Tag: 2 Star Reviews

In this FREE Special Summer Preview issue we take a look at some of Caliber Comics upcoming titles. Covered within are preview pages, interviews, and more information with looks Squalor, Untouchables, Disciples, P.I. Jane, Salt, and Amongst the Stars. Plus a bonus story of the prelude leading into the Inferno graphic novel by Mike Carey (Lucifer) and Michael Gaydos (Jessica Jones); and the continuation of the History of Caliber from publisher Gary Reed.

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 review is a collection of stories that aims to blend intriguing narratives with compelling visuals. Unfortunately, this installment falls short of expectations.

This preview allows for a diverse range of stories, each bringing its own unique flavor. However, this diversity seems to be a double-edged sword. While variety can be a strength, in this case, it results in a lack of cohesion. The stories feel disjointed, and there is little thematic or stylistic consistency to tie them together. This fragmentation makes it difficult for myself to become fully immersed in this preview.

Gary Reed, Mike Carey, and Jim Alexander are all seasoned writers with impressive credentials, yet their collaborative effort here does not reach the potential one might expect. Some stories suffer from underdeveloped plots, which have left me wanting more depth and complexity. Other narratives feel overly familiar, lacking the originality needed to captivate a seasoned audience. The character development is another weak point; many characters are not given enough space to evolve, leading to a lack of emotional engagement.

The artwork in this preview, often a saving grace in graphic novels, is inconsistent in this preview. While some panels are visually striking and well-executed, others fall flat, either due to lackluster coloring or awkward composition. This inconsistency further detracts from the overall reading experience. A strong visual narrative could have compensated for some of the storytelling shortcomings, but unfortunately, this is not the case here.

One of the main issues I had personally with this preview is its pacing. Several stories begin with promising premises but quickly fizzle out, either rushing to a conclusion or dragging without sufficient development. This uneven pacing disrupts the flow of the anthology, making it a challenge to stay engaged from one story to the next.

Despite these criticisms, there are moments of promise in this preview. Occasionally, a story will capture a glimpse of intrigue or an innovative idea that hints at what could have been a more successful execution. These glimpses, however, are too few and far between to elevate the overall impression of the work.

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

Introduction for Must Read Greatest Hits #2! Never tried a Valiant comic? Get hooked right here with 100+ pages of Valiant’s most memorable moments for just $5.99 Featuring James Asmus (Gambit), Doug Braithwaite (Justice), Clayton Crain (X-Force), Joshua Dysart (BPRD), Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates), Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT), John Layman (Chew), Jen Van Meter (Captain Marvel), Robert Venditti (Green Lantern), and many more! This is your chance to find out why VALIANT is the MUST READ superhero publisher in comics today with the second value-priced collection of Valiant’s greatest hits! Re-presenting RAI #1, ARMOR HUNTERS #3, QUANTUM AND THE GOAT #0, THE DEATH-DEFYING DR. MIRAGE #1, and BLEEDING MONK #0 – plus sensational short stories from X-O MANOWAR #25 and ARCHER & ARMSTRONG #25 – start reading here to find out why IGN declares, “If you haven’t jumped on the Valiant bandwagon yet, now is the time.”

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 attempts to showcase the best of Valiant Comics but ultimately falls short. At the same time this preview aims to highlight key moments and characters, it struggles with coherence and impact, leaving much to be desired.

This preview is designed to serve as an entry point for new readers, offering glimpses into various storylines and characters within the Valiant Universe. However, the selection feels disjointed, lacking a clear narrative thread that ties the pieces together. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the material or appreciate the significance of each segment.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. While the intention is to introduce iconic Valiant characters, the brief snippets do not provide enough depth or context to truly understand or connect with them. Without sufficient background or exploration, the characters feel flat and unremarkable, failing to leave a lasting impression.

The writing in this preview, contributed by various creators, varies in quality and tone. Some segments capture the essence of Valiant’s storytelling, while others feel rushed and underdeveloped. The inconsistency in writing style and narrative depth detracts from the overall experience, which have left me with a fragmented understanding of the Valiant Universe.

