Black Cloud is well on its way to being one of the best series of 2017. In a market flooded with post-apocalyptic nightmares and constantly changing iterations of Superhero lore, this dark fantasy adventure is a welcome change of pace. The story is very fast-paced, but with the worlds evolving and interacting, there are no limits to where this story can go.

Lion Forge is on the forefront of innovation in comics, and that is only more obvious with the release of Cloudia and Rex #1. This is a fantastic book that values cultural representation, innovation, and varied life experiences. This is a comic that pushes the industry forward, and it is an impressive first issue in every way. This series also hits on a demographic that is often underrepresented in the comics market. Young teens are often forced to choose between children's books and adult books, but Cloudia and Rex strikes a balance between these two age groups and serves up a realistic, thoughtful option for young readers.

Overall, Dark Fang #1 is confusing and disappointing. The premise is interesting, but the actual issue takes so long to make the connection to the initial pitch that it is easy to lose interest. I picked up a comic about vampires and ended up with a strange comic about ocean friends and cam girls. I wish there had been a stronger narrative focus on the more original elements, like Valla's time in the sea and her mutiny against her vampiric family. Hopefully, more of these elements are incorporated in the future. Unfortunately, the last few panels spell a future in Valla's clueless journey through the modern world, which was a weak point for the first issue.

To sum it up, Dark Nights Metal #1 is awesome, if a little exposition heavy. For fans entering this blindly, though, the set-up is necessary and handled in a way that does not stall the forward momentum of the plot or feel extremely out of place.

Fresh Off the Boat Presents: Legion of Dope-itude Featuring Lazy Boy is one of the many all-ages free comics you can pick up on Free Comic Book Day. If you're a fan of the show, interested in Superheroes, or just want a nice, family-friendly comic book, this is a great choice. If you like it, consider picking up some of Gene Yang's other works and delving into the world of comics!

Many Free Comic Book Day specials in recent years have been reprints, prequels, flashback titles, or just 50% advertisements. I Hate Image is something different. This one issue could have easily stretched into an ongoing event (and I hope someday it does)! I would shell out the $5.99 it costs for a similar event one-shot from the big 2, but thanks to the great people at Image, this one is completely free! All you have to do is visit your local comic book shop- wow, what a terrible sacrifice (not).

This issue was a lot of fun and is an enjoyable read. The dialogue is occasionally clunky, and the art feels rushed in some panels, but none of the minor issues take away from the heart of the story. While I would have loved to see more of the reunited Captains' relationship develop, hopefully, that comes back around in the future.

Kid himself is an enigma. He is everything I want from a tortured, creepy, supernatural punk kid, and more. The interspersed Kafka-isms, surgical elements, and mental anguish builds Kid into a complex, interesting character. At this point, Kid could go in any direction and it would be interesting, but I hope he delves deeper into the bowels and caverns of The Suites, rather than further into his own sexual escapades and confusions.

Overall, The Magdalena #1 definitely has what it takes to revive this character and take her to new levels that meet the demands of modern comics. Hopefully, this creative team can take an established story, mix it up with a gothic vibe and a dash of Buffy, and give us a new ongoing series worth remembering.

Overall, this is an excellent read. Having only read some vintage Magnus, this is a huge step away from the karate-chopping, strange dress-wearing, robot-punching Magnus of the past. Even with all the changes, though, this reboot maintains the same intrigue that set the original series apart. This truly is a Magnus for the Modern Age. I can't wait to see where this book goes next. Fans of android intrigue titles like The Vision or D4VE will absolutely love Magnus.

Mister Miracle #1 has left me feeling"off. I am confused, I am lost, I am not sure I want to turn the lights off and go to sleep. Oddly enough, that's a good thing. King and Gerads take a classic hero and turn him upside down, bringing him into a modern reality with different, more nuanced problems. As Mister Miracle questions his reality and figures out what is really happening, and why, I will follow along, a step behind, mesmerized.

Though there could have been a better, more nuanced story header than “The Girls with the Anime Eyes,” Raven: Daughter of Darkness is a strong introductory issue to this new 12-issue solo series. For anyone worried that Raven can't support a title of her own without the rest of the Teen Titans, Daughter of Darkness is here to prove you wrong. With the intriguing intersection of supernatural forces and the modern world, and some promise of more demonic forces and magical family drama to come, this series is bound to be an exciting ride.

