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Star Trek Starfleet Academy S1E9 300th Night (Review)

We’ve come to the end of the school year, and not only that, the Federation’s new capital on Betazed is complete, so how do we celebrate? Road trip! But of course it’s not as cut and dry as you would think because Caleb has… Found his mom!

Reach Out and Touch Someone in the Stars

Caleb is reinspired by SAM to try a different technique to search for his mom on a defunct frequency. How do we go and find his mom? We hijack a shuttle through a transwarp tunnel to a planet thats about to be annexed by the Venari Ral.

Caleb finally tracks down his mom, but, of course, it comes at a price. Sam, Darem, and Genesis are also shanghaied by Caleb and SAM, and of course, they get in trouble!

The only way to save them is to send the Doctor, Jet, Nala, and the whole Athena out to go and pick up the kids. Why?

Tig Notaro as Reno in season 1, episode 9, of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

Cut Off from Everyone

While this is going down, the federation is gathering around Betazed to celebrate, but it finally comes to light that Nus Braka stole a new element during the events on the Miazaki. Setting up an overlapping minefield around the current federation space.

So, as our intrepid crew/instructors fly an entire school to go and pick up 4 cadets, they, of course, get caught, and the worst part is they have to separate the saucer from the rest of the ship just to get away.

Combined with the massive quadrant killing minefield, there’s nothing good that can come out of this scenario.

Except a huge setup for the season finale…

Holly Hunter as Captain Nahla Ake in season 1, episode 9, of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy streaming on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

From the Warp Core

This being the penultimate episode of the first season is coming at a breakneck speed this is entirely all set up for what we’re going to get in the finale.

The fact that Jaden and Terima were able to sneak on and stay on the ship using a hack in the airlock I think was genius But again why would three highly decorated officers take an entire ship to go pick up a few cadets Last I checked there was such a thing as a captain’s yacht on every ship or did the burn get rid of all of them?

Tatiana Meslany did an amazing job playing both sides of her character, the loving mother and the jilted Federation prisoner. It is phenomenal acting, getting to be able to see her chops on Star Trek of all things. On the flip side, Paul Giamatti’s character of Nusraka is so over the top, but what concerns me is the fact that he makes so many Earth references, and we’re so far out from them. How is it that he knows them and uses them in proper context?

There’s a lot riding on this particular episode, and the payoff better be worth it in the finale because we already know that season two has wrapped, so there’s gotta be something something that feels very Trek about this i’m not saying that this episode wasn’t very Trekkie but I will say there are some very interesting choices and I guess that’s only because in the 800 years time jump since Discovery apparently we don’t know protocol anymore.

Make sure to come back here to Nerd Initiative for all your fantastic Star Trek reviews. Live long and prosper!

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ALLEYCAT 2.0 PILOT – Revisiting the Past

Creative Team – Gregory M. Guity, Kent Clark

Published by Gregory M. Guity

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The Story

Alleycat 2.0: Pilot sets the tone immediately as a high-energy mission with an espionage energy that puts you right in the middle of the action. There’s no build up to the mission, and the story benefits greatly from that. On the mission, we meet Felix Thomas, the Alleycat of Nebelung Bay City, who’s right on the cusps of confronting arch nemesis, Cerberus.

On his way to the showdown, we see exactly what Alleycat has to offer. Excellent and useful gadgets, fighting skills that make any of his enemies cower, and the calculated mind of a hero on a mission. This is a hero with a plan who is not afraid to put it into action. Once Felix confronts Cerberus, he falls into a trap that tells him all he needs to know; the true identity of his arch nemesis.

Cover art by Kent Clark. Published by Gregory M. Guity.

With a fantastic world-building look into the past of Nebelung Bay City and the Alleycat, the reader is able to find themselves entranced with every aspect of the story. Gregory M. Guity puts his writing skills on full display as you’ll be hooked into the story by the first page, and your eyes won’t leave the comic until the end. The characters are extremely compelling and leave you wanting to learn more and more.

The Art

With a marvelous storyline, you have to have artwork that matches that quality, and that’s exactly what Alleycat 2.0: Pilot gives. Matching the espionage tone of the story, Kent Clark goes with a black and white look at the comic, which added a lot of depth to the overall tone. Each panel is very well detailed, with the characters making a great focal point. What I really enjoyed was how you could clearly feel the emotions of the characters through their facial expressions, bringing the emotions of the story to life.

