Weekly New Comic Reviews: December 6, 2023
Welcome to this week’s new comic book reviews! I’m not able to review everything that comes out each week, but I try to write a quick blurb about some of the biggest titles from Marvel, DC, Image, BOOM!, and more.
As always, I hope you enjoy any book you picked up this week! Let me know what you read and which ones were your favorites!
MARVEL COMICS
ALPHA FLIGHT #5
Ed Brisson delivers a thrilling climax to one of the better surprises in this the "Fall of X" storyline, leaving no hero unscathed. He balances high-octane action with moments of genuine pathos, culminating in a bittersweet victory that comes with a price. This miniseries didn’t reinvent the wheel or challenge the status quo, but it was an entertaining read and focused on characters who haven’t gotten the spotlight in quite some time. I doubt the series will stick with me for very long, but I wouldn’t hate seeing more of Alpha Flight in the future.
Rating: 7/10
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #39
While the interlude scenes of the Gang War arc in previous ASM issues left something to be desired, I’m really enjoying the event more than I expected so far! ASM #39 picks up the pace and helps set the stage for most of the heroes who will be involved in the event. Zeb Wells throws Spidey and his allies into the thick of battle against various gangs across New York City, keeping the energy high throughout the issue even with so many moving pieces.
Including various Gang leaders also present, the sheer number of characters involved in the issue can be overwhelming at times, but Wells takes some time to explore character motivations, providing readers with a glimpse into their world and why they're acting in certain ways. This adds a touch of humanity to the story and helps readers connect with the characters on a deeper level.
John Romita Jr.'s art is a perfect fit for this action-heavy issue, which will surely please longtime Spidey fans. His dynamic layouts and detailed panels capture the chaos and energy of the action effectively. The fight scenes are particularly well-drawn, with each panel conveying the intensity of the action. Marcio Menyz's vibrant colors complement Romita Jr.'s art perfectly, making the visuals pop off the page.
Rating: 8.5/10
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #13
This week serves primarily as a transitional issue, moving characters into position for the brewing war against Orchis. While not the most action-packed installment, it's a necessary step in building tension and raising the stakes for the conflict ahead even if it feels a bit like a let-down given how many times its felt like each recent issue was setting up a major confrontation. The appearance of Forge was a legitimate surprise and I’m interested to see how he, Tony, Emma and Ironheart work together moving forward.
Rating: 7/10
SENTRY #1
Jason Loo's writing is competent, but the story lacks much depth or complexity so far. The central mystery of random people gaining powers is intriguing, but it fails to fully engage the reader due to its reliance on familiar tropes, predictable plot points, and characters we know very little about. Similarly, the book’s visual identity also fails to make an impressions. Ben Harvey and Luigi Zagaria combine for servicible designs and colors but there’s nothing that makes the book standout. Overall this was a decent, if underwhelming debut issue.
Rating: 6/10
THUNDERBOLTS #1
In true Thunderbolts fashion, the debut issue of the new series doesn’t take itself too seriously. There was a bit too much reliance on Bucky’s most recent stories from various Captain America storylines, which I think limits the first half of the book’s setup. However, once the issue picks up and Bucky assembles the new team, the back half presents a much more engaging and enjoyable read. With the entire team being quickly introduced in just this first issue, I hope we get to see some more character development and aren’t just witnessing a serial case-a-week situation moving forward. I can see that type of series getting old fast, so we’ll have to see how things transpire of the next few issues.
Rating: 7.5/10
X-MEN #29
Knowing we were getting Doom’s X-Men in the issue, I was expecting for an epic clash. Instead, I came away with a giant “meh” after the story ended. The initial flashback to set up the issue felt completely contrived just for this issue, which immediately lowered my excitement because it made the rest of the story come off gimmicky rather than of importance to Fall of X. Wolverine’s inclusion in the story also sucks a lot of the energy out of the room for any hope that the other mutants who’ve been “part” of this series since Fall of X kicked off would get a chance to shine. What’s worse, the ending turns those characters into a plot tool more than anything else.
