Ripper's Spot

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   The opening pages have a slight "made for the trade" feel due to the internal monologue. However, around the mid-point of the issue the writing starts feeling like that of a series starting point. Though overall it feels like it is more concerned with the supernatural than the military aspects of the story. So anyone looking more for a standard Call Of Duty comic should probably skip this series. Finally the only major flaws I found with this comic are the over-reliance on shading and cross-hatching.

   Recommended for those who like zombie and horror comics. Also anyone who regularly refers to themselves in the third person.

1. Doctor Tomorrow #10 (1998) has relatively decent art and a gripping narrative.

2. The Prisoner Book D (1989) is a suitably bizarre yet ominous end to this sequel to the original British tv series.

3. Booster Gold #23 (1987) has an awesome interior and cover art and a well-written story.

4. Part one of "Warfare in Space" from Flash Comics #1 (1940) is a recommended read for scholars and historians of science fiction, Gardner F. Fox, and comics. Also science buffs could get a laugh out of this.

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   The exposition text boxes are slightly distracting due to the font selection and brightness of their negative spaces. Also I found the exposition to be unnecessary with how much the visuals were saying. As for the visuals they get a bit confusing around the pages that set up the in-story explosion. However, the art is properly gory and the cover art is the arguably biggest draw of this issue. Finally the ending felt a bit too abrupt given some of the developments suggested in the final pages.

   My Verdict: The negatives outweigh the positives so this is not recommended.

1. Cyclops #10 has a bit too many word balloons. Also the narrative is very inaccessible if one hasn't read the previous issues.

2. From 2015 we have the Wolverine: Old Man Logan Volume 0: Warzones! softcover. It is a pointless narrative that doesn't really tie-in to the event it was a part of. Not to mention the main character is still just a thinly veiled interpretation of Wolverine as a Clint Eastwood character.

3. Doctor Strange And The Sorcerers Supreme #1 (2016) has some lettering mistakes and is too reliant on current run of Doctor Strange by Jason Aaron. Also the initial set-up is made for a collected edition versus a series.

4. From 1965 we have Fly-Man #31 which was also known via the indicia as Adventures Of The Fly #31. It flip-flops constantly between being comedically bad and just bad before finally fully becoming the latter.

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   I really thought Abe would get a girlfriend by the end of this episode. Mainly because he is too much of an extrovert and we find out that Issei's stalker is an introvert. Also it would have resolved two supporting characters' (Issei and Abe) problems. Though I was happy enough with the conclusion of that part of the story.

  Now of the various episodes I have viewed so far this was stronger than the last two in terms of comedy. However, the structure of this episode relies too much on Issei being a poor communicator when it comes to women. Even Abe is a better communicator due to his honesty and straightforward nature. That said the production staff did a great job of choosing locations to do special effects. For example the Ferris wheel altercation is paced amazingly to create maximum confusion and humor. Finally the make-up was well done for the horror section of the episode.

  Questions! Why does the official website's character chart exclude so…

This episode is weird because it has neither Luna nor Artemis in it and yet their daughter Diana is around. What were Luna and Artemis doing during this episode? Perhaps they were trying to learn about the enemy. However, the thing that really bugged me about this episode is the lack of Usagi dressed as a Ninja. I thought that would be the primary material but instead we got an evenly done gag/ensemble episode. Very disappointed. Finally I preferred the original English versus the Japanese due to the dialogue making more sense to me.

  Questions! Does the evil circus actually do any work in this series? Why did Usagi & Chibi-Usa act like this was their first battle?

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   While all the stories have beautiful line and design work that is all that is truly good about them. All the stories are in one way or another about rape. Even the "Click!" stories are a type of mind control rape. How this could be considered erotica is beyond me. It is not even complex or smart in the various topics of politics, or cults, or what is decent vs. indecent are brought up.

   My verdict: I have read and seen plenty of adult content, and am a proponent of the safe, sane and consensual kind. Thus this is something I can not recommend and also believe should be left to collect the dust of forgotten works.

