Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Civil War II" #3 / "Spider-Gwen" Annual #1 / "Aquaman" #3

Civil War II #3: Bendis offers up one spectacular revelation after the other, continuing to go all out in this series. The only question is whether he can keep that pace and wrap it up in successful fashion, or falls victim to the comic's evergrowing expectations.

8/10

"Spider-Gwen" Annual #1: It's imaginative, creative, different and absolutely refreshing. The only problem: all this eclipses the actual focal point of the comic, Spider-Gwen herself, who is merely an afterthought in all of this. 

7/10

Aquaman #3: The political dilemma here is not as original and intense as writer Dan Abnett probably thinks them to be, and artist Philippe Briones is not able to convey the emotions necessary to make this all a little bit more grasping. Unfortunately, a small step back for "Aquaman". 

6/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Civil War II" #2 / "Nightwing" #1 / "Action Comics" #937

"Civil War II" #2: The series is now in full swing, as the battle lines are drawn with no way back for either side. Tony Stark is conceived particularly well here, as both emotion and the urge to control his environment rage inside him.

8/10

"Nightwing" #1: It picks up where it left off in the "New 52", but still manages to give newcomers a thorough introduction to the character and what defines him. Funny with a compelling story.

8/10

"Detective Comics" #937: The mystery of "The Colony" unravels here, as Tynion IV builds up what could be a great showdown in the following issues. It also features some really interesting facts about Batman's utility belt. 

8/10

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

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "Deadpool & The Mercs For Money" #1 / "Action Comics" #960 / "Captain America: Steve Rogers" #3

"Deadpool & The Mercs For Money" #1: The reboot nobody really needed (yet) actually delivers the best "Mercs" comic so far, especially benefitting from a clear narrative outline.

8/10

"Action Comics" #960: Its art is too kitschy, but writer Dan Jurgens somehow manages to still keep the large-scale Superman vs. Doomsday fight interesting, finding twists and turns wherever he can. Wonder Woman kicks some serious ass here as well.

7/10

"Captain America: Steve Rogers" #3: Lighter in tone than the two previous issues, and not necessarily better for it. Next up is a "Civil War II" tie-in. Hopefully, Nick Spencer returns to form then.

6/10

Quickfire Combo-Reviews: "The Fix" #4 / "Black Widow" #5 / "Star Wars" #21

I need to catch up with my comics, so here's something new to get up-to-date relatively quickly. Enjoy!

"The Fix" #4: More Mac, more Josh, more Pretzels, more mayhem. Fun, entertaining, hugely disturbing, the surprise series of 2016 keeps impressing.

9/10

"Black Widow" #5: It's pace and relentless action reminds of the fantastic first issue, as Natasha feels the heat on her from everywhere. Still great, even though it lacks some of the magic we were getting used to.

8/10

"Star Wars" #21: Superbly narrated, as its art perfectly matches the comic's sombre atmosphere. Whether you love or hate the Stormtrooper special unit we get to know here, their appeal is unmissable. Marvel's darkest Star Wars comic so far.

8/10