American Carnage is a strong start to a story that feels very important, especially in today's world. It feels authentic and comes at a time where we need a hard look at how these movements start.

This is really great stuff, a nuanced look at a terrible topic that doubles as a captivating and compelling crime story.

This is a fantastic and nuanced series, one that combines gritty criminal drama with a hard look at the worst parts of society.

Snyder and Capullo really do bring out the best in one another when they work together, and the lengthier page count helps as well.

Last Knight, in it's own twisted way, is a really fun read and it's great to see Snyder and Capullo with the shackles off and weaving a strange new tale in the DC Universe.

Ultimately, this is a fun story that highlights a younger Batman and Robin and their differing approaches to fighting crime, along with a Freeze who is evil, but still retains a brief hope of redemption.

Bitter Root isn't afraid to tackle weighty issues while still having some fun, giving us some new heroes that are much needed in today's world.

Bitter Root is a fun book, Bitter Root is a smart book, and most importantly Bitter Root is a necessary book for today's world.

This is a deliberately grim comic, but a powerful one.

The deep metaphors in this book, wrapped around an exciting storyline about facing insurmountable odds, are extremely good.

This issue is mostly a reintroduction to the world of Bitter Root, but it's a great jumping on point and also sets up even bigger stakes for this next arc.

Overall, this is still one of Image's best series.

The creative team of David F. Walker, Sanford Greene, and Chuck Brown are doing fantastic work in Bitter Root, blending together action and magic with hard looks at the racism that Black people have always faced in our nation.

After all, what progress is truly being made in dealing with racism and bigotry, even after a summer of protests and endless talking points and superficial changes?

Bitter Root #11 serves as a great jumping on point for one of Image's best series.

It's another fantastic issue of one of the best series in recent years. Every issue is a must read.

This is the rare anthology comic that enhances its character instead of padding it, providing some added depth before Bitter Root's second arc.

Blackwood was a great comic that didn't receive nearly enough acclaim, and I'm glad to see its mix of occult weirdness, humor, and horror return.

Blackwood could be a contender for series of the year, and I can't wait to read what happens next.

This is the best horror comic of 2018, a must-read for fans of the occult, Lovecraft, or the strange.

Humorous, heartbreaking, and intense, Blackwood: The Mourning After is a great series that should be getting a lot more acclaim.

Bloodborne is a great horror comic, and a book that transcends the material which it's based on and finds a way to truly disturb every issue.

Originally, this issue was supposed to be the end of Ales Kot and Piotr Kowalski's story on Bloodborne. But while this issue's end is appropriately vague, I'm glad that we'll get to see more of this world for a while longer.

Vox Machina Origins II is one of the best comics adaptations I've read in a while. It oozes fun and personality, and serves as an excellent starting point for fans interested in what Critical Role has to offer. It's also a great fantasy series that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves traditional adventures in high fantasy.

This is another wonderful issue"a must read for Critters everywhere.

This issue reminded me a lot of the early episodes of Critical Role, in the best possible way, and I think fans will continue to love this series.

Olivia Samson's artwork remains phenomenal"she's had a fantastic 2019 and I hope we get to see her shine even more next year.

This is a great start to a series, and it really brings Daredevil into some surprisingly unexplored territory.

This is another fun issue that explores a side of Daredevil that we don't often see, and the series is quickly becoming one of Marvel's finest books.

Dark Knights of Steel is an exciting comic book and will hopefully mark the start of a wider world that Taylor, Putri, and other creators can romp in for years to come.

This is already becoming one of DC's strongest comics.

Dark Knights of Steel #3 is a fantastic comic, one that tells a great story unshackled by the constraints of continuity.

This was a great fifth issue and sets up what should be a very intriguing second half of the series.

This is another very strong issue of one of DC's best comics.

This isn't high fantasy it's violent fantasy and I'm enjoying every moment of it.

By embracing the darkness, Detective Comics #1062 sets the mood for what could be an instant classic by two of the comic industry's top talents.

This is a fantastic Batman comic, in part because it seems so unlike any other Batman comic that's come before.

This was a strong finale to the arc and continues to build upon previous B-stories and character focuses from previous issues. A fun end that sets up a promising next arc.

This is definitely the most interesting Detective Comics has been since the Morrison era and I'm looking forward to the comic's continuation.

Die lures you in and sinks its hooks into you, leaving you wanting more and, in essence, turning you into the very thing it warns against.

The Wicked + The Divine, Phonogram, and Journey Into Mystery always had a bit of a playful side that balanced out all the darkness, but DIE is all horror, darkness, and misery. And it's absolutely brilliant.

Gillen knows how to twist the knife in a way that both depresses and educates his readers.

This book is such a masterclass on storytelling and a commentary on TTRPGs, and I can't wait to see what happens next issue.

DIE #5 is a pretty fantastic issue, the perfect finale to an action-packed opening arc.

As Kieron Gillen notes in the afterward, DIE is not only about RPGs, but also about how people get the fantasy they crave and the consequences of it. In that regard, DIE is another brilliant issue, with beautiful Stephanie Hans, a story that deserves multiple re-reads, and an ending that reveals just why the party was so hesitant about going back to their old stomping grounds.

As always, everything about this series is perfect, and DIE remains one of the top characters on the stand.

This remains such a complicated and wonderful book that reminds readers that not all choices have easy answers or clean endings.

This remains a fantastic fantasy series that takes a hard look at how the games we play affect our lives.

This is easily Image's best comic of the year.

Die remains a masterclass in blending fantasy action with heartwrenching introspection, and I can't wait to see how this arc ends.

A ton happens in this issue, including more digging into the literature that forms the foundation of DIE, and this continues to be the best comic available today.

I could write a long essay about why DIE is a must-read comic, but it's definitely a "critical hit" for anyone who has ever had a complicated relationship with a game.

It's hard to explain much more without spoiling this issue, but just know that DIE remains the best comic on the stands today.

The next arc sends DIE into one of the most classic fantasy tropes of all, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

As DIE enters its final act, it heads to a new area marked by a new theme familiar to all gamers - cosmic horror.

