Batman was a very odd book this week. It lost its direction at some points and did not seem to be very coherent, which is very odd considering the quality of Tom King. The history of the Gothams still remains to be discovered but the imminent danger is no less than any supe going crazy. Superman was also very perturbing and I struggle with the underlying tone of ethnic cleansing which takes away from the initial father son exposition. Green Arrow, Green Lanterns and Aquaman were all very much regular average DC books and failed to live up to their initial hype. Suicide Squad was perfectly adequate but I wouldn’t recommend for this list. Otherwise there was little Marvel out this week and Deadpool continues to be quite tame. I was still expecting Trees to be a good read but it is so far removed from the impressive first arc that it is barely recognisable
Marvel Codes
Deadpool #16 – FCMX0E6DZJ6K
DC
Nightwing #2
This initially started as your basic forced tag team title with an unwelcome partner, but his personality is quite intriguing. The dedication to the mission and to Nightwing, with some jibes to Batman was interesting. The art is nowhere near what Janin was delivered but it’s solid
Marvel
Doctor Strange #10 – FCMYW6PRF7BC
The last days of magic was such a great story with some unique facets, especially enrolling a monster in the basement to help in the finale. Bachalo has found his niche and his work on the construction of a page and delivering the arcane is an example to all
The Punisher #4 – THM0GK67X4Y9
I will say this again and again, to see Dillon depict the terror and violence at his best is a sight to behold. It takes me back to Preacher but it is also worth noting that Cloonan manages to entice the reader with quite the dramatic touches to her stories.
Independent
Low #15
I am actually quite tired of reading this book now as there is no end in sight, that is certainly clear now. Stel’s journey may never come to happiness and her unrelenting faith will be broken. It is slowly becoming indulgent in it’s depravity but Tocchini draws it so incredibly.
The Fuse #20
This comic is almost always strong because it always delivers in its intrigue and reveals on a detective case. As we become embroiled in the personal lives of our super sleuthing duo, there is more at stake this time. A great final twist.
Lady Killer #1
I always enjoy Joelle Jones art in every aspect but her best work is with the 60’s Americana housewife subterfuge. It is the balance of a beautiful aesthetic but a hideous underlay of malicious violence, but it looks so good.
Kill or Be Killed #1
There will never be a comic with the names Brubaker, Phillips and Breitweiser that I will not purchase. An interesting modern take on an assassin with a literal gremlin in his closet. It is classically film noir but more in the current times.
Baltimore: Empty Graves #5
The search for the red queen comes to a dramatic end and Baltimore is thwarted at the very end of his journey. The art and writing are slowly paced but deliver in the big moments and I have thoroughly enjoyed the narrative all the way through.
Stray Bullets: Sunshine and Roses #17
At first you wonder what this story is actually about and whether it bears any relevance to Beth, but the great twist puts it all into shape. Classically Lapham has another desperate character trying to escape the horrid life they live, only for it to all fall apart in dramatic fashion.
House Of Flying Scalpels 