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  As a car advertisement it fails to give details regarding any changes such as new safety features. Though it does suggest things like speed, a sleek looking design, good handling, and getting precious "cargo" to the desired destination. (In this case the precious "cargo" is a clone named Lily played by Dakota Fanning.) This short movie advert has just enough of a narrative to remind those who have knowledge of the history marketing of the 1980s. I would even say it is as high quality as the original Taster's Choice/Gold Blend Couple adverts. Though it will probably fade from mainstream consciousness due to its length it is a great example of how to do an overly long advert.

   Recommended Status!

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   The only problem with the writing is the introduction of an American character who exclaims "Jesus!" This is a problem because it is throwing in additional mythology, and possibly using the negative trope of a great white hope. Though the latter problem is diluted by him being a possible sidekick or love interest. As for the art it is good, but the colors still cause the visuals to appear murky. However, if one can look past these flaws there is an interesting narrative to be found in these pages.

  Recommended!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Sequart’s Book on Claremont’s 17-Year X-Men Run Now Available

Sequart Organization is proud to announce the publication of The Best There is at What He Does: Examining Chris Claremont’s X-Men, by Jason Powell.

The X-Men franchise is a sprawling comics mythology, to which hundreds of creators have contributed over the past 50 years. The period from 1975 to 1991 is special, however, as the X-Men universe was guided by the voice of one writer, who wrote every single issue of The Uncanny X-Men during that span. His name is Chris Claremont, and he made the X-Men what it is today.

The Best There is at What He Does is an appreciation of the long-term narrative Claremont lovingly crafted month after month, over the course of nearly 17 years. Proceeding chronologically through the issues, this exhaustive overview analyzes the trends, arcs, and themes that emerge throughout his landmark comics opus.

The book is available in printandon Kindle. (Just a reminder: you don’t need a…

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   This is a tough issue to review because while it is good it is also repetitive. However, the same thing that makes it repetitive also makes it crystal clear regarding what is happening. Also the art, colors and writing are quality stuff. Though I still think the art could be more accurate for the Eternal Warrior in terms of his apparent age. Finally I have to wonder if Master Darque is being hinted about in two ways by the talking statue turning into Neville.

   Recommended!

1. Solar, Man Of The Atom #30 (1994) is hokey in the dialogue and plot but fun.

2. The Unlikely Trio: The Last Barn On The Left (2007) is a good indie book that I would recommend for either all-ages or early readers.

3. Kamandi, The Last Boy On Earth #29 (1975) is another great comic for early readers. Except instead of all-ages I would recommend it for those who are 5 and up.

4. Power Man And Iron Fist #5 (2016) is one of the few pro-radio/audio personality stories in the superhero genre. It is also a great multi-perspective story.

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   The "Glutton" part of the title is very apt and a spoiler for those who really know various mythologies. As for the story itself it is arguably as good or better than the standalone episodes of Season One. It is also nice to see Principal Flutie again, especially because he was funnier than Snyder or Wood. Now while the dialogue, plot, and time frame are all grand the art could be stronger. For example the eyes and faces could be a little more expressive. Finally Yishan Li needs to strengthen in the area of hair texture.

   Overall this is another recommended entry in the Buffyverse.

This almost was a good episode, at least for the Japanese dub, except for the Chibi-Usa undressing part. Talk about Pegasus/Helios seeming like a pervert. I think his interest in the loli character of Chibi-Usa is part of why regular anime is considered by some to be immoral. That said I don't think Chibi-Usa fully counts as a loli due to the whole 900 year old age/child body and mind conundrum.

  The line delivery is the reason why the Japanese dub is better than the original English. If the lines had been delivered with the same amount of certainty that would have made a world of difference. Without certainty any acting by any actor/actress is bad.

   Questions! Why does this anime's formula keep calling for the villains to leave without seeing their plans to completion? What is the point to Tiger's Eye trying to hand off part of the assignment? How come Tiger's Eye didn't call for back-up for this otherwise smart plan?

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  Fred Van Lente either needs to do more research on people like myself who are on the autism spectrum or have a damn better explanation than this "magical negro/autistic" shit. (Yes, the magical autistic is combined with the magical negro characterization in this series.) Between this issue and last the little brother character better be a Psiot.

   On a somewhat related note Super-Fetus is more disturbing than the creepy smart Twins in a way that made me want to puke. Especially because this is making me want a fictional womb-inhabiting sentient fetus to die.

