How far would you be willing to go to make it in your dream job? For Matty, he was a struggling artist until a mysterious man offered him the deal of a lifetime. Unfortunately, it would be the last deal he ever made…or was it?
The Patron #1. Credit Ignition Press. Cover by Christian Ward.
Creative Team: Christian Ward, John J. Pearson, And Hassan Otsmane-
Slight Spoilers Ahead
The Story:
Christian is truly an incredible and talented writer. We’re met with a success story and in the world of making it as a successful artist it can be daunting. What I love about this is how there is something slightly off at the jump of this issue whether it is the way Otsmane-Elhaou letters or this uneasy feeling that Christian builds throughout this first issue, it lingers heavily throughout. What Ward excels at is giving us just enough to hook us in before leaving us hanging which has us on the hook dying for that next book. I already have my theories as to what is happening and I love a good mystery!
The Art:
The artwork by John brings about the heaviness as far as the mood goes in this issue. Opting to go with darker colors allows him to play with the shadowing when we meet our mysterious person and when we get close ups of his face the shadowing detail offers something uneasy about him. There is a full page that really leans into the horror offering a peak into something supernatural at play. The dull coloring in this again works incredibly well and by no means is dull an insult. This is a dark and mysterious story and the detailing and coloring injects enough of an uneasy feeling to capture this.
Final Thoughts:
The Patron #1 takes us into the world of art and artists who are willing to do anything it takes to have their hard work seen. There is a heavy and lingering sense of unease and enough given by the team to make us uncomfortable without fully being able to place where this comes from. I’ll be returning for issue 2 and cannot suggest enough how this is a book to check out!
The marvelous investigative misadventure of Jessica Jones & Typhoid Mary sadly comes to a close this week in a spellbinding finale. In the issues leading up, we’ve seen mind control, demons and plenty of Jessica’s favorite brown water. We also got to witness arguably one of the best buddy cop pairings we ever could’ve asked for. So now, just as you have before, join Megan and I as we take a look at “Alias: Red Band #5”!
Writer: Sam Humphries Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit Artist: Geraldo Borges Colors: Arthur Hesli
The Writing
Megan: This finale had to have been one of the most satisfying endings to a mini series that I’ve seen in a really long time. Sam Humphries kept the energy at an all-time high throughout the story. We got to see dynamics expand, Jessica Jones out of her element, and surprises that I really didn’t see coming.
In Alias: Red Band #5, Mary and Jessica are at the end of their ropes trying to figure out this mystery when they’re taken to the darkest depths they possibly could reach. Together, Jessica and Mary fight their way out of an impossible situation just to come to the realization that there’s one more piece missing to the puzzle. When it’s all said and done, everything is wrapped in a perfect bow. The conclusion of the series is emotional, it’s dark, and we get to see Mary and Jessica truly come together as friends and colleagues. There was so much to love about this issue and it’s all thanks to Sam Humphries.
Source: David Mack, Marvel Comics
Eda: Dear lord was this finale better than I ever could’ve imagined. A part of me has always wondered how some characters in comics can accept that superheroes exist but not monsters. It genuinely made me belly laugh when Jessica commented on exactly that. This issue continued to prove that the humor throughout this run acted as the perfect balance to the tension and horror.
Sam Humphries expertly executed this entire run. He continued to show a deep level of understanding on who Jessica and Mary are as characters, creating a fantastic buddy cop dynamic throughout. The stakes felt real and he never let off the gas. As for the twists, my jaw stayed on the floor. When you see the very first one, you’ll sit and think “how did I not come to that conclusion” just like I did. Humphries showed up and showed out from the first issue to the last.
The Art
Megan: The artwork of Alias: Red Band #5 had no right to be as good as it was. Geraldo Borges, Arthur Hesli, and Cory Petit all used their talents to create an excellent and satisfying ending that had a nice juxtaposition of street-level grittiness and mystical darkness. There was a haunting few pages with Jessica and Mary in the depths of hell, decorated with demons wherever they look, and it’s handled beautifully by Borges. Borges has top tier linework along with excellent detailing that contrasts with abstract elements. Hesli works brilliantly off of Borges’ work, with warmer colors working against the darker tones, which really makes you feel the darkness of the settings. Cory Petit is able to make the reader feel the intensity of the tones through the dialogue expertly.
