Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 9/25/2024

DC #1

Absolute Power: Origins #3

The third installment of a captivating connection to “Absolute Power” concludes, delving once more into the thoughts of Amanda “The Wall” Waller. A standout feature of this mini-series finale is Waller’s dialogue with her daughter, as she grapples with forging a bond amidst her ambitions for the world she wishes to create. “Absolute Power: Origins” serves superbly as a companion piece to “Absolute Power”, offering a gripping exploration of The Wall’s perspective on the world. In essence, “Absolute Power: Origins” emerges as must-read material for fans of “Absolute Power”, making it the ideal tie-in for epic comic book crossovers.

Action Comics #1069

In a fitting conclusion, Superman: The Challenge From the Stars concludes its three-part narrative, embodying true Superman spirit by demonstrating not only his heroic prowess but also the essence of teamwork, even when he’s the strongest character in the tale. This storyline served as an enjoyable break before All In, and it also provided a satisfying return to Superman’s core values, interspersed with thrilling action sequences. Moreover, Lois & Clark: In Love. At Work’s finale is commendable for its authentic portrayal of the difficulties faced by both Clark and Lois in managing their careers while maintaining a strong relationship that allows them to understand and uplift each other. These two stories beautifully illustrate the depth and complexity of these characters. – Paraphrased by AI.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Batman: The Brave and The Bold #13

After about a year and half on air, Batman: The Brave and the Bold has consistently provided an exciting mix of DC-themed adventures that continue to evolve and entertain. Among the many captivating stories, some standouts include Troy Peteri and David Baldeon’s “Downtime at the Diner,” featuring the offbeat duo of Green Arrow and Shazam!, as well as the initial installment of the John Constantine and Streaky the Super-Cat crossover in “Petsurrection.” This series continues to showcase the unique quirks that make up the DC Universe. – Jenna Anderson

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Batman: The Long Halloween – The Last Halloween #1

The Last Halloween #1 is a well-crafted and worthy next chapter to the story that not only deftly matches the original’s tone but sets the stage for an intriguing, sure to be classic Batman story. Loeb slips back into writing this story as though it’s a comfortable pair of shoes and walks the reader back into Gotham’s dark and frightened heart. Batman’s overview narration of what is happening definitely does a lot of telling, but doesn’t distract from the pieces of dialogue that we get on the pages nor does it take from the art, provided by Eduardo Risso who takes up the challenge of following in the footsteps of the late Tim Sale and does it beautifully. The issue is a fitting complement to the original while also functioning as a solid kick off to its own story. While Sale is no longer with us to provide the art, the art here still honors and furthers the visual storytelling legacy and supports everything in a way that leaves readers wanting more. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Click to read full review)

Harley Quinn #43

In Harley Quinn #43, the ongoing story is effectively concluded just prior to the series’ transition into All In, and it does so by emphasizing Harley’s unique abilities. Essentially, Howard portrays Harley as a psychologist with an exceptional understanding of human behavior, which is her true source of power. This issue also showcases Harley utilizing her powers for good while retaining her flaws, making a compelling argument for the significance of imperfect heroes. Despite some fluctuations in quality throughout this arc, the ending ties up loose ends nicely and it’s satisfying to witness Harley returning to her core self once more. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

DC #2

Green Arrow #16

Unquestionably, the relentless influence of Absolute Power persists in causing turmoil for the Green Arrow clan, and this installment epitomizes both the exhilarating and perplexing aspects that come with it. Joshua Williamson skillfully pens the narrative, albeit one that depends on unexpected twists lacking substantial background information. The artwork of Amancay Nahuelpan and Sean Izaakse harmoniously blends, showcasing inventive and emotive choices in portraying the expanding cast of characters. Although this issue isn’t flawless, it sets an adequate stage for whatever Absolute Power has planned next. – Reviewed by Jenna Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5

Outsiders #11

The conclusion of Outsiders is nothing less than dramatic, expertly crafting a heartfelt story about existence, sorrow, and the charm of comic narratives. Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing’s writing is consistently smart and moving, skillfully tying up the series’ diverse plots in a fulfilling and emotional manner. Robert Carey’s artwork continues to impress with its vibrant and lavish style, capturing rain-soaked cityscapes and the emptiness of the multiverse with equal depth. In the past year of comics, there hasn’t been anything quite like Outsiders, and I am thrilled that it ended on such a high note. – Jenna Anderson (paraphrased)

Rating: 5 out of 5

Power Girl #13

As a devoted fan, I must say that “Power Girl” is a comic book that stands tall, even when its main character takes a break, and it’s absolutely captivating! Issue #13 brilliantly shines the light on Omen, offering her the attention she deserves and providing a slight diversion from Power Girl in the process. This issue moves at a swift pace, filled with engaging elements that make it a real treat to read. Moreover, the introduction of a fresh character in Act 3 leaves me eagerly anticipating what’s to come next. – Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Flash #13

In a surprising yet delightful turn of events, The Flash proves to be an exhilarating read that pushes boundaries beyond imagination. While the narrative doesn’t delve into human emotions or childbirth in relation to the Speed Force, it certainly offers a fresh perspective on this superhero world that leaves you captivated and curious. Simon Spurrier masterfully explores the intricacies of this universe in ways I never thought possible, making the speedsters relatable in unique and engaging ways.

