Love can make us do the weirdest things sometimes. We may buy someone an overly priced gift, or we may bind them with weirdly powerful magic. Love is complicated, and it brings Zatanna and Diana to blows as they find unlikely allies within one another against a familiar foe.
Absolute Wonder Woman #18. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Hayden Sherman and Jordie Bellaire.
Creative Team: Kelly Thompson (WRITER), Hayden Sherman (ART and COVER), Jordie Bellaire (COLORS and COVER), and Becca Carey (LETTERS).
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
After an intense past couple of issues, Kelly allows Diana and the readers to take a moment to catch their breath. Diana is in dire straits, and I love that Zatanna, who is one of my favorite characters, is being introduced in one of the best DC books on going. Kelly cleverly showcases Zatanna’s power without causing any detriment to Diana in any way, and both come out looking powerful. The theme that love can make us do difficult things is powerful in this issue. Zatara may never be saved but, Zatanna will never stop trying and Kelly shows how understanding she is of that being a core focus of her character. Things continue to get intense and better and better.
The Art and Letters:
The art by Hayden and Jordie is always stellar from issue to issue. They never drop below the high bar that continues to be raised as they craft every single panel. There is beautiful and detailed magic on display as Zatanna and Diana’s magic clash against one another in a flashy display. There is a scene with Diana holding her lasso, which burns a teal color against the tall Zatara, which burns a bright orange, and the color work is astounding!
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Wonder Woman #18 takes a step back and allows Diana to heal and lick her wounds while bringing Zatanna’s story forward. The artwork and story work are growing more powerful with each issue and impress me every time!
Existential horror, dread and butterflies in Sai: Dimensional Rival #3 from Marvel Comics
Sai: Dimensional Rival #3 by Mike Del Mundo, Elena Casagrande, Bengal, Peach Momoko & Joe Sabino, Marvel Comics (Preview)
Just like this comic book, this review is a collaboration between Eda and Yancy. We are both excited to share with you all our thoughts on this spectacular series.
CREATIVE TEAM:
Writer/Artist: Mike Del Mundo
Writer/Artist: Elena Casagrande
Writer:Artist: Bengal
Writer/Artist: Peach Momoko
Letterer: Joe Sabino
FROM SOLICITATION:
“METAMORPHOSIS! Sai continues her journey through an artistic Multiverse, landing this issue with creative master MIKE DEL MUNDO! Witness some of the trippiest artwork you’ve seen, all woven into the narrative of Sai’s hunt for the mystical stones!
*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #3*
Sai meets Eternia – Sai Dimensional Rival #3 by Mike Del Mundo, Elena Casagrande, Bengal, Peach Momoko & Joe Sabino, Marvel Comics (Preview)
WELCOME TO BATTLE WORLD
Eda: As for the last few issues, the writing here just feels absolutely immaculate. Having followed since the beginning, this adventure has gone in so many unexpected places. To have seen Sai on Battleworld fighting Eternia just feels absolutely bonkers, and I love it. Also, knowing that this is canon to Rivals and that they’re introducing incursions in the game, I’m beyond hyped for where this series is going. Especially after that “Alice in Wonderland” level ending. Lastly, despite the craziness, the pacing feels so spot on. It isn’t too fast, or too slow, it’s just right.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Yancy: Previously, this comic book series has been a showcase of talent and the power of collaboration. Every single issue contains amazing bits and pieces of a story from a selection of a highly talented pool of creators. Until now, there has been a sense of randomness with all the artistic choices and the places Sai has traveled so far. However, issue three has shattered all of that. When Sai follows the mythical stone to a new dimension, she finds herself in Battleword. Along with the presence of a mysterious character named Eternia.
SAME DANCE, DIFFERENT SONG
As you can imagine, Sai had many questions for Eternia. While Eternia only spoke in riddles. But there was at least one interesting reveal by Eternia. Apparently, Eternia was left behind to watch over the Battleword, and this was not the first time she had come face to face with Sai. In fact, Eternia states that Sai has visited her many times before. Like an infinite loop, Sai and Eternia meet in Battleworld and fight. However, something about this version of Sai is different. The paradox has changed in some way.
Sai vs Eternia – Sai Dimensional Rival #3 by Mike Del Mundo, Elena Casagrande, Bengal, Peach Momoko & Joe Sabino, Marvel Comics (Preview)
HOW ABOUT THE ART?
