The Black Beetle: No Way Out #2
Story & Art by Francesco Francavilla
Lettering by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by Francesco Francavilla
Editor: Jim Gibbons
Designers: Justine Couch & Francesco Francavilla
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: February 20, 2013
Cover Price: $3.99

The Black Beetle #2 is pretty much the same as issue #0 and #1 – AWESOME!!! I’m not sure when it became hip to do pulp characters, but I’m very grateful that it did. It is because of this that we’re getting some of the best comics that have been published in years, and this book is no exception to that rule.

First, let’s talk about Francesco Francavilla the writer. First off, you can tell that this is a total labor of love by Francavilla, and it shows in every way possible. The story is well told, and fits right into the world of the pulpy era of days long gone by. I don’t know what it is about that era, but Francavilla writes it like he actually lived through it. This issue is pretty much all action and it’s fast paced, intense, and gives you a real sense of danger for the character. Also, there’s an actual SUPER VILLAIN in this issue. Not just some gangster in a suit and fedora. Another nice touch by Francavilla.

Masters of the Universe: The Powers of Grayskull
Part One: The Legends Begins
Story by Scott Neitlich
Written by Tim Seeley
Art by Wellinton Alves
Colors by Michael Atiyeh
Letters by Nate Piekos of BLAMBOT
Cover by Eric Powell
Designer: Justine Couch
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: April 16, 2012
Cover Price: $22.00 (Only available with Thunder Punch He-Man from Matty Collector)

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of The Masters of the Universe franchise, Mattel and Dark Horse Comics are releasing brand new mini-comics, just like the ones that were included in the original toy line. Last year at the San Diego Comic-Con when these plans were announced, He-Fans, myself included, literally stood up and cheered. So, does The Powers of Grayskull: Part One live up to the hype? Let’s take a look…