Oz Longworth's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: Black Nerd Problems Reviews: 312
8.4Avg. Review Rating

Nick Dragotta must have owed someone money and is working off his debt via humiliation. That's the only reason I could imagine DC putting him to work wasting such gorgeous linework and facial expressions on Max Landis' script, which is as dull as the look in Kanye's eyes when he's out with Kim Kardashian.

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I don't even have any cute jokes or one liners to sugarcoat this because, honestly, this book doesn't deserve it. Green Lanterns is trash.

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Don't get me wrong… there were some redeeming moments like our introduction to Lois Lane or Clark's interview with young Dick Grayson (yes, Dick Grayson just happens to be here in Metropolis for reasons unknown), but claiming you're writing a story about Clark Kent as a character outside of the Superman stuff and then giving us an prequel that is almost completely Superman stuff makes Landis guilty of the same sins as Jeph Loeb when he worked on Smallville. The saving grace, as usual with this series, is the artwork. It was actually surprising the way Jae Lee switched up his style to fit the old school utopian feel of Metropolis. His character work is so definitive and striking, the individual personalities just radiate off of the cast even without the dialogue.

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It's a well-meaning story, but there's too much involved for us to still have so many questions in such a stagnant chapter in this bizarre story. Even the most exciting parts could have been extra "director's cut" pages in another issue. It's a no from me.

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Bottom Line: A mostly good looking, well meaning narrative that doesn't even begin to reach its potential. To call it "a hot mess" would be an insult to all the hot mess comics that paved the way for terrible comics that are still better than this one.

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Bottom Line: An appropriately tepid ending to a tepid book. If you hold this comic to your ear, you can almost hear Bryan Edward Hill saying, "Oh, screw it" on just about every page. A colleague of mine put it better than I could when he said this pointless cash grab reads like it was Marvel Studios instead of Marvel Comics. What a bust.

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The road to capitalizing on a blockbuster feature film is paved with good intentions and poor executions. On every level, this book felt like it could have been churned out by locking a hundred Ewoks in a room with typewriters. Nothing felt captivating or memorable. Honestly, they could have just handed this book out for free upon entry to The Rise of Skywalker.

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I've never read a comic that did this much explaining without explaining anything about the title character that might make me care about him. In essence, this was a boring book that should only be distributed for free with a Ghost Rider action figure"as a digital code"to save money on paper.

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Everything from art to scripting is technically done decently, but the Buffyverse has been executed better than this over the years. Compared to the standard set by related comics over the years, The Vampire Slayer #1 just doesn't manage to hold the line.

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Bottom Line: This is one of those issues where its heart is in the right place, but the execution is such shoddy framework, it's hard to divorce it from the rest of the book.

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Much like the Spawn franchise as a whole, Gunslinger Spawn #1 is a novel theory/concept but a bizarre execution at best"and a poor attempt at mimicking better stories at worst. Thanks, but no thanks.

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This book showed a lot of promise but the amount of missed opportunities to set "Year One" Killmonger apart from other villainous backstories sent its stock sliding south faster than the Cowboys' playoff chances. It's not unsalvageable but anyone who has already invested in this book early won't see much intellectual return.

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Bottom Line: The ideas are there. The premise is there. But the script feels slower than the premise and the art is going to continue to be this book's worst enemy. I sigh at what this book has become because I've seen what it could be.

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I almost hate how gorgeous The Trial of Magneto #4 is, because it feels squandered on this lackluster script. I hope this reads better as a trade paperback because so far, it's not the best.

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It's a valiant effort to give Sector 2814's B squad some real screentime, but there really needs to be more right out the gate to make us care.

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All in all, not a bad book, per se, but still suffering from the art, the lead character and the story being far from memorable. Fetch might happen in an event tie-in collection in three or four months from now, but not this month.

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Bottom Line: I wish "a better book than the bad one before it" equated to a good book, but alas…even with the slight improvements, Killmonger still misses the mark. It's hard to appreciate such a talented artist when he's hindered by such a restrictive, dull script that seems hell bent on highlighting the most contrived aspects of such a good character.

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It's not necessarily a bad book, but it's definitely trying to accomplish more than a limited series should. Time will tell if it actually gets where it's going, but I'm not optimistic.

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Not bad. It's like a J. Cole album: packs a whole lot of potential but doesn't do as much with it despite the huge production team involved with it.

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As technically entertaining and pretty as this book is, it feels like there should be more substance to a book that claims to be Giant Sized. It's obvious this is setup for something, but it still deserves more resolution than what's given. Not bad, but also not Hickman's best effort.

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This really needs to be a solo Jessica Cruz book because Simon Baz wouldn't be interesting if the Rock played him shirtless while handing out Hamilton tickets. It's like his Green Lantern oath is "Because the plot demands it." The sooner they rid the more interesting Lantern of this ball and chain, the better.

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Bottom Line: Narrative-wise, this is a goofy book that feels a little rushed but that doesn't stop it from being somewhat entertaining and gorgeous to look at. It's not legendary writing and I can't promise it has a lot of re-reading value, but it's worth a look.

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This wasn't necessarily a bad book, per se. It had all the right moving parts, but it was bit like your favorite soda without the fizz.

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This series didn't make the best first impression, but Issue #2 definitely irons out some of the wrinkles visually as well as in the character development department. Probably worth revisiting a little longer.

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The story is there, the pacing is on point, the characters are entertaining, but Ivan Reis' absence made all the difference this month.

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A quickly resolved, but mainly well handled ending falls just short of it's potential greatness due to the lag in the artwork.

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Not quite as turned up as the last issue but a solid book.

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A little cluttered at times visually, a little rushed, depth-wise, but mainly a good way to end this well intentioned, fun beat'em up story.

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Although Liam Sharp's absence this week is noticeable, Morrison crafted a strong standalone story that is more than worth the coin.

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This is a good book. No debate there. It's a far better book when it's not following through on its obligatory duty on DC's part to perpetually validate Hal Jordan's existence.

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This book is proving to be formidable. It says a lot that this issue turned out to be a well balanced, entertaining one even with a stupid ass bad guy.

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Narrative-wise, this is a perfectly good (maybe a little rushed) tale here. The perpetually juggled artwork is the thing holding this book back from true greatness, but Venditti's ambitious storytelling still mostly justifies the four bucks.

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Mostly a perfectly serviceable and gorgeous issue that could have used just a little bit more spice to the narrative. Still a fun read worth your three bucks.

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The conflict felt a little here and gone, but it's obvious enough there's a larger scheme at work so it's forgivable. Even when the story's scale isn't massive, Venditti still knows how to deliver a fun read for three bucks.

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Bottom Line: Although I wish Venditti would have been able to dig a little deeper into some of the stranger aspects of Kyle's predicament, this was still a decent, gorgeous issue of a solid series. Good Green Lantern mythos at play here.

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Despite being an entertaining one, the resolution to the immediate threat wasn't as effective to the larger narrative as it could have been. Still, it's a gorgeous book worth reading so there's that.

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This was a decent open to the story arc but doesn't pay enough attention to its human moments. "Pretty good" could have moved up to "dope" if the artwork had been stronger during the big scenes.

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Though Hill pens a perfectly serviceable opening issue of this Killmonger backstory, maybe it (and the character himself) deserved a chance to stand on their own without the movie bump. Alas, it's still a book that's mostly worth the four bucks.

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Fundamentally, the execution of this book is solid. It checks all the boxes, but not enough for "old hat" to not feel like "old hat." Ultimately, on a narrative level we've been here before, and it's hard to get around that.

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This is the kind of character you ultimately have fun with while still adding some more nuance to their mythos. Sabretooth #1 does exactly that. I don't know that it will live on forever in infamy, but it certainly justifies the price point.

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Bottom Line: This is a great book if you've been keeping up with Vader Down. If you're just in it for Aaron's series, you're gonna feel like you just walked into a party where everyone was talking about you and isn't telling you.

