I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman facing a destiny that was never hers must learn to accept herself to save those she loves in author Nicole Maines’s “Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story.”
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The Synopsis
Dreamer’s origin story has finally arrived, featuring characters from Galaxy: The Prettiest Star in DC’s first YA crossover!!
Nia Nal’s spent her whole life taking a back seat to her older sister, Maeve, who’s expected to inherit their mother’s Naltorian powers—the ability to see the future through dreams. But when Nia starts having visions of the future, she must suppress her powers to protect her relationship with her sister. There’s only one problem: Nia can’t stay awake forever…
From actress, activist, and writer Nicole Maines, who originated the role of Dreamer—the first trans superhero on TV—and artist Rye Hickman comes the highly anticipated origin story of a girl who must accept her destiny to discover she’s more powerful than she could ever dream of.
The Review
Of all the characters that have been introduced into DC Comics in recent years, my two favorites have been Jon Kent’s Superman and Dreamer. Between author and actress Nicole Maines stellar performance on the acclaimed television series Supergirl as the titular hero Dreamer, or the hero’s introduction into mainstream DC Comics, Nia Nal’s rise to heroism and the complexity of her character arc, she is one of the best characters to arrive in the modern DC Comics age and a great representation of the direction comics needs to be taking. Seeing a cosmic, spiritual, and thought-provoking narrative from the actress who brought the character to life and breathed fresh life into the world of DC Comics made this graphic novel so special.
The crossover and connection shared with newcomer Galaxy, another new DC Comics hero, and the balance the author found with both action and storytelling was incredible. The vibrant colors and bright artwork from Rye Hickman were sensational, and the depth of mythos the author explored in Dreamer’s backstory helped elevate what fans knew of the character from her time on Supergirl and took it to a whole new level. The twists and turns in the story also helped elevate the LGBTQ+ themes, providing a much-needed exploration of the power of identity and acceptance, as well as facing the challenges of the ignorance many people have towards the transgender community, especially.
The Verdict
Compelling, entertaining, and brilliantly written, “Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story” by author Nicole Maines and artist Rye Hickman is a must-read DC Comics graphic novel. The twists and turns of the narrative, the beautiful illustrations, and the vital messaging behind this remarkable origin story solidified why Nicole Maines is not only an emerging voice in the comics world but a much-needed voice that is powerful and invokes great emotion and thought in every piece she brings to life, and Dreamer is the perfect hero to represent that. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Nicole Maines is an actress, activist, and writer paving the way for LGBTQ+ youth on and off the screen. Maines’s breakout role came on The CW’s Supergirl, where she starred as Nia Nal, a.k.a. Dreamer, making her TV’s first transgender Super Hero. She wrote Dreamer’s comic book debut in DC’s 2021 Pride anthology and has since gone on to pen numerous other comics for DC, including Superman: Son of Kal-El #13 with Tom Taylor, Lazarus Planet: Assault on Krypton #1, Harley Quinn, and DC’s upcoming Dreamer YA graphic novel. Maines has been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and was a Variety Power of Young Hollywood and Power of Pride honoree. She was also a 2020 Human Rights Campaign Upstander Award honoree for her activism and continues to be a tireless champion for trans rights. Her biography, Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family, was a Stonewall Honor Book in nonfiction, a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for transgender nonfiction, and a New York Times bestseller.
Rye Hickman (previously published as Jen Hickman) is a visual storyteller based out of Denver. Past work includes The Harrowing, Bad Dream, Buzzing, and more. They get really excited about dystopian fiction, good coffee, and drawing hands.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A teenager must fight to protect humanity and his community in author Julio Anta’s “This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story.”
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The Synopsis
Writer Julio Anta and artist Jacoby Salcedo, the dynamic team behind the young adult graphic novel Frontera, take readers on a gripping and inspiring journey filled with high stakes and heart as Jaime embraces his new calling as Blue Beetle!Jaime Reyes is an ordinary high school student in El Paso, Texas, with a deep love for his family, culture, and home, and loves nothing more than his neighborhood’s spontaneous gatherings that go late into the night. But lately, he’s begun to realize that he and his border community are being used as pawns in an increasingly toxic immigration debate. The last few months have seen armed troops deployed along the U.S. and Mexico border, manufactured crackdowns at official border crossings, and a mounting resentment among a group of disaffected and reactionary youth.Jaime’s problems get even more complicated when he finds an odd bug-like artifact while stargazing. He starts feeling a little different—like there’s another voice in his head pushing him toward his most base instincts. And to make matters worse, he’s been having surreal dreams that show him that the true threat El Paso faces isn’t “illegal aliens” but actual aliens known as the Reach. In fact, according to his dreams, Jaime is meant to pave the way for the Reach’s impending invasion!
The Review
This was such a powerful and inspiring read. The earthy tones of the artist’s work allowed the narrative to shine brightly in this graphic novel and were a great juxtaposition to the vibrant blues associated with Blue Beetle and the cosmos as a whole. The action and the way the writer explored the origins of both Jamie Reyes and the Reach/Blue Beetle felt both fresh and original, and a significant expansion on the lore from DC Comics as a whole.
Yet at its core, this story was both socially relevant and morally impactful. The horrific actions the people of the United States are witnessing with immigration rights and the actions taken by ICE have not only dominated newswires for the last few months, but have elevated tensions and created more fear and uncertainty than ever before. This story not only touches on these fears and showcases the harm that it causes, but also shows a path of unity and commitment to a more open, heartfelt, and understanding path that celebrates our differing cultures and how much stronger our nation is together than it is torn apart. Themes of identity, social justice, and family all converge effortlessly, lending this sci-fi epic a sense of groundedness and connection to our world.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, enduring, and compelling, author Julio Anta’s “This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story” is a must-read graphic novel. A great DC Comics graphic novel, both Anta’s writing and Jacoby Salcedo’s artwork mesh seamlessly and help tell an essential story of identity that will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Julio Anta is the author of many graphic novels and comic books for young readers and adults including Frontera, his young adult debut illustrated by frequent collaborator Jacoby Salcedo, and Sí, Se Puede: The Latino Heroes Who Changed the United States, a non-fiction graphic novel illustrated by Yasmín Flores Montañez.
Julio was born and raised in Miami, Florida, and currently resides in New York City where he works to tell narratively rich stories about a diverse range of Latinx characters for readers of all ages. Forthcoming work includes a slate of graphic novels for HarperAlley, Random House Graphic, First Second and DC Comics.