The artwork throughout this preview is a mix of styles, reflecting the diverse range of stories and creators involved. While some illustrations are striking and dynamic, others lack detail and vibrancy. This inconsistency in visual quality further contributes to the disjointed feel of this preview, preventing it from achieving a cohesive and immersive experience.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with it, because this preview had segments that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the significance of each story. A more curated and focused selection could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

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

Once, he was the hired killer known as Angelo Mortalli. Now, there is only Bloodshot. Brought back from the grave by the government scientists of Project Rising Spirit, Bloodshot is powered by microscopic nano-machines that can repair all injuries and maximize his physical potential. But the nanites can’t replace his lost memories – or help him shake the feeling that he was once anything but a hero. Atoning for his sins in a world he no longer knows, can the man now called Bloodshot recover the secrets of his past? And survive his deadly first encounters with the likes of the Eternal Warrior, Ninjak and Rai along the way?

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 aims to reintroduce us as readers to the iconic character of Bloodshot but falls short in execution. Despite the potential this preview had, it struggles with narrative coherence and character development, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview follows Bloodshot, a super-soldier with nanites in his blood that grant him extraordinary powers. While the premise promises action and intrigue, the plot quickly becomes convoluted and lacks clear direction. The narrative jumps between scenes without smooth transitions, making it challenging for me personally to stay engaged or fully grasp the storyline.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Bloodshot, who should be a complex and compelling protagonist, is presented with minimal depth. His motivations and inner conflicts are not thoroughly explored, resulting in a character that feels flat and unrelatable. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices without contributing meaningfully to the story or the protagonist’s growth.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture the essence of a gritty action thriller, often falls flat. The dialogue lacks the sharpness and emotional resonance needed to elevate the narrative, leading to interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development, which had left me personally feeling disconnected from the characters’ experiences and motivations.

The artwork in this preview, though capturing the style of its era, does little to enhance the overall reading experience. The illustrations often lack detail and vibrancy, failing to convey the excitement and intensity that the story demands. The visual style feels dated and does not engage for picky readers as myself, further diminishing the impact of the narrative.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with this preview. Because this preview had scenes that either drag without purpose or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it difficult for myself to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. The lack of a coherent narrative arc further exacerbates this problem, which have left me without a satisfying sense of direction or resolution.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of Bloodshot as a character holds potential for future development. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character motivations, subsequent volumes could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

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

Angoisse Ashe, the oft-forgotten middle sister of the Ashe royal family, is locked in a castle deep in the wamp. Not only is her castle guarded by zombies, but the swamp is full of dangerous hazards. Everything from quicksand to goblins to swamp monsters to…VAMPIRES! But does that give Adrienne pause? Unfortunately not, as she and Bedelia dive head-first into their most dangerous adventure yet!

This comic book attempts to continue the empowering narrative of the Princeless series but falls short in execution. While this comic book series is known for its progressive themes and strong characters, this installment struggles to maintain the quality and engagement of its predecessors.

The story in this comic book follows Princess Adrienne as she embarks on another adventure, this time focusing on themes of identity and self-acceptance. The writing itself in this comic book has previously excelled at crafting witty dialogue and dynamic characters, but in this introduction, the narrative feels disjointed and lacks the depth that fans have come to expect. The plot progresses rapidly, with key events feeling rushed and underdeveloped, which has left me personally with little time to connect with the characters or the story.

The character development, a hallmark of the Princeless series, is notably lacking in this volume. Adrienne, usually a vibrant and relatable protagonist, seems to go through the motions without significant growth or exploration. Her interactions with other characters lack the usual spark and depth, making it difficult for me personally to become emotionally invested in her journey. Supporting characters, often a source of humor and heart, are underutilized and do not contribute meaningfully to the narrative.

The artwork in this comic book, while consistent with the series’ style, does little to elevate the storytelling. The illustrations capture the colorful and whimsical world of Princeless but lack the detail and expressiveness needed to convey the emotional weight of the story. The art feels static at times, missing opportunities to enhance the narrative through dynamic compositions and lively character expressions.

One of the critical issues I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative moves quickly from one event to the next without allowing time for tension to build or characters to develop. This hurried approach results in a story that feels more like a series of loosely connected scenes rather than a cohesive narrative. I was personally are left with a sense of confusion rather than intrigue, as crucial plot points are glossed over or inadequately explained.

