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 Brant, Jay, Justin, & Kat giving reviews for books from Aftershock, BOOM! Studios, DC Comics, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Lion Forge, and Marvel Comics! 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!
THE LOLLIPOP KIDS #4
Written By: Adam Glass
Art By: Deigo Yapur
Colors By: DC Alonso
Letters By: Sal Cipriano
Cover A By: Robert Hack
Price: $3.99
Mia decides that Nick can't be a Lollipop Kid and begins to remove him from Central Park when they are attacked by Morgan Le Fay. Yet another fantastical gripping issue of The Lollipop Kids! Glass does a great job weaving the known tales of these monsters that come from all forms of literature and film with original yarn to build unique amazingly fascinating new ones. This issue also does a great job playing off the trope of balancing a personal and heroic identity when Mia and Nick must field a call from their dad in the middle of a battle. But to me, the best part is the discussion of what qualities one must possess to be a hero. Yapur does a brilliant job with the art bringing in influences from traditional comics to that of children books and classic illustration of literature. Overall if you're not reading The Lollipop Kids run to your LCS and pick it up now! ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH #1 (OF 5)
Written By: Kelly Thompson
Art By: Veronica Fish, Andy Fish
Letters By: Jack Morelli
Cover By: Veronica Fish
Variant Covers By: Stephanie Buscema, Adam Hughes, Victor Ibanez, Sandra Lanz
Price: $3.99
Sabrina is new in Greendale, starting a new school and dealing with new friends, foes, and demons... oh my! Sabrina is off to a great start, Thompson did a great job bringing all of the charm of the sitcom with just a dash of an update to make quite the new take of the Teenage Witch. The world building was done with the right amount of exposition so it didn't overwhelm the characters, which were all excellent portrayed, especially Salem. The art team does a great job bringing the wholesome of classic Archie with the dread of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina making this the Sabrina for everyone. Overall I see only one mistake here, Thompson says Sabrina cast 5 spells in this issue, but she forgot the one cast upon the readers! ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #37
Written By: Marguerite Bennett
Art By: Simone di Meo
Colors By: Walter Baiamonte
Letters By: Ed Dukeshire
Main Cover By: Jamal Campbell
Pre-Order Cover By: Sean Galloway
Incentive Cover By: Xermánico
Unlocked Retailer Variant By: Miguel Mercado
Price: $3.99
On the Splintered Star which houses pure Zeo Crystal Mike is visited by the Preator and is faced with a grim choice to save his friends or betray them. Bennett does a great job with the characters as they all square off and cast doubt on each other. This is something we don't see on the show unless the Rangers are under a spell so I found it refreshing to see them being flawed, which makes me root for them all the more. Simone di Meo does a nice job growing his style and reigning in the chaos, but at times a more clear in frame shot should have been used like when Ari was shot. Overall this was a fun issue that really starts the ball rolling for the finale in just two issues. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
ACTION COMICS #1009
"Leviathan Rising Part 3"
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Art By: Steve Epting
Colors By: Brad Anderson
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Cover By: Steve Epting
Variant Cover By: Francis Manapul
Price: $3.99
Superman takes Lois, Jimmy, and Waller to the new Fortress as they learn more about what is going on with Leviathan. Overall I have been enjoying Bendis on Superman, and I think he understands most of the characters getting their voices right, but I do have an issue with his Lois. Lois has been throwing around terms of endearment and pet names around everyone when talking to Superman. Other than that though this was a solid issue, I did enjoy the mystery of the issue and the pacing was great. Steve Epting does a great job with the art here, I love his facial expressions. Overall a solid issue but Bendis' Lois needs some work, and please don't do the SUperman outing story, it's been done and we didn't like it. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Verdict: 4 ¼ Stars
BATGIRL #33
Written By: Mairghread Scott
Art By: Elena Casagrande, Scott Godlewski
Colors By: John Kalisz
Letters By: Andworld Design
Price: $3.99
Mairghread Scott turns up the intensity by adding James Gordon Jr. to the equation. James is out of jail, and Barbara seems to be the only person that doesn’t trust him as everyone is convinced that he’s changed because of his new dose of medication. One of my favorite aspects of Gail Simone’s run was the tension she built between Babs and her brother, and Scott continues to build on this with this issue. The story does a great job at testing Babs’ relationships, and I’m excited to see what this will mean for the series moving forward. Elena Casagrande and Scott Godlewski both bring some sleek visuals and the emotional beats needed for this story - especially with the final confrontation between Batgirl and James. Batgirl #33 brings the series back on track by embracing the angsty storytelling Simone’s run strived on. ~ Kat @ComicUno
DETECTIVE COMICS #999
"Batman's Longest Story"
Written By: Scott Snyder
Pencils By: Greg Capullo
Inks By: Jonathan Glapion
Colors By: FCO Plascencia
Letters By: Tom Napolitano
"Manufactured For Use"
Written By: Kevin Smith
Pencils By: Jim Lee
Inks By: Scott Williams
