Transformers: Stormbringer #1
Writer: Simon Furman
Artist: Don Figueroa
$2.99

After the lukewarm reception to the human-filled snoozefest that was Transformers: Infltration, IDW has been hyping Stormbringer with ads that read, “Nothing but robots on Cybertron.” And they weren’t lying, but don’t expect an action packed nostalgia trip. A mysterious energy spike brings the Autobots back to Cybertron to investigate, but naturally, things go wrong. Everything feels very by-the-numbers sci-fi, the story builds awkwardly, and your favorite characters are (mostly) nowhere to be seen. Still, seeing Transformers fighting is fun stuff, and Stormbringer has the promising glow of Furman’s crazy-fun space epics of the past. Not great, but fine.
KFR Rating: B-

Superman/Batman #28
Writer: Mark Verheiden
Artist: Ethan Van Sciver
$2.99

With the defection of Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuiness to Marvel, Superman/Batman — and DC — lost two of the top creators in comics. But new writer Mark Verheiden starts things off with a bang, including a fun knock-down drag-out between Batman and the Martian Manhunter (or is it?), and a threatening mystery villain. Ethan Van Sciver’s terrific work here is the best of his career; his detailed pencils recall the style of the great Brian Bolland, and each panel bristles with energy. With this solid issue, and Detective Comics and Superman the best they’ve been in years, DC must be doing something right.
KFR Rating: B+

Midnight Sun #1
Writer & Artist: Ben Towle
$2.95

Opening to find several men stranded in snowy nothingness, and then following the exploits of nitwit reporter H.R. assigned to find them, Ben Towle’s Midnight Sun lands a balance of humor, cynicism, and mystery that gives it the prospects to be something truly memorable. Towle’s art is on the cartoonish side, but the old-school look fits the Prohibition-era setting perfectly, giving the story a seemless flow, and the ruminations on faith and responsibility, rather than seeming forced, actually add to the intriguing plot. A winner.
KFR Rating: A

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