J.R. Johnson Comic Reviews

Since Immonen has been on All-New X-Men I've become a strong supporter of his art. There's been a few artist that come to mind when you first think about the X-Men. Jim Lee, Frank Quitely, Adam Kubert, Marc Selvestri, John Cassady and now you absolutely have to say Stuart Immonen, and don't be surprised if he;s risen to the top of your favorites list.

In the end Aquaman 23.1 serves as a nice insight on the oceans most dangerous treasure hunter but also a curious look at how the villain's, Black Manta in particular, are responding to this new superpower in their universe that not only threatens the heroes of the world but them as well.

Hopeless and company continue to keep the story energetic and alluring. Each issue leaves you wanting more. Thankfully this is one of the series that I encourage double shipping, mainly for that reason. This story is ramping up for what looks like an outrageous conclusion and I can't wait.

Batman/Superman is quickly rising through DC's ranks. You have two of the most popular characters who pop up in nearly a dozen books but Pak and Lee have created a new perspective separate from the rest. Thanks to Pak and Lee, the "world's finest" heroes continue to live up to their names.

The first chapter of this three-issue series came out swinging like a prize-fighter. The only thing I was disappointed with after reading was the fact that we only have two issues left. Enjoy it while it last guys!

Daredevil is one of the rare books that can go in any direction it wants and its never a bad choice. There's only one thing to say: Read this book.

Waid and Samnee have crafted ridiculously genuine Daredevil since the beginning. They've been playing off every sensation throughout the series, drawing you in, inch by inch just like you're hooked on a fishing reel and I think they've caught us for good. Once again Daredevil hits another home run.

This issue of Earth 2 was definitely a step away from the usual route of Earth 2 and it was a good thing. We also got one of the more freighting perspective's on an old character. The issue was a good introduction to this new Solomon Grundy but it didn't really go anywhere, it characterized him well, but didn't move him in any particular direction.

East of West is wonderfully paced. This sci-fi, western is flowering into a higher tier of storytelling. Pair that with Dragotta's unique style and even the arrangement of the book: the panels, page breaks and minimalist design, and we have something even more exclusive. Do yourself a favor and start reading this book.

Eternal Warrior is dynamic on all fronts. It's upside is unimaginable. If the rest of the series carries the quality of the first, it's sure to be a runaway hit.

Writer Frank Barbiere and artist Chris Mooneyham don't have to worry this week, they can close their eyes, open their arms as wide as they can and embrace all the appreciation for the goodness they have constructed. This was a solid start for the five-issue mini-series from Image Comics.

This was a fun, fast-paced issue and a great way to keep readers excited about what's to come next. It is only the second issue you can tell that Barbiere has something big planned. There aren't many adventure themed comics out there to begin with, if you're not reading this book you're missing out on one of the few remedies out there.

After only one issue, the entire future of all these heroes has changed, drastically. If this is what we should expect every issue, then I suggest you hop on this train before it leaves the station. There's no limit to how far we'll see these characters get pushed and Johns has already made even attempting to do so difficult. It's about to get crazy.

All in all, this was finally something different than the four previous issues that revolve around self-contained stories. Invincible Universe has quite the cast of characters and it's nice to slow things down and build decent stores for them.

We're finally moving forward after learning the truth behind Tony's existence. Gillen is building up for a big conclusion with his latest arc and it's on the fast track after a couple of slow issues.

Justice League #23.1 one is an inviting story and a fun read that serves as a nice transition from the last few issues of Justice league that had us crying for the next issue.

Saga is back, it hasn't lost a step, if anything its preparing to breach another tier of excellence.

The second issue of Sidekick is still interesting, but it still retraces a lot of what we know, filling up pages that could speed up the plot in a more enticing direction for readers with old news and clichs.

The second issue of Sidekick is still moderately interesting, but it still retraces a lot of what we know and can easily infer, filling up pages that could be used to speed up the plot in a more enticing direction for readers with old news and cliches.

The first issue of Suicide Risk is enough to demand your attention for what's on the cusp of this impassioned story.

This new Spider-Man is moving pretty fast. I know everyone wants Peter back, these bumps in the road only suggest his return is on the horizon. But since we're here we might as well enjoy this new perspective for what it's worth. It only raises the magnitude of the values we saw in Peter as the "amazing" hero he was.

Waltz along with Eastman tie together an amusing issue that serves as a perfect platform for new readers to enjoy and stay on for the ride.

This book is something unusual, but in a good way. If you separated the art from the writing you probably wouldn't think they go together at all, but after reading through the first issue I don't think you could've found a more perfect match.

Ten Grand continues to consistently fill every page with meaningful progression. As a result this issue retains the series' potency and Straczynski and Templesmith build another successful chapter in what's shaping up to be one of the best stories in comics this year.

The first issue of The Star Wars is just what you'd expect, it's different, significantly. Fans of the franchise will enjoy the different approach that almost was, they'll also enjoy the similarities and fun nods toward the original peppered throughout the issue as well. Overall, this was a adequate start to the interpretation of Lucas's rough draft.

Way, Simon and Cloonan continue to provide a futuristic pop-drama that brings something new to the table every time. After this poignant look into this still-growing world, one can only imagine what's still to come.

Every time I close the final page of the True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoy's I'm reminded that there is one less issue I have to enjoy and I'm one more closer to the end. This is book is sincerely a joy to read.

The sentiment in Trillium hits you like a impassioned lightning bolt. You feel for these characters, you want to follow their story to the very end.

Trillium is a science-fiction tale intertwined with messages of curiosity, love and self-discovery that Lemire delivers passionately and its hard to pull away.

If you didn't know Cheetah before, after reading, I'm completely positive that you know her now. She's more than just a beast, she's cold and vengeful, someone even Wonder Woman is reluctant to come against. And after this issue I'm really looking forward to what's in store for this character.

With issue four, Wood starts stepping in a new direction with his new-age X-Men team and it's a good idea to follow if you aren't already. This series is just getting started after a couple of intense issues.

X-Men Battle of the Atom is a wonderful start for the latest Marvel event. The variety of elements wrapped into this book make for an extremely entertaining read. On top of that, the second part of the event came out in the same week so waiting to see what happens next isn't even a problem. Readers who just want to hop on also are presented with a decent platform as this issue serves as a crash course introduction to one of Marvel's best books.