Sarah Moran Comic Reviews

Already, Marceline Gone Adrift has proven itself a must read for fans of Marceline and Princess Bubblegum, but there's a lot for any fan of Adventure Time to enjoy. The humor echoes that of the cartoon and the artwork is similar, but different enough to give unique interpretations of the characters. Easily, Marceline Gone Adrift #1 is the strongest start for any Adventure Time spinoffs to date.

Abnett has been doing some fantastic world-building over the course of this run, populating Atlantis with a variety of groups like the Ninth Tride gangs, the mutants, the Silent School, and Widowhood, and in Aquaman #32 it all begins to pay off.

Those seeking answers should probably trade-wait this run, or at the very least wait for next week's Flash, which mightbe more illuminating. Batman #21: The Button is a great tease for a story with potentially enormous repercussions for the DC Universe, but it's mostly just more teasing. Let's get to that story.

Along with some topical points on corruption, culpability, and police brutality (which, surprisingly, don't feel too forced), plus Murphy's scratchy inks and Hollingsworth muted, almost dingy colors, White Knight looks to be a most interesting exploration of not only Batman and Joker, but the city that made them.

This Civil War II tie-in arc of Captain Marvel isn't righting all of the event's wrongs. Carol is still being positioned as the one going too far, the one who will regret having pushed so forcefully for the predictive justice movement. That's a bummer, no other way around it, and it isn't helped by how obvious it is she'll be the villain in the end (much as Iron Man was in the first Civil War). Still, at least her solo title is adding some much needed depth to her decisions, hinting that Carol may realize the folly in predictive justice before it's too late.

Returning one of their flagship titles to its original numbering was meant to symbolize a return to the way things used to be, but I'd argue that what Tynion and his team are doing with Detective Comics isn't returning but rather redefining what the title means for the DC Universe. For decades the Bat-Family has expanded to include a wide variety of characters, all of whom engage with Batman in different but no less important ways. This arc has been all about those relationships and how dear they are to Batman. Without his family, he flounders, and in the wake of Tim's death, what Batman and the rest of the family choose to do will have a resounding effect. (Especially considering where this issue's epilogue leaves us, hinting at more universe-wide implications yet to come.)

Detective Comics isn't just a flagship title for the DC Comics, it's by far one of the best series they're publishing. If you're reading only one Bat-related title, it better be Detective Comics.

Tynion's run on Detective Comics is soon coming to a close, with this arc sure to play on until his grand finale. Suffice it say, if you've been enjoying the adventures of Rebirth's Bat-Family, this an issue that's not to be missed.

Where Batman #21 felt like a tease in the worst way after waiting the better part of a year to return to the Rebirth mystery, The Flash #21 begins laying out the evidence. Its cliffhanger (because of course there's a cliffhanger) is predictable, but it still feels exciting. For fans who've stuck with DC Comics through Flashpoint, the New 52, and Rebirth,"The Button" promises to be one heck of story. Now, let's see if the final two-parts can deliver on that promise.

Where "The Button" lands isn't terribly surprising (DC pretty muchspoiled it by already announcing Doomsday Clock),but there's something to be said of the thrill in knowingDr. Manhattan is the one responsible for theNew 52, for rejiggering the DC Universe, and now, presumably, the Rebirth of it as well. It's weird, it's meta, it's sure piss some people off (Alan Moore, especially), but it's too intriguing to ignore. When Dr. Manhattan's hand reaches in to panel " practically incandescent in glowing Hi-Fi color " and graspsthe button, there's a palpable excitement over where this could lead.

As a debut issue to a big crossover event, Future Quest #1 knocks it out of the park. Fans who grew up watching these cartoons will find themselves transported back to Saturday mornings sitting in front of the TV, wearing their PJsandeatinga big bowl of sugary cereal. Still, Future Quest #1 is very accessible to new readers, offering an easy to followintroduction to these Hanna-Barbera heroes, their relationships and motivations. Without a doubt, Future Quest is off to a very strong start, and as more characters are assembled, the series promises to only get better and better.