 Finally the coloring and lettering are fine, but the art has some problems including layouts and the angles on visual perspectives.

  Not recommended!

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   The obvious tonal change in the first scene (final scene of 10) due to the different music was kind of off-putting. However, the situational comedy of Nao and Uehara trying to hide the evidence of their co-habitation from her parents is way more awkward. At least it is for viewers like myself who have trouble not over-empathizing with these types of fictional scenarios. And this leads to my initial questions: How many people also over-empathize when it comes to fiction narratives? Who actually saw the reveal coming by way of the stuffed animal tissue dispenser?

  Now of course I think the acting was great, and it along with the story is globally relatable. Anyone who has well-meaning parents or children that are shifting to adulthood has experienced similar moments. Though I think the production crew could have given Nao's mother more of an edge. By that I mean she could have been less obvious in sneaking around. Even if it was funny in how exaggerated it w…

1. Kiss #1 (2016) provides a well-written set-up and a desire for more. And yes it does do another the band members are their characters narrative.

2. The Mighty Thor #12 (2016) gives an interesting addition to the previous origins of Thor's hammer rather than an all new beginning. The additional art by Frazer Irving is also possibly some of Irving's best so far.

3. Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor Year Two #10 is not always awesome in the line work, but overall is an excellent bit of sequential art.

4. Marvel's Doctor Strange Prelude softcover (2016) is a good starting place for those unfamiliar with the character. The prelude material is also entertaining and a good supplement to the MCU.

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   The final story in this over-sized issue is basically just a teaser for the eventual return (2017) of X-O Manowar. It is arguably the most unique of the four stories found within. Another arguable part of this review is the idea that the Ninjak story "His Greatest Failure" is in the wrong title. If X-O Manowar was not just a guest appearance in that story I would say it was fine here, but that is not the case. Though all of the stories in this issue feature great art and impressive coloring the first story has to much recap & narrative dialogue. Said dialogue obscures, and lessens, some of the impressive visual experience in that story. Finally "The Two Deaths Of Gaius Maelus" is misnomered and a placeholder story at best.

   Recommended only for those who have read at least most of this 50 plus (Annuals and such) issue series.

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   This issue is somewhat inaccessible because it is both transferring while setting up the series. For those who don't remember or know The Paybacks was previously a title at Dark Horse Comics and is now published through Heavy Metal Inc. So this is not a standard relaunch but a problematic continuation. However, the story is still enjoyable in how it is written and drawn. Though there are small problems like the sooty effect to the bar scene and new readers' lack of emotional connection to the funeral scene. Finally there is a potential lawsuit if a big corporation finds out about how certain homage was drawn.

  Recommended for those who were enjoying it before and fans of the creatives. Not recommended for anyone else.

1. Masks #1 (2013) provides accessible and well-paced set-up for the rest of the series. Gorgeous art and colors.

2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #63 (2016) is a mature readers comic with nice twists and turns in the narrative. It is very accessible. Not to mention the characters all have distinct personalities.
3. All-New X-Men #21 (2014) has the villains actually using their brains concerning the possible consequences to killing time travelers.

4. Adventures Of The Mask #5 (1996) is recommended for fans of Blackbeard legends, ghost stories, and The Mask (cartoons, comics, and the Jim Carrey movie).

1. All-New X-Men #11 (2013) is pretty much just an argument between three teams of X-Men at one of the headquarters. It also fails to tread any new ground.

2. Real Heroes #4 (2014) is the only relatively decent issue in this series, but it still fails to show any heroics.
3. Sonic The Hedgehog #287 (2016) has too much negative space, and it has a poorly conceived layout. Rotor and the other main freedom fighters also act somewhat out of character.
4. The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles #1 (1992) is not as interesting as the cover would suggest. This is mainly due to how it feels too much like the screenplay it was adapted from. Finally we are told more than we are shown in this piece of visual media.

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   The whole episode is unevenly somber in tone and that is because of it lacks jokes. Yeah Abe's behavior in the restroom is somewhat funny, but otherwise I didn't see any narrative highs. However, I would not say this is a weak episode since we do get various character and narrative developments. An example of development is how Yuri and the elder Uehara brother reconcile and decide to move away. Also Diachi and Hisashi fighting and then later on talking about things shows some character growth.

