Afterlife with Archie is one of the best written horror stories I've read in years. The honest, intelligent, and nuanced way with which it approaches the characters and their situation make this a sophisticated work that operates on several different levels. Aiding that is the comprehensive knowledge of the horror genre displayed by Aguirre-Sacasa and Francavilla. If you are a fan of horror and aren't reading this, you need to rectify the situation immediately. You'll thank me.

If you're looking for good horror, look no further. Afterlife with Archie is almost embarrassingly good. It's good to the point where I strain to find things to criticize, out of fear that I'll lose my reviewer credibility (what little I have, anyway). But, man, I just can't get enough of it. Horror comes in many different flavors, and Aguirre-Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla manage to capture them. What makes this comic work is that the cosmic horror is grounded in real human characters and emotions, elevating this to a tragedy. Dr. J gives this an".

Afterlife with Archie never fails to impress. Although I'm anxious about Betty, given the current story arc's title, I was thoroughly entranced by this interlude about Josie and the Pussycats. As always, the writing, the art, and the lettering come together to make a damn-near perfect comic that's genuinely frightening and also genuinely moving. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Alabaster: Wolves is my first introduction to the character of Dancy Flammarion and I have to say that I'm in it for the long haul. Kiernan's character is tragic, defiant, real, and mysterious and I want to know more about her and her world. In terms of an introductory issue, Wolves does a great job of giving us just enough history to get a handle on this girl and enough mystery to make us want to come back.

Archie 666 represents the end of an era. While I'll miss the classic Archie style of artists like Dan Parent, Fernando Ruiz, Tim Kennedy, and Pat Kennedy, I'm also excited to see where Mark Waid and Fiona Staples (two of my favorite people in comics) take everyone's favorite red-headed teen. As for this issue, it hits all the right notes without drifting too far into sentimentality. As far as sendoffs go, you can't get any better than this.

I'd be lying if I said that I was worried about this reboot. I've been a fan of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples for quite some time now, and I knew that they had the right chops to make this work. If you're a lifelong Archie fan and are on the fence about this work, then hop off it and give this a try. Everything you loved about the classic stories is here in spades. And if you haven't tried Archie before, now is the perfect time to start. Professor Josh gives this an"

Ever since the reboot, Archie has become one of the best written and drawn comics on the shelf. The artistry with which each issue plays out is amazing and largely intangible unless you know what you're looking for. I think that writers and artists will definitely appreciate this for its craftsmanship, but even if you're just a casual reader, the humor, the warmth, and the genuine emotion behind every scene is more than worth the price of admission. Dr. Josh gives this an".

As always, Archie proves to be one of the most enjoyable comics on the shelf. It's a classic coming-of-age story rooted in relatable and honestly-portrayed human emotions tempered by really fine comedy. Dr. Josh gives this an"

I know I eschewed specifics in this review, but that's for your benefit. If you'd like to discuss the details, drop me a line on the Twitter or the Facespace and I'll be happy to talk. Whatever you do, make sure you read this book. It's a work of art. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Stuff is going down in Riverdale, and it's only going to get worse when Cheryl Blossom makes her debut next issue. In the meantime, buy this comic and read it. This is a masterclass in how to craft an intelligent, grounded story rooted in real human emotions and actions. And it's dang funny, too. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Cheryl Blossom returns to Archie in a big way here in issue 13. Once again this creative team has fashioned a masterclass in comic book creation. This was funny, heartfelt, and incredibly well drawn and paced. This is just plain old good storytelling here, folks. Dr. Josh gives this an"

If you aren't reading Archie after all my lauding and badgering then that's on you. Time and again, this comic proves why it's lasted so long and remained relevant despite its age. As far as I'm concerned, Mark Waid could write this comic forever and I'd be a happy man. Dr. Josh gives these issues an"

For those keeping score, Archie just hit its nineteenth home run. This comic never fails to delight in its humanity, its intelligence, and its dedication to storytelling. It says a great deal that a group of characters that have been around for seventy years manages not only to remain relevant, but to continue telling excellent stories. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Archie #23 tells a powerful story of loss and regret, comfort and community. The writing and art are excellent and this is well worth your time and money. Dr. J gives this an"

Archie #s 24 and 25 are solid comics through and through. The writing and the art work together to create a funny, moving story that gets under a reader's emotional armor and makes them feel for the characters and their situation. Dr. J gives these an"

As always, Archie stands as a superb example of sequential art. The writing and art are both spot on and full of warmth, heart, and genuinely funny humor. I can't recommend this enough. Dr. J gives this an"

What can I say about Archie that I haven't already said? Nothing. So, let's just say that if you're not reading Archie, you're really missing out, and if I were a betting man, I'd wager that issue thirty-three will be a great jumping-on point for new readers. Dr. J gives this an"

Atomic Robo is one of the best comics being published today. It has wit, empathy, and honesty and more comics should strive to reach the level of excellence Team Robo achieves. As this is the first issue of the new volume, it is a perfect jumping-on point for new readers. Robo encounters a group of American women who have gone AWOL from the Navy after the end of World War II to be "ethical" sky pirates in the South Pacific. Like other Atomic Robo stories, this issue mixes great characterization with action and weird super-science. This is absolutely recommended.

Created by brothers Ethan and Malachai Nicolle (ages 31 and 8, respectively), Axe Cop: President of the World is a fun, crazy story that could only come from the mind of a child. Axe Cop is now President of the world and he finds out from God that the Earth will experience one million years of peace thanks to a force field God places around the planet. To say any more would ruin the fun of this book, which I urge everyone to pick up. This is great fun.

Van Lente, Ching, and Atiyeh have put together another solid Conan book. The pacing was excellent, the action exciting, and the plot and character development were solid. This is one of the books where there are no wasted lines, panels, or words. Recommended, by Crom!

Van Lente, Ching, and Atiyeh have put out another fine issue and I'm happy to say that Conan the Avenger is one of the most consistently enjoyable books Dark Horse is publishing. In some ways the story is just getting started, and by the end "The Damned Hoard" may take on an entirely different meaning. Definitely check it out.

Conan the Avenger 10 takes us into the second act of "The Damned Horde." Events are turning on our Cimmerian, and while we all know that he'll survive, Van Lente, Ching, and Atiyeh do a great job of making Thoth-Amon into a credible, memorable threat, which is fitting given that Thoth-Amon was Conan's greatest enemy in the old Howard short stories, and not Thulsa Doom as the original Schwarzenegger movie would have you believe (he's actually Red Sonja's nemesis). Van Lente has always been great at knowing when and how to ratchet up the conflict in a story, and right now it's hard to imagine how events could get any worse. The fun part now is seeing how Conan gets out of this. If you're a Conan fan and you're not reading this, you should. Definitely check it out.

Conan the Avenger 11 is fun, clever, and exciting. Van Lente, Ching, and Atiyeh have set the bar even higher with this issue, and this reads like classic Conan. This is one of those titles that I look forward to every month.

Conan the Avenger #19 brings the "Blood Oasis" storyline to a rousing close. This story has twisted and turned in ways I hadn't predicted and it's full of everything I love about Conan. It's savage and beautiful, thoughtful and energetic. It's "red" writing"as Stephen King likes to call it"at its best. If you've been reading these reviews, but not picked up the issues, then I strongly suggest you buy issue 20 when it comes out, as it will be the start of an adaptation of one of Howard's greatest Conan stories, "A Witch Shall Be Born." It will make for a good jumping-on point for new readers and should be a helluva tale.

Conan the Avenger 21 faithfully and powerfully depicts one of the seminal moments in Conan history. The writing, the art, and the colors all come together to tell a compelling, well-paced story; a fact that's all the more impressive given that 90% of the tale takes place in one location with a protagonist who can't move. So set your new year off to a red and bloody start and pick up Conan. You'll be glad you did, by Crom.

Conan the Avenger 24 is so good that I've run out of superlatives. It's an excellent adaptation of the classic Robert E. Howard short story, and it's an excellent standalone story. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Goodbye, Conan the Avenger; you will be missed.

DeptH 1 is an excellent start to a new series. The basic setup"a locked-room murder mystery on a deep-sea exploration lab"immediately captures your attention, and the art, pacing, and setting maintains that attention throughout. This is good stuff, people, and well worth checking out. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Dept. H issue 2 introduces some interesting new wrinkles into this already compelling story. Is Mia being paranoid and projecting her own feelings of guilt and anger on her father, or is she right and someone killed him? The answers won't come easy, and the ocean is a dangerous enough place without a killer. This comic does a great job of mixing hard science fiction with mystery and survival fiction, and it keeps you on your toes. I'm not sure where it's heading, but I'm certainly along for the ride. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Doctor Who: Four Doctors 4 does everything right. The art and the writing come together to craft an excellent story that manages to make me feel genuinely concerned about the characters and their chance to win. It also throws many of the events that occurred in the previous three issues into a new light, adding depth and richness to an already deep and rich story. I am going to be so sad to see this creative team go once issue five hits, but I tend to be greedy when it comes to good comics.

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #2.6 (man, what is with the convoluted titles lately? It's colon city over here) is probably the most enjoyable and engaging comic I've read all week. The storytelling on both the writing and art is flawless, and there's a grandeur to the overall tale that's incredibly appealing. This feels big in proper Who fashion, and it feels like a Tenth Doctor story.

Titan's batting a thousand with its Doctor Who comics this week. Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor is fun, engaging, and possesses a healthy dose of both comedy and Gothicism. And the issue takes place in a school, which appeals to me for obvious reasons. Dr. Josh gives this an".

"The Twist" ends on a great note. These last three issues have been nearly flawless comic storytelling, and I hope that this creative team sticks around for a while. Dr. Josh heartily gives this an".

Given what a nut I am about Alexandre Dumas and The Three Musketeers, it's probably not surprising how much I enjoyed this issue. Even if I didn't, though, the story is so deftly told through the art and writing that I would love it anyway. As always, Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor delivers the goods. I can't wait for the next issue.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 2.12 hits all the right marks for me. It's scary and exciting, fast-paced but packed with great moments of character, plot, and world building, and it's just an all-around excellent piece put together by a top-notch creative team.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #2.13 wraps up the "Terror of the Cabinet Noir" storyline nicely. If you've missed the last two issues, do yourself a favor and pick them up along with this one. This storyline has been one of the most enjoyable I've read in a while (and I've read some great ones). Dr. Josh gives this an".

Dream Thief: Escape picks up where the first Dream Thief series left off. The quality of the art and the writing is superb and manages not only to continue the story, but serve as a jumping-on point for new readers. This is a great story told by two people who understand the medium. Highly recommended.

Dream Thief is a comic that never disappoints. The writing and the art work together beautifully to weave a hazy, feverish mystery full of ghosts, family secrets, and revenge. Highly recommended.

Dream Thief: Escape 4 ends this second chapter in the life of John Lincoln, and while I'm sad to see him go, I know that he will be back. Dream Thief is one of the few consistently good series out there with excellent writing and art and a strong, compelling, mysterious premise that catches the imagination. If you're like me, you'll be back when the next limited series launches. Highly recommended.

Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight: Bee Vixens from Mars is a solid start to what could be a fun new anthology series. Alex de Campi, Chris Peterson, and Nolan Woodward do a great job of capturing the feel of the great old Grindhouse movies and never apologizes for the sex and gore. It embraces the core concepts of the genre and never falls into the trap of trying to be clever or ironic. It's lowbrow storytelling at its finest and I hope that this is the start of a long run. Highly recommended.

Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight 2 is a strong end to the story Bee Vixens from Mars. It's a fun title in the grand old Grindhouse style and it could very well become my favorite new anthology series. It's obvious that the creators know and love this genre and are having a great time working within it. If you're a fan of late night cable movies or are old enough to remember going to the drive-in then this comic is for you. Highly recommended.

