Let’s celebrate another exciting week in the comic book universe! Our team at ComicBook has curated reviews for as many new releases as we can manage this week. While we may not cover every single comic out there, we’re focusing on the latest offerings from Marvel, DC, Image Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, Dynamite, Oni Press, IDW, Mad Cave Studios, DSTLRY, and more! So sit back and join us as we delve into this week’s comic book releases.
This week, we’ve reserved extra room for in-depth reviews of Batman #157 and Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1, two hot titles from this week’s releases. If our brief reviews spark your curiosity, don’t forget to explore the full reviews for a detailed analysis. Our rating system is straightforward – whole or half numbers out of five. You can see some past reviews we’ve done right here. Now, let’s dive into this week’s fresh comics!
DC
Jason Aaron keeps finding innovative methods to reimagine DC lore in the comic series titled Absolute Superman. Each fresh twist he introduces feels captivating and unexpected. The artwork by Rafa Sandoval, with colors by Ulises Arreola, significantly contributes to what sets this Superman interpretation apart from other mainstream DC comics. Sandoval’s portrayal of Superman exudes power and awe in every panel, making Absolute Superman an engaging read. It’s an excellent starting point for newcomers and should not be missed. (Rating: 5 out of 5)
In issue #4 of Batgirl, Tate Brombal delves deep into the intricacies of a mother-daughter relationship set against an extraordinary backdrop – a chase from a lethal ninja clan. This isn’t your everyday scenario, making it a captivating setting for Brombal to gradually transform and warm up the initially frosty dynamic between Batgirl and Shiva. The narrative also introduces tantalizing subplots, but the thrilling action often outshines them. Kudos to Takeshi Miyazawa, Wayne Faucher, and Mike Spicer for their exceptional work. Whether the action unfolds in Batgirl’s mind or reality, it’s always pulse-pounding, and there’s a sequence midway through that is so cinematic, it calls for a bucket of popcorn. The shifts in motivations and approaches all seem genuine and deserved, and when the action intensifies, it does so stylishly. If you’re not keeping up with Batgirl, you’re missing out on a unique and engaging adventure. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
As a devoted fan of the Dark Knight, I must say that diving into Batman #157 was an engaging experience. Zdarsky finally concludes the intricate narrative he’s been weaving for nearly three years, leaving our hero with new insights and perhaps even a touch of transformation. The artwork, skillfully executed by Jorge Jimenez and Tony S. Daniel, is nothing short of impressive, adding depth to the story as it unveils Batman’s complexities when he emerges from the shadows into the light. While Batman may appear different from other DC heroes in many ways, this issue serves as a stark reminder that beneath the mask lies a hero rich in shades and nuance. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars (Read the full review here).
Off-World #6 as 2 out of 5 stars.
Review of “Birds of Prey #18”
The joy of reading Birds of Prey lies in witnessing the team’s dynamic interactions and their joint efforts to save the world, which perfectly encapsulates Birds of Prey #18. Kelly Thompson skillfully guides the entire team towards intriguing paths, and this individual growth allows for each member to stand out uniquely within the team, always keeping things engaging. The most evident example is Barda and Batgirl, who excel whether they’re in a battle or relaxing at headquarters, and yet Black Canary and Sin’s journey is equally captivating, just in its unique way. Juann Cabal, Adriano Lucas, and Clayton Cowles brilliantly handle both teams throughout the issue, but some of my favorite moments are the unexpected collaboration with John Constantine, as it adds a touch of chaos to the proceedings that shouldn’t be missed. Birds of Prey is currently at its peak, and I don’t anticipate this changing anytime soon.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Justice League: The Atom Project #2 Review
The second issue of Justice League: The Atom Project delves deeper into its themes, with Captain Atom’s quest to eliminate his powers being likened to a self-aware nuclear bomb disarming itself. This narrative mirrors the need for disarmament, personified in one character. However, the split timeline structure of the story is somewhat frustrating as it fails to clarify how Captain Atom transitioned from embracing his superhero identity to seeking to abolish his powers, leaving readers with a sense of confusion rather than building tension or maintaining mystery.
