Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Malachi Ward Letterer: Nate Piekos of Blambot Cover A Artist: Malachi Ward Cover B Artist: Max Fiumara Black Hammer Created by: Jeff Lemire & Dean Ormston
Black Hammer The End #2 by Dark Horse Comics
Black Hammer The End is a continuation of the Black Hammer comic series (and possibly the end of it). The Black Hammer first debuted in 2016. Since then it has won many awards, and had a crossover story with DC’s Justice League. However, do not let that discourage you from checking this story out. Like many of the best stories told today, they hold up on their own, and in a bigger universe.
Issue 2 picks up right where the audience was left. However, we’re now learning that whether or not you’re stuck in an alternate dimension, teenagers are still full of angst. We open with a relatable family dynamic who is struggling with a new life due to a very unrelatable crises.
Black Hammer The End Issue #2. Images provided by Dark Horse Comics.
As we’re quickly relating to our characters living what appears to be a normal life with normal issues, we then cut to a ship full of aliens and superheroes from different dimensions. Their goal is simple: to save the universe. Of course, they have their doubts. One of the reasons for their worry is there is no Black Hammer.
The story wraps up back at “The Real World.” This ending had me definitely wanting to read the next issue, as I am a sucker for meta type stories, and it looks like this story may be heading in that direction a bit. How much the Meta aspect will play into the overall story, is anyone’s guess at this point. Nevertheless, I love a good story that calls itself out, and brings it full circle.
The Art
Images by Dark Horse Comics
The first page is very calming and beautiful. Yet, it doesn’t take away from the seriousness of the story. While the art is consistent throughout, you get a different feel going from space to “The Real World.” Space is darker, bolder, and almost feels cold.
Black Hammer The End Rating: 8/10
While I truly enjoyed these first two issues, I genuinely think I would have rated this higher if I had read the previous comics. There were a couple times, I thought I might be missing something for a moment, but I was never not enjoying the storyline or following along. I also very quickly felt for the characters. All in all, I would add this to your pull list. While not required to continue enjoying this story, before the next issue comes out, I will be checking out the past runs. As it definitely sparked my curiosity and interest in this universe.
Welcome to another New Comic Book Day review from the N.I. Bullpen!
Alice is back in the third installment of this fantastic series from Boom! Studios. In Wonderland, Alice’s friends are trying to marry her off, so that the new Queen of Hearts can have a King.
In real world London, Alice’s father and sister are both putting plans in motion, though, to exactly what ends is not entirely clear yet. Both have met with one of Alice’s former abusers and not everyone appears to actually want Alice well.
Instead of speculating and imagining, let’s get into the review for Alice Never After #3 from Boom! Studios.
We begin with Alice still being proposed to be the many suitors that have arrived. One after another they make their offers and one after another Alice shoots them all down.
At a certain point, Alice has had enough with the whole affair. She demands to know whose idea it was for her to get married in the first place. She gets her answer.
Just then, who presents themselves to take credit for this “fantastic” idea? None other that the Cheshire Cat of course.
Intertwining Thoughts
We again see Alice and the Cat go back and forth about whether or not he is actually banished from Wonderland. During the argument, we see something…strange, even by the Cheshire Cat’s standards.
In the middle of the argument, The Cheshire Cat says “I just want you to be happy. Is that a crime? Your mother would have wanted you to be happy too!”
This sends Alice into a rage and she says “I saw what you did!” It’s then we see the Cheshire Cat slowly morph into Alice’s father, who when Alice was a child, was a dentist known for digging up dead bodies for their teeth to use in his practice. This included the body of Alice’s mother.
After morphing back to the Cheshire Cat, Alice finally storms off to her room. There she speaks briefly with Toad, and she says she misses her family, suggesting that Alice is in fact trapped inside Wonderland.
Back in London, Alice’s sister Edith is meeting with Doctor Madsen again, having brought him the items he had requested before.
He goes into a lengthy metaphor comparing Alice’s mind to a plant’s root system. If you block a root’s path to water, yet place the water close, the roots will find another way to the water without withering away.
He suggests that this is exactly what Alice’s brain needs to do, find a new pathway out of the stuck state she is in. He also suggests that, perhaps Alice is surviving just fine where she is now.
After the Cheshire Cat and all the suitors but Sir Ostrich and Gilbert the Goldfish had left, Alice is speaking with Walrus. He informs her that she does indeed have to get married in order to give Wonderland a King.
