Join us on the Frontlines with our weekly review roundup. This is where we have assembled to give our thoughts on various issues that are released each week. This week we have Jay, Justin, & Kat, giving reviews for books from Archie Comics, BOOM! Studios, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Lion Forge, Marvel Comics, Scout Comics, Titan Comics, Valiant Comics, and Zenescope Entertainment! Check out the reviews below and let us know what you think in the comments below or on Twitter. Welcome to the FRONTLINE REVIEWS, hope you enjoy the experience!
BLOSSOM 666 #3
Written By: Cullen Bunn
Art By: Laura Braga
Letters By: Jack Morelli
Colors By: Matt Herms
Main Cover By: Laura Braga
Variant Covers By: Marguerite Sauvage & Matthew Taylor
Price: $3.99
There is a third Blossom in the running to be the Anti-Christ and he has his eyes set on Betty. I love the twists and turns this darker more sinister Archie tale keeps on taking. Finding out that the Blossoms are triplets and not twins with Julian was really cool and he brings in that total unknown factor. Julian was raised by this cult so we know nothing about him, but he does seem to be a Blossom through and through. Bunn is doing a bang up job on this book, I never found the Blossoms more intriguing or engaging as I do in this mini. Braga and Herms make quite the duo with Braga's art being so expressive that the sinister just seeps off the page while Herms colors really bring the art and story together with the right mood setting for every panel and the Blossom's hair just pops making you notice them even more. Overall, I recommend this to everyone, but especially the Riverdale fans. Can we get Bunn to write some on the show and bring Julian with him? ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
*NOTE Read Buffy The Vampire Slayer #4 before reading Angel #0.
ANGEL #0
Written By: Bryan Edward Hill
Art By: Gleb Melnikov
Colors By: Gabriel Cassata
Letters By: Ed Dukeshire
Price: $3.99
Angel is in the city of Angels paying for his past sins, but when the cost gets too high he leaves town and heads to Sunnydale. Ok, this is a mix book for me, it starts off with the ending of Buffy The Vampire Slayer #4 showing Angel's debut, which makes you believe it will continue from there, but it does a fake out and goes into a flashback. The flashback isn't to Angel's past as Angelus (which we do get some of) but it is of what lead him to Sunnydale at the end of Buffy #4. I loved hearing Angel's voice through the inner monologue, not sure if I felt it was the same as the show's yet, but it did get me looking forward to continuing the series to see where it goes. I think BOOM! knows their stuff by grabbing Power Rangers' artists to join these books, they bring something familiar to the characters that draw the old fans in. Overall, the fake out in the opening did leave me a bit disappointed as I wanted to see Angel in action in Sunnydale, but the story did a great job setting up the tortured soul. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #4
Created By: Joss Whedon
Written By: Jordie Bellaire
Art By: Dan Mora
Colors By: Raúl Angulo
Letters By: Ed Dukeshire
Main Cover By: Matthew Taylor
Variant Covers By: Various Artists
Price: $3.99
Buffy and the Scooby Gang have the night off and one gets more than expected. I am really digging this Buffy reboot! We have all the same characters who still overall feel the same but they get more development and depth, which surprises me because these are some of the most fleshed out characters around. The stories are so fresh, like this one with Xander being catfished by Spike and Dru, and being enthralled by her as she seduces him and I hope she doesn't turn him, but this is all new territory so anything can happen. Mora is the only artist I can see doing this book! He brings something magical to these characters it fully encompasses what this book is a mixture of the old with the new by bringing both the actor's likenesses to the book while bringing something truly new to them. Overall I am really enjoying this book and each issue brings me back to that point when this show ruled my TV, and now it rules my comics. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
BATMAN #69
"Knightmares Finale: The Last Dance"
Written By: Tom King
Art By: Yanick Paquette
Colors By: Nathan Fairbairn
Letters By: Clayton Cowles
Cover By: Yanick Paquette & Nathan Fairbairn
Variant Cover By: Francesco Mattina
Price: $3.99
The finale of Knightmares is here and Bruce must face his greatest fear to break through. Meanwhile, Thomas Wayne and Bane spar. I have been enjoying Knightmares, and the one thing I saw was Catwoman reappearing and I like how this issue ties it all into Bruce trying to break free connecting the answer to the way to break out. I hope the answer doesn't mean he won't fight for Selina later on, but man, before he gets there he has one hell of a fight coming up. Thomas Wayne is INSANE! The fight with Bane was eye-opening into what is to come and the psyche of both men. The art here is outstanding! Paquette does a great job choreographing these two dances one on the dance floor of Gotham with Bat and Cat and one on the matt with Bane and Thomas, beautiful! Overall, this arc was a nice breather, because this issue lets us know what to come could truly break the bat, and I can't wait! ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
TEEN TITANS #29
"The Terminus Agenda" Part Three 'Who Are You?'"