I am a fan of horror books, and of Cullen Bunn in general. With a personal, innovative storyline and graphic art, this book has a chance to succeed in the horror genre and strike a chord with the bloodthirsty fans of recent horror comics. Fans of Bunn's work on Harrow County or other realistic, modern horror books like Nailbiter or Locke and Keywill be able to enjoy Regression. The book is similar in tone, but Bunn's personal connection to this material shines through and adds a unique, memorable element to Regression that feels refreshing.

Saucer State #1 started off strong with an intriguing premise and a few opening pages that introduced the alien plot. However, this first issue felt disjointed and aimless. Hopefully, within the next few issues, more characters get a chance to develop within the context of the plot and give us an idea of where the book is headed. With a clear direction and well-developed characters, this multi-faceted plot line may have a chance to shine.

Saucer State #2 solidifies my interest in this series. Whereas Saucer State #1 was a bit difficult to follow, especially for readers who are unfamiliar with the previous arc, Issue #2 pulls the story together and solidifies that character and events. Even as the mystery deepens and the President discovers more layers to her mysterious abduction, she still needs to deal with the reality of an impending alien craft and Michael's faerie problems. The plot lines are starting to weave together in interesting ways, and hopefully that continues to be the case in Saucer State #3.

Overall, this series is an interesting modern idea. The layered concepts of comics and music come together to reveal a story steeped in depth and beauty. I did not have much knowledge of Lights' musical career going into this, and I would read the comic apart fro its inclusion in this project; it stands well on its own. This is an excellent first Issue that introduces the characters and the world, and sets the series up for success. I look forward to the development of religious cult themes, the downfall of humanity, and the hope (or lack thereof) that binds us all together.

For new readers, this is a big book. I definitely recommend starting with Sovereigns #0 (which isn't hard- it's only $1.00). Sovereigns #1 is a more difficult jumping on point than the zero issue, but still possible, especially for readers familiar with Gold Key characters like Magnus, Turok, and Doctor Spektor. If you are looking to jump into a new series, and are finding established Super-Teams a little daunting with the continual numbering changes and new series, this book is a great fit. It introduces a universe of characters that are familiar, but completely accessible for new readers. If you are in for a wild ride through space, dinosaur fights, and world-bending story arcs, Sovereigns #1 is a great place to start.

Sovereigns #2 is a strong second Issue, and hopefully another chapter in a strong series. These Gold Key characters are flourishing in this new, modern adaptation. With so many different stories and characters in the mix, not to mention the years of history attached to these universes, it would be easy for this series to feel muddled and confusing. The book succeeds, however, because of excellent teamwork on behalf of the creators and an even-paced plot. This issue is just another taste of the deeper mystery that will be unveiled in the series, and I can't wait to see more.

This was a great comic, which is not always the case with licensed or pre-established material. While I have not played Warframe, this seems to be an interesting, character-focused drama that would enhance any video game universe. As a reader unfamiliar with the source material, this is a great introduction to a series that feels true to its science fiction roots. The dynamic characters and slow, steady world-building are enough to hook new readers into picking up the second issue.

What we have in Winnebago Graveyard is unexpected and innovative. There have been horror comics, yes, and successful ones at that (just ask Steve Niles, his horror is legendary). Winnebago Graveyard #1 introduces something special. The fine line between nostalgic, familiar Americana and creepy, subtle horror is not often, nor easily, explored. Sampson and Niles have a winner on their hands.

Winnebago Graveyard is one of very few mini-series I wish were ongoing, though I am intrigued to learn how this team will fit a conclusion to this multi-layered story within the next two issues. Niles and Sampson are a fantastic, horrible, storytelling team. The story and art interact and intertwine to create one of the most unnerving books on the rack.

X-O Manowar has not been on the new comics radar for a while. He has his fans, but the book was often limited to pre-existing readers. Valiant put a lot of work into bringing this series into the modern age and making a clean jumping-on point for new readers. As someone who has not finished the last series, this was accomplished well, and the new introduction isn't missing anything. It feels like a new book, but is still true enough to the original character and universe that returning fans won't be disappointed, either. If you are interested in beautifully written and illustrated battle scenes, a compelling story with a powerful hero, and rad 80's fantasy vibes, pick up X-O Manowar #1. You won't be disappointed by this first issue, and I expect the rest of the series to follow suit.

There is a reason that Valiant's X-O Manowar is the greatest and most popular new non-Big 2 hit of the comics universe so far this year. This book is non-stop action and manages to sustain unwavering quality through a complicated and nerve-wracking storyline.