Brant Lewis Comic Reviews

Releasing in the second wave of the Absolute titles, Lemire and Robles truly hit the ground running in Absolute Flash #1. With excellent character writing and phenomenal visuals, Absolute Flash #1 is an exciting, fast-paced introduction to the Absolute Scarlet Speedster. 

Focusing more on the slow-building tone of dread and the questions that will be explored in the series, Absolute Green Lantern #1 provides a starkly different take on cosmic mythology. Hopefully, Jo's character gets explored as much as Hal's in the next issue. Overall, Absolute Green Lantern #1 forces us to look at the dark corners of space with a terrified expression as we await what terror might land on Earth.

Camp and Rodrguez's Absolute Martian Manhunter #1 stands as the perfect alchemy of writer and artist. It pushes what the medium of comics can do both artistically and physically. It promises a mind-bending odyssey as the human mind becomes open to a much different way of viewing life and Earth. Sometimes, it takes an alternate point of view, and sometimes, it can be from an alien consciousness merging with your body and soul.

Assorted Crisis Events #1 by Camp and Zawadzki is a great first issue that demonstrates how deeply unpredictable and human this anthology series will be. It is an expert reflection of how we attempt to live and deal with our current reality, which threatens to drag us and kill us. The world will not end with a bang but with a cut as we look for the cameras to help us escape from reality.

Avengers Inc. #5leaves the door open with Janet and the crew for the future in case Ewing decides to feature them in one of his upcoming titles or maybe a new series featuring them. After all, this recurring pattern occurs in the quiltlike nature of his work. I loved seeing Janet headlining a comic book with top billing and even more with a writer who enjoyed writing her. More than likely, Ewing will view this as a speed

Blood Hunt #1 by MacKay and Larraz plunges the Marvel characters and readers into one of the darkest nights of comics. With vampires overtaking the world and a new leader ruling them, the Avengers must resort to mystical and supernatural forces to combat the undead threat. As the endless night continues, the Marvel universe must survive against the vampiric horde or never see daylight again.

Blood Hunt #2 showcases MacKay's and Larraz's talented partnership with another incredible issue. The pair demonstrate how fantastic of an event Blood Hunt is with solid character writing, artistic direction, and tonal balance. I am excited to see where the event goes next and the upcoming issues. MacKay and Larraz have given me a lot to sink my teeth into.

Combining fantasy horror with RPG flourishes, Cemetery Kids Don't Die crafts a solid first issue as it sets up the overwhelming odds the teenagers must overcome to succeed. The series is perfect for not only horror fans but fans of fantasy and RPGs as well. Once you start reading, it's hard to let go.

Deadpool #1is a solid first issue for what to expect from Ziglar and Antnio. Filled with humor and action, it will satisfy fans of the character. I cannot wait to see where the pair takes the regenerating degenerate in the future.

Although not as strong as the previous Energon works, Watters and Bressan delve into the devil's soul in Destro #1. With an excellent understanding of character voices, another section of the Energon universe gets explored. Hopefully, the energy picks up in the next issue cause I am interested in the title's premise. Overall, I wish there was more narrative meat on the bone and more substantial art.

Detective Comics still stands as one of the most fascinating titles out of the Batman office, where it still follows through on its intense atmosphere and tone with a primary focus on character psychology. Even with the run a year in, Ram and others demonstrate that there is still much more to be explored in the series while charting its course to the finale of its opera. 

Doctor Strangecontinues a solid run with another successful issue as the team shifts the focus from the large-scale action of the previous arc while still exploring the main character. MacKay still strongly focuses on characters and their relationships, as Beyruths guest work aligns with the previous artwork.Doctor Strange #12is the first part of a smaller-scale story filled with excellent writing and great art.

Doctor Strange #13 continues the strong and artistically excellent series by MacKay and Ferry. The pair have proven that they have yet to run out of ideas as they embark the character on a new fantastical adventure. The series is as magical as ever and has me digging through my dice pouch and exploring my manuals. This story is truly a love letter for TTRPG fans like myself.

Duke #2 further demonstrates the fertile potential of the Energon Universe and the longevity within it. I am highly impressed with Williamson and Reilly showcasing beloved characters in new light and circumstances, as nothing truly feels untouchable to the universe. The pair enormously respect the material but never let it prevent them from charting into new territories. Before this, I would not have considered myself a G.I. Joe fan, but now I understand why the brand has lasted so long.Duke #2continues the strong streak from the other titles of the Energon Universe, making each release feel essential. Considering where the latest issue lands, the team demonstrates the vast possibilities of where Duke and the series can go and might end up. There is still a way to go before the iconic G.I. Joe team forms, but the pair is making the journey incredibly worthwhile.

