The last issue failed to impress me, however Void Rivals #26 was the exact opposite. This was a straight up action packed story that was squarely focused on the Quintessons invading The Sacred Ring, no Cobra-La, no Transformers, no Skuxxoid, just one singular narrative and the book was better off for it. I have an idea where all of this is going … but I could be 100% wrong - so I am just enjoying the ride. This issue was a much needed adrenaline push that the series needed. I highly recommend and am eagerly looking forward to the next installment. more

G.I. Joe #18 was a super fun little interlude. A great way to introduce a fan favorite character into this new Energon version of G.I. Joe. Sadly he doesn’t speak in rhyme, but he is a fully fleshed out character who has the heart of previous iterations. After the high energy roller coaster ride that was the Dreadnok War, this was a great break. Not saying there wasn’t some crazy fun action �� Xamot and Tomax show up trying to pay Marvin (Roadblock) to head up their food truck division, when he turns them down, THAT’s when the fun begins. Artist Marco Fodera steps in and delivers solid artwork to accompany Williamson’s writing. Another great issue for an already great series. Yo Joe!!! more

I’ve had a run of bad luck with Iron Man relaunches … so I was hesitant to check out Joshua Williamson’s new Iron Man #1, the hesitation was unfounded. It took a minute to get going but once it got up to speed I found myself enjoying it. The writing is tight and all the characters feel authentic … the plot streamlined, with an odd villain plot and an even odder cliffhanger, but I’m here for the ride. The art I feel let the book down in a few places, but not enough to bring me out of the story. I hope the second issue is as strong as this as I will be adding Iron Man to my pull list for the first time in a while (I think the last run I actually enjoyed was back in 98). more

Aquaman #13 opens by focusing on Mera trying to figure out what happened to Atlantis (something we still don’t know), and drops in some history about her character, that I had no idea about. We then get a small flash to the events of DC K.O. #3 that is presented differently than it was in the actual book. There is also a hint that Arthur is losing his overpowered-powers … but nothing comes of it as the scene changes again. We then find the adult daughter of Arthur and Mera - Andrina fighting with Parademons (also a result of the DC K.O. event) when she decides that she is going to unite all the kingdoms of the sea … and our plot flys forward.

I find that this book has strayed far from the original storyline that launched the series. The forward moving plot of the first arc was so good as Arthur picked up new companions with each issue … they formed a well rounded team. Now those characters (outside of Andrina) have been dumped into the background. So the story isn’t hitting with me and then the art in this issue also failed to hit the mark. I plan on sticking with the book through all this K.O. stuff in hopes that things turn back aroun more

Alright … Transformers 28 was STACKED with all sorts of story points and some action mixed in for good measure. Megatron is going cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, Arcee is becoming the new Magnus, Spike & Carly are getting back to normal, Autobots “roll out”, and Trailbreaker has a bad day. This was a great Transformers comic, giving everyone a little something while dropping a cliffhanger at the end. The story & pace are on point and the art … WOW … Optimus Prime has seldom looked so good. My only issue was that they keep putting peanut butter in my chocolate … I really think the MASK plot should be in GI Joe or it’s own book. Still an excellent issue and I highly recommend it! more

While I enjoyed the fun of DC K.O. #3 … it was much like eating McDonalds … nothing of any real substance. A DC event always seemed to have some emotional weight to it … but I’m getting none of that here. It all feels hollow, and after Dark Crisis & Absolute Power I don’t expect it to stick any sort of satisfying landing (as the last two events failed to as well). As I said I am enjoying the “main series” for the popcorn fun that it is … but have given up on any of the tie-ins - so what does that say about this event?

The individual matches in this issue were fun to read and there was some minor character moments. The artwork and pacing were top tier, so it’s worth the price of admission, just don’t expect to walk away feeling overly satisfied. Fast food comics. more

The Dreadnok War was an exciting chapter in this new G.I.Joe / Energon series … however I feel this last chapter - G.I. Joe #17, fell a little short of expectations. Well … no … it was exactly what I expected and that was the problem I had with this issue. Outside of the last few pages - everything that happened in this issue was pretty much what I thought would happen. Not saying it’s bad … no … just the opposite - it was a quality ending, I guess I just wanted more. Without too many spoilers - the sequences played out in a very predictable way and frankly after such an “epic event” I expected more of a status quo shift. Yes, Yes there was the epilogue (which I also predicted - just with a different Joe) … I just wanted more. That’s on me though … technically the book checked all the boxes and wrapped up this story nicely with one or two dangling plot threads to keep me coming back for more.
more

