Action Comics #1020 (DC)
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. The best part of this isSuperman reconnecting with the Young Justice team. Confusing time-wise, but entertaining, are the showdown between Supes/YJ/JL/Legion of Doom/Leviathan. Disappointing is the art.
Amethyst #1 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Great re-imagining of Amethyst’s origin that expertly straddles the line between fantasy, mystery, & superhero. The opening sequence with Amy and her “earth parents” is spot on, but the really compelling part is the mystery in Gem World.
Batman #88 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Tynion’s story is unfolding slowly, but it’s so engaging, it seems like it’s moving faster than it is: he knows how to put enough info to keep things interesting without giving away too much. Plus the new Batman gadgets are fun!
Batman/Superman #7 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Start of a new arc, with really intriguing characterizations of Zod & Ra’s al Gul. While I wanted the Zod truce to last longer, it’s so well explained here that I can’t complain. Much more than a villain team-up.
Detective Comics #1020 (DC)
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. I really like the visuals, & the story is intriguing but a bit convoluted right now. Two-Face is one of Batman’s more complicated villains, but he’s almost unrecognizable here. Hopefully this will be explained later.
Dial H for Hero #12 (DC)
Martin: 5/5 stars. The end of 1 of my favorites comics. @samhumphries writing & characterization is emotional & compelling, & the art by @Joe_Quinones especially the spread with homages to comics of decades past, is fantastic. My comic of the week.
Isola #10 (Image)
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. Of course the art & colors are amazing as always, but the way the story unfolds is so well-done, keeping the level of mystery & tension high, with a fantastic cliff-hanger ending. Summer 2020 (next issue) can’t come soon enough!
Justice League #40 (DC)
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. It’s jarring to read this after last issue’s ending; you have to know that this takes place in the past, & last issue’s end will play out this summer in an event comic. It almost reads like a fill-in story.
Justice League Dark #20 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. Start of a new arc involving the different Parliaments out of balance due to the rules of magic being re-written last arc. Wonderful, creepy visuals & a spectacular, beautiful black-&-white page with Abigail Arcane.
Justice League Odyssey #18 (DC)
Martin: 3.5/5 stars. I’ve been ready to give up on this series a few times, but each time the following issue drags me back. The writing, characterization, & goals of Epoch this issue have me hooked, & Dex-Starr makes me laugh.
Leviathan Dawn #1 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. I’m a sucker for mysteries & spy stories, especially when they involve a mis-matched group of some of my favorite characters, including the Question. This mini-series is off to a much more auspicious start than Event Leviathan.
Lois Lane #8 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. This should be re-named “Lois & Renee” and I am here for it. Rucka’s writing for Renee is top-notch, & the Lois parts, while few & far between, are strong. Superman showing up at the police station was great.
Year of the Villain: Hell Arisen #3 (DC)
Martin: 4/5 stars. This has been an entertaining mini-series & this issue is no different with some unpredictable actions by DC’s most unpredictable villain. But despite the fun, it seems a bit disconnected from the main DC universe.
Young Justice #13 (DC)
Martin: 4.5/5 stars. I was really looking forward to the Warlord parts of this story, and this did not disappoint! Having Warlord creator Mike Grell illustrate a bunch of almost poster-like pages of his creation is icing on the cake!
martin@comicattack.net