Hack/Slash: Back to School #3continues to demonstrate Thorogood's artistic strengths and distinct creative style. The series delivers heart, gore, and comedy to horror fans. It is easily one of the more visually striking titles on the stands. Whether you are a long-time fan of Cassie Hack or looking for a new entryway into a long-running series, Thorogood's current mini-series will perfectly fit your needs. It's a bloody and hilarious good time.

Hack/Slash: Back to School #4by Zoe Thorogood ends on an intense and tragic note. Perfect for fans of past titles, the horror genre, or Thorogood's previous works, the issue will expertly break your heart after such a fun and exciting ride. While the series could have only ended on a bittersweet note, Thorogood made it worth it to experience that painful stinging that would eventually arrive.

I Heart Skull Crusher #1 is an exciting debut to a new series perfect for sports manga and anime fans and comic book readers looking for a fun time. Campbell and Zonno do an excellent job crafting an exciting world with a strong narrative premise. So cue the training montage in a wasteland full of screaming pain ball, water bandits, and grit. 

I Heart Skull-Crusher #2is a solid follow-up to the premiere issue as Trini works harder to achieve her dreams. The combination of tones, settings, and strong visuals make it an enjoyable and thrilling book to read. With heartfelt conviction and hard work, you can truly achieve anything.

Campbell and Zonno continue the exciting momentum and drama inI Heart Skull-Crusher #3has Trini and friends slowly become an actual team. In their unique apocalyptic series,Campbell and Zonno make a winning combination of heart, sports, and humor.I Heart Skull-Crusher #3balances the horror, danger, and fun in the wasteland. The only way to survive is to learn to work as a team and overcome the challenges together.

John Constantine Hellblazer: Dead in America #1 exceeded my high expectations and proves how Spurrier and Campbell are in the hall of fame for Constantine's creative teams. Considering the deeper ties to the original The Sandman and a fan-favorite character showing up at the end, the pair demonstrate their passion for the overall series and the necessity for telling the story right now.

Man's Best #1 provides an emotionally engaging and heart-tugging science fiction story. Staring three sweet and delightful pets, Pichetshote and Lonergan, chart an exciting new story in the debut issue. Maybe we don't need to travel to the stars to find humanity; we only need to look at our pets.

Pichetshote and Lonergan further develop the world ofMan's Best #2in engaging and fascinating ways while further exploring the emotional bonds of the pets on a deeper level. Their journey for survival involves tackling the planet's dangerous threats, operating as a team, and connecting. Athos, Porthos, and Lovey are still some of the cutest animals in current comics, and you cannot help but fall in love.

As their literal and emotional odyssey gets more complex, Pichetshote and Lonergan force the three pets to overcome their grudges and issues if they want to find Doc and survive the dangerous world. Mans Best #3 demonstrates the importance of being emotionally honest and open with each other to work correctly as a team. We might not have the luxury of psychic sentient ice to help air out our grievances and be open, but as humans, we still have complex and challenging relationships to overcome. True teamwork arises when we are all on the same page and understand each other.

Arriving at the climax of the series, Pichetshote and Lonergan tee up for the finale in Mans Best #4. Following up on the emotionally rich themes, you still feel an extremely personal attachment to the pets and experience the horror of Docs actual plan. Never shying away from the difficult and sometimes harsh nature of humanity, Mans Best #4 shows that our pets are not truly innocent but are very much like us, warts and all.

Pichetshote and Lonergan deliver an emotionally packed finale in Man's Best #5. Even though they faced many difficult and dangerous trials and tribulations, Athos, Porthos, and Lovey proved their toughness and survival by working together. With humanity entering a bleaker period day by day, all it takes is to look at your pet for guidance on how to proceed. Pets reflect the best and worst qualities where the answers lie with them. And you don't even need to travel to space to discover it.

With the unique one-off issue of Power Rangers Infinity #1, Humphries and Brandt & Stein craft a fun tale that shows the unlimited possibilities of the universe. I enjoyed it and had a giant smile while reading it. In a multiverse where anyone could become a Power Ranger, they prove that it's not solely about the costumes but believing in yourself that you are worthy to wear the mask.

Public Domain #6 is a passion project; Zdarsky stands as one of the most vital voices in indie comics as he reflects upon the nature of Big Two comics and the industry itself. With the new arc beginning, Dallas Comics must act as one, or Singular Comics will crush them. To do that, Syd must start letting go of what The Domain was, as Miles, Tanya, and Dave will demonstrate what it could be to a younger audience.

