Ryan Sonneville's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: AIPT Reviews: 28
8.1Avg. Review Rating

6.5
2020 Iron Age #1

Mar 17, 2020

There isn't anything here that is going to entice folks to pay attention to the 2020 line, but there are creative ideas from the three creative teams present, giving some life to this small corner of the Marvel Universe.

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8.5
Armored (2024) #1

Aug 23, 2024

With issue #2 just now hitting stands,Armored's first issue will hopefully find fans of character-driven spooky adventures.Schwartz and Hernandez are a creative team to be reckoned with the capacity of many stimulating quests to come.

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7
Astonishing Iceman (2023): Out Cold review #1

May 23, 2024

Astonishing Icemanwas a title I passed on when it hit comic shelves, but it turned out to be one of the better minis to come out of the X-line at the start of the Fall of X. Orlando's script is focused and gratifying, flattered by superb art, and makes the case for Iceman being more than a B-character on a larger team book.

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7.5
Batman: The Adventures Continue #6

Jun 21, 2020

This book embraces nostalgia while promising new ground for the animated Batman to confront. While there may not be much to chew on here when it comes to delving deeper into the Batman lore, it is a pleasurable, colorful romp that any age can enjoy.

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8.5
Bug Boys #1

Mar 16, 2021

This nicely bound hardcover fits well into any book bag and should be placed in a young reader's bag as they head off to school and beyond. Its understated approach to bridging the zany and surreal qualities of modern children's cartoons with a loftier emphasis on understanding the larger world makes this a delightful introduction to the comic medium. It's a celebratory adventure from a young creative talent that will worm (pun intended) its way into the hearts of even jaded readers.

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7
Devil's Reign: X-Men #1

Jan 19, 2022

The X-Men have dealt with huge, cosmic foes as of late, so it's refreshing to put them up against an imposing human foe.Devil's Reign: X-Men#1 is a good start to this miniseries that should be seen as required reading by fans of the X-books.

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6
Gambit (2022) #1

Jul 27, 2022

For X-Men fans looking for something far removed from the Krakoan era and recent plot arcs, this will be a welcome alternative. The book reads and feels like it jumped out of 1997, and there is surely a ravenous audience for works of this tone. While it likely won't reveal astonishing secrets about each character, it may just be a fine precursor to the forthcoming Chris Claremont X-Men book and will surely give his fans reason to rejoice.

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8.5
Hidden Society #1

Mar 2, 2020

A great first issue by a creative team hitting their stride.

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9
Mel the Chosen OGN

Nov 1, 2021

Mel the Chosenby Rachele Aragno is a great graphic novel by an up-and-coming cartoonist that will surely be adored by the young and young at heart in any household. From its whimsical characters and setting to the picturesque water-colored visuals, it's a worthy addition to any library.

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8
Monster Friends OGN

Jul 26, 2021

A whimsical adventure for young readers, providing an interesting take on friendship.

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9
Portrait of a Drunk #1

Mar 4, 2020

Portrait of a Drunk is an excellent introduction to some of the paramount living independent comics and won't disappoint those looking for the visual experimentation this medium can provide coupled with sharp storytelling.

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8
Smaller Sister OGN

Jun 28, 2022

Published by Roaring Brook Press, 'Smaller Sister' is yet another fine addition to the current wealth of graphic novels aimed at young readers. Maggie Edkins Willis is a strong comic storyteller whose future releases should be on your radar. While subject material related to eating disorders may be difficult for some readers,Smaller Sisteris so competently composed that it warrants a read by any comic reader.

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7.5
Sort of Super OGN

May 12, 2022

The title is perfectly suitable for young readers between ages 8-13. The book is free from cursing and language not allowed in school and can be safely picked up by parents and librarians. With young readers in my home, I appreciate the structure of the book, breaking the arc into 13 chapters. Recognizing its target audience, the narrative is broken into digestible reading blocks, allowing even my young kids a sense of accomplishment after completing each short chapter.

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6.5
Star Wars (2020) #5

Aug 6, 2020

This is a fine issue in a fine series, but it is very safe in its design and execution. When compared to the interesting developments in the Star Wars mythos being charted in Doctor Aphra, this book feels unfortunately inconsequential. The talent at the book's helm is strong, but it leaves one wanting a more unique adventure in a galaxy far, far away.