She storms back into the throne room and kicks the remaining suitors out of the castle. She goes to another room to “blow off some steam” by breaking things and eating sweets.
When her friends go in to check on her, she proclaims that if she MUST get married then she knows who she will wed.
She says that she is only willing to marry one creature in Wonderland, and that’s The White Rabbit. As she is trying to discuss this choice with the Rabbit himself, she again doubled over in pain. Her friends call out for help, and of course, it is The Cheshire Cat who suddenly appears claiming he can help.
Back in London, Alice is vomiting as well at the same time she is falling ill in Wonderland. When Edith calls for their father, he checks her stomach and determines that Alice is in fact pregnant!
Everyone involved seems genuinely surprised at this revelation. They begin to speculate who the father could be.
What does this mean for Alice? Who could the father be? Back in Wonderland, does the Cheshire Cat actually plan to help? Or is this yet another trick?
Just when I think I have this story figured out, Panosian hits us with another twist to the tale. Alice’s health is affecting her in both realities and everyone around here has designs on her future path.
The fact that Alice has agreed to marry is astonishing by itself, but the fact that she has chosen the White Rabbit was a shocker. How is this going to play out and will the Cheshire Cat ruin everything yet again? Issue 4 is coming soon where we are sure to find out more!
Artwork Overview
Spalletta, Segala & Panosian are still firing on all cylinders with this series.
The differences between Wonderland and London leave no question as to where you are in the story. Each reality has its own distinct vibe.
The scene where The Cheshire Cat morphs into Alice’s father then back again is subtle and disturbing at the same time. It was a brilliantly executed scene.
Overall Score: 10 OUT OF 10 – “Must Pull”
This has officially claimed the title of my current favorite series coming out of Boom! Studios right now.
Everyone loves a good plot twist, and this series delivers exactly that in every issue! The story continues to build and with a brand new mystery now presenting itself, the remaining issues are sure to go out with a bang!
Make sure you grab a copy of Alice Never After #3 from Boom! Studios on new comic book day this week!
As always everyone Be Safe, Be Kind, and Take It Easy!
Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we’re continuing to follow along the saga of Grant Garrison in the pages of Image Comics’ most superhero focused comic. The story is very grounded in many of the familiar classic themes fans have grown up with. If you’re looking for a throwback to the Kirby-esque era, THIS is your book.
The Savage Strength Of Starstorm #5 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestonejumps back in with many questions surrounding last issue’s end. Let’s see where the story is taking readers now, shall we?
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Since a meteor crashed into his high school, Grant Garrison’s daily life has been “complicated” to say the least. Grant has now acquired powers from an object known as the Sharsrum. Along with his classmates Jen and Eli, the trio have become reluctant super powered beings trying to sort through what is their “new world” now.
The Savage Strength Of Starstorm #5 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics – Cover: Wes Craig)
There have been allies and enemies making their way across Grant’s path. In their latest escapade, the trio crosses into another dimension where they ran into future versions of themselves. With sound advice and a new weapon at his disposal, Grant leads the group back. However the world they know is no more.
The issue opens up with the city decimated and destroyed. Before the group can process what has happened, they are greeted by the Omega Squadron. The group has been looking for anyone who’s survived and our trio has many questions. With little other options, Grant and company board their plane.
On board, readers witness that there’s vested interest from a few parties that have been watching Grant for some time. Moves are made building towards a confrontation fans have been waiting for. Its’ outcome is surprising as the final page leaves more questions to where things are heading now. There is no doubt, this portion of Grant’s life has only just begun.
One thing that continues to impress with this series is Craig’s continuous growing amount of characters. It is a bit of a juggling act to get everyone panel time, yet the major players have all been given ample to have readers invested in. The downside to this is sometimes, its awkward with introductions (ie: Eli knowing the Omega Squadron without giving a sense of how previously).
The Savage Strength Of Starstorm #5 by Drew Craig and Jason Finestone (Credit: Image Comics – Cover: Wes Craig)
The story moves very fast and delivers a great deal of action. Plot points that have lingered for a bit are addressed which gives a great payoff. The ending is great for where things are heading with this arc. It will curious to see what becomes the next phase of Grant’s latest chapter, with such events swirling around him.
Craig also takes full advantage of the canvas with vert detailed two page spreads throughout the issue. The introduction visual of the Omega Squadron makes a huge splash. This is followed up by a great two-page panel of the groups meeting for the first time. Craig also gives the villains their due with a solid shot of one with the other heroes in the background.
