TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

Sunday, February 15, 2026

Manga Review: "SANDA Volume 1" - Santa's Got a Brand New Bag

SANDA VOL. 1

TITAN COMICS/Titan Manga

WRITER-ARTIST: Paru Itagaki

TRANSLATION: Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements

LETTERS: Bensidi Ayoub

DESIGN: David Colderley

EDITOR: Louis Yamani

ISBN: 978-1787747241; paperback (September 9, 2025)

208pp, B&W, $12.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN, £9.99 UK

Rating: Age 12+

Sanda is a Japanese manga written and drawn by mangaka Paru Itagaki. The manga was originally serialized in the Japanese shonen manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Champion, from 2021 to 2024. It was later collected in sixteen tankobon (graphic novel) volumes. Titan Manga began publishing an English-language graphic novel edition of the series in September 2025.

Sanda Vol. 1 (Chapters 1 to 6) opens in a near-future Japan where Christmas has faded into myth, and it and other traditional holidays are mere legends of the past. Japan's birth rate has dropped so dramatically that children are now the most precious commodity. Society has artificially extended adolescence to preserve their youth, and young people's social status is higher than that of adults.

Volume 1 introduces 14-year-old Sanda Kazushige, a middle-school student at Daikoku Welfare Academy who unexpectedly becomes entangled in a strange and dangerous mystery. His classmate, Fuyumura Shiori, is looking for her missing friend, Ono Ichie. Fuyumura accuses Sanda of carrying a curse that can help her find Ono. The curse is that Sanda is a descendant of Santa Claus and also that Santa is sealed inside Sanda.

When Fuyumura breaks the seal, Sanda turns into a tall, muscular, elderly man and thus, begins an adventure of mystery and danger. Can Sanda and his friends help society remember the true meaning of friendship, trust, and the possibility of magic in a world that has all but forgotten it.

THE LOWDOWN: Since October 2023, Titan Manga has provided me with print and PDF copies of their manga publications for review. One of the latest is Sanda Volume 1.

Sanda Graphic Novel Volume 1 is not my first experience with the manga of Paru Itagaki, as I read and reviewed several volumes her 2016-20 series, Beastars (published in an English-language edition by VIZ Media). I would say that this first volume of Sanda is as refreshingly surprising and surprisingly refreshing as Beastars Volume 1.

Itagaki's art and graphical style are a lot more formal in Sanda than they are for the loose, psychological, and surreal Beastars. Sanda eschews surrealism for mystery and secrets, and the art and graphical storytelling delves into enigmas and perplexities. Nothing is as it seems, and it offers a shocking reveal every chapter.

Sanda's setting may be that of a dystopian near-future, but it feels like the teen leads, Sanda and Fuyumura, are coming-of-age as they try to unravel the secrets and lies of their lives and how it ties into the society in which they live. That this involves Santa Claus just makes things more delightfully weird and different.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of mystery manga and of unusual takes on Christmas will want to try Sanda.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

"SANDA VOLUME 1" is available in a Kindle and a print edition at Amazon.

https://titan-comics.com/

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https://www.facebook.com/ComicsTitan

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Sunday, February 1, 2026

Comics Review: "BATMAN #4" Drops the Smoke

BATMAN (2025) #4

DC COMICS

STORY: Matt Fraction

ART: Jorge Jimenez

COLORS: Tomeu Morey

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles with Jorge Jimenez

EDITOR: Rob Levin

COVER: Jorge Jimenez

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Julian Totino Tedesco; Felipe Massafera; David Aja; Jorge Jimenez

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S., (February 2026)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Rating: 13+

“Drop The Smoke.”

DC Comics recently relaunched its Batman flagship comic book series – the third time in 14 years. It is written by Matt Fraction; drawn by Jorge Jimenez; colored by Tomeu Morey; and lettered by Clayton Cowles. DC is pushing the series as the dawn of new era in Batman comic books.

Batman #4 (“Drop The Smoke.”) informs us that “Torus” isn't really a criminal gang or a crime family. “... it's a system. An algorithm of crime.” And The Minotaur is the only one who can keep the entire equation in his head.

So while Bruce Wayne investigates “the Crown of Storms,” Batman pursues Anarky, who reveals a criminal conspiracy hiding in plain sight. It will change the game for crime and for criminals in Gotham City… and maybe for the world.

THE LOWDOWN: For years, I had a subscription to DC Comics' Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? ongoing comic book series. It was quietly canceled within the last year, but I had 14 issues left in my subscription. Midtown Comics in NYC, which manages DC Comics' subscriptions, gave me the option of choosing any new DC title I wanted to continue my subscription, so I chose Batman – just in time for this new era, and this is my fourth review of this new series.

I highly praised the first two issues of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez's Batman. They deserved it. Some of the content of those first two issues reminded me of elements of Frank Miller's Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.

I enjoyed the third issue and this fourth, but both of these issues feel like they are in a holding pattern. Fraction and Jimenez were full speed ahead for the first two issues, but now, they seem to be boiling the pot for a pair of explosive penultimate and ultimate issues in this initial story arc. At least, I hope so.

That's it. Keep reading this new Batman, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Batman comic books will want to read Batman 2025.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

[This comic book includes two previews of upcoming comic books. The first is a five-page preview of “DC KO: Reed Hood vs. Joker” from writers Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder; artists Dustin Nguyen and Mark Morales; and colorist John Kalisz.

The second is a three-page preview of “Titans (2023) #30” from writer John Layman and artist Pete Woods.]

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The first trade collection of this new "Batman" series, "BATMAN VOL. 1: DAYLIGHT," is available is due June 2026 and can be order at Amazon.

https://www.dccomics.com/

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Friday, January 30, 2026

Comics Review: "SUPERNATURAL #3" - Dead-Action Role-Players

SUPERNATURAL #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Pak

ART: Eder Messia; Pasquale Qualano, Alessandro Ranaldi, Vincenzo Federici, and Gerardo Gambone

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Clayton Crain

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Drew Moss; Andrea Broccardo; Clayton Crain

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Supernatural” created by Eric Kripke

"Supernatural" was an American television series created by Eric Kripke. It debuted on The WB broadcast network on September 13, 2005 and subsequently became part of successor network, The CW. The series ended November 19, 2020, after a total of 15 seasons and 327 episodes. “Supernatural” starred Jared Padalecki as “Sam Winchester” and Jensen Ackles as “Dean Winchester,” two brothers who hunt demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings.

