new reality as a teenager cut off from his old life which will likely continue to be a theme of the series going forward. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #7

Sep 29, 2014

Xander's situation with Dawn is far from settled and the ongoing temptation to use the new Vampyr tome continues to affect all those who hold onto it foreshadowing an error in judgement looming just beyond the horizon. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #8

Nov 5, 2014

The B-story involving a de-powered Old One with a very personal grudge against Slayers hunting Buffy isn't as interesting, but I'm willing to see where it leads (especially as long as the main story continues to deliver). Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #9

Dec 3, 2014

In the midst of the action the comic continues to pull Buffy and Spike together teasing the possibility of reuniting the couple. And although Andrew admits to his bad judgement he doesn't exactly learn from his lesson as the final panel foreshadows more trouble on the way. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #10

Jan 6, 2015

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #10 proves to be an awful lot of fun capturing Harmony's craziness. I hope to see more of each of them. And Buffy's new position offers up all kinds of odd meetings that I'm sure the Season Ten writers will enjoy exploiting. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #11

Feb 4, 2015

Andrew's transformation will certainly have consequences, but the big news is the final panel which finally puts Spike and Buffy together again romantically. It will be interesting to see how the comic explores their relationship going forward. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #12

Feb 28, 2015

Romance doesn't flow for Giles who continues to be stymied in his adolescent form or for Xander and Dawn who seem to finally be more at ease with themselves after months of awkwardness. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #13

Mar 23, 2015

As to the story, Spike's pro-active nature in investigating the mystery bodes well for his future with Buffy (and produces a humorous reaction from his roommate). As to the cause of Spike's bad dreams I wonder if we may look back to a First Season episode of Angel for a possible explanation as new trouble from William the Bloody's past may have recently arrived in town. The Andrew subplot, while really not much more than filler, is a well-handled look at someone finally coming to terms with their sexuality with the support of their friends. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #14

Apr 28, 2015

Along with the introduction of the new big bad, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #14 gives us Buffy snooping through Spike's mind finding both beauty and horror before confronting Archaeus whose connection to Spike makes him a serious threat to Buffy in more ways than one. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #15

Jun 2, 2015

The issue ends with the team regrouping after a marginal victory without hope of defeating the demon alone and teasing the first big crossover event since Angel's wacky Twilight adventure. A Buffy, Angel, and Spike team-up? Okay, that sounds like some serious fun. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #18

Aug 27, 2015

I'm not sure why but I found Rebekah Isaacs' art to be a little more caroonish than usual which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it does work a bit against the action-heavy first-half of the issue. I also think she could use a little practice drawing Boreanz's forehead. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #21

Nov 28, 2015

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #21 covers an awful lot of ground bringing back characters like Satsu, Harmony, and Vicki while lining up the first test of Buffy's new romance. I'm a little concerned with the return of the U.S. Army as Season Four of Buffy is by far its weakest of the show's seven year run. That said, the episode definitely sells me on the fragile alliance and the probability of all hell breaking loose before all is said and done. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #22

Jan 3, 2016

The only major storyline deals with the return of Dylan to Spike's life as another of Buffy's core relatinships develops some cracks but, at least so far, doesn't show signs of crumbling just yet. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #23

Feb 5, 2016

Dawn seems to be embracing her new life. Buffy and Spike's relationship is already starting to show some strain. And, given an offer he couldn't refuse, Giles decides to leave the realm temporarily for one where his young visage won't count against him. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #25

Mar 28, 2016

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Ten #25 offers a tearful farewell to both Dawn and Xander who stay behind to close the portal. Buffy's acceptance of the fact also looks to cause another rift between her and Blondie Bear. That, plus the threat posed by D'Hoffryn means things aren't getting any easier for the Slayer any time soon. Worth a look.

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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #26

May 12, 2016

Meanwhile back on Earth, Buffy's inability to save Dawn begins to strain both her calm and her relationships with her friends. So, with Dawn out of the picture and Buffy adequately distracted, D'Hoffryn uses the new laws of magic to his advantage. Killing off every other member of the Magic Council to take their powers, the demon grows infinitely more powerful. Then, and only then, does he reveal his true motivation to Buffy and the Scoobies as he takes the Vampyr tome with little resistance from our heroes. And whatever he has planned for the book, it can't be good for the Slayer or her friends. Worth a look.