Colors By: Alex Sinclair
Letters By: Todd Klein
"The Legend Of Knute Brody"
Written By: Paul Dini
Pencils By: Dustin Nguyen
Inks By: Derek Fridolfs
Colors By: John Kalisz
Letters By: Steve Wands
"The Batman's Design"
Written By: Warren Ellis
Art By: Becky Cloonan
Colors By: Jordie Bellaire
Letters By: Simon Bowland
"Return To Crime Alley"
Written By: Denny O'Neil
Art By: Steve Epting
Colors By: Elizabeth Breitweiser
Letters By: Andworld Design
"Heretic"
Written By: Christopher Priest
Art By: Neal Adams
Colors By: Dave Stewart
Letters By: Willie Schubert
"I Know"
Written By: Brian Michael Bendis
Art & Colors By: Alex Maleev
Letters By: Josh Reed
"The Last Crime In Gotham"
Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Kelley Jones
Colors By: Michelle Madsen
Letters By: Rob Leigh
"The Precedent"
Written By: James Tynion IV
Pencils By: Alvaro Martinez-Bueno
Inks By: Raul Fernandez
Colors By: Brad Anderson
Letters By: Sal Cipriano
"Batman's Greatest Case"
Written By: Tom King
Art By: Tony S. Daniel & Joelle Jones
Colors By: Tomeu Morey
Letters By: Clayton Cowles
"Medieval"
Written By: Peter J. Tomasi
Pencils By: Doug Mahnke
Inks By: Jaime Mendoza & Doug Mahnke
Colors By: David Baron
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Pencils By: Doug Mahnke
Inks By: Jaime Mendoza & Doug Mahnke
Colors By: David Baron
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Price: $9.99
The 1000th issue of Detective Comics celebrating 80 years of Batman. This was a nice celebration of Batman and the Bat-Family. There were some highlights here for me the best came at the end with the final three stories, each encaptured a part of what I loved about Batman. I know some people don't like these vignettes but I do, I like the variety of them, yes not all are made equal, but I think they encapture the complete Batman and have something for every Batman fan. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Verdict: 4 ¼ Stars
HEROES IN CRISIS #7
Written By: Tom King
Art By: Clay Mann (P. 1-6, 11, 17-19, 23-24)Travis Moore (p. 8-10, 13, 14-16, 20-21) Jorge Fornes (p. 7, 12, 22)
Colors By: Tomeu Morey
Letters By: Clayton Cowles
Cover By: Mitch Gerads
Variant Cover By: Ryan Sook
Price: $3.99
Batgirl and Harley Vs Booster Gold and Blue Beetle while we learn about Wally's first three weeks at Sanctuary. I have been loving Heroes in Crisis, this is the best event in comics in a long time. King isn't writing a comic event though, he is writing a psychological mystery novel with illustrations. Speaking of the art, this teamwork nicely together, blending their styles so they feel like one solid piece. Overall it is the character moments like Booster's self-doubt and Harley's mourning over Ivy that really bring this book to the top of my list every time. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
SHAZAM! #4
"Shazam And The Seven Magic Lands! Chapter 4 Into The Wildlands"
Written By: Geoff Johns
Art By: Dale Eaglesham & Marco Santucci
Colors By: Mike Atiyeh
Letters By: Rob Leigh
Cover By: Dale Eaglesham & Alex Sinclair
Variant Cover By: Jim Lee & Alex Sinclair
Price: $3.99
The Marvel Family is separated and have been sent to three different worlds where each group faces their own obstacles. Geoff Johns is doing a great job not just bringing back the Marvel Family but expanding on the lore with the seven Magic Lands and tying them into things like Talking Tawny. The thing I am not sure of though is should we be exploring them all together like this or should each one have had their own issue so we can truly feel them out? I'm also interested in the B-Plot with Billy's "Dad" and the truth of how he ended up being an orphan. Eaglesham & Santucci are at the top of their game and they couldn't have a better colorist to make it pop the way Atiyeh does, it helps sell the whole magic of SHAZAM! Overall this was a nice fun issue that really leaves you wanting more with Black Adama arriving on the scene. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
DIAL H FOR HERO #1
"The Hero Within"
Written By: Sam Humphries
Art By: Joe Quinones
Letters By: Dave Sharpe
Cover By: Joe Quinones
Variant Cover By: Nick Derington
Price: $3.99
Young Miguel is facing certain death when he gets a call that changes his life forever. Humphries does a great job introducing the main character Miguel in this first issue. Right away I feel for the young man who has to sells Mayo Fries (yes fries made out of mayo) and Mayo shakes (eechh) at his Uncle's Mayo Food Truck, who, ever since he had an accident at a pool and saved by Superman has been searching for the thrill of flying again. We also get brought into the world of the H-Dial and the Thunderbolt Club, right away setting up something for our hero to face. Quinones art here is the perfect fit for this book! He brings this youthful energy and excitement to his work that makes you feel like you can reach out and Dial H for yourself! Overall this was a great first issue that has me excited for what's to come from the series! ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
GLOW #1
Written By: Tini Howard
Art By: Hannah Templer
Colors By: Rebecca Nalty
Letters By: Christa Miesner
Cover By: Hannah Templer
Variant Covers By: Nicoletta Baldari, Jenn St-Onge, Paulina Ganucheau
Price: $3.99
I’m an old school (and new school) wrestling fan, and I used to watch Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) back in the day. So when the Netflix series dropped, I was all over that. I was also a fan of Alison Brie from Community, so that didn’t hurt either. I like the series with its dark humor and intricate character depth and growth that is the real charm of the series.
