Catwoman - Lonely City #1 is out this week from creator Cliff Chiang, who serves up a riff on The Dark Knight Returns, that centers on Catwoman and does everything with endearing charm. This might be 2021s best Gotham City comic, which is saying a lot.

One of the strongest superhero comics in many many years delivers its best issue yet. If youve been reading this one, get excited. If not, do whatever it takes to get in on this series. This is a very very good comic book.

The confident and clear narrative voice staves off the disorientation inherent to a story about an amnesiac, while the artwork is all kinds of stylish. This is one hip comic, and it reads like a lightning bolt of pure fun to the face.

Friday is the best new comic debut all year, powered by an interesting concept that is executed by some of the most powerful storytellers in the industry. We should all be thankful to have work like this during these trying times.

I'm not surprised this team pulled this comic off so well. I was sold on the creative team, sold again on the preview images, and sold a third time when Comics Bookcase's editor, Zack, said I could do this very advanced review. This is no doubt going to be one of my favorite issues of the year, and the series will likely land on a similar list when it concludes in May. It's immense, funny, and gorgeous, while still telling a meaningful story.

From the artwork to the mythos to the setup, Giga #1 is well-done and compelling. Its a rich debut comic that makes a lot of promises while assuring readers theyre in good hands as they progress on toward coming surprises.

Heart Attack #1 is a powerful debut that announces the arrival of a major new series. Come for the immersive visual storytelling, stay for a take on dystopia that puts romance and humanity at its center.

A landmark comic and a mission statement about how thoughtful, complex, and fascinating graphic sequential writing can be while also honoring core concepts of beloved long-running

Lois Lane #1 feels a bit like inspirational wish fulfillment the same way that some of my favorite Superman stories do, except instead of punching crazy aliens, shes working hard and doing one of the real worlds most important jobs.

The Lonely Receiver #2 is a deeper and more personal issue than the debut was, and its one of the most memorable comics Ive read all year, equal parts dark and relatable. This is a book with something poignant to say, and its going to say it with a bleak sense of searing futuristic style.

Lonely Receiver #3 continues to establish itself as one of the best new comics of 2020, a must-read book that takes advantage of the smart and discerning readership in modern indie comics, never afraid to be challenging. Simply put, you should all be reading this series.

A powerful debut with much to say about love and loss, Murder Falcon #1 succeeds on a number of levels. Johnson is a massive talent, and he nails this story, letting his kinetic artwork shine during moments of high action while knowing when to backoff and frame emotional moments with simpler visuals. This is a MUST BUY comic.

The biggest compliment I can give Once and Future #7 is that in the midst of all the terror and uncertainty in the world right now, it was the best escapism Ive had since this all began.

Heres a sentence I did not expect to be tying this week I LOVED Radio Spaceman: Mission to Numa 4 #1, to the point I think its up there with Monkey Meat as one of my favorite comics of the year so far.

Tartarus #1 is a powerhouse of a debut comic, one that feels immersive both in terms of its artwork and the power of its themes. This comic is entertaining at the highest level while also conveying deep potential for twists, surprises, and grand meaning to come. Buy this book.

The TMNT Annual 2022 #1 is an emotionally satisfying meditation on loss and grief and growing older, powered by the relentless interesting and stylish cartooning of rising star Juni Ba. Just an all around great comic.

This book is uniquely bizarre, it is captivating, and its art is beautiful. Simply put, its going to make you come back for more. Give me issue #2 already, thanks.

The Blue Flame #1 is a supremely confident, deliberate, and interesting comic. Every element of craft in this book is not only well-done but deployed in a way that serves a greater unified narrative, one that gets at the heart of the intersection of the fantastic and the tragic. Its brilliant work.

The best new #1 comic of the year so far, Barbaric #1 is a perfect debut issue, a subversive romp with a hilarious and entertaining concept put on top layers of relatable conflict and philosophy. Dont miss this book.

A worthy followup chapter to one of the best first issues of the year, Barbaric #2 delivers more of everything that made the first issue great, the gleeful deconstruction of fantasy tropes, the witty humor, the gritty visuals, and the guiding notion that @*!& is hard and its necessary to grumble as you make your way through it.

A nigh-perfect debut, by the end of Little Bird #1 I found myself already melancholic that the series is only five issues. Simply put, if Little Bird continues this high a level of storytelling, well all have to mention it in conversations about Images creator-owned resurgence, right alongside Saga, Wicked + Divine, God Country, etc.. This is one fine comic.

These is, perhaps, no better new series in comics than Little Bird, which in its third issue is as surprising, gorgeous, and immersive as the two that have come before. Every issue in this series has been highly compressed, yet over-sized, giving it an urgency generosity of storytelling that speaks to the passion in the work being done.

The Plot #1 is the single best horror comic debut of 2019, and probably the best launch of a new terror series since Gideon Falls. Its a smart and confident story that relies on its characters as much as the supernatural. Its another smash hit in the making from Vault.

The highest compliment I can give this comic is that it doles out more of the same high-quality storytelling we got in the debut. This is, quite simply, a comic that continues to get every choice right.

I really have not read another comic like Agent of W.O.R.L.D.E. #1 this year. A dense and clever romp through high-concept and bold ideas, the book shines in every aspect, from its intricate and detailed artwork to its sense of humor.

Phew, this is one fantastic comic, with everything from the script to the concept to the linework feeling new and urgent and endlessly complex. Rich with universal themes of sacrifice, pride, and family, Excellence #1 is the start of something special.

With a genuinely unique premise and top-tier visual storytelling, Family Tree #1 is a must-buy debut, a great start to another essential creator-owned comic in 2019.

Folklords #1 is one of the strongest new fantasy comics of 2019, blending as it does nigh-perfect execution from the creators with what feels like a wholly new take on the genre. Kudos.

Haha #1 features the smart existential storytelling weve come to expect from writer W. Maxwell Prince, paired with phenomenal artwork by Vanesa Del Rey and Chris OHalloran. Its an exciting start to a new anthology series, one that fans of the format should consider a must-read.

Home #1 is one of the best and most important comics I've read all year, taking the real world atrocities committed by the U.S. family separation policy, and conveying an interesting narrative with empathy and humanity. Do not miss this comic.

Lazarus Risen #1 with its new extended format feels like a natural evolution of one of the best comics on the market today. At this point, the world is so well-realized and the plot so compelling, nothing is lost with a longer wait and much is gained with more space for additional complexity.

Love Everlasting #1 is a very good comic, a cheeky and experimental riff on vintage romance comics that engages readers who study and love the mediums traditions and past.

One of the best issues of Monstress yet, this is the type of comic that at once reminds why you fell in love with this series while also stoking excitement for events that are to come. Just fantastic work all around.

Monstress #22 continues this books best arc yet, which is saying a lot. Simply put, this is one of the best comics on the stands and an all-time classic, and issues like this that read so beautifully while pushing ahead the plot are the reason why.

A good-looking and smart comic with a strong point of view that is at once cautionary and optimistic, No Ones Rose #1 has all the pieces to blossom (sorry!) into the next big sci-fi book.

Hilarious and smart satire that uses everything from Christianity to superheroism to ask if our societal values are truly in the right place. Second Coming #1 might just be the most important comic this year.

A near-perfect first issue, from the high quality of the artwork to the layers of the script. Shadow Service #1 also has one of the best first issue cliffhangers Ive seen in some time, alternately horrifying and intriguingjust like the rest of the book.

The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #1 is an absolutely gorgeous comic built on a firm bedrock of emotive artwork and melodic prose. Come for a concept steeped in life and death, stay to witness two mighty talents executing their craft on stunning levels.

The Nice House on the Lake #1 does everything well, from the substance of its info pages to the stylishness of its character to the relatability within its wild premise. When all the small things are done so well, what emerges is the best comic of the year so far.

If last issue left me feeling disoriented, this issue straightened out my understanding of what is happening here and where it is all headed next. The Nice House on the Lake #8 is a great reminder that this is one of the best books in monthly comics.

The Nice House on the Lake #9 is another masterful issue for what is one of the best monthly comics on the shelves. The plot is moving quickly and the artwork is fantastic.

With a fan-friendly surprise release method and a sweet and self-aware ending, The Walking Dead #193 rewards those who have followed this book for years and years and years.

Undiscovered Country is going to be Images next big hit. A complex and thoughtful comic told expertly by a team of veteran creators, this book is a dense and thoughtful adventure of the highest order. Let me be clear you should read this book.

This issue is a good example of what can be done with the depth of ideas Snyder, Soule, and Camuncoli have baked into the DNA of this book, jumping as it does between well-realized character motivations and layered world-building. Undiscovered Country remains a top-tier creator-owned title.

About as good of a Wolverine comic as were liable to ever get, this issue serves up two distinct stories from a set of creators who seem like they were destined to work on this character. Theres also a surprising amount of new editions to the Wolverine mythos in these 70 pages.

