Weekly Comic Reviews 3/20


Greetings all. Welcome to another edition of UTF’S Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your Godzilla-loving host, Daniel Alvarez. Speaking of G, have you been keeping up with the updates?  This week in comics brings us the highly anticipated Rainbow Dash comic, also the latest installment of Saga.Let’s kick it off with Artifacts.

Artifacts #26

When something is billed as an important jaunt that’s going to shape a whole universe, even a smaller one, there’a certainly expectations that by the final page the creative team will have delivered something huge to shake things up.  In this case that’s exactly what happens but I don’t think it’s the ending fans will be expecting.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Chew #32

While it doesn’t exactly grab you by the throat, Chew #32 has enough action and more than enough humor to keep you entertained. I do wish that John Layman would play things a bit more straightforward, although I supposed the series would lose much of its charm in the process.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Elephantmen #47

For long time fans, Elephantmen #47 is the issue that pays off your waiting, answering a few questions and generally exploring the greater back story. For new readers, its also set on the moon. Either way its pretty awesome.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Invincible #101

After the previous three issues of nearly nonstop action, it’s nice for Invincible to slow down a bit to get resettled. But while this issue did keep me casually interested, it never got me really invested, given its somewhat ho-hum approach and lack of urgency. That said, the foreboding ending suggests that the calm between storms won’t last long. Maybe I should learn to appreciate it while I have the chance.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Revival #8

Revival #8 is an odd issue. As of late, the series seems to be in-between a lot. Nothing gets entirely answered, and nothing gets entirely developed either. That said, there is substance in between the pages, even if it only adds more to the stack of questions that is Revival.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Saga#11

One of the best issues so far, Saga #11 rewards longer readers. There haven’t been any major developments when it comes to any of the main characters so far. Saga #11 brings what has been teased in recent issues, adding more depth to an already impressive title.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Damsels #6

It’s been a fairly popular thing to take classic fairy tales and attempt to modernize or even re-imagine them, but in most of those endeavors lost in their shuffling is what made those stories compelling in the first place.  Thankfully this creative team is paying attention to that aspect.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Flash Gordon Zeitgeist #10

With a confusing, disjointed story and an unfulfilling ending, Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist#10 is a disappointing conclusion to series that, up to this point, has had many more hits than misses. It’s obvious the creators hope to continue the story in the future, but with no indication of when that might be, right now we’re left feeling thoroughly unsatisfied.

For the full review, click here.

2.5/5

Jennifer Blood #24

When it comes to this ongoing series I’m fully aware of its outlandish qualities especially as it seemingly jumps around in order to accomplish whatever goal it’s looking to check-off.  Usually there’s a point to these potential road stops that informs the current narrative but that’s really not the case this time.  But trust me when I say it’s still really good.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Bionic Man #18

Continuing the more mature, almost politically orientated themes, Bionic Man #18 details more of Steve Austins romp in exotic Libue. That said, there’s only so much Bionic Man can take before it gets into action, gunfights and everything else.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Queen Sonja #34

As this latest epic barrels forward, the she-devil with a sword faces some harsh truths when her time as queen comes to a bitter but honest conclusion. The creative team delivers on every possible level here, as this red headed woman rides hard and fast in order to see her thirst for vengeance irrevocably quenched.  And in the end what we receive is dynamic.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

The Spider #10

With this action yarn there’s been some high and low points, but through out its run the creative teams remained steadfast with the desire to deliver something worthwhile.  And even with a few problems here and there that fact rings true.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

 

Voltron #11

Intergalactic intrigue leads to questioning of alliances as the next pieces in what could be a large scale war or a slaughter slowly fall into place.  But from the strengths of the people behind this solid narrative, their work yields some hope in these dire times as they light the way to some potential paths forward.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Doctor Who Prisoners Of Time #3

In short, this captures the essence of the Doctor very well. Whilst the over-all story is lacking, the celebration of Doctor Who‘s many forms is still highly enjoyable.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

G.I. JOE #2

Cheesy dialogue aside, this is still a good issue. The art holds up and handles the action well, giving readers plenty to sink their teeth into. If you’re a new reader, this is still a great time to jump aboard.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

G.I. JOE Special Missions #1

The title itself is interesting enough. As the first issue, a lot of this this is setting-up the first arc. That said, it bounces between the Baroness being typically evil and manipulative and the Joe’s in a state of action and gunfire. Its familiar ground, something many regular G.I Joe readers will instantly feel comfortable with.

