Charlie Ridgely Comic Reviews

As he has done many times in recent years, Cates is able to find the delicate balance between a story that's just off-the-rails mental, and one that earnestly and wholeheartedly connects to its readers. It's as jaw-dropping as it is thoughtful and compelling. You don't find that often.

Everything in Absolute Carnage #2 works in unison to provide an immensely enjoyable read and a harrowing story that you won't want to miss.

Ryan Stegman was born to draw Absolute Carnage. Page after page is stunning and he continues to prove that there was no one else up to the venomous task at hand.

It's a beautiful and impactful tale that I certainly didn't expect, but I'll surely be reading again.

This book rises above the tropes while simplifying things down to molecular levels. It's a fantastic read, just in time for its big screen counterpart.

A genuinely exciting story mixed with bright colors and smooth artwork makes for another A+ installment to this series.

This is the kind of series he was meant to write, and I'd love to see more of it.

While I've enjoyed the Avengers as of late, Aaron can reach another level when he's really focusing on a single character and their journey.

From vampire mythology to Ghost Rider's demonic history, Aaron knows exactly what to do with these darker properties. Every moment works.

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.

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

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

This comic book continues to both impress and surprise.

When I was finished, I literally thought, "Wait, it's over already?!" It's so expertly crafted. More than anything, Steve Rogers actually stands for something again, and we would do well not to take it for granted.

There are so many underlying themes throughout even just this issue, but they're handled so well and presented so clearly that there is never any mess or confusion, only a thrilling and engaging story.

Champions continues to impress me more and more with each passing issue. This annual edition, which serves as a bridge between two different arcs, is easily one of the best issues of the entire series.

This book is quickly becoming a must-read for any and all comics fans.

While the title will never carry the same weight as the Avengers, these Champions are starting to become the premiere team-up at Marvel, and more people should start paying attention.

This is a wildly emotional book, and everyone should buy it, read it, and share it with someone else. Everyone.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, because it's worth repeating: Champions is one of Marvel's best team-up books. If you're not already, you should be reading it.

No doubt about it, this is a really great read that will keep you engaged at every turn.

Champions is a perfect blend of the wackiest stuff comics has to offer and the importance of genuine teenage friendships.

It's hard finding new and exciting ways to explain just how good Champions really is. This is Marvels finest team-up book currently in print. Period.

Everything about Champions works, on every possible level, and superhero comics just don't get much better. I'd be fine if this series never ended.

I'm running out of ways to say that Champions is one of best books of the year. That's it; that's my whole review. Just go buy it and read it and love it.

It's rare that a team of young heroes is this relatable and written this well, this consistently.

I don't know if I can love this book more.

From Kamala Khan to Victor Alvarez, every single character gets their time in the spotlight and helps make Champions one of Marvel's best ongoing series, month in and month out.

Champions is wonderful in every sense of the word.

This thoughtful character study masquerading as an action team-up is just as superb as it when it first began, if not more so.

Cosmic Ghost Rider is exactly what you'd expect: delightfully delicious mayhem.

With each page, Cosmic Ghost Rider only gets more and more insane.

Cosmic Ghost Rider is wacky in all the right ways, and every panel is nothing short of thoroughly enjoyable.

The emotional impact of CGR has never been felt as much as it is in this issue, with the story of a father wrestling with his shortcomings being brought to the forefront.

Wonderful finale for Cates and company.

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

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.

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

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

An essential read for anyone who considers themselves a creative.

In its second issue, Damage continues to be one of the bigger surprise stories out of DC this year.

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

Between Aaron, Cates, and Waid, it's easy to see that we're in the middle of pure resurgence of Strange, and that my friends is an incredible feeling.

Mark Waid and a talented horde of artists (led by Jesus Saiz) have created a wonderful issue that encapsulates everything Stephen Strange should be, while also setting up for what could be a fantastic arc in the coming months.

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.

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

These issues continue to be as entertaining as possible.

If you're not on board with Fantastic Four yet, it's time to reevaluate your relationship with comics as a whole, because you're missing something fantastic.

Once again, Fantastic Four manages to be one of the most fun, feel-good, exciting comics Marvel is publishing.

It is a very, VERY long issue, but the pacing helps it move pretty quickly, and the dialogue is second-to-none. Fantastic Four continues to be one of the most marvelous books around.

Reading this book, it's easy to see why so many people fell in love with the Fantastic Four.

