Tag: 2 Star Reviews

A sneak peek of two comics from Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed video game series. Blood Not long before the exploits of Eivor Wolf-Kissed, Jarl Stensson and his younger brothers, Ulf and BjÖrn, make their way to England at the behest of Halfdan Ragnarsson and Ivarr the Boneless. Filled with excitement, confidence and bloodlust, the three brothers are eager to go to war against Aelfred the Great and his Anglo Saxon army. But they would do well not to underestimate what awaits them on those green shores… In the 14th year of the Tianbao Era (CE 755) An Lushan, a military governor with ties to the Knights Templar, leads his elite corps to rebel against the Tang Dynasty, and the ill-prepared Tang empire falters under the threat. The two capitals Luoyang and Chang’an fall and China falls under the oppression of the cruel An Lushan. As the Tang dynasty starts to crumble, Li E, a shady Assassin trained by the Hidden Ones in the far West, teams up with Tang loyalists to turn the tide and save both the dynasty and the country from this crisis.

This comic book attempts to expand the rich lore of the Assassin’s Creed universe but ultimately falls short. While the concept behind this comic book holds potential, the execution struggles with pacing and depth, leaving a sense of unfulfilled promise.

This comic book is divided into two distinct stories: one set in the Viking era and the other in ancient China. Both narratives aim to explore the classic Assassin’s Creed themes of freedom versus control, but neither fully captures the intrigue and depth that fans have come to expect from the franchise.

In the “Valhalla” segment, the story follows a Viking assassin. Although the setting is visually striking, the narrative lacks the complexity that makes Assassin’s Creed compelling. The plot feels rushed, with little time dedicated to character development or building tension. Key events happen abruptly, which has left me personally with a superficial understanding of the protagonist’s motivations and the stakes involved.

Similarly, the “Dynasty” portion, set in ancient China, introduces a new protagonist with potential for an engaging storyline. However, the rapid pacing and sparse dialogue hinder the development of a meaningful connection with the characters. The cultural and historical richness of the setting is underutilized, resulting in a narrative that feels more like a brief glimpse than a fully realized story.

The storytelling is hampered by a lack of cohesion and depth. The transitions between scenes are abrupt, disrupting the narrative flow and making it difficult for me personally to immerse myself in the world of this comic book. The dialogue often feels perfunctory, lacking the nuance and intrigue that could elevate the storytelling.

The artwork in this comic book, while occasionally capturing the essence of the Assassin’s Creed aesthetic, is inconsistent in quality. Some panels effectively convey the action and atmosphere, while others feel flat and lack detail. The potential for visually stunning depictions of both Viking and Chinese landscapes is only partially realized, leaving readers wanting more in terms of visual immersion.

Despite these shortcomings, there are glimpses of potential. The concept of exploring different historical periods through the lens of the Assassin’s Creed universe remains intriguing. With more focused storytelling and character development, future comic books in this series could delve deeper into the rich narratives that these settings offer.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Part 1 of 3. The story of an isolated Alaskan town that is plunged into darkness for a month each year when the sun sinks below the horizon. As the last rays of light fade, the town is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires bent on an uninterrupted orgy of destruction. Only the small town’s husband-and-wife Sheriff team stand between the survivors and certain destruction.

This comic book introduces a chilling premise but struggles to deliver a fully engaging narrative. While the concept behind of this comic book is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired, with pacing and character development being significant drawbacks.

The story in this comic book is set in Barrow, Alaska, where the sun sets for 30 days, plunging the town into darkness. This unique setting provides an ideal backdrop for horror, as vampires descend upon the town, taking advantage of the prolonged night. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that promises tension and terror, but the initial issue doesn’t fully capitalize on the potential of its premise.

One of the main issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The story unfolds slowly, with the buildup lacking the necessary suspense to truly hook me personally. The opening scenes introduce the setting and the looming threat, but the narrative feels disjointed, jumping between perspectives without building a coherent sense of dread. This lack of momentum makes it difficult for me personally to become fully invested in the unfolding events.

