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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1 – Brawl at Black Spire

TravisComicHaven
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Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1 – Brawl at Black Spire

Brawl at Black Spire is the start of a new limited series for Star Wars. Come along and see what new adventure awaits in a galaxy far far away!

Creative Team

Ethan Sacks (Writer), Jethro Morales & Roi Mercado (Artists), Rachelle Rosenberg (Colorist),
VC’s Clayton Cowles (Letterer), Phil Noto (Cover Artist)

Anthony Gambino (Designer), Mikey J. Basso (Assistant Editor), Mark Paniccia (Editor),
C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Brawl at Black Spire

Welcome to another limited series within the Star Wars realm! Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire issue one takes place on Batuu at the Black Spire Outpost in the present as well as the past! Which makes this story one that fans of the original trilogy, and the sequel trilogy will enjoy!

Star Wars
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Phil Noto


In true Star Wars fashion there is mystery, adventure, battles and simplistic comedy. This issue starts off within the present as you are taken on an adventure that transports you back in time revealing more to the mystery at hand. During the storytelling of what once was, you are introduced to a slew of classic Star Wars characters. All of whom play a significant part within the building of this limited series.

The battle portion of this issue is outstanding! The reader is going to witness two iconic characters duel it out over the span of multiple pages, including a two-page splash sequence that is absolutely astonishing on the eyes! Adding to the mystery that this debut issue revolves around, the battle makes an abrupt stop, leaving readers to question why this takes place.

Throughout this issue readers will indulge in various amounts of comedy from just about every character. Some characters you expect this from, but not so much from newer characters and the situations in which the comedy unfolds. This adds a nice dynamic to the story requiring the reader to pay close attention to the narration as they read.

The ending of this issue is the most dynamic of all the panels of this story. Readers get one final introduction to an elite character that gets true fans’ pulse racing! With this character added to the story readers can guarantee that there is about to be trouble. That trouble will have to wait till issue two or three of this series because this issue is left on a cliff, forcing readers to ponder what is to come…

The Writing

Ethan Sacks has created an intriguing new story for the Star Wars fandom. The storytelling for this first issue is outstanding. You have multiple different facets all molded into one issue. Which keeps the reader wanting to know more while also being entertained in the process! The flow of this story is smooth and easy to follow even with a couple “time jumps” from past to present.

The Artwork

Jethro Morales, Roi Mercado and Rachelle Rosenberg truly make this story look and feel like an authentic Star Wars tale. The attention to detail is a must within Star Wars just because of all of the mechanical elements that are needed to make it feel real. And the art solidifies that! The coloration for this issue is exquisite! The colors and shading are a combination of gritty and faded while some sections provide bright backgrounds to assist in highlighting certain aspects of the panels.

VC’s Clayton Cowles puts the story to the pages with his lettering. Though a majority of the comment bubbles contain the same font and coloration, the bubbles are placed in such a fashion that readers will be able to discern who is talking. The only change within the look of the comment bubbles comes with the final character introduction. This adds a nice touch for the character’s dialogue!

Variant Covers

  • Erik M. Gist
  • John Giang 1:25
  • Leinil Francis Yu & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
  • Ric Lim

Final Thoughts

This debut issue is a great start to a new Star Wars limited series. You feel the Star Wars aura as you turn through the pages soaking in all the panels. The mapping of how this story could unfold is exciting, making you want the next issue to be released the following week! Star Wars fans should add this to their collection. If you have never collected or read Star Wars comics, but know the movies, you will do just fine in picking this story up and following along!

Grade: 9/10

Links

Comic Book Reviews & More: Nerd Initiative
Previous Star Wars Review: Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #1 – Broken Law
Travis’ Reviews: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!

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“Phantom of the Opera #3” Review – Haunting Masterfully

Eda Thomas Bagwell
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“Phantom of the Opera #3” Review – Haunting Masterfully

The Phantom strikes again, his plan for Christine being set even more into motion as the police become desperate to catch their most sought-after criminal. Who will be the first to succeed? Find out right alongside me as we go through Tyler Boss’ “Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #3!”

