The Leaders of the Free World #1 Review

Writer: Corey Pruitt

Artist: Elijah Isaiah Johnson

Rating: 5 of 8

The Leaders of the Free World #1

Sometimes the different pieces of something good fail to come together to make a greater whole. Unfortunately, that's the case with The Leaders of the Free World's debut issue. There're different elements that, if better realized, could make for a more satisfying issue, but they aren't.

I will praise how Pruitt tells us the world's history. Instead of one character explaining it to another, we find it out from Cong Li reading out his history book in class, which is a unique way to fill us in on the world's history. 

So far, Li isn't a really likable or compelling protagonist. He has such an attitude that it feels like he's rebelling against something, but what? It could be what they're being taught. Not understanding it, or agreeing with it. Or that he's not allowed to use his powers in other parts of the world, so needs to let that anger out somewhere. 

Even though it's only brief, I liked the conversation between Brotha Nature and his mother Gaea. It teased an interesting internal conflict that could be interesting to see explored in future issues. I didn't understand why it ended all of a sudden, with the next scene being between them, Cong and his friend.

The issue also didn't explain what Cong and Cage were doing there and only alluded to why Nature was chastising them, instead of showing what angered him. I feel the issue ended abruptly and that it was odd it ended where it did, having only switched scenes. It might've been better if the issue had the Moonshine scenes toward the end, instead of having the Cong scenes interrupt the flow.

Overall, a disappointing 1st issue. Shows some promise, particularly with Brotha Nature's internal conflict, but not much else. Art's mostly a bit messy, though there is some excitement from a scene where superhero Technokinetic faces off against a giant octopus. Most of the Godsend are very well drawn, with Johnson here evoking a style reminiscent of classic superhero comics. Hopefully future issues are an improvement.

Ant-Man (2020) #1 Review

Writer: Zeb Wells

Artist: Dylan Burnett

Rating: 6 of 8

Ant-Man #1

Good things can come in small packages. That's certainly the case with Ant-Man #1, the first Ant-Man comic in years. One of it's highlights is definitely it's humour. Whether it's an ant giving out to Scott, or a beekeeper telling him they should've called Bee-Man, the issue's filled with a very welcome humour that really helps it stand apart from other comics on the market.

 Instead of hearing what insects said from Ant-Man, we get to see what they said from the insect's mouth. Instead of having them speak like people, they have a shorter, more straightforward speech pattern. I really loved Well's using a lesser known villain, one that I never expected to see, but makes perfect sense for Ant-Man to take on.

Here, Scott and his daughter Cassie have a more fractious relationship than I expected, though that could be because they're not used to fighting crime together, so it could take some time to adjust. The art isn't as defined as I'd like, though it really shines at times, like when Scott pops out to greet Cassie, or when he's shrinking.

I don't usually praise lettering, but Cory Petit did a great job, particularly when Cassie's shouting for her Dad, or when he leaves his 'house'. Overall, a pretty good 1st issue and one I'd happily recommend. It's not perfect, but I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. It'll be interesting to see where things go from here, particularly due to how it ends. Definitely worth a read.

Action Comics #1019 Review

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: John Romita JR

Rating: 6 of 8

Action Comics #1019

For the past few issues, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have been doing their best to protect Metropolis from an attacking Legion of Doom, with the last issue revealing they were now allied with Leviathan, a man who'd recently destroyed the intelligence agencies in a concentrated attack. 

The issue explores when their alliance first began, though it's one I definitely have problems with. I can understand Lex being fascinated by Leviathan due to what he'd accomplished, but I'm not sure that'd be enough for him to pursue a meeting, especially when he's pursuing much grander ambitions at this point.

It's also odd seeing what Luthor's focusing on, considering how things have gone with him in recent issues of Justice League. If the issue'd come out a little earlier, it might've had more impact than it does now. The art's also a bit mixed, as in some areas - like with Lex, Leviathan and a fairly intriguing locale - it really shines, but in others, it's a little disappointing.

Ultimately, I don't really recommend the issue. Bendis has done a lot better in previous issues and has proven to be a fantastic choice for Superman, particularly when it comes to focusing on journalism and hidden crime. Despite this, the issue makes some decisions that don't make sense and it's unfortunately coming out at a bad time because of how the Doom War's progressed. Hopefully the next story-line's a lot better.

Batman #87 Review

Writer: James Tynion IV

Artist: Guillem March

Rating: 8 of 8

Batman #87

It's not often you get a perfect issue, but this is one of those times. When I was trying to figure out what to rate the issue, I was trying to figure out if I had any problems with it and, if I did, were they big enough to justify giving it a lower rating? 

But, they definitely weren't. Though the Riddler's design's a bit stranger than I'm used to, it definitely didn't detract from the issue. Tynion does a great job showcasing how characters feel, like how Commissioner Bullock is in doubt he'll be kept in the job, or in Bruce's guilt for having Lucius fill the role Alfred once had.

