Godzilla is taking America by storm — literally — this year with IDW’s Godzilla vs. America series and after stomping his way through Chicago, everyone’s favorite kaiju has stars in his eyes. That’s right, his next stop is Los Angeles. Heading onto shelves on April 30th, Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles will see Godzilla take on Los Angles but this book — which features creators from the City of Angels Gabriel Hardman, Jordan Morris & Nicole Goux, Dave Baker, and J. Gonzo — is more than just a collection of sun-soaked Godzilla tales.  This time, he’s doing some real good with 100% of the proceeds from the issue going to the Binc Foundation to help support LA’s comic and book stores impacted by the recent wildfires. The King of the Monsters is giving back which is makes an already fun issue that much better.

Because this is an early review — final order cutoff for the issue is March 24th — we’re not gonna reveal any spoilers but it’s not a spoiler to say that Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles captures not only the spirit of the best Godzilla stories, but the heart of everything that makes Los Angeles great as well. Each of the stories in the issue operates almost as a love letter to a different aspect of the City of Angels. The first story, by Gabriel Hardman, is perhaps the most action-packed, following two traffic reporters who find themselves in the unlikely position of being eyes on the ground — or the kaiju as it were — letting them be real heroes in the process. The story very much has the feel — and look — of a classic Godzilla movie and sets the tone that anything is possible when the King of the Monsters and the City of Angels collide.

[RELATED: Godzilla is the Unexpected Hero Chicago Deserves (Godzilla Vs. America: Chicago Review)]

The next story, “The Big Break” by Jordan Morris and Nicole Goux, is a celebration of chasing your dreams and making it in the entertainment industry — just with a dash of Godzilla being a surprising extra in the story. It’s a delightful adventure that balances both the unflinching realities of trying to make it in Hollywood with hope of it all. It’s easily the funniest story in the volume. And Dave Baker’s takes readers on a practical tour of Los Angeles, offering up a bit of history in the guise of a survival guide for how to use the metro system to survive a Godzilla attack. It’s clever and funny and surprisingly informative, working as both a love letter to Los Angeles’ oft forgotten public subway system and ‘Zilla himself.

In short, Godzilla vs. America: Los Angeles is a good time. While Godzilla may be the monster marching his way through the City of Angels, like many who have come to the city chasing their dreams, he’s not the star of the show. Los Angeles itself really shines here, with each story showing aspects of the city that remind readers why its unlike anywhere else on earth. Add to the love letter to the city the idea that the book is actually doing some real good as it fundraises for wildfire recovery efforts, one might just be willing to forgive Godzilla for stomping his way through Hollywood — at least until he heads off to take on his next American city.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by IDW

On April 30, 2025 (FOC Marc 24, 2025)

Creators: Gabriel Hardman, Jordan Morris & Nicole Goux, Dave Baker, and J. Gonzo

The post The King of the Monsters Is a Real Star in Godzilla vs America: Los Angeles (Early Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Saga has been in our lives, with some breaks, for thirteen years and the weight of that time can be felt now more than ever. The series has evolved from the days of two young parents on the run, and has now reached a point where the narrative itself is really living up to the name of the series. This always has been a “saga” in grand terms, but Saga #72 brings us a check-in point for so many specific characters, places, and points in the plot that it feels like the creative team of Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan are reminding us of the scope that their world has. Not to mention, the pair deliver a story where they show that they can change everything without killing anyone (for once) and with just a single piece of shattering dialogue.

Saga #72 not only concludes the latest arc of the series, but puts the entire series on a path toward what will be the final batch of stories (Vaughan notes in the letters section the series is now “two thirds complete”). The framing device for Saga #72 is a proclamation by King Robot, it’s a simple one, with major ramifications for not only all the characters that we know but some brand new ones that have just arrived in the series (and some that got lost along the way). Vaughan is able to take this simple message and frame it around every little nook and cranny of the galaxy, not to mention the varying perspectives that come with that and how they all react. It’s par for the course to denote “Brian K. Vaughan is a good writer,” but he wields an effective pen in this issue.

Some sequences with characters last a few pages as they breakdown and try to dissect this major change in the series, while others are just one panel (the reactions here given depth by the always on point Staples, of course). Vaughan manages to find ways to look at this change (a shifting in allegiances that shocks everyone) through the lens of all manner of people that it will effect, leaving the reader to really sit and wonder about what comes next. To bring it all home of course, Staples and Vaughan remind us at the end of the issue what this story is really about and who our main throughline is; and they do it by making us laugh.

Staples’ eccentric ideas across Saga continue to be a defining attribute in this issue. From a small radio that screams at the listeners with a tiny mouth to a spaceship made of bones, each new page brings a delightful surprise and something you’ve quite literally never seen before. Even when Hazel was just a kid, Staples had an uncanny knack for making her expression a specific focal point of the entire narrative. Now that she’s a teen, with even more personality than readers could have predicted, it’s a unique facet of Saga‘s visual motifs that are its bedrock.

Saga #72 has positioned itself as a unique turning point for the series, not only in how it has concluded this specific arc (one could argue it didn’t fully gel at times) but in how it frames the final 36 issues of the series (Vaughan’s letter column says they’re still aiming for 108 total). The series has always lived up to the hype that it had behind it, but with this specific tale Saga has cemented its place as fully embodying its name. Now all we have is the wait once again, and the questions about what comes next will keep us afloat while we wait for what comes next.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 19, 2025

Written by Brian K. Vaughan

Art by Fiona Staples

Letters by Fonografiks

The post Saga #72 Lights the Fuse for the End (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Built over a desolated island on the coast of San Francisco, the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary made history as the darkest pit you could hide prisoners from 1934 to 1963. The imposing fortress became known for its harsh treatment of inmates, forced to live in inhumane conditions. Plus, the fact that the solid walls patrolled by armed guards were surrounded by the sea made Alcatraz a place no one could escape from. The penitentiary reputation was put to test in 1962, when three inmates did the unthinkable and managed to escape the Rock, never to be found again. Based on this peculiar chapter of U.S. prisoner history, writer Christopher Cantwell and artist Tyler Crook created Out of Alcatraz #1, a fictional account of what happened to these inmates.

In the real world, Frank Lee Morris concocted a daring escape plan he shared with Allen West and brothers John and Clarence Anglin. The four Alcatraz inmates constructed an improvised inflatable raft in the prison workshops. They also modeled replicas of their heads with papier mâché, that they left on their bed to trick guards on the night of the escape. Then, they crawled through the prison ventilation system, using the raft to challenge the waves. West’s ventilation shaft got stuck in the fateful night, so he was left behind by the three others. Since the police never found the three escapees’ bodies, their raft, or any evidence they reached the shore, the FBI officially closed the case in 1979, convinced the trio drowned in the night of the prison break.

[RELATED: Mad Cave’s Dark Pyramid #1 Offers a Spine-Chilling Start to a Mystery Worth Following (Review)]

Out of Alcatraz #1 kicks off its story with Frank and the Anglin brothers frantically paddle for their lives over their makeshift raft. Instead of focusing on the mind-boggling escape plan, already well-documented, Cantwell wants to explore what happened after Frank and his accomplices escaped. Frank’s plan demonstrates the man’s enviable intellect and creativity, so escaping Alcatraz was only the first step towards freedom. Alas, freedom is frail, and the promise of a new life can only be accomplished if Frank and his partners in crime can trust each other to make the right decisions.

The first issue of Out of Alcatraz takes time to build the conflict between Frank’s egotistic intelligence and Clarence Anglin’s simple-minded goals. Frank is always thinking of their next move, while Clarence, unaware of the far reach of law enforcement, doesn’t understand that getting out of Alcatraz was hard, but remaining outside can be even more challenging. Instead of high-octane police chases, Out of Alcatraz #1 focuses primarily on these two characters hiding in a midway home, while trying to negotiate the terms of their continued liberty with the people who helped them escape from Alcatraz. It’s a quiet story, but one that is aimed at peeling the psychological layers of the fugitives to learn what makes them tick.

In addition to Clarence and Frank, Out of Alcatraz #1 has a third main character, a mysterious woman who makes the bridge between the former inmates and a wealthy contractor willing to fund their new life, for a price. After the first issue, we still don’t know much about this woman and how she got involved in the mess. While the lack of information entices curiosity, it still feels like there was enough space to give her more depth, especially considering Out of Alcatraz #1 boats 48 pages and ends with a cliffhanger that promises more players will be added to the board in the second part of the series.

Nevertheless, Out of Alcatraz #1 is still a fantastic exercise of historical fiction, concerned about depicting the U.S. precisely as it was in the 1960s. That includes the racial tensions bubbling below the surface of a civilized country and the unfortunate objectification of women. These strokes of social analysis are perfectly intertwined with the plot, making the story all the more believable without deviating the focus from the main characters. It’s a phenomenal work of comic book storytelling, complete with an impressionist artwork that adds texture to what could be a bland realistic setting. Every reader interested in crime thriller and historical fiction will be well-served with  Out of Alcatraz #1, and we can’t wait to see where the series will take us next.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by: Oni Press

On: March 19. 2025

Written by: Christopher Cantwell

Art by Tyler Crook

Colors by Tyler Crook

Letters by Tyler Crook

Did you enjoy Out of Alcatraz #1? Are you excited about the ongoing series? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post Oni Press’ Out of Alcatraz #1 Uses Real History to Build an Intriguing Crime Thriller (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s always thrilling to see two of your favorite franchises collide, and now fans have the chance to see that play out once again thanks to the newest crossover DC x Sonic the Hedgehog. It seems like a dream scenario to have the Justice League interacting with Sonic and friends, and it kind of is, both in terms of seeing these beloved characters interact with each other and also the grand sense of fun and adventure the team has captured throughout. The series absolutely looks the part as well, feeling like quintessential Sonic through and through. We’ve had some amazing crossovers over the years, and now DC x Sonic is making a case to be in that same elite company.

An important aspect of making one of these franchise crossovers work is capturing what makes each side special from the get-go. It’s not an easy feat to establish two sets of characters, make them feel authentic, and also set the narrative for all the chaos that lies ahead, but DC x Sonic achieves that rather seamlessly. Both sides feel true to their characters right from the start, allowing the team of writer Ian Flynn, artist Adam Bryce Thomas, colorist Matt Herms, and letterer Becca Carey to get right to the fun stuff and start messing around with all the new toys in the toy box.

The first meeting and subsequent interactions range from completely wholesome to unexpectedly heavy, and Flynn plays them all completely straight. Some of these interactions, particularly regarding Batman and Shadow, will shatter some preconceived expectations, and because it’s all played the same way, it absolutely works. Sure you knew Batman and Shadow might get paired up, but after their initial interaction, their team-up takes on a very different meaning.

The stellar work of Thomas, Herms, and Carey can not be praised enough. The team captures the animated style of Sonic, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Silver, and Shadow perfectly, with their bigger-than-life personalities coming through on every page. The League fits right in while still feeling distinct, and the various introductions between all of the characters (especially Tails and Cyborg and Amy and Wonder Woman) can’t help but bring a smile to your face.

[RELATED: DC Teases Titanized Heroes and Villains in Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong 2 First Look]

Even the villains get some shine, especially Darkseid, who is still a massive threat and yet has a new ship that is also sort of…adorable? Maybe it’s just me, but even still, it never gets old seeing Amy, Superman, Knuckles, and Cyborg all get their big moments side by side, and the personalities always shine through regardless of how the circumstances change around them.

DC x Sonic isn’t reinventing the wheel of a crossover, but it’s executing it brilliantly. If you’re a fan of DC you’ll find a lot to love, and if you are a Sonic the Hedgehog fan you’ll be in a similar boat. If you happen to love both of them, well, prepare for a grand adventure that places fun as the top priority.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by: DC Comics

On: March 19, 2025

Written by: Ian Flynn

Art by: Adam Bryce Thomas

Colors by: Matt Herms

Letters by: Becca Carey

What did you think of the issue, and where does it rank in your favorite franchise crossovers? Let us know in the comments and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post DC x Sonic the Hedgehog is Looking to Take the Top Crossover Spot…and It Just Might (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of the benefits of an established franchise releasing new content is that there’s a built-in audience that will eat up the material. However, the downside is attracting newbies to give it a chance. That’s the conundrum for ThunderCats: Lost, as the legion of ThunderCats fans will surely find lots to enjoy, but those coming in with fresh eyes might be overwhelmed and left confused. It’s a delicate balance to try and maintain, with the finished product fine overall, but definitely lacking in certain areas. Between old and new characters, there’s something for everybody, though the advantage goes to the informed.

Let’s talk about the positives. ThunderCats: Lost #1 is a beautiful story to look at. The pages go from dropping the reader directly into a warzone to our team of remaining ThunderCats fighting to survive and coming up with a game plan. It rightly puts the focus on Bengali, a familiar face from the ThunderCats animated series. But just as readers start to pull for him, Bengali is cut down in the heat of battle. There are other returning cast members like Pumyra and Lynx-O, but we also get new characters like Ligon and Neko. They’re all given plenty of page time to flesh out their respective personalities, with Neko never afraid of a fight to the more calm and cool-headed Pumyra. Though it’s a somewhat large cast, they all get a moment to shine.

[RELATED: Darkwing Duck #1 Is Everything You Love About the Original Disney Animated Series]

While we said earlier that jumping in fresh may be a deterrent for some readers, we do admit that the writing tries to be welcoming to newer eyes. A team of ThunderCats were traveling to Third Earth to save Thundera, something happened, and they are now shipwrecked. That’s easy to understand on the surface. What we have to learn in future issues is what sent the team off course. There’s a nice wrinkle that some time-travel shenanigans appear to be at play, so once that’s fully explored it should enrich the overall story even more.

We know their introduction was intended to be menacing, but there is something about Scorpius that left a lot to be desired. Scorpius’ design is ominous, and he has the backing of a returning Captain Shiner, but we’ll need to see Scorpius in action before we start fearing for our ThunderCats. And speaking of Captain Shiner, he gets a larger spotlight in ThunderCats: Lost as our Big Bad. His presence will raise plenty of questions for fans, but the final page looks to clear up some of that confusion.

As someone with a passing memory of the original ThunderCats animated series, we’re intrigued to find out how ThunderCats: Lost adds to the franchise’s mythos. The team at Dynamite is building and adding piece by piece, so there’s a golden opportunity for ThunderCats: Lost to provide a path for new adventures and unexplored corners of the ThunderCats Universe. The only question is whether it’s something that fans will truly digest, or just give it a passing glance while they wait for stories featuring the ThunderCats heroes and villains they’re already familiar with.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Published by Dynamite Entertainment

On March 18, 2025

Written by Ed Brisson

Art by Rapha Lobosco

Colors by Roshan Kurichiyanil

Letters by Jeff Eckleberry

The post Only Hardcore ThunderCats Fans Will Find Much to Enjoy About ThunderCats: Lost #1 (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

DC’s Absolute Universe of titles is easily the hottest line in comics, with Absolute Batman writer Scott Snyder revealing that every issue so far has sold in the six figure range on Bluesky. After the whirlwind successes of Absolute Batman, Absolute Superman, and Absolute Wonder Woman, the next phase of the Absolute Universe is kicking off with Absolute Flash, by the team of Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles. Fans have been excited for Absolute Flash since details about the comic dropped, and Absolute Flash #1 has a lot riding on it. Luckily, this first issue of the series is an intriguing and exciting beginning, one that will hook readers from the word go.

The issue begins set in the present, with teenager Wally West coming to a stop in the desert, wondering what he’s done, the events of the last few days and the mysterious energy emanating from his body filling him with fear and despair. The story then shifts to two days ago, and sets up the status quo of the young West. Wally lives on a military base with his father, who is working on a mysterious project. He returns to the base after curfew, the loneliness of his life wearing on him, and is met at the gate by Dr. Barry Allen. Allen wants to show him something and takes him to the lab he’s working in with West’s father, asking him if he wants to help part time with Project: Olympus. Before he can answer, Wally’s father shows up, yelling at Wally for being out after curfew and Barry for allowing Wally in the lab.

[RELATED: Why Is DC’s Absolute Universe So Successful (And What Can Other Comics Learn From it?)]

The story shifts back to the present, where Wally realizes he’s being hunted, introducing readers to the Absolute Universe versions of Flash’s Rogues — Captain Cold, Captain Boomerang, Golden Glider, and a mysterious girl named Jesse. They’ve been sent to bring him, causing him to run into a cave, triggering the energies from before, and leading to the next flashback, one that sees Wally and his father argue over the events of the day before. Wally leaves him and returns to the lab, the test monkeys screaming, where he discovers Barry in some kind of machine. Barry tells him to leave, but then an explosion rocks the lab, sending Wally back to the present day, where the Rogues are in hot pursuit of him. A final flashback takes readers back to the lab and the body of Barry Allen, killed in the explosion. The issue ends with a flash forward, as in one year, Absolute Mirror Master begins downloading the files from the Project: Olympus lab, which shows pictures of Wally as the new Flash and working with test animals.

RELATED: The Flash: Why the DCU Should Reboot with Wally West

Absolute Flash #1 grabs readers by the neck from the start and never lets go. Lemire does an amazing job of capturing the panic of Wally in the opening panels of the book, which leads to the gorgeous opening double page splash of Wally surrounded by energy taking the form of his memories. The book’s first three pages are magnetic, and set the pace for the story going on. Lemire does a great job of foreshadowing in these opening pages, giving readers hints to who Wally is in the Absolute Universe, and then paying off them later as the issue goes on. Lemire also establishes a vibe right from the first page, an unsettling horror vibe that runs through the issue. The mysterious energies — which have been confirmed to not be the Speed Force in interviews, the test monkeys in the lab, and Wally’s unhappy life all blend together to tell the reader that something is deeply wrong here, and hooks readers into wanting to find out what it could be.

There’s a pretty smart subversion of the classic Flash tropes in the issue, as well. Readers are immediately given the idea that there will be some kind of mentor relationship with Barry Allen; Wally and Barry get along well and Barry wants Wally to work with him. Lemire easily could have done a buddy book, with young Wally gaining powers and working with Barry, but that’s taken off the table. The Absolute Universe robs all of its characters of something and Wally, in order to get his powers, loses Barry, the one rock that the book set up for Wally’s life. This is a huge change and it pays off the panic that Wally was feeling at the beginning of the issue. The new versions of the Rogues are all intriguing, seemingly working for the military, but also ready to go off-script in order to get Wally back. On top of that, there’s the question of exactly what Wally’s powers are. Wally doesn’t know and neither do readers, with every flashback coming from the explosions of red energy, and the book keeps the whole thing opaque. Are his powers temporal? Can he actually run fast? This is primo superhero horror territory, all rendered beautifully by Robles’ pencils. Robles’ character acting is on point, really bringing each caption to life, and working into the vibe that Lemire has infused this issue with. There’s a detail and fluidity to Robles’ art that any Flash comic needs, and the fact that the first issue looks this good bodes well for the future of this book.

Absolute Flash #1 is an absolute blast from start to finish. Lemire has always done a great job with teenage characters — one needs look no further than his Royal City to see this — and he gives readers a very different and realistic depiction of teen Wally. There’s so much happening under the surface in this book, with Lemire laying out the breadcrumbs on a journey of discovery. Not a single page or panel is wasted; this is a book that packs a lot onto every page, but it never feels like it’s overstuffed. The issue is supremely well-paced, its break neck speed zipping readers through the timeline like they were moving at superspeed. The art is fantastic; shoutout to colorist Adriano Lucas, whose use of yellows and reds throughout the issue is outstanding. This doesn’t feel like any Flash book that came before it, and it’s full of the little hooks that have allowed the Absolute books to snare readers. Absolute Flash #1 is a flawless first issue, giving readers a treat for the eyes that will definitely keep them coming back for more.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On March 19, 2025

Written by Jeff Lemire

Art by Nick Robles

Colors by Adriano Lucas

Letters by Tom Napolitano

The post Absolute Flash Races In With a Speedster Origin Unlike Anything We’ve Ever Seen (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

To say that Absolute Batman has been crushing it in its opening arc would be a massive understatement. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s new take and entirely different approach to a character that might just be the most iconic in all of comics has been all gas, no brakes since the debut issue. This week, Absolute Batman #6 brings the first arc, “The Zoo”, to its conclusion and while part of the story is ending, make no mistake: this story isn’t slowing down one bit. Simply put, this story — and this issue — is the most insane Batman story I’ve ever read and it absolutely rules.

Absolute Batman #6 picks up on the heels of the previous issue with Roman Sionis unleashing chaos o Gotham City by incentivizing citizens to join his Party Animals and commit horrific crimes for cash prizes. Given that Gotham is a city of struggle and poverty, the citizens respond a little too positively, something that puts Martha Wayne and Jim Gordon in immediate danger when they learn they have million-dollar price tags on their heads. At the same time, Batman is in rough shape and trying to get himself together to take on Sionis again and stop the mayhem in his city — and he resorts to an entirely unexpected tactic to do so.

[RELATED: Absolute Batman #1 Review: A Reinvention to Be All In On]

As most Batman fans — casual or as obnoxiously passionate about the character as I am — will tell you, there is one thing that Batman holds up almost above even no guns value and that’s the protection of his real identity. In mainstream comics, Bruce Wayne goes out of his way to ensure no one knows he’s Batman or that Batman is actually Bruce Wayne. Absolute Batman #6 takes that familiar element of the character and just lights it on fire (metaphorically). Bruce, dealing with injuries and needing a little help from his friends for the next part of the fight, reveals that he’s Batman to his friend Waylon “Crock” Jones. We find out pretty quickly that the others are let in on things, too with mixed reaction — Ozzie Cobblepot isn’t thrilled about helping him but does so just the same — but this is a huge departure and a major development. Batman is no longer alone, though it remains to be seen exactly how this will play out.

Batman isn’t alone beyond his friends, however. The issue also sees a major development in his working relationship with Alfred Pennyworth and the issue also further coalesces around the idea that Batman isn’t the only heroic figure in the Wayne family. Martha Wayne is pretty incredible herself here, and both the continued fleshing out of her character as well as the further development of things with Alfred feel like we’re starting to see a real force on the side of Gotham’s soul starting to come together. Batman may be a long vigilante, but he’s got support, one way or another. That said the issue closes with not only a truly horrific twist about the figure pulling the strings but also reveals what challenge Batman is going to face next — and if the wild turn of this first story arc is any indication, things are only going to be crazier.

As for how Absolute Batman #6 pulls off this wild ride, this is a case of everything is firing on all cylinders. Snyder’s story and writing is sharp and inventive. There’s an almost perfect balance between the emotional core of things — Bruce’s childhood trauma — and the forward-moving plot carrying things. What is particularly fantastic here is that Snyder has Bruce/Batman saying very, very little. It’s the other characters around him doing most of that but the art does a huge amount of storytelling. As has been true this whole run to date, Dragotta’s larger than life work has no shortage of important details. The result is something that is as pulse-pounding to look at as it is to read for the words. Have I said this already? This issue rules.

Between an insane story, a genuine appreciation for the emotional core of the character, and some bonkers action and wild turns, Absolute Batman #6 might just be the most insane Batman story we’ve ever been told. This book — and this arc — is bananas, and it’s some of the best executed storytelling in current comics. Period.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by: DC Comics

On: March 19, 2025

Written by: Scott Snyder

Art by: Nick Dragotta

Colors by: Frank Martin

Letters by: Clayton Cowles

The post Absolute Batman Is the Most Insane Thing I’ve Ever Seen and It Rules (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Namor has been a rather intense ride over its eight issue run. Writer Jason Aaron is no stranger to the character, having spent part of his Avengers run with a villainous Namor, but it’s hard to say that most people enjoyed Aaron’s time with the Sub-Mariner. However, Namor has found a way to take the King of Atlantis and use him in new, and sometimes grandiose, ways. The final issue sees Namor at a turning point, having bested the lords of the Seven Seas with the help of Neptune, gaining the Trident of Neptune, and learning that Neptune himself sunk Atlantis, and what he decides over the course of the issue will change the undersea realms forever.

The issue begins with a flashback to when Namor was younger and leading armies against the surface. He paints it as a righteous battle against the surface world, his serried ranks marching out of the sea to do battle with the ones who befoul the oceans, but the bodies on the shore show him the truth about war — that it’s reality is ugly and the ending is always the same. The story shifts back to the present day, when Namor informs the people of the oceans, with the help of Neptune’s magic, that World War Sea is over and that he is the victor and that there will be a new order. This leads to the peoples of the Seven Seas gathering in the ruins of Atlantis to hear is proclamation.

RELATED: Star Wars: Jedi Knights Brings Star Wars Back to, Supposedly, a More Civilized Age (Review)

It’s this structure, a look to the past before shifting to the present, that is the perfect way to head into this issue and conclusion of the series. Namor is usually about the power and glory, his hyperbolic manner informing every decision he makes. However, starting the book with Namor talking about the follies of his past, how his endless wars of rage against the surface did nothing but kill his people, is a clever way of foreshadowing his decision later in the book. The knowledge he gained throughout his quest — that the Atlanteans weren’t a special people, merely those chosen by Neptune as his cat’s paws — informs his decision as well. Atlantis isn’t special; it’s one of many kingdoms, and Namor has realized that the realms of the deep need unity more than an iron will driving them forward.

Aaron does a tremendous job with Namor, which is why this issue works so well. Namor is many things as a monarch, but first and foremost, he loves his people. This understanding of the character, especially demonstrated with this issue’s structure, makes this issue’s major developments work that much better. This is a Namor who has learned a lesson about the realities of being a ruler, and that it is better for the people to be ruled by those who understand them rather than one far away. The art here also supports the story very well. Paul Davidson and Alex Lins also definitely understood their assignment. The art in this issue is brilliant, from the opening flashback to the scenes of Namor taking down the surface fleets with magic and science to the reveal of the new Atlantis. Aaron set up the pins and they knocked them down, giving readers a great ending to one of Marvel’s better series.

Namor #8 is a book that excites me as a Namor fan. Namor can get trapped into a cycle of snarky heroism, betrayal of his surface comrades, war, and repeat. Seeing him actually grow beyond that cycle, realizing that he’s kind of always known and kept it from himself, is a great little bit of character development that Namor has needed for a long time. This issue has a lot of great moments in it, and it caps off a series that could have went in the same direction every Namor does, but instead veered into a new direction. It’ll be interesting to see whether Marvel keeps this new status quo, because it could lead us to the most interesting Namor stories ever.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On March 12, 2025

Written by Jason Aaron

Art by Paul Davidson and Alex Lins

Colors by Neeraj Menon

Letters by Joe Caramagna

The post Namor Has Finally Become the Leader the Oceans Deserve (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Rogue Sun is one of the most enthralling family dramas around, and all the superpowers thrown into the mix only make those family dynamics even more wonderfully complex. Such is the case once again with Rogue Sun #25, which returns after a few months away with a perfect jumping-on point for new readers and does a pretty solid job of getting readers up to speed on everything that’s happened up until now. Dylan and Marcus are as dysfunctional as ever, though honestly, every segment of the family is experiencing their own changing dynamic, and that’s not even getting into Aurie’s new role either. The inter-family politics are just as intense as the bigger-than-life superhero action, so if you haven’t given Rogue Sun a try, you owe it to yourself to jump on board.

Ryan Parrott and Nick Cotton pick up where they left off with Dylan and Marcus, whose relationship hasn’t gotten any better in the time since, and that’s before more complications arise thanks to Marcus’ previous questionable decisions. Truth be told, as someone who has their own parental baggage with fathers, Dylan is pretty easy to relate to, and it’s actually nice to see him somewhat gaining confidence in himself despite external factors calling that into question.

One of the key draws of the series has always been that Dylan wasn’t exactly a shining knight in the lead hero department, but those flaws have also become tether points for many, and it’s helped Dylan become a far more relatable character as the series has continued. Rogue Sun takes that and runs with it, as not only does Dylan still have to navigate his relationship with Marcus, but now he has the emotional minefield of his mother Gwen to deal with as she is imprisoned for the death of his father.

That’s no small thing, but Parrott and Cotton deftly maneuver through Dylan’s ever-changing view of both being a hero and trying to prove something to his father. Marcus’ actions also continue to have an impact on how Dylan views his mother and what she did, and it doesn’t always go the way you expect.

[RELATED: Will Friedle and Rider Strong Recruited For Upcoming Radiant Black: The Audiobook, Volume One From Image Comics]

The most welcome shakeup though is Aurie, who steps into a new role as a Rogue Sun that is already immensely different from Dylan thanks to her unplanned partnership with Caleb. Caleb is an immediate spark to any situation he’s in, and paired with Aurie’s evolving motivations and view on Dylan and her family, the new duo offers a rich change of pace from what’s happening with Dylan at any given time, and the collisions that happen are as chaotic and exciting as you would imagine.

That collision by the way is also stunning thanks to the gorgeous work of Abel, Natalia Marques, and Becca Carey. While Dylan and Aurie are still learning on the job, there’s an effortless style and suaveness to how they move in a battle, and the flames of the suit and smooth style lines just make these confrontations pop.

The team also brings to life a brand new villain, and though manipulating poisonous green clouds might not sound like the deadliest powerset, it certainly makes an impact in their ever-capable hands and creates some vivid imagery as the flames of Rogue Sun slice through the green fog. That said, some of my favorite moments of the issue are conversations between Dylan and Doty, and these moments are just as immersive and compelling as any grand combat sequence.

Rogue Sun makes its grand return and absolutely shines, and as the Massive-Verse continues to grow by leaps and bounds, Rogue Sun is still one of its biggest stars.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 12, 2025

Written by Ryan Parrott and Nick Cotton

Art by Abel

Colors by Natalia Marques

Letters by Becca Carey

What did you think of Rogue Sun #25? Let me know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Rogue Sun Makes Its Grand Return, and It Was Worth the Wait (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Aquaman has been a lot of things over the years, and while I’ve enjoyed many interpretations, I tend to love it when the series leans into the mythical fringes. The Rising Tide is doing exactly that, though while Aquaman #3 does in fact lean heavily into the more magical side of Aquaman’s lore and mythology, it does so without losing the heart and soul of a man simply looking to reunite with his family. Granted, there is a lot of lore to decipher here, but it always remains compelling, and it doesn’t hurt that the issue is simply stunning from beginning to end. Aquaman embraces the wonder and fantastical elements of Aquaman’s world to great effect, and it’s likely only going to get better from here.

I wasn’t being hyperbolic by the way when I said the issue is stunning, and I’ll simply double down to make my point. Artist John Timms, colorist Rex Lokus, and letter Dave Sharpe are simply in their element, delivering gorgeous vistas and surreal locals filled with vibrant purples, blues, and oranges that can’t help but command your focus.

