Hello everyone, hope you’ve all had a great hot July. Welcome to this week’s edition of the Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your host, Daniel Alvarez. We have some pretty diverse reviews, including the first issue of the zombie epic Deadworld: War of the Dead and the controversial Black Kiss II. As a certain plumber with a red hat would say, let’s a go.

Alpha Girl #4

This issue fully revels in its premise as the reader is taken on a genuinely fun and quite plucky ride.  The spirit of the characters and the sheer goofiness of their dire situation reveals a titillating tale of virginity and gore in the middle of a catastrophic apocalypse.  It’s not perfect and it won’t win any awards, but it had me genuinely amused from start to finish.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Black Kiss II

Black Kiss II #1 is bound to turnoff many people due to its high level of sexual content and yet if you’re willing to sit back, have a drink and give this book a shot you might just find yourself enjoying this perverse yet compelling tale.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Harvest #1

I am highly impressed by Harvest #1. Not just because of its themes and bravery, but because it looks to also be telling a decent story and narrative in between. This isn’t shocking for the sake of being shocking; its shocking because its pulled off with a disturbing sense of reality.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Mind the Gap #3

Mind the Gap is a thriller, no superhero action whatsoever. It’s the interesting premise that makes this story worth checking out. It’s a murder mystery combined with the paranormal. The first issue was one of the most interesting and engaging comics I’ve read in a long time. The second didn’t quite live up to it. It wasn’t bad, but was lacking everything that made the first issue so good. The latest chapter (wow, it feels like it’s been years since the last one) moves the story forward with some interesting new developments, but ended up being more of a soap opera.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Thief of Thieves #7

In short, Thief of Thieves #7 is an excellent example of the series. Setting up the premise for the future arcs and plots, this is a great starting point for anyone who happens to be looking for something a little different, yet thoroughly exciting.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Think Tank #1

No matter who you are, everyone on some level goes through life with their blinders on.  But eventually something might happen that forces people to see the truth of their existence and when that moment occurs everyone handles it differently.  That’s the heart of this little romp, and despite some pacing issues this first release successfully builds off of its newly established premise.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

The Boys #69

With 3 issues to go, The Boys #69 is showing no sign of slowing down. At its core, The Boys seems to be sticking to a true and tested philosophy; if you’re going to go out, go out with a bang. Without giving away any spoilers, the current issue sets up the last three for an interesting read. A lot of focus has been put on Wee Hughie and the next few issues look set to really explore the character that, to an extent, has always sat on the fence in a lot of the bigger issues. In short, bring on the next issue.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Dark Shadows/Vampirella #1

The narrative follows a rather quick pace that rushes through the shared history of our two villains, while readers are given a brief recap on some details about our main characters.  It’s a creative first issue, that yields a surprisingly fresh tale while allowing enough room for these two very iconic vampires to establish their respective franchises.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

 

 

The Lone Ranger #8

The Lone Ranger #7 is one of the most deep and heartfelt comics I’ve read in awhile. I’ve had some experience with The Lone Ranger franchise thanks to the old show, but beyond that not much. The previous comic was the first ever issue from a Lone Ranger series I’ve read. Basically this arc is focusing on a flashback before the Ranger and Tonto met. Longtime fans will enjoy this untold history, while new fans will read a deep, historical, and even sad adventure. The Lone Ranger #8 is one of the best comics I’ve read this week, I cannot recommend it enough.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

Merciless: the Rise of Ming #3

I really enjoyed the previous issue of Merciless, but most of the things I liked have either disappeared or been significantly toned down, while the bad elements remain. Maybe a certain incident toward the end of the book will introduce some uncertainty to Ming’s life.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

Ninjettes #6

The characters have been over the top, at times disgusting but more often than not they’ve just been thoroughly engrossing.  And since this team’s original appearance, The Ninjettes have carried a bloody legacy that’s starting to bring about some rather interesting results.  This comic book has been an engaging romp full of gory goodness from start to finish, but now it’s time to bid the series goodbye as the trio prepares to face Jennifer Blood.

For the full review, click  here.

3.5/5

The Shadow #4

The opening story arc to The Shadow has been full of international intrigue and this latest issue is no different.  From the mature themes, to the fantastical elements this comic succeeds in striking a necessary balance that yields a thoroughly engaging read.  Our hero is one that is smart, full of past regret and an overbearing sense of purpose as he faces an increasingly dangerous world.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

The Spider #4

When Anput revealed that she knew who our hero was, the battle entered a whole new territory.   The turn of events has simply driven our protagonist to a completely new level of desperation.  The Spider has been through the wringer, and this issue revels in that fact as he continues to push himself over the proverbial edge.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Warlord of Mars #20

Technical issues were my only real complaint for Warlord of Mars this month. The plot and characters were great, and everything comes to an unsettling end. I hope next month picks up on the emotional threads left over from this issue.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Deadworld: War of the Dead #1

At first glance to the unsuspecting reader, he/she will look at this comic and say “A Walking Dead wannabe? HAHA.” To more seasoned readers, they know that Deadworld actually precedes The Walking Dead. Now I don’t know too much about Deadworld, this is my first comic of it. Thankfully the issue features an introduction explaining things well for new readers, so don’t worry about having prior knowledge beforehand. While any new zombie comic will be compared to The Walking Dead instantly, the first issue of this mini-series stands on its own, it’s one of the grittiest comics I’ve ever read. (In this case, that’s a good thing.)

For the full review, click here.

5/5

The Cape 1969 #2

As with the first issue, Jason Ciaramella does a great job with the war elements of the book. The setting and behavior are both well done, and Chase’s brief conversation with an English-speaking Vietnamese boy perfectly captures his longing for his own family without being too on the nose. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, the little flying boom man is back this issue, and Ciaramella plays him as the archetypal nutty, nonsensical native whose madness belies his hidden talents. While the supernatural elements are inserted in such a way that they don’t destroy the setting Ciaramella has built, everyone takes them a bit too in stride.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

 

Transformers: Regeneration One #81

Transformers may just be the most recognizable comic property outside of Marvel and DC. Regeneration One serves a couple of purposes. It’s a nice way for new fans (or people who have seen the films or watch Prime) to jump in, and it’s a continuation of the original Marvel comic. People who grew up with the old show will have some smiles while reading this issue, it’s nothing but classic Transformers and Megatron’s over-the-top but awesome dialogue.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

 2000AD #1793

Another week, another sampling of 2000AD. This weeks issue continues the variation and new talent shown in previous issues. In short, this issue builds on a lot of new titles. Its one flagship inclusion, Dredd, certainly falters in comparison, but it all makes for a good read.

For the full review, click here.

3/5