DC COMICS
Batman #15
Written by Tom King | Drawn by Mitch Gerads
"The past few months of Tom King's Batman run have thoroughly made up for Catwoman's early absence in the DC Rebirth lineup. Batman #15 wraps up King's brief collaboration with Mitch Gerads, as "Rooftops" ends with a fitting tribute to the beautiful but doomed romance that is Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
9.0
Cave Carson Has a Cybernetic Eye #4
Written by Gerard Way, Jon Rivera & Tom Scioli | Drawn by Michael Avon Oeming & Tom Scioli
Artist Michael Avon Oeming and colorist Nick Filardi becomes the stars of the show even more in this latest issue. If you'll pardon the pun, Cave Carson #4 is a very eye-popping read. The artists render a very strong sequence where Cave uses his cybernetic eye to recreate the scene of a crime and stirs up an angry ghost. The way the cold, oppressive darkness of the underground setting is illuminated by glowing bodies and vivid color makes for quite the dazzling experience. Oeming's style is uniquely suited to render the bizarre sights of the underground civilization of Muldroog and the very ordinary, earnest flashback exploring the troubled history between Cave and his parents. Once again, it's difficult not to draw comparisons between this series and The Venture Bros. in terms of how it blends Saturday morning cartoon weirdness with very flawed, failure-prone characters. Also, is it too much to ask that Tom Scioli's absurdist backup strips be given their own series? -Jesse
Final Score:
9.1
Green Arrow #15
Written by Benjamin Percy | Drawn by Juan Ferreyra
"It’s no secret that Green Arrow has been one the best books of the DC Rebirth era, and that’s still true in this issue. While there are some elements here that seem to be inspired by the Arrow TV show, it feels less like this is aping that series and more like it’s just on the cusp of a classic Green Arrow run. A lot of that is down to Juan Ferreyra’s art, as well as his dynamic layouts and characters. From a purely visual standpoint, these pages are stunning. For the most part, Percy holds up his end of the deal with a strong take on Green Arrow and Black Canary, including a very intimate moment between them that really sums up what they mean to each other. This series really is better when they’re together. That said, the villain of this issue is ridiculously clichéd, and the story doesn’t seem to be able to convincingly turn him into more than a bit player. It’s almost embarrassing that this guy could have killed the Green Arrow if not for the return of another character. But considering how much fun this book is, it’s easy to overlook some of the flaws." -Blair
Final Score:
8.4
Harley Quinn #12
Written by Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti | Drawn by John Timms & Chad Hardin
By all rights, the return of the Joker to these pages should be cause for excitement. DC has kept the villain on a short leash for so long. But reading this arc, it's difficult to walk feeling anything other than confusion or bewilderment. It's more than a mere question of how this arc is meant to fit into the larger DC Rebirth picture (I'm less and less convinced this series is even set in main DC continuity). The real sticking point is Joker's bizarre portrayal. There's something very off about his personality, his passivity and his renewed affections for Harley. Even his current character design is weird and off-kilter (though Chad Hardin's dream sequence in this issue is pretty nifty). All of this leaves the reader to question whether they're even reading the Joker himself or simply some half-baked pretender. Whatever the case, the series needs to reveal its hand immediately, because this latest Harley/Joker reunion is more perplexing than engaging. -Jesse
Final Score:
5.4
He-Man/Thundercats #4
Written by Rob David & Lloyd Goldfine | Drawn by Freddie E. Williams II
"It’s hard not to appreciate a crossover that actually takes the time to mash up the mythologies of both franchises. He-Man/Thundercats # 4 has some genuinely clever moments with the way that Lion-O’s powers interact with He-Man’s abilities and Cringer. Of course, there's finally the inevitable hero vs. hero clash, but even that works out pretty well. Rob David & Lloyd Goldfine seem to know their characters intimately, and a few heroes from each side have their moments within these pages. But this is largely Lion-O’s issue, as he makes a pretty desperate play to save a potential friend and turn the tide of battle. Some of the best pages by Freddie E. Williams actually capture the emotions of the characters in just a single expression, and the writers wisely decide not to bash the point home. Williams also pulls off more than his share of the epic moments, including a glimpse at the dark future that may await the heroes of two worlds. This is one of the better crossovers in recent memory." -Blair
