Alexander Jones Comic Reviews

"X-Men: The Wedding Special #1 celebrates the Krakoan era and serves as a strong coda to "Immortal X-Men.

Marvel's "Doom #1 features beautiful artwork with a narrative keeping readers at arm's length from it's title character.

Men" #34 finds clever ways to navigate a few lingering plot threads for the ongoing series before the final curtain falls on Krakoa.

"Fall of the House of X #4 has a moment for every X-Men fan.

X-Men #33 is a clever issue breaking up the monotony of recent issues by setting the action in Madripoor.

"Web of Spider-Man #1" is an uneven anthology comic book with clever teases of upcoming narrative elements in the publishing line.

Ultimate X-Men #1 utilizes bold artwork to craft a unique X-Men debut.

Ultimate Black Panther #1 packs a cool villain in a derivative script.

Adventureman: Ghost Lights #1 melds strong visuals and characters with a forgettable plot.

X-Men Red #18 ends a strong series with a blaze of glory!

Venom #28 expands the scope of the series while telling an endearing storyline.

Carnage #1 is an impressive debut that finds a compelling hook for its protagonist.

Outsiders #1 utilizes clever dialogue to launch an ambitious new series.

Thanos #1 is an endearing comic book series with a shockingly small scope.

Uncanny Spider-Man #2 melds Spider-Man and X-Men concepts together in creative ways.

Jennifer's relationship with Jack of Hearts is tested in "The Sensational She-Hulk #1!

City Boy #5 evokes nuanced characterization for Swamp Thing and Cameron Kim.

"Realm of X #2 is a character-focused follow-up exploring the true intentions of Saturnyne.

The ghosts of Steve's past return in "Captain America #1!

Astonishing Iceman #2 expands on Bobby Drake's relationships and teases the grand return of Orchis!

The Incredible Hulk #3 tests its dual protagonists with tense and horrific scenarios

Final Verdict: 8.5 The bleak, psychological aesthetic from "Knight Terrors: Detective Comics" #2 captures the full potential of DC's "Knight Terrors" premise.

"Loki #3 utilizes Marvel's vast mythology to craft an expansive narrative with wonderful art.

A strong creative team continues to implement a unique vision to DC's "City Boy #3.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories #6 asks questions about the alien who shot Han Solo.

"The Vigil #3 captures incredible emotion with beautiful subtlety.

Taylor and Henry examine the complicated morality of the "Injustice: Gods Amongs us property in Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent #5.

DC's latest chapter of "Green Arrow #3 starts answering questions about the mysterious status quo of Oliver Queen!

Marvel's latest Incredible Hulk #1 series focuses on strong characterization and horror elements to deliver a subversive debut issue.

Venom #20 is an endearing comic book that moves Eddie Brock into the next status quo with intrigue.

Doctor Strange #3 is a subtle issue that avoids cliches with nuanced plot threads.

Action Comics #1055 is loaded with fascinating content that fleshes out the world of Metropolis vividly in the Dawn of DC era.

"Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 has a great sense of humor and finally pushes the plot of the series forward.

"Immortal X-Men #11 features adept characterization and hints at greater consequences for Sins of Sinister.

Doctor Strange #2 tells an intriguing, self-contained story featuring Moon Knight!

The unexpected tension between heroes in X-Men #21 is puzzling but complex.

"Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #11 concludes a decisive battle and teases an upcoming crossover story with enthusiasm.

"Superman #2 showcases an incredible number of villains without feeling repetitious.

Marvel has done a great job adding more subtext to Norman and Peter's relationship but Red Goblin #2 crafts a beautiful layer of subtext between Normie and Norman. "Red Goblin #2 enriches a young character in The Marvel Universe and strengthens relationships from "The Amazing Spider-Man.

Scarlet Witch #3 offers stunning art and an in-depth characterization for Wanda and Lorna.

"Hallows' Eve #1 utilizes plot threads from Spider-Man to characterize Janine Godbe with nuance.

"Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 gives Betsy a focused series that her character needed all along.

The Invincible Iron Man #3 manages to balance the tone of the series nicely with dynamic scenes showing how Tony Stark is slowly rebuilding his life.

"Bishop: War College #1 utilizes remixed elements of mutant continuity to tell a thrilling new X-Men tale.

"Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #9 is a clever issue that distorts the reality of Captain America to deliver one of the most fascinating issues of the series to-date!

Dark Web: X-Men #3 offers an unexpected resolution for a key piece of Marvel's Dark Web crossover.

"Mary Jane and Black Cat #2 is a great issue that adds so much context to Black Cat and Dark Web!

"Avengers Assemble Alpha #1 is a monotonous, decompressed kick-off to an important Avengers story.

Batman vs. Robin #3 hosts beautiful artwork and contrived plot beats.

scale return to one of Marvel's most interesting modern story ideas.

"Wild Cards: The Drawing of Cards #4 is finally able to move past the premise and tell a beautiful, character-based story.

"Legion of X #6 uses the confines of a crossover to flesh out critical character beats with precision.

A.X.E. Avengers #1 utilizes a tie-in issue setting to explore Tony Stark's newest mistakes.

