BatSledge's Profile

Joined: Nov 27, 2023

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7.5
Overall Rating
8.0
Absolute Batman (2024) #1

Oct 9, 2024

9.0
Absolute Batman (2024) #2

Nov 16, 2024

8.0
Absolute Power: Task Force VII (2024) #5  
9.0
Absolute Wonder Woman (2024) #1  
7.0
Action Comics (2016) #1058

Nov 27, 2023

6.0
Action Comics (2016) #1059

Dec 8, 2023

A good lead story, a mediocre middle story with Super-Man, and a poor Jon Kent story. I’m done paying for a title that’s deteriorated over the last 3 months despite good work from PKJ, and will follow it going forward on the DCUI app instead (the lead feature, anyway), where it’s not costing me anything extra.

5.0
Action Comics (2016) #1060

Dec 16, 2023

With PKJ leaving (without a conclusion to his latest saga in the main title; you need to pick up the Annual for that), and a pair of lackluster backups that are there to shill other DC titles, this provides a good jumping-off point for me. I’ll check back from time to time on the DCUI Ultra app in a few months.

8.0
Action Comics (2016) #1061

Jan 9, 2024

Great kickoff with a superb combination of writing and art, minus mediocre backup stories thankfully! Aaron launches a fresh storyline that is careful not to intrude upon, nor contradict, the great work Williamson is doing on the primary title with is cast of characters, and take Bizarro’s story into fresh new territory.

6.0
Action Comics (2016) #1062

Feb 15, 2024

After an exciting, well-written first chapter, this new chapter turns into a mess. A little Bizarro goes a long way. A lot of Bizarro makes for a muddled, inconsistent read, and to make matters worse, the writer throws in a time jump and doesn’t consistently follow the backwards logic he laid out. We end up a story in which Superman needs to battle an adversary inside his own mind, which Chip Zdarsky has struggled to do with Batman on that title for 20 months. Very disappointing issue, though the art was very nice, hence the above average rating.

4.0
Action Comics (2016) #1063

Mar 15, 2024

I’m tired of stories taking place inside a broken hero’s psyche. I’m tired of Joker deconstruction. I’m tired of cities under siege. I feel like Jason Aaron and Chip Zdarsky are the same person. Bring on Josh Williamson!

8.5
Action Comics (2016) #1064

Apr 10, 2024

Williamson’s outstanding Superman work continues here with a superb launch to another exciting storyline. He’s the best writer to tackle Superman and his expansive cast of characters in the last several decades!

8.0
Action Comics (2016) #1065

May 20, 2024

9.0
Action Comics (2016) #1066

Jun 25, 2024

The stakes escalate this issue, especially for Luthor, who undergoes some fascinating character development in the midst of a living Borg-like hell. Everything comes together in this tense, penultimate issue that is turning into one of the best Braniac stories ever written! I don’t want it to end yet.

8.0
Action Comics (2016) #1067

Jul 14, 2024

Fun kickoff to a new storyline, plus a promising backup story too!

8.5
Action Comics (2016) #1070

Oct 9, 2024

7.0
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern (2023) #1

Nov 27, 2023

6.0
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern (2023) #2

Jan 3, 2024

An extended flashback in the second issue that fails to capitalize on the interesting present-day mystery that was set up in the first issue hinders this second chapter. The story is 1/3 over and in addition to no forward movement on the plot, the origin of Alan Scott and his connection to the Green Flame has been fundamentally altered instead of expanded upon. If this was an alternate-Earth Alan Scott, that’s fine. But it’s not.

6.0
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern (2023) #3

Jan 23, 2024

The series reaches its mid-point by the end and very little has been done to advance the central “mystery”. We do get a twist that everyone could see coming from a mile away. Hopefully things improve in the second half.

7.0
Amazons Attack (2023) #1

Nov 27, 2023

6.5
Amazons Attack (2023) #2

Jan 4, 2024

7.0
Amazons Attack (2023) #3

Jan 24, 2024

7.0
Amazons Attack (2023) #4

Feb 26, 2024

8.5
Batman & Robin: Year One (2024) #1  
6.0
Batman (2016) #139

Nov 27, 2023

8.0
Batman (2016) #140

Dec 9, 2023

Another step back in the right direction as Zdarsky attempts to redeem himself after Gotham War. The back-up story was also quite good, with an intriguing attempt to tie Vandal Savage and The Court of Owls together (presumably, as it’s not explicitly stated).