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It feels like the momentum has fizzled a bit, but even at half speed, what we're given is ultimately readable. I just wish it hadn't veered so far over to the dark side.

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For the most part, it's a perfectly respectable wrap up to an interesting take on Star Wars' usual flashback interlude arc. Not a terrible looking book, but not quite up to the high standards established by the likes of John Cassaday and Stuart Immonen. Still readable, though.

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Bottom Line: Aaron has been very good to a storyline that really doesn't deserve the fanfare that Marvel tried to sell. All the things that make a good Aaron book are all there so it's not bad, per se. It's just…why?

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The attempts to add relevance to Rogue One (as if it needs any more) are appreciated but there's nothing truly magnificent to look at so far in Gillen's first issue. On top of that, Salvador Larroca is officially the element that's keeping this book from true greatness. This would be a perfectly serviceable book with just a little less photorealism.

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It looks amazing, the pacing is outstanding and there's a hard-boiled quality that helps to make it stand out from other stories like it. So, this isn't terrible like it was last time, but Max Landis keeps creating hype for this book that he doesn't exactly deliver on. It's improving, though.

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Bottom Line: This isn't a bad book. In fact, this issue is much better than the series has been so far. In fact, this is like the Peter Parker of Superman comics. Peter Parker could be so many great things, but he'll never reach his true potential because he has to be Spider-Man. American Alien could be one of the great Superman stories that we're talking about years from now, but it won't be. Because Max Landis.

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If you were expecting a standalone sense of finality, then you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for a big of fun to go with this week's Secret Wars and you've enjoyed Aaron thus far, it's worthwhile.

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Batman Unplugged vs. The Riddler and Company? There's no way this doesn't end up being an awesome premise.

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Waid delivers a "101 lesson in classic superheroing that manages to not feel too "paint by numbers and still being smart and funny along the way. Definitely worth the coin if you need your Batman/Superman fix. Pick up Batman/Superman: World's Finest #2 ASAP!

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It's obvious that Coates is still learning when to get out of the way and let the book show more than tell, but his prose style is solid and Chris Sprouse was an inspired choice as an artist to stand in for Stelfreeze.

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Granted, it's a transitional issue to butter us up for Marvel: Legacy, but it's a fun, action packed one. Coates is still handling his business like he's been doing this for years.

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Although this issue is light on exposition and plot, just about every page is action-packed, refusing to let its foot off of the gas. Coates is clearly leaving it all on the field in his final chapter in this saga. The book is clearly worth its weight in vibranium.

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Bottom Line: This issue wasn't as suspenseful as the first but there's still more than enough family tension, questions of who to trust and overall world building to make this a solid effort.

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It's a wonder and a disappointment that nobody is talking about this book because it should absolutely be considered one of the best reasons to come to your LCS. This issue isn't the outright best so far but it definitely still makes the case for this series.

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Bottom Line: Not quite as perfect as the book has previously been visually, but the turn-up action wise is fun enough that David Walker maintains a solid book overall.

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Ladies and gentlemen, we have a full fleshed, respectable book on our hands! With the return of Marv Wolfman, some decent Justice League cameos, and some consistent art, DC has a perfectly serviceable Afrofuturism title.

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It's a slower opening than one would expect from a character like Elektra, but it establishes her emotionally more than most comics tend to and succeeds at setting the stage for what looks like an epic battle to come. Worth the coin.

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With the storyline picking up speed quickly and virtually without warning, this is turning out to not be the Michael Bay level trainwreck we thought it was going to be so far. But it's early. So, we'll see.

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Although this wasn't quite as "jump right in" accessible as those before it, the dynamics between the characters, the reveals, and the general fun I'm having with this book are still a decent tradeoff. A solid book still absolutely worth the coin.

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A maudlin, heartfelt, promising start to the long-awaited return of the "World's Greatest Comic Magazine."

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Morrison opens up strong with an inaugural issue that sets up a very different, more bizarre version of space than we've seen in previous runs. If you're looking for a book that picks up where the previous GL books left off, your miles may vary. Other than that, it's a mostly solid start.

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Bottom Line: The Green Lantern is a solid book that has the burden of following up a universe that has been built up for almost 15 years by two other writers. Though its disregard for what's come before can be jarring at first, it's still fresh and entertaining. Definitely a book worth your time.

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This is the book that should have always been the flagship Green Lantern book to kick off DC's Rebirth series. Venditti gets right down to the sort of action and intrigue we expect from the franchise. This one's a keeper.

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Although the action is as satisfying as it was in the last issue, Hal Jordan is, true to form, becoming a bit of a spotlight hog and it's taking away from the story a little bit.

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Okay, fine. It could have been a better looking book in certain areas, but it gets a lot of credit for its ambition and staying as fun as possible.

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Even with little to no action involved, Venditti knows how to wrap up a quality story arc with style while still giving us a small look at what's to come.

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Not a strong as the past few issues, but even at half speed, this is still an immensely fun book to read. Also, the art puts it over the hump for a decent grade this week.

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Bottom Line: This new story arc seems to be serving the purpose of keeping the new status quo meaningful and interesting. It's just this carousel of artists that ranges from "outstanding" to "not terrible" to "30 pages of misshapen American Horror Story characters" is getting a little tiresome.

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Vennditti deserves way more credit than he's getting for holding the fort in the post-Johns era. Also, this is best looking book we've seen in the past few weeks.

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Venditti is still killing it, y'all. This is the kind of tension the Green Lantern books had been missing for a while. I'm excited to see how this leads up to the upcoming New Gods storyline.

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Bottom Line: Venditti is on point, as usual. This is a gorgeous, action-packed book that is at its best when it's playing for all the marbles. This is Green Lantern done right.

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This book, much like its titular character, approaches everything in such a "kick ass first, take names later" way, it's nice to see that even in tense, high stakes moments, Robert Venditti finds a way to stop get a little emotional" even if it is in a big green fighter jet.

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It's not a book that will "change Green Lantern as we know him forever" but as far as event tie-in slugfests go, it could definitely be considered a LOT better than it has any right to be. Very entertaining read.

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For the most part, Venditti has found a formula that works, slight variations on the narrative to keep that formula fun and he's sticking to it. Put that together with a top shelf art and we have a fantastic book that justifies its price point consistently.

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Though the end leaves the Guardians' new path a bit of a head-scratcher, Venditti still manages to crank out a mostly fun superhero swashbuckler.

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Another awesome throwdown-heavy book from one of the most underrated creative teams in DC's arsenal.

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Venditti is great at writing a book that's high on energy even when it's low on action. A pretty good addition to the Darkstar saga.

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Visually, Stephen Segovia's line work and attention to detail masterfully encompass the dark humor and ominous tone of Wells' writing. I mean, you can only take the design so seriously when you're drawing a character as inherently ridiculous as Arcade.Bottom Line: Hellions is a great dark comedy, superhero romp that deserves the FX primetime live action treatment. This issue displays how the series switches between exciting, fun and creepy all in the same 30 pages faster than most people change shirts.

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Bottom Line: Hellions is a fun book while never losing sight of the Hickman grand design. This is easily one of the most consistent, least discussed books in the franchise right now. Definitely worth the coin.

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Bottom Line: Heroes at Home #1 isn't deep or meaningful. It's wholesome and corny and occasionally aims for cheap laughs, but that's what we need right now.

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Bottom Line: After spending almost 15 years writing Iron Man in some form or another, Bendis makes the most sense to step up to the plate. Though we don't get quite as much action as we'd like, a very promising start as far as character development and setting the tone goes.

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Bottom Line: It's an exposition heavy, slightly uneven issue of a book that's still one of the strongest in Marvel's arsenal.

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We could probably get a little more depth out of this story arc's latest villain and the color palette isn't as exciting as we'd like, but still a solid offering that highlights Rhodey earning his keep on #TeamIronMan.

