If South Parks Trey Parker and Matt Stone wrote a sequel to The Goonies, itd probably be a lot like 4 Kids Walk Into A Bank. Rude, crude, hilarious and with a surprising amount of heart, this is an absolutely essential purchase.

That minor niggle aside, this is still a pretty damn perfect ending to yet another stunningly impressive series from Black Mask Studios. Obviously the release problems have hampered the flow of the series significantly, but if you get a chance to pick up the collected edition, you really owe it to yourself to do just that. You can thank me later. Its razor-sharp, hilariously relatable and surprisingly heartfelt, and if it werent for a certain homeless noir series, would stand alone as the unquestioned jewel in the Black Mask Studios crown. Highest of recommendations for this one, folks.

In summary, the fact that it contains one of the best Bat-stories Ive read for quite some time is more than enough to justify the $4.99 cover price, and the opportunity to see Scott Snyder pouring out his creativity in such an unrestricted arena makes for absolutely essential reading.  You can count me in for all thirteen issues of this one, thats for darn sure.

All-Star Batman continues to deliver a fascinating look at the Dark Knights rogues gallery, providing a fresh new interpretation of Two-Face in the main story while shining an extra storyline spotlight on new sidekick Duke in the “backup” strip. Since it was first announced, the hype generated by the, yes, all-star creative team almost seemed to be setting the bar a little too high, but to this point in the series, Snyder, Romita Jr, Miki, White, Shalvey and Bellaire have somehow managed to exceed expectations, resulting in an absolutely essential purchase for any and all Batman fans.

This latest arc has seen Snyder weaving contradictions into every aspect of his story. Its wildly improbable yes relentlessly logical. Epic on a global scale, but still deeply personal. Its not a Batman story, but at the same time, its the Batman story. And, in spite of his critically acclaimed New 52 run alongside Greg Capullo, its All-Star Batman that really feels like Scott Snyder painting his masterpiece. Highest possible recommendation for this series, folks.

While AN OLYMPIC DREAM is a fairly difficult read at times due to the inherent  tragedy of the story, its also an incredibly important one, and provides some much-needed humanity to what can otherwise seem like a faceless problem.  Highest of recommendations for this one, and another glowing testament to the provocative and thought provoking  work of SelfMadeHero.

Overall then, while this first issue doesn't really give us any indication of what direction the series is going to take as it moves forwards, it provides what is easily one of the most utterly intriguing and skilfully executed opening chapters to a new series this year. With its ability to make you recoil in horror, snort with laughter and feel a lump in your throat practically simultaneously, Animosity is an absolutely essential purchase.

Five years removed from its initial release, I still cant find anything to fault about ApocalyptiGirl: An Aria for the End Times. The narrative is tight, the characterisation is spot-on, and the artwork while frequently unconventional in its approach is truly a feast for the eyes. MacLean has managed to weave a tale filled with humour and emotion with a powerful message at its core, and I simply cant recommend this book highly enough.

It's always great to see a comic living up to its impressive hype, but in all honesty, I think BARBARIC may have actually exceeded it. From the legitimate belly laugh on page five to the air-punching violence throughout to the the eyebrow-raising final page, this is a perfect example of exactly why I read comics. To be entertained. And if entertainment is what you're after, I really can't recommend this series highly enough.

This is a story about fathers and sons, vengeance and justice, life and death, and its unquestionably one of the best single issues of a Batman comic Ive read in a long, long time. This is the Batman I want to see, this is the Swamp Thing I want to see, and this is the creative partnership I want to see working together time and time again. A fantastic issue from two creators who seem custom-made to collaborate with one another, and one deserving of my highest possible recommendation.

Much like the interaction between Selina and Damian in the last prelude issue this one is made so perfect by the last pages with Bruce and Dick. Again we see how the Batfam feel about this new addition and how they care for their surrogate father, providing a truly beautiful and meaningful moment in a fantastic set up to the big day.

For a company perhaps best known for their licensed content, IDW are doing some absolutely stellar work with their Originals creator-owned line, and this new series deserves a place near the very top of that list. Feeling like Sylvanian Families meets Dexter, this is a beautifully disturbing concept executed to absolute perfection. Highest possible recommendation.

I honestly can't stress how much I'm enjoying this series. And while it's only technically going to have two issues published in this calendar year, it's already rocketing its way to the top of my “Best of 2023” list. Blending cutesy animals and twisted psychopaths into a weirdly compelling mixture, this series once again gets my highest possible recommendation.

As we head into the final chapter next month, and what promises to be something of a reckoning for all concerned, it's worth reiterating just how fantastic this series has been from start to finish. In blending two seemingly disparate genres, Horvath has certainly baited his hook effectively, but this high-concept premise would be wasted without a thoroughly compelling story at its heart, and in that respect Horvath has delivered in spades. Samantha Strong is an utterly compelling protagonist, and this series serves as yet another unmitigated triumph for IDWs Original imprint. Absolutely mesmerizing.

Theres also a fantastic sensation of just sitting back and letting this monumental series unfold, safe in the knowledge that Remender and Scalera have at least fifty issues (at least!) plotted out, and that every character will be given their own unique arc to explore. This is multi-layered science fiction world building of the highest order, perfectly executed by a creative team at the absolute top of their game.

Black Science continues to cement its reputation as one of the finest comics on the shelves today, providing a surrealist, genre-defying science fiction opus wrapped around a handful of utterlycompelling characters. This isnt the time tojump intothe series, but I highly recommending grabbing the first three trades as soon as humanly possible and getting on board with this one. Trust me, you wont regret it.

Okay, lets cut to the chase. Black Science is, for my money, the most consistently brilliant series on the shelves today, an accolade it has held in my opinion, at least for the best part of three years now. Remenders work has honestly never been better, and his seamless collaboration with Scalera continues to redefine just how well a writer and artist should be working together. If you havent been following this series until now, you really, really need to pick up the first four trades and get caught up right away. You can thank me later.

The final pages hammer how just how much Hum and Serka's life has changed from when we last saw them, and with them both finding themselves drawn into their own (shudder) “quests”, it's going to be really interesting to see how the rest of this series unfolds. Whatever happens though, I'm going to be right there every step of of the way yet again, because like a drunken reunion with an old friend, Coda's triumphant return ticks every chaotic, subversive box you could possible hope for.

If you missed the first four-part volume of this series, I suggest you remedy that immediately. Bold, creative and utterly sublime, Coffin Bounds second arc shows no signs of squandering the freight train momentum of its first. Highest possible recommendation.

Simply put, Watters is a genius, Dani is a magician and Coffin Bound is one of the best books being published right now. What are you waiting for?

Honestly, I could rant and rave about this book all day, but the best way to experience it is to pick it up for yourself when it goes on sale next week. Wildly ambitious and relentlessly creative, Crossover may end up being the coolest thing Cates and Shaw have ever done, which is certainly saying something. I loved absolutely everything about this comic, and I hope you will too.

For me, the best sci-fi is always the kind that impacts you viscerally in the first instance, but then lingers in your mind long after youve walked away from it. And in that respect, Eugenic hits the sweet spot beautifully. Its dark, troubling and thought-provoking science fiction of the highest order, and comes with my strongest possible recommendation

Without a doubt one of the most deliciously twisted, yet unrelentingly fun, books on the shelves today, I HATE FAIRYLAND remains an abso-fluffin-lutely essential purchase.

Honestly, this is a difficult book to review simply because its so personal. Sure, the technical execution is impressive, and the use of different artistic styles and metanarrative devices is certainly engaging, but your individual mileage here will undoubtedly vary based on your own experiences, mindset, and empathy, I guess? For me, Im not sure I can remember the last time a graphic novel hit me quite as hard as this one did. Deeply moving at some points, and actually kinda uplifting at others, Zoe takes us on a brief but memorable journey alongside her for six months of her life, giving the reader a firsthand insight into the mind of a troubled but supremely talented creator.

Every so often a comic comes along that grabs you from the get-go, either with its unconventional creativity, its striking originality or its passionate execution. Or, in the case of LITTLE BIRD, with all three. An utterly fascinating, gorgeously illustrated opening salvo in what promises to be a savage assault on the senses, this is a new series I simply cant recommend highly enough.

Another belter of a title from the folks at Comixtribe, and proof if proof were needed that John Lees is right on the cusp of taking the step from local best-kept-secret to one of the most exciting new writers in comics' (assuming that step hasn't already been taken) . Chilling, gripping and utterly unmissable, this one is going to be another runaway hit, mark my words.

As I mentioned above, Pride of Baghdad is a book that will stick with you long after youve put it down, and the themes and emotions explored within these pages still feel every bit as relevant today as they did a decade ago. Vertigo Comics have made their living by producing inventive, thought-provoking works of art, and if youre putting together a list of their most affecting releases over the last twenty-five years, Pride of Baghdad has to be right at the top. Highly recommended.

Dark, violent and just a little bit twisted, this is easily the most polished and inventive title I've seen from Action Lab so far, and the entire creative team deserves all the credit in the world for bringing such a genuinely brilliant premise to life. This is one of the strongest debuts for a new title in 2017 so far, and is a series that deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible.

Dark, powerful and far more poignant than any story about a giant talking panther detective has any right to be, Spencer and Locke is set to become one of the sleeper hits of 2017, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where this story goes next.

A stunning achievement of both ambition and execution, Step by Bloody Step is a near flawless offering from a creative team at the absolute top of their game. Highest possible recommendation for this one, folks.

It's no secret that IDW have been going all-out for months with the hype for this new series, and I'm happy to confirm this is one of those rare occasions where the final product more than lives up to that hype. I don't throw the word perfect around a lot, but this is an absolutely perfect first issue. Highest possible recommendation, and I absolutely can't wait to see what the upcoming artists – Rafael Albuquerque, Cliff Chiang and Chris Burnham – bring to the other three brothers.

I've read some truly brilliant comics this year, but Department of Truth is sitting right at the very top of that list. And with four months left of the year, its going to take something very, very special to knock it off first place.

One of the most accomplished debuts of 2017 so far, The Dregs provides an utterly unique twist on an established genre while also putting forth a socially relevant message about the way we look at the world of poverty and substance abuse. Highest of recommendations for this one.

Beautiful, poignant and utterly unique, The Dregs is like absolutely nothing else on the shelves right now, and comes with my highest possible recommendation.

Honestly though, theres only so many different ways I can praise a series that feels like it was written and drawn specifically for me, but this is pure poetry, man. A heady blend of hard-boiled detective fantasy and stark, unapologetic reality, The Dregs is hands-down one of the best books Ive read in a long, long time.

The Dregs is gripping, powerful and through-provoking stuff, and as Ive been saying since the very first issue is my runaway pick for the best comic of 2017. Lets just say that its going to take something truly special in the next six months to knock The Dregs off its perch. Hats off to everyone involved in helping to bring this series to life, and I can only hope that it reaches the level of audience that it clearly deserves.

Those seeking a behind the scenes look at the rise of the Beatles are likely to come away disappointed, as this is instead a deeply personal character study of one of musics most enigmatic and visionary characters. As Epstein himself says, The bullfight is both a celebration of life and a meditation on death, which is about as perfect a summary of the Fifth Beatle as you could possibly hope for. A powerful and fascinating book which is clearly deserving of all the praise which has been heaped upon it, The Fifth Beatle is an essential purchase for fans of music, fans of comics and for any of us who have ever been interested in the subtle nuances of the human condition.

The final pages kick things into a whole new gear in classic Tynion style, tying this new story seamlessly into the previous arc and completely and utterly erasing any of my aforementioned fears about this feeling like an ‘unnecessary retread'. Delivering all the nuanced character work of the first series while throwing in some delicious twists, turns and jaw-dropping revelations for good measure, The Nice House By The Sea is already looking like an absolutely note-perfect sequel, and as such, gets our highest possible recommendation.

Honestly, this is easily the best opening issue to a series that I've read for quite some time, and delivers a perfect execution of a high-concept bait and switch that takes something normal and turns it into something else entirely. Most excitingly of all though, this series is getting the longform treatment with no less than twelve (count 'em!) issues, so there's almost no way of knowing just how far this wild premise is going to be pushed in the months to come. One thing's for sure though, I'm going to be right there every step of the way to find out, and I strongly recommend you do the same.

Honestly, I cant recommend this series highly enough. The potential that this premise has for hilarity, drama and air-punching awesomeness simply cannot be understated, and with a noticeably more structured plot this time around, I can only hope that The Paybacks finally receives the commercial success it truly deserves. Ill be sticking with this team every step of the way, thats for damn sure.

For me though, the most enjoyable part of The Paybacks is the fact that it never quite degenerates into all-out parody, still maintaining a strong storyline structure and impressive dramatic beats amidst all the hilarity. Yes, its conceivable that the quirky humour and offbeat tone may not be to everyones taste, but quite frankly, if you dont love this series with the fire of a thousand suns, youre dead wrong, and also quite possibly mentally flawed in some way. Just sayin.

This is another absolutely stunning debut from Vault Comics; a literary horror series that provides a visceral, haunting depiction of what happens when you change the world through art, and I absolutely cannot recommend it highly enough.

Every now and again, a comic comes along that grabs your attention and simply refuses to let go, and THE SEEDS is a perfect example of that. It isnt flashy and it doesnt lean too heavy on the broader aspects of its premise, but theres something truly mesmerising about the way Nocenti and Aja work together seamlessly here to bring this fully-realised, utterly captivating world to life. A masterclass in precision and understatement, THE SEEDS is a new series you need to add to your pull list as soon as possible.

Cards on the table, Ive never really been much of a fan of the Teen Titans until now, but this issue paints them in such an utterly intriguing light that its difficult not to get excited about the prospect of watching this team no, this family come together again in the weeks and months to come.   Full disclosure, I was kind of hoping that DCs Rebirth would serve as a good point for me to clear some titles from my already bloated pull list, but with every week that passes, another stellar series manages to creep its way into the buy pile.  So while my bank account may not necessarily be all that happy, my love of exciting, engaging, well-written comics most certainly is.

Limited series it may be, but youre going to want to get in on the ground floor of this one before it blows up to become yet another global critical and commercial juggernaut. Years from now, when people are clamouring for first issues on eBay and reminiscing about where they were when they first picked this one up, youll be able to smile, nod, and say yup, told ya.

While it was undoubtedly the writer who encouraged me to gravitate towards this series, the stunning visuals and focused nature of the story are absolutely second-to-none, providing a rich, sprawling backstory to what is being painted as a deeply personal conflict for Amber. While it might not have the same standout visual set-pieces as the mech takedown from issue one, or the same dialogue to match the Superman speech from the first chapter, We Stand on Guard is still head-and-shoulders above the vast majority of titles on the shelves today, and is as close to essential reading as you can possibly get. Get it on your pull list now.