Prison Ship Antares sets out to be even gorier than Bee Vixens from Mars. This is the second story arc and third overall issue for this limited run anthology series and I hope that enough people buy it to warrant Dark Horse ordering a second run. There are some very smart people behind this comic that love and, more importantly, understand the Grindhouse genre. While there's plenty of the gratuitous nudity and gore that the genre demands, the plot, characters, and art make this more than just a momentary titillation. It's sexy and smart, gory and awful, and a whole lot of fun. Highly recommended.

Grindhouse issue four ends the second story arc of this limited run anthology series. Like the previous three issues, it's a fun love letter/deconstruction of the various Grindhouse genres and I hope that this series gets picked up for another run after this initial one ends. The only part that I found disappointing with this issue is that there weren't the cool fake movie posters at the end. Those were great and I think that Dark Horse should release them as a poster series. Anyway, lack of posters aside, this is a great, fun comic that fans of Grindhouse cinema should definitely read. Highly recommended.

Flesh Feast of the Devil Doll ends the same way as the other Grindhouse issues: with a fake movie poster. I think it pretty well sums up why this is such a fun issue and why this is such a great anthology overall. The flavor text on the poster reads, "It came from Hell, They came from hockey camp" and "It just messed with the wrong virgins." It's that kind of tongue-in-cheek attitude coupled with strong writing and art that makes this such an enjoyable and even thought-provoking comic. As always, I'll be back next month for the latest issue and I hope you will too. Highly recommended.

Here are those Grindhouse totals: Two breasts (although there are some nice shots of the hero in some low cut shirts), three beasts, six dead bodies including three dogs, one old morphine addict lady, three gallons blood (kinda low for Grindhouse), evil aborted clown children made of snow, cane fu, morphine fu, shotgun fu, Colonel Sanders fu. Four stars. Josh says check it out.

So, without further ado, let's get to those Grindhouse totals (I've decided to keep this): four dead bodies, no breasts, three beasts, one gallon blood, people strung up in trees like Christmas ornaments, shotgun fu, grandma fu, firebreathing fu, Marlboro Man fu. It doesn't get any better than this. Josh says check it out.

Peepland #1 comes out of the gate, swinging. It's a damn-near perfect first issue that grabbed me from the first panel and never let me go. The storytelling is lean and mean without sacrificing anything and fans of crime fiction and just superbly written and drawn comics should check this sucker out. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Hard Case Crime definitely comes out of the gates, swinging with this title. Peepland is a damn near perfect comic, hardboiled in all the right ways, sympathetic to its flawed and lost characters, and oddly"sadly"prescient for our time. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Odds are that if you were going to read this issue of Peepland, you've probably already done so. But if you haven't, I hope that this review has convinced you. I won't gush anymore, but I will say that this is a damn fine comic. If you're a fan of crime fiction, you won't want to miss this.

Hawkeye 1 is a bold, practically perfect first issue with great writing and amazing art. Fraction and Aja rekindle their old Iron Fist magic and I hope that this will be the beginning of a long series. My only fear is that new readers coming to this because of their love of the Avengers movie might be put off by spare use of his costume, his archery, and lack of a supervillain. I hope that's not the case as this is a great example of what comics"especially superhero comics"can do when the right writer and artist come together on a project they care about and are willing to take chances. Here's hoping I'm wrong.

House of Penance came with some high praise from both Scott Snyder and Garth Ennis. Sometimes, when you see praise like that from artists you admire, the work can't possibly live up to the expectations they create. House of Penance stands up. It's an engaging, atmospheric first issue that lingers long after you've read it, and I am looking forward to the next issue.

House of Penance #2 was just as impressive as the first issue. The writing and art come together to make something that's both fascinating and disturbing. This issue takes us further into Sarah Winchester's madness, and, like her workers, we get sucked into its gravity, possibly never to return. Dr. Josh gives this an".

House of Penance #3 is another superb issue in one of the best horror miniseries I've read in quite some time. Peter Tomasi, Ian Bertram, and Dave Stewart have managed to capture a fever dream in a comic. Highly expressionistic and dripping with atmosphere, House of Penance will haunt you long after you close the issue. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Again, I end up repeating myself, but when you've got a work that good, all you can do is sing its praises loudly and repeatedly. House of Penance is one of the best comics out there. Beautiful and dark, slicked with fever-sweat and nightmares, it blends history and folktale to create a powerful and disturbing story. One I suspect will end in blood. Dr. Josh gives this an".

There aren't enough superlatives in the dictionary to adequately describe just how good House of Penance is. It's beautiful, haunting, disturbing, and captivating, and it tells a story in a way that only comics can. Dr. Josh gives this an".

House of Penance has been a masterpiece of comic art from the very first issue. The blending of historical fact and fiction structured around a clear premise concerning guilt and debt and madness elevated this comic to something more than your standard fare. And it was all told by a fantastic creative team that truly understood what comics can do. This is a story that could only be told in this medium. It's brilliant and disturbing, beautiful and cruel and well deserving your time and attention. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Ivar, Timewalker #2 does everything right. The characters, the adventure, and the worldbuilding all come together to make a comic that may well be one the smartest and most enjoyable titles on the shelf. If you haven't checked it out yet, I urge you to give it a try and jump in at the ground level.

"Preapocalyptic" is another homerun from Van Lente, Portela, Dalhouse, and Sharpe. There are few comics on the shelf right now that can match Ivar in terms of bravado, character, action, and sheer sense of fun.

Ivar, Timewalker issue 7 is another home run by Van Lente, Portela, and Dalhouse. As always, I'm amazed at the seamless way that this creative team crafts a story that is full of amazing scientific concepts and far-out places and creatures with a plot that derives from clearly-defined and lovable characters. Really, these guys need to start slipping up, because I'm running out of ways to say that they're great.

Ivar, Timewalker continues to delight and impress me. The quality of the writing and the art are both top-notch and takes me to unexpected places. The plot is a series of circles within circles, and it's not always clear where you are until the very end. For my money, if a story can surprise you, then it's a good one.

Ivar, Timewalker 12 caps off what I think is a damn-near perfect twelve issue run. Fred Van Lente, Pere Prez and Andrew Dalhouse have crafted an intricate, complex plot that on the surface looks simple and natural. They've also created a vibrant, exciting, and engaging world of time travel, alternate universes, and radical, high concept science. Yet it's all anchored by believable and sympathetic characters with real emotions and clear psychologies. I swear, I look for things to nitpick in this comic, but damned if I can't find anything. If you love time travel stories with loads of wit, humor, and honest human warmth, this is for you.

While I've enjoyed the entire miniseries, this final issue is definitely the strongest. The pacing, the action, the humor, and the character arc Lady Zorro undergoes comes together wonderfully here and I'm sad to see Esperanza and Hugo go, but happy that they found each other. Recommended.

While most first issues tend to focus too much on the worldbuilding and not enough on the plot, Surviving Megalopolis does a fine job of balancing both. Even if you haven't read the first part, you can pick this up and know exactly where this is, who these people are, what they want, and what stands in the way. It's damn good storytelling that immediately engages you and sweeps you along for a helluva ride.

Surviving Megalopolis #2 is a heavy book full of fascinating themes coupled with genuinely disturbing moments of horror and brutality. If you haven't picked it up yet then you're doing yourself a disservice. This is top-notch writing and art, and if it goes the way I think it is, it may well stand as an important book in comics history. Like Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns, this is an interrogation of heroism and our need for it. And it's damn fun to read, too! Dr. Josh gives this an"

Leaving Megalopolis: Surviving Megalopolis #3 is another great issue. Although it didn't seem to go into as much depth as the previous issue on the theme of heroism and reification, it does provide us with an excellent character study and plenty of moments of fun, bloody terror. In some ways, this feels like a pivot issue, moving the story from one Act to another. Sometimes pivot issues can be pretty stale"lacking a sense of momentum and significance. Happily, that's not the case here. If you're not reading this, you should.

I have no idea where this story is going, and I love it. Leaving Megalopolis: Surviving Megalopolis may have a long, unwieldy name, but the story is tight. Dark, horrifying, and hopeful, this is a comic that plays with genre and uses it to make a statement on heroism. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Leaving Megalopolis: Surviving Megalopolis #6 beautifully ends one of my favorite miniseries. At times bloody and frightening, this story also examines what it means to be a hero and ultimately presents humanity at its worst and best. This is comics at its best.

Issue 2 picked right up where issue 1 left off and managed to be even more exciting and entertaining. The battle between Sonja and Annisia was powerful and full of pathos, and the story took a turn that I did not expect. If the series continues in this manner it will be one of the most engaging and fast-paced titles on the stands. Red Sonja is so full of life and energy it practically crackles, and I hope that Simone stays on this title for a long, long time. Highly recommended.

Under Gail Simone, Red Sonja is a title that just keeps picking up speed. It keeps adding layers to a character that is too often portrayed as one-dimensional and veers off in unexpected directions. The character work is top-notch, the plot exciting, and the action expertly depicted by Geovani. It's a great title and the best that Dynamite is putting on the stands. Highly recommended.

Red Sonja 11 is another fantastic issue in a series that I look forward to every month. It's a story of fear, doubt, but ultimately faith and the courage one finds in believing in something larger than oneself. Highly recommended.

Red Sonja 12 brings to a close this second story arc under Simone and Geovani and it just keeps getting better. This issue is exciting, fun, and full of honest emotion. While I'm sad to see the artisans go, I am looking forward to seeing where the road will take Sonja next. Highly recommended.

Red Sonja 13 begins a new arc and it serves as a good jumping-on point for new readers. As always, the writing, the art, the color, and the letters are excellent and combine to make a comic that is full of action, adventure, humor, and thought. The concept of forgiveness, I believe, is going to be played out in multiple ways and the title, "The Forgiveness of Monsters" begs the question, who needs to be forgiven, who is the monster, and can monsters forgive themselves? As always, highly recommended.

Red Sonja 14 is another great issue in a consistently solid, thoughtful, and entertaining book. Although knowing that Simone will be leaving makes it a bit bittersweet, I'm still enjoying the ride and am happy that I've been reading it since the first issue. As always, check it out.

We've only got one more issue to go with this series, and I'm already missing it. I'm hoping that we'll get more from this creative team, as they've done a bang-up job establishing this iteration of the characters and Greendale and created a truly fun and engaging story. If you haven't read this comic yet, do yourself a favor and pick up the previous three issues. You won't be disappointed.

I adore this comic, and I hope this creative team keeps making Sabrina stories. This comic is wonderful, full of humor and warmth and life, and excellent plotting and character work. It's a series that I get excited over every time I get an Archie solicitation. If you haven't checked it out yet, do yourself a favor and do so. Dr. J gives this an"

Sabrina: Something Wicked #4 is another home run for this team. I hope that Kelly Thompson and the Fishes keep making these comics, because they have such a wonderful take on the character and her world. Dr. J gives this an"

Ten Grand tells the story of Joe Fitzgerald, a former mob enforcer turned clean up man for Heaven. His price for this work is"should he die a righteous death"he can spend five minutes in Heaven with his dead girlfriend, Laura before being resurrected. It's a masterfully told tale that plays to Straczynski's skills at world building and dialogue and is beautifully presented through Ben Templesmith's artwork. This title is slated to run for twelve issues and represents the first in a string of titles coming from the newly resurrected Joe's Comics imprint, now housed by Image. The mandate for Joe's Comics is to tell good stories with the best talents in the field and to try new things with the medium, similar to Mark Waid's Thrillbent. Ten Grand 1 is an excellent issue and bodes as an auspicious beginning for some excellent comics. To say that I'm excited would be to state the obvious. Highly recommended.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina continues to impress. This is good, creepy tale rooted in excellent character work and atmosphere. Both the art and the writing match the story, and I eagerly await the next issue. Dr. J gives this an".

