Over the summer, SDCC had a panel on Marvel’s 616, a Disney Plus exclusive Marvel docuseries covering different aspects of Marvel, both as a professional and as a fan. I absolutely loved the panel and that gave me high expectations for the series, yet beginning with the first episode they managed to not just surpass those expectations but any hope I had for how good it could be. There’s something in it for all Marvel fans, new and old, casual and obssesive…
If, like me, you’ve been engrossed in Marvel Comics lore, have knowledge and appreciation for the work put in by writers and artists, and have a deep love of campy action/adventure live action TV shows then, also like me, you’ll likely be completely engrossed by the first 4 episodes.
The first is honestly the best episode of the entire series, though not by much. It goes in depth into the story of the background and creation of the Japanese Spider-Man live-action TV show that ran from 1978-79 and influenced so many later shows, especially during the mid-late 80’s and 90’s. This episode is absolutely wild, and I literally could not stop smiling throught the duration of this episode (5/5).
The second was all about the trailblazing women in the early days of Marvel Comics and some of the women they’ve passed the torch to. It was fascinating to understand the mentality that some of them had as creators coming up in a male-dominated industry. For instance, I’d always wondered why Ann Nocenti, one of my favorite writers whose Daredevil run in the early 90’s is one of my top 3 Daredevil runs and possibly top 15 Marvel runs by any creator all time, never had an extended run with a high profile female character and she touches on that in this episode.
Episode 2 shines a spotlight on some of the most amazing creators who went almost entirely unappreciated due to their gender and then shifts that spotlight to other modern creators who face a similar struggle in addition to one based on religion when it focuses on Sana Amanat and G. Willow Wilson‘s work in creating Kamala Khan, Marvel’s first Muslim character with a solo title (4.5/5).
The third ep focuses on the stories of two Spanish artists, Javier Garron (Miles Morales: Spider-Man) and Natacha Bustos (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), and their journeys to becoming professional comic book artists (4/5).
The fourth is just as insane as the first if you have similar tastes to mine. It begins with comedian Paul Scheer discussing some wild, obscure characters with some Marvel writers in an attempt to pitch a Disney Plus series based on a fresh set of characters before he finally settles on the team of Brute Force. The team is buck wild, the description of the issues is the same, and his attempts to make Brute Force happen are absolutely hilarious. The best part about this episode is what Scheer actually ends up showing the Disney executives. This episode was just an absolute blast from start to finish (5/5).
While none of the four final episodes were really about aspects of the Marvel fandom that I identify with, they were still well put together, informative, and above all enjoyable. The fifth spotlights several cosplayers in preparation for New York Comic Con (4/5); the sixth delves into the toy community within Marvel (3.75/5); the seventh follows Dan Slott, a creator who’s work I thoroughly enjoy, as he gives insight into what the traditional Marvel writing style was while also trying to meet his deadline (3/5); the eighth and final episode delves into the journey to put on two Marvel stage productions at a high school (3.75/5).
Overall, the 616 docuseries is highly enjoyable and absolutely worth checking out for any Marvel fan as well as many casual viewers who may not necessarily consider themselves True Believers.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been starving for new comics– especially from Marvel! During the quarantine I caught up on all of my comic reading and even read some stuff I previously had no interest in prior to COVID-19. Now enter: Empyre, the next big multi-title, “Fate of the Universe, Epic Summer Crossover” event from the MC starring the Avengers, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and co-starring.. every other hero in the Marvel Universe.
Sure, many if not all of these mega-crossovers get a little long in the tooth; yes, they often seem to rehash or retell the same story over and over; but, Empyre, for lack of a better description, feels new and exciting. Hopefully, Marvel can deliver the good and wow us True Believers with something special and memorable. Having top-notch creators like Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk) and Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man) on the writing tip, what could possibly go wrong? The artwork by Valerio Schiti and Marte Gracia is beautiful and kinetic, as every panel explodes with action. Just the way I like it.
While I won’t dig into the whole Kree/Skrull history too much, here is the gist of it: After years of fighting each other the two races finally forge an uneasy alliance under a new leader against their common foe — the Cotati — a seemingly peaceful plant-like/humanoid race that have been wronged by both races and will stop at nothing to get their revenge and take over the universe. In issue #2 of Empyre, our favorite assembled superheroes had recently been betrayed and nearly beaten by the Cotati and must rally once more just as their new enemy begins an all-out attack on earth. Luckily, Cap and Crew have a magic sword, two magic hammers and a Captain Marvel to help turn the tide of battle.