Zatanna: Bring Down The House #4

In many aspects, this story seems perfectly suited for me, primarily due to its focus on Zatanna and John Constantine conversing, a combination I find hard to beat. Mariko Tamaki takes it up a notch, skillfully integrating humor, suspense, and solutions to the lingering enigma into their everyday interaction, which is successful in itself. The art by Javier Rodriguez and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou is truly magical throughout this issue, making it one of my favorite visually in the series, complete with a stunning splash page that deserves a spot on the wall as a poster. Before their anticipated showdown in Zatanna vs Zatara, the team has already delivered one of the character’s best performances yet. – Matthew Aguilar

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Marvel #1

Daredevil: Woman Without Fear #3

In this comic, Elektra’s stint as “The Fearless Woman” stands out significantly in her character development, aiming to rescue Hell’s Kitchen as a means to impress Matt Murdock. The story primarily revolves around Elektra battling adversaries such as Count Nefaria and Silverman, although the fight scenes are intense, they occasionally fall short when it comes to fully fleshing out her character. However, artists Dowling and Fiorellie do an exceptional job of balancing both the action-packed sequences and more subtle moments within this underground spectacle. Unfortunately, with slightly more emphasis on character development, this could have been a standout issue for Elektra, but it missed the opportunity to highlight the new Daredevil’s crime-fighting journey. – Evan Valentine

Rating: 3 out of 5

Namor #3

Even though there seems to be less action in this current storyline compared to previous ones, Aaron’s Namor hasn’t encountered any obstacles yet. The Sub-Mariner is continually battling his inner demons and past, all while drawing upon the insights gained from those memories to prevent a real-world conflict that’s escalating around him. It’s a captivating character analysis and an engaging dive into the hidden depths of the Marvel Universe. – Review by Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 5 out of 5

NYX #3

Although there are occasional instances of excessively sentimental expressions or underdeveloped characters, the latest edition of NYX still shows promise. The creative team led by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing effectively combines emotion and action, beautifully complemented by Francesco Mortarino’s vibrant yet dynamic art style. NYX continues to be a timely and engaging read, leaving me eagerly anticipating its future developments. – Jenna Anderson (paraphrased)

Rating: 4 out of 5

Phases of the Moon Knight #2

This Phases of Moon Knight concept has many appealing aspects, though not every tale is a home run. The stories in issue #2 offer a nostalgic detective-style journey for Moon Knight and a sci-fi adventure set in the year 2800. While the first, penned by Jed MacKay, is more engaging, both manage to be entertaining. Neither story drags on or overstays its welcome. (Paraphrased by ChatGPT)

Rating: 3 out of 5

Phoenix #3

Despite its high-octane action sequences and striking artwork by Alessandro Miracolo, it’s the tender heart that pulses through Phoenix comic that truly resonates. Miracolo skillfully captures the delicate essence of the character, highlighting moments where her empathy and comprehension are her most powerful abilities. Series writer Stephanie Phillips consistently demonstrates a deep grasp of the character. The spectacular visuals persistently intertwine with a unique perspective on a timeless hero, positioning this title as a hidden contender for one of the best X-Men releases to emerge recently. – Recommended Reading: 4 out of 5

Marvel #2

The Amazing Spider-Man #58

Zeb Wells and John Romita Jr.’s storyline on everyone’s favorite wall-crawler, Spider-Man, is nearing its end, and they’re delivering one of Peter Parker’s most intense fights yet. This run has included elements like time travel, snow gods, and Paul, but Tombstone has been a significant focus. In this part of the story, Lonnie Lincoln gets a lot of attention as he tries to commit an unimaginable act, with only Spider-Man standing in his way to prevent him from killing his own daughter. Since J. Michael Straczynski’s Morlun storyline, I haven’t seen a more impactful battle for Spider-Man. Despite some issues throughout the run, this latest issue suggests that Wells and Romita Jr. are ending on a high note. If you’re seeking a more serious Spidey tale, The Amazing Spider-Man #58 is worth checking out, and it might be my favorite work from this team yet – Evan Valentine.

