Adam Koppel Comic Reviews

All-New Venom #7is another fun and wild ride full of action, thrills, humor, suspense and gorgeous art, while honoring Marvel Comics' legacy. The mystery villain's end goal here adds another layer of intrigue to the dense plot.

All-New Venom #8 is an enjoyable read, especially for fans of classic Spider-Man. The artwork bristles with intensity and imagination, while the writing both entertains and moves the story forward.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #41 is another winner for World's Finest fans, even for those with little to no knowledge of Bizarro World, or classic Silver Age Superman. Fun, funny, fresh, thrilling and gorgeous to look at.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #43 wraps up "Bizarro World Tour" with a flurry of action, exposition and humor that explores the concept Bizarro World and its citizens as more than just flawed, distorted reflections of the DCU. And as with every issue in this series, Batman Superman: World's Finest #43 is a joy to read.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #44 is another in a long line of homeruns for this series. The "substitute" World's Finest team (and new co-writer) inject a healthy dose of humor into this done-in-one tale that would otherwise just be a cool action story, with Batman and Superman playing a support role. The outstanding art just adds to the overall enjoyment.

Batman Superman: World's Finest #45 continues to be one of the most imaginative and enjoyable comics currently in publication with story, art and plot remixes for fans new and old.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #46 is another satisfying issue, full of slam bang action, clever plotting, brisk and biting dialogue and gorgeous art and color. The creative team continues to re-imagine classic Silver Age concepts for the modern age.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #49 wraps up the updated first clash between Batman and Superman and their Earth-3 counterparts, concluding the story arc with a sense of hope and optimism, plenty of cool action and some nice character moments. The art and color also impress.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest #50 offers up an anniversary issue worth celebrating, one that honors classic ideas with a modern sensibility, while (literally) illustrating the importance of the World's Finest team dynamics. Plenty of action, humor and just plain fun.

While Detective Comics #1099provides a rushed ending to a story that had the potential for a bigger impact on Gotham City, overall, the issue still works as part of an enjoyable mismatched ensemble action comedy.

Overall, Deadpool/Wolverine #2 continues its high octane storytelling with more amazing action, humor, art and character work, rather than simply coasting on the title characters' immense popularity.

Deadpool/Wolverine #4 is formulaic, but the creative team's over-the-top, top shelf execution makes for a rousing adventure that mixes in the action comedy dynamic, horror tropes and an intriguing mystery focusing on the story's central villain (or savior).

Overall, Detective Comics #1095 is another home run for DC Comics with gorgeous art, sharp writing, compelling character beats and a twisting plot that keeps the reader constantly off balance.

Detective Comics #1096 wraps up the first arc from this new creative team with some slight character development, some clever inner conflicts and the threat of dangers to come.

Detective Comics #1098is a breezy, mostly predictable issue with solid art and some clever one-liners, moving the story along while adding in a dash of tension and a "surprise" cliffhanger.

Detective Comics #1098 is a breezy, mostly predictable issue with solid art and some clever one-liners, moving the story along while adding in a dash of tension and a "surprise" cliffhanger.

Detective Comics #1100 celebrates another Dark Knight anniversary with a quartet of disparate, but equally affecting tales filled with suspense, drama, heart, humor and amazing art. Essential reading for any Batman fan.

Detective Comics #1101is an engaging psychological thriller that introduces an all-new villain, and a virulent threat that even Batman is not immune to (yet). The gripping story and gorgeous art make this well worth the read.

Detective Comics #1102is another outstanding production by the current creative team. The story moves fast and uncovers a pair of mini mysteries while dazzling the reader with gorgeous artwork.

Detective Comics #1103 features a remarkably clever and intriguing team-up that explores the contrasts between Batman and Lois Lane, while moving the story forward. The writing, art and color are all top notch.

Detective Comics #1104 ramps up the tension, throws in a few nice twists and wraps the package in gorgeous artwork.

