Jaleh Najafali Comic Reviews

Edge of Venomverse #1 is a weak beginning to "Venomverse." With shaky characterization and little excitement, the solid art is not enough to save this first issue.

Edge of Venomverse #2 is a fun yet action-packed issue that manages to give us good characters and good action. While it doesn't lend any insight into what "Venomverse" will be, Christopher Hastings and Irene Strychalski craft a bubbly issue that never feels too dramatic nor too childish. They manage to successfully answer the question no one's ever asked: What would happen if you take Gwenpool and mix her with Venom?

With issue #3 of Edge of Venomverse, Simon Spurrier and Tigh Walker create a dynamic if at times confusing glimpse into Host Rider that doesn't provide much insight into Robbie Reyes, yet does explore some of the more violent aspects of Venom.

Edge of Venomverse #4 offers much in the way of action and provides a great glimpse into the world of Old Man Logan for any Wolverine fans. Ryan Key and Andre Araujo come together to highlight this world that is filled with anger. However, it lacks characterization and any real story, shedding no light on what "Venomverse" is meant to be about.

Clay McLeod Chapman and James Stokoe team up here to complete Edge of Venomverse #5, but this final chapter of this series is a weak depiction of Venom where Deadpool isn't even at his peak performance.

While Silk has some kinks it has to work out, issue #17 packs its punch through action and lighthearted art. Robbie Thompson and Irene Strychalski grapple with heavy emotional losses and handle the task of creating a "The Clone Conspiracy" tie-in with dignity, promising readers further gratification with issues to come.

Although Silk #19 has a rather shaky start, it is a tender end to this series. Robbie Thompson and Tana Ford come together to create a final issue that demonstrates Cindy Moon's strength as well as the importance of her family in her life. The heartwarming moments balance out the rougher ones while also leaving an opening for another future solo series for this Spider-Woman.

Spider-Woman #1 is a mediocre continuation of the events that unfold in Amazing Spider-Man #10, but a poor introduction to Jessica Drew. However, the issue is filled with great humor and art that underscores its potential.

Spider-Woman #2 functions mainly as a filler issue that doesn't add much depth to either Jessica's personal journey or "Spider-Verse." That being said, the thought-provoking twist at the end provides a bit of excitement and anticipation of what is to come.

Spider-Woman #3 suffers from little plot or character development and disjointed writing. A disappointing continuation of "Spider-Verse," the issue generally retreads the same ground covered in various installments of Amazing Spider-Man.

Though it begins with an odd, unnecessary scenario, Spider-Woman takes a turn for the better. A nice dynamic between the characters, good jokes, and some lovely art keeps this issue from being dragged down by "Spider-Verse."

Spider-Woman #5 marks a new direction for Jessica Drew. With an interesting mystery to solve, fun art, and the inclusion of Ben Urich, this issue establishes the beginning of an exciting, action-packed arc for Spider-Woman.

Spider-Woman #6 continues to establish the mystery discovered in issue #5 while also highlighting the absurdity of Jessica Drew trying to help a bunch of villains. With Javier Rodriguez providing fresh, fun art and Dennis Hopeless writing with hilarity and intrigue, the plot points established here hint at future answers to this dilemma.

Spider-Woman #7 is a humorous mystery tale with a momentum that cannot be stopped. Dennis Hopeless begins to answers the questions first established in issue #5 and Javier Rodriguez's art continues to dazzle in new and inventive ways.

Spider-Woman #8 is a surprising, interesting conclusion to Jessica's main arc after "Spider-Verse." However, it is rushed and fails to expand upon the great characterization we've gotten in previous issues.

Spider-Woman #9 is a good break for anyone fatigued by "Secret Wars." Though the story is a bit weak, the dynamic between Jessica and Porcupine, as well as the art, make it worth a read.

Spider-Woman #10 features a misguided story that only serves to get readers to pick up "Secret Wars" titles. Between the peculiar pacing and the unremarkable plot, this is one of Hopeless' weakest issues since this series launched.

Spider-Woman #1 features an exciting story that launches Jessica Drew into a completely new phase of her life. Hopeless' interesting premise and Rodriguez's fun, splashy art come together to create a standout first issue that leaves readers hunger-pang ravenous for more.

Spider-Woman #2 picks up where issue #1 left off to highlight a much more physical Spider-Woman. With an action-packed issue and supporting art from Javier Rodriguez, this is an enjoyable read that depicts a classic Jessica Drew with an interesting twist.

Spider-Woman #3 hits its stride and unfolds more of this unique chapter of Jessica Drew's life. Hopeless' witty words and Rodriguez's dynamic art come together to create an exciting third issue.

