411’s Comic Reviews: Silver Surfer: Black #1, Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #1, More

Hello and welcome to 411mania’s weekly Comic Book Review! Each week we’ll be serving up a warm dish of reviews (and previews) from Marvel, DC, and anything else that captures our interest. What did you pick up this week? Let us know in the comments.Want to write a review? If you can write at least one review a week, consistently, email me at [email protected]!

Headhunter #1

Preview by Steve Gustafson

It’s midnight in Baltimore, Maryland and a group of child smugglers are processing their latest group when…HE appeared. Headhunter takes out the traffickers in quick fashion. Preparing to leave, he hears the cries of an infant and decides to take him home. Unsure what to do with him; Headhunter takes the baby to the Heroes Union Headquarters. A misunderstanding leads to a battle of heroes until Startup’s coolheaded approach stopped the fighting…for now.

You Are Obsolete #1

Preview by Steve Gustafson

A disgraced journalist is called to cover a mysterious story on an isolated European island. As she investigates, she discovers the children have taken control and are somehow killing off all adults by their 40th birthdays. Now, she must discover the truth behind the killings while staying on the good side of the children’s harsh leader…or she’s next.

YOU ARE OBSOLETE is an spine-tingling thriller that evokes the eerie naturalism of 1970s horror films with a modern deadly digital twist. Written by Mathew Klickstein (Sony Pictures’ Against the Dark, Slimed!, Springfield Confidential, Selling Nostalgia) and drawn by Evgeniy Bornyakov (DESCENDENT).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #8

Preview by Steve Gustafson

BOOM! Studios, in partnership with 20th Century Fox Consumer Products, unveiled three BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #8 covers by Mondo illustrator Marc Aspinall, and artists Kevin Wada (She-Hulk) and Becca Carey. This game-changing issue of the acclaimed series will debut in stores September 4, 2019.

While the Slayer and the rest of the Scooby Gang were fighting to save Xander’s soul, the Mistress Drusilla and her lieutenant Spike were busy searching for a way to open the gates of the Hellmouth so they could flood Sunnydale, then eventually the world, with demons and hell on Earth. And they’re close. Can Buffy stop them in time to save the world from utter destruction?

High school is hell, as Eisner Award-nominated writer Jordie Bellaire (Redlands) and acclaimed artist David López (Captain Marvel), along with series creator and story consultant Joss Whedon (the visionary writer/director behind Firefly, Marvel’s The Avengers, and more), reimagine the groundbreaking pop culture phenomenon for a new generation of comic book fans.

Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #1

Review by Steve Gustafson

During the Silver Age of comic books, Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen holds a special place in history. It’s a good example of the kind of stories that were being put out and just how…zany things were. When I saw that they were bringing the series back in 2019, I was skeptical of how they’d manage to keep the original spirit while making it inviting for today’s audiences.

My skepticism was misguided.

The relaunch by writer Matt Fraction and artist Steve Lieber takes all the fun and quirk of the original and injects it with modern sensibility. In a way, this book had no business being as great as it turned out.

Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen is one of those books that reminds us of the possibility comic books have. It’s 100% entertaining. Funny and witty in places, it’s a book that every fan needs to read to give you an injection of joy.

Run, don’t walk, to your nearest comic book shop, and grab this book.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Silver Surfer: Black #1

Review by John Pumpernickel

Silver Surfer: Black #1 is a pleasant reminder of how great a character the Silver Surfer is. He doesn’t get the same love as Spider-Man, Wolverine, or Iron Man, but I find myself more entertained by him when he’s paired up with the right creative team than just about any other character.

Writer Donny Cates and artist Tradd Moore alone with colorist Dave Stewart converge to make a superb book that brings the strengths of Silver Surfer to the forefront.

Coming from the pages of Guardians of the Galaxy #1, the issue is a strong mix of action and Silver Surfer introspection. Old and new fans will find the issue easy to get into and gives the reader a clear set up for how the series will go.

I can’t say enough about the art and coloring, as it’s the finest the Silver Surfer has looked in recent memory. A great start to what looks like what will be a great series.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

That’s all the time we have. Tell us what you’re reading below and see you back here next week! You can now find our reviews on ComicBookRoundUp.com!