On the whole I do feel the scene (and issue) is well handled, whether the first page spoiler was needed is a question for another time, but I for one love that books like this exist, unless things are spoken about in an open and honest way how do we expect society to change?

This opening look at the trials and tribulations of the Rhodes family makes we want to read more, the mix of fantasy with true to life drama make this an intriguing read and well worth your time.

The world/universe of Chew feels like a playground of the imagination for creators Layman and Guillory. Thankfully with titles like this it shows they are still able to pull the chicken from the hat and produce stories that are fun to read and visually alluring. If you have yet to taste the delights of Chew this is a great introduction, if you love the world of Chew then I'm sure you have already purchased this one shot (but if not why not?).

Dark Engine’s opening is a jump into the unknown but if this is the sign of things to come then it’s a jump worth taking. The balance of art and dialogue is spot on but be warned this is a visceral ride that does not hold your hand in any way shape of form.

ODY-C is a bold project with great scope for exploring the oldest western text in modern civilisation. Fraction has worked hard to make the narrative feel like an epic space opera while keeping real to the original subject matter and Ward's strong and unique art style make this a serious proposition for readers looking for a change in their catalogue of comics to read.

Even though this is a farfetched story it has grounding in reality that should appease most readers. You even get the odd cultural reference which you cannot help but laugh at; this mix help to create a story that is truly charming and will be a series that I hope continues in this vein.

In the press blurb for Rai we were told that the editorial staff and creators wanted to make some of the most compelling single issues of the year, I can honestly say that Kindt and Crain have certainly done just that. Now though the bar has been set and we will have to wait and see if they can keep this level up.

Rasputin is an extremely polished first issue the storytelling feels spot on as we get an insight into the characters past and present. It's visually stunning and should draw you in from the very first panel. This is an easy recommend and a great start to what is looking like a great series.

Thanks to the great characterisations on show this is a great read and shows that a well crafted character piece can be every bit as appealing as a high concept sci-fi piece. Southern Bastards is a gritty tale and with the two Jason’s in charge it looks like no punch will be pulled as they delve into the heart of the south.

Southern Bastards is a slice of life story that is not afraid to look at the darker side of humanity. The subject matter feels honest and that is mostly down to the creators. This feels like a story with legs and if you want a story to get your teeth into you are in for a treat.

All in all issue 3 is beginning to draw the meat out of the story; this is feels like a good move to keep the pacing of the narrative on point. Southern Bastards is fast becoming one of the best books I read and with a recipe for Deep Fried Apple Pie at the end of the story what else could you ask for.

This is a great end of an arc and also an intriguing launch pad for the future of this series. Southern Bastards is a very grounded look at the south and this issue is perhaps the best of the series so far so in simple terms go buy it.

For a one shot I cannot speak highly enough of The Darkness; Close your eyes, it has depth and emotion oozing through the pages. One word of warning this is not a soft read and be prepared to sit and stare at a blank wall once it’s finished.

This is very much a sit back and look at where we are issue, it has its moments of high drama which are created as well as ever but again it's the inter-relationships between the group that make this book what it is. Some call the Walking Dead a soap Opera with Zombies and this issue does a lot to reinforce this idea. This feels like a perfect jumping on point for new readers and I would encourage anyone who is even slightly interested to jump onboard.

This is a great opening to a new series that feels like it will explore more than a few themes in its run, I can easily recommend to readers (those who are residents of South London and those who are not). However this looks like a convoluted story that will take time to grow into the full narrative. If you are looking for a head scratcher then never has a snap been as important to a plot as it is in The Wicked + The Divine.

This issue was called a God sized issue and it felt worthy of that title. If you enjoy the mythos of Thor then this is a great read and if you are looking for a place to come into the series this is a rather odd yet perfect place to jump on. I will miss this series but Aaron has made me intrigued for the future.

Veil has the hallmarks of a killer series and this is a stellar first issue. If the team continue this level of creative output then Veil will be finding a place in a lot of people’s collections.

Velvet's journey is hitting what seems to be an engaging second act, the story is growing in depth both in the past and present and now the real investigation is underway you get a sense of where the story is going. When the wonderful art is added to the equation Velvet is one of the best spy stories on the shelf at the moment and Issue 6 does a great job in ensuring this is a continuing trend.

