Stan West Comic Reviews

Snyder and Dragotta saddle Bruce with something even scarier than a new villain. Losing his friends. They haunt him like a vengeful ghost, while Scarecrow lurks in the shadows. Normally untouchable characters have been marked for death, while others threaten to become Bruce’s biggest adversaries. In Absolute Batman, no one is safe and nothing is sacred. Just ask Bruce Wayne. <

Deniz Camp proves you can't outrun your authentic self: even if that self is a green Martian living in cigarette smoke. John Jones tries every harmful coping mechanism in the book, but all he gets is a horrifying new partner. Rodriguez's psychedelic visuals make John's mental breakdown as beautiful as it is tragic. Absolute Martian Manhunter continues to be essential reading.

Camp puts John and the Martian through hell, dragging you down with them. John’s life is in shambles, the Martian is at the mercy of shady government operatives, and Despair-the-Zero spreads across each scene like a virus. Rodriguez’s art and colors ensure it all looks beautiful. Absolute Martian Manhunter is simply the best comic going.<

Absolute Martian Manhunter #10 raises the series to new heights. Camp uses Rainbow to show the hypocrisy and bloodlust of the political elite, while Rodriguez makes the violence a work of art. There are two issues left, and it’s time to consider if this book is one of the all-time greats. The next one can’t come out soon enough.

Absolute Superman #14 proves this series should be talked about as one of the Absolute line's best as well as one of the premier comics on the shelf. We get an important glimpse into the nature of our hero as Superman remains good in a world that's anything but.

After the spectacle of The Battle of Kansas, Aaron shows us the true burden of being Superman. He's still the person everyone needs, and he doesn't get to rest because there's always one more person in danger.

Absolute Superman #16 asks whether idealism can survive in a cynical world. Hawkman tells Clark to compromise and work with tyrants like Lazarus. Superman answers with a single, devastating punch, beautifully brought to life on one of the line's best splash pages. Aaron understands what makes Superman special, and Ferreyra makes it gorgeous. This book keeps getting better.

Absolute Superman explores why Superman is more than a superhero. He’s a symbol. Aaron shows that he’s a beacon of a better tomorrow, whether he’s inspiring the citizens of Metropolis or drawing a line with Hawkman. Ferreyra twists the book into the realm of horror with Parasite, before bringing it back into the light as Clark triumphs. Superman won’t be bought, and he’s making that loud and clear.

Absolute Superman #18 knows what makes Superman special. It’s how he inspires the world. Ra’s became a better man because of him, while his contrast against Black Adam shows us a better way to overcome our past. If you’re ever in doubt just ask yourself one thing. What would Superman do?

Alien vs. Captain America is pure fun that succeeds in entertaining, even if the plot is thin. Tieri and Raffaele keep their focus firmly on what matters, giving us frenzied battle scenes and hard-nosed character moments.

This series is what superhero/Alien crossovers should be. It's visceral, shocking, and explores dark outcomes. Tieri makes it seem like nobody is safe, while Raffaele and Menon wonderfully portray the Red Skull Alien Queen and the Supreme Intelligence's death. This was a knockout penultimate issue. Bring on the finale.

Marvel has set a new bar for crossovers with Alien vs. Captain America #4. Tieri and Raffaele don’t flinch from consequences, the Red King is genuinely terrifying, and the bittersweet ending is surprisingly emotional. It’s a brilliant finale to a fantastic miniseries.<

Amazing Spider-Man #16 is a strong yet flawed addition to the run, significantly advancing the characters. Kelly explores the idea that Peter's humanity is his greatest power, highlighting how neither Norman nor Ben can replicate it.

The space storyline continues to be the stronger half of Kelly's run, and The Amazing Spider-Man #17 proves why.

Amazing Spider-Man #19 serves as another exhibition for Pepe Larraz's incredible art. Hellgate finally looks like a cosmic threat; the color work transforms him into a genuine monster, and the fight choreography is fast-paced and animated. But even he can't save the training arc that never materialized.

This comic proves Kelly understands Norman's psychology, but he won't let us spend time with it. Between Aunt May's subplot, Ben's one-page exit, and the Spider-Family's promotional cameo, Norman's best moments drown in clutter. Kelly needs to cut his cast in half and give his strongest threads space. Peter returns in issue #22. Kelly's focus needs to return with him, because this book is running on empty.

Samantha Strong's cruelty has finally been exposed, and her response is what makes her one of horror's great villains. Her madness has increased throughout this series, and she's pushed past her limits here. No one is safe. The last issue arrives in March, and the wait is going to be agonizing. February's going to feel like the longest month of the year.