Despite these shortcomings this comic book contains moments that hint at its potential. The themes of identity and self-acceptance are important and relevant, and with more focused storytelling, they could become compelling and impactful. However, the introduction fails to capitalize on this potential, offering little more than a surface-level exploration of its themes.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

A man, a woman—and their parasites. Marcus has been alone since the loss of his closest friend and has just recently entered into the dating scene, while Laura has drifted in and out of relationships since high school. They meet, they have a great first date, and Marcus almost dies—because the slug-like parasite that everybody carries in this world nearly rejects him, its host. Bonding is a funny, quirky, and honest look at love, in a world where everyone wears their anxiety, not on their sleeves, but on their chest like big ol’ leeches.

This comic book presents an intriguing concept but falls short in execution. While the premise of this comic book promises an engaging narrative, the issue struggles with pacing and depth, which has left me personally wanting more.

The story in this comic book introduces a world where people form symbiotic relationships with alien parasites, a concept ripe with potential for exploring themes of connection and dependency.

The writing in this comic book attempts to delve into this unique world, but the narrative feels disjointed and lacks a clear direction. The plot unfolds rapidly, jumping between scenes without providing sufficient context or development, which has left me confused and disconnected from the story.

The character development is particularly lacking in this comic book. The protagonists are not given enough depth to make their journeys compelling or relatable. Their motivations and backgrounds are only superficially explored, leaving their actions feeling unconvincing. This lack of characterization makes it difficult for me personally to form an emotional connection with the characters or become invested in their outcomes.

The artwork in this comic book, while visually appealing, does little to enhance the storytelling. The illustrations capture the alien nature of the world but lack the detail and expressiveness needed to convey the emotional nuances of the narrative. The art style, while technically proficient, fails to elevate the story or compensate for its shortcomings.

One of the main challenges I had with this comic book is its pacing. The narrative moves quickly from one event to the next without allowing time for tension to build or characters to develop. This hurried approach results in a preview that feels more like a collection of loosely connected scenes than a cohesive story. I was personally left with a sense of confusion rather than intrigue, as crucial plot points are glossed over or inadequately explained.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book does contain moments that hint at its potential. The concept of symbiotic relationships with alien beings is intriguing and, with more focused storytelling, could become a compelling narrative. However, the issue fails to capitalize on this potential, offering little more than a surface-level exploration of its themes.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Sister Maria has recruited two horny drug-fueled weirdos to stop the apocalypse. Their names? Jesus and Satan. Can these biblical frenemies help this nun with a gun defeat an army of pissed off mythological gods? Only one thing’s for sure — it’s gonna be a wild ride!

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 im gonna give you the answer for that at the end of this review.

This preview sets out to deliver a bold and irreverent take on religious and mythological themes, but ultimately falters in execution. While the concept of this preview is intriguing and audacious, the narrative struggles with coherence and depth, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview thrusts us as readers into a world where deities and religious figures engage in a chaotic battle for supremacy. The creators of this preview create a plot laden with satire and dark humor, aiming to challenge conventional narratives. However, the storyline often feels disjointed, with scenes that lack clear transitions and purpose. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the narrative or connect with the characters.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. The protagonists, while initially captivating due to their outrageous nature, are presented with minimal depth. Their motivations and personalities are not fully explored, resulting in characters that feel more like caricatures than fully realized individuals. This superficial treatment hinders the potential for meaningful character arcs and emotional investment.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture a blend of humor and shock value, often falls short. The dialogue lacks the wit and cleverness needed to elevate the comedic elements, leading to interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful development which have left me feeling disconnected from the characters’ journeys.

The artwork in this preview is a highlight, bringing a vibrant and exaggerated style that complements the outrageous tone of the story. The illustrations are bold and energetic, capturing the chaotic essence of the narrative with dynamic character designs and action sequences. The visual style adds an element of visual interest, though it cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with this preview. Because this preview has scenes that either drag without adding value or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

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

Elin, the adopted child of a prestigious family, keeps up the facade of a party girl for the tabloids in order to protect her brother. Exhausted by the emptiness of her reality, she gives her virginity to Cortez, an attractive stranger whom she has just met. One year later, after giving birth to a baby, Elin is shocked by her adopted father’s deathbed revelation. She must marry within one year or else her inheritance rights will be transferred to another heir—and this newly appeared heir is Cortez!

This comic book presents a dramatic romance that unfortunately falls flat in execution. While the premise of this comic book promises intrigue and emotional depth, the delivery lacks the necessary elements to fully engage me personally.

