October 30th, 2024
Rob's Picks:
It Happened on Hyde Street: Devour #1
Hyde Street #1 made an unforgettable entrance, instantly setting itself apart among horror anthologies with its unique premise of horror hosts competing to collect souls. Now, Devour continues the twisted tales of Hyde Street, following bride-to-be Lily as she falls into the trap of Miss Goodbody, the neighborhood’s “fitness fiend.” Having grown up under the relentless pressure of her impossibly thin mother, Bernice, Lily is desperate to shed “just a few more pounds” for her wedding. Bernice has the “perfect solution”—a miracle supplement called Devour. Written by Maytal Zchut, the story pulls no punches in its dark, cynical commentary on beauty standards, fitting right into the satirical horror vibe established in Hyde Street #1. Leila Leiz and colorist Alex Sinclair brilliantly enhance the story with vividly lit, colorful artwork that’s unsettling in its openness, refusing to hide horror in the shadows. Devour cements Hyde Street as a must-read horror series that knows exactly what it’s doing.
Poison Ivy / Swamp Thing: Feral Trees #1
Something is horribly amiss in Arkham’s woods—the Green is in pain, and people are disappearing. Only a few beings can hear the cries for help, and among them are DC’s eco-heroes (and sometimes eco-terrorists), Swamp Thing and Poison Ivy. Feral Trees dives deeper into their connection than ever before. Writer G. Willow Wilson, acclaimed for her nuanced run on Poison Ivy, explores Ivy’s unique position between two worlds: the Green and humanity. While Ivy may despise humanity’s flaws, she is tied to them in ways Swamp Thing, a pure force of nature, cannot be. Atagun Ilhan’s art beautifully complements the story, packing panels with rich detail and eerie atmosphere. This one-shot offers both newcomers and long-time fans a taste of the complex, resonant storytelling that has made Wilson’s Poison Ivy series a fan favorite. If you’re curious about what has everyone talking, Feral Trees is a perfect place to dive in.
Wolverine: Revenge Red Band Edition #3
In the third installment of Jonathan Hickman’s Wolverine: Revenge, Logan travels across the globe, facing off against Omega Red and Deadpool. With the plot now in high gear, this issue serves up the intense action expected from the series, alongside a standout moment: an extended, introspective exchange between Wolverine and Deadpool. Hickman contrasts Deadpool’s endless chatter with Logan’s gruff brevity, touching on the core question of redemption for characters with such dark pasts. Greg Capullo’s gritty, sharp artwork drives home the raw, western-inspired tone, giving each scene weight and intensity. The issue ends on a tense note, setting up a climactic #4 that promises plenty of unexpected turns. Wolverine: Revenge is proving to be a captivating, no-holds-barred exploration of Logan’s character, a must for fans of Wolverine and antiheroes alike.
Solomon's Picks:
Devour #1
Devour offers another intriguing entry in the Ghost Machine and Hyde Street universe. This twisted, dark tale by Maytal Zchut, Leila Leiz, Alex Sinclair, and Rob Leigh delves into the lengths some families will go to achieve beauty and thinness. This story spans three generations of women, each wrestling with body image issues, shame inflicted by family, and societal pressures. Their struggles lead them to seek the help of Ms. Goodbody, a sinister figure offering a magical weight-loss solution. The grandmother represents the extreme "Almond Mom" (a mother encouraging disordered eating), while the mother attempts to break the cycle, but ultimately fails, passing the burden to Lily, the daughter desperate to fit into her wedding dress. The haunting art perfectly captures the unsettling theme, with striking expressions and designs that linger in the mind. This chilling story explores the curse of desirability and the toll it takes. If Hyde Street is any indicator, Devour is not to be missed!
Day of The Dead Girl #1
Day of The Dead Girl by AJ Mendez, Aimee Garcia, and Belen Culebras is a surprise hit, blending a cultural celebration with a compelling horror element. The story follows Ana and her daughter Samantha Castillo, who share the same goal but have contrasting dreams. Samantha, a U.S.-trained surgeon, struggles with her cultural identity, choosing an "American" name and criticizing traditional practices. Meanwhile, Ana preserves the family’s customs and struggles to understand her daughter's perspective on life and death. The vibrant, colorful artwork breathes life into the pages, offering unforgettable visuals that will have readers flipping back to take in every detail. Ending on an intriguing note, this issue teases an upcoming spike in the paranormal, hinting at greater horror elements to come. This book may have flown under the radar this week, but it's worth grabbing for its blend of cultural depth and supernatural suspense!
The Penguin Special #1
This new Penguin Special collects classic tales along with new entries that offer fresh insights into Gotham’s iconic crime lord. The standout story reveals Oswald's ruthlessness and answers the long-standing question of his children’s mother. Additional stories showcase Penguin’s cunning and cruelty, reminding readers of his reputation as one of Batman’s darkest foes. Though the collection is partly intended to familiarize viewers with Penguin’s history before the new show, it’s still a great pick-up for new and seasoned fans alike. For the price, this collection is an excellent way to get to know Oswald or explore his origins further. Also, if you haven’t yet, check out The Penguin series—it's one of the best shows on right now and deepens appreciation for this complex villain.