ExtraOrdinary sets the stage of a tale of powered persons set in conflict with the world and each other. Each of them fully realized as individuals within a story that promises a depth beyond the usual comic fare.

There is simply nothing like Good Luck. It has a truly original premises, an irresistibly endearing protagonist, and satisfying surprises at every corner. An absolute delight.

The Worst Dude is funny, irreverent, and profane as well as delightfully packed with swashbuckling adventure. Definitely worth a look.

Eve is more than just a typical "save the planet" story. It is more about a little girl's courage and a love that endures even in simulation. Armed with the fake bear and a dinghy, her adventure starts.

Fear Case is a mystery with characters worth caring about. As the nightmarish tale nears the end of the arc, everything matters, and no one is safe.

As origin stories go, this one about a nuclear-powered superhero is clever. It manages to feel fresh and packs enough action supplemented by sentiment to make this a worthy read.

There is more to the sudden appearance of murderous demons, especially when they really don't want to be here in the first place, and Shadowman is right in the middle of it all.

High school is bad enough when the jocks and the mean girls hate you, but it gets worse when even the shadows want you dead.

Witchblood delivers an entertaining modern tale told with snark and humor filled with clever versions of witches and vampires and the people who want to destroy them.

Such a good girl Sophie reveals more of the mystery of the new master's house. She was right to be suspicious as things are so much worse that she thought.

The satisfying cliffhanger at the next to last issue of Origins sets the table for the reveal of all that David has wrought.

Orphan and the Five Beasts can take its well-earned place among the best of the martial arts epics. A riveting story with fantastic art. Any fan of wushu show not miss this.

Fear Case, as one would hope, is full of some fearsome creepy material, and never lets up. Thrilling and nuanced.

BRZRKR is a violent tale of a god-like super-soldier who craves to be more human and, maybe, a release from his endless struggle. There is more than brutality to the story of this immortal. And yes, whoa, this is excellent.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Faith is a terrific jumping on point for the Buffyverse centering on one of the most conflicted characters of them all. A satisfying entry in the canon for old and new fans alike.

Stray Dogs is a delightful story in contrasts. The best of the good dogs have to solve a mystery, and I'm all in from the moment it starts.

Savage is a bit of a tongue in cheek riff on the Tarzan legend, updated with an interesting twist. It definitely looks like a lot of fun.

Chained to the Grave is a humorous weird western with enough plots twist to keep interest.

Radiant Black is a silly, but potentially amusing story about a would-be writer who never should have quit his day job, but then accidentally gets superpowers. So at least he has that going for him.

Fear Case is a supernatural detective story with well realized characters and a mystery that already appears to have layer upon layers.

Bloodshot (2019) # 10 is a fine spot to jump into the ongoing trials of the nanite infected Ray Garrison. There's plenty of action in this issue and a great sense of where the story is heading.

An intimate portrait of a beloved character that has all the charm and more of the intimacy of the main series. Lovely and heartfelt. I could not have asked for more.

It's not a Kick-Ass or Hit-Girl comic without a head lopping or two, and this meet up delivers while barely warmed up. Come for the carnage, stay for more carnage.

Origins is more than a typical post-apocalypse survival battle. The grim resilience of the hero is compelling and not at all assured of success. A very promising start.

Giga is a layered mystery in a land of giant fighting robots, a thriller with a touch of creep factor all about the people who worship these metal monsters.

For those interested in some background to the old days of House Atreides, long before Paul comes into the picture. File this under supplementary material designed to appeal to completists.

The Scumbag shows how even the dregs of humanity have a chance to be heroes even if they hate people. Gross and profane and exactly what the title suggests.

Norse Mythology feels a little too like an introductory primer about the subject matter rather than much of a story, but ends with a hint at more, particularly with respect to Loki and his scheming.

Conspiracy theories abound, and maybe aren't so funny these days, but The Department of Truth is a solid reality bending thriller that charmingly twists the reader's mind.

Rai's hero journey gets more complex as he himself is forced to learn the nuances of interpersonal relationships.

Once again, Boom has shown consistency in quality with an exploration of the backstories in an existing IP. Come for the family characters, stay for the compelling story.

Tales from the Umbrella Academy: You Look Like Death has Number Four disowned and forced to go looking for recognition elsewhere, right into the belly of the beast: Hollywood.

Inkblot is a fun and funny YA tale chock full of fantasy and magic, dragons, and giants.

The first part of Locke & Key: ...In Pale Battalions Go" introduces Jonathan Locke's entry into the First World War and promises a thoughtful and introspective, though short, adventure.

Rai is an epic samurai tale with all the post apocalyptic and super tech buttons pushed with great result.

Vampire The Masquerade: Winter's Teeth begins an intriguing political thriller among the blood sucking factions of the Twin Cities. Everybody is a monster, and that's part of the fun.

Hedra is a masterpiece devoid of the distraction of dialogue and exposition. It is a story told in an amazing visual narrative that is heads above the usual comic book fare.

Sasquatch In Love is sweet and silly and has the kind of charm that is hard to resist. It is absolutely adorable and a true delight.

Bliss is a dark tale about the end of the road for ordinary people sprinkled with supernatural elements that are completely unnerving.

Engineward is a fresh feeling story about the vestiges of a lost Earth. It delivers a strong narrative, has engaging characters, and constructs an extraordinary society in an exotic landscape.

Adventureman leaps into modern times as Tommy's book is far from ordinary, and his mom is pretty super, herself.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Willow #1 gives a well-deserved starring role to the beloved nerdy witch as she deals with the emptiness she feels surrounding her devastating personal losses.

All-America Comix is an intriguing one-shot with a bit of a cliff hanger, that has a smart, snarky and delightful newbie superhero that deserves a longer run.

With the return of Bree Hale in Dead Body Road: Bad Blood, it does not take long for her to get back into the action she thought she had left behind. This time the job is all about family, but that does not make the situation any less dangerous.

That Texas Blood is a slow burning tale full of psychological tension and suggestions of supernatural suspense. It begins with the existential dread of an aging man and ends in senseless violence.

The true story of the legendary Pirate Anne Bonny is interesting enough, but this version of the tale if full of dynamic action making A Man Among Ye a compelling thriller with a nice historical backdrop.

Adventureman is the ultimate tale of the mild mannered getting drawn into immersive tales of derring-do, and then actually become part of one. Thrilling from the first panel to the last. Not to be missed.

Nailbiter Returns dredges up the past and mixes those events with new ones as Alice, Nailbiter's daughter must help unravel the mysteries behind a new crime spree. A fine follow up to the original series.

The Boys: Dear Becky revisits Hughie's darkest moments and makes them worse in another round of "how bad can it get?"

The Exorsisters are as delightful and cheeky as always while they find that Heaven is not at all to their liking, and still have time to grab a drink before saving the universe. No real surprises, but a satisfying romp.

As cute as the alien is, this is no ET. Alienated is all about teenage angst and such and that some psychic from outer space isn't going to fix it.

BANG! is more than the sum of its parts. It cleverly subverts well-trodden expectations wherever possible. It is funny, action packed and feels unique despite the seemingly familiar setting.

The fall of an Empire, intergalactic crime and intrigue, and an extremely polite league of assassins make for a seriously impressive foundation for the chills yet to come.

A city in decline and a superhero in debility has only a struggling journalist to try to make sense of it all. Stealth has more heart and humanity than most other super suit stories and is told with truly compelling focus.

Kurtis Wiebe's new series Dryad is full of secrets and ancient mystery, delivering intrigue and suspense from the very first page.

Mirka Andolfo's Mercy is a gloomy gothic horror enhanced by the appearance of a mysterious and dangerous woman having just arrived in town.

Hidden Society brings a fine collection of a couple otherwise normal mortals, a demon and a soul hunter into the fight for world domination.

In Protector, the battle for the hearts and minds of the remnants of civilization has only just begun.

Self-aware and self-critical Bang! delivers a deconstruction of the superspy genre like never seen before. Irreverent and outrageous it is already packed full of surprises.

Ash Williams is back for more, but completely not at all ready to battle the horrible Deadites again. Luckily, probably, he has some help this time. More Ash is always welcome.

It is pretty clear that the world is as stake, but a teenage superhero turns out to be just what the Doctor (Tomorrow) ordered. But it's not cheesy, it is actually kind of fun.

In Alienated, Simon Spurrier once again crafts an accessible discussion of self-reflection with a science fiction adventure that has heart as well as believable stakes. Fans of his other work will no-doubt be pleased.

