Joe Skonce's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Multiversity Comics Reviews: 106
7.5Avg. Review Rating

8.8
A Man Among Ye #2

Aug 24, 2020

"A Man Among Ye" #2 does an excellent job developing Anne Bonny's character and expanding the world of pirates through strong writing and character design.

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9
A Man Among Ye #8

Feb 17, 2022

"A Man Among 'Ye" #8 delivers on epic action and provides a satisfying conclusion to one of history's most fearsome pirates (for now.)

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5.9
Adventureman (2020) #3

Aug 13, 2020

While "Adventureman" #3 might work better in a broader context, as a standalone it misses the mark.

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7.8
Amazing Mary Jane (2019) #5

Feb 20, 2020

The Amazing Mary Jane" #5 continues to be the kind of fun superhero romp you expect from Leah Williams.

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6
Amazing Spider-Man (2022) #11

Oct 14, 2022

"The Amazing Spider-Man #11 has some compelling moments, but too much focus on mystery makes the issue fall short.

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7.8
Aquaman (2016) #61

Jul 16, 2020

Final Verdict: 7.8 While "Aquaman" #61 can be a bit overwhelming at times, Kelly Sue DeConnick creates a compelling story about leadership and making difficult, but necessary, changes.

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8
Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines #1

Jan 21, 2022

Featuring an intriguing alternate universe and an art style that makes magic feel extraordinary, "Arrowsmith: Behind Enemy Lines" #1 is an exciting reintroduction to a magical series.

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8.2
Atlantis Attacks #3

Mar 23, 2020

"Atlantis Attacks" #3 is Pak at the top of his game, allowing him to build an exciting and messy conflict through top-notch visual storytelling.

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7.5
Avengers (2018) #37

Oct 19, 2020

"Avengers" #37 is a satisfying ending to a middling arc, but with some impressive superheroic visuals adding to some of the intense fun.

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5.5
Avengers Beyond (2023) #1

Mar 31, 2023

While "Avengers: Beyond #1 starts off strong, too much exposition and uninspired settings make the series premier feel like a chore.

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8.7
Batman (2016) #101

Oct 22, 2020

"Batman" #101 creates an exciting new direction for Gotham's Dark Knight thanks to a strong script from James Tynion IV and Guillem March's expressive art.

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7.5
Battlepug #5

Jan 13, 2020

Mike Norton's art is the star of "Battlepug" #5 by creating a visual story that is chaotic and very memorable.

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7
Birthright #42

Mar 9, 2020

"Birthright" #42 combines effective dark and moody art and a tragic story of found family to create a modern-day fantasy epic worth checking out.

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8.5
Bitter Root #6

Feb 24, 2020

"Bitter Roots" #6 is a complex adventure that still manages to have a lot of fun, with art that pays homage to the period in which the adventure is set.

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9
Bitter Root #11

Mar 25, 2021

on point for one of the consistently best books to come out in comics, establishing new themes and continuing exceptional art.

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6.2
Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda #3

Nov 18, 2019

Zub's dialogue and Medina's art are quite good, it just feels like the adventure is too much of a retread from the last adventure.

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9
Blade (2023) #1

Jul 21, 2023

"Blade #1 delivers an exciting premise with some incredible art. A fantastic kickoff to a new supernatural adventure.

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9.5
Children of the Atom (2021) #1

Mar 12, 2021

Featuring strong themes, clever writing, and excellent character designs, Vita Ayala and Bernard Chang create a cant miss series in Children of the Atom #1.

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7.4
Chu (2020) #3

Oct 5, 2020

"Chu" #3 is a compelling game of cat and mouse between two siblings but truly excels thanks to fun art design.

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4.8
Crossover (2020) #4

Feb 26, 2021

"Crossover" #4 makes some interesting artistic choices but lacks a clear message and leans too hard on tired tropes.

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7.8
Dark Nights: Death Metal #1

Jun 18, 2020

"Dark Nights: Death Metal" #1 sets up the stakes for an epic struggle, balancing DC mythology with bombastic metal action!

