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THE BOYS Season 5 Episode 6 Review: “Though the Heavens Fall”

As we inch closer and closer to the series finale of THE BOYS on  Prime Video, we just got a major turn of events in episode 6. If you’re looking for a spoiler free review of episodes 1-7 CLICK HERE. Otherwise, you’ve been warned about the memes, and now you’ve been warned: SPOILERS AHEAD for Episodes 1-6.

***WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD***

Homelander glaring at Earth from the stars. Season 5 promo picture for The Boys.
Credit: Courtesy of Prime Copyright: Amazon MGM Studios

Last Seen on THE BOYS

As a huge Supernatural fan, I’m still recovering from that last episode. It was just so all over the place
(I’m referring to the guts), and fantastic, but a hell of a lot more happened too. Firecracker completely sold out Jesus all to be murdered via an Eagle wing courtesy of Homelander. No one will ever see Noir’s true talent after he upstaged the Deep. Terror reignited a brotherly love between Hughie and Butcher. Sage confided in Ashley that her ultimate plan is to read in peace while the world burns, and the hunt for V1 continued.

While the boys were onto Bombsight after Fort Harmony, Soldier Boy and Homelander have the same lead now too. Courtesy of the fastest dealer around, and a lot of Puff Baby Oil.

If you too are still recovering from this bizarro THE BOYS/Supernatural universe that Chuck must have created, check out some SUPERNATURAL EASTER EGGS.

Scene from episode 5 of THE BOYS season 5.
Misha Collins (Malchemical), Antony Starr (Homelander), Jensen Ackles (Soldier Boy), Jared Padalecki (Mister Marathon)
Credit: Jasper Savage/Prime Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC

EPISODE 6: “Though the Heavens Fall”

While Homelander has Vought at his disposal, and the smartest person in the world, the boys do not. So while Homelander has crime analytics hunting down Bombsight, and Sage “working” on re-creating V1, the boys do what they would do in the comics, and turn to the Legend. Played by the amazing Paul Reiser. His one-liners and past sexual escapade name drops are almost as good as Soldier Boy’s. I would love to have seen these two back in the day together.

While the Legend is not eager to help, he does. Off to Vought Villages to find Bombsight’s old gal: Golden Geisha AKA Goldie. As Sage learns she’s being kept in the dark about Bombsight (courtesy of Voldemort Ashley), she switches teams faster than Mr. Marathon running through McGruber. She attempts to pit father and son against each other with some amputee German porn, starring the love of both their lives: Clara AKA Stormfront. It works, but not how Sage expected.

Thinking Soldier Boy is back to wanting Homelander to continue growing gray pubes, Sage reaches out, and she tracks down Bombsight. Turns out a bunch of celebrities, Mr. Marathon, and Malchemical did not die in vain. Soldier Boy got the V1 and gave it to his asexual weirdo son because that’s what Clara would have wanted. Homelander now has ultimate physical power, political power, and immortality. While Bombsight is now mortal. Both things came out of love. Something Sage doesn’t understand. She says people are predictable, but love can throw a wrench in just about any plan. For good or bad.

Sister Sage in The Boys Season 5
Susan Heyward (Sister Sage) Photo Credit: Courtesy of Prime Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC

“There are plenty of fish in the sea bro, but most of them are dead.” -Black Noir

Meanwhile, the Deep sells out the one place that actually cares about him, the ocean. He campaigned for a pipeline knowing the fish hate pipelines. Noir breaks the pipeline, along with Deep’s heart. Peace out Noir. As someone who loves the ocean, Noir went too far. Good riddance. Deep may be a complete jackass, but I supported the decision to have Noir sleepin with the fishes.

Now we wait to see what the real repercussions of Deep’s actions will be. He has managed to come out of every selfish unscathed. From assaulting Annie, to his marriage falling apart, his relationship with Ambrosia, etc. He always seems to tuck and roll into some weird redemption where Homelander just rolls his eyes. Good thing he ate fucking Timothy, but how long will that last? He’s the only original member of The Seven from Season 1, besides Homelander.

Nathan Mitchell (Black Noir), & Chace Crawford (The Deep) in THE BOYS Season 5 on Prime Video.
Nathan Mitchell (Black Noir), Chace Crawford (The Deep)
Credit: Darren Goldstein/Prime Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC

Are you there God? It’s me, Oh Father

While the hunt for V1, and a pipeline campaign are in full swing, Annie and Hughie have a side quest. They’re setting up an air freshener at a church in the hopes of getting the supe virus to Homelander. Caught by Oh Father we learn he and Annie have a past, and he’s a true Homelander believer. While Annie and Oh Father had a positive past relationship, he can’t say that about God. He’s gone full Team Homelander, because God never answered him, and Homelander did. That seemed so dark, and he said it with such faith and confidence. Which made it even darker. With a wall full of pictures of psychic supes, it’s a wonder what Oh Father’s next step is with the Democratic Church of America, and their new Savoir.

