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X-MEN #4 – THE DEADLY COST TO BE POPULAR

Ken M.
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0
X-MEN #4 – THE DEADLY COST TO BE POPULAR
X-MEN #4 by Jed MacKay, Netho Diaz, Sean Parsons, Marte Gracia AND Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics)

From the ashes of Krokoa, the X-Men rise again. Cyclops leads a team from Alaska bracing for a public that distrusts them. They also face a familiar foe who’s all but ready to step into the spotlight: Trevor Fitzroy and the Upstarts!

X-MEN #4 by Jed MacKay, Netho Diaz, Sean Parsons, Marte Gracia AND Clayton Cowles (Marvel Comics) spotlights this heavyweight throwdown!

Let’s take a closer look at this new era of X!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

MacKay throws a complex scenario at readers for this issue. Fitzroy leading his team of “social media killers” after a new mutant comes off disturbing and troubling. The Upstarts are playing off the fears of the public by trying to justify their killings.

Cyclops answers the call but there is still lingering friction on the team. In this new post Krakoa landscape, the X-Men still feel like they’re trying to find their way. The banter between Beast and Cyclops is prime example.

That said, the breakout character here is Magik. MacKay puts her in the spotlight as mission leader. Seeing the plan executed to perfection will give readers much to cheer about. The ending half comes off with a few more surprises.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

With defeat, The Upstarts spin it much to the social media angle they play. Seeing the mastermind behind Fitzroy is a great reveal of X-Past. Once at the conclusion, the story becomes full circle. It all too fitting as Magik’s resolution becomes all too clear.

Diaz steps in for art duties with Parsons and Garcia along for the ride. Fitzroy’s stream comes off as psychotic as it needs to be. The reactions from Cyclops and Beast usher in the building tension surfacing as of late. It works to cast the spotlight on Magik as she runs into action.

The team gets a near full page panel jumping into action. It carries many traditional superhero themes that is always a plus. Juggernaut’s panels of action feel bold to match the intense dialogue he is saying. Events conclude with a full page image of the surprise villain. It rolls into a more quiet moment as Magik reflects on what happens and what is coming for her as being a fighter for Mutantkind.

FINAL POINT: 8.4

Magik takes the reigns of the team in a highly contested faceoff with Fiztroy. MacKay’s writing gives a close look to the twisted social temp of mutants and humans with the writing. Diaz jumps in bring electric art to a battle that is far from over. This feels like the start of something bigger for both the X-Men and humans as the events rage onward.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on X-Men #4. Thanks for reading.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

SUPERMAN #18 – A HERO’S HOPE TESTED

Ken M.
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0
SUPERMAN #18 – A HERO’S HOPE TESTED
SUPERMAN #18 by Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell and Ariana Maher (DC COMICS)

Pushed to the brink, the Man of Steel makes a deal with the devil (literally). With Amanda Waller closing in on complete victory, Superman and Zatanna take extreme measures.

Conducting business with NERON can’t end well, right? Nothing is off limits in the quest for Absolute Power!

SUPERMAN #18 by Joshua Williamson, Jamal Campbell and Ariana Maher leads the heroic pair into the Dark Roads! What do they find along the way?

Let’s take a closer look and see what lies ahead!

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Williamson throws a unique perspective into an already chaotic scenario. For this crisis, readers see Superman cross a line or the greater win. Making Neron the deciding factor plays well for amping up the drama. Its’ fallout dives into Superman’s will to win no matter the cost.

This complements the efforts of Lois and company to track him down. The actions also feature both heroes opinions on Magic. It is very well known Superman and Magic do not mix. However, for his partner here, that is her world.

Zatanna is written as challenged to find her identity. The dialogue with her and Supes comes off impactful. She lays out her insecurities and challenges Superman about his Magic ethic stance. This leads into a play when the main antagonist appears. Both heroes make a call which leads into a solid finale. The epilogue brings everything back full circle. One door appears to close but the last page says otherwise and then some.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Campbell presents excellent imagery as the pair enters into the dark side of Magic. The depiction of Neron comes off as everything one would expect when dealing with a devil. This leads into a fantastic two page splash as they travel the Dark Roads. Campbell’s attention to details in this massive piece will have readers glued to the pages.

