“Sidewise #1” By Dwight L. MacPherson & Igor Noronha Review

Teen genius Adam Graham borrows his parents’ time device to visit 1902 London only to find himself in an alternate universe.

This comic book introduces an ambitious concept that unfortunately falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book attempts to blend elements of science fiction and adventure, but struggles with pacing and character development.

The premise of this comic book involves a young protagonist who stumbles into a parallel world filled with alternate realities and historical twists. While this concept holds great potential for an engaging story, the narrative feels rushed and lacks clarity. The issue attempts to cover too much ground too quickly which has left me with a fragmented understanding of the plot and its intricacies.

The character development is one of the weakest aspects of this comic book. The protagonist, while initially intriguing, is not given enough depth or backstory to make them relatable or engaging. Without a clear understanding of their motivations or personality, it becomes difficult for me personally to connect with their journey. Similarly, the supporting characters are underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually interesting, struggles to compensate for the narrative’s deficiencies. The illustrations capture the chaotic and surreal nature of the alternate realities, but they often lack the detail and cohesion needed to effectively convey the story. The art style, though unique, may not appeal to all readers, as it can feel inconsistent and difficult to follow.

One of the primary issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The story moves rapidly through scenes without providing sufficient context or explanation. This hurried approach prevents the narrative from building meaningful tension or emotional impact, resulting in a disjointed and unsatisfying reading experience. A more measured pace could allow for better exploration of the characters and the intriguing worlds they inhabit.

The dialogues in this comic book are often expository, lacking the depth and nuance needed to develop character relationships or advance the plot effectively. Conversations feel forced, serving more as a means to deliver information than to engage readers or reveal character insights. More engaging dialogue could add layers to the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Possessions Vol. 1: Unclean Getaway Preview” By Ray Fawkes Review

10-Page Preview! Meet Gurgazon the Unclean, the cuddliest little pit demon ever trapped in the Llewellyn-Vane House for Captured Spirits and Ghostly Curiosities! This pit demon may look just like a cute little 5-year old girl, but it isn’t interested in playing checkers with other ghosts. The Gurgazon is determined to escape! Will the house contain it? Or will the world of peace and friendly bunnies come to an end as the Gurgazon exacts its revenge?

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview embarks on a supernatural journey that, despite its intriguing premise, stumbles in execution. While the concept of this preview is about a young girl possessed by multiple spirits offers potential for engaging storytelling, this preview struggles to deliver a cohesive and compelling narrative.

The story in this preview introduces us to Gurgazon, a demon trapped in the body of a little girl, residing at the Llewellyn-Vane House for Captured Spirits and Ghostly Curiosities. The setting is ripe for a mix of humor and horror, but the narrative feels disjointed and lacking in depth. The plot progresses rapidly without establishing a strong foundation, which has left me with questions rather than intrigue.

The character development is minimal, with Gurgazon depicted primarily through her mischievous antics. While her rebellious nature provides some entertainment, it lacks the complexity needed to make her a fully engaging protagonist. The supporting cast, including the staff and other supernatural entities, are similarly underdeveloped, serving more as background elements than integral parts of the story.

The artwork in this preview, while stylistically distinct, does little to enhance the narrative. The illustrations capture the quirky and eerie nature of the setting, but they often appear cluttered and lack clarity. This can make it difficult for me personally to follow the action or connect with the characters. Additionally, the art style, while unique, may not appeal to everyone, potentially alienating some readers.

One significant issue I had with this preview is its pacing. The story moves quickly through key events without providing sufficient context or character exploration. This rapid progression prevents the narrative from building meaningful tension or emotional impact, resulting in a reading experience that feels superficial and unsatisfying.

The dialogues in this preview are straightforward but lacks the wit and charm needed to elevate the characters and their interactions. Conversations often feel functional rather than engaging, missing opportunities to develop character relationships or enhance the humor. More nuanced dialogue could add layers to the narrative, enriching the overall storytelling.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Teen Titans Go! To Camp #4” By Sholly Fisch & Darío Brizuela Review

Beast Boy writes his stepmother, who interrupts a battle to read it aloud.