The visuals fans will be most talking about will be a massive fight scene what two pages are used to their stretch limits. It adds a sense of danger to what is unfolding. The art never misses for conveying the best of this super hero saga.
FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10
The life and times of Grant Garrison head into the unknown as the action swings for the fences with its’ latest chapter. Craig and Finestone bring out the best of the vintage superhero blueprint with solid writing and strong visuals. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, make a point on this upcoming New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on The Savage Strength of Starstorm #5. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative.
Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow Part 1 Story, Art, and Letters by Stan Sakai, Colors by Hi-Fi Colour Design (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow Part 1 – Story, Art and Lettering by Stan Sakai and Color Work by Hi-Fi Colour Design.
Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow Part 1 Story, Art, and Letters by Stan Sakai, Colors by Hi-Fi Colour Design (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
The Story:
Following “The Green Dragon” story arc, Usagi Yojimbo and his new found cousin Yukichi make their way through the snowy mountaintops of Northern Japan. The pair take refuge from the cold in the hut of a kind hermit woman. Meanwhile, the maniacal Jei and his familiar Keiko are hot on their trail, and they have just stumbled upon a group of bandits that they plan to use against Usagi.
Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow Part 1 Story, Art, and Letters by Stan Sakai, Colors by Hi-Fi Colour Design (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
The Writing:
This story was a lot of fun to pick up and read. I only have a passing knowledge of the character of Usagi Yojimbo and this book dropped me right into the story without making feel like I was lost or confused. The characters are written in a way that a new reader can follow motivations and characteristics of each with ease. Also, the story was just plain fun! The dialogue between the protagonists as they are dealing with a group of bandits had me smiling throughout and the villainous Jei was creepy and entertaining! On top of all of that was a cliff hanger ending that made me audibly groan when I realized the book was over.
Usagi Yojimbo: Ice and Snow Part 1 Story, Art, and Letters by Stan Sakai, Colors by Hi-Fi Colour Design (Credit Dark Horse Comics)
The Art:
The artwork in this issue was a treat as well! There is something about the style here that makes me feel like I’m a kid again, sitting down and watching Saturday Morning Cartoons. Or that I’m reading a book that I just picked up from the book fair at school. There is a real nostalgic quality to this art style that I will always appriciate. That is not to say that the art is, in any way, childish or unpolished. This is artwork that takes skill to master, a great mixture of all ages fun with some gritty, but not gory, action. Well done!
The Verdict: 9.5/10
This is one of my favorite books of 2023. If you are a fan of Usagi Yojimbo, samurai, action, or Saturday Morning Cartoons, do yourself a favor and read this one! I cannot wait to see where this story goes next and I can say that I will be picking up every Usagi Yojimbo title going forward. This issue created a fan!
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we are returning to Gotham City to follow-up on the latest from Oswald Cobblepot via DC Comics. Last we saw him, the former crime lord was enjoying life away in a new stat quo, but nothing lasts forever. The king of the Gotham Underworld has now returned home under the “advisement” of the U.S. Government. After last issue’s explosive introduction, the road to reclamation has become a must read!
THE PENGUIN 2 by Tom King, Rafael De Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo and Clayton Cowles welcomes readers into the next phase of his return. Let’s tag along and see how things unfold from here, shall we?
The issue opens up with a car pulling up to a mansion in Gotham. Coming out of the car is Oswald Cobblepot aka The Penguin. The narration reads as someone has found some sort of calm after years of service. That voice belong to The Help, who readers met during Batman: Killing Time.
The message is sent that The Penguin has arrived. The Help accommodates the meeting and hears the sales pitch. While over dinner. The Help explains he is dis-interested in what The Penguin is planning. Once he laughs at the notion, Oswalt’s demeanor changes ever so slightly. The offer is pressed more but The Help walks away. It is the battle of wills as one refuses to bend for the other.
Readers see that Oswalt leaves an ominous message to one of the butlers in the house that plays into the message he is giving all of Gotham: The King has returned!
What will the Penguin do from here? The story switches gears as the “honor amongst Thieves” motto is heavily strained between the two figures. An event starts a domino effect that can’t be stopped. Once the third act hits, there is little question of the resolution. The parting page puts a big exclamation point on a strong second issue.