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6.5
Dark Ride (2022) #8

Sep 15, 2023

Final Verdict: 6.5 While "Dark Ride #8 features some exciting visual storytelling, the script leaves you wanting more.

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9
Defenders (2021) #1

Aug 12, 2021

Featuring groovy art, an intriguing team, and a compelling mystery, "Defenders" #1 adds to Ewing's impressive mythology building.

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8.7
Doctor Doom (2019) #3

Dec 9, 2019

A strong entry into the continued evolution of one of Marvel's best characters, showing a haunted man behind all of the arrogance and bravado.

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8.3
Doctor Strange (2018) #19

Sep 16, 2019

While the ending felt rushed, "Doctor Strange" #19 is an excellent jumping-on point for new readers, featuring a compelling personal conflict and some excellent art of the world of magic.

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5.5
Dune: House Atreides: Blood of the Sardaukar #1

Jul 30, 2021

"Dune: Blood of the Sardaukar" #1 features some impressive art but ultimately tells a story that doesn't need to be told.

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8.8
Dungeons & Dragons: Legends Of Baldur's Gate #1

Nov 11, 2019

Jim Zub captures the unique energy of playing a tabletop RPG and at the end of the day, that's what you want from a Dungeons and Dragons comic.

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9
Edenwood (2023) #1

Oct 26, 2023

If you're looking for a visually stunning dark fantasy, Edenwood #1 is the book for you!

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9
Eight Billion Genies #1

May 13, 2022

"Eight Billion Genies #1 is the perfect blend of delightful and destructive, a magnificent start to magical mischief.

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9
Eve (2021) #1

May 6, 2021

"Eve" #1 is the best kind of first issue, building a mystery through subtle and evocative art but making you care about the character first and foremost.

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6.5
Excalibur (2019) #12

Sep 21, 2020

While the story of "Excalibur" #12 is not entirely clear, the art creates an engaging story.

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9
Fantastic Four (2018): Grimm Noir #1

Feb 27, 2020

Final Verdict: 9.0 "Fantastic Four: Grimm Noir" #1 creates a comic that takes full advantage of the storytelling conventions of film noir while telling a powerful story about fighting back against your inner demons.

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10
Fantastic Four (2022) #1

Nov 10, 2022

"Fantastic Four #1 is a phenomenal first issue, a perfect blend of humor, heart, and fantastic art. North is a must-read!

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8.5
Flawed (2022) #1

Sep 29, 2022

While it's not breaking new grounds, "Flawed #1 is an exciting start that reminds you that being familiar doesn't mean boring.

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7.3
Folklords #3

Jan 24, 2020

"Folklords" #3 is a book that uses every aspect of the medium to tell a story about the true nature of a folk tale monster. While impressive, it does take some time to realize just what the creative team is up to.

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7
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (2010) #270

Feb 10, 2020

"G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero" #270 is a fun romp that feels like watching an episode of the classic cartoon.

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4.9
Ghostbusters: Year One #2

Mar 5, 2020

"Ghostbusters: Year One" #2 has its moments, but there isn't much to make this stand out as a Ghostbusters story.

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6.2
Glow vs. The Babyface #3

Jan 20, 2020

"Glow vs. the Baby Face" #3 features some good writing, but the art diminishes the overall effect.

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7.5
Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons (2023) #1

Jun 23, 2023

7.5 While "Godzilla: Here There Be Dragons #1 doesn't feature the titular kaiju, exceptional art and an intriguing premise promise for some exciting monster action.

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5
Godzilla: War For Humanity (2023) #1

Aug 18, 2023

Despite some well-executed fight sequences, "Godzilla War For Humanity #1 features lackluster characters and a bland story.

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6.5
Gotham City Monsters #6

Feb 13, 2020

Final Verdict: 6.5 "Gotham City Monsters" #6 doesn't quite stick the landing, but strong character work and good art make for a solid issue.

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8.4
Gwenpool Strikes Back #3

Oct 14, 2019

"Gwenpool Strikes Back" #3 is a meta comic that felt fresh and original, and was a whole lot of fun to read. Highly recommended!

