Hey all. Welcome to UTF’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your Godzilla-loving host, Daniel Alvarez. Speaking of Godzilla, Rulers of Earth returns with a very action-packed second issue. Godzilla takes on Zilla, his American counterpart! (It’s as awesome as it sounds.) Let’s kick it off with some Activity.

The Activity #14

The Activity might be one of the best (and most underrated) comics being produced right now. The plots are drum tight, the action consistently compelling, and technical insight it provides is just plain fascinating — each issue is stuffed with geeky little facts about how an elite unit of Army spies would actually function. Issue #11 is no exception. We get a bomb threat, a cat-and-mouse game, and a resolution so creative and delightful that writer Nathan Edmondson once again sets himself apart as a sharp and imaginative writer. Not since Greg Rucka’s Queen and Country has there been an espionage title so solid.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Artifacts #30

I’ve been following this title since it was an event series, and I have to say that when it transitioned over to a monthly book I’ve been positively floored by the experiences thus far.  To the creative teams credit they’ve delivered on so much that my expectations for the overall quality have been raised to levels I never expected… which can be a bit of a detriment.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

BlackAcre #9

The various elements comprised in this tale are slowly becoming something more than the sum of their individual parts.  To the creative team’s credit from day one they’ve been playing with themes that might be off putting to some while building up their own unique vision.  In short: the comic you hold in your hands is a masterfully realized work that may not be perfect but it will entertain you.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

BURN THE ORPHANAGE: BORN TO LOSE #1

If you were a gamer that grew up in the late 80s or early 90s, you more than likely found yourself with a need to play side-scrolling beat ’em ups.  Titles ranged from Comix Zone to Streets of Rage with plenty of variations in between to sate the appetite of every worthy fanboy or fangirl.  If you yearn for a return to those sweet adolescent memories than this is a comic book made especially for you.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Fatale #16

From the start of this franchise the creative team has had the ability to easily blend realistic elements with otherworldly ones.  They’ve done so in a way that highlights the struggles of the human experience by shinning light on moments of grace and bitter darkness.  And the latest issue is absolutely no different as Jo slowly but surely leads more men down an age of renewal that will surely conclude with their mutual destruction.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Invincible Universe #5

Invincible and its companion books have always made a habit of referencing events from quite a while back, but they seem to be doing it more lately. That’s not a bad thing; it means the books are very well planned, are written with an acute awareness of in-universe history, or both. But continuity is so strong here that even not-so-recent initiates will be lost.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

The Legend of Luther Strode #6

I’m a huge fan of Jordan’s work and his let loose approach to the Legend of Luther Strode makes it so much fun in action, dialogue and character. Petra really deserves a spin-off book due to Jordan’s portrayal her and makes her one the most likable female action heroes around. It’s inevitable that Luther will win in the end but he faces the dire consequences of collateral damage with honesty and pain alike. I will miss this series and hope both Jordan and Moore will bring us more Luther Strode in the future. Comics are better off because of series like this.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

The Manhattan Projects #13

While this certainly wasn’t the series’ most exciting issue, it gives us an even greater sense of depth, and seems to suggests a lot about where Projects is going. I just hope Laika makes it back from space okay.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Miniature Jesus #4

What we have here is a slightly disconcerting but truthful portrayal that exists in an exaggerated realm.  It’s a comic book that’s full of familiar ideas and troubling situations as this tale takes on the oldest obstacle known to man: choice.  We have a protagonist who’s struggling with his addiction and with the aid of some twisted friends he’s beginning to get some semblance of help as he attains a few worthwhile moments of honest clarity.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Prophet #38

All in all, Prophet #38 is very enjoyable. It still explores it’s unique setting, concepts and characters, despite a few minor faults. With a promising storyline, Prophet is offering more and more potential for the future.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Satellite Sam #2

Forgive the overly corny introduction but if you look at the basic merits of the comic you hold in your hands you’ll find that the opening question of this review is more than appropriate for the content contained therein.  To the creative team’s credit the festivities found here are more human than one might expect and thanks to a clever re-introduction of our primary leads we now know a little bit more about all of their intentions and motivations.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Sheltered #2

This is yet another issue in a stellar series that will totally grip fans emotionally. Sheltered has been an insane roller coaster ride that continues to let up.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

