Excommunicated #2 – Wakey, Wakey, Pain and Achey

ShawnFoles

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June 17, 2026

Excommunicated #2 – Wakey, Wakey, Pain and Achey

Sister Josephine was cast out of the church for an exorcism gone wrong in Excommunicated. After getting the Father’s call for help, both the Priest and the Possessed die with zero proof that Sister Josephine was ever asked to be present. Now the main suspect in both deaths, and with nowhere to go, Josephine takes refuge in the Airbnb of a church parishioner to get back on her feet. What happens when what she thought she cast out comes back?

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

Creative Team

Writer: Jeremy Robinson
Artist: Tiago Palma
Color Artist: Manuel J. Rodriguez
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Cover Artist: Flaviano Armentaro

Writing

Jeremy Robinson just does not let up. How do you write something that is both horrifying and psychological while occasionally filled with laugh-out-loud bits of humor? This issue was packed full of adventure. I really like where this story is going. After being left on a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of issue #1, we get a good look at the relationship between Josephine and her ability to see demons.

Speaking of demons, Edimmu is absolutely terrifying. One, because as a demon, the character is just terrifying, but also because of how well the demon blends in. I love how Robinson is writing Josephine. She seems curious rather than scared. I do wonder if Josephine sharing a name with the great Josephine Baker will have any role in the story once it winds down, but so far, this story is an adrenaline rush from first page to last.

Art

Excommunicated #1 cover by Flaviano Armentaro. Image from Vault Comics

Tiago Palma, Manuel Rodriguez, and Jim Campbell continue to do amazing work on this series. For Tiago Palma, this may be his best work yet. Palma’s line work is simply spectacular with an adept attention to detail. Palma uses lines and shading to show the world closing in around Josephine in perfect detail in the panel. Once we understand the nature of Josephine and Edimmu’s relationship, Palma gives us a full page panel that is not only beautifully drawn, but some of the best work he’s released into the world.

Manuel Rodriguez utilizes colors to truly capture this world. While the comic would still be amazing if Robinson and Palma were doing it in black and white, it’s Rodriguez’s colors that bring vibrancy and at times, darkness to the world. The full depth of Josephine as a character is built in part because of the sharp color contrasts we get in this issue. Jim Campbell does amazing work with lettering on this issue, crafting word bubbles to mimic the scene in natural and creative ways.

Final Thoughts

Everything about this issue is perfect. I want more issues released yesterday. Vault has found an amazing creative team. Robinson and Palma are perfect in this team-up with Rodriguez bringing the world to vibrant life. We’ve already gotten so much action and story in two issues, I can’t wait to see where it goes from here. How much more can my heart take?

Overall Grade: 10/10

Are you enjoying Excommunicated? Let me know in the comments

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END OF LIFE #5 – Retrieving the Package

Megan Nichole

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June 17, 2026

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Creative Team – Kyle Starks, Steve Pugh, Gerald Parel

Catch up with End of Life #4!

The Story

Last we left Eddie, Leona’s son, Trent, was kidnapped by Richard Smiley, and Eddie is taking all the blame. Leona gives him two options; go find her son or she will get the cops involved. Eddie, who has left dead bodies left and right in Pluto, can’t have the cops involved so he has to put in the work to find Trent himself.

Cover art by Gerald Peral. Published by DC Comics

It seems like action is happening all around the town of Pluto because Eddie’s dad, George, got into an entanglement with the Menagerie in his own home. The man was looking for Eddie, but George couldn’t allow him to find his son. So, he put his past skills as an assassin to use, and came out the other side. Now, bodies are being cleaned up and his son’s location is saved once again.

This issue of End of Life was all gas and no breaks from beginning to end. Kyle Starks continues to impress with this phenomenal run that is filled with action and characters you can’t help but grow attached to. With how this issue ended, I’m very interested to see where Eddie goes from here. Wherever Eddie ends up or however his story continues, you know know it’ll be an exciting time that’s written excellently by Starks.

