C.K. Stewart Comic Reviews

Its small stumbles aside, the team behind 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank #1 have put together an intriguing and fun take on the ragtag adventure kids genre that spares no effort for even the smallest of details. Tyler Boss and Clare Dezutti are a strong artistic team, and Courtney Menard's background design is a perfect touch to set the tone early on. Rosenberg is a strong and thoughtful writer capable of countless small touches that elevate the book in unexpected ways, littering the kids' interactions with innocent exchanges -- such as none of them batting an eye when Walter winds up the D&D princess -- that remind you these are good kids whose greatest sins are some cusses and fighting kids who maybe deserved it. You might wind up liking them too much to want to follow the dangerous twists and turns a heist book can take, but you'll definitely like 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank #1 enough to want to know how their story ends.

Bennett and Wilson clearly have big plans for She-Hulk and the A-Force team, and A-Force #3 marks the first time the title feels like it might be a must-read for understanding the final fate of Battleworld at the end of Secret Wars.

Abbott #1 is an intriguing and atmospheric debut to a series that's well worth your time; it's a straightforward portrayal of the realities of '70s Detroit, for better and for worse, and through both the script and particularly the art, it weaves in an element of horror that makes the series stand out from other detective tales on the stands. Abbott has been one of the most anticipated comics of 2018 since it was announced last October, and its debut issue absolutely lives up to the hype.

Abbott is an eerie and compelling mystery that will stay with you long after reading.

Longtime fans of Allie's Abe run will enjoy this change of pace before Abe Sapien returns to its exploration of Abe's origins and role in the on-going apocalypse next month. If horror is not your jam, I don't know that this book will change your mind, but folks who know the movies but are unfamiliar with the overall Mignolaverse will find this a perfect way to dip their toes in the waters of the larger published universe. One word of advice though: if you immediately run out to snatch up Hellboy and B.P.R.D. trades, do not blame me. Blame Scott Allie.

For its weaknesses, though, Above the Timberline's stunning art and the scope of Manchess' work on this undertaking - a 100+ page novel, all in oil paint - is well-worth the $30 cover price and features gorgeous spreads that bolster the moments of weak prose. Manchess' artistic skill is unquestionable, and there are moments of intrigue in Above the Timberline that leave me hoping he will continue to write and hopefully explore more stories in this world - especially with Linea and the bears.

Aero #1 has some potential, and with luck, future issues will see Aero in more situations that let us learn from her actions, rather than from what she tells us about herself. The addition of Pak, Mhan and Blee’s back-up story makes sense, but the two stories are different both in tone and visual styles, and pairing them together in a single issue doesn’t really do the main Aero #1 story any favors in today’s debut.

It starts to feel as if this team is relying on a "world without physical prejudice" to avoid ever having to discuss Fred's fatness at all, all while putting the only fat character on the team squarely in the position of being an unexpected emotional sounding board for a woman discussing her disordered relationship with her own body.

From climate catastrophe to rapid societal shift in the face of technological advancement, the all-star team behind All We Ever Wanted's stories deliver a solid set of fantastical, futuristic sci-fi stories that will inspire you to make change in the here and now.

All-New Wolverine #33 is bittersweet but hopeful all the same, filled with good humor in the face of daunting odds. Nobody writes Laura and Gabby like Tom Taylor, and with "Old Woman Laura," he and the rest of the team absolutely do not disappoint.

If America #12 is somehow a reflection of Marvel's flaws, it's in Marvel's assumption that a comic book is the only way to bring new writers on-board. America #12 may not end on the best note, but Rivera still brings such charm and passion to America that it would still be great to see her given another shot in a YA novel or even a graphic novel in the future.

Amethyst #1 is absolutely gorgeous and just flat-out fun to read, and will leave you itching to find out what happens next.

Angela: Queen of Hel #1 plays to Bennett's strengths with a character-driven story tinged with horror and hints of sweeping romance. She handles sensitive moments with a delicate hand, and hones in emotional punches other writers might miss such as Sera's "where they called me by another name" as she confronts Angela. This may seem off-hand, but Bennett giving this line to a trans character haunted by nightmares of her past makes it especially poignant and jarring. Angela: Queen of Hel #1 has a strong creative team and an intriguing story that will certainly please fans of Angela's previous books, and will quickly hook curious newcomers.

Another Castle #1's final pages hint at more interesting stories in future issues, and the promise of more interaction with Misty and her kind-hearted kind-of-captors Gorga and Fogmoth can undoubtedly bring a great deal of charm and wit to the story at large. Another Castle isn't the strongest debut of the year, but it's still a solid introduction to what could be a charming and witty take on traditional princess tales " especially if we get more of Gorga and her pastry-loving hair.

Together, Wheeler and Ganucheau are beginning to build a compelling cast and intriguing world that will be interesting to see continue to grow in future issues: now that we've had a taste of what Misty is capable of, and on the flip side what her would-be savior Pete is not, it's hard not to want to keep reading future installments to see how her efforts are received by her father or by Badlug, when one or both of them inevitably find her out. Another Castle #2 shows the series is living up to the potential it showed in its premiere.

Delivering new, unique characters like these is a much stronger way for DC to appeal to younger readers than some of their other young reader-oriented offerings that had more DC names on the cover but less connection to the universe (looking at you, Super Sons). It's great to see DC take the leap, and Anti/Hero is a solid first attempt.

This is a journey that doesn't end with the conquering of one single demon, and Archival Quality understands that. This is a beautiful book, visually and emotionally, something executed with thoughtfulness and kindness that delivers a common mix - the blend of mental illness and the supernatural - with a touching level of sincerity and understanding.

Assuming future issues feature more action and drama, will they be just as flat, or will Hernandez punch up the volume? With an intriguing premise and big names attached, Assassinistas #1 has had a high bar set for it since it was first announced " tomorrow's debut issue doesn't quite live up, but it's done well enough that if you're a die-hard fan of any of the creators attached, you'll still likely get your money's worth. If you're just hearing about the title for the first time, you might want to wait an issue or two to see how things shake out.

Ultimately, the draw of this issue is the return of the Hulk, and as a vehicle for that, Avengers #684 serves its purpose. It's hard to tell what the endgame here is -there's no sense of direction, and not necessarily in a way where you're excited to be surprised about where the story's going.

If you're an adult picking them up for the first time, don't expect anything too deep " these have always been very intentionally geared towards elementary-aged readers. But Farina's adaptation would make a fantastic gift for any young reader, and if you're a life-long BSC fan, the lively illustrations make it worth sneaking a read before you wrap it up.

Sadie comes across as a smart, if slightly naive young girl thrust into maturity unexpectedly, plagued by grim omens illustrated with blood-curdling eerieness that emphasizes the supernatural turn Sadie's life has taken. There are hints from Sadie's monologue of new characters and mysteries to come, enough to tease but not enough to ruin the coming surprises, and the spooky vibe Englert and Brown have given the book with their art is a strong portend on its own that Babyteeth is a book to follow in the coming months.

This is a book heavy on positive and affirming friendships, a light-hearted read that will leave you with a smile on your face at the end. The first issue is a fun and fairly self-contained story that hints at spookier goings-on in future installments, and offers up a surprisingly thorough introduction to a large cast and unique premise for just one issue. Tynion and Sygh are an incredible team, and it's evident that this is a labor of love for both of them. BOOM! Box has done a great job giving original all-ages titles a place to shine, and Tynion and Sygh have absolutely delivered them another strong showing with Backstagers #1.

Tynion IV's narrative pacing continues to impress, and after this week's startling cliffhanger, Backstagers seems headed for an exciting and satisfying ending to one of 2016's standout miniseries.

Backstagers has been a delightful and consistently well-done miniseries since its debut " the only disappointment with this week's issue is knowing there's no encore in sight.

It's great to see BOOM! bring back Tynion, Sygh, Baiamonte and Campbell for another new Backstagers tale, and to introduce some stellar new to the series talents into the mix for a valentine's treat you won't want to miss.

There's a lot of promise in Bad Karma #1, and given that Panel Syndicate is pay-what-you-want, you can make your own choice about how much it's worth to you to wait and see how things play out.

Bad Luck Chuck is about a woman trying to make the best out of a bad situation, and while it would have been extremely easy for a book about a woman as (seemingly) cursed as Chuck is into a series of gruesome events, Bad Luck Chuck is instead a weird and delightful mystery. Without a doubt there are darker days ahead for Chuck and Fayola, but this week's debut issue is a fantastic introduction into a strange world you won't soon forget.

Together with Jones and Bellaire, with some excellent atmospheric lettering from Clayton Cowles, Batman #39 is a beautiful book with a little something for Batman fans of all stripes.

Batman #41 is a gorgeous book to read, and a perfect place to jump in for folks pining for a little more Poison Ivy in their lives.

Janin, Chung, King, and Cowles are absolutely a Batman dream team, and this is a story arc well worth your time.

All in all, a solid arc, but DC, just let someone say Harley and Ivy love each other. It's okay, y'all.

This issue is a little jarring compared to the more somber and heartfelt "Everybody Loves Ivy" arc, but it's certainly an intriguing left turn to take in the months leading up to Batman and Catwoman's big wedding.

Batman #48 has the same off-putting, growing tension King sowed the seeds of with Booster Gold in issue #47; there's a growing sense here that something borrowed and something blue may not give Selina and Bruce all the good luck they need to make it through their wedding unscathed.

Batman and the Signal #1 is a well-written mystery debut, and one even worth having to do a little googling for if you're not a devoted follower of the Bat-Family books.

This miniseries is shaping up to be a tight, thrilling arc that hopefully will serve as a launchpad for similar Signal stories after its conclusion.

If you're a fan of the original podcast and stage show, Thrilling Adventure Hour Presents Beyond Belief is a must-buy for new tales featuring old friends. If you're a horror fan who likes a heaping shot of humor, you can dive right in too. There's no background knowledge needed " these stories tell you everything you need to know to feel right at home in the Doyles' world.

