Review - Euthanauts #1

"I was thinking about how weird it is that I don't like my friends and they don't really like me--"

Death is certain regardless of who you are although what happens afterwards is subject to interpretation. In Euthanauts #1 from IDW Publishing's Black Crown imprint, the main character gets a crash course in dealing with death. The issue is written by Tini Howard, illustrated by Nick Robles and lettered by Aditya Bidikar.

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Review - NuWay #1 (@AspenComics)

"...we haven't really evolved."

Pulling oneself up by their bootstraps has always been the quintessential way to make advancements in life. Often times though, all that hard work is still capitalized on by those in a better position in life. In NuWay #1 from Aspen Comics, the notion of giving it all you've got to improve is tested by those looking to exploit resolve. The issue is written by J.T. Krul, illustrated by Alex Konat, inked by Mark Roslan, colored by John Starr and lettered by Sal Cipriano.

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Review - Britania: Lost of Eagles of Rome #1 (@ValiantComics)

"The eagles are venerated by the soldiers. For a Roman Eagle is more than simply the symbol of a legion--it represents the emperor."

The Roman Empire was a force to be reckoned with. And many opposing forces did just that, most of the time to their detriment. In Britania: Lost of Eagles of Rome #1 from Valiant Comics, that might is tested when a symbol of power goes missing. The issue is written by Peter Milligan, illustrated by Robert Gill, colored by José Villarrubia and Diego Rodriguez and lettered by Dave Sharpe.

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Review - Quantum Age: From the World of Black Hammer #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"Stop! I don't want to hurt anyone!"

For every story about superheroes, there's one that boasts of a world without superheroes. The two ends of the spectrum seem to define a good chunk of comics out there, but there's a lot of gray area in terms of how other characters react to the various scenarios. In Quantum Age: From the World of Black Hammer #1 from Dark Horse Comics, the characters' reactions tend to be a bit more optimistic at times. The issue is written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Wilfredo Torres, colored by Dave Stewart and lettered by Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT.

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Review - The Immortal #1 (@215Ink)

"So you want to live forever. Are you willing to pay the price?"

A lot of people will tell you that if they could have any superpower, regeneration would be the one. Those people might be less inclined to say so if they lose a bit of their memory every time they come back. In The Immortal #1 from 215Ink, Z is faced with such a dilemma. The issue is written and illustrated by Darryl Knickrehm.

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Review - Lowlifes #1 (@IDWPublishing)

"You're on a runaway train Leonard..."

Being a cop typically affords one a multitude of protections, one of which is the brotherhood of the force. Sometimes the law and camaraderie aren't enough, as is the case in Lowlifes #1 from IDW Publishing. The issue is written by Brian Buccellato, illustrated by Alexis Sentenac and lettered by Neil Uyetake.

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Review - Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 (@DynamiteComics)

"Ready or not, here I come."

Elvira doesn't really need an introduction. It's likely that more people know about her than some of the other characters in Elvira: Mistress of the Dark #1 from Dynamite Comics. The issue is written by David Avallone, illustrated by Dave Acosta, colored by Andrew Covalt and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

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Review - Farmhand #1 (@ImageComics)

"We're just branches on a tree of woe."

Healthcare is seemingly a fickle thing. Some countries seem to think it's a right, whereas other countries seem to think it's a privilege. Everyone should have healthcare, but even with healthcare there are some things (like organs) that can be in short supply. In Farmhand #1 from Image Comics, organs are abundant, but the gears of the healthcare machine are still grinding. The issue is written and illustrated by Rob Guillory, colored by Taylor Wells and lettered by Kody Chamberlain.

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Review - She Could Fly #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"I saw it. With my own eyes."

The reaction to superpowers typically runs the gamut from shock to wonder. In She Could Fly #1 from Dark Horse Comics, Luna's response is a little more obsessive. The issue is written by Christopher Cantwell, illustrated by Martin Morazzo and colored by Miroslav Mrva.

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Review - Vampirella: Roses for the Dead #1 (@dynamitecomics)

"A moonless night...under a starry sky..."

Vampirella is a character who can either be a strong ally or a fearsome foe depending on your actions. She's has a moral compass that doesn't let her thirst for blood completely overwhelm her, but that compass might be turned off in Vampirella: Roses for the Dead #1 from Dynamite. The issue is written by Kristina Deak-Linsner, illustrated by Joseph Michael Linsner, colored by Ceci de la Cruz and lettered by Jeff Eckleberry.

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Review - Modern Fantasy #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"Good morning, God's Helm! You're listening to WGYX. Weather on the fives, traffic on the nines, news right now."