The latter half of the book is fueled by Superman and Zatanna’s conflicting views. Campbell captures their points of view and drives home the feelings from both. It plays into a solid action sequence before resolving their dilemma. The issue is capped off with a soon to be iconic page of Superman and Lois reuniting. It perfectly brings an end to their quest as they head into the monster crossover finale.

FINAL POINT: 9

There’s sympathy for a hero, but no devil as the struggles hit a definitive stop for Superman in this chapter. Williamson weaves a debate about magic through conflict with his excellent writing. Campbell continues to impress with the high level imagery. This one will have fans excited as the Man of Steel heads back into the fight for Absolute Power!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

C.O.W.L. 1964 #2 – KEEPING SECRETS UNDER FIRE

Ken M.
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0
C.O.W.L. 1964 #2 – KEEPING SECRETS UNDER FIRE
C.O.W.L. 1964 #2 by Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, Rod Reis and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Image Comics/Black market narrative)

The “Chicago Organized Workers League” or C.O.W.L. have survived due to the maneuvering of Geoffrey Warner (The Grey Raven). It has not be without strings attached. Dirty Dealings and murdering mobster Camden Stone tops a very seedy list.

Two years after Stone’s death, Warner has big plans but sins of the past appear to be coming back to haunt.

C.O.W.L. 1964 #2 by Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, Rod Reis and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Black market narrative/Image Comics) continues its distinct look at the world of superheroes.

Let’s take a closer look at how the story’s shaping up.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Keeping his head above water has always been a trait of Geoffrey Warner. His dealings with Stone have now become public due to a possible witness to his crimes.

The writing shows his calmness tested to hold onto control. This becomes apparent at the Unity Fund Gala. When other attendees start to gossip, Warner hits them with a defiant line before leaving the party. It is a perfect reflection of how he refuses to surrender an ounce of ground to get what he wants.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

The other standout character in this chapter is Reginald Davis (Blaze). His conversation assessing Warner’s claims brings forth a sense of worry as their work might be crumbling down. Davis investigating the lone witness comes with confrontation on a few fronts. Aside form the action, the return of a certain character caps off more intrigue to the fate of one Geoffrey Warner.

Reis brings out the many sides of Warner throughout the issue. From the opening press conference, Warner is depicted as the typical politician. This quickly changes in the private meeting with Davis. The panels pour with the tension and urgency to handle the allegations.

It boils over to the Gala. The panels showcases the gossip and Warner’s response set the tone for the rest of the chapter. Skylancer’s encounter is filled with fast paced action. The pages are an easy connection to readers and their reward is a shocking conclusion. The closing act is capped off with a full page image that leaves no doubt that things will be forever changed for C.O.W.L.

FINAL POINT: 9.1

The plans built by Geoffrey Warner start to crack at the seams with another excellent chapter for the sequel series. Strong writing from Higgins and Siegel tear away at Warner’s vision. Capped off by the fantastic art and lettering by Reis and Otsmane-Elhaou, the return of C.O.W.L. continues to impress with its’ more mature themes.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on C.O.W.L. 1964 #2. Thanks for reading!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 – THE HUNTED NOW HUNTS

Ken M.
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0
GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 – THE HUNTED NOW HUNTS
GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 by Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic (MAD CAVE STUDIOS)

Someone has tried killing Berg Katse. The dangerous enemy of GATCHAMAN has a long list of people who would like to see him gone. How does he respond when the threat is within the ranks of GALACTOR? With as much viciousness and determination as necessary.

GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2 by Steve Orlando, Kath Lobo, and Frank Cvetkovic (Mad Cave Studios) takes one step closer to unlocking more secrets of the man behind the mask.