Furious continues to be a hero for a new generation; her story is one that works on a number of levels. But whether it’s fun you desire or cultural analysis Bryan J Glass has created a place for you at the Beacons table.

Overall Furious continues to stamp its own mark on the Superhero genre. The mix of real world social commentary with the fancy of a flying vigilante gives the book the depth it needs to speak a wide audience. Add to the mix the art from Victor Santos and we really have got a superhero to lead a new generation of Super books.

Furious has hit a maturity point in her development and so has her story. She is learning her trade and as readers we are learning all about her past. This Issue helps to weave these points together and we are left with a stellar issue filled with excitement. Furia looks to have fully arrived but is this the end or merely the beginning? My hope is she carries in her un-doubtable style.

Nailbiter feels like it will be a slow burn but do not let this deter you from what appears to be the start of a story that will have you fighting tooth and nail for the next issue. The art is top drawer and I will happily throw my neck out and say this is looking like another winner from Image.

Nailbiter is only two issues old but already you can see the plot building in more than one direction. The nature of both the “heroes” and the “villains” are not clear cut and that is helping to create an uneasy feel to the narrative. In essence this is shaping up to be a thriller that deserves your attention.

Nailbiter is a top quality thriller and it keeps on producing with every issue. The mix of detective story and horror help give the book a strong narrative and with a cast of mixed motives and ideals you get the feeling this is a story with a lot of legs.

David Lapham has thankfully returned to the Stray Bullets world and this first issue is a great jumping on point for new readers. The story feels like it's going in a predictable direction but twists and turns in directions that make Killers a compelling read. I am now driven to do two things, pick up the first 40 odd issues of Stray Bullets and also dive head first into this upcoming series. My hope is that the level of story maintains as the bar has been set pretty high.

This story has nothing to do with issue one except in its tone, making Stray Bullets; Killers the perfect dip in and out series. That being said I would put Stray Bullets; Killers as probably the best warts and all storytelling on the shelves today. There is no romance or at times hope in-between the pages but when you put the issue down you feel like you have been through the emotional wringer and that makes this killers series essential reading. 

Stray Bullets is one of the best looks at life on the shelves, this is completely down to Lapham’s ability to delve into the psyche of his characters and bring out both their light and dark sides. This Issue is the best of the run so far. It deals with the joy and hope of our young star crossed lovers in an almost Romeo and Juliet manner and following in the great bard’s footsteps everything is far from peaches and cream.

Abe Sapien is one of Dark Horse’s best series at the moment, the variety of encounters are making each issue fell different and most of all engaging. Although not the perfect jumping on point, this issue will give you a great insight into what to expect from the world of Abe.

I have spent most of the review looking at this as a jumping on point for new readers, but for all you Abe fans out there do not worry the creators did not water the story down you still get a great Abe tale. For new readers if you do not want to go back to issue one then this really is an excellent jumping on point.

For a Season opener this is a great way to start. The two stories are pretty separate but you get the feeling this is a duo who do better when talking is not involved. If the new creators can follow in their predecessor's vein then the future looks pretty bright for Angel and Faith. I look forward to discovering all that Magic Town has to offer both in terms of allies and enemies and I'm sure they will be a s brutal as they need to be.

At the fourth issue season 10 of Angela and Faith is highly engaging and full of action. The balance of shared narrative ebbs and flows from issue to issue but when a story needs a longer look Victor Gischler seems able to bend the issue to his will. This new creative team seem to have gotten their feet wet and now are plunging straight into the deep end especially in the way the issue ends.

Black Science so far has been the book to draw me into Sci-Fi and is my number one read every week that it comes out. The creative talent do a superlative job every issue and each new read feels like an adventure into the unknown.

Again the Black Science crew do a great job with this issue both in terms of narrative and art. Although a slower issue the intrigue is building and the promise for the future is shown for all to see. If you have not heard of Black Science and you love comics then you really owe it yourself to pick this book up.

I can recommend Black Science whole heartedly the art and story are both stellar. The end of this first arc will knock most readers for six and that feels fitting for the series so far. Now the question is will the next jump take our Dimensionauts home or will we get to see another new world?

Black Science remains at the top of my read pile and there seems no slow down even with the loss of McKay. I'm looking forward to see the worlds we will explore but most of all whom among the team will be able to survive their current predicament and those we do not yet know.