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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #27

May 31, 2016

We also get the reappearance of Lilah who lets us know Wolfram & Hart have a keen interest in Dawn and Xander's wacky adventure home (possibly setting a big return for the evil law firm in Season Eleven?). Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #28

Jun 29, 2016

And, also in the tradition of the show, Buffy comes up with an out-of-the-box solution to their problem (which, of course, we'll have to wait to unfold in the comic's final issue). While the final arc of the season continues to feel more and more like a retread of the last few episodes of the show's weakest season, there's still fun to be had. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #29

Aug 2, 2016

Xander's death (if that's what it really is, and not a trick) comes as a surprise as it would take away Buffy's oldest and most loyal friend. However, I'm betting on the idea that there's more to Anya's light show than just roasting the man who left a version of her at the altar. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #30

Aug 31, 2016

A bit too reminiscent to the splintering and coming back together of Buffy and friends in Season Four, Season Ten does end on a high note with Buffy victorious not only over the villain but also her own doubts and fears concerning an new slew of responsibilities. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #1

Nov 30, 2016

After Buffy and Spike fight off a beast in the sewers to open the issue, the big action comes with the unexpected appearance of a Chinese Water Dragon. If this first issue is any indication, the shortened Season Eleven (only 12 issues) may be fairly hectic for the Scoobies. The first issue also teases a change in the United States Government's approach to magic (which I'm guessing will be one of the major themes of the season). On the plus side, it looks like we (and Buffy) are going to be thrown immediately into the action. On the downside, that means we're unlikely to get some of those fun individual issues mixed into the overall arc. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #2

Dec 30, 2016

Although things go from DEFCON 4 to DEFCON 1 with an alarming rate of speed in this issue (due to the season's shortened run), by the end of issue two we know exactly what this season is about. At a time where there's a growing hatred for "others," the season arc is certainly timely. The end reveal that the United States wants to round up a certain type of individuals and throw them into internment camps is certainly chilling. Just how will Buffy and the Scoobies respond? Unlikely to accept their fate, will they run? Or will the Slayer take on the U.S. Government? Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #3

Feb 2, 2017

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eleven #3 is purposefully frustrating for both our heroine and the reader. The world has gone mad and there's so much Buffy can do a this point. Choosing to go and protect others who are being targeted by their government, where will this eventually lead? Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #6

Apr 26, 2017

I'm going to be glad to see Buffy breach the walls of the camp. Although I know it's the point of the series, the past couple issues have been depressing as hell. At least now the Slayer has a plan. Knowing Buffy it's probably going to be a terrible plan. But right now, to save the world (again), any plan will do. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #10

Sep 7, 2017

Despite the odd science experiments and doom and gloom for what's coming, the issue does present a lighter side in having Xander stand-in for the VP while he's questioned for the Scoobies. It goes about as well as you'd expect. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #12

Nov 1, 2017

Given the chance, the franchise could have returned to the original status quo with Buffy (aside from Faith) being the only Slayer in town. While choosing to return the powers to the Slayers who misused their gifts is certainly magnanimous of her there is the question whether or not it's actually a good idea. As to the government's immediate reversal of its policies, it feels a bit too neat an ending for complicated issue. Worth a look.

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6
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 11: Giles #1

Mar 10, 2018

While the comic is entertaining, it feels a bit too much like reshuffled greatest hits of the Buffyverse with the focus on Giles rather than a high school Giles rather than Buffy this time around. For fans.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 12: The Reckoning #1

Jun 28, 2018

The housewarming that kicks off the issue is interrupted by a couple of unexpected guests who bring news of the looming threat. It seems Fray's evil vampire twin brother has teamed-up with Wolfram & Hart (and they aren't the only familiar faces making an appearance). Worth a look.