Character development is another area where this comic book falters in my opinion. The protagonists, Sheriff Eben Olemaun and his wife Stella, are introduced, but their personalities and motivations are not thoroughly explored. This lack of depth makes it challenging for me personally to connect with them or care about their plight. The supporting characters fare no better, appearing as mere placeholders rather than individuals with distinct roles in the story.

The artwork we get in this comic book, while stylistically unique, may not appeal to everyone. The use of abstract and surreal imagery captures the eerie atmosphere of the narrative, but it can also obscure details and make action sequences difficult to follow.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does succeed in establishing a strong visual tone. The artwork creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability, effectively conveying the bleakness of a town cut off from the rest of the world. This atmospheric quality is one of the comic’s few strengths, providing a haunting backdrop for the unfolding horror.

The concept of vampires exploiting a month-long night is a fresh twist on traditional vampire lore, and there is potential for deeper exploration of this idea in subsequent issues. With more focused storytelling and character development, the series could yet deliver on its intriguing premise.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Sokka follows Suki as she gives a lesson in manners and encourages a young girls strength. Itty Bitty Hellboy has fun toying with nemesis Rasputin, and the Juice Squeezers crew leap into action to defend one of their own against a persistent bully. Hilarity ensues! Three comics under one cover! Best-selling all-ages titles! 

This comic book aims to offer a family-friendly experience but ultimately falls short. Despite the involvement of talented creators, this comic book struggles with cohesion and depth, which has left me personally wanting more.

The anthology format of this comic book is intended to provide a diverse sampling of stories suitable for all ages. However, the execution feels disjointed, with each segment lacking a unifying theme or narrative thread. This fragmentation makes it difficult for me personally to engage fully with the content or find a clear through line in the stories presented.

Gene Luen Yang’s contribution, while well-intentioned, feels underdeveloped. Known for his ability to blend humor and heart, Yang’s story here doesn’t quite capture the magic of his other works. The characters lack depth, and the plot feels rushed, preventing me personally from forming a meaningful connection with the narrative.

Faith Hicks brings her signature art style to the mix, offering visual charm and expressiveness. However, the story accompanying her art is similarly lacking in substance. The plot is simplistic, which, while appropriate for an all-ages audience, could benefit from more engaging dialogue and character development to truly resonate with readers.

Art Baltazar’s section provides a dose of humor and whimsy, with his familiar cartoonish style bringing a playful energy to the comic. Unfortunately, the brevity of the segment limits its impact, leaving it feeling more like a quick sketch than a fully fleshed-out story.

The pacing throughout the comic book is pretty inconsistent, with stories that either drag without building engagement or rush through potentially interesting moments. This uneven pacing disrupts the overall flow, preventing this cosmic book from developing a satisfying rhythm or emotional resonance.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of creating an all-ages comic that showcases different styles and stories holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and a curated selection of pieces, subsequent comic books in this series could better capture the imaginations of young readers while offering something for older fans as well.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

This book collected issues #1-4. A nameless robot girl has recently been given the gift of life from her creator. While exploring the wonders of an ordinary world, she meets an amazing mutant boy and they share a friendship that must overcome their warring families.

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 presents a visually appealing but ultimately underwhelming tale. At the same time this preview compiles the story of Tesla, a mechanical girl discovering her identity in a world of science and fantasy.

The premise of this preview is intriguing, set in a vibrant world where science and magic intertwine. Tesla, created by a skilled inventor, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and the nature of humanity. While the concept holds promise, the execution falls short in delivering a compelling narrative.

The character development is one of this preview’s weak points. Tesla, despite her potential as a unique protagonist, often feels one-dimensional. Her journey lacks depth and emotional resonance, making it difficult for me personally to fully invest in her struggles and triumphs. The supporting characters, too, are underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.

The plot in this preview, while straightforward, suffers from pacing issues. Key events unfold rapidly, leaving little room for exploration and reflection. This rushed progression undermines the impact of significant moments, preventing the story from building meaningful tension or emotional weight. As a result, the narrative feels disjointed, with transitions that can be jarring and abrupt.

