Come for the romantic interspecies flirting and stay because Aquaman and his crew are in terrible danger from an unknown creature! Arthur has restored Mera’s power and has much to learn still as he is setting lighthouses up across the universe. As he visits a species who have pledged their help he finds that they may have bitten off more than they can chew.
Emperor Aquaman #16. Credit DC Comics. Cover by John Timms.
Creative Team: Jeremy Adams (WRITER), John Timms (ART and COVER), Rex Lokus (COLORS), and Dave Sharpe (LETTERS).
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Jeremy is continuing to build on the foundation he has built with this run of Aquaman blending action and adventure with parts of horror alike. The concept of lighthouses that Arthur has decided to build are interesting to me and feel much like checkpoints or spawn points from a video game. Every issues we find something new about Arthur’s abilities and connection to the blue. He was able to give Mera her powers back and now can even create ice.
This issue is full of unexpected alliances even with King Shark pledging himself to Aquaman whereas they would typically be battling one another. As the book hits its climax Jeremy pulls yet another trick from his sleeve with Arthur having the ability to turn water into ice. It’s a fun twist that I haven’t seen him do before and each issue we feel as though Arthur levels up in another way. The final page of this book ends very ominously as a familiar foe has returned to the pages.
The Art and Letters:
I truly feel as though I find something new or detailed with Rex and John every issue as well. The manner in which they detailed King Shark as he made his grand entrance was simply stunning. The subtle ways in which the water dripped from him and the way Rex shaded his slimy skin was intricate and I loved this page the most. The mysterious ant people were even fun to see as they turned nightmarish with tentacles coming from their mouths. It seems these two along with Dave who finds fun and exciting ways to bring the words from the various species to life are having the time of their lives with this book. I’d be hard pressed to find another run that has artwork that is to this level currently.
Final Thoughts:
Emperor Aquaman #16 has Arthur off on his sidequests leveling up as we get a taste of a familiar big bad that is soon to make his appearance. I am continuing to love the variety of species and venues we get with this run each feeling more and more adventurous!
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
Be sure to let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below and be sure to check out more reviews by Matt!
After a turn as a do-gooder, Felicia Hardy, The Black Cat, has found herself assisting her old friend Mary Jane Watson. As Felicia and MJ travel to the Negative Zone to chase a tape that could ruin MJ’s career, they encounter more than they bargain for. After dealing with riddles and a surprisingly easy passcode to get into the high security prison, Felicia stumbles upon the infamous Siege Perilous. The allure of the Siege Perilous is too strong as the ancient artifact sends Felicia and MJ tumbling through time and space into a world different than the one they left.
Writer: G Willow Wilson Artists: Andrés Genolet and Gleb Melnikov Colorists: Rachelle Rosenberg and Brian Reber Letterer: Joe Caramanga Cover Artist: Adam Hughes
Writing
This issue was an absolute treat. I loved the way G Willow Wilson used the Siege Perilous as a storytelling device. It was really enjoyable to see other versions of characters but also see that in the end, it’s never too late to make a difference. I liked the way Wilson started off Black Cat with Felicia trying to turn over a new leaf. It’s not been an easy road for Felicia since.
I think at the base, this narrative Wilson has crafted speaks to something in all of us. Who amongst us hasn’t felt at one time or another like they’ve suffered or been punished for doing the right thing? Issue #9 really lets readers see Felicia and MJ in a new and enjoyable light. This issue feels like a nice change of pace in the middle of a fairly serious arc to add a little humor and something new. This issue and the narrative choices were a bold choice for Wilson and I think she nailed it.
Art
Black Cat #9 Cover by Adam Hughes. Image from Marvel Comics
The art for this issue was absolutely stunning. Without giving anything away for the issue, there were a variety of styles and scenes to draw and color for this issue.
Andrés Genolet and Gleb Melnikov did a great job making each segment of the story feel distinct and memorable. The lines were crisp and clean, showcasing a distinct ability to draw the readers eye to the depth of each panel.
