It's a shaky first issue but the premise is sound, and I'm looking forward to reading more, just hopefully with issues that let the art work breathe.

While I wish the characters were a little richer here when it comes to the leading characters, the world itself makes for an interesting read and I'm interested to see where it goes moving forward in this secret town populated by monsters and ghouls.

There simply isn't enough meat on the bone here to truly pitch this horror concept in the right way, though I'm still crossing my fingers that there will be a big enough hook to turn things around before the end.

There's simply no reason for this comic to exist, offering no new information for readers that wasn't already gleamed in the main story arc and providing clunky, stilted dialogue in the process.

This issue's a miss and you shouldn't feel bad skipping it unless you're looking to complete the crossover.

Writer Nick Spencer takes a breather post "Hunted", and before jumping head first into "Absolute Carnage," with a fantastic one and done story that focuses on the Peter/Mary Jane relationship.

It's not an easy feat to accomplish but both Spencer and Ottley deliver one of the best chapters of the crossover to date.

Nick Spencer continues the next chapter of Amazing Spidey's crossover with Absolute Carnage and manages to knock it out of the park once again.

Spencer brings the goods when it comes to the writing and Gleason hammers home his initial outing with Spidey.

As he has done in the past several issues, Spencer's strength comes from his ability to juggle numerous characters, and plotlines, from Spidey's past and integrate them into a well oiled machine.

Another home run issue that raises the stakes for your favorite wall crawler and opens the door for another visit to the 2099 universe.

While Spencer's script is still strong as ever, ingeniously making use of Spidey's continuity in creating an interesting moment between brother and sister, the presentation is so distracting that the art almost takes you out of the experience entirely.

It's a real shame that the artwork here is such a hindrance as there's a great story to be found.

The last page stunner is one heck of a shocker on its own and the whole package makes for a fantastic way for Spider-Man to ring in 2020.

Another great installment of the recent arc of Amazing Spider-Man.

Another solid issue for Team Spidey.

There's a lot to love in Archie Comics these past few years, but Archie: 1955 fails to capitalize on it.

There have been many alternate versions of the Riverdale gang, but this latest attempt from Waid and Augustyn feels like the most stale.

I keep hoping that this series will pick up steam but it simply hasn't and with each passing issue, I fear it just won't.

Afterlife With Archie took the bones of Riverdale and made something new, but here, we get a story that's simply repetitive and hasn't managed to justify its existence.

Ultimately, it was simply a story that didn't need to exist and didn't give us any new slants on the age old trope of a young rock star in the making who is in way over his head.

The king of Atlantis is the most interesting part of the story, and though there are one too many folks to keep track of, the first issue does its job well enough.

Even if you don't know much about the Agents of Atlas, this is worth a read.

With great character work and a blinding amount of twists and turns, Atlantis Attack remains one of the surprise hits of 2020 so far!

If you're looking for a nice contained event book, this is definitely worth your time as the characterization and art is spot on.

The conclusion to Atlantis Attacks is a strange duck, in that it is completely sold on being a crossover, that ends on the promotion of another crossover, "The King In Black," with its cover.

Though the bones established here in the introductory issue work well enough, there are definitely moments in Basilisk #1 that brighter than others.

The series continues to remain a solid one with decent enough characterization, it's just lacking some oomph to really set it apart from the crowd when it comes to some of the modern day events and characters that we're following.

This feels like the first dud of the series so far, unfortunately.

While I wish that we got to know more about Hannah, Basilisk is a solid entry into Boom's library at present.

Ultimately however, the series still needs a better hook to wrap readers in the tale from Boom and while its appreciated that our star is given more backstory here, it feels like something is missing overall.

Bunn and Scharf are able to give us one of the strongest issues to date, weaving Hannah's past with the present that sees the revenge-minded protagonist nearly getting the drop on the Chimera.

There are certainly some big steps forward that the series took in terms of its story, but it needed to readjust some of its story beats to be a strong example of what this horror series brings to the table.

While the flashback sequence in this issue isn't as solid as the outings of the past issues, the main storyline is able to carry the heavy lifting this time around once again, and creating another solid issue for Basilisk.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest is an absolute smorgasbord of all things DC Comics and works as a stellar introduction to a series that certainly isn't original in concept but goes the extra mile in building a story that fires on all cylinders through the strengths of these two legendary heroes and the worlds they call home.

I feel like this is one of those legendary runs that will be talked about for quite some time.

If you haven't read World's Finest, you're doing yourself a disservice not picking it up.

World's Finest has captured the best aspects of superhero storytelling and condensed them into an amazing series that can be recommended to anyone.

If you're looking for a stand alone Batman story that combines one of the greatest dynamic duo's in comics' history, give The Batman's Grave a read. We're certainly looking forward to reading the twelve issue series all in one go.

While not managing to hold the momentum of the first issue, it's still worth a look (though maybe you should wait for the collection).

While the layout to this issue may seem a tad formulaic, it does give both creators a chance to stretch their legs and create a solid Batman story that has nearly everything a Bat Fan could ask for.

One of the strongest characteristics of this series is Warren Ellis' confidence in artist Bryan Hitch, creating silent fight scenes that play on the latter's strengths.

Hitch's art work is still great and a joy to experience but this latest installment suffers from a tad too much decompression.

The story lives up to the installments of the past issues, but this one definitely could have been kept in the oven a tad longer.

Throughout the maxi-series, Ellis and Hitch have been able to capture the life of the Dark Knight well, along with his relationship with his faithful butler, and this issue doesn't change that, hitting the same heights as previous issues.

Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch's journey through Gotham City continues as the mystery of the maxi-series begins to unfurl as the creative team works their magic that has been apparent throughout.

