Joshua Rathbun's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Outright Geekery Reviews: 85
8.6Avg. Review Rating

9
4 Kids Walk Into A Bank #1

Apr 16, 2016

This was a great read and one that is highly recommended to all looking for something fresh and different in what can feel like a stale market of heroes.

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7.8
A National Story of Minor Significance #1

Sep 26, 2018

This is good stuff by Mendelson and Czaplarski.

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8.6
A Walk Through Hell #1

May 16, 2018

Dark and suspenseful, A Walk Through Hell is another great collaboration between Garth Ennis and Aftershock Comics.

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6.8
Afterlift #4

Jan 24, 2020

Overall, a pretty decent issue that's not exactly my cup of tea, but I can see what people like in it. While I enjoy Chip's Daredevil work more at the moment, I can appreciate that he's not looking to just be another comic writer who only knows about superheroes.

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8
All-New Wolverine #1

Dec 12, 2015

So the verdict on All-New Wolverine? It's good enough to keep reading. I really liked the pictures, man. Really, but the story wasn't too shabby, either.

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6.6
Archie (2015) #699

Sep 17, 2018

It's as good a time as ever to jump into the updated world of Archie and this is a fantastic starting point.

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9
Archie vs. Predator #1

Dec 3, 2015

I don't read Archie and don't care to pick it up but I would read a lot more Archie stories like this. Stories so out of whack with its own universe that you can't help but be curious about the end product. Highly recommended.

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8.6
Armstrong and the Vault of Spirits #1

Feb 5, 2018

Another great story featuring the unsung heroes of the Valiant universe.

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8.6
Beasts of Burden: Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men #1

Aug 22, 2018

Beasts Of Burden always ends up being a great story and Wise Dogs And Eldritch Men is no exception.

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10
Beasts of Burden: What The Cat Dragged In #1

Apr 23, 2016

Perfect storytelling isn't easy to come by but Beasts Of Burden has continually been able to do that. Look What The Cat Dragged In continues the fine adventures of these supernatural-battling animals with another great story, chock full of beautiful art.

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8.6
Black Hammer/Justice League: Hammer of Justice! #1

Jun 12, 2019

You are definitely going to like this story.

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9
Blackwood #1

May 2, 2018

Blackwood #1 is the start of a fun and sinister series with all sorts of creepy goings on. For some, Evan Dorkin's name might be enough to buy this but there's more than just his involvement in the series and it's got some killer visuals to go with it.

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8.8
Bloodshot (2019) #1

Aug 31, 2019

Bloodshot's latest series is an action-packed blast.

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10
Bloodshot: Reborn Annual #1

Mar 20, 2016

Straight-up, I have no complaints here. However, for a company that basks in its own history so much, I do with this would have been called a Yearbook, which is what the 90's Valiant referred to its annuals. Not a knock, as that is just a personal preference. As far as every page of Bloodshot Annual 1 goes, I enjoyed this so much and if this is what their annuals are going to be like, then the fans are going to be very happy.

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9.5
Bloodshot: Salvation #1

Jul 25, 2017

I've really enjoyed everything Lemire has done with the character. He's made Bloodshot into more than just a gun pointed at a bad guy. It was just a few years ago that he got the character reins and with this new series, it feels that he has a great idea for where to take the character. Teamed with arguably Valiant's biggest artistic names, Bloodshot Salvation is primed to be a huge, successful book for Valiant.

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4
Bloodshot: Salvation #7

Feb 8, 2018

While it is cool to have Ray's story told from his view, the story isn't enough to get past the lack of visuals.

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8.8
Britannia (2016): Lost Eagles of Rome #1

Jul 9, 2018

Peter Milligan returns with another great chapter in the Britannia saga.

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5
Burnouts #1

Sep 17, 2018

This wasn't anything I plan to continue to pick up.

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7.8
Cemetery Beach #1

Aug 23, 2018

Cemetery Beach feels like the beginning of a fast-paced and intelligent action story.

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8.4
Coyotes #5

Aug 13, 2018

Issues like this serve a proper function with readers to help build the world around it.

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9
Dark Knight III: The Master Race #1

Nov 29, 2015

A while back, I would have skipped this because of the last story, but DK III, so far, is great. DC, tone down the variants and just get this book out.

