Jared Leatzow's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Bounding Into Comics Reviews: 34
7.6Avg. Review Rating

10
Black Science #22

Jul 14, 2016

Black Science #22 is another solid issue by Rick Remender and Matteo Scalera. We get to see some great character building, and we pick up with what Pia has been doing for the last three years while Grant was in the Godworld. Artwise the book looks great and the mixture of sci-fi and fantasy is definitely a bonus. Black Science #22 is a must own for any fan of the series.

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10
Black Science #23

Aug 8, 2016

Black Science #23 is another impressive issue in a fantastic series. Grant becomes more and more likable the more he screws up. While Scalera does a wonderful job with the art especially creating the scary fairytale forest.

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10
Black Science #25

Sep 20, 2016

Remender continues to write a great comic in Black Science #25. Thematically, each issue seems to deal with the topic of failure and loss. Even when main character, Grant McKay, has a minor win, it is later punctuated with a disastrous failure, unintended consequences, or an unforeseen event. However, as good a storyteller as Remender is, Scalera should get most the credit for this issue. Scalera does a pitch perfect job setting the mood and tone of the issue with his artwork. His use of body language tells as much or more about the the ramifications of the events that are transpiring, than those of Remender's words.

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10
The Baker Street Peculiars #4

Jun 14, 2016

The Baker Street Peculiars #4 is a solid comic with good characters, a good plot, and great artwork. It has two strong female characters that should be appealing to a female audience. Adults will enjoy reading this as much as children will. It also has an open ending that allows these characters to potentially live on in future tales.

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9
Afterlife With Archie #9

Jun 5, 2016

Afterlife with Archie #9 is a good book and is the best written in the series so far. Earlier issues have had some clunkier dialogue, and used storytelling devices I'm not a huge fan of. We get plenty of backstory in this issue that should hopefully fill in some narrative gaps. Since this is sort of a retelling of previous events it is also a good jumping on point for readers. Artwise the covers are amazing, but the interiors flip flop.

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10
Future Quest #1

May 19, 2016

Future Quest #1 is a must have first issue, especially if you are a fan of the old Hanna-Barbera action properties. The writing and art is great. The story is linear and easy to follow, and doesn't reveal too much all at once. It also provides a number of nods and Easter eggs to people who are long time fans of these characters. The art is of course amazing, and features Steve Rude who is a true fan of this material.

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8
Future Quest #2

Jul 13, 2016

Future Quest #2 is a great, but not perfect issue. Overall, it was a satisfying read that focused more on the art. The writing was mainly used to set the cool action scenes up. However, while the art is good it is also the worst part of the comic. Art duties are split among a number of different artists which can make for a jarring reading experience. Although Evan "Doc" Shaner does attempt to provide some consistency.

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9
Weavers #2

Jun 9, 2016

Weavers #2 is a great comic; it is well written and the art is fantastic. The character of Sid is interesting since he appears to be reluctantly becoming a supervillain. It mixes multiple genres that gives readers a unique feel filled with wonderful visuals. This is a must buy.

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10
Weavers #3

Jul 21, 2016

Sid continues to be an interesting character, he is still a mystery and still remains enigmatic in Weavers #3. This is not a detriment though, this slow reveal feels very satisfying, and will make readers want to come back for more. Artwise the comic looks great. The Weavers grotesque powers are beautifully rendered by artist Dylan Burnett.

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8
Weavers #4

Aug 17, 2016

Weavers #4 is a strong issue that helps to add some real character development to Sid. We finally get a look into his past and who he was before his super powers. There are still some unanswered questions, but that is all apart of the appeal. It was disappointing that Frankie is willing to help Sid because of some crush she has for him.

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8
Weavers #5

Sep 29, 2016

Sid's origin is finally revealed,and he appears more capable than ever in his role of gangster in Weavers #5. Yet, Sid still might not be as capable as he is coming across. It appears that there is an agent provocateur in the midst of the Weavers and Sid is more closely connected to this person then he was aware off. Artwise, Burnett does a good job, but the series' more serious tone sometimes feels out of place with his drawings. He does a great job with action and super powers, but his less than realistic style doesn't always feel well suited.

