#725-#726 = HELLO HALLOWEEN #1 (Boom! Studios, October 2025) I had an indifferent reaction to this one-shot (which may become an annual) until I read it a second time. I was expecting something along the lines of HELLO DARKNESS and failed to recognize until re-reading that the theme is light-hearted fun with a dark humor twist/punchline. Viewed in that light, this is a really fun book.
There are five stories plus one page of cartoons from Robert Hack (“I Can’t Take You Anywhere”). Hack finally gets to stretch a bit and showcase more of his style in the five-page “Wee-Gee” about a spirit board with a mind of its own.
My favorite story is “Johnny Pumpkin Time” by Shawn Patrick Boyd and Elijah Henry wherein a social media challenge hosted by Johnny Pumpkin becomes a craze that gets more dangerous each time out. It takes a determined mother to flush out the artificial intelligence behind it. With a happy ending, for a change!
R.L. Stine returns with “The Graveyard Club” with art by Carola Borelli. Some bored teens disguise as zombies to scare trick-or-treaters. Problem is you can’t tell who is real and who is not.
In “Samhain” by Megan Hutchison recent immigrants to the U.S. don’t believe the Halloween legend as told by grandma until it makes the journey overseas because of a family connection.
There’s a Twilight Zone vibe to “Billy Pritzker Talked Too Much” (Paul Allor and Nil Vendrell). New school transfer Billy convinces his classmates that they can Trick and also Treat on Halloween, describing a number of pranks he’s done before. Except they don’t heed the lessons. OVERALL, THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS for this issue.
#727-#728 = OUTLAW SHOWDOWN one-shot (Oni Press/EC Comics, October 2025) Western comics done in the EC style, with twisty supernatural endings. The artwork throughout is first class. You could pick this up just to look at the panels, and be satisfied. Four brand-new stories plus a classic reprint from TWO-FISTED TALES #20 (1952).
My favorite story in this collection is “Fire In The Hole” by Tony Moore, but not really a Western tale. A foreman for the Valentine Coal Company in old Appalachia thinks he’s buried a nasty secret in an explosion but his guilt gets the better of him.
The best art comes from Sebastian Cabrol, who illustrates John Arcudi’s “Cool Cool Water”. A sheriff chases down a group of train robbers until they try to quench their thirst at an oasis-like watering hole in the middle of the Oklahoma desert.
“The Cure” by Ann Nocenti and David Lapham relates how a con man/snake oil salesman gets his due, right from the source. “Pony Express” by Christopher Cantwell and Dan McDaid details the hazards/challenges experienced by a delivery rider who ends up delivering a depressing message.
The reprint is “Colt Single Action Army Revolver” by Harvey Kurtzman and Jack Davis. It’s the story of a revolver passed down among various owners and the fates that befall them all. OVERALL, a FOUR-STAR collection.
#729 = HALLOWEEN COMICFEST: JUNO ITO STORY COLLECTION (Viz Media, October 2018) This free comic focuses exclusively on Juni Ito’s adaptation of Mary Shelly’s FRANKENSTEIN.
As far as comic versions of this classic novel go, I tend to favor Bernie Wrightson’s great work on this. But, Ito’s masterful use of shading and his choice of scenes to highlight come in a close second.
This is called the Juno Ito Story Collection because it’s a preview of the opening pages of the collection of the same name. In addition to Frankenstein, the collection contains six more grim, gruesome horrific tales in Ito’s incomparable style. Worth checking out, and I just may do that. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.
#730-#731 = HELLO DARKNESS #16 (Boom! Studios, November 2025) Four different stories this issue plus the one-page of cartoons by Robert Hack (“I Can’t Take You Anywhere”). Let’s just call this the indie/off-the-wall issue.
The most chilling tale this issue is a short one, done manga style: “Devoured” by Anwita Citriya. The female narrator wants nothing more than ‘eternal love’ and will do what she has to do to make that happen. Brrrr.
“Torture Chamber” by Ryan Gattis & Christopher Brand reads like an underground comic from the 1970’s until you realize what the main character is being tormented for.
“When I’m Dead: by Gigi Murakami is the weakest story here, but made up for by the wild art that kept me turning the page.
“The Life And Death of Lucas Dreamwalker, Part Three” by R. L. Stine and Francesco Francavilla wraps up this issue. Lucas is troubled by dreams in which he dies, and is not encouraged by a fortune teller who tells him if it happens a third time, he will die for real. I thought that Part Two really brought the potential for this story to a head, and I expected a big finish. It doesn’t end the way I thought, but Stine inserts a little twist that makes it wicked. My favorite entry this issue.
The issue is rounded out by some really gruesome poster art pages. OVERALL, THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS for this issue.
