X-Men: The Hellfire Murder #1 Cover A By Luciano Vecchio (Credit: Marvel Comics)
X-Men: The Hellfire Murder is being helmed by an all-star creative team, including:
Writers: Jed MacKay (X-Men), Gail Simone (Uncanny X-Men), Eve L. Ewing (X-Men United), Saladin Ahmed (Wolverine) & Erica Schultz (Rogue)
Artists: Tony Daniel (X-Men), Luciano Vecchio (Uncanny X-Men), Federica Mancin (Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant) & More
The book’s full description reads:
“HOMICIDE AT THE HELLFIRE GALA!
When an iconic mutant power player is murdered at an exclusive masquerade hosted by Sebastian Shaw, it falls to Wolverine and Jubilee to solve a locked-room mystery that has dire consequences for all mutantkind. Everyone is a suspect. And the party isn’t over yet…”
Artist Luciano Vecchio had this to say about the one-shot:
“Doing Hellfire Gala designs is always a pleasure. This time around, it’s a masquerade, so the challenge was to come up with looks that divert from each character’s classic iconography to reflect their mask’s theme. The dresscode is a callback to classic Hellfire Club attire, so there’s 18th-century fashion mixed with corsets and leather gear, but mixing up the gendering of those elements, resulting in something elegant and sexy.”
Gambit: Wanted Main Cover By Leinil Frances Yu (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Writer Chris Clermont and Artist Robert Gill are teaming up on Gambit: Wanted, a new 5-issue mini-series. This series will follow Gambit’s final adventure before joining the X-Men. The book’s full description reads:
“TARGET: REMY LEBEAU!
Get ready, mes amis, as Gambit, the mutant-thief-hero, travels back to his hometown for an explosive showdown! Set in the timeframe when Gambit returned Storm to what was left of the X-Men, discover how Gambit came to join the team for the first time – and the deadly trial that made it so! Someone’s got mutants in their crosshairs down in New Orleans… and when they hire Bullseye to target Gambit, hang on for the most kinetic showdown of the month!”
Chris Clermont had this to say about the new series:
Gambit: Wanted Variant Cover By Phil Noto (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“I enjoy returning to Gambit because when I first created him, I never had much of a chance to build his backstory. I gave him the dichotomy of being both a hero and a thief, a conflict that creates a fertile patch for stories. GAMBIT: WANTED is set when he first meets the X-Men, and gives me a chance to explore why he decided to give up his unfettered life doing as he wished in New Orleans, becoming bound to this group of heroes, dramatically changing his life’s course.”
Robert Gill also had this to say:
“Getting the chance to work on a Gambit book with Chris was a complete surprise, and it continues to be a surreal experience. Chris’s name is iconic and one that surrounded my early days of reading comics. I’ve always thought Gambit was one of the coolest and mysterious X-Men characters, and despite more than eight years drawing comics for Marvel, I’ve almost never drawn him… until now!”
Every year on March 31st, we in the LGBTQ+ and trans communities celebrate what’s known as “Transgender Day of Visibility”. Created in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandell-Crocker, it’s a day celebrating the contributions of trans-people into the wider landscape, whether it be pop culture or world history. It also serves as a day to bring recognition to trans characters and people in general, challenging the status quo and bringing empowerment to us. As a transwoman myself, I would like to take the opportunity to shine a light on some of the trans-representation in media and the people who created these characters.
Coagula & Rachel Pollack
Created by Rachel Pollack in 1993, Kate Godwin, otherwise known as Coagula, was the first ever transgender superhero not just in comics, but ever. Introduced in the pages of DC’s “Doom Patrol”, she was created by Pollack, a transwoman herself, in response to the poorly written trans-characters of the past. Not only was she trans, but she was a lesbian and a former prostitute, making her an all-around “risqué” character even by ’90’s standards, yet bringing light to hardships and realities that trans people face, even today. Her power was a rather unique one, having the ability to dissolve things with one hand and coagulate them with the other.