WIll this be the next Marvel milestone event that sends shockwaves through the universe for years to come with long lasting effects? “IDK”; it’s just too early to tell. Do I like what I’ve read so far? Yes, so far so good. Am I having a good time? Indeed! I did say I was starved, though. I’ve never been happy to have so many tie-in titles before, as it looks like my quaran-thirst will surely be quenched for months to come. Hey, it’s what’s needed during these trying times. 3.5/5 Bibles.
-Gary Brooks
MARVEL’S NEXT BIG THING – Comic-Con@Home
“Saint” Timothy Markham
Thanks to Gary’s review of Empyre #2, you should all be caught up on the premise of Marvel’s Next Big Event: Empyre! But True Believers wondering what’s neXt for their favorite mutants need not worry, X of Swords was also discussed earlier this afternoon and Marvel also had a chance to prepare us for Amazing Spider-Man #850 and new series, Werewolves By Night. It was quite the loaded 45-minutes.
Empyre – Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor), Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk, Guardians of the Galaxy) and Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man) teased a lot including new Iron Man suit, Immortal She-Hulk, and an issue 4 shock ending. Ewing is especially amped about the fallout of Empyre #4, promising that fans are gonna go haywire, while Slott promised huge ramifications for the Avengers and Fantastic Four coming off that story. We’ll see!
X of Swords – The next comic event introduced was X of Swords (name based on tarot card “Ten of Swords”), which is the next big X-crossover that intertwines the other X-books in the series. Swords will be 22 chapters including major roles for characters like Captain Britain, Cypher, Storm and many more characters that were not revealed. Excalibur‘s Tini Howard referred to the event as a “natural” extension of [the most recent X-Men crossover] Dawn of X,” while Gerry Duggan (Marauders, Cable) spoke excitingly over the various writing collaborations the event has inspired.
Amazing Spider-Man – Next we received some ASM news which is approaching Spider-Man’s 850th issue. Spidey Editor Nick Lowe and Spidey scribe Nick Spencer have big plans for the legacy ish, including the return of Sin-Eater and Green Goblin, and introducing a new baddie in Kindred. But the best news of all was that Sins Rising storyline also led to the return of classic Spider-Man artist from the 90’s, Mark Bagley! This portion of the panel also closed with a tease mention for future storyline “Last Remains”.
Werewolf by Night – The last comic series the panel went over is a tie-in/inspired by Red Wolf, written by Ben Jackendoff and co-authored by Black Eyed Peas member, Taboo. Expect a nature (natives) vs. technology (cyborgs). Taboo hopes to bring his intense love for 70s/80s horror to the title, while still keeping the gore count minimal and making it more inclusive.
To sum it up, Marvel’s Next Big Thing Comic-Con@Home panel went over four differing series that all sound super exciting and should not disappoint. Oh! And Marvel Comics’ EIC C.B. Cebulski also mentioned big things are coming with Fantastic Four: Antithesis and Captain American #25. 4.25/5 Enthused Comic Nerds Agree.
-Tim Markham
MORE COMIC REVIEWS
Rob Deep Maldonado @deep2hb
The two things I like about Empyre #2: the coloring job and the vegan teleportation gate right out of the X-books. I’m going to pay attention to my salads more often and attentively to make sure the radicchio isn’t teleporting my grape tomatoes onto my son’s plate. That being said, I feel like I’ve met my sentiments quota on anti meat based organisms from Swamp Thing books to Animal Man books past and present.
Reading the Cotati yammer on about “the red” is tiring. Issue 1 and 2 was pretty Captain Obviously scripted. I like Ewing on Hulk and dig me some Slott since Ren & Stimpy but this event dried up before it’s blossomed! Bring the meat sweats. 2/5 Bibles.
-Rob Deep Maldonado
EMPYRE: AVENGERS #1“Pontif” Tony Pattawon @thepattawontron
After multiple millennia, the Kree and Skrulls finally decided to settle their differences and unite under the rule of the hybrid we know and love as Hulkling (I swear his code name is trash) aka Dorrek VIII, also known on Earth as Theodore “Teddy” Altman. Plant-based life forms known as the Cotati are seeking revenge on the the aforementioned aliens for past crimes against their race through their leader the Celestial Messiah, Quoi.
What do the Kree, Skrulls and Cotati war has to do with Earth? Enter the Cotati claiming the Earth’s Moon as their base and starting their genocidal campaign of exterminating all of animal life on Earth. So now the Earth is in the crossfires of Intergalactic War between the Kree/Skrull alliance vs the Cotati. Great.
We begin with Cap calling all the heroes-in-arms and Black Panther briefing everyone of the situation. Vision and Dr. Nemesis team up with Luke Cage to investigate this reservoir that’s been completely filled with massive vines. Vision goes into to the reservoir to examine further to be greeted by a member of the Cotati (“Stupid robot”). Then we switch over to Quicksilver, Mockingbird, and Wonder Man rushing into a battle between all factions. Quicksilver arrogantly runs into a spear that hurt worse than Goldberg’s. Disagreements flair up between Wonder Man, Mockingbird and the Kree/Skrulls because murder vs. jail.
