Star Wars is often at its best when we are dealing with non-force users and the grimy, crime-ridden underbelly of the Galaxy. While Maul is a force wielder, he has shifted into something more as the Republic has fallen, and he was left on the run and in hiding. Maul Shadow Lord brings us the former Sith Lord, building his crime empire from the shadows. The series is set in the year after the fall of the Republic and before his appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Spoilers ahead, you have been warned!
We kick off this adventure with Maul pitting two crime lords against one another as he steals from Deemis and tricks him into believing it was Vario who had done it. His goal is to get back at those who had betrayed him by waging war against them and one another. The opening scene delivers intense action as a Mandalorian and a crew of Zabraks are exchanging blaster fire. The ramp to their ship drops, and down comes Maul, igniting the familiar double-sided lightsaber.
The Duel of the Fates kicks in as Maul appears on the ramp, and instantly, I had goosebumps! Seeing him return brings such a smile to my face, as he may be by far one of the most interesting and lethal characters in this universe. Maul and his crew capture the attention of Officer Lawson, who decides not to alert the Empire and chase this down himself, setting up an intriguing cat-and-mouse game to come. Despite accomplishing more than he set out for, Maul discovers Devon Izara, a Jedi in hiding, and has thoughts of once more taking on an apprentice.
Maul and his crew are escaping from the police compound in a high-speed escape as Jedi Master Daki is after his Padawan Devon. Maul can escape with Devon as Daki and those in pursuit stop to help save innocent bystanders from collateral damage. This episode is spent with Maul testing Devon and their loyalty to the Jedi code. He implores that this is not a simple game of good and evil; they are on the same side. A familiar tone and game that we have seen Maul play countless times with Ezra and Ahsoka to no avail.
Maul’s attacks on various syndicates continues to capture the attention of Officer Lawson who has taken a special interest in what his end game is. What has begun to stand out to me is how this show has a bit of a noir-style vibe to it. The animation is beautiful and fits in with The Clone Wars’ feeling when we left it with Season 7. While the focus is not on force wielders, don’t worry, Maul takes down an entire crew of Pykes in absolute glory. The episode ends with us unsure of where Devon is leaning and with Lawson slowly becoming more consumed with Maul.
Sam Witwer and his ever-so-cunning and smooth voice are back, and the writers are giving him so much to work with at the same time. Maul feels familiar, and yet there is something different about him all at the same time. The scenes and animation feel truly cinematic, and the musical tones are perfectly fitting every moment, sending chills down my spine. This world feels hopeless and dark, as it should, because the Empire is ruling and not yet at its peak. I am more than ready to follow Maul into whatever he tells me to after these first two episodes and cannot wait to get more!
What did you think of the first two episodes? Let us know below and find more reviews from our Editor in Chief, Matt!
Hell hath no fury like a man with lots of power, thin skin, and a love for milk. Homelander once said, if he can’t be loved, he’ll be feared, yet the first sign of fear around him tends to be a death sentence.
Season 5 of ‘The Boys’ kicks off this Wednesday on Prime Video, and we got to watch the first 7 out of 8 episodes. Here are some non-spoiler thoughts.
I fell in love with ‘The Boys’ hard, and now as we prepare to say good-bye, shite is getting even more diabolical. Season 5 brings us everything we’ve come to expect from this sick and twisted world, but with more heart, and more back story. If you didn’t watch ‘Gen V’ the previously ons, will catch you up. However, certain issues and characters may not be as flushed out. If you have time, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
At the end of Season 4 we see Frenchie, Hughie, and MM get taken by Vought. As Frenchie is taken, we hear Kimiko audibly screaming. Butcher is now a weird organic version of Doc Ock with a ticking time bomb in his head. Starlight flies away faster than Tinker Bell off to try and kill Wendy Darling, and Homelander learns his father, Soldier Boy, is still alive and chillen on some ice.
Meanwhile at Godolkin U, we learn Godolkin is alive, and well! Kind of. After a romantic run with Sister Sage, he goes full Homelander, and gets taken out with a big ass trojan horse. Literally and metaphorically. We end with the “Guardians of Godolkin” joining the rebel alliance alongside Starlight and A-Train.
