Review: Bone Parish #1

July 25, 2018

By Damien Becton

Cullen Bunn is another one of those long-tenured, swiss army knife comic book writers who has had extensive runs with just about all of the big name comic book companies. This is for good reason - Bunn is one of the most consistent and reliable writers in the industry. When a Cullen Bunn book comes out, you can bet that you’re going to get an entertaining story. With Bone Parish #1, these statements still hold true. This is an incredibly engaging kick-off to the story and I cannot wait for more.

Review: Cyko-KO! #1

July 18, 2018

By Damien Becton

Alterna Comics has been making a name for themselves by publishing not only comic books that are not only extremely affordable (they’re mostly $1.25), but also creating and publishing truly engaging and unique stories. By publishing Cyko-KO, Alterna ventures into an even more unique and uncharted territory with a 70’s sitcom inspired, 4th-wall breaking, and all-ages aimed comic. Certainly a unique premise, but it does not mean anything if it isn’t executed well. Fortunately, it is, and you’re in for a pretty good time if you’re Cyko-KO’s intended audience.

Review: Vengeance, Nevada #1

July 18, 2018

By Damien Becton

When you read a debut issue of a comic, there are certain things that you would expect. Things like big action, plenty of set up for following issues, and introductions to the core characters are just a few. Many times, comics incorporate these elements rather ineffectively. Fortunately for the debut issue of Vengeance, Nevada #1, writer, B.J. Mendelson (Social Media is Bullshit), and artist, Piotr Czaplarski, do an excellent job with these aspects by introducing a pretty interesting world and juggling a bunch of moving parts.

A Look Back at "The Amazing Spider-Man: One More Day"

July 12, 2018

By Damien Becton

With Marvel relaunching The Amazing Spider-Man this week with writer, Nick Spencer, and artist, Ryan Ottley, on board, I decided to take a look back at one of the most controversial Spider-Man storylines ever - One More Day. Even though an overwhelming majority of Spidey readers would agree that the storyline would be better off forgotten, I revisit it and make a case for the arc as one of Peter Parker's most heroic moments! Check it out!

Review: Superman #1

July 11, 2018

By Damien Becton

Brian Michael Bendis makes his (official) debut on Superman with this week’s relaunch of the hero’s main title. It has been a long-awaited debut as the past couple of months DC has been promoting this story with “BENDIS IS COMING” ads. Now he's here and paired with Ivan Reis. So, does this issue live up to the hype? For the most part, yeah, it does! It’s everything you would expect from a good Bendis book - and some bad things you would expect.

Review: Jeepers Creepers #3

July 4, 2018

By Damien Becton

In my previous review of Marc Andreyko and Dynamite Entertainment’s adaptation of the 2001 horror movie, I stated that if you were a fan of the film like I am, then you would probably enjoy the book. I also stated that if you weren’t a fan of the cult classic, then you would have a hard time getting into the issue. With issue number three, the previous statements still hold true. But now even fans of the book may feel this book grow just a little bit tiresome and repetitive.

Review: Death or Glory #3

July 4, 2018

By Damien Becton

With the previous two issues of Death or Glory, Remender and Bengal find their footing by effectively establishing the characters and craziness that takes place in their story. With the third issue of the book, the two creators turn it into a full-on sprint. Easily the best issue in the series so far, Death or Glory #3 manages to effectively mix engaging action and thrills with captivating and genuine character development.

Top 5 Marvel & DC Relaunches We Need

June 29, 2018

By Damien Becton

This week saw the relaunch of Marvel's The Sentry, written by the comic book industry's utility man, Jeff Lemire and art by Kim Jacinto. With this relaunch (and the Fantastic Four next month), I began thinking about some Marvel and DC characters, teams, and titles that currently don't have their own books, that deserves one. So, here are my top 5 Marvel and DC characters and teams that deserve their own relaunches.

Review: Her Infernal Descent #3

June 27, 2018

By Damien Becton

For the past two months, I’ve eagerly awaited for issues of Aftershock Comics’ Her Infernal Descent to drop. It’s unique, and one-of-a-kind premise along with truly endearing characters kept me wanting more. Although I am still on board with Aftershock’s unique title, issue number three left me with a puzzled look throughout most of the read. I’m not sure if I knew enough about art history to enjoy the book fully.

Review: Batman Prelude to the Wedding - Harley vs. Joker

June 27, 2018

By Damien Becton

With the wedding of Batman and Catwoman right around the corner, it was expected that we would be provided with a bunch of cash-grab comics that would take advantage of this monumental event. And, of course, the books have been met with a mixed reception from critics and fans alike. With all of these prelude books going around, the one that I was looking forward to most was Harley vs. Joker, and I think that it is safe to say that of all of the ones that have been released so far, this is probably the best.

Review: Regular Show... 25 Years Later! #1 Review

June 20, 2018

By Damien Becton

Regular Show is known for its crazy and extremely far-fetched comedy plots that contradict its title. A show (now a comic) that stars a talking raccoon (not Rocket), a talking blue jay, with a talking gumball machine, and living lollipop should be expected to have ridiculous stories to accompany it. This comic adds another element to the ridiculousness by setting the current story 25 years into the future where Mordecai and Rigby have started families and are parents and husbands. I’ll say this - if you’re unfamiliar with the cartoon and what I just described sounds entirely too stupid to enjoy, don’t even think about getting this book. If you’re a fan of the original, you’ll know what to expect and probably get a kick out of it.

