The Comics Nexus

Join me in this fun journey of figuring out my personal comics favorites.

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FLAMING CARROT COMICS #25-27

APR 1991 By Bob Burden , Roxanne Starr, Joe Pruett, Dave Newton, Rod Whigham, Pat St. Amour, Marsha Jensen, and Todd McFarlane

Flaming Carrot and the Mystery Men visit New York to (presumably) fight a group of villains. But when Raphael becomes amnesiac, Flaming Carrot recruits him for the Mystery Men as "the dark avenger!"... or bread boy.

RATING: GOOD

It's been a while since I read Flaming Carrot. I had these issues for at least a year now, and I was waiting for the right time to read them. I have to say that it wasn't as funny as I hoped.

I think there are two things dragging this story down. One is the Mystery Men, and the other one is the Turtles.

Ever since Bob introduced them, the Mystery Men have been changing the vibe of the book. It just doesn't feel like they should be in the same comic. It's not that they are not funny, but I don't know, I think the story is getting too all over the place.

I enjoy Flaming Carrot by himself (and he was funny with Raph too), but also bringing the Turtles in the mix brought some of their more "grounded" attitude, if such a thing can be said of the Turtles.

Of course, the Turtles were also goofy. But the joke density was very low.

The story introduced some "vague dudes" in the first issue, reappeared in the second one, and they were later forgotten. Well, there was an alternate ending to issue #27 that Bob published in #28.

This ending also doesn't know what to make of those dudes, but it is something!

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Turtles of Grayskull: A continuity-breaking adventure - TMNT Comics

The Turtles of Grayskull miniseries from Dark Horse and IDW promised a TMNT and Masters of the Universe crossover that wouldn't break the existing mini-comics continuity. But the story breaks its own rules almost immediately, so how did writer Tim Seeley actually pull it off?

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NEW HISTORY OF THE DC UNIVERSE: THE DAKOTA INCIDENT

APR 2026 By Nikolas Draper-Ivey, Joseph P. Illidge, Stephanie Williams, Morgan Hampton , Edwin Galmon, Valentine De Landro, Carlo Pagulayan, Stephen Segovia, Fico Ossio, Jason Paz, Andrew Dalhouse, Marissa Louise, John Kalisz, Ulises Arreola, Diego Olortegui, and Mark Waid

In this special chapter of New History of the DC Universe, we find out why the Dakota heroes were absent in recent years.

RATING: GOOD

This is a very different book compared to "New History." Except for some crossovers, I have never truly read the Milestone universe, but I did read Static from the new 52 era (which is now out of continuity).

I cannot say I understand everything that happens here. The incident itself is easy to follow, but why the timeline changed... I am not sure. I am guessing it was one of those damn crises.

I am also not sure this was a good idea... to force heroes into becoming civilians for years. At least, if I understood this correctly. I am pretty sure Batman wouldn't comply like this... so why would all this heroes do that?

Anyway... clearly I am more confused after reading the issue than before.

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ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #2-5

JAN 2025 By Kelly Thompson , Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey

Diana faces the Tetracide, even if she has to make a grave sacrifice.

RATING: AWESOME

This is the kind of reinvention that is worth exploring. The elements are there, the details are somehow different... but the characters are the essence of themselves, and it works.

Let's be honest, this is not a formula you can use over and over with success. You need the craft to make it work. Kelly wrote characters I care about, and more importantly, a Diana that feels real. Especially because she doesn't come from a utopian society, but hell, and I find that a little more relatable (somehow). Or inspirational.

There are of course a few twists in this story...

And these made every issue an interesting piece of the puzzle.

Don't get me wrong, I still prefer compressed storytelling, but there is exploration in every issue.

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Farewell: Leo’s Second Chance at Closure - Rise of the TMNT

In 2024, Rise of the TMNT got one final story: Farewell. Co-creator Andy Suriano returned to give fans the closure the cancellation never allowed, and what he delivered is more surprising than anyone expected. Watch to find out what Splinter's last words really meant, and what the cancelled Season 3 would have looked like.

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ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #1

DEC 2024 By Kelly Thompson , Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey.

Diana has been raised in hell, sent there by the gods to hide her from the world. But after learning about her true identity, she takes on the mission of protecting the human race from the monsters.

RATING: AWESOME

What? Only one chapter? Yes, this is all the time I have!

But you know what... it was more than enough time to understand what all the hype was about.

I usually hate Circe... probably because of how much the character was overused over the years... but this Circe felt like I know her... which isn't very common in American comics.

I'd have to say that most of what I like from this issue, is her. Then, of course, is Wonder Woman, but she kind of only starts shining in the end. But still, I found the story very engaging and emotional. Very relatable. The art somehow reminded me of Cliff Chiang. Like a polished, more mainstream version of him.

I'll definitely continue reading.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #16

AUG 1988 By Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis , Kevin Maguire, Al Gordon, Bob Lappan, and Gene D'Angelo

The dictator of Bialya is going to announce something big, so Maxwell sends a few Justice Leaguers as spies to find out what it is. And of course it derails.

RATING: AWESOME

Of course, the best way to read this comic is in print. The digitized version wasn't meant to be read this way, but at points, it's the sharpest version that exists.

In any case, this is one of those arcs that I remember a lot, mostly because of how it affects Blue Beetle (although we are far from the consequences at this point). Still, this is a very uncommon issue for Justice League in general, as our heroes are mostly in civilian disguise.

Since I was very young when I read this arc, I wasn't familiar at all with the Global Guardians, and I have to wonder how their fans received this story (with Jack O'Lantern becoming a henchman).

Going back to the colors, I wonder how this would look like with modern coloring. Gene did what was needed at the time, but it would be nice to have an "updated" version for modern devices available as well.

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Alopex’s Journey to Freedom and Belonging - TMNT Comics

Alopex’s journey in the IDW TMNT universe is one of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for belonging. From Foot Clan assassin to forging her own path, her story reshapes Raphael and challenges what it means to be free. Let’s break down her evolution, key moments, and what makes her one of the most compelling characters in TMNT comics.

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THE FLASH #15

AUG 1988 By William Messner-Loebs , Greg LaRocque, Larry Mahlstedt, Steve Haynie, Nansi Hoolahan, and George Perez

Wally West has lost his powers and his fortune. After selling his house, he managed to only owe 10k... but he may never be able to repay it, because Vandal Savage is still alive.

RATING: OKAY

This was a strong first issue for William Messner-Loebs run. I found it impressive how much of Baron's run he used (and also how well Baron allowed for that transition).

The issue is filled with humor, introducing new characters and even upgrading one-off characters to supporting.

Of course, Wally has no powers in this issue (his powers will be very unreliable for the next two years), so it is mostly focused on re-establishing his world. And it works.

I am not sure what modern kids think of LaRocque's art. I grew up with these comics, so I am used to it. But given that Wally is probably around 20... he doesn't look his age. In fact, it's kind of hard to figure out.