Final Score:
7.7
Justice League of America: The Ray Rebirth #1
Written by Steve Orlando | Drawn by Stephen Byrne
I don't know if Geoff Johns had any hand in this new round of DC Rebirth specials like he did the original batch, but there's definitely a Johns-ian quality to Steve Orlando and Stephen Byrne's revamp of The Ray. Which, needless to say, means this issue is well worth a read. The duo paint a captivating portrait of a hero literally stepping into the light for the first time. Orlando's script follows Ray Terrill's journey from reluctant shut-in to fledgling hero embracing his light powers for the first time. The script becomes a little rushed in the climax, but it definitely leaves the reader wanting more of Ray and to learn how he'll fit into the larger JLA puzzle. Byrne is a natural fit for the series, especially given how important color is to his work. The early pages set inside Ray's darkened home are cold, bathed in shadow and generally dehumanizing. But as Ray embraces the hero within, Byrne's expressive figures and vivid colors capture his joy and excitement. It's another example of the Rebirth mentality in action. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.5
Justice League vs. Suicide Squad #5
Written by Joshua Williamson | Drawn by Robson Rocha
"Justice League vs. Suicide Squad is definitely a stronger crossover in its second half. Having moved past the largely formulaic opening phase, the series is now able to get to the heart of the conflict, with Maxwell Lord orchestrating a global takeover and Batman leading the battered remnants of the Suicide Squad against him. The odds are growing bleaker by the minute, as this issue paves the way for what should be a truly epic finale." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.2
Superman #15
Written by Pete Tomasi & Patrick Gleason | Drawn by Various
Grant Morrison tends to be a tough act to follow in any situation, but Pete Tomasi has never been shy about picking up Morrison's loose threads and running with them. And so far, "Multiplicity" is shaping up to be every bit the worthy sequel to Multiversity that "Robin Rises" was to Morrison's Batman saga. It's got that same adventurous, larger-than-life feel with a healthy doze of Morrison-worthy zaniness for good measure. And much like Morrison, Tomasi and Patrick Gleason recognize that the best way to convey Superman's strength is not through physical deeds, but by having him remain a calm force of hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Unfortunately, this issue can't hold up to the previous one in terms of visual quality. The presence of four artists isn't as huge a problem as it sounds given that each is tasked with rendering render a different world in the multiverse. But none can really meet the bar set by Ivan Reis in issue #14, and some pages seem particularly rushed. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.1
MARVEL COMICS
The Amazing Spider-Man #23
Written by Dan Slott & Christos Gage | Drawn by Giuseppe Camuncoli
The decision to focus so little attention on the big reunion between Peter Parker and the Stacys in The Clone Conspiracy itself is a bit odd, to say the least. And while this issue is eager to make up for that omission, it doesn't prove entirely satisfying. Issue #23 awkwardly inserts itself into the middle of The Clone Conspiracy #4, trying to create more room for Peter, Gwen and Captain Stacy to do their thing. The choppy way it weaves in and out of that issue's events is one reason why this reunion doesn't work quite as well as expected. But more fundamentally, the story just isn't as emotionally charged as it needs to be. The dialogue actually becomes tedious after a certain point, and this simply doesn't feel like the momentous occasion it should. And while artist Giuseppe Camuncoli does his best to inject emotion into the page, there's only so much energy he can bring to the table. Especially coming on the heels of the Ben Reilly-centric ASM #22, it's disappointing this issue couldn't add more to the larger crossover. -Jesse
Final Score:
5.2
The Avengers #3.1
Written by Mark Waid | Drawn by Barry Kitson
