Chris Galvin Comic Reviews

As first issues go, this was a good starting point, with enough ideas and plot developments tokeep the series going for quite a while. The twist at the end isintriguing yet makessense, and it will be interesting to see how its ramifications shape the lives of the Agents ofS.H.I.E.L.D.

This book is something I have been looking forward to for a long time. After reading a preview of ANAD AVENGERS at Free Comic Book Day, I anticipated that the team would be fully formed. This issue is largely set-up for the future, but ultimately enjoyable for what it does offer: Waid's writing is good, the art is fantastic, and while Waid seems to be playing the long game for now, once these Avengers finally come together, this book could easily soar to great heights.

As theAvengers book, this will need more to keep me interested. The issue 0 from New Comic Book Day was exactly what I expected from this series, the sense of fun and danger, but ALL NEW ALL DIFFERENT AVENGERS has not lived up to its potential… yet.

This is the Avengers comic I have been waiting for. ALL NEW ALL DIFFERENT AVENGERS #4 is a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I hope the sense of fun and adventure on show here carries through the rest of the run. Readers Assemble!

Overall it was one of the stronger issues, but I can't help but feel that Waid is not as into it as expected. Six issues in, and I don't feel the hype for ALL NEW ALL DIFFERENT AVENGERS.

ANGELA: QUEEN OF HEL #1 is a strong debut in the All New All Different Marvel line up. The Asgardian writers, Aaron, Ewing, and Gillen can embrace Bennett with open arms, as she spins another legend the gods can be proud of!

Agree or disagree with my review? Leave us a comment in the section below!

With the ending of this issue, the third arc of BIRTHRIGHT has been wrapped up. Mikey has made some very bad choices but we have yet to find out why. His family is still trying to put the pieces of the puzzle in place yet something just won't fit. Some mages want him dead while others want him alive. If the ending of this issue is anything to go by, the returning issue in June will give us some answers. However, it will probably open the door to so many more questions. I, for one, cannot wait to ask them.

So while the issue didn't move that much plot forward, there werefamily issues here that needed to be resolved before we can go further. From what I've read so far, it seems that this arc will definitely be the most personal to date.

You want something that smacks of old fashioned charm, and tells you a great character driven story? You've come to the right comic buddy! Excelsior!

This series has an the markings of one of Marvels strongest series this year. This is pure comics, make sure to get on board!

If there was any doubt that this series is an attempt at creating a golden age story featuring everyone's favorite Captain, Tim Sale decides to seal the deal, with a homage to Tales of Suspense #85. In the original issue, Cap has a silent hand to hand fight with Batroc the Leaper. This was rendered with power by Jack Kirby and is striking in its composition. Loeb has Cap fight another Leaper, and well… Sale drew it the only way he could. Kirby Style!

With only one issue left, it will be sad to see this series go. It is a strong contender for the best mini series Marvel has done this year. Full of joy and vigour, CAPTAIN AMERICA: WHITEis perfect super hero storytelling. I would say they don't make them like they used to, but thank God they still do.

This is a classic Cap series, and for all you Marvel fans that want something that harks back to a different age, this is the perfect book for you. While this series may have ended, it has been enjoyable the whole way through, and is a remarkable read. Get on it True Believers!

If you like what you see and want to purchase a digital copy of Cosmic #1 (issue 2 is also available) go to panelspublishing. If you'd prefer a floppy, the creative team will be at Emerald City Comicon from the 7th to the 10th of April.

Overall, DEDICATION#3 is a fun entry in an entertaining series. Though DEDICATION #3 is (still)d a fun entry in an entertaining series, it feels like the story has said everything it needs to. Where else can this series go? Will it become darker to fit in with the rest of the Double Take series? Will the zombies become more dangerous and start eating the staff? Will George care about the end of the world as we know It if the store is okay?It'll be interesting to see if the gag starts to wear thin in issue #4.

I had concerns aboutwhere the series could go when it felt it had reached a natural conclusion after issue 3.Watching George making deals to own as much of Evans County as possible does, however, create potential for a larger story.While the zombie side of things is starting to become confusing, there's still enough in the DEDICATION seriesto enjoy.