Final Thoughts

The Boys lost this round. However, they freed the Legend, let part of Kimiko heal, and reunited an elderly couple. I’d say it wasn’t all bad. Except for the giant man baby with the milk addiction who now has immortality, on top of his already physical, religious, and political power. The Boys are back to square one, as the supe virus is now pointless.

With all the V1 chaos, a few moments stood out for me this week: the retired supes, Homelander tracking down Goldie, and the reunion between Bombsight and Soldier Boy.

The Villages

Supes have been around since WWII so it makes sense they’d have a retirement home for older supes, and of course it’s named after the Villages in Florida. I’m just surprised I didn’t see any loofahs. Or maybe I missed them. Showcasing the boomer generation of Supes while calling out ridiculous old school racist tropes, was somehow ridiculous (poor M.M.), hilarious, and sweet.

Between the Legend being honest with Homelander, and Goldie’s comment about summer being beautiful because of winter, we got some bittersweet moments portraying the morality we all possess. Which is why Homelander is so hell bent on being immortal. He never considered himself human. His comment in front of the Legend about giving up his son is just another insane comment emphasizing his belief he is the new savoir.

Homelander is more than a stiff cape

While Homelander has zero self awareness and often makes terrible impulsive choices, he didn’t get to where he is by simply being the ultimate Vought experiment. He’s no dummy. He’s learned from his mistakes and he can be clever. The catch of the Vought necklace may have helped him reach immortality. Would Soldier Boy have brought it to him, had he not shown up when he did? Maybe, but either way, it felt worth mentioning as his powers, ego, and all the “tit jizz,” seem to take focus from the fact that he’s no Deep.

Homelander and Soldier Boy
Antony Starr (Homelander), Jensen Ackles (Soldier Boy) Photo Credit: Jasper Savage/Prime Copyright: © Amazon Content Services LLC

Vought Rising

As I “patiently” wait to see how this season, and series, wraps, I’m also eager for what’s to come. With the unfortunate cancellation of Gen V, I’m even more focused on the upcoming prequel Vought Rising. Meeting Bombsight upped that excitement. Will Goldie be in it (she seems way too young to be in a 1950s show, but V in the comics can cause you to age slower)? Will we find out why Bombsight wants to punch Soldier Boy’s pretty face? They were clearly in the same circle when Soldier Boy and Clara were together. I also wanted to mention this moment to bring attention to my new favorite Soldier Boy quote:

“Buddy, the Queen sat on this face. It’s a National fucking treasure.” -Soldier Boy

Special shout out to Mason Dye, who plays Bombsight. He really had me feeling for him in this episode, when not along ago I was heavily rooting against him in Stranger Things. I can’t wait to see more from him in Vought Rising, or whatever may come his way.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

This one gets 9.5 DEEP Popcorn Buckets out of 10. It was another hilarious, dark, and disturbed episode as the race for V1 has finished. With only 2 episodes left, I have no clue how it will end, but I can’t wait to find out what will come out of Soldier Boy’s mouth next, and how it all wraps up.

Check out the other episode reviews: EPISODES 1 & 2; EPISODE 3; EPISODE 4; EPISODE 5

For more coverage on THE BOYS including interviews with the cast, post show reactions, and comparisons to the comic books from Dynamite Entertainment, head to our YouTube playlist, ‘Saturdays are for The Boys.’

Have you been watching THE BOYS this season? What are your thoughts? Any predictions for the finale?

For more from Lauren, check out ‘Hops GEEK News.’

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“If Destruction Be Our Lot #1” Review – A Worthy Timely Tale

Have you ever wondered what it might be like if Abe Lincoln was placed in a modern world? Or maybe even a future one where robots rule? Writers Matthew and Mark Elijah Rosenberg strive to answer that very question in “If Destruction Be Our Lot”. This brand new three issue mini-series follows Honest Abe as he seeks meaning in the nothingness of the robot apocalypse.

Writers: Matthew Rosenberg, Mark Elijah Rosenberg
Artist: Andy MacDonald
Colorists: Francesco Segala, Gloria Martinelli

Source: Andy MacDonald, Image Comics

Wabi-Sabi

If there was ever a term to describe this majestic piece of work, it would be “wabi-sabi”. For those who don’t know, “wabi-sabi” is a Japanese philosophy all about finding beauty in imperfection. The Rosenberg brothers lovingly crafted a story that, seemingly in this start, is exactly all about that. For a story all about robots, this comic feels all too human. As we all strive to seek beauty in the chaos and/or nothingness of life, so too does this story’s Abe Lincoln.

