Tag: 4 Star Reviews

Turn a new page in fear with Hill House Comics, new from DC! Masterminded by Joe Hill, the writer behind the hit TV series NOS4A2 and the comics sensation Locke & Key, Hill House Comics is a new horror pop-up from DC – and this sampler gives you a taste of what’s coming in spine-chilling titles like Basketful of Heads, The Dollhouse Family, The Low, Low Woods and more. This sampler features preview pages from these three series, an interview with Joe Hill, and a checklist of every Hill House Comics title – and best of all, it’s free! Don’t miss it!

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 offers a tantalizing glimpse into the eerie and captivating world of Hill House Comics. At the same time this preview serves as an introduction to the various stories within the Hill House imprint, showcasing Hill’s talent for blending horror with compelling narratives.

This preview includes excerpts from several series, each with its own distinct flavor and atmosphere. Hill’s writing is consistently engaging, drawing me personally in with a mix of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. The stories promise a variety of horror experiences, from psychological thrillers to traditional ghost stories, ensuring there is something for every fan of the genre.

One of the standout aspects of this preview is its ability to establish atmosphere and tension quickly. Hill’s knack for crafting vivid, unsettling environments is evident in each excerpt. Whether it’s a haunted manor or a cursed artifact, the settings play a crucial role in enhancing the sense of dread and anticipation that permeates the pages.

The character development in this preview is handled with care. Hill introduces intriguing protagonists and supporting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations. This depth adds layers to the stories, making readers eager to learn more about their journeys and the challenges they face.

The artwork across this preview is varied and impressive, with each series featuring a unique artistic style that complements its narrative tone. The illustrations capture the eerie and unsettling nature of the stories, enhancing the overall impact. From shadowy, atmospheric panels to detailed character expressions, the artwork effectively conveys the mood and tension of each tale.

While this preview is highly effective in generating interest and intrigue, its nature as a collection of excerpts means that some narrative threads are left unresolved. This is both a strength and a limitation; it entices me to delve into the full series but can also leave them wanting more immediate closure or context.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

The internationally wanted vigilante Soldier: 76 heads to Egypt to track down a lead, which takes him to an unexpected reunion.

This comic book delivers a compelling narrative that artfully combines action and nostalgia. At the same time this comic book focuses on the reunion of iconic characters from the Overwatch universe, exploring themes of friendship, duty, and redemption.

The story of this comic book centers on the legendary soldier Jack Morrison, also known as Soldier: 76, as he reunites with his old comrade Ana Amari. Michael Chu’s writing skillfully captures the complexity of their relationship, highlighting the shared history and unresolved tensions between them. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, reflecting the deep bond and lingering regrets that define their past.

The artwork in this comic book enhances the narrative with vibrant, dynamic visuals that bring the characters and their world to life. The action sequences are particularly impressive, showcasing the fluidity and precision that fans of the Overwatch series have come to expect. Bengal’s ability to convey emotion through facial expressions and body language adds depth to the characters, making their interactions feel genuine and impactful.

The character development is a standout feature of this comic book. Chu delves into the personal struggles and motivations of both Soldier: 76 and Ana, providing insights into their decisions and the burdens they carry. This exploration adds layers to the characters, making them more relatable and human. The issue effectively portrays the challenges of coming to terms with past mistakes while striving to protect the future.

The plot of this comic book is very well-paced, balancing intense action with reflective moments that allow for character growth. This balance keeps the story engaging, ensuring that we as readers remain invested in the characters’ journeys. The narrative successfully weaves together elements of suspense, drama, and camaraderie, creating a rich and satisfying reading experience.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the passage of time. Chu thoughtfully incorporates these themes into the storyline, prompting us to reflect on the impact of past choices and the possibility of redemption. This thematic depth elevates the issue beyond a simple action-packed adventure, providing substance and resonance.

Despite this comic book strengths, it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the supporting characters. While the focus on Soldier: 76 and Ana is well-executed, additional insights into the motivations and perspectives of other characters could enhance the overall narrative. This would add further complexity to the story and enrich the dynamics within the Overwatch universe.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

In this NEW graphic novel from Warrior Innkeeper Comics KiDs , collecting #1-3 of The Less Than Historical Adventures of Li’l Lincoln , writer Benny Jack K. and artist Paul Johnson re-imagine President Abraham Lincoln’s “unremarkable” childhood with remarkable inaccuracy in this tallest of tall-tales.

This comic book is a delightful romp through a reimagined history because this comic book introduces us to a playful take on historical fiction, blending humor and adventure in a way that is both entertaining and insightful.