Final Thoughts

Alleycat 2.0: Pilot is such a fun read that comes with depths that you want to explore so much more of. Gregory M. Guity and Kent Clark did an outstanding job on this comic, and I can’t wait to see more from them!

Overall Grade – 9/10

You can find Gregory M. Guity here!

Let me know in the comments what you thought of Alleycat 2.0: Pilot!

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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Alleycat 2.0: Pilot, 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!

Spider-Man: Long Way Home Announced By Marvel Comics

Legendary comic creator Jonathan Hickman is back with a new limited series at Marvel Comics. 

Spider-Man: Long Way Home #1 Cover A By Adam Kubert (Credit: Marvel Comics)

Entitled Spider-Man: Long Way Home, Hickman is teaming up with Adam Kubert, and this series follows Hickman’s hit 2024 book, Wolverine: Revenge. The book’s full description reads: 

“A DARK HOMECOMING AWAITS…

It’s a world before the Punisher. A world where the existence of the Hulk is but a whisper of a rumor. A world where A.I.M. has just developed a Cosmic Cube in the jungles of South America. Frank Castle, Bruce Banner and Peter Parker are all on a mission to keep the Cube out of the wrong hands – including each other’s. In this three-way free-for-all for the power of the cosmos, who will come out on top?”  

Hickman did have this to say about the new series: 

“I’m so happy to be working with Adam Kubert again and even happier that we’re getting to work on SPIDER-MAN: LONG WAY HOME. Absolutely no one is going to see this one coming.” 

Kubert also had this to share: 

“Jordan [D. White] barely got the words out before I yelled ‘Yes!’ to SPIDER-MAN: LONG WAY HOME. A five-issue Hickman saga with Spidey, Hulk, and Punisher? Total no-brainer. With Frank Martin making the mayhem pop! Just Make Mine Marvel!” 

Issue #1 of this series will be released in Comic Book Stores on June 17th.

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ALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: GHOST-SPIDER #8 – New Fear

Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips, Paolo Villanelli, Matt Milla, VC’s Ariana Maher, David Marquez, Federico Blee

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #7!

The Story

Jumping into All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #8, emotions are high all around. The man that caused chaos at the museum fundraiser died while Gwen tried to save the lives of the innocent people there, and Gwen is taking all the blame. Now, stuck in her head, Gwen’s mind is racing constantly a hundred miles a minute. Is she to blame? Did she kill this man? Sure, he was as big of a villain as they come, but surely he didn’t deserve to die.

Cover art by David Marquez and Federico Blee. Published by Marvel Comics

Meanwhile, Mysterio is keeping a very close eye on Gwen. Mysterio knows that Gwen is to blame for the death of this man, but is that all he has to do with the situation? It sure seems like there’s a lot more going on with Mysterio than meets the eye.

While Gwen is going through the torturous emotions, she is provided comfort and understanding by someone she least expects it from. With so much happening in the story, it feels like there is a lot of tension building up to something huge. And knowing Stephanie Phillips and her fantastic story of Spider-Gwen so far, it’ll be something spectacular.

The Art

As always in this comic run, the artwork is nothing less than stunning. Paolo Villanelli, Matt Milla, and Ariana Maher bring so much depth to the pages of All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #8. There are some panels in here that will blow your mind, such as a half-page panel filled with Mysterios.

Villanelli makes each panel feel as important as the last with his excellent detailing work. Milla makes great use of contrasting colors, having many focal points on a page that practically jump out of the panels. Maher really delivers the emotions of the comic through the dialogue. You can keep the conflicting emotions of Gwen, or the understanding of her father. Maher constantly impresses with her talents and this is no exception.

Final Thoughts

All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider gets better and better with every issue. Something explosive feels like it’s right around the corner, and I can’t wait to see!

Overall Grade – 9/10

Let us know in the comments below what you thought of All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #8!

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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #8, 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!

”Marvel Team-Up: Spider-Man Meets Invincible” Review – Game Changer Alive Again

Writer: Robert Kirkman

Artist: Cory Walker

Colorust: Dave McCaig

Letterer: Rus Wootin

Source: Cory Walker, Dave NcCaig, Marvel Comics, & Image Comics

A Meeting of Legends

Now look… we all know Robert Kirkman is an absolute legend in the industry. For good reason too, as proven here in this reissue of the classic team-up with Marvel. Kirkman proves that he understands not only Spider-Man, but the people that surround him as well. This was also expertly crafted in such a way that Invincible feels so natural in the Marvel world.

