Gabriel Hernandez's Comic Reviews

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007 #1 is a strong start to a mystery surrounding a clandestine group intent on converting or killing 00 agents. The pacing, plotting, and dialog are all on point, and the mystery is well-developed. However, the art ranges from okay to sub-par, saved only by excellent colors.

007 #2 is a serviceable second issue in Johnsons latest take on 007. The story reveals a big threat worthy of Bonds talents, and the character development is excellent. However, most of the character development centers on a deceased character who has no bearing on Bonds actions moving forward.

007 #3 is an engaging entry in the series thats light on action and heavy on exposition. However, the exposition is potentially explosive for Bonds life. The pacing and dialog are delivered with tight drama, and the art is much improved over the previous issues.

007 #4 is a serviceable entry in the series filled with non-stop tension as James Bond is forced into a situation where he might kill his colleagues. That said, Bonds too-easy escape diffuses the tension, and the blocky, static art takes away from the frantic action.

007 #5 turns up the heat as James Bonds loyalties are put to the ultimate test. Johnsons script creates a moral dilemma that seems impossible to overcome and keeps you hooked until the last moment.

007 #6 ends the first Bond arc under Phillip Kennedy Johnson with a bang. The fighting is intense, and the ending satisfies with a new status quo and a surprise twist.

007: FOR KING AND COUNTRY #1 starts a new arc as a continuation of the previous arc where James Bond was all but beaten by the nefarious Myrmidon organization. Phillip Kennedy Johnson's writing is tighter and clearer, and a switch-up in the art team results in a visually-improved comic.

007: FOR KING AND COUNTRY #2 raises astronomical stakes, pitting the world's greatest spy against an enemy that appears to be in control of the entire world. The art and writing are gritty, dramatic, and cinematic in all the best ways.

007: FOR KING AND COUNTRY #3 elevates the story with an exceptional car chase, taut thrills, and clever storytelling. Phillip Kennedy Johnson is delivering one of the best Bond stories around.

007: FOR KING AND COUNTRY #4 delivers a tense, paranoia-filled issue designed to make James Bond (and the reader) second guess the intentions of everyone, effectively putting Bond on a razors edge. The potential for double-crosses will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the art is atmospheric.

78 MPH #1 is an excellent start to a post-apocalyptic sci-fi adventure. The premise is wholly original. The stakes and tension are cranked up to 11 almost immediately, and you can intuitively understand the motivations of every character with almost no introduction. The art lacks detail, but what the lines dont show is more than made up for with effective use of colors and shading to cast the new society in perpetual twilight.

78 MPH #2 is a humdinger of a second issue. The premise is already inventive, but the new developments here turn the world on its head. We cant wait to find out what happens next.

78 MPH #3 is a good ending to a highly imaginative sci-fi series. The art in this issue is the strongest yet, and the final moments end the series on a hopeful note. However, the story takes a few but large shortcuts from the first page to the last page, leaving you feeling like the creator rushed to get to the end when the story needed several more pages or a whole additional issue to end properly.

A. GUARDIAN #1 is a surprisingly rich start to a sword & sorcery fantasy story about a kingdom on the brink of war. The volume of information needed to flesh out the kingdoms and characters is presented in an entertaining, well-paced manner, and the art is excellent.

A.GUARDIAN #2 continues the tale of three kingdoms at war with an impressive volume of world- and character-building. However, the sheer volume of information leaves little room for visual action, and the pacing takes a big drop down in this issue.

A.GUARDIAN #3 expands the mythological world with history, mystery, and grand character development, elevated by excellent art. Unfortunately, the grand worlds development is dragged down by overwritten, tedious narration and dialog.

A KINGS VENGEANCE #1 offers a unique fable set in an unknown future where a King sacrifices everything to avenge his Queen and his son. The story is epic in scale and scope, delivered with expert efficiency. The creative art choices are incredibly unique, but the art style might take a little getting used to.

A KINGS VENGEANCE #2 is pure karmic carnage from beginning to end. The fights are devastatingly brutal, and you feel pulled along to revel in every second of the kings quest for revenge. This is the kind of comic where you cant wait to see what happens next.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #1 is an effectively creepy mystery about a doctor who finds himself the target of a serial killers attention. The story is a slow burn, but the brief moments of shock are potent, and Bunn peppers in breadcrumbs about the mystery with precision.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #2 is a super quick read that escalates the violence, the gore, and a palpable mood of dread. Part of the speed could be chalked up to scenes that linger a little too long, but if the point was to make you dread whats coming, this issue is a success.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #3 continues Dr. Nick Shaws descent into paranoid anxiety when the serial killer appears to be taunting him at every turn. The atmosphere of tension and dread is thick enough to touch, but the plot barely moves at a snails pace, leaving little to hold onto thats memorable beyond a feeling of tension.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #4 leans heavily on the gore and unsettling atmosphere to make you feel uncomfortable in all the right ways. however, the plot takes a very slow train to get anywhere, imposing a need for patience some readers may not be willing to give.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #5 returns from a four-month hiatus to deliver answers, gory shocks, and incredible mood. Mutti's art is fantastic for this material, and Bunn's imagination for horror is unparalleled in comics. That said, the decompression is a killer (*ahem*) because Bunn is taking a very long time to take very short steps.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #6 picks up the pace of the plot with chills, gore, and finally, some answers. Bunn's skill at delivering an atmosphere of dread is on-point, and Mutti's grimy art elevates Bunn's script considerably.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #7 envelops readers with a disturbing air of dread and madness. However, Bunn is taking a very, very, very slow train to wherever this story is headed. Andrea Muttis art adds to the creepiness with filth, grime, and blood, so this comic looks uncomfortable and feels uncomfortable, but not much happens.

A LEGACY OF VIOLENCE #8 is a creepy, grotesque entry in the horror series that finally drops clues about a larger conspiracy. Bunns atmospheric writing and Muttis gory art hit all the right notes in each scene. Unfortunately, the badly needed momentum created by this issue is immediately squashed by news of a hiatus until 2024.

ACTION COMICS #1021 is a well-written and well-paced skirmish between the super teams. The coloring takes top marks, but you may be lost if you haven't read the prior issue(s). This is a take or leave it recommendation.

ALL BLOSSOM ELECTRIC IN THE CITY OF BLACK MIRACLES exemplifies the arthouse indie experience in graphic novel form. The concepts are complex, the art is original, and the writing is mostly creative.

ALL GUTS, NO GLORY #1 takes the novel idea of government-sanctioned monster hunters to an intriguing place. Tedesco establishes the stakes and motivations with ease to give readers an underdog you can get behind almost immediately, and the art team shows off stellar art with plenty of gore.

ALL GUTS, NO GLORY #2 is a fun second chapter in the horror/action/romance mashup mini-series from Zenescope. The dialog and plot flow is incredibly organic and natural, the action is intense, the romance is surprisingly sweet, and the few jokey parts all land. If part 3 has the same level of quality, the entire run is a winner.

ALL GUTS, NO GLORY #3 is a memorable finale to a fun adventure that pays homage to the action/horror/comedy films of the 80s. The action is over-the-top fun, the characters are memorable, and the ending is satisfying while leaving the door open enough for a sequel or crossover with other Zenescope titles. This is a must-have for 80s horror fans that like a little black humor mixed in.

AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY MONSTERS (VOL. 2) #2 elevates run-of-the-mill horror anthologies by looking for strange, unusual takes on the classic monster motif. While one of the stories falls so far out of classic mosterdom that it doesnt qualify as a monster story at all, its entertaining nonetheless, and this anthology is a treat for anyone looking for high-concept horror.

AMERICAN MYTHOLOGY MONSTERS #1 gets high marks for telling tales about classic monsters with updated settings that give those legends a fresh coat of paint. Every short is satisfying, and the art is consistently excellent from every artist.

ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #1 begins the next volume in Xavier Dorison's take on Animal Farm, and the next stage of Miss B's revolution is a cinematic drama of the highest order. Dorison's script conveys a wealth of human emotion, while Delep's art captures every look with the grace of a master's painting.

ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #2 slows down the plot to deal with the emotional consequences of leading a rebellion. Unlike most breather issues, Xavier Dorison pulls you into the story with thought-provoking insight about the rebellion to come and the heartbreaking consequences of the past.

ANIMAL CASTLE (VOL. 2) #3 continues to impress with a painful but inspiring tale of allies engaged in peaceful resistance against an oppressive dictator. Xavier Dorisons story expertly captures the human need to be free and the heavy cost that need requires, while Flix Deleps art is amazingly poignant.

ANTARCTICA #1 begins a heartfelt, sci-fi tale about a daughter determined to find her father when he didnt return from a mission in Antarctica. Simon Birkss character development is outstanding, and the last-page twist is a banger.

ANTARCTICA #2 cranks up the urgency, action, energy, and danger when Hannah escapes her doppelgangers armed assault teams. Birks crafts a gritty, fast-paced thriller, and Robertss grounded, realistic art has a cinematic feel, but the downside is the too-quick leaps in logic to explain whats happening without information.

ANTARCTICA #3 turns up the cat-and-mouse tension as Hannah is forced into the enemys lair. Robertss art is dramatic and moody, and Birkss plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, but the plot developments may be too confusing for some readers to track.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #1 is an odd comic to wrap your head around. The art is fantastic on every level, and the technical execution of the writing is practically flawless. That said, the characters have no reason to exist other than to be odd, and being odd is not much of a reason to hook the reader.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #2 is a far superior issue compared to #1. The humor lands better through great comedic timing, pacing, and well-choreographed sight gags. If youre unsure about this series after issue #1, #2 may change your mind.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #3 is filled with stellar art and oodles of imagination. However, the humor falls flat in several spots unless youre an A&A aficionado and get the in-joke, and references to past arcs dont make sense because there are no editors notes.

ARCHER & ARMSTRONG FOREVER #4 is one of the strongest issues in the series with spectacular art and a game-changing ending. If Valiant can build on this new status quo, this will become one of the best books in Valiants lineup.

THE ARGUS #1 is an intriguing, trippy story about time travel and what could happen when the wrong traveler goes rogue. The head-spinning details are handled well, and the action set pieces are well-done, but an odd inconsistency in the art contradicts a major part of the story.

THE ARGUS #2 is an entertaining yet flawed time-travel adventure. The art quality is top-notch. The pacing and dialog are all on point, and the cliffhanger will keep you guessing. However, the main villains ability to elude capture doesnt make sense, and the character designs dont match the story.

THE ARGUS #3 takes the time-traveling adventure to weird and esoteric places when Randall takes a trip into Time itself. The plot is imaginative, and the art is generally good, but the plot twists make a fragile plot significantly more confusing, and the art choices increase the confusion.

THE ARGUS #4 ends the time travel adventure with big action, characters leveling up, significant art improvements, and a satisfying conclusion.

ARMORCLADS #1 is a solid first issue for Valiants latest sci-fi entry. The piece parts from all your familiar favorite science-fiction properties are present for a bug-hunting good time. That said, the plethora of familiar elements makes this first issue feel a little too familiar, reducing the originality factor. However, the familiar elements are still enjoyable and made more so with impressive art.

ARMORCLADS #2 is a great-looking comic, especially considering the chaotic jungle conditions, but the plot of the story is riddled with inconsistencies and contrived events to force the team to assemble. Pick up this comic for the visuals, but lower your expectations for a story that makes sense.

ARMORCLADS #3 is an uneven issue with strong action and character acting but odd plot points that arent effective. The creators add some variety by adding a fantasy element to keep the story unique, but the plot is on shaky foundations.

ARMORCLADS #4 is the strongest issue of the series so far, possibly because it doesnt try to build complex drama or make sense of political maneuverings. This issue takes all the toys out of the toybox and goes to town with one big battle. Turn your brain off, sit back, and enjoy.

ARMORCLADS #5 is a strong conclusion to the arc that leaves the door open for more exploration of this universe. The action is big, loud, and eye-popping, and the conclusion is relatively satisfying.

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS VS. REANIMATOR: NECRONOMICON RISING #1 is a super-solid start to a horror adventure that blends two great horror franchises with a pitch-perfect hook. The art is great, the character voices sound authentic to the actors, and the setup feels like a faithful homage to the films.

ARMY OF DARKNESS VS. REANIMATOR: NECRONOMICON RISING #2 leans into the gorefest that made each issue so popular with its fans. The tone of the two plots fits naturally, and the plot builds plenty of curiosity to find out what happens when these two horror icons finally meet.