"S" is for Sabrina, the teenage witch, and "E" is for excellent, the quality of this comic. The level of intelligence and craft that goes into each issue of this comic is amazing, and it functions on so many levels without becoming too self-aware or aggrandizing. Readers can enjoy this simply as a well-crafted story, or they can dive in deeper and enjoy the skein of literary and historical allusions.

As always, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina delivers the goods. If you're a fan of horror then you need to check this out. This comic is an embarrassment of riches.

The Massive is absolutely one of the best titles on the rack right now, and it's well worth reading. It's an ambitious, intelligent, and excellently executed geo-political apocalyptic drama. The setting is complex and sophisticated, as are the characters, and the drama"while set against a global stage"is personal and real. Highly recommended.

I'm very happy to see The Shadow back in comics, and I'm even happier to see how Ennis and Campbell are treating the character. This is a dark, dangerous, charismatic character running around in the bigger-than-life setting of the 1930s. There's danger, intrigue, and mystery galore, making me want to come back for the next issue. I'd say that The Shadow is in very good hands. Criminals beware!

It's hard to believe that this series is only three issues old. In that short amount of time, Garth Ennis and Aaron Campbell have told a fast-paced globe-trotting story rich with action and character-development. This is the most nuanced and sophisticated takes on this character that I've ever seen and I can't wait to see where this team takes him.

Twilight Zone issue one is a strong start in a revitalizing of the old, great series. Straczynski's writing coupled with Vilanova's art and Andrade's colors make for a great read that manages to capture the feel of the original show while at the same time promising something new and different. I'm certainly on board for the next issue. Highly recommended.

Ultimate Spider-Man is one of the best superhero comics out there. It flawlessly mixes character development with plot advancement and exciting action scenes. Miles is a great character in his own right and already stands outside the very long shadow cast by Peter Parker.

Winter Soldier is turning into one of my favorite books. It goes to the top of my read pile every month. Ed Brubaker's writing is top-notch, with great characterization and smart, tight plots, and with Guice's improved style, the art is becoming a much better fit for the story.

X-O Manowar does a fine job of balancing world building with action and character development, along with some pretty heady themes. It's a comic that doesn't waste a panel or a word and moves along like a well-oiled machine. And standing in the middle of it all is Aric"tormented, talented, and willfully ignorant of his true nature. In case you hadn't figured it out, this is a darn fine comic.

I loved Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry's 2012 revival of Archer & Armstrong, so I was excited and a little trepidatious when I saw that the series would be relaunched under a new creative team. I should have had more faith, because Rafer Roberts and the rest of this creative team have given us a bang-up first issue that feels both like a new chapter and like classic Archer & Armstrong (if something that was around in 2012 can be called "classic"). If you're a fan and are on the fence, give it a try. I think you'll have a great time.

If you were uncertain last issue, this one should put your fears to rest: Archer & Armstrong are back. This new series shoots out of the gate with a new aesthetic design and a new slant on Valiant's premiere duo. It's fun and silly and done very well by this creative team. If you're a fan and haven't checked it out yet, do so. You won't be disappointed. Dr. Josh gives this an".

I'm a sucker for Archer & Armstrong and I'm glad that I'm getting more stories with my favorite mismatched duo thanks to this creative team. While it does help to have read the previous series, Roberts does a good job of providing enough backstory to keep you from getting lost, and there's a ton of fun to be had here if you're new or an old fan. Dr. Josh gives this an".

One stupid adventure ends and another begins. Archer, Armstrong, and Mary-Maria manage to beat Bacchus and reach a new level to their friendship. It's a satisfying end to a really fun first arc, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this team takes our heroes next. Dr. Josh gives this an".

The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong issue five provides a nice respite from the breakneck pace of the first four issues. Archer and Faith's date is fun and charming, and the two are very sweet together. We should get back to the standard quota of punching and hijinks next issue, but this was a nice breather. Dr. Josh gives this an".

A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong #7 picks up the pace and finds its balance again in a fun, silly, action-packed issue. I'm glad to see the boys back and firing on all cylinders. Dr. Josh gives this an".

As always, A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong delivers the goods. It's fun, full of adventure, and big and bold and full of bravado. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm keeping an eye out for Florida Man. Dr. Josh gives this an".

"Thoroughly entertaining" is a good way to describe A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong. Lord knows it's silly and full of far-out concepts that, frankly, should overwhelm the story and make it implode like dying star, but somehow, someway, this crew manages to keep everything moving and wrap all the craziness around a core of solid, engaging, and believable character work. The next issue wraps up the current storyline, so if you haven't tried the comic yet, you might want to wait until issue 13. Believe me, it's worth it. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Issue twelve is one of those cases where I hate to see the series leave, but I'm glad that it does so on a high point. This has been consistently funny, quirky, and charming thanks to this creative team. I don't know if they'll be back for Archer & Armstrong's next great adventure, but I certainly hope so. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Marvel's killing me with the $4.99 first issue price, but I'm glad I shelled out the moolah for this one, because it's just great. Superbly written and drawn and featuring beloved characters that have been allowed to mature and change, The Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows is a real treat, even if the title is super-clunky. Dr. Josh gives this an".

World of Animosity does a great job of catching up the reader on the major characters and events of the story as well as providing greater information about the world at large. Seriously, this is more detailed than some story bibles I've read. If you've been reading Animosity then you should find something new and interesting here (and if I'm wrong, drop me a line and let me know), and certainly this should entice new readers. Dr. J gives this an".

Archer & Armstrong's 25th Anniversary Hullabaloo is a solid anniversary issue that takes a moment to pause, reflect, and look forward. It celebrates the story without getting too serious about it, which is one of the reasons why this is such a consistently fun comic to read. 25 issues is far too short a time to spend with such great characters, but luckily for us, I think we're in for a long, exciting, funny ride.

Archie 663 is a fun story of cars, scooters, romance, opera, and helmet hair. The story is a classic comedy setup, and everyone involved hit the notes just right. It's definitely worth checking out.

Once again, Archie proves to be a fun and uplifting read, and once again the company proves that it stands at the forefront of diversity in the medium. You could do worse than to check this out.

Archie #2 is another win for this creative team. Waid, Staples, Szymanowicz and Vaughn have reinvigorated this classic comic and struck just the right balance between updating the look and maintaining the elements that have made it endure for so long. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Archie #3 brings the core characters together and sets up the main conflict that will play throughout the series. Smartly, this creative team has changed the Betty-Veronica-Archie love triangle to something a little more tenable that puts Archie in a more positive light (I mean, sixty years to choose one girl? That's way too long!). The issue also features a very interesting"if brief"afterward from Waid and a reprint of a classic Archie issue (this time it's the first appearance of Veronica). Once again, Archie has proven to be one of the highlights of my month. Dr. Josh gives this an"

I never thought I'd say it, but I'm glad to see Reggie Mantle. He hits this issue like a grenade and adds a sense of unpredictability and danger (within the confines of the Archie style, of course). We also learn more about Veronica in this issue, and overall it's tightly written and drawn. Once again, Archie kills it.

Archie #6 is another solid issue in this highly enjoyable reboot. The writing and art are both top-notch and the comic is full of humor and heart.

Archie #8 really cements in my mind why Archie is such a beloved character. Despite the clumsiness, he's a good person with a strong moral compass, and Mark Waid does a great job of putting that moral compass to the test in a way that's fitting tonally for this series and natural for both the characters and their situation. This is another solid issue from a dynamite creative team. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Archie #9 is another excellent issue in a series that I look forward to reading every month. The writing, the art, and the colors are all excellent and work together to create a singular effect, and you can really tell that this is a creative team that understands the medium and how to use it to its fullest advantage. Seriously, I know I say this every month, but if you aren't reaching Archie, you're doing yourself a disservice.

The situation is only going to get worse for the Riverdale crew. Waid and this creative team have got me on the proverbial edge of my seat. I don't know quite what's going to happen, but it's obvious, like the electric feel to the air right before a dilly of a storm. As always, Archie delivers the goods. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Archie 14 is another winner. Rarely have I seen a comic series that has consistently operated on such an exceptional level in terms of writing and art. This is damn good comics here, people, and if you haven't jumped on the Archie train yet, you better get a move on before you're left behind. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Hoo-boy, trouble's coming to Riverdale in the next issue. This issue wraps up the initial Cheryl Blossom story arc and brings the redhead everyone loves to hate to the town everyone loves to love.

While this issue won't be breaking any new ground or remaking the wheel, it's a fun comic full of big ideas and big characters, and sometimes that's all you need. Hickman is pulling a really cool and diverse group of characters from all over the Marvel U and it will be fun to see how they interact in future issues. Overall the writing is solid and the artwork great. The first issue of this story arc was called "Avenger's World." If that's true, then it's a good world to visit once a month. Recommended.

Although the last half of the issue drags a little bit as it establishes characters and themes for the rest of the series, Captain Marvel 1 is a solid first issue that hopefully will bring this character to the A List of Marvel heroes and add a bit more diversity to the superhero genre. The character work is great and the art unique and highly enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Issue two of Conan Red Sonja is better than the first. Now that it's gotten over the somewhat bumpy first issue syndrome, it's firing on all cylinders and looks to be shaping up as a meditation on their relationship as much as it is telling a story about a series of connected encounters they have over the course of their lives. It will be interesting to see how it plays out"perhaps an aged Sonja will visit King Conan in the final issue and they drink and reminisce. Only time will tell, and in the meantime, I'm looking forward to the next issue, as this series just keeps getting better.

Conan the Avenger 5 is a fun title that puts everyone's favorite barbarian in a new situation and highlights aspects of his personality that typically aren't shown. While I was a bit uncertain about this new series when it first started, it has definitely found its voice and proves to be another solid addition to the character's long and storied history. Recommended.

Conan the Avenger 6 is a solid end to a story arc that began a bit awkwardly for me. While I wasn't crazy about the first two issues, each one got better than the last and now this feels like classic Conan"the kind of stories written by Roy Thomas and drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith or John Buscema. Recommended.

No matter how far Conan travels, he can never escape the poison of civilization, and Van Lente and Co. do a great job of using this as the primary antagonist of their series. This is classic Conan here, folks, and it's great fun to read. Recommended.

Issue 12 ends with a bang and opens the way for Conan's next adventure. As Abit says, Conan is a force of nature who leaves "no path for mere mortals to follow. Just a wake." He's right, and it makes for a hell of a read. The writing and art have been superb for this six-issue arc, and I'm looking forward to seeing where we go next.

Van Lente does an excellent job of capturing Howard's voice as well as dipping into the sadomasochistic and bondage elements of the pulp genre. The weakness"if it can even be called that"is that tonally it doesn't quite jibe with what he did before, primarily in regards to the character Natala.

"Blood Oasis" starts another thrilling chapter in the life of everyone's favorite barbarian. Van Lente, Ching, Atiyeh, and Starkings & Comicraft have come together to create an action-packed tale of blood and sand full of mystery and danger.

Conan the Avenger 17 brings a ghost from Conan's past and the prospect of some Lovecraftian horror. As always, the writing and art are top-notch and this team stays true to the spirit of Howard's original stories while at the same time adding something substantial to the already rich field of extant Conan stories. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Conan the Avenger 18 is another solid issue by this creative team. The writing and art are top shelf, and by God can Brian Ching draw a fight. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Conan The Avenger 23 is another excellent issue in this adaptation of Robert E. Howard's "A Witch Shall Be Born." As always, Van Lente, Ching, and Atiyeh capture what made Howard's writing so visceral and powerful, and I'm eating it up.