This is not a jumping on point instead it acts as a great bookend to the opening arc. Sex Criminals continues to be one of the best reads out in stores today. It has a sharp sense of humour, intriguing story along with some wonderful art. It does have a few issues but mostly I put this series in the must buy category.

Matt Fraction is showing that he has a certain panache for delving into the real sides of relationships. The mixture of real life with the outlandishness of the stories central conceit helps to make this one of the best stories on the shelves today. When you throw in Chip Zdarsky’s art then Sex Criminals really is a story that can take you to heaven and back within 20 odd pages.

The Witcher has begun with a great story the promise is there and the visuals are strong to say the least. Hopefully the series will continue in this vein and if it does I hope Dark Horse bring Geralt back for many more adventures to come.

The Witcher series so far feels like a new game in comic form. You do lack the ability to make choices but if you are the adventurous type this is the way you will probably play the game anyway. The story has depth thanks to its characters as well as an air of mystery surrounding location they find themselves in. This really is a series worth diving into from the start.

The Witcher has so far been a great read the story ebbs and flows between exposition and action at a fair pace. If you are looking for the best game tie in book then this should be in the running. However there are a few worries as the story continues most notably how can Geralt keep putting himself in harm’s way. I hope the mini-series has the ending it deserves but only time will tell, one thing is for sure I will be reading to the end.

Overall it looks like the Slayer and the Scooby Gang are in safe hands as they enter their 10th season. This book is a great jumping on point for new readers and even a great catch up for those already invested in the Buffyverse. The main problem with this issue is that issue 2 is a month away.

In combination with episode one, this is probably the strongest opening to a Buffy Season ever. The balance of action with exposition feels pitched perfectly. However as a single issue this is heavier in narrative and may lose new readers who neglected to start at the first issue. For fans of the actual characters in the Buffyverse, this will feel like a fun frolic as we are reacquainted with the world as well as learning about its new Rules.

Overall this is a set up issue filled with humour; as such it is no jumping on point for new readers. If you have been keeping up with the Buffyverse then you will appreciate this is a necessary issue for the arc as a whole as we delve deeper into the New Rules.

The deeper we have gotten into the new rules the more legs this series seems to have. Buffy is an old character in terms of narrative we are now into the tenth season and the fact this team are able to mix things up is truly refreshing. The New rules are coming in to force and the best we can do is hold on to our hats and go along for the ride.

This has been a very good opening to the new era and I am full onboard for the series as it continues. Admittedly this is only the first arc but if it carries on in this vein then the new team should make the new rules as compelling a read as any other Buffy series to date.

Armor hunters #1 is a strong opening issue that does its job in being able to bring in new readers as well as exciting those familiar with the canon. Within the pages the scene is set now we just have to see if the creative team can give us a story worthy of the premise.

I started with a question about whether it mattered that this book was crafted in the obscure, after reading I can say it is not for all but if like me you enjoy the occasional trip into the crazier side of a creators psyche then this should be a book that is on your radar. The fact the writer is a Ten year old just makes this a roller-coaster journey you should not miss.

This issue opens up a lot of question about the character and hopefully as the series continues we will begin to get some answers. The good thing is this issue has enough content to draw readers in, Natasha is intriguing and the art by Phil Noto is great. All this leads me to the conclusion that I will be back for Issue 2.

Despite what may come across as a negative review I actually can easily recommend Borderlands: The Fall of Fyrestone. It may take a little getting used to but it has the necessary voice to give fans a new slice of Pandorian history.

Critical Hit has set its stall with a strong first issue however it does rely on the story having enough intrigue to draw back readers. For my taste it has this with its strong emphasis on the family narrative and the way it handles exposition.

Daredevil’s move to San Francisco looks to be a great new challenge for our lawyer come crime fighter, but as a reader I fell straight into the narrative without a problem. The move is still in its infancy and I am really looking forward to see how Matt adapts to life on the west coast.

From great beginnings Deadly Class continues to deliver a strong narrative, this book is more about the dynamics of a new kid in school then the actual assassinations but ultimately that does not detract from the issue. I’m sure when stuff goes down it will be measured and well thought out instead of being a generalised slug fest but we will have to wait and see if and when that happens!

Overall this is a strong opening it is rather a slow burn with a few larger action pieces thrown in. If the job of the issue was to intrigue me then its mission accomplished. This may not be for all but if deep space and other worlds interest you then this is something you may well want to invest your time in.