One of the strongest post HoX/PoX X-Men comics yet, X-Men + Fantastic Four #1 succeeds on all levels, from the artwork to the Franklin Richards teen angst character motivations, to the way this book pushes forward the human heroes versus mutants seeds planted at the start of Krakoa.

In Black Stars Above #2, this book continues to establish as a truly singular comic. Whenever I have this book understood, the talented creators add another layer to their survivalist cosmic horror story, resulting in a layered and complex tale that feels truly special.

Black Stars Above #3 continues to build this series case as one of the best new books in all of comics, managing the difficult balancing act of doling out more answers without sacrificing any of the mystery or dread.

X-Men #1 has some fun in the House of X that Hickman and his collaborators so expertly built. At the same time, it stokes the narrative tension we need to keep this world fresh. Another must-read X-Men comic for 2019.

Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips Criminal #1 is a perfect continuation of a crime series that ranks as a modern classic. If you enjoy crime fiction, in any format, this one is an absolute must read.

Criminal #3, like the rest of Brubaker and Phillips latest series, is a real comics fans comic, filled with insider touches and meta commentary, all encased within the duos all-time great creative chemistry. This book is a must-read, every damn month.

With stunning artwork and a bold take on a familiar tension from older superhero universes, Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy #1 is a must-read comic and a worthy choice to start the next phase of the Black Hammer world.

There's a bit of Tarantino, a bit of Cormac McCarthy, and a bit of Charlie Kaufman in this debut comic from a group of rising creators, and it all adds up to a very compelling first issue.

Scott Snyder and long-time collaborators Greg Capullo with Jonathan Glapion are clearly having a blast in their first creator-owned project together, and the result is a madcap grindhouse monster-hunting horror romp that I highly recommend.

Darkness is creeping into the Dawn of X, and X-Force is going to be the book where we find out how the crew on Krakoa deals with it. If this first issue is any indication, its going to be a hell of a ride.

20XX succeeds with a mix of excellent artwork and well done characters. It is a timely comic executed with a high level of craft, and I am confident recommending it to any and all readers.

A Dark Interlude seems to be charging forward into The Fearscape, with Henry Henry a bit sidelined relative to the series past. It all adds up to a confident and intriguing follow-up (not a sequel) to Vaults literary ego sendup comic.

Abbott 1973 #1 marks an immediate return to form for one of the best comics of 2018, doing a great job of building upon its established premise to begin a story that feels intriguing, timely, and important as ever.

I'd been looking forward to this celebration of Superman for months (if not longer) and this book did not disappoint. Today really felt like true observance of Superman and what he has meant to the world over the years. It was an anthology, so some stories were always going to be stronger than others, and I definitely wanted to see way more Lois Lane, but overall I'm glad I not only got to read this book, but be apart of comics fandom during its release.

Ah, its so nice to have American Vampire back. I hadnt entirely realized how much I missed this supremely well-executed book, until I was in the pages reading familiar characters talking about new challenges in a new decade. Great stuff.

Like the characters in its pages working as hit men, Assassin Nation #1 is locked in on its target: showing its audience a great time. This is one of those comics you start reading before suddenly finding yourself surprised that it had to end.

The first new Astro City comic in nearly four years is a fantastic reminder of why this book is one of the great superhero stories of our time. I highly recommend this one to new readers and old fans alike.

There have been plenty of monster hunting comics launched this year, but none have been as confident as Bitter Root #1. This story is complex and fearless, steeped in fantastical monster hunting, family dynamics, and systemic injustices. Combine that with the stylishly singular aesthetic of the artwork, and this book is a must-read.

Black Hammer Visions #1 is an understated and somber one-shot story that relies more on emotional character beats than superhero punchingjust like all the other best stories in the Black Hammer Universe. Buy this comic without hesitation.

This is Ta-Nehisi Coates' best comic yet, layered and nuanced, but also well-paced and entertaining. This book plays up Captain America as a former icon while addressing his tarnished status following Secret Empire. It's so good that one issue in, this run already has must-read status.

Commanders in Crisis #1 is an event story for a new superhero universe built (and built well) within the space of a single #4 comic. If you like superheroes at all, you owe it to yourself to buy, read, and love this comic.

Vault Comics shared Cult Classic universe is back, and the mix of rising creators/rising publisher gives us a confident book loaded with body horror, nostalgia, and surprise. What else could you want?

As poignant as they are celebratory, the 12 short stories in The DC Pride 2022 #1 one-shot are varied and wonderful, made possible by DC Comics sustained commitment to welcoming LGBTQ characters into their superhero universe.

Far Sector #12 marks the end of a tremendous run of comics, a different sort of cosmic Big 2 comic that has the potential to be a long-term evergreen seller, even in bookshops that dont specialize in selling comics.

You 100 percent want to make sure you get in on Future State - Superman vs. Imperious Lex #1 , with an even greater emphasis for anyone who loves Superman, satire, or the past works of Russell and Pugh.

A near-perfect tribute to a long-time superhero character, Green Arrow 80th Anniversary Spectacular #1 stands as one of (if not the) best of DC Comics' 80th birthday anthologies. This book is well worth the price of admission

House Amok is a comic so rich and immersive that its ending will ambush you, leaving you demanding the second issue. It's a childhood horror story that raises questions about fears, realities, innocence, and shared delusions. It is, quite simply, yet another must-read title from IDW's Black Crown.

I Breathed a Body #1 is a perfectly-executed and ragingly-smart body horror comic that takes existential concern over social media, influencers, and big tech, and distills it into one of the most interesting stories of the young year. Do not miss this comic.

For readers who have enjoyed the body horror surrealistic unpacking of the social media age, I Breathed A Body #5 is a strong and satisfying conclusion, a nigh-perfect ending to a wonderfully different type of comic.

I Hate This Place #1 is an excellent first issue, one that draws from more horror tropes than it seems like would be possible, ultimately creating something wholly excellent and wholly new.

Ice Cream Man #6 is another astoundingly well-done comic that scares you as you read and then lingers with you existentially for days after you finish. This series continues to be one of the most unflinching looks at everyday lives in modern American...in any storytelling medium.

Another excellent chapter in this anthology horror story, one that goes deeper into the abstruse philosophies hinted at by prior issues. Simply put, few books on the stands today match the craftsmanship and dogma in a single issue of Ice Cream Man.

The end of the beginning of the beginning of the end. An absolutely mind-wrecking read that suggests a more grandiose story than initially promised. Get past issues of Ice Cream Man nearby, because the creators have built something complex and subtle that will re-wire your perception of this series.

One step back and two steps in some potentially cosmic direction nobody saw coming, Ice Cream Man #10 nudges the series back toward its core concepthorror vignetteswhile still pushing forward the overarching narrative. This is one of the best comics today, and we should all be grateful for it.

Ice Cream Man #16 is yet another stand-alone story that starts with a common fear and finds a dark place that speaks to cracks in society as a whole. Simply put, this is one of our best monthly comics, and Id recommend it to anyone.

Yet another masterful issue for the best series in comics, just a notch below Ice Cream Man #6, the neapolitan issue. Dont skip this comic, lest you miss out on one of the best-ever commentaries on superheroes and messianic hero worship.

A rich and deliberate table-setter for a new pared down DC Universe with more creative freedom and an evident awareness of the importance of its own legacy, Infinite Frontier #0 is a rewarding read that seems to portend better days ahead for DC Comics.

Invisible Kingdom is a heady comic youll want to read twice to get a better grip on its ambitions and ideas. Fortunately, the artwork in this book is so vibrant and imaginative, immediately re-reading will feel less like a redundancy and more like a second helping of an impossibly-spectacular visual treat.

I expected this comic to be a hit for me. It has a lot going on for it. What separates this from most superhero comics, though, is that Livewire is such an interesting character, one who hasnt been explored too much yet. Theres a moment at the end of the issue that made me tear up because of the depth with which Ayala writes Amanda. And I was not expecting that. Given how this first issue ends, were in for a long ride with Livewire. And I cant wait to take it.

Livewire #2 picks up where the previous installment left off. The creative team here is really building something special, and I cant emphasize strong enough that fans of superhero fiction should get in on the bottom level. This comic has the potential to be a run talked about for a long while.

Livewire is a grounded book with high stakes, grand ideas, and terrifying threats, and in its pages, Ayala, Allen, and Martin are fearlessly addressing everything from Amandas intentions to her results to the impact of the wars shes waged. This comic is, simply put, compelling stuff.

Made In Korea #1 is the best type of science fiction. It is quiet, relatable, and deeply human. This is a confident and polished comic with an intriguing story to tell, and it gets my full recommendation.

Orlando and Rossmo are the creative team Martian Manhunter has long deserved, and the debut issue of this 12-part maxiseries is a great one. Simply put, this is a book bent on telling readers who Jonn Jonzz is right now and why, and its going to take us through one hell of a mystery to get there.

New Mutants #1 is just a blast, one in which high-concept sci-fi ideas take a backseat to the kinetic space adventure artwork and pithy one-liners. This is a comic you will read with a big smile on your face throughout.

