John Schaidler Comic Reviews

Lively dialogue and stellar, detailed visuals combine in fresh, unexpected ways to create an inspired take on the classic tale of four nerds coming of age.

In a stunning series conclusion, 4 Kids Walk into a Bank stays true to its vision and the authenticity of its characters delivering an unvarnished finale that is sure to stay with fans long after theyve read the last page.

Like its predecessors, Abbott #4 succeeds by balancing provocative contemporary thematic elements with brilliant artwork, a tightly written script and one of the most memorable, artfully constructed main characters in any medium. This series started strong, but each issue continues to raise the bar. Whether or not we deserve her, Abbott is the hero we need to help us make sense of life in America in 2018.

Step aside Erica Slaughter, the O.G. monster hunter is back in the stunning debut of "Abbott 1973."

With an endlessly insightful script and pitch-perfect visual accompaniment from Brian "box Brown, "Accidental Czar is a brilliant piece of graphic nonfiction.

Wonderfully realistic period illustrations, great attention to detail and beautiful colors can't quite overcome a parade of new characters and a protagonist who lacks a clear personal objective in "Adler" #2.

With a gritty setting peopled by seedy characters, this debut sets the stage nicely for the series to come. Let's hope future installments raise the stakes and crank up the action.

Visually, "Alienated" #1 is a bold, ambitious achievement. As the first chapter ends, however, the story has failed to keep pace.

There's nothing wrong with "Your Pal Archie" #1, per se. Mechanically, the book is solid and well constructed, clearly written and drawn in the vein of classic Archie strips and books. With most of the other Archie properties feeling more inclusive and reflective of contemporary demographics, however, this books stands out for what it's not and that's disappointing.

As it hurtles toward its final climactic chapter, "American Carnage" feels increasingly raw and primal, a deft combination of action sequences and brilliant dialogue. This is a must-read series. You need to see how it ends.

Abandoned your preconceived notions and just dive in. With an unconventional structure and brilliant work by an exceptional creative team, "Archie" #21 delivers a spectacular issue that nobody could have seen coming.

Snappy dialogue and bold, colorful art that imitates life imitating art help overcome a tepid plot in "Archies Meets The B-52s" #1.

Despite top-notch inks and colors that continue to deliver a wonderfully authentic retro aesthetic, "Archie 1941" #4 feels uninspired, slowly trudging toward the finish line of this 5-issue miniseries.

Final Verdict: 6.7 "Archie 1955" #2 is a potentially well balanced story that staggers under the weight of too much visual information and uneven dialogue.

"At the End of Your Tether" #2 is a well constructed issue in a nontraditional series that delivers an experience greater than the sum of it's parts.

Auntie Agathas Home for Wayward Rabbits #1 is full of interesting characters, with great artwork and sharp dialogue. The story, however, falls flat and fails to get off the ground.

The story starts with familiar beats, but quickly makes us care about the compelling main characters, getting weirder and creepier as it builds to the cliffhanger.

Writer Gabby Rivera and debut artist Royal Dunlap understandably put their energy into unveiling the titular character, but "b.b. free" #1 kind of feels like hanging around waiting for the party to start.

Narrator Sadie Ritter's voice takes center stage as writer Donny Cates and the rest of the creative team continue to weave a brilliantly ominous tale of dark supernatural forces overwhelming the lives of an everyday family.

Strong art is a definite highpoint, but multiple flashbacks in "Bad Luck Chuck" #2 keep us detached from the more compelling present-tense story.

Final Verdict: 7.4 The line work and colors are so well rendered you'll want to linger, savoring the details. The characters and plot have potential, but there's not a lot of dramatic tension, despite a multitude of panels of bomb blasts and bullets.

Barriers #1 is an immersive comic book experience with lush illustrations and authentic dialogue that will force you to dig deeper to better understand the story.

Visually, this book excels. Unfortunately, both the word count and the character count are high. Its time to get back to basics and into some action.

Final Verdict: 7.8 The energy flags a bit in "Battlepug" #2, but there's still plenty of humor and some great character designs.

The technical execution of "Berserker Unbound" #1 is as good as it gets, but unless you're a completist who really digs buying floppies, you don't need to feel compelled to rush out and get it. The best is yet to come.

"Beyond the Breach" #3 features some great cartooning, but the story feels a bit lackluster.

