This week I review 4 fantastic brand new #1’s! Descender from Image Comics and Guardians Team-Up, All-New Hawkeye, and Princess Leia from Marvel!

Descender #1

Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Dustin Nguyen

This issue is engaging from start to finish! The characters that are introduced are memorable and well written. I see a lot of potential for not only this story, but the whole universe that Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen have created. The art brings this lightheartedness to the issue, although I have a feeling it will get pretty dark and sad. With this issue I instantly fell in love with this world and can’t wait to see where it goes next! This is not an issue you want to miss out on!

Rating: 7 (Out of 7)

All-New Hawkeye #1

Writer: Jeff Lemire
Artist: Ramón Pérez
Colors: Ian Herring with Ramón Pérez

Jeff Lemire really nails the chemistry between both Clint & Kate and Clint & Barney. I love the parallels throughout the issue and the contrasting art really gave the issue a nice balance. The vivid colors and the pencils are great; Ramón Pérez is a perfect fit for this book. Whereas Matt Fraction’s run focused on Clint as a street hero, this series seems to be spotlighting Clint’s solo adventures as an Avenger but with a similar charm. So this series is a more than suitable replacement for the previous Hawkeye title (which still has one issue left).

Rating: 7 (Out of 7)

Guardians Team-Up #1

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Arthur Adams
Colors: Paul Mounts

This issue dives right in to the action as we find the Guardians stranded on Earth. With such a large cast I was worried it would be too convoluted, but Bendis does a nice job of letting each character have their moment. Great pencils from Arthur Adams and the colors are wonderful and it has a very retro feel to me. By the end of the issue it felt like I was reading what the Avengers/Guardians of the Galaxy crossover movie would look like and I definitely want to see more. Fantastic first issue, I will be back for more!

Rating: 6 (Out of 7)

Princess Leia #1

Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Terry Dodson
Inks: Rachel Dodson
Colors: Jordie Bellaire

This book picks up the instant Episode IV ends. I’m glad there is an awkward scene between Luke and Leia in this issue because as readers and viewers of the movie, we know, but they don’t. I have to say, this is the best looking Star Wars book on shelves right now, it blows John Cassaday and Salvador Larocca’s work out of the water. Terry Dodson draws these characters wonderfully, paired with Rachel’s inks and Jordie Bellaire’s colors make for one good looking book. I am glad this story is exploring what if feels like to not only lose your parents, but your entire planet. Waid’s Leia is very well written and I like her supporting cast. I really wish this wasn’t just a mini-series!

Rating: 7 (Out of 7)