Joined March 2025
Reviews
54 reviews
• Avg 4.0
mike
Pro
reviewed Adventure Time Pride Special: PB & Marcy's Infinite Mixtape (2026) #1
3.5/5
1mo ago
A sweet little love letter to Bubbline fans, but don't go in expecting anything too deep. The mixtape chapter structure is a genuinely clever idea and Rosie Knight clearly has a lot of affection for these characters, capturing the push and pull between PB's tendency to overthink and Marcy's reckless pride really well. The art is the main sticking point though — Vereli's style is pretty but the detailed hands and full eyes take some getting used to if you're coming from the show. Solid Pride Month read and worth picking up if you're a fan of the couple, but it's hard to call it much more than a nice treat.
Issue 2 keeps the momentum going but things get a lot more layered. Lemire is clearly playing a long game here and this issue leans hard into the mystery, maybe a bit too hard at times. There were moments where I genuinely lost track of what was happening inside the Matrix versus what was playing out in the real world, and not always in a good way.
That said, when it clicks, it really clicks. De Latorre's art continues to be a highlight and the shifting visual registers are doing a lot of heavy lifting to keep the reader oriented. The horror elements are still working well and the stakes feel like they are genuinely escalating.
A small step down from the near-perfect debut just because the storytelling gets murky in places, but still a compelling read. Fully committed to seeing where this goes.
That said, when it clicks, it really clicks. De Latorre's art continues to be a highlight and the shifting visual registers are doing a lot of heavy lifting to keep the reader oriented. The horror elements are still working well and the stakes feel like they are genuinely escalating.
A small step down from the near-perfect debut just because the storytelling gets murky in places, but still a compelling read. Fully committed to seeing where this goes.
Lemire and De Latorre come out swinging with one of the most unsettling debut issues DC has put out in years. The genius of this first issue is that Firestorm isn't the hero, he's the threat. The Matrix is running the show now, and watching something that looks like Ronnie Raymond move through a small Colorado town with cold, alien purpose is genuinely creepy stuff.
Firehawk makes for a perfect anchor character. She knows what Firestorm should be, which makes everything he does here hit twice as hard. The Silver Age flashback sequence in the middle is a brilliant move, giving just enough warmth and context for the real Ronnie before yanking it away. De Latorre's art shifts effortlessly between tripped-out cosmic horror and classic four-color nostalgia, and that tonal range is seriously impressive.
The biblical prose narration in the opening pages sets the tone perfectly. This isn't a superhero story. It's a horror mystery wearing a superhero costume, and Lemire is exactly the right writer for it.
Minor gripe: if you're not already familiar with the Firestorm Matrix concept, the issue doesn't hold your hand much. But for those who are, or who are willing to lean into the mystery, this is a hell of a start.
Firehawk makes for a perfect anchor character. She knows what Firestorm should be, which makes everything he does here hit twice as hard. The Silver Age flashback sequence in the middle is a brilliant move, giving just enough warmth and context for the real Ronnie before yanking it away. De Latorre's art shifts effortlessly between tripped-out cosmic horror and classic four-color nostalgia, and that tonal range is seriously impressive.
The biblical prose narration in the opening pages sets the tone perfectly. This isn't a superhero story. It's a horror mystery wearing a superhero costume, and Lemire is exactly the right writer for it.
Minor gripe: if you're not already familiar with the Firestorm Matrix concept, the issue doesn't hold your hand much. But for those who are, or who are willing to lean into the mystery, this is a hell of a start.
It's a great return to the Avatar universe, a few character moments felt a bit off. It's awesome to finally see the rest of Suki's squad get some actual development, and the art by BellBessa perfectly matches the vibe of the show. I think Suki caves a bit too easily, which felt really out of character for someone normally so fiercely protective of her traditions.
Javier Rodríguez's art alone is worth the price of admission. The kaleidoscopic colors, the psychedelic thought-smoke, the mid-century aesthetic all come together in a way I've never seen in a mainstream comic. Camp's take on J'onn feels genuinely fresh and I'm completely hooked on where this is going.
mike
Pro
reviewed Mark Spears Monsters (FCBD) (2025) #0: All That Remains; Kids These Days
3/5
6mos ago
A gothic horror take on Arkham's origins told through Amadeus Arkham's journals. Hixson's art drips with dread, and Snyder and Tieri pull off a sneaky Joker character study disguised as a haunted history lesson. Batman barely shows up and honestly it doesn't matter. Easily one of the best single issues in the Absolute Universe so far.
This opening issue comes out swinging and wastes little time explaining what kind of story it wants to be. The setup is clear, the action is big, and the extra pages give everything room to breathe. It feels ambitious and confident, even if some parts are still coming together.
This issue continues the story at a steady pace and spends more time building the world and characters. The art remains strong and gives this version of Batman a distinct look and mood. There is less action than the first issue, but the quieter moments help shape the tone of the series.
This first issue is a fun and easy entry point, with a clear setup and strong visuals that make the danger feel real right away. The story moves at a good pace, introducing the hunt and the characters without getting confusing or heavy. Vader’s presence adds tension even when he is not front and center, giving the issue a darker tone. It does not try to do anything radical, but it works well as a solid and engaging start.
This first issue makes the story easy to follow and exciting even if you know the movie well, with clear art and scenes that grab your attention right away. It sets up the characters and their goals in a way that feels natural, and the pacing keeps you wanting to turn the page. The emotion and stakes are hinted at without feeling too heavy, so it works well as an entry point for new readers and fans of the film alike. It feels like a solid start that captures the spirit of the original story.
This issue keeps things tense and focused, with clear action and a steady sense of pressure throughout. The flying scenes are exciting without being hard to follow, and the story does a good job showing how stressful life is for these pilots. Instead of feeling heroic, everything feels risky and uncertain, which makes the world more believable. It works well as a build-up chapter that strengthens the tone of the series without giving too much away.
This is exactly what I've been wanting from a Spider-Man book. A grown-up Peter with a family, only to find out the Maker stole his destiny? Such a great hook. Hickman takes his time with the character work and it pays off big time by the end. Checchetto's art is gorgeous too. Can't wait to see where this goes.