This comic book attempts to deliver the trademark humor and playful antics fans expect from the Teen Titans Go! series, but unfortunately, this comic book falls short in execution.

The story in this comic book takes the young Titans on another camp adventure, filled with potential for fun and mischief. However, the narrative feels disjointed and lacks the engaging plot that typically drives the series. The jokes, while present, often miss the mark, relying heavily on slapstick and predictable gags that fail to capture the cleverness usually associated with the franchise.

The character development is minimal in this comic book, with the Titans reduced to their most basic traits. Robin’s obsessive leadership, Beast Boy’s goofiness, and Raven’s deadpan humor are all present, but they lack the depth and nuance that make them interesting. The interactions between characters feel repetitive and uninspired, missing opportunities to explore their dynamics in new and creative ways.

The artwork in this comic book remains true to the animated style of Teen Titans Go!, with exaggerated expressions that appeal to younger audiences. However, even the vibrant visuals cannot fully compensate for the lackluster narrative. While the art captures the energy of the series, it struggles to enhance a story that feels stagnant and unoriginal.

One significant issue I had with this comic book is its pacing. Because the story jumps from scene to scene without a clear sense of direction or purpose, resulting in a fragmented narrative. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to stay engaged or invested in the Titans’ camp antics. A more structured approach could have allowed for better comedic timing and plot development.

The dialogues in this comic book are straightforward but lacks the wit and humor that fans expect. Conversations often feel forced and lack the clever banter that typically characterizes the Titans’ interactions. More engaging dialogue could have added depth to the characters and enhanced the comedic elements of the story.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Starcraft: Ghost Academy Vol. 1: Preview” By Keith DeCandido & Fernando Heinz Furukawa Review

10-Page Preview! Ghost Academy chronicles the early years of six StarCraft characters all destined for greatness-and tragedy. Five teenaged fourth-class Terrans (Nova, Tosh, Aal, Kath, and Lio) are rough-around-the-edges Ghost cadets in training – and they are forced to deal with everyday teen issues such as crushes, physical and emotional pain, addiction to drugs and their own budding telepathic abilities.

Let me start this review by saying that this one is just a preview for the entire comic book. And I read it because I wanted to see if the full comic book was worth the money and time I would spend on it. And I’m gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview steps into the expansive universe of Starcraft, aiming to explore the early training of elite psionic warriors known as Ghosts. However, despite a promising premise its shortcomings in execution and engagement.

The story in this preview introduces us as readers to a group of young recruits at the Ghost Academy, focusing on their rigorous training and the psychological toll it takes. While the premise offers a chance to delve into the rich lore of the Starcraft universe, the narrative fails to capitalize on this potential, delivering a plot that feels both predictable and underwhelming.

The character development is one of the weaker aspects of this preview. The recruits, who should be central to the story, come across as archetypal and lacking depth. Their motivations and personalities are not fully explored, making it difficult for me personally to form a connection or investment in their journeys. The potential for complex character dynamics is present but remains largely unexplored.

The artwork in this comic book is a bright spot, capturing the futuristic and militaristic aesthetic of the Starcraft universe. The illustrations effectively convey the intensity of the training scenes and the high-tech environment of the academy. However, even with strong visuals, the art alone cannot make up for the narrative’s deficiencies in character and plot development.

One of the primary issues I had with this preview is its pacing. The story moves slowly, focusing heavily on training sequences without providing sufficient context or stakes to engage us as readers. This emphasis on the mundane aspects of the academy life detracts from the potential excitement and intrigue that the story could offer. A more dynamic approach to pacing could improve engagement and allow for deeper exploration of the characters and their world.

The dialogues in this preview are serviceable but lacks the depth and nuance necessary to elevate the story. Conversations between characters often feel flat and expository, serving more as a means to deliver information rather than to develop relationships or reveal character insights. More engaging dialogue could add layers to the narrative, making the interactions more compelling and meaningful.

