TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: Comics Review

Showing posts with label Comics Review. Show all posts

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.

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

-------------------

Amazon wants me to inform/remind you that any affiliate links found on this page are PAID ADS, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on affiliate links like these, BOOKS PAGE, GRAPHIC NOVELS, or MANGA PAGE and BUY something(s).

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

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; 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.

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...

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.

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

-----------------------

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 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 #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/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

---------------------------

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/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

-------------------

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.

A-

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

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

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

-----------------------

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Comics Review: "SPACE GHOST Volume 2 #2 is Too Legit to Quit

SPACE GHOST VOL. 2 #2

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”

“The Dawn of the Eclipse Woman!”

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.

Space Ghost Volume 2 #2 (“The Dawn of the Eclipse Woman!”) opens in the “Black Nebula Bar” years ago. This is the story of how Dax met Luna Solaris. Now, Dax is the Space Ghost and Luna is the notorious thief known as “Eclipse Woman.” Her latest target is the treasure of the dangerous Boss Parko of the “Raptor Cartel.”

Now, Space Ghost and Jan, Jace, and Blip have to save the old flame turned bad girl. However, Boss Parko's treasure is a mysterious alien artifact that is full of surprises – the kind of surprises that could doom everyone.

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 Volume 2 #2 is one that I have recently received, but it is not the first Space Ghost comic book that I have read.

I am really late with this review, 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. If you miss an issue, reading the following issue will be delight and not an exercise in trying to figure out what happened the issue you missed, dear readers.

Andrew Dalhouse's colors are still fire, burning with brilliance through the action of these stories. 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.

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"

https://twitter.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

------------------

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Comics Review: "SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED #1" Has Lots of Sabrina

SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Craig Boldman; Holly G!; Tania Del Rio; Dan Parent; George Gladir; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Steven Butler; Holly G!; Dan Parent; Bill Golliher; Stan Goldberg; Bob Bolling

INKS: Lily Butler; Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Jon D'Agostino; Rudy Lapick; Al Nickerson

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: Dan DeCarlo and Rudy Lapick with Vincent DeCarlo

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (November 2025); on-sale date: September 3, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

Sabrina the Teenage Witch in “Magic Unleashed!”

Sabrina the Teenage Witch is an Archie Comics character that was created by writer George Gladir and artist Dan DeCarlo. Sabrina Spellman first appeared in Archie's Madhouse #22 (cover-dated: October 1962).

Archie Comics has been publishing a series of Sabrina one-shot comic books over the past few years. The latest is Sabrina Magic Unleashed, No. 1. Sabrina Magic Unleashed offers five reprint stories and one new five-page story, “Magic Unleashed!” The new story is written by Craig Boldman; drawn by Steven Butler (pencils) and Lily Butler (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

“Magic Unleashed!” opens in the sky over the “Eyegore Estates,” the lair of Mother Striga, the first witch and the mother of all witches! The evil witch Striga has returned for revenge, and she has enlisted the aid of the wicked scientist Mad Doc Doom and his daughter, Medusa Doom.

Will the powers of Doom's diabolical science be too much for Sabrina's magic? She may have to turn to some shockingly familiar figures for help.

THE LOWDOWN: Over the last few years, Archie's marketing department has been sending PDF copies of some of their titles for review. One of the most recent is the one-shot comic book, Sabrina Magic Unleashed, No. 1.

I am giving the new story, “Magic Unleashed!,” a high grade because I really like the art, storytelling, and graphics turned in by Steven and Lily Butler, Glenn Whitmore, and Jack Morelli. It is gorgeous and makes this rather average story seem really special. In fairness, I think writer Craig Boldman would have done much more with this plot if he had – say – a full issue to tell it.

This issue also includes stories drawn by classic Sabrina comic book artists, Bob Bolling and the late Stan Goldberg. And, dear readers, I will always recommend classic and classic-style Archie Comics stories.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics and of Sabrina the Teenage Witch will definitely want to get a copy of Sabrina Magic Unleashed, No. 1.