Writer: Tyler Boss
Artist & Colorist: Martin Simmonds
Letterer: Becca Carey

Source: Martin Simmonds, Image Comics, Skybound & Universal

Writing to Die For

If you’ve read the last two issues of Boss’ “Phantom of the Opera,” let me rest your worries by saying that the excellent writing doesn’t stop here. At no point does anything let up, as the pacing keeps things tense and controlled. As the story goes on, it’s become more and more clear that the Phantom is playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers. It feels almost as if Tyler Boss and the Phantom are one, getting inside our heads, toying with our thoughts and feelings. If you never feared the Phantom before, you will now.

The best place that this shows is where we get some backstory on our titular character. I won’t go into detail but trust me when I say that the details are juicy. Much like Boss feels like the Phantom, we’re made to feel like the police, finding out info just as they are. Slowly peeling back the layers to the heart.

Source: Mattia De Iulis, Image Comics, Skybound & Universal

Artistic Integrity

If there’s anything that further enhances the experience of reading this run, it’s the insane artwork from Martin Simmonds. His style commands not just the page, but the eyes of the reader. There’s one page in particular that really stands out to me here, and if you know “Phantom of the Opera”, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s so disturbing and detailed, yet in the most beautiful way. The use of color from dark red to black and light blue in the painted aesthetic is simply breathtaking. The coloring and aesthetic coupled with the insane realistic detail is something truly unmatched.

Source: Julian Totino Tedesco, Image Comics, Skybound & Universal

Final Thoughts – 10/10

Tyler Boss and Martin Simmonds have come together to create an absolute masterclass in how to do horror. Boss created a beast, perfectly adapting a gothic classic for modern audiences. If you aren’t yet reading this, you need to be!

Read more from me here and follow my socials!

Comments

Are you reading “Phantom of the Opera?” Are you a fan of the source material or of Tyler Boss? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3 – I Never Asked For That

ShawnFoles
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Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3 – I Never Asked For That

Wade Wilson aka Deadpool is down on his luck. Stuck in his apartment in Bushwick, NY with his old roommate Blind Al, Wade has resorted to taking the most dangerous jobs he can. After a series of omens that Wade had been receiving started to come true, Wade figured he better start paying attention to them. After using the omens not only to help citizens of New York but to help his bank account. Unfortunately for Deadpool, Hammerhead still remembers that Wade crossed him and he’s none too happy about Deadpool’s sudden luck.

This review is brought to you by Shawn! You can check out my other reviews by clicking on my name!

Creative Team

Writer: Benjamin Percy
Artist: Geoff Shaw
Color Artist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Cover Artist: Geoff Shaw
Cover Color Artist: Alex Sinclair

Writing

Is that? Is that a sliver of humanity from Deadpool? Benjamin Percy kept me on my toes with this issue. I really enjoy this Omens storyline and can’t wait to see where it ultimately takes us. It seems like no matter where Wade goes, he can’t truly get what he wants.

Percy does a great job giving us more background on the story so far and also teasing a little bit about the current reason Wade doesn’t really care if he lives or dies. I’ve said this in previous reviews, but I really like Percy’s decision to use Hammerhead as a villain. It feels unique and unexpected and you just knew it wasn’t long before his sad little misshapen head would pop back up. Percy crafted a very satisfying third issue in this five-issue limited series. His writing makes it clear that the story for this series has been well-crafted and planned out as we start to see the threads coming together and some new ones being tugged on.

Art

Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3 cover by Geoff Shaw and Alex Sinclair. Image from Marvel Comics

Geoff Shaw and Alex Sinclair created some really enjoyable art for this issue. Whether it’s the ripples of the boat in the lake or the ability to see individual clumps of hair out of place of a slicked back mobster’s hair, Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3 shows that Geoff Shaw clearly has an exquisite attention to detail. Every line feels purposeful, crisp, and clean when it should be. Or dirty and rugged when it should be.