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8.6
Dead End Kids #3

Oct 1, 2019

Deserving of bigger accolades.

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10
Dead Rabbit #1

Oct 3, 2018

A tremendously enjoyable first issue and killer art.

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9.4
Death or Glory #1

Apr 17, 2018

Both story and art are superb. The first chapter of something really great.

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9.5
Divinity #0

Aug 14, 2017

The story of Divinity has been told through a series of mini-series for the past couple of years and this one does a superb job of bridging the gap from the past stories into what Eternity will offer. It reads like a good starting point for what is to come. In the past, I have always scored the Divinity books high and this is as good as any in the series.

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8.6
Doctor Tomorrow #3

Jun 7, 2020

It certainly has the makings of a truly memorable story and it's not easy to throw a bunch of new characters out there, coupled with a multiverse, but I really dig what's happening with this book and can't wait to read the next issue.

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8
Dread Gods #3

Jan 31, 2018

A fun take on the mythology around the Greek gods.

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8
Exilium #1

Aug 7, 2018

Exilium #1 deserves a spot in your monthly comics pull list.

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9.5
Faith #1

Jul 20, 2016

This first issue is a big one for Valiant, hoping to pick right back up with the success they previously had with the title. This is the first in a string of big launches the company has planned for this year, with a new book each month. There's quite a bit added to this issue after the main story to show readers what they have coming down the pipe. It all looks incredible.

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8.5
Faith #5

Oct 31, 2016

Another great issue from what seems to be Valiant's big hit. Pick up Faith 5 for the stories. And regardless of where you land politically, it's still one of the best all-ages superhero books around.

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9
Faith (Mini-Series) #1

Jan 26, 2016

Do you read Valiant? Then you are picking this up. But, this should be the kind of book that attracts readers from outside that circle. It's a good first issue.

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8
FCBD 2018: Shadowman #1

May 2, 2018

Current fans might not dig this but it's great for those checking these characters out for the first time.

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7.6
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (2010) #252

May 31, 2018

The spotlight is on the Baroness and it's good to see the backstory explained.

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8
Gods And Gears #1

Oct 3, 2019

A very fun, pulp-y action story.

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8.6
Harbinger Wars 2 #1

May 7, 2018

The first issue is a beauty and I hope the hero-vs-hero stuff is up to the task at hand.

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10
Harbinger: Renegade #1

Nov 1, 2016

Harbinger Renegade was one of the books from the Future Of Valiant presentation earlier this year that I was the most eager to read and there is no disappointment here. Being a long-time reader of Valiant, I was very pleased with this. The trick will be to bring new readers into the fold but Harbinger Renegade is a good enough book to do that.

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9
Hit-Girl (2018) #1

Feb 21, 2018

Hit-Girl is just the right kind of crazy and violent girl that we need in our (comic book) lives.

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9
Incursion #1

Feb 6, 2019

Incursion certainly has all the makings of an enjoyable story.

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8.8
Infinite Dark #1

Oct 19, 2018

A book I would recommend for someone looking for something a bit darker than your typical comic story.

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8.6
John Constantine: Hellblazer #1

Dec 3, 2019

This issue returns Constantine to his proper place in the dark, seedy places that the heroes don't venture.

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8
Jonesy #1

Feb 13, 2016

All I can say is that even though stories like this aren't my cup of tea, Jonesy was a lot of fun. It'll be great to see what happens with the remainder of the series.

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10
Kill Or Be Killed #1

Jul 9, 2016

This is something I've been waiting to read for a long time, since I saw the announcement at Image Expo back in April. But again, I'm sure you've read The Fade Out, Fatale, or picked up the recent Criminal one-shot. I shouldn't need to sell you on this. But if I have to, I would want you to know that these are creators at the top of their game doing something pretty special in the medium. Pick up Kill Or Be Killed. And if you haven't picked up their previous work, then shame on you because you are missing out on some exciting work.

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10
Livewire (2018) #1

Nov 14, 2018

I breathed a breath of fresh air after this one, knowing a book I looked so forward to lived up to the hype.

