DISCLOSURE: The following is a synopsis and reviews of this week’s comic books from multiple publishers. If you like our reviews and would like to purchase these books you can do so by visiting our partners at TFAW.com. If you decide to buy anything through our provided links we get a small commission which helps keep our website alive and running. Thanks for your time.
BATMAN INCORPORATED #7
The latest issue of Batman Incorporated sees the series finally hitting its stride, as the team comes together in a thrilling action-packed showdown with Professor Pyg. While the script may be a bit straightforward at times, it’s still one of the strongest issues yet and sets the stage for even more exciting character-driven stories to come.
DANGER STREET #5
Danger Street continues to push the boundaries of darkness with its latest installment, delving deeper into the complexities of its characters and the monstrous systems they find themselves in. The imagery is striking and the conversations between characters, including Batman and Creeper, offer uncomfortable insights into the impotence of those who claim to protect others. While the threads may seem convoluted, they promise to offer plenty of action and commentary on the nature of power.
LAZARUS PLANET: REVENGE OF THE GODS #3
Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods #3 brings together various story threads, putting all the players in position for the finale. While it’s not a bad issue, the focus on the Amazonian gods feels out of place given recent events and the overall theme of the series. However, the characterization of the deities is still top-notch and the art is stunning.
MULTIVERSITY: HARLEY SCREWS UP THE DCU #2
Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #2 is a weirdly enjoyable read, largely due to the appearance of Starro, an underappreciated DC character who adds a perfect level of craziness to the story. Despite its initial confusion, the issue offers nods to classic DC moments, a sense of genuine threat, and just the right level of melodrama. The bright colors only add to the fun factor. Overall, this issue is a great time.
THE SANDMAN UNIVERSE: NIGHTMARE COUNTRY – THE GLASS HOUSE #1
The Glass House #1 After a six-month hiatus, The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country returns with a new subtitle, The Glass House, and a new perspective as readers follow Max, a San Francisco finance broker on the path to wealth. Following the events of Nightmare Country #5, in which supernatural terrors converged on Earth, readers are given the opportunity to further explore this conspiracy-laden underworld. Max serves as a sympathetic character as he delves deeper into this world, offering a fresh perspective on the horrors that await. The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country – The Glass House #1 is a welcome return to the elements that made its predecessor a horror highlight in 2022, promising even more grandiose nightmares in the future.
SUPERMAN: LOST #2
Superman: Lost #2 sets up the structure for the miniseries, beginning with a glimpse of the present day where Clark is in a comatose state while Lois and Batman fret over him. The story then flashes back to the start of his 20-year journey through space, encountering a wide array of aliens and cultures along the way. The staging of his odyssey is similar to Grendel: Devil’s Odyssey, and the first planet Superman visits delivers commentary on contemporary issues facing humanity on Earth. Although the encounters are poignant, they lack definition and offer little insight into new elements. Despite this, the issue remains intriguing and well-drawn, with a dystopian future Earth adding to the tension. Overall, Superman: Lost #2 is a decent read, but readers may find themselves underwhelmed by its lack of substance.
WILDC.A.T.S #6
The latest issue of WildC.A.T.s is packed with betrayals and revelations, particularly regarding Grifter’s resurrection and the mysterious puppeteer behind it all. While the characterization of our heroes remains strong, the sheer number of characters in the story can be overwhelming. With the crossover of many Wildstorm comics to the DC Universe, we also follow DC characters as they try to uncover HALO’s motives. At one point, a character introduces more Wildstorm mainstays, but Fairchild dismisses them without much explanation. While WildC.A.T.s assumes a deep understanding of the previous universe, there are still intriguing elements that make it worth reading.
BLOODLINE: DAUGHTER OF BLADE #3
Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #3 is a highly anticipated issue that does not disappoint. Writer Danny Lore delivers a family conversation between Brielle and her father Blade that is both relatable and fantastical. Lore humanizes Blade in a hilarious dynamic with Saffron, and Brielle makes compelling arguments that her parents recognize and listen to. The artistic team of Karen S. Darboe, Cris Peter, and Joe Sabino create a dangerous supernatural world that immerses the reader. With Blade becoming a more active participant in the series, the best is yet to come.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: COLD WAR ALPHA #1
The new Captain Americas event starts with a bang in Captain America: Cold War Alpha #1 with an abrupt betrayal and Outer Circle shenanigans. The stakes are set high and the event brings together the two Captain America comics in an organic way. However, the art by Carlos Magno feels rushed at times and the event feels smaller than it should. The opening chapter moves pieces into position for the event rather than telling a good story.
CAPTAIN MARVEL #48
Captain Marvel #48 builds tension in a dire fight against the Brood, and writer Kelly Thompson delivers a turn that will shock fans. The ensuing poignant and heartfelt conversation embodies what fans love about Carol and her family. The artwork by Sergio Davila, Cecil De La Cruz, Sean Parsons, and Clayton Cowles underscores the weight and heartbreak of the moments beautifully. With only two issues remaining, the finale of Captain Marvel is shaping up to be something truly special.
CARNAGE #12
Carnage #12 expertly lays out the groundwork for “Carnage Reigns,” the highly anticipated crossover event featuring the symbiote. While the series has been building up to this moment, this issue introduces beloved Marvel characters who will play a major role in the upcoming storyline. Though the issue itself doesn’t necessarily deliver on thrills, it serves as a tantalizing appetizer for what’s to come.