The Art

The artwork of End of Life #5 does a fantastic job at keeping the excitement at an all-time high throughout the story. Eddie is on his biggest mission we’ve seen him in yet to find Trent, and we’re treated to seeing him have to locate him in a theme park. While the theme park itself has the usual components of a good time, there’s a looming sinister feeling in the artwork that Steve Pugh includes that perfectly captures the tone of the story. The tones of the story are perfectly illustrated in the art, especially with Eddie and Smiley’s team of crooked villains, and all the while, Trent has the biggest smile on his face, showing him being the innocence of the situation.

Final Thoughts

End of Life gets better and better with each issue! The action is nonstop, the characters are compelling, and the story gets more and more exciting!

Overall Grade – 9/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of End of Life #5!

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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 End of Life #5, 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!

DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR #4: Families Are Complicated

Matthew Roth

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June 17, 2026

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DEATHSTROKE THE TERMINATOR #4: Families Are Complicated

Slade is losing every bit of humanity that he had left, and if the hunt for Wintergreen’s killer doesn’t kill him, then his daughter, Rose AKA Ravager, just might!

Deathstroke The Terminator #4. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico.

Creative Team: Tony Fleecs, Carmine Di Giandomenico, Ivan Plascencia, and Wes Abbott.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

After 3 issues of non-stop action and chaos, Tony walks us back and allows this story to breathe, if only for a moment. I love that we get Rose thrown into the mix now, and what makes this issue so strong for me is the dynamic she and Slade have. They’ve never had a relationship, and we are seeing yet another side of Slade that hasn’t been shown before. He’s used to being a mercenary, and now he must come to terms with his past and reconcile with his own daughter.

The way Tony writes this conflict, both inner and on the panels, develops so much of Slade’s character in a new light. Despite this issue being narratively driven, there is something looming, and Tony gives us just a taste and ends this issue on a big mic drop.

The Art and Letters:

There are a lot of beautiful colors in this issue, and I have to give credit to Ivan for his use of oranges and for making the background pop out on these pages while the foreground was dusty and left us feeling grimy. I love the duality of the color choices that were chosen and it gave this middle-of-nowhere vibe perfectly. Carmine’s art showed the battle scars and the detail of what Slade just went through.

While we have been used to seeing so many punches being thrown, I loved the outfit choices the team went with, how Slade had the Bat, and how Rose had a kitten sweater. It brought out some fun in this serious run. Lastly, this is a big week at DC with the credit splash page, and Ravager bursting onto the scene and kicking some butt was just the chef’s kiss and a heck of a way to open the issue!

Final Thoughts:

Deathstroke The Terminator #4 is a narratively driven masterpiece. It allows this fast-paced story to take a step back and breathe while developing Slade and taking us into what drives him. The colors and art are beautiful, and this run continues to be extremely fun.

Overall Grade: 9.6/10

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

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Odin #2 – Collective Delusion

Yancy Arce

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June 17, 2026

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Adela finds that going along is better than dying in Odin #2 from Image Comics.

CREATIVE TEAM:

Writers: James Tynion IV & Marguerite Bennett
Artist: Letizia Cadonici
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Tom Napolitano

PREVIOUSLY

Odin #2 Cover B 1 in 10 Letizia Cadonici Variant, Image Comics

UNDERCOVER:

Previously, we followed the story of a gonzo style journalist named Adela. Who had infiltrated a Neo-Nazi punk group for an exclusive inside story. However difficult it might’ve been for Adela to navigate the bigotry and the rampant racism inside the group, it was nothing in comparison to what she found in Norway. As part of a right of passage, these Neo-Nazis were on a pilgrimage of sorts to the frozen forests of Norway.

