“Overwatch: Tracer–London Calling #1” By Mariko Tamaki Review

Tracer’s time as an Overwatch agent is up. Five years after the ratification of the Petras Act, she now tends to small–scale crimes as a part–time hero. But when a punk-rock omnic named Iggy shows Tracer the dire living conditions that have been forced upon London’s omnics, Tracer becomes determined to help in any way possible—even if it puts her back in the crosshairs.

This comic book offers us a vibrant start to Tracer’s solo adventure. At the same time this comic book introduces us to a post-Overwatch world, blending action with character-driven storytelling that captures the essence of the beloved hero.

The narrative of this comic book follows Tracer as she navigates the complexities of a divided London. The creators of this comic book create a plot that combines dynamic action with moments of introspection, exploring themes of justice and community. The storyline is engaging, setting up a conflict that promises to delve deeper into Tracer’s motivations and the challenges she faces.

The character development is a strong point in this comic book. Tracer is portrayed with depth and nuance, her optimism and resilience shining through even in difficult situations.  The creators of this comic book explores her internal struggles and motivations, making her journey both relatable and compelling. The interactions with new characters, such as Iggy, hint at evolving relationships that add layers to the story.

The artwork in this comic book is vibrant and dynamic, capturing the energy and spirit of Tracer’s character. The illustrations bring the story to life with expressive designs and detailed backgrounds, creating an immersive visual experience. The action sequences are fluid and exciting, reflecting the fast-paced nature of Tracer’s adventures and enhancing the overall reading experience.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are sharp and engaging, showcasing the creators’s of this comic book ability to capture the essence of each character’s voice. Conversations feel authentic and contribute to the development of character relationships and plot progression. The balance of humor and sincerity in the dialogue enriches the storytelling, making the interactions both entertaining and meaningful.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration. The creators of this comic book delves into themes of heroism, justice, and the power of community, inviting readers to reflect on the moral complexities faced by Tracer and her allies. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

While this comic book is compelling, it occasionally feels constrained by its length, with certain plot points deserving more exploration. However, this limitation does not significantly detract from the overall impact and enjoyment of the story.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“SUKEDACHI NINE #001” By Seishi Kishimoto Review

Growing murder rates have forced the Japanese government to resurrect a Meiji-era penal code called “Death by Retaliation,” allowing criminals to be executed in the same way their victims were killed. Within a special police task force, nine Assistors—executioners who are also victims of crimes—carry out these retributions with fervor and sincerity.

This comic book delivers an intense and thought-provoking introduction to a dystopian world. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for a series that explores themes of justice, revenge, and the moral complexities of punishment.

The story in this comic book unfolds in a society where a specialized group, the Sukedachi Nine, is tasked with enacting retribution on behalf of victims. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that blends action with deep philosophical questions, challenging us as readers to consider the nature of justice and the consequences of vengeance. The premise is both intriguing and unsettling, that had drawn me personally into a world where the line between right and wrong is blurred.

The character development is a key strength of this comic book. The protagonist and members of the Sukedachi Nine are introduced with depth and complexity. This comic book skillfully reveals their motivations and internal conflicts, making them relatable and engaging. Each character’s backstory and personal vendettas add layers to the narrative, enhancing the emotional weight of their actions.

The artwork in tis comic book is a standout feature, capturing the gritty and intense atmosphere of the story. The illustrations are detailed and dynamic, effectively conveying the high-stakes nature of the Sukedachi Nine’s missions. The character designs are distinctive and expressive, providing insight into their personalities and emotional states. The use of shadow and contrast adds to the dramatic tension, enhancing the overall impact of the visuals.

While this comic book excels in many areas, there are moments where the pacing feels slightly uneven. Some scenes move swiftly through action sequences, while others dwell on character introspection. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall engagement of the story. A more balanced pace could allow for a deeper exploration of the complex themes and characters introduced.

The dialogues in this comic book are sharp and impactful, capturing the tension and urgency of the characters’ interactions. The writing in this comic book is both thoughtful and engaging, using conversations to delve into the philosophical underpinnings of the narrative. The dialogue not only advances the plot but also adds depth to the characters, making their struggles and motivations more compelling.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

“Unity, Vol. 1: To Kill a King” By Matt Kindt & Doug Braithwaite Review

To kill a king…they created an army. The world’s most dangerous man, Toyo Harada, has been struck by the one thing he never thought possible ― fear. Halfway across the globe, a new power threatens to topple modern civilization and, to preempt the cataclysm that is to come, Harada will unite the most unforgiving team the world has ever known ― UNITY. Their mission: defeat the threat responsible for the destruction of MI-6, the decimation of an alien world, and the occupation of Eastern Europe… and unseat the warrior king armed with the universe’s most powerful weapon ― kill X-O Manowar!

