Justin Munday Comic Reviews

Thought-provoking, mind-bending, complex, and profound, 20th Century Men is a war comic with a cultural commentary that will go over the heads of many - but will resonate with those who really take the time to listen to its words.

Midnighter Annual 2021 is a decently entertaining one-shot that suffers from its connections with other DC Comics events. Cloonan and Conrad manage to smooth over of the more obtuse references and get the gist of the story without too much exposition. However, it still feels like walking into the middle of a conversation.

Everyone's favorite warring extraterrestrials terrorize children and vacationers in a fun start to a new AVP miniseries.

A messy and rushed script is aided by fantastic art and some great AVP moments.

While still semi-entertaining, this Aliens sequel comic throws new ideas at the Alien wall of mythos and very little sticks; least of all its cast of disposable characters.

Enormously entertaining, All Eight Eyes #1 is a stellar opening chapter for this new series full of big damn arachnids.

Despite an inspiring concept and a couple of cool moments, this one-shot is marred by inconsistent artwork and a crippling over-reliance on contemporary slang and culture.

A familiar but promising return to form for a new era of Spider-Man.

An intriguing (if not very original) start to this high school tale of dark magic and drama.

Haunting, enchanting, and as deep as the sea itself, Aquaman: Andromeda is a gift from two of the comics medium's best storytelling talents - and one of the most exciting books DC has published in recent years.

Intense and deeply alien, Aquaman Andromeda #2 reimagines DC characters and concepts we're familiar with and distorts them into fascinating new forms - all while telling a thoughtful, character focused and thematically rich story.

A gorgeous and unique experience, Arrowsmith #1 sees a long-awaited return to Busiek and Pacheo's world of war and sorcery - a wait that has paid off in spades.

As wildly unique as one would expect from Prince and Morazzo, Art Brut #1 is a fantastically imaginative take on 60's adventure comics, but with their own special twist set in the weird world of art galleries.

A fun but slightly scatterbrained first issue of a horror-comedy comic with a charming and enticing premise.

A thoughtfully paced and beautifully drawn opening that builds its horror plot to a spine-tingling head.

A 2nd issue that replaces horror with a need to build its protagonists and the mystery surrounding the quaint setting.

A chapter that once again swims with realistic and relatable human drama while slowly upping the tension of this horror series.

An issue full of its own stories that manages to be every bit as creepy as it is insightful.

An intimate and focused piece of this creepy puzzle that is a masterwork of character storytelling and slow-burn horror plot development.

Tom King weaves a tale from the journal of Alfred Pennyworth, and in doing so creates one of the most memorable Batman stories in recent memory.

Chip Zdarsky and Jorge Jimenez's run on the Caped Crusader starts off with a bang in an issue full of massive twists, contemplative mystery, and absolutely stunning visuals.

Featuring a massively fun script from Mark Waid and phenomenal art from Dan Mora, Batman/Superman: World's Finest #1 is an absolute home run of a Superhero comic.

An entertaining and engaging start, Ed Brisson and John Timms' Batman: Incorporated #1 is a solid opening chapter to this new era that brings back one of the best Batman concepts of the last 20 years.

With infectiously fun writing and stunning visuals, Batman: Killing Time sees King channeling Soderbergh into the Dark Knight with a superbly fun and intriguing first chapter.

A sinister and fascinating comic, Reptilian is a bloody fascinating mystery that's shaping up to be the perfect diversion for Batman fans craving something new.

A chilling and mysterious opening chapter that feels like a mix of The Omen and Mike Carey's Lucifer.

An opening issue that is nothing but thunderous, chaotic creativity.

Lewis and Barravecchia charge forward with a mythic second chapter of their story of the unending evil of empire.

A thoughtful final chapter that subverts expectations to drive the story's theme home.

A vivid account of a you-had-to-be-there period in the development of art in the modern world, rife with character and poetry and presented in an irresistible work of exaggerated psuedo-biographies.

Like an unsettling series of puzzle pieces, Behold, Behemoth #1 sees Tate Brombal and Nick Robles put together a massively intriguing opening chapter that poses more questions than answers - all while being deeply engaging.

A sharply paced first issue with ample world-building and stellar artwork.

Mark Russel brings his personal brand of commentary and satire to capitalisms' endgame.

A great mixing of genres, Kelly Thompson and Meredith McClaren create a deeply intriguing and lore filled opening chapter for those who like some murder mystery and political intrigue in their DnD.

A clever and intriguing new chapter in one of the best original universes in comics.

John Ridley and Juann Cabal are off to strong start in Black Panther #1, with a well-paced and intriguing opening chapter full of political intrigue and espionage.

A follow-up to both the original film and the Blade Runner 2019 series that drops you right back into this dingy cyberpunk world without missing a beat.

A gripping second chapter that expands upon this story's own mystery, as well as the lore of the Blade Runner universe in stellar fashion.

