Welcome to review day! This week of August 12th 2026, we will be checking out Marvel, DC, Image, and IDW along with a bonus publisher. DC, Image, and IDW all got a roll of the die minus the series I had recommended. Marvel I picked because I am actually quite behind a lot of Marvel series so I went with a new series for a proper review that won't be colored by bias over the fact I have no clue what is going on. The bonus publisher was randomized by I just picked the first one that caught my eye. Now for the first series!
1. Star Wars: Fall of Kylo Ren #1 (Marvel)
Written by Charles Soules
Drawn by Will Sliney
This is the story of Kylo Ren, Supreme Commander of the First Order, at the very height of his power. And as the saying goes “Pride goes before a fall” or at least a paraphrasing of it goes that way.
This is also a sequel to Star Wars: Legacy of Vader but other than a vague saying that he just returned from a trip, it isn't necessary to know to read this issue. Just know that Kylo went around the Galaxy trying to learn more about the true history of Vader and ending up with a lesson repeated at the end of this issue.
This story also takes place before Palpatine returns somehow and the crux of the issue is about Kylo finding his precious First Order falling apart due to infighting. A lot of it is just Kylo cleaning house and employing mind games to snap General Hux and Pryde back into attention. It is mainly set up for Kylo to put himself back into control after leaving for that journey of self discovery I mentioned (The whole reason he looked into Vader was to find out what path he should take and to kill the past) as well as bring in The Resistance after their defeat at the end of Last Jedi.
The art is fine, there are two or three instances of Kylo's face looking off in a derpy way. But otherwise not bad and it still conveyed the action very well. Part of cleaning house was taking a planet that mainly had farmers as fighters. The in-fighting was so bad they were losing to farmers, you can imagine how unimpressed Kylo was when he returned.
All in all, a more somber issue without much to say but it is just establishing the pieces and roles so who knows what will happen next. I give this issue 7 crushed Vader helmets out of 10.
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2. Supergirl #16 (DC)
Written by Sophie Campbell
Drawn by Joe Quinones & Paolo Villanelli
This is the start of a new crossover storyline between all the main Superman books called Kingdom of Zod which sees the return of General Zod as he tries to make a new Krypton empire. And I got to say, I was really curious about them making Supergirl be the opening act for this crossover. Sophie's Supergirl run has been very slice of life coded, with the previous arc being the first fully serious with dire stakes arc of the book. So not impossible but still an interesting choice to make this Part 1 especially since the events set up in Superman Unlimited is where Zod starts to make his empire claim.
I was also curious about them bringing Zod back as a villain because last I read, which admittedly was years ago, the General made peace with Superman and was using a lifeless planet as a place for him and his family to live on.
And oh my God, the start of this issue answered all my questions, that is surprisingly bleak. I have no clue if this was something already established in a previous book, but hey. That means it did its job of catching up readers on the necessary plot points and with only two pages. The next several pages also help to bring up to speed on the events of Superman Unlimited that are important to this crossover while also explaining why we are starting with Supergirl.
As for the actual story itself, it is pretty good. Showing Supergirl gathering her team and preparing to make their way to El Cadelro (Don't worry, the book explains what that is if you haven't heard of it before) after Lois is invited there. It is a nice clashing of personalities, mainly from Conner Kent and Superboy-Prime, while introducing Supergirl's supporting cast to the wider DCU. It is hard to talk about everything else without going into spoilers, but the first act does a great job of establishing stakes and what Zod's plans exactly are. Or at least the first step which definitely puts him at odds with the El family.
The art is less than stellar. It is different from the previous art style, which was drawn by Sophie herself, but considering the different tone it is required. But that isn't my problem, my main problem is that it kind of feels like two different artists are drawing on the same page at times. Granted, I am not a massive art guy so maybe that isn't accurate of a description but the proportions just feel off at times.
Oh and I know the book is credited with two artists but I think one artist is doing the recap pages while the other is drawing the actual story.
But I will say the art is still overall nice to look at and it is still easy to follow what is happening. So I say in the end it is still good.
I give this first act 8.5 House of El crests out of 10 and I look forward to the rest of the event. By the way, part 2 is in Action Comics #1101 which is out now.