So will I buy and read the full version of this comic book ? I don’t think I will. The main reason behind this is how poorly this preview was very uninteresting for me personally.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Satan’s Mark Vol. 1” By Tomomi Yamashita & Anne Herries Review

Raised by her strict uncle, Annelise lives an austere life. One day, when she learns that the man her late father chose to be her guardian, Marquis Saintjohn, is living in London, she seeks her freedom through him. When she sees him for the first time, she’s surprised to discover that he’s the very man who stole her heart while she was out in the city. She decides they were fated to fall in love, not become guardian and ward. She’d thought him a kind noble, but he turns out to be a troubled man who coldly keeps her at a distance.

This comic book presents an intriguing concept with a blend of romance and supernatural elements. But this comic book struggles a lot in my opinion with a uneven storytelling and lackluster character development, which prevented me personally from fully realizing its potential.

The story in this comic book follows a young protagonist entangled in a mysterious world where supernatural forces play a pivotal role. This premise provides fertile ground for an engaging narrative that could explore themes of love, destiny, and the supernatural. Unfortunately, while the setup is promising, the execution falls short in several key areas.

One of the main issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative often feels rushed, jumping quickly from one plot point to another without allowing sufficient time for character development or emotional resonance. This rapid progression makes it challenging for me personally to form a connection with the characters or become invested in their journeys.

The protagonist, although central to the story, lacks depth and complexity. Her motivations and inner conflicts are not explored in sufficient detail, leaving her feeling more like a plot device than a fully realized character. Similarly, the supporting cast is underdeveloped, with relationships that lack the nuance and depth needed to captivate me personally.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are straightforward but often lacks the emotional weight necessary to enhance the storytelling. Conversations between characters can feel stilted, missing opportunities to delve into the complexities of their relationships and the world they inhabit. This lack of engaging dialogue contributes to a narrative that feels flat and uninspired.

The artwork itself in this comic book offers some bright spots. The illustrations in this comic book capture the supernatural elements with flair, and the character designs are visually appealing. However, the art sometimes struggles with consistency, particularly in conveying the emotional nuances of the characters. Which had made it difficult for me personally to continue to stay immersed in the story of this comic book.

The use of shading and contrast in the artwork helps to create an atmosphere that aligns with the supernatural themes, but the overall visual presentation could benefit from more dynamic panel compositions and detailed backgrounds to enhance the storytelling.

Despite its shortcomings,  this comic book does have moments that hint at its potential. The supernatural elements are intriguing and, with more careful development, could serve as a strong foundation for a compelling series. The concept holds promise, and with more focus on character depth and narrative cohesion, future comic books in this series could better capture the imagination of readers.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“DC Super Hero Girls: At Metropolis HIgh Halloween ComicFest Special Edition (2019) #1” By Amy Wolfram & Yancey Labat Review

When Batgirl, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Green Lantern, Bumblebee, and Zatanna are continually late to class because of their crime-fighting, they are sentenced to finding an after-school club for a whole week … or else they’ll be suspended! But finding a club is not as easy as it looks, and when the girls keep finding themselves kicked out of the clubs they like, they must think outside of the box and go outside their comfort zones to avoid suspension. This first chapter from the DC SUPER HERO AT METROPOLIS HIGH graphic novel is perfect for ages 6-10 and a great entry point into the DC Universe.

This comic book offers a playful, Halloween-themed adventure aimed at younger readers. Despite its festive spirit. At the same time this comic book has a simplistic narrative and limited engagement.

The creators of this comic book creates a story centered around the DC Super Hero Girls as they navigate the challenges of high school life while preparing for a Halloween celebration. The plot is straightforward, focusing on themes of friendship and teamwork. While the narrative is accessible for its intended audience, it lacks depth and complexity, making it less engaging for older readers like myself.

The characters in this comic book, including Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Batgirl, are portrayed with their iconic traits, but their development remains surface-level. The interactions between the characters are light-hearted and fun, yet they rarely venture beyond the basics of camaraderie and problem-solving. This limited character exploration results in a narrative that feels more like a series of events than a cohesive story.

At the same time this comic book is the highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the vibrant and energetic essence of the DC Super Hero Girls. The illustrations in this comic book is dynamic, perfectly suited to the playful tone of the story. The character designs we get in this comic book are expressive and appealing, bringing a sense of fun to each page that enhances the overall reading experience.

