Heroes in Crisis #1 DC Comics Writer: Tom King Artists: Clay Mann and Tomeu Morey Coming off of several controversial decisions, DC Comics now delivers its newest event, Heroes in Crisis, to a wary audience. When Tom King talked about the book, he described it as an examination of mental health and violence through the tragic lives of superheroes. Unfortunately, something else takes center stage in Heroes in Crisis #1. It does tackle violence’s psychological impact on superheroes, as promised. But unfortunately the former takes prominence over the latter. Tom King has proved he’s capable of writing mature, captivating books…
Author: Matthew Dillon
Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers: Back to School #1 Boom! Studios Writer: Marguerite Bennett Art: Ilaria Catalani, Derek Charm, Jordan Gibson, Xiao Tong Kong, Jon Lam, Jim Towe Boom! Studios has gained new ground with its licensed Power Rangers comics. Centering on the original Rangers, it avoids mindless nostalgia while staying true to the spirit of the show. More importantly, they managed to create a fully rounded experience. Longtime Power Ranger’s fans should be pleased but by bringing out the best in the characters and mythos, they’ve given newcomers a hook. Saban’s Go Go Power Rangers: Back to School…
Mystery Science Theater 3000 #1 Dark Horse Comics Writers: Harold Bucholz and Joel Hodgson Artists: Todd Nauk and Mike Manley While comic book adaptations of movies and TV shows have filled the racks for some time now, Mystery Science Theater 3000 #1 is still surprising. The cult classic originally debuted in 1988 with an 11-year run. Last year, a new season premiered on Netflix with different actors and a new direction. Despite the numerous changes in cast and crew over the years, its basic premise has remained consistent. An average Joe ends up kidnapped by villains, both of the workplace…
Cemetery Beach #1 Image Comics Writer: Warren Ellis Artist: Jason Howard Warren Ellis’ newest book for Image, Cemetery Beach, sees him reunite with artist Jason Howard. The book follows Michael Blackburn, a soldier sent from earth to scout out a secret space colony founded during the Roaring Twenties. Captured by its regressive government, he must rely on a local rebel, Grace Moody, to escape the planet. The book uses some of the esteemed writer’s favorite concepts, namely breakaway civilizations and repressive dictatorships. Cemetery Beach’s quippy, world-centric writing and sharp, motion conscious art offer an experience very reminiscent of early 2000…
United States vs. Murder Inc. #1 Jinxworld Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Michael Avon Oeming One of the numerous new labels recently created by DC Comics is Jinxworld, consisting of new and old creator-owned comics written by Brian Michael Bendis. One of its titles is a new series of United States Vs. Murder Inc., a book in which crime organizations secretly control America. While this #1 is a continuation of a pre-existing series, it does not require prior reading. That already puts Murder Inc. ahead of most, as it avoids making a “jumping on point” that’s really anything but. Murder…
Star Wars Adventures #13 IDW Publishing Writers: Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet, and Hick Brokenshire Artists: Elsa Charretier and Hick Brokenshire IDW’s Star Wars Adventures is an all-ages comic in the vein of Dark Horse’s similar Clone Wars Adventures. Like its predecessor, the art and stories are far more simplistic than those presented in other pieces of Star Wars media. Thankfully, Star Wars Adventures #13 is still well executed enough to feel like it belongs in the universe. Like its Dark Horse counterpart, Star Wars Adventures deals with complex topics translated appropriately for a young-reader book. Star Wars Adventures #13 provides…