Kris Kolish Comic Reviews

Rosenberg, Boss, and Mauer have definitely got a masterpiece on their hands with 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank, and issue #5 does much to lift it into that vaunted territory. If youre all caught up on the miniseries, then run-dont-walk to get issue #5. If youve yet to start, then the trade paperback should be out this fall " you owe it to yourself to experience this wild, hilarious, and heartfelt ride.

If you're following Babyteeth from month to month as I am, then the heightened pace of the first arc's penultimate issue should be a suspenseful sign of things to come in its conclusion next month. If you're trade-waiting, then you should look forward to reading Volume 1 in its entirety when it releases in December. Donny Cates is on a hot streak this year, and Babyteeth #4 serves to feed the flames.

The nice thing about horror anthologies, though, is that the story will always be different next month. Despite these complaints, Diablo House is without a doubt a well-made book. Santiperez is a fantastic artist, and Adams is definitely capable of moving a story along. I hope that theyre able to put their heads together and come up with something a bit more gripping for the next issue. 3/5

Docteur Radar was originally published in its entirety in Europe, but Statix Press has made the decision to split the book into two parts. While its $4.99 price tag definitely lowers the barrier to entry for something thats already likely to be a niche product, I do wish I was immediately able to pick up the story in its entirety. However, Im hopeful that the fantastic Francesco Francavilla cover art will draw in readers who might not have given the book a second look, becauseDoctor Radar is a compelling and atmospheric noir mystery. 4.5 / 5

Even as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked genetic tampering, the importance of diversity and identity, and the very real capacity of the few (or even an individual) to impose their will upon the world, Eugenic thankfully doesnt beat the reader over the head with its values. Instead, it depicts a dystopian future in which these scenarios have played out to their most tragic conclusions in a way that encourages contemplation of these topics. Fans of provocative, organic horror shouldnt miss Eugenic. (4.5/5)

Luckily,Fu Jitsu contains enough humorous charm to make it an entertaining read, and it's unique enough to not simply end up as Just Another Superhero Comic. The narrative's got a lot going on, though it keeps the reader in the dark for a lot of it. Still, I'm confident in the creators' capacity to weave it all together before long, and I'm definitely excited to continue reading.

Depending on the direction Mackiewicz chooses to go with Los Queridos and their unorthodox methods, Gasolina has the makings of a unique and thrilling genre mashup. While Mackiewicz may be much better known for his work as an editor, he has done a fantastic job in this first issue ofestablishing a compelling story hook that should bring readers back for more. Unless a blend of cartel crime and body horror generally sounds like an unappealing combo to you, Gasolina #1definitely packs enough intrigue to warrant your attention.

Heavenly Blues is rollicking fun — its motley crew of antiheroes have a lively dynamic, its action is visually engaging, and it possesses some hilariously Divine comedy. If you're looking for a character-driven caper with a unique setting, then look no further thanHeavenly Blues. 4.5/5

All that being said, its not fair to judge a comic on what it isnt or what it could be. John Wick #1 IS a slick and action-packed opening chapter to the titular super-assassin's illustrious career. Fans of the film should definitely dig it, especially if Pak and Valletta get an opportunity in later issues to explore the seedy and provocative Underworld established in the movies. But if the premise didn't grab you on the screen, it's unlikely to grab you on the page. 3.5 / 5

Over the past few years, Boom! Studios has made its name (in part) on a procession of fantastic miniseries. Books such as The Spire, Burning Fields, and (most recently) Godshaper efficiently tell a singular, high-concept story over the span of five to eight issues. While Lazarettos initial conceit is arguably less ambitious in comparison, its execution thus far makes up for any lack of originality in its concept. Relatable characters and art that matches the book's harrowing tone have set the stage for a disaster story with a horror slant, and Im hopeful that after five issues Boom! will have another great miniseries to add to it's already impressive library.

Mech Cadet Yu is a comic I enjoy and appreciate now but would have adored as a kid, and it achieves the rare feat of truly appealing to an "All Ages" audience.

While its not the most thoughtful exploration of the character thus far, Ragman #1 is a well-executed and action-packed blend of superhero and horror. Fawkes is a capable writer, so Im hopeful that subsequent issues offer a bit more depth. But even if the story remains light on substance, at six issues its really not at risk of overstaying its welcome. 3.75/5

These are just the musings of a devoted fan, though, and dont really detract from the riveting story in any substantial way. Cates, Estherren, and Cunniffe have set up the Bowmans for another dose of hardship in 2018, and Im eager to see how the arc unfolds. Redneck continues to be one of the highlights of my pull list, and issue #8 is no exception.4.25 / 5

Regression is the product of one of the best horror comic writers working today collaborating with an artist whos ideally suited for rendering his twisted vision. Any horror fans whove yet to dive into Regression should definitely do so, now that the first arc has finished.

The book would be a worthwhile experience even for readers unfamiliar to the series, but its an absolute can't-miss for anyone who enjoyed issues one through four.

If youre reading issue five, then Im pawsitive youve already bought a ticket for this ride. Luckily, Shirtless Bear Fighter 5 ends strong, and its clear that the creators are leaving the door open for a continuation. If our friendly neighborhood grizzly puncher pops up in another miniseries sometime in 2018, Id be lying if I said that I wouldnt add it to my pull list with bearly a second thought. But for the time being, five issues has sated my hunger for flapjacks and revenge.

Lees and Cormack have shown a great deal of versatility across only two issues, managing to spin two markedly different horror yarns that feel unified not only though setting but also through tone. As a horror lover, Sink has quickly moved its way to the top of my pull list, and I cant wait to see what this superstar creative team comes up with next for the nightmarish neighborhood of Sinkhill. 5/5

The Beautiful Death is a lonely adventure through ruination, and its depiction of survival at the end of the world is a chilling one. With atmospheric art thats allowed to take center stage, it stands out even among a crowded field of post-apocalyptic tales. 4.5/5

I fear that this review may come off as overly gripey, but thats only because I had (and still have) very high hopes for the series. The imaginative setting is rife for an equally riveting story. In the hands of a different creative team, I may have given up on The Family Trade already. But the optimist in me maintains hope that Jordan, Ryan, and Beem can bring these characters to life in a way that compels me to keep reading. 3.25 / 5

Spencers work with the Cap concluded around the end of September, so Im hopeful that hes been able to churn out enough scripts in the past few months to finish this arc. Fans of the series who have been waiting since the summer to find out what happens to Roy, Mac, and Pretzels should definitely look forward to grabbing the next chapter of The Fix this week — fingers crossed for a consistent release schedule in 2018!4/5

I suppose that leaving your readers wanting more is one of the better problems a creator could have, and Fawkes has certainly shaped an engaging world for Underwinter that Im eager to continue exploring. If you were drawn in by the vaguely apocalyptic, cosmic horror creepiness and moody, provocative watercolor art of the first six issues, then A Field of Feathers shouldnt be missed. 4/5

Quibbles aside, Victor LaValle'sDestroyer is a thematically-rich miniseries with nuanced characters, and it has certainly hooked me enough to want to continue reading. LaValle has melded socially-conscious observations and classic horror tropes into a unique package, and Im curious to see its conclusion.