Ultimately then, Alienated shows an intense amount of promise for its series as a whole. A few early stumbles in early dialogue is not even remotely enough to turn away from this rich outing from such a strong creative team. Striking characters, outstanding composition and the strong beginnings of a story of good intentions turned horribly, traumatically wrong, all help to make this debut issue a coming-of-age story worthy of the term subversive, not to mention some of your hard-earned coin this Wednesday.

Sonic Annual 2019 may be inessential, with no ties or threads to anything happening in the main book, but it truly is a shining example of what this series does best. It pairs a crack team of writers with some of the finest cartoonists in the business, and provides some action packed, heart-filled all ages fun that consistently looks stunning. If youre a fan of the franchise, these five adventures are a fine addition to the series, but if youve never read a Sonic comic before, this annual might just show you just why so many people have become attached to this strange series that probably has no right being this good.

Rat Queens Special: Swamp Romp is both a great sales pitch for the new creators whoare poised take over the main series, and a great example of why a good one-shot is one of the most satisfying reads you can get. And while Swamp Romp is perhaps inessential in the grand scheme of things, its a pure delight from start to finish. Packed with the everything we love about the Rat Queens, with spot-on characterization and a shining art team, this special delivers a simple, enjoyable tale every RQ fan is sure to love.

Ye is gorgeous in every sense of the word. A story perfectly balanced with humour, humanity and deftness. Artwork so stunningly sculpted by a master of composition and colour, with characters so alive and a world so expansive in both reality and fantasy. I picked up Ye on a whim, by virtue of a curious title alone, but am I glad I did. Because now I can safely say this is one of the most brilliant comics of this calibre Ive ever read, and deserves a spot on any readers shelf.

Its unsurprising that a creative team like this knocks their first issue out of the park. A brilliant tribute to the era, draped with all the tropes, larger-than-life action and strong characters that go hand-in-hand with this period of comics. This first issue is really only the start of something much bigger, with the real battle starting next month, but this introduction is as raw and personal, explosive and action-packed, and satisfying as youd expect with a lineup of creatives like this. If youre a fan of Black Hammer, its essential you pick this up. If youre a fan of this era of comics, its essential you pick this up. If youre a fan of good stories and great action, its essential you pick this up.

While acting as purely an opening for the story to come, and an introduction to this character, The Forgotten Queen #1 sells itself gracefully on the strength on Howards writing and Pinnas artwork. And with the seeds planted and the characters established, the cliff-hanger this issue ends on leaves me incredibly excited to see just where this story is headed.

So if youre on the fence about dropping this series, or perhaps curious to find out if this series is worth returning to, this issue definitely proves its staying power. Not only that, but it the fact that the authors are able to grow and refine their story suggests that every issue is only going to get stronger from here, and itll be a confident trade buy too. It seems like AfterShock has yet another hit on its hands.

Ill say it again, this is up there as one of the most fun issues of superhero comics released in years.

There was always a slim possibility that the pairing of Fiffe and G. I. Joe could end up less than spectacular, but with the understanding and love shown to these characters and an exciting location to play in, G. I. Joe Sierra Muerta looks and reads even better than I could have hoped. Add in a crazy ending which suggests that weve seen nothing of the madness to come, and this first issue stands out as easily the finest action comic on the shelves this week. Issue #2 cannot come soon enough.

Put simply, Bendis, Gleason and Snchez combine to bring us the return of Young Justice in a way we could previously only have dreamed of. Boasting top-tier execution and filled to the brim with character and action, this first issue gives us everything we've come to love about not only this team, but teen heroes in general, while also establishing a strong first arc, some big mysteries and hinting at some even bigger returns down the road.

Let me clarify: Bloodshot: Rising Spirit is by no means a bad book. It begins the process of filling in an important part of the Bloodshot story, and does so by featuring some of the events we may have been expecting prior to picking it up. But its by-the-numbers interpretation and simplistic presentation of the origin story makes the book feel a little more dated and less exciting than it deserves to be in 2018. Sure, it may blossom into a story that fits into the incredible blend of crazy and personal that Bloodshot is best known for, but for the time being Rising Spirit sadly isnt a book Im craving to return to immediately, unlike its predecessors.

While Optimus Prime #25 next week will bring wonderful closure to this line, I think its the final part of this issue that will stick with me most from Barber's run. It simply has to be read to be believed. In every way, Barber brings home this event with the flourish and cinematic scope that one would expect from such a climatic issue. Filled with massive action, heartfelt goodbyes and beautifully small moments, this is a brilliant send-off to so much of Barber and IDW's Transformers Universe.

This chapter isn't just the latest display of one of comic's finest fantasy stories kicking ass, it's also easily the most gripping issue of the series yet. It features rewarding plot threads and character growth along with one hell of a stand-off which asks as many questions as it answers, as well as kicking off an unpredictable and exciting new status quo for the rest of the arc to explore.