How does one find anything negative to say about Fantastic Four? It's beautiful to look at and one of the purest comic stories we've seen in a long time. More, please.

Combine Doom with the unconventional storytelling taking things back and forth in time to preserve the surprise, and you've got another hit on your hands. I'm ready for more of this.

Dan Slott has done a great job in bringing the characters of Fantastic Four to life over the last 11 issues, but none more so than Ben Grimm.

Going into the past is often a bad idea in the world of comics, but this is most definitely an exception.

Is it possible the Fantastic Four are just as compelling (if not more so) when they're stranded a totally unknown part of the universe on a seemingly perfect world governed by fear and vengeance?

From start to finish, this Fantastic Four run has been, well, pretty fantastic.

This one's a must-read for Marvel fans.

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.

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

I like a lot of Marvel Comics that are being written right now, but none of them are as good as this one. Long live the Immortal Hulk.

The issue's ending takes everything back up to an 11, promising that Marvel's best current series is only going to get better.

This series is impossibly well-crafted.

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

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.

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

The Incredible Hulk is firing on all cylinders.

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

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

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 premise is simple but it's executed wonderfully, and Ryan Stegman remains the king of all things gnarly.

I can't remember enjoying an event this much in a very long time.

This issue acts not only as a love letter to Cage's legacy, but to the joys of parenthood.

Saladin Ahmed has a gift when it comes to writing narration. Don't get me wrong, he's a great writer all-around, but the choice to have Kamala's mother narrate her story in this issue provides such a beautiful and gut-wrenching juxtaposition to what's actually happening on the page.

With a great new side character in the mix, Magnificent Ms. Marvel is only getting better.

This series is truly magnificent and there's just no other way to put it.

Most of this issue is spent exploring the anxiety and fear of a hospital waiting room and it could not be more interesting.

One of Ahmed's best Ms. Marvel issues to date, hands down.

I keep waiting for Ms. Marvel to fall off like so many other great books have after the first couple of arcs, but this book and this creative team just refuse to compromise.

Ahmed knows exactly what he's doing here; he's just getting better and better as he picks up steam.

While engaged in an ongoing war against authoritarianism, Kamala Khan decides to go ahead and tackle capitalism while she's at it. Just another reason that Ms. Marvel and Saladin Ahmed are a match made in heaven, and perhaps the most important storytelling duo in all of Marvel.

It's sad to see this The Magnificent Ms. Marvel end. It has truly been one of the best books Marvel has produced during its run. But this ending is as perfect as the writer and character partnership that built it.

This is one of the best issues of an already stellar comic, worth picking up and reading even if you haven't read any of the prior installments.

Marvel Rising is much more than just a fun action series, and you should get on board as soon as possible.

I'm interested to see where it goes from here, and how quickly readers gravitate towards it, but this series has the potential to be the next truly great book from Image.

The title may not have a big, attention-grabbing descriptor attached to the front like other Spider-Man comics have in the past, but that's OK, because words like "amazing" and "spectacular" wouldn't really do it justice.

I know I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again: Saladin Ahmed is a perfect fit for Mile Morales. His take on the character has all of the charm and innocence that we've come to love with Miles, but with added layers of anxiety and responsibility that you'd expect with a high school kid.

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

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.

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.

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

Many Nightwing comics don't get the true investigative nature of the character correct, but this one does just that. There should be an exciting finale to this storyline in issue #40.

If this keeps up, Nightwing will easily become one of the top books on the shelves for DC.

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.

This is undoubtedly the most important issue of Redneck's brief, yet exciting history.

Just like each of the 13 issues that have come before, this month's Redneck feels like the most genuine and well-written work in Cates' current library, and that's saying a lot.

It's profound and beautiful in more ways than one, and reminds you just how important family can be.

As much joy as the previous issue of Redneck brought readers, this one is an absolute gut punch.

You'd have to go out of your way to not care about these characters, and the new direction that their story takes in this issue is one that will get you even more excited for what's to come.

Twenty issues in, Redneck remains a brilliantly executed and paced series that deserves much more attention than we're giving it.

Redneck continues to be an emotional, gruesome, insane journey through 21 issues. Somehow, someway, this book has never once let its foot off the gas pedal.

There are a couple of sweet, intimate conversations in this issue that take place in the middle of potential world-ending chaos and they will probably leave you a little choked up. Redneck seriously has it all.