Honestly, this is fantastic. Striking, inventive and deeply relevant in today's technology-dependent world. And if this stellar first issue is anything to go by, this may end up being one of the true standouts in Vault's already impressive library of titles for quite some time.

For my money, Mindset is one of the best books being published right now, and this is the strongest issue of the series so far. It continues to take an extreme look at the increasingly insidious nature of social media, but does it with such seemingly effortless flair that it's difficult not to find yourself completely and utterly sucked into the story from the moment you turn the first page of each issue. Absolutely essential reading.

Kaplan, Pearson and Otsmane-Elhaou are a creative triumvirate that I'm hoping we haven't seen the last of. Pulling off some outstanding narrative misdirection and delivering a thoughtful look at the insidious nature of technology and social media, Mindset is, for my money, the glittering crown jewel in Vault's already stellar library of titles.

Wrestling fan or not, Ringside is a title that any self-respecting comic mark owes it to themselves to pick up. Taking a long, unblinking look at the violent and gritty world outside of the ring, Keatinge and Barber have created something truly special here, and one of the most exciting new series of the year.

Overall, Ringside remains one of the most exciting new debuts from Image this year which, given the incredibly high level of their 2015 output, is not an accolade I give away lightly. Readers expecting a bright, bold rockem sockem wrestling series are going to be bitterly disappointed, but for fans of grim, violent crime drama, this could be exactly what the doctor ordered. Once again, this is a book that comes highly recommended.

While its ostensibly a quote-unquote wrestling comic, Ringside is actually far more than that, providing both a gripping crime drama and a collection of nuanced character studies about the men who have dedicated their lives to the professional wrestling business. Brutal and emotional in equal measure, Ringside is a series that will appeal to die hard wrasslin' fans and disinterested bystanders alike, and I have no hesitation once again in giving it my highest possible recommendation.

Another gripping issue then, with a tense cliffhangerthat throws the next step in this series into significant turmoil. A shining example of a brilliantly inventive premise being executed to absolute perfection, The Beauty continues to ask some truly challenging questions while still retaining all the tension and drama of the conspiracy thriller at its heart.

While it started off with an interesting hook – a sexually transmitted disease that can make you beautiful, but which comes with a hidden price the strength of its characterisation has pushed THE BEAUTY to a whole new level, and with near-limitless potential as the story expands to the larger world, this is set to become one of the absolute must-buy books of 2016.

On the surface, THE BEAUTY is a high-concept thriller about a virus that makes you beautiful, but scratch that surface just a little and you'll find a rich, multi-layered world filled with intriguing characters and complex moral dilemmas. Hurley and Haun are taking great pleasure in exploiting the potential of their million-dollar premise, and if the subsequent guest artists perform as impressively as Huddleston, this is shaping up to be one hell of an arc. Highest of recommendations for this one.

Ultimately though, this is every bit as gripping and captivating as the original series, and its always great to see this particular creative partnership making magic together. Providing a dark, unsettling take on this traditional bible story, The Virgin Brides proves to be more than worth the wait, and while my excitement is tempered with no small amount hesitation for the welfare of our two leads, I absolutely cant wait to see where this story goes next.

Another utterly fantastic debut for a new Image Comics series then, and a welcome return for this particular creative partnership; a team who clearly havent lost a step since the conclusion of Scalped over three years ago. Brutal, unrelenting, disturbingly beautiful and in-your-face from the opening page, The Goddamned is an absolutely essential read.

Once again its probably worth clarifying that no, this is not your grandmas bible story, but for a stark, brutal dose of violence and brutality along with a truly compelling protagonist who maybe, just maybe, is finally showing a little bit of heart the Goddamned remains an absolutely essential purchase. Is it too late to add this one to mybest books of 2015?

Overall then, while it's bleak, unrelentingly violent approach is undoubtedly what makes it stand out, The Goddamned is turning into a damn fine character piece. Aaron andGura are two of the truly transcendent talents in their individual fields, but when you put them together, the result is nothing less than sheer visual poetry. Once of the most engaging and shocking series in recent years, and an absolutely essential purchase for all. Let's just hope the wait until issue five isn't quite as long.

As I mentioned in one of my earlier reviews, this is definitely not your grandmas bible story, but over the last five issues,The Goddamned has also gradually evolved into something far more interesting than simply an ultra-violent religious adaptation. Highly recommended.

So yes, Ill be on board with this series for as long as Jason Aaron is.  Serving as an utterly captivating introduction to the world of the Sorcerer Supreme, this is as close to a must-buy first issue as you could hope for.  Never had any interest in Doctor Strange before?  Doesnt matter.  By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth, this is your new favourite Marvel series.

Ultimately, this is pretty much a perfect jumping-on point with an exciting new creative team and a bold new direction for this iconic character. Cates, Walta and Bellaire are working in perfect harmony here, and the mixture of humour, drama and sorcerous shenanigans make this an easy series to recommended.

This is one of the most exciting and captivating first issues of an Image Comics series that Ive read for quite some time, which is definitely saying something. Cates and Shaw are working in perfect harmony here, creating an intense, grounded world thats about to be blown apart in the most gloriously celestial fashion imaginable. Highly, highly recommended.

I absolutely loved the first issue of God Country when it dropped last month, and Im going on record right now as saying that not only is this second issue even better, but that this series is going to be one of the absolute cant miss titles of 2017. You have been warned.

Proof, if proof were needed, that big two comics can still retain that edgy, indie feel in the right hands, of course. Definitely one to pick up, assuming youre not already doing so.

Overall, while the meat of the big picture is clearly still to come, the development of the characters and the well-structured variety of the monster of the week format is working extremely well for Gotham by Midnight thus far. A wonderfully scripted book brought to life by some of the finest visuals on the shelves today, this is a shadowy corner of the DC Universe that deserves a hell of a lot more light to be shed on it. So take a little peek under the rock that is Gotham By Midnight. I guarantee you wont be disappointed.

While itd be easy for me to hang my head and feel despondent about the upcoming final issue of this series, Im adopting a glass half full approach here. This is a series that is undoubtedly going to stand the test of time and be looked back on in years to come as one of the truly tragic comic book cancellations. Its better to burn out than to fade away, as they say, and if thats the case, then Ferreyra and Fawkes are poised to unleash an absolutesupernova of a final issue that's going to make a lot of people feel pretty damn stupid for missing out on this one.

Its truly powerful stuff, and a fitting to end to a series Im absolutely gutted to see finish. Once again, pats on the back all round to everyone who hasworked on Gotham by Midnight over the last year, and lets keep our fingers crossed that we get to revisit this particular title somewhere down the line. Even if this is the end, however, I think Im due one last attempt to try and recommend this one to as many people as possible… seriously folks, if you havent picked it up yet, the first trade is available now (and you can win yourself a signed copy over on our Facebook page!) and the second arc shouldnt be too far behind.This is atruly unique book that provides a brilliantly twisted look at one of the comicbook worlds most famous cities. R.I.P. Gotham by Midnight, youll be sorely missed.

A historical horror story that is guaranteed to crawl under your skin, HOUSE OF PENANCE is uncomfortable, unconventional and thoroughly unmissable. Dark Horse continues to cement its place as the absolute pinnacle of horror comics, and with a gripping first issue, both visually and narratively, I honestly cant recommend this series highly enough.

At the end of the day, any horror story is only as good as the characters involved, and in Sarah Winchester and Warren Peck, we have been blessed with two utterly compelling protagonists, each with a truly relatable aspect to their personal trauma.  While there are historical and factual aspects to this tale, Tomasi should be applauded for weaving such a gripping fictional narrative around them, and Bertrams stunning visuals round out what has to be considered one of the truly unique, genuinely disturbing horror titles of 2016.

This minor niggle aside, the flair with whichJolle Jones executes the story – not to mention the legitimately world-class artwork – makes this an absolute joy to read. The first series of Lady Killer started off with an intriguing, attention grabbing hook (a housewife assassin!) before gradually unveiling a tense, dramatic and darkly comic character piece, and this second arc has all the hallmarks of delivering exactly the same captivating experience. Highly, highly recommended.

While Lady Killer may have initially made its mark with its brilliant premise and beautifully violent artwork, this second series has added a far more polished narrative, and Jolle Jones is to be truly commended for continuing to push herself as a writer and telling a considerably more engaging story this time around.  Highest of recommendations for this series, as always.

One of the absolute best comics on the shelves today, this second series has somehow managed to actually improve upon its Eisner-nominated predecessor, providing a gripping story, subtle character development and some of the best artwork youre likely to see in a comic today. Get it bought

In summary, this is a finale which is more than worth the wait, and, as Ive said before, Lady Killer remains one of the absolute best comics on the shelves today. Slick, stylish and toe-curlingly violent, this is a series which comes highly, highly recommended.

Overall, this is an utterly captivating first issue of what promises to be a tense, unpredictable series. A gripping, noir-soaked mystery which is every bit as chilling as the snow-filled landscape that serves as its backdrop, Snow Blind is a series that comes highly recommended.

I love a good mystery, and thats exactly what Snow Blind is a fast-paced, utterly engaging tale that asks a lot of important questions about the fragile nature of trust, and is sure to keep the reader guessing until the very last page. Razor-sharp dialogue and wonderfully rendered artwork gives this noir thriller the extra edge if needs to really get under your skin, and the cliffhanger at the end of this issue is going to make the next four weeks a long, painful wait. Highest of recommendations for this one.

Simply put, The Paypacks is absolutely bloody hilarious, and its difficult not to be drawn in by how much fun the creators seem to have having with it. Its easy to imagine them grinning, laughing and high-fiving as the put this bad boy together, and the sheer joy involved makes it nearly impossible not to read it with a smile on your face.

Loaded with razor-sharp wit and overflowing with creativity, The Paybacks is essential reading for anyone who ever wondered what would happen if superheroes had to deal with debt collectors.  Which, Im assuming, is all of us.

Arguably the funniest comic on the shelves right now, with some truly inspired gags peppering what's actually a pretty damn intriguing superhero mystery series, The Paybacks is another absolutely essential purchase from Dark Horse Comics. Buy it. Buy it now!

Even if this is the end though, Cates, Rahal,Shaw and Affe deserve the highest of praises for putting together this wonderfully compelling take on the superhero genre; a funny, exciting and in the end pretty damn moving series. Pats on the back all round then, although Im going to be keeping my fingers crossed that the report of the Paybacks demise has been greatly exaggerated.

While it continually finds itself balancing on the knife-edge between silly and serious, Head Lopper is an utterly enjoyable read with a striking visual style, providing a decidedly original take on the swords and sorcery genre.

With Apocalyptigirl and now this, MacLean has cemented his place as an absolute must-buy creator for me, and Im already starting to get withdrawals until my next quarterly Norgal fix. One of my favourite reads of the year, even if the three-month wait between issues is borderline cruel. Darkly humourous, gloriously illustrated and boundlessly entertaining, Head Lopper is a book you truly owe it to yourself to pick up.

Highest of recommendations for this one then, and with the concluding issue not set to hit shelves for another three months, theres plenty of time for you to get caught up in the utterly unique world of HEAD LOPPER.

The final pages set things up for the story to come, and with the true horrors of the Crimson Tower seemingly only just beginning, this latest arc promises to be yet another bold, in-your-face and beautifully illustrated chapter of the most metal comic on the shelves today.

Ultimately, Head Lopper continues to confound expectations, creating a nuanced fantasy storytelling experience that Robert E. Howard would be proud of and wrapping it up in a bright, vibrant and highly stylised visual package. I honestly cant recommend this series enough.

It feels like horror comics are a dime-a-dozen these days, but horror comics which genuinely unnerve you, creeping under your skin and lurking in your subconscious, are far rarer beasts.  While Aldridge and Godlewski arent giving too much away just yet, the groundwork has been laid here for a truly terrifying rural horror tale, and a chilling testament to the fact that every action has a consequence.

While rural horror seems to be a bit of a growth industry in todays world of comics, rarely has the genre been handled as confidently as it is here. Godlewski and Aldridge have crafted a truly unnerving tale that will shock, excite and captivate readers, all the while almost daring them to keepwatching as the horror unfolds. Highly recommended.

This is undoubtedly the strongest issue of the series so far, and serves as a true testament to the creative synergy of both writer and artist. Everything is measured, everything is controlled, but that only makes the unfolding horror all the more unsettling as events play out with an almost morbid certainty. Will Iris survive the demons of his past as they come looking for him? Does he even deserve to? Simply put, THE DARK AND THE BLOODY is one of the most utterly compelling horror titles on the shelves today, and deserves to be seen by as many wide, terrified eyes as possible.

Over the course of the last issue and a half, THE DARK & BLOODY has gradually shifted from a tense, unnerving rural horror to something altogether more in-your-face, with one of the most gruesomely unsettling antagonists in a long, long time (seriously the beak!). While it may ask some intriguing moral questions about blame, responsibility and consequences, at the end of the day this is pure horror through and through, and can easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the very best in the genre right now. Highly recommended, yet again.

The denouement is powerful and shocking without straying into melodrama or overwrought exposition, and the creators give a little wink to the reader on the final page, leaving the door open like all great horror stories do. All the way through the series, The Dark & Bloody has deftly tiptoed the line between unsettling horror and captivating characterisation, and this final issue once again contains both in equal measure. There are no easy answers to be had here, no clean and tidy solutions, and – for my money – the story is all the better for it. Beautifully scripted, genuinely unsettling and surprisingly cerebral, The Dark & Bloody is a horror story that more than holds up the fine traditions of this iconic publisher.

It's definitely a good sign when the first issue of a comic is already an oversized thirty-two pages long and it's still not even close to being enough to satisfy you. A triumph of world-building, scene-setting and dark fantasy excess, Briar takes the familiar and makes it unfamiliar, twisting the safe ‘happily every after' world into something dark and deadly. Highest possible recommendation.

The final pages give our hapless protagonists a new direction to travel in, and as I said above, it's impossible not to find yourself completely drawn into this violent, murky and darkly comic fairytale reimagining. Another home run for BOOM! Studios' creator-owned slate of comics then, and series that once again gets my emphatic recommendation.

It's always a challenge to stay invested in a series when there's such a significant gap between story arcs, let alone when that delay comes with a fairly substantial change to the creative team, but Briar has handled the transition beautifully, expanding on its dark, irreverent mythos in exciting new ways and setting up what promises to be one hell of a second arc. If your like your fairy tales dark, twisted and gloriously foul-mouthed then this is most definitely the series for you.

