Laura Martin

Although Black Panther #1’s writing is rough in places as Ta-Nehisi Coates flits from scene to scene without letting Brian Stelfreeze do an establishing panel at times, it has a strong thematic base in the conflict between monarchy and democracy, and the always universally tradition versus progress. The comic’s cliffhanger is a little less than compelling by throwing in a fan favorite character without any foreshadowing or a hook for the next issue. Coates and Stelfreeze also craft a pair of supporting characters (and antagonists for now) in the Dora Milaje turned Midnight Angels Aneka and Ayo, who are easily the best part of this comic.

Astonishing X-Men “Gifted” is one of those storylines that will make long term X-Men fans purr with delight beginning the Claremont era flashbacks in issue one. (Cassaday mimics Byrne’s art quite well.) It also can turn fans (like me five years ago) of the films and cartoons into mutie and comics junkies. Whedon pays homage to older X-Men stories without getting mired in continuity and quickly places his own stamp on the franchise by creating a new alien foe for them (Ord of the Breakworld), exploring the mutant as outsider metaphor with the cure of the X-gene, giving SHIELD a new branch (SWORD), and also bringing a beloved character back from the dead (Colossus) in a touching, visceral way that serves the long term storyline. However, the best part of Astonishing X-Men “Gifted” other than John Cassaday’s detailed, cinematically composed art and Whedon’s insanely quotable dialogue is the character arcs for each X-Man nestled in the bigger plot.

Star Wars #1 Written by Jason Aaron Art by John Cassaday Colored by Laura Martin Published by Marvel Comics The biggest new release of 2015 (so far) is Marvel’s first endeavor into Star Wars comics for the first time since the 1980s. There are loads of variant covers, quite a few release parties, and rumored …

Ragnarok #1 opens in a suitably operatic manner as Thor and the last remaining Asgardians hold their ground against the Midgard Serpent and the world-devouring wolf Fenrir. Writer/artist Walter Simonson quotes directly from the Icelandic epic Elder Edda and shows that he can still draw gods, trolls, and elves 28 years after his run on Thor wrapped up.

Serenity Leaves on the Wind #6 Written by Zack Whedon Pencilled by Georges Jeanty Inked by Karl Story Colors by Laura Martin Published by Dark Horse Comics For lack of a better term, Serenity #6 is a comfort food for a Firefly fan. It is full of snarky dialogue, a pack of underdogs saving the day once again, aerial maneuvers, …

Serenity Leaves on the Wind #4 Written by Zack Whedon Pencilled by Georges Jeanty Inked by Karl Story Colors by Laura Martin Published by Dark Horse Comics Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #4 is a  better paced comic than the previous issue in the miniseries. Writer Zack Whedon manages to include the planning and execution of Mal …

Serenity Leaves on the Wind #3 Written by Zack Whedon Pencilled by Georges Jeanty Inked by Karl Story Colors by Laura Martin Published by Dark Horse Comics Sometimes Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #3 is very good. Artist Georges Jeanty has an impressive handle on the interior of Serenity, which is detailed and has all the nooks and crannies of …

Serenity Leaves on the Wind #2 Written by Zack Whedon Pencilled by Georges Jeanty Inked by Karl Story Colors by Laura Martin Published by Dark Horse Comics The Serenity Leaves on the Wind miniseries isn’t new reader friendly, but it is a great place for fans of the Firefly TV series and Serenity film to reconnect with their favorite characters and …

Inhumanity #1 Writer: Matt Fraction Penciller: Olivier Coipel Inker: Mark Morales Colorist: Laura Martin Publisher: Marvel Comics On paper, Inhumanity seems like it could be a cool book or event. There are sci-fi elements (futuristic machines and medicines), political intrigue (who will succeed Black Bolt as leader of the Inhumans), and even some superheroics (the cool Inhuman transformations, …