A huge bounty is still on Eddie’s head, and he is still hiding out in the town of Pluto with his dying father. While Eddie is trying to adjust to his life in Pluto without becoming like the people of this godforsaken wholesome town, he’s dealing with the news that his father is dying. He and his father aren’t particularly close, but it’s still his dad, and he’s still dying of cancer.
Cover art by Gerald Parel. Published by DC Comics
While he’s dealing with the messiness that comes with his father’s diagnosis, Eddie gets word that there’s someone in town who’s catching the eye of the townsfolk. It’s someone in a suit who’s wearing a chicken mask. This sounds all the alarms in his father’s head, and he tells his son to run, but Eddie isn’t one to run away from a fight.
Kyle Starks is easily making this comic run my favorite thing to come out of DC Vertigo. The story is so compelling, and the more you learn about the characters, the more hooked you are into the story. Starks is somehow making me root for the most unlikeable person in the world, which is Eddie. There’s an interesting change happening among the characters, namely Eddie and George. While their relationship is more than tense, there seems to be a softness for each other forming. I can’t wait to see where this story goes and what Kyle Starks has in store for the readers.
The Art
The artists continue to hit a home run in every issue of End of Life, and that streak continues in the third issue. Steve Pugh and Chris O’Halloran work so incredibly well off each other with Steve’s drawings and Chris’ colors. Some panels in here are downright gorgeous, even if it’s a character in a fiery fury. The dark details and shadings play off the vibrant colors perfectly, making some of the characters, like Eddie, practically pop off the page. I can’t wait to see what Steve Pugh and Chris O’Halloran have in store for us in the next issue!
Final Thoughts
End of Life #3 continues the thrilling story of an assassin who’s on the run and hiding out in the most unassuming town in the world. If you haven’t checked out End of Life yet, I highly recommend it!
Overall Grade – 9.5/10
This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of End of Life #3, 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!
Special thanks to Apple TV for screeners of Imperfect Women
This episode focuses on Mary (Elisabeth Moss), who, from the beginning, is the peacemaker. Both Nancy (Kate Mara) and Eleanor (Kerry Washington) go to Mary for some solid advice. Mary doesn’t work; she takes care of the three children. She had married Howard (Corey Stoll) and supports any endeavors that he has. Mary has her life, but of course, during this entire season, there are always secrets.
Credit: Corey Stoll and Elisabeth Moss in “Imperfect Women,” now streaming on Apple TV.
Mary has some ways on how to keep herself going when it comes to taking care of her kids and her husband. Mary does have her side hobby, of writing with a writer’s group. Mary loves to meet with them while the kids are at school.
I love that all of these ladies have secrets. It gives each character more depth, and they all sometimes keep secrets from each other. Mary loves to make a reality that everything is perfect. Howard and Mary also seem to have their relationship issues and triumphs, which I loved to see. Mary again seems the only person who goes “with the flow” and wants the best for everyone. Everyone in this show has so many layers. I love that it simply unravels for each episode.
Credit: Elisabeth Moss in “Imperfect Women,” now streaming on Apple TV.
The storytelling is great, and each episode has me with more questions than answers. At the end of this episode, of course, there is a massive cliff hanger. I can’t wait for everyone to see episode 7. Moss does a great job with acting, as she always does in each show that she is in.
What did you think if Imperfect Women Episode 6? Sound off in the comments below!
Benedict Arnold is back, and Albert is not trusting him with good reason. However, Simon has no choice but to hear him out while agreeing that they keep a close eye on Benedict for when he inevitably betrays them. Their journey takes them to the great Paul Revere and his midnight ride full of hidden treasure!
Redcoat #17. Credit Ghost Machine and Image Comics. Cover Bryan Hitch and Brad Anderson.
Creative Team: Geoff Johns (WRITER), Bryan Hitch (PENCILS and COVER), Andrew Currie (INKS), Brad Anderson (COLORS and COVER), and Rob Leigh (LETTERS).
