Piper Whitaker Comic Reviews

Ultimately, Absolute Wonder Woman #1 is a strong start to an already experimental and engaging universe. Thompson and Sherman have a lot of exciting stuff lined up and I can't wait to see how it all evolves.

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 continues the theme of feeling large and powerful, as Thompson, Sherman, and Bellaire continue experimenting with the classic Wonder Woman mythos and Greek myth. Despite its problems, this is still a fantastic issue.

Absolute Wonder Woman #3 is a perfect issue. It introduces new faces and tells the tales of the titular hero all while allowing the audience to peer deeper and deeper into Wonder Woman's mind. Thus far, this stands to be the strongest Absolute title out of the Trinity titles, and I can't wait for more.

Ultimately, Absolute Wonder Woman has the room to stand as one of the best titles of the Absolute line as every issues continues to re-imagine but also honor the legacy of previous Wonder Woman creators. I can't want to see how this arc concludes.

Absolute Wonder Woman #6 is a gorgeous arc opener, but carries a few problems that hold it back. Despite those problems, Thompson, De Iulis, and Nyguen power through it to deliver a solid issue.

Absolute Wonder Woman #7 is another home run for the series and continues to help refine Wonder Woman for the modern audience.

Absolute Wonder Woman #8 is a beautiful arc opener and presents a strong down to earth tone that allows its story to flourish throughout the next few issues.

Ultimately, Absolute Wonder Woman #9 is a stellar book with some weaker aspects. I can't wait to see where Thompson and Sherman take the title.

Absolute Wonder Woman #10 is a fantastic issue. Minor issues aside, this continues to be a strong series and honestly my favorite Absolute title to read.

Absolute Wonder Woman #12 is a blast and brilliant conclusion to the book's third arc with some of the most dynamic action and storytelling seen in this series thus far.

Absolute Wonder Woman #14 is a simple and slower paced issue that functions as a much needed breather from the chaos happening in the Absolute Universe.

Absolute Wonder Woman #15 is a shaky crossover with some phenomenal creative work.

The subject matter itself isn't weak, it's the presentation. Absolute Wonder Woman #16 is unfortunately the weakest issue thus far and not even the flirtatious nature of Zatanna can fix that.

Absolute Wonder Woman #18 might be disjointed, but there is still enough there to keep cheering Thompson and Sherman on.

Despite the problems with this arc, Absolute Wonder Woman continues to be a great alternative to the mainline Wonder Woman title and like any ongoing comic series, you’re going to have growing pains, some worse than others. You just have to take some ibuprofen and keep on chucking.

Absolute Wonder Woman #20 is a fantastic conclusion to Season of the Witch and a brilliant setup for what’s next.

As strong of a story 'Ex Machina' is, it couldn't help balance the more unsavory backups of this week's Action Comics. However, I carry high hopes for the Superfamily after Knight Terrors.

All around, Action Comics #1057 has good moments but is overshadowed by shaky side stories and questionable character development.

The highlighting team have strong visions for each of these stories and are showing that they're willing to carry these characters into the new era despite the road bumps they encounter. I can't wait for the next installment.

Ultimately, Johnson and co. don't deliver as hard as they usually do, but are saved by the intense signs of war in "Past is Prologue". I do have high hopes for the future of the Superfamily and Dreamer as the teases to their upcoming storylines show exciting adventures awaiting 2024.

Ultimately, Johnson and Raynor walk into some problems manage to craft a satisfying ending for a fan-favorite run. I can't wait to see what these two do next.

With all of the cards in place, Action Comics: Doomsday Special #1 by Dan Watters, Eddie Barrows, Eber Ferriera, Adriano Lucas, Max Raynor, and Andrew Dalhouse is a terrifying and exciting event setup that will lead to a new era of Supergirl and Martian Manhunter.

Despite characterization issues, 'Batman/Dylan Dog #1' is a fun introduction into the world of Dylan Dog and his new adventures with the Caped Crusauder. I can't wait to see where the story goes next.

A strong but awkwardly paced introduction to a new and important storyline. I believe Waid, Mora, and Bonvillan have something special despite minor problems within the script.

All together, Waid, Mora, and Bonvillan are telling an interesting story full of twists and turns. However, it is weighted down by the lack of downtime needed for these characters.

Batman/Superman: World's Finest: #22 is overall a welcome improvement over the last two issues. The scope of "Heir to the Kingdom" is a test to Waid's mythological storytelling and how he wants to evolve Earth-0's World's Finest, whether it's modeling David/Magog after Kara Zor-El and Dick Grayson or leaning into somewhat obscure religious mythology and ideology.

Altogether, Waid and Mora knock it out of the park with this installment and sets up a big shake for a conclusion that will surely change foundations for the series going forward.

Waid and co. truly stuck the landing with this issue as they remind the readers that they are here to add and not change the original story. For as influenctial as Kingdom Come has been for many years, the messaging of a legacy and the religious aspects of it ever fails to paint a perfect picture.

All together, this new installment of Batman/Superman: World's Finest functions as fun and unique teasers for future arcs in the series and I can't wait to see how Waid and co. experiment with their characters.

