Batman #79 is a thrilling, entertaining issue that deals in adult themes without forgetting that comics are here to entertain and enthrall. The main characters feel like real people, with all their flaws, and their strengths, too.

An entertaining one shot, Black Hammer: Visions #1 posits a mystery, but uses it to reveal something about the nature of friendship against the backdrop of school. Eunice and Barbara are as different from each other as they can be, but that doesn't matter, as shared experiences have forged a friendship with meaning.

Criminal #10, like its predecessors, is a book that delivers again and again. There's no complacency in the storytelling, however, just strong writing and gripping art that tell a tale of poor choices and their consequences.

A near perfect depiction of a robbery gone right, Criminal #11 feels cinematic not only in its scope, but in the interplay between its characters. All the dominoes have been set up, and it takes only one person to send them toppling over. The strongest issue in the series' arc thus far, Criminal #11 feels like an ending and a beginning, all wrapped up in hard hitting writing and fantastic art.

Something bad is coming and Days of Hate may well turn out to be more prophecy than story.

Deadly Class #42 is a masterclass in kinetic storytelling marked by entertaining characters and dialogue so sharp your ears will bleed. Fun, violent and frequently hilarious, it is yet another strong issue by a creative duo working at the top of their game

Fantasy comes in all shapes and sizes, flavors and colors. HEAD LOPPER #13 is another example of the wide spectrum fantasy traverses. A story filled with adventure and excitement, comprising an epic vision and sweep, across a world that is endlessly inventive and fascinating. An essential read for all lovers of fantasy.

All Mitch wants to do is be the best dad he can for his daughter. But events, in the shape of his lethally beautiful child, intrude again and again. With the Ice Cream Man looming ominously on every page, it is only a matter of time before Mitch's carefully constructed world begins to fall apart.

Another fantastic entry into one of the great series currently running. Prince and Morazzo continue to bring their A games, blending different genres into a tasty mix that will leave you thinking well after you've turned the final page. Come for the mystery, stay for the existential dread.

LOST SOLDIERS #3 is a deeply unpleasant read, full of violence and negative energy. It is also an essential read, about how war and violence can break men and turn them into monsters. There are very few titles in the genre today that are as willing to take an unflinching look at what people are willing to do, even in the face of clear good sense, when their emotions have been warped by a lifetime of violence.

MOONSHINE #21 is a fun read, full of extreme violence and entertaining characters who aren't what the always seem. The reader is given a real sense of the desperation of the times, and is full of shady characters doing whatever they can to survive in an often violent world. The artwork is sublime, and Azzarello's writing engages and amuses.

Two tales that will stay with the reader long after they box this comic, The Old Guard: Tales Through Time #2 makes fantastic use of the loose anthology format to bring two diverse tales of action, violence and some interesting philosophical musings.

An action packed issue that opens with a bang and leaves you pondering how badly being an immortal can go wrong, THE OLD GUARD " FORCE MULTIPLIED #4 is a brilliant fusion of a writer in top form, and an art team who can do no wrong. If you haven't already bought it by now, what are you waiting for?

SEX CRIMINALS: SEXUAL GARY #1 is a marvelous one off, a frenetic examination of one man's journey towards, into, out of and then back again into pleasure, a never ending cavalcade of sexual experiences that would be enough for one hundred lifetimes, let alone one. Draw yourself a warm bath, slip into it, and settle back and relax while you read the hot and horny adventures of Sexual Gary!

Strong writing and strong art combine to make THAT TEXAS BLOOD #4 an essential read

With blood on his hands, and his girlfriend knocking at the door, Randy comes closest to taking a final break from reality. The pressure ticks up to almost intolerable levels in THAT TEXAS BLOOD #5, and then blows straight through them, as that body Randy dumped in the cellar starts to moan and groan.

A knife sharp examination of human frailty and failings, That Texas Blood #6 comes out swinging and never lets up. These two creators are really in sync by the final issue, and have created a parade of memorable characters in an iconic setting. A must buy for all lovers of noir.

Cole Turner is about to be shown how the Department of Truth turns back the insanity of the Black Hats. But before that, he is taken on a tour of one of the landmark sites of conspiracy theories. Department of Truth #8 is an entertaining venture into some very dark areas indeed.

The Seeds is a series that is as timely as it is authentic " a critical examination of America today, against the backdrop of an alien plot to profit from our slow-motion destruction.

Unearth #10 doesn't work unless we see the final choices the survivors make regarding whether they allow themselves willingly to be absorbed in the awakening Beastmother, or go down fighting as only humanity can. Is the promise of Heaven enough to want to give up humanity's primal urge to fight and remain independent, or should we battle on, even where the odds are utterly hopeless, and preserve a fragment of our individuality and humanity? You be the judge.

The tales of 2000AD PROG 2193 are violent, painful, frightening, but always entertaining. The UK talent on display is considerable, and is wide and deep to boot. From the outside, the weekly schedule can seem like something of a treadmill, but dig deeper and you will see that there is a lot of bang for your buck. 2000AD PROG 2193 is full of fantastic stories that will leave you hungering for more.

With its overlapping storyline harking back to previous issues, Criminal #7 adds another layer to a dense storyline that offers readers a discerning look at a compelling cast of characters whose moment of truth is fast approaching. While knowledge of what has gone before is useful to add to the enjoyable experience of this issue, Criminal #7 is a decent jumping on point for new readers, as the main event " the next heist, is just around the corner.

Criminal #8 is a fascinating look at a pivotal character previously defined by how others saw her, now allowed her own time in the narrative sun to tell her story on her terms. And boy, is it sad and ugly.

Apart from an ending that feels a little rushed, Dick Tracy Forever #4 is a story that is up to the minute in terms of its satire, yet feels true to the essence of this timeless detective. Hopefully, fingers crossed, we will be getting more from this creative team. If we don't, we'll always have Dick Tracy"Forever!

First you realise that everything you thought you knew was wrong. Then you are horrified by the realisation which soon turns to disgust at the lies the universe has told you. Gideon Falls #21 flips your understanding of the world so that by the time you regain your feet, nothing will be the same again.

Heavy on symbolism, filled with stunning imagery, GIDEON FALLS #25 is a waypoint to the next stage of this remarkable series. With the multiverse collapsing arounds its ears, only a brave few can save existence.

An interesting twist on the serial killer genre, with a sympathetic depiction of a woman whose life was ruined by a man, and now seeks to stop men who hunt women and children. There are glimmers of redemption in I Walk With Monsters #1, but for the most part, most of the people in it are monsters and predators, and Jacey walks a faint, glimmering line while beset on all sides (internally and externally) by a fundamental darkness that threatens to extinguish once and for all her humanity.

Existential dread and the horrors of suburbia fuse into a delicious nightmare ride in Ice Cream Man #14. Come for the frozen treats and catch a glimpse of the ultimate nullity of (your) existence.

Ice Cream Man #22 infuses Christmas with a feeling of unease and dread, while our main character wrestles with a life changing issue. Julie is Prince's most appealing character to date, a young woman confronted on all sides, but who wins through to the end more or less intact.

A bold opening to a mini-series that seems to have a lot to say about the effects of war on those who participate in it, and how war seems to be the solution to problems that the authorities find the easiest to deploy. LOST SOLDIERS #1 is one of the strongest opening issues to a series I've read all year, and while it won't be for some, it never glories in the violence, instead putting it in its proper context.

The Red Mother #10 presents a woman in peril, and then amps it up to eleven. The writing and characterization is exceptionally strong in this issue, and the artwork, well, the artwork leads the reader from the ordinary to the horrific and back again with a subtlety that makes it all the more creepy.