Detective Comics #1105 ramps up the tension while giving Batman a metaphorical smack in the nose for not realizing he was missing the bigger picture. Batman's growing self doubt and Leo's overconfidence makes for a thrilling contrast. The story, art and color also maintain their high quality.

Detective Comics #1106 wraps up the story arc with a wild, frenetic and satisfying finale with loads of action, a dose of humor, humanity and gorgeous art and color.

Detective Comics #1107 introduces an enticing new mystery, and hints at a secret past for the Bruce, Oliver and Dinah. The writing informs and entertains, while the art enhances the dark and gritty crime noir inspired story.

Doctor Strange of Asgard #1 weaves a clever tale filled with action, suspense, humor, clever dialogue, likable characters. Expect Stephen Strange to conjure up a unique solution to his dilemma.

G.I.Joe #20 sticks the landing with the crucial first meet up between Duke and Optimus, while providing some impressive action and dialogue to build out the story. The synergy between the various Skybound series pays off for fans of the current Transformers series.

Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 is an engrossing and tragic opening act about three broken people, a nod to the classic animated series where the enduring bond between the title characters began, as well as the sinister presence of an unrepentant and manipulative killer.

Harley & Ivy: Life & Crimes #2comes out swinging with another taut chapter that threads the needle between suspenseful storytelling, exploring past trauma, forging healthy connections and a solid dose of dark humor.

Harley and Ivy: Life & Crimes #4 offers up more Harley and Ivy bonding time amid a requisite amount frenetic action and sight gags. The mix of slapstick and emotional vulnerability is crucial to properly define both these characters and their romantic bond. The art is a masterclass in storytelling techniques.

Harley Quinn #47 is packed to the ceiling with clever writing and gorgeous art that makes this regular sized issue feel like an anniversary event. The story embodies both the controlled mayhem of Harley's world mixed with some character growth.

Harley Quinn #51succeeds as an adventure story and a slapstick comedy, while embracing the title character's vulnerabilities, unusual world view and methods for doing good. Also the artwork is stunning and fun look at.

Harley Quinn #52continues the series' streak of energetic, imaginative and humorous storytelling that makes full use of the unique comic book format. Come for the public listening session, stay for the high-quality story and art.

Harley Quinn #53is another winning issue, featuring plenty of over-the-top antics, satisfying emotional beats, character growth and plenty of action. The final page sets the series up for more surprises.

Harley Quinn #54is a wildly entertaining romp outside the confines of Throatcutter Hill. Plenty of action and absurdist humor, plus a dash of the macabre (that trophy wall).

Harley Quinn #55 is another winning issue, effortlessly ratcheting up the tension back in Throatcutter Hill, while Harley is stuck in a comedy of errors (or airheads?) out west. Story and art are superb.

Harley Quinn #56 hits it out of the park with another satisfying issue with gorgeous art and plenty of laughs, providing important character development mixed in with absurd foils, costars and obstacles.

Harley Quinn #57 is a fitting tribute, celebrating the anti-heroine's 200th issue (and enduring popularity) in high quality style, with amazing character moments, plot development, gorgeous artwork and plenty of laughs.

Harley Quinn #58keeps the story moving with another strange adventure that piles onto the already beleaguered anti-hero's to-do list, with a mix of absurdity and genuine warmth. The inventive and detailed art matches the frenetic pacing of the script, making this title a joy to read month-after-month.

Harley Quinn #59 provides another entertaining chapter that focuses fully on Althea and Harley's budding romance, while Althea's reveal helps round out her character as more than just a frenemy and interloper for Harley.

Harley Quinn #60 delivers more fun, action, humor and gorgeous artwork. The mystery of Batquinn raises questions while effectively satirizing the popular dark hero tropes with a distinct Harley Quinn vibe.

Hellhunters #3 is another hardcore, high-octane, supernatural war epic with action, humor, likable characters and a few unsettling moments mixed in.

