Swara Ahmed's Comic Reviews

Reviewer For: But Why Tho? Reviews: 41
9.0Avg. Review Rating

Teen Titans Academy #5is an overall good issue that continues the exciting journey of the inaugural student body of the academy but suffers from stifling the exciting narrative we've had so far. While flashback series can be good and getting to know more about the Bat-Pack is great, this, unfortunately, felt somewhat disconnected from the main beats of the story we're invested in. But the Bat-Pack may simply need more time to grow. The art and lettering complement Sheridan's great writing, and it still remains a generally fun issue nonetheless.

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Countis overall a great and riveting story. With Moustafa's excellent worldbuilding through its main character's journey of vengeance, readers will be engrossed in an amazing sci-fi world that has so much to explore. Readers will also identify easily with Redxan and his moral dilemmas throughout the story. While Count's supporting cast of characters deserved more attention, the worldbuilding, dynamic story, and the power of Redxan's arc make an incredible read for any comic or sci-fi fan.

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Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit #1is an intriguing start to one of Kamala's wildest adventures yet. Samira Ahmed does a great job of writing our heroine and imbibes her with Ms. Marvel's distinct spirit. Even though the action scenes and sense of movement could use more work, Genolet and Farrell's art and colors are vibrant, and Caragmna's letters cap it off to make this a swimming read. I can't wait to see where it goes next.

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Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit #3is a compelling issue that continues to put Kamala Khan through the stressful wringer. Ahmed writes an intriguing mystery, Genelot's art is solid and Farrell's colors are rich and varied, and Caramagna as always has great lettering. It's an intriguing mystery that's unfolding for our young polymorph hero, and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #3is a dynamic and fast-paced issue that gives readers a day in the life of Jonathan Kent. Taylor further develops the new Superman who learns more about why he wants to be a hero, especially in relation to his famous father. Even though there's a lot going on in one issue, readers will still be enthralled by Jon's overall journey and what will come later. The art and colors by Timms and Eltaeb keep the readers beautifully immersed in this heroic world, while Sharpes' letters keep the pace of the issue moving along swimmingly. The journey is just getting started, and I'm excited to see where it goes next.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #7is an enthralling story about the consequences of environmental degradation. While it leaves something to be desired about how our Kryptonian hero will directly combat climate change, that will hopefully be addressed in subsequent issues. Taylor continues to write Jon with palpable empathy and compassion as he continues dealing with these manmade threats, Tormey's art is incredibly immersive and beautiful, and Sharpes letters make a great finishing touch. It'll be intriguing to see where the story goes from here.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El Annual #1 is an intriguing issue that sets the stage for the new Superman's rivalry with Lex Luthor, juggling some important systemic questions in its storytelling. Taylor continues to explore very interesting ideas with Jon Kent through his fantastic writing. The art and colors by Pugh, Henry, Fajardo, and Buccellato, are epic enough to be the grand setting for this new adventure with Jon. The letters by Sharpe are the cherry on top to make this an overall engagingly exciting and deep read.

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Teen Titans Academy #10is a contemplative pause before the hellish storm that awaits the academy. Sheridan does a great job of giving interiority to all the characters, The art by Norton, Sinclair, Skipper, and Derenick is all fantastic, allowing all of them to give their own distinctive mark, and Leigh's lettering is gives it the final touch of personality. I don't know where exactly the Teen Titans Academy is going from here, but it will be very intriguing to find out.

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Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man#54LRis a great installment in the "Last Remains" storyline. It makes great use of Peter Parker's supporting cast and allies while delivering profound emotion, action, and an almost constant source of adrenaline. In many ways, it has all the elements of anAmazing Spider-Manstory without Spider-Man actually being present, and it works to great and unique effect.

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Overall, Batman Annual #5 is a great one-off comic. Exploring the origin of Clownhunter, it's a psychological analysis of the vigilante. Through our empathizing with this kid, we get to explore the themes of Batman and justice in Gotham in a unique way. Ultimately, this comic may remind you of why you're a Batman fan.

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Batman/Superman Annual 2021 #1is a tremendous and fascinating look at what happens when you mix and change key things to the worlds of Batman and Superman. Yang is masterful at creating and depicting these variations of the DC Universe while putting its most iconic heroes through new and unique challenges. The art by Francavilla, Pelletier, and Gray enriches these issues and the worlds they depict tremendously, immersing readers even further into Yang's stories. Capped off by Peteri's excellent lettering, this is one issue of a Batman/Superman adventure you don't want to miss.

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DC Festival of Heroes The Asian Superhero Celebration Issue #1is an amazing compilation of the Asian and Asian-American heroes of the DC Universe. Through the presentation of their more intimate moments and personal adventures, readers old and new are given a fantastic look at characters they may not have known much about before, and be excited to see where they go next. While it also showcases that DC still has a ways to go on AAPI representation, this feels like a promising start for where they might go next. Hopefully a DC Festival of Heroes The Asian Superhero Celebration Issue #2has an even more diverse and comprehensive collection of AAPI superheroes of the DC Universe.

