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THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #3

Megan Nichole
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THE SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY #3

Creative Team – Dan Slott, Marcus To, Alex Sinclair, Marcus Martin, Muntsa Vicente, VC’s Joe Caramagna, Phil Jimenez

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with the second issue here!

The Story

This comic is reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn, and your truly, Megan!

Shawn – This was easily my favorite issue of the series so far. Dan Slott is crafting a really enjoyable story. I hope we get more of this series than just five issues. Slott having The Punisher controlled by Mr. Negative is such a unique plot device on this series.

It’s nice to see a character like Mr. Negative to get a little bit of the spotlight but it was also nice to see Slott bring a combination of familiar and more obscure faces to the party for this issue. I’ve said it for a previous issue but Brand New Day truly does feel like Spider-Man at his best.

Megan – This issue really had everything. Action, Spidey’s detective skills, a good look at how organized Mr. Negative’s crime truly is, and just how under Negative’s spell Frank really is. This issue was excellent for continuing the story but adding more depth and upping the energy to an all-time high. Dan Slot knows exactly how to keep the readers hanging on to every word, and that’s exactly how I was during the entire read. This series gets better and better with every issue, and it makes me truly excited to see what the fourth issue has in store.

The Art

Shawn – Marcus To, Marcos Martin, Alex Sinclair, and Muntsa Vincente really crafted some amazing visuals for this issue. On the line work side, To and Martin did a great job with the cityscapes as well as the webbing details. NYC feels like a character again and for a Spidey comic that should be the feeling.

Sinclair and Vincente brought the world to life through some amazing and vivid colors. I still get a little freaked out at the “negative” version of Castle but I think that’s just a testament to how terrifying he looks thanks to outstanding color work from the artists. The action panels really stuck out because of just how well done the colors were creating a beautiful contrast with Punisher and Spider-man and the world around them.

Megan – The artwork of The Spectacular Spider-Man: Brand New Day #3 was nothing short of stunning. The linework was fantastic all the way through the comic, giving us excellent details that made the characters practically pop off the page. The coloring was bright and bold, making each page absolutely gorgeous. Using Spider-Man as the red focal point on many pages against the black and white themes of the comic, Alex Sinclair makes each page feel like it’s full of depth. Joe Caramagna handles the lettering with his usual high quality work, capturing the tones of the characters expertly and illustrating them through the dialogue. Together, the artists made this issue easily my favorite one of the series so far.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 9.5/10. This was a fun and satisfying read that continues to add to the great lexicon of Spider-Man vs Punisher stories. I’d love to see this become a new Spectacular Spider-Man ongoing. The writing gives these characters new life and the art pulls you deep into the story.

Megan – 10/10. This series gets better and better with every issue, and that makes me extremely excited to see what we get in the fourth issue.

Overall Grade – 9.7/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of the third issue!

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The Mortal Thor #13 – A Great Hall, As Empty As His Heart

ShawnFoles
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The Mortal Thor #13 – A Great Hall, As Empty As His Heart

Wreathed in grief and bound in his mother’s web, Magni, the son of Thor, must now take up the crushing burden of Asgard’s throne. With Thor living as Sigurd Jarlson, The Mortal Thor, and Midgard not remembering Asgard, can Magni handle leading, or will he fall? Is a new Ragnarok to travel across the Golden Realm?

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Al Ewing
Artists: Juann Cabal
Color Artist: Matt Milla
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Alex Ross

Writing

I didn’t expect Ewing’s impeccable use of time dilation in this issue, but it was so perfectly done. You could feel the emotion coming off the page in Magni’s conversations with Hogun. It really sells what is seemingly the theme of this issue, in that time erodes all things, yet grief can lock you in a void. Ewing continues one of his signature abilities right from the first page of blending very high-concept fantasy with classic literature. This issue and indeed the entire The Mortal Thor series has functioned much as Ewing’s treatise on cosmic bureaucracy and this is perhaps nowhere more visible than in The Mortal Thor #13.

The time jumps are a brilliant bit of mind game Ewing plays with the reader. As the scales increase exponentially, you would be remiss to not feel an escalating sense of claustrophobia and isolation much in the way that Magni does. The combination of Hogun’s counsel with the escalating time scale makes Ewing’s final twist at the end feel one that is earned and not just put in as a method of moving the story along. Amora is brilliantly written in this issue, showing the true villainy that she is capable of.

