This week’s Wednesday Comics Reviews column features a look at a new ongoing EC Comic with Blood Type #1, a check-in on Umbrella Academy: Plan B #1, and more! We also look ahead at new titles eligible for pre-order, including Ancestral Recall #1 and Texarcanum #1. Plus, we debut a new regular feature with Ensign’s Log, and, as always, The Prog Report!
Blood Type #1
Writer: Corinna Bechko
Art: Andrea Sorrentino with Jonathan Case
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Tyler Smith
Publisher: Oni Press
Review by Clyde Hall
Any vixen worrying overmuch about the feelings or continued good health of a chicken is probably well on her way to starving. Luckily Ada, the vampire protagonist of Blood Type, isn’t burdened with such emotions. She’s going to survive just fine. And those of us not on her Plasma Platter menu will find her manners and musings sources of macabre entertainment.
As fashioned by creator Corinna Bechko, Ada conducts herself like a slightly amused, but more often irritated, manager of a livestock yard. Humans are ‘beasts’ necessary for survival, and occasionally they’re of marginal interest. Interesting somewhere above the level of Geraldo Rivera but far beneath funny cat videos. Ada terms her mental domination of her edibles ‘taming’, and as with all domesticated creatures, there are varying degrees of obedience school success.
The personality profile of Ada began in the third issue of Oni Press’ Epitaphs from the Abyss horror series, and that story has evolved into the first serialized limited series from their anthologies wellspring. In the premiere issue of Blood Type, we get a clever dovetail introduction from the previous appearance, one which shows Ada isn’t infallible in her tactics. But she is quite a clever and powerful member of the undead, and the remainder of the issue illustrates how she operates and how little she thinks of humans. At least as long as they shut up on cue, sate her thirst, and don’t gather up in unpredictable groups.
A key element on display is how ‘taming’ humans can bring out traits we find amusing and irritating in pets. To those she’s dominated, Ada is in control, has all the answers, and is a means by which her humans don’t have to think for themselves. They’re charmed, and like pups in a litter, if one seems to be their handler’s favorite, others will act up out of spite or jealousy.
Which might come off as a one-note depiction, Ada the mistress constantly rolling her eyes at how foolish we beasts be. Until she finds herself ending her sea voyage and occupying an island another supernatural being’s laid claim to. As Ada says, she’s not one for sharing a hunting preserve. Thus things are set up for a clash of undeads in future issues.
It’ll be interesting seeing how Ada interacts with her peers/competitors. Vampire politics and royal courts aren’t always my cuppa. But Bechko’s scripts for 2023’s The Space Between had excellent interpersonal relationships backed by the setting of an epic interstellar journey. I expect an undead societal equivalent as this series continues.
The artwork of Andrea Sorrentino resonated across the pages of Gideon Falls, and here it effectively catches the multifaceted world Ada navigates. Sorrentino brings the twilight low tides, and the sundrenched beaches filled with tourists. He illustrates humor, horror, and intellect in capturing the nonreflective profile of Ada. He puts on display both the adoration and obsession sides of her tamed meal tickets.
In the Ada stories chronicled so far, I always leave wanting to know more. In a way, the character’s ‘tamed’ me, too. Or at least established a psychic link keeping me fascinated, and thankful I’m not one of her Renfields. This issue is a well-written and masterfully rendered introduction to a main character who’d be a terrible person if she wasn’t such a spellbinding monster.
The Umbrella Academy: Plan B #1
Writers: Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá
Artist: Gabriel Bá
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Nate Piekos
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Review by Jared Bird
After an excruciating six year wait, The Umbrella Academy triumphantly returns this year for its newest story arc, Plan B. The Umbrella Academy will face their biggest challenge yet: the mysterious Sparrow Academy, an alternate group of children raised in secret by Sir Reginald Hargreeves. No one can hurt you as badly as family can, after all.
Following the climatic events of the previous story arc, The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion, our weird and wonderful set of superheroes are left in a precarious situation. Tensions are high, interpersonal relationships are at an all time low, and things have gotten out of hand incredibly quickly. This immediately makes the tone of the arc feel different to previous storylines in the comic: our cast of characters are more distanced from each other than ever, whilst having to fight another set of superheroes who operate like a well-oiled machine. The first issue sets an interesting beginning for the series to continue from, exploring notions of power, control and ambition, and how violence is used to enforce personal ambitions no matter the cost. The Umbrella Academy has never been afraid to play into societal fears and anxieties, but it feels more timely than ever, very much reflecting the current state of the world. The end result feels well-realised, handling heavy themes with depth whilst still maintaining a fun and exciting tone.