The story in this comic book centers around a tangled web of secrets and romance, with a plot that initially seems promising. The creators of this comic book adapts the narrative aiming to capture the intensity and allure of hidden truths and passionate encounters. However, the plot often feels predictable, relying heavily on clichéd tropes without offering fresh perspectives or unique twists to invigorate the narrative.

The character development is one of the key areas where this comic book struggles. The protagonists, while they have the potential to be compelling, are not sufficiently fleshed out to make their emotional journeys engaging. The heroine’s motivations and internal conflicts are superficially explored, leaving her actions and choices feeling unconvincing. Similarly, the male lead lacks the depth and complexity needed to elevate the romance beyond a basic storyline.

The dialogues throughout this comic book tends to be stilted and occasionally lacks authenticity. Conversations between characters often feel forced and lack the natural flow that would make their interactions more believable and engaging. This hampers the emotional impact of key scenes, making it difficult for me personally to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The artwork in this comic book is competent but does little to enhance the storytelling. While the illustrations capture the elegance of the characters and their glamorous lifestyles, they lack the expressiveness needed to convey the emotional nuances of the story. The art style, while visually pleasing, fails to elevate the narrative or compensate for its shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with certain plot developments feeling rushed and others dragging without significant progression. This inconsistency disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging for me personally to maintain interest. A more balanced approach to pacing could have allowed for deeper exploration of character arcs and thematic elements.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does have moments that hint at its potential. The premise of hidden secrets and the quest for truth offers a foundation that could be built upon in future installments. Additionally, the setting provides a rich backdrop that, with more development, could enhance the romantic and dramatic elements of the story.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

After five years of separation, Morgan visits her estranged husband in Greece. Drakon Sebastian Xanthis is a world-class tycoon and owner of a widely successful marine corporation. When they got married five years ago, Morgan couldn’t endure their loveless marriage and fled to America, but now she is caught in a major dilemma. Her father has been abducted by pirates, who are holding him for a six-million-dollar ransom. She has no choice but to beg her former husband for help. Drakon doesn’t hesitate to write her a check. However, seeing him again, Morgan realizes that she is still deeply in love with the gorgeous Greek man.

This comic book attempts to weave a tale of romance and drama but falls short in its execution. While the premise of this comic book  promises intrigue and emotional depth, the delivery lacks the necessary elements to fully engage me personally.

The story in this comic book revolves around a complex relationship set against the backdrop of a luxurious Greek setting. Sara Nakayama adapts Jane Porter’s narrative, aiming to capture the allure of romance intertwined with personal conflict. However, the plot often feels predictable, relying heavily on clichéd tropes without offering fresh perspectives or twists to invigorate the narrative.

The character development is one of the key areas where this comic book struggles. The protagonists, while initially intriguing, are not given enough depth to make their emotional journeys compelling. The heroine’s motivations and inner conflicts are superficially explored, leaving her actions and decisions feeling unconvincing. Similarly, the male lead lacks the complexity needed to elevate the romance beyond a basic storyline.

The dialogues throughout this comic book tends to be stilted and occasionally lacks authenticity. Conversations between characters often feel forced, lacking the natural flow that would make their interactions more believable and engaging. This hampers the emotional impact of key scenes, making it difficult for readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The artwork in this comic book is competent but does little to enhance the storytelling. While the illustrations capture the elegance of the Greek setting and the characters’ glamorous lifestyles, they lack the expressiveness needed to convey the emotional nuances of the story. The art style, while visually pleasing, fails to elevate the narrative or compensate for its shortcomings.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with certain plot developments feeling rushed and others dragging without significant progression. This inconsistency disrupts the narrative flow, making it challenging for me personally to maintain interest. A more balanced approach to pacing could have allowed for deeper exploration of character arcs and thematic elements.

Despite its shortcomings, this comic book does have moments that hint at its potential. The setting provides a rich backdrop that, with more development, could enhance the romantic and dramatic elements of the story. Additionally, the premise of personal redemption and rekindled love offers a foundation that could be built upon in future installments.

I Give This Book 2 / 5

Everyone’s favorite street-walking dead returns! Janey the Zombie Tramp makes a mysterious new friend and together they board an express train to more fetish, gore, and cartoon grindhouse mayhem in the style that fans of the series have come to love! Are Janey’s budding, undead powers enough to see her through another deadly adventure on the Taint Train of Terror?