8.0
Batman (2016) #141

Jan 4, 2024

While there’s no question that the writing has rebounded from the depths of the horrible Gotham War, there’s a sense of massive deja vu here as Batman is once again punching, and being chased by, his killer robot. It comes back to the Failsafe saga, only to have another interruption, this time in the form of Joker Year One. I’m at the point where I’m ready for this entire saga to just be finished and for a fresh new storyline to begin. The art was gorgeous and kinetic as usual, and the backup was interesting enough, but it’s time to move on. I just hope the Joker interlude is better than Gotham War.

5.5
Batman (2016) #142

Feb 7, 2024

I smell another Zdarsky mess in the making, as his up-and-down yo-yo run on the book continues. Whenever he is telling a compelling storyline, he seems to interrupt it with interludes such as the multi-verse story, the execrable Gotham War, and now Joker: Year One, which suffers from underwhelming art in places and a very non-linear story. Can he ever just tell a complete, linear story with a beginning, middle, and end?! I’m very doubtful after over 20 months of Zur-En-Arh.

7.0
Batman (2016) #143

Feb 16, 2024

A slight improvement over last week’s chapter, with moments that are genuinely captivating and others that are mundane. The same goes for the art. ultimately, this story feels vastly overhyped relative to what’s being served up.

4.0
Batman (2016) #144

Feb 26, 2024

Zdarsky needs to finish his 2-year Zurr-en-Arr story and then get the hell out of Gotham. He’s overstayed his welcome with this latest mess. He knows how to start a good story but he sure doesn’t know how to finish them.

4.5
Batman (2016) #146

Apr 6, 2024

Want to read a GREAT Joker story from recent times? One who’s simply delusional and insane? Read Waid’s BATMAN/SUPERMAN WORLD’S FINEST #25 from March. Zdarsky’s Joker and Damian characterizations are pure nonsense. Just end this run already.

6.5
Batman (2016) #148

Jun 7, 2024

8.0
Batman (2016) #149

Jun 19, 2024

Best issue of his 2-year run, which is kind of sad since this issue resets things to a normal status quo once again, almost as if the whole Zur storyline never happened. At least we now have a recharged and optimistic (and sane) Bruce Wayne and family back in the flagship book.

4.0
Batman (2016) #151

Aug 10, 2024

Slightly above average main story is a yawner compared to the main Absolute Power series, and the backup story is nonsensical trash. Save your $$ and skip it.

1.0
Batman / Catwoman: The Gotham War (2023): Scorched Earth #1

Nov 29, 2023

A pox upon William Tucker for giving this a 10/10 critic rating! This event and this issue was pure excrement and the writers and editors involved should be run out of the business permanently! Nothing here made any sense whatsoever. Plus, there are probably at least 20 DCU heroes around that could’ve stopped the stupid meteor. With that said, I was rooting for the meteor. This is quite possibly the worst Batman story I’ve read in 45 years of collecting BATMAN. DC should be ashamed of itself. What would folks like Denny O’Neil, Mike Carlin, Dick Giordano, Paul Levitz, Len Wein, Marv Wolfman and many other brilliant custodians of these characters over the decades have thought of $hit like this?!

10
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #21

Nov 27, 2023

10
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #22

Dec 20, 2023

A perfect chapter of art and writing, this is a cinematic Kingdom Come sequel that probably could have been released as a company-wide mega-event miniseries, but is instead (fortunately) self-contained within the monthly World’s Finest series, making it DC’s best book on the stands these days. Waid and Mora are telling an epic story that will hopefully, when completed, proudly stand alongside the original KC miniseries and as a testament to the superb talent of this amazing storytelling duo!

10
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #23

Jan 17, 2024

It’s stunning to me that DC didn’t make this story, a full-blown Kingdom Come prequel event, into its own giant stand-alone DC crossover limited-series prestige format event! It would sell even better than within this book’s pages. It could’ve tied into numerous other titles very organically with cool side stories. DC has also totally failed to properly market this event in any kind of grand scope or scale. This is some of Waid’s (and Mora’s) very best storytelling ever spanning his amazing career over the last 30 years. Savor every bit of this issue, for there’s only one chapter left, and I CANNOT WAIT!

7.5
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #26

Apr 18, 2024

While mischievous 5th-dimensional imps aren’t my favorite cup of tea, this issue is still fun and the art is gorgeous as always!

8.0
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #27

May 24, 2024

7.0
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) #28

Jun 19, 2024

Good issue, and while it’s my least favorite storyline of the book to-date, it’s still a fun romp, and this chapter is a nice improvement over the previous ones.