B+

★★★½ out of 4 stars

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

A Kindle edition of SABRINA MAGIC UNLEASHED #1 is available at Amazon.

https://archiecomics.com/

https://twitter.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

------------------------

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Comics Review: "BATMAN #2" is DKR Good

BATMAN (2025) #2

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; Mike Allred with Laura Allred; David Aja; Jorge Jimenez

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S., (December 2025)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Rating: 13+

“Robin Rides the Black Mariah”

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 #2 (“Robin Rides the Black Mariah”) opens after the first issue's shock ending. Robin/Tim Drake is in the Gotham City area known as “The Slabs.” His attempt to stop a brutal and violent truck hijacking takes a turn for the truly worse when two Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) officers intervene. And one of the officers has a hard-on for killing.

However, Batman is waiting in the East Coventry neighborhood. That's where the real action will take place, and it could cost our heroes everything. Plus, in a return to Bristol Township, the location of Wayne Manor, a flashback reveals Bruce Wayne training Tim Drake on driving with a sneering Damien Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth watching this in-session class.

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 second review of it.

In my review of Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez's Batman #1, I said that that the first issue reminded me of Snyder-Capullo's Batman #1 in that both are fresh starts and are different in terms of narrative and graphic aesthetic from their contemporary Batman titles. In this second issue, however, I think that this creative team of Fraction, Jimenez, Morey, and Cowles is visually and aesthetically recalling the creative team of Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley, and John Costanza on the legendary miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns. This Batman team captures the thunder and lightning of revelation that DKR offers. The difference is that this team is not waiting for Bruce Wayne to be 50-years-old and retired as Batman. They have activated their perpetual thrill machine today.

I'm not saying that the Fraction-Jimenez Batman #1 is Batman: DKR, but this narrative plays for keeps in the way that DKR did. There are really a lot of things at stake in this new Batman ongoing. I believe that “Robin Rides the Black Mariah” really begins a new era of “hunt the Dark Knight.” And don't wait for the trade paperback, dear readers.

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

★★★★ out of 4 stars

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 “Justice League: The Omega Act Special #1” from writer Joshua Williamson; artists Yasmine Putri with Cian Tormey; colorist Yasmine Putri; and letterer Dave Sharpe.

The second is a three-page preview of “Batgirl #12 from writer Tate Brombal; artist Takeshi Miyazawa; colorist Mike Spencer; and letterer Tom Napolitano.]

There is a Kindle edition of BATMAN #2 available at Amazon. The trade paperback collection of this series first arc, BATMAN VOL. 1 is due June 2026, but it can be pre-ordered at Amazon.

https://www.dccomics.com/

https://twitter.com/DCComics

https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

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

https://www.pinterest.com/dccomics/

https://www.periscope.tv/DCComics/1ZkKzezXwZdxv

-------------------

Monday, October 20, 2025

Comics Review: "NEMESIS FOREVER #2" Simply Has the Most Beautiful Art... and Violence

NEMESIS FOREVER #2 (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. (October 2025) on-sale: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Age range: 18+

Nemesis created by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven

Nemesis Forever #2 opens in the wake of the devastation Nemesis unleashed on Singapore that killed three thousand people. Meanwhile, Sofie's infiltration of Nemesis HQ Number 5 takes her deeper into this particular lair of henchmen. However, Nemesis' current fake identity, that of tech billionaire, Hans Berg, has to deal with someone who has gotten too close to the truth about Hans.

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 #2 is the latest PDF that I have received.

I usually take the time to praise writer Mark Millar in my reviews of Millarworld titles. This time, however, I want to focus on the art team of illustrator Matteo Scalera and colorist Giovanna Niro. Here, they have produced some of the prettiest art to appear in comic books in several years, and Scalera and Niro's Nemesis recalls the best of the team of Mark Millar and Frank Quitely. Their depictions of Nemesis and of his Hans Berg identity are things of artistic beauty. It's like comics rococo, and once again, a Nemesis art team is finding the wicked beauty in a ruthless bad guy.

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.

If this is the final chapter of Nemesis' hell-raising (and it doesn't have to be, Mark), then Nemesis Forever will end it with fire and beauty. Your serve, dear readers, and I know you want good comic books.

