Weekly Comic Reviews 9/5


How are we doing on this nice summer night fellow readers? Welcome to this week’s edition of Unleash the Fanboy’s Weekly Comic Reviews, I’m your host, Daniel Alvarez. Many of you will be picking up your comics after school, since the learning year has once again come. This week brings two new #1s, the fourth installment of Mind the Gap, among other cool stuff. Let’s begin, shall we?

Black Kiss II #2

Howard Chaykin continues to explore depravities beyond belief as his script employs a compelling narrator that frames each disgusting act with a thought-provoking rant.  It’s not a perfect read but it keeps the story moving in a way that offers setting, humor and a near narcissistic self-awareness that sells the insanity of these two connected romps.  Rightly so, this story expands its initial scope to offer the odyssey of a man who was once saved by an iceberg while illustrating the corrupt culture surrounding early Hollywood.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

 

Bloodstrike #30

Bloodstrike is Image’s answer to Marvel titles like Venom or Wolverine. It’s not exactly what I’d call deep, but it’s pretty fun. The dialogue isn’t meant to be thought-provoking, the story is just meant to entertain with a hardcore main character. (Yes, his mask resembles a certain Marvel character…) The latest issue is packed with some great fights, fun characters, and is the most entertaining Bloodstrike comic in awhile.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Harvest #2

Atmospheric and slightly disturbing, Harvest #2 continues the wonderfully in-depth tale of illegal surgeons. This issue sees a more explosive development, keeping the mini-series going at a decent pace, never getting bogged down in any one moment. If you’re looking for drama, suspense and a tiny bit of gore, then Harvest #2 has you covered.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Mind the Gap #4

“Everyone is a suspect. No one is innocent!” That awesome tagline never gets old. Mind the Gap is the complete opposite of an action packed superhero comic. The first issue was a stellar start, setting up a unique premise with many characters connected to the story. Sadly the following issues turned the story into a soap opera, with nothing really happening. One thing I don’t like is when a story gets dragged on with only a few important things sprinkled throughout. Honestly I think this book would work better as a mini-series. However, in the latest issue some very interesting new developments take place, the story is moving along nicely now.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Savage Dragon #181

Needless to say, there was a lot of fighting in the previous issues. This is certainly lessened here, but the issue still opens with a good old fashioned fight. In this case, Savage Dragon himself comes to blows with his own son, Krull. For long time readers, this certainly means a lot more than for those who just picked up the title. Its a dialogue heavy fight, and the art work unfortunately falls short of expectations.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Spawn #223

Tremor and Spawn are having a little talk with the mysterious Agent, as they try to piece together their tortured lives in this dialogue heavy issue.  This latest release is sure to grab readers in the first few panels in a way that will leave many fans eagerly flipping through pages as more and more narrative tidbits are revealed.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

Thief of Thieves #8

After a successful first arc, Thief Of Thieves #8 continues the tale of Redmond. Whilst this series is showing plenty of development and style, its also showing signs of slightly losing its touch. The story itself is great, and the development of Redmond always a big plus. If it can handle its characters slightly better, then this title still has a lot of potential.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Think Tank #2

The first issue quite naturally set-up the world of Dr. David Loren, while illustrating him as a rather likable character whom was at a bit of a crossroads.  Now that he’s intent on freeing himself from his current situation in life, this new release seeks to fill in some of his back story while offering up compelling reasons as to why this character would want to give up his life and his occupation.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Creator Owned Heroes #4

While I don’t doubt that the two new creations (series? stories?) appearing in next month’s issue five will be interesting, I’m also peeved that the first two came to relatively abrupt ends. “Triggergirl 6” especially felt cut off, as if it didn’t have time to reach a natural conclusion. The fact that both stories ended at the same time makes it even more frustrating.

For the full review, click here.