Olympia #1 is a perfect comic for readers who love comics, offering a blend of metafictional elements with familiar themes of childhood escapism. It is not to be missed.

Writer Mark Russell and artist Steve Lieber are a natural fit, and with One-Star Squadron #1 they put out a first issue that is deeply hilarious, whip smart, and just heartbreaking enough to set the stage for a great miniseries.

Out of Body #1 is one of the most fascinating new comics of the year so far. A really intriguing mystery, this book combines a murder mystery with an interest in new real world research being done around psychedelics, and the results are fantastic.

The best comic about America falling to pieces in terms of art, plotting and execution, Post Americana #1 joins a crowded field of near-future dystopian stories about the United States and immediately sets itself apart from the field, doing so with top-tier art and memorable characters.

Powers of X #1 is a nigh-perfect companion to last weeks House of X #1, recasting it in a slightly darker tone while also seeding its own massive sci-fi epic. These new Jonathan Hickman X-Men comics are, quite simply, must-reads.

With Project - Patron #1 the new book from Steve Orlando, Patrick Piazzalunga, and co. one can easily see this becoming the best updated compliment to one of DCs classic stories, Death of Superman.

Shazam! #1 soars to impressive cuteness heights without ever tipping into self parody, doing so by embracing the two most prominent core tenants of an all-time great character: family and fantasy. Come for the childlike adventure and stay for the promise of much more to come. I have a hard time imagining that very many readers will dislike this comic.

Space Bastards #1 is a fast and intense read built upon questions about capitalism, desperation, and the demands of cold societies. Most importantly, its all brought to life by the finely-honed action sci-fi visual storytelling of Darick Robertson.

A combination high-concept science fiction story and quiet romance, there really is nothing quite like Stronghold #1 happening in comics today. Its an interesting concept, to be sure, but the real strength here is the top tier storytelling done by the team of Hester, Kelly, Cunniffe, and Bowland. I highly recommend this comic.

Powered by career-best artwork from Mikel Jann with colors by Jordie Bellaire, Superman and the Authority #1 is visionary writer Grant Morrisons take on The Authority, a take perhaps at odds with its source material. This first issue is fantastic, and we should all be excited to follow this story.

The Devils Red Bride is a clear and compelling read, incorporating some common trappings of samurai comics while layering in details that make it feel more like historical fiction. Add in top-tier artwork from Bivens and Monahan, and youve got a comic that is not to be missed.

Wow. Ive enjoyed the Black Hammer Universe of comics overall, but The Unbelievable Unteens feels special. Its got an excellent metafictional concept that caters right to people who spend much of their time doing comics things, executed to near perfection by Tyler Crook.

This is a captivating book, at once smart, poignant, and stylish. Andolfo clearly has strong thoughts about the intersection of sex and government, but she also knows well that those thoughts are best served by first and foremost telling an entertaining story. As a result, Unnatural #1 is not to be missed.

Wytches: Bad Egg Halloween Special is the perfect Halloween treat. It's also the perfect antidote for the long-term absence of one of the most spectacular horror stories in all of comics.

This is an entertaining read from start to finish, using a self-deprecating stream of consciousness narration style that makes Ant-Man relatable as he pokes fun at his Silver Age roots and odd power set.

Following the three-part Cold Days arc is a tough act, but the standalone story about the father-son relationship between Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson in Batman #54 pulls it off. Matt Wagners art is fitting and emotive, and Tom Kings script is tonally perfect, an honest look at the emotional fragility of hurt men and how difficult it is to open up.

A little bit of clarity about whats really happening goes a long way in Batman #63 mixing with the Bat-Cat wedding redux motif to result in the strongest issue of this arc so far. Also, Mikel Janins impeccably-clean linework is always welcome on this title.

Jorge Fornes steals the show in this issue as Tom King's experimental dream-state arc of one-shots resumes. In addition to Fornes drawing some of the best noir DC scenes in recent memory, we get King exploring the Bat-Cat relationship yet again. This story might not be actually happening, but the quality with which it's being told is 100 percent real.

The high point of the Knightmares arc, this issue is an excellent encapsulation of the duality of Tom Kings Batman run, alternating between both bittersweet feelings and violent posturing.

This stunning trek through the desert presents brilliant bonding and discomfort for father and son as writer Tom King plays with a relationship Bat-fans never thought wed see explored further.

This issue ties the arc together in outstanding fashion. Delivering heartrending emotion, brutal action, jaw-dropping art, and layers upon layers of storytelling.

Deep Roots #1 lays out a bold vision, one that grows (excuse the plant pun) from both the tight muscularity of its script and the beauty of its artwork. Its a story of two worldsmans world and an ancient vegetative world beneathand its art depicts each, as well as the places they intersect, with a gorgeous abandon. This is a rare and wonderful debut that gets the basics of pacing, world-building, and cliff-hanging right, while also leaving the reader with a sense of a wondrous plan in place for its continuation.

Deep Roots No. 2 continues to build on the bold vision from the first issue. I went to bat hard for this book after reading part one, and in this second issue the story progressed in a substantial way that made me feel validated. Deep Roots is quickly growing (Ill see myself out) into one of the best indie books on the market.

Today is a major day for new comics, but if you take a chance on one new book, make it Electric Warriors. This is part one of a six-part miniseries with vast potential to be something truly special. Fans are going to be talking about this comic tomorrow.

The only things more imaginative and brutal than the action on the page here are the twists in the plot. A surprising turn in Electric Warriors #3 has me seeing this already-solid comic in a new and more complex light. If youre not reading this book, you cant complain that the Big 2 dont try enough new ideas. Get on it.

With its fourth issue, Electric Warriors remains one of DCs best comics. This issue packs a surprising death, more insight into whats really happening with the story, and a deepening of the already rich dynamics between characters. In an era where superhero comics can feel staid and predictable, Electric Warriors is anything but.

One of the strongest debut issues of 2020, Join the Future #1 is rich with timely ideas, which the creative team builds into a genre-fluid sci-fi western story of giving into societal forces. This is a very well-done book that easily merits picking up its second issue.

Powered by a mix of claustrophobia, tribalism, and commentary on consumerist culture, The Mall #1 is a genre-defying and entertainingly-tense take on the end of the world. Another hit from Vault Comics.

A smart comic about the relationship between greed and knowledge/innovation. Come (no pun intended) for the sex jokes, stay for the important questions about modern values.

Mother - A Post Apocalyptic Tale is a rare comic that straddles graphic sequential storytelling and literary short fiction almost perfectly, using the strengths of both mediums to enhance ambience and add emotion. It all adds up to a poignant and thoughtful book, likely to move the audience on a deep level.

Theres so much going on in Relay #1, so many ideas and concepts, all of them fascinating, and expert storytelling by the creators keeps the book from becoming unruly. In a market thoroughly-saturated by great sci-fi comics, Relay stands out, a must-read for fans of Philip K. Dick and Ursula K. Le Guin.

The Relay #2 continues establishing this series as one of the smartest comics today, diving deeper into the anthropological concerns of the debut. Heady and dense, the stakes here involve our perception of reality itself. Is there anything more consequential? This book makes readers work hard, to be sure, but the intellectual payoff is well-worth the effort.

This book is becoming more engrossing with each issue, so much so that I suspect word of mouth will soon catapult it to much wider audience. I highly recommend jumping on board now. Start at the beginning, of course, but whatever you do, read this comic"this series is not to be missed.

With artist Dalibor Talajic now on board for at least the next two issues, Relay returns and loses very little. This issue features all the deeply-smart sci-fi themes and perfectly-executed plot twists that made the first three chapters so exciting.

Saga #55 is a triumphant return for one of comics best series. Despite a lengthy hiatus, this book has not lost a step, and the entire industry is better for it. Pick this up at the $2.99 price point without hesitation. Its a perfect return. Overall:

Another fantastic issue, Saga #56 slows down just a bit after last issue, but the continued exploration of what is happening now to our little family feels absolutely electric.

Saga #57 is an interesting exploration of how backstory can shape the present and future. It also might just have the most consequential five page segment of this new arc so far.

Saga #59 is an issue that subverts expectations in more ways than one, ultimately fueling curiosity around a number of questions that seem likely to explode in a big arc finale within next months Saga #60.

Thematically, this comic promises contemplation of power dynamics and colonialism, piloted by a creative team with the clear storytelling chops to turn deeper concern into compelling narrative. Yet another strong book from Vault Comics, These Savage Shores is one to watch.

These Savage Shores #2 doubles down on the strengths of the excellent debut that preceded it, simultaneously finding new and interesting ground beyond the misdirective twist that ended its first issue. A delightfully complex comic, this book is one for readers who enjoy nuanced explorations of ideas as well as those who want to revel in dark and chilling visual tones.

Each issue of These Savage Shores has been the best chapter in the story so far, and #3 is no exception. A chapter packed with set pieces and hard-earned big moments, this is a comic that makes me feel unbelievably lucky we have this book.