Eda: What’s there to say here that I haven’t already said before? As with all of the previous issues, the art, coloring and panel work here were all entirely excellent. Both Borges and Hesli did far more than stick the landing. When it comes to Borges’ work, every detail felt meticulous and brutal. That darkness and edginess carried throughout the entire run, bolstered by the fitting yet unique paneling.
Source: Andrea Sorrentino, Marvel Comics
Perfectly coupling this were the colors from Hesli. I don’t know how he did it, but his palette perfectly created this grimy, noir aesthetic that I absolutely loved. The blending of browns, greens, blues and reds truly made for something dirty yet stunning.
Final Thoughts
Megan: Alias: Red Band #5 gave us a perfect ending to what’s been a phenomenal run. The creative team stuck the landing in a big way and I would love to see this team continue with Jessica Jones in the future. With a beautifully written story and artwork that’s nothing short of stunning, Alias: Red Band #5 is a memorable ending and one that’ll be used as an example of high quality for years to come.
Eda: “Alias: Red Band” from Sam Humphries was more than worth the years of waiting. This new story for Jess perfectly captures what makes her feel so enigmatic and engaging to read. Coupled with some truly amazing art, this entire run is perfect from start to finish. Your jaw will be on the floor as the team delivered truly stunning work.
Ryders search for Oaklynn is proving to be more dangerous than anything he ever expected. As his struggle continues he finds himself teaming up with an unlikely ally and needing to make the toughest choices if he not only hopes to save her but, to survive.
Only The Savage Are Left #2. Credit Dark Horse Comics. Cover by Stefano Raffaele.
I may be in the minority here however, I spent most of issue 2 screaming at the book and every decision Ryder chose or did not choose in this case, to make. I love how Zack is taking us back into the past a little bit at a time because we can sympathize with the world Ryder once knew. As a reader Zack easily lets us slip into his shoes and we like to think about how we should help one another. However, the glass shatters instantly as his rough around the edges newfound partner has accepted what must be done and will not hesitate. If anything I am loving how Ryder isn’t being built up as this hero or savior within this story. The monsters also are not always those who are infected either. As the story unfolds and villains and situations are revealed I felt more and more frustrated with our main characters choices and to me that is the mark of amazing writing.
The Art:
Stefano begins to reveal the variety of creatures and the dangers of this world. The creatures we face in this issue in fact are ugly as all can be and there is a sense of disgust I felt when looking at them. I’m a big fan of when art invokes these types of emotions and it is beyond creative over giving us run of the mill designs. Rocha’s coloring in some of the creatures as well give off a slimy texture which further deepens the disgusting, don’t touch me feeling I get from this issue. They take us through the stages of infection even in this issue. We start with those freshly infected, still having a chance to comeback from being infected, and then what can happen once they are too far gone. The team, along with Hassan (EISNER WINNING LETTERER!!!) tell these details through the artwork and flow of the story.
Final Thoughts:
Only The Savage Are Left #2 will leave you yelling at your book or computer or whatever it is you choose to read this issue with. The complexity within our main characters that Zack delivers is not our traditional hero’s journey and that is a great thing. Thiago, Stefano, and Hassan’s ability to tell an accompanying story through the art with the designs and subtle hints laid in the story do an incredible job. This story continues to get better and sinks its claws further into me the more I read.
Spoiler alert! This review talks about a Predator making it hard for Apes to keep breathing. Sometimes, simplicity is perfection and it doesn’t get simpler than a Yautja (Predator) following his unfortunate prey straight to the Planet of the Apes where all kinds of entertaining hell breaks loose! Buckle up kiddies!
Seriously, though… minor spoilers are ahead, nothing too revealing but just a heads up.
