What we have here isn't the best comic on the shelf by any stretch, but it's a good time from the first page to the last, and that's all you need every now and then.

This Castle and Nick Fury story is beyond bleak, but it's the kind of reflective saga that is impossible to ignore.

What an enjoyable return to Fairyland this turned out to be!

What a wallop of an exclamation point this put on the whole Inquisitors series.

The Deviant is such a beautifully layered crime story that still, eight issues in, has you guessing everything you're reading.

Conan's arctic arc remains the strongest of this run to-date, though this issue is slightly weaker than the couple that came before it.

It's a brilliant character study and a fantastic exploration of the Marvel Universe beneath the surface.

There's a lot to like about this Phases of the Moon Knight idea, even if every story isn't a knockout.

Power Girl is such a solid book that it can go entire issues without its titular hero and you don't mind one bit.

There's a lot going on here (perhaps a little too much) but the issue remaining rooted in the long-term effects of tragedy and grief help keep it engaging from page to page.

Over 17 issues, I have run out of ways to sing The Incredible Hulk's praises.

The story of High Republic Adventures has found a way to get a little more focused, which is such a welcomed change of pace.

In concept, The Graveyard Club is fantastic. The execution just doesn't live up to the idea.

It's easy to see that the ongoing series that connect are rather strong, and Absolute Power does enough to keep you invested in them.

This issue, much like most of the series before it, is largely a mess.

A lot of the elements that have been frustrating have started to turn a corner, feeling less like meta gimmicks and more like an actual noir narrative.

Who doesn't want to read about MJ becoming Venom?

Previous arcs fell a little short, but this snowbound adventure is really hitting the mark.

Aaron's Namor continues to be such an excellent character study. The two timelines are perfectly balanced and their differing art styles help to set the tones.

This issue takes a detour at the start that throws off the pace a bit, but the back half gets things on track in several different ways.

It may not have the action some folks have come to expect, but the change of pace is a welcomed one, and the political back-and-forth is rather enjoyable.

This "episode finale" might have felt more impactful if the issues leading up to it had been stronger and more coherent.

Each page is equal parts hopeful and heartbreaking, following a character you want so desperately to just get a win.

There's such a great narrative hidden at the center of Profane, with its lead character struggling desperately to break his programming and become something other than what he was designed to be.

How often does a major superhero title take an entire issue in the middle of its run to turn back the clock 3,600 years and tell a standalone story about characters you don't know at all?

The idea of an older Peter reckoning with his failed responsibilities as a young man is an interesting premise for a series; it's what made Old Man Logan so special. Unlike that book, however, there doesn't seem to be any real work being done in Peter.

It's shaky, but High Republic reaches its destination and does a solid job of getting you fired up for what comes next.

This comic book just feels so busy. It's likely a combination of the multiple narratives and the hard-edged art style, but it's often difficult to concentrate and really dive in to the story here.

Each character is so realized and intricate, which only adds to the devastating mystery that has taken hold of the comic.

This trip to New York City brings more than winter vibes, moving forward each character's story with a brisk pace, building on the great rhythm that Nights has found over the last couple of months.

The execution is a little inconsistent in the back half, but man is The Big Burn playing with a stellar idea.

This series continues to be everything it intends to be, while delivering some excellent art and exciting endeavors.

So there may not be quite as much Power Girl as you might hope, but it's still a fun and breezy issue nonetheless.

Self Help continues to toe the line between being innovative and tiresome, and both issues so far have a little like a roller coaster in that regard.

You can't help but be a little disappointed by what could've been, even if what we got was still pretty solid.

I Heart Skull-Crusher is firing on all cylinders right now.

The momentum for this series just continues to surge and I truly cannot recommend it enough.

At the end of the day, superhero comics should make you cheer under your breath and cause involuntary fist-pumps at the end of a good page. Namor had me doing both on a consistent basis. This is the Namor we've dreaming of and, if Aaron's history is any indication, this might be the start of a run that redefines the character forever. Strap in and hold on tight.

It's a harmless, inoffensive issue that could be better, but could also be a whole lot worse.

Partnered with some home run character designs and a plot that perfectly toes the line between humor and heartbreak, Barfly #1 is easily one of the greatest single issues of any comic I've read this year. Go get yourself a copy and bask in its glory.

This series pulls no punches and goes for the hardest story choices, knowing that the risk outweighs the reward. And boy, that big creature design in the final pages is a stunner.

Profane is both a highly engaging and immensely frustrating endeavor.

These characters are still interesting and their designs catch your eye, but it's a struggle at times in this issue to really connect to anything you're reading.

G. Willow Wilson has to use this issue to not only continue an already great story, but also make use of this issue as a bit of a reset, launching into a second part of the saga that should feel at least a little different from the first.

. Sure, there's more stuffed into an issue than might be necessary, but it's all put together so well that it never feels like much of a problem.

Reign 2 #1 summons a couple of meritable ideas, but those fresh concepts are drowned out by a tidal wave of nonsense.

These are rich, troubled characters who aren't afraid to question their teachings and let themselves outshine the ways of the Jedi. It makes them the perfect leads for an era of Star Wars storytelling that could use more like them.

This is a case of execution not being able to keep up with ambition.

This is the comic book I've been hoping for Nights to be since it launched.

Leah Williams is just firing on all cylinders with Power Girl.

William of Newbury continues to be a rich and entertaining comic featuring quirky, compelling characters, and bold, beautiful art.

The story of The Cabinet gets lost in itself and can be tough to follow at times, but there's something to appreciate about its grander simplicity.

I Heart Skull-Crusher was a ton of fun out of the gate but, while it remains a very solid read, it's showing some signs of struggle as it gets into the actual meat of the intended story.