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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 #4

Dec 22, 2011

I'm also very mixed on the comic's conclusion. Buffy being saved by the police at the last minute might get her out of immediate legal trouble (although there still is that whole “is slaying murder” issue left to be resolved), but it sure comes off anticlimactic when your super-heroine has to be saved by a guy with a gun. Hit-and-Miss.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 #40

Feb 1, 2011

It may not have been perfect, but it was memorable, and even with the craziness of the last year this last issue reestablishes the characters as well as give them somewhere new to go. A couple of months ago if you had asked me if I was looking forward to Season Nine I'm not sure my response would have been positive. Now, I'm curious to see where Buffy the Vampire Slayer will go next.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1

Sep 19, 2011

The first issue centers around Buffy's hangover from the first party for all her pals and new roomies at her new apartment. We get flashes of the party from Buffy's hazy memory (some of which she'd just as soon forget). The comic is filled with great dialogue and it actually feels like the characters we remember from Buffy's better days are back in force once again. It's only a first issue, but it's a damn good. Best of the week.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #2

Oct 15, 2011

Writer Andrew Chambliss does a fair job in picking up for Whedon but the dialogue and character reactions simply aren't as crisp this time around. It's still worth reading, but not quite as good as I was hoping. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #3

Nov 15, 2011

I was really impressed with issue #3, especially the dialogue and character interactions which felt much more natural and Whedon-esque than the previous issue (also penned by Andrew Chambliss). The story arcs seem more focused and character driven, and there's some great humor throughout. If this is where Season Nine is going to go, I'm on-board. Worth a look.

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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #5

Jan 19, 2012

It's not a great single issue but it does set out a new path for Willow and set up an entirely new challenge for everyone's favorite slayer. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #6

Feb 13, 2012

Even if you haven't read the first arc of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine, if you're a fan of the character you should definitely find a copy, especially if you can find the old school variant cover. Best of the week.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #7

Mar 17, 2012

I'm not sure exactly what this means for Buffy's pregnancy or her relationship with Spike, but from what we see at the end of this issue I'm going to assume things are going to get far more complicated before the season arc decides to answer either of those questions. Worth a look.

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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #8

Apr 16, 2012

With the first big Season Nine twist writer Andrew Chambliss keeps going for the unexpected. This isn't some nefarious plot by a big bad to hurt the Slayer, but an ill-thought-out attempt by a friend to keep her safe. Meanwhile, with the Slayer out of action Xander and Dawn help Detective Dowling with his Zompire problem. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #9

May 10, 2012

The final panel suggests we're going to get to see Buffy vs. Buffy in the next issue, which certainly works for me. Worth a look.

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5
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #10

Jun 20, 2012

The only real lasting effect of the arc is Spike, realizing there's no hope for vamp and slayer, deciding on his own to leave. Although it provides a nice moment for Spike it also removes yet another one of the comic's most entertaining characters. Next issue marks the return of Kennedy who hopefully will breathe some new life back into the Buffyverse. For fans.

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5
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #11

Jul 18, 2012

A couple of other interesting tidbits: Spike's friend Eldre Koh of the Nitobe needs help in his quest for vengeance (which seems really hard to be setting something up that doesn't really fit in this issue) and Buffy learns the police under Detective Dowling have started a special task force to deal with the Zompires. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #12

Aug 15, 2012

Realizing she and Kennedy need help Buffy calls in the debt Koh owes her, but things don't go exactly as planned. Worth a look.

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5
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #13

Sep 15, 2012

I know the point of the season is to return the character back to basics, and her decision sure wants to be profound, but it simply doesn't come off that way. Instead it feels far too much like the old self-centered Buffy long before she learned to rely on others to help her with her calling. Hit-and-Miss.

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4
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #14

Oct 18, 2012

I understand what Espenson is doing here, but the story is pretty damn pat (he ends up having to stake and kill the football jock who has been harassing him). This kind of story would seem to fit much better in something like the Tales of Slayers anthology series than in the middle of an ongoing season arc. If I had found it there, or if was just a one-issue tale (I don't need a second month of Billy's misadventures), I might give it a pass, but 14 issues in, as the season is still trying to find its focus, it simply doesn't work. Pass.