An effective horror story in itself, Road of Bones #4 is an exercise in bleakness, the sheer uncaring nature of the universe writ small on two desperate men whose only crime is the will to survive.

A fun frolic in an exotic locale full of mystery and great characters, Spy Island #1 is a fantastic opening issue that promises to bring lots of more of the same. If you want even the briefest distraction from the storm clouds gathering over our lives, this issue is the one to satisfy that urge.

SPY ISLAND #3 is written in such a way that a new reader can immediately leap on board with a minimum of confusion. It is one of the best written books of 2020, a much needed tonic during some grim times. If you like humor, if you like action, if you like humorous action montages, and if you like strong female leads kicking ass and taking numbers in a field traditionally dominated by men, then SPY ISLAND #3 is definitely for you.

A mini adventure, complete with underworld guardian, stocked with fun, believable characters in a world brimming with awesome design and artwork. TARTARUS #4 - go out in a buying frenzy now!

THAT TEXAS BLOOD #2 brings with it a sense of place that many books hope to create, but few do. Not only the barren plains around the town, or the hard scrabble lives man of its inhabitants lead. There's also the weight that history plays in the lives of the main characters, people with flaws and weaknesses that the stress of events threaten to crack wide open. THAT TEXAS BLOOD #2 is an excellent example of how comics genre isn't exclusively men and women in tights, but can be about men and women leading normal lives, until the resolutely abnormal thrusts itself inside those lives, and disrupts everything.

A neat summary of the dead end America has blundered into in the last few years, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #1 is a clever blend of knowing writing, and some glorious artwork. Come for the conspiracy theories, and pray that the liars never win.

The Department of Truth #4 is a scathing commentary on the ability of the gullible to believe just about any nonsense spouted by self important grifters. It's a powerful denunciation of how far the media has fallen, and how willing it is to be party to the swindling of the American people of the one thing they desperately need - the truth.

Compelling art and some fine storytelling mark The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys: National Anthem #2 as an issue, and a series, to jump into pronto. The excitement of the action sequences is matched by the slow reveal of the nightmare world the former Killjoys inhabit. We get a taste of the dystopia surrounding them, and a sense that toppling it will involve great sacrifice.

Lodger #2 presents its own form of seduction, drawing the reader in by presenting an ordinary family down on its luck, and then shoving them off a cliff's edge with the introduction of the Devil. If you want sweetness and light, go watch My Little Pony. For the rest of us, the Lapham's and Lodger, will do just fine.

Gabriel Rodriguez's first writing foray is a gloriously mad melange of 70s science fiction shackled to an Arthurian aesthetic that will leave you shaking your head at the wondrous audacity of it. A 21st century Moebius!

A spellbinding example of the brilliance of great artwork in the comic's genre, Berserker Unbound provides the sort of catharsis that only carving apart your enemies with a great big bloody sword can provide. A remarkable display of artwork by Deodato provides the reader with not only an entertaining read, but for those who love roleplaying or writing fantasy fiction, pages and pages of inspiration.

Birthright #40 balances emotional heft with all out action, expertly paced and beautifully illustrated and colored. There are few fantasy themed comics on the market at the moment, and even fewer that are as well handled as this series.

In COFFIN BOUND #6 from Image Comics, Taqa must work to prove its very existence. But with the Vulture on her trail, can she live long enough to prove His existence? Find out in this strange work of existential dread in your latest Major Spoilers review!

A bleak exploration of damaged people in an uncaring world, Criminal #5 still retains the dark, compelling glamor of its predecessors. Read at your own risk, but enjoy the reward at the same time.

Even amongst the weeds, a rose may flower. And so it is with the love that grows in Teeg Lawless for Jane. But even a rose may harbor a bee, and the sting in the tale in Criminal #6 is that Teeg is better to have lost, and never loved. There's a storm coming to a summer that will soon enough be crueler than any experienced before.

Another strong outing from a dynamic team who create some of the finest crime fiction going around now. Criminal #9 looks at the youngsters instead of their parents and finds that the apple doesn't fall from the tree.

DEATH OR GLORY #11 is an issue in two parts, with plenty of action for those who love fight scenes and extreme violence. The second half may be a little off putting for those, expecting an explosive finale, but for those who have followed the series and had their fill of those delights, the closing pages of this issue are a quiet, meditative take on a dying way of life.

A waypoint on the longer journey of what exactly is the Black Barn; Gideon Falls #17 is another strong chapter in a thrilling and terrifying journey towards a terrible knowledge. The trademark strong writing and fabulous art make this yet another issue you should leap on as soon as possible.

KING OF NOWHERE #4 is where everything is explained, and yet, nothing is explained. We know how Nowhere came to be, but never really why. Denis seems to be the hero of proceedings, but he never really does anything heroic. You can purchase this issue via comiXology

Joe Casey has created a new mythology with this series, of a Hell that isn't burning but is just as equally full of torment and despair. His New York City is a mirror image of Hell, with the citizens fleeing a night full of danger, leaving it to the gangs and punks and pimps to organize. Pamela is the one shining light in the dark, tougher than all the rest, prepared to fight the creatures of the night to save herself and her city. MCMLXXV #3 is an absolute joy to read, and one everyone should get their hands on.

A strong opening issue to a new storyline that promises chills and thrills as crime, criminals and voodoo come together in a compelling mash up that launches our shady hero into yet another adventure!

RAI #6 is an entertaining read that further develops the plot and our understanding of what makes Rai tick. You don't have to love him to at least admire his monomaniacal desire to get the job done. Elsewhere Spylocke's investigations further unpeels the mystery surrounding the Bloodfather's activities, with information uncovered that will provide more fodder for future issues.

Strong setting, loads of atmosphere, rising tension, and a scary monster that seductively insinuates its evil into the hapless characters, Sea of Sorrows #4 is an issue for every fan of horror!

Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy #5 takes a slight breather after the shattering events of the previous issue. It still provides oodles of excitement, even as two of the central characters argue over the rights and wrongs of revenge. It shows that even children, supposed exemplars of innocence, can be warped into instruments of revenge by those for whom morality is simply a word. Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy #5 will have you thinking, even as you eagerly await the finale.

The Enterprise returns after its five year mission, and discovers a Federation on the brink of change. Against this backdrop, Kirk and his crew come through with flying colors, demonstrating why they have remained so popular even after fifty plus years. On television, film, animation, books and now comics, the resilience of the concept shines through. My only regret is coming to this comic so late.

History isn't all you thought it was, as Star Trek: Year 5 #20 demonstrates. The self evident truths that some have held up for generations tend to turn to mush when they are examined with a critical eye. Spock's reaction to Surak's efforts to purge his people of emotions effectively balances his Vulcan and human heritage, resulting in a surprising ending that promises more entertaining storytelling in the next issue.

Another strong episode in a series that one feels readers will look back on with a great deal of fondness. Sure, the elements feel familiar, but tales of family, betrayal and the promise of bloodshed tend to run in only one direction. That said, the mix of strong writing and art make this a must read for anyone interested in strong drama and the promise of bloody revenge.

Department of Truth #2 begins our march deeper into the insanity of American life, as James Tynion IV examines the entrails of America's fascination with conspiracy theory nonsense. For a nation predicated on notions of truth and justice, the way significant segments of the community have embraced insane nonsense in recent years is both frightening and, alarmingly, exhilarating. Department of Truth #2 allows readers a safe space to examine all this, all within the frame of world shattering possibilities.

Doc Hynes just wanted to find out about UFOs, but soon finds himself wrapped up in something greater and more mysterious. Once you're in, tin foil hat and all, you're in for life.

The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as the inspiration of this series and this issue in particular, but The Picture of Everything Else #3 is set on an impossibly larger canvas, with ramifications that will have to wait to be resolved. It is a fine issue, with some remarkable art that makes it well worth purchasing.

