All new, all different comics from the recent week. Once again, I take my chances with new titles, while staying engaged with recent favorites. A good time overall, with no regrets and diverse fun.

Here we go, with the fresh picks recently released (with minor spoilers).

RECENT COMICS:

Agent 42 #2 (Red 5 Comics), by Ben Nunan, Fernando Granea

NOTE: PUT OUT DIGITALLY VIA COMIXOLOGY SUBMIT.

There is something about a humanoid robot protagonist who is also a gumshoe detective, which has me smiling before the first page. Such is Agent #42, where the robot also has an excitable sense of optimism and stylized humor, who for both issues thus far has himself mixed up in action and rough situations. For a robot, he seems awfully human in mannerisms and reaction. The overall situation for this issue places him in troubles that simply stand in his way. For now, it’s a jumble in wondering just what the end mission and motivation are for a robot to be a human detective. Maybe there is an answer, or not. There is much to ponder for such a silly concept.

Demonic #1 (Image) by Christopher Sebela, Niko Walter, Dan Brown

A new horror with a not-so-original concept, yet revitalizing in execution. Here, is another gullible soul willing to sacrifice all that he is for the life of his family; for an otherworldly demonic force in need of his soul to carry out lethal vengeance. Yet, I love the art and playful panel dispositions. The violence and gore are a bit unsettling, but not over-the-top and but forefront to the story. There is a way of things here, which keeps me interested in the page turning. Yet, the overall story does not have me quite hooked, nor as interested in the overall arc. Still, there may be a payoff in future issues. I may look into it.

I Hate Fairyland (Image) by Skottie Young, Jean-Francois Beaulieu

I didn’t think I would still find myself reading this far. Yet, there is something about the world of Skottie Young that makes me see past the disturbing humor and the loud, bright and colorful art. With this issue, i see it now in its protagonist anti-heroine. She is not invincible and losing control more and more of her fantasy. She seems ever more dependent on the world she hates, to find a satisfactory end to her strange hell, which I ponder is becoming a reflection of her troubled mind . Ever more, she relishes in the challenge to participate in a strange coin-op game inspired fighting bout. Though it backfires horribly, there is a sort of moral lesson in humility that Gert and the readers can sink in. Perhaps, she is closer to her goal than she thinks.

Black Hammer #2 (Dark Horse) by Jeff Lemire, Dean Ormston, Dave Stewart

The second issue clarifies some of the mystery of the first issue while leaving much open to speculate on the future issues. We learn much about one particular character, a girl with Captain Marvel (the Shazam one) like origins and powers but with a twist. The story bounces back to the present with the current predicament of former heroes trapped somewhere, of which is questionable in reality. There is much thought on what the writer is looking to convey, perhaps as a metaphor on the changing complexities of superheroes these days. Still, I am finding myself hooked towards the interesting characters and mood-driven art.

Broken Moon #1 (American Gothic Press) by Phillip Kim, Nat Jones

NOTE: PUT OUT DIGITALLY VIA COMIXOLOGY SUBMIT.

A dark yet spirited post-apocalyptic tale that feels refreshed with interesting new elements mixed with the usual cliches of Darwinism and terrible weather. Here, men of different beastly natures must forge an uneasy alliance to fight a much bigger beast (a scary Kraken!) and other dangers. The art is wonderfully spooky with murky tones mixed with strategically placed brightness. It’s fun for the horror-hearted and less squeamish while setting the stage for interesting twists and turns. For its 99-cent digital price, this first issue is worth a look with an end that will likely have the reader clamoring for more.

Star Trek #60 (IDW) by Mike Johnson, Tony Shasteen

A sweet finale to the series that took place in the Abrams Trekverse but gave much more than the movie could in original stories and fan service. For here, that went double as the original series crew met (sort of) the Abrams crew. The story was an interesting one for each crew studying each other with curiosity while working together to solve their strange predicament. The conclusion, I felt was a bit of a wink to the fans of the old and new, of those who enjoyed the new movies and that old Prime continuity..that the players may change but Star Trek is best when the message remains the same. Through the many (but not all) comics of Star Trek, I felt the original spirit of Roddenberry continued on.

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That’s all until next time. Did we miss anything on the shelves, that is a worthy read?  Do you have further thoughts on the books covered here? Leave a comment below!

Orion T – SW chief writer and seeker of great comic books and all related wonderful things.