Iron Man #23 has a strong script with visuals holding back the more complex elements of the story.

All-Out Avengers #1 is a good idea with poor execution.

"Superman: Son of Kal-El" #14 utilizes nearly every plot point of the series to head into a thrilling battle.

The morose script and art of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths #3 captures the promise of a dark event storyline.

The Flash #784 utilizes the best aspects of the entire Flash franchise to tell a strong story.

"Dark Crisis: Worlds Without A Justice League Superman" #1 pushes the Aquaman franchise forward but stumbles to characterize Superman properly.

"Black Panther #7 transcends familiar storytelling tropes with thrilling elements of espionage.

"Moon Knight #12 is the cathartic release of meticulous planning.

"Do a Powerbomb" #1 is a gorgeous but rushed opening issue.

Flashpoint Beyond #2 continues exploring a dark and violent world from DC's past.

Robin #14 challenges readers with a large cast of characters and meticulous script.

Writer David Pepose and artist Carlos Magno utilize unique elements from their specialized cast to explore a new team of heroes.

Superman: Son of Kal-El #11 balances plotting and characterization with the utmost care.

"Carnage #2 begins subverting character tropes to tease curious plot developments.

"Captain America #0 is an underwhelming first taste of two important upcoming Marvel comics.

"Eternals #11 gracefully ignites the flames of Judgment Day!

The Amazing Spider-Man #93 successfully closes the 'Beyond' era of Spidey and starts to hype upcoming plot beats with grace.

X Deaths of Wolverine #5 carries major ramifications for an important character.

"Eternals: The Heretic #1 enriches the main story with additional context and vivid art.

tinged introduction to an adorable group of sad little vampires.

"She-Hulk" #2 opens up an intriguing noir element into the series.

Final Verdict: 5.4 " ""Aquamen" #1 struggles to find focus between the dual protagonists.

"Venom" #5 fleshes out the backstory of the symbiotes and new villain with an incredible amount of suspense.

"Fantastic Four: Reckoning War Alpha" #1 is a confident start for a packed storyline tasked with fusing so disparate cosmic plot threads together.

Final Verdict: 9.0 " "Avengers Forever" #2 offers a dizzying Avengers revelation that evokes the greatness of the original series!

"Angel" #1 is a confident opener to the new era of a franchise that has room to grow in terms of tone.

"Daredevil: Woman Without Fear" #1 feels more like a derivative Daredevil issue rather than a special event tie-in story.

"Wonder Girl" #6 charts an important moment in Yara Flor's development.

"Robin Annual" #1 is a great retrospective on the intriguing supporting cast established for the new series!

"The Flash" #776 dissects the entire medium of comics with a powerful collaboration.

"Robins" #1 crafts solid character dynamics and teases greater ambition for future chapters for the last page.

"The Death of Doctor Strange: Avengers" #1 is a creative way to expand the scope of a promising Doctor Strange story.

"The Darkhold: Blade" #1 is a creative tie-in issue lacking in execution.

"Nubia and the Amazons" #1 is an important but bland reintroduction to Nubia and the current Themyscarian power structure.

"Inferno" #1 is the most foreboding comic book event debut issue you will read all year.

"Aquaman: The Becoming" #1 is finally able to identify a place in DC's current continuity for Jackson Hyde.

The absurd number of tired genre cliches in "Telepaths" #1 derails the goodwill earned from the solid artwork.

"Spider-Man: Life Story Annual" #1 is able to capture an entire lifetime of a Spider-Man supporting cast member with a refreshing level of honesty.

"X-Force" #22 is a creepy look into a dark mirror of a Swamp Thing-style character interpreted through the world of X-Men.

"Suicide Squad: Get Joker!" #1 is a surface-level story that may intrigue new readers but not seasoned fans of the property.

"The United States of Captain America" #2 isn't afraid to carve a unique perspective alongside a bombastic superhero narrative.

The experimental art and intriguing narrative in "Ninjak" #1 makes for one of the best Valiant comic books of the modern era.

"X-Men" #1 is a carefully paced issue bursting with intrigue about the X-Men's intergalactic efforts.

"Daredevil" #31 is a frustrating, unfocused issue with vivid art.

"Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" #1's fantastic visuals are sold short with a script prone to violence that misunderstands the protagonist.

"X-Men" #21 celebrates the best parts of Krakoa and teases the future of the mutants.

"Green Lantern" #3 is a solid issue that takes risks to push the series closer to greatness.

"The Witcher: Witch's Lament" #1 is a smooth read that catches readers up to Geralt's current misfortunes quickly.

"Heroes Reborn" #2 struggles to connect with readers due to a derivative premise and poor execution.

"Hellions" #11 deconstructs the mind of Mister Sinister with a terrifying sense of glee.

The quality of the artwork and backup story in "Justice League" #60 is held back by a weak script in the main feature.

"Batman: The Detective" #1 finds an intriguing direction for a different kind of Batman.

The cutthroat violence of "Suicide Squad" #2 will haunt my nightmares until the next issue comes out.

