Weekly Comic Reviews 5/22
Hey all. Here we are with the latest edition of UTF’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your Godzilla-loving host, Daniel Alvarez. It’s been an exciting time for trailers, MAN OF STEEL is looking more impressive by the day. This week in comic land brings many diverse titles, so we’d best get started.
The Activity #13
Overall, Activity is a cool comic that more people should be reading. If you’re a fan of Tom Clancy, 24, or Call of Duty, you should definitely check this out. The previous 12 issues have been collected in two trades. I look forward to hunting them down. Highly recommended.
For the full review, click here.
5/5
THE BOUNCE #1
The issue ends with an intriguing cliffhanger which leaves you wanting more. Although this comic doesn’t quite deliver on its promise of being a Spider Man for the new millennium (at least not yet), it’s still off to a strong start with fantastic art and enough zany ideas to make Stan Lee jealous.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Dia De Los Muertos #3
As someone who grew up celebrating Dia De Los Muertos, I was worried when I heard Riley Rossmo would be curating a three-issue Image series inspired by this beloved Mexican holiday. It’s not that I didn’t like Rossmo’s work, but I’ve mostly followed him on Bedlam and I was afraid he’d bring that sensibility to a holiday that’s not about horror, but homecoming. But with the final installment of this run, one thing has become clear: Rossmo found a great balance. Yes, there’s horror. But Dia de Los Muertos #3 is mostly about love and memory.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Five Ghosts: The Haunting of Fabian Gray #3
Equal doses of Indiana Jones and old school horror makes this latest installment of Five Ghosts: The Haunting of Fabian Gray, a treat to read. But with only two issues left in the series, they’re going to have to start answering some questions.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Miniature Jesus #2
Overall, If you like indy off-the-wall comics you should give this a try. I’d argue that McKeever’s huge ambition makes up for the flaws in his storytelling. Even with its shortcomings, Miniature Jesus is still one of the most thought provoking comics on the racks. But I have no doubt this miniseries will read better collected in trade.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Revival #10
All in all, this is still a good issue of Revival. It looks great and reads well. Still, I can’t help feeling that, as a stand alone example, it doesn’t contribute much to the series.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Sex #3
SEX is ready for it’s next act and based on what’s come before it’s going to be big, intriguing and complex. While that may seem daunting it will also be as much fun as SEX can possibly be. With Casey and Kowalski leading the way your satisfaction is guaranteed.
For the full review, click here.
5/5
AKANEIRO #1
I was already crafting a negative review of Akaneiro #1 in my head before I even turned to page 1, simply based on the description. It just had the feel of a market-tested narrative trying to tickle all constituents at once. The Red Riding Hood angle seemed devised to pull the Willingham and “Once Upon a Time” fans; the Japanese folklore twist seemed to cater to the Lone Wolf and Shi Long Pang crew; and the only thing the video game element seemed to attract was my fear that this would read like a 32 page commercial. But guess what. It was good. And I want to know what happens next.
For the full review, click here.
5/5
Dark Horse Presents #24
DHP is always a treat, and issue #24 is no exception. You’re sure to find a story, a writer, an artist, that piques your interest.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
The Massive #11
The Massive has been an exercise is patience and hope all of which are rapidly depleting but the story also manages to make you care about those few willing to go literally to the ends of the earth for a belief and purpose. Callum is a man with nothing to lose and you can’t help admire his courage for redemption in the harsh glare of certain failure.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
Mind MGMT #11
Maybe they use some kind of super-secret special ink that steals brainwaves!?! I actually feel different during and after reading this book. From issue to issue, I either feel completely humbled or strangely smarter for reading the contents – all the contents – every last piece of hidden information, sidebar story, “fake” advertisements, etc.
For the full review, click here.
5/5
Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Prisoner of Bogan #5
War! It’s coming to the Star Wars universe, whether devoted fanboys or eager fangirls are ready for the potential ramifications. Through the madness of one man’s crusade the warriors for the light side of the Force might actually have a chance against this coming storm, but there are forthcoming betrayals that might just derail their plans.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
Star Wars: Legacy Volume 2 #3
The galactic tapestry of the Star Wars saga seems to be an endlessly revolving cycle that regurgitates previously used ideas and held notions, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not entertaining. And that right there is something the creative team has done successfully, as they re-imagine core and accepted concepts from cannon to bring about an entirely engaging romp.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Damsels #7
When it comes to a world populated by classic fairy tale characters that are under the oppression of three vile witches and the seeds of intolerance, fanboys and fangirls are left with this book. And to the creative team’s credit what they deliver in this outing keeps the core strengths of this series flowing along quite swiftly as several characters face some uncomfortable revelations.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Dark Shadows: Year One #2
In the latest journey into the path of the world’s most guild ridden vampire, we find ourselves baring witness to a very key moment in the young life of our protagonist. Without saying too much, the creative team seamlessly sets a tone while paying respect to the source material in the smartest ways possible.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Masks #7
Overall, MASKS’s penultimate issue is a solid one. It brings everything to the table, lots of fantastic dialogue. Sadly a few characters, such as Zorro and Black Bat, are underused, a problem I had a feeling would face the series. It’s nothing major of course, and doesn’t distract from the story. The conclusion is up next, I hope you’ll be there.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Red Sonja #75
There have been many characters who have found themselves in the precarious situation of having an invading army at their backside, but after this issue I have to say none have handled the situation and its many twists then turns as Red Sonja has. She held fast and kept her wits about her as she slowly and methodically did what need to be done in order to win the day.