SPOILER AHEAD
The Story:
I know there have been people complaining about the lack of Revolutionary War in this run so far; however, I love the callbacks to it and tying the past to the present. Geoff unveils that Paul Revere left behind a swath of riches hidden inside an old house of his, to which Benedict takes Simon and Albert. Even worse, Geoff is writing Benedict in such a manner that we want to trust and believe him that he truly has turned to the good. Their mission is revealed to be that they want to recreate the spell that gave them immortality and promise to give it to Albert and to Simon’s wife, even. There is a hint of a coming confrontation as there is someone following the trio unbeknownst to them, teasing George Washington once more.
The Art and Letters:
The art is continuing to be fun and well done. There is so much detail hidden behind our characters as we travel the city streets. In fact, I love lingering over the panels, picking out the minor details of history and any easter eggs that may have been hidden in the background. We don’t know it’s Washington. The team leaves us a hint, such as his sigil on a ring. It’s the devil in the details artistically that make this adventure so much fun. Meanwhile, Rob’s letters are what are making me fall in love with Benedict despite not trusting him. Has he truly turned a new leaf? Rob captures this upbeat tone of voice in such a trusting way that I know we are setting up for turmoil.
Final Thoughts:
Redcoat #17 is setting us up with surprises and a coming debacle as Benedict wants to find the immortality spell and give it to Simon and Albert. Can he be trusted? I want to say no. The team is doing such a great job writing him and causing inner conflict. I need the next issue instantly!
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below and check out more reviews by Matt!
A troubled teen is struggling with his relationship with his father when a stranger runs into him transferring over an artifact that will change the young man’s life instantly! Throwing him into the fire of a life he isn’t ready for…
This debut issue of Fireborn is also the debut of a new comic book writer as well, Franklin Jonas! I can recall Franklin doing an interview with Paneloids Comic Books & More discussing his dreams of one day writing comic books. Well, everyone, that dream is now a reality! That reality is really darn good, too!
Fireborn#1, Credit Image Comics. Cover by Patrick Mulholland
This issue and its title have so much meaning to the main character (Aaron) but to Franklin as well, in my opinion. You will see within the story the deeper meaning for Aaron. But about Franklin, I’m only to assume that writing this issue felt as if he was also thrown into the fire.
This issue brings you so much story development and details as it lays the groundwork for the reader to comprehend what is happening. You are introduced right away to Aaron and the struggles that he is facing in his life. Growing up within a split family cannot be easy on anyone, let alone a kid. You will get deeper into this section of the story and develop a greater understanding.
Another aspect of this issue is this older gentleman, Eddie, who is on the run from a group of individuals who want something that he has. Within the panels of trying to outrun this group, Eddie ends up colliding with our main character! In the collision, the item is transferred over to Aaron! Which is going to flip his already upside-down life even more!
The Writing
Curt Pires & Franklin Jonas bring to Image Comics a terrific addition to the Lost Fantasy world! With this being the debut of Franklin, he proves that he belongs within the esteemed category of comic book creators! The plot for this first issue sets up so many avenues that could be taken with this story! The dialogue and narration provide all the reader will need to get a gist of what this story will transform into in the future. These two do a phenomenal job bringing Fireborn to creation!
The Artwork
Patrick Mulholland & Mark Dale bring this story to an absolutely beautiful reality! The pencil work is rigid and still somewhat defined, making the details within the panels so captivating. Adding to the pencil work, you have the coloration. The coloration and shading within this issue are so well done! The backgrounds on splash pages will have you mesmerized with the beauty of the bright, vibrant colors.
Micah Myers is the letterer for this issue and does an amazing job as well! The font and sizing are perfectly done in a way that helps the reader to see what is being said and by whom. Another fine detail in distinguishing the dialogue is the coloration of the comment bubbles/text. Placement of the comment bubbles is also done in an exquisite manner in order to be noticed and not to take away from the beautiful art within the panels.
Variant Covers
Jae Lee
Jae Lee
Patrick Mulholland
Patrick Mulholland
Patrick Mulholland
Tyler Kirkham
Tyler Kirkham
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic first issue! Everything about this is done in a fashion that will leave you wanting more, as well as making you go back to read it over and over again. Image is absolutely nailing first issues with the majority of their new titles, and they most certainly can add this to their ever-growing list of successes! It is always heartwarming to witness someone with a love and passion for something take that next step to enter the arena as a creator within that passion and have instant success! You will NOT want to miss out on this first issue of Fireborn or the issues that WILL follow!