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10
Eclipse #1

Aug 5, 2016

Eclipse #1 is a strong first issue that introduces the reader to a unique scenario where the life giving sun actually brings death. Main character David Baxter is an interesting character who is more than likely walking into a situation he hasn't prepared for. However, Baxter is probably more than capable of handling himself. Artist Giovanni Timpano, manages to effortlessly flip flop between crowded and desolate scenes, which is extremely appealing to the eye.

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6.5
Eclipse #2

Oct 29, 2016

Eclipse #2 is just an ok issue that doesn't live up to expectation. It feels like a repeat of old territory, which isn't good considering this is only the second issue of the series. Artist Giovanni Timpano and colorist Chris Northrop do a good job with the art and color on this issue, and may be the best reason to pick it up.

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10
Invincible #129

Jun 21, 2016

Invincible #129 is a great issue that continues to focus on Mark and Eve's relationship as they try to pick up where they left off as a couple five-years-ago. Although this issue isn't specifically action-oriented it helps to build upon the various characters and their relationship. It also introduces a new potential problem for both Mark and Eve to deal with in future issues.

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6
Invincible #130

Sep 7, 2016

Invincible #130 is not really a good or bad issue, but not entirely necessary for people to read unless they are completionists. Most of the issue deals with Mark being uneasy with Rex's role as the most beloved person on planet Earth.

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8
Motor Crush #1

Dec 20, 2016

VerdictMotor Crush #1 was a fun read that takes a turn that you might not be expecting. At first it feels as if it is a Speed Racer clone, but then turns into something stranger and much more punk rock. The writing was ok, but the art is where this series really shines.

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8
Nailbiter #21

May 4, 2016

Nailbiter #21 introduces some of the conflicts between the characters, but isn't a full blown recap. The writing was good, the dialogue and the plot is easy to follow and makes sense. However, there was an awkward moment with Shannon and Alice that sort of seemed just too convenient for the sake of storytelling. The art looks good as well. Henderson makes it easy to figure out what is taking place. If you are a fan of the series then you will want to pick this one up since it is the beginning of a new story arc. It is also a good place for new readers to jump on board.

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9
Nailbiter #22

Jun 8, 2016

Nailbiter #22 is a must buy. It continues to move the plot forward of the overall Nailbiter storyline while dropping some big hints that look to affect the story and the character in a huge way. Art and writing are top notch. Warren's behavior in the car seems odd and uncalled for, I can't decide if this is a detriment. Hopefully, we get an explanation in an upcoming issue.

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7
Nailbiter #24

Aug 6, 2016

As much as I want to give Nailbiter #24 a 10, I simply can't. In some respects it is good that a major part of the mystery is finally being revealed. However, I don't know if I like the idea of what it actually ends up being. Although, it seems the most logical answer, it somehow feels disappointing. Also, the Finch, Crane, and Glory exchange felt awkward and didn't capture the essence of Finch's character as we have come to know him.

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8
Skybourne #1

Sep 15, 2016

Skybourne #1 is a fun first issue, that feels as if it draws inspiration from several different properties. It feels like the comic book equivalent of an action movie, and provides just enough plot to set up the fun and ridiculous action scenes. For comic book fans who look for headier narratives in their comics this might not be for them.

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7.5
Samurai: The Isle With No Name #3

May 10, 2016

Writing wise I would say that Samurai #3 comes off as decent. The plot is familiar territory and can be found in other Samurai genre comics. The dialogue at times can be a tad clunky, but it could possibly be a problem with the translation and not the writer itself. As for the art, the book is great. Genet delivers with an intriguing style that isn't completely easy to define.

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7
How To Talk To Girls At Parties #1

Jun 27, 2016

How To Talk to Girls at Parties is a good story, but it is short. Awkward young men in high school will be able to identify with Enn and his struggles to connect with the opposite sex. It also has a cool sci-fi element in it as well. That being said it is old material and might not seem worth the money to some. I wish the story would have been expanded. There are a lot of unanswered questions.