SUMMONING THE GODS:

However, unfortunately for Adela and everyone else participating in the ritual, things took a turn for the wicked. What started out as an exciting adventure with no stakes, became a life or death situation. Rather than a fun weekend where everyone would return home with some quasi-mythological bragging rights and a new status among neo-nazis. Instead, they’re stuck in a foreign land, alone and afraid. Whatever drugs they were under have faded away and they realized the truth of their dire situation. Finally the shoe dropped, and the group found themselves stranded, unable to navigate out of their location and one member short.

SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #2

SOLICITATION:

“Robert gave up being Roberto to fit in with his Nazi punk friends. Now those same friends have dragged him to the frozen forests of Norway to summon a “god.” And he may have to give up much, much more before they’re through with him…” (Image Comics)

Odin #2 Cover C 1 in 25 Annie Wu Variant, Image Comics

MEET ROBERTO:

As if things weren’t bizarre enough, Odin #2 introduces Robert’s backstory. Well, I should say Roberto’s background instead. The difference between Roberto and the rest is that he isn’t caucasian. In fact, Roberto is a white Hispanic man. Unfortunately, Roberto chose to use his privilege to join the same kind of group who would hate his guts. Just for existing, too. Such is life. Just trying to fit in as another follower within a group of mindless followers. The textbook example of the blind leading the blind, if you will.

PANIC SETTLES IN, FRED RISES

While everyone started to panic, Fred gained control of the group. With the utmost confidence, Fred reeled in everyone still alive. Without realizing it, one by one, everyone followed his words. Spoken as gospel for the true believers. But in reality this strange newcomer knew exactly what he was doing. Inducing the group into collective delusion. In the end, Adela figured her survival required she go along with everyone’s delusion.

OVERALL GRADE: 8.5/10

Odin #2 Cover D 1 in 50 Tula Lotay Variant, Image Comics

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

There is a scene with Roberto in the midpoint of this issue that is described in very graphic detail. However, you are required to fill in the gaps. Because the art does not reach the gore and the intensity of the moment. Later, in another scene with Roberto, the art and coloring jumps out of the pages in a literal blaze of horror. You just don’t know where anything is going.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Once again we get to witness another out of body experience with or through the eyes of Adela. Obviously things escalated rather fast. But if you slow down, you notice this isn’t Fred’s first time in the wilderness. Nor his first time leading a group of malleable individuals. In the end, Adela became the fly in the proverbial wall to witness how desperate people fold under pressure.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON ODIN #2 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW:

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“Justice League Dream Girls #3” Review – Doing Pride Justice

Eda Thomas Bagwell

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June 17, 2026

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“Justice League Dream Girls #3” Review – Doing Pride Justice

If you somehow missed the phenomenal previous issue of “Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event,” let me give you the low-down! We find out that Dreamer may or may not be in full control of the different realities they’re entering. In a moment of vulnerability, she gives a heartfelt monologue to Galaxy about how she feels, believing herself to be a bad person and someone not worth saving. Someone that’s untrustworthy. As someone that can relate, I know exactly how she feels, but also how untrue that is.

Upon waking up, Galaxy finds out that the futures of her and Nia on the League are in limbo. Where will all of this lead? Well, pick up your copy and find out with me!

Writers: Nicole Maines, Jadzia Axelrod
Artists: Jan Bazaldua, Ted Brandt, Ro Stein, Rosi Kämpe
Colorists: Adriano Lucas, Tríona Farrell, Dearbhla Kelly

“Poison Ivy” Writer: G. Willow Wilson
“Poison Ivy” Artist: Maria Llovet

The Writing

Having just finished reading right before writing, this book has me riding a high like you wouldn’t believe! I know I’ve said it before, but this entire series is making me feel every range of emotion. However, this particular issue tackles something that I haven’t come by in a comic in a minute; the need to be perfect.

As trans people, we’re often expected to be perfect or to not stand out. Every day that we walk out the door, we feel this need to not only represent the community, but to not out ourselves. Basically, we feel like we have to blend in, being proper in society instead of being our authentic selves. This is to both protect us from a society that oppresses us while also representing the community.