"Avengers #3.1 is unapologetically a throwback to earlier eras in comics. There are a lot of panels per page, random hero cameos, thought bubbles, and some very old school superhero action from the team of Mark Waid and Barry Kitson. I love it. It’s very hard to find fault with an issue that features Kitson’s lush artwork or Waid’s solid scripting. It’s just about perfectly paced too, and it works as a standalone issue while furthering the larger story. After the last issue, the Avengers have a new member whose talents can make them more powerful than ever. In this issue, that bill begins to come due as Cressida’s purpose becomes clear. There’s a big price to be paid, and the Avengers are already starting to collapse under that pressure. Waid has such a great handle on the personalities of the team that it’s refreshing to see them all written in-character for that timeframe. The only real drawback is Cressida herself, as her personality is a little one-note. But it’s likely that Waid and Kitson are only beginning to flesh her out. This is easily one of the best issues of the week, and we want more." -Blair
Final Score:
9.0
Black Widow #10
Written by Chris Samnee & Mark Waid | Drawn by Chris Samnee
When it comes to wordless storytelling, Chris Samnee may just be the best in the business. He’s so good that even in an issue that would be considered “down” when compared to past works, engagement and immersion is never anything less than total. Issue #10 has a lot going for it, with a NBD trip to the moon, some welcome advancement and an explosive resolution to the Weeping Lion’s tale. That said, the majority of the issue focuses on Nat reconnecting with Bucky, a focus that, while entertaining, doesn’t linger long after. That leaves Samnee to fill in the rest, and he does so with his usual nuance and care. Most comics are lucky to have one or two “wow” spreads –this book has at least half a dozen, Samnee’s multi-panel style expertly evoking every emotion, spoken or otherwise, he and Mark Waid’s script demands. From Bucky’s steadily increasing dread to a particularly uncomfortable death by younglings, every issue is a page turner with this team involved. -Jeff
Final Score:
8.0
The Clone Conspiracy #4
Written by Dan Slott | Drawn by Jim Cheung
"No one can ever say that Dan Slott isn’t ambitious with his tales. His last few Spider-events have done a really great job of expanding the scope of his stories and bringing back Spidey characters who were long gone. The Clone Conspiracy # 4 picks up with a moment that made it seem like Spider-Man could go along with the Jackal’s plan. Of course, Spidey is still Spidey. But it’s still a satisfying moment when he ultimately makes his choice. This issue also gets a lot out of the reunion between Doctor Octopus and Anna Maria Marconi; which also goes pretty much how you would expect. Jim Cheung’s artwork is terrific, and he seemed to excel when there are dozens of characters on each page. Cheung delivers the best visual joke in the entire book when we see what the Jackal has been attempting with his resurrected bad guys. The cliffhanger is also a really good one, as things go bad very quickly. The only knock against this issue is that some of the Jackal and Spidey's conversation from a recent issue of Amazing Spider-Man should have been recapped here. The issue felt a little incomplete without it." -Blair
Final Score:
8.3
The Mighty Captain Marvel #1
Written by Margaret Stohl | Drawn by Ramon Rosanas
It’s been some time since Kelly Sue DeConnick’s name last graced the title page of Captain Marvel, but with each new release her presence feels as constant as ever. It’s a fact that makes Carol Danvers latest debut, The Mighty Captain Marvel #1, feel at once both easily accessible and disappointingly familiar. Much like DeConnnick, new writer Margaret Stohl shows a clear and immediate understanding of Carol and what drives her, something that stands as particularity important given her drawn out role in Civil War II. In many ways this book reads as a return to basics. Carol still puts helping others before herself, to the point where she’s often at odds with the people she reports to in regards to how best to go about doing so. It’s a simple, if familiar, setup, and while this first issue won’t bowl over any readers, it’s a solidly constructed and character appropriate start. With artist Ramon Rosanas turning in a similarly strong debut, there’s plenty of time for this title to become as mighty as its title promise. -Jeff
Final Score:
6.2
Monsters Unleashed #1
Written by Cullen Bunn | Drawn by Steve McNiven