The team of Warren Ellis and Bryan Hitch are moving toward their conclusion and this latest issue is another solid installment of this maxi-series mystery.

Ellis and Hitch continue this solid Batman maxi-series and though each issue tends to have a formula, man does that formula work.

Some fantastic action scenes mixed with thought provoking character work makes The Batman's Grave a solid read for fans looking to dive further into the world of the Dark Knight.

The Batman's Grave comes to a close with a rather abrupt ending that almost feels like there's more story to tell and leaves you wanting more in a negative fashion.

While mileage may vary on the reveals of this issue, the art work and character beats are well worth the price of admission here.

Batman: Fortress doesn't break the wheel in terms of revealing new hidden truths about Bruce Wayne or unforeseen secrets about the history of Gotham City, but what it does do is tell an enjoyable story of the Dark Knight facing a problem that isn't usually in his wheelhouse and sometimes, that can be enough.

Whitta and Robertson are able to put together a strong follow-up issue to the introduction of Batman: Fortress, as the world struggles not just with the loss of Superman, but power as well.

Killing Time is an action-packed series with plenty of action and mystery that is able to focus on the best of Gotham City that arrived just in time as a solid companion piece to the new movie.

While the story itself can be a tad "scattershot" by jumping from numerous time periods, almost with each passing page, but it does help in establishing a worthy mystery when all is said and done.

Killing Time feels like a big superhero mystery that isn't perfect but it certainly is able to give readers some great Bat-moments while continuing to swim around the heads of some of Batman's greatest villains.

If you're a fan of Jock's artwork, Batman: One Dark Knight puts his strengths on impressive display as an artist, but on the other side of this coin, it highlights his weaknesses as a writer when it comes to dialogue and specific story beats. This miniseries debut is the definition of a mixed-bag, but I'm willing to see where it goes and see what tricks Jock still has up his sleeve.

The artwork and bones of this story works, but there's so much else that simply stumbles along the way.

While this issue isn't perfect, there's definitely potential for the Signal here and I'm crossing my fingers that we get an ongoing at some point in the future, as the bones of a long-running story are definitely there.

Legends is a good read for comic readers looking to learn more about T'Challa but it has a few rough edges that stop it from being truly great.

This second issue feels more like filler than an instrumental part of T'Challa's life.

There's a lot to like here but there are certainly a number of edges that could have used some shaving if this wanted to go down as one of the best Black Panther stories.

Black Terror doesn't break the wheel, but it does bend it in favor of a new take on an old hero.

The premiere issue of this Scout series does an excellent job of needling the reader along, dropping just enough information in revealing the world of these supernatural gumshoes to hook readers in.

While the series could use a bit more stability with its overall arc, it still managed to be a fun read and had me laughing more than a few times.

The world of Blacks Myth continues to be an intriguing one, with the series finding the sweet spot of balancing an interesting mystery on top of world building with some interesting supernatural concepts.

Ultimately, the biggest hindrance for the series is that lack of detail that comes from its artwork, but it doesn't hinder readers from enjoying this unique tale.

Black's Myth is easily one of Ahoy's best books and while the final issue stumbles a bit, I'd love to see the team work on a sequel series in the future.

Blood Syndicate didn't grab me as much as I wish it had, but I'm interested in seeing where it takes its story next.

Blood Syndicate: Season One does a great job of re-introducing this Milestone property to the world and it's certainly worth reading if you're looking for a new take on the world of superpowered beings.

The combined creative effort of Seeley and Braithwaite works wonders for bringing you into the world of Bloodshot, and more importantly, seeing where he's moving toward in the future!

Rosi and Ceregatti have a very solid book on their hands here, with the initial issue planting just enough seeds to keep readers engaged.

There are some interesting ideas, but there are no characters to really root for here and the premiere issue is simply bogged down in presenting its ideas by its weaknesses.

There are a lot of moving pieces here and they simply don't work in conjunction with one another.

Cable #1 doesn't break the wheel, but it shows us a side of the X-Men that has otherwise gone untold in this new era.

Putting us in the shoes of the new son of Scott Summers, the series takes the approach of throwing in everything and the kitchen sink into the works, but definitely creates a worthwhile story in doing so.

Whether you're a fan of the Nataniel Summers or not, Cable is definitely worth your hard-earned dollar.

Even if you're not a fan of the X-Men or Cable specifically, this book is a must read.

An enjoyable issue as a part of a larger half and a stand alone!

An amazing installment for an amazing story line.

This is definitely the X-Book to check out if you can only pick one outside of Hickman's foray.

Duggan and Noto continue to strike gold with the solo adventures of "Teen Cable," giving us an issue revolving around the hilarious relationship that is between young Nathan and his older self's former lover, Domino.

From Limbo to Krakoa to Madripor, the creativity simply bursts from each page and it easily remains one of the best X-books on the market today.

This issue specifically does a fantastic job of exploring the relationship between Cable and his father Cyclops, while introducing some interesting fighting techniques.

The penultimate issue of one of the best X-Books on the market today lives up to the high standards we've seen from the series to date, with Duggan and Noto continuing to knock it out of the park with the adventures of both Young and Old Cable.

I'd be hard-pressed to find any faults here, and this twelve issue mini-series makes for a must-read for X Fans and general Marvel fans alike.

Adding in a number of returning characters from the X-Mythos, this is a fantastic addition to not only the story of Cable, but this newest crossover in the world of Marvel Cosmic.

Coates is putting together a worthwhile arc here, it just needs a bit more of a shot in the arm.

While the issue promises on some neat storylines in the future, you can't help but think it had even more potential.

