Overall, I was able to follow along with the Deus Ex Universe. Children's Crusade is a crash course into this deep mythology. It has its moments, faux advertising of futuristic products are callbacks to Blade Runner, Total Recall, Robocop and Children of Men. The comic also makes for some great social commentary about race, immigration, terrorism and class warfare. But it has a hard time balancing the dense plot with the action. Fans of Deus Ex may enjoy this more, but newcomers may want to try the video game first.

Overall, Judge Dredd #3 Feeding the Trolls, in an interesting entry into the Dredd legend. It wasn't what I was expecting, and although I found the concept original and enjoyed how it made fun of online social justice warriors, I was still a little disappointed. Hardcore Dredd enthusiasts may appreciate this different take on the character more than casual fans that want more gritty action. But it is pretty much one of those stories that will divide readers. This is either going to be the best comic you ever read, or the dumbest story ever.

Overall, Mars Attacks: Occupation #1 is a little uneventful in its set up. Take in mind it is the 1st issue, and it had to establish the plot so there was not a lot of room for action. The writing is told in a retro fashion with dramatic campy B-flick narration. The art also has an old school EC comics feel to it. However, the story felt weighed down by too much exposition. Hardcore fans of Mars Attacks might get into this more so than others. Hopefully, the action picks up next month.

Overall, Alpha King is bloody good fun that doesn't take itself too seriously. The story is wacky and crazy and the art is just as insane. Beer aficionados may take a liking to this book more as it seems to target their community. This comic may go well with your next D&D game while waiting for your next turn. Alpha King looks great, even if it has less filling.

Overall AVP-Life and Death #1 is a slow yet solid first entry to this new arc of this ongoing series. This book just introduces a new situation but keeps the characters pretty stagnant. There may be a lot happening, but not much happens in this issue. The art is still a poppy display of darkness and bright gore that keeps the reader interested. Fans of this universe will not be disappointed with this comic series and it is recommended that they read the Predator, Prometheus, and Aliens " Life and Death arcs to appreciate the full story. For those who end up surviving this epic ordeal, they definitely deserve a raise.

All in all, Cryptocracy #1 is a very dense storyline involving a maze of conspiracies. The art serves the story well yet the plot can be a little too heavy to follow at times. This book has a lot of interesting ideas but the overly complexity of the story can weigh down on the reader. Hopefully now that this puzzling world is established, the next issue can concentrate more on character development and dramatic action. A universe is very vast and full of wonders, yet it can't all fit into 30 pages.

Overall, Penny Dreadful is a slick-looking book. The art is the strong point as it is very abstract and gives the comic a surreal mysterious quality. The story line didn't do much for developing the characters but it was very fast paced and action packed. It definitely represents the nature of the TV series and may garner some new viewers. Fans of the show may appreciate this comic more as they are familiar with this world and may understand who the characters are. Fresh meat readers who never seen an episode of Penny Dreadful might have to wait for Issue #2 to find out more about these monster slayers. It was a bloody good start, now lets see some guts.

Overall I enjoyed Aliens-Vampirella. It was nothing groundbreaking but as a B-movie showdown between 2 sci fi horror icons, it was a fun space yarn. The story was weighed down a bit by too much dialogue, and at times I wish there was a bit more action. But when the action did happen, it was a lot of fun. It might be confusing to those who aren't familiar with Vampirella or the Alien movies, so it might pay to know the background of the characters to better understand certain details. But if you're a fan of either Aliens or Vampirella, it's a good time.

Overall Control #1 is an effective first entry in this series. It launches into the murder mystery with a fast pace that keeps the reader engaged. The art totally focuses on the gritty underworld of the streets and the corrupt, shadowy faade of political secrets. Fans of TV cop dramas like Law and Order may find this book interesting. The political conspiracy seems fitting for our current social climate. Just like the ideas brought up in the Captain America movies, Control begs us to ask questions about our government and laws and is sure to start a conversation.

Overall, Exmortis #4 is a great entry in this story arc. It's full of gruesome action and bloody battles that is finally moving the plot forward. The black and white art is raw and a total love letter to the old-time 50's horror comics. Monster soldiers fighting in WWII is a great concept and hopefully the action and tension continues to raise in the upcoming issues. Fans of horror and classic creature features will want to check this out. War is definitely hell in this comic. And these monsters are quite at home in it.