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 Kindle edition of NEMESIS FOREVER #2 is available at Amazon. You can also preorder the NEMESIS FOREVER trade paperback collection, which is due in May 2026, at Amazon.

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

https://www.darkhorse.com/

https://x.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.facebook.com/darkhorsecomics/

https://www.instagram.com/DarkHorseComics/

------------------

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Comics Review: "HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #5" Brings the Bad Guys Out

HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #5 (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, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025); October 1, 2025

Rated 18+

Huck created by Mark Millar and Rafael Albuquerque

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

Huck: Big Bad World #5 introduces the Lucas Trust, an organization that has been searching out people with super powers and neutralizing them for over 20 years. Now, the organization's “Witch Finders” are on a killing spree. So many people with these special powers were in hiding because they were afraid of being found.

Huck has brought them into the open, so he has endangered himself and them. But has Huck unwittingly revealed a powerful new possessor of these super powers?

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 #5.

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 II #5 is. This issue is one of those penultimate comic book issues that makes returning one more time a must for comic book readers.

The storytelling by artist Rafael Albuquerque, by turns dark and hopeful, offers a balance of raw emotion and bracing violence. With Dave McCaig's coloring Albuquerque's art and storytelling sings out from places of both despair and hope. As always, the lettering by Clem Robins establishes moods and then embellishes those moods to the best affect.

Huck: Big Bad Day is undeniably a superb series. It is a great work on the way to an incredible conclusion. I'm here for it.

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"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

------------------------

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Comics Review: "BATMAN #1" Gets a Spiffy Fraction-Jimenez Makeover

BATMAN (2025) #1

DC COMICS

STORY: Matt Fraction

ART: Jorge Jimenez

COLORS: Tomeu Morey

LETTERS: Clayton Cowles

EDITOR: Rob Levin

COVER: Jorge Jimenez

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Jim Lee and Scott Williams with Tomeu Morey; Marc Silvestri with Arif Prianto; J. Scott Campbell with Tanya Lehoux; Frank Quitely; Gabriele Dell'Otto; Julian Totino Tedesco; Stanley “Artgerm” Lau; Andy Kubert with Steve Firchow; David Aja; Jorge Jimenez; Jim Lee and Scott Williams

36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S., (November 2025)

Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger

Rating: 13+

“Vast Colors in the Dark”

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 #1 (“Vast Colors in the Dark”) finds Batman at Arkham Towers in the wake of Killer Croc's latest escape. Croc's physician, Dr. Zeller, urges patience on the part of Batman, but he has too much experience with Croc's acts of violence to buy into what the good doctor is saying.

Meanwhile, Vandal Savage, the new commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department, is making changes in the department – changes that may not be good for Batman. Plus, there is a Robin in trouble.

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.

I am not going to dig deeply into this new Batman #1, which is only the fourth Batman #1 issue. It follows Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson's Batman #1, cover dated Spring 1940; Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's Batman #1, cover dated November 2011; and Tom King and David Finch's Batman #1 cover dated August 2016.

Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez's Batman #1 reminds me of Snyder-Capullo's Batman #1 in that both are fresh starts and are different in terms of narrative and graphic aesthetic from their contemporary Batman titles. Matt Fraction's script also gives this debut issue and its star, Batman, a jolt of energy that suggests both the very modern and the near future in terms of setting. This is similar to what writer Grant Morrison brought to the first arc of his 2009-launched Batman & Robin series (which was collected in the Batman Reborn trade. I imagine Fraction's biggest and most shocking twists and turns and re-imaginations will be revealed over the coming year, at least.

Thus, the real sense of newness comes from artist Jorge Jimenez and colorist Tomeu Morey. Their vibrantly illustrated first issue is as the chapter title of this first issue suggests, “Vast Colors in the Dark.” The team of Jimenez and Morey visually and aesthetically create a sense of amazing things to come in a fashion similar to what the team of Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, and Lynn Varley brought to Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Book One.

