Mini Reviews 14/07/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

REAVER #1

Writer: Justin Jordan

Art: Rebekah Isaacs

Image $3.99

Kenny J: A fantasy Suicide Squad wasn’t something I realised I wanted but Justin Jordan and Rebekah Isaacs’ inaugral issue of Reaver has me sold on the idea. With solid world creation and character building that maybe sometimes lapses into too much exposition, there is just enough plot twisting, politicking and gore to keep me intrigued. There is a large cast of misfits with their own secrets and backstories - the book rushes through their introduction so that we can move forward into the story with future issues. This does leave the person who is presumably going to be our main protagonist needing a little fleshing out but I’m hoping for a rich and full world, the same type that has made many of Jordan’s other books such a success. Isaacs’ art is wonderfully expressive with each one of the misfits completely different to the other and somehow entirely representative of their temperament and hidden backstory. Where Reaver will go and how long it will take to get there I cannot say but the first issue promises the perfect mix of magic, adventure and horror. 7/10

Mini Reviews 07/07/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

THE WALKING DEAD #193

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Art: Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn

Image $3.99

Mike S: Only last month I was looking forward with excitement to the ongoing tales of a Rick Grimes-free world of The Walking Dead and then BAM – be careful what you wish for! I get the vision of the Rick-less world I wanted and then... nothing, as Kirkman finishes his tale on his own terms, completely out of the blue. Kind of fitting for a title that has pulled no punches in the surprising twists and turns it has taken over the last 15 years. But is it any good? Well, in my humble opinion, not only is it good but it is wonderful! Without giving too much away, we jump forward some considerable time and we truly get to see the legacy of Rick Grimes in creating a new world order. We drop in on all of the major characters (and a few surprises) of this mammoth run and see how they fit into the complex patchwork world that has been created in the image of the old wild west. In a narrative that is framed by an adult Carl telling a story, we encounter many of our favourites in their new roles and positions, and the issue leaves us with a warm feeling as we see the new future ahead for mankind. Obviously there are walkers – but their presence acts only as a reminder of what the true focus of this title has always been: humanity. Thus, while walkers feature and are dispatched, they serve as a catalyst for further character development and world building in an issue that is beautifully crafted, tightly structured and written with great poignancy without mawkish sentiment. Added to this, Adlard turns in some of his finest art to date, adding some beautifully emotive work to complement Kirkman’s tone and intention. The Walking Dead has never been the story of a zombie apocalypse: it has always been a tale of humanity, the triumph of the human spirit and how high mankind could aspire to be in the face of overwhelming adversity and, as such, this issue serves as the perfect conclusion to such an ambitious and sweeping tale. A truly memorable and epic saga with a surprising but perfect ending. Now to go back and re-read the whole run all over again! 10/10

Mini Reviews 26/05/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #11

Writer: James Tynion IV

Art: Álvaro Martínez Bueno, Raül Fernandez & Brad Anderson

DC $3.99

Mike S: In a perfect world, this title would be the flagship Justice League title of the DCU. There, I said it! Snyder’s Justice League is interesting but ultimately leaves me luke-warm. Maybe I prefer lesser characters, maybe I just like the story style of JLD but the line-up of Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Detective Chimp, Swamp Thing, Man-Bat and now Blue Devil is FAR more interesting than yet another iteration of the ‘big guns’ who, quite frankly, are becoming tediously dull in their lack of development, constrained as most of them are by their respective titles. However, my enjoyment of this title is strange as most magical villains leave me cold, teetering between being annoying or simply laughable. However, Justice League Dark #11 is a definite challenger to that trope as Diana and Zatanna seek out Mordru and he is genuinely scary in his arrogant, cold use of power and his total disregard for the lesser beings he treads upon in his quest for domination. As he states, as if it is nothing: "I have killed millions by my own hand. I have been a plague upon this world for thousands of years, partaking of every cruelty the human mind has ever conjured. And in a thousand years, I will still be here standing, when the rest of you are dust." The menace in this book is palpable and the dual threads work well, as Tynion IV jumps effortlessly between the quest for Mordru and the desperate attempt to keep the magic users alive in their dealings with the Lords of Order. Most importantly, at the centre of the story, lies the complexity of Dr Fate and I love this take on him: he is not inherently good but is in fact lawful and in following the laws of Order we see a totally transformed Fate, and he’s all the better for it! However, as great as Tynion IV is in crafting this tale, it is nothing without the art of Martinez Bueno, which adds character, depth and darkness in equal measure. Justice League Dark’s 'Lords of Order' has been consistent storytelling at its very best. This intriguing tale creates a truly chilling atmosphere, and I’m looking forward to the finale as the Otherkind secure their foothold in our reality and the Lords of Order strive to conquer the realms of magic at the expensive of all magic within the DCU. 9/10