Ultimately, this comic is a love letter to all things GI JOE. All the references and easter eggs are sure to satisfy old school fans that grew up playing with the toys, watching the cartoons, and reading the comics. The playful nature of the plot and the cartoony art go hand in hand and the imaginative storyline is really funny. This book was an enjoyable read and takes a witty look at a scenario that fans have pondered over the years. Now we really know what would happen if Cobra wins. And knowing is half the battle!

Overall, Power Lines is an interesting first issue. It is directly taking on America's historical problem with racism and inequality. The art is simple yet effective to convey the themes of racism and the effects of racial economic injustices. This comic is diverse with multi ethnic characters that seem to be the center of the conflict. The stereotypes may be over the top, and some may even find them offensive, but they are sure to cause a reaction. And maybe that's the point. Maybe we need to have a discussion. Racism is a problem that might make some uncomfortable. But a problem cannot be solved unless we acknowledge that one exists. And this comic succeeds in that case. Power Lines is definitely not afraid to admit that racism still alive.

Overall, Slayer: Repentless #1 is a brutal introduction into this violent crime story that began in the video trilogy. The story may get weighed down with too much exposition but the bloody art style will keep readers intrigued with its sadistic displays of gory dismemberment. This first issue sets up a conflict that pits the characters on a violent collision course. Just like a Slayer album, this comic book is dark, violent and vicious and forces us to see the things in our world we might not like to see.

Overall, TMNT: Deviations was delightful read. It was nothing groundbreaking but it gave readers a glimpse of a nightmare scenario by turning some of our favorite heroes into villains. The story line felt jumbled at times trying to rely on past plot points but the action kept it moving. The art was solid and gritty giving the Ninja Turtles their signature look and the fight scenes were highly detailed. This book may not be official canon and exist in an alternate universe, but it still made me crave a slice of pizza.

Overall, this new Venom comic is a promising return to the character's villainous roots. Venom # 1 is a strong re-entry to a fan favorite character and is sure to hook new readers. The story is fast paced and full of action, and even though the art doesn't seem to gel with the violent nature of Venom's character, it's still full of energy and gory details. This is a promising new story arc that is intriguing and has a lot of potential. Hopefully we will go back to seeing kids playing with Venom toys again, like the old school talking action figure that said "I want to eat your brain." And hopefully we will also see all the moms who were disgusted by them. Those were the days.

All in all, this new Punisher arc seems promising. It didn't have much Punisher in it, but when he did show up, he was effective and recognizable and didn't waste time with unnecessary origins or exposition. Steve Dillon's art will keep fans of his classic Punisher MAX run satisfied and introduce newbs to his signature bloody style. This is a strong first entry that seems to be just the beginning of a complex mystery with compelling new characters and villains. Like all great Punisher tales, the streets are watching and the block is hot. Welcome back, Frank.

Overall, Aliens " Life and Death #4 is a solid chapter in this epic sci-fi tale. It wraps up this particular arc with a satisfying climax and sets up a cliffhanger for the next part of the story. The art is full of bright cartoony colors that matches the fast paced energy of the plot. With all these converging forces of destruction, Aliens, Predators and Engineers, it's hard to know which species is worse. Of course, you can't count out the humans either.

Overall, Aquaman: Rebirth is a short effective story that sets up this new series. It recalls his past history while constructing a fresh take on his character. New readers will find it easy to follow this comic as it positions the plot at a new jumping off point. Despite popular belief, Aquaman can now be considered cool, and with Jason Momoa portraying him in the movies, I think this King Arthur of the Sea may just become a new fan favorite. With most of the Earth covered by ocean, a guy who rules over that world is no one to be taken lightly.