I'm not saying that the Fraction-Jimenez Batman #1 is Batman: DKR, but you never know. I simply felt excitement as I read this first issue. This first issue is promising or, at the very least, hints at great things to come for our eyes and for our imaginations. I have a subscription so I will be back.

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

[This comic book includes a five-page preview of “DC KO” from writer Scott Snyder; artist Javi Fernandez; colorist Alejandro Sanchez; and letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhadu.]

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

A Kindle edition of BATMAN #1 is available at Amazon. The trade and hardcover editions of the first story arc of this series are available for pre-order at Amazon.

https://www.dccomics.com/

https://twitter.com/DCComics

https://www.facebook.com/dccomics

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

https://www.pinterest.com/dccomics/

https://www.periscope.tv/DCComics/1ZkKzezXwZdxv

---------------------

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Comics Review: "Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: EXODUS #1" Arrives with a Bang

CABRA CINI/GEEK-GIRL: EXODUS #1

ACTUALITY PRESS

STORY: Sam Johnson

ART: Fernando Melek

COLORS: Chunlin Zhao

LETTERS: Paul McLaren

COVER: Fernando Melek with Chunlin Zhao

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Flint Douglas with Chunlin Zhao

22pp, Color, (August 2025)

Teen+

Cabra Cini created by Sam Johnson

“Exodus” Part 1: “Girlfriend in a Coma.”

Cabra Cini: Voodoo Junkie Hitwoman is a comics character created by writer Sam Johnson. She is a former sex worker who used “voodoo magik” to free herself of her abusive pimp/boyfriend. Now, she is a hit woman addicted to voodoo. Geek-Girl is a superhero character created by Sam Johnson. She is Ruby Kaye of Acorn Ridge, Maine, a sexy and popular college coed who inadvertently becomes a superhero by donning a pair of super-tech eye glasses that gives her super-powers.

Now, the two characters have united for the comic book crossover, Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: Exodus. It is written by Johnson; drawn by Fernando Melek; colored by Chunlin Zhao; and lettered by Paul McLaren.

Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: Exodus #1 opens in a hospital in Detroit where Kristina lies in a coma. However, her soul is in Limbo from where she contacts her drug-dealer boyfriend, Jacob Trencher. Kristina reveals her part in plot with “The Rook,” ruler of “the Infinite,” against Cabra Cini. So how does that benefit Kristina and the tenuous position of her soul, especially because you can't keep a good hit woman down?

Meanwhile, over in Acorn Ridge, Maine, at the location of the headquarters of Geek-Girl's new super-team, it's training day. First, some members of the team need a superhero costume or a superhero name, and Geek-Girl needs to chat with one of her teammates.

THE LOWDOWN: Sam Johnson provided me with a PDF review copy of Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: Exodus#1. The Kickstarter campaign for this comic book has already started.

I am very late with this review, unfortunately, as it is part of a Kickstarter campaign, and there is less than a week left to back the project. The shame of my lateness is that Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: Exodus #1 is a very good read. Sam Johnson is one of the best indie writers of superhero comic books. His superhero tales are traditional in foundation, but they also have an offbeat modern sensibility. Johnson is always going in unexpected directions, in a fashion that is similar to the way Zach Cregger injected twists and turns into the script for his 2022 film, Barbarian. The difference is that Johnson hasn't introduced a killer ho living in the basement... yet.

I seriously adore the art by Fernando Melek. It is in a straightforward mode that captures the various atmospheric moods of Johnson's script. Melek subtly creates intensity in ways that the reader might miss – for instance, the general creepiness of Kristina and Jacob's conversation and of whatever bubbles beneath in pending conversation between Geek-Girl and the Minger. I think Melek has the potential to be a superstar artist.

Chunlin Zhao's colors, beautiful as always, amplifies the unique qualities of Melek's art and storytelling. Also, I toast Paul McLaren because his lettering is perfect for superhero comic books.

So, dear readers, head on over to Sam's Kickstarter. Look around and become a fan of two delightfully different female stars, Cabra Cini and Geek-Girl.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of writer Sam Johnson's Geek-Girl and Cabra Cini comics will want to both fund and read Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: Exodus.