"The Other History of the DC Universe" #3 is an unflinching look back on the life of an important DC hero.

"Firefly: Brand New Verse" #1 expands the world of a beloved property in a whole new context.

"Nightwing" #78 moves past recent continuity fumbles to tell an emotionally potent next chapter for Dick Grayson.

"Taskmaster" #4 is an irreverent spy story with great pacing.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Faith" #1 is a clever reinvention of one of the most interesting Buffy characters with solid writing and artwork.

"Savage" #1 is a disappointing new outlet for a newer Valiant hero with solid artwork.

"Future State: Kara Zor-El, Superwoman" #2 contains beautiful art alongside a generic script and strong ending.

"The Legend of Shang-Chi" #1 is a solid done-in-one martial arts tale to introduce readers to an underrated Marvel mainstay.

Mark Russell and Steve Pugh draw satire out of modern politics to show off Superman's compassion in "Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex" #1.

Final Verdict: 9.5 " "Eternals" #1 masterfully ressurects a dormant Marvel franchise bursting with potential.

"The Comic Book History of Animation" #1 spins a bleak narrative about the desperation of early animation pioneers.

A hum-drum holiday turns into a compelling case of body horror for Marvel's First Family.

"Suicide Squad" #11 is a near-perfect finale for a series brimming with humor and espionage.

"Teen Titans" #47 is a hopeful finale to a bleak series that was never afraid to explore the dark nature of teenage DC heroes.

"Excalibur" #14's slow pacing muddles the script's solid character beats.

Bad humor and a derivative nature sours "U.S.Agent" #1's creative irreverance.

"The Department of Truth" #2 digs deeper into the fractured mind of Cole Turner and reveals his fondness for pancakes.

If Tony Stark's self-effacing jokes in "Iron Man" #2 don't melt your heart, Patsy Walker's subtle jabs will.

"Dark Nights: Death Metal" #4 is an apocalyptic issue that combines several plot threads together to craft a new direction for the event.

"Justice League" #54 is a delightfully subtle "Dark Nights: Death Metal" tie-in with strong execution from both the art and script.

Dark Nights: Death Metal Multiverse's End" #1 is a wild, Multiverse-spanning ride that loses focus.

"Black Magick" #14 is subtle and haunting.

"Batman" #99 is a solid issue of Batman with the promise of something greater on the horizon.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow" #3 carries the subtext and magic to make the setting of Abhainn finally seem interesting.

Unzip your preconceived notions and enjoy the "Sex Criminals: Sexual Gary Special!"

"X-Factor" #2 is a well-written title with some visual inconsistencies holding the quality back.

"Thor" #6 is an essential Marvel issue that will leave readers talking for months.

"Marauders" #11 has a few great emotional beats with a flimsy plot device undermining the goodwill of the issue.

"Giant-Size X-Men: Fantomex" #1 unearths a few decades in the life of a mutant thief.

"Suicide Squad" #7 is a strong deconstruction of Floyd Lawton as a hero and father.

"Justice League Dark" #24 resolves key character moments resourcefully while leading up to an impending battle.

"Empyre" #1 is an intriguing but methodical start to an important Marvel storyline.

"Adventureman" #2 is a well-written and drawn superhero adventure story that is pleasant but derivative.

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" #15 is a passable issue that feels like it is on the cusp of transitioning into a bold comic book again.

"Empyre #0: Avengers" loses sight of being a good comic in order to give readers an in-depth recap of key "Avengers" stories.

"Valkyrie: Jane Foster" #10 is an emotional finale to an arc that pushes Jane Foster to her limits as a hero.

"Excalibur" #10 is a visually stunning reintroduction to the comic with an ambitious but flawed script.

"Shazam!" #12 is a solid interlude bridging readers into the next era of the title.

"Wonder Woman" #755 carries confident art with a contrived story.

"X-Men" #9 provides a pulse-pounding script with sleek art and a cliffhanger that will leave you counting the days until the release of the next issue.

"Hellions" #1 is a solid debut outing for Marvel's band of merry Mutant villains.

"Teen Titans" #40 is a strong test of resolve for each hero making up the team.

"Superman" #21 is a great example of how decompressed storytelling can ruin the momentum of a fascinating story premise.

The Namor-focused story of "Sub-Mariner: Marvels Snapshot" #1 carries bold art and solid writing that adds nuance to one of the original Marvel heroes.

Lois Lane" #9 is packed with clever dialogue and serene silent sequences.

The elegant interior art and stark script of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" #13 achieve beauty.

"Wonder Woman" #752 depicts Diana acclimating her supporting cast to the modern world and seeds greater dangers lurking in the cracks of the issue.

"Leviathan Dawn" #1 teases the next steps of Leviathan's mission with an emotionally cold script.

"Marauders" #8 tells the worse case scenario of a cautionary tale.

"Wolverine" #1 makes a solid case for Logan to have yet another ongoing series during the 'Dawn of X.'

"Thor" #3 is another solid chapter for the new direction in the Odinson's continuing adventures.

"Batman" #88 comes out of the shadow of the previous run and proves that Tynion and March can collaborate exceptionally well on DC's flagship series.