Conan the Slayer #4 delivers the goods, giving us a rousing tale of blood, thunder, betrayal, and sorcery. Fans of good, old-fashioned sword-and-sorcery will find much to like here.

Full of blood and thunder, forbidden magic, and heroic deeds, Conan the Slayer 5 is an action-packed, tense issue that builds the world and the story, creating an immersive experience that's true to the nature of the character and his stories. Dr. Josh gives this an".

I feel like all of the essential information is given here for a new reader, but because it's impossible for me to forget what I already know, it's possible that I may be unconsciously filling in the gaps. Regardless, it's still a fun Daredevil comic that should pique a new reader's interest. If you're a fan of superhero comics then you should be reading this.

Although the story's slow pace is beginning to hurt the comic, this current issue is much stronger than the previous one. Where issue three seemed to suffer from the "and then" problem, issue four gets back on track, giving us a story that's as beautiful, deadly, and unusual as the ocean. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Doctor Who Comic #3 is a fast-paced, fun romp with the Tenth and Thirteenth Doctors that ties back into the show and previous Doctor Who comics. Although I wasn't crazy about how the series started, it's really firing on all cylinders now. Dr. J gives it an"

Doctor Who: Four Doctors #1 is what I typically call a "Get the Band Together" comic. It exists to place the players onto the field and introduce the main conflict. At times first issues can come off as too expository, or just plain boring (let's get to the good stuff, already!), but that's not the case here. While there was very little action to speak of, the character interactions are more than enough to make this an entertaining and engaging story. I can already tell I'm going to be sad in five issues when this creative team parts for other projects. If you're a fan of the Doctor, or just good comics in general, then definitely check this out.

Doctor Who: Four Doctors is living up to its boast of being the big event of the summer. Cornell, Edwards, and Nunes have put together a solid story that pulls from both the television and comic continuity and treats both with the same amount of respect and regard. While there are Easter Eggs, they fit the story, and even new Whovians can jump in and know exactly what is going on. If you're a Who fan, you should be reading this.

Doctor Who: Four Doctors 4 is another great issue in what may be my favorite even comic of the summer. While I may be a Marvel fanboy and enjoy the hell out of Secret Wars, I can't pretend that it's accessible to new readers. Four Doctors is. It balances a love and knowledge of Who history with a knowledge that this might be a reader's first Doctor Who experience. Really, this is just Writing 101 here"know your audience"but so many comic writers either forget this or are simply unable to dig themselves out from under a mountain of continuity.

Doctor Who: Four Doctors is hands down my favorite event comic of the summer. The writing and art were superb, and it was just a great story. I hope that Paul Cornell, Neil Edwards, and Ivan Nunes do more work on Doctor Who in the future, as they did a fantastic job on this miniseries. Dr. Josh gives this an"

I know I began this review by talking about Superman, but in the end, it's all the Doctor. This is a solid issue featuring what is becoming one of my favorite incarnations of this character. The writing is solid and the art and color are engaging. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Doctor Who: The Lost Dimension #1 Alpha may kill me with its long, involved title, but it does do a great job of kicking off what looks to be a damn fine crossover event. The rest of the event will spread out through the other running Who comics and a couple of specials, so pay attention at the back of the book, as it lays out where the next installment will fall. If this first special is any indication, we're in for a good time.

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor 2.8 begins a new storyline and serves as a good jumping on point for new readers. "The Wishing Well Witch" has it all: great character work, an intriguing mystery, a good, scary monster, and hints for what's to come farther down the line. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Color me impressed. Doctor Who The Twelfth Doctor 4 is a quantum leap ahead of the first issue in terms of quality. This was a fun, classic Who story that played with big ideas while at the same time rooting them in solid, human emotions and motivations. Practically everything in this issue hit the right mark, and I am very happy that I decided to give this another chance. Now let's just hope that this Doctor's personality can be a bit more defined. Definitely check this out.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 3.3 and 3.4 had a nice mystery, a fun monster, a spot of tea, and a lot of punk rock. What more can the reader ask for?

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor, Year Two #3 is a fun, exciting adventure featuring a classic monster. The art and writing are both top-notch, and the creative team takes full advantage of the medium. I had a blast reading it.

All kidding aside, I really dug this issue. I enjoyed the metafictive narrative and thought this was a well-crafted done-in-one issue. There's a whole lot of fun to be found here.

Now that she's not traipsing around the cosmos with the Doctor, maybe Clara and I can finally settle down. A man can hope, can't he? Anyway, Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 2.6 is a solid start to a new storyline and new companion. The story immediately catches your attention and the writing and art are both A+ work. I think we're in for quite a ride here.

"The Twist" part two is another excellent issue in this sadly post-Clara era of the Twelfth Doctor. The writing, the art, and the color work together incredibly well, creating a fun, engaging, and gorgeous reading experience.

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 2.9 is another feather in Titan Comics' cap. As much as I enjoy the adventures of Ten and the Supremacy of the Cybermen event, this comic consistently brings home the goods better and more consistently than the other Who titles on the rack. The storytelling is drum-tight, the characters spot on, and the art excellent. Dr. Josh gives this an".

It's obvious this creative team has approached this comic with great love and respect for the original books, novellas, and short stories. Although the changes made to the story might not appeal to purists, they serve an overall purpose of folding all of these stories into a tighter, more cohesive narrative, and, so far, it works. Michael Moorcock says that this is the "best graphic adaptation of the story," and I have to agree. Fans of the character or just sword and sorcery stories in general should check this out.

Flesh Feast for the Devil Doll 2 wraps up this series, and it definitely makes it go out with a bang. As always, the writing and art are strong, and it's fun for a Grindhouse fan like myself to see how they update and invert some of the classic tropes of the genre. With any luck, we will be invited back to the Grindhouse in the not-too-distant future.Highly recommended.

Grindhouse: Drive In, Bleed Out #3 is another great issue in one of my favorite anthology series. The quality of the writing and art and the enthusiasm for the genre consistently make this one of the most enjoyable titles out there. If you're a horror fan, you should check this out.

As the tagline for the next issue says, "Terrorists, watch your terror-ass!" so without further ado, let's get to the Grindhouse totals: No dead bodies. Two beasts. No breasts (but a bevy of machine-gun toting bikini ladies). Cash register fu. Bullet proof fu. Shaolin Shock Troops fu. Big-weird-spiked-bells-used-as-weapons-fu. Heads roll. Toupees roll. Dentures roll. Gratuitous hassling by "the Man." Professor Josh gives this an:

Now, let's get to those grindhouse totals: No breasts. 1 dead body. 60 dead ninjas. Heads roll. Arms roll. Street gang fu. Orthodox Jew fu. Beauty products fu. Epic Side-Eye fu. Professor Josh gives this an"

Grindhouse has never shied away from sexy good times, but this story features probably the most sustained and consistent sex scenes of the series' 15 issue run. That may turn off some readers, but keep in mind that there is always a method to de Campi's madness, and Grindhouse is almost deceptively smart in how it treats the various "B" genres it tackles. For my money, this is another great issue in a series that I adore.

Peepland 2 continues to impress with its layered plot, excellent characters, and fantastic setting. Like the New York in the story, it's dirty and dangerous, yet powerful and alluring. It's the beauty of starlight glinting off a switchblade, or the swirls blood makes on its journey to the gutter. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Peepland #5 brings this excellent series to a bloody and satisfying ending. As much as I'm going to miss this comic, I'm glad that it ended as strongly as it began. Here's hoping we see more titles like this from Titan's Hard Case Crime imprint.

Although I came to this mid-story, High Crimes 7 was easy to pick up and follow. Moreover, it's a solid concept with a compelling character and plenty of drama. I enjoyed it enough that I want to read the back issues. Right now the story leaves Zan at perhaps her lowest: her drugs are gone, her friend is dead, and enemies surround her. I have no idea how she will get out of this, but I'd bet good money that she does. Recommended.

Fred Van Lente may be the best thing to ever happen to Valiant. He already scored a hit with Archer & Armstrong, and Ivar, Timewalker promises to be just as fun and exciting, but in its own way. This is an solid first issue that hooked me from the start and I'm going to be back for issue two. Check it out.

Ivar, Timewalker continues to impress. This is Van Lente and Henry firing on all cylinders, crafting a big, bold, complex time travel story that manages to avoid the pitfalls of the genre. It's proving to be one of the more entertaining and satisfying issues on the rack every month and if you haven't given it a shot yet, you really should.

Ivar, Timewalker 4 is another out-of-the-park issue by Fred Van Lente and Clayton Henry. The writing is sharp and the art is excellent. As always, I'm impressed with Van Lente's ability with plotting as well as the ease with which he writes characters. With Archer & Armstrong gone for now, this has become my favorite Valiant title, and if you're a fan of time-travel stories, roguish characters, and adventure, then you'll love this book.

We're moving into endgame with this story arc, and I'm excited to see how this story will end. Ivar, Timewalker is consistently one of the most delightful, surprising, and inventive comics out there, and if you haven't picked it up yet, then do so, because you're missing out. The Professor gives this an".

Ivar, Timewalker #8 ends the "Breaking History" arc. While the multiverse has been saved, the victory came at a cost. I'm excited to see where the story will go from here, and you better believe I'll be back for more next month. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Ivar, Timewalker 9 serves as a good jumping-on point for new readers. If you haven't checked this comic out yet, do yourself a favor and pick up this issue. This series is one of most fun and inventive comics on the shelf right now and there's no reason to miss out. Dr. Josh gives this an"

As much as I enjoyed the first story arc, Jughead 7 may be my favorite Jughead comic so far. Zdarsky and this character were made for each other, I think, and Derek Charm's inclusion creates a nice visual break from the previous six issues, cementing that the Stanger story is over and we're moving on to something new. Dr. Josh gives this an".

I'm sad to see Chip Zdarsky go, but I am glad that he's leaving on a high note. This was funny, honest, and great fun to read. Ryan North (another excellent writer) takes over in the next issue, and the story involves Jughead meeting Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. It will be interesting to see how that plays out, because up to this point Jughead has been fairly grounded with the overt fantastical elements appearing in his dreams. If North keeps Sabrina a full-fledged witch, then that will change the established internal logic of the story so far, and it will either work or fall flat on its face. Of course, I'm hoping for it to work.

Jughead #9 hits a home run in this debut issue from new team Ryan North and Derek Charm. Together they crafted a funny, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable issue that actually deals with a potentially problematic and complicated subject. This one is more definitely worth your while and provides a good jumping on point for those who haven't hopped on the Jughead bandwagon. Also, Charm's cover is amazing. I mentioned in my last review how much I would love to own a print. If one's available, I would gladly buy it.

Jughead #10 is a heck of a lot of fun. The script is funny and the art is great, full of engaging character designs, good body language, and excellent facial expressions. Dr. Josh gives this an".

(Editor's note: At this point Josh was forced away from his computer and his credit card hidden in a safe place. We at Fandom Post believe his lapse of judgment came from too many late hours and a diet consisting mostly of coffee and Gummi Bears. We all wish for a speedy recovery.)

If you missed out on the delightful "Sabrina" storyline, do yourself a favor and pick up this issue. Like its parent title, Archie, Jughead is funny, smart, and full of heart. What more could you want?

I'd be perfectly happy if Ryan North and Derek Charm stayed on Jughead for the long haul. These comics are packed with humor and charm (no pun intended) and they're a real treat to read. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Jughead 14 was another stellar issue from Ryan North and Derek Charm. It was full of humor and wit and more than a little heart. While I'm sad that the series is going on hiatus, I am glad that we've had seven solid issues from this team. Hopefully, they'll work together again, either on another Jughead project or something else.