Hellhunters #5, (and the series as a whole) is a thrilling, action-packed ride, that honors real-life efforts of the greatest generation (in a supernatural setting), but sacrifices true character development of the Hellhunters themselves in the process.

Justice League Unlimited #8sticks the landing on "We Are Yesterday", providing sharp writing, gorgeous art and some nice character moments as JLU bids farewell to the threat from Grodd and the Legion of Doom, while ushering in new challenges for the DC heroes.

Justice League Unlimited #11 continues the title's high quality story and art, featuring more than a dozen characters, but focusing on the two most important to the plot. The final page (leading out of the Superman ongoing title) sets up both "The Omega Act" one-shot, and the upcoming "King Omega" crossover event.

Justice League Unlimited #16 wraps up both the Timelost story arc and DC K.O. crossover with a few nice heroic moments mixed with emotional vulnerability amid the unfolding chaos that culminates in a satisfying finale. Typically high quality story, art and colors.

Justice League Unlimited #17 is a noble effort that inform readers while providing setup for the next story arc, but without a coherent character focus, it functions as little vignettes. The writing and art are above average but not quite the series' typical high-quality. The issue is still a good catch-up for readers interested in what DC has planned for Next Level.

Marvel Knights: The Punisher #2 is a solidly produced crime thriller for fans of more gritty and mature content. While Frank Castle is present primarily as a zombified cipher and blunt instrument, the welcome addition of Everett K. Ross adds a flawed but likable hero to take the lead.

Marvel Knights: The Punisher #3 is a solid crime thriller with gorgeous art that moves the plot forward while bringing Frank Castle back as an actual functioning character, one even more scarred than before (both inside and out). The story is uncompromising in its cruelty, brutality and corruption, but the flawed and likable Everett Ross adds a sense of humanity and hope.

Overall, Namor #7 is another smashing success, that sets up what will likely be a wild finale. The creative team finally gives Namor his due by producing an epic length tale befitting one of Marvel's longest running characters.

New Avengers #8is another impressive effort in this underdog series, dialing back the action while ramping up the dramatic tension and character development as Marvel's preeminent super spy reveals her own vulnerabilities, while not being able to trust herself to do the right thing. The art and color are solid too.

New Avengers #9 continues the build up to a wild finale with another enjoyable outing that revels in the flaws of both the heroes and villains of the story. The writing, art and color are impressive.

Overall, One World Under Doom #1 delivers a solid opening act, but it will take time to see how or even if the series will reshape the future of the Marvel Universe.

Overall, One World Under Doom #2 succeeds in further destabilizing the Marvel Universe as heroes again fail to meet the moment while the world embraces a known villain. The writing is solid (if unsettlingly relevant), and the art is impressive.

One World Under Doom #4succeeds by narrowing its focus to the title character and a worthy adversary, delivering an epic, high stakes supernatural slugfest that advances the plot, all of it rendered in dazzling art and color.

One World Under Doom #7 depicts the Emperor's latest triumph in a spectacular series of gorgeously rendered sequential illustrations, an angry inner monologue and an armored T-Rex, as the world burns, and the heroes fail once again.

One World Under Doom #8is full of carefully laid plans, epic spectacle and dazzling art, but it hits hardest in the quiet moments between two key characters, and in that one unexpected, shockingly unbelievable final page reveal.

One World Under Doom #9 is a heartfelt wrap-up to an unsettling series, that rattles the status quo of the Marvel Universe and leaves the future up in the air. The narrowed focus to several core characters allows Doom's final act to resonate throughout the finale.

G.O.D.S.: One World Under Doom #1 is an entertaining one-shot, with cheer-worthy character moments, action, humor and conflict that fleshes out the main One World Under Doomstory. Mia DiMaria is a character to watch out for, as it is likely Ryan North has plans for her in the near future.

Planet of The Apes Versus Fantastic Four #1 is a brisk, enjoyable retro-style romp for fans of unusual comic book crossovers. The series streamlines the set up and gets to the heart of the conflict (and the wild plot twists) within the first issue. The pacing, dialogue, characterizations and artwork are all outstanding.