The artwork is a highlight of this preview. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, capturing the whimsical and fantastical nature of the world. The character designs are visually striking, and the settings are rich with imaginative details. The artwork in this preview effectively conveys the story’s steampunk aesthetic, creating a visually engaging experience that stands out even when the narrative falters.

The dialogues in this preview tends to be simplistic and occasionally lacks nuance. Conversations between characters often feel superficial, missing opportunities to delve into deeper themes or character motivations. More layered dialogue could have added complexity and depth to the interactions, enhancing the story’s emotional impact.

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

Get familiar with the Beast of the Apocalypse with two classic Mignola tales The Ghoul and Another Day at The Office and two new stories by Mignola, Fabio Moon, and R. Sikoryak.

This comic book aims to celebrate two decades of the iconic character. However, despite its intentions, this comic book falls short of expectations. While this comic book provides glimpses into Hellboy’s world, the execution lacks cohesion and depth, leaving me personally wanting more.

This comic book is a collection of short snippets intended to showcase the breadth of the Hellboy universe. While the idea is promising, the narrative feels fragmented. Each segment offers a brief look into various stories, but the lack of continuity between them has been pretty disorienting for me personally, especially those new to Hellboy. The transitions between stories are abrupt, making it difficult to engage with the material or understand the broader context.

Mike Mignola’s influence is evident in the writing, with attempts to capture the dark humor and gothic atmosphere that define Hellboy. However, the brevity of each segment limits the ability to fully explore characters or develop intriguing plots. This constraint results in a superficial treatment of the themes and characters that fans have come to love. This comic book misses the opportunity to delve deeply into the lore and character development that make Hellboy compelling.

Cameron Stewart and Fábio Moon contribute their artistic talents to this comic book, each bringing a unique style to the different segments. The artwork is visually appealing, capturing the eerie and supernatural elements of Hellboy’s world. Stewart’s clean lines and Moon’s expressive figures add visual interest, but the art alone cannot compensate for the narrative’s lack of depth.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with stories that either rush through potentially intriguing moments or linger without building tension. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the narrative from developing momentum or emotional resonance. Key elements are introduced without adequate context, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their significance.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does succeed in reminding readers of Hellboy’s enduring charm and the unique blend of folklore, horror, and humor that characterizes his adventures. For longtime fans, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into the world they love, even if it lacks the depth and engagement of full-length stories.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

From the creative team behind the critically acclaimed THE SHERIFF OF BABYLON, Tom King and Mitch Gerads offer us their breathtaking vision of one Jack Kirby’s greatest Fourth World creations in their new series MISTER MIRACLE.

This comic book presents an ambitious take on the enigmatic DC character, yet it struggles to fully engage me personally. While this comic book hints at deeper themes and complex storytelling, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and compelling narrative.

The story in this comic book centers around Scott Free, also known as Mister Miracle, a master escape artist grappling with both personal and cosmic dilemmas. The creators of this comic book tries to explore profound themes such as identity, trauma, and the search for meaning. However, the preview offers only a fragmented glimpse into these themes, which has left me personally with more questions than answers.

The writing in this comic book known for its introspective and layered approach, but in this comic book, the narrative feels disjointed. The dialogue, though intended to be thought-provoking, sometimes borders on cryptic, making it challenging for me personally to connect with the characters or understand the stakes. The pacing is erratic, with scenes that shift abruptly, disrupting the flow and leaving a sense of incompleteness.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the surreal and often haunting atmosphere of Mister Miracle’s world. The use of distinctive panel layouts and detailed character expressions adds depth to the visual storytelling. The art we get in this comic book effectively conveys the tension and unease that permeate Scott’s life, enhancing the emotional weight of the narrative.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its attempt to delve into the psyche of a character who is both a superhero and a troubled individual. The creators of this comic book seeks to explore the duality of Scott Free’s existence, juxtaposing his public persona with his private struggles. However, the limited scope of this comic book prevents these themes from being fully developed, resulting in a narrative that feels more like a series of abstract ideas than a cohesive story.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does offer a glimpse into the potential depth and complexity of the full series. With more space to explore character development and thematic elements, subsequent comic books in this series could deliver a more satisfying and immersive experience.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