A mesmerizing first issue with an original concept and beautiful artwork with the potential to be one of Image's most memorable comics of the year.

Despite being a bit scatter-brained, Blood Stained Teeth #1 has enough style to make it one of the most striking and clever vampire stories in recent memory.

A mixed bag of a first chapter, Blood Syndicate #1 suffers from worn tropes and inconsistencies taking time from its greater moments.

Creepy and unnerving, Blue Book #1 is a fantastic opening to this UFO thriller and love letter to creepy encounters and strange stories from decades past.

A wholly original and unforgettable take on small-scale crime and its haunting effects.

Mike Mignola returns with a book of tales mythic, mysterious, and ingeniously clever.

A brilliant blend of fantasy genres, Briar sees Christopher Cantwell and German Garcia take a classic fairy tale and throw it into the land of sword & sorcery for a brutal and refreshing first chapter.

A solid opening chapter to this nostalgic comic book return of a generational staple.

Off to an intriguing start, Catwoman: Lonely City #1 proves that Cliff Chiang is more than just an incredible artist - but a capable storyteller in his own right.

Cliff Chiang nails this 2nd chapter of Catwoman: Lonely City #2 with an exciting and gorgeous comic that sticks the landing in every category.

Emotionally gut-punching and massively entertaining, Catwoman: Lonely City #3 proves once again that Cliff Chiang is an absolute wizard of the comics medium.

A rowdy, goofy, and brilliantly drawn start to this anticipated sequel series.

Complex and deviously clever, Spurrier and Bergara return to their unique original world with a poignant and stunning opening chapter to this follow-up mini-series.

A whirl of narration and magical combat makes this a head-spinning but still thoroughly entertaining start to this Mignola comic, with intriguing lore and fantastically eerie artwork.

A triumphant return, Count Crowley: Amateur Midnight Monster Hunter #1 is a sequel that gets right down to business with a fast-paced script and outstanding visuals.

Despite some messy opening pages, "Count Crowley" #1 is a fun and pulpy start to what's a love letter to classic creature horror, and a promising debut from a first-time comic writer.

David Dastmalchian ramps up the mystery and action in a well-paced and fun to read second issue.

This third chapter dials back on the monster to focus on ancient conspiracies and familial drama.

A cathartic finale that promises more for the future.

With a fun plot, snappy dialogue, and outstanding art, Cowboy Bebop #1 stands infinitely taller than the ill-fated Netflix adaptation that spawned it.

A resounding success, Cowboy Bebop #2 sees Dan Watters and Lamar Mathurin craft a stellar adaptation of Watanabe's original anime.

An unsettling and intriguing start, Daisy #1 offers a unique take on a biblical tale with outstanding visuals.

An intense and necessarily uncomfortable read, Dark Blood starts off strong with a brilliant premise , knife-sharp writing and staggering visual work, all of which work together to create one of the best debut issues of the year.

An emotionally powerful chapter, Dark Blood #2 is a beautiful issue with a steady buildup towards what is sure to be an explosive climax.

A unique tale for comics to tackle, Snyder and Sherman's Dark Spaces: Wildfire #1 is a deeply compelling comic from the perspective of people used and forgotten by society.

Intelligent, gripping, and visually stunning, Dawn Runner is another instant hit from two of the best creators in comics today.

Lovably crude and irresistibly gross, Soul Plumber #1 is good dumb fun in a predictable but hilarious horror-comedy package.

A raw first issue of rural vigilante justice with an absolute boss of a protagonist.

A deeply personal look at living in small-town America, Deadbox #1 is a fascinating and painfully relevant comic that plays its true plot close to the chest.

Poetic and unsettling, Detective Comics #1062 sees the beginning of Ram V and Rafael Albuquerque's run with something ancient slithering its way into the heart of Gotham - and the Dark Knight itself.

As complex as it is mesmerizing, Detective Comics #1063 sees Ram V and Rafael Albuquerque dig deeper into the Gothic mystery that is taking hold of Gotham.

Daniel Warren Johnson is back again with a pro-wrestling comic full of heart, emotion, and absolute ass-kickery of the highest quality.

While not quite as explosive as the debut, Do A Powerbomb #2 is still a fantastic comic with great wrestling action, heavy emotional weight, and an insane twist that will leave readers begging for explanation in chapters to come.

A sharp and intelligently written comic, Duo #1 is another solid entry into DC's Milestone initiative let down a peg by just so-so visuals.

A brilliant, stunning opening to this murder-mystery series, and a faithful recreation of one of America's most desperate eras.

An interesting and compelling start, Earthdivers #1 excels with a great premise, outstanding artwork, and a perspective we don't see often enough in our media.

An unbelievably smart and cutting read, Eat The Rich #1 comes off like a mix of The Graduate and a Boots Riley film; an absolutely brilliant comic in every way.