There's some very interesting potential here, which isn't what I expected after the first few pages.

If you're a longtime fan of Scrooge McDuck, this will affirm your love and make you proud of that fandom. If you're a newcomer, there's a good chance this is just the start of your journey in becoming a part of that fandom.

In trying to build such a massive world in such a short amount of time, things begin to feel lifeless, even when that world is clearly intriguing.

The Incredible Hulk remains one of, if not the single best comic Marvel is publishing on a regular basis right now.

The Deviant continues to make bold and interesting choices every time you think the series might start to lose its footing.

The superhero antics take a back seat to genuine emotion and moving character beats, resulting in a read that actually leaves an impact.

Profane is doing a lot, and so far the series is hitting most of its marks.

Trennis and Lourna Dee make such a great pair of characters, balancing each other perfectly as they navigate realities and and directions they don't quite understand.

This Count Crowley arc-ender lacks some of the focus of the rest of the series, trying to do a few too many things at once.

Dawnrunner continues to be such a fresh entry in the pantheon of kaiju vs mech stories, and it feels like things are just getting started.

Nights is already a book that has struggled with focus in the past, and the start of this new arc brings that issue directly into the spotlight.

Power Girl and Crash make up one heck of a one-two punch. I certainly hope this run will continue to put them in the spotlight together as the story progresses, because there's quite a lot of potential.

The High Republic Adventures is an entertaining series with likable leads, but it would be even better if it honed in a little more on what it wants to be.

Saber for Hire revolves around a story that doesn't do a lot to separate itself from other Star Wars comics, but it has a set of fantastic lead characters that more than make up for that.

The first half of Rogue Sun #19 feels like it's on the verge of being a great book, but the narration and dialogue hold it back a little bit.

White Boat #1 is exactly what you might want from a debut issue. There will undoubtedly be better entries later in the series, but it sets the stage in excellent fashion, ensuring that anyone who reads it will want to sail again in White Boat #2.

I Heart Skull-Crusher has yet to hit a rut, but issue #3 is definitely the lowest point of the series so far. It's still a delightful issue packed with hilarious characters, there's just not as much focus on display when it comes to balancing it all in the end.

Giangiordanao does some wonderful work bringing the gruesome violence of the fight sequences to life, though. They're visceral and often entertaining. But that's just not enough to compel anyone to come back for more.

I appreciate the simplistic art style of The Cabinet, but it seems like the creative team doesn't quite know how to use that style to its advantage. If anything, the opposite tends to be true.

It's time for a fresh start, for both the character and the creative team.

This series balances so well the overall themes of Star Wars, putting its characters in various crisis of character and allowing the exploration of each of those issues to get its time to shine.

This issue exists mostly in a flashback, but it provides so much important context to the story at hand.

There's so little to dig into or care about overall, but the little nuggets between those two leads serve as reminders that the entire series could've been a lot stronger.

The Incredible Hulk is one of the best comics Marvel Comics is publishing today, and this is one of the best issues of the series to date.

Oswalt and Blum do such an incredible job of balancing all they're working with in Minor Threats. It's a high wire act that they consistently nail here.

There are so many good ideas at play in Blasfamous, but way too many of them are being explored simultaneously.

Every layer that gets peeled back in Dawnrunner presents another biting, engaging element for the overall story.

Power Girl #8 isn't just a tie-in to the story being told in the ongoing Superman books, it's also wholly setup-focused issue, getting readers ready for the journey ahead. So as a standalone issue, it may not be as exciting as some others, but it does a wonderful job hooking you for what's to come.

As a Star Wars adventure, this story has been lacked a bit of focus. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #5 is a perfect example of that overall problem, filled with busy battles that don't help readers through the story quite as effectively as they're intended.

Throw a Crossroads Devil on the train and you've got the recipe for another great addition to this already stellar Hulk story.

It's got dark humor in droves and a character at the heart of the story that you can't help but love, in spite of her own absurdity.

There has never been a real purpose for this series since it began and it's frustrating that there wasn't even an attempt to find one by the end.

The only issue is that, with so many High Republic comics out there and all of them bringing solid characters into the mix, these books need to start raising the bar a little higher if they want to stand out. Saber for Hire doesn't necessarily accomplish that task, but it's not a bad read by any means.

Dastmalchian has also developed a real knack for balancing multiple story threads and knowing exactly when to pivot between them for maximum effect.

The Incredible Hulk is the last Marvel title any comics reader should be sleeping on right now.

The core High Republic comics have typically been pretty focused, keeping a tight narrative while some of the spinoffs try grander tales. This issue is something of an exception at times and it could really benefit from some fine tuning, especially in the flashback portions.

Sure, it takes a while to get through some of the clunky, uninteresting backstory bits, but there's something enjoyable at the core of the book and in the soul of its leading man.

Ultimately, it doesn't really feel like this story has anything to do with Steve Rogers, he's just thrust into a supernatural situation because he has a good heart.

Amazons Attack never stopped being poignant and powerful, keeping its aim true from beginning to end. That said, its end is a bit weaker than its start, but it sticks the landing better than most limited runs do these days.

Unfortunately, this series so often finds whatever excuse it can to cram in as many popular X-characters as possible, and it reverts to being a bit of a mess.

Zub knows what was so enjoyable about the Conan of the past and continues to find ways to tell new stories with the character.

The Incredible Hulk feels a lot like Hellboy or Eric Powell's Hillbilly, in that it just finds ways to bring in all sorts of interesting supernatural lore.