Lady Zorro 3 is another great issue in this miniseries. The titular character stands on her own despite her association with a male hero and displays the will and skill needed to end a war before it happens. The art is excellent, and this is an all-around fun comic worthy of the title Zorro. Recommended.

We've got one more issue in this series, and I have no idea what's going to happen. The best stories zig when you think they're going to zag, and they do it in such a natural, logical way that you wonder why you didn't see it coming all along. Like I said, this is a story where anybody can die at any moment, and I'm on the proverbial edge of my seat, wondering how it will all end. Dr. Josh gives this an".

If you're not a fan of the character, this issue will make you one. If you love offbeat, B- or C-list heroes with edge, then this is the comic for you.

As a Moon Knight fan, I feel like this is the series I've been waiting for. While I enjoyed the hell out of the previous runs by writers like Warren Ellis and Cullen Bunn, they took a more episodic approach, and this is a return to a serial format. So far, this creative team have captured the feel and voice for the character and his stories, and it seems like they're going to build on his lore"something that's been much-needed. Do yourself a favor and check this out. Dr. J gives this an"

Red Sonja 1 is an excellent re-introduction to the character. Gail Simone, Walter Geovani, Adriano Lucas, and Simon Bowland do a magnificent job of taking a much-loved but often mishandled character and giving her a strong, unique voice. The issue is full of action, wit, humor, and heart and I can't wait to see what this team has in store for us next. Highly recommended.

Red Sonja 5 is another solid issue in a title that I'm really enjoying. I love Simone's take on the character and I like the supporting cast she's building around her. While I do feel right now that the story is dragging a little bit, I'm enjoying the title enough that it's not really an issue for me as yet. All that really matters is that I'm looking forward to the next issue, which tells me that this creative team is doing something right. Recommended.

Issue 9 went in unexpected directions and added extra layers to Sonja's character. As is the case with the previous nine issues, this one is full of action, adventure, humor, and a real sense of empathy and humanity. I'm greatly enjoying how Simone and Geovani are taking a more-or-less one dimensional character and making her fully realized while staying true to the core of her personality. As always, this is highly recommended.

Red Sonja 10 is another solid issue in a comic that I look forward to every month. I'm sure I sound like a broken record right now, but it's the best series Dynamite is currently producing. It's smart, it's entertaining, it has something to say, and the way it says it is unique. This is a title that can be enjoyed on multiple levels: as a purely fun adventure comic, as revision and resuscitation of a character who has been reduced to cheesecake too many times, and as a statement on the fluidity and multiplicity of gender roles and sexuality. Highly recommended.

All good things must come to an end (unless I'm wrong about this being Simone's last issue and then I'll just recycle this line later), but if there is to be an end, I'm glad it went out on such a high note. I've been continually impressed with this comic since issue one, and it just grew better with each successive issue. The writing, the art, and the colors are all top-notch, and this team has not only revitalized this character, but redefined her into something stronger while staying true to her roots. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Gail Simone and Walter Giovanni are still on Red Sonja and that makes me a happy reviewer. Once again, this creative team has crafted a fun, exciting adventure wrapped around a core of solid character motivations.

When I reviewed issue 16, I thought that it was this creative team's final story, so 17 and 18 have been like bonus levels, or the whipped cream and cherry on top of a sundae. I do not envy whoever follows Simone and Geovani on this title, as they have redefined and revitalized this character. I hope whoever does follow to be as successful and just plain as good as this team, but it's very possible that I will drop this title if that's not the case. All I can say for certain is that if Simone and Geovani work together again, I'll be right there.

Red Sonja, Vol. 3 #2 (that's a mouthful) is another solid issue under this new creative team. Everything you love about the Devil with a Sword remains, but new and unexpected corners of her world are plumbed, adding to the already rich story and setting. If you're a Sword & Sorcery fan, you should be reading this. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Issues 20 and 21 do a fine job of tying up the "Lord Skath" storyline and opening the way for Sonja's next great adventure. As always, Red Sonja delivers the goods. Dr. J gives both issues an".

I'll be interested in seeing where this mini goes. I was a little surprised at the tone, considering I thought Archie would want to jump on the success of the Netflix adaptation of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, but this is tonally and thematically more in line with the regular Archie line, focusing on the warmth and heart of the characters instead of on the darkness. I'm definitely on board to see what the next four issues has in store for us.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch #2 is a great follow up to a very enjoyable first issue. Now that the characters and general vibe has been established, the comic is taking a very Buffy vibe, and I like that quite a bit. It's a smart choice, as it creates this series' own unique identity, and, frankly, makes it super fun to read. Dr. J gives this an"

Once again, this creative team knocks it out of the park. Sabrina the Teenage Witch #3 is fun, full of adventure, romance, and humor, and wonderfully drawn and written. If you haven't read this title yet, I highly recommend you check it out.

There's no reason not to take the Nestea Plunge with this new volume now that Archie has re-issued it. If you're looking for fun, magic, teenage angst that's somehow charming and not annoying, then this is your comic. Dr. J gives it an"

It's great being back in Greendale and experiencing new adventures with Sabrina and her friends. The writing and art are top-notch in this series, and if you're looking for something fun, with great character work, and more than a bit of magic, this is your huckleberry. Dr. J gives this an"

This is the first time I've read Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and I'm hooked. The genuinely creepy story, the incongruity of Sabrina's two halves, the excellent art, and the strong writing come together to make a chilling, atmospheric, and touching piece. I enjoyed it so much that I want to hunt down the previous two issues so I get a fuller idea of the story (not to mention they'll be fun to read).

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina 4 continues the standard of excellence Archie Horror has established. Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is quickly becoming one of my favorite horror writers, and Robert Hack is perfect on this title. It's frightening, disturbing, and excellent. If you aren't reading this, then you're doing yourself a disservice. Dr. Josh gives this an"

Sometimes life gives you the most wonderful surprises, and I would count this among them. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has been a fantastic series, and for a while I thought that we'd never get more. I hope that this is the start of many more issues to come. Dr. J gives this an"

Madam Satan One-Shot #1 is a damn-fine single issue that works for both long-time Sabrina fans, and those new to the world and story. It was quite enjoyable to read and it teases some fascinating trials in the future for everyone's favorite teenage witch.

Even though I missed the past thirteen issues, I'm pleased to see that The Massive is firing on all cylinders. This is another solid story in a comic that should be on everyone's pull list. The world building, the characters, and the plot are excellent, as is the quality of the art. I intend to stay with this comic for the long haul and hope that you will join me. Highly recommended.

The Massive 28 continues to be a an excellent comic with solid, sophisticated writing and stellar art. The funny thing, though, is that it's taken me twenty-eight issues to discover that the series doesn't click with me on an emotional level. I'm in it for the long run, though, and it's certainly no hardship to read this, but I wonder if anyone else feels this way. Still, this is recommended.

The Massive presents a bit of a quandary to me. On the one hand, I appreciate the excellence of writing and art, but on the other, I was never able to quite connect with it emotionally other than the first trade. It could be that this is a series that reads better as a whole than in single issues, or it could be that it just doesn't resonate with me. Either way, it's still a fine comic and this is a worthy resolution to it. Recommended.

This issue is basically a set up issue for what's to come. It's moving characters and events into place for the real action, but it does so in a way that's still dynamic and interesting. We're given more information on Cranston and his alter ego, and in general the character work is excellent. There isn't really any action here, but it's still quite fun to read.

War Mother #1 delivers the goods with a solid and engaging first issue. Honestly, you can't go wrong with Fred Van Lente. Dr. J gives this an".

X-O Manowar #1 is a solid first issue that immediately captures the tone, character, and premise of the story, engaging the reader and establishing what we're in for regarding the rest of the series. As a first time X-O reader, I have to say I'm hook. Once again, Valiant kills it. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Although it possesses some of Morrison's characteristic flaws, this is still a fun comic to read and a fresh, invigorating reimagining of this iconic character. The backup is more or less filler, but Superman fans old and new will find plenty here to keep them happy.

Conan, Red Sonja 1 is a pretty simple, straightforward title with a few minor issues with its two protagonists. It functions more as an introduction, setting the stage for the larger story, but the tale it does tell is fun in a classic Conan/Sonja style and the art and colors are very good. Hopefully this will be the start to a fun, bloody romp through Hyperborea with my two favorite barbarians.

Conan the Avenger 13 switches tone, presenting us with a horror story. A sleeping city lies in the desert, its dreamers stalked by the shadows, and Conan and Natala may be its next victims. The new artist, Guiu Vilanova, does a great job following Ching, and Michael Atiyeh's colors do a wonderful job of conveying mood and atmosphere. However, the character Natala feels off. She goes from iron-willed survivor to cowering burden with no real transition. If not for that, I would say that this is another perfect issue from Van Lente and Co. I suppose "great" will have to suffice this time. Josh says check it out.

Conan the Avenger 20 is a bit too exposition heavy for my taste, but it's still a solid read from a creative team that I greatly enjoy. The issue is the start of a faithful adaptation of the original Robert E. Howard story, "A Witch Shall be Born," and the ability of Van Lente to utilize Howard's style, and the skill with which Ching and Atiyeh bring it to life visually is excellent. I'm pretty excited for the next issue, as it will portray one of the seminal moments in Conan's history. Dr. Josh gives this an"

While issue 2.3 of Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor may not be the perfect jumping on point for new readers, it does provide enough information to keep them from getting lost. This is a well-told and drawn story full of heart and action and if you're a fan of Ten (as I am), you'll definitely enjoy it. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor 2.5 is another fun plunge into the world of my favorite Doctor. Both the writing and the art manage to capture the elements that I loved of that particular incarnation, and crafted a solid, engaging story. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 3.1 is a solid jumping on point for new readers despite a seemingly disjointed story. George Mann, Mariano Laclaustra, Fer Centurtion, and Carlos Cabrera have got this Doctor down to a science (waxy complexion aside). If you're a fan of Capaldi's Doctor, you should absolutely check this out.

Let's get to those Grindhouse totals: eight breasts, 30 bloodsucking ticks from outer space, two motor vehicle chases with chain gun and flamethrowers, fifty gallons blood, a solid 70 on the vomit meter, whisky fu, monster truck fu, gay pride fu, cybernetic torso fu. It's a sweet little comic. Josh says check it out.

Jughead #4 is a tricksy issue that sneaks in a major character revelation. Hidden among the jokes and the dream sequences is a revelation about Jughead's sexual identity that could be positively impactful on readers. It's another in a long line of bold moves on the part of Archie Comics, and I, for one, think it's great. Dr. Josh gives this an".

Red Sonja 4 suffers from some pacing issues and comes off feeling like filler. However, Gail Simone writing filler is still better than most titles on the racks today. It feels like this arc is mostly about establishing her take on the character, and if that is the case then the slowing down that has occurred in the past two issues is necessary in order to delve into her history and motivations. It will be interesting to read the arc in one go once it's finished and see if the pacing issue might be more due to the monthly parcing out of the plot than to the plotting itself. Regardless, Red Sonja is still the best title Dynamite is publishing right now and I hope that Simone, Geovani, Lucas, and Bowland stay on this for a long time. Recommended.

Aside from a couple of possible proofreading issues, Red Sonja 15 is another great tale in the life of everyone's favorite redheaded barbarian. The issue ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I'm excited to see where this team will take us next. I'll be there to see it next month, and I hope you will be too.

Red Sonja #100 is a real treat with solid stories (some stronger than others, of course), good art, and plenty of moments of humor, action, adventure, and heart. If you're a fan then it's well worth checking out, and if you're new to the character, it might be a good place to get a sense of who she is. Also, if you get the chance, pick up the variant cover by Robert Hack. It's made to look like a cover from a 1980's issue of Red Sonja and even has a yellow price sticker drawn in the corner, as if you're picking it up from a sale bin. It's a very cool cover.

