Ladies and gentlemen, Nancy now takes center stage. Throughout the first three episodes, I was always curious about Nancy (Kate Mara). I always wondered what the overall relationship she has with her husband, Robert (Joel Kidman). It makes more sense the more and more the secrets and Nancy’s identity become unraveled.
Credit: Kerry Washington, Kate Mara and Elisabeth Moss in “Imperfect Women,” now streaming on Apple TV.
Of course, she has her lovely two friends, Eleanor (Kerry Washington) and Mary (Elisabeth Moss), whom she can lean on in times of need. Of course, not saying that all three of these ladies have their ups and downs as well. In this episode, we also get to formally meet Kate’s daughter, Cora (Audrey Zahn), whom she lovingly tries to love and look out for. Nancy tries to keep up this perfect image, which, I see unfortunately, will keep unraveling during the series. Nancy also gets to engage with Robert’s side of the family and see how their dynamic is during this episode.
Credit: Audrey Zahn and Kate Mara in “Imperfect Women,” now streaming on Apple TV.
It also begs the question of family. Who do you think is your family, your blood relative, or your friend? I love this Nancy-centered episode because it altered my view of her, now that I have seen what has been happening. At the end of the day, Nancy just wants peace and to be loved. That is the running theme that she always wants throughout this episode. Nancy has also made choices that I personally would not have made as well. That’s why I’m slowly starting to love the character, because she is messy and ultimately not the best person.
Hopefully, in episode five, things will turn around for her storyline. I hope that Eleanor and Mary navigate the mystery of who actually killed Nancy. Nancy doesn’t deserve anything bad happening to her, but the question is, why did it happen? Tune into episode 5 to see exactly what happens.
What did you think of Imperfect Women Episode 4 review? Sound off in the comments below!
This episode, so far, has been my favorite. It explores Omni-Man, (J.K. Simmons) and many of his conversations are very important. From the very beginning, Nolan has been a very dicey character. His Viltramite roots show why he treated Mark (Steven Yeun) and Debbie (Sandra Oh) the way he did. As the audience, we understand how ruthless the Viltramites are, but they haven’t seen what we have. Allen (Seth Rogen) is another favorite character for me. He brings that comic relief that is needed in every episode.
Credit: Courtesy of Prime
While, I have enjoyed most of these characters’ progressions, because you can see the growth of each character, one has character this episode stood out for me: Debbie. I really enjoyed Sandra Oh’s voice performance. I was blown away, and I was so excited to see how this character has progressed. Debbie has been through a lot in these last seasons, and this is the moment that she gets to stand tall.
Credit: Courtesy of Prime
It seems that Mark stands still as the measuring point of how things go. His decisions not only affects himself, but it also affects the people around him. I also love the pacing of this show, and honestly, I never get tired of the episodes. Mark, a.k.a. Invincible, has to swallow his pride and make sure that, again, he understands the bigger picture of what is happening. Even if he has to do some uncomfortable things to get there.
What did you think of Invincible Season 4 Episode 5? Sound off in the comments below!
The Scythes have been set free on the Nine Realms. As Angela and Rhialla fight alongside the Dark Elves of Svartalfheim against Scythes, Vyrbodin has revealed that they are but a fraction of his army. As Strange battles Vyrbodin, he seeks to better understand scythe magic and all it is capable of. Will Strange save the children? Will Angela take her place as Queen of Heaven?
Writer: Derek Landy Artist: Ivan Fiorelli Colorist: Dono Sánchez-Almara Letterer: Cory Petit Cover Artist: Alex Horley
Writing
Oh boy, remind me never to make the angels of Heaven. Landy has crafted a satisfying story. As with previous issues, Landy does an amazing job of letting Strange be Strange. Landy has leaned into the new magical possibilities provided by Strange being in Asgard and has rewarded readers with some pretty raw displays of mystical power from Doctor Strange.
