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!
Non-Stop Spider-Man #1
Words by Joe Kelly. Art by Dale Eaglesham & Chris Bachalo.
Do not pass on Non-Stop Spider-Man #1. It’s so abundantly good, and a shock to the system on top of the addictive chaos of the book itself. Non-Stop Spider-Man is edge of your seat high-octane stuff if your seat were teetering on the front of a rocket. (10/10)
–David Brooke
Daredevil #28
Words by Chip Zdarsky. Art by Marco Checchetto.
This is a spectacular character issue with an interesting development at the end. Zardasky has a lot of plates spinning but he is the master at keeping them all in the air. (9.5/10)
–Christopher Franey
Children of the Atom #1
Words by Vita Ayala. Art by Bernard Chang.
Ayala perfectly captures the insecurity and camaraderie of teenagers adrift from parental figures and, at times, from each other. Their challenge is not just elemental—how to survive in a world engineered to otherize and denigrate you—but practical, even quotidian. How do I talk to the guy I like? How do I protect the feelings of those I love? Comics is a visual medium and Ayala wisely begins this issue with an extended action scene, but it’s these quiet, contemplative moments—seeded through dialogue and careful narration—that make their books among my favorites every month. (9.5/10)
–Dan Spinelli
Home Sick Pilots #4
Words by Dan Watters. Art by Caspar Wijngaard.
The identity of this book continues to be one of many haunting things, of superheroism, and of friendships never forgotten. Whether this is so cutting edge it’s hard to pin down, or its identity seems to shift so much it’s not quite sure of itself, it’s difficult to know what it’s going for. For some that will be exciting, but it’s also tricky to fully immerse yourself in when there is so much we don’t yet know. This issue adds more mystery, which is a double-edged sword. (9.5/10)
–David Brooke
Norse Mythology #6
Words by Neil Gaiman & P. Craig Russell. Art by Jill Thompson.
Jill Thompson and P. Craig Russell have delivered an entertaining story from the classic mythology adapted from Neil Gaiman’s splendid book. This is a great example of how so much can be said and done in a story that may not seem deep on its surface, and how a master artist can make it come alive in new ways. (9/10)
–David Brooke
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