Brian McCormick's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Epicstream Reviews: 110
7.3Avg. Review Rating

7
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #2

Jul 27, 2018

Ryan Ottley's run re-introduces the classic Spider-Man formula. There's good comedy, MJ, The Lizard, Spidey's bad run of luck, and more.

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9
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #8

Oct 25, 2018

The Amazing Spider-Man is one of the most fun runs from Marvel right now. It's written in the classic Spider-Man manner.

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #9

Nov 16, 2018

There's personal development in this issue all around, especially with MJ, but the lack of action and web-slinging drags down the pace.

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7
Amazing Spider-Man (2018) #11

Dec 18, 2018

Art by Ryan Ottley has grown on me and the colors by Laura Martin are top notch. Laura adds some Winter magic to the issue making the city feel alive, rather than just a still backdrop.

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8
Avengers (2018) #1

May 21, 2018

Avengers #1 has all the necessary elements for a good team up comic. It isn't a home run hit, but appears to be gradually loading the bases for things to come.

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7
Avengers (2018) #2

May 25, 2018

Avengers #2 packs the action #1 lacked, but answers questions too quickly. Despite that, it ends on a high note and I can't wait to see what Jason Aaron and Ed McGuinness bring us in the next issue.

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6
Avengers (2018) #3

Jun 26, 2018

Not much happens in this issue other than a surprise ending where Loki reveals what he believes to be the "father of the Avengers".

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8
Avengers (2018) #5

Jul 20, 2018

McGuinness delivers some jaw-dropping art of a dying celestial in the issues opening sequence, while Aaron reveals all the mystery surrounding their past. Avengers #5 kicks everything into high gear as Loki reveals the rest of his plan to Captain America and the Avengers begin their counterattack.

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3
Avengers (2018): Halloween Special #1

Nov 9, 2018

It feels like little creative plotting went into the construction of this.

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9
Batman: Damned #1

Oct 11, 2018

Published with a spine and a binding that feels more like a trade paperback than a single issue, you know DC is putting a lot of love into this Black Label series. Batman: Damned has all the makings to become a timeless classic. I’ve never read a Batman comic so close to equalling Batman: Year One. This issue comes pretty damn well close to it, if not for a few pages of narration. Azzarello and Bermejo have created something that could stand the test of time. 

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6
Batman: Damned #2

Dec 18, 2018

The biggest failure of Book 2 is the chaotic method of storytelling. Azzarello has attempted to do too much at once without advancing the plot.

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7
Bitter Root #1

Nov 16, 2018

This series reminds me a lot of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and is off to a promising start.

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9
Black Panther (2018) #1

May 24, 2018

Black Panther #1 is a completely new story and the perfect jumping on point for movie fans who have never read a comic. No backstory is required. Longtime Black Panther fans might find it hard to digest how far from tradition this Black Panther story is, but if you're willing to go in with an open mind you will be rewarded.

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5
Bloodshot: Rising Spirit #1

Nov 16, 2018

Action sequences feel vanilla and supporting characters lack personality.

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6
Books of Magic (2018) #1

Oct 25, 2018

Unless you are entirely new to the series, save your money and hop on with Issue #2 instead.

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5
Books of Magic (2018) #3

Jan 9, 2019

This issue might read better in trade format, but for a single issue, it's a bit thin.

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8
Border Town #3

Nov 28, 2018

Border Town reminds me of Stranger Things, but with Aztec mythology underneath

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10
Cable (2017) #159

Jul 20, 2018

There's a lot of action, childhood trauma, and self-discovery. The ending of the story is touching and brilliantly executed.

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9
Cemetery Beach #2

Oct 20, 2018

If you're looking for a spy thriller that grabs your attention an doesn't let go, pick up Cemetary Beach.

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5
Cold Spots #3

Oct 25, 2018

If you're looking for a chilling tale to read this Halloween and have a bit of patience, this might be the right title for you.

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6
Cold Spots #4

Nov 28, 2018

Cold Spots #4 brings the series closer to a resolution while increasing the stakes.

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9
Conan The Barbarian (2019) #1

Jan 9, 2019

Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar have put together a spectacular comic that should excite old fans and new readers alike.