Season 5of ‘The Boys’
We kick off in the freedom camps where Hughie, MM, and Frenchie have been for the past year. With Homelander taking things to the next level, the mission remains, as it always has: Kill Homelander. However, with Homelander on the search for V-1, and Butcher slowly dying, time has never been more of the essence. V-1 is basically the Super Soldier serum in The Boys universe. It’s what keeps Soldier Boy so youthful, and immortal. Yet it was destroyed in ‘Gen V’ and never replicated. With Homelander’s collection of gray pubes, it’s clear he wasn’t as lucky as his father.
While this seems like more of the same, the circumstances are incredibly different. Everyone on both sides seems scared. Rebellion is more deadly than ever, and Homelander is taking things to a level he never has before, while having power in places he never did before. Now physically, and politically powerful, he seems unstoppable.
Meanwhile, the return of Soldier Boy brings more than an extra element of action, family drama, and a pretty face. He also never misses an opportunity to drop an epic and profound line that will make you laugh and cringe simultaneously, while also asking yourself, “What the f*** did he just say?” It’s truly magnificent.
The Supernatural Reunion
If you’re a Supernatural fan (like myself), then you’re definitely stoked and terrified for what’s in store when Team Free Will reunites in The Boys universe. It’s no secret this takes place in episode 5, so patience is important. Nevertheless, I will say it will be worth the wait. I absolutely loved it, and found myself continually pausing to take in every possible easter egg I could. While, the Winchesters and Castiel should be enough to make this scene epic, they of course take it up a notch.
For those that are part of the Supernatural family and a fan of the comics, this reunion will be even that much more fun. The reunion, however, is not the only Supernatural Easter Egg. One episode had such an obvious one I about jumped off the couch in gleeful excitement while pointing to the television like Leonardo DiCaprio.
While many characters have gone darker (many solely for survival), others have been redeemed. Season 5 shows us more of who truly is deserving of a hero’s ending, as well as those who have simply sold their soul. Supe or not, we all wear masks. When we’re faced with survival, is when those masks are truly shed. As we wrap up this gory, perverted, amazing show, everyone’s true colors seem to come shining through.
However, the smartest person in the world seems to be an outlier. Coming off of her break up in Gen V, Sister Sage seems to be a bit more jaded than normal. Nevertheless her intentions are revealed, and they are cruel, selfish, and insanely relatable. I can’t wait to see if she gets her happy ending, and not the kind that involves a Bloomin’ Onion.
Endings are Hard
To quote another Eric Kripke show, Supernatural, “Endings are hard. Any chapped-ass monkey with a keyboard can poop out a beginning, but endings are impossible. You try to tie up every loose end, but you never can.” -Chuck Shurley
Episode one of this season gives us another meta endings are hard joke. It’s quick, hilarious, and throws another show under the bus. Rightfully so.
Fortunately, for fans of ‘The Boys’ this isn’t entirely good-bye. We have more ‘Gen V’ coming, and the prequel ‘Vought Rising.’ A prequel that definitely got some hype going during season 5 with the return of Soldier Boy. Soldier Boy, played by Jensen Ackles, will star in ‘Vought Rising’ alongside Aya Cash who played Stormfront in seasons 2 and 3.
We were only given screeners for the first 7 episodes, so now we wait patiently for the 8th and final episode. If you’ve read ‘The Boys’ comic series, then you know they can’t follow that ending to a T, but that doesn’t mean part of it won’t come true.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
These first 7 episodes were engaging from beginning to end, and left me feeling pained that I have to wait so long for the finale. Kripke warned us that no one is safe. He wasn’t wrong, but I now fear even more for what that last episode will do. The Boys Season 5 so far is suspensful, hilarious, gut wrenching, and thought provoking. I’m absolutely terrified for the finale.
Need a recap of season 4 to get you ready? We got that. Want some comic book background, and ties to the show? Make sure to catch our ‘Saturdays are for the Boys’ videos, as we continue to break down each issue of the comics from Dynamite Entertainment.
Matt got to sit down with some stars from season 5 of The Boys!