With just one scene, the team delivers some truly astounding action. When Batman's chasing down one of the assassins, he pursues, while she thrillingly responds. The issue ends with an incredibly exciting cliffhanger and I can hardly wait to see how it's followed up.

Overall, an absolutely fantastic issue. I'm intrigued to find out exactly what's going on and hopeful for Bruce's plans for his city. I love how he's following up King's run and how he's using what King did instead of reversing or ignoring it. No matter how you feel about King's run, or Tynion's on Detective, I highly recommend you pick up the issue. You'll be glad you did.

Rising Sun #1 Review

Writers: Ron Marz + David Rodriguez

Artist: Martin Coccolo

Rating: 7 of 8

Rising Sun #1

Simply put, Rising Sun is just a fun story, an easy read and one you'll speed through very happily. It's a classic adventure, following a group of warriors in 12th century Japan. All hailing from different clans, most of them work well together, though there's some noticeable dissension from single-minded Takara.

This helps add to the group's dynamic and makes things more interesting, instead of everyone getting along. The main thrust of the issue's the group battling a dragon and dealing with the deadly consequences for one of their number. Coccolo's art really packs the scene with tension, as you get a real sense he's fighting for his life.

The opening scene's filled with some great action and, for the most part, noticeable group cohesion. From Hotaru's swirling blade attack to Totsuo's Seven Spirit Strike, the scene's brimming with awesome action scenes, only adding reasons to enjoy the issue.

Even towards the end, Marz and co pack the scene with intrigue and a growing sense of dread. At the end, I'm really unsure how the group's going to escape alive, which only gives readers more reason to pick up the next issue. One of my only criticisms is that I think the art didn't make it clear that Takara was a woman, which we only find out through dialogue.

Overall, a great debut, which I highly recommend. Great action, varied, eerie enemies and a wide range of costumes that help to make the characters stand out. Most definitely worth a read.

Daphne Byrne #1 Review

Writer: Laura Marks

Artist: Kelley Jones

Rating: 7 of 8

Daphne Byrne #1

 When someone dies, it can be hard to let yourself live. That's definitely something Mrs Byrne and her daughter can attest to, though both in decidedly different ways. While her mother pays a medium so she can hear from her late husband, Daphne visits his grave, telling him things only he would understand.

Though there's a lot to like about the issue, one shortfall is in how Jones draws Daphne. I think he should've made her face a bit smaller because of her age and her hair a bit shorter. Some of the other girls look right in that way, but I think Daphne's drawn older than she is. At the end of the seance, I confused her for her mother, thinking she was angry, or jealous, of her daughter.

Jones delivers some delicious atmosphere later on, as a dreaming Daphne visits a graveyard. The scene's dripping with some of the most goosebump inducing imagery I've seen in a while, while not being too horrific. One of the best was when she's walking down a number of steps, casting a notably large shadow upon the wall.

When she's waking up, Jones creates a great feeling of gasping for air, making you feel like you need one yourself. The ending opens up some intriguing possibilities, making me question how right her father actually was. Overall, a pretty good 1st issue, despite my complaints. It's filled with one of my favourite kinds of speech - sophisticated and elegant. It's also a time period I love, which automatically pulls me in. So, pick up a chair and give it a spin - you'll be glad you did.

Star Wars (2020) #1 Review

Writer:Charles Soule

Artist: Jesús Saiz

Rating: 7 of 8

Star Wars #1

''No, I am your father''. These were 5 of the most important words in the Star Wars saga, reverberating to this very day. That continues to be the case here, as Vader's Charles Soule kicks off his run on Star Wars. Set after Empire Strikes Back, the comic explores a seldom explored period in the series, with the Rebels forced to deal with various losses from friend and foe alike.

Though we didn't get to see it explored much on screen, here Luke struggles both with the loss of his hand and the devastating revelation that Darth Vader's his father. It's something I really like seeing tackled, especially as we didn't get to see Luke struggle for long without his hand. It's also great seeing him grapple with the fact that both of his mentors lied to him, making him wonder just who he's meant to be.

Adding Lando to the group helps create an interesting new dynamic, largely because of his temporary alliance to the Empire. Instead of having someone they know and trust, they've got someone who's already betrayed them and is partly to blame for their friend's capture. It adds a bit of tension and helps make things more interesting, instead of continuing a familiar dynamic.

Overall, a very strong start to the series and a good sign of things to come. I'll definitely check out the next issue, as I'm curious to see where Soule takes us next, especially in this turbulent, uncertain period. Saiz does a great job on the art, drawing a perfect Vader and some very expressive characters, especially Commander Zahra. He does very well illustrating Luke's internal divide and just how much he's struggling with recent revelations. I wholeheartedly recommend the issue - I doubt you'll be disappointed.