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!
Daredevil #23
Words by Chip Zdarsky. Art by Marco Checchetto.
The drama continues in Daredevil #23, but now the major storyline intersects with events from the Annual and this is going to make for one hell of a ride! The character conversations are amazing and Matt Murdock really gets called out, but that’s what true friends do. Beautiful art from this team and a bonus with Spidey making an appearance too! (10/10)
–Christopher Franey
X-Men #13
Words by Jonathan Hickman. Art by Mahmud Asrar.
Not only does X-Men #13 issue invigorate the series, but places Apocalypse as a heroic character. I never thought I’d see this character as any more epic in nature, but Hickman and Asrar have done so and more here. It’s an impressive work that’s efficiently done in 20 or so pages, further showing the medium can tell any tale with the right creators. I can’t believe I’m saying this given how great most of the last nine chapters of this event have been, but X-Men #13 only makes X of Swords more exciting, invigorating, and interesting. (9.5/10)
–David Brooke
Dark Nights: Death Metal Robin King #1
Words by Peter J. Tomasi & Tony Patrick. Art by Daniel Sampere & Riley Rossmo.
Oozing with more carnage and over-the-top violence than a hockey mask-wearing psychopath can shake a bloody machete at, Dark Nights: Death Metal Robin King #1’s strength lies in its examination of the titular character. However, none of this story would work as well without Riley Rossmo’s artwork. The juxtaposition of Rossmo’s cartoonish style with the horrors that Robin King bestows upon our heroes is perfect, as it serves as a visual representation of the corruption of Batman’s origin. (9.5/10)
–Chris Showalter
Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy #5
Words by Jeff Lemire. Art by Tonci Zonjic.
Skulldigger and Skeleton Boy remains one of the most visually innovative and deeply challenging comics series to date. The penultimate issue sets up the showdown of the century and yet the art continues to be the showstopper. Do not pass on this series as it has visually stunned and continues to impress panel to panel. (9.5/10)
–David Brooke
Spider-Woman #5
Words by Karla Pacheco. Art by Pere Perez.
Spider-Woman #5 ends Pérez and Pacheco’s epic run with a whole lot of action in an exciting finish. It’s a deeply emotional story for Spider-Woman as she deals with dysfunction, but also a bit of closure. As a milestone issue, it closes out well, reminding us this character has come far over the years and there’s so much hope and a bright future for the character going forward. Under Pacheco and Pérez, Spider-Woman is as exciting as ever with a bright future in front of it. (9/10)
–David Brooke
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