Consider Nightwing #51 a mission statement for Lobdells new direction for the character. While not action-packed or chock full of detail or plot, what we have here are the seeds for a host of new ideas and stories that make me genuinely excited for whats to come. From what seemed a dull and lifeless idea, Nightwing #51 now brings the promise of a tale that will stay true to the core of this character we all love. And with a great art team to accompany him, Ill definitely be returning for issue #52 to see if Lobdell can pull it all off.

The next two issues may make this issue stronger in retrospect, and I eagerly await them, but theres a lot to live up to and a lot of potential fulfil if War Bears is going to become a story to truly be remembered.

In its third-from-last-issue, Roberts and his team bring every question and cast member together to slot in the final piece of the puzzle before the last stand of issue #24. And with pretty much every single character and machination of the Lost Light story working together here, this issue is as rich and engaging as you could possibly hope for.

Optimus Prime #22 is a must read for anyone who has followed this book and the Unicron event as a whole. Filling in and adding so many subtle nuances to the event would be enough, but with the return of its full roster and an all-new narrative beginning alongside the main event, this series now promises to deliver a fitting finale in-and-of-itself. That fact that all this happens with an incredible artistic team ensures that this issue was always guaranteed to be a hit.

If this was a '90s commercial, I'd say it was mind melting and eye-exploding goodness. An action-packed, shocking, crazy, stunning, explosive, hilarious issue that leaves your heart full and your mouth agape, all while being so utterly rewarding for us readers in its final leg. This is as good as it gets, and I imagine it probably won't let up from here on in.

Sure, this review is a lot of gushing, but honestly, it's hard not to gush at this point. In its final hours, Roberts and his creative team have shown that they've been preparing for this ending since the very beginning of the series. Providing a fantastic opening to Lost Lights final arc, issue #21 gives us the start of the hooks, reveals, cliffhangers, action and emotion that will leave our hearts full, our eyes moist as we stand in awe of the meticulous craft of this fantastic series.

Ending a universe in one six-part series is no easy task. But this issue has cemented Barber's ability to do so. A masterful blend of action, character, emotion and politics, Unicron #2 is filled with all the Transformers content you could ask for in such a climatic and explosive event. And with one of the most kick-ass artistic teams ever, there's absolutely no reason you shouldn't be reading Transformers: Unicron.

Theres no doubt that this issue holds a spark of brilliance in its pages. We still have those familiar character-defining moments, full-scale conflict and the inner turmoil of the characters we love, ensuring that the best points of Barbers work is still captured here. But the sudden, cluttered and anticlimactic ending where everything is so quickly (and uncomfortably neatly) tied up provides a slightly unsatisfying conclusion to an arc that has promised, and for the most part delivered, so much.

Lost Light #19 builds upon everything before it as it continues to set the stage for one hell of a finale. Intensity abounds, with every character and reveal given time to gradually grow into the monsoon that issue 20s showdown promises to be. The saga that just won't quit, the art teams that just won't stop shining and the characters you just cant help loving help make this issue just as good as anything that has come before, while also setting the stage for something even bigger.

Roberts really has done it again. Delivering on the promised “most important issue” with heart, sadness, shocks, action and humour. Even so close to the end, Lost Light still gives us issues that make it feel as fresh and fulfilling as when it first began. There's no sign of letting up or whimpering out in its final issues, and what more could you ask for than that?

It's a classic first issue that relies heavily on its setup, but Allison's penchant for well-crafted characters, strong thematic ties and eye for illustrious art talent makes this issue an easy purchase. The unique and otherworldly mystery, as well as the mystery of the characters themselves, makes this not only another Allison hit, but something new, exciting and inevitably rewarding for anyone looking for a new series to immerse themselves in.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Urban Legends is a fantastically coloured re-release of a mostly forgotten part of Turtles history. And while the first issue may fall flat in terms of storytelling, the familiar Turtle quips and violently fun action provide a well-drawn history lesson for new and existing readers alike about the musclebound appeal of the edgy 90s.

In truth, I can't stop raving about this one. Whatever reservations I may have had following Isolas first issue are long gone. And while the methodical pacing may not appeal to some readers, the incredible attention to dialogue, world-building and in this issue have become the driving force behind my desire to get another fix of the intensively atmospheric, fantastical frenzy that is Isola.

In the end, Optimus Prime #17 is a mammoth issue, full of big changes and massive reveals as Onyx Prime and The Falling prove to be something not to be forgotten any time soon. And while the execution of an issue of this magnitude – and its effect on the state of the universe as a whole – isn't perfect, nor always delivered with the sense of clarity it deserves, the sheer of scope of the story and the effect on the direction of the series as a whole ensures that its still one not to be missed.