Tartarus is a story of family legacy told in galactic scope. Empires struggle, and this is the beginning of the fall. It promises to be quite an epic journey.

Backtrack is a death race like no one has ever seen before. The first leg of the race is fast and fantastic, and the participants are not at all prepared for what comes next.

Going To The Chapel finishes out the run just as strong as it started. It has delightful twists, engaging characters and the kind of happy ending that Hollywood wishes it could pull off with this level of charm. Well worth checking out.

Frankenstein Undone is a thoughtful examination of the creature's psyche and his desire for peace. Whether it is in the form of destruction or redemption remains to be seen.

Protector begins with a technological war machine from ages past released on a primitive population. This will not end well.

Quantum & Woody are back and ready to thwart some sewer blocking fatberg on their way to reputation redemption.

The Old Guard: Force Multiplied screams action hero franchise. It is tight and frenetic with characters worth caring about. One of the best of its kind.

Wellington continues to thrill as depth is added to the main character. He is a stubborn and arrogant would-be hero who does not see how much he is in over his head.

Rising Sun is an action packed epic filled with sorcery and swordplay of 12th century Japan complete with poisonous dragons and horrifying demons, and that's just in the first issue.

Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy depicts a dismal and hopeless reality where the status quo is cruelty and vengeance. Hate and horror rule the world. Superheroing isn't fun anymore.

We don't exactly know who The Red Mother is yet, or what she is all about, but the tension is building masterfully, and the horror is exquisite.

A charming take in the Firefly verse all about the fun in Malcolm Reynold's dysfunctional family. It's not every day a man has to take his Ma to jail.

If you've kept up with the Turtles, drifted away over the years, or never took the plunge, this is a great place to start. There is a real story here with plenty of heart and the stakes are enormous. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Not to be missed.

It is a literal race against time as the human population is at great risk from a dangerous disease with no cure , from an unknown source, runs rampant.

Bloodshot is a full-on vengeful and compassionate superhero who is as likely to stop bullets with his body as he is to tear an opponent's throat out with his bare hand.

The Old Guard: Force Multiplied has the crew back in an action-adventure with high stakes and a new enemy who knows too much about them, hot on their trail. The series is off to a great start and just as good as the original.

Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy is a new kind of vigilante duo fraught with all the terror and bad choices any sociopathic would cherish. There is no good or bad, just before and after.

Explosions and secrets turn The Visitor into a nonstop, action-packed read; there's subtle character conflict, too. There is more going on here than is readily apparent while the greater mystery evolves. It is still unclear who the bad guys really are, and that's a great way to start.

Wellington is a fine example of gothic horror with a bit of a hook that uses a historical figure as a protagonist. So far, readers are treated with some nice scenes and an introduction to a compelling mystery.

Criminal Macabre: The Big Bleed Out is a classic horror noir tale on the mean streets of LA executed to perfection.

The Red Mother is a classic urban horror story in the making that escalates to terrifying and compelling even before the real villains are revealed.

20XX is a dark story of desperate people with unwanted psychic powers living in a treacherous and dangerous world where everyone is a potential enemy, whether they are infected or not.

Bond, James Bond, is back, but maybe just as muscle and eye candy because the case is already being handled by Brandy Keys, Insurance Investigator, and she is more than capable of figuring things out for herself.

Kill Whitey Donovan is a suspenseful Civil War era revenge tale that is off to a frenetic start. The two main characters are desperate to escape, but are otherwise incompatible acquaintances just hoping to survive their first night of freedom.

The Butcher of Paris is a gruesome, chilling and nearly hopeless story that is full of genuine horror. The macabre journey is only going to get more intense from here on in.

Eve Stranger takes a serious turn in this issue with a moral dilemma, an unlikely patron with suitcases full of money, and several levels of betrayal and despair. No giant gorilla or jet packs this week, but a terrific and compelling story nonetheless.

Anyone who has an interest in gritty detective fare or dark and moody vampire tales should check out Killadelphia. It delivers on the chills and suspense like any of the best classic movies and looks fantastic while doing it.

The legacy of Picard is in good hands in a story that goes places we haven't been before. Star Trek: Picard"Countdown is full of intrigue and the kind of peril that the good Captain is sure to solve. Fans of TNG will surely enjoy this iconic return.

Bloodshot is all the action and intrigue that it should be, and now that more of the backstories are getting revealed, the more interesting the story has become. Plus a mysterious twist at the end is pretty cool too.

Heart Attack is a sweet and energetic take on the whole young adults coming to terms with powers formula, and promises to deliver a layered plot with fine characterization.

The Marked has a cool concept with the whole magical tattoo thing (glyphs, I know they're called glyphs) and a great set up with the secret government paranormal agency, so this looks like it is off to a good start.

Battlepug enchants and entertains with humor and action. It is actually funny and just serious enough to keep things interesting.

This issue of Doctor Mirage ups the stakes and the excitement without revealing too much about the ultimate mystery. Compelling characters and beautiful artwork make this well worth a look.

Jeff Lemire brings the dark and creepy in this story about a family struggling to make ends meet brought into what is nothing less than a global struggle.

The bad guys spare no effort or expense to neutralize the existential threat that is Bloodshot. Thankfully, the man that used to be Ray Garrison withstands the worst they can throw at him, that is, until he has to confront their final surprise.

In Roku, there is plenty of suspense and spy craft throughout the story, and more than a fair amount of untrustworthy characters including Roku herself. What she doesn't know looks like it might get her killed.

A satisfying conclusion to an action packed YA buddy comedy in outer space. It sounds silly, probably is, but is loads of fun anyway in a tale that is as wonderfully absurd as it is awesome.

Going To The Chapel is turning out to be more than meets the eye. What at first glance might have seemed predictable is now going for one reversal after another to deliver a fun and exciting thriller.

The Rat Queens have never been in more trouble, and when it looks like there is no hope for them, things get even worse. Sure, I have no doubt they will get out of this one, but at what cost? These days, there always seems to be a great price to pay.

This new Dr. Mirage story gets more intricate and fascinating with each issue. The stakes are high, but there is still more to be revealed as to exactly where she is, what is going on and why.

Once & Future is a solid action adventure fantasy story that leans a little on history and Arthurian legends, but no so much as to fell derivative or forced.

The Marked, starts out as a kind of magical X-Men origin story, complete with outcasts, hangers-on and a sizable government conspiracy, just to make it interesting, and just gets better with each page.

It's a whole new world for Buffy and the gang, and we get to see it just as it is about to be destroyed. Should be a barrel of laughs.

If anyone ever wondered about what made the bad guy from the original Karate Kid tick, then here's your answer. Apparently he was from a broken home and was misunderstood and neglected. Now he may have lived long enough to have regrets.

Catalyst Prime: Seven Days promises a dynamic apocalyptic actioner, and sets the table for a group of heroes to save an already devastated Earth from imminent destruction. The book starts strong with a team of good guys with interesting powers and a convincingly evil big bad.

Fun and delightful with just enough peril mixed with humor for the adorable main characters to encounter to make it exciting. I can't wait for the next issue and I know I will be sorry when it is over.

The stakes are high and the mystery is deep in Nomen Omen. Magic is at play here and death may be denied, but not for long. An interesting beginning for a story that looks like it could go anywhere.

Black Terror is a fascinating twist on the usual caped vigilante formula. Despite his wish to just be normal, Black Terror cannot avoid what he has become and will have to suffer the consequences of what amounts to the debilitating affliction and chronic addiction of superpowers.

A story about the dead and the afterlife shouldn't come with easy answers, and Doctor Mirage certainly does not. What it does have are flawed and interesting characters as well as a fairly dense mystery to unravel.

Strange is the first word to come to mind about Ether, but compelling and unique are as appropriate. This is a unique vision filled with fantastical creations and a moody and moving plot. Maybe not for everyone, but beautiful and mesmerizing throughout.

This expansion of the Vox Machina back story is a terrific adventure with fully fleshed out characters, and done quite beautifully. I couldn't ask for more.

Once & Future brings together the spirt of Indy melded with the moxie of Ash, but so far none of the gross. Playful, with a side or timely, it is plenty entertaining. Also, gun wielding Granny is all kinds of awesome.

Chainsaw Reindeer is all about a reindeer who wants to kill everyone with a chainsaw. That pretty much sums it up. Ultra-violent, stomach churning and creepy beyond belief. This definitely not for the squeamish. I'm not exactly sure who it is for. It is something, though. Wow!