As is in life, there will be moments in this book that fill you with joy. However, that also means some moments will cause your heart to break as well as cause you to feel fear or maybe even anger. It’s clear the brothers want us to feel every emotion instead of being like the Cybermen in “Doctor Who”. That is to say, devoid of emotion. If their goal is to make us feel the entire human experience through this story, they’re so far succeeding.

Source: Jerome Opeña, Image Comics

Art That Speaks

Artist Andy MacDonald being paired with colorists Francesco Segala and Gloria Martinelli just feels like a match made in heaven. The three of them bring so much life to this future robotic apocalypse and it’s characters, doing perfect justice to the writing. While the writing tugs the heartstrings, the art tugs even more. MacDonald does everything he can to convey emotions not just through the face, but the body language of every robot and it’s beyond incredible to see.

Coupled with this are the colors brought by Segala and Martinelli. When things feel a bit bright or maybe even just normal, the bright yellows and blues reflect that. However, when things are frightening or maybe even saddening, they give fantastic reds and deep blacks, like looking into the void. This team is a tour de force.

Source: James Harren, Image Comics

Final Thoughts – 10/10

The Rosenberg brothers weren’t on my radar prior, but after reading this, they certainly are now. They crafted something that’s exemplary of life and the human experience. In everything from the writing to the artwork, “If Destruction Be Our Lot” is a masterpiece. It’s arguably one of the best comics to come out this year and I’m undoubtedly having this be my pick of the week.

Read more from me here and follow my socials!

Comments

Are you looking forward to reading “If Destruction Be Our Lot”? If you’ve read it, what did you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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Royals #2 – Don’t Cross The Wrong Guy

Paul and Castor Wahng share a telepathic gift. In Royals they’ve grown tired of fleecing regular poker players and decide to risk everything in a game against the leader of a criminal syndicate. While the Wahng brothers come out on top, Daeshim Kang doesn’t take too kindly to losing in his own casino. As the brothers each celebrate in their own way, trouble is brewing just below the surface.

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

Creative Team

Writer: Derek Kirk Kim
Artist: Jacob Perez
Cover Artist: Jacob Perez

Writing

Derek Kirk Kim crafts a really strong second issue of Royals. I appreciated that we got to see Paul develop more as a character beyond just the guy helping his brother cheat at cards. Kim does a really good job of showing the conflict between brothers that anyone with siblings has experienced. It was only a matter of time before two brothers so drastically different would run into conflict, and we get it in this issue.

The telepathy aspect of the two brothers gives Kim a lot of room to craft a new style in the typical heist story. He actually makes me feel bad for Paul because Castor just lives it up, and Paul is always the one stuck paying the bill, literally and figuratively. Kim is putting together a really good story that is unique and enjoyable. Even the cronies get in on the humor.

Art


Royals #2 cover by Jacob Perez. Image from Image Comics

If Royals is Jacob Perez’s first professional work in comics, you can’t tell. Everything about the art and colors in this issue is spectacular. Each character feels unique and fleshed out. Perez makes each character so expressive that word bubbles aren’t even necessary to know what they’re thinking or feeling.

I really appreciated Perez’s attention to detail. Little subtle details like cigarette smoke moving the right direction in the wind or buttons lighting up just right on a cell phone screen can often go unnoticed but Perez kills all those little details. If this is where Perez is starting his professional comics career, we are all in for one heck of a ride as we watch him grow.

Final Thoughts

Royals #2 picks up right where Royals #1 left off and gives us a great look at the dynamic between the Wahng brothers. This series feels like a new and creative way to look at a style of story that has been told before. This series feels like a well-researched thesis. Every character feels fleshed out, multi-dimensional, and unique. This was a perfect second issue from this creative team after such a good debut issue.

Overall Grade: 10/10

How are you liking this Deadpool series? Let me know in the comments

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CAPTAIN MARVEL: DARK PAST #2 – Buried Secrets

Creative Team – Paul Jenkins, Lucas Werneck, Rod Fernandes, VC’s Joe Caramagna

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2!

The Story

This comic is reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Shawn, and your truly, Megan!