Source: Rachel Pollack, DC Comics
As for Rachel Pollack herself, she’s an absolute legend in her own right. Born on August 17, 1945 to a Jewish family, she was an avid reader of Grant Morrison’s “Doom Patrol”, writing letters to the editor. Her final letter was one stating that she told her mother she got the job writing for “Doom Patrol” after Morrison. It was here that editor Tom Peyer took notice, officially giving her the job upon meeting her at a party. In her run, she would tackle such issues as menstruation and identity, topics that were barely covered in the comic medium and therefore cementing her as an icon in the industry. Passing away from cancer in 2023 at the age of 77, an age trans people rarely get to see, DC commemorated her via a one-shot the following year, released as apart of their PRIDE celebrations.
Viktor Hargreeves & Elliot Page
The character of Viktor Hargreeves from “The Umbrella Academy” is a bit of a special case. For those who don’t know, “The Umbrella Academy” is a franchise created by Gerard Way (yes, THAT Gerard Way)! HOWEVER, in the comics, Viktor isn’t trans and continues with being called what is now his deadname in the Netflix series. What makes Viktor a really cool special case is his actor, Elliot Page. Originally cast on the show pre-transition, Elliot worked with Gerard and the show’s producers to reflect his real life journey on screen, turning the White Violin into a trans-man.
Source: Netflix, Dark Horse Entertainment
Viktor’s transition started in season two, where his character was used to explore themes of identity, queerness and belonging. It wasn’t until season three where we saw the full evolution of his character, coming out to his siblings with a new name and style. In real life, Elliot Page stands as a trans icon and advocate. Within the last few years, he’s written an autobiography called “Pageboy”, founded Pageboy Productions and raised awareness for countless charities and causes.
Bon Clay & Cole Escola
While there are several characters from the iconic “One Piece” series that I could talk about, such Kiku and Yamato, I’m going to talk about another legend: Bon Clay. First introduced as an antagonist to the Straw Hats in the Arabasta Arc, they would eventually grow into being a major ally to the crew as time went on. They are depicted as being very flamboyant while declaring at one point that they are both man and woman. On the whole, “One Piece” is a franchise created by Eiichiro Oda and depicts characters of all cultures, gender representations, colors and disabilities making it one of the few franchises that wears it’s inclusiveness on it’s sleeve.
Source: Getty, Toei Animation
To keep in line with the character’s identity, Netflix and Oda cast non-binary actor Cole Escola in the role for season three of the live action adaptation. For those who don’t know, Escola made history by being the first non-binary actor to ever win a Tony Award. However, this wasn’t just any win; it was a win for starring in the play they themselves wrote, “Oh, Mary!” where they played Mary Todd Lincoln. In my mind, Cole Escola is the only person appropriate enough to portray Bon Clay and I’m stoked!
A Literal Call to Action
No matter how things may look right now, please remember that our community is out there making positive real world change and that you are not alone. Icons come in all shapes and sizes and just by merely existing, you are one. If you need help or are in crisis, don’t ever hesitate to call a hotline or crisis center, such as the Trans Lifeline Hotline.
Comments
Are there any other transgender or genderqueer characters that you feel deserve more attention? Has seeing that there’s positive representation out there made things easier for you? I’d love to discuss in the comments below!
Satanists that can’t die. Swords. Zazie Beetz. All of the pieces are there for a monumental film filled with action and blood. While some of those pieces are definitely apparent, ‘They Will Kill You’ doesn’t always equal the sum of it’s parts. ‘They Will Kill You’ attempts to cobble together multiple genres with an infusion of flavor from the blaxploitation films of the 1970s. The ingredients were there for an epic film, but, unfortunately, there was so much going on that the influences felt underused at times. That’s not to say the film isn’t a good time, it just doesn’t quite hit all of the notes it needs to. In a theater filled with people, ‘They Will Kill You’ is just what the doctor ordered: A fun, bloody action movie with regenerating Satanists.
Asia Reeves (Zazie Beetz) bailed on her sister, Maria, leaving her with their abusive father. Coming back years later, Asia has tracked Maria to an apartment building that, oh by the way, just so happens to be a cover for a Satanic cult that has found a way to become immortal. The brutal beatdown that comes in the well paced, hour and a half, action packed bloodfest is pure carnage. The film for all of it’s flaws is actually a lot of fun and well worth a trip to the cinema.