Dramatic action explodes across the page in a retro-futuristic visual feast, bringing "Bitch Planet's" second arc to a satisfying conclusion.

"Black Panther Legends" #1 does an outstanding job of reframing Wakanda " and the world " of T'Challa's youth, setting up the series for the reimagined Hero's Journey to come.

In "Blackbird" #4, rock solid structure, outstanding characterization of the book's protagonist and consistently incredible artwork combine to deliver an issue worthy of the series' potential, perfectly setting up the climax of the first arc in the process.

Final Verdict: 8.5 For the most part, "Bleed Them Dry" #2 keeps the momentum going, mixing and remixing elements from various genres to create something fresh and new.

"Blossoms 666" #1 is a great first issue, deftly setting the stage for this 5-part miniseries that could be the most entertaining and well constructed Archie Horror series yet.

Writer Magdalene Visaggio and her creative team waste no time at all jumping right into the story with "Calamity Kate" #1, a character-driven book that follows a modern day monster hunter who simultaneously battles her own inner demons.

A bland visual treatment and general lull in the action drag down the fourth issue of this otherwise promising series.

"Centipede" was a massively popular arcade game that captured the imagination of countless fans with its simple but quirky concept. After a debut issue that tries to layer the story with too much meaning and not enough "first-person-shooter" fun, it feels like a squandered opportunity.

Writer/illustrator Robert Love plants a lot of seeds that never quite grow to fruition.

Combining the look and feel of an illuminated manuscript with Gaiman's witty, understated text, "Chivalry" is meant to be savored.

"Clue" is off to a great start with a delightfully written, multilayered script, compelling characters and an unobtrusive visual style that echoes the board game. The mystery will no doubt deepen, but at this point, it's fun enough just watching the characters be themselves.

This is no tepid reboot. In "Clue" Candlestick" #1, creator Dash Shaw literally rewrites the rules of a classic board game.

A set of familiar ingredients and simple, effective storytelling combine to introduce the intergalactic, all-ages adventure "Cosmo."

Driven by Caitlin Yarsky's incredible artwork and a cast of strong female characters, this multilayered, epic story is only getting started. Can't wait to see where it goes.

With a creative team that's at the top of their game, "The Crossover" #1 is a dazzling debut issue that exceeds its considerable hype. Get this book on your pull list and be part of the story.

Well-crafted verbal flourishes and incredible art elevate this tale of a modern day wizard.

"Daisy" #1 is built around a mysterious, rock solid script. Some of the artwork isn't in sync.

With a tightly written script and wondrous artwork that elevates the narrative, "Dark Agnes" #1 is a raucous, fun-filled introduction to a great new character who's sure to be a crowd favorite.

Everybody wants this book to better than it is. Unfortunately, it's not.

Final Verdict: 7.9 "Dark Blood" #1 unfolds pretty quickly. With a little more time and space spent getting to know the protagonist, the debut issue would be more powerful.

Nria Tamarit's vivid, lyrical illustrations make the book soar, but the script drags it down.

"Dead Dog's Bite" #1 isn't a breezy read, but creator Tyler Boss puts it all out there and accomplishes everything he set out to do.

The book begins with a jolt and ends with a lot of promise, but tends to sag in the middle. Thankfully, where the script is lacking, Bengal's art carries the load.

If you're looking for a simple, straightforward book, you might want to sit this one out. The exceptional art, however, may convince you to put in the work.

Final Verdict: 8.8 "Descendent" #1 is an exceptionally efficient, well constructed debut that adeptly positions the series for a run that could be special. The elements are all there, the plot is in high gear, hang on, this is gonna be fun.

With a great script and wonderful art, "Dial H for Hero" #1 takes a mothballed concept and makes it incredibly fresh.

Spectacular expressionistic artwork makes this comic something special. This could be the start of a truly spectacular run.

The quirky ensemble cast is the main attraction in this sports Manga inspired story, bolstered by energetic artwork and a well paced script that uses familiar tropes as a basis for further exploration.

'Dreamer' tends to read more like a personal essay than it does a graphic autobiography. Its powerful message is clear, but the story doesn't pull you in.

Flavio Despinza's incredible colors drive the story as the focus shifts to Cielo and her quest to find the truth, beautifully setting the stage for an exciting new arc.

With contrasting warm and cool colors that tell much of the story, paneling thats damn near seamless and an understated but well structured script, Eclipse #9 is a great new chapter in an intriguing series.