Woodbrook’s monster now prowls the entire country. Samantha has no genuine friends, family, or community, making her escape all too easy. Horvath’s art makes the violence visceral, and his exploration of a killer’s psyche is chilling. Samantha has earned her place among fiction’s most evil characters.<

Bleeding Hearts #1 proves Camp understands that great horror uses monsters to explore our own humanity. The zombie horde isn’t disturbing because of their actions; it’s because they mirror our own society. Poke’s heartbeat gets louder as his world grows more complicated, while Morian and Hollingsworth’s art makes each beat visually stunning. It’s a promising debut for DC Vertigo and a genuinely fresh take on an over-saturated genre.

Bleeding Hearts #2 succeeds by asking a tough question: is survival really worth it in a dying world? Camp shows a mother’s pessimism contrasting with her daughter’s optimism, while also positioning Poke as a unique type of zombie protagonist. The art team of Morian, Hollingsworth, and Otsmane-Elhaou comes together to create a terrifying yet beautiful dystopian world. Two issues in, and this series is already special. <

Bleeding Hearts #3 does what all good horror should do. Examine the humanity at the center of it all. Poke may be a zombie, but his freshly beating heart is turning him into someone new. He feels compassion and wants to help people instead of just eating them. Earning Rabbit and her mother’s trust won’t be easy. But being human rarely is, even for a zombie. <

Daredevil #1 proves that Matt Murdock adapts to the times. He may tackle the same street-level crimes, but the world around him has changed. Phillips understands that placing him in these scenarios highlights the qualities that define the character’s brilliance. Issue one is a perfect jumping-on point for anyone looking to explore one of Marvel’s greatest heroes.

DC K.O.: The Joker vs. Red Hood was a book this event needed to nail and it delivered. Snyder and Williamson know there's too much history between these two characters to be superficial and they rightly leaned into it.

Those who were worried Bruce would be sidelined during this event can rest easy. Williamson and Mora have sent him on a journey to confront the darkness within himself.

The conflict in Doctor Strange #2 is compelling, and there's strong character work, just not for Strange. Landy needs to incorporate him more directly into the story instead of leaving him on the sidelines. Right now, we have a good Asgardian political thriller, but a mediocre Doctor Strange comic.

End of Life #1 packs a punch. Starks has conjured a lead character who wields quips like firearms, while Pugh ensures each panel feels like a movie. Eddie’s complicated relationship with his dad is only going to get worse as the Menagerie hunts him down. Issue two can’t come out soon enough.<

Exquisite Corpses #8 is a fantastic entry in one of comics' best ongoing series. The way Pichetshote and Tynion weave social commentary into visceral action elevates it beyond typical thrillers. Laura's defiant choice and the townspeople's solidarity prove that even at the mercy of elite manipulation, community power can fight back.

Exquisite Corpses #9 excels in its human moments. My chest swelled when I read Xavi's breakdown and Massachusetts' twisted scheming, while Rascal Randy's hunt is horror movie perfection. Boss and Tynion need to give the other killers this same attention, but this book still hits hard. It remains an essential addition to any pull list.

Exquisite Corpses #12 finds Tynion wisely focusing on the human cost of this terrible game. The elite think we’re bugs, while Walsh’s violent battles, Bellaire’s sinister colors, and Carey’s frantic lettering reinforce the chaos they sow. Audrey’s descent into madness perfectly encapsulates the consequences of the carnage. Who’s going to come out victorious? Your guess is as good as mine.

Fantastic Four #6 is an enjoyable opening to a new arc that's sure to capture the attention of any longtime fans. Galactus is coming and he's gunning for Sue. North and Ramos have set the stage, now it's Sue's time to shine.

Infernal Hulk #1 is an exciting start for the series that pushes our protagonists in a fresh direction. Johnson and Klein are one of the most exciting creative teams going today, and their dive into the dark nature of the Hulk is shaping up to be a classic.

The Infernal Hulk #2 continues to escalate PKJ and Klein's story with ruthless efficiency. The visceral destruction and body horror on display make this a must-read for fans willing to watch a hero become a monster. Now that we've seen the Hulk humble Namor, it begs the question: who's next on his list?

The Infernal Hulk #3 proves Bruce Banner can't escape his past, no matter how far he runs. His confrontation with his heroic peers and Betty's breakdown offers devastating proof that separating from the Hulk solved nothing. PKJ wisely shows the full repercussions as Bruce's coworkers lose sons, Betty loses herself, and the Marvel Universe edges closer to destruction.

Can the Incredible Hulk survive the horror of the Hulkscape? PKJ leaves room for doubt, as Klein’s art brings his nightmares to life. Wilson makes the whole thing look demonic, while Petit’s letters reinforce the carnage. The Mother of Horrors promises to be one of the Hulk’s toughest foes yet. If this issue is any sign, then she could end up being his last.<

Can anything stop the Infernal Hulk? Issue six succeeds by offering no straightforward answers. Our heroes are prepared to kill, but that doesn’t mean they have the resources to pull it off. New armor can’t save Tony, while his allies can only watch helplessly from the sidelines. This is the Hulk that’s been lurking in their nightmares, and it doesn’t look like they can wake up.