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It's slower in some places than others, but Bendis is still managing to churn out a fun Iron Man book that deserves to stay in your monthly rotation.

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Larry Hama brings Iron Fist to life in a way that invokes the things we love best about vintage Marvel action; the gold standard of old school superhero comics.

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A strong start to what could end up being a subversive but fun book that questions its heroes and unpacks the history behind their rise. It's a superhero sociology class.

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Bottom Line: It could use a little fleshing out in terms of world building and character backstory, but Pak's fun dialogue and interesting initial premise both make for a decent start that has us looking forward to next month.

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Although I wish there were a little more complexity being laid out for these stories, this issue was another fun exercise in all ages afrofuturism. I really hope we see Lunella team up with the full Fantastic Four once Marvel gets the band back together.

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This book doesn't get nearly enough credit for its "all ages" accessible afrofuturist style. Given the fickle nature of Big Two title rotation and the overall social climate, this book has stuck around for a lot longer than I guessed it would have and just about every issue has been a great example of why.

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Despite a few artistic flaws, Moon Knight: Black, White & Blood #1 of this compilation does a perfectly serviceable job of showing how this newly spotlighted hero can easily span genres and narrative style. Well worth the half hour it would take to get through.

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Bottom Line: A promising ensemble comedy approach to the relaunch of the New Mutants. Just the accessible, lighthearted sort of superheroing the new direction of the X-franchise needs.

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The artwork is shared between four different artists. The book almost feels broken up into Eden centered vignettes but the differences in art style aren't so glaring that it becomes distracting. Valerio Schiti in particular has a wonderful knack for epic panels of mammoth objects in space. The way he implements Eden's power within the narrative is simply gorgeous to look at.Bottom Line: Ewing pulls no punches, continuing to distinguish SWORD from an already respectable line of X-Men comics and flesh out Manifold in unexplored ways while putting a couple of interesting plot lines into play that could potentially have important effects on the X-books to come.

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This issue certainly makes for some fun kung-fu superheroing that embraces what we love about the genre without feeling stereotypical; exactly what this Shang Chi needs if he's going to take his place as a marquee Marvel hero.

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A damn good looking, fun (though slightly unbelievable) entry in Ben Kenobi's journey through life after the prequels.

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Bottom Line: Jason Aaron is still putting his trademark spin on seemingly straightforward premises, making for one of the best Star Wars comics a fan could ask for.

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Despite some issue with facial expressions here and there, this book is still kicking ass, the crown jewel of Marvel's Star Wars franchise by leaps and bounds.

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Aaron's obligatory flashback between story arcs still holds up as well as it does when he does it in The Mighty Thor. I mean, what's the point of a rich, well known sci-fi/fantasy world if you don't play with it?

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Aaron is the master of taking characters we know and love and putting them in situations counter to their usual character to keep them interesting. This issue is absolutely a testament to that.

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The book is on steadier ground this week than in the previous story arc. Aaron is giving us more of the swashbuckling, betrayal and intrigue we like in a Star Wars book. It's also still fairly accessible even if you haven't read the previous book (hard to come by with crossovers".even the good ones). Solid issue.

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There's nothing this book needed more than a little brother-sister quality time. Aaron delivers heavily on the top-notch character development Leia needed in the era of this new extended universe since we're not going to get as much as we deserve in the movies for obvious reasons. Great offering to the blerd gawds.

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Bottom Line: Not quite the most gorgeous issue ever, but certainly one of the most fun. Sana has already earned her keep as a reluctant part of Team Skywalker but this issue definitely reminded us of her pure entertainment value. How Kanan: The Last Padawan could manage to get a solo book and she couldn't is beyond my understanding.

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Bottom Line: The thing about this book is that it challenges these characters in familiar yet imaginative ways. That's not always an easy task but anyone who reads The Mighty Thor will tell you that this is where Jason Aaron excels and the mythology as a whole is light years better for it. This is one of the best Star Wars books Marvel could ask for and the fandom is going to miss Aaron when he's gone.

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It turns out that when Max Landis isn't trying so hard to be controversial and edgy, he writes a perfectly decent book. Who knew?

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Visually, there were risky choices made that didn't quite clear the bar, but story wise, Old School Dudebro Thor is always entertaining enough and the stage is set for the villains to straight up turn on each other which is always fun.

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An intriguing bad guy, beautifully rendered slugfests and a compelling tale of sacrifice and suffering (minus one little plot point).

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While not life-changing, it's definitely an entertaining preview teaser episode of things to come. The future of the Ten Realms may not be bright as it stands, but it damn sure is a joy to read.

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Bottom Line: The visuals didn't as epic as they could have and the plot points could have used more time (partiularly Jane's), but it's mostly still a strong book that's more than worth your time and money.

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Bottom Line: Though the art isn't as infallible as it's been previously, Aaron's series is still genre-bending greatness.

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The story is still pretty compelling and the action was pretty entertaining but the execution wasn't quite as tight this month. Still a good book overall, though.

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This issue managed to wrap the first chapter up in a way that isn't necessarily as neat and nuanced as the book started, but still managed to be fun and leave us satisfied. Oh and Sean Murphy's artwork makes miracles, so there's that, too.

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Not necessarily reinventing the wheel, but definitely a thoughtful, visually engaging, entertaining fare that has spits a few interesting bars.

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This chapter fully embraces the overall weirdness this event has leaned into and plunges the reader face first in the Twilight Zone. Definitely a worthy addition.

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It's a breath of fresh air to read a tie-in (of sorts) that doesn't feel like a tie-in. Very fun read.

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Diplomacy seems to be the name of the game in this issue and Hickman has gotten the ball rolling for what promises to be a tense story from here on out. Not heavy on action but still solid plot building. Absolutely got my money's worth.

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Magneto and Charles Xavier send Mystique on a dangerous mission into the heart of OROCHIS, the human think tank organization making death machines to destroy Krakoa. Everyone's least favorite shape shifter can't afford to mess this up not just because there are anti-mutant robots in the works but because of a personal promise on the line. The future Hickman teased us with during the beginning of his run is becoming clearer bit by bit starting in X-Men #20.

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Heavy on action, moderate on exposition".Snyder comes right out of the gate with a promising opening to what looks to be a solid series.

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Bottom Line: This first issue excels at giving previously unaware readers a refresher course in America Chavez 101 while still delivering the kind of fun superhero action Marvel readers sign up for. Definitely worth the coin for anyone curious about a worthwhile character they may not have looked at before.

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Even with the Bruce Wayne storyline not playing as big a part in this issue as last time, the book overall is still stronger than 80% of DC's regularly rotated books.

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Granted, we would have liked to have found out just a little more about Gordon's arch nemesis, but Snyder and Capullo are still pumping out quality super-heroing. This is still one of the top 5 best DC/Marvel books on the shelf right now.

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Though one exchange in particular didn't overshadow the action the way it should have, this was a solid entry to the Superheavy story arc that reveals some of the layers of Batman and why he has to do things the way he does them.

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Coates is churning out a page turner that doesn't need a fist fight on every page to prove that T'Challa is an effective and cerebral yet conflicted hero. Also, applause is in order for giving Shuri (possibly) the level-up she so deserves.

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This book is walking an entertaining tightrope between traditional superhero antics and Black Panther think piece. And it is walking that rope well. Coates is putting a lot of things into play, putting Wakanda's politics, its leadership and now even its gods into question to see what comes out the other side of the ambition that's being delivered on bit by bit.

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Bottom Line: You'll be hard pressed to be better layered, nuanced afrofuturism in mainstream comic than the sprawling epic Coates has laid out here. This issue is probably one of the best balancing acts he's pulled so far between action and exposition. If you enjoyed the movie, there's no reason you wouldn't enjoy this book.

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Bottom Line: The galactic action clashes with ground level slugfest fare but remains no less epic. Coates is on a roll and shows no signs of stopping the momentum.