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6.5
Helm Greycastle #3

Jul 15, 2021

"Helm Greycastle" #3 continues the fun fantasy feel of a tabletop role-playing game, but inconsistencies in the setting detracted from the overall experience.

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3.9
Ice Cream Man #17

Feb 3, 2020

"Ice Cream Man" #17 is a familiar type of superhero satire, one that over the years has become boring.

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7.5
Immortal Hulk #34

Jun 29, 2020

"The Immortal Hulk" #34 features good writing and impressive art, but a muddled timeline prevents it from being truly outstanding.

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8.5
Immortal She-Hulk #1

Sep 24, 2020

"The Immortal She-Hulk" #1 continues Al Ewing's reshaping of Marvel's Gamma characters by creating a compelling study of contrasts as Jennifer deals with her ability to cheat death.

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8.5
Immortal X-Men (2022) #3

Jun 24, 2022

"Immortal X-Men #3 successfully avoids being a sterile investigation into world-ending events by putting the focus on a single relationship.

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8
Iron Man (2020) Annual #1

Jun 3, 2021

"Iron Man Annual" #1 has its moments, but lackluster villains and a shoehorned event set up ruined what could have been a great issue.

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6.9
Isola #10

Feb 6, 2020

"Isola" #10 tells a story that effectively builds tension and conflict that takes a character's dream and slowly turns it into a nightmare.

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7.8
Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance #1

Sep 30, 2019

"Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Age of Resistance" #1 features impressive artwork that showcases the beauty and terror of Thra, while featuring a story compelling enough to continue reading.

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7.1
Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance #8

Jun 15, 2020

"Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal: The Age of Resistance" #8 is a fun romp that adds dimension to Hup. If only the colors matched the show.

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8.6
Jughead's Time Police #5

Nov 4, 2019

"Jughead's Time Police" #5 is a lighthearted take on the alternate timeline story that allows both the author and artist to have a lot of fun exploring all the different worlds of the Archie Universe.

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8
Justice League Dark (2018) #25

Aug 27, 2020

"Justice League Dark" #25 takes advantage of the mythology of D.C. with some truly impressive visual storytelling.

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9
Knights of X (2022) #1

Apr 28, 2022

If you love epic fantasy with some incredible artwork, "Knights of X #1 is a must-read!

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8.5
Loki (2023) #1

Jun 8, 2023

Thanks to some impressive art and intriguing narration, "Loki #1 sets the stage for another adventure of everyone's favorite trickster.

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6
Magic (2021) #1

Apr 8, 2021

"Magic The Gathering" #1 has its moments, mainly thanks to the strong art of Ig Guara and Ariana Consonni, but ultimately feels too unwieldy to new readers experiencing the world of Ravnica.

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8.5
Magneto (2023) #1

Aug 3, 2023

While Magneto #1 does reward a pre-established knowledge of mutant lore, intriguing art, and solid narration make this a rewarding first issue.

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9.4
Marauders (2019) #2

Nov 25, 2019

If you're looking for the right balance of high adventure and political intrigue, look no farther than "Marauders."

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5.5
Ms. Marvel (2022): Moon Knight #1

Aug 18, 2022

While the art of "Ms. Marvel & Moon Knight #1 is appropriately atmospheric, the team-up or Kamala Khan and Marc Spector leave something to be desired.

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4.8
On the Stump #2

Mar 30, 2020

"On the Stump" #2 has some promise, but the story is unfocused and the art leaves something to be desired.

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5
Once Upon a Time at the End of the World #1

Nov 25, 2022

One Upon A Time At The End Of The World #1 has some occasional fun moments but lacks a strong voice to make it memorable.

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9
Orcs (2021): The Curse #1

Jun 10, 2022

"Orcs: The Curse #1 is a delightful return to a wonderfully chaotic fantasy series, raising the stakes without losing the fun.

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8.5
Phantom Road (2023) #1

Mar 2, 2023

Phantom Road #1 is an incredibly effective visual comic that masterfully creates tone and tension with color saturation and harsh lighting. Its a road you want to travel down.

