Mr. Monk Reads Comics

Ricky and Marcy have finally caught up to Jamie in Stranger Things: Into the Fire #4. But Jamie has ran from the hospital she just set on fire. Jamie's delusion makes her believe that she cannot escaper her powers. Can Marcy even break through to her once they catch up? And what horrible things will Ricky do with his powers to protect his new family? Stranger Things: Into the Fire #4 This has been another amazing mini-series following the universe of Stranger Things. Any fan of the Netflix Series should pick these four issues up and read them. Don't forget to go back and read the previous series Six. It follows one of the kids kept at the Hawkins Lab just before Eleven arrives. Nothing is better as you wait for the next season than to dive deeper into the universe of Stranger Things. Credits Writer: Jody Houser Artist: Ryan Kelly & Le Beau Underwood Colors: Riona Farrell Letters: Nate Piekos Read the full article

Willow is finished with her study abroad program in Willow #1. But she still doesn't think she is ready to face Sunnydale after losing so much. Instead of rejoining Buffy and Giles, she embarks on a bus to anywhere her cash will get her. Unfortunately, the bus leaves her in a little town called Abhainn. What does this mysterious town have in store? Willow #1 Honestly, the whole Buffy reboot with Boom Studios has felt like a jumbled mess to me. I was so excited to see how everything would unfold. But it just isn't flowing very well for me. Everything seems rushed. Like large chunks of character development was just skipped. I don't even feel the loss for Willow and Xander like you would from the TV series because their relationship wasn't developed at all. That all being said, this was not a poorly written comic at all. The artwork is wonderful. And I am actually intrigued by this mysterious town and what it means for Willow. Nevertheless, this whole reboot has suffered since the launch for me. Credits Writer: Mariko Tamaki Artist: Natacha Bustos Colors: Eleonora Bruni Letters: Jody Wynne Read the full article

Claire and Tommy read more into the strange book left at the bookstore in Adventureman #2. But surely it is just a lost edition of their favorite stories. Right? Was the woman who dropped to book off really abducted by bug people? Claire struggles to keep what she saw to herself. And she can't help but look into the address of the publishing company. Meanwhile, Tommy is unaware of his mom's adventure while hit sits through his classes. Adventureman #2 So far this series has exceeded my expectations. I'm just as excited about discovering what happened to the original Adventureman as any other comic I'm reading. The single mom and son dynamic is pretty cool. I want to see where this goes before reading it with my son. We might incorporate his mom into our reading time with this one too. The dynamic between mom and son here should connect with him. I can't say enough about the artwork either. Very classic feel to it. Plus it's just plain beautiful. Credits Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Terry & Rachel Dodson Colors: Terry Dodson Letters: Clayton Cowles Read the full article

Things From Another World has an exclusive pre-order available while supply lasts in You Promised Me Darkness #1. This first issue has a variant cover by creator artist Adam Borden than can only be gotten from TFAW.com. Only 400 copies are available for pre-order so get yours before it is too late. You Promised Me Darkness #1 Approximately every 75 years, Halley's Comet orbits around the sun, and every time this happens people around the world are born with incredible abilities, special auras that grant them with supernatural skills, but those auras can also be cursed. Yuko and Sebastian, two siblings with special auras are constantly running from an evil being, known as the 'Anti-everything,' who feeds from these special auras, getting stronger with each intake. This being is obsessed with these brothers' auras and will not stop until he feasts on them. You Promised Me Darkness #1 (Borden TFAW Exclusive) from: Things From Another World Credits Writer: Damian Connelly Artist: Adam Borden Colors: Letters: Read the full article

It is finally the first day of classes in Strange Academy #2. And as the kids get used to their new schedules, they are tested right from the beginning. Classmates are forced to learn how to get along with one another. And each teacher has their own quirks. Luckily, they all survive their first day. Even the students sent to hell by Professor Magik. Strange Academy #2 From the start, the students have a tough time adjusting to even getting along with each other. Not to mention the fact that the professors are going to throw them straight into the fire. Some of them literally. But this is shaping up to be a really fun comic. I like that they are incorporating a variety of Marvel characters associated with magic. I recommend if you're a fan of supernatural stories. Credits Writer: Skottie Young Artist: Humberto Ramos Colors: Edgar Delgado Letters: Clayton Cowles Read the full article