Mini Reviews: Free Comic Book Day 2019

This Saturday, May 4th (be with you!), sees the 18th annual Free Comic Book Day. Those unfamiliar with the event should head to the official site – here we take a look at an advance selection of freebies that will be available at your local comic shop on the day. Of course, those of you in the same catchment area as us need to head over to Paradox in Poole where Andy H will have available not only the comics reviewed below but many more besides! Get there early to avoid disappointment!

SPIDER-MAN FCBD 2019

Writers: Donny Cates, Saladin Ahmed & Tom Taylor

Art: Ryan Stegman, Frank Martin Jr, Cory Smith, Jay Leisten & David Curiel

Marvel $0.00

Mike V: This issue contains two stories, the first focusing on Eddie Brock and the second Miles Morales and Peter Parker. Donny Cates helms the former, with art from Ryan Stegman and Frank Martin Jr and with the tagline “The Venom epic of 2019 Starts here!” it features fantastic writing, supported by some of the best art I've seen in comics recently. The story serves as a taster for the Venom event 'Absolute Carnage' released this summer and I can safely say this will definitely pique the interest of fans, be they fans of Spider-Man, Venom, Carnage or X-Men. The backup story, by Ahmed and Taylor, offers great fan service to both Peter Parker and Miles Morales; you see the two sharing banter and a friendly rivalry that really captures the essence of both characters and is also lit up with some great artwork from Cory Smith. We even see a classic Spidey villain show his face along with action and side-by-side fighting for Parker and Morales. Specially written just for this issue, it's something long time fans of the web-head will appreciate, and new fans, perhaps from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, will find a fantastic jumping on point. 10/10

Mini Reviews 28/04/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

THANOS #1

Writer: Tini Howard

Art: Ariel Olivetti & Antonio Fabela

Marvel $4.99

Jo S: Picking a Thanos comic in the aftermath of seeing Avengers: Endgame this week was possibly not the best choice: Comics Thanos and MCU Thanos being motivated strikingly differently. The latter is compelled to ‘save’ the universe, motivated by a love of peace, and sees wiping out 50% of all living things as an act of love for those remaining. Comics Thanos is instead an outright killing machine, infected with insatiable bloodlust, wiping out 100% of those living on each unfortunate planet he descends on, motivated only to impress the manifestation of Death, with whom he has an obsessive infatuation. Tini Howard here presents the story not just of the start of Thanos’ reign of terror, but also of Gamora’s hold on him, the relationship which is destined to make him, and also then to be the end of him: this issue is bookended with Gamora, adult and child, but the majority establishes a monstrous, ruthless, years-long massacre, Thanos at one point saying “When I walk away from a fight it is only because it bores me”. Howard's Thanos is petulant, stubborn, dismissive of authority and religion - it's hard at first to see why he inspires any loyalty in his crew of generals but it's to be hoped that there will be more on this. Olivetti’s art works well where he is able to stretch out on a full splash page, giving Thanos appropriate density and gravitas; I like that he is armed with a huge golden sickle, echoing the iconic scythe of an embodiment of death. I'll admit the Lady Death herself appeared a little underwhelming so far but I'm terribly biased by Mike Deodato’s vision of gothic, leather-clad curves. Olivetti creates magical effects using panels floating in a star speckled black background for the scenes in space, and plays with the concept of Thanos’ shadow, metaphorically and actually, falling over a world he has doomed with his presence. A promising start - this Thanos is very hard to empathise with but exploring the influences on him should help with that. 7/10