Written By: Adam Glass
Pencils By: Bernard Chang
Colors By: Marcelo Maiolo
Letters By: Andworld Design
Cover By: Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz & Ivan Plascencia
Variant Cover By: Mico Suayan & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Price: $3.99
Robin, Red Arrow, and Kid Flash all face big choices, meanwhile, Crush tells Djinn how she feels about her. I have been enjoying this latest run of Teen Titans, Glass shows us in this issue how gets not just team dynamics but teen dynamics as well, every member had moments here, we have several side plots with development and some foreshadowing. I really enjoy how real they seem, especially Roundhouse's reaction to Crush's sexuality was dealt with perfectly, as was Djinn's reaction. Chang does a great job of keeping the kids looking like kids and not short adults, and his paneling is great. Overall, this issue was a nice set up for the finale with a cliffhanger that sets up for one hell of a finale to the Terminus Agenda. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
NAOMI #3
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis & David Walker
Art By: Jamal Campbell
Letters By: Wes Abbott
Cover By: Jamal Campbell
Price: $3.99
Naomi learns about how her father came to Earth, met her mother and how they came to adopt her. Naomi is really a diamond in the rough for DC right now, it isn't a huge book, no Bat, Super, Wonder, Lantern or any of those in it, but it is a very consistent solid book. This issue focuses on the very cosmic level origins of Naomi and her parents but does so in a very grounded human level. The mystery of this series keeps me engaged and guessing at what is coming next. Campbell is at the top of his game with art, it makes you feel like you are watching a movie or a TV series, which adds more layers to the entertainment factor. Overall, if you're not reading this book, give it a shot! ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
XENA WARRIOR PRINCESS #1
Written By: Vita Ayala
Art By: Olympia Sweetman
Colors By: Rebecca Nalty
Letters By: Ariana Maher
Cover By: David Mack
Variant Covers By: Various Artists
Price: $3.99
Xena and Gabriel must help save the children of a small town from the Goddess Discord. Ayala writes a great episode of Xena Warrior Princess, it felt like I was watching an old episode, familiar, yet new. Ayala also knows the core fans playing up the insinuated romantic relationship between the two. Things like that and the opening theme song voice over at the beginning of the issue really help set the mood and made for a nice issue. The art by Sweetman was great, but I think it needs to capture more of Lucy Lawless and of Xena. Overall this is a nice start to a new Zena series. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Verdict: 4 ¼ Stars
STAR TREK: THE Q CONFLICT #3
Written By: Scott Tipton & David Tipton
Pencils By: David Messina
Inks By: Elisabetta D'Amico
Colors By: Alexandra Alexakis
Letters By: Neil Uyetake
Cover A & B By: David Messina
Retailer Incentive Cover By: George Caltsoudas
Price By: $3.99
The teams get some coaching before they enter the second round. This is the crossover I always wanted, and with the ending with the Prophets coming, oh yeah it is getting even better! The characters are written so perfectly that when Sisko was talking to Ayelborne I could hear Avery Brooks' voice clearly. My only problem is the Omnipotent being used here, we have three from TOS and just Q to represent the rest of the series, and of course the lack of Star Trek Enterprise representation. I am glad the Prophets are joining but I would also like to see Susperia from Voyager show up as well. The art is great with the crew, but lacks actor likeness with others like Q. Overall this is another score from IDW and it is a shame I can't watch this on TV or in a theater. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #10 (OF 10)
Written By: Mark Waid, Al Ewing, & Jim Zub
Art By Sean Izaakse
Colors By: Marcio Menyz With Erick Arciniega
Letters By: VC's Joe Sabino
Cover By: Yasmine Putri
Variant Covers By: Matteo Scalera & Moreno Dinisio