Eda: The art here, by the whole crew, matches the writing in how phenomenal it is. I particularly love the use of color, which lends everything this vibrancy that’s both eye-catching and exciting, matching the story. To point out a specific page, I’m in love with this shot of Sai jumping through a portal between realms, showing this perfect merge of different art styles in action. Simply incredible.
Yancy: As much as I love Momoko’s watercolors, I will admit that was stolen from her in this issue. Elena Casagrande had some incredibly sharp pencils. Alongside the most creative panel sequences, where she absolutely broke every rule in comic books. But somehow managed to deliver the most impressive storytelling visuals. Finally, Bengal brought the surreal elements with the most bonkers pages you will ever see in a Marvel Comic Book. There are no words that will do justice to his portion of the book. Only questions come to mind that I cannot answer.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Eda: The artwork? Immaculate. The writing? Stellar as it’s been since the beginning. I can’t recommend this enough. (10/10)
Yancy: If you consider yourself a fan of comic book art, this is a must-read. Especially because the visual storytelling is rich, layered, and each artist’s style contrasts amazingly well with each other. (10/10)
OVERALL GRADE: 10/10.
LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON sAI: DIMENSIONAL RIVAL #3 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW:
The Maker is free, and Doom is on his mind. Ultimate Endgame #3 marks the halfway point of the Ultimate Endgame story from Deniz Camp and Jonas Scharf, and this team isn’t pulling any punches. After seeing the horror that the Maker has become in issue #2, we begin to see the plans to try and defeat the Maker begin to unfold in issue #3.
Writer: Deniz Camp Artists: Jonas Scharf, Terry Dodson, and Rachel Dodson Colorist: Edgar Delgado and Terry Dodson Letterer: Cory Petit Cover Artist: Mark Brooks
Writing
Holy smokes, what an issue. Right from the jump, Deniz Camp gets into it. The foreshadowing near the beginning still makes this issue no less heart-wrenching. The Ultimate Universe has been great, and I really love the work that Camp is doing to bring everyone’s worlds together. The fact that Camp is successfully weaving together the Ultimate stories, but doing it in a way that the heart and spirit of each author’s stories remain with their characters, is refreshing.
I found myself leaning closer and closer to the words every time I read a new bubble. This issue kept me right on my toes with big reveals, last-minute saves, and amazing action. It’s not often that a story brings me to tears, but after Ultimate Endgame #3, I find myself in that position for the second time in the Ultimate series alone.
Art
Ultimate Endgame #3 Cover by Mark Brooks. Image from Marvel Comics
What an amazing issue of art. I love that the art teams are broken down to “inside the dome” and “outside the dome”. Whether we are talking about inside the dome or outside of it, the art was spectacular for this issue.
Outside of the dome, Terry and Rachel Dodson did beautiful work telling the stories of various members of the Ultimate universe through their art. We get some really beautiful poster-worthy art in this issue from this team.
Not to be outdone, Jonas Scharf takes the art to another level inside the dome. With lots of big reveals, action sequences, and a dark menagerie of images from the darkest depths of the Maker’s mind, Scharf assists Camp in telling the story of those inside the dome perfectly.
Final Thoughts
What an amazing issue. This issue puts its foot on the panel from the first panel until the last. You reach the last panel feeling like you need to go back because you must have missed something. Surely the things you just read happening didn’t happen, you tell yourself. This issue is an edge-of-your-seat rollercoaster ride from beginning to end and a testament to the amazing synergy this creative team has with each other.
Overall Grade: 10/10
Until next time, may your pulls be magical and your multiverse remain stable.
Issue twenty-five of The Amazing Spider-Man (ASM) is the fifth instalment in the mini-event titled “Death Spiral”. This is an amazing story that combines the current comic book runs of ASM and Venom. The villain for Death Spiral is an individual named Torment, and he does just that. Let’s get into how within this new issue of ASM.
The Amazing Spider-Man #25, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Ed McGuinness & Marte Gracia.
ASM twenty-five takes us right back to where issue twenty-four ended. Spider-Man and Venom have teamed up and have also added Carnage to their ranks. Not knowing that Carnage is definitely “Team Torment.” There is a beautiful moment within these panels where Carnage tries to talk Torment into bonding with one another. Carnage would drop Eddie Brock to bond with Torment and go on living their lives as one kick butt killing duo.
