Sarah Payne-mills's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: GWW Reviews: 43
8.1Avg. Review Rating

8
Harley Quinn (2016) #1

Aug 7, 2016

Aside from a brief halt in the story when Harley launches into her backstory, this rebirth comic is pretty solid. Having the full creative team from previous issues definitely helps keep Harley's character authentic. The dynamic between Red Tool and Harley is great, and the zombie storyline is fun. Overall, DC has done a good job with this rebirth, and it doesn't seem like Harley's appeal is wearing off anytime soon.

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10
Nailbiter #19

Jan 8, 2016

Some might feel that a comic devoted to serial killers is dark and brutal. And it is. But it's also ridden with fantastic, jaw-dropping storytelling and artwork. Williamson and his team have created a compelling, multidimensional comic that stays fresh, exciting, and dangerously addicting issue to issue. Just do yourself a favor and pick up Nailbiter. With bated breath, you'll be on the edge of your seat page to page. You won't be disappointed.

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10
Nailbiter #20

Feb 8, 2016

What an exciting end to this arc! We won't get another issue until May, and that's really too far away. Yes, Nailbiter is dark, and it's gruesome. But it's also intriguing and compelling. Each issue is better than the last. The storytelling and artwork are impeccable, and it's definitely one of the best comics out there right now. Go ahead. Pick up Nailbiter. It's all right to be a little bloodthirsty.

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9
Nailbiter #22

Jun 6, 2016

I'm excited to see where this arc goes. I'm a bit worried for Crane; she may be getting in too deep with the Master. Hopefully with Finch back, they'll team up. I can't say enough about how incredible this comic is. It has all the best things: impeccable storytelling and artwork mixed with a little (OK, a lot of) gore. The dark and gruesome nature of Nailbiter keeps me coming back every week. Is it just me?

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8.5
Nailbiter #24

Aug 5, 2016

We're finding out more about the Buckaroo Butchers' origins, which is interesting, but it seems to be happening really fast. Once we find out how and why they came to be, will there really be that much more story to tell? I'm hoping there will be. With its gruesome yet beautiful art and enthralling, on-the-edge-of-your-seat storytelling, Nailbiter is a comic that never disappoints. I hope it continues far into the foreseeable future.

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8.5
Nailbiter #27

Dec 17, 2016

Each month Williamson releases more and more details about the Buckaroo Butchers' origins. Nailbiter never disappoints, and I hope after we learn more about Buckaroo, and the truth the Master is trying to keep hidden, the comic has a lot more story to tell.

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6
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #13

Nov 30, 2015

As the first issue in a new story arc, it would've been great to have a bit more excitement rather than more of the same. Instead, this issue reads like a conclusion to issue 12. The story of Kyle's continued exorcism of his sister, while drawn beautifully, leaves the reader wanting more, as it takes up the entire issue. However, we do get a bit of excitement with the return of Sidney, and his role in next month's issue. Hopefully Kirkman will answer some questions for us in the issues to come.

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4
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #14

Dec 30, 2015

The first two issues in the new story arc do not impress. Kirkman needs to pick up the pace if he's going to keep readers along for the ride month to month. The story continues to drag causing readers to get bored waiting for something concreteto happen. Sidney is the only character that keeps the comic interesting, and Azeceta's artwork is the only thing the comic has going for it at this point.

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8.5
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #15

Feb 1, 2016

Issue 15 is definitely a step up for the story arc and for Outcast. It'll be interesting to see what happens as Kyle's daughter grows into her ability and what role Sidney will have in her life. Kirkman has finally picked up the pace, and it's definitely beneficial to the overall story. The potential that was evident in the first story arc has revealed itself again.

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8
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #17

Apr 3, 2016

Issue 17 is another impressive issue. Kirkman gives the story some variety, and we learn some interesting details about demons. As the merge gets closer, it'll be important to keep an eye out for revealing clues and hints. What will the merge have in store for Kyle?

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7
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #19

Aug 2, 2016

Issue 19 slowly but surely lays the groundwork for what's to come. I'm hoping in the upcoming issues we'll get to meet some more Outcasts. The merge continues to get closer. What side will they all be on?

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5
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #22

Oct 30, 2016

Issue 22 continues to slowly lay the groundwork for what's to come. When will we meet more Outcasts? What's their cause? Is it the merge? Please pick it up, Kirkman. I know you have it in you.

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9
Outcast By Kirkman & Azaceta #25

Feb 24, 2017

Like issue 24, issue 25 is great. I'm hoping Kirkman keeps up the pace, and we continue to learn more about the merge and the Outcasts now that Kyle's father is in the picture. It's always a good sign when a story makes readers question and theorize"as they're eager to know more. I'm finally at that place with Outcast. Well, done, Kirkman.

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8.5
Paper Girls #4

Jan 14, 2016

Paper Girls is off to a great start. Although issue 4 throws a lot at the reader and the pacing speeds up, Vaughan, Chiang, Wilson, and Fletcher have crafted something truly special that evokes a feeling of nostalgia while tying in timeless and futuristic themes. The four main characters are strong protagonists, who are each unique and compelling. I'm eager to learn more about them and the world-ending event that sent the cyborgs and warriors back in time.