The story in this comic book follows a young Abraham Lincoln, affectionately known as Li’l Lincoln, on a series of adventures that are as imaginative as they are engaging. Benny Jack K crafts a narrative that is rich with wit and charm, taking liberties with historical accuracy to create a world where anything is possible. This creative freedom allows for a fresh and amusing perspective on iconic historical figures and events.

The plot of this comic book is a blend of episodic escapades and overarching themes of discovery and friendship. While the narrative takes creative liberties, it maintains a sense of cohesion that keeps readers engaged. The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action-packed sequences and moments of reflection that allow for character growth.

The character development is a standout aspect of this comic book. Li’l Lincoln is portrayed with a mix of curiosity, determination, and humor, making him an endearing protagonist. His interactions with other historical figures, reimagined with whimsical twists, add depth and entertainment to the story. The supporting cast is equally colorful, each character bringing their own unique flair to the narrative.

The artwork in this comic book is a perfect match for the story’s tone, capturing the whimsical and light-hearted nature of Li’l Lincoln’s adventures. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, enhancing the narrative with dynamic visuals that have draw me personally into this fantastical version of history. Johnson’s style complements the humor and energy of the story, making each page a visual delight.

Despite the playful nature this comic book has, it also explores deeper themes such as identity, courage, and the importance of curiosity. Benny Jack K weaves these themes into the narrative seamlessly, providing substance beyond the surface-level humor. This balance of fun and meaning adds depth to the story, making it enjoyable for readers of all ages.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

Free 10 page preview!! With prospering careers and a three-year-old daughter, David and Tarilyn Deville seem to be living the American dream. But instead of a life of comfort, tragic events in their past led the couple to a life of service — in the ER and District Attorney’s office by day, and on the streets of Philadelphia by night as crime-fighters MIDKNIGHT and KNIGHTINGALE. Or, at least, after bedtime. Animation-style adventures from the mind of Star Wars fan-favorite Tom Hodges, artist for “Star Evasive Action”, “You Can Draw Star Wars” and more.

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.

I gotta admit hat this preview is a pretty compelling preview that had me interested in it with the essence of urban legends and nighttime heroics.

This preview in a way brings to life a vivid tale that explores the complexities of vigilante justice which seamlessly blending action and introspection and had me very interesting in it.

The narrative of this preview centers around the enigmatic MidKnight. MidKnight is protagonist shrouded in mystery and moral ambiguity which I found to be a very intriguing character which made me like him instantly.

The setting of this preview feels like a character itself with its shadowy alleys and neon-lit streets providing the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.

In my opinion one of the standout features of this preview is the character development which happens in this preview. Its very clear to see that the creators of this preview have taken a lot of care to delve into the psyche of MidKnight, revealing a layered personality driven by a desire for justice yet haunted by personal demons. In a way this complexity adds depth to the story, making the protagonist relatable and compelling

The supporting characters in this preview are equally well-created and well-written. Each of the supporting characters are contributing to the narrative in meaningful ways. 

The interactions between the characters in this preview feels pretty realistic and dynamic which in a way adds richness to the plot of this preview.

The highlight of this preview is easily the artwork which this preview has. The artwork in this preview is pretty bold and expressive, perfectly capturing the mood of the story.

The action sequences in this preview are particularly well-executed, showcasing Hodges’ talent for dynamic, fluid artwork that keeps the reader engaged

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

10-Page Preview! A young man, desperate to save his sister from demonic possession, descends to Purgatory to save her. Once there, he must fight the illusions and traps set out for him if he is to reclaim his sister’s soul and make his way back to the real world. The clock is ticking and his only help comes in the form of a mischievous girl in a fox mask.

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 offers a fascinating introduction to a world of mystery and connection which is available in the full version of this comic book. I gotta admit that this preview is very good so such an extent that I’m very hyped about reading the full version of this comic book. Because this preview hints at a richly woven narrative that combines elements of fantasy, friendship, and self-discovery.

The story in this preview centers around two main characters who, despite their differences, find a unique bond. The creators of this preview create a compelling dynamic between them, highlighting their contrasting personalities while exploring the deeper connections that draw them together. This relationship is the heart of the narrative, providing both emotional depth and intrigue.

The writing style in this preview is characterized by its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions. The author paints a world that feels both magical and grounded, drawing readers into its atmosphere with ease. The dialogue is sharp and authentic, capturing the nuances of the characters’ interactions and adding layers to their development.

The narrative in this preview teases a larger adventure, with hints of supernatural elements and hidden secrets that are sure to capture attention and interest. This sense of mystery is well-balanced with moments of character introspection, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The artwork in this preview beautifully complements the story. The illustrations we see in this preview are detailed and expressive, bringing the characters and their world to life. The use of color and shading enhances the mood, capturing the essence of the fantasy elements while grounding the story in reality. Kapadai’s ability to convey emotion through her art adds depth to the narrative, making each scene resonate with me personally 

The character development in this preview is very very good. Because both main characters are portrayed with depth and complexity, each with their own motivations and inner conflicts. Their journey of self-discovery and mutual understanding is depicted with sensitivity and insight, making them relatable and engaging.