A dimensional-shift of a first issue, Echolands #1 is the peak of fantasy and lore-building in the comics medium.

An exciting and visually astounding genre-bender, Echolands #2 keeps this new series' momentum going with an intense and lore-filled chapter.

A charming first chapter, Eight Billion Genies #1 is an amusing comic that has enough character to overcome its rather unoriginal concept.

A simple feel-good one-shot that doesn't let its attachment to a big crossover event cloud its needed message for today's world.

While a bit hard to parse, Entropy #1 is still a compelling opening chapter, promising a future series of insane cosmic anomalies and character tragedy.

The best WWII comic this side of an Ennis joint, and the most unique take on the subject outside of Wolfenstein. Escape is Remender's best work since F.E.A.R. Agent.

Fascinating if not a bit slow, Eternals: The Heretic #1 treats us to cosmic philosophizing and some Kirby-style grandiose comic storytelling, making for a truly great one-shot story.

A simple joy of a read, Everyday Hero Machine Boy is a delightful love letter to anime and tokusatsu with a lovable protagonist and endearing visuals.

A haunting first chapter that revitalizes what is generally considered a dead genre - no pun intended.

Despite a couple minor structural issues, "Far Sector #1" is a beautiful and intriguing introduction to a new character and a mysterious crime plot.

A stellar follow-up issue that ups the intrigue and settles into its own story.

A chapter that sheds light upon the socio-political issues of The City Enduring, while making parallels to our own history.

A chapter that takes its time to explore the ramifications of its action sequences with smart dialogue and incredible art.

A poignant chapter with riveting backstory and more building blocks in the series' main mystery.

Far Sector's focus on character and socio-political issues and phenomenal art continue to be a winning combination.

An issue that once again raises the stakes of Mullein's task, and also expands upon the already massive lore behind this series.

The eighth chapter of this Green Lantern series adds even more deep complexities and political intrigue to this already thrilling comic.

A comparatively uneventful issue of this space-crime noir that still offers insightful commentary and continually incredible visuals.

Far Sector's steadily building political subplot erupts into the front-and-center of the story, making for a disturbingly relevant start to this comic's endgame.

A hectic, complex, and gorgeous issue that lays out the players and allegiances in a massive uprising in the second to final issue of this stellar series.

An absolute ride from start to finish, Ghost Rider #1 is the exact kind of heavy metal insanity you want and need from a comic starring Marvel's Spirit of Vengeance.

A bold and thoughtful issue, Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1 is a risk that pays off.

A fun take on a Godzilla story full of cliches that work to the comic's advantage.

A delightfully unique take on the history of religious upheaval, Will Morris's Gospel #1 is a fascinating and entertaining mixture of history and fantasy.

An effectively nerve-wracking sci-fi thriller that manages to be a fresh take on a familiar genre.

A phenomenal adaptation of a cosmic horror classic.

A deliciously deranged opening chapter for this new saga in the Hack/Slash world, crafted by one of the best creators in comics today.

An enticing and unique slice of horror, Kindt and Jenkins deliver an opening chapter that is sure to leave fans of creepy comics begging for more.

A poignant and energetic return, Hardware Season One #1 is a mixture of righteous fury and a hunt for justice in comic form.

A phenomenal first issue for a sequel series that maintains all the charms and atmosphere of its acclaimed predecessor.

An eerie and riveting second chapter in a thus far phenomenal sequel series.

A simple but joyous and spooky chapter in this excellent sequel series.

A bittersweet and contemplative ending that promises more from the world of Harrow County.

A genuine return to form for this outstanding horror series, with an issue that focuses on its core characters' relationships and sends us right into the creepiness in mysterious and charming fashion.

Intriguing and atmospheric as ever, Tales From Harrow County: Lost Ones #1 is a fine start to this new chapter in Bunn and Crook's acclaimed universe.

"Masters of the Multiverse #1" is a sharply written and skillfully drawn return to the world of He-Man, with plenty of new twists and old references.

A sardonic and grimy opening chapter with great art, but inconsistent writing.

A sharp, fun, and gorgeous read, Hellboy And The B.P.R.D.: Night Of The Cyclops goes down in the upper-tier of Hellboy universe one-shots.

A sharp, tense, and often hilarious comic, Hellboy And The B.P.R.D.: Old Man Whittier is everything readers could want from a Hellboy Universe one-shot.

Fun and wonderfully drawn, Mignola, Roberson, and Martinbrough create yet another exciting yet simple one-shot in the Hellboy universe.

A fun and intriguing winter romp that makes itself fit in the larger Hellboy story while still being a great standalone tale.

A unique and visually astonishing debut issue for this interdimensional mini-series.

A debut issue that's gorgeous to behold, but a bore to read.

Stewart Grant's action-espionage graphic novel some fifty years in the making is a brisk blast of a read and a damn good time to be had.