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This book is a testament to the unexpected variety in approaches to storytelling that come from this brave new direction the X-franchise is headed in. Worth every penny.

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This is an amazing looking, well paced book with plenty of promising themes to build upon in the service of seasoning a previously bland character.

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Overall, this was a far better effort than last month's offering. Better pacing, consistent tone, excellent balance of banter and exposition and consistent visuals. It looks like Cyborg is back to being the book we deserve.

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Dare I say it, this is the best Cyborg's been since the first two issues. This is some ambitious water David Walker is swimming in, leaving a lot of potential for future threats and new foils specifically for our hero.

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Bottom Line: We have a solid read that continues the work of establishing Cyborg as a hero that sheriffs the evolving perversions of science and technology. Hopefully, we get to see this book continue to evolve and branch out into other aspects of the character.

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The fact of the matter is that, as far as I'm concerned, DC is leaving money on the table in not giving us a whole buddy cop graphic novel of these two testosterone-ing each other to death while saving the universe. This book alone justifies DC's whole Hanna-Barbera line of comics.

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Bottom Line: It might be a little early to say, but Kieren Gillen definitely deserves points for scale. This is clearly a book meant to reach out across places and generations to remind readers of the rich non superhero lore Marvel has to offer. What more could you ask for from such a beautifully drawn, big-thinking sci-fi action romp as this?

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Eternals is getting a run that truly reflect their becoming marquee characters thanks to the film. The diverse, distinctive cast of characters and conflicting motivations make for the kind of fleshed out story longtime fans and new readers will drool over.

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It's not something I would call life changing, but that's not really the point of this book. Jason Aaron delivers a fun one-shot that would go nicely in just about any Thor collection you could dream up. That's really all that's required and those needs are met and exceeded.

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Bottom Line: It's rare that a comic builds up to a face-off or a pivotal turn of events and actually delivers well. If this weren't already an entertaining book, that would be enough to justify putting your money here. Morrison still has a winner on his hands.

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Morrison's run is the perfect venue to tap into such nostalgic schlock, and this issue does exactly that while piling on yet another layer to Hal's relationship with his power ring. I also appreciate the narrative being told from a third person storybook POV. Morrison has such an easily malleable voice through which to tell his story. Liam Sharp wasn't given a lot to work with location-wise, but he still certainly made it work, art-wise. The desolation and waning light of the Emerald Sands was well conveyed as were some really awesome looking monsters awaiting our hero.

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Bottom Line: Morrison and Sharp have combined their powers to create a book that brings all of the heady, conceptual window dressing you'd find in an Iain Banks sci-fi novel along with all the witty banter and fun you'd find in an Avengers movie.

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Bottom Line: Morrison and Sharp delivered an ending to this first "season" that absolutely sticks the landing and leaves us with an intense cliffhanger that sees Hal Jordan's undercover operation possibly going over the edge. Only this creative team could pull off True Detective meets Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy.

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The usual Guardians slapstick/action combo took a backseat and gave-way to a tragic moment (that will probably pass) and it paid off. Ewing empathizes with his characters in a way that can't help but bleed into his scripts and make for a compelling read. Even when we're pretty sure we know where things are headed.

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Last issue was more than a little rough, but getting back to the aspects of the story we enjoyed and Rafa Sandoval being back on the job put this book back on track as one of DC's strongest.

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Venditti does a great job of shifting the focus over to the rest of the Corps in this story arc, raising the stakes even higher just like he did in the issue before. Brilliant.

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Venditti understands what it takes to keep a reader turning the pages and, ultimately, coming back for new issues. This is top notch comic booking that any Green Lantern fan could get behind.

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Venditti and Sandoval are making "sci-fi heroics" look easy. There are so many legendary hero moments in this book, one would be hard pressed to not see how this takes it place so easily as the flagship book for the Green Lantern franchise.

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It's not broken and Venditti doesn't need to fix it. This is a textbook "take the fight to the villain" issue that dots all the I's, crosses all the Ts but still never feels typical or slow.

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There aren't many books in the DC lineup that do sci-fi action like this. This issue in particular does what this book does best"punches you in the face with a green boxing glove and ask questions later if you're still conscious.

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Venditti and Peterson join forces to bring us a beautifully drawn book that hits you upside the head with blockbuster action seasoned with cultural relevance. Whether you're a longtime or entry level GL fan, this book is a winner.

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A gorgeous offering that gets right down to business putting our heroes right in the thick of things as the bad guys waste no time getting their hands dirty. Venditti does high stakes blockbuster sci-fi action like nobody else. Well worth the four bucks.

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Bottom Line: I believe I've said this before but I never thought I'd care this much about Guy Gardner. Venditti's puts together a highly convincing script that manages to set the stage for what promises to be a hell of an ultimate showdown.

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The character development that Venditti has lovingly crafted over the past few issues should have readers salivating for the final battle between the GLC and the Darkstars. Another great display of sci-fi superheroing done right.

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This is easily one of the most enjoyable slugfests I've ever read in a Green Lantern book. When it comes to action, Venditti and Sandoval are in perfect sync, playing up to all of their collective strengths. Amazing offering this week.

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This issue proves why this is a vastly underrated title in the X-line with its distinctive charm and unpredictability factor.

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If anyone else (except maybe Matt Fraction" I mean, he did win an Eisner writing this book) had tried to pull a whole issue of an Iron Man book with no fighting, it probably would have tanked faster than the Suicide Squad movie apparently has. But Bendis and Deodato have managed to keep it fresh and deliver a book that's as solid visually as it is with character development.

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Bendis has gotten back to the basic tenets that have made this book soar during its high times. A very personal, intimate issue with gorgeous pencils.

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Iron Fist #1 is a promising start for a new hero, taking big steps in representation while establishing a long running hero can still exist within the Marvel Universe without having to be problematic. The script's ability to walk that tightrope alone makes this solid outing well worth the coin.

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Montclare is churning out one of the most consistent books in the game, able to put a smile on the face of any age of comic reader no matter what genre they fancy.

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Bottom Line: I did not expect so much fun coupled with such well-done characterizations in a "done-in-one" filler book. Every page of this issue is a testament to what makes this book so endearing and loveable.

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Another hilarious end to a fun storyline that forces our heroine to apply her daring-do a little closer to home. This book is a national treasure.

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The artwork isn't quite the home run it's been in the past, but this is still a perfectly solid addition to a terrific series.

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Don't be fooled by the crossover chyron on the cover. Al Ewing's pen game is strong enough that this still holds up as its own book while still satisfying editorial mandates. All in all, it's a fun action romp that also continues to reiterate Storm being an absolute savage as much on the political landscape as she is on the battlefield.

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It doesn't get much better than this. This book delivers on just about every level required of a Star Wars story.

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Bottom Line: What a wonderful way to see Jason Aaron end his run on this book than sticking his heroes with the cold epiphany that their new nemesis is playing for keeps. This book has excelled at adding layers to the mythology we already know without rewriting and trampling all over it. Issue #37 perfectly reminds you of why Aaron was the best to reestablish what Marvel's Star Wars comic universe should be all about.

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God bless Jason Aaron. Even the flashbacks, though feeling slightly disconnected, are top notch. If all of Naruto's filler were this good, I might have finished the series.

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It's actually kind of hard to believe Aaron managed to fight that much story into one regular sized book but he managed it without the issue feeling too crowded. Quality wise, there's not really anything new to report. This is still, by leaps and bounds, some of the best work Marvel has to offer. This book puts the hammer down and never lets up.

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Another masterful job on Aaron's part giving us an entertaining introduction to what could have ended up being a dull, lifeless character while leaving us salivating for the almost certainly impending throwdowns.

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For a story about a god, this book is absolutely at its best when it's vulnerable and human feeling, something Aaron has mastered during his Thor run. Yet another brilliant, well-paced issue with a strong, developed supporting cast. Well worth the four bucks as usual.