#732-#734 = DC/MARVEL BATMAN/DEADPOOL one-shot (DC Comics, January 2026) I resisted the earlier MARVEL/DC DEADPOOL/BATMAN one-shot. While a crossover between the Big 2 is a nice thing to behold (long overdue), I figured a one-and-done story wasn’t going to make a significant impact. But, when spotting this new effort on the comic shop shelves, the FOMO itch had to be scratched.
Turns out I was correct about that meaningful impact. This isn’t even a long story. It’s a series of short team-ups between DC and Marvel characters, spotlighted by the opening Batman/Deadpool story by Grant Morrison - - which, if you completely understand it then please explain to me. However, it was a fun read with enough jokes and Easter eggs to make it enjoyable (and glad it was short rather than long). Also, the Dan Mora art is always great to view.
Bonus: there were two other team-ups in here that I did enjoy, with the rest rating a big ‘meh’. “Sticks & Snikts” by Tom Taylor and Bruno Redondo was a memorable tale, pairing the Laura Kinney Wolverine with Dick Grayson NIghtwing. There’s some fun and snappy exchanges between the two and they come together over a common cause (saving X-23 from Killer Croc) and start to bond, realizing they have a big thing in common. The other story worth reading is the John Constantine/Doctor Strange team-up by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV & Joshua Williamson with art by Hayden Sherman.
You have my permission to skip over the Harley Quinn/Incredible Hulk and Static/Ms. Marvel stories. Naturally, this crossover has value to serious DC/Marvel aficionados , and should be part of their collection. Just don’t expect to make big $$$ in the aftermarket - - there must be a ton of copies out there. OVERALL, THREE STARS.
#735-#736 = DREAD THE HALLS (Image Comics/Syzgy Publishing, December 2025) Perfect timing: just what I needed to get me in the Christmas spirit and provide a little mirth. It appears that we can look forward to these big 72-page, $6.99 DREADful anthologies twice a year. Once in December with DREAD THE HALLS and then again in July, just as the comics convention season begins with SDCC and DREAD THE HALL H.
The 2025 edition is equal to the high quality of 2024’s book, with five new tales centered around Christmas themes and exhibiting a diverse assortment of seasonal stories. Overall, this book rates FOUR STARS.
“YULE” by Jordan Hart and Luana Vecchio: Holly works for a developer and travels from Manhattan to scout a new location for a resort hotel with reasonable drive time from Boston, Vermont, Connecticut and New York. She doesn’t count on the winter weather and crashes her car, placing her in the hands of the seemingly gentle folk of Christmasdale until her vehicle can be repaired. Things take a grim direction reminding me of the classic WICKER MAN film. Is Holly tough enough to save herself from sacrifice?
“CHAINS FORGED IN LIFE” by Chris Ryall and Lee Ferguson: This is an updated version of Charles Dickens’ THE CHRISTMAS CAROL with a significant difference. The modern day Scrooge is Rhys Ruggieri of a popular talk show, who doesn’t miss a beat even when it’s Christmas Eve and his co-host has recently died. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future have no luck trying to show him the error of his ways and effect change. Instead, he persuades them to join him in a wicked endeavor. Reminds me of another heartless person in a powerful position who has no feelings or empathy and co-opts others into his wicked endeavors. Sigh. Too real for me.
“THE ALP” by Jordan Hart and Walter Pax: My favorite this time, and the creepiest story with the most engaging art. A young man discovers what he believes to be a friendly elf in the woods who turns out to be anything but friendly. Based on German folklore of a supernatural shape-shifting being called an “Alp”.
“THE MARTIANS CONQUER SANTA CLAUS” by Chris Ryall and Keith Jones: Very colorful, Christmasy art with a story that reverses the 1960’s Mexican Christmas movie - SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS. The Martians appear to win out, but Santa and his loyal elves have some surprise gifts.
“COUNTING DAYS” by Jordan Hart and Fabio Veras: Scotty receives the gift (with no giver identified) of an advent calendar with different chocolates behind each door/flap. He takes it to work, where he’s an I.T. supervisor. He samples a different chocolate each day, sometimes loving the taste and other times hating it, but it has a strange effect on his demeanor. However, he’s still intent on selling corporate data on employees for a rich fee, but finds himself in a trap. A real Twilight Zone ending to this one.
#737-#738 = SHIVER SUSPENSTORIES VOLUME II #1 (Oni Press/EC Comics, December 2025)
Four excellent stories plus an excellent reprint from the glory days of EC Comics. Good story-telling and good art in twisted tales with horrific holiday themes. OVERALL, another FOUR STAR endeavor.
EIGHT VENGEFUL NIGHTS by Ben H. Winters and Sami Kivela: Poor Max is picked on at school unmercifully. He's awkward, skinny, and Jewish. Until his Uncle Jacob visits and presents him with a different gift across eight days - which he puts to good use.