The creators do an admirable job in the limited space available. Unfortunately, the book's 130 pages don't provide enough space and time to adequately engage with story's nuanced, complex themes. In the end, the book is tightly scripted and dynamic, with a very likable main character, but it all feels too rushed. A better balance between high energy, fast-paced action and a deeper exploration of the real issues would have been great.

Final Verdict: 7.8 - "Elsewhere" nicely taps into our fascination with high profile unsolved mysteries. With a well balanced characterization of Amelia Earhart and a gorgeously rendered fantasy world, this series should have legs, with many twists and turns to come. It's also a fitting tribute to a larger-than-life American hero.

Elsewhere #7 follows closely in the footsteps of the books preceding issues. Visually, it continues to shine. Narratively, it just chugs along. For the right audience, however, its sure to be a great deal of fun.

"Engineward" #1 is a solid debut. The story is unique and intriguing, with artwork to match. Keep your eye on this series.

Momentary lapses aside, "Eternity" #2 is a joy to read. Don't sleep on this series or it will be over before you know it.

As debut issues go, "Eve Stranger" #1 is damn near as good as it gets. An outstanding addition to the already solid Black Crown lineup and another hit for writer David Barnett.

With a strong debut issue Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles got off to an impressive start. Issue number two raises the bar with a more intimate look at the core characters and wonderful art that underscores their humanity, whether theyre actually human or not.

There's a really good concept here and it's told with some moments of brilliance, but a lackluster backstory and over-reliance on familiar tropes tends to drag it down.

A gorgeously rendered epic battle scene is subtly framed by quiet moments of introspection, giving the battle scene unexpected depth and heft.

Like the three issues before it, "Fairlady" #4 is sold as a complete, standalone story. Reading previous issues, however, will make this book a richer, more satisfying read.

Final Verdict: 9.4 Seamlessly fusing elements of slice-of-life family drama, body horror, and apocalyptic fantasy, "Family Tree" #1 meets and exceeds the hype. Easily the best book by Jeff Lemire this week.

illustrator Rob Guillory definitely slows down the pace to explore the core characters, but thats not a bad thing. The series is well positioned to dial things back up and get weird(er).

Three or four months from now we very well may be looking back at the start of a brilliant run. For now, were still on the starting line. Allez!

I'm still optimistic about the series as a whole, but "Ghosted in L.A." #2 fails to live up to the hype.

As a first time comic creator, writer Zo Quinn stumbles into the all too familiar trap of trying to cram way too much into the debut issue. So far, the art keeps things going, but a simpler script would be nice.

Final Verdict: 7.0 "Hadrian's Wall" #7 features gorgeous artwork, decent dialogue, and starts to tie up some loose ends, but the original noirish feel is long gone, shifting the narrative focus even further away from the book's central character.

Things are only getting started, but so far this is a match made in crossover heaven.

"Helm Greycastle" #1 sets the stage for the epic adventure to come with an array of standout characters, lots of intrigue and brilliant artwork.

As the mystery deepens and Chris strings together some tantalizing new clues, an already intriguing book starts to tell us what its really all about.

Final Verdict: 8.5 With exceptional artwork, well conceived characters and an intriguing storyline that leaves room for imagination, "High Level" #3 rises above the rest.

Theres definitely a lot to like about Ignited #2, but so far this young series has yet to find its footing.

Though its deeply rooted in the Harlem Renaissance almost 100 years ago, Incognegro: Renaissance #2 is a timely and topical exploration of race in America told through the lens of a murder mystery.

Narratively, Infidel #3 gives readers a chance to recollect themselves in preparation for the books final two chapters while artwork continues to excel.

"Injection" #14 is a character-driven installment in a book full of big ideas. Centered on computer hacker Brigid Roth, it's a refreshing change of pace that showcases excellent artwork in several gripping, yet wordless sequences.

The tension steadily mounts even as Fletcher and Kerschl continue to plant seeds and hint at bigger things to come. Slowly, we are beginning to see the true shape of things.

Like a catchy, well-made pop gem, "Josie and the Pussycats" #7 is a satisfying read that leaves you wanting more. A great chance to check out this book, if you haven't already, to see what the fuss is about.

The transition from one-shot to series hasn't been pretty for "Jughead: The Hunger." With too many minor characters and a lack of clear focus, the book needs to simplify and go back to basics.

