Comic Reviews 11.03.2015

Unity #23 Writer: James Ausmus Artist: Diego Bernard Valiant Comics	Grade: B	This is the first issue of Unity not written by Matt Kindt. Some have said the series under Kindt, after a phenomenal start, had bogged down over the past six or so issues. While I don't necessarily agree with that (I think Unity has been a consistently fun read from the get-go), I was still interested to see what a new writer could bring to the table. While the story is a bit wordy/choppy and difficult to follow in places, this is a compelling "major implications" story that includes the possible return of the Armor Hunters and GIN-GR turning against Unity. (FYI, Armor Hunters is probably the best multi-crossover "big event" series the new Valiant has published, IMO.) The art here is OK but clunky in places, with too many small panels. And what is up with Livewire's suit? Really? I don't think she'd choose to wear something like that at the office. But that quibble aside, this was a good read and I'm looking forward to see what Ausmus does in the next issue. Unfortunately, Unity ends with issue #25 (which is a stand-alone issue, apparently) so he needs to wrap all of this up in issue #24.
The Twilight Children #1 Writer: Gilbert Hernandez Artist: Darwyn Cooke Vertigo/DC Comics	Grade: B+	Pretty cool start to this mini-series by Gilbert Hernandez and Darwyn Cooke. Easy to read and follow, although a few minor storytelling "hinks" here and there. Breezy artwork. Cooke's women are so cute and sexy!
Marvel Zombies #4 Writer: Simon Spurrier Artist: Kev Walker Marvel Comics	Grade: C for this issue, but I give the mini-series a solid B.	This is the final issue in this "Secret Wars" mini-series. I enjoyed all of the previous issues in this series, but this last issue was confusing and I'm not sure it satisfactorily wrapped up the story. It's a good example of the challenge writers face who are charged with doing these sorts of "big event tie-in" issues and mini-series. Maybe you have a cool concept to work with, but can you turn that into a good story start to finish? An admirable effort overall but it came up a bit short on the wrap-up. Excellent art by Kev Walker though.
Paper Girls #1 Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Artist: Cliff Chiang Image Comics	Grade: A	Looks to be another winner from Brian K. Vaughan. Excellent first issue, although I will wait until this is done before I read any further. I still need to finish "Y: The Last Man" and I've sworn off of "Saga" until it's finished. I don't feel anybody can really judge these long ongoing series until they are complete.
Broken Moon #2 (of 4) Writer: Steve Niles Artist: Nat Jones American Gothic Press	Grade: C+	A horror story with some potential. Deals with a post-apocalyptic world where vampires have taken over the cities, are breeding humans for food, and polluting the skies to block out the sun. There are also werewolves who hate the vampires and packs of humans just trying to survive. The werewolves decide to band with the humans to take down the vamps, and at the end of this issue we are introduced to a city of Frankenstein monsters! Sorta corny, minimal characterization, and the painted art is so dark it is sometimes hard to see who is who (or what is what). On the plus side, it's a very easy read -- you can literally read this issue in a few minutes. Overall, this series is nothing great, but it's passable and offers some fun. The city of Frankensteins will bring me back for the next issue. Otherwise, I'd probably dump this.