In addition to growing Strange’s power in new and exciting ways, Landy has added depth to Angela that I never expected. He’s made her a complicated but deep character with her own struggles that she tries to suppress. This issue is a testament to Landy’s ability to find balance. Stephen Strange still shines as the lead for the comic, but Doctor Strange #5 gives us such an outstanding time with Angela that she should have perhaps at least split billing. It’s done as part of a complete story. Strange’s story doesn’t suffer through Landy giving Angela more page time; it enriches it.
Art
Doctor Strange #5 cover by Alex Horley. Image from Marvel Comics
Ivan Fiorelli is crafting one of my favorite takes on the art of Doctor Strange that I’ve seen in a while. Doctor Strange has a long list of amazing artists dating back to the day of Ditko creating him, and Fiorelli is etching his mark in the Strange lore. Combined with the work of Dono Sánchez-Almara, Doctor Strange #5 features some amazing poster-worthy panels that show both Fiorelli’s beautiful line work and Sánchez-Almara’s penchant for picking just the right colors.
Cory Petit keeps everything flowing beautifully through a story that is dense in both narrative and stunning visuals, ensuring that the reader easily follows the story. The SFX lettering fits perfectly into the scenes, adding satisfying levels to the panels.
Final Thoughts
This creative team continues to craft a great Doctor Strange story. The series is distinctly Strange yet different. We are seeing Strange and his allies in a new light and with new powers. We continue to be allowed to see a Stephen Strange that is finally using the lessons in humility he has been forced to learn for the good of others, and it’s been amazing to see. Art, writing, lettering fit and work from beginning to end.
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.
What would you do if you were put in charge of your job for a day? Jimmy Olsen is about to find out as he is Editor in Chief for a day after Perry White and he were taken to a mysterious alternate universe by a Bizarro version of Superman! Now they must fix the Daily Planet of this universe or else!
Bizarro Year None #1. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Nick Pitarra and Michael Garland.
Creative Team: Kevin Smith (WRITER), Eric Carrasco (WRITER), Nick Pitarra (ART and COVER), Michael Garland (COLORS and COVER), and Dave Sharpe (LETTERS).
Matt – Kevin and Eric are showcasing Bizarro in a way I don’t think that I personally have ever seen before. We have seen him plenty of times but, but they take the time to build up this world. I love the dialogue between Perry and Olsen first and foremost. There is a touch of old school versus new school with Perry not realizing how journalism in the modern day is not printed newspapers. Olsen is brash and shows off the younger know-it-all side, which we can feel blend from the panels and see into our real world, even.
When it comes time to meet Bizarro, I love how he is just a massive superfan of their universe. He seems harmless, but there is a strong underlying unease about the way he speaks to Jimmy and Perry. If you have ever heard Smith speak, you can sense his voice throughout this issue in a very good way.
Megan – In the world of superheroes and supervillains, things can seem pretty black and white. That is, until you find out an entirely new universe that’s based on your own but is nothing short of bizarre. That’s Jimmy Olsen and Perry White’s reality now. Starting from the beginning, Jimmy is trying his hardest to be hired full-time at the Daily Planet. Perry is nothing short of unhelpful when it comes to helping Jimmy pursue his dream of working at the Daily Planet.
During a back-and-forth between the two, something incredible happens, and Jimmy and Perry find themselves in this new world where everything somewhat looks familiar to them but is extremely different. This new place is led by this very peculiar being who acts as this world’s Superman. Could it be this world’s Superman? Or is he some kind of superfan of the superhero? Or is he to be trusted at all? Either way, he wins points in Jimmy’s book as this being makes him Editor-in-Chief of this world’s Daily Planet!
The Art and Letters:
Matt – The art is stunning in this debut issue. Nick shows off the feeling of Utopia that Metropolis often gives off with the finely drawn buildings and beautiful scenery. Moving into the Bizarro world, we see the details that are all familiar with a slight twist to it all. The colorwork is bright and eye-catching throughout the panels, displaying a hopeful feeling that doesn’t need action or even Superman. There were a few panels where we got really up close to Bizarro, such as with his mouth, in which there was such a grotesque feeling. His teeth jagged and his skin was etched with a texture that I would vomit if I touched it. The art was fantastic in invoking those feelings and immersing me in this issue.