"Suicide Squad" #2 is a personal and wacky exploration of DC Universe criminals in a covert setting.

"Green Lantern: Blackstars" #3 pays off ambitious plotting with an emotional final script.

"Excalibur" #6 is an evolution of the work that brings significant change to core characters and the overall story for the better.

"Far Sector" #3 gracefully executes an ambitious premise through clear artwork and scripting.

"The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage" #2 presents a horrifying lesson for Vic Sage to learn about himself.

"Iron Man 2020" #1 is a boring, emotionally distant debut for what should be a triumphant new direction for an irreplaceable hero.

If you can overlook a cluttered script, the art and personality of "Gotham City Monsters" #5 is intriguing.

"Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor: Year Two" #1 packs a clever script and elegant pencils into a non-linear script.

"2099 Omega" #1 is a disappointing way to follow-up the previous work with Marvel's 2099 one-shots but still captures a few important plot moments.

Marvel ushers in a dark new era for Miguel O'Hara in "Spider-Man 2099" #1 despite a puzzling art direction.

"Annihilation " Scourge: Fantastic Four" #1 is a forgettable Annihilation one-shot that serves its purpose by bringing the Fantastic Four into the cosmic story.

"20XX" #1 is a tense thriller that grows more intriguing as the issue progresses.

"New Mutants" #2 is irreverent, intergalactic bliss.

"Tales from the Dark Multiverse: Infinite Crisis" #1 explores an important DC story with a dark yet slightly derivative twist.

Hazel and Cha Cha fans are finally getting their due with a solid Holiday special in "Hazel and Cha Cha Save Christmas: Tales from the Umbrella Academy" #1!

"Rai" #1 is an ambitious but flawed start of a brand new chapter for the protector of New Japan.

"Superman" #17 builds on the foundation of past ideas in the series while exploring every aspect that makes Superman truly great.

"Fallen Angels" #1 is unable to achieve the greatness of the premise and creative team.

"Legion of Super-Heroes" #1 is a solid introduction to a property brimming with characters.

"Batman and the Outsiders" Annual #1 adds more context to the relationship between Tatsu and Jefferson but doesn't rise above a dull premise and art direction.

"Tales from the Dark Multiverse: The Death of Superman" #1 introduces a surprising twist to an important time in Superman's life.

"Avengers" #25 has good intentions and plotting but falters in execution and humor undercutting the emotional core premise.

"Black Adam: Year of the Villain" #1 is a derivative superhero battle with elements of political tension enhancing the script slightly.

"Justice League" #34 is a focused yet wildly expressive entry into the 'Justice/Doom War' storyline.

Final Verdict: 6.3 " "Metal Men" #1 is a decompressed first issue that isn't able to deliver on the best aspects of the franchise.

Final Verdict: 7.9 " "The Batman's Grave" #1 establishes a strong tone and murder case with an inspired visual direction.

"The Green Lantern" #12 refocuses the series to deliver a chilling final battle and cliffhanger.

"House of X" #6 carries the answers you crave and asks a few fascinating questions along the way.

"Amazing Spider-Man" #30 brings out elements of Peter Parker's personal life to deliver a formidable tie-in story.

level Marvel team together by end of the debut.

The beautiful script in "Valkyrie: Jane Foster" #3 keeps focus despite carrying four different teams of artists.

Man" #1 is a different take on Peter Parker's life that doesn't capitalize what makes the property great.

"Young Justice" #8 packs a lot of ideas but doesn't contain enough space or focus to explore all of them.

"Starcadia Quest" #1 is a cute but inconsequential comic book debut.

"House of X" #4 carries pulse-pounding action, beautiful art and a massive amount of comic book death.

The melancholic tone of "Thor" #16 evokes sheer beauty.

"Spider-Man: Life Story" #6 reflects the continuity of modern Spider-Man titles in a harrowing new light.

"Vampirella" #2 is a study in how adult themes are not the only elements of a great comic book.

"Transformers '84" #0 is a joyous exploration into the history of the Transformres.

Deadpool Annual #1 carries a fascinating message beneath the cringe-laden, surface-level Deadpool humor.

"Second Coming" #2 is a predictable yet insightful commentary on superheroes and religion.

"Fantastic Four" #13 is a heart-warming and action-packed new installment of the series.

"The Green Lantern" #10 prepares the series for an endgame with a legion of Multiversal Green Lanterns.

"Transformers" #10 finally provides a balance between big action and discenting political agendas.

"Justice League Dark: Annual" #1 features a thrilling, creative expansion to the Swamp Thing property undercut by a script littered with unnecessary dialogue and captions.

Final Verdict: 6.8 " "Sonic the Hedgehog: Tangle and Whisper" crafts an engaging narrative centered around the two newest heroes of the Sonic Universe!

Avengers #22 lays the groundwork for an entertaining story but doesn't deliver any payoff for the past year of Avengers-centric Ghost Rider stories.

Hickman gives Silva a lot of opportunities in the script to tell a sequence in visually instead of deferring to exposition alone. I hope Hickman will be able to continue that trend and I found Silva to complement his script really nicely. I don't think I liked some of the text sequences quite as much as House of X #1, but there was still some much-needed additional context and worldbuilding in those pages.