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7
Lobster Johnson: The Glass Mantis #1

Dec 27, 2015

It's a solid issue. Books like this remind me that I probably should venture into this universe a bit more. Again, B.P.R.D. is my only real source of knowledge of the character. I imagine that for the regular reader, this is a bit hit.

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9.8
Maestros #7

Aug 7, 2018

This series has been a wonderful adult blend of fantasy and humor.

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9
MCMLXXV #1

Sep 13, 2018

Overall, I think MCMLXXV #1 was pretty fantastic. Lots of cool elements added to this that I feel it stands out from most everything coming out this week.

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8.8
Midnight Vista #1

Sep 4, 2019

Wholly original and serves as another great example of comic storytelling being something more than just superheroes.

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9.6
Murder Falcon #1

Oct 18, 2018

If you are looking for a unique treat of a book to read and/or look at, you are looking for Murder Falcon.

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7.4
Nancy Drew (2018) #1

Jun 11, 2018

This could be a fun book for readers of all ages.

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9.2
Ninja-K (2017) #5

Mar 16, 2018

Truly one of the best Ninjak stories and it's happening right now.

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9.4
Ninja-K (2017) #10

Aug 13, 2018

This issue shouldn't be missed by anyone and might serve as a great jumping-on point for readers new to Ninja-K.

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9
Ninjak (2015) #14

Apr 3, 2016

It was a pretty damn good issue and I enjoyed every bit of it. While maybe not the best of places to jump onto a book you aren't familiar with, Valiant does a great job of recapping before every issue.

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9
Ninjak (2015) #27

May 12, 2017

Overall, a really great read for an issue that might fly right under the radar with a lot of readers. Don't miss it. And is you can, remember the name Kevin Maurer, because he seems to have what it takes to craft a great comic book story.

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7.6
Oblivion Song #1

Feb 10, 2018

A cool new world of craziness for fans of Outcast and The Walking Dead.

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9
Old Man Logan (2016) #1

Feb 7, 2016

Marvel's recent relaunch has made me enjoy some books that I normally would not care for. I really like All-New Wolverine and I like Old Man Logan just as much. This is the start of a great series.

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8.4
Poser #1

Sep 3, 2018

Poser delivers a great blend of horror and punk rock.

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8.6
Poser #2

Oct 3, 2018

Another great issue. Maybe not one for the squeamish but like I had stated in another interview, if you like your slasher horror films or horror stuff, Poser is definitely a great book that you should be reading.

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8.2
Poser #4

Jan 14, 2019

Poser pulled off a great straight-up horror comic book, chock full of blood and violence without pulling punches.

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8.6
Quantum and Woody (2017) #6

May 29, 2018

A great tie-in issue for Valiant's big summer event.

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8.2
Quantum and Woody (2020) #1

Jan 3, 2020

A great jumping-on point.

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7.6
Quantum and Woody (2020) #4

Jun 23, 2020

Hastings and Browne were a good fit for the characters and it would be good to see the creative team return if and when Quantum & Woody return.

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9.6
Rai (2019) #1

Nov 19, 2019

Rai blends fast action, fresh dialogue and stunning visuals into a great first issue.

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9
Rai (2019) #2

Nov 26, 2019

A rather nice done-in-one.

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9
Rapture #1

May 23, 2017

This was an excellent first issue. I'm not sure how new reader-friendly this was, as I feel that reading Ninjak would certainly get one ready for this tale. Still, it's exciting to see how Kindt caps his Ninjak run and I am certainly ready for more Shadowman.

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7.8
ROM: Dire Wraiths #1

Jan 14, 2020

I'm not a fan of $4.99 comics. However, ROM: Dire Wraiths has a much higher page count and a quality creative team. For this kind of effort, I won't mind paying a bit more. I'm a huge ROM fan and I probably own every appearance and I feel that while I know there are differences with the old and new material, these stories are in the right hands and that newer fans of ROM and the old school ones can enjoy a tale like this one. However, if you just want ROM, you won't get much of him in this issue.

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7.6
Tartarus #1

Jan 8, 2020

Tartarus is a fun, gritty and fast-paced first issue and if you like that in your sci-fi, then this is the book for you. I do feel that with the extra page count that this first issue definitely is worth the money and sometimes, you need those extra pages just to get a really good first issue.

