Claire Stevenson Comic Reviews

In truth, the main issue that Angel & Faith currently seems to be suffering from is playing second fiddle to the overarching Season 10 story arc. Whilst Gischler teases enough for it to be certain the storyline will eventually tie into that currently featured in Buffy, theres too significant a lack of progression for the series to remain engaging. Since the return of Faith to Magic Town, the plot has felt aimless and the storylines of Angel and Faith continue to be too divergent for the comic as a whole to truly gel. The momentum, at present, has well and truly been lost. Id suggest its going to take someone nefarious and blue to get it back on track.

Cryptocracy feels like a series that will continue to surprise the reader far beyond the first few issues. There are so many layers to unpeel. Through Grahame, we discover there are secrets within the Mars family that even an upper-circle pion doesnt know about. This issue may not have the same punch as the first in terms of plot development, but its certainly exciting and I for one cant wait for the next one.

Issue one, whilst not quite kicking us off with a bang, provides a solid foundation for the series to progress. If Cornell plays it right, this could be a real winner.

However, on post-comic contemplation, Im left feeling that the series so far has been very much like a simmering pot; you can feel the promise of a fantastic storyline bubbling under the surface, but it hasnt quite reached boiling point yet. Maybe next time?

Theres a fluidity to the plot in this latest issue that I feel has been missing from the series so far. Each sequence flows seamlessly into the next, with an underlying current that we are getting closer to uncovering some answers. The storyline isnt flawless towards the end of the issue, Alice demonstrates a depth of understanding that is a little bewildering in the circumstances but overall it finally feels like some of the threads are drawing together.

The story is sharp and engaging, with a particularly killer moment in the final third that will catch your breath. Were heading into the series finale on an absolute high and Cornell has used this fourth issue to sow the seeds of a united front; itll be interesting to see how that front explodes to combat this latest threat to the universe.

Overall, the issue is enjoyable. Arguably Id have preferred this particular story to be dealt with over a couple of issues, as theres a few plot points skimmed over that I think would have been interesting to explore. However, its a solid entry to the series and still worth a look-in if you happen to come by it.

Overall, the book serves its purpose in furthering the storyline and there's some fun dialogue to enjoy. As you will be able to tell from my review, however, it didn't really 'float my boat'. To finish on a positive note though, at least the final panel promises a hopefully more exciting ride next time!

Overall, this is a punchy end to an enjoyable first arc. Even if you werent a massive fan of Nine (I fall into that category myself), this is a fun series with all the core elements that make the TV series such a delight to watch. This particular series is still in its infancy, so jump on in before you miss out.

If possible, Im even more excited for the next issue than I was last time. In my eyes, Abadzis and co. can do no wrong.

Whilst this latest installment is unlikely to blow you away, theres no denying that Abadzis has weaved an engaging and magical tale for the Tenth Doctor that has been an utter delight to read. This is a grand master at work on a character he understands to the core. If were extremely lucky, its work that will continue very soon.

Its likely that the aftermath of the events of this book will spill into the books that follow. From that perspective, I would still tell followers of the series to pick this one up. For me, this is a misstep in an otherwise fantastic series with an impressive team at the helm. I dont doubt for a second that theyll turn this around asap.

All-in-all, the story remains engaging, but its a less attractive issue thats presented to us here than were used to.

Everafter boasts a fantastic concept which builds on the success of the original iconic series to breathe life into this new story. For those that havent dipped into Fables previously, never fear, you wont need to have read the prior series to become instantly hooked here. I promise you though, once you get to the end of this first book, youll feel like youve seriously missed out.

This book is unlikely to knock your socks off, but its a neat concept and something different from the norm. Its the comic book equivalent of a palette cleanser if you can see past the twee overtures: light and enjoyable. Id recommend it, even if only based on the series potential from the platform established in this first book.

Unlike the previous issue, each panel resembles a painting, with Eggleton citing several artists as his inspiration. The effect is simply stunning. I doubt the term gorgeous has ever been used to describe a Godzilla comic before, but to hell with it (pardon the pun), Im using it. It is that beautiful Id pick this one up even if you arent usually a fan. Ill admit, this little plot is unlikely to be to everyones tastes, but for me, the overall package delivers nonetheless.

