As a truck festooned with helium balloons pulls past Dot's Diner, a statue of the founder holding a plate of pancakes rises above the two-story building. Yet as a fire truck, and other vehicles pulling floats entertain the spectators, drones fly through the air. The assembled crowd gaze up as the drones fly before the immense statue, holding a sign. Why do the drones spell doom for the historic diner? And can the current owners save their beloved business?
Here's all the info from Oni Press:
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Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 Review
Writer & Artist: Yamada Jta
Original Story: Shinichi Koga
Editor: Louis Yamani
Designer: Matt Bookman
Translator: Andria McKnight
Letterer: Skylar Rutan
Publisher: Titan Manga
Price: $12.99
Release Date: June 2, 2026
People think that business is all about the bottom line. But consider Mr Kurouri. As president of Kurouri Construction, he purchased an old house for the land it sat on. He dismissed the warnings against destroying a witch's home. But then, he didn't get to be such a successful businessman by being nice. How will local legends affect Mr Kurouri? And how will his family fare after he attracts the witch's interest? Let’s leap into Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 and see!
Story
As Chihiro walks along, she notices another girl swaying. She helps her to a bench. And when she notices a scrape on her knee, Chihiro offers the girl her favorite handkerchief. Misa Kuroi explains she recently moved to town. When Misa asks her name, Chihiro stutters as she gives it. And when Misa notices the burns on her hands, Chihiro tells her about her troubled homelife. The other girls may shun her. But Misa takes an interest in Chihiro Kurouri's life.
Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1 follows Misa Kuroi’s return to the world. Kurouri Construction may have destroyed her home. Still, magic can make many things possible. As she sets her life in order again, she notices that a special book has gone missing. Misa also returns to her school to see how life has changed in her absence. As magic preserves her youth, Misa fits in and engages with other students as an equal.
Yet, in Yamada Jta’s story, Misa Kuroi has no equal. She stands between Humans and the forces that threaten our world. Sometimes they are demons of our making, such as greed and insensitivity to others' needs. Yet even when bright futures await people, they can feel the allure of the darkness. Whether their own passions drive them toward danger, or their desire to harness seemingly harmless magic threatens their lives, Misa looks out for them. She always hopes she can reach them in time. But Misa Kuroi cannot rescue everyone from their foolish decisions in Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1.
Art
Mr Kurouri smiles as he speaks into his phone at the worksite. But after an excavator pulls something unexpected in its bucket, the construction company president peers into a container in his office. His daughter’s blonde hair tumbles past her light-colored uniform. Yet Chohiro shows an affinity for darkness, with long-sleeved black cuffs and black leggings.
Later, as Misa studies her library, eyes appear amid the crowded shelves. In a nightclub, a young man sparkles as a girl gives him a present. At home, he studies his phone as he touches an unexpected object in a box. Phones frequently appear in Yamada Jta’s art. Yet at Chihiro’s school, another blonde girl with braided hair is more obsessed with pieces of stretched canvas. Misa approaches her and regards a painting on an easel. Yet a memory of hands touching her head and arms emphasizes the student's emotional state.
Skylar Rutan places black uppercase letters in dialogue balloons and boxes. The letters vary in size as fingers touch a medallion within a heart, while a cyclops peers at schoolgirls through the windows. When Misa tries to jog a student’s memory, giant white words accompany the white smoke that forms a Human face. Sound effects enhance the frightening encounters. Yet, the white words glowing within black fields may be the scariest of all in Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1. Thanks to Titan Manga for providing a physical review copy.
Final Thoughts
The world can be cruel to people who don’t fit in. Some people aspire to riches and success. Or they seek to preserve their youth and attractiveness. They pursue their passions to create things that offer a form of immortality. And if they meet a person they like, they try to make that person fall in love with them.
Everyone needs a little help now and then to achieve their goals. For some, the magical world can offer a helping hand. Yet the unwary can pay a high price for success in Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1.
Rating 9.6/10
For a look inside see my preview of Eko Eko Azarak Reborn Vol 1.
