Finally addressing the plot points which ended the first volume, issue 9 of Rat Queens Volume 2 is meaningful, compelling, and progresses both narrative and character arcs while integrating what has come before, marking it the best issue of the second volume to date.

This issue succeeds in paying-off a number of previously established story elements, particularly those affecting Tim Drake, while progressing the story to an unseen place that tests the characters and captivates the reader.

For long-time readers and casual comic fans alike, Detective Comics #980 is eternally entertaining.

Marking the meridian of the mini-series, Silver Surfer Black #3 successfully marries Norrin Radd's fabled past with his current predicament, in a powerful, poetic issue. The psychedelic feel of the series, seemingly intensified by Ego's presence, demonstrates Moore's increasingly abstract creativity; however, the progression of the narrative keeps the reader tightly engaged with the action, ensuring a mind-blowing, yet surprisingly smooth trip.

The Wytches: Bad Egg Halloween Special works as a perfect reintroduction to the world of Wytches, and sets the stage for volume two. Bad Egg creates an emotional connection between the audience and the protagonist, easily engaging the reader, investing them into Sebs journey; moreover, it succeeds in adding to the already established lore without having to retread the plot of the first volume. Whether one is a newcomer to Wytches or simply in need of a refresher, the Bad Egg Halloween Special is an immersive and intriguing excursion which whets the appetite for more.

A welcome return home for fans of the original team,Young Justice #1 provides much appreciated fan service to long-time readers, while revitalizing the franchise with new characters, mysteries, and a fun, vibrant energy. Young Justice #1 marks a phenomenal series start which will please fans both old and young.

Brian Michael Bendis leisurely progresses the series inciting incident, with Young Justice #2, taking time to properly establish protagonists, amidst the action, as they slowly join together to form a team. Methodically paced and character-driven, Young Justice continues to unfurl majestically, like the blooming of an elegant flower.

Young Justice #3 continues the series marriage of meaningful character development and fantastically drawn action, in its reintroduction of a long-beloved character. Superboys re-emergence broaches nostalgia, but also adds depth and mystery to the character, showing promise of how Bendis plans to have these revered characters grow, while still respecting their pasts.

A requisite issue, Young Justice #4 amicably progresses the established narrative, and elicits some heartwarming moments for long-term fans, but provides nothing exemplary or ground-breaking in addition. Serviceably solid, if youve been enjoying the series thus far, youll similarly appreciate this chapter. 

Young Justice #5 is a celebration of Young Justice past, present, and future. In authenticating the original series and orchestrating a mystery for the series to pursue, the issue proudly declares (in the words of Impulse) that Young Justice is back!

Young Justice #6 successfully closes the series opening arc, establishing the protagonists, and setting the stage for whats next to come. Thoroughly fun and exciting, the issue would be perfect, if not for the cop-out regarding Superboys family, and confusion regarding Cassies memories. An overall fantastic issue, Young Justice #6 is an absolute joy to read, which will excite readers in anticipation for where the series will progress.

Young Justice #7 is pure, unadulterated fun. It captures the lighthearted nature of the original series while infusing its own flavor and attitude. One of, if not the best issues of the relaunch, so far, Young Justice #7 is the epitome of what makes the series great, and should not be missed by any fan. 

While the majority of the issue is spent in exposition, Justice League Dark #1 succeeds in constructing a fun, intriguing narrative with likable heroes, mysterious, terrifying villains, and a new facet to a familiar world. The stage is set, and Justice League Dark looks to be a promising performance.

Justice League Dark #2 is expansive in its scope and momentum. It tells an action-packed story meaningful to the overall narratives of both the title and the DC Universe as a whole. Through this issue, James Tynion IV sets the stage for significant character development and exploration of the DCs magical realm moving forward in the series.

Justice League Dark #3 establishes The Upside-Down Man and the Otherkind as formidable, menacing threats to DC's magical community, while opening the door to another facet of the Tynion IV's budding magical realm. An immersive, harrowing tale which orchestrates the framework for the next series arc, The Witching Hour, this issue is not to be missed.

Beneath the unrelenting issue-long battling in Justice League Dark #4, monumental shifts are made to the Universes cornerstones of magic. Essential reading for The Witching Hour arc, the issue is also a must-buy for fans invested in DCs magical realm.

While the storylines in Justice League Dark #5 are relatively tangential for the majority the protagonists, it allows for significant character development and explores some fallout of The Witching Hour without dwelling on it too heavily. Overall, Justice League Dark #5 feels like a much-needed breather between reality altering events, providing an adventure with real stakes that are more personal to the protagonists and, in turn, the reader.

Concluding the short arcs interdimensional dalliances, Justice League Dark #6 fires on all cylinders, providing meaningful character development and significant overarching plot progression, while wrapping up the tangentially relevant present plot line in time to propel the protagonists head-first into the next adventure.

Justice League Dark #7 masterfully introduces The Upside-Down Mans cadre of villainous cohorts, presenting the evil Otherkind in a manner both memorable and menacing. In the issues penultimate tale, Wonder Woman remarks to Frankenstein(s Monster), There is power in stories, particularly the ones whispered in the dark. The more people believe in these creatures, the harder it will be to get rid of them. Much to her chagrin, this issue succeeds in giving power to The Otherkind, providing the characters with compelling starts, and imbuing the audience with a desire to see more of them, which is something she and the rest of Justice League Dark, should truly fear.