Nights continues to be such a polarizing read. This book as so much going for it, and it gives you a ton to ponder in what is easily the biggest and most important issue of the series. But there are several occasions where it puts so much into such a short frame that you're left trying to connect seemingly un-connectable dots.

Sometimes comics forget they can be fun. Yes, certain stories require a more hardened approach, but there's a beauty to knowing exactly how to take readers on an adventure. Leah Williams has that superpower in droves.

The whole thing still reads like a teenager's fan fiction, but at least we finally have some intrigue in the story itself.

Crash Landing is one of those situations where great art and great writing are present in the same issue, but those two things aren't necessarily a great fit for one another.

For a series that was so grounded for the majority of its run, the finale of Black Panther felt like such a strange way to bring it all home.

Dawnrunner is by far the closest we've come to a worthy Pacific Rim successor.

This is one of the few instances where it genuinely feels like things could go either way in most situations, keeping you emotionally invested around every turn.

Takashi Okazaki brings such a vibrant life to this corner of the Star Wars universe, keeping you engaged from start to finish.

Some of its elements may seem familiar, but there's enough soul and originality throughout the pages of the first issue that it consistently feels fresh and exciting.

This may not be Star Wars at its most engaging or thought-provoking, but it's every bit as effective a comic as some of the better recent Star Wars comic books.

Captain America abandoned the exposition-heavy soapbox of the obvious that it spent its first six issue on, only to trade it on for a new story that doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

Kreeve Trennis stands out as one of the best protagonists in the High Republic series, establishing herself as an endlessly relatable Jedi that asks the same questions that so many of us have asked over the years.

The messaging of Amazons Attack continues to impress, perfectly toeing the line between subtlety and over-explanation.

The role in the overall event unfortunately takes priority over the series story from time to time, making for a frustrating narrative.

Seeing how Power Girl exists in this new world is the enticing hook that sets up the rest of the arc, especially after learning that she has lost her powers. There's a lot of fun to be had as Power Girl continues, and issue #6 does exactly what it needs to in order to set up that exciting future, even if that means not being terribly exciting in its own right from time to time.

White Widow's balance of a team element and Yelena's own inner monologue made for a fantastic read from start to finish, and this final issue ties a wonderful bow on the entire series.

The swings are maybe a little too hard at times, and the book can occasionally get bogged down in its own heavy exposition. But at the core there's something really exciting here.

New Orleans is a perfect place to take this Incredible Hulk story, as it continues its gruesome and fabulous run.

The horror story really takes center stage here and it almost feels like a brand new start that the series desperately needed.

Black Panther is wading into the waters of much bigger Marvel stories, and it's unclear so far just how well the series is incorporating those ideas.

Blood Commandment explores some fantastic ideas at the intersection of horror and religion. Few modern vampire stories have been able to dive so deep into those different realms with so much success. The only thing working against Blood Commandment is how many words it takes to get there.

This isn't the most exciting or original Star Wars adventure to arrive in the High Republic era, but it is an absolute masterclass in layout and pacing from time to time.

Every letter, line, and brushstroke is exactly where it needs to be to make this relentlessly dark tale one of the most fascinating reads on the shelf.

G. Willow Wilson's fantasy epic is so effortlessly reflective, delivering personal and touching stories with nearly every character. It's always an absolute joy to read.

I get what Straczynski is trying to say with this series, and the idea is admirable, but the execution has simply been missing from the very first page.

If there was a new issue of Count Crowley every month for the next hundred years I would gladly pay up every month until I died.

This ending feels rushed but it still packs something of a decent punch.

The magnitude of what this book is trying to make you feel will be much more noticeable when reading through the trade. Still, it's a solid ending to what was ultimately a solid series, sticking the landing as good as you can given the sprawling nature of the story.

The Conan character work is what worked so well in the early issues of this series. The more recent issues have excelled at delivering on some fantastic supernatural elements. Conan the Barbarian #7 brings those things together for arguably the most compelling issue of the series so far.

The Incredible Hulk is firing on all bloody, twisted cylinders.

An already engaging saga gets even more intriguing as it digs deeper into the mystery beneath the surface.

Junior Baker got way too high on its own supply all throughout the series, but there was always something simple and intriguing under the surface. That idea rises above the mess in the book's final pages and makes the whole journey worthwhile.

It's a remarkably breezy adventure with almost no dialogue, and it's probably one of the most delightful comics on the shelf this week.

Exploring the Force and still trying to decide who you are is a recurring idea throughout all of Star Wars, but this High Republic adventure puts enough of a different spin on it that it feels almost new.

The story isn't necessarily as tight as it was when this new series first started, but Ewing's study of T'Challa as a mannot as a king or leaderis as fascinating as ever.

Cable excels at giving Nate and Nathan enough similarities from shared experiences without making them different generation copies of one another. Getting those two right is half the battle, and this Cable series clearly made them a point of emphasis.

Keeve and Sskeer are two of the better characters to come out of this High Republic initiative, both bringing unique elements to the Force as well as the Jedi Order.

This creative team is firing on all cylinders. -

The fights are brisk and the monologue is breezy, leading to an issue that's as fun as both of its predecessors.

There are lulls here and there, but overall the execution is solid and the ideas are fantastic.

Steve Orlando has been fantastic with his 2099 universe and that good run continues here.

This is definitely an improvement upon the first issue, as it actually furthers the double-crossing story behind Mooby's inception, and the sexcapades serve the story's purpose.

As the villain of the series takes shape, the overarching tale actually makes a lot of sense. I see where this is going and I can appreciate it, but getting there is as big of a drag as ever.

Mixing the old school, barbaric violence with green and ghoulish supernatural elements is just a killer combo for Conan.