Art

The Mortal Thor #13 cover by Alex Ross. Image from Marvel Comics

Juann Cabal comes out strong in this issue. The strong vertical and horizontal lines he uses in the throne room really help to sell the feeling of isolation that Magni feels both within himself and in the actual story. Another aspect of Cabal’s work that stood out was that as the years pass, the panels pull in tighter, really helping Ewing sell not only the isolation but the feeling of time slipping away. The massive scale of the new throne that Magni sits on makes a strong contrast against his small figure making his role as “All-Father” seem all the more hollow.

Matt Milla does a great job pushing tonal shifts through his coloring as the bright golden hues of the Golden Realm slowly shift to more cold, washed-out blues through the issue. Milla’s use of color also helps sell the expressions of the characters. From Amora’s coy smirks to the subtle color shifts in Magni’s face across time, it really helps convey the emotion as the time shifts.

Final Thoughts

The Mortal Thor #13 does a beautiful job as a bridge issue. This story could have easily felt like filler ahead of Thor’s milestone #800, but it wasn’t. Instead, Ewing and Cabal turned this issue into a sort of standalone psychological character study. They do so in a way that may reverberate beyond this issue, ensuring that the issue has actual stakes rather than simply filling the time until a milestone issue. The ending of the issue sets energetic if not rebellious tone as we move into the next arc and the Queen in Black storyline.

Overall Grade: 9.5 / 10

What did you think about this issue of The Mortal Thor? Let me know in the comments

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Ultimate Impact: Reborn #3 – Open Your Eyes, and Everything is Back to Normal

ShawnFoles
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Ultimate Impact: Reborn #3 – Open Your Eyes, and Everything is Back to Normal

The fragile boundaries between Earth-616 and Ultimate Universe-6160 continue to fray. In Ultimate Impact: Reborn, we see the result of a powerful chain reaction involving the Origin Boxes being inadvertently set off. Miles, who lost control of the boxes to The Spot, finds himself responding with strange phenomena cropping up all across the city. Realizing this is too big to handle himself, he reaches out to Tony Stark for help on where to go from here.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Chris Condon
Artists: Stefano Caselli
Color Artist: David Curiel
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Leinil Francis Yu
Cover Color Artist: Dean White

Writing

Chris Condon continues to expand the scale of the event in Ultimate Impact: Reborn #3. Condon does a really amazing job of juggling multiple moving parts throughout the issue, bouncing from people trapped in the negative zone to Spider-Man street-level chaos. Like previous issues, Condon separates the story across several fronts, each with their own needs and arcs.

Condon does a successful job of balancing and juggling the narrative across these fronts. The success elevates the story from a simple street-level story to one that now has a high-stakes multiversal-level threat. Balancing the plot lines gets to a point where it kind of starts to make the pacing feel a little fragmented, but Condon can hold it together well and set up a beautiful layup for the next issue.

Art

Ultimate Impact: Reborn #3 cover by Leinil Francis Yu and Dean White. Image from Marvel Comics

Artist Stafano Caselli brings a high level of energy and visual weight to this issue’s layout. When the issue hits its most high-octane moments is when Caselli’s work actually shines the brightest. With Hostilicus getting a chance to show how powerful he is, the panels have clean layouts, while the characters are staged well. Event the quiet moments have line work that feels polished and cinematic.

David Curiel and Joe Sabino build seemlessly on Casellis line art to help set the moon. As the environments shift, Curiel’s palette transitions effortlessly between them. From the bright almost surreal hues of Midtown to the cold metallic tones of a warehouse, Curiel captures them all well. Sabino’s lettering keeps the dialogue crisp and helps keep the pacing on track in a story that it would have been easy for it to go off the rails. Amidst the heavy action, Sabino does a great job of using dynamic SFX to accentuate the impacts of battle.

Final Thoughts

Ultimate Impact: Reborn #3 serves as exactly the kind of story you would want to serve as a mid-series entry. It’s punchy and action-filled. Condon does a wonderful job of using the issue to raise the stakes of the story from street-level to multiverse-level. The strong character dynamics and a villain that actually seems like they could win make it an entertaining read.

