Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Aquaman" #2 / "Superman" #2 & #3

Aquaman #2: Abnett is playing it relatively safe here, as the moral conflict between Aquaman and Black Manta is presented solidly, but relies too heavily on well-known tropes.

7/10

Superman #2: More than anything else it's the father-son relationship between Clark and Jon that shines most here, as Tomasi and Gleason finally nail this aspect and make the latter a truly integral part of the story.

8/10

Superman #3: The story around the Eradicators appearance is slightly underwhelming, adding to the sense of imbalance that pervades this comic as a whole. At least the end promises a badass next issue.

6/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Batman" #3 / "Green Arrow" #2 & #3

"Batman" #3: We finally get some backstory on Gotham and Gotham Girl, and surprisingly, it's quite compelling. Bellaire's color palette is simply amazing here again, bathing Gotham in an amazing red, yellow and brown. One of DC's quintessential "Rebirth" series.

9/10

"Green Arrow" #2: The implosion of Oliver Queen's world is superbly staged by Percy, even though it doesn't have the emotional depth he might have aimed (sorry!) for. The series continues to impress and entertain, and even introduces a compelling new villainous organisation with the "Ninth Circle".


8/10

"Green Arrow" #3: Juan Ferreyra takes over the art department from Otto Schmidt, and instantly changes the comic's dynamic with his clear-cut and sinewy approach. Finally, we also get some more information on the "Ninth Circle", rounding off a thoroughly appealing experience.

9/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Black Panther" #4 / "Aquaman" #1 / "Batman" #2

Black Panther #4: With its complex philosophy and politics running so deep, and its characters being wonderfully ambiguous instead of only black and white, the only thing really missing was some kick-ass action. With #5 promising exactly that, "Black Panther" could manifest itself even more as one of 2016's best comic book series.

9/10

"Aquaman" #1: The story plays it relatively safe, as Aquaman is plagued with some well-tested enemies and personal conflicts. However, Walker's light art and Eltaeb's impressive color palette capture the beauty of Atlantean life in great fashion.

7/10

"Batman" #2: The slow pace and art style feel welcomingly retro, and Tom King has a real sense for the kind of dry humor that benefits both Batman himself and Commissioner Gordon. Anybody who was skeptical after Scott Snyder left the main series should now be convinced that Batman is indeed in good hands here.

9/10

Review: "Deadpool v Gambit" #2

It's definitely a positive to see Deadpool being so "meta" again in a comic, something that was unfortunately missing from recent issues. And even though it's solid fun, with writers Acker and Blacker creatively justifying that their Deadpool story is less violence and more intrigue, it is let down considerably by its narrative execution. Constant jumps in time and holes in its story create a substantial lack in terms of coherence, denying the reader a more pleasant experience.

6/10

Furter Links:

Deadpool v Gambit #1

Review: "Daredevil/The Punisher" #3

Did I mention how awesome this comic looks? Probably, but I'll just do it again. Szymon Kudranski and Jim Charalampidis do a thoroughly impressive job in creating a beautifully dark and washed out New York City at night, adding massively to the comic's atmosphere of constant threat. 

But not just the art is AAA here, as writer Charles Soule knows how to build up chemistry, not just between Daredevil and Blindspot, but also between Daredevil and the comics villains, which exceeds mere cheeky combat bon mots. A complete success throughout.  

9/10

Further Links:

Daredevil/The Punisher #1
Daredevil/The Punisher #2

Review: "Han Solo" #2

This is easily the best looking Star Wars comic so far, with artistic team of Brooks, Vines and Oback going for a beautifully naturalistic look on the environments, while the warm and earthy colors on characters' faces add additional depth and emotion. Liu's story continues to impress with a fresh take on Solo himself, even though the narrative mode of a sports broadcast seems weirdly out of place for the Star Wars universe. 

8/10

Further Links:

Han Solo #1

"The Good, the Bad and Something About Comics": "Justice League: Rebirth" #1

                + Positive                                        - Negative

Doesn't waste any time in getting to the action Art is in line with other current “Rebirth” titles Convincing dynamic between the “League” members Characters feel distinct and unique Knows how to stage and dramatize the concept of the Justice League

Clark Kent’s conflict of whether to join the Justice League seems largely artificial Generic space-alien-invader Not as funny as it thinks it is

A solid first issue for Justice League that gets to the point immediately, but has still considerable room to improve.

6/10

Keepin' It 360: "Poe Dameron" #4

Poe Dameron opens up a new chapter, and it's all the better for it, as the hard-boiled prison setting benefits the characters of Black Squadron. Phil Noto's art is unspectacular, but aesthetically in line with other current Star Wars comics, while writer Charles Soule fortunately resists the temptation of depicting Grakkus the Hutt too close to Jabba.

7/10

Further Links:

Poe Dameron #1

Poe Dameron #2

Poe Dameron #3

Keepin' It 360: "The Punisher" #3

It's fast, relentless and absolutely captivating, as writer Becky Cloonan manages to portrait a softer side of The Punisher without ever compromising his brutal and ruthless determination. In line with that is artist Steve Dillon's more human approach to Frank Castle, although his depiction of violence and gore remains unfortunately sub-par.


8/10

Further Links:

The Punisher #1
The Punisher #2