The Witcher #1 is a strong opening issue, demonstrating that characterization will always trump the violent aspects of the series. With confident writing, and some very fine artwork and coloring, The Witcher #1 is a great place to start for fans of the books and streaming series.

Never believe in your screen heroes. They'll disappoint you again and again. People like Trigger Keaton will, however, appall you. But in the hands of talented creators, the story line can also shine a lot on bad practices in a funny and moving way.

The opening salvo in Barbaric #1 is brutal, amusing and exciting. It is unabashedly designed to appeal to the most basic instincts of the reader - ribald humor, naked flesh, astounding violence and just a keen awareness that the issue exists to ensure the reader has a heck of a good time. If you're not all in on Barbaric #1, you're missing out!

Ancient betrayals and modern day threats slowly begin to merge in a crackerjack story that threatens at times to run off the rails with its own exuberance. Fundamentally, though, Batman: Curse of the White Knight #2 is another excursion into the grimness of Gotham City, and the colorful characters that populate it.

An impressive effort that falters at key moments, Batman: Damned #3 will provoke endless debate because of the deliberate narrative choice that ambiguity rules.

Excellent art and some fine, unflashy writing bring a different perspective to a trope that might otherwise bog itself down in the expected.

Black Hammer Reborn #1 takes you to a new chapter of the Black Hammer series, putting us in the shoes of a hero who have up her mantle for a more normal life. But what is 'normal' really, anymore? Lucy Weber is a reluctant hero for our times, and I look forward to seeing what happens next!

All flesh is grass and none more so than in Coffin Bound #3. Striking visuals and evocative writing combine to layer doom upon doom, with the promise of blood, pain and madness around every corner.

Top notch artwork provides enough impetus to ensure this wordless issue doesn't flag as violence begets more violence as a city is torn apart.

A great story and a meta-take on the shoddy treatment meted out to the great comic book artists and writers of yore, Criminal #3 will captivate from first page to last. If you're not salivating at the prospect of the next issue after reading this beauty, there's no pleasing you.

Even if you look back on current events in ten, twenty years' time, and feel that surge of warmth that you stood for something bigger than yourself, Days of Hate, at the end, asks us something else " what did you do afterward, to sustain the flame, and stop the darkness from coming back? Because what is happening today isn't a bizarre one-off " it may very well be the beginning of something far, far worse. Days of Hate #12 isn't a capstone, but a waypoint on a longer journey.

Kings of Las Vegas and Godfathers of New York vie for supremacy in an irradiated world. The peasants are thinking of rising, but the man has his boot on their neck. Only a frightened mother and her two children stand in their way, and success can only come from a man who cannot die, who wields the power of the nuclear furnace.

More sword and sorcery insanity, with political intrigue, giant spiders, magical items and fun, compelling characters all swirling around in a heady mix. The sword and sorcery genre can at times lapse into tropes, with muscle bound characters breaking things in a cod-fantasy world to no great effect. Here, however, the world of the Head Lopper feels unique and tangible, brought to life by an artist who knows his creation inside and out, and who is eager to share his knowledge and sense of adventure with the widest audience possible. Bravo!

I can't say I love Ice Cream Man #13 " but I do damn well admire the craft and effort put in by all concerned to make it work. The lettering by Good Old Neon in places serves ably to underpin characterisation and mood. The art and writing I've mentioned before. It is a hard read, as there's no hope, no chance for redemption for the main character. But this entire run Ice Cream Man comics will undoubtedly stand the test of time in years to come. It's that good.

A talk show host and an animal handler meet one night and all hell breaks loose in another startlingly good issue of Ice Cream Man. This series gives expression to a number of unique creators in the comics industry, the sort of voices that beguile and lure the reader into a hell of their own imaginings.

An interesting take on the vampire tale that doesn't necessarily follow the usual tropes but instead forges a different path, embracing family, history and the current state of politics in the US.

You don't have to be Superman to be a shining paragon. Sometimes, you have to get your fingers dirty and work in the shadows to find the information that brings down the corrupt, and upholds the best of what America is. But does the cost have to be so high?

Immortality is a curse, more than a blessing, in THE OLD GUARD: FORCE MULTIPLIED #5. The horrors witnessed, the bad deeds done, can never be unseen or undone. Andy, the oldest, the strongest, the most badass of the immortals, is really at the end of her tether, and it is the youngest immortal, Nile, who sees the potential for the Old Guard that Andy, with all her weight of sins, cannot. THE OLD GUARD: FORCE MULTIPLIED #5 is a great blend of action and character moments that will leave you thinking long after you turn the final page.

Wonderful art, naturalistic dialog, and appealing characters make THE RED MOTHER #7 an entertaining read. Not much happens, granted, but what does occur is still worth the price of admission. If you've come to this series with this issue, I heartily recommend you track down the back issues, to give you more context and appreciation for what Jeremy Haun is doing. For those who've been with it from the start, I hope your faith and dedication is being rewarded, because, again, that final panel. Wow!

Sebela's writing and Hixson's art crash together in this vital, heart-aching tale of revenge in Shanghai Red #5

Sleeping Beauties #5 taps into the thick, dark vein of misogyny that runs through society. The way the men react in the issue feels right, with the scales tipped towards the most ugly response. There may be a cure for Aurora, but with many men intent of burning their way to success, how many women will be left alive remains to be seen.

Something is Killing the Children #17 lays out more background on a fan favorite character, allowing us a glimpse of the shell shocked child who would one day grow into a monster killer.

Artemsia is the perfect heroine for the story " a mixture of pluck and vulnerability, embarking on a quest where she is at peril of losing her soul.

Fine characters and a compelling mystery are introduced with a confident opening issue that grabs reader's interest from the opening pages. While this scenario has been seen before, it is always once that piques my interest, at least, and I feel confident that there is a large audience for this book. This gets a highly recommended from your reviewer, and I strongly urge you to get out and buy this opening issue of a series that promises to take the reader on a fantastic adventure.

Bumbling besties Beth, Orson and Nina chase their dreams, and a boatload of cash and cocaine, in this explosive issue of Stray Bullets!

A police man who questions the worth of his job, a series of occult tinged murders four decades old, and the introduction of a detective with black magic leanings - what more could you want?

With a solid leading pair in Vaughan and Foster, you have the yin and yang of police partnerships that covers all bases while creating people you can root for when the bullets start flying.

Strong writing and fantastic artwork mark The Depratment of Truth as another issue in a really strong, really compelling series that speaks to the moment America is trapped within.

Fine writing and fine art come together in The Devil's Red Bride #4 to create an early contender for best single issue of 2021. Vengeance may seem to be a worthwhile pursuit when you have nothing else in your life, but even when it is in the cup of your hand, would you be willing to take that final step and pay the price of victory?

All Fiona wanted to do was have some fun at summer camp. Instead, she encountered a posse of girls intent on making her life a living hell. Unfortunately for them, and let's be frank, Fiona as well, The Silver Coin chooses to involve itself. And what follows is a bloody nightmare.

Bunn has got a little one man storytelling cottage industry down pat at the moment. Lean hard into the occult, fill out the character ranks with damaged individuals in search of an answer and or vengeance, add water, and off you go. Put like that, it may sound like he's a soulless writing machine. Quite the contrary; he is a skilled writer who knows his craft very, very well. There's never a wasted word, or scene, with everything coming together to drive the story irresistibly forward.

A glorious nod to the golden age of comics, with all its frailties and triumphs, brought to life by the powerhouse team of Brubaker and Phillips.

You can purchase this issue via comiXology

An unflinching examination of change in a world teetering on the edge of a violent collapse, Family Tree #3 is also looks at the lengths a parent will go to protect their child from the reality around them. While Megan's mom tries to protect her daughter, Megan's father on the other hand seeks the same thing, but with a different approach - the truth.