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Bottom Line: As he nears the finish line, Aaron is getting his characters' affairs in order and it makes for great reading alongside The War of The Realms. Well worth the coin.

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A great penultimate issue that's low on action but more than makes up for it with a satisfying closure to the War of Realms. It's well-worth the coin.

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Nic Klein's artwork isn't quite as epic as that of some of the titans that have come before but still adequately conveys the scale of Cates' script. There's definitely some wild concepts that are done justice visually in this book like one scene where Thor is fighting what looks like a room full of penrose stairs, I kid you not.Bottom Line: Donny Cates has a great mind for big Kirby-esque blockbuster ideas and Issue #5 definitely delivers on that successfully.

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Not quite as heavy as it could have been but Murphy and Remender is a superhero team up so awesome, this book was bought from the start. Same goes for next month, too.

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The metaphors and gentrification elements aren't as heavy as they were in the last issue, but the action and suspense are turned up until the knob breaks off. Solid issue. Definitely worth coming back for more next month.

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Bottom Line: Jason Aaron has managed to turn the end of his Thor tenure into a blockbuster film of a comic that casual readers and die hard fans of his years working on these characters can get into. Never let it be said that one of the best Thor writers ever didn't go out with a crack of thunder.

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Bottom Line: Aaron is hitting it out of the park with what is essentially a top dollar summer blockbuster version of his Thor run. That's hard to pass up.

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Much like a majority of the books within the current line of the X-Franchise, this one covers a lot of ground, but is fundamentally strong enough in its execution that it's a mountain of material worth climbing.again that the Hickman run is proving to be dense. And although I have been thoroughly entertained so far, I question the effectiveness if one book summed up one faction assembling its army where it's taken the X-Men nine issues to get their ducks in a row. Stasis #1 is a good example of how much plot can be packed into any one X-book nowadays and that can be an intimidating plunge for some readers. Mahmoud Asrar and Pepe Larraz are two of the best artists this run could ask for and to have them collaborating on this particular book is a godsend. Aside from Lenil Yu, nobody else is this effective in creating these evocative scenes and epic moments that resonate even when there's little or no action taking place. I don't think I've ever read a comic where I felt genuine emotional

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However, none of this stops Issue #13 from being a fast paced, action heavy team up that does a good job of setting the stage for an eventual showdown between “The Best There Is” and his new friend. Viktor Bogdanovic's artwork is overall impressive, doing a great job of staying consistent with the aesthetic from Wolverine #6. The color palette is actually really fun and lively for a comic that takes place in Hell.Bottom Line: Only a handful of installments in, it's more than clear that the "X of Swords" saga is meant to be dense. So, it's good that its diverging plotlines are so much fun like this one while still giving us everything we love about a good Wolverine story.

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Bottom Line: Snyder and Romita are still at it, pulling no punches with a gorgeous comic that looks and reads like a summer blockbuster. Easily the best Bat book on the shelf right now.

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This book comes packing a story as compelling and enigmatic as we've come to expect from Snyder while maintaining the pace and excitement of a summer blockbuster movie.

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It would be one thing if this were a bad book, but Snyder is using a title he's already winning with and taking some serious risks to tell a very outside the box type of story. Ambitious, atmospheric, well paced"All Star Batman is topping the top of its game.

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Snyder is clearly enjoying being able to let loose in a way that previous Bat-titles wouldn't really allow for. He's taking some risks that other writers might not be able to get away with and it's really working out for him. All Star Batman proves to continue being a solid home run.

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This book proved that Issue #1 was definitely no fluke. Waid and Staples have something special, a magic that is difficult to replicate and makes Archie (I can't believe I'm saying this again) one of the best, most accessible comics happening in the industry right now.

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Naysayers can whine all they want but Snyder is consistent in keeping this book feeling fresh and exciting at every turn. This has been one of the most consistent books in comics, and still continues to be.

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This is probably the most effective installment of the Superheavy saga yet. Snyder and Capullo have done a great job of balancing the journey of the Old and New Batman, making for a richer mythology.

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Snyder and Tynion offer up a side story that turns out so much more powerful than your typical side story; far more psychological than it needed to be, redeeming Alfred emotionally. A deserving goodbye to Williamsburg Coffee Shop Bruce Wayne.

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This was an appropriate goodbye with more heart than action, deft and reacquainting us with the new Bruce Wayne and saying farewell to one of the most consistent Batman runs to date.

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For a book with a lot of exposition, Coates swung for the fences getting us ready for the grand finale. Excellent penultimate issue.

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Bottom Line: Coates has big plans for Black Panther and those plans are starting to come into focus thanks to a smart script and top notch artwork. This is the kind of afrofuturist mythos the character needs this close to his first film: All New All Different Wakanda 101.

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Here is a book that is always in it for the long haul while still giving the in-betweens of the narrative enough panache to keep you turning the pages. Coates sees the forest and the trees.

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With the wrong artist on deck, this issue's concept could have easily bombed, but Leonard Kirk and Ta-Nehisi Coates were in perfect sync like they were driving a Pacific Rim jaeger.

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Bottom Line: Coates delivers a masterfully plotted issue that serves up action reminiscent of the film while laying out the groundwork for the next major threat that's been simmering in the background for a while now. This is smart, fun expert level Afrofuturism happening here.

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Meanwhile, Leonard Kirk has taken what has been a consistently lovely book and raised it to the next level. He's always been a strong artist when standing in for the likes of Brian Stelfreeze, but he has definitely left his own mark on this series with maybe one of the three best-looking books during the Coates era thus far. This issue has a fantastically scripted splash page, that (without spoilers) is guaranteed to be the profile pic for several long-time fans until we get a poster for Black Panther 2.

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Coates comes full circle, finishing strong with this satisfying finale to a mythos altering run for Wakanda's Finest.

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Bottom Line: This is yet another one of those issues Remender excels at that takes you on what seems like a gentle stroll and then turns into a roller coaster downwards dip towards the end. In the last leg of this stressful, visually arresting story, Black Science still hasn't failed to deliver.

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Bottom Line: A sci-fi comic that can make a married couple working out their issues into an interesting journey is worth its weight in vibranium. As always, Remender and Scalera are at the top of their game, delivering an issue as emotionally resonant as it is visually arresting. Black Science is without equal every time it drops.

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Bottom Line: What this issue lacked in action, it more than made up for in tension and emotion. Remender did a great job of bringing the audience up to speed on the state of things without making the book feel like meaningless filler. This book is an excellent use of your three bucks anytime it's on the new release shelf.

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Remender and Scalera are holding a master class in balancing intensity, strong dialogue and gorgeous action scenes. They have not let their feet off of the gas pedal and it doesn't look like they intend to going into the big finish. The best advice I can give is to find every issue of Black Science you can possibly assemble, catch up and get into this finale. This is a book that deserves its flowers while we're here.

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Blood Syndicate #1 is a very strong opening issue setting the tone of events to come while also smoothly inviting new readers into the Dakotaverse.

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Bottom Line: A good story got better. It's looking like we might as well view this as an Isaac Briggs solo run and I am completely fine with that. Aside from Grace, it's looking like he's the most interesting character in the book so far. If Sons of Anarchy were in all sepia tones, it would probably look a lot like Briggs Land.

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Though the plot concluded quicker than it could have, it feels like Wood still advanced the larger plot without rushing it. This issue reminds us why it's a sleeper hit being picked up for television.

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Brian Wood has something truly special here. Briggs Land is one of the best books on the shelves that it seems like nobody talks about. When this tv show comes out, people are going to be wondering how they were sleeping on this comic and end up collecting it in bulk like people do with The Walking Dead. This issue alone is good enough to sell anyone on this series.

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A good start to a fun, well-paced comic starring a charming, deserving lead with old fashioned comic ass-kickery. Worth the coin.