Writing
Greg Pak is either a long time Planet of the Apes fan or he worked overtime doing research for this book. I could hear Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter riffing off of one another. I could hear Jerry Goldsmith’s incomparable score. Growing up, I must’ve watched the original Planet of the Apes over a hundred times and Pak just NAILED it!
Disney struck oil when they bought Fox, gaining, not only the fully-evolved-apes in question, but the most versatile bad-asses across the entire multiverse: The Predators! Seriously! They can put a Predator up against any character in their portfolio and it’s going to sell! Knowing this, Pak could’ve phoned in the script and just had a Yautja target the Apes and incite a bloodbath. It would even have been a fun read. But that’s not how Pak rolls. He blends the two IPs in a way that makes perfect sense and I swear they could make this canon and nobody would bat an eyelash! The Yautja is your traditional hunter, tearing through any living thing that poses a threat and being utterly dismissive of anything that doesn’t. While he’s living his best life, the story of the humans that are lost on this alternate Earth continues as Zira and Cornelius try to figure out what the hell is going on. It’s mayhem, it’s nostalgia, it’s simple and it’s perfect!
Art
Okay… I’m going to put on my villain hat for a minute. The art in this book is fine. There are things that Alan Robinson does extremely well: The Predator looks great as do Cornelius and Zira. Where I think he falters is with the Gorillas. Thinking about it, It might not really be Robinson’s fault here. It may be Espen Grundetjern’s color choices for the gorillas. See, Gorillas, both fictional and in real life, were always cool to me because their skin was like black, cracked leather that matched their black fur coats. Here, the skin is like a light warm gray and it really throws me off. It makes the Gorillas look a little cartoonish. Normally this would be a minor problem for me, but not in an otherwise perfect PotA story.
Stonehouse, Marvel Comics
Final Thoughts
Pak delivers more than we could’ve asked for. A truly, well thought out, well executed joining of two legendary IPs that honors what came before while giving us something new and entertaining. The art was good and the colors were mostly great but the total package took a hit because of those damned dirty gorillas!
Overall Grade: 8/10
Have you checked out this run? Let me know your thoughts.
Motown and muscle cars – two aspects that help define Detroit with its history as a strong and rebuilding city. Those attributes are two features that make their presence known in this violent yet silent ode to “Motor City” itself. This is Potsy Ponciroli’s third directorial film and stars Alan Ritchson, Shailene Woodley, Ben Foster, Pablo Schreiber, & Lionel Boyce. We follow betrayal, revenge, and misguided love in the mean streets of 1977 Detroit and the extent to which one man must endure to have justice fulfilled. ‘Motor City’ has its moments and is full of good concepts, bad men, and ugly wigs.
John Miller (Alan) is a blue collar worker who falls for Sophia (Shailene); a woman with personal and complicated ties with local gangster, Reynolds (Ben). Driven with jealous ambitions and a corrupt police payroll, John is set up for a drug bust that sees him sent to prison and his love back into the arms of her old flame. With nothing but time, John sets out on his plan to exact the very justice that he was never awarded.
Shailene Woodley in ‘Motor City.’ Courtesy of IFC.
Silent but Deadly
In the first 20 minutes of watching, you will realize that “no one has said a SINGLE word.” Therein lies the concept that impacts the movie viewing experience; appreciating the artistry of direction, stunts, and plot progression without dialogue. Not too many films have been able to go with this style of film. The ones that come to mind are ‘Silent Night’ by John Woo and the ‘Quiet Place’ franchise. ‘Motor City’ is the next film added to that silent action niche. The plot is easy to follow, characters are able to establish their intentions and ill intentions for once another, and Alan Ritchson is in his bag with another hero role that he bodies yet again.
While the very “show, don’t tell” take is greatly appreciated with this silent approach, there is much to be said regarding development and establishment with many of the characters. John is a character who we get to see inside and out. And we get a glimpse into the tortured past of Sophia and present hardships she faces with Reynolds and company. But the same cannot be said for the motivations and reasons for the side characters. Why or how the police/prison teams are as corrupted as they are, and the backstory for John’s allies could have been fleshed out a tad bit more.