Rachelle Rosenberg and Brian Reber picked the perfect colors to highlight the work from Andrés Genolet and Gleb Melnikov. The colors help set the various distinct setting. Rosenberg and Reber do a really great job with the world of the Siege Perilous making the reader feel sucked in and part of Felicia and MJs wild ride.
Final Thoughts
I love the buddy cop style of this arc. Every arc of this Black Cat story, Wilson and the rest of the creative team have shown the readers a little more about Felicia Hardy. Felicia continues to grow and learn in a world that isn’t always kind to those learning new tricks. This version of Felicia Hardy and Black Cat feels meaningful and invigorating for the character.
Overall Grade: 9.5 /10
Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable
What did you think about this issue? Let’s chat about it in the comments.
Poke has done what he can to save Rabbit and Mama from being eaten by a horde of blood thirsty zombies despite mama’s best efforts to the contrary. He returns to a zombie meeting feeling things he cannot explain or put words to. As the horde grows ever more hungry both Poke and Mama may have to do whatever it takes to survive.
Bleeding Hearts #3. Credit DC/Vertigo Comics. Cover by Stipan Morian.
Creative Team: Deniz Camp (WRITER), Stipan Morian (ART and COVER), Matt Hollingsworth (COLORS), and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (LETTERS).
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Deniz continues to put a crisis of humanity and doing the right thing despite the current situation at the forefront of this incredible story. He makes us question our own morales and way of life in subtle ways that I didn’t even realize it at first. Poke has an obvious language barrier as he speaks “zombie” and Mama and Rabbit don’t understand what he is trying to say. This translates to our lives and how language barriers can be an issue.
Rabbit does an excellent job at picking up on the non verbal ques but, Mama’s pre determined bias prevents her from seeing his intentions. Deniz takes this issue to an incredibly dark place as there is a point where Mama is about to do something out of desperation that had me holding my breath in pure horror. I cannot get enough of this run.
The Art and Letters:
Stipan and Hollingsworth continue to tell the story in visual and nonverbal ways. There are subtle details, such as with Poke, how, at times, they have us view him as innocent and curious. In other points of view, they grotesquely detail Poke and switch up these points of view in various panels so effortlessly. Hassan blends the language barriers in variations of words and screeches, adding to the frustrations felt on both sides. There is a one-shot page that is outlines of zombies but, tells so much story within it nonetheless. The art is marrying the story perfectly, making this run so visually gross and yet beautiful.
Final Thoughts:
Bleeding Hearts #3 continues to play out our morality and inner cultural biases. The team is bringing the heat and filling this with so much detail and real life metaphor’s. I hope that if you are not reading, you must fix that ASAP!
Everybody has a Florida story. Hell, I use it as an adjective. To describe something as “Florida” is to say that it defies categorization, reason, and/or logic. Tyler Cornack, the writer/director who brought you 2019’s Butt Boy, is back with his new film Mermaid, and it is very, very Florida.
It’s likely easy, with its nonsensical plot and subject matter, to dismiss Mermaid as silly and perverse. Whereas it is not categorically not either of those things, the film carries a depth that will likely fly under the radar of many casual viewers. After spending several days with the film, I continued to find weight in unlikely areas of the film as it death-rolled around in my mind, like a gator with its prey.
In almost every frame of Mermaid there’s subtext which deepens the audience’s immersion. It’s central character, Doug, portrayed with slack-jawed awe by the ubiquitous Johnny Pemberton (Prime Video’s Fallout), is as alien to viewers as he is familiar. While the majority will shrink away from his many terrible decisions, many of us will find him tragically relatable – hopefully to an acquaintance outside our ourselves. Every time I watched Doug make another tragic misstep, I had to remind myself that the movie isn’t called “Doug,” and that’s not by accident.
Serving as both a love letter to Florida and a deeper meditation on addiction, Mermaid offers an uncomfortable, unflinching glance at worlds that exist just beyond our skin. Worlds filled with family friends that become nefarious dealers, family that become strangers, and supernatural elements that become more familiar to us than those who share our blood. Mermaid is at once familiar and perverse, taking elements of our reality that we think we understand and crackling it through the dark mirror that is Florida.