ARMY OF DARKNESS VS. REANIMATOR: NECRONOMICON RISING #3 is a genre-bending take on Ash and Dr. West that leans into sci-fi more than horror for the latest leg of this adventure. The characters voices and actions remain intact, so theres an intriguing novelty to this chapter.

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS VS REANIMATOR: NECRONOMICON RISING #4 is a witty, creative, and exposition-heavy issue with enough action and plot development to elevate the story above a standard setup issue. The art is pristine, albeit a little too clean for a gore comic, and the ending hits with a shocking surprise.

ARMY OF DARKNESS VS. REANIMATOR: NECRONOMICON RISING #5 ends the limited series on a high note with energetic action, fast-paced story progression, and a shameless-yet-satisfying amount of fan service.

ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #1 seamlessly blends two great film properties to give us the crossover we never knew we needed. The action is kinetic, the quips come fast, and to answer the main mans question YES, I DIG IT!!!

ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #2 captures the sights, sounds, and the spirit of 1970s NYC ala The Warriors (1979) as Ash and his new friends make their way through a gauntlet of gangs and Deadites. The writing succeeds in capturing the look and feel of 70s NYC and the Ash Williams character equally well. And the art practically pumps tough-guy swagger into every panel.

ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #3 continues to deftly merge the Army of Darkness and Walter Hills The Warriors into the most amusing mashup in comicdom. The character voices are outrageously perfect, placing Ash and the Deadites in The Warriors storyline works better than you can imagine, and the story continues to surprise you with humor, action, and surprises.

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #4 gives readers plenty of backstory on the Necronomicon, a walk down memory lane of Ashs adventures, and a mildly amusing dance off gone wrong in the legendary Studio 54. The art team did a bang up job keeping the style consistent despite an artist change midway through, and the issue is okay overall, despite a lack of major story progress.

THE ARMY OF DARKNESS 1979 #5 concludes the run with supernatural battles in Central Park, turning tides, Yankees games, and Elvis appreciation talk(?). The story ends as weirdly wonderful as it began, although the story felt like it was in hurry up mode to get to the finish.

ATHENA: THE UNDYING (ONE-SHOT) takes the concept of royal vampires and drops straight into a fantasy world with robots and dinosaurs. The concepts are highly original, the acting and dialog are well done, and the character designs are fairly unique. That said, the pencils/inks hit a quality bump about midway through to throw the enjoyment factor off.

ATOM: THE BEGINNING (VOL. 1) is a must-have volume for Manga fans, especially Astro Boy fans. The action is intense, the mysteries are intriguing, and oodles of heart permeate every page.

ATOM: THE BEGINNING (VOL. 2) is the robot action/adventure with a heart you need to have in your life right now. Six is the robot with a kind heart that serves as the perfect underdog to get the readers on his side, and the action-packed robot battles are awesome.

ATOM: THE BEGINNING (VOL. 3) delivers another rock em, sock em action fest with robot fights, kidnappers, car chases, and exploding islands. That said, the pacing drags through the middle with overlong debates about AI, but once the action kicks in, the issue ends on a high note.

ATOM: THE BEGINNING (VOL. 4) delivers a big battle up front and delves into the theoretical concepts behind A.I. evolution for the majority of the volume. While the theoretical robotics debates are interesting for readers into science and tech, readers looking for some action may wind up tuning out.

ATOM: THE BEGINNING (VOL. 5) swells with robot action, heart, charm, and excitement. The introduction of U-Ran as Sixs little sister challenges both characters in new and exciting ways, resulting in a thoroughly entertaining and sometimes thought-provoking volume.

AUGUST: PURGATORY UNDERGROUND #1 is a crisp, efficient start to a sci-fi-themed war story with great art, great dialog, expert pacing, and a pitch-perfect plot.

AUGUST: PURGATORY UNDERGROUND #2 successfully merges the best of sci-fi action/adventure storytelling with the best of Bronze Age comic art. The plotting, pacing, and dialog are all excellent, and the art is practically perfect.

AUGUST: PURGATORY UNDERGROUND #3 is a dramatic, action-packed issue with high stakes and a classical blueprint for a heros journey. The pacing, dialog, and action are excellent, and the art exemplifies classical hero comics from the Bronze Age.

AUGUST: PURGATORY UNDERGROUND #4 ends the arc with a bare-fisted, no-holds-barred fight between August and Barren Siegan. The less is more approach to storytelling works when set up properly, and Morse sticks the landing in this epic sci-fi adventure.

AZZA THE BARBED #1 is an exceptionally strong start to a magical story about isolation caused by being different. The pacing, plot, and dialog are excellent, and the art suits the material well. As a bonus, the cliffhanger sets the stage for an impossible-to-guess outcome.

BANSHEES #1 is a promising start to a modern horror tale about a troubled freshman who starts her college year in a dorm with a history of gruesome murders. The urban legend elements, disturbing nightmares, and the main characters nightmares all combine for a chilling start. That said, the only thing holding this issue back is weak art.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #1 is a sincere, engaging start to the next chapter in the Hero of Love's legend. The writing is rock solid, and the art is exquisite.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #2 continues the adventures of the futures greatest liaison of love with smart, sharp writing and captivating art. The smoothness and clarity of the storytelling hit a few, small bumps that bring the rating down a bit compared to the first issue, but the net result is still one of the best titles Dynamite has on the market.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #3 contains the best character- and artwork youll find anywhere. This months adventure brings the titular character one step closer to confronting the mysterious big bad, and the story is full of surprises. That said, some of the surprises are either poorly explained or not explained at all, making for an uneven reading experience.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #4 strikes the right balance between whimsy and camp to produce another solid entry about the space warrior who saves lives with the power of love. The plot tells a self-contained story while slightly hinting at an overall arc, but the arc could use a little more forward progress. Once again, the art in this series is simply stunning.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #5 wraps up the mystery about a potential traitor, opens the door for much bigger players to enter the fight, and perhaps adds a new ally to Barbarellas team. While all the components are there for a great issue, Barbarellas characterization feels off and lacks the spark which made the first issues so intriguing. However, this is still the most gorgeous comic youll find on the market today.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #6 hits the PAUSE button on the main plot of the volume to build out the character of Vix. Side stories can be hit or miss, but Hoyt pulls this one off with charm, humor, and subverts expectations to successfully give the entire relationship between Barbarella and Vix double meaning. The art duties have changed, and while the output is not as impressive, its fine work for an entertaining issue overall.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #7 is a simpler but still excellent entry in the series with astoundingly gorgeous art, progress on the plot that reveals more about the Ladys origins, and dinosaurs! This issue is one of the better issues in the series and worth the cover price.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #8 is a spectacularly beautiful issue with an admittedly wonky story. While the wonkiest parts have some amusement factor, the pieces dont make much sense when put together. If youre a fan of this series, theres nothing off enough about this issue to turn you away, but this issue is one of the weaker story entries.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #9 is a serviceable issue to set up the finale. Theres plenty of exposition to define how the Lady thinks, and readers get a small tease about why the Lady hates Barbarella, but theres not much momentum going into the finale. Its all setup. However, the art is gorgeous and this entire run contains some of the best-looking art around.

BARBARELLA (VOL. 2) #10 is a solid-albeit-flawed end to the arc about the galaxys greatest lover and fighter for peace and justice. The art is immaculate, the action is exciting, all the blanks are filled in, and the ending concludes the arc cleanly. That said, the panel progression, in a few spots, was poorly executed, and the big reveal behind the Ladys motivation is paper-thin.

BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #1 begins Barbarellas next leg of her quest to end a cataclysmic war before it starts. Hoyt brings newer readers up to speed while peppering in adventure and new developments for seasoned readers. That said, theres a lot of exposition to get through, the tone has grown dramatically campier, and the art, good as it is, doesnt match the art quality from the previous arc.

BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #2 shifts away from the surreal nuttiness of issue #1 into an introduction of a disparate group of rebels facing a monstrous threat. The story fills in many blanks concerning the Architects, and the artwork is excellent.

BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #3 swerves (again) away from the heavy talk of genocide and slavery in the second issue to a roaring space adventure in issue #3. The action is thrilling, the dialog is peppy, and the plot developments are imaginative. Overall, this issue is a solid space adventure in a strangely inconsistent arc.

BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #4 brings Barbarella and her friends to the doorstep of the Unnameable for a confrontation you won't see coming. The story is imaginative, and the art looks great, so if you like sci-fi that isn't afraid to get weird, you're in for a good time.

BARBARELLA: THE CENTER CANNOT HOLD #5 brings the latest series to a close with a desperate plan to stop the Architects. The ending is a bit anticlimactic but consistent with Barberallas way of doing things, and the art is outstanding.

BATTLECATS: TALES OF VALDERIA #3, available from Mad Cave Studios on June 10th, is a strong setup issue for future tales. The artwork is gorgeous and the depth of history is impressive. If Mad Cave keeps turning out books with this level of quality, I'll be sticking with this series for a long time.

BATTLE CHASERS #10 forces Garrision and Red Monika to run for their lives from a squad of deadly hunters for a nail-biter of an issue. The story delivers heaps of action laced with dramatic nuance and tension. As a bonus, Lullabi's art is phenomenal.

BATTLE CHASERS #11 gives fans of action/adventure everything they want in a comic dangerous beasts, epic battles, gritty drama, powerful emotion, amazing art, and jaw-dropping surprises. This issue is a winner.

BATTLE CHASERS #12 gives you everything you want in an action/fantasy game adaptation with big fights, dramatic tension, plot progression, stakes, and character development. Madureiras script is all the more impressive for the number of subplots that get equal time to shine, and Lulabis art is exquisite.

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #1 drops readers right into the heart of drama and action in a story filled with complex emotions and noble intentions. The art is some of the best Mad Cave has to offer, and the ending promises an epic journey to come.

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #2 is a fine example of world- and character-building with rich backstories. The art is some of the best Mad Cave is putting out, and the setup promises big things for what comes next.

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #3 is nuanced, complex, mature, emotional storytelling. The character designs and battles are excellent, the characters interactions are relatably human, and the plot progression builds on the story in meaningful ways for a truly epic story. This is one of the best Mad Cave titles out right now, and one of the best among many publishers as well.

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #4 takes the defeat and grief from the last volume and turns it around to ignite a spark of optimism that evil will be defeated. London wisely pares down the plethora of threads to give the story more room to focus and breathe, and the art is simply the best of everything Mad Cave is offering right now.

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #5 is a great example of an issue that plants seeds to build anticipation for big changes in the near future. The story beats, pacing, and emotional plot points are all excellent. The art builds on the emotion of the writing and pulls off gritty, bare-knuckled action. Theres a lot to like in this dramatic and mature chapter in the volume.

BATTLECATS (VOL.3) #6 isnt a deep, psychological, thought-provoking issue, but its oh so satisfying because the bad guy has earned his beating, and this issue delivers. Londons writing makes sure the players are right where they need to be with just enough explanation to make the impossible gathering make sense. And, Camelo and Tekino leave all their artistic talents on the field of battle. This was a great issue.

BATTLECATS (VOL. 3) #7 is an exemplary ending for an exemplary run. The battle is epic in scale but gives each Battlecat a moment to shine. The battles conclusion is filled with revelations and emotional, as well as physical, conflict. And, the bittersweet ending provides all the good feelings you could want in the last goodbye.

BEASTO BLANCO: SPACEWAVE CONQUEST (ONE-SHOT) is the type of gimmick comic most bands can only dream of getting. The writing is clever and amusing, the action is fast-paced and exciting, and the conclusion highlights the bands talents while using music in a way that makes sense to save the day.

BECSTAR #1, available from Mad Cave Studios on May 5th, 2021 (pre-order on February 24th), expertly introduces a cavalcade of characters for a new space pirate adventure. The writing is well-paced and fleshes out new characters quickly to get readers right into the story. The art is good but lacks dramatic punch. I would recommend you give this book a try.

BECSTAR #2 has a plethora of action, emotion, and plot development. Unfortunately, the cartoonish art detracts from the drama and overall impact of the story.

BECSTAR #3 started off with space adventure promise but the central plot is showing unavoidable flaws. When you add on stylized art that doesn't suit the story, this title is starting to wear out its welcome.

BECSTAR #4 has some fun action and tense space battles that will satisfy fans of the series. While some of the sizable plot holes arent addressed (and perhaps never will be), the setup at the end promises a big showdown to cap the series.

BECSTAR #5 caps an original arc that showed a lot of initial promise, but persistent plot holes and a confusing ending put a damper on any potential. The rough ending combined with the mismatched art makes this a not recommended issue and series.