Overall, Black Road #2 is a strong entry in this bloody comic arc. It is well paced and moves the story along which keeps the reader engaged. The art continues to be gorgeously brutal and highlights the violent nature of the plot. The character development is further fleshed out as they head on their perilous journey. Although the themes of religion and war were not focused in this issue and it felt a little inconsistent with the nature of who Magnus is, this is still a compelling comic book. The Armies of the Church may want to save the pagan souls, yet the Black Road to Heaven is paved through Hell. Hey, more metal lyrics! m/

All in all, Black Road # 3 is another strong entry in this violent Viking saga. It is an improvement from the exposition heavy last issue and just throws the reader into a thrilling fast paced action scene. The writing and art are a meshed perfectly together and balance the themes of man vs nature. Magnus and Julia are just as hungry like the wolves and are willing to be just as vicious as the beasts. And with new details on the Rogue Bishop in the North, the dangers don't seem to let up on their journey. There is sure to be blood at the end of this Black Road.

Overall, Brutal Nature #2 is a gorgeous look at Native American mythology. It is a refreshing portrayal of Indian people and the art is lush and vibrant. The hero's journey motif transcends all cultures and walks of life and should entertain as well as educate those not familiar with native culture. And it is proof that there is an ample supply of stories from the Indigenous People of this continent that has yet to be told in pop culture. It's about time that they are finally told.

Overall, Daredevil #5 is a strong climax to a tense story. It's nothing groundbreaking but it is refreshingly familiar during a time when Marvel is mixing things up. The story wrapped up this plot quite well and the art was minimal yet effective. This particular arc is a great way to introduce Daredevil comics to new fans of the Netflix series and a jumping off point to hook them for future storylines. Seeing the Devil of Hell's Kitchen fight Zombie Ninjas never gets old.

So far, Devolution is still engaging. The story shows promise and the idea of Science vs. Religion vs. Nature is a great allegory. It just might even stir up some controversy, which would be a good thing. Nothing wrong with getting people to think. Issue #2 may have been a weak entry, but with a great intelligent concept and brutally wicked art, they haven't lost me yet.

Devolution continues to be engaging in #3. After establishing the plot in the first 2 issues, the adventure is starting to pick up and the story is swiftly moving forward. The art is animated and raw but still representative of the harsh environment. Nature declares revenge on humanity in brutal fashion and makes one think about this new ruthless planet. Maybe the world would be a much better place if mankind were no longer on top of the food chain.

Still, Devolution continues to be an enthralling book, the exaggerated artistic style reflects the primitive nature of the story. The idea of Human Civilization is not very civilized is a central theme of the plot and is a compelling idea that is hard to deny. With the story coming toward an end, it makes one wonder if there is any hope for humanity. Or just maybe, the world is a lot better off without humans.

This brings us back to A Clockwork Orange. When an old homeless man lectures Alex and his droogs about law and order, and how mankind is too busy trying to evolve with science and technology yet their basic primal human instincts remain violent. Alex responds by telling the vagrant that he likes the world just the way it is, then proceeds to beat him and leave him for dead. This idea reflects Raja's choice and whether or not to "revolve" a human race that did nothing but ruin the world in which they live. Can humanity evolve past it's violent nature, or are we doomed to destroy ourselves? We may never know the answer to these deep meaningful questions, but one thing is for certain. Devolution is crazy ass comic book and makes for a great read. With an original take on the apocalypse and exaggerated art style that reflects the brutal nature of the plot, Devolution really makes one question mankind's progress.

Overall, Evil Ernie: Godeater is a fun new story from this mass murdering zombie. The story introduces a new character building on the old Chaos! Universe and the art has a creepy ominous feel. Fans of Evil Ernie should find this comic to be entertaining as it takes the series in a different direction and adds depth to his character. It's good to see that Evil Ernie is still raising the hell after 25 years. At a time when the world went all grunge and wanted to listen to sad depressing alternative songs, Evil Ernie was still sporting leather and spikes and keeping it metal. After 25 years, he still is. Horns Up Ernie!

Nailbiter #22 is another great issue in this horror mystery. It is amazing that this book has managed to keep up this level of intensity for so long. It may feel that the detours in the plot may be deliberate distractions, but these side stories are strong and further deepen the overall story arc. There are some generally creepy scenes in this entry and the relationships of the characters are further explored. The art continues to draw the reader in and totally reflects the darkness of this gory horror tale. Just when it feels like the mystery is about to be solved, this comic throws another twist that shakes up the plot. After 22 issues, Nailbiter still feels as fresh as ever.