Mini Reviews 21/04/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

WEST COAST AVENGERS #10

Writer: Kelly Thompson

Art: Moy R. and Tríona Farrell

Marvel $3.99

Jo S: I'm sure I'm not the only reader who let out a yelp of surprise on hearing that this tenth issue wraps up the absolutely wonderful West Coast Avengers series, apparently without extant plans for more. Thompson's dismay at the cessation is evident in her letter to the fans and I'm 100% behind her in her hopes that there will be more. If you're unaware so far of the phenomenon that is WCA, I entreat you: go and pester your local comic store proprietors for the trade paperback, I promise you will not be disappointed. But what of this issue? Our brilliant team of assorted misfits are facing down a crew of vampires intent on draining America's blood and Kate's absentee mum seems to be on their side: Thompson has pulled out all the stops for a finale with heart, humour, fast-paced action and enough pathos to leave me in that weird state of happy-sadness at the end. Each of the members of this crazy gang get their arc, and Moy R handles the art as if they've known this team forever. Jeff the cuddly land shark gets his day but it's a measure of Thompson's genius that he still doesn't steal the show. I will really miss this series - in a very big week for comics, it has ALWAYS been my most looked-forward-to. 9/10

Mini Reviews 14/04/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

FAIRLADY #1

Writer: Brian Schirmer

Art: Claudia Balboni & Marissa Louise

Image $3.99

Jo S: Jenner Faulds and her associate Oanu (a Jessu, like a huge man-cat; just don't call him feline) are certified private investigators in a post tech-war world where relics of a giant battle litter (and sometimes form) the now mostly rural landscape. Schirmer says in the back matter that he wanted to create a gender-swapped Magnum PI, in a format that hobbits might read; I'm not sure that's the result here but this certainly has a couple of similarities with Tolkien, one of which I especially welcome! There's a map! But - oh boy, you won't believe this - the map of the Feld (I guess a bit like the Shire) shows how a town has grown up in and around the crashed body of a gigantic android! Schirmer dodges explanation of how this came to be in this first issue, so I'm hoping it'll be expanded on in future episodes. Talking of future episodes, the promise with this series is that each issue will stand as a single complete story, boosted with additional material, here in the form of a very readable two page prose story. But I digress - what of the main story here? Introducing a new world, a new culture, a set of new characters and a mystery to solve, and wrapping it up tidily in a single issue is a huge challenge but, in 'The Case of the Blue Rock', Schirmer handles it neatly, aided by Balboni’s simple, beautiful art and by use of clever structure and lettering to tell multiple parts of the story at once (think Rorschach’s journals). I'm a mug for a comic book diagram, especially with cutaways, and the creators use clever tricks of design here to give intricate, pleasing detail to the tale. The actual mystery itself doesn't break new ground exactly, but the cleverness of the production and the outstandingly good value for money offered will bring me back next time. 7/10

