Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 11/20/2024

As a seasoned comic book enthusiast with over two decades of reading under my belt, I must say that this week’s haul is nothing short of a visual feast! Each issue presents a unique story, from the profoundly intimate character study in “The Power Fantasy” to the intriguing sci-fi adventure of “The Rocketfellers”.


🎉 Enjoy your new comics day! This week is packed with exciting comic book releases, and our team at ComicBook has pooled their expertise to analyze and review as many of the key comics dropping this week as we can. Of course, we won’t be covering every single title out there, but we’re diving into new issues from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and many others!

We’ve set aside extra room in our review section for three highly anticipated comic books from this week – “The Question: All Along the Watchtower #1”, “The Rocketfellers #1”, and “Star Wars: The Battle of Jaku – Republic Under Siege #1”. If these brief reviews spark your curiosity, I recommend you read the full reviews for a more detailed examination of each issue. For our rating system, we use a straightforward approach, assigning either a whole or half number out of five. You can find some examples of our past reviews right here. Now, let’s delve into this week’s new comic book releases!

DC

Review of Action Comics #1076

In the second installment of Batman & Robin: Year One, we see an improvement over the first issue. The focus has shifted more towards the crime and chaos in Gotham City, with the General and Two-Face causing trouble for our dynamic duo. Dick Grayson, or Robin, shows growth in this issue amidst the action, while also hinting at potential complications regarding Bruce Wayne’s adoption of him by alluding to social services. The intriguing narrative unfolds as Batman and Robin grapple with a problem that may prove too big for both of them. The artwork by Samnee truly shines, especially during the Robin-centric scenes. – Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Batman: Full Moon #2

Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #33

In the comic book series “All In,” DC’s Justice League expands its team beyond limits, making them ready to face any peril. However, such an extensive roster also presents its own difficulties. To handle these challenges and even more enigmatic threats from within, the Trinity has chosen The Question. This premise alone offers ample chances for engaging storytelling, and it becomes even more intriguing when Renee Montoya’s complex history is thrown into the mix. Add to that the repercussions this series will have on the emerging dynamics among DC superheroes, and you’ve got a tale that stays faithful to its main character while significantly impacting the larger narrative. In short, it’s a resounding success. – Matthew Aguilar (Read the full review here)

Titans Issue #17 delivers a thrilling experience! The storyline features Clock King leveraging his newly-acquired powers from Absolute Power to infiltrate the minds of the team, gathering sensitive information about them and other heroes. However, despite his intelligence, he fails to anticipate all outcomes. This issue effectively demonstrates the new team dynamic and provides ample action without relying too heavily on fight scenes. The concluding pages hint at an even more intriguing sequence as Deathstroke makes his appearance, elevating the overall quality of the issue. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In a new take on words, the review for Wonder Woman #5 states it continues the pattern of this series. The tale unfolds with the Sovereign talking excessively about riches, authority, and deceit, expressing annoyance over Wonder Woman’s actions that dismantled their corrupt system. The artwork is spectacular, particularly depicting Diana with the infant Trinity and her comrades on a mission that seems less about justice but rather a drawn-out act of vengeance. At this stage, the storyline appears stretched, and the current issue emphasizes this feeling of prolongation — making it seem like we’re merely stretching thin the narrative threads. Nicole Drum rates this issue 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Marvel

Issue #15 of Daredevil

Exceptional X-Men Issue 3

Immortal Thor #17 – A Twist of Emotions and Betrayals

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #26

Phases of Moon Knight #4

From the very first issue, Stephanie Phillips, the scribe for Phoenix, has demonstrated an intimate understanding of this character, delving deep into her essence. In the latest installment, Phillips showcases not only her grasp of Jean Grey, but also her role within the Marvel universe. A captivating dialogue scene dominates much of the issue, and Phillips’ writing is nothing short of brilliant, enhanced by the visually striking illustrations of Alessandro Miracolo & Marco Renna. The creative team behind Phoenix is one of Marvel’s standout collaborations, making this series a must-read for any comic book enthusiast. – Reviewer’s Name (5 out of 5 stars)

In issue #2 of Sentinels, our cybernetically modified (or questionably enhanced?) characters storm into the corrupt city of Bagalia to apprehend a villain who runs an oppressive prison, all under the orders of some morally ambiguous figures. This narrative presents a complex ethical landscape, but the intense action sequences can make it easy to overlook these nuances. The artwork is gritty, if not a bit rugged, and a subplot involving Onslaught feels disconnected from the main storyline. Despite an intriguing premise, the plot seems overloaded, lacking a strong hook that fully engages the reader. With more time, it might find its footing, but for now, Sentinels appears to be falling short of its full potential. – Rating: 3 out of 5

In the latest installment of “Ghost Spider: Spider-Gwen #7”, our Gwen Stacy from a different universe persists in her journey through the 616 realm, delivering one of her most impactful issues thus far. The writer, Phillips, skillfully portrays Gwen’s character, yet it is Von Randal’s artwork that truly shines. This issue focuses on the intimate, grounded interactions between Ghost Spider and the Black Tarantula, making them the standout elements of this comic.

