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!
Cable #10
Words by Gerry Duggan. Art by Phil Noto.
Cable #10 is a great example of how less is more. Less telling and more showing — especially with character emotions through facial expressions — but also fewer panels to move the story along. There’s a raucous bar fight, intimate moments between characters, and a deadly encounter that serves as a good cliffhanger. Cable is all about boutique comics storytelling — efficient and impactful, but never loud or overly done. (9.5/10)
–David Brooke
Action Comics #1030
Words by Becky Cloonan, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, & Michael Conrad. Art by Michael Avon Oeming & Daniel Sampere.
Action Comics #1030 introduces readers to a new story arc that balances everything that makes Superman great under the ever-present danger of outside enemies. With its plotting always moving forward and Superman’s optimism stoked to the max, Action Comics brings the ideal Superman story to life. (9.5/10)
–David Brooke
Witchblood #2
Words by Matthew Erman. Art by Lisa Sterle.
In its second issue, ‘Witchblood’ is an enchanting bloodbath set to Alan Jackson tunes. It’s both charming and haunting, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. (9/10)
–Nathan Simmons
Once and Future #18
Words by Kieron Gillen. Art by Dan Mora.
Once and Future is on a blood-soaked tear through British mythology, and what a tear it is. Bonvillain, Mora and Gillen are having a ball with this comic, and the results of that dance are a pleasure. (9/10)
–Justin Harrison
Robin #1
Words by Joshua Williamson. Art by Gleb Melnikov.
This new series from an outstanding creative team sets the stage for a story that will explore Damian Wayne’s fractured identity through a unique lens, while also providing plenty of action, thrills, and new characters along the way. (9/10)
–Franco Giacomarra
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