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WWE LFG “TAG TEAM TURMOIL” – NEW HELP FROM AN OLD FRIEND

Ken M.
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WWE LFG “TAG TEAM TURMOIL” – NEW HELP FROM AN OLD FRIEND
WWE LFG – Credit: WWE/TKO group/A&E Network

Eight episodes down and the competition is getting tight on “WWE LFG”. WWE and A&E‘s new reality show boasts about Legends and Future Greats. Some contestants are making the big strides needed to win. Others are buckling under the pressure.

With a WWE NXT Contract on the line, there’s no room for error. The coaches all sense this as well. Viewers are watching Booker T, The Undertaker, Mickie James and Bubba Ray Dudley push their squads into possible champions.

READ LAST EPISODE’S REVIEW

This week is focusing on a valued art of the sport of pro wrestling: Tag Team matches. It also appears the biggest “Heel” on the show is ready to make a comeback. How does this all play out? Only one way to find out!

TEAMS * COACHES:

Booker T: Anthony Luke, Penina Tuilaepa, Jasper Troy and Leigh Laurel

Mickie James: Dani Sekelsky, Chris Island, Troy Yearwood, and Sirena Linton

Bubba Ray Dudley: Zena Sterling, Drake Morreaux, Tatyanna Dumas and Cutler James* (replacement for Brandon “BJ” Ray)

Undertaker: Tyra Mae Steele, Shiloh Hill, Bayley Humphrey and Elijah Holyfield

GET THE TABLES!

This week opens up with Bubba calling on an old friend to help teach the kids. D-Von Dudley (his former tag team partner) comes through to help teach the contestants the are of tag team wrestling. The Dudley Boyz are arguably THE greatest tag team of all time. They are 24 times World tag team champions. The wealth of knowledge on this show is immeasurable. There seems to be some “heat” with Booker T being there for D-Von.

There might be some smoke to this issue. Booker takes a bold shot at their ECW title reigns. He claims they were “regional” belts. It is a very BOLD statement to make knowing that company’ legacy. After that, the coaches and the Dudleys form tonight’s matches:

Penina Tuilaepa and Leigh Laurel vs Dani Sekelsky and Sirena Linton

Zena Sterling and Tatyanna Dumas vs. Tyra Mae Steele and Bayley Humphrey

Troy Yearwood & Chris Island vs. Drake Morreaux & Cutler James

Shiloh Hill and Elijah Holyfield vs Jasper Troy and Anthony Luke

After the matches are made, a big surprise happens…..

BJ RAY IS BACK?!

The most controversial member of the show has been cleared. BJ Ray returns to Team Bubba. This causes instant tension with Cutler James. Words are exchanged. Bubba calls out Cutler for his lack of professionalism. A challenge is thrown down because of the drama. BJ and Cutler are now going to be the partners tonight for Team Bubba! How will this all work out?

Team Mickie’s squad is working on their moves. It seems as they are finding their groove as a team. On the flipside, BJ and Cutler appear to be on the same page. Bubba is as shocked as the audience is. Time to hit the ring and find out

Troy Yearwood & Chris Island vs. Cutler James & BJ Ray

The match starts with BJ tagging himself in unannounced. Yearwood and Island look like a seasoned team. They work in tandem very well. Ray refuses to tag in James. The result is James impromptly leaving his partner and match. Suddenly, BJ goes into BUSINESS FOR HIMSELF. He rolls up Island for a quick win. Bubba is in disbelief this happens and orders BJ outside.

Bubba takes Mickie outside to confront BJ. He rips the young man a complete new backside. The unprofessional manner in BJ’s reasoning speaks volumes. There is no way BJ’s actions would go over in any federation. Bubba leaves him outside to think what he did. All BJ is doing is smirking and saying how he “entertained the fans”. Bubba has to apologies to Team Mickie on BJ’s behalf.

Penina Tuilaepa and Leigh Laurel vs Dani Sekelsky and Sirena Linton

Team Booker comes out in matching attire. It’s a difference than Mickie’s team. The announcers hit it right on the head: “A Clash of Styles”. This might have been Laurel’s best match in a few weeks, but not a great one. Linton seemed off on her timing. Team Booker gets the win in the end.

Post match, both Mickie and Booker give their thoughts on what went wrong. They say it was too much thinking and not enough key points. It’s a bad look for Laurel who is slipping further down.