If you have a relationship with tabletop games or the Cthulhu mythos, this is a must-read comic.

Everything about this comic is heartbreaking and somber, and I'm wondering how the creative team will deliver even more sadness in its final two issues.

DIE ends next month, and I will miss this masterful comic, the best book Image has published in years.

DIE asks the question if letting that fandom feed on your soul, if inviting it to become a part of your true self, is a good or bad thing. It provides no easy answers"enjoying something to the point that you "lose yourself" to it can provide relief, joy, and comfort, and it can also be toxic and harmful"but the examination itself was poignant, thoughtful, and masterful throughout.

A Darkened Wish is a must read for any fans of "classic" fantasy, even if you've never picked up a die to play D&D.

This is the definitely the strongest D&D comic of the year.

The real highlight of this issue is Max Dunbar's art, who does an amazing job bringing one of the Forgotten Realms' critical historical moments to life. Dunbar is a fantastic artist, and his work really shines this issue.

While Jim Zub's writing is top notch, Max Dunbar's art is really what shines here.

Fables #159 is the best issue of the series' revival, in part because it comes closest to capture the form of the original series.

If you're a Spider-Man fan, you'll love this comic.

I'm glad that The Blue Wall finally lived up to its potential, because this is a comic that I'll be thinking about for a while.

The result is not only one of the better comics of 2023, but also one of the strongest Image Comics debuts published in the last decade.

Hexagon Bridge continues at its slow pace, but the art continues to be the highlight of the issue.

A fantastic first issue, a testament to Bond without glorifying imperial Britain.

Honestly, this is a great James Bond series, one that blends the ruthlessness of the original novels with some of the theatrics of the movies and Garth Ennis's very distinct humor.

Those who loved the DnA run of Guardians of the Galaxy needs to pick up this comic"it has quickly turned into one of DC's best books.

And while Thor and Loki's battle is earth-shattering and epic, it's also melancholic and barren, a reminder that we're approaching the end, not only of Thor, but of the entire universe.

King Thor ends Jason Aaron's Thor run on a melancholy high note, which seems fitting given the epic story he's woven over the past few years.

Truly fantastic stuff Federici needs a top-tier comic ASAP.

Mamo #1 by Sas Milledge is a stunningly gorgeous comic that uses a focus on its two lead characters to tease the magic lurking on the outskirts of its world, hiding just beneath the surface.

Honestly, as a fan of folklore, I'm a wholehearted fan of Mamo and can't wait to read more.

Mamo is a refreshing, witchy comic perfect for the upcoming spooky season.

It's horrific and sad without being grotesque, and honestly this is just the sort of grey and sad magic story that we need more of.

It's a must-read series for 2021.

This is quickly turning into a must-read comics series.

Tom King and Mitch Gerads draw on their creative strengths to pull off what's probably the best issue of the Mister Miracle maxi-series.

But while Mister Miracle #11 was another strong issue of a consistently strong miniseries, I feel that everyone will be waiting with bated breath for next month's finale to see whether King and Gerads stick the landing, or if this issue's big twist falls flat.

This is a strong first issue and is highly recommend for anyone who loves fantasy or is just looking for something different out of their comics.

Any comic that fits in a bard gag is worthy of high praise, and Modern Fantasy is one of the funniest comics I've read this year.

Naomi feels like a special comic, although it's sadly still too soon to say for certain. The book is excellently written and illustrated, and even the pacing is very consistent, albeit frustratingly slow at times.

Naomi #6 is a bright and colorful finale to its opening arc that gives the title character a firm purpose in her world.

This is a great return to the Milestone Universe and I hope that every Milestone comic receives the same care and fantastic storytelling as Static: Season One.

As evidenced by the last two pages, there will be some big ramifications for Superman moving forward, but I think Bendis and Ivan Reis did a fantastic job bringing this milestone to life.

This might be the best issue of Brian Bendis's Superman yet.

Superman #21 is what every superhero comic needs to be. It lingers on the big moments when it needs to, it doesn't rush through conversations or scenes, and it doesn't fall prey to padding an issue for the trade.

Some fans may not like how swiftly a few of the looming subplots are seemingly dealt with (another Bendis hallmark), but honestly, there's very little to hate about this very good superhero comic.

This is a must-read issue of Superman that explains everything that's gone on through the character's head over the last couple of years.

With Bendis's run on Superman starting to wind down, I think issues like this one are what I'll miss the most.

The duo of Michael Oeming and Taki Soma are one of the best in the business and they make every issue of The After Realm a must read experience just for the art.

While the comic seems to relish showcasing Batman's roots and how different the Golden Age Batman was from his modern incarnation, Jurgens and Perkins still tell a compelling pulp tale that excites and intrigues on its own merits.

Derek Landy and Philip Tan have made me care about the Black Order.

This is a must-read comic that will both entertain and educate and help fill your gaps in cartoon history.

This is another must-read issue for anyone who loves cartoons.

This is another well-researched issue, and next issue's dive into the Saturday Morning Cartoon blocks should be equally fantastic.

If you are a fan of cartoons and animation, you really should pick up this comic.

The Good Asian #1 is one of the strongest debuts of 2021 so far. Not only is the comic a poignant tale on its own, its subject and protagonist are especially striking given recent events.

The Good Asian #2 continues on a strong first issue with another lurid look into San Francisco during the 1930s.

This is a great comic and has become one of 2021's must-read books.

Every good noir story continuously raises the stakes, and creator Pornsak Pichetshote finds a fantastic way to mix external factors (the very real anti-Asian sentiments during the 1930s) with an extremely personal one.

This is a must-read series, one of the best of the year.

This is a can't miss series, one of the best published by Image today.

Bringing in Lucy for the final chapters was a good step, not only because it gives Edison someone who doesn't put up with his constant self-loathing, but also because it shows him the value of having someone he can trust.

The Last God is a strong first chapter with gorgeous art that feels very different from other fantasy comics out there. If you're a fan of classic sword and sorcery fantasy, pick up The Last God today.