While Marshall and Nathan's future may not look bright, they do find a possibility to change it in Radiant Black #29/29.5. As one of the hottest titles currently at Image Comics, Higgins, Clark, and Costa showcase two explosive issues that further the deadly Catalyst war. They are truly two interconnecting stories that you do not want to miss.

The most impressive aspect of Rise of the Powers of X #1 is its ability to stand independently despite utilizing what came before. It could have been easy for the series to try to recapture the lightning in the bottle of Powers of X, but I am glad the series exists as its own unique beast. As Krakoa ends, Rise of the Powers of X #1 provides an impressive and exhilarating path towards that point.

Rise of the Powers of X #3 has the characters making Faustian bargains to protect their respective interests. As the machines get closer to their goals, Xavier believes he needs to make difficult choices to save mutants. Only time will tell whether this will actually the machines.

Alternating between engrossing high school romance and non-stop thrills, Hound delivers an exciting first issue in S.I.R. #1. Not only do Avery and Nico need to navigate their possible future relationship, but Avery also needs to learn how to survive in Seismic Ironclash Roulette. I perfectly vibed with the world of Bridleham Academy, and I need to know what will happen next. Indeed, no other book is like it out on the shelves and feels like its own perfect story. I highly recommend picking it up and experiencing the revving engine of romance.

Further twisting the narrative, Tynion and Simmonds provide another exciting installment of the long-running series and ends on an enthralling note. The fight for the nature of the truth continues to the present, but a significant shift occurred in 1963. As we learn more about Oswald, the truth becomes more challenging to define among the lies and beliefs we have been fed. We get a peek at what lies within the man, but The Department of Truth #24 shows that there is still a lot to learn about the man.

The Deviant continues as another strong original series by Tynion that is not afraid to look at and critique these serious topics through a queer horror lens. Even if January has arrived, each new issue feels like a new Christmas present, and I get more excited towards its release each month. There is no horror comic book series like it on the market right now.

I still have a lot to think about The Deviant and the themes it explores. I appreciate Tynion and Hixson crafting a queer horror tale that dives into the murky waters to see what lies beneath the surface. The Deviant pulls off the masks of the monsters who haunt us and forces us to see them as they are. Monsters may not exist in the world, but others deem some humans monstrous.

Tynion and Hixson build upon the previously established substantial character work while developing more of Michael in The Deviant #5. Although the issue reveals some of Michael's past, it also creates further questions that tie into the relevant and current explored themes. Tynion and Hixson demonstrate the alienation and fears one can hold when one sees oneself as the "deviant." 

Tynion and Hixson are crafting a unique tale in The Deviant #7 that touches on themes and ideas extremely close to me and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. I give Tynion a lot of credit for taking these big swings and hitting another home run in this issue. Even when it feels like darkness has fully engulfed your life and you have no hope left, sometimes you need a helping hand to help you swim to the surface and find the light.

As a fan of their previous collaborations, Soule and Browne delivered another hit with The Lucky Devils #1. It's a hell of a good time and devilishly delightful. 

However, The One Hand does not exist in a vacuum and co-exists with The Six Fingers by Dan Watters and Sumit Kumar, which serves as a sister series focusing on the killer. This decision provides a fascinating opportunity where not only is the killer's identity known, but it also makes the mystery more about how Ari will discover the killer and capture him. Ram and Laurence provide an original and suspenseful mystery you want to take advantage of. 

As Ari and the One Hand Killer slowly approach each others orbit, the mystery becomes more unexplainable when investigated with traditional logic and facts. The cage that Ari built to protect himself must be opened to examine the resurgence of murders. He is investigating unknown waters and hopes not to drown because of the forces he cannot comprehend.

The art by Wijngaard is a real standout with its vibrant colors and captures a stylized fictional version of the past. And I love his character designs for the six Atomics, where they each have a distinct vibe that says everything about their character just by looking at them. The six Atomics are instantly iconic and feel different from the standard superhero fair while reflecting the various periods of history they exist in. Outside of the fantastic aesthetics, his drawing and paneling make Gillen's already engaging script into an even more engrossing comic combined with Clayton Cowles's seamless lettering. 

The world's end will eventually come despite our best efforts to prevent it. Peace can only last so long until it breaks down, and we are forced to see the full face of death that we hide away from ourselves. Gillen and Wijngaard prove that it does not start with a bang but with a small flame that lights up the powder keg. The doomsday clock has begun to speed up, but the characters do not even realize it. The future will arrive one way or another.