SIDEKICK #1

When I cracked open this book I was fairly certain that I’d be entertained by the premise of the series but then something happened by the time I reached the final page.  The creative team impressed me, in ways I honestly wasn’t expecting and let me tell you the truth dear readers, I imagine if you thumb through this by the end you’ll have a similar reaction.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Ten Grand #4

I find myself absolutely captivated with the style and swagger of this book.  Sure it’s full of corny or somewhat clunky elements that prevent it from being more than an independently owned religious yarn in the vein of Hellblazer, but there’s something about the entire package that simply draws me in.  From the first page to the final panel the creative team delivers something that, for me, clicks on enough levels to warrant some attention.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Abe Sapien #5

Overall, a solid issue of Abe Sapien. Action is light, but the dialogue is strong. It’s kind of a sci-fi murder mystery, so many should find it entertaining. It’s almost time for some big action pieces however.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Catalyst Comix #2

The amount of ideas per page in this title are staggering. Joe Casey and friends should be admired for putting out such a challenging product. They need to start grounding some of these ideas or readers may not care much longer.

For the full review, click here                                                              .

3/5

The Owl #2

Dynamite handles the glory of the superhero as well as anyone and The Owl is a great new title any fan of the classic and current styles. This is good old fashioned story telling with a twist at it’s best.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

G.I. Joe: Cobra Files #5

G.I Joe: Cobra Files #5 offers a short one-shot, but it’s something well tied into the current storyline and teased for a while now. Perhaps one of the more interesting issues of Cobra Files, this issue certainly shows an understanding of such a small cast. In short, I’m highly impressed with this issue. It’s not foreshadowing for the sake of foreshadowing; it’s personal conflict, dilemma and character development told well. Of course, it’s the potential consequences that will likely get most G.I Joe fans.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth #2

Overall, Rulers of Earth #2 is the definitely the most fun comic you’ll read this week. The battle between Godzilla and Zilla is amazingly done. Since it’s pretty much one-sided, you’re going to wonder how it was pulled off, but it’s handled very well. Characters are a bit weak, but nothing bad. It’s a fun story that can be enjoyed by all ages, Godzilla fans, and newcomers.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Transformers: Monstrosity #3

With just one issue left, Transformers: Monstrosity #3 has the typical job of escalation; building things up before the big final episode. With so much going on, how does the issue hold up? In short, Transformers: Monstrosity #3 probably delivers as well as it possibly can. Given that there’s only so many outcomes available, being a prequel and all, it’s a great relief to see that it still does enough to offer suspense and intrigue. If that isn’t enough, it’s a very pretty comic from start to finish with a lot of what makes Transformers great.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #20

Transformers: Robots In Disguise #20 is another issue of foreshadowing and build up, but it’s one that fans will want to read. The issue is full of character and atmosphere, as well as a very personal focus on Starscream. And who doesn’t love a little bit of Starscream?

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Charismagic (vol.2) #4

The battle between good and evil may be heating up and shifting venues, but through it all the heart of this arc remains irrevocably intact.  Thanks to the work of the creative team this latest comic book represents a franchise that’s still vibrant.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Grimm Fairy Tales presents Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole #3

Madness is a hard thing to capture, but this company has a history of doing just that.  This specific title highlights that ability in ways that may be shocking to curious onlookers but familiar to longtime fans.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Grimm Fairy Tales presents Zombies: The Cursed #2

In this penultimate issue we get more back story on one of the primary heroes currently embroiled in the conflict that’s holding this shared universe at bay.  To the creative team’s credit there’s plenty to love here and trust me when I say this is one side story that’s worth a look, especially as it delivers some great moments that are chock-full of character development.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Quantum and Woody #2

Quantum & Woody is a must-read and a model for what comics can be. It’s entertainment at it’s fullest. Comedy, action and heart don’t always make great bedfellows but in Quantum & Woody it’s a match made in heaven. This is another jewel in Valiant’s crown with a creative team that’s more than up for the task. If you only read one new book this year, this should be it.

For the full review, click here.

5/5

2000AD #1844

As usual, there’s another issue of 2000AD out this week. This time it’s 2000AD #1844, which includes Judge Dredd, Defoe, Slaine, Age Of The Wolf III and The Ten-Seconders. Let’s take a closer look at each individually.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5