Kevin McConnell Comic Reviews

An excellent conclusion to one of the best mini-series of 2015.

There simply was not enough of a hook in issue #1 to give me incentive to continue. I do have the feeling of this being an excellent trade read since getting it all in one shot might prove to be more fruitful. The nature of monthly comics does not allow for a non-sequitur you have to have a hook to keep readers coming back. "Americatown" has a very cool and timely premise but little else to justify waiting month to month. Winters & Cohen are screenwriters by trade and if this were their pilot episode I would be hard pressed to give a reason why it should make it to a series order.

In a lot of ways, I looked at this as an allegory for the changing times in America. With progress, you have to look at the past through a filter. You do not want to ignore the bad stuff, but rather use it for a positive instead of a negative. "Arcadia" drives the point home with Pepper being the man for the job. His no-nonsense approach never comes off as grumpy, his commentary is simply to the point. He is likable because of that, even with his misgivings early in the story. Paknadel does attempt to make any grand statements with that, he sticks to the basics of human nature. "Arcadia" is one of those books that doesn't need to grab your attention with flash, the book wants you to think. When I did, I found that density of this world is ripe for interpretation and exploration. The present in "Arcadia" might be bleak, but the future is very bright.

An excellent introduction to a new Gotham and a terrifying villain who might make a "Dark Knight" at of Jim Gordon just yet. Highly recommended.

A great detour from the main story, with some interesting details on the mythology of "Bitch Planet." Even with a stand-in artist, the book does not miss a beat. Recommended.

Credit where credit it is due, this was a risk to publish. While the success of the book is fleeting, adding this level of diversity will certainly help Marvel's overall product. The "Black Knight" certainly fits into the "different" part of Marvel's all-new, all different credo. But different does not always equate to good, even if it is something totally beyond the norm.

What a great first issue for a new creator. It might be tough to find, but it is worth it.

The best part about this issue is Layman & Guillory painted themselves into a corner and decided to blow the wall out. While I expect a few plot points to get wrapped up in the next arc, I have no idea how it is going to end. All things considered they have done a fantastic job with everything up to this point. All for a book that should have never worked on paper. I am sad to see it go. However, I cannot wait for this to end.

As a whole, "Clandestino" does offer many puzzle pieces that do not fully fit together yet. One thing I took away from this is there is major spin-off potential for the conflict. Nahuelpan has a map in the book to show what has happened up to this point. Is Clandestino fully involved in these battles? That is never explicitly addressed in this issue. In that regard, it might make for some interesting interactions or back story down the line. I do feel six issues will tell the full story of Clandestino the man, but not the world of "Clandestino." That is not a criticism, more wishful thinking if anything else. Between the world building and the aura around him, "Clandestino" comes off like a mythological story of a great man. I am certainly looking forward to see how this unfolds, adding to the legend that is Clandestino.

Sadly, this might turn people off from a really solid book. The idea of dreams in a dystopian reality isn't a new sci-fi concept. But it is executed so very well it is easy to overlook a retread. Jason Shawn Alexander has crafted a vast view of the future with well-crafted mystery that will keep you questioning along with Corrine. I can see readers being frustrated with the pace of the story and amazed at the solid art work. As the main mystery beings to unfold further hopefully more answers are given to if this is all a dream or a terrifying reality.

There is a great story to be told, Percy needs to focus on that aspect and less on the secondary characters. The art fits the book like a glove and really makes this a great book to look at.

Solid art and a perfectly topical story are again ruined by ancillary characters who serve no purpose. As a Green Arrow fan, this is again a major let down.

But this is not a major distraction, if anything it is where the book can improve. I am realistic too, this is issue #1. Future issues have the potential to fix these minor problems with great ease. As well, there is no indication of how long this particular story will go. For now, the book finding its footing should provide fans with enough to satisfy a decade long absence.

What is clear is Jordan wants Flood to be a classic TV style detective on the pages at hand. In that area, he succeeds very well in making Flood undeniable unique. Where he fails is making him even remotely likable or relatablein any way possible. The whole issue feels like a wild goose chase for a nice "gotcha" moment on the last page that saves the issue from being a dud. I found myself saying, "did I really need to read all of that leading up to this moment?" Perhaps there is a larger explanation coming in the follow up issue, but as it stands, this one missed the mark. With that negative aspect aside, there is a lot to enjoy about "John Flood" as a whole. Do I think this will be on the year's best of list? No, I do not. Do I think a lot of people will enjoy the story and the antics of Flood? Yes, that I do.

