Tag: 2 Star Reviews

Superstar SKOTTIE YOUNG (Rocket Raccoon, Wizard of Oz) makes his Image debut with an ALL-NEW SERIES! The Adventure Time/Alice in Wonderland-style epic that smashes its cute little face against Tank Girl/Deadpool-esque violent madness has arrived. In an adventure that ain’t for the little kiddies, (unless you have super cool parents, then whatever), you’ll meet Gert—a six year old girl who has been stuck in the magical world of Fairyland for thirty years and will hack and slash her way through anything to find her way back home. Join Gert and her giant battle-axe on a delightfully blood soaked journey to see who will survive the girl who HATES FAIRYLAND.

This comic book presents an intriguing twist on the fantasy genre, but ultimately it struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative. While the concept behind this comic book of a dark, comedic take on fairy tales is promising, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The story in this comic book follows Gertrude, a young girl trapped in the whimsical world of Fairyland for nearly three decades. Her mission to find a way home has turned into a violent, sarcastic escapade. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative filled with dark humor and subverted fairy tale tropes, aiming to entertain those who enjoy irreverent takes on classic themes. However, the reliance on shock value and over-the-top violence can overshadow the story’s potential depth.

The character development in this comic book is one of the weak points of this comic book. Gertrude, though initially intriguing as a protagonist with her jaded perspective and cynical humor, lacks depth and relatability. Her motivations are clear, but the constant barrage of jokes and violent outbursts makes it hard to connect with her on a deeper emotional level. The supporting characters, while colorful and eccentric, serve more as comedic props than fully fleshed-out individuals.

The writing in this comic book relies heavily on humor, but it often feels forced and repetitive. The dialogue is packed with jokes and quips, but the relentless pace can become exhausting rather than engaging. This focus on humor at the expense of narrative development detracts from the overall storytelling, which has left me personally without a strong connection to the plot.

The artwork itself in this comic book is the highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the chaotic and colorful world of Fairyland with vivid detail and energy. The illustrations we get on this comic book bring the fantastical setting to life, with exaggerated character designs and dynamic compositions that complement the story’s tone. However, the art’s vibrant and whimsical nature sometimes contrasts sharply with the dark humor, creating a dissonance that can be distracting.

The pacing of this comic book is inconsistent, with scenes that either drag on with repetitive humor or rush through potentially interesting plot developments. This affects the overall flow, preventing the story from building meaningful momentum or emotional resonance. Key moments come and go without leaving a lasting impact, making it difficult for me personally to become invested in Gertrude’s journey.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of a twisted take on fairy tales holds potential for future development. With more focus on character growth and narrative depth, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into the themes and offer more satisfying story arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Generation after generation, it’s the same old There’s no hope for the future, because young people think only of themselves. They have no respect for authority. They think they know everything. They are arrogant. They are reckless. They want to tear the world apart. In a time full of possibilities, yet rife with disappointment, the youth are changing. They look the same, but they act different, think different, and have abilities we can only dream of. They’re not like us.

This comic book introduces a narrative filled with potential but ultimately struggles to deliver. At the same time this comic book tries to explore themes of alienation and identity through a group of young people with extraordinary abilities, but it falls short in execution.

The story in this comic book begins with a young woman on the brink of despair, driven by voices in her head. Rescued by a mysterious group with similar powers, she is introduced to a new way of life. The creators of this comic book sets up a premise that promises intrigue and psychological depth, yet the narrative feels disjointed and lacks a strong hook to fully engage me personally.

The character development in this comic book is the key weakness in this comic book. The protagonist, while central to the plot, lacks depth and relatability. Her internal struggles are hinted at but not fully explored, which has left me personally without a strong emotional connection. Similarly, the supporting characters are introduced without sufficient background or motivation, making them feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals.

The dialogues throughout this comic book often feels stilted and unnatural. Conversations between characters seem forced, lacking the nuance needed to convey genuine relationships or tension. This detracts from the overall immersion and makes it difficult for me personally to become invested in the characters’ journeys.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while distinctive, doesn’t fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations we get in this comic book illustrations capture the urban setting with a gritty realism that suits the story’s themes, but the character designs can sometimes appear inconsistent or lacking in expression. This inconsistency in the art style further detracts from the storytelling.

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

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring the lives of young people with extraordinary abilities in a realistic setting holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent comic books in this series could delve deeper into these themes and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Sun, sand, swimsuits and cool rockin’ tunes – no, it’s not a cinematic ‘beach party’ blast from the past, but a whole new summer splash from Archie and his friends! In this fun-filled free issue, Cheryl and her snooty friends from Pembrooke form an all-girl group to compete head on with the Archies at a summer beach music festival. Will Cheryl’s group be a tuneful treat, or mistaken for bellowing whales?

