Hey There Folks!! This column is designed to bring you reviews of new comic book series that came out this week. We will try to focus on independent and original series for the most part. Despite that intent, this first week is light on new series and we have two Marvel Comics series for you along with a new book each from DC Comics / Hill House, Scout Comics, and Top Cow / Image Comics.
You will usually find the books that we review in this space on our month list of New Number Ones. You might want to check over there to see what you can expect for the rest of the month.
This week we will bring you our thoughts on four books: The Clock #1, Daphne Byrne #1, Marvels X #1, Star #1, and White Ash #1
Check out the reviews below in alphabetical order:
The Clock #1
Image Comics
Written by Matt Hawkins
Art by Colleen Doran
Colors by Bryan Valenza
Letters by Troy Peteri
Cover art by Doran
This book is really good. The visual narrative is supremely executed. While there is not a great deal of kinetic action in the plot, Colleen Doran handles it wonderfully and the facial expressions that tell the story are excellent. The plot of this story is suspenseful and captivating. The doomsday scenario presented and the characters that are introduced combine to deliver an engaging comic. We will be looking forward to more.
Daphne Byrne #1
DC Comics / Hill House Comics
Written by Laura Marks
Art by Kelly Jones
Colors by Michelle Madsen
Letters by Rob Leigh
Cover art by Piotr Jablonski
There is something nostalgically captivating about this book. Most likely it is the gorgeous Kelly Jones line work. The white bordered pages also may help with that. The Hill House continues to produce quality horror comic books, and this story, set in the past, is no exception. Laura Marks‘ ghostly plot is perfectly suited for Jones’ art. We are enthralled by this comic.
Marvels X #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Alex Ross & Jim Krueger
Art by Well-Bee
Letters by Cory Petit
Cover art by Ross
This story set in the world before the story of Earth X is fantastic. There is a palpable sense of sadness and danger that is conveyed in each page. The protagonist is immediately engaging. I am hooked. Jim Krueger and Alex Ross are a reliable team of creators, and Well-Bee does a wonderful job rendering the post plague infested setting in a way that meshes perfectly with the written narrative. Truly a great job by all.
Star #1
Marvel Comics
Written by Kelly Thompson
Art by Javier Pina w/ Filipe Andrade
Colors by Jesus Aburtov
Letters by Clayton Cowles
Cover art by Carmen Carnero & Aburtov
Kelly Thompson is a great comic writer. Let that not be questioned. This series with her original character who is flawed at best is an excellent vehicle for her talents. The interactions with known Marvel characters are perfectly orchestrated. This issue gives enough background for newcomers to the character and is wildly entertaining. The last page has us ready for the next issue to come and wishing it were next week.
White Ash #1
Scout Comics
Written by Charlie Stickney
Art by Conor Hughes
Colors by Fin Cramb
Letters by Hughes
Cover art by Hughes
Charley Stickney and Conor Hughes did a great job of beginning a captivating and intriguing story in this first issue. The characters are clearly fleshed out and the conflict is revealed. The story is complex in a interesting way. The use of multiple vectors to a climax to the first issue is creative and convincing. Hughes’ linework, layouts, and lettering are just excellent. Do not sleep on this supernatural mystery story set in a small mining town. Scout Comics is producing quality stories. We will be looking forward to issue #2.
DISCLAIMER:
We use a 4 star rating system. It is simple and not to be taken too seriously. Everyone has their own impressions of art. These ratings are just to give our readers an idea of what we thought of the book, and they will be on the generous side, normally. So don’t expect to see a lot of 1 Stars. After all, it’s not often that you have a bad book on your pull-list.
The rating system is as follows:
OK
No
