Ive struggled with finding the fun in Gwenpool Strikes Back. Now I am the first to admit that I may just not be cool or aware of trends to get past issues, but this issue finally delivered. I found the jokes to be funny, the references to be well explained, and the characterization to fit. While not perfect, I find Gwenpool Strikes Back #4 (Williams, Hastings, Baldeon, Aburtov) to be a coherent and enjoyable read. The plot as a whole I still find to meander. If the concept of the series is Gwens wacky hijinks, then it is hitting the mark. But with one issue to go, Im losing hope for something more.

Despite my new interest in Mysterio, Im left scratching my head. Williams does a good job showing MJ as a strong, capable woman (as she should be) who has no problem facing challenges thrown her way (which she shouldnt). She is thrown into the plot of someone elses drama instead of a story about her own development or struggle. The Amazing Mary Jane #2 (Williams, Lopez, Gomez) is an enjoyable story with well-done art, but as Mary Janes first miniseries, it feels like it could be Mysterios first mini instead.

The Amazing Mary Jane #3 (Williams, Gomez, Werneck, and Lopez) is an overall good comic. No one aspect has blown me away. However, I also cant find much reason to complain. It does, however, continue to keep my interest and curiosity as to what is to be coming next.

The Amazing Mary Jane #5 finds its biggest strength in its difference from general Marvel fare. But when it turns towards action, the charm starts to fade.

The Amazing Mary Jane #1 (Williams, Gomez, Lopez) is a fun opening look on an overdue story. Williams does a great job crafting dialogue that showcases different sides of MJ: confidence, compassion, humor, with the artwork providing solid support. The first issues show that with this creative team Mary Jane has the star power to headline her own comic; and leaves me interested in seeing more.

Excalibur #7 (Howard, Santos, Junior, & Arciniega) continues to be a fun, character-driven story. While a critical eye can find areas of fault, I think it is easy to enjoy and the good far outweighs the rest.

In X-Factor #10, Leah Williams, David Baldeon, David Messina, Lucas Werneck, and Israel Silva attempt to provide closure in their final issue of the series. Unfortunately, the end result did not allow for the space and focus some of the subject matter they chose to include demands.

Aquaman: The Becoming #3 (Thomas, Koblish, Von Grawbadger, Lucas, Guimaraes, and Andworld Design) serves to set the stage for the remainder of the series, with the final pages promising excitement to come.

Though the pacing of Aquaman: The Becoming #4 may fluctuate, Brandon Thomas. Scott Koblish, Wade Von Grawbadger, Adriano Lucas & Andworld Design continue to deliver an interesting story of the kind of hero Aquaman will become.

Aquamen #6 grounds the series in the emotion and relationships of the characters before establishing how the world of Aquaman enters into Dark Crisis.

Dark Crisis: Young Justice #1 sets the stage for a character-driven story that utilizes the situations of an event and the rich history of the characters without being bogged down by the context.

All in all, GSB continues to be an odd title. Its pop culture references (more in the first issue than this one) and humor constantly leaves me feeling that Im neither young or hip enough to be the target audience (do people still use hip?) Fourth wall breaking comics are not usually my cup of tea and something I feel can very easily be overdone.

As a stand alone issue, Marauders #15 (Duggan, Percy, Caselli, & Delgado) delivers an entertaining character-driven issue with humor and drama. But as an installment in a crossover, it stalls the pace of the overall story.

Reptil #1 delivers a culture-rich story about an underused character that centers family into an enjoyable read.

Tim Drake: Robin #1 is a promising start of a new era for the titular character. Tim Drake is given the narrative space and page count to explore what his new status quo really is.

Excalibur #12 (Howard, To, & Arciniega) delivers a fun story- assuming the reader is able to leave their preconceptions behind.

FCBD 2020 X-Men #1 provides teases to Marvel's plans for later in the year and is worth picking up to build anticipation with stunning art as long as there is no expectation for a story that would stand on its own.