DON’T MISS WRESTLING NIGHT LIVE – EVERY THURSDAY ON NERD INITIATIVE YOUTUBE

The Undertaker and D-Von go over the “Hot Tag” moment with Hill, Holyfield, Troy and Luke. They explain the importance and all 4 seem to understand the assignment. Taker drives home about “Telling A Story.”

Shiloh Hill and Elijah Holyfield vs Jasper Troy and Anthony Luke

Best tag match of the night. They told a great story. Crowd was sold on the “hot tag”. Booker and Taker can’t stop raving about it. Everyone was hyped in post. Taker was beaming about all 4 contestants. He puts it over as “The Best Match of The Season”.

Before the final match, there is some building drama between Tatyanna and Tyra Mae. They are arguing over a certain spot. Dumas is claiming Steele is being a control freak. Hopefully, they can put it all aside for the match.

Zena Sterling and Tatyanna Dumas vs. Tyra Mae Steele and Bayley Humphrey

Taker and Bubba put over the work Zena has put in. They both indicate she’s the most improved of the season. Zena works the small things as a face in the match. Humphrey and Steele play they good heels. Humphrey hits her finisher clean for the win.

Post match, Dumas and Steele are going at each other in separate vignettes.

AND THE POINTS GO TO…..

Shawn Michaels addresses the group and speaks how they lost the crowd. He breaks down how their mistakes took the audience out. “The Heartbreak Kid” speaks to shake things up. D-Von is the one awarding the points for tonight’s matches. He chooses Team Taker (Hill and Holyfield) on the men’s side. As for the women’s, D-Von chose Team Bubba (Dumas and Sterling).

Team Booker isn’t pleased with this choice. Anthony Luke is poised to take the team’s lead. Booker is once again angry about the call. Does he have a legit gripe?

POINT STANDING: Undertaker 6, BOOKER 5 Mickie 3, Bubba 2 (after 9 episodes)

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

  • BJ Ray just gave everyone a step by step of what NOT to do in the business. The only way he stays on the show is if he wrestles Bubba. I called this back a few episodes and stand by it.
  • Leigh Laurel needs to not overthink so much in the ring. It is truly holding her back from taking a big step.
  • Jasper Troy and Anthony Luke continue their leaps into front running candidates.
  • Another feud starting with Dumas and Steele?
  • Booker T is not pleased with the judging.
  • NEXT WEEK: What if “accidents” happens!

Let me know your thoughts on “WWE LFG” airing Sunday Nights 8pm EST on A&E Networks in the comments below. Thanks for reading! CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

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Doctor Who: The Robot Revolution REVIEW

OffthecuffTom
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Doctor Who: The Robot Revolution REVIEW

Welcome back, my fellow Whovians across all time and space. It is time to dive into a new season of Doctor Who. Ncuti Gatwa returns with his new companion, Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), to journey across time and space just to get Belinda Home.

Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa)James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf
Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu) The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa)
James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf

Everything went “SCHWUP”

What happens when a nurse whose peculiar ex-boyfriend purchases her a star registry and then is abducted by robots? That’s precisely what happens in this first episode of Doctor Who!

The Story is pretty cut and dry; it’s kind of a case of mistaken identity gone way too far. Belinda’s ex-boyfriend purchased one of those star registries just before proposing 17 years ago. She turns him down and life goes on, or so we think…

Cut to the present day, and Belinda is a nurse living check to check in a house with multiple flatmates. One random night, hulking red robots came and abducted her. Early during her shift, The Doctor searches for Belinda only to miss her at the end of her shift. Once again, he misses her as she blasts off with her robot captors.

As the Doctor flies alongside her, trying to chase her down, things go “schwup” (yes, I checked the captions). This was some sort of time dilation that leads to The Doctor landing on the planet Missbelindchandra one, six months ahead of Belinda, who perceives it to have only been a few hours.

The Robots, led by an AI, rule over the inhabitants with an iron fist. The AI wants to “marry” Belinda to become complete. Luckily, The Doctor, having a six-month head start, is working with a group of rebels to prevent this, every ninth word at a time.

The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa)James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf
The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa)
James Pardon/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf

The Story

For a season premiere, the story was almost there. The twist that the ex was the planet’s origin story was okay, but the idea of making him an incel-type was very off-putting. Yes, a newer approach versus the tried-and-true unrequited love turns someone to hate. But it just wasn’t for me.