Overall Grade: 9 / 10

What did you think about this issue of Ultimate Impact: Reborn? Let me know in the comments

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HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: THE WINGS OF FATE #2

Megan Nichole
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HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE: THE WINGS OF FATE #2

Creative Team – Tim Sheridan, Will Sliney, Israel Silva, Andworld Design

Published by Dark Horse

Catch up with the first issue here!

The Story

The story continues with Orko, the Squink, and this mysterious falcon who also happens to be a sorcerous. Transporting themselves to the bottom of the Mystic Mountains in hopes to reach Avion, Orko keeps the goal of helping the falcon alive when he promises that she will be safe. That’s a big thing to promise when you have no idea what’s in the Mystic Mountains, and what exactly views them as prey. Not only that, but Orko doesn’t realize how wanted the falcon is and who is out to get her. Unfortunately, the falcon is still injured and barely has enough energy to use her magic, so it’s up to Orko to get them to their destination safely.

Cover art by Will Sliney. Published by Dark Horse.

What I loved about He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2, is that Orko really proves himself as someone who will do whatever they can to keep their promise. He’s showing himself to be a real leader and someone who can think of their feet. I love what Tim Sheridan is doing with this run. While it’s only the second issue, I can confidently say that both issues have already been stupendous and look to only be getting better and better.

The Art

The artwork is nothing short of stunning. Using vibrancy that works beautifully off of the excellent detailing work, this issue is an absolute masterpiece. Seeing the different creatures and the fantastic characters that made up my childhood, the artists have me and my nostalgia in a chokehold.

Will Sliney, Israel Silva, and Andworld Design bring their talents to the pages and they shine brightly from beginning to end. I can’t say enough good things about Israel’s work on the colors. I’m a sucker for bright and bold, and this issue just sang to me. With excellent use of contrasting colors, Israel’s work made the Mystic Mountains feel larger than life, which is exactly what you want from Masters of the Universe. Together, the artists have made this a very memorable issue and have made me extraordinarily excited for the next issue to drop.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of the Masters of the Universe, this is absolutely the series for you. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2 is proof that the first issue wasn’t just a strong start, but an excellent example of the high quality to expect from this team and this comic run.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2!

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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 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: The Wings of Fate #2, 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!

Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 – Fun, Chaos, and Growth

ShawnFoles
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Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 – Fun, Chaos, and Growth

What better way to celebrate fifty years of Marvel’s favorite high-octane lab experiment? Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 serves as a wildly entertaining and affectionate tribute to a character who, over time, has evolved from an obscure cosmic character to a household name. This giant-sized anniversary one-shot honors the entire bizarre spectrum of his history. The anthology serves as a victory lap for long-time readers and an accessible and high-energy read for new readers of why the galaxy’s most cantankerous Guardian still holds a place in readers’ hearts.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writers: Bill Mantlo, Christo Gage, J.M. DeMatteis, MacKenzie Cadenhead
Artists: Enid Balám, Keith Giffen, Shawn McManus
Color Artist: Guru-eFX
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Ryan Stegman
Cover Color Artist: Arthur Hesli

Writing

The Fight In The Raccoon

Christos Gage opens the issue on a hilarious and chaotic note, featuring Rocket pairing up with Hank Pym. The result is a story featuring space dragons, Rocket changing size, and relentless bravado.

Boomshakalaka

Mackenzie Cadenhead hops right in, delivering a slick, fast-talking heist story to offset the chaos of Gage’s story. She sees Rocket in circumstances he’s not normally used to, but utilizing his mercenary instincts to keep on his toes. The comedy in this one hits just right with unexpected rivals from days past making appearances.

The Sword In The Star (Framing Story)

This short story functions as a sort of connective tissue narratively for the story. It’s a sort of meta-commentary with Rocket getting to see his own first appearance. The result is chaos and a fight between foes you would never expect. J.M. DeMatteis manages to capture sharp comedic timing with an underlying warmth in this one.

The Sword In the Star ( WitchWorld)

This story reproduces the historic 1976 backup feature from Marvel Preview #7 by Bill Mantlo. It provides a fascinating historical lens and a look at classic “Rocky” Raccoon. The story provides a keen look at where the character began providing a stark contrast for how far in these 50 years the character has come.

Art

Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 cover by Ryan Stegman and Arthur Hesli. Image from Marvel Comics

The Fight In The Raccoon

Todd Nauck goes outside of his normal range for this one and leans on some line heavy and kinetic style art to really sell the chaos of the story. Combined with Rachelle Rosenberg’s vivid colors, the action sequences really hit and pop off the page.