Pandemica is a gritty and all too believable take on what leads up to the end of civilization as we know it. Disturbing and brutal. Is this the shape of things to come?

Strange objects appearing out of nowhere, a gruesome murder and no clues about the nature of either one makes for the beginning of what looks like an interesting and original whodunit.

Irreverent and absurd, Battlepug delivers the satire and the humor in a battle worthy of legends. It is silly and weird, but all about poking fun at the things that need to be mocked.

The first issue of Everything is gearing up to be a poignant statement of how easily need leads to despair complete with all too familiar townsfolk who can't help but be tragic figures.

Reinforced by a charming cast of characters, especially the 'Nam Vet Granny who is way more than the baddies bargained for, and notwithstanding the meta-homage filmic nods, Going to The Chapel has enough of its own brand of dark hijinks to make this story work.

Triage is a fast paced sci-fi fish out of water tale with compelling characters and huge mysteries.

The re-introduction of an unstoppable (but misunderstood) killing machine, Bloodshot #1 is everything that it aims to be and it succeeds in exactly what it sets out to do. This is a loose cannon super soldier story that is unrelenting but still manages to have a heart.

Fallen World is the establishment of the 41st Century version of earth as well as a jumping on point for what will be the new Rai series, both of which look highly promising if they are even half as good as what has been seen so far.

This introduction to the devastated remnants of civilization holed up in Mall establishes that things are rough all over, especially if you've been set up for the murder of a rival gang leader. A good enough start, perhaps, but it is too soon to tell if all this fuss will amount to anything.

Star Pig is an absolute delight. Funny, charming, heartwarming and still pretty exciting. The words and images combine in the best way possible, assured to put a smile on just about anyone's face.

Doctor Mirage is back, or almost so, and from where exactly is not immediately clear, but regardless, this is the place to be for psychedelic ghost talking and a dramatic escape from nightmarish, seemingly self-imposed isolation. All is not what it seems, and that is pretty much the point.

Killers is a free for all of super ninjas vying for an ultimate prize of incalculable wealth. Thrills abounds with the right smattering of gore and mystery.

The nature of love and loss is one more aspect to life that is explored in Excellence that makes this such a dynamic story. Real people, real struggles, just with magic, and tragedy.

Psi-Lords is still laying down much of the groundwork for an expansive series with far reaching consequence of the rest of the Valiant universe.

This particular cat is going to end up saving humanity, I reckon. Regardless of how unlikely that may seem to anyone who has ever met a cat, Strayed is an entertaining take on galactic expansionism and cruel overlords.

Warlord of Mars Attacks succeeds on a level I never thought possible. John Carter is alive, vibrant and relevant like never before and the Moonheads are as outrageous as ever. It shouldn't work, but it does, quite well, in fact.

The best thing about Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins is that even if you have never heard of them the story is compelling and the characters interesting enough on their own to make for a really fun adventure comic.

Once & Future is unlike any other Arthurian Legend, and adds a level of intrigue and suspense to a modern retelling that is thrilling from the very beginning.

Reaver has sufficient action and intrigue to keep the pages turning and enough hints at deeper mysteries to keep it interesting.

Usagi Yojimbo seems as if it shouldn't work, but it is epic and heroic and wholly delightful as ever. As weird as the concept of a Ronin Rabbit might sound, this is one title definitely worth looking into.

Punk Mambo's first arc concludes with a satisfying and action filled boss battle followed by a teaser scene with a promise of more nuanced adventures to come.

Are we not men? Good question, and here we see the beginning of a tale that explores the ramifications of all that that can mean.

Space Bandits continues to please as the two criminals figure out what to do first, or rather who to do in. They plot moves quickly, the action abundant, and the inherent absurdity well represented.

The Killers are the survivors of MI6's Ninja Programme and they are backed into a corner without knowing who is after them or who to trust. The action begins with thrilling spy versus spy maneuverings in what looks likely to be an explosive and mysterious series.

Building up to the final conflict, Punk Mambo may have figured out how to prevail even without the use of her magic. Either way, somebody is gonna have a helluva beat down.

Even in their darkest hour the Rat Queens find the solution within themselves to carry on. Lately that means endure, not party, but that's ok because the story will ultimately bring out the best in them.

Lazarus: Risen is an epic world encompassing struggle for domination with the individual personal stories connecting it all together with strong characterizations.

Psi-Lords is an exciting adventure that hasn't even begun to hit its stride. The characters are strong, the dialogue smart, and the concept is teeming with possibility. This one is likely to be around for a while.

These improbable companions are off to some grand adventure. There is no real villain yet, but there is something heroic about even the incredible large fleshy Star Pig.

Warlord of Mars Attacks has it all (almost). The pomposity of John Carter. The unrelenting destruction of the Martians. All the elements (except for scantily clad space princesses) are here in a funny and horrifying mash up that has to be seen to be believed.

Excellence depicts the anguish of a young man caught in crisis and struggling against injustice in a way that is thought provoking, compelling and insightful. It is a book well suited for the here and now.

With a ronin rabbit as the protagonist, Usagi Yojimbo may seem strange, but it does not disappoint. Supernatural battles and samurai swordplay abound in a fun tale that has all the charm of the original in this new adventure that is very easy to like.

For those familiar with Critical Role and those not, Vox Machina: Origins II is a delightful quest adventure with a charming cast of characters and an intriguing adventure hook. Definitely worthwhile for fans old and new.

The Fallen World is a great and epic sci-fi fantasy with enormous scope and plenty of action. A story full of depth and promises for lots of great stuff to come. Highly recommended for any fans of the genre.

A deadly suicide mission with a rogue's gallery of criminals hits the right notes for an interesting, if familiar premise. The tiny cannibal has only eaten half a finger in days, so it looks like thinks are not going to end well.

This unusual group of superheroes is supposed to be weird, and there is enough of that here, but with Doom Patrol: Weight of the Worlds, we get accessibility with all the good parts left in. This new version is wholly worthwhile for fans new and old.

Space Bandits is a thriller, a heist story (or two), and a long con all rolled into one. All of this Mark Millar gory goodness, and it is only the first issue.

Thumbs continues to be an intriguing story about a man in search of meaning as well as in search of his past. It is an intimate take on the struggle of someone out of touch with a world he barely understands.

Canto is a beautiful and heartfelt story about love and heroism and all that can be good in the world despite all that is bad. It is simple, and marvelous and absolutely lovely, a fresh voice and change of pace. It is a light in the dark.

Eve Stranger continues with another story where the amnesia part of her predicament is interesting enough, but the rest of the story is even better. She definitely seems to be working for the bad guys and probably would not approve, if she could only remember.

It looks like Punk Mambo is in over her head. The stakes have become much too high, and she can no longer afford to be the cynical outsider going at it alone.

Excellence is a story about what happens when someone does what is right rather than what is approved. This is a story about choices, consequences and perseverance in the face of injustice.

Psi-Lords begins with a big mystery and somebody who shoots lasers out of her face. Sounds good to me! Fast-paced and full of interesting characters, this debut holds a lot of promise.

The newest member, the several losses and the latest enemy takes the Rat Queens in a new direction with maybe a little more introspection than before. Still, the action and thrills abound and it looks like the creative team is heading into a very interesting realm.

Stan Sakai and Usagi Yojimbo return in an epic battle against evil. The issue has swordplay and demon quelling in abundance and is thoroughly action-packed. A bunny with a sword is almost too awesome for words.

This John Carter versus the Mars Attacks aliens works on a surprising level. The action of one meets the gallows humor of the other in an effective mash up that ends up as more than the sum of its parts.

So what if the ending doesn't come as a complete surprise. "Gunning" is in the title, so sure, Chekov notwithstanding, somebody has to get shot, but it is the who, the why, the where, and the how of the execution that is ultimately surprising and satisfying.

Fallen World continues to impress with the struggle for all of humanity, mirrored in Ray Garrison's own survival, in his now infected body.

This isn't just a gamer saves the world scenario, but a terrifying dystopia where everyday technology is what is going to get you killed, even though it is the very thing that was supposed to promise freedom.

Assassin Nation continues to ramp up the body count in a clever gangster epic with enough of a twist to keep it interesting.

Fairlady is as close to Dashiell Hammet meets J.R.R Tolkien as there will ever be and is wholly satisfying merger of fantasy and detective story. This single issue holds a complete and delightful adventure that is well worth a look.

Eve Stranger is a suspense thriller where the biggest mystery is the protagonist herself. She is some kind of secret weapon, but for whom? Whatever she is doing it sure pays well, though. The second story in the issue is excellent as well, and worth the price of admission alone.

