GODZILLA VS LOS ANGELES #1 IDW COMICS
While I had a bit of invested interest in the Godzilla vs Chicago issue, Godzilla’s trip to LA didn’t have the same effect on me. But I refuse to stamp it as bad simply because I don’t live there. I’m sure the comic readers in LA had the same enjoyment about having the King of the Monsters go crashing through their town. What I can give credit to IDW is that these mini-stories by various creative teams have a definite Hollywood feel to them. A traffic helicopter team get their big break when they jump out of their crashing chopper and land on top of Godzilla. A struggling idolistic actress makes the ultimate connection to her dreams thanks to Godzilla. And primative special effects help a robot’s crew scare off Godzilla’s rampage. An interesting collection that the readers in Los Angeles will surely love. 6 out of 10 Grahams.
GODZILLA VS THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1 MARVEL COMICS
Another one-shot showing what Marvel could have been doing with the King of the Monsters the last time they had the rights to the character. This one is a little light of the King of the Monsters and features a lot of potential Spider-Man storylines for the future. And while there are some clever bits (like Godzilla’s roar shaking the Venom Symbiote loose), the Vemon Godzilla was a bit too much. Joe Kelly’s story is quite charming and Nick Bradshaw’s art is up to his usual excellet standards, so this is a nice little Spider-Man book with Godzilla guest starring. Plus the interaction between Black Cat and Mary Jane Watson is classic. All in all, a good time read. 8 out of 10 Grahams.
THE HUMAN FLY #4 IPI COMICS
And while I am sad to know that this is the last issue, I am amazed at what Writer Jason Franks and Artist Jan Scherpenhuizen have accomplished here. Reaching deep into the comic history books and pulling out one of the most random 1970’s characters was inspired. But best of all, they made it work! For a mere four issues, they were able to establish an updated version of the character. They made the story completely make sense. They honored the original idea behind the man behind the mask. Introduced new secondary characters that were interesting. And both reminded us old nostagia readers as well as new clueless readers what a great concept this is. Luckily, there seems to be a follow up series planned for the future. I applaud the successful effort these folks have adeptly done here. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
VAMPIRESS CARMILLA FEARBOOK ANNUAL 2026
Warrant Publishing once again shows that Vampiress Carmilla not only can pull of hosting duties in her regular magazine but can also fill the extra pages of an Annual Fear Book with no problems at all. With ten stories (including a new one!) These tales presented by the low-cut, mini-skirt wearing vampire include all the things that go bump in the night including werewolves, ghosts, vampires, and hunchbacks. And the creative teams here prove that they love the old 1970’s black and white horror magaines. This is the perfect way to wet your interests before committing to the regular magazine. With stories coming from issues #1-20, this one spotlights a great regular title. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
MORE FUN COMICS #73 FACSIMILE EDITION DC COMICS
Since 1935, More Fun Comics had been entertaining us comic readers for over 6 years when this one hit the stands. One of the many anthology comics of the day, the kiddie stories had faded away and the serious super-heroes of the Golden Age had taken over. The Spectre had first showed up 21 issue before in issue #52. Dr. Fate had shown up in issue #55. Congo Bill was starting to pop up here and there. Just recently, Johnny Quick had joined the roster in issue #71. And other tertiary characters like Captain Desmo, the Radio Squad, and Clip Carson were title regulars who helped fill page counts. And while not the original size, why did this particular issue manage to get a facsimile edition. Most probably due to it being the first appearance of three rather memorable characters, Green Arrow and Speedy and Aquaman! But not just just those three but the Earth-2 Golden Age versions. That’s right chums, Aquaman with a big letter A on his belt and yellow gloves! A father who had discovered what he believed to be the uninhabited city of Atlantis! Creating an undersea home for he and his son where he learned how to function underwater! No King of Atlantis! No banished mother taking refuge at a lighthouse! After all these years and seeing all the different versions of Aquaman, I still fall back to this one as my favorite. This is the perfect example of what the creators of the Golden Age of heroes had to offer us! 10 out of 10 Grahams.