As solidly executed as the book is, though, there's not quite enough here to suggest the book will live up to the "a haunting look at foreign policy, culture wars and isolationism" its synopsis promises, at least in a way that necessitated kids equipped to kill for the state.

Black Canary is one of the most inventive of DC's 2015 relaunches. A wild blend of The Bourne Identity and Josie and the Pussycats, Brenden Fletcher has created a fascinating and emotional new take on an iconic DC hero that's been consistently enjoyable through its first arc.

For readers who enjoy a psychological thrill with their sci-fi, Canopus #1 is worth checking out.

There is no avoiding the sense that you're missing something on some level with the heavy emphasis on Doom and Hala Field's place in the universe. Ultimately, that is less to do with the writing here and more to do with the scope of Secret Wars or any universe-wide event. If you do feel like you're missing something, don't worry: everyone else probably is too — but keep going! DeConnick and Thompson's writing is fun and engaging, and with an element of suspense that leaves you itching for issue two. You won't regret subscribing.

At the end of the run, it's hard not to wish for more. More issues, more plot, more answers. It's disappointing to think we'll never find out what the stars that formed Kit's hammer look like, and the simmering dramatic tension between Carol and the Hala Field Baroness, Baroness Cochran, could easily have filled several more issues. But Thompson and DeConnick end the series on such a strong emotional note that the deficiencies in plot are easy to overlook. Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps #4 is an exhilarating, emotional send-off to an intriguing tie-in, and a solid way to close the book on DeConnick's Captain Marvel run.

If Noble brings the government intrigue, Accell #1 brings a healthy dose of humor and youthfulness to the line that is a delight to read, and serves as an excellent counterpoint to the somewhat grim tenor of Free Comic Book Day's The Event introductory issue.

As a single issue, though, Astonisher #1 is hamstrung by its need to focus on introducing us to a cast of characters you'll likely feel like you've already met time and time again, on the page and on the screen.

Noble #1 is a solid book with intriguing characters and a sense of mystery that will hook you in early. This debut issue of the Catalyst Prime world may not change the superhero game forever, but the Noble team offers a solid story with enough emotionally-charged moments to get you invested enough in Astrid and Noble to want to follow along in future issues. For those looking for new alternatives to bigger publishers' current offerings, Noble #1 is worth checking out. Lion Forge has put together a talented team for the series, and their debut issue is a strong enough read to suggest the future title debuts should be worth a look as well.

No matter how you felt about Batman #50, Catwoman #1 is an exciting and compelling Catwoman tale that's worth picking up.

Centipede #1 isn't bad - as a comic book, it's solidly executed, with playful dialogue that tempers Marron and O'Halloran's creepy art. As a story, though, there's nothing new under the soft, orange setting sun in Centipede #1, and given the potential of the game's simple premise, the debut issue of its comic counterpart disappoints.

If you're new to the series, you'll want to grab issue #19 before picking up this one, but this arc is worth checking out.

Zub and Cummings do an excellent job juggling the large cast, giving each a distinct look and voice that makes it easy to follow the ever-shifting action of the book.

A digital-only miniseries isn't a bad way to go if you're looking to bring characters back to the comics fold as a promotional tie-in, but Cloak & Dagger #1 lacks the heart of the adaptation it's trying to capitalize on.

Cloudia & Rex #1 is an engaging start to a promising three-issue miniseries. It's refreshing to see a series directly aimed at young adult readers - the cover states it's intended for ages 14 and up, and the dialogue, while not simple, is written in a way to make it easy for young readers to follow themes and potentially new vocabulary from context clues in both the art and surrounding language. This issue would be perfectly at home amidst any young adult novels on the shelves today, and is a thoroughly-researched and beautifully illustrated miniseries well worth adult comics fans' time as well.

Clue #1 is a fun, solid debut to a six-issue miniseries, and the mystery ending element makes it worth picking up monthly rather than waiting for the collected paperback.

Coady and the Creepies #1 is a fun read and a miniseries worth following for its four-issue run.

Fans of Memetic will undoubtedly find Cognetic #1 a compelling follow up installment in Tynion's exploration of the apocalypse, but Cognetic is an excellent read for any fans of the sci-fi genre at large. There's no prior knowledge of Tynion's previous work necessary. Cognetic stands alone, giving familiar sci-fi and horror themes a fresh Mission Impossible twist with a fascinating arc and eerie illustrations.

This is a fascinating comic book, from its script to its art, but at time uneven and off-putting to the point where it makes it difficult to fully engage with its premise or characters, and whether or not it will ultimately succeed isn't immediately clear from issue one. Sebela and Sherman have delivered something as tough as it is interesting to read, making for one of the most unique debuts of 2018 to date.

The story of unsuspecting bus passengers who find themselves chased by malevolent spirits seems like precisely the kind of thing the Midnight Society would bring to the campfire, and Colossi #3 delivers on all of the spooky surprises you would want, managing to deliver surprisingly real bumps in the night in a visual medium.

Commanders in Crisis #1 goes on-sale October 14, and a collection of the first six issues is due out April 27, 2021.

Cosmo #1 is an astronomically fun read that harkens back to The Jetsons or a spacefaring version of old school Scooby Doo. This is a sweet and playful book that would make the perfect addition to any young comic fan's bourgeoning collection.

Cover #1 feels like the start of an unusual game -- an exhilarating chase with potentially unnerving consequences for poor Max Field.

Whether you're a Critter from day one or a fantasy fan on the lookout for a new comic book to read, Vox Machina Origins II #1 is worth checking out. Though some familiarity with the characters of Vox Machina is helpful " Houser drops us right into the action, and goes light on the introduction " it's not vital to get a sense of the characters or the story in this debut issue, nor is it necessary to have read the first Vox Machina Origins series. Vox Machina Origins II stands as a strong story in its own right, an engagingly spooky mystery set in a gorgeously illustrated fantasy realm.

The solicitation for Cry Havoc #1 promised that it was "not the tale of a lesbian werewolf who goes to war, except it kind of is." So far Spurrier, Kelly, and the colorist team have delivered. Cry Havoc #1 isn't necessarily a comic book specifically about war, or mythology, or exploring facets of identity like gender or sexuality. Instead, it manages to be a comic the way all of those things layer together to shape one life, and about the way the shape of that life ripples out to change the lives around it. Emotionally charged without being too emotionally draining, Cry Havoc #1 is an excellent read with story threads to appeal to any reader, no matter your genre of choice.

It's not exactly bad, but it's certainly monotonous. With luck, next month's big #600 delivers the emotional punch this week's issue was lacking.

Dark Nights: Metal #6 gets the job done, and it’s always fun when creators are so enthusiastic about leaning into what makes superhero comic books so fun to begin with - wild villains, big stakes, and a lot of heart. This finale throws a lot against the wall, and most of it turns out pretty well. There was an end in sight, or more specifically the beginning of the upcoming new Justice League titles, and Dark Nights: Metal #6 will get you there in a way that’s pretty enjoyable. It promises some exciting developments down the line, and ultimately, the consequences of this big finish may wind up being more exciting than the big finish itself.

This is a super-fun and well-crafted collection, and one I hope DC revisits again in the future.

There are a number of particularly standout stories here " Regine Sawyer and Y. Sanders' "Gold Dust Woman," Mark O. Stack and Rio Burton's "The Angel From My Nightmare," and Ivy Noelle Weir and Steenz's "Beyond Her Years," especially " but every story and the Dead Beats shopkeeper interludes are a delight and make this 170-page anthology well worth the $20.

Death or Glory #1 seems to want to be a lot of things - a story about a woman driven to surprising lengths for her family, a story about startlingly vast criminal enterprises hiding in unusual places, a story about extremely rad car chases, and according to Remender himself, a story about truckers and the ways in which job automation is potentially devastating to certain segments of our economy - but it’s so little of all of those things that there’s not one overarching theme to really hook readers in. It’s hard to know who’s supposed to want to read this book from this debut issue of Death or Glory, which makes it a tough single issue to recommend.

Preist is a stellar writer, but as a single issue Deathstroke #31 feels a little impenetrable.

If you're a fan of actual play podcasts and streams, then you'll likely enjoy Delver #1 as well. Reed and Trotman have built a rich fantasy setting that offers its own intrigue even as it explores what it would mean to have to live through the aftermath of Phandolin on its outskirts.

This is an artistically gorgeous book that exemplifies some of the best comics has to offer as a visual storytelling medium. DEPT.H #1 hints at a psychological thriller that blends elements of crime and sci-fi into one curious tale with high stakes for Mia's scientific livelihood and, potentially, far-reaching ramifications for not just her life but the lives of many around the world in what the Kindt hints are tumultuous times. Together, Matt and Sharlene Kindt have crafted an eerie tale of deceit that leaves you sympathetic to the weight bearing down on Mia, not just to find her father's killer, but to make sure that she and the rest of the crew members don't find themselves crushed by the looming pressure of an undiscovered killer - or by the ocean's depths.

The creative team does do an excellent job managing such the Bat-Family's massive cast, from the immediately recognizable artwork to Tynion's grasp on their distinctive individual voices.

Though Detective Comics #974 is a somewhat abrupt end to an arc, it teases some very interesting developments in the immediate future to make up for it.

This team has done excellent work on Detective Comics, and this week's issue promises another compelling arc.

This is Tynion's last arc on the series, and it's shaping up to be a good one " it will be interesting to see how this week's developments shake out.

Skip this one if you're a little behind " I can't emphasize enough how thorough Tynion is in tying things up " but know that once you dive in, the journey and the destination will be equally satisfying.

While the debut packs little lasting emotional punch, Diesel #1 is still a strong showing from Tyson Hesse, and an excellent addition to the BOOM! Box family. Hesse's artwork is gorgeous and filled with fun visual gags, making Dee's world engrossing enough to keep you reading through the end. This is shaping up to be a fun miniseries that older and younger fans alike will get a chuckle out of, but with any luck future issues will wind up being as explosive as one of Dee's garage inventions.