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8.5
Saga #32

Dec 28, 2015

In this issue, Vaughan and Staples continue to impress. They take readers back to the comic's beginnings with Marko and Alana fighting for their family at all costs, with always a little humor thrown in. We get a look at some fresh, incredibly interesting faces, and reunite with some old friends. Vaughan's addictive and stimulating, yet relatable, storytelling and Staples's ability to create innovative and extraordinary landscapes and characters make Saga a must-read every month.

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8
Saga #33

Feb 1, 2016

Issue 33 narrows the focus on Upsher and Doff, which isn't the most exciting plot point in the arc; however, it's clear Vaughan has a plan, and the last few pages make that clear. Staples's art continues to impress, and Saga remains as addicting as ever.

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8.5
Saga #34

Mar 2, 2016

Vaughan gives us a lot to think about and look forward to in the next arc. The pace has picked up again in this issue, as several plot points have been put into motion. It was a smart idea to highlight several different groups in this issue, as the narrowed focuses in past issues have been somewhat of a letdown. I'm hoping we'll get to see what Lying Cat and Gwendolyn have been up to next.

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8
Saga #35

Apr 6, 2016

Vaughan keeps up the pace as the story builds on the pieces from last issue. Marko, Alana, and Hazel have yet to reunite, and it seems the closer they get, the more they're pulled apart. We may be in for something shocking in the issues to come.

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8.5
Saga #36

May 5, 2016

Vaughan and Staples put out another great arc. The art throughout has been some of my favorite yet, and Vaughan kept up the pace to keep the story interesting. Vaughan ties up some loose threads in this issue, and Marko, Alana, and Hazel finally reunite. It'll be interesting to see how the three deal with Alana's pregnancy in the issues to come. I can't wait to see some of the characters we've been missing. July can't come too soon!

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8
Saga #39

Oct 30, 2016

This is a solid issue. Although it's mostly filler to get the story to where it's headed, there are some fun and interesting scenes to keep readers engaged. From its smart, creative storytelling that somehow makes even the most bizarre characters relatable to its striking artwork inside and out, Saga continues to be one of the best comics around.

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8.5
Saga #40

Dec 11, 2016

This is a good issue that moves the story forward and shows some character development. The bizarre continues to be made relatable in Saga, making it one of the best comics around. Vaughan's smart, creative storytelling and Staples's striking artwork inside and out make it a must-read month to month.

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8.5
Saga #41

Jan 6, 2017

Again, Vaughan continues to move the story forward to the arc's conclusion. How will the characters escape Phang? Will Sir Robot sacrifice himself? Will Petrichor? Is the war between Landfall and Wreath actually ending due to Gwendolyn's help? What did she give to Landfall? With Vaughan's impressive storytelling, anything can happen.

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10
Saga #42

Jan 27, 2017

Vaughan's story doesn't disappoint, no matter how sad it is. He offers a compelling end to the arc. I'm interested to see what happens next with our characters. I hope to learn some more details in the War for Phang, and Gwendolyn's true role in it, to see how done the war truly is. Vaughan and Staples continue to craft a perfect comic that keeps readers craving more.

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5
Snowfall #1

Feb 29, 2016

Snowfall is off to a rough start. Although the storyline is interesting, I'm not sure if I'll stick around for the next issue. It may be worth waiting for the trade. If Harris can streamline the plot a bit more and make the characters more relatable and interesting, he might have something here. Right now, the narrative is a convoluted mess of information and design. A touch of simplicity would go a long way.

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9
Symmetry #1

Dec 14, 2015

Matt Hawkins and Raffaele Ienco have set up a great first issue that truly entices science fiction fans. The story is interesting and compelling at the onset, and I'm interested to see where Symmetry goes.

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8
Symmetry #2

Jan 23, 2016

Matt Hawkins and Raffaele Ienco continue to engage readers in this second issue. As more details are revealed, the storyline becomes even more fascinating. Hawkins has created an expos of our society's flaws in an intriguing and creative way. It'll be interesting to see where the story goes as characters become more developed.

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7
Symmetry #4

Mar 29, 2016

Symmetry is a complex and smart comic that has tons of potential. Hawkins confronts real issues our society faces in a creative way. He exposes real dangers and supports his thinking with social theory. Overall, the first arc offered an interesting story to hook readers, but I'm hoping it picks up as we learn more about Julia and SOL.

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9.5
The 13th Artifact (One Shot) #1

Mar 16, 2016

Amit Chauhan and Eli Powell's The 13th Artifact is creative and captivating. They truly deserve to be the 2015 Talent Hunt winners. I only wish we could get another issue! As they start their professional careers in the comic book field, I can't wait to see what they have in store for us. I'll definitely keep an eye out for them in the future.