BEDTIME STORIES FOR IMPRESSIONABLE CHILDREN #1 is exactly that, a collection of odd and amusing stories for kids of all ages. The writing and art styles vary wildly from entry to entry, but they all possess a unique charm that makes this a wholesome read with a hint (a very small hint) of horror for the Halloween season.

BLIT & VALERIA #1 is an unexpected take on the titular characters, based on Robert E. Howards works. The story feels like a typical Sword & Sorcery adventure, but the personalities are unusual. The art is excellent, and the art team injects plenty of personality into the characters to keep the readers engaged, even if the characters seem slightly out of place for the setting and the source material.

BELIT & VALERIA #2 is another odd entry in the series with fantastic art and an interesting central premise. Unfortunately, the comic suffers from tedious narration, lettering problems, and a wildly inconsistent tone.

BLIT & VALERIA #3 is almost an impossible book to recommend. The character designs are interesting, and the color pops, but the vast majority of the writing is nonsensical gibberish.

BLIT & VALERIA #4 is a mild improvement over the previous issue with amazing art and substantial progress on the plot that increases the stakes considerably. That said, the biggest flaw that verges on catastrophic is the writing. If you ignore the words, this comic is decent.

BELIT & VALERIA #5 brings the current conflict with Borg to a close with eye-popping art and a brisk reading pace. However, Bemiss dialog and narration are often bloated, chaotic ramblings that attempt to sound like witty prose but end up like flowery nonsense.

BELLE: HEADLESS HORSEMAN put Belle to the test by forcing her to use her mind over her muscle. The action is power-packed and the conclusion opens the door for more conflict with a coven of ditzy witches, but the exposition gets ponderously heavy in the third act. Otherwise, this is a great treat for the Halloween season.

BELLE: SIRENS is filled with great art and pulse-poundings action but there are so many details left out of the story that it feels like action pieces stringed together without any connective tissue to tell a complete story.,

BELLE: FROM BEYOND ticks all the right boxes for a predictably solid Belle adventure that seamlessly blends the Zenescope universe with Lovecraftian lore. The monster designs are creative, the action is well done, and the art looks great.

BELLE: WAR OF THE GIANTS furthers Belles adventures into uncharted areas while taking last weeks middling Jack & Jill introduction and improving on it. Franchini impresses by filling in a tremendous amount of backstory naturally and seamlessly blending two titles into an original adventure. The issue is elevated by fantastic visuals from the art team.

BELLE: RETURN OF SCYLLA is a solid story with tons of action. The plot leans into Greek mythology with interesting Easter EGgs and cameos, and the art is rife with energy. That said, the non-stopper chatter from the main character slows the pacing to a crawl and is almost bad enough to be a deal breaker for finishing this book.

BELLE: LABYRINTH is a standard adventure with standard action and a standard outcome that moves the larger arc forward a step or two. The technical execution is solid, but the issue lacks drama or stakes.

BELLE: DEEP FREEZE ruins Belles Thanksgiving Dinner (in the best way) with a thrilling, action-packed, visually exciting rematch between Belle and the Winter Maiden. The central premise, plotting, and pacing are fantastic, barring the excessive inner monologue from the main character, and the art is gorgeous.

BELLE: QUEEN OF SERPENTS picks up after a previous adventure against the Serpent King, forcing Belle to fight for her life and to wrestle with a moral dilemma. When heroes are faced with challenges that have no easy answers, thats the heart of good storytelling and drama. The excellent writing is paired with very good art to make for an extremely solid one-shot.

BELLE: ANCIENT INSTINCTS takes a break from the Year of Lovecraft with an oversized-yet-standard monster-hunting story sending Belle off against the first werewolf. Theres plenty of action and more than plenty of Belles trademark chattiness, but theres a little too much fluff padding out a standard monster-hunting issue.

BELLE: HUNT OF THE CENTAURS is an entertaining side quest that builds out Belles world, develops Centaur culture, and foretells things to come. The art is excellent, and the story holds your attention, but the narration can be excessive at times.

BELLE: THE SHAPE OF FEAR adds fresh realms to explore for the perennial beast hunter with surreal landscapes, nightmarish monsters, and a whole lot of talking (naturally). That said, this issue falls short of satisfying because it asks more questions than it answers.

BELLE: KING OF SERPENTS, available from Zenescope Entertainment on April 28th, 2021, is a straightforward and satisfying chapter in the Belle canon. Despite the monster-of-the-month motif and a fairly predictable ending, this was a fun popcorn issue.

BELLE: SCREAM OF THE BANSHEE gives readers a dead-solid monster story as Belle hunts a mythic creature. Surprisingly, the star of the issue is the Banshee who serves as a tragic figure with a dramatic backstory. The art is great, and the story will stick with you as an above-average setup for things to come.

BELLE: THUNDER OF GODS, available from Zenescope Entertainment on March 24th, 2021, is a tried and true action story from one of Zenescope's beloved heroes. The art is great, the story makes sense within Belle's world of Beasts, and as long as you pay attention to the time jumps, this is an entertaining issue.

BELLE: DRAGON CLAN is the type of all-out brawling action so sorely missed from the modern crop of action comics. The art is solid, the pacing is brisk, and this issue successfully executes on telling part of the story through the fight. If these one-shots can pick up the pace on Belle finding herself and her inner confidence, this will become a top-notch collection.

BELLE: KILL ZONE is a mixed bag of cool ideas and cool scenes, but too much of the story is left out to get it to fit in the number of pages allowed, and the art is wildly inconsistent. This is a great one-shot if youre only focused on the setup for future potential, but as a stand-alone offering, this is not one of Zenescopes better offerings.

BELLE ANNUAL #25 tells you (almost) everything you ever wanted to know about Belles lineage, her friends, and her family during a deadly hunt hosted by the god Artemis. Readers get plenty of information and plenty of action but the creators may have bitten off more than they can chew by trying to tackle too much story all at once. The annual looks, great despite a cadre of artists working on the book, and the issue finishes with a serviceable ending.

BELLE ANNUAL: DEPTHS OF TARTARUS brings Belles year-long adventure to free her mother from Hell to a close. The art is excellent, and Belles emotionally-charged moments with her mother are powerful. However, Belle sometimes feels like a lesser player in a larger drama between the gods, and the overall comic lacks big wow moments.

BEN MORTARA AND THE THIEVES OF THE GOLDEN TABLE #1 is a solid start to an Indiana Jones-styled adventure under Source Points new Maggid Comics imprint, spotlighting Jewish stories from Jewish creators. The adventure feels Biblical (literally) and the pacing is brisk, but a few flaws in the character introductions and actions bring the score down.

BETTIE PAGE #1 is a charming, silly, baudy start to an imaginary tale in the life of the seminal pinup queen. The writing is lighthearted fun, and the art flows with the tropical breezes. This is a great choice for Bettie Page fans of all ages.

BETTIE PAGE #1 captures the vibe and charm of a classic hijinks film from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Andolfo and Blengino nail Bettie's personality, and the plot is mysterious but light enough to be fun.

BETTIE PAGE (Vol. 4) #5, available from Dynamite Comics on January 27th, 2021, caps the current run by solving all the mysteries (that were already solved) in Bettie's signature style. The story is ridiculous in a clever way and the art projects that classic Hollywood feel. If you're a fan of classic comedies, Bettie Page, or just some silly fun, this is a recommendation.

BETTIE PAGE #2 stops a brief kidnapping attempt and frees the gang to begin a lengthy series of montage flashbacks to explain everything happening. Normally, all-exposition issues are a downer, but the backstory is interesting, and the way its presented is visually fun, so this issue is a keeper.

BETTIE PAGE (VOL. 6) #3 brings Bettie Page and Lisa Cosmi closer to reuniting the unlikely love birds or playing out a Shakespearean tragedy with a lighthearted, amusing comedy of mobster hijinks. The story and tone capture the best of Golden Age Hollywood films, and the art is a perfect complement to the story.

BETTIE PAGE: THE ALIEN AGENDA #1 is a light, fun, smart take on the worlds most (in)famous photo model and secret agent. Ani-Mias character work for this version of Bettie is spot on, the story is smart yet believable, and Celors art is astronomically better than what weve seen from him in the past. This is an excellent start.

BETTIE PAGE: THE ALIEN AGENDA #2 is a solid entry in the series that accomplishes a lot and incorporates fun challenges for Bettie Page to overcome. That said, theres more story than pages and some of the scenes felt rushed.

BETTIE PAGE: THE ALIEN AGENDA #3 is a fine issue in the series with cool challenges, interesting use of mythology in a modern context, and much better pacing than issue #2. That said, there were a few scene switches lacking setup or transition, and the art fell short in depicting the intricacies of the traps.

BETTIE PAGE: THE ALIEN AGENDA #4 is a fine entry in the series, with decent art, much-improved pacing, a little bit of fun in the sun, and a brain teaser to keep you occupied until the next issue. The light fun lacks tension in both the writing and art, but its still a pleasant read.

BETTIE PAGE: THE ALIEN AGENDA #5 is a pleasant and hopeful end to Betties alien-chasing adventure. The art is the strongest weve seen from Celor, and Ani-Mia incorporates a clever twist into the reveal. However, the issue is almost all talking and very little visual storytelling, so the pacing and energy are lacking.

BETTIE PAGE: THE CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #1 is the smart, fun, sassier version of The X-Files starring America's favorite pin-up. The writing, particularly the sharp, witty banter, is excellent, and the art is clean and slick. This is not your grandpa's Bettie Page story, but it 1,000% works.

BETTIE PAGE: CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #2 takes readers on a wild ride with monsters, rumbles, and secret caves. Despite the lack of anything that feels like a Bettie Page comic, this was a fun read.

BETTIE PAGE: CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #3 is filled with chills, spills, and thrills. The art is excellent, and the story holds your attention, but the only thing lacking in this Bettie Page comic is Bettie Page.

BETTIE PAGE: CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #4 is a proper horror comic reminiscent of the drive-in spooky films of the 1950s. However, the plot in this issue is paper-thin, making almost no progress on the arc, and theres nothing particularly Bettie Page-like about the main character.

BETTIE PAGE: CURSE OF THE BANSHEE #5 is a proper end to an authentic homage to 50s Drive-In monster movies. The art is phenomenal, and the arc ends with a mostly satisfying conclusion. That said, some of the action happens off-panel, so the ending is not as satisfying as it could have been.

BEWARE THE WITCHS SHADOW: NIGHT FRIGHTS #1 is a sometimes amusing, sometimes unsettling collection of shorts exploring horrific consequences for individuals who have bad habits or bad behavior. Not all the stories are equally memorable, but they all have something to say, give you something interesting to read, and entertain you for a spell.

BEWARE THE WITCHS SHADOW: WINTER SPECIAL is a sometimes humorous, sometimes soulful, and frequently enjoyable horror anthology. Each short has a strong emotional theme that offers something for a wide range of tastes, the variety of art styles pair well with their respective shorts, and the endings are largely satisfying.

BEYOND THE BEYOND #1 is a gorgeous and astounding first issue in the latest space mystery from Scout. The setup achieves just the right amount of mystery to grab your attention, the main character is instantly likable, and the art is pristine.

BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR: WARRIORS OF ZANDAR #1 is a pristine example of taking classic science fiction stories and building on them to bring readers something both fresh and familiar. The action sequences are great. The alien designs are creative. And the writing drops readers right in the middle of the adventure with a minimal amount of confusion or exposition.

BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR: WARRIORS OF ZANDAR #2 is an entertaining mix of brains, brawn, and pulpy sci-fi action. The writing hits a perfect sweet spot for classic serial adventure lovers. The callbacks to classic Edgar Rice Burroughs stories organically fit the material and even builds on them. And the art is chock full of imaginative creature designs and fast, powerful action.

BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR: WARRIORS OF ZANDAR #3 is a fast-paced, action-packed, meaty entry in the mini-series. Wolfers writing remains true to the ERB source material while providing a fun action/adventure. Ranaldi, Hesli, and Jane are turning out pristine work with designs and sets that capture the alien spirit of the material while injecting the script with adrenaline-fueled action.

BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR: WARRIORS OF ZANDAR #4 is a strong finale to a classic sci-fi adventure. Wolfers writing steps on the gas and doesnt let up with high-energy pacing, solid dialog, plenty of actions, and perfect resolution to the conflict. The art is largely gorgeous. thanks to Heslis expert coloring.

BEYOND THE FARTHEST STAR CHRONICLES #1 is a wonderful adaptation of a classic writers work. If youre an ERB fan, this is a must-have. If youre a fan of classic space pulp adventure, this is a must-have. And, if youre a fan of legendary comics creators like Wolfman, Chaykin, and Green this is a must-have.