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 attempts to deliver a blend of horror and humor but ultimately falls short. Despite this preview’s unique premise, it struggles with narrative cohesion and character development, leaving much to be desired.

The story in this preview follows Janey Belle, a former escort turned zombie, as she navigates a world filled with supernatural threats. While the concept of a zombie anti-heroine offers potential for creativity, the plot is often disjointed, with scenes that lack clear direction and purpose. This lack of cohesion makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the narrative or become invested in Janey’s journey.

The character development is notably lacking in this preview. Janey Belle, the protagonist, is introduced with minimal depth, making it challenging for me personally to connect with her or empathize with her struggles. Her motivations and backstory are not thoroughly explored, reducing her to a one-dimensional figure. The supporting cast fares no better, often serving as mere plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the story.

The writing in this preview, while attempting to capture a mix of horror and humor, often falls flat. The dialogue lacks the wit and sharpness needed to elevate the comedic elements, resulting in interactions that feel forced and uninspired. This diminishes the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character development which have left me disconnected from the characters’ journeys

The artwork in this preview is the highlight of this preview. The illustrations are bold and stylized, capturing the chaotic and gritty essence of the zombie genre. The visual style is both dynamic and expressive, conveying the intensity and action of key scenes. While the artwork adds a layer of visual interest, it cannot fully compensate for the narrative shortcomings.

The pacing of this preview is another significant issue I had with it. Because the scenes in this preview are either drag without adding value or rush through potentially important moments. This inconsistency disrupts the flow and makes it challenging for me personally to maintain interest or fully grasp the plot’s progression. A more balanced approach could improve the overall reading experience by allowing for deeper exploration of both plot and character.

Despite its shortcomings, the concept of this preview holds potential for the full version of this comic book. With more focused storytelling and a stronger emphasis on character growth, full version of this comic book could better capture the excitement and depth inherent in the premise.

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

For all the superheroes who never were given a chance… Wondering what’s new in Comic Books? Check out Blind Prophet! Reviews have said things “…The concept is beautiful, the execution mind-bending.” and “It most certainly does not pull any punches…” and “In all honestly this book really shook me up…this book is scary because it could happen.” Pretty extraordinary commentary for a comic book, don’t you think? Blind Prophet is the story of a boy, Daniel Prophet, born blind and autistic, who undergoes an experimental procedure that gives him the ability to peer into the spiritual realm, where demons tempt, and angels defend. Blind Prophet is kind of a blend between the Dead Zone, The Sixth Sense, and the Screwtape Letters. Or, if you want to keep the comparisons to comic books, maybe Daredevil and Constantine. 

This comic book presents an ambitious concept but falls short in execution. At the same time this comic book introduces to us as readers a narrative filled with supernatural elements and moral exploration, yet struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging experience.

The story in this comic book centers on the protagonist, a blind prophet who receives divine visions, setting the stage for a tale that intertwines spirituality with real-world issues. 

The writing itself in this comic book attempts to tackle themes of faith, destiny, and morality. While the concept is intriguing, the narrative feels disjointed and lacks clarity. The pacing is uneven, with moments that drag without contributing significantly to character development or plot advancement.

The dialogues in this comic book often comes across as stilted and lacks the natural flow needed to engage readers. Characters frequently deliver exposition-heavy speeches, which can feel forced and detract from the story’s emotional impact. This approach leaves little room for subtlety or nuance, making the conversations feel more like lectures than natural interactions.

The artwork itself in this comic book, while competent, does little to elevate the narrative. The illustrations are serviceable but lack the dynamic quality needed to bring the story’s supernatural elements to life. Character designs are somewhat generic, and the lack of detail in certain panels can make it difficult for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the world. A more refined and expressive artistic style could have helped convey the emotional and thematic depth the story strives for.

One of the main challenges with this comic book I had is its structure. The narrative jumps between different scenes and ideas without a clear sense of progression or purpose. This disjointedness makes it difficult for readers to follow the plot or become invested in the characters’ journeys. A more focused and streamlined approach could have improved the flow and coherence of the story.

Despite its shortcomings this comic book has moments that hint at its potential. The concept of a blind prophet navigating a world filled with moral ambiguity is compelling, and with further development, the series could explore interesting philosophical questions and character arcs. However, this first installment struggles to fully realize that potential.

I Give This Book 2 / 5