Well hello fellow comic readers, welcome to this rather big edition of Unleash the Fanboy’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your host, Daniel Alvarez. When I say big, I really mean big. The latest GODZILLA issue is here, which already makes your day I’m sure. We also have an exciting start to a brand new mini-series, among other things. Let’s kick it off with a hardcover.
Artifacts Deluxe HC
When Top Cow announced their mammoth 13-issue event series back in 2010, I don’t think any fans imagined that Artifacts would have such a lasting impact on their little universe. Looking back, this series single handedly destroyed and recreated a lasting line of comics. And it was done in a way that was both refreshing and full of care, so much so that when the end result came the creative team succeeded in not alienating their long time fans. Whether you enjoy Witchblade, The Darkness, Universe, Hunter-Killer or Cyber Force there’s something in here for everyone as the series writer and a team of talented artists bring this universe to its respective knees.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
Debris #1
Debris is a new mini-series from good ol’ Image. Chances are that you may have no idea what it’s about. The cover should catch your eye, it’s very enticing. Once you start to look in, you discover what is the best start to a mini-series since Dancer. Debris #1 has it all. A post-Armageddon plot, a pretty cool main character, and best of all, a GIANT MONSTER. If these things aren’t good enough, I don’t know what is.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
Elephantmen #41
In short, this is an excellent stand alone issue, bar the questionable artwork. Whether you’re a regular reader or not, the self-wrapped plot in Elephantmen #41 is a great starting point for new readers, whilst giving older readers new insight into old themes.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Grim Leaper #3
Grim Leaper is one of the strangest books on the shelves today. In some ways, issue #3 is the weirdest issue yet, while in other ways it’s quite ordinary. Given how weird Grim Leaper normally is, issue #3 stands out for its sheer normalcy. Either in spite of that, or because of it, this was the best issue yet, and I’m looking forward to the final issue next month.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Prophet #27
Each issue feels like a self contained story in itself, and that reflects the writing skills on display. There are cliffhangers and endings that demonstrate the larger plot workings as a whole, but each issue reads well as a stand alone narrative (if you don’t mind the ambiguity). Prophet #27 is no exception to this.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Super Dinosaur #12
It’s no surprise that I consider Super Dinosaur to be the best all-ages title out there currently. Its light-hearted tone mixed with great stories makes this an adventure that even people my teenager age could enjoy. Clean, all natural fun that hasn’t been plagued by today’s comic culture. Add to the fact that in every issue a new reader could jump in, we have a pretty solid thing on the stands. The latest issue continues the interesting story with the Exile and ‘Inner-Earth,’ another great comic.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Witchblade #158
If you would have told me a year ago that Sara Pezzini would travel to a world that is best described as “J.R.R. Tolkein‘s version of Blade Runner,” I would have laughed at you. But that’s exactly what’s happening in this wild and crazy romp. Despite falling into some predictable pitfalls along the way, this latest issue is an impressive feat from a relatively new but slightly seasoned creative team.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Bionic Man #11
With a few noticeable changes from the previous issue, Bionic Man #11 takes the series more slowly, offering personal development instead of high thrills action. The big difference, noticeable to me, is the absence of Kevin Smiths name. Whilst the writing is certainly good, there is something that always feels missing. Smith made the last few issues feel like an all action movie; this feels like a forced attempt at a dull Smallville episode.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Dejah Thoris And The White Apes Of Mars #4
This month’s conclusion to Dejah Thoris and the White Apes of Mars is my first introduction to the series. Thankfully, I won’t have to read it any more. Apes is just as bad as its sister series, Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris, but for different reasons. If the issue four conclusion to Dejah Thoris and the White Apes of Mars is indicative of the rest of the series, I count myself lucky that I haven’t had to read it from the start.
For the full review, click here.
2/5
Lord Of The Jungle #6
My main problem with this issue is the speed of the plot development. Within the issue, the treasure from last issue is resolved, as well as the issue of Tarzan’s original father. These two were always hinted at strongly, and its a shame that the whole resolution is done 6 issues in. Considering Tarzan only left the jungle last issue, this is looking to be a very quick series in terms of narrative advancement.
For the full review, click here.
3/5
Witchblade / Red Sonja #5
When I found out Red Sonja and Witchblade would be crossing over, I honestly didn’t imagine closing the final issue of this five-part story arc and feeling thoroughly satisfied, but I did. The friction and chemistry between both of these leads yielded a story that did not sacrifice their unique tendencies. In short, this is a mini-series worth owning if you’re a fan of either property
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Ghostbusters #11
This issue was a fun romp, that honestly yielded some of the reactions I imagine most comic readers yearn for in their monthly titles. From the goofy premise of alien ghosts to the campy dialogue, this book was engaging from start to finish. It wasn’t perfect, but if you’re looking for a fun adventure in the desert this brief jaunt might just be for you.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
GODZILLA #3
As a longtime Godzilla fan, it’s great to see these characters back in media with new stories. Kingdom of Monsters was a very mixed series, but in the end, it was a fun Godzilla story. The new series has unlimited potential, but the previous issues have only been ‘good,’ not ‘great.’ I was never sold on the bounty hunter angle, and the monsters are just ‘walking events.’ They only have a slight sense of personality. Issue #3 is pretty solid with introducing some interesting new plot developments, but it’s still not ‘great.’
For the full review, click here.
3/5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12
The latest issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a jumbled but fun little romp that brings our heroes first fight with the Foot to a solid conclusion. From start to finish the story can be a bit thin and even somewhat wobbly, but thanks to some solid art this issue is easily a worthwhile buy.
For the full review, click here.
3.5/5
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series #6
The latest issue of the microseries continues to explore and expand plot threads from the main title. Chronologically speaking the narrative contained in these pages, takes place between Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #12 and 13, but can exist as a stand-alone tale that offers a decent amount of depth for our hockey clad avenger, Casey Jones. It’s a solid comic that’s chock-full full of heart and decent enough effort. Recommended.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #7
This on going series is a parallel title with Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Whist the latter focuses on a post-war Cybertron, More Than Meets The Eye focuses on the various battlegrounds and characters in the wider galaxy. This ensures two very different titles that offer different experiences of a post-war transformers universe. In short, if you’re a fan of Robots in Disguise you’ll love More Than Meets The Eye. If you’re not familiar with either, it still serves as a perfect jumping on point.
For the full review, click here.
4/5
2000AD #1792
Despite the loss of Nikolai Dante, 2000AD is still going strong thanks to some new titles and continuation of the current inclusions. In short, its a perfectly good issue. With some new titles on display, as well as some excellent regulars, its still a very good deal for one magazine.
For the full review, click here.
4.5/5
S#*! TALKING CENTRAL