Megan – Nick Pitarra, Michael Garland, and Dave Sharpe bring artwork for Bizarro: Year None #1 that will either make your skin crawl or have you staring off into the excellently detailed panels. With Bizarro, the artists perfectly drew him to be exactly the opposite of Superman, creepy, unhinged, and with a smile that’ll make a mother cry. His greasy hair and wrinkly skin will make you regret Perry White ever assigning Clark Kent to go on a job to Washington DC.
Other than that, Nick Pitarra and Michael Garland provide a lot of gorgeous scenes of Metropolis that are beautifully detailed and wonderfully colored, bringing the city to life. Dave Sharpe handles the lettering of the comic and provides an excellent flow of dialogue between the characters, especially with Perry and Jimmy. Together, the artists knocked this one straight out of the park!
Final Thoughts:
Matt – 10/10. Bizarro Year None #1 is unlike something we’ve seen before. This issue allows world-building with characters who are just as important to Metropolis as Superman is. The art invokes feelings of hope and sometimes unease as we get a taste of Bizarro in a unique manner. I’m fully on board with this first issue and cannot wait for more!
Megan – 10/10. Out of all the comics coming out lately, there’s just nothing like Bizarro: Year None #1. The story is a lot of fun and gets you hooked instantly with Jimmy Olsen’s ability to make everyone like him. The artwork is out of this world, quite literally. The creative team absolutely cooked with this comic!
It’s lights, camera, ionic energy as Simon Williams is back in the spotlight in Wonder Man #1 from Gerry Duggan. As Simon Williams knows perhaps better than anyone, the transition from superstar to superhero is rarely an easy one. Duggan moves beyond the everyday West Coast Avenger to focus on whether Simon is truly capable of saving the day if he’s constantly worried about his brand and his latest script.
This review is a joint review from Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!
Creative Team
Writer: Gerry Duggan Penciler: Mark Buckingham Inker: Aure Jimenez Color Artist: Rachelle Rosenberg Letterer: Joe Caramagna Cover Artist: Paulo Siqueira Cover Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Writing
Megan: Simon Williams’ life is never anything but stable. From Zemo and Enchantress changing him into a superpowered being to Simon’s rise in Hollywood from a stunt man to a fan-favorite actor, he’s felt every high and low life has had to offer. In Wonder Man #1, we see Simon on one of his lows after being a huge star. Scripts aren’t coming in, acting gigs aren’t being passed his way, and his contract with Timely Studios is almost up. The only work the studio is throwing his way is having to deal with Randolph Chancellor, his former cellmate in jail, and a fellow actor.
Randolph seems to be involved in some shady business, yet again, which involves millions of dollars missing! With Hellcat being on his tail, Randolph continues to claim innocence. Simon doesn’t know who to believe, doesn’t know what to do or which way to turn, but as it turns out, he has some secret problems of his own.
Gerry Duggan brings a story of Wonder Man that feels so familiar to who the character is, but an all-new story that already starts very strong. I’m very interested to see where this goes as we get to see Simon go through the loneliness of having Hollywood leave you behind, but also the frustration of being brought into others’ problems.
Shawn: Gerry Duggan feels like he’s giving us the modernized version of the “Marvel Method” in issue #1 of Wonder Man. By referencing specific events that have happened in California, Duggan really embraces the “world outside your window” approach that made Marvel so popular during the Silver Age of comics. Perhaps the greatest thing readers get from Duggan in Wonder Man #1 is the bridging of the gap between superhero and collective human memory. While a complete fantasy of a story, Duggan makes it feel like it’s happening in the reader’s timeline, not a sterilized fictional timeline.
