NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (02/08/23)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*
Amazing Spider-Man # 19 
Avengers: War Across Time # 3
Batman # 132 
Black Panther # 14
Captain America: Symbol of Truth # 10 
Daredevil # 8
The Flash # 792
Ghost Rider # 11
Harrower # 1
How I Became A Shoplifter # 1 
Joe Fixit # 2
Miracleman: The Silver Age # 4
Monkey Prince # 11
Monarch # 1
Red Goblin # 1
Amazing Spider-Man # 19– The guest creative team of Joe Kelly and Terry and Rachel Dodson come aboard to deliver what could be the quintessential Spider-Man/Black Cat as the two of them plan a weekend getaway in the Catskills where the two of them come across The White Rabbit (One of Marvel’s silliest villains) but thrown in an awkward meeting with Mary Jane and her husband and this is a really fun story as Kelly once again shows that he can write a Spider-Man story with ease but also showing fans that while his work on “Savage Spider-Man” was mirrored in darkness, he can still pull out all of the stops to inject some much-needed lighthearted elements to create something enjoyable. The Dodsons’ art is still dynamic yet brings enough flair to make Kelly’s script feel lively. The Spidey/Black Cat chemistry is very welcoming, especially after the events of “Dark Web” but I like how it captures the essence of both characters to full effect to where I feel like Kelly and The Dodsons should stay on ASM on a part-time basis because the amusement and intrigue make for a great time for ASM.
Harrower # 1– Justin Jordan, known for writing numerous titles for DC during the “New 52” era, teams with artist Brahm Revel for a new series that not only pays homage to slasher films but breathes new life into them. We’re introduced to the residents of a New York town called Barlowe where everyone is aware of The Harrower, an urban legend that strikes down his Scythe of Justice on anyone who veers from the path of righteousness. Jessa, the main character gets dragged into exploring the Harrower’s existence but things get out of control quick thanks in part to Jessa’s boyfriend, who comes off as very unlikable, and from the last few pages (**NO SPOILERS**) you’ll find yourself not liking him as well. Jordan must clearly be a fan of slasher movies because he throws every aspect of those movies to bring something truly terrifying yet keeps the spirit of the genre alive. For anyone who loves a good slasher movie that enjoys seeing the twists and continuous feeling that the character that you’ve grown attached to might meet his or her’s end, then this title is for you, and who knows, we might end up seeing this end up either on the big screen or Netflix itself.
How I Became A Shoplifter # 1– If someone wanted to create an absolutely hilarious independent title, then they might look to their favorite t.v. shows for inspiration. So let’s say if someone were to take, oh let’s say “Freaks & Geeks”, mix it in with “Malcolm in The Middle”, and “Superbad” and you got “How I Became A Shoplifter”; This new series, by Tom Breyfogle and a host of artistic talents such as Daniel Hillyard, Jimmy Kucaj, Gabriele Falzone and Jordi Perez tells the story of two best friends, Ethan and Phil who enjoy their descent into crime but having the time of their lives doing so. The series’ timeline will move around to a different year (Supposedly from 1996 to 2003); This first issue takes place from 1996 to 1999 where we see the two of them grow up while committing numerous crimes such as framing Phil’s older brother Andy (Their revenge plan is really raunchy), going to a concert and crashing the backstage area, making counterfeit money and oh yeah, Phil finds out Ethan’s hidden secret (It involves Juggalos. I swear I’m not making that up!) while they head out to score some weed to impress Molly and Mindy, the two girls they have a crush on. This premier issue is not only genuinely funny when it comes to rooting for the two protagonists and how unique this premise is, but from what I read it seems like Breyfogle and his collaborators had such a blast creating this series and it shows because I feel this the perfect gateway to see how some teenagers can push their rebellious streak to no ends back in the 90s while leaving their mark on society. Ethan and Phil’s misadventures are the focal points that keep the readers coming back for more since it takes place in an era that has not to embraced the internet. Kudos to the creative team.
Monarch # 1– From the mind of Rodney Barnes (The writer of “Killadelphia” as well as his work on “The Boondocks” and “Everybody Hates Chris”) comes a new series that blends terror and sci-fi. We’re introduced to a young man named Travon, an orphan growing up in Compton, CA who’s trying to make the best out of his life beyond the gangbanging and the occasional bully hounding him at every turn, then things take a drastic turn for the worst when a group of aliens lands on earth and this is when everything goes downhill as Travon and his friends strive for survival in a world that has aliens causing massive destruction and death three weeks after their arrival. If anyone goes into this series thinking it’s going to be slightly comical like “Mars Attacks” then you’re absolutely wrong for thinking that; Barnes creates a story that takes the realism of living in Compton with the presence of alien lifeforms running wild that may look like this has been done before but fortunately, he never tries to make this another “Cloverfield” nor does he wants to go that route from what I read as his characters are extremely down to earth but Travon really comes off as the heart of this series which is a great way to see what comes next for a kid having to grow up fast in a crisis such as this one. Sci-Fi fans will definitely gravitate to this series with such high expectations and this a book that I recommend to the fullest.
Red Goblin # 1– Normie Osborn has always kept in the shadows of his grandfather, Norman Osborn, and his own father, Harry Osborn when it comes to their battles with Spider-Man so now it’s his time to get some recognition because Normie’s got his own symbiote (From Norman’s time as The Red Goblin) which we call “Rascal” and embarks on dishing out his own brand of justice while trying to reconnect with his family sans Norman. From the looks of it, I enjoy most of the factors presented in this issue such as Normie and his symbiote trying to find some way to coexist with each other while The Goblin King and his Goblin Nation (From the pages of “Superior Spider-Man”) lurking around the corner. This opening issue juggles action, drama, and suspense to perfection in a way that will keep anyone’s attention, and while I’ll have to get used to seeing a grown Normie Osborn with a symbiote, his series has great potential while adding to the Spider-Man legacy because with Normie as the star of this series, seeing him with great power and zero responsibility looks to be a hit.
Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.
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