What's in the box isn't as nearly as important as the effect it has on those who come within its orbit. Fear Case #1 is the opening salvo of what looks like will be a strong series, with elements both natural and supernatural, as our True Detective styled secret service agents find themselves trapped within the coils of.the Fear Case.

Gideon Falls #14 another entry in a stellar series that unfolds like some sort of insane piece of origami art. Time will tell of Lemire is able to stick the landing, but on the evidence at hand in Gideon Falls #14, its more likely than not that he'll be able to present a stunning finale that will reward our patience.

An interesting experiment in 'silent' comics, HAHA #3 remains true to its vision all the way to the ending. SIt is sad, and a little wry, and while it may leave you feeling blue, there's a lot of heart and humor on display as well.

Head Lopper #12 is a fantastic read, populated with entertaining characters and non-stop action. Would that there were more of these titles on the market; but in the meantime, savor and enjoy this great issue.

Having been captured and with no other choice other than the executioner's block, Norgal the Head Lopper agrees to retrieve the Arkanian Hammer. In the epic struggle that follows, we see the full range of his and his companion's skills and desperation to survive. We get a grander sense of the world of Narschlahn, its people and history along the way. And we also get some cracking scenes of violence, as Norgal does what he does best - lop some heads.

An enjoyable follow up to the opening issue, with plenty of efficiently told world building and some boisterous action. A crowd pleaser, for sure, but Hidden Society #2 isn't necessarily a story built to break the mold of similar tales.

King of Nowhere #1 is a fine opening issue to a promising story that has a number of intriguing elements. The character work, particularly Denis, but even the bit part characters like fish-headed Jed, is entertaining. The art, by the Tylers, is a particular standout, and perfectly complements the looser storytelling that Prince brings to the table. I, for one, am greedily looking forward to the next issue.

Covid-19 has soured many on this sort of fiction, but I lapped it up. I usually enjoy the elements of the story showing the collapse of society, and dislike the scrabbling around in the ruins of the world (take note, The Stand). However, Rosi has provided a compelling 'what comes after' storyline, with the promise of more mysteries to be revealed.

A creepy tale of the damnation of an arrogant man at his own hand, Lucifer #9 is darkly blessed by strong writing and artwork from one of comic's legends. If you read one horror comic in 2019, then Lucifer should be at the top of your list.

A desperate tale of escape, by a desperate and disparate band of characters. Elements of American folklore abound in this tale of frontier exploration, as does the sense that the cast are heading for a momentous showdown as they approach the Pacific Coast.

There's a lot going on in Post Americana #1, in terms of the set up for future issues. Skroce expertly handles the introduction to the setting and the main characters, while along the way, takes a knife to just about every major American cultural point over the last decade. It's fun and furious, and just a little bit dangerous.

Stillwater #6 is the end of the first arc, with the town of Stillwater consumed by anarchy and violence as the Judge puts his foot down with cataclysmic effect. But there are enough story threads left dangling that indicate Zdarsky has more up his sleeve for this hidden town of immortals.

What's not to love about Nazis building secret bases, powered by powerful energy sources, with secret weapons ready to take on the forces of democracy (well, apart from common decency?) This is a strong first issue, filled with memorable events and characters.

Primarily a flashback story, Twin Worlds #4 is a waypoint in the longer narrative of this series. Seeds are planted for future occurrences, as Zara and the twins progress towards safety under the eye of a dark sorceress bent on their deaths.

Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive #1 is a cleanly written beast of a comic, with a throbbing heart waiting to be unleashed on all those who deserve to fall under the shadow of the man in the yellow trench coat.

Thief of Thieves #38 is a dramatic, character filled issue that breaks down our lead Redmond and leaves him to pick up the pieces of himself.

Frank Miller returns with a mythic take on an old, old story of war, domination and men reaching for heaven and the mantle of God.

The Wild Bunch meets Leon in a frenetic bloodbath that positively drips with unrestrained violence that almost leaps from the page and garrottes the reader.

An issue of a crime book like no other, with a philosopher king lead protagonist like no other, Stray Bullets #36 will reach in and pull your heart out, and make you enjoy every moment.

Action and laughs at a rapid-fire rate. Assassin Nation #2 picks up the ball from issue 1, and races for the end zone, filling its pages with relentless action and enough one-liners to keep you chuckling long after you finish the issue.

Batman #67 gives the audience the silent treatment, but in doing so, brings a new level of storytelling to an old trope, making for an engaging read that will leave you gasping at thee end.

Crime doesn't pay, but reading about it certainly pays off, again and again. Well-paced storytelling combined with characters both repellant and attractive, Criminal #4 pivots the storyline back to its criminal roots, and promises more, much, much more, to look forward to.

A journey to the center of the world can give the impression there's lots of pulpy action along the way. Instead, Die #16 takes a more cerebral route to its goal, depicting characters facing unimaginable odds all through the prism of their experiences and broken lives. Die #16 is a superior read, and an issue full of startling and stunning artwork.

Far Cry #1 takes, from what I can see, the best elements of the Far Cry 6, and melds them into a comprehensible tale that concentrates on the strongest aspects of the story. While the reader can't engage in a first person shooter with this title, the lure of understanding what makes a dictator tick, and how a man becomes a monster, is certainly attractive.

Heroes in Crisis #7 is definitely an issue for those who started at the beginning, with a complicated, convoluted plot and series of events beginning to knit themselves into something approaching coherency. If you've come to this issue first " STOP, GO BACK to issue 1. Otherwise, admire the art because it is fantastic.

Not everyone gets what they deserve in this wrap issue of what has been an entertaining series that managed to ride out the distribution issues caused by the pandemic. The creative team's belief in the series is shown in their determination to get the final issues out into the world. Seeking out the series will be well worth your time.

A happy reunion amidst the bloody body parts of the bad guys reinforces Post Americanas no holds barred attitude to the world it is depicting. Come for the end of civilization, and stay for the double act of Hawksworthe and his mother!

A bleak examination of a community that strives to be ideal, but discovers it has a cancer growing at its heart. Bryan Hill has created a slate of grim faced characters wrestling with the realization that the town of Eden is no paradise, but is instead a type of Hell Bosch might have nodded approvingly at seeing. Artist Raffaele Ienco's work is the highlight of this issue, cold comfort for the horrors contained within Postal Deliverance #6

REDNECK #28 sets the scene for future issues, as the vampire Lord Demus starts the process of reclaiming vampire dominion over the world. While the Bowmans are tucked into a place of refuge for now, there is the overwhelming sense their quietude is about to be washed away in a rising tide of blood.

Populated with fun characters and awesome artwork, Rumble #12 catches the eye with its unique art and pacey storytelling, in a rip-roaring tale of good versus evil.

With fantastic artwork and a wide, cinematic lens to drink in the action, Seven Secrets #5 is the perfect issue to say farewell to a nightmare 2020. Bright and vivacious, it is littered with stunning set pieces that drive the story forward to an impressive cliffhanger.

Sukeban Turbo #4 is about as damned close to a Quentin Tarantino movie in comics form as you're going to get! It is a gut punch of a book, full of incident and character, that evokes the best of pulp movies, with compelling art to match

THE DEVIL'S RED BRIDE #1 is a strong opener to a series that promises much, and on the basis of this first issue, is highly likely to deliver on those promises. Strong writing, with a strong central character, ensures a taut and exciting debut. There's so much good stuff in this issue, I'll certainly be back for more.

deliriously crazy, full of the sort of crazed notions that populate 4chan, and all Dexterously welded together by a creative team happily embracing it all, The Recount #2 is a lot of fun and a knowing nod to where things might go if all the barriers are torn down. Quite possibly, The Recount #2 is a warning to the world about where things might spiral if allowed to do so.