Meanwhile, the characters you meet all feel mysterious and yet wholly distinct, balanced with the grounded and layered story between Arthur and his father, and it all feels relevant to who Arthur has always been and who he is being perhaps pushed forward to be. These distinct moments in time help break things up a bit and keep you guessing as to where the series goes next, and the vivid imagery this team creates throughout keeps this relatively unpredictable as well, including a mesmerizing final page that indicates it is only going to get more surreal from here.

The fantastical of it all only works if there’s something to keep it all centered, and it’s up to Aquaman to step into that role. Thankfully he does so with ease, and Jeremy Adams has brought a delightful almost curmudgeonly edge to Arthur, which is more and more discernable as the issue plays out. Arthur couldn’t care less about prophecies, Gods, or their power-hungry exploits, but his no-nonsense attitude is understandable, as a father and husband wanting to find his family at all costs couldn’t be more relatable.

[RELATED: Absolute Superman’s Jason Aaron Teases Heartbreaking Fate of Krypton, Impact on Kal-El, and More]

Even when he comes around, there’s still a hesitancy to buy into everything being sold to him, and again, it’s a practicality I appreciate. That’s juxtaposed with a story from Arthur’s past that informs his innate ability to stand as a light in all storms, and I’m intrigued to see how this continues to play out in Arthur’s current predicament and his view of everything he is now firmly a part of.

Aquaman continues to take chances and define a modern Aquaman while still holding true to the elements that make him so iconic. The magical elements bring a welcome unpredictability to a story that is still very much about Arthur and how he approaches the world around him, and the talented team of Timms, Lokus, and Sharpe are bringing this adventure to life in spectacular fashion. This doesn’t even feel like the series has fully hit its stride yet, so if this is any indication, Aquaman fans are still in for even better things ahead.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On March 12, 2024

Written by Jeremy Adams

Art by John Timms

Colors by Rex Lokus

Letters by Dave Sharpe

What did you think of Aquaman #3? Let us know in the comments and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Aquaman’s Voyage Into the Fantastical is Paying Off in a Major Way (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Absolute Superman has shifted so much of what we’ve come to expect from the Superman mythology, and even when key events coincide with the original story, the ripples they create couldn’t be more different. The fall of Krypton has finally arrived in Absolute Superman #5, and the work Jason Aaron, Rafa Sandoval, Ulises Arreola, and Becca Carey have done in establishing this part of Kal-El’s life over the course of the series has ensured that Krypton’s demise will have an unparalleled impact on how Superman sees the world and how he interacts with it moving forward. If Absolute Superman wasn’t already a classic in the making, it certainly is after Absolute Superman #5.

Over the years fans have seen a number of stories set on Krypton, but it’s never had this profound of an effect. That’s because Absolute Superman’s decision to have Kal-El actually grow up on Krypton alongside his parents has given new importance and emotional connection to Krypton in a way that wasn’t possible before.

This issue doesn’t have the gravitas or emotional weight if you don’t already appreciate the relationship between Jor-El, Lara-El, and Kal-El, but if you have been reading the series since the beginning, you can’t help but feel a bit heartbroken that this chapter is coming to a close. Not only does Aaron continue to flesh out the positive and negative aspects of Kryptonian society all the way to the end, but the hope that is so intrinsic to Superman is felt all the way through, even in the most harrowing of circumstances.

Sandoval, Arreola, and Carey paint a grim and complex picture of Krypton’s final moments. Vivid green explosions from the planet’s very core rip through the all too human chaos caused by the Kryptonian elite’s grasp at survival, all broken up by massive moments of action and intimate moments that remind you of the true cost of greed and self-preservation. The moments leading up to the planet’s destruction feel brutal and difficult to watch, but it’s actually the final few pages that really covey the loss.

[RELATED: DC’s Absolute Green Lantern Team Teases Hal Jordan’s Very Bad Day, Alien Encounters, and More (Exclusive)]

While much of the issue is set on Krypton, some key moments also play out in the present, allowing Superman to almost move full circle. The sense of loss and isolation is truly palpable in those final pages, and it all coalesces into an unforgettable comic that is already making its case to be one of the best of the year. Absolute Superman as a series is exceptional, and Absolute Superman #5 is a must-read.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On March 12, 2025

Written by Jason Aaron

Art by Rafa Sandoval

Colors by Ulises Arreola

Letters by Becca Carey

What did you think of Absolute Superman #5? Let us know in the comments and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Absolute Superman’s Death of Krypton Might be Untouchable (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Dark Pyramid is the latest miniseries from the prolific partnership between Mad Cave and writer Paul Tobin, which previously graced us with String. Set in Alaska, the five-part series revolves around ancient ruins accidentally discovered by live-streamer Hooky Hidalgo while he tried to climb Mt. Denali. As expected from a horror thriller, Hooky goes missing while capturing images of the weird structures high up in the mountain, his feed suddenly silenced for unknown reasons. That’s just the beginning of the story. A few pages later, we start to follow Hooky’s influencer girlfriend, Becca, as she goes on a daring rescue mission to Alaska. While the synopsis of Dark Pyramid might indicate the miniseries follows the trope path often tread by horror stories, the first issues show that Tobin knows how to make his spooky tale unique. 

First of all, Dark Pyramid uses live-streaming as a plot device, not a gimmick. For a good chunk of the first issue, Becca constantly shares her life with thousands of strangers online, turning her personal tragedy into a collective adventure into the unknown. Becca needs the money her supporters offer her to fund her expedition, so she has to put up a good show. Still, she fears for the worst, because even a few days lost in the cold mountains can be a death sentence for Hooky. Becca’s dual role, as a concerned partner and the entertainer who allows viewers to follow the viral story, allows Dark Pyramid to pack a surprisingly punch, as it’s easy to understand the human stakes at the core of the miniseries. Meanwhile, the issue also offers a veiled criticism of how being chronically online prevents people from getting in touch with their raw emotions.

Dark Pyramid deserves equal praise for laying a solid plot foundation despite the limited space of the 22-page first issue. The first book teases a bigger conspiracy surrounding the mysterious ruins, underlining how Becca will face human and supernatural threats. As the first chapter of a good mystery, Dark Pyramid #1 doesn’t give away its answers right from the start. Yet, it already underlines how all the puzzle pieces will fit nicely once the story is complete. That’s partially the advantage of the miniseries format, as writers can start the first issue knowing exactly where the story will end. Nevertheless, Tobin does the best with the structure by delivering an issue that both serves as an introduction to something bigger and offers spine-chilling thrills on its own.

[RELATED: Mad Cave’s Blade Forger Is a Truly Ambitious Adventure of Epic Proportions (Review)]

The highlight of Dark Pyramid #1 is unquestionably its final pages. As teased by the marvellous alternative covers for the issue, Becca eventually crosses paths with a horror she can’t fully comprehend (and neither will you). The unknown is the ultimate source of human fear, so facing a creature with no apparent logic is absolutely destabilizing. Still, this foe is recognizable enough to feel real, both to Becca and the reader, contributing to the sense of dread Dark Pyramid #1 evokes. Sara Colella’s colors also play a huge part in shifting the narrative’s tone, leaning heavily in phantasmagorical blues and venomous greens to increase the feeling of danger as pages pass and we reach the promising ending of the first issue.

As the first part of a larger story, there’s no way to tell if Dark Pyramid will stick the landing. However, the first issue sets the bar high for the miniseries, giving fans of all things eerie a mystery that’s definitely worth following.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by: Mad Cave Studios

Written by: Paul Tobin

Art by: P.J. Holden

Colors by: Sara Colella

Letters by: Taylor Esposito

What did you think of Dark Pyramid #1? Are you excited about the ongoing series? Join the discussion in the comments!

The post Mad Cave’s Dark Pyramid #1 Offers a Spine-Chilling Start to a Mystery Worth Following (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Many people spend time thinking about how the world will end, and then there are those people who have to live through these catastrophic events day after day after day. This is the premise for Assorted Crisis Events #1, an anthology series whose opening chapter introduces readers to a woman doing her best to navigate all the chaos happening around her. I’ll admit the description of Assorted Crisis Events #1 sounded intriguing, but I still wasn’t prepared for how good it looked and how entertaining mixing divergent timelines could be. It’s not every day you can see a samurai warrior walking down the street next to a cyborg or caveman.

Ashley is the name of our protagonist in Assorted Crisis Events #1. She lives in a neighborhood that is at the epicenter of crisscrossing timelines. Not only are worlds colliding outside her doorstep, but filmmakers are also trying to capitalize on the area by making their movies there. Why pay for special effects in your post-apocalyptic films when you can get them for free on a corner block? It does make sense, even if it’s definitely a little grimy and underhanded. Plus, people like Ashley can be used as extras and they don’t even have to pay them.

We follow Ashley as she attempts to get her broken clock fixed and go to work, but it’s the little things that stand out the most. If you’re not paying close attention you could miss many of the background characters who are lost in time. There’s also the beautiful flash of colors that pop off the page and help attract the readers’ eyes to important items, one of which is Ashley’s smartphone which gives her threat-level notifications. If you’re going to live in a warzone, it’s best to have an app that can let you know just how crazy things are before you head home.

[RELATED: In The Power Fantasy #6 The Government Takeover Will Continue Until Morale Improves]

The color work really is the silent star in Assorted Crisis Events. For example, Ashley’s tan skin and wardrobe keep their colors, while everything in the background is given a slightly subdued color tone. It keeps the main focus on Ashley and the individuals she encounters, but offers just enough to not wash away the craziness happening around her. Ashley deserves credit for how she handles everything. You can tell she’s been living in this crazy for a good amount of time, yet she doesn’t let it get her down or affect her overall attitude… at least until Assorted Crisis Events #1’s final pages.

So yes, Ashley appears to have adapted to all the crisis events happening around her, but part of that is also knowing that her neighborhood has people trying to make movies there. Some of the events are “real” while others are fabricated. Not every alien or mutated freak comes is lost in time. This becomes a problem when the explosions and chaos turn out to be very real, and not movie magic. It all comes at the end of a very chaotic day, with the panels contorting and transitioning as timelines merge into a colorful symphony. I’ve enjoyed her story so much that I want to see it continue in the next issue, but the anthology nature of the series doesn’t make that likely.

But that’s the beauty of Assorted Crisis Events. Next time, we can see how someone else is dealing with these crises and if they’re on par with what Ashley experienced. Things can’t get any worse, right? This is probably something Ashley was telling herself too right before the proverbial sh*t hit the fan.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Image Comics

On March 12, 2024

Written by Deniz Camp

Art by Eric Zawadzki

Colors by Jordie Bellaire

Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

The post Assorted Crisis Events #1 Turns the End of the World Into a Colorful Masterpiece (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Jedi are central to the Star Wars mythology and thus embedded into American popular culture. It’s weird then to consider how rarely Lucasfilm shows what the life of a Jedi and their role in the Star Wars universe was during the supposedly “more civilized age” that predated the Empire’s rise, back when the elegance of a lightsaber was favored over the clumsy randomness of a blaster. Star Wars: Jedi Knights, the new Marvel Comics ongoing series from writer Marc Guggenheim and artist Madibek Musabekov, with colors by Luis Guerrero, seeks to change that by spotlighting the adventures of individual Jedi in the days before the so-called “phantom menace” of the resurgent Sith began to make itself known.

While the basic premise of Star Wars: Jedi Knights is to focus on different pairings of Jedi in each issue, Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1 serves readers with an introductory roll call, as many Jedi ranging from the iconic (Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi) to the lesser known (Ki-Adi-Mundi, Shaak Ti) to the newly created (Berem Khana, Seera Longa) embark on a shared mission to the Outer Rim planets of Vekura and Syrinx Prime, where violent conflict has broken out. With such a large cast, we don’t get to know these characters outside of brief first impressions. However, their basic personalities come through well enough with the assumption that they’ll be explored more deeply in future issues, even if they all share a weirdly similar sense of dry humor.

Their mission is peace, but achieving peace isn’t a simple matter. At first, Vekura’s attack on Syrinx Prime is said to be unprovoked. A little exploration by the Jedi reveals that Syrinx Prime is hiding a prison camp of Vekuran hostages. While I can’t possibly know what went through Guggenheim’s mind as he penned the script for Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1, it’s hard not to read this plot as an extrapolation of real-world events in Gaza into the Star Wars universe, but at a frustratingly simplified and opaque level. The issue never lets readers in on the shared history of Syrinx Prime and Vekura or what motivation might have led to the taking of these Vekuran hostages, instead repeatedly brushing off questions about what caused the conflict with glib comments that amount to “it’s complicated, let’s not get into it,” which conveniently absolves the Jedi, and thus the narrative, of having to assign either side the label of “aggressor” or “oppressor,” which makes the whole premise feel cheap and even distasteful.

Even within the fictional universe of the story, the Jedi’s actions are questionable and blunt. Many Star Wars fans have bemoaned, rightly or wrongly, the besmirching of the Jedi Order’s good name in recent works like The Acolyte and The Last Jedi. One might hope that Star Wars: Jedi Knight would provide a more heroic and uncompromised vision of why the galaxy’s denizens considered the Jedi to be beacons of hope and justice for generations. Instead, we get something more questionable, though the issue doesn’t acknowledge that fact.

At one point, a recently knighted Jedi attempts to end the conflict using a Jedi mind trick on one faction’s leader. Setting aside questions about how effective this strategy would be (Would the conflict not resume as soon as the mind-whammy wears off, or are the planetary leaders expected to sign lasting, binding treaties while under Jedi influence, which is even worse?), is a much darker use of the Jedi’s Force abilities than the simple momentary persuasion done by Obi-Wan Kenobi in certain films. That Qui-Gon Jinn – a veteran Jedi by now, labeled here as a “maverick” and long depicted as a Jedi willing to push back against established Jedi wisdom – is sitting there as this takes place and doesn’t question any of it only speaks to the idea that Jedi Knights’ creators believe this to be a just use of power. The notion is backed up by the Jedi unilaterally ending the violence and assuming that will end the conflict, which is not necessarily the same thing, it’s impossible to know what this means for either side with the scant information the issue provides.

Madibek doesn’t do much in the issue to distinguish himself stylistically from other artists working under Marvel’s current house style, but he does show some strong storytelling chops. The standout sequence is during a scene of hand-to-hand combat. The page is packed tightly with panels, building tension and conveying the quickness of the action. The layout and panels then expand greatly after the page-turn as a decisive blow creates some space between assailants and winds the conflict down. Given a series about Jedi Knights is likely to have plenty of similar fight scenes, it’s encouraging to see the artist capable of bringing them to life.

I enjoy Star Wars, and I’m especially a sucker for Jedi nonsense. That’s all I want from Star Wars: Jedi Knights – give me entertaining, episodic adventures of these telekinetic space monks and I’ll be happy. And that’s exactly what future issues of the series promise, with certain muddy premonitions of the future lending an extra air of mystery to a unifying threat growing in the background. Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1’s unworthy parallels to real-world tragedy taint the experience in ways that hopefully won’t be replicated, but it at least succeeds in laying the fundamental groundwork for more promising adventures to come.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On March 5, 2025

Written by Marc Guggenheim

Art by Madibek Musabekov

Colors by Luis Guerrero

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The post Star Wars: Jedi Knights Brings Star Wars Back to, Supposedly, a More Civilized Age (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In the wake of Absolute Power, things have started to return to normal — albeit a new normal — in the DC Universe. The Justice League is back, superheroes have their powers again, and Amanda Waller is finally getting her comeuppance, now behind bars as the war criminal that she is. But things settling back into a rhythm doesn’t mean things have been set right — or that things are over. That’s where Secret Six #1 from writer Nicole Maines and artist Stephen Segovia comes in. The first issue of the six-issue series sees Nia Nal/Dreamer dealing with the fallout of Absolute Power and her role in it while simultaneously having to deal with a new major issue: the disappearance of Amanda Waller and all her secrets. It’s an intriguing setup, especially when factoring in that to accomplish this three heroes will have to team up with three villains and somehow not implode in the process — but the first issue struggles a bit to find its footing.

Secret Six #1 opens up with a sense of unease. Jon Kent is battling Bizarro while trying to convince himself that what Waller did to, well, everyone is actually over only for him to come home and see that things are clearly not over for his boyfriend Jay while elsewhere, Nia is having some sort of nightmare herself. It all collides when Nia shows up on Jon and Jay’s doorstep to reveal that Waller is missing from Belle Reve. The development means that the trio need to go to Belle Reve together to get to the bottom of things and that itself proves to be problematic. You see, while Jon is forgiving of Nia for what happened — namely what happened in Gamorra that resulted in the death of Jay’s mother — Jay is absolutely not willing to accept that Nia was also a victim of Waller. In fact, it seems that no one but Jon is willing to see Nia as anything but bad.

[RELATED: Why DC’s Absolute Power Was One of Its Best Crossover Events]

As the issue progresses, Nia and the others start to realize that something is very off about whatever is going on at Belle Reve and with Waller which in turn leads them to escape — with Black Alice — to a secret house in Vermont where they end up with Deadshot and Catman. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, but it is clear that something big is going on as Nia has started piecing together that some of the things she’s picking up on are connected to what she saw in her nightmare.

Unfortunately, it’s the chaos of the issue that sort of brings everything down. Secret Six #1 struggles a bit to find its footing with things making the issue feel a bit top heavy. Most of the issue feels like it is spent driving home the idea that no one likes Nia anymore and that she’s been painted into a villain corner — and it’s something that seems almost overdone. While it’s understandable to an extent that Jay and others would have a hard time dealing with the events of Absolute Power, it’s also been made pretty clear how Waller manipulated people and that Nia was also a victim of her machinations. There’s just something about the dynamic between Jay and Nia here that rings false or, if not false, too dialed up. 

Beyond that, when we move into the big action moment that ostensibly puts Nia, Jay, Jon, and Black Alice into position to form a new Secret Six, it is a sequence that is hard to follow, both visually and narratively. I read the sequence no fewer than six times and am still not entirely clear on what exactly happened and why, just that everyone ended up with Deadshot and Catman for some reason and that Nia is possibly seeing things — things being Amanda Waller.

Overall, there’s certainly a lot of potential here Maines has done some excellent work in building Nia as a character and the idea of exploring the fallout of what went down in Absolute Power — and what it looks like to bring together villains and heroes when dealing with exactly that — is a story worth pursuing. It’s just that this opening issue feels a little like it is still trying to work out its tone and its pacing so that the larger story can do just that.

Rating 3 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On March 5, 2025

Written by Nicole Maines

Art by Stephen Segovia

Colors by Rain Beredo

Letters by Steve Wands

The post Secret Six #1 Reveals the Chaotic, Personal Aftermath of Absolute Power (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Inaki Miranda and Roy Miranda are no strangers to crafting new worlds full of possibilities and bold ideas, as one needs to look no further than their wonderful series We Live for proof. Now they have teamed up with Eva De La Cruz and Dave Sharpe to launch a brand new world full of intrigue, conflict, and volatility in Mad Cave Studios’ Blade Forger, and the big debut is rich, complex, and immensely ambitious. There’s a lot to process out of the gate, and the time jumping can lead to some moments of confusion, but I already find myself beyond invested, especially as those last few pages recontextualize everything you thought you understood. Long story short, I’m all in on Blade Forger, and I simply must know what lies beyond the next corner.

Blade Forger is tackling a lot right off the bat, as it spins a story around the individual of destiny that is Owada. Owada is one of the few capable of stepping into the role of a Blade Forger, who has access to a unique Forge (The Purple Specter in his case) and a powerful Battle Kaiser, who are essentially powered-up warriors, and Owada’s powered-up form is Taro The Invincible.

Owada looks to win the right to become Emperor and bring peace and a unified vision to the world. This tournament is only held once every few years, but the people believe in him, and readers will get glimpses of various times in Owada’s history that will help shape him as a character and his role in this purpose and destiny. By the way, that’s all just the beginning of what’s at play here, as by the end of the issue we have shifted back to his childhood, shifted forward to forty years in the future, and then to a key moment that reshapes everything we thought we knew.

If that sounds like a lot, well, it is, and it can be a bit challenging at times to figure out where you are in time, especially in relation to other events you’ve just seen. That said, don’t let that dissuade you, because there’s so much already in place to make this series something truly special.

[RELATED: Papercutz Reveals Delightful New Adventures for The Casagrandes and The Loud House (Exclusive)]

Owada is already an intriguing lead and only becomes more compelling as the various layers of his life are revealed. The impact of his rule years into the future is another major thread full of unearthed mysteries, and as the story shifts between eras, the questions about how things got this way and what caused certain changes continue to pile up.

Roy Miranda, Eva De La Cruz and Dave Sharpe bring a fantastical aesthetic to the battles that almost contain a touch of Masters of the Universe. Bold colors pop off the page and the characters themselves are larger than life, giving these confrontations and the overall tone an epic feel, and yet those are balanced with some truly gorgeous and intimate moments that might just be the most powerful ones in the entire issue.

Blade Forger #1 features a bit of a steeper curve, building the world, the characters, and the overall timeline rather quickly. That said, it’s more than worth the investment, and it would appear that Inaki and Roy Miranda have once again crafted a world that will capture your imagination in every way.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by: Mad Cave Studios

Written y: Inaki Miranda and Roy Miranda

Art by: Inaki Miranda

Colors by: Eva De La Cruz

Letters by: Dave Sharpe

What did you think of Blade Forger #1? Let us know in the comments and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Mad Cave’s Blade Forger Is a Truly Ambitious Adventure of Epic Proportions (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since IDW has held the Godzilla comic license every series has carried the name of the King of the Monsters. Even if he wasn’t the focal point the branding of Godzilla was too much to pass up. Now the publisher has brought their first series solely focused on one of Toho’s other monsters and they’ve immediately set a high bar. Mothra: Queen of the Monsters arrives from the team of Sophie Campbell and Matt Frank, and not only does it quickly plant its flag in a unique way but it makes sure to capture the specific essence of a classic era of Godzilla movies.

Mothra: Queen of the Monsters hits the ground running, revealing a world where Mothra has already been defeated in battle by a brand new kaiju, Antra. The bulk of the series follows the reunion of Mira and Emi, two sisters that were separated over a decade ago after the epic battle leveled their city. Emi arrives with a secret, the tiny prophets of Mothra tucked away in a bag with a plan to rebirth the Queen of the Monsters and to help bring peace back to the Earth. A couple of last minute surprises in the final pages set the stage for the rest of the series in exciting ways too, but we can’t dare spoil them here.

A frequent complaint levied at some giant monster movies is that some audience members see no purpose in the human side of the stories and desire only to watch the massive destruction. Mothra combats this by not only giving you plenty of the later, but making sure that the former is thoroughly invested in the element of the narrative. The issue manages this with Campbell giving distinct personas to the lead characters, though there is a bit of a stumble in executing some of their specific dialogue. Tonally the series walks the line of later Showa era Godzilla, something that is friendlier to a younger audience, but as a result there are sometimes moments that feel awkward and stilted.

[RELATED: Godzilla is the Unexpected Hero Chicago Deserves]

On the flipside of the coin, artist Matt Frank, who is credited with all but two pages of the issue (Campbell did the other two), makes sure that the human and monster sides of the story are intertwined visually. The opening pages set the stage with limited dialogue and Frank shows off the destruction and desolation from a massive kaiju fight, and the desperation that follows from the survivors. Frank’s art is expressive, dynamic and has an epic flow to the storytelling, pushing the narrative visually when the dialogue may leave something to be desired.

It is not easy to tell a story using Toho’s kaiju that not only does not feature Godzilla at all, but creates a brand new monster whole cloth too. Part of the magic that Sophie Campbell and Matt Frank have with this new series is that they’re pulling off something that manages to do both of those things while telling a great story and feeling fresh and weird. Mothra: Queen of the Monsters has set a high bar visually and narratively for the rest of IDW’s Godzilla line, especially should any other kaiju ever get the spotlight in the future. With compelling and layered art, this might be one of the best looking Godzilla books that has been published in a few years.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by IDW Comics

On March 5, 2025

Written by Sophie Campbell

Art by Matt Frank & Sophie Campbell

Letters by Nathan Widick

The post Mothra: Queen of the Monsters #1 Injects Original Ideas With Classic Toho Vibes (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Asgard is a mythical land of magic and mystery, but one thing that the home of Thor, Odin, Loki, Sif, Heimdall, and so many gods has never had is a Sorcerer Supreme. Luckily, Stephen Strange is on the job as he finds himself traveling atop the rainbow bridge in an effort to sharpen his sorcery skills. Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 kicks things off by focusing on a former Sorcerer Supreme looking to get back on his feet by entering a world that he is quite unfamiliar with. By placing Stephen on his back foot, has this new Marvel comic found a way to invigorate the wizard?

Stephen Strange is looking for work. Of course, being unemployed for a Sorcerer Supreme is far worse when you consider who took Doctor Strange’s job. Victor Von Doom is currently holding the title in the universe-wide crossover, One World Under Doom, wreaking havoc upon the world. While Doom has no presence in this opening issue, the series gives Strange plenty on his plate as he finds himself needing to go through the proper channels to get the job. Asgard is far from the most welcoming place in the world outside of its ruler and Strange finds himself in for a little mischief as he looks to jump into his new position.

[RELATED: Doctor Strange Moves to Thor’s Home to Become Asgard’s New Sorcerer Supreme]

Doctor Strange of Asgard approaches Stephen’s predicament in a way that I didn’t see coming, but was ultimately welcome. Rather than introducing Strange to needing to defeat Surtur and recover the Twilight Sword and/or defeat the World Serpent Jörmungandr, he finds himself struggling with a culture clash. This approach feels far more grounded than I was initially expecting in reading this issue as the former Sorcerer Supreme attempts to get his bearings in a world not his own. Bonus points as well for the fact that the issue is more than willing to make references to plenty of events in Marvel’s past outside of Doom simply throwing on the Eye of Agamatto.

Writer Derek Landy does a fantastic job here in not just exploring Strange’s character but showing the grittier side of Asgard, aka the one that is not normally seen through the eyes of its latest All-Father, Thor. In doing so, we are introduced to some charming characters that can match wits with the best of them. Landy injects plenty of humor in Doctor Strange of Asgard, and the story is all the more welcoming because of it. Of course, the series is more than willing to throw a bombshell into the mix so that Stephen’s journey is far from a rosy one.

[RELATED: Marvel Reveals Doctor Strange’s New Costume (With a Thor Twist)]

When I mentioned mischief before, I’m sure those reading realized that Loki was sure to make an appearance. His role in this new comic is one that is quite interesting, setting up for quite the cliffhanger while also weaving an intricate mystery into the mix. Landy is spinning plenty of plates here but isn’t missing a beat at the same time. When a Marvel character, having decades of stories under their wing, needs a new status quo, it can often feel like an immeasurable task to make said status intriguing. Luckily, Landy does that here in spades.

Unfortunately, all that glitters isn’t gold here as I found myself a little middle of the road when it came to artist Carlos Magno and colorist Espen Grundetjern in issue one. There are often panels where it feels as though certain facial features are lacking the necessary detail, along with a strange use of blurring effect for some of the environment that can be quite distracting. This isn’t to say that the art doesn’t have merit, especially when it comes to the use of shadows in either Asgard’s streets or Thor’s royal hall, but it ultimately feels like the issue would have benefited greatly from a little artistic punch-up before release.

Doctor Strange of Asgard feels like a crossover series that makes good on the premise of its overarching story while giving fans of the character a juicy new status quo to dig into. Artistic quibbles aside, the series has a lot going for it, and should Asgard be Strange’s new permanent fixture, the former Sorcerer Supreme might be made all the better for it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On March 5th, 2025

Written by Derek Landy

Art by Carlos Magno

Colors by Espen Grundetjern

Letters by VC’s Cory Petit

The post Doctor Strange Enters Asgard as its New Sorcerer Supreme (Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Darkwing Duck is the crime-fighting hero of The Disney Afternoon block of animated programming, but he’s finding a new generation of fans in his brand-new comic book series. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Darkwing Duck or just getting familiar with the terror that flaps in the night, Darkwing Duck #1 is sure to leave a positive impression on you. Many of your favorite characters make an appearance in the debut issue that both offers a present-day adventure against a familiar foe, and also peels back the curtain on Darkwing Duck’s early days as a masked crime-fighter.

Everything from the writing to the art is reminiscent of the ’90s-era Darkwing Duck animated series, which is a testament to the entire creative team. Darkwing Duck #1 chooses to begin with our titular hero attempting to tell his adopted daughter, Gosalyn, one of his early adventures as a masked hero. Since Darkwing is the one telling the story, you have to keep in mind that he may not be the most accurate storyteller. Is there some embellishing taking place? Perhaps, but we don’t mind. The story doesn’t spend too long in the past, however, and it’s a wise choice. While it’s fun to see the lessons Darkwing Duck learned during his on-the-job training, what fans are really tuning in for is some classic Darkwing Duck heroics.

Luckily, we have Megavolt to thank for pushing our narrative along. Megavolt’s theft of a max-capacity super-battery turns Darkwing Duck #1 into a recreation of a weekday afternoon episode of Darkwing Duck. Gosalyn and Darkwing’s sidekick, Launchpad McQuack, also help stop Megavolt, though the duo gets wrapped up in Megavolt’s scheme. Writer Daniel Kibblesmith nails the voices for the entire Darkwing Duck cast and infuses the comic with comedic timing and hilarious bits. The art team of Ted Brandt, Ro Stein, Dearbhla Kelly, and Fabio Amelia bring each page and panel to life and aid in those comedic moments with facial expressions and exaggerated body poses. You really feel the frustration in Megavolt every time Darkwing Duck solicits the villain to be his arch-nemesis.

[RELATED: Darkwing Duck #1 Review: The Dark Duck Returns] 

There’s one particuarly funny moment after Megavolt gets away with the super-battery, and Darkwing Duck is left to try and use his detective skills to figure out where Megavolt would go to juice up the battery. While Darkwing Duck paces and talks to himself, the scientists in the background are chit-chatting about the big fair taking place, which is the perfect location for Megavolt to head to. Of course, the scientists figure it out long before Darkwing does, but it’s just an example of the subtle yet funny work that’s being done in Dynamite’s Darkwing Duck series.

Darkwing Duck #1 is a one-and-done story that should be easy for readers to pick up, read, and enjoy, while also leaving enough meat on the bone to pull them back in next month. The book gave me a lot of happy feelings after I finished reading it, so you can’t ask for more than that out of a superhero-adjacent comic book. To quote Darkwing Duck, “Let’s get dangerous.”