Zazie Beetz in ‘They Will Kill You.’ Courtesy of New Line Cinema.
Part ‘Afro Samurai,’ Part ‘Kill Bill,’ Part ‘Ready or Not’
The problem with ‘They Will Kill You’ is it wants to be too many things, so much so that it can’t fully focus on what it does well. The film is giving big ‘Afro Samurai’ vibes, which is an absolute compliment. That show is one of the few gems that doesn’t get talked about enough. The film also feels a lot like the best parts of ‘Kill Bill’ and when added with the ‘Afro Samurai’ vibes, ‘They Will Kill You’ hits all cylinders, functioning as a full fledged multigenre banger.
Timing plays a role in what I consider the films other biggest drawback and, while outside of the film’s control, it does impact the enjoyment of an audience. ‘Ready or Not 2’ released two weeks ago making ‘They Will Kill You’ feel like the ‘Antz’ in the ‘A Bug’s Life’/’Antz’ battle of the late 90s. While the take is fresh and I did enjoy it, the premise felt done before given the proximity.
Zazie Beetz in ‘They Will Kill You.’ Courtesy of New Line Cinema.
Zazie Beetz Down, Part II
We’ve known Zazie Beetz has action chops since ‘Deadpool 2.’ Her ability to effortlessly flow with the choreography helps with the suspension of disbelief. It feels real. Beetz is larger than life on screen and the martial art influence comes across flawlessly. Again, this movie is at it’s best when there is action going on on the screen. ‘They Will Kill You’ is a kick ass good time when Zazie Beetz is throwing down on scren.
‘They Will Kill You’ boasts one of the best supporting casts of the season. Tom Felton, Patricia Arquette, and Heather Graham are crowd favorites that get a lot of screen time and love on screen. There given some great material and they all make the most of it. Felton and Graham show off some of their comedic chops. Arquette gets to flex some of her dramatic muscles, sprinkling a touch of comedy for flair. The cast is truly exceptional and makes the most of what they’re given.
Zazie Beetz in ‘They Will Kill You.’ Courtesy of New Line Cinema.
Final Thought:
‘They Will Kill You’ is exactly the popcorn movie moviegoers are hoping for. While the film doesn’t quit add up to the sum of it’s own parts, ‘They Will Kill You’ is a fun, blood soaked good time in a theater. Moviegoers won’t regret spending time with this one.
Heroes’ Feast Legends of the Table is coming out this fall, and this one has 80 all-new recipes in it. The book’s creative team includes:
Writers: Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson & Michael Witwer
Heroes’ Feast Legends of the Table Cover (Credit: Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press)
The book’s full description reads:
“The expert Dungeons & Dragons team behind the bestselling Heroes’ Feast and Heroes’ Feast Flavors of the Multiverse explore the tastes and delights of each playable class, introducing you to the culinary traditions of druids, bards, sorcerers, and more. The 80 recipes are pulled from the beloved inns, magical colleges, ancient scrolls, and regions that span the realms. Each recipe, developed by a professional chef from one of America’s top test kitchens, is delicious, easy to prepare, and composed of ingredients readily found in our world.
The immersive recipes in Heroes’ Feast Legends of the Table are the perfect accompaniment for your next campaign. Bring along:
Appetizers like Flash-Fried Berry Fritters and Pumpkin Honey Beer Bread to satiate your barbarians and fighters
Soups and mains like Minted Pea Soup, Wren Pot Pie, and Silverquill Squid Ink Pasta with Scallops for the sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards
Desserts like a Faerie Cake and Spiced Plum and Hazelnut Financiers made for druids and paladins
And alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks like Trolltide Punch and Sweet Butter Ale for the clerics and bards to imbibe
Filled with spellbinding photography, Heroes’ Feast Legends of the Table will have you cooking up flavorful adventures no matter what class you play!”
Heroes’ Feast Legends of the Table releases September 15th.
Jubilee: Deadly Reunion #1 Cover By Fang Yang (Credit: Marvel Comics)
This one stars Jubilee from the X-Men, and it will be written by Gene Luen Yang (Shang-Chi, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) with art by Michael YG (Iron Fist, Power Rangers Prime). This is going to have Jubilee teaming up with her long-lost cousin, and the full description reads:
“JUBILEE’S X-CELLENT ADVENTURE!
