Comic Book Reviews (Week July 27, 2022): Gambit Issue 1, SIKTC Issue 25 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (July 27, 2022). I will be talking about Gambit issue 1, Something Is Killing The Children issue 2, Sins of the Black Flamingo issue 2, and more.

Let’s begin with Gambit issue 1. I picked it up because it has Storm in it and was written by the iconic Chris Claremont. Set during the time when Ororo got turned into a child, I liked reading the dynamic between her and Gambit. However, I don’t think the debut issue delivered for me storywise. Like, I don’t even know what to say about the issue in my review. It’s just a thing that exists. Gambit is supposed to be a limited run, so, hopefully, things will become interesting for me in the upcoming installments.

If I were to choose a moment that stood out to me, I would say that I liked the conversation Remy had with Ororo about how she shouldn’t act smug, especially when facing someone as dangerous as the Shadow King. Ororo trying to deal with the memories and different languages (all of the “noise”) swirling inside her head was another moment I liked.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Up to you.

Kaiju Score: Steal From the Gods Issue 4

From writer James Patrick and artist Rem Broo, the current series came to a predictable conclusion when showcasing how Michelle had to deal with Prodathu getting ready to destroy the world. However, that predictability didn’t take away from the interesting story because Patrick made sure to focus on Michelle’s emotions and how the recent events would play a role in molding her future.

The decisions that Michelle’s crew made at the end made sense. And with Kiju Score: Steal From the Gods opening a new chapter in Michelle’s life, I hope we get to see her again soon. I wouldn’t be against Kaiju Score returning with a new set of characters (young thieves) wanting to make it big and learning the hard way about what being part of such a business entailed. Michelle could be involved in such a story as a mentor or she can be addressing something in the background that then connects with what the new characters are up to.

I just feel there are still a lot of stories that can be told in the world of Kaiju Score.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

I Hate This Place Issue 3

Things grew worse for our married queer couple in the third issue of I Hate This Place, even though they brought in some help to exorcise the ghosts from the ranch. I wasn’t expecting Dante Howitzer to be a capable ghost hunter. I really thought he was going to be some kind of a scammer. But nopes. He’s definitely got experience when dealing with the supernatural. However, having said that, I think the latest assignment might be a bit too much for him. That cliffhanger! I want to read the next issue right now!

Even though the story seems to be quite slow when it comes to delivering answers, I don’t care because writer Kyle Starks uses said pace to create the right type of disturbing tone. The readers are just as confused about the reasons behind the supernatural occurrences as the lead characters. And I’m here for learning the answers together. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Sins of the Black Flamingo Issue 2

Writer Andrew Wheeler continued to tell an interesting story led by a character you will find yourself caring for. Yes, Sebastian has a somewhat stuck-up air about him, but considering what he’s involved in, you can kind of see where he’s coming from. The second issue dives a bit deeper into Sebastian’s thoughts on religion. He doesn’t believe in angels, but I think he has no other choice but to start believing.

Sebastian’s plan to deal with Mr. Scar’s men was fun. Why dirty your hands when you can make a cursed location do it for you? Also, I don’t know if it was just me, but I think Wheeler was going for a Harley Quinn-inspired look for Sebastian during that particular scene. 

The debut issue had a twist that changed Sebastian’s trajectory and the latest issue was no different. I know he will make it out of the situation somehow, but it was still quite shocking to see.

The art by Travis Moore, with colors by Tamra Bonvillain, remains stunning. And again, I found myself wishing that this comic book went all the way adult. Sigh! What could have been!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Something Is Killing The Children Issue 25

From writer James Tynion IV, Something is Killing the Children issue 25 was all about hurting Erica. And it’s going to be difficult for me to talk about it while avoiding spoilers. But I will try. Not only did Erica get injured while fighting a vicious being she didn’t know how to defeat, but Cutter took something precious away from Erica. The scene where Erica realized what Cutter was going to do to a certain someone while Erica listed helplessly over the phone was well-written.

While the current supernatural monster is indeed a threat, I think all of us are anxious to see Erica vs Cutter. From what’s been shown, Cutter seems to be the better fighter. So, Erica needs to come up with an effective plan, and even reach out to some possible allies, if she wants to win their inevitable showdown.

As for the rest of the characters, I’m still waiting to see what kind of development Tynion has in the works for Gabi and Riqui. I hope they have something to contribute to the current arc instead of simply existing so Erica can have someone to talk to.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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You can read Jessica’s review of the Zatanna: The Jewel of Gravesend graphic novel here.

Which comic books did you read this week? What did you think of Gambit issue 1?

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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