I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out. I'm also glad to see Pharm, Graft and the Chained being put away before they got too monotonously overused. I really hope we don't see them again for a while. Especially Luthor's mother, who added nothing but a lame unwanted new character.
I must confess I'm not really looking forward to the Brainaiac arc much because Williamson is likely going to try and leave it off where he'll expect us to get his next event, which I will not do. I washed my hands of events long ago and still have no desire to ever waste money on one again. Plus the fact that Brainiac isn't really interesting as a villain anymore. He's too much a machine now. He's like a Star Trek borg, monotonously overused characters I also grew weary of long ago.
Anyhoo, I'd say for the most part the book earns a decent ranking. I really have to say though I'm hoping Lex will get it through his hairless head after this umpteenth time trying to reform that he just can't. Even though he's a lot softer than he used to be we all know it won't last. Nor will Supercorp, which I'm no fan of either. I'd really prefer if it was some attempt of his to get under Superman's skin like he originally thought.
And though I'm not looking toward the Brainiac story with anticipation who knows? It just may surprise me. But I really wish Williamson would focus more on stuff like this and less on making another event. more

If IDW is reading THIS is how you do the Transformers. 2 factions of big robots at war and nothing is safe. Starscream shows his disregard for any life here by tearing Skywarp apart for spare parts, showing he cares for robot life no more than humans. Optimus Prime meanwhile shows he's the complete opposite, concerned for his fellow Autobots, but also willing to risk himself to get the power the hospital needed to save his new friend Spike.
Every issue of this series delivers, and these days you can probably say that about fewer comics than ever. I have no difficulty whatsoever believing the talk that this series is crushing the competition. As long as comics like this are still being made then good comics are still possible, even today. more

Johnson's nailed it once again. 2 great thrill-filled issues. This is what Transformers should be. The flimsy hodgepodge of the IDW's Transformers became so tiring and utterly disappointing I could hardly stand it. It's so good to see the Transformers as I remember. Autobots waging their battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons.
This series is a bit more a bloodbath than most series though, but way more thrilling. Starscream is shown at his worst here. A true madman, showing just why Megatron would never allow him to usurp him. I also enjoyed Duke's cameo. After seeing this and hearing of his upcoming mini-series I decided I'm in.
Hard to believe. We have a Transformer comic this thrilling, and Megatron is still yet to even appear. more

You really can't get a new series off to a better start than these first couple of issues. Only 2 in and this is one of the hottest books around. I feared the slow dull slice of life Transformers IDW gave us killed Transformers in comics for good. But the action and excitement I remember from Marvel, Dreamwave and those weekday afternoons in the 1980s are here again. Thank you Daniel Warren Johnson. Keep up the good work, please. Every issue of this series leaves me eager for the next. more

How does Johnson do it? Search me. I'm just glad he does. He's proving to be the best TF writer since Simon Furman himself. Transformers comics haven't been this good since the Dreamwave days. I'm not the least bit surprised to hear how this book is trampling the competition from Marvel and DC. But that's because Skybound cares about entertaining the fans. Something they stopped doing years ago.
Poor Reflector didn't last long did he? This issue featured the Autobots' first real victory, but it was short lived, seeing as they rushed into a challenge way more dangerous. I doubt even Megatron's fusion cannon will be enough to stand against Devastator.
Like issues #1-4, this one just left me calling for more. It truly doesn't get any better than this. more

This book shows just how violent and sadistic the Dreadnoks can be. Quite a start to the issue alone. Meanwhile we get some insight to Cobra Commander and his hate of the world he turned his back on. It looks like he and his future allies will have to clash before forming their alliance. Their mutual interest in Energon will probably be what seals the deal. But we'll have to wait till next issue to find out, won't we?
I've got to say I haven't been so into G.I. Joe in comics in 20 years. It's good to have it and Transformers back on top again. more

Williamson seems to be combining the origins of Cobra Commander here. By making him start out in Cobra-La, but keeping him a human from the outer world as well. That promises an interesting character already. This book also answers one question many of us have been asking, where is Magatron? The next question is how he was found. This introduction should also pave the way for an interesting relationship between these 2 villains for years to come, whether they be allies, enemies or both.
Most of all Kudos to Williamson for coming up with a way to introduce Cobra-La into a comic, something never done successfully before as it's so controversial for many fans.
I look forward to seeing the Commander's quest to build his empire. This should be good. The Energon universe is on a roll. Let's just hope it stays on the glorious path its on and avoid the mistakes of IDW. more

This is a lot different from the Duke I grew up with who always commanded respect. But I'm really enjoying it nonetheless. It also gave a great introduction to just a few of the many Joes to yet be introduced in this universe. And just as before this issue ends with the promise of more excitement in #3. Looking forward to it.