Enjoyed the issue? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Overall, HAUNTED MANSION #1 is a strong debut for the series. There are times when the writing lends itself to the younger age bracket, explaining things that are happening in each panel, but that could be because it wasn't specifically written with people of my age in mind. However, this is a very minor quibble, as it's great to see more comics released for the all-ages market. Visually interesting and tons of fun, HAUNTED MANSION #1 is a spookily good time.

HONOR #2 brings the thrills Issue #1 only hinted at. This is a good comic, full of surprises and well executed tension.

The Honor series has been great with building up great tension and superb pacing. Despite some minor niggles, Honor #3 is the strongest of the issues so far with some great visuals and exciting tension.

Overall, it wasn't what I initially expected from a HOOK JAW comic; the shark was mainly off panel, and it was more character focused. However,it made sense to do it this way. It has a nice slow build up, establishing the main cast of characters and a solid plot. With these in place, HOOK JAW #2 is set to provide the sort of gruesome action that #1 hints at, and I, for one, cannot wait to read more.

Humorous and hits the ground running, Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. has a lot of potential but needs to really sell the action!

It works very well as a limited series, and I hope that the rest of the issues delve a bit into Scrooge's past to see how he went from a spirit of Christmas to a cynical investigator of the paranormal.

As first issues go, this is intriguing, involving and a lot of fun. To have Victor Von Doom command a comic series is inspired, and while there is concern that this villain could lose some of his edge in becoming a hero, INFAMOUS IRON MAN #1 gives me confidence this series won't have any easy answers. I will definitely be back for #2. Doom commands it!

The creative team take no time in getting into a new mystery full of suspense, humor and sandwiches. This is a great start to a promising new story arc. The best comic you'll read this week!

Overall, this second arc of INJECTION has been enjoyable, fun, and a rewarding reading experience. While the case may be solved, the threat of the Injection still looms large over our cast of characters, and it will be interesting to see which character the creative team will focus on next when INJECTION returns at the end of the year.

A different Bond to what your used to. But an intriguing one all the same. JAMES BOND 007: VARGR could just be what the Doctor (No) ordered.

Despite that, Hitch's writing is solid throughout and Daniel draws a fantastic Justice League. While I'm not sure if I'll commit to the series, I will definitely give JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 a read.

Overall, this feels like a quieter issue, as the League regroups to try and figure out how to stop catastrophe from coming. With a solid script and amazing art, JUSTICE LEAGUE #2 is a strong issue. It'll be interesting to see how this first arc pans out, and I'll definitely be along for the ride.

A combination of great writing and art work that bridges reality and fantasy, KLAUS #1 reads like the perfect Christmas story. Morrison and Mora have sold this story to a self-confessed Christmas fan, and, if the first issue is anything to go by, it is bound to be one magical ride.

There were one or two panels featuring Sykes where his body posture and his actions seemed a bit off, but in the larger scheme of things, it's a small issue in a brilliantly produced book. Without any of these four people involved in MALEVOLENCE, I believe it would have not have been as effective as it is. Each brought something unique to the table and in turn we readers get a highly polished Independent horror comic that you'll want to revisit again and again.

Williamson is a great storytelling ringmaster, making sure we get caught up in the deepening mystery of Buckaroo. Fun, exciting, and stomach churning, NAILBITER continues to thrill. Will we get to find out what makes Buckaroo so dangerous? Eventually, but when the storytelling is so good, they can take their time getting there.

Issue 20 of Nailbiter has it all and more. If mystery, suspense, and buckets of blood are your thing, get on this, and support a great comic series!

Full of energy, mystery, suspense and fun, NAILBITER #21 should be on everyone's must reads this week. Haven't read the previous issues? Get the collections and jump on board this new arc now!

In NAILBITER #30, the creative team stick the series finale landing, answering a mystery that has been plaguing fans since the beginning, while also delivering some satisfying shocks.

The anthology is finished off with some concept art which is a great insight into the genesis of character designs. As an anthology series, PROJECT CROSSROADS has a nice mixture of stories, each entertaining, engaging, and with a twist in the tale. Comics are supposed to be fun, entertaining, and something that sticks in the mind long after. PROJECT CROSSROADS succeeded on all fronts, and is another positive step in the right direction for Irish comics.