One big thing to take away is the production value! My goodness, the sets, both practical and digital, are stunning! I hope you have a 4k or higher TV to take all this in! The retro-scifi aesthetic was a great change versus the clean cut clinical or gritty dystopian settings we are used to in “Who”.

The big thing to take away is that we will now deal with fractured time and space in a way that, to my knowledge, we haven’t seen in Doctor Who before. The possibilities are endless. Will we see new takes on the old favorites? Are we going multiversal now?

Timey-Wimey Theories

Robot and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu)Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf
Robot and Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu)
Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf

Russell T Davies knows Doctor Who, but we already know that as much as he’s going to plaster back old plot holes. There will be more by the end of the series.

Going back to production value, I wish they might bring it down a bit! Please give me more episodes with more shiny lights and colors. I’m not saying go back to the beginning of “Modern Who” with the 9’s series. But I think if the BBC could scale back to 10 and 11’s seasons that had an outstanding balance of story, substance, and style. We could get more than a smattering of episodes per year.

Let’s talk about Belinda; this is a new type of companion to say the least! As opposed to the last several companions, she is quite the opposite. Varada Sethu is playing a very independent woman who has no problem speaking her mind. What makes her stand out as opposed to the past companions is that she isn’t swept up in the fantastical opportunity of time and space. She just wants to get home for her next shift.

Mrs. Flood (Anita Dobson)Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf
Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson)
Lara Cornell/BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf

Ncuti Gatwa once again plays the entire gamut of emotions of The Doctor. He wears his two hearts on both sleeves. It will be interesting to see how this next adventure will bear down on his shoulders.

Mrs. Flood completely SMASHES the fourth wall! The Theory Factory online is running amok!

Doctor Who: The Robot Revolution gets an 8.7 out of 10

Make sure to return to Nerd Initiative for all your Pop Culture Reviews!

Check out more from Off The Cuff Tom HERE

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe This July

martystoked
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Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe This July
Credit Marvel Comics

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe in Massive Crossover Event

Get ready for the biggest comic book event of the summer. Marvel Comics and Toho International are unleashing a seismic showdown in Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe, a five-issue limited series beginning July 16, 2025.

Written by fan-favorite Gerry Duggan (X-Men, Deadpool) and drawn by superstar artist Javier Garrón (Avengers, Miles Morales: Spider-Man), this crossover promises to shake the Marvel Universe to its core—literally.

Thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Marvel and Toho, the King of the Monsters returns to the pages of Marvel Comics in a full-scale invasion that pits Godzilla against Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and most dangerous villains. From the streets of New York to the depths of the Dark Dimension, nowhere is safe from the monster’s wrath.

A Kaiju-Sized Threat

The story picks up after a series of recent one-shots that teased Godzilla’s return. Now fully awakened and on a path of destruction, Godzilla becomes an existential threat no one hero—or even team—can face alone. As the Marvel Universe scrambles to respond, shocking alliances form, secrets are uncovered, and the collateral damage mounts.

Highlights from the upcoming series include:

  • A cataclysmic brawl between Hulk and Godzilla
  • Godzilla bonded with a symbiote
  • An ancient Celestial entering the fray
  • The monster’s mysterious link to Vibranium—and Wakanda

Creative Team Hype

For Duggan, this is more than just another Marvel event—it’s a dream project. “Godzilla was as important to me as Marvel Comics growing up,” he said. “This is the very biggest event of the summer, and everyone is getting in on the action.”

Artist Javier Garrón shares the excitement. “It’s a no-holds-barred conflict, and I’m having the time of my life wreaking havoc with Gerry and the rest of the team.”

Editor Mark Paniccia added, “Fans have seen some wild and unexpected moments, but I promise you this series will leave everyone stunned and craving more.”

What This Means for Marvel Fans

This isn’t just another monster-of-the-week story. Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe is a love letter to both Marvel’s epic superhero legacy and Godzilla’s 70-year reign as the King of the Monsters. It’s packed with fan-favorite characters, jaw-dropping moments, and enough destruction to level entire dimensions.

Whether you’re a long-time Godzilla enthusiast or a Marvel diehard, this is one event you can’t afford to miss. With a killer creative team and a monster-sized threat, Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe is set to become a milestone in comic book history.

When and Where to Get It

Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe #1 (of 5) hits comic shops on July 16. To find a shop near you, visit comicshoplocator.com.