It's delightful, memorable, packed with oh my GOD! moments and so much personality that there's no way you could ever dismiss this as a merely a set-up issue. Simply put, this is yet another fantastic issue of the Lost Light saga.

Sonic The Hedgehog #2 brings everything you loved in #1 again; humor, heart and excitement molded by cartooning perfection. While not deviating from the formula much at all, the success of the first brings similar success here. And while I'm very much here for the ride, I hope once we finally get the band back together, Sonic The Hedgehog opts to shake things up a little in future issues to keep things feeling fresh and exciting.

Now obviously, this issue won't bring you a genre-defying story or a deconstruction of the ideals of a fast-running hedgehog. No, what this issue will bring you is a showcase of the sheer brilliance of all-ages comics. Simpler sure, but still fun, punchy and gorgeous to look at, this book combines the fine recipe of a loveable mascot, a colorful cast, an ageless sense of humor and an incredible art team to whip up a hit for the oldest fan or the youngest reader alike.

With the setup out of the way and the battle lines now clearly drawn, these next issues are sure to be a no-holds-barred explosion of action and character, with an expanding roster and twists and turns aplenty. And in that respect, what Visaggio, Ossio and Cruz have managed to achieve with an issue almost entirely comprised of setup and dialogue is a feat not to be understated. Engaging, expressive and captivating, Transformers VS Visionaries #1 is everything you could hope for from a crossover like this, with perfect voices for characters I cant wait to see return next month.

In terms of art and action, Bonehead #1 is incredibly strong, and on those merits alone, this is a captivating first issue. Sublime action is brought to life in these pages, making it a stimulating read, but an issue without much narrative or character building means this one may not sell you itself well enough just yet. The interest and longevity of the series will come down to having an interesting story to pair with good action, and Ill need to see a narrative forming in the next couple of issues to keep me coming back to the world of Bonehead.

Point is, don't call it a Threeboot because Kibblesmith and Kano have crafted a hilarious and striking first issue, packed with perfect characterisation and a firm understanding of just what makes Quantum and Woody work. It feels like the brothers never left at all, and that theyre simply back with a new shiny coat of paint.

If that personal side very much appeals to you, then Cold Dead Hands may still be a book to keep reading, with great art to boot. But otherwise, Black Lightning may just be fizzling out.

With a strong setup, Priests distinctive brand of writing and action, and some seriously vibrant art by Woods, theres some real weight to this action-packed issue. However, where Priest and Woods actually take us with this setup, and whether Priest proves he has the voices for our favourite super-team will need to be shown in the upcoming issues to really convince us that is going to be a run to remember.

In the end, this issue may feel like a prologue more than an actual beginning. And while that may leave a few feeling unconvinced or concerned about picking up this issue, the flawless character work, world-building and artistry by Vaughn, Luca and Sallah make the tale of Poppy and Cyrenic, a story I cant wait to see blossom into something truly unforgettable.

All in all though, Ninja-K #1 is a spectacular opening issue. A perfect show of what a great action comic and a great Valiant comic will bring. Non-stop pacing, filled with history, action, intrigue, mystery and mayhem; Ninja-K kicks off a super spy epic to remember, with some of the most stunning art of the year. And for 40 pages of incredible content for $3.99, there is nowhere to go wrong.

But regardless, judging this issue on its own merits leaves it a tad disappointing. Because for all the great character and artistry in this issue, the lacklustre story feels like a fairly flat and basic event for the return of character like Black Lightning! Heres to the next issue, though. And a good TV show! I definitely appreciate all the love Black Lightning is getting here DC, and you should too.

So, to conclude, this is pretty much your classic event aftermath issue. Perfectly serviceable in every way, with some interesting scenes and always-great art by Griffith, but it mostly just reads and feels like legwork. The stuff that gets you from the event to the next bit of actual story that the book wants to tell. But with the set-up now firmly in place, all I can say is – bring on the next part of Barbers incredible tale! See you next month, Prime.

The Gravediggers Union #1 could easily have become just another by-the-numbers monster-hunting book. While still ostensibly an establishing issue, the world-building and uniqueness of the story being built, Craigs and Cypresss pencils and Guardias colours make this a memorable debut that may just blossom into one of the finest supernatural horror comics to hit the shelves. Plus, how can you possibly go wrong with 40 pages of comics for just $3.99?

Hack/Slash Resurrection #1 is however, a purely setup issue. New motives and villains make themselves known, but with little action and a cliff-hanger ending, this issue shows that the story really begins next issue. Issue #1 may feel like an issue #0 and leave long-time fans a little unsatisfied, but the incredible work of Howard, Celor and Russel in this issue, alongside the faith Seeley has in this project, will make sure youll want to be here for when this story real kicks off next issue.