Creed The Next Round # 1 adds to the longstanding legacy developed in this franchise, while making it accessible for a wider audience. Infusing this story with elements applicable to many teenagers and parents everyday struggles to relate enables the reader to position themselves within the story, easily finding at least one character to sympathize with. Adding to that the knock out action synonymous with the franchise makes Creed The Next Round # 1 a book that any Rocky and Creed fan should find enjoyable.

For anyone who loved Pokemon but worried that their world was centered around animal cruelty as the cornerstone of its infrastructure, this comic is an engaging conversation about how that might play out in real life. Steve Orlondo begins with an interesting thought experiment that quickly evolves into a revenge fantasy, captivatingly exposing what happens when the bountiful beauty of our world is confronted by the dark truth of humanitys capacity for exploitation. Megan Huangs artistic style adds tension to this question as its almost innocent appearance belies the depth of the narratives more disturbing elements. We are excited to see if Agent Tritas and Agent Cutter will be able to make a difference, what obstacles lay ahead for them, and if they will be able to hold on to their humanity as they wade through such inhuman barbarism. 

Soon after the DCA agents are called to investigate the robbery of three purebred dragons from a wealthy couples private stables. As purebred dragons are endangered and very rare, they are regarded as extreme status symbols and represent millions in investment. Complexifying matters, the wealthy couple are major donors to the DCA who expect rapid results, creating high stakes for our agents. Searching for the dragons further exposes Agent Tritos to the compromises the DCA has to make and just how far the barbaric scale trade permeates. It is a dangerous maze of mistrust, ending in a twist to leave you eager to get your hands on issue 3.

Brynmore # 1 succinctly displays a balanced approach towards the show/tell dichotomy, with artist and writer working in harmony to effect this combination. By focussing on the human aspect of Mark Turners journey throughout the first issue, the creative team has formed a bond between the reader and their very relatable lead character. I finished this issue genuinely caring about Marks future relationships, invested in him reconnecting with his daughter, and curious over what supernatural sights have been set on him.

I greatly enjoyed the first installment of Haunt You to the End from Image Comics & Top Cow Productions. I look forward to the next revelation in the mystery behind Isla Lodo, Shahs mission, and what his crew will face when they finally arrive at the Rassmussen Mansion, the epicenter of the island's otherworldly occurrences.

The creative team behind Klik Klik Boom have the difficult task of dropping readers into the middle of a mystery surrounding an enigmatic character who can offer no exposition. To balance this, they wisely pair her with another character whose job it is to investigate and provide verbal context, allowing for unobtrusive explanations to be seamlessly woven in. Doug Wagners writing feels natural and compelling with dialogue that you can hear as you read. Doug Dabbs lays out panels that are a steady accompaniment to the sparse dialogue, showing everything that the silent character cannot tell, while Matt Wilsons coloring creates subtly effective transitions between the various settings, giving each location a grounded feel of space and time. The overall effect draws the reader along and begs the questions, how did we get here and what will happen next? This intrigue is furthered by the great looking cover art teased for issue two.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #2 was a fiercely fun read and quality conclusion to the story begun in issue 1. This book could have been given the low-brow treatment, but instead was adroit and poignant. Im not saying that this is a heavily influential or socially important comic, or that the Rat Kings plan was much better than some other baneful schemes, but they still manage to slip in many good important messages and themes (besides just good guys are good, and bad guys are not so good). More to the point, the creative team behind TMNT:SMA #2 gave us a great episode of one of our favorite shows complete with everything youd expect, properly paying respect to the best of its source materials. The danger was weighty, the action riveting, and the self aware 4th wall breaking humor felt completely appropriate in a TMNT cartoon or comic, and had me literally laughing out loud.

Creators Chris Ryall and Nelson Daniel meticulously merge humor, action, and the immediately captivating chronicle of Cutler Cartlons exploits into an imaginative and enjoyable endeavor. DreamWeaver #1 is a self aware homage, drawing on classic comic tropes, but trading their often overused origins for an updated take that feels as fresh as it is funny. Teasing as much as it delivers, the story progresses smoothly without any of the over-bloated self importance often found in tales of introspective aging heroes coming to terms with their growing limitations. Will the character follow the comics lead in this? I cant wait to find out.