BIG GAME #1 bills itself as the crossover event of the Summer, and that it is. The issue is filled with dense references to oodles of Millarworld characters and titles to make Millar fans happy but accessible enough to be an exciting read for new readers. Top it all off with Pepe Larrazs stellar art, and this crossover is a winner.

BIG GAME #2 puts the BIG in BIG GAME when Dr. Crane and the Chrononauts visit 1986 to confirm superheroes existed, suffering massive consequences for their curiosity. Pepe Larrazs art is spectacular, and Millars script is as BIG as it gets.

BIG GAME #3 keeps getting bigger as The Fraternitys plans to eradicate all heroes continue, but all hope is not lost. Mark Millars super-tight plot and super-sharp wit make this comic a thoroughly entertaining read, and Pepe Larrazs art crackles with energy.

BILAL: LEGENDS OF TODAY, available now from Titan Comics, uses mystical man as a common thread to explore what would happen with the social and political ills of life when the “common man” is given the power to negate elitist power in all its forms. It's a deep and thought-provoking example of using the comic medium to explore the philosophy of everyday life and what it means to control your own destiny.

BIRTHRIGHT #45 is an adrenaline-pumping, visually fascinating issue in the series. The story has great character interactions with a lot of heart as everyone races to the goal, and the artwork practically glows.

BLACK COTTON #4 takes a difficult topic and treats it with honesty. Its honest because it doesnt treat any character as a monolith, and it takes time to create characters that are as messy and complicated as we all are in real life.

BLACK COTTON #5 continues taut, complex, dramatic writing about a police shooting that parallels (sometimes uncomfortably) real-world events without picking sides, letting the characters actions speak for themselves. Adding in the previous plot thread about a grudge with the Keshinomi family works as a stand-alone story, but the two threads dont quite mesh, making for a strange clash of stories in the same issue.

BLACK COTTON #6 is a thoughtful case study about rage in all its forms and flavors when a series of events brings the city to a boiling point. The story is thought-provoking, the sequence of events is original yet familiar to our world, and creators wisely shine a light on every side of the conflict to let the reader make up their own mind about what they would do in the same situation.

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #1 kicks off a new series in the Blade Runner franchise with a new hunt for a prototype replicant led by the worlds first replicant Blade Runner. The visual aesthetic and story setup feel right at home in the Blade Runner universe, but the plot and main character feel too similar to previous arcs to generate excitement.

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #2 significantly builds on the first issue with mysterious tidbits surrounding Luvs investigation into Selwyns research. The art is gorgeous, mystery tidbits amp up the curiosity considerably, and the creators show signs of presenting a radically different protagonist than implied in the first issue.

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #3 embodies the strongest aspects of detective noir from the original film in the best way possible. The story hits you rapid fire with twists, turns, and revelations to keep Ash on her toes, and every character has something to hide, so youre constantly guessing what will happen next. Coupled with fantastically authentic art, this issue is a winner.

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #4 delivers a super-tight cat-and-mouse story as Luv and Ash try to outmaneuver each other for possession of Selwyn's research. However, the big story here is the secret within the research, and it's a game changer for this arc and the entire Blade Runner franchise.

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #5 is a smaller, quieter issue that miraculously manages to increase the stakes, tension, and moral conundrums. The art team delivers grounded, emotional art, and the cliffhanger ending adds tons of emotional weight to Ashs mission.

BLADE RUNNER 2039 #6 ramps up the urgency and layers of dramatic tension as Rash proves her worth as a detective and Ash gets into increasingly hotter water. Johnsons writing execution and Guinaldos art are excellent, but the number of twists and turns in the plot is becoming unwieldy.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #1, available from Titan Comics on March 3rd, 2021, brings a new corner of the Blade Runner universe to life in a way the feels familiar and completely fresh at the same time. The detailed art perfectly catches the melancholy tone, and the story makes for a great start to an enthralling detective drama.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #2, available from Titan Comics on January 13th, 2021, exemplifies the best in hard-boiled detective crime noir, fitting perfectly in the Blade Runner universe. The art is sharp and emotive, and the writing keeps the reader invested through every page.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #3, available from Titan Comics on March 10th, 2021, keeps the reader squarely immersed in the Blade Runner universe and adds a terrifying new development in the replicants development. The art is gorgeous and expressive, and the story hits all the right beats for a futuristic detective noir story.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #4, available from Titan Comics on April 8th, 2021, escalates the stakes of the story tenfold by initiating a plan with devastating consequences for Los Angeles. The art is thoughtful in its small moments awe-inspiring in the big ones. The replicant revolution has begun.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #5 combines thrilling action, wow revelations, and even greater potential for the future of Blade Runners. The art is kinetic yet grounded, and the story ends on an enticing cliffhanger.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #6 has plenty of great art, action, and forward movement in the story. However, the writers are keeping readers in the dark about Yotuns master plan a little too long, and the wait is hurting the dramatic tension of the story.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #7 flawlessly executes big ideas and big revelations in a surprisingly small amount of space for maximum impact. The character development in this issue is top-notch, and the art is gorgeous. This is a recommended pick for the week.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #8 answers key questions about Yotuns longevity and his plans for Los Angeles. The action is gritty and tense, and this issue contains some of the best art in the series so far. Despite only mild movement on the plot, this was a generally satisfying issue and worth the read.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #9 has outstanding art and a complex drama centered around the advent of a replicant Civil War. While the shift from the last issue to this one somewhat deflates the threat level and effectiveness of the main villain, the drama is still very much compelling.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #10 isnt the start of a new arc but it has the feel of a new chapter as a mystery is uncovered relating to Yotuns master plan. The pacing is brisk, the art is outstanding, and the cliffhanger ending infuses a little bit of welcome fan service for longtime Blade Runner fans.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #11 puts everyone in a bad spot for the penultimate issue in the series, promising a satisfying ending for all involved with one issue to go. The art is great, and the story has some intriguing developments, but the issue lacks any sense of building momentum. This is a good issue in a good series, but it lacks a sense of impending purpose to become a great one.

BLADE RUNNER 2029 #12 concludes the mystery and the series with a thought-provoking ending. While the ending is clean and addresses the major open threads from the series, it feels small and mildly underwhelming. Regardless of the power (or lack thereof) in the story, the art has been consistently great from first issue to the last.

BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS #1 is a better-than-average start for a new Blade Runner adventure. The setup and character introductions are rock solid, as is the art. That said, the desert town setting and absence of detective noir mood make this story feel like a Cowboy Western rather than a Blade Runner series.

BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS #2 is a superior entry compared to issue #1 as the storys stakes and drama bloom exponentially. The action is intense, the dramatic moments drip with tension, and the action is well-choreographed.

BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS #3 is a fast-paced, action-packed issue to keep you on the edge of your seat almost from start to finish. However, Elles reversion to a killing machine happened too quickly, so you begin to see Elle as a plot device rather than a character with complex feelings.

BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS #4 ends the arc somewhere between a whimper and a bang. The loose ends are all tied up, but a few old points, and a strange new one, are brought up and resolved too quickly to feel organic to the story.

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #1, available from Titan Comics on March 10th, is a fairly standard detective noir story that benefits from the Easter eggs, bells, and whistles of the Blade Runner universe. The art is precisely atmospheric for the source material, and the snappy writing keeps the reader engaged.

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #2, available from Titan Comics on March 24th, 2021, keeps the artwork high and turns the excellent writing up a little higher. But for the slightly jarring gap between the end of the first issue to the start of this one, this would be a near-perfect issue.

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #3, available from Titan Comics on April 21st, 2021, does the minimum amount of movement to keep the story interesting and drops one heck of a mystery reveal. The pulpy art loads in tons of atmosphere, and the revelation has broad implications for the remainder of the arc.

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #4, available from Titan Comics on May 19th, 2021, pumps up the action with an extended chase scene that finds the main character finally taking on the Blade Runner role. Despite the sprinting pace, the story covers a lot of ground and ends with a surprising reveal.

BLADE RUNNER: ORIGINS #5 turns down the momentum on the hunt for the Nexus 5 to build up more character moments between the cast of characters. While the moments (and the art) are very well done, the plots pace and lack of information about the mystery surrounding the Nexus 5 are slowing down too much to hold the readers interest for much longer.

BLADE RUNNER: ORIGINS #6 drops heavy doses of hints to correlate the replicant uprising with (possibly) class struggles and trans rights. The potential for thought-provoking ideas are all present, but it remains to be seen if the mysterys execution can live up to the message(s). The art is flawlessly neo-noir and dramatic, so youll thoroughly enjoy the look of this book, even if youre not quite sold on the mystery yet.

BLADE RUNNER: ORIGINS #7 is filled with surprises and satisfying reveals, but the constantly shifting focus feels like the story doesnt know where its going. That said, theres plenty of cool art and cool reveals to keep the reader engaged as long as readers are invested simply for the cool factor.

BLADE RUNNER: ORIGINS #8 is a breather issue that takes full advantage of the break from the main arc to give readers a ton of thrilling action while filling in bits of story through the fight. The art is outstanding, and the writing is well-paced, but the central, nagging plot point that frustratingly remains unanswered is why would Dr. Kine do what she did?

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #9 gives readers an all-out battle as Stahl seeks to bury the truth of her project forever. The action is fast-paced and tight. The exposition builds out the lore more than it reveals the answers to the mystery. And, the cliffhanger finish is strong.

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #10 works for answering long-standing questions surrounding the mysteries in the series. The reveals are well-executed, albeit a mixed bag in terms of satisfaction for an assortment of reasons. You can feel the series is moving towards a formal conclusion, so well see if the remaining few questions get their due.

BLADE RUNNER ORIGINS #11 is an excellent penultimate issue in the series with a daring plan to end the Tyrrell Corporations destructive ways. The plan has a bait-and-switch ending you wont see coming for a pleasant surprise, and the art team keeps the energy high with non-stop action.

BLADE RUNNER: ORIGINS #12 is a finale that says a lot of goodbyes and packs in the emotion but fails to conclude some critical plot points left hanging since the start of the series. You cant say the creators didnt have enough time or issues to bring the series to a full resolution, so despite some amazing art from Dagnino, this finale falls short.

BLITZ (VOL. 1) is a banger of a story using chess as the backdrop for a classic Heros Journey. The character work is excellent, the pacing and plotting are spot-on, and the art captures the excitement and drama of a well-played chess match to engage even the most novice of readers.

BLITZ (VOL. 2) amazingly turns chess into a thrilling, dramatic, action-filled Manga. Biscay and Mori build layer upon layer of interpersonal conflict and dramatic tension, and Nishihara's depiction of sword fights makes every match a thrill ride.

BLOOD ON SUNSET #1 mixes classic detective noir with supernatural monsters for an intriguing story about a gangsters murder that may get a private investigator in hot water. The mood and tone of a classic detective noir story are captured precisely, the art layers on heaps of smoky atmosphere, and the supernatural elements are blended in seamlessly for a unique brand of historical fiction.

BLOOD ON SUNSET #2 continues to pull off a high-quality detective noir story with monsters. The art is smokey, moody, and atmospheric. All the elements for a good detective story are present. And while the nature of the monsters is vague enough to be slightly confusing, theres a lot to like in this second issue.

BLOOD ON SUNSET #3 is a rock-solid entry in the series with a sultry atmosphere, monstrous action, and a serviceable amount of character development. The rough, scratchy art complements the tone of the story, and while the lack of information about the nature of the monsters is frustrating, enough tidbits are dropped in this issue to keep things moving forward.

BLOOD ON SUNSET #4 is the strongest issue in the series. DAnnas writing fills in critical blanks in the arc, puts the main character in an increasingly desperate situation, and ends with a twist youll kick yourself for not expecting. The excellent writing is complemented by equally excellent art for a mashup that works as both a period piece as well as a supernatural tale of horror.

BLOOD ON SUNSET #5 is a solid semi-ending to the arc with the killers big reveal that makes complete sense in hindsight. The vibe of a classic detective noir story comes through loud and clear, and the art team pulled out all the stops to present a dusty city as darkness falls.

BLOOD, SKULLS, AND CHROME #3 is an excellent entry in the biker gang crime thriller sub-genre. That threat of danger keeps the tension on high at all times. The pacing and feeling of momentum towards a collision feel palpable. And, the art is generally good.

BLOODBORNE: THE BLEAK DOMINION #1 returns to Yharnam to find Luciens thirst for revenge, leading him down a dark path. Bunns scripting is tighter, sharper, and more focused, and Kowalskis art keeps getting better.

