Ryan Sonneville Comic Reviews

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.

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.

Armored #5, and the entire first run it wraps up, is an excellent comic with a clear vision and purpose. Beneath its inviting surface lies a narrative rich with emotional depth. It's a series that knows how to speak to younger audiences without losing the substance and nuance that keeps more experienced fans returning for more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

It should be said, that like Chris Claremont on the X-Men, Peter David left the Hulk abruptly following disagreements with editors at Marvel. While it's unfortunate all these issues don't have Peter David's script, it is easy to see his grander plan still represented in its final issues. I won't spoil the way the story concludes, but it's a fitting narrative conclusion to one of Marvel's most iconic figures.

There have been some home runs and some misses within the X-line since the relaunch following House of X, and Marauders sits comfortably between those two ends of the spectrum. There are some very fun, animated moments and reverence for the lore of the Marvel universe present in this trade, but it does veer towards convoluted plotting as it tries to navigate the narrative. Fans of Kate Pryde and her swashbuckling team of space pirates will enjoy the conclusion to this iteration of the Marauders, but it may be a difficult read for the uninitiated.

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.

Fans of Strange Academy and the darker corners of the Marvel Universe might enjoy this simple diabolic adventure, even if it isn't earth-shattering in its implications. Sacks gives his popular cast of characters plenty to engage with as a team and opens the possibilities of future adventures by theMidnight Suns, but hopefully those future runs will dig into the creepy aspects of the Marvel Universe more effectively.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Even if it charts its own path, the solid groundwork here suggests plenty of room for political intrigue, Jedi philosophy, and underworld skullduggery in issues to come.Star Wars #1 leaves me optimistic that Marvel is ready to give us their sequel toReturn of the Jedi. AlexSeguraand PhilNoto clearly understand what makesStar Wars tick, as this comic demonstrates their competency in balancing various beats within the franchise.

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.

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.

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.

Fear of the Jediworks as an accessible slice ofHigh Republicstorytelling with dependable visuals and familiar faces. It doesn't add much to the larger mythology, but it remains a decent read for fans who want to revisit Keeve and the lingering aftermath of the Nihil's fall without expecting major developments.

As a single issue, this offers a tender (if somewhat muted) conclusion to The High Republic. It favors tears over triumph, remembrance over revelation. As a farewell issue, it succeeds in wrapping up character arcs and themes, but it stops short of delivering any major revelations or momentum for the future. With no clear direction for these characters beyond this point, I can't help but feel a sense of uncertainty, but as a standalone conclusion, it will likely satisfy anyone who has been following this era of Star Wars comics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.