However, that isn’t how people are. Every person is imperfect and no one does the right thing one hundred percent of the time. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to live authentically and be like “this is me”. Seeing that whole message be beautifully represented here was seriously amazing and I love that it was positioned to both us and Galaxy by an absolute icon. Maines and Axelrod are absolutely killing it on every single issue and have yet to let up on the gas!

The Art

The team-up of Bazaldua, Brandt, Stein and Kämpe is an absolutely magical one in some unexpected ways! With there being two major settings this time around, they both felt very diversified from one another. Not only that, but all of the character designs (outside of maybe Guy with his onesie) look absolutely great here! My personal favorites are the designs of Galaxy and Wonder Woman. I also love just how Galaxy’s powers are represented in various ways. From making all of the monitors in the main hall fritz to seeing one character’s heartbeat through x-ray vision, Galaxy’s powers have this stunning visual style that truly stands out.

As for the colors from Lucas, Farrell and Kelly, what is there to say that I haven’t said before? Their work here continues to be stunning to look at. Especially when we’re in Dreamer’s realm. The colors seriously make every page pop and suck you into the world. They truly add an amazing amount of depth and character while remaining heavily varied with the artwork being done.

The Magic of “Poison Ivy”

Written by the wonderful G. Willow Wilson herself, this mini story for Harlivy was as sweet as a strawberry-filled pastry. I absolutely loved the comparison being made, about how creating a healthy relationship is like baking. It feels very from the heart, perfectly matching the vibe set by Maines and Axelrod in the previous pages. It also felt very refreshing seeing this down to Earth, slice of life moment between the two that we rarely get to see.

What truly made this story feel unique however was the art and colors from Maria Llovet. I can’t even find the words to describe it other than “pure beauty.” It almost has this Warhol vibe, but not exact. I also love how here, Harley and Ivy just look like normal people you see on the street every day. Not a single costume in sight, just dresses, sun hats and booty shorts. While a simple change, it really does a lot to make these characters feel more relatable.

Final Thoughts

From the deep messages and fantastic storytelling to the excellent and varied art & colors, “Justice League Dream Girls” continues to astound! Maines and Axelrod continue to prove they put their souls into their writing while Wilson more than delivers on a fantastic Harlivy side story. This is a fantastic series that you won’t want to miss!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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Comments

Have you been reading “Justice League Dream Girls?” What’re your thoughts so far? Let me know in the comments below!

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Marvel Comics Announces New Doom One-Shot

Kat

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June 16, 2026

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Marvel Comics Announces New Doom One-Shot

Marvel Comics have announced a new Doctor Doom one-shot.

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A Failure to Communicate: ‘Disclosure Day’ Review

Chris True

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June 16, 2026

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A Failure to Communicate: ‘Disclosure Day’ Review

Spielberg. A name that at the mere mention of it illicits some feeling of emotion. From the oldest to the youngest of audiences, Spielberg’s films have become transgenerational. When ‘Disclosure Day’ was announced, it was afforded that same luxury while being incredibly coy about any information about the plot of the film.

Ok.

No Problem.

It’s Spielberg.

Unfortunately, ‘Disclosure Day’ and it’s reliance on secrecy have delivered a film that feels at times like the audience is cramming for a test they didn’t know they were taking, coming off more like the sequel to a film someone forget to make. The flare and sparkle of Spielberg is still there, but the film lacks the substance of his prior work. ‘Disclosure Day’ is a fast paced science fiction, action adventure that get’s in it’s own way in an attempt to be clever.

Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor in ‘Disclosure Day.’ Courtesy of Universal Studios.

Sequel to Nothing

‘Disclosure Day’ relies heavily on the fact that the audience has absolutely no idea what the film is about. As a plot device, it’s rather clever. In practice, however, it was poorly executed. The film presents as if it’s the sequel to a film that has yet to be made. ‘Disclosure Day’ begins mid-action, dropping the audience off at a specific point with zero knowledge of prior events. Spielberg then slowly pulls back the veil, revealing the master to plan at hand. Unfortunately, audiences may have tuned out by the time the full picture is seen.