This comic book offers an intriguing introduction to the Valiant Universe’s superteam. This comic book sets the stage for an epic confrontation, blending action with strategic depth, though it sometimes struggles with pacing and character development.

The narrative in this comic book revolves around a global threat posed by the powerful X-O Manowar, who has taken control of Eastern Europe. In response, a team of diverse and formidable heroes is assembled to stop him.

The creators of this comic book create a plot that explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of leadership. The storyline is action-packed, providing high-stakes tension as the team navigates both internal and external conflicts.

The character development is a mixed aspect of this comic book. While the team is composed of intriguing individuals, their personalities and motivations are not deeply explored. Aric, the X-O Manowar, is portrayed with complexity, highlighting his motivations and the consequences of his actions. However, the other members of Unity, such as Ninjak, Livewire, and Eternal Warrior, could benefit from more focus to fully reveal their potential.

The writing style of this comic book, effectively captures the tactical elements of the team’s mission. And the dialogues in this comic book are sharp and purposeful, contributing to the development of character dynamics and plot progression. However, some interactions feel rushed, leaving limited room for genuine emotional depth or exploration of the characters’ backgrounds.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative with its detailed and dynamic style. The illustrations capture the intensity of the battles and the diverse powers of the characters with precision. In a way the artwork in this comic book enhances the storytelling, bringing a cinematic quality to the action sequences. The artwork, combined with the vibrant coloring, adds an engaging visual layer to the reading experience.

The pacing of this comic book is generally fast, maintaining a sense of urgency throughout the narrative. However, this brisk pace can sometimes come at the expense of character development and world-building. Some scenes move too quickly, which have left me wanting more context or deeper exploration of the characters’ relationships and motivations.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of unity and conflict. The creators of this comic book weaves these themes into the narrative, prompting us as readers to reflect on the challenges of collaboration and the moral complexities of leadership. These themes add depth to the story, elevating it beyond a straightforward action narrative.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Gasolina #1” By Sean Mackiewicz & Niko Walter & Mat Lopes Review

Fugitives. Rebels. Newlyweds. In their journey south from El Norte, Amalia and Randy have played many roles in order to survive. Now, they must become unlikely leaders in the fight against a new cartel who uses inhuman tactics to ignite the most monstrous war Mexico—and the world—has ever seen. Everything burns in this new series from SEAN MACKIEWICZ and NIKO WALTER, where love and devotion can only be measured in fire and blood.

This comic book introduces us to a gritty world of crime, mystery, and supernatural elements. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for an intriguing series, blending action with a unique atmosphere that captures interest despite some narrative challenges.

The story in this comic book follows Amalia and Randy, a couple caught in the crossfire of a brutal cartel war in Mexico. The creators of this comic book create a narrative that combines the harsh realities of drug trafficking with mysterious, otherworldly elements. The plot is fast-paced, immersing us as readers in a tense environment where danger lurks around every corner.

The character development in this comic book, is a mixed bag which I had problems with in this comic book. Amalia and Randy are introduced with enough depth to pique curiosity, portraying a couple whose love is tested by the chaos around them. While their motivations are hinted at, further exploration is needed to fully understand their backgrounds and emotional journeys. The dynamic between them adds a personal layer to the story, providing a focal point for reader engagement.

The side characters in this comic book is not not extensively developed here but it also hints at potential complexity and intrigue. Their roles in the unfolding drama suggest deeper connections and conflicts that could be explored in other comic books in this series, enriching the narrative tapestry.

The artwork in this comic book effectively captures the gritty and intense atmosphere of the story. The illustrations depict the harshness of the landscape and the brutality of the cartel world with striking detail. In a way the artwork in this comic book enhances the mood and tension, which had drawn me into the narrative’s dark and dangerous setting which I really liked in this comic book.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are sharp and realistic, which are reflecting the creators’s of this comic book ability to convey the tension and urgency of the characters’ situations. Conversations feel authentic and contribute to both character development and plot progression. This approach helps establish a connection with us as readers, making the narrative more immersive.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of survival, loyalty, and the supernatural. The creators of this comic book weaves these themes into the narrative, offering moments of reflection amidst the action. This thematic depth adds substance to the story, elevating it beyond a simple crime drama.