Sinclair does a great job with coloring masterfully using the bright lights of the city to offset the dark forlorn look of the lake. Whether it’s capturing the transition sky between the city and the lake as Deadpool flies through the air or the blood droplets flying out of a mobsters mouth, Sinclair picks the perfect colors every time in this issue.

Deadpool has been and probably always will be a character that needs a steady hand at lettering to manage the fourth wall breaks, internal monologues, and general narration that occur. Sabino does this perfectly, guiding the reader uninterrupted through the story.

Final Thoughts

Wade Wilson: Deadpool continues to be a fun series. It perfectly balances humor and story, giving us a glimpse at a version of Deadpool that is both hilarious and surprisingly interesting. Are there jokes? Plenty, but this creative team didn’t use the well-known humor of Deadpool as an excuse to put out a subpar story. I can’t wait to see how this series winds down.

Overall Grade: 9/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable

What did you think of Wade Wilson: Deadpool #3? Let me know in the comments below.

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“The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #1” Review – Not So Amazing

Eda Thomas Bagwell
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“The Amazing Spider-Man: Spider-Versity #1” Review – Not So Amazing

With Norman Osborne now out of the Spider suit and in light of recent events, he deems it necessary to train the other working Spiders of New York City. Working alongside Jessica Drew, he’ll train them to be ready for the city’s biggest threat: himself.

Writers: Joe Kelly, Jordan Morris
Artist: Pere Pérez
Colorist: Guru-eFX
Letterer: Joe Sabino

Source: Giuseppe Camuncoli, Lorenzo Ruggiero, Marte Gracia, Marvel Comics

Spinning A Spider Web

I’ve been a Spider-Man fan ever since I was a kid. When going into a Spider-Person book, there’s one thing I expect above all else: the heart. A story that shows that with great power, there must also come great responsibility. Several characters that are in this story have not only learned that already but have previously fought Norman as Green Goblin which is why I’m a bit lost and confused. Joe Kelly and Jordan Morris crafted an excellent action scene in conjunction with artist Pere Pérez, but seem to have lost the heart along the way.

Speaking on the fight itself, it takes up the majority of the book. It’s fast paced and electric, excellently pushing the reader along. Mixed in with the fight is dialogue that feels perfectly worked in to catch readers up on some of the lesser utilized or newer Spider characters, so as to not make everyone feel lost. However, as I previously stated, there’s still some things that do get lost and make me confused.

With the other Spider-related storylines concurrently going on in the comics, where is this set? Why do characters like Gwen or Aña that’ve fought Norman before need to learn how to fight him or act like they’ve never fought him in the past? Also, the majority of this book being a fight didn’t really allow for smaller character moments that I felt could’ve lent this a lot of heart and heightened emotions. All of these issues are things I’d love to see be rectified as the run goes on, and I feel like these writers can pull through.

Source: Rose Besch, Marvel Comics

The Art of Life & Destiny

Where the writing seemed to lack, the artwork more than carried. Pere Pérez and Guru-eFX worked together to create some truly amazing and spectacular set pieces. This more than shined for the entire fight against Norman, where the line work, character posing and shading all came together to create something that felt dynamic and engaging. While reading, I felt the speed, slides and every hit, almost as if I was apart of the action.

However, the artwork didn’t shine on just the pages, but the covers as well. In each and every one, the artists brought their flavor in excellently, not a single cover looking similar to another. It’s rare for me to want every cover of an issue, but this is one such occasion where I might eventually own all.

Source: Simone Bianchi, Marvel Comics

Final Thoughts – 7/10

While the writing from Kelly and Morris leaves a lot to be desired, the artwork from Pérez and Guru does a lot to carry here. Where the writing lost its heart, the artwork created excitement and makes the reader feel like they’re apart of the action. All things considered, I’m anxious to see where this is all going and I hope things make more sense down the line.

Be sure to read more from me here as well as follow my socials!