Well this is unfortunate … I was ready to drop Batman from my pull-list … and then issue #5 comes along and is really good. This was a fun, fast paced comic that was nonstop action and speed. It’s a simple “bad guys are after us” chase … but was so well done! As much as I was losing interest in this series this issue pulled me right back in. If issue 6 keeps up this quality - I might be in for the long haul. I can do nothing but HIGHLY recommend this issue. more

I am just not feeling this new Batman series and issue 4 helped me see why. There just isn’t enough happening in these issues. Just little sequences that set things up without enough pay off. First off the book was sold as being self contained stories … that’s been tossed out the window. There are too many plots running off into the ether and I just don’t think any are all that interesting. The book is beautiful to look at and the writing is solid … but not captivating. In this issue they put Bruce and this scientist Dr Zeller together and she was written so insufferably bad … there was nothing about her that played well. Unless the plan is to make her the villain … I don’t see how they can redeem her. Maybe this series will read better as a trade paperback … but as $5 floppies … I can’t justify it. I have one more issue left in my to-read stack … unless that floors me … I think it’s time to say goodbye to Batman. more

I don’t really care about the whole Speed Racer IP … never was a fan of the cartoon as a kid. I read this book because of how David Pepose writes the races and with Speed Racer 5 he wrote a fast and fun comic that stuck the landing for the first story arc. This is the kind of comic I wish there were more of … fun, fast, and safe for all ages. I hope Pepose and Tinto continue with this title for many more issues to come, I will also start to seek out their work elsewhere. I’m sure the trade paperback will drop soon, it’s worth getting, for pure enjoyment. more

It’s hard to really evaluate Void Rivals #25, as it was a good book that absolutely nothing happened in. Kirkman’s Void Rivals has been the slowest moving of the Energon books and compared to the action packed Dreadnock War in G.I. Joe this book feels frozen in time. That’s not to say it’s a bad book … not by any measure, the storytelling and dialog is solid and the art by Andrei Bressan is top tier. I think my complaint is that after reading the book - I feel that very little has happened. We open with two characters fighting for NINE pages then for another four pages they are running … at the end of those 13 pages - there is zero resolution from their fight. Why spend so much time having the “fight to the death”, if at the end of the conflict - they are both still standing? There is some interesting character stuff that happens along the way (especially with the Handroid) - but the arc is - in the beginning the Quintesson ships are coming … at the end of the book - they are there - plot wise not much more happens. I think it’s time to speed the plow a little here to keep the excitement up. more

With the exception of the Jedi Apprentice YA novels by Jude Watson - Star Wars: Jedi Knights #10 might be the perfect Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan story to date. Qui-Gon faces Corlis Rath in a final duel that does not go the way one would expect, yet fits perfect into the world of Star Wars and the Jedi. The tone of the book is exactly what it needed to be and culminates perfectly for the series. Seeing as there is no solicitation for issue 11 and Marc Guggenheim is now writing a Jar-Jar comic (with Ahmed Best), I can assume that this is the final issue and it stuck the landing. If you are a fan of prequel era Star Wars - I highly recommend this incredible (short lived) series.
more

Wow! I can't believe they just canceled this title out of the blue. At issue 10, which is a weird number to finish up with. This was the first Star Wars title I actually liked in quite a while. The story ended nicely, but it did feel rushed. I wonder if the writer knew he ws being cancelled before writing this issue? Oh well. Just shows the stae of Star Wars.