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7
Cosmic Ghost Rider (2018) #5

Nov 16, 2018

Antonio Fabela's coloring in Cosmic Ghost Rider is my favorite in all of comicdom right now and I hope to see more of his work at Marvel.

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7
Cover (2018) #3

Nov 28, 2018

Cover is one of the better ongoing titles by Bendis. It has a unique plot and suspenseful pacing. Art and colors leave much to the imagination and at times feel like an incomplete rough draft.

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5
Cover (2018) #4

Dec 27, 2018

Bendis has an interesting concept on his hands, but the story and art feel a bit to thin to justify the $3.99 cover price.

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7
Crowded #6

Jan 9, 2019

Crowded ends the first arc of the comic, but don't worry, the series doesn't complete here. Crowded #6 gives us some interesting revelations that make us question why Charlie has such a large Reapr campaign on her head.

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8
DC's Nuclear Winter Special #1

Dec 3, 2018

DC’s Nuclear Winter Special is well worth the $9.99 cover price. It has a few touching stories perfect for the holiday season. The nuclear winter and time traveling thematic added some spice to the typical Winter Special setting. Other than a few misses, the majority of the stories are fantastic and better than most annuals and specials.

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7
Deadpool (2018) #8

Jan 9, 2019

Deadpool #8 brings the outrageousness and ridiculousness you could only ever read in a Deadpool comic.

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6
Doctor Strange (2018) #2

Jun 26, 2018

Doctor Strange has traveled the cosmos before, but I feel like Waid has drifted too far off the path of mysticism that makes the character so unique in the Marvel universe.

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5
Doctor Strange (2018) #8

Nov 28, 2018

Issue #8 is full of unnecessary drama. It's a bit messy and focuses on typical cliche plot points that drive Strange apart from his allies while overcoming his enemies.

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9
Dragon Age: Deception #1

Oct 20, 2018

I haven't played Dragon Age, but the comic reads great without having done so.

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10
Exorsisters #1

Oct 20, 2018

Exorsisters is easily one of the freshest and most satisfying takes on the dark fantasy genre in a long time.

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8
Exorsisters #2

Nov 28, 2018

I'd like the have seen more chaotic mayhem ensue in the story, but the character development of this issue adds depth to the series.

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5
Fantastic Four (2018) #3

Nov 16, 2018

Dan Slott's plot is ambitious in scope, but attempts to do too much at once. Cameos feel superficial and suspend belief, such as when Sue Storm is exchanging dialogue with the Griever and just goes invisible to whisk Franklin out of her grasp.

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7
Fantastic Four (2018): Wedding Special #1

Dec 18, 2018

It's a light-hearted issue written in good fun with a sweet ending, but rather light on action.

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9
Firefly (2018) #1

Nov 16, 2018

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this issue as much as I did, but it's like reading an unaired episode. Firefly is in great hands with Greg Pak.

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7
Freedom Fighters (2018) #1

Dec 27, 2018

The first issue primarily serves as a backdrop to the times and sets the tone of the series, but lacks a focal point.

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4
Goddess Mode #1

Dec 18, 2018

Fans of cyberpunk that have the patience to read through it twice may find it a notable new addition to the genre.

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10
Hardcore (2018) #1

Dec 27, 2018

With Hardcore, Diggle and Kirkman have created a story with a lot of forward momentum that entertains and begs the reader to turn the page. I can't wait to see what the next issue has in store.

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10
Heroes In Crisis #2

Nov 9, 2018

Anyone looking for a limited series that requires no prerequisite reading should consider picking this up. DC clearly put a lot of resources into making this title a worthy book. It's not a hastily produced cash-grab like we see in so many other limited series.

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6
Heroes In Crisis #4

Jan 9, 2019

King distracts readers a bit by letting Mann's artwork tell most of the story, which results in a quick read, but with sparse relevance.

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5
Hex Wives #1

Nov 9, 2018

The dialogue and story ramble on unnecessarily and doesn't maintain enough inertia to hold my interest.

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5
House of Whispers (2018) #3

Nov 16, 2018

House of Whispers needs more character of its own by exploring its horror and voodoo roots. Right now it feels like a loose secondary plot to The Dreaming.

