Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 10/2/2024

DC #1

Absolute Power #4

DC’s most recent iconic gathering wraps up in a well-structured and mostly fulfilling manner. Mark Waid’s storytelling occasionally veers into expected plot turns, but the character dynamics are too engaging to fault. Dan Mora’s artwork remains outstanding, particularly during the escalating battles. Despite the looming presence of All-In and Absolute projects, it seems that Absolute Power managed to conclude on its own thrilling, high-energy note. – Jenna Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5

Batman #153

4 out of 5

Birds of Prey #14

Kicking off the latest chapter of Birds of Prey offers an exceptional mix of excitement and mystery that no other series can quite match. As the central conflict gradually intensifies, the main appeal lies in the team’s interactions – expertly constructed by writer Kelly Thompson. Artist Sami Basri flawlessly integrates into the series, showcasing stylish outfits and intense battle scenes with equal flair. If you’ve been absent from this Birds of Prey adventure until now, DC’s new entry point is an ideal moment to catch up. – Reviewed by Jenna Anderson

Rating: 5 out of 5

DC All In Special #1

DC leaps into a daring new phase with the long-awaited DC All In Special, a groundbreaking comic that aims to establish the present state of the main universe alongside revealing the origins of the Absolute Universe. It’s a challenging project, but the team is eager for the challenge, creating a unique special issue that fulfills its promise while allowing each hero and villain to stand out individually. This is merely the start, but with All In, DC has made a strong first impression, and the outlook for the future couldn’t be more promising. – Matthew Aguilar

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Read the full review right here)

DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis #1

Perfectly timed for Halloween, DC Comics has concocted eight spine-tingling tales to mark the haunting season. Known for their delightful tradition of producing holiday-themed anthology comics, this year’s offering, Last Crisis, is no exception. As with any anthology comic book, it boasts a mix of highs and lows, showcasing both veteran DC creators and fresh talents within the DC Universe.

DC #2

Justice Society of America #12

In Justice Society of America #12, the story concludes as a heartwarming epilogue and a delightful treat for Stargirl enthusiasts. This issue follows Courtney’s graduation from high school, interspersed with some truly grand battle sequences, as she reflects on the lessons she’s gathered while closing one chapter of her life and preparing for what lies ahead. While there are no major revelations in this issue, Johns skillfully delves into the complexities of life, emphasizing that we never face our challenges alone. This poignant and fitting issue serves as a memorable celebration of Stargirl’s 25th anniversary and marks the conclusion of this series. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

My Adventures With Superman #5

In My Adventures With Superman #5, Superman engages in a climactic confrontation over Amazo, while simultaneously, Amazo gains self-awareness about his origins and the straying from his original mission. It’s an intense installment with Superman championing the virtues within Amazo against an opposing force seeking more acclaim than Earth’s protection. The series has been a joy to read, and this issue is no exception, offering a touch of humor thanks to Ma and Pa Kent. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 5 out of 5

Plastic Man No More! #2

In the increasingly bizarre and chilling predicament of Eel, Plastic Man No More! emerges as a uniquely captivating DC miniseries in recent times. The script by Christopher Cantwell is a testament to emotional storytelling, escalating tension while injecting mature, engaging character moments. Alex Lins’ artwork skillfully portrays Eel’s contemporary body horror and unsettlingly charming time with the Justice League, resulting in both visually impressive and spine-tingling effects. Don’t pass up on Plastic Man No More!; it’s a must-read. – Reviewer’s Name

Rating: 5 out of 5

Poison Ivy #26

In issue #26 of Poison Ivy, we find Janet embarking on a fresh chapter aimed at rectifying the blunders in her confrontation with Woodrue. However, this endeavor plunges her into an intricate mystery surrounding a new suburban area mysteriously rising from the swamps. To make matters worse, there’s a possible confusion about her identity that will only complicate things further. Although the storyline moves at a more measured pace to establish the plot, the portrayal of Ivy as the key figure in unfolding events is exceptionally well-executed. Despite the smaller scale compared to the previous arc, this story remains significant and is skillfully presented. – Nicole Drum

Rating: 4 out of 5

Shazam! #16

In a fresh, if visually fragmented, beginning for the All-In project, Shazam! presents an engaging chapter penned by Josie Campbell that beautifully captures the family’s dynamics and their anxieties as they face a new danger. Dan McDaid’s artwork sometimes produces awkward facial expressions and body compositions, but it excels in crucial action scenes. – Review by Jenna Anderson

Rating: 3 out of 5

The Nice House By The Sea #3

James Tynion IV is skillfully unfolding the narrative in this series, revealing just the right amount of details so that the shock value doesn’t overshadow the story itself. The standout feature of “The Nice House on the Sea” is the artwork by lvaro Mart?nez Bueno and Jordie Bellaire. Their collaboration beautifully portrays human elements such as scrapbooks and photography, while also creating a chilling atmosphere in haunting settings and showcasing unique character designs that are only possible in comics. If you’re a fan of horror, this is definitely a series you won’t want to miss out on! – Spencer Perry

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Marvel #1

Daredevil #14

Matt Murdock, also known as Daredevil, may have triumphed over Wilson Fisk once more, but he faces two significant hurdles in the near term. The first is dealing with the remnants of the Heat, a now rudderless army under the Kingpin’s command. The second is his own spiritual struggles. Given that writer Saladin Ahmed has been exploring Matt as a priest throughout this series, it’s fitting that he engages in a conversation with his creator, offering insights into the character’s depth.

