New Comic Review - Predator #4

Name: Predator #4

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Ed Brisson

Artists: Kev Walker

Colorists: Frank D'Armata

Letterer: Clayton Cowles 

The new Predator mini-series have gone past its halfway mark, but the author managed to keep the story flowing despite it starting to become a bit predictable. The beautiful drawing also emphasizes this action packed issue to keep fans of the franchise enticed enough for the future. 

This issue focuses more on action compared to the past few, but tries to show more flashy armors and designs rather than focus on visceral battle scene which is saved for the last few pages and tries to introduce a new angle close to the end. 

We get to learn more about the situation Theta is in as our protagonist tries to survive being pursued by more than one Predators. The battle gets brutal pretty soon and readers are kept wondering how this confrontation might resolve. 

The drawing by Kev Walker seems to very well suited for the futuristic action scenes and his take on the beloved Predator armors are very eye catching and detailed.

Despite having quite a few positive, some of its issues do hold this issue back somewhat. All in all, this one gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Batman #129

Name: Batman #129

Published by: DC comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artists: Jorge Jimenez, Leonardo Romero 

Colorists: Tomeu Morey, Jordie Bellaire

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Zdarsky keeps his Batman run as tight and entertaining as ever in this issue, as we experience the mental and physical chase game that continues between Batman and his creation. The tension keeps building throughout the issue and culminates in an ending, that is sure to keep readers shivering with chills (pun intended) till the next outing. 

It begins with Failsafe figuring out the hiding place of Bruce and then the rest of the issue deals with the two of them trying to outmaneuver each other as Failsafe continues his relentless pursuit to kill Batman. And the ending once again will leave readers in a quite a predicament as it did to our hero. 

The art team once again delivered some fascinating action scenes. I really loved Jimenez's drawings of Aquaman in this one and his facial expressions seem to be getting better as well. 

The side story featuring the Joker detailing the adventures of the early days of Zurr-En-Arrh gets more interesting this time with duality and moral struggles of being a vigilante who has to deal with psychopathic killers and once more I was left wondering how this might tie into the main story in the future. 

Overall, another great issue, another 4.5 stars out of 5 from me. 

New Comic Review - Detective Comics #1065

Name: Detective Comics #1065

Published by: DC comics

Writers: Ram V and Simon Spurrier

Artists: Rafael Albuquerque and Hayden Sherman

Colorist: Dave Stewart and Nick Filardi

Letterers: Ariana Maher and Steve Wands

Ram V and Rafael Albuquerque seem to have finally reached the level of excellence they are aiming for this time. Coming in after reading their first three issues, the puzzle starts to fall in the right places slowly on this one. And the experience is like a satisfying sense of understanding and appreciation for any reader who was observant from the beginning. 

The Orghams have finally arrived in Gotham with style, and all the players who are affected by their presence and machinations seem to take notice and all the little character arcs appear to be shifting in new directions. Even the side story featuring James Gordon seems to come into play as Batman delves deeper into despair. 

The drawing by Albuquerque is even better than before and his unique use of shades and shadows accompanied by the captivating use of black and reds to enhance the mood by Dave Stewart does wonders here. You can almost feel the chill in your bones as you go down deeper and deeper with Bruce. 

This issue was a pure joy and a serious statement from the creative team, claiming their rightful place at the top as the people who deserve to work on the dark knight. Hoping for the series to keep on delivering on this level from now on. 

The side story by Simon Spurrier and Hayden Sherman stars a new three parter, delving deeper into the psyche of Harvey Dent. I am quite curious to find out how this ties up with the overall plot. 

This gets a well deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Predator #3

Name: Predator #3

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Ed Brisson

Artists: Kev Walker

Colorists: Frank D'Armata

Letterer: Clayton Cowles 

The third issue of the new Predator comics starts with the fight that was expected based on the ending of the last issue. And afterwards, the mystery starts to unravel about the nature of the Predators and about how they are trying to deal with the situation of the protagonist Theta. 

The issue didn't really deliver the action I was hoping for, but it did expand on the plotline and gave some more exposition upon the past and implications for the future of Theta. And ended on a note promising more action on the upcoming issues. 

The drawing was quite strong on this issue, I really liked the facial expressions on Theta as well as the interior designs of the ship and the overall environment. Hopefully we get to see more action in the future from the artists. 