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3. Regicide #1 (Image)
Written by Patrick Kindlon
Drawn by Ludovic Lalliat
This is the story of a man on a quest to kill the king of the land. And a farmhand ordered to accompany him on this journey.
The solicitations heavily imply who the tyrannical ruler, whose death has been arranged, is supposed to be. But the book never actually name drops the king that must die, so I will refrain from saying who I think it is. This story though seems to be more about the journey than the actual king slaying, for we run into a most monstrous obstacle that establishes this world is based on the fantastical.
There isn't much known about Doru, the man on the Regicide quest, beyond that he is kind to the children but merciless to the monsters and terrors. And the farmhand, Mihas, seems simple but willing and able to defend himself and Doru against the dangers despite only fighting off simple animals before this journey. But I am sure more will be revealed about Doru at least as time goes on.
The art is really amazing though, a very unique art style that is quite beautiful. I wish I knew what this style is called or a description that can give. But it reminds me of Head Lopper if you ever read that series.
Overall I give this 7.5 centipedes out of 10, it is mostly just establishing work but it is intriguing enough to follow for now.
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4. Godzilla's Monsterpiece Theater Presents: Roar of the Worlds #1 (IDW)
Written and Drawn by Kyle Baker
A quick recap since there is a good chance you aren't familiar with this part of the franchise. Godzilla's Monsterpiece Theater is essentially a retelling of classic stories but Godzilla is in it. The first edition is Romeo & Juliet which was just... Romeo & Juliet with Godzilla running around in the background. Then we have The Odyssey which actually did incorporate the Godzilla Mythos with Greek mythology which was a fun pairing. Now we have Godzilla vs War of the Worlds.
And my god is that appropriate because this story essentially tells both the birth of Godzilla and War of the Worlds all set in Japan. And it is done so epically with the stylized art highlighting the action while showing a lone serviceman attempting to make it through the battlefield to deliver an important message for his country. That of course isn't the full plot, there is quite a bit of set up that while basic is done well enough to get you ready for the actual invasion.
Again, the human side of the conflict is pretty standard but it is done well enough that you will most likely still be invested in their arrival alongside the epic brawl between Godzilla and the Martians. There aren't many negatives to say beyond the fact a lot of it is standard, but has enough of a unique blend to make this easily the best Monsterpiece comic so far.
There is also a backup story that tells the story of Robin Hood but with Godzilla in it. It is technically a continuation from the backups in the other Monsterpiece issues but this section is pretty standalone if you know the basic story of Robin Hood. It is hard to say what happens here without spoiling it because it is only 5-6 pages long. But know that Godzilla's only inclusion is to act as a deus ex machina for Robin Hood's escape. But hey, it also teases Robin Hood vs Godzilla for the finale, so that should be fun!
Overall, I give this 8 crushed Martian pods out of 10. It is a really fun time with this story and the Robin Hood segment is still mildly interesting if a bit rushed in getting through things.
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5. Biker Mice From Mars: Scorch #1 (Oni Press)
Written by Matt Hotson
Drawn by V. Ken Marion
What in the he- I said I was gonna randomize my reviews and my God is this random. Biker Mice From Mars is apparently a cartoon from the 90s that is currently getting a modern day reboot. And this is the spin-off of a revival comic series that started in 2024. I almost wasn't sure if I should review this but hey every issue is someone's first, right? So should check out how new reader friendly this is.
And holy crap, it is not only very new reader friendly it is also pretty amazing. This looks to be a prequel of Biker Mice which helps to introduce new readers to the tale. It also means this is the origin of Scorch aka Scratch as she tries to live under the life of being a politician's daughter and later trying to get free from it. It is a very nice tale and got me way more engaged than I was expecting. Being unfamiliar with the franchise I have zero clue who is from the main series or is just introduced here. But I promise you that other than the feeling some characters are supposed to be more important than others, it introduces everyone organically enough.
The art work is also phenomenal mimicking the style of those old 90s Saturday morning cartoons. It is probably the best I have seen this week. Or maybe that is just nostalgia bias, but it is still absolutely amazing. I am really glad I picked this series up at random, I otherwise would have never touched it.
I give it 9 fire revving motorbikes out of 10, highly recommended.
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