It's a bit all over the place and diminishes the character driven story here that dives into the mystery behind the Dryad.

A perfect Captain America story for this day and age.

This issue proves that the sum of a comic's parts might be its undoing.

The latest issue of Captain America falls prey to the same cons of previous installments in that it has a strong story with art work that is both under par and not necessarily fit for the kind of story that Coates is trying to tell for Steve Rogers and company.

While my previous criticisms of the art not being able to hold up to Coates' story still somewhat apply with this issue, the changing of narratives to Sharon Carter works wonders for the finale of the battle with Selene.

A fantastic installment for a new arc.

Another meaningful entry that not only takes time to dissect Steve's character, but that of Sharon Carter as well, proving Coates mastery of this part of the Marvel Universe.

Coates latest tale of Steve Rogers feels like it was ripped from the pages of Mark Gruenwald's legendary run on the character in the best of ways.

Coates and Kirk have given us one of the best issues of the storyline, "All Die Young" to date and it's a definite read for Cap fans.

Though Kirk's art seems like it could have used at least one more go-around, with some panels lacking some necessary detail, the overall effort is a solid one and an interesting addition to the creative team's run.

Sometimes an issue will need to feature "talking heads" to move along the plot, but ultimately, the issue is a tad slow in comparison to what we've seen from this run so far.

Another solid entry for the Star Spangled Soldier.

At it's core, Champions #1 offers a new status quo for heroes that places them in a unique situation where the "kids" are fighting against the world, but the shakiness of the premise and the story possessing more holes than swiss cheese means it isn't able to hit a home run and pull readers in for the long haul.

While the art Di Meo and Quinn remains appropriately energetic for the adventures of these young heroes, Ewing's premise simply doesn't have the legs to justify the "betrayals", characterizations, and side stories. Unfortunately, it all feels like a wasted effort.

The final page of the story hints at some big revelations to come and though this is the best issue of the run to date, it still has a way to go.

"Outlawed" still feels more like an albatross than a boon for the series, and I look forward to seeing the creative team have a chance to dive into a new arc.

I'm personally looking forward to reading the new status quo being hinted at in the final pages of the issue, but "Outlawed" was just a dud from top to bottom.

While certainly not breaking the wheel, Champions' latest installment is promising some big things for the future of the young heroes and I certainly hope they are able to stick the landing.

While Champions is still trying to find its footing following the end of its own version of "Civil War", the story of Miles and Sam attempting to join Roxxon as interns in order to bring it down from the inside is a solid one.

The latest arc is able to step things up since the unfortunate "Outlawed" but still has a long way to go before it can become one of Marvel's best books.

The series needs a refresh and I hope we get one soon.

Champions hasn't been the best title in Marvel's roster, but this latest issue definitely is one of the better examples of the ten issue series to date.

The story by Bryan Edward Hill feels boilerplate to start, but it definitely has some strong bones to hold its premise above water.

While some of the characters might be a bit too "run of the mill", there's a fun story here to be sure.

Chariot remains a breezy, action packed adventure that is firing on all cylinders.

I have no idea where Chicken Devil is headed, but I'm anxious to find out following this thousand-mile-per-minute opening salvo.

I have absolutely positively no idea where Chicken Devil is going with its story, but I cannot wait to find out.

What really sells this issue is its final page, which is one of the most jaw-dropping endings in comics in 2021 and it's hooked me into seeing where this all goes even more. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.

Chicken Devil is an unexpected crime thriller that is one of the best to hit the world of comic books as of late, and I can't wait to see what other twists and turns that series has up its sleeve.

It's a single issue story that doesn't seem confident enough to let its tale breathe, and while it does offer a surprise or two, the reader might feel the story simply didn't have enough time to resonate when all is said and done.

Even if you are not currently a fan of Conan The Barbarian as a character, this issue may very well make you one.

Definitely one of Scout's best series at the moment.

Run, do not walk, when picking up this latest series from Jeremy Bastian at Boom Studios, as this is a fever dream you most certainly want to experience for yourself.

Ultimately, there are some interesting ideas presented here, especially when it comes to the idea of virtual death and how one person can see that as a godsend while another can be reduced to a weeping mess as a result. Arturo and Al-Beta are interesting enough on paper, but they don't feel as interesting as they could and maybe that's a result of the dialogue heavy writing imposed here.

Great character work, solid bones for its structure, and art work that drags readers in makes for a fantastic opening salvo.

Whether you want a sneak peak into Cyberpunk or simply a solid, bloody affair, Trauma Team has what you're looking for.

You Have My Word is shaping up to be the best story of the franchise to date and I look forward to see how it comes to a close.

It's been a rock solid story so far and gives us a great look into the world of Cyberpunk!

Cyberpunk's latest game might be rife with problems, but its world certainly isn't, and You Have My Word is another testament of just how rich the universe can be.

Trauma Team perfectly was able to tell a captivating story while capturing the world of Cyberpunk, and is definitely worth your time, whether you plan on playing the game or not.

There are certainly some rough edges here in its premiere issue, as Connor O'Sullivan finds himself in a tale of intrigue in taking money from the wrong people, but things move a little too quickly before really establishing its characters.

This is definitely a series that I want to see out until the end, but for now, it needs a spark to stand out from the rest.

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear works well as a story all its own, so even if you're not a fan of Elektra or Devil's Reign, this opening salvo might change your mind on both fronts. Don't let the banner of this being part of a crossover event stop you from reading one of the best comics of 2022 so far.

Zdarsky clearly has a good understanding of Elektra as a character, taking readers into her mind as she struggles with her new role, while throwing in a few twists that some might not expect coming from a former assassin who can be shrouded in secrecy.