Want More Reviews From martystoked? Click HERE

Thanks for checking out my article for the NI Comics Bullpen. Let me know how excited you are about this news in the comments below and hit me up on any social media platform here! Till next time!

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Critical Role Announce New Horror TTRPG Actual Play Thresher

Kat
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Critical Role Announce New Horror TTRPG Actual Play Thresher

Critical Role and 12 Sided Studios have revealed a brand-new Horror TTRPG Actual Play.

The new 2-part series, entitled Thresher, is described as:

“The pressure is pushing in from all sides in this wonderfully twisted nautical tale. The crew is stuck in a metal tube, claustrophobia and paranoia creeping inside, while unknown terrors of behemoths and the darkness of the deep sea lurk outside. Keeping with the mysterious spirit of Candela Obscura, nothing is as it seems and time is ticking for this crew. 

Game Master Jasper William Cartwright leads this motley crew of troubled individuals deep into the abyss where hidden horrors and ancient creatures lurk in wait. The crew’s mission? To explore the long-abandoned Rán Boer Station, a geothermal energy facility resting in the ocean’s unforgiving depths—silent, decayed, and WAITING FOR YOU!”

Now, this game is going to be a homebrew using Darrington Press’ Candela Obscura. Matt Linton and Jacqueline Emerson are responsible for creating Thresher. Unlike other Actual Play series that CR has done, this one was filmed in a State Of The Art Green Screen studio, which they said:

“Brings the environments of the deep sea inside the submersible S.S Thresher to an immersive life with the help of Unreal Engine designers.”

The cast for this series is stacked, including:

This new series will have Episode 1 premiere on April 24th, and the final episode will air 1 week later on May 1st. Episodes will air on Critical Role’s YouTube and Twitch, and on Beacon as well.

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TRANSFORMERS #19 – THE REBIRTH OF ENERGON EVIL

Ken M.
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TRANSFORMERS #19 – THE REBIRTH OF ENERGON EVIL
TRANSFORMERS #19 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Ludo Lullabi, Adriano Lucas & Rus Wooten (image Comics/Skybound)

Megatron. Leader of the Decepitcons. A walking force of destruction. His absence in the Energon Universe has created a power struggle amongst Starscream and Soundwave. Caught in the middle have been the Autobots and citizens of Earth. As their final standoff took place, the deadly leader returned! The question on readers mind since last issue has been “Where has Megatron been”?

TRANSFORMERS #19 by Daniel Warren Johnson, Ludo Lullabi, Adriano Lucas & Rus Wooten looks to start providing some answers.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the lost story of Megatron’s whereabouts!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Johnson stages a compelling gauntlet for Megatron to run for this chapter. Dezimir’s trials conduct a slow, methodical deconstruction. The writing brings out the defiance early. It is a side of Megatron readers know and love. In this phase, the inner belief only lasts so long. There is a sense of “Groundhog Day” with every advancement with the trials.

Only when events finally wear down the warrior does it shift gears. Johnson reveals the master plan of Megatron with a shot of flair. It is a change that throws everything into a dark perspective. The fallout shows readers what it has been trying to teach. Events are now drawn into a newfound direction. It is one that Decepticons, Autobots and Earthlings should fear. A new form of evil has arrived.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Lullabi steps in for art duties. Readers who know his work on Battle Chasers will be excited for the action here. The initial meeting with Dezimir starts with strong images. It leads to an exciting two page spread. Watching Megatron unleashed only adds to the stakes. The ruthless aggression leads into a larger opponent via a half page image.

The art starts demonstrating Megatron’s downward spiral. Lullabi’s attention to facial expression sells the weardown. Only when the story shifts gears does the art craft a new mood. Readers watch as the newfound gifts take a deadly toll. The overwhelming sense of fear takes over panels. It leads to a deceptive panel to wrap events on. The Energon Universe isn’t ready for what’s next.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.4

The King is back and everyone is on notice! Johnson breaks down and rebuilds the evil Decepticon with the writing. Lullabi and Lucas’ art fire on all cylinders. It closes one mystery while opening up a Pandora’s box on Optimus Prime and all who stand in his way.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Transformers #19. Thanks for reading!  CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

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Star Wars: Jedi Knights #2 – Star Wars Meets The Xenomorph?

Josh Allen
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Star Wars: Jedi Knights #2 – Star Wars Meets The Xenomorph?
Star Wars: Jedi Knights #2 – Courtesy: Marvel Comics (cover art: Rahzzah)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! And this week I’m going to be reviewing the 2nd issue of Star Wars: Jedi Knights from Marc Guggenheim & Marvel!