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If you're an aspiring comic creator, it always helps to find someone who can show you the ropes. While most people grow up loving Marvel and DC Comics, Ray MacKay found his groove among Indie comics. Two of his favorites were the Megaton and Big Bang series. When he wrote fan letters to Megaton Press, he eventually developed a dialogue with its founder. Writer and publisher Gary Carlson recognized his love for comics and mentored Ray in creating his own indie series.
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Big Bang Adventures #36 February 2026 Writers: Gary Carlson & Ray MacKay |
Ray MacKay feels fortunate to have worked with many impressive artists. One thing that has helped him find capable collaborators is his versatility. Ray has worked hard to hone his skills in writing comic scripts. Additionally, he has also schooled himself in the Marvel way of writing a comic, for artists who feel more comfortable with that approach.
Thanks to Ray MacKay, panel organizer David Lucarelli, and WonderCon 2026 for sharing this story with us.
To attend next year's event, see my post WonderCon 2027 Discounted Badges On Sale Now.
For David Lucarelli's thoughts, see David Lucarelli: Indie Creator Spotlight
For an artist-turned-writer's thoughts, see Mary Zorilita Bellamy: Indie Creator Spotlight.
To meet a former comic shop owner who also writes comics, see Mike Wellman on Creating Indie Comics
To hear from a former writer for Starlog Magazine and Fangoria, see Pat Jankiewicz on Creating Indie Comics.
After Mayor Isley gave Vandal Savage a free hand, Bruce Wayne and Barbara Gordon knew the police commissioner was coming after them. So as Duke Thomas and Stephanie Brown grabbed what they needed and destroyed the rest, Bruce played backup, while Barbara coordinated their efforts. And when Stephanie stepped in the trap Savage's Tactical Urban Combat Officers laid for her, Barbara sacrificed herself to help Stephanie escape. Now, Barbara is behind bars and Wayne Manor is as unrecoverable as Barbara's hard drives.
As he watched his old world burn, Bruce told Damian that none of his plans mattered before he came along. So what are Batman's plans? And how will Bruce ensure they make a difference for Damian, Barbara, the rest of the Bat-family, and Gotham?
Here's all the info from DC Connect:
Batman #10 Preview
Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist & Cover Artist: Jorge Jimenéz
Colorist: Tomeu Morey
Letterer: Clayton Cowles & Jorge Jimenéz
Variant Cover Artists: Dustin Nguyen, Jorge Molina & Ryan Sook
Foil Variant Cover Artist: Jorge Jimenéz
1:25 Variant Cover Artist: David Aja
Editors: Jessica Berbey & Rob Levin
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99 US/$5.99 US (Card Stock)
Issue Length: 40 Pages
Release Date: June 3, 2026
One Dark Night can’t keep the Batman down!
The GCPD’s “Operation Peregine” struck a deep blow to the heart of the Bat-Family. But while Savage and his TUCOs celebrate their victory, Batman is about to set the record straight. He knows how to take a punch. He knows how to get back up. And he’s about to show Vandal Savage, the Minotaur, and anyone else who threatens Gotham City exactly what they’re messing with.
Superstars Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez continue their triumphant run with the best character in comics!
Now, let's take a look inside:
Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.
For what happened last time, see my preview of Batman #9.
For what happened before that, see my preview of Batman #8
For how this series started, see my review of Batman #1.
Absolute Green Lantern #15 Review
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Sid Kotian
Colorist: Pressy
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Cover Artist: Jahnoy Lindsay
Variant Cover Artists: Werther Dell’Edera; Marcio Takara; Dexter Soy & Veronica Gandini
Editors: Ash Padilla, Andrew Marino, Katie Kubert & Chris Conroy
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99 $US/$5.99 US Card Stock
Issue Length: 32 Pages
Release Date: June 3, 2026
Cameron Chase and Simon Baz watched as Tomar Re abducted Jo Mullein and Hal Jordan. But with the Department of Extranormal Operations compromised, they can’t return to the office and report their Close Encounter. Nor can they do anything for former DEO agent Kari Limbo. But Todd Rice still lives. So with Hector Hammond’s soldiers attacking, they’ve got little time to worry about abducted people. They must focus on saving their lives.