Boomshakalaka

Enid Balám does such a beautiful job of creating expressive characters in this story. The dynamic layouts of the panels give the story an animated, if not cartoony kinda vibe. The colors from Fer Sifuentes-Sujo help carry the vibe forward meshing it with the story. The vibe however works perfectly, suiting Rocket’s chaotic growth impeccably.

The Sword In The Star (Framing Story)

Shawn McManus really helps establish the meta commentary in this story. The colors and the art really bring out a warmth to the character in the story. McManus and Luis Guerrero really help sell the evolution of the character through the art and colors.

The Sword in The Star: Witchworld

The legendary Keith Giffen really stepped up on this story. The linework feels pulled straight from the veins of Kirby, making it a real treat to behold. Giffen’s artwork and lines serve as a great look for fans both new and old of where the character’s long journey began.

Final Thoughts

Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 is everything an anniversary special for a character ought to be. It’s fun, chaotic, varied, and deeply respectful of both the roots and the growth of the character. The story closes with a beautiful, heartfelt editorial from Mark Paniccia to Keith Giffen, making this a must-have pickup for Guardians fans.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Did you know Rocket was fifty years old? Let me know in the comments

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“Red Roots #4” Review – The Roots Grow Deeper and Deeper

Eda Thomas Bagwell
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“Red Roots #4” Review – The Roots Grow Deeper and Deeper

The Run Down

With so many issues in, one might think that the story will slow down, but it hasn’t yet. If you missed the previous issue, our main characters got stuck in the middle of a war that isn’t theirs. Well, at least they didn’t think it was. Now, they’re being left to question not just how they got here, but why, and how they can leave. Well, if you dare to know, continue following Shawn and me as we review “Red Roots #4”!

Writer, Artist & Colorist: Lorenzo De Felici
Letterer: Rus Wooten

Source: Lorenzo De Felici, Image Comics

The Writing

Shawn: What a thrill ride! Lorenzo De Felici really ratchets up the drama and intrigue this issue. “Red Roots #4” saw us get so many more answers to questions we’ve had since the first issue, but with those answers come new questions.

One of the beautiful things about this series is the way De Felici crafts such a rich narrative that is not dependent on deep lore. While the world is beautiful, it is refreshing to know that at many points, you know just as much as the inhabitants. Perhaps more background will be revealed as the story continues, but right now it feels as if De Felici is crafting a beautiful mousetrap. Every issue answers enough questions to keep me satisfied, while giving me enough new questions to make me desperate for the next issue.

Eda: De Felici really just continues to add layers on top of layers as the run goes on. This issue in particular has so many story-changing implications that it’s astounding. To sort of help explain what I mean, this story now feels more like a commentary on life and the human condition. If that’s Felici’s goal here, then he’s doing a fantastic job.

Issue by issue, I become more and more invested in this world and its characters. I believe the next issue is the last, but I really don’t want it to be. There’s starting to be so much here in terms of lore and story that I want to see so much more of it.

The Art

Shawn: De Felici again manages to craft a stunning issue, both narratively and visually. The Dam feels lived in and unique. Despite many fantasy elements in the story, the art and narrative continue to make it feel unique. The close-up panels on characters like Kate cause the emotions to fly off the page.

Source: Juan Gedeon, Image Comics

This issue in particular does a beautiful job of conveying a wide range of emotions from hope to resignation. The coloring on the panels perfectly helps set the tone for the issue. De Felici adds a certain grid to the story with his art style, but it’s done so in a way that you can tell the style is the mark of a good artist and not badly done. When the art feels chaotic, or the lines feel a little dirty, it’s done in a way that you know it’s intentional, not accidental.

Eda: De Felici’s art here continues to be absolutely impeccable. My absolute favorite thing about it in this issue had to be the facial expressions. They served as a fantastic way to let us know what the characters were feeling and to help us feel it alongside them. When you can feel what the characters do, it becomes that much easier to get sucked into the story and the world.

I also particularly loved the wide variance in colors. With just how many there were and how well they blended, it made this world feel truly more alive and lived in. Coupled with the character expressions and designs, the world within “Red Roots” almost feels real.

Final Thoughts

Shawn: This series continues to stun issue after issue. The curtain is pulled back and you feel satisfied only to find a tiny door leading you to the next adventure. “Red Roots #4” is narratively satisfying and visually stunning.