The first issue of the comic series based on the property managed to capture a lot of what the Netflix series puts forth but in a bit of a lighter tone. Sure, there were a few smaller more mature references or language used, but overall, it was almost an Archie Comics version of the show, which is fine. It was fun, Templer’s art popped and made the characters interesting and pretty much nailed the likenesses as well.
Howard’s plot seemed well enough in line with the theme of the show, with the ladies being forced to do something out of the blue that some of them are excited about and others dread. You had comical relief with Welfare Queen having her wisdom teeth pulled the day of, and you got a tiny bit of the tension between Ruth and Debbie as well, but not enough to really pull you into their conflict.
I just felt like it wasn’t quite as strong as the TV show, and while it’s probably unfair to compare the two, I had a hard time not doing so. I enjoyed the issue and will continue reading the series, as a wrestling fan, a comic fan, and fan of the show, even if it didn’t quite live up to the expectations I personally had for it. ~ Brant @BrantFowler
SNOTGIRL #13
Written By: Bryan Lee O’Malley
Art By: Leslie Hung
Colors By: Rachel Cohen
Letters By: Mare Odomo
Price: $3.99
In Snotgirl #13 everything starts to unravel. Can’t Lottie just have a day for HER - it’s the premiere of her pop up shop for God sake! Of course not because this is real life, and Lottie can’t hide behind her social media facade forever. Lottie’s ex and his best friend, who is also the creepy detective that has a Lottie wig in his room, try to uncover the truth behind Coolgirl. All while, Coolgirl outs Lottie in front of her fans with a kiss as she tries to hide Lottie’s snot from them. Snotgirl #13 has some great movement. Lottie seems pretty broken by the end as she sleeps on her literal shit stained pop-up store floor. What does this mean for her social media image? Is the real Lottie finally peeking through? ~ Kat @ComicUno
QUINCREDIBLE #5
Written By: Rodney Barnes
Art By: Selina Espiritu
Colors By: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Letters By: Aw’s Tom Napolitano
Cover By: Michele Wong
Price: $3.99
Quincredible has become a favorite series of mine that I am excited to read whenever it comes out. So far, it’s been the only title from Lion Forge’s Catalyst Prime line that I’ve been able to invest into, but it’s made me want to go back and try the others again.
This issue, while not the strongest of the series, was another good one as the heroes took the battle to some thugs with high-tech weapons provided by our new villain.
Quin’s parents finding out about his abilities last issue made for an interesting conversation this issue, and a nice twist to the typical superhero story. That said, this issue Quin is basically outed to the world, which I felt might have been too fast. The battle with the “villains” also did not last long and was wrapped up in short fashion.
Art-wise, as usual, the art was on point. There’s a stylistic charm to it that even in panels that might look a little wonky, it still fits the style the artist is going for with the figures.
