Weekly Comic Reviews 4/17


Hey everyone. Welcome to another edition of UTF’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your Godzilla-loving host, Daniel Alvarez. Speaking of the giant monster, the eleventh installment of the GODZILLA Ongoing is here, and it’s plain awesome. Besides that, Judge Dredd takes on some robots and Witchblade visits the Wild West. Let’s kick it off with good ol’ Chew.

Chew #33

We’re halfway through the “Bad Apples” arc, and it’s fast becoming my favorite in the series so far. Tony’s been kicking ass for a few months now, but it looks like next issue will really bring the pain.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Cyber Force #4

With the end of the world literally baring down on them, the pieces of this rather gigantic puzzle are slowly but surely coming together.  The covert corporation that owns and operates within the technologically advanced Milenium City has set the stage for conflict as we march toward the end of this opening arc.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Danger Club #5

When it comes to this specific title, I find myself continually impressed by the amount of detail and hard work put into these characters that exist as little more than archetypes of family franchise tropes. There is no grand universe that preceded this series, instead what we’re left with is the feeling that there is one and that right there is the magic that the creative duo behind this tale bring to each and every release.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Five Ghosts: The Haunting of Fabian Gray #2

The second issue of Five Ghosts did not disappoint! It opens with the spider god descending on our two protagonists and does not let up until the final scene with Iago peering into a crystal ball. As the duo escapes the clutches of what seems to be imminent death, Fabian suddenly regains his powers. And he does so in the nick of time. Apparently they aren’t out of the woods just yet. Again Fabian goes down, drained of energy. The issue left us with two questions: Will the ghosts be the death of him?? And who is the mysterious stranger that helps the team??

For the full review, click here.

4/5

The Li’l Depressed Boy #16

So I came into reading issue 16 without ever reading the first fifteen issues. I know, I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without picking up an issue either. I was a little skeptical about the series and didn’t know what to expect. The title alone made it sound like a drag. In the end, I freakin’ loved it. It’s clever, fresh and took me completely by surprise.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Mara #4

The most engrossing thing about this specific comic book series, is how personal every little detail feels. We’re witnessing the birth of a superwoman from the vantage point of the floor seats, and with that perspective this latest outing uses the core mechanics and the basis of this saga to birth a thoroughly addicting jaunt that’s full of subtle evolution.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

MINIATURE JESUS #1

Miniature Jesus receives a 4 out of 5. I fear for my mortal soul for not giving it a 5. But so far, I’m waiting for a plot to thicken. This is off to a great start and I hope the unfolding plot does not disappoint. For the love of God, go read this comic!

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Revival #9

This issue, as already, isn’t exactly heavy in action, but then that’s never been Revival‘s style. This issue follows up a lot of the various plot threads, updating a fair few of the characters. For one issue, it strikes a pretty good balance. All the various scenes get enough time and breathing room, and the overall experience doesn’t feel crammed into one issue for the sake of it.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Thief of Thieves #14

First of all, this issue can easily be split into two halves. The first half, of course, wraps up the current arc. The second explodes into plenty of action and development, more than teasing in the next. There’s a great dynamic across this issue, as readers go from a happy resolution, to tense drama, before ending on an engaging cliff hanger. Its bright and over the top when it needs to be, and dark and gritty at other times as well.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Todd, The Ugliest Kid on Earth #4

Todd, the Ugliest Kid on Earth’s first story arc wraps-up in issue #4 with all the fun, comedy, action and mystery we have come to enjoy from this off-beat series. What is Todd’s ultimate fate and will we see more from the ugliest kid on earth?

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Witchblade: Day of the Outlaw #1

It’s been awhile since fans got a tale revolving around a prior wielder, but can this supernatural yarn really fit within the context of the era it’s trying to embody? The simple answer is: yes it can.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

 

The Black Beetle #3

I was able to enjoy No Way Out with zero introduction. Other than the straightforward quality, there isn’t much to say about the writing. It’s serviceable, but unremarkable. However, it makes an excellent vehicle for Francavilla’s art.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth #106

Overall, a solid issue of B.P.R.D. It’s not quite as awesome as the first part of A Cold Day in Hell, but it’s still fun. Giarcco is an enjoyable character and the dialogue is often funny. The action is good…and the only thing really hurting the comic is the lack of the main antagonist, but you should be reading the series nonetheless.

For the full full review, click here.

4/5

Conan the Barbarian #15

The saga of this warrior has been re-invented and replayed time and again but perhaps this specific volume has the distinction of being the most well thought out thus far.  As a piece of literature the creative team births something outstanding here, even if it’s abundantly clear that there’s still plenty of room for this series to learn and grow.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

HOUSE OF GOLD AND BONES #1

Even though this is just the first issue, I was still hoping for a certain amount of resolution, just to better understand what’s going on. A mystery that’s spread out over several installments is fine, but only if we have sufficient context to base our guesses on. Unfortunately, no such resolution occurs, and we’re asked to come back for another issue. That is,  if we want anything to make sense.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE NINTH ASSASSIN #1

Following a series of unfortunate events, Darth Vader has found himself to be the victim of an (attempted) murderous plot.  Yep, I meant for that to sound as sarcastic as possible because lets be frank the big guy deserves it and the creative team does a solid job setting up a few reasons why.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

DARK SHADOW: YEAR ONE #1

When it comes to telling the origin of any franchise there’s always going to be a rather hefty weight brought on by the fans of the saga because they will most assuredly demand certain things be mentioned or at the very least explained.  Thankfully this creative team hits the story beats out of the park with relative ease.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Green Hornet: Legacy #35