5.5
Batman / Superman: World's Finest (2022) Annual: 2024

Feb 6, 2024

A mixed bag at best. A couple of pretty good stories followed by a couple of lackluster stories. It came across as filler for a 5th week release. Skip it.

6.0
Batman and Robin (2023) #3

Nov 27, 2023

8.0
Batman and Robin (2023) #5

Jan 10, 2024

The book continues to improve with not only the writing but the art as well. Seeing Damian and Bruce develop their relationship is fun to see, and it adds needed depth to both characters. Throw in several interesting new mysteries and we have a winner once again this month! The humor is much appreciated as well.

7.5
Batman and Robin (2023) #10

Jun 13, 2024

Best parts of the issue were the parts having nothing to do with Man Bat. Though Ra’s Al Ghost? Really?

7.0
Batman and Robin (2023) Annual: 2024

Feb 6, 2024

Good writing marks this breezy romp in the woods for Bruce and Dick, although the artwork often hurts the storytelling more than it helps. Porter needs to retire or get a good inker, his work has really deteriorated.

9.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1077

Nov 27, 2023

8.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1078

Dec 8, 2023

The lead story continues with another solid suspense foray as Catwoman puts her plan into action to save Batman. The back-up story, however, was a miss this issue. At least Ram V redeems Catwoman after the dreadful Gotham War fiasco!

9.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1079

Dec 15, 2023

The penultimate chapter of this 5-issue arc within the arc really delivers, thanks to a near-perfect combination of plotting, scripting, characterization and artwork! The back-up story does a great job flashing back to the Oghrams’ arrival in Gotham and fills in several gaps. Looking forward to the next chapter!

9.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1080

Jan 2, 2024

Very strong close to this current arc in Ram’s ongoing saga, as we see both friends and enemies of the incapacitated Dark Knight rescue him from a common enemy that both groups face. Seeing Selina and Talia work together as mature adults was a great story choice, and having a great Two-Face return appearance also was a highlight. A few exciting twists to the narrative leave me eagerly waiting to see where the Dark Knight ends up next.

8.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1081

Jan 26, 2024

A strong kick-off to the final act of Ram V’s Bat-saga, as we get inside Batman’s psyche on a journey through what may or may not physically be happening in reality. He’s in an altered state as he tries to purge his demons and reconnect to his true self in a setting that ties back to the fable that was told earlier in Act 1. The backup has a nice strange twist at the end. Great issue overall!

8.5
Detective Comics (2016) #1084

Apr 26, 2024

Nice to have a sane, confident, almost happy Bruce Wayne back in the cowl! As I excitedly await for this final act to play out in all its Nolan-esque glory, I can only hope that Chip Zdarsky is paying attention.

9.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1085

May 31, 2024

7.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1089

Sep 27, 2024

9.0
Detective Comics (2016) #1090

Oct 25, 2024

6.0
Flash (2023) #2

Nov 27, 2023

4.0
Flash (2023) #3

Dec 8, 2023

While the art is quite good and a detailed departure from past artists, the writing is a jumbled, incomprehensible mess that’s also dragging down the book’s sales 3 issues in. Spurrier has taken a beloved character that’s all about kinetic energy and rendered him inert, making him a static character in this Grant Morrison-wannabe overblown mess. The editor and writer have violated the first rule of launching a new book with a beloved character: MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE. Not only will new readers find this to be an impenetrable garbled mess, old-time readers will be lost as well. It only serves to highlight all the great work Jeremy Adams brought to these characters, and which the editor flushed away. It’s bad enough the movie tanked, but now DC is tanking the comic, too!

7.5
Flash (2023) #4

Jan 2, 2024

Best issue by a mile, as I didn’t care for the first three. This one feels like a massive course correction by Spurrier, so perhaps he was reading feedback from fans and seeing the sales start to drop while he wrote this issue. The Mirror Master/Irey/Jesse plot is intriguing, and Wally’s detour into his own personal “Nexus” within the Speed Force also was interesting. Hopefully Spurrier has realized he needs to dial way back on the metaphysical scientific mumbo jumbo and just focus on telling a good coherent story with the characters we love, and perhaps take some cues from what worked for Jeremy Adams. Maybe there’s a light shining in this tunnel…

7.0
Flash (2023) #5

Jan 24, 2024

As with last issue, we get a character-centric story focused on another Flash child: Jai (Irey took center stage last month). It’s an interesting tale of Jai’s quest for his dad’s approval, a deeper exploration of Jai’s evolving powers, and a rather shocking glimpse into what happens when Wally thinks his son is gone. The sci-fi aspects of the plotting aren’t as dense and hard to follow this time around either. Spurrier has wisely realigned his storytelling approach to focus more on putting the characters front and center instead of the sci-fi wackiness, and the book is better for it.