Meanwhile Jim Zub‘s story has Black Panther sends Kazar (and of course Zabu), Brother Voodoo, Scarlet Witch and the Black Knight to investigate Cotati activity in the Savage Lands of Antarctica. Carlos Magno and Steve McNiven‘s art pretties up this action-packed beginning to a 3-parter with wonderfully detailed action panels and plenty of cliffhangers for all True Believers. 4/5 Bibles.
Let’s start this off with the artwork because I am in love with this style. Matteo Buffagni (pencils) and Nolan Woodard (colors) bring this wonderful mix of modern shading with the lines and details of an early 90’s X-Men comic, allowing the eye to flow from frame to frame devouring every color. Now for the not so happy bit. They have taken one of the most powerful mutants in the world, Scarlet Witch, and used her pain and regret from causing millions of mutants to no longer exist to set up Plants vs Zombies. They even call it that!
OK, so, Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard do a good job with characters and setting up the story. It’s a fun concept and quirky, but, Marvel, Plants vs Zombies stopped being relevant or cool about 7 years ago. Also, you’ve done the mutant zombie thing in the past, and it was glorious. There was no need to rehash it, and do my girl dirty like that at the same time. There are so many other stories taking place in this Empyre arc, like Hulklings ascension to a throne. I recommend one of those instead. 2/5 Bibles.
Over the past decade and a half there’s been a lot of talk of event fatigue, particularly with Marvel Comics who have a “world ending” event nearly every summer. While I’ve generally enjoyed most of these events and absolutely loved two (War of the Realms and Secret Wars), I understand the sentiment and somewhat agree with it as it becomes harder and harder to be genuinely shocked and excited, yet Empyre #1 manages to accomplish that feat.
In typical Al Ewing and Dan Slott fashion, it’s
a new story that’s rooted in the history of the Marvel Universe and it’s evocative of previous Avengers and Fantastic Four conflicts — Annihilation Conquest, Infinity, and obviously the Kree/Skrull War, which in some ways it’s a sequel to — while doing something exciting with it. While the imagery’s similar, however, there’re new elements that add a different dynamic to this story, specifically former Young Avenger Hulkling as the emperor of the united Kree and Skrull armies and the rise of an old but oft-forgotten alien species, the Cotati. Given all these new dynamics, I’m interested to see where this story goes, which hasn’t happened often with many Marvel events.
The one thing most Marvel events don’t fail at, however, is memorable moments. Even the most mediocre and downright bad Marvel events have had then, and in this respect, once again, Empyre did not disappoint, especially when (spoiler warning) Ghost Rider ghost rides the ship for the Avengers. Valerio Schiti‘s art and Marte Gracia‘s colors, which are excellent throughout, really make that panel pop and I honestly lost my mind when I saw it. That,along with other moments, combined with the intriguing and still slightly mysterious story leave me excited to read the next part of this story. 4/5 Ghost Quinjets.
-Kevin Palma
MMPR #51 – BOOM! Studios“Deacon” Dave Story @TheDeacon2814
Aftermath! That’s what Boom! is calling the next story arch of the MMPR title. This one picks up with the final frame from issue #50, so spoiler alert: Lord Drakkon plummeted to earth and emerged from a crater looking quite worse for wear. “Drakkon minus the Lord” as Aisha (the Yellow Ranger) put it. The Shattered Grid villain is a bit out of sorts as he doesn’t know where he is or how he got there. But, the Rangers don’t care and they promptly open up a can of whup-ass, which turned out to not be a big enough serving, and this dimensions Tommy (the White Ranger) had to show him who’s boss. Zordon and the Rangers imprison him beneath their command center while they ponder what he’s doing here.
Elsewhere, Zord Zedd is back –after seemingly being defeated during Necessary Evil— and gets his minions back together because he, as always, has a plan to destroy the Power Rangers. So he sends down a monster that the rangers defeat way too easily. It turns out the monster was the decoy; not the plan. Zedd needed the green chaos crystal (another artifact from earlier in the series) to be recharged with the rangers own power, which it was when they used their power blaster to beat him. From there, Zedd uses the crystal to turn four of his underlings into the Dark Rangers. Now, anyone who watched Season 2 back in the day might be laughing at the thought of those god awful second rate morph suits that those dark rangers wore (Zedd even pokes fun at it in one panel). No, not those dark rangers; these are monstrous creatures infused with ranger power.