   Speaking of characterization Diachi is again written to be a bit of a jerk by asking Nao to move in right away with him after an apparent break-up. Also like a lot of teens and other individuals is makes a naive promise by saying he would not evoke sadness in Nao. No healthy relationship romantic or otherwise is totally sadness and harm free. The best one can do is apply the healthier promise of safe, sane, and consensual that is toted by those in the BDSM com…

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  Except for the term "reincarnation" being used in the summary this is a pretty bleeping great issue. The story beats are hit in a nicely paced way in both visual and text based ways. The colors really enhance Mico Suayan's work. Whether Kay is Deathmate, and how Deathmate came to be, is put off in order to give Kozol a reveal similar to Ozymandias in Watchmen.

  Very Recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

   The cliffhanger is rather lousy due to how little it is foreshadowed and confusing it is. In fact the whole mini-series is riddled with things that are never explained. Example the whole committee hearing seems to have nothing to do with anything in the story and is never concluded. Yes, Gail Simone presents some ideas in this series, but she never really concludes them. Finally Jim Calafiore seems to have drawn a whole sequence of an exploding gas station that seems swiped from one of Marvel's Civil War The Sentry picks a side stories. (I believe the one in Civil War: The Return.)

  Not Recommended because while this mini-series had some nice concepts it is heavily flawed.

I don't know if this will make a good season of Sailor Moon Crystal or not. Mainly because I don't know how many inaccuracies are within this English translation. For example the super young version of the Silver Millennium Sailor Venus actually said "thou." I am pretty sure that is a mistranslation. Though my main problem is how hard it is to follow the story due to sequences interchanging between dreams and reality. Also the reveal at the end felt a bit "duh!"

  Yet I did like the good portions of art, especially during the "coronation" for Mamoru and Usagi. Not to mention the fairytale aspects like the Evil (aged) Queen actually make me think of the overarching story as a fairytale. (Yes, that includes the Helios and Chibi-Usa kissing too.)

   Questions! Since fairytales were used as bases for some of this story why couldn't this Queen be tied into Black Moon's history and Queen Metal's origins? Why are so many terrible artistic f…

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   This comic takes the original version of the tale of Mulan and turns it into a futuristic sci-fi fantasy. There are some standard tropes such as a protector/trainer of the reborn protagonist, ancient enemies, and extrapolations of current events. The final trope is exemplified by the wealth inequality and old-school medical stitching being outdated. However, while the writing and designs are excellent the coloring could have been better in many small areas. Mainly because the smoothness of the coloring makes the art look a little smeared in those areas. Overall this is intelligent and beautifully executed material.

  Recommended!

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   This is definitely not the standard kind of comic from Valiant. Whether that is a good or a bad thing is hard to say with just this issue alone. Though I can say that the only real flaws are in the first few pages. These flaws are the lack of panel bordering and how the lettering does not account for the marble background. The rest of the story is high quality work that shows great attention to detail in the text and visuals. Finally the scholarly aspects of this work are best exemplified in the supplemental text pages at the end.

  Recommended for those looking for a more mature period piece of sequential art. Also recommended for scholars of history, art, or culture.

   On a personal note as a self-professed comic scholar I found this to be a very intriguing multi-layered read.

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  I want Gub Gub merchandise now! Heck, if it wasn't for the three flaws in this issue I would have just written that first sentence as my review. The first flaw is the Lion that attacks Archer has a jump cut happen between his lunge and his swipe. While the Davey The Mackerel sequence has consistency problems including with the proportions. Examples The Bagmaker's changing features and in the last panel his overly large hand. Overall this is some top-notch work that has a talking Soviet bear scientist and the literally freakish Gub Gub.

   Very Recommended!

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #62 (2016) has strong line work and a gritty yet not entirely grim narrative. Though this is not for fans of the cartoons who are below a certain age.

2. Kamandi, The Last Boy On Earth #39 (1976) still holds up as a good issue of this science fiction comic 40 years later.

3. Howard The Duck #11 (2016) is a decent end that takes a few last satirical jabs at the comic industry and Peter Parker/Spider-Man.

