Weekly New Comic Reviews: October 25, 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!, IDW, and more. I hope you enjoy and let me know what comics you read and which ones were your favorite!
MARVEL COMICS
ALPHA FLIGHT #3
This series continues to be one of my favorite of the “Fall of X'“ limited series. Others have been written as lackluster, episodic entries, while Ed Brisson has been focusing on a larger narrative being built issue-by-issue. With the reveal of the new Nemesis, there are added stakes as final issue awaits. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this series as much as I have, but there’s been quite a nice balance of action and political drama that may not be too complex, but offers something unique at this point in Krakoa’s arc.
Rating: 8/10
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #36
Zeb Wells takes a sharp turn from the previous arc that ended in the last issue, following up on the events from “Dark Web” without any transition. It was a hard pivot that took some easing into, but became a fun and enjoyable ride once it was apparent what was happening. Well’s reintroduces Rek-Rap without making him a complete caricature right off-the bat. I do miss Patrick Gleason’s moody artwork, but Ed McGuinness’s cartoonish style is the perfect fit for this type of story.
Rating: 7/10
CAPTAIN MARVEL #1
Alyssa Wong’s first foray with Carol Danvers had me thinking I was reading a compendium to next month’s The Marvels based on what we know of that movie’s plots so far. Things start to diverge as Wong gets into the thick of things and introduces two new characters who appear to offer a lot of potential for future storytelling. Carol’s new costume may be the best thing about the new series. It’s something that feels wholly unique from other superhero outfits, yet it immediately feels perfectly appropriate for the titular character. Jan Bazaldua’s art ensure it looked great on it’s own and in action sequences — never once looking like it would impede or get in the way. After this debut issue, the creative team showed they’re more than up to the task of taking over from the reigns for Earth’s Mightiest Hero, but they still have a long way to go to match Kelly Thompson’s historic 50-issue prior run.
Rating: 8/10
DARK X-MEN #3
After an encouraging first issue that was by no means perfect, these last two issues of Steve Foxe’s Dark X-Men haven’t lived up to the promise of the debut, nor the excitement I had when the series was first announced. Foxe appears to be succumbing to too many storylines and too many characters to handle within a five-issue limited series that leaves readers with much meat on the bone to enjoy unless you’re a hardcore fan of certain niche characters, in which case you’re ecstatic to see them getting some page-time. It’s a shame that Madelyne is getting the short-end of the stick yet again, though she’s not the only one getting a disservice in the various “Fall of X” limited series.
Rating: 5/10
IMMORTAL THOR #3
Al Ewing continues his masterful take on the God of Thunder. Ewing has not only managed to create a classic Thor character for today’s comic world, but his writing for Loki is one of the most nuanced and subtle presentations of the character in a long time. The relationship between the characters is complex and empathetic, which offers readers an exciting and complex dynamic to see evolving before our eyes. While some may see this as a “filler” issue far too early in Ewing’s run, I have no doubt this type of character work will payoff down the road in the capable hands of the best comic writers today. Martín Cóccolo’s art continues to be one of the most visually pleasing experiences around, with each issue blending a sense of nostalgia and contemporary techniques.
Rating: 9/10
MS. MARVEL: THE NEW MUTANT #3
This limited series has not veered from being a deliberate and thoughtful examination of who Kamala is as a person. She’s played many roles, been a member of many teams, and now has new (unrealized) powers, but none of that has ever changed the fact that at the end of the day she’s still Kamala Khan. Those hoping this limited series would be an action-packed adventure for Ms. Marvel X-Men beginnings, it’s acted more as a “reset” to ground us on Kamala’s maturation as an individual. The action will certainly come, but it’s been an absolute pleasure reading this beautiful ode to one of the best of the Marvel universe.
Rating: 8/10
REALM OF X #3
I can’t review this issue without first mentioning how much of a negative experience it was to read this issue due to the art. I don’t know what Bruno Oliveira had in mind when deciding on some of the choices for character designs, but every character looked off and the cross-eyed, anime-style facial expressions actively took me out of the story, which I was already struggling to care about to begin with. To that end, Torunn Grønbekk has managed to make a team of interesting personalities utterly unlikable while simultaneously neutering Magik of any utility. The sequence of events with Magik finding Curse, who then turns on Saturnyne is ludicrous at best, and an afront to storytelling at worst. I have no clue where this is going with one issue left, nor do I particularly care at this point.
Rating: 1/10
UNCANNY AVENGERS #3
Gerry Duggan looks to be having fun writing these characters, but that hasn’t leant itself to being an interesting or high-stakes story. Captain Krakoa, the main antagonist, was completely missing from this issue besides a few mentions, and Captain America again took the spotlight away from the actual mutants that make up the rest of the Unity Squad. A different “Fall of X” limited series, but a similar refrain. Uncanny Avengers offered a ton of promise when it was announced and had a debut issue that was decent enough to whet my appetite, but issues since then have felt devoid of purpose in the larger scheme of things.
Rating: 5/10
UNCANNY SPIDER-MAN #2
I wasn’t a fan of most of Si Spurrier’s previous Krakoan work, but his writing on Uncanny Spider-Man has so far managed to surprise me in how contained and linear it’s been. That doesn’t mean his writing his now perfect, women still feel like they’re written by a caveman and I don’t think Kurt would ever curse, but the plot itself is at least interesting and can be followed without need a guidebook.