Cut back to Drakkon. I thought he was an alternate version, not the Shattered Grid one, but I was wrong. He remembers that timeline, and even teases Billy about how he killed him in his world. Our Tommy is also going through some stuff, coming to grips with his super villain doppelganger back in the mix. Drakkon’s plans and role in the story are left a mystery, but I suspect it won’t be too long before we figure it out. #51 is a great set-up for the next chapter in this title, and it expands on show lore as well as what’s been laid out in the comics so far. It’s great that they can still remain unpredictable, even to people who have been fans since 1992. 3.5/5 Bibles.
Oh! I almost forgot… I said four Dark Rangers– Squat, Baboo, Finster, and Goldar… but there are five. Come on! There’s always five Rangers! Who else, but Rita Repulsa returns and is set up to be the red Dark Ranger! Whaaaat? I didn’t see that coming. The Dark Rangers had so much potential in season 2, but never went anywhere. Drakkon being back on top of that… I can see the Rangers having a lot of problems in the next several issues. I’m also wondering how this ties into the two new titles BOOM! is starting this fall, “Mighty Morphin” and “Power Rangers” (creative!) one of the titles shows a new green ranger on the cover. I’m calling it now, that green ranger is this Drakkon after he convinces everyone he’s reformed and wants to be a hero– right before his sudden and inevitable betrayal.
It might be April, but we aren’t quite fooling around here at GodHatesGeeks! We’ve got some of the newest titles from the past week to look, at, including and adaptation of one of Netflix’s hit series, as well as the continued adventures of Marvel’s First Family. And even if it’s a bit cold out here on the East Coast, you know how that saying goes? “April showers…” and all that jazz. Let’s dive right in…!
STONE STAR #1 – Comixology Originals“Father” #HeelSean Farrell @IAMSCF
From the creative mind behind Skullkickers & Wayward, Jim Zub has arrived at Comixology Originals. Along with artist Max Dunbar (Judge Dredd Under Siege), we are introduced to the Stone Star — a massive, floating battle arena that tours the cosmos, planting its anchor and giving the masses what they want: blood and lots of it; a gladiatorial pit where you either fight or work for the fighters.
We are quickly introduced to Dail who is currently living on the streets stealing whatever he can to survive. A chance encounter with a one-armed former fighter has set Dail on a path to maybe just be the next great champion of the Stone Star. Dail has a secret, he has a power to override technology, which just might come in handy. A lot of world building, a bit of political intrigue in this mixing of future space tech-meets-medieval battle fantasy. Zub is a delightful writer who pairs nicely with Dunbar’s clean art that really sells this hybrid sci fi fantasy.
This book dropped last week on the same day it was announced, Beyonce style. Kirkman did it a few months ago with his Image Comic DIE DIE DIE. It’s nice to be surprised in this modern area of teaser trailers for teaser trailers for movies and shows and comics that wont arrive until 2020. It’s an especially nice surprise when it’s a strong start such as this is. 4/5 Bibles.
After two successful seasons on Netflix (one significantly better than the other), what’s next for the ladies of GLOW? Why starring in their own comic, of course.
Penned by Tini Howard (Rick and Morty, Assassinistas), the first issue of GLOW sees the cast taking a trip to Reseda (because where else would you go for wrestling on the west coast?) Wrestlefest where they discover that they aren’t the only women wrestlers in California. Howard’s writing is spot-on and nailed the personality of the characters; it felt like I was reading an actual episode of the show. During a scene in which Ruth and Debbie are portraying their in-ring personas, I could “hear” Alison Brie’s goofy AF Russian accent shining through the words on the page.
Hannah Templer’s (Jem and The Holograms) cartoon-y style is made for this series. She captures the cast’s likenesses flawlessly, and the facial expressions are perfect. She even starts the comic with an Easter egg—one of the calendar spots, which says “Stunts with Carlos and Tyrus”. If you remember from season one, Carmen’s brothers are played by Carlito and Tyrus (Brodus Clay if you don’t watch Impact). 5/5 Championship Crowns.
-Destiny Edwards
“The Dean” Gene Selassie @GeneSelassieFANTASTIC FOUR #8 – Marvel Comics
Doom’s plan comes to fruition. His luring of Galactus to Latveria was all to capture him and use him as a power source, making himself and his newly heralded champion, Victorious, to be the champions of Earth and of the entire galaxy. The heroes who attempted to stop him, the Fantastic Four, are stuck in four separate and ingenious death traps. Dan Slott writes classic FF doing classic FF things, which works. However, it’s sometimes difficult reading characters like Doctor Doom now, post-Hickman. It feels like reading Magneto shortly after Chris Claremont’s first departure from X-men, where it felt like much of his character development over a decade was reset buttoned away to make him a villain again. Despite this, the tension, the drama and the character voices (exception being Valeria, as her dialogue just doesn’t feel authentic) were all excellent. One interesting development with Franklin Richards are his dreams about all of the universes he’s created with his near-limitless power and the countless lives he’s likely snuffed out in the process. It’s a lot for a kid to take in and has dramatic potential.