Things in this issue take a real turn for the horror inspired! If you’re a fan of the Alien films from Ridley Scott, you’re going to love it! Let’s jump into it!

Star Wars: Jedi Knights #2 by Marc Guggenheim (Writer), Madibek Musabekov (Artist), Luis Guerrero (Color Art), VC’s Clayton Cowles (Letterer) & Rahzzah (Cover Art) is a great issue that really goes in a direction you don’t see in Star Wars often.

The story features Yoda & Vetna Mooncrest getting to dispatched to the planet Veeros. It’s a world shrouded in mystery, and yet it still poses a threat to the galaxy. So who better to send than Yoda?

So to be 100% transparent, Yoda and Vetna do NOT meet THE Xenomorph. But you cannot look at the first page of the story and tell me that the creatures you see on that page are NOT inspired by the iconic creature from the Alien film franchise. Let me know in the comments or on social media what you think!

The story feels like a love letter to the Alien films, and it’s a great story to match. There’s mystery, intrigue and some sci-fi horror to go with it. It’s unlike anything we’ve seen in Star Wars since maybe the novel Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber in 2009!

The story doesn’t feel wrapper up in this issue, so I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. Furthermore there’s the bit in the end of the issue with Obi-Wan & Qui-Gon. It looks like things are going to start ramping up from here. It’s going to be a heck of a ride and I can’t wait to see where we end up.

The Artwork

The artwork in this issue by Musabekov & Guerrero is phenomenal from start to finish. Each page makes you feel the sense of dread that you don’t know what’s going to come next. Also, it keeps you on your toes better than most Star Wars issues will.

FINAL POINT: Whether you’re a Star Wars or a horror fan, you’re going to want to read this issue. It brings a sense of dread and horror we don’t see in Star Wars all that often and blends it together for one of the more compelling & interesting stories I’ve read in recent memory! This is an issue you don’t want to miss!

Overall Grade: 8.5/10

Thanks for checking out my review on Nerd Initiative. For more of my content, check out ODPHpodcast.com, follow me on Twitter, and check out more of my reviews here on Nerd Initiative: https://nerdinitiative.com/author/padawanj/!

What did you think of the issue? Be sure to comment your thoughts below, or reach out to me on social media!

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Alienated #1 – E.T Finds a New Home

Richard Coryell
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Alienated #1 – E.T Finds a New Home

What if Aliens really showed up in a small town in Minnesota? What would you do, and would you protect them?

Credit: Comixology Originals

Alienated #1

Written, Colors, and Letters By Taki Soma

Art By John Broglia

Edited By Mark Schey – Published By Comixology Originals

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

They’re Here

It’s a normal weekday morning in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, which is a small town in the United States. Lily and Winter are getting ready to go to school, when they get the breaking news that there are dead aliens in their town. Meanwhile, their grandfather T.J doesn’t believe the news and jokes about it to other people at the retirement home. He doesn’t laugh about it long as he finds 2 aliens in his room!

Unfortunately, one of the aliens has died, but the other is very muchly alive. At the same time school gets canceled, so Lily and Winter go to visit their grandfather. Upon arriving it is revealed to them that there is a living alien with their grandfather. As everyone in the town is hunting for living aliens, the family decides to hide and protect this alien. But what is in store for all of them going forward?

To Protect or Not to Protect

This story is a really good family tale with aliens. Taki Soma does an excellent job of showing a caring family in a strange time. At the same time, they also weave in what would more than likely be the response of people if an alien showed up in a small town.

As for the art in this issue, it’s good and conveys what it needs to. It’s not going to blow the reader away, but it also doesn’t hurt the story either. On the plus side it gives a really good family comic vibe which fits the story well.

Check Out My Review of Major Thomas

Final Thoughts

Alienated #1 is a good family comic book, that is a good read for younger readers. Both the story and art are good, but nothing that will blow adult readers away. If you have a young reader in your life, point them in the direction of this all ages book.

Overall Grade: 7/10

For more of my content, make sure to check out 3fnpodcast.com and Subscribe to Nerd Initiative YouTube for episodes of Turn a Page and Wrestling Night Live! Later! Comic! Fans! 