This issue is as excellent as any we've seen in the past and the future for the series has never been brighter.

There are two lines of dialogue in this entire book and it's one of the most well paced issues of the series.

Donny Cates is writing a ton of comics lately, churning out hits over at Marvel with A-list characters like Thor and Venom. But its the little book named Redneck that remains his best work.

Donny Cates continues to do his best work when he's telling stories about vampires in Texas.

Who knew that one of the most profound statements about the duality of life would come in a Regular Show comic book? I certainly didn't, but I'm immensely glad that I read it. You should too.

Even for someone who has never seen an episode of Regular Show, this series will hook you in your soul and never let you go. Just go read it.

This book finds ways to explore the fears of getting older, and the difficulties of letting go of your past. Fortunately, for fans of the actual show, the comic doesn't miss a beat and looks like it was pulled straight from the screen and put on the page.

Aging and life-changing events are difficult things to accept and experience, but this comic charges into that terrifying abyss with an incredible amount of bravery and transparency.

It was a joy and honor to review Regular Show: 25 Years Later over the past few months. Not only was it fun, but it also helped me reflect on some of my biggest fears. At the end of the day, what more can you ask of a great comic? Please read this book if you haven't already. I promise you'll be better for it

Everything with Sideways feels very intentional, and it's clear that the creative team is giving their all to this kid. You should too. It's time to jump on the Sideways hype train.

This is the best issue of Sideways to date, and, if it's a sign of what's to come, the series is only going to continue getting better.

If you're not reading Sideways, you need to start, because it's really taking off.

Sideways remains a solid superhero series, plain and simple.

Sideways has been a mostly wonderful comic from start to finish.

As far as annuals go, Thanos wins.

This book is crazy in every sense of the word, and it's worth much more than the price of admission.

Think about putting the brutal violence of Mad Max: Fury Road into the world of James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy movies. That's the playground where Thanos resides. This is the definition of heavy metal.

Thanos #18 is both a blessing and a curse. It's another great issue in an already stellar run of a wild story. What's a little disappointing is that this is the last issue of the series.

Zdarsky writes the hell out of Namor, who is about as damaged, serious, and complicated as you can get in the Marvel universe. He does so with a precision and depth that is slightly unexpected, but completely refreshing when dealing with a character that has often been underutilized.

The Deviant is just a dynamite outing from everyone involved.

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.

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

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

The Goon is an absolute blast from start to finish, whether you read any of the original series or not.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

This first issue peels back the curtain on the Symbiotes, letting the readers know that there is so much more to the history of this race on Earth than we ever knew, all while setting the stage for a Lovecraftian mystery that one would never expect in a Venom series, but is more than a welcomed change of pace.

This book is wild as hell and I love every second of it.

Stegman and Cates continue to present a perfect balance, as Venom is one of the most all-around complete works Marvel is publishing.

This issue of Venom rewrites, and in some cases reveals, the entire history of Symbiotes. That sounds incredibly boring, but it's not. In fact, it's utterly fascinating.

This Venom series is one of Marvel's best current comics.

The fact that Cates has gotten Eddie to a point that the internal battles within his soul are more compelling without his other involved goes to show you how special this book really is. I can't wait to see what's next.

Weapon H is weird, wild, and wonderful all at the same time, making for one of the most fun comics you'll read this month.

Weapon H is an unexpected sensation of a comic, and you need to get on board.

To put it plainly, Web of Venom: Ve'Nam #1 is a must-read, plain and simple. It's a sci-fi thriller, an action-packed exploration of war, and a twisted slasher all rolled into one.

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.

This is already shaping up to be one of the better Wonder Woman runs in recent memory, and that's saying something.

This is an example of how truly great the character can be when someone thoughtful and sincere, with a mind to make real change in the world around them, is given the keys to the kingdom.

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

What a delightful throwback to pulpy TV monsters.

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.

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

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.

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

A grim and gory spectacle befitting both beloved characters.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

This creative team is firing on all cylinders. -

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

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.

A great final issue to a phenomenal run that will likely become synonymous with the character himself.

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.

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.

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.

Absolute Carnage continues to be a rowdy, twisted event that leaves you craving more after each and every page.

Somehow, someway, these "Absolute Carnage" tie-ins continue to exceed expectations.