While dimension hopping is new for Mark, it’s just another Tuesday for our other heroes. In their first time meeting, Mark and Peter become fast friends, the latter genuinely giving me several hard laughs. Just a few seconds later, I’m being reminded of Mark’s struggles before they fight Doc Ock again. Being able to juggle all range of emotions like that in such a short breadth tends to be the mark of a great writer, and that’s not different here.

Source: Cory Walker, Dave McCaig, Image Comics, Marvel Comics

Invincible Art

Artist Cory Walker and colorist Dave McCaig someone managed to make art that feels both classic and refreshing. While the classic feel of it is namely due to this being a reissue, the artwork all really feels very modern, showing just how much “Invincible” helped paved the way for the future in the early to mid-2000s. The colors and designs both really leap off the page, sucking you into the story.

Overall Grade – 9/10

It should come as a surprise to no one that Kirkman and crew killed it here, as they always do. If you love the Spider-Man or the “Invincible” series on Amazon, this is a must read!

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Have you checked out this team-up before? Do you like how it was changed for the Amazon series? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nova Centurion #5 – Nova and Star-Lord Have a Long Awaited Reunion!

Nova Centurion #5 – Cover – Alessandro Cappuccio & Rachelle Rosenberg (Credit Marvel Comics)

Nova Centurion #5

Writer – Jed MacKay

Artist – Álvaro López

Colorist – Mattia Iacono

Letterer – Cory Petit

Cover – Alessandro Cappuccio & Rachelle Rosenberg

Read the review of the last issue in this series here!

Nova Centurion #5 – Cover – Adam Gorham (Credit Marvel Comics)

The Story:

Nova and Star-Lord have some things to work out in their friendship. While the two heroes deal with their past, another threat emerges. The former teammates must work together again to get out of an incredibly deadly situation.

The Writing:

What can I say about Jed MacKay’s writing that I have not said already in this series? There is a real understanding of these characters, not just their motivations in the moment, but what brought them to this point. MacKay also has an uncanny ability to keep these issues moving at a rapid pace while also slowly unveiling the direction of the story as a whole.

Nova Centurion #5 – Cover – Partha Pratim Sarkar (Credit Marvel Comics)

The Art:

The art in this series has been stellar leading up to this issue. While I enjoyed the art of Álvaro López, it is not a style that I love. When mixed with Mattia Iacono’s colors, it gave a bit of a jarring effect. Again, I enjoyed the art in the issue and I can say that it was well done, it is just not what I have come to expect on this title and took a page or two to get into the rhythm of it. Thankfully, once I did get used to this art team, they delivered some fantastic action scenes and set pieces. Two moments that really stood out were Richard, calmly taking off his helmet and handing it over and the surprise of what the team would be facing in the next issue. So, while it took a moment to get past my initial concerns with this art team, it did not take away from the stunning work they turned in.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Nova Centurion is the bright spot that I look forward to every month. Each issue is full of fun and action and is exactly what I want out of the Marvel Cosmic Universe. This issue continues the streak of perfection and left me on the edge of my seat to see what comes next!

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Have you read this issue? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

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The Amazing Spider-Man #23: Death Spiral Pt. 2 – Truth Hurts

Peter is still struggling to rebuild his life after returning from space. Which causes people within his life to learn new but old things about him…


Creative Team

Joe Kelly (Writer), Ed McGuinness (Penciler/Cover Artist), Mark Farmer & Cliff Rathburn (Inkers), Marcio Menyz (Colorist/Cover Artist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer)

Lee Bermejo / Iban Coello & Jesus Aburtov / Taurin Clarke & Ivan Talavera / Mark Bagley & Dean White / Mike McKone & Morry Hollowell (Variant Cover Artists)

Sarah Spadaccini (Designer), Kaitlyn Lindtvedt (Assistant Editor), Tom Groneman (Associate Editor), Nick Lowe (Editor), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics


Truth Hurts

Issue twenty-three of The Amazing Spider-Man (ASM) happens to also be part two of the Death Spiral story. This issue is a continuation of the ASM arc by Joe Kelly, who continues to “wow” me with every new issue that he releases! If you need to catch up on what is going on in the ASM storyline and the beginning of Death Spiral, please check out the links below for my reviews of them.

The Amazing Spider-Man #23, Credit Marvel Comics. Cover by Ed McGuinness & Marcio Menyz.