All in all, this is a great chapter, one that's both weird and horrifying and completely unlike any other fantasy tale in recent history.

The Last God is a tale of the past and the present, and the choices that connects them. The comic wonders aloud whether a society built upon a flawed premise can survive in the face of adversity, or if it's better to burn it all down and start again.

The Lonesome Hunters #1 is an intriguing new take on the occult and the otherworldly forces that lurk unseen within the mundane.

The Lonesome Hunters #2 continues to slowly peel back the world of the strange magic lurking underneath the surface of the world.

One of the sleeper hits of the summer.

The Lonesome Hunters features the opposite of a destined hero and it's really quite refreshing.

This feels like the first issue to really show The Terrifics potential. I just hope that the readership was willing to wait four issues to see how terrific this series could be.

This is a great opening chapter to the series' final arc and should have fans begging to see what happens next.

Not only is this comic gorgeous, it feels exciting and dangerous and addicting. I can't wait for the next issue.

Gillen and McKelvie have done a fantastic job of bringing everything together, and now all that's left is for one final battle of the gods and hopefully one last song.

This comic is a fantastic example of how to use existing continuity and origins as a foundation for something new, and how to tell a complete story in a single issue.

If you weren't sold on the 22-part "X of Swords" event before this issue, you should be after reading X-Factor.

This is the first great issue of Avengers: Twilight the previous two were good, but this is clearly a step above.

The series may have taken a little longer than people had hoped, but it's still become one of the most consistently excellent books in DC's catalog.

This is a great issue that uses Jonathan Case's artwork to tell a great story, with Cass (who is usually the butt-kicker of the Batgirls) trying to use her detective skills instead. Case uses a more stylized and energetic aesthetic, with Cass's eyes doing most of the emoting on a backdrop of a detail-light costume.

Bitter Root continues to impress as it weaves multiple subplots around the Sangerye family.

While I feel like this arc was a bit rushed, I was certainly happy with the payoff.

While there aren't as many shocks like the previous episodes, I did like the creepy take on the Green Man and felt that it provides a fresh take on a pair of classic DC villains.

It's gone gothic in a hurry and is quickly becoming one of the best Batman stories in a decade.

One of the best Batman stories in years continues to churn out a strange, melancholy melody.

I did feel like this mini-arc perhaps stretched a bit too much, with the involvement of Dr. Hurt seemingly slotted in as a late addition, but once again Ram V brings everything together to a satisfactory conclusion.

All in all, this was a very solid debut and has all the makings of an American Vampire-esque hit.

This is a fun opening issue and can be enjoyed by readers of Zub's past D&D series or newcomers to the longrunning story. I'm curious to see where this particular adventure goes as it doesn't have any obvious parallel to a previous D&D campaign adventure.

Writer Zoe Quinn and writer Bayleigh Underwood do a fantastic job of brining Mordenheim to life in a tale that reminds me a bit of the classic Ravenloft novels that contributed to the popularity of the horror-themed campaign setting.

All in all, this is a great little horror comic, one that fleshes out Viktra Mordenheim in the same way the Ravenloft novels did in the 1990s.

This is a truly innovative comic and I'm impressed that the landscape format has not been a detriment to the series at all.

This was the epitome of Fables "going big" with the too long build-up being worth the very epic feel and danger of all the fights.

Fables #161 and its predecessor are reminiscent of Fables' peak, when the series was both unpredictable and poignant.

Reading Good Luck #1 will lend you smile as you consider our weird world and the endless possibilities it presents.

I feel that Good Luck is only going to get weirder in its remaining issues, and that's a great thing.

All in all, Good Luck is a great and weird comic, and seems to be flying under the radar of a lot of comics fans.

This is a great mix of horror and happiness, the perfect chaser to jump-start the spring comics season.

This comic remains a melancholy and intriguing read.

While the cool and collected facade has been shown off all mini-series, it was great to see Chance lose his unflappability at the hint of Batman. Best issue of the series to date.

Honestly, this comic really captures the spirit of James Bond with a certain gruesome flare, with Garth Ennis and Rapha Lobosco showing the deadly and ruthless side of both Bond and Moneypenny without engaging in camp. This is a surprisingly great comic, a favorite of mine every month.

While Naomi has made a handful of high profile appearances in other DC comics, her solo title requires little pre-reading to jump into. You can enjoy her first arc or start with this issue. You'll be getting the same quality of comic either way, with a solid blend of superheroics and family angst that make for a very compelling DC Comics story.

This was a great issue of Naomi, one which shows character growth and provides some answers instead of stringing the reader along.

This is a fantastic must-read series.

An unspecified amount of time has passed from the events of Static: Season One, and our titular hero has a new costume, a better control over his abilities, and more of a purpose in his home town of Dakota. The refresh results in a more confident superhero comic, one that seems to be more sure of itself and better paced than its predecessor.

A very solid issue and one that sets up a big finale next issue.

Undone by Blood is a great comic, one with nuance, themes of guilt and betrayal, and a story where there are no winners, just losers and even greater losers.

This is vintage Kirkman at work, and it feels like every issue is building intrigue.

I love the slow burn of Action Comics, and the Bendis run has felt like one continuous storyline so far, with this comic marking the beginning of Act II. It makes the coming threats feel much more important, and I love idea of Superman getting involved in spywork in a way that we haven't seen in years.

I'm strangely excited by this comic, although there remains a lot of questions about this particular mystery.

It's always fun to dip into DC's weird Judeo-Christian centric cosmology, with Martian Manhunter feverishly explaining that hell exists within the psychic consciousness of mankind, and honestly the comic gave me a fun retro vibe of those edgy occult-driven comics that weren't quite so fringe to be placed in Vertigo but clearly had those vibes.

All Against All is an interesting new sci-fi series set in Earth's distant future.

I'm continuing to enjoy this comic, and this is probably its strongest issue yet.

All in all, this is another Amazing Spider-Man issue that should make fans happy.