Excellence is a fierce and enthralling version of a magical society where the rules do not benefit everyone, not even those who possess arcane abilities. It is also the story of a powerful young man who has had enough.

Gunning For Hits approaches the end of the arc like some last act in a documentary about the rise and fall of some once great artist. True to life it seems, except for the gun.

I don't know how it works, but it does. Murder Falcon concludes the epic story with genuine tenderness and hope. There is stacks of beauty here, and you hardly have to listen at all, it is too loud to miss.

The tableau of the Fallen World is large. There is enough room to fit several intertwined stories of a number of characters from the Valiant universe into a single cohesive and attention-grabbing comic. There is a lot going on here and there promises to be much more.

Gogor is a delightful fantasy with a simple hero drawn into an adventure much larger than he could have imagined. Although the title character appears only briefly, he does look to be an imposing fellow.

The culmination of the story of Amala's awakening, development, and epiphany is a satisfying end to a provocative take on the nature of reality. It is also the beginning of a greater, perhaps more intimate look at a most unusual comic book character.

Fearscape is ambitious and brilliant, taking a story told in comic book form to the next level. Literate, satirical and self-aware, yet as thrilling as a horror should be, this is a wholly original story about plagiarism that should not be missed.

Punks Not Dead: London Calling continues its brash telling of a part ghost story, part coming of age tale and delivers nuance and interesting characters on every page. What may have seemed gimmicky fleshes out nicely in the telling.

The outstanding pair of damaged detectives Spencer & Locke have returned in a story that jumps right from unease to suspense. So far, an excellent return to a marvelous team of misfits. The action and adventure is sure to be had, but the anguish and drama is sure to be there too.

Fairlady begins with a well thought out set up to an intriguing mystery in a fascinating post-apocalyptic, post technological, fantasy world. So far, it looks like it should be interesting and fun, with the bigger conspiracy promising a greater depth to the story which is a good start.

Gunning For Hits continues to be an intriguing take on the corruption of rock 'n' roll by the corporate parasites, but the rock stars are not much better, as it turns out. Wasn't there a t-shirt somewhere that said "kill your idols"? It looks like that may be how this all ends up.

This is not just a battle between Murder Falcon and Magnum Khaos, it is everyone's battle against adversity. There is always hope as Daniel Warren Johnson shows when he infuses an ordinary warrior with the power to shred fear and despair to death.

Have no fear, the Rat Queens are in good hands with the new creative team. Swamp Romp is as bawdy, irreverent and action packed as ever, and no matter the vileness of the monster, or the severity of the hangover, the Queens will prevail.

The second installment of Assassin Nation begins quietly, but that doesn't last long. As expected in a story about mob bosses and hired guns, it ends with quite a bang. These assassins for hire might not make the most interesting conversationalists, but at least we get some forward movement in the storyline and some distrust beginning to simmer between the remaining killers.

Gideon Falls is the kind of story that crawls inside your head, makes a fetid nest and decides to breed. Good luck trying to un-see this one. This issue works as a starting point, so jump in here or go back to the beginning. Either way, keep the lights on.

With every issue, Port of Earth wraps conspiracy around conspiracy providing the gut punch of and alien domination adventure that is about something some much more basic and closer to home.

A likable hero, an unfolding mystery, plenty of suspense and intrigue, Astro Hustle has it all, and despite the apparent frivolousness on the surface, it looks like it will lead up to a more nuanced political thriller.

I honestly don't care how familiar this story is. It gets me every time. I love any kind of monster of the week serial, and this one looks like it will be one of the good ones. It doesn't take itself too seriously, the characters are fun, and the artwork is great.

The curious puzzle that is Self/Made continues the mind bending journey of the AI that is all too real. Amala has grown to become a truly sympathetic character and the plots has reached a fascinating unknowable plateau.

The ending arrives as expected and if anything, Ben Blacker pulls his punches. A bunch of powerful women band together to take over the world, but there is a man to show them the way. Maybe he means this as another trope to upend, but it sure does not look likely.

This ongoing chapter of the Punks Not Dead series is as amusing as it is bold. Strong characters and a genuine mystery has this story continuing as a worthwhile distraction, fully engaging, and a real page turner.

As with any role-playing game, the beginning is mostly scene and theme, the real action and drama are yet to come after the party gets to know each other and survive a few encounters. The creative team shows a real understanding of what questing should feel and look like, so Dungeons & Dragons: A Darkened Wish has some definite promise.

Firefly: Bad Company is an effective revisit to a fan favorite capturing the charm of the original appearance of Saffron, and adding just the right additional menace and charm. Her history is certainly rich enough territory for an interesting and ongoing story.

Meditation and martial arts abound in this historical fiction about a Nazarene, his defiance against Roman authority, and his dedication to political insurrection. Jesusfreak is more weird than thought provoking, but it is entertaining, so there's that, at least.

Lazarus: Risen is packed with interesting characters in a thrilling setting where the stakes are high and the secrets are many. The plots and counterplots have just begun, but the series promises to be full of clever and engaging storytelling.

House Amok is the kind of psychological horror that is so insidious it is inescapable. What if the Sandifer family is right about the machine and the chips in our head? We may never know until it is too late.

More of an action comedy than thriller, Assassin Nation delivers the laughs and the gore in an agreeable poke at a typical gangster tale fleshed out by an entertaining premise.

It is funny how the seedy record industry has become more villainous than mercenaries and assassins, but that is the charm and uniqueness of Gunning For Hits. The seemingly mundane business world has become the real evil.

Hope in the face of astounding despair is successfully derived from the magical power of metal. There is something eminently joyful about Murder Falcon and the power of shred that is captivating. Resilience, friendship and the will to carry on are what mark the true hero.

As the factions continue to develop post-apocalypse, it is the personal drama that increases allowing the story to get more interesting. We might learn what caused the phenomenon, but by now it is beside the point. The aftermath is what is really important.

Robots, royalty, corrupt cops, noble criminals, buccaneers and all manner of space travelers populate a farcical and satirical adventure that is more than meets the eye. Astro Hustle holds a level of sophistication that is hidden by an outwardly superficial guise.

The race is at the finish line and the survivors leave enough to build towards a continuation. I can't imagine what that would look like without the frenetic pace, but I sure would like to see it.

If a punk voodoo priestess from London isn't enough to attract attention, then maybe we're all getting too jaded. Punk Mambo is definitely something that is not seen every day, and fortunately this solo debut packs enough quips into a solid story that is worth checking out and coming back for.

Amala's journey in the "real" world has just begun. She has escaped her past and those that would presume to control or constrain her. The broader story of the nature of all things is at hand. It will likely be interesting to see if she is able to win this game and reveal who those gods above gods might be.

Hex Wives is almost at the final confrontation and the suspense is at its highest level yet. The fuse has been lit, and the explosion is bound to be huge.

This is a most unusual take and the typical save the word scenario. It is hard to tell where this is going or even who the good guys really are, but that makes for a fascinating story. The answer to the question of whether or not humanity deserves a hero is equally ambivalent.

All the blood and spit and spirit missing in the modern world can be found in these pages. A delightful poke in the eye of contemporary mundane behavior as well as tendencies towards mindless nostalgia. Action, adventure, supernatural bass players and a real self-deprecating sense of humor makes this work.

Exorsisters continues to defy expectations in a well-crafted and whimsical take on hell beasts and demonic possession that is quite reminiscent of confrontations with residents of one popular 'dale or another.

This time Spencer is gladly doing his part in the fight against the alien invasion, but is he in over his head? Of course he is, and now that things seem hopeful, everything is bound to get a whole lot worse.

Fearscape is smart, funny and outrageous, not only breaking the fourth wall but climbing into the reader's head to leave a big steamy pile of fragrant absurdity.

There is no doubt that Leo is a terrible excuse for a human being, but at least he is comparably, marginally less awful than the rest of society. That it makes him a hero and allows a religion to form around him is sad, but too real, too soon.

Everybody knew the music industry was corrupt and irrational, but Gunning For Hits makes it personal and absorbing. That the worst thing about Martin is not his assassin back story, but his current job is both hilarious and horrifying.

The charming redemption story of Jake and the Murder Falcon continues as the forces of evil have become stronger than ever, but there is really no doubt that the shred will prevail. There is something here that is so ridiculously joyful that is should not be missed.