Mini Reviews 31/03/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

DETECTIVE COMICS #1000

Writer: Various

Art: Various

DC $9.99

James R: Anyone who picked up the excellent salute to Superman when Action Comics reached the 1,000-issue milestone will have a very good idea what to expect here. Once again, DC have assembled a murderer's row of their best talent to bring us a collection of short stories celebrating the Dark Knight. If you're a fan of Batman, or have a love of comics history, this is a must-read which justifies the extra financial outlay. As you'd expect, Scott Snyder and Tom King, as the most celebrated recent custodians of the Bat-signal, bring two sharp tales, beautifully illustrated by Greg Capullo, and the team-up of Tony S. Daniel and Joëlle Jones respectively. Kevin Smith's contribution was a pleasing surprise - I was not a fan of his now infamous Bat-tale, 'The Widening Gyre', but he's back to his Green Arrow best here (and having Jim Lee on art duty certainly doesn't hurt). The most unexpected entry comes from the legendary Denny O'Neill, who teams with Steve Epting to tell a story that reflects the darker side of Batman. Paul Dini contributes a great story that conveys the essence of his time on the legendary animated series, helped by the work of Dustin Nguyen who perfectly captures the atmosphere of those Warner Bros cartoons. If that's still not enough, there's the small matter of Warren Ellis teaming up with Becky Cloonan and the Alias team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev bringing their A-games to the celebration. As always with an anthology book, there's a couple of contributions that don't quite hit the mark, but the pluses here are so strong, you barely notice the minuses. As with Action Comics #1000, kudos to DC for giving fans free choice in terms of covers, rather than making certain variants ridiculously expensive chase items. Finally, the feeling of reading Detective Comics #1000 is a similar one to Action #1000 - it will remind you of just what you love about Batman, and shows just why he's been in continuous publication for 80 years. I'd be willing to bet we'll get another 80 years of stories; this book shows you that all the greats in comics sense that they have a Batman story inside them. 9/10

Mini Reviews 24/03/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

INVISIBLE KINGDOM #1

Writer: G. Willow Wilson

Art: Christian Ward

Dark Horse $3.99

Jo S: I was fully expecting to go wildly overboard about the art in this comic and was prepared to work hard to appreciate the story along with it as Christian Ward is such a favourite of mine but I find myself totally effusive about both elements, and the spellbinding result they blend into. Wilson has built a detailed universe with its own intricate theology and Ward has taken the magic of her work and amplified it in kaleidoscopic colour and stunning architecture. Invisible Kingdom is a story of two people from impossibly different backgrounds; Grix, a hardened freighter pilot, operating deliveries for a kind of interplanetary, penny-pinching, staff-exploiting Amazon, and Vess, initiate of the Siblings of Severity, born on a planet of poets, now seeking the life of a ‘None’ in the Church of the Renunciation. Their stories are told in parallel initially, and as the thread of one weaves in and out of the other, symmetries and comparisons arise, in spite of the diametrically opposing lifestyles of the two. Ward's work is, in my opinion, peerless: at times he gives a feeling of swimming in a tropical aquarium of lurid colour, then a nebula pricked through with stars, then suddenly  seeing a vista of towering impossible yet somehow credible architecture, and page structure literally built out of a city's walls and barriers. This is a superb start. 9/10

Mini Reviews 17/03/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

ASSASSIN NATION #1

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist: Erica Henderson

Image $3.99

James R:  I wanted to pick up Assassin Nation on the strength of some excellent pages - and pitch - in Previews and I'm delighted to say this first issue certainly pays off on that promise. Crime boss (and former assassin) Rankin is a marked man, and asks twenty of the world's leading assassins to act as his bodyguards. This first issue is a riot in almost every sense of the word: Starks' script barrels the action forward and he's clearly relishing in the clandestine world of cross-and-double-crosses populated by an amazing cast of characters. Erica Henderson's art is brilliant; she gives the real sense of kinetic energy that a plot like this demands, and her sound effect splashes are worth the price of purchase alone. This book is just cover-to-cover, full-throttle entertainment; the best debut issue of 2019 for me thus far. 8/10

Mini Reviews 10/03/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

MEET THE SKRULLS #1

Writer: Robbie Thompson

Art: Niko Henrichon & Laurent Grossat

Marvel $3.99

Matt C: This is Secret Invasion by way of The Americans with a Skrull family hiding in plain sight on Earth, working to thwart a project to detect their race through their genetic disguises. Similarly to the aforementioned The Americans (one of the great television shows of the last decade, lest we forget), it's the family dynamic that provides the emotional focus, lending dramatic weight to the espionage activities carried out by the two adults/two children unit. Family meals are de facto mission reports, with each of the four relaying the progress of their individual infiltrations, although it appears one of them may be getting affected and distracted by the social environment they're operating in. A skilful, well-paced script and expertly rendered art that gives texture to the emotional repression of the cast combines into a comic that, if you'll excuse the pun, seems destined to become a sleeper hit. 8/10