A compelling collection of strange tales from Britain's premier comic book publication, 2000AD PROG 2180 is well worth your time and money. I think my love for it has been rekindled.

Coming out under the DC Vertigo banner, American Carnage #3 is a confronting, oftentimes distressing issue, which nonetheless is important. Oftentimes in periods of great peril or upheaval, it is our artists who can bring meaning to the strife around us, distilling the confusion into one strong image or work that speaks to everyone in a universal language. American Carnage #3 forms part of a work of art that in time will enable future readers to look back in one attempt to understand the movements and moments, those of us living today tried to comprehend. Painful, punishing, but absolutely riveting, American Carnage may be the comic book of our times.

While Wynn Morgan isn't a perfect analogue of Trump, he does feel perfectly suited to a world where Trump is President. And while American Carnage #5 isn't a documentary, there are enough elements here to challenge the reader to not look away when confronted with the reality of America today.

Like being clubbed over the head with a bottle of Scotch, Analog #5 is a refreshing take on an old noir standby.

Analog #9 is great, pulpy fun. It's full of action and incident, and appears to be barreling towards some sort of conclusion to the main arc, as Jack and Oppenheimer come face to face. This isn't an issue full of penetrating characterization, or mordant philosophizing about the nature of reality in a post-privacy world. It is a bright and breeze adventure, people with entertaining characters more sketch than portrait, and is all the better for it.

A one-man army assisted by a secretive organization that only on the last page comes out of the shadows, Bang! #2 does exactly what the title suggests and provides an all action comic that entertains from start to finish. There are hints of a mystery being readied to be unveiled, dastardly villains with terrible facial scars, and a protagonist we can all root for. Bang! #2 is a more than welcome addition to your collection, so go out (lockdown permitting!) and buy buy buy!

Good wins and everyone goes home alive. Hurrah!

Black Science #38 will have you calling your very existence into question as reality unravels around you!

A strong return to Blackwood featuring amusing writing, some deft characterisation, and enough mystery and events to hook the reader into coming back to the next issue.

Simon Spurrier continues to weave a melancholy tale of magic lost and a world teetering on the edge in Coda #2.

2019 starts with a bang with Criminal #1. This is old, familiar ground for Brubaker and Phillips, but none of it feels tired or hackneyed. There's a tired humanity to Teeg that leaps off the page " even though he's badly beaten his son, he still heads out to earn the money that will stop the mob killing the boy. The art is strong, bringing to life the sour reality of a life of crime. Phillips' front cover is a highlight, and tells the reader exactly what to expect inside the book; a man with desperation etched onto his face and blood on his hands, bracing himself to fight whoever comes next. Criminal #1 is the opening issue of what will become a monthly must buy.

Epic fantasy with a number of novel twists, compelling characters who shape the plot, not the other way around, and a fascinating critique of a genre in desperate need of close examination, and a clever use of a modern cause in a fantasy setting. Crone #4 has it all!

Crowded is the literal bleeding edge of futuristic satire, a slippery slope slicked with the blood of the innocents and a riveting satiric take on the gig economy gone mad.

The passage and ravages of time is ably portrayed in Dead Eyes #1, with some fine art and at times amusing writing keeping the story flowing nicely towards a chilling conclusion. Dead Eyes #1 is a strong opening issue that holds the promise of more excellent storytelling to come.

A fast and furious depiction of a former criminal forced by circumstance to go back to his bank robbing ways, Dead Eyes #2 is more than simply another crime thriller, but also a (admittedly shallow) examination of what people will do when they have no other options.

There's plenty of grit hidden within the pages of this book " characters killed, brutal crime lords orchestrating the framing of a good cop, rampant corruption, all under the guise of a colorful romp through a city seemingly populated with criminals and cops. Tracy's sarcastic quips and sardonic asides contrast nicely with the colorful, exaggerated artwork. There's the introduction of a support team for Tracy, who will no doubt supply kooky gadgets and lots of fun storylines in the future. And that's the watchword here: fun. Get out and get it, Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive #3 will leave you feeling more alive than dead.

Zack Kaplan's serviceable script performs as to expectations, the overall feel of the issue raised much higher than it perhaps deserves by the outstanding art and coloring.

Come for the creative endeavor, and stay for the chance to watch a rebellion build over future issues. ENGINEWARD #1 doesn't do anything particularly new within the boundaries of this particular genre, but it does it with attention to detail, entertaining dialog, and the promise of a satisfying and cathartic finale at the end of the series.

The ending to Ether: The Copper Golems #5 is perhaps not what devoted readers wanted, or indeed expected. But, there is a dark grace to it as Kindt elegantly shifts gears during the course of the issue.

The fruits of our labors can often be tainted by greed and ambition. Farmhand #11 begins laying out the poison that lies within the heart of ambition. Guillory sets the horror aside in this issue, and replaces it with a story hopes betrayed by good intentions and bad.

Artwork and writing mesh very will in Fear Case #4. While the idea that man's inhumanity to man is linked to the supernatural, Kindt doesn't absolve us totally of our sins towards one another. You have to want to open the case in the first place to be the cause of mortal sins, and there's plenty of sinning to go around.

A Clash of Kings #15 demonstrates that not all of GRR Martin's writing revolves around stunning twists and acts of bloody violence. He has created a world filled with what feel like real people, with real desires and motivations. At the hands of Walker and artist Mel Rubi (whose naturalistic artwork is fantastic), this adaptation brought to mind my thrill and excitement at reading the earliest books in the Song of Ice and Fire. This issue is a compelling, absorbing read, and one I highly recommend to you all.

A tale of revenge gone awry, with a cast of appealing vicious characters aided by a really intriguing piece of technology. HARDCORE: RELOADED #5 is a crowd pleasing end to a strong series that has plenty of juice left in the tank for many more stories to come.

The World's Deadliest Tween Superhero vs the Great White North in this knock 'em down, stand 'em up, then knock 'em down again slugfest!

A painful examination of childhood trauma and its ongoing ramifications, I Walk With Monsters #5 justly deserves the plaudits both its writer and artistic team have garnered since it began.

Inspired by the psychological thrills of 70s horror films, Infidel #4 creeps up on you before leaping out and feasting on your frantically beating heart.

It's one thing to realize your mortality in the face of a vast universe that doesn't care; it's another to make that same realization when there is no universe left at all. This knowledge, intangible though it is, is perhaps the strongest aspect of Cady's script.

While not the end of the series, KILLADELPHIA #6 presents a convincing end point. While the emphasis is on the repaired relationship between the Sangsters, there's enough violence and action to keep the most bloodthirsty reader satiated.

Nothing much happens in Lucifer #11, but action isn't the point of this issue. It's an interesting issue that uses the medium to good effect, using mystical creatures as a lens through which to discuss several interesting philosophical points. But don't be put off by that " the artwork is excellent and the imagery of what is shown in Heaven and Hell will linger long in the mind's eye.

Fertility rates are falling and the proxies are on the rise as a means to help fill the gap. An appealing husband and wife team fall in love with their gifted proxy, while her creator in South Korea is about to discover what crossing the bosses really means.

MONEY SHOT #8 mixes sex with social commentary in a fun way, getting the message in before moving on to more palatable fare. While there might be a lot of talk about sex, and too little of its actuality, MONEY SHOT #8 more than entertains in other ways. If you're looking for a book that talks frankly about sex, how fun it can be, and mixing in a little adventure on the side, then MONEY SHOT #8 is the one for you!