Let’s take a deeper dive and see where things lead now.

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The ruthlessness of Katse never escapes readers minds. Orlando drives this point home right from the start. The opening pages reflect how cold and vicious Katse can truly be. Orlando carries this energy into how Katse addresses his followers in Galactor. Knowing there are traitors in the ranks, nothing is held back on how far Katse will go to stop them.

The writing also lends itself to spotlight Katse protecting his secret. With his breakdown, readers see at how Katse attacks. No move is made without ration. It sends a quick message which draws out what he’s looking for. However, it also leads to a big shakeup in the closing act. Events unfold that change everything. It is a great landing spot for now to carry onward to the next phase.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW!

Lobo throws in a great mix of splash pages to offset the calculating aggression of Katse. The mirrored full page splashes portrays him as a loyal servant to Leader X. His actions in killing Filiku run parallel to that cause. A two page splash of Katse walking amongst the troops carries his flare for control. The panels never escape his maniacal grin as he goes to work to draw out the traitors.

There is a moment where this gets broke away. The final act throws an excellent curve into the mix. Lobo’s art sets up the shocking move perfectly. It leaves readers with a distinct closing image that won’t be forgotten any time soon.

FINAL POINT: 8.6

The attack on Berg Katse intensifies with another thrilling chapter. Orlando delves into the mind of a maniac grasping for control. Lobo holds nothing back with the solid panels showcasing his scheming and obstacles along the way. This should definitely be on comic readers’ radar at the LCS.

Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on GATCHAMAN: GALACTOR #2. Thanks for reading.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN

Rat City #6: History In The Making?

Janelle Holland
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Rat City #6: History In The Making?
Cover Artist: Don Aguillo Image Comics

 Writer Erica Schultz

Artist Ze Carlos 

Cover Artist Don Aguillo

Publisher: Image Comics 

In this recent issue of Rat City, a history lesson is explained.  It talks about how Rat City was not always an independent city, it was migrated. Most of the migration comes from the British armies, who came and took over New York.

It was a war between the British and the immigrants who migrated from their native land.  It also talked of them making jazz places, that was where they would congregate and there would be live music and drinks. 

The story is also told about the legend of “The King Of Rat City”  who protects the city. The King is always lurking around town.

There is a fight that ensues between Peter, The King of Rat City, and this worker who keeps hearing things in the distance. The worker ends up getting hurt, and then Peter ends up fleeing. The worker is saved, but at what cost? It is apparent there is another super soldier surgery that is initiated.

I really enjoy this week’s issue of having a history lesson. I think having a background of where Rat City came from, is important. There also seems to be a rich history that the citizens respect. It really mimics a lot of American history, that I have learned from being in school.

I also like the fact there is a “protector of the land” which is the “King of Rat City” who just jumps in and saves people. It really reminds me of a Spider-Man aspect of crime fighting and street-level fighting. Each comic panel is detailed, as always, and the art always stands out. I love the action sequences that are happening throughout the issue.  I’m really hoping that the worker survives the operation.

I give this a 8/10.

Deadpool #6 – Too Good to be True

Megan Nichole
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0
Deadpool #6 – Too Good to be True

Creative Team – Cody Ziglar(writer). Rogê Antônio(artist). Guru-eFX(color artist). VC’s Joe Sabino(letterer). Taurin Clarke(cover artist). C.F. Villa & Marte Garcia, Paco Medina & Federico Blee(variant cover artists).

Published by Marvel Entertainment

Be sure to catch up with Deadpool #5!

Cover art by Taurin Clarke. Published by Marvel Entertainment

*Spoilers ahead!*

Deadpool is out of commission after his fight with Death Grip, so he gets to play “guy in the chair” to his daughters Ellie and Princess, and of course as Deadpool calls him, Task-Daddy. Taskmaster will watch over Ellie and Princess on their first mission as mercenaries while Deadpool stays behind. But before that happens, Deadpool has a present for his chip off the ol’ block, her first super suit! Looking like a mini Deadpool while sporting a Taskmaster badge on her arm, Ellie is ready to take the mercenary business by storm. All she has to do is follow her father’s one rule, no killing.

