Black Science #9 proves that through the tears of sadness and occasional frustration, this series is very much an onion worth peeling.

Black Science #10 wears its quantum mechanics themes on its sleeves at times, but it's the perfect premise for one man's redemption tale as a scientist and, more importantly, a father.

As with nearly every issue before it, Black Science #11 presents two questions for nearly every answer given, but it's a formula that's also made the series impossible to put down.

Remender ends the issue with a grandiose promise to flip the book's entire premise on its head at the conclusion of this third arc. It's both exciting and disappointing, because few are likely to have wrapped their heads around the current one. Black Science #12 does little to advance the plot, but it's a tantalizing enough morsel (alongside promises of exploring sideliners like Shawn and Chandra) to keep readers invested in what is sure to be a miserable Roman vacation.

Black Science #13 often feels like Rick Remender's take on a choose-your-own-adventure book, albeit one filled with exclusively bad endings. The series' thirteenth issue is a reminder of Grant's struggles to overcome his own universal constant"being a terrible father and husband. The darkest hour is just before the dawn, but sunrise has never seemed so far away.

Though Black Science #14 ends on an uncharacteristically high note, there are several not-so-subtle cues that treachery threatens to bring it all crashing down. It's ultimately a good thing, too"never has misery been this much fun.

The timing for the shaman's sudden revelation feels a bit too convenient, but the resulting consequence is powerful all the same. The dimensionauts are left more vulnerable now than ever before, which is a real shame considering Remender and Scalera have an oversized dose of suffering for the team with the series' first major turning point in issue 16. Reading Black Science is becoming an increasingly masochistic affair but, more than a year and a half in, it remains a compelling one.

Despite some clumsy storytelling, Descender #1 is a promising start fueled by the loveable characterization of its small robotic lead and Nguyen's bold and breathtaking artwork.

Descender #3 poses several thoughtful questions about artificial intelligence, and whether robots share a communal consciousness independent of their creators' will. It's a sign that Lemire and Nguyen plan to use their sci-fi trappings as much more than an admittedly gorgeous window dressing.

As the first arc slowly draws to a close, there are still far more questions than desirable answers. And though the space between breadcrumbs feels farther apart than ever before, Descender's trail is consistently one worth following.

Despite the revolving door of interesting ancillary characters, Forever and her impending identity crisis still remains the most compelling aspect of the series. After all, when one's entire purpose in life has been stripped away in an instant, what remains underneath? Forever is a ticking time bomb of emotions, and the Family caught in the blast just might be her own.

It's more than a little telling that the first open declaration of war in Lazarus is a dance invitation. It's the sort of subtle, yet daring sort of maneuver readers have come to expect throughout the past year, though Lazarus #12 would indicate that the era for passive aggression has come to an end.

Instead of what could have been a meeting of 16 terminators, Lazarus #13 portrays a breadth of personality and expressiveness that makes each Lazarus feel even more human than their scheming lieges. A surprise order from Malcolm to Forever at the issue's end ensures that the Conclave's arc continues to move at a steady pace. But given that many Lazari are certain to be pitted against one another in the days ahead, it's a future that readers are likely in no hurry to see.

Lazarus has proven time after time that it's the trial of character more so than combat that makes Lazarus an unforgettable book among a sea of competitors.

It's a rare treat for political intrigue to take a backseat to actual physical combat. Rucka's trust in Lark is clear after letting him run wild for more than half of the issue. Lazarus's 15th issue is another accolade on the creative team's already decorated lapel.

The chapter does stumble slightly, however, in its final two pages with an awkward exit from Violet's flashback that doesn't properly connect with the conclusion of the previous issue. Regardless, Rat Queens #8 is the latest issue to prove that it's not the sex jokes, hilariously foul language or even the well-illustrated action that drive the Eisner-nominated series, but strength of character.

Rat Queens #9 is a triumphant return to form and a welcome introduction to Sejic's art. It's unknown how long his artwork will stay around, what with his numerous other projects down the pipeline. But Rat Queens is most assuredly a better book because of it.

Regardless, Revival #23 continues the longstanding series tradition of compelling character development and increasingly dense layers of mystery"for every answer given, two more questions are posed. Though the impending spring threatens to reveal even more secrets of the snowy town of Wausau, the central mystery of the series (the identity of Martha's killer) remains unsolved. Though Wausau is unlikely to make any shortlists of tourist attractions, this puzzling but entertaining conclusion to the book's fourth arc proves that it remains a difficult place to leave.

Revival #24 is, at times, a reminder of the worst things about the series thus far. It's a slow burn, yet one that remains enjoyable thanks largely to a well-written of main characters.

Though its cliffhanger lacks punch for the second month in a row, Revival #25 is a positive sign that the series is once again veering into strange territory. It's a good thing, then, that it's where Revival is often at its best.

Like so many of its predecessors, Revival 26's biggest joys, and sorrows, lie within the smaller moment-to-moment scenes. It doesn't diminish their effectiveness in the slightest, but it would be better if they weren't so few and far between these days.

Not unlike its predecessors, Revival #27 shambles towards its conclusion with little concern for urgency. Fortunately, the issue also proves that the series still has what it takes to offer genuine surprises every once in a while.