Comments

Have you been reading the latest books in the Spider-Verse? Are you looking to pick up “Spider-Versity”? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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Captain America #9 – Salvation Will Be Your Doom

ShawnFoles
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Captain America #9 – Salvation Will Be Your Doom

Doom’s Shadow falls over Captain America. Everyone is vying for a piece of Latveria. Marius Wolf under the pseudonym Salvation leads the violent True Latverians sect. While sent on a S.H.I.E.L.D. mission to recover Doom’s secret arsenal, Cap was contacted by Alina Von Doom as well as Mara and Melor Sandu, heads of the other sects. How will Cap handle a mission to recover stolen weapons when he’s instead found mass graves?

You can find more reviews from Shawn or the rest of the Nerd Initiative team!

Creative Team

Writer: Chip Zdarsky
Artist: Ton Lima
Color Artist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Valerio Schiti
Cover Color Artist: Frank Martin

Writing

Captain America doesn’t make threats; he makes promises. Chip Zdarksky’s Captain America is quickly becoming my favorite Captain America. This Cap chooses pride and honor not because he hasn’t seen anything, but because of what he has seen. Zdarsky’s Cap feels firmly planted like a tree with deep roots in a world where no one’s intentions, even his own country’s, can be trusted.

This issue really ramps up the activity in Latveria. It definitely feels like Chip Zdarsky has a plan for where this is going, and honestly I’m just happy to be along for the ride. After reading this week’s issue, I fully understand why Marvel is making the unique decision to release Captain America #9 and Captain America #10 in back-to-back weeks. As great as this series has been so far, this may be the best issue yet.

Art

Captain America #9 cover from Valerio Schiti and Frank Martin. Image from Marvel Comics
Captain America #9 cover from Valerio Schiti and Frank Martin. Image from Marvel Comics

Tom Lima and Romulo Fajardo Jr. do an amazing job with art in this issue. The series continues to be a pairing of amazing written word with amazing visual artists. Lima hits all of the right notes in this issue. Scenes that should feel gritty and grimy feel that way. Scenes that should feel crisp and clean are picture-perfect.

Romulo Fajardo Jr. does a beautiful job with colors and shadow. You feel the brightness and energy of the people of Latveria through his colors, contrasting against the dark and forboding hues of True Latveria. Even with the colors Fajardo Jr. shows great attention to detail like the rest of the creative team, with certain bricks being just the right different shade. Joe Caramagna brings everything together, choosing to highlight the perfect words providing emphasis and power and some really well done SFX.

Final Thoughts

Chip Zdarky’s Captain America run has been transcendental. This is exactly what Captain America should be. This is a Cap that knows that doing what’s right isn’t always the same thing as doing what’s popular. If you aren’t reading this run, you should run out and pick it up now. It’s that good!

Overall Grade: 10/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable

Are you ready for Armageddon? Let me know in the comments

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Amazing Spider-Man #27: Death Spiral Pt. 9 – A Means to an End

TravisComicHaven
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Amazing Spider-Man #27: Death Spiral Pt. 9 – A Means to an End

“But killing an enemy instead of trying to help them, bowing to animal rage and righteous anger… That’s childish weakness.” – Spider-Man

Creative Team

Joe Kelly (Writer), Ed McGuinness / Carlos Gomez / Francesco Manna (Artists),
Mark Farmer / Wade Von Grawbadger / Ed McGuinness / Carlos Gomez / Francesco Manna (Inker),
Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

Sarah Spadaccini (Designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (Assistant Editor), Tom Groneman (Associate Editor),
Nick Lowe (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

A Means to an End

Issue twenty-seven of Amazing Spider-Man (ASM) is the final installment of this “Death Spiral” mini-series between the ASM and Venom storylines. Within this conclusion, Joe Kelly brings out the absolute best of Spider-Man. Touching on the very essence of who Peter Parker is when he dons the Spider-Man suit. This issue reminds me of a quote from Spider-Man, the movie (2002), “You’re not Superman.” Which is true on so many levels if you try to compare Spider-Man and Superman. But the moral character of the two has astounding similarities.