DC Comics and its Wildstorm imprint published four Supernatural comic book miniseries over a period from 2007 to 2011. Now, Dynamite Entertainment has the license and has launched a new series, Supernatural. It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Eder Messias and others; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. According to Dynamite, this new comic book is set between Supernatural Seasons 1 and 2, and finds Dean and Sam Winchester forced to take on a new threat before they can continue their hunt for the demon that killed their mother, Mary Winchester.

Supernatural #3 opens in Erie, Arizona where two live action-role players, Johannes and Orville, get in deeper than at least Orville expected. A week later, the “monster hunters,” Sam and Dean arrive and have to make a stop because of car trouble.

Now, a group of Johannes and Orville's friends go looking in the woods for their pals, and face a mysterious attack. Luckily, Sam and Dean are tracking them and comes to the rescue. In this case, however, the weapons this role-players face are real, and the Winchester brothers are about to suffer than own supernatural hassles.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Supernatural #3 is one of the latest, and it is the second “Supernatural” comic book that I have read.

I did not read any of the DC/Wildstorm's Supernatural comic books, and I only watched the first few seasons of “Supernatural.” When I tried to rejoin it later in the series run, I just couldn't reconnect. Eventually, I'll try streaming it... all 15 seasons...

Supernatural #3 is an interesting but not really special issue. It is the first misstep in this series for writer, Greg Pak, but, as this seems to be the first part of a story line, I'll wait to see what the fourth issue offers before making a final judgment.

Artists Eder Messias, Pasquale Qualano, Alessandro Ranaldi, Vincenzo Federici, and Gerardo Gambone continue to create creepy moods that make this series feel genuine to its source material, the television series, “Supernatural.” Ellie Wright's colors capture the garish supernatural elements that appear in this tale, while letterer Jeff Eckleberry creates a kind of soundtrack for this tale of the supernatural gone amok.

Dear readers, let's keep following this iteration of the adventures of the Winchester brothers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the television series, “Supernatural” may want to try the new Supernatural comic book series.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Thursday, January 22, 2026

Comics Review: "ARCHIE Christmas Spectacular" 2025 Chills at the North Pole

ARCHIE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR (2025)

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Dan Parent; Tom DeFalco

PENCILS: Dan Parent; Steven Butler

INKS: Bob Smith; Jim Amash

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Gillian Swearingen

LETTERS: Jack Morelli

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent

VARIANT COVER ART: Dan DeCarlo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2026); on-sale December 3, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

Archie and the Gang in “Chill Out!”

Eternal high school student and teenage boy, Archie Andrews, and his friends made their debut in M.L.J. Magazines' Pep Comics #22 (cover dated: December 1941), and before long, Archie was the publisher's headliner character. In 1946, the company changed its named to Archie Comic Publications, also known as “Archie Comics.”

Archie Comics frequently publishes holiday themed one-shot comic books featuring Archie's characters (sometimes referred to as “Archie and the Gang”). The latest is Archie Christmas Spectacular, 2025 edition. It features one new story and five reprint stories. The new story is entitled, “Chill Out!” This five-page tale is written by Dan Parent; drawn by (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Archie and the Gang in “Chill Out!”:

Archie and the Gang are headed to the North Pole. It all starts when Santa Claus' daughter, Noelle Claus, invites Archie to the North Pole High Christmas Dance. This time, however, Betty and Veronica are not the two females fighting for that first dance with Archie. They are Noelle and Sugarplum, a fairy who is one of Santa's holiday helpers.

Still, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, and Jughead won't be left behind, especially because Veronica has been invited by a new-look Jingles the Elf. So what will happen when the gang from Riverdale learns that high school is the same everywhere – even the North Pole?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been reading comic books, on and off, for decades. I have sporadically read Archie Comics titles over that time. For many years now, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. Archie Christmas Spectacular – 2025 edition – is the latest.

I have missed some emails sent to me by Archie Comics' marketing department. One of those emails included the review PDF for Archie Comics Spectacular. I am glad that I found it because I enjoyed this issue's new story, “Chill Out!” I usually like the Archie Comics short stories created by writer-artist Dan Parent, and this one is quite nice. It captures the quintessential Archie-Betty-Veronica love triangle with a delightful new twist.

The rest of the Christmas stories in this issue star a number of lesser known Archie Comics characters. There is a story starring “Kardak the Mystic,” who received a superhero reboot in 2024's Kardak the Mystic #1. Golden Age Archie Andrews' contemporary, “Wilbur Wilkin,” appears in three stories. “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” also leads a tale featuring Archie and the Gang.

Dear readers, I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics, especially when it comes in Christmas packaging – anytime of the year. So, yes: I am suggesting you read Archie Christmas Spectacular – 2025 edition.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want to find a copy of Archie Christmas Spectacular – 2025 edition.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://archiecomics.com/

https://x.com/archiecomics

https://www.instagram.com/archiecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/ArchieComicsOfficial?ref=tn_tnmn

https://www.youtube.com/user/ArchieComicsOfficial

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8914136-archie-comics

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Sunday, January 18, 2026

Comics Review: "NEMESIS FOREVER #5" Gives the Devil His Due

NEMESIS FOREVER #5 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Mateo Scalera

COLORS: Giovanna Niro

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Scalera with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Scalera

36pp, Color, $6.99 U.S. (January 2026) on-sale: Wednesday, January 7, 2025

Age range: 18+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis Forever is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar and publisher Dark Horse Comics. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Nemesis Rogues' Gallery (2024). Besides Millar, the rest of the creative team is comprised of Matteo Scalera (artist); Giovanna Niro (colors); and Clem Robins (letters).