FANTASTIC FOUR #6
Fantastic Four #6 presents an intriguing conflict on paper, with microbacteria from a mirror universe threatening all life on Earth in a scientifically plausible yet minute scenario. It’s the kind of sci-fi scenario the team excels at, and the concept is well-considered. However, the issue fails to convey any sense of tension or excitement, leaving much of the conflict played out through descriptions and dialogue rather than effective visual storytelling. The guest artist’s depiction of The Thing also falls short. Despite its potential, the issue ultimately falls flat.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #1
Guardians of the Galaxy #1 is a delightful and captivating new chapter in the team’s journey. With a clever and engaging concept, the debut issue leaves readers eager to explore the past and future adventures of Star-Lord, Gamora, Mantis, and the rest of the team. The series proves that the Guardians remain refreshingly unpredictable, no matter how famous they become.
MARVEL’S VOICES: SPIDER-VERSE #1
As a fan of anthologies, I can say that Marvel’s Voices: Spider-Verse #1 is a great read. The Spider-Verse is full of diverse and unique characters, and the creative team behind this issue does a fantastic job of showcasing them. While there are familiar faces like Miles Morales, there are also lesser-known characters that are worth getting to know. Each story is well-written, and the art is solid throughout, but “An Unraveling Web” by Jeremy Holt (art by Eric Koda and colors by Erick Arciniega) stands out for its fresh take on Cindy Moon’s perspective.
MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #5
The finale of the opening story arc in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #5 is packed with intense drama and stunning art. While the action scenes burst with energy, some panels can be hard to follow. However, the issue does provide a new use of Miles’ powers that could be explored in future issues.
MOON KNIGHT #22
Sometimes, a comic’s true value isn’t revealed until the final act, and this is certainly the case with Moon Knight #22. The issue shifts the spotlight to Tigra, revealing a vulnerable conversation between friends that reshapes the entire story. The revelation of the Midnight Man may not be shocking, but the conversation it inspires steals the show. The stunning art by Alessandro Cappuccio, colorist Rachelle Rosenberg, and letterer Cory Petit adds to the issue’s impact, especially in the way they portray Tigra. She has made Moon Knight feel more human, and now it’s her turn to shine.
PREDATOR #2
Ed Brisson’s Predator series continues to surprise readers with its innovative plot and nods to the franchise’s history. Issue #2 manages to deliver some unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes. Artist Netho Diaz’s visual storytelling is particularly effective, and the inking and coloring by Belardino Brabo, Roberto Poggi, and Erick Arciniega capture the mood of each scene perfectly.
SILVER SURFER: GHOST LIGHT #3
Silver Surfer: Ghost Light #3 delves further into its 1960s origins, revealing more about The Stranger and Al’s connection to it. The issue feels like a classic Marvel comic, with simple action scenes and a villain who is little more than a man in a fancy suit. The artwork also has a retro feel. However, it strays from the promise of the first issue, with Silver Surfer playing a minimal role.
STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #33
The narrative of Star Wars: Bounty Hunters has been a weak point, with readers more interested in action than complexity. The introduction of fan-favorite Inferno Squad from the Star Wars video games adds excitement to the series and allows for the introduction of recurring bounty hunters. While the storyline may not be exceptional, the dynamic of Imperials tracking down bounty hunters adds an engaging element. This issue marks an improvement for the series and promises exciting reveals to come.
ALL AGAINST ALL #5
In All Against All #5, the graphic and intense violence portrayed speaks to the strength of this incredible science fiction series. The comic questions humanity’s relationship with the natural world, as walls and constructs created by humans are torn down in a war that cannot be won. The squid-like aliens, who tie themselves to familiar forms, reveal what is most important as they are caught in the crossfire. The military leaders in this issue demand control through chaotic force, but the series also highlights characters whose relationships define their being, regardless of whether they are human or intelligent aliens. Like other animals in the series, wolves and apes display depths of emotion, memory, and understanding that are similar to our own. Caspar Wijngaard’s stunning, fluid style is effective in depicting the horror of the characters’ deaths, even for characters who never spoke. However, the comic also features moments of love and humanity that prevent it from becoming overly nihilistic. All Against All challenges Hobbes’ classic concept of government preventing a war of all against all by emphasizing the natural bonds and responses that stem from our natural selves, rather than government. Overall, despite the terror and violence depicted in the series, All Against All suggests that we are never separated from the most noble elements of life.
BRIAR #4 Briar #4 offers a thrilling mix of action and chaos. Although this issue features a lot of combat between characters, the panel layout is sometimes confusing, making it hard to follow the fight scenes. Nevertheless, the writing and character development are still among the highlights of the series.
DARK RIDE #5 The second act of Dark Ride raises the stakes of the horrific situation introduced in earlier issues. The history of the park is explored in intriguing ways, revealing new insights into the major players and their motivations. The creative team of Joshua Williamson and Andrei Bressan continue to deliver a captivating and unsettling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
EIGHT BILLION GENIES #8 While the series was inconsistent at times, Eight Billion Genies #8 delivers a thought-provoking adventure of self-exploration. The story comes close to inducing an existential crisis, but ultimately, it reinforces the message of enjoying what you have, wanting less, and loving more. The comic book serves as a reminder that many people need in today’s world, and it does so in a stunning way.