Robert Patrick is Inspired in MERMAID / Image Courtesy of Utopia Pictures
Robert Patrick (HBO’s Peacemaker), the T-1000 himself, steals every scene he’s in with a flushed face of intense, drug-fueled lunacy. Kevin Nealon is measured and metered out in small doses, a far cry from his more ludicrous characters. Tom Arnold is there, too, as a nation’s analog to the aftermath of disastrous relationships across time, and finally Kevin Dunn cameos in the most subversive role I’ve seen him play to date. If you think you know where Mermaid is going at any given moment, you’re likely to be pleasantly surprised.
Well, maybe not pleasantly.
I had the chance to chat with writer/director Tyler Cornack and praise his zany vision, discuss practical effects, working with such a stellar cast, and the phenomenon of dinosaurs in our own background. And I wasn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, either. Spoiler alert: I did ask if Gator fucked the mermaid.
Mermaid made its debut at last year’s SxSW festival and has now found distribution through Utopia Pictures. The film opens in select theaters Wednesday, April 8th in North America. While Google lists the film as horror/action, this writer finds it to be neither, but rather an oddly sweet drama with a nasty streak. If you liked 2015’s Polish musical/horror The Lure and thought The Little Mermaid needed more drugs and body horror, Mermaid is the film for you. It is, in a word, Florida.
Have you checked this movie out? Let us know your thoughts.
When I heard that Robert Pattinson and Zendaya were making a movie, I was excited. Coming from being a fan of the Twilight movies, and also Zendaya’s overall work. I immediately loved the trailer, but I was questioning what this was all about. Robert Pattinson plays Charlie, a guy who works for a historic museum, and he meets Emma, played by Zendaya. It covers the span of two years before they are formally engaged to be married.
Credit: Zendaya in ‘The Drama’ A24
Of course, over the internet, the biggest conversation piece is what is being discussed about what Zendaya said. Now I’m not going to put what she said, but it is detrimental to the entire film’s core. Zendaya’s casting is also detrimental to the story, as a lot of the themes softly touch on microaggressions, forgiveness, and some other topics. I also think Rachel (Alana Haim) and her husband, Mike (Mamoudou Athie). Everyone, in all honesty, plays a part in this A24 film.
My thoughts are simple: this film is something that is to be studied. It is not obvious as to what is going on at first, but then it starts to unravel. It’s like a slow-burning movie, where it’s taking its time with the information given to the audience. The pacing in the movie was one downfall, at least for me. It could’ve been more continuous instead of really choppy. I can put this film in the category of being a dark humor film. There were some moments I audibly laughed out loud, and I felt weird laughing. It really doesn’t have a “comedy” feel, but the director, I believe, did it on purpose.
Credit: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya in ‘The Drama” A24
As far as acting performances, Pattinson and Zendaya did a wonderful job. They portrayed an unusually mysterious couple, and then everything hit the wall. I know this up to this year, would probably be Zendaya’s first “mature” role in a film, not like how it was in television for Euphoria. Overall, this film made a “shock” and a “buzz” around the world. A24 has a reputation for making these interesting films, and they make an overall statement.
4/5 Stars!
What did you think of The Drama? Sound off in the comments below!
Star Wars is often at its best when we are dealing with non-force users and the grimy, crime-ridden underbelly of the Galaxy. While Maul is a force wielder, he has shifted into something more as the Republic has fallen, and he was left on the run and in hiding. Maul Shadow Lord brings us the former Sith Lord, building his crime empire from the shadows. The series is set in the year after the fall of the Republic and before his appearance in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Spoilers ahead, you have been warned!
We kick off this adventure with Maul pitting two crime lords against one another as he steals from Deemis and tricks him into believing it was Vario who had done it. His goal is to get back at those who had betrayed him by waging war against them and one another. The opening scene delivers intense action as a Mandalorian and a crew of Zabraks are exchanging blaster fire. The ramp to their ship drops, and down comes Maul, igniting the familiar double-sided lightsaber.