However the pacing of this comic book can feel uneven, with certain scenes rushing through potentially significant moments while others linger without adding substantial value. This inconsistency can disrupt the flow and make it challenging for me personally to fully grasp the plot’s progression. A more balanced approach could enhance the overall impact and engagement.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“False Child #001” By Taku Kawamura Review

Imagine if a child who had passed away suddenly reappeared, looking exactly as she did before. But what if it was all the doing of a shapeshifting tanuki? This isn’t a reunion. She isn’t real. And yet, her parents cling to the bittersweet lie. Experience a poignant tale of loss and longing from the author of “My Clueless First Friend”.

This comic book presents an intriguing start to a series that explores themes of identity and deception. At the same time this comic book the stage for a narrative filled with mystery and psychological tension, that had drawn me personally into a world where appearances can be deceiving.

The story in this comic book revolves around a child who is not what they seem, living in a society that thrives on appearances and secrets. The creators of this comic book create a plot that blends elements of suspense and drama, that have kept me engaged with its enigmatic premise. The narrative raises questions about identity and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets, making for a thought-provoking read.

The character development is one of the strengths of this comic book. The protagonist is portrayed with depth and complexity, their internal struggles and motivations gradually unfolding as the story progresses. The creators of this comic book skillfully reveals layers of the protagonist’s personality, making them both relatable and intriguing. The supporting characters, while not as deeply explored, add to the overall tension and mystery, each with their own hidden agendas and secrets.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative effectively, with detailed illustrations that capture the mood and atmosphere of the story. The character designs are expressive, providing insight into their emotions and intentions. The use of shadow and light adds a layer of depth to the visuals, enhancing the sense of mystery and unease that permeates the narrative.

While this comic book excels in establishing its premise and characters, it faces some pacing issues. The narrative occasionally feels uneven, with certain scenes moving quickly while others linger without significant development. This can disrupt the flow of the story, making it challenging for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding mystery. A more balanced pace would allow for deeper exploration of the plot and character dynamics.

The dialogues in this comic book are sharp and effective, capturing the tension and uncertainty that define the characters’ interactions. The writing in this comic book is both engaging and thought-provoking, using conversations to reveal character motivations and advance the plot. The dialogue adds depth to the relationships, making them more complex and layered.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“The Delinquents (2014): Introduction” By Fred Van Lente Review

Quantum and Woody are the world’s worst superhero team. Archer & Armstrong are a mismatched pair of conspiracy-busting adventurers. When a mysterious force collides these ill-suited and irresponsible “heroes” are in for a cross-country race through the darkest corners of American mythology, all hell is bound to break loose. Can two busted pairs become four of a kind in time to defeat the Hobo King, save the day, and make it back home in time for happy hour? Let’s hope so…’cause these guys make a really, really bad team. 

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 blend humor and action in a comic crossover featuring some of Valiant Entertainment’s most eccentric characters. Unfortunately, despite its potential, this preview falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this preview brings together the unlikely duo of Archer & Armstrong with Quantum and Woody, promising a comedic adventure filled with hijinks and unexpected twists. While the premise is intriguing, the execution lacks focus. The plot meanders through a series of loosely connected events, making it difficult for me personally to follow the storyline or become invested in the characters’ journey.

The character development is one of this preview’s significant weaknesses. While Archer, Armstrong, Quantum, and Woody each have distinct personalities, their interactions often feel forced and devoid of depth. The potential for dynamic character exchanges is overshadowed by superficial humor that fails to add meaningful layers to their relationships. As a result, the characters come across as caricatures rather than fully realized individuals.

The writing style falls flat in this in this preview. The dialogues in this preview are often stilted, lacking the sharpness and charm needed to elevate the comedic elements. Conversations serve more as vehicles for jokes rather than opportunities for character development or plot advancement, which detracts from the story’s potential impact.

The artwork in this preview, while visually appealing, does little to enhance the narrative experience. The illustrations capture the chaotic energy of the adventure but fail to compensate for the lack of narrative cohesion. The visual style supports the comedic tone but does not add significant value due to the weak narrative foundation.

The pacing in this preview, is another problem I had with this preview. This preview has scenes 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 plot’s progression. The lack of a clear narrative arc further exacerbates this problem.