Spider-Woman #4 is an exciting conclusion to Jessica Drew's pregnancy. Dennis Hopeless scripts a fun, active, and emotional issue, while Javier Rodriguez' art brings this important moment in Spider-Woman's world to life.

Spider-Woman #5 highlights Jessica Drew as a person, and strives to depict how her career as a superhero fits into her very human life. With Dennis Hopeless' thoughtful script and Javier Rodriguez's bold art, Jess' world as a new mom springs to life.

Spider-Woman #6 is another successful character driven segment of the "Spider-Women" crossover event, though the thinness of the plot does prevent it from being a seamless addition to the larger event taking place.

Spider-Woman #7 does not seamlessly fit into the "Spider-Women" event, yet Dennis Hopeless' intimate treatment of Jessica Drew and Joelle Jones' character-driven art fashion an enticing chapter of Spider-Woman's story.

Dennis Hopeless and Javier Rodriguez are back together again to craft an action-packed issue that also highlights Jessica's home life. The confidence with which they tell their story is apparent in every panel and leads to a comic that should be on everyone's pull list.

Spider-Woman #9 has got it all: action, laughs, cannibalistic Canadian monsters, but most of all heart.

Dennis Hopeless and Javier Rodriguez create a solid addition to "Civil War II." Though the issue lacks the spark that results in an unforgettable read, their combined work confidently depicts the crossroads Jessica Drew has reached in regards to the standoff between Iron Man and Captain Marvel.

Dennis Hopeless creates an emotional issue of Spider-Woman that smoothly highlights the fallout of "Civil War II." With a tight script, personal writing, and support from Veronica Fish's art, this is a confident addition to Marvel's greater event.

Spider-Woman #12 is a light follow-up to the emotional last issue. Although it has all of the fun aspects we've come to expect from Hopeless, it lacks the deeper qualities that make Spider-Woman such a balanced, strong book.

Spider-Woman #13 has everything a comic fan needs. The humor, suspense, and emotive art that Dennis Hopeless and Veronica Fish bring to this issue fashions an exciting chapter to Jessica Drew's story.

Spider-Woman #14 is an emotionally charged issue that grapples with death and its consequences. With the support of energetic art from Veronica Fish and Rachelle Rosenberg, Dennis Hopeless creates a dynamic story that provides enough character development and action to keep readers coming back for more.

Spider-Woman #15 encompasses the action, emotion, and plot development that every superhero comic should have. With Dennis Hopeless' emotive writing and Veronica Fish's animated artwork, this issue is exciting and promises a strong end to this strong series.

Spider-Woman #16 is a satisfying conclusion to the Hobgoblin arc. With romance, action, and an A-list villain like the Hobgoblin, there is a little something for everyone here. Dennis Hopeless and Veronica Fish come together to fashion Jessica Drew as a strong female who is willing to work hard to have it all.

Spider-Woman #17 expertly ends a series that has been filled with emotion, action, and just enough jokes to balance it out. Dennis Hopeless and Veronica Fish create a humorous yet heartwarming conclusion that reinforces the agency of Jessica Drew while also bookending one of the strongest series that Marvel has published in years.

Spider-Women: Alpha #1 is a character driven first issue to the larger "Spider-Women" event. While it is light on action, Robbie Thompson's script focuses on setting the stage for future issues and establishing the conflict that will arise between the three Spider-Women and the villains.

Venomverse #1 is a solid introduction to the "Venomverse" event that gives us just enough to want more. Cullen Bunn, Matt Yackey, and Iban Coello form a cohesive team that knows where they want to take this story and how want to do so.

Cullen Bunn, Iban Coello, and Matt Yackey are clearly on the same page with this "Venomverse" event. Issue #2 focuses on giving us just enough answers to keep the story exciting with a strong script and artwork that makes you want to stay on the page.

The team behind Venomverse #3 creates a strong midway point for the "Venomverse" event. The panels are filled with action, the plot moves along, and there are few surprises along the way to keep things from getting static. Cullen Bunn, Iban Coello, and Matt Yackey are a strong team with a clear vision, which has made this comic one to pick up every week.

Cullen Bunn, Iban Coello, and Matt Yackey are a strong, confident team that clearly knows where they want to take this "Venomverse" event. Issue #4 juggles many subplots with just enough splashes of action to keep the story dynamic.

Venomverse #5 is an abrupt end to an otherwise satisfying event. Although Cullen Bunn, Iban Coello, and Matt Yackey form a strong team, their successes aren't enough to save this muddled final issue.