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4
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #16

Dec 18, 2012

Honestly, the Billy storyline curtailed my interest in the season by quite a bit. However, flipping through the comic and seeing the introduction of (the still magically-imbued) Illyria into the new arc was enough for me to pick this one up and stick around to see where things go from here. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #17

Jan 13, 2013

A good issue and I'm happy to see Illyria, although her account of her recent activities does seem to contradict Angel After the Fall. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #18

Feb 18, 2013

The Billy story aside, the comic works well as Severin's motives (if not his logic) are easily understood and Illyria's ego certainly hasn't been damaged too much for her time in Los Angeles. However, the last few panels make me a little concerned that the old one's time in Season Nine may be very short-lived. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #19

Mar 20, 2013

The issue ends with Buffy taking responsibility for her action which still isn't enough for Xander who is watching the woman he loves slowly fade away because Buffy and Angel couldn't keep it in their pants. Despite the dustup, the pair put their issues aside and work together to help save Buffy's little sister. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #20

Apr 18, 2013

I'm not sure I like Xander as Judas, especially betraying Buffy to a coldblooded killer like Simone, but I'm willing to wait and let this play out. Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #21

May 14, 2013

Buffy and her friends will discover the Deeper Well has not been left unguarded as the powerful entities remaining in our dimension want to protect the power of the Old Ones from falling into the wrong hands (not that something like that will stop the Scoobies from their dangerous plan). Worth a look.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #22

Jun 14, 2013

Although the battle for The Deeper Well is only begun, the issue ends with all the cards on the table and the fate of Dawn growing more desperate by the minute. Worth a look.

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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #23

Jul 18, 2013

Despite some ups and downs, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine is looking as if it will end on a high note as well as the possibility that some form of magic will be returned to world helping to set up a new storyline when the characters move on to Season Ten. Worth a look.

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9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #24

Aug 20, 2013

The season is certainly going out with a bang as this issue is packed with characters, actions, and even a couple of nice surprises. Aside from Willow looking decidedly Joker-like (seriously, what's up with that?) this not much for me to complain about other than how sad I am to only have one issue left to wrap-up the season. Must-read.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #25

Sep 16, 2013

The issue's final panels show us the rules have changed as the laws of magic, vampires, and possibly much more are all different under the new seed than the old. Although Buffy and her companions survive (sadly without Illyria who doesn't make it out of the Well), the world they return to may be far different than the one they left. Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel: Hellmouth #1

Oct 31, 2019

Hellmouth #1 ends on a cliffhanger. This time around Buffy isn't fast enough to prevent the Hellmouth from opening, and now she and Angel (who she doesn't yet know is a vampire with a soul) have no choice but to follow Drusilla down into Hell (where another character from the show's First Season may be waiting?). Worth a look.

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8
Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel: Hellmouth #3

Dec 17, 2019

I enjoyed how the comic teased Drusilla spilling the beans about Angelus to Buffy but instead offer the much more powerful scene of Buffy discovering the truth for herself (although I wonder how Xander‘s vampireness might also effect her long-term views of Angel). Now all the Slayer has to worry about is being trapped in Hell and the only person able to help her stop an army ready to be unleashed on the world above is a friendly, brooding, vampire. Worth a look.

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6
Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel: Hellmouth #5

Feb 18, 2020

Although I've enjoyed both the Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboots, I don't think Hellmouth met the lofty goals of the series. Still, there was fun to be had… and some tears to shed. For fans.

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7
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow (2020) #1

Jul 15, 2020

Willow's road trip eventually leads her to a sleepy town off the beaten path where the comic's story looks to begin in earnest. Featuring an attractive older woman and new trouble where things still go bump in the night (despite how rosy things look on the surface) means Willow may get more excitement than she bargained for.

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6
Buffy: The Last Vampire Slayer (2023) #1

Aug 9, 2023

There are some interesting pieces here, but I don't think this is the comic to pull me back into reading Buffy on a regular basis.

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6
Calamity Kate #1

Mar 21, 2019

While I'm not sure I'll stick around for all four issues of the mini-series, Calamity Kate #1 is a fun read bouncing between Kate monster hunting and her less successful human interactions. Worth a look. For fans.

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7
Captain America (2004) #613

Jan 4, 2011

I thought the handling of the Winter Soldier's past being disclosed to the public was pretty shoddy (not to mention rushed), now we'll get to see if Brubaker can pull things back and give us the first big super-hero trial we've had in years.

