Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.
These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.
Logan
Touched by a Demon #2 (Dark Horse) – Touched by a Demon continues to be a charming, darkly humorous series from cartoon Kristen Gudsnuk. This book excels at both the macro and micro levels of storytelling. I live for the background gags and the distinction in character designs between demons and humans, but Gudsnuk also does a good job of letting Bifrons and Zuzu struggle and fail yet somehow find growth in an organic way. This is a comic that’s very silly and yet also deals with serious subjects like abuse in an empathetic way. It also has numerous smart things to say about theology and free will in an even handed way. Overall: 9.0 Verdict: Buy
Sonic Racing: Crossworlds #1 (IDW Publishing) – Sonic Racing Crossworlds #1 is a tie-in comic to a new Sonic racing game of the same title. (That’s a fun development.) However, it feels a lot like when you were younger, and an older friend or sibling would unplug your controller so that you won’t really playing. Crossworlds #1 has bright colors, anarchic action, and even some snappy one-liners from Iasmin Omar Ata. (I love how they write the Shadow/Jet rivalry.) However, with so many characters, plot threads, and utter randomness, the book ends up having no flow on a big picture level. Overall: 5.8 Verdict: Pass
Exploit #1 (Mad Cave Studios) – Co-written by former Wired, Verge, and Comics Alliance journalist Laura Hudson, Exploit #1 is a high adrenaline valentine to the fourth estate, especially the tech side. Hudson, Tim Leong, and Emiliana Pinna craft an intriguing and relatable lead in Kirby, who is 34 years and interning at one of the last tech magazines that isn’t under the thrall of billionaires and AI. I love her enthusiasm and thirst for truth and making a difference even if she isn’t in the typical intern age bracket. She’s not naive and idealist ; she just has nothing left to lose. Before introducing the thriller elements, Hudson, Leong, and Pinna go full day in the life of an up and coming journalist with snappy dialogue, bright colors from Rebecca Good, and zippy panel-to-panel transitions. Exploit #1 is a comic about a conflict that is near and dear to my heart while also being a compelling and entertaining read. Overall: 9.4 Verdict: Buy
Discover more from Graphic Policy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Graphic Policy
