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!
Undone By Blood Or The Other Side of Eden #3
Words by Zac Thompson & Lonnie Nadler. Art by Sami Kivela.
The ‘story within a story’ approach in Undone By Blood Or The Other Side of Eden #3 continues to place this neo-western noir thriller as simply one of the best plots that exist in comic books right now. And while it helps to have an appreciation for Western tales, the team behind Undone By Blood Or The Other Side of Eden proves that you can come into a tale like this completely foreign to Western tropes and still come out of it jaw to the floor in ecstatic glee. (10/10)
–Noelle Reyes
Way of X #2
Words by Si Spurrier. Art by Bob Quinn.
Way of X #2 establishes the book’s place as an early contender for one of the best titles in the ever-expanding line thus far. Spurrier’s writing is funny, touching, and thought-provoking all at the same time, and Bob Quinn’s artwork is what this book needed to bring these ideas to life. (9.5/10)
–Lia Galanis
Shang-Chi #1
Words by Gene Luen Yang. Art by Dike Ruan.
Shang-Chi is back this week, and the story and art are even better than the first time Yang and Ruan joined forces. The complexities of Shang-Chi’s life now that he’s the boss of a huge organization add a new layer to the character while he attempts to keep Esme in line and Spider-Man none the wiser. The creators have captured the inherent goodness and relatability of Shang-Chi incredibly well while wrapping it all up in an action-packed package. Shang-Chi hasn’t been this entertaining in, well, maybe ever. (9.5/10)
–David Brooke
Catwoman #31
Words by Ram V. Art by Fernando Blanco.
The Gotham line of comics could not be better right now, and ‘Catwoman’ is a major reason why. Ram V and Fernando Blanco give each issue the right mix of character-driven story while staying close to the wider Gotham narrative. (9/10)
–Dan Spinelli
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr #2
Words by Ram V. Art by Filipe Andrade.
The Many Deaths Of Laila Starr #2 is a great example of how comics can lift up life in a way no other medium can. As the godlike Laila begins to understand humanity, she’s also very close to the supernatural in ways that harness the deep value of life that’s all around us every day. Ram V and Andrade have crafted a story of magical realism that’s a celebration of life and its deep value in its everyday experiences. (9/10)
–David Brooke
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!