Jacoby Salcedo, is a comic book illustrator who is based in Olympia, Washington. He is the co-creator of the Harper Collins YA graphic novel, FRONTERA with frequent collaborator, Julio Anta. He is also the artist on Dark Horse mini-series, IT’S ONLY TEENAGE WASTELAND with writer Curt Pires. Jacoby has been featured in multiple comic anthologies such as DC’s Legion of Bloom, Panel X Panel, Graphic Mundi’s Covid Chronicles, and the GLAAD award winning Young Men in Love. His next project is THIS LAND IS OUR LAND: A BLUE BEETLE STORY, from DC with Julio releasing October 2024.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A fierce warrior on a hellish planet discovers the possibility of hope and love in author Ngozi Ukazu’s “Barda” from DC Comics.
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The Synopsis
Join New York Times bestselling writer-artist Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please!) as she takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, deep friendships, and first loves!Darkseid is…and life on Apokolips is tough—but then, it is hell, after all. And no one knows this better than Barda, Granny Goodness’s right-hand warrior. But Barda has a secret…she is in love. Or she is drawn to the idea of it, anyway, whether it be the beauty of a flower; her affection for her closest friend, Aurelie; or the mysterious and fierce enemy warrior Orion, who isthe only match for Barda’s strength.When Granny decides Barda is becoming too soft, she assigns Barda a task that might be more than she can handle—to break the seemingly unbreakable Scott Free. And as Barda questions why Scott has such hope and what he might have done to provoke such hatred from Granny, she finds herself drawn to him in a way she never expected.The only thing is, we do not speak of love on Apokolips…
The Review
As a longtime fan of DC Comics, getting to see a story centered around Barda was fantastic. The lore behind Apokolips and its ruler, Darkseid, is intricately woven into the fabric of DC Comics, and seeing life on the planet and how Darkseid is both feared and revered by its citizens and servants come to life on the page was chilling. The muted tones of the artwork did an excellent job of capturing the gritty, darker tone and atmosphere of Apokolips. At the same time, the brighter moments on other worlds and between Barda and Scott served as a firm reminder of the glimmers of hope that emerged as a defining aspect of Barda’s character.
The heart of this graphic novel lies in the character development and themes, particularly the idea of hope in a hopeless place. The evolution of Barda, from a fierce warrior and leader of the Furies to a strong soldier who experiences love and kindness for the first time in her life, made this a compelling narrative to get lost in. The duality of Barda as a character, embracing both her fierce strength and her growing love, not only serves as a bridge between her people and the New Gods on New Genesis, but also as a vivid example of both leadership and heroism in the face of fascism. Her love and heart, as well as the inspiration Scott Free brings to life, made the theme of hope so powerful in this story.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, memorable, and entertaining, author Ngoni Ukase’s “Barda” is a must-read graphic novel and a great deep dive into an excellent DC Comics character. The mythos surrounding the New Gods, Darkseid, and Apokolips was greatly expanded upon, and the twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the emotional and hopeful tones of the story as a whole. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ngozi Ukazu is a DC Comics artist, New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist, and the creator of comics like Check, Please!, BUNT!, and the forthcoming graphic novel FLIP. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Computing in the Arts, and since 2020 her cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author G. Willow Wilson and artist Jamie McKelvie share a unique and captivating story of Selina Kyle that showcases a key part of her past and a haunting new villain in the book Batman: One Bad Day: Catwoman #1.
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The Synopsis
Selina Kyle, a.k.a. Catwoman, is the greatest thief that Gotham City has ever seen. She’s effortlessly stolen countless items of immense value over the years and successfully evaded the GCPD and Batman. But when Catwoman finds out an item from her past is being sold for way more than it used to be worth, it sends Catwoman into a spiral, and she’ll do everything in her power to steal it back. Batman tries to stop her before she goes too far, and a mysterious figure known as the Forger will change Catwoman’s life forever. The all-star creative team of G. WILLOW WILSON (Poison Ivy, Ms. Marvel) and JAMIE McKELVIE (The Wicked & The Divine, Young Avengers) unite for this epic story!
The Review
This was such a compelling read. Author G. Willow Wilson has written for some of my favorite comic book characters, from Poison Ivy and Wonder Woman to even helping craft the Ms. Marvel series for Marvel Comics. So I knew going into this that the story was going to have a truly complex and heartfelt narrative driving this equally complex character. Catwoman has always been so fascinating, as she walks the fine line between villain and anti-hero. The beautiful illustrations and the melding of bright lights against a dark and gritty background made this story so superb to behold.
To me, the heart of this narrative came in Catwoman’s backstory and the emotional connection she made with the characters in this story. The story honed in on one of her and her sister’s earliest memories involving their mother, and the path that took her on not only forced her to look back at her life and the decisions she’s made but on the impact her own actions have had on those around her. The chemistry between her and Batman was on full display, and the understanding between the two of them was phenomenal to watch unfold.
The Verdict
Captivating, entertaining, and thoughtfully written, author G. Willow Wilson and artist Jamie McKelvie’s “Batman: One Bad Day: Catwoman #1” is a must-read DC Comics graphic novel and an essential read for all Catwoman and Batman fans! The twists in the narrative, the mysterious new villain, and the heated chemistry between the Bat and the Cat, along with the emotional relationship between Catwoman and her sister, made this a must-read graphic novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
G. Willow Wilson is the author of the acclaimed novel THE BIRD KING (2019), co-creator of the Hugo and American Book Award-winning series MS MARVEL (2013-2018), and has written for some of the world’s best-known superhero comic book series, including THE X-MEN, SUPERMAN and WONDER WOMAN. Her first novel, ALIF THE UNSEEN, won the 2013 World Fantasy Award for Best Novel, was a finalist for the Center For Fiction’s First Novel Prize, and was long-listed for the 2013 Women’s Prize for Fiction. In 2015, she won the Graphic Literature Innovator Prize at the PEN America Literary Awards. Her work has been translated into over a dozen languages. She lives in Seattle.
Jamie McKelvie is an artist and writer from the United Kingdom.
He’s best known for his creator-owned comic series THE WICKED + THE DIVINE and PHONOGRAM, both with writer Kieron Gillen. He has worked for Marvel doing character designs for CAPTAIN MARVEL and MS MARVEL among others. He wrote the CAPTAIN CARTER series for Marvel and did the art for CATWOMAN: ONE BAD DAY with writer G. Willow Wilson for DC. He also designed the Armored Advanced Suit for the SPIDER-MAN PS4/PS5 video game.