This minor niggle aside, Ferreyra and Tobin are as perfectly-suited a partnership as you could possibly hope for, feeding off one anothers twisted ideas to create something truly special; a horror comic that not only shocks and entertains but also creeps under your skin, lurking there in your subconscious as it waitsfor the lights to go out. It should probably go without saying by now, but Ill say it one more time you need to buy this comic, as well as the previous two volumes. Trust me, you won't regret it.

At this stage, its difficult to say anything about this series that I havent said already, but allow me to summarise: Nimble Jack is undoubtedly one of the finest horror creations in years, and his actions in this series only serve to solidify that position; Paul Tobin and Juan Ferreyra are a creative partnership made in heaven or, yknow, hell, depending on how you look at it; and Colder, with its disturbing visuals and truly unnerving moments of psychological horror, is the very definition of a must buy title.

If youre not already picking this book up, then theres probably nothing else I can say now that I havent said already that will change your mind. Simply put, this is one of the finest, most original, most disturbing horror series' of all time. Yeah, I said it. Colder deserves to be held in that level of regard. While the story may be over, I have a feeling itll be sticking with a lot of us for a long, long time, every time we see a person mumbling in the streets, every time we fold up a paper aeroplane, and every time we see a group of goddamn pigeons. As I've said before, this is horror as an absolute masterclass.

Theres a hell of a lot going on here, both on the surface and beneath it, and Die is most certainly a series that will reward repeat readings. Whats more, this feels like a genuine passion project from everyone involved, and that level of investment and affection is difficult not to become sucked in by, particularly in what is starting to feel at times like an increasingly disposable comics industry. Gripping, emotive and profoundly moving, this is a new series I cant recommend highly enough.

DIE is a book packed with nuance, depth and imagination, and while its (admittedly concise) description as Goth Jumanji feels fairly accurate, it also doesnt even begin to convey just how rich, detailed and utterly addictive the world that Hans and Gillen have created truly is. Highest of recommendations yet again for one of the best books of the year.

A note-perfect manipulation of the fantasy RPG setting, featuring enough layers (or sides, I guess) for die-hards and casual gamers alike, DIE is like absolutely nothing else on the shelves right now and as such, is a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

Were sixteen issues in and this series still hasnt missed a beat. Simply put, Die is an absolute masterpiece that will either have you pining for your lost D&D days, celebrating your current D&D days, or wishing you had D&D days to get excited about. Highly, highly recommended.

If you havent jumped on this particular bandwagon yet, now is the perfect time. Mixing superhero shenanigans with real life issues, and packed to the brim with humour, drama and excitement, Faith is all but guaranteed to become your new favourite superhero.

Overall, this is yet another fantastic issue that takes what could otherwise be a fairly generic situation – a supervillain capturing a hero for nefarious means – and puts an unmistakably Faith-y stamp on it. Charming, relatable, funny and with a worthy message at its core about never feeling the need to change yourself to please people around you, Faith continues to be one the most fiercely likeable superhero comics on the shelves today.

Easily the best issue of the series so far, and featuring perhaps my favourite Faith moment of all time, this is pretty much essential reading. I absolutely love Faith, and if you pick this comic up I guarantee you will too.

For me, Roche Limit: Clandestiny is a fairly tough series to review, as its a book that really needs to be experienced first-hand in order for to get the full effect. In theory, some of the concepts may seem a little daunting, and those looking for a swashbuckling sci-fi romp are pretty much guaranteed to go home disappointed. However, readers who take the time to absorb the overall message and peel back the intriguing layers of mystery will find themselves faced with one of the most intelligent and gripping sci-fi comics on the shelves today, and dare I say it one of their new favourite titles.

While penultimate issues have a tendency to be used as a brief pause to take stock before an all-out finale, Moreci seems to have gone in the complete opposite direction here, putting together as action-packed and frantic an issue as I can remember from him. It all works beautifully however, and as he finally pulls back the curtain on his bigger picture with a shocking flourish, this issue cements Roche Limit as one of the most inventive, engrossing and unpredictable scf-fi comics in recent years assuming that wasnt obvious already.

All that aside, theres no doubt in my mind that Roche Limit: Clandestiny is an absolute shoe-in for a great many peoples Best of 2015 lists, myself included, and that the powerfully unique structure of Michael Morecis opus all but guarantees its place in the annals of classic comicbook sci-fi for years to come.

With a striking aesthetic and a heady blend of humour and action, Rock Candy Mountain provides a hobo-themed love letter to the classic martial arts movies of old, and given Starks impressive pedigree as a creator, this should be viewed as a pretty much essential purchase.

If youre already a fan of Starks work then this is an absolutely essential purchase, but even if you arent, an eclectic blend of old-timey martial arts movie excess, perfectly-pitched humour and wonderfully authentic hobo culture makes Rock Candy Mountain one of the finest books on the shelves today. Get it bought!

A slight lull then, hallway fight aside, but only because Starks has set the bar so incredibly high to this point. As a single issue theres a hell of a lot to like here, but as the conclusion to the first arc of what has been a stellar series, it does fall a little short. Still comes highly recommended, though.

If you somehow missed out on the first arc of this series, then you really need to rectify that as quickly as possible. Rock Candy Mountain is the cult classic martial arts movie you didn't realise you were missing out on until right now. It's also a book I can't recommend highly enough, so make sure to grab your bindle and get ready to ride the rails when it goes on sale this November.

At the end of the day, Rock Candy Mountain remains one of the absolute best things on the shelves today, and while this issue may not necessarily be the best place to jump on the series for the first time, theres absolutely no excuse not to go and pick up the first trade right now – assuming you havent done so already. Seriously, you can thank me later.

Without wanting to give anything away, this is a perfectly poignant ending for what has been one of my favourite comics in recent memory, as well as a living, breathing testament to the fact that comics dont need to be intricately detailed or packed with eloquent, flowing prose in order to really resonate. Highest possible recommendation for this one, folks.

Overall, while may have taken its foot off the gas ever so slightly following that first issue, The Sheriff of Babylon remains a gripping, immersive read.  Rather than your run of the mill gung-ho war story, King and Gerads have created something altogether more cerebral; a complex, fascinating and shockingly brutal look at a troubled chapter in history through the eyes of three flawed yet utterly fascinating protagonists.  Highly recommended.

Ultimately, while the story itself may not progress too much here, the characters themselves most certainly do, and for a title which is all about providing different perspectives on the same harrowing events, this may actually be the strongest issue of the series so far. King and Gerads have crafted something truly special here; a tense, gut-wrenchingly realistic military thriller based around a trio of utterly compelling characters. Highly, highly recommended.

Featuring religion, politics, war and both the good and bad sides of human nature, all blended together with care and respect by a creative team at the absolute top of their game, I have no problem saying that Sheriff of Babylon is hands down the best comic book series of 2016.

Some may be frustrated by the slow paced opener, but for me, this is exactly the first issue that a six-part miniseries needs.  The creators establish the setting, introduce a new dynamic, and lay the groundwork for what promises to be another riveting genre mash-up series.   Simply put, Abnett and Culbard are a match made in creative heaven, much like the pairing of anthropomorphic animals and Invasion of the Body Snatchers-esque sci-fi they have created here.  The highest of recommendations for this one.

Overall then, while the story still hasnt quite ratcheted itself into high gear, the subtle character development and glorious artwork still makes The Enemy Within an absolutely essential purchase for any and all fans of sequential storytelling. Yes, its talking animals battling aliens, and yes, I know that does sound odd, but just trust me on this one. Give it a try, and Im supremely confident that youll love it.

While its not guaranteed to appeal to everyone, theres something about the unusual blend of talking animals and Victorian-style alien invasion carnage that truly appeals to me. The fact that this brilliant conceit is being executed by one of my favourite creative partnerships ismerely the cherry on the sundae, and following on the heels of fantastic stories like The New Deadwardians and Dark Ages, my lifelong vow to pick up any title where Abnett and Culbard work together is looking like itll be a fairly easy one to keep. Highly recommended, folks in case you hadnt worked that out already.

Alright, so if you haven't picked this one up yet, then this is most definitely not the place to start, but those of us who have been following this series – and the previous series, for that matter – are in for an absolute treat with this penultimate chapter. Tensions are heightened, battle lines are drawn and hearts are broken. Wild's End remains one of the most consistently gripping titles on the shelves today, with an inspired twist on worn-out “alien invasion” tropes and some of the best use of phrases like “Gord ‘elp us!” that you're ever likely to see.

My only complaint about this series is that it isn't the 99 Sidekicks of Trigger Keaton, because I seriously don't want it to end!

Honestly, this series has been an absolute blast from start to finish, something which was pretty much guaranteed given the pedigree of its two creators. If you've been here since issue one, then this conclusion is definitely not going to disappoint, and if you're new to the series but enjoy hilarious dialogue, kung fu action and cheesy TV references, this series should be considered a must buy once the trade paperback hits shelves in January.

If the purpose of a first issue is to completely and utterly draw the reader into the world being created, then Above Snakes should be considered a massivesuccess. A darkly humorous tale of Western vengeance with a supernatural twist, this is a series you owe it to yourself to pick up.

While the full scope of the story is only truly revealed during the final pages, Wood and Jones have crafted an impressively strong opening chapter for this latest Dark Horse Aliens series. While the bare bones may not be particularly daring, the strength of the lead character and the crisp, confident execution of both the storyline and the artwork make this an absolutely essential purchase for fans of the franchise, or simply for fans of science-fiction horror in general. Bring on issue two! Oorah!

Ultimately, Angelic is nothing less than an utterly fascinating series packed with an almost tangible sense of adventure and rebellion, all wrapped up in a beautiful, pastel-shaded package. So be a goodmonk and pick this one up as soon as you possibly can.

One of the absolute best comics on the shelves today, Angelic is a rarity in that it can boast genuinely universal appeal. True, now is perhaps not the greatest time to jump on board, but if you can get your hands on any back issues, Id highly recommend picking them up as quickly as possible. Trust me, you wont regret it.

As youll no doubt have realised, were serious horror fans here at the Big Comic Page, and with all manner of evocative and thrilling books being released from publishers all over the world on a weekly, Vault Comics continues to stand out from the bulk of the crowd with titles like this. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.

Kindt is a writer whose track record all but guarantees that going to at least check out everything new he releases, but even with that said, I had absolutely no idea I was going to enjoy BANG! as much as I did. Ive been waiting for my first new series to get really excited about in 2020, and I think BANG! may well be the one. Next month cant come quickly enough.

While it could have very easily have ended up feeling like a cheap, superficial or slightly tacky gimmick crossover, this is actually anything but, with Lemire and Walsh putting together a sharp, thoughtful opening issue that promises much for the rest of this story. The world of Black Hammer has offered up some of the absolute best comics of the last few years, and this series has the potential to end up right there at the top of that list.

At the end of the day, Black Hammer clearly hasn't lost a step during its six month hiatus, hitting the ground running with this new chapter and providing the same fantastic characterisation, razor-sharp homages and wildly expressive artwork that made the original series such a runaway success. But perhaps more than anything else, its just an amazing feeling to know that youre reading a comic that future generations are going to be looking back on with wide-eyed reverence. An all-time classic in the making.

A fantastic addition to the wider Walking Dead world, the long-awaited return of a fan-favourite character, and a supremely talented cartoonist at the absolute top of her game. Highly recommended.

While the real meat of this five-part story is yet to fully reveal itself, the groundwork laid in this first issue is nothing short of impeccable, throwing out several intriguing storyline hooks and doing a fantastic job of establishing the latest version of this classic villain, with plenty of teases and hinted cameos to please long-time G.I. Joe fans. A violent and ambitious reimagining of the classic Saturday morning cartoon baddie, and another thrilling addition to Skybound's Energon Universe.

About as far removed from its Saturday Morning Cartoon roots as you can possibly get, this series is another absolute triumph for Skybounds Energon Universe, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

While I loved the inclusion of the Transformers in Skybound's Energon Universe, I'll admit to being a little skeptical coming in about just how much they could do to ‘freshen up' the worlds of G.I. Joe and Cobra, given how well-established they are. Turns out, I needn't have worried. Taking the familiar and tweaking it just enough to feel different and energized (no pun intended), Williamson and Milana – and indeed all of the Energon Universe creative teams to this point – have done an absolutely fantastic job with this new shared comic book universe, and I absolutely can't wait to see where it goes next in the pages of their upcoming Destro and Scarlett miniseries next month.

Its confusing and unconventional, both narratively and artistically, but theres no denying the fact Cold War is a new series that flat-out demands your attention.

Honestly, if youve read any of the main series, youre likely already picking this one up. Cosmagog brings the best qualities of its leading man to the page, making for a fantastic read. Its touching and exciting and confusing and pretty much essential reading for any Black Hammer fan out there. Dont miss it.

A scintillating start to what looks set to be a triumphant return to Marvel by the worlds most famous barbarian. By Crom, you truly owe it to yourself to pick this one up!

As introductions go its a punchy, aggressive affair that tells you everything you need to know about the man himself. Conans encounter with the Kozaki plants the seeds for some interesting stories as the series progresses, and Bunn and Davilla combine to provide an emotive, visceral take on the iconic barbarian. Highly recommended.

With this series, Cates and Burnett have managed to make things just the right amount of crazy, with a mixture of humour and epic-scale storytelling that really hits the mark. Providing a heavy metal dose of full-throttle insanity, Cosmic Ghost Rider is one of the most unashamedly bonkers comics on the shelves today, and for that reason alone, it's a new series that I have no problem highly recommending.

As a 21-page establishing shot, this first issue does a terrific job of showcasing the massive potential of this series, and takes its time in introducing us to the two compelling leads. Beautifully illustrated and with a fresh take on a fairly worn-out trope, Crosswind is a fantastic new series from two creators working in perfect synergy, and I really cant wait to see how it plays out in particular the moment where Cason, in Junes body, meets her dick of a husband. Its gonna be glorious.

Overall then, for a book that managed to have both dizzyingly high and worryingly low expectations, DKIII: The Master Race explodes out of the gate with a barnstorming first issue that manages to capture the edge and intriguing of the original while avoiding the heavy-handed political agenda of its sequel. Pats on the back for all involved then, and consider me firmly on board for the rest of this series.