The issue, however, isn’t the plot device, itself, but the manner in which it was executed. There is so much action going on that at times it’s hard to keep up with where we are in the plot and overall story. I found myself constantly having to play catch up and missing pivotal events. That is part of the assumed risk when a film like this is made. The filmmaker relies on the audiences ability to keep up which also creates a reliance on pacing. Spielberg is a master of pacing, but you wouldn’t know it from ‘Disclosure Day.’

Colin Firth in ‘Disclosure Day.’ Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

The Spielberg Effect

While the plot device was lacking, ‘Disclosure Day,’ at it’s core, is pure Spielberg. It has all of the trademarks that have made his film so endearing to fans worldwide for decades. Part of the skill of Spielberg is his ability to extract iconic performances from his cast.

Emily Blunt and Josh O’Connor are sensational. They each bring something unique, frantic, and erratic to their characters that not only makes them layered, but also makes them classically likeable Spielberg characters. Colin Firth and Colman Domingo provide acting clinics that will take audience’s breath away. The two minutes these two icons are on screen together feels like watching the Mona Lisa be painted. It was art and beauty.

Where the Spielberg Effect will be most apparent isn’t in the now, it’s in the future. ‘Disclosure Day’ will most certainly be a film that is studied in film classes, but more importantly, it’s unique approach will ABSOLUTELY inspire the next great filmmaker. That is the true beauty of Spielberg. He’s a teacher, providing audiences and future filmmakers with the blueprint to film the next great classic.

Emily Blunt in ‘Disclosure Day.’ Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Final Thoughts:

At it’s core, ‘Disclosure Day’ is a classic Spielberg film. When the camera pulls back, however, it becomes clear that the film has all of the hallmarks of the classics, but lacks their substance. Rocketing from set piece to set, ‘Disclosure Day’ provides an action packed, yet confusing two hours. Leaving audiences with more questions than answers.

‘Any Given Smile’ Announced by IDW Dark Helmed by Stephanie Williams

Comics News

ShawnFoles

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June 16, 2026

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‘Any Given Smile’ Announced by IDW Dark Helmed by Stephanie Williams

Eisner-nominated writer Stephanie Williams shared news of her newest comic venture today with an article from Entertainment Weekly. Hidden amongst the article discussing new things to come is news of an expansion on the Smile universe for IDW Dark. The story will be titled Any Given Smile.

IDW Dark Web Banner. Image from IDW Publishing.

Any Given Smile

According to Williams, the story will continue from the groundwork laid by Hannah Rose May with the Smile for the Camera comic and feature a football-based story. Williams, a dedicated football fan of the Chicago Bears, noted that she was happy to not only hear that IDW enjoyed her pitch for the story series but that the creator of Smile enjoyed the pitch as well.

The series will be a five-part limited series with Williams on writing duties and GLAAD Media Award-winning artist Pablo Collar on art, with Triona Farrell on colors. As mentioned, the series will expand the Smile universe into the world of football. The series, set to debut in September, will likely see a Final Order Cutoff for preorders available in August.

Williams promises that Any Given Smile (A riff on the popular Any Given Sunday football movie) will make readers uncomfortable in the best ways possible. According to Williams, readers should be prepared to be creeped out by the series that will feature an all-star lineup of cover artists.

Any Given Smile is simply the Eisner nominees’ latest foray into horror, following the wildly successful Roots of Madness series from Williams for Ignition Press. The release of Any Given Smile will mark a horror-filled September with the trade paperback edition of Roots of Madness set for release on September 22nd. You can preorder your copy of Roots of Madness by clicking the link above, and can preorder your copy of Any Given Smile #1 by visiting your friendly local comic shop.

Are you as excited as we are to see Stephanie back in the horror realm? Let us know in the comments below, and check out our review of Williams’ last horror work, Roots of Madness #6.