As that is going on, Spider-Man and Venom are trying to connect all of the dots of who Torment is and how they’ve made it to this point. Then it clicks… And just around that time, Eddie Brock wakes from an induced slumber and goes after Torment for what he did in issue twenty-four. Now that Eddie is back in control of Carnage, that leaves Torment flying solo to finish his work.
Mary Jane goes absolutely crazy on Eddie Brock after Torment has escaped. Leaving Peter Parker to be the only level-headed one of the three. That is till they all realize that Torment is going after their families! Who Torment targets next leads to what is going to come in part six of Death Spiral!
The Writing
The writing for this issue by Joe Kelly is a mixture of serious and just downright hilarious. The serious tones come in the very beginning of this story, tapering off, then returning at the end of the issue. It is that in-between moment of this issue where the comedy interjects. The storyline continues to keep readers intrigued. I credit that to the “cliff-hanger” moments that Joe is so good at springing on you! This ASM run and even the mini event are very well written!
The Artwork
Ed McGuinness brings to this issue such defined and smooth pencil work. Everything within the art of this issue is crisp and clean. No rough edges or broken lines. And his attention to detail within muscles makes you think these characters should also be in Muscle & Fitness Magazine. I might add that there is a small detail on a television that I caught and openly laughed when I saw it. It’s that level of attention to detail that makes Ed’s work so great!
Cliff Rathburn, Marcio Menyz & Erick Arciniega. These three individuals brought the pencil work of Ed to a whole new level. Bright, vibrant colors used to bring focus to the characters. The shading is perfectly placed to fully embody when character limbs are bent and to what extent. Adding just the subtle hints of white to character suits to give them a “shining” or “glimmering” texture while in sunlight. Truly beautiful work!
Joe Caramagna is responsible for the astronomically perfect lettering in this issue! Every comment bubble is color-coded, giving the reader the exact character who is talking. The text font even changes to provide better distinction between characters. Spacing and placement within the panels are great! Joe does an amazing job at placing his comment bubbles in places that are important for the reader to see, but also in places that will not take away from the artwork.
Variant Covers
Iban Coello Cover
Jonas Scharf & Alex Guimarães Cover
Lee Bermejo Cover
Mark Bagley Cover
Mark Chiarello Cover
Patrick Gleason Cover
Rose Besch Cover
My Thoughts
ASM twenty-five is an amazing continuation of the Death Spiral event. This creative team put together an astonishing issue on every scale. You continue to get character development, plot twists, as well as sprinkles of different emotions. This story isn’t just panel to panel dark and serious. There are added comedic puns that are easy to pick up on. Issue twenty-four is definitely worth going out and picking up.
In an exciting story that’s about monsters and the wild west, the ending is just as thrilling. The X-Men find themselves battling the monsters nightmares are made of, like Jubilee against Morbius or Rogue and Elsa Bloodstone. The fights are getting more and more perilous with every punch, but the heroes have no plans to stop.
Back at Haven House, Mr. St. Juniors is finishing up the bedtime story with the Outliers and Chelsea, telling the tale of the heroes of the wild west. With the story coming to a gratifying finish, the young X-Men are met with the reality they hadn’t been privy to; the real story has already unfolded outside of Haven House. While the X-Men fight off the monsters, the Outliers have to handle the big bad herself, Lady Darkhold.
The Writing
Cover art by David Marquez and Matthew Wilson. Published by Marvel Comics
While the X-Men have been the ones in the roles of defending Haven House and its occupants, it’s the Outliers that truly shone in this issue. In The Uncanny X-Men #25, we see the Outliers parallel the heroes of the bedtime story, and jump straight into action and work harmoniously as a team. Not that we haven’t seen it before, but there was no hesitation, there was no second-guessing, and there was no confusion. Time and time again, these young heroes prove themselves in an even bigger way than the last.
Along with the main story of the comic, we’re also treated to a secondary story that shows the Outliers handling X-Men business while their mentors are away. With a young girl missing, it’s up to Deathdream, Ransom, Jitter, and Calico to find this girl and bring her home safe.