Ben Foster in ‘Motor City.’ Courtesy of IFC.
Clichés & Commitments
ven with the conventional storyline for a wronged man seeking revenge and justice, Alan brings life to the “working man” John Miller. Through his expressions, the hurt in his eyes, or the visible seething rage as he plots in his cell, Alan shows how versatile he can be; all while saying absolutely nothing. We have a myriad of crazy wigs and wild costume designs – amazing stunt work and action sequences – the infusion of classic 70’s music; all of this comes together for an action packed time with Ritchson leading the way.
Where the movie tends to drag is with long stretches of the very silence it tries to emphasize. Back and forth pivots between characters goes on for one too many scenes. Plot devices are present in order to push the story along. But the biggest letdown is the non-commitment to the silence. They move along with the film with zero dialogue spoken for many characters only for the glass shattering of words to be spoken at marginal moments. There could have been a build up of nothing spoken to have some words finally shared in the final act.
Alan Ritchson in ‘Motor City.’ Courtesy of IFC.
Final Thoughts
You will find nothing but high octane thrills and over the top feats while watching ‘Motor City’. It meets expectations in the entertainment department and brings forth the fruition of grit and musical prowess to represent a city like Detroit. Though not perfect, the narrative concept is one that took risks and brought authenticity to the movie-going experience. And above all, Alan Ritchson is a BAD man who embraces his silent archetype one more time.
Acorn TV has renewed their series Art Detectives for Season 2. This series’ description reads:
“Art Detectives is set against a backdrop of Old Master paintings, Banksy street art, rare antiquities and priceless collectibles, and the Heritage Crime Unit who must track them down. The other art detective here is straight-talking DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh). Together, she and DI Mick Palmer (Stephen Moyer) navigate a rich and colorful world driven by greed, obsession, lust, and revenge to solve murders connected to the world of art and antiques.”
Now for the new season, Larry Lamb from BBC’s Gavin & Stacey and EastEnders, is returning for the show. He will be playing Ron Palmer, who is Mick’s charismatic, art-forging father. He is currently serving time in an open prison after handling the stolen Sickert painting that Mick recovered at the end of Season 1.
Series Star Stephen Moyer has this to say about the new season:
“Great art, rare antiques, expensive collections and a battered satchel — what’s not to love about Mick Palmer? I’m really looking forward to filming these eight new episodes and reuniting with the brilliant Nina Singh. This new season is packed with drama, excitement, tension and surprises. I can’t wait to be back in Belfast, working alongside our wonderful production team again.”
Meanwhile, The Series’ Co-Creator & Writer, Paul Powell, has this to say as well about the new season:
“We are delighted that DI Mick Palmer and DC Shazia Malik are back in the picture for a second season of gripping murder mysteries. Heritage Crime returns, exposing the dark side of the art and antiques world, as our heroes track down stolen artefacts, flush out fakes and solve a series of ingenious murders. Proof that beautiful objects can make people do very ugly things.”
Acorn TV’s SVP Of Programming, Don Klees, added:
“Acorn TV viewers eagerly embraced the first season of Art Detectives for its compelling characters and unique twist on the mystery genre. On the heels of successful, and well-received seasons of You’re Killing Me and Harry Wild, we’re thrilled to be bringing fans another round of investigations that’s sure to keep them guessing throughout each episode.”
Finally, Managing Partner At Dynamic Television, Daniel March, said:
“Unlike the art depicted in the show, a second season order never gets old. The series is a masterpiece in how to make heritage crimes truly exciting television. It’s a testament to the exceptional Stephen Moyer and the very talented team at Black Dog for their commitment to artisanal crafted murders!”
The show is set to start filming in Belfast and Northern Ireland soon. The new season will start with a 2-part special this December, and then the season will premiere sometime in 2027.
“Do you think you’ll ever be safe? That you’ll ever be able to reach your full potential?” The voice of D’Spayre haunts our protagonist, Omnya’s dreams. “You yearn for rest, for focus in your life. But it will never come.” She fears the voice is right.
