January 22nd, 2025

Rob's Picks:

You Won’t Feel a Thing #1 – Two creative heavyweights join forces for this haunting mystery from DSTLRY. The young studio has already built a well-deserved reputation for gathering the industry’s most prestigious talents and letting them cook. After their stunning work in DSTLRY’s first round of limited series, Scott Snyder (White Boat) and Jock (Gone) combine their powers for You Won’t Feel a Thing. Former homicide detective Jack Bernard had an illustrious career, taking down some of America’s most notorious killers. But as Jack nears the end of his days in a retirement home, that legacy offers little comfort. The dogged pursuit of justice came at great personal cost, leaving him with an estranged family and a lifetime of regrets—memories that are now slipping away as a tumor grows in his brain. In his lucid moments, he feels the terror of a once-capable man whose mind and body have turned against him—a terror that only intensifies with the return of the most notorious killer he never caught. Can Detective Bernard close this case in the days he has left, piecing together the clues of the present while his mind drifts through a fading past? This is an incredibly mature book, and Snyder uses his knack for horror to explore fears that are deeply real and relatable, especially for those who have watched a loved one’s mind deteriorate before their body. Jock showcases more range here than in Gone, thanks in no small part to colorist Lee Loughridge. Together, they capture Jack’s internal torment and unspoken emotions, seamlessly blending with Snyder’s layered writing. You Won’t Feel a Thing #1 is a near-perfect first issue—satisfying on its own while leaving you desperate for more.

Hyde Street #3 – We’ve had a long wait for the third issue of Hyde Street, but this belated Christmas special is well worth it. Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis (Blackest Night) bring some holiday cheer to their little hell on Earth in a story that partners Mr. X-Ray with Pranky, the evil Boy Scout. Pranky has decided to set aside their rivalry and put X-Ray on the trail of a damnable soul. There’s a man in a red suit going house to house—but unlike Santa Claus, this thief is taking everything from under the tree. It should be an easy score, but Hyde Street is full of competition for the mismatched duo, and their own rivalry still simmers beneath the surface. Johns and Reis continue to meet the high bar set by the preceding issues. The resurgence of anthology horror has made for a crowded field, yet Hyde Street stands out by blending its standalone stories with an overarching narrative and a richly developed netherworld full of sharply defined characters. Even if you missed the earlier issues or the Devour one-shot, this is an easy title to jump into, and all horror fans should be reading it.

Hellverine #2 – Akihiro continues to seek answers about his rebirth as the Hellverine. To better understand his connection to the demon Bagra-Ghul, Doctor Strange sends him back to where he died and was reborn. In the frozen wastes of the North Pole, Akihiro finds mutants beset by horrors in the remains of the secret base once home to X-Force. When Bagra-Ghul came for Logan’s son, the door to Hell didn’t close behind him—more evil followed in his wake. Saving his fellow mutants takes priority, leading to plenty of the pulpy action that writer Benjamin Percy (Ghost Rider/Wolverine: Weapons of Vengeance) excels at. This issue also expands on the Hellverine’s abilities, giving us a deeper look at his infernal powers. The supernatural side of the Marvel universe is getting a lot of attention right now, taking center stage in multiple series. Hellverine seems poised to connect the dots between them, as Akihiro and the former Sorcerer Supreme continue their investigation into Hell’s newfound interest in mutantkind. This is the most metal thing Marvel is publishing that doesn’t come in a Red Band polybag—a must-read for anyone enjoying Blade or Wolverine: Revenge.

Solomon's Picks:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto #2 – The first issue of this crossover was fantastic, and the follow-up is no different! Both parties have gathered at the Turtles’ lair, learning more about each other’s histories and the tribulations they face. After a few pages of exposition, we’re introduced to what I assume will be the primary antagonist, and his dramatic entrance is both well-deserved and well-executed. The way this book retells key moments from both franchises while staying true to the source material has been fascinating to read. Most of the changes made are clever bits of fan service that enhance the story rather than detract from it. As I mentioned in my last review, I absolutely love the art in this book—it’s the perfect blend of American comics and Japanese manga, giving it an updated yet familiar look that suits both properties. The Turtles are no strangers to crossovers, having had many successful ones over the years. However, Naruto isn’t a franchise that typically lends itself to such things, so there’s a certain pressure surrounding this story. After two issues, I can confidently say this is one of the best crossovers I’ve read for either series! Since this issue serves as the “lore dump,” I can guarantee the third issue will be a spectacle—especially given that last page. Grab this book now, because it moves fast!

Doctor Doom & Rocket Raccoon #1 – When this story was first announced, I was hesitant. Now that it’s out, I can confidently say this is one of my favorite Marvel duo stories in recent years—an oddly satisfying pairing! From J. Michael Straczynski, Will Robson, and Andrew Dalhouse, this book is an absolute blast for fans of either character. It kicks off with Doom requesting (demanding) Rocket’s help in traveling back in time—before the Big Bang—to answer the ultimate philosophical question: Why? Despite that grand premise, the book is far more humorous than I expected, but the humor never undermines the plot. In fact, it works so well because of the fantastic chemistry between Doom and Rocket, a dynamic that I don’t think many saw coming. The weight of Doom’s past is literally the driving force of this story, and the creative team does an incredible job demonstrating this—especially in a breathtaking splash panel near the end that encapsulates the book’s central theme perfectly. Speaking of the art, Robson plays around with different styles throughout the issue to highlight shifting emotions, eras, and themes, which makes for a visually compelling read. If, like me, you were hesitant about picking this one up—don’t be! I absolutely loved this issue, and I promise you will too.

You Won’t Feel a Thing #1 – This title had a lot of buzz leading up to its release, landing on many people’s most-anticipated lists. I’m admittedly not a die-hard Scott Snyder fan, but after reading this first issue, it’s now on my must-read list! Our protagonist, Jack, is a former detective who has burned every bridge in his life and now spends his days in an assisted living facility, reluctantly waiting for the brain tumors to kill him. But when a case from his past resurfaces, diving deep into his own memories is the only way to solve it. I won’t spoil much more, but this book does an excellent job of building suspense, with several moments that made me stop and reevaluate everything I thought I knew about the story. As a psychological horror, it explores themes of regret, shame, and fear—those uncomfortable emotions we all deal with—on nearly every page. The art is stunning, thanks to Jock, whose uniquely jarring style makes every spread and panel utterly captivating. This famous creative duo absolutely nailed this debut issue, and I can only hope they maintain this level of quality to the end. As I mentioned, I don’t typically jump out of my seat for a Snyder story, so let my recommendation be a testament to just how good this book is. Grab a copy today—you won’t regret it!