What I love that Gail Simone is doing is giving these new characters room to breathe and finding themselves as heroes. We get to watch in real time as the Outliers grow into their roles and they bring us along with them on their journey. Instead of the usual trope of watching the mentors and learning, Simone gives the young mutants their chances at learning in the field and learning together.
The Art
There are so many jaw-dropping panels in The Uncanny X-Men #25 that it’s clear the artists knew exactly the energy to bring to the story. Perfectly capturing the horror aspect of the story, David Marquez and Luciano Vecchio make the panels drip with action and horror. Some of my favorite panels have to be the ones including Lady Darkhold and the Outliers, as there is so much happening on one page, but everything is drawn with a beautiful flow.
Matthew Wilson handles the coloring and sticks to the darker colors that have a great juxtaposition with the brighter colors, which practically makes the characters pop off the page. Clayton Cowles, the letterer of the comic, makes every tone very clear through the dialogue. Together, the artists complement each other’s work perfectly, and the readers will truly benefit from their excellent talents.
Final Thoughts
The Uncanny X-Men continues to thrive under Gail Simone, and at this point, there’s no one else I’d rather write these characters. As the comic run continues, one thing is very clear: this is what makes the X-Men great. The love, the passion, and the heart that go into making these comics.
Overall Grade – 10/10
Let me know in the comments below what you thought of The Uncanny X-Men #25!
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 The Uncanny X-Men #25, 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!
From rebuilding Croft Manor to finding Carter injured and now coming upon exactly what she’s been looking for, Lara Croft has already been through a lot. In this penultimate issue of “Sacred Artifacts”, everything starts coming to a head. So, strap in and let’s open this book up!
Writer: Casey Gilly Artist: Antonio Di Caprio Colorist: Eren Angiolini Publisher: Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics
Source: “Sacred Artifacts #3” – Antonio Di Caprio, Eren Angiolini, Dark Horse Comics
Cavern of Curiosity
As with the previous issues, Gilly proves just how much of a fan she is while lending hints to future twists. She does such a wonderful job of throwing in potential misdirections while simultaneously moving the plot forward. Oddly enough, the two things I stated play very much hand-in-hand. For any diehard fans of “Tomb Raider 2” specifically, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you pick this up, as the events of it get brought up directly yet again. I fear this will have a deep, emotional impact that Lara and I aren’t ready for.
One other thing that I genuinely loved here was Gilly’s inclusion of real-world history and blending it in seamlessly with Lara’s world. In this issue, we find out more about the Scythian Warriors and the Scythian Dagger. In my research, I found out that the Scythian Warriors were a real group that did exactly what she described. This more than proved that Gilly’s willing to put in the work, something that not every writer will do. Blending real history with fiction to deepen the story isn’t easy to do, yet she makes it look so.
Lighting The Way
One thing that really helps this blending of history and fiction is the art and colors. Once again, coming from Di Caprio and Angiolini, they work together to both transport us through time and create dimension. When I say “dimension”, I mean in more ways than one.
Coupled with Gilly’s great writing, we start seeing a deeper connection between Lara and Anna. In everything from facial expressions to the subtle hand motions, they work to suck readers into this bond. Last time, I said I believed this to be a queer bond, but I think this will be something much more and much different.
The two also work to create an astounding-looking space on a 2D surface. Through the expert use of line work, coloring, and shading, these characters, settings, and the action leap off the page. In every look that I take, it’s so easy for me to believe that what’s happening is real, even if I know it isn’t. Through this, the reader becomes fully enveloped in what’s going on, pairing perfectly with Gilly’s work.
Overall – 10/10
Gilly, Di Caprio, and Angiolini all come together to create one of Lara’s best adventures to date! Any fan not reading “Sacred Artifacts” is missing out on a truly exciting time. This penultimate issue is well worth the trip to your local comic shop.
How would you handle saving dozens and hundreds of people daily if you knew they only put themselves in harm’s way to make some cash? Wally West is the fastest man alive, and he is up against a foe who will put his willingness to save anyone, no matter what, to the test!
The Flash #31. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Gavin Guidry and Giovanna Niro.
Creative Team: Ryan North (WRITER), Gavin Guidry (ART and COVER), Adriano Lucas (COLORS), Buddy Beaudoin (LETTERS), and Giovanna Niro (COVER).