Shawn – Paul Jenkins continues to show why he is one of the most cerebral writers in comics. If I have a character and I want to get inside their head and feel like I’m walking around in their shoes, I want Paul Jenkins as the writer. Jenkins really captures the anguish Carol feels as she struggles to understand what she’s experiencing. In addition to the overall writing of this comic, I appreciate that Jenkins is showcasing Carol’s significant evolution. If you aren’t paying attention, you just may miss it, but the fact that Captain Marvel engages her network, reaching out to others who may be able to help, shows a refreshing amount of growth for a character that was often written as if she had to do everything on her own. I also love that Carol can seek help from people with whom she has a complicated past at best. Jenkins shows that it’s not easy for Carol but she knows it needs to be done

Cover art by Lucas Werneck. Published by Marvel Comics

Megan Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2 makes it very clear that the first issue was so much more than a strong start. Paul Jenkins knows how to keep the reader locked into the story, especially when there’s a mystery at hand. Carol Danvers is trying to work her way through these missing memories, and the only person to turn to is the person who has experience in Carol’s memories, Rogue. With the help of Rogue and Emma Frost, Carol is able to unlock lost memories. However, she’s left with more questions than answers. After doing some digging, she realizes this goes so much further than she realized, involving her own father!

Meanwhile, The Wrecking Crew is putting together a plan to become unstoppable with the help of the Kree technology. But they’re joined by a new villain who prefers to go by nothing other than Desecrator. It’s clear where Desecrator’s priorities lie, as his number one goal is to take Captain Marvel down. Something big is building with these villains, and they have their eyes on Carol as the target.

The Art

Shawn – Lucas Werneck and Rod Fernandes continue to do amazing work on this series. Werneck does a particularly remarkable job with the scene of each panel. The panels feel full with details worked into even the most background parts of the panel, adding depth. Some of the investigative panels gave Werneck the option to work with shading and negative space that came out, really making the location feel abandoned and dark. I also just really love the way that Werneck draws Carol Danvers. Her face is drawn so expressive. When you’re reading a series that focuses on the interior thoughts of a character that often wears their heart on their sleeve, having those emotive expressions really help. Rod Fernandes does a great job with colors on this issue. Ms. Marvel’s costume always pops, and he really uses some of the colors on her costume to offset some of the darker and subdued tones in this issue. The coloring Fernandes uses on some of the panels to bring depth to the panels is awe-inspiring. Joe Caramagna successfully navigates the tension between Carol’s inside thoughts and the narrative, allowing you to follow along easily with the story.

Megan – If the fantastic story doesn’t reel you in, then the wonderful artwork sure will. Lucas Werneck, Rod Fernandes, and Joe Caramagna bring a lot of depth to the pages of Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2. Lucas absolutely thrived in this issue, brings beautifully detailed panels that tell the story themselves. What I really appreciated was how the flashback scenes were handled. They were able to add layers to the story, and had a great distinction in them thanks to Rod Fernandes, who handles the coloring. Rod brought a lot of vibrancy to many different scenes of the comic, making each place it’s own gorgeous view. Joe Caramagna delivered a beautiful flow of dialogue along with capturing the intense emotions on every page.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 10/10 This series is breathtaking. Both the story and the art are incredible. I love the way Jenkins really dives into Carol’s psyche in this issue. She’s come so far but Jenkins shows us she still has a long way to go. Werneck, Fernandes, and Caramagna do a great job reinforcing that through the art that is bright, expressive, and easy to follow.

Megan – 9/10. Paul Jenkins is setting up something pretty big and I am excited to see it! The creative team went out of their way to make this a beautiful issue that makes you never want to put the comic down.

Overall Grade – 9.5/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Captain Marvel: Dark Past #2!

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“Fall of the House of Slaughter #1” Review – A More Than Worthy Successor

In this spin-off to the award-winning series “Something Is Killing the Children” the Old Dragon is nearing the end of his life. It’s now up to Cecilia Slaughter and the other Heads to determine a successor, a process that might prove to be a bloodier affair than expected. Will the house survive? Who will come out on top? Let’s find out together as we start this brand-new mini-series by writer Tate Bromal!

Writer: Tate Brombal
Artist: Adriano Turtulici
Colorist: Valentina Napolitano

Source: Sam Wolfe Connelly, BOOM! Studios, Tiny Onion

A Deadly Game

When it comes to things such as spin-off’s, prequels, sequels or anything like that, it can feel like playing a rather deadly game. That game can feel even deadlier if it’s placed in new hands from its creator. Thankfully, the change of power seems to be a lot less deadly than the potential of where things might go in the comic. Tate Brombal handles the reigns of this chaotically delightful spin-off of the modern classic “Something is Killing the Children”, created by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera.

