Immediately evident is that the narration is reminiscent of the hard-boiled Private Investigator archetype that we all know and love from LA Noir stories of Raymond Chandler fame. While we typically associate a stark, inky monochrome with the genre, new artist Caspar Wijngaard takes his clean and precise lines and adds that Noir-styled grit to the story while making some interesting neon and futuristic color palettes. Adapting and individualizing a style from old classics is something that really appeals to me, and it's done to beautiful effect here.

I can't help but remember the themes and motifs of Mary Shelley'sFrankensteinwhile reviewing DESCENDER's run so far. Do I think that DESCENDER is the next literary classic? Perhaps not. Can I see how elements of it feel a bit been there, done that? Sure. But my main point is that my continued devotion to this series has to do with the fact of itssincerity.Jeff Lemire's emotion and Dustin Nguyen's expressive yet detailed art work serves as an interesting juxtaposition to what I normally associate with space and technology. All the loneliness and cold elements still exist, but are tempered with Tim-21's character " as well as the characterizations of the other characters " coupled with Dustin Nguyen's masterful artistry. While the story can have predictable twists and turns, this reviewer sticks around because shecares.And what else are good stories for?

With the story regarding Catwoman's past linked with people, the Faceless Mask, and Gotham City, we get the multi-dimensional experience that reflects Catwoman's characterization. On top of all that, as rare as it might seem nowadays among comics, Tieri appears to have mastered pacing. This issue has just enough information to avoid being confusing and enough stimulus to keep you flipping through the pages. Needless to say, I'm excited to see all of this issue's questions answered in next month's installment.

Though I'm generally a bit unfamiliar with Jon Davis-Hunt's artwork, I'm excited to be introduced to him throughhis collaboration with Gail Simone's natural storytelling abilities. Knowing myself to be particularly picky about certain artists' style, I was pleasantly surprised to see that these two worked beautifully together. Jon Davis-Hunt's clean line work and fun use of color makes for an interesting compliment to Gail Simone's precise and compelling words. While this series could have taken a darker tone in art, I find that the smart tightness and beauty of both the words and art bring out the best of this horror, mystery story about a very relatable and strong-willed Chloe, looking for answers to the loss of her life, in a world in which she"and perhaps a select other few"can see some pretty horrific things.

Together, this team presented a long-awaited mini-series in the most effective way possible: They've hooked us in, given us a taste, and left us pining for more. Like any dangerous liaison, expectation, frustration, and impatience are all wrapped up into one. And I can't wait.

Anyone who's looking for the fiery redhead with a deadly kiss and the very earth at her feet, do not fear:this character is just prickly enough to be the Poison Ivy that can tear you limb from limb; Amy Chu is just doing a great job of teasing the readers. Pick up this comic and get to know the Dr. Pamela Isley underneath the sexy, Eve-like creature we've all come to know as Poison Ivy.

On top of a compelling and classic mystery about a scientist's experiment results being stolen to create something monstrous, there's another very important narrative: a story about an ex-con trying to assimilate herself back into the world, as not just a scientist, but a plant-humanoid outsider, and a mother. In a lot of ways Poison Ivy represents the difficulty and frustration of all women trying to make their mark on the world without becoming demonized or deified. Her sporelings/children soon prove to have the same problem in the ruthless darkness of Gotham in this scintillating issue that touches upon the pervasive idea of showing Eve"and all women"as the root of evil and subjugation.

The only available hint Jason Shawn Alexander presents is the cover art for the following issue, which includes the very recognizable white-haired warrior woman, Corinne White, wearing the same striped scarf that belonged to the Watermans. Whether this is the same scarf or simply a visual cue "intentional or not"as a reader, I'm just dying to know what comes next.

Harley Quinn's current permutation in this one-shot, as well as in her ongoing series, shows not only the likable fun of her character, but also the depth. She's not just a crazy, fun psychopath borne out of the Joker's machinations. She's her own three-dimensional character with fears, passions, and motivations. Everything that Harley Quinn is about"mental health, identity, acceptance, and sometimes just having fun"is beautifully cohesive in Rob Williams' story. What else could you ask for?

Magic, NYC and a koala sidekick. If any of these things catch your interest, CURSE WORDS will more than oblige in dealing out all the entertainment you need.

An exciting crime story alongside a reflection of prevalent misogyny in the world today. The bodyswitching is just the cherry on top.

If you are looking for a comic book series that it's a bit more lithe and friendly, this is not the comic for you. If you are looking for a new yet accurate homage-type interpretation of Homer's Odyssey, this is not the comic for you. If you're looking for something both challenging and sensual in its art and storytelling, coupled with an unconventional myriad of narratives in a sci-fi setting so typically overdone, then you've found your next comic.

In short, Matt Fraction is able to mold old mythologies with newer ideologies to create something wholly his own. In response, Christian Ward doesn't falter in exploring new ways to creating art and laying out his panels. If you like Matt Fraction's work, you'll find yourself pleasantly challenged here. If you like beautiful things, pick it up just for Christian Ward's amazing artwork.

As Matt Fraction himself says in his notes on every final page of his issues, “Anyone can tell you these are myths and not literal histories. Yes. Of course…Histories get erased. Stories live on, eternal…What if our stories didn't saydon't get despoiled;what if our stories said, don't despoilinstead?”

Even the narrator, the fellow traveler of Queen Ene, survives and only has a story left to share. Life, history, and mythology are all cyclical narratives, bound with destruction or endings only to bear creation and beginnings. “And thus, does blood beget blood.” Fraction and Ward were able to beautifully convey this lesson within their very own story, not only convincing the reader that ODY-C is, indeed, a good story, but also that a good story can truly save a life. If you haven't given this series a chance, please reconsider and let yet another story bring you life.

I can't wait to see what comes next because, despite it playing parallel to Greek stories we may know well, Fraction and Ward find a way to still surprise you and leave you almost delirious with awe.