Spider
Amazing Spider-Man #27: Death Spiral Pt. 9, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Ed McGuinness & Marte Gracia


Within the previous two installments of “Death Spiral,” readers are shown who Torment’s final two victims are before completing his “spirals” with our heroes in this series. Spider-Man fans (comic books or movies) know the emotional impact that Aunt May has on him. So much so that you get this “Peter tingle” that if anything were to ever happen to her, Peter/Spider-Man would go down a road that he could never return from. Joe Kelly does an excellent job of toeing that line within this issue! Causing readers to wonder if this is the moment we see our beloved Spider-Man turn heel.

Throughout this mini-series, readers have been introduced to so much character development from every main character. Spider-Man to Torment and the heavy hitters meshed in between. All of that comes full circle within this issue. The roller coaster of thoughts, theories, and emotions that readers will endure is rather poetic within Joe Kelly’s writing of this story. Events that happen will leave you stunned, questioning, baffled, and for some, somewhat emotionally traumatized.

This final issue of “Death Spiral” continues with the theme of Peter’s moral compass and the compassion that he evokes in people, especially the ones he cares deeply for. Mary Jane (MJ) and Peter share a subtle moment spanning multiple pages over a phone call. These two love each other and will till the end of time. Have they had falling outs before? Of course, what relationship doesn’t go through ups and downs? It is within these final pages of this issue that readers are greeted with a small ember of hope for MJ and Peter.

The Writing

Joe Kelly does an exceptional job writing Spider-Man. From the main story arc to collaborating with the creative team of Venom to bring readers this mini-series. His ability to hold readers in the palm of his hand while “tormenting” their emotions is enjoyable. The storytelling is fluid and makes sense throughout the series. There is not one moment that leaves you questioning why something is taking place. Every piece plays and feeds off of the others. This makes the writing satisfying to read.

The Artwork

Ed McGuinness, Carlos Gomez, Francesco Manna, Mark Farmer, Wade Von Grawbadger, Marcio Menyz, and Erick Arciniega ALL provided beautiful interpretations of the script laid out to them by Joe. This entire series has been so detailed and full of amazing splash pages! The pencil work is sharp, making details within panels easy to find and to enjoy. Accenting the pencil work is the coloration. The color wheel for this series has been all over the place, particularly! Doom and gloom to bright and powerful!

VC’s Joe Caramagna brings everything home with this issue. Amazing story, stunning art, and captivating lettering. Letterers aren’t given the same recognition as writers or artists, which is sad. VC’s Joe Caramagna gave this story from Joe’s life for the reader to take in. Having different fonts, sizes, colors, and bubbles adds to the story being told. Placement of comment bubbles is also important, and I’m sure no easy task. Amazing work!

Variant Covers

  • Daniel Di Nicuolo 1:25
  • David Messina
  • David Nakayama 1:50
  • David Nakayama
  • Iban Coello
  • Lee Bermejo 1:100
  • Lee Bermejo

Final Thoughts

Issue twenty-seven of ASM is yet another great issue in a phenomenal run by Joe Kelly. This issue brings to a close a nine-part mini-series with Venom as they try to stop a common enemy. A thriller of a mini-series, with captivating events and stunning artwork! Jaw-dropping moments that will cause you to go back and read it again! Make sure to add this issue and the other eight from this mini-series!

Grade: 9.5/10

Links

Comic Book Reviews & Much More: Nerd Initiative
Previous ASM Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #26: Death Spiral Pt. 7 – Torment Evolves
Travis’ Reviews: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW!

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THE INFERNAL HULK #6 – The Battle for the World

Megan Nichole
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THE INFERNAL HULK #6 – The Battle for the World

Creative Team – Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Adam Gorham, Matthew Wilson, VC’s Travis Lanham, Nick Klein

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with The Infernal Hulk #5!

The Story

The Infernal Hulk #6 might be the most impactful and the most powerful of the run so far, and the tone is set immediately by Phillip Kennedy Johnson. Eldest, who has used Hulk’s body as a vessel, is a disaster-causing menace that has no plans on stopping. This is very clear, and now the government and Earth’s mightiest heroes have had to devise a plan to try to take out The Infernal Hulk once and for all. Even Iron Man had to create a new suit called the Hellbuster for this plan, but will it be enough?

