Welcome to this week in comic book reviews! The staff have come together to read and review nearly everything that released today. It isn't totally comprehensive, but it includes just about everything from DC and Marvel with the important books from the likes of Image, Boom, IDW, Valiant, and more.

The review blurbs you'll find contained herein are typically supplemented in part by longform individual reviews for significant issues. This week that includes Generations: Forged #1, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel #18, and Stray Dogs #1.

Also, in case you were curious, our ratings are simple: we give a whole number out of five; that's it! If you'd like to check out our previous reviews, they are all available here.

And with that, on to the reviews -- which are listed in alphabetical order, but first by DC, Marvel, and the rest of the publishers.

DC #1

BATMAN: BLACK AND WHITE #3

While the reputation and myth of the Dark Knight have definitely been at the forefront of Batman: Black and White thus far, this issue takes a decidedly darker—but still compelling—approach to that idea. John Ridley and Olivier Coipel’s “The Cavalry” shares a new adventure for Future State’s Batman Tim Fox, bringing a politically-relevant and action-packed story. Bilquis Evely’s “A Kingdom of Thrones” takes a decidedly more cerebral approach, with a dense but breathtaking genre-inspired take on Batman’s entire ordeal. Bengal’s “I Am the Bat” also takes a compelling and unexpected perspective to the idea of Batman, in a story that’s very well-executed but will arguably require a second look to fully appreciate. Tim Seeley and Kelley Jones’ “Unquiet Knight” takes a mystical and moody look at Batman’s legacy, and is full of moments and character interactions that are surprisingly delightful. And rounding things out is Nick Dragotta's “Legacy”—arguably the weirdest story of the bunch, but in a way that definitely leaves an impact. Even if some stories might not pack as much of a punch as others, the level of storytelling and genuine craft on display here remains something truly special. -- Jenna Anderson


Rating: 4 out of 5

BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT PRESENTS: HARELY QUINN #5

Batman: White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn #5 is such a whirlwind of emotions, but it’s a rollercoaster ride I wouldn’t trade for anything. The focus shifts from the villains back to Harley, her children, and Bruce, and it’s this delightful mix that makes this series such a stellar read month in and month out. Writer Katana Collins knows when to make way for a cameo, but this book shines through its personality and dialogue. The banter between Harley and Duke, Harley and Joker, and even Bruce and Bullock all stand out as shining moments, and when it’s time for a gut punch, Collins knows how to deliver that too, and Matteo Scalera and Dave Stewart’s artwork only heightens the impact, though the artwork overall is sensational throughout. I can’t compliment this series enough, and it seems to only be getting better. -- Matthew Aguilar

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

FUTURE STATE: AQUAMAN #2

Two of my favorite DC characters are Aquaman and Mera, and if you told me that in 2021 I would be perfectly fine with neither as the lead in an Aquaman comic, I would’ve told you to take it easy on the wine. Somehow that’s happened though, as writer Brandon Thomas, artist Daniel Sampere, and colorist Adriano Lucas have combined to deliver an inspired and wholly unique take on the Aquaman mythos, and all I want is to follow Andy and Jackson on their next grand adventure. Andy’s battle for survival is a lovely mix of tension, stakes, action, and unexpected humor, with a simmering conflict underneath regarding the nature of her abilities that plays out in an organic and true compelling way. You can’t help but celebrate at their long-awaited reunion, though it’s worth noting how impressive that achievement is when “long-awaited” somehow only happened over two issues. Somehow it still feels satisfying, though if we don’t get more of Andy and Jackson moving forward, that will be an absolute crime. -- Matthew Aguilar

Rating: 5 out of 5

FUTURE STATE: BATMAN/SUPERMAN #2

Gene Luen Yang’s Batman/Superman team up has a messy landing on the way down, but gets points for being a uniquely weird story featuring the two characters. Being only two issues it’s forced to wrap-up quicker than other Future State titles but the execution doesn’t quite connect in many of the messier details, in fact it doesn’t make much sense. The issue wins with the art, pencils and inks by Ben Oliver & Stephen Segovia and colors by Arif Priano, who make Yang’s insane ideas look cool throughout. Giant, insane monsters and mutants abound, so if his run on the ongoing series will be this bananas it will be worth looking at. -- Spencer Perry

Rating: 3 out of 5

FUTURE STATE: DARK DETECTIVE #4

The final issue of Future State: Dark Detective does exactly what the last issue of a story should do in that it resolves the major beats ofthe story while offering a beginning to something more. But what makes Dark Detective #4 go beyond what a comic book should do and makes it truly good is that even going into the last issue, Mariko Tamaki never loses her thread, pulse and understanding of both Bruce Wayne and Batman that has driven the story in the four-issue series. There is a lot of payoff in this issue. Bruce solves what's going on with the Magistrate and puts into motion a plan to stop their brutal grasp on Gotham while, at the same time, having Bruce transform back into Batman, albeit a different one. By the end of the issue, Tamaki's Bruce/Batman finally has an understanding about how the mission works in a way that he didn't before this event. There is no end, just endings. The art and color of this issue, like its predecessors, is fantastic, a beautiful take on the cyberpunk aesthetic without pushing things too far into the future. While the story does feel like it moves a little fast and there's a sense of wanting more, it's a solid issue of a truly great Batman story. I can't wait to see what happens next when Tamaki and Mora take over Detective Comics next month. -- Nicole Drum

Rating: 4 out of 5