Rating: 6/10
DC COMICS
ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN #1
Anyone interested in this story should definitely pick up DC Pride: Through the Years from back in June in order to understand what’s happening in-world for this new Alan Scott story from Tim Sheridan. Aside from those additional details, you really don’t need to know much more than who Alan Scott is, his relationship to the Justice Society of America, and an understanding of where LGBTQ+ culture was back in the first half of the 20th century (not that it’s evolved much unfortunately). With those three things under your belt, it’d be hard not to appreciate Sheridan’s deeply human story about a superhero struggling with their very real everyday life issues. Cian Tormey’s art and Matt Herms’s colors are a perfect fit for a series celebrating an old-school comic book hero, with linework and palettes that evoke the best styles from the Golden and Silver Ages of comics. While this was a strong issue in isolation, it failed to leave a mark as the debut of a six-issue limited series meant to get readers interested in a longer-term story. Hopefully Sheridan is able to build that interest in the next issue to keep readers hooked.
Rating: 7.5/10
THE FLASH #2
“What in the absolute screaming hell is going on?!” - Wally West in The Flash #2, but, also me after reading The Flash #2. This might be the most Si Spurrier book I’ve read and I feel dumb reading it but I honestly can’t claim to have any idea what is happening, but at least this issue doesn’t make me think Wally is a terrible person the way the first issue did. So, progress? I found some of Mike Deodato Jr.’s linework to be a tad harsh to the eyes during the action sequences in first half of the book when there were so many jarringly angular lines within the same panel. It was hard to know what was going on. The cosmic beings on the hunt for Arc Angels looked pretty gimmicky for such powerful beings. I’d bet they’ll be showing up again soon to help provide more context on Wally’s new multi-dimensional traveling capabilities come into more focus. It’ll be interesting to see how Barry Allen plays into the long-term arc given his appearance at the end of the issue. Are we looking at two different timelines now?
Rating: 6/10
POWER GIRL #2
Leah Williams tries to put Power Girl on a larger pedestal after a disastrous debut issue that reduced the character to a paranoid superhero, but fails in a different fashion in the second issue of this new series. Williams does give Power Girl more of a direct focus, and we start to explore her imposter syndrome and wonder whether or not the identity issues she’s facing are real or part of the problem she’s been tasked with fixing. My biggest issue w/ Williams’ story so far is how much our interpretation of Power Girl is based on other characters. In the last issue, we say Superman laying it on thick, and this issue it’s Lois Lane’s turn to try and tell Power Girl what/who she should be. It creates a wall between readers and Power Girl, making it extremely hard to connect with the titular character. Omen’s role as the comedic BFF feels misguided and is deployed at inconvenient times. Instead of adding a layer of levity to the situation, it comes off tone-deaf and annoying. While there were some minor improvements, at best this series is failing to elevate Power Girl beyond a bit-part Action Comics character, and worst sabotaging the character into an insecure and insulated presence.
Rating: 3/10
WONDER WOMAN #2
To say I loved Tom King’s debut on Wonder Woman in the last issue would be an understatement. It had everything I want in a Wonder Woman story and everything I’ve come to love from a Tom King book. And then Issue #2 came out and I discovered this new run could get even better. Every turn of the page comes with the feeling of something momentous awaiting you. Every panel drips with grandeur from King’s writing and Daniel Sampere’s art. The juxtaposition between Wonder Woman’s two very different lived experiences is a masterclass in storytelling. Few can build a tender tension the way King does and he deploys it exceptionally well here. Sampere’s depicts Wonder Woman’s strength through two beautifully brutal battles — one on a modern battlefield and one in the ancient fighting pits of the Amazon. I got goosebumps multiple times throughout this issue because I was so in awe of what I was experiencing. This may be the best all-around Dawn of DC book on the market currently.
Rating: 10/10
DARK HORSE COMICS
TURTLE BREAD (GRAPHIC NOVEL)
Read my spoiler-free advance review here.
It’s hard to believe that Turtle Bread is Kim-Joy’s first graphic novel. The pacing, structure, and script read as though a seasoned veteran was behind the pen. At the most basic human levels, it leaves readers with warm feelings and valuable life lessons that will resonate long after the final page is turned. Whether you're a Kim-Joy fan, baking enthusiast, or simply appreciate a heartwarming story, Turtle Bread is a delicious read that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 9/10
BOOM! STUDIOS
RARE FLAVOURS #2
Much like Laila Starr, Ram V’s Rare Flavours feels like museum art. There are a lot of industry people who rave about it, while I stand there staring at it and try to figure out why I don’t get it. All the cool kids are loving it, why can’t I?! It’s a decent read, but I don’t think there is anything inherently unique or special about the story itself or the inclusion of recipes in storytelling. It all just comes across as fine.
Rating: 6/10
SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN #34
This is hands-down the most frustratingly drawn-out arc in SIKTC’s history. It feels like we’ve been witnessing Erica’s plan to deal with Cutter and the Duplicitype for months with little payoffs so far. Looking back on recent issues, every solicitation starting with SIKTC #26 mentions some form of Erica in some form of danger due to one or both of these threats in some capacity. That’s NINE issues of the same thing being teased and the status quo not really changing dramatically. With so little to do, this once visually-daring title is reduced to dull panels of individual characters without anything going on in them. To say I’m over this Tribulation arc would be an understatement and I’m getting to the point where I don’t know how much longer I can recommend this series as a must-read. James Tynion IV has so many other projects in some stage of publication that it appears this series is no longer getting as much of his attention as it previously did. Perhaps it’s best for Erica to hang up her mask.
Rating: 4/10
DSTLRY
GONE #1
Read my full spoiler-free advance review here.
There are a million directions I could envision this story going down and even with some of the structural issues, the promise of Gone is almost limitless. It has the feel of a story waiting to be told that would make Stanley Kubrick proud. We just need Jock to tell us a story as detailed and captivating as he’s showing us.
Rating: 7.5/10