Creative Team
Paul Allor (Writer), Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque (Penciler, Inker), Larry Molinar (Colorist), Joe Sabino. (Letterer)
We meet Omnya, a high school science geek, shortly after she’s been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Most often diagnosed in children, this disease, dubbed “the pissing evil” by a bonafide legend in the 17th century in Europe, has been around most of recorded history.
The earliest recordings of the disease are from 1500 BCE, nearly 1000 years before the birth of Cleopatra. Until about 100 years ago, this was a death sentence. Stumping scientists and doctors for millenia. It wasn’t until 1921 that scientist Frederick Banting successfully isolated the hormone insulin. In 1922 it was successfully administered to 14 year old Leonard Thompson, the first person in history to do it to ‘em. Respectfully. Banting and his team sold the patent to the University of Toronto in 1923 for just one dollar. Forgoing fortune, he famously stated, “Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world.” The discovery earned him a 1923 Nobel Prize in medicine. And the rest is history.
Fast forward to 2025, fellow diabetic comic writer Paul Allor (Marvel Rivals), in collaboration with Omnipod, created Omnya, a high school genius and inventor. When we meet Omnya, she is still adjusting to life after her diagnosis. Her restless sleep and self doubt are attributed to diabetes, but something isn’t adding up. The voice of D’Spayre haunts her dreams.
A Waking Nightmare
Omnya, determined to reach her full potential, brushes off the voices taunting her. Her bedroom walls are covered in Iron Man posters and ideas for new inventions she can tinker with in her backyard lab. “I have too much to do!” She laments.
D’spayre’s words hit very close to home for anybody who’s gotten a curveball thrown at them by their own body. The enemy within will always be there. “Do you think you’ll ever be safe? That you’ll ever be able to reach your full potential?” For a brief one-shot comic, there is not a word wasted. This book leaves you wanting more. Or maybe it just leaves me wanting more?
A lesser known but still fierce Marvel villain, D’spayre is a 20,000 year old demonic fear lord, created by the Dweller in Darkness. According to Marvel’s website, “He can instill great fear by touch, though he prefers to act indirectly and cause his victims to generate their own fear by filling their mind with illusions of terror and despondency.”
Being virtually invulnerable, D’spayre has battled some of Earth’s mightiest heroes, bringing them to heel with but a suggestion of their weakness and incompetence. Among some of his most notable foes are Spider-Man, Cyclops, Rachel Summers, Daredevil, and Doctor Strange.
Superheroes, especially in the Marvel continuity, more often than not are dealing with common issues readers can easily empathize with. In stark (pun intended) contrast to these extremely human hurdles our heroes must overcome, they make way for some of the most fantastical and mind bending stories ever told.
I can tell you firsthand, dear reader, that type 1 diabetes sucks. At its best, diabetes is a quick finger prick and a brain teasers worth of calculations for a snack. At its worst, diabetes can be isolating, frightening, draining, and embarrassing. There are no breaks, and there is no cure yet. While it is never specified where on Earth our hero lives, and we don’t know how healthcare works on Earth-616, something this brief comic shies away from is the immense cost of this disease. Understandable, that our high school aged hero wouldn’t be taking on the for-profit system currently plaguing diabetics worldwide. They’re keeping it as lighthearted as possible, and I can’t fault them for it.
Omnya works with her doctors to get the tools she needs (an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor) and is able to discern between her own despair, and the voice of D’Spayre. She gets to work on inventing sonic gauntlets, the only way she will be able to send the ancient demon back to where he came from. When she’s ready, she gloves up and becomes (the great and powerful) Dyasonic.
Read it and Weep…
The comic is free to read here, and I would love to hear your thoughts.
When the comic was released, every Instagram post including an official Dyasonic gif or sticker, Omnipod pledged to donate $1 to Children With Diabetes, up to $25,000.
