I Love Comics (Blah, Blah, Blah…)

NEW COMICS 4 THIS WEEK (07/24/24)
*All comics will be rated on a scale from 1 to 10*

Deadpool/Wolverine: WWIII # 3
Epitaphs From The Abyss # 1
Flash Gordon # 1
The Flash # 11
Green Arrow # 14
Godzilla vs Mighty Morphin Power Rangers II # 4
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers # 122
Nemesis: Rogues Gallery # 1
NYX # 1
ROOK: Exodus # 4
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles # 1
Universal Monsters: Creature From The Black Lagoon Lives! # 4
Winnie The Pooh: Demon Hunter # 1

Epitaphs From The Abyss # 1– EC Comics returns with a new anthology series that ranges from satire to any aspect of modern-day life with a strong emphasis on horror with all four stories being told by some A-list talent such as Brian Azzarello, Stephanie Phillips, Phil Hester and Jorge Fornes to name a few, it has that “Tales From The Crypt” meets “Creepshow” factor that will undeniably drawn in readers, especially those who grew up reading any of the EC titles. The Stephanie Phillips-written story called “Family Values” and the Brian Azzarello piece called “Us vs Us” are by far two of the most chilling entries in this issue that will have you on edge for days so with a strong outing, this series is off to a great start that helps in welcoming back EC Comics to a new generation of horror fans.

Flash Gordon # 1– The most famous pulp hero returns in his own series courtesy of the good folks at Mad Cave Studios and right away, you get thrown into the action with ease as writer Jeremy Adams brings a classic Indiana Jones vibe to this issue as our hero has to escape Planet Death to save Dale Arden and what I enjoy the most is the fast-paced action that brings a fun atmosphere. Through his magnificent scripting, Adams delivers a thrill ride of a story that kicks off this arc and Will Conrad’s art has that bold yet classic look to it that complements Adams’ script to perfection. This was a phenomenal way to start this new series while celebrating every aspect that makes Flash Gordon so extraordinary. Still, even if you got to see the 1980 movie starring Sam Jones, this issue will undoubtedly enhance your love for the character.

Nemesis: Rogues Gallery #1– I always feel that it’s a glorious thing when Mark Millar brings back Nemesis so for the character’s third outing, he breaks out of a local hospital so that he can carry out his plan of vengeance for anyone who’s wronged him which is not a stale premise by any means but for the most part, it feels as if Millar played it safe even if he took the usual precaution by ramping up Nemesis with his lust for violence and even if we have to wait until the next issue for the blood and gore to flow with ease, you can tell that Millar is ready to open the floodgates whenever Nemesis is involved so while the more safe approach was installed in this issue, it’s a guarantee that the next few issues will be bloody and messy.

NYX # 1– The latest series to come out of the “From The Ashes” intivitave is a fresh relaunch of the forgotten X-title from the mid-2000s that puts the focus on young mutants in NYC but after reading this, it feels more like a weird reboot of any dramatic series from the WB than an X-title. The series stars Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel (who comes off more like Jennifer Love Hewitt in her early 20s with mutant abilities than she does an actual mutant) as she enrolls in a mutant-focused study group then instantly becomes friends with Sophie Cuckoo (easily the most likable character) that surprisingly enough is charming in its own way especially when they get into a fight at a local club and Kamala running straight into Laura Kinney aka Wolverine; This new version of NYX does away with the original premise of downtrodden mutants in NYC to the characters dealing with the xenophobia prejudice post-Krakoa that isn’t a bad idea even if the writing team of Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing, known for putting out some solid stories, do their best to make it work, unfortunately, it produces such mixed results which is a shame. The new NYX is charming and puts a strong emphasis on the character dynamics while being a young mutant which helps in making this a unique series but I only wish that this issue could have made a strong impression.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles # 1– The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles turn 40 this year so IDW is making the best of it by relaunching their series with a new # 1 and a new writer in Jason Aaron that runs for four issues with a different artist and focuses on a different Turtle so this opening issue puts the spotlight on Raphael who’s in prison after dealing out a vicious bout of vigilante justice but he secretly made a deal with the warden to weed out the corruption among the prison’s security and staff but things get complicated when Raph runs afoul of a group of ninjas; This issue is a great showcase of giving fans something new to read while setting these characters to new territories without rehashing past stories to make the current ones work; Jason Aaron may have taken inspiration from TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird but he’s forging his own path that will definitely win over fans old and new while never relying on the greatest hits; While we wait for all four Turtles to reunite, putting the focus on one Turtle is pleasant for the time being that in turn makes this a wonderful relaunch.

Winnie The Pooh: Demon Hunter # 1– This is by far one of the most outlandish yet creative takes on Winnie The Pooh to date as both he and longtime friend Christopher Robin (Who looks as if he should be playing bass for Stone Temple Pilots) fend out demonic threats but head out to find Piglet, who goes missing. This series cranks up the intensity to new heights that outdoes anything that came before it (Looking at YOU, Shirtless Bear-Fighter!) but what’s most interesting is how this series really leans heavily on the weirdness that’s on display to where it’s a perfect example of taking liberties with such memorable characters in a way that no one has ever seen before. The story itself tries to take a serious tone but falls back on the bizarre aspect which in turn is not a bad thing so while some of us may remember Pooh from his earlier incarnation, this version is without a doubt unapologetic in tearing down anyone’s childhood that makes for a fun but overall crazy story.

Well, that’s it for me this week. Thanks for sticking around and I will see you all next time.

About Author