Wijngaard's linework, paneling, and coloring, combined with Clayton Cowles's lettering, make it another exquisite and striking issue. Wijngaard knows how to build tension through body language, timing, and emotion. Nothing is truly wasted in the art department. The Power Fantasy #6 begins the new arc and accelerates the potential end of the world thanks in part to a hormonally charged teenager.  

The Six Fingers serves as an excellent companion series and can stand on its own as a great psychological horror comic. Watters and Kumar take the reader into discovering the psychological mind and reasoning of the murderer through a great curveball of a narrative. The question of why drives the story's heart, and eventually, Johannes and the reader will discover the reason for the murder as they probe deeper into the unknown.

The Six Fingers #2 stands as another powerful issue from Watters and Kumar that will have readers question what they know about Johannes. The light at the end of the tunnel slowly extinguishes while the darkness envelops the reader more. Eventually, the abyss can only look back at you.

As the hidden underbelly of Neo Novena opens itself to Johannes, his understanding of his role as the right hand starts to become clearer to him and the reader. Watters and Kumar in The Six Fingers #3 do not give straight answers but masterfully start putting the pieces from the previous issues together while having the readers draw their conclusions on what has happened. The mystery of Johannes and his role as the right hand has gotten much more complicated and existentially interesting in the best ways possible.

Despite five years since the previous miniseries ended, Zdarsky and Anka return in full force in their strong follow-up The Whisper Queen: A Blacksand Tale #1. With an exciting new trio of characters with a thrilling emotional and action-filled adventure, the issue lives up to the massive built-up hype. Mature in its storytelling and art, the story feels like the best type of fantasy. So, journey to the Blacksands and follow the party on their upcoming travels.

Transformers #5rises to even higher heights as the first arc ends in the next issue. Johnson hints that the only way to beat the Decepticons is by focusing on the shared humanity between the Autobots and humans. Considering how Megatron is currently off the table, humanity has not seen the worst with what the Decepticons offer. It truly takes a miracle to improve on perfection, and Johnson already has.

Transformers #8 is another win for this super-strong comic book series. As Johnson and Corona widen the net of characters and expand on the mythology thoughtfully, the issue proves that the series keeps gaining steam. Johnson and Corona prove to be a winning team as they explore the beloved franchise and understand the crucial emotional core that lies in the center of it.

Johnson and Corona further complicate the war between Autobots and Decepticons as Cybertron arrives within Earths orbit. As Shockwave primes the planet for consumption, Optimus Prime and his fellow Autobots will need a miracle to defeat the Decepticons plans. Transformers #10 ends on an explosive note that will significantly impact the future of the Energon universe.

With the arrival of year two for the Ultimate Universe, Ultimate Wolverine #1 by Condon and Cappuccio snikts onto the scene and jams its claws into readers. Brutal and bloody, the duo lands an incredible debut that leaves the reader wanting to know more about the Winter Soldier and what else lies in this part of the world.

MomokosUltimate X-Men #1provides a fresh twist on the mutant mythology within the new Ultimate Universe. The series will please not only long-time fans but fans of her previous Marvel work as well. With a bold visionary approach to the long-running mythology, the upcoming story possibilities are limitless.Ultimate X-Menis truly ultimate.

As the Ultimate universe slowly expands, Peach MomokosUltimate X-Menis one of the boldest and most visually gorgeous comics distributed by one of the big two publishers. I am highly invested in the series and need to know how she will translate beloved stories, characters, and story elements through her distinct lens. I cannot wait to see in what new directions she goes next.

Ultimate X-Men #3is another delightful issue by Momoko as she builds upon more of the Ultimate universe and its mutant lore. With a strong focus on characters, relationships, and a distinct direction, she makesUltimate X-Mena can't-miss series among the other releases.Ultimate X-Men #3finds new ways to explore the ideas of mutants and bring in unexpected but welcome choices to significant effect.

Momoko delivers another outstanding issue with Ultimate X-Men #11. As the pieces slide into position, the battle for the future of the young mutants hangs on the horizon. The careful pacing and strong character beats make it one of the best published comics.

As the new Ultimate Universe puts out hit after hit, The Ultimates #1 shows no signs of stopping, especially since the issue is its strongest first impression yet. Camp and Frigeri are proving to be a fruitful collaboration, and I cannot wait to see what characters will be introduced in future stories. The Ultimates #1 is an incredible first issue with a robust, complete narrative that exceeds expectations.

