Comic Book Reviews (Week April 27, 2022): Action Comics Issue 1042, SIKTC Issue 22 & More!

Welcome to my comic book review round-up for the week of April 27, 2022. I will be covering Action Comics Issue 1042, Sabretooth Issue 3, Something Is Killing The Children Issue 22, and more.

Let’s begin by talking about Action Comics issue 1042. From writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson, even if you aren’t a huge Superman fan, I think you should consider reading the current ‘Warworld Saga’ arc because of how interesting it is. Also, the art by Riccardo Federici and Lee Loughridge portraying beefcake Daddy Clark doesn’t hurt.

There’s a whole lot of action in this issue with Clark stating why he’s fighting for the prisoners and how he’s impressed by their resolve. We also got a bunch of panels telling us what Lois is up to on Earth and how her assignment connects to what Clark and his team are doing.  

Action Comics issue 1042 offers a well-paced story that gives our heroes a fighting chance. I’m looking forward to seeing Clark and Midnighter continuing their mission to save the rest of their team members and figuring out how to rescue Apollo without destroying the planet they’re on.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Dark Knights of Steel Issue 6

From writer Tom Taylor, even though Dark Knights of Steel issue 6 was the halfway mark of the 12-issue series, it kind of felt a bit filler-ish to me. I think everything that happened in this chapter could have been compressed into half an issue. But oh well, having said that, I still enjoyed reading it.

We got some interesting character moments featuring Kal-El meeting Lois, and Constantine trying to figure out his feelings after losing King Jefferson (whom he’s in love with). I get that Constantine meant well, but the deal he struck at the end of the book is going to come and bite him soon enough. That’s kind of the pattern with Constantine.

As for Lois, being the smart woman she is, she picked up on someone quite possibly pulling the strings to begin a war between the two major kingdoms. I’m here for her trying to get to the bottom of the mystery. Let’s see if she’s able to accomplish that before it’s too late.

The issue also named dropped the Titans. So, here’s to hoping Dark Knights of Steel features Raven.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Sabretooth Issue 3

Okay. Sabretooth by writer Victor LaValle is the kind of comic book that I can’t deny is well-written even if it’s not for me. If you have been hesitating to read this series because you aren’t much of a Sabretooth fan, I would urge you to give it a shot anyway. Yes, Sabretooth is right there on the title, but LaValle is telling a story that’s larger than the titular lead character.

The narrative addresses some thought-provoking points concerning the prison system and how it impacts prisoners as well as those who have the power to lock others behind bars. But don’t worry about this story being preachy. LaValle remembers to balance such a narrative with the right amount of action panels. This series is basically the Krakoan version of a prison break movie.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit Issue 5

The current Ms. Marvel miniseries by writer Samira Ahmed concluded this week in an okay-ish manner. The latest chapter allowed Kamala to figure out what was happening with her powers and how she was connected to Qarin due to some multiversal weirdness. In short, the current dimension wasn’t big enough for the two of them. One had to go.

Even though she has some faults and still has a lot to learn as a young superhero, Kamala’s got a good heart. It made sense for her character to try and figure out a way to help Qarin without killing her. The science stuff Bruno and Nadia talked about and how they worked together to help Kamala made sense.

And while the miniseries has come to an end, it did lay the groundwork for a big threat coming Kamala’s way. Apparently, her adventures will continue across the Marvel Universe this summer. I know about the Ms. Marvel & Wolverine series coming out this July. But will Kamala deal with the continuing threat from ‘Beyond the Limit’ in that particular series or will she be getting another book? Hmmm. I guess we will find out soon enough.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Godzilla vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Issue 2

From writer Cullen Bunn, Godzilla vs. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers issue 2 continued to show our young heroes (or the “Power Brats” as Rita called them) dealing with giant monsters. The unfortunate misunderstanding between the Rangers and Godzilla led to everyone involved injuring themselves and being forced to retreat.

I liked how the locals made the Rangers realize that Godzilla was more or less the protector of their planet against the invading alien army. And with how things took a very bad turn for the Rangers at the end of this issue, I can’t wait to see Godzilla appear for an assist. At this point, I want the current mini-crossover series to show the Megazord merge with Godzilla as armor or something.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Something Is Killing The Children Issue 22

The latest SIKTC chapter wasted no time in showcasing the brutality present in Erica’s new enemy. I just know writer James Tynion IV was excited when thinking of such an introduction. Artist Werther Dell’Edera and colorist Miquel Muerto did an impressive job of visualizing the incredibly disturbing vibe. I really liked it!

The overall narrative continued to expand Erica’s dangerous supernatural world. This series can go on for decades and I won’t be against such a possibility. Tynion and his team know how to keep things fresh by bringing in new characters, monsters, and settings while also fleshing out Erica’s past, present, and future.

Something Is Killing The Children remains one of the best supernatural horror/action stories out there and if you haven’t begun reading it yet, you’re missing out!  

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Don’t forget to read Jessica’s review of Robin issue 13.

Which comic books did you read this week?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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