It's weighty material for anybody, particularly kids, and Pilkey threads it through the entire book and wraps it up in a way that still feels tonally consistent with the rest of the narrative. Dog Man is about friendship, fun, and doing the right thing in a very silly world, and part of that is doing the right thing to keep yourself safe and healthy in tough circumstances. Sometimes that means accepting that you don't know how to like or love somebody you're supposed to and choosing to direct that energy into caring for the people you do like instead. Though Dog Man: Grime and Punishment is a young reader book, there's plenty of lessons for older readers to learn here as well.

The occasionally frenetic pace of the story serves as a great springboard for some great kaiju-esque action sequences and Pilkey delivers another extremely fun musical moment with Mecha Molly that did make me start trying to sing the Speed Racer theme song.

Lindsay's slow, thoughtful pacing keeps the story feeling eerie and unsettling, as a proper spooky ghost story ought to feel, and though the villain of the piece does not feel especially threatening through the early pages, Lindsay builds Eternal to a startling climax that's unexpected without feeling jarring or out of place.

This anthology is a gripping collection of comics exploring mental health and punk music " featuring tales of overcoming anxiety through shows, grappling with addiction, and wearing punk as an armor against the stigma of mental illness, this anthology is at times tough to read but is a vital addition to the comics landscape.

Writer Brian Schirmer delivers a tight, engaging script, delivering exactly what he promises on the cover: a complete Fairlady mystery from start to finish, no cliffhangers, but with enough worldbuilding throughout the issue that you find yourself with a bigger picture view of the world and a nagging sense that there's something much larger afoot as Jenner and Oanu investigate.

From the light-hearted family romp, the existential threat, to the moment the band finally gets back together, the effect of any one excellent moment is undermined by the next, right up until the final dramatic reveal, and while those individual excellent moments could potentially be revisited in satisfying ways in future issues, their execution in Fantastic Four #2 still leaves something to be desired.

Far Sector #1 is just a flat-out great comic. Jemisin, Campbell, and Bennett deliver a Green Lantern story that any reader can dive into, regardless of how familiar you are with the far-reaching lore of the Corps.

Catalyst Prime: The Event is absolutely a steal as a free book, and is guaranteed to leave you curious about the world of Catalyst Prime and the villainy revealed in the shocking final pages.

Despite the dearth of queer content in the world, particularly in comics, there's so much more out there now that Fence #1's uneven, emotionless debut makes me feel as if even my meager alternatives are enough to allow me to give this a pass.

If Freedom Fighters can find the space to explore this premise with more nuance, it could turn into a solid maxiseries, but this first issue doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence in that regard.

There is something for everyone here, and more delightfully, an excellent chance you will see yourself represented somewhere in the pages of any of these stories; Asselin and many of her contributors are vocal advocates for diversity in comics and Fresh Romance walks the walk.

Originally published in Italian as La Generazione, Flavia Biondi's Generations is an incredible story of familial struggles across lines of generation, gender, and orientation.

Overall Smith has built an intriguing new world of riders that stands well on its own, and is shaping up to be a stand-out book among countless summer spin-offs.

Regardless of its weak spots, Ghost Racers #3 is a dramatic and entertaining read that makes it worth a spot on your pull list. For All-New Ghost Rider fans, or fans of Smith's work in general, you can easily pick this up without having to be up to date on any other Secret Wars titles. If you're itching for something dramatic and action-packed addition to your summer reading, look no further than Ghost Racers #3.

The previous Ghost Rider series were marked by gorgeous art and relatable characters like Robbie and Gabe whose powerful family bond drove the series. Beyruth captures the spirit of the Reyes' Ghost Rider aesthetic without coming across as an imitation of previous artists, and there are promising glimpses of Smith's characters here that would have benefitted from a few pages of breathing room. The end of the issue suggests that room may be coming. Ghost Rider #1 feels like the start of a solid new installment in Reyes' adventures as the fiery Legend of Hillrock Heights, but the series will only flourish if Robbie Reyes is the focus of the full book rather than just his solo title's bonus story.

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call captures the spirit of the film perfectly, in large part thanks to Pinto's colors and Thompson's quippy script, and fans of the movie will no doubt appreciate the follow-up series.

This is a fun, breezy interlude between seasons for fans of the series, and easy to dive into even for folks who don't consider themselves wrestling fans.

God Country is a gorgeously illustrated modern tall tale, blending elements of sweeping science fiction with smaller scale family drama in this week's captivating first issue.

After the emotional torrent of the debut, however, this month's dry follow up is a bit of a disappointment.

With luck, the bigger mystery teased at the end of the premiere issue will be a more involved saga that gives readers the chance to follow hints and twists through the coming issues. But while the mysteries surrounding the Crossed Palms Resort could use a bit more meat to them, Larson and Williams have created a charming cast of characters and an intriguing setting that will capture your interest enough to make up for its first issue stumbles. If you're looking for a fun summer read, Goldie Vance #1 is a delight for readers of all ages, and definitely a miniseries worth your time.

Goliath Girls #2 is a blast from start to finish, and a great way for folks who love the lighter side of monsters to get their kaiju fix.

This debut issue drags somewhat, though -- it's not a particularly compelling debut, but could be fun to binge-read once more issues have hit the stands.

Gotham Academy is an excellent gateway comic for young readers in your life. Becky Cloonan and Brendan Fletcher have managed the perfect mix of Victorian gothic and teen boarding school dramedy, perfectly reflected in Karl Kerschl's art.

If you're a new reader, Gotham Academy #9 is not an issue you'll want to jump in with, but it definitely stands out as the most compelling issue so far of Gotham Academy's second arc.

Featuring more gorgeously eerie scenes with Calamity from Karl Kerschl, Gotham Academy #11 adds some fuel to the slow burn story of Olive's mysterious past and shows the series has serious staying power as DC's strongest young adult-oriented title.

Keep an eye on this one " Gotham City Monsters has the potential to be one of the best comics events of the fall.

It is, again, just the nature of the genre - are you writing something for a teen-and-up audience set in a high school, or a young reader book about high schoolers? If you’re itching for something that feels a bit younger, Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo’s Teen Titan books might be a solid alternative, or Sarah Kuhn, Nicole Goux, and Cris Peter’s stellar Shadow of the Batgirl. That's not to take away from Gotham High which is a genuinely fun read, however - I powered through this in one sitting an had an absolute blast, and would read just about any high school/college-aged DC lineup by this team in the future.

This issue is fun and heartfelt, and a fitting send-off for everybody's favorite L.A. belle.

Heavenly Blues #1 is a beautiful and cleverly-written book blends dry humor and supernatural elements into an intriguing heist tale. Kahn's pacing makes the first issue feel like the opening chapter in an exciting serialized radio drama, a talent that's surprisingly rare to find in a medium based on monthly issues. With an engaging and surprisingly relatable cast and beautiful illustrations, the debut issue is a must-read.

This is a must-read for any Hellboy completionist, but so succinctly self-contained that those who only dip a toe into the Mignola-verse from time to time can cozy up with it this holiday season in front of a roaring fire - but maybe keep the other lights on too, though.

Heroes In Crisis #8 is a murder mystery denouement filtered through a half-finished PSA - in its efforts to perhaps elevate the genre’s exploration of grief and the hero’s burden through the framework of a more traditional caped crimefighter tale, it winds up being half of both, and neither as satisfying as a team like King and Gerads are capable of delivering.

I recognize that even nine issues is a limited amount of space to explore complicated issues in a comic book, but Heroes in Crisis #9 ends on such a profoundly unsatisfying and hollow note that it makes the rest of the series feel pointless in retrospect as well. This series could have passed on the twists and turns of Wally evading capture by Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, and focused instead on what led him to lose control — or what can be done to provide our heroes the emotional support they need to make sure it never happens again. Instead, Heroes in Crisis doesn’t so much miss the mark, so much as it fails to land on anything substantial at all.

Though Hyper Force Neo #1 may sometimes stumble over the content it's packed with, Jarrett Williams has delivered with a diverse cast that's as fun to just look at as the story is to read. After reading the first issue, it's easy to think that kids want to be like and maybe even cosplay Dean, a cool, confident, nice guy, who does his best and loves to hang out and help his friends. That's not to suggest that this is a unique occurrence amongst comics at large, or even all-ages comics (there are plenty of strong all-ages books on the market, even just within Z2). Instead, it's only to say that if it was Williams' intent, Hyper Force Neo #1 knocks it out of the park.

Ewing does a solid job providing just enough context for the events of other recent Inhumans series to make Inhumans: Judgment Day #1 somewhat new-reader friendly, though a refresher look at the stellar Black Bolt wouldn't hurt. This judgment comes easy, as this is a beautiful and emotional book worth checking out even if you haven't been following the overall Inhumans arc as of late.

Anyone who loves sci-fi camp, whether or not you're a wrestling fan, will find something to love here.

This is a weird sort of fantasy tale, with the wistful romance of The Princess Bride with the surreal elements of something a little closer to Return to Oz " something familiar but unexpected, and well worth your time.

Weekly Jem bonus: Have the theme song on YouTube, and my favorite Misfits song, There Ain't Nobody Better.

Jem Jam of the Month: In honor of the Misfits' first appearance, Makin' Mischief.

Jem & The Holograms remains a must-read both for fans of the show and anyone else in need of a fun, campy romp.

Thompson's cohesive and compelling writing is strong on its own, but paired with Sophie Campbell's artwork and Victoria Robado's excellent colors, Jem is elevated from a silly revival for nostalgic adults to something even new readers can appreciate. A television adaptation would fit in perfectly on ABC Family (imagine a Misfits appearance in the last episodes of Pretty Little Liars) or Cartoon Network (to the delight of Steven Universe's team, given their homage to the Jem character Danse earlier this year). The first arc of Jem is shaping up to end with a bang in next month's issue, making this a perfect time for new readers to get on board.