Nemesis Forever finds that Nemesis, the world’s most dangerous man, has now made himself into one of the richest. No longer content just to terrorize the forces of law and order, Nemesis has a new plan: seize control of the world itself and enslave humanity with super-technology. For now, Kitty Tepper a.k.a. Sofie Stein, a CIA deep undercover agent, may be the only person who can impede Nemesis... at least a little.

Nemesis Forever #5 opens in San Francisco as Nemesis – in his “Hans Berg” tech billionaire identity – makes a move to take out a tech rival. However, it all comes to a screeching halt when Nemesis discovers the truth about Sofie Stein. Now, Nemesis may be faced with making his final stand.

However, Sofie Stein, who is really CIA agent Kitty Tepper, is finding her time undercover with Nemesis terrorist cell, “Nemesis HQ Number 5,” starting to run down. Now, Kitty has to make he final stand.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. Nemesis Forever #5 is the latest PDF that I have received.

The “Nemesis trilogy”: Nemesis: Reloaded, Nemesis: Rogues' Gallery, and Nemesis Forever, comes to an end and reveals the fate of the world, which Nemesis had planned on ruining and then ruling. The ending is classic Mark Millar as the ending plants interesting seeds. More than that, Millar resolves this story in a most shocking manner, contriving a way of overwhelming a super-powered being that has previously seemed incapable of ever being overwhelmed – at least the way other stories presented him.

In Nemesis Forever, artist Matteo Scalera and colorist Giovanna Niro produced some of the prettiest art to appear in a superhero (kind of) comic books over the last decade. Scalera and Niro's storytelling here is a bombshell of beauty and brutality, and the result is a visually and graphically gripping narrative. I must also shout out letterer Clem Robins. He does not let himself get left behind because his lettering is as tight as ever.

Dear readers, I said that we should expect a crazy ending. We got the crazy and the unexpected.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books of his Nemesis series will desire Nemesis Forever.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

The trade paperback collection of "NEMESIS FOREVER" is due May 2026 and can preordered at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

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http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

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Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST Volume 2 #4": A War of Crystals and Sharks

SPACE GHOST VOL. 2 #4

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Francesco Mattina

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Who Will Survive The Glasstor-Remora War?!”

Space Ghost is a superhero character created by the American animation studio and production company, Hanna-Barbera Productions. The character first appeared in the Saturday morning cartoon series, “Space Ghost,” which was originally broadcast on CBS from September 1966 to September 1967 for 20 episodes. Space Ghost shared his television series with a second feature, entitled “Dino Boy in the Lost Valley.” Space Ghost was designed by cartoonist and comic book artist, Alex Toth (1928-2006), who created the character with Hanna-Barbera's founders, William Hanna (1910-2001) and Joseph Barbera (1911-2006).

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost sporadically appeared in various comic book publications over a fifty year period. Dynamite Entertainment has just launched a new Space Ghost comic book as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Entitled Space Ghost Volume 2, it is written by David Pepose; drawn by Jonathan Lau; colored by Andrew Dalhouse; and lettered by Taylor Esposito. In the new series, The Space Ghost and his surrogate children, the twins Jan and Jace Keplar, and their monkey, Blip, fight the forces of darkness across the vastness of space.

Space Ghost Volume 2 #4 (“Who Will Survive The Glasstor-Remora War?!”) opens with the hope of seeing the end of a perpetual feud between two mighty forces. This ongoing war between the Shard-People of the Crystalline Empire of Glasstor and the Kingdom of the Space Sharks from the blood-red waters of Planet Liquo will seemingly come to an end with a peace deal.

Space Ghost and the twins, Jan and Jace Keplar, are guarding a summit between the two powers – only to have it derailed by a mysterious assassination attempt. With interplanetary war now looming, can our heroes track down the culprits in time to pull everyone back from the brink of annihilation?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #4, Volume Two is one that I have recently received, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

This fourth issue of the second volume of Space Ghost offers an exciting two-part story with a cliffhanger ending sure to bring readers back for more. David Pepose unleashes the rage of a blood feud, and the result is a story that will test our heroes' resolve. Honestly, I think Pepose's tale would make for an exciting episode of a new Space Ghost animated series, if such of thing were to come about. In the meantime, we can enjoy Pepose in comic books.

Jonathan Lau's storytelling brings this story to life as a comic book that seems to always be on fire. Lau creates a war among the stars that boils over like the conflicts of Star Wars. There is so much power in Lau's storytelling, and I certainly am shocked that he has been able to find fresh ways to depict such muscular dramatic storytelling. Andrew Dalhouse's colors are the perfect accompaniment for this tale of Space Ghost's terrible and costly determination. As expected, Taylor Esposito's lettering creates the thunder for this story's lighting.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 2, dear readers. I'm still impressed two years on.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume Two.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://twitter.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Comics Review: "SUPERNATURAL #2" - The Ghost with the Pearl Earring

SUPERNATURAL #2

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Pak

ART: Pasquale Qualano, Alessandro Ranaldi, Vincenzo Federici, and Eder Messias

COLORS: Ellie Wright

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Clayton Crain

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: David Cousens; Eder Messias; Clayton Crain

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Supernatural” created by Eric Kripke

Supernatural was an American television series created by Eric Kripke. It debuted on The WB broadcast network on September 13, 2005 and subsequently became part of successor network, The CW. The series ended November 19, 2020, after a total of 15 seasons and 327 episodes. “Supernatural” starred Jared Padalecki as “Sam Winchester” and Jensen Ackles as “Dean Winchester,” two brothers who hunt demons, ghosts, monsters, and other supernatural beings.

DC Comics and its Wildstorm imprint published four Supernatural comic book miniseries over a period from 2007 to 2011. Now, Dynamite Entertainment has the license and has launched a new series, Supernatural. It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Eder Messias and others; colored by Ellie Wright; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. According to Dynamite, this new comic book is set between Supernatural Seasons 1 and 2, and finds Dean and Sam Winchester forced to take on a new threat before they can continue their hunt for the demon that killed their mother, Mary Winchester.