Sirens is brimming with potential, that much is clear. What isn't so clear is precisely who these women are and why they need to band together. However, as long as further explanation comes quickly, Sirens looks to be slam-bang adventure full of brash beauties ready to raise hell.

The premise of this crossover can still deliver a funny and wild adventure, pairing together two wildly different sets of gal pals " but only if forthcoming issues give us a reason to believe Betty and Veronica are friends. Braga's artwork could use a little more variety, too, better distinguishing between the leading ladies. Issue #2 will be the true test of what this series can be now that Betty and Veronica are finally face to face with Harley and Ivy, but it's got some work to do to make this crossover as enjoyable as we hoped.

Harley Quinn #34 is a fantastic finale (even if the series isn't exactly ending). While Harley will continue to star in future issues of this series as well as Suicide Squad and any other series they can squeeze her into, it'll be this run from Conner and Palmiotti that will stand as the quintessential, modern take on Harley Quinn. And Harley as well as her fans are all the better for it.

Lucy Dreaming #1 is a wonderful start to this mini-series, setting Lucy off on a journey that's equally familiar and brand new. After all, haven't we all dreamed of being the hero in our story?

Mera: Queen of Atlantis #2 is another solid entry in what's shaping up to be a great first mini-series for the newly dubbed Queen, even if it comes across as Orm trying to steal the limelight. (Which, frankly, is such an Orm thing to do.)

Rogue & Gambit #1 is a great first issue for this mini, giving us just enough of a hint of what's to come while also offering up what we really want " Rogue and Gambit, trading barbs and enjoying every minute of it. The scenes between these two crackle, but there's just enough underlying melancholy to remind us of how it's all fallen apart in past. This is an easily recommendable book for both longtime fans and those who've always wanted to check out this fiery duo but haven't. Simply put, buy this book.

Similar to the first issue, Rogue & Gambit #2 is more interested in its characters than the larger mystery of the mission at hand, but then, that's surely what readers picking up a book titled Rogue & Gambit are looking for, right? That said, there is at least a hint of where this story is going and the introduction of the villain, so important pieces are being set up.

Rogue & Gambit #3 is another satisfying entry in what's already been a thoroughly enjoyable mini-series. With only two more issues to go, this series just keeps getting hotter.

Rogue & Gambit #4 may be the best issue yet in an already spectacular series. The whole journey wraps up next issue, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited to see how it ends.

Rogue & Gambit is Marvel at its best. This mini-series simply has it all " superhero action, funny banter, and at its heart, a couple who've been through hell together and are still committed to giving their relationship another shot.

Bottom line, Sex Criminals has been a debaucherous and delightful series all mature adults should be reading. Seriously, this book is not for kids. Unless they find a discarded copy left out in the woods, in which case, it's fair game.

Sex Criminals has returned with a vengeance, for boththe Sex Police andour sensibilities. Never has a comic so lewd and crude left me as charmed and enthusiastic for where it goes next.

Fifteen issues in (of which I've reviewed three) and there's only so much praise I can continue to lob at Sex Criminals. It's a ridiculously clever and amusing series about sex and relationships, unafraid to go thereand do that, making us return for more and more.

This clocks me in at four reviews for Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky's Sex Criminals, and ifmy adoration for this title isn't already clear, I must not bedoing this right. There are three volumes available in paperback which will get you all caught up, and if Fraction and Zdarsky are to be believed(and I'm sure they are), then for this arc, each month there'll be a new Sex Criminals. Or buy it all digitally, I don't really care. Just read it and enjoy. (Disclaimer: Adults Only. Seriously.)

She Wolf #1 is a tough comic to recommend. It isn't clear what Tommaso's hoping to say with this story, and besides some interesting visuals, there's little to take away from it. Once the full story is published, She Wolf may prove a really fascinating exploration of trauma and transformation, but as its stands now, this issue is a visually compelling but confusing comic.