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Dynamite Entertainment

On March 5, 2025

Written by Daniel Kibblesmith

Art by Ted Brand and Ro Stein

Colors by Dearbhla Kelly

Letters by Fabio Amelia

The post Darkwing Duck #1 Is Everything You Love About the Original Disney Animated Series (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Absolute Wonder Woman #5 takes on the unenviable task of topping one of its grandest moments and somehow does so effortlessly. Not only does The Last Amazon part 5 stick the landing, but it does so while bringing core elements of the series full circle, and other relationships are also cemented along the way. If you thought Wonder Woman cleaving the Tetracide with a massive broadsword was epic, I kid you not, you haven’t seen anything yet.

Last issue’s cleaving certainly felt like it could have been a finale, but a few pages into issue #5 and it becomes clear that it was just the appetizer to the main course. Kelly Thompson has one more key element to flesh out, building much of the issue around Circe’s gift to Diana, the lasso of Transmogrification. The abilities of the lasso are impressive, but it’s just another tool in the arsenal, as the meaning behind it is more important than what it can do.

Thompson continues to explore this very different relationship between mother and daughter, and we actually see new sides to that relationship throughout the issue. The lasso isn’t a gift Diana’s all that comfortable with, as the brutality of it all clashes with Diana’s ideals, but through this gift fans (and Diana) gain a new appreciation for Circe’s love of her daughter and the lengths in which she will go to protect her. A lasso has always been a trademark element of the character, but once again, Absolute Wonder Woman seeks to add powerful new meaning to that element and does so successfully.

Artist Hayden Sherman, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Becca Carey bring this tug of war between mother, daughter, and God to life brilliantly, especially in regards to Hecate, who plays a more direct role in this relationship than initially thought. The shift in color and tone when Circe is the focus compared to Hecate paints quite a picture, and the flow of the panels gives everything an almost dream-like tone as hard truths are also delivered.

[RELATED: Absolute Wonder Woman’s New Sword Puts Cloud Strife’s to Shame]

Then it’s time for the grand finale, and it more than lives up to the billing. It’s not every day you get to see Wonder Woman literally become a mythological legend, let alone Medusa, and if the moment sounds wild it absolutely is. Sherman and Bellaire leave that last cliffhanger in the dust, crafting a final battle that feels epic in scale and yet most importantly ties directly into the all-important relationships that Diana has forged along the way. Those moments feel rewarding and most importantly earned, and that’s a testament to the work the team has done in building the supporting cast throughout the series.

Absolute Wonder Woman continues to be the shining jewel in DC’s Absolute crown. I’m not sure how they will top this, but if anyone can make it happen, it’s absolutely Wonder Woman.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published By: DC Comics
Written By: Kelly Thompson
Art By: Hayden Sherman
Colored By: Jordie Bellaire
Lettered By: Becca Carey

What did you think of Absolute Wonder Woman #5? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things Wonder Woman with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Absolute Wonder Woman’s Epic First Arc Finale Wears Its Heart on its Sleeve appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Catalyst War has finally come to a close, but sometimes the aftermath is just as compelling as the war itself, and that is immensely true of Radiant Black as well. Radiant Black #31 picks up in the midst of the painful aftermath, quickly establishing an intriguing new status quo with several promising mysteries at the center of it all, and it’s impressively all with Marshall standing on his own two feet, moving Nathan to the rearview mirror. Radiant Black #31 is a clean hopping-on point that still feels rewarding for longtime fans, and despite coming off of a massive turning point, the future still looks insanely bright.

Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark immediately start to explore the aftermath of the Catalyst war, but not solely regarding our Earth. It’s actually the revelation of everything that happened in the alternate timeline that really starts to complicate things for Marshall, but that’s also where some of the most intriguing fracture points occur, as despite everyone knowing technically what occurred, their lack of understanding in those events causes all sorts of confusion for Marshall and his allies to navigate.

[RELATED: Radiant Black #1 Review: The Man Behind the Powers Steals the Show]

After the two-pronged approach over the past year or so, it is welcome to have one person guiding the ship as it were from a story perspective, and while at times I definitely rooted for Nathan to take the full time lead, Marshall has had an impressive arc, and continues to make for a flawed and therefore incredibly relatable lead. Having Eva to bounce off of only helps, and their exchanges are some of the biggest highlights of the book for me.

Those moments are often lighthearted, but there’s some heavy tonal shifts throughout the issue, always keeping the reader on their toes. Artist Eduardo Ferigato, colorist Rod Fernandes, and letterer Becca Carey know how to hit the gas and at a moment’s notice, and there are several pages towards the end where it you’re suddenly on a harrowing rollercoaster just trying to absorb everything as you pass by.

[RELATED: Will Friedle and Rider Strong Recruited For Upcoming Radiant Black: The Audiobook, Volume One From Image Comics]

That sudden sense of adrenaline is something that’s become a trademark for the series, but issue #31 makes sure to allow for greater impact and slows things down on either side as the bigger mysteries of Radiant Black’s new foe start to come into focus. There will assuredly be more of those big shocks to come, but it’s all balanced with delightful character work and a lead that has become easier and easier to root for, and the work has paid off in spades.

Radiant Black #31 sets up new threads and continues to evolve its lead hero, and every step forward feels authentic and earned. The new status quo is compelling from multiple perspectives, and the book has benefited from a more singular focus as well. All in all, Radiant Black delivers a wonderful jumping-on-point without losing what made the last arc so powerful, and the future looks to get even brighter from here.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Skybound Entertainment

On February 26, 2025

Written by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark

Art by Eduardo Ferigato

Colors by Rod Fernandes

Letters by Becca Carey

What did you think of Radiant Black #31? Let us know in the comments, and you can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Radiant Black #31: The Post-War Era Begins (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

A reader would expect a lot of smashing and red rampaging to take place in a Red Hulk comic. However, that is surprisingly not the case with the first issue of Red Hulk’s new Marvel series. All eyes have been on Red Hulk ever since it was confirmed he’d be played by Harrison Ford in Captain America: Brave New World. So of course, Marvel had to release a new Red Hulk series to capitalize on that renewed attention on the character. So far, it’s opening issue does an excellent job of letting readers into the mind of Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, while steadily setting up a showdown between Red Hulk and Doctor Doom.

Red Hulk #1 ties into Marvel’s “One World Under Doom” publishing initiative, which sees Doctor Doom taking control over the Marvel Universe. The comic doesn’t waste time bogging the reader down with all of the unnecessary details of what Doom has been up to. Instead, we get to learn why Doctor Doom has captured Red Hulk and exactly what he’s been doing with him. There are moments where some action takes place through simulated scenarios, but Red Hulk is mostly kept to the background. We see more of Ross than of Red Hulk, and it doesn’t feel as if we’re missing anything because Red Hulk is always looming.

Geoff Shaw, Bryan Valenza, and VC’s Cory Petit make for a formidable trio on art. The big epic action sequences are kept to a minimal amount, so the real work comes in illustrating the quieter moments, such as Thaddeus Ross washing up in an airplane bathroom, or Ross communicating with his fellow cellmates through Morse code. It’s all well done and well presented on each page, and you can’t wait to see what they do once Ross breaks out and seeks revenge against Doom. Benjamin Percy excels at placing readers inside the head of Ross/Red Hulk, showing how his strategic mind operates and can problem-solve with the best of them.

[RELATED: Who Is Red Hulk in the MCU? Captain America: Brave New World Villain Explained]

The cast of characters working with Red Hulk are plucked from the more obscure corners of the Marvel Universe, but their interactions with Red Hulk moving forward should offer contrasting styles. As a man, Red Hulk is a military man through and through, while Deathlok and Machine Man are used to combat, but are also filled with technology. Red Hulk will look to utilize them as weapons for his purposes of escaping, not making him much different from Doctor Doom in that instance.

Just as things start heating up, the issue comes to an end. They say you should always leave ’em wanting more, and that’s what Red Hulk #1 succeeds in doing. Red Hulk would succeed with or without its Doctor Doom connection, but Victor Von Doom does make for an excellent adversary.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On February 26, 2025

Written by Benjamin Percy

Art by Geoff Shaw

Colors by Bryan Valenza

Letters by VC’s Cory Petit

The post Red Hulk #1 Is More Brains Than Brawn, and That’s a Good Thing (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It happens far too often. A corporation creates an environmental nightmare that causes direct harm to a population — usually one with limited resources — and when the people call on their elected officials to do something, to fix the problem, to hold the corporations accountable for the harm that they’ve done nothing happens. It doesn’t matter how loud the people are or how great the damage, the officials hem, they haw, or the outright remain silent. So, what happens when the victims of corporate environmental negligence have finally had enough? They take matters into their own hands and in Green Arrow #21, that means Oliver Queen is about to be confronted with his own potential responsibility for the tragedy — and perhaps a larger mystery in the process and while the issue feels rather succinct, there’s a lot of emotional resonance on each page that prompts some big questions about the nature of real justice.

Much of Green Arrow #21 is devoted to what is best described as set up, but it’s not something that should be mistaken for exposition or filler. The issue begins with a community meeting where the residents of Freshwater confront elected officials about the horror unfolding in their literal back yards. It’s revealed that they’ve been calling out for more than a year about the toxic mess in their communities — children developing cancer, people being literally burned by substances in their yards, others developing epilepsy from the presence of a toxic chemical in their blood — and while everyone involved knows the source of the toxins, noting is being done. Different residents press Senator Eustace Foley about what they plan to do to help only to get non-answers and runaround. The people want help — and they are no longer willing to take no for an answer.

While that aspect of things is something readers of the Green Arrow series already know — the Fresh Water Killer has been killing Horton Chemical executives — it gets a lot more personal when a killer shows up at Oliver’s, intent on taking him out, too. Obviously, that’s not going to happen, this is Green Arrow’s book, but it’s less the attack on Oliver that is of interest and more what the assailant — unmasked to be Freshwater victim Ted Shephard has to say. It turns out that Oliver was president of Horton Chemical a signed off on selling the Freshwater community. It’s a stunning reveal, but what is especially interesting here is that Oliver either genuinely didn’t sign the papers as he initially claims or he is just as complicit in the disaster as anyone else. More than that, Ted isn’t willing to give an inch.

[RELATED: Absolute Power Drops a Major Green Arrow Twist]

It’s that —Ted not accepting excuses or platitudes from Oliver — that makes the issue pack a big punch despite feeling a bit fast paced. Despite Oliver seeing his efforts as journalist to get “recognition” for the victims, Ted explains that once checks were cut no one cared. The story then turns into a contemplation of justice, or rather how people perceive certain acts. The takeaway? It requires big actions and a mask to make a real impact. It’s a big statement to make in a story full of big statements, but Chris Condon does it very well. Ted’s behavior may be on the furthest edge, but there’s humanity in it and through him Condon is able to make a sharp point without being preachy. Similarly, there’s something complex about Oliver’s reactions to being confronted. This is an Oliver having to really look at his actions and begin to evaluate his own complicity as well as if what he’s doing now is enough.

Elevating all of this, however, is the art. The way Montos blocks out the action has almost a life of its own and it not only works in terms of infusing the story with a rich tension you can only get from visuals, but it also plays brilliantly with the almost vintage-style work when it comes to Oliver’s face and physique. Adriano Lucas’ colors also truly sing here. The result is art that tells as much of a story as the words on the page. It makes for fantastic stuff. Really, the only real “negative” here is that the issue just feels short — and that’s only really because of how tight and well-executed it is.

Green Arrow #21 doesn’t really pull any punches. The human cost of corporate negligence is starting to be fully revealed and Oliver is being forced to look at his part of the bill. This is overall a very solid issue that moves things forward in a way that makes you wonder if some sins can be forgiven — and just how loud an act has to be to be heard.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On February 26, 2025

Written by Chris Condon

Art by Montos

Colors by Adriano Lucas

Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

The post Oliver Queen Faces an Uncomfortable Truth and it Could Change Everything (Green Arrow #21 Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For decades, Godzilla has been Japan’s problem, terrorizing Tokyo across various movies and stories. But that doesn’t mean the world’s most famous kaiju hasn’t graced other cities with his massive presences and in the Godzilla Vs. America anthology from IDW, the United States is his latest destination with the first issue, Godzilla Vs. Chicago, bringing ‘Zilla to the Windy City. The issue features four different stories, each offering their own take on what would happen if Godzilla decided to pop by for some deep dish — or, rather, some mayhem. While most of the stories have more of a humorous tone than one might expect for a Godzilla story, they each operate as less a Godzilla adventure and more a loving ode to Chicago and the people who call the city home, offering not only a new spin on the kaiju, but delivering a bit of fun in the process.

The first story, “Godzilla Does Chicago” from Mike Costa with art by Ryan Browne, might be the funniest of the set. It follows a “fan man” named Fangoolie (a nod to Svengoolie) who goes from hero to villain after his antics accidentally causes the Chicago Bears to lose a major game — and any Bears fan will tell you, that right there is a real tragedy. A social pariah, Fangoolie concocts a scheme to use the city’s Mechagodzilla to get back into the city’s good graces but it all goes awry when Godzilla himself shows up. It’s a hilarious turn of events with Godzilla ending up the real hero of the story that, at its heart, celebrates the city and its passionate citizens.

[RELATED: IDW’s 2025 Godzilla Comic Plans Detailed, Including Brand New Universe (Exclusive)]

The second story, “Blue Line Sign” from Tim Seeley, is romance with Godzilla playing unlikely matchmaker when his surprise attack on the city leads a woman obsessed with signs and finding the “right” moment to finally make her move — and save the day, too. Godzilla takes a supporting role in the fourth story as well, “Godzilla Versus Chicago” by Caroline Cash. That story sees a woman step up as Chicago’s hero when an energy drink turns her into a giant just in time to defend Chicago from the kaiju. They’re both good stuff. It’s the third story, however, that may actually be the most interesting. “Chi Godzilla” by Ezra C. Daniels is less about Godzilla and more about the people. In the story, a politician attempts to capitalize on an impending Godzilla arrival by offering his ward up as a sacrifice — so he can quietly profit from selling to developers after. But his plan is foiled and Godzilla ends up unwittingly being a helper of the common man when a clever redirect sees the rich get their comeuppance, kaiju-style.

While the four stories in Godzilla Vs. America: Chicago #1 may not be exactly what Godzilla fans expect from the kaiju, it’s a lot of fun to see him arrive on our shores and fill various roles — most of them heroic, if not destructive — through the eyes of different creators. By making each story very rooted in the culture of Chicago, the issue sets a strong tone for the next installments so it will be very interesting to see how things play out when Godzilla attacks Los Angeles and Boston next. it all makes for a must-read for Godzilla fans — and maybe even just Chicago fans, too.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Published by IDW

On February 26, 2025

Written by Mike Costa, Tim Seeley, Ezra C. Daniels, and Caroline Cash

Art by Ryan Browne, Tim Seeley, Ezra C. Daniels, and Caroline Cash

Colors by Ryan Brown, Kevin Knipsten, and Heather Beckel

Letters by Brian Kolek

The post Godzilla is the Unexpected Hero Chicago Deserves (Godzilla Vs. America: Chicago #1 Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

G.I. Joe #4 comes out swinging with a high-velocity issue that pits the Joes against insurmountable odds while making you believe they’ve got just the tiniest sliver of a chance to succeed. That’s been around since the book’s first issue but is especially poignant in issue #4, and it can’t help but endear you that much more to this ragtag crew just trying to get the job done and survive to make it home. That allows the larger-than-life franchise elements and characters to maximize their impact without losing the moment-to-moment tension of what’s happening to the book’s heroes, and if that isn’t G.I. Joe at its core then I don’t know what is.

Joshua Williamson continues to navigate that balancing act to great success, hitting with big action sequences that lean into the spectacle and fun of the franchise while still keeping the attention on this evolving (and still a bit dysfunctional) team of Joes. A brilliant example of this is found in the issue’s first few pages, with the team in the midst of a high-speed escape from the Crimson Twins. These characters, the vehicles they drive, and the weapons they use are all bigger than life, but it always comes back to the characters at the center of the story, and you most certainly care what happens to them.

That particular sequence and several more throughout the issue are absolutely gorgeous by the way, and the brilliant team of artist Tom Reilly, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Rus Wooton also makes each action set piece feel unique and distinct from what’s come before.

The book’s brand new character Risk brings some welcome unpredictability and mystery to the series, and so far the issues between Risk and just about everyone make for comedy gold. That said, Cobra kind of steals the show here, both in terms of their grand plans and their roster of characters, and it certainly feels like the Joes are getting their butts handed to them quite a bit, both in this issue and in the series overall.

[RELATED: Threezero G.I. Joe Baroness Sixth-Scale Figure Is Up For Pre-Order]

That underdog element though is important, and it’s something I’ve grown to love. This issue heavily plays into that element, and while the jury is out on whether Duke is just unhinged or knows something we all don’t, I still can’t help but give him the benefit of the doubt. The unpredictability of this series is one of its key strengths, and the series isn’t likely to let that go anytime soon.

The team has found a way to ground the core concept of G.I. Joe and its characters without losing the epic fun that made the franchise such a hit in the first place.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by Skybound

On February 19, 2025

Written by Joshua Williamson

Art by Tom Reilly

Colors by Jordie Bellaire

Letters by Rus Wooton

What did you think of G.I. Joe #4? Let us know in the comments and you can also talk all things comics and G.I. Joe with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post G.I. Joe #4 Hits the Gas and Never Looks Back (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jonathan Hickman and Essad Ribic have created quite the crossover thanks to the xenomorphs meeting Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Rather than seeing Marvel’s premiere super-team coming across the Aliens on a random meteor and/or cross universes to face them, the creative team has forged a brand new environment unlike either franchise has seen before. Thanks to this third issue, not only are Hickman and Ribic continuing to operate at the top of their games, but the pair have added some exceptional black humor as humanity reels from Weyland-Utani and the ever-expanding alien menace that is leading the Planet Earth to its destruction.

Our third issue brings us right back into the thick of things as humanity’s final collective is attempting to find safety with older iterations of Miles Morales (Spider-Man), Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), and Tony Stark (Iron Man) leading the charge. Of course, thanks to the quick need to exit Earth, the Marvel heroes realize that they’re going to need an assist in their journey. Unfortunately, said assistance is from the mutants of the Marvel Universe though they are dealing with problems of their own. Now housed on Mars, the X-Men aren’t the only inhabitants of this world and a certain villain is making good use of xenomorph DNA.

There are some characters that I feel Hickman “gets” more than others when it comes to working within the Marvel Universe. With series like the Fantastic Four, the prolific writer seemed to have a handle on Reed Richards, Doctor Doom, and their tumultuous relationship. In his Avengers run, he was able to bring Victor and Mister Fantastic back while showing his chops with the likes of Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, and more. In this issue, the star shining the brightest is easily Mister Sinister. The mad scientist is having an absolute ball in genetically modifying the xenomorphs and in this, readers can find some serious levity in this otherwise grim apocalyptic storyline.

[RELATED: The War Between Aliens and Avengers Heats Up as Another Faction Enters the Fray]

Nathaniel Essex truly came into his own during Hickman’s “Krakoa” era and if you were missing that time period in general, the writer has once again dipped his toes into the popular setting, albeit on Mars. On top of creating his own army of xenomorphs, Essex has created weaponry that can’t help but give readers a gut-busting laugh, especially when Sinister proclaims what he has made. While Mister Sinister is the “MVP” of issue three, he’s far from the only new element introduced.

The current iteration of the X-Men in this alternate future is looking quite worse for wear, clearly having some difficulties with both the alien race and Sinister himself. Hickman once again captures the countless characters with little dialogue necessary, confirming his mastery over this comic universe. With one issue left before the crossover series comes to an end, it seems unlikely that this will be a happy ending for the Avengers but it certainly is preparing to end the mini-series off on a high note.

Of course, it takes a village to produce a jaw-dropping story and artist Essad Ribic is doing some of his best work here on Aliens Vs. Avengers. Ribic’s detailed texturing in terms of both direction and design shines through here in perfect tandem with Hickman’s writing. On top of creating some heart-wrenching moments and interesting battle scenes, Essad’s penciling captures emotions on the faces of characters that few other comic artists can depict.

Aliens Vs. Avengers feels like one of the greatest comic book crossovers to ever be printed on the page. What could have been a concept that “went by the numbers” instead has forged a brand new, interesting universe that makes good on the promise of both universes. Here’s to hoping that future Marvel crossovers in the realm of both the Aliens and Predators will follow Hickman and Ribic’s lead, working outside of the box to throw readers for a loop.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by: Marvel Comics

On: February 19th, 2025

Written by: Jonathan Hickman

Art by: Essad Ribic

Colors by: Ive Svorcina

Letters by: VC’s Cory Petit

The post Aliens Vs. Avengers #3 Just Delivered the Wildest Mutant Martian Team And It’s Awesome (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

After several issues of being out of the action, allowing her allies to wage war for her while she dealt with grief and the challenges of new motherhood, Wonder Woman is taking things into her own hands in Wonder Woman #18. It’s something that has been a long time coming, and not just because of Steve Trevor’s death and Trinity’s birth. This deep into the run, we’ve been waiting for Wonder Woman to finally take on the architect of her suffering, the Sovereign, but while this issue sets up that showdown, the story is still moving at a snail’s pace — and it’s still not clear what this is all meant to be about.

The issue begins, as most issues in Tom King’s run thus far has, with exposition. The Sovereign goes into detail about the reconstruction of the Washington Monument and spins it into some bloated parable about how Americans see themselves. It’s part of his storytelling to Trinity, but in the actual events as they happen, things are much less poetic/ It’s an Oval Office in chaos with an ineffective puppet president frantically trying to have Wonder Woman stopped while an agitated Sovereign sits behind the Resolute Desk playing at power for all his obvious weakness. And that, pretty much, is the entire issue Diana marches across the White House lawn, deflects all attacks against her, the men panic and flee when possible, and ultimately the issue is left with the suggestion that the next we’ll see of the title, Wonder Woman will finally confront the man responsible for her suffering and that of her people.

Fundamentally, this actually is an okay issue. As has been the story for this entire run, Daniel Sampere’s art is exquisite and there are some truly amazing images — Wonder Woman walking up to the White House is one of them. But so much of what actually happens in terms of the story just feels flat. We’re reminded that no one can stop Wonder Woman despite all their planning for her. We see her circle back to Sergeant Steel who is just as ineffective as before. The issue inexplicably tosses a new General Glory into things only to waste him after just a couple of pages for no logical reason other than the “look, DC has Captain America, too” of it all. Other than that random bit, one gets the feeling that this issue will probably work very well once this whole arc is collected with its other parts — which is a common element in King’s work. It’s fine.

[RELATED: DC’s Latest Wonder Woman Issue Sparks Fan Backlash Over Death & Birth]

But when you take a step further back, despite being competent, the issue also serves to remind readers why this whole run isn’t perhaps the strongest in Wonder Woman’s history. As a character, Wonder Woman has long been defined by her care for Man’s World and the people in it. This story has, instead, dissolved her down to a singular focus: confronting those who took Steve away from her. Can grief be a motivator? Yes. But this doesn’t feel like that is what’s happening here and coupled with so much of this story being focused around the Sovereign and his perspective, it feels like we’re getting less than what this sort of story deserves.

In the grand scheme of King’s Wonder Woman run to date, Wonder Woman #18 is okay. Our heroine is back in action, there’s some great art, and it feels like we might finally be making some progress. Unfortunately, it still feels like we’re merely getting a superficial tale that misunderstands its hero as it struggles to land on exactly what it wants to say.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On February 19, 2025

Written by Tom King

Art by Daniel Sampere

Colors by Tomeu Morey

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The post Is It Finally the Beginning of the End for the Sovereign in Wonder Woman #18? (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s been a few months since Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard’s hit Image Comics series has published a new issue, but The Power Fantasy #6 could not have arrived at a better time in the world (complimentary for the comic, derogatory for the world). The fresh start of a new arc has two major things working in its favor, reintroducing readers back into the world after a brief time away while also managing to push its story ahead. As readers may have expected from its unique approach to “superpowers” in the first five issues, the latest chapter of The Power Fantasy continues to prove that there’s nothing else quite like it on the shelves.

Picking up after the major cliffhanger from issue #5, Jacky Magus has fully positioned himself in the US Government, taking on the role of “Secretary of Magic” for the United States. An unelected person taking a top position in the executive branch from a division that didn’t exist previously? It couldn’t possibly feel like anything currently in the news, not at all. As a result of his actions the other atomics have to now perform a bit of a dance to figure out where everyone stands, the longstanding struggle of this entire series (and its deadly lead characters) put on full display once again.

Gillen’s deft plotting manages to not only juggle reintegrating us back into the world but keep things moving (and interesting) throughout. Naturally, there are some big surprises along the way, with major character reveals that will shape not only this current arc but the issues that are set to follow (Gillen confirms the series could run for 50 issues if things go well). Etienne and Val have long been two of the most interesting pieces of this larger puzzle, but Magus’ new role gives him an extra dimension and room for Gillen to explore in fun and meaningful ways. Heavy is also given the spotlight here along with Tonya, the Atomic that helped kick off the story back in issue 1. Mystery still abounds though, and Gillen teases it out in ways that keep you engaged, especially with Eliza, the demonic Atomic.

[RELATED: The Power Fantasy #1 Advance Review: A Game of Superpowers]

A key ingredient of The Power Fantasy that has been true since issue #1, and remains the case here, is the artwork by Caspar Wijngaard consistently evokes a specific mood in each panel. Even if the page itself is a conversation between three characters that aren’t even on the same planet, Wijngaard manages to make sure that the color aura that surrounds each of them contributes to the larger emotional beat of where they are at that time and what they’re trying to convey. This is even true for characters talking in the same room, it’s a unique style that tends to buck major comic book tradition, but rewards the reader along the way.

That also plays into the later unique paneling that he displays. One page could be a fractured tableau to give us a deeper sense of a character’s mental wellbeing, and the next could be stacks of long panels showing off the vistas of the world (and where the heck everyone is), half the excitement here is the journey of what things look like with the next page turn. That’s one of the highest compliments I can give The Power Fantasy, you’re never lost visually when reading it, and Wijngaard’s artwork maintains a high level of consistency with crisp details.

I would not recommend newcomers immediately dive into The Power Fantasy #6, since it is built on five very important issues with a lot of added context and insight, there’s something amazing about the storytelling fluidity and how it gentle glided me back into this world. Where this series has always succeeded are the places that it continues to excel, it’s a layered and nuanced story that brings superhero comics to a level that they haven’t ever existed. Though every major publisher is finding success with reworks of their most famous characters right now, none of them are quite hitting like The Power Fantasy.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by: Image Comics

On: February 19, 2025

Written by: Kieron Gillen

Art by: Caspar Wijngaard

Colors by: Caspar Wijngaard

Letters by: Clayton Cowles

The post In The Power Fantasy #6 The Government Takeover Will Continue Until Morale Improves (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

DC leaps into the fantastical world of magic with everyone’s favorite magician Zatanna, who steps onto the stage for a new ongoing series from the talented team of Jamal Campbell (Far Sector, Superman) and letterer Ariana Maher (Superman, Absolute Power). With such a stellar one-two punch at the helm, expectations were high, and after the first issue, I can gladly say those expectations were met with ease. Zatanna #1 is endearingly fun and yet has no issue establishing high stakes or delivering shocking moments, all while crafting a mesmerizing visual feast throughout. Zatanna gets the show started in grand fashion, and things only look to get more delightfully chaotic from here.

Campbell and Maher already teased a bit of what they could do with a Zatanna series in the pages of Superman, but this time Zatanna is on an adventure with her crew as she sets up shop at a famous location for her next show. The simple premise gets wonky pretty quickly though thanks to the presence of a new villain that already has a ton of potential, which is no easy feat.

We’ve all seen new villains created and quickly pushed by the wayside, but Campbell is already seeding several mysteries around this villain (named The Lady White) and what she ultimately wants with Zatanna and who she might be working for. All of that is mixed in with a striking design that mixes vintage Hollywood with the supernatural, and I already want to know even more.

One of the most striking elements of the entire book is that old Hollywood theming, which surfaces in every aspect of the issue. It hits overdrive though during the first action sequence, with movie posters that act as doorways and feel as if they stepped out of cinematic history, and yet those elements also have real consequences for Zatanna’s friends, and Campbell and Maher play on all of those elements brilliantly.

[RELATED: DC Reveals All-Star Team for Mr. Terrific: Year One Series]

The shifts in color and tone from location to location is impressive as well, but it’s truly in the final few pages where you understand what’s at stake, and yet there are still so many questions to answer before that is actually the case.

Zatanna #1 takes fans on a thrilling and unpredictable magical journey that honors the character’s history but also still feels fresh and exciting, especially in terms of its villain. The book is also drop-dead gorgeous, and while we kind of expected that given who is involved, it still managed to surpass even those expectations. The show has now officially begun, and it’s off to a hell of a start.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Published by DC Comics

On February 19, 2025

Written by Jamal Campbell

Art by Jama Campbell

Letters by Ariana Maher

The post Zatanna #1 Crushes Opening Night with Magical Debut (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

An X-Men team consisting of Wolverine, Deadpool, and Cable is destined to have a healthy Q rating, but does it have a reason to exist? That’s the question posed by Weapon X-Men #1. Marvel’s line of X-Men comics continues to expand with Weapon X-Men, featuring a cast of fan-favorite mutants who have to put their differences aside to work together for mutantkind. The makeup and title of the team mixes the best aspects of Weapon X and X-Force but with a fresher name attached to it. It’s par for the course at Marvel, but it takes more than A-list characters to make a comic that people will want to pick up and read month to month.

Weapon X-Men #1 is helped by having some clean art from ChrisCross, Mark Morales, Yen Nitro, and VC’s Clayton Cowles. Each page is filled with bright, colorful characters, and the decision to open with Wolverine is a smart one. Logan serves as our entry point into the story, and following his journey allows for each additional cast member to be introduced while also keeping the larger story moving. Not being bogged down in convoluted artwork or hard-to-follow panels across multiple pages is welcomed and appreciated.

Going back to the characters, Deadpool, Wolverine, and Cable are the headliners, but I’m more interested in following Chamber and Thunderbird’s journey in Weapon X-Men. They are two under-utilized characters that have a devoted fanbase, so it’s impressive to see them being used here. The reason why Cable wants Chamber on his team remains a mystery, along with what Thunderbird is doing in Latveria, but those are the types of mysteries one expects from superhero comics. It should be revealed in the not-too-distant future.