King doesn’t delay in driving the point home that the Penguin is back. King sets up the meeting of “colleagues” with a tense overture. The dialogue reflects how far The Penguin’s legacy is being upheld. However, a key moment sends everything into another level.
Playing of Oswalt’s esteem issues, once The Help laughs at the offer, the mood changes and becomes a deadly game. The latter half is well crafted so once readers arrive at its’ peak moment, the payoff is huge. If here was any question of how dangerous the Penguin can be, this issue should put any other notions to rest.
De Latorre and Maiolo keep a brooding tone throughout the panels of the book. The initial meeting featured a wide variety of facial expressions ranging from The Help’s arrogance to Oswalt’s anger and cunning to the laughing moment.
Once the middle act begins, there is a strong full page visual to show one side of Oswalt, only to be debunked later with a gorgeous two-page full spread that screams “checkmate” to the game the leads are playing. The closing pages shadow that image bringing the book to a noteworthy conclusion.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
King, De Latorre and the team don’t miss a beat with another fantastic issue of the return of Gotham’s Crime King. Superb writing orchestrates a plot that deceptively keeps readers guessing with exceptional art. The series has come out of the gate swinging and you don’t want to miss your chance picking it up.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on The Penguin #2. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative.
Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!
For this entry, we’re speeding to the comic shops for a look at a brand new #1 from DC COMICS! Since the era of “Dawn of DC” has came about, the entire superhero line has been re-ignited give fans much to talk about. With successful new series for various members of the Justice League, it’s now time for one of their featured stars to get their time to shine.
The story opens with Max Mercury, a longtime speedster within the DC Universe. Max is poised to start running in a deserted area. Max has a partner with a familiar face: Bart Allen aka Impulse! They set off to run and test the complexity of time and space that involves the Speed Force. In Max’s own words: “We don’t break the barrier… we EMBRACE IT! WE BREATHE THE LIGHTNING”.
However, those words come back to haunt as Max sees a Buffalo in a time portal. With its’ eyes glowing red, the Buffalo stares back, then a thunderous BOOM! Bart and Max are sent reeling back to the starting line. Breaking down what happened, Max theorizes the Speed Force might not be well. The image of the Buffalo is perceived to back that idea up.
Meanwhile, Wally West has assumed the mantle of The Fastest man Alive aka The Flash. Wally is fighting against the forces of a very well known foe of the Rogues Gallery: Gorilla Grodd. While dealing with his forces, Wally senses something’s not right.
Before he can deal with that, Grodd’s forces make a play that puts the innocent in danger. However, it appears an Indigo streak appears to intervene and help. Wally is as puzzled much like Grodd’s army is. The streak gives Wally a second to help catch a falling victim but something happens which causes Wally to split form time only to come back and drop the catch.
Grodd finally makes his appearance but leaves after seeing enough. Grodd also parts with a condolence for Flash.
Readers can relate to Wally’s confusion as it appears something is very wrong with the Speed Force. Wally heads to try finding answers while dealing with life as a family man. What will he find in his search. The answers may not be all he wants as things escalate quickly. This all leads to a final page that is sure to grab fans attention as the next phase of the Flash begins now.
Spurrier puts together a very complex debut chapter. The issues of the Speed Force is the main driver for this plot, but it is a slow reveal to what is truly happening. Wally in the suit brings in the family aspect to the story with dealing with superhero “family” issues.
It does give a good break to the action but guessing there is more happening there than meets the eye. The pacing gives a great amount of time to build by the time the final image its, business is officially established for the latest Flash run.
Deodato and Mulvihill put together some very memorable visuals for this debut. The full page intro shot o Wally West kicks things into high gear. This is compliments well when Grodd finally makes his appearance. Both moments feel impactful as the major players entered the game.
The imagery also captures the emotions of family life in their varying degrees. Heading into the final act, the art team speeds the flow up slightly to build up the excitement for the closing moments. Readers are gifted an impressive full page parting shot to carry through to the next chapter.
FINAL POINT: 8.5 OUT OF 10
The next wave of the adventures of the Fastest man Alive kicks of in magnificent fashion. Spurrier’s excellent writing paired with the impactful art of Deodato provides readers with a strong beginning to the future of the Flash. Don’t miss this on New Comic Book Day.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of The Flash #1. Thanks for reading Parlay points on Nerd Initiative.
