This was probably one of the better issues of Sideways aside from the one where Derek's mother was unfortunately killed. Sideways #10 proves that you can do wonders when you put substance over style. This is a young hero book where you want to capture the energy of being new to the world of heroes and the sacrifices, but you should never forget the moments that are supposed to help you care about the person underneath the mask. This includes the people in their circle of trust too. Read Full Review

Sideways #10 is a bit light on the action, but the story more than makes up for it. Derek is really starting to find his footing as Sideways as well as his purpose for being a hero. With the return to Gotham and enemies unknown to Derek finally making some moves, we are in for some exciting things to come. Read Full Review

It's great having Rocafort back on the art in this issue. His style perfectly complements the tone of this story as well as the characters. The action scenes are well done and there are some great details in the backgrounds that enhance the drama in the scene. Read Full Review

A necessary step forward for establishing Sideways' character and building his world. Read Full Review

Equal parts action and character, this is what Sideways should always be. Read Full Review

I didn't talk aboutthe ending to this issue but I'm genuinely excited to read the next issue. Theart was stupendous and the story had me missing this book when it just focusedon Derek and his friends and family. Shame it'll be ending soon. Read Full Review

It's a shame to see him go as he's starting to convincingly grow up before our eyes. At least they're setting up his presence as one to live on in DC lore. Read Full Review

I still think Derek's story as a child of interracial adoption had a lot of potential, but that's not what this series turned out to be. Read Full Review

Sideways #10 is easily the best issue in the series to date (Yes I know it's canceled). I'm not sure what has happened but the series has done a complete 180. Derek (Sideways), has managed to settle on a personality and finally seems interesting outside of the costume. In fact, all of the characters seem interesting and behave in a realistic and rational manner. My chief problem with the series to this point is that everyone seemed all over the place an the motivations seemed off. 


Synopsis

The main crux of the issue is transitioning from the Seven Soldiers of Victory crossover and into the next story arc and status quo. 

Derek travels back to his home from the Dark Multiverse. It's revealed that he's been gone about a week and has missed his Mother's funeral. The authorities are also there and question about his whereabout's. He tells them that he was a friends house in Metropolis. Which is technically true if you've been following the series. The lie buy's Derek some time but the detective tells him that he will need a second interview to clear him as a suspect in his mother's murder. 

The cops leave and Derek talks to his adopted father, David. He is understandably frustrated with his son and the loss of his wife. They have a brief yet poignant exchange that ends with David telling Derek that he doesn't really know how to be his father anymore now that his wife is gone. 

Later, Derek rifts and checks in with his best friend Ernie. They teleport to Paris and have lunch at the Eiffel Tower. As they catch up on current events and as the conversation goes on it seems that their relationship may be developing beyond friendship. 

From here the comic transitions into typical superheroic content with Sideways and Ernie being interrupted by an explosion in the distance and Sideways Rifting off to stop it. The comic ends on a cliffhanger as a new villain shows up to ruin his day. 


Review - Rumination

I absolutely loved this comic. This issue is almost perfect and is a great jumping on point for the series. It's really sad it took 9 issues for the series to find its way but I'm glad it did regardless. The art for the issue is fantastic. The last few issues for the series have been muted and kind of bland and its nice to get the change in the color palette as it works to the characters strengths as a light-hearted character. 

I also think its really important to prop out Daniel Brown in this issue. The colors are amazing. Derek is a person of color. It comes across but it's not really as pronounced as it is in this issue. The contrast and skin tones between characters are great. I love how these characters feel real and the diversity is there without the drum beating us over the head with it. 

As of writing the series has been canceled and its really unfortunate because I really feel that the comic found its footing in the last arc and the fruits are paying off here. All of the characters and plots are beginning to gel. The scenes between Derek, David, and Ernie feel real. The scenes with David were especially poignant for me as a married man with stepchildren. I love my kids to death but I couldn't imagine raising them without her. 

It took a long time to get me here but it appears that Didio has finally found a voice for this character and I look forward to seeing how this series wraps up.  more

Okay now DC is getting a little carried away with the Marvel like characters! So now we basically have the punisher in this issue! This issue doesn’t do anything for the story. Unfortunately the issue has a lot of explaining to do about the previous story arc and every time he tries to explain it, you are reminder of it. The part with the dad could careless about because their relationship made it obvious that was going to happen.

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Br'er Lapin AKA 20-Ish Ceiln - Nov 22, 2018

They already have many Punisher style characters. JS.

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The series is still bland and lacks personality

This book is so ridiculously cynical. I think it took the wrong lessons from the comics it's constantly trying to ape. Everyone is a cynical douchebag. And every situation is written through the eyes of a perpetual pessimist. This series is devoid of one key ingredient in Spider-Man, and that is hope. Cue jokes about DC being over-the-top dark. As for the new villain, why does he look like the Punisher? I mean, aside from the obvious. And I guess Derek's powers aren't anything special now. Where were the Fuginauts for Boltisher? I'm really ready to let this series and these characters go.