While all of the artists in this book are personal favorites, their styles are so different that, were it not for Matt Yackey’s work with his colors bringing it all together, it would have been a visual quagmire. The irony of it all is that, in the letters column at the end of the issue, a fan voiced concern over the number of artists on the book since its relaunch last year. It seems that, at least going into this current issue, those concerns are falling on deaf ears. Hopefully that changes moving forward.
I’ve enjoyed this FF run and hope that, as Slott’s grand vision unfolds, that he can be provided a solid pair of rotating artists, with similar styles, to give FF some visual consistency and a bit of much-needed stylistic continuity. 3.5/5 Bibles.
-Gene Selassie
“Minister” Matthew GarzaINVISIBLE KINGDOM #1 – Dark Horse
Introduced to the accolades present within the creative team’s impressive lineup, I admit I formed expectations for the quality of the writing, structure, artwork, and characters. Unfortunately I was rewarded with a menagerie of cliché characters and interactions as well as a premature plot setup for two entities. Both protagonist groups – a company and a major religious sect – are revealed to be ensnared in some conspiracy.
G. Willow Wilson (writer) and Christian Ward (artist, colorist) construct a solid foundation for the world they created together. Their world is truly breathtaking. Landscapes are colorful, and cities are vibrant. Scale is easily understood when characters stand before massive structures. The creators clearly understand the rules and logic of their world, but it is a bit hard helping the reader navigate those rules…at least for the time being. Taking the jaw-dropping scenes into consideration, visuals are the saving grace of this unbalanced experience. I really hope they adjust their storytelling, because I want to return to and learn more about their beautiful world. 3/5 Bibles.
SANDMAN UNIVERSE – DC Comics“Great Rao” Bass @kidtimebomb
Vertigo has a special place in the hearts of a lot of people who grew up reading comics in the Nineties. Karen Berger and Shelly Bond curated a ridiculous run of titles for mature readers based on the sensibilities of Alan Moore’s SWAMP THING, Grant Morrison’s DOOM PATROL, and Neil Gaiman’s SANDMAN that yielded a string of classics down through the years including, but not limited to, HELLBLAZER, THE INVISIBLES, TRANSMETROPOLITAN, PREACHER, 100 BULLETS, Y THE LAST MAN, FABLES, SCALPED, and HO– USE OF MYSTERY.
However, with the exit of both founding editors, the line has been on life-support these past few years, still actually publishing titles but with nowhere near the acclaim or sales that it’s known in years past (and the sales were never that dynamite to begin with; with Vertigo, it’s always been more about critical praise). And but lately here, Gerard Way’s Young Animal pop-up imprint has been absolutely scratching the itch that many old-school fans had been experiencing, with most of the current Vertigo staff engaged with those titles. So, it was a small surprise that DC announced that they were bringing back an entire line of comics set in the Sandman universe: THE DREAMING, THE BOOKS OF MAGIC, HO– USE OF WHISPERS, and LUCIFER. Fortunately, Neil Gaiman is on-board, a wise move, as attempting this situation without him is a bad idea, both creatively and optically. However, everyone’s favorite master storyteller isn’t actually scripting any of the four titles; he seems to be more serving as more a sort of editor-in-chief or showrunner, setting up the general premise and then letting hand-picked creatives loose to do their best work. He probably wisely elects not to lean on former talent like Mike Carey, Garth Ennis, or Peter Milligan, but instead enlists a new generation of writers and artists, only a very few of whom I’d even heard of before. THE SANDMAN UNIVERSE #1 is the overture that starts spinning the threads of the four new titles, and it does a fine job of whetting readers’ appetites for the line as a whole while teasing out a focused linear narrative that’s engaging all on its own.
We open in The Dreaming with a significant portion of the beloved supporting cast that Gaiman first created in SANDMAN thirty years ago. There are several old favorite bits that do an effective job of pushing readers’ nostalgia buttons: Lucien’s grandiose meta-narration, Cain murdering Abel, Matthew taking the piss out of his cohorts. And the sigil-holding. That was the one that punched me in the gut from out of nowhere. Young Animal has definitely been checking off most of the Vertigo boxes in my heart, but nothing can do it for you like the original. The new conflict is that there’s a great crack in the firmament of The Dreaming, Daniel is M.I.A. like any good Dream of the Endless is wont to be, and so our boy Matthew the Raven has to go looking for him. This is the framing sequence through which we’ll catch glimpses of our new titles. And this whole deal is basically an anthology sampler, so I’m just going to power through as quick as I can to keep this word-count as low as possible for our dear Brother Sgt. Moody.