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8
Immortal Hulk #3

Jul 20, 2018

The Immortal Hulk is a horror of the week kind of comic, and I'm loving every minute of it.

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10
Immortal Hulk #9

Nov 28, 2018

Al Ewing has created another smash hit of an issue as The Immortal Hulk continues to be one of the best comics of the year.

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10
Immortal Hulk #11

Jan 9, 2019

This is the Hulk that we all deserve! If you've ever wanted to jump back into a Hulk comic, you won't want to miss this run!

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9
Infinity Wars (2018): Prime #1

Jul 27, 2018

Infinity Wars Prime is deserving to be on your pull list and I think you might be surprised how good it is.

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4
Infinity Wars: Soldier Supreme #2

Oct 25, 2018

A lot of the creative effort appears to be used to decide which characters merge with who and the implications of that, which results in less creative efforts being put into the rest of the story.

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9
Justice League Dark (2018) #5

Nov 28, 2018

It pushes the limit of the genre without going off the edge into overpowered ridiculousness that we often see in team comics.

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7
Justice League Dark (2018) #6

Dec 18, 2018

Justice Dark #6 is a well drawn, colored, and written book, but spends too little time showing the awesomeness of spectacular battles and too much on exposition detailing planning and small talk between characters.

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6
Klaus: Klaus and the Crying Snowman #1

Dec 27, 2018

The cover price is a bit over the top at $7.99 for a 50-page comic without a spine, but you are getting exceptional quality in the art department.

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7
Livewire (2018) #1

Dec 27, 2018

Vita kicks off the story with an action-packed catastrophe at an airport, where Livewire comes to the rescue just in time. The public still treats her like public enemy #1, but she is trying to make amends. Art is sharp, clean, and modern, which fits the character well.

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6
Lost City Explorers #1

Jun 26, 2018

If you're into mystery, drama, and adventure, and don't mind some angsty teenage dialogue, The Lost City Explorer's deserves a read.

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7
Lucifer (2018) #2

Nov 28, 2018

I hope this comic doesn't keep us waiting too much longer and starts pushing the Earth subplot into the main storyline.

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5
Lucifer (2018) #3

Dec 27, 2018

The end result is that it feels more like a mix-mash of stories reminiscent Marvel's Strange Tales format than a solo title.

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8
Martian Manhunter (2018) #1

Dec 5, 2018

In Martian Manhunter, Steve Orlando is exploring the depths of J'onn J'onzz soul and in so doing has treaded new ground for a character not yet fleshed out by the DC Universe. Anyone seeking to know more about this often seen but rarely understood superhero will find Martian Manhunter a worthy starting point.

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6
Marvel Knights: 20th #5

Jan 9, 2019

Rosenberg gives us an unexpected twist ending that might upset some who aren't patient enough to see where the story leads.

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6
Marvel Two-In-One (2017) #8

Jul 27, 2018

It's a good intermission to provide more struggle to the story, and show not everything is solved magically in an issue. It isn't action-packed or as exciting as the previous 7 issues.

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4
Marvel Two-In-One (2017) #11

Nov 9, 2018

The knowledge gained in this issue could be summarized in a few sentences and you wouldn't be missing any plot advancements.

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9
Marvel Zombie (2018) #1

Oct 20, 2018

Stefano Raffaele's zombie art oozes with macabre delight. The atmospherics and aesthetic of this series are spectacular! If you like the zombie genre, stop reading this review and buy the book already, it's worth it.

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10
Middlewest #1

Nov 28, 2018

Middlewest is the most visually explosive comic book I've ever read. Anyone who loves good art or fantastical stories should pick up this title.

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6
Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2018) #1

Dec 18, 2018

It's a suitable start with a rather brief fight with Rhino, but it doesn't leave me excited for more.

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5
Mr. and Mrs. X #1

Jul 27, 2018

If wedding reception dialogue sounds entertaining, this is the book for you; otherwise, I'd pass until we see if Issue #2 turns our surprise ending into something greater.

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9
Murder Falcon #2

Nov 16, 2018

Daniel Johnson does an impressive job of mixing the absurd with reality in a believable manner. His characters are flawed and relatable. The artwork is some of the best you will find in any action-adventure title.