Mini Reviews 03/03/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

DAREDEVIL #2

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Art: Marco Checchetto & Sunny Gho

Marvel $3.99

Kenny J: With a large of dose of trademark maudlin, Chip Zdarsky has introduced an intriguing mystery where we the reader are not entirely sure of Matt Murdock’s culpability. The events of the preceding issue seemed clear cut but these are comics and nothing is ever what it seems. As Daredevil refuses to accept the consequences of his actions, I too questioned whether the Man Without Fear had gone too far - masterful bit of manipulative writing by Zdarsky. The most interesting character in this issue, however, is the recently transferred Cole North, the incorruptible cop with a past who refuses to be cowed even when dwarfed by the hulking Wilson Fisk. Within the pages of these two issues Chip Zdarsky has effortlessly setup a Hell’s Kitchen where the status quo has been toppled, as its guardian seems to have crossed a line. This second issue is stronger than the first, moving elements of the plot forward where the former was mainly setting the scene, and what a scene it is! Marco Checchetto is bringing a style of art that perfectly suits the tight alleyways and open rooftops of New York and is slightly reminiscent of Leinel Francis Yu. Lamenting fans of the Netflix show should really get on board early with this volume of Daredevil; I have a feeling it may be story with a surprising payoff for which the foundations are being made now. 8/10

Mini Reviews 24/02/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

LOVE ROMANCES #1

Writers: Gail Simone, Margaux Motin, Pacco Dorwling-Carter, Dennis ‘Hopeless’ Hallum & Jon Adams

Art: Rogê Antônio, Jim Charalampidis, Margaux Motin, Pacco Dorwling-Carter, Lee Loughridge, Annapaola Martello, Jon Adams & Tamra Bonvillain

Marvel $3.99

Jo S: Having explained in my On The Pull piece last week that I was interested in this one-shot ‘for the robots’, I couldn’t help a snort of laughter on reading the back matter and noting that this was produced in a seven-decades old tradition of Marvel romance comics, originally “spawned by a desire to lure older female readers away from romance pulps…” Yes, well, I guess that’s me suckered then! Four tales of non-standard romance find their way into this tribute to the 1940s phenomenon of comics for older female readers (arches an eyebrow at the camera) such as me, two of which feature the expected robo-romantics: 'The Widow And The Clockwork Heart' leads the suite, a story of a future version of our society which has remembered the need for romance, and restructured itself to ensure its paramountcy. Simone builds a neat twist into this which I want to deny caught me out, but can’t - it’s so neatly executed. 'Heartbroken From Beyond' is a sweet exploration of loss and the start of recovery, touchingly told without words. 'French Quartered' is melodrama; harking back to stories of daughters trapped by overprotective parents, breaking free to find true love with a dark edge. My favourite, though, is easily the last story: 'Gone Like The Wind' confirms that beauty may be skin deep but love can still be shallow, especially when you’re a consciousness downloaded into a lower-spec-than-ordered permanent robot replacement body. Jon Adams pokes fun at some of the clichés of long term relationships, skewering some of the excuses we make to justify our behaviour and still managing to make some kind of happy ending, albeit 200 years and an alien invasion in the making. 8/10