The issue is action packed to start, giving us a fantastic battle between Daredevil and Kraven but unfortunately other elements in the story drag down the last issue of an otherwise stellar mini-series.

Presented as a look into the minds of the heroes that are making a stand against the Batman Who Laughs and his army of warriors from the Dark Multiverse, this stand-alone is a solid one if not a tad redundant.

This is most definitely a one-shot you should avoid.

DC vs Vampires is a decent enough start and it works well at following in the footsteps of DCeased in presenting a world where the heroes might not manage to save the day, I just wish it was able to do so in a manner that was less muddled in its presentation and threw in a bit more detail when it came to its backgrounds.

The finale might be a little hard to believe for some fans of the superhero, but the series revels in its dark humor and it's clearly building up to something big, though the journey definitely stumbles along the way at times.

The series has gotten better with every issue released and I look forward to see if this remains the case for Tynion, Rosenberg, and Schmidt.

DC Vs. Vampires paints an apocalypse of a different color and does well at having everyone guessing, including readers.

With the early issues setting up the pieces, it seems that the maxi-series is set to put into action its apocalyptic series of events that will surely see more heroes either transformed into creatures of the night, or dying in the heat of battle.

Ultimately, the issue feels weightless, as though its a story that didn't need to be told outside of the main series, making it a step below the other comic that explored Damian Wayne as a bloodsucker of Gotham City.

Rosenberg and Googe are able to tell a solid enough story with this spin-off that falls under the weight of some of its continuity issues.

A worthy first outing for those looking to have their costumed hero and villain fare presented with a dark and realistic edge.

This second issue doesn't quite live up to the first, but in the art department, it continues to be stellar.

While I'm crossing my fingers for more surprises, Dead Eyes does what it sets out to do with some of the best creators in the business today.

This anthology celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of the Merc With a Mouth, and while it doesn't break the wheel, it manages to tell a number of solid stories.

While Jed MacKay has proved himself to have an excellent handle on Mr. Knight, Sabbatini on art feels somewhat misplaced in a story that is meant to be grim and gritty within a maximum-security prison. It's a minor quibble considering that the story really works here, but giving this tale a darker approach when it came to the art would have elevated it to new heights.

The premise of this story is essentially "what if Adam West's Batman and Frank Miller's Batman switched places" and while this issue does an adequate job of taking us into those two worlds, it misses out on the humor of the original series.

Still, if you enjoyed The Wrong Earth and were looking for another way to revisit these characters, this is just that and worth your time.

In a similar style as Get Out, Ready or Not, and You're Next, this series from creators Sarah Gailey and Pius Bak does a solid job of setting the stakes and weaving an ominous foreshadowing, but does little to set itself apart from a number of other properties that have ventured down a similar road before it.

The second issue of Boom's latest horror series manages to tell a far more compelling story than its first, primarily thanks to flipping expectations on their ear.

Eat The Rich has gotten progressively better with each passing issue, as it breaks away from the predictable status quo of its first issue and starts diving into how each of these characters is a unique beast of their own.

The more we are able to explore the characters in the quieter moments, the harder the horror hits and Eat The Rich certainly seems as its looking to end its story with a bang.

Eat The Rich feels like something that was dragged from the past days of EC Comics, and it's tough to tell whether this would have benefited from a longer run, or a shorter series overall. Regardless, as a whole, the series is a fun romp that takes some interesting ideas and projects a bloody tale that you can't help but feel a little satisfied with.

Creators Cullen Bunn and Dalibor Talajic offer up a one-shot that feels like a modern take on EC Comics' Tales From The Crypt and Vault of Horror, in the best way possible.

Elektra #100 just doesn't have a lot of gravitas to it when all is said and done, presenting some light and breezy stories that aren't able to really live up to the idea of this big anniversary issue.

Empyre: Avengers #0 might not be the best start to a comic book crossover event, but it's certainly an interesting one, warts and all.

Empyre is looking to be a summer blockbuster that plays on the strengths of the Marvel Universe, weaving continuity seamlessly into this event series.

This series is neck deep in continuity and this acts as both a strength and a weight around its neck.

While surprises in comics can certainly be a good thing, there are so many moving pieces in this crossover, that its becoming hard to keep track of them all.

With two issues left, I'm crossing my fingers that the mini-series can still turn itself around before the end.

Empyre as a whole is a mixed bag and, while it has interesting elements, such as Reed Richards slapping on Iron Man's armor, it is a crossover that ultimately falls far short of its promise.

The Cotati simply weren't unique enough to shoulder an event such as this and it showed.

Ewing and Schiti are able to capture character moments well enough, but Empyre weaves a story with weak cohesion and the final page will have you groaning that there may be a sequel in the works.

Garney is doing the work of his life here in the art department while Duggan nails the feelings of the characters and the supernatural shenanigans.

Marvel's free comic for 2020 gives us a look into the world of the X-Men and the Marvel Universe in the coming months, and while these are two entirely different stories, they both do a solid job of hinting at things to come.

If you're in search of a superhero comic that doesn't necessarily break the wheel, Williamson's run on The Flash may be worth your time.

If you're into some standard superhero fare, The Flash has you covered.

This issue is definitely elevated by the inclusion of Scott Kolins artwork, the penciller during arguably one of the most popular runs of the scarlet speedster with Geoff Johns' original adventures of Wally West.

The Rogues are still written in character here, albeit with a vastly different appearance thanks to Lex's "gift", but it could have been weaved into the story a bit stronger when all was said and done.

In the long history of superhero comics, it can sometimes be hard to find truly original story ideas, but the latest issue manages to do just that (for the Flash anyway).