You can purchase this issue via comiXology

Pandemica #3 isn't an easy read. The racism on display, the grossness of the effects of the epidemics and the violence all add up to a terrible indictment on humanity. Some might think that the apocalypse unleashed by the racists is a deserving punishment for the vanity of humans and their ongoing ability to plumb the depths of depravity. There is a glimmer of hope at the end of the issue, but if Maberry's previous work is any guide, it'll get pitch black before there's any chance of redemption.

You can purchase this issue via comiXology

A solid, entertaining mix of elements we've seen before, but very well realized and depicted, Reaver #4 will leave the reader feeling satisfied, and eager for more.

Father loses son, ventures across the galaxy in search, while son falls in with people whose moon was destroyed by the creature the father is working to protect. Twin storylines, full of action and mystery, characterise a very strong Sea of Stars #9

Strong themes, compelling writing and characters, and artwork that tells it as straight as does the writing, SFSX #2 is a belter of an issue that will leave you thinking hard on the implications. Both sides of the argument for and against sexual liberation are given, and if Horn's leanings are obvious to all, at least those opposed to her views cannot say they don't get a fair hearing.

A rollicking ride as two sides go to war to impose/defend their way of living. Fluid artwork coupled with didatic storytelling come together to produce an entertaining, compelling (if one sided) story of sex and freedom.

Traditionally a dish served cold, revenge in this issue of Shanghai Red comes hot, salty and very, very bloody!

YA horror with the edges shaved off, Steeple #1 is a fun and engaging read populated by a series of interesting and captivating characters. Billie Baker is young woman who will appeal to a younger female audience; an identification figure for girls seeking a heroine who looks and acts just like them. This issue might pleasantly surprise people of faith, as it treats religion with a respect scant other works of fiction provide today.

Since picking up Stray Bullets after a lengthy hiatus, I have been drawn back to it repeatedly due to the strong storytelling and rich characters. The events are appalling, and some of the characters barely deserve the title human, but Lapham has woven a rich tapestry of crime and tension from the disparate threads. Stray Bullets #40 feels in some way like an ending, but there is so much more on offer that it really feels instead like a beginning.

THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1 goes to the top of my monthly list of reads. A slow burn opener that reveals much about the main character through the wry interactions with his wife and the other people in the country, THAT TEXAS BLOOD #1 promises to be an entertaining, thrilling series.

The Grim Knight #1 is a power fantasy for all of us who revel in its masculine identity. It's also a story that lays out in brutal detail that while our Batman operates outside the strictures of the law, it is those laws that keeps monsters like the Grim Knight from imposing their twisted morals and values over the rest of us.

Evil's origin is examined in this tense opening issue of the Joe Hill inspired mini-series, The Cape: Fallen.

Fast paced, making clever use of horror tropes, with morally ambiguous characters in a morally ambiguous universe, The Silver Coin #3 is yet another issue in what is fast becoming the premiere comic horror series.

Strong visuals, characters with heft and weight, and a sense that things are coming apart not only in a nation at war, but in our lead character, mark Two Moons #1 as a strong opening issue in what promises to be an exciting and intriguing series.

Witchblade #16 is a great story that falters slightly at the end as the needs of the overall story force a cliffhanger on the narrative. That said, Alex's characterization is a standout, and with Ingranata's strong and beautiful artwork at play, Witchblade #16 is an essential purchase for fans not only of the series, but for those interested in complex female characters facing impossible odds.

Another startling example of how British writers and artists match it toe to toe with their American counterparts in the comic's genre. Each of the stories has its own unique voice and while not all of them met my somewhat exacting standards, each of them have very appealing elements.

The full range of stories are on display in 2000AD #2236, from thriller, to comedy, social commentary and the plain weird.

A way station in a longer narrative arc, Buffy the Vampire Slayer #23 brings all the familiar feels that the show did - compellingly drawn characters in dangerous situations, squabbling and bickering, but always having each other's backs - even if sometimes there's something very pointy heading in its direction.

Imagine an older, drunker, more disbelieving version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and you've got Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter #4. Entertaining, sobering and a fun read, this is a really interesting book everyone should check out.

intriguing, with familiar genre elements as a framing device, Dead End Kids: The Suburban Job #1is a compelling, at times sad reading experience.

DEATH TO THE ARMY OF DARKNESS #4 brings the flavor of the movies to the printed page, with lots of outlandish visuals and great realization of the humor that marked the latter movies and the television series from a couple of years back. A worthy followup!

Some might think the concept is basically a throw away, the humor too frivolous and lightweight, but in the right frame of mind, Ninja Nuns #1 is a diverting piece of entertainment (though at $4.99, you're paying a premium for it). In a dour world of riots and insurrection, Ninja Nuns #1 is piece of fluff that more often than not hits the funny

All good action stories need a dose of humor, and Red Sonja #4 provides it in spades. Fun, brash and violent, it sets the story arc perfectly for the final denouement in the next issue!

Brutal and compelling, Road of Bones #1 is a hard opening issue to read. Rich Douek and Alex Cormack are confident in the handling of their material, but it isn't for the weak of stomach or those of a nervous disposition.

If you go into Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy #3 prepared for a pretty dark vision of humanity, with most of the police corrupt, a bit of Stockholm Syndrome with the boy Skulldigger has taken in, and a police detective who is so wedded to the job its destroying her actual relationship, then you'll probably enjoy it. I know I did.

Once Snyder gets the bit between his teeth, he doesn't let go. With all the grace of a hippopotamus performing Swan Lake, The Batman Who Laughs #6 crashes into the comic's scene. It's fun, it's shallow, it's gripping and it's hugely entertaining.

There's a lot to like about The Marked #5. The art is fantastic, but it never quite meshes with the writing. While I found the antagonist's motivations to be lacking, loneliness is an issue that speaks to millions in the calorie free world of social media. A bold, striking issue, with some writing issues, The Marked #5 is a bit of a mixed bag.

The Scumbag #1 handily subverts the comic book genre, while providing plenty of laughs and entertaining visuals in the process. Ernie is an instantly compelling character, even if he's the sort of human stain you'd happily flush down the toilet. God may work in mysterious ways, but there's absolutely nothing mysterious about Ernie, as the Earth is going to find out in future issues.

A satisfying read from beginning to end, Twin Worlds #3 gets to the heart of the struggle between the humans and the Tassonites, and within the communities and people making up the world of Tassaroth. Prophecies are announced, and wars fought. It all sets the stage for the next exciting chapter.

Above all fun, Wyrd #3 also allows us to see behind the curtain of Wyrd's character. The sense of something bigger going on is overwhelming, and sets the rest of the series up for further revelations, and huge moments!

Bedtime Games #1 is as close to a comic book adaptation of IT as you're likely to see this summer.

War is Hell and Garth Ennis is the writer to take by the hand in your journey through it as you join the Soviet and Nazi tankers in this searing examination of the opening moves of the Battle of the Kursk.

21 Jump Street meets realpolitik as a lost Scout troop take on Little Rocket Man!

Delta 13 describes a slow-burning spiral into madness and betrayal as the cold reaches of space reveal their horrifying secrets in this taut thriller of man's best intentions gone horrifyingly awry.

Lots of fun to be had as Ripley and Hendricks battle the machinations of Weyland-Yutani while the Xenomorphs go on a mass killing spree. The cliffhanger complicates matters for our heroes, so there's plenty to look forward to in the next issue!

A fast-moving tale of kids in peril, no matter how highly trained, Black Badge #9 looks back and forward, deepening the mystery while introducing new elements that will no doubt fuel further storylines.

Super skilled teen agents against a cohort of corrupted adults. I think I know who'll win. But not before an ocean of blood is spilled to wash the sins away"

You can purchase this issue via comiXology

Black Science #39 spends too much of its time talking and not enough time getting ready for the finale. For all that, the art is as good as it has ever been, even if the writing is too wordy and the pace on life support. Stay tuned, though, because with this issue out of the way, the ending promises to be a winner.