Plan B marks the first story arc of the series to be co-written by series creator and artist Gabriel Bá. The result is incredibly seamless, and the arc doesn’t necessarily feel all that different to what came before. The script remains eccentric, funny and charming, all the while weaving in interesting ideas and emotional concepts. It displays all of Gerard Way’s writing quirks, but has a pointed and palpable sense of social commentary and timeliness as well. Fans of the television adaptation might be shocked at how different the comics are, but in my opinion they are well worth checking out in their own right and even now the series continues to stand out as one of the most unique superhero books on the shelves. Whilst the story moves quickly in its first issue, there are still plenty of interesting character beats that help the reader re-familiarise themselves with the series world and story. It’s a testament to how well both creators work together as a team that the story feels so seamlessly constructed throughout.
Gabriel Bá’s artwork is incredible throughout. He has such a distinct visual style, and whilst it might not work for everyone, I truly believe it to be one of the best art styles in all of comics. He has such a good sense of page layout, visual design and storytelling, with a kinetic and infectious energy that carries on throughout the entire issue. The character designs of the series continue to be fantastic and unique,ensuring that every cast member of the series feels memorable and unique. This includes the new Sparrow Academy, of which Bá does a great job at differentiating from their siblings whilst maintaining a certain level of similarity at the same time. His artwork is one of the best aspects of the series, and it’s fantastic to see that continue here.
Overall, The Umbrella Academy: Plan B is a brilliant return for the cult favorite series. Exploring ideas of power, control, ambition and violence, it feels incredibly timely and topical for the modern day whilst still fitting into the larger series well. Featuring exceptional artwork from Gabriel Bá, and an exciting story from Bá and Gerard Way, it’s fantastic to see the pair still creating new and innovative work this long since the series initially began. It’s a must-read comic for fans of either creator, and continues to demonstrate why there’s nothing quite like The Umbrella Academy.
FOC Watch
These books are available for pre-order now.
Ancestral Recall #1
Writer: Jordan Clark
Artist: Atagun İlhan
Publisher: AHOY Comics
Publication Date: August 6, 2025
Review by Khalid Johnson
On first impression, Ancestral Recall made me think about the legacy of Black storytelling and the way that we keep the memories of our ancestors alive through our stories and in our actions. Writer Jordan Clark defines ancestral recall as an instinctual bridge from past to present. From present to future. Black history is infused on the pages of this first issue, beautifully illustrated by Atagun İlhan as we meet figures from the past, intertwining themselves with the actions of our protagonist, painter Melvin Waring.
İlhan’s art is expressive, with beautiful colors and a sense of warmth as we are situated in Oakland, California. An apt comparison here is Everything Everywhere All At Once, where different versions of Evelyn Wang across the multiverse help inform our Evelyn as she fights to save her daughter. Melvin is informed not by the multiverse, but by figures in time, in Black history, connecting across the diaspora, from L.A. in 1932 to Spain in 1814 in this issue. Our setup here is Melvin struggling to find artistic inspiration for his next painting as his wife, art dealer, and agent, June Waring works to support him both as a professional and romantic partner.
It’s very endearing to see older, mature Black love as is shown on these pages; Melvin and June have some loving banter and feel organic even as Melvin is generally a disgruntled man who doesn’t really seem to be too sociable outside of June. As a conspiracy of disappearances makes its way to Melvin through neighbor Myran Byun it finds its way into Melvin’s home as June disappears, setting Melvin on a journey with Myran to go find his wife. The supernatural elements kick up from there, with a backdrop of corporations and artificial intelligence creeping into the lives of our characters and the environments, highlighted by Black history and further connecting itself to our reality.
As people are being abducted and disappeared, history teaches us to resist and here it teaches Melvin how to fight back, where to begin to search. A strength of this work is that it encouraged me to look into these people, these ancestors. Where Melvin is pulled to ancestral recall, the reader is invited into this recollection and truly I think this is a premise that sings as it celebrates Black history, an immutable presence that has shaped our present and continues to shape our future.
This is a compelling first issue, smartly written with beautiful art and some inspired paneling especially in the last few pages, and I am excited to read more.