The Cabra Cini/Geek-Girl: Exodus Kickstarter campaign is here or: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/geekgirlcomics/cabra-cini-geek-girl-exodus-complete-crossover

https://x.com/daSamJohnson

https://x.com/Ruby_Kaye_

-------------------------

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Comics Review: "THE BLUE FALCON AND DYNOMUTT #1" Digs Deep

THE BLUE FALCON AND DYNOMUTT VOL. 1 #1

DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Jimmy Palmiotti

ART: Pasquale Qualano

COLORS: Jorge Sutil

LETTERS: Jeff Eckleberry

EDITOR: Joseph Rybandt

COVER: Lucio Parrillo

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Amanda Conner; Joseph Michael Linsner; Francesco Mattina; Lucio Parrillo

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

Rated “Teen”

“The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt” created and designed by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears

“Love You Till Forever”

“Dynomutt, Dog Wonder” was an American animated television series created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears and produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. It first aired on ABC from September 11, 1976, to October 1, 1977. A superhero-comedy, the series focused on “The Blue Falcon,” a Batman-like superhero, and “Dynomutt,” a robotic dog who was both his sidekick and assistant. Although Dynomutt could produce what seemed like an infinite number of mechanical devices from his body, such creations often resulted in the bumbling Dynomutt causing disaster and annoying the Blue Falcon quite a bit.

There have been very few comic books based on the Blue Falcon and Dynomutt, with the most prominent being the 1977-78, six-issue Marvel Comics series. Dynamite Entertainment has launched a new comic book based on the series as part of its licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery. The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt Volume 1 is written by Jimmy Palmiotti; drawn by Pasquale Qualano; colored by Jorge Sutil; and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt Volume 1 #1 (“Love You Till Forever”) opens in the nightmares of Radley Crown, but why should that matter? Well, Radley is really the vigilante hero, the Blue Falcon. Secure in his luxurious penthouse high above the downtown streets of Big City, Crown, a wealthy inventor and art collector, lives with his beloved and faithful canine companion. It is a charmed existence, and Radley is on the verge of a technological breakthrough that will improve his ability to protect Big City.

However, this is a fateful day. A vicious gang of thugs plans on shattering his complacency, and that will bring tragedy upon the life of Radley Crown. How will he respond?

THE LOWDOWN: Since July 2021, Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department has been providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles. The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt Volume 1, Issue #1 is the latest, and it may be the first comic book based on this franchise that I have read.

This first issue of The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt Volume 1, as a first issue or first chapter, is really a taste of what is to come from the team of writer Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Pasquale Qualano. Palmiotti offers a one-two punch of the excitement of the Blue Falcon and his canine pal and the dread of the evil to come, and both are really gripping and attention-grabbing. This is a very effective way of engaging the reader's interest in finishing this first issue and also coming back for more. I definitely feel excited, more than I expected.

Qualano's stylish art establishes the very slick and futuristic setting of Big City, but most of all, it hits all the emotional highs of Radley Crown and his dog as they prepare for a bright future. Then, Qualano unleashes the pure brutality of the villains in a way the speaks to the readers and may make some of them feel slapped around (such as myself). I feel like Qualano pulls me into this story and its emotional peaks and valleys. This is some helluva storytelling.

I expect big things from The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt Volume 1. I will probably get it, going by this first issue.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of Dynamite Entertainment's Warner Bros. comic book series will want to read The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt Volume 1.

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

--------------------

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Comics Review: "BETTY AND VERONICA: Summer Fun in the Sun #1"

BETTY & VERONICA: SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN, NO. 1

ARCHIE COMIC PUBLICATIONS, INC.

STORY: Holly G!; Tania del Rio; Dan Parent, Goldie Chan; Bill Golliher; Frank Doyle

PENCILS: Holly G! Bill Golliher; Dan Parent; Dan DeCarlo

INKS: Jim Amash; Bob Smith; Bill Golliher; Rudy Lapick

COLORS: Glenn Whitmore

LETTERS: Jack Morelli; Vincent DeCarlo

EDITORS: Jamie Lee Rotante, Vincent Lavallo, and Stephen Oswald

EiC: Mike Pellerito

COVER: Holly G! with Rosario “Tito” Peña

VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Dan Parent with Rosario “Tito” Peña

32pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2025); On sale: August 6, 2025

Rating: All-Ages

Betty and Veronica in “H2-OH!!”