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6.5
Phoenix Song: Echo #1

Oct 21, 2021

"Phoenix Song: Echo" #1 has some effective moments of characterization for Maya Lopez and some effective art but ultimately doesn't do much to stand out.

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7.3
Quantum and Woody (2020) #2

Mar 2, 2020

"Quantum & Woody" #2 is a story about balance, which successfully balances humor, heart, and fun art.

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5.5
Radiant Black #1

Feb 11, 2021

Despite its quality art, "Radiant Black" #1 is a comic that treads familiar ground without a solid way to distinguish itself from the pack.

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8.4
Reaver #8

Jun 4, 2020

"Reaver" #8 tells a familiar story in a powerful, yet intimate way. Jordan and Henrichon are an excellent collaboration of visual storytelling.

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8
Reaver #11

Sep 10, 2020

"Reaver" #11 is a solid conclusion to the series second arc with strong character work and even stronger stylistic choices in the color and lighting used.

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5.5
Seven Swords #1

Jun 17, 2021

While "Seven Swords" #1 features some impressive art of swashbuckling fun, the issue feels muddled and aimless.

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8.9
Shang-Chi (2021) #6

Nov 18, 2021

"Shang-Chi" #6 continues an action-packed run that shouldn't be missed and sets up some great stakes for the character moving forward.

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8.6
Shazam! (2018) #9

Dec 23, 2019

"Shazam!" #9 is a comic with a fun artistic design that puts a difficult choice at the forefront. Geoff Johns does a good job of making that choice have some serious weight.

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6.5
Silver Surfer: Ghost Light (2023) #1

Feb 3, 2023

"Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #1 is a solid execution of the slow-burn premier issue, featuring solid characters and art, but it takes too long to set the hook for future issues.

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8.5
Slumber (2022) #1

Mar 17, 2022

Slumber #1 takes full advantage of the medium to create an exciting and surreal adventure where you don't want to wake up.

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7.5
Spy Island #1

Sep 7, 2020

Featuring a psychedelic 60s inspired art style, "Spy Island" #1 creates a mystery worth revisiting.

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9.5
Star Trek (2022) #1

Oct 27, 2022

"Star Trek #1 is a thrilling start to an intriguing premise while taking advantage of established lore to build out their world.

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6
Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2

Oct 12, 2023

While Star Trek: Holo-ween #2 features some spooky Victorian horror art, the story doesn't live up to the promise of the premise.

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8.7
Star Trek: Picard - Countdown #1

Dec 2, 2019

"Picard: Countdown" #1 showcases a script and art that reflects the strengths of both Picard and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

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6
Star Trek: The Mirror War #0

Sep 9, 2021

While the art and characters of "Star Trek: The Mirror Wars" #0 is good, the story leaves something to be desired when setting up an event of this scale.

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7.6
Star Trek: Year Five #6

Sep 23, 2019

"Star Trek Year Five" #6 delivers an issue that feels like classic Trek, featuring a decent mystery and a solid Klingon standoff.

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8
Star Trek: Year Five #12

Jul 2, 2020

"Star Trek: Year Five" #12 features moodier art and an intense no-win situation that pushes Kirk and the crew to their limits, creating a satisfying Star Trek story.

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9
Star Trek: Year Five #25

Oct 7, 2021

year mission and reminds up what made Kirk and his crew so extraordinary.

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7.9
Star Trek: Year Five: Valentine's Day Special #1

Feb 17, 2020

"Star Trek: Year Five: Valentine's Day Special" #1 is a fun love story that shows the benefits (and struggles) of falling in love with someone as ambitious as you are.

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8
Star Wars (2020) #2

Jan 31, 2020

"Star Wars" #2 is an engaging adventure that understands and enhances the characters of the original trilogy.

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5.3
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #1

Mar 12, 2020

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #1 attempts to do too much in a single issue, it is too spread out to be really satisfying.

