stop making good interesting black label books, its killing my budget

THE GOOD:

-Holy fuck, this was good.

-I mean, Andrea Sorrentino may be my favorite artist of all time. His work just appeals to me so much. I can't really put my finger on it, but it just scratches that itch unlike anything else.

-Jeff Lemire's dialogue is fantastic here. I'm currently reading some of his older stories, and it's clear that he has really grown as a writer and not resorted to name hype alone and gotten lazy. He's truly finding what works and doesn't work for him and it's truly showing.

-That opening was so good and twisted. This comic did just such a great job executing its flashbacks.

-Ben is an interesting, compelling character.

-Mr. Smiles is just…. so good. This comic feels really memorable, unlike most recent Joker comics. I know that a creepy children's book isn't by any means new or original, but the execution here is just wonderful.

-The psychological horror is so perfectly crafted here. I like how Ben remains compelling and relatable throughout. Because that's what makes a great psychological horror story, not just creepy imagery.

-Speaking of imagery, great, great job on that as well.

-That sequence where Ben gets out of bed was fantastic, despite being predictable. The art and atmosphere really sold it. It was also straight out of Gideon Falls.

-That narration towards the end just sent chills down my spine. I like how the horror of this is so much deeper than surface level.

THE BAD:

-I got nothing. There were a couple flaws, I guess, and it's not super original, but the execution was enough to win me over. This is definitely a 10-star comic for me. more

Almost missed this because of the stupid logo-free cover. I am really not digging the Year of the Villain stuff at all, and I think BMB would have preferred to skip it as well. The stuff with the Invisible Mafia and Leviathan is a lot more interesting, anyway.

But what kills the issue is the usual subpar work from JRJr, who hasn't drawn a comic I like since the 80s. Why did DC poach him from Marvel again? And BOOO for his inability to draw Leoni at her proper weight. more

Not at all the biggest X-Men historian, but was Kitty, sorry I mean Kate, always like this? The bandage on her nose from Issue 1 makes her just so cool, and she's simply got what the kids call "swag".

This was a great follow up to the really exciting first issue. As a Kitty / Kate Pryde fan, I really like the new status quo for her and her merry band of pirates. We are still in setup phase with this issue but it continues to be a great setup. My only complaint would be that Lolli's art feels a little strained by the very quick schedule this book is under. Otherwise, I'm happy to have this X-book in my pull. more

First my biases: I'm a sucker for Father / Daughter bonds (I got emotional at the end of Stranger Things Season 3 and I hate that show) and this was my first Ice Cream Man.

With that mind, this was a perfect one shot comic for me and I think others without my biases might love it too. It had likable characters, good pacing, art that suits the story and tone, and most important: something that gets your emotions going. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE ENDING and teared up.

It wasn't until a few minutes after I closed the book that I realized that fact that a psychopathic killer is still alive and ready to possibly wreak havoc on campus. Once again keep in mind my bias. Nothing stronger than family, keep that in mind this Thanksgiving, especially when you see one of your members holding a knife more

Was really good until the end. I thought they could have came up with something better. Other than that I was interested the whole way through.

Why won't they tell us anything about what's actually happening? Instead, they keep it nice and vague... for reasons? All it does is slow the pace down tremendously and annoy me. Also, look, I know Lois Lane is an accomplished journalist in universe, but all we ever see is everyone telling us how great she is. And then, she gets a lot of her sources from her name recognition. It makes me really dislike Lois because her attitude of "I'm great" is not endearing. Like, look at the cover of this issue. Does that smug face look nice to you? Does the raised eyebrow signify smarts? I just feel like I'd love an issue where Lois has some humility or gets something wrong for once. You know, so she wouldn't be so one-note as a character. more

This is dragging a lot. It’s nice to see Question in action though, she cool.

The cover is probably one of the ugliest Lois Lanes I've ever seen, something is off with her face, its like in video game where an 8 year old messes around with all the settings in the create a player or character section. Writing is and character building is quality despite some probably not liking the pace. Its a like a middle season episode of a slowburn TV show. Nice moments and good nod to Lois's reporting profession. The explanation off anonymity of sources and how that translates in an article was a nice touch. Would've gave 8 but couldn't get over the cover more

Amazing introduction to Kitty Pryde’s new status quo. She has a very unique problem that really makes you feel for her. The way she chooses to work through that problem is both highly entertaining and a great example of why Kitty Pryde is an all-time great X-Man. Supporting cast is also top notch, definitely the team I’m most excited about in Dawn of X. Text pages that Hickman has been using are employed here to hilarious effect. Gerry Duggan is just good at writing humor. I hope they show more Bishop in the next issue, because he doesn’t get much here, but Marauders has got me hooked already. more

Gerry Duggan writes a great Kitty Pryde.

Sometimes weird dialogue. Not the worst thing ever.

Still deeply disappointing. Cantwell and Culbard clearly want this series to seem quirky and profound, but it is just pretentious and vacuous.

I love it when we get to takes a break from Batman and get follow the man behind the mask, This issue may be mainly just here for set up but it has great feel to it. The action set piece is interesting. My only problem is that the cover promises Mr. Freeze but he is only in the last page. However this doesn't ruin the excellent story that promises an even better follow up.

Very cool issue.

Don't let the cover fool you, Mr. Freeze is barely in this issue at all and instead, we got Deadshot who's on a mission that we know nothing about right now.

Most of the issue is Bruce doing work for Wayne Enterprises, which is something we barely see these days if at all. Nonetheless, it was nice to see.

The story itself wasn't all that interesting, but I still like where this is going.

Oh, and the art was great. more

"I have it good authority Batman does not kill."

Stuff with Naomi? Really good, a reminder how well BMB writes teens despite being 50. The stuff with Red Cloud? Surprisingly clumsy.

"You cleaned the grill again"

Good issue. Fun and entertaining.

The stuff with Naomi was a blast. She is such a fun character. Her banter with Superman and Batman was well written. When BMB wants, he can write good dialogue.

Then we're back to the Red Cloud/Levithan business. Red Cloud got a serious upgrade form Apex Lex. The Man of Steel is in trouble.

The ending is really abrupt though and I am still not a fan of Kudranski's art. more

Amazing stuff. The story was amazing. The art was amazing, for me the only issue is Batman's trunks look like fucking panties but other than that the art was amazing. Also a moment where they censor "fuck" like twice but they say "fuck" thru out the book like 20 times. That was a little odd. Also Batman's joke was fucking terrible. Again loved the book, go pick it up. All the stuff i didn't mention means I liked it. more