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The Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven preview does a good job setting up its characters and storyline for the full-length graphic novel coming out in September. Rachel and Gar are two likable and quirky protagonists that will endear fans of the Teen Titans and romance stories, who will be eager to see where their story goes. The art is wonderfully colorful and subdued, along with the lettering, making this a very relaxing read. Of course, this is only a preview issue, so one might read it feeling incomplete, but it does sufficiently get you interested in reading the rest of the story. Get this one for your Free Comic Book Day pile.

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Future State: Teen Titans #1is overall a great issue. While we find our heroes in rather dire circumstances, they still press diligently forward to still save the day. Sheridan tells a great story rooted in the Teen Titans' rich characterization, supplemented by tremendous artwork from Sandoval, Sanchez, and Tarragona that will immerse you in this new world the team finds themselves in. If you're a Teen Titans fan, you should pick this one up.

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Future State: Teen Titans #2 is a thrilling and immersive read. In telling what could potentially be the Titans' final battle, the team on this comic fires on all cylinders, bringing action, drama, superb artwork, and a roaring conclusion to the page. While I know this is the final part of two issues, I can't wait to read another story with this incarnation of the Titans.

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In all, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #14: OUTLAWED is an incredible read. Despite the premise, there is a lot of action here to take in as we go on this dream journey with our hero. With overall excellent and emotive writing from Ahmed, incredible pictures by the art team, and an interestingly unique premise, it is the start to perhaps Kamala's most daunting challenge yet.

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The Magnificent Ms Marvel #16 is an excellent issue that gives Kamala a much-needed distraction from her current situation while getting readers to know Amulet better. Even with such a wide-ranging event going on, Ahmed is able to expand Kamala's (and the Marvel Universe's) world in fun and engaging ways.

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The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #17is not exactly what I expected, but it's an overall very good issue. As the penultimate issue of the Magnificent series, it may not be what people are anticipating, but it moves the story forward nonetheless. With action, great artworks, and engaging and sometimes emotional discussions, it's a very engaging issue. It gets to the heart of what makes Ms. Marvel, Ms. Marvel. And even though the story takes some unexpected turns, it stays true to that heart.

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The Magnificent Ms Marvel #18is a great finish to Saladin Ahmed's run on this iconic character. As Kamala must continue dealing with these outside forces and their effects on her, her friends, and her family, she goes through tremendous growth that is captured in these pages. With great emotional stakes and resolutions, superb art, and thrilling action, this is one issue of Ms. Marvelyou won't want to miss.

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Miles Morales: Spider-Man Annual #1 is an overall great ride that sees Miles team up with a new hero. The action is constant, the characters are compelling, and there are some exciting stories told within the story. Spider-Man and Amulet make a great team as they take down the bad guys, and there's the promise of many more adventures to come.

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Monkey Prince #1is a fantastic first issue for DC's newest hero. Yang writes a fantastical yet relatable story, the art by Chang and Cheng is vivacious, and the lettering by Chiang ties everything together. It's a bold story that takes inspiration from the past to make something truly original for the DC universe.

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Ahmed continues to do a great job at writing Kamala Khan as she goes through the wringer with an unforeseen force, the art by Genolet and Farrell stands out in a great way, and Caramagna's lettering is the marvelous finishing touch. It's clear that this is one of Ms. Marvel's toughest challenges yet, and it'll be very intriguing to see how she solves it.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #1is a great introduction for readers to Jon Kent in his new ongoing series. Taylor does a fantastic job at setting up this new storyline and the themes involved, making a Superman who is very keenly aware of the most pressing issues we have today. Jon continues the legacy of his parents but still aims to strike out on his own, making him a very relatable character even as he has Kryptonian strength. I'm very much looking forward to where this story goes.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #4is a stressfully compelling story as Jon Kent faces his most dire challenges yet. Taylor continues to write Jon Kent with keen empathic understanding as he gives more challenges for the young Superman, and the art and colors by Di Niculou and Eltaeb continue to immerse readers in his thrilling world. With great lettering by Sharpe to boot, it's another excellent issue in this comic series you don't want to miss.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #6is a great story that sets aside heavy action to focus on the importance of investigative journalism and holding people in power accountable. Taylor writes Jon and his supporting characters with great detail and emotional depth, Timms art with HI-FI's colors is beautifully immersive, and Sharpe's letters make this great issue an even greater read. Superman: Son of Kal-El remains one of the best Superman stories out in years, and I highly recommend you pick it up.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #8is one of the most compelling stories for Jon Kent so far, as it forces our young Superman to make tough choices in pursuit of doing the right thing. Taylor writes a tight and focused story, Tormey, Fernandez, and Blee make stunning artwork and Sharpe's lettering is the last fine pointed touch for this story.

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Teen Titans Academy #1 is overall a fantastic start to this series. With wonderful character dynamics between older and newer characters, an exciting new setting, and great art, it's an enthralling comic that will satisfy both old and new Titans fans alike. I highly recommend you pick this one up.