Texarcanum #1
Writer: Christopher Monfette
Artist: Miguel Martos
Colorist: Patricio Delpeche
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Publication Date: July 23, 2025
Review by Zack Quaintance
One thing I’ve always loved about comics is the way the medium is uniquely suited to tell stories in fantastical settings. On the moon. Under the sea. Back in time. In Texas. You name it, and comics can take a wild place and use it as a jumping off point for kinetic visual-driven storytelling.
As the title implies, Texarcanum #1, of course, has opted for Texas, with a concept that essentially boils down to a cowboy arcanist grapples with the magic, ghouls, and ghosts that underlie the American heartlands. It’s a little folksy and a lot magical. And it’s kind of one story that’s determined to weave together an odd set of ingredients (complimentary) from the cover artwork on, wherein we get a glimpse of a cowboy leaning against an old-school pick-up truck covered with the markings of the occult. And from there we go.
What results is a book that is definitely not short on ambitions. Texarcanum seems most interested with using its pulpy magic cowboy noir concept to speak to the very nature of what it means to be American. It also feels enamored with that idea I had at the top, which is that the middle of the country is rife for exploration as a fantastical locale. This is all well and good, and I think your milage may vary a bit here depending on how you feel about those ideas.
But again, this book is just full of big swings, which is complimented excellently by the artwork of Miguel Martos and the colors of Patricio Delpeche. The script asks them to do a lot of varied things, and they make it all look excellent — from the supernatural to the mundane to the sudden outbursts of violence.
Overall, Texarcanum #1 is a lush comic that will knock you out on any given page turn with a surprising monster design, a poetic burst of pulp narration, or a plain old story twist.
Ensign’s Log
As IDW’s Star Trek comics continue to expand, Ensign Avery Kaplan has enlisted here to keep a careful log!
Star Trek: Lower Decks #8 (IDW Publishing): And now, the conclusion to the story that began in Star Trek: Lower Decks #7. Like the previous issue, this story is predominantly a flashback to Freeman’s time as an ensign. And once again, this issue is written by Tim Sheridan with art by Robby Cook, letters by Clayton Clowes and design and production by Johanna Nattalie. While the issue opens with a very funny gag directed at those who didn’t read issue #7, I don’t recommend starting halfway through this story. The first page also features an equally funny cutaway to the present day, which re-establishes that the narrative is a story being told by Freeman to Mariner. After getting the setup out of the way in the previous issue, Lower Decks #8 is free to concentrate on the action. In addition to plenty of Pulaski, this also means we get a good amount from Freeman’s team, one of whom has the excellent name “Bennifer.” And hey: who doesn’t love a solution that takes advantage of the elements present in Andorian blood? As usual, the only complaint I can muster is another request for back matter. I’m telling you, the potential here is off the charts! Anyway, read Lower Decks. —Avery Kaplan
The Prog Report
2000AD 2436 (Rebellion Publishing): Oops. I jumped the gun a bit last week writing about Silver, not realizing that this week would bring the finale…and I’d have to write about it again. But here we are all the same. This week’s Prog brings us the conclusion of the mag’s best story of the year (so far), and it’s a doozy. I don’t want to say too much about the exact machinations of the plot, as not to spoil it, but I will just reiterate that what has made Silver so interesting to me from its start, is the way the story uses misdirection. Or if not misdirection, than the way it keeps its direction so closely guarded, that the eventual plot points feel absolutely shocking. And it’s not shock for the sake of it. The beats in this comic feel organic and well earned, just very difficult to predict. What I especially appreciated about this second arc is how character driven it all was, honing in on the petty human grudges nursed by one character specifically, which gave rise to everything else. It’s just S-tier storytelling, and I’m loving it. Excited that the end tag END OF BOOK 2 all but promises this strip will be back soon. Silver is written by Mike Carroll, with art by Joe Currie, and letters by Simon Bowland. I should also note that this week brought the conclusions of the current Dredd and Rogue Trooper stories, ahead of a Bumper Issue next week, which I will of course cover in this space. This week’s cover (above) is by Joe Currie. As always, you can pick up a digital copy of The Prog here. —Zack Quaintance
Make sure to come back next week when the Wednesday Comics Review team tackles the debut of the sci-fi novel skewing Benjamin #1, a new Christopher Chaos comic, Star Trek: Omega, and much more!
This column is compiled and edited by The Beat’s reviews editor, Zack Quaintance.
Read past entries in the weekly Wednesday Comics reviews series!