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8.5
The Walking Dead #150

Jan 15, 2016

Although this issue was a bit overhyped, it is still a great one that prepares readers for the next story arc. Some of the scenes tend to last a bit too long, which weighs down the story at times, but Adlard beautifully executes each one. At forty pages, the issue was marketed as the biggest issue yet, which seems to be more literal than figurative. If readers are expecting a ginormous bloodbath with favorite characters dying left and right, they'll be disappointed. However, this issue finally set that epic event in motion.

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8
The Walking Dead #151

Feb 8, 2016

This is a great issue to follow the overhyped issue 150. Issue 150 certainly had some great elements and laid the groundwork for future issues. And Kirkman didn't wait to pick up the pieces. We get a lot to look forward to in this issue, and plotlines are starting to take action.

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8.5
The Walking Dead #152

Mar 3, 2016

It's a pretty exciting issue with some unexpected twists. Kirkman continues to lay some groundwork and put some plot points into motion. He once again is building anticipation in the reader"something that's been lacking from the comic lately. With the latest turn of events, I can't wait to see what happens next!

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8.5
The Walking Dead #153

Apr 26, 2016

With Negan on the loose, how can the issue not be exciting? Kirkman's writing for Negan is consistent and, as always, welcomed. Will Negan head to Alpha or will he go back to the Sanctuary? We'll find out soon enough.

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8.5
The Walking Dead #154

May 9, 2016

I'm super excited that Negan met Alpha and can't wait to see where the story goes. Negan's one-liners throughout are particularly entertaining, and I hope we continue to see more of them in the issues to come. With Eugene's mystery person finally revealing herself, it'll be interesting to see how that story evolves. Will she be the next big bad?

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7
The Walking Dead #155

Jun 6, 2016

This was a solid issue that mostly moves the story forward toward the Whisperer War in issue 157. The dynamic between Alpha and Negan is interesting"and a tad disappointing"but I do want to see more. Negan's commentary shines again, and it's good to see more of Dwight. We didn't see Eugene in this issue, but it'll be interesting to see the part his mystery girl, Stephanie, plays in the war, if anything.

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7
The Walking Dead #156

Jul 9, 2016

Once again, Kirkman moves the story forward toward the Whisperer War in issue 157. I would've liked to see more of Alpha, and it would've been a change of pace if Negan hadn't manipulated her so easily. I enjoyed the issue focusing on one storyline, and I'll be interested to see where it goes next with Beta out for justice.

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8.5
The Walking Dead #157

Aug 4, 2016

We've finally made it to the Whisperer War! And as we see at the end of this issue, Beta doesn't waste time in gettinghis revenge. The horde is too close for comfort. Kirkman is packing a ton in these six issues, and I hope they don't seem too rushed. It'll be interesting to see how everything plays out in the five to come.

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9
The Walking Dead #159

Oct 9, 2016

This is another strong issue in the Whisperer War. How will Negan proceed without Lucille? What will Dwight do to infiltrate the Whisperers? Threeissues to go! What's next?

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8
The Walking Dead #160

Nov 6, 2016

This issue continues to push the story forward, as our characters are spread throughout to fight a common enemy. There are only two issues left in the Whisperer War! What will become of Negan? Is Lydia really OK with her mom being dead? Who will be the next casualty of war? How will the war end?

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8.5
The Walking Dead #161

Dec 13, 2016

This issue continues to push the arc forward and lead us to the conclusion. There's only one issue left in the Whisperer War! How will it end? And what's next? Will we finally meet Eugene's radio pen pal?

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8
The Walking Dead #162

Jan 5, 2017

Adlard's design continues to be consistent in this issue as it's been throughout the arc"using a sixteen-panel grid to fit in as much action as possible. He does a good job of including a variety of panels"some full-page spreads, some that are a sixteenth of the page, some quarter-sized ones, and so on. The full-page spreads are always some of my favorite because he can showcase a lot more detail.

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9
The Walking Dead #163

Feb 4, 2017

For a twenty-five cent issue, Kirkman does not disappoint, not that we expected him to. This is a great start to the post-war arc. The chance for all of the characters to survive seems slim to none. I hope Kirkman continues on with the pacing and intensity he's set up thus far as the characters fight for survival in the issues to come. We get another issue this month, and I can't wait!

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8.5
The Walking Dead #164

Feb 24, 2017

This arc continues to stay strong, as the characters deal with the massive zombie horde. Although the pacing is a bit slower in this issue, Kirkman's writing does not disappoint. I'm interested to see what happens with the radio"as Siddiq found it in Eugene's house this issue. I think there's still a chance for the group to head to Ohio. Especially since the Saviors are planning to swoop in and "clean up what's left." I'm looking forward to issue 165!

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8
The Walking Dead #165

Mar 13, 2017

The pacing picks up a bit in this issue, as the situation with the horde of zombies and the Saviors continues to heighten. Will Negan side with the Saviors and take his rightful place as their leader, or will he fight alongside Rick? We'll find out soon. After what happened in the final page of this issue, I can't wait for issue 166!

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