The final pages see the stakes raised significantly for Tyler and his family, and ensures that any reader picking up issue one is all but guaranteed to want to pick up issue two. A character-focused thriller that taps into some stomach-churningly primal fears, this is a series you owe it to yourself to check out. Snyder and Sherman are a match made in creative heaven, and the Dark Spaces anthology continues to deliver banger after banger. Highly, highly recommended.

While it perhaps doesn't have the same shock factor of the first issue, there's absolutely no doubt that Snyder and Sherman are crafting something truly memorable here, and if you're a fan of slow-burn ing psychological horror with a sickening hook, I truly can't recommend this series highly enough.

A slow burn of a first issue, no pun intended, which takes its time establishing this intriguing cast of characters before the real meat of the story gets going in the final pages. Snyder, Sherman and Pattison do a stellar job of gradually ramping up the tension of what promises to be a thrilling pressure cooker of a heist that I simply cant recommend highly enough.

Wild, humorous and boasting some full-on heavy metal artwork, Deaths Head is your new favourite Marvel Comic, yes?

While its ostensibly a series about demons, Demonic actually digs a lot deeper into the helpless feeling of surrendering your own free will and then having to live with the terrifying consequences of your actions. Chilling, unsettling and utterly compelling, Demonic is a story that will keep whispering in your ear long after you put the book down. Highly, highly recommended.

If youre already a Black Hammer fan then this should be viewed as an absolutely essential purchase, but given the strength of both the writing and the artwork, this could also be looked at as an equally enjoyable stand-alone series. Highly recommended either way.

Overall then, while this is first and foremost an introductory issue that sets out to establish the status quo for our beloved character, there are enough intriguing plot threads being dangled here to all but guarantee that this series is going to be a hit.  Faith is yet another utterly brilliant character from a company that seems to thrive on brilliant characters, and this is an upbeat, positive and above all a truly fun book that deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible.

Ultimately then, this feels like yet another win for Kindt and Jenkins. A tasty, supernatural-tinged mystery with a strikingly unconventional art style. As I mentioned above, this is very much a slow-burner of an opening chapter, and while the narrative is yet to fully embrace the potential of its premise, there are enough hints here not to mention the stellar pedigree of the creative team to ensure that this is an incredibly easy title to recommend.

At the end of the day, Gideon Falls is a mesmerizing read, offering up question after question without even hinting at any answers at least not for the time being and drawing us deeper and deeper into the secrets of this seemingly ordinary small town. For some this may be incredibly frustrating, and there definitely isnt a huge amount of substance in this first issue., but with Lemire at the helm, theres absolutely no doubt in my mind that the series will end up delivering on its potential, and Im more than happy to let this slow-burning horror crawl under my skin and linger there for as long as its creators see fit.

Spurrier does a fantastic job of rapid-fire world building here, fleshing out this bizarre reality and populating it with its own unique slang terms like nogody and relict, making it instantly feel far more real than it probably has any right to. Ennay and Smudge are both intriguing, multi-layered protagonists, and the artwork is packed with expression and detail throughout. So, while its undeniably an odd premise for a story, the creative team flat-out manage to make it work, resulting in a new series that serves as a testament to the sheer creativity of creator-owned comics. You can count me in with the rest of this one, thats for god-damn sure.

Fascinating, gorgeously illustrated and beautifully executed, Grass Kings is a series that flat-out demands your attention. While this is definitely a patient, understated opening issue, Kindt and Jenkins are working together in perfect synergy here, creating an almost palpable level of excitement as this all-too-believable story is gradually revealed. Highest of recommendations for this one.

Its definitely a slow burning start, and as such might not necessarily be to everyones tastes, but Grass Kings has had me hooked from pretty much the very first page. This is very essence of restrained storytelling, with nuanced character development and beautifully unconventional artwork coming together to transport us to a town that, while we may not quite want to live there, we certainly dont mind spending a little time in.

Packed with great character development and several compelling mysteries that all seem to be intertwined within the same small, insular community, Grass Kings continues to be an absolutely gripping read. It's the latest in a long line of comics that feel like like they would work perfectly as TV shows, but vitally, Grass Kings feels like it's being written as a comic book first, rather than as an extended small-screen pitch. Highly, highly recommended.

Ultimately then, this is an impressively paced issue that allows us to take a deep breath before hurtling headlong into the finale next month. The sheer consistency of Grass Kings has perhaps been its greatest selling point over the last thirteen issues, and neither Kindt nor Jenkins miss a beat here as they line up the crosshairs for what promises to be an absolutely stunning conclusion.

Unquestionably one of the best comics of the last two years, Grass Kings takes all the good and bad things about society andshrinks them down intoone single, insular community. Sharply written and gorgeously illustrated, this is series I honestly cant recommend highly enough, and this final issue provides about as perfect an ending as any of uscould have hoped for.

Ultimately then, the narrative style is undoubtedly effective and the story, while certainly familiar, is truly gripping, but its the world class artwork that makes Harleen an absolutely essential purchase. If ever there was a perfect character for Sejic to sink his teeth into its Harley, and this series seems poised to deliver a tragic and nuanced retelling of this immensely powerful origin story.

A spellbinding feminist drama that delivers an utter masterclass in tension, drama and satire, HEX WIVES is a series that comes highly recommended. If you somehow managed to miss out on it to this point, you really owe it to yourself to pick up the trade as soon as it becomes available. You can thank me later.

In summary, Cates' Midas touch continues here, working seamlessly alongside Ottley's dynamic artwork to deliver what could be a Hulk story for the ages. Highly recommended, both for Hulk fans and those who love hard-hitting, high stakes comic books in general. Bring on issue two!

Art the end of the day, this series is to the Hulk what Cates and Dylan Burnett's Cosmic Ghost Rider was to the Spirit of Vengeance. Your individual mileage will no doubt vary, but I have to say, I absolutely loved what the entire creative team came up with here. A brash, bombastic and aggressively ambitious story with some scintillating artwork, this latest Hulk series has been an absolute rollercoaster from start to finish. And with things switching gears for the upcoming Hulk versus Thor “Banner of War” event, it's safe to say that things are going to get a lot wilder before all's said and done.

After a blistering setup, the overall premise we're left with – where the monsters of the world of are directed towards the Hulk and urged to destroy him by the Mother of Horrors – is pure gold, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where this story goes next. Johnson and Klein have SMASHED it out of the park with this dark, horror-filled tale, and this is one hell of an opening salvo in what promises to be a gruesome, terrifying series. Highly recommended.

Once again, its worth clarifying that the style and approach isnt going to be to everyones tastes, but for fans of slow-burning, intelligent drama that creeps under your skin, INDOCTRINATION is a fascinating, gripping series which comes highly, highly recommended.

Slow-burning, gripping, and with a premise that could have been ripped directly from the headlines, Indoctrination provides a masterful look at the current climate of terrorism and asks some interesting questions about the nature of free will and whether we can ever truly break free from our apparently pre-determined paths. Highly, highly recommended.

Ultimately then, while its playing its cards fairly close to the chest from the time being, Infidel has more than enough intriguing storyline concepts as well as some truly striking artwork to help it stand out in the bloated world of modern day comic book horror. And while blending aspects of horror and racism isnt exactly a unique approach (see Jordan Peeles Oscar-nominated Get Out, for instance), Pichetshote and Campbell have done it in a terrifyingly believable way here. Definitely a new series to keep an eye on.

INFIDEL is to horror comics what GET OUT is to horror movies; a perfect example of the genre viewed through a remarkably socially aware lens. The entire creative team should be immensely proud of what theyve created here, fleshing out a million dollar elevator pitch like racist ghosts into something utterly unforgettable.

With new science fiction comics being released on a weekly basis, it really takes something truly special for a new story to push its way through the crowd and stand out on its own. Thankfully, special is something INVISIBLE KINGDOM has in spades, and whether it's brash action, quiet contemplation or the way these two themes come crashing together, this is a new series that deserves your full attention.

Inventive, unconventional and like absolutely nothing else being published by Marvel Comics right now, Ka-Zar and the Savage land is a series that comes highly recommended. And, if you've happened to miss the five-part story as single issues, then I'd wholeheartedly suggest picking up the collected trade paperback as soon as it becomes available. You can thank me later.

With TChalla frequently feeling like the least interesting character in his own stories, Im incredibly grateful that Marvel have opted to put a little focus on such a fascinating character, and the fact that Killmongers story is being delivered by such a supremely talented creative team is just the icing on the cake. This is an attention-grabbing and visually dynamic look at one of the most intriguing characters in the Marvel Universe, and you can definitely count me in for the rest of the journey as this story continues to unfold.

I've been a massive fan of Aaron and Asrar's run with this character since the very first issue of Conan the Barbarian back in January 2019, and seeing them reunited for this limited series has filled me with a real joy. The island-based drama with Thoth-Amon and the malevolent Princess Prima has delivered a thrilling swords and sorcery read to this point, but the Conan versus Conan storyline has elevated this series to all-time great status. Highest possible recommendation.

While this is very much an issue that is here to help to bridge the gap between the stellar ‘Conan versus Conan' showdown and what promises to be a stunning finale, there's still a lot of great content here. Aaron and Asrar is a partnership made in comic book heaven, and their work on Conan over the past few years has been damn near faultless, in my eyes at least. As such, this issue still comes highly recommended, although if you've read any of their previous Conan collaborations, you're pretty much guaranteed to already have it in your pull list.

A captivating start then, with an intriguing protagonist being thrust into a bewildering situation, and some of the best artwork youre likely to see on a monthly comic book. There are certainly far more questions than answers at the moment, but isnt that how all good mysteries begin anyway? Highly, highly recommended.

Stripped-down storytelling at its absolute finest, Mazebook is a captivating mystery that isn't in any hurry to share its secrets. Lemire pretty much can do no wrong in my eyes, and this is another worthy addition to his considerable catalogue.

Ultimately, what we have here is a beautiful, thought provoking and genuinely moving conclusion to what has been truly unique comic book series. Mazebook takes an experimental and unconventional look at the nature of grief, wrapping those themes up in a tightly structured mystery tale, and I absolutely loved it. With the likes of Sweet Tooth, Black Hammer and Descender already under his belt, it's safe to say that Lemire's creator owned credentials are pretty much unquestioned at this point, and with the Canadian cartoonist recently signing an exclusive deal with Image Comics, I honestly can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

This is a character-driven, slow-burning masterpiece, no pun intended. Buccellato, Simeone and Otsmane-Elhaou deliver a story of everyday heroism that promises to become truly extraordinary before all's said and done. Highly recommended.

This is a slice of high-concept, perfectly-pitched superhero fun that blends established tropes into a fresh, enthusiastic love letter to comic book excess.It's an opening issue that makes you immediately want to pick up the next one, which – as someone who reads waaay more comics than he probably should on a daily basis – definitely isn't always the case. Pick up this issue as soon as you can and get the rest of it added to your pull list right away. You can thank me later.

As before, the tone is kept fluid here, switching from drama to comedy and all stops in between, and it's that fluctuating approach – not to mention the clear affection for the genre from the entire creative team – that really helps this series sing. Effortlessly dispatching the concept of ‘superhero fatigue' one exploding Rubik's Cube at a time, this is a fantastic follow-up series that demands your immediate attention.

Being able to deliver a genuinely engaging horror comic is a real accomplishment, but doing so without utilising unnecessary gore or schlock is even more impressive. Snyder and Francavilla are a dream creative partnership for a pot of people, myself included, and watching them work together seamlessly to bring the chilling tale of the Ghoul to life is a real treat. An impeccably crafted, genuinely unsettling horror tale packed with depth, twists and real narrative depth. Highly recommended.

Warner and Velasco each have a firm grasp on the inherent appeal of the Predator franchise, and deserve all the credit in the world for managing to pay homage to that while simultaneously flipping the entire ‘hunter and prey' dynamic on its head. A fantastic start to a brand new series then, and a welcome return to the sweat-soaked, pulse-pounding blend of action and horror that made the classic 80s movie such a runaway success.

While this doesn't quite hit the dizzy heights of the first issue, it's still another fiercely strong issue that has all the winning components of its fan-favourite parent series. For me, “irreverent fantasy” is a really tricky genre to crack. Pull back too much and you've basically just got plain ol' fantasy, but push the envelope too far and you run the risk of becoming out-and-out parody. Thankfully, Moreci, Howell and co. continue to land right in the sweet spot, delivering a cracking new series packed with dark humour, dark fantasy and sexually inappropriate swordplay. Highly, highly recommended.

While it may be aimed squarely at the young adult market, I can see any pet owner who has lost a beloved friend too soon getting a lot out of Rocket and Andy's story. It's a fun, uplifting tale that frequently delves into some fairly complex emotions, and seems perfectly pitched at the 12-18 year-old market (and, as I mentioned, anyone who's ever had to say goodbye to a pet). Another massive success from AfterShock and the entire creative team, and an emphatic statement of intent for Seismic Press. Highly recommended.

Redline is a fantastic new series that comes highly recommended, although given its unconventional approach to genres, it's also a fairly difficult one to categorize. Imagine a cross between Sheriff of Babylon and Total Recall, only with way more dick jokes, and you're probably in the right ballpark. Either way, this is one of the funniest books on the shelves and is definitely worth a small chunk of your hard earned money every month for as long as it's being made.

Redline remains one of the best books on the shelves right now by virtue of its humour, its drama, and the balance it strikes between the two. Holman, McCormack and Fitzpatrick are working together as one hilarious and gloriously profane unit here, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.

It actually almost feels more like a prologue than a first issue – a tense, memorable introduction to the witches themselves as they make their presence felt at the expense of the utterly dislikeable Redlands police officers. And while this opening chapter only vaguely hints at the promise to come once the witches actually take over the town, as emphatic statements of intent go, youre really not going to find much better. Scintillating stuff, and a new series that comes highly recommended.

While at first glance this might look like just another vampire tale, Redneck is actually a story about family and the struggles involved in trying to break an age-old cycle of violence and hatred. Its also all but guaranteed to sink its teeth into you from the very first page. Highly, highly recommended.

Redneck is a truly gripping series, and feels a lot more like a Southern ‘family feud'-based drama than a quote-unquote Vampire story at this point. This latest chapter does a stellar job of gradually bringing the already tense situation to the boil, revelling in the strained interactions between the different generations of the Bowman family before erupting into life in the final pages. Highly recommended, and in case you missed the memo: Donny Cates. 2017. His year.

A tense, violent family drama packed with twists and turns that hit you like a stake to the chest, Redneck is a series that comes highly recommended, and this latest arc shows no sign of losing the fantastic momentum of the first. If youre not already on board this bandwagon, pick up the first trade and this issue as soon as you can. You can thank me later.