There are genuinely compelling characters and fun artistic flourishes throughout this first issue, enough to have me give the second installment a chance.

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.

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

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

All-in-all, this is a promising start to potentially one of the best Ant-Man and Wasp team-ups we've ever seen.

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

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.

Jason Aaron did well to split the Avengers up with this issue, as he finally got the chance to highlight the character work that makes his writing so special.

This is finally shaping up to be the Avengers book that I'd been hoping for when Aaron and McGuinness signed on.

The first arc of Avengers was clunky, dull, and lacked a compelling villain. With one issue, Jason Aaron has turned all of those problems around and set Avengers on the right path.

This is a very fun book with a couple of final act teases that will get you genuinely excited for what's to come.

There's a lot to like about what happens in this Avengers, and no reason why it couldn't spawn several spinoff series.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for vampires and demons in comics, but this Avengers arc is really working.

There are times where it's hard to be invested because you're dealing with characters you don't really have any attachment to, but the satire of the issue makes it all worth it.

One of the strengths of this series is its ability to give a voice to characters we aren't use to hearing from.

There are some faulty steps at the beginning and end of the issue, but all around well-written, well-illustrated, and a good deal of fun.

That's what makes this book so solid, its ability to bring these different pieces together for a coherent and enjoyable experience. Plus, any comic with all of the Avengers goofing off in a hot tub gets bonus points in my book.

Nothing ever dives too deep below the surface, but it's a wonderful ride nonetheless. Can we get this version of the Avengers all the time?

There's a lot going on in this latest issue of Avengers, and most of it is off the rails in the best possible way.

Despite the story not really moving too much, you'd be hard pressed to find a more fun and frantic team up than Aaron's latest.

It's hard not to be excited for what's to come, even if not much has happened over the last couple of issues.

It's not always exciting nowadays when a great book pulls the "now we're going to space" card, but it really works for Aaron here.

Jason Aaron really enjoys playing in space, and he makes great fun for readers out in the great unknown.

With some rad new character designs and Aaron's impeccable take on Silver Surfer, Avengers #29 is a great entry to the series.

The Starbrand has been overused in Marvel team books for too long, but Aaron takes the idea in an entirely new direction here.

When all is said and done, No Road Home introduces an exciting new story that could prove to be a game-changing affair. Then again, it could also turn out to be just another Avengers off-shoot.

With a team of gods, androids, and immortal beings, Hawkeye shouldn't be the most interesting character on this Avengers roster, providing the inner monologue that narrates the entire book. But, here we are, and it seriously works.

It's got a solid roster and good villains, but Hawkeye and Rocket are the ones that really elevate it to new heights

This issue of No Road Home is almost a completely different book from the rest of the series, and it finds a way to work on multiple levels.

With some great (and beautifully illustrated) fight scenes, and a few very sincere and meaningful moments, this stands out as one of the better entries in the No Road Home saga.

The new spin on Scarecrow isn't completely original, but it's fresh and written well enough to get you excited about what's to come.

The excitement has finally picked up in Batman Beyond, and issue #23 easily stands out as one of the better issues of the new series.

The conclusion of the current Batman Beyond arc came fairly abruptly, but it makes for an enjoyable read nonetheless.

There isn't much story to tell with this issue, but Jurgens' writing of Joker Beyond makes it worthwhile.

This is one of those issues that reminds you how exciting the Batman Beyond property can be.

This issue has a bit of an anticlimactic end, but still a great progression for the characters involved.

In a series that started off very bland, reading through this issue is effortlessly refreshing.

If you're a fan of the character, this is definitely worth picking up.

True fans of the character, and those who have been paying good attention to the series up to this point, will be rewarded. Others may have a difficult time, but should enjoy the character work nonetheless.

Batwoman is the kind of story that comes with a complexity that's mostly fantastic, but also a tad frustrating.

Batwoman has been in a valley for a couple of issues, and I was VERY worried about this big "vs. Batman" fight distracting from the quality of Kate's story. However, it proved to be exactly the opposite, and the inner battle of a symbol versus your own family quickly became a powerful message.

It's a touching tribute to this character, and the journey she's embarked on over the last 18 issues. Even if you haven't read any of the series to this point, this book is worth picking up. As intended, you will put it down with more joy in your soul than when you first opened it.

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

This Black Cat run continues to surprise.