"If all you want to see this week are Marvel heroes fighting giant monsters, then you’re in luck! That’s exactly what Monsters Unleashed # 1 provides. The problem is that’s all it provides. Cullen Bunn’s script largely seems to exist only to give the various superhero teams a reason to punch out a few random kaiju. It never rises above that level, and that’s the weakest part of the issue. The focus jumps around so frequently that the issue reads more like a clip show than a story. Plus, the tendency of the comic book heroes to constantly repeat their names in battle seems to be much higher than usual. Fortunately, Bunn’s script is bailed out by the amazing work of Steve McNiven, who has once again demonstrated that he’s one of Marvel’s best artists. McNiven not only nails the giant monsters and the widescreen action, he also draws perfect renditions of Marvel’s newer and older heroes. This issue may not be a very deep read, but it is fun, and the artwork does a lot to elevate it." -Blair
Final Score:
7.0
Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #3
Written by Kieron Gillen | Drawn by Kev Walker
Doctor Aphra is the closest thing the Star Wars franchise has to an Indiana Jones, so it's only fitting that her new solo comic strikes so many of those same notes. Heck, even the father/daughter banter is more than a little reminiscent of Indy's daddy issues in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. It works both to set Doctor Aphra well apart from the rest of the Star Wars family and to scratch that Indy itch that Marvel has yet to attempt in any official capacity. This issue is a wildly amusing romp, as Aphra and friends sneak into the abandoned Rebel base on Yavin 4 while Black Krrsantan wages a one-Wookiee war on the troops stationed there. No, the plot doesn't advance a great deal, but between the humor, action and character conflicts, there's still plenty for readers to chew on. Kev Walker's art ties it all together in an attractive package. Walker's style is an apt fit for Gillen's brand of dark humor and the grungy space fantasy that is Star Wars. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.7
Venom #3
Written by Mike Costa | Drawn by Gerardo Sandoval
"Marvel's newest Venom comic features an unique subversion of the usual formula. Normally, the Venom symbiote itself is treated as little more than a dangerous tool, while its host is the real protagonist. This time around, the symbiote is the hero fighting against the negative influence of its human host. That subversion is this book's greatest strength, but it also highlights just how bland that new host is. Apparently, readers can't get them a Venom who does both." -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
5.8
ARCHIE COMICS
Archie #16
Written by Mark Waid | Drawn by Joe Eisma
For being one of Riverdale’s better known supporting characters, Dilton Doiley has been criminally underutilized so far in this Archie run. While issue #16 seeks to correct that, it does so at the cost of a more compelling narrative – Cheryl Blossom’s arrival at Riverdale High. With Cheryl relegated to limited page time as of yet, writers Mark Waid and Lori Matsumoto instead focus on Dilton and the havoc his new app wreaks on the school. While that focus does serve to offer more insight into Dilton and his role, with the majority of the app’s “targets” hardly, if ever, utilized previously, the impact of said fallout is limited. As a result, this issue reads more as a setup chapter than a truly memorable one, though that’s not to say it isn’t entertaining. Joe Eisma again turns in a number of excellent visual sight gags, with Moose Mason as the surprise standout. -Jeff
Final Score:
7.0
BOOM! STUDIOS
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #11
Written by Kyle Higgins | Drawn by Hendry Prasetya
"Of the many reasons to enjoy BOOM’s signature title, its ability to reinvent plot lines and themes from the original series in new and inventive ways continues to be its most appealing. Issue #11 offers perhaps the best example of that update yet, Kyle Higgins and Hendry Prasetya pitting their cast against a threat both entirely new and strangely familiar. Morphin time, indeed." -Jeff
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.3
WWE #1
Written by Dennis Hopeless & Ross Thibodeaux | Drawn by Serg Acuna & Rob Guillory
"I said it with my review of November's WWE: Now. Then. Forever #1 special, and I'll say it again now - the biggest strength of this new series is the fact that it manages to capture the pageantry and soap opera of professional wrestling and make it appealing even for the neophyte. Reading this series reinforces my lingering desire to dive more heavily into the WWE landscape. And really, what more can you ask for from a licensed comic?" -Jesse
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
8.3