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6
Murder Falcon #3

Dec 18, 2018

The series does what it does best in delivering action, but it's beginning to become a bit repetitive in its storytelling.

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5
Old Lady Harley #1

Oct 25, 2018

Reading Old Lady Harley is like being on a roller coaster ride. It might be a lot of fun, or it might make you nauseous, or both.

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10
Outer Darkness #1

Nov 16, 2018

Outer Darkness is an exhilarating journey from start to finish and should be on every sci-fi fan's pull list.

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10
Outer Darkness #2

Dec 18, 2018

The Outer Darkness is perfect for Star Trek fans looking for something new and exciting.

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6
Patience! Conviction! Revenge! #2

Oct 20, 2018

This series gets perverted quickly, as our main character goes undercover in a sex robot brothel in order to sabotage the owner.

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5
Pearl #3

Oct 20, 2018

The majority of the comic is about the Yakuza deliberating amongst themselves and doesn't maintain enough inertia to propel Pearl into a captivating comic.

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10
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (2017) Annual #1

Jun 26, 2018

This issue is clever, action-packed, and has a lot of heart. If you've ever enjoyed a Spider-Man comic, pick up this annual!

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10
Punisher (2018) #3

Oct 25, 2018

Frank Castle has never been in better hands than with Rosenberg and Kudranski.

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10
Relay #1

Jul 12, 2018

Relay #1 is a complex world building story set in a dystopian-light sci-fi future. You would think this kind of setting would be depressing like most, but it actually has a hopeful feel to it because of a brighter color palette and a likable main character. Relay is worth picking up for the art alone, but I think you'll love the story as well.

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5
Return of Wolverine #2

Oct 25, 2018

Story-wise, I like where the series is going. I'm not too fond of the whole save the kid development, as it's an overdone cliche.

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5
Rick and Morty Presents: Pickle Rick #1

Nov 28, 2018

If you've already watched the Pickle Rick TV episode, I'd skip this issue.

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7
Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons #1

Sep 7, 2018

Filled with meta-humor, Rick & Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons is a slow roll to start but ends on a high note. If you’re a fan of geek culture, Rick & Morty, or Dungeons & Dragons, this is a must read series.

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8
Season's Beatings #1

Dec 27, 2018

There's plenty of fourth wall breaking meta humor dashed with some light action and a heavy sprinkling of Christmas flavor.

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10
Sentry (2018) #1

Jun 27, 2018

Sentry #1 is another home-run-hit for Marvel's Fresh Start. It is a humanizing and action-packed thriller that breathes new life into Sentry. If you've ever enjoyed a Jeff Lemire comic, go pick this up, I think you'll love it.

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10
Sentry (2018) #2

Jul 27, 2018

The Sentry draws you in like a spider to its web and doesn't let go. If you're looking for something different in the world of superhero comics, you'll love this.

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10
Sentry (2018) #5

Oct 25, 2018

This was a brutal and superb series, full of betrayal and violence with a personal touch.

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6
Skyward (2018) #9

Dec 18, 2018

There's a lot to unpack in this issue and implications that will reverberate through the rest of the series.

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4
Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider (2018) #1

Oct 25, 2018

I'm not sure what the appeal of this series is, other than the fact that the main character is Spider-Gwen.

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5
Star Wars: Lando - Double Or Nothing #1

May 30, 2018

Star Wars: Lando - Double or Nothing #1 has great art, but fails to deliver an enticing story. This series is best suited for hardcore Star Wars fans or those who are specifically looking to learn more about the life and times of Lando and Ellthree.

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6
Star Wars: Lando - Double Or Nothing #3

Jul 27, 2018

Still a buy recommendation from me, but I can't help feeling that Barnes could do more to take it to the next level.

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10
The Batman Who Laughs (2018) #1

Dec 18, 2018

Snyder writes an action-packed page-turning thriller with The Batman Who Laughs

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7
The Best Defense: Silver Surfer #1

Dec 18, 2018

Latour fleshes out a diverse planet reminiscent of the wild west that is about to be devoured.