Jamie’s produced artwork for bands such as CHVRCHES, ART BRUT, and TEGAN & SARA. He co-directed the video for the CHVRCHES song Bury It with Darren Price and the animation studio Mighty Nice.
He’s currently working on Kickstarter exclusive issues of The Expanse: Dragon’s Tooth, a 12-issue series from Boom! by Andy Diggle and various artists and his own creator-owned projects for DSTLRY.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young Clark Kent still coming to terms with his place in the world and focused on using his powers to his benefit meets a young Lex Luthor as they are thrust into a competition that quickly becomes more than it appears in author Brendan Reichs’s “Clark & Lex”.
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The Synopsis
Being the only kid with powers is tough…not being able to use them is even worse!
Struggling with understanding why his parents demand he hide his amazing superpowers, Clark has no problem using a bit of super-speed or super-strength to give himself that extra edge as quarterback of the football team or while doing his chores around the farm.
And when LuthorCorp holds a competition to find the best and brightest for a summer internship in Metropolis, Clark has no problem using his X-ray vision to cheat his way in if it means getting out of Smallville. Amazingly, Clark is not the only competitor with special abilities…just ask his newfound friend, Lex Luthor.
But as the kids go missing one-by-one, the boys realize the competition may not be all it seems. Can Clark put aside his pride for the sake of the team, and become the friend and leader they will need to overcome LuthorCorp’s ambitions?
From New York Times bestselling author Brendan Reichs and artist Jerry Gaylord comes a fresh twist to a familiar face that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
The Review
This was a fun and engaging read. The balance the author struck between life-lesson storytelling and DC Comics lore was remarkable to see play out on the page, as the author and illustrator used Clark Kent’s journey to show how he evolved into the hero we know him to be today, rather than the selfish or driven young man that he begins the story as.
The almost animated television style of artwork that the illustrator brought to life on the page and the captivating origin story of one of DC Comics’ greatest rivalries made this a stand-out publication for DC Comics. The exploration of Clark and Lex’s childhood friendship and how it would inevitably lead to the deterioration of their relationship and their turn from children to hero and villain respectfully was so well done and elevated perfectly. The way the author drew attention to things like DC Comics’s Crisis events, or the multiverse as a whole, made this story stand out as a potential multiversal story that fans won’t be able to put down.
The Verdict
Creative, memorable, and heartfelt, author Brendan Reichs and illustrator Jerry Gaylord’s “Clark & Lex” is a must-read graphic novel for middle school-aged kids and DC Comics fans alike. The unique inclusion of diversity in the cast of characters, even with the slight change to Clark’s Earth parents Jonathan and Martha Kent, and the rich story-driven book will keep readers eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Brendan Reichs was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 2000, The George Washington University School of Law in 2006, and Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2018. After three long years working as a litigation attorney, he abandoned the trade to write full time. He lives in Charlotte with his son, daughter, and a herd of animals that tear up everything.
Jerry Gaylord has been a Superman fan all his life, with the cartoons, movies, and comics inspiring him to become an artist and pursue a career as a storyteller. Originally from Oxon Hill, MD, Jerry began his career in comics with Boom! Studios and was nominated for a Harvey Award for his work on Fanboys vs Zombies. He has worked with IDW, Archie Comics, and independent publishers, and exhibits at conventions all over the country. After getting his first shot at storyboarding on Disney XD’s Ultimate Spider-Man, Jerry moved to LA to start a full-time career in animation, where he is living the cowabunga lifestyle with his amazing and talented wife, Penelope, and their puppy Adora. He has worked with Warner Bros. Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, and Marvel Studios on the Disney+ series X-Men 97. When Jerry isn’t spending time with his family, he still saves just a little time to draw for fun.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A small-town teenage Lois Lane must navigate the big city and face setback after setback as she pursues her dreams of journalistic glory in author Sarah Kuhn’s “Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story”.
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The Synopsis
Can Lois Lane open herself up to friendship, romance, and being vulnerable in order to get the future that’s right for her? She might have to change her entire life plan to find out.
Ambitious small town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in the big city with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks—including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion—threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future.
When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must team up with the last person she’d expect to publish her own website for young women. And as Lois discovers who she really is and what she actually wants, she becomes embroiled in her own scandal that could destroy everything she’s worked so hard to create.
From beloved author, Sarah Kuhn (Shadow of the Batgirl, Heroine Complex), and with expressive and lively art by Arielle Jovellanos, comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.
The Review
As a lifelong fan of Lois Lane, I loved this new take on the iconic character from DC Comics. The way the author was able to incorporate elements of DC lore and characters into the narrative without making this a typical superhero-driven story was great to see, as it allowed Lois and the cast of characters to shine in their own light. The book had a great balance of both character and narrative development, giving readers equal time to enjoy this modern take on this small corner of the DC Universe while also giving time for these characters to shine.
To me, the heart of this story rested in the retconned character development and the important themes the narrative brought to life. Lois Lane became the perfect character to voice these themes, having been a longtime icon of journalistic integrity and a voice for the truth in DC Comics. The emphasis on issues such as racism, sexism, and the complications of modern friendships in different cultures made this story flow smoothly, while the new take on Lois as an Asian-American young woman just starting out on her path to becoming a journalist allowed both her character to grow and the importance of her Asian culture to shine through in this brilliant story. Combined with the warm and creative artwork of Arielle Jovellanos made this a captivating graphic novel.
The Verdict
Memorable, iconic, and entertaining, author Sarah Kuhn and illustrator Arielle Jovelianos’s “Girl Taking Over: A Lois Lane Story” is a must-read graphic novel of 2023 and one of my contenders for the top graphic novel of the year. The heartfelt commentary on the battle between overall acceptance in our society versus the “anti-woke” proponents and the overall message to give people the voice to speak their truth made this a captivating and thoughtful DC Comics graphic novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Sarah Kuhn is the author of Heroine Complex—the first in a series starring Asian American superheroines—for DAW Books. She also wrote The Ruby Equation for the comics anthology Fresh Romance and the romantic comedy novella One Con Glory, which earned praise from io9 and USA Today and is in development as a feature film. Her articles and essays on such topics as geek girl culture, comic book continuity, and Sailor Moon cosplay have appeared in Uncanny Magazine, Apex Magazine, AngryAsianMan.com, IGN.com, Back Stage, The Hollywood Reporter, StarTrek.com, Creative Screenwriting, and the Hugo-nominated anthology Chicks Dig Comics. In 2011, she was selected as a finalist for the CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) New Writers Award.