This series shows much promise. After Duke's cameo in Transformers I had to see what becomes of him. This gives us a bold new start for G.I. Joe that still remains pretty faithful to its roots, just as Transformers is doing. I expected good things from this book and it did not disappoint. So that gives me high expectations for the rest. I'm real excited because this is the first I've been into G.I. Joe comics since last time Image had the rights 20 years ago. I only hope they don't blow it. more

I never was too big on the multi color Kryptonites as they always seemed mostly like one of the cheesy concepts of the Silver age that I felt they were right to get rid of post-crisis, but this issue actually made it work. The bad guys knew the only way they could win Superman to their cause was to send him into an enraged frenzy. While it's nice to have Lena here Luthor's mother has already worn out her welcome. The biggest "Boo" in this issue was to her claim that she created Lexcorp. But today no straight white man is allowed to accomplish anything like that. It has to be a gay or black one or a woman. I always preferred the story of his parents being drunks he arranged a fatal accident for.
All in all it was still a pretty satisfactory issue though. I really have to say though I hope all this stuff with Pharm, Graft, whichever is which (has anyone else noticed how Williamson switched them around a couple of issues ago?) and especially Luthor's mother gets resolved by next issue. Frankly as villains this pair is growing stale. I think they reached the peak of their villainous worth in this story.
Finally there's Lena. I have a funny feeling she's going to be this Brainiac Queen I've been hearing about. I'm not really looking forward to that so I hope it doesn't drag on. more

A great penultimate chapter to this great story. It really captures the spirit of those times. Venditti has proven once more trough this series that he is one of the best Superman writers of modern times. I look forward to the conclusion.

Another thumbs up issue. This series is off to such an entertaining start. It's interesting to see the first in Peter's family to learn his identity is his daughter. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this will probably only help them grow closer. I'd like them to keep it a secret to themselves for the time being. I'd say little May is already developing into a promising original character. Hopefully in time Richard may too. I think it will also be interesting as well seeing father and daughter keep this secret from their own family for now. One thing though, if little May was afraid of Spider-Man in black now, just wait till this reality's Venom shows up (And that's inevitable, just a question of when).
I enjoyed the Shocker's debut as Spidey's first supervillain and it was a hilarious first two encounters. Let's see how encounter 3 goes. Many notice his lack of Spidey sense, which should have been triggered several times this issue alone. There are 2 possibilities. One, He has yet to develop some of his abilities, or 2, The spider wasn't 100% perfect and some of the powers he was supposed to develop are missing (and if that's the case he may over time discover a couple of new original ones no other Spidey before has had; And I admit that would be pretty cool).
It seems Wilson Fisk is the villain he always is at heart, but here he is still having to answer to others. Something our Kingpin never does. But like him odds are that won't last. I look forward to seeing him climb in status to becoming the Kingpin (yet another inevitable thing).
Then there's Jameson and Uncle Ben. I never gave much thought to what they'd be like if they met. A relationship I'm sure very few have thought of. That's why Hickman was so clever at thinking it up. It seems meeting and actually becoming friends with a guy like Ben Parker actually mellowed an old hardnose like Jonah out. I look forward to their take on Spider-Man as he grows in popularity. Will they agree he's a hero or a menace? Or will they disagree? So much to look forward to.
One final thing I'd like to know is what happened when that burglar showed up 20 years ago in this reality? There was no Spider-Man to allow him to escape at the arena, nor capture him later. But Apparently Uncle Ben didn't surprise him this time either. I'm really hoping to know what happened there. Did he get anything or search, give up and leave before anyone saw him? This series holds so much promise for interesting and exciting things ahead. Let's hope rather than screwing it up, as Marvel tends to do anymore, that this exciting trend will continue. more