MISTLETOE by Gregory Northy and Dan McDaid: If a woman refuses to kiss someone underneath the mistletoe, it’s initiates a curse in which the Mistletoe Maniac will seek them out. A ruse used by males to coerce affection or a real thing? There is a surprise/twist in store for those who seek to take advantage. My favorite story this issue.
GINGER-SNAPPED by Melissa Flores and Leomacs: The most twisted story this time out. A too-aggressive grandmother-type offers her gingerbread cookies to all the tenants in her apartment building.
RED SEASON by David M. Booker and Lukas Ketner: A shopping-mall Santa Claus finds out that Santa can’t hold a candle to Krampus.
The reprinted story is THE EXECUTION by Johnny Craig from Crime SupenStories #12 in 1952: A man is wrongly accused of murder and bides his time on death row, hoping the one person/witness who can prove he’s innocent will show up. Very effective detailing of his last day, with a wonderful twisty EC ending.
#739-#740 = GIANT-SIZE CRIMINAL #1 (Image Comics, December 2025) “The High Roller” by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips It’s great to see this series return, even in a one-and-done story before the streaming debut of the CRIMINAL series in 2026.
If you’re not familiar with this excellent crime comic, this is a great jumping on point. Also, there’s a text/illustration piece in the back of the book that profiles all the main characters from the series. Indispensable, and a good refresh for those who haven’t read these stories for some time (like me).
Ricky Lawless is the main character here, and as prone to missteps as always. This time, he’s hired to rob a big wig in high-stakes poker games at his Las Vegas hotel room. Brubaker details his moves step by step and provides a great character reveal of Lawless. Phillips does his usual commendable job of showcasing many scenes in text-free panels and his use of facial expressions and body language.
As a bonus, there a role-playing game included as created by Kieron Gillen.
FOUR STARS for sure, and really whets my appetite for more.
#741-#742 = HELLO DARKNESS #17 (Boom! Studios, December 2025)
Call this one the Weird Christmas issue. The stories are all more fearful rather than festive. The art is odd and off-center rather than on point and comforting. In a season of standards, I sort of welcome this kind of variation. But, only one of the stories here is holiday-themed, unlike the recent DREAD THE HALLS which I also recommend.
Looks like another FOUR-STAR rated reading experience for me. There’s been quite of few of those lately, and it’s a great way to end the year. I look forward to reading some exceptional comics in 2026.
LAST CHRISTMAS by Torunn Gronbekk and Isaac Goodhart
It’s Christmas dinner at the old mansion of a wealthy family with a lot of productive history. Father, son and other family members wonder why grandpa seems to despise them and acts so elusive. But, grandpa’s been keeping a long family secret all to himself. It’s reveal time.
RECOLLECT by Zack Kaplan and Dennis Menheere
The art is wild; and even the colors seem off in this disturbing tale. A lone survivor tries to figure out who is behind the gruesome murders of crew members aboard a spaceship, and wonders if artificial intelligence has the answer.
ONE OF US by Joe Pruett and Steven Subic Black and white artwork and copious use of black and gray for very dramatic effect. Two campers in Appalachia search for their missing third member, and encounter some mysterious strangers. Creepy and disturbing. I foresaw the ending, but it still bothered me. My favorite story this issue.
I CAN’T TAKE YOU ANYWHERE by Robert Hack
This one-pager of cartoons is the other Chrismas-themed item this month. Although, it’s pretty dark in nature.
THE POTHOLE by Tyler Crook
A close runner-up as favorite story, and definitely the second best here. An elderly resident gets an audience with City Council and desperately asks them to repair a pothole in the street outside his home. It’s growing bigger every time a car hits it, and even the cautionary cones he’s placed around it don’t keep the curious pets and children away. In typical Council fashion, they put it on the agenda for next year. Too late.
#743-#747 = BATMAN: DETECTIVE COMICS, VOLUME ONE: GOTHAM NOCTURNE trade paperback by Ram V & Rafael Albuquerque (DC Comics, August 2023)
I read the five issues that comprise this trade paperback beginning in October 2022 when it was originally published. I liked it so much, I didn’t want to just follow it from month to month. So I stockpiled the issues, planning to read them once this multi-part story was completed. Then time and other obligations got in the way. Now, I”m finally getting back to it and plan to read it all. Across the first five issues, my ratings came out to an average of 4.6 STARS. Close enough for a FIVE-STAR review.
The following opinions are from the reviews on my blog from 2022-2023. I read them over again, and I still think they are pertinent. So I”m sharing them here . . . .