BLACK SIGHT #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Conor Boyle and Tom Napolitano (credit: Comixology Originals – Cover: Dave Johnson)
The story begins with a haunting narration. There is a hand reaching through the yellow shading. Its’ intended target is a woman strapped and gagged to a gurney. Her name is Alex Greer.
Things change to what appears to be happier times. Alex is in a club in 1964 Amsterdam. Alex is dancing and enjoying the nightlife. A mysterious man tries to make time with Alex. She vaguely remembers him other than a big watch and bad hygiene. As the night takes over, Alex starts feeling the effects of the good time out.
Outside of the club, Alex vomits. The man tries to help her but Alex refuses. The man seems very focused on taking Alex somewhere for assistance until a stranger walks in and saves Alex from him.
Readers see how Alex’s night takes a different turn then expected. Heading into the final act, no one is prepared for where the story goes from here. Forget what you know and prepare for the unknown. If the final page is any indication, there is much to come to light other than a hangover from the night before.
There’s also a companion short story by Daleyna Abril and Marco Fodera that will be key to unraveling the mystery at hand.
BLACK SIGHT #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Conor Boyle and Tom Napolitano (credit: Comixology Originals – Cover: Dave Johnson)
Phillips scatters the pieces of the enigmatic puzzle being told here, you can’t help but be hooked for the long haul. Alex’s story starts out questionable from the openings page. However, it doesn’t take long for things to go sideways.
The build to the turning point almost feels like smoke and mirrors once the moment happens. It shows why Phillips is one of the best storytellers right now. From that moment, the story flips into a freefall which leaves many questions heading into the concluding pages, ensuring fans can’t afford to miss the next chapter.
Boyle’s art perfectly combines the feel of the 60’s with a haunting edge around it. The use of Yellow coloring plays such a big part in the visuals. There is no better case than the middle act. The usage builds around Alex’s new “friend”, building to a unique full page visual that tips readers off where things head next.
The switch of coloring brings the story back to a cold reality that readers will question especially after the final page. Get ready for a monster hit with this creative team only just starting.
FINAL POINT: 10 OUT OF 10
Phillips, Boyle and Napolitano make a big debut with a enrapturing thriller that no one can escape. Superb writing builds for a dramatic twist with stunning visuals solidifying the story you think you see is definitely not all that it seems. Highest possible recommendation for New Comic Book Day this week.
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Black Sight #1. Thanks for reading Parlay Points on Nerd Initiative.
Welcome to Paperweight Entertainment’sHall of Armor! New armors, new multiversal Tony Starks, same great content! We’re still digging into Iron Man’s bag of tricks, each week you’re going to get to take a look at a new armor or version of Iron Man from across comics, film, and TV!
This week we travel back into the Hall of Armor to take a look at the iconic Iron Man Model 3, Iron Man’s longest running and most recognizable armor! Introduced in Tales of Suspense #66 by Stan Lee, Don Heck, and Mickey Demeo, the Model 3 was featured in 118 issues with it’s final appearance in Iron Man #85 in 1976.
After months of negotiations, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) has tentatively reached a deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to end the writers’ strike. The strike, which began months ago, has caused delays in production schedules and forced networks to pull back on releases.
The deal between the WGA and AMPTP includes several key provisions, including increased compensation for writers, improved health and pension benefits, and greater protections for writers in the digital age.
The deal is expected to be signed sometime this week.
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a key player in the writers’ strike that has been ongoing for several months. The WGA is the labor union that represents writers in the entertainment industry, and its members have been demanding better pay and working conditions from the studios.
Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
The AMPTP represents the major studios in Hollywood, including Warner Bros. Discovery, and negotiates on their behalf with labor unions like the WGA. The AMPTP has been in talks with the WGA negotiating committee to try and reach a deal that is acceptable to both sides. The AMPTP is responsible for negotiating the terms of the deal on behalf of the studios, including issues like pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Streaming Giants
Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon have also been involved in the writers’ strike, as they are major players in the entertainment industry and employ many writers. The streaming services have been pushing for a deal that is favorable to them, while also trying to avoid any negative publicity that might come from a prolonged strike.
Key Points of the Tentative Deal
The agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the WGA membership, was announced on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
The tentative deal includes a new three-year contract that will run until September 30, 2026. The agreement includes several key points that address the concerns of the writers and the studios.
One of the major deal points is a substantial increase in compensation for writers. Under the new contract, writers will receive higher minimums, increased residuals, and improved pension and health benefits. The deal also includes provisions for better job protection and better working conditions for writers.
