In a surprise announcement via GizModo, cult favorite comic writer Bryan Lee O’Malley was able to announce he worked on a new “Scott Pilgrim” comic releasing later this year! Published by Oni Press, the comic is titled “Scott Pilgrim EX: Dawn of Metal Scott.” It serves as a prequel to the recently released beat-em-up video game similarly titled “Scott Pilgrim EX.”
Source: Bryan Lee O’Malley, Oni Press, GizModo
According to GizModo, the comic is set to release on November 11, 2026. The story follows Scott & Ramona a few years after the events of the original comic run. They’ve since got married and are at a bit of a slow point in their lives. The full synopsis is as follows:
“Scott met Ramona. Sparks flew. The two of them had to work together in order to defeat Ramona’s Seven Evil Exes and their nefarious leader, Gideon Gordon Graves. Some other stuff happened in various media formats that may or may not be canon. That’s all in the past. These days, Scott and Ramona are a happy couple, and the Exes have moved on from their unhealthy obsessions. I guess they all got therapy or whatever. Now, after a period of peace, a new threat is about to emerge. Are our heroes ready? Let’s find out!!!”
For those not in the know, “Scott Pilgrim” is a franchise that’s been around the block for quite awhile now. The franchise originally started with the first comic run, going from August 2004 until July 2010. Prior to the release of the final issue, fans got the cult hit “Scott Pilgrim vs The World,” the Edgar Wright film starring Michael Cera along with some lesser-known animated shorts. There was also one prior game based on both the book and the movie, released to coincide with the Wright-helmed feature. Years later, the entire film’s cast would return to fully voice a surprise Netflix animated series that served as a complete, fantastic retelling of the story.
To return to the roots and get a new comic is something I don’t think any fan saw coming. The comic will be a total of 24 pages. Some of those pages will service fans with bonus content while the remaining 16 will be the whole new story. For a taste of what’s to come, check out the image below and here’s to hoping for a new full run down the line!
After crash landing on a mysterious planet, Darak, Solila, Pythona and her team continue to find common ground as they work together to survive and find their way off-world. When the group is most vulnerable, they discover that they aren’t alone. Is the stalker in shadows a friend or another deadly foe?
Writing
What I love about Void Rivals is that it’s where all of the weird and normally overlooked characters get an opportunity to shine. We got Jetfire, Hotrod, Springer, Wheelie, Wreck-Gar, Skuxxoid… and the hits keep coming! Kirkman continues to cook with this issue, giving us some relatively chill moments after the Quintesson War where we learn some things about Pythona and Cobra-La, Darak opens up to Solila and the Handroids take every opportunity to be hilarious. The pacing is well done and works to build tension as the group begins to realize they are being stalked. Let’s just say that Kirkman knows how to pull off a reveal! The last panel is gonna make a lot of readers smile hard.
Art
Conor Hughes is doing some nice work on the last couple of issues of Void Rivals. This issue sees Hughes cut loose illustrating an alien world that feels alive and dangerous. His artwork has a little bit more of an animated feel than Lorenzo De Felici but he does a great job maintaining the look and feel of the book.
Delpeche continues to rock and his colors work very well with Hughes’ style. His command of light sourcing and use of shadow allows for some truly stunning pieces that I find myself staring at just for the dopamine!
The book that kicked off the Energon Universe continues to bring the excitement and trigger the euphoria of pure, unadulterated nostalgia. If you’ve been reading from issue #1, this is NOT the issue to skip. If you haven’t been reading, you SHOULD just go straight to jail. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. But I’m a kind and benevolent god and I bestow upon you a gift. The gift of knowledge. Void Rivals is FIRE and you need to go find some TPBs or just drop money on the hardcovers. You’ll thank me.
Overall Grade:10/10!
Disclaimer: I’ve only done a handful of reviews since I joined the team, so I just want to reassure you, there will be books that are not 10/10. When you get to the end of this issue, you will understand the score.
Have you check out Void Rivals? Let us know your thoughts.
“A draconic apocalypse approaches the Forgotten Realms, and it has one name on its lips: Mordenkainen. Now, stripped of his magic but never out of the fight, the most powerful wizard in all reality will need the help of Faerûn’s most legendary heroes to restore the balance.”