Cordelia is tasked with saving the world against the evil Madame Albany. The magic and madness and a couple of unexpected plot twists make for a thoroughly entertaining story. Just like her namesake, maybe she should have been listened to all along.

The situation on earth has become as hopeless as can be. Even the best efforts in defense of humanity only seem to make things worse. So far, The Warning is a taught sci-fi thriller with plenty of secrets left to unfold.

By now, the audience is either on board for the thrill ride, or have fallen off along the way. Crazy is the norm. To be fair, there is nothing exactly new or unexpected here, but the insane pace has yet to slow. Good times, and a dog in a gas mask, in the snow. You don't see that every day.

The most interesting character is the one made up of codes and fictions, but Self/Made has a great deal of potential, but it still has a ways to go to get there. If only some of the other characters were a bit stronger.

Ultimately, The Freeze has maintained a fresh look to a story about the end of the world. There is enough mystery, conspiracy and suspense to keep the story moving forward. The characters are familiar, but engaging.

Madness and anarchy rule the day, but at least Billy Bane and his associates are trying to do something about it. Irreverent and playful, but never jokey,Wasted Space is a great deal of fun.

The veil of the twisted reality is tearing and the Architects are beginning to worry, with good reason. After what Becky did to the cat, it is pretty clear what is going to happen when the illusion finally fails.

In a place where the horror and corruption of Las Vegas meet, the powerful people pulling the strings and all of their greedy secrets can be revealed. Our narrator may say he was trying to do the right thing, that he cared, but is that really what happened?

This book is an absorbing exploration of absolute power, in a very literal sense, corrupting the very powerful. Peter Cannon is an insufferable elitist, but fortunately, his weird and wonderful counterparts from around the globe are even more interesting than he is.

There is more going on here than just a Martian invasion. The crazy bug eye and shrivel headed are one thing that remains entertaining, but it is the story within the story that keeps me coming back.

This is a good zombie story with all the right elements to keep it rolling along while still feeling fresh enough to be entertaining. An interesting turn of events at the end of this issue promises a more compelling story and maybe a departure from the typical.

What Exorsisters may lack in grisly substance is more than made up for in a delightful tone and its good natured brand of storytelling. Who knew than demon spawn could be so much fun? It's just one of those just go with it and enjoy type of stories.

This post-apocalyptic tale loosely based on the Dickens work throws super soldiers into the mix to create something that so far, at least, is a clever concept. We'll see if it pans out into a richer story..

This intense and thought provoking series continues with a slow motion pursuit, a psychological battle of wits and an increasing body count. The tales from two unreliable narrators intertwine in a unique and compelling story that is well worth the price of admission.

The end of this arc provides a satisfying conclusion to Jack's struggle with the loa and his battle against the Darques. The issue delivers the right amount of action, enough resolution to the character arc and a good promise of a more intriguing adventure to come. Shadowman continues its streak of reliable storytelling.

Isola is as beautiful as ever. The political intrigue has ratcheted up somewhat. Rook and Olwyn's journey is far from over, but complications from one of their own people and an unusual creatures are about to begin.

Now that the attack on the aliens has commenced, things are about to get even more chaotic for the inhabitants of the Earth. So far The Warning has been a taut thriller with a fair amount of story. This issue adds to that accomplishment admirably and hints at a deepening in character development.

Euthanauts is like nothing else. Creepy and fascinating, yet grounded in humanity full of fears and insecurities. The DeathSpace may be a world unknown, but the people who explore it are entirely recognizable.

This is one hell of a sick ride, but every second is a creepy thrill. Mass murder at the behest of twin little girls. How messed up is that? And perfect.

There is nothing like an interdimensional conspiracy to attract the interest of the smartest guy in the world, and so far Prodigy is off to a solid start. Part spy thriller, part science fiction, there is a lot of potential for satisfying intrigue and no doubt a guarantee for entertaining chaos.

As much as things have not changed all that much from the first issue. (The chase continues). Excitement and interest has been maintained. I'm not sure what will happen when they finally get to the beach, but at this point I am fully committed to find out.

We're not looking for heroes here, only survivors, and the return to Criminal presents an intriguing caper and mysterious backstory that promises not to hold back.

The story of a rock and roll band trying to make it big in the 80s is told with a couple of unsuspected twists that are quite original. The idea that a discussion of the negotiation tactics involved in signing a record contract could be the basis for a story, let alone a good one, I would have thought would be impossible, yet, here we are.

Shredtastic as ever, Murder Falcon is more than just a rollicking good time, there is real heart beneath the bluster, as there should be. It is both delightful and surprising to think about how this comes from the mind of the same guy who created Extremity.

Though this issue is particularly dialogue heavy, the story is solid. Self/Made holds a couple of interesting plot threads together with a fascinating take on the inner life of a would-be simulated person. Clearly Amala will only get more powerful as time goes on, but what happens to management might be fun. Especially Bryce, he deserves whatever is coming to him.

Despite Ray's attempts at using his power sensibly and for the greater good, things get bad and fast. The main problem continues, but now it seems that factions are evolving and anything can happen, most of it not good.

The haze that the women are in has yet to be breached. What form the coven's revenge will take remains to be seen, but I'm betting on decapitation"and fire. We will just have to wait to see it all collapse, accompanied by numerous gruesome executions, no doubt. It should be epic.

Friendo would be really scary if it wasn't so funny. No wait, maybe it is the other way around. Either way, this is one book that has wit that cuts to the bone. This is a lambasting of popular media and consumerism that is not to be missed.

Beginning with an aerial dog-fight that is nicely rendered, then gearing up for an all-out alien battle with a team of enhanced super soldiers, The Warning is starting to get off the ground. So far, the pacing is sharp and the visuals exciting, but more story will be needed.

I don't know if there is a point to all this yet, but it hardly matters. Cemetery Beach still maintains the breakneck pace it has since the beginning.

The wild examination of Imposter Syndrome is mostly thriller, but at times a crazy meta-comment on creators and the creative process. We are our own worst enemy. The work speaks for itself, and quite deliberately.

The destruction of the Earth and the annihilation of humanity at the hands (or claws, rather) of the horrifying Veldar is imminent. Do not despair, rescue will be achieved by distortion and order restored by drumming. As it should be.

Border Town is unapologetic in its depiction of animosity and cruelty and those children who must suffer beneath those things outside of their control. There is no mistake going in of what this book is about. Hate read it if you must, but it is worth reading as a statement of these times.

We knew what we were getting into if we knew anything about the Maxx. I wonder if any of the Batman fans are left, though, because this clearly is not his show.

The darker story is still lurking beneath the otherwise matter of fact narration. Dante, the serial killer is still appearing to be harmless. It is Ricky who is the psychopath.

There is enough humor spread throughout this issue to supplement the familiar predicament of the zombie apocalypse and make this an entertaining take on what we all know so well.

There is way more here than meets the eye. The usual formulaic adventure tale of the quest for the McGuffin of ultimate power is well worth wading through for the fully satisfying and unexpected twist at the end.

The Freeze begins with definite promise. With the cast of characters and inciting event introduced there is a solid base to begin the series containing intriguing questions. None of the mysteries are close to being answered, but this unique version of the last days of the human race has a fresh feel to it. We'll see if it succumbs to clich.

Think of this of as a climactic chapter in a trade paperback. This issue, devoid of words showcases the art which does an amazing job telling the story, but doesn't quite make up for the lack of narrative.

After the extreme violence of the first issue, we see a softer and more insidious struggle. The oppressors favored tactic of gaslighting is proving to be less effective than first thought. It looks like the wives are about to figure it all out, and when they do, everything will burn.

The madness & murder-laden school bus continues to barrel down the road. The killings are real, but is anything else? It so doesn't matter in House Amok, the most mind-bending story of the year.

We don't know what it is yet, but it is bad, very bad, and all the players have their own way of coping with what could be the end of everything. The Warning begins with the suspense ratcheted up to extreme levels and hints at an earth-shattering thriller to come.

Maybe there is no hope for humanity. Maybe Spencer and the Major will never get along. Meanwhile, we gets lots of explosions and sight gags in a tale that is equally funny and horrifying, while simultaneously displaying a surprising amount of heart.

Three priests walk into a bar. It is not the beginning of a joke, but rather an awesome shootout with serious consequences for all involved. It is also framed by an old man telling the story of love long ago.

As we approach the climax, the pieces of the story have been falling into place with a proper big bad and hints at the larger conspiracy behind it all.

The series has picked up the pace considerably in this issue, and it looks like we are going to get more action and a larger emotional payoff that what was shown earlier.