Eda: Everything about this issue is fantastic. Both the writing and the artwork continue to be some of the best out there right now, while the lettering from Rus Wooten is excellent. While I’m beyond excited to see where this goes, I know I’ll be sad to see it end.

Shawn’s Grade: 10/10
Eda’s Grade: 10/10
Overall Grade: 10/10

For more from Shawn, check out his articles and Instagram!

For me from me, read here and check out my socials!

Comments

Have you been reading “Red Roots”? What’re you thoughts on the latest issue? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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Land of Never #2 – All Grown Up

ShawnFoles
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Land of Never #2 – All Grown Up

The search for the “Floating Man” ramps up. Jim Hoke’s daughter Wendy went missing, off to the Land of Never. Disgraced, Jim knows what he saw the night Wendy was taken, even if no one believes him. After discovering a community of grieving families all targeted by the same legendary cryptid, Jim finally has a lead: The Floating Man. Hunting a creature of myth takes more than just obsession. Is Jim ready to learn how deep the rabbit hole goes?

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Steve Orlando
Artists: Miguel Mora
Color Artist: Fares Maese
Letterer: Micah Myers
Cover Artist: Miguel Mora

Writing

I never thought there would be a way to tell a dark version of the Peter Pan story, but Steve Orlando has done a wonderful job. While you may recognize some of the character names in this story, Orlando does a wonderful job capturing the crime noir vibe. The story doesn’t shy away from being obviously inspired by Peter Pan but makes it clear this is not the same happy Peter Pan story you get from Disney.

The story is really addictive. Jim seems to grow more sure of himself in each issue as he learns more and more people share experiences similar to his. Wendy is not just a damsel in distress but a smart woman capable of making calculated decisions and playing the long game. Together with Mora’s dark yet stunning art, Orlando is crafting a story that makes for a deep, visceral rendition of a classic story.

Art

Land of Never #2 cover by Miguel Mora. Image from Mad Cave Studios

Miguel Mora and Fares Maese do so much to help this story breathe and come to life. The line work in this series has been phenomenal, helping pull you away from what you may know about the classic Peter Pan story and reminding you that this story isn’t that. This is a world that is dark, grimy, and at times downright wicked. Mora manages to strike the right balance between what you see of a character versus what is left to your imagination.

Fares Maese helps pull you into the story through the colors. The cooler tones and darker colors help sell the crime noir/psychological thriller vibe and set the mood right out of the gate. The colors create a point where you feel a little gritty after reading this series, almost as if you need a shower. Maese’s colors help the story send a shiver down your spine in the best way.

Final Thoughts

I love that this series takes something in Peter Pan that many people are familiar with and just flips it on its head. It feels in some ways like your favorite psychological thriller, but in other ways like your favorite procedural crime show with the cop willing to do anything to solve the crime. It strikes the right balance between the two with a compelling narrative and gritty art.

Overall Grade: 9.5 / 10

What did you think about this issue Land of Never? Let me know in the comments

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DC’S HAWK-GIRL SUMMER #1 – Fun in the Sun

Megan Nichole
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DC’S HAWK-GIRL SUMMER #1 – Fun in the Sun

“Hawk-Girl Summer” Creative Team – Meghan Fitzmartin, Meghan Hetrick, Nick Filardi, Travis Lanham

“Quick and Shining” Creative Team – Trick Weeks, Nikola Čižmešija, Francesco Segala, Pat Brosseau

“All the Good Ones are Taken” Creative Team – Josh Trujillo, Andrew Drilon, Big Doors Studio, Lucas Gattoni

“Hotter Than Hell” Creative Team – Dacy Lim, Rowan Maccoll, Travis Lanham

“Lawless on the Lido Deck” Creative Team – Andre R. Frattino, Rafael Perez, Luis Guerrero, Steve Wands

“Idle Hands” Creative Team – Siobhan Chiffon, Cathy Le, Kielamel Sibal

“Greetings from Shell Beach” Creative Team – Ramon Perez, Deron Bennett

“The Superboy Experience” Creative Team – Cavan Scott, Rafael Loureiro, Alex Guimarães, Josh Reed

Published by DC Comics

MORE FROM MEGAN HERE!

