Though I have no real complaints I must state that I was aggrieved at being unable to purchase The October Faction or Kennel Block Blues. I fully intend to and I am sure they would make this list. To be honest the list is long enough, as almost every book I bought was a decent read I would recommend to you all. The only things that missed, but not by much were Uncanny Avengers and Ninjak. Both were solid books with decent art but lacked that fundamental hook to really make them unmissable. I am saddened that Gotham Academy has taken three issues to end this yearbook arc, as these solo tales are just no replacement for the work that was coming before hand. I hope the creative team can come back together again, but I fear this book has seen its best.
DC
Action Comics #50
As DC see out their new52 project we are treated to a wonderful finale from Pak and Kuder. Their run has been exciting and adventurous and made Superman worth reading again. This issue combined all the previous story arcs and saw them fit together nicely with an overall message of friendship and love. It was beautiful
Detective Comics #50
I have maintained that this is the only book doing justice to Gordon as Batman and his relationship with Bullock is fundamental to that. This book was the second and final part to an interesting story that covered the insidious insanity of Gotham and the detective qualities of the Bat. An issue that really found the heart of Batman and did it proud.
Marvel
Ms Marvel #5 – FCMAKFGI4QNJ
A fun and loving next chapter to the Ms Marvel golem saga where an army of Kamalas run riot…no seriously! Under it all is a lovely story of community cohesion and inter racial marriage. Kamala trying to find her own balance and role in society is a classic teenage dichotomy well handled, as ever, by this book.
Mockingbird #1 – FCMZ04Y7533C
I was thoroughly uninterested in this comic as I progressed through the snippets of daily superhero life anecdotes, but then as the clues started to appear, I realised what was going on. The word puzzle box has been thrown around and it seems to mean that the story is not as we know it. This issue is a road map of the issues to come and I cannot wait to see how they unveil the grand plan
Radioactive Spider-Gwen #5
This is a comic I have struggled to really invest in because I found the subtle character change ups in a parallel universe tiresome. But at its heart it is a story about a father, his daughter, and a history almost impossible to forget. It is a warm and entertaining story that features a lovely father-daughter relationship.
All New Wolverine #6 – FCMMG7E5Z45P
Finally an issue without any unnecessary guest stars and one with exciting action depicted very well. The the clone vengeance aspects are not novel, the two X-23s we spend time with are unique and interesting in their interactions towards their oppressor. I very much look forward to reading more.
The Mighty Thor #5 – FCMK4NU9P818
I have immensely enjoyed reading this book and am so pleased Dauterman has crafted his own epic legacy on a story of great magnitude. The war of the realms has only just started and to see Thor fight Odin in such epic fashion was a complete joy. Dauterman is as key to Jane Foster Thor as Ribic was to the Odinson.
Dr Strange #6 – FCMX1BI40V2D
The loss of magic has been depicted in an exciting and novel manner in this issue. The first arc built up this story but now we see a real struggle from Strange against his aggressors. Featuring the best users of magic across the world is a nice effect with Bachalo shining as always. I especially love the house protecting magic as best it can.
Vision #5 – FCM65TB1ZYIF
Once again maintaining its place as the best amongst the Marvel books, Vision excels in its cold dark emotional vacuum. That is not entirely true but Vision being interrogated by a detective with regards to his wife is quite uncomfortable. His responses are so cold and methodical but his emotional reasoning is all the more scary. Fantastic work by Walta as always.
Weirdworld #4 – THMRGNQGJRR9
Another Del Mundo show stealer with gorgeous and innovative characters and scenarios. Humphries devotes some well needed time to character exposition and actually gives some background to the main characters. This has been needed for a while and develops the rapport of our central protagonists in an interesting way.
Independent
Descender #11
This has been the issue I have been waiting for, some good ol’ betrayal to the story. You can see it coming from a mile away but Nguyen does a fantastic job of making the fall tragic. The slow moving pace has allowed enough exposition to build tension and allowing payoff to the twist.
Shutter #19
I really admire the storytelling of this book as three Kristopher children are described in this issue. All in letterbox panels of similar colour and sizes. There are two ways in which to read this comic and both provide enjoyment in surprisingly different ways. The colouring is fantastic and is essential in providing separation of the stories.
Head Lopper #3
You will amazed at how long you can chuckle at a witches head having a one way conversation with a skull. Another fun filled issue of crazy antics and a story that barely holds its plot together. The fighting is simplistic but very effective in its tension and emotion.
Snow Blind #4
I shall be reviewing this book later this week!
House Of Flying Scalpels 