Theres just not enough fresh story here to justify the over-sized issue.

It has the surface-level stylings of a great Dark Knight story: sharp writing, visceral art, high-level concepts. But beneath that surface, I can't find anything but anger. Like so much discourse today, it's just another Howard Beale from the film Network, raging from the rooftops: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"

If youre a DC fan, this is a great mystery/thriller starring some fan-favorite anti-heroes. Bendis knows how to weave a compelling detective tale, and Maldeevs art grounds the larger-than-life heroes in that aesthetic. But if youre just a casual DC fan, this might be one to sit out on.

Again, this is a fun adventure. If youre a Spider-Man completist or a Marvel Unlimited subscriber, give this one a read. But if youre trying to budget your pull box, you can find better Marvel books for your buck.

All in all, Im still waiting for more from this series. Its a lot of fun, but Spider-Man can be more than that. The first issues of Spencers run captured everything I love about this hero. Im waiting to feel that again.

This is an essential issue if you're following Spencer's Amazing Spider-Man run. But if you're looking to jump in for the first time, this probably isn't the best place to start. Go back to Spencer's first Amazing Spider-Man arc and work your way up. Trust me, it's pure Spider-joy.

The current ongoing Star Wars titles set a high standard. Several have become must-reads for me as a Star Wars fan. I dont know if this book will do that, but Im sure it will be a fun ride.

Is this the perfect Alien story weve been waiting for, the one to finally recapture the heart-pounding greatness of the original films? Not quite. But I dont think needs to be. Its a great tribute to a great film on its 35th anniversary. And for this Aliens fan, thats plenty.

If you love Star Wars and youre ready for some holiday spirit, lift up your Life Day orb and grab a copy of Star Wars: Life Day #1 at your local shop.

This issue covers a lot of ground, but there are decades left to go. And even though the plot points here feel familiarstolen spaceship, cosmic rays, guy turns into rock monsterthe characters and the setting make me eager for more. Its bound to be a fantastic journey.

Thats right. Side by side. But these criticisms ultimately don't detract from a fun adventure. The issue has lots of goodies for Star Wars junkies. Fans of the sequels and the prequels will love the way it unites elements from across the saga. But the story also delivers quality time with the desert planet we fell in love with at first, even exploring new aspects of native Tatooine cultures along the way. So if you dig that Original Trilogy vibe, or if youre just a fan of scum and villainy, heres a great one-shot for you.

But while better pacing would enhance the issue, its primarily a visual work. More than that, its a love letter to comicbook history. I doubt youll find a more gorgeous book on the shelf this week. Check out Tom Sciolis Fantastic Four: Grand Design #1 in comic stores now.

But all in all, this is a fun adventure in the Umbrella Academy universe. My Christmas wish is for many more spin-offs with Hazel and Cha Cha. When theyre on the page, its hard to look away. I mean, theyre time-traveling assassins in cartoon animal maskswhat else are you going to look at?

Heres my biggest question after this first issue: Will Blade Runner 2019 meaningfully continue the dialogue of Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049? Or will it simply reproduce the Blade Runner vibe on the pagea sort of paper-and-staples replicant?

If youre a Superman super-fanor if youre just looking for something pure in our divided timesgive this a read. These are the kind of stories that remind us what were meant to be.

So I hope youre not too sick of symbiotes, because Zdarsky and the team spinning what might be a classic Spider-Man tale. Grab a copy of Spider-Man: Spiders Shadow #1 at your local shop this week.

This is another solid issue in a thoroughly entertaining series. And it looks like things will only ramp up from here, because the King in Black is coming. But for now, Venom has a Virus to defeatand Ill bet you $3.99 (plus tax) that he does it while wearing a mask.

It's a story with real consequence. Up to this point, the canon books and comics have given us tons of character backstory, location details (who remembers that we had a Canto Bight novel?) and scattered side adventures. Compared to the cataclysmic epics of the Expanded Universe, the canon stories have felt supplementary at best. A notable exception is Soule's own twenty-five Darth Vader comic run, which I consider to be one of the best Star Wars comics of all time. This book is lined up to be another fantastic exception.

The next issues will tell whether this story truly has lasting implications for Batman and his nocturnal crimefighting family. But for now, Johns and Fabok have set the stage for a new Batman classic.

But overall, this unique and wildly ambitious book deserves a read. The completed series promises to make a great companion on any Marvel comics shelf.

But pick it up, and if you love the tone and style, go treat yourself to the original Claremont/Sienkiewicz New Mutants run.

This is a classic haunted house story with a modern twist. It keeps you studying the shadowy corners of every panel. And its just plain fun. If youre a horror fan, grab a copy of The Me You Love In The Dark #1 at your local shop today.

If youre a fan of alternate history, conspiracy thrillers, or bizarre science fiction, youll want to pick up a copy of Primordial #1. Its equal parts 2001: A Space Odyssey and All the Presidents Men, and it's totally fresh.

This is a book to watch. Join Joe and the denizens of Pendermills in the mysterious world of Dead Dogs Bite this week at your local comic shop.

This issue is one part killer art and one part insightful storytelling, with a great recipe sprinkled on top. Delicious is the word that suggests itself.

With one issue left to go, its hard to tell where Piskor plans to land this plane. Where, in this tangled history, will he find a conclusion that doesnt feel arbitrary? But Piskor has earned my trust. Im along for the ride.

If you want a classic sci-fi adventure serial with a signature Mignola twist, Radio Spaceman delivers. Grab a floppy from your local comic joint today.

If youre a fan of the last few years of Venom storytelling, you dont want to miss this issue. But this also promises to be a great starting point for new readers. Add Venom #1 to your pull list today.