This seems to be a hot take considering most of the other reviews on here but I was bored by this "flashback" issue. The first three issues were really promising, but the previous issue and now this one have left me unimpressed with where this series is going. I want more Spider-Man in this Spidey book.

Also, this is a monthly book and Marvel can't keep the main artist on it for more than three issues? C'mon Marvel! more

I picked this up because it's a new book by Rick Remender. I've no skateboard experience but I was interested in the 1980s setting. It's a story that's been done many times before--new kid at school who doesn't fit in--but it won me over by how much fun it is. Nice to see Remender writing a lighthearted story for a change.

The art by Brett Parson is bright and cartoony and fits the story really well. Some of his panel progressions are excellent.

It probably won't blow your mind but I'm sure you'll hae fun reading it. I'll be picking up issue 2. more

I'll tell you what, I am one hundred percent in on this series after reading issue #6. I immediately bought the previous five issues and am halfway through reading them as I write this review. Despite jumping into the story partway through, I didn't feel lost at all. In fact, I think issue #6 works well as a single story in the longer narrative. It can be enjoyed on its own, yet leaves you curious to find out more about this world and what events led us here. more

Disclaimer: A YouTube buddy asked me to read this comic to do a review with him.

WTF did I just read? A comic book filled with unlikeable characters and no plot. Just a series of random events that are explained to you and actually mean nothing. And I don't know who that Batwoman character is because she sure ain't Kate Kane.

How does this get past editorial?

If this was my last ever version of John Constantine then I would be a very happy old man. Without spoilers all I can really say is great writing and wonderful art all wrapped up in a story that makes me smile from ear to ear. Give yourself a winter treat and delve into Occult the way it should be.

I was really excited for John's return and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. I loved this issue! It felt like coming home. Si Spurrier nails John's voice and sarcastic sense of humour, although he does make him speak a bit fancy at times. Aaron Campbell's art is suitably dark and moody and fits the creeping horror tone of this book.

Now I really want to dust off the 12 issues of their previous run. If you haven't read that run, do give it a shot. And if you are thinking about picking this up, don't hesitate.

Recommended.


I have a longer review on my blog here: https://wakizashireviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/17/john-constantine-hellblazer-dead-in-america-1-jan-2024-review/ more

Ok so first lets get off the real reasons to dislike this entire series.

1) None of the characters are written in character. Joanne Starer clearly has no idea who any of these characters are. They feel like all OC's just re-skinned as DC characters.

2) This is like season 54 of Days of Our Lives where only wine moms would enjoy this. Like that is what the humor feels like.

3) This has no functional plot besides mindless hi-jinks.

Now for the reason you can all call me names for but something really ticked me off and why I wanted to write this review for this specific issue: How they treated the disabled character.

Rant time: Why the ^$&* did they somehow justify robbing and harassing a guy in a wheelchair (and imply he shouldn't use tactics to not... you know get robbed and possibly killed by a giant gorilla), because he charges too much money for drinks? So because the guy owns his own business and wants to survive in the USA with a disability they have the right to rob him? Fire is the one who says the comment about drinks! The guy isn't rich. He has been dealt a crappy hand in life and is just trying to make it and you, the hero come in to screw him. This book is trash as it is, and filled with BS themes, but then you go and punch down? Really? That feels bad. And tactless. I just have little patience for trying to justify harassing a person with disabilities and still sell the harasser as the 'better person' which is how the situation seemed to be trying to play out.
Rant over. more

While I do echo others comments that there is not a massive hook to this issue, and the art is good at best, the story itself is quite promising. I enjoyed this more than I expected. There is a sense of political drama here, each of the characters has a good voice, and the brutality of Zod is on full display, between the cruel but pragmatic treatment of this son, to the defending of his planet, Casey makes it clear, Zod aint a good guy and is going to do whatever he needs to, to get the job done. The only question now I have is, should this be picked up issue by issue or in a trade? I am unsure, but I do want to read how this unfolds. A nice political (and I mean that in running a planet/governing body type of way), and action packed book.