Fantastic art can't quite save an issue that feels like a lot of preamble before the real story finally starts.

In the end, arguably, there's not a ton of plot that goes beyond what's mentioned in the solicit. Still, with great art and a wonderful script, "Jughead's Time Police" #1 is an excellent introduction to the creators' funny, fresh, insightful take on the familiar Archieverse.

The relatively simple, unassuming aesthetic of Jordan Crane's 'Keeping Two' belies its nuanced, multilayered plot.

The needle is on the record and the first track is a banger. Lets get this party started.

With artwork that's as brilliant as ever and a creepy, nuanced script, "Killadelphia" #7 kicks off a new series arc in spectacular fashion.

Final Verdict: 7.7 Ollie Masters script does a great job of digging deep into the characters and their relationships while avoiding info dump and tedious backstory. At the same, the almost palpable sense of urgency in the first issue has all but evaporated.

With a tightly written script that deftly balances action and backstory - not to mention gorgeous art - "Killmonger" #1 is a debut worthy of this breakout character.

After the stellar debut of its limited series run, expectations for the new "Kim and Kim" were off the charts. With visually reimagined characters and a jaw-dropping color palette, Mags Visaggio and Eva Cabrera's iconic characters embark on an inward journey that unexpectedly raises the bar.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, treat yourself to "Klaus and the Crying Snowman" #1, a bold, imaginative yuletide tale that balances the epic grandeur of interplanetary conflict with a tender, human-centered story of redemption and getting a second chance.

After delivering a suspenseful, nearly flawless final issue for "Lady Killer 2," the inevitable Lady Killers 3 cant come fast enough. You need to be reading this book.

The visual aesthetic has been outstanding right from the start. With an intense, action-packed script, "Little Bird" #3 brings it all together, living up to the full potential of this exciting miniseries.

Final Verdict: 8.6 "Low Road West" #2 builds on the considerable strengths of what worked in the debut issue, while further fleshing out its likable ensemble cast and adding a major twist. With two solid issues in place, don't sleep on this miniseries.

A tender, heartfelt exploration of acceptance and what it means to forge your own identity in the face of expectations to the contrary.

"M.O.D.O.K.: Head Games" #1 may run parallel to the upcoming animated series on Hulu, but with a solid script and great artwork, it's rich enough to stand on it's own.

Chelsea Cain is back. She and her co-creators have set the stage brilliantly for what promises to be a wild, politically charged and highly entertaining story.

Final Verdict: 8.2 There are definitely some really great moments, as well as a solid premise for way more adventure to come, but a tendency to do too much at one time can crowd the characters and overshadow their otherwise captivating emotional journeys.

Whether judged as part of the Marvel 2099 anniversary event, a stand-alone one-shot, or a bridge issue to future series, writer Gerry Duggan delivers. "Conan 2099" is a fun, satisfying read with fantastic characters and intriguing plot twists.

With a tightly written, easy to follow plot and art that feels pretty grown up, "Marvel Action Black Panther" #1 launches this all-ages series with nearly breathless, wall-to-wall action while simultaneously exploring bigger themes and ideas.

"Marvel's Voice's: Indigenous Voices" #1 is a landmark step in the reclamation of Marvel's indigenous characters by indigenous comics creators.

It's impossible for any biography in any medium to fully capture the life of someone like Muhammad Ali. Rather than taking us through his protagonist's life point by point, author Marc Bernardin digs deep into 12 formative moments from Ali's life.

Final Verdict: 8.4 The visual artists are completely in sync with a distinct, compelling aesthetic that feels perfectly suited to the story, even as writer Skottie Young turns the narrative inward to explore the complex emotions of the series' two primary characters.

With a bold yet atypical visual aesthetic and authentic, well grounded script, "Midnight Vista" #1 takes the reader exactly where they need to go, setting up a run that feels full of great potential.

With a Golden Age aesthetic and well balanced, effective writing, Minky makes her presence known.

Keep an eye on this series. Writer Rafer Roberts and illustrator Kristen Gudsnuk have delivered an intriguing debut that puts a refreshing spin on the fantasy-real world mashup.

If you've either been holding out or possibly bailed out a few issues back, it could well be time to give "Mother Panic" a try. Ironically, in slowing down the action, things have picked up speed.