Overall, Occupy Avengers #2 is another solid issue in this new ongoing series. The story is well paced and it touches on Native American issues that are current and relevant. The art is slick, bright and balances out the story and action. After the events of Civil War II, this book seems to be a new take on old characters. Occupy Avengers is just pure fun, while keeping its foot in current events, making for an entertaining read. After comic fans spent most of this past year watching super heroes fight each other, hopefully we can see them go back to fighting the bad guys again.

Overall, this book is very entertaining and fun. Self Storage gives a fresh take on the zombie trend and spins new ideas and themes on the genre. The story is paced very well and is full of equal parts comedy, suspense and gore. The black and white art is very detailed and clean, it may look a little like a Walking Dead knock off but it still gives the comic a creepy feel. Self Storage proves that with a fresh idea and a good plot, a played out genre can be kept alive with originality and fun. It just goes to show that zombies just won't stay dead. Pun intended.

Overall, Slayer " Repentless #2 is a solid sophomore entry in this violent comic series. The story is a little more concise and fast paced and gives more depth to the characters. The art style is still bloody good as the bright colors and lines portray the violence in all its gory details. This is a must for Slayer fans as well as make a nice novelty for any comic book collector. Like Slayer's music, this book forces the reader to confront topics and dark subjects that some may not want to see, but like it or not, these things exist. We as a society tend to shut things out and gloss over what makes us uncomfortable. Slayer and Metal music in general, forces us to draw back the curtains and expose what we may not want to see. By exposing all that darkness, maybe it may inspire change. By forcing us to see it, it forces us to be uncomfortable. That's kind of the point. No one has to wait for Hell when it's already here.

All in all, Slayer: Repentless #3 is an action packed finale in this violent comic tale. The final showdown between Wyatt and the Nazis ends in a brutal climax that is an epic display of bloody violence. The shocking art reflects the barbaric nature of the story.

Overall, The Paybacks #2 is another fun entry in this super hero satire. The art is full of energy that matches the fast pacing of the plot and the writing has a clever tongue in cheek style that makes fun of tired comic book tropes. Fans of the super hero genre will truly appreciate the inside jokes and references. The Paybacks is quite simply, the Anti-Watchmen. Where the Watchman took super heroes and gave them a serious realistic flawed maturity and elevated comics into the realm of High Art, The Paybacks plays a huge prank on comic book heroes and clichs and brings them back into the funny pages. And we could sure use it. Given the fragile climate of social media and how quick trolls can cause controversy, The Paybacks has perfect timing.

Overall AVP-Life and Death #4 is an explosive end to this epic story arc. It sets up the final chapter which is sure to be just as exciting as the previous entries. This crossover event has been an edge of your seat thrill ride that has been so satisfying, it's amazing that its managed to maintain the momentum for almost a year. Complete with thrilling action and deep meaningful themes about life, sacrifice and reflections of death and destiny, this book brings the Aliens and Predator mythology to a whole new level. With all these deadly forces closing in on the survivors in the finale, it's hard to know who will survive. As it turns out, screams can be heard in space.

The Native American Holocaust is a horrific point in the world's history. Most indigenous people still feel the pressures of that traumatic cultural annihilation even today. There even seems to be a deep seeded sadness planted in American Indians that has ties to hundreds of years of genocide. Yet, this may be why they remain resilient and proud. That pain drives an inner strength to fight on. And this is the point of Brutal Nature. That no matter what has been done to Indigenous People, we still remain present. We endure and after all these generations, Natives are still here. Here to remain. Here to give our perspective. Here to tell our side. And this comic proves that there are many stories from the original citizens of this continent that have yet to be told.

DEATH OF LOVE #1 is just delicious gory fun. The story is well written and the art is bright and relishes in splatter gore delight. This first issue is just a taste of what is building up to be a terrifying and hilarious tale of love and murderous passion. Anyone who has suffered from a broken heart will surely soak up this comic's bloody goodness. Love literally bleeds in this book. And it's a beautiful thing.

