Comic Book Reviews (Week July 7, 2021): Runways Issue 37, Black’s Myth Issue 1, Wynd Issue 8, and More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (July 7, 2021). I will be covering Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point Issue 6, Wynd Issue 8, Black’s Myth Issue 1, and more!

I’m going to open with Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 6. As far as my opinion goes, writer Christos Gage and the rest of the creative team deserve a round of applause for making a crossover between the Batman and Fortnite franchises work! Like, which one of us could have ever imagined such a crossover delivering an engrossing story? Wow!

The finale brought the six-part series to a satisfying close while opening doors for a continuation (that can’t be released soon enough!). The twists at the end of Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 6 made sense considering the shenanigans that occurred throughout this series. However, I could have done without a particular villainous character (without giving too much of a spoiler, all I’ll say is that his name can be shortened to BWL). I do think he’s overstayed his welcome when it comes to Batman comics. 

With the romance between Selina and Bruce being a major factor in the narrative, I liked seeing them question if they should risk going back to their reality. Even though they made the right choice to head back to Gotham City, their relationship was strained. Apparently, this story took place after Selina decided not to marry Bruce, but before the two made amends during the current Batman run by James Tynion IV.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the creative team will work on a sequel without making another Fornite crossover feel repetitive.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Runaways Issue 37

Writer Rainbow Rowell decided to stay away from dialogue for the majority of Runaways issue 37. Even without getting to read what our main cast was thinking, I enjoyed every panel as Rowell and the rest of the creative team hit the right beats when it came to delivering on comedy and emotionally heavy events. There’s a HUGE MOMENT concerning Karolina and I can’t wait to see what this young team decides to do next.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP! 

Mamo Issue 1

If you’re into a story about magic, young leads, and appealing art, you should consider checking out Mamo issue 1 by writer Sas Milledge. BOOM! hasn’t disappointed me yet, so I have high hopes for this latest series.

Mamo issue 1 opened with Jo, a resident of a small town named Haresden, going to meet a witch named Orla to get rid of a curse on Jo’s mother. While initially saying no to Jo, something strange does make Orla agree to help her out. I liked the connection between the two leads. They aren’t friends yet, but you can tell there’s potential. (Perhaps even potential of being more than just friends?)

Milledge’s definitely laid the groundwork for a lot of interesting worldbuilding in such a story. There’s clearly something magically wrong with Haresden, and the fact Orla’s got a tense past with said town isn’t doing her any favors to her wellbeing.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Basilisk Issue 2

From Cullen Bunn and Jonas Scharf, I ended up enjoying Basilisk issue 2 more than I did the debut issue. I loved the gore-filled panels and the horror vibe. The visuals are so good! So disturbing!

Regan’s old crew doesn’t care about killing humans. And why would they? They are extremely powerful and humans are insects to them. I can’t wait to learn more about their powers and how they can be countered.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Nocterra Issue 5

From writer Scott Snyder, Nocterra issue 5 took a break from the action to allow our main characters to breathe (for a bit) while we got more information about the world this story’s occurring in. I liked the flashbacks to Val and Em staying at a refuge as kids and Val’s hesitation to let her guard down. She’s someone who’s prepared for the worst even when she’s in a sanctuary. Considering what she discovered at the end of this issue, that’s a good character trait to have, even if deep down she wishes she could rest. The revelation concerning how Em got infected is something I want Val and him to talk more about. There’s quite a bit to unpack there for the two siblings.

As for the main narrative, apparently, the fight between Light and Darkness found its way to Earth. There’s a way to harness the power of Light to reverse infections and heal humans. However, there’s something shady going on. I guess Val needs to prepare for the fight of her life in the upcoming issue. Is there no one she can fully trust?

Talking about the visuals, I did miss seeing our characters move through dimly lit surroundings. But then again, with how things went, they might find themselves doing more of that soon enough. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Wynd Issue 8

This was another talk-y installment of Wynd by writer James Tynion IV. However, that’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. I’m just letting you all know because with the main cast being chased by Vampyres, one might expect more action.

From what I could understand, Wynd’s supposed to be one of the Winged Ones. We got a lot of information about this particular fictional world, how different creatures were originally created, and what led to the creation of Faeries and Vampyres. I might have to re-read it to fully grasp all of the knowledge.

As for the character-centric moments, I liked Yorik changing his personality the moment he met the group’s new savior. Having a crush can do that to a person. Ash did something that could have unfavorable consequences down the line for our heroic group. And with the Vampyres ready to destroy an entire Faerie settlement, I’m ready for more bloodshed.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Black’s Myth Issue 1

I was provided with a free digital copy of Black’s Myth issue 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

By writer Eric Palicki, Black’s Myth issue 1 hit all the right marks as a debut that introduced us to the two main characters, a bit about their past, and what type of world they’re currently living in. I instantly found myself liking Strummer, a werewolf, and Ben, a half-Djinn. They’ve got an enjoyable dynamic going on. So, yes, I’m so here for this particular female werewolf and half-Djinn duo just trying to make money as LA-based private investigators while also doing their best to survive being hunted down by a supremacy group. They even have a supernatural dog!

The visuals by Wendell Cavalcanti are in black-and-white to tap into a noir vibe. Such a creative decision might not be for everyone, but I think you will still enjoy the story being told.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Hellboy and the B.P.R.D: The Secret of the Chesbro House Issue 1

I was with a free digital copy of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D: The Secret of Chesbro House issue 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Set in 1983 New York, the debut issue of this two-part story, by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golder, has Hellboy solving the Chesbro family curse. To help him out, we have the psychic Madame Zemperelli. There’s also Carter, the heir to the Chesbro home, but he can’t sell the residence until the curse is broken (according to his mother’s will). Carter’s fiancé Serena also joins the group.

The main culprit behind the curse seems to be Peter Chesbro, who used to conduct satanic orgies and quite possibly summoned something evil. Of course, Hellboy and his group decided to sit down for a seance to contact the spirit of Peter’s daughter who went missing. According to rumors, Peter locked her away in a secret room inside the house because she saw something.

There’s a lot of mystery and danger present in this story along with the usual comedy Hellboy fans have come to expect. I also liked the differences between Hellboy and Madame Zemperelli. Hellboy’s into fighting demons with his fists while Madame Zemperelli prefers having conversations with the dead to figure out how to help lost souls. From the pacing to the cast of characters Hellboy’s got to interact with, I think fans will be quite pleased by this offering. Also, as someone who isn’t well-versed in Hellboy lore, I didn’t experience any trouble getting into this horror-mystery story.

The art by well-known talent Shawn McManus served as a visual treat (with colors by Dave Stewart). It’s different from Mignola’s iconic Hellboy style, but it fits well with the franchise.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Which comics books did you read this week? How did you like the conclusion in Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point issue 6?

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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