Amazing Mary Jane #6 (Williams, Gomez, Carlos, Martello, & Lopez) moves forward to a new story while seeming to only take the best of the arc before to make an enjoyable and engaging story.

Aquamen #3 plays to the creative team's strengths to portray the various characters and their motivation, development, and powers in distinct and compelling ways.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #13 (Ahmed, Vasquez, Vlasco & Herring) gives us an intriguing new character in Amulet. However, due to its placement between a big arc and an even bigger cross-title event, it doesnt seem to do much else.

Strange Academy #2 (Young, Ramos, & Delgado) loses some momentum gained from the first issue but holds on to the potential for greatness. This second issue leaves hope that without further interference outside of the creators' control, the title can pick up steam and continue to move forward.

Valkyrie: Jane Foster #9 (Aaron, Grnbekk, Rosanas, & Aburtov) moves the plot forward and paves the way for some interesting potential, but seems to lack some of the magic of past issues.

Amazing Mary Jane #4 (Williams, Gomez, & Lopez) hits the sweet spot. Drawing on Williamss ability to craft strong dialogue with an emotional weight between characters, this issue shows character depth without dragging away from the tension building for the conclusion in the next issue.

Aquaman Becoming #1 (Thomas, Olortegui, Grawbadger, & Lucas) provides an easy digestible and incredibly enjoyable entrance point to the next step in the journey of Jackson Hyde.

While Champions #1 does not tread new ground, Eve L. Ewing, Simone Di Meo, and Federico Blee take a concept from an iconic Marvel story and approach it from the teen lens, paving the way for an intriguing story.

Strange Academy Presents The Death of Doctor Strange #1 (Scottie Young, Mike Del Mundo, Marco DAlfonso. & VCs Clayton Cowles) is a prime example of a creative team using an event to further the story and characters instead of becoming lost in the big picture.

Champions #7 leans into the humanity and the youth of the characters, bringing the concept of the team to the surface without losing any of the fun of the action.

Commanders in Crisis #12 (Steve Orlando, Davide Tinto, Francesca Carotenuto, Francesca Vivaldi, & Alessandro Santoro) is a fitting end to an original story that uses superheroes and the fantastical to speak of real-world issues.

Inferno #3 is visual pleasure and an avalanche of answers to set up for the grand finale.

In DC Pride #1s He is the Light of My Life @DipsOff @klausjansennyc and @DaveMcCaig tells a heartfelt story of LBGTQ+ generations and family.

New Mutants #13 (Brisson & Reis) is a calmer story in a, so far quest driven, event that provides beautiful art and touching character moments.

Power Pack #1 (Ryan North, Nico Leon, & Rachelle Rosenberg) is a fun return to a fan-favorite team that leaves itself open to new readers. Though labeled as a part of Outlawed and influenced by the events spawning the event, the first issue stands strong on its own.

Dry Foot #1 (Lujn, Caicedo, & Sahadewa) is brimming with potential. The story is a fresh and needed dose of representation crafted with care and skill.

Incoming! #1 is the perfect starting point for anyone not up to date with the Marvel line. A sampling of art and writing provides a preview for readers to determine what storylines they wish to follow in 2020.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #14 (Ahmed, Jung, Vlasco, & Herring) provides a good diving-in point for new readers or a refresher for returning fans to prepare them for the upcoming Outlawed event.

Runaways #32 (Rowell, Bustos, & Cunniffe) is heavy with emotion and potential change, creating either a good entrance for new readers or a unraveling of the team as we know it.

Aside from the reveal of Bullseyes boss and the revelation of Mr. Horse, this issues only means of pushing the plot forward is to reiterate that Jane is still new to figuring out what it means to be Valkyrie. However, with the stunning art and colors by CAFU, Perez, Tormey, Poggi, Irving, and Aburtov combining with the closing, at least for now, of Heimdalls story, it makes for a good standalone issue.