But since this one is only a preview it leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions which really annoyed me personally. The hints we do get in this preview of a larger plot are intriguing, but the lack of specific details have left me very frustrated. However, this sense of mystery also serves to heighten anticipation for future installments, suggesting a rich tapestry of stories yet to unfold.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

10-Page Preview! From the ashes of Steve Dowling’s “Garth” comes?”FREEMAN of the Armed Services,” Huw-J-‘s critically acclaimed web comic that originally re-launched the adventures of the Daily Mirror syndicate’s action and adventure hero. Incorporating the story arcs “Gold of Ragnarock” and “King of New York,” both which hearken back to the good old days where the spirit of adventure and good old-fashioned action reigned supreme. A true British hero!

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 has is a sharp, human-centered military drama which has a lot of aspects of duty, identity, and fallout which in my opinion has given this preview more depth and interest at least for me.

As a preview, it’s lean but evocative like establishing tone, stakes, and a compelling lead. But at the same time this preview is hinting at deeper institutional and personal conflicts to come.

This preview focuses mostly on Freeman’s inner and outer battles, grounding the military backdrop in lived-in detail rather than jargon dumps. Which in a way makes this preview easily too follow because it doesn’t overwhelm us as readers on giving us as many details and information within the 10 pages span of this preview. 

This preview has pretty clean and purposeful pacing. The scenes in this preview with intent because they offer us interaction to the full comic book and this preview also gives us hooks which at least got me personally interested in reading the full version of this comic book.

The plot of this preview ask questions on service, loyalty, and reintegration which gives this preview more depth and personality to it which I really liked. 

All the small details in this preview like procedures, dialogue cadence, and small cultural makes this preview feel credible, lending the world a steady realism.

This preview gives us a pretty good restrained palette and unfussy layouts support the grounded mood. Action beats read crisply; quieter panels use negative space effectively.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

17-Page Preview! At the end of The Sunwell Trilogy, blue dragon Tyrygosa and human paladin Jorad Mace left the Ghostlands…but on their way to Jorad’s destination, the two are drawn through a dark portal and into Outland, from which the Orcs and other species in the World of Warcraft originated. There, they find a group of dragons unlike any Tyri has seen…Will they be able to control this strange, mutated army before it overtakes them?

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 is a very good teaser that easily captures the menace and mystique of Outland’s dragon factions, which I liked a lot. 

At the same time this preview sets the table with sharp stakes, clear hooks, and evocative imagery. Which very easily had caught my interested and made me hyped about reading the full version of this comic book.

This preview leans heavily on the Outland’s otherworldly ruin and sky-splitting vistas, giving the setting a distinct identity without dense exposition. Which have caught my attention from the start and made me like this preview more and more the more I got into this preview.

This preview gives us a clear and fast political and existential tensions around dragonkind in a very limited time period which is this preview. At the same time this preview hints at factional intrigue and moral gray zones. Which easily made me give this preview some extra points for doing.

The scenes which this preview has snap from ominous setup to looming conflict which ending on a huge cliffhanger which made me want to jump right into the full version of this comic book.

At the same time you don’t have to be a long time fan sir reader of the World of Warcraft comic book to enjoy this preview. I myself am pretty new to this comic book series and I still liked this preview a lot because it made me want to continue reading this series.

The atmosphere of this preview is very good because it has very harsh horizons, shattered terrain, and sweeping silhouettes nail Outland’s alien grandeur.

The dragon illustrations of this preview feel very weighty and ancient, with readable silhouettes and a good sense of scale. Which easily is the main reason why I liked this preview so much as I did.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

10-Page Preview! Right on the heels of the bestselling The Sunwell Trilogy comes this collection of stories from the Warcraft universe. Includes the first part of a three-part story written by Richard Knaak and illustrated by Jae-Hwan Kim, the creators of the original Warcraft series, as well as stories from Mike Wellman (Star Trek, Gone South), Dan Jolley (Alex Unlimited, Warriors), Carlos Olivares, and Troy Lewter (Mac Afro, Adomant).

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.

I need to admit here that this preview for Warcraft: Legends Vol. 1 is a strong sampler that captures the breadth of Azeroth’s mythic scale and personal stakes which easily made me super interested in reading the full version of this comic book at the same time also read the entire comic book series of Warcraft universe. 

