Every week, comic fandom is gifted with a slew of fantastic stories from a slew of fantastic creators. These days there’s just so much good stuff out there that it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to comics. Thus AIPT presents to you, Fantastic Five! A weekly column where we pick five fantastic books released during the week and tell you why you should take a chance on them via a snippet from our reviews.
Enjoy, and happy reading!
John Constantine: Hellblazer #6
Words by Simon Spurrier. Art by Aaron Campbell.
Hellblazer’s latest issue is required reading. It’s a thoughtful and timely meditation on the nature of hate that commands the reader’s attention until the very last panel. (10/10)
–Nathan Simmons
Shazam! #12
Words by Jeff Loveness. Art by Brandon Peterson.
This is without a doubt a fun one-shot style tale. Pick this up to get some positive escapism in your life. A strong contender for the most fun you’ll have with superhero comics this week. (9/10)
–David Brooke
Avengers of the Wasteland
Words by Ed Brisson. Art by Jonas Scharf.
This issue is incredibly poignant given the actions of the egomaniacal Dr. Doom and the desire for our heroes to be better to enact change in the face of tyranny. Read this to feel inspired that your voice can be heard with a strong message that we can be better — we just need to fight. (8.5/10)
–David Brooke
2020 Force Works #3
Words by Matthew Rosenberg. Art by Juanan Ramirez.
I recommend everyone going back and reading the first two issues before reading this finale. If you jump right in you’ll lose sight of the character dynamics on the team, which are fast and loose here. They’re present, but it takes a bit to remember what is going on between the characters. It’s hard to shake the feeling there is more to this than the miniseries itself. Maybe it’s how Rosenberg writes as if the journey had so much more to it, but there is an element to this ending that makes you wonder if a full series order was ever in the works. (8.5/10)
–David Brooke
Batman/Superman #9
Words by Joshua Williamson. Art by Clayton Henry.
This book looks gorgeous. Henry draws a great Batman and Superman, and color artist Alejandro Sanchez will blow you away with the purples of Atomic Skull that drench the issue. The magical nature of the character’s powers look great on the page and up the ante when it comes to Gotham battles. There’s a glorious Superman shot as he flies over Metropolis with a nice warm sunset glow on Superman that’s touchingly atmospheric. To contrast this, a moment where Batman is pulling himself out of rubble has a coloring that’s subdued that reminds us the dust is still settling. Little details like that lift the art to another level. (8.5/10)
–David Brooke
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