Redneck continues its almost supernatural consistency here, providing a violent and dramatic look at warring families and the bonds of blood. Oh, and one of the families just so happen to be vampires. Its gripping and entertaining from start to finish, providing a vampire story for people who dont necessarily like vampire stories, and comes highly recommended as always.

Existential science fiction is a relatively untapped genre in the world of comics, and in a market increasingly filled with dumbed-down‘shoot the aliens, save humanity' type sci-fi yarns, it's truly refreshing to have such a boldly ambitious series as Roche Limit out there on the shelves. Head-scratching it may be at times, and the lack of explanation for what we're seeing in this first issue could potentially frustrate less patient readers, but I think it's safe to say that if a reader has made it this far into the series, they should share my same confidence that Moreci is going to deliver the goods over these final four issues. Either way, the uncertainty of the conclusion and the sheer wanton creativity on display here is more than enough for me to recommend this series to anyone who'll care to listen.

To this point, Monadic is shaping up like a wonderful amalgamation of Anomalous and Clandestiny, possessing the intriguing street-level noir of the former alongside the frantic action of the latter. And while its still offering up a lot more questions than answers to this point, Im actually rather enjoying the mystery of it all, with these first two issues leaving me feeling like Im right there alongside the lead characters as they struggle to tear down the walls of their false reality. Once again, I cant recommend this series highly enough, providing youre willing to open your mind just enough to let Morecis existential sci-fi masterclass blow your mind.

A tale of loss, family and the power of imagination from one of the most talented cartoonists in the business today, Salamandre comes highly, highly recommended.

It's a simple premise and, as I mentioned above, is ultimately an exercise in world-building rather than providing any real unsolved mystery (we know where her dad is, after all). But watching Lemire and Rubin working together to add yet more flavour to one of the better developed comic book worlds in a long time is nothing less than an absolute joy. More Black Hammer is always a good thing, but with Lemire and Rubn at the helm, pouring their passion into this project, this new series is poised to become a great thing.

The final pages provide a little more insight into the events of the robbery itself, reveal the source of Luke's possibly fatal gunshot wound, and leave us with a eye-widening cliffhanger to make us immediately want to tune in to the next “episode.” Smoothly delivered noir with a beating heart of emotion and an almost tangible tension, this is a new series that demands your attention.

With the likes of Faithless and Once & Future already on the books this year, BOOM! Studios are undergoing something of a renaissance in 2019. And based on the strength of this first issue alone, Someone is Killing the Children has the potential to become the best of them all. Like a tense, terrifying blend of Hack/Slash and Stephen King's IT, this new series comes highly recommended.

Boasting a genuinely interesting premise packed with emotional heft and stunning visuals, Strayed is an impressive new series that will appeal to cat owners and sci-fi fanatics alike. Highly, highly recommended.

While the characters themselves arent quite fleshed out just yet, the world itself most definitely is, and Bermejo and Vittis creative partnership hits you like a brick to the face, providing a shocking, visceral introduction to this bleak and violent world. Highest of recommendations for this one, folks.

Overall, while it's pretty far removed from a quote-unquote “superhero story”, Supergirl: Being Super is easily one of the most enjoyable titles I've read so far this year. A powerful coming-of-age drama with some truly gorgeous artwork, this is a book you really owe it to yourself to try and pick up.

A coming of age drama wrapped around a superhero origin story, Supergirl: Being Super comes loaded with relatable emotions and impressive character beats. It almost feels at times like a Smallville-esque take on Supergirl, which may perhaps be oversimplifying the impressive work that Tamaki, Jones and Fitzpatrick have done here, but should at least give you a rough idea of what to expect. And, as Ive said before, this is a Supergirl comic that puts the super on the back burner and focuses squarely on the girl, providing one of the most enjoyable alternate origin stories Ive read for quite some time. Highly recommended.

Overall then, the story is solid, and does an impressive job of advancing the post-Rebirth Supermans character, but that artwork?Man. The artwork is something else entirely, and instantly pushes this annual from a meh, maybe to a buy it right now!, particularly for fans of Swamp Thing, of which I am mostdefinitely one.

Sure it's a little absurd at times, and readers looking for a more straight-laced superhero pal story are likely to be bitterly disappointed, but I absolutely defy anyone to make it all the way through this first issue without at least cracking a smile. Fraction and Lieber are about as perfectly suited a creative partnership as I can think of, and the way they continually play off each other here makes this nothing less than an absolute joy to read.

SUPERMAN: AMERICAN ALIEN continues to provide a wonderfully unique look at the formative days of the Man of Steel, shifting both visual and narrative and styles with every new issue, making for a truly captivating read. Personally speaking, the Superman character has always felt a little direct, a little larger-than-life for my tastes, but these fleeting snapshots, delivered with emotion and humour, are going a long way towards changing my mind. Landis is creating something truly special here, and the addition of Lee for this particular chapter is simply the cherry on an already mouth-watering sundae. Highly recommended.

At the end of the day, if youre a Swamp Thing fan this should be viewed an absolutely essential purchase, as both King and Fabok show a great level of affinity and passion for the iconic character. The Wein strip feels a little hollower, even if its always a treat to see Kelley Jones artwork, although there may be an aspect of grief and frustration thats stopping me from fully investing in the story. Either way, lets hope this Winter Special does well enough to spark some line-wide interest in Swamp Thing, as theres simply too much potential in the character for him to be relegated to a series of fleeting cameos.

This could probably be called a slow-burner of a first issue, but Thomson and De Iulis don't waste a single panel along the way, introducing us to a relatable group of friends, each with their own drama, quirks and trauma, and slotting them into a shockingly unexpected situation. With Thompson continuing to go from strength to strength as a writer and De Iulis delivering a striking visual style, The Cull has the potential to be the next big hit from Image Comics, and is a new series you really owe it to yourself to pick up.

With Remender and Fiumara at the helm, this series has the potential to cement itself alongside the Sagas and Black Sciences of this world in terms of A+ science fiction comics. With a few thinly-veiled allusions of what's still to come in the post-comic notes, this is a truly fantastic start to a new series that I cannot recommend highly enough.

With this latest release marking his fiftieth issue with the character, Im ready to call Jason Aaron the greatest Thor writer of the modern era, and I cant think of anyone who would realistically be able to argue with that assessment. Aaron just flat-out gets the character, and yet at the same time he isnt afraid of making bold, sweeping, game-changing adjustments in order to tell a better story. This latest series puts the former God of Thunder in a wholly unfamiliar position, and revels in the violence and desperation which ensues. And, at the risk of making a fairly obvious pun, theres no denying the fact that Aaron, Copiel and Wilson are more than worthy of telling this latest chapter in the God of Thunders story.

A measured beginning to what promises to be yet another cracking series. Abnett and Culbard bring back their ‘A.A. Milne meets H.G. Wells' series with a triumphant fanfare, and as before, the blend of engaging characters, high-stakes drama and gorgeous artwork makes this a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

Skybound's Energon Universe continues to go from strength to strength, with Johnson and Corona delivering a blistering new storyline and a fresh take on your favourite Robots in Disguise. With a new status quo for the Decepticons and more tantalising sub-plots than you can shake a Fusion Cannon at, this series once again comes highly, highly recommended.

That minor niggle aside, this is still a great start to what promises to be another fantastic series from Vertigo. For a publisher with such a storied, iconic history in the comics world, its truly exciting to see a rejuvenation like this, with bold, ambitious storytelling featuring some of the most exciting creators on the scene today. Williams and Dowling have crafted a masterful character-based thriller here, anda storythat promises to examine full spectrum of the human condition, as well as the oddly menacing nature of social media.

Overall, Unfollow is a series with an undoubtedly brilliant hook which, while it may have taken a little longer than expected to finally its full stride, finally seems poised to deliver on the potential of its premise. The basic concept offers up a lot of unique moral and societal questions, something that " given the diversity of the 140 (or should that be 139?) characters, ranging from podgy businessmen to skilled hunters " I'm expecting to be fully explored in the issues to come. Slick, tense and wonderfully scripted, Unfollow is a truly gripping series thus far, and with it surely only being a matter of time before things break down into a social media-inspired Battle Royale, you can definitely count me in for the rest of this twisted journey.

Chilling, shocking and utterly compelling, Unfollow is your new favourite series, even if you dont know it yet. An ensemble thriller of the highest order, Unfollow has leapfrogged its way to the head of Vertigos current pack no small feat, given the sheer quality of titles being released and has cemented its place on my pull list for as long as Williams and Dowling care to keep making it.

Once again, UNFOLLOW remains an absolutely essential purchase, for its sheer wanton creativity and unpredictability if nothing else. Were now seven issues in, and theres a feeling that weve only barely scratched the surface of whats to come. This is absolutely note-perfect ensemble storytelling, blending humour, violence, human drama and horror into one truly addictive cocktail. Buy it. Buy it now!

Theres a worrying trend with high-concept stories like this where the writer rapidly runs out of momentum once the initial intrigue of the premise wears off. Well, Im happy to report that this is definitely not the case with Unfollow, as Rob Williams continues to pile on new layers of intrigue to what may very well be his finest creation. Oh, and Williams has Ferrell drop a (thankfully metaphorical) bomb on the final pages that promises to change everything. And I mean everything. Unmissable stuff, and the highest of recommendations for this series as always.

Honestly, Unfollow is pretty much a textbook example of fleshing out a high-concept premise into a thoroughly gripping story, and both Rob Williams and Mike Dowling should be immensely proud of what theyve created here. This is a fantastic conclusion to a series that has surely cemented its place in the upper echelon of Vertigos storied back catalogue, and one that comes with my highest possible recommendation.

I'll freely admit that I was initially a little skeptical about how Ewing could continue his narrative in a compelling way following the conclusion of the first arc, but he and the rest of the team simply haven't missed a beat here, and the shift in pace has added even more depth and intrigue to this already fascinating world. A richly textured, gorgeously illustrated sci-fi comic that gets my highest recommendation.

For me, this is the best science fiction comic since Image's Black Science, and if you know me in any way, you'll know that's not a comparison I throw around lightly. Ewing and di Meo continue to reinvent their narrative, taking the story in unexpected new directions and keeping the reader on the edge of their seats throughout this wild journey. If you haven't already got on board with this series, I fully recommend you do so as soon as possible so you can enjoy this final arc as it happens.

Another banger of a first issue from Image Comics then, as Rosenberg and Boss effortlessly recapture the magic of their previous collaboration, delivering a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre. The themes of record collecting and music as a whole tie into the adolescent experience beautifully, and the way these themes are framed in a world where groups of kids battle for survival in an adult-free wasteland is likely to speak to a lot of readers on a lot of different levels. I'm well and truly hooked anyway, and can't wait to see where this story goes next.

Pushing that to one side, theres no denying that this is an absolutely fantastic series that showcases the strengths of its entire creative team beautifully. Rosenberg gives us fully rounded, believable and relatable characters; Boss gives us stylish, evocative layouts and note-perfect moments of visual comedy; and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou keeps the story flowing throughout with his trademark immaculate lettering. A gripping story that's in no hurry to give its bigger secrets away, this is a wonderful series that I can't recommend highly enough.

A measured beginning to what promises to be yet another cracking series. Abnett and Culbard bring back their ‘A.A. Milne meets H.G. Wells' series with a triumphant fanfare, and as before, the blend of engaging characters, high-stakes drama and gorgeous artwork makes this a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

Given my well documented love affair with the previous three volumes, it was unlikely that I wasn't going to thoroughly enjoy this new release. However, putting my obvious bias aside, this is still a truly fantastic story, blending two seemingly disparate genres – old-school sci-fi horror and… well… talking animals – into a genuinely thrilling comic book series. I mentioned in my first review that I initially had some reservations that this release may not even be truly necessary given how well the first arc wrapped up, but honestly, this is matching the original series step for step in terms of stakes, tension and emotional investment. Highly, highly recommended.

Overall then, while there are certainly aspects of the book that are likely to cause some controversy, I found this to be a bold, exciting re-imagining of the story of greatest female superhero of all time. Not the definitive origin perhaps, but undoubtedly smart, provocative and wrapped up in a truly mouth-watering visual package. Whatever way you look at it, Wonder Woman: Earth One is a book which deserves to be read, discussed and debated for years to come.

A delightfully fresh take on the legendary swashbuckler, and a series that does a fantastic job of showcasing Murphy's skill as both writer and artist, this series is definitely going to leave a (hopefully not Z-shaped) mark on anyone who decides to pick it up. Highly recommended.

Oh, and in case you missed the memo, 2017 is now officially Donny Cates year, folks. Get used to it.

Six issues in and Babyteeth is losing none of its early momentum, and this tale of teenage motherhood, demons, assassins and shadowy conspiracies only promises to get better and better in this thrilling second arc. Cates and Brown are both firing on all cylinders here, and while this issue does admittedly feel like a brief pause for breath before the real action of the second chapter starts, it's still packed with both memorable and shocking moments. Highly recommended.

Over the last twelve issues, BABYTEETH has gradually evolved from an intriguing high-concept elevator pitch (single mother gives birth to the antichrist) to a fascinating and multi-layered story packed with intriguing characters and an enjoyable blend of humour and gravitas. If you havent picked this one up yet, then Id wholeheartedly suggest grabbing the first two trades and joining us in the Red Realm as soon as possible. Seriously folks, this is one of the best books on the shelves right now.

Ultimately then, it's safe to say that Cates, Brown and co. stick the landing with style here, wrapping their hellacious teenage pregnancy story up in truly satisfying fashion and bringing the story of Sadie Ritter full circle. Hopefully the fourth and final collected trade will follow shortly (along with one of AfterShock's suitably chunky omnibus editions, perhaps?) to give those readers who drifted away during the break a chance to experience the whole cracking narrative. Fantastic stuff from all concerned.

Ultimately, this serves as a gripping and horrifying opening chapter of what promises to be one hell of a new series. Lazaretto makes you want to break out the hand sanitizer as soon as you put the book down, and is guaranteed to make you look a little differently at the next person you see coughing in a public place. Highly, highly recommended.

As I said in my review of the first issue, Lazaretto is a comic that makes you want to go and wash your hands as soon as youve put it down. Tense, shocking and utterly gripping, its like Lord of the Flies with actual flies buzzing over actual diseased and dying college students. Highly recommended.

Things are clearly moving towards a definite conclusion, but with the virus itself behaving in some thoroughly unexpected ways its going to be interesting to see what sort of resolution Chapman and Levang have for us in the final issue. Ill wager that unlikely to be an uplifting finale with smiles and high-fives all round, and Im already bracing myself to see what the pair have in store for us next month. Whatever happens though, theres no denying that Lazaretto has been one of the most impressive BOOM! Studios books of 2017, even if it is gradually morphing into something different from what I was initially expecting.