This is probably the most no-frills issue of Amazing Spider-Man written by Spencer. There's no new revelations or status quo changes, just a focus on one of Spider-Man's oldest relationships that's totally different, but somehow still the same.

Honestly, Renew Your Vows is the best Spider-Book on the stands today; it captures everything that makes Spider-Man great while continuing to push the character forward.

Houser and Stockman's work together cements Renew Your Vows as the strongest of the Spider-Man books published by Marvel right now.

This is a fun Spider-Man comic, one where the worst misery Spider-Man will experience is an awkward social encounter. Sometimes, it's nice to see Spider-Man not suffer relentlessly.

Scott Koblish's art remains uneven, but Jody Houser's family moments make this comic a must-read for any Spider-Man fan.

It's a stirring and chilling comic, one that continues where it's first strong issue left off.

American Carnage brings in another layer to what's already a complicated series about race and crime.

American Carnage continues a compelling and uncomfortable story, one of the best crime series on stands today.

The Bryan Hill and Leandro Hernandez series has done a fantastic job of tackling modern racism in the United States, reminding readers of the uncomfortable reality that white supremacists aren't just one-dimensional monsters.

American Carnage was a fantastic and poignant read, even if the ending will leave readers feeling down.

I loved Ron Garney and Matt Milla's liberal use of Kirby dots, which gave the fights an extra-normal quality you don't usually see in an X-Men book.

Astro City: That Was Then... Special is a clear indicator that Busiek and Anderson haven't lost a step since the last trip into their brightly colored world of superheroes.

The creative team of Mark Waid, Jim Zub, Al Ewing, and Pepe Larraz should be commended for creating a storyline that has all the trappings of an old-school Avengers storyline but with a modern day lineup and tone.

I think this comic is ultimately going to come down to how well the creative team can stick the landing, but it's been an enjoyable ride.

Barbaric: Axe to Grind continues the grim and gritty fantasy-themed adventure by Michael Moreci and Nathan Gooden.

A very fun and solid issue of the series that wraps up a few more plot threads from the initial frantic debut of the series.

The best issue yet and I'm excited to see the comic tackle a new arc.

Batgirls #13 is one of the series' strongest issues yet.

All in all, this is a fun story that focuses more on character than plot and works well as a result.

A very solid issue from one of the best Bat-books on stands today.

Honestly, this is the kind of Batgirls series that fans have wanted for a while and I think it delivered in spades.

This is a great jumping in point for the series and sets up a big return that should make every Batman fan happy.

Honestly, this is probably the most interesting way DC has used the Batman Beyond franchise in quite some time.

This was a great issue and opens up a new Batman story a low-tech Batman operating in a high-tech world.

This was a great issue of Batman Beyond, with Terry finally starting to pull himself out of the pit that Gotham has both figuratively and literally thrown him in over the past few issues.

Batman Beyond ends with a resounding victory and the establishment of a new status quo.

As always, the highlight of the comic is Christian Ward's art, who brings a very vibrant take to a horror genre usually defined by grays and greens.

Batman: Dark Age is a fun comic that tinkers with Batman's origin story, but doesn't break it.

Last Knight on Earth, in my opinion, was the best Batman comic of the year, with amazing artwork, a weird and psychedelic story, and a firm understanding of Batman's role in the DC Universe.

I expect that Battlestar Galactica fans will enjoy this series, along with readers looking for some light sci-fi action.

It's still a fun issue, if a bit crowded at times, but it does a pretty good job of continuing the story and setting up an interesting arc that could shed even more light on the Jinoo and its source.

Everything else about this comic"the story, the art, the dialogue"was great, but I personally was a bit frustrated with how the comic was paced.

While it does a good job of ramping up the anxiety (as we don't quite know whether there will be more casualties or not), it has the potential to obfuscate some the overarching plot.

While the conclusion felt a bit rushed, I still loved this comic as a whole and I hope that it won't be too long until we see the next generation of Sangerye continue the fight.

All in all, this is a sad and melancholy comic, which are the kind of comics that Jeff Lemire is best at writing.

Tomasso and Lemire are like peanut butter and chocolate, a great pairing that should have always been together in the first place.

Moreno Dinisio's coloring work this issue is really a delight, with bright colors that feed into that sense of security that makes the carpet pull at the end of the issue so delightful.

There are a few action scenes that feel a little clunky, but otherwise Blackwood continues to be a must read for Lovecraft and horror fans.

The artwork in Blackwood remains fantastic, as Veronica Fish continues to bring the world of the comic to life with her vivid art painted with a mix of gloomy technicolors.

Evan Dorkin and Veronica Fish's horror miniseries was one of the best comics of 2018, filled with Lovecraftian horror and plenty of creepy despair.

While the story is still a bit formulaic at times, that doesn't mean that the crime comic isn't an enjoyable read.

Bloodborne is the rare video game comic adaptation that actively explores and expands on its source material.

This is a fun opening chapter to what should be a solid superhero series.

This comic contains classic Blue & Gold shenanigans and is still a very fun read.

Great issue and a great end to the maxiseries' first arc.

Another fun issue.

Overall, I enjoyed Blue & Gold. It had a throwback vibe to it. While the art was somewhat inconsistent at times, Ryan Sook wraps up the series on a strong note and gives us a happy memory to end Booster Gold and Blue Beetle's latest misadventure on.

For the first time, Books of Magic doesn't feel like a generic "kid learns magic" story, and next month's trip into the Dreaming could really help open the series up further.

Border Town remains a poignant and timely comic, one that serves as both vicious mockery and a hard look at the issues surrounding the U.S. immigration issue.

By the Horns presents an intriguing fantasy world, a solid story hook, great character designs, and a few big questions that should keep readers invested for a short time.

If you're a fan of fantasy tales and don't mind some mild gore, you'll enjoy this comic a lot.

This is a fun issue with some uneven pacing, but I'm continuing to enjoy each issue.

While the actual inciting incident that leads directly into By The Horns' main storyline is a bit of a letdown, I think it's more than made up for by some great art and an interesting one-off gimmick.