Collin Kelly said this about the new series:
“This book is the very definition of a passion project for us. We’ve been roleplaying together for as long as we’ve been a writing team, which is only slightly less than we’ve been friends. Playing D&D is how we started to fuse our individual storytelling instincts into the incredible blade of our partnership; if a table wants to tell imaginative, emotional stories, then it needs to work off of a core of collaboration, creativity and trust. It’s one of the reasons that we think D&D is one of the greatest games ever made. Yes, the mechanics and game design are tip-top – yes, its magic system is incredible and we will be using it to its ABSOLUTE FULLEST – but MOST IMPORTANTLY…D&D is a game that can never be “won”, but which can make you a better person through playing. Of course, player catharsis only comes from character pain…and sadly for our characters, we’re about to end the world.”
Jackson Lanzing added:
“Dungeons & Dragons is a distillation of everything we love about story – a collision of arcane prophecy, ever-growing characters, and wild spectacle, wrapped in a mystery that reaches to the very beginnings of D&D itself. Ibraim, Esad, and our entire artistic team are laboring to push this story as hard as we possibly can – this is the new ongoing, flagship D&D story and every issue, we’re going to fulfill that promise. This is the fantasy comic we’ve been desperate to bring into the world – not another deconstruction, but a timeless tale made with everything modern comics has to offer. Whether you’re new to the Forgotten Realms or a level 20 paladin looking for the next ground shaking fantasy epic, Dungeons & Dragons is for you.”
Dungeons & Dragons #1 releases November 4th.
Dungeons & Dragons #1 Variant Cover By Tyler Jacobson (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Dungeons & Dragons #1 Foil Variant Cover By Antonio José Manzanedo (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Dungeons & Dragons #1 Variant Cover By Karen Darboe (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Dungeons & Dragons #1 Variant Cover By Mateus Manhanini (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Dungeons & Dragons #1 Variant Cover By Eric Canete (Credit: Dark Horse Comics)
Disney+ had the panel earlier today, and it sure got everyone excited for what’s coming. The panelists included:
Walker Scobell (Percy Jackson)
Aryan Simhadri (Grover Underwood)
Charlie Bushnell (Luke Castellan)
Tamara Smart (Thalia Grace)
Levi Chrisopulos (Nico di Angelo)
Olive Abercrombie (Bianca di Angelo)
Craig Silverstein (Executive Producer)
Dan Shotz (Executive Producer)
Now, the 2 big things we got were this season’s description, and the opening act for the season. The season’s description reads:
“The stakes are higher than ever before as Percy is faced with the sudden disappearance of Annabeth and the impending Great Prophecy provided by the Oracle of Delphi, dictating the fate of Olympus. As foretold by the Oracle of Delphi, one demigod child of the “Big Three” is fated to raise Olympus to new heights or bring it crashing into ruin, with their own life hanging in the balance.”
We also got the opening act for the season, and it shows what to expect from this coming season:
Percy Jackson And The Olympians Season 3 premieres November 20th on Disney+.
After all of the talk, buzz and hype, I had finally had the time to sit down and watch “Obsession.” Going into it, I had only a brief bit of what to expect: a horror story about a man taking away a woman’s autonomy. What I didn’t expect was just how well it would hit that nail on the head. In fact, the film did its job so well, that I truly don’t know if I’ll be able to watch it again.
Growing up, I was raised in a very loving household by two parents who give each other nothing but love, grace and mutual respect. I was of course led to wrongfully believe that any relationship would be like that. Surely no relationship between two consenting people could be bad, right? Well, as luck would have it, I would find out the hard way in high school just how wrong I was.
My girlfriend at the time was an old childhood friend, someone who I felt I could trust. As time went on, I felt more and more like I wasn’t myself or my own person. I was made to feel like I had to love her and that no one else was allowed in my life. Only her. I couldn’t choose who to talk to or what to do on my weekends, let alone what movies we watched. Upon spending time together every weekend, my phone would be taken and we’d be locked away, alone together to sit in darkness and do nothing but watch TV. I was forced into seeming obsessed when I didn’t want to be. I was the Nikki to her Bear.