Deadpool #7

In the latest issue, Deadpool’s daughter, Ellie, and her carnage-infused dog, Princess, are attempting to continue where Deadpool left off. Although Ellie manages to combine humor and action effectively in a manner reminiscent of Wade Wilson, there is a sense of something lacking in this storyline. The subject of death has been a contentious issue in comic books lately, and the portrayal of Deadpool’s demise in this case does not improve that situation. It seems that his death was given little thought here, which is unfortunate. There are some intriguing plot points to explore from a scenario like this, but for the team of mercenaries, it feels like just another job. Despite Ellie being an engaging protagonist, I feel that her father’s death does not seem justified in this context. – Evan Valentine

Rating: 3 out of 5

Get Fury #6

It’s unfortunate that Garth Ennis’ characters are often misunderstood, given his exceptional ability to create raw, thought-provoking portrayals of humanity. His take on the Punisher makes one question whether any form of violence could ever be justified. The collaboration between Castle and Nick Fury in this story is incredibly dark, yet it’s a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impact. – Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 4 out of 5

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #6

In the Marvel Universe, Gwen Stacy’s adventures as Ghost Spider carry on in a more serene issue where she engages in a heart-to-heart with Jessica Jones. Gwen’s recent series has been somewhat inconsistent, with her battling iconic Spider-Man villains while keeping the motive for her dimensional jumps a secret. However, this calmer issue offers a deeper insight into both Gwen and the possible main antagonist, the Black Tarantula. Despite some reservations about Ghost Spider’s new situation, I’m optimistic that future issues can maintain the quality of this sixth issue over some of its less impressive counterparts. – Evan Valentine

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Star Wars: Inquisitors #5

What a wallop of an exclamation point this put on the whole Inquisitors series. It’s a dark ending that lays bare the ideals that tend to lead us to our most devastating losses, both in the real world and in a galaxy far, far away. This also helps build Darth Vader’s legacy as one of the most harrowing villains around, and that is always welcomed. – Charlie Ridgely

Rating: 4 out of 5

Marvel #2

Storm #1

As a die-hard gamer diving into Storm #1, I wasn’t shy about tackling her multifaceted, at times contradictory backstory. Instead, I embraced it all, and by the end, I felt a powerful sense of purpose for this iconic character. This debut issue didn’t just introduce complexities in Storm’s life; it laid down several potential plotlines that, while tricky to see how they’ll blend together seamlessly, have me intrigued. It’s rare nowadays for new superhero comics to find their footing, but Storm #1 has paved the way for Storm to finally take her rightful place as a leading heroine she deserves to be. Here’s to hoping they can build on this promising start!

The Immortal Thor #16

“Issue 16 of Immortal Thor is an engaging superhero tale. It starts off thoughtfully, exploring the notion that superheroes and villains are like gods among mortals in the Marvel Universe, then delves into Thor’s thoughts about his role as the All-Father of Asgard. The story builds up gradually as a new group of four villains, formed from some of Thor’s past adversaries, enters the scene. Writers Ewing and Bazaldua create an atmosphere of growing tension, leading to Thor’s encounters with Earth’s authorities who pose little threat, then a more dangerous foe, culminating in a showdown against his ancient enemies. This is done skillfully with a level of introspection not often seen in contemporary superhero comics, making Immortal Thor stand out. Despite the fact that these villains could be considered ‘B-list’, Ewing has a talent for giving them depth and significance. It’s intriguing to think about where he might take these characters next, which makes Immortal Thor worth looking forward to. – Jamie Lovett

Rating: 4 out of 5

Ultimate Black Panther #9

In the recent edition of Black Panther, T’Challa’s tale seems to be slowing down a bit, but the story focusing on Killmonger and Storm, penned by Bryan Hill and illustrated by Stefano Caselli, is engaging. Hill’s writing in this series shines when it keeps readers guessing, and this arc does exactly that. Caselli effectively portrays the powers of these two characters in distinctive manners while also introducing unexpected elements as they chase after the new Sorcerer Supreme. As has been consistent throughout, this rendition of Black Panther excels when it stands out, and this continues to hold true here. – Spencer Perry