Supernatural #2 opens in 1961 just in time to witness the inevitable aftermath of a murder. In the present, The Winchester's adventures along the back roads of America's heartland hunting monsters have been rewarding. The problem is that they do not pay well or even pay at all. Sam and Dean are broke, and Dean has hit upon the idea of traveling to Las Vegas where he figures that they can earn money the old-fashioned way – gambling what little cash they have left at a casino.

While Dean is going through a losing streak, Sam meets California “Callie” Hernandez, a young woman who decides to use her amazing powers of luck to help Dean start winning. Dean's winning streak catches the attention of Bobby McCatrick, the hood who runs this casino. Will the sympathetic Callie lead Sam and Dean to temporary wealth or to worst turn of fortune?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Supernatural #2 is one of the latest, and it is the second “Supernatural” comic book that I have read.

I did not read any of the DC/Wildstorm's Supernatural comic books, and I only watched the first few seasons of “Supernatural.” When I tried to rejoin it, I just couldn't reconnect. Eventually, I'll try streaming it... all 15 seasons...

I had my doubts about this new Supernatural comic book series, although it is written by one of the better comic book writers of the last two decades, Greg Pak. But Greg has delivered, and I think the first issue of this series, Supernatural #01, was not a fluke. Pak delivers another standalone issue that feels just like the early, Gothic, and haunted early episodes of the television series. If Netflix... I mean, Warner Bros. ever decides to bring “Supernatural” back to television, I think considering Greg Pak as a series writer would be a good idea.

Issue #1's artist, Eder Messias, is joined by Pasquale Qualano, Alessandro Ranaldi, and Vincenzo Federici to create a mood that makes this second issue that feels genuine to its source material “Supernatural.” One again, readers won't think they are reading a tie-in comic book because Messias and company's storytelling feel like it belongs in the world of “Supernatural,” a genuine chapter within the continuity of the series.

Ellie Wright's colors capture the garishly colorful mood of the casino which makes this setting seem genuine. As always, letterer Jeff Eckleberry captures the spirit of the story, this time creating the sense of a crime story that is gradually revealing the darkness in its origins.

I didn't know what to expect of the first two issues, dear readers. Now, I expect that I'll have to return for the third.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the television series, “Supernatural” may want to try the new Supernatural comic book series.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

https://x.com/DynamiteComics

https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/

https://www.facebook.com/DynamiteComics/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNOH4PEsl8dyZ2Tj7XUlY7w

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dynamite-entertainment

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Friday, December 26, 2025

Comics Review: "JOSIE ANNUAL SPECTACULAR #1" Rocks the Haunted Casbah

JOSIE ANNUAL SPECTACULAR, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Dan Parent; Dick Malmgren

PENCILS: Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo; Frank Doyle

INKS: Bob Smith; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore; Barry Grossman

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Bill Yoshida

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante; Vincent Lovallo; Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Dan DeCarlo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (January 2026); on-sale November 19, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

“Scare Tactics”

In December 1962, Archie Comics introduced the character, Josie Jones, in Archie's Pals 'n' Gals #23 (cover dated: Winter 1962-1963). Created by Dan DeCarlo, Josie Jones would become “Josie McCoy,” and she would join her friends, Melody and Valerie, in the band, “Josie and the Pussycats.”

Josie Annual Spectacular, No. 1 is an annual one-shot comic book featuring Josie and the Pussycats. The 2025 release includes one new story and three reprint stories. The new story features “The Southside Serpents” and is entitled “Scare Tactics” It is written by Dan Parent; drawn by Parent (pencils) and Bob Smith (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

The South Side Serpents in “Scare Tactics”:

Josie and the Pussycats were supposed to play a gig at the haunted “Eyegore Estates.” Well, they were supposed to do so, but they have discovered that another band has stolen their gig. But the thieves – the South Side Serpents – are not a real band. And why is Alexandra Cabot singing with this fake band? Can Josie, Valerie, and Melody get their gig back? Also, are there already forces ready to put an end to the entire thing?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been a fan of the Josie and the Pussycats franchise since I was a small child. I am crazy about classic Josie comic books that were published from the 1960s to the early 1980s, some of which you, dear readers, can find in the 2021 trade paperback collection, Shes Josie. I'm also still in love with the two 1970s animated television series based on the Josie comics.

“Scare Tactics” is one of the better five-page “Josie and the Pussycats” stories that I have read in a long time. Of course, it is written and drawn by the great Archie Comics creator, Dan Parent, who he has mastered the short-short story just as he has mastered longer stories. Parent manages to squeeze in a nice subplot and a few neat twists in “Scare Tactics,” which made me wish this story was longer.

The rest of this comic book features reprint stories. One of those is the cute single-page tale, “Hair with Flair.” Another is the three-part “The Ghost of Dark Valley Manor,” which features art from the team of Dan DeCarlo (pencils) and Rudy Lapick (inks.)

In my reviews of Archie Comics that feature reprinted stories, I always warn readers of my prejudice or preference. It is this: I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1 (2025) is a cool comic book – from new to old.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Josie and the Pussycats will definitely want to get a copy of Josie Annual Spectacular No. 1 (2025).

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Saturday, December 20, 2025

Comics Review: "BATMAN #3" is Some Filler and Some Killer

BATMAN (2025) #3

DC COMICS

STORY: Matt Fraction

ART: Jorge Jimenez

COLORS: Tomeu Morey

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles with Jorge Jimenez

EDITOR: Rob Levin

COVER: Jorge Jimenez

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Alex Sinclair; Julian Totino Tedesco; Brian Stelfreeze; Joe Quesada with Richard Isanove; David Aja; Jorge Jimenez

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S., (January 2026)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Rating: 13+

“Crown of Storms”

Batman #3 (“Crown of Storms”) opens as Gotham City Police Department Commissioner Vandal Savage makes his move against Batman and Robin. He is a determined man, and that means using intimidation and even murder... if necessary. However, a boy named Huston may have evidence of Savage's savage machinations.

Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne runs afoul of Tim Drake's partner and also bumps into Damian Wayne's ball-busting. And the Riddler makes his play for arguably the most important item in all of Gotham.

I enjoyed this third issue, but half of it feels like a holding pattern. It is as if Fraction and Jimenez are full speed ahead for the first two issues, but decided to put half of issue #3 on cruise control before racing the devil again... hopefully in the fourth issue.

That's it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Batman comic books will want to read Batman 2025.

B+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

[This comic book includes two previews of upcoming comic books. The first is a four-page preview of “Batman Static Beyond” #1” from writer Evan Narcisse; artist Nikolas Draper-Ivey; colorist Wil Quintana; and letterer Wes Abbot.

The second is a three-page preview of “Harvey & Ivy: Life & Crimes #1” from writer-artist-colorist Erica Anderson and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.]

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There is a Kindle edition of BATMAN #3. The first trade edition of this series, BATMAN VOL. 1: DAYLIGHT is due June 2026 and can be preordered at Amazon.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST Volume 2 #3 - The Iceman Cometh

SPACE GHOST VOL. 2 #3

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: David Pepose

ART: Jonathan Lau

COLORS: Andrew Dalhouse

LETTERS: Taylor Esposito

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Francesco Mattina

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jae Lee with June Chung; Bjorn Barends; Michael Cho; Francesco Mattina; Jae Lee

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“No One Escapes... Tarko the Terrible!”

In his original incarnation, Space Ghost was a superhero whose base of operations was a small world known as “Ghost Planet.” He fought super-villains in outer space with his teen sidekicks, Jan and Jace, and their monkey, Blip. His main weapons were power bands he wore around his wrists and lower arms; the bands fired off multiple energy beam-based attacks, including heat, cold, and force, to name a few. Space Ghost could also fly, survive in space, and turn invisible (his “Inviso Power”). He also had a space ship known as “the Phantom Cruiser.”

Space Ghost Volume 2 #3 (“No One Escapes... Tarko the Terrible!”) opens 10,000 years ago and tells the tale of the Viking barbarian, Tarko the Terrible, and his seemingly icy end on a blood-soaked battlefield. Now, he is a frozen bauble belonging to the latest bad guy to be conquered by the Space Ghost and his assistants, Jan and Jace.

When the twin's estranged grandfather, Dr. Henry Contra, defrosts Tarko, disasters strikes! Once thawed, Tarko discovers a whole new world ripe for conquest. Can Space Ghost and his young charges stop this time-lost warrior from wreaking havoc upon the future? Or will our heroes find themselves among the newest victims of Tarko's savage blade?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Space Ghost #3, Volume 2 is one that I have recently received, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

Once again, I am really late with a review a review of Space Ghost Volume 2, so I'll keep it short. Writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau continue the excellence they established in Space Ghost Vol. 1. They have mastered the standalone story in the first volume, and they are continuing that mastery with the new series, issue #3 exemplifies.

Pepose offers an axe-swinging sword and sorcery tale that blends the savagery of a Conan comic book with the a touch of Thor-Viking hell-raising. It all feels like a natural fit for Space Ghost, and the result is a rousing standalone tale. Lau's storytelling seemingly refuses to be confined to the page, all the better to depict the ferocity of Tarko's violence. Lau brings what I call a “rousing tale” and makes seem to jump off the page.

Andrew Dalhouse's colors set this tale of Tarko the Terrible on fire with explosive brilliance that dazzles with each fight. Taylor Esposito is still delivering classic comics font, perhaps making an argument that he is the definitive Space Ghost comic book letterer.

I highly recommend Space Ghost Volume 2, dear readers. Whether we are on time or late, we should keep reading it.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read Space Ghost Volume 2.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

There is a Kindle edition of SPACE GHOST VOL. 2 #3 available at Amazon.

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Thursday, December 11, 2025

Comics Review: "SAVAGE DIRT AXES" - Cowboys and Indignant Monsters

SAVAGE DIRT AXES

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS

STORY: Will Beard

ART: Will Beard

LETTERS/PRODUCTION: John Ira Thomas

MISC. ART: Carter Allen; Will Grant

ISBN: 978-0-9743147-0-9; paperback (2025)

60pp, B&W, $10.00 U.S.

Savage Dirt Axes is a 2025 original graphic novel from writer-artist Will Beard. Published as a paperback original with black and white interior art by Candle Light Press, Savage Dirt Axes is set in the 19th century Old West and focuses a ragtag band of friends fighting a monster invasion. John Ira Thomas joins Will Beard as the story's letter.

Savage Dirt Axes opens with two cowboys – the stoic and stern, Rhett, and the somewhat cowardly young fella, Billy – ready to close out their day. They head on over to visit some roughneck pals, Ottis and Rex. Billy also hopes to meat his girlfriend, Josie, the daughter of Rex.

However, it turns out that Rex is missing, and the search for him takes the group right into a confrontation with a herd of monstrous, demonic, and gigantic creatures, which one of them call “dirt axes.” Can the cowboys, ornery old dudes, and one gal stop a monster invasion or will they end up being meat for the beast – just like the cattle?

THE LOWDOWN: Will Beard is a budding master of the weird Western comic book. In collaboration with writer John Ira Thomas, he drew the hardcover original graphic novel, Dan Callahan and the Sand Pirates. Also, Savage Dirt Axes reminds me of the 1999 weird Western original graphic novel, Red Range: A Wild Western Adventure, from writer Joe R. Lansdale and artist Sam Glanzman.

In Savage Dirt Axes, Beard has fashioned a weird Western comic book that is first and foremost set firmly in the Western fiction genre. Secondly, the monsters are genuinely scary and practically impossible to defeat, yet they don't feel out of place in or contrived for this story. I had a blast riding along with our heroes as they fight to save their lives.

