This monthly series is dedicated to giving brief reviews to ongoing comic series, allowing us to cover more unique comics in our full Comic Book Yeti format while not leaving ongoing series out in the cold. Over time, we may add more to this segment, but for now, enjoy the show.
THE WRONG EARTH: NIGHT AND DAY #2, AHOY COMICS
Writer: Tom Peyer
Artist: Jamal Igle
Original Review: The Wrong Earth: Night and Day, Issue #1
Although Dragonflyman & Dragonfly are now united on yet another wrong earth, the narrative still focuses on highlighting the obvious differences and more subtly nuanced similarities between the heroes. Igle’s art retains the same character designs for the Dragonfly men, but he implements a unique and dizzying border design to designate the new Earth-Zeta setting. The addition of new characters is refreshing while the humorous banter enacted between Dragonfly and Dragonflyman maintains the charming wit The Wrong Earth executes so well.
HAPPY HOUR #4, AHOY COMICS
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Michael Montenat
Original Review: Happy Hour, Issues #1-3
This fourth entry in the chaotic Happy Hour series remains hilarious, visually surreal, and relevant in its satirical social themes but forgoes some crucial plot beats. An extended and exaggerated sequence unveils Jerry and Kim’s foreshadowed attraction to one another, but it comes off as rushed in the context of their previous interactions. This issue culminates the previous narrative threads hinted at throughout the series with varied results, but the absurdist nature of the story makes up for the slight plot skimming.
I WALK WITH MONSTERS, VAULT COMICS
Writer: Paul Cornell
Artist: Sally Cantirino
Original Review: I Walk with Monsters, Issue #1
I Walk with Monsters #2: The atmospheric artwork, off-kilter lettering, and emotional poignancy of issue #2 continue to administer effective and impressive horror. Sally Cantirino artistically renders flashback sequences with a fizzling texture and draws realistic demeanors that carry over the staggering emotion from the first issue. Paul Cornell carefully expounds upon the origin story of the two protagonists while startling memories are conveyed through significant panel layouts and Dearbhla Kelly’s gritty color palette.
I Walk with Monsters #3: The impact of the heart-wrenching moments feels lessened in comparison to the first two issues, but the theme of psychological trauma still generates an emotional reader response. Sound effects and red color tones remain indispensable in producing the jaw-dropping imagery that supersedes the necessity of dialogue. Several unexpected moments serve to amp up the stakes of this vitally important story about the consequences of both evil and trauma.
SPACE BASTARDS #2, HUMANOIDS
Writers: Eric Peterson & Joe Aubrey
Artist: Darick Robertson
Original Review: Space Bastards, Issue #1
Writers Eric Peterson and Joe Aubrey write an explicit and eyebrow-raising origin story about a character that felt underdeveloped in the first issue. Darick Robertson’s depraved art continues to visually expound upon the raunchy debauchery of the world of Space Bastards. Solid lettering, coloring, art, and writing produce a creative issue with – somehow – even more shocks and thematic pathos than issue #1.
SECOND COMING: ONLY BEGOTTEN SON #2, AHOY COMICS
Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Richard Pace
Original Review: Second Coming: Only Begotten Son, Issue #1
The overarching Second Coming plot re-emerges in this second issue after the brief-but-witty backstory Only Begotten Son #1 presented. While Mark Russell’s satire and Richard Pace’s superbly oscillating art style remain intact, this issue is a comedic standout amidst the entire series. Blatant themes of hypocrisy and the monetized religion are conveyed through both hilariously outstanding dialogue and visual showmanship.
-Katie Liggera, Contributor
DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #3, IMAGE COMICS
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Martin Simmonds
Original Review: Department of Truth, Issue #1
Cole does a house call in this issue that's a bit more coherent than the last two, with some good art by Simmonds and the same volume of text as before. It'll be interesting to see down the line if Tynion can ease up on the narration, especially in the spreads, but overall issue #3 is a bit of a mundane bridge between some of the more interesting esoteric rumblings in the previous issue and, well...hopefully more of that, because a simple episode of the week format doesn't quite cut it this time around.
SEA OF SORROWS #3, IDW
Writer: Rich Douek
Artist: Alex Cormack
Original Review: Sea of Sorrows, Issue #1-2
Every time these gents go down things seem to get worse – and a half-crazed crewman trying to batter his way out of the ship isn't much help. Plus, we still have a mysterious, Puckish German to deal with. Douek's dark humor, Cormack's balance of shadows and eerie daylight, and Birch's attention to careful emphasis means the tension's more than razor-tight at this point, and issue #4 is going to see some deserved blood.
-Christa Harader, Editorial Director
ANCIENT NOISE #3, SELF PUBLISHED
Writer: David Crispino
Artist: Tony Gregori
Original Review: Ancient Noise, Issue #1
Ancient Noise continues to shine by placing its cast through increasingly bizarre scenarios and letting the art team have the time of their life! The most interesting character in this series isn’t even human but is consistently given the best lines whenever they're on the page. There’s also a fascinating villainous turn from one of the core cast with a disturbing sequence that’s arguably the best in the series. Another entertaining entry in the series with an effective mic drop of an ending that’ll have you coming back for the next issue.
-Alex Breen, Contributor
VILLAINOUS #5, MAD CAVE STUDIOS
Writer: Stonie Williams
Artist: Jef Sadzinski
Original Review: Villainous, Issue #1
With the conclusion of the first arc of Villainous, we have a complete picture of all the strengths and weaknesses of this mostly enjoyable series. With strong character design and dynamic, fluid action, this latest issue does a great job visually delivering on the promise of escalating violence and a steadily growing tone. Trying to make both a sweeping statement about society and an intensely personal character study at the same time was, however, too much to handle in five issues and everything wraps up feeling somewhat thin. Here's hoping some lessons are learned and the next arc does a better job creating a more consistent plot with more three-dimensional characters.
THE PICTURE OF EVERYTHING ELSE #2, VAULT COMICS
Writer: Dan Watters
Artist: Kishore Mohan
Original Review: The Picture of Everything Else, Issue #1
Watters bravely criticizes artists and critics alike in the second installment of this odd sequel to Dorian Gray, a move that, while warranted, will certainly not ingratiate himself to his peers. Mohan's gorgeous art mesmerizes all the way through, and Bidikar continues his bid to become widely known as the greatest letterer in the universe. Thematically, however, POEE often feels disjointed and trying to say too much all at once. While it is compelling, particularly when it does successfully make a point, it could use a little more focus to really sell itself as the great work of art it so badly wants to be.
-Wells Thompson, Content Editor