Jem continues to be a fun, all-ages friendly musical romp and one of IDW's strongest showings these days. Vieceli's ability to maintain Campbell and Thompson's designs and aesthetic is a positive sign for her three-issue guest arc, through #9. As with any licensed property, Thompson and the Jem team's greatest struggle is maintaining the spirit of the original without seeming to simply reuse cycle whole plots and dialogue verbatim. The introduction of one of the show's most recognizable names, Eric Raymond, is a big step, but the strength Jem and the Holograms #7 bodes well for the team's ability to walk the fine line between truly refreshing a property for a new audience, and simply recycling old tales with a new look.

Though Jem doesn't necessarily pack a big emotional punch, it will keep you reading on the strength of its charm and the skill of its team. Campbell's cover art promises some big changes for the Holograms that the issue doesn't deliver on, but Jem and the Holograms #11 is a fun read with some strong hooks for the arc it's introducing. The Jem and the Holograms team has set a high bar for themselves with their reimagining of a classic '80s cartoon, and with more emphasis on truly original storylines and characters on the way in coming issues, it will be interesting to see if they continue to deliver.

The Samnees deliver age-range appropriate dialogue and Chris Samnee gives letterer Crank! plenty of room to work, making for lettering that's easy to follow and still shows off lettering's ability to impart volume, tone, and conversation pacing. Jonna is an adventurous tale that will keep readers of all ages engaged with its story, and is a must-buy for parents of avid comics readers or who are looking for something to let them introduce their kids to their local comic shop for Wednesday pick-ups.

Judas #2 is a reasonably good story, but Rebelka's work makes it an absolutely beautiful book.

Jupiter Jet is a light-hearted action-adventure series that any young sci-fi fan can enjoy.

No doubt Scott Snyder will deliver an excellent Justice League series, but Justice League #38 shows why it'll be a shame to see Priest, Santucci and Sollazzo's run come to an end.

For readers not familiar with the events of Dark Nights: Metal or No Justice, there may be some confusing threads here, but Snyder delivers such a strong, clear script that it's still worth diving in.

Justice League Dark Annual #1 is everything a Swamp Thing tale should be, and though perhaps an unfortunate portent for the JLD, a very promising offer indeed for readers. Whether you’ve been a die-hard fan or have just been curious, this is an excellent place to jump on board. The art is stunning and the storytelling full of wistful sadness. This annual has all the rich emotional beats of classic Gothic horror and the gorgeous visuals to match, and whether as a stand-alone issue or an introduction to the full series, won’t leave you disappointed.

Justice League of America #25 is a solid issue, but sets a quick pace that will remind you the clock is ticking on this current incarnation.

Atom Rebirth is a strong reintroduction to the Ryan Choi of Rebirth, and a very promising beginning for Orlando's Justice League of America.

This is a fun, if weird, read, and a great way to prepare yourself for the new directions these characters are taking in the coming months.

Kaijumax is an unusual and engaging read for any kaiju fan looking for a new take on their favorite monstrous pop culture figures, and for anyone who appreciates a healthy dose of emotional turmoil with their graphic novels. Cannon has created a world that's at once outlandish and relatable, touching on the critical roots of Japanese monster films with an American twist that delivers emotional intensity without getting bogged down on offering a take that's excessively grim or adult for the sake of it.

This is an impressive first published outing from Mags Visaggio, and the entire Kim & Kim #1 team have put together a book that will be a fun ride for anyone who needs a little more adventure in their lives. A hard-hitting, unapologetically girly and foul-mouthed tale, Kim & Kim #1 is a great summer read that packs as much heart as it does punches.

Kim & Kim remains a must-read title for the summer; this team has created an impressively rich and vibrant world in just two issues, and it will be interesting to see if they're able to give it a similarly satisfying conclusion with just two issues left.

Kim & Kim: Love is a Battlefield is a beautiful book that untangles the complicated, messy lives of two complicated and messy women with heart and considerable skill, and a great way to get your fill of drama and blockbuster action this summer.

Kim Reaper is a charmingly illustrated supernatural romp whose characters are relatable and authentic despite the strange circumstances; everyone can relate to Becka and Kim's fledgling relationship struggles, even if "chasing down a cat-covered muscle man" doesn't make an appearance in our worst first date halls of fame.

The moments where Aaron explores he and his collaborators’ parts as part of a long and grand tradition of Thor stories that will move ever forward, with his own offering always there for readers to return to when it calls to them, will certainly be the most powerful ones for longtime readers, and I can’t pretend that concept at times didn’t make my eyes start to sting. As Aaron says of himself in his final letter to readers, it’s hard to let go, and that theme runs heavily throughout King Thor #4 - the path to becoming the kind of person who recognizes when it’s time to move on. Regardless of its foibles, it’s hard not to appreciate the passion Aaron poured into it as a farewell to the last seven years.

Tomorrow's LaGuardia #1 is a quick and efficient introduction into a familiar but complicated world. Okafor writes with a distinctive enough voice that even the expository text feels natural and quick to read. Okafor has done solid work with Marvel previously (including the new Shuri ongoing) but LaGuardia #1 feels like her strongest comics work yet, thanks to both her script and the talents and work of Ford, Devlin, and Cipriano.

Last Song #1 is as much of a journey as any new album, a full arc wisely released in one oversized issue - though the series is a well-executed blend of prose and comic books, it's also clear the series wouldn't work as well in shorter installments.

Unrelated though the two series may be, Legends of Tomorrow #1 features an intriguing range of stories that introduce heroes who could find a home in any current small-screen adaptation. While that may not be DC's end goal, it's a fun ride for fans both old and new -- diehard DC followers will find something to enjoy with new tales from old heroes, while television converts will get a solid introduction to characters they may only know in passing. Somehow, Legends of Tomorrow #1 manages to be a tie-in done right without being a tie-in at all.

TL;DR: If you're a fan of Gravity Falls (or if your kid is), check out Lumberjanes for a quirky all-ages book. And a bonus fun fact! The Lumberjanes logo may look a little familiar - Felicia Day sported a Lumberjanes tee as Charlie on Supernatural this week.

Lumberjanes has a little something for everything, and Lumberjanes #50 introduces a brand new mystery that promises to keep the excitement going, hopefully long into the future.

With two large casts and disparate artistic styles to juggle, Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy #1 could easily have gotten too bogged down in exposition and introductions to set the stage for a compelling story, but the entire creative team has produced a delightful and unexpected crossover that exceeds even the high expectations many fans may have had since the title's announcement in March. Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy is a must-read for fans of either book, and, with any luck, its success will set the stage for similar collaborations between BOOM! and DC in the future.

Manfried Saves the DayWritten by Caitlin MajorArt by Kelly BastowPublished by Quirk BooksReview by C.K. Stewart‘Rama Rating: 9 out of 10

Manfried the Man is a delightfully weird graphic novel with charming art and an engaging story that will be relatable to anyone trying to find their way as a young adult, and a tale of pet ownership that’s both heartbreaking and heart-warming in equal measure. Major and Bastow do a great job building a cast of characters and a community around the cute, troublesome men of Atlanta that could easily be revisited time and again. There’s something in this story that can resonate with everyone - even if you’re more of a dog person.

Story-wise, there’s still plenty of potential here. When Duggan lands the comedy the issue sings; the more serious moments with the Hellfire Trading Company, at least for now, don’t quite live up. If you enjoyed the debut issue, you’ll certainly enjoy this one too, and likely find plenty to keep loving as the series goes on. After a well-received debut, Marauders #2 falls a bit flat. Hopefully as Kate finds her footing in her new role, the series will be able to strike a better balance between the scenes with Marauders themselves and Kate’s new business partners.

If you've loved the MCU but been hesitant to try to dive into decades of comics continuity, Marvel Action: Avengers #1 is an excellent way to get started.

Marvel Action: Black Panther #1Written by Kyle BakerArt by Juan Samu and David Garcia CruzLettering by Tom B. LongPublished by IDW PublishingReview by C.K. Stewart‘Rama Rating: 8 out of 10

If you haven't checked this series out yet, you should; four issues in, Marvel 2-in-One continues to be a consistently great read.

Sherman will likely shine in later issues, when Shelley's story really begins to unfold, but this debut issue doesn't inspire much confidence that the story will live up to his skill.

It would be easy for a sloppier creative team to turn the tale of a famed exotic dancer into something lascivious, but Mata Hari #1 is a sensuous and thoughtful exploration of the life of a complicated woman.

There’s a sweetness to Pak’s writing, buoyed by Miyazawa and Farrell’s art and even small touches in Simon Bowland’s lettering. Bowland makes the mechs’ simple dialogue cute and urgent in equal measure, and the bold font colors for the law enforcement agents that chase down Stanford after he meets his new mech manages to be visually startling and an excellent fit with Farrell’s palette. Mech Cadet Yu #1 is perfectly paced, a fun comic for readers of all ages with an undercurrent of government intrigue and emotional turmoil that promises plenty of exciting reveals as the story unfolds.

With any luck, Mera: Queen of Atlantis will gain some urgency and manage to weave Orm into Mera's storyline without accidentally making him more central to the narrative than she is. It's just a shame that Mera's first-ever solo sets something of a low bar.

As a fan of the Authority, I was cautiously excited to see a new Midnighter solo series, and after a stellar #1, I was hooked. This month serves up yet more quality writing from Steve Orlando, proving he was exactly the right man for this series today. Midnighter is as emotionally compelling as it is action-packed - you may show up for the Batman pastiche, but you'll stay because this is a stellar story in its own right, and well worth your time.

Midnighter #6 is easily one of this week's strongest offerings, and remains one of the strongest titles to come out of DC's recent slate of new series.

