We are back with another week of a ton of comic books released this past New Comic Book Day. There were a lot of major releases this week to talk about. With that in mind this week we’ll be covering Absolute Superman #18, Batman #8, Daredevil #1, and The Royals #1. Find out how these comic books turned out with the latest comic book reviews round-up below.
ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #18
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Rafa Sandoval
Colorist: Ulises Arreola
Letterer: Becca Carey
The way Jason Aaron and Rafa Sandoval construct Absolute King Shazam in Absolute Superman #18 quickly builds up the complexity of the character. Absolute King Shazam’s origin works well to compliment what we’ve seen from Absolute Superman. There is no simplicity to the power either has and their respective experiences has made the way they use their powers reflective of this. All of it works well to build up Absolute Superman’s next big challenge to his approach of being a superhero.
Overall Rating: 8.5 Night Girls out of 10
BATMAN #8
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Ryan Sook
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Matt Fraction’s Batman run has quickly become one of “wait and see.” Batman #8 is a perfect example of this as Fraction kickstarts the new Batman Family vs the world direction. The way it all starts is something where you are left wanting to see how it will all play out as it impacts the entire Batman Family franchise. Poison Ivy and Vandal Savage being at the center of it all does certainly elevate both villains. What happens from here will say a lot for how we will look back at Batman #8’s importance in this new period for the franchise.
Overall Rating: 8 Night Girls out of 10
DAREDEVIL #1
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Lee Garbett
Colorist: Frank Martin
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Stephanie Phillips and Lee Garbett’s Daredevil #1 shows that this is the right creative team to take over the Man Without Fear’s series. They have a good handling of Matt Murdock’s voice and mannerism in and out of his Daredevil costume. Both Matt’s personal and superhero life are given clear directions that balance being a fresh start and continuation of his history. That said, there are moments where it does feel like Phillips is trying too hard to show she understands writing Daredevil’s character. Hopefully as she and Garbett work together Phillips will find a balance between when the artwork not the inner monologue carries panels and pages.
Overall Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
THE ROYALS #1
CREATIVE TEAM
Writer: Derek Kirk Kim
Artist: Jacob Perez
Letterer: Rich Fowlkes
The Royals #1 is a solid start for a type of story we don’t have enough from comic book stories. Derek Kirk Kim and Jacob Perez hit on that Baby Driver and Rounders-type story that they are going for here. The characters are charismatic in their own ways. The poker setting adds a unique flavor to the variety of characters and reactions we get as the story progresses. That said, there was a lack of tension with the pacing of this first issue. That is hopefully something the second issue does a better job of doing to create stronger hook endings.
Overall Rating: 7 Night Girls out of 10
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