"Dial H for Hero" #5 continues to utilize the history of the DC Universe to tell a thrilling new story about the timeless H-Dial.

"Archie" #706 recaps the most recent Riverdale Summer with an emphasis on a secret romance.

"Spider-Man: Life Story" #5 sheds light on the later years of Peter Parker's life as Spider-Man as an older adult.

"The Life and Death of Toyo Harada" #5 adds context to one of Valiant's most deadly villains.

The rushed script in Age of X-Man Omega #1 lends little context for upcoming X-Men stories and barely resolves the Age of X-Man crossover.

"Avengers" #21 is an enjoyable, character-focused diversion and a great place to jump onto Aaron's run.

Final Verdict: 7.8 " "Bitter Root Red Summer Special" #1 explores short stories relating to the property with ambitious new artistic directions.

"Justice League" #27 starts to pay off important plot threads but carries an incohesive artistic line-up.

"Superman: Up in the Sky" #1 is a staggeringly shortsighted creative misfire on all counts.

"The Flash #73" is a frenetic comic book that fills in some of the gruesome details behind Barry Allen's first days as The Flash.

"Action Comics" #1012 enriches "Event Leviathan" with minor details and a spooky tone.

I'm horrified to report that I enjoyed a Spider-Ham comic. I resent the full creative team for crafting a story involving ham with supernatural powers that appealed to me.

After recent events in the main Thor title, I was left devastated and wasn't ready for War of the Realms. The event had the difficult task of navigating me towards what was left for the property and did an extremely good job getting us to the final moments of Aaron's Thor run. This entry won me over and has me excited to read the finale of Aaron's Thor.

"Aquaman #49" provides the subtext that will carry the title to a climactic anniversary issue.

The confusing script and artwork in "Psi-Lords" #1 start readers off on the wrong foot.

I think this issue improved upon the debut in almost every way. The team dynamic was better established and the villains are a lot more captivating here.

The ambitious, but muddled artwork and script behind Wolverine: Infinity Watch #5 disappoints.

"Superman" #12 achieves a surrprising level of cohesion.

laden premise but still carries a mysterious personality.

"Deathstroke" #44 melds recent DC continuity with the irreverent and bleak tone of past installments with great effect.

"Buffy" #5 keeps the narrative interesting while the title gears up for an emotional climax.

"Superman: Leviathan Rising" #1 is a fascinating prelude to what is coming next for "Event Leviathan" and the "Superman" line of comics.

The dull script and artwork for "Angel" #1 lack the charm of the beloved television series and sister title.

"War Of The Realms Strikeforce: The Land Of Giants" #1 is a solid done-in-one issue that adds context to the event.

"Transformers" #5 is slow-paced but the cliffhanger hides a surprising final twist.

"Sabrina The Teenage Witch" #2 explores several important plot points from the debut and features a solid cliffhanger.

From my vantage point this is everything you could ask for in a tie-in crossover. There is solid writing and art and a hokey premise tailored to an event like War of the Realms.

"Supergirl" #30 addresses a huge character flaw for Kara with a fascinating plot beat.

Fans who are devoted to the Avengers property could find a lot to like here. The odd script in the first segment is as dull as the artwork in the second. Each half of the issue has a glaring flaw. I still enjoyed my time with the issue because of the really crazy ideas but hardly find this chapter essential.

You can SKIP this entirely. Marvel's Free Comic Book Day offerings are underwhelming. The issue is too silly in one section and too bleak in the other.

"The Green Lantern" #7 delves deep into a heady sci-fi concept with spooky aliens and beautiful art.

"Beasts of Burden: The Presence of Others, Part One" reintroduces the concept of the series with grace and throws in a few creatures that go bump in the night.

Savage Avengers #1 is a STRONG BROWSE that can fall in the buy or browse category at any moment going forward!

"Dick Tracy Forever" #1 is an expertly written and drawn adventure into the world of a noir icon.

Continued below(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Final Verdict: 8.4 " "The Wild Storm" #22 doesn't sacrifice great character sequences for bombastic superhero action.

With so many titles on the shelves it is really difficult for me to see past this issue's flaws. I would definitely have been more interested in this story if it were contained within the main book.

"War of the Realms" #2 carries a majestic art direction and script filled with the tension of Malekith's war.

Even with incredible artwork, "Justice League" #22's tedious script will leave readers wanting more.

Avengers: No Road Home #10 is a solid conclusion to a mini-series that underwhelmed.

"Hawkman" #11's strong writing and art allows for potent emotional beats gearing up for the end of a long-running storyline.

"The Life and Death of Toyo Harada" #2 is a powerful follow-up to a subversive debut issue.

This is the first War of the Realms tie-in published and also a completely non-essential SKIP that can be disregarded. I hope future installments and tie-ins of the event will be more interesting.

"Avengers No Road Home" #8 is a bland middle chapter of the weekly event series.

"The Terrifics" #14 is an effortlessly endearing and wild send-off for writer Jeff Lemire and artist Joe Bennett's time on the title.

