Barker and Miller and their team have once again provided us with a kick-ass issue of “Hellraiser”. However, the next issue marks a new arc, which means that its probably going to be the most mind-blowing issue yet. Any fan of the franchise that hasnt picked up this comic yet is missing out on the most epic revival of any large-scale horror series. Clive Barker has restored the intricate mythology of “Hellraiser”, and now Kirsty and Spencer are literally about to rock the world.

As supernaturally driven as this series is, the story remains very real. The script is raw and powerful, the characters are dynamic, with brilliant artwork to tie it all together. Kiernans new tale is sure to become a classic story of good vs. evil, with everything in between.

The major dilemma in the issue allows you to fear for Dancys well-being, but the series has established her as a determined and resourceful character, so at the end of the day, youre pulling for her side. Im sure that the final issue will yield a hefty and intense battle, but personally, Im waiting to see how they leave Dancys character, and what theyre going to do with her companions. Does the buck stop here? I cant wait to find out.

However, as basic as this comic seems, I cant bash it. Just take a step back and view it from a larger standpoint. The artwork is quite charming, the story is oddly dynamic, and Fatima's character is stupidly well developed after only one issue. This is the perfect break from other zombie books because it's a whole lot of different, combined with the same themes you've come to know and love. “Fatima” will find its fair share of followers, and it's well worth a read.

Anyway, Gilbert Hernandez has so far laid some solid foundation and provided a point of action, where were finally past the flashbacks and thrown into uh, well, a slightly uncertain point in time. Im really excited to see a time and place in the next issue, as well as more of Fatimas character development, as we only saw a glimpse in the first couple of issues. Im actually surprised at how exciting this comic has been so far, and Im psyched to see what the next issue of this unconventional series brings.

“Resident Alien” is off to a solid start. This story could go in a few different directions, so Im excited to see where our otherworldly Doc is going to end up. Dark Horse should be able to provide some insight with the publication of the next issue, out June 27th.

This issue of Resident Alien wasnt supremely action-packed this time around, but the plot has held strong and managed to keep me wanting to see what happens to our extraterrestrial practitioner. Not every issue can be crammed with action, lest it be overwhelming. Next time, however, I hope that well be in for a wild ride now that the set-up is out of the way.

The Strain offers an end-of-days sci-fi twist to a classic horror story. The next arc is sure to contain more action and suspense, and with that, more bloodshed. The first four issues of The Strain are out now, and the next issue will be available from Dark Horse Comics on June 13th.

Lapham is doing a wonderful adaptation of an original del Toro story, something not all writers would risk. The art is consistently fantastic, and the story progresses in a way that keeps things flowing smoothly. I hope that the next issue brings that exterminators discovery to the forefront, along with a little more information about how to kill the strain.