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.
BATGIRL 17
Batgirls #17 kicks off a fresh arc where Cass and Steph team up to track down a sniper on the loose in the city. The issue concludes with a surprising twist that gives the new adversary a more personal connection to our heroes. The comic has found its stride in both tone and pacing, and the addition of artist Robbi Rodriguez perfectly matches the grounded vibe of the series. Overall, it’s a solid issue and one of the best Bat-books available.
BATMAN/SUPERMAN WF 14
In Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #14, Mark Waid presents a Metamorpho Mystery that hints at a darker turn for the elemental crime fighter. The standout element of the issue is artist Dan Mora’s stunning portrayal of Superman flying through a flame thrower and punching out an opponent leaving fire in his wake. This book remains DC’s best superhero title on the market, with each issue offering a new and exciting twist.
BLACK ADAM 10
Black Adam #10 marks the end of a saga that has developed millennia of lore and conflicting characters and factions. The issue frames an explosive showdown between Black Adam, Malik, ancient gods from outer space, and other notable characters. The throwdown between Ibac and Adam is both intriguing and exciting, with sprawling splashes conveying power as the two ancient foes question each other’s perspective. It’s another great installment in a story that promises at least two more issues, but clearly has more road to travel beyond that.
CATWOMAN 54
Catwoman #54 sees Selina Kyle’s status quo continue to shift, as she mounts her defense against the Royal Flush Gang. While the conflict grows in size, the issue is saved by fleeting moments of pathos involving Selina and her crew. However, Eiko’s quest as Catwoman still feels somewhat of an afterthought. Tini Howard’s brewing something with where this arc goes next, and Nico Leon’s art and Veronica Gandini’s colors have moments of true whimsy, so there’s still much to look forward to in the future.
DC SILENT TALES 1
DC Silent Tales #1 showcases the storytelling power of art in comic books. Gustavo Duarte’s illustrations effectively convey the narrative of each of the six stories in the anthology, even without the use of words. The book is inventive, approachable, and has something for everyone, while still feeling at home in the DC Universe. Although the Lobo story is weaker than the others, the overall quality of the book is fantastic.
DCEASED: WAR OF THE UNDEAD GODS 8
DCeased: War of the Undead Gods #8 brings a fittingly bittersweet ending to the series. While the final battle with the primordial creature is not particularly special, it embodies the series’ focus on the people who remained and the relationships that survived the end of the world. Tom Taylor’s earlier hint that this was the end of the series is well played.
THE FLASH 797
The Flash #797 focuses on a light-hearted universe-hopping adventure featuring Walter West, Iris West, and Jai West, with the return of the Super Sons. Although the issue doesn’t break new ground, it is enjoyable and has moments of hilarity.
NIGHTWING 103
Nightwing #103 continues Tom Taylor’s run of putting Dick Grayson in seemingly unwinnable scenarios, only to have him emerge victorious. The issue’s cliffhanger lacks the impact it should, but Taylor’s subversive tactics could still surprise readers in Nightwing #104.
STATIC: SHADOWS OF DAKOTA 3
In Static: Shadows of Dakota #3, Virgil debates his next steps against the bang-baby abductions, while other forces begin to make their move. Although the issue is not as exciting as the previous two, it keeps its focus and sets up the next part of the arc.
SUPERBOY: THE MAN OF TOMORROW 1
Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow #1 is a decent comic book that fans of Conner Kent will likely enjoy. However, the story lacks direction and feels like a recycled premise from another Superman family story. Given the character’s interesting history and creative potential, this approach may not have been the best choice.
SUPERMAN 3
DC’s Superman series has been one of the character’s shining stars over the past year, and Superman #3 continues to live up to that reputation. Writer Joshua Williamson turns expectations on their head while staying true to Superman’s character and values, even when infected by Parasites. Artist Jamal Campbell and letterer Ariana Maher bring moments both big and small to life in stunning fashion, and their version of the DC icon will leave a lasting impact on the character. Superman #3 meets the high bar of its predecessors and sets the stage for what’s to come in stellar fashion.
WONDER WOMAN 798
Wonder Woman #798 sees Diana gain a major power upgrade, but the story feels rushed and disorganized, split between the Wonder Woman title and Lazarus Planet: Revenge of the Gods. The stakes and heart of the story fall flat due to the tired trope of Wonder Woman versus gods. The issue feels hurried and tired, lacking the impact that it should have.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 24
In The Amazing Spider-Man #24, the consequences of time dilation and key relationships come into focus. The story builds up to Peter’s risky rescue mission, which is wonderfully depicted by Romita Jr. with twists and depth to convey the stakes of the situation. The quick pacing keeps the story moving towards its known conclusion while still providing gripping and tragic moments. With only two installments left, readers can expect big and unexpected twists.