"Shazam!" #4 takes huge risks with the structure and ideas within the property that makes the issue feel like something special.

"Age of X-Man: Nextgen" #2 is a welcomed turning point for the formulaic Age of X-Man crossovers.

"Teen Titans" #28 melds the dark tone of two ongoing series together to kick off an exciting crossover.

If you haven't played the PS4 game, Marvel's Spider-Man City at War #1 is an easy BUY. If you have already played the game, the comic book doesn't qualify as essential, but still merits a BROWSE!

"Cover" #6 is a poignant finale to a wonderful mini-series.

The pleasant but sleepy script in "Transformers" #1 loses some of the goodwill the property is known for.

Age Of Conan: Blit #1 is a surprisingly beautiful depiction of Blit's fractured mind.

"Young Justice" #3 boldly fleshes out the context and narrative behind Kent's return to the DC Universe.

"Ronin Island" #1's compelling script and artwork kick off the series on the right foot.

This comic has me really worried about the future of Cosmic Ghost Rider and I hope we don't get overexposed to the character.

"Sideways" #13 is a well-paced, emotional finale that finally delivers on the full potential of the series.

"Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt" #2 is a wildly creative and beautifully rendered sci-fi superhero story.

Captain America #8 is building towards what could potentially be a fascinating plot development but has not yet achieved greatness.

"Miles Morales: Spider-Man" #3 is a comic on the precipice of telling a truly compelling story marred by subpar characterization and familiar genre elements

"Incursion" #1 is a strong shake-up to the traditional Tama and Gilad story thanks to an intergalactic twist.

McGuire and Frigeri present a slightly unlikable and derivative alternate version of a fan-favorite mutant in Age of X-Man: The Amazing Nightcrawler #1. Seeing the narrative bring nothing new to the character marked a definitive low point for the crossover this far. Frigeri's art is lacking in polish. Nightcrawler's life feels eerily similar to the regular version of him due to the fact that his real life are famous in their own right.

"Thor" #10 establishes an interesting rift between father and son but loses some of the nuance Aaron and Mundo's past works are known for.

"Savage Sword of Conan" #1 is a solid, yet familiar debut for Conan's second ongoing series.

Huge Avengers fans will not be disappointed by this frenetic sequel series supplanting a sophomore slump!

"Age of X-Man: The Marvelous X-Men" #1 brings an unsettling level of intrigue and paranoia to the 'Age of X-Man' crossover.

"Red Sonja" #1 is a unique, intriguing take on the character that sets up an endearing antagonist.

Uncanny X-Men #11 is a down for Scott Summers. Seeing the ambition and hyper-focused nature of Uncanny X-Men Annual #1 give way to this rushed script is disheartening.

"Doctor Strange" #10 is a wonderful celebration of the hero worthy of the milestone numbering placed on the cover.

"The Flash Annual" #2's heavy references to previous continuity will reward longtime Flash readers but may alienate new fans.

I would give the issue a BUY for being so ambitious and endearing with the plot and concept. Marvel should be willing to experiment with established characters like this on a more consistent basis.

While "Man Without Fear" #4 can be tedious, the issue does a competent job re-establishing the status quo between Matthew Murdock and Wilson Fisk.

Continued below(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});Final Verdict: 8.5 " "Aquaman" #44 pays off huge questions while enriching the mystery of Arthur's new status quo.

For hardcore X-Men fans, Uncanny X-Men Annual #1 is a definitive BUY!

"Hawkman" #8 sets the stage for a pulse-pounding finale to the Deathbringer storyline.

"Conan The Barbarian" #2 lends the title hero a strong sense of characterization and vivid artwork.

Despite a simplistic plot, "X-23" #8 enriches a complicated family dynamic.

"The Green Lantern" #3 is a weird, wild and wonderful exploration Hal Jordan's morality.

"Winter Soldier" #2's grounded and violent narrative shows the progression of Bucky's character in The Marvel Universe.

"Archie" #701 does a great job exploring Archie's post-summer break status quo.

Fantastic Four #5 is everything you wanted it to be and more thanks to the stellar artwork and scripting.

Infinity Wars #6 is an intriguing and flawed conclusion to the event series. I hope some of the big changes in the issue will affect the Marvel Universe status quo going forward. For big Marvel cosmic fans or people who are intrigued by the films, it is worth reading through a slightly obtuse story for the charming personality and wild tone of Infinity Wars.

"The Witcher: Of Flesh and Flame" #1 is a pleasant return to The Witcher Universe marred by an average script and interior artwork.

"Electric Warriors" #2 is loaded with pulse-pounding fight scenes and intriguing intergalactic drama.

"Bitter Root" #2 expertly follows-up on the cliffhanger from the debut to widen the scope of the story.

If you overlook minimal artistic detail and convenient plotting, "Uncanny X-Men" #4 is a solid, high-stakes issue.

"Die" #1 ends shortly after establishing the premise for the series offering little payoff and lots of setup.

I liked this issue. I feel like it had lofty goals and a ton of ambition, succeeding on multiple levels.