Bone Parish #4 feels very much like dedicated readers are nearing the end of the story. Bunn brings us to the point where threads start to be tied off, and the dark powers of her family begin to shine forth. Without the supernatural element, this would've been a perfectly fine crime drama involving drugs, cartels, corrupt cops and revenge. Adding the Ash gives the story a twist that adds a far darker element to the story, and the chance for some eye-catching visuals. We aren't quite at the end of this memorable series, but the pieces are being put in place for a gruesome finish.

Heavy action scenes, a same same origin story, all point to a series in need of ensuring every issue doesn't become a retreat of what has gone before. There's enough going on, however, to keep readers coming back for more. But less of the gynecological fireworks, please.

Familiar tropes and characters set in familiar world mark Deep Beyond #1 as the opening issue that feels very, very familiar. Some lovely artwork and excellent action set pieces aren't enough to elevate this opening issue above the average.

The Dark Knights face off in a steady as she goes issue that presents excellent artwork and a decent storyline. Mystery piles on mystery, while Damian flings himself into danger. Great artwork carry the larger burden of a story slowly unfolding before our eyes.

What you see is what you get, and Family Tree #1 is a confident opening issue that presents puzzles and mysteries for the characters and audience to solve. One of the pleasures of reading a story like this is that the readers have a sense of what is happening, and are keenly waiting to see what the protagonists make of the horrors to come.

Female Furies #2 is an ordeal by fire, a broadside against how men treat women, cast against the pulpy Technicolor of a modern superhero comic.

A compelling tale grounded in on the corner in the here and now, and in the other with an otherworldly story that has a savage, bizarre grace to it.

GRIMM FAIRY TALES #37 harks back to those fabled Saturday morning cartoons on television. It's good, escapist fun. While the story telling doesn't exactly zip along, there's a good sense of good and evil, with the main character striving to do the right thing all the way through. Allowing the supporting characters more involvement in the narrative would've made for a stronger reading experience, but there's always more opportunity for that in upcoming issues.

A satire as broad as it is shallow, Happy Hour #5 makes its point by bludgeoning its characters as well as the readers. Not for everyone, but nonetheless a fun diversion for those seeking a diversion from the agony of existence.

Alternative history that glows in the dark, Nuclear Power #1 is a faltering, but not crippled, start to what promises to be an interesting series. It's one that should grow on the dedicated reader.

Flashbacks and mystery abound as the 'Devil works to unravel what exactly is happening in Winslow House. As in all good comic book storytelling, our major character begins to learn things about himself that he never knew. A decent issue of a fun title that promises more in future releases.

A fun thrill ride that won't be for everyone, but if you like the scent of high octane flooding your nostrils, then The Warning #9 is the read for you.

Unearth #1 won't set the world of horror on fire, but it provides an interestingly blended cast, in an unfamiliar setting, that in the sure hands of Cullen Bunn, will provide a great deal of ghastly entertainment.

VAN HELSING VERSUS THE LEAGUE OF MONSTERS #1 doesn't rock the boat in terms of originality. It's hard to think how you might do something new with this assemblage of characters and tropes. The best one can hope for is that the creators handle the elements with care, and don't simply trot out variations on a theme.

Lots of fun elements that never really cohere, saved for the most part by excellent artwork and some very dark humor.

Less than the sum of its parts, Wyrd #4 is a so so end to an arc that never reached the heights it seemed to aspire to, but is never so bad that you can't read to the end. Good artwork and a decent twist mark it as a book to go out and buy.

Abbott 1973 #1 deftly recapitulates the earlier series while setting the table for the adventures to come. Elena Abbott is an interesting character - confident in her job, less so in her relationship, but committed to the truth to enable Detroit to flourish in this new decade. While her domestic and professional life are foregrounded in this issue, her role as the Lightbringer against the occult forces of darkness hovers in the background, ready to be unleashed.

A darkly tongue-in-cheek story about the perils of assembling the world's greatest hitmen (and women!) in one room. Fun and frivolous, Assassin Nation #1 doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should you. If the crazy antics of the hotheads don't bring a smile to your face, you'd better check your pulse!

Not all horror stories must be steeped in rivers of blood " Cold Spots will dance fingers of ice down your spine in this menacing second issue!

It's evident that Duggan has set out to comment on an important aspect of American life through the prism of a man desperate to save his wife's life. He doesn't preach, but lays out why a man who is living a comfortable life might be pushed to do what he does, against his best interests. More than that, Dead Rabbit #2 is a solid story about a skilled bank robber who never quite lost the itch, and even if he is using his wife's illness as an excuse to get back in the saddle, he's putting the money to a good cause. But, as the warnings say, don't try this at home, kids.

Detective Comics #994 is not only a very good issue of an iconic character, but a good jumping on point for new readers, and for those who may have drifted away (cough). It has everything you expect from Batman " detective skills, a remorseless will to win, and plenty of mayhem and action. The artwork is phenomenal, as is the coloring. There is a real cinematic feel to the art, which helps drive the story forward to its stunning last page. And while you would expect this particular villain to feature at this celebratory point in the comic's history, it still makes for a compelling reveal.

A funny slice of a long-gone era from a time when music dominated our airwaves. Gunning for Hits #4 is populated by an amusing variety of characters, who feel real and are given time and space to grow. An amusing story with heaps of potential.

Judge Dredd: False Witness #4 ticks all the boxes you'd expect in a Judge Dredd comic. That said, it feels like something of a missed opportunity; a chance to really go for the throat of a decadent and corrupt America - the surface is scraped, but the really rotten core remains hidden from view.

Shows promise, but only if you're prepared to slog throughthis opening issue"

What would otherwise be a series of tired tropes is brought to life in the skillful hands of Phillip Johnson, who advances the plot while revealing new mysteries to be fathomed. Low Road West #3 continues the momentum of the earlier issues, presenting each of the characters in a moment of tension that reveals their characters, as all good drama should. I really loved the art, particularly the alien sequences which popped off the page and brought a real vibrancy and life to the book. Low Road West #3 and the series as a whole are definitely worth your time.

Pandemica #1 will have you looking uneasily over your shoulder, and scanning the media obsessively for signs of the coming racially inspired Armageddon.

Pathfinder: Spiral of Bones #3 presents the sort of good, clean dungeon bashing fun we all loved on those fabled Friday night gaming sessions of yore.

Millar's skill in setting up Elliot's backstory with economy and grace allows the story to build up to a breakneck speed very quickly. Prodigy #1 is a delightful book on a number of levels, particularly the good, pulpy fun throughout, and the beautiful artwork. If you're looking for a heavier treatment of the themes and story in this issue, this isn't the place to start. But if you're interested in excitement and adventure and a story with a big heart, then Prodigy #1 is the book to read.

Red Sonja #7 is a curate's egg " some of it is very good, and the rest, not so much. There's enough sword on sword action here to whet the appetite for more, and if a healthy looking woman in chainmail floats your boat, then climb on board. However, there's some material here to give others pause, and if you're not into scenes of violence or body horror, then perhaps avoid.

Zombie fiction is not dead, but it sure aint alive, either. There will always be a place for it within the horror canon, but as with anything, the wheel has begun to turn. It will come back, after the next iteration of the vampire, witch or Cthulhu-esque monster has had its turn on the stage. Until that moment, Road of the Dead: Highway to Hell #1 is a more than adequate placeholder.

Cryptid mania and a desperate search for a lost friend all come together in a fun, if slightly oddly told, story that has appeal for all ages and interests.