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6
Captain America (2011) #1

Jul 19, 2011

We also get appearances from HYDRA and Baron Zemo who are in cahoots with Codename: Bravo. I understand where Brubaker is going here but every WWII hero that's still alive and in top notch condition makes a Cap a little less special. It's a good, though not great, first issue. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #2

Aug 22, 2011

The final panel shows us things aren't going to get easier for Cap anytime soon with the return of the Ameridroid and Bravo playing Casanova in Sharon's dreams. Creepy! Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #3

Sep 22, 2011

With Cap locked in the dreamworld for the next issue I'm assuming the craziness seen here is only the beginning. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #5

Jan 1, 2012

As to Queen Hydra‘s plan to use Cap's patriotism against him, I'm intrigued to see where writer Ed Brubaker will take us next. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #6

Jan 1, 2012

I was totally on board with the comic having villains attack Cap's mind rather than face him head on. I'm far less sure of Cap's nightmares becoming manifest in the real world. On the plus side, the art by Alan Davis is a big improvement over the last issue. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #7

Jan 14, 2012

The issue does have some bright spots such as focusing much of the story on a conversation between Cap and Sharon Carter. And the action, drawn by Alan Davis, looks like we want a Captain America comic to look like. Not great, but still worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #8

Feb 15, 2012

I feel like I missed a page (or three) as Sharon comes to the conclusion of what villain is behind Cap's regression back to Skinny Steve Rogers. It's possible Cobra let this slip off-panel in Sharon's interrogation but I just don't see him knowing that much of the operation. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #9

Mar 18, 2012

If I have one big complaint about issue #9 it's that the art by Alan Davis isn't as consistent as I'd like. Although the closeups look good, many of the other panels look rushed – especially the faces of the characters in some of the action shots. Here's hoping this is just a one-time problem. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #11

May 16, 2012

I like the inclusion of Dugan and Dimondback here, the later (given she's a former super-villain) will have a real stake in the case. Scourge, in one for or another, has been around forever in the Marvel Universe to help trim the fat. I'm intrested to see how writer Ed Brubaker uses the character in this new arc. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #12

May 29, 2012

Although the inclusion of Gyrich and Dunphy does nothing to help sell me on the story, there's certainly enough here to pick this one up including some good inner monologue from Cap during his attack on the HYDRA base and the art by Patrick Zircher whose action sequences really pop. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #13

Jun 19, 2012

As to the big throwdown between old friends (teased on the cover but not shown here), we'll have to wait at least another issue. Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #14

Jul 18, 2012

The episode is a weird mix of art by Patrick Zircher and Mike Deodato, Jr. The two styles don't really mesh all that well giving the comic a somewhat unsatisfying feel. The story itself works well, setting up more conflict and guilt for Cap with the loss of another friend (although I've never been a fan of D-Man and didn't even know he was even alive somewhere in the Marvel Universe so it's not like Codename: Bravo did this to the Falcon). Worth a look.

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Captain America (2011) #15

Aug 1, 2012

Captain America #15 isn't a bad issue, but the Discordians aren't really that impressive and I've already grown tired of Bravo and Queen Hydra's (failed) attempts to fuck with Cap far from the battlefield. It's worth a look but not an issue you'll miss much if you decide not to pick it up.

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Captain America (2012) #1

Nov 26, 2012

Although I don't hate the art, I'm not sure John Romita Jr. is the right choice for the comic if, as Remender states in the afterward, the point is to take the series into the weird sci-fi stories the character enjoyed under Jack Kirby‘s run in the 1970′s. Hit-and-Miss.

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Captain America (2018) #1

Jul 10, 2018

Other than Cap and Bucky taking down some throwaway villains and the tease of a new threat, there's not much here. What we do know is that America appears to be in bad shape and that Cap's good name isn't doing much better. As to how both of these will get rectified (and just how large a role both Agent 13 and Bucky will have in the comic going forward), there's still quite a few questions left unanswered. For fans.

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Captain America (2023) #1

Oct 3, 2023

It's fine, but there's nothing here which is a must-read or feels like I need to pick up the next issue to see where this story goes (especially at $6 an issue).