Despite the issue prior's missteps,Batman #51 is engaging, well-written, and will compel readers to return next month for the subsequent installment of "Cold Days."

Progressing Cold Days, Batman #52 is an engaging glimpse into the emotional composition of Bruce Wayne, structured around a compelling procedural. Continuing his 12 Angry Men homage, Tom King provides a thought-provoking issue which captivates the reader and leaves them wanting more, as it explores the effectiveness and failings of Batmans brand of justice.

Delving further into Bruce Waynes psyche, Batman #53 does a terrific job exploring what the symbol and moniker of Batman means to Bruce Wayne, why Wayne has devoted his life to embodying that figure, and how deeply hes begun to question his actions and who he is following his recent emotional turmoil.

Setting the scene for the The Price of Justice, Batman #64 is expository, but never feels drawn out, or devoid of action. The creative team works wonderfully in tandem, providing layered, engaging characters, a stunningly beautiful world, and a nuanced tale about coping with loss.

From Psycho-Pirate to Gotham Girl, Tom Kings entire run on Batman has led to City of Bane and the first issue of the arc absolutely delivers. Succeeding where The Dark Knight Rises failed, Batman #75 shows a compelling vision of Gotham in a world where Bruce Wayne has been broken. Whether as a standalone issue or part of the Tom King compendium, Batman #75 is an engaging look into a Gotham gone mad, and uncategorically worth a read.

In Captain America #1 Coates builds a world eerily similar to our own and extends an invitation to join him on a journey through the eyes of Captain America, to remember what it truly means to be an American and re-discover why the American Dream is worth fighting for.

While the plot progression in Captain America #2 is nominal, Ta-Nehisi Coates contemplative writing gives Steve Rogers immense depth, engages the reader, and sets the stage for an intrigue-filled dive into the conglomeration of the mysterious and nefarious Power Elite in the next issue.

Sharon Carters Aeternum Filias, or Eternal Daughters, mark an intriguing addition (or retcon) to Ta-Nehisi Coates Captain America, and potentially to the overall Marvel Universe. (Could The Daughters of Liberty somehow be connected to Johnathan Hickmans S.H.I.E.L.D. history?) However, their mysterious introduction comes at the conclusion of an otherwise unmemorable issue rife with rehashed reflections, and contrived rearrangement. Ta-Nehisi Coates run has, thus far, been insightful, yet slow-moving;similarly, Captain America #7 sets the scene for the Captain of Nothing arc, but does so in an overly methodical manner that only garners interest upon review and reflection.

It remains to be seen whether this issue marks a one-off occurrence or if Luvander will continue to roam her fantasy realm like Caine in Kung Fu for the unseen future; however, the story of her self-discovery is off to an excellent start.

Self-contained, issue #9s story seems unlikely to bear any long-term effects in the overarching narrative. Character growth is minimal, only seen with Luvander expressing compassion towards the mermaid at tales end, after showcasing selfishness and ambivalence to the fishermans plight at the storys onset. An exercise in artistic storytelling, the issue is an imaginative, enjoyable jaunt that will leave readers satisfied, but no more knowledgeable about who Luvander is than before .                                            

The world of magic is rewritten in Justice League Dark and Wonder Woman: The Witching Hour #1, as James Tynion IV continues to put pieces into place for an even more expansive story to come. For fans of the magical elements of the DC Universe, Justice League Dark and Wonder Woman: The Witching Hour #1 is essential reading. GRADE: B+

Conan the Barbarian #1 is a fun, nostalgic return to a familiar fantasy realm, which will please long-term fans of the Cimmerian. Nothing challenging or innovative is added to Conans lore, however, so whether seeds of series sustainability have been planted, remains to be seen.

For fans of Rat Queens, Neon Static is a welcome reprieve from the drama-filled, plot-heavy character development abundant in recent issues. A lighthearted romp, Neon Static is a fanciful one-off campaign that should give long time fans a memorable adventure.

Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark: The Witching Hour #1 serves its purpose in the overarching narrative of The Witching Hour, progressing the plot a step forward, though it primarily seems to reiterate information previously provided in the pages of Justice League Dark. As a jumping on point for new readers, it succeeds, as it supplies all the information needed to understand and enjoy the story; however, as a special issue for collectors and regular readers, it proves to be anything but. The comic supplies nothing particularly noteworthy or memorable, and only possesses a handful of panels pertinent to plot progression. Overall, The Witching Hour #1 is best described as serviceable.

Captain America #700 completes a mildly fun, but instantly forgettable, hackneyed time travel tale, before trampling giddily over Jack Kirbys contributions in a manner more parody than homage.

By placing the entirety of his final Captain America arc in a disposable future timeline, absent of the protagonist, Waid is signaling that his remaining issues are nothing more than fluff meant to fill pages until Ta-Nehisi Coates takes the reigns and soft-reboots the series in July.