Weekly Comic Reviews 4/3


Greetings fellow comic readers. Welcome to another edition of UTF’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your Godzilla-loving host, Daniel Alvarez. Speaking of G, this week sees the release of the long awaited fifth and final installment of The Half Century War. Besides that, Dynamite’s pulp event MASKS continues and Zenescope’s highly anticipated battle between Robyn Hood and Red Riding Hood is upon us. Let’s get started.

’68: Jungle Jim #1

This isn’t a story for everyone and certainly not for the squeamish. What I see as mostly action many will see has horror and make no mistake there’s plenty of it. But the struggle of Private Curliss’ cross to bear and the hope of salvation from not only the Vietnam war but a Vietnam/Zombie apocalypse makes this much more of a well-rounded story than one of just a one-man killing machine in a gas mask.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Bedlam #6

Riley Rossmo’s art is phenomenal as always. Each line and pose deliberate an adding to the tone and atmosphere of the book. The battle between the Vigilante & Eric has no dialogue which allows the art to shine more. The fight is brutal and visceral, with neither of them letting up, it’s a pretty bloody affair and it’s amazing to look at. The colors are murky and moody, adding to the dark tone of the series.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

BlackAcre #5

Following some events complete with unnecessary discomfort for out protagonist the creative team wraps up things in their first arc on a compelling high note.  It’s not happy, sad or indifferent instead what we receive is something that will surely get the ball rolling as the series moves toward its next phase. There are a few shocking moments but trust me when I say pay attention to the final page.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Great Pacific #5

Poor writing  can make a book nearly unreadable. With comics, at least the reader has pictures to fall back on. Martín Morazzo continues to produce absolutely gorgeous landscape within wide-angle shots. I’m even coming to grips with his somewhat stiff-faced characters. I’ve realized that I’m mostly bothered by everyone having a tiny chipmunk mouth, but that’s a stylistic quirk on Morazzo’s part that I can tolerate. One face he does have trouble with is that of the octopus, whose visage is noticeably lopsided in one scene.

For the full review, click here.

2.5/5

The Mice Templar IV: Legend

It’s not that the comic is bad. It’s that it’s trying too hard. Take a breath, slow down, and let the reader explore for a second. Maybe this was the wrong issue to start with, but ideally it should be rather easy to fall into a plot.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Repossessed #4

Beelzebuth (Lord of the Flies) has emerged from Sarah’s father and he is not happy. After fighting off Orobas, he turns his attention’s to our intrepid repo men. With no other choice Martha releases her own demon, Gremory. When that also proves ineffective the group heads toward Cali in order to protect the demon’s target, Arthur Daltrey. When they get there they find out that they maybe in over their heads.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Savage Dragon #186

This issue of Savage Dragon opens up easily enough, but then bounces between various areas. Whilst Dragon himself is still in prison, there’s on going developments for Malcolm Dragon as Angel leaves. Through in a handful more characters that make a strong appearance through the issue and you have a double edged sword. Whilst Savage Dragon #186 offers plenty, it doesn’t pause at any one instance long enough to take in the full effect.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Snapshot #3

Andy Diggle knows how to write action. Snapshot has sped along at break-neck clip not only in its psychical action but reveals and plot twists. Issue three has Jake and Callie trapped in Keller’s crime camp and what they stumble upon is another twist and a major blow to Callie’s rapidly unraveling reality. Jake now feels like a character that has lost all he can without losing his will to live or clear his name of murder.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

Son of Merlin #3

After a crash course in magic, Simon and Gwen are “surrounded” by Morgana’s son using a bilocation spell. As Simon is either nervous or weak, it takes quick thinking on Gwen’s part to keep from being killed. The explosions are grander and the magic is fiercer. And while there is plenty of action it doesn’t distract from the heart of the saga. And although small, readers will appreciate the tie-ins from the Arthurian legend.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Spawn #230

Whether you’re someone who’s been buying Spawn since its inception or a new follower eager to learn more and more about this exciting universe there’s certainly something for you within the confines of this release.  But fair warning: be prepared to read a lot of text.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Super Dinosaur #18

This issue changes everything. Maximus is no longer in control and Derek’s mom is found. It’s a pretty emotional story in the beginning, with a great antagonist making his debut. It’s almost disappointing, in just one issue Tyrannosaurus X (such a cool name) is already a far better villain than Maximus. While some of the dialogue is generic, this issue is definitely one of the better ones and a must have for any Super Dinosaur fan.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Witchblade #165

Emotions are running high as a trip down memory places Sara Pezzini at a bit of a crossroads.  It’s been tough adjusting to her new life in a brand new city but now she has an important decision to make, one that will certainly affect this saga moving forward.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