Buy this book for solid writing, interesting art, and an intriguing new direction for a beloved character.

Despite inconsistent artwork, "Justice League Odyssey" #3 briskly establishes relationships between the cast members of the team and a new conflict.

"DC Nuclear Winter Special" #1's strong framing device and obscure characters are more than the sum of their parts.

For a story that had a tough job at making some kind of finality and last statement on the character in a really short amount of time, Soule did an excellent job pulling the rug out from underneath readers at the last minute.

"Marvel Knights" #2 is a paranoid exploration into the gritty underbelly of Marvel's street-level heroes.

off for a dense shared Universe of comics that will be missed.

"Fantastic Four" #3's emotionally potent script is made all the better thanks to the issue's gorgeous artwork.

Thanks to a solid script and good artwork, "Firefly" #1 is a solid return to comics for the beloved television series.

"Transformers Lost Light" #25 is a strong finale to a fan-favorite Transformers title packed with great character beats and resolutions to old plot threads.

This is a great new Inhumans mini-series.

"Extermination" #4 is a solid superhero title and evolution for the X-Men despite a few contrived story beats.

"Doom Patrol" #12 is a touching final chapter to the series that may not deliver everything fans were looking for.

I think you can safely tuck this one under the welcome mat and serve your Trick-or-Treaters some real candy.

"Action Comics" #1004 boasts an honest interpretation of Lois and Clark's relationship and beautiful illustration work.

While "Dead Kings" #1 carries an interesting personality, the script fails to make a strong first impression.

The issue is an ending, not a beginning. I definitely would not advise anyone to start reading here. I think this is a pretty strong script capping off another interesting Moon Knight run. While I wish some of these runs would be longer.

"Venom Annual" #1 carries a good idea and strong artwork with subpar execution.

"Lucifer" #1 excels thanks to an excellent set of pencils paired with a grounded script and sharp sense of humor.

"Captain America" #4 carries fast, fluid fight scenes and the series' best script to date.

"Avengers" #9 is an fine prelude to a new direction for the franchise.

This is aggressively mandated corporate-owned comics that don't care if you are having a good time.

"Wonder Woman And Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour" #1 is an ambitious and beautiful next chapter of "Justice League Dark" taking on a larger scope.

"Justice League Dark" #3 is a creepy, strongly written and drawn conclusion to the eventful "The Last Age of Magic" storyline.

filled fun for fans of the original incarnation of the Star Trek and Transformers properties.

"Thor" #5 is a striking dystopian tribute to two of the greatest heroes Marvel ever published.

"Justice League" #8's fascinating portrayal of Lex Luthor makes for a solid, more contained entry into the series.

Brown and Ahmed mine interesting story content from an infamous moment in the past via Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1.

"Infinity Wars" #3 is a wild, mismatched and slightly tedious issue that still manages to entertain and carry a lot of momentum for the overall direction of the title.

"Archie 1941" #1 is a modest and sobering representation of the early days of Archie Andrews.

Fantastic Four #2 feels like a first issue and does an excellent job introducing each member of the cast and filling the issue with an unabashed sense of delight. From every conceivable metric of quality, Fantastic Four #2 is excellent.

"Batman" #54 is an impressive and emotional exploration into one of the most overlooked aspects of the relationships between Bruce and Dick.

"Cover" #1's gorgeous artwork and strange sense of humor make the title a wonderful addition to Jinxworld!

Thanos Legacy features a pair of interesting stories worthy of a BUY for Cates fans looking for the next chapter of the 'Thanos Wins' story.

"X-23" #3 effortlessly connects the dots from previous issues while adding an impressive level of intrigue to the narrative.

"Scarlet" #1's unconventional storytelling decisions and artwork is a great way to launch the second title of Jinxworld.

While "X-Men Red" #7 only advances the plot slightly, the issue's unrelenting pace and action sequences are sublime.

"Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men" #1 is a solid reintroduction to the cast which also happens to feature phenomenal illustration work.

Even though "Justice League" #6 is filled with too many caption boxes, the strong art and pacing make this installment a solid contribution to Snyder's run.

"Astonishing X-Men Annual" #1 is loaded with great visuals and fascinating characterization.

"Hawkman" #3 is a slightly dull, but well-paced next chapter into one of DC's most consistent ongoing series.

Man Annual" #1 teases a bright future for Miles Morales stories.

I think right now this is essentially Fantastic Four Rebirth and right where these characters need to be at the moment. This issue was adequately grounded for me and had all the feels.

"Cosmic Ghost Rider" #2 is another wonderfully absurd entry into the series.

"Adventures of the Super Sons" #1 bears an excellent tone and cheesy villains.

It is more of a guilty pleasure for me at this point though. It is a giant stew of everything I love. If Duggan does not narrow his focus in the coming installments and really start to give out a motivation and story structure, even I may not be able to hang on much longer.

Overall, this latest Marvel Rising outing is an imperfect jaunt, but hopefully is starting to get everything lined up for the final issue of the run.

"Teen Titans" #20 is a troubled, generic and cynical start to a new era of the title.

Infinity Wars: Prime #1 is the most fun you can have with a Marvel event.