If I didn’t know any better, you could tell me that Brombal was taught by Tynion on how to write this universe. He handles the material masterfully while adding a bit of his own flavor. This very much is a bit of a slow burn that expertly builds tension. Being a mini-series, the end of this book offers little in terms of a release from said tension. With all of this in mind, I truly feel as if readers will love sinking their teeth into this expansion of an already fantastic universe.

Source: Elsa Charretier, BOOM! Studios, Tiny Onion

Unmasking the Art

As seems to stay true with the SIKTC universe, the art and colors here are absolutely incredible. Somewhat new to the scene, artist Adriano Turtulici brings his flare. Every line and area of shading feels intentional, creating this very unique style. That being said, his work really pops off the page, sometimes literally coming out of the panels. The colors of Valentina Napolitano more than compliment this. It’s like having a smooth wine with the perfect cheese; you keep wanting to come back for more.

Source: David Mack, BOOM! Studios, Tiny Onion

Final Thoughts – 10/10

While expansions can be tricky, Brombal and team go above and beyond in nailing it. Gripping you tight and pulling you into the tension, this is an incredible slow burn with art & colors to match. For longtime fans of the SIKTC series, this is more than worth the read. A surely amazing ride lies ahead.

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Comments

Are you a fan of the SIKTC universe? Are you looking forward to reading this spin-off mini-series? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

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MARC SPECTOR: MOON KNIGHT #4 – New Mission

Creative Team – Jed MacKay, Devmalya Pramanik, Rachelle Rosenberg, VC’s Cory Petit, Paulo Siqueira

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Marc Spector: Moon Knight #3!

The Story

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.

Shawn – This was a wild ride. I really like the concept that MacKay is building on now that Moon Knight is free from Agence Byzantine. MacKay has been on this title a while now, and it’s really allowed him to flesh out the Midnight Mission. While his work on Moon Knight has been sensational, it just may be the Midnight Mission that marks his most lasting contribution to the character. It doesn’t just feel like a place anymore, but more akin to a family.

This issue is perhaps the best example we’ve seen so far of how this rag-tag band of misfits has become a found family. MacKay did a really good job following up the first arc of this series with something different. Readers are being allowed to jump right into the story for this new arc without it needing a ton of buildup. One of the things that I have appreciated about this run on Marc Spector: Moon Knight is how it uses existing lore but doesn’t rely on it so heavily that you need to go read a ton of Moon Knight books to enjoy it. That is a testament to how well MacKay knows the character and his abilities as a writer.

Cover art by Rachelle Rosenberg and Paulo Siqueira. Published by Marvel Comics

Megan – Moon Knight was taken as a hostage for weeks and his friends, Tigra, 8-Ball, Hunter’s Moon, Reese, and Soldier, had no idea where he went. Even asking for help from Khonshu, the team had no leads and no clues where to look for Moon Knight. The hit the streets to shake down any connection they could find, but turned up empty handed. That is until 8-Ball came back with some extremely strange news.

According to him, there’s a building that only they can see and is moving. While that’s very strange, it gets worse. The buildings are apparently eating its occupants. The people who lived in these buildings were never seen from again. So, is it likely that Moon Knight is in one of these buildings? The team thinks the chance is slim, but if a building is eating people on Midnight Mission territory, then it’s their problem to solve.

This all took place when Moon Knight disappeared, and the team still hasn’t come out of the buildings. Moon Knight is livid, he is worried, and he’s already on his way to finding his friends.

The Art

Shawn – Dev Pramanik continues to be one of the most creative artists at Marvel and his work on Moon Knight has been a prime example of that. Experimenting with variation in his lines as well as creative use of panels continues to be a hallmark of Pramanik’s time on Moon Knight. One thing I really loved about this issue is Pramanik does a really good job using shadows rather than just lines to establish depth. You don’t necessarily get individual lines for books on the bookshelves in the background of a panel, but the shadow clearly outlines that you’re looking at books.

Part of the reason this series has been so amazing is not only the writing but the pairing of Pramanik with Rachelle Rosenberg. The ethereal glow that Rosenberg gives Moon Knight in certain panels, while allowing the character to be washed in subdued and even gritty colors in other panels, is a masterclass in coloring. Rosenberg’s coloring helped craft one of the creepiest buildings I’ve seen in a comic in a while. Just seeing it on the panel gives me the chills down my spine. Corey Petit does a great job guiding the story with lettering. With so many characters in this issue, Petit does a really good job of controlling the flow and ensuring you always know who is talking.

Megan – There’s just something special that Devmalya Pramanik, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Cory Petit bring to the pages of Marc Spector: Moon Knight that has made it clear that they’re the only creative team I’d want working on this.

