Babs Tarr's Batgirl, anime-influenced villains and plot, a Japanese pop culture shop owner who's too cool for school, twin sisters with katanas and motorcycles??? Yep, you want this issue.

Spider-Evangelion. That's what this book is and I can't believe it exists. It makes my heart happy. The protagonist is adorable, her little spider friend is the cutest spider I've ever seen, and the SP//dr is AMAZING. This story deserves its own series! This was my favorite of the Edge of Spider-Verse run, and I had a smile on my face from start to finish. If I had ONE minor gripe, it would be the fight scene was slightly hard to follow. However, that is not a knock on the artwork at all, and just a general observation of the way the fight is laid out. The art, characters, and tone of this book all get 5 stars from me. SP//dr is one of the coolest character/super hero/mecha designs I have ever seen. If you can only pick up one issue from this run, make it this one. You won't regret it.

Nearly a perfect score? Yep. Skottie Young is killing it with his artwork, and there are three ongoing plots with each one being more ridiculous than the last. Is this book about Rocket? Is this book about Rocket's exes? Is this book about some evil raccoon that isn't Rocket? I laughed more during this issue than I do during most comedy movies. There is some really clever writing going on here. Not to mention.. PRISON ESCAPE MONTAGE! Young is spoiling us with these huge single and double page spreads. It may not be for everyone, but for those of us who do enjoy it, Skottie Young and Rocket Raccoon are a match made somewhere very pleasant in the galaxy.

I absolutely love this new direction for Batgirl. I know this decision has really split the Batgirl fan base, and that's too bad, because there is not only some solid story telling going on in this issue, but also a lot more depth than you might expect. Babs Tarr is one of my favorite artists working in comics, and I love Barbara and Batgirl's new looks. Incorporating social media and the hipster lifestyle into the book definitely gives the comic a contemporary vibe that may feel dated down the road, but it's a great time capsule look into today's young adult city culture. I also love the blend of daily-life/ superhero-life that this book brings. It's a lot lighter than most Bat-books, and while I love Batman due to the gritty tone, Batgirl offers something refreshing for DC fans like myself. Pick it up for the art, pick it up ironically, just pick it up because this run of Batgirl should not be missed.

This was a great addition to the Spider-Verse. I actually squirmed while reading this book. This is true horror; edge of your seat, macabre, grotesque horror. The art is beautiful and once the Spider-thing starts to show its true form in this issue, I promise you will be delighted and disturbed. If I had one nitpick, and this is being extremely picky, I can't say I enjoyed the main character before the transformation. I understand that this social outcast and introvert lends well the the revenge style plot, but the way he talks just annoyed me. Once the bite happens, however, it becomes a terrifying tale that sticks with you well after you finish this book. And if the Spider-thing doesn't get to you, just wait until the next day when something emerges from our girl next door. Have fun squirming around in bed tonight.

As a huge Disney fan, I was both extremely excited and a little worried about this book. While I enjoyed the first Disney Kingdom series, Seekers of the Weird, it wasn't necessarily the best opening run for the new Disney x Marvel line. I feel like everything they wanted to do with that series they have already done with Haunted Mansion #1. Better main character? Check. Better atmosphere? Check. Better writing? Check. This opening issue nailed the look and feel of the classic Disney attraction, and the dialogue was a lot stronger than I was expecting. I love how they took influences from the ride's scenes, but at the same time mixed in their own flair for this story. Danny is a good protagonist and I'm just DYING to see where his adventure goes!

It's only the second issue, but I promise you Disney x Marvel are on to something with this series. Issue #2 builds upon the great atmosphere introduced in the pilot issue, while at the same time giving us more insight to the plot. The look of the mansion is phenomenal and I can't get through one panel without humming the organ tune of Grim Grinning Ghosts. This definitely "feels" like the Haunted Mansion. And if all that wasn't enough, we've got a nice story brewing as well. Two issues in and this is already my favorite of the Disney Kingdoms properties. This book is to DIE for.

Coming off the immense popularity of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, Rocket stars in his very own series! Skottie Young is at it again with stunning artwork. Not too many people working in comics today can pull off such a unique style that has become this artist's trademark with such confidence. The writing is strong as well, with Young nailing Rocket's personality. This is a fun start to a series that has a lot of potential to be something fun and exciting amidst some of the more serious books on the shelves. It didn't completely knock it out of the park, but there really aren't any faults to be seen. Rocket is downright hilarious as a ladies'.. raccoon.. and I can't finish this review without mentioning the two page spread with the Groot wrestling match. It really is a testament to Young's skill and creativity. Lastly, shout out to the Jennifer Lawrence line, definitely a laugh out loud moment.

I may be rating this a little lower than it deserves, and that may be due to me reading the Spider-Gwen series before I picked up Edge of the Spider-Verse, so keep that in mind. Again, these issues certainly feel rushed and only give a tease to all these Spider-People, but Spider-Gwen is hands down one of the best characters in the Spider-Man universe. At worst, she's definitely a huge fan favorite. The story in this issue does have some nice emotional depth to it, and it definitely leaves you wanting more Spider-Gwen (which we now have), so take my lower-than-it-deserves score like a grain of salt, and please check out this issue.

How do you rectify not having the strongest characterization in a book? Have an amazing Spider-Man suit! I loved the technology and look of the Spider-Man incorporated in this issue. Unfortunately, that's about all I liked. The character who takes up the Spider-mantle in this issue is meh. The supporting cast is blah. The villain is too predictable. 7 may seem like a high score for a weak story, but I'm telling you, that suit is awesome. Iron Man meets Astro Boy meets Spider-Man. Good stuff.

Certainly not a bad start to the Edge of Spider-Verse miniseries, but I don't imagine I'll be looking at this issue anytime soon again. While Spider-Man Noir is a cool looking character, and while I understand these issues are more like teasers, there just isn't enough substance for me to give it a rating in the 7's or higher.