THE WORLD OUTSIDE YOUR WINDOW! Marvel’s acclaimed podcast series focusing on telling the stories of diverse creators and their unique perspectives becomes a one shot of brand new adventures! The X-Men find their place in the world after declaring a new nation! Killmonger strikes! Moon Girl and Devil Dino return!

This comic book featuring stories by a talented group of creators including Vita Ayala, Roxane Gay, and Brian Stelfreeze. Despite its noble intentions, this comic book falls short in execution. While the anthology format that this comic book offers a platform for underrepresented voices, the narrative cohesion and depth are lacking.

The concept behind this comic book is commendable, providing a space for creators from diverse backgrounds to tell stories that reflect their experiences. However, the issue struggles to maintain a consistent quality across its multiple stories. The anthology format, while allowing for a variety of perspectives, results in uneven storytelling that lacks a unifying thread.

Individual stories in this comic book often feel too brief to develop meaningful narratives or character arcs. This brevity limits the emotional impact and depth that each story can achieve, which has left me personally wanting more. While some stories manage to capture moments of genuine insight or emotion, others feel rushed or underdeveloped.

Vita Ayala’s contribution stands out for its attempt to delve into the complexities of identity and belonging. However, the limited page count restricts the exploration of these themes, making the narrative feel more like a snapshot than a fully realized story. Similarly, Roxane Gay’s story, while well-written, struggles to leave a lasting impression due to its brevity.

The artwork itself in this comic book, along with contributions from other artists, adds visual appeal to this comic book. The diverse art styles reflect the variety of stories being told, capturing the unique tone and mood of each narrative. However, the visual charm isn’t enough to elevate the overall reading experience, as the lack of narrative depth persists throughout this comic book.

The pacing of this comic book varies significantly between stories, resulting in an uneven flow that disrupts my engagement. Some narratives feel rushed, while others linger without building significant tension or emotional resonance. This inconsistency prevents the anthology from achieving a cohesive narrative arc, leaving the overall impact diluted.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does succeed in highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity in the comic book industry. This comic book brings attention to voices and stories that are often marginalized, offering a platform for creators to share their unique perspectives. This aspect of the anthology is valuable and deserves recognition.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Mad scientist Fontana forces Kirk and company to battle other beloved Federation crew members from The Next Generation all the way to Lower Decks in the brawling death match of the millennium! How can our heroes possibly survive this horrifying gladiator game when the referee has limitless godlike powers? Find out in the thrilling conclusion of this comic book celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Star The Animated Series.

This comic book to capture the essence of the original animated series, but unfortunately falls short. While the premise behind this comic book holds promise, this comic book struggles with execution and depth, which has left me personally wanting more.

The narrative in this comic book aims to blend nostalgia with new adventures, following the crew of the USS Enterprise as they encounter peculiar phenomena at the Scheimer Barrier. However, the plot feels disjointed, jumping between scenes without clear transitions or cohesion. This lack of focus makes it difficult for me personally to become fully engaged with the story or its stakes.

The character development in this comic book is notably lacking, with familiar faces like Captain Kirk and Spock appearing more as caricatures than fully realized characters. Their interactions and dialogue often feel forced and lack the nuance needed to capture the dynamic relationships fans expect. This superficial portrayal diminishes the emotional impact and fails to explore the complexities that define these iconic characters.