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8
The Forgotten Queen #1

Feb 5, 2019

I have questions about this character that aren't answered just yet but The Forgotten Queen is a nice first issue to help get me there.

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10
The Goddamned #2

Dec 16, 2015

It's easy for me to recommend this, and I do, as there's nothing in it that bothers or offends me. That can't be said for the regular reader. It's a book about God giving up on humanity and how people batter each other to pieces and curse their creator. It's a great book. After plowing through it, I just want more to read. I hope it finds a good amount of readers because I feel it's every bit as good as the early issues of Walking Dead or Saga. It's just crazy how Image finds great creators to do great things for them. This is for sure my favorite thing Image Comics is putting out.

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10
The Life And Death Of Toyo Harada #1

Mar 11, 2019

The Life And Death Of Toyo Harada features some of the best art from Valiant.

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10
The Magic Order #1

Jun 11, 2018

A great first issue that will definitely leave you wanting more. The Magic Order is fantastic.

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9
The Sheriff Of Babylon #1

Jan 6, 2016

All in all, Sheriff Of Babylon is the right amount of real world for someone like me. And, it's good to see Vertigo still churning out great adult material. There's a strong history there and while this won't be the next Sandman in scope, it could turn out to be every bit as enjoyable.

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8.8
The Stringbags #1

Jul 15, 2020

I thought The Stringbags was a great read. It's hard to call any war story 'fun' but I did enjoy this very much. Any war comic by Garth Ennis is worth the read and if PJ Holden is along for the ride, the pair are going to deliver something that's truly enjoyable.

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7
Unity #24

Nov 19, 2015

Not much great about Unity. Part of the problem is all the male protagonists in this book have their own titles and they are great books(Eternal Warrior's new title dropped this week) and what would have been better is to focus more on Livewire. My one true gripe with Unity, apart from just being lackluster.

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7
Villains Seeking Hero #1

Apr 9, 2020

Part super-villain story and part comedy, it has the right stuff to entertain today's comic reader.

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6.6
Virtually Yours OGN

Jul 18, 2020

So while my score reflects my enjoyment isn't going to be high, I do want to point out that I think that if you like books about romance, Virtually Yours would definitely be one to read and with so much about our world now being online, I think a lot could very well relate to the content in an enjoyable fashion. Also, I did think this my feelings towards romance comics being what they are, Virtually Yours was definitely one of the better Comixology Originals that I have read.

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9.6
VS #1

Feb 6, 2018

A great first issue to get you excited for more.

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8
World Of Tanks: Citadel #1

Apr 11, 2018

I love a good war comic and none come finer than those by Garth Ennis.

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9
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #3

Jan 17, 2016

While I felt the first issue was a good launch to the title, the second one lagged a bit. Not here. This was a really good issue in my book.

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9
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #4

Feb 13, 2016

Another stellar issue from Venditti and Allen. Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior 4 is another good issue from Valiant Entertainment.

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10
Wrath of the Eternal Warrior #7

May 14, 2016

Jump into Labyrinth and find out just how bad someone wants to know all the secrets of Gilad Anni-Padda. After reading the issue and gazing upon the art, you'll know that you were treated to something great.

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8
X-O Manowar (2012) #43

Jan 11, 2016

X-O has to be shaping up for something great at issue 50. This was a good point to hop on and find out.

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9
X-O Manowar (2012) #44

Jan 31, 2016

Valiant's flagship title is as good as ever right now. I've felt like ever since the Armor Hunters story that X-O has had better stories, better art. The Kill List is certainly one not to miss out on.

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9
X-O Manowar (2012) #47

Jun 28, 2016

It'll be sad to see it go but issue 47 is the start of X-O going out on top. While it is the end, it's shaping up to be a hell of a story. Get in on the action. If you've been looking for comic book action, this is the home of it.

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10
X-O Manowar (2017) #1

Feb 22, 2017

For someone new to the characters, it is as perfect a place to start X-O Manowar, without being bogged down by numerous mentions of the past adventures. Whether you seek an exciting and compelling story or just want mind-blowing visuals, X-O Manowar will deliver both.

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8.6
X-O Manowar (2020) #1

Feb 27, 2020

The return of X-O Manowar is an action-packed beauty.

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