[RELATED: Marvel Reveals New Look At Doctor Doom’s Avengers in One World Under Doom]

Of course, we can thank the meta-breaking Deadpool for coming up with the Weapon X-Men name. At least an explanation is given for why the comic is named the way it is, even if it comes across a bit cheesy. As with most team books, the dynamic of the cast is one of the more interesting aspects for readers. How they interact with each other, who gets along, and who is already at each other’s throats. Deadpool helps cut through any tension or awkward moments with his signature comedy, and there’s even a moment where he takes us by surprise with what he does to Wolverine.

Weapon X-Men #1 is fine overall, but I’m left wondering what the point of the team is. We already have an X-Force title, and the X-Men line is already filling up with more and more comics. They’re all supposed to whet the appetite of different X-Men fans, so in theory, Weapon X-Men is for diehards who want to see Wolverine, Deadpool, and Cable all together in one series. But they could also get two-thirds of that in the newly launched Deadpool/Wolverine. Hopefully, Weapon X-Men #1 finds a more compelling reason to stick out on comic book stands.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Published by Marvel Comics

On February 19, 2025

Written by Joe Casey

Pencils by ChrissCross

Inks by Mark Morales

Colors by Yen Nitro

Letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles

The post Weapon X-Men #1’s All-Star Team Lacks a Reason to Exist (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In his 71 years of stomping around entertainment, Godzilla has been in all kinds of stories both on screen and on the page. In more recent years, those stories (especially the ones on the pages) have seen the King of Monsters take on superheroes, literary characters, you name it but Godzilla: Heist #1 sees the fan-favorite monster as we’ve never seen him before as the surprising accomplice in a high-stakes heist and it might just be the best ‘Zilla story yet.

Written by Van Jensen with art by Kelsey Ramsay, Godzilla: Heist #1 centers around a pretty confident and clever thief, Jaion Kulkarni, who decides to rob a highly secure casino vault. But rather than use a team and a ton of tech, Jaion enlists Godzilla to be the king of all distractions and then have him be the mechanism by which he opens the vault. Jaion gets the cash, Godzilla goes back to the sea, but this story is far from over. Jaion’s heist attracts some attention by a group of professional thieves who essentially want what Jaion’s got — and not the money/ You see, the big twist here is that Jaion has figured out how to summon and control Godzilla using the weather and they want to use the big guy for a major impossible heist of their own.

Straight out of the gate, everything about this is an incredible premise. A heist story involving Godzilla? Sign me up. A heist story involving Godzilla with a science twist as to how our main character is involving the notoriously uncontrollable kaiju? Extra sign me up. But what really makes this whole story work on an even higher level is that this isn’t just a heist. Jaion is playing at a much larger game and this has been a much longer time coming. It’s suggested that Jaion may actually be playing the gang of thieves that think they’re playing him all for him to make the ultimate score that lets him keep a promise from his childhood — and yes, that’s all I’m going to say about it because the twist is immaculate.

[RELATED: IDW’s 2025 Godzilla Comic Plans Detailed, Including Brand New Universe (Exclusive)]

Art-wise, there is no mistaking that this is a Godzilla book and fantastically so. Ramsay’s art here is top notch, particularly when it comes to Godzilla. The panels where we see Godzilla in action, tearing up the casino or using his atomic breath are just everything you could want. It’s also well-balanced with how Jaion is drawn as well, creating a nice contrast between this larger-than-life creature and this seemingly ordinary guy out to do something truly insane. In terms of how the book is written, however, this is a fantastic case of a story where the execution works with its high concept. Something like “Godzilla helps rob a casino” could end up being pretty corny, but Jensen pulls it off in a way that feels like a big budget action flick more than it does a comic book.

The nuts and bolts is Godzilla: Heist #1 is a truly unique Godzilla story that takes the familiar and beloved King of Monsters and does something entirely fresh and highly entertaining/ Between great art and fast past storytelling with interesting layers, this is just a truly great first issue and I can’t wait for more.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Published by IDW

On February 19, 2025

Written by Van Jensen

Art by Kelsey Ramsay

Colors by Heather Breckel

Letters by Sandy Tanaka

The post The King of Monsters Scores Big in Godzilla: Heist #1 (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For the past several years, IDW Publishing has provided readers with some of the best storytelling set in the Star Trek universe, with both the flagship Star Trek series and the slightly darker Star Trek: Defiant featuring all-star casts of characters from across the franchise’s nearly 60-year history, as well as new characters, in the kinds of stories that would be difficult to achieve with the restrictions of live-action film and television. Those years of stories are coming to a head in the crossover event Star Trek: Lore War, which brings storylines from both series to their simultaneous climax as the Star Trek universe is remade in the image of one of its most memorable recurring villains.

Star Trek: Lore War #1 – a collaboration between Star Trek writers Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly, Star Trek: Defiant writer Christopher Cantwell, artist Davide Tinto, colorist Lee Loughridge, and letterer Clayton Cowles – introduces readers to Star Trek universe remade in the image of Lore, evil twin brother of the USS Enterprise’s beloved android Data. Rather than playing the role of a distant deity, Lore is a present and active god in this universe, with statues and temples made in his image. Even Starfleet is born of a mission to serve him. Yet pockets of resistance still exist, both those attempting to stymie Starfleet’s expansion and those hoping to attack and dethrone Lore directly. However, the greatest threat to Lore’s control may be the two individuals who still remember the Star Trek universe as it once was.

On its face, visiting an alternate universe where a longtime villain has achieved their goal of domination won’t be all that novel to longtime comic book readers. The X-Men are notorious for this type of thing with the Age of Apocalypse epic from the 1990s being the best-known example (though the more recent Sins of Sinister event is much closer to what Star Trek: Lore War seems to be going for, a universe intentionally shaped by a nefarious being, and that X-Men story even coincidentally borrowed some Star Trek tropes and motifs to imagine its Sinister future, making it and Lore War potentially into serendipitous companion pieces). However, while stories like Age of Apocalypse and even Days of Future Past often become quickly iconic for their distinctive aesthetics (glam rock horror for AoA, gitty industrial post-apocalypse for DoFP), it’s quickly apparent that there’s a headier subtext in the mix with Lore War.

[Related: Star Trek Comics License Renewed by IDW Publishing]

Lore isn’t truly interested in ruling Star Trek’s universe as a typical villain might. He’s remade the universe to function as he believes it should, or at least better exemplify how he thinks it always has. As god-king of this universe, he is the material that worlds are made from, with some of the most stunning images in the issue being the temples and statues built to him, conveying both his boundless ego and the depth of the faith this universe’s true believers have in him. Yet, while his gestures and actions are grand, his motivations are petty: prove his brother Data wrong.

Lore insists that conflict drives the universe and monologues to his brother on the uses of inspirational but ultimately controlled and feeble narratives about heroes and rebellions, a diatribe reflecting our real-world relationships with escapist fiction during challenging times. In action, Lore props both sides of nearly every conflict up, aiding those loyal to him and the insurgents they fight against as necessary to keep the two factions at odds. Ultimately, Lore’s ideals challenge the moral fiber of the Star Trek universe, testing the utopianism instilled in it by Gene Roddenberry, and asking if narratives fueled by more traditional conflicts are needed for it to survive.

Of course, it isn’t all heady philosophizing. Star Trek: Lore War #1 surveys this new, alternate Star Trek universe, showing readers where the Theseus and Defiant crews wound up in Lore’s new world. Here we find what fans expect from stories in this mold: characters cast in strange new roles and contexts, unusual alliances, and familiar concepts reimagined with an often sinister twist. Lore War #1 delivers all these elements with the potential and promise of more.

Star Trek: Lore War #1 arrives at a time when the Star Trek franchise is going through an identity crisis and while the creators of the comic book event couldn’t have known these conversations would be taking place at the time of its debut the story feels no less timely for it. The Star Trek of the franchise’s golden era, where intensely competent people apply their crafts to problems to uphold a future that is as close to perfect as a 20th-century-human could imagine, is replaced by a world built on conflict for the sake of conflict, where real change is impossible and better futures are beyond imagining. Star Trek: Lore War #1 kicks off a fight for Star Trek’s very soul, as told in a story with a scope like Star Trek fans have never seen before.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by IDW Publishing

On April 2, 2025

Written by Christopher Cantwell, Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly

Art by Davide Tinto

Colors by Lee Loughridge

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The post Star Trek: Lore War Begins an Epic Fight for Star Trek’s Soul (Exclusive Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Magneto. The Red Skull. The Green Goblin. Kang. Thanos. Marvel Comics has introduced countless villains to trouble both its heroes and their world over the decades, but there has never been an antagonist quite like Victor Von Doom. With Doom now placed into a position of power that he rarely has attained in his history, the classic villain is burning bright as Earth’s Mightiest Heroes now find themselves fighting this battle on numerous fronts. Helmed by writer Ryan North and penciled by artist R.B. Silva, does One World Under Doom live up to the heights set by the Latverian dictator looking to make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut next year?

Thanks to the events of the previous Marvel comic book crossover, Blood Hunt, Doctor Doom now finds himself as Earth 616’s Sorcerer Supreme. Isolating himself within the borders of Latveria, Victor has returned to the spotlight and immediately takes over the world. As is typically the case with stories revolving around the iron-clad villain, not everything is at it seems as Doom’s new reign is one that is offering the world’s populace with, seemingly, everything it ever wanted. With Doom looking to outlaw war, create universal healthcare, and offer free stellar education to all of his subjects, the Avengers now find themselves both trying to physically fight the new Sorcerer Supreme and come to grips with the benefits that he is offering the world at the same time.

As a comic book reader, I clearly have a love for Doctor Doom. He’s easily one of my favorite comic book villains thanks to the complexity of his character and the idea of Victor taking Doctor Strange’s job title has been an interesting idea dangled over readers’ heads for quite some time. Here, North is able to put this new status to good work as Doom immediately begins to bulldoze everything in his path to turning the world into his new Latverian empire. Much like DC’s Superman, Doctor Doom is one of those characters where writers need to walk a thin line to hammer home the character himself. Doom is certainly full of himself and can be seen as evil, but the benefits that he offers to the world raises the questions, amongst readers, as to whether or not his way is the right way.

What makes the story all the more interesting is the Avengers’ approach to fighting against Doom’s latest plan. On one hand, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes find themselves fighting the likes of Hydra but they also find themselves having to fight public opinion. North conveys this in an excellent way, routinely highlighting both Doom and the Avengers calling upon the public via television broadcasts. In this presentation, the crossover feels like a battle of wits between these two sides and of course, thanks to Victor’s intimidating intellect, Dr. Doom seems to have the upper hand.

This isn’t to say that the first issue is deathly serious, as North clearly has a love for many of the multiple characters that he is working with here. For example, Spider-Man and the Human Torch have an excellent back and forth that is one of the quieter highlights of the premiere issue. On the complete opposite of the spectrum, Doom at one point charges into battle with what appears to be a T-Rex version of himself, showing how fun the Marvel Comics can still be even in the face of a dictatorial regime.

Silva also does a solid job on artistic duties here, capturing some of the larger-than-life moments as Doom reveals his plans for the world. There are several instances however when panels can feel a tad too claustrophobic for my taste, with some facial expressions being lost entirely in the maelstrom of action. There’s a lot happening inside of these pages and sometimes, it can feel overwhelming for both reader and artist alike we imagine.

Ultimately, One World Under Doom delivers on a big, widescale epic crossover that nails the character of Victor Von Doom while giving the heroes quite the challenge to sink their teeth into. The nine-issue series has plenty of time to take readers to some wild places, but if this opening is any indication, we’re in for a fun roller coaster that does Doctor Doom proud.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by: Marvel Comics

On: February 12, 2025

Written by: Ryan North

Art by: R.B. Silva

Colors by: David Curiel

Letters by: VC’s Travis Lanham

The post One World Under Doom #1 Is A Complex, Thought Provoking Crossover (Review) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Happy new comic book day! It’s another big week in the world of comics, and the ComicBook staff have come together to break down and review as many of the new releases from this week as possible. Now obviously this isn’t every single comic on stands, but we’re breaking down new releases from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more!

We’ve also carved out some additional space for two of this week’s biggest books in Batman #157 and Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1, so if our smaller reviews here pique your interest, make sure to check out the full reviews for a much more comprehensive analysis of those issues. As for ratings, we keep things simple with a whole or half number out of five, and you can check out some of our previous reviews right here. With all that said, let’s get to this week’s new comics!

DC

Absolute Superman #4
Jason Aaron continues to find new and exciting ways to remix DC continuity in the pages of Absolute Superman, with each new reveal deployed in a way that feels fresh and surprising. Rafa Sandoval’s artwork, with colors by Ulises Arreola, continues to be a major driving force for what sets this take of Superman apart from the mainline DC books. Beyond the changes that Aaron is remixing and reworking, Sandoval embodies a powerful and awe-inspiring version of Superman that can be seen in each panel. Absolute Superman remains a must-read, and an easy jumping on place for new readers.
– Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Batgirl #4
Batgirl #4 continues to dive into the complexities of a mother daughter relationship through a very unique lens, that being when said mother and daughter are being hunted by a deadly clan of warrior ninjas. That doesn’t happen everyday after all, and it’s provided Tate Brombal a lovely canvas in which slowly shift and evolve Batgirl and Shiva’s initially cold dynamic. A few additional threads of intrigue are also woven into the bigger action, but that action often steals the show, and it’s all credit to Takeshi Miyazawa, Wayne Faucher, and Mike Spicer. Whether the action takes place in Batgirls’ mind or in the real world, it all kicks, and there’s one sequence in the book’s second half that is so cinematic it demands a bucket of popcorn. Shifts in motivation and in approach all feel earned and genuine, and when the action ramps up it’s always effortlessly stylish, so if you aren’t paying attention to Batgirl, you’re missing out on a rather special adventure. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Batman #157
Despite the lingering question of what this all will mean for Batman going forward, Batman #157 is a good read. Zdarsky wraps up the long story he started almost three years ago, and leaves the hero a little wiser, and maybe even a little changed. The book has solid art from Jorge Jimenez and Tony S. Daniel overall and between the art and the story we’re once again reminded that while Batman is in many respects very different from the rest of DC’s roster, he’s a hero with a lot of shades and nuance when he moves from the shadows to the light. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Batman: Off-World #6
Batman: Off-World #6 is a bit of a tedious finale to the run. Part of that isn’t the story’s fault directly — the length of time since the previous issue (which was released last August) has largely killed the story’s momentum. After that, however, Aaron jams a lot into this final issue, including a flashback scene explaining Batman’s plan that goes on longer than necessary, and then some narration in the guise of internal reflection by Batman that feels a bit forced. There’s still a good bit to enjoy h ere, with the action element of Batman battling the Blakksuns, but even in its final chapter this really just feels like a lower quality copy of Superman’s Warworld story, just done over a shorter span of issues and without the skill. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 2 out of 5

Birds of Prey #18
Half the fun of a Birds of Prey series is simply watching the team interact with each other, nonetheless save the world together, and that feels like a perfect description for Birds of Prey #18. Kelly Thompson continues to push the whole team in interesting directions, and because of the work done on an individual level, it allows for every formation of the team to shine in a different and always entertaining way. The biggest representation of this is Barda and Batgirl, who shine whether they are battling an army of soldiers or playing video games at HQ, and yet Black Canary and Sin’s adventure is just as compelling, just in its own way. Juann Cabal, Adriano Lucas, and Clayton Cowles work magic with both teams throughout the issue, though some of my favorite moments are found in the unexpected but always welcome team-up with John Constantine, as it brings a bit of chaos to the festivities that shouldn’t be missed. Birds of Prey is on an all-time run, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Justice League: The Atom Project #2
Justice League: The Atom Project’s themes come better into focus in its second issue. Captain Atom wanting to expunge and destroy his powers is as if a nuclear bomb developed a conscience and decided to disarm itself, a reflection of the need for disarmament embodied in a single character. This is where The Atom Project’s split narrative structure becomes frustrating since the three-weeks-earlier portion of the story hasn’t yet explained how Captain Atom went from the person that the series keeps insisting based his entire identity around the idea that he is this nuclear-power superhero, who seems thrilled to have his powers return, to the person who is now seeking to eliminate those powers, without effectively building tension or mystery through that dichotomy, only confusion and the sense that something is missing, narratively. The artwork sets the mood well for this political thriller with superpowers, however, the characterization of Ray Palmer is still somewhat off-putting, displaying a single-minded focus that borders on sociopathy. The Atom Project’s themes are interesting and worthwhile, and it’s got the right vibes, but it would have benefited from a more straightforward storytelling approach. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3 out of 5

Poison Ivy #30
Poison Ivy #30 isn’t a bad issue, but it does tend to weigh itself down a little with explaining things and, in doing so, feels like we’re doing a retreat of things this run has already done before. The issue sees Ivy confronted by Xylon, the avatar of the Grey and now Ivy is made privy to a sort of struggle between humans, the Green, and the Grey along with the arbiters, something called the Parliament of Trees. It all sets Ivy up to be the last-resort ambassador between them all, but while it’s interesting, it also feels like we’ve just overcomplicated things to a point where they don’t quite make sense. It’s as though the story has wandered off its chosen path and left readers as lost in the woods as Ivy is.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Two-Face #3
DC’s new villain-centric comic book series is one that has masterfully balanced the underworld of Gotham with Harvey Dent’s broken mindscape. Weaving a story that can both fuse gritty, crime shenanigans with cosmic horror is no easy feat, but Two-Face’s creative team does just that here. Even if you’re not a big fan of Two-Face, his titular series is one that has been blowing past my expectations so far, offering new interesting takes not just on Dent but some of the lesser-tier villains of Gotham’s seedy underbelly. If Two-Face continues to ride high, it might just come away as one of the biggest new superhero series of 2025. – Evan Valentine
Rating 4.5 out of 5

MARVEL

Phoenix #8
It’s not that Phoenix #8 is a bad issue of a great series, it’s just a more experimental narrative than any of the previous stories. Series writer Stephanie Phillips uses a unique structure, flipping between Jean and newer character Adani, with the powers of the Phoenix tethering them perilously together. Artist Alessandro Miracolo, with aid from color artist David Curiel, continues to give this series a unique visual flair, and the layered structure of the narrative here is given a firm foundation thanks to his work. As has been the case since the beginning, Phoenix remains a satisfying read that is quietly one of Marvel’s best. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 4 out of 5

Power Man: Timeless #1
This new alternate future take on Luke Cage is so downright bizarre that typing out the plot might have many believing that I made the story up. Honestly, the approach to making Luke this benevolent, all-powerful super deity is one that doesn’t sit all that well with me. While there is one interesting foil at the start of this issue that sees Cage visiting the funeral of his best friend Danny Rand, there are so many elements that seem contradictory to Luke as a character. Making Power Man a celestial force while also interjecting a bizarre new villain doesn’t gel too well, which can be said for both the art and writing here as well. Power Man: Timeless has some big idea but it never feels as though said ideas are ever elevating the premise or giving us a character to really root for by transforming Luke Cage into a Swiss Army Knife of super powers. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 2 out of 5

Scarlet Witch #9
Scarlet Witch vs Black Cat wasn’t on my bingo card this month, but now that it’s happened, I have to say it very much delivered. Scarlet Witch #9 finds Scarlet Witch and Amaranth facing the sly thief after she breaks into a magical vault, and it’s the way in which Steve Orlando explores not just their powers but how they interact with each other that sets the foundation for the delightful chaos that ensues. Turns out chaos magic and luck don’t mix so well, and it creates quite the playground, one that Jacopo Camagni, Frank William, and Ariana Maher take full advantage of. Plus, we even get the setup for a killer team-up thanks to those final few pages, so while this wasn’t the strongest issue of the series, it was profoundly entertaining, and set up an even bigger adventure to come. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1
Kylo Ren is quite the controversial character in the history of Star Wars, going from one of the biggest villains of the latest film trilogy to a hero in his final moments. When it comes to Marvel Comics’ Star Wars universe, the franchise can explore timelines and moments in time that otherwise would have never been featured. Such is definitely the case with Star Wars: Legacy of Vader as the comic book series is examining the life of Han and Leia’s only son at a unique time in his life. When all is said and done, does Kylo’s new comic series do enough to justify its existence in a galaxy far, far away. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

The Avengers #23
Between Scarlet Witch and The Avengers, Black Cat had a pretty great week, though her run in Avengers might just be my favorite. If you’re going to build a story around a heist, it only makes sense to involve everyone’s favorite cat burglar Black Cat, especially when someone like Jed MacKay is at the helm. MacKay’s Black Cat always soars in whatever story she appears in, and The Avengers #23 is no different, as she provides a wonderful foil to characters like Storm, Iron Man, and Vision, though MacKay also weaves in plenty of hilarious moments for them as well. I still haven’t really connected with the bigger scope of this adventure involving the Grandmaster, but seeing Kang and Black Cat’s bigger plans play out is undoubtedly fun, and the various showdowns with the team throughout the issue by artist Farid Karami, colorist Federico Blee, and letterer Cory Petit are an absolute dream. While some aspects of the larger story haven’t clocked, the moment to moment adventure absolutely has, and I’m truly enjoying the ride. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Spectacular Spider-Men #12
Writer Greg Weisman is joined by guest artist Emilio Laslo focus on the many heroes and villains, who are a part of the Spider-Men’s current friendly neighborhood, in this latest issue. In the vast rotation of characters brought in to train the next crime fighter known as Elementary, Weisman is able to stretch his legs here, showing a mastery of many of their characters. On the villain side of the aisle, we are able to see both the Electros and an interesting new take on Curt Conners take hold. Spectacular Spider-Men remains the best 616-Spidey book on the market today for those looking for a light and breezy neighborhood Spider-Man story. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Ultimates #9
With The Ultimates building a resistance network to combat the world’s many evils, it’s only natural that one of their members should stand against the private-prison-industrial complex, and no Marvel character is better suited to that role than Luke Cage. The Ultimates #9 introduces the new Ultimate Power Man, a man imprisoned in Midas’ private prison system since he was a 15-year-old boy. The respectability politics that some perceive the original Luke Cage to embody in the modern age are replaced by revolutionary theories of liberation, modernizing and radicalizing the character in exciting and meaningful ways. The issue adeptly uses the nine-panel grid to place the entire narrative behind bars, in cramped and claustrophobic panels – until it’s not. The use of familiar iconography towards the end of the issue puts an exclamation point on the entire affair, and the return of the grid in the final pages, which act as an epilogue, expands the device’s symbolic meaning. The Ultimates remains the most relevant mainstream superhero comic being published today, and the somber, steady, deliberately paced The Ultimates #9 makes for a standout issue of a standout series. It’s a must-read story, even for those who haven’t been kept up the series. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5

Wolverine #6
The saga of the Adamantine continues but the Wolverine series can’t overcome the problems that the previous issues encountered. Now no longer in the woods, Logan is teaming up with both Nightcrawler and X-23 to take on some of his biggest villains who have been mentally hijacked. Wolverine’s inner monologue tends to bring things down here and while I would normally give this the same score as my previous reviews, I have to knock this one down lower for bringing back the absolute worst Wolverine villain of all time (for me anyway, though I think most Marvel fans will agree). This series badly needs a new direction as it remains one of the low points of the “From The Ashes” storyline for Marvel’s Merry Mutants. – Evan Valentine
Rating 1.5 out of 5

IMAGE COMICS

Kaya #25
Kaya reaches its halfway point with a momentous turn of events in a standalone issue focusing on seemingly forgotten characters from early in the series that may have upended everything readers knew about Kaya’s world until now. Kaya #25 is light on prose and dialog, which is fine since it allows more for Wes Craig’s lush and atmospheric artwork (enhanced by Jason Wordie’s unearthly colors) to shine through. What words do exist mostly form the internal dialog of Duke Brogo, the uncle of young King Zewl of the mutants who was once bested by Kaya and still holds a grudge. Brogo’s pensive, tired, deliberately paced dialog creates a palpable tension – it’s clear from early on that Craig is building towards something game-changing, and boy does he deliver, not only on the narrative promise but also with a stunning splash page that’s everything one might want from an adventure comic such as this. Craig has effectively marked the point in which the post-apocalyptic world readers have explored over the past 25 issues is about to be changed, for good or ill. Whatever the outcome, Kaya’s back half is primed to be one of the most thrilling adventures in comics. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5

The Rocketfellers #3
The Rocketfellers #3 is a case of not a lot really happening but it still giving the impression that something is supposed to be happening. The issue opens with the people hunting the Rocketfellers seemingly starting to get closer while in the present, the Rocketfeller family continues to try to live in this new world. Roland is apparently working on an experiment that seems like it is going to end up a problem later on while Rachel deals with sexual harassment at work. There’s also a random bit where two brothers realize that someone in Washington State (likely the Rocketfellers) is stealing from them. How all these things come together remains to be seen. This issue, like the previous ones, say a lot but don’t really reveal anything. Hopefully the story will pick up the pace soon enough. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Snotgirl #18
Snotgirl #18 finally takes us back around to the bigger mysteries of the previous run — who are Caroline and Virgil really, and what are they up to. Cutegirl and Sunny Day in particular find themselves embroiled in this as they infiltrate Virgil’s secret hiding place in a crypt and confront him meanwhile Lottie is still stressing about her relationship while on this weekend getaway with her family and discovers some major family secrets in the process. With the mystery of the siblings back in play, this issue is both more interesting and more funny than ever and things are just getting more interesting. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4 out of 5

OTHER PUBLISHERS

Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever #1
I don’t know anything about the stories Frankenstein: New World: Sea of Forever #1 comes from so this is a completely new adventure for me as a reader, as it picks up from Frankenstein: New World and BPRD: The Devil You Know, but even going in blind, The Sea of Forever has charm. While some of the mechanics here do not make sense as a new reader —why is Frankenstein walking around with this girl, what exactly happened to get them there — there is something calm about watching the two characters as they make their way around this new world and, eventually find themselves dealing with an impending danger after dark. The art here is also really very good. Overall not a bad read, even if new readers might not know what’s going on in full. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

Grim #21
The world of Grim has been wild and weird since it debuted, but with issue #21 it goes into an exciting place. Scribe Stephanie Phillips has built layers into this examination of Jessica’s life across a multiverse of sorts, using the reader’s familiarity with this comic concept and making it feel unique to this franchise. Series artist Flaviano takes these larger “what might have been” concepts and imbues them with unique visual flairs, making sure that each universe has a distinct look (and like they’re from their own comic series). Longtime readers will feel rewarded by this one. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Sonic the Hedgehog #76
Sonic the Hedgehog #76 sees Sonic and his friends reckoning with the destruction of Restoration HQ and recovering from the events of the Phantom Rider arc. The result is one of those too-rare issues in which creators pause to take stock of how their characters feel and chart directions for these new impulses to take them. Ian Flynn writes as charming a Sonic as ever, and his scenes in the Chaotix office are light and fun. Conversely, the emotional confessions that occur among the Diamond Cutters and Restoration leadership, with some help from Silver, is a more delicate affair, the dialog all rings true without resorting to stale, over-articulated therapy phrases. Despite being an almost entirely conversational issue, the visuals keep things feeling energetic. The characters are model-perfect and there’s a lot of fun being had with layouts. But there’s also plenty of emotion, such as Jewel’s harrowing expression while sharing her guilt over Restoration HQ’s devastation. Sonic the Hedgehog #76 is an absolute delight, written and drawn with the confidence of creators who know they’ve crafted endearing characters worthy of their fans’ love. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #21
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures has told plenty of clever, inventive, and surprising stories. Issue #21 doesn’t rank among the best, relying on the familiar premise of a Raphael and Casey Jones team-up story. Well, it’s familiar to those who read other TMNT comics but not those raised exclusively on the 1987 cartoon — one of this issue’s best gags is a fourth-wall-breaking remark about this from Raphael. The problem is that the whole situation is played fairly straight without offering much to make “Raphael and Casey Jones from the ‘87 cartoon team-up” distinct from “Raphael and Casey Jones team up” in any other continuity, from the level of violence. That’s not to say there aren’t fun moments throughout, but it all feels like it’s going through the motions of a familiar dance, further stymied by some odd layouts that prove more distracting than enlivening. It’s a fine enough Saturday Morning Adventure for the TMNT family’s gruffest duo – those who have been reading this series consistently are unlikely to be put off – but it does feel a bit stale. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3 out of 5

The post Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 2/5/2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Batman #157 marks two endings. First, it’s the end of Chip Zdarsky’s run, one that started almost three years ago with Batman #125 and took the titular hero on a wild journey as he ended up faced with a threat of his own creation. Second, and most significantly, however, Batman #157 marks the end of “The Dying City” arc and, while the issue sees Batman have a final showdown with Commander Star for the soul of Gotham, the finale is less about Gotham and more about Batman figuring out who he wants to be as a hero now for all he’s been through. It’s a lofty aim and one that’s well-executed, but one that will leave readers wondering if any of the lessons Batman — and Bruce Wayne — learn here will ever really stick, for both the hero and for Gotham.

The issue picks up where Batman #156 leaves off. Batman is hot pursuit of Leonid and his plane as it takes off with Nygma’s code on board. If the Russians get control of that code, they can infiltrate, controlling Gotham and potentially kicking off World War III. Meanwhile, in Gotham, the police are dealing with the building explosion, Jervis Tetch, and Commander Star stirring up the citizens to start a riot and while the cops want to do things the way that they work in Gotham — aka work with Batman — Vandal Savage is notably not on the same page. The bulk of the story plays out in the air as Batman seeks to stop the Russians and retrieve the code. He does so, but in the process finds himself dealing with an out-of-control plane headed right for the city. Some quick-thinking keeps the plane from being a tragedy and sets the stage for a showdown between Commander Star, who is really KGBeast, and Batman.

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There is a lot to unpack about the issue, not so much its dramatic fights, but the messages it attempts to convey. One of the major elements of this storyline thus far has been that as Bruce Wayne’s attempts to finally do something good with his wealth and in his public-facing persona and not just as Batman only to be met with pushback from the public in their “eat the rich” era. The issue leans into this — particularly the idea that performative acts are simply not enough — first in having Leonid reveal the reason why the Russians were conspiring to have Commander Star tear down all of Bruce’s efforts. The reason? As Leonid puts it, Gotham is a symbol of America, a place where the rich lead from the shadows. According to Leonid, Gotham is the boogeyman for their stories, the symbol “of everything wrong with your country”.

This is driven further home on the streets of Gotham where KGBeast, as Commander Star, is sacrificing the Wayne CEO to incite a revolution of the have nots rising up against the have. It’s never really made clear what the real aim for all of this is. One could argue that a revolution in Gotham where the people rise up against those oppressing them is actually a good thing as it would potentially lead to the sort of better Gotham Bruce is hoping to see. However, it seems that the real goal is, outside of just story, chaos and the end of Batman. And while chaos is something that we do get, Batman isn’t going anywhere. Instead, the issue wraps up with all the threats neutralized (save for the enduring situation of Vandal Savage being police commissioner) and both Batman and Bruce Wayne having to face themselves and what they’ve learned in all of this.