ASM twenty-three shows the reader a sporadic Peter who is happy that Aunt May is alright, but then remembers all of the other aspects of his life that still need to be fixed from his absence. Which is adding an interesting dynamic to Peter as a person within the story. You almost get the feeling that he is perfectly happy with just Aunt May being accepting of his return. Which would make complete sense because she is the first woman in his life to love him unconditionally. That is until now…

There is some action within the panels of this issue. Which is rather poetic to see, as funny as that sounds. Joe does an amazing job of taking you through a completely emotional story in one issue, all action, then bringing it all together in a separate book. The change of events within this story happens fast, but also in a slow-motion feel. Which plays into the “shock and awe”!

Joe Kelly also gives us one of the most anticipated exchanges that I have been waiting for since Peter’s return to Earth. Mary Jane Watson/Venom and Peter Parker/Spider-Man. For those who have been dedicated to this ASM storyline, you will remember the last time Mary Jane spoke to “Peter” (aka Ben Riley), it did not go over well at all. Well, you, the reader, finally get to witness Mary Jane confront the real Peter Parker with added banter from Venom. This conversation is one that makes you feel the anger from Mary Jane because of Peter not feeling that he could tell her the whole truth.

The conclusion of this story takes you back to the ending of Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral pt. 1, where we see who our main villain is and who his next target is. He (Spiral) takes no time in going after who’s next on his list. Which is about to start something that I’m not entirely sure he will be ready for…


The Writing

I shouldn’t be surprised by how great this writing is for ASM because it is Joe Kelly. Who knows how to create a script that will either leave you dangling on the edge or pull you in so close that you’re right there with the characters. This issue does all of that. There isn’t much more that I can say about the writing except that it is exceptional.

The Artwork

This art team had their work cut out for them with this issue. And they passed with flying colors! Ed McGuinness with his smooth and precise line work. Marcio Menyz’s coloration of this issue was absolutely… B-E-A-utiful! One of the many pages that stick out in terms of art for this issue is the opening page of Spider-Man swinging in the air. Capturing the iconic Spider-Man pose and the bold pop of the colors of his suit.


My Thoughts

Loved this issue! Love the play on two stories at one time! You get to see Peter get thrown into a blender while Aunt May and Mary Jane have their fingers on the power switch. This is a story that will make you feel so many things for Peter. Remorse, but then a feeling of “you deserve this, Peter”! Fantastic read, so make sure you don’t miss out on this twenty-third issue of ASM!

Grade: 10/10!



Comic Book Reviews & Nerdy News: Nerd Initiative
ASM #22 Review: The Amazing Spider-Man #22: Homeward Bound
ASM/Venom: Death Spiral #1 Review: Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral #1
My Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven


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Lost Fantasy #8- The Truth Is Out

Henry is about to find out the truth about everything. Image’s Lost Fantasy is back for Issue #8, and the book’s all-star creative team is back as well:

  • Writers: Curt Pires & Franklin Jonas
  • Artist: Luca Casalanguida
  • Colorist: Mark Dale 
  • Letterer: Micah Myers

Read Lost Fantasy #7 Review Here

Lost Fantasy #8 Cover A By Luca Casalanguida (Credit: Image Comics)

Luca’s art on this issue is amazing. He really took what Henry was going through and showcased incredible art for it. I also love how he draws both of the fights in this issue. Mark’s coloring and Micah’s lettering really tied everything together. 

Curt and Frankie have woven an amazing issue together.  I love how they interweave the fight and flashbacks to different parts of Henry’s life. It was also really interesting to see the fight at the end of the book, and it was really well written. 

Now, this issue has finally led Henry to hear the truth about everything. I love how we see him fighting, and while the fight is happening, there are also flashbacks to different points in his life. We then also see him and the others having to fight a new enemy, which sets us up for the next story arc. 

Overall Grade:10/10 

This issue perfectly caps off this story arc and gets us set up for the next one. I cannot wait to see what Curt and the team have in store for future issues.

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X-MEN ANNUAL(2026) #1 – Into the Creative Process

Creative Team – Ryan Stegman, Steve Skroce, Sanford Greene, Arthur Hesli, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Published by Marvel Comics

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The Story

InsideX-Men Annual #1, we see Jean Grey returning to the X-Men at Haven House in Louisiana. She’s happy to see her X-family, but she’s actually there on business. Jean was brought there by a distressed psychic signal, which was located right there at Haven House. Almost immediately, a giant psychic rip opens before their very eyes, which Jean says is actually an idea forming, attempting to manifest into something real. From inside the forming idea comes a gigantic monster that’s ready to rip the X-Men apart, limb by limb. While the X-Men are busy taking down the monster before it comes for the Haven House, Jean is searching through the formed idea for the origin.