The writing in this comic book struggles to capture the spirit and wit of the original series. The dialogue, while attempting to mirror the classic tone, often falls flat, lacking the sharpness and charm that made the animated series beloved. The humor feels forced and the narrative lacks the depth needed to offer meaningful insights or themes.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while vibrant, isn’t able to fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the whimsical style of the animated series, with bold lines. However, while visually appealing, the art does not elevate the story enough to overcome its narrative deficiencies.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty, with scenes that either drag without building tension or rush through potentially significant moments. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the story from developing momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their significance or impact.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of revisiting the animated Star Trek universe holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into the themes and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

It’s out action featuring the newest stars to be of Disney Avengers and the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.! Featuring art pulled directly from the animated series, this sneak peek at the two newest animated series from the geniuses at Marvel Animation promises to make this the best yet!

This comic book brings the Hulk and his team into a new adventure, but unfortunately, it falls short. While the concept behind this comic book of a Hulk-led team promises action and camaraderie, the execution struggles to deliver a coherent and engaging narrative.

This comic book begins with Hulk, She-Hulk, Red Hulk, A-Bomb, and Skaar teaming up to tackle threats too big for ordinary heroes. While this lineup offers potential for dynamic interactions and thrilling battles, the plot feels thin and lacks depth. The narrative jumps between action sequences without providing a strong central storyline to anchor the comic book, making it difficult for me personally to become fully invested.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, with the team feeling more like a collection of personas rather than a cohesive unit. The interactions between team members lack the depth needed to explore their unique dynamics and relationships. Dialogue often feels flat and expository, failing to capture the distinctive voices and personalities of these larger-than-life characters.

The creators of this comic book aim to inject humor and lightheartedness into the story, but the attempts at comedy often fall flat. The humor feels forced and lacks the wit necessary to elevate the narrative beyond a series of disconnected events. This lack of engaging dialogue contributes to the overall flatness of the story, preventing it from resonating emotionally.

The artwork itself in this comic book struggles to elevate the story. The illustrations effectively capture the chaotic nature of the team’s adventures, but they lack the detail and dynamism needed to make the action truly engaging. The character designs are faithful to their animated counterparts but don’t bring anything new to the table.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either linger without building tension or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the story from developing momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the issue does offer a glimpse into the potential for fun superhero antics with the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into the themes and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

It’s October 31st, but Robin needs Batman’s help to learn the true meaning of Halloween…CANDY! And will Robin be able to tell the difference between the real evildoers and costumed children, or will the kids get clobbered while the villains escape?!

While this comic book is charming in its artistic approach, ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative. At the same time this comic book aims to offer a lighthearted and accessible take on the Dark Knight, but struggles with depth and engagement.

This comic book presents a series of short stories set in a whimsical version of Gotham City, featuring familiar characters in cute, stylized renditions. While the concept is appealing and has potential for fun and humor, the execution often feels flat. The narratives are simplistic, lacking the depth and intrigue that had drawn me personally into Batman’s world.

The creators of this comic book aim to capture the essence of Gotham through a more playful lens, but the stories feel disjointed and lack a strong narrative thread. Each vignette is brief, providing only a surface-level glimpse into the lives of Gotham’s heroes and villains. This format can be entertaining for younger audiences, but it had left me at times wanting more substance and continuity.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, as the short story format limits exploration of individual arcs or motivations. While the characters are visually charming, their interactions and dialogue often feel clichéd and predictable. This lack of depth makes it challenging for me personally to connect with the characters or become invested in their stories.

The artwork itself in this comic book is the highlight of this comic book. The illustrations we get in this comic book bring a unique and endearing aesthetic to Gotham. The art we get in this comic book captures the playful tone of the series, making each panel visually engaging. The character designs are adorable and imaginative, offering a fresh perspective on iconic figures like Batman, Robin, and the Joker.

The pacing of this comic book is consistent with its lighthearted tone, but the stories unfold without significant tension or conflict. This results in a narrative that feels flat, lacking the engaging twists or emotional highs that could make it memorable. Key moments pass without impact, which has left me personally without a strong connection to the unfolding events.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does provide an enjoyable, family-friendly introduction to the Batman universe. The familiar setting and character dynamics offer comfort and familiarity, which may appeal to those seeking a simple, feel-good read.

I Give This Book 2 / 5