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8.5
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020) #2

Jul 22, 2020

As we wait to see what direction Disney takes the Star Wars franchise, it's good to know that they are investing in new takes on the universe. We're only two issues into this series, but it's a perfect time to see what can be done with a franchise that often feels restricted and locked into nostalgia.

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7
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (2023): Max Rebo #1

Aug 9, 2023

Overall, Max Rebo is a fine addition to theReturn of the Jedione-shots Marvel has released for the film's 40thanniversary. It's a joy to see Rebo getting an adventure of his own, while giving readers insight into how he went from Jabba's sail barge to the club in The Mandalorian.

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8.5
Star Wars: The High Republic - Eye Of The Storm #1

Jan 13, 2022

Eye of the Storm#1 is a dark and fascinating look at the complicated villain Marchion Ro, and does more than enough to establish this mini as a necessary read for Star Wars fans.

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9
Strange Academy (2020) #2

Jul 8, 2020

With its lighthearted tone, remarkable art and deep reverence for Marvel canon while also introducing a dozen new characters, this has quickly become one of my favorite comics currently published. We are only two issues in, but I am eagerly anticipating the next issue.

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7
The End (2020): Captain America #1

Feb 5, 2020

A fine read from a skilled comic craftsman taking a shot at a classic property in their own style. I have not read a solo Captain America book in some time and this was a nice diversion from my normal weekly books. If Marvel is willing to give their major properties over to creative forces to experiment and bring their perspective (even for a non-continuity one-shot), I will give them a shot.

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9
The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival OGN

Feb 4, 2024

The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survivalis an emotionally powerful graphic novel that should be required reading for any student studying the events of the Holocaust. Like all great memoirs, it humanizes its central characters in a way that make their lived experiences easily accessible to readers, while guaranteeing that these stories of betrayal and survival remain planted in our communal memory.

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9
Thor (2020) #4

Mar 15, 2020

I was not familiar with either of the creative forces behind this book prior to picking up this issue, but they have made me a fan. Even if you are not a Thor aficionado, this current run is one to check out if you love the art of comics.

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10
Tono Monogatari #1

Mar 24, 2021

Tono Monogatari is simply a book that everyone should read, not just comic or manga fans. This is for anyone interested in taking a masterclass in how tradition can be repackaged and expanded by artists with a purpose. It's a humorous, frightening and beautiful book that deserves celebration.

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9
Turtle In Paradise OGN

Jun 29, 2021

Ganucheau's comic adaptation of Turtle in Paradise stands as a work of its own.

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8.5
Walt Disneys Mickey and Donald Fantastic Futures: Classic Tales with a 22nd Century Twist OGN

Feb 6, 2024

While it doesn't provide much in the way of supplementals, the 250+ page graphic novel is more than enough Disney action and adventure to justify this trade. It's great to see that current talent is still being employed to create comics using Disney characters, and regardless of your age, this book is perfect for any fan of animation, comics, or Disney history.

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9
Way of X (2021) #4

Jul 14, 2021

Si Spurrier's exploration of Krakoan ethos is just what the X-line needed.

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9
Why the People: The Case For Democracy OGN

Jun 14, 2022

Why the Peopleis an excellent text for middle and high school students, as well as adults looking for an interesting way to discuss the benefits of democracy and pluralism in our contentious current political environment.

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8.5
X Lives Of Wolverine (2022) #1

Jan 17, 2022

X Lives of Wolverine #1should comfort X-readers unsure of the future of the X-line while also bring in those who felt the X-books eschewed more traditional super-heroics in recent years. It's an excellent first issue, promising an exciting Wolverine adventure that honors the character's history while giving him fresh vitality for the X-Men era to come.

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8
X-Men: Blood Hunt (2024): Laura Kinney the Wolverine #1

Jul 17, 2024

X-Men: Blood Hunt Laura Kinney: The Wolverine (quite a title for a one-shot) is a great example of what a tie-in can be within a larger event. It's character focused, adds necessary plotting to the larger storyline, and is beautiful drawn by experienced artist that provides the visual core necessary to support the storyline. Wolverine has never looked as formidable and willing to dispense violence than in this issue.

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