Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 9/18/2024

DC #1

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #31

Mark Waid continues to steer the ship for World’s Finest, handling both this title and DC’s current crossover, Absolute Power. Regrettably, the shift in artist from Dan Mora to Absolute Power has resulted in a new artist, Adrian Gutierrez, joining World’s Finest. Although Gutierrez tries hard, there are some noticeable flaws in this team-up book. Fortunately, the narrative stays solid, pitting the Justice League against the villain Eclipso once more. As always, Waid effortlessly makes writing DC’s most prominent characters look effortless, reflecting their unique personalities and backgrounds. World’s Finest remains one of DC’s top titles, but this latest issue fails to reach the heights set by previous ones. – Evan Valentine

Rating 4 out of 5

Catwoman #68

For the last two years, Catwoman’s storyline has shone with some unmissable highlights, as Selina’s character as a superhero and evolving woman has been skillfully developed. Although the climax of Catwoman #68 may not neatly wrap everything up, it retains that same gritty charm and respect for its main character. No matter what lies ahead for Selina Kyle, this phase of her adventures has provided an engaging instalment in her ongoing tale. – Review by Jenna Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5 (For the full review, click here)

Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter #3

In the latest instalment of Dark Knights of Steel, I found myself swept away by Jay Kristoff’s heartfelt yet high-energy narrative. The main story is a masterclass in character development and action sequences, with Tirso’s art and coloring truly shining. It’s clear that they’re pushing the boundaries of comics, making for an exciting reading experience.

DC #2

John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America #9

The ninth issue of John Constantine: Hellblazer – Dead in America is exceptionally well-crafted. Unlike previous issues that primarily focus on Constantine, this one revolves around Danny, an aspiring actor, who finds himself entangled in a complex web of conspiracy and dark magic in Hollywood. The story masterfully combines elements of supernatural mystery with a sobering portrayal of America’s darker aspects such as conspiracy theories and prejudice. This issue is intriguing, multi-layered, and at times, eerily unsettling. While reading the entire series would provide a more comprehensive understanding, this issue stands alone as a thought-provoking piece that deserves attention. Si Spurrier has truly delivered an outstanding work. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 5 out of 5

Jenny Sparks #2

it becomes excessively complex, making it hard to follow the narrative as it frequently switches between events at the bar and Jenny’s reaction to them. The story also includes references to 9/11. Unfortunately, the central mystery concerning Captain Atom doesn’t seem to advance much other than his desire to become a god. Furthermore, it remains uncertain what special abilities Jenny possesses before the “main” heroes arrive. This issue is quite dense and at times feels overloaded, with its overall direction becoming increasingly vague. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 2 out of 5

Superman #18

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel the excitement building as “Absolute Power” inches closer to its grand finale, and Superman #18 seems to be a vital piece of that epic conclusion. Joshua Williamson skillfully navigates several aspects of Waller’s scheme in this issue, yet the core conflict revolves around Superman and Zatanna’s contrasting perspectives on magic. By the end of the issue, both characters undergo profound transformations. The artistic duo of Jamal Campbell and Ariana Maher once again prove their prowess, infusing as much intensity into a dialogue with Neron as they do into a life-or-death battle with Waller’s latest deadly creation. What truly stands out, though, are the heartfelt moments scattered throughout. Superman’s “Absolute Power” spin-off continues to set the bar high for what a tie-in and collaboration should be, and it richly deserves all the acclaim. — Matthew Aguilar

Rating: 5 out of 5

Wonder Woman #13

In simpler terms, Nicole Drum expresses her viewpoint that Wonder Woman #13, although pleasant in portraying the romantic aspect between Diana and Steve, seems overly focused on their relationship rather than the mission they’re supposed to be executing – rescuing other heroes. She also finds the backup story about Trinity’s “secret origin” to be light-hearted and unserious, leading to a comic that feels like it’s just passing time until the Absolute Power event. Nicole rates this issue 2 out of 5.