Space Ghost #1 kicks off the new series with a welcome recap and a hint of larger things to come. This is an enjoyable read with action, humor, hope and heart that knows it doesn't have to reinvent the wheel to create a rousing space adventure comic for fans of both eras.

Spider-Man Noir #5 wraps up the series with few surprises and some convenient plot twists, but fans of the character and/or breezy pulp fiction adventures (with a slightly darker bent), gorgeous art and a meaningful message might still get a kick out of it anyway.

Spider-Man: Noir #1revisits a cool Spider-Man concept that hits a lot of the right notes, while attempting to strike a balance between the nostalgic and the campy. The art is outstanding.

Spider-Man Noir #2 is another energetic, quippy and edgy Spider-Man adventure for fans who enjoy a solid dose of crime fiction with their superheroes. The stunning art only adds to the story's success.

Spider-Man Noir #3 might not be the most well-plotted superhero pulp mystery series out there, but the story and sentiment are important in these uncertain times. There is also much to enjoy for those with a taste for a grittier, darker reflection of an iconic hero.

Spider-Man Noir #4 breaks out of its previous doldrums with an above average effort, featuring solid tension, humor and body horror, as Peter finds himself out of his depth against new and unexpected adversary. Andrea Broccardo elevates the production values with plenty of gorgeous widescreen action.

Overall Star Trek #28 is a necessary story and it dovetails effectively into Benjamin Sisko's experiences with the Bajoran Prophets. It is a quiet, contemplative, emotional journey, leagues away from some of the more recent action-oriented issues.

Overall, Star Trek #29 is another solid issue full of interesting character beats, and a final reveal that promises some challenging and exciting stories to come.

Star Trek #30 maintains the high quality of story, art and character development the series is known for, all while setting up the eagerly anticipated "Lore War" event.

Star Trek #31 delivers another enjoyable chapter for Star Trek fans, as the story takes a month-long break before resuming with Star Trek: Defiant #27 in May.

Star Trek: Defiant #22 is another stand out issue of an excellent ongoing comic. The story stands apart from its sister series by defining its own stakes with a darker tone and more flexible sense of morality while populated with an array of likable but flawed characters. These disparate elements along with fantastic story, art and character accuracy stitch together into another classic Trek story.

Star Trek Defiant #29 maintains its high quality storytelling, and now appears to be reconnecting with the prime Star Trek series as the Lore War hovers just beyond the horizon.

Star Trek: Defiant #25 delivers another riveting and hilarious chapter of this amazing series that finds courage and ingenuity in the most unlikely of heroes. Brace yourselves, the Lore War is here.

Star Trek: Defiant #26 continues the epic world-building of this dark universe, while offering some nice twists, clever easter eggs and intriguing character arcs. Looking forward to part three in Star Trek #31 next week.

Despite a couple of minor quibbles, Star Trek: Defiant #27is another winning issue for IDW, showcasing the diversity and cooperation that Star Trek was founded on, while providing gorgeous art, cool character moments and plot twists in the classic Star Trek tradition.

Star Trek: Lore War #1 gets off to an impressive start as this current run of Star Trek builds to an epic finale. Pick up a copy or Lore might banish you to work as a scrubber on a Malon freighter.

Star Trek: Lore War Shaxs' Worst Day is an enjoyable escapist detour from the darker implications of the Lore War, as the reader is funneled into a temporary "pocket universe where inventive methods of murder, unchecked mayhem and lots of cartoony stabbing are all in good fun. So much fun.

Overall, Star Trek: Lower Decks #3 is another winning issue featuring some familiar Trek tropes, requisite Lower Decks humor amid a line-wide universal crisis. Any fan lamenting the loss of the Paramount+ series should warp on over to their nearest comic book shop and pick up a copy.