DARK HORSE COMICS
Black Hammer Giant-Sized Annual #1
Written by Jeff Lemire | Drawn by Various
Maybe labeling this issue "giant-sized" is a bit of a stretch, but it does offer a nice, satisfying standalone story that expands on the cast of the main series. Jeff Lemire crafts several short stories that explore the early, pre-dimensional exile lives of these heroes. On their own, these glimpses into the past are fun but not especially illuminating. Mainly they serve to showcase the wildly diverse art styles of the many guest artists assembled for this issue. Each segment looks good, but the standout comes with the combination of Mike Allred and colorist Dave Stewart in the final chapter. The real strength of this annual is in how the stories are linked together. The framing device gives a much-needed spotlight to the aged, scatterbrained Col. Weird and explores the dangers and unpredictability of time travel. The ending ensures that this issue is every bit as sadly sweet as the main series. -Jesse
Final Score:
8.8
IDW PUBLISHING
Revolutionaries #1
Written by John Barber | Drawn by Fico Ossio
While multiple IDW books are taking advantage of the Hasbro shared universe, Revolutionaries is the place to go for maximum crossover fun. Perhaps a little too much fun. The first issue delivers a frantically paced adventure that pairs everyone from Rom to Mayday to Action Man together in one globe-spanning adventure. John Barber and Fico Ossio's ambition is admirable, but this issue frequently attempts to bite off more than it can chew. Not to mention that frequent reliance on exposition to push the narrative forward. It's a shame, because the main appeal with this series is the cast. Such an odd combination of humans and aliens is full of potential, but the series doesn't seem as concerned with exploiting that potential as it should. As with the Revolution mini-series, Ossio is able to blend these wildly disparate franchises and characters into a cohesive whole. He delivers a comic that looks very much like an '80s toy box come to life. -Jesse
Final Score:
6.8
IMAGE COMICS
Curse Words #1
Written by Charles Soule | Drawn by Ryan Browne
"Pull out those playing cards and dust off those top hats -- Magic is still cool. Delivering a rock-star look at the baddest, hippest and maybe kinda evil wizard in the land, Curse Words #1, the latest from Charles Soule, Ryan Browne and Image Comics, looks to cast an early spell." -Jeff
Click here to read the entire review!
Final Score:
7.5
Descender #18
Written by Jeff Lemire | Drawn by Dustin Nguyen
Having muddled through a seemingly unending lull, it was fair to wonder if Descender was ever going to return to the brilliance of its opening arc. And while it’s certainly too soon to declare the book’s latest arc as a return to form, issue #18 does offer the most tangible evidence of such in quite some time. With the drawn-out histories and politicking of arcs past at last behind him, Jeff Lemire finally kicks his narrative back into gear, putting his characters in motion with a few well placed moves. As a result, the many rotating plotlines suddenly feel important again, Lemire seeding events in ways that tease an inevitable collision down the road. He also succeeds in delivering what is easily the series’ best swerve to date, a small but potentially catastrophic switch that opens up entirely new avenues of involvement. For a series that’s largely lived and died on Dustin Nguyen’s lush paints, it’s refreshing to have the story back up to par. -Jeff
Final Score:
7.7
Kill or Be Killed #5
Written by Ed Brubaker | Drawn by Sean Phillips
In his recent afterword, Ed Brubaker posits that Kill or Be Killed has the potential to be he and Sean Phillips’ longest-running series to date. If the quality of issue #5 is what we can look forward to on that run, here’s hoping the creator is right. Starting his latest arc with the requisite and literal bang, Brubaker again showcases the layered characterization that up to now has been the book’s greatest strength. It’s surprising (if not a bit morally concerning) just how relatable Brubaker’s Dylan is, particularly the more removed he gets from his demonic hanger-on. This issue is plenty violent, but beyond the shotgun blasts and exploding viscera there’s a real story about a regular guy just trying to get his life back in order. It’s that hook that makes this series so consistently compelling, though Phillips’ absurdly detailed pages certainly help. This isn’t a book you read quickly, but rather one you pore over and read again. If you doubted this premise had legs, issue #5 will set you right. -Jeff
Final Score: