This Week's Must-Read Comic Book Reviews - 15/08/2024

ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #4

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"Task Force VII #4" stands out with a complete story centred in Gotham City, showcasing Claire Roe’s stellar art and Pornsak Pichetshote’s engaging script. The issue focuses on Nightwing's battle against Failsafe, delivering a coherent and bittersweet conclusion. Worth picking up even if you're skipping other tie-ins.

ACTION COMICS #1068

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"Action Comics #1068" continues with nostalgic charm and inspiring storytelling. Simone captures Superman’s humble heroism and the dynamic between Lois and Clark. The backup story offers a fresh, humanizing look at their partnership.

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT – THE KRYPTONIAN AGE #3

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This issue explores Diana’s history tied to the Kryptonian Age with a classic pulp vibe. It’s less a Batman story and more a thrilling pulp mystery, with unexpected twists and familiar characters.

DC VS. VAMPIRES: WORLD WAR V #1

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"DC vs. Vampires: World War V #1" is a bombastic sequel that struggles with inconsistent execution. It plunges readers into the conflict without much context, leaving a mixed impression.

GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #2

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The second issue of "Gotham City Sirens" picks up pace with Selina, Harley, and Ivy facing Punchline. Williams and Hillyard deliver fun action and character moments, making this a solid continuation of the series.

GREEN LANTERN #14

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"Green Lantern #14" shines with Jeremy Adams’ engaging story and Fernando Pasarin’s dynamic art. The issue weaves Hal Jordan’s chaos with broader Lantern lore and a gripping backup story. A standout tie-in.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #55

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"Spider-Man #55" delivers a compelling snapshot of Peter Parker’s life juggling heroics and personal time with Shay. Zeb Wells and Emilio Laiso craft a mature, humorous story that highlights Spider-Man’s essence.

HELLVERINE #4

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"Hellverine #4" concludes with surprising heart, blending action and emotion. Percy and Ohta wrap up Logan and Daken’s story, setting up new dynamics for Wolverine’s son. A worthy addition to the series.

SPIDER-SOCIETY #1

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"Spider-Society #1" suffers from clunky dialogue and underwhelming battle scenes. While Scott Godlewski’s art integrates various Spider aesthetics, the execution leaves much to be desired.

THE ULTIMATES #3

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"The Ultimates #3" reimagines Bruce Banner’s origin with a dark twist. The issue blends adventure with horror, offering a powerful and emotional exploration of its themes. Impressive artwork and storytelling.

WEREWOLF BY NIGHT #1

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"Werewolf by Night #1" connects loosely to "Blood Hunt" with Elsa Bloodstone joining Jack Russell. The issue keeps gore minimal but teases intriguing developments. A solid start to the new series.

WOLVERINE ANNUAL #1

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"Wolverine Annual #1" features a volatile confrontation between Wolverine, Apex, and Multitude. Ezra Clayton Daniels shines with Multitude’s rich characterization. The issue blends modern and classic elements effectively.

X-FACTOR #1

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"X-Factor #1" revisits the government-backed mutant strike force with a nod to past eras. The issue borrows from past X-Statix concepts, but feels derivative. A fun read but lacks originality.

X-MEN #2

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"X-Men #2" suffers from juvenile storytelling and chaotic art. The issue’s overblown approach and predictable twists fall flat, failing to deliver a compelling X-Men experience.

GEIGER #5

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"Geiger #5" focuses on a prolonged battle with Electrician, highlighted by Gary Frank’s intense art. The issue’s emotional stakes are clear, but the story feels a bit tacked on. A visually striking yet uneven instalment.

CRITICAL ROLE: VOX MACHINA – ORIGINS #3

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"Critical Role: Vox Machina – Origins #3" offers classic Vox Machina action and humour as the team battles their way out of the Underdark. The reunion of the team brings energy and excitement, hinting at more to come.

RICK AND MORTY: FINALS WEEK – CONTESTED CONVENTION #1

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"Rick and Morty: Finals Week – Contested Convention #1" dives into political satire with fun, wacky scenes. Asmus and Festante deliver a lively script, though the art occasionally feels like a series of screenshots.