‘The Walking Dead: DEAD CITY’ is back on AMC & AMC+ and after a big weekend at San Diego Comic Con, the first episode of season 3 just dropped. Spoiled corpses ahead! If you haven’t watched the premier yet, then check out the season 2 recap, and season 3 NON Spoiler review HERE, and head back once you’ve met Renata and Luis.
***WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD***
The Story for ‘Trillium’
No time has passed since Season 2 wrapped. Negan still has a fresh stab wound, courtesy of Maggie, and both of them seem completely done with the other’s BS. Of course, there’s no rest for the survivors of a zombie apocalypse, so two new fresh faces show up, and they’re desperate. The Croat has been bit, but they need his walker electricity recipe to save a baby. Cue an explosion right as we hear Hershel say, “Mom.”
Flashback to a baby shower. We see The Croat take the Negan approach and kill someone to get control. However, killing the dad-to-be at a baby shower, is gonna create some serious vengeful people. Especially the deceased’s siblings, Renata and Luis: Our new faces.
Renata (played by Aimee Garcia) & Luis (played by Raul Castillo) in Dead City Season 3. Image courtesy of AMC/Robert Clark.
Back in present day we learn the baby is coming, and it’s gonna be early, so electricity is vital to power up an incubator. Following an explosion everyone finds themselves in a bar basement. Negan wonders up to the bar and meets a very eccentric bartender. Meanwhile the Croat tells Renata and Luis, he’ll take them to the tanks. He doesn’t want to die in the basement of a bar. Once they leave Maggie grabs new Lucille and brings it to Negan who wants nothing more than to stay in the bar with his new BFF. She tells him, “I need you.”
Hershel and Maggie reconciled, and now she needs Negan to help make a world that can work for her son to live in, not simply survive in. Negan reluctantly agrees, as he’s always got that soft spot for kids. Especially ones whose dad he murdered. Off they go… Negan finds The Croat who dies in his arms, as Negan sheds a tear.
The siblings find their zombie brother where the tanks are, and they use his body to power the electricity to save the premature baby. In death, he was able to provide for his child in the most insane way imaginable. We wrap with Renata and Maggie bonding, and Negan and Maggie showing some mutual respect for each other. Enter THE DAMA. Who is still alive.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t the strongest Season Premier
Overall I loved this season, but I didn’t love this episode. So if you felt the same, just stay tuned because it’s about to get a lot better. With The Croat and the Dama still in play, it felt as if we were still wrapping up stories from season 2. Also, Hershel very quicky pivoted back to his mom. This felt a bit too quick, however, having raised a teenager myself, and having a current one in my house, I was able to accept that. It wasn’t Magneto in Dark Phoenix level. While groundwork is definitely laid for this Season in Episode 1 it felt more like wrapping up Season 2.
There were still moments I loved
Negan (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan) Dillard (played by Jimmi Simpson), and Maggie (played by Lauren Cohen) in DEAD CITY Season 3. Image courtesy of AMC/Robert Clark.
16 years into the “walker” apocalypse and we’re still seeing new ways of dealing with apocalyptic style trauma. Negan’s BFF, Dillard, is a trip! He never left home, and he’s found the most absurd way of staying “sane.” I use that term sane very loosely, as he is clearly not the sanest. He talks to walkers (Tom Hanks talked to a volleyball). This isn’t the first time we’ve seen someone not able to let someone who has turned go, but this is very different. He’s entertaining himself with walkers, and Negan is entertained by it. They seemed to have instant chemistry, and I love it.
Another moment I loved that seemed very small, was Maggie grabbing new Lucille. While this isn’t the exact baseball bat that caused her husband’s eye to pop out, and leave her son with no father, it looks just like it! No Negan cosplay is complete without a bat wrapped in barbed wire. It’s part of him, named after his late wife. Not only is Maggie able to pick it up, but she hands it to Negan asking for his help. This did not happen over night. Their relationship has slowly evolved, and this simple gesture spoke volumes to that.