First up is THE DREAMING, which it looks like will be featuring Dora, an amnesiac monstress who Matthew says showed up right before “the changeover,” meaning the end of Gaiman’s original run, though I can’t tell if that’s for real and I don’t remember her or it’s a retcon and she’s a new character. She’s compelling enough either way. I presume THE DREAMING is going to be about her and probably Matthew, Lucien, Merv, and friends dealing with what’s going down at the homefront while Daniel remains out of pocket. Simon Spurrier and Bilquis Evely appear more than capable of entertaining us with this set-up. I’m probably most onboard with this title of the four. (Quick note on creator credits: everyone just gets a lump credit at the end without assignation and the individual one-page ads for the books at the end don’t have creative listed, which seems silly, so there’s a real chance that I might be mis-attributing something somewhere, but I tried.)
Next, we have THE BOOKS OF MAGIC, starring the original bespectacled boy wizard. I never hit the original monthly series after Gaiman’s mini so have minimal nostalgic connection to young Master Hunter. We get just a taste of what’s going on here, but Kat Howard’s script and Tom Fowler’s expressive art in particular offer an intriguing glimpse of the tone of this story about a secret boy wizard attending a school where at least one instructor seems like a formidable antagonist. I could care less about Tim Hunter, really, but this short effectively sold me on giving the book a shot, so well done. Mission accomplished.
HO– USE OF WHISPERS is the title that seems like it’s got the blankest slate, not directly based on any titles that hvae come before. Nalo Hopkinson and Dominike Stanton conjure a tale of three sisters and the oldest’s girlfriend who it looks like will have some doings with the local voodoo goddess type who operates out of the swamp around New Orleans. I liked the tone of the character interactions just fine, but I don’t know how you can have seven pages of New Orleans without one horn in a single panel. Jazz, man! There should have been a second line marching in the background and notes in the air on every page. Other than that, compelling enough.
The last book, LUCIFER, is probably the most relatively mainstream, the first volume alone having already been published for 75 issues by Mike Carey & Peter Gross, as well as having a television adaptation that just finished up its fourth season on Fox. It looks like Dan Watters and Max & Sebastian Fiumara have a circle-is-now-complete set-up here with Lucifer now finding himself a father with a son in need of a mother and determined to do better by his boy than God Almighty did by him.
Then, we finish back up in The Dreaming with a cliffhanger that sets a lovely, ominous tone for the overarching story. Overall, this is an enjoyable taste of what’s to come. A few different flavors to try out. When this whole deal was announced, I figured I’d pick up this first issue, but none of the main titles seemed compelling to me based on creative and premise alone. Now, I’ll definitely pick up the first issues of THE DREAMING and BOOKS OF MAGIC. And honestly, with the releases staggered out, I could see myself possibly giving the other two a shot, though I might wait to hit them in trade as well, a time-honored method of Vertigo consumption nearly as old as the line itself. If, like me, you heard that Gaiman was bringing back the line but weren’t really intrigued by the talent attached, maybe pay your five dollars right here, dip your toe back in the rising tide of The Dreaming, feel that shiver up your spine reminding you who you used to be once upon a time, and let someone you never met whisper a story into your ear. 4/5 I Stand In Your Gallery And Call You.
-Rob Bass
“Cardinal” Gary Brooks @ facebook.com/gary.brooksHAL JORDAN AND THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS #50 – DC Comics
Well, that was a fun read! I just binge read the last five issues of Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps so I could write this review, and it was pretty damn satisfying. There’s something to be said for reading a story arc from start to finish in a matter of 48 hours. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this particular story arc because it felt like something new and old at the same time. Sure, like every GL story they get their collective butts kicked at the beginning then somehow, some way they literally will themselves to win usually by some type of Hail Mary play that almost gets them all killed, and almost always involves Hal going solo on a life or death mission that no one thinks will work, but they do it anyway because they will follow John Stewart into any fire.
But, what set this story apart for me was that it wraps up a long running story arc that’s been going on for years and it feels as though we’ve gotten a little closure. Revenge/redemption/resolution! What more is needed? The battle between the Green Lantern Corps, and the Dark-stars, and Robert Vendetti’s epic run finally come to a climactic end and we finally get to see Tamar-Tu get what he deserves…way to go out on tops guy! Great storytelling and fantastic artwork! 4/5 Power Rings (the whole arc a 4.5/5).