That's the strength of Midnighter: Orlando has created an iteration of this character that would be home across any genre of DC Comics, from the supernatural to street-level brawls, and there's not much you can fault this installment for if its biggest flaw is not being a long enough issue. It's violent, but heartfelt, like the series as a whole, and as disappointing as the series' impending end is, Midnighter #11 is still an impressive issue in a landmark series that will hold up well for years to come.

Midnighter #12 suggests the potential for more stories to come, which is a relief despite the character's uncertain future in the Rebirth universe. Regardless of what we see of him in the future " maybe in a future Suicide Squad run, which Orlando's writing of Amanda Waller in this issue may suddenly have you craving " Midnighter was a standout amongst the DCYou titles and Orlando and ACO have given us twelve issues that will hold up to countless rereadings in the future. A little romance, a lot of humor, and buckets of blood later, Midnighter #12 provides all the closure we needed for this stand-out series. So long for now, Midnighter, and thanks for all the fights.

Midnighter and Apollo #1 is a strong debut issue for the miniseries, building on the world Orlando created in his groundbreaking Mindighter solo run but teasing a perhaps more supernaturally-imbued tale than we saw in Midnighter’s first battle against the military industrial complex run amok. Fernando Blanco and Romulo Fajardo, Jr. keep the book visually consistent but offer up a slightly softer edge, emphasizing that Midnighter and Apollo #1 is a continuation and not a reboot; this is another welcome step in the journey that felt like it almost ended too soon in May.

Midnighter and Apollo #3 is the strongest issue yet, packing a powerful narrative into gorgeously illustrated pages. It’s a gory but heartfelt romance, and a smart superhero update on a classic myth that captures the spirit of the tale without being so literal it broadcasts the ending upfront. It’s riveting without being overwrought, and Orlando and Blanco leave enough light touches throughout to keep the book firmly planted in the camp of darkly humorous rather than just dark - the western turn the issue takes towards the end is a particularly nice touch. From the start this has been exciting and emotional genre-hopping tale that throws Midnighter elbow-deep into the unknown, and Midnighter and Apollo #3 will make readers glad they decided to join the ride.

Midnighter and Apollo #5 remains one of the strongest series running right now, but if the promise of Midnighter punching the devil in the face wasn't enough, this week's issue features an added bonus as Warren Ellis takes to the backmatter to discuss the upcoming WildStorm imprint. Come for the punching, stay for the WildStorm.

Midnighter and Apollo #6 may be one of the weaker issues of the series, but Orlando, Blanco, and Fajardo set an exceptionally high bar for themselves from the outset. This finale lacks punch, but offers sweet and much-needed closure, and as with its predecessor will leave you hoping for more of the 'World's Finest Couple' (an Apollo solo series to round out the trilogy, perhaps) as they move out of the underworld and back into the light where they belong.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #1 is still a fun read, and hopefully future issues will give Higgins room to flesh out the titular characters beyond the broad tropes that defined them in the original series

Though lapsed fans or folks whose first experience with the Rangers is the ongoing might find themselves a little lost for a page or two, MMPR: Pink #1 is a solid and slightly spooky first issue that's sure to hook you in for what promises to be a great solo story about a fan-favorite ranger.

Though the book's hitting shelves a little early, anyone curious about Miles after walking out of Into the Spider-Verse will be able to pick up Miles Morales: Spider-Man #1 and feel right at home in just one issue without the stress of navigating decades of old storylines to try to catch up.

Not bad by any stretch, just a story that might leave you wishing it could run two or three issues to really flesh out the concept.

Mis(h)adra doesn't cast believing in yourself as the one tried and true way to overcome these struggles, but through Jo, the woman Isaac is introduced to early in the book who worms her way into his life for reasons he can't quite decipher, Ata explores how being open and frank about these situations makes coping with them substantially easier, with the help of others who may be more familiar with our experiences than we initially suspect.

Mister Miracle is a consistently beautiful and thoughtful book that works as well as a soft family dramedy as it does a wild sci-fi thriller. King has crafted a thoughtful, emotional look at trauma and recovery that embraces the idea that there’s no universal panacea for troubled childhoods except, perhaps, the devotion of a found family that lets you find yourself without leaving you adrift. Mister Miracle #6 marks the half-way point of the series and isn’t a stand-alone, but serves as an excellent introduction to the long history of Mister Miracle for newcomers to the Fourth World. For those who have been waiting, you’ll either want to hold out for the trades or start catching up from issue #1 digitally. Regardless of your medium, Mister Miracle #6 is an excellent read from a stellar series, and absolutely worth your time.

If you enjoyed Power Up! or Zodiac Starforce, Moonlighters #3 is right up your alley, and worth checking out on Comixology today.

With gorgeous art and a well-paced story that offers up a bevy of unexpected revelations and intriguing new twists, Motor Crush #2 easily lives up to the high bar set by last month's debut.

Ms. Marvel #14 is another solid installment in an excellent series, and I look forward to seeing just how Kamala reacts to this new perspective Marvel's everexpanding Inhuman family and the Terrigen Mist incident. The final pages take a jarring turn — perhaps to begin shifting the tone of the book in a less upbeat direction. Leading Readers into "Last Days" — and the short time left til Secret Wars kicks off makes me wonder how exactly Kamron's storyline will play out against the backdrop of this universe changing event.

TL;DR: Did you know Kamala's related to many Inhumans? Lineage did. WHICH ONES DO I MEAN? WHO IS LINEAGE? AREN'T ALL INHUMANS RELATED? Answers to these questions, but also more questions, in Ms. Marvel #15. Read this book.

Ms. Marvel fans will undoubtedly enjoy this first issue of Kamala's two-part "Last Days" arc. Despite the apocalyptic circumstances, the writing and artwork ensure this issue remains consistent with this series' more hopeful tone. If you're new to Ms. Marvel, this is not a great jumping-on point, but this arc will fit in perfectly with previous issues when you're binge-reading singles or a trade paperback later on. Secret Wars may seem like a grim event, but G. Willow Wilson stays true to the headstrong, caring, and nerdy Kamala we've come to know and love.

While Ms. Marvel #17 is a strong single issue, it feels incomplete, and will likely seem more eventful when read all at once with the rest of the "Last Days" Ms. Marvel arc. This new twist with Kamala, Amir and the Inhumans is intriguing, but seems insignificant compared to the Incursion event threatening Earth. The lack of urgency is a problem with Wilson's writing, and more an issue with the timing of the various "Last Days" events. With the luxury of an ongoing solo series, Wilson can take the time to set up future storylines against the backdrop of Secret Wars. Month-to-month readers will find Ms. Marvel #17 a deeply satisfying issue, especially for Kamala and Carol's relationship, but new readers will want to wait until this arc is finished to catch up.

Multiple Man #1 builds to an exciting final battle that hints at an extremely compelling overall arc for the series. But the tone of the issue is so flat throughout that it's difficult to tell if this climactic moment is dramatic or scary or funny; an all-out, furniture-bashing brawl in the living room comes across as just another day at the office for the X-Men, punctuated by deadpan jokes that make it tough to know how anyone really feels about this situation at all, Jamie Madrox included. Unfortunately, it makes it tough to feel strongly one way or another about this debut, too.

This is a really sweet, fun read. It leans into video game tropes in some fun ways that don't feel too explicitly tied to any particular title, modern or otherwise - older parents won't feel left out of the loop, and if you buy the book six months from now it won't feel dated. It offers Hansen some clever opportunities to spotlight his knack for kid-friendly visual humor, and helps create an immersive and engaging world that it would be great to see DC let Hansen return to in the future. My Video Game Ate My Homework is a fantastic original offering from DC, and hopefully a sign of what's to come from this new publishing direction.

Namesake #4 seems to suggest this isn't good, or bad, just something new, and closes with a hopeful reminder that the families we make can be as valuable in working through this uncertainty as the families we're born to.

For newcomers to the Valiant universe, Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe #1 delivers just enough content and context to give you a jumping off point for the rest of their books. Valiant is a relatively easy publisher to navigate, in terms of picking up trades, and the first issue of this series offers enough sense of its characters that you'll easily be able to pick out who you think is interesting enough to check out in other books. But with a book that's largely just okay, it may be worth waiting til the live-action series is available instead.

Not Drunk Enough is a must-read for horror fans, and an incredible showcase of Stone's talents as an illustrator and storyteller.

Perfunctory, rather than fun " that's Old Man Hawkeye #2. Sacks, Checchetto, Massa, and letterer Joe Caramagna deliver a good comic, but it's not necessarily a thrilling read.

This is a world of folks trying to do better without anyone left to really tell them what better is (or isn't), and Anderson and Plati knock the debut out of the park.

Outer Darkness has a little of everything - military drama, mystery, horror, giant monster space shipship engines, baby-faced ghouls plowing through the dark void of the universe. Afu Chan and John Layman have delivered an impressive debut issue (complete with an extremely cool logo by Andres Juarez) that manages to be a little bit of a lot of things, brought together in a cohesive and engrossing world populated with captivating characters and compelling drama.

The dialogue and narration here would hold up fine on their own, without any art, and the opening issue isn't fast-paced or compelling enough to make it memorable for the month-long wait between issues " this one might have worked better as a novel.

The book's strengths lie in Searle's thoughtfulness, both about the little details of the time period and all aspects of the characters. Patience & Esther features a diverse cast of characters from various racial, class, and cultural backgrounds, including a wide range of body types. Searle touches on myriad issues relevant to the characters in the ways particular to the Edwardian period, and it's particularly refreshing to see her explore them as issues that intersect in different ways for different characters across class, race, and gender.

Pizza Tree is an engaging and truly all-ages graphic novel that perfectly blends spooky elements with a sweet family tale. Poulton, an experienced children's book writer, has a keen eye for engaging layouts that keep the book visually interesting without overcomplicating the pages, and Onorato's bold visual style works well with Poulton's layouts and the more outlandish elements of the story. For those bold folks trekking out to SDCC this weekend, it's worth keeping an eye out for Poulton and stopping by, and for any comics fans looking to introduce the medium to the young readers in your lives, this will make a perfect birthday or holiday gift when it hits shops later this year.