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Captain America: Man Out of Time #1

Nov 8, 2010

For $4 it's definitely not a must-read, but fans of the character or of Marvel's various What If…? stories may want to give it a look.

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Captain America: Steve Rogers #1

May 27, 2016

Given the character's vast continuity I can't say I buy the premise of Steve Rogers being a Hydra agent but the set-up does allow Marvel to take Cap in an entirely new direction. We'll just have to wait and see whether or not it turns out to be a good one.

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Captain America: Steve Rogers #2

Jul 7, 2016

While the issue itself is interesting, laying out events to explain Rogers' behavior and the Red Skull's plan, the revelation does deflate the series. After such a huge shock I'd expect Marvel to keep its secrets a little closer to the vest. Now that all the cards are on the table, I'll admit my interest in the new series has already begun to wane. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #0

Sep 27, 2012

I'm going to miss this comic. As written by J. T. Krul, and drawn by Freddie E. Williams II, Captain Atom may not fit well in the still rather small New 52 DCU (honestly, I can't see DC trying to stick the character in another comic), but the comic consistently presented the world and actions of a super-hero from an entirely different perspective. I'm not going to lie, I'm a saddened that the new DCU isn't a big enough place for a character, and comic, like this to thrive. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #1

Sep 28, 2011

This version of Captain Atom certainly isn't going to be for everyone, but the comic does add something different to the character and give him new storylines to explore. Personally, I'd like the character to be a little more solid than the wispy, somewhat ethereal version we see in artist Fernando Pasarin's art. But then again I guess I should just feel lucky DC didn't redesign him back to his WildStorm look. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #2

Oct 27, 2011

Writer J.T. Krul continues to explore the limitations and abilities of the new Captain Atom. I'd still like a little of the old Captain to shine through this Dr. Manhattan makeover, but as long as that dog story is kept on the back burner I'll keep giving this one a shot. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #3

Nov 21, 2011

The final page of the issue also give us the first appearance of General Eiling, the man (at least in the old version of the DCU) responsible for the creation of Captain Atom. It will be interesting to see how this version fits into Atom's backstory. And, thankfully, we get an issue without the mutated monster dogs. Must-read.

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Captain Atom (2011) #7

Mar 28, 2012

The art by Freddie E. Williams II is still as good as I remember from the first few issues and writer J. T. Krul continues to tell some intriguing stories that are as much sci-fi (if not more) than super-hero tales. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #8

Apr 26, 2012

Far on the outside of the DCU, and with a focus far from your usual super-heroics, Captain Atom is a title you need to be reading. However, it's by far one of the most ambitious projects of the New 52, and continues to be one of it's most pleasant surprises. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #9

May 22, 2012

Another good issue of the series that gives us some answers but raises even more questions. Now that Atom knows what his future holds, the question becomes how will he use that knowledge, and what can he do to prevent it? Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #10

Jun 28, 2012

The issue makes a nice conclusion to the arc as well as allow the character to embrace his humanity by creating a flesh and blood Nathaniel Adam version of himself to explore his feeling for Renita. With this storyline wrapped up, I'll be curious to see what new direction Captain Atom takes beginning next month. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #11

Jul 23, 2012

However, it appears these unconcious gifts might actually be far more dangerous than the chance the human version of Nate gets into with Renita as the two finally give into their feelings for each other. Worth a look.

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Captain Atom (2011) #12

Aug 20, 2012

I'm a little sad that the Nate storyline ends so quickly as there was plenty of story to mine for several issues about how human this version of Nate actually is and how far his relationship with Ranita could have actually gone. That said, the immeadiate effects of giving into his desires to once again live his life as a normal man teach Captain Atom an important lesson as he knows now he can never go back to being who he was. The issue ends with another none-too-subtle Watchmen reference with our hero removing himself from the Earth while gazing back on it from the surface of the moon. Worth a look.

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Cartoon Network Super Secret Crisis War #1

Jul 8, 2014

I don't know that I'll pick-up all the tie-in issues, but the first issue sells me on the premise of the crossover. And any comic featuring both Mojo Jojo and Aku is certainly going to tempt me into putting it in my pull list. Worth a look.

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