However, while the artwork is visually delightful, it cannot fully compensate for the lack of narrative depth. The story’s pacing is brisk, moving quickly from one scene to the next without allowing for meaningful development or exploration of themes. This rapid progression can make the plot feel rushed, which has left me personally with little opportunity to connect with the characters or become invested in their journey.

Despite these limitations, this comic book succeeds in its primary goal: to provide a fun, accessible introduction to the world of superheroes for young readers. The emphasis on teamwork, friendship, and celebrating differences offers positive messages that can resonate with its audience.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“DC Super Friends (2008-2010) #1” By Sholly Fisch & Darío Brizuela & J. Bone Review

This issue features a full-length adventure with Amazo, the android who has all the same powers as our heroes, as well as activities, the Super Friends secret code key and more!

This comic book introduces us as readers to the world of superheroes with a fun and accessible story. At the same time this comic book has a simplistic narrative and lack of depth.

The creators of this comic book creates a straightforward tale featuring iconic heroes like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and others as they team up to tackle a new threat. The story is designed to be easily digestible for younger audiences, focusing on teamwork and heroism. However, while the narrative succeeds in being accessible, it lacks the engagement and complexity that might captivate a wider audience.

The plot in this comic book is rather basic, with a predictable structure that offers little in terms of surprise or intrigue. The heroes face off against a villainous plot, but the stakes never feel particularly high.

The writing itself in this comic book is pretty clear and concise, which serves well for its target demographic, yet it doesn’t delve into character development or more nuanced themes that could enrich the story.

The artwork itself in this comic book brings a vibrant and moody aesthetic to this comic book, which perfectly suited to the tone of the story. The character designs are playful and expressive, capturing the essence the illustrations we get in this comic book are dynamic, adding a sense of action and movement that keeps the visual interest alive.

While this comic book excels in being a visually appealing introduction to the DC Universe for children, it falls short in providing a story that resonates beyond its target audience. The lack of depth in both plot and character development means that older readers might find the content lacking in substance.

Despite these shortcomings, this comic book does succeed in its primary goal: to introduce young readers to the world of superheroes in a fun and approachable way. The emphasis on teamwork, friendship, and doing good can serve as positive messages for children, potentially sparking an interest in exploring more complex superhero stories as they grow older.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985-1986) #1” By Marv Wolfman & George Pérez & Dick Giordano Review

Literally all the greatest DC Universe heroes from across time and space join forces to stop a being more powerful than any they’ve ever faced! But with existence crumbling around them, this may be a fight that no one walks away from. Don’t miss the classic story that altered the DCU forever!

This comic book is a monumental undertaking, aiming to unify and redefine the DC Universe. At the same time this comic book struggles a lot with clarity and narrative overload.

From the outset, the creators of this comic book sets the stage for a cosmic event of epic proportions, introducing us as readers to a multiverse under threat from an enigmatic force known as the Anti-Monitor. The narrative attempts to weave together numerous plotlines and characters from across the DC multiverse, a task that proves both its strength and its Achilles’ heel.

The writing itself in this comic book is dense, packed with exposition and rapid-fire introductions to a multitude of characters and settings. While this complexity showcases the vastness of the DC Universe, it can be overwhelming for me personally, especially those not deeply familiar with the myriad characters and histories involved. The sheer volume of information makes it difficult to form emotional connections with the characters or fully grasp the stakes at play.

The artwork itself in this comic book is the highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the grandeur and chaos of the unfolding crisis with intricate detail. The artwork in this comic book has the ability to depict vast cosmic battles and a multitude of characters in a single panel is impressive, showcasing the skill and dedication. However, the dense layouts can sometimes feel cluttered, adding to the sense of overwhelm rather than providing clarity.

Despite the visual strengths, this comic book’s pacing is uneven, rushing through key moments without allowing sufficient time for development or reflection. The rapid transitions between different universes and characters has left me personally disoriented, struggling to keep track of the unfolding events.