Slade Wilson has been compromised and fighting for every inch of his life as his Wintergreen is gone, and so is his money. His only hope is to start taking jobs if he hopes to begin to track down those responsible for betraying him. However, that may be easier said than done, as the whole world is after him.
Deathstroke The Terminator #2. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico.
Creative Team: Written by Tony Fleecs with art and cover by Carmine Di Giandomenico. Colors by Ivan Plascencia and letters by Wes Abbott.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Tony is delivering an all-killer, no-filler kind of story with this run, and I am here for it every single step of the way! We are getting glimpses into the life of Slade Wilson, the man, such as being trained by his wife and how he lived an entirely secret life without her knowing. We see how we lost his eye, and that same secret brought violence into his home, and how it drives him. All of this builds his character as more than just a mercenary and villain. Tony makes us feel for him as Slade is alone and on death’s doorstep. The action is at an 11, there is no quit in Wilson at all, which creates some intense and bloody sequences straight from a movie.
The Art and Letters:
The artwork is stellar, with Carmine bringing these action moments to life in every panel. The little details, such as Slade sweeping the leg of the cannon fodder attempting to arrest him, or the rage we see on his face. There is another fun detail that I couldn’t help but laugh at, and one that made sense, which is Slade having a USB in his eye patch. They make his armor useful down to every detail. Ivan shows the flashy side of things with the coloring and brings the violence to life. Moments of blood being spilled or explosions covering multiple panels are all full of life thanks to the coloring. Wes fills the pages with Slade’s rage that slowly builds and even his exasperation in the way that he writes, bringing to life Slade Wilson. I love how all three combine to make a killer issue.
Final Thoughts:
I hope the pitch for this was John Wick in DC because that is what we are getting, and Deathstroke is an absolute tank who will not quit. The world-building we get, filling Slade Wilson with a life outside of Batman or merc work, is fantastic. I am in love with this run so far!
Overall Grade: 10/10
Be sure to check out more reviews from our Editor in Chief Matt, as well!And let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Alias: Red Band #2 will be reviewed by Nerd Initiative’s Edalyn and yours truly, Megan!
Edalyn – When one goes into a Jessica Jones book, it may feel like one of the last things you’d expect is humor. However, its usage here by writer Sam Humphries is expertly incorporated, making Jess & Typhoid Mary the buddy cop duo we didn’t know we needed. Or, perhaps more accurately, Mary’s the Harley Quinn to Jessica’s Batman. The well-written humor brings levity to what’s otherwise a very dark premise, complete with expert pacing, usage of description to fill your brain with horrifying imagery, and flash forwards that make you question everything.
Cover art by David Mack. Published by Marvel Comics
Megan – Alias: Red Band #2 is proof that the first issue wasn’t just a strong start, but an example of the high quality you can expect from this run. Typhoid Mary and Jessica Jones get deep into their investigation to find out exactly what happened with Jessica’s neighbors. The problem is that Jessica and Mary have extremely different ways of getting the answers they need.
Sam Humphries gives a perfect balance between Jessica’s seriousness and Mary’s unhinged behavior. Mary is a thorn in Jessica’s side throughout the comic, but Jessica knows she’s needed for this investigation. Along with the investigation, there’s also a whole other story between Luke and Jessica. There’s an obvious tension between the two, and it feels very fragile. Humphries expertly allows the reader to feel the tension and even feel that we are walking on eggshells while Jessica and Luke struggle.
The Art
Edalyn – With pencilling from Geraldo Borges and colors from Arthur Hesli, you know you’re in for a visual feast. Borges brings almost this old school-inspired grunge style to Jess’s world, something that feels impactful to look at and impossible to look away from. This is made ever better by Hesli’s color and shading, using reds to show Mary’s rage or using cooler colors to bring things to reality or make scenes feel cold in a great way. To add, the covers from David Mack and Jan Bazaldua are among my favorites of this year.