As Tomar Re pilots the Lantern away from Earth, Jo Mullein yearns to return. She doesn’t want to abandon Cameron Chase again. But Re insists there’s no going back. He needs to slingshot around Rannstar to achieve maximum velocity. Can he reach Mogo before the sentient planet reaches Earth? And who are all the people floating around inside the Green Lantern with Jo, Hal, John Stewart, and Guy Gardner? Let's leap into Absolute Green Lantern #15 and see!
Story
When the Controller realized that Tomar Re was trying to intercept Mogo, he ordered Overseer Shade to send all the Black Hands at his disposal to capture or destroy the Green Lantern. It’s a fight Tomar Re would prefer to avoid. But when the Blackstar ships capture the Green Lantern with inertia fields, Tomar Re sends John Stewart, Guy Gardner, and Hal Jordan out to fight the Blackstar soldiers.
In Absolute Green Lantern #15, the Blackstar forces relish the space battle. It's a chance to get revenge on Tomar Re for how many of their number he has killed. John, Guy, and Hal are willing to defend the ship, but John and Guy learned the life-affirming ways of Oa. And Hal no longer wields the Black Hand. Instead, he wields a new color he doesn't understand. Hal may have used it to free Todd Rice from the black remote-control monstrosity Hector Hammond used to kill Kari Limbo. But turning a life-affirming power into a weapon isn’t easy.
While the battle rages in space, the war for the future takes place inside the Green Lantern. Tomar Re watched as Mogo destroyed his homeworld. He used the red flame to kill all the Blackstar soldiers he could find. Now, he hopes to finish what he started. But he hadn't counted on Jo Mullein's obstinate streak. Even though Jo has made many mistakes in life, she has always tried to do the right thing. Even the honorable thing. And even though Tomar Re’s argument makes sense, Jo Mullein struggles with his plan to save the Earth in Absolute Green Lantern #15.
Art
While John contemplates a white circle in a black sea, it empowers Salakk’s actions. But when his attack fails, his partner takes charge. She leans forward, staring into John's eyes, until he looks away and covers his mouth with his hand. Then she pierces the green energy shield and fires her weapon at Guy Gardner, as her boss monitors her through the porthole of their spaceship.
As Pressy lavishes bright colors on Sid Kotian’s action-packed art, the Blackstars fire yellow-white energy at John and Guy. Amid the space battle, violet and indigo contain the combatants. But as red and green work together outside the Lantern, they battle each other inside. Re has fought long and hard to earn the title Tomar. And as he argues with Jo Mullein over how to destroy Mogo, Tomar Re does his best to transform her from green to red in Absolute Green Lantern #15.
Lucas Gattoni shares conversations with uppercase black letters in white balloons. Tomar Re speaks red letters into red-tinged balloons and boxes, while Blackstars speak white letters into black balloons. Guy Gardner’s balloons become clouds when he uses his power to attack. The dialogue grows bold for intonation, while raised voices swell words, and lowered tones shrink them. Sound effects enhance a space battle and a crisis of conscience, as two powerful individuals ponder the price of survival. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.
Final Thoughts
While it occurs far from Earth, Al Ewing’s story returns Jo Mullein to her time on the police force. Only this time, it’s not Police Chief Bill Hand trying to impose order on Evergreen like Overseer Shade sought to control Rann. Instead, it's Tomar Re, who rejoices in all the people he has killed. With Jo Mullein’s help, he will kill many more as he restores order to the universe in Absolute Green Lantern #15.
Rating 9.6/10
To look inside see my preview of Absolute Green Lantern #15.
For what happened last time, see my preview of Absolute Green Lantern #14.
For life from Overseer Shade's perspective, see my review of Absolute Green Lantern #13.
Civilizations rise and fall. And where Kryl-Ux's Warzoons are concerned, civilizations tend to fall more than they rise. As Kryl-Ux seeks to unite the god-aspects of Olgrun, his next target is the planet Tamaran. Yet on a small planetoid, one of Superman's sons plans to kill another to prevent Kryl-Ux from succeeding.