This preview teases multiple tones like heroic, tragic, and contemplative while staying approachable for fans who know the setting and inviting enough for curious newcomers like myself. Which made me give this preview some extra points for doing.

This preview has a rich and lore-friendly setup which really is the main thing which had grabbed my attention in the first place. Both Knaak and Wellman nod to familiar factions and conflicts without drowning or overwhelming me personally in exposition.

At the same time this preview has a varied storytelling flavors. Which in my opinion only adds to my overall liking of this preview. This preview offers us everything from battlefield grit to intimate character beats, the vignettes hint at an anthology with range rather than a single-note war tale

Each segment of this preview in my opinion plants a clean narrative question like motivations, mysteries, or moral dilemmas that made me want learn the full stories off.

The art samples we get in this preview balance Warcraft’s chunky armor, monstrous silhouettes, and expressive faces. Combat reads clean, and environments feel lived-in. Which in a way made me like this preview even more than I already did from just the characters and the plot line of this preview.

The characters in this preview are very well created. Because they are very likable, they have their own personalities and they have their own quirks which makes them stand out from the rest of the characters in this preview. Which made me give this preview some extra points for doing.

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

Sparrow and Crowe: The Demoniac of Los Angeles combines old-school horror with modern cinematic storytelling. Issue #1 begins the epic face-off of Sparrow and Crowe against Crowe’s biggest failure and greatest enemy when a powerful demon possesses the daughter of a Los Angeles crimelord. It’s a catch-22 for the duo, as they’re struck between both hell and the mob, with the girls life hanging in the balance.

I need to admit here that this comic book is one of the better comic books I have read so far. 

This comic book is a pretty confident, character-forward occult which managed to hook me in completely. Because it blends demonology with down-on-his-luck PI vibe which I found to to be very interesting, enjoyable and fun.

This comic book has a sharp, moody, and tightly paced storyline which I enjoyed a lot in this comic book. From the beginning of this comic book this comic book was able to hook me into it without over-explaining its universe or its lore. Which made me give this comic book some extra points for doing.

This comic book marries urban horror and hardboiled detective beats with ease, giving familiar tropes a fresh, pulpy edge. Which I personally had a lot of fun with while reading this comic book which is the main reason why I gave this comic book such a hide rating as I did.

There is a lot of character chemistry in this comic book between the 2 main characters of this comic book. Crowe’s weary skepticism plays nicely against Sparrow’s sharper instincts; their banter adds warmth to the bleakness. Which gave both of the characters more depth and more personalities.

The narrative of this comic book is sharp and focused. The plot line of this comic book keeps the case central while hinting at deeper mythos, resisting the urge to dump lore.

The atmosphere of this comic book has a tangible sense of dread runs through this comic book which involves the rituals which this comic book has feel dangerous, not decorative.

The visuals of this comic book favors grit and shadow, with compositions that emphasize isolation and menace. Creature design and sigil work are evocative without going overboard.

But I need to admit here that I wasnt a big fan of the artwork of this comic book which is the main reason why I gave this comic book 4 stars instead of 5. And which is the only problem I had with this comic book.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

10-Page Preview! The thrilling continuation of the Warcraft saga in the land of The Burning Crusade. As Ragnok leads his fel orc and Nether Dragon army to the Outland Gates, Jorad, Tyri and the Alliance army prepare for fight of their lives. But even if they defeat Ragnok, the battle is far from over as the nether dragons pose a more dangerous threat than even Ragnok. Will the spawn of Deathwing cause to the destruction of Azeroth?

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 offers us an exciting glimpse into the continuing saga of Warcraft’s dark and mystical world. 

This preview has a rich storytelling and stunning artwork, this preview sets the stage for an engaging continuation that fans of the series will find both compelling and visually captivating.

This preview has a very compelling narrative in it. At the same time this preview hints at high-stakes conflicts involving the Shadow Wing and the Nexus Point, promising intense action and intricate plot developments.

The artwork in this preview is very detailed and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the dark fantasy tone of Warcraft. The dynamic characters and epic scenes are a treat for the eyes.

This preview as a very rich and complex lore and character backstories, deepening the world-building that fans love. The preview teases intriguing new elements while respecting the series’ history.

As a preview it doesn’t reveal much beyond setting up the story, which has left me personally wanting more context or background.

At the same time the pacing in this preview is very uneven. Because some scenes feel rushed while otters scenes are very slow, likely due to space constraints, but overall it maintains a good rhythm that builds anticipation

So will buy and read the full version of this comic book ? Yes I will. It might take some time for me to actually read the full version of this comic book because I have been way too optimistic when creating my TBR list for this year and I don’t know if I get the time to read the full version of this comic book this year. But I will read the full version of this comic book at some point in time.

I Give This Book 4 / 5