The Captain America & The Winter Soldier Special fills in a lot of gaps in the previous Captain America arc, providing much more interesting stakes for the coming arc.

Between this and Captain America: Symbol of Truth, this new era of Captain America is off to a great start.

Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty kicks off its second arc with Cap bringing in his own allies to fight The Outer Circle. It's a nice reminder that Cap still has plenty of friends who are (almost) as well connected as the grand conspiracy that has been pulling society's strings for the last 100 years.

Honestly, this might be the strongest issue of the series, following a rather weak previous issue.

Claire and the Dragons #1 is a foreboding opening chapter for a strange (but good) fantasy series.

Cover feels like Brian Bendis's love story to the comic industry....while also being an okay spy story.

David Mack's art is absolutely stunning as always, and even while I felt the ending played into the cutesy-ness that I complained about earlier, it still wrapped up the whole meta-narrative of the comic nicely.

For better or worse, this comic is geared primarily to the hardcore Critter, to the fan who cares about the deep lore of the series and its intriguing mysteries. While I'm personally interested in what the Luxon and the Spider Queen (a title of Lolth, one of D&D's oldest villains and the traditional goddess worshipped by the dark elves who rule the Kryn Dynasty), I feel that this comic might be a bit too somber and caught up in its own lore to be of real interest to the more casual fan.

Unlike the last Tales of Exandria miniseries, which was a little too self-serious and confusing, this new issue captures both the feel of the Critical Role campaigns and Artagan himself and this is definitely something that Critical Role fans want to pick up.

Tales of Exandria attempts to reconcile the more sinister depiction of Artagan in Critical Role's first campaign with his more disarming personality in Campaign 2. The comic does a fantastic job of showcasing his proclivities for lying and harm while framing it from his perspective as a harmless prank.

Another solid comic that only requires the scantest of information about Critical Role to enjoy. This remains one of the best fantasy comics on stands today.

Although there's a bit of dissonance between this issue and the previous two (which focused on an underground fight club), most Critical Role fans should be pleased to see Vox Machina return to more traditional heroics.

My only issue with Vox Machina: Origins is that I feel the miniseries meandered a bit while setting up this chapter's particular mystery. Part of that is the nature of the actual Vox Machina campaign, but I still feel that parts of the Vox Machina campaign can be condensed a bit to get to the meatier parts of the story.

I'll admit that the actual introduction of Percy and his reasons for joining are a bit weak, but I don't think that's as much of a comic issue as it is just the typical problem with introducing new D&D characters in a campaign.

This was a fun issue that highlights how not every problem needs to be solved with ample violence and also nicely sets up a change in locale.

There's still tons of great character moments and most importantly the feeling that Vox Machina's adventures are just getting started.

This is a fun issue and sets up an interesting new status quo for Ghost Rider, which hopefully lasts past "Damnation".

Charles Soule finds a way to balance city politics with superheroics as Murdock struggles with finding the best course of action to protect his city.

Charles Soule and Mike Henderson has taken readers on a crazy ride, one filled with demons, warrior priests with jetpacks and plenty of strange twists and turns. On one level, I don't know if all of the zaniness is the best fit for a grounded hero like Daredevil, but honestly it was fun to see what insane stuff would happen this issue.

It really feels like a soft reset for the series, a reminder that Daredevil functions best when fighting mobsters and dealing with street level problems.

Sure, the issue's only truly tense moment is when a dog gets held hostage at gunpoint, but Soule keeps the humor level somewhere between bemusing and pure slapstick, and it really works.

There's a frantic feel to this issue, as if Matt knows that his time is running out. And while there's sure to be a twist to the whole "Death of Daredevil" arc, Soule and Noto manage to make this comic feel like the end might actually be coming soon.

This is some of Soule's strongest work yet, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

In the end, Daredevil feels most at home in a courtroom and, more broadly, in New York, and Soule found a way to put Daredevil back in both.

This is a strong debut for Zdarsky and Checchetto, and I'm curious about how Daredevil's story will continue in future months. I'd love to see a story that focuses on tormenting Daredevil in different ways, and it looks like the new creative team will deliver just that.

Chip Zdarsky and Marco Checchetto's fantastic run on Daredevil continues as the Man Without Fear finds himself with a strange new ally: the Punisher.

This lacks some of the shocking twists of previous issues and I feel like the comic isn't doing as good of a job of establishing various DC characters as unique from their mainstream counterparts. Still, a fun issue nonetheless.

The comic moves a step away from the dark fantasy genre it had embraced up until this point and I think that may turn some readers off.

Art is gorgeous as usual and we're approaching what should be a good finale.

This issue mostly serves as a way for the collective cast to take a breath and take in and react to all the twists they've experienced over the past few issues. It's here that Taylor's writing really shines, as he finds ways to showcase his understanding of the DC characters even when they're in new and radically different environments.

This is a weird comic, but in the best possible way.

This is a comically ultra-violent comic, but one that also uses extra-normal circumstances to examine the toxic effects we can have on our lives.

If you want a "classic" Batman story, I suggest you give Detective Comics a read.

It's not a perfect issue"the ending wraps up a bit too quickly"but I really love stories that examine Batman's relationship to both Gotham City and his own Bruce Wayne persona.

While not filled with earth-shattering revelations or teases at the next big plotline, I enjoyed Detective Comics as an isolated look at Batman's current state of mind and his new status quo without Alfred.

It's a shame that we couldn't get this bold new art direction at the beginning of the current arc, but I'm suddenly much more excited about the mystery surrounding the Black Casebook.

Both are good comics and show that the Batman line is recovering nicely from the bloated "Joker War" event.

Honestly, the Huntress story is the reason to read this comic"Henry's art is amazing and Tamaki delivers one of her best superhero outings to date.

Props to Mariko Tamaki for trying something different with Batman, as this storyline has been a hoot.

Detective Comics #1038 shows that the corruption of Gotham City can't be solved by one new mayor or a new status quo.

Overall, I feel like Detective Comics is really trying to do something different with the Dark Detective. Not every story beat and idea necessarily works, but they certain deserve props for not falling into familiar patterns.