5.0
Flash (2023) #6

Feb 27, 2024

The story had started to recover the last few issues and gained some coherence, but with this issue, it reverts back to a lot of head-scratching. We are a half-year into this story and I’m feeling like I barely know anything more about the plot than when it started. Spurrier should not be writing this book, as this cosmic-horror take on the characters just isn’t working…and the sales of the book reflect that.

8.0
Flash (2023) #7

Apr 2, 2024

Nice, kinetic, energetic guest artwork combined with a long-overdue explanation of what’s been going on with the Speed Force leads to the first truly enjoyable issue of this series.

7.0
Flash (2023) #8

Apr 24, 2024

Interesting chapter with enjoyable fill-in artwork again from Perez, who has a nice kinetic art style as opposed to regular artist Deodato, whose imagery is more static and posed. The story builds up interest with an appearance by Amanda Waller and her minions, as the speedsters are spread thin trying to stop unnatural disasters. This storyline is a big improvement on the title’s initial story.

6.0
Flash (2023) #9

May 31, 2024

8.0
Flash (2023) #10

Jul 1, 2024

8.0
Flash (2023) #12

Aug 30, 2024

At least you can see that Spurrier is making a worthy attempt to stick the landing with his year-long storyline by reinforcing the bonds between him, his wife, kids and friends as he races to prevent the end of time and humanity itself. High stakes for sure. Spurrier made me actually care again about what’s happening.

5.0
Flash (2023) #13

Sep 27, 2024

So glad this impenetrable mess of a story is over after one year and 13 issues. Spurrier did not stick the landing with this one. When you close the cover after finishing the story, you’re left to ponder what the story was even about, and why did it matter at all?!

5.5
Flash (2023) Annual: 2024

May 3, 2024

Spurrier has filled this storyline with so much technobabble gobbledygook that it makes you care so little for those few and far between moments that focus on the characters we love. Please fix this book, DC! We the fans, and the characters, deserve better.

7.5
Green Arrow (2023) #5

Nov 27, 2023

7.0
Green Arrow (2023) #6

Dec 8, 2023

Good wrap-up by Williamson and team, but pales compared to his work on SUPERMAN. I feel this story could’ve been told in 4 issues, not 6, as some of the earlier timey-wimey stops seem rather pointless. Excited to see what’s next!

8.0
Green Arrow (2023) #7

Dec 31, 2023

Great re-set from the previous storyline, as Ollie reacclimates to a world without a Justice League. We even get a nice reunion with Hal Jordan, who was inexplicably left off the cover though. Lots of new mysteries spin out of this and it almost feels like a new #1 instead of issue #7. Love the artwork too! This book is in good hands and I’m glad it’s now an ongoing title.

7.5
Green Arrow (2023) #8

Jan 23, 2024

Not quite as solid or fun as the previous issue’s homecoming story,, but having a Kevin Smith villain back combined with Phil Hester artwork still makes for a fun retro romp and a nifty little mystery, even though it seemed pretty clear early on that no one actually died. The issue does have a nice little twist on the final page and a new mystery for Ollie and Connor to solve.

8.0
Green Arrow (2023) #9

Feb 27, 2024

Nice to see GA at the center of Big Happenings in the DCU as he squares off against Waller. I’m not crazy about his upcoming mission, which ties in to one of my most-hated comics stories in DC history. The art was sensational, though I do miss Hester’s fill-ins.

8.0
Green Arrow (2023) #11

Apr 24, 2024

8.0
Green Arrow (2023) #12

May 31, 2024

9.5
Green Arrow (2023) #17

Oct 25, 2024

A masterful transition for the character that takes him from his recent multiverse-traveling, time-traveling, reincarnated superheroing self back to a street-level, social justice crusader operating in the shadows, possibly like we saw in the Mike Grell days. The character, and the book, are in good hands. This is the most excited I’ve been for the character in 35 years!

8.0
Green Lantern (2023) #5

Nov 27, 2023

9.0
Green Lantern (2023) #6

Dec 13, 2023

This issue was thrilling, as it marks a culmination to the story Adams has been building, building upon the earlier emotional spectrum work that Geoff Johns so masterfully developed. The art is gorgeous and Tomasi’s Korg back-up story is good too. Just need Adams to start answering more of the questions that he has readers asking with regards to the backstory that’s been hinted at surrounding Hal, the Corps, and the United Planets. It’s outstanding to be getting two great GL books each month! Nice to have the franchise in such good hands as those of Adams, PKJ and Tomasi. DC Editorial has made a lot of mistakes lately (Knight Terrors, Gotham War, The new Flash book) but at least they’ve restored the GL franchise after many disappointing years!