Overall this feels like a strong opening to a new series of adventures for the Doctor and it has done enough to convince a Whovian naysayer like me to get onboard and for that alone It's worth picking up in my humble opinion.

Overall this is a strong issue with a stellar opening. For new readers you can jumping and after 5 pages feel completely at home with our red attired assassin. The art though is the highlight of the issue and is well worth the price of admission by itself.

I am a big fan of this series and even with the changes in art I am happy to continue reading. As the start of an arc this is a good issue but be warned if you are not happy with change then this may be a series to sidestep for now.

As I stated above this is by no means a perfect jumping on point but the story is created so you do not feel too stranded. I’m very glad I have got acquainted with Five Ghosts but I wish I had started at an earlier point.  Some may not feel the same but I’m a completionist at heart. All I can say is that the 5 Ghosts have a new fan and I will be catching up and continuing the tale ASAP.

In terms of the narrative the story flows from issue to issue, there are of course a few suspensions of disbelief needed for the story to fully function but these are worth it when you get to see the final payoff. The Bride is shown as a victim turned aggressor and her story reveals that even out of the worse possible situation people can find strength from within. It's a nice message wrapped up in a mixture of gore and barbarism that really cannot be unseen.

This third issue feels like a place setting endeavour with the pieces being moved in to position for the final encounter. Lapham has done this with his usual care but the real way to judge this issue is the payoff in the final issue. For now though I can recommend this as an essential part to the story but please do not jump on here.

The fact the heroes are teenagers make this appealing to younger readers. This fills like a great move as we need a fresh generation coming into comics or else the business will die. The very young are being catered for but there is an early teenage section that feels empty of content and Juice Squeezers is filling that gap. I enjoyed this series and this issue it’s fun and great to read. However it may not appeal to all readers but those with a sense of fun will be hard pressed to find a better read.

The story is a direct follow on from the events detailed in Zorro Rides Again #10 to 12, but I did not feel lost having not read those stories so this is a good a place as any to jump onboard. If you like your swords and intrigue then Lady Zorro is highly recommended

Overall Madame Frankenstein does show promise; the setting is interesting and as long as the story stays in the scientific realms. This is personal to me and my history with the character and many may enjoy a fantastical element to the legend. For now though it’s a wait and see.

Madame Frankenstein has done a lot by itself to allay my fears, the use of the supernatural along with scientific endeavour makes sense now and that was probably my main fear for the plot This is not an all action read but instead the ideas are really well presented and point towards a deepening narrative, it may not be for all but at its core it’s a throwback to storytelling with a meaning.

Madame Frankenstein is a story that deserves your attention it is well crafted and has a human focus that other stories sometimes fail to deliver.

With first issues we look for potential in a story and Magnus Robot Fighter has that in spades. Obviously the success of the series depends on delivering these principles in an effective manner. I hope the social commentary aspects come out in future issues. If that is combined with the great action narrative both in story in art then we could be in for a real treat.

The second season/arc can be a difficult thing for any creator to land. From this beginning the creation team look like they know where they are going and better still have the support cast to make the Rat Queens become a established property.

The Rat Queens are back and this second arc is hotting up nicely. We are delving deeper into the lives of the Queens while being mixed up in a larger story. The creative team are keeping the book on point as it continues to grow from strength to strength and with a vastly expanding cult following the future looks bright for our awesome foursome.

The first issue of revenge was a rollercoaster of violenceand sex. It was enjoyable but I wondered if writer Jonathon Ross had blown hisload on the first issue, it turns out he hadn’t as Revenge continues to delightand disgust readers in equal measure. This is a great read but be warned thisis one hell of a feast of flesh.

Rise of the Magi feels like a wonderful play on the idea of the crossover story. Instead of the usual trope though this time the fantasy dweller is moving into the mortal world. The art steals the show in the issue but the premise is strong, we will just have to wait to see is the real world can be as interesting as Rune. If the creative team can manage this then Rise of the Magi is looking like another top dog from Top Cow.

It feels a little too early to judge Sally but for now the creative team have done a great job of giving her a personality and a reason to exist. This story is over the top and a little on the B-Movie spectrum but it handles this well and hopefully will become stronger as the series kicks on. For now though this is one for the genre fans and those with a curious nature.