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Teen Titans Academy #2is a great follow-up to the debut of this amazing series. Getting to see the older Titans mentor the new prospective Teen Titans remains as entertaining as ever, and seeing the mystery of Red X unfold makes for an exciting read. I'm glad to see this series continue to go strong and am excited for where it goes next.

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Teen Titans Academy #4 is a great and fun story that introduces readers to new members of Teen Titans Academy who try to figure out a mystery that even the older Titans can't solve. There's so much humor and heart that it will have you feeling as though you're watching an episode of the Teen Titansanimated series. Sheridan continues to build a masterful story with this issue, and I'm even more excited for where it goes.

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Teen Titans Academy #8is a contemplative issue that sees the Titans question their way of doing things. Sheridan continues to write a great story while balancing all the various characters, imploring the readers to think more deeply, and Norton's artwork and Leigh's lettering make this even more of a delight to read. Eight issues in, we're still only at the start of Teen Titans Academy, and it'll be very exciting to see what happens next.

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Teen Titans Academy #9is an exciting and chilling propulsion of the story forward. Sheridan writes the teachers and students into their most challenging struggle yet, and the art by Norton stands out especially as he designs all these heroes in a formal gathering. There's drama at the dance, and you won't want to miss out on it in this unexpectedly chilling story.

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The Magnificent Ms Marvel #15is one of the best recent Ms. Marvel comics I've read. Ahmed and his team continue to do a great job telling Kamala's story during the whole Outlawedsaga, giving this amazing young hero more challenges that are related to our current socio-political sphere. This issue is a cathartic and superb read and will leave you eager to see what happens next.

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Miles Morales: Spider-Man #24is a masterpiece of comic storytelling. Through giving Miles and Kamala a moment to breathe and reflect on everything they've been through, readers will be reminded of why Miles and his friends are the heroes they are, fearlessly resisting injustice wherever they encounter it, even when the barriers seem too great. Reading this outstanding issue of Miles' story, you may feel inspired to resist injustice as well.

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Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit #4 is an emotionally thrilling issue that rushes the story forward to its conclusion. Qarin develops tremendously as a sympathetic antagonist as Ahmed writes her and Kamala with keen instinct and emotion, Genolet and Farrell's art is at the best its been in the series, and Caramagna's lettering ties this all together as an excellent issue. I'm very excited about what the conclusion of this arc will be and what Kamala will learn from it.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #2is a fantastic comic that dives deeper into Jon Kent and what drives him. Taylor does a wonderful job at getting readers to relate to this son of Superman, even when he seems so godly above us, literally and figuratively. The art by Timms and Eltaeb is immersive and stunning, with great lettering by Sharpe as well. This issue makes it clear that Jon Kent's path is distinct from his father's, even though it's still inspired by it. I can't wait to see where his journey goes.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #5is a masterfully moving issue that gets even more to the heart of Jon Kent and his motivations. With beautiful art by Timms and HI-FI, a poignantly relatable story about burnout by Taylor, and great lettering by Sharpe, this is an issue that readers new and old won't want to miss. I cannot recommend this series and this issue enough.

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Superman: Son of Kal-El #9is a fantastic team-up story that highlights the strengths and vulnerabilities of Superman and Nightwing in a relatable way. Taylor continues to write both these characters with poignant heart and warmth, Redondo, Von Grawbadger, and Lucas's art is bold and graceful, and Abbott's lettering makes the perfect finishing touch. Superman and Nightwing fans alike will love the team-up, and likely be clamoring for more team-ups after. Go pick it up wherever you can.

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Teen Titans Academy #6is a superb issue of comic storytelling. Sheridan richly expands on the story and characters he and Sandoval have set up with an intriguing mystery and fantastic character dynamics and action. Summer Zahid is a fantastic leading character, and this issue helps set her up as a wonderful force to be reckoned with in DC Comics, along with the rest of her teammates. With the trademark great art by Sandoval, Arreola, and Tarragona, and the vivacious lettering by Leigh, this is one Teen Titans story you don't want to miss.

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Teen Titans Academy #7is a fantastic issue in this fantastic series that makes its welcome return.Teen TitansAcademyis one of the best comic series running today, as Sheridan and his team have created an exceptional set of stories. Sheridan continues to write the characters he and Sandoval have created with tremendous care and attention, while the artwork by Sandoval, Sinclair, and Tarragona is rivetingly beautiful to look at. Leigh's lettering is the cherry on top of this spectacular comic. If you're not reading Teen Titans Academy, you need to change that straight away.

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Teen Titans Academy #11is an epic superhero story. Sheridan continues to prove himself as a master of his craft by bringing the characters of Teen Titans Academy together in an epic clash that could decide the fate of the world.

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Teen Titans Academy 2021 Yearbook #1 is an excellent anthology issue that encapsulates the spirit, joys, and dramatic intrigue of the nascent academy. Through introducing us more to these new characters created by him and Sandoval, Sheridan and his impressive team have created a comic series that virtually any Teen Titans fan can get into. This yearbook issue manages to truly capture the school spirit. I highly recommend you pick it up.

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