Quick Review #51

Jul 11, 2026

This week we’re including Kickstarter Rewards and material from some familiar faces.

Antwone Barnes

Darkest Rout #2 - Really liked the first part when it was brought to my attention. So I backed this; let’s see if it lives up to those standards.
- Looks like it does. Sure the parts that need exposition slows the pace down by a bit. But that part gets less of a drag with some touches like encouraging readers to understand enough on their own. It makes them feel a little closer to Nate’s arc. The changing artwork and presentation really brings out a connection with magic and art as Nate connects his own past with other people in grand spectacle. Plus the thrills with anticipation through characterizations bring out rich layers of everyone in this story. I’m eager for #3. 8.8/10

Space Ghost Vol. 2 Annual #1 - So ends one chapter with an epilogue. With a big reflection of the lead and a bigger compelling echo of what he carries. You can feel the weight he carries on his shoulders and how that same weight empowers his wards. It inspires everyone to keep going with another saga on the horizon. 9.5/10

Dingoliath #1 - What do “I” like about giant monsters? I like how this one keeps it simple with an endearing guy and his dog story. It (literally) gets bigger where two outcasts grow on each other. And it comes to a tragic end in eye-catching detail. And this is the start of a creature feature universe! Hope it doesn’t crash. 9/10

Junk Punch #2 - Like the escalating setups with strong payoffs and dramatic irony. But things feel a little too random for it’s own sake than having character. 7/10
War Wolf #7 - Feels like the right kind of empowering. Nothing like an itch, chase, or release, but tried and true fulfillment. It’s like a full acceptance of owning yourself after the pitfalls. 9/10
The Casagrandes Vol. 10 - Perfectly good strips with some of them doing better than others. Sometimes that’s with endearing character dynamics or escalating jokes with big payoffs. 8.5/10
The Smurfs Tales Vol. 16: The Smurfs and the Lost Children and other Stories - The Smurfs sections definitely have the most charm. Must be the reactions people have to events that make a rather organic story. Of course, the other sections are still good with little arcs, stakes, and structures. 8.5/10

Been a while since I covered any of these. Let’s hype up the Kickstarter.

#1 - Sets up the lead’s character, what starts his arc, and says a little about the world. With some fun characterizations of early days. 8.5/10
#2 - Shows the shift in dynamics with the lead’s childhood friends as well as how it bleeds into the current state. An engaging look at personal vs. interpersonal interests. 8.5/10
#3 - Probably where things get a little more interesting. Real thrills and stakes compared to hiding in the shadows. Because the consequences have real effects. Plus the dynamics in one-upmanship leads to some great anticipation to the finale. 9/10