Functionally, this is a solid story. Even just for the single issue, Batman #157 is engaging, doesn’t lag, and leaves the reader with a lot to consider both about the story presented on the page and what applications it could have in real life. It’s also actually good to see at the end, Bruce deal with his own humanity and how he is going to move forward as a hero as it feels like he’s learning a real lesson, both about himself and the situation thanks to the journey he’s been on since the start of the Zdarsky run. The only real issue is that it almost feels flat. The issue ends with Batman telling Jim that all they can try to do is “to be good men” and with the creative team changing out with the next issue, how much of this big, self-searching and personal growth will get carried forward? Even Batman seems to be a little unconvinced about how much of what has transpired will stick with his “all we can try to do” comment. In some respects, it feels like a tidy clean-up for something that is — and should be — very messy.

Despite the lingering question of what this all will mean for Batman going forward, Batman #157 is a good read. Zdarsky wraps up the long story he started almost three years ago, and leaves the hero a little wiser, and maybe even a little changed. The book has solid art from Jorge Jimenez and Tony S. Daniel overall and between the art and the story we’re once again reminded that while Batman is in many respects very different from the rest of DC’s roster, he’s a hero with a lot of shades and nuance when he moves from the shadows to the light.

Published by DC Comics

On February 5, 2025

Written by Chip Zdarsky

Art by Jorge Jimenez and Tony S. Daniel

Colors by Tomeu Morey

Letters by Clayton Cowles

The post Batman #157 Review: Shadow and Light appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Kylo Ren is quite the controversial character in the history of Star Wars, going from one of the biggest villains of the latest film trilogy to a hero in his final moments. When it comes to Marvel Comics’ Star Wars universe, the franchise can explore timelines and moments in time that otherwise would have never been featured. Such is definitely the case with Star Wars: Legacy of Vader as the comic book series is examining the life of Han and Leia’s only son at a unique time in his life. When all is said and done, does Kylo’s new comic series do enough to justify its existence in a galaxy far, far away.

Legacy of Vader takes place almost immediately following the death of the Supreme Chancellor Snoke in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. For those who might not know, this was a very important period in Kylo Ren’s life as he had helped to eliminate the former ruler and taken on the First Order for himself. Obviously, Ren has quite a bit of turbulence when it comes to what he should do next, deciding to take a trip to Mustafar to forge a path forward. Encountering a familiar face from Darth Vader’s past, the former Ben Solo attempts to discover how to truly kill the past.

To start, this comic feels like quite the character study of Kylo Ren, with a scene of the Sith introducing the fact that the First Order’s previous leader has died in quite the stunning display. Throughout the original trilogy, Darth Vader, for the most part, was a calm and collected antagonist, stretching his shadow across the galaxy to assist Emperor Palpatine from closing his fist around existence. Ren is “not that guy” as he continues to struggle with his origin story and his own thoughts and feelings in attempting to build his own Empire. Both the action scenes and the more quite moments focusing on his internal struggles, we certainly get a better grasp on the mental state of Ren immediately following The Last Jedi.

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The best character moments we see from Kylo here are two-fold, wherein the first is his encounter with the odious General Hux and the latter being a tete-a-tete with the helmet of Darth Vader. These two exchanges work well in both showing us the malicious confidence of Ren following Snoke’s death, along with the insecurities that continue to bubble within him. The latter especially feels like such a key component of the character, thrashing against parts of himself that he doesn’t like and attempting to bash them into place like a child would. Of course, emotional struggles are far from the only action that Legacy of Vader has to offer.

When Kylo Ren arrives on Mustafar in an attempt to bury Darth Vader’s past specifically, he encounters the shorter guardians of the fortress, helping to create quite the action sequence. The series gives us some truly brutal moments as Ben hacks and cracks his way through the obstacles in his path, thanks in part to Luke Ross’ fantastic direction in terms of his artwork. The set piece itself is loud, crude, and most importantly, still holds the aesthetic of Star Wars.

Writer Charles Soule is no stranger to the Star Wars universe, having written plenty of entries into the Marvel Comics Extended Universe. With his take on Kylo Ren here, it might not break the wheel in terms of offering any new insight as to who Ben Solo is at this point in time, but it works well in terms of justifying its own existence as a story happening between Episodes 8 and 9. Soule brings a lot to the table here, not just in an exploration of Kylo, but also with his in-depth knowledge of the Star Wars universe, using characters that many might have forgotten about to great effect.

As mentioned earlier, Luke Ross does some amazing work here, capturing the looks of the actors from the live-action films and perfectly bringing them to the page. Dare I say, Ross is able to make Kylo Ren look far more villainous in this series than in the films while still clearly capturing the aesthetic of actor Adam Driver. The artist’s work here is both grandiose as well as true to the First Order characters, making for quite the nice mix.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader is an entertaining and informative look at the character of Kylo Ren. While it doesn’t necessarily reveal shocking new secrets about Ben Solo, it stands on its own and might be a worthy pick up for those who are fans of Adam Driver’s Sith.

Published by: Marvel Comics

On: February 5th, 2025

Written by: Charles Soule

Art by: Luke Ross

Colors by: Nolan Woodard

Letters by: VC’s Joe Caramagna

The post Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1 Review: Kylo Ren Takes The Wheel appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Happy new comic book day! It’s another big week in the world of comics, and the ComicBook staff have come together to break down and review as many of the new releases from this week as possible. Now obviously this isn’t every single comic on stands, but we’re breaking down new releases from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more!

We’ve also carved out some additional space for three of this week’s biggest books in Star Wars: A New Legacy #1, The Seasons #1, and Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1, so if our smaller reviews here pique your interest, make sure to check out the full reviews for a much more comprehensive analysis of those issues. As for ratings, we keep things simple with a whole or half number out of five, and you can check out some of our previous reviews right here. With all that said, let’s get to this week’s new comics!

DC

DC’s Lex and The City #1
Such is the case with any anthology one-shot, Lex and the City (a new Valentine’s Day-themed special from DC) is hit and miss across its 80 pages of story, and in a funny twist of fate, the villain-centric tales from the issue end up being the best. Highlights include the titular story, a Lex Luthor/Trish Q story from writer-artist Sina Grace; a Harley/Ivy tale from Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Leslie Hung (with some adorable visuals); a Mr. Freeze story from Jonathan Rivera and Michael Avon Oeming; plus a Riddler story from Sabrina Futh and M.L. Sanapo. There aren’t necessarily any bad stories out of the others, but the ones focusing on the ne’er-do-wells of DC leave the bigger impression. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

DC Power: Rise of the Power Company #1
We’re at the time of year when the publishers break out their Black History Month books and for DC, that’s DC Power: Rise of the Power Company #1. The book contains four stories featuring various Black DC heroes and they are each good stories. They focus on the fallout from Amanda Waller’s actions and have a strong focus on the heroes rebuilding their lives and reclaiming their powers in this changed landscape with a side of dealing with some truly important things like family. Framing all of it is a story featuring Josiah Power that sees him trying to restart the Power Company as he faces his own struggles and demons. Each of the stories are solid — and it appears that Josiah’s story will continue in Black Lightning. The only real “problem” with the issue is that, as is the case with most special anthologies like this, we don’t get to see the characters again in larger stories and that’s a real shame. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4 out of 5

Green Lantern #19
Green Lantern #19 is a testament to how strong the Green Lantern corner of the universe has become over the past two years, balancing a host of characters and bigger level plotlines without losing the book’s heart and soul. Jeremy Adams has bought so much life to Hal and Carol’s dynamic, and without sacrificing what makes them unique a individuals in he process. That said, his biggest money move might just be a new team that no one likely saw coming, and yet it is already one of my favorite things going. That team-up is made even better due to the brilliance of artists Fernando Pasarin, Oclair Albert, and Jason Paz, as well as colorist Romulo Fajardo Jr. and letterer Dave Sharpe, who bring so much to every single scene thanks to their vivid expressions and creative constructs. Green Lantern is hitting on all cylinders, and it couldn’t be a better time to jump onboard. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1
Superman has been on an all-time run, and one of the biggest reasons for that success can be attributed to how fulfilling the series is for longtime readers. Whether it be one-shots, back=up stories, or just small asides within a larger story, it all feels like it contributes to a greater whole, and will most certainly pay off somewhere down the line. A perfect example of this in action is the Superman: Lex Luthor Special, which not only moves the story of Lex and Superman forward, but also affects everything and everyone in the Superman world in some sort of profound way, and all within a story that can’t help but draw upon some level of empathy for one of DC’s greatest villains. It’s simply phenomenal, and builds upon a run that set that high bar in the first place. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Marvel

Deadpool #10
After being thought dead for all of three issues (Or was it four? Maybe five?), Wade Wilson is back and he’s attempting to be a father who introduces his sword-slinging daughter to the family business. This issue sees Deadpool and Ellie teaming up to sharpen their skills while under the tutelage of “frenemy” Taskmaster, creating some humorous situations and letting the two Pools bounce off one another. Wade and his daughter’s relationship is an infectious one and is one of the highlights of the series so far, especially with how the final page might throw said relationship to turmoil. Ultimately, the tenth issue feels like one of the better representations of this current run so far and hopefully, Ziglar can continue leaning into what works. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Hellhunters #2
I’m a sucker for the supernatural in my comic book universes and Hellhunters does well in blending the grittiness of World War 2 and the grotesque side of the Marvel Universe. In the second issue, the supernatural super group is joined by a certain Canucklehead and while his introduction is fast and furious, he does add an interesting angle to the group. Much like the first issue, Hellhunters does a good job of balancing the horrors of war and the supernatural, even going so far as to recreate a legendary real-life set piece with some horrifying grotesques. Hellhunters is a wild ride and I’m having a ball so far.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5

Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu #4
You know you have something special when even the book’s resident therapist is a complete badass, but that’s pretty par for the course or Moon Knight. Jed MacKay reigns in the team fun of past issues and puts the focus solely on Marc, Jake, and Steven, making for some enlightening and at times hilarious observations amongst he trio about Moon Knight’s current state of mind and his perception of Fairchild and what he represents. Artist Devmalya Pramanik and colorist Rachelle Rosenberg are weavers of magic throughout the issue, with stunning pinks and oranges bringing warmth to the most isolated of places as Moon Knight’s piercing white costume splits the darkness in half. The creativity in the panels and how they flow is stunning, especially in the book’s bloody latter half. It’s all leading to a showdown that should be epic, and I’ve already got a ticket and my popcorn.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5

Psylocke #3
If Psylocke #3 confirms anything it’s that Kwannon and John Greycrow make a pretty solid pairing. It’s a shame that the series keeps sidelining John instead of lettering that chemistry flourishes, though the desire to ensure Psylocke remains the lead of her book is understandable. Unfortunately, the rest of the comic leaves something to be desired. Structured as less of a story and more of a series of expositional scenes, Psylocke #3 reveals the identity of the antagonist seemingly trying to provoke Kwannon. That character’s origin is mired in unflattering tropes about disabled bodies housing malevolent personalities (though I’ll try to hold judgment until the character has fully debuted in the next issue, allowing for the chance of subversion). There’s lots of action in the issue, none of it memorable, rendered with uncharismatic colors, depriving the scenes of any aesthetic mood, and mostly depicted via busy panels that use afterimages to show Psylocke in several flashy poses at the same time, eliminating any sense of momentum, fluidity, or motion. At three issues in, Psylocke feels like a pilot for a better version of itself, making a decent enough case for Kwannon as a solo star (or paired with Greycrow), but lacking enough in substance and polish to suggest that the concept could have stood to be reworked before being sent to print. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 2 out of 5

Spider-Boy #15
Without an ounce of hyperbole, there’s one moment in Spider-Boy #15 that literally had me laughing out loud, and it was literally just two characters sharing some pre-fight banter. Those moments are one of the many reasons I adore this series, and they are woven heavily throughout issue 15. Dan Slott has a gift for comedic timing and witty banter, and the issue leans into that with excellent results, though that’s also thanks to the stellar work of Paco Medina, Erick Arciniega, and Joe Caramagna. The talented team brings so much life and personality to these already charming characters, and yet can switch easily to unexpected moments of brutality when the situation calls for it. The only thing holding this particular story back is the actual stakes of the tournament. The stakes are established clearly, but they just aren’t resonating with me. Thankfully here’s enough lovely character work and charm that it’s relatively easy to overlook, and that unexpected ending has me intrigued for what’s around the next corner. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Star Wars: A New Legacy #1
Many Star Wars fans found themselves despondent when it was announced that Disney would not be counting the original “Extended Universe” as canon, and quite honestly, it’s understandable. There was such a large amount of stories following characters old and new across multiple mediums that many Jedi and Sith fans found themselves able to find tales that otherwise would have never been told on the screen. Luckily, Marvel Comics has been taking a somewhat similar approach to its Star Wars comics, introducing new characters while also examining stories revolving around beloved characters of the past. With Star Wars: A New Legacy, Marvel has created an excellent entry point for those who want a breakdown of some of these big comic characters not seen in the bigger media.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Storm: Lifedream #1
It’s wild to think that Storm is celebrating her 50th anniversary this year, but Marvel is giving her a special book to celebrate with Storm: Lifedream #1. Very broadly, Storm: Lifedream #1 is an odd story, framing the idea of Storm’s history and future within a sci-fi story where her “record” is being archived, but while she’s being scanned for the record — which is something she doesn’t have any knowledge of or even gave permission for — something goes wrong and it turns into a race that Storm has to win to keep herself form being replaced. The story superficially revisits some of the more difficult moments of Storm’s history and while the ultimate message is solid, it feels a little strange to “celebrate” one of comics’ greatest heroines by only revisiting her tragedies. Still, it’s a must read for Storm fans and the various art throughout is a treat. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

Ultimate X-Men #11
There are some comic books that I review where I had to pique my brain when it comes to thinking of new ways to sing their praises, but with Ultimate X-Men, I find myself thinking the opposite. I understand what Peach Momoko is going for with the Ultimate Universe’s take on mutants but it simply continues to fall apart in most respects. This story would have worked so much better as a side story, an ancillary book that wasn’t the main entryway to the Ultimate Universe’s “X-Men” which they can still hardly be called eleven issues in. I also feel that Momoko’s stylized work in this issue in particular fails to capitalize on the artistic strengths of previous entries, especially when it comes to the lack of detail on the characters’ faces. Time and again, Ultimate X-Men feels like a weight dragging down an otherwise amazing outing from the new Ultimate Universe and I’m hoping that something can be done to right the ship. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 2 out of 5

West Coast Avengers #3
West Coast Avengers’ slightly retro aesthetic remains charming, affecting a more realistic, grounded approach to its characters but with a velvety, marker-like quality to the coloring that makes the whole thing feel lush and decadent. West Coast Avengers #3 reads quickly, and its opening explanation for why there are suddenly multiple Ultrons with differing personalities running around isn’t entirely satisfying. However, the team still has a delightfully dysfunctional dynamic that leads to certain members acting out during their first encounter with The One in a way where the Avengers could be accused of being in the wrong. On its face, The One’s offer is seemingly benevolent, and one humanity would only take of its own free will while Tony Stark suggests a more direct and arguably less moral approach. Whether or not West Coast Avengers will meaningfully unpack the philosophical quandary that its heroes find themselves mired in remains to be seen, but even if all of that is background noise it still makes for a fun time and a fine entry into the barely functional superhero team subgenre of comics. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

X-Men #10
The current volume of X-Men continues to live in the shadow of the late 1990s/early 2000s comics that it displays such reverence for. X-Men #10 sees Cyclops confronting ONE’s Agent Luindqvist as a newly revealed team of mutant mercenaries that Cyke has on psychic speed dial (with a roster comprised primarily of characters from the turn of the century era) does some covert sabotage and property damage. The standoff illuminates much of what’s missing from Jed McKay’s characterizations of Cyclops. The mutant leader’s game of political brinkmanship comes off as petty instead of powerful, his posture militant without being revolutionary, his cause not backed by righteousness but by a might-makes-right mentality, as if Scott Summers somehow unlearned many of the leadership traits that made him the face of the X-Men for years. The artwork doesn’t do much to enliven the story. The characters are serviceably drawn, but the beginning of the issue is marked by chaotic panel layouts that feel over-the-top compared to what is happening in the story. Eventually, artist Paco Diaz settles down, contrasting the straightforward grid depicting Cyke’s conversation with Lundqvist against the more dynamic panels of the Hellions’ destructive mission, and pulling out some clever formal tricks as things get heated in the former. Still, that’s hardly enough for this series to break free from the sense that it is a lesser imitation of better comics that came before it. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 2 out of 5

Image Comics

Ice Cream Man #43
Ice Cream Man continues to find new ways to reinvent itself, with series creators W. Maxwell Prince & Martin Morazzo bringing in some heavy hitters to tell one page horror stories. Industry titans like Grant Morrison, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Matt Fraction, and Zoe Thorogood pen some of these stories, which do well with the form and show off the chops that each of them are known for to a great degree. Prince ends up writing the majority of the one-pagers himself, but he brings the trademark wit, dark humor, and form-breaking ideas that have made Ice Cream Man a mainstay. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Redcoat #9
Redcoat’s latest issue introduces the Ghost Machine’s take on Johnny Appleseed, and in doing so, introduces one of my favorite supporting characters to Simon Pure’s journey so far. In fact, Johnny might work well here as a permanent foil to Pure, acting as his “Jimminy Cricket” along the way. Geoff Johns has a good grasp on both characters here while also giving us both a story that is as big as its ambitions along with giving Bryan Hitch plenty to chew on. Hitch’s art is some of the best I’ve seen from him on this current run, capturing some amazing action scenes as Pure and Appleseed butt heads. This was one of the most fun issues of Redcoat to date, slipping in American mythology with Simon’s continuing time travel adventures and here’s hoping the future issues stick with this formula.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Seasons #1
The bottom line is there is nothing quite like The Seasons. A story of layers and mystery that blends genre both visually and narratively, this is a very well-crafted first issue and while Remender can sometimes take a high concept and fly a little too close to the sun to fully pull it off, the wings built with this issue feel sturdy thanks to careful characterization and incredible art. It’s a fantastic kick off for something that feels truly special.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Other Publishers

Masters of The Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of GreySkull #3
The best comic book crossovers between two separate universes are normally the ones that show off the strengths of both locales, which the Heroes and The Half Shell and the Masters of The Universe are able to do with the latest issue of their “team-up.” Rather than seeing Prince Adam teaming up with Mikey, Leo, Raph, and Donny, He-Man swaps places with the Turtle boys and vice versa. This crossover is one that feels like a Saturday Morning Cartoon come to life, cramming in plenty of characters and lore into its pages. With this penultimate issue, Seeley and Williams are still able to slip in some grin-inducing moments for fans of both franchises. Hopefully, the conclusion can stick the landing with what we’ve seen so far. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5

Star Trek: Defiant #23
The deepening of Worf’s relationship with his son, Alexander, is a great gift that Star Trek: Defiant has given to Star Trek fans. It’s a relationship frequently sidelines by both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in favor of more straightforward Starfleet problems, ironically mirroring Worf’s negligence of his son in favor of his duties. Christopher Cantwell has managed to merge those stories, addressing past failures and entangling Alexander’s redemption to Worf finally embracing the parental role he struggled with previously. The resolution of Star Trek: Defiant #23’s plot is somewhat oversimplified — if only getting greedy corporate opportunists to do the right thing (or at least a slightly righter thing) was as easy as getting a more physically capable person close enough to bully them properly — but Angel Unzueta and Marissa Louise deliver the visual goods, as usual, blending Defiant’s relatively stark aesthetic with the action called on by this particularly violent issue. Add in the tense B-plot unfolding aboard the Defiant, and you’ve got another stellar issue of the series. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Teenage Mutant NInja Turtles #6
Following up the murderer’s row of A-list artistic talents that kicked off IDW Publishing’s recently relaunched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series seems like it should be a challenge, yet Juan Ferreyra seems up to it. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 is Ferreyra’s debut as the series’ new regular artist and they are quick to impress. Ferrerya’s style combines firmly rendered characters with inventive poses and panel framing that often sends characters taking the brunt of an impact hurling straight at the reader, their grimacing mouth exposing every tooth within. Providing this weight and detail connects his style to the gritty look of the Mirage-era comics but how he achieves that grit differs drastically from how Laird and Eastman conveyed it in their work, keeping the issue from feeling like a pastiche. Additionally, TMNT #6 is the first issue where all four Turtles are back together under Jason Aaron’s pen. The Turtles’ voices are certainly changed from the previous volume of the series but mostly in a way that can be explained by their year apart (Michelangelo may take some longtime IDW readers aback pause as his previously soft, emotionally intelligent characterization is buried under a turn to petulant celebrity status, which is not an inexplicable development, and one that picks up threads from the end of the previous series, but a drastic one). However, the tense bickering between the brothers rings true and helps amplify the tension in what is essentially an issue-long high-octane chase sequence that’ll have readers’ blood pumping. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #6 solidifies the series’ status as a must-read title. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution #4
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin II – Re-Evolution #4 is a dense comic. Its many pages are packed with many panels, each panel cramped with many characters, each character speaking many words in many word balloons. Part of this stems from The Last Ronin II’s attempt to develop an entire world out of The Last Ronin, which was seemingly conceived of as a singular story. This has left Re-Evolution to attempt worldbuilding on the fly, introducing various factions and new allies into the new Turtles’ orbit, while keeping the plot moving at a reasonable clip. It hasn’t been a perfectly balanced act — the villains, in particular, feel underdeveloped in this go around as much more time has been spent individualizing the new generation of TMNT, both in terms of personality and their powers — and the laying of all that groundwork does slow the story’s pace. However, it is also paying some dividends, as a lively cast of supporting characters is starting to take shape around the new TMNT. There are also moments in this book that will surprise and delight longtime Ninja Turtle fans. The latter part of the issue where all of the narrative scaffolding falls away and we get to see the new Turtles in action, without supervision, for the first time is a great payoff that sets the stage for the next issue’s big finale. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Book of Cutter #1
Something Is Killing the Children has become a master at looking back to propel a story forward, and nowhere is that more apparent than The Book of Cutter #1. The team of James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera, Antonio Fuso, Letizia Cadonici, Miquel Muerto, and Andworld Design dive into the House of Cutter’s history and origins and the people who found themselves at the center of expanding their influence in the old and new world. It’s a credit to the world that’s been built that the long swaths of text (presented as letters and correspondence from key figures) were just as immersive as the present day story, so while it might be a bit much for those who don’t already have an appreciation for the franchise, those who are already fans will find it difficult to turn away, especially as the connections become more and more apparent as the story plays out. The artwork is as top tier as ever, especially in the shifts to the past, giving you just enough of a glimpse to send your imagination into nightmare scenarios. If you’re already a fan of the franchise, this is simply outstanding, and while it might not be as approachable for newer fans, the brilliant storytelling still might be able to win you over. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The post Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 1/29/2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Many Star Wars fans found themselves despondent when it was announced that Disney would not be counting the original “Extended Universe” as canon, and quite honestly, it’s understandable. There was such a large amount of stories following characters old and new across multiple mediums that many Jedi and Sith fans found themselves able to find tales that otherwise would have never been told on the screen. Luckily, Marvel Comics has been taking a somewhat similar approach to its Star Wars comics, introducing new characters while also examining stories revolving around beloved characters of the past. With Star Wars: A New Legacy, Marvel has created an excellent entry point for those who want a breakdown of some of these big comic characters not seen in the bigger media.

To start, A New Legacy is an issue that has three stories within it and luckily, all of them are worthy of the Star Wars banner. To start, “The Grand Imperial Jubilee” is perhaps the biggest in terms of the sheer number of comic characters that are a part of its chaotic mash-up. Following this, “For The Love of The Empire” is a story that is easily the darkest, which makes sense as it follows one of the most ruthless military units of the Empire itself. Finally, Rogue’s Gambit is a much smaller, self-contained story that focuses on Dr. Aphra and her ragtag band of miscreants making up her freighter. It’s a solid enough round-up of faces and figures to give you a better scope of what Marvel Comics has been up to in their tinier corner of the Galaxy that is far, far away.

“The Grand Imperial Jubilee” is a good starting point for this anthology comic, especially as it feels like it incorporates the most moving parts of the three to help break down the comic book version of Star Wars. In it, we are given a heist story featuring the likes of Sana Starros, Dr. Aphra, Valance The Hunter, and Rik Duel as their stories collide, stirring numerous elements into one action-packed pot. Writer Charles Soule teams up with artist Steve McNiven to help create a story that feels like the most “traditional” Star Wars tale of the three entries in A New Legacy, though it might not win my nomination for best of the bunch.

[RELATED: Did Star Wars Jut Reveal a Fan-Favorite Prequel Character’s Grisly Fate?]

Speaking of, Jason Aaron and Leonard Kirk team-up for “For The Love of The Empire,” the darkest of the three outings that definitely pushes the limit in terms of just how ruthless a Star Wars story can be. Task Force 99 feels like a weathered, tough-as-nails battalion that just so happens to be working for the Emperor, Darth Vader, and their expansive Empire. We get insight into just how dangerous their missions will normally be while also being reminded that these are villains and that while they might be the stars of this short story, they’re most assuredly not role models. Aaron is able to do a lot with the time given here while Kirk does the same, especially when it comes to the battle scenes and emotions on display throughout.

Finally, “Rogue’s Gambit” is certainly the funniest of the three stories, with writer Kieron Gillen bringing his trademark wit to the table and artist Salva Espin capitalizing on their artistic talents here. Even though I’m not a major Star Wars fan like some of my co-workers, I’ve always had a soft spot for Triple-Zero and BT-1, effectively the dark doppelgangers of C3PO and R2-D2 respectively. The issue ends with this hilarious story, capping out a worthy entryway to Marvel Comics’ Star Wars universe.

Ultimately, I did want to touch upon one of my big complaints with the issue, which ironically is one that I don’t tend to bring up that often in my comic book reviews. The issue of cost when it comes to a single issue if always one up for debate, and certainly, this comic is extra-packed with stories. However, A New Legacy feels like a primer book for those wondering if they should take a peek at Marvel Comics’ Star Wars universe, so I can’t help but feel that giving readers more incentive here to pick this one up.

Pricing issues aside, Star Wars: A New Legacy feels like a solid entry point for those who might not have checked out the Marvel Comics’ universe and want to see what these stories are all about. If you’ve been wondering whether this new take on Star Wars is for you, this is definitely the issue to check out.

Published by: Marvel Comics

On: January 29th, 2025

Written by: Charles Soule, Jason Aaron, Kieron Gillen

Art by: Steve McNiven, Leonard Kirk, Salva Espin

Colors by: Neeraj Menon, Jay David Ramos, Israel Silva

Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles

The post Star Wars: A New Legacy #1 Review: An Excellent Entry Point appeared first on ComicBook.com.

If you’ve ever wondered what might happen if you took Tintin, threw it into a Wes Anderson movie, and then sent the whole thing on the road to Hell in a horror story the result might just look and feel a little bit like The Seasons #1. Written by Rick Remender with art by Paul Azaceta and colors from Matheus Lopes The Seasons #1 is a mystery, a horror story, and an adventure all wrapped up in one with threads of each woven from page to page. It’s like nothing else in comics right now and while the complex story and visually storytelling requires a careful read and a little bit of patience, the payoff in the final pages is chillingly worth it — and worth going along for the rest of the ride.

The Seasons begins with a mystery.  A thriving city, Neocairo, has mysteriously fallen silent. A news report from Autumn Seasons in 1924 reveals that more than 4 million people have just mysteriously gone silent. The airport isn’t communicating with planes, the boats and ferries aren’t running, no one is coming or going, and it’s as though the city’s inhabitants have vanished. However, across the opening pages, readers can see that is clearly not the case as there are still people in Neocairo though they all appear to be transfixed by some sort of hand mirrors. The only signs of life belong to a dog and an unsettling group of clowns who dismiss the dog’s barking to depart — they’re “needed” elsewhere.

With no additional explanation, readers are then whisked off to New Gaulia where Spring Seasons is chasing the wind — literally — in an attempt to get her hands on a letter from her sister that has gotten away from her. It’s a zany, at times comical romp through the city with Spring disrupting the charming daily lives of just about everyone she encounters. But while Spring gets her letter, all is not well. It’s revealed that Autumn has stumbled across something sinister and the letter is a warning for Spring to get her sisters and get out of town but readers quickly learn that the threat Autumn is warning about may well already be there — and Spring has already encountered it.

[RELATED: Absolute Wonder Woman’s New Sword Puts Cloud Strife’s to Shame]

The Seasons #1 is a very enjoyable read. The opening, with the mystery of Neocairo, sets an unsettling tone without giving too much away and makes the shift to Spring’s letter-chasing adventure both tonally and visually jarring. It’s a sharp pace adjustment that makes the Neocairo mystery all the more intriguing while also propelling the reader forward, laying the groundwork of wondering how everything connects. The issue particularly excels in showing more than it tells, giving readers a solid grasp of Spring’s personality right out of the gate, while not putting her in any particular box, which is especially useful as we get to the end and we realize that the threat is already there. This works beautifully in contrast with what little we learn about Autumn in another vignette, making things even more compelling.

But while the writing here is strong it is the art and color that genuinely the star/ The devastated Neocairo has its own almost shaggy foreboding while New Gaulia has a sort of candy-colored vintage French nostalgia to it that is charming and almost more unsettling/ The real standout, however, is the mysterious clown. If you have a fear of clowns, this issue is only going to exacerbate it, but it’s a chilling twist in all the right ways/

The bottom line is there is nothing quite like The Seasons. A story of layers and mystery that blends genre both visually and narratively, this is a very well-crafted first issue and while Remender can sometimes take a high concept and fly a little too close to the sun to fully pull it off, the wings built with this issue feel sturdy thanks to careful characterization and incredible art. It’s a fantastic kick off for something that feels truly special.

Published by Image Comics

On January 29, 2025

Written by Rick Remender

Art by Paul Azaceta

Colors by Matheus Lopes

Letters by Rus Wooton

The post The Seasons #1 Review: A Wes Anderson-tinged Horror Delight appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Superman has been on an all-time run, and one of the biggest reasons for that success can be attributed to how fulfilling the series is for longtime readers. Whether it be one-shots, back-up stories, or just small asides within a larger story, it all feels like it contributes to a greater whole, and will most certainly pay off somewhere down the line. A perfect example of this in action is the Superman: Lex Luthor Special, which not only moves the story of Lex and Superman forward, but also affects everything and everyone in the Superman world in some sort of profound way, and all within a story that can’t help but draw upon some level of empathy for one of DC’s greatest villains. It’s simply phenomenal, and builds upon a run that set that high bar in the first place.