I also like that Beard embraces the weird fiction roots of comic books and goes wild, weird, and wonderful on this story that doesn't try to make scientific sense. Savage Dirt Axes is pure comic book fun; it is a pure monster comic. Dear readers, you can enjoy the fun by finding the Candle Light Press table at any conventions they attend.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the weird western will want to try Savage Dirt Axes.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

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Saturday, December 6, 2025

Comics Review: "NEMESIS FOREVER #4" - The Devil You Say

NEMESIS FOREVER #4 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Mateo Scalera

COLORS: Giovanna Niro with Sabrina del Grosso

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Scalera with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Scalera

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (December 2025) on-sale: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Age range: 18+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis Forever is a five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar and publisher Dark Horse Comics. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Nemesis Rogues' Gallery (2024). Besides Millar, the rest of the creative team is comprised of Matteo Scalera (artist); Giovanna Niro (colors); and Clem Robins (letters).

Nemesis Forever #4 opens in Hamburg, Germany. There, “the Bundespolizei” (Germany's Federal Police Force) has captured Nemesis and has him in custody. Of course, having Nemesis in custody and keeping him in custody are two wildly different things. And holding onto the world's most dangerous man is made even more difficult because he has released a highly-lethal poison gas into the surrounding area.

Still, if Nemesis is going to bring humanity to its knees, he will need the help of his Satanic sect, the Temple of Hanpa, even more. But what will it cost him?

Meanwhile, ensconced with her fellow members of the Nemesis terrorist cell, “Nemesis HQ Number 5,” Kitty is making some shocking discoveries about who Nemesis is and what he is doing. At the same time, she wonders if her cover has been blown.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. Nemesis Forever #4 is the latest PDF that I have received.

Nemesis Forever #4 is a killer penultimate issue, and writer Mark Millar fills this issue with explosive scenes that are obviously meant to set up a final issue that may be apocalyptic. In addition, Millar sets aside some pages in this issue to take us into the darkest corners of Nemesis' faith … if I can call that a faith.

Illustrator Matteo Scalera and colorist Giovanna Niro continue to produce some of the prettiest art to appear in a superhero (kind of) comic book in several years. Scalera and Niro's Nemesis is a bombshell of beauty and brutality, and the resulting storytelling is visually and graphically gripping. I must also shout out letterer Clem Robins. He does not let himself get left behind because his lettering is as tight as ever.

Dear readers, let us prepare for a truly crazy ending.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books of his Nemesis series will desire Nemesis Forever.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

There is a Kindle edition of "NEMESIS FOREVER #4" available at Amazon. The trade collection paperback collection of the series is due in May 2026 and can currently be preordered at Amazon.

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Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Comics Review: Disney's "ZOOTOPIA #5" Pans for Gold

ZOOTOPIA: VOL. 1 #5

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jeff Parker

ART: Alessandro Ranaldi

COLORS: Dearbhla Kelly

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Trish Forstner

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Alessandro Ranaldi; Craig Rousseau

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2025)

Rated “Teen”

Zootopia is a 2016 animated buddy-cop comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Zootopia is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals (animals that talk and act like humans). The film follows a rabbit named Judy Hopps, who is rookie police officer, and a fox named Nick Wilde, who is a con artist. Judy and Nick end up working together to uncover a conspiracy involving the disappearance of predators. At the end of the film, Nick graduates from the police academy and becomes Judy's partner.

Dynamite Entertainment has been producing licensed comic books based on Disney characters and IP since 2022. The latest is a Zootopia comic book series, entitled Zootopia: Volume 1. It is written by Jeff Parker; drawn by Alessandro Ranaldi; colored by Dearbhla Kelly; and lettered Jeff Eckleberry. The series continues the adventures of Officers Hopps and Wilde and is set after the events of the original film. The duo is currently trying to discover the mysterious figure who is paying ordinary Zootopia citizens to commit crimes.

Zootopia: Volume 1 #5 finds Officers Hopps and Wilde on their latest assignment – volunteering to speak to the Zootopia Junior Rangers. However, once they arrive on the outskirts of Zootopia, they discover that the troop's Den Mother Miss Bev has changed plan. The members of the scout troop won't be fishing; they'll be panning for gold!

However, a local bear clan isn't crazy about strangers in their woods, and now, a scout trooper is in trouble. Can Officers Hopps and Wilde pan for gold and save the day and solve an unexpected mystery with a surprise enemy?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Zootopia: Volume 1, Issue #4 is the latest.

I passed on Walt Disney's 2016 computer-animated hit film, Zootopia, when it first played in theaters. Later, I started hearing good things about it, so I gave it a try on DVD (via Netflix). I loved it, and I'm excited about the sequel film, Zootopia 2, which recently arrived in theaters.

Jeff Parker is still intriguing his Zootopia readers (which includes me) with novel plots and engaging conspiratorial mysteries. He blends anthropomorphic fun and crime-fighting comedy into a sparkling adventure comic book that would be perfect for young readers and also for fans of Disney comic books.

The series' artists, Alessandro Ranaldi (pencils and inks) and Dearbhla Kelly (colors), create exciting storytelling no matter where Parker sets the story. Ranaldi's art hops and dashes across the pages, and, in this issues, the story soars from one side of the woods and creek to the next. Kelly's colors have the spark of Disney's animation magic and also make each issue's story fly off the page. As usual, Jeff Eckleberry's lettering sells this story's conceit that strange things can happen anywhere.

I look forward to more Zootopia Volume 1. Anyone who reads this fifth issue, dear readers, will feel the need to keep coming back for more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Disney comic book series and of Zootopia will want the comic book series, Zootopia: Volume 1.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

There is a Kindle edition of Zootopia #5 at Amazon.