The bright and cartoonish nature of the art disarms you to a story about the human (er, monster) condition and shows the true prison is the one inside ourselves

I did enjoy the danger in the world these characters are living in, because it is two-fold. On one side you have the sake of humanity, an obvious sci-fi trope that is a tad over used. The other danger is the brothers splitting apart due to their philosophical differences. That aspect is more interesting because it is clear how much Jack & Julian really do care for each other. Yes they are like all brothers, they fight and disagree, but they would do anything for the other. That curiosity is something I would be interested in seeing in issue #2, which can turn some of these problems around.

While Devil Dinosaur is a Jack Kirby creation, his shadow does not loom large in this book. The creative team went for something unique while paying respects to the original. I was unfamiliar with the original prior to this review, so now I am curious to go back and see the difference. But that was the point, why retread on something already done? The Marvel Universe now is "different" and "Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur" fits the bill without going off the rails. Above all else though, this is a fun Marvel book without being childish. Too many times there is doom and gloom in all of comics, this is a refreshing reminder it isn't always like that.

Much to my surprise, this is a very dense story with a strong, if subtle, commentary on religion and politics. In my reviews for Marvel, I have noted how much I enjoy when Marvel takes a leap of faith to spice things up. While I personally feel DC does not do that enough, "The Omega Men" is an excellent example of how it does work. Strangely, this book does not seem to sell well enough for DC. I cannot speak to the reason, but I am puzzled as to why exactly. I understand to those reading this, this is issue #7, is it worth it? I will say absolutely, without question, it is worth the leap. For someone who knew little about the book, I was very impressed by how well it plays out. It is very easy to see why this made many best of list in 2015. And it appears the same accolades will follow in 2016.

Spread the word, "Paper Girls" is another excellent addition to the Image Comics family! Highly recommended!

Does "Ringside" satisfy the wrestling fan in me? Yes, to a degree. Now that I have level set my expectations, I can see things as they are. The interconnecting web is something different, but not wholly original. This is hardly a "dark side" story and it shouldn't be. Showing the ins and outs, ups and downs and the past and present make for many an avenue to travel. How deep the story goes is up for grabs, which is just fine. Hopefully things will stay on course and not deviate too much. If this is the warm up match, the main even is going to be awesome.

Sina Grace boldly decided to go all out for this collection, leaving no personal stone unturned. Even if you might not identify with his lifestyle or orientation, Grace isn't making it specific to him. The universal appeal here is off the charts. I firmly believe there is at the bare minimum one strip that every single reader can relate to. In my case, I felt many that reflect my life in so many direct ways. It was as if I was looking at a mirror of my own life through his art. For me, that was the part that hit the hardest and what separates Grace from all the others in his field. Looking at this collection as a whole, I cannot think of anything better to describe it besides the word, masterpiece.

Easily this is the best collection of any comic this year. Sina Grace has crafted an essential collection for this generation of autobiographical comic creators. This is a must buy with my highest recommendation.

If anything you can see why the book is popular. It really doesn't show any judgement for the actual sex of the book. The judgement stems from the crimes committed after sex. It took me a while to fully understand that conclusion but it makes sense. The perception with a title like "Sex Criminals" gives you a negative connotation. But the two are very separate in how they are shown. Sex is one thing and crime is another. It is not a crime to have sex with someone is the biggest takeaway. Maybe when the book is collected into a larger omnibus Fraction and Zdarsky can make it a book for education? Or maybe just keep making an excellent story that works too.

There is a fantastic story to be told, but it simply isn't. Good art can only take a book so far and especially when the artist is being wasted on summaries and retreds.

A well-crafted coming of age horror story to please fans of both Archie Comics and horror themed titles.

A choppy story makes for a quick read that is propelled by A+ artwork. It might be tough to read this issue to issue but I have a feeling the trades will work much better. Proceed with caution.

All and all this is another excellent addition to the Brubaker & Phillips partnership. I have to wonder if Charlie and Gil are manifestations of the two creators, wouldn't that be something? While highly unlikely, the two have an excellent track record and "The Fade Out" continues that tradition. With this being the first series under their new Image exclusive contract, it is very exciting to see what Brubaker & Phillips are cooking up next. For now, this is a great issue in a wonderful series.

I find a good book leaves you with a nice taste but wanting more. "The Hangman" gave that to me with some wiggle room to improve. With the combination of the best parts of the other Archie lines, there is a lot to enjoy here. There is also a curiosity I need satisfied in how other readers will process the final page. Will they come back or leave this book behind? My hope is they will continue, like I am going to do.

"Saints" is one of those comics that seems destined for something much bigger. Personally I was thinking of Green Day's "Jesus of Suburbia" from American Idiot while I was reading this. The characters are working towards a larger goal even if humanity has no idea what they are doing. The human element of the story shines through making lightening the mood when needed. If this is how the apocalypse is starting, I cannot wait to see how it ends.