Wonder Man #1 Cover by Paulo Siqueira and Rachelle Rosenberg. Image from Marvel Comics
Duggan fully leans into the world of Wonder Man. Simon Williams has always served as Marvel’s poster child for the intersection of superheroes and the absurdity of Hollywood. Duggan fully leans into that through not taking himself too seriously and adopting a self-aware tone to the comic. It feels like Duggan is fully admitting the premise of Simon Williams as a character is wild, and in doing so, makes the real-world narrative land harder.
Duggan fills the first issue with plenty of industry satire. Whether it’s looking at actors’ plans for their likenesses after death or just trying to get a job, Duggan uses the fantasy of the movie industry as a middle ground. The industry serves as the bridge between a guy trying to be a hero while also trying to keep his career from going up in flames.
Art
Megan: Wonder Man #1 provides some really great artwork, all thanks to Mark Buckingham, Aure Jimenez, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramagna. There’s an interesting modernized retro vibe to the comic that perfectly captures the essence of the Wonder Man character, but also places him in a more recent time that’s easy to relate to. Buckingham and Jiminez ensure that there’s excellent detailing work on each panel that’s outlined in a great filmstrip border. Rosenberg brings a lot of vibrancy to the pages of Wonder Man #1 while having that retro feel to it that suits the character so perfectly. Caramagna works as the letterer on the comic and provides a flow of dialogue that allows you to feel the tone of the characters very well.
Shawn: Mark Buckingham, Aure Jimenez, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramagna really do a great job establishing the modern retro aestheic right from the very first panel. This issue showcases the balance of nostalgia with contemporary grit. While Duggan does a masterful job writing the scenes, Buckingham, Jimenez, and Rosenberg are using visual shorthand to tell us the story without a wall of text.
Buckingham, Jimenez, and Rosenberg combine to do an amazing job of showing Simon relaxed in his power. We aren’t necessarily seeing the strained superhero but an ionic power that’s just as comfortable throwing a frisbee as catching a building. The art feels like a love letter to Jack Kirby.
Rosenberg does an amazing job balancing the glamour and the ground in her colors, showing off the golds and pinks in the sunsets, contrasted with the deep, cool tones of a street taco vendor. Joe Caramagna makes a story that is easy to follow and lets the art and writing shine.
Final Thoughts
Megan: 9.2/10. Simon Williams is no stranger to the highs and lows of his life, and Gerry Duggan is giving us an excellent look into him experiencing the lows. This was a very strong start, and I am really looking forward to seeing what Duggan and the team bring in the next issue! Wonder Man #1 is a fun time all around!
Shawn: 9/10 This issue sets Wonder Man on a great path. The line work feels like a love letter to Kirby, while the colors feel modern and crisp. This is a love letter to the Silver Age of comics set in the gritty modern world. Simon’s powers seem effortless in the hands of this art team, making the impossible feel like another day at the office.
Overall Grade: 9.1/10
What did you think of the return of Simon Williams? Let us know in the comments below!
Come along as Logan takes on a monster, a familiar mutant villain, and a weird species of alien in this action-packed fourth issue of Logan: Black, White & Blood!
This short story about Logan takes place in 1913 & 1979 in Quebec, Canada. There is an old folk tale of a monster that takes children during the evening hours. Logan is simply passing through during a terrible winter storm when he is accused of being that monster. Logan is set on leaving without even offering to help the community that just wrongfully accused him, till his inner morals regarding children take over…
Logan: Black, White & Blood #4, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Dan Panosian.
Kintsugi
This story revolves around an ancient Japanese mask that holds a very strong evil power within it. Logan acquired this mask before and has it stored at a secret location. That is till a familiar mutant comes looking for it and accidentally activates the mask. Which causes major problems for Logan…
End of Days
Within this story, we are taken to a planet plagued by destruction. We are introduced to some kind of alien species that is investigating and logging various elements of this planet. You are shown classic Wolverine lore within this story. And it is fascinating to see! Especially when you finally get to see Logan. And in true Wolverine fashion, he handles his business and returns to the peace he once had before these aliens arrived…
The Writing
Ethan Sacks provided great insight into Logan’s morals regarding the safety of children within this short story. This story carried suspense as well as an attempt at bonding between Logan and the Monster. There is a part of this story that makes you feel sad and somewhat remorseful for the Monster. Great Logan story from Ethan!
