Hey everyone. Welcome to Unleash the Fanboy’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your Godzilla-loving host, Daniel Alvarez. Well, it’s the final week before Winter Break hits. Not only that, but Christmas in just six days! I don’t know about you, but I’ll be watching the Godzilla vs. Biollante Blu-ray on the Eve. (Where’s the snow?) Now, this week brings some very special comics, including the second installment of Dynamite’s pulp crossover MASKS and the conclusion of the Next Gen Doctor Who crossover. Let’s get started.

Saga #8

Its another issue, and Saga #8 shows much of what I love about the series. Despite being set in a fantastical space setting, Saga is still, at its core, about a key number of people and the relations between them. Developing on Marko’s grandparents, Saga #8 uses these themes to further establish the family. All in all, this is an excellent issue of Saga. It does feel ‘in between’ things at the moment, but thanks to the wonderful artwork and careful writing, it doesn’t drop the ball on anything.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Super Dinosaur #16

Super Dinosaur…in space! C’mon, you know you were thinking that while looking at the cover. The 16th installment of this series is the perfect test. After the great Inner-Earth story with the fantastic Exile character, how would the book move forward without the alien and his interesting story? The answer is that it just does. What we have here is one of the best issues yet of the series, also not a bad jumping on point for a new reader.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Supreme #67

If you’re going to your local comic shop with a desire to journey back to a simpler time then look no further than this engaging series.  Whether you yearn for a release from stories that take themselves too seriously or if you just want to watch two supermen beat themselves senseless, then this release is for you.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Thief of Thieves #11

The start of a new plot, and with the promise of some actual ‘heist’ elements, Thief Of Thieves #11 is showing some promise for future issues, even if it only teases things out at this point.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Witchblade #162

Are you looking for a comic book that stars a tough lady with a metal gauntlet?  Then your search is certainly over.  But if you were hopping for a strong outing that continued the overall stellar quality of this series then you might be a bit disappointed.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

The Bionic Woman #6

The final issue in the opening arc for the Bionic Woman, this issue sees a decent portrayal of Jaime Sommers as the first arc, which introduces many readers to the character, finishes up.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Dark Shadows #11

For Barnabus Collins his hereditary problems continue to grow as demonic entities enter the equation and a vampire girlfriend for one of them may lead to some serious bloodshed for others.  Yes, our main character may not be what he once was but his problems with the supernatural world continue to persist without avail.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

MASKS #2

MASKS #1 is definitely a contender for comic of the year. First of all, you have to look at the nature of the crossover. It isn’t exactly mainstream like what’s happening over at Marvel and DC, rather it’s less explosive and puts emphasis on the story telling and characters. Unlike Captain America, Iron Man, or Batman, characters like the Green Hornet and the Shadow don’t the luxury of being longtime fan favorites. So this crossover was a pretty special one, featuring a lot of the ‘pulp’ heroes. Issue #1 just blew me away with its excellent story, characters, and art. I didn’t have any history with the Shadow or Spider, yet I was so fully invested. Now, the long awaited Issue #2 is upon us. While not quite as magnificent as the previous installment, it’s still a great comic you should check out.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Pantha #5

What we have here is a fine distraction that continues the already over the top, but nonetheless enthralling, arc currently going on via the Vampirella monthly series.  Pantha gets to play a role in the fight as she and some colleagues take down some bad guys but in the process not much gets accomplished, but truth be told this is still another fun romp with our transformation expert.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

The Spider #7

When you deal with a character that’s not quite as morally ambiguous as say The Punisher but not as straight and narrow as Batman you get an issue on occasion that challenges both them and their audience, just like this one.  And in the end the narrative pushes the protagonist into a darker place but the question regarding what the immediate aftermath might mean for this tale still lingers, even after you reach the final page.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Vampirella #25

With all kinds of supernatural heroes and villains descending on the Earth, what hope does our planet have to even muster the gumption to survive this conflict?  The answer is simple enough, as Draculaand his minions descend it all rests on the shoulder’s of the girl wearing the red straps.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Judge Dredd #2

Judge Dredd is by far one of the greatest non-Marvel/DC characters. Sadly prior to this new series from IDW, I had no experience with the character. So it was up to this series to make a a fan out of me. Issue #1 explained things and established the setting well enough, but the actual story was very average. There wasn’t much character to Dredd, he seemed ’empty.’ It was a pretty lacking first issue. But, I still liked the concept and character, so here we are a month later with Issue #2. This installment improves upon everything, from story to characters. If the coming issues can be like this, we’re going to have a real property-winner from IDW.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #20

Closing off the the Target: Snake Eyes arc, Snake Eyes & Storm Shadow #20 delivers what the title has been promising and teasing for 19 issues now, a fight to the death between the two ninjas.

Fort the full review, click here.