Overall Grade: 7/10
While, I did enjoy this episode it felt a bit, more of the same. However, the season as a whole does not feel like more of the same. So come back next week, because it really gets better, as Dead City, takes us to places we’ve yet to discover in a zombie apocalypse.
Head back every Sunday for the next 8 weeks for my spoiler filled reviews after the show! They’ll drop after 10 p.m. EDT.
Check out some ‘SUPERNATURAL’ Easter Eggs in ‘THE BOYS’ and more reviews from Lauren.
In addition to Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, season three also stars Jimmi Simpson, Raúl Castillo, Aimee Garcia, Logan Kim and Michael Emery. The Walking Dead: Dead City is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, chief content officer of The Walking Dead Universe, showrunner Seth Hoffman, Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Brian Bockrath and Colin Walsh.
Did you watch the season 3 premiere of DEAD CITY? What are your thoughts?
This week’s episode of the HIT HBOMax series, ‘House of the Dragon’ begins with Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) who is still in the midst of fighting alongside his men. Assuming the battle was won, Cole found the remnants of a skirmish. Mistakenly believing the mne are dead, the river men rise to the feet and attack Cole and his men. When the dust has settled, another army marches toward Criston. One of his men asks what do they want. Criston only says a few words: “Our death.” Standing tall, Cole receives his death in a hail of arrows.
I am not surprised with this end for Criston Cole. He really had given up hope on winning as well as himself. Cole has been a problem ever since season one. One thing that I kept in mind is that he said earlier that he will “die with honor.”
Fabien Frankel in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Courtesy of Warner Bros Discovery.
Trouble in King’s Landing
After finding herself and Helaena trapped in the walls of the Red Keep, the guards find Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Helaena (Phia Saban). Rhaneyra approaches Alicent about her attempt to flee. Rhaneyra now restricts Alicent and Helaena to the castle. Alicent pleads with Rhaneyra, because she knows that Helaena does not do well with being restricted. At the end of this, Rhaneyra yells at Alicent, “Do not try me.” All of these one-liners are so powerful, throughout the series. All of the one liners are executed so amazing by all of the actors. Rhaneyra again asks Alicent where Aemond is. Initially, Alicent refuses to give up Aemond, but eventually relents, letting Rhaenyra in on Helaena’s secret. Rhaneyra decides to draw Aemond out by sending Alicent to Harenhal.
Rhaneyra (Emma D’arcy), frustrated with the state of the war and state of her reign, starts to question where her army is. Now this is the part that I thought was interesting. Rhaneyra said that Damon can’t go and do what he wants. It seems that this power struggle might be something to note for the next two episodes.
Emma D’Arcy in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Courtesy of Warner Bros Discovery.
The Witch of Harenhal
Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) remains at Harrenhal with Alys (Gayle Rankin) who continues her attempt to levy her influence over him. This parallels her attempts with Daemon (Matt Smith), who had a rather interesting relationship with Alys. Alys tries to convince Aemond to stay with her at Harenhal. Searching for a way to keep Aemond at Harenhal, Alys reveals her clutch of dragon eggs.
Ewan Mitchell and Gayle Rankin in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Courtesy of the Warner Bros Discovery.
Elsewhere in the Westeros
Meanwhile, Larys (Matthew Neeham) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) are trying to make decisions about what their next move will be after linking up with Tyland Lannister in Rook’s Rest. Aegon now understanding the gravity of the situation they are in, begins to listen more to Larys. Lannister continues his support of Aegon offering a place at Casterly Rock and sanctuary.
Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew) are beginning to question their positions as dragon riders. Pining for the life he once had, Ulf is becoming more and more disillusioned. Ulf leaves King’s Landing, deciding to fly out to meet with Hugh. Sneaking into Tumbleton, Hugh searches for Kat, his wife. After struggling for survival while her husband has been at Dragonstone, Kat is less than pleased with Hugh, refusing to escape with him, questioning who he had become.