This issue feels like something of an exposition dump to catch Allen up to speed and while the interesting new side effect of what happens when a speedster access a now defunct Speed Force is intriguing, the issue tends to run out of gas throughout.

It's a solid issue if hamstrung a little due to its crossover tie-in.

While this story line has had its ups and downs, it continues to be your standard super hero fare that does a good job of throwing interesting new challenges the Flash's way.

A serviceable ending to a crossover arc that probably would have been better left to the side.

While there are definitely some holes in the story, it's a fun romp that does a good job at diving into these rivals.

Definitely worth your time.

A definite must buy for any fan of the Flash.

Williamson and Duce provide another serviceable story here, but it certainly doesn't live up to the origin issue of Paradox, though it has quite the stinger.

Each issue has given Flash fans a banger of a final page and #752 remains no different. Great superhero fare!

A fun, fast paced super hero story!

The latest issue that continues Barry's war against Paradox has the added benefit of giving us the most unlikely of team ups as the Flash partners up with Eobard Thawne, The Reverse Flash. Williamson and Sandoval weave a story that will hopefully be seen as one of the best Flash stories of the modern Rebirth-Era of DC Comics.

It's clear that this story has a firm grasp on what makes Barry Allen, and his city, stand out from the other titans of DC Comics and I can't wait to see what the next story arc brings as it's clear Thawne has some big ideas for how he will menace Barry moving forward

As Joshua Williamson's run on The Flash sprints toward the finish line, we get another delightfully solid installment, with Eobard Thawne putting together his aptly named "Legion of Zoom".

As Williamson's run on The Flash sprints toward its finale, I'm certainly crossing my fingers that it will be seen as one of the best Barry Allen runs since Geoff Johns left the book.

A definite must for Flash fans and old school super hero fans alike.

Joined by Sandoval and Kollins on art duties, the latest issue is definitely a love letter to the Scarlet Speedster and fits nicely with the epic stories of the likes of Geoff Johns and Mark Waid.

If you're a Flash fan, this final arc of Williamson's is definitely worth checking out.

One of the best issues of Williamson's run so far and definitely worth your time.

A great conclusion to a great run.

This first entry is fine, but it could have used a stronger start for the scarlet speedster.

Ultimately, it feels like an homage to the adventures of yesteryear, with some solid art by Will Conrad, but it could definitely use a shot in the arm.

The run is still on its "sea legs" and while there are strong moments weaved throughout, this new take on Barry Allen has a long way to run.

Shinik and Conrad's first major story line for Barry Allen ends in a way that makes the whole affair feel like nothing more than a placeholder.

If you can find a brief refresher for the first part of this crossover, it is totally worth it as this makes for a strong entry.

The beginning of this new arc does a fantastic job of giving us a solid Flash adventure that will delight both Barry and Wally fans alike.

This storyline marks for a fresh take on the world of Central City, past, present, and future, and is a well-rounded take on DC's most famous speedster.

While the issue's story and art are top-notch, the final page has to be one of the best cliffhangers I can think of in recent memory and is almost worth the cost of admission alone. If you're a fan of the Flash, this is an easy buy.

This latest arc has been a celebration of all things Wally and an amazing storyline for the Flash.

Wally's new status quo as the Flash is an interesting one, but the Scarlet Speedster could definitely work on slowing down.

The story of Wally West butting heads with Heat Wave comes to a close with a satisfying conclusion, mostly going to show how the Scarlet Speedster runs the role of an "everyman" rather than attempting to punch his way out of a situation.

There's a lot of territory to explore between Wally and his children, Jai and Iris, and while there isn't much here in terms of super speed, we get a good look into what really makes West different from his mentor, Barry Allen. Adams has a keen grip on what makes Wally West work as a character, and while this issue isn't breaking the wheel, it makes for a good, and touching, superhero romp for the new Crimson Speedster.

It's clear that the creative team is having a blast here, but the story could have used just a bit more cohesion in terms of juggling the sheer amount of characters and elements at play here.

If I could recommend one Flash book this year, it would definitely be this issue.

The Scarlest Speedster's book remains good old-fashion superhero shenanigans and sometimes, that can be enough.

There are ways to balance the stories of the Silver Age with some modern flair and I feel that this latest story of the Scarlet Speedster wasn't able to live up to its predecessors, especially when it came to the side plot following Wally and Linda's kids.

A light affair that definitely highlights the strengths of DC's heroic roster.

Ultimately, the tie-in to Earth-3 events works here as a strength rather than a weakness and is definitely worth your time.

Jeremy Adams has a firm grip on the Scarlet Speedster of Central City and the relationships he holds, and I hope that Wally remains in the driver's seat for some time to come, along with artist Fernando Pasarin.

The Flash doesn't break the wheel but it sure does play to its strengths.

Comic book crossovers are sometimes something that a reader has to put up with when it comes to titles that they are following, as they can completely divert a story that was in the works for a certain hero. Luckily, such isn't the case with The Flash and Dark Crisis, as the latest issue is able to really play on the strengths of not just Wally West, but the Flash Family as a whole while Barry is bouncing around the multiverse.

Now, with the latest annual of The Flash, readers receive both a deconstruction of Wally and the concept of generational-legacy heroes.

This latest annual does a fantastic job of giving us a story that not only looks at Barry Allen through the eyes of one of his classic villains in Captain Boomerang, but also gives an outstanding excuse to have the hero team up with the Suicide Squad.

Flashpoint Beyond #0 can be a little confusing, as its a sequel story to not just Flashpoint, but Doomsday Clock as well, but if you can wrap your mind around some of the continuity here, there is an extremely solid story from Johns and Risso.

