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INFERNAL HULK VS. FANTASTIC FOUR #1 – The Experiment

Megan Nichole
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INFERNAL HULK VS. FANTASTIC FOUR #1 – The Experiment

Creative Team – Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr., VC’s Cory Petit, Nic Klein

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Infernal Hulk vs. Wolverine #1!

The Story

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

Shawn – The Infernal Hulk’s warpath continues. After battling Wolverine, we now see the Infernal Hulk take on the Fantastic Four. As the city is torn apart by these mutants of the Infernal Hulk, the Fantastic Four are battling to simultaneously protect the city and solve the issue of the infection. While the battle with Wolverine was enjoyable, it’s this issue that really lets us see the depraved depths that the Infernal Hulk will go to in order to succeed. The result is Phillip Kennedy Johnson giving us some killer body horror moments in The Infernal Hulk vs Fantastic Four #1 that truly allow us to see this character in an all-new way.

Johnson truly turns the corner with this issue, making you begin to wonder who can truly defeat this version of The Hulk. The way the Infernal Hulk takes on the Fantastic Four while allowing these mutants to take over the city is just impressive. Johnson just raises the stakes for this entire Infernal Saga with this issue in a really satisfying way.

Cover art by Nic Klein. Published by DC Comics

Megan – In this next issue of the Infernal Hulk slowly but surely taking down the Marvel Universe, it’s the Fantastic Four’s turn to come toe to toe with the monster. Reed Richards is doing what he can to find a way to take down the Infernal Hulk and cure the world of his terror while the rest of Marvel’s First Family is doing what they can against the mutates that are tearing cities down as they please. Reed has an idea that may help the creatures that have been affected by the Infernal Hulk and it includes the Sanguine Tree. However, the Infernal Hulk is closer than they realize as he has a garden of his own right below the Baxter Building.

Infernal Hulk vs. Fantastic Four #1 continues the spectacle of how terrifying and unnerving the Infernal Hulk truly is. Reed said it best when he said “you really are just a monster now” and that couldn’t be more true. Phillip Kennedy Johnson ensures that the Infernal Hulk is a monster inside and out. There’s never going too low in terms of destruction when it comes to the Infernal Hulk. This is something I appreciate. A villain that you can’t emphasize with. A monster that truly only cares about themselves and is nothing but a bad-to-the-bone villain. Excellent work by Johnson in this dark one shot! I am very excited to see how the next one goes when the Infernal Hulk meets Spider-Man!

The Art

Shawn – Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Cory Petit crafted an action-filled body horror spectacle. Tormey really captures the body horror element as the heroes battle the Infernal Hulk. While things may eventually turn around, the line work from Tormey makes it feel like our heroes may be dealing with the scars from this event long after the saga is over. Tormey does a particularly impressive job on The Thing in this issue.

Romulo Fajardo Jr. does a really stellar job in capturing the colors of this issue. He manages to perfectly capture the dark, despairing feeling as the Fantastic Four fight against all odds. The colors feel subdued and muted, making the reader instantly feel the weight of the stakes of this battle. Cory Petit does a fantastic job helping the dialogue flow through the issue. He particularly shines in battle scenes, letting the narrative breathe while also giving the art room to shine with his positioning of speech bubbles.

Megan – Cian Tormey, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Cory Petit do what they do best and make this a comic to remember! Tormey is able to illustrate all the terrifying devastation of the Infernal Hulk and make it a gorgeous spectacle with excellent linework and expert detailing. Romulo Fajardo Jr. relied on the darker tones for the colors while using Johnny Storm as an excellent vibrant focal point. The darker colors really pushed the narrative of how monstrous the Infernal Hulk is, as the Fantastic Four is usually accompanied by vibrancy. Cory Petit handled the lettering and wrapped this issue up in a perfect bow with the excellent flow of dialogue he provides throughout the issue. Together, they made this a very memorable issue!

Final Thoughts

Shawn -9/10. Another satisfying issue in the march towards the Infernal War. This issue really felt like it had some gravitas and set the stage well for the battle as it moves forward.

Megan – 9/10. The Infernal Hulk is on his own world tour of destruction, and it’s Marvel’s First Family’s turn to come toe-to-toe with the monster. I’m loving how we get to see how the Infernal Hulk handles Marvel’s most iconic heroes and can’t wait for the next one!

Overall Grade –

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Infernal Hulk vs. Fantastic Four!