-Gary Brooks
“Father” #HeelSean Farrell @IAMSCFFANTASTIC FOUR #1 – Marvel Comics
Spoiler #1: I enjoyed the issue by Dan Slott (writing), and Sara Pichelli (art). Dan has captured their voices, knows his history and is one hell of a storyteller. His Surfer book with The Allred’s alone made me excited that he’s the new writer of FF, not to take away from his now historic decade-ish long run on Amazing Spider-Man (which he stuck the landing on folks, like a perfect 10.0!)! Pichelli’s art is always a joy on any book that I’m reading. Everything looks wonderful, as anticipated! Her previous stints on Spider-Man and Guardians reassure me that she had a strong handle on NYC and the cosmos setting I’m anticipating to appear in this appear!
Spoiler #2: The FF “technically” are not in the first issue. Which, in the long run, makes sense to me, sorta…..
*** notice *** This review isn’t going to rehash the history of the FF, nor go into the behind the scenes explanations as to why the First Family of the Marvel Universe has been MIA since the end of Secret Wars in January of 2016. (It’s not important to the book itself.) I leave the bean counting to the bean counters and the office politics to the suits and ties. That’s front office stuff. We’re here for the product, not the policies.
*** end notice ***
So the MU has been without the FF for a little more than two years. Yet, they really haven’t been gone. Human Torch was with the Inhumans, while The Thing was the Guardians of the Galaxy for a good while too. Both Ben & Johnny recently reunited for the Chip Zdarsky run of Marvel’s Two-In-One series as they (along with Dr Doom) search for Reed & Sue in the Multiverse.
Spoiler #3: in preparation for this series return, I read all 8 issues before diving into FF #1. Completely unnecessary. Fun books, but uh, yeah. Not really relevant to the first issue of this series. The first issue of FF doesn’t even touch that both Ben and Johnny have been losing their powers as of late and think it’s because of their connection to Sue & Reed being severed for so long.
Spoiler #4: Man, everyone is proposing to everyone these days! Bat books, X-books, now the FF?!? I’m sure most of you have had one of the major story spoilers spoiled already about Ben & Alicia. I’m happy for the couple, but I’m guessing that Johnny has completely moved on from his past romance with Alicia ? I mean sure, she was really a Skrull named Lyja and this all happened back in the 1987 (FF #300) — but this time around, Yancy Street’s finest is finally getting the girl. It’s been a long time coming since (1962!) FF #8!
But the FF aren’t in this issue. Not together anyways. Which, in the long run? It’s fine. More and more folks binge read (I read 8 issues before I got to this one issue), or read via Marvel Unlimited or line as they “wait for the trades”. I mean we waited THIS long, what’s a few more weeks? So sure, it would’ve been nice to see the family on the same page, with the warm hugs and tears of joy. But for pacing and set up? It makes sense. There’s even a one page gag by Slott and the always entertaining Skottie Young about this. Oh yeah, There’s also a backup story about Doom and his current wearsabouts drawn by Simone Bianchi!
So, is this a fantastic first issue? A mighty return in the mighty Marvel tradition? I honestly give it 4 Bibles because it is a strong issue, but it just missed the mark due to the FF themselves not being in the issue. Cameos by Jen Walters & Wyatt Wingfoot did push this book from a 3 to a 4, however.
Happy midweek here, geeks and geekettes. We’ve got a few titles coming our way, including a bunch of reboots and first issues! We’ve got so much to cover we’re going to just crank these out BANG! BANG! BANG! for a quick read on your morning (or evening) commute!
“Cardinal” Roberto de Bexar @RobBex2ANT MAN & THE WASP #1 – Marvel Comics
Jumping from Captain America to Ant-Man and Wasp, fan favorite Mark Waid brings his dynamic style of writing to the sub-atomic universe! His storytelling is as sharp as ever, and moves into the world of the microscopic superhero easily. Joining him is Javier Garron, who I wasn’t very aware of his work before but absolutely nails it in this issue. His art is bold and colorful and very much brings this comic to life. While I will miss Chris Samnee’s artwork paired with Waid, Garron does a fantastic job. Waid and Garron do an amazing job of hooking me onto a book that, in anyone else’s hands, I probably wouldn’t have cared about. 4.5/5 Bibles.
Starting from scratch while jumping right into the action, Skottie Young takes over writing duties for the Merc with the Mouth in this new series. Young, and artists Nic Klein and Scott Hepburn, forgo the typical multi-issue arc and instead present loosely connected mini-stories. Somehow, this first issue already feels more Deadpool-like than the movie Deadpool 2 did, take that for what you will. The humor, the irreverence, the fourth-wall-breaking shenanigans…it’s all here! The anthology-style structure of the comics is great as well: even if you aren’t keen on one story, there’s a whole new one to enjoy just a few pages later. But hopefully there’s a bit more structure in the future. 3.5/5 Pouches.