A mixed bag of an issue, but there's some solid ground work in the stories it presents.

Perhaps future issues will make better use of the many, many elements used here, but this initial chapter needs a spit shine.

Though "Future State" might be temporary, it's stories like these that make one think that it could have easily fit in as the DCU's new status quo.

"Future State" as a whole has been quite interesting for the DCU, giving us unique takes on their expansive library, which makes it so unfortunate that Barry Allen and company seem to be on the lower side of the totem pole.

While the last page twist certainly promises big developments down the road, it isn't enough to shoulder what's lacking for the second issue overall.

The best issue of the series yet and if they can keep up this tempo, IDW may have a hit on their hands.

While the new focus is fairly interesting, it isn't nearly as entertaining as what came before it.

While the premise of the series has been hit or miss so far, this latest installment puts fantastic use to the idea of this new environment, creating the best issue of the series to date.

While there is one heck of a finale that gives us the arrival of one of the biggest "Joes" in the franchise's history, it's not enough to make this latest installment reach new heights such as the previous issue focused on the Dreadnoks!

This latest issue focuses squarely on Scarlet and her issues with PTSD, weaving the tale of how she rejoined the group, making for a thought provoking and fun issue.

Definitely not the issue to start with if you're looking to dive into this new world for G.I. Joe.

With nine issues down, it's definitely time to start bringing the pieces together into a cohesive story line. A fun ride, but one that needs a tune up.

While having an overarching story line might be a bit more engrossing at this point, this makes for another fine installment of the series.

If younger readers are looking for a scare, better to crack open any of the old novels rather than this wanting tale.

This is most definitely a "swing and a miss".

The latest issue of this series set in the universe created by R.L. Stein manages to turn things around by throwing in an interesting twist, and while it still suffers from some of the problems that plagued it in earlier installments, it definitely received a shot in the arm here.

Having a story tailored for children doesn't mean slacking on the essentials and this spooky story could have been much more.

Steve Orlando puts a bow on his supernatural team book that brings together the "monsters" of Gotham City with a solid final entry.

This is a must buy for fans of either character, though if you're in the dark for either Tarzan or Groo, you might want to miss this one.

Groo Meets Tarzan does a very solid job of linking together the wild worlds of both of these beloved comic characters, but it misses the mark when it comes to the bookends that document the surreal adventures of creators Mark Evanier and Thomas Yeates.

Ultimately the wrap-around story simply doesn't feel charming enough to really propel the necessity of it, and I can only imagine that it would have normal readers scratching their heads when it comes to the "inside baseball" talk of the comic book industry.

At the end of the day, this series is for die-hard fans of both characters, but might be confusing to those outside of the fanbase.

The issue is packed with some memorable alternate takes on Marvel favorites, but it is still a little rough around the edges.

A solid opening issue that was definitely rough around the edges at times, but could prove to be a worthy entry into Image's library.

While there are some interesting elements in here, there is far too much-holding Home back from being one of the greats.

There are some strong character beats from the family-focused on, but the threats facing them need more fleshing out and the story just can't quite seem to find its footing.

Home feels a bit too long in the tooth and is the definition of a mixed-bag.

Everything is wrapped up just a bit too tidy and should the series return, I hope it can iron out some of the many flaws of this first series.

A great venture into the world of magic and a comic that is definitely worth your time for the visuals alone, let alone solid story telling.

I Breathed A Body might not roar out of the gate, but it is definitely prepared to roar past the finish line thanks to the strong bones of its story and an abundance of creepy visuals.

While there definitely is a worthy mystery wrapped in this comic series, it needs a shot in the arm to really help it stand out from the pack when it comes to truly compelling horror comics.

Thompson and MacDonald are weaving an interesting story here, without a doubt, but it could have used far more time devoted to Zoe and the other players.

The mini-series is not a perfect story, but it certainly does capture the sheer terrors of the concepts presented.

Andy MacDonald takes a bow. With plenty of twists and turns, the mini-series is definitely in the running for one of the most unnerving comics of 2021.

Infinite Frontier is a mixed bag, with the final revelation of the comic feeling like retread ground. This issue acts as a marketing experience to sell readers on the future of DC Comics' stories, but it's at best a good entryway that could have been great.

The issue itself might be a bit much to ask with a $10 price tag, but there are definitely some gems to be found in this 80-page giant, though I think it might have been easier to swallow with a smaller page count.

This second issue continues the strength of the series' first and while this issue might only be six issues, I'm certainly left crossing my fingers that we'll see more of these prehistoric superheroes in the future from this creative team.

The issue itself doesn't push the boundaries in a way that say Grant Morrison or Scott Snyder's run had, but it's some worthwhile superhero fare, junk food if you will.

Justice League should be big, flashy, and loud, and this story leaves us with a whimper.

Even the return of Doug Mahnke on pencils couldn't save this storyline from ending with a whimper.

This new issue might not break the wheel, but it does a serviceable job of taking some of the biggest heroes of the DCU and giving them a threat worthy of their team.

The premise is an interesting one and this issue is a prime example of some good old fashioned super hero fare.

It's a fine story, but that's about it.

Acting as a precursor to the Justice League/Legion of Super-Heroes crossover, the annual buckles under its own weight, but has some interesting ideas along the way.

Road to Dark Crisis is a mixed bag and while it has some neat emotional beats, it doesn't feel essential in prepping fans for the major crossover.

If you've been following Dark since its latest volume's inception, there might be some things here for you to enjoy but this Annual is definitely one that was not made for new arrivals to the series so be forewarned.

While there are some interesting ideas, the art and story simply don't manage to make this issue a worthy read when compared to some of its companions in the saga.