Rating 4.5 out of 5

The Avengers Annual #1

Over the past few months, the Infinity Watch has been an unexpected joy, and its storyline reached a conclusion in Avengers Annual #1. I must admit, it’s only the beginning, but what a captivating start! It seems the Infinity Stones might still have some magic left after all. The stakes for failure are vividly depicted in this annual issue, and the diverse personalities within the team offer a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come, with several characters truly shining by the end. I can’t wait to see where Marvel takes this unique group next; they’ve certainly piqued my interest and left me eager for more! – Matthew Aguilar

Ultimate Spider-Man #9

In a slightly less dynamic manner than usual, this initial issue of Ultimate Spider-Man seems to hint at a sense of repetition. Writer Jonathan Hickman reassembles his characters in familiar predicaments, and the Peter/Harry narrative appears particularly static. However, despite these minor indications of stagnation, it remains an enjoyable read. Artist Marco Checchetto consistently delivers impressive work, ensuring both action sequences and quieter moments resonate with readers. In essence, this series maintains its unique charm. – Paraphrased by ChatGPT

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Uncanny X-Men #3

Following Krakoa, many fans were curious if the “From The Ashes” status quo could match its predecessor, and based on the first three issues of Uncanny X-Men, it certainly does. While Gail Simone may be focusing on mutants from X-Men ’97, she’s given them entirely new roles in this story. This fresh approach sets up a new generation of mutants across all titles, and Uncanny X-Men stands out as the most captivating so far. Simone and Marquez are delivering top-notch work with both familiar mutants and their new pupils. Additionally, Gail has created an unsettling new villain that readers get to witness in action this time around. Uncanny X-Men feels like a must-read title within the Marvel mutant universe, and it might continue to be so for future issues if past trends are any indication. – Evan Valentine (Paraphrased)

Rating 4 out of 5

X-Force #3

X-Force #3 offers a straightforward superhero storyline, with Marcus To’s artwork continuing to impress as always. However, the open and vibrant style of his art seems less fitting for this title, which delves deeply into technology and moral complexity. A more subdued, detailed art style might better convey these themes. The dialogue is primarily focused on petty squabbling, and while the artwork is pleasing to look at, the plot is relatively simple and lacks depth. There’s not much here that stands out, and the issue may be quickly forgotten once it’s finished. – Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Image #1

Rogue Sun #22

This narrative offers a rich tapestry, although at times it seems overly dense. However, the ongoing exploration of long-term consequences stemming from tragedy and sorrow effectively maintains reader interest throughout. Furthermore, the clear and dynamic sequences propel Rogue Sun forward swiftly, resulting in a comic that consistently grapples with significant themes without becoming burdened by its own concepts.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #2

In the Universal Monsters: Frankenstein #2 comic, the focus shifts from the whole creature to its brain, which plays a crucial role in the narrative and experiences some unexpected complications. This unique perspective adds depth to the storyline, making it intriguing. Walsh skillfully crafts the tale, revealing layers of sadness as it unravels. Visually, the artwork could be more distinguishable between characters at times, but the story itself is strong and leaves us curious about what’s coming next. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 3 out of 5

Other Publishers #1

Conan The Barbarian #15

In this run so far, Conan’s Arctic journey stands out as the most impressive, though this particular issue falls slightly short compared to the preceding ones. It’s still enjoyable with some nicely timed scenes for our protagonist, but the supernatural and intimate moments don’t pack quite the same punch as the action-packed tales we’ve grown accustomed to. – Review by Charlie Ridgely (paraphrased)

Rating: 3 out of 5

Helen of Wyndhorn #5

Helen of Wyndhorn leaves me searching for a word more impactful than ‘stunning,’ but for now, it’s the best I can do to describe her captivating allure. Tom King’s script is bursting with unexpected twists and emotional depth, moments that literally left me speechless. Bilquis Evely’s artwork is nothing short of extraordinary, offering a meticulous attention to detail and a vibrant energy that leaves me awestruck. If you haven’t been reading Helen of Wyndhorn, let this serve as your prompt to rectify the situation posthaste. – Rating: 5 out of 5

Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull #1

Over the past few years, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been crossing paths with various characters from the comic book realm. Most recently, Michaelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo have joined forces with Batman, Power Rangers, Stranger Things kids, Savage Dragon, Ghostbusters, and others. Meanwhile, Prince Adam and his fellow inhabitants of Eternia battled against the corrupted DC Heroes from Injustice Universe and Thundercats. Now, these two groups will clash in a Dark Horse comic book crossover event. – Evan Valentine (Paraphrased)

Rating: 3 out of 5 (Click to read full review)