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Doom All-On-One #1 – Final Victory

ShawnFoles
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Doom All-On-One #1 – Final Victory

It’s that time of year… the time when the veil between Earth and Hell thins. The time when Victor Von Doom comes calling for Mephisto, in a quest to free the soul of Victor’s mother. This year, Mephisto has a surprise waiting for Victor. Can Doctor Doom stand up to all of the heroes of the Marvel universe? What is Captain America doing in hell? All of these questions and more are answered in Doom All-On-One #1.

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

Creative Team

Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
Cover Color Artist: Bryan Valenza

Writing

Megan: No one can hold onto a grudge like Victor Von Doom, and that’s proven every year when the opportunity arises to fight for the soul of Doom’s mother, Cynthia. Every year, through magic, Doctor Doom is able to battle his way into the gate of Hell to challenge Mephisto for his mother’s soul. Doom doesn’t ever know what the challenge will involve, but he does know that he has to win. This year, Doom enters Hell only to find all of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes staring back at him. Mephisto, who’s no stranger to having a good laugh at the expense of others, has Doom’s mother trapped in a giant hourglass. According to Mephisto, Doom has five minutes to bust Cynthia out of the hourglass, or he loses his chance at her soul. Seems easy enough, right? Wrong. You can’t forget the countless superheroes waiting for their turn to battle Doom.

Doctor Doom has to go up against Captain America, The Hulk, Thor, Storm, and so many more powerhouses in order to free his mother, and has to accomplish this all in 5 minutes. To say the odds are stacked against him would be an understatement. All that happens in Doom All-On-One #1 is written by Al Ewing in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The action was fantastic, and you knew there was a chance things could get even heavier at any given second, especially with Mephisto in the mix. All in all, the comic was a lot of fun! Any Doctor Doom fan will absolutely love this issue!

Shawn: As any Doctor Doom fan knows, it’s a special time of the year. That oh-so-magical time when Doom steps into hell to fight for the soul of his mother, Cynthia. In what has become a standard event in the Marvel Universe after being immortalized in the outstanding Triumph and Torment, Doom begins the process of trying to free Cynthia’s soul. Ewing perfectly captures the story in a way that you don’t need to have any background in Doom’s previous battles against Mephisto to properly appreciate this story. Not only does Ewing provide the knowledge through speech bubbles, but the narrative itself shows how years of this attempt have allowed Doom to create new technologies, essentially allowing him to cakewalk through the first parts of hell.

This year, Mephisto is aware that Victor will treat his initial challenges like a Sunday stroll through the park, with new challenges waiting for him. Doom arrives to find a battle that even he could not expect. Ewing gives us a Doom battle royale, seeing the powerful villain go up against line after line of some of Marvel’s most powerful heroes. You never truly know what you’ll get on the next page, and the story comes to a satisfying conclusion with a nice little plot twist that leaves me hoping for this to become a yearly event at Marvel.

Art

Doom All-On-One cover by Alessandro Cappucio and Bryan Valenza. Image from Marvel Comics

Megan: Alessandro Cappuccio, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramagna bring a lot of heat to the pages of Doom All-On-One #1! Cappuccio brings gorgeous linework and heavily detailed panels that make each page nothing short of stunning! The characters are drawn with such precise detail and shading that each character looks like they could be the main character of the story.

With the coloring, I was thrilled to see that Rachelle Rosenberg would be the colorist! Rosenberg never misses, and Doom All-On-One #1 is proof of that. With beautifully bold colors juxtaposing darker tones, every page is an absolute masterpiece.

Joe Caramagna handled the lettering and knocked it out of the park. I loved how Caramagna was able to capture the unhinged chaos in Mephisto’s voice as well as the menacing tone of Doctor Doom through the dialogue. Being the voice of the story, Caramagna provides an excellent flow of dialogue while portraying the heightened emotions of the story wonderfully.

Shawn: Alessandro Cappucio, sir, come on down. Front and center for a celebration of the absolute unit of a comic that you drew. This entire issue, from the first panel on, is perfect. Not a single line is out of place. In the high-stakes battles that take place in this issue, it would be easy to sneak in some lazy moments, but Cappucio doesn’t settle for that. He instead brings his absolute A game, capturing not only the power of Doctor Doom, but the skillful conniving of Mephisto. The heroes are perfectly done, and the panels are flawless.