The Duel of the Fates kicks in as Maul appears on the ramp, and instantly, I had goosebumps! Seeing him return brings such a smile to my face, as he may be by far one of the most interesting and lethal characters in this universe. Maul and his crew capture the attention of Officer Lawson, who decides not to alert the Empire and chase this down himself, setting up an intriguing cat-and-mouse game to come. Despite accomplishing more than he set out for, Maul discovers Devon Izara, a Jedi in hiding, and has thoughts of once more taking on an apprentice.
Maul and his crew are escaping from the police compound in a high-speed escape as Jedi Master Daki is after his Padawan Devon. Maul can escape with Devon as Daki and those in pursuit stop to help save innocent bystanders from collateral damage. This episode is spent with Maul testing Devon and their loyalty to the Jedi code. He implores that this is not a simple game of good and evil; they are on the same side. A familiar tone and game that we have seen Maul play countless times with Ezra and Ahsoka to no avail.
Maul’s attacks on various syndicates continues to capture the attention of Officer Lawson who has taken a special interest in what his end game is. What has begun to stand out to me is how this show has a bit of a noir-style vibe to it. The animation is beautiful and fits in with The Clone Wars’ feeling when we left it with Season 7. While the focus is not on force wielders, don’t worry, Maul takes down an entire crew of Pykes in absolute glory. The episode ends with us unsure of where Devon is leaning and with Lawson slowly becoming more consumed with Maul.
Sam Witwer and his ever-so-cunning and smooth voice are back, and the writers are giving him so much to work with at the same time. Maul feels familiar, and yet there is something different about him all at the same time. The scenes and animation feel truly cinematic, and the musical tones are perfectly fitting every moment, sending chills down my spine. This world feels hopeless and dark, as it should, because the Empire is ruling and not yet at its peak. I am more than ready to follow Maul into whatever he tells me to after these first two episodes and cannot wait to get more!
What did you think of the first two episodes? Let us know below and find more reviews from our Editor in Chief, Matt!
Hell hath no fury like a man with lots of power, thin skin, and a love for milk. Homelander once said, if he can’t be loved, he’ll be feared, yet the first sign of fear around him tends to be a death sentence.
Season 5 of ‘The Boys’ kicks off this Wednesday on Prime Video, and we got to watch the first 7 out of 8 episodes. Here are some non-spoiler thoughts.
I fell in love with ‘The Boys’ hard, and now as we prepare to say good-bye, shite is getting even more diabolical. Season 5 brings us everything we’ve come to expect from this sick and twisted world, but with more heart, and more back story. If you didn’t watch ‘Gen V’ the previously ons, will catch you up. However, certain issues and characters may not be as flushed out. If you have time, I highly recommend giving it a watch.
At the end of Season 4 we see Frenchie, Hughie, and MM get taken by Vought. As Frenchie is taken, we hear Kimiko audibly screaming. Butcher is now a weird organic version of Doc Ock with a ticking time bomb in his head. Starlight flies away faster than Tinker Bell off to try and kill Wendy Darling, and Homelander learns his father, Soldier Boy, is still alive and chillen on some ice.
Meanwhile at Godolkin U, we learn Godolkin is alive, and well! Kind of. After a romantic run with Sister Sage, he goes full Homelander, and gets taken out with a big ass trojan horse. Literally and metaphorically. We end with the “Guardians of Godolkin” joining the rebel alliance alongside Starlight and A-Train.
Season 5of ‘The Boys’
We kick off in the freedom camps where Hughie, MM, and Frenchie have been for the past year. With Homelander taking things to the next level, the mission remains, as it always has: Kill Homelander. However, with Homelander on the search for V-1, and Butcher slowly dying, time has never been more of the essence. V-1 is basically the Super Soldier serum in The Boys universe. It’s what keeps Soldier Boy so youthful, and immortal. Yet it was destroyed in ‘Gen V’ and never replicated. With Homelander’s collection of gray pubes, it’s clear he wasn’t as lucky as his father.
While this seems like more of the same, the circumstances are incredibly different. Everyone on both sides seems scared. Rebellion is more deadly than ever, and Homelander is taking things to a level he never has before, while having power in places he never did before. Now physically, and politically powerful, he seems unstoppable.