Overall, Star Trek: Lower Decks #4 is another enjoyable chapter, albeit a more somber one. Whether this crisis is actually resolved or will reappear in some form (and will somehow link to the other Trek series' events) is unknown but in lieu of more animated adventures, this series is a welcome addition.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #7 is a welcome addition to Trek lore that evokes the look, feel and stakes of a (now classic) Lower Decks episode, while deepening the Freeman/Mariner dynamic with unexpected parallels to Freeman's past, and uncovers a mystery to be solved.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #9 provides a fascinating character study, a relatable story and solid art, but the unfortunate inclusion of multiple gross-out scenes might turn off some readers.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #10 continues the traditional animated-style antics in both story and art, with plenty of knowing humor, (and fewer gross out gags), while focusing on one of the series' most likable Lower Decks characters.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #12is another enjoyable installment, injecting silly Lower Decks antics into the silliest Star Trek movie (still a classic). The jokes fly fast and furious, while the plot is expectedly silly, and the art and color tie everything together nicely.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #13is another enjoyable installment with all the hallmarks of a "classic" Lower Decks episode. The character moments, the absurdity played as straight up drama, the sight gags and pop culture references all meld into a fun read.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #14 charms and disarms with multiple sequences of hilarity and minor mayhem as the mystery of the missing Laapeerians intensifies with the appearance of an unexpected threat.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #15 brings a mix of danger and excitement into the story that raises the stakes while still providing the offbeat humor than was the beating heart of the animated series.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #16 provides a fun little bottle episode detour complete with a starship heist, while providing emotional stakes for Carol Freeman. The balance between serious and comical is well struck.

Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 reveals a few salient plot points as Freeman and Mariner take center stage in this penultimate chapter. The creative team continues to impress with a fun mix of cool Star Trek action, character moments and slapstick humor.

Star Trek: Omega #1 is an immensely satisfying finale, and a fitting tribute to one of the best longform comic book publications of the twenty-first century.

Star Trek: Red Shirts #1is an engaging first chapter that focuses in-depth on a rarely explored aspect of the Star Trek universe; smart, funny, sad, thrilling, terrifying and beautifully illustrated. A story for our times.

Star Trek: Red Shirts #2 unlocks another exciting chapter full of action, shocking twists and some clever character beats as the rapidly dwindling team of Red Shirts defends a research facility of unknown importance against unfamiliar enemies.

Star Trek: Red Shirts #3 is another intense, action-packed installment, full of dark plot twists, and likable characters who give their all to an organization that does not reciprocate. Solid story and art.

Star Trek: Red Shirts #4 delivers another thrilling and devastating chapter with some nice art and decent character moments while setting the stage for an unpredictable finale.

Star Trek: Red Shirts #5is a heart-breaking and compelling finale that defies expectations of what a good Star Trek story can be. Christopher Cantwell's message is loud and clear and is delivered in gorgeously brutal fashion by Megan Levens' art.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy - Lost Contact #1 is a curious start for this new miniseries with a promising mystery on its hands. The story and art are solid, reflecting the tone of the live action series. Probably a story for most Trek fans, but definitely for those enjoying the Starfleet Academy every week on streaming.

The story and art for Star Trek: Voyager Homecoming #2 is another homerun for this miniseries (and for IDW's track record of high-quality Star Trek storytelling in general). If you're in the mood for another thrilling mission with the (mostly) original Voyager crew, check out this book.

Star Trek: Voyager - Homecoming #5 stumbles as it reaches the endpoint, but the creative team builds up enough good will from the previous issues and the clever touches in the finale. The story and art for the most are solid, but the finale would have benefitted from another 10 pages of story.

Star Wars: Boba Fett Black, White & Red #1is a rock solid crime thriller, exploring what fans have always loved most about the character. The noir settings, crisp writing, blazing action, intrigue, gorgeous art and effective use of limited color creates an even darker aspect of Star Wars underworld. Well done.