Got a prediction for the finale? Let us know!
“The Boys is based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, and developed by executive producer and showrunner Eric Kripke. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Phil Sgriccia, Michaela Starr, Paul Grellong, David Reed, Judalina Neira, Jessica Chou, Gabriel Garcia, Ori Marmur, Ken F. Levin and Jason Netter also serve as executive producers. The Boys is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios with Kripke Enterprises, Original Film, and Point Grey Pictures.”
Fans have been highly anticipating The Super Mario Galaxy Movie for months after non-stop teasers and built-up excitement. Fans and critics are once again split while it has been raking in a massive $372.5 million worldwide in its first weekend at the box office. But, is the film all visuals and no substance? Before jumping into my review, I approach every movie differently. If it is an Oscar-worthy film, I will grade it as such, and if it’s supposed to be plain fun, then of course, I can go in with that mindset as well. Let’s break down my thoughts and feelings below!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
The film starts off with Rosalina being kidnapped by Bowser Jr. as revenge for his father being taken and across the stars we go from the start. Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi are off on a mission where we meet Yoshi before going back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Now, Yoshi is my favorite character from the franchise, and I was stoked to know he would be in this film. Unfortunately, I feel as though his introduction was rushed, and really, his inclusion in the film as a whole didn’t add much to it aside from a few funny moments of fast-paced chase sequences.
In fact, my biggest criticism of this film is how quickly we jump from scene to scene and place to place. The pacing felt fairly rushed overall, and I understand that, being a kids’ movie, this is how we keep the audience engaged. I was left feeling as though most moments were there to just get us to the next big moment as quickly as possible. After Peach goes off to find Rosalina, and Bowser Jr. attacks the Mushroom Kingdom, the story truly begins. I loved the relationship and rivalry of Bowser and Mario continuing in this one, as Luigi plays the friend to both. Jack Black as Bowser is the right amount of humor, and it brings in some delightful moments.
Photo: Nintendo and Illumination
So What Worked?
I did leave this film with one thing in mind, and that was needing a Star Fox movie immediately. I also need that Lego set of his Arwing right now. Glenn Powell plays the suave action hero perfectly, and he steals the scenes he is in. There were moments the team understood the assignment with various nods to levels from the games that allowed me to immerse myself back into my childhood and love of this franchise. Anya Taylor-Joy, Brie Larson, Donald Glover, and Charlie Day do great work with their characters and were excellent as well.
The visuals and various ways that the team managed to showcase things, such as the different mushrooms and diving more into that, allowed for some exciting moments as well. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, as well as screenwriter Matthew Fogel, return and remind us that they do love the lore surrounding this universe.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, despite all of this, the plot itself is nearly nonexistent, and as though it is an afterthought. We are focused on shoehorning the next toy to be sold and getting to the next scene, but the film does feel ultimately lifeless despite its bright colors. Sometimes we are unable to capture lightning twice, and that’s okay, as this movie was made for kids and less for those of us who grew up with the franchise. I have to wonder as well why we jumped to Galaxy right away over going Odyssey, but here’s hoping the third installment gets us back on track.
In celebration of Rogue One’s 10th Anniversary this year, Marvel Comics is releasing 5 new one-shots for some of the characters from the movie. The creative teams for these one-shots include:
Writers: Benjamin Percy, Ethan Sacks, Marc Bernardin, Stephanie Phillips & Chris Condon
Artists: Luke Ross, Ramon Rosanas, Gabriel Guzman & Kieran McKeown
Star Wars: Rogue One- Cassian Andor #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
All of the book’s descriptions can be seen below:
Star Wars: Rogue One- Cassian Andor #1:
“CASSIAN ANDOR’S FINAL MISSION BEFORE HE MEETS HIS ULTIMATE HEROIC DESTINY!
Before the heist that shook the galaxy, a lone Rebel operative walks into danger. Cassian Andor infiltrates the lawless maze of Kafrene, racing against troopers, bounty hunters and time itself in a tense espionage thriller.”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Jyn Erso #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One-Jyn Erso #1:
“A PRISONER OF THE EMPIRE. A CHANCE AT HOPE.