Cover art by Ryan Stegman and Arthur Hesli. Published by Marvel Comics

Finding where the monster came from through her psychic connection, Jean was able to meet the creator, the Creationist. With a huge chip on his shoulder and a mutant ability that’s unparalleled, The Creationist seeks out to find his revenge for his past.

The Writing

Ryan Stegman brings a very fun story, unlike anything we’ve seen yet from the X-Men in X-Men Annual #1. Showing the classic team-up of Jean and Logan, we get to see just how different these two characters are when they’re on a mission. Stegman also gives a great look at how empathetic Jean is, especially to those who feel they don’t have a place to fit into.

All in all, Stegman brought back the wonderful presence of Jean Grey to the pages of X-Men Annual #1, united with her classic X-family. Seeing Jean back was a real treat, especially after her fantastic solo series from Stephanie Phillips. Here’s hoping we get more of this in the future of the X-titles!

The Art

The artwork throughout X-Men Annual #1 was as exciting as the story itself, if not more so. Ryan Stegman, Steve Skroce, and Sanford Greene bring so much depth to the artwork with their phenomenal detailing work, and out-of-the-box illustrations that match the theme of creativity. What I really appreciated was Ryan Stegman and Sanford Greene inserting themselves as characters, which was a very meta and very creative move. I always get a kick out of artists doing that!

Arthur Hesli is the colorist, and if you’re not familiar with his work, this comic should be a great representation of how extremely talented Hesli is. There’s a beautiful juxtaposition of contrasting colors, and often times Jean is used as the focal point with her bright, warm-toned look. Hesli brings a lot of depth to the panels with his use of clashing vibrancy against the muted tones.

Clayton Cowles is the letterer of the comic and always brings the heat with him wherever he lends his talents. Capturing the many tones of the story through the dialogue, you can feel the emotions of the characters perfectly clear through their words.

Final Thoughts

I found X-Men Annual #1 to be a huge amount of fun, and it captures the meaning of what it means to give outcasts a place to call home. There are many layers to the story, and Stegman addresses each tone with ease. This is what the X-Men are all about!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let me know in the comments what you thought of X-Men Annual #1!

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This review was written by Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of X-Men Annual #1, 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!

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN #17: Not For Sale.

The mysterious parasite is gobbling up every living being in Metropolis, leaving Superman to not only battle Hawkman but also figure out a way to free the citizens without harming them. Unbeknownst to Superman, this has all been a distraction, and Kal has only one message for Hall, Talia, and Lazarus…he is not for sale!

Creative Team: Jason Aaron (WRITER), Juan Ferreyra (ART and COLORS), Becca Carey (LETTERS), and Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola (COVER).

Absolute Superman #17. Credit DC Comics. Cover by Rafa Sandoval and Ulises Arreola.

ABSOLUTE SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

Every hurdle, every battle, every challenge he faces, Superman continues to attack it head-on and overcome it as Jason Aaron is building Kal into something familiar but also something fresh. The conflict that he has crafted between Hawkman, who continues to be an annoying voice at all times in this issue, and Superman truly shows the differences between Kal and everyone else. At his core, Superman believes he can and will save everyone without losing a soul. Jason gives us a climax where Superman simply uses his voice and his brain, over-punching his way out of the conflict which works so much more effectively. Things end with Talia breaking her father out and Hall bringing a stark warning back to Lazarus, setting up an even bigger hurdle on the horizon.

The Art and Letters:

Juan takes our breath away almost instantly with a shocking panel of Jimmy Olsen in a horrifying state. The way he is suspended with this parasite pulling at his skin and how Juana draws, and colors with an immense amount of realism brought out an audible gasp when I first saw it. From there, the way the colors weave seamlessly from panel to panel stood out to me. Becca gives this stern voice to Kal as he delivers his warning to Hall and Lazarus that sticks the landing with what they were aiming to do.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Superman #17 finally hits the crescendo as Superman has found his footing in this new universe and has become the hero Metropolis and Earth have needed. Kal does burn play around, and neither does the creative team, who have been working to build toward this moment, which has landed effectively.

Overall Grade: 9.5/10

For more from Matt at the Hops “Geek” News podcast!

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