This is the best issue yet. It has a real patriotic Superman feel to it. One that shows why it's important he fight for the American way. Back in those days it would be what you'd expect in a Superman story. Him fighting a Soviet agent who hates America right in front of the White House with the security of the nation at stake. All the while Superman shows he bears no malice toward Metallo or his nation. All what you'd expect from Superman in those days. It shows that even when he fights for the American way he has no hate for another nation, which today's too easily offended claim and some even convince themselves is what the term "the American way" represents.
Enough about the cold war and old world issues though. The issue was well made and Lex's intervening made a great twist. And we all know he only did it to get something for himself. Looking forward to the meeting in #5 and to see how Metallo plans to make his ultimate move. This story has only improved as it's been told, and that's an extreme rarity in this day and age. more

Halfway in and still pretty good. As usual I'm not surprised to find Lois's father is a jerk in this continuity too. The end also showed I was right to expect Lex to get involved eventually. It looks like it's only going to be uphill in this ride.
I like these stories because they not only follow the classic movies, but they seem to have that feel I get when I read an old Pre-Crisis Superman comic from those days. Venditti is one of those very few writers left that know how to make comics fun. Something that was a top goal for every writer and cartoonist in those days. Small wonder this is getting such praise. I think this is a story Reeve himself would have been proud to have been in. more

This one definitely has more action, that's for sure. And Metallo makes a more entertaining foe than Nuclear Man did. Like last issue, this one has a tough act to follow when compared to the original '78 mini, but it's a pretty promising sequel (and Batman '89 was so awful I'm done with it. I won't even touch its sequel).
This series captures that later cold war element pretty well. You can actually believe this could be a part of the original movie universe canon. more

Not bad. It's not as exciting yet as the last, but I'm sure Venditti will improve things. I'm not too crazy about Metallo being a Soviet agent, but I guess one would have expected it more in the days this takes place. This is off to one of those "wait and see" starts, but I have to give it credit for being off to a good enough start.

A pretty fun issue. I must confess I'm glad it only took a single issue for Superman and Marilyn to get home, as most modern writers would make them trapped for a year or longer. It was cool seeing the classic Terra Man again. And the issue left off with a prelude to more excitement ahead. Pharm and Graft...Or Graft and Pharm, whichever is which now, I have no idea (and as of last issue I'm not sure Williamson does either) seeking to recruit Superman for their Luthor revenge squad. Should be interesting.
I really hope Superman doesn't take till Williamson's final issue to beat these guys. I';d like to see them get beaten, most likely with Lex's help so he'd get paroled early (which may have been his big plan all along, a plan even Pharm and Graft were unwitting pawns in) and for him to return to his chair and desk in the Lexcorp CEO's office and resume his place as the primary menace in Superman's life. From what I've seen so far that would make for some good stuff too that I'd really like to see Williamson tackle. Whatever happens, I just hope it stays this good. more

Pretty good issue. The end was a bit too Back to the Future. Like dying, I'm not sure why characters react like the hero will never return though he has countless times before. Another thing, I thought that was Pharm that attacked them and Graft was the silent one yet to do anything (anime experience shows he'll likely wait till the end to do anything) was Graft. Either Williamson has forgotten who among his own characters is who, which is kind of pathetic, or I got confused along the way.
All-in-all a decent issue. Not worth $5, but since I get it at a 30% discount it's worth getting for me. You have to be the judge in that category by what you pay. But still, this remains the only book by DC I find worth getting. more