The Story

DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer #1 is a huge book filled with eight different stories all surrounding the same theme; fun in the sun. To keep the summer vibes going, every story takes place on a beach, or near some body of water. After reading this comic, I’ll definitely be finding a reason to visit my local beach. Starting with one of my favorite characters, Hawk-Girl, and ending with Superboy, there’s so much to unpack in the pages of this comic. There are so many characters to read about like Jason Todd, Catwoman, Black Manta, Grace Choi, and so many more! All come with their own stories that are packed with lots of action and a ton of fun.

Cover art by Guillem March. Published by DC Comics

Something I really appreciated were the many instances of positive LGBTQ+ representation. You don’t see it as often as you’d like, so when it’s there, I feel it should be praised. The writers handled these instances beautifully and with care, which is very appreciated.

There’s a lot of writers involved with this book, and all put their own signature style writing into the pages like Dacy Lim, Meghan Fitzmartin, and Trick Weeks. With such a stacked writing team, you can bet that there’s something you’ll love. There’s something for everyone inside of Hawk-Girl Summer #1!

The Art

As the writers put their own signature style into the writing, the artists do the same! Meghan Hetrick makes Hawk-Girl Summer stunning with Hawk-Girl and Catwoman working together. Andrew Drilon gives All the Good Ones are Taken a new level of excitement in the artwork paired nicely with gorgeous vibrancy that makes the story stand out. Each story comes with its over energy and its own style thanks to the countless artists, colorists, and letterers that lended their talents ot the book. Each of the talented individuals on the creative team deserves their flowers.

Final Thoughts

DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer #1 was nothing but fun from beginning to end! With countless characters, the many different stories, and different styles of art, there’s something in here for everyone.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of DC’s Hawk-Girl Summer #1!

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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 Hawk-Girl Summer #1, 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!

Doomquest #3 – An Empire Goes Boom!

ShawnFoles
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Doomquest #3 – An Empire Goes Boom!

Reed Richards had an idea for time travel. Unwilling to be bested by his rival, Victor Von Doom went to work. The result? The Doom Machine. Before Doom can use his device, he’s attacked by the Fantastic Four and forced back in time. The trip back in time begins his DoomQuest. Having survived the Titanic, Doom now finds himself at a key moment in American history, and his mind in the body of General George Washington. Doom is committed to viewing this time travel not as a punishment but as a means to remake the world in his image.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!

Creative Team

Writer: Ryan North
Artist: Francesco Mobili
Color Artist: Frank D’Armata
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Alex Ross

Writing

Megan: Something about Doctor Doom inserting himself into American history and making it his own story is just so on brand for him. In Doomquest #3, Doctor Doom finds himself in one of the most important times in America’s history, at the start of the Revolutionary War. Now in the body of George Washington, Doom sees an opportunity to shape this war into something helpful for Latveria’s future.

Ryan North delivers another excellent issue of Doomquest that shows the most powerful tool that Doom has is his mind. Seeing Doom escape the Titanic was one thing, but to see him coerce a whole war into working for his benefit was something special. This series continues to spotlight Doom’s determination and how he will stop at absolutely nothing for the betterment of Latveria.

Shawn: What a fun issue. These DoomQuest stories have been so fun to read, but seeing Doom at a pivotal moment in American history was hilarious. Not only did we get Doom as George Washington, but in typical Doom fashion, North has Doom go off the rails and turn an already wild idea off the rails. Even when doing historical time travel, it’s clear that Ryan North truly understands the character of Doom. While these are fun and at times silly stories, they’re still written so well by North that it feels as if he is building to something bigger on the horizon at the end of the series.

I thought the Titanic was a great story, but dropping Doom into Boston as George Washington was a different level. I enjoy that North continually shows us Doom’s love for Latveria, and that even if his methods are unusual (or downright diabolical), he’s usually doing them for his beloved Latveria. This issue provided a creative alternative history as Doom continues to rewrite history in his image, but North also intertwines legitimate historical knowledge within the story. It provides a break from the fun narrative that North is building to highlight the story of Henry Knox and his role in the early history of the United States in a fun way. Admittedly, Knox’s role in Doom’s version of history is more thrilling than the original Knox Expedition, but it still shines a light on a lesser-known hero of the American Revolution.