BLOODBORNE: THE LADY OF THE LANTERNS #1 is a strong start to a horror series and well above-average for a video game adaptation. The star of this inaugural issue is Bunns brutally efficient and effective writing that brings readers into the Bloodborne world without the need for foreknowledge of the video game or extensive setup. The art teams work is good albeit weak in a few spots.

BLOODBORNE: THE LADY OF THE LANTERNS #2 is an effective horror comic about the loss of faith and what a priest will do in a moment of last resort. The ragged art suits the ragged hopelessness of the churchs congregants, and Bunns writing plays up the feelings of desperation. Strangely, this second issue barely has anything to do with the preceding issue, so it feels like a one-shot instead of another entry in a series.

BLOODBORNE: THE LADY OF THE LANTERNS #3 finally starts pulling the pieces together when Vivian and Luciens father returns, only to be met with heartbreak. The Ladys latest brute is a terrifying monster, and the heart-wrenching deaths are haunting.

BLOODBORNE: THE LADY OF THE LANTERNS #4 ends the arc (maybe?) with a climactic battle between the hunters, the possessed citizens of Yharnam, and the monstrous Lady of the Lanterns. The action is fierce and sure to be a crowd-pleaser for fans of the video game, but the open ending is a little too open-ended, leaving you to wonder if anything was accomplished.

BLOODSHOT #10, available from Valiant Entertainment on January 13th, 2021, is a surprisingly good jumping on point for new readers to get to know the titular character. To catch readers up, the exposition and dialog gets a little heavy, but there's more than enough action to keep the pace moving. This issue a n excellent start to a promising story arc. I strongly recommend this book.

BLOODSHOT #11 takes the very present issues of political division and toxic patriotism, ramps it up to 11, and wraps it in a sci-fi action piece. The art is gorgeous, but the story was a little hard to follow in spots due to Rampage's over-the-top rantings. It's a solid issue, albeit not as good as #10.

BLOODSHOT #12, available from Valiant Entertainment on March 10th, 2021, concludes the arc with excellent art and a somewhat satisfying conclusion. Despite an out-of-place depiction of the president and a scientific explanation that's anything but, this was a mostly enjoyable finale.

BLOODSHOT: UNLEASHED #1 is a hard-hitting first issue. The art is spectacular, Camps writing gives you all the information you need effectively through the action, and the setup for the arc gets right to the point to pull you in.

BLOODSHOT: UNLEASHED #2 is another winning entry in the series with a surprisingly heartbreaking story that forces Bloodshot to battle an unstoppable robot while he tries to ignore the pleading, fearful visage of his son. The action is big, loud, and gruesome, and Camps scavenger hunt plot works well enough, but the heartache in this issue is the selling point.

BLOODSHOT: UNLEASHED #3 takes a break from the arc for an above-average breather issue that teams the titular character with X-O Manowar to root out an alien monster. The art is next-level bloody, the character acting is spot-on, and Camps delicate handling of corrupted faith is commendable.

BLOODSHOT: UNLEASHED #4 ends the arc and the series with a battle of strength and will between two damaged soldiers. The personal anguish of each soldier resonates loud and clear, and the replacement artists work is commendable. However, the narrative flow of the plot is super confusing at times, and the ending simply stops the series without any resolution.

BLOWTORCH #4 is a gritty, violent crime thriller, in the vein of Parker, that hits the right machismo nerve. The artwork is above-average for B&W, the character work is brutally efficient, and the action is savage. this is a recommended pick.

BOOK OF SHADOWS #1 is a solid beginning to a multi-hero crossover event when the world is threatened by a supernatural villain bent on controlling the world. Bunns writing is clean, efficient, organic, and imaginative. The art is very good but lacks the finesse that made the previous Shadowman series stand out.

BOOK OF SHADOWS #2 is a fine entry in the series with well-crafted flashbacks and exposition that give readers the history of Exarch Fane and his plans for the world. The art is good, and the writing execution is excellent, but the minor drawback is how small the story feels compared to the threat presented.

BOOK OF SHADOWS #3 is a solid entry in the crossover event that pushes the world closer to an eternal Hell. The monster designs are cool, and the action is fierce, but the main villains motivations are weak, and the action feels small in spots.

BOOK OF SHADOWS #4 ends the crossover event with a simple, straightforward brawl that saves the world and puts all the characters back where they were. While the story feels complete with very good art, nothing memorable happens, and the overall conclusion feels small.

BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY: THE BOOK OF DEMONS is the best one-shot spinoff of the series so far. The story gives more room to the magical elements, creates a compelling conflict with clear stakes, and ends on a satisfying note that leaves the door open for more adventures to come.

BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY: GHOSTS AND DEMONS tells a complete story that fleshes out all the characters from the original series and sets the stage for future conflict. While the story is complete and the art is excellent, the story feels like it needed an extra 20 pages to not feel as rushed as it does here.

BOUNTIFUL GARDEN #1 is a strange twist on Alien (1979) with kids for the crew and horror thats possible based on plants. While the pacing is good and story beats are familiar in a positive way, the new story points are odd and not well-explained yet.

BOUNTIFUL GARDEN #2 has some creepy plot developments and equally creepy art, but the creative choices between the tone of the story, the characters, and the art style dont mesh well. The end result is a comic that doesnt seem to know what it wants to be. Theres promise in this title, but it needs to sort itself out.

BOUNTIFUL GARDEN #3 is an effectively chilling creature feature that amps up the paranoid tension on every page, making you feel like something is about to jump out of the dark at any second. While the fundamental premise is distractingly odd, this issue is the strongest and most emotionally effective of the series by a wide margin.

BOUNTIFUL GARDEN #4 is a mixed bag of effectively creepy horror elements and strangely out-of-place exposition dialog. The art services the story well by capturing the right tone of fear, but the exposition both helps the character development and breaks the suspension of disbelief.

BOUNTIFUL GARDEN #5 concludes the arc with death, madness, and the promise of growing trouble for the universe. The crews adventures on the planet are done, but the arc lacks a full conclusion that feels like its transitioning into a new phase of the story. As a whole, this title is a novel experiment that never managed to grow past its shortcomings.

BROKEN GARGOYLES: SIN AND VIRTUE #1 is dramatic and powerful writing coupled with bold, colorful art. That said, readers are dropped into several open threads that make it a challenge to jump in, so go back and read volume one first.

BROKEN SOULS BALLAD #2 is a creepy, gross, unsettling entry in the body horror arena taking a bolder step than the X-Men would ever dare to tread. The writing perfectly captures uncomfortable feelings of anxiety and panic, and the art does an excellent job of carrying the emotion of each scene.

BROKEN SOULS BALLAD #3 gives the phrase paint the town red a completely different meaning when Toms date plans dont go as planned. The story of teens undergoing a horrific metamorphosis is exceptionally relatable and human. And the art captures the body horror elements perfectly.

BROKEN SOULS BALLAD #4 sees Mrs. Adeles forces begin an all-out assault to bring the mutants under control. The art is ooey, gooey grotesque, and each scene plays out with plenty of human emotion. However, the reading pace slows considerably with too many threads fighting for attention with the limited page count.

BUMP #1 is an entertaining, effective horror anthology with a collection of flash fiction shorts drawn by an assortment of artists. The worst short is still pretty darn good, so horror fans who like their horror short and sweet will enjoy this anthology.

BUZZARD! #1 is weird, wild, dark-humored, and thoroughly entertaining. The art conveys creates a great contrast between the believability and the absurdity of each situation, and the story begs to be continued.

BUZZARD & BONE #1 is an imaginative and interesting first issue. The world feels expansive and lived-in, the character and setting designs look authentic for the period, and the drama keeps the pot of tension boiling all the way through. That said, several characters and their relationships are introduced and changed very quickly, so it was sometimes difficult to keep track.

BY THE HORNS #1, available from Scout Comics on February 24th, 2021, takes the classic beautiful-maiden-and-unicorn relationship and turns it into something completely different. The art is bright, clean, and beautiful. The writing, especially the talks between characters, feels organic, natural, and original.

BY THE HORNS #2, available from Scout Comics on May 26th, 2021, gives readers fantastic art, a more complete picture of the main character, and tons of exciting adventure.

BY THE HORNS #3 crafts a hero's journey that's completely predictable but thoroughly enjoyable. With some of the most gorgeous art on the market, this title continues to impress.

BY THE HORNS #4 is the one positive example of a creator subverting expectations youll find anywhere. The creators take a standard quest arc and give it an extra push for a high-octane story.

BY THE HORNS #5 is a gorgeous-looking book that up until now has captured a heartfelt, nuanced adventure story with unicorns, wizards, and monsters. Unfortunately, the central conflict of the series is nearly undone with a shortcut of a cliffhanger that almost invalidates the heros journey. This is still one of the easiest Scout books to recommend, so the score will reflect high marks for the outstanding technical execution, even if we strongly disagree with the story choice in the cliffhanger.

BY THE HORNS #6 is a gorgeous, emotional, and wordless entry into the now-ongoing series that fills in the gaps of Elodies origin as a unicorn killer. With the final puzzle pieces in place, the real question becomes Which is the bigger challenge: Stopping the evil wizards from consuming all the magic in the world? Or, finding a way for Elodie to atone for her atrocities?

BY THE HORNS: DARK EARTH #7 takes an odd yet surprisingly profound detour from the main arc for an Evelyn-centric issue discussing the highs and lows of loneliness, love, depression, and happiness. The writing is powerfully poignant, and the art is exquisite.

BY THE HORNS #7 moves the plot along in this penultimate issue of the arc to show the aftermath of everything that happened in issue #5. The pacing is excellent, the big fight at the end is brutal, and we learn more about the villains motivation and the devastating implications of her plan. If that wasnt enough, this series still has the best art of most comics on the market today.

BY THE HORNS #8 ends the inaugural arc of the series with tons of visual appeal, exciting action sequences, and a reasonable ending to the Feng Po conflict. That said, the major plot point of Elodies mis-deeds against the unicorns is not addressed at all, making for a half-frustrating conclusion.

CAFFEINATED HEARTS (ONE-SHOT) is an achingly good shot of heart, drama, and whimsical charm spotlighting a day in the life of the galaxys most cheery waitress. The range of human experience and emotion is inspired, and Cardosellis stylized art elevates Hedricks script by leaps and bounds.

CANTO AND THE CLOCKWORK FAIRIES is the simplest of fables but is thoroughly enjoyable for stellar art and overwhelming charm. This is a highly entertaining bottle issue that's completely worth the price.

CARRIERS #1 has interesting ideas and mixes two genres (sentient animals and crime dramas) together for something unique. The art execution is truly excellent and the pacing makes this a brisk read. That said, the execution of the animal designs while completing basic tasks doesnt make sense for their bodies, and the suspension of disbelief needed to make this concept work just isnt there.

CARRIERS #2 improves by leaps and bounds over the first issue with a more believable story, in both art and writing, about a criminal conspiracy with high stakes, explosive battles, and seedy underworld crime figures. This is a proper beginning to an engaging arc that shows a lot of potential.

CARRIERS #3 has a surprising amount of dramatic tension, tense dialog, and multiple conflicts to hold the readers attention. That said, the art is just average and consistently inconsistent for the series as a whole.

CARRIERS #4 is a mildly disappointing entry in the series with antagonists that come out of nowhere and have little connection to the previous issue, art thats wildly inconsistent from the previous issues, and a story that relies on developments that havent happened yet.

CARRIERS #5 is a strange way to end a strange series. The art is decent enough, and the general adventure is serviceable enough. Yet, the lack of consistency in art between issues, and the overall lack of completion on a myriad of plot threads, make the entire series chaotic and confusing.

CASPIAN PORTER #1 takes bits and pieces from nearly every sci-fi classic you know and love to create a new pulp adventure. The art is excellent and the concept has tons of potential, but some of the influences are a little too on the nose and the main character is tough to root for.

CAT-MAN AND KITTEN (ONE-SHOT) is pure, wholesome, Golden Age fun. Jeff Parkers script nails the tone and the aesthetic of the time period, and Coopers art expertly balances modern comic quality with dated designs for an adventure thats all about fun.

CHAMBER OF TERROR #1 is a bloody feather in the cap of the 2021 Halloween season. Every entry in this anthology has something interesting to offer, centering on some variation of demonic evil. While the quality varies wildly from story to story, the collection as a whole is worth a look.

CHERISH #1 is a solid start for a new vigilante hero. Collinss plot drops you right into the middle of the action for plenty of attention-grabbing energy, and the art is better than serviceable. That said, the story feels a little rushed, and the main character needs more time to develop.