In X-Factor #8 Leah Williams, David Baldeon, and Isreal Silva try and do something different. The end result is frantic and heart racing in a way that may require multiple reads to gather all the details. Thankfully, it's beautiful enough to make rereads a delight.

Aquaman: The Becoming #2 (Brandon Thomas, Diego Olortequi, Skylar Patridge, Wade Von Grawbadger, Adriano Lucas, and Andworld Design) takes the story beyond the man who wears the title and gives focus and room to those who make Jackson who he is.

Outlawed #1 (Ewing, Jacinto, & Grundetjern) starts off with a bang. This one-shot is supposed to change the Marvel status quo for the teens of the Marvel heroes, and it takes no prisoners while doing so.

Ewing, Aaron, CAFU, and Aburtov craft another engaging beautiful installment with Jane Foster: Valkyrie #4. Every piece seems to fit just right with a sense of intent, making the delay and means of acknowledging a characters orientation even more prominent.

X-Factor #1 (Williams, Baldeon, & Silva) reads like a television pilot. The format of the plot functions the same. We have our hero introduced, the problem he must face, and then the assembly of the team. Each character gets their moment to showcase what skills they bring to the table. Then we end the issue with hints of what is to come. Like a TV pilot, there is boundless potential with some rough edges left behind, providing a perfect mirror to the internal chaos of this incarnation of X-Factor.

Mohale Mashigo, Chris Allen, and Rachelle Rosenberg crafted a short story of joy and bonding that is a pleasure to read and left a smile on my face.

Jane Foster: Valkyrie #6 (Ewing, Aaron, Perez, Aburtov) is a nice start to the second arc of Valkyries story that shows us things arent slowing down. This series has quickly made its way into one of my must-reads each month.

Aquaman: The Becoming #5 (Brandon Thomas Paul Pelletier, Diego Olortegui, Wade Von Grawbadger, Norm Rapmund, Adriano Lucas & Andworld Design) allows moments of character intimacies and growth while raising the stakes and tension for the thrilling conclusion.

Inferno #4 (Hickman, Schiti, Caselli, Curiel, & Sabino) draws the Hickman era to a close in the most Hickman way possible. The various threads he had placed over the past year come together in the gorgeous finale. However, the lack of character or continuity era subtracts from what could have been.

Jane Foster: Valkyrie #7 (Ewing, Aaron, Perez, Aburtov) is another enjoyable issue, but leaves me wanting more in a less than good way. However, the potential ramifications for Jane and the Marvel world as a whole make it a story worth reading.

Valkyrie Jane Foster #8 delivers an adrenaline filled launch to the next arc in Valkyries tale. While I would likely buy textless art books if they were done by CAFU and Aburtov, the writing team brings their A game as well. My only complaint is there was not nearly enough Horse and Spidey antics in this issue. Im keeping my fingers crossed for a spin-off.

America Chavez Made in the USA #1 (Kalina Vazquz, Jesus Aburtov, & Carlos Gomez) show a firm grasp of a beloved character and a dedication to continued progression and development.

The Magnificient Mrs. Marvel #12 (Ahmed, Jung, & Vlasco, Herring) is a wild ride from start to finish. The emotional art and high stakes tension tie together to pull in the reader and keep them hanging on till the final page.

Seeing yourself reflected in the culture in which you participate and consume is extremely empowering, and it is something that is taken for granted by the privileged. John Jennings Lift Every Voice

Strange Academy #1 (Young, Ramos, & Delgado) creates a perfect entry point to the Marvel Universe for young, new readers. Fun characters and beautiful art make this an enjoyable read for anyone to pick up.

X-Factor #9 does a lot of heavy lifting to reach resolution for most of the series plots with @mymonsterischic @david_baldeon and @IsraelSilvaArt bring their a game in this beautiful, emotion packed issue.

Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1 is the kind of story that has been conspicuously rare in the X-Men canon. It treats its title character with respect for all aspects of his identity and the intersectionality where they meet and uses this base to deliver a deep and action-packed issue.