Jubilation Lee always puts her life on the line for those in need – but for family? She’ll do anything! When the cousin she never knew is in sudden need of help, Jubilee tracks him down to save him! But Jubilee may find that her familial bonds aren’t as strong as she hoped! What secrets does her cousin hold? And what dangerous mutant power does he wield?! Join Jubilee as she embarks on a bombastic and life-altering journey of family, heart and heartbreak!”
Now, Gene Luen Yang did speak to AIPT about the one-shot, and had this to say about it:
Eason Cheung Character Design By Michael YG (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“Many Asian Americans feel a certain amount of separation between ourselves and our cultural heritage. Sometimes, by confronting that gap, we learn something about who we are. That’s exactly what Jubilee is going to do in Deadly Reunion. She’s going to visit San Francisco Chinatown, a place that seems like it ought to be comfortable for her, but isn’t.
She’s a really positive character. She dresses in bright colors, she’s always friendly, and she loves to joke around. Underneath all that, though, is real tragedy. She suffered unimaginable loss at a young age. That seeming contradiction, the happy exterior and the tragic interior, makes for a deep character.”
Meanwhile, artist Michael YG mentioned this about Jubilee’s cousin:
“I’m thrilled to have designed this new character. On the suit, the circular sound wave on his chest is his signature symbol, while the dots around him represent protecting the ones he loves with himself at the center. His resolute, unyielding gaze embodies his never-give-up spirit. I hope everyone will love this young man from Hong Kong, China.”
Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (The Witcher, Kill All Immortals)
The book’s full description reads:
“The bastard son of a prince, FitzChivalry Farseer is raised in the shadow of Buckkeep Castle. Cared for by his father’s stableman, Fitz finds companionship and solace in the stables through the Wit, a forbidden magic that connects him to animals.
When Fitz is still a young boy, at the behest of his grandfather King Shrewd, he is brought to the castle and educated as a member of the court. But at night, Fitz is secretly tutored by the Chade, the royal assassin, who teaches him patience, precision, and poison.
As Fitz grows into manhood, barbarous raiders ravage the coast and Fitz is trained in another art—a powerful telepathic magic known as the Skill. Plunged into a maze of schemes and intrigue, as enemies abound and duty and honor are at odds, Fitz finds that the fate of the kingdom may lie in his hands.”
The Complete Assassin’s Apprentice releases October 27th.
In 1896, the Supreme Court ruled on the case Plessy v. Ferguson. Their ruling created the concept of “separate but equal,” which codified segregation and perpetuated an idea that rang hollow to black men and women everywhere. Decades later, that same concept lingers in an unexpected place: the pages of Marvel Comics. When Sam Wilson was given the shield by Steve Rogers, it should have marked a bold redefinition of Captain America for a new era. Instead, from almost the moment he took up the mantle, Sam has been positioned as something adjacent, a parallel, but never quite the primary, Captain America. Hardly any solo issues, almost no chance to explore groundbreaking ideas for this new era, and a revolving door of narrative resets have quietly reinforced a status quo where Steve Rogers remains the default, and Sam Wilson exists as the alternative. Now with a major motion picture that was hijacked for a Hulk sequel, the question remains: Will Sam Wilson ever be seen as Captain America?
Art provided by Marvel Comics
The Passing of the Shield:
12 years ago, Rick Remender ended his dimension-crossing run on Captain America by passing the shield from Steve Rogers to his long-time partner, Sam Wilson. What transpired from there was 6 issues detailing Sam’s first adventure alongside the adopted son of Rogers, having taken over the mantle of Nomad to take down Hydra…right as the entire universe was reset by Jonathan Hickman’s Secret Wars. From there, we saw the ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT MARVEL initiative from Marvel Comics. A new branding for their relaunch of titles at issue 1, where the universe didn’t fully reboot per se, but enough was changed to where it promised new jumping-on points for modern readers. This would bring the longest run Sam Wilson would have as Captain America to an end, totaling 24 issues. This run would quite literally be prophetic as writer Nick Spencer would create the hashtag, #NotMyCaptainAmerica, in the pages of the run, which would then be co-opted by racist fans once the MCU followed in the footsteps of the comics. Comics would show Sam struggling to carry the weight of the shield in the modern day while being faced with in-universe racism, human trafficking, police brutality, as well as his former partner taking over the world once Steve Rogers resumed his identity as Captain America, having been restored to his youth by the Cosmic Cube, but being made into a loyalist to Hydra.