Cover art by Nick Klein. Published by Marvel Comics

The Infernal Hulk always proves to be one step ahead, even before the smartest minds in the world. I didn’t think this run could raise the energy even more than it has in the past issues, but here we are. Phillip Kennedy Johnson knows exactly how to keep an audience captivated and knows how to write a powerful story that can speak for itself.

The Art

The artwork of The Infernal Hulk #6 is simply magnificent. Adam Gorham, Matthew Wilson, and Travis Lanham give so much to the comic, bringing the energy and emotions to a whole new level. Gorham provides gorgeous details of The Living City and all that lives there. Along with a battle between Iron Man and Eldest that’s enough to change the world to its core, it’s accompanied by drawings that put you right into the action.

Matthew Wilson brings so much vibrancy to the comic that each page is more stunning than the last. Wilson makes a great focal point of the bright green in the middle of Eldest that shows brightly throughout the fight, which makes the character practically pop off the page. Travis Lanham nails the calm intensity of the voice of Eldest, which sent a shiver up the spine during the battle of the ages between Eldest and Iron Man.

Final Thoughts

The Infernal Hulk gets better and better with every issue, and this comic is proof of that. The only way to describe The Infernal Hulk #6 is all gas, no breaks.

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of The Infernal Hulk #6!

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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of The Infernal Hulk #6, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!

THE FLASH #32: The Enemy of My Enemy..

Matthew Roth
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THE FLASH #32: The Enemy of My Enemy..

Wally has been stretched thin running through the city, into people’s bedrooms, into bathrooms, and barely having any time to catch his breath. Luckily for him, an unlikely ally is about to lend their hand as Captain Cold may be the key to unraveling this entire mystery and saving the city. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?

The Flash #32. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Gavin Guidry and Giovanna Niro.

Creative Team: Ryan North (WRITER), Gavin Guidry (ART and COVER), Adriano Lucas (COLORS), Giovanna Niro (COVER), and Buddy Beaudoin (LETTERS).

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Ryan North has me needing to catch my breath and take a nap, let alone how Wally is feeling in this issue. He is non-stop trying to prevent people from putting themselves in harm’s way while trying to figure out what is going on and how to stop it. North brings in an unlikely partnership with Captain Cold, and honestly, it is my favorite bit about this arc so far. The banter between the two of them is top-notch as Cold tells Wally to lighten up a bit, as he doesn’t trust Cold, understandably. There’s an injection of scientific explanations, and we even see The Flash not able to save everyone, which I thought was a great addition to this story and added some levity.

The Art and Letters:

Lucas’s touch of color work is all over here and adds flair to this issue. Wally is zipping through the streets, and Gavin’s ability to capture the details of the world remaining still while Wally zooms by is expertly detailed. The way they bring these panels to life had me out of breath at times because I felt so immersed in this world and Central City. The way they manage to also make the setting of Central City work its way in as a character as well showcases just how creative the people are getting in trying to earn money, even. I’m loving this arc a lot.

Final Thoughts:

The Flash #32 is a mad dash against time as Captain Cold and Wally West have found themselves in an unlikely team-up. The issue is fun and at the same time immerses us into this world, making the reader feel as though we have been chasing down everyone ourselves.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Be sure to let us know your thoughts below and check out more reviews by Matt!

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In Your Skin #1 – Killer obsessions in Bollywood

Yancy Arce
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In Your Skin #1 – Killer obsessions in Bollywood

Gorgeous, erotic, and horrific…In Your Skin #1 by Aditya Bidikar, Somnath Pal & Francesco Segala from Image Comics

In Your Skin #1 Cover B by Maria Llovet, Image Comics

This review article was made possible with the combined efforts of Yancy Arce & Eda

SOLICITATION:

“Priyanka is a Bollywood uber-fan who has been obsessed with film star Ayesha Sen since she was a kid — she’s watched her movies over and over, and knows her dances beat for beat. But after a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet her idol goes awry, and Ayesha announces her impending retirement from movies, Priyanka decides that if Ayesha isn’t going to live the life she’s supposed to, Priyanka would be more than happy to take over for her…” – Image Comics