Bridging the gap between traditional fable and modern story, Hitomi #1 is a stunning and highly entertaining first chapter that delivers a desperately needed perspective on the Samurai era in Western comics.

An insightful, intimate, and mysterious opening chapter and one of the most fascinating starts to a comic released in recent years.

A demented and fun start to this short horror anthology series.

A horror short that irons out the weirdness of the first issue to create a more streamlined and darkly funny comic.

The most chilling story in this anthology thus far, and one that uncovers some secrets of this mysterious hotel.

A solid start to this comic adaptation of the defining novel of modern paranormal research.

An immensely ambitious and visually stunning illustrated sci-fi story that hints at huge ideas to come.

A well-executed blast, I Hate This Place #1 mashes a bunch of horror tropes together and mixes them with great characters and stellar art for one of the most fun creature-feature comics in recent memory.

An atmospheric, complex, and superbly intriguing opening chapter to yet another winner in Vault Comics' horror lineup.

A well-paced and relatively inventive take on vampire stories, Impact Winter #1 is an exciting start to this post-apocalyptic tale of survival and monster-slaying.

While a bit generic, Iron Fist #1 sees an exciting and necessary change to the identity of the protector of K'un-Lun.

Beautifully composed and overwhelmingly powerful, Zoe Thorogood's autobiographical graphic novel It's Lonely at the Center of the Earth runs the gamut of human emotion to arrive at something that feels like we shouldn't be reading - but are so privileged to be able to.

A heartbreaking and stunning adaptation, Rain #1 is a fantastic opening to this character-driven apocalyptic tale.

Brian Bendis's first new Jinxworld comic may have Stephen Byrne's beautiful art, but it's so painfully written that it makes such views tough to enjoy.

An exciting opening chapter, Ka-Zar: Lord Of The Savage Land #1 is a stellar first issue that reintroduces readers to this world and its characters with engaging lore and earth-shaking action.

An affecting and brutal chapter, Zac Thompson & Co. continue to impress with a narratively incisive and visually stunning reimagining of Ka-Zar in a modern context.

A slightly dense but brilliantly atmospheric and hair-raisingly tense debut issue with one of the most promising story premises of the year.

A tense second issue that doubles down on the terror of living in the Civil War South as anything but a white man.

A fast-paced and intense chapter that entertains despite feeling like an extension of the prior issue.

An intense issue with new internal character struggles and ominous messaging.

An intense final issue with sky-high stakes that promises more satisfying acts of vengeance in the future.

Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander create a great first issue that is a tense mix of crime procedural, familial drama and supernatural horror.

A bloody and action filled-return, Aaron and Asrar's King Conan #1 is a great start to this follow up to their prior Conan work, and a solid addition to Conan tales as a whole.

As dense as it is audacious, Knights Of X #1 is the perfect comic for readers who like a bit of medieval fantasy in their X-Men stories.

A thoroughly entertaining and action-packed chapter, Knights Of X #2 is a surefire indicator that Tini Howard and Bob Quinn's new mutants & medieval magic series is going to be once exciting ride.

A fast-paced and adventurous follow-up to Mignola and Christopher Golden's Baltimore, held back a bit by an almost overwhelming amoount of information but held together by great action and excellent visual wok.

Spurrier returns to Krakoa with Legion Of X for a wildly intriguing and complex comic that is as visually stunning as it is strange.

A delightful and charming follow-up to the newest addition to Mignola's creative stable, A Christmas for Crows takes what worked so well with the previous entry and wraps it up in tinsel - and a sense of melancholy closure.

A disturbingly fun opening chapter, Little Monsters #1 sees Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen quietly creating a world of terrors and lore that teases so much more to come.

Perfectly paced and wonderfully compelling, Little Monsters #2 continues to prove that Lemire and Nguyen are one of the fiercest and most capable creative duos in comics.

A war comic gifted with haunting passages, a unique dual-plot focus, and stellar artwork.

A painful and evocative read, Mazebook #1 sees Lemire plumbing the depths of emotional loss while building a cerebral mystery around that same loss.

A chapter of painful determination, Mazebook #2 poses more questions and further obfuscates reality in Jeff Lemire's insightful and heavy treatise on grief and its everlasting effects.

Increasingly compelling with impeccable character writing, Mazebook #3 continues to fascinate and awe its way to the top of Lemire's creations.

A fever-dream of an issue, Mazebook #4 sees Lemire at his most creative and experimental to deliver yet another tense and engaging chapter.

A succinct and powerful finale, Lemire focuses the essence of Mazebook down to its inevitable bittersweet conclusion, thereby ending one of the best works of his career.

A compelling and heartfelt opening to Lemire's new series at Boom! Studios.

Endlessly charming and deviously clever, Sweet Paprika is a must-read for fans of off-kilter and raunchy romantic comedy.