Black Cat #1 is a simple, grounded, but exciting series that gives an underutilized character the chance to shine on her own. It's not perfect, but it gets better as it goes along and certainly well-worth your time if you're looking for a new series to try out.

Everything at work in this book was already great, but adding in a crazed Merlin and a trip to the Sanctum Santorum make it even better. It's time to add this one to your pull list.

Equal parts espionage thriller and slapstick comedy, Black Cat is about as well rounded as it gets.

There's plenty of action, humor and excitement packed into Black Cat, especially in #5, but none of those reasons are why the book continues to work so well. Sure they help, but the success is all about the way Felicia's character is written.

This iteration of Felicia continues to be devilishly entertaining, even when there's not much else going on around her.

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

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.

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.

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.

This issue was smart, and sometimes powerful, even if the story was at a bit of a stand still.

If every issue of Champions were more like this one, leaning more on the quality of the relationships than the quirky teen jokes, the book would have a lot more people talking.

This issue sets up a great ride for the Champions going forward.

Champions #20 is a solid issue on many fronts, no matter how old you may be.

Thankfully, however, we at least get little moments with each Champion at some point in the book and, although the ending is a bit messy, it's still another exciting edition to an already stellar series.

Sam Alexander has never been better, which helps a lot in the absence of Kamala and Miles.

All in all it's still a very satisfying end to an even more satisfying story. Hopefully these characters won't be away from the spotlight for too long.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

David Dastmalchian's Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter may be a much more meta, much less fantastical approach to the wild horror concepts that Dark Horse has been known for over the years, but it's still a very enjoyable introduction to what could be the publisher's next great, twisted hit.

This book will be an absolute blast when it's collected and you can actually sink your teeth into large chunks at a time.

The story of the series needs to start going somewhere soon, but the ride is enjoyable nonetheless.

Count Crowley ends its first arc just as well as it started.

Between his big ideas and Geoff Shaw's grounded work, it's easy to buy into what Crossover is selling.

Cates really starts to find a more concrete voice as the narrator in this issue, and it absolutely does wonders for the book.

Just as the series starts to slow down a little much in its fifth issue, Cates and Shaw ramp up the excitement and keep everything engaging.

This issue is an absolute hit parade of some of the post popular characters from Image's history, and they all have a fun part to play.

I think there's still a little too much going on for a monthly series, but the individual plots continue to get more interesting.

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

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

Against all odds, Cyber Force has found a way to do what its other old school Image counterparts like Savage Dragon and Spawn have always failed to accomplish: be relevant and interesting in the 21st century.

Cyber Force #2 is a lot more world building that you might want out of a second issue, but it's an enjoyable read and it seems like the payoff will be worth the wait.

This is how Damage should look, feel, and read, each and every month. It's a bit sad that that doesn't happen.

With a fantastic appearance from Wonder Woman and another spreading of bread crumbs offering just one more hint at the larger mystery, this comic was a lot of fun. However, in the final few pages, the story circled back to a trope that we've already seen in its short run.

Definitely an exciting ride that's worth the read.

Damage has been a mostly subpar comic to this point, but it could've been so much more had it tried this out earlier.

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.

Dead Man Logan has spent quite a long time being dull and feeling utterly unnecessary, but this issue represents a wonderful change in the story.

This is way better than anything these OML titles have put out in a while.

It's definitely worth keeping up with this series for the last few issues.

This series had a really tough time staying interesting throughout, but the final road to its finale was actually quite compelling.

This isn't your granddaddy's Doctor Strange, making for a fun and enjoyable read with a lot of promise going forward.

Doctor Strange #3 is a wonderful example of how to keep a great series standing on its on, while also dropping some slight ties to the connected universe at large.

Waid attempts to use some non-linear storytelling to aim the story in a new direction, and it takes a few pages for the technique to finally work. However, once the story figures out where it's going, Doctor Strange gets firing on all cylinders, and reinvigorates the excitement that fans found in its first issue.

Doctor Strange continues to be one of the most interesting Marvel books on the market right now.

Still, despite the changes, this book is a lot of fun to read, and the sleek, colorful art style remains the perfect vehicle for the antics of Stephen Strange.

Nothing really happens in the book when all is said and done, but it will stand out as one of Strange's more interesting character studies.

Waid and his creative team are attempting to flip that notion on its head, and the first issue is quite promising. We'll see where it goes from here, but I'm genuinely intrigued. Job well done.