AVENGERS ASSEMBLE: OMEGA 1
Aaron’s Avengers run was lackluster during its ongoing, and this finale doesn’t do much to improve its standing. It maintains the same frenzied energy as Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men, which prioritized wacky fun over coherent storytelling, albeit with a more serious tone and equally corny execution. While Aaron is capable of great storytelling, he shines brightest when focusing on a single narrative. His ensemble work has generally been subpar, and Avengers Assemble: Omega, with its massive cast, might be one of his weakest finales.
BISHOP: WAR COLLEGE 3
War College #3 starts off strong, delivering memorable moments with Bishop in one universe and his students in another. Writer J. Holtham’s comparison between the two Bishops and their respective worlds is compelling, although the characterization of the main universe’s Bishop still feels off. Nevertheless, Sean Damien Hill, Victor Nava, and Espen Grundetjern excel in depicting Bishop’s world, especially with the various character designs in the alternate universe. On the students’ side, their mission to survive and seek aid is straightforward, which allows their growing camaraderie to shine. While I would have liked to see more of them, the issue does provide answers to why this operation is happening and its ultimate goal, which adds context and raises the stakes. This series has yet to find the perfect balance between its split narratives, but when it hits, it really hits. Hopefully, future issues will continue to build on its strengths.
CAPTAIN AMERICA UNFORGIVEN 1
Unforgiven concludes with Raizo Kodo’s old ally Captain America joining the team of repentant vampires called the Forgiven at their lowest point. There’s a great deal of dialogue that explains why Cap and Kodo are both so inspiring to their respective communities. The drive to save every individual, even those with monstrous faces, feels like classic superhero comics and takes the moral logic that vampires can choose their nature to its natural conclusion. Although the plot follows familiar beats as it moves between reuniting the team, defining the antagonist, and reaching a climactic battle, it remains engaging enough to prevent boredom. There aren’t many surprises in the busy pages filled with monsters, but they’re unique enough to satisfy Marvel horror fans seeking more of their favorite sub-genre.
HALLOWS’ EVE 2
Hallows’ Eve continues to prove why Janine Godbe shouldn’t be relegated to the pile of Spider-Man villains as she grapples with her monstrous abilities and uncovers worse evils in modern-day New York City. Beyond’s inclusion leads to an organic convergence of exposition and complex antagonists, building on earlier narratives from Amazing Spider-Man in an accessible way. As Janine deals with the aftermath of transforming a security guard into a werewolf, the standout feature of Hallows’ Eve is artist Michael Dowling, who imbues each new mask and identity in Janine’s bag with a unique flair. Every sequence presents a distinct approach, with more fantastical figures depicted in increasingly dramatic ways. Even the more mundane disguises have a sense of foreboding. While the final scene doesn’t quite deliver a cliffhanger, the appearance of the most terrifying mask in Janine’s repertoire generates plenty of excitement for what’s to come in the miniseries.
HELLCAT 2
Hellcat #2 continues its engaging murder mystery, building on the success of the first issue. Christopher Cantwell’s writing flows effortlessly as he weaves together Patsy’s story over the years, and the way he portrays her character in various situations is impressive. While Alex Lins’ art may appear a bit rougher than in the previous issue, it works well in complementing the story’s tone. Overall, this is a solid addition to the series.
MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR 5
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #5 concludes Lunella’s adventure with the Sad Saks. As they attempt to save the world, they find themselves in the fashion industry, walking the red carpet in style. The story is heartwarming, and it ties up loose ends nicely. Moon Girl’s night out in a gown and roller blades adds a fun touch to the ending.
NEW MUTANTS LETHAL LEGION 2
Lethal Legion #2 sees Escapade, Cerebellum, and Scout trying to infiltrate Count Nefaria’s home and steal from him. The attempts at humor fall short, and the art style doesn’t match the comedic tone. The jokes about Nefaria’s character and home also feel forced and distract from the story. While the issue isn’t terrible, it’s a bit underwhelming.
NIGHTCRAWLERS 3
Nightcrawlers #3 wraps up with little to show for its existence. The three-issue micro-series feels incomplete, with stories that are not self-contained and are better suited as teasers for a larger sci-fi world rather than part of the Marvel universe. Overall, the series fails to make a lasting impression.
PUNISHER 11
In Punisher #11, the series reaches its climax in an unusual fashion, as Frank battles a group of Avengers in a darkly comedic fashion. Captain America steals the show, as he is the only superhero that the anti-hero still admires. Meanwhile, the real drama occurs in flashbacks as Maria begins to resent Frank, and the tension builds towards a final conflict. Despite the predictability of the story, the issue still delivers compelling and intense reading. The challenge for the Punisher team will be to end the series on a high note next month.
RED GOBLIN 3
Red Goblin #3 is one of Marvel’s most intriguing books, as it explores the complex relationship between a symbiote and its host. The discussions between Normie and Rascal are eye-opening, and the emotional scenes are effectively conveyed by artist Jan Bazaldua and colorist David Curiel. The action scenes are also well-executed, making for a well-rounded issue. While the main antagonist has yet to captivate the reader, as long as Normie and Norman remain at the center of the story, Red Goblin has the potential to be a captivating series.