I don’t know how he did it, but Curry Barker perfectly captured what it’s like to be the victim in an abusive relationship. It strips everything away from you and for most of us, it’s a long journey back, sometimes never reaching the destination. He showed that in a truly visceral way that I’ve never seen in a movie before. As someone who watches and reads plenty of horror, it takes something truly impactful to frighten me. This movie did exactly that.
Barker somehow managed to make things terrifying without demonizing the victim, something I feel like anyone else would’ve done with this material. Yet, the subject matter is handled perfectly, making sure we’re reminded throughout that the protagonist isn’t always the good guy. It reflects how, in life, any true villain will see themselves as the hero or not doing any wrong. Yet sometimes they do realize the impact of their actions and by then, it can be too late.
As for Nikki, well, let this movie be a lesson that it can be any one of us. Anyone can fall into the trap that I and so many others have, just like how anyone can be the monster. According to Break the Cycle, roughly 1 in 2 women and 2 in 5 men in the US alone report having experienced various forms of relationship abuse at least once in their lifetime. That’s 32 people per minute. Keep an eye on your colleagues and loved ones, as you never know what they might be going through.
If you’re ever in a domestic abuse situation, call The Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat with them online
Olivia Wilde invites you to a night of scandalous decisions and deep self reflection. ‘The Invite’ is an adaptation of the Spanish film and play, The People Upstairs by Cesc Gay. The quartet of Edward Norton, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, and Seth Rogen come together to take on the subjects of fragility and growth in relationships. We dive into the insecurities and “adult” decisions that shape marriage as an institution and partnerships as a whole. ‘The Invite’ is a momentous step in the right direction for Olivia Wilde’s directorial career.
Joe (Seth) and Angela (Olivia) are struggling to come to terms with bitterness in their lives and a marriage that seems destined to fall apart. Ever-present reminders of their failures in music and self-acceptance constantly surround them and take their toll on the once happy couple. The evening takes a turn as Angela’s dinner invitation to their upstairs neighbors, Hawk (Edward) and Pina (Penélope), is met with an invitation of their own… an engagement of marital passions in a polyamorous setting.
Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, & Edward Norton in ‘The Invite.’ Courtesy of A24.
Reflections in the Mirror
The concepts that Olivia Wilde brings to the screen are riveting with her latest installment and are a true triumph since her last film. ‘The Invite’ goes in the opposite direction of said last film, ‘Don’t Worry Darling‘. The audience is confined with the characters themselves: in a city apartment with only four characters throughout the entire film. They are viewed from rotating angles and constant focal shifts in rooms or in mirror reflections. This leaves the audience right there with the characters. We are amidst the chaos, the volley of innuendos, and moments of self-reflection that have us sympathize with every character.
When in confinement, however, stakes are raised that much more with details. Moments occur when jokes go on for too long, questions towards characters are repeated, and driving factors for entering certain marital agreements are not explained in depth. Though given the heightened emotional states for all parties involved, it is not too far-fetched to believe that one could be caught up in such entanglements for emotions’ sake.
Penélope Cruz & Olivia Wilde in ‘The Invite.’ Courtesy of A24.
If three is a crowd, four is a…
Wilde took the core elements of the story and wove them together wonderfully. We are shown a powerful combination of said elements that can leave us with a flurry of mixed emotions. Suggestive jokes that interject with near perfect timing. Pity for the characters’ self realization that love isn’t always enough. We even share the shedding of inhibitions in order to “go with the flow” of what the movie alludes to… potential polyamorous passions. Whether they indulge themselves is another question altogether.
While the story is focused on the main couple of Joe and Angela, we are given a slight inside look at what Hawk and Pina bring to the overly-friendly neighbor dynamic. Edwards Norton’s “Hawk” is true to his name as a hovering body looking for a vantage point over potential couples. While Pina (Penélope Cruz) is a character that the audience may be left wanting to know more about. She is seductive, intelligent, and a mystery yet to be solved by viewers and characters alike.
Seth Rogen & Olivia Wilde in ‘The Invite.’ Courtesy of A24.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the audience is rewarded with a film that shows all four actors in their acting elements; going back and forth with humor, body language reactions, awkward silence, and intense moments that beg the question, “Are we really about to do this?”. The comedic gags and conversations were able to land time and time again, even if some of the running jokes did go on for longer stretches than anticipated. And the score of the film, with the string orchestra, worked in tandem with the anxious and uptight moments that would rise and fall to match the stakes and temperature of the current situation. Olivia Wilde did her thing with this one.