Pramanik and Rosenberg are a dynamic duo who works so incredibly well off of each other’s work. Pramanik brings drastic and dramatic details to the pages, elevating the emotions of the story. Rosenberg delivers striking and bold colors to the pages, with Moon Knight as the bright focal point. She also does a lot of excellent texture work in this issue, bringing in an abstract factor into the comic. Petit nails the heightened emotions of the characters with a great flow of dialogue. All together, the artists have exceeded every expectation I’ve had.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 9.5/10 Marc Spector: Moon Knight continues to be one of the best ongoing series at Marvel Comics right now. The way the creative team on this series feeds off each other’s ideas is palpable. The series is punchy, gritty, and magical.

Megan – 9.3/10. I can’t say enough how incredible the artists ofMarc Spector: Moon Knight truly are. They bring a bold look to the pages, making each page an absolute masterpiece. That added with the fantastic storytelling of Jed MacKay makes this the comic of Moon Knight fan’s dreams.

Overall Grade – 9.4/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Marc Spector: Moon Knight #4!

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THE TALES OF THE GREEN LANTERN CORPS: GUY GARDNER #1

Is Guy Gardner being paranoid and off his rails again, or are the Manhunter Androids really suspicious? It’s up to John Stewart to help wrangle in the Lantern everyone loves to hate as this issue takes us across the galaxy and brings some epic fights!

Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner #1. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Edwin Galmon.

Creative Team: Gerry Duggan, Matteo Lolli, Laura Braga, Vasco Georgiev, John Kalisz, Dave Sharpe, and Edwin Galmon.

This is a joint review by Matt of Hops ‘Geek’ News and Megan of Vigilante Vibes Podcast!

The Story:

Megan: I didn’t know what to expect from a story that’s all about Guy Gardner, but I left with loving Guy even more than before. Gerry Duggan gives a story that’s narrated by the Corps’ Internal Affairs’ Zardum that follows Guy as it seems he’s off his rocker more than usual. Sure, Guy is usually paranoid, but Zardum seems to think it’s more than usual based on his alleged misconducts. Zardum thinks the only person that can help is John Stewart.

This comic gives a great look into the relationship between John and Guy, and you’ll end the comic feeling fulfilled to see these two icons working together. Gerry Duggan makes The Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner #1 a fun-filled story with a story that’s wrapped in the green excitement of the Green Lanterns.

Matt: Guy Gardner is perhaps the most hateable character yet, and at the same time, I can’t help but feel protective of him, like he is the DC Universe’s little brother. Gerry sets us up to think that Guy is this paranoid, off-the-rails, careless Lantern, and this time Guy has really lost his mind. What unfolds is John Stewart having to fight him across the stars and Earth to bring Guy back down to Earth, and the issue is equal parts hilarious and action-packed.

At the start of the issue, we of course, want to punch Guy as he is threatening death on an alien to get information. However, by the end, you want to hug him as he doesn’t have a family or many friends. Gerry wrote this story so well and wove an impressive amount of emotions throughout. Guy once again can live to see yet another day as deep down there is a decent person in there somewhere.

The Art and Letters:

Megan: Matteo Lolli, Laura Braga, Vasco Georgiev, John Kalisz and Dave Sharpe made this comic nothing short of stunning. Each page is filled with excellent detailing work, wonderful shading, and beautifully drawn characters. The coloring by John Kalisz is phenomenal work. Every panel has a great deal of vibrancy with the iconic green being a focal point. Dave Sharpe handles the lettering and provides a great flow of dialogue throughout the comic. What I love that Sharpe does is having the perfectly timed sound effects that give you an even better look at what’s happening in the story. Together, the artists really knocked this out of the park.

Matt: The artwork took us to some creative settings in this issue. Traveling from Earth to space and even to the HR office of the Green Lantern Corps! I loved how the team brought about diversity in the species we saw, such as Apes or the Drekonites. It’s always a joy seeing the creative ways that the Lanterns use their rings to create things such as trains or weapons in battle as well. Dave’s lettering captures the annoying voice of Guy and the soft, older brother concern of Stewart so well, which really brings the emotions out in various points of the story. I couldn’t get enough of the creativity within this issue!

Final Thoughts:

Megan: 10/10. I found Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner #1 to be an absolute blast! Gerry Duggan knows how to keep the reader locked into the story and the artists made this a stunning comic all around.

Matt: 10/10. Tales of the Green Lantern Corps: Guy Gardner #1 is a fun and emotional rollercoaster, as only Guy Gardner could bring. One minute, we want to punch him in the face, and by the end of this issue, we want to just hug him. It was a fun issue, and I would love to get more from other Lantern perspectives!