Folks hoping for a cut-and-dry finale for Postal #25 may find themselves disappointed " with luck, the Mark and Maggie one-shots will provide a little more closure, but Bryan Hill, Isaac Goodheart, Russell, and Troy Peteri still deliver an impeccable story whose ambiguity suits the city of Eden's complicated past.

There's not much here that feels particularly satisfying or final after the finale of the main Postal series earlier this year, but fans of the Edenverse will likely enjoy this all the same.

This week's first issue gets the series off to a solid start. For fans of all ages who like Steven Universe or Adventure Time, or for those of us who grew up on magical girl shows like Sailor Moon, Power Up is a fun book you won't regret adding to your list.

Introducing the rest of the team and their abilities also helps Power Up #2 improve on the minor pacing problems of the first issue. Last month felt too short, and lacking details in a way that made giving this story arc a satisfying conclusion in just six issues a stretch. This month, the monsters reveal bits and pieces of their mission and our heroes finally have a clear purpose (even if they don't fully understand what it is). There's still plenty of mysteries about these four left to solve. Aafter Power Up #2, it feels like we may actually get to solve them all, and Leth and Cummings' work is a sure guarantee we'll have tons of fun doing it.

Power Up #3 is certainly the most intriguing issue so far, and begins to hint at answers to some of the questions posited by the premiere issue.

There is promise for Prez, but this debut issue still feels like a swing and a miss. Russell's send-up of corporate politics is a valuable and necessary critique of the current status quo, but here the titular teen Prez feels like an afterthought amidst sometimes curmudgeonly perspectives on social media and actual voters. With luck, future issues will bring our new accidental President and her relatable story to the forefront, making her an everyman we can root for against our secretive corporate overlords.

Leong offers a fresh and vital new voice to comics, and Prism Stalker #1 is a must-read.

If this turns into a woman's thoughtful exploration of the culture she's wholesale borrowing and her relationship to the powers she takes from it, it could be a compelling book, but this week's debut is teetering on a fine line between that and a dismissiveness that will make future issues hard to swallow.

Quantum Teens Are Go #1 is a weird and fun book, and this week's debut hints that it may be a tale about family loss and transition as much as it is about punk rock teens who mess around with theoretical physics in their spare time. Visaggio and Donovan's storytelling is impressively subtle despite its bombastic premise, giving its diverse cast a compelling level of depth in this debut issue. They're kick ass kids with a penchant for mad science and murky motivations, and the questionable judgment of your average teen. The book ends with a bang as they throw the switch on their finished product " and the looming question of whether their youthful exuberance will lead them to meddle with time to fix their tumultuous home lives makes Quantum Teens Are Go a series to follow for now.

The story of losing one, through mysterious circumstances or because they can’t conceptualize how to support your decision to be who you are, a person they might not want to know. The story of creating one, whether it’s learning to open yourself to unlikely friendships or forging a path to an uncertain future with the person you love, someone who wholeheartedly accepts who you are and where you came from, no matter what. Even if this final issue doesn’t end with as much of a bang as it might have with a little more space, Visaggio and Donovan created a pulp sci-fi world changed forever by two unlikely young heroes, and Donovan, Aguirre, and letterer Zakk Saam turned it into a visual treat, one that will be heartfelt and eye-popping in equal measure with each future re-read.

It doesn't feel like Quicksilver's going anywhere any time soon, and that lack of forward momentum in a world that's so unsettlingly lonely raises the question of whether a lone Pietro in the face of a seemingly silent threat is enough to carry the emotional weight of a full series.

There's a lot of promise in Quincredible #1; even if there's a lot going on, it's all pretty interesting, and it's worth keeping an eye on the series to see how things shake out as Barnes has more space to develop all the threads he's introduced in this week's debut.

If you love campy horror films, this may be fun; if you're looking for a more character-driven foray into the grim catacombs of Ravencroft, this is not the book for you.

Deron Bennett continues to deliver as one of the best letterers in modern comics -- his work here makes it clear how vital letterers are to comics as a visual medium.

Rogue & Gambit #2 is a fun and thoughtful exploration of one of comics' most iconic couple's complicated pasts.

This tie-in is finally hitting its stride with Runaways #3, but may still be best enjoyed in a collected volume.

This is one of the better spin-off titles of Secret Wars and will make an excellent read as a trade in the future. Sanford Greene's artwork is perfectly suited to a youthful title like this, and his work culminates in some striking panels in Runaways #4 (particularly the culmination of Bucky and Valeria's tales). It would be easy to make a title like this "too fun" or carry over the drama of the main Secret Wars title in a way that doesn't fit a "Breakfast Club meets Die Hard" teen-oriented tale. Stevenson may be known for somewhat lighter books like Lumberjanes, but Runaways #4 is a solid close to a great series that demonstrates that she could easily handle more action-oriented titles in the future.

Massive jet lag, major jealousy, and a grandma with some deep, dark secrets: Runaways #5 has it all.

Matthew Wilson and Kris Anka continue to shine in this week's Runaways #6, delivering another issue that elevates writer Rainbow Rowell's solid script into something as beautiful as it is deeply emotional to read.

TL;DR: +7.5 for quality and relative accessibility, -2.5 for being accessible because new and old readers alike will undoubtedly feel like they've missed something, somewhere. The quality makes it worth checking out next month.

Also be sure to checkout my previous review of Secret Wars #1

This book is perfection from top to bottom. Kuhn has an incredible grasp on what makes not just Cassandra who she is, but Barbara as well, and delivers a powerfully emotional take on the idea of Batgirl that resonates through every moment of the book, whether Cassandra is in her (wonderfully designed and delightfully illustrated) own version of the costume or not. With luck, DC gives the Shadow of the Batgirl team more opportunities to build on the wonderful universe they’ve created here in the future.

Siege has the potential to be an interesting and more psychological addition to Marvel's stable of tie-ins. By sentencing the likes of Miss America Chavez (fresh from her sentencing in A-Force #1) and Lady Kate Bishop (Secret Wars Journal #1) to the Shield, is Doom punishing them with their inevitable death, or punishing them with their failure to protect the lands to the north? But while this philosophical bent is Gillen's strong suit, Siege #1 lags in large part thanks to a bevy of inscrutable faces and muddled emotions. With any luck, the art will take a more dynamic turn in future issues -- or the story will be compelling enough to make up for it.

Skyward #2 is a unique sci-fi experience and promises to turn into an engrossing mystery, but it's Willa's heart and good-natured charm that really carries the book.

Slam! #1 is a visually beautiful book with a strong premise and a great deal of promise, and even if you're only familiar with derby in passing, it's absolutely worth checking out the first issue tomorrow.

Pamela Ribon is an excellent writer, but it's the entire artistic team that makes Slam! such a vibrant and readable book. Slam #3 is the strongest issue so far, hitting highs in execution despite the lows Jennifer and Maisie hit at the issue's conclusion. Ribon captures the uniqueness of derby-forged friendships in particular, but her emotional writing will ring true to anyone who's had to struggle with the changing nature of old friendships as they grow older. Slam! is an engaging and relatable slice-of-life book that will delight readers of all ages or with any level of derby knowledge.

It's unfortunate that Slam wound up taking such a long absence, but Slam: The Next Jam #1 is a welcome return that doesn't miss a beat, narratively or in terms of quality. There are few comics like Slam: The Next Jam #1 on the market, and much like the original series, this week's debut might leave you itching to try out some skates of your own.

The dialogue has some groaners " which could just be chalked up to the offbeat sense of humor they've given Brenda " but whether you're itching to relieve the anxious days before Y2K destroyed us all or just looking for a fun read, Smooth Criminals #1 is worth checking out.

This is a consistently fun book from month to month, and worth a look if you're into off-beat crime stories.

The deeper concepts hinted at by Past Bob's exploits are never investigated deeply enough to give Solid State the emotional depth the idea of a "post-emoji apocalypse" necessarily deserves, but Monteys' beautiful artwork, and the tale of Future Bob and his nebulous but strangely hopeful end, are enough to make the graphic novel worth picking up and Coulton's companion album worth checking out.

Something City is an impressive debut, and an utterly engaging tale from start to finish whose visual style belies its emotional depth. Weaver is a clever and talented storyteller and illustrator with a unique perspective on modern living. Her ability to build a fully-realized world that feels authentic in its depiction of community living and its off-kilter nature in a few simple vignettes is incredible, and make Something City an irresistible tale that offers new visual details and emotional insights to enjoy with each subsequent read.

Despite a brief detour into Cannibal Coliseum, Space Battle Lunchtime #7 is a beautiful read for almost all ages, or maybe all ages, if your kids enjoy the darkest timeline Alton Brown of Cutthroat Kitchen. Riess' engaging character designs and off-beat humor will keep you engrossed throughout the issue, and as excited to see how the story ends as you will be disappointed there's only one issue left til Peony squares off against her nemesis in Space Battle Lunchtime's final episode.

Space Battle Lunchtime #8 is a filling final installment for a series that has been strong from start to finish, and will leave you itching to reread it and experience Peony's journey all over again.

If you're a dedicated fan of the Spider family of products, you'll have a good time with this, but the event does require a solid amount of recent Spider-knowledge going in to fully appreciate what's going on up through this week's final issue.

This is a great series to pick up for younger readers who are itching to get in on Star Wars with their parents, and this week's issue is especially fun. Pew pew!

Strange Skies Over East Berlin #1 is an excellent genre-bending thriller. Loveness’ gripping script delivers a stellar tale of espionage and the supernatural, heightened by Estherren and Delpeche’s gorgeous, haunting art; they heighten the tension of this debut issue and never lean too heavily into the kinds of gory, viscerally shocking visual moments other horror tales use as short cuts to a quick scare. It emphasizes just how unnatural the forces at work in Strange Skies are, and the danger of Herring’s numerous foes. No matter your usual genre preferences, Strange Skies Over East Berlin #1 should land at the top of your to-read pile this week.