Overall - 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

New Comic Review - Star Wars: The High Republic #1

Name: Star Wars: The High Republic #1

Published by: Marvel comics

Writer: Cavan Scott

Artists: Ario Anindito, Mark Morales, Andrea Broccardo

Colorist: Frank William

Letterer: VC's Ariana Maher

A lot of stuff happens in this issue compared to most modern single issue comic book. My first foray into the comics of the High Republic era was quite enjoyable and interesting. This issue was a great jumping on point introducing readers to the setting of phase II and some of its factions and characters in a fun way. 

We, as readers, arrive with the Jedi Vildar Mac to the pilgrim moon Jedha and immediately get embroiled in the conflicting public opinions and religions while we try to investigate a theft of a religious artifact as well. The perspective of someone new with a traumatic past entering into this place which is as new to him as to the readers was a good way to introduce us to the setting. 

Cavan Scott also kept throwing various factions and species at us at considerable speed, reminding readers of the richness of the Star Wars universe. The plot progression was free flowing and swept us along nicely for the ride, abruptly jolting us with the ending twist and the reveal of the surprise narrator. 

The art by Anindito and Morales did a fine job depicting the beautiful locations and backgrounds while nicely introducing us to this dizzying array of different species in such a short scope. I would have loved a bit more dynamic approach to the fight scenes, though, hopefully this will be implemented in the future. 

The side story 'Peace and Unity' does a brilliant job of introducing us to another new Jedi and showing us a glimpse of the Convocation and yet more new species to sink our teeth into. And the short story also has a nice bit of ironic humor to make it more enjoyable. 

All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable entry into the new phase of the High Republic for both old and new readers. 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Star Wars: Visions #1

Name: Star Wars: Visions #1

Published by: Marvel comics

Writer & Artist: Takashi Okazaki

English Translation: Aki Yanagi

Letterer: VC's Joe Caramagna

Those who saw and loved 'The Duel' episode from Star Wars: Visions animated series were eagerly awaiting the return of the Ronin and his world. And after the full length, he returns again, this time in a story by the original writer of the episode. 

The story is a short prequel set in an unspecified period before the episode, describes the Ronin's adventures in a snowy mountain as he battles a band of bandits and encounters a mysterious stranger while travelling with his droid. 

The short one-shot has quite an enjoyable plot once again reminding us about the glorious movies and fiction it so beautifully pays homage to. The dialogue is poignant and to the point, the action sequences are stunning and brilliant. And the overall experience leaves any reader desiring more stories featuring these characters. 

The art is almost as beautiful as the original episode minus the vivid and stylized animation. The black and white drawing inspired by Manga and the use of colors only to highlight the weapons and battles works wonders to create a sense of visual motion and makes the detailed art even more gorgeous. 

I left with wishing this was at least a mini-series instead of being just a one-shot. This is recommended to not only to any fans of the original, but also to any fans of Star Wars and samurai inspired fiction in general. 

A well deserved 4.5 out of 5 stars from me. 

New Comic Review - Daredevil #4

Name: Daredevil #4

Published by: Marvel comics

Writter: Chip Zdarsky

Artist: Rafael De Latorre

Colorist: Matthew Wilson

Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles

Detective Cole North is one of favourite new characters of Zdarsky era of Daredevil. And this issue is narrated mostly by him. While nothing much happens compared to the last few issues and by Zdarsky's standards, the reveal at the end was quite massive and Cole's side of the view of the story was really refreshing, another great issue to say the least. 

We travel to the secret island with Daredevil, Cole and Foggy and immediately greeted by the new recruits of Elektra and Stick. Some crisp dialogue and minimal description leads us to the unique journey that our Daredevil duo must make, followed by two simultaneous fight scenes occurring in different locations of the island ending in a revelation that is sure to set the stage for the future of the series for a while. 

The drawing by Rafael De Latorre and Matthew Wilson was quite brilliant in this issue. Enhancing the overall atmosphere of seriousness and the violent future struggles to come. I loved how the fights were drawn with excellent coloring and beautiful depiction of faces and eyes. 

This was yet another strong issue in the almost inconceivable and flawless era of Zdarsky's Daredevil. And the future seems to show signs of relenting and more promises of good stories for the fans. 

4.5 out of 5 stars, once again.