Comic Book Reviews (Week January 27, 2021): The Department of Truth Issue 5, The Kaiju Score Issue 3, and More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (January 27, 2021). I will be covering The Department of Truth issue 5, The Kaiju Score issue 3, my thoughts on Storm’s role in X-Men issue 17, and more!

Thank Heavens for indie comic books, because this week nothing from DC piqued my interest. I know! I’m surprised, too. The ongoing Future State event is just not doing it for me. I also didn’t buy anything from Marvel. So, yay for indie comics and other publishers!

I’m going to begin by talking about The Department of Truth issue 5 by writer James Tynion IV. I have no idea what’s going on in Tynion’s mind, but I’m here for all of the trippiness he’s sharing in this story.

The fifth issue The Department of Truth gave us The Black Hat’s side of the story and why they have been keeping an eye on Cole. Turns out, The Black Hat wanted to recruit him, but The Department of Truth got to Cole first. Why do both organizations want him? I don’t know. But I’m looking forward to finding out.

Even I’m confused about what both organizations are doing. Is anyone the good team here? Everything seems to be very gray right now and Cole is understandably confused. The dangers around Cole are intensifying. He has Ruby on his side, of course. However, it’s clear he will need to make some tough choices soon. Fingers crossed nothing too bad happens to him and his husband.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Something is Killing the Children Issue 14

Are you all reading Something is Killing the Children yet? Because I want you to start reading it ASAP! It’s literally one of the best comic book series I have read in a very long time. If you, like me, are a fan of paranormal shenanigans and gore, you’re going to love SIKTC by writer James Tynion IV.

The latest issue showed Erica using James and Bian to summon the monster the kids saw. With every installment, Tynion has been developing his fictional world. I want to learn more about Erica’s monster and why she keeps it around. Seeing Erica take out the baby monsters was amazing. Artists Werther Dell’Edera and Miguel Muerto continue to deliver during the blood-filled action sequences. The scene’s scary but also cool.

I was quite surprised by Tommy’s decision to try and save everyone. The members of The House of Slaughter are ready to kill them all to ensure the existence of monsters remains a secret. It was clear Tommy’s plan wasn’t going to work. But it was noble of him to try.

With Erica being busy dealing with the baby monsters, I’m very intrigued by how the townsfolk will protect themselves. Can Erica reach them in time? I need to know!

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

The Kaiju Score Issue 3

Whenever a story features giant monsters, it’s challenging to make the human characters feel interesting. However, that’s not the case in writer James Patrick’s The Kaiju Score. It’s basically a heist filled with a lot of backstabbing, but it just happens to be set in a world where gigantic monstrosities exist.

I enjoyed the plan that the current team of thieves came up with to use the upcoming Kaiju battle in their favor. I don’t want to spoil stuff, but you should expect things going wrong and some desperate attempts to keep failure at bay.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood Issue 4

I was provided with a free copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s Snifter of Blood issue 4 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

By writer James Finn Garner, I loved The Tell-Tale Heart being re-told in a modern setting and focusing on a one-hit-wonder celebrity and his repairman. So good!

Winston, by writer Tyrone Finch, delivered a disturbing short story about the creator of a model train set. I could tell the little miniatures were going to come to life (kind of), but the way Finch told the story had me engrossed in what was going on. I’m not sure, but I think the narrative was about how people would rather destroy something (even if they took years to build it) if they feel it’s slipping away from their control.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Breaklands Season 2 Issue 3

I was provided with a free copy of Breaklands Season 2 Issue 3 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Okay. I did not see that coming! We finally got to meet Rask, and he caught me off guard with how he acted in front of Adam. Kudos to writer Justin Jordan for such exciting storytelling. As far as Rask’s Kingdom is concerned, his style of ruling over his people is very similar to how Marvel’s Dr. Doom operates. The residents get safety, food, and peace, but there isn’t much freedom. However, considering the brutality that occurs in other areas, wouldn’t such a compromise be okay to ensure one’s life? Let’s see how Jordan handles such a narrative.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Rask has planned now that Adam’s arrived. Kasa’s on her way to rescue her brother. So, things are only going to escalate from here.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

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Before I bring an end to my comic book reviews, let’s talk about what Storm was up to in this week’s X-Men issue 17 by writer Jonathan Hickman. The X-Men writers have been talking about some big plan concerning Storm. And all signs point to her doing something in space.

Cyclops, Jean, and Storm go to the Shi’ar Empire to deal with those who have kidnapped and plan to kill Xandara. The current issue gave us some cool Storm-centric moments. They weren’t enough for me to go back to buying X-Men titles (I borrowed this copy from a friend), but I’m liking where things are going for Ororo Munroe.

Storm used her control over electricity to create a shield that stopped an incoming hammer. She’s an Omega-level mutant and a Goddess, but her physical durability isn’t the best. So, yes, to Storm showcasing more of her defensive abilities and that too while being on a different planet. 

The story ended with Xandra appreciating Storm vanquishing the rebellion and stating the throne owed her a debt. I am ready for Storm to explore the galaxy!

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Which comic books did you read this week? What did you think of The Department of Truth issue 5?

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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