Marvel #1

The Avengers #18

If you had told me that Hyperion would be the one to shine brightest among the Avengers, I wouldn’t have taken it seriously. But in issue #18 of Avengers, Jed MacKay has done just that by delving into the menacing presence of Hyperion and his underlying themes of grief and isolation. At the same time, he tackles the tough choices the Avengers face regarding life and death. This is all while beautifully introducing Storm to the team and even sneaking in a brief but insightful exchange between Storm and Cyclops for the X-Men fans. The art by Valerio Schiti and Bryan Valenza brings Storm to life in every panel, particularly the final page that leaves an indelible impression. This issue is one of my favorites from Avengers so far, setting the stage for an exciting future for Marvel’s mightiest heroes. – Matthew Aguilar

Rating: 5 out of 5

Dazzler #1

In essence, Dazzler #1 is not an issue packed with grand actions or a fast-paced plot to establish something new. Instead, it’s more like a heartfelt tribute to the character that makes her feel relatable beyond just Marvel fans, as she is linked to a real-world popstar. Additionally, this connection reminds us of the intricate history between mutants and humans within the Marvel universe, all presented in a catchy pop rock style with lyrics included. While it doesn’t introduce anything groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable read. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 3 out of 5 (Click here for full review)

Deadpool #6

The upcoming issue of Marvel Comics is anticipated as the one where we witness the demise of Wade Wilson, a fact that has been heavily advertised for months. The story primarily revolves around Deadpool’s daughter, a beast infected with Carnage, and Taskmaster, as they restrain their powers while confronting a menacing threat. This sixth issue effectively introduces Ellie stepping into her father’s role, showcasing her unique character traits while preserving the original Deadpool’s humor. The authors, Ziglar and Antonio, have skillfully crafted Wade Wilson’s farewell, establishing intriguing plotlines for future issues. – Evan Valentine

Rating 4 out of 5

Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood #2

In the spirit of most Marvel anthology books, the stories in Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood vary but each one explores the theme in a distinct manner. “The Edges of Rage” by Erica Schultz, Marcelo Ferreira, Roberto Poggi, and Andres Mossa delves into an unusual aspect of Peter Parker’s emotional state while hosting the symbiote. On the other hand, “Burgers, Fries and Blood” by Dan Jurgens and Chris Sotomayor offers a humorous twist to the concept. However, it’s “Shock and Awe” by Greg Weisman and Javi Fern?ndez that stands out, providing a fresh perspective on Peter Parker and Venom’s relationship, beautifully illustrated in a way only comics can. – Spencer Perry

Rating: 4 out of 5

Marvel #2

Spirits of Vengeance #1

In this initial issue, Sabir Pirzada skillfully arranges all the components, maintaining a deep affection for the original Ghost Riders while simultaneously paving a unique path for them in the Marvel universe. However, the artwork by Sean Damien Hill seems to struggle slightly due to the slower pace. While Hill’s passion shines brightly in the scenes featuring the main characters, some of the ordinary people depicted in this issue appear somewhat odd. Nonetheless, it serves as a good foundation, and I hope we’ll see more action and progress in the subsequent issues. – Reviewer: Spencer Perry

Rating: 3 out of 5

Star Wars: Darth Vader #50

Although the title “Star Wars: Darth Vader #50” suggests it might connect to upcoming events, longtime readers know that the storyline has consistently expanded beyond Darth Vader. This issue, while serving as a standalone bridge for the series, primarily focused on resolving several narrative threads such as the Sith Lord, Imperial Schism, Sabé, and Ochi of Bestoon. With audiences already familiar with Return of the Jedi’s events, this resolution leaves us slightly bewildered, even though it provides satisfying conclusions to characters we’ve followed for four years. However, the book seems to fall short by not hinting at any future developments within the established canon. While the work is enjoyable and captivating, this final installment in a long-running narrative feels somewhat anticlimactic. – Patrick Cavanaugh

Rating: 3 out of 5

The Incredible Hulk #17

After 17 different instances, I’ve exhausted all means of expressing my admiration for The Incredible Hulk. This latest, dark mythology is seamlessly integrated into the Hulk’s personality and mindset, making it seem as if these elements have always been a part of the Hulk’s legend. And now, we’ve arrived at the Eldest, and her introduction exceeded all expectations, demonstrating that Johnson, Klein, and their team are just as skilled at tearing down storylines as they are at setting them up. – Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 5 out of 5

