FLASH #48 DC COMICS
Good news for Wally West fans as Joshua Williamson’s story gets us away from the Zoom angle and reminds us of the good old days. Days when DC was allowing their heroes to grow up and more into the future with a certain grace. The images this issue bring up are heartwarming to older comic readers. You’ve got Barry Allen hanging with the Rogues (ok Future Rogues but still), Wally West flashbacks of his kids. And was that the Crisis white wall of doom?! Unfortunately, it looks like it back to Flash vs Flash next issue. However, this issue provides a great little pit stop. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
HAWKMAN #1 DC COMICS
Thank you Robert Venditti for doing you Hawkman homework. Speaking as a total Hawkman geek, your characterization of both Carter Hall and Hawkman delve deep and are spot on! And Bryan Hitch’s art have tons of little gems hidden in them. From the Indiana Jones-ish opening sequence to the double page history of Hawkman, this book is a joy to read. Throw in some cameos by Madame Xanadu, the flying apes of Gorilla City, and old Greek friend Yiannis, you’ve got a great back round cast. And of course, you can’t forget to mention Andrew Currie and Alex Sinclair for adding color and shadow to some incredibly beautiful scenic backdrops. I applaud you for starting off on the right foot with this character and succeeding where so many others have failed over the years.. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
PLASTIC MAN #1 DC COMICS
A true vision of Jack Cole’s pliable pal as reimagined for 2018! Gail Simone’s vision of the life of Eel O’Brian is totally updated but has a large helping of Jack Cole’s original concept. Check out Cole’s origin story before he gets all rubbery and you’ll see how well Simone plays it forward. And Adriana Melo’s art brings a sense of realism to a character who can literally be any shape. The best part is when I saw the cover and wondered if the blond on the cover was Penny from the old Plastic Man cartoon! This has the nugget of a full ongoing series once this storyline is over. From what I see here, 6 issues is not ging to be enough. I give it a 10 out of 10 Grahams.
EXILES #4 MARVEL COMICS
While still not a fan of the current characters in this incarnation of the Exiles team, this issue spotlights another fun alternate reality that really brought a smile to my face. Ben Grimm still a pirate?! Another female version of Bucky?! And those 70’s outfits on Misty Knight and Sam Wilson?! And who’s that surprise mystery villain at the end?! This is an issue of just good clean fun. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
STELLAR #1 IMAGE COMICS
A new sci-fi storyline that could be straight out of a 1980’s black and white magazine. The story of an ex-warrior who looks to help save the world she ravaged is a concept that Joseph Keatinge handles well. However, it’s artist Bret Blevins that steals the show. This art style is straight from the days of the Heavy Metal movie, except that the characters keep their clothes on. Based on characters created by Robert Kirkman and Marc Silvestri, this one has some star power behind it. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
BY NIGHT #1 BOOM! BOX
A childhood fantasy come true! Who doesn’t remember going into some old abandon place to search for the unknown. I know I sure did but I never found anything cool. That’s not the case for Heather and Jane. In a town that is slowly dying, these girls have hit the jackpot and John Allison’s story make you feel that way as well. Wonderfully told and spotlighted by the unique artwork of Christine Larsen, this is a tale that appeals to both young and old, boy or girl. The question you have to ask yourself is would you walk through the dimensional warp? A terrific all ages title. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
TANGLED #2 IDW COMICS
More all ages fun with Disney’s longest haired princess! Whether it’s getting into trouble with Pascal or shenanigans with Eugene, Rapunzel is always ready for anything. This title is filled with creative teams that really know how to bring out the Disney magic. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
MAGIC ORDER #1 IMAGE COMICS
Mark Millar and Olivier Coipel’s ode to the world of magic does manage to provide enough twists and turns to keep the interest flowing. The characters are interesting and the situations different. And while I’m confused as to what exactly a Netflix comic is, I can definitely see this as an actually television show based on Coipel’s visuals. Something a little out of the ordinary but definitely worth the read. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