Being part of the rat race is certainly not something people look forward to. There's a rhythm to it for sure, but it brings with it plenty of trials and tribulations. In Modern Fantasy #1 from Dark Horse Comics, the rat race is set amidst elves, ogres and iScrolls. The issue is written by Rafer Roberts and illustrated by Kristen Gudsnuk.

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Review - Little Girl #1 (@DevilsDue)

"Things will be back to normal soon I promise."

There is no shortage of things in the world that are scary. What makes something scary largely depends on the individual as we all have fears rooted in a variety of life experiences. It's likely though that it's a general agreement that ghost kids like Abby May in Little Girl #1 from Devil's Due Publishing are scary for everyone. The issue is written by Pat Shand, illustrated by Olivia Pelaez, colored by Frank Gamboa (with J.C. Ruiz) and lettered by Jim Campbell.

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Review - Awaken Skies #0 (@AspenComics)

"Hope you get this, Weaver."

Life as a scientist has its ups and downs. The ups are when you discover something fascinating, the downs are when you're being hunted by clandestine organizations because you know too much. In Awaken Skies #0 from Aspen Comics, knowing too much might be more trouble than it's worth. The issue is written by Frank Mastromauro, penciled by Marco Lorenzana, inked by Mark Roslan, colored by Justice and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

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Review - By Night #1 (@boomstudios)

"She totally made me forget to go for dinner."

The thing about home towns is that they become such a part of your life that it's hard to forget about them. Visiting or moving back to them brings with it plenty of old memories and friends. In By Night #1 From BOOM! Box, those old memories and friends collide. The issue is written by John Allison, illustrated by Christine Larsen, colored by Sarah Stern and lettered by Jim Campbell.

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Review - Tomb Raider: Inferno #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"Our days of peace are over."

Exploring tombs is something that's more of a hobby than a profession. For Lara Croft in Tomb Raider: Inferno #1 from Dark Horse Comics, that profession comes with plenty of occupational hazards. The issue is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, illustrated by Phillip Sevy, colored by Michael Atiyeh and lettered by Michael Heisler.

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Review - Unnatural #1 (@imagecomics)

"It's all so...wrong. What's happening to me?"

Society has a way of thrusting its demands on its inhabitants. Some of those demands are more social contract, but there are others that are more dictatorial in nature. Unnatural #1 from Image Comics looks at the latter through the eyes of animals. The issue is written and illustrated by Mirka Andolfo.

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Review - Sword Daughter #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"I'm okay with being alone."

If history has taught us anything, it's that things have always been tough. There are different reasons why, but more often than not there's usually an aggressor making life difficult for the peaceful. In Sword Daughter #1 from Dark Horse Comics, the line between aggressor and peaceful is a little blurry. The issue is written by Brian Wood, illustrated by Mack Chater, colored by José Villarrubia and lettered by Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT.

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Review - The Bawdy Tales of Lazlo Cale #1

"I believe this is what you're looking for..."

Bawdy is defined as "dealing with sexual matters in a comical way; humorously indecent." It adds a certain level of mischief to what are otherwise romantic proceedings and can be done with relatively innocent intent. In The Bawdy Tales of Lazlo Cale #1, there's seems to be plenty of innocent intent to be had. The issue is written by Andrew Maxwell, illustrated by Goran Gligovic and lettered by Bernardo Brice.

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Review - We Are the Danger #1 (@blackmaskstudio)

"Could this be any more awkward?"

There's an allure to being in a band; the fame, the fortune, the sightseeing. Not everyone's cut out for it while others are thrown into the mix. In We Are the Danger #1 from Black Mask the rivalry between two bands puts a new twist on that allure. The issue is written and illustrated by Fabian Lelay, colored by Claudia Aguirre and lettered by Taylor Esposito (lettering assist by Jay Castro).

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Review - The Last Siege #1 (@imagecomics)

"You're new in town."

Succession is rarely ever clean and tidy. There are always those vying for the throne when they may not have a right to it or those who have a right and don't want it. In The Last Siege #1 from Image Comics, there's a little bit of both. The issue is written by Landry Q. Walker, illustrated by Justin Greenwood, colored by Eric Jones and lettered by Patrick Brosseau.

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Review - Judge Dredd: Under Siege #1 (@IDWPublishing)

"There's a reason why street judges are always in uniform."

Judge Dredd would make short work of a lot of issues plaguing society nowadays. The only problem is that society may ultimately end up in a situation similar to that of Mega City One. Thankfully, we're not there yet and the only window we have into that world are books like Judge Dredd: Under Siege #1 from IDW Publishing. The issue is written by Mark Russell, illustrated by Max Dunbar, colored by Jose Luis Rio and lettered by Simon Bowland.