While the story is simplistic (why would it need to be complicated?), throughout the laughs and little easter eggs, we can also see a friendship building. And its a nice sweet relationship that naturally builds over the course of the book. For a debut this is solid stuff, and this is something that had clearly a lot of work put into it, yet it reads so effortlessly. It's easy to see why Irish Comic News voted him as Best Newcomer of 2015. So Comic fans, no matter where in the world you are, order this, read this and enjoy a major new Irish talent!

Bolshoe Spasibo to Alex Grecian, Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia and Thomas Mauer. It's been an adventure I'm glad I've been a part of.

Everything begins with a burst of flame and descends into madness from there. A skin-crawlingly satisfying first issue.

One really nice touch is the placement of advertisements throughout the issue. These ads are satirical looks at colognes and perfumes. The Renato Jones fragrance, 'Luxury, you'll pay for it' aims straight for the financial jugular. While these ads and the comic itself seem like heightened attacks on the super rich, the booknever takes itself too seriously. It's more satire than realism. But it does ask questions about the price humanity has to pay to gain wealth and power. Is the price humanity itself? RENATO JONES: THE ONE %#1 is an entertaining comic book that gives no quarter and doesn't hold its punches. Despite itspremise, it is something that can appeal to the masses with its art, humor and action. Here's looking to issue 2.

Young writes a nice, tight issue and sets up a mystery that will be fun to tag along with. His dialogue is snappy, and suits the tone of the characters. My only small gripewashow the rest of the Guardians react to the deaths of Rocket and Groot. I've never known Flash Thompson or Ben Grimm to be flippant about death and it rang a bit hollowwith me. However, I was able to shake that early misstep off as the story moved away from the Guardians and into an exciting adventure. Fora first issue, ROCKET RACCOON AND GROOT #1is a strong start where (almost) everything comes together.

It really feels like the creative team on this book are just let off the leash to let their creativity flow. This issue is clever, fun, and will give any reader a smile that will stay with them for a while. You couldn't want more than that, could you?

Without going any more into plot details, it's resolved at a very personal cost (though slightly ruined by the 'You Want To Know What Happens Next?' preview of issue 4 on the next page). SILVER SURFER #3 is the perfect closing chapter on the Surfer's 50 year anniversary, yet opens up potential for another 50 years of great storytelling. Any chance Slott and the Allreds can stick around for that long?

SIX SWORDS #1 digs its spurs in the ground, loads its guns, un-sheaths its swords, and demands respect from you varmints!

Despite my misgivings, the story of SOUL is still intriguing enough to continue reading the series. Plus, I'd really like to know how Ben is going to get out that cliffhanger!

Overall, this is a strong issue with a twist that really pushes this story into the realm of science fiction. Looking at Double Take's other #4 titles, it looks like they're about to unleash a whole bunch of crazy, and I'm definitely on board.

Chris Brunner does a great job on SOUTHERN BASTARDS. Latour's art in the series is more visceral, and gnarly. Brunner's inks are a bit more polished, but it also feels more vicious when a character reacts. A close-up panel of a snarling Esaw just sums up how feral people can be, and his sharp lines give great volumes of emotion. While this may be a slight break from the norm, it is definitely welcome. However, if the creative team decided to shake things up further down the line, I'd be more than ok with it.

This is my favorite Spider book at the moment and if Bendis and crew can create a stellar issue without one moment of Spidey action, their storytelling power guarantees I'll come back again and again. It's the most entertaining comic I've read this month.

A special shout out should also go to VC's Cory Petit. Any letterer who can control Bendis' rat-ta-tat dialogue, giving each sentence its own paced beat without compromising the artwork, should be celebrated. Again, this just shows what the right people can do when put on a book. They all make it soar and swing. SPIDER-MAN continues to be one Marvel's best. Make sure to jump on board and enjoy a modern Marvel masterpiece in the making.

As issues go, it had moments of humor and honesty, and the plot is still going strong. But it does feel a bit slight at times: some of the dialogue is a bit repetitive and it's the weakest of the series so far. However, even at its weakest, it's still a fine comic book. SPIDER-MAN #7 continues the CIVIL WAR II tie-in trend, but if the whole event plays out like this issue, I won't mind that much.

SPIDER-MAN is on my pull listand will continue to be because it has been an enjoyable, fun, inspiring read. The interruptions put upon the series due to events are frustrating; its plot is at a standstill as it crosses over with another event. These actions can become dangerous because this issue is not as accessible to ongoing readers of SPIDER-MAN, so it could alienate newer readers, and this, in turn, can lead to people just not picking up (or dropping) the book. While still readable and entertaining, SPIDER-MAN #9 should have spent more time on its own plot without having to bow down to the latest event.