Doctor Strange is always fun when he's off in another realm and dealing with creatures that are beyond the comprehension of our space and time. That's exactly what's happening here and it works extremely well.

If this book can keep its simplicity, it will keep its charm.

I'm not sure this new direction for Doctor Strange is an exciting one or if we're being set up for a total bore. Either way, the journey there is pretty exciting.

Christopher Priest's mind is one of a kind.

Eve Stranger is essentially a millennial version of Jason Bourne with even more hints at secrets layered in its first chapter.

With issue #6 being the conclusion of an arc, FF has a hard time wrapping the story up neatly, but it's not quite as noticeable thanks to some great character work and dialogue.

This is easily the weakest installment of this new Fantastic Four series to date, but that's okay because Slott has raised the bar pretty high to this point. The crossover is just a small misstep on a nearly perfect series. That all said, it's still a mostly enjoyable read.

A perfect blend of action and comedy: the perfect balance for the FF.

You'll smile ear to ear on multiple occasions, which makes this book well worth your time.

With a blend of classic FF antics and new space-age characters, this is a great kick off to a seriously exciting ride.

It's incredibly gratifying to see them get back to the basics of what made them such beloved heroes in the first place.

This remains one of the most exciting Fantastic Four stories in some time.

This final installment of the "Point of Origin" saga was truly a great way to end the story, giving all parties closure while also setting up a great new direction for the next arc.

When there aren't event books happening, this remains such a fun read.

It could be an incredible launching point for stories from all over the universe, a device that connects the rich history of the Fantastic Four.

Franklin Richard's losing his powers is one of the best decisions Slott has made with the FF.

Nothing about the Fantastic Four should ever be traditional, and the last issue of this arc broke from tradition in the best of ways.

This series is playing the long game with Reed and Ben's relationship, and it's absolutely working.

It takes a bit to speed up, but this new arc shows a lot of promise.

Ben Grimm remains the most fantastic part of Slott's FF run. He's written so well and continues to be the beacon of hope the team, and the readers, need Ben to be, in spite of whatever is happening to him.

This court case delivers, with a fantastic villain in the Wizard and a well executed guest appearance from Jennifer Walters.

Ben Grimm has been the best part of the current Fantastic Four relaunch and this one-shot does even more to prove that.

Real American Hero #252 is a fun, breezy standalone issue that makes for a great read, leaving you hoping for more stories like this in the future.

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

Ghost-Spider is actually a really unique and intriguing blend of styles.

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

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

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.

It's a shame that such a good great cast of characters is being wasted in a Wolverine-centric event.

This second issue proves what I noted after Weapon Lost #1: this is far and away the best of the Hunt for Wolverine series of minis.

With a couple of great twists and callbacks to Marvel Comics of old, this issue is high on my pull list this week.

It would be really nice to see these four get together in another book down the line, because Soule knew the exact way to balance the group, and it worked on nearly every level.

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.

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.

It's honestly a brilliant way to show people, both young and old, that being yourself is the best thing that you could possibly be. Share this comic with other people.

The artistry of Immortal Hulk knows no bounds, as this issue, like each one before it, is filled with beautiful pages.

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

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

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.

JLA could quickly become one of DC's best series if this story continues.

Justice League of America continues a solid run with #26, though this issue does feel a little average compared to the last.

This third issue really digs into what this dilemma can do to a heart, even one that is guided by all the best intentions.

Stegman brings out the best in Cates, and vice versa. They make a formidable duo capable of telling some of the most imaginative and death-defying stories in the modern era of superhero comics, even when the premise seems simple to start.

You may lose some of the book's magic if you spend too much time thinking about every little detail, but this is a damn fun ride, just how event books should be.

King in Black is bananas. It's big, explosive, and bordering upon absurd, when you really think about it. It's also excellent, an exercise in how much fun a comic can be when everyone involved fully buys into its vision.

This entire one-shot is light on content, and may be disappointing for those who had their hopes up about it potentially beginning a new series. While it definitely accomplishes that, it's more of a teaser than an actual book.

Low has been and remains a beautiful book to read. The premise of the story is old, but the way Remender tells it is brand new, breathing new life into the sci-fi/fantasy genres.

All said, this is a great debut for the first post-Willow Kamala Khan series. The names of Kamala and Wilson will forever be intertwined, but Ahmed proves in this book that he's got plenty of story to tell, keeping our attention with the greatest of ease.