While Superman attacks the Warzoons ravaging a Tamaranean outpost, can Rowan and Ronan Kent rescue Osul-Ra from the clutches of Pyrrhos the Red? And why would Queen Theand'r evacuate her planet, rather than risk a battle with the Warzoons?
Here's all the info from DC Connect:
Adventures of Superman: Book of El #9 Preview
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist & Cover Artist: Scott Godlewski
Variant Cover Artists: Lucio Parrillo & Kyuyong Eom
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)
Issue Length: 32 Pages
Release Date: June 3, 2026
The Future of the Phantom Zone!
After a face-off with Pyrrhos, Superman has won the support of the Fourth World, but it’s not going to be enough. As Kryl-Ux grows more powerful, he also grows less human, and Osul’s time is running out. Superman needs one more ally who’s been hidden in the Phantom Zone: the matriarch of the House of El, Kara Zor-El.
Now, let's take a look inside:
Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.
For what happened last time, see my preview of Adventures of Superman: Book of El #8.
For how this series started, see my preview of Adventures of Superman: Book of El #1.
Ma Hunkel may seem imposing. But she only wants to know one thing from Harley. As for Ivy, she wants to have a good old chinwag. And preferably, she'd like Ivy to talk with the kids she shelters in her bodega and one-occupant apartment. Ivy may have made space in her life for Harley. Still, she resists getting close to the kids who are trying to build a better future for themselves.
Ma's kids are trying to stay out of trouble. They're studying for their GEDs. They are nowhere near as scary as the Joker. So why is Pamela Isley so afraid of talking to them? What happened to Poison Ivy that transformed closeness with kids into a toxic situation?
Here's all the info from DC Connect:
Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #6 Preview
Writer, Artist, Colorist & Cover Artist: Erica Henderson
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Variant Cover Artists: Leirix & Amy Reeder
Editors: Arianna Turturro, Jessica Burbey & Rob Levin
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)
Issue Length: 32 Pages
Release Date: June 3, 2026
Feet of Clay—Barf!
Harley and Ivy are getting a whole lot closer, but wait, what’s this?! Clayface has joined the party, and literally nobody invited him. Has anyone pointed out that he’s the color of poop and not clay? What’s up with that? We don’t know, and frankly, it’s been way too many years for us to change it now! Let’s get this show on the road! BUY, BUY, BUY! We want to make more of this series, and we need your money to do it!!!!
Now, let's take a look inside:
Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.
For what happened last time, see my preview of Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #5.
For what happened before that, see my review of Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #4.
For how this series started, see my preview of Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1.
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Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1 Review
Writer: Jim Zub
Artist: Ivan Gil
Colorist: Jão Canola
Letterer: Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith
Cover Artists: Roberto De La Torre
Publisher: Titan Comics & Heroic Signatures
Price: $17.99
Release Date: May 27, 2026
After leaving his native Cimmeria and exploring the civilized world, Conan reaches the second-largest city in Nemedia. Traveling alone, the Cimmerian always needs money to fill his purse. If he can't find work as a mercenary, there are other ways to make a living.
As he visits cities, towns, or villages, Conan often finds people who lord their status over others. So when he sees a finely-dressed man treating others like dirt in Numalia, Conan decides this "civilized" man needs a lesson. What riches will he find when he sneaks into the man's home? And how will it launch Conan on a journey through space and time? Let's grab our swords, cry "Hail Crom," leap into Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1, and see!
Story
Aztrias Petanius may be the governor’s nephew. But despite his fine clothes and house, Conan soon realizes burgling the man’s belongings will net him little. So, when Aztrias points him toward richer pickings, Conan heads off to find Kallian Publico’s antiques house. But when Conan slips inside, the watchman Dionus finds him. And instead of spotting a jeweled goblet, Conan sees Kallian Publico sprawled before an ancient, bowl-shaped sarcophagus.
Yet Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1 is not bound by time. While Demetrio the Inquisitor arrives to question Conan’s involvement in Kallian’s death, Professor John Kirowan meets with his friends Michael O’Donnel and James Gordon in Boston in 1934. And when Michael shows a recent purchase, an antique knife, James reacts with undue fright.