These Savage Shores is a nigh-perfect comicbook, one that brings together top-tier writing, linework, colors, and lettering into a cohesive story that feels organic, suspenseful, and heavy with meaning. Its truly a work of art.

This is one of the best standalone issues of Wonder Woman Ive ever read, ever, and it tells a compelling story that speaks directly to the core of a classic and long-tenured character yet is also strikingly-relevant for 2018. This comic is 100 percent a must-buy.

Whereas Wonder Woman #51 examined Diana Princes deep and stubborn capacity for compassion, Wonder Woman #52 utilizes her role as a living piece of mythology to launch a multi-part adventure. Orlando and Aco have clearly worked together in the past, and the result is a polished and fully-formed start. Fans of great superhero comics, take note.

Wonder Woman #53 is ultimately a gorgeous comic that nicely wraps up the adventure in Aztec mythos that was set into motion last issue, while simultaneously laying groundwork for more action.

Separately, Steve Orlando and the duo of Raul Allen and Patricia Martin have fast become some of my favorite emerging creators in recent years, and so I found it an absolute treat for them to collaborate, especially with a character for which Orlando in particular possesses such an evident understanding.

A fitting end to a stellar 5-issue Wonder Woman run from writer Steve Orlando, one that has reminded me of the vast and unique potential of this character, while putting her in an excellent place for the next creators.

DC Comics just does not miss with these giant celebratory anniversary issues. This one again does an excellent job varying its stories in a way that depicts so much of Wonder Womans history and character, while also giving us a tease of what might be coming next.

Coffin Bound is a highly literary, nihilistic tryst through an incredibly stylish fantasy world. All of the creators involved are doing top-tier work, building an impressively singular story with this comic.

Coffin Bound #2 is even better than the first issue, building on the promises made in the debut. Oh, and the aesthetic in this book is among the best of any comic this year. I love it.

Very little about Coffin Bound has been literal or straight-forward, and this finale issue (for now) is no exception. A visually-poetic abstraction of a finale, this issue is sure to satisfy readers of this comic.

Crude No. 2 introduces a framework for the challenges and mystery our protagonist must fight to overcome, and it does so in a suspenseful way that doesn't sacrifice any of the interiority that made No. 1 so compelling. Orlando, Brown, and Loughridge are really building something special here, something that feels powerful as well as painstakingly deliberate.

Crude #3 exceeds previous installments, raising this book up among my favorite creator-owned titles right now, as well as among my favorite Image books period. Its well-constructed and perfectly-executed, a bleak and deeply emotional story about damage caused by emotional distance and dishonesty between fathers and sons.

Crude continues to have one of the most compelling hero's journeys in all of comics, one that blends gritty action with emotional devastation and subtle commentary. This fourth issue again ups the stakes in ways I could not have predicted.

Crude #5 is the best issue of this book yet. More than a stage-setter for next months first arc conclusion, this comic is rich with revelations about its lead character and the world hes beaten his way into. This series is career-best work for both Brown and Orlando, must-read comics.

A cathartic and fitting end to a book that packed as much of an emotional punch as it did a physical one. This final issue felt a bit compressed, but the creative team should still be proud of the emotional journey it put its protagonist through. If you missed out on Crude as a monthly comic, I HIGHLY recommend picking it up in trade.

One of the best debut Image Comics this year, which is saying a lot. Die #1 sees veteran writer Gillen operating in a story that demands to be told and also plays to the ample strengths of rising star artist Stephanie Hans. This book features nostalgia that fosters engagement without ever becoming a crutch. Read this comic, and enjoy.

Die #2 continues to embrace realism and darkness within the context of a mystical and immersive life-altering role playing game. Just as the debut before it, this sophomore issue is a thrilling slowburn that sets itself aside from the current wave of D&D pop culture nostalgia by doubling as an uncut look at the disappointments of middle age.

Die #4 is a high-mark for a young series that has classic written all over it. This is the best type of new comic, one that tells a long story comprised of several disparate and wholly memorable chapters. Make space up there with Saga and Monstress, Die is quickly becoming one of Images best.

A gorgeous and resonant issue built on the patience of expert long-form storytelling, Die #18 unleashes one of this series long-held story beatsand the results are devastating. This is quite possible the best issue of Die yet.

The Fallen World #1 is a great-looking and smart dystopian future comic that picks up where Valiants 2016 event story 4001 AD left-off. Its a great read for long-time Valiant fans, mirroring that stories epic sense of grandiosity.

A nigh-perfect debut, a unique comic that pushes the boundaries of sequential graphic storytelling. Fearscape #1 is one part killer creator-owned comic, one part famous literary short story, and 100 percent not to be missed.

Fearscape #2 builds on one of the years best debuts to deliver another adventure in metafiction, one perfectly tailored for an indie comic audience. The protagonists imposter syndrome is so ugly and sincere that writerly types cant help but relate, regardless of how painful it becomes, and theres real honest beauty in that.

A literary comic about what it feels like to be a struggling artist, Fearscape continues its descent into delusional frustration, doing so with a clever narrative voice and some visual tricks that convey a mindstate in ways only comics can. This is a must-read book for anyone who has contemplated the art life.

Fearscape #4 is another strong issue of a meta-fictional comic about how it feels to have unfulfilled literary aspirations. This comic remains a must-read for English majors and literary dabblers, anyone who has taken a creative writing workshop or read canonical novel in a coffee shop and daydreamed about their name on its cover.

This is perhaps the best finale of any comicbook Ive read all year, one that makes good on the vast promise of the first issue while packing a shocking yet earned surprise. Fearscape #5 lands in a place that makes all that came before it more meaningful. Kudos.

Punks Not Dead: London Calling #1 is this books best issue to date, taking the fantastic punk-paranormal premise and building a new suspenseful mystery on top of it. Few books on the market today are as confident and clever as this one, and we should all be excited for its return. Highly recommended.

The United States of Captain America #1 is a thoughtful and interesting first issue that creates a new status quo for Captain America, one that is far more in keeping with modern times. I found myself hoping that this ends up being a foundation for the characters next ongoing series when that arrives.

Wasted Space #1 is a super solid debut issue with an incredible amount of promise. Being a vocal proponent of Vault, I'm often asked for a good title to start with, and for the sci-fi set my answer moving forward will likely be Wasted Space. Basically, Wasted Space is a sci-fi allegory for our tumultuous times, one that raises questions about demagogues, escapism, and the dual businesses of selling religion and drugs. This debut issue does a great job of setting the stage and piquing interest for future installments. Count me in.

This issue sought to meet a huge bar set by its predecessor, which as I wrote in my Wasted Space #1 review did an incredible job balancing action and ideas. The second issue falls just short of the first, but its still fantastic, doing the difficult yet necessary work of familiarizing us with our leads. I will for sure get wasted again next month.

Wasted Space #3 is this comics best issue yet. The creators have built a solid foundation of character and plot, and theyre now clearly having a blast smashing it all together. I have every reason to believe the next issue will be even better as things continue to converge.

Wasted Space #4 is rich with both sporadic bursts of idea-heavy conversation as well as with space opera action, which is basically this series MO. For those as engaged with this comic as I am, this issue is yet another step forward in one of the most exciting sci-fi epics in comics today.

Simply put, Wasted Space is a comic that reads like Star Wars by way of 2018, determined to honor the hijinx and high adventure of the space opera while fearlessly exploring the central conflict of our times: where should ones desire for comfort end and their obligation to combat oppression begin?

The best space opera in comics is back, bringing the same high level of humor and commentary with it as its cast of characters embark on a new quest. This is one of my favorite series in all of comics, and Im happy to say its as great as ever.

Wasted Space #7 is another great example of this books strengths: operatic space adventure blended with philosophical discourse about modern society, all filtered through Hayden Sherman and Jason Wordies fantastic artwork. This remains one of the best comics today.

Wasted Space #8 is the best issue yet of comics premiere space opera. Everything from the plotting to the character dynamics to the imaginative art functions in perfect harmony to entertain and serve our story. Wasted Space is, quite simply, a top 5 comic right now.

Just another great issue of Wasted Space. The creative team continues to push the sense of storytelling freedom that has been present in this book from its start, and the results are a wonderful thing to be reading.

Wasted Space #11 is a treat of an issue, one that starts with big laughs out of the gate before giving us a sequence that announces, hey! The best space opera in comics is back.

The first exciting new chapter for the Guardians in I dont know how long, Guardians of the Galaxy #1 sees two of Marvels best young creators operating with giant ambitions, and they absolutely deliver. This is a big story, one worthy of involving the entire galaxy.

A quieter step-back issue that invests in character moments and funny exchanges while still pushing the grandiose plot from Guardians of the Galaxy #1 forward. Theres clearly a huge scale and big plan at work here, and Im excited to follow it through to its ending.