A lot to like here. I do wish is had a solid 'wow' moment though. A lot of good moments, really almost every page was very good (hence the 8.5), but no amazing jaw dropper moment, or breath-taking splash page. more

Compassion, loyalty and faith are used to tell a beautiful story with what seems like much more depth and realness than what was tried in the latest Wonder Woman comic. This book is a true gem and has all the components a denouement needs to be lasting to real fans of the title character. The Doctors sense of responsibility is true to character (witch is nice these days) and the darkness of the epilogue makes me hunger for more! Fantastic stuff! more

When you have a writer who just gets who they are supposed to be writing then you get great writing. lol In all seriousness this was a Superman run that future writers of comics (if comics are still around) will say they loved and will want to emulate. Thank you Mr. Johnson, thank you, thank you, thank you.....and the art? Perfection!

Just binge read the series so this score is more for all four books. This is lighthearted while still pulse pounding and truly a joy to read. This is kind of books DC needs right now and the fact it's a Santa story that actually kick ass is insane. Top notch!

I believe this series was the worst book sold in 2023 and will somehow be the worst book sold in 2024 as well. THE SAME SERIES!!! No one is even close to being in character, everyone is competing to be the most annoying character in the book, the humor is juvenile and misfires more often than not and the utter haughtiness of the writing just leaves a bad taste in ones mouth. The slice of life YA thing can be done with known superheroes (see She-Hulk) but it seems most of these authors need TONS of help from the editors or just maybe they could read some old issues of comics involving the characters they are asked to write. This is not Fire. This is not Ice. This is just bad comedy from someone who didn't understand the assignment. I don't blame Joanne Starer though, I blame DC.

On a side note, I'd like to apologize to Charlie Jane Anders. I hated New Mutants Lethal Legion and gave issue #1 and #5 a score of 1 and 1.5. I now know that series read like Shakespeare compared to this atrocity. This is what a comic book with a score of 1 really looks like. This or anything written by Meghan Fitzmartin. more

More of the same with a new numbering. If you liked the last series this just continues it and you will be happy with everything but the price of the book.

This was a jumbled mess. Thanos drives a truck???? Did anyone count how many times they said Fresno cause....it was way too many times. Garbled and pedestrian dialogue mixed with a drop in the quality of the art equals a tough read. Cantwell is always hit or miss for me and this was a bigggggg whiffer.

I've loved this series but after reading this issue I had to double check to see if MacKay actually wrote this or if it was a guest writer. Much to my chagrin it was in fact MacKay who penned this horrible mess of a comic. I'll just say slapstick, YA style, buffoonery is not in MacKay's wheelhouse. This was awful. The only good thing was the development of the relationship between Donna and Bats, but I mean what kid doesn't love dogs. Overall this was a skippable issue that tries to hard to be light hearted and winds up just sounding amateur. more

This doesn't feel anything like Birds of Prey and the art is generic. Everyone has the same face!!!

I want to give my initial honest reaction to reading this highly-anticipated comic book. Let me also state for the record that I was really looking forward to this new series and hoping we would actually get a decent Spidey story for a change. I gave up on Zeb Wells’ Not-Amazing Spider-Man last year. I was all Rek-Rapped out! So, how is Ultimate Spider-Man issue #1?

Short answer: pretty boring with a serious lack of Spider-Man! There is a LOT of talking in this comic. Pages and pages of it. Why use one dialog balloon when three will do? And the majority of the talking is between characters other than Peter Parker. Sure, it’s nice to spend time with Ben Parker and J. Jonah Jameson, but I’m here for Peter.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with set-up when it’s done well, but I’m telling you, some of these pages were a struggle to get through. It’s never a good sign when you find yourself flipping ahead to check how many pages are left. I kept waiting for something to happen. There is so little action or excitement in this comic until the last couple of pages and by then it’s almost too late to save it. Looking at this through positive spectacles, it hopefully means that issue #2 will be much better.

Full Review on my BLOG: https://wakizashireviews.wordpress.com/2024/01/10/ultimate-spider-man-1-january-2024-review/ more