"Batwoman" #17 picks up the pacing of the series and introduces readers to a fan-favorite DC antagonist.

"The Wild Storm" #15 pushes the boundaries of comics with a wild action sequence you can't miss!

"Sideways" #6 is a great new installment featuring an ending that could change Derek's life forever!

"Transformers: Unicron" #1 is a dull debut lacking focus and personality an event comic needs.

This is without a doubt one of the strongest debuts I have seen from Marvel following 'A Fresh Start.'

"Transformers Bumblebee Movie Prequel: From Cybertron With Love" #1 breaks the tradition of the films and offers quality Transformers entertainment!

Cates and Burnett's Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 gives the fan-favorite hero his time in the spotlight!

"Thor" #2 is a solid but quiet follow-up to the debut issue, lacking the tension of the Jane Foster-led series.

"Detective Comics" #983 is a slightly derivative start to a brand new era of "Detective Comics."

"Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual" #1 carries an innovative and hilarious main feature worth the price of admission.

"The Flash" #48 is a heartfelt next chapter into the 'Flash War' storyline with a powerful finale.

"Plastic Man" #1 has a couple great moments for Eel O'Brian but fails to deliver a story worthy of his charm.

The end of Hickman and Weaver's Marvel masterwork will keep you guessing until the final page.

"Captain America" #703 is a heartbreaking look at the terrifying quest for Jack Rogers embarks on to save his son.

"Death or Glory" #2 starts the build-up towards a deadly confrontation and continues to feature excellent artwork.

I really like Waid's direction and Saiz's artwork, but I hope the team establishes a strong supporting cast and a more compelling emotional hook in the issues to come.

Ewing and Bennett do a solid job reinventing the character with a new tone, but the direction wasn't enough to win me over as someone who is not a Hulk or horror fan. If EC Comics, horror or The Hulk is your bread and butter, I would encourage you to give this a try.

"Super Sons/Dynomutt and Blue Falcon Special" #1 is equal parts heart-wrenching and horrifying yet always fascinating!

I think bad is probably too harsh for the entry, but mediocre seems like a fair assessment. I would say unless you are heavily invested in The Amazing Spider-Man #800 this comic embodies the attributes to make it a SKIP.

"Batman Prelude To The Wedding: Robin Vs Ra's Al Ghul" #1 adds the context for the Selina and Damian relationship missing from the "Batman" ongoing series.

Even with disappointing artwork, X-Men Red Annual #1 is a BORROW thanks to a script filled with great energy and a haunting finale!

"Hunt For Wolverine Mystery In Madripoor" #1 is a slightly enjoyable but inconsequential next chapter in the "Hunt for Wolverine" event storyline.

"The Terrifics" #4 is an ambitious shift in scope for the title bearing astonishingly detailed artwork.

Coates definitely won me over here and showed me what he has learned about comics since he started writing at Marvel. Acuna is a great choice for the issue making the title a BUY for me. This is how you craft a good debut script.

"Infinity Countdown: Daredevil" #1 is an oddly endearing Infinity Countdown rabbit hole starring someone who will likely not play much of a role in the series' larger context.

"Justice League: No Justice" #2 is a chaotic, endearing follow-up chapter to DC's ambitious new Justice League storyline.

The lack of any clear purpose or narrative thrust makes following the adventures of Matt Murdock a frustrating endeavor to say the least.

Quicksilver: No Surrender #1 is an entertaining first issue about a complicated protagonist. This series spins out of the events of Avengers: No Surrender, but is still perfectly accessible for new readers (like me), and only briefly mentions previous events before getting into its own story. It's a solid beginning for the series.

To sum this all up for me, the X-Men franchise desperately needs to stop being a nostalgia act and a find way to move forward while honoring the past.

"Hunt for Wolverine: Adamantium Agenda" #1 is a light and enjoyable contribution to the "Hunt for Wolverine" storyline.

For devoted DC Comics readers "The Flash" #46 is a delightfully dense continuity paradox centered around Wally West.

While I may be turned off from some of the more juvenile aspects of the book, there is a stronger than needed story here that will please longtime fans and tickle their funny bones with violent glee. Thanks for the laffs, Gerry!

Rise of the Black Panther" #5 has a few interesting lessons for T'Challa to learn.

Even with an absurd premise, "Hunt for Wolverine: Weapon Lost" #1 is a delightfully strange tribute to some of the weirdest street-level heroes at Marvel.

"Dr. Strange Damnation" #4 is a formidable finale to one of Marvel's more risky and condensed crossover series!

"Avengers" #690 is a charmingly intimate, yet large-scale sendoff for the bulk of the cast up making the weekly 'No Surrender' storyline.

This could have been much, much worse than what it was. If you are a big X-Men fan or seriously in invested in Marvel continuity, feel free to pick this up. Otherwise, this is a browse.

The powerful script and wonderful artwork lead The Mighty Thor #706 to the gates of Valhalla and into Marvel's ISSUE OF THE YEAR (so far).

"Daredevil" #601 is a fantastic introduction to the new status quo of Matt Murdock's life as the mayor of New York City.