Mini Reviews 17/02/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

WONDER TWINS #1

Writer Mark Russell

Art: Stephen Byrne

DC $3.99

Jo S: The next new start from the current crop of Bendis Wonder Comics is light-hearted teenage fun, packed with jabs at the oldsters of the Justice League and jammed with about as much social awkwardness as I can bear in a few pages. Jayna and her twin brother Zan have been rescued by Superman from an unexplained family embarrassment on their home planet, and effectively fostered by a less than enthusiastic superteam on Earth. Settling into a new school and new jobs as Hall of Justice junior heroes sets the twins multiple challenges - not least how to choose your catchphrase and get the best nickname - and Russell works familiar angles here: apparently whether you're superheroic or super ordinary, starting a new school is all about making your place in the social pecking order, because that's where you'll stay for the rest of your school career. Byrne's art is lively and nicely captures the chagrin of characters cringing in awkward self-consciousness. One small complaint: the big three heroes all behave slightly out of character on occasion: Supes is a little inconsiderate, Wondy veers into sarcasm and Bats volunteers a story about an embarrassment in his past - nothing serious and all adding to the sense of fun however. An entertaining breath of fresh air. 7/10

Mini Reviews 10/02/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

DAREDEVIL #1

Writer: Chip Zdarsky

Art: Marco Checchetto & Sunny Gho

Marvel $4.99

Matt C: This is the first Daredevil comic I've picked up in a while, Chip Zdarsky's name attached to this latest series guaranteeing I take a look. It's plainly evident that the prematurely cancelled TV series has had a large influence on the tone and aesthetic - the show of course drew heavily on Frank Miller's run on the title, so things feel like they've gone full circle. As such there's a sense of familiar ground being trodden; Murdock's faith, his success with the ladies, and his questionable addiction to dispensing his own form of street justice are all present and correct. It's a reassuring opener, Zdarsky once again showing he has a good grasp on Marvel's pantheon, and it does look like his is a safe pair of hands for this character. I'm more familiar with Marco Checchetto's work on various Star Wars comics in the last few years, and this is certainly a different environment for him to explore, but he proves up to the task, especially when DD springs into action. Best of all is the four-page back-up, illustrated by Zdarsky, that gives us a 'look' at how Daredevil sees the world. It's a simple idea, deftly realised. 7/10

Mini Reviews 03/02/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

AGE OF X-MAN: ALPHA #1

Writers: Zac Thompson & Lonnie Nadler

Art: Ramon Rosanas & Triona Farrell

Marvel $4.99

Mike S: Following a mixed 'X-Men Disassembled', and a cracking Uncanny X-Men Annual #11, we arrive at the much publicised Age of X-Man which, in homage to the classic Age Of Apocalypse, sees our heroes recast in a remodelled world created by Nate Grey. Far from being the overt nightmare world of the AoA, here we see a much more subtle inversion: an idyllic utopia where just underneath the surface there lurks something insidious and sinister. I’m a lover of an insidious dystopia and this primer really appealed to me! It is written with pace and manages to not only introduce a whole world picture where everyone is a mutant (in a beautifully presented pastiche that reminded me of Pleasantville) but in doing so establishes a new status quo of seeming perfection with subtle hints that this is only ever skin deep. References to ‘hatchdays’ and the too-perfect Summers Institute, along with a prohibition of relationships and mind-wiping, inject an Orwellian sensibility that raises this above the usual crossover fodder I have become used to from Marvel. While it is clearly an introduction to the subsequent miniseries set in this world and you are left to figure out for yourself what is going on and how these once familiar characters have been changed, it never feels particularly like a collection of primers: instead the issue flows and meshes well due to Thompson and Nadler’s expert craftsmanship. The art by Ramon Rosanas with colours by Triona Farrell perfectly captures this utopian society. The brightness and cinematic layout suggest a perfect, idyllic world. This mutant version of Huxley’s Brave New World is one I can definitely recommend! 9/10

Min Reviews 27/01/2019

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the not so good, and those that lie somewhere in between.

This week we welcome Mike S back onto the reviewing team.