A delightful second chapter, Sweet Paprika #2 delves further into Paprika's past traumas while maintaining the momentum of its humor and character developments.

Another delightful chapter, Sweet Paprika #3 offers humor and relatable sadness in a stunningly drawn package - complete with a hilarious final revelation.

A gorgeous debut issue marred by an unfocused script that tries to tackle too many things at once.

Keeping the human in the alien invasion story, Monarch #1 portrays a realistic and tangible perspective in the backdrop of a tense sci-fi horror comic.

Despite feeling a bit rushed, Monkey Prince #1 is a refreshing blast of a debut issue with an immensely fun script and phenomenal artwork.

Energetic and goofy, Monkey Prince #2 continues the momentum of the first issue with a comic that is a relentless joy to behold.

A mysterious and heartfelt opening to this new sci-fi mystery from Mad Cave Studios.

A mysterious and heartfelt opening to this new sci-fi mystery from Mad Cave Studios.

A tight, fun opening to this serial killer romp from two of the best in the business at this genre.

Both fresh and familiar, New Masters #1 offers a unique and exciting perspective on science fiction, with a smart script and stunning visual work from the brothers Coker.

A fun and visually striking take on some classic genre tropes.

Both fitting tribute and unique take, Night Of The Ghoul #1 is a suspenseful and chilling opening chapter to Snyder and Francavilla's new horror outing.

A terrifying spinoff of Killadelphia, Nita Hawes Nightmare Blog #1 is a promising start to this new story in Barnes and Alexander's world of supernatural terrors.

A slightly intriguing but blatantly derivative start to a post-apocalyptic comic story.

The first handful of pieces to a larger puzzle delivered in a mysterious gripping package.

A riveting second chapter that hones itself on characterization and rapidly increasing stakes.

Mike Mignola and Warwick Johnson-Cadwell create a spooky yet hilarious graphic novel full of clever twists and memorable moments.

Possibly the most interesting take on a holiday story ever crafted in the comics medium.

Parasomnia #1 is a gorgeous and compelling opening chapter that that leaves much to the imagination, begging its readers to continue to the next issue.

An intriguing premise and phenomenal artwork keep Parasomnia #2 aloft despite its disappointingly exposition-laden plot reveals.

An interesting issue, Parasomnia #3 engages in intriguing and well-paced storytelling to build into this supernatural-thriller's final issue.

Ending as mysteriously as it began, Parasomnia #4 concludes this miniseries in intriguing fashion that feels less frustrating than prior issues and teases the possibility of more to come.

An irreverent, goofy, and charming start to this new chapter starring everyone's favorite loveable mass murder machine.

In true Garth Ennis fashion, Peacemaker: Disturbing The Peace #1 is a hilarious and meticulously crafted opening that nails the tone for this patriotic mass-murderer.

A simplistic but wildly fun and gorgeous start to this high-octane dystopic racing comic.

A great concept executed exceptionally well, Phantom Road #1 is a stellar opening chapter to this new horror series from two of the industry's best talents.

Delightfully twisted yet notably sad, Wilson and Takara's Poison Ivy #1 is a viscerally engaging and stunning start to this solo-series starring one of Batman's best foes.

A derivative script is saved by some stellar artwork and a couple interesting ideas in Marvel's 2nd attempt at a series about the galaxies most terrifying big game hunters.

A crossover that is way more fun than expected, with unique takes on both Spidey and the Predator in these pages.

Equal parts The Goonies, Stranger Things, and Forest Gump, this is an impressive and fun start to this teenage horror comic that functions as a time capsule, combining the American culture of the 1970's with an entertaining horror story.

A wickedly smart and funny comic issue that doubles down on the socio-political issues of its era via character storytelling almost to the point where the supernatural elements fell out of place.

Aaron & Co.'s Punisher #1 is a solid and intriguing, if not a bit flawed new chapter in the story of Marvel's flagship killer.

A lonely and oddly breathtaking look at depression, change, and the used future we may find ourselves in.

A dizzyingly energetic but highly intelligent conceptual sci-fi comic with a great mix of absurdity and emotion.

Another immensely clever chapter in Graham's latest outing full of witty comedy, class commentary, and beautifully weird visuals.

Brandon Graham outdoes himself with the most mind-bending issue of this high-concept satire yet, rife with clones, sex robots, and self-birthing.

Brandon Graham's poignant satire comes to a bittersweet end that will leave you thinking about it for long after you close the book.

An opening chapter of murderous political intrigue that offers an intriguing start, but doesn't do much to separate itself from the rest of the genre.

A tense and action-packed first issue with great dialogue and stellar artwork

While it may fumble its handling of social problems, Red Border #2 is still a chilling and well-paced second chapter in this unique thriller.

A genuinely unnerving horror comic that keeps its hand on the pulse of class exploitation and the abysmal status of impoverished mining communities.