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #1*

PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Yancy: While usually harmless, these relationships exist on a spectrum. They range from the casual to the deeply invested and all the way to the delusional. Here is where In Your Skin #1 finds its lane. Because Priyanka’s life is consumed by her fixation on Ayesha Sen, to the point where she knows everything about the life of this person. Or at least Priyanka thinks so. Highlighting her obsession is the lengths she goes to for the slightest opportunity of meeting her idol in person. Eventually, when idols don’t live up to their fans’ expectations, they are let down. But in Ayesha Sen’s case, that wasn’t even an option. At least not one that her biggest “fan” would allow.

THE ABSORPTION-ADDICTION MODEL

In Your Skin #1 Cover C 1 in 10 Variant by Anand Radhakrishnan, Image Comics

“McCutcheon (2002) proposed the Absorption-Addiction Model to explain parasocial relationships. She suggests that people engage in celebrity worship to compensate for some deficiencies in their life, such as difficulty forming intimate relationships, poor psychological adjustment, and lack of identity”(1). Which, in all fairness, explains a lot of Priyanka’s character. For there was nothing of consequence about her life. If anything, one could say she had a sad existence. From her home living situation, to her relationship with her mother, I could not help but feel sorry for her.

*(1) “Parasocial Relationships”, CGS Psychology Blog: Mrs Harris https://mrsharrispsychology.school.blog/parasocial-relationships/

THE WRITING

Eda: I’ll be completely honest, I chose this based on sense and feeling, and I’m so happy that I did. “Sense” and “feeling” are also arguably great words to describe this masterpiece from debut writer Aditya Bidikar. Blending body horror with sensual desires, one could swear Bidikar was a veteran of the industry. This especially shows in several instances throughout, where you can clearly tell he trusted his artist & colorist, Som & Francesco Segala. To further prove himself, Bidikar seamlessly blends several messages. From celebrity idolization to body image, these messages are represented brilliantly in ways I won’t describe here. Just know that if you’re a fan of horror with something to say, you’ll love this.

In Your Skin #1 Cover D 1 in 25 Variant by Tula Lotay, Image Comics

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Yancy: Although Somnath Pal has a handful of credits in comic books, his work here is quite remarkable. The cinematic camera angles, the deliberate paneling, and the emotional heaviness of the characters were palpable. This is the work of someone who has already mastered the craft of comic book storytelling. Let alone the actual body horror depicted.

Eda: Artist Som and colorist Francesco Segala both gave superb and unsettling work. Their combined effort made me feel a wide mix of emotions, with disgust, anxiety, and loneliness being the ones that came through the most. A lot of this is thanks to the level of detail and use of color. Every muscle and stretch of skin is expertly drawn while hues of red, blue, and brown create this sense of crazed mixed emotion. Absolutely genius.

Yancy: 10/10

Eda: 10/10

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yancy: Aditya Bidikar managed to share the one thing that makes art invaluable: perspective. In his letter at the end of issue #1, he shared some of his thoughts about celebrity culture. Specifically, his view on celebrity culture in Bollywood and the god-like treatment actors got from their fans. Bidikar is bringing together the flair and style of Bollywood films with the body horror genre. Also merged with parasocial relationships in an erotic style of storytelling. As a result, we get a thriller of a comic book series that will have you on the edge of your seat. 

Eda: In his writing debut, Aditya Bidikar proves that he has something to say and knows how to say it. At the level of the best horror writers. He created something truly lasting that’ll stick with you for a long, long time.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT IN YOUR SKIN #1 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW

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Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3 – I Am Everything You Fear

ShawnFoles
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Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3 – I Am Everything You Fear

The Agence Byzantine’s quest for Marc Spector’s old friend Frenchie has led to Marc being captured and experimented on. With the help of Mister Fear, the now-revealed Bushman built a fictional life to trick Marc. Unfortunately for them, Moon Knight’s constant enemy, Zodiac, helped rescue Marc. Not interested in saving Marc, Zodiac pushes Marc to reach his full potential as Moon Knight, leaving him to fight Bushman alone. What happens when fear takes over in a fight for survival between Moon Knight and Bushman?

