THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS #1Publisher: Aftershock ComicsWritten by Zack KaplanArt by Alvaro Sarraseca
Atlantis is real! At least it might be and it is right underneath Manhattan. After an archeological team discovers an underwater portal to what might be Atlantis, an aqueous form appears and snatches a human from the dig site. The company in charge of the operation covers up that death and disappearance as the result of a gas leak. Meanwhile, the kid of the deceased finds out from another worker that there is more to this story and that he may actually be alive. The Lost City Explorers #1 feels like a modern day Goonies tale with young adults rather than kids. It is your typical adventure story, which we don’t get to see that often from a non-superhero perspective in comics. If you’re into mystery, drama, and adventure, and don’t mind some angsty teenage dialogue, The Lost City Explorers deserves a read.
Rating: 6 out of 10
SUPERMAN SPECIAL #1 ESCAPE FROM DINOSAUR ISLANDPublisher: DC ComicsWritten by Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick GleasonArt by Scott Godlewski
Packed into this issue are 3 stories. The first is about Superman’s escape from Dinosaur Island. The art is solid, but the story was boringly simple. Superman goes to Dinosaur Island to save an old friend. He grabs said friend, he returns to modern day Metropolis, and the end. No twist, no unknown enemy, no nothing. Next, we have a ten page-ish plot where Superman is on rescue duty for a collapsing building. It’s short, sweet, and to the point. If there’s a reason to grab this issue, it’s for that story. Lastly, we have an 8-page story where Superman teams up with an enemy turned hero. While I enjoyed the short stories, the main feature of this special felt underwhelming.
Rating: 4 out of 10
THE AVENGERS #3Publisher: Marvel ComicsWritten by Jason AaronArt by Ed McGuinness
In this issue, Loki murkily reveals his intention to a captive Captain America. The strange part is that Loki claims to be the “Good Guy” and that the Earth is a patient needing to be healed or left for dead. Meanwhile, the Avengers assemble up, squabble, claim to not be Avengers, and then plan a counterattack. Not much happens in this issue other than a surprise ending where Loki reveals what he believes to be the “father of the Avengers”.
Rating: 6 out of 10
DOCTOR STRANGE #2Publisher: Marvel ComicsWritten by Mark WaidArt by Jesus Saiz
Mark Waid employs deus ex machina and delivers an “acaneologist” as a cellmate for Doctor Strange. There’s plenty of action as he attempts to escape his prison cell and recover his lost magical abilities. Things don't go exactly as planned, but the Doc averts a planetary tragedy in the process. The issue incorporated some sorcery, but ended up feeling like an Iron Man sci-fi comic. Doctor Strange has traveled the cosmos before, but I feel like Waid has drifted too far off the path of mysticism that makes the character so unique in the Marvel universe.
Rating: 6 out of 10
TONY STARK: IRON MAN #1Publisher: Marvel ComicsWritten by Dan SlottArt by Valerio Schiti
Dan Slott brings Iron Man back to his engineering roots. As opposed to a melodramatic afflicted Stark, Slott makes him fun and freewheeling as he recruits an old acquaintance to join Stark Unlimited. We are given a birdseye view of the company along with some of Stark’s crazy projects. The art is spectacular and makes everything come to life. Just as things start to settle down, we get to see some sweet Iron Man action as the city is attacked by a Godzilla sized monster. If you’re looking for a new comic to read from Marvel, this is the perfect jumping on point. It truly is a first issue with no backstory knowledge required. Tony Stark: Iron Man #1 has everything you would ever want in an Iron Man comic.
Rating: 9 out of 10
PETER PARKER: THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1Publisher: Marvel ComicsWritten by Chip ZdarskyArt by Michael Allred
J. Jonah Jameson interactions with Peter and Spider-Man have led to some of the most entertaining moments in Marvel comics. This annual explores their relationship further and shows that JJJ really is the big softy he pretends to be (sometimes). Art is spectacular, if not amazingly executed by the esteemed Michael Allred. This issue is clever, action-packed, and has a lot of heart. If you’ve ever enjoyed a Spider-Man comic, pick up this annual!
Rating: 10 out of 10
THE WEEKND PRESENTS: STARBOY #1Publisher: Marvel ComicsWritten by Abel Tesfaye, La Mar Taylor & Christos GageArt by Eric Nguyen
This is the origin story of a superhero in the dystopian futuristic city of Alphatron. Our soon to be hero has a rich inventor father who is killed in a political power struggle. In the process, Starboy is injured by an invention which causes him to gain powers. What’s refreshing about this story in the Marvel universe is the atmosphere and backdrop. It’s like a Gotham City of the future where thugs are in control and the cops can’t maintain peace and order. If you’re into Batman, Starboy is a bit of a twisted version that hits all the good notes.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Pick of the Week: Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man Annual #1