MARVEL

G.O.D.S. #1

You can read my full in-depth review here.

Some will say this issue needed to stop readers dead in their tracks with a big WOW moment, but I think the exact opposite. I wanted to convinced why I should care about brand new characters and Hickman and Schiti surpassed any expectations I had. Was it worth the $9.99 cover price? That’s not a question I can answer for everyone. Was it a nearly perfect debut issue for what promises to be a monumental moment in the Marvel universe? Absolutely.

Rating: 9/10

X-MEN #27

While the previous issue was used as a vehicle to set up Emma’s “wedding,” Kate Pryde and crew are back in the limelight with a…sidequest? Kate’s opening scene in the Orchis facility felt like we were finally getting some plot movement but things took a turn towards physical humor when Rasputin, Ms. Marvel, Talon and Synch take a field trip to visit the Fantastic Four and see if they can unlock Reed Richards’ memories. The tone and color palette were really jarring pivots from the tension and darkness we’ve come to expect from this era. I wish we spent more time with what’s going on with Cyclops and Juggernaut’s attempted breakout instead of seeing Rasputin continuously send Ben Grimm flying from a punch (ok, it was still kind of hilarious). X-MEN #27 would make for a fun padding issue if the stakes of Fall of X weren’t so high.

Rating: 6/10

IMMORTAL X-MEN #16

Pieces are starting to fall into place and we got a giant-size cliffhanger that literally had me gasping. The mystery of how Charles defeated Shaw & Selene’s previous attack on Krakoa became even more mysterious and the final page leaves a lot of questions to be answered about what’s really been happening on Krakoa. The desert plot featuring Exodus, Hope, and Destiny felt rushed with so much happening at once and Mother Righteous has become such a focal point that it feels like we’ve lost some of what made this storyline so interesting. Between the weird island happenings (not to mention Xavier ending up in a bunker) and the reveal that the desert group may be stuck in purgatory in the White Hot Room, the issue gave me Lost vibes in the best possible way.

Rating: 7/10

X-FORCE #45

This was a predictable yet satisfying advancement of the Mikhail/Chronicler plot which has been lingering for what felt like ages. Benjamin Percy teased Jun Wei a few weeks ago, so it wasn’t surprising to see her here, but I thought it was a pretty big cop out to introduce a random Orchi character for Mikhail’s target. Either way, I’m excited to see this plot line start wrapping up even though it looks like we may get another issue or two before a final resolution. I’m intrigued to see what Percy has in store when the rest of the team reunites and compares notes on Colossus, but what’s left for X-Force to do before the Krakoan Age ends? Robert Gill’s art was a bright spot, with some fun panels featuring Deadpool sitting by the pool and Sage/Domino seeking the help of Doctor Strange.

Rating: 7/10

DC

BATMAN #138

I will fully admit that I have started to disconnect individual issues from the atrocious “Gotham War” storyline in my own mind. That plot has reached the point of being nonsensical, so I’m choosing to disassociate from it and judge individual titles on an issue by issue basis. Jorge Jiménez steals the show flexing his artistic muscles (I wish his very real life ones too, seriously he is gorgeous ripped) in this issue, with heart-pounding action sequences featuring various members of the Bat Family. Chip Zdarsky continues to pull back layers which reveal Bruce’s actions are the result of Batman of Zur-En-Arrh being control. What first appeared as a step too far for the Caped Crusader is becoming more understandable and, frankly, it makes sense. Bruce has been through a sh!t ton lately and it’s completely believable that his mental fortitude wouldn’t be in peak condition. The development and set up for Vandal Savage to be a long-term threat throughout Gotham was also done well enough to make readers want to know more.

Rating: 7.5/10

BIRDS OF PREY #2

It felt like I was in the minority in my criticisms of Kelly Thompson’s DC debut in the previous issue, but I was happy to see that some of the things that I didn’t care for were a one-issue instance. Thompson starts to answer a few of the lingering questions, most notably why there’s tension with the Amazons and why Wonder Woman isn’t available to thaw it out. Leo Romero’s designs continue to be the best part of this book and I’m also coming around to Jordie Bellaire’s approach to colors, which I think are really a feat of artistry. While Thompson’s script is strong and her vision becomes more realized, there’s still a bit too much Harley Quinn for what I’d like to see. Her usage is causing Cassandra, Big Barda, and Zealot of feel like guest-stars rather than full-fledge members of the team.

Rating: 7/10

BLUE BEETLE #2

Josh Trujillo made a smart choice to focus this issue on a more straightforward plot after the debut issue felt overstuffed with so many pieces of foundation being laid down for the series. The seemingly throwaway scene in the first issue where Roma and Xiomara question their roles as Beetles is magnified here and I find it so fascinating. However, Jaime’s development continues to be overshadowed by others. He feels like an ancillary part of the story so far, but perhaps things will be changing soon based on the cliffhanger. I’m falling in love with Adrián Gutiérrez’s art in this book. It looks like street art come to life and the action sequences look gorgeous. It’s all aided by Wil Quintana’s beautiful colors that really jump off the page throughout the book.

Rating: 6/10

FIRE & ICE: WELCOME TO SMALLVILLE #2

After a surprisingly strong debut issue, this second issue didn’t disappoint. It’s a shame more people aren’t hyping this series as it’s a deliciously campy joy ride that I never want to end. Joanne Starer’s script, Natacha Bustos’s art, and Tamra Bonvillain’s colors create such a delightfully entertaining comic that it’s easy to miss all of the meta commentary happening throughout the book, touching on things like friendship, social media, and our country’s obsession with firearms. Even with all of these complex issues being dealt with, I audibly laughed out loud multiple times from both the dialogue and little things happening in the background. This is truly masterful work in an unassuming package.

Rating: 9/10

BOOM! STUDIOS

RANGER ACADEMY #1

You can read my spoiler-free advance review for Ranger Academy #1 & #2 here.

This debut issue had me hooked on what might be uncovered in these unexplored areas of Power Rangers lore and where things may go as the series progresses. The entire creative team delivered a home-run start to Ranger Academy that immediately draws readers in, no matter how familiar or unfamiliar with the franchise they may be. This has the makings of a Star Wars: The Clone Wars or Star Wars: Rebels level of world-building that adds to decades of established lore and becomes an integral part in expanding a franchise’s fanbase to new audiences, while appeasing diehard fans with respect and acknowledgement of everything that’s come before it.

Rating: 10/10

DARK HORSE COMICS

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: FORGE OF DESTINY #2

Catch up with my review on the previous issue here.

Tim Seeley’s groundwork in the debut issue takes a backseat to plot movement and great action scenes here. Even with this change, Seeley’s script continues to offer MOTU enthusiasts and new readers alike ample opportunity to enjoy what’s happening. Eddie Nunez’s art and Brad Simpson’s color take a lot of cues from the Netflix series that inspired this book and that’s for the best. Everything looks so damn good on the page you can’t help but read page after page to see what’s awaiting you next. This team is turning me into an MOTU fan and I wasn’t expecting that to happen so quickly!

Rating: 8/10