While Super Pro K.O. Gold for Glory is a guaranteed delight for wrestling fans of all ages, fans of any capes comic will likely have a great time as well. There are a lot of structural similarities between comics and wrestling, from familiar archetypes to the drama of a long-standing feud between two unstoppable forces culminating in incredible brawls. Williams has done a deft job of capturing exactly what puts the entertainment in "sports entertainment" in a stellar graphic novel that will might even convince you to give wrestling a try. It is possible to enjoy Gold for Glory without reading the previous two volumes, but Williams' work is consistently great across all three " if you're willing to give this title a shot, you may as well go for glory and pick up all three.

It's a real shame The PolarShield Project is the launchpad for the entire DC Zoom imprint " it's not much of a DC book at all, and it's hard to imagine this will be a great launchpad for young readers to dive into more DC comics titles.

Tabula Rosetta #2 is a short but curious read, and worth buying for fans of darker supernatural tales off the beaten path.

Ending too soon isn't exactly a fatal flaw for a book though, and Beast Boy delivers so much before its hasty end that the only disappointment is there aren't any more pages left. Fortunately, the third installment Beast Boy Loves Raven is already underway, and it will be a delight to see where Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo take Gar and Raven next when they finally meet up in the universe they've created.

Teen Titans: Raven is a solid graphic novel that likely would have been an excellent prose tie-in " the writing feels a lot more in line with the narrative trends of YA prose than what folks may likely expect of YA comics (which tend to feel a lot younger). That's not a negative, just a reflection that "young adult" doesn't always mean the same thing across mediums, and the DC Ink and Zoom lines don't seem to fully understand who they want their audiences for either line to be.

This is a delightful issue, and one TMNT fans will be able to enjoy even if they haven't been keeping up with the full series.

Thanos #1 offers hints at greatness, and Howard's clear vision for this particular iteration of Thanos is interesting enough to warrant picking this one up in trade format for sure even if the debut issue itself doesn't quite land.

If you're looking for a fully immersive, no-frills high fantasy tale, this won't necessarily be the right book for you, but if you're in the market for something a little more light-hearted Murder on the Rockport Limited will deliver. Murder on the Rockport Limited is just flat-out fun, and though you'll want to be familiar with the first graphic novel Here There Be Gerblins before diving in or risk spoilers, the McElroys and Carey Pietsch have done an impeccable job creating a engrossing and accessible world for anyone whose bookshelves are in need of a playful summer pick-me-up.

This book is just so good. Petals to the Metal is imbued with so much consideration for the impact it's had, and fondness for the wider world of The Adventure Zone and the characters there, even beyond just Merle, Magnus, and Taako at this point. Petals to the Metal captures perfectly the humor and charm that made the show such a delight and elevates it, embracing the opportunity to create a world filled with characters more fully realized than a Dungeons & Dragons show voiced by a dad and three brothers sometimes gave them space to be. No matter your familiarity with the McElroy podcast family of products, Petals to the Metal is an absolute delight to read, a riot of action that will fill the Fast 9 void in your summer, and maybe " just maybe " might even make you shed a tear.

This is a flat-out fun story that's accessible for fans of any fantasy realm, whether it's Tolkein or more recent works like Critical Role.

Avant-Guards #1 is a fun and engaging read for anyone who loves a good found-family story -- while this week's introductory issue take a little while to build, the cast of characters and the promise of hijinks to come will leave you hooked and anxious for more.

The Batman Who Laughs #1 is a solid first issue, but the big shock factor moments aren't particularly surprising, and feel a little more like an unfinished "What If" one-shot. If you're a Snyder fan or itching to see Batman go head-to-head with the Batman Who Laughs once again, you'll have a good time, but this one may be worth waiting for in trade format.

Despite some hiccups, The Black Ghost #1 revitalizes the pulp crime genre for a brand-new audience.

Sharp doesn’t seem to know quite what he wants The Brave and the Bold: Batman and Wonder Woman #1 to be - funny, serious, mysterious, sexy, educational? There’s so much exposition in the early portion of the book that there’s no sense of urgency or momentum at all until the final pages, when the proper mystery element of the plot finally kicks into gear. The mythological aspects of the book are interesting enough, but this is a book whose title suggests about Batman and Wonder Woman - and what we’ve got, at least for now, is fleeting, unfamiliar moments with both characters that make them feel like a vehicle for a mythology lesson.

If you like the X-Files or conspiracy-horror you'll most certainly enjoy The Department of Truth. It is without question a good debut, but in some ways the monsters here are very real already, and fully making that connection in future issues is what will make The Department of Truth a great series.

If you're looking for a horror tale to enjoy this Halloween, The House is a solid and spooky miniseries to check out on Comixology. It's gruesome but without some of the over-the-top, stomach churning gore of modern horror flicks, and the emotional beats will keep you on edge during the squadron's increasingly frantic explorations of the house's Escheresque architecture.

The Immortal Men #1 team are talented storytellers, and today's issue is an intriguing debut that promises to weave the events of the last few months into the long history of the entire DC universe in some very exciting and potentially far-reaching ways.

Aaron's dialogue is at times overwrought, even for a scenario as melodramatic and dangerous as the one facing our heroes in The Mighty Thor #703, but artist Russell Dauterman and colorist Matthew Wilson deliver some truly incredible Asgardian action sequences.

This issue has a sense of finality and permanence to it, but also a sense of lasting impact " it would be a shame for Jane Foster to be the "one true death" in comics in the long run, but at least in the short term, The Mighty Thor #705 there's a sense that Jane's passing will have a lasting impact on the story Aaron chooses to tell in the months to come.

Tomorrow's debut issue isn't perfect, but it's a beautiful and fun read, offering up a thoughtful twist on an age-old tale that will have you going back for future readings to see what subtle hints you might have missed.

In an entertainment era plagued by endless references as nostalgia stand-ins, The Sequels invokes not just a genuine fondness for the atmosphere and tropes of '80s media, but a thoughtfulness about how to appreciate it and move forward " ideally, to create those inspiring and warm-hearted moments for new generations as you go.

The Terrifics #4 is another solid issue in a fun, silly series, and Shaner and Lemire provide just enough backstory from previous issues to make this one a decent jumping-on point.

TL;DR: If your fave isn't Squirrel Girl, your fave will never be this good. For fans of Spider-Gwen, Cameron Stewart's Batgirl, and yes, Deadpool, if you're cool with a less murdery, family-friendlier version.

Between North's punchy dialogue and Erica Henderson's expressive faces, Unbeatable Squirrel Girl consistently delivers clever, quality stories that are well worth your time.

Squirrel Girl's battle against the Norse god Ratatoskr reaches its thrilling conclusion in The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #8, ending its first run of 2015 on a high note.

The issue peaks with a montage that embodies everything Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #1 hopes to be: an unabashedly fun comic, replete with visual gags and a campy story readers of all ages can enjoy.

With the added bonus of in-the-margins commentary from Zdarsky and some fun trading card art from Quinones, fans of Howard the Duck will find plenty to enjoy in this quirky crossover, as will anyone new to the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl universe.

Whitley's return to Nadia is fun and engaging and Gurihiru and Caramagna create a world that feels vibrant and real. Though this is a continuation of the previous series, Whitley crafts the script in a way that will let new readers jump in here without getting spoiled on too many major plot points of the previous two volumes. If you're a Squirrel Girl or Ms. Marvel fan, this series will be right up your alley, and for anyone with a Telgemeier fan in their life who wants to introduce them to other comic series, this is a perfect place to start.

There are few other comics on the market today as visually stunning as The Wendy Project. Fish is an incredible illustrator, and Osborne has provided her with compelling, rich material with which to create a gorgeously illustrated world that manages to be deeply emotional in even the simplest panels. It would be a gift to see Osborne and Fish reunite for similarly innovative and moving interpretations of other classic tales - there are a number of creators whose work modernizes well-known archetypes and tropes with success, but of this genre, The Wendy Project is truly one of a kind.

Wicked + Divine is deliberately fantastical, but not outlandish. Each of the twelve is vulnerable in their own way, from Minerva's youth to Inanna's search for the truest version of himself, and Laura serving as an intermediary between the civilian and celestial spheres helps ground a very otherworldly storyline.

The Wicked + the Divine #12 is certainly less emotionally fraught than is immediate predecessors. Scenes like Baal's interview and a rather one-sided fight later in the book flow naturally from the emotional punch of previous issues. Gillen gives us space to process recent staggering turns while clearly building to yet more surprising revelations. His skill with managing narrative arcs makes The Wicked + the Divine a consistently compelling tale rather than one so jam-packed with emotional blows that it gets too exhausting to follow. For regular readers, #12 will almost be a relief in the wake of last month's deaths. (Though if you're anything like me, Baal might still make you cry.)

Longtime readers of The Wicked + Divine will likely find Tara's tale a surprisingly dark read given the comedic undertones of her references so far. But The Wicked + The Divine #13 drives at the heart of the tragic world Gillen has been building for these young gods since the beginning, and provides a much-needed perspective on those gods who do not go willingly through the looking glass. While a challenging and emotionally fraught read, this month's issue is the most poignant yet, and fans won't be disappointed.

If you're completely new to The Wicked + The Divine, this is a spoiler-tastic place to start and will take much of the dramatic punch out of earlier issues, all of which are available already in trade paperback form. But The Wicked + The Divine #18 is everything WicDiv fans have been waiting for during its brief hiatus. Gorgeous to read, action-packed, and finally pointing towards answers to questions raised over a year ago, this is a solid issue to return to and the wait has been well worth it.