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Review - Executive Assistant Iris Vol.5 #1 (@AspenComics)

"It's like she's not scared of anything."

The role of "executive assistant" typically brings with it notions of making appointments and coffee runs. In Executive Assistant Iris Vol.5 #1 from Aspen Comics, that role also brings with it protection and fighting. The issue is written by Blake Northcott, illustrated by Donny Tran, colored by Omi Remalante Jr. (and Luis Guerrero) and lettered by Jaymes Reed.

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Review - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Urban Legends #1 (@IDWPublishing)

"I don't believe I'm seeing this!"

Comics in the 90s were an interesting time. Marvel was bankrupt, DC was floundering and everyone was after variant covers. Image Comics was just a young upstart of comic hot shots, but they put out a series that was a gritty take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The series wasn't entirely successful commercially, but that didn't stop IDW Publishing from republishing it as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Urban Legends #1. The issue is written by Gary Carlson, illustrated by Frank Fosco, inked by Erik Larsen and Chance Wolf, colored by Adam Guzowski and lettered by Chris Eliopoulos.

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Review - Proxima Centauri #1 (@ImageComics)

"What am I supposed to do?"

Space is the final frontier, but there's a lot to explore there. In Proxima Centauri #1 from Image Comics, Sherwood Breadcoat is doing plenty of exploring. The issue is written and illustrated by Farel Dalrymple.

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Review - Brigands: Ruin of Thieves #1 (@ActionLabDanger)

"This is the burden we must carry. The burden of knowing the truth."

For as much glitz and glamour pirates are portrayed as exuding, there's a lot of danger on the high seas. Finding port at a safe island always makes things better, but sometimes islands like in Brigands: Ruin of Thieves #1 from Action Lab Danger Zone a safe island isn't always safe. The issue is written by Ram V. and illustrated by Sumit Kumar.

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Review - Flavor #1 (@ImageComics)

"Follow that truffle!"

A commitment to one's craft will allow someone to make sacrifices in order to be better. Many times those sacrifices are voluntary, but there are times like in Flavor #1 from Image Comics when they're not. The issue is written by Joe Keatinge, illustrated by Wook Jin Clark, colored by Tamra Bonvillain and lettered by Ariana Maher.

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Review - Harbinger Wars II #1 (@ValiantComics)

"And how will we fix it?"

Friendships between heroes are subject to the same ebbs and flows as friendships between just about anyone. Sometimes your views are in alignment, whereas other times they're a little out of sync. It's typically the times when they're out of sync like in Harbinger Wars II #1 from Valiant Comics that war happens. The issue is written by Matt Kindt, illustrated by Tomás Giorello, colored by Diego Rodriguez and lettered by Dave Sharpe.

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Review - Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock #1 (@Archaia)

"Mokey not wanting to paint? She was acting strange indeed."

Down in Fraggle Rock always seemed like a pretty hopping place to be. The Fraggles are no strangers to wild parties and being, well, fraggly. Sometimes though the Fraggles have to deal with other emotions like Mokey in Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock #1 from Archaia. The issue is written/illustrated by Jared Cullum and lettered by Mike Fiorentino.

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Review - Blackwood #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"There's still so much I have to do..."

Upon graduating high school there's a plethora of options out there. Some get a job right away while others go to college. And while a lot do go to college, it's likely that very few of those college enrollees go to a school where the focus is on the occult as in Blackwood #1 from Dark Horse Comics. The issue is written by Evan Dorkin, illustrated by Veronica Fish and layouts/lettered by Andy Fish.

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Review - Savage Tales Vampirella One-Shot (@DynamiteComics)

"She can't fight all of us!"

Vampirella is pretty long in the tooth when it comes to being a familiar character. She's also long in the tooth physically seeing as how she's got some vampire in her. In Savage Tales Vampirella One-Shot from Dynamite Comics, her experience and ability combine to wreak havoc. "Savage Tales Vampirella" is written by Erik Burnham, illustrated by Anthony Marques, J. Bone, Fernando Ruiz and Daniel Hor, colored by Mohan and lettered by Tom Napolitano. "Valaka" is written by Doug Murray, illustrated by Lui Antonio, colored by Inlight Studio and lettered by Simon Bowland.

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Review - Black [AF]: Widows and Orphans #1 (@blackmaskstudio)

"Ninja!"