On the toxic Wobani fields, Jyn Erso’s brutal routine shatters when an unlikely crew begs the infamous slicer “Liana Hallik” to help pull off an impossible escape. Can Jyn outwit Imperial security droids, tower cannons, and incinerators long enough to crack the code—and keep a frightened young prisoner alive? Will a leap of faith heal old scars from Galen, Lyra, and Saw… or will Wobani claim Jyn’s future before the Rebellion ever can?”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Saw Gerrera #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One- Saw Gerrera #1:
“WITNESS THE ACT OF REVOLUTION THAT WAS TOO MUCH FOR THE REBELLION!
After proving himself in the Clone Wars, Saw Gerrera was a soldier for the cause of freedom and was willing to do anything to secure it — including leading a mission deep into Imperial territory. At stake: a source of information that would provide a tactical advantage that could shift the balance of power in the Rebels’ favor! But is the price to be paid for that information too high?”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Chirrut & Baze #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One- Chirrut & Baze #1:
“A STRIKE AGAINST THE EMPIRE…BUT AT WHAT COST?
Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe attempt a covert mission to sabotage a kyber mine that has been overtaken by Imperial forces. But when something unexpected stands between them and their objective, the mission becomes far more complicated than they expected. To succeed, faith will be tested and an impossible choice must be made!”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Darth Vader #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One- Darth Vader #1:
“WHEN NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, THE EMPIRE SENDS IN ITS ATTACK DOG – DARTH VADER!
Director Orson Krennic’s negotiations with the gem-rich planet of Harreld have hit a standstill. Its leader, Harqque, refuses to allow the Empire to mine its rare kyber deposits for use in the Death Star’s deadly super laser. But when the Emperor catches wind of Krennic’s failure, he sends his most trusted acolyte – Darth Vader – to ply the kyber from Harqque by any means necessary.”
“When we first meet Cassian Andor, he kills Tivik, a rebel informant, in cold blood. I remember looking around the theater, because I could not believe what I was seeing. That moment on the Ring of Kafrene truly made me understand how different this film was going to be, and I knew I wanted to go exactly there for this opening issue because there’s a lot happening around the edges that we don’t see. I’m paired on this with the brilliant artist Luke Ross and we’re giving you the story of what leads up to that unforgettable, character- and franchise-defining moment. Get ready for bounty hunters, stormtroopers, Krennic, K2, and a whole lot at stake for both the rebellion and the Empire.”
This new hardcover collects some of the Marvel Age Of Comics monsters. The creative team includes:
Writer: Stan Lee
Artists: Jack Kirby & Steve Ditko
Marvel’s Mightiest Monsters Cover By Ian Chalgren (Credit: Marvel Comics/Dark Horse Comics)
The book’s full description reads:
“Kaiju fans assemble! This deluxe collection features a curated selection of pre-super hero monster stories from the 1950s and early 1960s.
Marvel’s Mightiest Monsters showcases the larger-than-life creatures that helped establish the creative foundation for the Marvel Age of Comics, including iconic monsters like the fire-breathing Fin Fang Foom, the extraterrestrial giant, Goom (along with Googam, Son of Goom), the sentient tree-creature Groot, the colossal Monsteroso, and the telepathic titan, Xemnu.
These classic tales explore alien invaders threatening Earth, mutated beasts born from atomic-age anxieties, and bizarre scientific experiments gone horribly wrong. This oversize hardcover presents the best stories from anthology titles Tales to Astonish, Journey into Mystery, Strange Tales, and Tales of Suspense, spotlighting the masterful work of comics legends Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko.
The collection also includes modern monster stories and cover art from acclaimed creators, including Chris Claremont, Sal Buscema, John Byrne, Gil Kane, Eric Powell, Tradd Moore, and Arthur Adams—demonstrating how these creatures continue to captivate new generations of readers.
The stories are accompanied by a new essay from comics historians John Lind and Chris Ryall discussing the impact of these monster comics, original art pages, and iconic covers. It’s the ultimate tribute to Marvel’s monstrous heritage!”