Thematically, The Wolf and the Crow #1 is a long way off from a "cozy mystery," yet somehow manages to have a similar energy - it's a straightforward and engaging read, with a cast of characters Gordon throws you in the middle of and manages to make you care about in very short order, and just enough "hey, what?" plot elements to keep you hooked.

There are more than enough supernatural friends and foes out in the world for Frank and Sady to face, and this creative team is more than skilled enough to keep their adventures going for a very long time.

This week's debut explores murky questions about who can benefit most from technological advances, the often exploitative nature of that, and what happens when attitudes towards technology begin to swing too far in the other direction without having any answers to those questions beforehand.

Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 is a fun, easy entry-point to the Iron Man universe for any reader, no matter their familiarity with the recent workings of Marvel. Schiti and Delgado are an excellent artistic team whose vibrant work mesh perfectly with the more comedic aspects of Slott’s script, and collectively, this team has created a debut issue that feels incredibly welcoming, especially in a comics landscape that has churned through seemingly innumerable reboots and renumberings in the last few years.

It's a wrap on Matthew Rosenberg's Uncanny run with this week's Uncanny X-Men #22, and as with the run as a whole the issue aims high and falls short.

There's the potential for a fantastic Eddie Brock story here, though, and with luck, the stars will align in future issues to allow this series to be as truly great as it can be.

If you're looking for a sweet, fun, emotional read, Virtually Yours is definitely worth checking out.

War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery #1 is about all you can ask of a big event spin-off " fun to read and easy to pick up on its own, even if you're not necessarily keeping up with the main series.

Whether you're a diehard MBMBAMbino who wants to dive into comics for the first time or a Marvel fan waffling on whether you need another comic in your life, War of the Realms: Journey Into Mystery is well worth your time.

If you haven't been reading Journey Into Mystery month-to-month, it might make more sense to wait for the trade at this point, but no matter how you wind up reading it, you're sure to have a good time.

Journey Into Mystery #4 aims to evoke the visual pacing of Ocean's Eleven with the humor of Spy, and manages both with aplomb. The most disappointing thing about this issue is that there's only one more left; this team has done a stellar job together, and it'll be a shame if this is the last time they ever collaborate on a book like this for Marvel.

It's a delight to read, whether you're a MBMBaMbino or a Marvel die-hard stocking up on summer adventures.

Water Memory is a beautiful graphic novel, though, and emotionally compelling enough in its opening pages that the final act will just leave you wishing the adventure would last a little longer, rather than wishing you hadn't started the journey at all.

Wayward Sisters is also an extremely well-designed anthology - while design sometimes goes unremarked on in reviews, it can be a make-or-break for reading experiences involving anthologies of this size, and Wayward Sisters is informative and easy to navigate with a full index and bios with social media information for creators before each individual story. For digital readers especially, this is a gift - it’s easy to go back and find all your favorite stories on multiple reads even if you can’t dog-ear a page. Wayward Sisters is available tin print through WaywardSisters.com, and a full list of the creative teams with their stories can be found at WaywardSisters.com as well.

Gish's bright colors and the maximally cute design of the Puramus make the moments of thoughtful unease about the empty earth that much more uneasy " We Are Here Forever doesn't really linger on the circumstances of the Puramus' rise to dominance, but there are a few moments where Gish drives home that, yes, we've left the Earth behind, under the care of these sweet creatures.

If you've got non-comics friends curious about Kasady in the wake of Venom's big-screen debut, this would be a good place to start them " the team perfectly captures what makes him such a compelling and unsettling symbiote villain with an impressive economy of visual space.

Ultimately, Cult of Carnage's stumbles are not necessarily issues of craft but of what feels like a rushed editorial process.

Welcome to Showside #1 drops just in time for Halloween, and it's a great book for anyone looking to add some family-friendly spooky stories to their library. McGinty's tongue-in-cheek dialogue will make you smile no matter your age. The fourth-wall breaking details peppered throughout the book give it definite re-reading value -- the use of lettering as a weapon in one panel is particularly clever. The art, from McGinty's unique designs to Rian Sygh's vibrant colors and Fred Stressing's lettering work, give this book an appealing visual edge that perfectly captures its off the rails kid-horror premise. Lovecraft meets Lisa Frank may seem like an impossible blend, but McGinty and his team make it work. Welcome to Showside #1 is a solid and charming debut issue for a promising, and very unique, new all-ages title.

Better to go too hard than play it safe; Wonder Woman #52 is still an exciting and beautiful read.

WWE #1, from the start of Hopeless' tale to the end of Thibodeaux, is an engaging issue that fleshes out the on-camera characters of these superstars with relatable motivations while embracing wrestling's' unusual quirks and showcasing the physical skill required to put on these matches night after night. It's an excellent licensed adaptation all around, and absolutely one of the best wrestling comics to date.

Filled with clever puns and spot-on interpretations of some of wrestling's most iconic figures, with an added bonus of a short but powerful Ultimate Warrior tale from writer Aubrey Sitterson, illustrator Ed McGuinness, and colorist Marcio Menyz, WWE #2 easily keeps the series' streak of strong issues alive.

Hopeless does an excellent job filling in the gaps of Rollins' television absence with an authentic look the slow spiral of a long recovery can take on someone.

The WWE team's first outing with this on-going has absolutely made it a number one contender amongst the licensed comics out there today, and continues to offer up a tale that even the smartest marks will find something in to enjoy.

It's a delight to see Thibodeaux and Guillory's surreal time-travel adventure back in WWE #5, and though the Wyatt and Balor tales were certainly compelling as well, the brief New Day story will leave you hoping we get to stick with the fan-favorite trio for a few issues longer.

This series offers up a glimpse at these wrestlers' lives once the cameras are off, lives we rarely ever get to see within the context of kayfabe, and the skillful blending of Hopeless and Acuna's off-camera world with the events on-screen is precisely what continues to make it such a fun read.

WWE #7 is consistently a well-executed and fun read, and BOOM has done an excellent job curating tales featuring wrestlers throughout history to satisfy readers' urges for something outside the ongoing saga of the Shield.

This issue is a lighthearted interlude longtime fans will love and an easy-breezy primer for anyone curious looking for a way to ease back into wrestling as the Wednesday night wars return and SmackDown makes its big move to Fridays.

SummerSlam 2017 is a fun mix of emotional tales and light-hearted romps, including Derek Fridolfs and Fred Stresing's goofy short featuring The Bushwhackers and the Natural Disasters, and the variety of the stories collected is a great read for WWE fans looking to get in the SummerSlam spirit.

No screwjob jokes here: Then. Now. Forever. embraces the characters fans love and the world WWE has created and gives them a new depth, proving their partnership with BOOM! was absolutely the right call to make.

The weirder revisionist history elements are off-set by writer Dennis Hopeless' excellent grasp on Rhodes' unique and distinctive voice, and illustrator Jake Elphick does an incredible job capturing the charisma and charm that made Rhodes such a powerful and captivating presence even in the twilight years of his career as an elder statesman within the WWE.

If, at first glance, you were writing this title off as cashing in on nostalgia, I can't blame you - but lucky for you, I wasn't afraid to go back down memory lane, and can kindly let you know that you're way off-base. Having read X-Men '92 #1, I can safely say that Chad Bowers and Chris Sims have elevated it beyond an event tie-in to a legitimately interesting story in its own right. Fans of the X-Men - whether just the show, the comics, or both - won't regret giving this book a shot.

X-Men '92 #4 may only mark the end of an arc now that the title has been turned into an ongoing series, but it's a solid close to a fun and adventurous storyline.

If you're coming back from the miniseries, it make take an issue or two to adjust, but X-Men '92 #1 promises more of the campy, action-packed fun (and the occasional odd physical proportions - keep an eye out for some unusually strong thighs) of both its source comic book and the source show.

. The full issue is a little inconsistent in the art " Jean sometimes bears an eerie resemblance to Sophie turner, and moments later doesn't at all " but ultimately, X-Men Red #2 is a solid standalone series that fans of these characters can enjoy regardless of how many other related titles they've been following.

You Brought Me The Ocean aims to be a superhero origin story and a queer coming-of-age tale all at once, and trying to balance the narrative needs of both of those winds up with Jake's journey as a teen coming to terms with his sexuality feeling underserved and the start of his journey to understand his genetically engineered (?!!) powers feeling perfunctory.

For genre fans, this book will be a perfect introduction to a new squad of magical heroines you'll quickly fall in love with. For new audiences, this book may feel rushed or overloaded at times. But it's a fun read, and Panetta and Ganucheau have a clear vision for this world. They just don't seem to have enough space to flesh it out in a meaningful way in one issue. With luck, the heavy exposition is merely a first-issue hiccup, and the Zodiac Starforce team can focus more on giving the team more emotional depth as the story unfolds.

Zodiac Starforce #2 significantly improves on some of the pacing problems of the debut issue, giving its solid plot and gorgeous art more room to shine.

I hated the idea of only ever getting four issues of Zodiac Starforce, and Cries of the Fire Prince #1 brings back all the magical girl charm of the first series with even stronger writing and artwork. Today's debut issue will undoubtedly delight longtime fans of the original miniseries, and this is a perfect time to catch up on the first volume before diving back into Panetta and Ganucheau's heartfelt take on a much-beloved genre.

Zojaqan #1 is an impressive first issue, emotionally arresting through its artwork and dialogue. There's no real explanation of Shannon's plight here, but ultimately it's not needed; this is an exploration of grief and circumstance against a beautiful and surreal science fiction backdrop, driven primarily by Shannon's journey rather the specifics of what has made her unstuck from time or where and when Zojaqan exists in the universe. Vault Comics has an all-star team on hand with Zojaqan #1, and this week's debut issue is absolutely worth checking out.

Zojaqan has been hit by some unfortunate shipping delays, but it's absolutely worth hunting down the third issue this week and adding it to your list; there's no delay that could detract from Zojaqan #3's gorgeous art and engrossing story.