Rating comic books isn't as easy as it looks...

So, after only one review - I've realised something.

Having a 'whatever' out of five rating system is all well and good - but unless you read in between the lines - how on earth are you going to know what it means?

Well - to avoid any confusion - have a look at this...

This - is the brand spanking new www.biffbampowcomics.co.uk rating system. But what do all of the ratings mean?

A one out of five comic book / graphic novel is... Well - not brilliant really. I'd like to say words along the lines of 'scraping the barrel' - but if a comic on www.biffbampowcomics.co.uk gets this rating - it's only worth a buy if it's finishing off a collection, if you're wanting to read all the books in a crossover - or if you're feeling lucky. Punk.

A two out of five comic book / graphic novel is... A step up from terrible - not awful - but not brilliant either. More... Passable. There isn't anything wrong with this comic book - but there isn't really anything screaming 'read me, read me, READ ME' either. Worth picking up if it's a book in the middle of a series, halfway in the middle of a plotline, a crucial part in a crossover, if you're a fan of the writer and / or artist - or if you're willing to give a brand new series a chance.

A three out of five comic book / graphic novel is... Good - generally always worth a read, as it will usually progress the storyline / development of a character in an ongoing comic, or be a nice standalone graphic novel. Books getting three out of five marks may be considered by some to be worthy of fours or fives - but points will generally have been deducted if the writer has failed to bring elements together well (or in collected graphic novels, if the writer hasn't bothered to give any backstory for new readers), or if the artwork is a little shabby. Worth buying - you probably won't be blown away - but you're unlikely to be disappointed either.

A four out of five comic book / graphic novel is... A pretty frickin' good read. The storyline in this book will generally advance an ongoing story well, give great character development, and the artwork will be almost exactly what the script deserves. Buying this book will make good sense, and reading it should leave you happy...

A five out of five comic book / graphic novel is... Something that will improve your life. Reading this book will tax your brain, make you appreciate the finer things in life, and make you more attractive to the opposite sex. You can't afford to do without a five out of five book.