Joshua Williamson has been utilizing Luthor’s current status as an amnesiac to great effect over the past few issues, and while you always knew Luthor would eventually regain his memories, Williamson certainly made a case for pushing that eventuality down the road a bit simply due to how well executed the current status quo continued to be. That’s all figured into the equation here as well, as Luthor’s complete turnaround has had a visible effect on Mercy, bringing out a more vulnerable side, while Lena actually establishes some sort of connection with her father. Superman has also seen a Luthor who looks to avoid any of the pitfalls and actions of his former self, and that’s why the radius of what we see in the special is so far reaching.

[RELATED: Absolute Wonder Woman’s New Sword Puts Cloud Strife’s to Shame]

As for Luthor himself, a heaping of praise is much deserted for Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, Adriano Lucas, and Dave Sharpe, drawing so much out of the quieter moments. You don’t simply see those moments, you feel them, and every heartbreak feels as if it carries the weight of the world. And yet, those heartbreaking memories lead to one of the most unexpected and yet endearingly hopeful moments of the entire series, let alone this one issue.

It was never going to be a question of if Luthor would return, but of when and how it would land. It would be incredibly easy to just have Luthor playing innocent until he was discovered or betrayed Superman down the line, and while it would have certainly been effective, it wouldn’t have resonated in nearly the same way. Here all of the cards are on the table, but things are still incredibly messy, and none of it works either if not for the fact that you genuinely empathize with Lex and how a hopeful and inventive young child was hardened and changed by a pathetic parental example. Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1 is simply a must-read, whether you’re a fan of Superman or not.

Published by DC Comics

On January 29, 2025

Written by Joshua Williamson

Art by Eddy Barrows and Eber Ferreira

Colors by Adriano Lucas

Letters by Dave Sharpe

What did you think of the Superman: Lex Luthor Special? You can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @knightofoa!

The post Superman: Lex Luthor Special #1 Review: An Absolute Must-Read appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Happy new comic book day! It’s another big week in the world of comics, and the ComicBook staff have come together to break down and review as many of the new releases from this week as possible. Now obviously this isn’t every single comic on stands, but we’re breaking down new releases from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more!

We’ve also carved out some additional space for two of this week’s biggest books in X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1 and Detective Comics #1093 so if our smaller reviews here pique your interest, make sure to check out the full reviews for a much more comprehensive analysis of those issues. As for ratings, we keep things simple with a whole or half number out of five, and you can check out some of our previous reviews right here. With all that said, let’s get to this week’s new comics!

DC

Absolute Wonder Woman #4
Absolute Wonder Woman has brilliantly crafted a sense of awe, honor, and compassion around Diana, but to truly appreciate the picture that’s been painted, look no further than Etta and Gia Candy. In just one issue, Kelly Thompson has already established a meaningful role to play for Etta and her sister Gia, and not only do they get to shine of their own accord, but they also provide a welcome prism in which to better appreciate just how selfless and awe-inspiring Diana truly is. It doesn’t stop there though, as artist Hayden Sherman, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Becca Carey deliver unforgettable moments throughout the entire issue, delving into the steep price of magic and the power of loyalty in truly vivid ways. Also, when in doubt, giant swords absolutely rule, and there’s that too. Absolute Wonder Woman has been brilliant from the very start, and it’s already making a case to be one of the best books of 2025. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5

Black Canary: Best of the Best #3
The fight of the century has steadily become the ultimate underdog story in Black Canary: Best of the Best, but issue #3 sets the stage for an amazing comeback. Tom King brings that authentic big fight feel to the festivities, but it’s those small touches and moments between the punches that elevate it from a fight to a battle of titans. Ryan Sook, Dave Stewart, and Clayton Cowles, are true magicians at creating those visceral moments in the ring, creating the sense of tension and stakes that make these battles into such one of a kind spectacles. As the action plays out in the ring we also get more of a sense of the human stakes behind it all, and not going to lie, seeing Green Arrow get served is never going to hurt either. Black Canary: Best of the Best continues to live up to its name, and I can’t wait to see what happens when the comeback finally arrives. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Catwoman #72
While the narration structure that runs through the issue and frames the story overall is a little bit of a distraction from the more compelling action on the page, Catwoman #72 is a strong issue. Serving as both heist and subtle examination of Selina’s past, the issue gives readers what they want — Catwoman doing a little breaking and entering in order to attempt to retrieve her secrets form a safe — while also deepening the mystery of what exactly those secrets are and who she is up against. There’s a good bit of action in the issue, brought to life by some fantastic art but the use of color is the real star of the show.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 4 out of 5

DC Horror Presents…#4
DC Horror Presents… #4 is an odd, but fun little book. There are two stories — one from Patton Oswalt and Jordan Blum featuring Catwoman and one from Steve Kostanski featuring Matter-Eater Lad — and while neither of them really feel like “horror” tales, they contain just the right balance of spooky and humor. “The Diamond that Steals Back” sees Catwoman haunted by disturbing images of a life she never got to have thanks to a demon-possessed diamond. There isn’t a lot to it, substantively, but the idea of the thief being stolen from makes for an interesting premise, particularly in how it factors in what would cause Catwoman the most pain. The Matter-Eater Lad story leans a bit more into comedy and borders on the gross, but it explores the weirdness of the hero’s ability in a way that is pretty unique. Both stories are perhaps a bit weak in terms of art, but overall, the issue’s not a bad read and doesn’t scare too much. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

Detective Comics #1093
Whether the subtext rings true, Taylor and Janin have crafted a compelling mystery in the Batman mold. The villains feel appropriately arch, aloof, and dangerous enough to be worthy of Batman’s attention, and their victims are both sympathetic and relatively on personal and symbolic levels. If nothing else, Janin appears born to bask Gotham’s dingy streets in a grimy, neon glow, illuminating every violent secret it hides. Detective Comics is a finely packaged dose of grounded Batman storytelling at its best.
– Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Green Arrow #20
While the idea of a superhero fighting against a corrupt corporation may not be wholly original, it is rarely executed with such skill as seen in the current Green Arrow run. The visuals, focused entirely on mood and character over bombast, set the perfect tone to tell the story of a justified killer, one who has suffered from the indifference of the wealthy and been sacrificed to the bottom line of a corporation. And yet again, the characters are the thing. It’d be easy to paint Ollie here as a paragon of virtue of virtue, a superhero you can feel uncritically good about rooting for because he has the “correct politics.” But the writing here is nuanced enough that even if Green Arrow is broadly correct in his furor over the injustices that have befallen this vengeful woman, he still comes off as smug and self-righteous, someone who takes advantage of privilege at the same time, he’s calling out another for awarding it to him. It’s a much richer text for this complication. And then after all of that, the issue still managed one last well-paced surprise before the end. Green Arrow remains a top-notch superhero story with a fine noirish touch. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5

Harley Quinn #47
There’s a delicious irony in how Harley Quinn oblivious takes advantage of the citizens of the neighborhood she’s sworn to protect from gentrification, a picture of an out-of-towner with online politics swooping in to save a community that never asked for their help. That illumination nicely primes readers for this issue’s story, which is all about Harley getting a bit overconfident about her abilities and getting duped as a result, her self-righteousness combined with her obliviousness forming a negligent callousness. But primarily, Harley Quinn is a cartoon character stuck in a cartoon rivalry with her cartoon nemesis, who happens to be on the other side of the gentrification struggle. There are delightful scenes of humor in this issue, including a wry, corporate-slogan-laden villain monologue from the object of Harley’s affections, undercut by Harley herself. The artwork in this book is entirely committed to that cartoonish flavor, with thick, bold linework and exaggerated features all around (and also a resemblance to Becky Cloonan’s work). It’s a tidy package of animated energy and satirical humor delivered with a lot of charm. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Justice League Unlimited #3
It’s an embarrassment of riches in the Justice League Unlimited corner of the universe, and few teams are as adept at delivering big action and layered storytelling on a grand scale as Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ariana Maher. Justice League Unlimited #3 touches all aspects of the bigger story at play while also exploring the ramifications from Absolute Power, and some of those moments are as grisly as they are unforgettable. Inferno really gets a bump this time around, and feel like a genuine threat to the world’s way of life, let alone the League itself. This book also continues to be a stunner, delivering epic action in one panel and then pivoting to full-on gruesome horror in the next. Justice League Unlimited has captured what made the original cartoon so brilliant and is adding its own signature flair, and I really can’t think of a bigger compliment to pay it.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Metamorpho: The Element Man #2
A hilarious indictment of generative AI and the goofballs that tout its “potential,” Al Ewing continues to write the comic that feels both modern and classic in nature, a rare feat. Steve Lieber’s art stylings are also the exact right look not only for this character but for the tone that this series is taking on. This is a must-read comic for fans of the medium as its timeless potential is already obvious two issues in. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Superman #22
If you were looking for an issue that crystalized the potential in Lois Lane’s Superwoman transformation, look no further than Superman #22. Clark is always a much better character when Lois is involved and in the mix, and that is equally true now that she finds herself superpowered and working alongside Superman in the field. Joshua Williamson never loses sight of their couple dynamic, but also adds layers to it as new scenarios present themselves, like say when an army of Doomsday haters come to collect him. The banter between Clark and Lois is simply delightful, as is Lois’ assessment of Radiant’s true motives, though equally worthy of celebration is the truly beautiful artwork from the dynamite team of Dan Mora, Alejandro Sanchez, and Ariana Maher. This book is simply stunning from beginning to end, with several pages knocking you for a loop both in terms of concept and brilliance of execution. Few books stun as much as Superman on a month to month basis, and it’s the latest chapter in one of the DC icon’s strongest eras to date.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5

Wonder Woman #17
Wonder Woman #17 continues the needlessly long and drawn out story of the Sovereign explaining his history and story with Wonder Woman, this time narrating how the Wonder Girls decimated his stronghold by working together while in a parallel story Diana tells her infant daughter the story of her father, seemingly dazed by her own grief as she allows her allies to fight the Sovereign battle for her, at least for now. To be honest, there isn’t much new ground covered in this issue. We’re still very much in the same place we’ve been for a few issues, just with the Sovereign running to a new location that is being teased as being the ultimate one, but one that feels rather American-centric for a character that isn’t actually from our world. It’s an easy enough read, but it feels like we’re just reading water.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Marvel

Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon #1
Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon is an interesting book. There’s a good bit of humor — that’s to be expected considering that it’s Rocket Raccoon and the idea of teaming him up with Doctor Doom is itself a little wacky. But there are also some funny little fourth wall breaks through editor “notes” that offer some levity on what is otherwise a little weighty with Doom looking to go back to before time existed to find the “why” of everything. While the actual story falls a little short — we get bogged down in details and some big esoteric things — it’s an interesting window into Doom’s mind, and a pretty fun adventure, too.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Fantastic Four #28
Ryan North brings Reed and Sue into “One World Under Doom”, putting the crossover to good use in seeing Victor and Richards once again coming face-to-face. In trying to take down the new Sorcerer Supreme, the two “parents” of the Fantastic Four make a trip to Dane Whitman, aka the Black Knight, in an effort to fire magical fire with fire. While there are some clever twists and turns in here, the story progression is one that can be a tad confusing at times thanks to Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman jumping through a time portal. While this one-off feels a tad too much like a one-off for a crossover rather than looking at the overall story of the FF, it still brings the goods when all is said and done.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Hellverine #2
Benjamin Percy’s Hellverine is a testament to his writing ability, as he takes yet another concept that seems sophomoric and giving it gravitas and weight. The art by Raffaele Ienco (with colors by Bryan Valenza) captures not only the specific aura of the place Daken is investigating, but gets across a strong sense of character in all of the images. If there’s a fault to find, it’s minor, but Ienco’s work in many pages lacks a dynamic feel, with the posing of some characters feeling like still moments without energy, there’s no momentum between some of the panels. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 4 out of 5

Iron Man #4
Tony Stark is still licking his wounds following the Roxxon Stark War, and he’s getting a little help from a magical friend to dig into the Mysterium issue at hand. The best part of this issue, for me, was the Scarlet Witch’s journey into the magical plane, which might be free of speech but has some interesting and gorgeous art to see Wanda’s traversal to help out her fellow Avenger. This latest issue focuses far more on the “Iron” versus the “Man” but it still works well at pushing the story forward. Of course, the past once again comes back to bite Tony in the final pages and it will be interesting to see how this new wrinkle plays out.
– Evan Valentine
Rating 3.5 out of 5

Phoenix #7
Stephanie Phillips continues to do tremendous work with what is quietly one of the best comics Marvel is publishing. Not only do the characters themselves feel smart and grounded, but the plot is propelled by the actual personality and powers of the title hero. Phillips just GETS Jean, and this series shows. Marco Renna continues to turn in tremendous splash pages and action beats as well in this (his second issue), with color artist David Curiel elevating the already great work with depth and layers.
– Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Scarlet Witch #8
Wanda and Amaranth continue to work their magic in the pages of Scarlet Witch, and that magic absolutely pops thanks to the insanely talented team of artist Lorenzo Tammetta, colorist Ruth Redmond, and letterer Ariana Maher. While writer Steve Orlando keeps you guessing regarding the origin of these creatures, the moment to moment action screams with style, with some truly cinematic moments woven throughout. Orlando only ups the ante by continuing to find new ways for Wanda to be a complete badass, and while this doesn’t end on the highest of notes for Wanda and her new apprentice, it does leave the reader anxiously waiting to see what happens next, so mission accomplished.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Amazing Spider-Man #66
“The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man” may go down as the least consistent major superhero storyline ever produced. Once again, the story is handed over to writer Justina Ireland, who, along with artist Andrea Broccardo, presents a look at Peter Parker at his most destitute. Having sworn off Spider-Man yet again after undergoing existential trauma during his latest challenge against one of Cyttorak’s scions, Peter has gone full nihilist, seeing no point in anything, least of all trying to do good in a world gone bad. The message here is a bit muddied. As presented previously, Peter’s cynical streak is born out of a feeling of smallness, that on a longer enough timeline, nothing we do matters because, on a long enough timeline, we and everyone we know or help will die. But throughout the issue, Peter is more interested in bemoaning the evils of capitalism, a sense that good can’t ultimately defeat evil, rather than simply that neither side of the conflict matters in the long run. Even if you gloss over that, while it’s nice to have a quiet issue between the more bombastic ones, The Amazing Spider-Man #66 doesn’t offer any insights into Peter’s state of mind that wasn’t already clear by the end of the last scion’s challenge, doubly so for readers who read the Coulson-focused (and cumbersomely numbered) The Amazing Spider-Man #65.DEATHS, which already offered readers a glimpse into the life of The Fatalistic Spider-Man. Add to that the distracting artwork, with characters’ features shifting noticeably from panel to panel, and it’s hard to escape the sense that the issue is spinning its wheels and not in a particularly entertaining way. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 2 out of 5

TVA #2
Marvel’s TVA #1 felt like an extension of Loki through and through, with a few comic elements thrown in for good measure, but issue #2 rather successfully turns that on its head. In what is a polar opposite approach, issue #2 feels far more firmly entrenched in the comics, with writer Katharyn Blair mixing in the Loki cast at key moments. Ghost-Spider and Gambit play off each other incredibly well, and are the two shining stars in the series so far, though the addition of a Loki series favorite should make the team that much more compelling, especially if we continue to get this much from Hellstrom. Speaking of Hellstrom, Pere Perez and Guru-eFX give the character a substantial aura that’s been missing in some of his other appearances, though the duo’s work on Gambit and Ghost-Spider is also praise-worthy, allowing the banter between the two to pop off the page. The ending few pages only raised the stakes that much higher, so if we can hit this type of balance moving forward, the series could really be onto something special.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Uncanny X-Men #9
The Raid on Graymalkin was a storyline that failed to hit the same landing as the earlier issues of Gail Simone’s take on Marvel’s merry mutants, but luckily, issue nine is a return to form. While there are some issues with fill-in artist Andrei Bressan’s work here, especially when looking at some facial features of beloved characters, it’s a minor bump in the road. Introducing new young mutants in an X-Men story is a trope that has been examined many times before but the “outliers” feel like the freshest new recruits in recent memory. Seeing the likes of Rogue, Gambit, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, and Jubilee placed into a true role as teachers and mentors really works in pushing the new class of mutants here. Uncanny remains the best of the best when it comes to the X-Men line post-Krakoa and this issue once again shows why.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5

Wolverine: Revenge #4
This alternate universe is one that is certainly seeing shades of “Old Man Logan” in its recent issue, deciding to take us twenty years into the future from Wolverine’s battle against Colossus, Sabretooth, Deadpool, and the others that became the target of Logan’s ire. In Revenge, however, there’s a sense of optimism and overall hope for a world that has been placed back at square one and how revenge can still factor into such an environment. Wolverine: Revenge feels like the X-Man’s best take on Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, and it truly shines in focusing on Logan’s character and his inability to truly let his revenge go. It’ll be interesting to see if the fifth and final issue is able to stick the landing but this outing from Jonathan Hickman and Greg Capullo but all signs are looking good based on this penultimate outing. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1
With the X-Men about to clash with the upcoming “Raid on Graymalkin” crossover and Jean’s adventures in the Phoenix series ongoing, putting the X-Men: From the Ashes Infinity Comic together is good timing. Not only does it remind regular readers of the events that brought them here, but for those who have been following the team less closely since the start of the Krakoa era, it serves as a quick primer for what might be an explosive next chapter. But while it’s timely and helpful, X-Men: Xavier’s Secret #1 feels mostly like a bridge to these larger stories. With some slight missteps in the stories being told, it feels like this is one series that didn’t necessarily need revisiting. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

IMAGE COMICS

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #313
Most of the action in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #313 is simply Destro making a straightforward descent toward the bunker where Cobra Commander hides. Leave it to Chris Mooneyham to make such an indoor stroll into a dramatic event. The subtle recurring gag of the G.I. Joe ninjas and the Drednok’s simply waiting outside for it all to happen is a nice, lightening touch, and Cobra Commander ultimately orchestrating his demise via his arrogance is character-perfect, but then one expects no less from Larry Hama when it comes to G.I. Joe. Having Cobra Commander narrate Destro’s approach somewhat undercut its power — one imagines the quieter version of this issue, where Destro stalks the halls silently, a force of nature that cannot be stopped. Regardless, what we do have more than lives up to the high standards that Hama and his collaborators have set during his decades writing the Joes’ adventures.
– Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4 out of 5

Hyde Street #3
While Hyde Street #3 would have hit a little differently during Christmas time, the issue does insert some new elements into the horror story. Pranky is more of a threat than ever, but we also see the introduction of a new character, Oscar, aka Matinee Monster who curiously intervenes in the taking of a soul. It throws a new threat into things, denying Pranky another soul but giving Mr. X-Ray something else to worry about. It also overall makes for an interesting twist on a heartwarming Christmas story of redemption of sorts.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

W0rldtr33 #12
W0rldtr33 returns with an issue revealing the origin of Ph34r, previously revealed to be Gabriel Winter’s younger sister, Sammi. The issue tells a familiar story of a closeted queer youth struggling to find her place. It being the late 1990s, it’s unsurprising that she would go looking for community online, only to find it lacking. But the Undernet serves as a symbol of the dark side of the internet, what one might stumble upon a young person, unprepared, and how it might alter their perception of reality. Tynion, Blanco, and Bellaire tell the story subtly, using an irregular grid with missing panels to represent young  Sammi’s distance from her peers, her isolation, the sensation of trying to fit into boxes that do not fit them, the juxtaposition of who she is against who the world expects her to be, fixation, the crossing of a threshold, and ultimately, that imprisonment. It’s a gauntlet of meaning pulled off admirably with a singular visual device, creating a strong throughline in this otherwise understated yet tragic tale. W0rldtr33 is back, and it is not taking prisoners, no matter how sympathetic they may be. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

BOOM! STUDIOS

House of Slaughter #29
There’s so much to love about the central premise of James Tynion IV and Sam Johns’ Azure, which delivers its fourth chapter in House of Slaughter #29. That’s partly why it’s so frustrating that it’s just not clicking in the way I want it to. This is truly a dream scenario in a lot of ways, as you have three different masks coming together to face what is one of the most intriguing enemies in the series thus far (which I won’t spoil here). Unfortunately moving between what’s going in on their minds and what’s actually happening in the present disrupts the flow of the story and the battle that’s playing out, and when you multiply that by three characters, it just becomes messy. There are some moments of gold here, especially in regards to Edwin, and some of the character spotlights by Letizia Cadonici, Francesco Segala, and Justin Birch are gorgeous, but the cluttered nature of how the story is playing out at the moment obscures those more positive aspects more often than not. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Power Rangers Prime #3
Power Rangers Prime got off to a stellar start, but issue #3 might even be better than its soaring debut. In just three issues writer Melissa Flores has brought together all five key players, each already equipped with their own individual motives and personalities, rough edges and all. It’s already created a solid foundation for evolving dynamics and relationships within the group, but adding in by far my favorite version of Rita Repulsa yet just makes this a can’t miss affair. That’s all wrapped in the showstopping artwork of Michael YG, Fabi Marques, and Ed Dukeshire, who bring a fresh edge and style to every page but in a way that feels unmistakably Power Rangers. Prime can’t miss, but issue #3 just set a new bar for the series and paints a bright picture of what’s to come.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5

The post Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 1/22/2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Readers are now roughly halfway through the first arc of writer Tom Taylor and artist Mikel Janin’s run on Detective Comics, which began as part of the DC All In initiative. It was an ostentatious debut, adding a significant new wrinkle to Batman’s origin story in its first issue and a guest appearance by Superman in the second. With those attention-grabbing scenes out of the way, Taylor and Janin have settled into a moodier mystery narrative befitting a comic book with “detective” in its title. While it relies on some familiar tropes, its presentation and philosophical core give it memorable substance and style.

“Mercy of the Father,” as the arc is called, traces the ramifications of Dr. Thomas Wayne having saved the life of one Joe Chill. Those familiar with the details of Batman’s origin story recognize the dramatic irony in the revelation that Dr. Wayne saved the life of the man who would years later kill both him and his wife in front of his young son Bruce, leading to the invention of Batman. But the dominos don’t stop falling there. At the time of Dr. Wayne’s intervention, Chill also had a pregnant teenage “girlfriend” whom Martha Wayne helped escape Chill’s orbit before she and her husband’s deaths. Now Chill’s daughter, Scarlett Martha Scott, has reentered Bruce Wayne’s life and become a person of interest in Batman’s latest case. 

In its opening flashback, Detective Comics #1093 reveals Bruce’s first meeting with Scarlett in the immediate aftermath of Thomas and Martha’s death. Unaware of their relation to his parents’ killer, they appear as one of the last in a line of pilgrims paying their respects to the deceased at the front gates of Wayne Manor, though Scarlett’s mother, Evelyn, soon becomes nearly manic, frantically grabbing at Bruce and apologizing before Alfred chases her away. It’s the moment the guilt, the regret, and the questions around the decision to save Joe Chill’s life begin to warp the lives of those he left behind.

Bruce and Scarlett get to know each other as Scarlett continues to benefit from the Waynes’ altruistic legacy via some of their charitable institutions. When Scarlett, who has become a brilliant scientist herself, develops a serum capable of reversing the effects of aging, she seeks out her old friend Bruce to become one of the early adopters. It’s a timely offer as Bruce has finally begun to lose a step as Batman as the wear and tear on his body begins to take its toll. He and Scarlett even enter a romantic relationship.

At the same time, a new villain also emerges on the scene, killing children recently released from juvenile detention. Longtime Batman readers know that whenever one of Bruce Wayne’s old friends suddenly reappears ready to catch up on old times at the same time the two are almost always related, if not the same person, doubly so if Bruce and the “old friend” in question spend a night together. This new villain happens to go by the moniker “Asema,” borrowing the name from a shapeshifting vampire in Caribbean folklore who appears elderly during the daytime. The name alone almost guarantees the villain is involved with the sinister organization backing Scarlett’s rejuvenation research, known as “Sangraal,” another name for the Holy Grail.

But while the big swings may be somewhat telegraphed  (Or not? We do not know the fate of Scarlett’s mother, nor whether Scarlett is herself Asema or if it is another of her cohort) the thematic strands tie together nicely. While not plainly stated, this issue implies that Sangraal preys on the young, especially those most vulnerable, to enliven the old, a clear metaphor for generational imbalance in power and wealth. But within that, there’s also the question of second chances, who deserves them, and who gets them. Would Bruce Wayne discourage his father from saving Joe Chill’s life with the knowledge of what would follow? How has that same cruel twist affected Scarlett? Is Bruce Wayne willing to continue his crusade against crime on a near-immortal basis if it costs the lives of several less fortunate children? These ideas swirl around and within each other, creating a tension that spills over into Batman’s aggression toward a deadbeat dad, stemming from his shame at previous failures to protect these children, perhaps brought on by the same aging he now seeks to abate.

This tension is similarly apparent in Janin’s visuals. While the flashback scenes are straightforward and muted, the night scenes in Gotham’s present are searing contrasts of harsh light against deep shadow. Many moments are framed with dramatic top-down angles, one page effectively taking on the classic noir long shot of an alley with two small figures casting long shadows. Panels are increasingly thrown off balance as the action intensifies. It’s an arresting style that makes it difficult for the reader to tear their eyes away from the page.

Whether the subtext rings true, Taylor and Janin have crafted a compelling mystery in the Batman mold. The villains feel appropriately arch, aloof, and dangerous enough to be worthy of Batman’s attention, and their victims are both sympathetic and relatively on personal and symbolic levels. If nothing else, Janin appears born to bask Gotham’s dingy streets in a grimy, neon glow, illuminating every violent secret it hides. Detective Comics is a finely packaged dose of grounded Batman storytelling at its best.

Published by: DC

On: January 22, 2025

Written by: Tom Taylor

Art by: Mikel Janin

Colors by: Mikel Janin

Letters by: Wes Abbott

The post Detective Comics #1093 Review: Batman’s World Is a Vampire appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Happy new comic book day! It’s another big week in the world of comics, and the ComicBook staff have come together to break down and review as many of the new releases from this week as possible. Now obviously this isn’t every single comic on stands, but we’re breaking down new releases from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more!

We’ve also carved out some additional space for three of this week’s biggest books in Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #35, You Won’t Feel a Thing #1, and Ultimate Wolverine #1, so if our smaller reviews here pique your interest, make sure to check out the full reviews for a much more comprehensive analysis of those issues. As for ratings, we keep things simple with a whole or half number out of five, and you can check out some of our previous reviews right here. With all that said, let’s get to this week’s new comics!

