Comic Book Reviews (Week February 3, 2021): Far Sector Issue 10, Specter Inspectors Issue 1 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (February 3, 2021). I will be covering Far Sector issue 10, Specter Inspectors issue 1, Runaways issue 33, and more!

Let’s get the DC titles out of the way first. I’m going to begin by reviewing Far Sector issue 10. From writer N.K. Jemisin, the latest installment was just as great as the last one. Frankly, this entire Far Sector comic book series is amazing and I can’t wait for all 12 issues to be available together so everyone can binge-read it.

Far Sector issue 10 had everything rush toward Jo. She’s been trying to figure out what’s been happening. Even though she got to know who was behind the sweatshops (as she put it), I liked how Jo realized she was a couple of steps behind whoever was playing the game she’s found herself in. The series continues to touch on real-life topics with Far Sector issue 10 giving us a full-on coup. And of course, the art and colors by Jamal Campbell are extraordinary.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes. 

Future State: Harley Quinn Issue 2

The only Future State title I picked up this week, Harley Quinn issue 2, from writer Stephanie Phillips, gave us a nice little conclusion to Harley’s forced teamup with Scarecrow. With Phillips also writing Harley’s upcoming solo series, I’m looking forward to what where she will take such a popular comic book character.

The current story showed that Harley can be quite dangerous when she properly uses her brain. She knows what makes the criminals in Gotham tick and she can come up with a plan to take them down. The way Harley figured out how to get close to Black Mask made a lot of sense while being hilarious. So, fingers crossed we get to see more of Harley’s intellectual side in her upcoming solo.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

King in Black: Return of the Valkyries Issue 2

I’m not a big fan of Valkyries in the MCU, but I’m a fan of cool moments. And Return of the Valkyries issue 2 gave me quite a lot of them. Co-written by Jason Aaron and Torunn Gronbekk, I loved seeing Dani Moonstar getting to share the spotlight with Jane Foster and others. Dani having a telepathic conversation with Knull made this issue for me.

The current mission is also quite interesting. With Knull wreaking havoc on Earth, he’s also causing trouble in the afterlife. From what I understand, the souls of the people Knull’s killing are being sent to the dead body of an infected Celestial. The Valkyries have to put a stop to it. Let’s see if they will succeed.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Runaways Issue 33

After the previous issue releasing in October of last year, Rainbow Rowell’s Runaways comic book series is back and so is all the drama you would expect from a young group of superpowered teens trying to be a family without proper adult supervision. Runaways issue 33 showed us the routine the main characters have fallen into. Gert’s very interested in getting her diploma and experiencing the academic years she missed. Chase is off doing something in secret (going on dates, perhaps?). Gib’s a popular jock (I hope nothing bad happens to him or the other players). Nico’s trying to figure out what’s wrong with Karolina’s health and Molly wants to go to Krakoa?

Even though Wolverine and Pixie came to take Molly, I doubt she will decide to permanently stay on the island. Franklin was allowed to come and go as he pleased. The point is, there’s quite a lot happening and I’m here for all of it. 

Recommendation: Pick it up!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Maniac of New York Issue 1

A single person being able to kill more than four hundred people in New York with only an ax doesn’t make sense to me. No one was been able to capture him for years and he still pops up to kill even more people. So, there has got to be something more going on, right?

Having said that, from writer Elliott Kalan, Maniac of New York issue 1 introduced us to our two leads I want to know more about. Gabriella has been newly assigned to find the Maniac. She’s eager to get him behind bars due to a personal connection. Zelda used to do the right thing as a cop, but she isn’t interested anymore because of something that happened in her past. Both women have layers I can’t wait to dive into.

While time will tell if Kalan’s able to deliver a satisfying murder-mystery, I have decided to stick with this story for a few more issues. The art by Taylor Esposito gels well with the creepiness.

Recommendation: Up to you.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Specter Inspectors Issue 1

Co-created and written by Bowen McCurdy and Kaitlyn Musto, Specter Inspectors issue 1 introduced us to four teens trying to make their paranormal investigation series work. Apparently, Noa can hear ghosts (since she was a kid) and that’s why she wants her recorded footage to be real. She wants to bring a sense of authenticity into a niche that’s all about fake ghost encounters, discoveries, etc.

Her girlfriend Astrid, on the other hand, is okay with doctoring videos to get engagement and sponsors. A trip to an abandoned town leads to the group facing actual paranormal activity while causing drama between Noa and Astrid. If you ask me, I can understand where Astrid’s coming from. She wants to help Noa record real supernatural activity, but they also need cash to stay afloat. No one is stopping Noa from sharing nonedited footage with viewers. However, until the team can find such footage, they have to do something for engagement. With how things ended, Noa’s going to have more real paranormal material than she bargained for.  

The groundwork for an enjoyable series is present in the first issue of Specter Inspectors. Let’s see where it goes from here.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

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Which comic books did you read this week? What are your thoughts about Far Sector issue 10?

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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