CHERISH #2 introduces a bevy of despicable villains for our high-tech hero to tackle, and the closeup art, as well as the fight choreography, looks great. However, there are almost too many new characters introduced to keep straight, and the art quality drops in wider panels.

CHERISH #3 is one of the better, if not the best, issues in the series so far. The action is great, the plot reveals a lot about the missing pieces of the story from the first issue, and the arcs momentum is picking up steam.

CHERISH #4 deluges the reader with twists, turns, and more surprises than a soap opera during Sweeps Week. The art is generally good, and the story is certainly unpredictable, but the sheer volume of new information turns into overload, and the art quality is inconsistent in spots.

CHERISH #5 ends the arc with a convoluted pop instead of a bang. Collins swings for the fences with twists and turns on every page, but the volume of surprises quickly becomes messy and confusing. Combined with just average art, this finale is a mild pick.

CHERRY BLACKBIRD #2 is grindhouse exploitation in its purest form with plenty of gore, quippy black humor, and bad people losing their heads (and every other body part) on nearly every page. While the art is rough around the edges and the central plot is largely an excuse to commit mayhem, this comic succeeds in giving gore fans a good time.

CHERRY BLACKBIRD #3 is dead set on telling you a fast-paced, action-filled, grindhouse-styled story with all the shock and awe you can handle. While the rated-R material is a bit outside the mainstream sensibilities of most publishers these days, its a heck of a lot of fun. Check your trigger warnings at the door because this comic is not for the weak of heart.

CHERRY BLACKBIRD #4 continues the grittiest of grindhouse adventures for our titular rockstar/bounty hunter for Beelzebub. The art is suitably filthy, and the story injects surprising amounts of character depth into an otherwise entertaining schlockfest.

CHESS #4 is an excellent action/adventure, super-team comic with clear writing, clear stakes, clear motivations, and high energy. The art is good to very good if youll excuse a little inconsistency in the character proportions.

CHILDREN OF THE BLACK SUN #1 puts a fresh veneer on the modern retelling of The Village of the Damned (1960) with a sci-fi/horror tale about unusual children born during a bizarre cosmic event. The anxiety and unease are palpable as the story builds a growing sense of dread while accelerating toward some terrifyingly unknown destination.

CHILDREN OF THE BLACK SUN #2 takes the unsettling mood of issue #1 and blossoms into full-blown horror when the children manifest their potentially deadly powers. Sicchios slow-burn script pays off the wait exponentially, and Cadonicis unsettling art gets under your skin.

CHILDREN OF THE BLACK SUN #3 is another slow-burn masterpiece of building dread and tension. The story appears to be taking its time, but every scene is important, and each scene stacks on top of the previous one until the creepiness gets under your skin.

CHILDREN OF THE BLACK SUN #4 takes the creeping, unrelenting feeling of dread built over the previous three issues and delivers a hard-hitting cliffhanger for whatever comes next. Sicchio's script is unsettling, Cadonici's art is disturbing, and Segala's colors give the story an extra kick for good measure.

THE CIMMERIAN: HOUR OF THE DRAGON #1 is peak Conan from the man who started it all. The adaptation works well in a comic format without losing any of the essences of the original story, and the art exudes a dark, brooding power that fits the titular character perfectly.

THE CIMMERIAN: HOUR OF THE DRAGON #2 is a fantastic continuation to the story and a practically perfect example of an adaptation done right. The pacing is energetic, the action is intense, and the overall art is (shockingly) even better than in the first issue. If youre a Conan fan, this is a must-have series.

THE CIMMERIAN: HOUR OF THE DRAGON #3 is a practically perfect issue in every way. The writing captures the essence of the source material without losing any of the power of drama, and the artist uses deep lines, heavy shadows, and rich textures to portray a dangerous world under the threat of doom.

THE CIMMERIAN: HOUR OF THE DRAGON #4 is a stellar conclusion to a stellar adaptation of Robert E. Howards most famous creation. The adaptation to comics captures the essence of the source material without losing an ounce of importance, and the art is stunning.

CINDERELLA VS. THE QUEEN OF HEARTS #1 is an odd start to an odd start starring an odd character. The premise about a crazy (former) princess turning hitwoman to make ends meet has potential, but the main character is so grating, it's hard to get into the story.

CINDERELLA VS THE QUEEN OF HEARTS #2 brings the crazy with crazy fights, crazy violence, and crazy killers. The art looks great, and if you're only interested in action, this comic has plenty. Unfortunately, the main character only has one personality trait crazy, and it makes for a tedious, annoying character.

CINDERELLA VS. THE QUEEN OF HEARTS #3 is a silly end to a silly adventure with silly heroes battling silly villains. In fairness, this issue wraps up all the loose threads, and the energetic art is enjoyable, but nonsense for nonsenses sake just isnt strong enough to carry a mini-series.

THE CITY #1 begins a tale of hyper-violence in a dystopian city when organized crime gangs go to war. The two main characters are captivating and the pacing is solid, but this first issue lacks any setup or context and ends in the middle of a scene, so theres not much meat on this bone except an underdeveloped idea.

COLTS #1 satisfies your cravings for ragtag military teams on a deadly mission to deliver precious cargo in a future Earth. The military battles and settings are fun, and the eclectic cast of characters is well-introduced, but the world-building is lacking in the rush to pack the story.

COMMANDER RAO (ONE-SHOT) is an emotional case study on the extremes one person will go to in the name of someone they care about. The art is quite good for a one-person creation team, and all the logistics of this one-shot (pacing, acting, dialog, etc.) are excellent. However, the conclusion doesnt resolve an open question and dampens the enjoyment of the story by ending on a frustrating note.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #1 marks the first and latest iteration of the character in his new home with Titan. Thankfully, Conans move appears to be for the better as Jim Zub delivers a sword-slashing, brooding, action-packed debut worthy of Robert E. Howard fans, and Robert De La Torres art is a perfect homage to classic Conan comics.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #25 is one of the strongest and most entertaining Anniversary Anthologies in recent memory. Theres not a weak short story in the bunch, and each entry has a unique perspective to offer on the creation of Robert E. Howard. Conan fans will be very happy with this issue.

CONAN THE BARBARIAN #2 delivers brooding, powerful drama, passion, and violence in equal measure to signal Conans return to form. The mystery surrounding the Lost Tribe continues to build intrigue, Conans character and the atmosphere surrounding him are spot-on, and the art is perfect.

CORSET #1 is an imaginative take on Beauty and the Beast set in the high-society world of Victorian-era fashion. The art captures the charm of antiquity with surprisingly eye-catching coloring, and the story takes a classic story concept and makes it feel fresh with a unique spin. That said, the sometimes-modern dialog regularly pulls you out of the story to dampen the reading experience.

COUNT DANTE #1 is a sharp, hip, grimy, and unexpectedly funny autobiography of the world's most infamous martial artist. Barbour's script touches on the highlights of the real man's life, while taking just enough liberties to inject drama and humor, and Watson's art is excellent.

COUNT DRACO: KNUCKLEDUSTER #1 is a prime example of classic sci-fi serial storytelling from the 1930s and 40s. Everything from the texture of the pages to the design of the costumes feels authentic to the era, and the writing plays for maximum drama. This is a strong recommendation for lovers of classic sci-fi serials.

COVER OF DARKNESS #1 is a near-perfect start for a monster mash of classic Hammer Horror proportions. The atmosphere is cinematic, the monster designs are eerily authentic and scary, and the writers smartly anchor the story around an imperfect family. At points, there are a few too many characters introduced to keep the story straight, but the positives greatly outweigh the negatives.

COVER OF DARKNESS #2 is an outstanding take on the classic monster genre, with true horror, fangs, claws, blood, and more. The character origins give each monster depth, the human-ish characters are flawed enough to make their actions and future unpredictable, and the artist presents some truly dangerous and intimidating creatures. If youre a fan of monster horror, this is a must get comic.

COVER OF DARKNESS #3 is a delight of monster goodness from start to finish. The character designs are terrifying. The clever, reimagined versions of classic monster origins open the door for a whole new range of original stories. And, sketchy art somehow makes the monsters that much scarier.

COVER OF DARKNESS #4 takes all the promising momentum from issues #2 and #3 and fumbles it with too many disconnected threads, a chaotic narrative structure, and a clone of an Oscar-winning story that lacks all the grace and charm of the source material. Hopefully, the creators can get back on track in the next issue, but this comic is a mess.

COVER OF DARKNESS #5 is a significant improvement over the previous issue with cool monster origins and a glimpse into how the previous issues will start to tie together. That said, the creators try to cram in too many scenes all at once without any connective tissue, making for a chaotic reading experience.

COVER OF DARKNESS #6 makes a reasonable amount of progress on all fronts with plenty of gore and monster madness on every page. However, there are too many disparate threads happening all at once, and its unclear if this series has a main plot.

COVER OF DARKNESS: FEMME FATALES is the latest anthology in the Cover of Darkness series, and its possibly the best offering to date. The four shorts vary in writing and art style, but all have a clever twist on classic stories, and the overall quality is excellent.

COVER OF DARKNESS: ORIGINS #1 takes the most compelling aspect of the Cover of Darkness series (the origin stories) and creates an anthology that does more of what we love. The twists on familiar characters are interesting, and the overall art quality is very good, however, some shorts are weaker than others.

COVER THE DEAD WITH LIME #1 is a satisfyingly grim and creepy story about a 17th-Century plague with a zombie twist. The story projects a strong pall of tragedy, and the art smothers you with gloom and hopelessness.

COVER THE DEAD WITH LIME #2 is a strong issue that builds out a world teetering on collapse with survivors struggling to hold on. The mood is dark, depressing, and horrific, elevated by a perfect art style to match.

COVER THE DEAD WITH LIME #3 is another heart-rending entry in the series as Tellers current plight forces the memory of his deceased sons last days to the surface. Tellers desperation and grief are palpable, and the art teams dreary, filthy art amplifies the atmosphere of dread.

CREEPSHOW (VOL. 2) #1 continues the tradition of shocking tales with a hard edge to tickle your terror bone. Enniss take on the Pro-Life movement is properly gross but ridiculously heavy-handed, and Hesters tale about an archaeological discovery takes the top spot for best story.

CRUSADER #1 sends a Templar Knight to a world of magic and monsters in a fast-reading fantasy/adventure. Emmonss setup is as clean, clear, simple, and efficient as it is entertaining. The art may be an acquired taste, but Emmonss excellent coloring makes the visuals accessible enough for anyone.

CULT OF DRACULA #1, available from Source Point Press on March 31st, 2021, takes the Dracula concept, spins it into a modern, mid-West cult massacre, and gives you just enough info to whet your appetite. The concept is exciting for vampire fans, the writing is impactful, and the art is serviceable.

CULT OF DRACULA #2, available from Source Point Press on Aril 28th, 2021, is a careening freight train of damaged people with troubled lives heading for the proverbial cliff. The story is as heartbreaking as it is monstrous, and the art doesn't shy away from displaying every gory detail.

CULT OF DRACULA #3, available from Source Point Press on May 26th, 2021, answers more questions, reveals more legacy and turns up the gore for a satisfying issue. Despite a confusing prologue, this is one of the best horror comics on the market right now.

CULT OF DRACULA #4 ups the epic scale and history of the cult to biblical proportions. The art is gloomy and gory, and the writing fills in plenty of blanks to answer open questions in a satisfying way.

CULT OF DRACULA #5 continues building the emotional consequences of the cults massacre as Minas bond with her mother promises to lead to something monstrous. Although the story is starting to get in its own way with too many threads, theres still a lot to like about this series.

CULT OF IKARUS #1 kicks off a new series with a very familiar story about vampires, vampire killers, and the chosen one at the center of it all. While the story is familiar, the tone, vibe, and art style are wholly unique. This is a recommended pick.

CULT OF IKARUS #2 is a significant step up over the first issue in terms of story creativity and overall intrigue. While this issue is long on dialog and short on action, this is an excellent world- and character-building issue to establish the foundation for all the players and set up curiosity for what comes next.

DAHLIA IN THE DARK #1 takes the criminal courier story, sets it in an urban fantasy world, and sprinkles on a dash of noir aesthetic for a new and interesting story idea. The story elements hit perfectly, and the art is fairly good. This is a dead-center hit for a first issue and worth your time.

DAHLIA IN THE DARK #2 is another successful entry in the series as the 90s-style action ramps up when the noose of competing gangs tightens around Donny, Molly, and Luna. The snappy dialog complements excellent pacing, surprising twists and turns, and a killer cliffhanger.