4/5

Star Trek 100 Page Winter Spectacular 2012

Four unique tales each take the Star Trek mythos on on a rollicking ride that’s sure to please current fans and might even succeed in attracting some new comers.  From the goofiness of the mirror universe to the aftermath of Star Trek: Generations this mammoth release has a lot to offer, even to any beleaguered trekkies out there that are currently waiting for their proverbial space exploring fix.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Hive #4

It almost feels like two months since the last installment of this Star Trek epic. Hive has pretty much everything a Next Generation fan could want. It takes place after Nemesis, it’s written by series co-producer Brannon Braga, Captain Picard is the primary focus, and most of all, the Borg are the main villains. Speaking as a longtime fan of the show, this series has been truly fantastic and plain fun. References, fun Star Trek action, the return of Data, and who doesn’t like Seven of 9? I’ve been anticipating this third issue, for Picard and Data would make an assault on the Queen while in the past we’ll learn even more of the situation. This issue was fantastic in every sense of the word, Next Gen fans need to be reading this.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #8

As an overall series, Star Trek/Doctor Who has certainly been entertaining, paying homage to both franchises and celebrating the key similarities (and a few of the differences). The ending certainly leaves a sequel possible. Although, given the nature of both Star Trek and Doctor Who, it isn’t something the writers should have felt the need to force.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Transformers: More than Meets the Eye #12

Getting back into the swing of things aboard the Lost Light, Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #12 starts a new arc, although this issue does seem to make things overtly complicated for itself. With different plot arcs running loose, and a narrative that jumps back and forth, this isn’t exactly straight forward reading.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Broken Pieces #5

Richard Adams has had a really rough go of it lately, and these final pages will be no different.  This exceptional scientist that’s now trapped in a rapidly deteriorating body sets out to make things right, even as he faces a surefire end to his own life.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Executive Assistant: Assassins #6

Events are such a heavy phrase to throw around these days and if you’re a comic fan that’s hung around either of the big two companies chances are by now you’re more than likely a bit jaded by the whole affair.  If you among the many that are annoyed by the concept don’t worry this isn’t Marvel or DC, this is Aspen, and this specific arc is not done to increase sales but rather comes out of a cosmetic need for this narrative to evolve.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Executive Assistant: Iris (vol.3) #1

This event barrels ahead but not much further as this issue takes some time to tell Iris‘ side of things.  In this inaugural outing of her latest volume there’s action, drama and some light character development that’s all packaged rather nicely in a solid release that above all else has just enough narrative meat to it to justify a purchase.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Idolized #4

With the release of the penultimate issue in this first volume there are a couple thing that seem to be all but guaranteed.  Firstly, you know that the competition is more than likely going to resolve itself and secondly there’s bound to be an awesome cliffhanger.  Guess what?  We get both of those in this outing and trust me fans will be plenty happy about it.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Grimm Fairy Tales #80

What we have is an absolutely exceptional release as this exciting and thought provoking adventure leads our protagonist down a new but familiar path.  Yes, she’s still in prison contending with the problems therein but now her purpose in life, her very goal, has been thoroughly renewed.  And in the end now that our hero has something to really fight for, the strength of this romp is truly revealed.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Godstorm #3

Here we are with the third installment of Godstorm. I’m a big fan of mythological things, from giant giant monsters like the Kraken to gods like Zeus or Thor. So I personally had been excited for it. (The Percy Jackson series in a great example of modern literature using these things.) Called ‘Grand Theft Auto meets gods,’ this series has been about the main character discovering his powers while being a bodyguard for a kingpin. In the last issue we saw Julian completely annihilate Tony. It was a pretty good issue, but with this series coming to a close next month, it had to start delivering some of the ‘godly action’ you would come to expect. In this issue Julian comes to blows with Neptune, the God of Water, in what is definitely the best issue since #0.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Robyn Hood #4

Going into this fourth issue, I thought it was the final one. Turns out the next one will be it. (Which is good, this series has been too good to end this soon.) Robyn Hood from the start has been established as a unique spin on the classic story. Robyn has been a fantastic protagonist, main character of the year award material if you ask me. Last time we saw her head off with the Merry Men to start a revolution against King John. She tries in this issue, with some unexpected results. Robyn Hood is one of the best series you aren’t reading, so I’d go correct that right now. This issue is packed with plenty of action and great writing.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Wonderland #6

This is a tale that’s full of both insanity and depravity that seems to be just primed to tackle some rather complex narrative issues.  And as the creative team works in a fitting unison to accomplish yet another extension of this corner of the Grimm Fairy Tales universe one can’t help put hope for some more shocking moments in the coming months.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

The Red Ten #1

What we have here is devilishly envisioned and astonishingly well executed romp that stars ten superheroes that are largely reminiscent of the Justice League. They’re put in a unique situation where one by one they’re being gunned down and they have absolutely no idea who could possibly be behind it, and that simple set up is where the brilliance of this comic book thrives.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5