Ultimate X-Men #7

In the extraordinary realm of the Ultimate Universe, the X-Men characters seem unusually misplaced. The comic series presents a strikingly distinct take on these fresh mutants, which can be quite unsettling in its depiction of the “X-Men.” I use quotes around X-Men because this team doesn’t resemble any we’ve encountered previously, and that carries certain drawbacks. As a manga enthusiast myself, I admire the unique artistic style integrated into this new series, which at times reminded me of Junji Ito, a well-known horror artist in the field. Nevertheless, the narrative seems to struggle with its identity and would have been stronger if it hadn’t been linked to the Ultimate universe but instead stood alone. Although there are intriguing ideas present, many of them fall flat due to the drastic reimagining of Marvel’s powerful mutants. This makes for a disappointing read, and in isolation, I believe the story would have thrived more if it had told the tale it intended without being part of the Ultimate universe. – Evan Valentine

Rating 2.5 out of 5

X-Factor #2

In a refreshing departure from the early 2000s nostalgia, X-Factor #2 delves deeper into Havok and Polaris’ complex relationship, exploring the challenges of balancing centrist and radicalized perspectives. This intriguing narrative question promises to capture more reader interest as the series unfolds. The comic also introduces new characters and establishes the team dynamic, delivering humor that is genuinely amusing without relying heavily on satire, a departure from Mark Russell’s typical style. Visually, the artwork effectively portrays X-Factor’s polished image using soft colors and bold character features.

X-Men #4

As a dedicated gamer, diving into X-Men #4 felt like a continuation of the same quest we’ve been on in previous issues. This time around, Cyclops’ team is on another mutant rescue mission, but with a twist – Cyclops stays behind and puts his trust in Magik to lead the squad. The artwork this time feels less engaging and forgettable, while Magik’s remote chess games with an enigmatic figure hint at a pessimistic outlook – that the mutants can only postpone their inevitable downfall. However, the narrative didn’t quite convince me why Magik would delay what seems like an inevitable fate, instead appearing as an artificial element designed to amplify the series’ somber tone.

Image Comics #1

Destro #4

Among the numerous plot points that have contributed to the success of the Energon Universe, I particularly enjoy the backstory of Cobra. The latest Image comic book series has skillfully developed GI Joe’s main antagonist in a manner similar to Marvel’s Avengers, delving into and expanding on the individual elements that create the whole. Destro, specifically, is primarily portrayed as an arms dealer, delving deeply into espionage and intricate cat-and-mouse games that add depth to his character. Watters and Bressan have a strategy for Cobra’s metal-masked high-ranking member, and I’m eagerly anticipating the unveiling of it. The Energon Universe has made a strong entrance and continues to do so with each new series, progressively expanding its universe. – Evan Valentine

Rating 4.5 out of 5

Falling In Love On The Path To Hell #4

Visually, story-wise, and idea-wise, this series remains captivating. The collaborative efforts of Gerry Duggan, Gary Brown, and Chris O’Halloran result in deep and impactful character development and world creation, which are further enhanced by O’Halloran’s brilliant coloring. I can’t wait to see where this book will go next. – Jenna Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #310

As a gamer immersed in the high-stakes world of G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, I’m on the edge of my seat as we reach the climax of the first arc. Dawn Moreno’s ethical dilemma finds resolution amidst the fiery chaos that engulfs Springfield – or at least a part of it. The action is intense, yet always clear and engaging, with each feint and counterstrike adding to the excitement. With more factions gearing up for battle, the outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, making it all the more exhilarating. – Jamie Lovett