This is quietly one of DC's best comics and is continuing to reinvent Batman in a way we haven't seen in quite some time.

After a shaky opening chapter, I'm enjoying this storyline more this issue.

Detective Comics' two stories picked up steam this week.

Detective Comics is laying out a real mystery for Batman to solve, one that seems to be roping in both allies and enemies.

Another solid issue of Detective Comics that frames Batman's familiarity with Gotham as a weakness instead of a strength.

Ivan Reis joins Rafael Albuquereue on art for the primary story and while they surprisingly mesh well, there's still a... scratchiness to the art that doesn't feel right. Whether that's a deliberate choice or simply an inker trying to smooth down two different art styles, it makes the story feel a bit grittier.

Ram V is taking readers on a wild ride, although the comic is hurt somewhat by using a team of three artists who can't quite fit inside a cohesive style.

It's a compliment when I say this might be the weirdest Batman run published in recent history.

This is a great series and a fun and weird ride. Definitely, an unforgettable Batman story.

The key to this issue is the unceasing march towards inevitability, there's a very deliberate cadence to this comic that plays upon the earlier concepts of the opera and the danse macabre of the initial arc. It gives the comic an almost unsettling feeling that shows how, even at his stronger, Batman is utterly outmatched.

Detective Comics #1073 sets up a dangerous new Gotham, one that isolates Batman even further and whittles away his remaining allies, while placing the Orghams as a fundamental threat to the city and its populace.

My only real complaint about this issue is that it took me a minute to remember what happened in Detective Comics prior to its "Night Terrors"-induced hiatus, which really seemed to sap this arc of some of its momentum.

Francavilla's art is much more grounded than the past surreal takes in past issues, but I think it's a good match with the standalone story that Ram V tells with this issue.

This new arc seems like a sharp left turn from the dark operatic previous arc, which could be quite interesting.

This is a very engaging issue and the one-page reveal early in the issue hints at even more chaos to come.

The third act introduction and focus on Dr. Hurt is interesting, although it feels somewhat late in this long-running arc to bring him in and play anything more than a representation of the devil on Batman's shoulders.

Honestly, this issue didn't do anything revolutionary or spectacular, but it got a "Hell yeah" from me simply because it felt like a return to the classic Batman after a lengthy breakdown of the character and the concept.

Both stories are a great catharsis for fans mourning Alfred's loss, which has only been tangentially dealt with in Batman's main series.

This comic seems to get better the further it gets away from the wider Valiant Universe"when it's a tale about a boy, his best friend, and his murderous multiversal counterparts, it's quite sweet. When it gets bogged down with all of the other Valiant characters, it struggles.

At times, the pacing of the book is uneven - there's a dragon attack that's a bit muddled and comes a bit out of nowhere. However, those flaws shouldn't deter anyone from reading the comic, which remains a very fun read.

The characterization in this series is top-notch, although the big "twist" of the issue requires some knowledge of D&D lore...or at least the current adventure.

All in all, I like how this comic feels like a very authentic D&D experience, with a heavy focus on camaraderie.

A very solid introduction, and I'm excited where the story goes next.

At the Spine of the World concludes with a fun and action-packed finale. It's the sort of fluffy ending that you like out of popcorn action comic like this, with lots of near-death moments, some thematic plot points coming full circle and just enough dangling plot threads to set up a potential sequel.

Jim Zub deserves high praise for his "Evil at Baldur's Gate" miniseries, which showcases the fun and drama found in D&D in a comic book form.

This is a fun introduction to the famous City of Doors and captures the weird energy of the original Planescape campaign setting through the eyes of an amnesiac adventurer who literally knows nothing about himself besides his name.

In this issue, readers discover that Finder, the supposedly dead protagonist from last issue, has returned in a surprising fashion. It's a fun twist on an aspect from this summer's Planescape adventure and it adds some interesting intrigue here.

One of Jim Zub's strengths working on these D&D comics is his ability to draw out the uniqueness of each setting he visits.

Another fun issue and I'm interested to see what happens next.

All in all, this was a fun series that helped showcase a fun D&D campaign setting and tell a story that I think Jim Zub has wanted to tell for years, given that it ties into a comic from nearly five years ago.

The only disappointing part of Infernal Tides is that it's due to end with next issue.

While Zariel's appearance was a bit too brief for my liking, this finale issue does a great job of setting up the future while also bring this series to a fun, explosive end.

This continues to be a fun adventure, even when large parts of the comic seem to be moving characters from one threat to the next.

Overall, this is another great chapter of a fun D&D romp.

I appreciate that this series is willing to show the danger of D&D " between the events of last miniseries and this one, things keep getting more and more harrowing for our heroes.

A fun conclusion to a fun D&D adventure.

This remains a captivating story, one that uses the Ravenloft lore as a foundation but seems willing to explore new ground at the same time.

This was a good D&D series, one that tried something different with the franchise then the usual fantasy fare.

It's still too early to see how Echolands' story will play out, but this is definitely a comic you should try based on artwork alone.

I'm content with just letting the creative team of JH Williams and Haden Blackman do their thing and enjoy this very trippy, very experimental series purely on the value on its art.

I feel there needs to be a little payoff soon in regards to the mythology of the series in relation to the meta-aspects of it all, but this is still a very fun read.

All in all, this is a fun and ambitious comic and succeeds far more often than it fails.

Although this series never had much of a chance to find an audience, it did show that the Exiles could be more than "just" an X-Men franchise. Saladin Ahmed gave his run a unique voice, and I've loved Javier Rodriguez's fantastic artwork.

For the time being, we'll call Fables #151 a happy return to a story with a rather definitive ending. Fables are immortal after all, so we shouldn't be too surprised that the story goes on after "ever after." Whether that story is any good remains to be seen, but this new Fables arc at least shows some promise.

It's still a good read, but the slow build suggests a longer arc is coming.

For the most part, Fables hasn't lost any of its quality, although it's still unclear how all these dangling plots are meant to collide even a quarter of the way through the new revival.