4. Part one of "The Demon Dummy" from Flash Comics #1 (January, 1940) is an obscure piece of brilliant sequential work.

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   I dislike the character trait Yuri has of jumping to conclusions. Yes, all the characters have exhibited some level of this trait, yet Yuri's case seems the most extreme. Though it is more how she handles the conclusions of a possible affair, and being lied to about that possibility, that I have the real problem with. If she at least confronted Takuya before getting drunk it would show a stronger character. Instead of talking with Takuya, or even the main characters, she shows weakness by drinking and almost sleeping with two strangers. Thankfully Uehara stumbles into and stops that event without violence.

  Speaking of dark turns in the story, with this episode the series seems to have gone from light-heartedness to a mature dramatic rom-com. Especially when Nao has an apparent emotional breakdown at the end turn into a bit of a mental breakdown. While I don't think the female lead character is mentally ill she does exhibit some mental faux pas. Mainly…

This issue is better than the 7th in terms of Scott Kolins' consistency. However while the art, colors, and letters are all fine the substance of the writing is questionable. Kindt's dialogue has no problems but the rest of the writing seems to be trying to rush to a conclusion without saying anything. Though I will admit it is an entertaining issue overall.

   Recommended for fans of any of the creative team.

I find it weird how the original English dubbers made the episode worse with a change to the episode's plot. Specifically how they apparently change the novel's hero from possibly being a Knight to just Pegasus. Disgusting! Also disgusting is that Tiger's Eye, also known as Mr. Rapey, is still alive and has dropped some of his pretense.

  Though If one can look past the disturbing aspects there is some real effort put into this episode. At least with the dialogue and humor in the Japanese dub. Even Tuxedo Mask showing up and cutting the chains with a rose is absurdly humorous. This made me realize that I am going to have to laugh so I don't slam my head into a wall while watching the rest of Sailor Moon Super S.

  Questions! Why is Tiger's Eye living for so much longer than in the manga? How do the villains afford things like the novel? Did the Madame of the Dead Moon Circus read the book?

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  This is definitely a coffee table sized book in its physical format. Thus anyone who needs or wants said physical space and is unsure should think before buying (Well that or buy the digital format). However, major to die-hard fans of these cartoons will want to buy this while they can. One reason being that since it has tons of cool trivia within it one can make a custom game. Finally this is a love letter to the classic animated stories that can be shared with child fans just learning to read.

  Very Recommended!

Note: I was a fan of the Filmation adventures of He-Man & She-Ra growing up. Meaning I am somewhat biased in my opinion.

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    I would normally say that a character singing lyrics in a comic is a failing point yet the art somewhat saves this. In fact Stephanie Buscema's cartoonish style makes one believe, even without sound, that this singing would be at least funny to hear. Thus I believe the comic loses only half of a point for this standard rule break.

   As for the title and subtitle I think they could be considered by some to be misnomers, but I would disagree with that. Both characters get plenty of panels to shine in their own ways.

   Finally I recommended all comic readers able to buy this issue get both print and digital copies of it. It is that funny in the writing and art!

   Highest Recommendation!

1. Captain America #14 (2014) has amazing art and raises social/political/moral quandries.

2. Infinity Inc. #43 (1987) has great art with some okay dialogue. The plot is a little stretched but is still cool.

3. All-New X-Men #32 (2014) has an amusing and well designed cover. The story also shows a breadth of reactions to being suddenly in a different universe.

4. A-Force #6 (2016) is an amazing female-centric marvel comic with a slight indie feel.

I saw nipple, albeit somewhat censored nipple, on an image of Saturn near the end. Which makes me wonder was this a mistake by the creator, or did we only get censored versions from Kodansha Comics? Hoping it was the former, cause even though I am fine with exposed nipples of any sort I am not fine when it comes to exposed nipples below age 18. (Cause I am well over the legal limit.)
  Other things I found questionable were: Chibi-Usa being kissed by Helios in his Pegasus form. The fact that Michiru has students interacting with rapid-aging Hotaru. How convoluted the Moon Kingdom backstory has now gotten and yet the reincarnated Princess and Prince had no clue. Helios being possibly billions of years old being the love interest for Chibi-Usa.
   Overall this volume feels slower paced compared to the others I have read up to this point. Though they have all been entertaining to one extent or another.
  Questions! Anyone else annoyed by the knife throwing villain hurting a non-powere…

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  First off I think Daichi is somewhat redeemed by how he helps the two leads. Yet I think he does not go far enough because he allows Nao and Uehara to struggle more. Of course the whole script is arguably swiss-cheese with how there is very little two-way communication. For example Yuri never really talks to her husband but goes back to him. In fact the only real conversation is when Nao scolds Yuri about the idea of having an affair.