My Review Channel -https://youtu.be/GpGGOillP5A more

G.I. Joe #16 was another banger! 
Much to their dismay the Dreadnoks get a little “Bond villain” with Cobra Commander, once again allowing him to escape and the action to continue - at full throttle. The concept behind the “Dreadnok War” at first seemed an odd choice - but in practice, it is a thrill ride. The interludes with Hawk and Destro, didn’t add much, but it served to break up the action (in a good way). Joshua Williamson is absolutely killing it - BIG TIME, with some incredible and kinetic artwork by Tom Reilly to bring it home. There is not much more I can say about this series (especially this storyline) that I haven’t already said - just go out and buy it! more

I guess the whole one complete story per-issue concept was tossed out with Batman #3, as almost every plot point was left dangling for the next issue. The book is well written and beautifully illustrated … but … I’m still not as invested as I would like to be. There are so many threads carried over from the previous run that I just don’t care about. There is some machinations underway by the clearly evil Vandal Savage, who is somehow the police commissioner … still waiting on an explanation for that. Also Batman having more than one Robin is confusing and a bit too much. Oh and who the heck is Bernard? I already have issue 4 so I’m sticking around for at least one more issue … maybe that will give me a reason to keep going with this series. more

Skinbreaker #3 is a well thought out story, that impressed me by not falling into a rut. I thought I knew exactly what I was going to get with this story … but this issue turned away from that. Kirkman is a great writer with a knack for creating great worlds and characters … but his storytelling is slower than I expected. I see this with Void Rivals … he takes his time getting to the point ��� and that’s the case with this issue. Most of the story seemed to take place over the course of a few minutes. Though the issue had a great (if not somewhat expected) cliffhanger, I just felt that more could have happened in the story. I guess the trade-off is more Finch art … so still worth the price tag. more

Issue 3 doesn't give us much story. The art looks great as usual, but Finch doesn't seem to be interested in drawing anything we haven't seen in issues 1 and 2 already.

Speed Racer #4 was another solid issue, the storyline is getting a little tired and sort of in the way of the real reason I read this book ... the races. Something about the way Pepose writes them and then Tinto illustrates what’s on the page - really gives the sensation of speed … it's hard to explain - but they nail it. As I said the story is starting to drag on … but that’s really a paper-thin setup for a fun FAST comic. more

Things are slowing to a snails pace with Transformers #27, going from the fast paced previous run to this is a little hard to take. While the writing is good and very introspective (especially with Optimus Prime and Thundercracker) more needs to happen in these issues to keep me tuned in. Not saying that we need giant robot battles every issue … but something … anything! Again total props to Kirkman for juggling so many plots and characters, there are a lot of pieces at play and he’s (slowly) moving each one around while telling a cohesive story … I just wish there was a clear path to exactly where the story is going. Also … this may just be me … but I’m over MASK being in this title … it just adds yet another plot that takes the attention away from the main players. It’s still a top tier title, and one of the best I’m currently reading … but take a cue from G.I. Joe and speed things up a bit.
more

Duke & the Commander against the Dreadnoks in what I can only describe as Road Warrior meets G.I. Joe. The action is perfectly written by Joshua Williamson with art to match by Tom Reilly, everything just works on all levels.

I really don’t think the whole DC K.O. event is all that great … however Aquaman #12 elevates things a bit. Sharp writing by Jeramy Adams and sharper art by John Timms make this book continue to stand out from the crowd. This issue is really just one big fight between Aquaman and Hawkman and shows off how powerful Arthur has become. The story is about his escalating powers as he faces off against his old friend Carter Hall, who also gets a power boost in the middle of this issue. I don’t like this whole concept of heroes fighting other heroes to the death … but Adams does what he can with the concept to make it fit into the running Aquaman story. I feared that the superb supporting cast might be forced into the backseat with this event and that’s what happened here. Aquaman’s daughter was given a little “screen-time” in a flashback … at least we got that. While I didn’t mind this little detour … I can’t wait for the next issue so we can get back to the good stuff.
more

I get it … the whole DC K.O. thing is a silly romp and not to be taken too seriously, but the writing contradicts the joke. The writing is legitimately good and the art is pretty solid (with a few exceptions) - but the concept betrays all of that. On one hand a reader can simply say that this is a fun action packed issue and I cannot deny that reality. On the other hand there is a layer of competent writing mixed in with all of the goofiness. The pace is perfect the dialog is well written and “on character” for the most part. However the characters are another issue - because I have been reading comics for 40+ years I know who these heroes and villains are … but a new reader would be lost in the mix. You would think that a big-event book would be where DC would want to draw in new readers - but I feel this book is unapproachable to anyone but die-hards. As a reader I’ll be honest I lost interest in the event while checking out a few of the tie-ins … that being said - the core book here has me curious as to what’s next … so in that single respect the book was a success. more