Giuseppe Camuncoli took a historical road for his story, and I enjoyed every bit of it! The plot of this story was very easy to follow, and the dialogue between characters was very easy to understand. The bringing in of various characters within the X-Men roster also played into the enjoyment of this story!
Phillip Kennedy Johnson brought out a lot of narration for his story. There was a lot of dialogue between the alien creatures while they conducted their investigation of the planet. But what made the writing of this story so impactful for me was seeing the classic Wolverine artifacts being used to tell this off-planet story.
The Artwork
Garry Brown and Andres Mossa really did a great job of bringing the dark texture of the first story. The rough and undefined pencil work added so much grit to Logan. And the shading mixed with the beautiful red accents made crucial panels pop! Stunning work!
Giuseppe Camuncoli not only wrote the second story of this issue, but also did the artwork as well! The art for this story is very clean and detailed. And the different shades of red used in various panels set the tone for impactful moments! A very well-done dual threat performance by Giuseppe!
Piotr Kowalski and Rachelle Rosenberg brought a dead planet back to life with their work! The pencil work details are on a whole other level within this last short story. I’m not just speaking on the larger details that are easy to catch with your eyes. I’m stunned by how meticulous the smaller, finer details grab your attention as well! Rachelle does an amazing job bringing the color red to areas of the art that demand your focus. I was very entertained looking at their art!
VC’s Cory Petit does an absolutely stunning job with lettering ALL three of these short stories! The best display of his talent is within the second story with the changing of the text and bubble formats for characters. I’ve always been impressed with Cory’s abilities, and this issue keeps solidifying that for me.
Final Thoughts
Logan: Black, White & Blood is in its fourth issue now. With each issue containing three very different short stories featuring Logan. I have been highly impressed with each issue and each story so far. I have not come across a comic that is put together like this before, and I am enjoying it so much! This format gives the reader a chance to experience three different creative teams within one issue rather than being forced to buy three separate books. Go get this issue of Logan: Black, White & Blood!
Daredevil is back from Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett, Frank Martin, and Ariana Maher! Matt Murdock is feeling a bit old these days as he has given up the courtroom for the classroom. However, the streets of Hell’s Kitchen have always remained constant and full of the unknown, calling for Daredevil’s aid. Unfortunately, Matt soon finds out there is a new danger in town, and it comes with a warning for Matt Murdock and a threat to his life!
Daredevil #1. Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Lee Garbett.
Creative Team: Stephanie Phillips (WRITER), Lee Garbett (ART and COVER), Frank Martin (COLORS), Ariana Maher (LETTERS), and Jock (VARIANT COVER).
This is a joint review by Matt of Hops ‘Geek’ News and Megan of Vigilante Vibes Podcast!
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Matt: I tried to remove as much bias as possible when it comes to how much I love the character of Daredevil, heading into this all-new series. This one has been hyped up for quite a long time and has some power behind it with Phillips finding her Olympic-level stride in terms of storytelling lately, and the run of books she has been on, and of course, the team as a whole. Matt Murdock enters this one in perhaps the most relatable manner possible. He is a professor at Empire State and feels a bit out of touch with the people he teaches, being so much younger than they are. We’ve seen him be a lawyer, mayor, DA, and more; we haven’t seen this side of Murdock yet.
Aside from delivering a fresh new story, we get an interesting new villain who has the ability to see into the future and foretells Matt’s death. That wouldn’t seem very villainous to me except for the fact that the villain loves to take eyeballs, so that may be a bit of an issue. What stood out to me was how Phillips wove Matt’s inner monologue and made it feel as though he was two characters. Expressing how he feels in the suit versus being a regular professor built up the character with where he’s at when we meet him in this new run. To me, doing this doesn’t rush the story from the jump but rather lets the reader ease into this familiar and yet new world we will be playing in. So far, I’m sold and will be attending Matt’s classes for sure!