Arielle Jovellanos is a Filipina-American illustrator, writer & comic artist who specializes in narrative illustrations with an eye for character interaction and cute clothing. Her most recent projects include Black Star, an original sci-fi graphic novel written by Eric Anthony Glover for Abrams Megascope, and Evil Thing: A Villains Graphic Novel (Disney-Hyperion) adapted from Serena Valentino’s bestselling Cruella De Vil novel. Her work has also been featured in the Eisner & Harvey nominated anthology Fresh Romance and in magazines, comics, books, and branded social media campaigns. She is currently adjunct faculty in the illustration department at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Peter Parker is on the outs with the Avengers. He’s on the outs with the Fantastic Four. He’s on the outs with Aunt May! No one wants to see Spider-Man — except for Doctor Octopus. Doc Ock is on Spidey’s tail, and the Master Planner has something truly terrible planned for when he gets his tentacles on Spidey. But what did Spider-Man do that has alienated him from everyone? And what moves is the gangster called Tombstone making? Just in time for Spider-Man’s 60th Anniversary, a new era of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN begins, blockbuster artist John Romita Jr. returns — and 2022 is going to be the biggest year for the wallcrawler ever!
COLLECTING: Amazing Spider-Man (2022) 1-5
The Verdict
This collection really brings the web slinger into a whole new era, bringing him to his lowest point emotionally and mentally and adding an air of mystery around what events drove him to this isolated place in his life. The impact of this story on not only Spider-Man but everyone in the Marvel universe comes into play here, and yet the writers found a way to introduce Spidey back into the more grounded, street-level storylines that he is best known for outside of his cosmic, multiversal adventures. A definite must-read.
Kieron Gillen returns to the world of X! The Quiet Council are the rulers of the Krakoan age, for better…or worse. But now, shaken by INFERNO, they strive to hold their nation together — no matter how much they want to tear each other apart! At last, IMMORTAL X-MEN welcomes you into the room where it all happens! Magneto has left the Council, and his big shoes need to be filled. Selene demonstrating her foot size by crushing the whole island beneath it is unorthodox, yet compelling. Can the Quiet Council resist? Meanwhile, the resurrected mutant seer called Destiny wrote her books of prophecy over one hundred years ago…and a sequel is long overdue! As the Council’s machinations grow increasingly desperate, sinister secrets about Krakoa will be laid bare…but some secrets are more sinister than others.
COLLECTING: Immortal X-Men (2021) 1-6
The Verdict
In the new era of X-Men, the question of immortality and what it means to live life has come to be quite a loaded discussion, and this comic delves both into the activities related to this discussion and the politics surrounding it. The intricacies of the ruling council and those with experience in immortality already were fascinating to see come to play in this series, and the boilerplate political situation with those on the ruling council, as well as the hidden agendas of some of the more nefarious members, made this a must-read entry into the new X-Men era.
Iron Man by Christopher Cantwell, Vol. 1: Books of Korvac I – Big Iron
The Synopsis
Tony Stark is looking to restart his engine. He’s going back to basics, putting away his high-tech toys and high-profile image so he can get his hands dirty again. It’s time to put on some old-fashioned metal – and fly! But can Tony really lay that Stark-sized ego down? Life just isn’t that simple, something that old friends and frustrating foes are quick to point out. So Iron Man takes the fight back to basics, and back to the streets – facing down old-school villains like Arcade and the Absorbing Man. But what’s really going on in Tony Stark’s head? As old friends like Hellcat try to help him find peace of mind, lurking on the horizon is a threat that Tony – and the entire cosmos – hasn’t seen in years. Prepare for the new saga of Korvac!
Iron Man (2020) 1-5
The Verdict
This is Tony Stark as longtime fans of the comics can attest is him at both his best and his worst. The mental, emotional, and at times seemingly spiritual journey Tony goes on in this new volume will see him testing new romances, rebuilding friendships and his reputation, and battling old foes as a former cosmic threat returns to wreak havoc on his life. The threat tests Tony to accept both his failures and his limitations, and push past them in new ways he could never have imagined. The action and visceral storytelling made this quite a compelling entry into the Iron Man lore.
Following a blockbuster turn by Donny Cates and Ryan Stegman, Marvel’s resident master of horror, Al Ewing, takes over the adventures of Venom — bringing the same style and sensibilities that made IMMORTAL HULK a smash to the symbiote hivemind! But like Eddie Brock himself, Al needs a partner in crime — and Marvel has enlisted Ram V, a titan of terror in his own right, to lend a dramatic and dangerous air to this new vision of Venom! And why stop there?! Every book needs an artist, and we’ve enlisted one of the best: the ultimate illustrator, Bryan Hitch! An industry superstar who’s drawn scores of fan-favorite books, Bryan brings his rich and detailed style to the Venomverse! One superstar era gives way to another — and you won’t believe what lies ahead!
The Verdict
As if the world of Venom couldn’t have gotten more complex, in the wake of the defeat of Knull and Eddie’s newfound title of King in Black, the mythos surrounding the King in Black and the Symbiotes themselves take a dramatic turn. I loved seeing the series exploring Eddie’s complex relationship with his son, his desire to be both a father and hero and seeing his son Dylan stepping up into his new role in the Marvel Universe itself. With shocking twists and an emotional undercurrent for both father and son, this new turn in the Venom mythos will keep fans wanting more.
Magneto, the mutant master of magnetism — one of the founders of the mutant nation of Krakoa, a former villain who has never stopped fighting for the benefit of mutantkind — stars in the story that will shake Krakoa to its core! A horrific murder. A shocking revelation. And a trial that will divide the new mutant nation down the middle — and possibly shatter it forever! Leah Williams and Valerio Schiti bring you an epic mystery that threatens the Reign of X and upends the world that Magneto has worked so hard to build for his fellow mutants. The truth is deeply hidden, the danger is far from over, and the trial has begun…
COLLECTING: X-Men: The Trial of Magneto (2021) 1-5
The Verdict
Part murder mystery, part character introspection, the writers did an amazing job of building upon the work done in the individual X-Men series up to this point to bring to life a mystery that only the island of Krakoa could produce. The deep dive into the lore of Magneto as a character was great to see, as was both his relationship with his “daughter” Wanda and the relationship mutants themselves had with the Scarlet Witch for years. At the heart of this mystery lies a story of redemption as well, and not just for the character in question but for many X-Men-related characters who have had a debt to repay for a long time. This was a phenomenal story that I couldn’t put down.