Aquaman #11 was not the best entry into this series … however it was the best DC K.O. tie-in I’ve read. I really enjoyed Arthur’s adventures off-world and the cast of characters that joined him on his quest … but I fear these supporting characters are falling out of the spotlight and that’s a shame. This issue runs smack dab into the DC K.O. event while still trying to keep all of the other subplots in motion. While they pulled it off with this issue I fear for what’s to come as we get further into the punch-fest event. I hold out hope that after the DC K.O. finally wraps up, that the Aquaman story will find its way back to greatness. I still recommend this series as a high point for DC and the character.
more

G.I Joe #15 shifted gears from a Mad Max style action story (in issue 14) to what felt like a 1970s horror film. A brand new antagonist was introduced and dominated Duke, Cobra Commander and the narrative. The story was visceral and “full contact” very much like the Coba Commander mini-series from a few years back. The story continues to move at a great pace, letting up for brief interludes, keeping up with the other members of Cobra and G.I.Joe. This issue was nearly flawless in art and story - I very highly recommend this issue and the entire series.
more

I know I criticised Jordie Bellaire's monochromatic coloring in the past, but in this issue it works perfectly, summoning up a fever dream reminiscent of a 1980s post-apocalyptic action movie. It's gritty and glowing in the most fucked-up way possible. Love it!

Transformers #26 was by every metric a great comic, solid storytelling and amazing artwork. That being said going from the hyperactive storytelling of DWJ to the more subdued writing of Kirkman was a bit jarring. That’s only a slight criticism, I did enjoy the heck out of this book. The new direction is very interesting and has me curious where everything is heading. There were at lot of dangling plot threads left over from the previous run and it seems that Kirkman has a good grasp on things … but just like Void Rivals … there might be a little too much going on. The introduction of MASK as a subplot is almost a distraction from the main plot … I’m not sold on this concept … yet. All-in-all my few gripes aside - this is still a top tier title and I highly recommend it. more

Out of all the issues of Star Wars: Jedi Knight, issue nine is giving off the most prequel vibes. From the first few pages I felt transported back to 1999, when this era of Star Wars felt new and interesting. There was a quiet reserve to Episode I that is echoed here. Granted the story is now squarely focused on Qui-Gon Jin so there is that connective thread, however the story is fresh and fun. Qui-Gon is on a mission to discover the identity of his would be assassin Corlis Rath and it takes him back to a mission from his past while he was still the apprentice of Dooku. The narrative is layered and the characters are true to what we’ve come to expect. Guest appearances from Dr. Nema and Jocasta Nu help tie the story to the larger Star Wars universe without beating you over the head with it. If you are an old-school Star Wars fan … this book is 100% for you. more

After what I perceived as a bit of a stumble with issue 23, Void Rivals 24 seems to get things back on track … almost. It still feels like the story is meandering a bit and spending too much time lost in the weeds. The intercutting between the 5 plots worked to keep the pace moving without too much really happening. Things seem to be pointing towards a shift coming with issue 25 and I think the narrative could use a shake up to stay interesting. The writing is still better than many other comics … I just wish more would happen in each issue.
more

I had started to grow a little cold on the G.I. Joe Energon book … but issue 13 pulled me right back in. This was a fast and fun comic that echoed all that I love about G.I. Joe. The book opens with Cobra Commander acting like his classic self as Destro perfectly plots behind his back. Once Duke drops into the story and the action gets moving, its a fun ride to the cliffhanger. This series should be the template for the next G.I. Joe movie, especially now that the “Dreadnok War” has started. Great writing by Williamson and awesome art by Reilly, have me excited for issue 14! I highly recommend this issue, if you haven’t read issues 1-12, this is where you can jump on and enjoy the ride! more

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #8 is by far one of the most interesting Star Wars comics I’ve read in well over a decade. Guggenheim made the bold decision to tell the story entirely first person AND that person was a child being taken by the Jedi to join the order. It was unfortunately a quick read, but a very solid and super intriguing one. If you’re not reading this book and you are an old-school (well 1990s-2000s) fan of Star Wars - you need to be reading this book. Also this issue is notable for an appearance by Kelleran Beq. What? You don’t recognize that name?
Me either - it’s the Jedi that Ahmed “Jar Jar” Best played in the Mandalorian.

I continue to recommend this series and highly recommend this 100% stand alone issue. more