For the full review, clocl here.

4/5

My Little Pony Micro-Series #2

Overall, the Micro Series #2 is a good story featuring everyone’s favorite Pegasus. It might feel a bit dull at times, but it’s still a fun read. Plus it has actual villains with pretty great dialogue. We get to see Rainbow at her strongest, giving all she has against the Gremlins  One might question why Princess Celestia wasn’t aware of something happening to Ponyville for 28 days, but I digress. MLP fans will like this comic.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #20

There is no other way to frame this release than to say, that war is here and our favorite reptilian brothers are caught right in the middle of it.  There’s action, suspense, emotional nuances and scenes of bravery as they face down certain death.  In short, what we hold in our hands is a narrative that’s simply been built around our protagonists and trust me it’s great to see this saga live up to fan expectations.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Secret History of the Foot Clan #4

When going back and revealing key aspects in a re-telling of a classic property, there’s certainly plenty of room for expansion.  The brilliant thing about this particular journey is that the creative team uses their time wisely as they further connect aspects of the Foot Clan with that of Krang‘s ambitions ultimately yielding a world that is more connected than it initially appeared.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Transformers More Than Meets The Eye #15

Easily one of the more emotional and stronger issues of the series, More Than Meets The Eye #15 is surprisingly effective, considering its about giant talking robots in space. Definitely an issue to pick up, More Than Meets The Eye wraps a lot up, whilst still surprising the reader where it can.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Conan the Barbarian #14

When it comes to the Cimmerian barbarian, Conan, one can’t help but expect lots of violence in any incarnation of this specific muscle bound warrior. This newest conception is no different but unlike previous versions our hero is depicted with a great deal of intellect and insight as the search for Bêlit continues here.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Dark Horse Presents #22

I look forward to growing more familiar with DHP in the coming months, as discovering brand new stories while continuing  new installments of older ones is part of the joy of reading a comics anthology series.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2 #1

When it comes to dipping into these Sith and Jedi infested waters, it can be a rather tricky prospect. Thankfully for this little corner of the expanded universe the creative team at hand has taken the Legacy brand and turned in something that might just create a truly memorable reading experience.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Executive Assistant: Assassins #9

From the beginning this story line has seen some very engaging action sequences as a plot full of betrayal and revenge unfolded rather briskly right before our very eyes.  Now that this saga is drawing to an all but certain close it’s time for the literal pieces to line up for their final bout.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Soulfire Volume 4 #4

When spinning what can only be described as a futuristic fantasy yarn, there are certainly many pitfalls that can attack the work of even the most seasoned creative team.  Thankfully this one is able to keep a solid baring as they slowly march this series toward its next evolutionary step.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Judge Dredd Magazine #334

Alongside 2000AD, we also have the sister publication of Judge Dredd Megazine. This month in Judge Dredd Megazine #334, we have Judge Dredd, Hondo-City JusticeAmerican Reaper II and Insurrection III.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

2000AD #1824

Another week and another issue of science fiction and fantasy comic writings. This week in 2000AD #1824 there’s a blank canvas of sorts; there’s no continuing story lines. Everything is a fresh page, giving new readers a good chance to get on board. So, with the current line up of Judge DreddDandridgeTharg’s 3rillers and Stickleback, is it worth picking up?

For the full review, click here.

4/5

S#!T Talking Central