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BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #5 – INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST

Ken M.
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BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #5 – INTO THE BELLY OF THE BEAST
BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #5 by Dan Watters, Hayden Sherman, Tríona Farrell and Frank Cvetkovic (DC COMICS)

A true tower of Terror exists in Gotham. In his earlier years, Batman relied heavily on his detective skills. This series by DC Comics is focusing in on that era of the Dark Knight. The case at hand is centered by a startling building. Batman has forced his way inside. What he finds lurking in the shadows is more than he bargained for.

BATMAN: DARK PATTERNS #5 by Dan Watters, Hayden Sherman, Tríona Farrell and Frank Cvetkovic continues the “Voice in the Tower” saga.

Let’s take a deeper dive into this throwback Batman story.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

For anyone just jumping into this story, buckle in. Watters is bringing out the best detective aspects of Batman. The initial pages build up the run-in with Scarface and the Ventriloquist. Its outcome would tend to solve everything nicely. Watters adds more mystery to this case, providing a much richer tale.

A simple encounter with a family inside the building proves impactful. The time shows the hardships of a citizen. This spills into a deep cut into breaking the case. Readers watch as the story breaks away towards other residents. Their mounting anger becomes very apparent. Even as Batman works his methods, there is plenty of twists along the way. Watters leans heavy into these moments for the close. It gives readers plenty to focus on, esp. the last page. The writing with this series is second to none.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Sherman and Farrell construct very unconventional panels for pages. The opening shot of Scarface leads the intense showdown into a simple ending. Readers watch as this moment isn’t so cut and dry. A full page image of the Bat descending in the building leads into more unchartered territory. With the panel set-up, the images reflect the broken state of the residents. Even with Batman putting clues together, not everything is an easy fit.

This is complementing the story of Rickson and Michelle. Their page feels as readers are looking thru the others eyes. The art team guides readers into the next phase with some solid action. Keeping Batman lurking in shadows is a classic touch. It ramps up more suspense as the case deepens. The closing pages never shy away from shocking readers. A near full age image of the Ventriloquist hits very hard. As impactful as that it, the close upstages it. The full page image brings the house down with many holding their breath to what’s next.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.5

The secrets inside the tower come into focus with Batman challenged on many fronts. Watters’ writing construct a multi-leveled attack. Sherman and Farrell weave in new perspectives with stunning visuals. This might be the best Batman book at the LCS .

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Batman: Dark Patterns #5. Thanks for reading!

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Nightwatcher #7 Finding Balance in a Life of Turmoil

Mickey Smith
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Nightwatcher #7 Finding Balance in a Life of Turmoil

A battle on the rooftops gives Jennika a chance to fight it out with Nightwatcher! She set out to teach her apprentice a lesson, but ends up learning more bout herself. Now, with a new perspective and a new partnership, Jennika and Nightwatcher set out to stop the political corruption that has plagued their neighborhood!

Courtesy of IDW Comics. Cover art by Fero Peniche.

The Student Teaches the Master in Nightwatcher #7

Every time I think this book is going to take a dip, maybe a filler issue, it comes back even harder. In this issue Jennika takes on Nightwatcher in a rooftop fight that I swear I’ve seen somewhere before(wink)! After a brief flashback of Jennika’s childhood, we zip back to the present where the two of them are going to fight out their issues. Let the anger flow so to speak.

In Case You Missed It: Nightwatcher #6 Heavy is the Head That Wears the Helmet

It’s a fantastic back and forth, with some fundamental life lessons and stark realizations coming to light. The fight moves so well with Jennika handling things easily through speed and experience. Nightwatcher only continues to grow in size and strength due to its anger. Jennika’s words are true and harsh realities, but Nightwatcher’s observations are also true, and strike at the heart of Jennika’s problems. As they start to find common ground, it seems possible that the two of them may be able to salvage their symbiotic relationship for the good of the community.

Nightwatcher #7 Explores the Facts of Life

Juni Ba takes us on deep, philosophical thrill ride through this fight between master and student. Lessons like not running from tough choices in life and unfair responsibilities highlight Jennika’s lesson. These get turned upon her when Nightwatcher reminds her that she is leading an empty life. A life fueled by revenge that has pushed the people she cares about further away, removing her joy and ignoring her responsibilities. It truly is a great back and forth dialogue with excellent character development in the end!

Courtesy of IDW Publishing. Cover art by Juni Ba.