While this comic book is a groundbreaking work in terms of its impact on the DC Universe, its execution in this comic book lacks the cohesion and accessibility needed to fully engage me personally. The ambitious scope, while commendable, ultimately overwhelms rather than invites, making it a challenging read for those not already invested in the DC multiverse.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Valiant Masters: H.A.R.D. Corps Vol. 1: Search and Destroy – Introduction” By David Lapham & Bob Layton & Jim Shooter Review

The most important technological breakthrough of the century might also be its most dangerous. After years of trial and error, multinational conglomerate Omen Enterprises has finally perfected a cybernetic brain implant that will change the face of modern warfare forever. With a legion of ex-soldiers at their disposal, Omen is building the private army of the future – a squadron of enhanced commandos that calls itself the H.A.R.D. Corps! But even with the powers of flight, telekinesis, and mind control at their command, not everyone is willing to volunteer for service…but Omen has ways of making you fight for a paycheck.

This cmmci book aims to revive a classic superhero team with a fresh perspective. Despite its intriguing premise this comic book does struggle with a inconsistent storytelling and lack of character depth.

The narrative in this comic book centers around H.A.R.D. Corps, a group of technologically enhanced soldiers tasked with tackling superhuman threats. The concept of a government-backed team equipped with cutting-edge technology is promising, offering potential for dynamic action and complex moral dilemmas. However, the execution falls short, with the story often feeling disjointed and rushed.

The creators of this comic book attempt to balance action with character development, but the rapid pacing leaves little room for meaningful exploration of the characters’ backgrounds or motivations. As a result, the team members often come across as archetypes rather than fully realized individuals. This lack of depth makes it challenging for me personally to connect with the characters on an emotional level.

The dialogues in this comic book, while serviceable, sometimes lacks the nuance needed to convey the complex relationships and conflicts within the team. Interactions between characters often feel forced, missing opportunities to explore the dynamics and tensions that could add depth to the narrative.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, occasionally struggles to enhance the storytelling. The action sequences are dynamic and well-executed, capturing the intensity and stakes of the team’s missions. However, the visual style sometimes lacks consistency, with character designs and backgrounds that vary in detail and quality. This inconsistency can detract from the overall immersion in the story.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book hints at potential for future development. The core concept of a technologically advanced team dealing with superhuman threats is intriguing and could serve as the foundation for compelling storylines. With more focused character development and narrative cohesion, future comic books in this series might better realize this potential.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

“Lost in Space: Countdown to Danger #0” By Richard Dinnick & Brian Buccellato & Zid Review

All new, untold adventures featuring the full crew from the hit Netflix show: the Robinsons, the Robot, Doctor Smith, and Don West. These are the missions you didn’t see on TV, as our heroes struggle to survive in an unknown world full of new creatures, unexpected visitors, and new danger.

This comic book attempts to expand on the beloved sci-fi classic, offering a prelude to new adventures. However, despite its intriguing premise this comic book does struggle a fair share with a inconsistent storytelling and character development.

The narrative in this comic book sets the stage for a continuation of the “Lost in Space” saga, aiming to capture the essence of the original while introducing fresh elements. The creators of this comic book create a story that teases potential conflicts and mysteries. However, the execution feels rushed, with the plot jumping quickly between scenes without providing adequate context or depth. This lack of cohesion makes it challenging for me personally to engage fully with the story.

The Character development is another area where this comic book struggles in my opinion. The Robinson family and their companions are central to the series, but their portrayal here lacks the depth and nuance that made them iconic. The interactions between characters often feel superficial, missing opportunities to explore their relationships and individual arcs. As a result, I personally found it difficult to connect with the characters and their motivations.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, sometimes struggles to align with the narrative’s tone. The illustrations capture the futuristic setting with a dynamic compositions, but the art occasionally lacks the detail needed to enhance the story’s emotional impact. The visual storytelling could benefit from more consistency to better support the narrative’s shifts in mood and pacing.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book has moments that hint at the series’ potential. The core concept of exploring new dangers and mysteries in space remains compelling, and with more focused storytelling, future comic books in this series could better realize this promise. The issue serves as a teaser, aiming to draw us as readers into the expanded universe and set the stage for upcoming adventures.

I Give This Book 2 / 5