This comic book offers a nostalgic return to Riverdale, but ultimately falls short. At the same time this comic book aims to capture the lighthearted charm of classic Archie comics, but this cmic book struggles with depth and engagement.

The story in this comic book takes Archie and his friends on a summer adventure filled with beach fun and typical teenage antics. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that is breezy and easygoing, staying true to the spirit of Archie’s world. However, the plot lacks substance and originality, relying heavily on well-worn tropes without adding fresh twists or meaningful developments.

The character interactions in this comic book are familiar, featuring the usual dynamics between Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and the rest of the gang. While the camaraderie and humor are present, the characters feel stagnant, without significant growth or change. This static portrayal reduces the potential for emotional engagement, which has left me personally wanting more depth and evolution in their relationships.

The writing in this comic book captures the lighthearted banter typical of Archie comics, but the dialogue often feels superficial and predictable. The humor, while present, lacks the sharpness needed to elevate the story beyond a simple, nostalgic read. This limits the comic’s appeal to newer audiences who might be looking for more contemporary storytelling.

The artwork itself in this comic book maintains the classic Archie style, with clean lines and bright, cheerful illustrations. The visuals effectively convey the fun and carefree atmosphere of summer in Riverdale, capturing the essence of the iconic characters. However, the artwork alone isn’t enough to compensate for the narrative’s lack of depth and innovation.

The pacing of this cmic book is consistent, but the story unfolds 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 a slice of nostalgic enjoyment for longtime fans of Archie comics. 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

ICE CREAM MAN is a genre-defying comic book series featuring disparate “one-shot” tales of sorrow, wonder, and redemption. Each installment features its own cast of strange characters, dealing with their own special sundae of suffering. And on the periphery of all of them, like the twinkly music of his colorful truck, is the Ice Cream Man—a weaver of stories, a purveyor of sweet treats. Friend. Foe. God. Demon. The man who, with a snap of his fingers—lickety split!—can change the course of your life forever.

This comic book presents a unique approach to horror and anthology storytelling but ultimately falls short. While the concept behind this comic book holds potential, the execution struggles with cohesion and depth, which has left me personally with a less than satisfying experience.

This comic book introduces us as readers to a seemingly idyllic town with a sinister undercurrent, as the mysterious Ice Cream Man weaves through various lives, bringing chaos and dread. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that aims to blend unsettling horror with introspective character moments, but the connection between the stories feels weak and disjointed. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the overarching theme or find a central narrative thread to follow.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal, with the anthology format providing only brief glimpses into the lives of the individuals affected by the Ice Cream Man. This approach limits the emotional impact, as I personally weren’t given enough time to connect with or care about the characters’ fates. The intriguing premise of a central figure linking these tales of terror is undercut by a lack of exploration into the Ice Cream Man’s motives or backstory.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s strengths, capturing the eerie and surreal aspects of the story with detailed and expressive illustrations. The art style we get in this comic book effectively conveys the contrast between the mundane and the macabre, adding visual intrigue to the narrative. However, while the visuals enhance the atmosphere, they cannot fully compensate for the narrative’s lack of depth and cohesion.

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

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring horror through an anthology format holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and deeper character exploration, subsequent comic books could better capitalize on the intriguing premise and deliver more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Toru, who just became a high school student, ends up going to school and living with Sugako, who is his aunt and is also same age as him. The super-beauty Sugako stirs up all kinds of trouble. What will Toru do…?!

This comic book introduces a story filled with potential for humor and drama but ultimately falls short. While the premise of this comic book suggests engaging family dynamics and comedic elements, the execution struggles with depth and cohesion, resulting in a lackluster experience.

The narrative in this comic book centers around the protagonist’s relationship with their charismatic and unconventional aunt. Although the setup offers opportunities for exploring family interactions and personal growth, the storyline lacks clarity and focus. The plot jumps between scenes without smooth transitions, making it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the characters or the unfolding events.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal, with both the protagonist and the aunt appearing one-dimensional. Their motivations and personalities are not sufficiently explored, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their dynamics or individual journeys. This lack of depth makes it challenging to connect with the characters on an emotional level, reducing the story’s potential impact.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the energetic and lively nature of the characters, with expressive designs and dynamic compositions. However, the art alone isn’t enough to elevate the story, as the absence of strong storytelling and character work undermines the overall impact.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially engaging moments. This inconsistency affects the overall flow, preventing the narrative from building momentum or emotional resonance. Key plot points are introduced abruptly, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of the stakes or significance of the events unfolding.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring family relationships with a comedic twist holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the intricacies of the familial bond and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Introduction for Must Read Greatest Hits #1! Never tried a Valiant comic?! Start reading here – with more than 100 pages of Valiant Comics greatness for just $5.99! Find out why VALIANT is the MUST READ superhero publisher in comics today with a greatest hits collection of can’t-miss moments from across the Valiant Universe! Re-presenting X-O MANOWAR #5, QUANTUM AND WOODY #1, HARBINGER #1, HARBINGER WARS #2, and SHADOWMAN #0, MUST READ GREATEST HITS #1 is the perfect place to find out why IGN is “Nobody is making superhero books like this, which is exactly why you should be paying attention to Valiant Comics.”