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Combined with Marte Garcia's strong, arresting color palette, Larraz's pencils are vibrant and full of energy. Every panel jumps right out of the page, always lively and keeping your eyes interested. The key battle scene manages to be exciting and easy to follow despite not necessarily being the centerpiece. The architecture on the Moon's blue area garden is definitely well thought out and, depending on how successful this event ends up being in the long run, should absolutely be featured in a Marvel Ultimate Alliance video game.Bottom Line: A smart script that gets you up to speed but doesn't feel like a study guide combined with gorgeous, kinetic artwork makes for a book well worth the price of admission.

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Bottom Line: Beautiful pencils, good old-fashioned ass kicking and a terrific twist ending…this book is off to a great start. This is crossover events done right.

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Bottom Line: Only two issues in and Dan Slott is already on point to have the standard bearing Fantastic Four book Marvel deserves. Every page feels like the homecoming Marvel's First Family deserves. Absolutely worth the four bucks. If creators took tips, I'd buy this book twice and then throw something in the hat for Slott and Pichelli.

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Morrison and Sharp certainly served up a nostalgic, funny comic that isn't afraid to pick at its reader as well as the world they live in. More than worth the couch change.

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Bottom Line: Morrison's story continues to raise the stakes, making way for Liam Sharp to deliver a lovely book composed of plot-driven tension and action. Definitely worth your time and money.

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Morrison does nothing halfway, so it goes without saying that when he decided to bring back the legendary Hal/Ollie team up, it was going to be the oddest, most over the top adventure he could possibly conceive. Definitely more than worth the three or four bucks.

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Whether you'd kept abreast of the overarching plot points or you've never picked this book up a day in your life, I promise you're going to find this issue impressive and tons of fun.

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Liam Sharp's artwork is definitely the glue that puts a lot of this issue together. This is an artist that uses every inch of the space he's allowed in every panel and devotes it to pure detail. There is not a single uninteresting space in any page of these books, and Sharp honestly deserves more credit than he receives.Bottom Line: Morrison is adding layers to his multiverse, and it makes for a compelling read that sets it apart from any other adventure so far in this series. It's definitely worth your time.

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Ewing's new status quo for his Guardians run is keeping a consistently fun franchise on track. If there were ever a good time for a fan of the movies to treat themselves to more antics from these misfits, that time would be now and this book would be it.

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Bottom Line: Rebirth has turned out to be the perfect opportunity for this franchise's redemption. Traditional lantern smackdowns, a great villain returning to sinister glory, and some of the best artwork on DC's shelves right now? This is a book that old-school Green Lantern fans have needed for a while now.

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Bottom Line: This book has been strong for most of its run so far, but the return of Rafa Sandoval to the pencil is what it needed to get over the hump and get back to being a Top 5 DC book.

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Bottom Line: When it comes down to a good old-fashioned throwdown, it's hard to beat Venditti and Sandoval when they're in the zone. This issue features some sweet action beats you couldn't beat if you went to the movies.

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Bottom Line: One would have to aim pretty high to expect a better wrap up to such a fun tenure from Venditti. You just can't argue with such a well paced, nuanced script in such a gorgeous book.

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Bottom Line: Bendis has stepped his game up from one issue to the next. Tone setting, pacing, action" everything seems to have been handled better than before. Also, this is some of the best David Marquez artwork I've ever seen. No joke.

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This book has been picking up speed exponentially with each issue. Although this issue doesn't have quite the same sense of fun as #2, the intensity and wit are both still firmly in place.

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This book has been off to an outstanding start. All it has to do is keep things fun and I predict a 10 out of 10 in Bendis' future.

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The last plot line ended with more of a whimper than a bang, but this issue gives us high hopes that Bendis can turn things around.

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Millar seems to have a lot to say about the world his hero lives in and the parts he contributed (or didn't contribute) to, and it's one of the highlights of a book that's already off to a strong start as far as action and dialogue is concerned.

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If you're looking for a slow burn character analysis, this isn't your book. A dope premise, summer blockbuster action and a lead character that's a force of nature are the star attractions here. King of Spies is just about everything we'll miss Daniel Craig doing as James Bond and then some.

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Whether you read comics for grandiose superhero slugfests or witty character development, if you're a comic reader, it will be to your ultimate benefit to read this book. Not too heavy, but also not too trite, it meets its audience in the middle for one of most sincere, endearing titles on the shelf.

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We as a culture are just not discussing this book as much as it deserves. Black Girl Magic and entry-level Afrofuturism all rolled up into a charming little ball of afro puffs and glasses.

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It's hard to turn away from a book with so much heart. It counts for a lot to have a story like this that fits in that elusive pocket of "family friendly" while also "not trying too hard." If Marvel has any sense at all, they'll be trying to fit Lunella into the next phase of the MCU or at least on television.

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Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is one of the most accessible, well written all ages comics I've ever read. This book can do no wrong. In twenty years, if someone tells me that world peace was achieved because this book existed back in the day, I'd believe them. Brandon Montclare should just go ahead and make space on his shelf for an Eisner.

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Infinitely endearing and consistently charming with human, relatable characters and premises that jump off the page while still hitting close to home. This issue shows off everything this book does well and makes it all look so easy.

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This book delivers every time it's out. Down to earth, hilarious, infinitely adorable Afrofuturism that new and veteran readers can both appreciate.

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Even when it's action heavy, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is still consistently adorable and well meaning in it's delivery. Another winner on all counts.

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Naomi: Season Two #1 is headed in an intimate heartfelt direction I hope becomes the norm for this series going forward. Naomi is going to have plenty of opportunities in the DC Universe to punch bad guys. This book is where we should be seeing the girl behind the powers.

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Radiant Black is a brilliant story for longtime comic fans and new readers alike. It's exciting, relatable, and hilarious all at once. Absolutely worth the coin.

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It should be no surprise that a dream team like Lemire and Nguyen would create such an intriguing book exploring maybe the most famous case of trauma bonding in modern fiction: Batman and Robin. So far, it's definitely shaping up to not be your typical origin reimagining.

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Bottom Line: S.W.O.R.D. opened up strong this time around with a large, interesting cast, gorgeous art, a premise that brings fresh blood to an already dynamic relaunch of Marvel's Mutants. Definitely worth the coin.

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Bottom Line: Chip Zdarsky took what could have been a paint-by-numbers What If and created an eerie beginning to a story that plays out more like a pulp horror movie of the week than a Spider-Man story.

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Whether you're a Star Wars fan or have never seen a single movie in your life, this is one of those titles that represents the best Marvel has to offer right now.

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Bottom Line: Aaron could stand to answer some questions about Han's relationship with Sana, but the action beats mixed with Luke's fun, fast paced story throwing from the frying pan into the fire….this book is still the best roller coaster ride you can ask for from Marvel's line.

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At this point, this is one of the most consistently clean written books in the game. If you're reading these reviews and you're not reading this book, I'm going to start questioning your commitment to this relationship.

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Whether you're a long time SW fan or someone just looking for a fix until Episode 7 drops, this is one of the strongest comic experiences you can hope for at the moment.

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Aaron's second arc on this book finished almost as strong as the first one. We would have liked just a little more advancement on the Han/Leia/Sana front, but I'm not convinced we've seen the last of her anyway, so this book really did everything I needed it to do.

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Once again, Aaron has worked within the cracks and creases of this long adored universe to give us something fresh that I can imagine will be built upon for years to come.

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It's weird that it was so late coming, but as it turns out, Max Landis ended up putting together a pretty decent lineup of unrelated, yet totally related, pieces of Superman lore with just about the best lineup of artists a writer could ask for. This final issue prevailed as quality Superman and is going to end up being the punctuation in Landis' take on the hero.

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Bottom Line: Nothing's changed, fam. Aaron is still writing one of the strongest books in Marvel's arsenal. If Dauterman doesn't get an Eisner nomination out of his time on this book, he's being robbed, plain and simple.