Meanwhile, the return of Soldier Boy brings more than an extra element of action, family drama, and a pretty face. He also never misses an opportunity to drop an epic and profound line that will make you laugh and cringe simultaneously, while also asking yourself, “What the f*** did he just say?” It’s truly magnificent.
The Supernatural Reunion
If you’re a Supernatural fan (like myself), then you’re definitely stoked and terrified for what’s in store when Team Free Will reunites in The Boys universe. It’s no secret this takes place in episode 5, so patience is important. Nevertheless, I will say it will be worth the wait. I absolutely loved it, and found myself continually pausing to take in every possible easter egg I could. While, the Winchesters and Castiel should be enough to make this scene epic, they of course take it up a notch.
For those that are part of the Supernatural family and a fan of the comics, this reunion will be even that much more fun. The reunion, however, is not the only Supernatural Easter Egg. One episode had such an obvious one I about jumped off the couch in gleeful excitement while pointing to the television like Leonardo DiCaprio.
While many characters have gone darker (many solely for survival), others have been redeemed. Season 5 shows us more of who truly is deserving of a hero’s ending, as well as those who have simply sold their soul. Supe or not, we all wear masks. When we’re faced with survival, is when those masks are truly shed. As we wrap up this gory, perverted, amazing show, everyone’s true colors seem to come shining through.
However, the smartest person in the world seems to be an outlier. Coming off of her break up in Gen V, Sister Sage seems to be a bit more jaded than normal. Nevertheless her intentions are revealed, and they are cruel, selfish, and insanely relatable. I can’t wait to see if she gets her happy ending, and not the kind that involves a Bloomin’ Onion.
Endings are Hard
To quote another Eric Kripke show, Supernatural, “Endings are hard. Any chapped-ass monkey with a keyboard can poop out a beginning, but endings are impossible. You try to tie up every loose end, but you never can.” -Chuck Shurley
Episode one of this season gives us another meta endings are hard joke. It’s quick, hilarious, and throws another show under the bus. Rightfully so.
Fortunately, for fans of ‘The Boys’ this isn’t entirely good-bye. We have more ‘Gen V’ coming, and the prequel ‘Vought Rising.’ A prequel that definitely got some hype going during season 5 with the return of Soldier Boy. Soldier Boy, played by Jensen Ackles, will star in ‘Vought Rising’ alongside Aya Cash who played Stormfront in seasons 2 and 3.
We were only given screeners for the first 7 episodes, so now we wait patiently for the 8th and final episode. If you’ve read ‘The Boys’ comic series, then you know they can’t follow that ending to a T, but that doesn’t mean part of it won’t come true.
Overall Grade: 9.5/10
These first 7 episodes were engaging from beginning to end, and left me feeling pained that I have to wait so long for the finale. Kripke warned us that no one is safe. He wasn’t wrong, but I now fear even more for what that last episode will do. The Boys Season 5 so far is suspensful, hilarious, gut wrenching, and thought provoking. I’m absolutely terrified for the finale.
Need a recap of season 4 to get you ready? We got that. Want some comic book background, and ties to the show? Make sure to catch our ‘Saturdays are for the Boys’ videos, as we continue to break down each issue of the comics from Dynamite Entertainment.
Matt got to sit down with some stars from season 5 of The Boys!
Got a prediction for the finale? Let us know!
“The Boys is based on The New York Times best-selling comic by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, who also serve as executive producers, and developed by executive producer and showrunner Eric Kripke. Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Phil Sgriccia, Michaela Starr, Paul Grellong, David Reed, Judalina Neira, Jessica Chou, Gabriel Garcia, Ori Marmur, Ken F. Levin and Jason Netter also serve as executive producers. The Boys is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios with Kripke Enterprises, Original Film, and Point Grey Pictures.”
