What's presented in this issue is not terribly original. Fish out of water narratives or Isekai stories are a dime a dozen, while 1987's Masters of the Universe did the fantasy hero in the modern world decades ago. But ‘Originality' has never quite been Jeff Lemire's area of focus. Like Black Hammer, Berserker Unbound draws from the forgotten pool of retro pulp fiction, weaving strange and compelling stories with the toys and sandboxes of yesterday. Pretty much every time Lemire tries this recipe out, the result is outstanding. Combined with Deodonto's gorgeous illustrations, and you got a book that has the potential to be great. We just have to let it play out and see what happens next.

Lacking the self aware edge that defined the series debut, Berserker Unbound #2 sets a mundane stage for our larger than life hero, but does little to live up to Berserker's savage reputation. There's still a chance that a great story could develop in Berserker Unbound. But its certainly not in this issue.

Berserker Unbound #3 continues the series streak of restrained action with great potential. While it improves upon the flaws that held issue #2 back, it still suffers from dated monologues and a language barrier that prevents its characters from coming together. While Joe Cobb steals the show, Berserker has the chance to break free from Conan the Barbarian's shadow. With Deodato Jr's art and Lemire's talent for innovation, Berserker Unbound #3 gives the series all it needs to break the chains holding it back.

Detective Comics #1018 sets the stage for a supernatural story of Holiday Horror. Infused with good holiday cheer and cozy warmth, this first chapter shows us the kinder face of Gotham. Those are two distinctly different flavors of storytelling, creating a tonal mismatch that keeps Batman Detective Comics #1018from finding its footing. Still, this issue has me ready for scary ghost stories and tales of Christmases from long long ago.

Grand Abyss Hotel paints a vivid picture of society on the verge of revolution. Without a layer of connective tissue, though, it reads more like a series of compelling vignettes. But with as much visual flair David Rubn brings to the table, Grand Abyss Hotel is a compelling work of political satire you won't forget.

Road of Bones #1 makes a brutal impression that I'm sure not going to forget for a long time. The issue concludes with a scene that sets up the next chapter in a way that will be sure to have you thinking about it long after you've put this comic down. With its spine chilling setting and unflinching eye, Road of Boneshas the potential to be a knockout.

Overall,Road of Bones #2attempts to bridge the gap between prison escape and survival horror. It takes us beyond the Gulag and into the wilderness, where true nightmares can happen. It doesn't make the transition without missing a step, but by the end of this issue, it's clear that the real horror is on the way. Definitely pick up Road of Bones #2and see what this book is made of.

With three issues of limited series Road of Bones in the bag, it's not clear when in the 'next issue' things will get good and actually begin to happen. For all the violence shown in this issue, none of it has the weight promised by each cliffhanger. Road of Bones #3 is a slow chill rather than a slow burn.

Bloodborne #11 is a gorgeous piece of comic magic, equally mesmerizing as it is horrific. While it doesn't stand alone as a single issue, it serves as a cornerstone for understanding what has come before. What comes after, only the Old Blood knows.

Of course, this is just the first issue of Gogor. From what I can tell, Garing hopes to spin this story into a Fantasy Epic. Having a setting too complex to explain in a single issue is the sort of problem you kind of want to have with Epic stories. While much of its setting and players remain unclear by issue's end, Garing delivers more than enough to keep us reading. We're sure to learn a whole lot more about Altara, Amarno,and the eponymous Gogoras the series continues.

Gogor #2 keeps one foot firmly planted in the "weird". With prog rock style and love for the bizarre, Garing takes this issue in interesting directions, setting up plenty for the cast to deal with down the road. Gogor #2 breathes life into the world of Altara, every panel of which is lovingly illustrated and wildly imagined. With the series still early in its run, Gogor #2is the perfect time to jump on this comic if you haven't already.

Expedited story development aside, Stranger Things Into The Fire Issue #1 delivers a solid opening chapter for the latest Stranger Things adventure. Mary and Ricky feel like classic YA sci fi protagonists.

We don't see a lot of the other Avant-Guards, but I get the feeling they'll have a much bigger impact in future issues. Just where this comic will go I don't know for sure. With sports, you never can. What I do know is The Avant-Guards #1 is sure to be a delightful journey into the world of friendship, art, and basketball.

Another highlight of The Avant-Guards #2 is Noah Hayes and Rebecca Nalty's evolving style. The book has a millennial pop sensibility. It's full of bright colors, creative backgrounds and wildly expressive faces and body types. It's an inviting style that really fits nicely with the books breezy tone.

Thumbs #1 presents a challenging picture of the future. It's one where social media and online gaming have been used to tear at the fabric of society. Our main character Thumbs is one of many kids caught up in a deadly machine led by a mad billionaire. Thumbs #1 offers a keen insight into those who slip between the cracks.

In spite of its early speed bump, Thumbs #3 still packs a wallop. Tabitha's idyllic life as a POWER advocate puts a human face on Thumbsdystopian society. She's drunk the flavor aid, which makes her apparent happiness all the meatier for analysis. With Thumbs on his way to storm Fortress POWER, I'm excited to see how these siblings will reunite. With only two issues left, Thumbs is well on its way to a climatic finale.

Thumbs #4 catapults the series to its thrilling finale. Within the issue, Lewis explores the root causes of its central conflict. However, this history lesson comes at a cost, sapping Thumbs #4 of the kinetic action that's carried the series so far. Thankfully Sherman's nuanced artwork continues to impress, creating a technological thrill ride you won't want to miss.

Made entirely by creators of color, Excellence #1promises a complex journey into magic and family. There's much more to say about this series, so check it out and join the conversation.