3/5

The Boys #70

With three issues to go, The Boys #70 brings the story into a tight focus on the last remaining boys. Full of action and suspense, this isn’t an issue to miss if you’re a fan of the series. Wrapping up with a surprising cliffhanger, which definitely highlights Butchers less stable personality, the next two issues are certainly going to be something special.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Damsels #1

From the first to the last page this story is a proverbial kinetic freight train, taking the audience on a brief but engaging tour of this new world.  This is not your stereotypical fantasy story that relies on established tropes to reel in readers, instead these characters are rather fleshed out as their somewhat unique personas propels the narrative forward.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #1

The universe of Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist and Merciless: The Rise of Ming is easily my favorite of all the world’s Dynamite has in it’s corral. Now if I could only get them to do more of this, and fewer stories about a certain warlord of mars…

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Jennifer Blood #16

When I began reading this issue, I found myself thinking about Amazing Spider-Man (Vol.2) #37.  Now I know that may be a strange way to start this review, but hear me out, that issue was a talk oriented one that offered repercussions for that series for years to come (until Brand New Day washed it all away, but I digress), and just like that release Jennifer Blood #16 is a talk oriented tale that is destined to have some serious consequences for this already stellar series.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

The Lone Ranger #9

If this is your first time picking up a Lone Ranger comic, you’re probably expecting the title character to be roaming around and stopping a few thugs. Not here. This time, it’s all about his Native American partner, Tonto. It’s basically a flashback story that takes place before he joined forces with the Ranger. Longtime fans will appreciate the concept. That doesn’t mean people jumping on board can’t enjoy the story. This issue surprised me. It’s truly heartfelt, brutal, and a comic you do not want to miss, fan of the character or not.

For the full review, click here.

4.5/5

 

Peter Canon: Thunderbolt #1

Peter Cannon returns to comic books in excellent fashion, as a solid creative team presents an in-depth first issue that will have fans (new and old) pleased with the character’s treatment.  From Dragons to nuclear armament, heroic reveals abound in this series’ first stellar outing.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Vampirella #22

Chock-full of intrigue, the latest issue of Vampirella finds our protagonist in a few rather precarious situations as allegiances shift and her fate hangs in the balance.  From the Cestus Dei to Dracula‘s newly amassed power, the world itself looks to be in some dire straits as plot twists and dynamic turns yield a fun and engaging read.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

The Cape 1969 #3

The Cape: 1969 is consistently excellent, and easily ranks among the strongest mini-series out there today. If you not reading it already, get it now, so you can enjoy the conclusion with me next month.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

The Crow #3

As superfluous as this issue feels, it seems to get the story to a point where it can regain focus next month. I have a feeling that by the time Death & Rebirth is over, I’ll think it only needed four issues. Hopefully I’ll be able to say issue three was the worst of the series.

For the full review, click here.

2.5/5

G.I. Joe #17

G.I Joe takes a break from most of the action in G.I Joe #17. Clearly an issue in between various arcs, this months issue does a good job of moving things forward and keeping the pace going.  In short, this is a great issue for readers. If you’re not familiar with the title, this issue also serves as good exposition, helping you get up to date.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Color Classics #4

There’s never been a better time then now to revisit these classic adventures starring the Heroes in a Half-Shell.  Yes, they’re chock-full of corny dialogue, unnecessary explanation, repetition and some cringe-worthy moments, but this re-issue carries the same charm and charisma that made this property an enduring hit to generations of devoted fans.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro-Series #8

Dr. Honeycutt‘s tale is a sobering one that’s full of loss regret and ultimately questionable decisions that have lead this character to some rather bleak circumstances.  But despite it all, in this rather short narrative stint he has proven himself to be an integral part in the new mythos surrounding this current rendition of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Transformers: Regeneration One #83

Optimus Prime and Megatron have battled countless times over the years, yet the lead-up to another confrontation makes you anticipate it again. They’ve battled well over a hundred times in various media, yet we still anticipate this upcoming battle. The latest issue of Regeneration One reveals some insanely cool things (well really it’s the one plot twist) that only longtime fans will take a step back and say “Wait…what?” You are not going to want to miss this one.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

Transformers: Robot in Disguise #9

The opening pages, focusing on Bumblebee, are one of the things I’m growing to love about Robots In Disguise. For a franchise that’s mostly famous for giant robots fighting, its refreshing to see these lull moments, focusing on individual characters. Bumblebee, as the current leader of Cybertron, has great need of this focus, so its a well grabbed opportunity. His monologue is written well, and ties a lot of the individual events together.

For the full review, click here.

3.5/5

2000AD #1799

As always, 2000 AD brings a host of various comics together. This week sees the continuations of Judge DreddLenny ZeroAquilaTharg’s 3rillers and The Grievous Journey Of Ichabod Azrael.

For the full review, click here.

4/5

S#!T Talking Central