Final Verdict: 6.8 - The script of "Motherlands" #2 fully embraces its foulmouthed, wisecracking, high concept sci-fi aesthetic, but the artwork feels uninspired and decidedly less imaginative. For now, the words can carry the load. Hopefully the artwork will soon follow suit.

Motor Crush #8 starts off strong and returns to form at the end, but nearly crashes and burns in the middle.

Turn it up to 11. "Murder Falcon" #2 is a killer second track.

No doubt this series will get better, there are great core characters here, but "Nancy Drew" #1 is an underwhelming start.

As Naomi rises up out of nowhere, this is a rare chance to be there right from the start. This series is going to be special. Don't miss out.

"New Super-Man" #12 is sophisticated storytelling that succeeds on multiple levels with outstanding contributions from the entire creative team. Even if you're new to the series, you will love this essentially self-contained issue. Just buy it and enjoy.

At the halfway point of the series, "Olivia Twist" #2 feels rushed and too full of clichs.

created the story.

Final Verdict: 9.6 Each creator's work is outstanding all on its own. Working together in concert, "Once and Future" #2 becomes the stuff of legend.

"Paper Girls" #15 is an almost breezy, yet highly satisfying read. Outstanding color work, great illustrations and snarky dialogue combine to make it a series high point.

"Plastic Man" #2 is very well drawn and generally well written, but the plot doesn't hang together. It's a fun, entertaining read, but not entirely satisfying.

Final Verdict: 9.2 "Plunge" #2 seizes on the work that was done in the debut issue and takes the story to the next level, ratcheting up the tension and expanding the mystery. A great script and great art, dive in and enjoy.

Nonlinear yet highly immersive, Proxima Centauri #2 is a vivid, swirling, unpredictable experience from beginning to end.

Decent execution of a thorny and complex subject.

Way too early to tell where things might actually go, but a great visual aesthetic and consistently smart writing make for a strong debut.

With an astute, insightful mixture of hard facts and engaging art, Cunningham delivers a page-turner that keeps things simple, but never simplistic.

"Queen of Bad Dreams" #3 is a well crafted change of pace that follows the core characters as they grapple with the real world effects of asymmetrical power and privilege.

Existing fan of the Catalyst Prime shared universe or not, Quincredible #1 is a great start to what promises to be an interesting, accessible series.

Read this book once to follow the action and again to savor the artwork. Either way, just buy it.

The distinct yet disparate threads of this high fantasy/sci-fi mashup continue to weave together in very intriguing ways. That, and Haun and Peck's masterful command of highly relatable characters and settings, continue to make this unique series stand out.

"The Red Mother" #1 features great character depth in both its script and artwork. No doubt it will all pay off as the series unfolds, but so far the creepiness is more ambient than active.

Cates' powerfully understated writing and Estherren's quirky artwork are completely in sync, perfectly setting the stage for what can only be explosive drama to come.

On the whole, "Regarding the Matter of Oswald's Body" #1 tends to feel a bit too formulaic. There's a ton of potential here. Hopefully future issues will take more chances.

Whether you love horses or not, Ride On is a beautiful book that is sure to carry you away. Faith Erin Hicks' cartooning is best in show.

The plot and tone of "Riverdale" #5 seem misplaced, as though lifted from a different book in the Archie comics line. Fans of the TV show will likely be disappointed, whereas fans of other Archie books may find it hard to place. Hopefully this book finds its identity soon.

Pour yourself a Gargleblaster (neat, if you know what's good for you) and enjoy.

"Saucer State" has been described and a mash-up of The X-Files and House of Cards, but this issue feels more like C-SPAN.

The weakest and slowest issue thus far of an otherwise stellar series.

With a blend social commentary, tightly written action sequences and captivating characters, "Scout's Honor" #1 starts with a great premise and rises to unexpected heights.

A clever plot twist and great art combine to make "Second Chances" a series worth keeping an eye on.

Over 2,000 years in the making, Second Coming #1 is a nearly infallible debut and a book that is sure to be on many best of lists at the end of the year.

In the end, "Self/Made" #3 is a solid issue, but only as a bridge between the first two installments and the books that are yet to come. If you're not yet into the series, this is a tough place to start.

After a two issue narrative and visual tangent, "Seven to Eternity" is back on track and set up for wonderful things.