Everything comes full blast in this issue. Britt Reid is back and we can’t have two Green Hornets at the same time, right? There’s the classic morality portrayal, to kill or not to kill. It’s nothing new, we’ve seen stuff like it with a recent example being the animated film Superman vs. the Elite. That doesn’t make it nonetheless interesting however. The dialouge is very strong and the ending will have you asking questions.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Jennifer Blood: First Blood #4

To be perfectly honest the continuing saga of this specific anti-hero has been a source of great joy for me.  As a reviewer her tale has been enthralling for awhile and this excellently crafted extension is absolutely no different as the creative team continues to spin their proverbial yarn into something memorable.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Red Sonja #74

When it comes to action and adventure set against an ancient back drop there are usually a handful of players that come to mind, and one of the better ones should be Red Sonja.  In this latest outing the creative team sees fit to put her and her allies in between two armies in a rather desperate situation, the result is a fun but at times lackluster addition to the monthly series.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time: Eye of the World #34

Dixon seems to have managed to grasp what it takes to adapt this novel to a comic book series and for that he should be applauded. This book was a tough read for me but I feel that this story would fit right into the wheelhouse of any fan of epic fantasy so it’s worth a try.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

The Shadow: Year One #2

There’s terror that exists in the hearts of all of us, as our hero works with that perspective to try and make up for the sins of his past.  This is the cornerstone of the character and as the creative team begins to propel their origin narrative they keep that in mind as they deliver something that’s absolutely fantastic.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

 

DANGER GIRL: TRINITY #1

Danger Girl: Trinity #1 gets a four out of five from this fan! Not a five?! Why? Because of my obviously biased childhood rearing  I’m unsure if this is really that amazing or if I’m just lost in a haze of blind appraisal. We’ll just have to wait until next month!

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Doctor Who: Prisoners of Time #4

One of the better things about this issue is that it crosses the old and new. Where as previous issues focused on keeping it old-school, this issue combines the fourth Doctor, a popular fan favorite, with the more recent Judoon. This makes a lot of sense. The TV show often tries to connect to the past with old enemies, so why can’t newer monsters face the old Doctor in the comics? This is definitely something I’d like to see more often.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Doctor Who #8

This issue starts right where the last one left. Its just the Doctor and a Cosmonaut, trapped in space with the vashta nerada. Its a simple concept, but it opens up quite a few possibilities. The highlight of this issue has to be the focus on the Doctor’s character. From his aversion to war or fighting, to his appreciation and respect for all forms of life, this issue sticks to the Doctor’s roots, eschewing away from simple violence and action.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Ghostbusters #3

There comes a time in every secondary character’s unique existence, where they must face something they’ve never done before in order to prove their worth to their franchise.  That’s where the creative team sends Janine Melnitz in this outing and the results are fun.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #189

Given the small setting, this issue has plenty of characters to juggle around. Whilst the Joes try to save hostages and defeat Cobra, the comic would very easily get lost jumping between rooms and characters. Yet it is, more or less, a fluid enough read. There’s little confusing, instead the title chooses to focus on plenty of action.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Godzilla #11

It could be said this issue is nothing but three big fights. We have Godzilla taking on Hedorah, Titanosaurus and Battra against SpaceGodzilla, and Gigan vs. Rodan and Anguirus. The story devotes the majority of its time to these battles, and they deliver. There aren’t too many complaints to be had since it’s nonstop action. This is pretty much the comic everyone has been waiting for when it comes to reading a Godzilla story.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Judge Dredd #6

The story starts out directly where the previous one left off, with Dredd battling Preteen’s robot. Sadly it doesn’t emerge as the big antagonist the last issue had you believe, but the whole opening scene was great anyway. We’re six issues in and this might be Dredd’s first ‘big’ battle where he’s actually on the defensive. This issue’s biggest thing however is showing us graphic scenes of the robots rebelling, which will lead into some interesting plots points to come. Despite Preteen being extremely cringe worthy, readers will enjoy this issue.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

TEENAGE MUTATN NINJA TURTLES VILLAIN MICROSERIES #1: KRANG

When it comes to comic book villains there are a select few that don’t require depth, because at the end of the day they’re so vile that the audience will never find it within themselves to feel for them.  The little pink brain in the big robot from Ninja Turtles is not quite that but I’m still not sure if we need to know about his origins.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #16

This issue opens up to a lot of chaos, confusion and fighting, but dances its way through it. Despite the large scale, character heavy plot going on, this issue keeps its head above the waters. Yet its the ending, for me, that makes this issue stand out. Yes, I’ve written before how Starscream has become a more interesting character, but the ending to this issue exemplifies everything that been built on.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

Vitriol the Hunter #3

Vitriol the Hunter #3 gets three out of five starts from me. The storyline is easy to follow, the art is pretty good, and I think this could have a very promising future. I can’t wait to get my hands on a Lord Barthus trading card!

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Jinri #1

The creative team works together to deliver a more than competent beginning to what could be an epic in its own right.  From start to finish I was easily enthralled by this fantastical world that featured both images of love and hate at the very core of its shared experience.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

 

Grimm Fairy Tales #84

This rather interesting tale comes to a conclusion with this latest release.  Just like a terrible winter storm passing through, this saga sees fit to put our chief character through the proverbial wringer, until the creative team finally allows some metaphorical rays of sun to lead her to a fitting climax.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

2000AD #1828

Once again we have another fresh, varied copy of 2000AD within reach. This week, 2000AD #1828 contains continuing stories from Judge DreddDandridgeTharg’s 3rillers, Stickleback and Zombo. Let’s take a closer look.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

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