Rating: 4 out of 5

Venom War #3

If you haven’t been following Al Ewing’s Venom series from the beginning, the latest issue of Venom War might seem completely incomprehensible, even if you have been following it, it can still feel like being swept up in a torrent of backstory. Despite Ewing’s efforts to clarify things, it becomes overwhelming due to the abundance of information. However, series artist Iban Coello continues to produce high-quality work, depicting the diverse characters and symbiotes, culminating in what might be the best final page yet. – Spencer Perry

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

X-Men #5

In simpler terms, the author’s critique is that X-Men #5 fails to live up to its own legacy by introducing elements reminiscent of classic X-Men stories but without the substance or impact that made those stories great. The use of Kid Omega in a psychic rescue mission feels out of character unless his past development is ignored, and the lack of consequences for his actions renders the plot point meaningless. The artist’s style is praised for its strengths but criticized for not matching the gracefulness of previous artists. The villain reveal feels like an imitation of Morrison’s work without the depth or originality, and the story fails to visualize Kid Omega’s need for Psylocke’s guidance in a satisfying way. Overall, the author gives X-Men #5 a rating of 1.5 out of 5.

Image Comics

Hyde Street #1

Essentially, Hyde Street #1 presents an unexpected twist for fans of Johns and Reis, yet it manages to captivate with its engaging narrative and meticulous artwork. The characters are intriguing and seem to harbor secrets waiting to be explored, while the setting itself stirs curiosity and leaves readers yearning for more insight and visuals. At its heart, Hyde Street #1 seems poised to prompt deep introspection in readers and make them reconsider their actions even in an unfamiliar area. In essence, it’s a compelling introduction to a new horror story. – [Your Name]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (Read the full review right here)

Redcoat #6

The initial storyline of Redcoat concludes spectacularly, leveraging the series’ strengths in large-scale action scenes, uncanny supernatural events, and Simon Pure’s dry humor. Johns and Hitch wrap up the first arc impressively, leaving a tantalizing final page to hint at future developments. Redcoat stands out as one of Ghost Machine’s most compelling ongoing series, with issues like this making it a must-read for comic book enthusiasts. Here’s to hoping that Simon Pure and Albert Einstein can continue propelling both Redcoat and Ghost Machine forward in the future. – Evan Valentine

Rating: 4 out of 5

The Deviant #8

In a captivating, eight-issue unfolding, “The Deviant” delves into a multifaceted crime narrative that keeps readers on their toes, questioning every twist and turn. It’s a gripping thriller that stands tall without the themes of identity, despair, and acceptance at its core. The skillful blend of these elements and the polished final product promises to make Tynion’s holiday mystery an enduring classic. – Rating: 5 out of 5 (Charlie Ridgely)

I Hate Fairyland #16

This trip back to Fairyland was delightful overall! The humor, while not always spot-on, and the dialogue that occasionally feels a bit old-fashioned, still manages to be mostly endearing. Gert is a chaotic yet lovable character, which gives the narrative a touch of unpredictability at times. Watching her embrace her heroic role is an entertaining twist in the story, even when it’s shown that her understanding of heroism differs greatly from reality.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Oni, Titan, and IDW

Conan: Battle of The Black Stone #2

Reading through Conan’s thrilling time-travel, monster-fighting escapade, it’s clear that this adventure is guaranteed fun. Zub gets the essence perfectly. It might not be the top comic on the rack, but it offers a delightful read from start to finish – exactly what we sometimes crave. – Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Cruel Universe #3

In this review by Jenna Anderson, she expresses that the current issue of Cruel Universe truly aligns with its idea and title, weaving a collection of mostly captivating tales focusing on the perils of technology. The most compelling aspects can be found towards the end of the issue, where “The Deleted Man” by Ben H. Winters and Carson Thorn, and “Behave” by Cullen Bunn and David Rubin, present concise and twisted morality tales reflecting today’s technological stresses. Each chapter is grim, and almost every chapter leaves a lasting impression; horror enthusiasts should definitely give it a read. – Jenna Anderson

Rating: 4 out of 5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Nightwatcher #2

In Nightwatcher #2, we delve into Jennika’s transformation into the community guardian of Mutant Town, a role that stems from an extraordinary origin story. While it might seem superfluous, considering Jennika’s long-standing involvement with the Ninja Turtles and her role as their mutual protector, this fantastical backstory adds depth to Nightwatcher, making her more of a symbol embodying Mutant Town’s culture than a solitary vigilante. The visual style blends urban grit with mystical elements, creating a unique atmosphere that straddles the line between everyday crime-fighting and otherworldly, even occult themes. This issue sets up a captivating origin for Mutant Town’s new guardian, promising an engaging narrative as the creators explore it further in upcoming issues. – Jamie Lovett

Rating: 4 out of 5