A nice 90's throwback, Revolvers #1 is a formulaic opening chapter that saves itself with some heavy metal visuals and enough enticing lore to keep readers interested.

G.I. Joe's iconic spy returns in a properly fun and mysterious espionage comic.

Propped up by incredible artwork, Second Chances #1 takes an entertaining yet generic plot and makes it exciting through pure style.

Cathartic, fun, and constantly surprising, Sins Of The Black Flamingo #1 is a wonderfully unique gem of a comic book and a salve for the burning insanity of our current reality.

A gorgeous and imaginative opening to this musically-charged new series from Mad Cave.

A pretty fun but formulaic team-up book that could just use more Spider-Punk.

An emotionally impactful and action-packed restart for Marvel's Darth Vader comics.

A well-constructed and entertaining comic, Star Wars: Obi-Wan #1 will make for a solid read for any major fan of the iconic Jedi Master.

An exciting return to a new setting within the Star Wars universe, full of high-octane adventure, fun characters, and familiar-yet-unseen sights.

A phenomenal second issue full of tension and surprise action that manages to keep things different while still very much being Star Wars.

An entertaining third chapter that introduces a bold new threat into the Star Wars universe, with a solid (if not occasionally hammy) script and phenomenal visuals.

An issue that introduces us to some more fresh ideas within the Star Wars universe, while still working wonders in fleshing out its cast of characters.

Although it resolves with a bit of an absurd twist, 'The High Republic" #5 is still an entertaining and fast paced Star Wars comic with high stakes and ever-fantastic artwork.

Charles Soule expands on the crevices of untold Star Wars stories with an exciting opening issue that brings back some long gone characters, all with stellar work by the visual team.

Like much of the recent Star Wars output, War of the Bounty Hunters #2 is a solidly entertaining but very busy comic that mixes intriguing character mingling with big appearances, nearly overstuffing its page length.

A blast of an issue that manages to adhere to the main plot of the original Star Wars films while offering a kickass new tale with plenty of fan service and action. A surefire hit for any Star Wars fan.

Wildly imaginative and visually astonishing, Liam Sharp's StarHenge will be a challenge for some to engage with, but is a real treat for those who take the dive into this comic's stunning use of mythology.

A simplistic yet fun blend of late Showa era Godzilla, Alien, and Cowboy Bebop, Starship Godzilla is off to a blast of a beginning.

"Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" #1 is a delightful and stunning debut issue. While it may be a bit long-winded, Tom King's script captures the essence of a classic genre and fuses it with a superhero story for a character journey that needs to be discovered. The visuals from Bilquis Evely and Mat Lopes are beyond gorgeous, bringing this world and these characters to life with emotional complexity and vast beauty.

A smart and intriguing first issue, Superman: Lost is off to a great start with what could very well be one of the most insightful and potent stories about the Man of Steel in recent memory.

Jeff Lemire returns to one of his greatest works with an opening chapter that leaves the reader thoroughly entertained while begging for answers.

An exciting second chapter that clears up the haze of mystery and reveals some of its connections to the original comic.

The chapter that finally reveals the truth about the where, how, and why behind this series that is a massive treat for readers of the original comic.

A climactic issue that sets up this miniseries' endgame and sets the emotional stakes for our main cast is a way that will prove to be either uplifting - or heartbreaking.

An entertaining and emotionally impactful final chapter that almost paradoxically renders this entire sequel-series inconsequential.

An epic flight across the stars starts this gorgeous new adventure from Heavy Metal Magazine's long-standing icon.

A bog-standard fantasy and sword & sorcery issue in terms of writing and plot, but one that's saved by incredible visual work.

A gritty, awesome new start for the heroes in a half-shell.

A fun and heartfelt debut for a new character in IDW's TMNT Universe.

Albeit a bit vague, The Passageway starts off Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino's Bone Orchard Mythos in grand, disturbing and unsettling fashion.

"The Butcher of Paris" #1 is a tense and well-orchestrated start to a promising historical-horror series.

A slow, contemplative second chapter that still offers some chilling moments.

An issue that continues the series' trend of capitalizing on its historic setting while increasing the complexity of its stellar plot.

A final issue with a turbulent yet satisfying road to the end of the line.

A stellar superhero comic from two of a generation's best creators that looks to the future to reach into the past.

An intriguing if not slightly antiseptic start to a hard sci-fi mini-series.

Deeply human and unnerving, The Closet #1 is a stellar horror comic with a top-tier Tynion script and outstanding visual work from Fullerton and O'Halloran.

An opening chapter with compelling characters that teases something remarkably monstrous coming our way.

Vertigo Icons M.R. Carey and Peter Gross return to comics for one of the most darkly intriguing first issues of the year.

Time and guilt are the main players in this slow-burn horror that continues to up the stakes in its second issue.

Carey and Gross jump through even more time to provide the most haunting chapter of "The Dollhouse Family" yet.