This third chapter of our story blends the grandiosity from the debut issue with the character-driven storytelling of the second to elevate this run to absolute must-read status. One of the best books at Marvel this side of Immortal Hulk, Guardians of the Galaxy is a must-read.

Through four issues, Guardians of the Galaxy has been a madcap ride that hopefully wont soon be over. This issue is a downright slugfest, one that also manages to seed a new mystery and continue developing characters. Go forth and read this damn book.

This book remains among my favorite Marvel comics right now. This issue delivers a major plot development, one that was promised back in the first issue. I highly recommend it.

Brian Michael Bendis and Stephen Byrne are a fantastic team, dealing out an engaging new original comic that combines the strengths of both creators. What is most interesting to me in this one is the main character, and I love jumping into a book that does that.

A pithy and entertaining read with some nice throwaway commentary for much of its duration, the real promise and potential of this comic becomes clear in its final pages. For long-time students of comics as well as recent die hards whove looked back even a bit, I highly recommend giving this debut issue a shot.

Spencer & Locke, Vol. 2 #1 is the best kind of sequel, one that stays faithful to the core concept while expanding the world in new and exciting ways. The emotional core, the fond homages to classic newspaper strips, the noir mysteryits all back and even better here.

A gorgeous and kinetic comic from creators making some of the best superhero comics right now. Long-time Thor readers will absolutely love this book, while new or casual readers may be a bit less prepared. The artwork alone, however, is worth the price of admission.

War of the Realms is an event that feels more like a natural extension of a long-building storyline from Thor. This is a compliment. The third issue slows things down a bit, letting players from the wider Marvel line move into some interesting places.

Easily the best Marvel line-wide event since Secret Wars wrapped up back in 2015, War of the Realms was epic and grandiose. As a long-time reader of Jason Aarons Thor, I was thoroughly satisfied by this finish.

Long Lost continues to be a character-driven horror-tinged mystery with one of the most compelling and realistic emotional cores in all of comics. The action is rapidly intensifying, but the creators have wisely avoided changing the tone of the story to be too explanatory. The mystery remains as compelling as ever as Long Lost approaches its conclusion.

Long Lost Part 2 #5 perhaps marks the end of what has been one of the most poetic slow burn stories in all of comics, as this issue ends with a burst of colorful psychedelics. If youve been following this story, this is likely to be your favorite issue to date.

A stylish and complex story that takes its time leading up to one of the best last-lines in a single issue monthly comic all year. If you like to look good and you also enjoy top-tier pulp storytelling concepts, this book is 100 percent absolutely for you.

Above Snakes #1 is what you expect from a western revenge comic but better. It does the hallmarks of the genre well and elevates it with a mix of high quality and significant small touches.

Archie #710 is in intriguing start to a new story arc in this book, one that introduces readers to the coolest of cool girls without flattening said cool girl out or taking away any of her agency/interiority. This is a stylish and entertaining teen dramedy book that I 100 percent recommend if youre into that sort of thing.

Barrier #1 uses the widescreen webcomic format to great effect, and Vaughan's incorporation of two languages creates a literal barrier between the book's dual leads, serving its plot and its theme of separation. Based on Vaughan's past work, Barrier seems poised to raise fascinating questions about the intersection of seemingly disparate worlds.

A gorgeous urban fantasy that contrasts forlorn subject matter with clean and bright linework. Much intriguing track has been laid in this first issue, wherein Humphries and Bartel also show themselves to be a perfectly complementary team with a grandiose vision. A great debut that I enthusiastically recommend.

Border Town #1 is a strong start for a reinvigorated Vertigo imprint, a relatable coming-of-age teen drama in one of the least understood yet most argued about parts of the country. The art is terrifyingly detailed, and the story leans enthusiastically into time-tested horror tropes while also finding new ground by adding Mexican/Chicano folklore and mythos.

I forgot how psychologically-complex and engrossing Britannia was until I started this new volume. This is a supremely well-executed comic, one I highly recommend to fans of both historical fiction and police procedurals. One issue in, it's just as good as its predecessors.

Cable #1 is a comic that somehow manages to add new elements to the Krakoa concept, sneak in a few laughs, and lay track for the X-Mens near future. Its a light and amusing read, too, a self-aware mutant action comedy with ramifications for the larger plot.

A really well-done first issue, Calamity Kate is a tight and well-told story with a solid concept and great characters. Come for the famous monster-hunter living in Encino premise, but stay for the quiet look at honesty, friendship, and feeling alone.

A top-notch debut that does everything well while paving many thematic roads moving forward. Writer Chip Zdarsky is often unpredictable, and Im excited to see the scope of his take. The one thing I can predict, however, is that damn fine comic book-making will be on display throughout.

Descendent #1 might have the makings of a huge book. I know I found this first issue to be absolutely immersive and riveting, driven as it is by realistic characters and a great core mystery.

Engrossing and complex, Euthanauts is the best book yet from former Vertigo editor Shelly Bond's new IDW imprint, Black Crown. Howard's script dives confidentiality into a universal concern"death"as Robles' ethereal visuals blur reality. An intriguing and gorgeous comic, this one is highly recommended.

A highly satisfying self-contained first issue that seeds excellent thematic ground for the book to explore moving forward. Fairlady #1 is a fantasy mystery noir, with muscular scripting and lucious artwork. Highly recommended.

Of all the post Devil You Know Hellboy and Hellboy-adjacent comics, Frankenstein Undone #1 is perhaps the most intriguing yet, featuring as it does wonderful visual storytelling from veteran Mignola-verse artist Ben Stenback and intriguing tie to ideas from other facets of this shared world.

Armed with the alternate timeline that is currently being straightened out in the past, as well as a daring aesthetic, what we ultimately get in Future State - Gotham #1 is a singular superhero comic, well-done in all regards.

One of the best Ghost Rider comics Ive read in a long while, this book plays to strengths of its creative team while delivering a smart take on superhero horror comics.

Creators Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino treat Gideon Falls #7 like a season debut of television. This issue isnt as fast-paced as some chapters from the first arc, but it thrives in character-driven moments. Im eagerly awaiting the twists to come. Oh, and that cliffhanger wow!

This issue is as frightening as it is dizzying. There is so much going on in this series, and readers dont yet know how deep into the mysteries and the story theyve gone. This is a horror book in a class of its own, and I highly recommend doing yourself a favor and getting caught up with it.

Gideon Falls #13 deserves all the money I can (and will) throw at it.

This week sets up some big moves for the coming issues, and I am very, very ready for it.

A strong and accessible debut, crafted by an expert comics auteur in Ken Garing. This is a fantasy comic with a clean, simple, and kinetic style that just might remind you of Jack Kirby.

Going to the Chapel #2 continues what is proving to be a hilarious romp of a comic, one that fearlessly ups the ante and finds a sweet spot between absurd and dysfunctional for its characters.

Theres a reason comedian Patton Oswalt keeps Tweeting about this comic its hilarious and more folks really ought to be reading it.

The Bensons and Javier Fernandez pull-off the difficult double task of redirecting Green Arrow's larger plot while keeping the book's characters grounded in the telling moments that marked Ben Percy's run. This is a great jumping on point for new/returning readers plus a smooth transition for those who never left.

In Her Infernal Descent #3, the qualities that make this comic so enthralling are ratcheted up, resulting in the best issue yet. This is a literary comic of the highest order, a well-constructed story rich with melancholic moments, intelligentsia in-jokes, and a layer of subtle charm.

If you appreciate excellent comics artwork, this is a must-buy book. The main story features the singular and striking work of Juan Ferreyra played out in charcoals, while the backup is buy all-time great, Kevin Nowlan. Its all just so good-looking.

The end of Jonathan Hickmans time writing X-Men is upon us, and while the future of these comics remains as fluid as the timelines in this series, if this first issue is any indication, I sure will enjoy Inferno as its burning.

In Inferno #2 the morally-gray leaders of Krakoa get their most pressing challenge of this era, and theyre forced to make a difficult decision. All of that is to say this is one of the more interesting X-Men comics, and a great second part for this event.

A well-told story that bookends the time of writer Jonathan Hickman on the X-Men, Inferno #4 features some major revelations, as well as a hint at what is to come next for Marvels mutants.

Infinite Dark tells an intriguing story steeped in depression with a deep and nuanced understanding of human psychology, plus forlorn visuals to match. This complex comic makes readers feel as if they too have boarded a space arc following the heat death of the universe. A must-read for fans of meaningful science-fiction, with extra points for so adeptly incorporating horror and mystery tinges.

With Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters #1, Chris Samnee, Laura Samnee, and Matthew Wilson deliver modern comics a Kamandi-esque story with a vibrant YA bend in place of dystopian super-heroics.

An entertaining and fast set of five vignettes that set the table for Dark Crisis, Justice League - Road to Dark Crisis #1 bridges the gap left by Justice League #75 - Death of Justice League by giving us a look at the resulting status quo from many angles.