The artwork effectively sets the tone for this political thriller infused with superpowers, but the characterization of Ray Palmer remains slightly off-putting, exhibiting an almost sociopathic single-minded focus. Despite its intriguing and worthwhile themes, The Atom Project would have been more impactful with a more straightforward storytelling approach.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Poison Ivy #30 isn’t terrible, but it’s a bit heavy on exposition and can feel repetitive, revisiting themes that this run has already explored. This issue finds Ivy facing Xylon, the emissary of the Grey, who reveals a conflict between humans, nature, and the Grey, with the Parliament of Trees acting as mediators. As a result, Ivy is positioned as a potential peacekeeper among them all. Although intriguing, this plot development can seem unnecessarily complex, leaving readers confused about its coherence. It’s almost like the story has strayed from its intended course, leaving both Ivy and readers wandering aimlessly in the woods.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
In this latest installment of DC Comics’ villain-focused series, Two-Face #3, the creative team expertly intertwines the criminal underworld of Gotham with Harvey Dent’s fractured psyche. The narrative skillfully combines hard-hitting, criminal antics with cosmic terror, a challenging feat that this comic book series pulls off effortlessly. Even if you’re not a dedicated Two-Face fan, this title has been exceeding my expectations thus far, presenting fresh, intriguing perspectives not only on Dent but also on some of the lesser-known villains lurking in Gotham’s dark corners. If Two-Face maintains its current momentum, it could very well emerge as one of the most notable new superhero series of 2025 – Evan Valentine (Rating: 4.5 out of 5)
MARVEL
As a cinephile diving into the world of comics, I must say that Phoenix #8 offers a fresh take on an already fantastic series. Unlike its predecessors, this issue ventures into more unconventional storytelling territory, with writer Stephanie Phillips cleverly weaving Jean and the newcomer Adani’s tales, their fates intrinsically linked by the power of the Phoenix. Artist Alessandro Miracolo, alongside color artist David Curiel, continues to infuse this series with a distinctive visual style that sets it apart from others. The complex narrative structure in this issue is expertly grounded by Miracolo’s work, ensuring that the story remains engaging and easy to follow. Since its debut, Phoenix has consistently been one of Marvel’s most rewarding reads – a quiet gem among the comic book giants. – Spencer Perry
Rating: 4 out of 5
Power Man: Timeless #1 – A Unique, Yet Questionable Redesign
The unconventional reimagining of Luke Cage in this issue is so peculiar that it might seem like a fabricated tale. The portrayal of Luke as a benevolent, all-powerful super deity doesn’t resonate comfortably with me. Initially, the plot twist featuring Luke attending Danny Rand’s funeral offers an intriguing angle, but numerous aspects contradict Luke’s established character. Combining Power Man with a new, enigmatic villain lacks cohesion, and this inconsistency is reflected in both the art and writing.
Power Man: Timeless showcases grand concepts, yet these ideas fail to enhance or elevate the narrative or provide a compelling reason to invest emotionally in Luke Cage’s transformation into a multi-purpose superhero with an array of powers. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 2 out of 5
In Scarlet Witch #9, I didn’t expect a showdown between Scarlet Witch and Black Cat this month, but it turned out to be quite the enjoyable surprise! The story unfolds as Scarlet Witch and Amaranth confront the cunning thief after she raids a magical safe, and Steve Orlando skillfully delves into not just their powers but how they clash. This dynamic sets the stage for the entertaining pandemonium that follows. As it turns out, chaos magic and luck are a recipe for disaster, creating an exciting environment that Jacopo Camagni, Frank William, and Ariana Maher expertly exploit. Moreover, the last few pages hint at an exciting team-up in the making! Although this issue might not have been the best in the series, it was undeniably entertaining and paves the way for a bigger adventure ahead. – Matthew Aguilar (Rating: 4 out of 5)
Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #1
In the grand saga of Star Wars, Kylo Ren is a complex character who has transitioned from being one of the main antagonists in recent movies to a potentially heroic figure towards the end. The Marvel Comics version of this universe provides an opportunity to delve into timelines and events that wouldn’t normally be explored. This is exactly what Star Wars: Legacy of Vader does, as it focuses on a significant period in the life of Han and Leia’s only child. Ultimately, one must ponder if this new Kylo Ren comic series adds enough value to continue his story within the galaxy far, far away.
– Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read the full review here)
In a recent issue of The Avengers (#23), Black Cat had quite an exciting week, particularly her involvement with the team, which I found to be my favorite part. If you’re going to construct a story around a heist, who better than everyone’s beloved cat burglar, Black Cat? Jed MacKay does an exceptional job with Black Cat in this issue, as she adds depth and humor to characters like Storm, Iron Man, and Vision. Although the larger narrative involving the Grandmaster is still unclear to me, watching Kang and Black Cat’s grand schemes unfold is engaging, and the confrontations between the team throughout the comic, beautifully illustrated by Farid Karami, Federico Blee, and Cory Petit, are delightful. The moment-to-moment action is captivating, making the experience enjoyable overall. – Matthew Aguilar
Rating: 4 out of 5
As a die-hard fan of Spider-Man comics, I couldn’t wait to dive into issue #12 of The Spectacular Spider-Men. In this latest installment, the talented Greg Weisman teams up with artist Emilio Laslo to delve deep into the colorful cast of heroes and villains gracing our friendly neighborhood. Elementary, the new crime fighter in training, is just one of many characters that Weisman skillfully weaves into the narrative.
On the darker side of things, we see not only the Electros but also an intriguing twist on the classic character, Curt Conners. Overall, Spectacular Spider-Men continues to be my go-to 616-Spidey comic for those who crave a lively, engaging neighborhood adventure with everyone’s favorite wall-crawler. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 4 out of 5
In “The Ultimates #9”, the resistance group formed by The Ultimates takes on various global injustices, and it’s fitting that one of its members, Luke Cage, tackles the private-prison system. This issue introduces a new version of Power Man, who has been incarcerated in Midas’ private prison since he was 15. The original Luke Cage’s image of respectability is replaced with revolutionary ideas for freedom, giving him a fresh, contemporary twist.
The comic cleverly uses a nine-panel grid to depict the story within the confines of prison, creating a sense of confinement and tension. However, this changes as the story progresses. Familiar symbols at the end emphasize the powerful message. The final pages, acting as an epilogue, add symbolic depth to the grid layout.
“The Ultimates #9” continues to be a significant contemporary superhero comic. Its slow-paced, thoughtful narrative makes it a standout issue of this outstanding series. Even those who haven’t been following the series closely should find this story compelling – it’s highly recommended! (Rating: 5 out of 5)
In the latest issue #6 of Wolverine, the tale of Adamantine persists, yet it seems the series is still grappling with the issues that plagued its previous installments. No longer in the wilderness, Logan joins forces with Nightcrawler and X-23 to confront some of his most formidable foes, who have been manipulated mentally. However, Wolverine’s inner dialogue tends to detract from the story here, which might otherwise earn the same score as my previous reviews. Regrettably, I must rate this issue lower due to the reintroduction of what I consider to be the most abhorrent Wolverine villain ever (though I believe many Marvel fans would concur). This series is in dire need of a fresh direction, as it continues to be one of the weakest links in the “From The Ashes” saga for Marvel’s Mutant team. – Evan Valentine
Rating: 1.5 out of 5 stars
IMAGE COMICS
In issue #25 of Kaya, events take a dramatic turn as we delve into lesser-known characters from the series’ early days, potentially redefining everything we thought we knew about Kaya’s world. This issue is more focused on Wes Craig’s captivating artwork and Jason Wordie’s vivid colors, with less emphasis on dialogue and narrative. Instead, we get deep insights into Duke Brogo, Zewl the mutant king’s uncle, who still harbors resentment towards Kaya. His introspective, slow-paced dialog creates a tangible tension, hinting at a significant shift yet to come. Indeed, Craig delivers on this promise, offering a breathtaking splash page that lives up to the expectations of an adventure comic. With this issue, Craig signals that the post-apocalyptic world we’ve been following for 25 issues is on the verge of transformation, and whatever happens next promises to be one of the most exhilarating comic adventures yet. – Jamie Lovett
Rating: 5 out of 5
2.5 out of 5 stars.