Megan: I had extremely high hopes for this issue, with how talented Stephanie Phillips is as a writer and how much I love Daredevil as a character, and I can confidently say that I wasn’t disappointed in the least. Stephanie Phillips brings the vibe of Matt Murdock we all know and love with the energy of Daredevil that cannot be ignored. Matt Murdock is now teaching at Empire State University, which puts his past life as a lawyer to use. While his students are learning from him, he’s learning from this new life of his. While he is embarking on this new path, he still has his powerful alter ego working full-time to keep the streets safe. Hell’s Kitchen is his home, and he knows the ins and outs to keep it safe. However, what happens when there’s a new player on the street? Matt may know the ins and outs of the streets, but this new player knows the ins and outs of him.
The Art and Letters:
Matt: I wasn’t too familiar with Lee’s artistic work heading into this run. He quickly put me at ease with the poetic way in which he drew Daredevil moving across the city rooftops and across the panels. It felt a bit like watching a ballet or some sort, as every leap and bound felt meaningful and allowed us to see the city at the same time. A particular panel that I absolutely loved was showing the various suits sequentially through the years. The way Frank captured the colors perfectly and Ariana lettered didn’t make these four mini panels feel cluttered in any way, but made Matt’s history to this point matter in a show-not-tell sort of manner. The details were on point, and everything flowed so well in this issue. It was nice of them to include me in the opening page as a faceless man eating a hot dog (this is in no means serious, I just love hot dogs), seeing citizens with their eyes missing felt personal after all of my eye issues. There were glimpses of the horror in this issue, and I hope we lean a bit more into this grotesque calling card of our villain.
Megan: When you have a banger of a story, having a team of artists that can match that tone is a must, and this team achieves that and more! Lee Garbett, Frank Martin, and Ariana Maher are the superstar team that this story deserves, and their work speaks for itself. Garbett brings a familiar sense to Daredevil that turns into something of its own. Giving us looks of Daredevil at work was nothing short of stunning, with his aerodynamic moves and his powerful fighting style. Just the look alone at Daredevil will get any fan into the excitement. Frank Martin gives this grounded comic and level of vibrancy that only a Daredevil comic could achieve, which highlights the more muted tones. Continuing the fantastic storyline through the dialogue is Ariana Maher, who effortlessly keeps an even tone in the inner dialogue of Matt Murdock, while achieving the excitement of the outside world. The artists really went above and beyond in Daredevil #1, and each page of the comic is proof of that.
Final Thoughts:
Matt: 10/10. Daredevil #1 felt like we were meeting an old friend that we haven’t seen in a while. There were beautiful callbacks to his past while showing us that this is a fresh, new, and exciting take on ol’ Hornhead. This first issue lived up to the hype, and I am so ready for more! The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen is back!
Megan: 10/10. Daredevil #1 was made with the fans in mind. Bringing back one of the most iconic Marvel characters, Stephanie Phillips and the artists knocked this out of the park. Action, excitement, familiarity, and new factors all go into Daredevil #1, making it a perfect comic. If you’re like me, you’ll be waiting very impatiently for the next issue to drop! This comic deserves to be on everyone’s pull list!
Overall Grade: 10/10
What did you think of this issue? Let us know in the comments!
Over 300,000 copies have been ordered for the new comic, and that is huge for a new comic from Marvel. Now this new version of Daredevil sees Matt:
“Going back to school, taking on a new role as a law professor just as a new supervillain named Omen emerges with a mysterious vendetta against his super hero alter ego.”