Part of the beauty on these pages comes from the flawless work of Rachelle Rosenberg on colors. The colors scream off the page, and Rosenberg does an incredible job balancing the subdued tones of the battle taking place in hell with the bright lights of Doom and others in the battles. Whether it’s a cosmic power or Captain America’s shield, every inch of every panel feels like Rosenberg couldn’t miss with her colors. Joe Caramagna really helps to capture how deviant and depraved Mephisto is through his lettering. The dialogue flows well and really lets the art shine.

Final Thoughts

Megan: 10/10. Any Doctor Doom fan will LOVE this comic! Doom All-On-One #1 is a ton of fun from beginning to end, showing Doctor Doom fighting at his best against his biggest challengers.

Shawn: 10/10. What a runaway train of fun. Doctor Doom takes center stage as he takes on some of his biggest challengers. It’s only fitting that his issue includes a battle against the one team he’s never truly able to defeat. The writing, the art, the entire issue is such a vibe. More of this, please, Marvel.

Overall Grade: 10/10

What did you think of the issue? Let us know in the comments

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Green Lantern Corps #21 – Footsteps In The Dark

Chris True
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Green Lantern Corps #21 – Footsteps In The Dark

Published by DC Comics

Looking to scratch that post-‘Lanterns’ itch, but not sure where to start? Green Lantern Corps #21 provides an open space to bring new ‘Lanterns’ fans into the Green Lantern fold. Bouncing between Allsight, Guy Gardner’s fight with Predator, who has given up the power of love, and John Stewart, who, along with his living construct, El, is on a rescue mission to retrieve Katma and Jo from the clutches of the Darkstars, issue 21 feels like a soft reset that has landed with precision timing. Coming off the success of ‘Lanterns’, this issue provides a great entry point for fans of the show who are looking for more Green Lantern.

For readers coming into the fold, Green Lantern Corps #21 provides a ‘get to know you’ for the cast of characters in the book, as well as setting readers up for success by detailing a bit of the history of the Green Lantern Corps. I am arguably new to the Green Lantern World, having almost no prior knowledge before watching the series. This issue didn’t punish me for my lack of knowledge, but rewarded me with the info I needed to be successful in continuing to enjoy Green Lantern Corps moving forward. The story was compelling and the art magnificent, more than enough to keep readers, new and old, coming back for adventures across the stars.

Green Lantern Corps #21 Cover by Juan José Ryp & Alex Guimarães. Image From DC Comics.

Creative Team:

Writer: Morgan Hampton
Artists: Juan José Ryp, Vasco Georgiev, and Serg Acuña
Colorists: Arif Prianto and Matt Herms
Letterer: Dave Sharp
Cover Artist: Juan José Ryp
Cover Colorist: Alex Guimarães











Green Lantern Corps #21. Image Courtesy of DC Comics.

Writing:

For those unfamiliar with comics but looking for an entry point, that entry point can seem daunting, leaving readers feeling like they’re behind before they even start. Green Lantern Corps #21 provides the perfect steps into the shallow end of Green Lantern lore. The story introduces and gives background to the various colors and Lanterns that are adventuring through the current storyline while catching them up on the current Lantern Corps affairs. The issue chooses to reward, rather than punish, those for choosing to pick up the book in the first place. Issue 21, for many, will be many readers’ first adventure in what will become a long series of adventures.

READ MORE: REVIEW: ‘Lanterns’ Episode 8; “Dirt and Stars” Season Finale

The welcoming nature of issue 21 is due in no small part to the brilliance of writer Morgan Hampton. Hampton uses the pages of Green Lantern Corps #21 to provide every piece of information that readers need to move forward. Guy Gardner is the Allsight, a religious-esque Lantern who is in the early stages of learning to communicate with the Book of Oa as he fights Predator. John Stewart is working with El, the living construct, to rescue Katma and Jo from the Darkstars. Using those starting points, Hampton was able to weave an engaging and well-thought-out starting point for what will most assuredly be the Corps next great adventure.

Green Lantern Corps #21 Variant Cover by Karen S. Darboe. Courtesy of DC Comics.

Art:

The exceptional storyline presented throughout the pages of Green Lantern Corps #21 is matched in its majesty by the elegance of the artwork held within. Juan José Ryp, Vasco Georgiev, and Serg Acuña splitting the work by storyline creates a level of differentiation that elevates the story while setting them apart visually. The art helps alleviate any confusion that may come as a result of the diverging story. The colors pop and the lines are well orchestrated, leaving the pages clean and unblemished.