Issue #18 of Snotgirl delves once again into the enigmatic identities of Caroline and Virgil, unraveling their true natures and intentions. CuteGirl and Sunny Day become entangled in this intrigue as they breach Virgil’s clandestine lair within a crypt, confronting him. Meanwhile, Lottie grapples with her romantic turmoil during a family retreat, uncovering shocking family secrets along the way. As the siblings’ puzzle resurfaces, this issue is not only more captivating but also funnier than before, promising even more intrigue to come. – Nicole Drum
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
OTHER PUBLISHERS
As a movie buff diving headfirst into the comic book series Frankenstein: New World – The Sea of Forever #1, I find myself embarking on an entirely fresh journey, unaware of the tales that led to this moment. Yet, despite my lack of background knowledge, there’s something enchanting about this narrative.
The storyline, while slightly confusing with its unexplained backstory and characters, manages to captivate me with the tranquil exploration of the new world by two intriguing figures. The suspense builds as they navigate their way through the day, only for danger to lurk in the shadows come nightfall.
The artwork in this comic is truly remarkable. All in all, it’s a decent read, even if newcomers might find themselves a bit lost in the details. – Nicole Drum (3 out of 5 stars)
In the universe of Grim, things have always been unpredictable and eccentric. However, with issue #21, it ventures into a thrilling new dimension. Writer Stephanie Phillips has subtly woven depth into this exploration of Jessica’s life across a kind-of multiverse, leveraging our familiarity with the comic genre to make it fresh for this series. Artist Flaviano brings these larger “what if” ideas to life with distinctive visual touches, ensuring that each universe maintains its own distinct aesthetic (as if they were separate comic series). Longtime fans will find this issue particularly satisfying. – Rated: 5 out of 5.
In Sonic the Hedgehog #76, Sonic and his companions grapple with the aftermath of Restoration HQ’s destruction and the fallout from the Phantom Rider storyline. This issue serves as a refreshing pause where creators explore the characters’ feelings and map out future paths for their developing impulses. Ian Flynn continues to pen a delightful Sonic, with his scenes in the Chaotix office being humorous and enjoyable. In contrast, the heartfelt confessions shared among the Diamond Cutters and Restoration leadership, with Silver’s assistance, create a more tender atmosphere, with dialogue that resonates without relying on clichéd therapy jargon. Although mostly dialogue-driven, the visuals keep the issue lively, with characters that are spot-on and inventive layouts. The emotional moments, such as Jewel’s poignant expression while expressing her guilt over Restoration HQ’s destruction, add depth to the storyline. Sonic the Hedgehog #76 is an engaging read, skillfully written and illustrated by creators who take pride in crafting lovable characters that resonate with fans. – Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
A Peek into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures #21
In this issue, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series continues to spin captivating, creative, and suspenseful tales. However, issue #21 doesn’t quite reach the pinnacle, revolving around a well-worn idea: a partnership between Raphael and Casey Jones. While this scenario may be familiar to longtime TMNT comic readers, it might seem fresh to those who grew up with the 1987 animated series – one of the issue’s humorous jabs is a self-referential quip from Raphael about this discrepancy.
Unfortunately, the narrative doesn’t do much to differentiate “Raphael and Casey Jones from the ’87 cartoon team-up” from any other continuity’s version of the pair. The action remains largely consistent with past stories, albeit with a similar level of intensity. Despite some enjoyable moments scattered throughout, the storyline often feels routine, exacerbated by peculiar panel arrangements that prove more disconcerting than engaging.
This installment offers an average Saturday Morning Adventure for the TMNT family’s grittiest duo. Regular readers of this series are unlikely to be discouraged, but the plot may feel a bit worn out.
– Rating: 3 out of 5
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2025-02-06 03:41