When the book really leans into the details that make manga distinct from Western comics, Sherlock: A Study In Pink #1 is a treat, proving itself unique among so many sequential art adaptations of television programs. However, this comic doesn't necessarily hold much appeal for anyone unfamiliar with the Sherlock TV series and I wouldn't recommend it as a jumping on point " unless you're just a huge fan of both detective stories and manga, but in that case, there's surely more original manga worth checking out. Still, Sherlock: A Study In Pink #1 is sure to please fans, especially those desperate for anything Sherlock in the months between now and series 4.

All in all, Sinergy is a fun if a little frenetic first issue. Its premise is solid, the characters flawed but interesting, and the artwork suits the story. If you're looking for a good start to an adventure where a young woman learns monster-hunting with her dad (and really, who wouldn't?), you'd do well to check out Sinergy as it has the potential to be a wild ride.

Star Wars #38 is the first part of "The Ashes of Jedha" arc and a great starting point for new readers!

Thrawn #1 is a very strong start to what may well be the best Marvel Star Wars mini-series yet. It's obviously building off what was already a well-received book for a favorite character, but this adaptation has enough merits to stand on its own. For those who've always found the cool and collected Grand Admiral an oddly enticing if mysterious character, this is a series you need to check out.

All in all, Star Wars: Thrawn remains a great mini and one of the strongest Marvel has produced since regaining the Star Wars license.

If you haven't read any of The Mighty Thor (or even the earlier Thor run) now is as good a time as any to jump on board. Before she dies, there's still time for Thor to prove to everyone just how worthy she is.

Multiversity is weird, but it is also wonderful. One read through " or perhaps even one hundred " won't help you understand fully all the pieces in play, but that's okay. Morrison understands superheroes are not set in stone, never allowed to change or grow, and that's what's most important here. Fictional characters are just that, fictional, and manipulating them to tell a tale is why they've endured as long as they have.

In all, this first issue of The Once And Future Queen promises a clever updating of a classic legend with modern touches. Intriguing in its premise, this comic sets up an exciting adventure that only really kicks off in its final pages, asking us to come back next month for the real action. Which I suggest you do.

The Wicked + The Divine #1 is a work of art, plain and simple. Were no mores issues to come, it'd still be a book worth recommending. But knowing this chapter is only the beginning makes its forthcoming issues all the more coveted.

Finally, the way in which they've chosen to sign off this issue " with a slow, sloooow fade to black " is so clever, and leaves a strong image seared in our minds as we look forward to where things go next. Like any good conclusion this early in a series' run, The Wicked + The Divine #5 leaves readers with more questions than answers, but it's the sort of questions it's asking that make it so fantastic.

The Wicked + The Divine is a strange and dense series, but this latest one-shot may just be the strangest and densest story yet.

In the end, this story is just a side adventure, but it's setting up an arc which will become the bulk of Orlando's mini-run (before the upcoming crossover with Justice League Dark). It's an intriguing premise, having the Bana-Mighdall come out of hiding and invade, but it smacks a bit of the the awful Amazons Attack series and that's worrisome.

If only one gripe can be laid against Wytches, it's that the issue's cliffhanger feels off; as if it's missing a page and there's one last shocking image we need to see. Then again, that may be another trick of not wanting to reveal too much too soon, in which case, I'm more than happy to wait.

For fans of the magical girl genre, Zodiac Starforce is a must read. Panetta and Ganucheau have married the tropes of the genre with the high school experience in way that is both refreshing and familiar; equally nostalgic and forward-thinking. Undoubtedly, my opinion is swayed by my deep love for stories where friends band together to face unimaginable threats (and especially when they have cool magical powers), but Zodiac Starforce #4 promises there's so much more this series can deliver " they only need the issues.

It's fantastic having the Zodiac Starforce team back in action and they're better than ever. Cries of the Fire Prince has only just begun, but it's already fulfilling its promise of delivering more magical girl action and witty comedy with just a touch of drama and intrigue. And what intrigue! The Fire Prince has only just arrived, but from where and for what purpose? Only way to find out is to tune in next issue!