Now the list of covers includes:
Daredevil #1 Original Artist Sketch Cover By Alex Maleev & Signed By Charlie Cox (Credit: Marvel Comics)
DAREDEVIL #1 Cover by Lee Garbett
DAREDEVIL #1 Foil Variant Cover by Ryan Stegman
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Rose Besch
DAREDEVIL #1 Virgin Variant Cover by Rose Besch
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Gabriele Dell’Otto
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Alex Maleev
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Dan Panosian
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Joe Quesada
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Peach Momoko
DAREDEVIL #1 Variant Cover by Daniel Warren Johnson
DAREDEVIL #1 250th Homage Variant Cover by Greg Land
DAREDEVIL #1 Bicentennial Calendar Hidden Gem Variant Cover by Sal Buscema
DAREDEVIL #1 Blank Variant Cover
DAREDEVIL #1 Marvel Television Variant Cover
DAREDEVIL #1 Virgin Variant Cover by Dan Panosian (Available only in the Blind Bag)
DAREDEVIL #1 Virgin Variant Cover by Daniel Warren Johnson (Available only in the Blind Bag)
DAREDEVIL #1 Marvel Rivals Variant Cover by NetEase Games (Available only in the Blind Bag)
Rare Blind Bag Exclusive Variant Covers by surprise contributors including Greg Land, Mike Hawthrone, Mike Henderson, Justin Mason, Frank Miller, Alex Maleev, Charlie Cox and Jon Bernthal!
The book is out tomorrow, and these covers will be amazing.
X-Men: The Hellfire Murder #1 Cover A By Luciano Vecchio (Credit: Marvel Comics)
X-Men: The Hellfire Murder is being helmed by an all-star creative team, including:
Writers: Jed MacKay (X-Men), Gail Simone (Uncanny X-Men), Eve L. Ewing (X-Men United), Saladin Ahmed (Wolverine) & Erica Schultz (Rogue)
Artists: Tony Daniel (X-Men), Luciano Vecchio (Uncanny X-Men), Federica Mancin (Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant) & More
The book’s full description reads:
“HOMICIDE AT THE HELLFIRE GALA!
When an iconic mutant power player is murdered at an exclusive masquerade hosted by Sebastian Shaw, it falls to Wolverine and Jubilee to solve a locked-room mystery that has dire consequences for all mutantkind. Everyone is a suspect. And the party isn’t over yet…”
Artist Luciano Vecchio had this to say about the one-shot:
“Doing Hellfire Gala designs is always a pleasure. This time around, it’s a masquerade, so the challenge was to come up with looks that divert from each character’s classic iconography to reflect their mask’s theme. The dresscode is a callback to classic Hellfire Club attire, so there’s 18th-century fashion mixed with corsets and leather gear, but mixing up the gendering of those elements, resulting in something elegant and sexy.”
Gambit: Wanted Main Cover By Leinil Frances Yu (Credit: Marvel Comics)
Writer Chris Clermont and Artist Robert Gill are teaming up on Gambit: Wanted, a new 5-issue mini-series. This series will follow Gambit’s final adventure before joining the X-Men. The book’s full description reads:
“TARGET: REMY LEBEAU!
Get ready, mes amis, as Gambit, the mutant-thief-hero, travels back to his hometown for an explosive showdown! Set in the timeframe when Gambit returned Storm to what was left of the X-Men, discover how Gambit came to join the team for the first time – and the deadly trial that made it so! Someone’s got mutants in their crosshairs down in New Orleans… and when they hire Bullseye to target Gambit, hang on for the most kinetic showdown of the month!”
Chris Clermont had this to say about the new series:
Gambit: Wanted Variant Cover By Phil Noto (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“I enjoy returning to Gambit because when I first created him, I never had much of a chance to build his backstory. I gave him the dichotomy of being both a hero and a thief, a conflict that creates a fertile patch for stories. GAMBIT: WANTED is set when he first meets the X-Men, and gives me a chance to explore why he decided to give up his unfettered life doing as he wished in New Orleans, becoming bound to this group of heroes, dramatically changing his life’s course.”
Robert Gill also had this to say:
“Getting the chance to work on a Gambit book with Chris was a complete surprise, and it continues to be a surreal experience. Chris’s name is iconic and one that surrounded my early days of reading comics. I’ve always thought Gambit was one of the coolest and mysterious X-Men characters, and despite more than eight years drawing comics for Marvel, I’ve almost never drawn him… until now!”