Rating: 6/10
DC COMICS
BATMAN #140
Chip Zdarsky’s story tries to dive deep into the fractured psyche of Bruce Wayne but the end result is a fractured story that never really knows what it wants to be. There are a lot of interesting elements sprinkled throughout the issue, but together they feel like multiple “previously on” segments taped together with the loosest of plots. We don’t really learn anything new and The Joker’s role comes off more as a plot device than a meaningful development. Even Jorge Jimenez’s usual stellar art felt off here, but Tomeu Morey’s colors were definitely the standout. The cliffhanger gives me pause on where this is going and if we’re just getting Failsafe 2.0.
Rating: 6/10
BATMAN/SANTA CLAUS SILENT KNIGHT #1
This was a delightful holiday surprise, blending the gritty world of Gotham City with the whimsical magic of Christmas in an immensely fun miniseries debut. Jeff Parker and Michele Bandini create a campy, captivating story that is both thrilling and festive.
Parker's writing is witty and sharp. He expertly balances the dark and dire elements of the Batman-style plot with the lightheartedness and wonder of Christmas lore. The dialogue is full of humorous exchanges, especially once Santa enters the picture, providing plenty of laughs while also setting up the story for the long haul. Parker’s introduction of Santa to the larger DC Universe makes it seem like this was planned for decades and didn’t feel forced at all (which it could have VERY easily been). OF COURSE Santa is a secret superhero! I found myself smiling throughout the majority of the issue because it was just so fun.
Rating: 9/10
BIRDS OF PREY #4
With minimal Harley Quinn one-liners (don’t worry, there are still a few there), this might be the best issue in Kelly Thompson’s run yet. The Birds’ battle against the army of Themyscira ups the action and we get significant plot development related to Sin & the reason for Dinah’s plan in the first place. It’s the payoff we’ve been hoping for since the first issue and it’s well worth the wait. Leo Romero's designs and Jordie Bellaire’s colors are just insanely gorgeous. It took an issue or two to warm up to this visual identity but I am SO bought in now. This due nails every scene — action, drama, close-ups, wide-angles, characters, backgrounds, everything. I find myself eager to view this series’ pages in the days leading up to new issues and that’s the best feeling you can have.
Rating: 9/10
BLUE BEETLE #4
Josh Trujillo's writing is strong, but the combined story feels disjointed and lacking in focus considering the events of the previous issue. It was really jarring to see the Blood Scarab’s page randomly thrown in and then immediately passed over. Overall it was a really oddly paced issue, partially due to so many characters getting moments and none of the scenes feeling like they have enough space to breath, especially Jaime’s. Adrian Gutiérrez's artwork is held back by the story he’s asked to draw, but his character designs continue to be top-notch. Gutiérrez, colorists Will Quintana and Nick Filardi, and letterer Lucas Gattoni are creating one of the best looking books that perfectly match the titular character’s personality.
Rating: 7/10
FIRE & ICE: WELCOME TO SMALLVILLE #4
I’ll never not love the series’ absolute campiness (Martha Kent drunk on mimosas, Fire & Ice drag queens, Krypto “babysitting” villains) the further this story goes on the more obvious it is that the plot is being held together like a busted drag queen’s wig. The interactions between Bea & Tora seemed to ping-pong all over the place in the issue with a handful of “are they or aren’t they”friends again” moments. I worry the back and forth cheapens their eventual reunion, but there are still plently of laughs and human elements throughout Joanne Starer script to make this an enjoyable read. Not to mention Natacha Bustos continues to provide one of the most visually appealing books on the market.
Rating: 7/10
BOOM! STUDIOS
RANGER ACADEMY #3
Maria Ingrande Mora has crafted a compelling story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, all complemented by splendidly delicious visuals from artist Jo Mi-Gyeong and colorist Fabiana Mascolo. In true Power Rangers fashion, the series’ focus on friendship and interpersonal dynamics remains its core strength. Add in a captivating mystery that underlies the entire plot and you’ve got yourself one of the best Power Rangers stories in long time.