For the full review, click here.
3/5
Warlord of Mars #25
If you’ve been following this series than you know that there have certainly been some narrative bumps in the proverbial road and this release is no different. But to the creative team’s credit what they deliver in the end is a rip-roaring adventure that’s worth your time and money.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Doctor Who #9
I have both good news and bad news for this issue. Firstly, the introduction of Clara is a little.. underwhelming. I know she’s a relatively new character, but she feels very vague here. Of course, readers should be aware of who she is already, but I was hoping for a little more from the Impossible Girl’s first comic outing. On the plus side, however, the issue goes to settings that the show’s budget couldn’t achieve, offering a unique experience and wacky adventure that I’m all in favor of. Geronimo!
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Ghostbusters #4
When I was growing up, I remember waking up early to catch cartoons and one of the half hours I always made sure to have time for happened to be the one with the Ghostbusters in it. On from those tender years I found myself enthralled with the franchise and thanks to this creative team I still get to crack open a comic book and relive my childhood memories one page at a time.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
G.I. Joe: Cobra Files #2
Some readers might not appreciate the slower pace, but this is a welcome change from other G.I Joe titles, offering personal stories and unique plot-lines (look! a bad guy that isn’t instantly Cobra!). Worth picking up.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
HALF PAST DANGER #1
The first issue of Half Past Danger is a total triumph of imagination, with great design, stunning art, and so much potential. IDW has struck gold with this miniseries. One of the most exciting debut issues of the year.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
KISS Solo #3: The Celestial
KISS Solo #3 isn’t bad. In fact, it’s great. But it’s completely different from every other KISS book (many of which were also written by Ryall) we’ve seen over the last year, to the point that feels like a completely different series. I appreciate the change, but I have to wonder if it represents a new direction, or merely a temporary shift.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Villain Microseries #1: Baxter Stockman
When it comes to this franchise there’s certainly no shortage of despicable characters for the heroes in a half-shell to contend with. And with that in mind this microseries seeks to explore several of the prominent ones in hopes to give the audience a deeper understanding of how they became who they currently are.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Transformers: Robots in Disguise #17
After a fantastic last issue, Transformers: Robots In Disguise #17 gives readers a quick break, whilst exploring some interesting and probably important back story. In many ways, this is a one-shot similar to the Spotlight series, but it offers a decent change of pace.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
True Blood #13
It’s always a good time when a story opens up the flood gates and takes the reader on a wild ride making your head spin. For a book like True Blood it truly gets you blood pumping building anticipation for the next issue. Good serials survive this way and True Blood delivers in spades this time round.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Jirni #2
In an ever growing world that’s full of characters set in fantastical lands, it can be a harsh task to deliver something that’s original. Well, the good people over at Aspen may have accomplished that as this creative team succeeds in crafting a yarn that’ll keep you glued to your seats.
Fir the full review, click here.
4/5
GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS HUNTERS: THE SHADOWLANDS #1
When the Being made himself known to the Grimm Universe, the lives of the heroes and villains were changed. But seeing as he is a rather recent addition there needed to be a series to help explain him,or the timeline surround, and that’s what we get here.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS WEREWOLVES: THE HUNGER #1
With the advent of this universe spanning event, the Grimm Fairy Tales universe has been pushed to the brink as a mammoth amount of monsters and tie-ins have arrived. Thankfully so far they haven’t been below entertaining as the various creative teams chart their own course in this endless seas of possibilities.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
GRIMM FAIRY TALES PRESENTS WONDERLAND: DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE #1
As this pilot issue comes to a close I can honestly say with a smile that this is one journey that any fan of this franchise simply needs to take. From the sharp words to the riveting plot the creative team is literally firing on all cylinders as this delicious tale gets underway.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
2000AD #1833
Another week and we have plenty of comic variety in 2000AD #1833. This week’s line up features Judge Dredd, Cadet Anderson, Sinister Dexter, Stickleback and Zombo. Let’s take a little closer look at each.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
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