Art

Doomquest #3 cover by Alex Ross. Image from Marvel Comics

Megan: The artists really knocked Doomquest #3 out of the park by bringing fun factors into a historic time period and making it so very Doom. Francesco Mobili, Frank D’Armata, and Travis Lanham work together to make this a memorable story that really was a lot of fun to read. Mobili expertly draws the scenes to look like a piece of history and somehow perfectly combines Doom to look like he belongs. D’Armata does a fantastic job of capturing the historic tones. Lanham provides an excellent flow of dialogue that captures the power of Doom’s words. Together, the artists came together and made this an absolutely splendid issue.

Shawn: Francesco Mobili and Frank D’Armata really got a chance to get crazy in this issue, and they took it. The entire premise of DoomQuest borders on absurdity, and that allows the artists the freedom to really get crazy. From Alex Ross’s rendition on the cover of Doom crossing the Delaware, the art only gets more fun in the story. Mobili crafts a Doom that feels truly terrifying and oozes confidence. The settings are drawn perfectly, with each panel feeling like you’ve found yourself in Colonial New England and other areas I can’t mention without spoiling it.

D’Armata colors the book perfectly using period-relevant colors and tones for the American Revolution era. Doom still stands as impactful, and there are points in the story where D’Armata’s colors force your brain to intentionally draw comparisons to other Marvel Characters. Travis Lanham perfectly letters the issue, moving the story effectively and leaving room for the art to breathe.

Final Thoughts

Megan: 10/10. Doomquest continues to be a fun read that highlights exactly how powerful and cunning Doom truly is.

Shawn: 10/10. Another fun issue. I knew going in that DoomQuest was going to be a bit absurd, and it’s all that and more. Despite the absurdity of it all, readers are still treated to a really good story and beautiful art. DoomQuest is worth a spot on your pull list for the ways that it is both entertaining and just a little bit educational.

Overall Grade: 10/10

What did you think of this issue of Doomquest? Did it hit the spot? Let us know in the comments

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“The Eye Collector #2” Review – An Eye Poppingly Good Trip

Eda Thomas Bagwell
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“The Eye Collector #2” Review – An Eye Poppingly Good Trip

The Run Down

I’m going to be completely honest when I say this… I have no idea how to give a run down on “The Eye Collector”. It’s such a trip that it has to be read to be believed, but I’ll try my best! In the previous issue, we saw the monster come into contact with an astronaut trying to comprehend what he was seeing. How does that issue lead into this one? Does it at all? Find out with me as I review “The Eye Collector #2”!

Writers: Jonathan Ball, G.M.B. Chomichuk
Letterer: Lyndon Radchenka
Artist & Colorist: G.M.B. Chomichuk

Source: G.M.B. Chomichuk, Image Comics

The Writing

Right off the bat, I’ll say that while this book is fantastic, it won’t be for everybody. For those who read the previous issue, this book is just as trippy, if not more-so. While being chock full of allusion to the sandman in the small bits of writing that there are, the entire issue also comes off as being the thoughts and writings of someone whose lost their rocker. It somehow feels disjointed yet perfectly put together at the same time.

That being said, I feel as if I was able to easily grasp meaning out of the madness. Whatever that may say about me, I’ll leave for you to decide. Things such as lost sight, lost time and lost memories are all apart of the human experience. As a result, we eat away at ourselves for making the mistakes that can lead to those things. Often by the time we realize what’s going on, it’s too late and those memories may come back to haunt us. If that indeed is the meaning of what’s going on, then consider me more than fully onboard for the next issue.

The Art

G.M.B. Chomichuk’s artwork here is nothing less than astounding and terrifying. His style is right up my alley, being something that will make you feel unnerved and on edge for how off kilter it seems. It’s like a nightmare of 50s pastiche come to life in someone’s disturbed collage.

Source: Scott A. Ford, Image Comics

As for the colors, they feel almost grotesque. Just looking at the blend of blacks, greens and yellows makes me feel like I’m entering the aether. Or, perhaps a bit more accurately, a portal to another time or place in space. Chomichuk does such a fantastic job that putting you off that you won’t want to fall asleep.

Final Thoughts

The latest issue of “The Eye Collector” from Jonathan Ball and G.M.B. Chomichuk most certainly won’t be for everybody, but for me, it’s a tour e force. From the sparse writing with intense meaning to the horrifying artwork, “The Eye Collector” is something that could only come from the minds of great madmen.

Overall grade: 10/10

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Comments

What’re your thoughts so far on “The Eye Collector? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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