Although problematic in its objectifying its protagonist, Red Sonja volume four, issues six and seven serve up solid adventure and character work. It's a fun romp through America with everyone's favorite red-headed barbarian. What more could you want?

I hope that this isn't the last time we see War Mother. This was a compelling series full of action, suspense, character-driven drama, and great world building. It's also a rather straightforward story, a slight departure from Van Lente's typical work, which is more humorous, clever, and structurally playful. Of course, after reading Ivar: Timewalker, just about anything comes off as simple and straightforward in comparison. Dr. J gives this an"

X-O Manowar #2-4 is epic, dealing with disturbing personal issues on a grand scale, merging space opera and military sf with more grounded and psychological war fiction. The plot races along like a bat out of hell and the writing and art are amazing. Dr. Josh gives this an".

If you're looking for a fun, silly comic that meshes the best parts of buddy movies, Atomic Robo style humor, and good old-fashioned action, then A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong is for you. With Ivar, Timewalker gone, A&A has once again risen to the position of my favorite Valiant title.

A&A: The Adventures of Archer & Armstrong #9 is another fun issue full of jokes and bold, crazy ideas tempered by excellent character work. Plus, Soviet Science Bear is back, and that's all I need for a good story. Dr. Josh gives this a".

While the pacing of this title is still a little slow to my liking, the mystery behind Abe's transformation (and perhaps his origin) coupled with the fantastic art of Sebastin Fiumara make this worth reading. Although it is suffering from a slow burn right now, it is building in momentum and I for one am looking forward to where this series will take my favorite fish-man. Recommended.

Abe Sapien finally hits the right marks with me in this issue. While the larger story hasn't truly progressed, the introduction of Megan breathes new life into the series and adds a perspective and voice that I think it needs. I don't know if this is a just a blip or a turning point, but I hope it's the latter, as I really want to like this series more than I currently do.

Archer & Armstrong is one of my favorite books on the shelf now. It's a comic that isn't afraid to be fun and does so without sacrificing story or character. It's big and bold with far out ideas that would only really work in a comic, but at its core, it's about the characters"what they want, what gets in their way, and what they do to escape their pasts"and that core truth is what grounds the comic and allows it to be fun and bombastic. While this issue in particular doesn't exactly wow in terms of story, it was still fun to read. Recommended.

Archie #664: Game of Phones is a fun melding of Game of Thrones with Archie. It's very tongue-in-cheek and silly and made for a good read. It's not quite as solid as the previous issue because the jokes rely a bit too much on references to the book/show and the fun of the anachronistic dialogue and repurposed characters, but it's definitely fun.

Setup issues like this are typically not very exciting, but they are necessary. This is not a boring issue, but it is mostly dialogue to establish the motivations of the characters. This series definitely has promise, so if you're interested then you should pick this one up. The digital add-ons are nice, but they aren't enough to warrant purchasing this just for their sake. If you want to check out Infinite Comics 1 it's available on Marvel's digital store or Comixology for only $.99.

Although the art doesn't quite convey the epic nature of the story as well as I'd like, Conan Red Sonja 4 concludes the story well, providing solid action and excellent interaction and growth between the two protagonists. While the overall story has been a bit back and forth, I've enjoyed reading it nonetheless. Josh says check it out.

Conan the Avenger 3 sets the plot wheels in motion and establishes what should be a great story. Conan, whether he likes it or not, is soon going to become embroiled in magic and mayhem, and seeing how he reacts to it will be great fun. Recommended.

Conan the Avenger #22 suffers a bit by being the midpoint of the story. It transitions us into the final act, and it does well in building the world and the story's overall tone, but it's not terribly engaging (at least with this reader). I can't help but admire, though, the fidelity with which Van Lente adapts this from the original Howard story. That, alone, is worth the price of admission to me. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Conan the Slayer issues 6 and 7 are solid comics full of great action and character work. If you're a Conan fan and you haven't jumped on board, now's the perfect time as a new storyarc is just starting. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Even though I feel like the story plays it too safe, this is a good comic that should entertain Doctor Who fans. I'm certainly going to be back for the second issue, and who knows, perhaps the series will end up surprising me.

Although it ended on a confusing note, Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #3.4 delivered the goods. The characters are charming, the story compelling, and the writing and art playful in just the right ways.

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #3.8 is a solidly-plotted story full of great, quotable lines and a satisfying sense of mystery and adventure. This storyline obviously sets up a large change for this title, and I suspect I'm going to need some tissues by the end of it. That's okay. Not all tears are bad, and endings give journeys their meaning. Here's hoping the next issue is as solid and enjoyable. Dr. J gives this a".

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #2.2 is a great jumping on point for new and returning readers. The world built in this issue is beautiful and amazing, brought to wonderful life by the artists, and the story is full of big idea science fiction concepts that characterize some of my favorite Who stories. The only snag is the pacing. The plot jumps gears with no real transition, which jarred me out of the story. Despite that snag, I did enjoy this quite a bit and will definitely be back next month to see how it ends. Dr. Josh gives this a"

"The Fractures" wraps up quite satisfyingly in this issue. This was an exciting, clever issue in classic Who fashion. The next issue places the Doctor and Clara in 1960s Las Vegas, hunting for aliens. I imagine it will be a lighter story than this one, and it should be tons of fun.

Although the story suffers a bit from first-issue syndrome, Frankenstein Underground jumps out of the gate with a strong start. The art is superb, as is the way Mignola handles the monster. As I said before, if there's a better person to handle this character, I've yet to meet them. Mignola stands as a modern master of horror, and I think that we are in for quite a ride.

If you like the new Archie, then you'll enjoy the new Jughead. Although the humor and writing are different, the series starts off just as fun as the flagship title. If you haven't picked up Jughead yet, then give it a shot. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Although the comic already seems to be falling into formula, Jughead 2 is a fun issue full of good dialogue and character moments. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned that the formula might start to wear thin soon, but right now, the other qualities of the comic are enough to make me come back next time. Dr. Josh gives this a"

I think my favorite part in the issue occurs when Gribaldi rebuke's Sonja's advances. He says, "This is outrageous".what if you're not my type?" To which Sonja replies, "I'm Red Sonja. I'm everybody's type." It's that sense of bravado and brashness that makes this such a fun comic to read. It's full of action, adventure, and great humor. It also presents gender roles in new and interesting ways"especially considering that this is the character famous for running around in a chainmail bikini. This series has been fun and smart, and this issue is no different. Although I do question Sonja's plan and the nice way it wrapped up, I also enjoyed the story enough that it didn't bother me. It's safe to say that Red Sonja is definitely my type. Recommended.

Although Red Sonja volume 3, issue 1 suffers a bit from first-issue syndrome and an unclear flashback/dream sequence, it still comes out of the gate, swinging. Bennett gets the character right and sets up an interesting antagonist for her, and Aneke, Sutil, and Schwartz do an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Now that the first issue is out of the way, I expect the second to be stronger. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Red Sonja #4 is another solid issue from this creative team. The Devil with a Sword faces a foe that requires more than steel and will to overcome, and thankfully she's intelligent enough to know how to fight it on its own terms. The basic situation provides both solid external and internal conflict, and the fight scenes are great fun. Here's hoping I don't miss issue five. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Red Sonja #19 is a solid read with lots of action and intrigue. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's good fun. As long as I stay away from the mead (and the barmaids), I should be back for issue twenty and beyond.

This issue contains four strong tales along with one weak story that's saved by the art. Like the best Robert E. Howard stories, these yarns are sometimes crude, sometimes overwrought with their dialogue, but still crackle with a vibrant energy that more than makes up for their shortcomings. These may not be the best, but they're tons of fun to read.

This is just a great, fun comic and I'm happy to see that Archie isn't trying to make every Sabrina property fit the tonal and narrative mode of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. There's plenty of room all different types of Sabrina stories, and they each have a place. I'm happy to report that this Sabrina will be back in 2020, and I hope you'll be with me getting that first issue.

Despite some issues with character design, Serenity: No Power in the 'Verse provides a fun, solid Firefly story that's sure to please fans of the television show and movie. The story is tight, the characters act and sound like they should, and the world feels right. As a Browncoat, I'm happy to see Dark Horse keeping the franchise flying, and I'll be back for the next issue. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Swords of Sorrow 1 is a pretty solid first issue that establishes the major conflict and characters. While I do worry about the scope of the story and how much of it will depend on audience knowledge of these characters, this was fun enough to make me want to read the next issue.

Although the story doesn't quite feel as in-depth and immersive as the previous issues, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina 8 is another solid issue in one of the most enjoyable horror series on the shelf right now. It comes hot on the heels of the previous issue, so hopefully this means that the timeframe between books will be quicker and a little more consistent. Even if it's not, I'll be here to see what happens next. Dr. J gives this a"

Mark Waid, Ronilson Freire, and Mcio Menyz have managed to write an interesting Green Hornet. They've revitalized a character that I typically cared little about and crafted a solid mystery that makes for a fun read. The artwork is solid and enhanced by the color work. Overall this was an enjoyable adventure featuring a classic pulp character. Recommended.

Sword of Hyperborea 1 is a solid first issue that pulls from classic pulp stories and characters and incorporates them into Mike Mignola's Hellboy universe. While not a ton goes on here, storywise, what is here provides a solid setup for what should be a very enjoyable miniseries. Dr. J gives this a"

Uncanny 2 is a fun, atmospheric escape/crime story with supernatural overtones. At the moment the series is setting up its characters and premises, so there isn't much that can be said about the more esoteric thematic elements, but it's definitely off to a strong start and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes. Recommended.

Although I'm kind of disappointed in the detour the story made, I can't deny that it's fun, goofy, and out there. I'm looking forward to seeing more of this Commie Circus and their scientist bear. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Those issues aside, I did enjoy this book. I like the interaction between Red Sonja and Conan, and that we get to see them at various stages in their lives. That's certainly worth the price of admission in my book. The next issue ends this mini-series, and I'm looking forward to seeing how our heroes get out of this mess.

Although I find some issues with the way women are presented in this story, I'm still enjoying it. Van Lente has been doing a bangup job on Conan, and Vilanova and Atiyeh work great together. Right now, the setting is the main draw for me, but I'm also looking forward to seeing Conan bring this city to ruin. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Conan the Slayer is starting to grow on me. Honestly, I'm being unfair to it a little bit in that I keep comparing it to the previous series. Taken in isolation, this is a solid Conan comic that stays true to the character and the world Robert E. Howard created. Thankfully, the series is beginning to find its voice and its unique slant on the Cimmerian. It's not setting my world on fire, but it's fun enough to keep me coming back. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Dept H issues six and seven plunge the reader back under the sea with Mia and the doomed crew, and as always it presents the reader with unique, compelling art, and a fantastic setting. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to pinpoint the purpose of the story yet, and the whole comic feels hollower and hollower as it progresses.

Doctor Who: Supremacy of the Cybermen issue two moves at a breakneck pace and manages to keep all its ducks in a row; however, the story moves along just a little too fast for my taste, and the art and color are inconsistent and lackluster. Still, as a Who fan, I'm enjoying this. This Doctor gives this comic a".

I enjoyed this issue, but I can't help but wonder if a good part of that is due to my joy at seeing this version of the Doctor. The story's perfectly fine, but didn't really grab me. The art fares a little better, but that shouldn't stand as separate from the story. I'll be very interested to see where the other four issues will take us and if this story will more fully come into its own. As for right now, this Doctor gives this comic a"

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #3.6 sets the stage for what will likely be a powerful and potentially heartbreaking story. As always, the characters and the way they interact make this book sing. It'll be interesting seeing where it goes from here.