As Jim Zub's narration links these disparate events together, our guide also travels to the distant past. When Brule the Spear-Slayer approaches him, Gonar the Seeker advises the Pict to seek out King Kull in Valusia. While treachery threatens the newly crowned monarch, Gonar advises Brule of Kull's importance.
As Brule meets Kull and uncovers the palace's secrets, Professor John Kirowan and Michael O'Donnel help James Gordon determine why Evelyn attacked him. And while Conan investigates Kallian’s death, words of power unite them. Time cannot separate them. Yet time, and how it affects the rise and fall of civilizations, lies at the heart of Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1.
Art
Conan crouches in the shadows as the guards ride past on the dry and cracking dirt road. Stone walls and barred windows guard the houses on each side. As the sun sinks in the sky, Conan creeps across the rounded top of a wall, avoiding the spikes rising from the epicenter. Behind him, towers and temples rise to greet the approaching night.
Close-ups of Conan and a portrait of Aztrias compare the men’s health and sophistication. Fire from the braziers illuminates the stone walls and wainscotting. Waning light from the windows also creeps in. Yet as Conan searches the grand house, armored guards and a dog with a spiked collar approach.
As Jão Canola lavishes a rich palette of colors and textures on Ivan Gil’s detailed art, green and gold dominate Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1. The aristocracy and high-ranking officials wear green and gold, while a merchant clad in green attempts to open a golden bowl. In an earlier era, green images of Conan, Kull, and Kirowan inhabit light-green smoke. As Gonar counsels Brule, a golden serpent dragon adorns the Pict warrior's wrist. And far in the future, green drapes line the windows in John Kirowan’s book-filled study, as James Gordon shrinks from Michael O’Donnel’s gold-handled knife.
Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith place black uppercase letters into white dialogue balloons, while the narrator's words fill green-white boxes. The dialogue grows bold with intonation. Words enlarge with volume, while broken balloon borders attend lowered voices. And while John Kirowan consults his friend’s wife, black words in green balloons fill her mind. Yet at key moments, when the danger rises to unprecedented heights, giant-colored words fill the air. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a review copy.
Final Thoughts
While we would like to believe that the future will be better than the past, that's not always the case. People come and go in our lives. Failure may follow success. And while we may gain knowledge and wisdom as we age, our bodies gradually lose the strength and vitality of our youth. So too is it for the Earth. Jim Zub traces the descent of civilization from its majestic beginnings, from times when men knew the gods, to an era when they are barely remembered, in Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1.
Rating 9.6/10
To look inside see my preview of Conan The Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent Vol 1.
For Conan, Kull, and Kirowan's previous team-up, see my review of Conan The Barbarian: Battle of the Black Stone #1.
When extradimensional gateways appear overnight, the people on two worlds rush to use them. Heroes from two worlds also reconnect. They team up for friendly competition and help each other battle foes. Best of all, they sample each other’s baking.
As the Justice League wonders who created the gateways, two villains celebrate. Dr Eggman and Lex Luthor combined their wits and resources to link two worlds with their Luminous Extradimensional Energized Gateway Generator system. Are the villains interested in more than generating income from tolls and tourism? And if so, can the Justice League discover what they’re up to?
Here's all the info from DC Connect:
DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #2 Preview
Writer: Ian Flynn
Artist: Adam Bryce Thomas
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Becca Carey
Cover Artist: Pablo M Collar
Variant Cover Artists: R1CO & Daniele Di Nicuolo
Editor: Michael McCalister
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $3.99 US/$4.99 US (Card Stock)
Issue Length: 32 Pages
Release Date: June 3, 2026
Dr Eggman joins the Legion Of Doom!
The worlds of the Justice League and Sonic the Hedgehog have become linked! Pulling the strings is the sinister Legion of Doom with the help of their newest member: Dr. Eggman! The pit of vipers is full of treachery and deceit, but they’re even more dangerous when they set their sights on the Justice League and the Sonic Heroes! Will the villains succeed in taking out the heroes in one fell swoop!? Will both worlds fall to the Legion of Doom?!
Now, let's take a look inside:
Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.
For what happened last time, see my preview of DC x Sonic The Hedgehog 2: The Metal Legion #1.