Co-Editor Chris Ryall had this to say about the project:
“These monster comics predate the creation of the Marvel Universe. But in so many ways, these stories by Lee, Kirby, and Ditko helped establish the blueprint of larger-than-life characters brought to stunning visual life by three of the best creators to ever do it.”
Co-Editor John Lind also mentioned:
“We’re excited to give the deluxe collection treatment to these classic Marvel ’50s-era monsters—showcasing an impact and influence that still resonate across the kaiju comics of today.”
Marvel’s Mightiest Monsters releases October 13th.
The Weapon Is Hungry is coming soon, and the book’s creative team includes:
Writer: Bartosz Sztybor (The Witcher, Cyberpunk: Madness)
Artist: Alessio Fioriniello (Cyberpunk 2077: Big City Dreams)
Colorist: Jonathan Amarillo
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic (Cyberpunk 2077: Big City Dreams)
The Weapon Is Hungry Cover By Alessio Fioriniello (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
The book’s full description reads:
“Estranged from her family, a troubled mom finds a baby kaiju, the first of its kind since their forced extinction. Despite its monstrous nature, she sees an innocent child worthy of love and protection, but will its true power soon be unleashed? Alongside her boyfriend, the son of an alcoholic veteran and her teammate, an eccentric chain smoker—the trio become entangled in a government conspiracy. With the yakuza, monster hunters, and a crazy sushi chef after them, they must make a choice: save the baby, save the world, or save themselves.”
Writer Bartosz Sztybor had this to say about the new project:
“The Weapon is Hungry is a story I was writing for a few years. We started working on it with Alessio almost 10 years ago, we even had 20 pages ready, much different than what you’ll see in the actual version. Though the story was similar, the emotional weight was different, I think I needed to become a parent to finally find what this story should be about. Though you have giant monsters here, yakuza, a crazy sushi chef and several huge Akira-like action sequences, it is a story about parenthood and responsibilities. I always write personal stories, about things and feelings that I don’t understand and that’s why I write, to explore them, understand them. But I always search for a perfect genre and pop cultural tropes to make those personal themes stand out more. That’s why the worst mother in the world (and a firefighter) suddenly needs to take care of a baby behemoth (so a kaiju-like creature) and decide what she’s really responsible for? For her human child (as a mother), a new born monster (as his guardian) or maybe for the whole of humanity (as a firefighter)? So the Weapon is Hungry is my attempt to understand; what are your most important duties and responsibilities when you’re a parent, a lover, a human being and is it possible to be and fulfil all at once.”
Artist Alessio Fioriniello added that:
“It has been a long and intense journey, especially in truly exploring the characters’ emotions. I deeply admire Sztybor’s direction and his cinematic vision, which pushed me to build depth through movement and performance, while delivering the scale and impact that only a world of Kaiju can unleash in its action scenes.”
Yuta Okkotsu enters the Sendai Colony alone, said to house some of the strongest players of the Culling Games not only gaining points but simultaneously protecting innocent civilians from cursed spirts and players alike as we finally to get to see him on full display. Picking up right from the end of the last episode no intro, no opening, obliterates Druuv in a single strike, the old man said to have conquered Japan in the past standing no chance, ending the colonies 4 way deadlock as the other players notice and watch waiting and watching for the perfect time to catch Okkotsu off guard. As he leads civilians to the now empty stadium formally controlled by Druuv, a massive swarm of cockroaches appear and begin trying to kill the civilians as the monstrous special grade cursed spirit, Kurorushi appears to fight Yuta. What follows is a beautiful and strategic fight, in which Yuta almost loses his life but he claims victory in truly “breath taking” way as he slams his lips against the giant cockroach cursed spirit filling the creature with positive cursed energy from his reverse curse technique deciding the fight handedly.