Fans have been highly anticipating The Super Mario Galaxy Movie for months after non-stop teasers and built-up excitement. Fans and critics are once again split while it has been raking in a massive $372.5 million worldwide in its first weekend at the box office. But, is the film all visuals and no substance? Before jumping into my review, I approach every movie differently. If it is an Oscar-worthy film, I will grade it as such, and if it’s supposed to be plain fun, then of course, I can go in with that mindset as well. Let’s break down my thoughts and feelings below!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
The film starts off with Rosalina being kidnapped by Bowser Jr. as revenge for his father being taken and across the stars we go from the start. Meanwhile, Mario and Luigi are off on a mission where we meet Yoshi before going back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Now, Yoshi is my favorite character from the franchise, and I was stoked to know he would be in this film. Unfortunately, I feel as though his introduction was rushed, and really, his inclusion in the film as a whole didn’t add much to it aside from a few funny moments of fast-paced chase sequences.
In fact, my biggest criticism of this film is how quickly we jump from scene to scene and place to place. The pacing felt fairly rushed overall, and I understand that, being a kids’ movie, this is how we keep the audience engaged. I was left feeling as though most moments were there to just get us to the next big moment as quickly as possible. After Peach goes off to find Rosalina, and Bowser Jr. attacks the Mushroom Kingdom, the story truly begins. I loved the relationship and rivalry of Bowser and Mario continuing in this one, as Luigi plays the friend to both. Jack Black as Bowser is the right amount of humor, and it brings in some delightful moments.
Photo: Nintendo and Illumination
So What Worked?
I did leave this film with one thing in mind, and that was needing a Star Fox movie immediately. I also need that Lego set of his Arwing right now. Glenn Powell plays the suave action hero perfectly, and he steals the scenes he is in. There were moments the team understood the assignment with various nods to levels from the games that allowed me to immerse myself back into my childhood and love of this franchise. Anya Taylor-Joy, Brie Larson, Donald Glover, and Charlie Day do great work with their characters and were excellent as well.
The visuals and various ways that the team managed to showcase things, such as the different mushrooms and diving more into that, allowed for some exciting moments as well. Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, as well as screenwriter Matthew Fogel, return and remind us that they do love the lore surrounding this universe.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, despite all of this, the plot itself is nearly nonexistent, and as though it is an afterthought. We are focused on shoehorning the next toy to be sold and getting to the next scene, but the film does feel ultimately lifeless despite its bright colors. Sometimes we are unable to capture lightning twice, and that’s okay, as this movie was made for kids and less for those of us who grew up with the franchise. I have to wonder as well why we jumped to Galaxy right away over going Odyssey, but here’s hoping the third installment gets us back on track.
In celebration of Rogue One’s 10th Anniversary this year, Marvel Comics is releasing 5 new one-shots for some of the characters from the movie. The creative teams for these one-shots include:
Writers: Benjamin Percy, Ethan Sacks, Marc Bernardin, Stephanie Phillips & Chris Condon
Artists: Luke Ross, Ramon Rosanas, Gabriel Guzman & Kieran McKeown
Star Wars: Rogue One- Cassian Andor #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
All of the book’s descriptions can be seen below:
Star Wars: Rogue One- Cassian Andor #1:
“CASSIAN ANDOR’S FINAL MISSION BEFORE HE MEETS HIS ULTIMATE HEROIC DESTINY!
Before the heist that shook the galaxy, a lone Rebel operative walks into danger. Cassian Andor infiltrates the lawless maze of Kafrene, racing against troopers, bounty hunters and time itself in a tense espionage thriller.”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Jyn Erso #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One-Jyn Erso #1:
“A PRISONER OF THE EMPIRE. A CHANCE AT HOPE.
On the toxic Wobani fields, Jyn Erso’s brutal routine shatters when an unlikely crew begs the infamous slicer “Liana Hallik” to help pull off an impossible escape. Can Jyn outwit Imperial security droids, tower cannons, and incinerators long enough to crack the code—and keep a frightened young prisoner alive? Will a leap of faith heal old scars from Galen, Lyra, and Saw… or will Wobani claim Jyn’s future before the Rebellion ever can?”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Saw Gerrera #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One- Saw Gerrera #1:
“WITNESS THE ACT OF REVOLUTION THAT WAS TOO MUCH FOR THE REBELLION!