SPOILERS AHEAD
The Story:
Ryan North is ushering in a new storyline for The Flash and hits the ground running with it. What starts as innocent Wally running about the city quickly turns into turmoil. I was easily lulled into a thought that Ryan was having Wally go about his day and ease us into this new storyline, but he quickly flipped that thought upon its head. People putting themselves in danger to make money is something that would happen in real life, and it does truly feel like there are real stakes on every panel. There is someone sinister working behind the scenes, making this story immediately grasp me.
The Art and Letters:
I appreciate how effective Guidry and Lucas are with showcasing the speed and quickness of Wally as he runs through the panels. There is always a lot of detail as he is maneuvering the speed force and bending it to his will with bolts of lightning coming off of him. The lettering adds to the lightness and hilarity of the issue as Wally feels as though he is being pranked, going from person to person. In terms of coloring, Flash always showcases some of the most eccentric panel works and splash pages, leveraging the bold colors at its disposal.
Final Thoughts:
The Flash #31 is bringing a new jolt of life to Wally’s story and with it a new set of problems. There is a real-life dilemma that comes into play in a way I haven’t seen truly from a creator on the character before. Make sure not to miss this issue!
Welcome to Hell… literally. In this episode, we get get a big anticipated storyline. As I mentioned last week, Mark is still dealing with what it means to be a hero, and his blue and black suit has seen better days. I love this episode because of how Mark explains how he has been feeling. Slowly, you can see him doubting himself. This is so relatable to everyone, because everyone has felt that way at some point. Super powers or not. People try to do good things, but at the end of the day, is it worth it?
This episode explores the theme of Hell. Mark finds himself within it, and again, those hovering questions are in his head. I liked that he can get his thoughts together in the midst of helping two particular people. These scenes within the episode give a bit of a philosophical root, because of what everyone is saying to Mark.
Meanwhile, Eve is grappling with a big decision from the previous episode, and she understands why her powers are going. I feel really bad for Eve, because even in season 3, it looked like her future was bright. I’m wondering if her decision will impact the rest of the seasons to come. Debbie (Mark and Oliver’s mother) also is making some major decisions. I am loving Debbie’s storyline because she is finally getting the happily ever after that she deserves. Dealing with two super-powered teenagers is a lot of work.
Again the themes of mental health, self-esteem, and what it takes to be a hero takes the forefront. Invincible helps the viewers understand these characters, and fully flushed out storylines are very important to the series.
This show amazes me again and again with the pace, animation, and the voice acting. In my honest opinion, it’s the best show that is on at this moment. I’m really hoping that Mark will continue to believe in himself.
What did you think of this episode of Invincible? Sound off in the comments below!
Lord Of The Rings Animated Film PVC Frodo, Aragorn, & Samwise Figures By Chris Dahlberg & J.W. Productions (Credit: Dark Horse Direct)
These new figures are from Ralph Bakshi’s 1978 animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Now, we are also getting both Bilbo and Gollum in the same style, and those figures are out in July. The full description for these reads:
“Dark Horse and Middle-earth Enterprises are pleased to present a 3-piece PVC Figure Set featuring Frodo, Aragorn, and Samwise from Ralph Bakshi’s 1978 animated adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.
Ranging from 4.25” to 6.25” tall, these colorful figures have been pulled straight from the animated film.
Civil War: Unmasked #1, #2, & #3 Connecting Covers By Paulo Siqueira (Credit: Marvel Comics)
The book’s description is also out, and you can read that below:
Civil War: Unmasked #1 Cover A By Geoff Shaw (Credit: Marvel Comics)
“WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON NOW?
The original Civil War went on to become one of Marvel’s best-selling collections and the inspiration behind sequels, films, video games, and more. CIVIL WAR: UNMASKED celebrates its legacy by recapturing the exciting spirit of the era and shedding light on its most historic developments. An anniversary series two decades in the making, the sagas will be packed with twists and surprises, including ones that will impact present-day storytelling.”
“The really cool thing for me, re-reading the original event, was realizing how many opportunities there were to go deeper into the story. That’s why we called it Unmasked. It’s an allusion to the literal unmasking required by the Superhuman Registration Act, of course, but it also refers to getting into the heads of some of the main characters to ‘unmask’ why they made some of the consequential decisions they did.”
Issue #1 is releasing May 10th, #2 drops June 10th, and #3 is out July 8th.