WATCH MORE: Morgan Hampton | Green Lantern Corps & Steel Writer

With the bright and vibrant colors presented, the lettering HAS to pop, and at times, it struggled to do so as the greens blended together. Dave Sharp’s presentation of Gardner’s inner monologue was one of the more difficult pieces to read. While this does not detract from the overall quality of the book, it may be hard on the eyes for some readers. For the majority of the issue, however, Sharp’s lettering pops and scrawls across the page as if it’s being written as it’s read, creating an exciting experience for all members of the Green Lantern Corps.

Final Thoughts:

Green Lantern Corps #21 is a beautifully written and gorgeously drawn entry point into the current Green Lantern storyline. The story is compelling and engaging, while the art jumps off the page with pops of bright colors. Issue 21 is perfect for longtime fans of Green Lantern, but also for those looking to join their adventures across the universe. This book is a must-read.

Overall Grade: 9/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of Green Lantern #21 in the comments below!

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12-FOOT SKELETON #1: Look! There’s Some Meat on These Bones!

Anthony Cooley
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12-FOOT SKELETON #1: Look! There’s Some Meat on These Bones!

12 Foot Skeleton Review

Writers: Aaron Campbell & Tim Seeley
Artist: Ben Templesmith
Letterer: AndWorld Design
Publisher: Ignition Press

Introduction

There is something inherently unsettling about the giant lawn skeletons that have become a Halloween staple. They are ridiculous, cheerful, and just a little bit wrong. 12-Foot Skeleton #1 leans into that, turning a familiar piece of seasonal decoration into the foundation for a creepy, heartfelt, and surprisingly character-driven horror story.

Aaron Campbell and Tim Seeley take a premise that could easily have been played entirely for laughs and build a world around it that feels lived in. The result is a debut that delivers plenty of Halloween fun, but also puts a genuinely unnerving look at modern-day humanity on display.

Story

At its core, 12-Foot Skeleton is about two kids who do not fit easily into the world around them. Lola and Jimmy are dealing with their own problems, their own fears, and the kind of loneliness that makes even a crowded neighborhood feel isolating. Campbell and Seeley give both characters distinct voices early on, making their connection feel natural and unforced.

The issue does a good job balancing humor, horror, and real emotion. It never takes itself too seriously, but there is an undercurrent of grief, family history, and uncertainty running through the story. That combination gives the book more weight than its title might suggest.

The pacing is also strong. The creative team lets the unsettling atmosphere build instead of rushing to explain everything, which makes the town and its Halloween traditions feel increasingly off-kilter. This is a first issue that gives readers enough to be invested while still leaving plenty of questions worth following into the next chapter.

Ben Templesmith, Ignition Press

Artwork

Ben Templesmith is the perfect choice for this book. His art has always had a grimy, dreamlike quality, and that style fits 12-Foot Skeleton perfectly. The pages feel like a Halloween nightmare filtered through old decorations, bad memories, and the strange glow of porch lights after dark.

Templesmith makes ordinary spaces feel threatening without losing their personality. A quiet street, a front yard, or a familiar face can become unsettling through the use of shadow, distorted expressions, and sickly colors. At the same time, the art keeps the book playful enough that the horror never becomes monotonous.

The character work is especially effective. Lola and Jimmy feel expressive and vulnerable, while the larger horror elements are allowed to be strange, exaggerated, and appropriately memorable. AndWorld Design’s lettering matches the book’s energy well, helping the humor land while preserving the tension when the tone shifts.

Final Thoughts

12-Foot Skeleton #1 is a great example of a creative team taking a simple hook and exposing the emotional, still-beating heart in its chest. It is funny, creepy, visually distinctive, and full of Halloween atmosphere without feeling like a throwaway seasonal novelty.

The book has the right mix of youthful adventure, suburban horror, and weirdness to stand out on the shelf. More importantly, it gives readers characters worth caring about before asking them to follow those characters into the dark.

Final Grade

9/10

My thoughts on Midnight Marvel

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Wolverine: Paradise #1 -Mister Works Just Fine

ShawnFoles
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Wolverine: Paradise #1 -Mister Works Just Fine

Needing a break from the X-Men, Wolverine: Paradise takes Logan on a trip about as far away from the superhero game as he can get: beautiful, sunny Miami. Trading the life of a superhero for the lights and bright tones of Miami doesn’t erase the seedy underbelly of the city. Can a man trying to escape the life of a hero make it in a city full of vice?