Star Wars: Boba Fett Black, White & Red #1is a rock solid crime thriller, exploring what fans have always loved most about the character. The noir settings, crisp writing, blazing action, intrigue, gorgeous art and effective use of limited color creates an even darker aspect of Star Wars underworld. Well done.

Star Wars: Boba Fett Black, White & Red #2 is another enjoyable done-in-one, with action, humor, drama and is a bit more heart than one might expect from a Boba Fett story. The writing is brisk and touching, and the art is gorgeous.

Star Wars: Boba Fett-Black, White and Red #3 is an intriguing exploration of how the character's past failures helped shape his code as a ruthless and efficient bounty hunter. Sharp writing, crackling dialogue, subtle character moments and gorgeous wide-screen artwork help elevate this issue above the surface-level coolness of a typical Boba Fett story.

Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 is an engaging crime thriller in space with enough plot twists to short circuit an astromech droid. The two new leads make for promising potential foils as the former Sith Lord prepares to cast a dark shadow over Janix. The story and art are stunning.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2025 is a solid compilation of short and (somewhat) tragic tales of the TMNT, with at least one ending that hits like a roundhouse kick. There is still plenty of action, humor and camaraderie for new and longtime fans. The art is great too.

Terrorbytes #1 kicks off this new anthology series with a strong opening installment featuring a tale of greed, fear and amorality, as humans grow ever more interconnected to their own technological creations.

Transformers #25 enters a bold new era while expanding on some previous storylines. The plotting and dialogue are snappy and engaging, and both artists deliver stunning work in their distinctive styles.

Transformers #26is another winning issue full of action, humor, drama, plot twists and gorgeous art. The new creative doesn't miss a step in continuing this series' high-quality storytelling.

Transformers #27 slows the pace, makes a few surprising character changes and sets up for the next big thing. Not as dynamic as the previous two issues, but still well worth picking up for the art alone.

Transformers #28is a thrilling and unflinching new chapter full of sharp writing and gorgeous art that illustrates the creative team's willingness to push the boundaries for fans who grew up with the IP, taking the series in a decidedly more mature and dangerous direction (for the Autobots at least).

Transformers #29 pivots back to the age old Autobot/Decepticon rivalry (on a new battlefield) and the story is all the better for it, as alliances are strengthened and spirits (and bodies) are shattered (plus a bunch of robots brawling is always fun).

Transformers #30 wraps up the story arc with a shocking twist from Robert Kirkman that continues to push the series in a new direction while honoring both classic Transformers concepts as well as the expansive groundwork laid by Daniel Warren Johnson. The story art and color evoke a mix of the classic and modern.

Uncanny X-Men #11 kicks off the X-Manhunt event in style, setting a high bar for every chapter to follow. Even if the rest of this event doesn't measure up, It is worth picking up for the story, art and characters dynamics alone.

Vanishing Point #1 is a sad, dark and haunting exploration into the nature of humanity and existence, evoking classic science fiction tropes with a decidedly Mark Russell twist. If you enjoy The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits or Black Mirror, then Vanishing Point should be your next destination.

Vanishing Point #2 is sad, funny and moving, a reminder that promises of a candy-coated future full of amazing technology and abundance for all is a perpetuated myth only possible in our imaginations.

Vanishing Point #5 is a solid effort with a dark twist, and a tragic, but inevitable ending. The story impresses with its topical themes and macabre humor while the art contrasts the grim settings with cartoonish flair.

While Weapon X-Men #2 doesn't break new ground, it's still a fun read, and the top-notch creative team is clearly having a blast, especially with Deadpool in the lead.

Overall, Wolverine #6 is solid, but the series still has work to do to make this run stand out from what has come before.

Despite a few minor flaws, Wolverine #11is a marked improvement for this series with action, heart, emotional stakes and more action than one might think can fit into a normal sized comic book. If this is the level of quality for the series going forward, Wolverine might find itself back on the "must read" list.

Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon #1 is off to a roaring start, honoring the past while adding something new to the Weapon X mythos. The story is gripping, the art is dynamic and the colors are gorgeous.