Megan – Geraldo Borges, Arthur Hesli, and Cory Petit knock it out of the park with the second issue. Perfectly capturing the old school investigation vibe of Jessica Jones and the seriousness of the storyline, Borges portrays the tone of the story expertly on each page. Hesli handles the colors and illustrates the emotions wonderfully, such as using cool tones when Jessica is on the phone with Luke, or when Mary pops off, and her wildness is shown in shades of red. Cory Petit creates a perfect flow of dialogue, making it easy to differentiate the different energies between Jessica and Mary throughout the comic.
Final Thoughts
Edalyn – 9/10. So far, this run is the exact comeback the “Alias” comics needed. Between the top-notch blending of humor and horrifying reality from Humphries, to the expert colors and lines from Hesli & Borges, this is something truly special.
Megan – 9/10. This is a story that any Jessica Jones fan will love. There are different layers in Jessica’s life, and she’s having to deal with all of them at the same time, which is handled beautifully by Sam Humphries.
Overall Grade – 9/10
Let us know in the comments what you thought of Alias: Red Band #2!
Maggot is dead. Doctor Voodoo has been captured by Death. Storm has seen a mutant killed in her sanctuary. Everyone Ororo Monroe loves, she loses, and what does she have to show for it? As she has tried to save the world, death yet again calls near home. Who is the man in the spacesuit? What has become of her friend and mentor, Doctor Voodoo? A trip to the Elysian Fields begins to unwrap the truth of it all.
This review is brought to you by Megan and Shawn of 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 Colorist: David Curiel
Writing
Shawn: Whew! Time to stop and breathe. I got to the end of this issue and found myself glued to the screen. Murewa Ayodele had me hanging on every single word in this issue. This Storm series has not been for the faint of heart. Ayodele has crafted a beautiful and complex story that uses Ororo Monroe as a vehicle to examine love and loss. How is a narrative so deep yet kept me on the edge of my seat the whole issue?
This series has been more narratively heavy than Ayodele’s last Storm series, and I think it’s been better for it. The last Storm run 1-12 was amazing, but this feels incredibly deep and complex. It feels like Ayodele is asking us what it costs Ororo Monroe to be everything to everyone. I love that as we enter this War of the Realms, we are finally starting to pull on some threads laid out since that very first run. It seems likely that Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant will only be allowed to stay a limited series, but Murewa Ayodele deserves to be commended for the work and love he has put into Ororo Munroe. Ayodele is asking questions no one has thought to ask about the frustration, pain, and dedication it takes to be everything that Ororo is.
Megan: Something Murewa Ayodele does best is having so much story in one comic, and it still comes out perfectly balanced. Murewa continues the incredible story of Earth’s mightiest mutant, Storm, with the third issue, and this one is easily the heaviest of the Storm comics. Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #3 has a dark theme to the story, and the many stories within it, and that theme is death. Storm visits the after realms, and she sees Maggot, and she sees her parents. But that’s not where the theme of death ends. Storm also discovers the death of a young mutant at the Storm Sanctuary, a place that she provided as a safe place to stay for mutants and humans.
These examples are just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll read in Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #3. From there, things get even darker and even heavier to the point that Storm learns that her universe is dying and there’s nothing she can do about it. Murewa made this comic hit all the right notes and will keep you invested in the comic until the very end.
Art
Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant #3 cover by R.B. Silva and David Curiel. Image from Marvel Comics
Shawn: Federica Mancin, come on down. As best as can simply be put, Murewa Ayodele dropped Mancin in a playground, and Mancin ran with it. There is a significant amount of both beautiful and terrifying art in this image.
Several characters in this issue can be genuinely nightmare-inducing. The craziest part is that while some of them are obvious, some of the most terrifying characters Mancin crafts are not the ones you would expect.