'Batman/Superman: World's Finest #26' is a strong start in an already brilliant series. I can't wait to see what happens next and maybe see if this shattering ending brings in Mxy and Bat-Mite's second favorite heroes, Supergirl and Batgirl.

Ultimately, Waid delivers a fun issue with the World's Finest crew, but issue #27 suffers from scripting issues that will require a good fix in the next couple of installments. Thanks to Mora and Mercer, the book was able to keep on its feet and continue being a fun and digestible issue.

Overall, the creative trio in this book help lift each other up in admirable ways as each hurdle is balanced with either Waid's script or Mora and Mercer's dynamic and engaging art. It makes me hopeful the trio will stick the landing in the final issue of this arc.

As Dan Mora retires from the series, Waid and Mora successfully stick the landing on an overall fun and crazy arc. It will be interesting to see where the book will go with Mora's absence and what Waid will focus on next.

Overall, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest #30 is a fun but flawed issue. Mark Waid hit a few roadblocks in his script but managed to deliver an entertaining story with some cute moments and beautiful art from Gleb Melnikov.

Overall, Batman/Superman: World's Finest #31 is a strong return to form and plays off of Waid's past work to help set up an exciting future for this series whether its for Justice League Unlimted, JSA, or simply World's Finest.

Despite some problems, Batman/Superman: World's Finest 2024 Annual is a fantastic deep dive into the outside world of Batman and Superman and does a great job to show what the heroes of the past get up to when the World's Finest aren't around.

Rafael Grampa and Matheus Lopes bring readers a strong but shaky introduction to their interpretation of everyone's favorite Caped Crusader, and despite their errors deliver an entertaining comic with a lot of discussion to be had about Batman as a myth.

One Bad Day remains one of DC's most artistic and terrifying line of Batman stories, and Clayface's entry showcases the best that DC horror can be.

Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville is fun, cute, and reminiscent of their past in Keith Giffen's JLI and it will only continue to get crazier as the mini series continues. I can't wait to see what these three have in store for Bea and Tora.

Starer, Bustos, and Bonvillan flex their creative abilities once more to show how deep their love for JLI and the many cast of characters Keith Giffen was obsessed with during his tenor at DC. This miniseries is a must for anyone who loves '80s comics and their unusual sense of humor.

This issue, while a filler chapter, continues the series trend of being a fun and engaging series full of laughs and heartwarming moments between two inseparable heroes.

Once again. Starer, Bustos, and Bonvillan knock it out of the park with this installment of Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville and continue to develop what might be one of the most entertaining comics out on shelves right now. I can't wait for the next issue.

As we prepare for the end, Starer, Bustos, and Bonvillan make sure to plant the seeds for a crazy finale and I'm excited to see how this story ends as they have managed to pull together a rare 'home run' mini series.

After striking gold with each issue, the creative team behind 'Fire & Ice: Welcome to Smallville' craft a perfect ending to a perfect book. I'm excited to see where these creators go next.

Hairball #1 is a brilliant collaboration between Kindt and the Jenkins that provides a passionate, unsettling story, setting the stage for an exciting miniseries.

Heavy Metal #1 is a wild ride and fantastic relaunch that aims to reclaim the magazine's former glory one step at a time.

Justice League Unlimited #5 is a wild ride with love for its strong cast of characters, a fun story, even more engaging usages of action and panel-work, but does fall flat in a few areas.

Justice League Unlimited #6 is a bit of a rough issue. Waid and Moore put interesting ideas in play, but the pacing and the change in tone is jarring to say the least.

Justice League Unlimited #9 is a fitting epilogue to We Are Yesterday. Waid, Mora and co. swing with another home run pitch and we're thankful after how the previous event felt overall.

Justice League Unlimited #10 is easily the best issue since the debut. It capitalizes on all series' strength and injecting new life and revelations into the ongoing conflicts. We can't wait to see what Waid and co. have in store next time.

Justice League Unlimited #11 is a serviceable prelude issue that boasts a strong, action packed main narrative with stylistic art to match the frantic energy.

As an arc opener, and an event tie-in no less, Justice League Unlimited #12 stands as a surprisingly poignant character-oriented tale.

Justice League Unlimited #17 is neither stellar nor terrible. Waid and Henry clearly have fun with this installment but it raises the question of just how well a book designed to set up spinoffs can fare with long term quality. Hopefully this series can find the footing it has been looking for as this arc continues.

Despite the problems that Casey and McDaid run into, Kneel Before Zod is a strong beginning to a promising mini series. I can't wait to see how this series evolves.

Continuing off the heels of horror and intrigue introduced by Superman and Supergirl's adventures in Knight Terrors: Superman #1, this was a strong set of horror stories from two writers who aim to push the Heroes of Tomorrow into a new and impressive height.

All together Leah Williams, Vasco Georgiev, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Mico Suayan, and Fico Ossio have something special here and the future of Power Girl and Action Comics is a bright one. I've never been more excited for a superhero comic line before until these books arrived and I can only see it going up from here.

A messy script that suffers from the age-old event curse, but a strong foray into horror with some terrifying art from March and Lafuente.