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

Creative Team

Writer, Artist, Color Artist: Dan Panosian
Letterer: Cory Petit
Cover Artist: Dan Panosian

Writing

I can say enough about what Dan Panosian does with this issue right out of the gate. Beyond handling everything but lettering, Panosian crafts a compelling Logan story that requires no background knowledge of the character to enjoy. The story is fun, quirky, and still decidedly a Wolverine story. Panosian brilliantly weaves Dazzler into the story, creating a unique team-up between her and Logan that we haven’t seen as often. With the way Panosian writes this issue, it’s a team-up I definitely want to see more of.

On top of the team-up, Panosian utilizes a unique villain in Wolverine: Paradise #1 that was surprising to see on the pages. I can’t say much about it without encouraging you to read it for yourself, but the villain was an interesting choice that really just works, even if you wouldn’t expect them to. It all results in a climactic last few pages of this issue that draw you in, ready to see what happens next.

Art

Wolverine: Paradise #1 cover by Dan Panosian. Image from Marvel Comics

I love reading comic books, but creators that pull multiple duties on comics have a special place in my heart. While it is more work, when you’re soloing a comic with writing and art assignments, it really lets you ensure the story gets told exactly the way you want it to. Panosian capitalizes on that truth perfectly with each scene, each panel, each world feeling like it is perfectly set. Panosian’s line work perfectly captures Logan’s gruff exterior.

That’s not the only exterior perfectly captured, though. Panosian does a beautiful job with Miami as his backdrop. He perfectly captures the colors and the overall general vibe of Miami. The neon tones shine perfectly against the dark black outfit of Logan. Cory Petit does a beautiful job guiding readers through the story. This issue includes a bit of self narration from Logan, and Petit does a spectacular job not only helping that part of the story flow, but using key indicators in the word bubbles to ensure readers can distinguish internal monologue from regular conversations.

Final Thoughts

Wolverine: Paradise #1 marks a strong first issue from Dan Panosian and Cory Petit. The issue feels like a story that respects the lore of the character but doesn’t bog down the reader with knowing it all. Panosian expertly guides you through the story using the work of Petit to catch you up along the way.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Did you like this story? Let me know in the comments

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EMPEROR AQUAMAN #22: Atlantis Has Fallen!

Matthew Roth
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EMPEROR AQUAMAN #22: Atlantis Has Fallen!

Atlantis has fallen to the Crimson Queen, Black Manta, and all those who wish to see Aquaman fall. Arthur now finds himself on Mogo with Maxine and Swamp Thing as they investigate what has happened to cause them to be blocked from returning to Earth. But to do so, they must team up and save Mogo from an evil parasite hell-bent on destruction!

Emperor Aquaman #22. Credit DC Comics. Cover by John Timms.

Creative Team: Jeremy Adams, John Timms, Rex Lokus, and Dave Sharpe.

The Story:

Swamp Thing and Aquaman in a story together make my heart so happy, and Jeremy brings in Maxine as well, which adds so much happiness to an otherwise dire situation! These are three characters that I would not have thought to bring together, and then Jeremy throws in Mogo as well. What is so great about this issue is that while Atlantis is in desperate need of saving and the situation is bleak, Jeremy reminds us that there can still be fun and a shining light amongst the darkness. Maxine is a character who is so full of child-like excitement and heart which is something I think Arthur needed at this moment. We are also used to seeing a more stern or serious side to Swamp Thing and Jeremy, along with Sharpe who is on letters gives him moments that show him to be a proud dad in the end.I love the twists and turns this run is continuing to take as it continues to be my favorite Aquaman story ever crafted.

The Art:

We may be headed toward absolute chaos, but Timm’s cover is incredible and gives an almost Star Trek vibe with the three heroes showing up. Inside the pages Lokus brings texture and life to the beloved Mogo, with the earthy tones being used that is in stark contrast to the usual blues and ocean-esque colors we are used to seeing. Sharpe is on point with the lettering, as Maxine is hilarious with the way she quips during battle and has so much energy flowing through every word. I loved seeing Swamp Thing have a softness drawn to him by Timms and the trio flowed through action sequences seamlessly in large part due to the talent working this run.

Final Thoughts:

Emperor Aquaman #22 gives us Swamp Thing, Maxine Baker, and Mogo, all while bringing a light and fun spirit to an otherwise hostile and dire situation at hand. This issue rocks!

Overall Grade: 10/10

Let us know how you feel about this issue and check out more reviews by Matt!

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THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #7: From the Ashes!

