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!
DCeased: Dead Planet #1
Words by Tom Taylor. Art by Trevor Hairsine.
This was a strong opener for a sequel to ‘DCeased’, and a great gateway comic for new and returning fans. Taylor does a great job creating moments and characters to get attached to, while Hairsine’s art does a great job of ripping it to shreds. (10/10)
–Christopher Franey
Empyre #0: Fantastic Four
Words by Dan Slott. Art by Sean Izaakse.
When I put this comic book down I had a big smile on my face. It was a great journey in itself, but it puts in place important pieces as we enter Empyre #1 on July 15th. That makes it a joy to read, but also an important puzzle piece to the larger story. It also seems to be adding to the wider Marvel universe. By my count, that’s three big reasons why this is a must-read comic book if you’re a Marvel Comics fan. (10/10)
–David Brooke
Ghost Rider #7
Words by Ed Brisson. Art by Aaron Kuder.
Issue #7 is a great return to Ghost Rider comics, especially after that cliffhanger. I love the shoutout to Hearts of Darkness in the Danny Ketch era of Ghost Rider and really appreciate the extras that Ed Brisson is bringing to legend of Ghost Rider. (9.5/10)
–Christopher Franey
Bitter Root #9
Words by Chuck Brown & David F. Walker. Art by Sanford Greene.
Bitter Root #9 delivers on all counts. It’s got good pacing, impeccable dialogue, and action galore. Somehow Greene manages to outdo himself with each issue that follows, and the writing is right where it needs to be. There’s a great column at the end of this issue that gives some insightful backstory to the gear symbol that appears on every issue as well. You’ll want to get your hands on a copy of Bitter Root #9. (9.5/10)
–Ronnie Gorham
Lois Lane #12
Words by Greg Rucka. Art by Mike Perkins.
Attacks on the press, both physical and verbal in the case of Lois after surviving an assassination attempt, are at the root of a contemporary media climate ruled by “Fake News” and your distant aunt’s Facebook posts linking to freedompatrioteagle.net or some other right-wing blog bleeding with thinly veiled fascism. On-the-street reporters are handcuffed, arrested and detained for covering protests against police brutality. Putting aside Clark Kent’s day job, even a superhero would find bringing truth to the American public a Herculean task in the hell that is 2020. (9/10)
–Shamus Clancy
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