Price: $3.99
The final battle with Nyx is here and Vision must face her alone. I have been loving this event, but honestly, this was a letdown for a finale. Nyx was so hardcore and took out the entire Greek Pantheon and then a little quick battle with "Visions" defeat her? But I did like some of the character moments here but not sure about what is to come with the Olympian Gods. The art team does a great job here, especially when the "Visions" come to help Vision. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
DAREDEVIL #4
Written By: Chip Zdarsky
Art By: Marco Checchetto
Colors By: Sunny Gho
Letters By: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover By: Julian Totino Tedesco
Variant Cover By: John Romita Jr. and Richard Isanove
Price: 3.99
Daredevil #4 Know Fear Part 4, shifts gears to a solid Daredevil and Punisher encounter. Encounter being the operative word here, it’s no team up this time. The Punisher having heard the news that Daredevil killed someone has been stalking Matt to see if it’s true. Hoping that it is and he will join the Punisher’s war. Of course, Daredevil says it not true and even talks the Punisher into letting a prisoner so, for a second anyway. This leads to a fight between the two and Daredevil coming out on the winning side, but also letting himself realize the truth about the murder he’s accused of. Chip Zdarsky does a great job with the dialogue here while keeping the story on track and moving toward the Kingpin. Marco Checchetto gives this issue an awesome feel and that last page needs to be made into a poster fast. ~ Justin @ExileState
THE MAGNIFICIENT MS. MARVEL #2
Written By: Saladin Ahmed
Art By: Minkyu Jung
Colors By: Ian Herring
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
Kamala’s parents are literally melting in her hands, and it’s up to Bruno and Ms. Marvel to get to the bottom of this devastating discovery. Even with this emotional thread, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel hasn’t been able to pull on the same heartstrings as G. Willow Wilson’s run. This alien story arc delivers a fresh take on the character but sacrifices the grounded storytelling that made most of us fall in love with Ms. Marvel. This issue makes some improvements in delving into her supporting cast with the return of Josh, even if he felt a bit out of character with his almost mustache twirling introduction, but it was nice to see what he has been up to. Minkyu Jung’s interiors are, thankfully, stronger than Eduard Petrovich’s cover art, which may deter some people from reading with the drastic art change from the original series. The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #2 shines the most with Bruno and Kamala’s classic dynamic but still hasn’t reached the heights of the original series. ~ Kat @ComicUno
MEET THE SKRULLS #3
"Family Unit Part 3"
Written By: Robbie Thompson
Art By: Niko Henrichon
Colors By: Laurent Grossat
Letters By: V.C.'s Travis Lanham
Cover By: Marcos Martin
Variant Cover By: Rahzzah
Price: $3.99
The Warners each carry out their mission while facing ghosts of the past. Meanwhile, Alice is home facing the man killing Skrull operatives. This issue really hits on so many levels! Since the first issue, we saw that this was a family still grieving over the death of Ivy, the youngest member of the family, and here we get to see flashbacks of her. This family is so messed up and now we start to see why Ivy was so important to them and losing her really tore them apart which happens too often in the event of a death. I still feel extremely bad for Alice though, who is still struggling to earn their love, and I don't know if her father knew she was about to be attacked or not, which is why I love this book so much. The art here is great, Henrichon captured a classic heist film feel perfect, I felt like I was in a classic movie. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
SPIDER-MAN LIFE-STORY #2
Written By: Chip ZDarsky
Art By: Mark Bagley
Colors By: Frank D’Armata
Letters By: VC’s Travis Lanham
Price: $4.99