Sam hadn’t even been in possession of the mantle for 2 years of publication, and potentially even less time in universe, before Marvel brought back Steve as a separate but equal Captain America. Marvel wanted to have their cake and eat it too in the eyes of fans because you had bigoted individuals who would post on social media or make content spouting slurs and heinous statements that Marvel was attempting to “erase white superheroes” and that they had become “SJW Marvel”; while at the same time attempting to keep fans of Sam as Cap happy by keeping him as what appeared to be the primary bearer of the mantle. This would be short lived though, because after the events of Secret Empire, where in the minds of fans everywhere, the Sentinel of Liberty that was created by Jewish writers and artists, whose first issue saw him punching Hitler, had now became aligned with that ideology, Marvel had to pivot to giving Steve Rogers back the shield, and Sam slowly having to fade back into his place as a glorified sidekick in the eyes of the public.
Separate but Equal due to cinema:
5 years later, after Sam Wilson has several new adventures in a new Falcon suit, from fighting vampires and demons to finishing a stint as leader of the Avengers, he would be given a new shield and be placed back in the role of Captain America due to the release of both Avengers: Endgame and Falcon and the Winter Soldier making Sam the new Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Only for Captain America: Brave New World to be handed to us with the controversy of an Israeli character who never had a connection to Sam or has ever been in his comics, and multiple reshoots that hijacked Sam’s movie and turned it into a Hulk sequel rather than a standalone Captain America movie like originally rumored. It was said from behind-the-scenes leaks that Sam and his partner Joquin were going to go up against the Serpent Society, similar to the first volume of the Nick Spencer run, but for whatever reason, these characters were cut, except for Giancarlo Esposito. Plus, with the announcement of Chris Evans returning in Doomsday, many worry that Sam will be undermined by the return of Steve Rogers in the MCU.
Art from Captain America: Brave New World. Marvel Studios
Not only that, but in the Zero issue of Captain America, written by both Collin Kelly and Tochi Onyebuchi in 2022, Sam is treated as “Captain America too” yet again. This consistent coddling of bigoted fans because they cannot bear the finality of Steve Rogers as Captain America. It is them saying that they don’t have faith in the storytelling of a competent writer to deliver good stories for Sam and stand behind him as a character, so that Steve’s time can end. Over 80 years of stories, and yet when a new era is attempting to begin, challenging norms and perspectives and showing the ugly truth of America in different but all too similar ways, Sam is seen as inferior. He is not given the chance to be the primary and only Captain America; he isn’t even given an ongoing comic book in 2025 when his movie releases. Instead, Red Hulk, the antagonist of the film, gets one, while Sam only gets a 5 issue mini series.
Meanwhile, writer Chip Zdarsky begins crafting a modern story that yet again shifts the sliding timescale of the Marvel Universe just enough so that Steve Rogers can be deemed relevant again, and Sam Wilson is seen as a backup to hold space on the Avengers. While it cannot be refuted that Zdarsky is crafting a great narrative, Marvel has systematically failed to give Sam a fair shot as the only Captain America in publication, almost from day one. Collectively, only having 14 solo ongoing issues before Steve is brought back into the spotlight. Despite the devious nature he now possesses, it undermines Sam’s credibility as the primary Captain America because fans are given an out, where they don’t need to even attempt to connect and resonate with Sam’s journey. Once Secret Empire concludes, Sam is forced to relinquish the shield to repair the reputation of Rogers, only for years later to be given 14 more issues in Captain America: Symbol of Truth, but again, with a different shield, and the status of the “Other Captain America”. Which then leads to nothing but a 5-issue mini to be released as the Brave New World is in theaters, and the movie’s antagonist is given more of a spotlight in publication.