This Sunday, the 26th, Negan and Maggie are back! Season 3 of ‘The Walking Dead: DEAD CITY’ kicks off their 8 episode run on AMC & AMC+ at 9pm EDT. This season delivers undead horror and tragedy, with some hilarious Negan lines sprinkled throughout. It also gives us a relationship between Negan and Maggie we haven’t seen before, that I didn’t know I needed.
Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled undead yearning to eat…
Previously on DEAD CITY
Season 2 ended with Negan leaning more toward his darkside past to take down his enemies. He trojan horse zombied to death Bruegel’s gang, with a side of methane. Thanks to a tip from Maggie. However, Maggie then seems ready and willing to kill Negan to save Hershel, and she even stabbed him as he and new Lucille were about to home run Pearlie’s head. In the end she couldn’t finish him off. She saw his heart break at Ginny’s demise, and knew there was still someone worth saving, and someone who could still be valuable to her.
We wrap with Hershel none to pleased about Negan’s still beating heart, The Croat wanting to head back to Croatia, the Dama still alive, New Babylon not looking to be so great, and our main characters/unexpected duo angry and back together again.
Lauren Cohan as Maggie Rhee, Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan, Marie Napoleon as Ginny – The Walking Dead: Dead City _ Season 2, Episode 8 – Photo Credit: Robert Clark/AMC
Surviving isn’t living. Yet, when death can’t stop knocking on the door, survival is all there is. Negan and Maggie have survived the apocalypse for years in different ways. While survival, and attempting to “live” continue to be the goal this season, the obstacles hit very different than we’ve seen in the past. This season starts slow and morphs into an incredibly intense season filled with PTSD in every single form there is.
Horror
We’ve been surrounded by “Walkers” for 16 years this Halloween. Moments that felt like a horror movie back in 2010, feel less butterflies in the stomach intense these days. However, this season had an episode that had me at the edge of my seat the entire time with audible gasps at unexpected moments. I thought ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Supernatural‘ had gotten me over my fear of horror. I was wrong. Well played.
Fun
In addition to that old pit in the stomach horror feel, we also got some new faces with amazing personalities and unique PTSD symptoms (FULL DISCLOSURE: I have zero medical degrees of any kind), and some top tier Negan lines. If you’re feeling withdrawals from the amazing one-liners we were getting this past Spring during ‘The Boys‘ Negan will help satisfy those withdrawal symptoms. He had me laughing aloud more this season than ever.
Nostalgia
We all take our past with us everywhere we go, but it only defines us if we let it. While everyone has trauma most people’s isn’t zombie filled or involving your baby daddy’s brains on a baseball bat courtesy of a dude who has somehow become part of your every day life. No matter the cards you’re dealt, if you want to do more than just survive, you got to learn to move forward. We see that in this season in very unexpected ways. While, I felt this season looked more toward the past than we’ve seen, it wasn’t dwelled upon. One episode in particular took a look at our main characters in a unique and fun way.
Courtesy AMC/AMC+
Negan & Maggie
This season the relationship between Negan and Maggie was explored in a way we haven’t seen before. Lauren Cohen did a brilliant job of maintaining her fierce no bullshit way about her, while also showing us a side of Maggie we haven’t seen for awhile, if ever. She showed us a softer side. A human side. One that seemed to have been buried next to Glenn. Of course, Jeffrey Dean Morgan continues to deliver his perfect combination of complete ass hat mixed with a charming and vulgar personality that can make anyone blush, while simultaneously saying, “What the F***?”
Overall I felt this season starts off a bit slow, and then went the hardest in the middle. I loved the new obstacles, characters, and chemistry created on screen. DEAD CITY season 3 is an intense and fun ride through the Big Apple sprinkled with some unexpected twists and zombies.
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.
Have you been watching DEAD CITY? What are your predictions for this season?
Terminal #1 is the flagship title of Image/Skybound’s brand new superhero universe in which select humans are genetically activated and serve as soldiers in a war for the fate of the world. Part X-Men, part Team 7, it’s the start of something that feels familiar and, yet, fresh and exciting!