9.0
Green Lantern (2023) #7

Jan 10, 2024

Superb issue despite a good, not great, fill-in artist. Adams pays off much of the mystery he set up in the first 6 issues with a fantastic story featuring our favorite corps legends, while teasing several new mysteries at the same time! It’s so nice to have the GL franchise back on track this year, and it reminds me of the peak era 15 years ago when Johns was on fire.

8.5
Green Lantern (2023) #8

Feb 15, 2024

The mysteries deepen as we see some UP Lanterns arrive who are able to channel power from other emotional spectrums. This ties to the wonderful back-up story, in which Ron Marz (Kyle Rayner’s creator) celebrates Kyle’s 30th anniversary by crafting a nostalgic look at the past, the present and the future as Kyle realizes something’s wrong with the Emotional Spectrum. Both stories appear to be headed to an exciting intersection involving the United Planets, and I’m loving the ride! GL hasn’t been this good in 15 years!

9.0
Green Lantern (2023) #10

Apr 11, 2024

Both stories in this issue are a blast! Nice to have a big epic space saga with the fate of the galaxy at stake! Best GL writing and art in several decades.

8.5
Green Lantern (2023) #11

May 20, 2024

Continues to get better and better as Adams’ overarching United Planets plot is revealed. The backup story continues to be fun as well.

9.0
Green Lantern (2023) #12

Jun 13, 2024

Jeremy Adams knocks it out of the park again! My favorite title once again after a 15-year lull.

9.0
Green Lantern (2023) #13

Jul 14, 2024

Feels like issue 1.5 of Absolute Power itself, which is a testament to the amazing art and writing, which is on par with Mark Waid himself!

10
Green Lantern (2023) #16

Oct 16, 2024

This storyline is truly epic, with flawless writing, coloring and artwork! Jeremy Adams has crafted a thrilling galactic saga that just happens to be a Green Lantern tale, with homages to Star Trek and Star Wars thrown in. And just when you think it can’t get even more thrilling, the last page of the story adds another familiar and terrifying threat to the mix. This is every bit as epic as Geoff Johns’ best work from 15-20 years ago, and should be a Top 10 title. While it’s not necessarily a clean jumping-on point for new readers, Adams does a tremendous job bringing new readers up to speed. The last 18 months of storytelling are really paying off, and I for one couldn’t be happier with this book!

9.0
Green Lantern (2023) #17

Nov 16, 2024

9.0
Green Lantern Civil Corps Special (2024) #1

Oct 9, 2024

Very cinematic kickoff to a thrilling new chapter of an epic storyline! The best this franchise has been in over a decade!

9.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #3

Nov 27, 2023

7.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #4

Dec 20, 2023

Doesn’t quite hit the heights of the first 3 issues, but it’s still an engrossing chapter that portends an upcoming war between the (corrupt) United Planets and the OG Green Lantern Corps that’s currently under their control. Can’t wait to see where this is headed, but one thing is clear: the two GL titles are headed for a cross-over soon.

8.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #5

Jan 18, 2024

7.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #8

Apr 18, 2024

The ongoing Dark Star storyline is wearing a bit thin for me in this issue, but the Earth-bound story with John’s mother and a Guy Gardner “appearance” continues to be captivating, along with the great artwork.

7.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #9

May 24, 2024

8.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #10

Jun 19, 2024

The final act of this sprawling but somewhat slow-moving saga is starting to take shape, particularly in the final few pages of this chapter, as we get the sense that this book and the characters and events in Jeremy Adams’ GL title may be coming together as one united GL Corps soon. It feels like the band is getting back together at last! Looking forward to the final two issues.

7.0
Green Lantern: War Journal (2023) #11

Jul 21, 2024

8.0
Incredible Hulk (2023) #3

Dec 13, 2023

9.0
Incredible Hulk (2023) #4

Dec 21, 2023

Superb chapter that sucks you right in and leaves you wanting more!

9.0
Incredible Hulk (2023) #5

Jan 22, 2024

Probably my favorite issue so far. I have a soft spot for Foreman’s art, dating back to his days drawing DC’S ANIMAL MAN for The New 52. Nice twist at the end with an exciting moral quandary for Banner!