Matthew Roth
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THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #7: From the Ashes!

After an explosive and emotional climax in Pittsburgh, Lorraine is left to explain Ronnie’s actions and pick up the pieces. Is the world ready to forgive Firestorm for what he has done, or will his legacy forever be that of a villain?

The Fury of Firestorm #7. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Rafael De Latorre and Marcelo Maiolo.

Creative Team: Jeff Lemire, Rafael De Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo, and Lucas Gattoni.

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Matt!

The Story:

Matt: This issue is dealing with the fallout of everything that has happened and it is equal parts beautiful and crushing all at once. The inner child of Ronnie begging him to remember mixed in with those who are meant to be friends now treating him as anything as such is incredible storytelling by Lemire. We haven’t fully empathized with Firestorm as the Matrix has been in total control but it highlights how these heroes sometimes aren’t themselves nor do they have the choice to be. It’s adding an interesting layer as well because we are now looking at how can someone who has caused destruction can come back from it and moving into a redemption arc that I cannot wait to see play out.

Megan: This was an emotionally driven issue all around, and Jeff Lemire handles it beautifully. Lorraine is left dealing with the aftermath of the incident in Pittsburgh. That includes answering questions from government organizations and the Justice League. No one’s made this easy for Lorraine, and all she wants is respect to be put on Ronnie’s name publicly.

Meanwhile, while everyone thinks Firestorm is dead, there’s a new development. Firestorm returns in a new form with no recollection of his life. Starting from the ground up, Firestorm has to try to remember the life Ronnie lived. However, that’s easier said than done. Especially since Firestorm being alive is no longer a secret.

The Art:

Matt: The artwork is, as always, with these two so good in every manner, and I may sound like a broken record at this point. The subtle way the duo of Maiolo and De Latorre has changed up Firestorm’s look, now giving him a fiery lion’s mane, renders this character unrecognizable. It fits with the theme, as right now Firestorm doesn’t know who he is, and the audience is being treated to that through details. It’s one area the team continues to excel amongst countless others, but they do a beautiful job of changing the look of Firestorm, aiding in the narration. I love Gattoni’s letters and how certain words are in bold highlight emphasizing the tone of voice raising the stakes and escalating the situation.

Megan: Goodness gracious, this creative team does it once again! Bringing the most beautiful and impactful panels ton the comic and making you do a double take at many of the pages. Rafael De Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo, and Lucas Gattoni have brought their artistic talents front and center. Rafael De Latorre puts the emotions of the story on full display, especially when Firestorm is in the panel. With Firestorm, there are some panels that are downright stunning! My personal favorites are in the first few pages, but I won’t give anything away.

Marcelo Maiolo brings all the heat with their work in the coloring! Making Firestorm the focal point with his bright, warm-colored look was beautiful against the darker tones. It worked wonderfully throughout the book, making each page nothing short of gorgeous. Lucas Gattoni handles the lettering, and if you know anything about Gattoni’s work, then you know you’re in for quality. There was something so deep about the lettering in this issue. Maybe it was the dialogue at the beginning where we get a deep look at the nuclear man? Or maybe it was the perfectly timed sound effects that brought more intensity to the panels? Or maybe it was the flawless way that Gattoni was able to capture the clueless innocence of Firestorm as he tries to come to terms with remembering Ronnie’s past. Either way, Gattoni wrapped this issue up in a perfect bow!

Final Thoughts:

Matt: 9.5/10: The Fury of Firestorm #7 is moving into a redemption arc and asking the audience an important question which is can a hero gone rogue, intentionally or not be redeemed? The team is firing on all cylinders and making the reader continuously question who is actually the good guy, keeping in line with the emotional tragedy of Ronnie Raymond.

Megan: 9.5/10. I cannot sing praises high enough about this run! Each issue is emotionally impactful and gives you even more of a connection to the characters. The art is always spectacular. There’s just so much to love about The Fury of Firestorm #7!

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

Let us know your thoughts on The Fury of Firestorm #7 in the comments below!

One response to “THE FURY OF FIRESTORM #7: From the Ashes!”

  1. Eric Fredricksen Avatar
    Eric Fredricksen

    I absolutely agree with everything in the review, as this is a series that continues to raise the bar every single month. As a long time Firestorm fan, I was more than a little surprised to see ‘Fire Elemental’ Firestorm pop back up. However, I love the way that Lemire is using this as an opportunity to deconstruct what makes the Firestorm matrix tick. The art, as always, is phenomenal. De LaTorre does an amazing job interpreting a character design that I always thought was a bit hokey (at best). It’s disappointing that this is a limited series, but I’m glad that we’re getting the most definitive post-Doomsday Clock Firestorm story arcs yet.

