Every week, comic fandom is gifted with a slew of fantastic stories from a slew of fantastic creators. These days there’s just so much good stuff out there that it can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to comics. Thus AIPT presents to you, Fantastic Five! A weekly column where we pick five fantastic books released during the week and tell you why you should take a chance on them via a snippet from our reviews.
Enjoy, and happy reading!
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Dial H for Hero #9
Written by Sam Humphries. Art by Joe Quinones.
Dial H is the crown jewel of the fantastic Wonder Comics line. It’s got brilliant ideas, displays an amazing variety of style and technical skill, and means it when it says everyone can be a hero. There is truly something for everyone here, and I strongly recommend picking it up. I felt welcome reading this book in a way I don’t often feel reading comics, and I think a lot of people out there are going to feel that too. This one personally resonated with me in a way I didn’t expect. For me, that reaction is utterly priceless. (10/10)
— Frankie Sciulla
Batman #83
Written by Tom King. Art by Mikel Janin.
This issue is a Batman issue, but its core is not about Bruce Wayne, the billionaire who fights crime. This issue is about everyone who has lost a parent; every parent who had to say goodbye on their deathbed. King and Janin bring the feeling of grief into this comic in a way that makes it one of the most impactful books they’ve ever created. By the time I finished the issue, I was crying as if I had lost my own father. This book is resonant and meaningful, and Alfred’s final answer to the very first question Tom King’s Batman ever asked ties this whole story together while still providing incredibly meaningful message for all the readers. (10/10)
— Vishal Gullapalli
Excalibur #2
Written by Tini Howard. Art by Marcus To.
At this point, I read Excalibur hoping it won’t drop the ball, because it is fast becoming my favorite series. Issue #2 does not disappoint, playing up the juxtaposition of Apocalypse and Betsy, progressing the plot nicely, and infusing all sorts of magic into the narrative. An exciting, intelligent, and darkly rich story of magic and mutants. (9.5/10)
— David Brooke
The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage #1
Written by Jeff Lemire. Art by Denys Cowan.
The issue ends on a scene that reads as distinctly Jeff Lemire for anyone who has read a decent amount of his work. It allows this story to move in a quite interesting direction, and promises to delve into the character of Vic Sage in a way that hasn’t been done in years. This book is a perfect entry point for readers unfamiliar to the question while also being a love letter to the character that his fans can completely enjoy. (9.5/10)
— Vishal Gullapalli
Gwenpool Strikes Back #4
Written by Leah Williams. Art by David Baldeon.
This book also feels right at home with comics, in general, these days thanks to the multiverse element it taps into. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers, but it’s fun to think about multiple versions of this character (and some versions actually dying for good). If you’re a longtime reader of comics, enjoy stories that break the fourth wall, or just want to see some incredible creative juices producing something entirely original check this out. It’s a one of a kind experience. (9.5/10)
— David Brooke
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