This issue had some finality to it, if a bit rushed, which had me worried maybe it wasn’t continuing, which I’m not sure of. I hope it does because I think there’s a wealth of potential with this character and this series. ~ Brant @BrantFowler
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #18
Written By: Nick Spencer
Art By: Humberto Ramos
Colors By: Edgar Delgado, Erick Arciniega
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Price: $3.99
The Amazing Spider-Man #18 delves deeper into Kraven’s plans as Spider-Man is forced to team up with his enemies in order to survive. Nick Spencer continues to deliver a fresh twist on classic Spider-Man storytelling as the rich of New York City use Kraven robots controlled by VR to "hunt" Spider-Man and his enemies in Hunger Games fashion, all while building tension with the ominous clues of MJ being harmed. I’m enjoying this refreshing story with Kraven, but MJ shines the most in this issue. She has limited panel time, but with these few pages, we see how much she’s grown as a character just by how she handles her worry for Peter. She’s more than just the “party girl”. Humberto Ramos’ pencils bring a nostalgic tone to the title as he’s been a staple on the series for many years. Although, he does give some awkward grandma moves to MJ’s dance sequence. Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man #18 is a solid installment to a refreshing new arc of the series. ~ Kat @ComicUno
AVENGERS: NO ROAD HOME #7 (OF 10)
Written By: Mark Waid, Al Ewing, & Jim Zub
Pencils By: Paco Medina
Colors By: Jesus Aburtov
Letters By: VC's Joe Sabino
Cover By: Yasmine Putri
Variant Covers By: Phil Noto
Price: $3.99
Hercules, Vision, and Spectrum join Wanda and Conan in the Hyborian Age to take on Nyx while, Hulk, Rocket and Hawkeye head to Euphoria. No Road Home is back! Last week the book lost something with the main focus being on Conan and Wanda in the Hyborian Age, but here the book that I have been enjoying is back. I love the voice of Monica here, hearing her struggle with being more than human really shows how human she is and how human all of these larger than life heroes are. Paco Medina is doing some of his best work on this book he truly is giving us modern classic takes on the Avengers. Overall a solid issue that leaves me wondering why isn't this the main Avengers book? ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
DAREDEVIL #3
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; Nao Fuji
Price: 3.99
Daredevil #3 Know Fear Part 3, Chip Zdarsky keeps this awesome ride going with some unexpected turns. The issue opens with a shot and bleeding Daredevil, about to be taken into police custody Det. Cole, only to narrowly slip away. What follows is a full-on police chase in Hell’s Kitchen with all the cops looking for a half-conscious Daredevil and end with a one on one between DD and Det. Cole. But this is where we get the first twist as Cole comes out as the winner and our hero is arrested, what just happened? Of course, Kingpin is there on the scene to smile and gloat while Daredevil is placed in the back of a police car. It was also awesome to see how the police officers stepped in to make sure the mask stayed on until they get to the station. But what you do think happened, that right. They don’t’ make it to the station. This is where we get the second twist and it’s a big one. The creative team of Zdarsky, Checchetto, and Gho and telling a great down and gritty Hell’s Kitchen original and I’m hungry for more. ~ Justin @ExileState
FANTASTIC FOUR #8
"First World Power"
Written By: Dan Slott
Art By: Aaron Kuder, Stefano Caselli, David Marquez & Reilly Brown
Colors By: Matt Yackey
Letters By: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover By: Esad Ribic
Variant Covers By: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; Bill Sienkiewicz; Yongho Cho
Price: $3.99
Doom's true plan is revealed as he holds the Fantastic Four captive waiting execution, meanwhile Franklin rebels against Alicia. This issue had a slow start with Victor Doomsplaining his plan to Reed and the world but then we see why Reed is the Smartest person alive when he and the Fantastic Four shift to the offensive and hit Doom's biggest weak spot, his ego. I also loved the emotions coming from Franklin and Alicia, teenagers have a tendency to hurt their paternal figures and not truly mean it and that is what I think we have here. There were multiple artists on this issue which overall was not too distracting but it was noticeable to me. Overall this was another nice issue that leaves me in anticipation of the next. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Verdict: 4 ¼ Stars
HULKVERINES #1 (OF 3)
Written By: Greg Pak
Art By: Guiu Vilanova
Colors By: Morry Hollowell With Andrew Crossley
Letters By: VC's Joe Caramagna
Cover By: Greg Land, Jay Leisten, & Frank D'Armata
Variant Covers By: Tony Moore, and Dean White
Price: $3.99
Everyone is hunting everyone but who is behind it all? Pak is doing a great job with this fast-paced mini-series that has me rooting for the Hulk, the Hulverine and Wolverine. I'm glad the family wasn't truly sent away to only be used in the last pages of the final issue because they lend a certain component to the book that helps us connect and humanize things here more. The art here was really well done and read next to the first issue you see that Vilanova kept the art similar so when it is collected it won't be jarring. Overall another solid issue and the ending makes me excited for the bonkers clawclusion. ~ Jay @ComicBookTheate
Verdict: 4 ¼ Stars
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