Beyond that, this could have easily been a political story getting into a lot of details. Happily, that is not at all the case. I could see that being a point to drive readers away and understandably so. The political situation is merely a backdrop to the mystery. Where my curiosity is piqued, is if King will bring any kind of clarity 12 years after the fact. That might be jumping ahead a bit, but there is still plenty of time to make a statement with the story as a whole. Even if he doesn't, "The Sheriff of Babylon" is the type of outside story comics are made for. Regardless of your political affiliation or feelings, this is a look at the circumstances after the invasion. To once again quote Sun Tzu, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

The potential for success here was dashed after page 2. Hardly the dark & edgy story Dark Circle Comics was going for, unless they meant for it to be in a dark hole. Color me disappointed.

"The Violent" is not an easy book to read. There are a lot of big ideas floating around, that will make you react positively or negatively. And that is the point, the discussion about why society is so "violent" is the heart and soul of this book. Granted, the book does not make a clear distinction on what is right, but is open the discussion up. I love books like this, ones that make you think about what is going on and how to fix it. As noted earlier, it is timely considering all that is happening in the Western world right now. While I am curious to see if it goes more "Canadian", "The Violent" is a very solid entry into the world of crime themed comics.

Where "The Walking Dead" goes from here is up in the air. The Whispers are a threat, with deep psychological terror too, that will be there. Rick's attitude change will make for some new ideas. But this is going to simmer for a long time, when it is ready, it is going to be massive. Even after 150 issues, two TV shows and a legion of fans, "The Walking Dead" is still able to stay fresh. Leave it to Kirkman & Adlard to make an issue 12 years in the making feel like a brand new #1 issue.

I am not sure where issue #31 will take Conrad and his merry band of thieves. With the cliffhanger at the end of this issue I wonder if this could mean the end for the book. Diggle doesn't give away any details on where this might go which is a smart play. Like a good heist film you should never really know until the end what really happened.

My enjoyment of this one came from the references to rock's past and of course Spinal Tap. But the art not lining up with the story was a little bit of a turn off. From an art perspective I hope Parker is a little more concise on how he displays each scene to avoid any potential confusion. However, there is certainly enough intrigue to bring me back for issue #2.

Thoughtfulness is not something always seen in the comic world. Sakai's ability to standout in a world known for blood and guts is incredible. As much as I love a good, violent, samurai film this is something I would like to see more of in the film world. It is simple for anyone, in any media, to turn things up to 11 on the crazy scale. It takes a deft and skilled hand to make something compelling, thoughtful and thought provoking. It might be easy to dismiss "Usagi Yojimbo" as a cartoonish book, but the content inside makes up for that. Even still, at this stage in the game, Sakai can turn out a quality issue time and time again.

A solid re-debut for Venom in this expanded Marvel Universe. It might be a little off-putting for classic Venom fans, but I assure you, it is worth it. Recommended.

Barreling towards a conclusion with a sequel on the way, We Can Never Go Home is everything I love about comics. A great story, solid art and I middle finger in the air attitude.

The success of "Weirdwold" is predicated on the fact that is is different. I have commented on a few Marvel books now, that have taken risks and this is no different. My hope here is, with this new volume, new readers will look into the previous one as a stepping stone. As well, Marvel has been going into the "fantasy" realm that is outside of the caped hero box. With so many ideas and characters over the years, it was time to go in this direction. For me, it worked out perfectly. Let's see what other weird things are in store for Becca going forward.

There is a lot to enjoy about "Welcome Back," as I predict most will gravitate to Tessa and her motivations. Her anti-hero status in the story is an excellent back up to Mali's "I am out and then they pull me back in" mentality she has now. There is an excellent twist in the final panel that brings all of the elements discussed in the book togetherto a new starting point. Turning the story on its head might seem like a stunt, but Sebela makes it all work in such a way that I am very excited to see where issue #2 takes the story in terms of the mythology. This is the type of book I love to see from Boom! Studios because the high concept idea is never dumbed down to make it more digestible. The creative team takes a risk and it pays off to make for a very exciting, action packed series with just the first issue.

I had a sense of childhood wonder while reading; itbrought be back to my grandfather playing old time radio during dinner. The imagination shown by Abnett & Culbard is exactly why this book succeeds. There is a fun look and a serious tone that have excellent balance between them. I am not sure if this is classified as all-ages, but I am sure that it could be. This is why I read comics: for something that has a little bit of everything for everyone. Even if the idea isn't original, or if it is a sequel, the execution is what matters the most.

While he is not featured, The Spirit inhabits an excellent modern deconstruction of the legendary hero.