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Chachu #3 – Everlasting Love = Andy Gibb

ShawnFoles
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0
Chachu #3 – Everlasting Love = Andy Gibb

Leila and her Chachu are on the search for his missing wife, Cleo. Trading the Southern California backroads for the neon glow of a bar, family secrets unravel. The shadows of Cleo’s past loom over Leila and Chachu, threatening to catch up to them all. In the heart of Nevada, Leila and Chachu find themselves in the crosshairs of trouble.

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

Creative Team

Writer: Iman Vellani
Artist: Marianna Ignazzi
Color Artist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Cover Artist: Matt Taylor

Writing

Eda: Iman Vellani truly upped the ante in this issue, giving us deeper looks at “Uncle Dick”, Cleo, and their relationship. This has honestly got to be my favorite issue to date, as it goes deeper into the things we know while bringing in even more of the noir detective vibes. In classic genre fashion, Vellani manages to make us question each line of dialogue, making sure we know almost everything can be interpreted in multiple ways. I feel like, at three issues in, this was absolutely the right move to make. She lured us in with a family detective hook before deciding to make us question everything. Is Chachu reliable, or is he hiding secrets? What exactly is Leila’s play in all of this? And what exactly does Cleo get out of what she’s up to? Vellani weaves all of this together effortlessly like a seasoned vet, engrossing you in whatever she has planned next.

Shawn: I love that Iman Vellani pulled the veil back on Chachu in this issue. It feels like we got a really deep dive into not only Chachu’s life but also how he ended up married to Cleo. We still get the noir-era vibes from the story. Vellani perfectly captures the dark, smoky clubs while weaving a heartfelt story about looking for and finding belonging. This issue began to show us that things are way more complex than we thought through the first two issues. What comes next? Will the pressure be too much for Chachu? Will it be too much for Leila? Vellani perfectly draws you in with a Chachu-centric issue that adds more complexity to all of the characters in a satisfying way.

Art

Chachu #3 cover by Matt Taylor. Image from Image Comics

Eda: This time, it seems nearly impossible to review the different aspects of the artwork and lettering individually. While reading this issue, I got the sense that Ignazzi, Bellaire and Gattoni were in heavy communication behind the scenes as each page flowed as smooth as an ink pen. The splash in particular is a prime example of what I mean. You witness as Chachu lights up and as the two walk through the room, the smoke acts as a brilliant guiding line for the reader. Within the scene, Bellaire expertly gives the illusion of smoke filling the air. At the same time, Gattoni placed his boxes in perfect harmony with the smoke trail, creating an intensely cohesive and enveloping reading experience.

Shawn: I loved the art for this issue. From the front cover through the last page, it all felt so meticulously planned. Each line felt impactful. Marianna Ignazzi perfectly captures this 70s-era Vegas issue with startling detail. Everything feels so well reasoned and placed.

I think Jordie Bellaire really shone in this issue. The lighting and coloring is simply spectacular. From the cigarette smoke to a stage coming alive with lights and effects, Bellaire nails ever single palette and color. This issue saw Bellaire lay down some beautiful glow affects to guide the scene and make the panels pop. I absolutely was blown away with the work of Lucas Gattoni on lettering.

Final Thoughts

Eda: 10/10. “Chachu” is everything one might hope it to be, and then some. Vellani continues to deliver, the story becoming more and more complex with questions, while the art side is in perfect cohesion. Altogether, “Chachu” may just be a masterclass in modern noir storytelling.

Shawn: 10/10. Chachu #3 is easily the best issue in the series so far. This issue is at times an emotional look at what “Uncle Dick” gave up of himself to be married to Cleo, the Hollywood starlet. This series’ creative team has quickly established themselves as committed to putting forward a modern-day noir standard.

Overall Grade: 10/10

What did you think Chachu #2? Let us know in the comments

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TEEN TITANS #2 – The Team’s First Mission

Megan Nichole
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TEEN TITANS #2 – The Team’s First Mission

Creative Team – Kyle Higgins, Daniele Di Nicuolo, Marcelo Costa, Becca Carey

Published by DC Comics

Catch up with Teen Titans #1!