Like any good suspense thriller there is the moment when the imperiled pair separate and the audience is compelled to shout "don't go in there." This new chapter of Shadowman gets into the thick of the conspiracy without delay.

Talia's adventures in the Deathspace continue to be revealing and fascinating, though we still don't know where the real peril is or even who to trust.

Maybe Plastic Man is not the most heroic of heroes, but he gets the job done in his own unique and entertaining way. All of the typical components of a mundane costume superhero story are here, only they twisted and re-formed, just like Plastic Man would be expected to be.

There is not much depth, but lots of continued excitement in this issue. We do get some hints about a backstory for Mike and all of the strange resources available on this alien world. I'm not sure where we are going, but we are moving fast.

A satisfying conclusion to the second arc of Coyotes. As action packed as always, it ends in violence, a welcome, and just a glimmer of hope, but no real assurance of safety.

Friendo continues to be a crazy comment on the excesses of a society where being plugged in to social media all the time has become epidemic. No need to worry. There is a virtual reality guardian who will protect you as long as you have money, and it doesn't matter where you got it, there is no such thing as ill-gotten gains.

Maybe there's not a whole lot of sense going on yet, maybe there never will be, but Murder Falcon is pure audacious shredding fun. The energy and enthusiasm is captivating and thoroughly uplifting. Rock and Roll is back to save our souls.

It sucks to always be the smartest guy in the room, but Edison Crane will endure the burden, even if he has to save the world from itself. Mark Millar's latest is all the cruel and edgy stuff fans have come to love.

Road of the Dead: Highway to Hell #1 is chock full of zombies, outlaw bikers and savage civilian conspiracy theorists, as one would expect at the end of the world. An M1 Abrams tank adds to the fun in this less than subtle, but entertaining apocalypse tale.

This is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously and neither should we. That's the point. From ridiculous visual gags to monstrous mayhem, Leviathan just goes for it with unrestrained fun.

The story nears a conclusion with the most exciting issue so far. The end is soon, it seems, but it is looking like this story will ready better in a collected volume rather than individual issue spread out over too long a time.

As ridiculous as this pairing sounds, the creative team actually makes it work, and provides a funny and action packed story. Honestly, DC has put out regular titles that are less believable.

The level of intensity starts high and then is dialed back when the mysterious prison of suburbia is revealed. What happens next is anyone's guess, but it is certain to be explosive.

While still very much a Maxx story, things are starting to make some sense, (not a lot, admittedly) but delusion and reality remain dangerously intertwined. Batman is beginning to act more like Batman, but it might not make a difference.

The flowery pontifications of the self-aggrandizing impostor continues as he journeys further into the Fearscape and learns"absolutely nothing. This crazy adventure in the mind of a writer is more fun than it ought to be and perfect for us low brow comic book readers.

The story ends without platitudes or easy answers and Red is left in only a slightly less precarious place than when the series began. "Unburdened," is the word Red uses as a description, but sometimes that's all there is that can be expected.

After Bruce Campbell announced that he is done with the character, we must get our doses of Ashy Slashy wherever we can find him. This one is an entirely enjoyable and perfectly suited Halloween fare. Though the book is tame by comparison to recent appearances on television, it is still fun and worth a look.

The confrontation in the house turns out to be more talk than action, but we do get a sense of where Grace stands in the conflict, though little as to the extent of her involvement. There is more to be seen as the bond between father and daughter gets stronger.

Grim and mysterious, Lodger starts out like a slow walk into to the deep woods until you get to the point where you are not sure where you are, or how you got there,but the only certain way to get out is to continue going through. I think I know what is going on, but I'm not entirely sure, and that uncertainty makes for a very interesting start to something that will likely have many unexpected turns.

This issue feels like a more conventional Rat Queens story as well as one where the stakes have been upgraded somewhat. Pretty much everything you would want in a Rat Queens story is here, and maybe a new twist or two.

With this new jumping on point, Shadowman is back in the midst of a supernatural battle that occurs right in the middle of the here and now. He has some help and a new weapon, but the stakes are as high as they can be.

The action and intensity of the story is enough to overcome the annoyance that yet again the universe is about to be destroyed and we had to slog through several titles to get to a resolution that still hasn't arrived.

The exciting adventure of advance scout Mike Blackburn continues the breakneck chase and reveals as more about this "giant orbiting toilet" of a planet.

The battle lines have been drawn and forgiveness is nowhere to be found. This is a brutal tale where mutual annihilation appears to be the only possible outcome.

The players have been introduce and the bigger picture brought into focus, but it is hard to tell exactly where this is going. Nevertheless, with likable characters and a pleasant environment Exorsisters looks like a lot of fun.

The struggle that Plastic Man has to endure ends up being against himself, but he and the audience are better for it. Humor and action abound in a story that holds together quite well despite the inherent absurdities and limitations of the character.

So what if we've seen the Metal Hero adventure before, this one in all its earnestness and humor succeeds from the first power cord. Have no fear the Bad Ass Murder Falcon has arrived to save us all.

More than just a rehab romance or coming of age story, there is depth and nuance to a seemingly familiar story that is satisfying and bold. This is a story that might have higher aspirations than a typical comic, but it accessible and quite well done.

What we have here is an ambitious pairing of two unique characters with more than their share of psychological and emotional baggage. It works in the sense that the level of unease is off the charts. That is the usual state for The Maxx, but quite the opposite for Batman. Remember, this is a nuanced and internal struggle, nothing will get solved by punching somebody in the face (as satisfying as that may well be).

Yeah, this is weird, but somehow this adventure in the death space connects on a very human level. I don't know where it is going, but it doesn't matter because whatever journey that Thalia is on, I want to be around to see how she handles it.

Maybe this is just the truth being revealed. Behind every unfortunate occurrence there is an inciting event, and maybe there really are some creepy old men just wanting to live forever who are in charge of everything. Dylan and Ollie have seen the truth and by writing it down it is revealed to all of us.

Old West metaphors for modern struggles are nothing new, but this version of the Lone Ranger arrives just in time to save the little guy against corrupt politicians and corporate greed.

The full story of the hero of The Last Siege is brought up to date in time for the final battle. We find that there is more to the mysterious stranger, and now that we know what he is all about his position as hero is more deserved and better realized than it had been before.

This story of a humanoid manifestation of the internet is fully immersive and a cunning take on the excesses of social media. Friendo, like your Smartphone has everything you need. TREAT YOURSELF. There's nothing to worry about.

Cold Spots continues to show a slow build to the supernatural threat allowing for good scene setting and character development. Dan Kerr is by no means a hero, but it looks like he is going to have to become one in order to live long enough to find out what is going on and to save his daughter.

Harbinger Wars 2: Aftermath #1 is a pause in the action, allowing the characters to take a breath and setting up the smaller more intimate stories for the future. It looks good with this limitation and promises to be better as it the series expands.

The pace of the book, as it has been since the beginning, is non-stop. Red tries to escape while still killing off the people who did her wrong, but as the bodies pile up, so do here pursuers. It is the scale of the upcoming mayhem that sustains the interest in this revenge tale.

The arc is wrapped up in a magnificent battle and a remarkable back story. A well done conclusion that shapes the character in a better form for the struggles he will face in the real world.

High concept, indeed. While entertaining enough for a first issue, it remains to be seen if the jokey notion that begins and is the basis for this series can be sustained over a lengthy arc. So far, not bad, but the characters need some fleshing out.

Crude is a tough story about tough people and maybe a little about sacrifice and growth. The book is extremely violent and mostly callous and the ending is not exactly a happy one, but it holds together. This is a story of a flawed antihero and is certainly not for the squeamish.

The thrills never stop in this ride, which has consistently been the case from the very beginning. The pace has been and still is, relentless. Just when you think it is safe, think again and Glory is back in the car, pedal to the floor and no way out, it seems. Death or Glory is full of flat out all or nothing excitement.

The lovable loser Plastic Man is as angst laden and unsure as any hero ever, but his journey is such an offbeat and interesting departure from the norm that this story is easy to like. He might not save the world, but at least his heart in in the right place and it is likely that he will save the kid, so there's that.

Out of the box, Cemetery Beach is an exciting adventure about a likable character who is lost in a very strange and dangerous world, and is stuck with a companion who proudly describes herself as murderous. This first issue is eye catching, riveting and looks like it will shape up to be a lot of fun.