DETECTIVE COMICS #1062-#1063:
The dark, impressionistic covers by Evan Cagle drew me in right away. Then a quick scan of the interiors cast a spell on me. The title/credits page with its’ musical references is what nailed it, and persuaded me to purchase this title. The night, very appropriate for a Batman book - - and the way I prefer them - - dark. The overture — the beginning, a start, to something more substantial. I haven’t been as excited for the creative team and the direction that Detective Comics is taking for some time.
Plus, the back-up story is equal in quality and very thought-provoking. Simon Spurrier and Dani explore the presumed directionless world of ex-commissioner Jim Gordon, in semi-retirement but not out of the game.
Back to the Main Event: The next item that mesmerized me is the artwork of Rafael Albuquerque and the spot-on color work by Dave Stewart. Dark, moody, lots of shadows, and atmospheric. This is how I usually see Batman and Gotham in my mind. Did I mention that I like my Batman stories dark and deep? (You guessed it . . . The Batman movie made my list of best versions of Batman/Gotham.)
This appears to be some of the finest work from Albuquerque in a long time. It seems as if the current trend features many artists who are stepping up their game, and we regular readers are going to benefit.
Ram V builds enough into these two set-up issues to provide a long run of dark, deep, stories with impact. Batman/Bruce Wayne is not the most confident and seems to be off a step, which he has noticed and it gnaws at him. Some familiar characters are here, as well as the introduction of a new (crime?) family migrating to Gotham with rising to power and domination on their agenda. Two-Face, as drawn here, seems more tragic/dramatic than ever. I’m not going to furnish any more details. I suggest you give this title a try-out, especially if you’re a Batman fan.
Did I mention the Albuquerque art? Holy turnabout, Batman! This book is really good. FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS for both issues.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1064: I’m not reading every single title, but this is quickly becoming my favorite current Batman book. Ram V’s story-telling is rich and full of character insights. Rafael Alburquerque’s art is stunning, and very creative (check the four-page fable sequence with overlapping images). Evan Cagle is killing it with those evocative covers.
There’s some focus on Talia this issue, with a flashback sequence of her training of Damien. I don’t know if the fable of Farhad, the Grim Soldier, that she tells to Damien is the creation of Ram V or just a re-telling but it’s a beautiful and moving tale with implications for the current storyline. Later, there’s a scene where Talia confronts Batman (violently) and addresses him as “my grim soldier.” She certainly has an unusual way of trying to protect him and warning “that even the greatest of men . . . may yet be broken."
Following up on Batman’s worries last issue, Bruce Wayne gets a check-up. The doctor notes his surprisingly good health despite many unhealed bone fractures, but suspects that his current symptoms may be panic attacks. The ironic prescription: stay away from high-stress situations. Not likely, considering that the mysterious Orgham family has officially arrived in Gotham, and welcomed with open arms as they have “far-reaching historic ties to the City of Gotham, sharing a history and lineage with some of the city’s oldest landmarks.” Better move over, Council of Owls. Looks like you have some new competition.
This book is firing on all cylinders. Not too late to jump onboard for the wild ride. FIVE STARS
DETECTIVE COMICS #1065: Evan Cagle’s covers are killing it. As brilliant as they are, the story and art inside are equal.
The mysterious Orgham family arrives at the docks, involving a giant melee with the League of Assassins and GCPD stuck in the middle. This creepy royal family (three pupils per eye) have ties to Arkham Asylum and have designs on the property. Batman nearly drowns and is rescued by an old friend (Gordon) and new associate (the powerful nameless street urchin from Simon Spurrier’s backup feature). Two-Face shows why he’s earned that name, and also appears in the new back-up feature. Another good story from Spurrier, but marred somewhat by the art of Hayden Sherman, which just doesn’t suit my tastes.
As the story, while still absorbing, seems to be getting a bit predictable - - so I’m taking my ratings down a peg this issue. FOUR STARS.
DETECTIVE COMICS #1066:
You can tell just by the story titles that Ram V is really building an epic here, and it’s so good. Batman (my favorite of all DC characters) is being restored to his proper place on the plateau of great superhero titles. Ivan Reis fills in on art this issue, and does a tremendous job.
This picks up where the Overture (or appetizer) finished. The mysterious and dangerous Orgham family is establishing their foothold in Gotham. The League of Assassins failed to stop them. Batman nearly died and is recovering under the care of old friend Jim Gordon, who now knows a secret (as if he didn’t before.) Two-Face is playing a bigger role in the proceedings and his dark side is winning out. The internal dialogue within Harvey/Two Face as well as how Simon Spurrier is portraying him in the back-up story indicates that the struggle for body supremacy may even have a third party involved in the proceedings. An indication/symbol of the id, ego, and superego, perhaps.
If you’ve been missing out on the deeply layered intricate story and incredible art of recent DETECTIVE COMICS then grab the first trade paperback and join us. FIVE STARS.