I haven't read Spider-Man (or a single thing Marvel) since Spencer's run ended,, so I was a bit unsure about this one when announced. After its release I heard a lot of interesting things and decided to give it a shot. It's worth the try. I'm not as hyped as some, but I find this to be off to a good start. Like the original Ultimate series we're starting off in his pre-wallcrawling days just before getting his powers. It's like an ongoing "What if...?" series.
There's a lot of refreshing new elements I'm looking forward to exploring like Peter being a family man (Just so long as Marvel doesn't fuck it up like DC did with Superman's son), Uncle Ben being alive, Peter starting as an adult and so much more. I look forward to seeing what surprises this reality has to give us like what became of Gwen, her father, Eddie Brock, Ned Leeds, Miles Warren and so many other characters whose lives were to be impacted so much by Spider-man.
I also look forward to knowing this easier going Jonah. I also look forward to seeing more of his and Ben's crusade for truth in journalism (Something rarer now than ever before). I also hope to hear the story of how this crotchety editor and jolly retired man became best buds. I know they'll give us years of excitement and humor.
I'm not sure what to think of the new Wilson Fisk. He still gives off bad vibes. I don't know if he became the Kingpin or if he has yet to. He will be interesting to observe as well.
I fully understand and respect the praise this series gives. After the flimsy hodgepodge of political views put into comics over the last 5 or so years this series begins with a new take on things and we have high hopes it stays the same, focusing on the heroics of Spider-Man and the impact it has on those close to him, not on everyone's personal lives, what their gender, racial and sexual preferences are and not having a writer who puts his personal beliefs into the character. I don't know much about Hickman's beliefs and don't want to. I don't want him putting any into his work. I want him to just focus on a hero being heroic and that be it.
This issue gets this series off to a good start and as long as it continues on its current path it will stay good. Marvel should follow this example and not abide by Disney's progressive agenda and they'll see what their books really need to sell.
It's nice to have a Spider-man worth getting again. I can't wait to see #2. At the rate things are going this may become the Spider-Man people think of first and top Amazing as Marvel's flagship. In ways that's sad, but also a triumph that will be well earned. more

So far Darkest Hour has been pretty exciting. It's not as thrilling as Shattered Grid or the Eltarian war, but it promises to develop into something even bigger ahead. I have to say I'm impressed with how the comic is portraying the character of Dark Specter as more of an actual evil force to be reckoned with, especially when compared to the bulky very unrealistic creature he was on the old show that never really got to shine as the mastermind he is here. The Rangers are going to have to actually fight him here. It should make an interesting battle. Another interesting question is who Rita will side with. Sooner or later she'll realize what a mistake freeing him was and have to help stop him. I also can't shake the feeling this may be it for Matt. If he sacrifices himself to stop Dark Specter I wouldn't be too surprised. I also wonder what will become of Zordon's body he now possesses. This arc certainly has you asking a lot of questions and gives you expectations for big things to come, that's for sure. It should just get more interesting as it develops. more

While better than the last issue, the series still offers little unless you're more into the modern slice of life comics and mysteries with a sci-fi twist. Otherwise it likely won't appeal to all Ranger comic readers. I may read another issue or two, but after this story is through I doubt I'll return for any future ones.

This is far from your average "Ai-yah" Power Rangers. And that's not all good. The art is quite poor and the story just doesn't really keep my interest. I really just haven't found much to interest me as this is more like some kooky manga or anime than the usual action and adventure I've grown used to in the original series.

This was a pretty amusing issue. Raphael maintains his usual original series wit and talks as though they're still on TV. And it seems to reflect the views toward politics of the time. Kudos for that as most modern writers would try and put their personal modern right or left opinions. The Turtles were like the average youths of the '90s and Splinter the more experienced adult who didn't express any personal bias when they discussed it. You never hear anyone sound that neutral anymore.
Chromedome expresses more personality here than his original series appearances, as in those he was just a means of carrying out Shredder's plans. I hope they'll use him again since he has now proven he can be a crafty opponent as well. more

This issue left a little bit to be desired, but all-in-all it was still a pretty decent read. In this series when you really think of it, the writers can do most anything with certain familiar characters like Baxter or the frogs or others as well since these stories take place after their final original series appearances. In time this series could take some interesting turns, but on the other hand it may be best if it stays true to the old show's back to normal at the end dynamic, which hardly any kind of comic or show does anymore.
Still, this is the best Turtle book, Idw book and one of the best of all books out there today. It should also really appeal to classic Turtle fans. more

I liked this one pretty well. I have to say this series is quickly becoming one of the best comics on the market today. It's already replaced Sonic as the IDW book I look most forward to each month.