A face-peelingly awesome finale which sees Chapman and Levang effortlessly stick the landing, providing a conclusion that, while it may not necessarily be happy, is certainly incredibly memorable. Lazaretto is one of those rare things in the world of comics – a fascinating premise that actually manages to live up to its potential. Highly, highly recommended.

Honestly, I'm loving this series already. Rose-tinted nostalgia and present-day relevance, weary cynicism and a wide-eyed sense of adventure, Misfit City has it all. This is a positive, upbeat series with an almost tangible sense of adventure, and whether youre a girl, a boy, a Goonies fan or just someone who loves a great story, Misfit City comes highly recommended.

A lot of the time, ‘all-ages' can pretty much become shorthand for “just for kids”, but with Misfit City, Smith, Lusgtarten, Franquiz and Peer have created something that I'd wager will appeal to pretty much everyone in one way or another. So whether you're a tween, a teen, or a cynical thirtysomething horror-loving male (*cough*), Misfit City is all but guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. And honestly, with some sizzling banter, a frantic chase scene and some epic doggy heroism, what more could you possibly want?

So, while its undoubtedly a slower issue, the charm, humour and sense of adventure that has typified the series to this point is still very much present here. As a single issue it may feel like a bit of a dip, but as part of an overall narrative, this is a much-needed reduction in pace. And with a lot of different storyline threads heading for a dramatic intersection (including that cliff-hanger), its obvious that well be back to that fast-paced, quick-witted adventure story again in no time.

So then, another fun and exciting issue for a series that seems to be ramping up to full speed again after a brief dip in pace last time out. Humorous dialogue, an intriguing mystery and some brilliantly rendered characters help make Misfit City a series that comes highly recommended for anyone with at least a little adventure in their heart.

Honestly, this is a fantastic start. Gillens confident structure and snappy dialogue paired with Mora and Bonvillains lively, expressive visuals make this a book that you simply cannot afford to miss. Mixing humour and earnest, high-concept fantasy into a heady potion and pouring it right into the modern world, Once And Future is a new series that comes highly recommended.

With a heady blend of snappy, unmistakably British banter and epic fantasy, Once & Future is a series I have no problem recommending. Managing to avoid either taking itself too seriously or devolving into parody, it lands right in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer sweet spot, and I absolutely cant wait to see where Gillen, More and Bonvillain take us in the upcoming second arc.

Would trying to expand this story work? Would it dilute the awesomeness? Cheapen the narrative? Oh, me of little faith. This second arc has only added to the fantastic premise, throwing exciting new wrinkles into the story of the reluctant monster hunter and his bad-ass gran. Blending humour, action and high-stakes fantasy into a thoroughly enjoyable read, this is a series that comes highly recommended.

For me and heres some of the hyperbole Ive been trying so hard to suppress to this point every arc of this series goes further and further towards cementing its masterpiece status. Blending popcorn action with incisive literary acrobatics, Once & Future is like absolutely nothing else on the shelves today, and gets my highest possible recommendation.

As it stands now, this is still a thoroughly immersive read, focusing heavily on atmosphere rather than plot, and featuring some impressively detailed and utterly dynamic artwork. Highly recommended.

Beautifully rendered with a sense of frantic, claustrophobic horror throughout, Dead Orbit provides a welcome return to the terrifying grass roots of the Alien franchise.

Ultimately, Dead Orbit provides a welcome return to the haunted house horror that made Ridley Scotts movie such a runaway success while proving that, in the right hands, it isn't necessary to reinvent the wheel in order to produce a compelling Aliens comic. We can only hope that this isn't the last time Stokoe is allowed to play in this particular sandbox.

A million-dollar concept executed to absolute perfection, Dark Ark manages to twist the established story of Noah in a thoroughly unexpected way. Filled with interesting wrinkles, colourful characters and a surprising amount of heart and humanity, this is a series that you really need to add to your pull list as soon as possible.

Its often the case with high-concept stories that the writer doesnt actually bother to include any real story, happy to let their headline-grabbing idea to all the heavy lifting. Thankfully, in the case of Dark Ark, Cullen Bunn has simply used the premise as a backdrop to what is fast becoming a tense, gripping ensemble drama with some utterly mesmerising artwork. Don't miss the boat on this one, folks. You have been warned.

While I was immediately hooked on Dark Ark from the first issue by virtue of its million dollar premise (a second Noahs Ark for all the worlds monsters? I mean, cmon), I always had a faint niggling doubt in the back of my head about just how Cullen Bunn would manage to keep the story going in a satisfying fashion. Well, as it turns out, pretty damn well, with this latest issue delivering a paradigm shift that takes the story in a fresh and exciting new direction.

The final pages introduce the first of the five beasts in gloriously over-the-top fashion, setting the scene for what promises to be a similarly outlandish battle in issue two. While Ill admit that it was the name on the cover that first drew me in, Stokoes singular talents and clear affection for what hes doing ensured that I was well and truly hooked by about the third page. If you like your tales of revenge to be packed with dynamic enthusiasm and immaculately illustrated, this is most definitely the book for you.

Simply put, this new series is fantastic, and provides a perfect platform for Stokoe's striking visual style and quirky sense of humour. My only minor niggle about this issue is that we don't get a glimpse of (or even a hint at) the second beast, but that's more my personal greed and impatience talking. Ultimately, if you like action, humour, over-the-top violence and cracking artwork, I honestly can't recommend Orphan and the Five Beasts highly enough.

As utterly sublime as Stokoe's work is here, it's hard to give this issue a perfect rating because of its deeply frustrating ending. Yes, the visuals are world class, and the story is just the right side of out-and-out-madness (you can decide for yourself what side that is), but it ends with a whimper rather than a bang. And while I'm sure the subsequent issues and remaining three beasts will more than deliver on the promise of this story, I still can't help but feel a little let down here.

Its a slow start for sure, but the characterisation is strong and the basic premise is sound. It also looks fantastic, so theres absolutely no reason not to pick this first issue up and gradually immerse yourself in what promises to be a fascinating look at the fragile nature of faith through the lens of dystopian sci-fi.

If you like your science fiction raw, cynical and rough around the edges, I honestly cant recommend WASTED SPACE enough.

If you've ever even remotely considered taking the advice of a random online comic reviewer, this would be the time. Wasted Space is the real deal, folks. And with each issue improving on the last and expanding this raw and cynical space opera in new and exciting ways, you really owe it to yourself to start picking this one up. Trust me, you won't regret it.

As Ive said before, if you like your sci-fi more than a little rough around the edges, Wasted Space is definitely the comic for you. Nothing about it is clean or straightforward, from the artwork to the dialogue to the flawed character choices, but theres something about it that just draws you in issue after issue. The next arc cant come soon enough, thats for sure.

Honestly, I absolutely love this series, and its going to take a misfire of cosmic proportions from the creators to change my mind on it at this point. Each issue adds more tension, intrigue and humour to the proceedings, and the blend of character-focused drama, epic scale world-building and masturbation jokes ensures that Wasted Space is like nothing else on the shelves today. Pick up the first two volumes as soon as you can, and hop on board this gloriously irreverent space juggernaut!

Slotting itself into my Best of 2019 list with ease, Wasted Space is showing absolutely no signs of letting up as it surges forwards into 2020. And while weve taken a rather spectacular detour from the main storyline, I could quite happily read this comic every single month for as long as Moreci, Sherman, Wordie and Campbell keep making it.

As an actual story, this new series is clearly still in its incubation stage waiting for the right time to reveal itself, but as a slice of pulse-pounding Aliens horror, Dust to Dust is a veritable chestburster of frantic terror, and as such comes highly recommended.

At the end of the day, Dust to Dust does a great job of taking the Aliens franchise back to its stripped-down horror roots, and while this final issue sees the scale ramped up to almost ludicrous proportions at times, the focus on character and the frantic, almost primal sense of fear throughout makes this easily one of the best Alien books Dark Horse has released for quite some time. Highly recommended.

The mystery only promises to deepen as the series continues, and this latest issue ends with a fairly shocking change of demeanour from a small group of established characters. Bennett continues to add layer upon layer to her richly developed Animosity universe, and while the Evolution series is definitely more of a slow-burner than the main title, theres still more than enough of the same blend of drama and emotion on display here to make this a highly recommended purchase.

Boasting dynamic storytelling with real-world relevance and a wonderfully engaging cast of characters, Animosity has been one of the absolute best comics of the last few years. And with this miniseries, Marguerite Bennett has proven that her absolutely genius central concept can be adapted and expanded upon in a variety of interesting, creative ways. Lets all keep our fingers crossed for more Animosity spin-offs at some point in the future.

Overall then, while its not necessarily the kind of thing I would pick up myself, I absolutely love that there are comics like this out there on the shelves. Perfect for little girls who like princesses, little boys who like princesses, and grown adults who like goddamn princesses, this is a progressive, positive and gloriously fun series that deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible.

In my review of the last issue, I said that while it wasnt necessarily for me, I absolutely loved the fact that comics like Another Castle were on the shelves. Well, after this latest issue, Im starting to think that this comic might actually be for me after all. Its sharply written, gorgeously illustrated and packed with humour, intelligence and important messages that never come across as preachy. Seek this one out, check your preconceptions at the door, and thank me later.

In the increasingly diverse world of comic books, its reassuring to know that younger readers picking up this book are being taught some valuable lessons. Namely, that heroes can show weakness, that the people we think of as monsters can sometimes be every bit as heroic as the rest of us, and perhaps most importantly that princesses can kick some serious ass. And I think youll agree thats a message we can all get behind.

Smartly written, lovingly illustrated and poignant without ever feeling preachy, Another Castle is a remarkably uplifting series that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible.  If I had a child, boy or girl, this is exactly the kind of comic book Id want them to be reading.

For my money one of the absolute best books on the shelves today, Assassin Nation is a sleeper hit that truly deserves to be on your radar. Combining Starks knack for grin-raising violence and humorous gags with the sheer delight of Hendersons Squirrel Girl-looking ultraviolence, this is a pure joy to read. Highly recommended.

At the end of the day, if youre a fan of either creators previous work, you really owe it to yourself to pick this series up. Blending John Woo-esque balletic violence with crass humour and action movie excess, Assassin Nation ticks a hell of a lot of boxes, and does so with style.

I love wrestling, and I love wrestling comics that clearly share that love, embracing the spectacle and the sacrifice without feeling the need to poke fun or roll eyes at its more eccentric qualities. More than just a series of flashy spots though, this series also shows some much-needed psychology, adding a generous dose of that vital personal drama to the mix. Simply put, if you're a wrestling fan, or just love kick-ass artwork, this is an absolutely essential purchase.

The issue whips along at a brisk pace, with Lona trying to seek out a tag partner for herself ahead of the tournament, and ends with a jaw-dropper of a final page that I don't think anyone will have seen coming. Another gripping issue then, and with the stage well and truly set for the series to come, I can't wait to see what sort of teeth-clenching insanity awaits once the Tag Tournament itself begins. Pure unadulterated enthusiasm and creativity crammed into lycra and unleashed onto the printed page for your viewing pleasure.

While the mainstream focus still seems to fall squarely on the big two of DC and Marvel, its becoming more and more apparent than Valiant are rapidly becoming the go to publisher for truly great superhero stories. And amidst an already stacked roster of characters, Faith Herbert continues to push her way right to the front of the line, making every story involving her an all but essential purchase.

Ultimately, while theres definitely something repetitive about this issue, its also clear thats pretty much meant to be the point, and the gradual escalation of the situation in every conceivable way makes picking up the next issue a fairly easy choice. And, while there are some off-putting, continuity-referencing moments, for the most part this miniseries remains entirely standalone, and with Houser at the helm, this genuinely creative series looks set to go from strength to strength as it reaches its tense, epic conclusion.

While this second issue doesnt necessarily have the same razor-sharp banter or emotional gut-punch of the first, it still goes a long way towards establishing these interesting, three-dimensional characters and laying the groundwork for what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining series. Oh, and if the final pages are anything to go by, the fantastical aspect of this fantasy series may be about to take center stage in a major way. That said, knowing Landis and how closely to his chest hes playing this one, I wouldnt want to put money on predicting just where this story is heading.

As strong as the story undoubtedly is though, it wouldnt work nearly as well without the fantastic characterisation of the Knights themselves, and in that respect Landis deserves the ultimate credit for creating such intriguing and relatable characters. A fantastic series packed with twists, turns and razor-sharp dialogue, Green Valley comes highly, highly recommended.

Id imagine this might be a bit of a tougher sell for readers who arent already massive fans of the character, but hey, those people dont deserve good comics anyway. Simply put, this is Into The Spider-Verse for He-Man fans, and if that's not enough of a recommendation, I really don't know what to tell you.

Simply put, this is pure, unadulterated fan service from start to finish, and I absolutely love it. If youre a fan of He-Man in his many and varied forms, you really owe it to yourself to pick this one up.

Overall, while some casual passers-by may sneer and turn up their noses at the comic based on the cheesy 80s cartoon series, what theyre actually doing is denying themselves the opportunity to pick up one of the most dramatic, unpredictable and visually striking fantasy comics on the shelves today. Abnett and Mhan have the power, and this issue is undeniable proof of that.

Even if I wasnt a lifelong He-Man fan which I most definitely am I would still be absolutely enamoured with this book. The Eternity War is bold and dynamic, packed with twists, turns, and air-punching moments of awesomeness. Plus, just when you think you know the answers, the creative team change the questions, yanking the wheel and sending things careering off into a wildly unexpected direction. One of the most consistent titles in DCs roster at the moment, even if some people still turn up their nose at the perceived tacky cash-in for the camp 80s TV show, He-Man: The Eternity War is for real, folks, and you owe it to yourself to at least give it a chance.

So much more than mere nostalgia, this is a fantasy series that has proven that it is more than capable of standing on its own two feet, and even if you never picked up any of the toys or sat in front of your TV watching the cartoons, He-Man: The Eternity War still comes highly, highly recommended.

Honestly folks,forget your pre-conceptions about the perma-tanned blonde haired bodybuilder from the toys and cartoons. He-Man: The Eternity War is a fantasy series that deserves your attention for its artwork, its dramatic twists and turns, and for the sheer excitement that it elicits. Get on board, people. You wont regret it.