-Destiny Edwards
DOCTOR STRANGE #1 – Marvel ComicsJason “Bad Preacher” Bud
Get ready to go cosmonautical Sling Ring with a gumball machine-helmeted Stephen Strangelover, who’ll soon goo-goo-ga-ga for an alien ally (who happens to be the apparent progeny of one of James Cameron’s Avatar Na’vi, who had pyramid sex scheme with Queen Cleopatra’s cat after she gene-spliced the Predator’s dreadwig): ALL in this NEW Marvelous reboot of every comediums favorite magic man, who never needs the top hat stuffed-full-of-rabbits to outwit an interdimensional gallery of arcanery rogues!!! Order your issue of Doctor Who…uhhhmmm…Doctor Strange #1now, and you’ll receive your free I Got Acient Oned iron-on mustache (along with a Limited-Time Offer for a Magical I Got Sanctornup Vape-n-Gape Douche Flute – yours for an extra $6.66 + Shipping & Fondling)!!! Dormmamu-Flavored E-Liquid Sold Separately!!! 4/5 Wizards High On Glass.
-Jason Bud
“The Dean” Gene Selassie @GeneSelassieTONY STARK: IRON MAN #1 – Marvel Comics
Despite me having all the faith in the world in the ability of Dan Slott, this franchise feels like it’s been rudderless since Matt Fraction left the book, so there was mild trepidation.
I’m happy to say that trepidation was gone before I got to page five.
Slott not only gets Stark and some of the classic supporting cast (something we’ve not seen in a while), but he gets the one thing the book has also lacked for a while, super science that is somehow believably grounded. Tony’s newest hire for his new company, Stark Unlimited is someone he inadvertently embarrassed when he was a kid, so Stark tries to make amends. This character becomes the audience’s entry point into this story. The dialogue and pacing were perfect.
Schiti brought an A game that was unlike most others, which you’ll see when a major and minor classic IM villain come calling (the latter in a cool “post-credits” stinger). Valerio was aided by strong coloring and letters. Despite my disdain for the comic Stark acting more wacky and flippant than the movie one ever did (with zero explanation about this transition), Slott seems to have made the best of it. In all, this is the first time in six years that I’m actually excited for the state of this franchise. 4/5 Bibles.
-Gene Selassie
Kimberly “Soulstress” Brock @beerock26HAWKMAN #1 – DC Comics
Hawkman (Carter Hall) is struggling to figure out his identity although he has lived countless lifetimes, and had accomplished many missions. He travels to the Gorilla Kingdom, to retrieve the NautilusofRevealment because he is also an archaeologist. he seeks out rare treasures. He returns with a void in him that he does not know who he is, but with the help of Xanadu’s psychic abilities, Hawkman realizes that his purpose is to save earth from its ultimate destruction. He will sacrifice is life hundreds of times over to save planet earth.
Robert Venditti (Hal Jordan & the Green Lantern Corps) delivers a very solid first issue, with Hawkman finding that he has a very important mission; he adds many different dimensions to his character as a professor, and expands on his many special and interestng abilities. This beginning sets up an excellent foundation to future Hawkman comics as Venditti crisply explores ways that he can save heart. 3.5/5 Bibles.
-Kimberly Brock
IMMORTAL HULK #1 – Marvel“Father” #HeelSean Farrell @IAMSCF
Let us never forget that the Hulk at times may play the role of the hero, the genius, the power trio fantasy, the ID personified. His roots? Horror. Al Ewing and Joe Bennett continue the story of Bruce Banner and the Hulk after the events of Bruce’s “death” during Civil War II. Leaning heavily into the horror monster on the loose aspect. Who is really in control this time? Bruce, or the beast? Atmospheric, dark and menacing instead of superhero action is what is driving this series. You can kill Banner — but then you have to deal with The Hulk. Strong start. 3/5 Bibles.
-Sean Farrell
CLOAK & DAGGER #1 – Marvel“Sister” Sarah G @DarthHistory
Writer Dennis Hopeless (All-New X-Men, Spider Woman) reboots Cloak & Dagger, just in time for the TV crowd to get into it, thanks to the new show. Issue 001 easily sets up the dynamic between the two – he’s darkness, she’s light , together they’re a cohesive unit – while setting up a new storyline. This time, Dagger wants independence and to discover who she is on her own, and Cloak is, appropriately enough, basically creeping in her shadow. The issue is a solid read and Elisabetta D’Amico‘s art helps bring Cloak & Dagger to life. As a new number one, it’s a promising start. 3/5 Bibles.