Review: Shadowman #4

June 20, 2018

By Damien Becton

For the past three issues, Shadowman’s writer, Andy Diggle, has been able to tell a compelling story with great art assisting it. Issue number four starts a new arc that has Jack Boniface witnessing and discovering the previous Shadowmen - this one taking place in 40’s in the midst of World War II. With (mostly) a new artist taking over the penciling duties for this arc, Shadowman continues the trend of effective and action-packed storytelling with another solid issue in this iteration of the character.

Review: Hawkman #1

June 13, 2018

By Damien Becton

Hawkman #1 is everything you would expect from a new relaunch - a recap of the protagonists’ origin, action scenes, and a bunch of set up. Often, when a new #1 comes along, these procedures are followed to a T, and that can make highly predictable, if not boring issues. With this in mind and all of the new number ones being published around this time, I still came into Hawkman #1 with high expectations. After reading it, I asked myself, “Does Hawkman #1 separate itself from the rest of the pack?” For the most part, yeah, it does.

Review: It Came Out On A Wednesday #1

June 13, 2018

By Damien Becton

Newsprint is back! Alterna Comics is an indie comic book publishing company that prints their books in newsprint. And because of this, their regular books are only $1.50 - this book; It Came Out On A Wednesday, is $1.99 because it is a bi-monthly double-sized anthology book. It highlights up-and-coming creative writers and artists. This book is filled with tons of ideas and set pieces, ranging from the galactic space aliens playing cricket to a horror-inspired supernatural short story about voodoo and witchcraft. So, is this inaugural issue of the ongoing anthology worth your hard-earned $1.99? Of course, it is.

Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #83

June 6, 2018

By Damien Becton

The previous issue of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles excelled in the comedy department, featuring a hilarious fight between the Turtles and group of frogs. Although it was a good issue, one of the things that it lacked was a bit of action to replace some of the filler scenes. TMNT #83 is the exact opposite - heavy on the action and lacking some of the comedy beats that made the previous issue so worthwhile. With that being said, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #83 is another solid entry into the TMNT universe.

Review: Death or Glory #2

June 6, 2018

By Damien Becton

Rick Remender has built a name as one of the comic book industry’s most recognizable and consistent writers. He’s had stints with the biggest publishers, including taking on the writing duties of characters like Marvel’s Captain America and DC”s Booster Gold. He has a reputation for creating some of the weirdest, but most intriguing and entertaining comic books on the stands today. With the second issue of Death or Glory, Mr. Remender protects the reputation that he’s established throughout the years with a story that continues to get even stranger and increasingly immersive.

Review: Clan Killers #1

May 30, 2018

By Damien Becton

For a while now, Aftershock Comics has been one of my favorite comic book publishers since its’ launch a few years ago. They have been consistent throughout their short journey with the stories that they choose to publish and the art that they decide to commission. The last Aftershock that I picked up was Her Infernal Descent, and two issues in, it’s fair to say that I am having a complete blast with that title. So, when I saw a new #1 title launch, I was eager to dive in and give it a good read, considering Aftershock’s current lineup of titles. I am glad to say that with Clan Killers #1, Aftershock has another solid title that I am on board with.

Review: Jeepers Creepers #2

May 30, 2018

By Damien Becton

As a ten-year-old kid, Jeepers Creepers, the movie, was an absolutely terrifying experience for me. Watching The Creeper toss bodies wrapped in blood-soaked blankets down a well and stare at the two main characters of the movie as they drove down the road is still burned into my memory - along with a haunting, but catchy tune, “Jeepers, Creepers, where’d ya get those peepers? Jeepers, Creepers, where’d ya get those eyes?!” As I got older and wiser, and I (almost) grew out of my fear for The Creeper, the movie became my favorite horror film of all-time because of its terrifying antagonist, cheap-looking, but charming, practical effects, and its’ haunting scenes. With that being said, I read this book with my all of my biases turned 100 and enjoyed the hell out of it. If you’re a fan of this scary character, then you’ll probably think this book is as awesome as I did but if not...well, find something else.

Review: Delta 13 #1

May 23, 2018

By Damien Becton

Delta 13 appears to be a science-fiction horror/suspense story along the same lines of Alien and Prometheus and based off of that alone; I was on board coming into the issue - assuming that it would be executed well. The inaugural issue of the story does a decent enough job setting up the plot, establishing how the characters interact with each other, and constituting the tone that will encompass the story but for the first issue of a new book, I feel that it could have done a better job grabbing and holding the reader's’ attention. The entire book felt as if it were the first ten minutes of a movie that you have seen over and over.

Review: Superman Special #1

May 16, 2018

By Damien Becton

I went into Superman Special #1 with high expectations - and perhaps, upon reflection, my expectations might have been too high. With people like current Superman creative team, Patrick Gleason and Peter J. Tomasi, attached along with the likes of Kaare Andrews and Bryan Hitch, I firmly believed that I would be in for a genuinely good time. I was half-correct. This book is a delight to look at, but not much else.