8.0
Jay Garrick: The Flash (2023) #2

Nov 27, 2023

7.5
Jay Garrick: The Flash (2023) #3

Jan 2, 2024

Love Adams’ writing, he’s so good with character work, plus he simply “gets” these characters. I would love to see this series continue on past 6 issues, a la GREEN ARROW. Adams’ book bring fun back to superheroes! I’d give it a higher rating, but the art didn’t quite gel with me as much as the writing. It felt a little too cartoony.

8.5
Jay Garrick: The Flash (2023) #4

Jan 18, 2024

Very good origin story for Dr. Elemental that respects Jay’s history and builds on what has come before instead of fundamentally altering it. This book is not only a celebration of Jay and his family and legacy, but also serves as a celebration of the Golden Age of comics.

5.0
Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #11

Nov 27, 2023

3.0
Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #12

Dec 6, 2023

Very disappointing and confusing wrap-up to a series that was all over the place to begin with. Makes the conclusion of the previous Joker series by Tynion look amazingly coherent by comparison. Dont waste your time with this one, there’s nothing to see here except some good artwork. Joker will pop up in next month’s BATMAN comic and the events in this book will be completely ignored.

8.0
JSA (2024) #1

Nov 6, 2024

Very solid debut issue that mines some different characters than Johns’ recently concluded series. However, there seemed to be a lot of unearned conflict taking place, along with several expository gaps that need to be filled in so we understand what’s going on in the Tower of Fate.

7.0
Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong (2023) #1  
7.0
Justice Society of America (2022) #7

Nov 27, 2023

8.0
Justice Society of America (2022) #8

Jan 2, 2024

2 issues in 2 months?! Maybe there’s hope, even though we know Geoff’s time is limited. This is one of the best issues to date, with a great mix of compelling storyline, intriguing mysteries, and good character work as we’ve come to expect from Johns. Janin’s artwork is gorgeous and raises the standard on this book to a very high bar!

8.0
Nightwing (2016) #108

Nov 27, 2023

7.0
Nightwing (2016) #109

Dec 21, 2023

A good wrap-up that falls short of better wrap-ups to earlier stories during Taylor’s run. The art is good, but feels like “imitation Redondo” since we can’t get the real thing lately (he did draw a gorgeous SUPERMAN #9 this month). The Damian Wayne back-up was a head-scratcher that was intended to be a Beast World prologue. I’m not climbing on board that one, given how bad Knight Terrors and Gotham War were.

7.0
Nightwing (2016) #110

Jan 19, 2024

The cover was my favorite thing about this issue, which was otherwise a good (not great) Beast World crossover that reunites the Super Sons. While the art was perfectly serviceable, it was a comedown from the innovative pencils and layouts we’ve enjoyed previously. Hopefully this book gets back on track next month, now that the pirate adventure and cross-overs are over.

8.0
Nightwing (2016) #113

Apr 19, 2024

A great one-and-done story featuring a celebration of Dick Grayson and his Nightwing career in Bludhaven! Best part was the Wolfman/Redondo interlude with a very touching tribute to the character as well as George Perez. My only complaint was the back-up story, which added nothing to the reading experience and featured the typically lousy Howard Porter art of the modern era.

8.0
Nightwing (2016) #114

May 24, 2024

10
Nightwing (2016) #115

Jun 19, 2024

Absolutely sensational, gripping storytelling that finally brings the long-brewing Heartless arc to a full boil! The best this comic has been in well over a year!

8.0
Nightwing (2016) #118

Oct 18, 2024

7.5
Shazam! (2023) #5

Nov 27, 2023

6.0
Shazam! (2023) #6

Dec 11, 2023

7.0
Shazam! (2023) #7

Jan 4, 2024

Good issue, but lacking a bit compared to previous issues, both in terms of the new story and the guest artist. The space dinosaur plot is fun, occasionally humorous, but feels lighter than the prior storyline that put Billy through his paces. Plus Black Adam is a character that, for me, wears out his welcome pretty quickly. A little goes a long way.

8.0
Shazam! (2023) #8

Feb 9, 2024

Great fun, poignant, and some nice characterization of Black Adam!

8.0
Shazam! (2023) #12

Jun 4, 2024

4.0
Speed Force (2023) #1  
6.0
Star Wars (2020) #40

Nov 27, 2023

6.0
Star Wars (2020) #41

Dec 9, 2023

Thank goodness this Dark Droids Saturday morning cartoon-level Borg rip-off nonsense is wrapping up. Lando has behaved pretty uncharacteristically through this story, so I’m hopeful that the writer can get things back on track with the characters and tee-up Return of the Jedi.