Thisis a strong issue in a Superman series that feels confident in its storytelling. It's enjoyable and fun while keeping the stakes high. At its heart stands a hero that feels like Superman again, ready to do the right thing with a smile on his face. This time around, he just wants to save his son. Hopefully this story arc stays consistent and strong, and I'll keep coming back for more.

Packed full of color, inspiring moments, and tear-inducing sequences, SUPERMAN #4 is an emotionally riveting issue in a story arc that continues to deliver month after month.

With an ending that will excite you and a Super-family that you can't help but love, the creative team have successfully revitalized the much loved character and madethis series one of the must-buys of DC's Rebirth line. Up, up, and away!

If you want to see what Superman can be, pick up this book. It'll make you believe again.

BOWERY BOYS: OUR FATHERSis a treat. It reads like an adventure through a bygone age. It feels like Charles Dickens and Martin Scorcese collaborated on a period piece and this was the fruit of their work. It's powerful, shocking, funny and speaks a lot about the human condition. Like most good books do.

This is not a series for the easily unnerved, but it's a modern horror comic that is at least as strong as anything else on the shelves, arguably even more so. Beautifully terrifying, CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #5 is nothing short of creepy excellence. "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes." And I will be waiting for it.

THE GODDAMNED #1 is a compelling read. It shows humanity at its absolute worst, it doesn't sugar coat anything, and hope has long abandoned this dirty rock spinning through space. But it grabs you from that first moment, and your eyes can't help but watch a fully realised world unfold before you. It's what Jason Aaron does best, sit you down, slap you across the face and make you pay attention, all the while telling you a story you need to know.

As first issues go, it's a belter. Full of what makes Thor great, while setting up future story arcs that are bound to be epic. Get thee to a comic shop and procure a copy now!

THE MIGHTY THOR's creative team is at the absolute height of their powers, and you need to put this comic on your pull list. The power of Thor compels you!

It's a tale full of treachery and jealousy in a world full of death and honor. Aaron has already shown he can write a viking ballad like no other (his God Killer run is testament to this), and this issue adds the viciousness with Garres' art. It's a painted style full of thick, violent inks and splashes of dark color. In a lot of ways, his style reminds me of stone wall murals, with the action carved out of the very rocks, especially considering the narrowness of depth between the foreground and background in each panel. The characters on the page are lacking some detail, but their actions are clear and full of purpose.

Overall, this is another great issue in a series that shows no sign of dipping in quality. But while it has been enjoyable to get another glimpse at the life of a younger Thor, the previews page at the end made me realize how much I missed Jane Foster. Her absence didn't detract from enjoying this issue, but seeing her in flight made me excited to see her back in action, wielding the mighty Mjolnir once again. Bring on THE MIGHTY THOR #8!

This arc, titled "Lords of Midgard" has gotten off to a strong start; enemy against enemy, a spy agency on Jane's case. There is a lot to play for in future issues. If the rest of the story is like this, this could be the most fun Thor story yet.

Packed to the brim with gun fights, sword fights, and hammer fights, THE MIGHTY THOR #9 packs a punch for those of you who enjoy classic action. Jane Foster continues to be a fantastic character and brings a lot of humanity to a story about gods. With each swing of Mjolnir, she continues to prove she is the god of thunder.

By the end of the issue, there is a certain air of mystery about Mjolnir, and an almost heavenly glow surrounds it. As a standalone issue, it is an astounding throwback to Norse Mythology. The creative team cranks out an epic adventure that is bound to leave you breathless. THE MIGHTY THOR #12 is indeed a tale to astonish!

It would be easy to ride the coat tails of popular culture as everything from that pulp era is mined, but 'The Steam Man' #1 does enough to make it its own beast. I expect this to be a great mini series which will read slightly better in trade. Maybe because I'm impatient to see how it unfolds. A good solid issue, with a hint of great storytelling to come.

Overall, though there isn't much action, and it is a bit dialogue heavy, this issue is full of important decisions. The issues that follow will reveal the ramifications of them.