For all of its ups and downs, this is a fairly difficult issue for me to review impartially. For dedicated He-Fans, Id likely give this issue a 4.5/5 for its epic (there's that word again) scope and Easter Egg-laden artwork. For more casual readers, itd probably be more like a 3.5/5, with an engaging narrative that occasionally leans a little too heavily on fan service. In the interests of fairness, lets split the difference and call it a 4. Regardless of the rating however, theres no denying that this is yet another solid issue of one of the best franchise comics on the shelves today, with a truly climactic showdown that leaves some fairly massive questions hanging over the future of the series.

Overall then, this is a perfect send-off for what has been an absolutely fantastic series. As a lifelong He-Man fan, I often longed for the day where I could read a monthly comic that not only paid its respects to the classics of the past but also helped push this captivating universe forward in new and exciting ways, and for the last year and a half, thanks to Messrs David, Abnett and Mhan, thats exactly what I got. So, while its sad to see the series come to an end, Im definitely hopeful for the future, and if whoever picks up this mantle down the line can carry it half as far and half as well as this particular creative team has, were going to be in for an absolute treat.

No Justice takes the traditional DC summer event, breaks it down into its component parts and puts it back together in a far more pleasing formation. Highly, highly recommended.

As a slice of bold, ambitious storytelling, No Justice provides exactly what youd want from an event like this. Subtle it definitely aint, and characterization is sacrificed somewhat at the altar of plot (with a few notable exceptions), but when large-scale, high-stakes ensemble carnage looks as a good as it does here, you definitely owe it to yourself to check it out.

Overall then,while this is undoubtedly a set-up issue first and foremost, Simone and Calafiore have introduced some truly intriguing plot threads here, and while it may not quite have the same attention-grabbing punch of the previous series at least not yet, anyway " theres still something utterly compelling about the city of Megalopolis. One thing's for sure, you can count me in for as long as theykeep making books set in thisutterly gripping world.

The perfect antidote for the bland, repetitive superhero comics which are flooding the shelves these days, SURVIVING MEGALOPOLIS is bold, inventive and about as subtle as an assault rifle butt to the jaw. Highly, highly recommended.

Overall though, I honestly cant sing the praises of this series highly enough. By turns hilarious, shocking, moving and absolutely bat-shit crazy, Simone and Calafiore have created a world like no other, and a city that while Id damn sure never want to live there I definitely look forward to visiting every month. Bring on the finale.

That niggle aside, theres no denying the fact that Surviving Megalopolis has been an absolute joy to read, and remains one of my definite highlights of 2016 so far. Comic books taking swipes at some of the all-too-familiar superhero tropes arent necessarily all that new or inventive these days, but few manage it with such irreverent flair and in-your-face bravado as Surviving Megalopolis. Im definitely going to be keeping everything crossed that we get another series of this wonderfully twisted tale somewhere down the line.

If the primary objective of the first issue of a new series is simply to hook the reader into picking up the second issue, then Made Men succeeds on all counts. And whether its the gripping opening, the thoroughly intriguing protagonist, the surprising twist or the eyebrow-raising final page, this new series ticks all the boxes, and reanimates the fairly lifeless crime revenge genre with a satisfying jolt.

The Eisner Award-winning Tobin's writing chops are pretty much unquestioned, and with what looks set to be a mixture of “mission of the week” and an overarching revenge conspiracy, this feels like your new favourite TV show that hasn't quite been made yet. In lesser hands, a “reanimated special ops unit led by the descendant of the Frankensteins themselves” could feel more than little hokey, but Made Men is delivered with an impressively straight face, making it a book I have no problem recommending.

While it originally made its mark as a high-concept, monster-centric reimaging of Lewis and Clark's iconic voyage of discovery, Manifest Destiny has gradually evolved into something far more; an ambitious, gripping, character-based historical fantasy series featuring a group of mismatched, desperate men and women pressing on through a seemingly never-ending spiral of pain, loss and suffering. It's also one of the best, most consistent ongoing comics on the shelves today, in case you weren't already aware.

Once again, its clear that Dingess and Roberts deserve the highest of praise for creating one of the most gripping adventure horror series on the shelves today. Yes, this is a slower issue than most, but it still packs a significant storyline punch, and as always, this is a series which about the journey rather than the destination, in more ways than one.

Overall then, while the tone and artwork provide a marked departure from the established TMNT style, thats sometimes not a bad thing, and watching Lees and Pitarra working in perfect synergy here to craft a truly unique story based around a cult favourite character like Wyrm is thoroughly captivating. Great stuff, and hopefully this isnt the last we see of these two creators playing in this particular sandbox.

All in all, this is an incredibly enjoyable package, and – as I mentioned above – is definitely one of the best issues of the TMNT Universe series to date. Boss gets to showcase his visual comedy chops and Allor brings us a story that is both blindingly simple and brilliantly inventive. Highly, highly recommended.

A violent, uncompromising teen superhero drama wrapped up in a mystery that simply begs to be solved, Clarke takes great pleasure in pushing the envelope in his comic book debut, making The Troop pretty much essential reading for anyone who likes their super comics with a bit of an edge.

Overall, the Troop is undoubtedly one of the most exciting titles to be published by Titan Comics in a long, long time and continues to set itself apart from the deluge of bland, forgettable superhero comics on the shelves today with itsstrong characterisation, shocking visuals and unapologetically edgy approach. Count me in with this one for the foreseeable future.

As a first issue, Red Thorn does exactly what its supposed to; namely, making me immediately want to get my hands on the second. Isla is a truly intriguing protagonist, and seeing a supernatural horror mystery unfolding on the very same streets where I grew up gives this story an added level of emotional investment for me. With the series promising more demons, monsters and supernatural horror as it moves forwards, theres absolutely no doubt Im going to be sticking with it for the foreseeable future, and its safe to say that Baillie and Hetrick have created a tense, gripping addition to Scotlands rich history of dark fantasy tales.

Overall, while it may not necessarily have the same ‘edge' as some of Vertigo's other recent offerings, the intriguing fantasy trappings and engaging characters make Red Thorn yet another highly recommended purchase from the iconic publisher. Baillie and Hetrick are working together seamlessly to weave this modern day tale of Scots mythology, and are doing so in a captivating, exciting fashion. Fables may have come to an end last year, but the spirit of the landmark title lives on in Red Thorn, albeit with a slightly more Celtic slant.

For me, its fantastic to see the rich pool of Celtic mythology and the innate appeal of Glasgow the sexy, dirty jewel in Scotlands dark crown – being utilised so impressively. While deftly managing to avoid clich or parody, RED THORN digs its nails into the dark world of Celtic fantasy, providing a truly gripping series filled with humour, drama and glorious, foul-mouthed violence. You can count me in for the rest of this one, thats for damn sure.

Since late 2015, Ive been singing the praises of Vertigos recent output to anyone whos willing to listen, and with books like Unfollow, Sheriff of Babylon, Clean Room, The Dark & Bloody and Suiciders: Kings of Hell.A in their arsenal, its safe to say that the iconic publisher is undergoing something of a renaissance in 2016. Of all their titles however, few have resonated with me as deeply as Red Thorn. Maybe its the Scot in me, but the heady blend of Celtic fantasy, human drama, sex, violence and debauchery flat-out appeals to me, and seeing two creators working in perfect synergy on a book that feels like a passion project for both makes for a truly captivating read.

Regardless, with a second trade paperback on the horizon, I heartily recommend anyone who missed out on this one to pick it up as soon as it becomes available. Sex, violence, profanity and fantasy with an unmistakably Scottish slant. What more could you ask for?

If you havent been exposed to the Super Sons yet, this is the perfect time to start. Packed with humour, heart and high-concept shenanigans, Tomasi is quietly carving out one hell of a niche for himself with these characters, and this new series delivers more of the same unbridled awesomeness as the original. Its the Summer of Super, everyone! What the hell are you waiting for?

At the end of the day, if youre a fan of the characters then youll definitely enjoy what Tomasi and co. serve up here, and if youre looking for a funny, lighter-hearted DC series that doesnt insult the your intelligence, then Super Sons comes highly recommended.

While it doesnt necessarily advance the overall storyline in any significant way, this for me is easily the best issue of the series so far. Its beautifully laid out, strikingly illustrated, and blends humour and drama into what is an utterly enjoyable read.

A dark, grown-up sequel that takes a twisted look at what happened next for Alice. Panosian, Spalletta and Mascolo each do a stunning job of bringing this tale to the page, and I absolutely can't wait to see just how far down the rabbit hole this story is going to go.

Another strong issue for this thoroughly intriguing series then, and with the mystery at its heart still tightly under wraps for the time being, it's the overall fascination – not to mention the strong reader investment in the sweet, optimistic but clearly broken Alice – that's keeping the pages turning for the time being. Definitely one to add to your pull list if it isn't there already.

Definitely the strongest issue of the series so far, and one which pushes the narrative – as well as the level of peril that our unfortunate protagonist finds herself in – to a whole new level. I can only hope that poor Alice finally gets some sort of reprieve from her seemingly endless torment, one way or another, during next month's finale. Dark, gripping and packed with visual and narrative flair, this series comes highly recommended.

Its probably no secret that I was going to love this one, but seeing Kindt and Jenkins tackling a whole new subject matter in a whole new genre is truly delicious. Theres also an enjoyable blend of humour, drama and high-concept espionage here that makes this an extremely easy series to recommend. With this new series, Tyler Jenkins and Matt Kinds have earned their making another fantastic comic badge with style.

At the end of the day, Black Badges is still an easy book to recommend though, and whether its the striking artwork or the sheer creativity of the premise (Black ops boy scouts? Whats not to like?), theres absolutely no reason you shouldnt be picking this BOOM! Studios series up every single month.

That minor criticism aside, it feels like this series is finally starting to pick up some real momentum, with Kindt throwing all manner of complex conspiracies – something of a calling card of his – into the mix. The final page suggests that the conflict between the Black Badges and the “Honor Society” has only just begun, and it's going to be fascinating to see how this whole situation plays out in the issues to come. Another highly recommended issue of what has become a ‘must buy' series.

Ultimately then, while this latest chapter doesnt quite hit the heights of the first issue, this is still a series that comes highly recommended, with Soule and Browne combining to create something truly unique, from the artwork to the lead character himself. And, providing it can decide whether it's a fantasy with dashes of comedy or a comedy with hints of fantasy, this could wind up becoming something truly special. I'll definitely be sticking around to find out, that's for sure.

Ultimately then, while it does lose a little of its uniqueness during the sequences in the Hole World, there's no denying that Curse Words is still a fun, funny and visually striking read. Soule and Browne continue to work in perfect harmony here, and the sheer enthusiasm that these two creators clearly have for this title make it almost impossible not to enjoy.

Ultimately, this very much a set-up issue for the next arc, but with so much fantastic world-building at play, its still a thoroughly enjoyable read. Soule and Browne are onto something truly special here with their entertaining mix of magic, humour and fantasy drama, and with a willfully unconventional approach, Curse Words is all but guaranteed to make you yell Abraca-DAMN-bra!. Sorry Ill get my coat.

Ultimately, No. 1 With A Bullet boasts a fascinating and legitimately worrying core concept surrounded by genuinely intriguing characters and a slick, eye-catching artistic style. And if thats not enough to make you want to give this new series a try, then honestly, Im really not sure what to tell ya.

Ultimately then, while No 1 With A Bullet is far from a comfortable read, its still an impressively engaging one. And with the stalker storyline escalating in terrifying fashion at the end of the issue an issue where were forced to watch Nash Huangs life fall apart in excruciating detail – its clear that things are really going to kick into high gear as this remarkable story continues to unfold.

Ultimately, in spite of what may seem like unnecessary nit-picking, Im still absolutely loving this series. Semahn and Corona are telling a story that truly needs to be told in this day and age, but are doing it with a flair for the dramatic and a strong sense of characterisation that keeps the pages turning throughout. I only hope that they dont end up trying to cram too much in and ruining the fantastic potential of this series as a result, but based on what Ive seen so far, I really have no reason to doubt this particular creative partnership.

Part social commentary, part tense thriller, No. 1 With A Bullet delivers on both counts, providing a gripping and worryingly relevant read that comes highly, highly recommended.

While the premise itself isnt groundbreaking, the execution here is absolutely spot-on, and Allor and Tucker have crafted an utterly compelling tale of love, death and war. The creative narrative structure and the mystery at the heart of Tet give it real substance, and with the true horrors of the Tet Offensive still to come, its going to be interesting to see how this particular creative teams focus holds up when recreating one of the most brutally violent conflicts in modern war. You can count me in for the rest of this series, thats for sure.

More of a compelling character study than a quote-unquote war comic, Tet does a fantastic job in its second issue of capitalising on the momentum of its first, drawing us deeper into the life of Eugene Smith and providing a chillingly honest recreation of one of the most brutal conflicts in modern history.

Call it a hard-boiled crime thriller, call it a tragic romance, call it a war story whatever you call it, Tet is a title that is going to resonate with you long after youve turned the final page. Gritty, engaging and filled with an almost uncomfortable level of realism, this is a series that comes highly, highly recommended.

Overall then, this is a fine opening issue that takes its time to establish the new status quo before throwing a Manta-shaped spanner into the works and letting all hell break loose.  For the time being, the threat against Aquaman is fairly conventional (if impressively well-orchestrated), and itll be interesting moving forwards to see whether Abnett can inject anything truly ground-breaking into this series.  Ill definitely be hanging around long enough to find out, thats for sure.

Overall then, while it still feels more like a continuation than a quote-unquote Rebirth, I actually rather enjoyed Abnetts run on the New 52 Aquaman, and that enjoyment has most certainly translated to this new series. Abnetts Arthur Curry has a strong, confident voice, and if youve always viewed Aquaman as something of a lesser superhero (damn you, Robot Chicken!) then this series is all but guaranteed to change your mind. Definitely one of the highlights of DCs Rebirth so far, and a series with a huge amount of potential as it moves forwards.

These issues aside, Abnetts underlying storyline – Arthur trying to advance Atlantis onto the world political stage – has some real legs, so it's doubly disappointing to see this latest issue derailed by some frankly lacklustre artwork.  While its certainly not enough to write off a series that has undoubtedly impressed during the early months of DCs Rebirth, it does however serve as a disappointing stumble for what was shaping up to be an impressive new story.

Overall then, while the niggles surrounding the artwork remain, Abnetts story is proving to be more than enough to keep this books head above water. The political drama of a King trying to bring his people onto the world global stage while being beset on all sides by attempts to derail him makes for utterly gripping reading, and from a pure storytelling point of view, this may very well be the best post-Rebirth issue of the series so far.