The Joker's plans are in full effect in Batman #94. Joker has taken everything from Bruce. The money, the house and the company. Now it will be the Joker with all the toys and gadgets available at Wayne Enterprises. Meanwhile, Batman has to find a way to get to Selina before the Joker does. But barely standing himself, Selina may need some unlikely help to get out of sight before the clowns find her. Batman #94 This Joker war is looking like it's going to be brutal. It's the finale of the Dark Designs arc but just the beginning of the Joker War. The theme for Batman is becoming a better Bat. But that's been the theme since before the City of Bane. It is fun enough to get excited for the Joker War, but also a little redundant in each arc. Credits Writer: James Tynion IV Artist: Guillem March & Rafael Albuquerque Colors: David Baron Letters: Clayton Cowles Read the full article

In Year Zero #1, we get introduced to a variety of characters from vastly different backgrounds and multiple parts of the world. The differences of the people and locations are very interesting. While some of these people are unprepared for an apocalypse. One character in particular seems to have been preparing for years. Also, we get a glimpse of what could have started the sickness that turns people mindless and violent. How will all these people come together and survive? Year Zero #1 Honestly, the issue starts off kind of slow. Which is concerning for a five issue series. I don't think you want to "waste" too many issues without giving a ton of action. But at the same time, this was all necessary I believe. It's a little too early to tell, but I think I'm going to enjoy this story. Benjamin Percy has proven to be a very entertaining creator. We will see as the story unfolds. Credits Writer: Benjamin Percy Artist: Ramon Rosanas Colors: Lee Loughridge Letters: Sal Cipriano Read the full article

Owen Johnson is a suburban dad with an extraordinary power in Fire Power #1. His time at a Shaolin temple in China taught him to throw fireballs. But now all Owen wants is to raise his family and live a normal life. After unleashing the first fireball seen in a thousand years on the Scorched Earth Clan 15 years ago, it is going to be hard to stay hidden forever. Fire Power #1 Another ongoing series from Robert Kirkman and Skybound Comics is a great thing in my book. The premise seem kind of silly on its face if I'm honest. A suburban dad throwing fireballs like Ken and Ryu in Street Fighter? C'mon Man! But I think I'm going to love it. Samnee's art is awesome. I love the classic kind of Archie Comics feel. Especially knowing that there is going to be some action sequences in the series. Go ahead and grab this issue while you can. Credits Writer: Robert Kirkman Artist: Chris Samnee Colors: Matt Wilson Letters: Rus Wooton Read the full article

The final battle with Vilayne is here in Olympia #5. And with no real plan, Kirby, Elon and Olympia rush into the city to stop his horde. They will have to close the portal before Vilayne has destroyed Earth. But Elon's mom, Joyce, see him on TV and races to go save him. It is the stunning conclusion of the brilliant Olympia series. Olympia #5 It was a wild ride diving into this mini-series world. Lots of action and comic relief from start to finish. Definitely some adult language and themes throughout so a caution to parents or anyone that doesn't enjoy that sort of thing. But I do recommend taking a read of this series. Pick up the trade or read it digitally. Credits Writer: Tony & Curt Pires Artist: Alex Diotto Colors: Dee Cunniffe Letters: Ryan Ferrier Read the full article

Buffy is trying to build a relationship with Robin after losing both Willow and Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15. Unfortunately for Robin, Buffy is not great at the relationship thing. The demon population in Sunnydale is not just laying low after the Hellmouth was closed. And in a battle with an Edera demon, one of the gang goes down. Maybe for good. Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15 Both Buffy series seem extremely rushed to me. I really want to like them. And the story isn't bad. But there is just not a ton of character development. As an example, there is mention of the "Scooby Gang" as the group was called in the show. But there has not been any Scoobying in the series at all. Maybe it will hit its stride here in a bit. Credits Writer: Jordie Bellaire Artist: Ramon Bachs Colors: Raul Angulo Letters: Ed Dukeshire Read the full article

The new Task Force X has escaped their duties in Suicide Squad #6. A doctor who escaped Arkham has taken the bombs out of their heads. So now they are free from the constant threat of a government official ending them at any moment. But the good doctor has alerted anyone interested in the bounty on Task Force X's heads of their whereabouts. Batman could be their only hope, and also the end of their freedom. Suicide Squad #6 This is probably the funniest comics I've read in a while. It's issues like this that made me fall in love with Tom Taylor when he was writing Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. There was a lot of good here in this issue. It has taken this entire series from a possible drop from the pull list to can't wait for the next one. Redondo's art is also amazing. Credits Writer: Tom Taylor Artist: Bruno Redondo Colors: Adriano Lucas Letters: Wes Abbott Read the full article