What Kamala Khan needs is more exciting and innovative sagas to call her own, adventures that highlight her strengths and abilities and continue to set her apart from the other heroes. That's exactly what Ahmed is doing here, and it's a ton of fun to read.

Ahmed and Vazquez continue to churn out a wicked fun Ms. Marvel adventure with this latest issue.

Mixing family dynamics and superheroics has been Ahmed's bread and butter with Ms. Marvel and it's still working wonders.

In all honesty, it feels like the book is getting even better as time goes on.

Perhaps the best thing this Ms. Marvel series has going for it is that all of Kamala's fears and concerns feel equally important, making the book compelling no matter what is going on.

It's all about playing catch-up, but this issue of Ms. Marvel does so in a way that's both interesting and exciting, using the imagination to set up the story to come.

This issue may not feel like classic Manifest Destiny, and the book has certainly been more exciting in the past, but this take on a thrilling political coup is a great installment nonetheless.

There isn't anything really groundbreaking happening here, but that's okay, Mega Man is thoroughly enjoyable all the same, even if you find yourself brand new to the material.

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

As promised, this book focuses on a much more "Brooklyn-level" villain and story, which is a perfect direction for Miles now that he's the focus of millions of fans around the globe.

For the first few pages of this issue, Captain America seems like a totally unnecessary companion for Miles and his story. However, once the duo clicks, things get real good, real fast.

This issue is more of a one-off story, but that's OK with a book like this.

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

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

Combining that direction with a uniquely head-turning art style, Moths is very much a book worth paying attention, one that feels like it has the potential to capture the moment we're living in better than just about everything else that has tried.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Nightwing #9 has a great direction. The story knows exactly where it wants to go and what it wants to be. Unfortunately, it doesn't always know the best way to get there.

Orlando knocked the dialogue out of the park (as he often does), the art and colors (by Chang, Campbell, and Maiolo) were gorgeous, and the twists mostly found a way to tell further Nightwing's legacy without relying on the tropes of Batman.

This is one of the rare cases where I wish a one-off comic story would get the chance to expand. I think there's a lot of good to work with here.

This is a solid art style for a Nightwing series; it's gritty, jagged, and somewhat rough, but that matches the style of Grayson's narrative.

Those who have craved a true Old Man Logan story will undoubtedly be pleased with the annual.

Old Man Logan is quickly becoming the poster child for the phrase "Quit while you're ahead."

This is nothing more than a roller coaster ride with two of Marvel's more ridiculous personalities, and it's an enormously run read because of that.

Sadly, it looks like the book may be regressing to the mean now that this is over.

Brisson was taking the story back to another game of cat and mouse with Bullseye, which didn't go over too well the first time around. However, this new chapter of that saga moves much more quickly than its predecessor. Bullseye is painted as a much more manic version of himself, which is a nice change of pace, and Logan is joined by an ally that anyone who read Bullseye's limited solo series has been hoping to see again.

This violent, cat-and-mouse type of story is perfect for OML as a character, and Bullseye finally seems to be utilized correctly.

Issue #45 is the conclusion of Logan's second bout with Bullseye, and it is an absolute page-turner of a tale.

Surprisingly, Old Man Logan #49 actually has glimpses of the retrospective story that made the character a hit in the first place.

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

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

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

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.

This is a fun, fresh start for Power Girl.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Despite being a little less intense than the previous issue, Redneck #12 is still a great installment to the series, which is heading in a potentially fascinating new direction.

However, even in a set-up issue like this, the series finds a way to add even more layers to the characters you already love, and delivers a brilliant final page that leaves you craving next month's edition.

If you've been reading Redneck from the beginning, you surely won't be disappointed.

Redneck #16 is one of the more profound issues of the entire series, allowing for the smaller, more intimate relationships in the family to shine through.

Even in an issue like this one, which can be seen as a filler sort of situation to set up the bigger confrontation ahead, it's hard to take your attention away from the Bennett clan.

There is a lot left to happen in these final five issues, but knowing where it all ends up surprisingly makes it all the more exciting.

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.

Taking an outside look at our fears is a great way to reminds ourselves that we chose to surround ourselves with specific people for a reason, and this issue does a wonderful job of doing just that.

This one-shot is spot on.

The book as a whole is moving in the right direction and I'm much more invested in #3 than I was coming into this one.