Jason Aaron spreads the legend of the Avengers across the infinite worlds of the Multiverse! On a quest for cosmic vengeance, Ghost Rider finds himself roaring through the wasteland on a ruined Earth where the great Age of Heroes never came to be. Where “hope” is a four-letter word…and where his only ally in the coming battle against the greatest villains any universe has ever known is the world’s most wanted archaeologist: Tony Stark, the Invincible Ant-Man! Spinning out of the cataclysmic events of AVENGERS #750 comes the next great Avengers saga, as the mightiest heroes of every Earth assemble!
The Verdict
I am a sucker for a good multiversal story, and getting to see this deep dive into the Marvel multiverse was great to see come to life. Seeing Robbie Reyes stepping up and gaining more power as the Ghost Rider was very cool to see, as was the cast of characters across the multiverse. The terrifying power of the multiversal Masters of Evil was shocking yet engaging to read about, and the mythos behind the mysterious “First Avenger/Avenger Prime” was engaging enough to keep me invested throughout this story. A definite must-read!
Meet the Monkey Prince, your new favorite DC character! (According to him, at least.) Gene Luen Yang and Bernard Chang introduce an all-new Chinese American superhero!
Introducing the newest hero in the DC Universe, the great sage, equal to the heavens, better than his predecessor the legendary Monkey King, even better than the Justice League—and definitely the Teen Titans—(actually, all the heroes combined), everyone put your hands together for…the Monkey Prince!
Marcus Sun moves around a lot because his adoptive parents are freelance henchpeople, so this month he finds himself as the new kid at Gotham City High School, where a mysterious man with pig features asks Marcus to walk through a water curtain to reveal his real self…someone who has adventured through The Journey to the West, can transform into 72 different formations, can clone himself using his hairs, and is called…the Monkey Prince!
From the team of New Super-Man and American Born Chinese writer Gene Luen Yang and Teen Titans and Green Lantern Corps artist Bernard Chang, meet an all-new Chinese American DC hero, with roots in centuries-old mythology and ties to the current DCU!
This volume collects The Monkey Prince #1-6, and a story from DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration
The Verdict
I love seeing new heroes brought to life in comics, and the humor and witty new Chinese American hero Marcus Sun is a great new addition to DC Comics. With the wit of heroes like Spider-Man and Booster Gold with the teen angst of Blue Beetle, the story not only delves into a unique new mythos surrounding magic and ancestry but also plays with the shocking dividing lines between a son and his parents, who work on opposing sides without realizing it. The connection between Marcus and his true father, as well as his run-ins with Batman and Damian Wayne’s Robin, were super engaging, and I think Monkey Prince will be a welcome addition to the new age of DC Comics.
Two of comics’ most celebrated creators, Brian Azzarello and Alex Maleev, team up to pit Task Force X against their deadliest target yet—The Joker!
Critically acclaimed and bestselling author Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Batman: Damned) and Eisner Award-winning art legend Alex Maleev (Daredevil, Event Leviathan) collaborate for the first time in this DC Black Label series pitting Red Hood, Harley Quinn, Firefly, and more of DC’s most villainous criminals against The Joker!
When Task Force X’s Amanda Waller sets her sights on Batman’s greatest foe, she enlists the Dark Knight’s former partner Jason Todd to track down the Clown Prince of Crime and put an end to his mad reign of terror. But The Joker has plans of his own, and he takes control of the Squad, forcing them to do his bidding!
This volume collects Suicide Squad: Get Joker #1-3.
The Verdict
A gritty collision between the world of the Suicide Squad and the chaotic world of Gotham City, this was a brilliant hot mess that showcases why the squad works so well to add both the oddball humor and the visceral action that the comics have become known for. However, the heart of this narrative rests in the complex hatred between the Joker and Jason Todd, as well as Harley Quinn, both of whom have suffered greatly both physically and mentally at the hands of this madman. The twists and turns this narrative takes and the open-ended finale will keep readers hanging off of the writer’s every word.
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Suicide Squad: Blaze
The Synopsis
To catch a monster, you have to become one—but some folks have a head start. The critically acclaimed John Constantine: Hellblazer team deploy Task Force X on their most brutal and bizarre mission yet!
The attacks begin without warning. Brutal, sudden…cannibalistic. A metahuman with all the power of Superman but none of his humanity. An unstoppable being ruled only by hunger and instinct, striking at random across the world. To stop this threat, Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark have been assigned to corral, nursemaid—and if necessary, execute—five deadly new recruits: the expendable products of a secret government procedure called BLAZE.
They’re ordinary prisoners, endowed with incredible power…and the certain knowledge that it’ll burn through them like wildfire. They have six months to live, maximum. If you’re staring down life in prison, maybe that’s a good deal—especially if you’re Michael Van Zandt, desperate to reunite with the mad lover who forsook you after your Bonnie-and-Clyde crime spree.
But that power? It’s surprisingly transferable. As each member of the Squad dies…the others get stronger. What would a hardened criminal do with that knowledge? Worse yet: What would a desperate, lovesick idiot do with it? One thing’s certain: this time the Suicide Squad’s bitten off more than it can chew. Win or lose-they all burn.
Simon Spurrier and Aaron Campbell, the creative team behind the critically acclaimed John Constantine: Hellblazer, are turned loose on the one DC title even more horrific and blackhearted than that one. Brace yourselves!
Collects Suicide Squad Blaze #1-3.
The Verdict
A truly brutal, twisted, yet compelling new entry into the world of DC Comics. Although technically a Suicide Squad title, the heart of this series rests in the unique characters that are introduced specifically for this story, and the compelling story they tell together as they are introduced into this madness. The brutality of the threat, as well as the almost mindless and animalistic nature of the entity, makes it both dangerous and unpredictable, and the way this average man comes into the fold to face such a threat is engaging to see come to life on the page. A definite must-read.
One thousand years in the future, a Legion of Super-Heroes comes together to dedicate their lives to recapturing the great Age of Heroes of the 21st century. When the heroes discover that reality is falling to a great darkness in both times simultaneously, the Justice League and the Legion of Super-Heroes must team up to stop it all. But what is the connection between the secrets of the new Gold Lanterns and the coming of the Great Darkness? A monumental DC epic event miniseries!
Collects Justice League vs. the Legion of Super-Heroes #1-6.
The Verdict
There have been many stories where some members of both teams have found themselves in a time-travel adventure that brings them to meet some of the others, but never have we seen such a grand-scale team-up of the past and future all in one go. The threat of the Great Darkness, a lead-up to the highly anticipated event “Dark Crisis”, made this a remarkable story to get lost in. The way the teams come to life, as well as the study of the futuristic Gold Lantern and the role they play in these events, was great to see on the page. A definite must-read!