Despite these shortcomings, the concept in this preview of a crossover featuring such mismatched heroes holds potential for future comic books. With a more structured storyline and deeper exploration of character dynamics, subsequent issues could better capture the humor and adventure 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

“My Ex-Boyfriend Loves Boys’ Love! #001” By MUGIIMO Review

One day, at a bookstore, Akado Momo ran into man in the BL doujinshi section. She was excited to meey her first fudanshi (man who like BL), but on closer inspection, realized it was her ex-boyfriend, Katakura Suzuya?! Join this depraved geek duo on their journey in this otaku comedy!

This comic book offers us a unique and humorous take on relationships and fandom culture. At the same time this comic book introduces us as readers to a quirky exploration of romance, identity, and the world of boys’ love (BL) comic book.

The story in this comic book centers on Ayumi, a young woman who discovers that her ex-boyfriend, Jun, is a huge fan of BL manga. This unexpected revelation sets the stage for a comedic yet insightful narrative that delves into themes of acceptance, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships. The creators of this comic book create a storyline that balances humor with genuine emotion, creating a lighthearted yet meaningful read.

The character development is the highlight of this comic book, with Ayumi portrayed as a relatable and open-minded protagonist. Her journey of understanding and accepting Jun’s interests provides a fresh perspective on the often-misunderstood world of fandoms. Jun, on the other hand, is depicted with depth and authenticity, his passion for BL manga serving as a vehicle for exploring themes of identity and self-expression.

The artwork in this comic book complements the narrative beautifully, with expressive character designs and dynamic panel layouts. The illustrations capture the playful and whimsical tone of the story, enhancing the comedic elements while also conveying the characters’ emotional nuances. The art style effectively brings the characters’ personalities to life, making their interactions engaging and entertaining.

While this comic book succeeds in many areas, it does have some limitations. The pacing is occasionally uneven, with certain scenes feeling rushed and others lingering longer than necessary. This can disrupt the flow of the narrative, making it challenging for me personally to fully immerse themselves in the story. A more balanced pace would allow for deeper exploration of character dynamics and plot development.

The dialogues in this comic book are witty and often humorous, capturing the essence of the characters and their relationships. At the same time the writing in this comic book is both entertaining and insightful, using humor to explore themes of acceptance and understanding. The dialogue not only moves the plot forward but also adds layers to the characters, making them more relatable and engaging.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“Galaxy on Fire III: Manticore #0” By Matthew Ritter & Agustín Alessio Review

Saya is the head mechanic on the mercenary space carrier Manticore. But she was once a savvy street kid working in a chop shop, and her past life comes calling, drawing her back into that criminal world. On Neo Vegas station, she befriends Nara, a young gear head who’s in over her head, and Saya wants to help her get out alive. Of course, once pirates show up, everyone is in over their heads and none of them may be getting out alive. In this tie-in story to app game Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore, the glowing embers of the past might just ignite a deadly blast.

This comic book delivers an engaging prelude to the beloved space opera series which I have heard a lot of good things about. This comic book sets the stage for an epic adventure, blending thrilling action with rich world-building to captivate both new and returning fans.

The narrative of this comic book introduces us to the Manticore sector, a volatile region on the brink of chaos. The creators of this comic book creates a story that combines the tension of interstellar conflict with the intrigue of political maneuvering. The plot is well-paced, immersing us as readers the galaxy’s intricate dynamics while maintaining a sense of urgency and excitement.

The character development is a highlight of this comic book. The protagonist, a skilled pilot navigating the dangers of the Manticore sector, is portrayed with depth and nuance. 

The creators of this comic book explores their motivations and challenges, making their journey both relatable and compelling. The interactions with allies and adversaries add layers to the narrative, showcasing the complexities of loyalty and trust in a dangerous world.

The artwork is a standout of this comic book, vividly bringing the cosmos to life. The illustrations capture the vastness and beauty of space, with detailed depictions of starships, planets, and cosmic phenomena. The artwork really enhances the atmosphere, creating an immersive visual experience that complements the narrative’s epic scope.

The dialogues throughout this comic book are sharp and engaging, reflecting the creator’s of this comic book ability to convey the personalities and dynamics of the characters. Conversations feel authentic and contribute to both character development and plot progression. This approach helps establish a connection with us as readers, making the narrative more immersive and impactful.

One of the strengths of this comic book is its thematic exploration of power, survival, and ambition. The creators of this comic book weaves these themes into the narrative with subtlety, offering us as readers moments of reflection amidst the action. This thematic depth adds substance to the story, elevating it beyond a simple space adventure.