It's certainly brings to an end the rather slow pace of the past few issues and should make the remainder of the series a lot more exciting.

One of the strengths of Fables has always been its quick escalations after a relatively leisurely pace and this arc continues that trend in fantastic fashion.

While I enjoyed the previous end to Fables, this was a fun return that was a bit breezy at times but still felt like the classic series at its most fun.

Friendly Neighborhood is building a niche separate from the main Spider-Man series, but it might need more than solid characterization and a moderately interesting story to keep readers interested.

Thank you Tom Taylor for writing such a great Spider-Man comic.

It's a great comic book, although we'll see how the upcoming arc involving Aunt May's cancer goes.

Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #6 is a touching standalone issue that cleverly shows what Spider-Man does on one of his days off.

While I was a bit leery of the whole "I'm the one who takes care of Spider-Man while he takes care of the city" angle, the story stayed away from stereotypes about supportive spouses and gave fans a reminder how great Mary Jane is.

It all comes together for a very entertaining story that feels a lot like a classic Spider-Man tale from an earlier era.

While not a groundbreaking issue by any stretch, this is still a solid issue for any Spider-Man fan.

While this series was uneven at times, I did enjoy that the comic ultimately tried to portray the GCPD institution as fundamentally flawed while also showing the struggles of trying to reform it within.

This remains a very experimental comic, but I'm enjoying what the creative team is trying to do here.

At times, the series threatened to lose itself in all the esotericism, but ultimately this was a fun and poignant story about four kids who for once were in the right place at the right time after a lifetime of bad luck.

While the artwork of Hexagon Bridge remain as gorgeous as ever, the pacing issues from the first issue remains a problem.

Hexagon Bridge ends not with a bang but with a quiet and thoughtful explanation.

Sandman fans should enjoy the last scene and the introduction of some fan-favorite characters, while everyone else should enjoy the rich lore and spirits brought to comic pages for the first time.

While the comic moves at a slow pace, it feels more significant and deliberate than King's previous mystery comic Rorschach. Smallwood's art is also fantastic " the bright coloring (which invokes the bright superheroes of the 1980s and early 1990s) really contrasts with the murder mystery plot of the comic.

Greg Smallwood's art remains the highlight of the series, but the writing is back to being fun... at least for now.

How Chance can withstand a psychic assault is slowly revealed throughout the issue, with a convenient flashback. I enjoyed the jarring shifts in focus throughout the issue and how well the comic slowly reveals what's going on. The artwork remains gorgeous.

This is a solid start to the second half of this series, one of King's best works since Mister Miracle.

It's fair to say that this issue is the Ice spotlight, with Ice's post-resurrection motivations being dug into in more detail than what we saw in the second issue. To be honest, the duo-chrome coloring in the flashbacks were a bit of a detriment, I felt like they actually muddled the flashback sequences a bit.

Honestly, I think that's what made this ending stick in a way that other Tom King-written series have failed to do the comic feels like it headed towards its natural conclusion in a bittersweet way.

A lot of the events in the comics feel very relevant to the modern day and provide a more "for the people" style origin story for Fox. In some ways, this direction for Batman reminds me of Superman's reboot during the New 52, bringing him in line with his activist roots.

This new Batman is a fantastic reframing of a protector of Gotham City, one that comes not from the ivory tower but rather the corners of the city that people would rather forget.

I trust Ridley more than just about any other superhero writer to "do the story right" but it's hard to tell if this issue is supposed to make me feel uncomfortable or if it's just my unease over seeing superhero comics botch these types of stories too many times in the past.

One thing I liked about this new Batman is that he seems to inspire instead of "strike fear" in the hearts of other, bringing a working class take on the superhero.

While Jace may indeed be a suck-ass Batman, that moment has humanized him more than the previous seven issues have.

As Jace settles into New York, I feel like this comic continues to get better.

While I was hesitant about another pro-cop Batman book, I think that the creative team has shown a willingness to take risks and they paid off this week.

I am enjoying this comic, but I feel that its use of New York is by far the weakest part of the series.

If you enjoy weird horror, this is definitely the comic for you.

If you like weird and creepy, Imaginary Fiends is the comic for you.

The big reveal this issue was great, one of the better twists I've seen in a comic in months. It was a great way to end a fun opening arc, and I hope that we see more Imaginary Fiends in the coming months.

This is a solid comic that plays no part in the larger "Infinity Wars" event, but is still a fun read for fans of the Spider-Man or Moon Knight characters.

Injustice 2 continues to be a surprisingly fun comic despite its rather dark plotline and setting.

This is shaping up to be an epic storyline, and I'm guessing a few heroes aren't going to make it out of next issue.

It strains credibility that a super-android devoted to destroying mankind couldn't kill a single superhero during its brutal assault. Otherwise, this is a solid issue and continues Injustice 2's solid overall run.

This is a nice standalone issue that illustrates the differences between the Injustice 2 and main DC universes, but readers might want to stay away if they're not a fan of violence to animals.

While most issues of Injustice 2 are action-packed slugfests with shock deaths and gore, this issue is a lighthearted romp featuring Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, and the Titans.

If you were unhappy with how Booster Gold was treated during his recent appearance in the Batman comics, you'll probably love his depiction in Injustice 2.

Injustice 2 is one of the few comics that leaves fans wanting more every issue... even though it comes out (in print) on a bi-weekly basis.

Injustice 2 remains one of the best DC comics on the stands today.

It's a somber ending, but one that pays homage to the character and their most defining traits.

In a comic series filled with endings, this might be my favorite one yet.

There's only one more issue left in Injustice, but we're sure it's going to be a great one.

While this might not be flashiest ending for the mostly fantastic Injustice 2 series, it's the right one; one that captures both the true relationship between Batman and Superman and its perversion here.

This James Bond comic continues its blend of brutality and humor, with great effect.

This is a very compelling issue, one of the strongest of the miniseries.

This is a fun issue, one that plays on the whole "look into the future to get glimpses of upcoming arcs" trope that we see in comics, but gives it a creepy and more sinister undertone.