SHE-HULK 12
She-Hulk #12 celebrates the series’ 175th anniversary by continuing the current story in two segments. The first half sees She-Hulk balancing domestic life with Jack, while the second half features a comedic book club routine that surprises fans with its depth. Writer Rainbow Rowell and a team of talented artists have created a series that masterfully balances romantic, professional, and villainous themes.
STAR WARS SANA STARROS 3
The story deviates from the core storyline, and Sana Starros assists in a playful mission that involves getting up close and personal with a rancor. While the adventure is fun, it feels like a side quest whose purpose is yet to be revealed, and the issue fails to advance the overall storyline. Future issues may shed light on the importance of this outing, but it currently feels like a standalone issue rather than part of an ongoing series.
STAR WARS YODA 6
YODA #6 Two young Jedi, who are scared and confused about their future, collide to prevent their visions from coming true. Unfortunately, their actions cause problems for their training at the Jedi Temple. Despite its somewhat underwhelming payoff, the comic does an excellent job of showcasing the nuances of the Jedi, the path towards the Dark Side, and the insidious nature of Count Dooku and the Sith. The three-issue storyline ends on a subtle note, but it offers exciting teases for what the future holds, making Star Wars: Yoda an unexpected and fulfilling title for comic book fans.
WARLOCK REBIRTH 1
Adam Warlock hasn’t completed his mission, so a replacement is created and sent to kill him. The concept has potential, but the first issue of Warlock: Rebirth fails to explore it. The issue is visually appealing, but about 17 pages of nothingness followed by a setup that fails to capture readers’ attention. The comic seems like a ploy to introduce Adam Warlock ahead of his MCU debut rather than a compelling story.
THE X-CELLENT 2
The X-Cellent #2 continues the X-Statix series’ tradition of defying expectations with dark humor and style. However, the issue feels underwhelming, as there is a familiarity to the characters and their pursuits that is maintained without being altered. While the issue offers a cliffhanger, the pacing feels like wheel-spinning before the final page. The focus on Zeitgeist’s quest for godhood has made all other elements subservient, making for a less-engaging-than-usual issue of The X-Cellent.
X-FORCE 39
X-Force is a team book that feels like it lacks a team after Beast’s expulsion and Logan’s exit. However, X-Force #39 delivers a rebuilding phase that manages to take stock of what came before and deliver a new status quo and mission in a single issue. The comic reintroduces the overall premise and hooks interested fans going forward, especially given how it will likely play into “Fall of X.” The many meetings throughout this issue are colorfully detailed, and the final few splashes make it clear that there’s a new vision for X-Force, promising excellent adventures.
X-TREME X-MEN 5
X-Treme X-Men concludes with familiar Claremontisms, where a well-articulated speech can quell a hateful mob, grit and determination can overcome even the most overpowered opponent, and a psychic ninja ghost knows a lot about how genetic material interacts with robotics when merged. The issue’s pacing is odd, with the lightning storm background taking up too much space, rendering the action panels frustratingly small. The familiar threat of Kitty Pryde becoming a permanently intangible ghost and the expected purple prose makes this return to X-Treme X-Men almost one long fight scene and not particularly memorable. Even fans of the original X-Treme X-Men run will struggle to find what’s essential in this revisitation.
DARKWING DUCK 4
In Darkwing Duck #4, Deibert and Lauro present a hilarious issue where Drake Mallard tries to live a suburban life but can’t resist donning his purple crime-fighting suit when Bushroot attacks. The humor is solid, especially in Drake and Morgana’s relationship troubles. However, this iteration lacks the oomph of the previous Boom Studios comic.
ALL EIGHT EYES 1
All Eight Eyes #1 is a horror limited series from Dark Horse that promises “Jaws meets Arachnophobia.” The opening issue lives up to this description, delivering a thrilling and creepy story.
THE EXPANSE THE DRAGON TOOTH 1
The Expanse: The Dragon Tooth #1 is a treat for fans of the SyFy-turned-Prime series. The story picks up where the TV show left off, with memorials commemorated and new plot threads established. The issue captures the familiar rhythms of the TV show and promises to satisfy fans with recognizable elements.
HOUSE OF SLAUGHTER 14
An intense and tense book that doesn’t end the way readers might hope, but feels right at home in its challenging world. The meeting between Jace and Jolie delivers and the creative team does an excellent job of keeping readers on the edge of their seat. The issue is heart-wrenching but explores captivating themes of family and abandonment.
IMMORTAL SERGEANT 4
Immortal Sergeant #4 has its protagonist’s first positive character moment, but this breath of fresh air is quickly dashed by a frantic script that mirrors the haphazard plotting of the previous issues.
TIME BEFORE TIME 22
This issue continues to juggle its many threads masterfully. The tension at the core of the current storyline ramps up with each new panel, and the series feels like it’s about to reach a breaking point. The converging arcs promise to alter the future of the series.