Army of Darkness #12

Comedy is a staple of the Army of Darkness along with outlandish circumstances and over-the-top demons of which this book has plenty. It takes it’s approach a bit too casually though causing Ash lose a little of his charm and his edge. The opening battle with the demon toys is as fun and as action packed as you would want and Ash’s internal monologue is fun recapping his recent travels through time and dimensions.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Dark Shadows #15

After a shocking glimpse into the future, the righteous portion of our hero is on a mission to go back and stop his darker half from causing too much damage to the innocents around him.  But before he gets there plenty of problems arise for this supernatural leaning family.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

 

The Lone Ranger #14

I’m really liking these standalone issues. Some might prefer long running story arcs, but these solo stories are really nice. You can pick one up without having to worry about the previous issue, it gives newcomers a chance to jump on. This one is interesting because it ties back to Tonto’s arc a few issues ago. It’s another fantastic comic, I encourage people to check out this series.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

MASKS #5

This might just be the biggest issue of MASKS since #1. The heroes finally infiltrate the main villain’s fortress, plus Zorro makes his big debut. It’s really fun to see the characters together and communicating. From Kato’s wise sayings to the Shadow’s un-human way of talking, there’s a lot to enjoy.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Miss Fury #1

Miss Fury, or Marla Drake, is a very wealthy woman of superior confidence. With money, a score to settle, and an alter ego to boot she’s out to save the world from one of the greatest horrors of humanity’s past.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

G.I. Joe: Special Missions #2

The main difference or gimmick in Special Missions #2 is that a lot of the events take place under-water. Both the Joe’s and Cobra are moving around in an attempt to hide from the other (and anyone else). Where as most G.I Joe action is about gunfights and explosions, this issue is a lot more tense, adding plenty of suspense and tension instead of instant gunfire and blood.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

GODZILLA: Half Century War #5

Yes, it’s been almost three months between issues. Ridiculous, I know, but what can we do? It was definitely worth the wait. The Half Century War has been called by fans the best Godzilla related thing to come out of IDW. They’re not wrong, it’s been a series of quality, spectacular art, epic fights, but must of all it ‘got’ Godzilla. The previous issue had G take on SpaceGodzilla with Mechagodzilla thrown in the mix. Here in this issue King Ghidorah and Gigan arrive. While not quite as good as the previous installments, it’s still an epic ride both old and new fans alike will enjoy.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Joe Palooka #5

The saga of the accused fighter continues in this compelling but at times off-balance re-imagining. There are some speed bumps in the narrative road but for the most part the creative team only waivers slightly as they struggle to keep the story fresh. Looking back on the prior but established quality there’s a clear level of expectation for this issue to step up and give the fans what they want.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Popeye #12

The premise is simple enough. After a game of cards gone wrong, various events lead to Popeye having to train a horse. The simple story opens up plenty of potential in terms of humor, something that can be seen from start to finish. Whilst it might not be the most complex story, there’s generally a good laugh or two on every page, with plenty to keep anyone interested.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Transformers Spotlight: Trailcutter

The plot itself is fairly simple, but the charm is in the details. Like other Spotlight entries, this is a very personalized story. Obviously, Trailcutter is the focal point for this issue, and the character has plenty of charm and depth that isn’t otherwise shown in the normal series. Taking time out to focus on this character pays off rather well, as he actually comes across as rather interesting – even if he complains too much at first.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Star Wars: Dark Times – Fire Carrier #3

When it comes to exploring the intergalactic saga surrounding the rather expansive Star Wars universe, one era in particular always peaked my interest.  And to this series’ benefit it takes place right in the middle of it and let me say this issue offers a compelling piece of fiction that should please eager fanboys or fangirls.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Grimm Fairy Tales presents The Jungle Book: Last of the Species #2

The author for this series is Mark L. Miller. While his writing is minimal, it’s effective. The sounds, the growls, and the realistic dialogue all come together to bring this story to life. I particularly appreciate the emotive conversations held by the characters that go deep without being over dramatic. The reader steps in, takes a look around, and gets out. Quick,  painless, and entertaining. Each character is easily defined by voice alone and harks back to the story we all know and love.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Robyn Hood vs. Red Riding Hood

Overall, Robyn Hood vs. Red Riding Hood delivers exactly what we want to see, an epic showdown between the two. The writing is great, as is the pacing. Don’t think it’s an empty crossover or cash-in, it’s a quality comic that new and old readers will enjoy. It’s definitely the best Zenescope comic I’ve read. I’ll be looking forward to Wanted and hopefully they’ll give Red Riding Hood a new series too.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

2000AD #1826

Another week and another sample of 2000AD. This week, in 2000AD #1826, we have a varied line-up of various titles. So let’s take a closer look at Judge DreddDandridgeTharg’s 3rillersStickleback and Zombo.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

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