Along with Euthanauts and House Amok, The Lodger is part of the Black Crown imprints second wave of titles, and boy is it something to behold. These are complex comic books for smart readers, and I cant recommend them all enough.

I do not know what just happened to me but I think I might have liked it...is probably the exact right response to Ludocrats, a new comic that is like the characters it stars a perfectly ludicrous and not boring event.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1 is a new run that feels both familiar and novel. The interactions between Kamala and her parents feel as if theyve been culled directly from Wilsons now-ended run, while the framing device is Ahmed signaling an intent to also try something wholly new.

A great start to the auxiliary Dawn of X line of titles, Marauders #1 is a character-driven comic that subtly works in nuanced explorations of the new X-Men status quo. Feel free to set sail with great enthusiasm here.

Maw #1 is a an assured and deliberate debut issue that uses collective outrage over inequitable treatments as a hook while at the same time promising body horror and gore to come. It is, simply put, good comics.

This issue is, simply put, a stellar and layered work of action comic book storytelling, one that has more to do with relevant philosophical questions about ethical use of tech than it does Nebulas past continuity.

Nocterra #1 delivers a summer blockbuster film by way of comics, operating with comforting grandiosity as it lays out an interesting concept with an execution of familiar big thriller action beats. This story about high-speed trucking through mutant darkness is going to be one hell of a ride.

A solid and charming debut. In the back matter of the comic, writer John Layman describes Outer Darkness as the distillation of what I love the most. Science fiction, horror and weird shit. Well, I like those things too, so sign me up to journey into space with this one.

Penultiman #1 is a dynamic, fun and deeply sad first issue to a comic that has so much on its mind. Whether you want a discussion of depression or a fun superhero adventure, this has it all.

Prodigy is another wildly ambitious book from Mark Millar. While all the action and intrigue are well executed, the books main draw of is the emptiness of main character Edison Crane. I cant wait to see where this goes.

Quarter Killer is the best ComiXology Original story yet, one that feels smart, stylish, and effortlessly intricate in the world that it builds. It gets my full recommendation for any readers interested in cyberpunk, videogames, political discourse, or great character-driven stories.

A rich and imaginative read, Queen of Bad Dreams is another Vault comic that layers ideas, ultimately building something wonderful and new. The Prez-Kelly artist-colorist team is ultra talented, and Danny Lores script gets phenomenal work from them. A great book.

An immersive historical tale that walks the perfect tightrope between oppression and hope, Road of Bones #1 is a fantastic series debut. I highly recommend getting aboard this title from its start.

Sara fires on all cylinders. This is a strong, confident debut from industry legends Ennis and Epting. New publisher TKO Studios has its first hit.

Submerged #3 is simultaneously the most fantastical and personal issue of this book to date. The action of the overall story rises along with the water levels in the tunnels, ultimately delivering us to a last page that pays off so much of what this excellent comic has been about.

A satisfying conclusion to a True Grit homage starring Kara Zor-El, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 doubles down on all that has made this series interesting, from the confessional lyrical scripting to the absolutely stunning sci-fi artwork.

Simply put, we need more comics like The Butcher in Paris. Im a fan of everything from the creative team to the true story historical elements, and this first issue is fantastic.

I hope The Freeze, a strong and intriguing debut comic, takes the route of The Leftovers as it deals with its central mystery and keeps things ambiguous. When an idea is this rife with character-first storytelling potential, sometimes the mystery is better left unsolved.

I'm not going to overcomplicate things here, at least not this early in the piece " simply put, I think one of the reasons that The Kill Lock " The Artisan Wraith #1 works so well is cool new robots.

The Magic Order #5 has a shocking ending that drastically changes the course of this story. I wont give it away, but, simply put, if you enjoyed Harry Potter, you MUST be reading The Magic Order as it heads toward its finale.

The Magic Order far exceeded my expectations left me wanting many more adventures with these characters in this fantastic world. It belongs among the very best of Mark Millars prolific career. This comic isnt merely goodits great.

The Visitor #1 is a strong and intriguing debut comic that expertly blends mysterious questions with familiar ideas and settings. No comic in recent memory has so adeptly depicted the power and feel of New York City while at the same time making us fear for the people and places within it.

A relentlessly-smart comic that just might subvert your expectations for what this series is really about. Way of X #1 is yet another additive and well-executed edition to a thriving line of X-Men comics.

Detective Comics #1000 is a high-production celebratory jaunt. Like Action Comics #1000 before it, it checks most boxes for quintessential Bat-elements via narrative storytelling, rather than a dry history, tapping the greatest living Bat-creators to do it, with a few notable absences.

Detective Comics #1006 is a strong start to another compelling mystery in Tomasis run. The Spectres appearance is grand, ominous, and foreboding, while the art teams style perfectly captures the dark and gritty murder mystery presented in the issue.

This issue provides a cathartic conclusion to the murder mystery that brought The Spectre to Batman for help. Both characters shine as Tomasi continues to prove his ability to write top-notch Batman detective stories.

Armed with stunning Gotham City artwork from some of DCs best regular artists, Detective Comics #1047 is an intriguing start to the publishers next big Bat-epic.

Friendo is a solid debut comic rooted in smart extrapolations of ongoing societal concerns. This is a book that gives itself so many intriguing possibilities to play with as it moves forward. The rate of ideas here is almost staggering, and Im excited to see where the creative team ultimately takes it.

As I noted in my review of Friendo #1, the debut of this series was loaded with intriguing potential. Friendo #2 makes good on that promise, crafting a near-future horror story that casts extreme capitalism and human indifference as its villains. Its chilling stuff, laden with cautionary lessons for our times.

Oh, the horror. Friendo continues to look at what happens when corporate control and capitalism runs rampant over society and individuals, doing so in this issue by taking a searing look at big box retailers like Wal-Mart. Meanwhile, an entertaining grindhouse plotline is unfolding, like a guide leading us through a field of complex ideas.

Friendo #4 continues searching for the absurd upper limits of unrestrained capitalism and still doesnt find it. Whenever this book seems to reach a new extreme of exploitation, greed, or dehumanization, it pushes it just a bit further, finding new and scarier ground. Simply put, do not miss this comic.

A finale as delightfully-twisted as the rest of this grindhouse exploration of late model capitalism, Friendo #5 is loaded with visuals and plot twists that will linger with readers for a long time to come.

Heist or How to Steal a Planet #1 continues Vault Comics impressive trend of near-perfect new #1 issues.

Heist, or How to Steal a Planet #2 builds on the strong work of the debut issue to continue developing this pinpoint metaphor for our times, in which a group with much baggage and mistrust comes together to battle unchecked corporate control.

All in all, Heist, Or How to Steal a Planet #3 is an ambitious issue that matches this series overall high level of ambition. With big laughs, solid art, and a nice hook for an ending, this is a solid issue that already has me clamoring for #4.

Justice League of America #27 is another issue in a great run driven by the complexity of the relationships between team members with disparate motivations, levels of experiences, and emotional IQs. The villain in the story is a time manipulator, which fits wonderfully with Orlandos foundational theme of overcoming experience and living up to legacy. Add to it Hego Petrus fantastic artworkespecially on detail shots and facial expressionsand youve got an issue that makes me sad this run is ending next month.

Justice League of America #28 is the penultimate issue of a book that has been a real treat, and Im sad that things have to end. Not many of the characters from this team have been teased as part of the League moving forward, with the exceptions being Batman (of course) and Lobo, who is at least involved with No Justice. Still, getting nearly 30 issues with this eclectic and disparate group has been a treat, and issues like this illustrate why.

Fans of the main Black Hammer series will be thrilled the book is branching off into new and interesting territory. Jeff Lemire has said he loves his Black Hammer books because they allow him to do pretty much any kind of comic he wants. This book is proof positive of that.

A masterful debut issue from a veteran creative team. Ellis and Howards Cemetery Beach #1 puts vast thematic and conceptual depth beneath a fast-paced and deceptively simple exterior, one loaded with quips and kinetically-drawn action scenes. BUY BUY BUY this comic and enjoy.

In Cemetery Beach #2, Ellis and Howard continue the high-minded adventure started in the debut issue, pulling the curtain back a bit on the political dynamics at work on this forgotten colony established a century ago on some far-flung planet. This continues to be Ellis at his most accessible, expertly crafted in a way that doesnt sacrifice complexity.

Hot Lunch Special #1 takes a very personal generational story and mashes it up with Fargo-esque Midwestern crime noir. Its a quiet and grounded comic mostly, one that also feels taut and dangerous by its end. This first issue is promising, an excellent start for what may prove to be a unique book.

Hot Lunch Special #5 is an action-packed and tragic conclusion that all but promises more story. If youve enjoyed the other issues of this book, youre likely to love its ending, and if youve been intrigued by what youve heard, youll be happy to know it will all read quite well in trade.

A smart and searingly clever satire, Man-Eaters #1 is a great setup for a comic that has important things to say. Visually, this book is a total treat, packing rewarding details and entertaining gags for careful readers into most of its panels. This comic gets a full endorsement.