Story
The first issue wastes no time with introductions or back story. Instead, Kirkman and Casey open with blood and violence, give us some mystery to chew on, open hand slap us in the face and leave us asking for another. Both writers are masters of character development and that expertise is evident here. These characters are easy to ingest and parse and I was genuinely invested in each of their personal arcs, a feat rarely achieved with a first appearance. In spite of all of the Sci-Fi and Fantasy elements, the story manages to be relatable and human. The dialogue is natural and motivations are clear even if the point of it all remains a mystery.
This brings me to the very minor problem I have with this issue: I read it and I still have no idea what it really is, beyond being a secret war between two factions of activated super people. That’s expected, though, when it’s just issue #1 and the writers are laying the groundwork for the universe they’re building, but we usually have a full understanding of what the heroes and villains are trying to accomplish by the end of the first issue. Here, it appears Kirkman and Casey are playing the long game, with a storytelling structure reminiscent of TV series like Breaking Bad and Halt and Catch Fire where you don’t really know what the heck is coming but it doesn’t matter because what we’re being given on the way is so damned good! Pacing is a bit erratic, but just a bit and I also attribute that to this being an introductory issue with no prior context. They had a lot to squeeze into the launch and I’m guessing some things that were more connective than informative were cut.
Art
So if you’re reading this, you probably, at least, like comic books. If you like comic books, you have, at least, heard of the Kubert family. Joe Kubert was an iconic trailblazer known primarily for his work on Sgt Rock. His son’s Adam and Andy inherited the art gene and became icons in their own rights. Andy was always my favorite of the clan and I was pumped when I saw he was the artist on this title! The action scenes are phenomenal! Clear, kinetic and full of informative detail that my eyes just gobbled up and fed to my brain.
Andy Kubert – Image Comics/Skybound
His dialogue scenes convey emotion with ease. You never have to work to understand what a character is feeling at any given moment. And in true Andy Kubert fashion, everything is dynamic and makes excellent use of black to inform shape. No notes. Dave McCaig’s colors are perfect for a book like this. Light and shadow play a major role in this issue, at least, and McCaig’s understanding of how light affects saturation is impressive! It’s apparent that a lot of work went into coloring this and McCaig should take a bow and be recognized because if he makes a run like this, it’s going to be award winning work!
Final Thoughts
Kirkman and Casey deliver an intriguing start to the Terminal Universe (my unofficial name for it). It’s a great setup issue that introduces some really cool characters who feel more like people than plot devices. Kubert and McCaig are electric and really give this book some juice! There are plenty of twists and turns and shocks and even a bit of heartbreak, creating a wild ride that is worth the price of admission and will leave you counting the days for the next installment. But some issues with pacing coupled with, what I assume to be, intentional ambiguity, makes it difficult to call the book perfect.
Imagine losing a loved one… Then discovering an ancient magic that gives you the ability to bring them back to the present via a portal called “The Veil.” Would you do this no matter the cost? The Turtles have done so, and the cost is a bit more than they anticipated…
Issue twenty of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) is the beginning of a new storyline from Gene Luen Yang! On top of this new storyline, this issue is also a monumental issue in the forty-year history of TMNT. This is legacy issue number 300! This is a huge milestone for the TMNT franchise! Which makes this issue special as it joins together two stories within one printing.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #20/#300 LGY, Credit IDW Publishing. Cover by Freddie E. Williams & Jeremy Colwell
Let’s start off with the new storyline that was teased within the ending of issue nineteen. Readers of this TMNT run know that during the Ujigami story the Turtles learned that their father, Master Splinter, was brought back to life from the Land of the Dead. But within the events of the Ujigami story, their mother (Shen) is also brought back from the Land of the Dead. While this is amazing and a beautiful reunion for the Turtles, they are unaware of the dangers this is going to bring to the timeline.
While the return of their parents is heartwarming, this also brings more dangers to the Turtles and New York City as a whole. The ancient magic with the ability to bring individuals across The Veil is housed within a dragon head style door knocker. Once the word get’s out about this power, there are mischievous people trying to obtain the artifact. Which brings the action to this issue!