What's meant to be fast-paced and breezy ends up being more difficult to keep up with than it needs to be. Thankfully, Nights is ultimately a vibe kind of series, and the vibe is where it always excels. This is a cool world to spend time in.

The great part about Shadows of Starlight is that it uses its anthology style to get you up to speed on where things stand in the High Republic era at a given time.

The Hunger and The Dusk knows exactly who these characters are at their core and it uses that knowledge to craft a brilliant tale that never ceases to be compelling.

It's a simple tale on the surface, but one that gets you thinking the more time you spend with it.

Amazons Attack does an incredible job of keeping tension bubbling below the surface, even when there is so much happening right in front of you.

There's a scene in this issue where T'Challa has to directly wrestle with the fact that he has only spent real time in a small part of the country he once led, which sends him on an assignment to experience live in a different corner of Wakanda. Yes, this is in an effort to make him a better Panther, but it's the core of what this entire series is about as well.

These issues continue to be as entertaining as possible.

Setting up an ongoing, ever-evolving saga with a nemesis is helping elevate the character of Power Girl to even higher levels.

The individual issues are interesting at times, but at other times they get entirely too vague to get keep you hanging on for more or even remember what the book was up to in the first place.

I'm all for an ambiguous ending, but Hunt for the Skinwalker takes that concept to an entirely new level.

A grim and gory spectacle befitting both beloved characters.

The High Republic saga is spinning its wheels a little bit at the start of this new arc of stories, but the Jedi characters that have been established as the era's leads are so compelling that they're able to carry these books through all of the filler issues.

The Deviant is just a dynamite outing from everyone involved.

Steve's character is about the only thing this book as going for it, and for someone whose alter ego is the series title he isn't given nearly enough to save the story from itself.

I'd have a much better time with Junior Baker if I flipped through just the art and tried to determine what story was being told without any dialogue directing me.

There's a way to have characters talk about sex that feels natural and adds to the story, this just isn't it at all.

Bell and Burryaga are a surprisingly fascinating pair to follow in a story like this, and the compliment one another perfectly.

This is such an excellent exploration of Yelena Belova, especially when kept separate from the grander Black Widow lore and history.

It's not often a companion book is as good strong as its flagship, but Amazons Attack comes pretty close.

There are a few pages in this issue dedicated to talking trash about Nazis, and that is awesome. It's also, unfortunately, the only enjoyable sequence in the whole thing.

The pacing of this series is still lacking in some regards, but it has slowly become a much more exciting read.

This Power Girl series continues to be one of the better character studies DC is publishing at the moment.

For a book that had plenty of ups and downs through its first three issues, the climax is both engaging and action-packed.

The start to this issue feels somewhat rushed and abrupt after the last arc concluded, but Zub really finds a great rhythm here once he gets going.

As if The Incredibly Hulk wasn't good enough on its own, bringing a Ghost Rider into the mix only makes it better.

This character's journey is layered, engaging, and gives even more weight to the rich history of Wakanda.

This is such a gorgeous book to look at. Not just the art itself, but the trippy, experimental layouts used from page to page make flipping through Junior Baker an experience on its own.

Rebirth at least has the benefit of the dueling Surfers, which adds a fun element, but it still has a tendency to fall into that frustrating familiarity.

It'll be interesting to see how The Cull wraps its saga up in the fifth issue, because The Cull #4 feels less like a penultimate issue and more like the beginning of the story.

The Deviant #1 satisfies on multiple fronts. If you're just looking for a murder story set at Christmastime, the comic book delivers that ten times over.

Crowley is a deeply lived-in character that never ceases to earn your attention and adoration. The supporting cast is as good as ever. And the narration is top-notch, as always.

This is the issue that really sells you on how interesting Hunt for the Skinwalker can be, and unfortunately it's the second-to-last chapter we're set to receive.

Things are looking up for Nights, and I'm much more excited for the third issue than I was for the second.

This is a solid start to this next wave of High Republic stories.

A lot of ground is covered here and almost every inch of it is interesting.

There are moments in Blood Commandment that get entirely too bogged down in dense conversations about faith and mortality.

Where it goes from here, there's no telling, but it does a good enough job over the last 10-15 pages to convince you that The Space Between #2 is worth checking out.

Yelena's desire to live her own life in a new town and explore her own mind is, at times, reminiscent of the Matt Fraction-written Hawkeye series we've all come to love. It's not doing exactly what that series did, but White Widow is breathing vibrant and compelling new life into its lead character.

Amazons Attack #1 is a wonderful start to a new chapter in tale of Wonder Woman's storied people. It has some room to grow moving forward, but it wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if readers look back on this entry as the start of a brilliant new era for Queen Nubia and the Amazons.

The first issue of this new Captain America run left a lot of room for the series to grow, but somehow its sophomore effort is even worse.

A very solid outing from start to finish, and another chapter in a series that's shaping up to be a great one.

The penultimate issue of this X-series is perhaps the lightest of the bunch in terms of story and character evolution, but there's been plenty of that in the prior two issues for this to work as a proper finale primer.

There's a simpler version of Antarctica out there that tells the same tale but in a way that connects to the reader much more easily.

Good golly gracious, Dwellings is just the cat's pajamas.

I'm in a consistent state of wonder about The Incredible Hulk, always curious about where it could possibly go next.

So much effort is put into being big and bold and edgy that Junior Baker often forgets to actually tell a story.

The two sections of Tales of Syzpense drift further and further apart with each passing issue, which isn't at all a bad thing. As the gap between them widens, the more exciting it is to jump between them.

A lot of the big ideas were stuffed into that debut issue, allowing Hunt for the Skinwalker #2 to tell a much simpler, more effective story.