The worlds outside your window! Following a devastating defeat at the hands of the one true Darkseid, the Superman of Earth-23 leads a team of superheroes from myriad worlds that includes Flashpoint Batman, China’s Flash from Earth-0, Captain Carrot from Earth-26, and the brand-new superhero Dr. Multiverse from Earth-8 in a last-ditch effort to stop the end of every possible universe as we know it! Written by Joshua Williamson and Dennis Culver with first-issue art by Brandon Peterson and Andrei Berssan and a rotating cast of artists exploring the many different worlds of the DC Multiverse, this can’t-miss series is the next thrilling chapter in the Infinite Frontier saga! Collects Justice League Incarnate #1-5
The Verdict
The threat of the most powerful and final form of Darkseid takes center stage on a multiversal scale. Between President Superman’s leadership and unique bond being formed with Flashpoint Batman, his connection to Dr. Multiverse, the desire to live up to the Flash family namesake for China’s Flash, and the threat of the great darkness looming over the DC Multiverse so soon after the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal, the action, and mythos the writers build upon in this series were remarkable to behold in the wake of Infinite Frontier. A definite must-read before reading Dark Crisis!
The all-new Sensational Wonder Woman series celebrates Wonder Woman’s 80th anniversary and the legacy of Diana of Themyscira!
A combination of fan-favorite storytellers and trailblazing fresh voices and artists come together in this reader-friendly, high action series is poised to deliver dynamic, standalone stories that are free of continuity, giving hardcore fans even more Wonder Woman action to love and new fans a fun starting point to enjoy stories and provide a gateway to discovering more about Princess Diana.
During a battle with the villain, Wonder Woman sacrifices herself to stop him, the impact from his psychic blast trapping her in an alternate reality. With the help of guest-star Hawkgirl, Diana must remember who she is before it’s too late. Diana teams up with other allies from the Wonder Woman mythos, such as Cheetah, Steve Trevor, Hippolyta, Wonder Girl and others along the way.
This collection of Sensational Wonder Woman #1-14 features writers like Stephanie Phillips, Alyssa Wong, and more paired with great artists such as Meghan Hetrick, Bruno Redondo, Eleonora Carlini and writer/artist Colleen.
The Verdict
A memorable, remarkable anthology series that delves into the mythos of Wonder Woman outside of the main continuity we all know and love. The incredible power and heroism Diana displayed during the events of Dark Nights: Death Metal cemented herself into the fabric of DC Comics far more than ever before. The action, emotional beats, charm, and strength of Diana as a hero, a friend, and a love interest shine brightly through each issue and all the contributing writers of this anthology collection. A must-have for all fans of Wonder Woman.
DC’s deadliest assassin gets a major upgrade, a new mission, and a new partner…Black Canary? Slade Wilson joins a secret organization to take down the biggest villain!
After suffering too many losses, Slade Wilson decides it’s time for a change. When he’s enlisted to work with an ages-old secret organization called T.R.U.S.T. who want to take down the heavy-hitter villains, he’s all in. They’ll supply him with an all-new team and resources for his new mission into the depths of the weirdest parts of the DCU, including a new partner…Black Canary! Wait what?!
What kind of missions does T.R.U.S.T. have in mind for Slade? How about heading into deep space and stop Cyborg Superman from spreading his consciousness to every machine in the Multiverse! But as they battle the dangers of space, Black Canary begins to uncover the truth about T.R.U.S.T and exactly why they want to control Deathstroke… Maybe T.R.U.S.T. isn’t so trustworthy after all.
This volume collects Deathstroke Inc. #1-7 and a story from Batman: Urban Legends #6.
The Verdict
The clash of different personalities in this unique new team makes added depth to the new direction that the writers are taking Deathstroke as a character. The exploration of Slade as a person and how he defines himself really did a great job of showcasing the fight for his own identity. The determination and ruthless nature of his fighting skills paired well with Black Canary’s own skills, and yet the clash of her optimism and morality with his “do whatever needs to be done” mindset made for such an interesting character dynamic between them. A definite must-read for longtime Deathstroke fans, and a fresh new direction in the DC Universe.
Swamp Thing returns in a new series that stars Levi Kamei as the next Guardian of the Green!
Unable to control his transformation into the monstrous Swamp Thing, Levi is thrust into the harsh, unforgiving mystery of grisly murders committed by a supernatural desert legend. Levi must revisit past events in his homeland of India and face the deadly reality of a ravenous new villain in order to comprehend what he is truly, and horrifyingly, becoming. A new era of global action and horror blossoms here, and Swamp Thing will be at the root of it!
Collects Future State: Swamp Thing #1-2 and Swamp Thing #1-4
The Verdict
I love this new direction for the iconic DC Comics character. Levi is a heartwarming and heartbreaking new host for the Avatar of the Green, and the artwork and narrative do an excellent job of highlighting both Levi’s unique culture and backstory with the horror and gritty reality of Swamp Thing titles throughout the company’s history. The juxtaposition of the harsh desert landscape introduced in the early chapters of this new series with the beauty of the Green was great to see on the page, and having Levi as the new host allows readers to get new glimpses into the mythos surrounding the Green itself. A definite must-read for longtime Swamp Thing fans.
The Suicide Squad enters a brand-new era as they encounter fresh foes and threats at every turn!
All hell breaks loose for the squad! With all new do-badders they don’t only have to worry about surviving their next mission…they have to survive each other! This volume collects the most daring tales of the antiheroes as the DC Universe spins out in the aftermath of Future State!
Collecting Future State: Suicide Squad #1-2 and Suicide Squad #1-6.
The Verdict
As a longtime fan of the Suicide Squad titles, I loved this new direction the team and series are taking. The new concepts introduced with these new characters and members of the squad were fantastic to see, and the mysteries were so intriguing to dive into. From Amanda Waller’s powerful new endgame to the divide between her and Rick Flagg and the way Waller was able to gain control of Superboy all drove this new team led by the new fan-favorite character Peacemaker. The bright and intense artwork really kept me invested in this story as it evolved, and the chemistry of this new team was unique enough to make the title feel fresh and alive on the page. A must-read new direction for the squad!
The event that was DC Future State continues in this graphic novel collection starring the Red Hood and the entire Bat-Family.
Disaster strikes Gotham City, and all evidence points to the Next Batman! Red Hood must choose justice over his family and allies when the corrupt Magistrate enlists him to bring in the new Batman dead or alive! Featuring the entire cast from the popular Future State Batman titles, this story line kicks off the next chapter in this forbidding world of tomorrow, and does so in brilliant, monochromatic storytelling! This black-and-white collection will showcase the brutal world that’s around the corner in Future State Gotham!