Overall Grade: 10/10

Let us know how badly you want to punch Guy Gardner in the face in the comments below!

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DC x SONIC THE HEDGEHOG: THE METAL LEGION #1 – New Friends

Creative Team – Ian Flynn, Adam Bryce Thomas, Matt Herms, Becca Carey, Pablo M Collar

Published by DC Comics

MORE FROM NERD INITIATIVE HERE!

The Story

DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: The Metal Legion #1 is so much fun from beginning to end. Ian Flynn brings together Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends to the DC Universe once again, and this may be the most exciting team up yet. Each DC character has their SEGA counterpart that works perfectly well together like peanut butter and jelly. Whether it be Batman and Shadow or Wonder Woman and Amy, the characters bring out the best in each other. What I love is how much excitement there is amongst the SEGA characters and DC characters to see their friends once again, making this a lighthearted comic that will be sure to bring a smile on your face.

Cover art by Pablo M. Collar. Published by DC Comics

While good times are had by all, there’s also the villainous plan happening in the background with Lex Luthor and Dr. Eggman which results in a welcoming of the Legion of Doom. Ian Flynn has my attention and I am more than excited to see where this story goes!

The Art

Adam Bryce Thomas, Matt Herms and Becca Carey keep the energy high with their excellent artistic talents. Thomas draws each character to stand out without watering down the others. Matt Herms brings a fantastic vibrancy to every page, highlighting each character. With Herms’ colors, the characters practically pop off the page. Becca Carey always delivers when she’s on the creative team and this is no exception. Carey gives a great flow of dialogue in every individual story of the DC characters and their SEGA counterparts. Together, the artists made this an absolute blast to read.

Final Thoughts

DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: The Metal Legion #1 is a fun read from beginning to end. With classic SEGA characters teaming up with the iconic DC characters and a fantastic creative team, this was guaranteed to be a blast!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: The Metal Legion #1!

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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 DC x Sonic the Hedgehog: The Metal Legion #1, 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!

Civil War: Unmasked #1 – An Untold Story From One Of Marvel’s Most Popular Events!

Civil War: Unmasked #1 – Cover – Geoff Shaw & Morry Hollowell (Credit Marvel Comics)

Civil War: Unmasked #1

Writer – Christos Gage

Artist – Edgar Salazar

Colorist – Morry Hollowell

Letterer – Travis Lanham

Cover – Geoff Shaw & Morry Hollowell

The Story:

With this May marking the 20th anniversary of Marvel’s Civil War, Civil War: Unmasked is revisiting the series and telling previously untold stories. In this first issue, after trying to recruit the mutants to the Pro Registration side of the argument, Bishop attempts to make Iron Man understand just how bad the future can be if the Registration Act fails.

Civil War: Unmasked #1 – Cover – ACO (Credit Marvel Comics)

The Writing:

Christos Gage had the unenviable job of creating a story that fits into an event that has had 20 years to cement itself in the minds and hearts of comic book fans. I can say, as a fan of Civil War, that Gage was able to make an interesting and entertaining addition to that story. The idea of showing a self proclaimed “futurist” like Tony Stark, the worst possible future goes a long way to fleshing out Iron Man’s actions during Civil War. This issue really gave Tony’s decision to do whatever was necessary to win weight and helped explain, not excuse, some of his more villainous methods. The future sequence was full of great action and despair and showcased both Iron Man and Bishop’s skill level as they faced off against a deadly foe.

Civil War: Unmasked #1 – Cover – Paulo Siqueira & Rachelle Rosenberg (Credit Marvel Comics)

The Art:

Just like the writing, the art team was tasked with having this issue fit in with a 20 year old comic series. Again, like the writing this team succeeded entirely. Having Morry Hollowell come back to do the colors on this book went a long way to help with that continuity. On top of the colors, the opening to this issue was so similar to the panels in issue 3 of Civil War that I had to go back and read those pages again to make sure these weren’t reprints. It is a huge credit to Edgar Salazar that he was able to mesh this artwork and make it seamlessly fit into the overall Civil War story.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Civil War: Unmasked is a perfect way to revisit a fan favorite story. For many people reading comics today, Civil War was the first big event that they got to experience. This issue perfectly took me back to 2006 and put me right back into that mindset of arguing with my friends over Team Iron Man and Team Cap!

Check out more from Derek here!