Anyone familiar with the Rat Queens will have a positive reaction to the comfortable and easy opening, especially after what transpired in the last mind bending arc. Nevertheless, it is good to have the Queens back in once piece if only temporarily.

Adventures of the Super Sons is a simple good guy versus bad guy story where, currently, the bad guys are winning. Super Sons is an entertaining title with amusing characters in a story that has enough surprises and twists to keep it interesting.

From the annoying background characters to the oppressive authorities, the world is a horrible place full of horrible people and maybe we should be rooting for the kaiju after all. I know I do. In any event, lots of fun and mayhem is to be found here.

The Dead Hand is successful in bringing forth a modern spy thriller that still captures some of the nostalgia of old espionage flicks while adding a freshness to the genre. The world that had the residents of Mountain View trapped has gotten bigger in this satisfying conclusion to a clever story.

In The Last Siege, go ahead and root for the mysterious stranger and the young Lady of the house to be victorious over the evil usurpers in this exciting costume adventure. It is a tale that is epic, familiar and satisfying.

The cast of characters have been introduced, and the adventure has just begun. What fun is to be had after we shuffle off this mortal coil? Looks like the Euthanauts have the answers, and I can't wait to find out.

Isola is nothing short of astonishing. Rarely do we get the perfect and symmetrical blending of art and word, but it is here, in tandem, in a creation of a beautiful epic myth. No lantern jawed heroes or capes on display here, so this is the book you give to a friend who thinks they can be dismissive of comics as an art form. Isola is one of best of the best, what all comics should strive to achieve.

There is no jump out at you scares or any particular gore, but make no mistake, this is a horror story that provides enough chills to want to read the book with the lights on.

It looks like Jack will need to learn one more thing before he returns to the present. This issue has a real epic feel to it, thoroughly enhancing the Shadowman legacy. Some revelations are about to be made and we know Jack as a hero, but now we will know what original sacrifice had to be made.

The darkness of the story continues with the revenge fantasy not paying out as anticipated, yet the story remains intriguing with complex and interesting characters.

In this conclusion of the arc, there is the same level of action, if not more so, and a very satisfying and surprising twist at the end that feels entirely earned. Anyone looking for a noir-ish take on the travails of or times need look no further than Analog.

Not for the squeamish, or the uninitiated. Those unfamiliar with Mark Millar's work might be in for a shock, others, well, you know what you are getting yourself into. The Magic Order has thrills aplenty, of a certain kind, if you dare.

Catwoman is a fascinating exploration of a heart broken anti-hero, who, as we have seen in the recent Batman arc, is by her very nature a solitary criminal. That doesn't mean she's all bad and she certainly is a strong enough character to carry her own series.

This is one DC title that never suffers from too much gloom and doom or an overblown sense of self-importance. Plastic Man may be the most flawed super hero yet, but he is hilarious.

This issue provides a satisfactory conclusion to an excellent story arc and also hints at the great stories to come. Bloodshot: Salvation has accomplished much. It has been a great introduction to the charter for those unfamiliar, it is a solid story for any fan, and a marvelous entry point for the larger stories of the Valiant Universe. All things considered, this has been a highly entertaining series that wraps the event up nicely with this issue while allowing the right questions to be answered in the future.

This issue of Death or Glory is an absolute page turner. The story recalls all the best action movie chase scenes and throws in a deep and depraved conspiracy. Non-stop and no apologies, this is one book that has put the pedal to the floor and will not let up.

The gut reaction to think that what the people of Earth have been told about the Port is too good to be true is correct. The curtain is just starting to get peeled back, but it may already be far too late for humans to do anything about the threat that hides behind it.

The Dead Hand has not strayed from its original intent and intensity. As we get closer to the final showdown where it all could end in apocalypse, it may be a teenager that gets through to the terror with the mind of a ten year old.

If humongous fire breathing lizard-like creatures toppling buildings and taking a bite out of everybody is your idea of a good time (I know it is mine), then Leviathan is just what you are looking for. Fast paced story, great art, but funny and thrilling, all at the same time.

The Last Siege is a solid adventure that has steadily found its footing. Part Game of Thrones, part High Plains Drifter, this is an epic that is engaging and interesting from the very start.

Shanghai Red is a story about cruelty and vengeance. Now that the accounting has begun, Molly has begun to feel, and that makes it all that much more painful

What may end up being yet another take on the collapse of the American century, The New World starts with the familiar, and promises to take the audience to unexpected places. This tale of star crossed lovers at the end of the world, at least looks great, the rest remains to be seen.

The life and times of Antonio Luna meant both more and less than we thought, but at the end it is the people you meet and the choices you make that matter. Deathbed is a crazy romp that is absolutely one of a kind and I will miss it.

Euthanauts is something extraordinary in approach and hopefully as good in future execution. At this point, little more than hints have been provided in this first issue, but they are promising morsels, and very intriguing.

Already an exciting chase, and we haven't even seen what lies beneath Manhattan yet. Lost City Explorers is thrilling and fun and it is only just beginning.

As the curtain gets peeled back to reveal who is really in charge, Analog pumps up the intrigue and isolates Jack even more. It may all be his fault, he may be making it worse, but in the end he'll at least do what he thinks is right.

Infidel is the best kind of horror story where what is real and what is not real are barely distinguishable from one another. Fears have consequences, so maybe their manifestations are also more than just imagination.

With the same attitude, a new look and some serious weapons, we have the Rat Queens dispatching digital desperadoes with all the aplomb as ever. A little different take, but a fun quick read that is recognizable enough, if only in tone. Slightly punk, but all in good fun, this is a light, and entertaining departure.

As much as I want Jack to return to the present, these tales of his past selves are fascinating in their own right. How it all ties in with current difficulties remains to be seen, but the final showdown will at least prove interesting.

Plastic Man is ridiculous, cowardly and irrationally afraid of Batman. He also has some weird theory about those Robin kids. Action and hilarity ensue, so the book is a great time.

Although there are several strands to this narrative, all with significance and impact, they are masterfully woven together. Bloodshot Salvation is both an epic story of vast range and consequence as well as an intimate tale of loss, and very well done at that.

Isola is so much more than a sum of its parts. There is brilliance in every word, every frame and every narrative choice. One of my recent favorites and sure to be one of the best of the best.

The conclusion of this arc successfully eliminates the immediate threat while broadening the worldwide conflict. Maika, as always, is central to it all, and the more she finds out about her origins, the less she really understands.

This whole arc has been exhausting, and while it is laudable to take the Queens to deeper and darker levels, the lack of humor and debauchery is disappointing. While not bad by any stretch, it is decidedly off brand, which might seriously offend purists.

This issue is a calm before the storm as a couple of interests are now looking closer at the mysteries of Mountain View.

By no means is Death or Glory an ordinary heist story. Strong characters, great narrative and mysteries wrapped in enigmas continue to make this a truly enjoyable yarn. This action-adventure combined with family drama works on several levels and is getting better with each issue.

A difficult struggle between light and dark is about to begin and only the harsh leadership of a mysterious stranger is the answer to almost certain destruction. I'm just waiting for the Stranger to light up a cheroot and tell the villagers to paint all the buildings red.

You never know when that thing you built in the backyard when you were a kid might come in handy. Good thing there was the right kind of equipment stashed in it too. In Deathbed logic doesn't interfere with the story telling. The more ridiculous the better.

In the grips of a prison existence at the edge of the world, a story of a father's love is unfolding, and compassion is blooming in an otherwise ultra-violent landscape. Whether there exists redemption, or just disappointment remains to be seen.

The team is back, sort of, but it looks like the bad guys have the upper hand. Will the Green Hornet prevail? Tune in next time.

Everybody has some reason to be paranoid, only this time it is the dark forces of the supernatural that have been released as manifestations of hate. Infidel is as chilling as it is timely and continues to be well worth the read.

It is all in good fun inPunks Not Dead #5 when we are taken back to the sixties to see a bit of Dorothy's backstory. She been an agent for good and a seductive force to be reckoned with well before her clothes were still in style. Sid is a pretty neat bloke too.

The brief excursion into the past is enough to give rise to hope. Perhaps Jack can learn from earlier incarnations how to control the loa.

Not quite a swashbuckler, but plenty of carnage and savagery begins Shanghai Red, a story where those responsible for kidnapping and brutality will pay dearly for their crimes

Analog puts us in a world that might be moments away, or in the far future, while looking like something from last century. Whether reminiscent of 1949 or 2049, the gumshoe in question is the right man for the right job and this continues to be a suspenseful and intriguing series.