The Story

After turning down Nightwing’s offer, Jason Todd, AKA Red Hood, has taken over as the new Teen Titans’ mentor in an attempt to possibly save some missing children, including the Teen Titans’ own friend. Jason has what it takes to solve any mission, but mentoring a group of inexperienced and impulsive teenagers is proving to be more difficult than assumed. The teens, including Proxy, Wildcard, Fairplay, Eugene Choi, and Cheshire Cat, have no experience as a team, much less as heroes. Their impulse control is at a minimum, and Red Hood finds this out pretty quickly during their first mission. Speaking of that first mission, Red Hood got word of the place where the missing children are taken. So, to start their first mission as a team, the Teen Titans must do surveillance, which turns out to be easier said than done.

Cover art by Daniele Di Nicuolo. Published by DC Comics

Kyle Higgins follows up the first issue of Teen Titans with an issue that keeps the same exciting energy while furthering the story and the character’s dynamics. Diving deep into the dynamics of the Teen Titans, it’s easy to see how young they are with how they communicate with the others. There are already some problems the Teen Titans are facing within their ranks, and Jason wants to have nothing to do with that. What I love about this is that we’re seeing this from the beginning so we get the chance to see the team grow into something unstoppable. We also get to see Jason prove himself not only to Nightwing, but to himself.

The Art

Daniele Di Nicuolo, Marcelo Costa, and Becca Carey brought so much to the pages of Teen Titans #2! The linework from Di Nicuolo is second to none. With excellent use of heavy detailing, you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. We get a great look at the Teen Titans in the midst of a showdown, showing off their power sets and what they’re able to do in the time of trouble. Each Teen Titan is drawn to show what they’re made of, putting their skills on full display. Di Nicuolo does a fantastic job at making them feel larger than life matching the energy of the story perfectly.

Marcelo Costa handles the coloring, bringing the perfect amount of vibrancy to the pages that really highlights the youthfulness of these characters. Even when the Teen Titans and Red Hood are handling the surveillance in the dead of night, there’s a beautiful use of bold and striking colors that brings home the excitement of the story. Becca Carey is the letterer of the story and elevates the action scenes expertly with the use of creative sound effects. Along with the sound effects, Carey is able to capture the different personalities through the lettering, making it easy to get to know the characters even more.

Final Thoughts

Teen Titans #2 proves that the first issue was more than just a strong start, but a wonderful example of the high-quality storytelling and artwork from this fantastic creative team. This comic run should be on everyone’s pull lists!

Overall Grade – 9/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of Teen Titans #2!

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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 Teen Titans #2, 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!

BAD SEEDS: GOTHAM CENTRAL #2: Runaway Train!

Matthew Roth
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BAD SEEDS: GOTHAM CENTRAL #2: Runaway Train!

Gordon, Bullock, Zeller, and more are trapped on a runaway train below the streets of Gotham while Victor Zsasz is on a violent rampage, and murderous plants await outside the train. Can the crew find a way to stop the train and survive the perils facing them, or will they become another mark on Victor’s body?

Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #2. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Jacob Phillips.

Creative Team: Christopher Cantwell, Jacob Phillips, and Becca Carey.

The Story:

Chris delivers chaos in its purest form with this issue, and it’s a beautifully done, contained issue at that. So much happens all within the confines of this train, and it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Chris holds nothing back in terms of showing how psychotic Zsasz is as he goes on a killing spree putting Gordon in a tough spot, trying to not lose anyone else and putting Victor down without killing him. It truly shows how Jim is so much of Batman in many ways whether that is a good or a bad thing. The action is intense within this issue and it’s not just from Victor either. Batgirl makes an appearance and we are left on an intense cliffhanger in the final pages.

The Art:

The artwork is top-notch in this issue, with Jacob nailing the horror style elements excellently. There is a burnt yellow glow being used to illuminate the train car that works so well when Victor is on his rampage. It adds shadows and plays off the detail in his face and eyes that brings fear to these panels. As the issue moves on, the colorwork changes, leveraging deep purples, which work so well for how this issue flows. Becca’s lettering adds a level of desperation to our characters voices that build throughout this issue and aid in the cliffhanger we are left with.

Final Thoughts:

Bad Seeds: Gotham Central #2 is an excellent entry, building more mythos for the Bad Seeds event. It’s a contained issue that doesn’t hold back in terms of violence and desperation from our characters, who are confined to the underbelly of Gotham City, which is layered in chaos from top to bottom.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10.

Let us know how you feel about this issue and check out more reviews by Matt!

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