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Sunday, November 30, 2025

Comics Review: "SUPERNATURAL #1" Wants to Burn Your Ass

SUPERNATURAL #01

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Greg Pak

ART: Eder Messias

COLORS: Thyago Brandao

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Nate Cosby

COVER: Clayton Crain

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: David Cousens; Eder Messias;

Amanda Conner; Joseph Michael Linsner; Francesco Mattina; Lucio Parrillo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025)

Rated “Teen”

“Supernatural” created by Eric Kripke

DC Comics and its Wildstorm imprint published four Supernatural comic book miniseries over a period from 2007 to 2011. Now, Dynamite Entertainment has the license and has launched a new series, Supernatural. It is written by Greg Pak; drawn by Eder Messias; colored by Thyago Brandao; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry. According to Dynamite, this new comic book is set between Supernatural Seasons 1 and 2, and finds Dean and Sam Winchester forced to take on a new threat before they can continue their hunt for the demon that killed their mother, Mary Winchester.

Supernatural #01 opens with the fiery death of Ritchie Wilson, an employee and mixologist for Windler Breweries. Sam and Dean, prowling the highways and byways of small town America in search of demonic wronging, arrive in Windler, Wisconsin to investigate

As the brothers hunt to uncover the entity responsible for a series of mysterious fires in the decaying rust belt town, they encounter Windler Breweries employee, Effie, and she may know more than she lets on. Meanwhile, where is the mysterious CEO Steff Windler and what does he have to do with this burning and deadly mystery.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. Supernatural #01 is one of the latest, and it is the first “Supernatural” comic book that I have read.

Meanwhile, all of us can enjoy Dynamite's new comic book series. Writer Greg Pak offers a sensational opening tale that recalls the fresh dark fantasy vibe and novel horror scenarios of “Supernatural Season One.” Pak makes this first issue feel both familiar and like a new direction with the way he guides this story through its paces.

Artist Eder Messias' work here brings a comic book illustrator's sensibilities to the aesthetic of “Supernatural.” Readers won't feel like they are reading a tie-in comic book because Messias' storytelling will feel like it belongs in the world of “Supernatural,” a genuine chapter within the continuity of the series.

Thyago Brandao's colors capture the creeping and dreadful shadows of the back roads and haunted Americana of “Supernatural.” As always, letterer Jeff Eckleberry captures the spirit of the story, this time creating a haunting imaginary audio for this first issue.

I didn't know what to expect of this first issue, dear readers. Now, I expect that I'll have to return for more.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of the television series, “Supernatural” may want to try the new Supernatural comic book series.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

There is a Kindle edition of "SUPERNATURAL #01," which is available at Amazon.

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Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Comics Review: "NEMESIS FOREVER #3" Meets Hubris

NEMESIS FOREVER #3 (OF 5)

DARK HORSE COMICS

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Mateo Scalera

COLORS: Giovanna Niro with Laura Ciondolini

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Sarah Unwin

COVER: Matteo Scalera with Giovanna Niro

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Matteo Scalera

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2025) on-sale: Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Age range: 18+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis Forever is a new five-issue comic book miniseries from writer Mark Millar and publisher Dark Horse Comics. It is a sequel to the miniseries, Nemesis Reloaded (2023) and Nemesis Rogues' Gallery (2024). Besides Millar, the rest of the creative team is comprised of Matteo Scalera (artist); Giovanna Niro (colors); and Clem Robins (letters).

Nemesis Forever #3 opens in Shafter Lake, Texas where Kitty has a big confrontation with a fellow member of the Nemesis terrorist cell, “Nemesis HQ Number 5.” Is she really ready to do the terrible things required of her, or is she willing to blow her cover?

Meanwhile, Nemesis, in his guise as billionaire tech bro, Hans Berg, is making merger moves on fellow tech innovator, Deepak Bharti, who really doesn't want to play. Nemesis has launched his biggest plan yet, but at the same time, an elite band of law enforcement is about to launch its most daring plan of action against him.

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. Nemesis Forever #3 is the latest PDF that I have received.

I usually take the time to praise writer Mark Millar in my reviews of Millarworld titles. As I did in my review of Issue #2, however, I want to focus on the art team of illustrator Matteo Scalera and colorist Giovanna Niro. They continue to produce some of the prettiest art to appear in a superhero (kind of) comic book in several years, and Scalera and Niro's Nemesis recalls the best of Millar's team-up with he-of-the-heavenly-hands, Frank Quitely. Scalera and Niro are doing some Frank Miller-Lynn Varley Elektra Lives Again-type shit here.

I must also throw it up to Clem Robins. He does not let himself get left behind because his lettering is as tight as ever. And of course, I still have to mention that Millar closes issue #3 with an all-time battle royale. Such a fight might show up in the second-to-last issue of a miniseries, but Millar drops this bond in the middle issue of his five-issue, hot-as-hell miniseries.

If this series is the final chapter of Nemesis' hell-raising (and it doesn't have to be, Mark), then Nemesis Forever will end it all in a blaze of fire and beautiful glory. You know you want this, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar's comic books of his Nemesis series will desire Nemesis Forever.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

There is a Kindle edition of "NEMESIS FOREVER #3. The trade collection paperback collection of the series is due in May 2026 and can currently be preordered at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

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http://www.millarworld.tv/

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Sunday, November 16, 2025

Comics Review: "HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #6" Fights the Power

HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #6 (OF 6)

DARK HORSE COMICS/Netflix

STORY: Mark Millar

ART: Rafael Albuquerque

COLORS: Dave McCaig

LETTERS: Clem Robins

EDITOR: Daniel Chabon

COVER: Rafael Albuquerque

VARIANT COVER ARTIST: Rafael Albuquerque

32pp, Color, $6.99 U.S. (November 2025); November 5, 2025

Rated 18+

Huck created by Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque

Huck: Big Bad World is a new six-issue comic book miniseries created by writer Mark Millar and artist Rafael Albuquerque. Published by Dark Horse Comics, it is a sequel to the 2015-16 miniseries, Huck. Both series focus on Huck, an autistic man with extraordinary powers who tries to do one good deed every day. Colorist Dave McCaig and letterer Clem Robins complete the creative team.