Iron Man #3 is chaos wrapped in a comic. Williamson leans into Silver Age silliness, while Carnero captures the action brilliantly and Woodard and Caramagna use their talents to enhance each panel. Messy pacing remains, but we’re in the middle of an arc. Tony has to use every ounce of his genius to get out of this one.

Nightwing #133 explores Dick Grayson's childhood trauma through the lens of Bldhaven's missing children, proving how well Watters understands the character.

Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four #1 delivers a first issue that kept me guessing. The Fantastic Four are helpless as the apes gain their powers. Di Vito and Arciniega honor each franchise's unique look, while Josh Trujillo captures every character's voice. These franchises may be sixty years old, but seeing an ape covered in flames makes them feel brand new.

Planet of the Apes vs. Fantastic Four #2 makes you wonder why Marvel hasn’t done this crossover sooner. Our heroes need to rely on their wits while their simian counterparts use their newfound powers to navigate societal unrest. It may not be perfect, but it reminds me why I love comics. They’re fun, and sometimes that’s all they need to be.

Predator Kills the Marvel Universe delivers the vicious bloodshed that it promised, but fumbles where it matters most. Sue Storm gets her revenge, and Wolverine battles Graveyard with his trademark savagery, but characters with entire miniseries of buildup, like Black Panther and Spider-Man, get sidelined. Worse, Kraven never faces Peter despite multiple setup issues.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #15 doesn’t shy away from the compromises that come with family, and no character embodies this more than Splinter. He may have left Tang Shen behind to follow a path of violence, but he’s doing it to save his sons. Yang asks the morally tough questions, while Williams and Dalhouse bring each scene to life in vivid detail. Put yourself in Splinter’s shoes. Wouldn’t you do the same?<

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #16 shows how complicated a family can really be. The turtles reckon with the hypocrisy of their master, while Splinter sacrifices everything for his son’s safety. Luen Yang ratchets the emotions up, while Dalhouse and Delgado’s vivid colors enhance Williams II and Pe’s dynamic action. The Turtles’ confrontation with Splinter is a disaster waiting to unfold. It’s impossible to look away.<

Master Splinter has become his own worst enemy, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #17 proves it. In attempting to alter the future, he has only hastened its arrival. He’s transformed into a sickening monster, attacking everything he once held dear. Now only one question remains. Has fate conspired to make him the one ultimately responsible for his sons’ downfall?<

Ultimate Endgame #1 is a high-octane, visually stunning opening to the event we've been waiting two years for. While the pacing is a bit frantic and the cast list is getting crowded, the genuine sense of consequence makes this feel more vital than your average Marvel event.

Howard's last words to a robot instead of Tony are gutting, but Ultimate Endgame #2 doesn't give that tragedy room to breathe. After two years of brilliant books, this finale deserves better pacing. The pieces are here for something special. They're just crammed together too tightly.

Ultimate Endgame #3 doesn’t pull its punches. It makes you pay for forgetting the Maker’s danger, while giving us the most shocking death in the series so far. This issue accomplishes a rare feat in comics. It makes you feel something long after you’ve put it down. Now Camp has to stick the landing. <

Ultimate Spider-Man #23 positions every piece for the ending Hickman and Checchetto have been building to. Peter's grown into his powers, Harry made his choice, and the truth is about to come out.

Despite a premature end, Ultimate Spider-Man #24 is a worthy conclusion. Peter Parker was stripped of his destiny and still won. Hickman gives him the spotlight, Checchetto, Messina, and Wilson make each panel feel alive, and the final splash of the Parker family ties it all together. It’s tough to shake the feeling there’s more story to tell, but I’d rather a series end with me wanting more than wanting less.<

Camp and Paknadel challenge readers with philosophical questions about the nature of living and the complex emotions it brings to people simply trying to do their best.

Ultimate Wolverine #13 is an intense display of Wolverine's fighting prowess, but not much else. If you're looking for Carbone's bone-smashing fights or Valenza's blood-soaked palette, then you'll find what you wanted. But if you were expecting story momentum, forward progress, or meaningful character development, you won't find it here.

The Ultimates #20 proves that Deniz Camp understands a truth many people forget: no single person can save the world. Vision's omniscience doesn't make him a solo savior-it makes him the node connecting thousands of resistors. Hammond sacrificed his identity, and a forgotten city came together for the cause. This is what revolution looks like: not one individual but thousands of people coming together to save the world.

The Ultimates #21 brings the revolution to life. Camp pits De Costa’s propaganda against Cage’s humanity, while Pérez captures the violence in vivid detail. This series is ending too soon. The revolution may not be televised, but it thrives in the pages of The Ultimates.