Man-Eaters #2 continues the clever use of visuals found in its predecessor, while also going into the standard trappings of a good story, mainly character development and a progressing narrative. Cain and Niemczyk are both super-talented storytellers, and they seem in full control of their powers here.

Skywards incredibly adept use of pacing and its engrossing conceptthe gravity that once bound humans to the earth has dissipatedcontinue to make for one of the best original comics of the year. The team of Henderson, Garbett, Fabela, and Bowland are doing so many things right. I am once again surprised at how thoroughly Im enjoying this book.

Skyward #4 continues to take a simple concept and explore its logical repercussions in the world, a device that has been executed to perfection. In this issue, the creative team slows down a bit too, making room for more interactions between its characters.

Skyward #6 is another great issue in an impeccably constructed and perfectly executed comic. Its the first of a new story arc and status quo, and all indications are that this will continue to be a book to follow.

Another great issue in what has been one of the most solid and surprising new titles in years. Skyward #7, like the six issues that came before it, is impeccably structured and paced, accomplishing some of the best world-building in comics without sacrificing any tone or suspense.

Unexpected #1 is the best debut of the New Age of DC Heroes line, delivering a compelling protagonist with conflicting priorities that pit her needs versus her desires. Add a confident, intriguing twist that subverts expectations, and Unexpected could very well be DC's best new original book since New Super-Man.

The Unexpected #2 is a strong follow-up to the best debut of any New Age of DC Heroes title. It invests well in many of the key qualities of strong superhero comics action, absurdity, character development, continuity nods, and plot twists. Put simply, this series is one of the more exciting original properties at either Big 2 publisher in recent years.

The Unexpected continues to be heavy on both action and detail, creating a book with as much to offer casual readers as it does obsessive superhero fans. The Unexpected #3 delves even deeper into Dark Night Metals fallout, a nice reward for DC devotees.

The Unexpected continues to be a standout book of DCs New Age of Heroes line, expertly incorporating bits of the DCUs past while making an argument for being part of its future. Artist Cary Nords departure is a bummer, but this book clearly still has big plans.

The Unexpected #5 is a book set in a series of rapid moments, which inherently makes it one best not fretted about long-term. Basically, this story is a wild ride and Im content to sit back and enjoy the fireworks. Of the New Age of DC Heroes books, The Unexpected continues to be my favorite.

The Unexpected #6 is yet another continuation of the one large set piece that this book has become. With the end now in sight, the story starts to maybe prematurely wrap things up for its heroes.

The Weatherman continues to establish itself as yet another must-read science fiction comic in a banner year for that genre. The art, pacing, and concept are confident and complex, and I wouldn't be surprised if the best of this book is still yet to come.

The Weatherman gets better with every issue. Its unique blend of dark comedy and sci-fi action make this a comic you simply cannot afford to miss.

A gorgeous and thematically-understated comic that lives in the relationships between its characters, White Trees #1 is a welcome addition to the industrys current slate of fantasy options.

A polished and well-told story, Xena the Warrior Princess #1 has much to offer, both for fans of the show and for newbies like myself. Ayala is a fast-rising writer in the industry, and the artistic team compliments the scripting well. This title gets a hearty recommendation.

Come for the incredibly tense and entertaining story, stay for the subtle commentary on our times"exactly as a book about outcasts persecuted by vast governmental power structures should be. This issue is all rising action, bringing in power players and stopping just short of slamming together. I can't wait for No. 2.

Harbinger Wars #2 has just enough action as it builds toward what is presumably a gigantic climax in the final two issues of this event. Kindt and Giorello especially excel here at giving character interactions and conflicts the weight an event story deserves.

Resonant weaponizes its early and effective character work to build something frightening heading for its audience, and none of us have chirper boxes to prepare us.

An artist showcase that sets the quest for things to come, Resonant #5 shines from a craft perspective with a strong opening sequence. It also starts to move this series back to what made it so engaging at its start the family dynamics between characters.

She Could Fly - The Lost Pilot #1 continues the dual storythreads of mental health and global scientific espionage that the first miniseries did so well, this time with more emphasis on deep character perspectives and less on a central mystery. A must-read for fans of this comic.

Rooted in real-world ongoing questions about overpopulation, The Clock #1 is an ambitious comic, one that delivers a debut that has me very interested to see where its going.

Heartrending and powerful, The Clock #2 continues to explore terrifying existential global threats and the real stakes they present to ones family. This comic is as smart as it is engaging.

It sounds cliche, but Nick Spencer and Ryan Ottley really do take Spider-Man back to basics in the best possible way. The Ottley artowork is phenomenal, and the plot and characterization feel both fitting and natural. If this debut is a mission statement for what the new team is planning, I am firmly on board.

Amazing Spider-Man #4 continues with the great art and hilarious quips of the first three issues, also adding a villian expertly culled from deep Spider-continuity plus a well-done examination of Peters core beliefs. Simply put, theres seriously good comic book-ing going on here.

The end of Spencer and Ottleys first Amazing Spider-Man arc does a better job laying track for the future than paying off this first story arc. It has quite a bit to say about the Spider-Man ethos, but its all stuff we heard last issue. Still, the voice and ambitions here remain strong, and Im optimistic for this runs future.

Nick Spencers Amazing Spider-Man run continues to find a cruising altitude with this emotionally-satisfying conclusion to a storyline that saw our hero teaming up with Black Cat. Perhaps more promisingly, the book seems bent on enshrining Mary Jane Watson less of a supporting character and more of a co-star right at the heartfelt center of the action.

Heavy on media commentary, old supporting cast members, and solid laughs, Amazing Spider-Man #11 shifts the tone from recent issues and continues to seed plot points for the team to develop moving forward. Despite the always-tricky double-shipping schedule, this comic is rock solid.

Amazing Spider-Man #13 doubles down on two of the strengths of this run: deep and serious dives into Spider-Mans long continuity, and finales that deal more with emotional honesty and growth than they do with punching and kicking. This time its J. Jonah Jamesons turn to be a better man, and the result is a thoroughly enjoyable Spider-Man comic.

A dense issue of Amazing Spider-Man, packed with bits of continuity, big feelings, and payoffs to plot threads that have been dangling since the first issue. This series continues to have a narrative construction that calls back to times when stories werent written for trade, and its refreshing.

While Amazing Spider-Man #75 is the best individual issue of this title in years, one has to wonder if the continually bloated release schedule will make it a worthwhile investment. This is a good comic, but might be even better with a stripped down, less-is-more approach.

This is a good-looking and fast-paced Captains America team-up adventure, one that also does a great job laying track for not one but two series to launch out of this book.

A strong start for a new story with Sam Wilson taking up the mantle, Captain America - Symbol of Truth #1 delivers an action-packed story that lays out this runs interests moving forward.

A realistic comic that lives in ambiguity and shades of gray, Vindication #1 is a scary look at how individuals influence something as consequential as the justice system.

Trigger Keaton may have been a miserable #*@&-nut, but the comic about his death is a delight.. If youve liked Kyle Starks and Chris Schweizers past comics, you will almost certainly like this book.

The most vibrant and kinetic book of the new Conan the Barbarian line, Belit, Queen of the Black Coast #1 does a great job creating high stakes that feel serious while also building a tone perfect for pirate adventure.

As Descender was to hard sci-fi, Ascender is to high fantasy, although traces of the past story remain. Most importantly, though, this realignment seems to have instilled writer Jeff Lemire and artust Dustin Nguyen with a new sense of creative freedom, and Im excited to see what they do with it.

An alternately hilarious and deep comic, Babyteeth #14 makes the best use of this comics concept yet. Its filled with self-aware horror tropes that dance around real pathos and theology, and everyone involved is clearly having a blast with all of it.

Bloodshot No. 9 is a well-done issue, one that sets out to create an emotional origin story for Bloodshots faithful companion Bloodhoud and succeeds, all while paying off one of the better commentaries about the military industrial complex and our role in it as civilians, which is what Ive long seen as the overarching theme of Lemires Bloodshot work.

In Bone Parish #3, the ramifications of dealing Ash are catching up with the Winters family quickly, making for a compelling and tense issue that shows readers exactly how woefully unprepared the protagonists of this story are for the challenges to come.

Cloaked #1 navigates a minefield of tones and concepts that have had diminishing returns over the years to come through as a strong reading experience. Im going to follow this one through all four issues of its run.

Cates trademark clever-yet-authoritative voice combines with a fearsome new villain and excellent characterization of Black Bolt to turn what could have been a chance for him to take it easy into one of his most intense titles yet. Prepare for the coming devastation.

Eclipse is a series that just keeps getting better, and issue #9 is no exception. The tense action and looming sense of danger from the start is still very much here, but the book has also really grown into a unique and complex look at power structures.

An exciting and fast-paced first issue, posting a couple quick surprises. If this book is the start of an X-cleanup before the falls Uncanny X-Men re-launch, the Brisson-Rosenberg-Thompson era is off to a very nice start.