This joint review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn! You can click on each name for more reviews from each of us.

Creative Team

Writer: Jed MacKay
Artist: Devmalya Pramanik
Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Ryan Stegman
Cover Color Artist: Arthur Hesli

Writing

Megan: Jed MacKay has done nothing but bring Moon Knight to new heights throughout his time writing the character, and he continues to do just that. 

Starting the comic, the tone is established immediately with Zodiac setting up an epic battle between Moon Knight and Bushman. Moon Knight and Bushman have a history filled with hatred and rage, and we get to see it all come out in the fight. Bushman uses fear gas to take Moon Knight down with his own fear, but he has severely underestimated his opponent. The whole fight is in the tone of a professional fight, even with a ringside visit from Steven and Jake. This brought the excitement up several levels, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The fight was thrilling all the way through, with Moon Knight proving that he’s back and better than ever since he was drugged and lost to the world. 

Shawn: If you had given me 100 guesses on how this issue would start after the last issue’s ending, I wouldn’t have guessed how it started. Zodiac elicited an audible laugh from me. Bravo, Jed MacKay! This entire arc has been incredible. Moon Knight vs Bushman is just a classic Moon Knight story, but this still somehow feels different.

I loved the emphasis on fear and control in this issue. The carryover from Mister Fear is palpable even when he isn’t present. I’ve long been a fan of MacKay’s work, but perhaps the best thing he does in this comic is sit back and let Devmalya Pramanik and Rachelle Rosenberg get to work. MacKay crafts a compelling story, but it’s clear that with Devmalya Pramanik and Rachelle Rosenberg, MacKay has reached a level of comfort that he’s fine stepping back and letting his art team truly coauthor the story.

Art

Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3 cover by Ryan Stegman and Arthur Hesli. Image from Marvel Comics

Megan: The artwork is nothing short of stunning thanks to Devmalya Pramanik, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Cory Petit. The fight is drawn by Pramanik to look larger than life, and I’d say he achieved that. Each panel is excellently detailed and leaves nothing to the imagination.

Rosenberg brings her A-game and uses the green fear gas as a way to bring vibrancy to the fight, with Moon Knight being a great stark white focal point. Rachelle Rosenberg is the only person who could make each page look like a colorful work of art, playing off of Moon Knight’s suit. She even uses the bright red blood to highlight the violence of the fight.

Cory Petit matches the tones of the story wonderfully with the dialogue. You can feel the craziness of Zodiac’s unhinged narration or Moon Knight’s fear through the dialogue, clear as day. 

Shawn: Devmalya Pramanik and Rachelle Rosenberg may be the best artist and color artist pairing in comic books right now. Their work has such a weird synergistic feeling to it. Pramanik continues to stun not only with the work on the page but also with the unique and wild approach to panels. If you’ve enjoyed the use of nontraditional panels in this series, buckle up because this series may be the best yet.

Devmalya Pramanik and Rachelle Rosenberg’s connection is best shown in the battle scenes in this comic. The artists crafted a story that feels part WWE and part comic book. Rosenberg shines with the hues and almost echoes of color she utilizes, and that happens perhaps nowhere better than in this Moon Knight series. Cory Petit does a great job with lettering using unconventional shaping to convey tone and seriousness.

Final Thoughts

Megan: 10/10. I loved so much about this issue. Jed MacKay gives the reader so much to be excited about and leaves you wanting to read so much more by the end of the comic. The writing, the art, the action, the story, second to none. 

Shawn: 10/10 This series is an absolute white-knuckle ride. From the first panel to the last, this entire creative team is going full throttle and firing on all cylinders. I keep waiting for five years of Moon Knight to hit for MacKay, but the series continues to be fresh. This entire issue feels all killer and no filler.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Are you enjoying this Moon Knight story? Tell Megan and Shawn below!

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