Hellboy and The B.P.R.D.: The Beast of Vargu adds another exciting adventure to the world of Hellboy. While it walks in a well-worn trail, this comic delivers the imaginative monster clashes the Hellboy franchise is known for. And like the best stories in the franchise, it offers readers a fresh take on classic folklore. If you're craving monster satisfaction, Hellboy and The B.P.R.D.: The Beast of Vargu has the action.

Killadelphia #1 stands as one of the strongest series debuts I've seen in a long time. Going by this first issue, you'd think that Barnes and Alexander were long-time collaborators. Barnes's grounded prose style plays beautifully against Alexander's ethereal art style. Together they create a singular vision of urban horror, one that feels way too real.

Along with Jason Shawn Alexander's superb art, Barns emerging narrative promises a twisted journey through Philadelphia's hidden heart. It's not clear just how seriously Killadelphia wants readers to take its history fueled conspiracy. With the threat of President John Adams looming large, it sure looks like Killadelphia will be answering that question very soon.

Overall, Frogcatchers stands as another must-read graphic novel from one of comics' most daring creators.

With a single issue,Ghost Tree #1 has drawn me in more than some comics manage to do in entire volumes. Grounded in Japanese folklore and emotion honesty, it sets up a story that moves with the gentle rhythm of a summer breeze.

Ghost Tree has quickly become one of my favorite reads and I don't see that changing anytime soon. It has heart, ghosts, and human longing to go home. That's how you do a ghost story justice. I don't know where this series is headed but I can't wait to find out. The dead have many stories after all, and Ghost Tree #2 is one of the good ones.

In one of Ghost Tree #3's finest scenes, Brandt's grandmother speaks freely about her relationship with her late husband. As she speaks, his ghost watches on in bitter silence. Neither the text nor the Gane's art contain the whole story. But combined, they weave together in perfect synergy. The result is Ghost Tree #3, a beautiful comic full ofquiet melancholy. Don't let this one slip by.

Ghost Tree #4 reaches its conclusion with the same melancholy grace emblematic of the series. But as much as Ghost Tree #4 concerns death, it also challenges us to live and eventuallydie with nothing left unsaid. Similarly,Ghost Tree #4, the final chapter of a beautiful story, leaves nothing left unsaid.

Mountainhead #1 launches the 5-part series at an astronomical rate. A tale of family, lies, and the secrets that lie high up in the mountains, Mountainhead #1 just shot up to the top of my pull list. Now repeat after me. Don't slow down. Don't get comfortable. Don't think you're safe. Be ready to buy this comic.

Queen of Bad Dreams is a damn good comic book. It has cannonball momentum and a compassionate beating heart. Blending Sci-Fi procedural with metaphysical existentialism, Queen of Bad Dreams is a new angle on the classic noir experience. Sure, Inspector Judge Daher Wei kicks ass with grace and style. But this book focuses less on smoky shootouts and more on discussions of personal agency and the bonds that bind families together. If you love noir or just love a great comic, Queen of Bad Dreams has what you need.

Something Is Killing The Children #1 promises to be a horror comic worth evangelizing. With the atmosphere of a half-remembered nightmare, the issue presents the story of a midwestern town paralyzed by tragedy. The book isn't afraid of exploring dark places, and with more monsters ahead, Something Is Killing The Children #1gives us all a reason to fear the dark. If someone is buying this comic, it should be you.

Something is Killing the Children #2 may not have the visceral horror that marked the debut issue, but by focusing on its main cast and the current state of Archer's Peak, the issue further grounds its story in bleak reality. The monsters may be on their way. But the damage they leave and the lives they ruin are here to stay.

In contrast, Something Is Killing The Children #3 bring shows what happens when that deep private pain breaks through to the surface. Faced with a future full of more dead kids, folks in Archer's Peak aren't doing too well. From open paranoia to binge drinking, people's coping methods grow more hostile by the day. How long will it be before Archer's Peak hits critical mass?

Something Is Killing The Children #4 takes a step back from slaughter and mayhem to give its characters and readers a chance to breathe. With Erica firmly in the monster's lair by issue 4's end, I can hardly wait to see what happens to the angel of Archer's Peak. Hop on theSomething is Killing The Childrenroller coaster before the drop!

The Weatherman Vol. 2 #4 gleefully puts the fate of the world in the hands of a moron. Nathan Bright remains as goofy as ever as the Disco Queen reaches the end of its journey, maintaining The Weatherman Vol. 2 Issue #4 's place as one of the funniest action series out there, keeping the issue firmly planted in the absurd. The stakes may be astronomical, the chance of death almost certain, but you got to chillax and enjoy the Weather.

What strikes me most about The Wrath of Fantmasis just how well it works in the comic medium. For a character over a century old Bocque and Rocheleau certainly madeFantmas feel right at home on the comic page. His heinous crimes are lifted directly from the novels and woven into an original tale. The result is a cross-cultural mishmash of old school pulp and modern sensibility. In a time where superheroes and true crime dominate to pop culture landscape, Fantmas just makes sense.But for all the gold of Paris, you're not going to want to put this book down. The Wrath ofFantmasis a blast from the past that you don't want to miss.

You can find Undiscovered Country #1 now wherever comics are sold and online through our affiliate link.

Undiscovered Country #2 brings Snyder and Soule's twisted map of America into full focus. Part adventure, part commentary, this comic promises a wild ride along the American Spiral. I can't wait to see where the spiral takes Undiscovered Country next.

You can find Undiscovered Country #3 now wherever comics are sold and online through ComiXology using our affiliate link.