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This is an outstanding book that is doing a great job of building towards the The War of Realms. The characterization, the action, the pacing, the artwork" it's all here. Aaron is holding a master class on how good comics are written for $3.99 a month.

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This issue does a great job of taking certain elements we know Thor books for and turning them on their head to drop your jaw. This sort of thing is what makes the case the All New All Different line.

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The absence of Russell Dauterman has not stopped Aaron from giving us a fierce over the shoulder view of his epic War of Realms.

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You have to hand it to him" Jason Aaron plays for keeps on every single page in every storyline. This tale puts Thor's godhood to the test and looks damn good doing it. We'll be talking about Aaron's run in ten years. I guarantee you that. The Mighty Thor is undeniable.

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Even with half of Russell Dauterman's work, this book is still better than 90% percent of its peers between the Big Two. Jason Aaron is one of the top three go-to writers for top shelf world building and it shows in this issue.

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Bottom Line: This issue was a sort of "calm before the storm" entry that resolved a couple of lingering plotlines. Aaron masterfully galvanizes the good guys for the coming threat, once again offering up some long teased payoff. I don't know how many times or how many ways I can say that Aaron has been writing a guaranteed knockout with this book for years now, but that's the kind of gem Marvel has on its hand. This book is the Adonis Creed of the Marvel's current arsenal.

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There's not much action in this issue but the handful we do get feels very much like a taste of the good old-fashioned swashbuckling action the old television shows didn't have the budget for. Meanwhile, Francesco Manna's artwork is terrific. Given the amount of panels that could have easily gotten away with being splash pages, Manna definitely expresses tremendous reverence for the mythos and pays homage every chance he gets.Bottom Line: This book is tons of sci-fi/action fun. If you hold it to your ear, you can almost hear the score from the old tv shows.

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Bottom Line: The title and number may have changed, the mantle has changed hands, the hammer may be gone (for now) but Aaron is still giving out master classes in mythic storytelling. Issue #1 is a well paced, entertaining quick guide to get everyone up to speed on where our characters are in the scheme of things and where they're headed. If you've liked any part of Jason Aaron's saga, I suggest you get in on the ground floor and cop this book immediately.

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Bottom Line: Aaron is at the top of his game writing this book. If I were to dream up the perfect big budget premium superhero television series, it would probably be storyboarded a lot like this. And it still wouldn't be as good as this comic.

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A great finish to one of the most refreshingly ridiculous storylines in Aaron's time writing Thor. Touching, funny, gorgeous".this is what comics are all about.

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As we move closer to the end of Aaron's stellar run, the momentum has not stopped for a single issue. These are the kinds of over the top god-mode battles that comic book fandom are made of. That's what a Thor book can be, should be and is thanks to an incredible creative team.

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The Bottom Line: Yet another gorgeous glimpse into a bleak yet still exciting and dangerous future. King Thor maintains this book's time on Olympus as one of the best things to happen to Marvel in the past two decades.

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Bottom Line: Once again, Aaron delivers an endearing, fun installment in one of Marvel's most consistently well-crafted books of the 21st century thus far.

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Aaron builds his characters so well, it seems like he could give just about ANY of them a solo adventure and it would work without incident. This is yet another well paced, well scripted, well-drawn masterpiece that completely makes the case for Aaron's time on this book deserving Hall of Fame status.

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Aaron and Del Mundo have this Thor thing down to a science. The right amount of heart, wonder and a little bit of suspense for what's to come"and you have a well crafted Thor book. If I could go back to college and major in Thor, I'd want Jason Aaron to be my professor.

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Everything about this issue is a step up from the first (which was already amazing). Once we see where this story is going, Tokyo Ghost stands every chance of being one of the best books in the game.

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This book started out "pretty good" but it took Issues #2 and #3 for it to really find it's legs and start telling a story that, at this point, I could only guess at it's ultimate direction.

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Bottom Line: This book is quickly becoming the most fun series on the shelves that nobody is talking about. Remender has raised the stakes consistently every issue for the past few installments and shows no sign of stopping. And we love every page of it.

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Bottom Line: It's a little top heavy on exposition, but for the most part, Remender stuck to his guns and comes out on the other end with the clean, satisfying ending that readers deserve. For maximum enjoyment, pick it up in trade to keep up with the pacing. Other than that, Remender can add another hit to the "win" column.

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Bottom Line: This event is off to a strong start closing out Aaron's time in the ten realms with a bang that could be heard clear across the Bifrost.

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It's not broken and Jason Aaron isn't attempting to fix it. This book definitely embraces the fun and grandeur that superhero books are ultimately all about. Big action, high stakes, Thor on fire".definitely worth your time.

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Granted, this is another volume in one of Marvel's most overused franchises, but Benjamin Percy's approach feels fresh and most certainly proves its worth apart from the others. Definitely worth your time.

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Nothing like a good looking, lighthearted ensemble book to add to the X-line varied styles of storytelling. Certainly worth the coin.

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Crocodiles, MI5, fist fights with mysterious assassins" this is Scott Snyder making it look easy. All Star Batman is the book that other books want to be when they grow up.

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Bottom Line: With the overall quality of Snyder's Batman work over the years, it almost feels overzealous that he is obviously trying to go out so strong with this story".and succeeding at it. This book is one of the best on the shelves everytime it drops without fail.

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Though this issue takes a slight break from the main Superheavy storyline, this is NOT Naruto-type filler. Snyder, Azzarello and Jock gives us a completely immersive, visually arresting story that masterfully cleanses the palette for what's to come.

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Bottom Line: As far as the things we want to see from the Black Panther mythology, Ta-Nehisi Coates gets it. This book puts down layers that could be the source of stories for years to come long after the Atlantic writer hangs his jersey up.

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Ta-Nahesi Coates has ten issues and he's putting them to good use, pouring top notch prose and his extensive knowledge and appreciation of African culture into this book, creating a much richer portrait not just of the Panther, but of Wakanda as a whole.

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Coates crafted an appropriate ending to a story that introduced a smart, self-aware, noble hero of color for a new, savvy generation.

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Bottom Line: This book is a 30-page masterclass in how to craft edge-of-your-seat sci-fi action comics. This latest issue has Remender crafting a narrative where every page is like he's stabbing you in the heart with a shot of adrenaline. This book should be required reading for any and all lovers of indie titles.

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Bottom Line: Another slam dunk issue from one of the best creative teams in the business right now. Remender's story is picking up speed as it heads towards the finish line and looks great in the process.

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Matteo Scalera is easily one of the most consistent artists in comics without question. Everything from the meticulous eye for detail to the emotion in every panel perfectly delivers the tension of Remender's script. It's hard to describe a favorite panel or scene from the book because every page is so gorgeously rendered.Bottom Line: We're knee deep in the endgame now and Remender is holding absolutely NOTHING back. He puts the audience in the car and sends them on the love child of a roller coaster ride and a sensory overload. Any one issue of Black Science is more than worth the coin. This is an outstanding issue among outstanding issues.

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AMC knew what they were doing in picking up the rights to this one. If any story deserves to be told in live action, it's this well-oiled crime family saga.

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Wood has an incredible crime drama on his hands that is potentially on par with The Sopranos and Sons of Anarchy. If anything about the premise appeals to you as a show, I'd go ahead and pick this book up to get in on the ground floor.

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Bottom Line: Briggs Land is back, hitting the ground running as if it never left. Granted, given the current sociopolitical climate, the politics of the story may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the tense setup for things to come and the spotlight on Isaac Briggs makes the book worth the read.

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Brian Wood's slow burn is becoming a powder keg with a short fuse ready to blow any second. The world building and character development is paying off big time. If this book isn't in the indie section of your pull list, you're losing.