Since Shen has been reunited with her family after crossing The Veil she now has a target on her back as well. Not from anyone within the present, but the two overseers of The Land of the Dead. They pay Shen a visit and pose a threat to Shen regarding the trouble she is causing by being back within the present. The two overseers give Shen a task to complete before she is to report back to The Land of the Dead. This does not go over very well with the Turtles, as you can imagine.
One aspect of this story that hit home for me on a very personal note deals with Casey Jones. TMNT fans know that Casey lost his mother some time ago. He reaches out to the Turtles in hopes of using the artifact to bring back his mother just as they did theirs. Unfortunately, Casey does not get the answer from his extended family that he is wanting. That is until one of the Turtles goes behind the backs of his brothers and grants Casey his wish. What is meant to be a joyous reunion between Casey and his mother does not go as planned…
The reason this portion of this issue hits so hard emotionally for me is because I too have dealt with loss. My mother passed away the day before my high school graduation in 2010. Her passing was sudden and unexpected. While her passing hurt and still does to this day, what hurts more is the fact our last conversation was an argument. While I was able to apologize to her, I was not able to get a response in return from her.
This takes me back to my question within the intro to this article. Would you bring back a loved one if able, no matter the cost? Yes, I would. I would give anything to bring my mother back to me for even a few minutes. Just to see, talk and hold one more time. To take back what I said those many years ago. To hear her tell me she’s proud of the man that I’ve become. No matter the cost…
Time Cleanse
The second half of this issue is a celebration story of this milestone 300th issue of TMNT! This portion of the story takes readers on a wonderful journey through the past forty-years of TMNT comics. It is amazing to see the transition in art styles through the years. Even getting to see some of the cartoon art within this history tale. This also got me to think about the history and progress that TMNT has made within television and movies as well. As a TMNT fan of both comic books and film/television this is very heartwarming to see combined and celebrated within this legacy issue! I look forward to seeing TMNT hit another milestone with issue 400!
The Writing
Gene Luen Yang continues to write phenomenal stories revolving around a family aspect. It is beautiful to see the Turtles reuniting with their parents. So much so that they seem to pick up right where they left off when each of them (the parents) passed away. The dialogue turns very powerful and defensive when their mother (Shen) is threated to return to The Land of the Dead. The tone shift is very powerful and will have readers feeling the emotional distress the Turtles are portraying. This series, even with a new storyline, continues to surprise me. Great work!
The Artwork
Welcome back the TMNT dynamic art duo of Freddie E. Williams II and Andrew Dalhouse! I could look at their TMNT art for days and this issue is no exception. Freddie lays down his amazing pencilwork panel after panel in this issue. Etching in so many crucial details throughout every aspect of the panel whether its characters, building elements or even action movements. Andrew swoops in and provides the correct coloration and shading to give this story the necessary feeling to boost the storytelling. Love this art duo and I wish they will continue to work with one another on TMNT!
Open Order Covers
Frank Miller Variant
J. Scott Campbell Variant
Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird Variant
Michael Dooney Variant
Incentive Covers
Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird – Black & White Virgin Variant 1:25
Stan Sakai Variant 1:50
Guiseppe Camuncoli Variant 1:100
J. Scott Campbell Virgin Variant 1:200
Frank Miller – Black & White Virgin Variant 1:300
Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird – Signed CGC Graded Variant 1:1,000
Retailer Exclusive Covers
Anthony Apodaca – Sweetdeevs / Supply Co. Variant
Anthony Apodaca – Sweetdeevs / Supply Co. Virgin Variant
Billy Martin – IDW Webstore Foil Virgin Variant
Chuma Hill – Bird City Comics / Fury Comix Variant
Chuma Hill – Bird City Comics / Fury Comix Virgin Variant
Bjorn Barends – Big Time Collectibles / Unknown Comics – Pink Virgin Variant
Bjorn Barends – Big Time Collectibles / Unknown Comics – Yellow Virgin Variant
Gus Mauk – 8 Zero 2 Comics Variant
Gus Mauk – 8 Zero 2 Comics Virgin Variant
Event Exclusive / Blind Bag Covers
Chuck U – SDCC 2026 Variant
Freddie E. Williams II – Blind Bag Virgin Variant
Frank Miller – Blind Bag Virgin Variant
Ito – Blind Bag Virgin Variant
Juan Ferreyra – Blind Bag Variant
Mateus Santolouco – Blind Bag Variant
Michale Dooney – Blind Bag Virgin Variant
Final Thoughts
This issue takes you on an emotional ride! Sure there is plenty of action within these pages. All while tugging at your heart strings with the current situation revolving around Shen. Losing a loved one and having the chance to bring them back is going to hit home with many readers I suspect. You do not want to miss out on this start of a new storyline for this series of TMNT. Go get your copy today!