King Spawn # 22 was my first time checking back in with this beloved character in a while, and it did not disappoint. I was pleased to find that same Spawn feel Ive loved since Image Comics launched the title in 1992 was in evidence, coupled with a riveting story that made me excited for the next issue and want to go back to read all that Ive missed. 

The danger is truly coming to a head for our would-be King of Hell and those he cares for, as the scope of Spawns exigencies come into focus. King Spawn #23 raises the stakes skyward as it moves players into position for the imminent, and sure to be explosive, conflict around the corner.

Whether you are a fan of the source material, or just looking for a quality comic with the above referenced themes, Void Rivals #2 scratched that itch nicely. There's action, adventure, humor, disillusionment, self doubt, compassion, and danger. My only real critique is that my impatience is flexing, and I am eagerly awaiting to see how the grander universe will unfold, how our protagonists will fit into it, and which of our other favorite characters they'll meet along the way.

Beautifully crafted, Void Rivals #4 adds new dynamics to our protagonists and the complexity of the worlds they occupy. In a story boasting giant transformers, intergalactic mercenaries, ancient species, and so much more, it is incredible that as a reader I am so invested in the lives of two individual characters whose names and races I didnt even know a few weeks ago, and whose fates seem almost inconsequential given the scale and scope of what surrounds them. Yet I am at the edge of my seat to see what Void Rivals #5 has in store for us, and what will come next for Darak, Solila, and their two worlds.

Yet we are still left with gnawing questions compelling us to keep reading this exhilarating new run on The Avengers. What truth is there behind Kang the Conquerors prophesied disasters? Will the Avengers face these perils alone, or will Kang recover to reveal more doomsaying? How will our team face the trials to come? And which will come first?

This comic was a joy to read, and I cannot wait for the next issue so I can see how Wakandas new democracy grows, where its displaced king will find himself, and what challenges both will face separately and together as danger looms around every corner.

As with many of the most prolific writers in science fiction, Jason Starr has taken the most palpable anxieties faced today and pushed them to what could be seen as the foregone conclusion in Silicon Bandits No. 1. This bleak look at where we might be headed is beautifully clothed in a world of possibility and promise, stylishly represented by the beautiful works of artist Dalibor Talajic and colorist Stjepan Bartolic. The world feels futuristic, yet very familiar, and the story all too viable. The ending abruptly leaves us concerned for our protagonists, and eager to see what befalls them next.

Rick Quinns skill as a writer is complimented by his impressive knowledge of music history and resonates in his creative implementation of both. This difficult but successful feat is matched by the equally daunting and arduous task of bringing sound to optic form, which artist Dave Chisholm manages magnificently, exhibiting his own extensive music education. The visually striking interpretation of music blends, line, color and texture to yield a harmonious triad that strikes a chord with readers, accompanying the terrific writing to produce a truly a sonorous duet.

Balancing one ensemble cast can be difficult enough. Combining two distinctly unique sets of characters and merging them into a complimentary chorus while jump starting a riveting story that could easily feel stale is truly a challenge. That challenge was accepted and achieved by the creative team behind the first issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles vs. Street Fighter. For a concept that should feel contrived and even forced, I enjoyed every panel of this comic (not to mention each variant cover), and cant wait for the next one! 

Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelley poetically spin out a riveting tale which compels the reader to turn page after shocking page. Artist Eamon WInkle and colorist Jay fotos combine their skills to develop a visual landscape that lends gravitas to the story, rooting the reader in otherwise unbelievable events. Letterer Shawn Lee takes his craft to the next level as the varying styles ranging from classic to contemporary shift the context meaningfully. Beautifully laid out, and  terrifyingly grotesque, Principles of Necromancy No. 1 fills the reader with ominous dread, but forbids us to put it down. From the striking cover to its unforeseen climax, it is clear that this book pulls no punches, and leaves us not just wanting more, but needing to know whats coming next.