"Sex Death Revolution" #1 is not the action-packed, unbridled hijinks of Visaggio's famous Kims. In fact, it definitely operates on an altogether different level, but if you spend some time with it, you will be rewarded with big ideas and the promise of even bigger things to come.

The script for "Shadow Doctor" #1 is outstanding, but the artwork is somehow off target.

Both as a series and individually within each issue, the introspective pacing and reflective mood are well suited to the central story and "Shipwreck" #5 is no exception. The book's erratic publishing schedule, however, makes it difficult to connect with. If the release schedule normalizes, this series will be brilliant. Otherwise, wait and experience it in trade paperback form.

"Shirtless Bear-Fighter" #3 continues to deliver on the book's titular premise with shameless humor, epic battles, relentless bear puns and over-the-top characters. Underneath it all, however, lies a compelling and well constructed story with moments of surprising tenderness.

Both stories work well on their own but prompt the obvious question: why did the creators and publisher use the flip format in the first place?

Final Verdict: 7.7 The action is swift and smooth and the characters are great to look at, but "Silk" #1 sometimes reads like a sit com script.

There are some interesting possibilities out there. When and how they pay off is key. Hopefully the pace will pick up soon or interest will drain away.

In only the third issue, Slots has hit its stride, opening up an array of intriguing possibilities that are refreshingly hard to predict.

Like Snotgirl herself, there's a glitzy sheen to this book than communicates one thing, but underneath that faade, there's a wonderfully complex and compelling truth that slowly reveals itself.

"Something" #2 takes bold creative risks to strike a wonderful, delicate balance between highly relatable and deeply disturbing. The fact that the two mesh together so seamlessly just makes it all the more unsettling.

Cowriter and illustrator Bowen McCurdy's well crafted ensemble cast takes the series to higher heights in "Specter Inspectors" #4, beautifully setting up the climactic final issue.

"Spy Island" #2 strikes a wonderful balance between quirky, campy charm and a human-centered story with authentic relationships.

Things are just getting started for Rich Tommasos Spy Seal, but if these witty, well constructed first pages are any indication, it may rightfully deserve a place alongside some of the more iconic series to which it pays homage. It may appear wordy at first, but with a finely tuned balance of dialogue and richly detailed panels, its well worth spending some time with. There is plenty to grab your attention and hold it.

Matt Kindt's characterization of the endlessly quotable, egotistical hack, Jay Bartholomew III, is where this debut shines brightest. A seamless finale with pitch-perfect pacing and Rube Goldberg-like precision sets the stage nicely for act two.

Final Verdict: 9.1 Illustrator Juan Doe's artwork leads the way throughout "Strayed" #1, allowing writer Carlos Giffoni to focus on the real story in this extraordinary series debut.

The mechanics are competent, but pretty uninspired. There's something in here somewhere, but the creators need to push themselves to figure out what it is.

Summer Fires is a beautifully made, highly relatable exploration of teen angst and pathos that remains wholly devoid of extraneous melodrama. This gorgeous Dark House edition deserves a spot on your shelf alongside other coming-of-age classics.

With a superfluous rating of M for Mature and a simplistic storyline, "Super Duck" #1 Doesn't get off the ground.

As the story continues to build, take your time and enjoy creator Gabriel Rodriguez's lush, detailed illustrations and great character designs. This Arthurian-inspired epic can't nor shouldn't be rushed.

Skip ahead to track two. The good stuff is coming, let's get to it.

The Archies and Other Stories is a mere sampler platter. The real fun is yet to come. For now, I say save your money for The Archies and Jughead: The Hunger when they come out as regular series this fall.

Guards #2, stylishly setting the stage for what could be a really fun series.

"The Blue Flame" #2 spends a lot of time away from Sam. As a result, the issue bogs down and the questions keep piling up.

Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, and Dave Stewart are one of the finest ensembles working in comics and they're perfectly suited to The Bone Orchard Mythos.

Familiar tropes aside, the Bone Orchard: Ten Thousand Black Feathers #2 succeeds on a high level and expertly accomplishes everything it sets out to dowith a brilliant and satisfying payoff at the end. It's a clever blend of exposition and fantasy world building that positions the two protagonists as both tragic heroes in their own story and authors of their own fate.

We don't really know who she is, much less what she wants, but it's impossible not to be on Team Bibi. She's one of the most likable, relatable, and just plain fun protagonists you're going to find anywhere.