If this "season" is going the way I think it's going, then we're in for quite a ride. Although "The Wishing Well Witch" (try saying that five times fast) part two was solidly a transition issue, it was still enjoyable. It largely exists to set up the next big part of the storyline, and because of that, it feels a bit thin in terms of plot and story, which is a shame, because this would have made a fine standalone issue if it were treated as one. It's still worth a read, though.

Despite my nit-picking, I enjoyed this issue quite a bit. Unlike the previous three issues, 2.11 feels like a self-contained story. The mystery immediately engaged me, and I felt like the characters were acting more like themselves. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next with "The Jazz Monster, Part 2." Dr. Josh gives this a".

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #2.12 closes one of the strongest two-parters I've read by Nick Abadzis. I've had problems with previous issues, but these last two are great. The story was compact with no wasted moments, and the emotional stakes for everyone involved felt real and immediately engaging. Doctor Who is best when it focuses on the Companion, and this issue proves that.

Odd quirks in writing and art aside, Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor 2.13 (Titan, you have got to come up with a better naming system!) is still an enjoyable issue. Ten is still my favorite Doctor (although, really, that's like choosing your favorite expensive wine: no matter who you choose, you're going to get something good), and I love him with Gabby and Cindy. I'm sure the story will pick up come next issue. In the meantime, Dr. Josh gives this issue a".

Despite some issues with the art, Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor 2.15 delivers the goods: fun worldbuilding, an engaging antagonist, and a great group of protagonists.

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor 2.16 suffers a bit from color and depth choices in the art, but the story is full of suspense and an actual sense of peril. I don't know what's going to happen in the next, final issue, but it's going to be good.

Although the art gets a little hinky in places, Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 14 is a solid issue leading up to what should be a very exciting climax. Dr. Josh gives this a".

I'm a sucker for stories about the Ice Warriors, so maybe I'm a bit biased when I say that Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #3.6 worked much better than issue 3.5. While there are issues with the art and with Bill's character, the plot and the mystery are far more engaging and bolster (for the most part) the weaker areas. Dr. J gives this one a".

This isn't a bad comic by any means, but it just doesn't have the sense of scale and doom that I was expecting from this point in the story arc. I still enjoyed it and I'm still on board to see where this all goes, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a bit disappointed at how smoothly everything goes in a story where the heroes should be brought to their lowest.

Although the issue strays into formula territory once again, Jughead 3 is still a fun, lighthearted read. I like the character: he's a mix of Coyote and Walter Mitty"a trickster who uses the rules to circumvent the rules and a daydreamer finding answers in dreamscapes. It's fun to read him, and it helps that he faces a clear antagonist. So far the formula works. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Jughead #6 brings the evil principal story arc to a satisfying conclusion. Once again, the crowned one manages to save the day, paradoxically putting in the maximum amount of effort to save him from having to do actual work. While I'm still not fully on board with the dream sequences, I've accepted that they're here to stay. Thankfully, I like the overall book enough not to care too much.

Lady Zorro 1 is good, old fashioned swashbuckling fun. While the pace of the issue sometimes hurt the overall story, the strength of the character, the great action, and the art of Villegas and Hickman make this worth reading. I know I'll be back for issue two. Recommended.

Too much worldbuilding and too little story, that's the long and short of Man Plus. Considering that comic creators like Mark Waid, Jonathan Hickman, Rick Remender, Kieron Gillen, and Sam Humphries have heaped praise on it, I'm sure that the work will be better when taken as a whole. I'll definitely stick around for the other issues, but I can't pretend that it's the comic alone that's making me come back for more. If these creators that I admire see something great in here, I want to see it, too.

Red Sonja Vol. 4 #0 is well worth a quarter. It's a fun story that sets up the new series and it gives me more adventures about my second favorite barbarian. There are definite issues with how she's drawn, though, and if it continues, it will represent a lamentable step back. Time and future issues will tell. In the meantime, Dr. Josh gives this a"

Although the story feels like it ends just as it begins, Red Sonja #4.4 is still an enjoyable comic with decent character development and some nice action. It's also the least cheesecake-iest of this volume, so that's something to celebrate. Hopefully, the next issue will have a bit more narrative meat on its bones. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Serenity: No Power in the Verse continues to be like visiting an old friend, albeit one that had plastic surgery and doesn't quite look right from some angles. While the writing captures the voice and the language and the art captures the setting, the characters are definitely off model and inconsistently drawn. It's not enough to truly hamper my enjoyment, but it does hurt it a little bit.

William Gibson's Alien 3 #1 is a bit janky in terms of pacing, and suffers a bit from first issue-itis, but it's a solid start with potential to grow. The cold war politics that Gibson's story injects into the Alien universe is interesting and opens up intriguing story possibilities, and that's enough to make me come back for issue two. Dr. J gives this a"

X-O Manowar #6 is a fun issue, but the cracks in the armor are starting to show. The story is too recursive, the supporting characters thinner than the paper they're printed on, and a key element of the art was very confusing. I'll be back of issue seven, though, and with any luck, these problems will be sorted by then. Dr. J gives this a"

Abe Sapien 13 is billed as a "Starting Point for New Readers," and while it is a strong tale that starts a new story line, it's not quite as new reader friendly as it could have been. It requires a certain amount of foreknowledge of Hellboy and B.P.R.D. to really be understandable to new readers. Despite that issue, this was a solid story with great art and a solid backup tale drawn by Guy Davis. Recommended.

While the worldbuilding and character work remain strong, the sense of premise and motion are still lacking in this work. However, there are indications that this is changing. The fact that Abe is his own worst enemy right now and allowing his fears to rule his actions is becoming more apparent, as is his unhealthy and unproductive relationship with Grace. He is also making definitive moves to find answers to the questions of why he was shot, what happened to him after, and what connection it has to the apocalypse. I fear that this might be a case of two steps forward, one step back, but there are enough strong elements to this story to keep me coming back next month. Recommended.

As much as I enjoy Hellboy comics, this one fell flat. While it's true that I lacked some essential background information, I feel that even if I did know the events leading up to this series, I'd still find this boring. It's not a bad comic per se, but there's nothing exciting or arresting going on. It's bland. Hopefully the series will pick up with the second and third issues.

Conan the Slayer #1 is a solid, if uninspired, first issue. The writing and art are both perfectly fine, but they also lack a certain spark, a sense of style, that's needed to elevate this to something more than a pleasant diversion. Of course, this is the first issue, and this creative team is just getting its legs, so I'm going to stick around for a while and see where it goes. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Conan the Slayer #2 picks up the pace, feeling like the creative team is beginning to find its groove, but it still lacks that hard-to-define element that will make it stand out from the thousands of other Conan stories out there. At the moment, I'd say that this series hasn't found its identity yet. Once it does, I think we'll be in for something good. In the meantime, Dr. Josh gives this a".

While I have been enjoying Dept. H, I have to admit that I feel a bit like the odd man out here, because most of the reviews I've seen have been nothing but praise. I feel like I'm missing something. The art is interesting and beautiful in its own unique way, and I love the setting, but the story just hasn't come together yet. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Despite its flaws (which I think I'm picking up on more than other reviewers), Dept.H is a rich, unique book with a fascinating art style and a rich world. If you've been reading it in floppies up to this point, then my criticisms probably won't affect you. If, however, you've been on the fence about this, I recommend waiting until the story is done. It could well be that this is one of those pieces that has to be read in its entirety in order to get the full effect.

Although the art is inconsistent, the overall comic is quite fun. It's fast-paced and gives you enough information to get a handle on the situation, and the writers possess a good grasp on each Doctor. I would have liked it if the Doctors had met in this issue, but that may be me wanting my dessert before my supper. Overall, the 2016 Doctor Who event is off to a good start. Dr. Josh gives this a"

While the plotting and pacing of Doctor Who: Supremacy of the Cybermen #3 is excellent, the art is very inconsistent in quality and the story hasn't delivered what I was expecting"seeing the different Doctors work and interact together. The companions also aren't getting the chance to shine that they should, and in general I kind of want to see more actual plot progression. This may be a case of just simply too much going on to tell the story, but we've got two more issues, so it may all come together. Dr. Josh gives this a"

It really feels like Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor is spinning its wheels right now. As much as I'm a fan of Ten, and of Gabby and Cindy, I'd like to get to the real story and stop seeing the pieces being put into place. Hopefully things will pick up once they finally get to New Orleans. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor #2.14 was a fun issue hampered by lackluster art. Still, the story is engaging and interesting, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it all goes.

Doctor Who, The Twelfth Doctor has fought an uphill battle over the course if six issues. It started rough, but each issue read better than the last and the series gradually captured the spirit of the show. This issue feels like the beginning of a proper Who story, and even though the art leaves something to be desired at times, the overall issue is sound and should please fans of the Twelfth Doctor.

Part 2 of The Fractures is good, old-fashioned scary Who. The monsters are genuinely creepy, and the emotional stakes of the story are strong. Unfortunately, the art doesn't always carry the story, and Williamson seems to have issues with faces. Hopefully next issue will look better, but even if it doesn't, I'm looking forward to seeing how this story ends.

Even though this particular issue of Grindhouse didn't thrill me like the previous ones, it's still a solid title. I love the energy, the craft, and the love for the genre that de Campi and the rest put into this work and I continue to hope that Dark Horse keeps pumping out the issues because this is some of the most fun I've had reading comics in some time. Every anthology has its weaker moments, but in this case it's still worth your time. I'm definitely coming back next month for Flesh Feast of the Devil Doll! and I hope you will too.

Although I found the ending to be a bit problematic (and intellectually stimulating), I did enjoy this last Grindhouse story. It was sexy and disturbing and fun. Even when it stumbles, Grindhouse manages to be something unique and wonderfully low-class. What more could one ask for?

Sometimes it's difficult to pin down why you enjoy a story, or why you don't enjoy a story. In the case of Man Plus I feel like I should like it. It has all the elements I typically look for in a work: an interesting location, an element of the fantastic, and a mystery; however, the mystery lacks a certain sense of allure and immediacy, and that kills the narrative drive for me. The art is great, as is the world building, but it's just not working for me.

As for these two issues, I think some will enjoy it, but hardcore Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys fans won't find much here to their liking. Dr. J gives this a"

Although I had a little trouble following the story in some places, Red Sonja vol. 3 #5 is another solid issue in a strong inaugural run by this creative team. Although there's plenty of action and sword fighting to be found, what this story is really about is jingoism, nationalism, propaganda, and the horrible acts they can spur a person to do, making it an important and prescient story given today's political climate. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Red Sonja Vol. 3, issue 6 brings a fairly satisfying end to Bennett, Aneke, and Sutil's first story in this new series. While the writing is fine, the art definitely takes a dip in quality. It's not enough to ruin the comic, but it is distracting and sometimes gets in the way of the story. Hopefully, this is just a hiccup and the comic will get back on track with the next issue. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Despite meandering a bit, Red Sonja Vol. 4 #8 is still a fun read with solid art and writing. Here's hoping the story picks up speed in the next issue.

Robotech #2 works better than the first issue, and as a modernized and streamlined retelling of the original show, it does a good job. However, if you've been a fan of the show for years, like myself, it doesn't have enough new elements to make this worth your while. Dr. J gives this a"

Art quibbles aside, Serenity: No Power in the Verse #1 starts off solidly, taking me back to a place and to characters that I care for deeply. The comic doesn't set the world on fire or anything, but it's fun and it rides the nostalgia wave well. Dr. J gives this a".

The first issue of Devilers is a fun, quick read, but also rather hollow, with solid artwork that occasionally falls flat. If I picked this up at the shop, I probably wouldn't get the second issue. It's not that this is bad, but it didn't really capture me. Hopefully the second issue will add a bit more depth to the story. Not recommended.