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Bottom Line: What a fantastic 30 (more or less) pages of intensity, emotion and action efficiently delivered as if one were receiving it intravenously through an IV to the veins. Wood is killing the game and nobody's talking about it but I suspect they will be as soon as this book goes to trade. Also, this issue has one of the most legit covers I've laid eyes on all year.

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A classic turn of events indicative of the master strategist we all love, Andy Kubert, at the top of his game and a writer who gets Frank Miller Batman possibly better than Frank Miller easily make this issue the best of the series.

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Bottom Line: The strongest tact this book could take was bringing a well plotted ray of positivity to Miller's Batman future vision. This is an immensely strong finish to this story. Bravo.

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Bottom Line: Morrison's vision for the GL universe has taken form and though it may not resemble anything else in the current era that's come before, it's a strange, fun romp from two of the best in the business.

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I'll put it simply. Anyone who can convince me to be a Guy Gardner fan deserves a medal. Venditti and Sandoval are a match made in Oa. All this book does in win.

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Amy Reeder has a sleeper hit on her hands. This is one of those books you're going to wish you'd given flowers at the ground level. Pre-order the trade paperback and thank us later.

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Yes, the writing team is brilliant in their approach to putting Lunella through her paces. Yes, the book is consistently for all ages without being completely transparent or hokey. But before any of the technical stuff, this book has heart and that counts for a lot.

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Hilarious, creatively plotted and infinitely endearing, this book is the poster child for Marvel doing right by their ever-growing pantheon of millennial superheroes.

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Wilson and Alphona have put their Wonder Twin rings back together to churn out yet another winner. Eisner? This comic deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor.

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Samira Ahmed makes a book that perfectly blends superhero fun with coming-of-age sensibilities. If you like the majority of Ms. Marvel content, there's no reason to believe you wouldn't be into this title. It's well worth the coin.

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The title is almost misleading in that the book should be called "Galactic X-Men," because this story is Marvel's mutants literally transcending earthly things and doing it in style for all of humanity to see. Duggan is bringing the big ideas of "doorstop sci-fi books" to superhero comics, and it's more than worth the price of admission.

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What the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you still asking me what I think about this book and not buying it? We've been doing this for, what, 16 issues now? What else do I have to do to make you understand this is one of the best things happening to the industry right now? Get on-fucking-board.

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Aaron's Star Wars is like a master class in taking legendary characters and putting them in fresh, fun situations. This book is every bit as strong as it was in its debut.

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Aaron is doing comics a great service with this book and Lenil Francis Yu finishes his run strong. The title of this story arc really should have been, "Star Wars is back at Marvel where it belongs. Deal with it."

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Of all the solo character issues so far, this one ties with the Luke/Leia issue as probably the best of Aaron's final issues on this title. Whether you're a decades old Star Wars fan or have only ever watched Rogue One, this book has something awesome going on for you.

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Easily the best issue of this series yet. Granted, that's not a high bar to clear, but Landis really embraced his strength for intimate character portraits and genuine pathos.

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The Mighty Thor is still in the top 3 of Marvel greatest achievements in the past few years. This issue was a visually arresting showcase that boasts all the best aspects of this series.

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A fairly even paced script, some well placed cameos, a satisfying villain and some of the best visuals in the business all come together to keep this book one of the most consistently pieces of entertainment Marvel could dream up.

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You have to hand it to Jason Aaron. The man knows how to swing for the fences. Much like Asgard's would-be invaders, this issue had two prime directives: to wreck shit and leave. With the return of Dauterman to the drawing board, the book completes both of these missions with absolute style. If you're not reading this book by now, you are officially playing yourself.

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This book is top of the line mythical storytelling. The best part about this is that it's this epic and still only a stopgap leading to an even bigger threat on the horizon.

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Bottom Line: Jason Aaron might have outdone himself. The Mighty Thor might have surpassed his own God of Thunder series as the best Thor book in the past ten years (Yes, I'm including the JMS run… fight me). This issue definitely proves why Jane deserves to hold the hammer and why we won't fully appreciate her tenure as Thor until we don't have her anymore.

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Issue #703 is Aaron and Dauterman doing what they both do best. It's almost as if Aaron's script is the hammer and Dauterman is the only one worthy enough to pick it up and create wonders with it. This is the kind of genius work Black Album era Jay-Z would warn us we're going to miss when it's gone.

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Bottom Line: What a lovely ode to Jane Foster this was. I've never been so sad about a story where I more or less know the ending but that's the magic of Aaron and Dauterman writing this book.

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Though Jane's final fate will be much debated, Aaron simply couldn't have put together a better epilogue to the series finale of the Mighty Thor. Fans of Jane's time with the hammer will certainly find their eyes getting watery before the book is over. This is premium quality comic mythology treated with all the love and care that a decades old character deserves.

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Aaron and Del Mundo are only two issues in and are already in the zone. Wild new concepts in familiar settings, wonderfully vicious new villains and monster trucks".the creative team may have changed slightly but this book is still one of Marvel's finest standard bearers by far.

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With some of the most well choreographed action so far in the series, questions answers, political satire and Sean Murphy going Peak Sean Murphy" this might be one of the best issues in an already exemplary display in techno-thriller action.

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It's hard to see All Star Batman go, but if we have to, this is definitely the way we wanted to see it end. You should always end in a way that makes your audience scream "Encore" and Snyder has definitely done that. It's hard to end the book on a better note than the beginning of two compelling new villains that will almost certainly resurface in Batman lore sooner than later. If ever there were a series that deserves to be collected in a hardcover omnibus, All Star Batman would definitely be the one.

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There's no question that Snyder and Capullo finished an epic run strong with a finale that pulled no punches, placing the reader right in the thick of an epic battle for the soul of Gotham. Godspeed, boys. You will be missed" at least until Snyder starts his run on Detective Comics.

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As the epic, universe spanning story nears its end, Remender and Scalera spare no expense in putting the pedal to the floor and delivering twists and turns at breakneck pace. Issue #40 demonstrates why this is easily one of the best books in comics.

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A powerful finish to one of the most consistently strong stories of the past ten years with meticulously detailed panels and an ending that will make readers have to read it over at least two more times and once more in trade to make sure that read it right. It's hard to ask for more.

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Not exactly a bad offering from what has been a fairly entertaining title, but Hellions #13 definitely lacks the usual mojo that makes it distinctive from other books. Decent if you're already keeping up with the book, but not going to attract new readers with this one.

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There are no action beats to speak of in this issue and yet it still a standout example of why this is one of the best mainstream comic books on the shelves right now. Giving this book anything short of a standing ovation would be an insult.

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If there's anything else Aaron and Dauterman can do to make this book any more perfect, I don't know what it is. This issue shows up and shows out even more than the previous one did. Wonderful pacing, compelling bad guy, sublime pencils".what else is there?

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An action packed installment of what is already a compelling read. Aaron is going to stop writing the hell out of this book until he's regarded as a Top 5 Thor writer.

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Bottom Line: Aaron masterfully took several storylines that each could have been standalone books and blended them into one massive book that's well worth the price point. If you're still on the fence as to whether or not Thor is the second hardest Avenger alive (sorry, y'all but Steve Rogers) after reading this book, I don't know what else to do for you. An incredible read.

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Genuine pathos, gorgeous art and super powered violence on par with an extinction level event? If there were talent show judges reading this book, they'd have sent all the competition home for the night.

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This book doesn't get enough credit for being the single best, most consistently exciting thing happening in Marvel Comics for at least the past five years and #705 proves exactly why. Jane Foster gets a gorgeous, well-paced warrior's end that could reduce any reader to a weeping puddle. The message is simple: buy this book and then buy another for a friend. This kind of fantastic heroism and nobility is superhero comics are all about.

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Bottom Line: Duggan's relaunch with X-Men #1 opens up strong with a "back to basics" old school feel that's sure to keep the pages turning as if you were a little kid reading comics for the first time all over again.

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