Javier Tartaglia does a beautiful job with coloring. While Mancin’s art is amazing. it is Tartaglia’s colors that add the truly awe-inspiring or terrifying elements to this issue. I really love the decision to make Storm’s hair radiate throughout this series, and Tartaglia does a stellar job with that in this issue. Travis Lanham handles a narrative-heavy issue with ease, ensuring that Ayodele’s deep words and Mancin and Tartaglia’s beautiful art shine through.
Megan: While I always sing praises to the artwork of Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant, this issue was absolutely my favorite. Matching the darker tone of the story and the heightened emotions, Federica Mancin knocked this issue clean out of the park with their work. With Javier Tartaglia on the team handling the coloring, there’s just no way to lose here. Mancin and Tartaglia both combine their talents and bring an aesthetically pleasing comic that will make you not want to take your eyes off the pages.
Final Thoughts
Shawn: 9.5/10. Simply put: stellar. This entire series has been so good that I find myself frustrated that it’s a limited series. This series is crafting a story not only of Ororo Monroe, but one that, in a way, holds up a mirror to readers, asking them what sacrifices can truly mean. What does it cost the person always sacrificing for the benefit of others in the end? Beautiful writing, stellar art, and perfect lettering. Everything I would want in a comic, with enough twists to draw me back to the next issue.
Megan: 9.1/10. This was a beautiful comic up and down, and brings so much depth to Storm as a character. If you haven’t checked it out yet, it’s never too late! Make sure to have this on your pull lists!
Overall Grade – 9.3/10
Are you enjoying Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant? Let Megan and Shawn know in the comments below
There’s been a breakout of Mals throughout the town! With ratcatchers on strike, it is up to Morgan and her partnering task force to regain control of the situation.
Issue three of Malevolent continues the story of Morgan and her existence. Morgan is a crossbreed of human and Mal (an alien-like species). She has been created off the books to help assist a special task force in charge of eliminating said Mals.
Malevolent #3, Credit Image Comics. Cover by John Bivens & Felipe Sobreiro
This issue starts by providing much more insight regarding Morgan. You learn why she hungers as much as she does. Also, the repercussions of letting her starve. Within the first two issues, you are given details about Morgan and her makeup, but this issue provides just a little more. Which is nice to see because Morgan is such a unique character in this story.
Towards the middle of this issue is when the action takes place. There is a strike of the ratcatchers. They are a group of people who go out and catch Mals in their smallest phase before evolving into much worse creatures. This strike results in the task force and Morgan having to play cleanup. Things get really dicey during this portion of the story.
One of the beautiful things about the ending of this story is the increasing acceptance of Morgan by the task force, mainly its leader. Morgan is entrusted heavily at the end of this issue and does an outstanding job. So much so that the leader of the task force not only compliments her but also calls her by her name!
The Writing
Justin Jordan continues to provide dynamic storytelling with this Malevolent series. Each issue thus far has contained so much plot and character development that it’s crazy to think about. Each issue is bringing more and more Mals and deeper dives into Morgan’s character. The story is easy to follow and grips your attention with the details being given!
The Artwork
John Bivens & Felipe Sobreiro are amazing with the art for this series! The art continues to be rough and gritty, but the coloration brings beautiful, bright colors to offset the rough pencil work. The various shades of pink used to highlight Morgan and all her spark are beautiful!
Crank! kills it with the lettering for this series as well! The various text styles used for each character make it very easy to know who is speaking. Add in the fact that select characters have their own style font, color, and comment bubble too, impeccable!
Final Thoughts
Issue three of Malevolent continues the promise of an outstanding story. The plot continues to grow at a fair pace. You aren’t given too much to handle, nor are you given so little that you lose interest. The story is exciting yet carries an undertone message of acceptance. Which could be relatable to some readers. This continues to be a good read for me when it is released. You should join me in my excitement by getting your copy today!
Frey’s brother is dead, and her back is against the wall with the Khan family bearing down, ready for the kill. She must choose whether she will become the Viking she has always had the potential to be, or will she choose to live her life hiding in fear.
Kill All Immortals Part 2#4. Credit Dark Horse Comics. Cover by Oliver Barrett.