Spider-Man Life Story #2 really delivers as it warps Spidey’s history as the world is still reeling from Marvel’s version of the Vietnam War. Peter has the perfect life - a good job, the perfect wife with Gwen Stacy, but everything turns upside down as Peter learns the truth behind his perfect life. Chip ZDarsky plays with classic Spidey storytelling and puts it on its head to deliver shock value to even the biggest Spider-Man fans. I especially loved Zdarsky’s characterization for the MJ, Gwen, Peter love triangle. He delivers some powerful scenes between these three, but especially MJ and Peter. It shows, even if they aren’t romantically involved, they still have this unbreakable bond. They get each other like no other person can. It challenges the idea of if Gwen was alive what would have happened to MJ and Peter. Does Peter love Gwen more or is it his guilt that makes those feelings linger? For me, it shows that no matter what Peter will always find himself in MJ’s arms. Spider-Man Life Story is a must read for any Spidey fan as it delivers freshness to something familiar. It’s an Ultimate Spider-Man for a new generation, and it doesn’t hurt that the series has the same artist. ~ Kat @ComicUno
UNCANNY X-MEN #16
Written By: Matthew Rosenberg
Art By: Salvador Larroca
Colors By: Guru-eFX
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover By: Salvador Larroca and Rachelle Rosenberg
Variant Covers By: Yasmine Putri: Will Sliney & Rachelle Rosenberg
Price: 3.99
Uncanny X-Men #16 This Is Forever Part 6, a great balance between action and story with everything that makes and X-Men story so great. Knowing that this group of X-Men need to be better than before and different he chooses to step down from leadership. The surprising part is that no leader is chosen, since most of the group have led X teams, all decisions going forward will be voted on. Magneto shows up to cause trouble with a reformed Brotherhood, but it’s quickly revealed that he Magneto’s clone Joseph. This leads to Juggernaut joining the X-Men and ditching the Brotherhood. The issue ends with two cliffhangers so definitely check this issue out. Matthew Rosenberg continues to tell a great X-Men story and I can’t wait to see where it takes the title. ~ Justin @ExileState
WAR OF THE REALMS #2
Written By: Jason Aaron
Art By: Russell Dauterman
Colors By: Matthew Wilson
Letters By: VC’s Joe Sabino
Price: $4.99
In recent years I haven’t been a huge fan of Marvel’s events. They never seem to make the impact they promise and are way too bloated to enjoy. I can’t say this for War of the Realms. This event had the necessary build up to where these first two issues have completely delivered as an event series. It feels like the whole Marvel universe has to be involved for this threat as it truly is impacting everyone. The series has wall-to-wall action with drop-dead gorgeous artwork from Russel Dauterman, character study, OMG moments, and even some humor sprinkled through. I hope that the series continues on this momentum with the rest of its run because War of the Realms #2 is a slam dunk. ~ Kat @ComicUno
WEST COAST AVENGERS #10
Written By: Kelly Thompson
Art By: Moy R.
Colors By: Triona Farrell
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
West Coast Avengers #10 sadly marks the end of this short-lived but loved Marvel series, and the finale doesn’t disappoint with its infectious character dynamic and humor. My only nit-pick with most of Thompson’s endings is that they always leave a bit too much opened ended. We’ve seen this with both Hawkeye, Nancy Drew, and now West Coast Avengers. There are romances bubbling here and not full closer on Kate’s mother’s arc, but I hope Thompson has a chance to explore this somewhere else with her rising career at Marvel. It’s also a shame to see a fill-in artist for the last issue, but Moy R. does a good job at matching the art style of the previous artist so it’s not too jarring. Overall, I had a lot of fun with the conclusion of West Coast Avengers #10 with its humor, but I just wish there was more. ~ Kat @ComicUno
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