Camp and Noto craft a tragic, melancholy story in The Ultimates #4. Doom can neither hold onto his past nor grab this lost future. And Doom must decide whether he will try to live up to the Reed Richards he was meant to be or be the Doom that the Maker crafted him to be. I am reminded of Number Six in The Prisoner "I am not a number, I am a free man!" as Doom struggles with his internal chains. Even with the Maker locked up, he still feels trapped and forced to embrace the metal mask of Cain on his forehead. His armor essentially making his body a prisoner.

As I write this year, 2025 has arrived, and another year has passed. Often, you can feel overwhelmed by the future and how impossible it appears to change it, but once you stop fighting, that is when you lose. You cannot change the past but you can do the work to alter the future. 2024 has ended, and we have a whole new year to work towards.

Camp and Allens The Ultimates #11 delivers another incredible issue that reinforces my love for the series. What Camp and Allen have accomplished is nothing less than powerful. 

The Ultimates #10 showcases Camp and Frigeri's talents for crafting a story that not only feels extremely relevant but is willing to dive into present topics and issues impacting our modern world, such as fascism and hate groups. As a result, it never feels dated or out of step but perfectly puts the finger on the pulse of what we are currently living through. Especially for a Big Two comic, this is highly commendable and hopefully widens the eyes of its readers to the roots of the issues surrounding us. 

Ultraman X Avengers #1 by Higgins, Groom, and Mana offers an exciting crossover that lives up to the hype. With two momentous series crashing into each other, the team creates a thrilling story that will require all of the heroes to work together to stop it. Much like Ultraman himself, the beginning is huge, but it will only get bigger and more grandiose as it goes on.

The creative team has charted a fascinating course in uncharted waters for the beloved franchise. They show why the Universal Monsters have lasted so long while connecting to different people across generations. As the original movie celebrates its seventieth anniversary in 2024, this comic is a perfect reminder of its well-earned legacy in the horror genre.

Dan, Ram, and Matthew have delivered another phenomenal issue that fully lives up to the legacy of the iconic monster. Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #2 accomplishes what every successful sequel does: build upon the original's foundations and take the material in interesting new directions. The issue serves on both accounts as a love letter for long-time fans and an introduction to new people. Dan, Ram, and Matthew show that you can never kill the Gill-Man since he will keep swimming and re-emerge from the depths.

With one more issue left of this incredible miniseries, Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3 lives up to the extensive legacy of the original iconic film. As Dan, Ram, and Matthew take the series in fascinating directions, they always retain the core identity of what makes the film work so well. The idea of horror has changed since 1954, but Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #3 brings a modern and innovative sensibility that forces people to swim in the Black Lagoon to find real monsters.

Dan, Ram, and Matthew have taken readers to the bottomless pits of the water in Universal Monsters Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! Issue #4. After touching the waters of the Black Lagoon, one can never be the same again. And much like the original film, the story can only end in a tragedy. Diving into the depths can make it easy to get lost in the darkness. The absolute horror is not what we find in the darkness but in how the darkness shapes us and forces us to lose our humanity.

As a big Dracula fan, I was inquisitive to see how Tynion and Simmonds would tackle such an iconic monster and film while bringing their touches. Universal Monsters Dracula succeeds with its final issue, where it pays homage to the original movie but still has the series be able to co-exist with Browning's classic. It has genuinely felt gothic in both word and art, where some of the most beautiful and ghastly images can co-exist on the page. Simply put, the final issue gave me much to sink my teeth into.

In addition,X-Men Forever #1satisfactorily fills in the crucial details left unanswered inThe Rise of the Powers of X. Instead of simply solving, Gillen bridges the gap between his two series as he showcases the decisions and choices made by the characters, which leads toThe Rise of the Powers of X. The mys

Overall, X-Men Wedding Special #1 bolsters a talented team of creatives who celebrate a wedding centuries in the making, which conflicts with being 2024's Marvel's Voices Pride. I loved the wedding aspect, but I wish it had more stories and materials representing more queer and trans characters outside of solely X-Men ones. With Irene and Raven having Marvel's first sapphic wedding, its memorability and impact get slightly lessened with the other aspects the issue needs to juggle. As a result, X-Men Wedding Special #1 cannot solely be about their wedding but also has to carry the weight of being this year's Marvel's Voices Pride. I prefer if this served as a stand-alone special issue along with having a Marvel's Voices Pride 2024 issue. X-Men Wedding Special #1 celebrates the immortal love of Irene and Raven while struggling to showcase the diverse LGBTQ+ community in Marvel comics.