One issue into the run, there's still a long way to go and plenty of time to recover, but this inauspicious debut certainly won't win over any fans. This is a book to keep an eye on, for sure, but this issue doesn't do much to get things off the ground.

If you're not already a fan of Spencer and Lieber's always-on-the-make anti-heroes and the hopelessly debauched L.A. that they inhabit, there's nothing new here to win you over.

This book holds a lot of promise, but the debut underwhelms, despite excellent pencils and colors.

Final Verdict: 8.2 With a unique combination of horror, suspense and urban fantasy elements, "The Girl in the Bay" #2 delivers a spectacular visual feast, even as it raises more questions.

"The Good Asian" #3 keeps raising the stakes while expanding on it's central theme to deliver a nuanced, contemporary noir with heart.

"Hard Place" #2 stylishly avoids tired clichs while breathing unexpected life into the story of an ex-con trying to get his life back on track.

This exposition-heavy debut issue ends just as things seem to get started. If subsequent issues can trust the audience to fill in the blanks " and back off overt story telling " there's a lot of fun to be had.

"Lollipop Kids" #3 hooks the reader hard with an action-packed first scene. Things slow down considerably from that point forward, heavy on exposition and worldbuilding, but with a big reveal at the end, it does an excellent job of setting up the issues to come.

With an often poetic script and incredible visual aesthetic, the visceral creepiness of "The Low, Low Woods" #1 will linger long after you've closed the book's cover.

"The Many Deaths of Laila Starr" #5 is the perfect ending to a brilliant series.

"The Normals" #4 is competent but conventional work. There are no major flaws, but with the story having plateaued, there's not a whole lot to recommend it.

Buy this book. Read this book. Share this book. This is an instant classic.

Come for the main event, but be sure to stay for the extras, they make a decent debut much better.

"The Scumbag" #1 doesn't move the story much further than what we already know, in terms of both character and plot, but the interior art is great and who doesn't like rooting for a cranky antihero?

As the series heads toward the end of the first story arc, it's getting hard to separate key moments and plot points from potentially extraneous details.

With a solid premise, clever dialogue and gorgeous artwork, "There's Nothing There" hints at greatness. In the second issue, however, not a whole lot happens. At this point, the stage is set, it's time to unleash the beasts.

With iconic characters and a pitch-perfect setting, "Tommy Gun Wizards" #1 definitely makes this series one to watch, but not quite yet on the pull list.

Final Verdict: 9.1 With an immensely likable, neuro-atypical viewpoint character, a pitch-perfect narrative structure and killer artwork to boot, "Tomorrow" #1 is another home run from Berger Books.

As a series, "Trees: Three Fates" may eventually return to form. The debut issue, however, is vastly different from any of the other issues that led us to this point. Maybe Image is right and this is just some sort of one-off miniseries not really connected to anything else.

With a fast moving plot and likable protagonist, "Vagrant Queen: A Planet Called Doom" #1 is a solid debut that leaves the future wide open.

Final Verdict: 8.0 Veronica is clearly the star, but with Dilton as her unlikely sidekick, she suddenly feels like a hero, too. So if you're already a fan of the Archie multiverse, you're bound to like this fresh take on one of Riverdale's most iconic characters.

Whether it's your introduction to the weird world of Archie Horror or the next series debut you've been dying for, "Vampironica: New Blood" #1 is a fresh and exciting start to what could be a seminal series in the burgeoning Archieverse.

Ultimately, as the debut issue in a brief 4-part miniseries, "Welcome to Wanderland" #1 is a promising start. The world is well established, the characters are clearly defined and the plot is unfolding nicely. The foundation and framework are here. This series should be great fun.

White Savior #1 explodes one of Hollywood's most insidious and insulting tropes rooted in the glorification of the colonial past. Working to decolonize The Hero's Journey isn't only the right thing to do in the hands of Eric Nyugen and Scott Burman, it's absurdly fun.

With gorgeous artwork, wonderful layouts, and a steady stream of wisecracking dialogue, this second issue is the whole package.

packed story. As a series, however, theres not yet a major hook or feeling of urgency.

Technically proficient on every level, Wonder Woman #26 continues to peel back layers of Diana Princes complex psyche while also dropping some interesting clues about new potential subplots. Its a solid first outing for the new creative team, for sure, but the bar is set very high and theres a long way to go.