After proving himself in the Clone Wars, Saw Gerrera was a soldier for the cause of freedom and was willing to do anything to secure it — including leading a mission deep into Imperial territory. At stake: a source of information that would provide a tactical advantage that could shift the balance of power in the Rebels’ favor! But is the price to be paid for that information too high?”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Chirrut & Baze #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One- Chirrut & Baze #1:
“A STRIKE AGAINST THE EMPIRE…BUT AT WHAT COST?
Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe attempt a covert mission to sabotage a kyber mine that has been overtaken by Imperial forces. But when something unexpected stands between them and their objective, the mission becomes far more complicated than they expected. To succeed, faith will be tested and an impossible choice must be made!”
Star Wars: Rogue One- Darth Vader #1 Cover A By David Marquez (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Star Wars: Rogue One- Darth Vader #1:
“WHEN NEGOTIATIONS FAIL, THE EMPIRE SENDS IN ITS ATTACK DOG – DARTH VADER!
Director Orson Krennic’s negotiations with the gem-rich planet of Harreld have hit a standstill. Its leader, Harqque, refuses to allow the Empire to mine its rare kyber deposits for use in the Death Star’s deadly super laser. But when the Emperor catches wind of Krennic’s failure, he sends his most trusted acolyte – Darth Vader – to ply the kyber from Harqque by any means necessary.”
“When we first meet Cassian Andor, he kills Tivik, a rebel informant, in cold blood. I remember looking around the theater, because I could not believe what I was seeing. That moment on the Ring of Kafrene truly made me understand how different this film was going to be, and I knew I wanted to go exactly there for this opening issue because there’s a lot happening around the edges that we don’t see. I’m paired on this with the brilliant artist Luke Ross and we’re giving you the story of what leads up to that unforgettable, character- and franchise-defining moment. Get ready for bounty hunters, stormtroopers, Krennic, K2, and a whole lot at stake for both the rebellion and the Empire.”
This new hardcover collects some of the Marvel Age Of Comics monsters. The creative team includes:
Writer: Stan Lee
Artists: Jack Kirby & Steve Ditko
Marvel’s Mightiest Monsters Cover By Ian Chalgren (Credit: Marvel Comics/Dark Horse Comics)
The book’s full description reads:
“Kaiju fans assemble! This deluxe collection features a curated selection of pre-super hero monster stories from the 1950s and early 1960s.
Marvel’s Mightiest Monsters showcases the larger-than-life creatures that helped establish the creative foundation for the Marvel Age of Comics, including iconic monsters like the fire-breathing Fin Fang Foom, the extraterrestrial giant, Goom (along with Googam, Son of Goom), the sentient tree-creature Groot, the colossal Monsteroso, and the telepathic titan, Xemnu.
These classic tales explore alien invaders threatening Earth, mutated beasts born from atomic-age anxieties, and bizarre scientific experiments gone horribly wrong. This oversize hardcover presents the best stories from anthology titles Tales to Astonish, Journey into Mystery, Strange Tales, and Tales of Suspense, spotlighting the masterful work of comics legends Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko.
The collection also includes modern monster stories and cover art from acclaimed creators, including Chris Claremont, Sal Buscema, John Byrne, Gil Kane, Eric Powell, Tradd Moore, and Arthur Adams—demonstrating how these creatures continue to captivate new generations of readers.
The stories are accompanied by a new essay from comics historians John Lind and Chris Ryall discussing the impact of these monster comics, original art pages, and iconic covers. It’s the ultimate tribute to Marvel’s monstrous heritage!”
Co-Editor Chris Ryall had this to say about the project:
“These monster comics predate the creation of the Marvel Universe. But in so many ways, these stories by Lee, Kirby, and Ditko helped establish the blueprint of larger-than-life characters brought to stunning visual life by three of the best creators to ever do it.”
Co-Editor John Lind also mentioned:
“We’re excited to give the deluxe collection treatment to these classic Marvel ’50s-era monsters—showcasing an impact and influence that still resonate across the kaiju comics of today.”
Marvel’s Mightiest Monsters releases October 13th.