An interesting and curious comic, one that features some of the most stylish artwork in recent comics memory, along with a quick pace and delightfully acerbic scripting.

David Lapham is easily the best modern crime comics cartoonist, and this $1 book sees him teaming with Robert Venditti for a story that makes for great comics. Also, the back-up story here has the potential to be HUGE.

Isola #6 is yet another gorgeous burst of sequential art from this creative team, more of the developing fantasy tale with its themes of loyalty, desperation, trust. This is the first issue back after hiatus, starting a new arc. Im loving this title, and I encourage any with even mild interest to pick up this issue along with the $9.99 first volume Image trade.

In the end notes, the creative makes readers a promise...we guarantee every issue we're gonna grab you by the throat and throttle you with insane nonstop action until your brains dribble out your ears. ...I'm not really up for all of that (ewwww), but I definitely liked this comic enough to come back for more.

This excellently-bizarre little comic looks like it will shape up to be a sincerely fun ride. I know Im ready to rage on to Marilyn Manor #2.

Middlewest #1 is a story steeped in a lonely sort of magic born from writer Skottie Youngs deep familiarity with the rural Midwest. Artist Jorge Corona renders it with vast imagination, capturing a unique sort of forlorn tone that I never before realized was always present in those areas.

With My Heroes Have Always Been Junkies, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips craft a beautiful story of a woman trying to find her place in the world. This original graphic novel format adds extra weight to their story, too. With a detailed script and luscious artwork, this work is likely to rank up there with some of the duos best stories. Its a solid offering from todays masters of the crime comic, one to tide their fans over until the return of Criminal in January.

This is a really interesting (and action-heavy) setup for a new volume of Ogres, and Im excited to see where it goes. If its anything like the first volume, were in for many surprises along the course of a satisfying journey. 

We live in dark political times, to be certain, and On the Stump just might be the ideal time to address them....with gloves off, of course. If you want entertaining and dark political satire that does not pull any punches, this is the book for you.

Simone and Melo deploy a set of storytelling tools that create a unique aesthetic and tone, setting this book apart from DC's line the same way Plastic Man stands out from their other heroes. Mileage may vary by sense of humor, but most fans will agree this book is fascinating and unique.

Despite being six issues into a run and billed as a tie-in to Valiant's big summer event, this issue of Quantum and Woody! stands well on its own as a simple but surprisingly emotional tale of self-sacrifice and heroism.

Like all of the best issues of Quantum and Woody, this one puts the past and present dynamic between the two leads at its heart. What's especially impressive is it manages to do so by delving into their psyches, making for a story that is at once abstract and character-driven.

All three issues of the Eliot Rahal run on Quantum and Woody! so far have been vastly different yet equally as interesting and great. Rahal and his collaborators are doing a really impressive job drilling into these characters to find new ground for fresh stories.

A smart and entertaining comic that deals with familiar ideas government control of private sex lives (even a little bit) should always be met with a firm NO updated in for our times

SFSX (Safe Sex) #6 doubles down on the shared histories and deep bonds between its cast of characters, while pushing to a new place as an action comedy, all layered on top of the smart ideas at the core of this book.

Stargazer #1 is smart and sharp-looking, a first issue that will satisfy while also daring readers to come back for the full story.

Superman - Son of Kal-El #1 us an interesting mix of legacy and evolution to create a new trajectory for Superman that speaks to the challenges we face in the year 2021. Part Clark and part Lois, this book is all about Jon, and Im excited to see where that goes.

Blood-soaked and ominous, The Last Book Youll Ever Read #1 is a top-tier horror comic that wants to know what you think about your personal propensity to be savage. Read at your own risk.

Filled with interesting remembrances and a vast collection of historic visuals that tell the publishers story, The Official Image Timeline is a nice preservation of the publisher as well as the wider North American comics industry.

The Seeds #1 is the work of veteran and ambitious creators. It uses complex ideas, commentary, and imagery to create a world and themes that linger with readers. The full scope of the story is not yet clear, but there is every reason to believe Nocenti and Aja can be trusted to deliver a satisfying execution.

The Walk is yet another excellent addition to the growing TKO Shorts series, the best place in comics to consistently find well-done one-off stories.

A dive into the creation of Mary Shelleys classic novel that introduces monthly comicbook genre trappings like horror and monster-hunting. It makes for a really interesting first issue, powered by Hayden Shermans always-excellent artwork.

This book does so much of what I love about superhero comics well: fantastical high-octane illustrations, tons of absurdities, and relentless pop culture tropes and references, all while going through narrative structural paces with due diligence. I do hope the pacing picks up a bit, but thats a small gripe for a stellar comic.

A gritty first chapter that seems to promise outsized adventure and fantastical warfare to come. Theres a lot to be said about the way states fail their peoples from generation to generation, and this might be the book we need right now to say it.

Dead Kings #2 continues to build this story and this world, evoking things like Final Fantasy video games and documentaries about Siberia in the process. The real strength and potential of Dead Kings really shows through in the glimpses of the action storytelling and larger battles the story seems destined to include. Jump on now and get ready.

The best issue of this series yet. If Dead Kings #1 - #3 were like a clenched fist behind a back, this chapter is a swing right to the face, so powerful is it with the amount of consequential plot it packs onto every page.

Giant-Sized X-Men #1 makes a bold narrative choice that is likely to be off-putting to some readers, feeling a bit backwards looking and dependent on a past issue that it homages. Still, with a major plot point and the best art of any new X-Men comic in some time, this is an issue thats not to be missed for the mutant faithful.

Powered by legendary X-Men artist Alan Davis, this mostly self-contained one-shot is a really satisfying read, both for long-time fans of Nightcrawler and for those who are more interested in the new ideas made possible by the Krakoa status quo.

A solid debut issue wherein Darick Robertson, a seasoned veteran of dystopian comics, continues to push his artful rendering of blown-out landscapes. Whats also compelling about this comic is the orphan-mentor relationship screenwriter Gary Whitta situates at its core. The Oliver Twist connection is perhaps a bit superfluous, but this is otherwise a strong comic.

A very good-looking comic that has a lot of strong elements in place. It will be interesting to see what it does with them all moving forward.

Wyrd #1 is one part deep comics pastiche and one part introspective look at a troubled man, likely at a point in his (too long) life where hes lost any belief in the systems. This is a solidly-constructed comic that might just grow into something really special.

A big comic at a great price point, Adventureman serves up two stories within one book, two stories that seem to be interconnected in an interesting way, but time and future issues will tell on that.

This run is eight issues old, having started back in December, but it's quickly becoming my favorite stretch of Aquaman comics since Geoff John's phenomenal New 52 run work with the character.

Astro Hustle #1 is yet another solid entry in an already-crowded sci-fi comics market. Colorful and kinetic and even a little bit sexy, this book should offer a great time to folks in search of a relatively uncomplicated space opera romp.

Familiar social media commentary is given new life by auteur Juan Does fearless use of the graphic sequential storytelling form. And the mystery is intriguing.

Black Badge #1 seems to be the start of another great series by Matt Kindt and Tyler Jenkins. This first issue has all the exposition we need plus some intriguing hints into its thematic interests, yet it never feels like an info dump. This is a confident and polished debut issue, one that hints at big things in store.

Black Badge mixes spy thriller and coming-of-age conventions to great effect. The mystery of Hook Hand plus The chilling cliff hanger has me eager to continue on with this story. I think youll enjoy this book tooscouts honor.

Clankillers #1 covers rare ground in comics, and it covers it well, depicting the bleak darkness of Celtic mythology. The excellent artwork fits the tone, and the hero is given a clear objective to move the plot forward. Essentially, this story feels captivating in a way not unlike a slow trainwreck.

A traditional supernatural mystery, Cold Spots #1 is another story from writer Cullen Bunn that uses horror motifs to chronicle forlorn pockets of the United States often ignored in television and film. This is a brief yet beautiful comic, and Mark Torres work with colors in particular is not to be missed.

Cold Spots has managed to establish a perfectly-eerie mood with only two issues. The visuals and characters here all support the same chilly vibe, and the end result is a great Halloween season read.

Overall, I found Collapser #1 to be an entertaining and assured story, one that was experimental but knew from its start exactly what it wants to be and why. I could say the same thing about the new generation of Young Animal Doom Patrol comics, which launched with a new #1 issue earlier this month. Young Animal, it would seem, has itself far more figured out than our hero in Collapser #1.

Dark Red #1 delivers a bold concept and a promising setup. Its not as political of a comic as its title or cover suggests, with a subtlety of concern likely to be welcome to some readers. Ill stick with it, because if a vampire comic ends up having the smartest things to say about American in 2019, theres no way Im missing that.

Hickman and Huddleston have created a multimedia storytelling journey, fearless and rich with experimentation. The first half is a bit disoriented and confused, perhaps by design, but the vast majority of readers will be thoroughly engrossed by the end of the third chapter.