After the two of them come to terms with their relationship, they can finally forge a path forward, with a greater purpose. Ba finally sets us on the true purpose of this team, to root out political corruption and healing the people of their community. Jennika plans on using Lao Ban as a tool for inside information and helping on others in higher political places to get this done.

The Color of Action in Nightwatcher #7

Fero Pe puts on a clinic with the opening fight scene between Jennika and Nightwatcher. The dark dreary rooftop, rain, big neon sign…it all sets the mood for a serious confrontation. Those familiar with the 2007 TMNT animated film will definitely see the influences! Amazing close ups, dynamic angles, and emotional body language bring the tension right off of the page!

The color work enhances the emotions flowing through the rooftop brawl. Their are drastic changes in background colors to signify moments of rage and contemplation. We’re blasted with bright and heavy reds, oranges, and greens throughout until a complete tonal shift after the fight when things are resolved.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

As I said before, I keep waiting for that drop of quality in an issue, and it just isn’t happening. Juni Ba has a freight-train of a story chugging along with so much more to explore. The potential is off the charts! The art team continues to astonish and find new ways to wow the reader. I dare even say the designs have evolved in such small but significant ways that make each issue better.

That’s my thoughts on Nightwatcher #7 but share yours with me! Do you dig it as much as I do?!

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PHOENIX #10 – The Great Battle of Light and Dark

Megan Nichole
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PHOENIX #10 – The Great Battle of Light and Dark

Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips(writer). Alessandro Miracole(artist). David Curiel(color artist). VC’s Cory Petit(letterer). Yasmine Putri(cover artist).

Cover art by Yasmine Putri. Published by Marvel Entertainment

Published by Marvel Entertainment

Catch up with Phoenix #9 here!

The Story

Jean Grey has experienced several lifetime’s worth of trauma in her life, starting from the moment she tossed that frisbee that ended with her best friend losing her life. She talks a lot about the moments before and after a life altering decision, which Adani is about to experience herself.

Jean knows what it’s like to see your entire life change for the worst by a decision that takes a second to make and she refuses to let Adani experience that. Now that the final battle is here, it’s time for Adani to make this decision for herself, and not allow Perrikus or the other Dark God’s to make that decision for her.

Speaking of Perrikus, he says that while Jean has limitless power, she limits herself by having empathy. Moments such as when she chose to save a prison from a black hole, rather than stopping Perrikus’ escape pod is when he says she has failed, more specifically failing Adani. Showing empathy towards the prison allowed the situation with Adani to come to fruition, making this all Jean’s fault. But Jean says she made the decision to save the most amount of people, while killing Adani’s father and bring her to the God Quarry is Perrikus’ fault.

The Dark God’s think they’re able to distract Jean while Adani, who has power from the Phoenix Force, acts as a vessel to spread parts of the Shadow Realm to all parts of the universe. But Jean is on to their plan, and and can play the same game even better.

Back on Throneworld II, Adani is in the midst of pulling off the Dark God’s plan, but Jean refuses to let her go through with it. It’s time for Adani to make a choices between darkness and the light.

Variant cover art by Stephanie Hans. Published by Marvel Entertainment

The Writing

Phoenix #10 is such a strong representation of what Jean Grey strives for, to help wherever she can in the universe, take accountability for her decisions, and ensure that no one goes through the trauma she’s gone through herself. Jean is exactly who Adani needs, and vice versa.

The inner dialogue of Jean throughout the comic is powerful, to say the least. Each memory she speaks of hits like a ton of bricks, and it starts from when Stephanie Phillips immediately sets the tone at the beginning of Phoenix #10. It feels like you’re reading straight out of Jean’s soul, and shows you just how far she has come since accepting her role as the defender of the universes using the Phoenix Force.

While you may think with a comic with this big of a climatic battle, that this is the end of the story, but that’s absolutely not the case. Phillips set up something even more excitement coming Jean’s way, or should I say someone? You can read about it here!

The Art

The artwork in Phoenix #10 is fantastic all the way through. There are some pretty off-the-wall panels dealing with illusions courtesy of D’Chel, and they’re as stunning as they are odd. Alessandro Miracole does a great job making the comic a feast for the eyes, with David Curiel and Cory Petit. Phoenix looks as gorgeous and abstract as ever, giving her a perfect otherworldly vibe. Her fight against the Dark Gods was as exciting as it was fun to look at.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments below what you thought of Phoenix #10!

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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Phoenix #10, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!

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