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8
The Best Defense: Defenders #1

Dec 27, 2018

There's a cliffhanger at the end, and I hope Al Ewing has a chance to delve further into exploring it.

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8
The Best Defense: Doctor Strange #1

Dec 19, 2018

The Best Defense is my favorite event of the year!

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7
The Black Order #1

Nov 16, 2018

If you're looking for a cosmic epic from Marvel, The Black Order #1 is a good place to start.

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8
The Last Siege #1

May 31, 2018

The Last Siege #1 is a superb work of atmosphere, action-packed storytelling, and medieval politics, that I can't help but love. I'm excited to see what Walker and Greenwood bring us in the next issue.

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7
The Life Of Captain Marvel #1

Jul 20, 2018

The story ends with a bit of an extraterrestrial twist, but other than that it reads like a Lifetime movie.

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5
The Magic Order #5

Dec 18, 2018

I felt underwhelmed with Millar's pick for the villain. It's ground that has been tread over and over again in many stories.

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9
The Man of Steel (2018) #1

May 30, 2018

The Man of Steel #1 is a showcase of everything that makes comic books great! It's a promising start for Brian Michael Bendis and deserves serious consideration on your pull list. The only bad thing I have to say is that the issues cover art displays the Justice League, which is entirely absent from the issue.

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10
The New World #4

Oct 20, 2018

Kot's takes us on a dynamic adventure jam-packed with violence, adventure, love, and sacrifice. This is the Romeo and Juliet of 2037, post-Nuclear Fallout America.

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10
The New World #5

Nov 28, 2018

I hope to see a sequel or even a prequel to The New World, as it feels like we barely touched the surface of what this universe has to offer.

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8
The Weeknd Presents: Starboy #1

Jun 26, 2018

If you're into Batman, Starboy is a bit of a twisted version that hits all the good notes.

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5
Thor (2018) #3

Jul 20, 2018

If you're new to Jason Aaron's Thor, I can't recommend this as a jumping on point. It feels like picking up a book halfway into the series.

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9
Tony Stark: Iron Man #1

Jun 26, 2018

Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 has everything you would ever want in an Iron Man comic.

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8
Tony Stark: Iron Man #2

Jul 20, 2018

The series continues to be happy-go-lucky, but there's a twist at the end that hints at a much darker reality on the horizon.

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8
Tony Stark: Iron Man #7

Jan 9, 2019

Schiti continues to create a jam-packed sensation of colorful artwork that compliments the playfulness of the eScape and Tony's digital escapades.

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10
Venom (2018) #4

Jul 27, 2018

This is a modern masterpiece! Venom #4 is the best single issue of the year!

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7
Venom (2018) Annual #1

Oct 20, 2018

If you flicked through the first few pages and were turned off, don't be. The last two tales are worth the entrance price.

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6
Wakanda Forever: X-Men #1

Jul 27, 2018

It's not a bad comic, but it isn't particularly great either.

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8
Web Of Venom: Carnage Born #1

Nov 28, 2018

It's a dark detective story full of exposition that explores contemporary social and political commentary.

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7
What If? (2018): Magik #1

Nov 9, 2018

This issue has it's fair share of humor with good chemistry between Magik, Stephen Strange, and his faithful assistant Wong.

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4
Winter Soldier (2018) #2

Jan 9, 2019

The sidekick story is cliche and too convenient. I found the characters flat and uninteresting with a vague and dreamy art style that is unmemorable.

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7
Wizard Beach #1

Dec 5, 2018

Reading Wizard Beach is a bit like going on a new ride at Disney World. It’s magical and eccentric fun with a bit of juvenility. This isn’t a comic you should take too seriously. It’s more of a beach read.

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9
X-23 (2018) #2

Jul 27, 2018

X-23 is a title for someone who wants good, clean, no-nonsense fun.

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10
X-23 (2018) #7

Dec 18, 2018

Mariko Tamaki shows us she is at the top of her game with X-23. It's one of the most consistently good comics of Marvel's Fresh Start and delivers lighthearted humor, dynamic action sequences, and emotionally charged stories.

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6
X-O Manowar (2017) #20

Oct 25, 2018

It's a serviceable read that will entertain most Valiant fans, but It's certainly not the best arc of the series.

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