Have you read this issue? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

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Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #4 – Visions of the Future Made Real

Storm is Earth’s mightiest mutant and she has seen a future worth fighting for. Before the Thunder War and before her current struggles, Storm was shown a future with her daughter Furaha. As the War Above All rages, Storm has encountered an alternate version of her mother. Now she must take to the fight to protect the future she saw.

This review is brought to you by Megan and Shawn from the Nerd Initiative team!

Creative Team

Writer: Murewa Ayodele
Artist: Federica Mancin
Color Artist: Javier Tartaglia
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: R.B. Silva
Cover Color Artist: David Curiel

Writing

Megan: Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #4 continues to prove that the best person to write for Storm is Murewa Ayodele and that’s not ever up for debate. In the story, things are explosive, emotions are high, and the action is larger than life. Ayodele keeps the reader locked into the story, following every side story that happens with baited breath. The emotional tone is set immediately with a look at Ororo’s parents, who are packing to leave for Cairo. Ororo’s mother, N’Dare has so many different emotions, excitement, guilt, anxiety, all because her husband is making the huge move with her. Ororo is just a baby at that time.

Starting the comic with this particular story already shows you that this will be an emotional one, especially after being teased in the last issue with meeting Storm’s daughter, Furaha. In Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #4, we see Storm fight to keep her universe alive, while the alternate version of her mother is more than happy to let it die. We also see a war beginning in Olympus, Storm’s native universe.

Things are heating up beautifully and we only have one issue left. This comic absolutely shouldn’t have been cut short as Ayodele has been building and building and I really would have loved to see his vision come to fruition. However, knowing Ayodele and seeing how incredibly talented he is, I know he will make a beautiful finale that’s driven in heart and emotion.

Shawn: Murewa Ayodele continues to be one of my favorite writers. Storm #4 opens with such a loving and tender moment that even the hardest of hearts can help but soften. Seeing early moments of Storm’s life is a really beautiful moment. I love that Ayodele has made at least a version of Storm’s mother N’Daré, a central figure to this story raising the emotional stakes.

Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #4 cover by R.B. Silva and David Curiel. Image from Marvel Comics

Speaking of emotional stakes, my favorite part of this issue is Ayodele taking the future of Furaha that we saw teased in the Hellfire Vigil and making it part of the story. I won’t spoil anything for anyone but this is more satisfying that you think if you only read the blurb about this story. One thing I have always appreciated about Ayodele’s work on Ororo is the depth of not only the character but the story. Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #4 is no exception.

While we continue the overarching story of the War Above All, Ayodele is giving us little tidbits of life lessons about not letting the world tear you down. Through Storm, we are learning about the dedication to those we love even if it comes at a cost. Every issue of this story I pick up, makes me more frustrated that this run was shortened to a limited series rather than an ongoing. The War Above All while still enjoyable would have made for an absolutely outstanding 10-12 issue run and now that I’ve seen more of Furaha, even if she is in the next issue, it’s not enough of her. I want more!

Art

Megan: Goodness gracious, there is no way to describe this comic by anything other than stunning. Federica Mancin and Java Tartaglia make each page practically tell the story itself. You can feel the heavy emotions in the room with Storm’s parents. The desperation for Storm to save her universe is portrayed beautifully. The tension building larger and larger in Olympus is clear. Federica Mancin brings beautifully detailed panels and Java Tartaglia works perfectly alongside Mancin with the colors. Every page brings a new depth to the story and allows the reader to experience Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #4 in a whole new way.

Shawn: Federica Mancin and Java Tartaglia continue to craft beautiful visuals throughout this series. The settings and timeline featured in this issue posed some unique challenges for the art team. This issue featured a variety of visual styles and color palettes and they all flowed together beautifully,

When it comes to Mancin’s work, there’s one particular panel in this issue where the lines are allowed to remain uncolored. It’s not only a beautiful tribute to the artist’s line ability, but works narratively for the story. Tartaglia does a great job capturing the vibrant colors of this issue and Travis Lanham masterfully guides readers through the story with his lettering. The “Summon” SFX from Lanham deserves particular praise for its unique feel.

Final Thoughts

Megan: 9.2/10. Murewa Ayodele just doesn’t miss, and Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant is proof of that. Every part of this story is handled beautifully; the action, the emotion, the heart. I’m very disappointed to see we only have one issue left, but knowing Ayodele, it’s going to be a finale for the ages.

Shawn: 9/10. This series has been spectacular. I loved seeing the relationships with Storm’s family in this issue. My heart aches that we only get one more issue of this limited series before it ends. This story has been unique and special. The creative team has taken chances, blended stories, and even pulled from archives and lore. I can’t wait to read the finale.

Overall Grade: 9.1/10

Have you enjoyed this Storm run? Leave us a comment below!

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