By Cat Wyatt

It’s not every day that a Green Lanterns cover has a conversation on it, but that’s exactly what happened for issue #37. Right smack dab on the front we see Jess and Simon surrounded by small oods (thank you Doctor Who, for giving me a creature to reference here). Now in all likelihood they’re the Molites or another race we’ve seen recently, but they’re so stylized here I couldn’t say that for certain without opening up the issue and reading it (well done DC). The most striking part about the scene is Simon’s ring informing us (or more accurately, him) that “probability of death [is] 100%.” Yikes.

By Dustin Cabeal

Umami nearly made my “best of” list for the year. The thing that kept me from adding it was the fact that I had only read one issue, but then… here’s the second issue. I’m still not sure if I’m going to add it since it’s a tight list that I’ve already completed, but don’t be surprised if on my review for the third issue I mention kicking myself or some such nonsense.

By Cat Wyatt

The more I think about the first issue of Dark Fang, the more impressed I am with it. The second issue doesn’t disappoint either, though I don’t think it was as groundbreaking as the first (kind of hard to compete with yourself there). For those that missed the first issue; Dark Fang is about a vampire whose way of living is being threatened thanks to global warming. Yes, you read that right. This is a legit vampire story focused on climate change. I can honestly say that I didn’t see that coming.

By Dustin Cabeal

Empowered is one of those series I’m glad continues to this day. It was ahead of its time and still is in a lot of ways. This new volume didn’t particularly grab me the way other chapters have. There are a few good jokes, but for the most part something was just off about the rhythm of the comic.

By Ben Snyder

The trope of an ex-assassin being pulled back into their old line of work has been done so many times before with varying degrees of success. Lady Killer has been a fun, easy read from recent memory, while films such as John Wick have been tremendous box office success. Assassinistas #1 creates its own standard as a somewhat more indie candidate. With art that looks ripped right out an Adult Swim program and a story packed with enough emotion and humor to keep it interesting, Assassinistas proves to be a stellar read.

By Dustin Cabeal

What has been particularly satisfying to me as a reader of Ninjak is how different Christos Gage’s era of the series has been already. All the familiar elements of the universe are there, but Gage isn’t attempting to continue Matt Kindt’s style. It gives the feel of the torching having been passed. Hopefully, like Kindt, Gage will stay on the book for a great while.

By Cat Wyatt

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of this issue (I swear I’m not avoiding thinking/talking about Mason’s death or anything), let’s talk about the cover for a minute. Considering the heavier tone that’s been occurring in Harley’s comics, this cover is a little bit jarring. Though also somewhat welcome – perhaps this is a way of showing that everything will be ok, in the end? I know it’s more likely that it’s just a Christmas-themed Harley cover, but hey, a girl can hope!

By Dustin Cabeal

Like many comic book readers, I was mentally aroused by Mike Mignola and Adam Hughes working together on a Hellboy comic. Sure, I knew it would be a “lost story” type of deal which has become a favorite of Mignola since sending HB to hell. But Hughes art was enough to make me not give two damns about that. That and I would personally like to see Hellboy come back to life already and start punching the Mignolaverse back into shape.

By Daniel Vlasaty

I am kind of new to Valiant Comics. I’ve obviously known about Valiant, and I’m sure I’ve even read a Valiant book here or there. But nothing all that regular or consistent like I’ve been reading lately. I have been enjoying books like X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Ninja-K, and Secret Weapons. So, I’ll admit that I was kind of excited to give Quantum and Woody a shot as well. I will say that I do remember reading one issue of a previous Quantum and Woody series and not being super into it. I just picked up a random issue at a friend’s recommendation, and I think that was the problem. I didn’t know the characters. I wasn’t invested in the story. It was just a thing I read and didn’t like. But I didn’t hold it against the characters or the book or whatever. It just wasn’t my thing – at the time – and if my life has taught me anything, I am all for second chances.

By Dustin Cabeal

For some reason, I randomly opened this comic and was surprised by the artwork. It was enough to make me read the issue, even if I really disliked one of the character designs. Aquaman is just one of those characters that have been screwed up too many times and every attempt to fix him always includes the shit that broke him in the first place. The New 52 was a perfect spot to change all that, but instead, it was used to address the comic readers conception of the character rather than figuring out how to make underwater worlds appealing in the modern era.