Ninjas hold a special place in media. They're revered for their seemingly endless capabilities and feared for their talents. And they're what make Black [AF]: Widows and Orphans #1 from Black Mask Studios tick. The issue is written by Kwanza Osajyefo, illustrated by Tim Smith 3, colored by Derwin Robinson and lettered by David Sharpe.

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Review - Death or Glory #1 (@imagecomics)

"A quiet and modest life brings more joy than a pursuit of success bound with constant unrest."

Life has its ups and downs. It's how we react in those situations that dictate our overall outlook on things. In Death or Glory #1 from Image Comics, life definitely has its ups and downs. The issue is written by Rick Remender, illustrated by Bengal and lettered by Rus Wooton.

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Review - Ether: Copper Golems #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"Boone. Come on. You been bailed out."

Interdimensional travel takes its toll on the traveler. Whether it be disparities between the two worlds traveled or just the act of traveling, those trips add up. For Boone in Ether: Copper Golems #1 Dark Horse Comics the trips add up, but there are ways to mitigate their effect. The issue is written by Matt Kindt, illustrated by David Rubin and flatted by Kiko J. Diaz.

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Review - Aliens: Dust to Dust #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"What was that?"

Aliens are something of an inevitability. What's still uncertain is when we encounter them if they're friendly or hostile. In Aliens: Dust to Dust #1 from Dark Horse Comics, the Xenomorphs certainly aren't looking for Reece's Pieces. The issue is written and illustrated by Gabriel Hardman, colored by Rain Beredo and lettered by Michael Heisler.

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Review - Jasmine Crown of Kings #1 (@zenescope)

"It is here we find Jasmine."

The thing about myths and legends is that somewhere along the way some of the particular details are lost or changed. That fact alone only adds to their legendary status and it makes for fascinating storytelling. Jasmine Crown of Kings #1 from Zenescope Entertainment is the latest take on a legend that changes quite a few things about Jasmine and Ali Baba. The issue is written by Howard Mackie, illustrated by Deivis Goetten, colored by Ceci de la Cruz and lettered by Taylor Esposito.

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Review - Angelica Reigns #1 (@EvoluzionePub)

"Epic fail."

Family is family. You take the good with the bad, mainly because you're always going to be tied to your family. Things like that are a little trickier when your mom is a witch like in Angelica Reigns #1 from Evoluzione Publishing. The issue is written by Brian Hawkins, illustrated by Federico Sabbatini, colored by Chiara Miriade and lettered by Brant Fowler.

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Review - Survival Fetish #1 (@blackmaskstudio)

"...amazing has an expiration date."

Honolulu is--by most accounts--a beautiful city on one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. There's great weather, nice people and really no reason to be inside. That is, unless you're in the Honolulu from Survival Fetish #1 from Black Mask Studios. The issue is written by Patrick Kindlon, illustrated by Antonio Fuso and lettered by Jim Campbell.

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Review - Skyward #1 (@ImageComics)

"It's happening. No one believed me but...I was right."

Gravity is one of those fundamental knowns in the world. What goes up, must come down. Everything we know about how to live is largely based around the concept that you can't get into the air without the help of something else. That all changes in Skyward #1 from Image Comics. The issue is written by Joe Henderson, illustrated by Lee Garbett, colored by Antonio Fabela and lettered by Simon Bowland.

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Review - World of Tanks: Citadel #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"All in all, it was going to be a hot summer."

World War II has no shortage of tales about valor and combat, but those involving tanks are some of the more fascinating from a strategy perspective. The idea of both sides charging into battle with massive tanks rolling through is one that was really a modern (at the time) take on an older warfare strategy. In World of Tanks: Citadel #1 from Dark Horse Comics, that strategy gets top-billing. The issue is written by Garth Ennis, illustrated by P.J. Holden, colored by Michael Atiyeh and lettered by Rob Steer.

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Review - Resident Alien: An Alien in New York #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"Morning, Doc."

Finding out that aliens lives among us would certainly be surprising on some levels, but would make sense on other levels (depending on who it was we found out was an alien). There's a hope that such an alien would want to do good and be nice to others though. That's certainly the case in Resident Alien: An Alien in New York #1 from Dark Horse Comics. The issue is written by Peter Hogan and illustrated by Steve Parkhouse.

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Review - Robocop: Citizen's Arrest #1 (@boomstudios)

"--in Detroit's history, we've never see corruption like this--"

Robocop depicted Detroit as a city on the brink of complete desolation. The sad thing is that the real-world counterpart of the city isn't faring much better. In Robocop: Citizen's Arrest #1 from BOOM Studios, New Detroit offers a glimmer of hope for its citizens. The issue is written by Brian Wood, illustrated by Jorge Coelho, colored by Doug Garbark and lettered by Ed Dukeshire.