This comic book attempts to showcase the best of Valiant Comics, but unfortunately, it falls short of delivering a compelling collection. This comic book is designed to introduce new readers to Valiant’s universe, featuring a selection of stories from various creators. However, the execution lacks the cohesion and depth that would make it truly captivating.

The concept of this comic book is promising. With a rich history of unique characters and storylines, the potential for an engaging introduction is high. However, the selection of stories in this issue feels disjointed and somewhat random, failing to provide a coherent narrative thread or thematic connection. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for readers to become fully immersed in the Valiant universe.

Each story in this comic book is intended to highlight a different aspect of Valiant’s offerings, from superhero exploits to science fiction adventures. While this variety showcases the range of Valiant’s storytelling, it also contributes to a fragmented reading experience. The transitions between stories are abrupt, which have left me personally with little time to engage with the characters or plotlines before moving on to the next piece.

The character development is another area where this comic book. The brief nature of each story limits the opportunity for meaningful character exploration. As a result, the characters often come across as one-dimensional, lacking the depth and complexity that would make them memorable or relatable. For new readers, this can be particularly challenging, as the anthology does not provide the rich context needed to fully appreciate the characters’ journeys.

The artwork throughout this comic book varies in style and quality, reflecting the diverse range of creators involved. Some illustrations capture the dynamic energy and visual appeal typical of Valiant’s comics, while others feel less polished and more generic. This inconsistency in the artwork further contributes to the anthology’s lack of cohesion.

While this comic book aims to serve as an introduction to Valiant’s universe, it falls short in providing the context and background necessary for new readers. The stories are presented without much explanation or framing, leaving those unfamiliar with Valiant’s history potentially confused or disengaged. More editorial guidance or commentary could have enhanced the anthology, offering insights into the significance of each story within the larger Valiant canon.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Runako is studying hard to someday succeed as owner of her family’s maid dispatching service company. One day, a request comes in from an entertainment production company and shockingly, it’s for their super-popular star, Seirei Moroboshi! But could it be that the image he projects on the TV is far different than his true secret face…?!

This comic book introduces an intriguing domestic setup but ultimately falls short. Despite a promising premise of this comic book, this comic book struggles with character development and narrative depth, resulting in an underwhelming experience.

The story in this comic book follows the arrival of a mysterious maid in a household, setting the stage for potential drama and intrigue. While the setup hints at interesting dynamics and secrets, the narrative lacks cohesion and clarity. The plot feels fragmented, with scenes that transition abruptly, making it difficult for me personally to become fully invested in the storyline or the characters’ motivations.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal, with both the maid and the family members appearing one-dimensional. The protagonist’s motivations and backstory are not sufficiently explored, which has left me personally without a clear understanding of their personality or goals. This lack of depth makes it challenging to connect with the characters on an emotional level, reducing the impact of the story.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the nuances of the domestic setting with clean lines and expressive character designs. However, the art alone isn’t enough to elevate the story, as the lack of strong storytelling and character work undermines the overall impact.

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

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring domestic dynamics and hidden motives holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the intricacies of the household and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Kanade, a girl gifted with an observing eye and an ability to get things done. This is the story about her journey discovering the beauty of classical ballet and the joy of dancing. From the popular author that brought us Vanitas, comes a romantic story that makes the beauty of classical ballet come alive.

This comic book introduces an intriguing premise but ultimately falls short. At the same time this comic book tries to blend drama and artistry but struggles with character development and narrative cohesion, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying experience.

The story in this comic book centers on a protagonist who is drawn into the world of ballet. While the setting provides ample opportunity for exploring themes of passion, discipline, and ambition, the narrative lacks depth and clarity. The plot feels disjointed, with scenes that jump abruptly, making it difficult for me personally to engage fully with the storyline or the characters’ motivations.