An issue that escalates this series' mounting sense of dread while still offering plenty of character development.

A quiet issue full of revelations and demonic surprises.

A satisfying finale that opens up the universe of this mini-series to immense possibilities.

Si Spurrier and Bilquis Evely once again deliver a chapter of "The Dreaming" that is both beautiful and terrifying to behold.

An intriguing issue laden with plot bombshells and clever twists, if not still marred slightly by its delivery and lack of Bilquis Evely's art.

A stellar and emotional chapter that propels us towards the end of Spurrier and Evely' s beautifully complex run on The Dreaming.

An emotionally satisfying and mystical end to Si Spurrier & Co.'s run on The Dreaming.

A cathartic and beautiful beginning to Spurrier & Evely's finale.

Si Spurrier and Bilquis Evely's story comes to a beautiful conclusion with one of the most memorable chapters in all of Sandman

A new Sandman chapter that starts with an immensely entertaining bang.

A fun second chapter that opens up the backstory of our new characters and offers some neat surprises for long-time Sandman fans.

A delightful chapter full of emotion and mythologic mysticism.

An outstanding issue that covers every emotional base a comic could potentially cover with a deft hand and a stunning flourish.

A satisfying end to The Waking Hours opening story arc, with meaningful character moments and appeals to Sandman fans new and old.

A hypnotizing, intense, and wildly fun issue that sets up the next arc of this outstanding serries.

A chapter that serves more as a transition point rather than an event in and of itself, filled with familiar characters, sharp writing, and solid (if not slightly inconsistent) visual work.

A beautiful, hilarious, and enchanting issue that encapsulate all there is to offer in the Sandman Universe.

A comparatively uneventful but still clever and entertaining issue, held aloft by great character dialogue and ever-astounding artwork.

An unsettling and unrelenting first issue of this sequel series that is worthy of its predecessor.

Like any great Mignola comic, The Golem Walks Among Us is a massively entertaining romp full of magic, monsters, and lore.

An intelligent and sexy opening for this unique new espionage comic.

A fantastic horror pilot, and a highlight among the Horizon Experiment issues so far.

A fun and intriguing start to this devilish take on criminal enterprise and succession.

Livio Ramondelli surprises with an original and intelligent first issue of a highly promising new sci-fi series.

Ramondelli continues to inspire awe with robotic character backstory, world-building, and incredible artwork.

Careful dialogue and breathtaking art bring another fantastic issue of this unexpectedly human series.

The fourth chapter of this series adds considerable emotional weight and increases the stakes as we near the story's climax.

A climactic issue that blends brutal and dramatic action with tense storytelling.

A final chapter loaded with emotional character revelations, wicked-smart twists, and an ending sure to satisfy series readers.

Livio Ramondelli returns to his brilliant original universe with The Kill Lock: The Artisan Wraith #1, and it may be the best debut issue of the year so far.

A wonderfully exciting and wildly intense issue, The Kill Lock: The Artisan Wraith #2 is an powerful second chapter that once again demonstrates Livio Ramindelli's immense creative prowess.

A neat blend of classic Universal horror with modern social commentary, Faith Erin Hicks and Lee Loughridge have the newest addition to Image's Universal Monsters comics off to a solid start.

A contemplative and compelling piece of historical fantasy completed by phenomenal art work.

A fascinating and complex start to Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard's new take on superpowered politics.

A gorgeous and unflinching adaption of one of the darkest novels ever written.

James Tynion brings his unique brand of horror to the Sandman Universe with Nightmare Country #1, a gruesome and unique read that is sure to please both classic Sandman fans and complete newcomers.

A comic that reads like a shadow of Remender's usual prowess, saved by fantastic visual work.

Little more than a puzzle-piece, Sword Of Hyperborea #1 will be a neat treat for Hellboy diehards, but a meaningless (yet gorgeous) slog for anyone else.

Battlefields: The Tankies is a brilliantly well-written and thoroughly researched tribute to the tank crewman who fought and struggled during the late stages of World War II and the Korean conflict. Garth Ennis does what he does best by presenting a spot-on representation of battlefield conditions and some of his best character writing to date. The visual work of Carlos and Hector Ezquerra and Tony Avina crafts both believable character art and a realistic setting.

A familiar but satisfying return to one of the most iconic franchises in modern sci-fi.

A spectacularly frantic return to Gerard Way and MCR's insane counter-culture fight song of a comic.

An action-packed and breakneck-paced second issue that delivers on every possible front, with huge forward momentum carrying into the next issue.

Another wicked sharp and over-the-top chapter of this crazy comic series with outstanding artwork and a focus on its human core.

While the presentation of the story is a bit clunky, Way and Edwards still manage to bring on a weird and unique Christmas tale in the Umbrella Academy universe.

Jeff Lemire and Tyler Crook team up for yet another winner in the Black Hammer lineup with The Unbelievable Unteens #1.