All around, Knight Terrors: Batman #2 is a shaky but visually interesting end to the two-parter. I can only hope Williamson improves with the upcoming Batman and Robin series.

Written by DC veteran Joshua Williamson, drawn by The Thing's Tom Reilly, and colored by Nathan Fairburn, Knight Terrors: Superman sets itself as a strong story for Superman and, interestingly enough, his cousin Supergirl. The story follows the generalized Knight Terrors format but with an ending twist as Insomnia comes after the Red-Blue Blur and manipulates his dreams to reveal his greatest fears. Williamson plays with Clark Kent's fears a lot better than he did his dark and brooding companion in Knight Terrors: Batman, and it shows.

Williamson. Reilly, and Fairburn knock it out of the park with the final installment of Knight Terrors: Superman and sets up the future of The Man of Steel in a strong and interesting way.

I genuinely believe this is a book you don't want to ignore. Memoirs is a semi-autobiographical comic strip that makes you relive the everyday stress you deal with, this time manifested into a weak and cowardly man who happens to be the book's author. I believe that this will be a classic that many future creators will look back on for years to come, whether it's for its sense of humor or its beautiful artwork.

Phantom Road is a strong start on a bumpy dirt road. Lemire's strengths and weaknesses are both on display, and the art does a lot of the foundational work for the story. This is a comic to keep your eye on for awhile.

Altogether, Power Girl #3 continues the story in a strong way with strong atmosphere and tone but manages to come across new issues that can be easily overcome as the series progresses. We can't wait to see where Williams and Pansica go with this story.

In the end, Power Girl #4 is a strong end for a first arc and shows Williams' best strengths as a writer. Pansica's art will be missed in the upcoming issues, however, we are excited for the future.

Ultimately, the issue is well worth a read as the collaboration between Leah Williams and Marguerite Sauvage shows how passionate the two are for these characters and the world they inhabit.

The artistic evolution in this series shows how powerful Leah Williams and Eduardo Pansica are as a creative duo and how their method thus far is tackling the grand comic book crossover in a strong and engaging way. Each issue continues to be a treat for just how passionate these two are.

Overall, Power Girl #10 is a fun conclusion to the book's first event tie-in with some of Williams' most engaging action and Pansica's best work. Despite the overexposure with Symbio, we are curious to see where Williams and Pansica take the book next.

Power Girl #11 is a funny, beautifully drawn installment that suffers from an overarching issue that impacts the book's romance.

Overall, Power Girl #12 is a nice dive into romantic fantasy with some fun comedy and a beautiful atmosphere thanks to Moore's art. The book has a couple of rough patches, but not enough to ruin the fun energy present inside.

Williams and Melo bring their A-game to All In, revamping the series with their cute comedy, touching sentiments, gorgeous art, all topped off with the promising return of a key villain.

All in all, Power Girl #17 is a deeply charming status quo shift that picks up storylines that haven't had much time to cook, while also pushing the series in a new direction that makes it serve as a good jumping on point for the character.

Season of the Roses is a beautiful and passionate story by Chle Wary and captures a nostalgic feeling throughout while diving deep into feminist ideals. So far, this is my favorite release from Fantagraphics this year.

All together, Superman Annual 2023 is the best issue in Williamson and Campbell's Superman run and it only makes me excited for whats to come for Superman and Lois.

The Agency is a sexual science fiction and psychedelic ride with an addictive art style and a passionate love for the medium.

Strongly written with extravagant and comedic art. However, this comic is not designed for the average comic audience.

In conclusion, Ultimate X-Men #16 is a wonderful installment that manages to deliver strong character development and moments all while continuing to use the horrifying clinical atmospheres that were used in the previous chapters.

Ultimate X-Men #17 is a wild ride that lays the groundwork for thrills and that sweet J-Horror goodness. As I've mentioned before, Davisson and Momoko have a great thing going here, and this remains one of the strongest Marvel ongoings the company has presently. I can't wait for more.

Ultimate X-Men #18 is a brilliant issue that delivers strong lore and gorgeous artwork. Momoko and Davisson struck gold on this issue all while creating some fantastic emotional moments and teases for the future.

Ultimate X-Men #19 is a phenomenal story about the power to finally accept yourself with some of the most breathtaking art in the series thus far. Momoko does an amazing job capturing the powers of each mutant and hits a homerun with the storytelling.

Ultimate X-Men #20 is a fantastic issue that advances the story at play while setting up future encounters for our favorite cast of failing high schoolers.

In conclusion, Ultimate X-Men #21 is a brilliant comic that somewhat staggers but manages to keep itself upright with a strong finale set up.

Peach Momoko and Zach Davisson provide one of the strongest penultimate issues I've read in a long time. I cannot wait to see how they conclude the series. Their work on Ultimate X-Men continues to be some of the best that cape-comics provide.

In conclusion, Ultimate X-Men #24 is a fantastic and mysterious end to a thrilling comic run. Peach Momoko and Zack Davisson have put in the work to keep this series going strong as it managed to exist outside of the box it was put into.

Unstoppable Doom Patrol is a fresh start for a beloved property, and while there are a few speed bumps, Culver and Burham are running straight towards the future.