  On the plus side Nao's speech concerning how affairs are harmful to all involved is for me the outstanding moment of this episode. This is a very true speech that I think viewers should carefully ponder on. Cheating hurts not only reputations but feelings and relationships. I would go so far as to say that it can possibly put people's mental and or physical health at risk. The last thing I have to say (on this moment at least) is that without the emotion shown by both actresses it would just be a smart piece of writing.

 …

1. A+X #2 (2013) has two done-in-one stories that are worth wasting some time reading. In other words they are far from perfect, or even exemplary, but are still decent narratives.

2. Sonic Universe #90 (2016) is also not astounding yet it is decent enough for a comic targeted at kids.

3. Captain America #8 (2003) has better art than dialogue but is still worth it for fans of the Steve Rogers version of Captain America.

4. Captain America #7 (2003) this issue has a few consistency issues in the aesthetic area of facial features, but is overall visually strong. However, some of the script is a little weaker in terms of the dream sequence. Again this is just good enough.

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   This issue ends this series with some great moments that are amazingly drawn. Like Issue 24 the art is almost a masterful piece in terms of characters, including the Magic, conveying emotions. But this issue would be nothing without Victor Gischler's superb dialogue adding voice to the characterization. Yes, images say a lot but sequential art needs writing like this to give it personality. The seasonal arc really went out on a high point after some missteps in the form of certain earlier issues.

  Highly Recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

   I think the main story is going to be at least somewhat of a delusion in Ninjak's head. However, that is speculation at this point based on clues in the main and the head scan in the second. Yet no matter how the main story turns out it still will have weaker characterization on the whole when compared to "The Lost Files" story. Though that is mainly due to how Gilad is arguably out of character in his dialogue. Also the art & application of the colors is way better in the "The Lost Files" section. That said Khari Evans and Ulises Arreola's work on the main story is still of a respectable quality.

   Recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

   The art is practically master level in terms of the expressions. In particular how the statue the magic is in has the illusion that it is emoting even though it isn't. Will Conrad's ability in this issue is comparable to the iconic art piece "The Thinker" or Gene Colan's Iron Man. Victor Gischler's excellent dialogue is just barely able to hold its own with Conrad's art. Finally the coloring is top-notch work.

  Highly recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

  This issue is strong in most of the line work, but some of areas are weak. For example one of the Torment on the last page has a duller line on half of its head than the others. Said last page also has some too obvious cross-hatching in the background. However, the strength of the writing, colors, & lettering creates a strong base so these artistic flaws are not super relevant to the whole package. For instance the colors are vibrant and dark where they need to be. While the writing relies on the actions a little too much for me personally I think it is still realistic in dialogue.

  Recommended!

1. Wolverine And The X-Men #27 (2013) shows how Dog Logan is not as good at mentoring as his brother Wolverine.

2. Amazing X-Men #15 (2015) has good art and coloring. Also a fair amount of character interaction and development.

3. Cage! #1 (2016) is the original blaxpoiltation style Luke Cage in a indie cartoon-like comedy. Recommended for people who like more silly cartoons than serious stories.

4. Jessica Jones #1 (2016) brings things back to basics for the character. Judging from the first issue it may not be a series for fans of her being married to Luke Cage.

Except for the fact Luna and Artemis' future daughter Diana is introduced this is just moronic filler. Seriously Artemis' desire to marry Luna at a church is a senseless filler plot. The Amazon Trio should have been punished by now. Not to mention the episode is sequenced in a random way, especially Diana's explanation coming so late. Finally the original English dub makes less sense due to Chibi-Usa not knowing Diana from the start.

  Questions! How many more filler episodes will the Amazon Trio be living through? Was this series/season a cash grab for those behind this Anime? Shouldn't Diana have siblings?