DC

Batman and Robin: Year One #4
Tonally, Batman & Robin: Year One seems to have settled tonally with #4, balancing Dick’s youthfully quippiness with something a bit more serious so as to make things less of a caricature. It’s a development that is perfectly timed as the issue starts to see things settle in other ways as well. We get a more focused look at the villain of the story, a new mobster named Grimaldi seeking to do in Gotham what his father was unable to do in Miami. We also see Dick have his own foe to face in the issue with the first day of school at hand. While the issue delivers plenty of action, it’s the character development, particularly when it comes to the villain and Batman’s response to him that makes this issue stand out. It feels at last like we’re building towards something that will be a real challenge to both Batman and Robin. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #35
Since the first issue of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, superhero fans have known that Mark Waid had something special on his hands. Taking a look to the past of both the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel, the team-up book is one that not only highlights what makes Clark and Bruce work so well but the DC Universe at large as well. While artist Dan Mora might have moved onto “bigger” things in the DCU, this hasn’t stopped World’s Finest from continuing its momentum as it does so here by seeing Supes and Bats make their way to the briny deep. In teaming up with the Aquaman of yore, readers get one of our best takes on Atlantis to date. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Catwoman #72
While the narration structure that runs through the issue and frames the story overall is a little bit of a distraction from the more compelling action on the page, Catwoman #72 is a strong issue. Serving as both heist and subtle examination of Selina’s past, the issue gives readers what they want — Catwoman doing a little breaking and entering in order to attempt to retrieve her secrets form a safe — while also deepening the mystery of what exactly those secrets are and who she is up against. There’s a good bit of action in the issue, brought to life by some fantastic art but the use of color is the real star of the show.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 4 out of 5

Challengers of the Unknown #2
Christopher Cantwell continues to pen a series that feels classic and timeless in its execution, making for an amazing read. Art for the issue is credited to Jorge Fornes, Sean Izaakse, AND Amancay Nahuelpan (with colors by Romulo Fajardo, Jr. and Matt Herms) and it’s a testament to the work of everyone involved that there’s a seamless fidelity to the imagery. Challengers of the Unknown continues to be the kind of thing that major comics should be, huge stories with grand scales and fun characters. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum #1
After the monumental events of Green Lantern: Civil Corps, Green Lantern: Fractured Spectrum #1 feels like a needed setting of the table before things hit critical speed again. For those who have been following along with the Green Lantern corner of the universe, this issue will be especially rewarding as it brings together all of the new characters and concepts that have been established, with Jeremy Adams then adding in a few more for good measure. Adams excels at giving each Lantern their own voice and sense of individuality, and this is no more apparent than with Guy Gardner, who shows that any hero, even one as zeroed in as Guy, can still surprise you. Speaking of surprised, V Ken Marion and Romulo Fajardo Jr. bring an unexpected element to the Green Lantern Corps that I hope to see stick around, especially if that clash with the Sorrow is a sign of things to come down the line. Hal, Kyle, John, Guy, Jessica, Kilowog, and the rest of the Lantern Corp feel like a brilliant fit with Marion’s dynamic style, and Fajardo Jr. simply works wonders in bringing their constructs to life. Things are only going to get crazier from here, and Fractured Spectrum gets the next phase of their story off on the right foot.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Nightwing #122
Watters and Soy take the opportunity to explore the past to set the stage for the future in Dick Grayson’s world, highlighting his days as the Boy Wonder of Gotham’s Dark Knight. The flashback scene is one that acts as the highlight of the issue, as DC’s past in this “DC Rebirth” timeline is always interesting to dive further into. Unfortunately, the meat of the issue overall doesn’t have much in the way of twists and turns, feeling fairly “run of the mill” when it comes to Bludhaven. Nightwing needs a shot in the arm to help elevate Grayson’s story and its not to be found here unfortunately, despite the interesting enough story focusing on years gone by. – Evan Valentine
Rating 2.5 out of 5

The New Gods #2
The New Gods #2 continues the operatic overture of the series’ debut. As with the first issue, this story opens with a prelude from a guest artist, this time Jesse Lonnegran, who puts their diagrammatic sense of design to good use in introducing a new threat not to Earth or the New Gods, specifically, but to all of creation. Where Kirby’s original Fourth World created a mythological dichotomy between the abundant life and freedom of New Genesis and the death and totalitarian control of Apokolips, Ram V recalibrates the stakes, turning it into a question of existence as created by the Source and the nihilistic darkness of unbeing that preceded creation. Amid that operatic conflict, The New Gods #2 offers intimate scenes of individuals, both gods and mortals. Evan Cagle’s precise but flowingly free linework presents Highfather more feebly than ever before, collapsing in the comforting arms of his attendant, a contrast to Cagle’s depiction of Big Barda using body language to express both her unwavering confidence and every bit of annoyance she feels toward her husband in that moment entirely through her stance and stare. This mix of grand stakes and raw, emotional moments — as well as the mysteries involving Highfather’s secrets and Orion’s unexplained mission — create the sense that The New Gods is on the precipice of something special, and it’s only getting started. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5

The Nice House by the Sea #5
The Nice House by the Sea continues to be a unique mystery that creates brand new questions any time it answers new ones. What James Tynion IV continues to illustrate in the latest issue is that he’s got an incredible and firm grasp on his characters, making them fully realized and deep. Artist Álvaro Martínez Bueno and color artist Jordie Bellaire continue to knock it out of the park, with major splash pages in the latest issue setting the mood and tone of the series. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

The Question: All Along The Watchtower #3
It’s difficult not to just lose yourself in the stunning visual feast that is The Question: All Along the Watchtower #3, and while Cian Tormey and Romulo Fajardo Jr. have impressed throughout the entire series, this issue in particular is easily the best one yet. While writer Alex Segura moves you through each step of this growing mystery with ease, the visual storytelling found on every page deserves some additional recognition. Without going into spoilers, that last page sets up a critical next chapter and what will likely be an insanely gorgeous final battle as well, so here’s hoping Renee and the team can get it together and show up for a fight. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Wonder Woman #17
Wonder Woman #17 continues the needlessly long and drawn out story of the Sovereign explaining his history and story with Wonder Woman, this time narrating how the Wonder Girls decimated his stronghold by working together while in a parallel story Diana tells her infant daughter the story of her father, seemingly dazed by her own grief as she allows her allies to fight the Sovereign battle for her, at least for now. To be honest, there isn’t much new ground covered in this issue. We’re still very much in the same place we’ve been for a few issues, just with the Sovereign running to a new location that is being teased as being the ultimate one, but one that feels rather American-centric for a character that isn’t actually from our world. It’s an easy enough read, but it feels like we’re just reading water.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Marvel

Avengers Assemble #5
Avengers Assemble fittingly comes to its end as a celebration of the classic Avengers comics that inspired it. There’s no high concept and no attempts at a widescreen “cinematic aesthetic.” The entire issue is instead a throwdown between the Avengers and the Serpent Society, with each Avenger squaring off against a well-suited foe, leading to several examples of the heroes combining their powers in interesting and exciting ways to outdo their opponents. We even get a killer splash page in the mold of the two vertically stacked rushing toward each other to get the whole fracas started. How much you enjoy the issue will likely depend on how much you appreciate a good old-fashioned superhero slugfest, but it is disappointing that the larger story of Mephisto’s sudden patronage of the Serpent Society goes unresolved, presumably meant as a hook to draw folks into the Marvel Unlimited-exclusive Astonishing Avengers vertical comic this series feeds into. Still, it’s nice to see an example of solid fundamentals at play, and hopefully, we get more such stories in the future instead of the cheap throwback books that fail to recapture the bygone eras they seek to emulate that have become part of Marvel’s bread and butter over the past few years. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Exceptional X-Men #5
The fallout from last issue’s revelation begins in earnest in Exceptional X-Men #5, but in what has become tradition with this series, it’s never handled in the exact way you’d expect. While Kitty Pryde’s confession was heard by everyone, the aftermath is examined on a individual level, with writer Eve L. Ewing shifting the focus to Melee (Thao) specifically. The hard moral stance and how that carries positives and negatives makes for a compelling arc for the new recruit, and her exchanges with the rest of her team and Pryde lead to genuine and earned moments of growth and understanding. It also doesn’t paint Pryde as correct in her actions, and we even get a dive into that evolution as well. The book’s opening pages are some of my favorites of the issue, and it’s no secret that Carmen Carnero, Nolan Woodard, and Travis Lanham can handle a stylish clash. The expression work throughout the rest of the issue is strong as well, though the latter half doesn’t connect as much as the first. Despite those small nitpicks, I’ve found myself a major fan of this ragtag group of heroes, and if there was any question, I’m clearly all in.
– Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Laura Kinney: Wolverine #2
After a killer debut, Laura Kinney: Wolverine #2 hits the ground running with a Hell’s Kitchen team-up with none other than Elektra, known these days as Daredevil. Writer Erica Schultz has a clear grasp on the Wolverine trademarks, and pairing Laura with Elektra allows the book to capture a familiarity in their dynamic while also clearly setting Laura apart from any past dealings with Logan. At times it does seem that perhaps Laura is a bit more reckless and on edge than she’s been in the past, which is especially apparent in contrast to Elektra’s more methodical approach. That’s part of the fun though, and I’ll forgive Luke Cage for simply not understanding who he’s talking to. Much praise is also due for the stellar work of artist Giada Belviso, colorist Rachelle Rosenberg, and letterer Cory Petit, who lean into those classic Wolverine aspects in some truly wonderful sequences, and when Wolverine and Daredevil are in the mix together, the artwork is simply magic. That massive cliffhanger only makes the wait for next issue even worse, but the series is establishing that it will be more than worth the wait. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Rogue: The Savage Land #1
Taking a trip back to the often forgotten era of the X-Men in Australia, creators Tim Seeley and Zulema Scotto Lavina follow Rogue and her attempts to survive the horrors of the Savage Land. In taking us to the aftermath of the arc known as the Siege Perilous, the power-absorbing X-Man finds herself not only trapped in the prehistoric locale, but sans the powers that have saved her life more times than she can count. In this flashback story, we get a closer look at Rogue as a character along with peeling back the layers of just how scary the Savage Land can be. Seeley not only give us more insight into Rogue’s struggles but also highlights one of the surprising upsides to the fact that the superhero has so many voices bouncing around inside of her skull. Rogue: The Savage Land feels like a necessary buy for those wanting more insight into Rogue, especially if you’re looking to see how the often thought controversial relationship with her and Magneto began. – Evan Valentine
Rating 4 out of 5

Spirits of Vengeance #5
Kudos to the art team here, whose work in Spirits of Vengeance #5 largely feels cohesive despite the many, many names on the credit page. Sean Damien Hill, Brian Level And Paul Davidson are credited as pencilers, with Jay Leisten, plus Level & Davidson credited as inkers. Visually the book is fun, with weird imagery that will no doubt have Ghost Rider fans excited, and it’s all elevated by the work of color artist Andrew Dalhouse, who brings depth and temperature into these locations and characters. Narratively the series remains a mess and unfocused, which is perhaps keeping it from really being of note and not matching the fun of the imagery. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 3 out of 5

Star Wars: Battle of Jakku Last Stand #3
The penultimate chapter of the Battle of Jakku is here and with it, the forces are in battles that span the universe. On the Luke Skywalker side of the aisle, it almost seems as though it’s the calm before the storm as enemies become allies and surprises abound. Segura has a firm understanding of the universe here, juggling the characterization of the countless characters involved. On the art front, Leonard Kirk has always been an artist whose strong suit was capturing emotion, at least in my opinion. While he brings that same strength here, I would say that the space battles themselves feel almost a bit too claustrophobic in terms of portraying the Republic’s fight against this new rise of the Empire. The penultimate issue of the Battle of Jakku is one that’s strong enough, setting the stage for what we hope will be a ground-shaking conclusion. – Evan Valentine
Rating 3.5 out of 5

Storm #4
Storm #4 is a stunning case of style over substance. Lucas Werneck and colorist Alex Guimaraes bring dramatic polish and compositions to the narrative — Wereneck’s title pages remain a memorable stylistic flourish, only slightly undercut by the recap/credits pages, affecting a drastically different and less interesting aesthetic. However, the actual plotting feels nearly random, shifting focus from one beat to the next. Forcing Storm into another intimate staredown with Doctor Doom but without her mutant powers is a natural enough extension of what the previous issue built up, and the issue seems to be headed in an interesting direction as Doom tries to claim mutants for himself. But this premise is unceremoniously disregarded and suddenly an entirely new set of circumstances — thrust upon Storm seemingly at random — comes to the fore. It’s emblematic of the problem plaguing this series from the start, as each new plot hook is rushed past and forgotten before it ever evolves to its fullest potential as if writer Murewa Ayodele is trying to force as many ideas into the book as possible — many of them compelling ones — as quickly as possible for fear that he’ll lose the opportunity. It makes for a reading experience that is dazzling on the surface but leaves one feeling unfulfilled by the issue’s end. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Amazing Spider-Man #65.Deaths
“The 8 Deaths of Spider-Man” arc takes a diversion in strongly-numbered The Amazing Spider-Man #65.DEATHS as writer Derek Landy, Kev Walker, Wade Von Grawbadger, and Mattia Iacono take the reins for an aside focusing on Phil Coulson, who recently became the personification of Death in the Marvel Universe. Seeking to answer the question of why Death chose Coulson for that role, the issue offers the most boring possible answer: because Coulson is special. It’s a cop-out that ironically suggests that there is nothing special about Coulson as a character — or at least that the creators and editors charged with mapping out his role in the Marvel Universe lack any particular insight into who Coulson is and why this grim duty particularly suits him. The remainder of the issue sees the art team doing cover versions of iconic moments from Spider-Man’s history across several double-page spreads, and while Walker’s linework is as evocative as ever — using lines sparingly to allow emotion to fill the space — these spreads aren’t additive to Spider-Man’s story and only lead to the tired conclusion that suffering maketh the hero, turning this issue into a forgettable intermission. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 2 out of 5

The Immortal Thor #19
With departing Asgard for the time being, a series of vignettes checking in with various supporting characters dwelling in the golden realm comprise Immortal Thor #19. Dubbed “Tales of Asgard,” the issue uses Magni, Thor and Enchantress’s son from a dead future, as the connective thread between these scenes, though only barely — he doesn’t even interact with some of the characters featured. Despite that, the issue manages to set the stage for many potentially compelling stories to come involving the return of the Utgard gods and the foretold death of Thor. If there’s a theme connecting these tales, it’s a sense of longing for the past, whether that’s seeking to reclaim past glory, make up for past wrongs, or simply find some measure of the purpose they once had. It’s a state that leaves Asgard ill-prepared for the imminent turn of the wheel that will thrust them into the future, whether they wish it to be or not. The different art styles could have been employed more effectively — their use in the issue feels mostly haphazard — but it’s all solid in its own right. Ultimately, the issue proves a mostly effective palette cleanser, setting the stage for what’s to come. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Ultimate Wolverine #1
It can be difficult to take familiar elements and ideas and give them new twists and while Ultimate Wolverine #1 definitely does lean into some familiar things, this isn’t merely another remix. Condon has crafted a take on the idea of Wolverine as a brutal killer that offers readers enough mystery and questions that makes the story stand on its own even for the more “what if” elements of the storyline. By giving readers glimpses of where the character has been but not quite revealing everything and keeping some of the dynamics between characters and groups a bit of a mystery. The result is a compelling story, one that will have readers wondering what’s next. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Image Comics

Feral #9
You just knew something was severely off with the mysterious “lady” and her supposed safe haven, and the disturbing truth comes to light in Feral #9. The intrigue spills into violent chaos, and if the stakes weren’t high enough already, they’ve reached truly critical levels here. Writer Tony Fleecs doesn’t give you a moment to breathe as Elsie and Gigi attempt to save the kids and a Lorde still under this house’s thrall, and this just might be the most visceral issue of the series to date, with the outstanding team of Trish Forstner, Tone Rodriguez, and colorist Brad Simpson painting a truly nightmarish picture of survival with the series’ patented animated flair. In short, Feral isn’t letting anyone out of its clutches anytime soon. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

G.I. Joe #3
The first two issues of G.I. Joe have been absolutely stacked with high octane action, and in that respect, issue #3 takes a moment to breathe. That’s not to say there isn’t action at all, but it’s in a different vein, with one mostly happening outside of view while the other is a one on one confrontation that just seems silly when you put it into perspective, and Stalker earns MVP status for calling that out as well. The most compelling aspects are found on the Cobra side through Clutch’s undercover point of view, as Joshua Williamson continues to develop the hierarchy within Cobra and the complicated dynamic between Cobra Commander and Destro. Cobra headquarters simply looks fantastic in the hands of artist Tom Reilly, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Rus Wooton, and it all comes together towards the end too, as we get a major tee-up for next issue now that more of the pieces are in place. There’s plenty to love in G.I. Joe #3, but it doesn’t quite hit the supremely high bar of issues #1 and #2. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Moon Is Following Us #5
The Moon Is Following Us comes to the end of its first arc with an epic battle, shocking deaths, and twisted betrayal. The last of those brings a fundamental question for the series’ heroes: Can they, having been willing to do anything to save their child, truly fault another for doing the same? The battlefield chaos is hard to follow at times, but Rossmo’s delicate linework and colors drive home that this carnage occurs in a world of dream stuff. There’s also a sense of near-infinite escalation here as an entirely new facet of the story only emerges in this issue’s closing pages. It’s a lot, making for a somewhat hectic but thrilling reading experience, but one that keeps its eyes on the emotional core of its story, that of parents and children wrestling with grief and the struggle of letting go. Halfway through the series, and with the sense that we may finally have all of the cards on the table, it’ll leave the reader excited to see how things coalesce in the story’s back half. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Publishers

Minor Arcana #5
Minor Arcana #5 is possibly the most gut-wrenching issue of the series to date. The issue digs into the story of Theresa’s grandfather Budd as he struggles with a sense that something bad is coming for him. It’s a story that, largely, unfolds in a way that is going to be very familiar for many readers: a sense that there is more that we should be doing with our lives, a sense of discontent, a sense of being stuck in an endless loop of drudgery and want. But the issue has a turn that not only shines a light on Theresa’s story in the present, but also will make the reader really consider the nature of what a bad feeling could really be about. Beautifully written and beautifully drawn, this is a stunning issue and one that will absolutely haunt you. -Nicole Drum
Rating: 5 out of 5

Shadow of the Golden Crane #1
Shadow of the Golden Crane arrives as an interesting corner of the World of Hellboy, digging into a fresh side of the franchise and exploring another decade that’s ripe for potential. Chris Roberson pens the script, which manages to take the focus off Hellboy to surprising effect, focusing instead on Susan Xiang, a BPRD agent with plenty of appearances already under her belt, and fleshing her out even more. With Michael Avon Oeming on art, and colors by Chris O’Halloran, there’s a high bar for the visual look of the series, and though O’Halloran’s colors look good, there are some times where visually things get lost, with details left by the wayside. It’s not bad by any means, but the standard previously set by these two does make these moments glaringly obvious. However the book is one of our first Hellboy titles in some time and it’s nice to be back. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 4 out of 5

Star Trek: Lower Decks #3
The Cerritos crew embarks on a new adventure in Star Trek: Lower Decks #3. The comic continues to offer everything fans loved about the animated series in terms of character dynamics and tone through a combination of Ryan North’s strengths as a writer (endearingly snappy dialogue plus an appreciation for science and ability to make it digestible to lay readers, with that last one feeling well represented by the introduction of certain new Starfleet branch) and artwork that is dynamic without being ostentatious. That might sound like damning with faint praise, but rather it gives the comic the consistent rhythm that characterized the TNG era of Star Trek television which Lower Decks spent five seasons celebrating. Jack Lawrence’s lines are a little thicker; his characters are a little more cartoonishly abstracted from the original models than other artists who have worked on Lower Decks in comic book form, but this feels like a natural evolution of the aesthetic as it adapts to the comics medium and hardly feels distracting or out of place. Come for the latest hijinks of the Lower Decks crew, and stay for the explanation of metastability vs. stability via a cowboy emoji on a line graph (you’ll see). – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4 out of 5

You Won’t Feel a Thing #1
What becomes of an old detective at the end of their days? Scott Snyder and Jock have told plenty of noirish tales, and the main character of their new DSTLRY series You Won’t Feel a Thing, having spent most of his life and career chasing serial killers, could likely have starred in a few of them. But what happens now that death has come for him, not in the form of a masked murderer but as a tumor applying increasing pressure on his brain? Can he go quietly into that dark night, or will unfinished business have him going down fighting? – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

The post Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 1/15/2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Since the first issue of Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, superhero fans have known that Mark Waid had something special on his hands. Taking a look to the past of both the Dark Knight and the Man of Steel, the team-up book is one that not only highlights what makes Clark and Bruce work so well but the DC Universe at large as well. While artist Dan Mora might have moved onto “bigger” things in the DCU, this hasn’t stopped World’s Finest from continuing its momentum as it does so here by seeing Supes and Bats make their way to the briny deep. In teaming up with the Aquaman of yore, readers get one of our best takes on Atlantis to date.

For Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #35, Clark, Bruce, and the Boy Wonder join Aquaman as residents of the deep are becoming monsters thanks to a mysterious virus. Two different sides of Atlantis, Tritonis and Poseidonis, are caught in the maelstorm and Arthur doesn’t seem like the unifying at this point in his career. Our issue ends in typical superhero fashion, with quite the cliffhanger of an often-forgotten villain who is making a surprise appearance in Davey Jones’ locker. Once again, the inclusion of this antagonist proves just how knowledgeable Mark Waid is in the DCU and concocts interesting contrasts for his stories with the elements and characters therein.

To start off this review, I must state that I’m not a big fan of Arthur Curry. Granted, I’ve read about him plenty when he makes appearances in Justice League appearances and DC comic book crossovers, but in terms of stories strictly focused on the DC deep, I’m at a loss. In World’s Finest, Waid and his artistic cohort for the issue, Adrian Gutierrez, are able to present quite the engaging take on Atlantis and Arthur’s place within it. Much like real world politics, if an elected leader, or in Atlantis’ instance its king, is not physically present, citizens might get a bit wary if a crisis befalls society and said leader is nowhere to be found.

[RELATED: Batman Just Got Another Wild new Version of the Batmobile (And It’s Lethal)]

It’s in this quagmire that we are able to see Curry at his finest, attempting to explain to his people that his role as a member of the Justice League ultimately benefits them as well. Saving the world inherently means that Aquaman is saving Atlantis but its a rationale that falls on deaf ears here. Honestly, there are a lot of moving pieces to this take on the underwater civilization and it makes me want to pick up an Aquaman solo book to see if things play out similarly. Perhaps, that’s one of the best compliments you can give a comic book, in that by reading it, it only makes you want to consume more.

Of course, Batman, Robin, and Superman are still a part of this story, which Waid does not forget here. Once again calling on the antics of DC Comics’ Silver Age, the writer brings back Lori Lemaris, one of Clark’s first girlfriends who just so happens to be a mermaid. Her presence here makes for a solid connection between Kent and Atlantis as she can break down the current problems of the day facing her people to Superman. Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson might not have a strong connection to the deep but considering their lack of super powers, their predicament also makes their situation an interesting one.

Of course, it takes a village to create a hit story and Waid finds a solid partner here in Gutierrez. Standing in the giant shadow of Dan Mora is no easy feat, but Adrian does his job here and the some. Where the artist most shines is in his action scenes, capturing energetic panels in a way not often seen in superhero comics. Direction is such a key component for any comic book, superhero or otherwise, and Gutierrez has an unbelievably strong eye for this. The characters, heroes and villains alike, appear larger-than-life here and it works amazingly well in tandem with Waid’s writing.

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest after thirty-five issues hasn’t missed a beat, remaining the gold standard of superhero storytelling in the DC universe. It’s timeless storytelling that continues to show what makes these characters work so well. The series remains a must buy for anyone that is a superhero fan and I hope it continues well into the future.

Published by: DC Comics

On: January 15th, 2025

Written by: Mark Waid

Art by: Adrian Gutierrez

Colors by: Tamra Bonvillain

Letters by: Steve Wands

The post Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #35 Review: A Perfect Window Into The DCU appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Happy new comic book day, and happy new year! It’s another big week in the world of comics, and the ComicBook staff have come together to break down and review as many of the new releases from this week as possible. Now obviously this isn’t every single comic on stands, but we’re breaking down new releases from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more!

We’ve also carved out some additional space for two of this week’s biggest books in Aquaman #1 and The Lucky Devils #1, so if our smaller reviews here pique your interest, make sure to check out the full reviews for a much more comprehensive analysis of those issues. As for ratings, we keep things simple with a whole or half number out of five, and you can check out some of our previous reviews right here. With all that said, let’s get to this week’s new comics!

DC

Absolute Batman #4
Absolute Batman #4 takes us into the earliest iterations of Batman as Bruce works out exactly how he wants to approach his crusade against crime in Gotham all while juxtaposing it against his past. While this is by no means new for the title, using the past to inform the present is particularly interesting here in that we get a stronger glimpse of just how Bruce’s father’s murder changed him while also seeing how Bruce’s innovations started young. It also expands the overall “lore” by giving readers more of what this take on Bruce Wayne’s family looks like all while further reinforcing that this Bruce Wayne is much more all-consumed by his trauma than perhaps we’ve seen before. The art in this issue feels a little less clean, but there is a lot of hard emotion in each panel, making it all work together just so well. It’s a very solid issue. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Aquaman #1
Aquaman has a number of Titles to his name, whether that be Father, Husband, superhero, or King. More often than not only one of those aspects are the focus at any one time those elements and more are all on display for Aquaman’s DC All In debut. The team of Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus, and Dave Sharpe look to encompass elements from each and every part of Arthur’s world, and while ambitious, Aquaman #1 effortlessly soars and delivers a grand adventure that no fan should miss. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Batman and Robin #17
Batman and Robin #17 is easily the best of the Memento arc so far. The issue sees Batman go perhaps too far in his pursuit of Memento to near-catastrophic result for himself personally while for Robin, we see him get some important insight and perspective about his own role in things and ends up being something of a voice of wisdom and reason while cementing that he really is his father’s son. The issue also gives us a solid answer about little Emma’s fate all while bringing an unexpected ally into things. There are a lot of twists and turns to this issue and it’s a thrill of a read all while deepening the mystery of Memento in a meaningful way. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 5 out of 5

Batman: Dark Patterns #2
Batman: Dark Patterns continues to be a must read as series writer Dan Watters is delivering what is poised to be a classic Batman story. There’s a timeless quality to the narrative being told, one that feels like could have arrived in any era of the character’s history, which not only makes it approachable and new reader friendly, but fresh for longtime fans too. Once again series artist Hayden Sherman and color artist Triona Farrell are doing stellar work, making Gotham feel alive and the character designs unique. The pacing of the story’s visuals is also a highmark, and one that’s setting a standard that other Bat-books on the shelves cannot follow. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

DC Vs. Vampires: World War V #6
DC Vs. Vampires lives up to its World War V title as the fragile alliances and hopeful moments of the past have now come to an end. Now two desperate armies clash for survival in what is a beautifully bloody battle from the talented team of artist Otto Schmidt, colorist Pierluigi Casolino, and letterer Tom Napolitano. Then when you feel you’ve settled into some sort of comfort with how things are going, writer Matthew Rosenberg sends you reeling with a reveal that changes the whole landscape of this conflict. Supergirl vs Wonder Woman? Check. Justice Leaguers getting crushed? Check. Major twist? Triple Check, and you want to miss any of it. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

MARVEL

All-New Venom #2
All-New Venom #2 is a straightforward, solid superhero story with stellar art, crisp and clean. There are some fun flourishes in there, too, including the new Venom taking on a gang of criminal jugglers and new tryouts, one a clear Gritty knockoff, and another an overcommitted pirate cosplayer. While it could have been a throwaway scene, this opening fight goes a long way toward distinguishing this new Venom’s tone from the previous hosts, giving them a slightly slapstick flare as they eat a bomb to save civilians and their head expands like a cartoon character’s from the explosion. There are also some new wrinkles in the mystery of the new Venom host that make this sophomore outing a clear improvement over the debut issue. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Daredevil: Unleash Hell #1
Elektra acting as the second Daredevil of Hell’s Kitchen is a tricky tight-rope to walk. The former Hand assassin and love of Matt Murdock’s life is attempting to turn over a new leaf, fighting against crime and corruption in New York City while maintaining a rule of not taking any lives. For this latest series, the “Red Band” banner does live up to its name as Elektra is seemingly about to be dragged into a hellish fight against a deceased Daredevil villain, Muse. The issue is one that ventures slightly into Elektra’s headspace while painting a gruesome picture for Muse to boot. Unleash Hell doesn’t feel on the same level as the main Daredevil book but it sticks its initial landing, justifying its existence. – Evan Valentine
Rating 3.5 out of 5

Magik #1
There have been many attempts to spin X-Men characters into ongoing solo books without many long-running successes outside of Wolverine. The X-Men aren’t the Avengers or the Justice League; it’s not a group formed out of preexisting characters meant to stand on their lonesome, but original characters created to be one aspect of a larger whole, more like the Fantastic Four. Once one of those characters Is standing on their own, it becomes clear that they lack a foundational premise needed to generate new and exciting adventures in the long run. For its part, Magik #1 does a stellar job of building that foundation for Illyana Rasputin. Now an adult, Magik suffered a traumatic childhood in Limbo and a traumatic adolescence as a New Mutant. She finally let her guard down and her friends in while enjoying the safety of Krakoa, only to have that security ripped away from her during the Fall of X, re-traumatizing her into adulthood. Magik #1 sees her wrestling with metaphorical demons to match the real demons that have long been a part of her life, a notion that the dark and dreary artwork drives home. With Magik now unwillingly made the mentor toward a young boy in a situation not altogether dissimilar from her origin, Magik is shaping up to be a stronger tale than what your average X-Men solo series has to offer. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

New Champions #1
New Champions might cause a bit of confusion regarding its name, but if you give it a chance you are likely to find an endearing new group of heroes that might just capture your heart, and it’s bound to only get better from here. That’s because the book starts with the core four but then shows how quickly that group is set to expand, and the possibilities with hat wild lineup are endless. Writer Steve Foxe picks up the story from the recent Spider-Woman series that first introduced these characters into the Marvel Universe, so if you’ve read that you’ll be able to pretty much hit the ground running. Those who haven’t might be a bit fuzzy on some details, but the book quickly expands from that initial premise and starts to roll in its own direction, so things should clear up relatively quickly. Foxe does a wonderful job of establishing who each member of the team is and their unique skillset and personality, building around the mystery of Hellrune’s origin and powers to provide the key spark. It works pretty well, and so far Moon Squire, Liberty, Cadet Marvel, and Hellrune make for a compelling central quartet. That said, things really hit second gear when they find themselves colliding with a host of other young heroes, with the team of artists Ivan Fiorelli, Ig Guara, colorist Arthur Hesli, and letterer Travis Lanham showing what they can do when the toybox is loaded with so many variables. New Champions delivers an entertaining debut, but if those final few pages are anything to go by, this is nothing compared to what the series will be down the line. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

NYX #7
NYX has been sort of doing its own thing since the fall of Krakoa, and there’s been a lot to love about this ever-evolving team. Unfortunately most of what I’ve loved about the series doesn’t come into view much throughout NY #7, which focuses mostly on a rushed confrontation between Prodigy and Synch as opposed to the contrasting personalities between the team. The ongoing discussion through their battle feels incredibly condensed, and while I was intrigued to see what would come of their clash, it just ends rather abruptly and without the moment that would justify that ending. On the other hand, Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly do keep the confrontation between Ms. Marvel and the Truthseekers moving in an intriguing direction, and the artwork from the team of Enid Balam, Raul Angulo, and Joe Sabino during that battle specifically is stellar. NYX #7 is one of the weaker issues of the series so far, but there’s still some memorable moments along the way. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Amazing Spider-Man #65
The Amazing Spider-Man #65 sees Spidey facing the inevitability of death, the latest challenge from one of Cyttorak’s scions playing out like an existential crisis as he gets the long view of human existence, which always ends the same way. This issue’s art team of penciler Cafu and colorist Frank D’Armata create pages with a statuesque quality to them, scenes of frustration and, ultimately, futility as even Spider-Man can’t hold back the reaper (here played by Phil Coulson, which is a bit distracting). Ultimately, it leads to a dramatic turn. While we’ve seen Peter Parker try to abandon his duties before, the bone-deep weariness and sense of nihilism underpinning everything is a different flavor than Pete’s usual melodramatics. This issue feels like the real turning point in the “8 Deaths of Spider-Man” saga, and the creative team does a stellar job of driving the weight of everything home to the reader. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The Uncanny X-Men #8
The Raid on Graymalkin comes to an end with a shaky landing as it feels like the meeting of the two premiere X-Teams post-Krakoa didn’t ultimately warrant a four-issue long crossover. Simone has a few twists and turns in the conclusion of Scott and Rogue’s teams butting heads but it hardly feels much like a satisfactory one. The true identity of “Inmate X” remains a mystery and Xavier simply tells his students “better luck next time” in the final moments. Simone and Garron are still at the top of their game here in both characterization and art direction but the overall story is one that simply feels a bit like a letdown in terms of what we’ve seen from Uncanny so far. Raid of Graymalkin feels like a missed opportunity for a crossover that could have been so much greater than what we saw when it wrapped. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 3 out of 5

Ultimate Black Panther #12
I have quietly been begging Ultimate Black Panther scribe Bryan Hill to dive head first into something different, to really make this series feel like something readers couldn’t get in the main Marvel universe. The pieces have been there, but they’ve often been put in alongside familiar elements. With Ultimate Black Panther #12 though, the dive has finally started and we’re seeing something we can’t see elsewhere. Hill’s Vodu-Khan, almost like a Wakandan version of Dune’s Bene Gesserit, are integral to the issue which not only gives this one a unique DNA but also delivers us a characterization of T’Challa himself that feels fresh. Series artist Stefano Caselli is back with color artist David Curiel and the pair continue to deliver tremendous work. There’s a dramatic buildup in the final pages of this issue that are built on the way Caselli chooses to frame his shots but also their pace, resulting in a moment that genuinely took me by surprise. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Wolverine #5
Unfortunately, the same problems I’ve had with the first four issues of the Canucklehead’s post-Krakoa storyline remain in issue five. Ahmed’s approach to characterization is one that works for Matt Murdock in Hell’s Kitchen but that same approach fumbles for Logan. The Adamantine are an interesting enough concept but the villainous entity is still a bit too wrapped up in mystery to make it truly compelling. Wolverine was a series that was marketed as diving into Logan’s wild side, running through the wilderness and struggling with his Berserker side, though those ideas have mostly fallen to the wayside. There are some clever moments in this latest issue but not enough to buck the trend for Wolverine’s latest series. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

IMAGE COMICS

Geiger #10
Junkyard Joe is back! Geiger #10 sees the return of the fan-favorite character, but also sees Geiger with a major problem: something is very wrong with him. Geiger being unwell — as well as the revelation of Junkyard Joe being a help rather than a hindrance — is the bulk focus of the issue, as well as a glimpse into Geiger’s life from before. It’s all interesting and gets us to Lewiston and perhaps the next big challenge. In the larger scheme of the overall story, it’s a solid issue and it’s clear that there are a lot of details being laid down. However, it does feel a little like a bridge to something else. Not exactly filler, but not exactly not filler at the same time. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Moon Man #6
The latest issue of Moon Man is certainly one of its most satisfying narratively as writers Scott Mescudi, Kyle Higgins, and Joe Clark weave in and out of time to fill in the gaps of the backstory. What ends up becoming especially true for the issue though is that series artist Federico Bertoni is showing off exactly what he can do not only with unique panel layouts but massive splash pages. Moon Man has spun its wheels at times, but what Bertoni along with colorist Igor Monti and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou pull off in Moon Man #6 is remarkable stuff to behold. The plot remains somewhat elusive, both simple in its design but dense in execution, so this is a good one to just stare at in awe. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Snotgirl #17
Lottie accidentally stumbles on something she shouldn’t when it comes to Caroline (and Virgil’s) family trauma. Virgil stumbles upon a mysterious sisterhood that might be up to something, and Lottie’s own family drama is about to get even wilder when a meet the family dinner shifts to a getaway — and her sister is along for the trip. Snotgirl #17 proves that the story hasn’t lost any momentum since its return and the complicated connections and deeper mysteries are just as interesting. This time around, however, we’re getting a little bit deeper into Lottie as a person and seeing a bit more about the factors that make her, well, Lottie. It’s fun, even if it is a slightly challenging read. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Lucky Devils #1

Lucky Devils is a comic that hits the ground floor running, presenting a fiendishly clever premise via four main appealing characters. The new Image Comic has a big act to follow after Eight Billion Genies and this opening salvo does just that. Collar and Rake might just be the top demons of 2025 and I look forward to seeing what Soul and Browne have in store for the rest of the series. – Evan Valentine. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Transformers #16
Daniel Warren Johnson and Jorge Corona continue depicting one of the most brutal battles featuring the Autobots and Decepticons to this day. The fact that classic Cybertronians like Optimus Prime and Starscream are requiring to forge new body parts from various sources makes the war that much more hard-hitting, adding an unsettling layer to the affair. In my past reviews, I’ve spoken highly of the Energon Universe as a whole and this latest Transformers series is one that continues to act as the torchbearer for the new crossover universe. The comic remains a larger-than-life, hard-hitting thrill ride that remains one of the best takes on the Transformers in any medium and is well worth your time, whether you have followed Cybertron in the past or not. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 5 out of 5

What were your favorite new comics of the week? You can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @KnightofOA!