Locke & Key: In Pale Battalions Go is an excellent "welcome back" for fans of the original series while also providing an independent story that easily introduces new readers to its concept without ever missing a beat. Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are firing on all cylinders in this issue and it shows on every page.

The series isn't afraid to dissect the horrors of war and continues to be a captivating story that definitely earns its place within the Locke And Key universe.

A near perfect mini series.

Made In Korea is a fantastic opening salvo by Image and I look forward to seeing where the series goes.

The second issue is able to play excellently off what was established in the premiere chapter and I look forward to seeing where the series takes readers next.

You can't help but feel sick to your stomach as the issue progresses, and it's a feeling that sticks with you and makes for a solid addition to the series.

The "Proxy Story" by Wook-Jin Clark is also able to weave a heartwrenching story playing on the elements of this world, and is definitely a fantastic addition to the issue as well.

Made In Korea continues to be a worthy addition to Image's roster.

While the final pages might wrap things up just a tad too conveniently when all is said and done, Made In Korea definitely earns its place as one of the best mini-series of the year when it comes to comic books.

The first issue acts as a serviceable entry point into this new world of the "Inked" but it stumbles in offering anything new and noteworthy to bring readers back to the fold for the next chapter.

This new 2099 was a hodgepodge of some neat ideas which unfortunately falls flat in the finale. A head scratcher more than anything.

If you're a die-hard fan of 2099, there's enough here to whet your whistle.

It's a solid issue that could have benefited from each story having the same amount of pages to work with.

It's a feel good story that is simply begging for something more, but maybe the former is what we could use right now.

The strength of this Snapshot series is the different takes on the Marvel universe, but this particular story following Kerry and Jay is one best forgotten or left unread altogether.

If you're going to take a superhero out of his comfort zone and give him a brand new status quo, you'd better have the "story beat chops" to back it up. Unfortunately, Nightwing's latest issue is a mess from top to bottom in that regard.

The story attempts to give us a better understanding of Bldhaven at the same time, but fails with an event that makes its citizens look completely ridiculous.

Simply put, if nothing else, this recent annual does give us some aspects of Dick's life never before seen that prove interesting, but the sum of its parts falls short.

While the series itself is off to a strong start, the ending is so abrupt that it rips you out of the preview issue itself.

No Longer Human is a masterpiece, assembled by a creator at the top of their game. Ito's stunning visuals work amazingly in tandem with the story created by Osamu Dazai. While works like Uzumaki and Tomie are getting adaptations of their own, we can only cross our fingers that this tale is one day adapted into a Hollywood picture, though it may be too unsettling for a general audience.

It's an interesting hook to be sure and definitely warrants giving the second issue a shot.

Nuclear Family weaves a compelling mystery, and while it has yet to shatter any new ground as of yet, it makes for an intricate story structure that helps hold interest.

The latest entry is solid but it doesn't break any wheels in the process.

Ultimately, the McClean family work as protagonists but not getting a better sense of who they are in this dire situation harms here as the series rounds the corner to home plate.

Nuclear Family seems ultimately like a missed opportunity and a tale that could have used more time management to get to know the characters.

This might be an instance where "trade waiting" is the way to go, but this opening issue could have used a bit more bite.

The latest issue of the Boom miniseries continues its trek into a strange new Earth but unfortunately, isn't able to give us personality for either the characters or the world featured here.

Origins still suffers from finding its own voice and distinguishing itself from many dystopian stories we've seen in the past while creating compelling characters, but this is definitely one of the best issues so far.

The art is once again the big takeaway from the series, though can sometimes seem sloppy and not detailed enough, but it far exceeds the sub-par characters explored within.

While more of David and Chloe's past is revealed, turning things on their ear, it ultimately lands flat and simply can't hit home in the way that it was attempting to.

While its ambitions were high, Origins simply isn't able to come close to achieving the desired heights it strove for.

While Starkiller doesn't break the wheel, it shows a clear love for swashbuckling sci-fi action and taking us back to an older era.

Steve Orlando and Patrick Piazzalunga have a hit on their hands here, blending the concept of "The Death of Superman" with "Mobile Suit Gundam," creating an immersive first issue that hits all the right beats.

It's a unique story that is firing on all engines so far, and I look forward to seeing more mysteries unfurled.

Project Patron remains one of Aftershock's strongest superhero stories to date, easily competing with the other books that are out there from the Big Two and it will be interesting to see how the concept is pushed in the future.

Aftershock has done a great job of flipping the script on the average superhero story here and I look forward to seeing this one return.

Robin and Batman #1 feels perfect, wherein I was wracking my brain looking for faults but wasn't able to find any. The story of Dick Grayson has been told countless times before, but this feels like one of the best retellings of Robin's early crime-fighting career beside the Batman.

This issue acts as a deep character study for Robin and Batman alike, and easily is one of the best issues of DC this year, let alone all of comics.

If anything, this mini-series could have gone even further in exploring Robin's early days, but is definitely a series that I cannot recommend enough.

Sara is a fantastic "one and done" war story that delivers a steady supply of thoughtful characters and unique war time scenarios, and if TKO Studios can continue to produce comics on the same level, the publisher will certainly find a solid footing in the comic book community.

While they attempt to do something new with the strange relationship between Andi and her symbiote, it feels like we're treading old ground.

The story is still finding its "sea legs" but needs a strong shot in the arm to set itself apart.

This series has a ways to go before it should hit anyone's weekly piles.

Scream's world just isn't compelling and it needs an emotional core to reel fans in.

And so the first story arc of Scream ends with a whimper.

A great single issue story for superhero fans.

An amazing penultimate issue that should be considered one of the high points for the property.