The World of Black Hammer continues to expand with Unbelievable Unteens #3, in a standard yet still compelling chapter of classic-comics pastiche and team drama.

Jeff Lemire and Tyler Crook end this chapter in the Black Hammer universe with a charming and gorgeous, yet very safe end in The Unbelievable Unteens #4.

A chaotic fever dream of a crime story, and one of the best debut issues of the year.

An intelligent, sharply constructed, and immensely dour look at reality just as everything is coming to an explosive close. Ennis's best writing in years.

An opening chapter for another of Dark Horse's Witcher spin-offs that lands a bit unevenly, with some rough pacing and solid but inconsistent artwork that is saved by a stellar creepy tone and universe-faithful characterizations.

A fun, twisted buddy-comedy take on serial killers & true crime.

An intriguing start to this time travel focused ruined future series, with its influences on its sleeve and some unique visual work.

A fresh, compelling restart for an iconic franchise from one of the best comics creators of the current day.

Beautiful and mysterious, Two Graves #1 is as obscure as it is intriguing, giving readers almost nothing in terms of what's happening and instead just asking them along for the ride.

A compelling start to a new supernatural crime series from the creators of Stray Bullets.

A convoluted frame narrative hides an intriguing plot brought out by fantastic visuals.

With an energetic script full of cool ideas and some stellar visual work, this long-awaited return looks to be well worth the wait.

A return to 90's edge that knows exactly what it is, Cates and Stegman's Vanish #1 is worth the price of admission for those who love their plots full of vengeance and their art stunningly gritty.

A brilliant and harrowing science fiction short with stunning visual work to match the sharpness of the script.

Wagner, Hillyard, and Stewart deliver an absurdly over the top and darkly hilarious opening chapter of cults and teddy bear-clad murder, with a sharp script and brilliantly vivid artwork.

Deeply unsettling and disturbingly poignant, Tynion and Blanco set off with a smart and tense first chapter for their new original thriller series.

Grimy, compelling, and outright unsettling, DSTLRY is on deck with another stellar and surprising debut issue.

Warm Fusion #3 is a stellar, hopeful finale to this grim cyberpunk mini-series. Scott Hoffman proves his talents as a comics writer with a script that is thematically rich and character focused, telling a deeply compelling story that makes the most of its 3-issue run.

A wonderfully devious and conflicting start, We Wicked Ones #1 is a brilliant opening chapter to begin your comic reads for the new year.

Deeply compelling and frighteningly relevant, We Wicked Ones #2 picks up the momentum of the prior issue and runs with it, making for a stellar 2nd chapter.

A delightfully off-the-wall opening with as much heart as it has humor.

A mix of The Warriors, Mad Max, and the sensibilities of My Chemical Romance's Danger Days, this is an impossibly cool mix of styles and mediums into comics.

Despite an intriguing premise and solid dialogue writing, this debut issue of a new Witchfinder series suffers from an unoriginal chain of events and lackluster art.

Edward Grey once again finds himself in a lackluster issue with messy pacing and lackluster character art.

Steve Orlando & Co. deliver a by the numbers but satisfying Wonder Woman issue that's brought down slightly by its event crossover ties.

DeConnick and Jimenez deliver a wondrous piece of mythic storytelling with Wonder Woman Historia #1, and one that supersedes the Superhero genre itself.

As grandiose as its predecessor, Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons #2 offers a satisfying and immensely compelling follow-up to one of the greatest opening chapters of the past several years.

Robert Venditti and Michael Avon Oeming open World Of Krypton with a perfectly-paced, smartly written, and well-drawn chapter that brings us back to a world both familiar and totally alien.

A first issue that is rife with humanity, loss, and a perspective seldom seen in the Western world.

A brutal chapter that handles its unsettling subject matter with a delicate intelligence, while still ensuring the finer points of the issue come across neatly.

Another emotionally painful chapter that explores the impossible task of trying to make a new normal after unfathomable trauma.

A slightly cliched but sweet and effective chapter that finally has life looking up for our protagonist - as soon as she can open up about her trauma.

A chapter that offers closure for Yasmeen's experiences while offering solace and commentary to relatable western-world social issues.

The final chapter of this immensely important comic series wraps everything up in an emotionally sentimental (and surprisingly action-packed) finale.

"Yondu #1" keeps it grimy and gives the titular character the exact kind of comic he deserves, while adding promise of a good time in the coming issues.

"Yondu #2" makes for a fun event tie-in with some messy and exposition-filled writing backed up by great action and fantastic artwork.

A simple jaunt into an island of adventure featuring our favorite stone-handed hero, heavily inspired by island adventure tales of old.

A stellar issue of adventure on an island with dinosaurs, black magic, and giant apes, all led by a youthful HB who is an absolute joy to read, and carried by great Mignolaverse visual work.