In the latest issue #5 of Spider-Man: Reign 2, the series has been inconsistent since its debut, and this installment is no exception. It tends to feel disconnected and lacks a unified visual flow. However, it does wrap up with a powerful conclusion that provides a satisfactory twist on some of its underwhelming narrative arcs.
– Review by Charlie Ridgely
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku – Republic under Threat #1

Title rephrase: Review of Storm #2 – “Death by Voodoo

In this review by Evan Valentine, Hickman’s take on “Ultimate Spider-Man #11” is commended for being the top comic book series focusing on Peter Parker. The creative team’s handling of Spidey’s unique qualities is praised, and the storyline explores new aspects of Peter’s character, such as his limited fighting skills. Additionally, the series features deep conversations between Peter and his loved ones. This title stands alongside Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley’s original Ultimate universe launch, according to Evan. Overall, “Ultimate Spider-Man” continues to live up to its reputation as one of Marvel’s finest comics, earning a rating of 5 out of 5.

In this review by Evan Valentine, he expresses his disappointment with Wolverine #3, stating that it continues to grapple with the same problems he noticed in issues one and two. Specifically, he finds Logan’s internal monologue excessive, and feels that despite the focus on Wolverine’s “Berserker Rage” and his time in the wilderness, the story does not deliver the action or freedom one would expect. However, there are intriguing plot points included in this issue. Nevertheless, he criticizes the series for failing to introduce anything new and leaning too heavily on expository dialogue instead of allowing the story to unfold organically. Furthermore, he suggests that “From The Ashes” is struggling to meet the high expectations set by the Krakoa Era of the X-Men, as it seems to be lagging behind other mutant-focused titles within Marvel Comics. He awards a rating of 2 out of 5 for this issue.

Image Comics

Geiger #8 depicts Geiger and Nate returning the children they encountered previously to their home, but upon arrival, they find an isolated community free from bombing and radiation. However, this utopia is far from perfect; books and knowledge about the outside world are forbidden, keeping citizens, especially children, in the dark for their own supposed safety. This creates a chilling commentary, with Geiger expressing his disapproval that it’s not his or his kids’ place to judge. But things take a dangerous turn when the King arrives, putting everyone at risk. The artwork is stunning, particularly the depiction of book burning, which adds a haunting touch. Unfortunately, the issue feels somewhat brief, making it the only drawback and resulting in a 4 out of 5 rating from Nicole Drum.

Review of Ice Cream Man #42

In the 27th installment of “The Department of Truth,” the story delves into the life of Norma Jean, now portrayed as Marilyn Munruo and her untimely demise, serving as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle to comprehend the essence of truth. Writer James Tynion IV skillfully sets the mood with introspective dialogue, questioning the distinction between an actual angel and what is generally perceived as one, if they truly exist. However, artists Alison Sampson and Jordie Bellaire take center stage by vividly capturing the sensation of existing on the border of reality and illusion. Marilyn’s solidity fluctuates from panel to panel, reflecting her internal struggle with truth. The narrative flows seamlessly, thanks to letterer Aditya Bidikar’s expert guidance of the reader’s attention, emphasizing key moments through sudden style changes. The issue is beautifully rendered, featuring intense colors representing divine light and a striking contrast between darkness and light, painting a tumultuous portrayal of one agent’s sleepless night. It’s an exceptionally crafted, disquieting comic book from creators known for their ability to depict the inconceivable — or perhaps more accurately, the boundary between reality and the entirely imagined. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5

Title Exploration: “The Lunar Pursuit Unveiled #3

In The Power Fantasy #4, we delve deep into the personal life of Morishitu Masumi, a character who holds a power responsible for a catastrophic event in Tokyo in 1982. This issue is a poignant exploration of her inner world, as her destructive powers are closely connected to her emotions, requiring constant suppression to prevent another outbreak.

In simpler terms, the comic book series “The Rocketfellers #1” offers a fun, initial installment that combines a touch of vintage sci-fi with a storyline focused on human emotions. Although character development could be improved, it still manages to pique curiosity and leave readers eager for more. The artwork is strong and the cliffhanger questions make this a compelling starting point for the series. Overall, I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars. (You can read the full review here)

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2024-11-21 00:42