In Huck Big Bad World, Huck, his mother, Anna Polina Marianna Kozar, and the mysterious Dr. Jack Harper were on a road trip with the goal of finding Harper's lost love, Sophia. The trio also wanted to find the other secret super-humans who have been hiding around the world. Now, Huck has found out why so many of these super-persons were smart to be in hiding.

Huck: Big Bad World #6 finds the Lucas Trust celebrating their recent success. This organization has been searching out people with super powers and neutralizing them for over 20 years. The organization's “Witch Finders” are on a killing spree, and they have reduced the number of super-persons to a few.

One of the survivors is Huck, but he is now more concerned about his pregnant girlfriend, Zoe Benson, and her son, Micah. Hiding in the woods most of the other people with remarkable abilities have been murdered, Huck is about to walk into a trap in order to save another super-person. Can the truth about “the old lady in the forest,” the mysterious figure who has given super-powers to random people around the world, save Huck and his new family?

THE LOWDOWN: This is the second time that I have been on any kind of list that provides PDF copies of titles published by Dark Horse Comics. The latest received is Huck: Big Bad World #6.

It should be no surprise that I am telling you again, dear readers, that a Mark Millar comic book is full of breathtaking surprises... because Huck: Big Bad World #6 is filled to the brim with breathtaking surprises, just as I said issue #5 was. This final issue of the second Huck series offers shocks and revelations, as well as spinning a shocking fate for mankind. This issue does not really set up a potential third series, but the events depicted in this issue certainly suggest the possibility of a humdinger of a next volume.

The creative team of Millar, Rafael Albuquerque, Dave McCaig, and Clem Robins deliver on the potential of this undeniably super series that issue #1 promised. Well, dear readers, the Huck: Big Bad Day trade paperback will give you a chance to discover the awesomeness that you missed.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Mark Millar and of the first Huck series will want to try Huck: Big Bad World.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

There is a Kindle edition of HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #6. The trade paperback of HUCK VOLUME 2: BIG BAD WORLD is due in February 2026, but is available for preorder from Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

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https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

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Tuesday, November 11, 2025

Comics Reviews: "HARLEY QUINN x ELVIRA #1" Plans a Party

HARLEY QUINN X ELVIRA VOLUME 1 #1 (OF 6)

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti

ART: Amanda Conner; Juan Samu

COLORS: Amanda Conner; Walter Pereya

LETTERS: Dave Lanphear

EDITORS: Joseph Rybandt and Chris Conroy

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT: David Avallone

COVER: Amanda Conner

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Chad Hardin; Joseph Michael Linsner; Ben Caldwell; Mark Spears;

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025)

Rated Teen+

Harley Quinn created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm

Chapter One: “Stage Spite”

In 1981, actress and model Cassandra Peterson created the “horror hostess character” known as “Elvira.” Elvira gradually grew in popularity and eventually became a brand name. As Elvira, Peterson endorsed many products and became a pitch-woman, appearing in numerous television commercials throughout the 1980s. Elvira first starred in her own comic book back in the mid-1980s. Beginning with 2018's Elvira Mistress of the Dark #1, Elvira has been the star of numerous comic book series that were written by David Avallone and published by Dynamite Entertainment.

DC Comics villain, Harley Quinn, originated as a character on the animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series” (FOX Network, 1992). Created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Harley debuted in the episode “Joker’s Favor” (September 11, 1992), as a female sidekick of The Joker and his eventual accomplice. Harley made her first comic book appearance in The Batman Adventures #12 (cover dated: September 1993), DC Comics’ comic book spin-off of the animated series. Harley Quinn became the star of her own DC Comics' ongoing series, beginning in 2000.

Now, Elvira and Harley Quinn unite in the new six-issue miniseries, Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1. It is written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Conner and Juan Samu; colored by Conner and Walter Pereya; and lettered by Dave Lanphear. Official Elvira comic book writer David Avallone is acting as an editorial consultant. In this new series, Harley Quinn convinces Elvira to unite in throwing the greatest Halloween party Brooklyn has ever seen.

Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1 #1 (“Stage Spite”) opens in another one of Harley Quinn's funky dreams. These dreams are apparently a sign that the “Clown Princess of Crime” is frustrated and needs to do something to get her groove back, according to her partner, “Big Tony.” But what to do? When Harley spots a billboard promoting the television program of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark on Station 51Z, Harley has an idea. All she needs to do is find Elvira.

Meanwhile, Elvira's boss at 51Z, Sidney Spellman, is cleaning house and Elvira loses everything. Well, Elvira's new friend Harley Quinn has an idea that's just crazy enough to make things better for both of them. Together, they are going to throw the greatest Halloween party the borough of Brooklyn has ever seen – whether the borough likes it or not.

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. One of them is Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1: Issue 1.

I knew what to expect from Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti as writers of Harley Quinn comic books. They are among the best Harley Quinn storytellers and have been doing their damn thing with more consistency and longevity than any others. However, I was not sure how they would be at writing Elvira as a comic book character, especially because David Avallone, the writer of modern Elvira comic books, is so damn good at it. I must say that I'm pleasantly surprised at Conner and Palmiotti's turn on the character, with their Elvira being a bit more subdued and also droll instead of sporting her usual sterling acerbic and screwball comic book interpretation.

This series' main artist is Elvira comics regular, Juan Samu, although Amanda Conner does draw and color several pages here. Samu brings life to Conner and Palmiotti's script, creating a candy-coated confection of madness with a slight touch of the macabre. Colorist Walter Pereya drops a castle's worth of Neapolitan ice cream over Samu's art that turns this story into a dessert bar for the eyes. Dave Lanphear's lettering is the final flourish that makes this story feel like static electricity dancing across the pages.

Honestly, I didn't expect much from Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1, mainly because I have been underwhelmed by previous Harley Quinn team-ups. But it was time for me to get to this debut issue as the second issue approaches. So should you, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Elvira and of Harley Quinn comic books will want to read Harley Quinn x Elvira Volume 1.

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Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

A Kindle edition of HARLEY QUINN X ELVIRA #1 is available at Amazon.

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