Justice League #21 is very much an explanatory issue, as most of the mysteries behind the peaceful faux-future the Justice League finds itself in are explained in detail.

This issue is great for those struggling to keep up with Snyder's growing cosmic story and helps lay the table for what's sure to be a couple of big Justice League arcs.

Justice League #24 pushes both Batman and the Justice League in interesting directions.

Justice League #25 is a dense and at times rushed read, but it does a great job of setting up the immediate future of the DC Universe.

While the focus remains on the core Justice League team, this suddenly feels like a much bigger comic.

It's a fun issue that nicely tees up the upcoming "Justice/Doom War" event and provides fans with one last smile before things likely explode.

This arc feels huge and I'm very excited to see how it progresses in the coming months.

Justice League #31 contains a lot of fantastic moments, along with a possible explanation as to some of the...weirdness involving the various iterations of DC's future.

The pacing still leaves me wanting more, as I feel that none of the arc's many moments are being given time to breathe, but this is still a very fun issue.

This is still a fun series"a summer blockbuster with some pacing issues that's still great for popcorn viewing.

I've had my criticisms of the Justice/Doom War, but this issue of Justice League was quite good"probably the best issue we've had in a long time.

The comic is surprisingly free of any of the usual Bendis ticks"the main story is neither overly decompressed nor does it feature an abundance of Bendis's usual dialogue hallmarks. As a longtime follower of Bendis's work, it was a bit disconcerting, and it seems like a deliberate choice to lean away from some of his more divisive script choices.

This comic seems to be flying under most people's radars, but people should give it a read before the current arc comes to its conclusion.

Dan Abnett and Will Conrad give this issue an appropriately epic feel, but I really hope that the last page is somehow a misdirect. Otherwise, this issue is going to leave a bunch of fans really upset.

This issue works (mostly for reasons which spoil the big twist of the issue) and I'm excited to see how long the new status quo lasts. More Dex-Starr is always a good thing in my book.

This series really is the spiritual successor to Abnett's work on Guardians of the Galaxy, and I hope that people give this new misfit team a shot.

Dan Abnett continues to dust off D-list cosmic characters in his action-packed revamp of Justice League Odyssey.

Justice League Odyssey remains one of the best superhero books available today.

This is still a great comic series and it'll be interesting to see where it goes next.

It's a solid issue, although I'm curious to see if Cruz will continue to hop through the timestream or if she finally catches a break.

This has quietly turned into one of DC's finest jewels and I hope that it lives on past its current arc.

This remains the strongest of DC's team titles, a misfit team of Justice Leaguers pit against Darkseid at his strongest.

This was certainly the best Justice League book of the last year and I will miss it.

King of Nowhere #1 is an intriguing opening chapter that blends the surreal and the depressing.

King Thor continues its grand finale of Jason Aaron's Thor run with a miniature encapsulation of the complex relationship of Thor and Loki, who were fighting at each other's throat last issue.

This is a strong opening issue, and should hook readers in for at least a few more issues.

This is still a great read, and I'm genuinely looking forward to the next installment of this spy tale.

It's stuff like this comic that makes me interested in Magic lore, despite my hesitance to fall into another hobby.

Man Without Fear continues its slow stripping down of Matt Murdock, with different parts of his supporting cast coming to terms with his decision to quit being Daredevil.

While I can't say that the new Marvel Knights comic quite reaches the heights of Bendis' Daredevil or Alias, this is still a fun read, especially for fans of Marvel's street-level heroes.

This is probably the best issue of Marvel Knights so far, capturing both the spirit of the original Marvel Knights line while creating something new in the process.

This series gets more fun with each issue, and hopefully it leads to the revitalization of a wider Marvel Knights line.

This is my favorite issue of Middlewest yet, and it's the first that doesn't try to sell the reader on how strange everything is.

I'm still waiting to hear some explanations about this world, but the confusing bits seem a little less important in this issue.

I'm not as high on the King/Gerads Mister Miracle series as other reviewers, but this still was a very enjoyable read.

The finale of Mister Miracle provides plenty of resolution to readers but few answers.

Rafer Roberts and Kristen Gudsnuk are building a great fantasy world, a true Modern Fantasy tale.

The change in tone isn't a bad thing, but fans of the series might be a little disappointed at the mostly earnest ending. Still, this is one of the stronger fantasy comics of 2018 and a must-read for fans of that genre.

It was a fun team-up that followed most of the standard beats, but managed to not feel tired at the same time.

Mystik U #3 is a great finale to a fun and unique DC series, or at least its first chapter.

Naomi feels very much like a Brian Michael Bendis comic, for all of its strengths and weaknesses. That's probably unfair to co-writer David Walker, who is a fantastic writer, but the comic has all of Bendis' typical scripting hallmarks.

In some ways, I am enjoying Naomi: Season Two a bit more than Season One. There's a much more tangible mystery for Naomi to solve, with Dee disappearing and having a much darker past than she anticipated.

The story continues to move at a snail's pace, but at least we are given some answers this issue, even though they don't have much context. I'm enjoying this series, although I feel it needs to move a little quicker soon.

Naomi's origin is finally revealed, and it's an interesting one with unclear implications on the greater DC Universe.

Not All Robots #2 continues its farcical look at the robot revolution, this time pushing the metaphor between the robots and impotent white male rage a little further.

Old Man Hawkeye somehow feels even more tragic than Old Man Logan, which is impressive given the events of the latter.

Old Man Hawkeye is turning into a very tragic story, one filled with a bit more heartbreak and nuance than its Old Man Logan predecessor.

This is another solid issue of Old Man Hawkeye -- the stakes continue to get higher as old enemies converge on him.

Ethan Sacks and Marco Checchetto continue to weave a powerful and haunting prequel to Old Man Logan, one that's handled with a bit more nuance and tragedy than we ever saw in the original storyline.

Sacks found a way to bridge the gap between the real Marvel Universe and the world of Old Man Logan while also distilling what makes Hawkeye so great and frustrating.