Joe Skonce's Comic Reviews

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

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!

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
9.5
Thunderbolts (2022) #1

Sep 1, 2022

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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."

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
9
Edenwood (2023) #1

Oct 26, 2023

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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!

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.)

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
8.5
The Last Barbarians (2023) #1

Feb 16, 2023

building make it an adventure you want to go on.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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!

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
9
Star Trek: Year Five #25

Oct 7, 2021

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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!

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
7.5
Spy Island #1

Sep 7, 2020

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
6.5
Excalibur (2019) #12

Sep 21, 2020

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
5.6
WWE: Smackdown #1

Oct 7, 2019

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
5.5
Starhenge: 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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review
4.7
Starship Down #1

Mar 19, 2020

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

View Issue       View Full Review
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.

View Issue       View Full Review

Reviews for the Week of...

April

March

More