Much like In Hell, its likely each book will function as a standalone comic, arguably providing readers with the freedom to dip in and out of the series for only the time periods they like the sound of. However, it does appear there may be an ongoing thread through Race Across Time. The first book introduces a modern day storyline, with two researchers on the hunt to uncover evidence that the legendary lizard does in fact exist. It remains to be seen how big a part this arc will play throughout the series; but my gut tells me, not very.

Whilst there are references to prior books in the series, the nature of BRPD allows easy access to fans and strangers of the subject material alike. With the character-driven nature of the book, I would say that 'Beyond the Fences' will likely have greater appear to the former rather than the latter. However, it's still worth a look-in if you fancy a change from your standard purchases.

I may be somewhat biased (Im pretty sure I still have my Falconzord somewhere), but Id recommend this comic whether youre a fan or not. Theres so much potential, even if Higgins doesnt stick to the original storylines. If I could submit a wishlist, Id beg for the White Ranger and Lord Zedd; hell Id even take Ivan Ooze! Go buy it; theres monsters, theres drama and its FUN!

Since this book is set prior to the first four books, this could be a good hopping-on point for those unfamiliar with the series to date. No prior knowledge is required, although new readers will miss the central point of the book in explaining Zacks secret motivations and past experiences with the dragon coin. As for continuing readers, you may find it a bit of a bore after the dizzy excitement of the last one, but think of it as something to cleanse your palate before we dive back into the action in issue six.

Overall, despite the negativity of parts of this review, there is something about Mystery Girl that intrigues me. Trines a pretty awesome heroine to follow; however Im not convinced yet that Tobins provided us with a suitable villain to be the yin to her yang. Until he does, Im afraid this series feels a little half-cooked to me.

Overall, Red Sonja #1973 is well worth a read. Theres enough gory violence to keep most entertained, but also plenty there for those looking for something more from the character to chew on. Be warned, combating the misogyny of men is a constant theme throughout the issue; some could argue it presents an almost unfair stereotype of men when taken as a whole. Whilst I wont argue that its an important issue worth tackling, its just a shame that the writers dont see the irony in having Sonja do so whilst continuing to parade around in a steel bikini.

Whilst the banter, as Sonja puts it, isnt exactly zinging, Gischler achieves a real energy between the characters. Theres a familiarity and tenderness between them, which is a nice touch in a comic featuring two characters so rooted in bloodshed and barbarism. Theres a danger, of course, that with such a foundation Sonja could be reduced to spangle-y arm candy, but Castro neatly sidesteps that particular pitfall with a well-placed arrow. I have a feeling theyre going to play very nicely together.

Strange Attractors will not be everyones cup of tea. Its a tad high-brow and removed, a bit like the mathematics at its core. However, its also fresh and intriguing, and if it can deliver on its potential, could well be worth the investment. For my part, Id definitely recommend it.

Notwithstanding the above, I believe theres potential here for these two characters to play very well together. On the basis of this first issue, however, it remains to be seen whether Marguerite Bennett will achieve it and whether the result will appeal to both genders.

Overall, Throwaways provides a fresh take on well-worn themes. Its exciting, fast-paced and intriguing. Pick it up; you wont be disappointed.

All in all, this book feels like a series of missed opportunities. It has a strong cast, a series of interesting plot points and vivid artwork. Its just a shame that all these aspects dont come together in the end to form a compelling story. That said, its important at this point to remember that this is just the first issue; with the set-up out of the way, it could be interesting to see what the Barrowmans are planning for the motley crew aboard the Ice Maiden. If youre a Torchwood fan, I wouldnt necessarily write-off the series just yet. Sadly however if youre not a fan, this book is unlikely to change that.

I won't spoil it, but for fans of the series, just you wait till page 18 (again, the artwork here is great). It's an exciting moment, although for me, not quite exciting enough to make up for the convoluted narrative in places. This book is still a solid entry in the series, but I would say not quite as enjoyable as those that have come before it.