It's a fine conclusion when all is said and done but it could have been more more than what we got.

This issue is a one and done story that does well at capturing the world and character of Captain Marvel, adding in enough levity to make this a worth while read for comic lovers across the board.

If you're looking for a stylish jaunt into the world of Spider-Man Noir, this issue is worth your time despite its flaws.

At the end of this issue, the "Noir-verse" expand just a little further and this mini-series continues to be a solid ride.

This issue introduces "Noir Electro" who is gleefully designed for the era, though I wish that the dialogue and overall story was able to keep up with the other moving parts.

This is definitely a story that needs to read all at once in trade format if anything.

Ultimately, it's a story that would have benefitted from being a tad smaller, but justifies its own existence without a doubt.

The story itself followers the titular hunter living in a world where the vampires' presence has been revealed and tends to take a lot of risks with its story and art, which is definitely hit or miss across the spectrum of this introduction.

Ultimately, Stake has a ways to go before it is able to differentiate itself from so many other vampire stories.

Stake continues to have the same problems it's been dealing with since its first issue hit the shelves, wherein it doesn't feel like it has steady footing in its concept.

More issues like this and I think Stake will be a strong entry in Scout's roster.

Stake could be more than it is, but at present, it feels like its spinning its wheels.

One of the best first issues of the year and definitely worth your time and money.

This latest installment doesn't quite knock it out of the park, but manages to hit a solid "triple" when all is said and done.

A wonderful premise hamstrung by some weaker elements.

There are definitely a few changes that could have been made to make it a horror legend, but unfortunately, it falls short. Still worth a read for sure but just a tad beneath what could have been.

Syphon is worth checking out if you're looking to see how comics can be their own style of unique art work.

It's certainly a story to admire the art, but I wish the comic itself gave its characters time to breath and let the story come to them.

This tie-in story doesn't break the wheel but its a fun romp into some of the lesser seen character of the Marvel Universe and definitely a must for readers who are fans of these heroes across the pond, though X-Men fans might find the issue a tad lacking.

A home run and a definite must-buy for Joker fans.

The most ironic part of this new series following the Clown Prince of Crime is that the Joker is the most boring part of the story, in a good way.

The Joker is a solid DC comic book and does a great job of exploring the world of the supervillain while also diving into the head of his victims.

While it's still a solid issue, it feels like the weakest of the series to date which started off like a rocket.

The story itself is definitely worth a read, but Francavilla's art feels unfinished here, though the color work still strikes the haunting tone that he's known for.

The Joker #6 does tend to spin its wheels just a tad, but it's clear that Tynion has a good grasp on the world and characters that he is working with, making the comic still well worthy of your time, Joker fan or not.

Tynion and March have a great story going here and it's one that even fans who aren't particularly enamored with the Dark Knight or his arch-rival should give a look.

The issue itself is still solid and a quick read, but its one of the weaker entries of the series so far that really has been quite the thrill ride to date.

Tynion's characterization is still on point and Stefano Raffaele's art here is a grand slam, but the issue loses the forest for the trees when it has one too many balancing acts taking place.

It's a solid issue but its one that isn't able to compete with the prior entries we saw from Tynion, Rosenberg, and Francavilla.

The series itself is still one of the strongest titles in DC's roster but this definitely feels like one of the weaker issues of the series so far.

The Clown Prince of Crime's ongoing series is one that is able to really give readers an insight into the mind of Jim Gordon, taking the opportunity to unravel the mystery of who has been hunting the Joker.

While this latest issue doesn't lean into the series' strengths, there's still plenty to like here.

Tynion does a fine job of explaining Bane's part in the story, as well as ratcheting up the tension while further exploring Gordon's psyche here.

If you're a fan of stories like The Long Halloween, this makes for a fantastic companion piece.

It's a story that is based on humor but it's one that isn't able to really add anything new to the conversation and that's a shame.

Picking up this issue isn't exactly a must, but each story is fun in ringing in the holiday cheer.

Twig #1 takes some big swings and for the most part, it hits them out of the park, primarily allowing its stunning artwork to do the heavy lifting and introducing bold new concepts on every page.

If you're looking for a light and fun read to give to a new reader of Marvel looking to make the transition from movies to comics, this opening salvo certainly is able to bridge the gap, but don't expect much else.

This second issue clicks much better than the first, which spent time laying the groundwork for the premise, with this new entry able to dive head first into this world that blends the comics and the films.

The latest All-Ages offering that seems to blend the Marvel's comic book universe with that of its cinematic cousin spends little time in once again jumping right back into the action.

Needless to say, the issue tries to do a lot but fails to connect.

I don't know who on Earth to recommend this to, but the ultimate answer might be no one.

If you've ever wanted to read a comic that blends Man-Thing with the movie Annihilation, this is the one for you.

Each of these stories in this anthology focusing on Diana of Themyscara is able to offer a fresh and endearing look at the DC character Wonder Woman.

There are some stories here that are slightly better than others, but each offers a unique story and art for Wonder Woman and is most assuredly a perfect grab for fans of Themyscira's wayward daughter.

While it's certainly worth picking up if you're a fan of all things Wonder Woman, this latest entry could have done more to break the mold.

The fourth issue of this unique anthology story is the series' best so far, managing to create some truly touching stories that revolve around the daughter of Themyscara.

Even if you're not a fan of the Amazon, these stories might change your tune as not only do the stories seem timeless, but they are able to use the "Black and Gold" aspect of the series to great effect. I'd be hard-pressed to think of which issue is the best, but the series remains a classic.

Black And Gold simply is one of the best Wonder Woman series around and while this issue might not have hit me as hard as some of the previous takes, its an anthology that has something for everyone.