Beauty #25 is not a compulsory read within the larger body of the series. Given it ends on a similar cliffhanger to the previous issue, I feel that you could very well skip it and proceed to the following issue, which will no doubt propel the story farther along. For all that, the artwork is solid as usual, and while the story is as thin as the paper the issue is printed on, there is a good sense of pacing and action that lifts it just above average. Not essential, but still good.

A reed thin revenge fantasy with stock characters and a wholly unlikeable lead, The Cape: Fallen #4 may not be preferred reading for many. If you're into dark, twisted revenge fantasies featuring a warped protagonist more child than man, then The Cape: Fallen #4 is the comic for you.

The Whispering Dark #3 is an excellent example of the weird tale, and one you should all get your hands on.

The X Files meets Joe Lansdale's trademark Southern Fried Gothic in this opening issue helping to celebrate 25 years of The X Files!

The end of the world comes in the form of a computer virus, which is the only real interesting element in an otherwise entertaining story that doesn't really attempt to do anything different with elements we've all come to understand. Milligan and Hervas work well together to craft a world on the precipice of total collapse. Hopefully, the rest of the series works hard to engage the attention of its readers.

A mess, but one with some promise. Amber Blake #1 feels a lot like a try out for what works, and what doesn't. Hopefully, Jade Lagardere has worked out exactly what sort of story he wants to tell, and sticks to it for the remainder of the run. If he doesn't, Amber Blake may simply fade away, which would be a crime.

An issue where the team takes stock of what happened in the previous issue, as those who died are mourned, and effort is made to bind up the wounds both physical and mental of those who survived. In one sense a jumping on point for future issues, Copra #4 treads water to more or less good effect.

Tired tropes, missed opportunities, and a hankering for spectacle over human emotion leave DCeased feeling decidedly underwhelming and a bit pallid. A drab snack instead of the banquet it might have been.

Doctor Who Comic #3 is packed with supporting characters who get very little opportunity to shine, overshadowed by the two Doctors who basically steal every panel they appear in together. A not very interesting story fades into the background as the expanded TARDIS crew flit from location to location. It's okay, but could be far better.

Low-key to the point of comatose, this issue is either a neat wrap up for dedicated readers, or a twenty-minute hell ride through ennui.

: Blood drinker and bloody handed swordswomen wouldn't ordinarily make for an expected pairing " but Vampirella and Red Sonja unexpectedly do. Come for the crazy crossover and stay for the unexpected delights of a four way frolic with some of comics most iconic heroines " you won't be disappointed!

Section Zero #1 is clearly the creator's effort to right a wrong that occurred when it was cancelled back in 2000, down to the decision to retell the original storyline in this revamped release. They may have been able to get away with the storytelling back then, but sadly, today it fairly creaks and groans. Not terrible, but not awesome, Section Zero #1 is simply"there.

If there is enough in Sword Daughter #5 for the reader to come back to future issues, it is those tensions at play that will reward the dedicated reader.

Overall, this is a solid issue, which matches its theme to the story, and proves compelling.

Crime, punishment and the search for justice intermingle in an issue that mostly sticks the landing. Vindication #4 is a tough, but worthwhile read and if some of the elements don't always cohere, it's a valiant effort at trying to come to terms with the real world as it is, and not how we would like it to be.

A good, if basic storyline, slowly begins to ramp up the stakes as Cal finds himself falling for a vampire who might be playing a double game and his partner goes an even darker shade of green as he finds the missing city workers. Art by Gyula Nemeth saves the day, and there's enough potential in this series for your reviewer to urge readers to come back for more.

Fight Club 3 #2 is an unforgiving test for the reader. You have to be prepared to buy in wholeheartedly to the narrative being shaped, or if not, be ready to be left behind as the whole mad construct pinwheels off into the distance.

Tom Clancy's The Division: Extremis Malis #1 is a compactly told opening featuring an engaging lead that sets the table for more technical wizardry and all-around mayhem. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it has the easy familiarity of a summer blockbuster and is all the better for it. Now that the threat is established and our main character is out on the streets looking for vengeance, readers can look forward to more mayhem and adventure in future issues.

Steve Niles concludes this reboot of his landmark series from 15 years ago with a no holds barred, stand 'em up and knock 'em down issue length fight to the death!

A great premise if somewhat iffy execution, Bad Luck Chuck #3 gives the reader a taste of what's to come.

I hate writing a negative review. Banjax #4 unfortunately didn't work for me. If the readers do like a comic jam-packed with action and flavoured with some salty language, then it may be for them, which is great. But at the end of the day I have to say it as I see it, and Banjax #4 isn't very good. An endless succession of clichs, a narrative that veers into incoherency, it is only saved by some great artwork.

A quiet issue that further sets up the characters as the Galactica approaches New Caprica. There's nothing truly remarkable here, as the Moreci is forced to insert his storyline into established continuity. But the character moments are well-handled and the shooting can't be too far away"

The real hero of this issue isn't super spy Michael Blackburn, or his plucky co-lead Grace Moody, but instead it is Jason Howard's kinetic, muscular art.

The kernel of deeper currents appears in Cyber Force #8, but isn't effectively covered. A lot of space is given to a three-way brawl that other than inching that side of the plot along, doesn't provide much narrative juice to the reader. Dominque's trauma is much better handled and deservedly so, with the writing and art coming together to depict an anguished person struggling to come to terms with their new status. Overall, though, there is a feeling of going through the motions with this issue, which is a pity.

There's plenty of heroic action in comics today, but there may be none so exciting and full of promise as the adventures of Kratos, the God of War.

Haunted Horror #34 is a deep, delicious dive into the campy delights of pre-code 1950s horror comic's anthologies!

Infinite Dark #4 caps off this arc of the story in a way that invites the readers back for more this April. The current mystery is resolved, but with enough dangling threads both inside and outside the station that there are sure to be more intriguing questions thrown up in issue #5.

An interesting re-imagining of a classic movie and character, Ian Fleming's James Bond 007 #7 is a perfectly fine tale that sets the table for future events.

Mignola and Golden continue the two-fisted, occult adventures of detective Joe Golem, in this spooky return to drowned New York!

Night Moves #1 sets up the storyline to come. There's a lived in quality to the characters and the writing, which makes it easy for the reader to settle in. It's really important now that the next few issues take the ball and run ahead, and not get bogged down in more scene setting. There's a great deal to like with this opening issue, and I really hope it finds an appreciative audience. There's the potential here for something great.

Not essential, but interesting nonetheless.

Not the most intelligent series around, V "Wars: God of Death makes up for the thud and blunder with an energy most action series ache to achieve, but often fall short of meeting.

Lowlife's #2 examines every husband's nightmare, every cop's dilemma. When does the search for justice become a quest for vengeance?

Mad Max and Romeo and Juliet come together as then forces of anarchy clash with a new police state in issue 2 of The New World.

Look, this is a first issue, so much of my problems no doubt stem from the requirement to set up the situation and characters as quickly as possible. There's a very good idea bubbling away just under the surface here. While it concentrates on Christopher for the most part, hopefully, the reintroduction of Washington in the next issue will bring the tension this issue sorely needed in its latter stages. While I'm dissatisfied with the writing, there's enough good stuff and potential that I will be checking out issue 2. The table is set, let's dig in.

Conan doesn't have this sort of problem, and there's no reason why Red Sonja can't be the same. Robert E Howard's Hyborian Age is packed to the gills with teeming cities, brooding jungles, blood tinged oceans, mystical mountains, uncaring gods, short and brutal battles and doom-haunted tombs. Dishing up such a bland meal as Red Sonja #23 is a crying shame that shortchanges not only the character and her potential, but more importantly, the audience.

Shaken and not stirred, young James Bond starts his career with an almighty bang.