Issue 2 of The Devilers is pretty much second verse, same as the first. While the story moves along at a good clip and the art is solid, the characters are almost cardboard"even the character whose life we learn about in this issue. They display no real emotion other than anger or bemusement, and their reactions take away from the impact of the setting and plot. I compared the group to the A-Team earlier, but now I think that they are more like The X-Men: they are individuals from different nationalities and with different powers who do not always get along, but put those differences aside for the greater good. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, it does create a sense of jadedness that hasn't been earned. With any luck, the story will come together at the end and these issues I'm experiencing now will be taken care of, but for the moment, this just isn't connecting with me. Not recommended.

Three issues in and The Devilers doesn't truly say anything. While the art, action, and pacing are solid, the characters are cardboard and there's no clear premise. This is a very surface-level story that hasn't captured my interest, and that's too bad because this is an idea rife with story potential. Unfortunately, at this point I'm not sure if the series will be able to capitalize on it.

The Shadow is a character that has transcended his creator and exists beyond individual artists, but that doesn't mean he isn't subject to the style and artistic choices of the people currently crafting his stories. Garth Ennis did a wonderful job of capturing the dangerous and appealing aspects of The Shadow. Such a wonderful job that Victor Gischler's take on the character pales considerably in comparison. While there is nothing concretely wrong with this issue, it's just not satisfying given that the main draw"the magnetic charisma of the protagonist"is practically nonexistent. Plot is certainly important, but in cases like this where the plot involves such an iconic character, how that character is portrayed matters even more and, unfortunately, it just doesn't work.

So far this is the weakest issue of the series. The writing is far too expository and some of the character models just don't work in Cassaday's style. However, the story"or perhaps the idea of the story"and the chance to see characters that don't typically interact work together on the same team is enough for me to carry it through. I've read enough of Rick Remender's other work to have faith that this issue is just a hiccup, and I'll be there next month (Thor willing there won't be any further delays) for issue 4. If you haven't checked out Uncanny Avengers yet, this issue is not a good jumping-on point, but the title overall is strong enough to warrant giving it a shot. Recommended.

I'm trying very hard to not make a "chink in the armor" joke, but that's what's happening. Each issue shows more and more flaws, or, perhaps a better way to put it is that now the momentum and novelty has worn off, the flaws are more evident. Regardless, X-O: Manowar moves too fast, doesn't develop the characters or world enough, and lacks any real tension or suspense. It also works within the highly problematic "white savior" archetype"something that should really be jettisoned from our stories. Again, the art is what makes this worth the price of admission.

Abe Sapien is my second favorite Hellboy character, so I was very happy to see him get his own title; however, the issue spends far too much time establishing the setting and barely features the title character. As a first issue, it sizzles when it should explode, and while I'm in this for the long haul, being a Hellboy and Mignola fan, if I were a new reader coming to this title, I can't say that I would stick with it. Hopefully the next issue will feature a better balance of exposition and action, but for now, this is a disappointment. Recommended for Hellboy fans.

While Abe Sapien continues to be an interesting comic about one of my favorite B.P.R.D. characters, the story seems to be spinning its wheels right now. The art, the mystery laced into the plot, the world building (or rebuilding, if you will) along with the character make this enjoyable to read, but there's very little sense of propulsion driven by the plot and characters and no sense of change. There is always the possibility that the changes that should have occurred in this issue will play out in the next, which is always the problem with reviewing single issues, but I can only judge this comic based on its own merit and how it compares to the issues that came before it, and while I enjoyed it, I also feel like it could have been stronger. Mildly recommended.

While the story itself is a pretty by-the-numbers Conan tale (sorry Fred Van Lente, I'm a big fan!), the art, the strength of the character, and the plot threads laid here pave the way for stronger issues in the future. At the very least, it's a fun, exciting adventure story starring everyone's favorite Barbarian, and there are definitely worst things in the world than that. Recommended.

Doctor Who: Supremacy of the Cybermen continues at a breakneck pace, telling a sprawling story that spans all of space and time. Unfortunately, the pace works against it at some points, and the art is very inconsistent, making a story that possesses a great deal of potential, but often fails to meet it. I hate writing that, because I admire the work of many of these writers and artists, but this just isn't coming together for me. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor #13 sets the stage for what's to come, but as a standalone issue, it's weak tea. It takes too much time getting to the story, giving us pages about astronauts who will eventually die, or two fishermen fishing at the wrong place at the wrong time. The idea is to build up the tragedy, but it just feels like wasted space. I'm sure that the next issue will pick up. Dr. Josh gives this a"

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 3.5 starts a new creative team and a new story. Bill Potts, the Doctor's latest Companion from the series, makes her debut here, and the setting and the players possess a great deal of potential, but the story feels like it's being forced into a formula, and the art is flat and unappealing. Hopefully the story will pick up with the next issue.

There are definite flaws to this first issue. Some of them are highlighted by the current situation in the United States, others have to do with gender politics that have been part of the hardboiled genre since almost its inception, and others are just narrative choices that don't feel right. I'm not really sure who to recommend this to. I don't see fans of Nancy Drew enjoying this, or fans of the Hardy Boys, for that matter. It's a well put together issue, and there's something to be said for the intellectual enjoyment of seeing these characters in a different mystery genre, but it just feels like the wrong story for the wrong time.

Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin was a rather bland establishing issue that barely featured its title character at all. While there was nothing specifically wrong with the issue, the overall feeling I came away from it was indifference. My hope is that the rest of the miniseries will be better, but as an introductory issue, it just doesn't catch my excitement.

The Devilers have three more issues to turn this story around, and I'm not sure that it's going to happen. While the writing and art are technically proficient, there's no sense of premise or purpose, there is no sense of awe or mystery in a plot that should be replete with it, and it makes God look like a chump. If there were a reason for that, it would be fine, but there's not one that I can see, making this feel rather arbitrary and unfulfilling. Not recommended.

As much as I hate to say it, Abe Sapien is a comic that I always look forward to reading, but more often than not find disappointing. The quality of the art and writing are fine, but it feels like it's going nowhere and only gives us the pretense of a plot arc. Like Kwai Chang Kane, Abe travels a hostile America"a world not of his making (at least that we know of)"ostensibly on a quest, but really just wandering from one situation to the next. I do hope that it will come together and that the entire run will actually work better once it's over, but for right now I can't say I recommend it for anyone other than hardcore Hellboy and Abe Sapien fans.

I wish I could say I enjoyed this comic more than I did. I love genre mashups, and there are times when the art style is used to good effect; however, there just isn't enough to truly capture my interest. Everything appears to be on the surface, and the whimsy of the setting and overall plot concept, along the fun of the genre interplay, only takes it so far. It might be that this is just a so-so issue coming after three great ones, but considering this is the first Copernicus Jones comic I've read, I can't say that it makes me want to read more. Not recommended, ya dig?

Dept.H is a comic that does so many things well, but ultimately stumbles where it needs to succeed the most. As much as I want to lavish praise on it like other reviewers have, it's weak points are far too glaring and important and the strengths don't do enough to make up for the lack. Dr. Josh gives this a"

I don't like writing negative reviews, but there's just not much here that appealed to me. I've enjoyed the works of George Mann, Cavan Scott, and Ivan Rodriguez in the past, but this collaboration just didn't come together. Dr. Josh gives this a".

Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor 11 is a very paint by numbers issue. It knows where to put the color, but it doesn't play with it at all, destroying the verve and joy that we should experience when reading it. In many ways, this is the type of comic that's the hardest to write about, because so much of it relies on my own subjective point of view. A bad work can be dissected, as can a good work. A middle of the road book, on the other hand, defies careful analysis. This was just boring. Dr. Josh gives this a"

There's a plethora of great comic horror anthologies out there, many of which Dark Horse published. Unless something changes soon, Hungry Ghosts won't join those ranks. Whatever spark those other anthologies possessed (twist endings, a clear unifying point of view, a consistent aesthetic quality that transcended the plot and story) just isn't present here. It's a shame, because I like Anthony Bourdain, and Karen Berger is justifiably a living legend in the comic book world, but this one's a miss for me. I'll give it one more issue to turn around, but my hopes aren't up. Dr. J gives this a"

Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: The Death of Nancy Drew #3 is structurally sound, but the recasting of these characters in the Noir genre adds some unfortunate subtext to the entire story. As I've said in the past two issues, the "death" of Nancy Drew has very little to do with Nancy, and almost everything to do with how it makes the Hardy Boys feel. If I were a bigger Nancy Drew fan, I'd be pissed.

If you're enjoying Dept.H then odds are you're going to read it regardless of my nattering. If you haven't been enjoying it then you probably quit a while ago. This one's just a "miss" for me, folks, and I'm going to focus my energies on a Matt Kindt work I do enjoy: the new X-O Manowar. Dr. Josh gives this a final grade of".

Instead of enticing me to read the next issue, Hungry Ghosts #1 makes me pine for Alex de Campi's Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight. The pirate story in particular sounds like it's right in her wheelhouse, and she would have done a better job with it. Still, first issues are difficult to pull off, and I hold out hope that this series will improve. I just hope that the other titles under the "Berger Books" imprint will fair better. Dr. J gives this a".

There's nothing here to make this worth $3.99. If you're jonesing for a good horror anthology, check out Creepy, Eerie, Tales from the Crypt, or Grindhouse: Doors Open at Midnight. Trust me, you'll have a much better time.

While the art is great, the writing is the reason why Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Comic doesn't work.

The Death of Nancy Drew #2 is a drab, sepia-toned book that meanders with no real sense of story. It's like it's taken the more boring parts of Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and hardboiled fiction and mixed them into this unappetizing slurry. I'm not sure how many more issues there are going to be in this series, but hopefully it will either end soon, or find the joy in what it's trying to do.

The Death of Nancy Drew #6 wraps up all the loose ends, and does present a competent, if by the numbers, hardboiled mystery. The writing and the art do the job, but that's really about it. This entire series was basically one odd choice after the other that somehow diminished the title character and twisted her into something she wasn't. I can't really say I recommend it, but if you've stuck with it this far, you might as well see it through to the end. Dr. J gives this a"

Robotech #1 is a missed opportunity. It provides nothing for readers who loved the show, and it provides nothing for readers new to the franchise. It's a straight-up adaptation that relies too much on a reader's prior knowledge to fill in the blanks and feel some sort of emotional attachment. It doesn't do the work necessary to seduce a reader and make them want more. It's a shame, because I was very much looking forward to this. Dr. Josh gives this a".

The Devilers suffers from a lack of focus, and each issue makes it worse. The idea is interesting, and the art is strong, but the story is aimless and more often than not contrived. As always, I hope that the next issue will be better, but I'll be glad when the series ends. Not recommended.

The Devilers tries to be irreverent and edgy, but mostly it comes off as juvenile. The plot is confusing, the art is confusing, and the premise is muddy at best. I thought this comic had potential at the beginning, but with every issue it just becomes more of a mess. I'd leave it on the rack unless you're a completionist.

Warlord of Mars 27 is a solidly "meh" title. There's nothing particularly bad about it, but there's also nothing that makes it stand out or make it more than a somewhat enjoyable distraction. I decided to try this because I enjoy Burrough's Barsoom series, but this issue lacks the spark of invention and the overall charm of the original stories. Not recommended.

Green Arrow has let me down for the last time. As much as I love the character and as much as I was hopeful for Anne Nocenti taking over as writer, the selfishness and stupidity of the main character coupled with the bad art make for a lousy comic.

In the space of a few issues The Shadow has gone from a dangerous, seductive, enigmatic force for justice to just another costume running around and getting into adventures. The lack of the edge brought force so well by Garth Ennis greatly hurts this title and not even the excellent artwork of Aaron Campbell can save this from being a disappointment. Not recommended.