There's plenty to get invested in going forward, this initial issue is just entirely too much to process. Splitting it up into two parts or saving some big moments for later could've been a tremendous help.

This story is clearly filled with a lot of twists and turns, and a lot will depend on how they pan out down the line.

Wilson, Wildgoose, and the rest of the team are firing on all cylinders.

This comic book continues to both impress and surprise.

A solid, dark, thoughtful conclusion to what was a surprisingly interesting limited series.

Soule once again finds a new nugget of intrigue within the inner workings of the Force, something that seems more improbable each time he does it.

The third issue of Titan's new Conan series is a major step forward from the first two. None of them have been bad, but this issue shows off the potential that a Conan story can possess.

This is a fun, fresh start for Power Girl.

A bit slower and less exciting than the debut issue, Realm of X #2 is still making a lot interesting moves with its cast of characters.

A little more focus and this story would soar.

Captain America #1 teases a promising new exploration of Steve Rogers, which should be worthwhile for the beloved character's fanbase. If it wants to actually achieve anything new or interesting, though, there's still a lot of work to be done. For now, it's spending too much time talking about stories and not nearly enough time actually telling one.

Like its story, the comic book's art also explores how it can break the rules, resulting in an exciting adventure whenever you flip a page.

The Incredible Hulk is firing on all cylinders.

This mystery has its flaws, but it has become rather enthralling in the lead-up to its final issue.

Fortunately, the story and the personalities of these characters shine through any issues you might have with the illustrations.

It gets a little denser than previous issues, but it's still leagues ahead of other current superhero sagas.

Hunt for the Skinwalker doesn't deliver a perfect debut, but does it really have to? The good far outweighs the not-so-good in this first issue, and it's easy to see the potential of what the series might become in the months ahead.

This take on the character doesn't bring anything new to the table, so it's easy to feel like maybe you've read it before.

When all is said and done, this is going to pair nicely with Immortal Hulk as a delightfully demented one-two punch.

The Gimmick has been wildly inconsistent throughout its run. Where it ultimately endsand what that ending has to sayis awesome.

This book is a D&D player's dream. You definitely don't have to be into Dungeons & Dragons to enjoy it (these characters can connect with anybody) but those who do love to sit down with a role-playing adventure will find all sorts of ways to fall for The Hunger and The Dusk.

Ewing's Black Panther continues to be the kind of serialized, satisfying story we all love to read.

This isn't the comic book that people are expecting, what with "Kong" being plastered on the cover and all. That continues to be a frustrating trend with this book, but otherwise it's been a rather thrilling and enjoyable read.

It's a shame this comic book is only a limited series; it's been such an interesting journey through a previously unexplored period of Apes history.

A lot will ride on how these tales are paid off but it's certainly a great start.

It's not always perfect, but this book accomplishes exactly what it means to.

Antarctica is so well-paced, making its thrills and intrigue the main attraction while slow-releasing the deeper plot points a little at a time.

No matter what it's called, this issue doesn't offer much in the way or excitement, but actually including the ongoing event as part of the title would at least make things a little better.

The first issue of The Cull does a lot to introduce the characters, providing the smallest possible hook for the massive sci-fi adventure that awaits in the rest of the series.

There are two stories in this issue, one that follows the rise of a serial killer and another that deals with a demonic possession cult. Both are absolute home runs that you will be thinking about for days. What a disturbing little treat this book is.

As another chapter in the "Chaos" event, it's okay. Nothing too surprising or interesting, but there's at least a little fun to be had.

Even the title doesn't really do this book justice. It's beyond strange, perhaps too strange to fully enjoy.

There's enough at play right now that the plot could absolutely get lost in the coming months, but Brisson and company haven't shown any signs of slipping just yet.

This entire series has felt like it only existed as a way of putting Adam and the High Evolutionary in a new book around the time they made their big screen debuts in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. And would you look at that, the final issue arrives the same day the movie hits Disney+.

Titan's debut issue of Conan the Barbarian may not be the very best we've seen from Conan over the years, but it's much closer to the character's best than his worst. It's a strong, if uneven first issue that plants the seeds for some exciting adventures ahead.

An issue of an Incredible Hulk series that doesn't even feature the Hulk until the final page might sound like a drag, but this backwoods zombie revival is as thrilling as any Marvel comic could hope to be.

A little less story in the early issues would've helped this penultimate installment feel a little less rushed and chaotic.

The final act of the issueand the series as a wholeisn't quite as thoughtful or exciting as the rest of the run, but it will sit with you for a while.

Only two issues in and this is already shaping up to be a fantastic run.

In a world where monologues are the norm for exposition-heavy debut issues, Antarctica makes the case that less is definitely more.

It's disappointing that Planet of the Apes is only a five-issue run, because this is a fantastic addition to the franchise's lore.

What a wonderful D&D story G. Willow Wilson is crafting here.

Warlock: Rebirth remains more concerned with packing in as many well-known Marvel characters as it can, rather than trying to tell some semblance of an exciting story.

The characters in this new Carnage primer are much, much more interesting than the multiversal web being spun, but they're enough to keep your attention throughout.

Things hare heading in a good direction but the pace needs to quicken a bit.

As the layers get peeled back, the story gets even more compelling.

This is a tough book to read, which I believe is partly intentional.

The story continues to branch and explore too many directions, but the characters are all so intriguing that it's difficult not to stay invested.

There are some weird little missteps in the fourth issue here, taking certain characters in directions that feel puzzling at best, but overall The Gimmick continues to gain steam.

While the story from issue to issue does feel a tad disjointed, it's hard to care too much when each one is such a good read.

