Here are some new comics from last week, of which I have thoughts to share.

In this round, I choose mostly ongoing series recently enjoyed and something new. There were many more titles to capture my attention, however my time was limited (and my log review later than usual). Let’s see below (with minor spoilers)…

(with minor spoilers)

RECENT COMICS, RELEASED 9/28:

Lake of Fire #2 (Image) by Nathan Fairbairn, Matt Smith

A great second issue that feels more like a cinematic thrill ride than your average comic involving chivalry and/or murderous alien monsters. Here, we have more great character buildup, especially of one heroic knight saving a local woman from religious persecutors and whatever the otherworldly hell has come to feast on all human flesh. Suddenly, there is a massive fight for survival with some stylish, yet simple sequential art that feels a bit like an old classic comic packed with action and suspense. There is something familiar about the set-up as nothing is truly original, just a mix-matching of familiar tropes. This one is just better done, thus making me forget whatever elements I have seen before. I like the end, where there we have a narrowing down of the brave souls left, calling for more heroism and bravery in the next issue.

Saga #38 (Image) by Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples

What?!! Oh hell no!! I felt some the tragic loss coming from the recent issues, as things seem to go to well for our friends in the Sagaverse. We lose a very beloved character in a sad tragical scene that also introduces a new, and instantly hated character. Yet, such done in a way that I feel reminds the readers that not everyone here is safe, not even a #####. Much of this issue seems calculated to make us feel more so for this character as there are moments where said character brings joy, bravery, and love to the central cast. Suddenly, there is an impact on the last page, that brings emotion to Hazel and the readers. It’s a bit heartbreaking but a feat for the writer and artist to make such an impact using a bizarre made-up universe that is far more fantasy-fiction than science-fiction.

Hillbilly #3 (Albatross) by Eric Powell

Issue three is as great as the first two issues, with another great almost self-contain story with Rondel the Hillbilly. This time, he is less alone as he guides others and us readers through a swamp of terrors and dark fairy tales. There is much lore and mythology, all fresh and exciting while the Hillbilly leads on with a bit more direct action. The art continues to draw the reader in, with introductions on new elements of talking familiars and distorted nature. The colors and rich backdrops continue to delight the part of me that loves a god fantasy. I liked twist to the story near the end, solving a bit of mystery brought about. There is more ahead, with a personal vendetta that needs to be met. I remain excited to see where this all goes and loving the journey.

Lady Mechanika: La Dama de la Muerte #1 (Benitez Productions) by Joe Benitez, M M Chen, Bath Sotelo

I have yet to read the earlier Lady Mechanika series but decided to take a chance on this new series. This, because I love that cover. Within, I found much more than the steampunk western I was expecting. There is much to this robotic traveling dame, as her responses and observations have a cool, badass tune. Yet, not be left alone as the usual tough western tropes go, she excepts herself among locals at a Day of the Dead celebration of Mexican culture. Along the way in this strange fictional reality, she makes friends and learns interesting things, leading to new dangers and stakes among new friends. The art and digital coloring are stunning, with rich details to behold.

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That’s all until next time. Did we miss any worthwhile reads on the latest shelves?  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.