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Review - Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #1 (@DarkHorseComics)

"It begins, as all wars doo, with a grievance."

Like all good empires, the Greek empire had its power before falling. Same goes for the Persians. Where they intersect is Xerxes: The Fall of the House of Darius and the Rise of Alexander #1 from Dark Horse Comics. The issue is written and illustrated by Frank Miller and colored by Alex Sinclair.

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Review - Portal Bound #1 (@AspenComics)

"Technically the portal isn't magic--"

It may not be well-known or proven, but there's a good chance that Earth is tied to other planets via some sort of direct link. Those links have yet to be discovered, but chances are if (when?) they are it'll be made clear that there's a lot going out there that we have no clue about. In Portal Bound #1 from Aspen Comics there's a war going down on one of the planets tied to Earth and they need Earth's help. The issue is written by Mark Roslan and Gabe Carrasco, illustrated by Alex Arizmendi, colored by Wes Hartman and lettered by Zen.

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Review - Demi-God #1 (@IDWPublishing)

"Bout time you showed up. I've been waiting."

Olden times often featured gods ruling the lives of mortals on Earth. Those gods may or may not have had any influence on the inner workings of man, but there were definitely stories about their interactions. In Demi-God #1 from IDW Publishing, Jason is the newest character to have a tie to Greek gods. The issue is written by Ron Marz, illustrated by Andy Smith, colored by Michael Atiyeh and lettered by Steve Dutro.

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Review - The Crow: Memento Mori #1 (@IDWPublishing)

"Son of man, set your face against Sidon; prophesy against her."

The Crow is a pretty popular character in some circles. The fact that Brandon Lee while filming the titular character adds another level of gravitas to the property and plays into the mythos surrounding it. That's why The Crow: Memento Mori #1 from IDW Publishing has a lot of moodiness to work with. The issue is written by Roberto Recchioni, illustrated by Werther Dell'Edera, colored by Giovanna Niro and lettered by Giovanni Marinovich. "Buried Virtue" is written and illustrated by Matteo Scalera, colored by Moreno Dinisio and lettered by Marinovich.

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Review - Black Hammer: Age of Doom (@darkhorsecomics)

"...I remember everything! I know where we are!"

Superhero team-ups are nothing new, but the cause for their coming together can be. In the case of the seemingly misfit superheroes in Black Hammer: Age of Doom #1 from Dark Horse Comics, their time together is focused on one objective: getting the hell out of their current situation. The issue is written by Jeff Lemire, illustrated by Dean Ormston, colored by Dave Stewart and lettered by Todd Klein.

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Review - Breathless #1 (@BlackMaskStudio)

"I feel great."

Advancements in medical research are often hailed as breakthroughs when they can help a significant portion of the population. The problem with said breakthroughs is that most of the time they're bankrolled by the private sector in a quest to find the next billion dollar drug. Breathless #1 from Black Mask Studio seems to focus on a breakthrough that's a lot more sinister. The issue is written by Pat Shand, illustrated by Renzo Rodriguez, colored by Mara Jayne Carpenter and lettered by Jim Campbell.

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Review - Isola #1 (@imagecomics)

"Long dream't Crown Awakens four Mark haunted hearts To Isola's Shores."

Fantasy tales come and go, but few ever reach "epic" status. Isola #1 from Image Comics might just be the next one to do it. The issue is written by Brenden Fletcher, illustrated by Karl Kerschl, colored by Msassyk and lettered by Aditya Bidikar.

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Review - Jirni Volume 3 #1 (@AspenComics)

"Perhaps not as easy as you might think."

The life of a djinn is one fraught with peril and danger. Most everyone they encounter fear them and try to kill them, while others who aren't afraid of them want them to join them in dangerous situations as leverage. Ara finds a little bit of both in Jirni Volume 3 #1 from Aspen Comics. The issue is written by J.T. Krul, illustrated by Michael Sta. Maria, colored by John Starr and lettered by Micah Myers.

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Review - Lucy Dreaming #1 (@boomstudios)

"School is overrated!"

High school is different for everyone involved. Some people cruise on their popularity while others are less vocal because of their lack of popularity. The four years typically dictate the rest of your life though and for Lucy in Lucy Dreaming #1 from Boom Studios those four years are going to be a lot more jam-packed than expected. The issue is written by Max Bemis, illustrated by Michael Dialynas, lettered by Colin Bell.

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