DAHLIA IN THE DARK #3 is another excellent entry in the urban fantasy/crime thriller mashup series about a bagman on the run with a fairy princess. The balanced mix of world-building, character-building, and plot progression is excellent, and the art is solid.

DAHLIA IN THE DARK #4 turns up the volume on pacing and magical action for the most exciting issue so far. The details of Donnys past build a strong emotional bridge to the present, and the magical action is first-rate.

DAHLIA IN THE DARK #5 delivers the goods in a penultimate issue with explosions, magic, mind warps, and most importantly answers. Corallo's script perfectly sets up a big finale, and the art team produces the most creative visuals of the arc.

DAHLIA IN THE DARK #6 delivers plenty of action, emotional depth, and closure for the myriad plot threads for a relatively satisfying ending. Corallo's story brings the conflict to an end with a little hope for a brighter future, and Milana's art is visually engaging.

DAMNED, CURSED CHILDREN #4, available from Source Point Press on April 28th, 2021, takes the tropes of survivors coming together in a zombie apocalypse but adding the refreshing twist of using their heads when the circumstances call for it.

DAMNED, CURSED CHILDREN #5, available from Source Point Press on May 26th, 2021, takes the best of zombie outbreak/plague stories and creates a taut thriller filled with scares, drama, and gore. This is an excellent series for any horror fan.

DANCING WITH THE DRAGON #1 takes readers on a fast-paced crime thriller story with a pair of not-so-good do-gooders. The writing builds out flawed protagonists you cant help root for, and the art infuses this first issue with a cinematic quality.

DANCING WITH THE DRAGON #2 is a tense, anxious crime drama about a crook with a good heart who takes one too many chances. The writing for each scene is excellent, however, the multitude of back-and-forth time skips interrupted the pacing and flow. The art plays up the drama in every panel for maximum tension. This is a great pick for crime fiction fans.

DANCING WITH THE DRAGON #4 wraps up the arc with nail-biting mob torture, lies, double-crosses, and mountains of tense drama. MacKinnon crafts a pair of thieves you cant help but root for, and Casalnguida creates little moments within the overall action that speak volumes.

DANDY PRESENTS: PENNY DREADFULS (ONE-SHOT) is a mildly entertaining collection of short horror stories ranging from basic to intriguing. The queer coding suggested by the narrator is less obvious than he points out, so this anthology allows readers to take away only what theyre looking for. The art quality is inconsistent, as with most anthologies, but each story has an unexpected twist to keep readers on their toes.

THE DARK AGE #6 is filled with strong, emotional art. The story contains a small mountain of surprises and plot developments, but the page count needed to be a little bit bigger to contain everything happening and do the story justice.

THE DARK AGE #7 wraps up the series with a newfound appreciation of Earths past and hopeful signs for a bright future when were ready. The writing is breakneck quick, and the art, despite a transition in the art team from the previous issues, doesnt miss a beat.

DARKLAND #1 kicks off a fanciful, engaging sci-fi adventure about a conscripted bounty hunter enlisted to find a special girl. The writing and art execution are excellent, and the story is interesting enough to hook you for the next issue.

DARKLAND #2 is a serviceable issue in the series that slows down the pace and plot to introduce a host of new characters that will presumably figure into the future of the arc. The dialog and world-building are excellent, and the art introduces memorably designed characters.

DARKLAND #3 revs up the monster madness and sci-fi shenanigans as the hunt for Rose turns deadly. That said, the plot is missing a critical piece of motivation, and the issue ends with a hard left that doesnt make any sense.

DARKWING DUCK #1gives OG Darkwing Duck fans and new readers plenty of good things to quack about. The writing and art nail the original cartoons look and feel with a fun, family-friendly adventure sure to put a smile on your beak err, billerr, face.

DARKWING DUCK #2 is another winner in Dynamites latest run at Darkwings adventures. Quackerjacks arrival and plan are amusingly wacky. The action reflects everything you want to see in a Disney kids cartoon, and the cliffhanger ending delivers mounds of intrigue.

DARKWING DUCK #3 amusingly explores Drake Mallards life as a retired superhero while the citizens of St. Canard grapple with evil threats. The individual scenes are largely entertaining, and the idea of Drake trying to fit in as a civilian is a fresh take on the character, but the plot feels disjointed and confusing at times.

DARKWING DUCK #4 delivers a serviceable ending to Darkwing Duck's retirement and Bushroot's attack on St. Canarad with great action and fantastic art. That said, Burshroot's defeat and Drake's "retirement' ends too quickly and easily, leaving half the issue to deal with uninteresting family matters.

DARKWING DUCK #5 gives readers two villains for the price of one, with excellent art and plenty of Darkwing hijinks. That said, two villains may be too much for the page count as the script (and action) feels rushed.

DARKWING DUCK #6 is a fast-paced, action-filled romp to conclude Dr. Nogoods plan to brainwash St. Canard. The art is practically perfect, and the plot moves like lightning, but theres too much going on, making the conclusion feel overstuffed and manic.

DARKWING DUCK #7 deals a big blow to Darkwings ego and kicks off a new mystery surrounding a thief obsessed with sidekicks. DWs angst and bickering with Neptunia are amusing, and the mystery is intriguing, but the art lacks a polish, and DWs museum tour drags on too long.

DARKWING DUCK #8 commences the race to find Launchpads stolen compass before Neptunia, but DW needs a little help from Gizmoduck. The globe-trotting adventure feels expansive, and this issue serves as a good primer to get to know Gizmoduck, but the thief and his motivations are still a complete mystery.

DARLING #1 combines thoughtful, personal writing about the life of a drug addict with sketchy, disorienting art to perfectly set up a flawed protagonist. Despite the lack of plot development, there's enough meat in this issue to get readers into the right headspace for the trials to come.

DARLING #2 takes the readers from one trip on to a completely unexpected new one. Its a jarring yet surprising plot change that makes this series more interesting than we were originally led to believe.

DARLING #4 is light on action or plot movement, but the story more than makes up for it by taking a whimsical shopping trip that gives Darling a little help and completely transforms Finch into something next level. The writing excels at taking mundane moments and transforming them into something magical, and the art, especially for Finch, communicates volumes with just a simple gesture.

DAVID BYRNES CANCELED is a novel experiment in horror storytelling. Rather than taking a familiar horror trope and expanding on it, Byrne takes several tropes and blends them together for something completely new and entertaining. The art in the first decade of the story is excellent, but the remaining decades (attributed to other artists) vary in quality.

DEAD BY DAYLIGHT #1 brings the hit video game to life about a foursome of disillusioned teenagers about to be called to participate in the ultimate game of hunter and prey. Nadia Shammas's setup works equally well for fans and non-fans of the video game, but Dillon Snooks's work is woefully sub-par.

DEAD BY DAYLIGHT #2 captures the dangerously disturbing atmosphere of four teens who desperately want to feel something other than boredom and helplessness, sending them hurtling down a path of destruction. Shammass character- and world-building are outstanding, but the art is disappointingly weak.

DEAD KINGDOM #1 is a surprisingly effective start to a zombie thriller with a unique setting, memorable characters, and a mystery about the protagonist brimming with intrigue.

DEAD KINGDOM #2 is a rock-solid sophomore issue in the series where Kain is forced to fight humans who have become just as dangerous as the zombies through fear and panic. The characters feel authentic, the action is well-paced and choreographed, and the ending packs an intriguing punch.

DEAD KINGDOM #3 takes a break from the present to outline Kains evolution into an elite soldier and the heartbreaking event that scarred him for life. The emotional beats are powerful, the violence is brutal, and Derepentignys art captures it all flawlessly.

DEAD KINGDOM #4 paints a world on the brink of death as a handful of survivors band together and vow to keep going. The characters eyes speak as much as the dialog, and the cataclysmic swarms of zombies bring home the atmosphere of a world on the precipice. This is powerful storytelling, and a surprising amount is still waiting to be told.

DEAD KINGDOM #5 ends the arc on an emotionally powerful note as Kain and his allies reflect on their trials while experiencing a range of grief, rage, sadness, and hope. That said, the arc ends on an odd note as almost everything surrounding the mysterious cult is ignored, presuming the story will continue at some later point.

DEADFELLOWS #1 is an oddly quirky and ultimately amusing horror comedy about a living loser butting heads with his dead roommates. The scripts charm is enhanced by the complementary artwork, and the ending promises more fun in the next issue. That said, the first half takes a little too long to get going, so dont give up on it until after the midpoint.

DEATH COMES FOR THE TOYMAKER #1 recasts the Santa Claus story you thought you knew into a poignant fantasy about a Toymaker locked in an eternal deal with Death. Dakota Brown mixes in aspects of myth and folklore to create a completely new take on a familiar legend for a compelling fantasy.

DEATH TO THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #3 is exactly the kind of gonzo, crazy, horror-comedy antics you expect from Army of Darkness. The writing is silly fun, the art is strong overall, and the source material is treated with respect (Always a plus when it comes to adaptations).

DECORUM #3 is a commendable book for its daring approach to art and visual storytelling. You'll either love it or hate it, but you'll certainly never be bored by it. Pick it up for something truly different.

DECORUM #5, is a fast and amusing read for an issue of its size. The art is more relatable than previous issues, and the violence is cocooned in plenty of dark humor. If you're a fan of Tynion's writing, this book is worth your time.

DEJAH THORIS #5 has dynamic art, urgent and tense story pacing, and imaginative visuals. Strongly recommend you get this issue...unless you're deathly afraid of spiders.

DEJAH THORIS VOL. 3 #6 is a great mix of action, adventure and detective work. The writing is high quality pulp adventure, and the art team is firing on all cylinders. The cliffhanger ending will leaving you wanting more.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 3) #10, available from Dynamite Comics on February 10th, 2021, brings perhaps the final war to Mars. The world feels lived in and authentic. The characters act and speak with genuine desperation. And the art suits this dying, barren world perfectly.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 3) #11, available from Dynamite Comics on March 24th, 2021, is a fast-paced war story that suffers from art more suited for a children's book. There's enough in this issue to warrant coming back, but this isn't the best entry in the series.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 3) #12, available from Dynamite Comics on April 14th, is the action-filled finale to the current story arc. All the threads wrap up nicely, and new ones are started to lead into the next series. Despite the inconsistent art and off-putting dialog, this is a well-rounded conclusion.

DEJAH THORIS FAIRY TALES (ONE-SHOT) feels like a tailor-made mashup between a classic fairy tale and modern science fiction. The parallels between Dejah Thoris and Snow White are remarkable, the narration captures the right amount of whimsy, and the resolution includes just enough of a twist to avoid becoming too predictable. That said, the art is very uneven and looks rushed or incomplete in several spots.

DEJAH THORIS: WINTER'S END, available from Dynamite Comics on April 28th, 2021, is the best example possible of the calm before the storm. Quick, simple, efficient shorts that emphasize the importance of each character and prepare you for what's going to happen next.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 4) #1 sets the latest adventure off to a rough and rocky start for the Princess of Mars. Chuck Browns premise feels like a plot straight from an ERB novel, but the writing execution is stiff, jarring, and clunky, and the art execution is surprisingly sub-par.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 4) #2 takes a few steps of improvement forward on the story to bring Deja's survival adventure into focus. However, the art is shockingly incomplete and amateurish.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 4) #3 is a bizarre issue that fails to meet basic standards of quality for the cover price. The writing is silly, stiff, and barely moves the plot forward, and the art is downright amateurish.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 4) #4 introduces readers to one of the more unusual tribes on Barsoom as Dejah and her friends seek refuge. The Grooli are certainly imaginative, but the arc has lost almost all sense of direction, the slapstick nature of the Grooli contradicts the tone of Dejah's dire situation, and the art is terrible.

In the nicest possible terms, DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 4) #5 is a mess. Chuck Browns writing is stiff, scenes come out of nowhere without setup or a point, and the books hard transition after the midpoint feels like a separate comic was spliced in at random. Worse still, the art is well below professional standards.

DEJAH THORIS (VOL. 4) #6 is a bizarre ending to a bizarre mini-series that ultimately goes nowhere and accomplishes nothing. Truly, the series just ends with Dejah Throis still on the run and Helium in Moaks control. Its clear Chuck Brown didnt have a story, and Emiliana Pinnas art is too inadequate to lead a series.

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #1 is a fine example of strong character work with grit in the pulp adventure genre. The characters are admirable to the point of nobility, and the art is some of the finest work Dynamite has out right now. this is a great start to a new series.

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #2 takes a big step forward in amping up the separation by giving us a villain you love to hate, a seemingly impossible trap to escape, and hero moments aplenty. The art represents a great example of acting-through-drawing and the cliffhanger is a spot-on example of building anticipation.