Includes stories from Future State: Dark Detective #2 and #4, plus Future State: Gotham #1–7.
The Verdict
As the present-day DC Universe attempts to curtail some of the darker futures seen during the Future State event, this title takes readers back into the grim world of Gotham’s Future State, following Jason Todd when he is once again alone and separated from his Bat family. As he works to protect Gotham from the threats looming over them, the powerful hand of the Magistrate he now works for threatens the freedoms and lives of both heroes and villains alike. The gritty future the story depicts reflects beautifully in the black and white artwork that brings these futuristic versions of iconic characters to life. A great title in DC’s Future State line.
Harvey Award nominated and one of the crown jewels of the DC library is the inimitable BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE – innovative short tales of the Caped Crusader, told purely in primal black and white ink. Unfortunately, now Harley Quinn wants in on the action…and she’s got her red pen, and some NOTES.
For the first time in print, 19 short tales of Gotham City’s craziest clown princess are presented in nothing but black, white, and bold splashes of red. See how Harley’s story unfolds in worlds beyond the DC Universe, in the alternate timelines of Batman: White Knight, Harleen, and the Harley Quinn animated series! Witness her darkest hours and her happiest moments! Behold a-wait a second, did she just…win an underground rap battle?!
An incredible array of talent from across the comics industry have put their reputations in jeopardy to bring you these stories. So show a little gratitude, will ya?
This volume collects Harley Quinn Black + White + Red Digital Chapters #1-17 in print for the first time-along with two all-new, never-before seen stories by writer David Mandel (Veep) and artist Adam Hughes; and Harley’s co-creator, writer Paul Dini, with legendary Batman: The Animated Series artist Kevin Altieri!
Collects Harley Quinn Black + White + Red 1-19
The Verdict
While there are so many authors and artists in this collection it would be impossible to stop and name them all, each one of these amazing creators did an incredible job of crafting unique moments in Harley Quinn’s history and bringing them to life on the page. The action, humor, and special connection Harley has to the greater DC Universe are felt profoundly in these stories, and the titles each reflect a different side of Harley’s personality and mindset that makes her character so unique. The short story/anthology aspect of this collection makes for such an entertaining and captivating new direction for this fan-favorite character. A definite must-read for Harley Quinn fans!
The thrilling and chaotic fan-favorite miniseries from Detective Comics dream team Mariko Tamaki and Amancay Nahuelpan collected for the first time! In case anyone was wondering, Crush is doing just fine, actually. Sure, she effectively quit being a Teen Titan. And okay, her relationship with her girlfriend, Katie, is kind of on the rocks, if you want to get all technical about it. Oh, and she recently found out her dad, Lobo, is in space jail. But that’s cool, because he’s the worst. Okay, so maybe Crush has some stuff. But that doesn’t mean she’s gonna do anything
Collects Crush and Lobo #1-8
The Verdict
I loved this title, as it gave the classic insanity and madness that Lobo is known for, while also doing an excellent job of diving more into the mindset and backstory of his daughter and new fan-favorite Titan character, Crush. The LGBTQ romance storyline that weaves so naturally into her interstellar adventure to confront her father makes this story so engaging, and the gritty conflict between father and daughter promises to keep the DC Universe more dangerous and zanier than anyone would ever imagine. A brilliant title in DC’s new lineup.
Krakoa is for closers! The deals have been made. Mutantkind is safe on its new island nation. As the Reign of X continues, what are the wants of the mutants who have everything? Leading the charge is X-Corporation, headed by CXOs Monet St. Croix and Warren Worthington — a duo as cutthroat and ruthless in the boardroom as they are on the battlefield. But X-Corp needs more than just its figureheads. And as Monet sets out to staff their team with some of the brightest and most devious mutant minds available, Warren finds himself in a tense meeting with one of Krakoa’s first allies, who wants to know the truth: on Angel’s wings, will X-Corp crash or soar?
COLLECTING: X-Corp (2021) 1-5
The Verdict
The development of Marvel’s new age of mutants as the nation of Krakoa came to be formed has been the comic book publisher’s crowning achievement in the current Marvel Multiverse. The exploration of the nation’s various teams and assets has been so fun to read, and this comic was no different. The blend of business meets corporate espionage was a welcome new addition to the mutant’s evolving storyline in the Marvel Universe, and the chaos that erupts from both Monet’s cutthroat moves and Warren’s brilliant mind for business relationships adds both action and depth to the growing story that is Krakoa.
A tower. A mission. A gathering of armies. Swords will be drawn in the first epic crossover of the astonishing Dawn of X! Wolverine, the X-Men, Cable, X-Force, Excalibur, X-Factor, the New Mutants, the Marauders, the Hellions and the rest of Krakoa’s residents will all feel the effects — but which ten mutants will wield the blades? Weapons both new and familiar are drawn from their scabbards as the X-Men prepare to do mythic battle against a truly daunting foe! Jonathan Hickman and his fellow visionary creators — who have painstakingly put all the pieces into place during Dawn of X — join forces to smash the board!
Collects: X of Swords: Creation (2020) #1, X of Swords: Stasis (2020) #1, X of Swords: Destruction (2020) #1, X-Men (2019) #12-15, Excalibur (2019) #13-15, Marauders (2019) #13-15, X-Force (2019) #13-14, New Mutants (2019) #13, Wolverine (2020) #6-7, Cable (2020) #5-6, Hellions (2020) #5-6, X-Factor (2020) #4.
The Verdict
This was one of Marvel’s best X-Men crossover series in recent years. The exploration of Apocalypse’s history and the war-driven world of Arakko was such a brilliant new direction to take the mutants now that they are formed into their own nation. The multi-world tournament showcases the brutal history of the mutants and the fight for survival that so many have had to face over the years. The action, mythos, and world-building took the mutants to all new heights, and the shocking conclusion will see one major change to one of the nation’s most vital mutants. A Must-read!