The Reverse-Flash has killed Godspeed in The Flash #756. And Barry is out for revenge. He tries to convince the Flash Family to stay away while he deals with the mess he's made. But good luck keeping them on the sidelines now. Now Thawne is assembly some of the Flash's greatest enemies throughout time. Barry may have to do something he swore he wouldn't in order to stop what is coming. The Flash #756 This was a really good transitional issue. I like the build up to what is coming next. It has to be hard to scheme up the next huge superhero battle with two issues a month coming out. But I do enjoy the Flash overall. Probably what got me about this issue is that Barry is angry. He's ready to fight. Credits Writer: Joshua Williamson Artist: Christian Duce Colors: Luis Guerrero Letters: Steve Wands Read the full article

Gunn and Fred have paid a visit to Detective Kate in Angel & Spike #11. But the demon Kate is after attack her before they can convince her to come with them. Help comes from a very unexpected place before Kate is harmed. Meanwhile, Lilith visits Angel and tries to convince him that saving Kate could redeem a wrong from his past. Later, Fred meets with Lilah about her future. Angel & Spike #11 I really am enjoying this series. Hill is doing a awesome job in reimagining the characters from one of my favorite all time shows. Melnikov is one of my favorite artist as well. It's all happening a little fast though. I have to wonder how this series would be for someone not familiar with the universe at all. As in, I know the characters and what Wolfram and Hart is, but I'm not sure it has been explained enough in this series itself for new comers to know what is going on. Credits Writer: Bryan Edward Hill Artist: Gleb Melnikov Colors: Roman Titov Letters: Ed Dukeshire Read the full article

Batman comes face to face with the Designer in Batman #93. But this can't be the real Designer can it? The Joker killed him back when the original plans were made. So who is this under the mask that is taking the credit for an attempt at the world's greatest crime? Meanwhile, Harley and Catwoman attempt to stop Wayne Enterprises from being drained of all assets. Batman #93 We are edging ever closer to an all out Joker War. No matter who is under the mask, this is all about Batman and the Joker. The back and forth keeps you on your toes. Just when you think someone has the upper hand. The other one brings out their counter. I enjoyed the lead up to the Joker War. I think Batman versus Joker is what everyone loves to see. Credits Writer: James Tynion IV Artist: Guillem March & Javier Fernandez Colors: Tomeu Morey & David Baron Letters: Clayton Cowles Read the full article

Grandpa Hayes is alive and being held by the leader of the cult trying to kill Meg in Family Tree #6. But he's not likely to survive very long without help. A flashback shows the night that Darcy told his dad what was happening to him. It also reveals that Darcy is still alive as well and talking to his father. However, even if Grandpa Hayes were to escape the cult, they would just follow him to Meg. Family Tree #6 I have to say, I was a little disappointed at first. After a significant time jump in issue #5, we start off back even further in the past. Or so it seems in the beginning. However we do remain back before the time jump throughout the issue. Keeping Grandpa alive is a little bit of a stretch. But I don't hate it. I think the back track is going to pay off over the next few issues. Credits Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Ryan Cody Colors: Phil Hester, Eric Gapstur, Ryan Cody Letters: Steve Wands Read the full article

Mal has some workers on Hera about to riot over severance pay in Firefly #16. But he has a clever plan to calm everyone down before things get out of hand. In the meantime, Mal's crew is attacked while trying to lift some Blue Sun electronics. And this attacker could be connected to Mal's serial killer. Consequently, one of Mal's crew is hurt bad in the fire fight. Firefly #16 I really can't say enough about this series. And this was just another really solid issue. Splitting the crew up to explore new character dynamics has been really brilliant. So it makes for any reuniting special. Pak provides lot's of fun and action in each issue. And the Artwork from Bachs is really good. I believe this is the first time Bachs has been on the series. Credits Writer: Greg Pak Artist: Ramon Bachs Colors: Joana Lafuente Letters: Jim Campbell Read the full article

Superman cuts Mongul off before he can make it to Earth in Superman #22. But it's going to take some creative thinking and brut force to keep him off planet. Meanwhile, Lois gets a visit from the FBI after a video surfaces of Superman at the United Planets. They are a little concerned that Superman claims to represent Earth without their knowledge. Can both Lois and Clark work through this? Superman #22 The finale of The Truth is finally here. There really was no big ending. But everything gets resolved. I like MaGuire's art for this issue. It is really clean and polished looking. Plus he had a ton of action sequences to get in here with no dialogue. A little disappointing for the Finale of an arc but overall not so bad. Credits Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Kevin MaGuire Colors: Alex Sinclaire Letters: Dave Sharpe Read the full article