This Week's Must-Read Comic Book Reviews - 08/08/2024
ABSOLUTE POWER #2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Absolute Power #2" delivers a whirlwind of action and pivotal plot developments. Mark Waid's script is intense, packed with violence and character moments, all at a breakneck pace. Dan Mora's electrifying artwork keeps the energy high, even in the darkest scenes. As the bigger picture of "Absolute Power" unfolds, this issue adds crucial details to the mix.
BATMAN #151
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Batman #151" serves as a solid tie-in to the "Absolute Power" event. The Batman/Catwoman team-up offers classic detective work with a few unexpected twists. However, the true highlight is the Harley Quinn-centric backup story, which stays true to her character and recent arcs, making it a delightful read on its own.
BIRDS OF PREY #12
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The penultimate chapter of "World Without End" in "Birds of Prey #12" is a masterclass in storytelling. Kelly Thompson's script is clever, heartfelt, and brilliantly showcases the team's dynamics. The art by Javier Pina and Gavin Guidry, complemented by Sophie Campbell's chibi interludes and Jordie Bellaire's vibrant colors, makes this issue a visual treat. This series continues to be a blockbuster.
THE BOY WONDER #4
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Boy Wonder #4" takes readers deep into Damian Wayne's psyche, exploring themes of trauma and redemption. Ba's stunning artwork, especially the depiction of Damian's cave, enhances the story's emotional depth. This issue cements Damian as a complex, compelling character, making this one of DC's standout comics of 2024.
GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Gotham City Sirens #1" breathes new life into the iconic trio of femme fatales. While the story has some moving parts that need fine-tuning, the energy and charm of the characters shine through, setting the stage for an exciting series.
MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN #3
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"My Adventures With Superman #3" continues to deliver classic Superman storytelling, balancing Clark Kent's humanity with his heroic ideals. Though the focus shifts away from Lois and Jimmy, the core of Superman's values remains intact, making this a wholesome, authentic read.
BLOOD HUNTERS #1
⭐️⭐️
"Blood Hunters #1" picks up from Marvel's "Blood Hunt" event, but fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise. Despite a strong lineup of characters, the issue falls flat with generic dialogue and uninspired action sequences. A few standout panels can't save this from being a disappointing debut.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK #15
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Incredible Hulk #15" takes a bold narrative turn, jumping back 3,600 years to tell a standalone story that surprisingly enhances the ongoing series. Johnson & co. deliver another excellent issue, proving that even unconventional storytelling can hit the mark in a major superhero title.
SPIDER-MAN: BLACK SUIT & BLOOD #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Spider-Man: Black Suit & Blood #1" is a dark anthology that delves into the more sinister aspects of Spider-Man's black suit era. While the tone is heavy, some stories, like JM DeMatteis's opening piece, offer surprising optimism. Fans of Spider-Man's darker side will find this series intriguing.
ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER #7
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Ultimate Black Panther #7" struggles to maintain momentum, feeling like it's stalling despite its potential. The action sequences, elevated by Stefano Caselli's art and David Curiel's colors, are highlights, but the story needs to fully unleash its ideas to truly shine.
UNCANNY X-MEN #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Uncanny X-Men #1" kicks off the "From the Ashes" era with a clear purpose. Gail Simone focuses on a core cast of beloved X-Men, delivering action-packed sequences and heartfelt moments. David Marquez's art masterfully balances the big and small moments, making this a promising start for the series.
VENOM WAR #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Venom War #1" effectively builds on Venom's rich history, acknowledging past hosts and character developments. Ewing's script mostly balances the various elements, while Iban Coello's art maintains a familiar yet fresh look for the character. However, some parts of the story feel stuck, keeping the issue from fully taking off.
GARFIELD #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Garfield #1" offers a mix of classic humor and new visuals. The main story captures the spirit of Garfield with clever setups, while the backup story, focused on Jon, falls flat. Despite this, the comic remains a harmless, fun read that could inspire new fans of Jim Davis's iconic cat.
HERCULES #4
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Hercules #4" keeps the momentum going with a script by Elliott Kalan that builds the series' overarching story. George Kambadais' art stays true to the animated film style, with a few fresh touches. While the central conflict may frustrate some, diehard fans will find plenty to enjoy.
RED BEFORE BLACK #1
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Red Before Black #1" lays the groundwork for an intriguing series with a mix of impactful and predictable twists. Stephanie Phillips' script starts to develop the characters, while Goran Sudzuka's art and Ive Svorcina's colors give the issue a unique underground comix vibe. The series shows promise, but time will tell if it reaches its full potential.
SPACE GHOST #4
⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Space Ghost #4" is a fast-paced, action-heavy issue that sees Jan and Jace rebelling against Space Ghost's orders. The chaotic pace might overwhelm, but it effectively showcases Zorak's monstrous nature. Despite the rapid-fire events, this issue sets up an even more intense conflict ahead.
VAMPIRELLA: DARK REFLECTIONS #3
⭐️⭐️
"Vampirella: Dark Reflections #3" attempts to raise the stakes as the resistance rallies against Queen Tenebris. However, the sense of urgency falls flat, making the big stakes feel less impactful.