Bad is the new good! When the new nation of Krakoa opened its doors to all mutants and forgave all past crimes, its leaders knew that they’d have to accept some of their worst foes into the fold…but they didn’t plan for what to do with them. Not to worry – Mister Sinister has plans for the troublemakers. Meet his new Hellions: Scalphunter, Wild Child, Empath, Nanny, Orphan-Maker, Psylocke…and Havok?! Under Sinister’s direction, they are sure to become productive members of mutant society…and the new mutant team that you’re going to hate to love! Though right now the Hellions can barely keep from killing one another, let alone find a way to fit into Krakoan society. Of course, that might be just what Mister Sinister is counting on when he sends them to clean up his messes…
COLLECTING: HELLIONS (2020) 1-4
The Verdict
The Marvel Universe’s answer to the DC Comics team Suicide Squad just got another contender with a mutant twist! The twisted and chilling nature of some of Marvel’s deadliest and most damaged mutants leads one team to form in an attempt to find a place for these misfits in their nation before they are forced into Krakoa’s prison deep in the bowels of the island. Between Psylocke’s morality and Sinister’s devious nature keeping the team torn in two, and the emotional exploration of each team member’s unique psyche, this was a brilliant new direction for Marvel’s mutant nation.
The new generation claims the dawn! The classic New Mutants — Sunspot, Wolfsbane, Mirage, Karma, Magik and Cypher — get together with new friends Chamber and Mondo for a new mission…tracking down their teammate Cannonball! Hitching a ride into outer space with the Starjammers, the New Mutants soon find themselves in trouble and on trial for crimes against the Shi’ar Empire! But when Deathbird returns and throws the Empire into turmoil, the New Mutants’ happy reunion soon becomes a complicated struggle for galactic freedom! Who will claim the Shi’ar throne? It’s a star-spanning adventure from the mind of X-visionary Jonathan Hickman!
COLLECTING: NEW MUTANTS (2019) #1-2, 5, 7
The Verdict
Marvel’s next generation of mutant heroes finally reunites on the island nation of Krakoa just in time for a space-faring adventure. The unique stories told in this narrative showcase the New Mutants unique chemistry together, and the writers find a great balance of intimate character growth for several characters, (Wolfsbane, Mirage, and Magik to name a few), and space-shattering action. A truly brilliant story.
X-Force is the CIA of the mutant world–one half intelligence branch, one half special ops. Beat, Jean Grey and Sage are on one side. In a perfect world, there would be no need for an X-Force. We’re not there…yet.
COLLECTING: X-FORCE (2019) 1-6
The Verdict
The black-ops team of the Marvel Mutants was a brilliant addition to the nation of Krakoa. The cold, calculating mind of team leader Beast showcases the evolution that some of Marvel’s OG mutants have undergone. Jean’s morality clashes with Hank often, and Wolverine’s clash with Kid Omega on the ground makes for both humorous and bloody action scenes. The introduction of this secret society of mutant-hating powerful humans makes for a great foil and need for X-Force.
Ahoy, muties – the X-Men sail at dawn! Mutantkind has begun a glorious new era on Krakoa, but some nations’ human authorities are preventing mutants from escaping to this new homeland. Which is where Captain Kate Pryde and her high-seas allies come in! Funded by Emma Frost and the Hellfire Trading Company, Kate and her crew of Storm, Pyro, Bishop and Iceman sail the seven seas to liberate their fellow mutants – as the Marauders! But the real cutthroats are back home in the Hellfire Club’s Inner Circle, where Sebastian Shaw has recruited a new Black Bishop to aid in his machinations against the Club’s two queens. As tensions rise, Kate’s crew finds itself caught in the dead center of the Battle of Madripoor! Can the Marauders avoid being made to walk the plank?
COLLECTING: MARAUDERS #1-6
The Verdict
Kate Pryde shines brightly in this new series. The comic does an excellent job of diving into the black market work and missionary work that Krakoa undertakes to protect mutants and help their allies around the world. The intricacy of the Hellfire Trading Company and Emma Frost’s manipulations to secure her seat of power lead to some great tension with Sebastian Shaw, and the story also highlights some of the sexism that exists in Shaw as he tries to assert his dominance in the company. Yet it was Kate’s humor and heart that shone the brightest, as she fought to find the answer to her inability to resurrect herself on Krakoa. A truly beautiful comic series for the mutant nation.
DC Comics returns for their second annual collection of heroes, villains, and everyone in between celebrating all things Pride related in the graphic novel “DC Pride 2022”.
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The Synopsis
DC’s 2022 celebration kicks off with more stories, more characters, and more pride than ever before! The DC Pride 2022 creative teams, and the characters they’re developing stories for, include:
• Alysia Yeoh and Batgirl by Jadzia Axelrod and Lynne Yoshii
• Aquaman (Jackson Hyde) by Alyssa Wong and W. Scott Forbes
• Green Lantern (Jo Mullein) by Tini Howard and Evan Cagle
• Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy by Dani Fernandez and Zoe Thorogood
• The Ray by Greg Lockard and Giulio Macaione
• Superman (Jon Kent) by Devin Grayson and Nick Robles
• Tim Drake by Travis G. Moore
• A Multiversity: Teen Justice kickoff story spotlighting Kid Quick and written by the miniseries team, Danny Lore and Ivan Cohen!
• An introduction by activist, actress, and real-life superhero Nicole Maines that will include a teaser for her upcoming Dreamer project!
• Pinups by P. Craig Russell, J.J. Kirby, and more!
The Review
Just because the month of June has come and gone doesn’t mean all things Pride must come to an end. Pride is a year-long celebration here on Author Anthony Avina’s Blog, and I had to share this special review of DC’s Pride Anthology. The wonderful array of varying artwork and designs reflected the beautiful collection of writers who brought these powerful and shining heroes to life on the pages of this collection. The inclusion of newly revealed heroes like Jonathan Kent’s Superman and Tim Drake’s Robin as LGBTQ+ heroes was a welcome addition to the roster of characters this collection housed. I loved the action and connectivity to the larger DC Universe within these stories as well.
I absolutely adored the sheer volume of representation these stories and characters had. From Asexual and Bisexual heroes sharing what it means to truly be themselves, to powerful Trans heroes expressing the ever-expansive understanding our culture is starting to understand of the gender identities we all have, this collection had it all. As a special note, I was absolutely floored by actress, activist, and newly revealed writer Nicole Maines with her powerful introduction to this year’s Pride anthology. I’ve been a fan of hers since her introduction to Supergirl as Dreamer, and her honesty, strength, beauty, and sheer talent all shined through so brightly in this collection’s introduction. She is such an inspiration and I cannot wait to read Dreamer’s upcoming series.
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The Verdict
Heartfelt, emotional, and captivating, DC Comic’s “DC Pride 2022” is a must-read LGBTQ+ driven comic book anthology and one of my top reads of 2022. The bright and inspiring artwork blended well with the uplifting, romantic, and heartening stories the authors told through these amazing characters across the DC Multiverse and beyond. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