Overall She Hulk is an interesting new addition into the All New Marvel Now, the down to earth nature of the story mixed with the outlandishness of the central character make for an interesting blend. This may not be the series for everybody but for those looking for something that little bit different from Marvel then this may be a title to look into.

Overall I’m intrigued by The Field it feels like it has something to say, but what that is still wrapped up in a haze of forgotten memories. For the opening of a four issue miniseries it’s strong but not in a blow your socks off sort of way. If the rest of the series can reap the seeds that have been sewn by issue 1 then this could be another Image hit.

As we hit the midway point of the White Suits I would easily recommend this book. It is a great read and the visuals give the book a standout feature. Even though the art is stylised it is still very powerful and this is not a book for all ages. Instead you are getting a gritty tale of a gang operating in the Russian Underworld of New York and one woman’s quest to break them. Not forgetting our amnesia suffering focal character.

The world of the White suits feels rich and full of death at every turn. This is issue is certainly no jumping on point with one issue to go, I just hope the creative team can give the story the ending it deserves. No matter the outcome though I’m sure I’ll enjoy the ride.

This is very much a Thor book Aaron has the voice and the world around down to a tee. My main reservation is that the Issue has a fill in the blanks feel to it near the beginning based around the Original Sin. Ultimately this first issue has me wanting a lot more from this series and that should always be the Job of a Number 1 to hook the reader.

Trees is a good first issue though many may not find enough meat in the story to really grab hold of. I do not think this is a one issue hook though, the background for the story is there we may just have to wait a few issues for the main substance to be revealed. I will be keeping an eye on this series and report back next issue to see if it is an Image series worth picking up.

The Vampirella team look like they are able to bring our heroine into a whole new arc with little difficulty, the depth of story is intriguing and the art is strong although not stellar. I look forward to seeing where this issue leads and on it's own its still a great read. This however is certainly no jumpig on and should really nearly be read after you have dived in to issue 1.

Apocalypse Al has continued on form the first issue by crafting a fairly swift and action filled narrative. This is complimented by the visuals and together the creators are bringing a great mixture of ideas to the table. We are now halfway through this series and all I can think is I hope this becomes a recurring thing I am totally hooked by Alison and her battles against the forces of Evil.

Apocalypse Al has continued on form the first issue by crafting a fairly swift and action filled narrative. This is complimented by the visuals and together the creators are bringing a great mixture of ideas to the table. We are now halfway through this series and all I can think is I hope this becomes a recurring thing I am totally hooked by Alison and her battles against the forces of Evil.

All in all the plot has moved where it needs to be with one issue left, there is some level of intrigue and the precedence of further violence has been set. When the series ends I hope we think of this issue as an important part of the overall arc but it is not the strongest showing from Al. If you are intrigued by the premise of this story then go back to the first issue and you will be happier the if you this issue as a jumping on point.

This is a great opening issue, it takes no time getting you into the story and does not infantilise the reader by needing to drown you in exposition. It seems with Ordinary D’Israeli and writer Rob Williams have created a playground for expression with a thick layer of dark humour infused into its core. 

The stage was set in the first issue and this second issue although a little slower has done a great job in giving us a larger look at the plot. Ordinary is looking to be a tale that is anything but run of the mill.

I wouldn't say that this a series to avoid despite my negative views of this final issue there are some great aspects, it's just the rushed nature of the ending feels like an anticlimax. To make a short series like this have real impact you need the landing to hit home and in some ways all I can really say about this issue is it felt very ordinary.

Blood Queen is a solid opening to a new series, the parts are there but there does feel an imbalance between the art and narrative. Both together work but the art feels like the weaker of the two mediums. If you like a fantasy vibe then this could be a series to keep an eye out for.

This series is building into a great companion for the series and its mix of action and dialogue seem pretty much spot on... Ultimately though this is a series builder issue and not a great standalone but that makes it perfect for the long haul. It looks like Dark Horse have secured a real winner here and I hope the series has the payoff it deserves in the coming months.

I would consider this a great jumping on issue as the story is well explained and the narrative contained with the front and back matter gives you a great idea of Sara’s on-going struggle. However it must be stressed this is a dialogue heavy issue with very little action I still found it intriguing and hope to catch up with Witchblade in the next issue.