Art from Jujutsu Kaisen. Provided by Studio MAPPA
Before Yuta can even catch his breath he’s ambushed by one of the other two remaining players, Uro Takako. As she appears right behind him in the blink of an eye launching him across the colony. She then begins her explanation of her own cursed technique that allows her to manipulate the sky. (Explaining your techniques/power boosts the power of said technique) They exchange a few verbal jabs even if unintentionally, as Uro snaps Yutas words cutting deeper than any attack. She flies into a rage as she grabs him slamming him through the building as they get launched by her immense power. as the final player of the colonies make his entrance in a huge way, blasting both of them with his powerful energy blasts. Ryu Ishigori, takes his seat at the table or rather his table as his “Dessert” has appeared before him, having waited for over 400 years to find a worthy fight or in this case a worthy dessert. As the three of them clash Yuta grows more and more tired due to his previous engagements, and just as they think they both have him cornered he pulls out a ring from his pocket and as he places it upon his ring finger “Rika” his shikigami fully manifests in the blink of an eye freezing the other two in place either out of sheer astoundment or pure fear, either way the real fight starts now. As Yuta begins unleashing his broken cursed technique he catches them both unprepared as he begins using his massive amount of cursed techniques through his manifestation of Rika, from Cursed Speech, to copying Druvv, and even Uro’s sky manipulation nothing can seemingly stop Okkotsu as himself Rika go on a tear as the four of them go back and fourth through there own strength and powers alike as they all try to find the right counter for each other. Until Ryu decides he’s had enough with talking and words, the other two seemingly knowing what he means as they all begin to put there hands up, and begin using there domain expansions in this series first ever three way domain clash. Unlike in this scene of the manga we even get a small glimpse of the threes Domains before the barriers crash and break apart due to Kurorushi appearing out of nowhere, none of them expecting his return as the domains shatter like glass. I guess what they say is true roaches really can survive anything, as he had completed his Parthenogenesis before even fighting Yuta at the beginning and we get a gorgeous shot of the four of them falling through the sky in a standoff.
Art from Jujutsu Kaisen. Provided by Studio MAPPA
Both Uro and Kurorushi are completely either killed or taken out by Ryu and Yuta in and instant giving them no time to breathe or prepare. As Yuta is the only one Ryu wants to fight, Yuta being the dessert he never got to have in his previous life, this fight being the one thing in life that Ishigori truly wants as him and Okkotsu begin charging up there cursed energy for a final showdown. As there beams clash they throw copious amounts of hands both of them landing devastating blows on the other. Until Ryo goes for one last blast to win Yuta (using Uro’s sky manipulation) sends Ryu’s own blast back down at him leaving him fried. He smiles before passing out as he looks at Yuta and says: “thank you, I’m full”. But when he wakes up hes surprised he still alive, but Yuta’s goal wasn’t to just kill players his goal was to get more and more points as he asks both Ryu and Uro for there points. They give them to him, but Uro leaves him with an ominous warning about his future: “You’re the one who will reach their limit” calling Yuta just another walking calamity.
Personal Thoughts
This entire season has been a beautiful work of art, from its themes to its OSTs and characters have been on a whole other level. But this episode takes the best from every episode and throws it all into 27 minutes of run time. The voice acting will give you chills. The animation will blow your mind at its movie quality. The music will be on your playlists. Easily, this is my all time favorite episode of any anime I have ever watched and I cannot recommend it highly enough. This season just has a way of making you care about characters even though they were just introduced either an episode or less ago. As for a rating there no chance I can give it anything less than a 10/10 it is truly perfect! And the cherry on top being, Yuta Okkotsu is my favorite character in this show ever since I first read the manga! Whether you watch this episode in Sub or wait a few weeks for the dub trust me when I say: you will not be disappointed in the slightest!
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments what you thought of it!
Octopath Traveler TRPG Cover (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Square Enix is teaming with Dark Horse to drop the English Release of the Octopath Traveler TRPG Core Rulebook. This is using a 2D6-based TRPG system, so this will be a very easy system for everyone to learn. It will also come with detailed instructions, game sheets, and lore from the world of Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent.
The book’s full description reads:
“Gather a team of adventurers to explore, battle, and build relationships within an engaging, lore-rich setting that takes place in the official Octopath Traveler timeline. Players can create characters with their own unique class and background or play as beloved characters from the games with pre-built, customizable character sheets. They can then embark on cannon, pre-written heroic journeys of mystery, action, and adventure—or shape the narrative from the gamemaster’s chair and work together with players to create unique stories through the vast magical world of Octopath Traveler.”