The pacing of this comic book is expertly managed, balancing fast-paced action with moments of introspection and world-building. This balance ensures that the story remains engaging from start to finish, allowing us as readers to fully immerse themselves in the unfolding drama. The seamless transition between high-stakes events and character-focused scenes enhances the narrative’s impact.

Despite its strengths, this comic book could benefit from further exploration of certain subplots and character backgrounds. Expanding on these elements in other comic books in this series could enrich the story and provide additional layers of complexity.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

“Reincarnated as an Eight-Year-Old Apostle of the Gods #001” By Ezogingitune & Ataru Akinashi Review

Adelphus, the most powerful sage, was defeated by the Calamity Beast, an enemy of mankind, and was taken to heaven. However, he learns that the beast of evil will return in time, and was reborn as an 8-year-old boy named Will. The tale of the peerless warriors begins now!

This comic book offers an intriguing premise and a solid introduction to a fantasy world. At the same time this comic book sets the stage for a story that combines elements of reincarnation, divine intervention, and magic.

The narrative in this comic book follows a protagonist who is reincarnated as an eight-year-old child with a divine mission. Tasked with being an apostle of the gods, the young hero navigates a world filled with magical beings and challenges. The creators of this comic book create a storyline that blends fantasy tropes with a fresh twist, creating an engaging setup that piques interest.

The character development is promising but somewhat limited in this comic book. The protagonist, while intriguing due to their unique circumstances, could benefit from more depth and exploration of their past life and new identity. The supporting characters, including various divine beings and magical creatures, add flavor to the story but are not fully fleshed out yet. As the series progresses, there is potential for richer character arcs and interactions.

The artwork we see in this comic book is the highlight of this entire comic book. Because the artwork is bringing the fantastical world to life with vibrant illustrations. The character designs are distinctive and charming, capturing the youthful energy of the protagonist and the mystical aura of the divine entities. The artwork in this comic book puts a lot of attention to detail in the backgrounds and settings enhances the immersive quality of the story.

While this comic book excels in setting up its world and premise, it does face some pacing issues. The story moves quickly through the initial setup and introduction of key elements, which can make it challenging for me personally to fully grasp the intricacies of the plot. A more measured pace would allow for deeper exploration of the protagonist’s journey and the world’s lore.

The dialogues in this comic book are straightforward and functional, but it occasionally lacks the nuance and depth that could enhance character interactions. More intricate dialogue could add layers to the relationships and provide insight into the motivations of various characters.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

“1UP: Manga One-shot” By Iver Animation Review

The mind is central to everything we as humans do. It is an eden, one that must be kept free of monsters (Fear, Sadness, Anger and other negative emotions). But what happens when those monsters are allowed to run wild? Friends Rin, Katana and Iko find out when they play the 1UP programme for the first time in this manga one-shot.

This comic book attempts to capture the excitement of gaming culture but unfortunately falls short. Despite the potential which this comic book had for an engaging story, the one-shot struggles with execution, character development, and narrative coherence.

The premise of this comic book centers around a gamer who unexpectedly finds themselves inside a video game world. While this setup holds promise for creativity and excitement, the plot quickly becomes disjointed and lacks direction. The narrative feels rushed, with a series of events that fail to build a cohesive story, which have left me feeling confused and disconnected.

The character development is notably lacking in this comic book. The protagonist is introduced without sufficient depth or backstory, making it difficult for me personally to connect with or invest in their journey. The supporting characters, who could have added richness to the narrative, are similarly underdeveloped, serving merely as plot devices rather than integral parts of the story.

The writing style in this comic book fails to capture the essence of gaming culture, often relying on clichéd dialogue and superficial interactions. Conversations feel forced and lack the authenticity needed to bring the characters and their experiences to life. This deficiency detracts from the potential for dynamic exchanges and meaningful character growth.

The artwork in this comic book does little to enhance the reading experience. While some panels capture the vibrant energy of a video game world, the overall style lacks consistency and detail. The illustrations often feel flat and uninspired, failing to convey the excitement and immersion that the premise demands.

The pacing of this comic book is another significant problem I had with this comic book. The story moves at an uneven pace, with scenes 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 plot’s progression.

Despite its shortcomings the concept in this comic book of blending gaming elements with a narrative holds potential for future exploration. With a more structured storyline and deeper character development, subsequent works could better capture the thrill and complexity of gaming culture.

I Give This Book 1 / 5