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.” Two of Archie Comics' main characters are Betty Cooper and Veronica Lodge, best friends and also rivals in their love for Archie.

Archie Comics frequently publishes themed one-shot comic books featuring Betty and Veronica. The latest is Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun No. 1. It features one new story and five reprint stories. Entitled “H2-OH!!,” the new story is written by Holly G!; drawn by Holly G! (pencils) and Jim Amash (inks); colored by Glenn Whitmore; and lettered by the great Jack Morelli.

Betty and Veronica in “H2-OH!!”:

As the story opens, Archie has just won the “Riverdale Waterpark Adventure Giveaway,” an exclusive private day for Archie and five friends at the brand-new “Riverdale Waterpark.” So Betty, Veronica, Jughead, Toni (Topaz), and Hot Dog (Jughead's dog) join Archie for two-hours of fun. For someone like Veronica, however, a trip to the water park isn't just a day of fun. It is a chance to make a huge splash with social media influencers.

THE LOWDOWN: Archie Comics often sends me PDF copies of their titles for review. While I don't get to review all of them, I enjoy these single issue titles like Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun, No. 1.

In addition to the “Betty and Veronica” lead story, “H2-OH!!,” this issue also includes “All the Same,” a Betty and Veronica story from Archie Giant Series Magazine #34 (cover dated: November 1965), which was drawn by classic Archie Comics' artist, the late Dan DeCarlo. There are two stories starring Fran Frazer, the young investigator who hosts a true crime podcast. There is one story starring “Young Dr. Masters” (David Masters), the Riverdale physician who puts himself in danger to help others. There is also one “Sabrina, the Teen-Age Witch” (Sabrina Spellman) story. Both Fran Frazer stories and the Sabrina story involve supernatural elements.

I enjoyed “H2-OH!!” because I am a fan of the work of modern Archie Comics creator, Holly G! However, I am also a fan of supernatural-themed Archie Comics stories, so I am happy about this comic book because of these stories.

As usual, I must warn you, dear readers. I will always recommend classic-style Archie Comics titles. Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun, No. 1 has a new story in the classic Archie vein and is also classically fun.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of classic-style Archie Comics will want Betty & Veronica: Summer Fun in the Sun, No. 1.

B+

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

A Kindle edition of BETTY AND VERONICA: SUMMER FUN IN THE SUN NO.1 is available at Amazon.

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

-----------------------

Monday, September 8, 2025

Comics Review: "ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO" Hurts the People It's Supposed To

ECTYRON V ROJO GALLO

CANDLE LIGHT PRESS/Warning Comics

STORY: Carter Allen

SCRIPT: John Ira Thomas

ART: Carter Allen

COLORS: Carter Allen

LETTERS: John Ira Thomas

COVER: Carter Allen

BACK COVER: Will Grant

32pp, Color, $5.00 U.S. (2025)

Comic book writer-artist and graphic novelist, Carter Allen, has been publishing a series of comic books and graphic novels featuring a “kaiju” character known as “Ectyron! The Radioactive Chicken!” Candle Light Press and Allen's Warning Comics have previously published several Ectyron comic books: Ectyron Against Lagaxtu (2017), Ectyron: Rise of Nemehiss (2018), and Ectyron: The Invasion from the Red Star Nebula (2019), the Ectyron Omnibus Vol. 1 (2022), and Ectyron vs. Des Moines (2023).

Ectyron is back on the attack in the recently released comic book, Ectyron v Rojo Gallo. It is written by Allen (story) and John Ira Thomas (script); drawn and colored by Allen; and lettered by Thomas. Ectyron comics employ particular elements of various Japanese science fiction sub-genres, in particular “Kaiju.” This is a term used to describe the giant monsters and the fiction in which they appear. Godzilla is an example of a kaiju, and Ectyron, a giant-sized chicken, is also a kaiju.