NAOMI #1

Writers: Brian Michael Bendis & David F. Walker

Art: Jamal Campbell

DC $3.99

Matt C: No, it's not the beginning of a line of forename-monikered titles (no Matthew #1 on the horizon, unfortunately) but a book under the umbrella of Bendis' 'Wonder Comics', which is aiming more squarely at a younger demographic. And - no surprises - I don't fit into the category (not by a long shot) but something about the impressively choreographed, dynamic artwork from Jamal Campbell in some previews pages grabbed my attention. The entire issue is a visual mix of style, confidence and emotion (the Superman scenes are superbly framed). This guy's got the chops. Bendis and Walker share scripting duties but there's a definite sense of this being in the former's wheelhouse, the rhythm of the patter flowing believably, revealing character traits along the way. It's positioning itself as a big DC Universe mystery, and that's certainly a major hook, but there's nothing mysterious about the quality of the debut: in every panel it's blatantly obvious that this is start of something special. 8/10

Mini Reviews 05/08/2018

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the bad, and those that lie somewhere in between.

THE SEEDS #1

Writer: Ann Nocenti

Art: David Aja

Dark Horse $3.99

Jo S: Like a seed containing all the code, all the information, all the materials required to build a living entity, this first issue of Aja and Nocenti’s dystopian tale of a divided world is absolutely packed with the DNA of a stunning science fiction story. The design choices - a starkly limited palette of black, white and military green, old fashioned gas masks, the recurring bee-related theme in hexagonal chain-link fences and 8-bit-style graffiti - are electrifying, the art punctuated throughout with hints and clues and nudges towards understanding. Aja and Nocenti have created a state of division; a literal wall, though semi-finished, splits citizens into the tech-dependent and the luddite, with the latter occupying a protected state where no tech is permitted. On the old-school, technology-addicted side, a single journalist fights the prevalent thirst for clickbait stories to be able to be able to tell truths about the restricted zone. The apian theme runs throughout the dialogue too, in ways both subtle and obvious, with Nocenti and Aja’s creativity working as a single entity to produce something so much more than the sum of its parts. 9/10

Mini Reviews 15/07/2018

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the bad, and those that lie somewhere in between.

SHE COULD FLY #1

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Art: Martín Morazzo & Miroslav Mrva

Dark Horse $4.99

Jo S: Cantwell’s essay at the end of this issue sheds much light on the content of the story and is well worth a read. The protagonist, Luna, is fascinated by a mysterious flying woman who has been spotted over her home city, and dreams of flying with her, escaping the horrifying obsessions which plague her daily. The story threads together real and illusory images from Luna’s mind with at first obscure introductions to further characters. Cantwell tells it grippingly, and Morazzo’s slightly off-beat art, used to such effect in Ice Cream Man recently, perfectly captures the blend of horror and mundanity in Luna’s life. It's tricky to express fully why this story is so affecting without spoiling some key features, but for anyone who has stood atop a cliff and felt the terrifying compulsion to take one step too many at the edge, there will be notes in this story which feel frightening and familiar. 9/10

Mini Reviews 05/11/2017

We may not have time to review every book on our pull-lists but we do aim to provide a snapshot of what's been released over the past week, encompassing the good, the bad, and those that lie somewhere in between.

This week we welcome Mike V onto the reviewing team...

CAPTAIN AMERICA #695

Writer: Mark Waid

Art: Chris Samnee & Matthew Wilson

Marvel $3.99

Matt C: And so here we go again. Cap punching Nazis. Again. Same old, same old, right? Well, yes, on a surface level maybe, but wait… Has anyone else had it up to here with 2017? Does turning on the news or scrolling through social media leaving you feeling utterly deflated, wondering what the hell’s going on out there? There are a lot of things that can grind you down these days, and I do apologise for putting so much weight on the perhaps unrealistic purity of purpose of a fictional character (not really), but there is something vitally necessary right now about seeing someone stand up for what’s right, selflessly, whether it’s in the real world or imaginary. And that’s Captain America. Mark Waid gets it. He gets why this character is so important, so enduring, so essential, just as much now as he’s ever been. Waid and Samnee deliver a Cap tale in the classic mould but there’s something deeper going on, something that taps into the very core of why certain characters have lasted so long, because there are times when we desperately need to be reminded that if we know what’s right then we should stand up for it, no matter what. That may be corny, but it matters. And Captain America still matters. 8/10