Art provided by Marvel Comics
The mantle has to pass:
One of the biggest problems that plagues modern comics is a lack of progression in the universe. Mantles will pass, but then the status quo has to reset to either align with multimedia or to appease a certain portion of the fanbase. Marvel needs to place innovation above profit. There needs to be a time when leaps of faith are taken, and the past can be just that, the past. The excuse many defenders of leaving Steve as Cap, or other older characters, such as Peter Parker in the case of Miles Morales, is that these characters are timeless, and they can fit any era. But that is a false statement. That is a barely held-up stance so they can still enjoy their childhood heroes. But time isn’t always on their side. Sam collectively has had 49 solo comics since becoming Captain America. He has had next to no opportunities to build a foundation and a legacy as the modern Cap. Whether it’s having multiple events interrupt his most iconic 24-issue run, to having the mantle taken from him, to being given only a spot on the Avengers while his predecessor has a critically acclaimed ongoing, Sam is not given the ability to be an “equal” Captain America.
Art provided by Marvel Comics
It is time for Marvel to make the difficult choice: Take the mantle from Steve Rogers. Kill him again, retire him again, or put him back as the director of Shield, something other than being Captain America. Because his time has come and gone, and us playing the “Separate but Equal” card has been nothing but a detriment to Sam Wilson.
Pathfinder Dark Waters Rising Compact Comic Cover By Dave Dorman (Credit: Dynamite Comics)
They are releasing their 2012 Pathfinder series as a compact comic, much like what DC Comics and Oni Press have been doing. The comic is collecting the first 6 issues from the original 2012 comic run. The book’s creative team includes:
Writer: Jim Zub
Artists: Andrew Hurta, Ivan Anaya, Jake Bilbao & Mohan Sivakami
Colorist: Sophie Campbell
Letterer: Marshall Dillon
The book’s full description reads:
“The warrior Valeros can rely on his sword arm and his friends, the mysterious sorceress Seoni, quick-witted elven rogue Merisiel, powerful wizard Ezren, well-traveled dwarven ranger Harsk, and courageous cleric Kyra. However, nothing can prepare him for the dangers that lurk ahead! The scattered goblin tribes of Varisia are unifying in ways no one has ever seen before. At the heart of this strange evolution is an ancient force of evil looking to establish itself anew in the world of Golarion! Journey into Paizo’s award-winning fantasy world, fiction line, and tabletop RPG with an action-packed story written by Jim Zub (Street Fighter Legends, Skullkickers) and incredibly detailed artwork by Andrew Huerta (Underworld, Homies), this first volume introduces readers to a richly envisioned fantasy world filled with compelling characters and impressive sights. Collects the first six issues of the Pathfinder comic series; an exclusive ten-page bonus story; “”The Last Mosswood Goblin;”” and over 30 pages of encounters, characters, and world detail for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game!”
Pathfinder: Dark Waters Rising Compact Edition releases June 24th.
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein- Children Of Empire Cover (Credit: Random House Worlds)
This new novel will be following Caleb and Beau from Campaign 2. What’s different with this novel is that it’s going to be directly following the events of Campaign 2, but it will also bridge both Campaign 2 and Campaign 3. The book is being written by Hugo, Nebula, and Ignyte Award-nominated author Nibedita Sen, and the full description is below:
“The adventures of the Mighty Nein have ended.
With the Cloven Crystals hidden and Uk’otoa once again imprisoned, all that’s left for the Mighty Nein is to settle back into their well-earned retirements. For some, this means peace and solitude; for others, a recommitment to unmitigated chaos. And for Caleb Widogast and Beauregard Lionett, it marks a return to the empire they once called home.
But ancient, arcane threats still fester in Wildemount: the Cerberus Assembly and its only living founder, the calculating and secretive Ludinus Da’leth. When an old friend offers Caleb a chance to investigate Ludinus, he can’t help but take it, even if it means betraying those he once held dear. And as Beau struggles to settle into domesticity, a good infiltration is the perfect distraction.
The Cerberus Assembly is unlike any foe the Empire Kids have faced before, rooted into the history of their homeland. It’s not an evil that can be pummeled into submission—but that doesn’t mean they can’t try.”
Critical Role: The Mighty Nein- Children Of Empire releases November 10th.