Spider-Man is given the task of hunting down this cosmic cube that is now in the possession of Frank Castle. All the while trying to stay diligent to the possible appearance of this newly discovered green monster who is also on the hunt for Frank… Who will get to Castle first…?
Issue two of Spider-Man: Long Way Home continues the gripping story that is introduced in its debut issue. If you need a catch up, please check out my review of issue one by clicking the link below in the “Links” section.
Spider-Man: Long Way Home #2, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Adam Kubert & Arthur Hesli
This issue takes a little deeper look into the scarce personal life of Frank Castle. We are introduced to a new character that frankly I’m not even sure how he knows Frank. But you can tell by the dialogue and art of this character that there is some history between the two. Frank reaches out to this “friend” in hopes of him lending a hand to Frank. Castle has gotten himself into quite the bind since he is the sole survivor of his special forces team, and escapes the jungle with the much sought-after cosmic cube.
Spider-Man is working in conjunction with S.H.I.E.L.D to obtain the cosmic cube. What starts off as a forced working relationship turns into a solo mission for Spider-Man. Which gives a “keep our hands clean” tone from S.H.I.E.L.D. Now Spider-Man is on his own searching for Frank and the cube.
Which brings readers to the next character within this story, Bruce Banner. While I read issue one, this character was very confusing to me. I initially did not realize that he was in fact Bruce Banner. I thought he was someone completely different within the story. Mainly because there were no panels of him transforming into the Hulk. Well, issue two solved this puzzle for me! Bruce Banner within this story gives off major Edward Nygma (The Riddler, DC Comics) vibes! His whole demeanor to me resembles Nygma.
Bruce is also on the hunt for the cosmic cube. He uses some very fancy technology to trace Frank’s location and beats him to his final destination, Frank’s friend from earlier. The story takes a dark turn at this portion of the story. And Frank arrives to see the aftermath. Soon After Frank’s arrival Spider-Man also arrives. Based off of the scene Spider-Man tries to come at Frank with compassion while subtly asking for the cosmic cube. What happens next ends this issue and will make you want issue three right now!
The Writing
Jonathan Hickman delivers mystery and action within this issue. Issue one is loaded with a majority of the backstory needed, initially. Allowing this second issue to progress the plot. While still adding in elements of wonder when it comes to Frank’s friend. Also adding a mystery element to Bruce Banner’s character as well. Why is Bruce after the cube and why does he act the way that he does? The dialogue and narration within this issue are perfect at making the reader grasp the tone of the story. The nervous chatter from Bruce while talking to Frank in this issue will have readers comparing him to Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. Amazing storytelling that continues to add to the development of the three main characters involved!
The Artwork
The artwork from Adam Kubert and Arthur Hesli is phenomenal! The gritty textures and pencilwork truly add to the tone of this story. In addition to that, the coloration is also perfectly done with dark tones and shadowing. This story would not have the same feel if it was done with bright vivid colors. This story carries a somber “within the shadows” feel and the art captures that beautifully!
Variant Covers
Geoff Shaw Variant
Marcos Martin Variant
Dike Ruan Variant 1:25
Geoff Shaw Virgin Variant 1:50
Final Thoughts
This second issue continues to build on a plot that provides luring mystery. Making readers question many different aspects of this story. Which leaves them hooked within the narrative and plot of this story. Will Frank finally snap? What is Bruce’s real motive for getting the cube? And will Spider-Man be able to stop whatever is to come…? After only two issues this is a very intriguing story that I am excited to see what happens next! Get this newest issue of Spider-Man: Long Way Home today from your local comic book shop!