Overall, it was an honor and a joy to read MOONSHOT. It celebrates Native American culture and finally portrays American Indians in a positive light. It shatters stereotypes and shows the diversity of First Nations People as it includes tales from many different tribes. The stories represent Natives with respect and dignity that is rarely seen in pop culture as they were written by Indigenous writers. This book is very inspiring and should ignite the spark for other American Indian artists to start telling their own stories. For Native comic book fans, it's refreshing to finally see Natives in the media that are not a Halloween costume or on a sports jersey.

With Rogue One coming soon to movie theaters, there is new excitement for Darth Vader. This comic book has definitely made Vader cool again and positions Vader into his sinister role that we all know in Empire Strikes Back. We can all finally forgive his whiny emo teenage years. This comic has been some of the best work Marvel has done the past few years and it's a bummer that this particular series is coming to an end. But the book went out with a bang in true Star Wars fashion and has reinstated Darth Vader as the most bad ass villains of all time. Welcome back to the Dark Side, Lord Vader!

Overall, The Goddamned #4 is another strong entry in this bold comic series. It continues to be a well-paced storyline and moves the plot along in a way that keeps the reader engaged. This issue slowed down a bit to further the character development but that is a good thing. Hopefully, the plot will pick up next issue. This comic does not shy away from the violence or gore which pushes the theme that humanity is a disease that is infecting the Earth. While it is hard not to argue that point, this comic is meant to ask questions. And one question is; if a wretch like Cain can find redemption, is there still hope for humanity? That act of grace would be a quite amazing.

Another great entry in a groundbreaking horror tale.

Once again, Birthright #15 is another great entry to this epic fantasy. The story continues to be enthralling and the secrets that are revealed are fascinating and only lead to more questions. The art is also just as riveting as the plot with bright colors and details. As this story arc comes to an end, Birthright still feels like it is just getting started. June cannot come soon enough.

An amazing horror comic and an absolute blast to read.

Black Road #1 is a great first entry in this new series. It's a barbaric tale that explores the nature of religion and war and depicts the brutality of the Viking Age. The art reflects the savage times of ancient Norway and details the vicious aspects of the characters and landscape. I look forward to next issue and reading how this tale unfolds. Seeing Vikings wield their axes and clash shields is such a wickedly fun guilty pleasure that should satisfy any fans of sword battle epics. Black Road is a thrilling read and a gripping tribute to the Norsemen. SKOL!

With this series coming to a close, Brutal Nature is still getting intense. The art is gorgeous and the story continues to build towards the climactic finale. This is such a refreshing look at Native Americans and it sheds light on some of their mythology. It's rare to see Indigenous people being portrayed in a dignified manner in the media, much less comic books. However Brutal Nature does an excellent job presenting American Indians with some accuracy and respect. This comic only skims the surface of a culture that is often dismissed and ignored. There is plenty of more stories from the Native People that are just waiting to told.

Overall, House of Penance #1 is a strong first entry in this haunting tale. The plot sucks the reader into its mystery and raises the tension and terror. The art is a perfect blend of detail and abstract that gives the comic an unsettling quality that reflects the creepy nature of the story. Haunted house tales may be difficult to translate into a comic form but this book benefits from the true historical account that this story is based on. House of Penance is a creepy disturbing tale of madness that fans of Poe and The Shining would enjoy. Is the Winchester House really haunted, or is it all a part of Sarah's decaying mind? Both answers are equally frightening.

Murder Falcon manages to celebrate Heavy Metal and why it means so much to its fans.

Of course SSB II is totally tongue in cheek and not to be taken seriously. It's satire, a cynical sarcastic, crude offensive yet hilarious look at American politics. It's refreshing to able to laugh at a comic so over the top. Yet it's actually a sad state of affairs where comedy has to be explained, but that's the world we live in. And that's the whole point.

The Vision and his family are faced with choices that will test the very meaning of their existence. But that is something everyone has to face in life. We make choices, sometimes difficult ones that affect the rest of our lives. We make sacrifices that make life hard sometimes. But life always goes on. And there is always light after the dark. And it's that shining glimmer of hope is what keeps us going. In all his grand attempt to be normal, The Vision learned the most valuable lesson, and that is life is not always fair. More Human than Human may have been the motto in Blade Runner. But as for the Vision, he wasn't any more or less. This robot got it just right.