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8
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #3

Jul 30, 2020

Final Verdict: 8.0 "Star Wars: Darth Vader" #3 is an exciting look into Vader's past by bringing in characters from his past to show how the universe not only views him but the man he used to be

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9.5
Star Wars: Darth Vader - Black, White & Red (2023) #1

Apr 27, 2023

"Darth Vader: Black, White & Red #1 is an excellent kickoff to an anthology series of one of the media's most iconic villains, exploring what makes this character stand out.

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5.5
Starhenge (2022): The Dragon and the Boar #1

Jul 7, 2022

While "Starhenge: The Dragon and The Boar #1 is a visual masterpiece, the execution of the comic leaves something to be desired.

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4.7
Starship Down #1

Mar 19, 2020

While the art of "Starship Down" #1 is good, the characters leave something to be desired.

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5.5
Starsigns (2023) #6

Nov 9, 2023

While "Starsigns #6 features some interesting visual storytelling devices, it's a lackluster story of the calm before the storm.

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9
Strange (2022) #1

Mar 3, 2022

"Strange" #1 is a masterful introduction of the newest Sorcerer Supreme, combining fun dialogue and truly magical art.

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5
Strange Academy (2020) #2

Jul 13, 2020

"Strange Academy" #2 attempts to do too much, without enticing you to return with a good hook.

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8.5
Stranger Things: Winter Special #1

Nov 5, 2021

"Stranger Things Winter Special" #1 is a light, fun homage to holiday specials, featuring fun character moments and art shifts that feel inspired by the specials they are parodying.

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8.4
Superman's Pal Jimmy Olsen (2019) #4

Oct 21, 2019

Fraction and Company tell a convincing story of a man slowly losing grip on reality while capturing the art and tone of a silver age comic.

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5
Survival Street #1

Aug 4, 2022

"Survival Street #1 is full of ideas but is trying to do too much and not taking advantage of the potential of its central premise.

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8.5
The Department of Truth #14

Dec 2, 2021

With a perfect blend of art and storytelling that makes you question your reality and the power of belief, "Department of Truth" #14 is a fantastic entry in an exceptional series.

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8
The Expanse: Dragon Tooth #2

May 26, 2023

Featuring strong writing and impressive visuals, The Expanse: Dragon Tooth #2 tests the bonds of familiar allies and serves as a reminder that the universe has changed in a significant way.

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8.5
The Last Barbarians (2023) #1

Feb 16, 2023

building make it an adventure you want to go on.

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9.5
Thunderbolts (2022) #1

Sep 1, 2022

"Thunderbolts #1 is superhero storytelling at its finest, exciting, bombastic, and funny all at once.

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8.7
Tommy Gun Wizards #3

Oct 28, 2019

An exciting story that is elevated by the artistic team's amazing depiction of dark magic.

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8.9
Undiscovered Country #2

Dec 16, 2019

Snyder and Soule do a great job of baiting the hook in "Undiscovered Country" #2. Combine that with a Mad Max America, and you have a special book on your hands.

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5.9
Undiscovered Country #7

Aug 10, 2020

"Undiscovered Country" #7 presents some big mysteries but has a difficult time balancing them in a satisfying way.

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8.5
We Only Find Them When They're Dead #2

Oct 8, 2020

Thanks to bold coloring and an intriguing script, "We Only Find Them When They're Dead" #2 creates a bold team of explorers in the face of a cold daunting universe.

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6
We Ride Titans #3

Apr 15, 2022

We Ride Titans #3 features some impressive art from Sebastian Piriz, but sufferers from a script that seems to be spinning its wheels as it looks for the next family fight.

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5.6
WWE: Smackdown #1

Oct 7, 2019

A decent, if ultimately forgettable, comic that invokes the nostalgia of a Saturday morning cartoon.

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8
X-Men / Fantastic Four (2020) #4

Jul 27, 2020

"X-Men/Fantastic Four" #4 provides a strong ending to good crossover, adding a nice subversion to the traditional ending of putting aside differences for the greater good.

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9.5
X-Men: Red (2022) #11

May 12, 2023

X-Men: Red #11 continues to tell engaging and impactful stories while shifting the power of the Mutant nation.

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