Aaron Losty and his collaborators hit at the heart with an honest book that looks unflinchingly at death. THE WAVES THAT BREAK is a powerful piece of comics storytelling. It's worth picking up.

There is mystery here, and Caitlin Kittredge writes a solidscript. The issue asks some interesting questions: why do people want Abby and Dean dead? Was Abby part of a top-secret military program? Where did Dean get his powers? THROWAWAYS #1, however, doesn't quite leave the reader wanting to find out the answers to these questions. Hopefully #2 will be more effective in this regard.

While it may not be your usual comic book, there is enough here to draw you in. Project-Nerd Publishing has already debuted this series as of February 1 and will be following up witha more diverse rangeof titles soon.

This issue is a slow burner, and it needed to be. It's trying to re-establish a bond between three heroes that know each other, yet are perfect strangers. The cliffhanger didn't 100% grab me, but it didn't matter. I am sold on the journey these characters are embarking on; to become friends, heroes, and the Trinity once more.

It is nice to see a done-in-one book, and the plotting is simple but effective. For me, while it was fun, I'm not sure if it grabbed me enough to go back for a second issue. It was light and entertaining, and the art suits it so well, but there didn't feel like there was a sense of real danger or character investment. While not the strongest first issue, I hope it improves on each successive installment.

As comics go, it is a rip-roaring adventure, with a cocksure hero who deals with things head on. My only concern with the series so far is the lacking sense of danger. Action packed acrobatics and space adventures are enjoyable to read, but so far it feelslike there's no threat or danger that Thompson can't handle. And that could prove detrimental to such a fun book. Once you stop caring about a character, you could very well just stop reading. Having said that, with only two issues gone, Thompson has plenty of time to add layers to Flash and his story. Here's hoping it's sooner rather than later because I love this book!

WONDER WOMAN #2 is full of character, with plenty of emotion, energy, and heart. It's like rediscovering old friends all over again. A lovely start to an exciting arc; this is the book of the week!

There are a few minor criticisms I have of the art; some artistic choices are off, like when Cheetah makes an aggressive move that is then negated in the next panel. For example, there is one moment where she is charging towards Wonder Woman in one panel, then in the next, she is just standing beside her. It can feel at times like there is too much action happening between the panels,which canlead to a slightly jarring reading experience. But, these are only momentary set-backs that never get in the way of an amazingly powerful story.This was an exceptionally strong issue that left me hungering for more.

With flawless art, Wonder Woman #4 moves along at a confident pace, achieving a lot in the space of one issue. One of DC's strongest titles.

With hints of what's to come in 'Year One' and a much-anticipated reunion between Steve and Diana, the series continues to deliver stunning and engaging stories. Full of fantasy, pathos, and an empowering heroine, DC have struck gold with WONDER WOMAN.

WONDER WOMAN #6 manages to cram a lot of character history and plotinto a short space of time without it feeling overbearing. The script is tight, the words chosen carefully. The art is wonderful and definite on each page. This series continues to be one of the stars of DC Rebirth.

Despite these issues,Greg Rucka, Liam Sharp, and Laura Martin continue to make WONDER WOMAN a damn fine and essential read. In their hands Diana has become as inspiring, as hopeful, and as full of courage as Superman. She may even outshine him.

WONDER WOMAN #9 begins with a recap, builds on the romance, and ends with Diana coming face to face with possible answers to her quest. It has everything a good comic should have. This creative team knows how to tell a good story without having to rely on pointless action scenes. Nothing is superfluous, and everything they do matters. It's one of DC Rebirth's strongest titles, so do yourself a favor and pick it up.

WONDER WOMAN #10 is a perfect blend of action, humor, a slight dash of romance, and plenty of gorgeous art to pour over. This series continues to blow your expectations out of the water, delivering top-tier storytelling from masters of their craft. It's a wonderful issue starring a wonder[ful] woman.

These small gestures really come into play here as she wanders around her apartment, reflecting on her life. A flick of the eyes and a flex of her arm add layers to her internal dialogue. When she finally decides to take action, (and don a new costume) she goes to Olympus to demand answers. But of who? That is the question of the series. Wonder Woman knows that her life is a contradiction; something is not right. And we, as readers, will have a front row seat to her journey.So hey, it looks like I might have found the Wonder Woman book that helps me 'get' her appeal. Bring on WONDER WOMAN #1.