Comics

Usagi Yojimbo #162

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Usagi Yojimbo #162 comic reviewOpening with Kitsune in jail for a murder she did not commit, a situation that doesn’t agree with the thief, the concluding half of “The Body in the Library” offers Miyamoto Usagi and Inspector Ishida‘s investigation into the the second of two recent murders and the theft of precious foreign medicine.

Escaping from prison, Kitsune actually becomes a help to the investigation allowing Usagi to discover the true motives for the crime. It also allows for a meal with Usagi and Kitsune in which the rabbit ronin offers a good reason (actually 54 of them) as to why he’s unable to trust the thief. Despite his bluster, Usagi can’t help but like the mischievous pair of Kitsune and Kiyoko, even with the trouble they bring into the rabbit ronin’s path when their paths cross.

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Star Wars #37

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Star Wars #37 comic reviewStar Wars #37 offers the return of Sgt. Kreel and his elite Scar Squadron. Opening with the sergeant facing the displeasure of Darth Vader, who decides to give the Imperial soldier one last chance to prove his worth (while also remarking about a non-Sith’s use of a lightsaber being highly suspect), the comic follows Kreel and his men back into action with their attack of a Rebel outpost on Horox III.

As we’ve seen in previous issues centered around Kreel and his Stormtroopers, they are the central characters here and more than just another group of Imperials for our Rebel heroes to overcome. Eventually we do see the core group of Rebels show up and inspect the handiwork of Kreel and his men. Based on Leia‘s reaction, I’d say we’re in for a run-in with the two groups before too long.

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Harley and Ivy Meet Betty and Veronica #1

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Harley and Ivy Meet Betty and Veronica #1 comic reviewThere’s a fun idea at the heart of bringing Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy to Riverdale. However, not necessarily this version of Riverdale nor this version of the DC characters. Something set more in the classic tone (like Scooby-Doo Team-Up) might have played better, but Harley and Ivy Meet Betty and Veronica #1 struggles with a more adult version of Riverdale and (for some reason) the New 52 versions of Harley and Ivy.

Learning that Veronica‘s father plans to pave over local wetlands to make way for a new college named after himself, gets Ivy riled up enough to head down to Riverdale with her best pal. Most of the first issue is set-up, introducing the soap-opera nature of Archie and his friends and laying the reasoning for a pair of DC characters to show up.

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Batman #32

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Batman #32 comic reviewThe War of Riddles and Jokes limps to the finish line with one final issue to conclude Bruce Wayne‘s retelling of events to Selina Kyle. Finally putting Batman, the Joker, and the Riddler in a room together to end the carnage, the issue’s big twist is the role of Kite-Man who helps Batman successfully thwart the Riddler’s final scheme. It’s a nice moment for a character who has been put through the wringer over this arc. The Riddler’s reaction to the swerve isn’t half-bad either.

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Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #8

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Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider #8 comic reviewAfter his brief encounter with Death and given yet another chance to redeem himself, Ben Reilly begins his road back to being a hero. This means attempting to make good on his promise to save young Abigail from her incurable illness and deal with the sudden appearance of the Hornet (yet another character who has made a recent return from the grave – something Ben knows quite a bit about) who creates havoc on the strip in order to draw out the Scarlet Spider.

There’s plenty of action here with the fight between Scarlet Spider and the Hornet, and the unexpected appearance of another hero. As for Kaine, it looks like his role in the comic is done (at least for now) as he doesn’t take the news of Ben’s second chance all that well.

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