The whole series is just floating around in the ether, desperate to be something but lacking any sort of vision as to what that thing might be.

What a fun and fleshy debut from a team that is poised to do great things with Marvel's monsters.

The creative team on the book did exactly what was asked of them, but you have to wonder why they were even asked in the first place.

This round of Tales of Syzpense contains two different stories, both of which are solid and intriguing.

The result, at least in this week's debut issue, is a fantastic exploration of a character readers have known for years, making him seem both brand new and entirely familiar.

Some of the character beats are decent, but none of it feels like it has anything to do with Dead by Daylight.

This is the best possible way to move Apes to the comics medium and still have a story worth telling.

If 90s nostalgia is all you're after, this looks like those books you've been missing. Otherwise, there's not a lot of new or even interesting ground being covered.

This grounded thriller is absolutely worth keeping an eye on as it unfolds.

There's a lot happening in the final issue of this Dark Genesis arc, maybe just a tad too much for its own good.

The focus of this series gets sharper as it goes along.

Spider-Man 2099 has always been a beloved figure, but the new versions of Blade, Ghost Rider, Moon Knight, and several others continue to impress.

This is also a comic that never overstays its welcome, closing at just the right time, leaving you satisfied but also making you wish there was just a little bit more.

A sad end to a tumultuous run.

The second issue is much more interesting than the first, but it still likes quite a bit in the way of creativity.

Planet of the Apes is taking the methodical approach to its story, but it's been excellent so far.

This is probably the weakest issue of this Dark Genesis run, but it's also the bloodiest and most action-packed.

There's just too much. Too many characters doing too many things in too many places across too many time periods.

Shane's story is still a little less-than-interesting, but the series is finally giving more time to Alicia and Sam.

The series ratchets up the intensity in its second issue, without sacrificing much of the emotional core that made its debut so impactful.

This should be a playground to explore new facets of the character and break some new ground, but it all largely feels like retread of things we've already seen before.

It's tough to sell the first issue of a series about King Kong where the titular primate doesn't show up until the final page, but the story leading up to his arrival is more compelling than most other Kong tales.

These 2099 character reinventions continue to be fantastic.

This penultimate issue gives so many different viewpoints of the Force and its place amongst people throughout the Galaxy, examining different angles thoroughly and making each of them equally as exciting.

Steve Orlando already did more than enough to prove he's got a great vision for the 2099 world of Miguel O'Hara, and this latest adventure is just further confirmation that he's the writer for the job.

This High Republic Adventures is very clearly for slightly younger readers, and it's a great example of how to create these types of comics for kids and teens.

This series has a clear direction as far as its endgame is concerned, but it's focused on too many different stories while making its way there.

When this "Starship Hulk" story first began, it felt like a saga that could overstay its welcome rather quickly. It stuck around entirely too long, spiraling into a mass of nonsense and unreadable action.

While just a one-off story, Quest of the Jedi quickly establishes itself as one of the more intriguing entries in this High Republic era.

The good stuff here begins and ends with Nic Klein's cover. Everything after that is, at best, a lifeless mess.

It's difficult to find a lot of positives in this series after its first two issues.

Nameless Terror is a fine book with bright and attractive art that unfortunately doesn't have anything to set itself apart from the horde of other High Republic stories being told.

There could be some interesting directions for this concept, but the first issue of Warlock: Rebirth shows no signs of pursuing any of them. While it's easy on the eyes, the issue is about 17 pages of nothing followed by a setup that doesn't do a whole lot to hook you.

There's a lot going on in this High Republic story, and it often gets too busy for its own good. When it allows itself to slow down, however, it's a very compelling character study.

After a rough start in its debut issue, The Gimmick is finding ways to improve, little by little.

It's a lot to wrap your head around at times, but it's a beauty of a debut.

Planet of the Apes #1 is a more-than-serviceable relaunch of the comics saga, laying the groundwork for a story in a pivotal segment of the Apes timeline, though it's sometimes a little more focused on setting the stage than delivering an exciting issue.

That wouldn't always be a compliment, but that's the case with The High Republic. It's just a downright good time.

At it's worst, The Blade has been decent, but at it's best it has been electric.

There are some solid, fun ideas at play with this Thor storyline, but to say the execution is messy would be an understatement.

The concepts behind Order & Outrage are solid. The book aims to tell a tale of a fight against oppressive forces, and there's enough in this first issue to plant some seeds for that conflict. But trying to decipher much beyond the general plot is a fool's errand.

The book sometimes loses its story in its visuals, but there's never a point where it isn't exciting.

It's a fun and breezy read for a variety of different ages, though it never goes too deep below the surface.

There's a lot going on in the front half, and it takes a little while to drive its point home, but all-in-all The High Republic has delivered another solid issue.

The Gimmick #1 wears its big heart on its sleeve, but that heart sometimes gets in the way of a cohesive vision and compelling storytelling.

Even when the story slows, these intriguing characters keep you invested.

It could use a little more pace at times, but a delightful one-shot nonetheless.

Count Crowley continues to be one of the most enjoyable comics on the shelf every month.

This issue is very backstory and exposition heavy, but Ottley's stunning art gives you a lot to enjoy while getting through the onslaught of information.

20th Century Men remains very heavy and very dense, qualities that operate as both a hinderance and a major selling point.

A top tier monster book with a heavy, near-perfect ending.

While the heist and supernatural elements of Sins of the Black Flamingo often took center stage, this turned out to be a love story at its core. In that regard, it delivered a wonderful ending.

The setup for the future is wildly intriguing, but you can't help but wonder if the journey there couldn't been a little more interesting.