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Image Comics #2

Ice Cream Man #41

The Ice Cream Man comic book is remarkably underappreciated, particularly within the realm of horror comics. In each issue, the anthology format delivers unique, thought-provoking stories that are genuinely extraordinary. Issue #41 is no different as it showcases a one-off tale about a secret agent in Cuba, where he encounters a chilling yet humorous challenge. This creative duo of Prince and O’Halloran consistently deliver top-notch work, and this story is no exception. It further emphasizes the eerie universe of the Ice Cream Man and the need for readers to brace themselves for the unexpected with each new issue. A highly recommended read for both horror enthusiasts and comic book aficionados alike. – Evan Valentine

Rating 4.5 out of 5

The Power Fantasy #2

In just two issues, the character Etienne Lux from The Power Fantasy seems to have layers of self-deception and compromise that he doesn’t openly reveal. This complexity makes him both fascinating and complex, as he strives for the best outcome by being the antithesis of good. It’s remarkable how the reporter with color-shifting nails remains captivating even when placed against these ticking time bombs of humanity. She holds her own in confrontations with Heavy, a villain reminiscent of Magneto from X-Men, which challenges his surface-level bravado and reveals the human element beneath. This intense and thought-provoking comic book manages to subvert its own plot in a way that keeps readers on their toes, making it even more intriguing. – Jamie Lovett

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

The Moon Is Following Us #1

Title #1 of “The Moon Is Following Us” sets a captivating tone with its debut issue. The artwork is mesmerizing, managing to convey disorder without slipping into chaos itself. The subdued, atmospheric colors contribute to an ominous ambiance that mirrors the ambiguity present, reflecting on the complexities of a parent’s devotion towards their child. The two main characters are portrayed as relatable and intriguing, as is their journey, which presents thought-provoking questions about familial loyalty. Although the creators have yet to fully unveil the story’s backdrop and origins, if each installment continues to deliver such visually striking stories, then I see no reason to hurry. With visuals this enchanting, readers will eagerly embark on this adventure, ready to follow wherever this epic tale may lead them. – Jamie Lovett

Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read the full review here)

Witchblade #3

The latest installment of Witchblade continues to impress, with writer Marguerite Bennett skillfully blending powerful feminist narratives with the intense action that fans have come to anticipate. Giuseppe Cafaro, ably supported by Arif Prianto on colors, produces striking splash pages in this new issue, some showcasing thrilling action sequences while others serve as intriguing focal points for the series’ underlying themes. Witchblade offers an exciting new chapter for long-time fans and a captivating introduction for those unfamiliar with its lore. – Spencer Perry

Rating: 4 out of 5

Other Publishers #1

Epitaphs From The Abyss #3

In this third installment of Epitaphs From the Abyss, the first story stands out as a surprising twist that catches you off guard, making it the strongest part of the series so far. Additionally, there’s an entertaining yet non-terrifying vampire tale and a deeply contemplative piece about the idea of the devil, hell, and cycles. Although the transition between stories isn’t as seamless as in previous issues, the exceptional first story raises the overall quality to make it a compelling read. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 3 out of 5

Paranoid Gardens #3

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that Paranoid Gardens has found its unique, captivating rhythm. The collaborative efforts of Gerard Way and Shaun Simon in scripting continue to advance the storyline while preserving the series’ eccentric essence. Chris Weston’s art takes things a step further, delving deeper into the unsettling realm of the uncanny valley. This comic series leaves many questions unanswered, and this issue showcases the strange allure of its enigma. – Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #10

The narrative of High Republic Adventures has become more streamlined, offering a refreshing shift in pace. Though it may not be the most captivating among Star Wars books, its broad appeal and endearing characters remain constant. With the storyline now less expansive, it’s proving to be much more impactful. Additionally, the intriguing hint on the last page is bound to stir anticipation for what’s coming up next. – Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 3 out of 5

The Graveyard Club #1

The Graveyard Club has a lot of potential, but fails to really live up to any of it. R.L. Stine’s writing feels dated throughout the book, which is disappointing given all of the iconic horror stories he’s brought us over the years. The dialogue here is largely spoon-feeding exposition and over-explaining what the art could tell us on its own. The lifelessness is made more frustrating by the introduction of a town and characters that seem to have a lot to offer. In concept, The Graveyard Club is fantastic. The execution just doesn’t live up to the idea. – Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 2 out of 5