The Octopath Traveler TRPG Rulebook releases October 6th.
“Upon an urgent return to Olympus, Venus learns a terrible secret about a dark force that has long been dormant… until now! She must face a terrible truth that threatens all of existence: THE OLD GODS HAVE RISEN! But along with their terrifying power comes a mystery: Who are these old Gods? Why were they hidden from history, and what will happen when one of these Old Gods returns? These questions and more will be answered in Big Bang Adventures #35, featuring the goddess Venus in a story filled with epic clashes, cosmic horrors, and atmospheric stakes that could only be titled WHEN OLD GODS RISE!”(via Big Bang Comics)
Inside Big Bang Adventure #35, the reader is treated to a battle as old as time itself. The powerhouse hero, Venus, gets word that her home, Olympus, has fallen. Her father, Jupiter, has sent for her return as the fate of Olympus rests in her hands. According to Jupiter, at one point in Olympus’ history, the Old Gods roamed the earth, causing devastation wherever they turned. With help from Jupiter’s family members such as Neptune and Pluto, the God’s were cast into an underwater prison to stay for the rest of eternity. Olympus’ heroes could rest at ease knowing that these Elder God’s were banished from the lands.
Cover art by Ron Williams and Shayne Cui. Provided by Big Bang Comics
That is, until now. The strongest and most devastating god of all has made his return, and is on his way to release the rest of the Old Gods. The future of life as they know it is in the hands of Venus.
The Writing
Ray MacKay, the writer of Big Bang Adventures #35, does a fantastic job at hooking you into the story immediately, and keeping you on the edge of your seat throughout the read. By the end of the comic, you’re left wanting to read more and to see the story move forward. Venus is a compelling character with an endless backstory that makes the reader want to know more about her. She’s written with a strength that is admirable to see and exciting to read. MacKay knocked it out of the park with Big Bang Adventures #35.
The Art
The artwork of Big Bang Adventures #35 puts you back into a time of golden age comics with an old school vibe, but also gives you the feeling of the silver age comics with the action. With Venus, she’s drawn strong and beautifully, allowing her power to speak for itself. Showing exactly the powerhouse she is, the action panels will capture your attention and never let it go. Within the panels, there’s a phenomenal amount of detailing that makes Venus the focal point, putting her abilities on full display. The coloring has a great juxtaposition of darker details with vibrancy that allows Venus to practically pop off of the page. The artists truly outdid themselves with this, elevating the already fantastic story.
Final Thoughts
Ray MacKay writes Big Bang Adventures #35 in a way that captures your attention from the first page and doesn’t let go until the story is over. If you’re looking for a comic that’s dripping in adventure, depth, and an amount of backstory that makes you want to dive into the comics even further, then Big Bang Adventures #35 is for you!
Overall Grade – 9/10
Let me know in the comments what you thought of Big Bang Adventures #35!
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 Big Bang Adventures #35, 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!
The last Nova in the galaxy has to defy all the odds to stop an ancient evil while being targeted by a dangerous criminal organization. Richard Rider must use the full power of the Nova Force, but will he be able to handle that power?
The Writing:
Jed MacKay used an interesting framing device for this issue. By taking the reader into the minds of each of the three protagonists early on in the issue, MacKay was able to make the motivations of each of them perfectly clear. Once again, as he has for this entire series, MacKay has shown that he understands what makes Richard Rider a compelling hero. It’s the tenacity and willingness to put himself on the line for another person, even if he’s not overly fond of them. MacKay also put the true power of Nova Prime in these pages in, with a fist-pump inducing climax that had my jaw on the floor.
This art was absolutely beautiful! Álvaro López and Mattia Iacono did a wonderful job of conveying the scope of the threat while keeping the story close and personal. Without spoiling the story, the depiction of the Nova Force on full display was incredible. This team was able to show what Nova Prime is capable of with with the perfect blend of line work and color, turning a printed page into a light show!
Overall Grade: 10/10
This is the best depiction of Nova’s power that I have ever seen! This was a fantastic way to wrap up the current arc and set the stage for anything to come next. I will be reading this one multiple times with a huge smile on my face!