Warning Of Spoilers!

  The outstanding moment from the last episode is totally compressed in this one and thus turned into a just fine performance. Also compressed is the amount of respect and sympathy I feel for Daichi. Said respect and sympathy started at normal levels and is now zero due to how much of a jerk he has become. I mean he lays hands on Uehara and is just rude to Nao. Not to mention he invites himself to stay the night at their residence. What an arrogant jerk!

  On a happier note I enjoyed the moment when Nao talks about how people can seem foolish while in love yet not be fools. It felt hopeful and honest in how it was written and how Haruka Fukuhara delivered the lines. Also the interplay between Haruka (Nao) and Shunya Shiraishi (Uehara) feels realistic in how it has developed. The final things I enjoyed from this episode are: how Abe almost gets what presumably would have been his first kiss. When Yuri compares Hisashi and Takuya to "chalk and cheese." Thi…

Warning Of Spoilers!

   This issue has two wasted pages that simply recap almost verbatim the text recap. Said pages look unfinished in the areas of coloring and art when compared to the rest of the issue. Finally the issue feels like a waste of money due to how decompressed everything is, with the exception of the year change to 4002 on the last page.

  Not Recommended!

1. Cage #1 (1992) the writing is weak in the area of characterization, and lacks explanations in proper places.

2. All-New X-Men #8 (2013) also has poor characterization mainly due to the verbal diarrhea that occurs throughout the issue. There is also a nitpick level problem I have with how some tears are colored.

3. X-Treme X-Men #8 (2013) has horrible proportions and "broken back syndrome" pretty much throughout the issue.

4. Amazing X-Men #11 (2014) lacks accessibility for those just starting to read the story arc with this issue. Not to mention it is a rehashing of a plot from (if I remember right) the original Alpha Flight.

1. Action Comics Weekly #609 has decent stories across the board.

2. All-New X-Men #34 is refreshing for heroes talking to each other instead of fighting over a confusing situation.

3. Wolverine and X-Men #38 is essentially a jumping on point issue. Besides accessibility it has funny dialogue, great art, & vibrant colors.

4. Wolverine and the X-Men #41 is recommended for people who want a tragic love story issue. Also for those looking for a reason to like the character Toad.

Warning Of Spoilers!

  There is only one obvious flaw and it is simply a missing word in the summary. The rest of the text is fine, in terms of Dave Lanphear's work, and brilliantly originated by Jeff Lemire. He (Lemire) creates, with amazingly textured art from Mico Suayan, action scenes that will get most readers' blood up. It is so epic that I want the damn dog to get some solo issues! Lastly this issue contains what is arguably the most astounding pin removed from a grenade moment in comics.

   Recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

   Well other than a slight "made for the trade" feel to the cliffhanger ending there are no major flaws. The art is very consistent and combines well with the writing to create a quickly paced opening. As for the colors they seem more suited to an X-O Manowar story than an Eternal Warrior tale. Finally there are some intriguing questions raised with this issue regarding the "happy" part of Gilad's afterlife and how it may be connected to the Hellscape.

  Recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

   This issue starts showing some potential for this series. There are still problems but at least I now feel like I can relate on a logical level with at least two characters. Even though one is only now officially part of the cast after first appearing in Dark Horse's 2016 free comic book day offering. That said if Zula could be less self-flagellating in her thoughts she would be relatable. Finally the art and coloring are decent in terms of consistency.

  Barely Recommended!

Warning Of Spoilers!

   With this episode I feel that the added character of Daichi has become two dimensional and lazily written. Daichi starts communicating at Nao about midway into the episode and never really with her. By that I mean he says stuff to her and yet fails to hear her. Yes, miscommunications have happened in each previous episode, but usually they are done in a well written way. Lastly, at least for this talking point, I feel that Daichi loses a lot of possible sympathy when he leaves Nao at the aquarium.

   Now as for the acting I have say Erika Mori accomplished the standout moment for this episode. The amount of stillness and the emotion in her line delivery at the end while dripping wet is shock inducing. I honestly felt shocked by those final moments. Though I think all the actors are consistently doing great work. Heck, I'll admit that a lot of the extras reactions are bringing something to the school scenes. (Extras reacting is often negated and frowned upon…