Rating: 10/10
THE SPACE BETWEEN #2
The general concept of the book remains intriguing and reads like a TV-show waiting to happen, but the execution was off. Even with it having been some time since I read the first issue for an advance review, it felt like the issue was missing a transition at the beginning to set up how the characters are depicted here. It almost read like a brand-new book in some regards and I missed the genuineness that was present in the first issue. I’m willing to give this another shot but I do hope we get a bit more of a linear story.
Rating: 6/10
IMAGE COMICS
PETROL HEAD #2
We’re not diving deep into any complex issues, though there are definitely surface-level elements there waiting to be explored in this sci-fi, futuristic dystopian robot thriller of a series. This second issue takes the high-octane world introduced in the first issue and injects it with even more action, humor, and heart. Rob Williams continues to weave a fast-paced tale of an unlikely group navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland, while Pye Parr delivers vibrant visuals that bring the story (and world) to life.
Rating: 8.5/10
THE SACRIFICERS #5
As we go deeper into the story and move further away from the initial mystery of the first few issues, it’s creeping into shock-porn territory where Rick Remender needs to keep one-upping himself in the “OMG” moments to prove this is a cruel and unforgiving world. I’m not sure what point Remender is trying to make that hasn’t already been implied throughout the previous four issues. It makes me sad, because I loved issues #1-3 and thought they were a true masterpiece in storytelling. Now it just feels like we’re getting beat over the head.
Rating: 4/10
TRANSFORMERS #3
You can read my full spoiler-free advance review here.
Johnson continues to raise the stakes for this new Transformers series and he’s clearly showing his ability to write action sequences, but he’ll need to keep winning me over to convince me there’s more to this new series than just robots training for WrestleMania.
Rating: 7/10
DARK HORSE COMICS
USAGI YOJIMBO: ICE AND SNOW #3
Stan Sakai continues to deliver a masterclass in comic storytelling, weaving together action, suspense, and emotion with the grace and wisdom of a seasoned storyteller. From the first page, the tension is palpable. Sakai's masterful use of panels and pacing creates a breathless anticipation as the yokai Yuki-Onna descends upon Jei’s group of unsuspecting bandits. The ensuing action is a visual feast, showcasing Sakai's dynamic artwork and his incredible ability to convey movement and emotion through line and color.
Sakai's artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. His detailed panels bring the snowy landscape to life with stunning realism, and his expressive characters are filled with emotion and depth. The use of color is masterful, with each panel carefully crafted to evoke the mood and atmosphere of the story.
Rating: 10/10
IDW PUBLISHING
BENEATH THE TREES WHERE NOBODY SEES #2
The second issue picks up where the shocking first issue left off, plunging readers deeper into the bizarre and darkly humorous world of Woodbrook. Writer and artist Patrick Horvath continues to weave a captivating story, this time with a focus on the unexpected consequences of secrets and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The twist of Sam, the serial killer main character, becoming a quasi-investigator was a fun twist that I didn’t see coming.
Horvath's artwork is once again a highlight of the issue. His expressive character designs and detailed backgrounds bring the world of Woodbrook to life, capturing the creepy charm of the town and the sinister nature of its inhabitants. The use of color is particularly effective, with muted tones creating a sense of unease and vibrant hues highlighting key moments of action and tension.
Rating: 9/10
THE HUNGER AND THE DUSK #4
G. Willow Wilson and Christian Wildgoose deliver another captivating entry in this surprise-hit, post-apocalyptic fantasy series. This issue masterfully balances moments of quiet introspection with character development, offering a direct look into who these characters have become. Wilson deftly navigates the complex political landscape and interpersonal relationships of the human and orc communities. The dialogue is sharp and insightful, revealing inner struggles and motivations. This continues to be one of my favorite books of 2023.
Rating: 10/10