5.5
Star Wars (2020) #43

Feb 26, 2024

A fairly boring story that does manage to give Luke’s green lightsaber an origin story while at the same time has him facing a illy, comic book Sith villain that we really don’t care about.

6.5
Star Wars (2020) #47

Jun 7, 2024

A decent end to an overlong, contrived storyline.

7.0
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #40

Nov 27, 2023

5.0
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #41

Dec 21, 2023

I’ve enjoyed many of the stories in the book’s run, but this Dark Droids crossover was not one of them. The conclusion here felt somewhat rushed and much of the dialogue was at the level of a Saturday morning cartoon. With that said, I look forward to what I hope is a good series finale next issue.

7.0
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #42

Jan 19, 2024

A good wrap-up to the series, which for me has occasionally hit some fun highs and relatively few lows during its run. It started to feel like it was running out of gas the past 6 months or so, so it was nice to be treated to one last fun adventure this issue. The big question about this issue is why the Mega Droid wasn’t seen during the Droid War issues of STAR WARS that took place with Lando in Jabba’s palace. A possessed Mega Droid would certainly have laid waste to the palace, which I guess we can’t have in the run-up to Return of the Jedi.

6.0
Star Wars: Dark Droids (2023) #2  
6.0
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #40

Nov 27, 2023

4.0
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #41

Jan 2, 2024

Pretty bad wrap up to the Dark Droids tie-in, still written at the level of an 80s Saturday morning cartoon for the breakfast cereal crowd. Lots of half-baked ideas that go nowhere, and a few mildly interesting ideas that still don’t impact the movie continuity in any discernible way. Vader suddenly pulls some grand master plan for how to deal with the droid threat out of his bottom, meaning it made very little sense, it wasn’t set up well or earned, and was hard to keep up with. Lots of endless panels of robots exploding if you like that type of stuff. I didn’t and I’m ecstatic that this Droids nonsense is over with.

7.0
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #42

Jan 5, 2024

A welcome improvement over the last 5 months of the Dark Droids crossover, this issue gets back to seeing different factions within the Empire vie for power as Vader takes on a rather strange Rebel threat. It wasn’t great, but it has potential and I trust Pak will deliver something good based on his track record before Dark Hemorrhoids.

7.0
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2020) #43

Feb 16, 2024

A slight step forward in the new Schism storyline, which for me doesn’t line up much with the movie continuity. I feel Ike the comic is at a point where it’s struggling to come up with compelling things for Vader to do and be involved with, and is marking time until Marvel decides to move the timeline forward and end this series.

6.0
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020) #36

Jan 3, 2024

Pretty good tie-in to an absurd crossover event that was rather ill-conceived, but Aphra comes across as waaay too much of an obsessive horndog in this issue. I’m surprised the Disney and Lucasfilm overlords let this stuff slip through.

9.0
Superman '78 (2021): The Metal Curtain #1

Nov 27, 2023

10
Superman '78 (2021): The Metal Curtain #2

Dec 9, 2023

More epic movie-era storytelling at its finest. If the previous series was an alternate SUPERMAN III, this story is an alternate SUPERMAN IV with the U.S. and the USSR in conflict with each other’s superpowered saviors. I also smell Lex Luthor behind all this. Feels like another epic Donner-era film!

7.5
Superman '78 (2021): The Metal Curtain #3

Jan 5, 2024

I love this series, but by the conclusion of this issue, we are at the mid-point of the story and not much has happened beyond the initial battle with Metallo. By comparison, the first series packed a lot of plot and action into each issue. However, this issue mainly focused on talk about the events of last issue, with no new action or developments. I did enjoy seeing General Lane (in the 1980-ish movie era, I picture Jason Robards playing him), and I also enjoyed the appearance of an old favorite at the end of the issue. The art remains solid, and Venditti’s dialogue is perfect! I’m sure the plot will pick up steam in the next issue.

8.0
Superman '78 (2021): The Metal Curtain #4

Feb 9, 2024

Strong issue that moves the cinematic story forward in exciting ways, including a much-welcome return of Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor! The art by Guidry continues to improve and impress with his actor likenesses. I’m excited for the final two chapters.

8.0
Superman '78 (2021): The Metal Curtain #6

Apr 7, 2024

Nice wrap-up, very much in keeping with the hopeful tone of the movies themselves. Here’s hoping we get a full trilogy soon.

9.0
Superman (2023) #8

Nov 27, 2023

9.0
Superman (2023) #9

Dec 20, 2023

The story improves and moves forward by several notches, all while maintaining a great balance of character work and action. Paired with the always-superb Bruno Redondo’s fill-in artwork, we get a real treat for the eyes this month! This is the best Superman has been in several decades.