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #3 is the best-case scenario for an evil mastermind monologue in comic form. Abnett cleverly interlaces the information dump with taut fight scenes and awe-inspiring reveals, elevated by Miracolos fantastic art. This is the moment when the series steps up several notches, and its a great example of building anticipation for what comes next.

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #4 is a classic pulp serial adventure in the best sense of the phrase. The action is thrilling, the mad scientist villain is gleefully evil (and a little bit funny), and the cliffhanger promises a buildup to a world-shaking finale.

DEJAH THORIS VS JOHN CARTER OF MARS #5 is an example of doing decompressed storytelling the right way. Even though the issue doesnt make significant progress on the plot, there are enough cool developments to keep things moving, and the entire issue is peppered with exciting action from beginning to end.

DEJAH THORIS VS. JOHN CARTER OF MARS #6 concludes the successful arc with an action-packed finale containing art in constant motion, satisfying ends to all the threads, and a new status quo ending with tons of storytelling potential. More of this, please.

DEVIL'S DOMINION #4, available from Blackbox Comics on MAY 19TH, 2021, takes weighty, traumatic themes and puts a demonic spin on them to make this issue a tragedy as much as a horror comic. The art, writing, and execution are all top-notch, so it's worth checking out.

DEVILS DOMINION #5 takes a demonic and emotional conflict centered around the main character and increases the scale exponentially. The dialog, pacing, and plot movement all push a growing sense that something epic is coming. That said, the art is good but it struggles to live up to the demands of the action scenes.

DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES #1 is a sometimes wacky, sometimes gory, but always fun first issue in the next arc of the DIE!namite saga. The mildly black humor mixed with over-the-top action and violence seems intentionally geared to entertaining readers with every page turn. If you want mindless, crazy big fun, this is an excellent start.

DIE!NAMITE LIVES! #1 packs in tons of Ash Williams and Evil Dead fan service and merges it seamlessly into the DIE!namite storyline. The signature black humor lands well, and the art depicts the ridiculous premise seriously for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #2 is another banger of an entry in the zombie series that throws in everything plus the kitchen sink while maintaining a sense of purpose and direction that flow evenly. The action is fast-paced and presents heaps of story development, and the art team executes well on every level.

DIE!NAMITE LIVES! #2 has a few visual punches and starts to tie the crossover threads together, but the disconnected narration keeps readers from feeling like they're part of the story.

DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #3 is a weird-but-wonderful interplanetary zombie adventure with creative visuals, dialog that snaps, crackles, and pops, and a villain reveal that sets up a monstrous threat. Van Lente crafts a wild adventure that would fall into the tallest of Tall Tales categories, but it works.

DIE!NAMITE LIVES! #3 cranks up the pacing, over-the-top antics, and fun to 11. Van Lentes characterization of characters from other media is spot on, the energy from cover to cover never stops, and this comic is a Hell of a lot of fun.

DIE!namite #4, available from Dynamite comics on January 27th, 2021, runs readers here, there, and everywhere with nary a moment to catch a breath. While the issue is full of non-stop energy, the rapid pace breezes right by deaths and impactful moments that need a little time to be felt. Still, it's good art and plenty of forward progress, so it's a solid recommendation.

DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #4 does what every comic should do prioritize fun and excitement. The story is faster than an Olympic sprinter whos had too much coffee, but the plot never feels confusing or rushed. The art complements the writing in timing and tone, and the end result is a wild adventure.

DIE!NAMITE LIVES! #4 captures the spirit, tone, and fun of an Army of Darkness story while poking fun at the military and big box stores at the same time (Is there anything S-Mart doesnt carry?). The art is packed with equal parts action and gore, and the plot makes a respectable amount of progress toward a bigger conflict.

DIE!NAMITE NEVER DIES! #5 is an above-average finale for a wild and crazy story. The conclusion wraps up the current conflict while leaving room for more. The art is generally good, and the energy could light up a small city. However, the frenetic developments sometimes devolve into chaos in both the writing and the art.

DIE!NAMITE LIVES! #5 is a wild, crazy, take-no-prisoners (literally) crossover event that captures the spirit and tone of Army fo Darkness mixed with all the pulp characters from Dynamites catalog for a truly unique horror adventure. The art is as interesting and as dynamic as the one-liners, and the cliffhanger setting up the next arc will absolutely send your brain into warp speed.

DIE!NAMITE #5, available from Dynamite Comics on February 17th, 2021, wraps up the zombie apocalypse from Hel with an all-new status quo. The art is excellent, the action is fast-paced, the little bits of comedic relief jokes all land, and the potential going into the next series is wide open.

DIE!namite: OUR BLOODY VALENTINE, available from Dynamite Comics on February 3rd, 2021, is a funny, sweet, awkward, and sometimes gruesome love story. The art is solid and the humor landed in every scene.

DISNEY VILLAINS: HADES #1 nails the snappy, witty, amusing charm of the Hercules prequel story about Hadess attempt to destroy the gods by stealing the Golden Fleece. Kalan expertly recreates the voice and personality of Hades from the Disney film, and the art looks great.

DISNEY VILLAINS: MALEFICENT #1 delivers a pitch-perfect capsule tale about a reckless young man who encounters the world's most powerful sorceress. The tone, style, and vibe of the story match Maleficent to a tee, and the ironic ending reminds readers what a villain can do when provoked. That said, the art lacks a significant amount of spit and polish.

DISNEY VILLAINS: MALEFICENT #2 tells a solid story about a Prince who looks for his brother in the wrong places. Soo Lee's breezy pace and spot-on dialog emphasize one big point wrapped in an enjoyable plot don't mess with Maleficent.

DISNEY VILLAINS: MALEFICENT #3 is a bizarre entry in the series because its nothing but a raven flying around the Dark Woods for nineteen pages to search for intruders. Theres no story, no plot, and except for the art, no reason to buy this comic.

DISNEY VILLAINS: MALEFICENT #4 improves on issue #3 by telling the equivalent of a short story peppered throughout multiple pages of people walking, horses running, and birds flying. The art is sumptuous, but youre paying for the equivalent of an art portfolio with a little story in the middle.

DISNEY VILLAINS: SCAR #1 is a treat for Dieny fans who want to know more about The Lion King's villain through his own side story. Chuck Brown's script captures Scar's voice perfectly, and the art looks fresh but familiar.

DISNEY VILLAINS: SCAR #2 continues the pitch-perfect prologue to Scar's eventual path to treason, betrayal, and murder. While the plot takes a backseat to introductions and world-building, this issue is a nostalgic treat for The Lion King fans.

DISNEY VILLAINS: SCAR #3 precisely interweaves Scar's backstory into the events of The Lion King to show how he gained his now-familiar allies. The characterizations, setting, and plot development are on-point, and the art looks great.

DISNEY VILLAINS: SCAR #4 brings the prequel mini-series to a close with villainous plans, double-crosses, and a seamless transition into The Lion King. Chuck Brown nailed the assignment to enrich Scars backstory without changing his villainous status, and Trevor Fraleys art is perfect.

DJINN HUNTER #1 wastes no time building an entire world of characters and conflicts through expert storytelling and eye-catching art. This is a recommended pick for anyone looking for a fresh take on a fantasy adventure.

DJINN HUNTER #2 is a near-perfect blend of action, character development, and world-building. The action is tense and exciting. The visuals are colorful and rich. And the issue ends as a proper chapter, setting up the next battle to come.

DJINN HUNTER #3 continues to set a high bar for action/adventure/fantasy comics with a zombie attack just in time for Halloween. The action is exciting and develops the characters through the battle, the plot tells a complete chapter and furthers the overarching quest, and the surprising twist ending heightens anticipation for the next issue.

DJINN HUNTER #4 is another standout entry in an already standout series from Blackbox. Sandlins writing is epic in scale and moving in emotional depth. Consentinos art is top-notch with clean, crisp lines, and exciting colors.

DJINN HUNTER #5 is a proper end to a proper series with plenty of twists, action, and emotion. The art is stellar, and the story ends with a heartfelt conclusion that teases the possibility of future stories. This series is a definite recommendation.

DOCTOR RIGBY: WHERE DWELLS THE GHOSTLY BARON (ONE-SHOT) is a glorious blend of science fiction and supernatural horror, wrapped in an otherwordly detective mystery, and sprinkled with a generous helping of horror film Easter Eggs. The mystery is interesting, the pacing and dialog are on point, and the art style is a practically perfect match for the script.

DOCTOR WHO: DOOMS DAY #1 is a serviceable first issue in Missys (miss)adventures pretending to be Doctor Who. The pacing, energy, and atmosphere ring true for a Doctor Who adventure, but the absence of logic and an actual Doctor Who are a downer.

DOCTOR WHO: DOOMS DAY #2 is a confused jumble of scenes and ideas that dont come together coherently, and the arc just ends. You dont learn anything about Doom, her quest isnt resolved, and Missy doesnt recover the world-destroying jewel. What was the point?

DOCTOR WHO: EMPIRE OF THE WOLF #1 gives every Doctor Who fan all the Easter Eggs and fan service they could possibly want in a scant first issue. The art captures the look and feel of the actors while remaining organic to the comic medium. That said, the narrative flow, much like the broken timeline, is a confusing jumble. Whether thats intentional or not remains to be seen.

DOCTOR WHO: EMPIRE OF THE WOLF #2 significantly improves on the first issue by spelling out the paradox and improving the narrative flow. While theres barely any action and the first half is very dialog-heavy, the pacing is brisk and the reading is more enjoyable.

DOCTOR WHO: EMPIRE OF THE WOLF #3 improves on the narrative flow and infuses the main villain with relatable nuance for an entertaining entry in the series. Houser rightly avoids the overused villain is just misunderstood trope by allowing the consequences of Evil Roses actions to create conflict on multiple fronts. The art is great and does proper justice to the real-life actors.

DOCTOR WHO: EMPIRE OF THE WOLF #4 ends the current arc with high-energy pacing, charming Doctor-ing as only the Doctor(s) can, and a sufficiently timey wimey plan that should make Whovians happy. The art is excellent, and the ending has all the feel-good elements you could wish for.

DOCTOR WHO: MISSY #1, available from Titan Comics on April 14th, 2021, is a brisk, consistent, and recognizable start to a classic Season 8-ish Doctor Who adventure. The art does justice to the recognizable actors, and the setup feels authentic to the Doctor Who experience.

DOCTOR WHO: MISSY #2, available from Titan Comics on May 12th, 2021, looks and feels like a modern Doctor Who adventure, but the lengths a reader will have to go to suspend disbelief to accept the prison break makes this a tough issue to swallow.

DOCTOR WHO: MISSY #3 is a fun trip down fan service memory lane with good art. Unfortunately, the main hook of Missy pretending to be the Doctor has veered into ‘nonsense' territory, and very little progress was made on the main story.

DOCTOR WHO: MISSY #4 ends the mini with a pointless whimper instead of a bang. The conclusion reveals the entire premise made no sense, and the last issue worsens with a significant downturn in the art.

DOCTOR WHO: ORIGINS #1 is an intriguing start to a series highlighting one of the least explored Doctors in the history of Time Lords. Houser gives the Fugitive Doctor a cunning wit and assertive attitude that positions her as an instant leader, and the mission is ripe canon fodder to explain how she eventually splits from the Division. The art is generally good, but the Fugitive Doctors anatomy has consistency problems, and the art team went overboard with copy/paste.

DOCTOR WHO: ORIGINS #2 is a solid, albeit leisurely, continuation of the Doctors adventure where she learns her orders from the Division may not be on the up and up. Taslos inner turmoil steals the show, and the art is above average. That said, the pacing may be too slow for some readers, and learning about the colonys peaceful ways take up too many pages, turning a significant portion of the comic into filler.

DOCTOR WHO: ORIGINS #3 is a simple-yet-effective setup that uncovers a Division conspiracy, leading to an explosive cliffhanger. The writing is well-paced, the dialog is spot-on, and the cliffhanger includes a solid twist. The art is also very good with the only down point being an over-abundance of copy/paste panels.

DOCTOR WHO: ORIGINS #4 is a serviceable end to the current conflict with good dialog, a generally solid way to save the day, and excellent art. That said, the overall issue lacks urgency and energy, so your satisfaction level may be underserved.

DONT SPIT IN THE WIND #1 takes the concept of WALL-E for adults and gives it a satirical edge that makes for an entertaining first issue. Cardosellis storytelling about cynical trash cleaners adds a murderous twist to an intriguing mystery, and Dan Lees coloring makes Cardosellis unique art style significantly better.