The post Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 1/8/2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Eight Billion Genies was a comic with such a premise and a strong story backing it up that when the creative team announces a new series, it’s going to get some people interested. Writer Charles Soule and artist Ryan Browne are bringing their talents to a brand new limited series that trades in genies for demons. Lucky Devils introduces two “average joes” who are running into some life-shattering problems that might have a supernatural origin. In its premiere issue, the new Image Comics offering is one that has big shoes to fill but it might just create a story that does exactly that.

Lucky Devils begins its nine-issue run by introducing readers to Cam and Starr, a Philosophy 101 professor and a nurse residing in Chicago. While Cam appears to be dealing with a number of inconveniences that are ruining his love life and financial status, Starr is dealing with a lack of opportunities to move up in her career. Things appear to change for both of these down-on-their-luck characters when they are introduced to Collar and Rake, their own personal demons. The underworld duo has been responsible for much of the misfortune that have befallen their human targets throughout their lives but the demons have a unique proposition for the teacher and nurse. As is the case with Eight Billion Genies, not everything is at it seems and some characters are holding their cards close to their chests.

Both Starr and Cam are interesting enough characters here to lead the story, as the parallel lives of both have enough differences to make them both appealing to follow despite their similarities in the demon department. On the flip side, Collar and Rake, who happen to be romantically intertwined, are hilarious and colorful foils to their downtrodden counterparts. This premiere issue is one that has plenty of ground to cover with just as much exposition, but luckily, the demonic couple work well in conveying the information in an entertaining manner.

Of course, what would a good story be without a better twist and boy does Lucky Devils have a good one. It’s not hard to determine that Collar and Rake aren’t exactly being straight forward with Cam and Starr, but their lies are such that not many readers will utlimately be able to see through them until they’re shown in the issue’s final pages. The series is one that takes a U-turn in its final pages, demanding that the reader stay on board its train for the foreseeable future and said approach is definitely a strong one.

As mentioned earlier, exposition can be a tough, but sometimes necessary, storytelling element but luckily, Browne is the perfect foil for Soule’s script here. Ryan makes complete use of all the space given to him on each page, with Rake and Collar routinely blending into the panels themselves and intertwining their “explanations” with one another in different locations. The real testament to Browne’s skill is when we are finally given the opportunity to see what the demons’ underworld abode looks like.

Browne creates a hellish environment that is quite like our own for Collar and Rake, albeit with some truly demonic twists on the streets. It’s an ugly, congested locale that also feels lived in while not diving off the deep end in its absurdity. The artist also does an exceptional job of capturing the feelings of these ugly monstrosities in our hellish lovers, showing how they care for one another in the quiet moments before the hammer falls on their masterplan reveal.

Lucky Devils is a comic that hits the ground floor running, presenting a fiendishly clever premise via four main appealing characters. The new Image Comic has a big act to follow after Eight Billion Genies and this opening salvo does just that. Collar and Rake might just be the top demons of 2025 and I look forward to seeing what Soul and Browne have in store for the rest of the series.

Published by: Image Comics

On: January 8th, 2025

Written By: Charles Soule

Art by: Ryan Browne

Colors by: Ryan Browne & Kevin Knipstein

Letters by: Christopher Crank

The post The Lucky Devils #1 Review: A Hell of A Good Time appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Aquaman has a number of titles to his name, whether that be father, husband, superhero, or king. More often than not only one of those aspects are the focus at any one time those elements and more are all on display for Aquaman’s DC All In debut. The team of Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus, and Dave Sharpe look to encompass elements from each and every part of Arthur’s world, and while ambitious, Aquaman #1 effortlessly soars and delivers a grand adventure that no fan should miss.

Arthur’s sphere of influence is incredibly daunting, but Adams manages to boil each slice of Arthur’s life down to its core importance and then seeks to explore the attention that each of those slices demands from him. Adams has worked wonders with Hal Jordan in Green Lantern with a similar approach, and while they are very different characters, the air of relatability and humanization that has benefited Hal is already having an effect on Arthur.

Now, while the attention is exploring the many sides of Arthur Curry, that doesn’t mean the book lacks in the superhero action department, providing fans with epic clashes that showcase Aquaman’s new and improved skillset. Whether that’s against a god-like creature in the future or against a Kaiju-size water beast in the here and now, Timms, Lokus, and Sharpe bring an aura of elegance, style, and power to the King of the Seas that deserves immense praise. Speaking of powers, without going into major spoilers, Adams finds a way to imbue Arthur with new abilities while also creating more complexities within his inner circle, which creates new opportunities for character development as opposed to just being a flashy new power that will be forgotten about in six issues.

[RELATED: Absolute Superman Reveals Shocking Fate of Key DC Character]

A genuinely intriguing mystery is also key to making this feel unique amongst past Aquaman stories, and just like Arthur’s new powers, this mystery ties directly into the people and the things that Arthur holds dear. What does his life look like without those people, and what lengths will go to in the effort to bring them back? Well, we’ll get our answer soon, but as those final pages tease, the stakes are absurdly high, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out from here.

Aquaman #1 is a stellar debut, moving in fresh directions and setting the stage for even bigger things to come. Issue #2 can’t get here soon enough.

Published By: DC Comics

On: January 8, 2025

Written By: Jeremy Adams

Art By: John Timms

Colors By: Rex Lokus

Letters By: Dave Sharpe

What did you think of Aquaman #1? You can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @KnightofOA!

The post Aquaman #1 Review: A Grand Beginning to a Bold New Era appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Happy new comic book day, and happy new year! It’s another big week in the world of comics, and the ComicBook staff have come together to break down and review as many of the new releases from this week as possible. Now obviously this isn’t every single comic on stands, but we’re breaking down new releases from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more!

We’ve also carved out some additional space for two of this week’s biggest books in Deadpool/Wolverine #1 and Justice League: The Atom Project #1, so if our smaller reviews here pique your interest, make sure to check out the full reviews for a much more comprehensive analysis of those issues. As for ratings, we keep things simple with a whole or half number out of five, and you can check out some of our previous reviews right here. With all that said, let’s get to this week’s new comics!

DC

Absolute Superman #3
Writer Jason Aaron and artist Rafa Sandoval pull off the ultimate magic trick in Absolute Superman #3 by answering questions that the reader didn’t even know they wanted to learn about. Aaron manages to weave surprising subtlety throughout the story seen in the latest issue of the series, detailing specific elements about Superman’s character that really paints a full image of who he is in this world (and Sandoval follows suit of course with an image on the penultimate page that is not to be missed). Letterer Becca Carey also remains one of the secret weapons of Absolute Superman, making key components of the story concise, interesting, and unique. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Batgirl #3
The year of Cassandra Cain continues in Batgirl #3, and in what has become a tradition with this series, the team of Takeshi Miyazawa and Mike Spicer once again deliver some of the most cinematic superhero fights around. That includes a train fight that feels like it leaped from Mission Impossible, balancing an element of elegance with sheer brutality. Perhaps just as impressive is the work Tate Brombal has done with Lady Shiva, a character I’ve never had much of an attachment to. Similar to Cass’ own shifting pint of view though, that’s slowly starting to change as new layers of depth shine through in regards to Shiva’s impact on the world and her true feelings towards her daughter. Batgirl is hitting on all fronts and deserves not to be missed. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

Batman #156
Batman #156 finally pulls the various threads of this arc together and reveals the real forces behind what’s going on Gotham — and the real foe that Batman has to face. While one may have guessed several clicks back that Riddler wasn’t exactly the mastermind of the situation, the reveal of the real forces behind bringing down Bruce Wayne, Batman, and trying to take Gotham is not only fascinating but oddly of the moment. There’s quite a bit of action here and it is very fitting for the climax of the arc. It makes for a great read and perhaps one of the strongest Batman issues in awhile. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4 out of 5

Batman: Full Moon #3
Rodney Barnes’ continues to impress not only with his grasp of character dynamics in the DCU but careful plotting for what could easily be a story that goes off the rails. Barnes’ careful words would already be enough to love Batman Full Moon but when combined with Stevan Subic’s artwork it’s an unbeatable combination. Subic manages the staging of werewolf fights, giant monsters, magic, and gloomy gothic cities with ease and beauty. Those looking for a horror-tinged cape comic should really look no further. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 5 out of 5

Birds of Prey #17
Bird Undercover reaches its riveting conclusion in Birds of Prey #17, delivering the series’ patented wit and charm in the midst of what is pretty much an all-out brawl. Kelly Thompson is one of the best at weaving in memorable characters moments even when the action is at its highest, and while that is absolutely true of characters like Black Canary, Barda, and Batgirl, it’s wonderful to see Grace, Onyx, and Sin get some well deserved shine too. Now mind you, if you did want to simply see Black Canary kick absolute a**, Sami Basri, Adriano Lucas, Vicente Cifuentes, and Clayton Cowles will not let you down. There’s no massive hook for what’s next, but this series has shown time and time again it will deliver no matter what’s coming down the road. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos #4
Dastmalchian is such a great fit for the Creature Commandos. His work on Count Crowley is such a perfect precursor to this series, shining spotlights on the fine lines between morality and what society deems acceptable, as well as the cold truths about where monsters are so often hiding. This series also acts as a wonderful compliment to its new on-screen counterpart. – Charlie Ridgely
Rating: 4 out of 5

JSA #3
The heroes of the Justice Society of America have been on their heels since the series started, but it feels like slowly but surely the tide is starting to turn. Jeff Lemire explores the JSA from several different angles, and the cracks are very much showing through, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The JSA has rarefy felt more like family, dysfunction and all, and some of the best moments can be found in the family chaos. Moments with Doctor Fate and Wildcat or Jade and Sand stand out in this regard, and while I could have used a bit less time with Hawkman, it looks as if it’s leading to some intriguing places, and will likely be worth the investment. Meanwhile Artist Diego Olortegui, colorist Luis Guerrero, and letterer Steve Wands are at the top of their game throughout, including a bombastic battle that can’t help but turn anyone into a Doctor Fate fan. JSA looks to be building to something epic, and the wait will likely be more than worth it. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Justice League: The Atom Project #1
Setting aside that the Justice League routinely deals with new superpowered threats, the idea of an ambitious new superpowered player with nothing to lose emerging is scary, at least to those who do have something to lose. Parrot and Ridley have tapped into an interesting thematic vein to mine. While the storytelling in this debut issue is somewhat lacking, the premise of Justice League: The Atom Project is compelling enough to allow the creators some time to cook in the hopes that future installments can deliver with more clarity and confidence. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3 out of 5 (Read The Full Review Here)

Poison Ivy #29
Pam finally gets to the bottom of who is behind the ecoterrorism cult that has centered her as their god and it’s a surprising figure, one that ties back to her past. While the reveal is a little anti-climactic, it serves as a vehicle for Pam to have to further examine her own past and her own plans with her new life after having been brought back by the Green. That might be the most interesting aspect of this issue, seeing Pam have to face a bit of her own self doubt and insecurity. It does feel a little like we are going in circles with the character and these repeated moments of questioning, but it also serves as a reminder that healing isn’t linear — and now the stakes are higher than ever. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

Two-Face #2
Harvey Dent’s new series is really throwing me for a loop in terms of just how fun and solid the story has been so far, which is really saying something considering that we’re only two episodes in. As in the premiere issue, Two-Face is handling a wild court case involving Gotham’s super villains, though this time it’s a far more wild case involving a divorce featuring the Royal Flush Gang. Ward and Veras are creating one of DC’s best books at the moment with Harvey, and certainly one of the best books focusing on a supervillain that I’ve read in some time. Two-Face might not have the same popularity as a Joker or a Penguin (with the latter riding high on his MAX series) but he just might if more folks check out this excellent series. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Marvel

Cable: Love and Chrome #1
Nathan Christopher Dayspring Askani’son Summers is back in Cable: Love and Chrome #1, the debut issue of a new limited series from writer David Pepose, artist Mike Henderson, colorist Arif Prianto, and letterer Joe Sabino. Cable’s a complicated and often convoluted character to explain, no matter how many times Marvel tries to reset him. No such effort is made here, and instead, we get an opening sequence of Cable in action that does an admirable job of distilling the character down to his essence in a way that conveys what he’s all about without needing to retread his entire history in detail, all with brisk and fast-paced artwork and enjoyable action. The remainder of the issue then puts Cable in an unusual position, one of being accepted, even bonded with, over his unusual life and condition. Many Cable comics have focused on him being a soldier, a time traveler, or a hero, but fewer have framed him this emphatically as a person living with a chronic disease, and it’s a spin that feels fresh. There are still questions about how much the series will deliver on its promises — Will the new villain introduced in the “cold open” tie in satisfactorily to the larger story at hand? Can the comic follow through on this thematic framing of Cable in a meaningful way? — it’s off to a strong start and ripe with potential.
– Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Daredevil #17
Ahmed and Kuder return once again the Guardian Devil of Hell’s Kitchen, as Matt continues to face a supernatural threat worthy of his current closer relationship with the Catholic Church. Saladin does a great job of following the thoughts of Murdock here, with Daredevil fighting crime around town. The star of the show here is Aaron Kuder’s art, who captures both the more grounded and supernatural aspects of this latest story. Daredevil has a lot going for it right now, which is usually the case with any Daredevil arc as Murdock routinely seems to dodge so many bullets that other Marvel characters can’t. The series continues to be one of Marvel’s best. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5

Deadpool/Wolverine #1
Whenever Marvel brings together Deadpool and Wolverine, chaos always follows, and it’s almost always entertaining. With the MCU bringing that delightful chaos to the big screen in Deadpool & Wolverine, it seems like a perfect time for the duo to come back for another adventure in the comics that got this started in the first place, and that adventure is fittingly titled Deadpool/Wolverine #1. While the team-up sticks to a classic formula, there’s a welcome change in the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine throughout that shakes things up, and the artwork is sensational. All in all, no fan of either character will want to let this one pass them by. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read The full Review Here)

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #28
While a lot of big character team ups in these solo series feel forced and frustrating, Miles spending a little time in Wakanda has been a breath of fresh air. Getting him involved with Bast and the other ancient gods is a great way to put him in unexpected situations, making for moments we don’t often get to see. It’s a really fun adventure he’s on. – Charlie Ridgely
Rating: 4 out of 5

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #9
The latest issue of Ghost Spider’s adventure in the 616 sees the Black Tarantula mostly taking center stage as he fights against Mr. Fear. Of course, this doesn’t mean that Gwen is completely out of the picture as she struggles with the toxin coursing through her veins. This latest issue doesn’t break the wheel in many respects, feeling a tad lower than the issue before it, but still works well at showing the new environment that Spider-Gwen has made for herself, as well as hinting at the dangers facing her original reality. There are still some chinks in the armor of the Ghost Spider here but there’s more good than bad to be found. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 3 out of 5

The Avengers #22
Every so often a change of pace is needed, even in the world of superheroes, and The Avengers #22 feels like a welcome breath of fresh air. With everything being epic in scale with a team as powerful as this one, Jed MacKay finds a way to keep the sense of scale while narrowing the focus to something everyone happens to love, and that’s a heist. The opportunities this creates for rich exchanges between team members can’t be overstated, and MacKay takes advantage with some moment of gold between characters like Scarlet Witch and Storm, Iron Man and Captain Marvel, and more. The Oceans 11 vibes are brilliantly captured by Farid Karami, Federico Blee, and Cory Petit, leaning into the disguises and false pretenses of everything happening in the casino. The whole game within a game aspect is interesting as well, though has the potential to be the weaker element of all this. Only time will tell, but anytime you can involve Black Cat it’s a win, especially when MacKay is at the helm. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Spectacular Spider-Men #11
The latest issue of the team-up book with Peter and Miles is one that is an absolute ball of fun to dive into. Throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Men, Weisman sets up a pint-sized adventure for the pair that also just so happens to introduce a new Spider-person to the roster. There’s a lot going on here but it’s all enjoyable. Unfortunately, Genolet and Randal on art here can sometimes be a little choppy in comparison to what we’ve seen before but it’s a minor bump in the road. If it weren’t for Ultimate Spider-Man, the Spider-Men would be the best Spidey book on the market.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5

The Ultimates #8
In The Ultimates previously, Deniz Camp cast America Chavez as the youthful embodiment of the American dream, a dream that had been sullied, imprisoned, and oppressed into becoming the cornerstone of a much uglier reality. The Ultimates #8 reveals America’s origin story in a poignant way that deepens that symbolic history, revealing that the same forces that wielded oppression for power have stolen away a bright, optimistic, utopian future that America helped create and maintain. Juan Frigeri and Federico Blee cut loose in depicting this forgotten future of colorful and diverse heroes. Underneath it all, America’s resolve to not abandon those not fortunate enough to have benefited from her lost utopia speaks volumes about her character and her commitment to the Ultimates’ fight. All the while, Camp seeds in foreshadowing about terrible things on the horizon for The Ultimates, that their cause is seemingly guaranteed to fail and that one of their own may be responsible for their undoing and that of many others. The issue raises questions about whether it’s worth it to continue fighting in the face of seemingly assured failure, loss, and betrayal, setting the stage for an eventful second year of the new Marvel Ultimate Universe. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 4 out of 5

Werewolf By Night #6
Werewolf By Night continues to do what you might expect from this corner of the Marvel universe, but writer Jason Loo’s interests lend themselves more to gory spectacle than outright interesting narrative. On the plus side of that, artist Ton Lima and colorist Alex Sinclair get plenty of wild monsters and bizarre blood to infuse each panel with, however this leads to a story that meanders and which doesn’t hold much water for all the characters present. It’s at least nice to know Marvel is recognizing this part of their pantheon, even if the end result isn’t the best. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk #1
While the wrap up of the issue is a little simplistic and wildly smoothes over the Avengers’ maltreatment of the Hulk, What If…? Galactus Transformed Hulk #1 is a pretty interesting spin on the general “what if” concept. Getting to explore Bruce’s vulnerability and insecurity and see how easily that can be manipulated makes for an interesting read. Given that this is a one-shot it was never going to get very deep, but the story as presented offers a lot of questions for fans to ponder. The design of Herald Bruce is also pretty interesting making this a fun read over all. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 3 out of 5

X-Factor #6
On the one hand, X-Factor feels like it’s hitting its stride as this first arc comes to its close. On the other, there’s still something off about the tone. Perhaps it is a sign of the times, but Mark Russell’s usually satirical tone feels somehow nihilistically cynical here as everybody comes off as some combination of morally compromised or utterly foolish. Bob Quinn’s artwork is sharp, and so are moments of dialogue that are genuinely worth a laugh. There’s even a nice character scene involving Pyro and Cecilia Reyes. All that said, the series has played so fast, loose, and recklessly with its characters and direction that it still feels a bit unmoored. Perhaps the changing of the guard and big reveal, such as it is, at the issue’s end is setting up a more cohesive and assured direction going forward, but with multiple tie-in issues on the horizon, that’s hard to say. Currently, X-Factor occupies that awkward space where it is enjoyable and competently put together enough to read, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that something is missing and simply off in the story. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3 out of 5

X-Force #7
X-Force #7 finally takes the focus off of Forge and Sage and shifts it to Askani and Captain Britain, who are attempting to recuperate and maintain Askani’s hastily reconstituted physical form within the picturesque confines of her mind. It’s a welcome change of pace, moving away from the crunchy sci-fi technobabble to something more grounded in emotion, which guest artist Jim Towe is well suited to depicting. It helps make the moment when it all goes to heck much more impactful, even if the new villain introduced in the last issue still feels ill-defined within the context of X-Force’s world. It makes for the strongest issue of X-Force yet, even if the series still feels like it’s in search of a firmer identity. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 3 out of 5

OTHER PUBLISHERS

Fence Challengers: Sweet Sixteen #1
If you understand fencing, Fence Challengers: Sweet Sixteen #1 is fine. If you don’t or have no passing interesting in Fencing, it’s a long, tedious read that is essentially just a number of fencing bouts over and over as the main team we’re following works their way through the tournament. Sprinkled in with that are some personal bits about the various athletes, but much of the tension and drama is simply lost in the minutiae of the sport.
– Nicole Drum
Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Rick and Morty: New Year, New Rick Special #1
The plot here feels true to Rick and Morty, from top to bottom. Every character gets a great story and plenty of time to shine, and all of those storylines feel plucked right from the show. If only the dialogue of the comic was on par with what the TV series delivers on a regular basis. That’s the one place this book is lacking, and it makes a bigger difference than you might expect. – Charlie Ridgely
Rating: 3 out of 5

What were your favorite comics of the week? You can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @KnightofOA!

The post Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 1/1/2025 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Whenever Marvel brings together Deadpool and Wolverine, chaos always follows, and it’s almost always entertaining. With the MCU bringing that delightful chaos to the big screen in Deadpool & Wolverine, it seems like a perfect time for the duo to come back for another adventure in the comics that got this started in the first place, and that adventure is fittingly titled Deadpool/Wolverine #1. While the team-up sticks to a classic formula, there’s a welcome change in the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine throughout that shakes things up, and the artwork is sensational. All in all, no fan of either character will want to let this one pass them by.

Few seem as locked in with a character as writer Benjamin Percy, bringing out the classic elements fans love about Wolverine while not making it feel like a caricature. That’s especially true when characters like Maverick, Deadpool, and others that have extensive history with Logan are also in the picture. Speaking of Maverick, some of those scenes were my favorites of the entire issue, and it would seem we are poised to get even more of those moving forward.

Speaking of Logan, Joshua Cassara and Guru-eFX deliver a Logan for the ages here. Those classic (and brutal) Wolverine vibes are here in spades, and yet this still feels like a modern Logan in terms of style and approach. The grisly action hits you in the face, and paired with Joe Sabino’s brilliant lettering creates some truly visceral moments between the two frenemies. In fact, neither one even needs to be doing anything to catch your attention, as just watching Logan’s healing factor work its magic is oddly and disturbingly captivating.

This has been largely Wolverine-centric, but there are two people listed in the title, so let’s shift focus to good old Wade Wilson. As the book’s co-star, Deadpool is actually the character to make the biggest first impression, as the merc with a mouth gets an action packed sequence to himself early on. In keeping with Wade’s rep, it’s hilarious, resulting in a body being used like a missile.

Aside from one rather brief sequence later on, this is the only time we see Deadpool being his normal ridiculously jovial self. That might be a negative to some, but I actually found it a welcome change of pace. It shifted the dynamic between the two in a major way, with Logan having to reign Wade in as opposed to Logan being the uncontrollable berserker.

It also showcases Deadpool’s skillset and effectiveness in this chosen profession. Fans have seen Deadpool bumble his way through a mission and come out on top simply due to his ability to survive just about anything, but we don’t often get to see that skillset operating at peak efficiency. It’s a welcome change, and gives this familiar team-up just enough fresh energy to keep you hooked. Speaking of hooked, that ending is surely something all X-Men fans will want to pay attention to, and that complicates things in a major way moving forward.

Deadpool/Wolverine doesn’t shake the foundations of what a superhero team-up is supposed to be, but it’s also an example of bringing something new to a longtime formula and creating something delightful in the process, and fans will find plenty to enjoy if they decide to tag along.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Published by: Marvel Comics

Written by: Benjamin Percy

Art by: Joshua Cassara

Colors by: Guru-eFX

Letters by: Joe Sabino

What did you think of the issue? You can talk all things comics with me on Bluesky @KnightofOA!

The post Deadpool/Wolverine #1 Review – A Delightfully Chaotic Marvel Team-Up appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of my least favorite tropes of comic book storytelling is when an issue opens in the middle of an action-packed sequence before flashing back to some time before the proverbial excrement hits the fan, backfilling all the information readers need to understand how the book’s characters got where they were on page one via a series of less exciting scenes. While I have seen the technique occasionally used effectively to build intrigue or suspense, it most often reads as a lack of confidence on the part of the creators, either in their ability to craft captivating scenes without violence or in the intended audience’s willingness to engage with such scenes. Justice League: The Atom Project #1 — written by Ryan Parrot and John Ridley, with art by Mike Perkins, colors by Adriano Lucas, and letters by Wes Abbot — employs this trope, poorly executed, and it reeks of a lack of confidence in both the storytelling and the audience, setting the stage for a middling debut of an ambitious spinoff series. 

The DC Universe metanarrative has recently been concerned with power and who wields it. The Absolute Power event, true to its name, saw all power — literally, as in the superpowers of various DC heroes — consolidated into the hands of one person, Amanda Waller. With Waller defeated, those comics have mostly returned to their original wielders. However, some have been scattered to random humans, a story playing out with superhuman melodrama in the pages of Justice League Unlimited. The most recent issue of that series set the stage for this spinoff, which sees the Atoms — both Ryan Choi and Ray Palmer — working on a solution to the crisis, in part by conducting painful experiments on Nathaniel Adam, also known as Captain Atom, one of the heroes whose powers did not return to their prior host. 

Justice League: The Atom Project #1 opens with Adam traveling. Readers don’t know his situation, yet his aggressively mundane outfit and face-obscuring cap suggest he’s on the run, fugitive style. The tension in the visuals, which contrast realistic linework with sharp but slightly surreal coloring, establishes the atmosphere of a man-hunt in progress. The scene ends with Palmer arriving with military backup to bring Adam in before flashing back three weeks to explain how they got to this point.

[Related: Justice League Unlimited #1 Review – Endless Possibilities]

The opening pages are not dynamic enough to give readers an adrenaline rush capable of carrying them through the more expository pages that follow. Events depicted are divorced from any context, making it hard to understand why it matters. Perhaps most frustrating is the issue fails to close the circle by the end: we do return to this opening scene to set the stage for what comes next, but the middle section of the issue doesn’t provide a clear connection for how the events of the flashback lead the scenes bookending the issue.

The middle flashback is more interested in contrasting the attitudes of the two Atoms toward handling the crisis and what that crisis represents. Focusing on Captain Atom and two atom-themed scientist-heroes, The Atom Project casts the idea of superpowers running amok in the DC Universe as a story of nuclear power on a geopolitical scale, who has it, and who shouldn’t be allowed to.

Where Choi tries to be empathetic to those who suddenly find themselves with unexpected new and dangerous abilities — as well as Adam, who is dealing with both a loss of his identity and the physical pain of the Atoms’ experimentation — Palmer brushes all of that aside, affecting a midcentury American can-do attitude that borders on sociopathy as he becomes singularly focused on the idea of some unknown new player coming into a brand new set of superpowers. Palmer is dedicated to restoring and maintaining the status quo to the point that he’s willing to lie to children and hunt a colleague to accomplish his goal, which feels like a statement about the relationship between science and the military-industrial complex.

But also, is Palmer right? Setting aside that the Justice League routinely deals with new superpowered threats, the idea of an ambitious new superpowered player with nothing to lose emerging is scary, at least to those who do have something to lose. Parrot and Ridley have tapped into an interesting thematic vein to mine. While the storytelling in this debut issue is somewhat lacking, the premise of Justice League: The Atom Project is compelling enough to allow the creators some time to cook in the hopes that future installments can deliver with more clarity and confidence. 

Published by DC

On January 1, 2025

Written by Ryan Parrot, John Ridley

Art by Mike Perkins

Colors by: Adriano Lucas

Letters by: Wes Abbot

The post Justice League: The Atom Project #1 Review: A New Atomic Age in the DC Universe appeared first on ComicBook.com.