The character development in this comic book is very minimal, with the protagonist and supporting cast lacking sufficient depth and relatability. The central character’s journey into the world of ballet is portrayed without much context or emotional resonance, making it challenging for me personally again to connect with their struggles and aspirations. The interactions between characters feel superficial, failing to convey the depth of relationships and personal conflicts that could have enriched the narrative.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while visually appealing, cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings. The illustrations capture the grace and elegance of ballet, with expressive character designs and dynamic compositions. However, the visuals alone aren’t enough to elevate the story, as the lack of strong storytelling and character work undermines the overall impact.

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

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of exploring the world of ballet holds potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the rich tapestry of the ballet world and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Notorious kink writer TINA HORN teams up with artist MICHAEL DOWLING (Unfollow, Death Sentence) for SFSX, a social thriller about sex, love, and torture that reads like SEX CRIMINALS in Gilead crossed with Oceans 8—with a SUNSTONE twist! In a draconian America where sexuality is bureaucratized and policed, a group of queer sex workers keep the magic alive in an underground club called the Dirty Mind. Using their unique bondage skills, they resolve to infiltrate the mysterious government Pleasure Center, free their friends, and fight the power!

This comic book presents a provocative exploration of a dystopian world where personal freedoms, particularly sexual ones, are heavily policed. Despite its intriguing premise and bold themes, the comic ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this comic book is set in a near-future society where a regime known as the Party enforces strict control over sexual expression and identity. The protagonist, Avory, is a former member of an underground club that celebrates sexual freedom. As she navigates this repressive world, the narrative aims to tackle themes of censorship, identity, and resistance.

While the concept in this comic book is timely and relevant, the execution falls short in several areas. The plot is often overshadowed by its heavy-handed messaging, which can feel more like a lecture than a story. While the themes are important, the narrative struggles to weave them seamlessly into the plot, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters. Avory, despite being the central figure, lacks depth and complexity. Her motivations and internal conflicts are not fully explored, making it difficult for me personally to connect with her journey. The supporting characters, who could add richness to the story, are similarly underdeveloped, often serving as mere symbols rather than fully realized individuals.

The artwork is a bright spot in this comic book. The illustrations effectively capture the gritty, oppressive atmosphere of the dystopian setting. The art style complements the dark themes of the story, using stark contrasts and detailed line work to convey the tension and unease of the world. The artwork in this comic book has the ability to depict emotion through facial expressions and body language adds some depth to the otherwise lacking character development.

The dialogues in this comic book tends to be clunky and expository. While it attempts to convey the oppressive nature of the regime and the characters’ resistance, it often feels forced and unnatural. The dialogue could benefit from more subtlety and nuance to allow the themes to emerge organically through the characters’ interactions and experiences.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Ryoka is awakened by flurry of text messages from her mother! Panicked and rushed, Mom is clearly concerned for Ryoka’s safety but she is not to keen on letting her daughter know why. And the reason behind that is nothing could really properly describe what is happening! The world might be ending! And there might be an unidentifiable being on the roof of their apartment building!

This comic book introduces a dystopian scenario filled with potential but ultimately falls short. At the same time this comic book sets up an intriguing world but struggles with pacing and character development, which has left me personally with an unsatisfying experience.

The story in this comic book is set in a future where society is divided into zones, with Level X being particularly dangerous and mysterious. This setting presents opportunities for tension and drama, yet the narrative lacks clarity and cohesion. The plot jumps between scenes without providing enough context, making it difficult for me personally to fully grasp the stakes or become invested in the storyline.

The character development in this comic book is pretty minimal, with the protagonist introduced without much depth or background. Their motivations and personality are not sufficiently explored, making it challenging for me personally to connect with their journey. The supporting characters fare no better, often appearing as mere plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

The dialogues throughout this comic book feel stilted and lacks the natural flow needed to engage readers. Conversations between characters serve more as exposition rather than revealing deeper layers of personality or building meaningful relationships. This lack of engaging dialogue contributes to the overall flatness of the narrative, preventing it from resonating emotionally.

The artwork itself in this comic book is one of this comic book’s redeeming qualities. The illustrations capture the dystopian elements of the setting with a clean and expressive style. The character designs are visually appealing but do not fully compensate for the narrative’s shortcomings. While the art enhances the aesthetic appeal, it does little to elevate the story itself.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes that either linger without purpose or transition abruptly, disrupting the flow of the story. This inconsistency makes it challenging to maintain engagement, as the plot lacks a clear, compelling direction.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of this comic book offers a glimpse of potential for future development. With more focused storytelling and robust character exploration, subsequent chapters could delve deeper into the rich tapestry of this dystopian world and offer more satisfying narrative arcs.

I Give This Book 2 / 5