Reminiscent of one of the creepiest Twilight Zone episodes of all time, The Dead Hand captures the imagination as to how bad and how fast things can get when a little boy is upset.

This is a beautifully crafted exploration of how important shared experience is between people who once meant something to each other. Sure this is a science fiction story, but it is more importantly a story about broken people who find a way to heal.

It almost goes without saying as to how beautiful the artwork is in Isola. The book entrances both in visual imagery and that of its prose. Lovely and hypnotic, this is a magic land and an epic story that endure long past when the reader puts the issue down.

This was never going to be a grim or super serious event, but despite the fluff, Lockjaw held some suspense, delivered on a promise of action, and admirably stuck the landing. We have found our new pair of purposeful pals in Lockjaw and D-Man: the dynamic duo of the dog park.

Brilliant Trash is a fascinating approach to the burden of having a super-power. What would regular people do with them and at what cost?

Devon's exploration into the secret history of the creature is only interesting up to a point. Sooner, rather than later it will be necessary for some action and peril to occur with characters that we are actually invested in.

The Last Siege begins with a familiar scenario, but the details add up to more than the ordinary. A strong start to a promising title. There is an instability in leadership, an evil enemy and a war that hasn't quite ended. Looks like fun.

The Brothers Dracul continues to establish Vlad as a hero who will gain honor and fame as he survives terrible dangers only to someday succumb and turn monstrous himself. It is that journey that is the most compelling and makes this an unusual but highly enjoyable tale.

The multiverse's worst dysfunctional family is almost ready to have the real heart to heart that they should have had long ago. If only everybody would stop shooting long enough for that to happen.

Shadowman is more than a sum of its parts. Plot points about relationships, conspiracies and the battle of good versus evil are all told with freshness and intensity that are always welcome, if too infrequently seen in lesser comics.

Despite taking some problematic turns in the bigger story that I wished it hadn't, Skyward is a pleasant character driven story of a Dad and daughter struggling in a crazy world.

The Further Adventures Of Nick Wilson concludes with a showdown pitting hero against nemesis. Victory is in the ability to stand up against the bad guy. Courage prevails, not some artificially acquired ability.

This is the most sedate and introspective issue of Deathbed yet, as for once, it adds substance to an otherwise insane free for all. That's not a complaint. I'm sure we'll get back to the usual level of madness next time.

This grim story is more about the ravages and pointlessness of World War I, rather than a true origin story. Bloodhound appears with an explanation about his origins, but there's not much more than that.

The unease is more than just awkward conversation, it is the manifestation of horrible evil in a story that is a thrilling page turner. Both terrifying and familiar, there is nothing like Infidel.

Sure, the hero will survive, but more importantly " will the puppy?

We know, we hope, that our beloved Rat Queens will survive the damages inflicted by the reality wizard, but the cruel outcomes only seem to get worse.

This arc of the continuing story is a comfortable and interesting rendering of the famous heroes in a story with the right blend of humor and action sure to satisfy both newcomers and long time fans.

The Dead Hand is a spy thriller where there are wheels within wheels and we've yet to see what is really going on, how Carter and Renae got there, and who is in charge. This is a taut tale of espionage that is just beginning to open up.

Clearly Britt, Jr. has some regrets and Mulan has reasons to distrust him, but while the intrigue mounts and the perils increase it is not the time to hold grudges. The addition of the character of the Oko is a nice touch. A bad guy pretending to be good works well in this world.

We're starting to get into the deep end of the supernatural and the situation will get far more creepy and dangerous from this point on.

In this issue, the finale of the third volume, this association of remarkable persons must do battle with death, possession and an undead army. This will may prove to be their last conflict, but they go out with a magnificent legacy. Oh, and Thomas Edison is a jerk.

Sideways is a delightfully clueless addition to the New Age of Heroes. He's fun and determined even if he's going to get people killed before he figures out how to properly use his powers.

This issue ends with a suitable cliffhanger that will no doubt cement the budding friendship. Xena and Gabrielle are likable and well-crafted characters. It should be fun to see where they go from here.

Analog feels more like a gritty detective story than a slick spy thriller because, as awful as the world has become, the world gets the hero it deserves. Jack McGinnis is nobody's fool, but he's no Prince Charming either. But who's more fun anyway?

With this, the second issue, the series is off to a slow start as all the secrets and loyalties have not been revealed. What we have seen, though, is a rich world populated by three dimensional character who are well worth spending some time with and getting to know.

Despite the Sci-fi trappings of inter-dimensionality, Black Science continues to be a story about people, what they do to each other and what they mean to each other.

This pairing of Red Sonja and Tarzan works on several levels and provides clear motivations based of vengeance that will surely propel an action packed story.

A Sherlock Holmes story should never veer too far from the familiar and this version does well to both pay respects to canon and provide what should amount to a deeper mystery as time goes on. There is still much to be deduced, but the Vanishing Man is off to a good start.

Though both main characters are difficult to like, their story is a fascinating journey. We still don't know the truth about anything, really, and I doubt we'll end up with one big happy family, but it has been a wild, if noxious, ride.

Powerful, if reluctant heroes and rage fueled villains are gathering to do battle for the fate and the future of the world. Of course there are shadowy figures pulling the strings and maybe that is where the real drama will come from.

Ice Cream Man is all about the subtle creepiness and horrors of everyday life. You might not have to leave the lights on for this one, but it is haunting nonetheless.

Shadowman may be overmatched in his battle against evil spirits and their minions, at least for now. The story is just starting to warm up, and promises some chills and suspense.

Antar is where ancient epic poetry meets Conan the Barbarian told in a fully modern tale of true heroism.

There is never a dull moment in Deathbed. This issue is action packed with depravity of the first order. You can't look away and you shouldn't, this is the magnificent madness you've been looking for.

This humorous collection of misanthropes come together for a witty and fun ghost story, but this issue looks to be taking it a step further with some middle aged dancing fools and a nasty apparition looking for a boy.

The Highest House is the story of a brutal society full of intricate politics and a boy who may have made a deal with a devil. His mysterious background adds to this tale of the rise of a simple slave who will likely gain greatness -- with or without the help of some magic rock.

The story is beginning to open up into a larger world of old grudges and conflicting rivalries. Xena is proving to be worthy of the grand legacy.

Infidel is truly terrifying with the netherworld creeping into Aisha's reality as she tries everything to keep it at bay. As the blood pools on the floor she understands that the true horror is only just beginning.

Rough Riders: Ride or Die is as fun and exciting as any gathering of notable individuals can be when fighting and army of the dead. Part supernatural quest and part police procedural, the action is as constant as the team is legendary.

The premise might seem goofy, but the story is solid. A man must save the world or at least try to return it to what it was. I'm guessing we will find that there are those who will blame him and those who will try to stop him.

The showdown at the museum is getting closer, but Nick still doesn't have a clue about how much trouble is up ahead for him. It should be interesting to see what happens when he actually wakes up to what has been going on around him. Even if he had superpowers it does not look like they would do any good.

Bloodshot mows his way through demon hordes and strikes a deal that he may regret, all for the love and life of a daughter he may never see again.

The frightening world of Cold War continues with the stakes getting higher and the mystery getting deeper. There are more important questions to ask than "Who are these people?" and "Why are they here?" and none of the answers come easy.

He's got enemies, has made mistakes, and there are consequences for his actions, all of which makes this one of the more consistent entries in the New Age of Heroes. This is a likable character in an interesting story that will likely get better as time goes on

Those who haven't seen the Turtles in a while would be pleased with what they are about these days. The drama and edginess has returned to close to the darkness and sociopathy of the original.

Legenderry: Red Sonja is a goodtime rousing tale of sword play and intrigue. It is a glorious adventure with a delightful Pirate Queen paired with a nice star crossed lover backstory. And magic. And a submarine.

Exotic and hypnotic, Prism Stalker is a journey of the mind where the unfamiliar is what is commonplace. As the main character explores, so do we, and neither of us can imagine what is to come. This is a gentle trip of exploration requiring nothing but imagination and a willingness to relax and float downstream.

This is a unique and surprising story that appears to be going one way and ends up in an entirely different place. Action and unexpected disclosures abound in this strongly written and gorgeously illustrated story. I can't wait for the next installment.

There is a deeper story behind the world of VS. The horror is not so much in the bloodshed, but rather in the banality of evil.

The epic fantasy adventure of Barsoom continues in a delightful chapter where Dejah faces even more difficult challenges but gets closer to her goal. Her quest continues to thrill and entertain.