Creative Team: Written by Zack Kaplan, Illustrated by Marco Itri, and Finished by Elisabetta D’Amico. Colors by Thiago Rocha with Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Zack has brought everything to a head with this insane issue, and chaos has erupted. We have seen the potential Frey has always had: to be the most violent and smartest of her family, but she truly shows it in this issue. Now that her brother has died, Frey has taken the gloves off and fought her way out of the compound and away from the wrath of the Khans. We see an almost tender moment between her and her father as he fights to give her time to escape. I loved how this book sets up one massive final confrontation. Frey was given a choice between hiding out in safety forever or rescuing her father and ending this god feud once and for all. This issue was incredible and violent, and I am so geeked to see how we end.
The Art and Letters:
As I mentioned, this issue is every bit violent and brutal in just about every panel. The art changes slightly with Marco and Elisabetta on the pages, but they bring the brutality we have come to expect. There was a particularly unexpected panel where Frey knocks a guy off a train to get hit by another train, which was some of the gnarliest artwork I have seen from this series. Along with Thiago, the way they showed his body coming apart with pieces flying everywhere was intense and gory. The team had other details, such as Frey covered in blood as she fought her way out of danger, that really stood out to me. Hassan brings anger and fire out in the letters from Frey as she is every ounce of ferocious in this issue.
Final Thoughts:
Kill All Immortals Part 2 #4 sets us up for an intense and epic finish. Frey is showing the brutality we have not yet seen from her as she comes to terms with her Viking heritage. The final battle of the gods is upon us, and if that doesn’t have you fired up, nothing will.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below and check out more reviews by Matt!
Issue eight is a direct continuation from the monumental comeback issue of Invincible Universe: Battle Beast! This newest issue is one that readers will enjoy because of the amount of action packed within the two covers!
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast #8, Credit Image Comics/Skybound Entertainment. Cover by Ryan Ottley
This issue shows you the reconnection of an alien brother and sister. But their reunion tour is cut very short when Battle Beast interrupts the “celebration”. This is when the action picks up very quickly! Battle Beast takes on this two-of-a-kind duo in EPIC fashion! This is hands down the greatest set of fight panels/pages that I’ve seen within Battle Beast so far!
You will also get a small cameo from a character who has played a prominent role in Battle Beast’s character. It is heartwarming to see this issue. Bringing this character’s story to a near-perfect circle in just the first eight issues of this series. I am hoping this character sticks around for the rest of this series, but it is a 50/50 chance of that happening based on the story.
There is another cameo within this eighth issue. It comes in the beginning pages of this story. The introduction of these two characters is going to prove challenging for Battle Beast in the near future. This cameo is going to bring the title of this series to fruition…. And it’s only going to get better from here on out!
The Writing
Robert Kirkman is an absolute genius with this series! The writing is so fluid and simple for this story. Which is perfect because the writing doesn’t drown out the astonishing art that is displayed in this story! The dialogue has a poetic battle essence to it, which is obviously so fitting for a story titled “Battle Beast“.
The Artwork
Ryan Ottley & Annalisa Leoni will blow your socks off with their mind-blowing art in this issue! Sure, we have seen great art panels/splash pages within Battle Beast in previous issues, but nothing like this issue! The details within this major battle over the course of several pages are utter perfection! The pencil work is so smooth with a gritty tone added with the shadowing. Then comes the color! The color wheel for this issue is off the charts! So many color combinations to bring the full effect of the battle to life!
Rus Wooton brings the dialogue/narration from Robert Kirkham to the pages in a visual excellence that you’ll have to read to believe! A mixture of fonts and colorations provides distinction between characters! Placement is perfect and subtle within the panels! Beauty within the chaos!
Variant Covers
Baldemar Rivas 1:50
Chris Burnham & Brian Reber 1:10
Cliff Rathburn 1:25
Lorenzo De Felici 1:100
Ryan Ottley
Ryan Sook
My Thoughts
Battle Beast continues to follow a simple plot line while bringing so much action to the visual entertainment for the reader. Multiple different levels of character development and dissension within this issue! Some panels will leave you stunned with what just took place. And the initial cameo at the beginning of the issue will make Invincible Universe fans smile from ear to ear! Go get issue eight today!