Marauders #13 (@definitelyvita @MatteoLolli @delgaduck) tells an emotionally nuanced story that should have ramifications far beyond the scope of X of Swords.

Multiversity: Teen Justice #1 is the perfect superhero story to kick off Pride Month. It captures the fun of the team and characters that inspired it but deliver them with a refreshing and engaging spin.

Phoenix Song: Echo #1 is a collaborative narrative that is already promising to bring out the story potential that lies within Echo, and in doing so create an untold story of the Phoenix.

While it is difficult to delve into the work the issue does without spoiling the ending and the twist, it is worth highlighting. X-Factor #7 weaves moments generated for the fandom with an understanding of trauma too frequently ignored or understated. While it is clear before the ending that there is still plenty more to come, there is also a spot of light as the roster of hurting characters lean on each other to heal.

And if there was any doubt as to Gwens status as an official Krakoan, you only have to look as far as her very own, Hickman inspired data page.

Leah Williams, David Baldeon, and Israel Silva bring their A-game to X-Factor #2. They make a comic that is equal part heart and humor and an all-around pleasure to read.

X-Factor #3 is fun from cover to cover. Leah Williams, David Baldeon, and Isreal Silva continue to deliver a fun story rooted in an understanding of the characters and the world they live in.

While not as jaw-dropping as the opening issue, Alienated #2 (Spurrier, Wildgoose, May) continues to weave an intriguing story framed in beautiful art that further piques interest for future issues.

Alienated #3 (Spurrier, Wildgoose, & May) packed a solid punch worthy of making me flip back to the first page as soon as I was finished.

Empyre: Aftermath - Avengers #1 (Ewing, Schiti, & Gracia) walks the line between foreshadowing of the post-event fallout and a homage to some fan-favorite characters. The wedding setting and intimate moments provide an anchor for the space-shattering changes they want us to believe will follow.

Jane Foster: Valkyrie #5 (Ewing, Aaron, CAFU, Aburtov) is filled with stunning visuals that make a satisfying conclusion to the first arc of Janes turn as Valkyrie. Jane Foster is finding her own role as Valkyrie, not relying on the heroes that have come before. Her innovation and realization that the Grim Reaper is a hero in his own head allow for interesting ramifications, as does the pain he was able to cause the All-Weapon. Not to mention my personal fondness (obsession?) with Lisa getting gratification in her charging into battle on the repoed steed of Black Knight and a flashback acknowledging her ex America Chavez.

DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1 showcases how impactful comics can be while maintaining the same level of action and momentum and brings heart and new life to a long-standing character.

Inferno #2 (Jonathan Hickam, Stefano Caselli, David Curiel & VCs Joe Sabino) delivers on the promise of Hickmans X-Men #6 in this emotional, powerful, intrigue-filled issue that should have long-lasting ramifications for the X-World.

Alienated #5 (Spurrier, Wildgoose, & May) provides a great set up for next month's finale with great storytelling, fantastic art, and a shocking ending. The title continues to provide an example of what can happen when a group of talented creators melds their skills together flawlessly.

X-Factor #5 (@mymonsterischic @david_baldeon @IsraelSilvaArt ) is a beautiful and well-executed comic that delivers more than I had hoped to ask for.

X-Factor #6 (Leah Williams, David Baldeon, Isreal Silva) is a treat designed for the fans, delivering solid plot and character development without taking itself too seriously.

With X-Factor #4, @mymonsterischic @david_baldeon and @IsraelSilvaArt have the emotion jump off the page and pull the reader into the story. With this issue, the grand battle of X of Swords is grounded and given weight beyond the mythology of the war introduced last chapter.

Alienated #1 provides complex characters and emotional art to create a wonderfully put together story that is impressive on all levels. It is something that already has me hooked and eager for the next issue.

Alienated #4 (Spurrier, Wildgoose, & May) is a raw, intentional exploration of a hurt boy lashing out in a way he finally has the power to do. It is a story equal parts provocative and necessary in its reflection of reality.