The tentative deal also includes provisions for increased diversity and inclusion in the industry.
The final contract will be subject to a ratification vote by the WGA membership, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. If approved, the new deal will bring an end to the writers’ strike, which has disrupted the television and film industry for several weeks.
The use of Artificial Intelligence was also a major part of the deal. Writers have been looking for protection against tech like Chat GPT, which can learn to mimic writing styles at a fraction of the cost.
Residuals and Streaming Model
One of the key issues that the writers’ strike was centered around was residuals and the streaming model. Residuals are payments made to writers for the reuse of their work, such as when a TV show or movie is aired in syndication or released on DVD.
With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, writers were concerned about how residuals would be handled in this new model.
Under the new agreement, writers will receive higher residuals for shows that are streamed on services that have more than 1 million subscribers. This will help ensure that writers are fairly compensated for their work being streamed on these popular platforms.
AI and the Future of Writing
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing is becoming increasingly prevalent. With the ability to generate content quickly and efficiently, generative AI is transforming the way writers work.
One of the most significant advantages of AI in writing is its ability to generate content quickly and accurately. This technology can analyze vast amounts of data and use that information to create new content that meets specific criteria.
However, some experts caution that AI is not a replacement for human creativity and intuition. While AI can generate content quickly and accurately, it lacks the emotional intelligence and creativity that humans bring to the table. As such, many believe that AI should be used as a tool to enhance human creativity rather than replace it.
Uncanny Avengers #2 – Written by Gerry Duggan, Art by Javier Garron, Colors by Morry Hollowell, Letters by VC’Travis Lanham, Design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen, Cover by Javier Garron and Morry Hollowell. (Credit Marvel Entertainment)
Uncanny Avengers #2 – Written by Gerry Duggan, Art by Javier Garron, Colors by Morry Hollowell, Letters by VC’Travis Lanham, Design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen, Cover by Javier Garron and Morry Hollowell. (Credit Marvel Entertainment)
Uncanny Avengers #2 – Written by Gerry Duggan, Art by Javier Garron, Colors by Morry Hollowell, Letters by VC’Travis Lanham, Design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen, Cover by Javier Garron and Morry Hollowell. (Credit Marvel Entertainment)
The Story:
Captain America has re-formed the Avengers Unity Squad, a team of Avengers and X-Men to battle the growing anti-mutant sentiment. Captain Krakoa, a mysterious mutant, believed to be Cyclops has been fueling this fear with his terrorist organization, The Mutant Liberation Front. After suffering a serious injury at the hands of Captain Krakoa, Rogue and the other mutants on the team call Captain America’s leadership into question.
Uncanny Avengers #2 – Written by Gerry Duggan, Art by Javier Garron, Colors by Morry Hollowell, Letters by VC’Travis Lanham, Design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen, Cover by Javier Garron and Morry Hollowell. (Credit Marvel Entertainment)
The Writing:
Gerry Duggan continues to show a firm grasp and understanding of the characters in this story. Each of the players act exactly how a someone who has been reading them for years would expect them to act. Quicksilver is arrogant, Captain America is stubborn, Rogue speaks her mind bluntly, and Deadpool plays with guns while quipping about his teammates. The story and intrigue on display are fantastic. The mystery behind Captain Krakoa’s true identity and the machinations of MODOK and Doctor Stasis kept me invested and made me wish that I already had the next issue in hand.
Uncanny Avengers #2 – Written by Gerry Duggan, Art by Javier Garron, Colors by Morry Hollowell, Letters by VC’Travis Lanham, Design by Tom Muller and Jay Bowen Cover by Javier Garron and Morry Hollowell. (Credit Marvel Entertainment)
The Art:
The Colors and movement really stood out for me in this issue! Any time Quicksilver was in motion the panels popped! On top of the action, the pain and emotion in the character’s faces, whether during fights or verbal confrontations, were stellar. This art team is a great fit for such a dynamic team of superheroes!
The Verdict: 9/10
While I’m not reading any of the other X-Men titles, this book continues to give me the information that I need to not be completely lost. It is no easy feat to bring a reader into a part of a larger story without them feeling lost. However, with masterful writing and fantastic artwork, Uncanny Avengers is doing just that! If you have not picked up this title, do yourself a favor and check out the first two issues. You won’t regret it, and you will be frothing at the mouth for the next chapter of the story!