While its essentially one long action sequence, theres a lot to like about this issue, and about this series so far as a whole. The final pages offer an intriguing new direction and potential obstacle, and while some of the flaws from earlier in the arc remain Black Mantas side story still feels superfluous, although its clear that Abnett is merely keeping the situation simmering away until its time to bring it to the boil this can definitely be viewed as strong opening arc which impressively establishes the new status quo for Aquaman in the post-Rebirth world.  We just need to sort out those darn faces.

While it may have started a little slowly, this is a series which is building some serious momentum over the last half dozen or so issues, and which now stands as one of the most consistently enjoyable titles in DCs lineup. Highly recommended.

This is easily the best issue of the post-Rebirth series so far, and a fitting conclusion to what has been one of the most enjoyable Aquaman arcs in years.  Abnett continues to cement his role as Rebirth MVP, managing to generate the same level of excitement about the character as Geoff Johns way back at the beginning of the New 52.  Highest of recommendations for this one.

Serving as a mixture of epilogue and prologue, this issue provides an impressive transition from one story arc to the next, all while introducing an intriguing new threat. Dan Abnetts Aquaman is fast becoming the jewel in DCs Rebirth crown, and the series is starting to display an impressive level of consistency that is going to make it an essential fortnightly read.

The final pages ramp up the mystery even more by throwing a grim little curveball into the proceedings, and while this latest story definitely serves as a noticeable departure from the high-stakes political machinations of the early arc, this still remains a reasonably intriguing underwater horror diversion. Not quite Aquaman at his finest, but still a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Aquaman has been always one of the better written titles in the post-Rebirth DC Universe, but after twenty-five issues, it finally has what feels like the perfect artist to work alongside Abnett on this dark, politically charged story. Highly recommended.

All too often the end of a writer's extended run on a title can be viewed by long-time readers as a “perfect jumping-off point”, but I'd strongly advise against that course of action here. True, this isn't your typical Aquaman tale, but DeConnick and co. have put together a fresh and inventive look at the character, and in the wake of forty-six issues of Dan Abnett's epic-scale “underwater Game of Thrones”, it's strangely exciting to be presented with something so markedly different here.

If youve been enjoying the 24: Legacy TV series, then this is an absolute no-brainer, but even if you hate it with the fury of a thousand suns, this is still a comic thats worth a few quid of your hard-earned money. Tense, dramatic and utterly gripping, Rules of Engagement improves on the television show in almost every conceivable way, giving us a thoroughly intriguing look at the formative years of Eric Carter.

A strong start from a must-watch creative partnership then, blending the same expressive artwork and charming character work of Alice in Leatherland with a far more dramatic, energetic and action-packed story. Zanfardino and Romboli are a team you really need to keep an eye out for, and this is a new series that you need to add to your pull list right away.

The final pages establish the direction of the story moving forwards, and with two likeable leads, two supremely talented creators and a lot of open road ahead of us, I'm well and truly hooked on this series.

Overall, in spite of my minor niggles, A-Force stands as one of the most enjoyable Secret Wars series that Ive had the pleasure of reading, and I cant wait for the ongoing series to still come. Its a little disappointing that Bennett wont be returning for volume two, but I have no doubt that the series will continue to flourish in Wilsons capable hands. Definitely one to pick up the trade of, if you happen to have missed out on the single issues.

While humorous and sex-positive stories of love and misfortune might not necessarily appeal to every comic book reader, they most certainly appeal to this one, and the charm and energy that the creators inject into this tale make it an easy series to recommend. Sweet, wholesome, honest and funny, this is the LGBTQIA+ sex comedy you didn't know you needed in your life.

The final pages feature something of a transformation for the series as it moves forwards, and the immense likeability of Alice as a protagonist continues to carry the load and ensure that anyone picking this issue up will be guaranteed to want to read the next. Blending wholesome fun with sizzling sexuality, Alice in Wonderland continues to be a series I have no problems recommending.

While science fiction comics are a dime a dozen these days, genuinely interesting sci-fi is a far rarer beast. And, as I had hoped from the moment I heard the creative team for this new series, All Against All has the potential to become something something truly memorable. An intriguing premise executed with real creative flair, it's going to be fascinating to see what direction Paknadel and Wijngaard take this story in as it unfolds. Consider me well and truly hooked.

The final pages give us another brief snapshot of the scale of the problem, before seeing Vin and Reynolds setting out in unified direction with a shared mission. It's a simple enough premise at its heart, but the execution here is admirable and all the pieces fit together extremely well. Honestly, I'm a sucker for a creature feature, and everything about this series, from the characters to the location to the skittering menaces themselves, hits the mark for me. Highly recommended.

Spencer gives us another cliffhanger to end things on, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the pace, scale and emotional complexity of this event so far. This is certainly a solid enough issue to move things along, but perhaps lacks the punch of the bombastic event opener. Regardless, I'm still well and truly hooked, and not only is this event well and truly rekindling my love for Spider-Man in general, it's also making me want to pick up some of the older issues to fill in all the gaps. Well played, Marvel. Well played.

It's almost impossible not to find yourself becoming drawn deeper and deeper into PD121928's plight as he battles through rejections, anxiety and writer's block, and there's an offbeat sense of humour to some of the prose that feels vaguely reminiscent of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, albeit with a slightly darker, slightly more twisted 2000AD-style feel. Overall then, while it's not necessarily a 'comic' in the truest sense of the word, An Android Awakes is a boundlessly creative, proudly eccentric read that will have you hooked until the final page. Definitely well worth a look.

An intriguing character piece that looks set to evolve into a thrilling, twist-filled adventure, Antarctic is a new series that most certainly deserves your full attention. Well worth a look.

At the end of the day, theres little I can fault about Archangel 8, save for a slight deviation from my expectations. Providing a bleak and violent introduction to this world of hired killers, Moreci, Smith et al do a great job of laying the groundwork for what promises to be an entertaining series. With an enigmatic leading man and a twisted succession of feints, twists and shocking violence, this is a new series you really ought to be checking out.

Overall then, Artful provides an even-handed adaptation of Peter Davids popular novel, and while there are some rough edges along the way, the strength of the premise and the charm and eloquence of the dialogue make this an utterly intriguing read. If nothing else, reading this first issue has made me want to go and pick up the original novel to get the full experience, but Im also going to be sticking with the rest of this series to see how the comic book version plays out. Well worth a look.

With a diverse blend of humour, drama and mystery, Assassinistas has exploded out of the gate with a strong opening issue. We instantly care about the characters, and with such a compelling story being dangled in front of us, you'd be hard pressed to find a reader who didn't instantly want to pick up the second issue after reading this one.

Aside from a minor stumble midway through, this first issue serves as a truly impressive return for a title Ive been waiting for ever since I devoured the first series. Spencer and Rosanas are telling a small story (no pun intended) filled with heart, humour and excitement, and are clearly having the time of their lives doing it. Highly recommended.

A fun bout of irreverent swords and sorcery fun, and one which will likely serve as a gateway drug to the glorious main series for a lot of readers. I'm loving the idea of bringing new artists into the rapidly-expanding world of Owen and Axe with these one-shots, and while this isn't quite an essential read in order to follow the Barbaric continuity, it's still a bloody fun one. Well worth a look.

If you've been following the sadistic escapades of the Batman Who Laughs since his debut in Dark Days: The Casting this is an absolutely essential purchase, and if you love a good superhero horror mystery story, you definitely owe it to yourself to pick this one up.

This is a stripped-down, street level Batman detective tale with a genuinely disturbing denouement, but it doesnt quite feel like the first issue of a series just yet. Whatever direction this is going, Ellis is clearly keeping his cards close to his chest so far, although the solicitation info suggests that the aforementioned denouement is likely to have a profound effect on the psyche of the Dark Knight moving forwards and rightfully so. So at the end of the day, youre even remotely a fan of Batman the detective, this is definitely worth a look.

An enjoyable read then, almost in spite of itself, and a solid set-up for the third and final act when it comes.

Beautiful Canvas is a story impressive in its ambiguity, with a compelling lead and a slick visual style. It's not what you I thought it was going to be when I started reading, but that's okay, because Lindsay and Kivela have aggressively grabbed my attention here, and I absolutely cannot wait for the second issue to find out just where the hell this story is going.

There is also an emotional gut-punch near the end of the story that jerks the wheel in a whole new direction, displaying the full extent of the power and fury that Theresa had been previously trying so hard to block out, leading to a powerful, explosive and surprisingly poignant finale. While it may sound like a cookie-cutter teen mutant story on paper, Behemoth has an impressive amount of emotion and depth behind it, and both Kipiniak and Woodward should be applauded for managing to handle this story in such an impressively unique way. Highly recommended.

In a world of relentless marketing, press releases and solicitation info, its a rarity that I go into a comic completely blind, but boy am I glad that I did on this occasion. And while its unlikely youll be afforded the same opportunity, Id still highly recommend picking this new series up, and enjoy as it delivers a cracking blend of frantic fantasy violence and high-concept intrigue.

Its going to be interesting to see where the story goes next, but Im truly grateful that Lemire has opted for intriguing character drama rather than fish-out-of-water comedy, and Deodato Jr. and Martin's artwork alone is more than worth the cover price every month. Highly recommended.

A simple story beautifully executed, Berserker Unbound tells a gripping tale of loss, acceptance and wordless camaraderie, and as such comes highly recommended.

Described by Kaplan as “a love letter to artists and creatives”, Beyond Real is delivering all that and more, and with a shifting tone and visual style from issue to issue, there's no possible way to anticipate what's coming next. Unpredictable, multi-layered and visually arresting, this series is set to be yet another unconventional triumph from Vault Comics.

Overall then, while its not exactly reinventing the wheel, this is an affectionate and enjoyable pairing of two iconic 80s characters, packed with quotable dialogue, chuckle-worthy moments and bigtime action set pieces. And really, what more could you want?

Black Canary has cemented itself over the last seven issues as one of the brightest, boldest and most original books currently on sale from DC Comics, and with an almost painfully tantalising cliffhanger, there's absolutely zero doubt that I'll be picking this one up once the next arc kicks off. I'd strongly advise you to do the same, and if you haven't got on board yet, make sure to grab the first trade when it hits shelves on March 2nd.

A chilling, unsettling read from start to finish, BLACK EYED KIDS provides one of the most gripping opening issues to a horror story that Ive read in years. Quite how the series will hold up once we start to learn a little more about the titular kids remains to be seen, but for now, Pruett and Kudranskis creation stands as a true masterpiece of tension and atmosphere, and a book that should creep its way right to the top of any self-respecting horror fans must buy list.

Theres a still a hell of a lot to like about this series – and this issue, for that matter – but I cant help but feel a slight twinge of disappointment that Pruett and Kudranski have tipped their hand in such an inelegant fashion here. Moving forwards, this is a book which is absolutely rife with potential, providing it can somehow manage to replicate the creeping unease that made the first issue such a jaw-dropping success. For now though, while Id love to be able to approach the upcoming issues with optimism, the sense of dread I previously felt for the Black Eyed Kids is now directed at the series itself.

While its far from essential reading for fans of the main Black Hammer story, this one-shot still comes highly recommended, telling a touching story of Lovecraftian teenage angst and introducing us to a young girl lost in the shadows of the relentless, larger-than-life heroes versus villains conflict.

Overall then, while its clearly focusing on character ahead of story for the time being, Blood Blister gets off to a strong start here with an impressive hook thats guaranteed to crawl under your skin and fester. The opportunity to see a swindling, backstabbing, morally reprehensible human being getting his comeuppance is definitely an alluring prospect, but I cant help but think that the creators here have something a little more unconventional in mind for poor Brandon Hull. Ill definitely be sticking around to find out, thats for sure.

With their track record on historical reimaginings already pretty damn strong, Bunn and Colak are clearly onto another winner here with The Brothers Dracul, providing a sharp and wickedly unconventional look at the formative years of Vlad the Impaler. A patient start to what promises to be another fantastic series from AfterShock then, and definitely one to keep an eye on as the story slowly unfolds.

If you like your historical retellings with just a dash of supernatural horror, then you really need to sink your teeth into Brothers Dracul. Bunn and Colak are carving out one hell of a niche for themselves with this particular subgenre, and I cant wait to see where this story goes next.

An exciting reimagining packed with plenty of the classic Buffy charm, The Last Vampire Slayer is a new series that comes highly recommended.

A solid opening chapter then, and while the monster slaying and potential showdown with rival hunters is all well and good, its Kate herself who Im ending up wanting to know more about. Visaggio, Howell and Pinto are working together seamlessly here, and if the idea of an ass-kicking, sword-wielding, monster-slaying woman kicking some serious ass appeals to you in the slightest, this is definitely the book for you.

Theres no denying that Catwoman has had something of an uneven comic book history in terms of quality writing and artwork, but in the hands of Jolle Jones, it feels like Selina Kyle is finally going to get the solo focus she richly deserves.

Its another solid issue for sure, although its starting to feel like the artwork is doing the bulk of the heavy lifting to this point. Dont get me wrong, there are some interesting storyline elements at play here, and the new villain is definitely worthy of your attention, but it doesnt feel like the story has quite made it into full gear just year. Regardless, Jones track record should be considered pretty much impeccable by this point, so theres absolutely no reason not to pick this latest issue up.

Ultimately, while for now it feels primarily like a harsh look at the desperate nature of social interactions, the horror undertones of the story – particularly once the reader turns the final page – are definitely more than enough to make this new series stand out. Taking a long, hard look at body image and the deeply ingrained desire for approval and connection, Come Into Me is a new series that's guaranteed to get under your skin. Definitely one to keep an eye out for next month, folks.

Part Kung Fu movie, part twisted fairy tale, Coyotes is a thoroughly original new series, and while there are definitely a lot of unanswered questions here, the strength of the leads and the striking visual style makes this an easy first issue to recommended.

This isn't what you might think it is, and in this case, that's definitely a good thing. Klein and Beem deliver a wonderfully nuanced look at the complex nature of addiction, set in a world where superheroes are a part of everyday life, which was not necessarily what I was expecting when I first picked this comic up. A high-concept ‘heroes and villains' drama grounded in a gripping personal struggle, this is a series that comes highly recommended.

With bright, manic visuals and the distinct brand of crazy that has become synonymous with Curse Words over the last year, this Holiday Special is well worth a look if you like your magic sprinkled with a dash of day-glo insanity. Its also pretty much worth the cover price alone just to see Sizzajee in a Christmas jumper. Happy Meatmeet, everyone!