Reed's inner monologue is sincere and relatable, but it's the only thing interesting about the issue as a whole.

Monsters & Protectors doesn't offer much in the way of Godzilla, or any other kaiju for that matter. It's very light on the action, but the story it spins with its adolescent leads makes it a great comic for younger readers.

This is an absolutely fascinating direction for The High Republic. Not only does this new series move further back on the timeline, it also spreads into different corners of space, allowing for more interesting characters and locales than we're used to.

David Messina's original tale is a delightful one to look at, with expertly drawn action sequences and some great facial expressions that really help tell the story.

This five-issue series was about four-and-a-half issues too long.

This is a very fun brand of dark, gnarly sci-fi, one that certainly lends itself to a much larger story in the future.

Sins of the Black Flamingo is at its best when it really dives into its supernatural and other-worldly elements.

This first issue is almost entirely exposition, but Ewing's always delightful dialogue keeps things engaging.

The changes between time periods feel jarring, but all of the different stories are at least well written and wonderful to look at. It's a big, dense read.

There's nothing especially exciting about this issue, but Reed Richard's inner-monologue throughout the whole thing makes it worth the read.

There's some decent action in issue #4, but it's just never anything more than an assault of Asgard's greatest hits on every page, entirely too busy to allow you any time to care.

Jody Houser is very good at writing Ms. Marvel, and honestly just as good at writing Venom. Both characters fire on all cylinders in this book.

It's as fun to look at as it is to read, and it's only getting better.

This series started out strong, but the magic of the 90s wore off quickly.

Even when the story feels rushed, Moon Girl shines, and that's ultimately the point here.

The future Green Goblin design might be the weakest and least interesting of this series, but the book itself is a fitting and exciting end to what has been an enjoyable journey through 2099.

At 40 pages, 20th Century Men can be a challenging and sometimes unfulfilling read. There's a lot going on and not all of it is immediately interesting.

While this kind of team-up book could sell copies just because of the characters involved, Houser elevates to something wonderful.

The Gala is one of the best events in the modern X-Men stories.

Sometimes this series feels more like an Asgardian Madlibs than a fully fleshed out story.

Wolverine isn't always great as a featured character, but Ms. Marvel might be the perfect partner for him. Really, Kamala is the perfect partner for anyone, and Jody Houser does an excellent job showing just how much she can bring to the stories of other characters.

This mystery continues to unfold with great pace.

If you want a fun book, this is it.

There's nothing exactly fresh about House of XCII, it's not doing anything to reinvent the wheel. But it remains a good time, especially if you're an X-Men fan who grew up in the 1990s.

With yet another final page twist, this book continues to impress.

The action slows down in this issue, but the character beats make up for it in multiple ways.

Christopher Priest's mind is one of a kind.

Unfortunately, the story of the series has lost steam with each passing issue.

The rushed pacing of this final issue is a bit of a shock to the system and honestly doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

The pieces of 2099: Exodus are starting to fall into place.

There are solid moments here and there, but the story is lost and sloppy, and it's difficult to keep up with any of the messy action sequences.

The quick cuts and interweaving stories are used beautifully here, making The Ward an absolute page-turner.

The story of Patrick is a little off-putting at its start, but it morphs into something rather compelling by the end of this first issue.

Miles is one of the best characters Marvel has, but molding him into several different heroes doesn't really add anything to him.

As the book starts dipping its toes into the supernatural, it becomes even more compelling.

But once again, the characters are the strength of this book, and the 2099 iteration of Moon Knight is such a fascinating lead for the issue.

It lacks just about anything resembling substance.

Collector Unit is directionless and doesn't seem to have any intention of being interesting at any point.

I have no doubt there will be something worthwhile in this story's conclusion, but the journey there has become tiresome.

Like the past issues, several Gwen heroes from alternate universes teaming up is a lot of fun, but the story's villain always derails whatever momentum has been built up when she arrives.

Exodus acting as a series of one-shots to set up new characters in the 2099 timeline has been something of a breath of fresh air.

If there's a redeeming quality to this book it's the spirit of Jane Foster shining through its lackluster script.

This is just entertaining madness from start to finish and it's clear everyone involved is having a ball. That includes the readers.

We need more stories centered around and/or narrated by Jubilee. Her voice is excellent in this issue, but it almost feels a little wasted at times, as there's hardly anything of substance going on until the final few pages.

This issue is almost entirely about Winter Soldier 13, not Spider-Man, but that's totally fine because it rules from start to finish.

This feels like one long origin story for someone we haven't ben given any reason to care about, and it needs to hurry up a bit if it wants to keep anyone's interest.

This issue of Crowley leans more on the action than advancing the story, but that's totally okay when the action is this fun and gnarly.

Nothing on these pages is compelling, despite being competently written and well-illustrated. You forget it as soon as you close the comic.

This is a step up for the "Banner of War."

Crossover might be entirely too self-indulgent, but it hits a sweet spot for creators.

If you're hoping for something of real substance, this comic probably isn't for you. But if wild comic book action is what you crave, this is the place. Hulk vs. Thor has wild for days.

This new era of Spider-Man 2099 kicks off with a bang, in an Alpha primer issue that does a lot of legwork to set up this story for new readers.

Once again, a Ms. Marvel arc absolutely nails its ending.

There's just one issue left in this miniseries and it still feels completely directionless.

A ton of fun and history for any longtime Thor fan.

The villain of Gwenverse continues to be an issue, making the ultimate stakes feel hollow and uninteresting. But when you put "Finale" in the back of your head, an Avengers team made up entirely of Gwen Stacy variants is a ton of fun.