9.0
Superman (2023) #10

Jan 18, 2024

Another stellar issue on an amazing run that gives an origin to an interesting new character, successfully revives an old forgotten villain, and introduces a new twist on an old concept involving the Revenge Squad! This is the best Superman run we’ve seen in decades! Plus the book is loads of FUN!

8.0
Superman (2023) #13

Apr 16, 2024

9.0
Superman (2023) #14

May 22, 2024

8.0
The Penguin (2023) #3

Nov 27, 2023

9.0
The Penguin (2023) #4

Jan 3, 2024

I absolutely loved the twists and turns in this issue that keep you guessing from one moment to the next, and I’m looking forward to the next installment. Last issue and this issue are the best yet. It’s also fun having the Force of July back in action!

9.0
The Penguin (2023) #5

Jan 24, 2024

Very well done, setting up the last piece of Penguin’s plan by using a classic Bronze Age Bat-villain to be his mole. Fast-paced, great character work, and moody art.

8.0
The Penguin (2023) #8

Apr 26, 2024

7.0
Titans (2023) #5

Nov 27, 2023

7.0
Titans (2023) #6

Jan 4, 2024

8.0
Titans (2023) #7

Jan 17, 2024

Taylor moves the story forward with some key Beast World plot developments here, along with a disturbing display of power by Raven, all of which serve to highlight what has previously been lacking this year: that the Titans are very capable of taking down a global threat in place of the JLA.

7.0
Titans (2023) #8

Feb 26, 2024

Good story, but lacking compared to the prior Beast World saga. This one is filled with tension but at the same time feels anticlimactic. I’m also confused why the Titans needed a boom-tube jet when the tube itself would suffice.

8.0
Titans (2023) #10

Apr 19, 2024

7.5
Titans (2023) #11

May 24, 2024

7.0
Titans (2023) #12

Jun 19, 2024

Good wrap-up to the story within a bigger story, but the bigger story needs to finish up soon.

8.0
Titans: Beast World (2023) #1

Dec 31, 2023

Good, not great, start that at least has a kickoff that puts the other 2023 DC events to shame. It does have several plot holes and many unanswered questions as others have pointed out already. The Ivan Reid art is absolutely gorgeous, as we’ve come to expect. I just hope this event hasn’t yet peaked already.

8.0
Titans: Beast World (2023) #2

Jan 17, 2024

Tom Taylor is taking what easily could’ve been another absurd premise for a wide-ranging crossover (see Knight Terrors and Gotham War) and is making something compelling, fun and credible instead, aided and abetted by the gorgeous Ivan Reid artwork.

7.5
Titans: Beast World (2023) #3

Jan 23, 2024

8.0
Titans: Beast World (2023) #4

Feb 9, 2024

This issue turned a lot more serious in terms of consequences as the drama and plot escalate to a rather shocking turn of events by issue’s end. Bonus points to Taylor for reviving, albeit briefly, a long unused FLASH supporting character from the 90s to great effect.

8.5
Wonder Woman (2023) #3

Jan 3, 2024

The writing was good, and even better on the backup story. The art on both is fantastic! I like King’s work on THE PENGUIN much better though.

8.0
Wonder Woman (2023) #4

Jan 17, 2024

Loved the back-up, which almost felt like a Tomasi-written Super Sons adventure featuring Lizzie. The main story was good with amazing art, though the big storyline didn’t move forward all that much, though we do get to see The Sovereign extend his influence into the seat of power in America. Another great chapter but I’m ready to see how the end-game plays out.

8.0
Wonder Woman (2023) #5

Feb 15, 2024

While the plot moves at a snail’s pace, the character work and the round-up of the villains makes for a fun chapter, along with the amazing art. The back-up continues to be a fun romp as well with Gen-S meshing well together.

7.0
World's Finest: Teen Titans (2023) #5

Nov 27, 2023

8.0
World's Finest: Teen Titans (2023) #6

Dec 13, 2023

Waid sticks the landing with this final issue, best issue of the series! And I’m not even a huge fan of this era of Titans, but Waid made me a believer.

9.0
Zero Hour 30th Anniversary Special (2024) #1

Sep 1, 2024

Exceeded expectations by quite a bit. Modern-era Kyle Rayner gets pulled into a morbid pocket DC universe of 1994, where heroes and villains battle to save their reality from becoming extinct at the hands of Paralax Hal Jordan. The consequences of this battle impact the DCU and multiverse of today. Don’t miss this fantastic celebration of DC’s past and present!

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