Alyn (Abubakar Salim), finding his father’s encampment after a skirmish, speaks with Corlys (Steve Touissant) in an effort to obtain help in King’s Landing on Rhaneyra’s behalf after the continual murder and desertion. Corlys refutes Rhaenyra as a result of her refusal to not legitimize his sons. Alyn reminds Corlys that it took a long time for Corlys to claim his sons. As this episode closes, Corlys and his men are attacked with Corlys’ fate left on a cliffhanger.
Tom Bennet and Kieran Bew in ‘House of the Dragon.’ Courtesy of Warner Bros Discovery.
Final Thoughts:
This episode was jammed packed with so much going on. I definitely am curious about who took Corlys. As well as how is the conversation with Alicent and Aemond will go, after all that has been going on with them. I really am excited for episode 7, and I hope that the stakes of the House of the Dragon world, becomes even higher. I really enjoyed this episode, and especially all of the politics that are happening simultaneously.
Phillip Kennedy Johnson revealed at Marvel’s Next Big Thing panel that these one-shots will lead up to the Hulk War event happening next year. Johnson teased this about the one-shots:
“March To Hulk War kicks off the final act of our story that Nic Klein and I started with Incredible Hulk #1 in 2023. It’s a series of one-shot battles between Infernal Hulk and Earth’s mightiest heroes, as Hulk gathers his terrifying Infernal Avengers for Hulk War. The one-shots feature one of the most epic rivalries in comics, Infernal Hulk VS Wolverine, and an ending that I’m expecting to shock some people.”
Johnson also added that:
“The most fun aspect of this series were rereading old Marvel battles, reminding myself what’s been done and how hard we’ve been willing to go in the past. Be advised: there were discussions about how violent we could go with these one-shots. I want to keep ramping up the horror vibe of the Hulk series, and for our readers to see things in these one-shots they’ve never seen before. On both counts, I promise we’ll deliver.”
Details for all 4 one-shots can be seen below:
Infernal Hulk VS Wolverine #1 (Releasing September 9th)
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: Jonas Scharf
THE MARCH TO HULK WAR RUNS THROUGH WOLVERINE! When the X-Men learn the location of mutants abducted and corrupted by Infernal Hulk, the deadliest X-Man vows to free them… by the most violent means necessary. The MARCH TO HULK WAR begins, as the Father of Horrors faces the Marvel Universe’s perfect killing machine!
Infernal Hulk VS Fantastc Four #1 (Releasing October 14th)
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: Cian Tormey
NEW YORK UNDER SEIGE! Infernal Hulk’s ultimate target is revealed: Reed Richards’ mysterious “Immaculate Engine,” a supernatural machine in the Baxter Building that could destroy Hulk’s army in a single blow! Can the Fantastic Four resist Infernal Hulk’s corruptive power, use the machine and save Earth? Or will they be the next monstrous recruits in Hulk’s INFERNAL AVENGERS?
Infernal Hulk VS Spider-Man (Releasing November 2026)
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: Javier Pina
THE MARCH TO HULK WAR CONTINUES AS INFERNAL HULK CORRUPTS ALL IN HIS PATH! The Fantastic Four and the Baxter Building have fallen to Infernal Hulk, and New York is under siege! When the Richards are taken too, Spider-Man disobeys orders and goes on a suicide mission to save them at all costs…and to get the Avengers the weapon they need to stop Infernal Hulk and prevent THE AGE OF MONSTERS. Hulk’s inevitable INFERNAL AVENGERS come one step closer to fruition in this unmissable penultimate issue!
Infernal Hulk VS Avengers (Releasing December 2026)
Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
Artist: TBD
Infernal Hulk has gathered his armies, his fortress, and now his champions. All the pieces are on the board, and all of our greatest heroes have been corrupted except the last of the Avengers. Can they succeed where all others have failed? The MARCH TO HULK WAR ends here!
Infernal Hulk VS Wolverine #1 Cover By Nic Klein (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Infernal Hulk VS Fantastic Four #1 Cover By Nic Klein (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Infernal Hulk VS Spider-Man #1 Cover By Nic Klein (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Infernal Hulk VS Avengers #1 Cover By Nic Klein (Credit: Marvel Comics)