Ectyron v Rojo Gallo opens somewhere Iowa. There, the sinister forces of Lord Gar-Lahk have summoned the monstrous rooster and demonic kaiju, “Rojo Gallo.” With the Parademon-like “Tactighouls” right behind, Rojo Gallo begins a brutal campaign built on fear, pain, and terror that affects the entire regions. Now, Madam Madamn (of “Sustenatione Stabilitas”) and that wonder of science, “AtomI.K.E.,” add their power to the might and majesty of Ectyron. But can our heroes save the locals who seem to have invited this campaign of fear and hate on their own town?

THE LOWDOWN: I have been receiving review copies of Carter Allen's comic books and graphic novels for almost two decades. He always sends me review copies of his Ectyron titles, including Ectyron v Rojo Gallo. We also collaborated on the 2024 original graphic novel, The Wrath of Karapace: A Big Spirits Epic.

Once again, Allen uses lush watercolors to produce his art and storytelling. That gives Ectyron v Rojo Gallo an almost surreal sensibility. The story is literally a firestorm, a raging inferno that rides the winds of prejudice and bigotry to the point where no one is safe from the sh*t they started. Allen's art is really graphical storytelling, wild and crazy, full of big panels that recall classic “Silver Age” monster comics and “Space Age” monster movies. Reading the story is like entering a fun madhouse of perfectly weird comic book ideas

I have to admit that I was surprised that Carter and his co-conspirator, writer John Ira Thomas, offers some sharp political and social commentary in this comic book. There is not a lot of it, but what appears is merciless and timely. I don't want to spoil Allen and Thomas' savory barbs, but yes, some of you did not vote for this, but then again, you kinda did... In Ectyron v. Rojo Gallo, the citizenry reaps what it sowed, and as always, now they want the people whom they tried to own to help them.

Ectyron v Rojo Gallo is a double-bladed delight. Find the Candle Light Press gang at a convention and snag a copy.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS: Fans of kaiju and of Carter Allen's kaiju comic books will want Ectyron v Rojo Gallo.

A+

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

http://www.warningcomics.com/

http://candlelightpress.tumblr.com/

https://x.com/attila71

https://x.com/candlelightpres

https://www.facebook.com/Warning-Comics-194471080646766/

https://www.deviantart.com/vectorattila

------------------

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Comics Review: "HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #4" Offers No Rest for the Weary

HUCK: BIG BAD WORLD #4 (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, $4.99 U.S. (August 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 are on a road trip with the goal of finding Harper's lost love, Sophia. The trio also wants to find the other secret super-humans who have been hiding around the world. But why are they in hiding, and what are they afraid of?

Huck: Big Bad World #4 opens in Montana, where Jack Harper is reunited with his Sophia who is living in hiding with her grandson, Kevin, who cannot control his powers. And Kevin's powers can be quite deadly. Huck and Anna say goodbye and return home to a painful reunion. Can Anna fix this as sinister forces gather around them?

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 #4.

In both Huck series, writer Mark Millar has offered a narrative that is both charming and poignant, which is not something that genre comic books do very well. However, this forth issue of the second series opens with the quote, “We live out here so Kevin doesn't kill anyone.” And we're off on an adventure full of the shocks and surprises the kind at which Millar is golden.

The storytelling by artist Rafael Albuquerque, by turns dark and hopeful, is a mixture of both in unnerving ways. Albuquerque continues to make readers feel the emotions of the characters in this chapter, as he draws them into a spider's web of shock and awe. Dave McCaig's coloring continues to be outstanding at striking a balance between the light and the dark that finds humor and pathos in this offbeat series. As always, the lettering by Clem Robins establishes moods and then embellishes those moods to the best affect.

Huck: Big Bad Day is undeniably a superb series. It is a great work on the way to an incredible conclusion. I'm totally surprised at how good it is, so, dear readers, hop to it.

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"

https://www.mrmarkmillar.com/

https://x.com/mrmarkmillar

https://x.com/netflix

http://www.millarworld.tv/

-------------------