DOCTOR SPEKTOR: MASTER OF THE OCCULT #1 – Dynamite celebrates their revival with the resurgence of the Master of the Occult! In this re-imaging we find that he is still chasing demons and slaying vampires– but he’s younger, with more technology at his disposal. This revamp of another Gold Key character has Dr. Spektor leading the life of a reality TV show character that’s a poor substitute for Dr. Strange and Constantine. When Adam Spektor isn’t fighting demons on his reality show, he’s struggling with his own inner demons and turmoils in real life. Mark Waid (Daredevil) does his best to keep the readers intrigued and interested, but this Darling Nun was getting bored with it about halfway. Neil (Fantastic Four) Edwards‘ art feels understated and out of place at times. He’s trying hard to offer us the juxtaposition between reality TV Spektor and real life Spektor. It all seems flat and monotone. I’m a firm believer in reading at least three issues before giving up a title, but I’m still going to rate this… 3.25/5.
STAR WARS: REBEL HEIST #1/#2 – Your Traveling Apostle has headed back to the Star Wars universe, with a tale of espionage in the post-New Hope era. Matt Kindt (Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E.) takes us through this usual premise with a unusual spin: Every issue in the series — at least we so believe — is witnessed through the eyes of a different protagonist, as they are either saved or aided by the heavy-hitters. Rebel Heist #1 finds a new recruit running afoul of Han Solo, while issue #2 finds a Twilik dancer aided by Princess Leia. The nice thing about this take on the universe? Kindt allows the reader to see what the common rebel thought of our fan favs following the destruction of the Death Star. Though, who wouldn’t think of Han Solo as a genius tactician after going TIE for Falcon with Darth Vader– or believe the Princess is nothing but stuck-up royalty (unless you had the pleasure of seeing her get her hands dirty, either commanding forces or firing blasters)? While Dark Horse could of chosen a more suitable penciler than Mark Castiello (Green Arrow), the story does make up for the comic’s lack of visual clarity. Still, the combination of Dan Parsons on ink and Gabe Eltaeb (Green Lantern Corps) on colors is quite refreshing, and enough to recommend this mini, especially with #3’s promised focus on the wookie. 3.5/5.
AVENGERS #30 – A story has been building in Avengers for some time thanks to Jonathan Hickman (East of West)– and, thankfully, this main event tie-in doesn’t distract from it. In this ish, Hick tackles the sin of the Illuminati in all his dark and sultry greatness, providing plenty of memorable character moments. Just wait ’til you check out current 616 Hawkeye tangle with his future self (complete with a subtle inquiry of his lost dog, as seen in Clint Barton’s standalone series…). Just remember, if you’re looking for an actual Original Sin tie-in that moves the main event along, this book doesn’t really advance the search for the Watcher’s balls. I’m talking, EYE balls of course. Leinil Yu (Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk), as usual, is quite amazing on the spreads. My only issues with the.. well.. issue, is that if you’ve seen one future Avenger you’ve seen them all. If Hickman is known for his world-building, then maybe he should stick to building new characters instead of the new future hero witnessed every six issues. 4/5.