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10
Chew #56

Jul 31, 2016

This is a must read for anyone who has been reading Chew from the beginning. It kicks off what is possibly the last story arc in the series. Chew #56 is a funny comic, that focuses mostly on Tony and Mason having a dialogue from the afterlife, but there is still a good bit of action.

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7
Chew #57

Sep 7, 2016

Chew #57 is not a bad issue, and it is very much essential reading up to this point in the series. But at times the plot was a little confusing and may require some re-reads. Action wise there wasn't much as well. The comic is moving in a positive direction, despite it sadly coming to an end.

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3
Chew #58

Oct 15, 2016

This issue was a bit of a disappointment considering that the series is nearing its conclusion. Chew #58 is a boring issue that does little to move plot forward. The art is good, but lacks any sort of exciting new villains worth looking at.

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8
Ringside #6

Jul 21, 2016

In a world of oversized men wearing colorful costumes Keatinge and Barber manage to create a believable and compelling tale. The dialogue in this comic feels authentic and is very readable. Danny Knossus is a great character, and in Ringside #6 we get to see him in a more violent role. The art could be tough for some to digest, but Barber's skill at laying out pages more than makes up for any sort of personal taste.

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5
Ringside #7

Oct 15, 2016

The issue feels slow moving, and maybe not worth the money to purchase. However, it provides depth of motivation for the supporting cast. In some ways this issue is completely necessary for a series of this nature, but with comics not being 25-cents any longer Ringside #7 is a hard purchase to justify.

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6
Gemini #1

Feb 13, 2017

Both the art and story in Gemini weren't very satisfying. It tried too hard to end with a happy ending, that it left me not feeling too happy. Rather it was more of an annoyance. Gemini never was threatened, he only thought that he was, which doesn't make for a compelling read. The action was fun, but that was about it.

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6
Pop Gun War: Gift #1

May 18, 2016

Plot and dialogue wise this was not a strong book. It gets too surreal at times and makes little sense. The true theme of Pop Gun War: Gift isn't always obvious as well. However, that isn't to say that the book isn't without its positives. The art was strong and interesting to look at. What was negative, as far as the writing goes, was a positive with the art which was filled with weird and interesting visuals.

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5
TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #1

Jun 8, 2016

This is not a great issue, the direction it is moving in seems interesting, but the art and writing could use improvement. The turtles and their supporting cast have always been great, and IDW has been hitting mostly home runs when it comes to the TMNT shared universe. However, TMNT: Bebop and Rocksteady Destroy Everything #1 is like a foul ball. It's not totally a failure, but there is room for improvement. Still for continuity sake, this is a must read simply because you never known when the events of this series will be referenced in the main title.

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6
TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #2

Jun 8, 2016

TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything #2 is an improvement over the previous issues. There are some fun exchanges between past and present characters, and the time traveling purple convertible makes for a fun image to see come to life on paper. The plot may be moving into a fun direction, but it is too early to tell. The art is a detriment with the jarring nature of having three artists drawing the same issue.

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5
Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1

Jul 6, 2016

Crossovers like this seem kind of dated at this point, and the plot really isn't anything that feels super original. There is also lots of silliness in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles both intentional and unintentional. The strength of this comic is that it is probably going to be more appealing to younger audiences who enjoy both of these properties. As for adults, the story lacks complexity and may be too silly. The art is the strongest part of this book.

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5
Rat Queens #16

May 5, 2016

How do you rank a comic that was so great, but seems to have had a fall from grace? Rat Queens #16 may be a must have simply for the fact that it is supposedly the beginning to a new story arc. Yet, it feels mostly like filler. Nothing significant seems to take place. The characters just get into their usual shenanigans that we've come to expect from them: drugs, sex, heavy drinking, and some violence.

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3
World of Tanks #1

Aug 29, 2016

World of Tanks: Roll Out #1 was actually a terrible comic, I pray that it gets better with the next issue. It suffers from a lack of memorable characters, uneven drawing, and a plot that seems to be thinner than any of the Transformers movies. If you like tanks, and them shooting at one another then this might be for you. Otherwise, I say your best bet is to pass on this one.

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