Ninjak #4
Written by Matt Kindt
Art by Juan Jose Ryp with Clay Mann, Seth Mann, Marguerite Sauvage, and Butch Guice
Inks by Brian Thies
Colors by Ulises Arreola
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Cover art by Dave Johnson, Rafa Sandoval, Jodi Tarragona, David Garcia Cruz, Raul Allen, Marguerite Sauvage, and Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic
Valiant Entertainment
Release Date: June 24, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Ninjak #4 is a different kind of issue as the previous ones in the series. VERY different. If you’ve been enjoying the series, as I have, you’re going to either REALLY like this issue, or really NOT like this issue. Let me tell you what I thought.

The Spirit #1
Written by Matt Wagner
Art by Dan Schkade
Colored by Brennan Wagner
Letters by A Larger World Studios
Cover art by Eric Powell, Matt Wagner & Brennan Wagner, Alex Ross, and John Cassaday
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

The Spirit #1 is the latest addition to Dynamite Entertainment’s pulp library and I honestly have to say, with very few exceptions, these pulp characters are being given rock star treatment by Dynamite editorial, and it really shows.

Onyx #1
Written by Chris Ryall
Art by Gabriel Rodriguez
Colors by Jay Fotos
Letters by Shawn Lee
Cover art by Gabriel Rodriguez, Ashley Wood, Charles Paul Wilson III, Alan Robinson, and Sal Buscema
IDW Publishing
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

At the end of Onyx #1 you’re going to hear a bit of a thud. That’s the mic dropping.

Writer Chris Ryall finally brings this labor of love to shelves of comic stores around the world, and boy, can you tell that Ryall loves this book. There’s some comics that I read where I can tell that the creators are just showing up to collect a paycheck, then they’re outta there and on to the their next project. Not so with Ryall and Onyx.

It’s the year 2083 and Earth has more than a few problems. Overpopulation. Lack of food. Lack of space. Oh, there’s also the small issue of an alien invasion, too. Thankfully, along comes the galactic warrior Onyx to help save the planet. Unfortunately for Onyx, the International Global Defense Corps isn’t that keen on Onyx and decide to try and put a stop to it.

Barb Wire #1
Written by Chris Warner
Art by Patrick Olliffe
Inks by Tom Nguyen
Colors by Gabe Eltaeb
Letters by Michael Heisler
Cover art by Adam Hughes
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: July 1, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99

Barb Wire #1 brings one of Dark Horse Comics’ original successes to publication for the first time in years, and what a return it is! This book is the same great comic that I remember reading almost 20 years ago.

Series creator Chris Warner returns to write the series, and he hasn’t missed a step with this debut issue. It’s got all the biting, satirical jabs at modern-day society that were a hallmark of the original series. Besides featuring a really solid story, Warner sneaks in some laugh-out-loud moments that are truly great. Underneath these moments are opportunities to actually stop and THINK about the message that Warner is sending, hopefully the message will get through to its intended audience. Now, don’t worry about this being a “preachy” social commentary comic, because it works on two different levels. The other level is that of a really entertaining, kick-butt story that’s loaded with action and fun, that also has some surprising twists and turns.

Ugli Studios Presents #3
Written by Dennis Fallon, Jason Palmatier, Tauriq Moosa, and Joseph Freistuhler
Art by Joseph Freistuhler and Jason Lenox
Inks by D.F. Marin
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Cover art by Jason Lenox and Dani Kaulakis
Ugli Studios
Release Date: Available Now!
Cover Price: $2.99

Ugli Studios Presents #3 is a small press anthology book that features three stories and has something for everyone! While you won’t find superheroes here, there’s horror, suspense, and action that will appeal to almost every comic book fan.