This first issue offers nothing in the way of a hook to keep you reading, nothing to set up that the story could be more than just a miserable time as a prisoner of war.

It's easy to look at the likes of Disney and Marvel, both of whom have had zero issue exploiting the works of their past creators for cash and fan cred... and quickly write the series off. That said, Marvel the company didn't write, illustrate, color, or letter this book. Some really great artists did. And while House of XCII has no real reason to exist, Foxe, Espin, and the rest of this creative team do their best to make it something readers can all enjoy and be proud of.

Each individual storyline has its moments but there is entirely too much going on to care too much about any of them, save for Ben and Reed's interactions.

It's long-winded and preachy from time to time, but its heart is in the right place and the characters central to the story seem worth investing in, at least for now.

Rebirth needs some real direction and purpose if it wants to achieve any sort of satisfying conclusion.

What a delightful throwback to pulpy TV monsters.

A lot of exposition was needed at some point to help the antagonist's story take off, and this issue is as good a time as any.

Once again, My Bad is funny and searing throughout, but its best joke actually arrives before the first panel.

This entire issue is essentially a What...If? tale that applies directly to the actions of the Watchers. Unfortunately, the result has little to say, as the Watchers still feel every bit as useful and frustrating as they did before the story began.

The entire end-of-time event being kicked off by someone trying to become a "living meme" is a little too on the nose and comes off as a little cheap, but it's far from the most important aspect of the story.

Some of the actual hammer bits didn't exactly bring the thunder, and Cates delivers a heavy dose of deus ex machina to bring the finale home, but it's an overall enjoyable cap to the arc.

While the final pages are satisfying, there's a lot more left in the tank.

Seeing Negan come face to face with Robert Kirkman (and call him out for the death of Glenn) is a wonderful exchange to witness.

The small character moments in this issue are where it shines the brightest, and where Slott has been the most successful throughout his time with the Fantastic Four. But there's a lot of moving pieces and complicated plot devices with this arc that bog down the overall narrative.

What a way to end this first full chapter of The High Republic.

It's brisk and exciting, making for a solid compliment to the main series.

It's strange for a book to make its most interesting narrative turn in the second half of its finale.

Ahmed delivers again, continuing to make this new Ms. Marvel adventure a true triple threat.

Any major questions from the first issue are swiftly answered in the second, and head-scratching can be shoved aside in favor of another Marvel space epic.

If The High Republic is about what it means to be a Jedi, High Republic Adventures is about what it means to become one.

Making the leader of the Fantastic Four even less likable is only so sustainable, but the final page establishes that this won't last too long, making the turn much more enjoyable.

One of the funnier books on the shelf any given month.

This issue might really be the turning of a corner for Thor.

Redneck is possibly Cates' career-best work, and he continues to deliver great dialogue for his layered characters, but it's also shaping up to be his most devastating.

On one hand, the finale of Trail of Shadows is rather explosive and exciting. If action is what you're seeking, you'll find plenty. On the other hand, this acts more as a companion to the other High Republic books than the ending of a standalone mystery series.

I'm so much less concerned with where this is going than the journey it takes to get there, so it's nice to see the series take time to stop and smell the lavender.

Despite the ultra-meta narrative spiraling out of control, Cates' character work is as fascinating as ever.

Reckoning War Alpha #1 is a solid comic book, and utilizing multiple art styles feels necessary when juggling the different stories. In spite of that quality, the issue has moments where Reckoning War already starts to feel like a bit of a chore.

Ka-Zar is an example of a comic that just got better as it went along, with this final issue being the strongest of the series by miles.

The High Republic era's approach to the complexities of the Jedi continues to be its strength. That applies to both its stories and its art.

Between new characters and a clever hook, however, there's enough here to keep you entertained.

As far as exposition-dump/filler issues go, Thor #21 is about as interesting as you'll find.

This time-traveling tale has a lot going on, and its depiction of the Vells is pretty wonderful. But the mystery at its center isn't too compelling and that reveal will surely help with sales, but it doesn't do anything for the story itself.

Avar's downfall is an intriguing one, though it someone still feels a little out of place, even after a few setup issues.

It's not the best or most compelling entry in this initiative, but it serves its purpose well and delivers an enjoyable tale.

The lawsuit saga has been a great exploration of the First Family, even if it ends rather abruptly.

Throw in some absolutely wonderful colors and Ms. Marvel once again has a book every other hero would be jealous of.

Most of the one-liners hit and the art evokes the classic comic vibes it needs to while still finding ways to help the jokes along. My Bad works.

I wasn't so sure that giving the Nihil a concrete backstory was the best idea, considering their mystery is part of what makes them so terrifying. But Soule finds a way to make Ro even more chilling than before, further establishing him as one of the most ruthless villains in recent Star Wars history.

High Republic Adventures is telling a rather sprawling story, one that might be a little too big for its own good, but the central idea holds everything together.

The book shines in those moments, but the story unfolding around them is a lot less interesting.

With a simplified plot, Cross to Bear has found a way to shine a little brighter.

An already solid debut sets the stage for even more excitement ahead.

Trail of Shadows takes a break from the noir for a bit to focus on some human connection, and it actually works rather well for the series.

The penultimate issue of Ka-Zar is pretty inconsistent, lots of hits and misses throughout these pages (even though the art is stellar throughout).

This issue is all about bridging the gap between a couple of big events in the story.

This annual captures the spirit of what IDW and the High Republic team have been hoping to accomplish with this series.

The characters at the center of the story are a joy, and the book as a whole will go as far as they can carry it.

Crossover borders on being too self-indulgent about half the time, and issue #10 largely falls into the wrong half of that equation. It's entertaining, but it does little to move the story along.