Incredibly, Ellie and Princess are triumphant in their first mission and managed to follow her dad’s rule! Everything seems to be falling into place for Deadpool. His merc business is looking to do well, his daughter is following in his footsteps and they have a thriving relationship, everything is looking good. Of course, that’s not the Deadpool way. If it looks to be going good, the story isn’t over yet. While Deadpool is basking in his glow, none other than Death Grip walks into the door, ready to learn his final lesson.

Variant cover art by Paco Medina & Federico Blee. Published by Marvel Entertainment.

The Art

I can’t say enough about how good the art is in Deadpool #6! Of course, we have to talk about Ellie’s suit. Everything about it is just fantastic; the hood, the jacket, the weaponry. It fits Elli’s personality so well and still has a great Deadpool vibe to it. Seeing it in action was the cherry on top of a Wilson family pie. Her fight sequences with Princess against Angeloff and his goons was a feast for the eyes.

The Writing

I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Ellie taking on the role as Deadpool, but Cody Ziglar stuck the landing. But something else Ziglar did was play with my emotions. Everything was going too well with Ellie, so of course, Death Grip had to kill Deadpool. Deadpool #6 made you feel all the feelings while reading it. It really was an entertaining comic to read, so hats off to Ziglar and the whole creative team. I’m anxious but excited to see what comes next in Deadpool #7.

I give this a 9.2 out of 10

This review was written by Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Deadpool #6, 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!

Venom War: Venomous #2 – The Soldiers in the Suit

Megan Nichole
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0
Venom War: Venomous #2 – The Soldiers in the Suit

Creative Team – Erica Schultz(writer). Luciano Vecchio(artist). Rachelle Rosenberg(color artist). VC’s Ariana Maher(letterer). Leirix(cover artist). David Lopez(variant cover artist).

Published by Marvel Entertainment

Catch up with Black Widow: Venomous #1!

Cover art by Leirix. Published by Marvel Entertainment

Venom War: Venomous #2 starts with Natasha Romanoff, AKA Black Widow, fighting alongside Flash Thompson against the zombiotes. Courtesy of Meridius, the zombiotes have broken free and are taking hold of civilians and making them into symbiote fighters. As it seems, Natasha and Flash are fighting a hopeless battle until Flash, AKA Agent Anti-Venom, realizes he has a trick up his sleeve to take down the zombiotes and free the civilians under the black gooey suits.

I found this to be an exciting continuation of the Venom War event. Black Widow is always exciting to read but having her team up with Flash makes it all the more fun. Venom War: Venomous #2 felt like a anti-venom super squad by the end of it and I’m all here for it.

Variant cover art by David Lopez. Published by Marvel Entertainment

The Art

Luciano Vecchio, Ariana Maher, and Rachelle Rosenberg easily made Venom War: Venomous #2 the most aesthetically pleasing comic of the event. The gorgeous contrasting colors in every panel made each page stand out. I particularly loved Flash’s white suit and the look of him fighting against the countless black zombiotes. The details that went into the comic make each punch from a symbiote hero feel larger than life.

The Writing

Like I said, I found this to be a really exciting continuation. I’m really interesting to see where Erica Schultz takes Black Widow in the Venom War as she has already done such a great job with her. Schultz does a great writing a story that’s sure to get you hooked by the second page and Venom War: Venomous #2 is no exception.

I really would love to see Natasha and Flash continue to work together as their dynamic is written so well, so you can see the chemistry on the pages.

Final Thoughts

I think the Venom War event is really being slept on. Venom War: Venomous #2 was a lot of excitement and action, and had me wanting more. I look forward to seeing what’s next for Natasha, Flash, and the zombiotes!

8.9 out of 10

This review was written by Megan from Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast. If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Venom War: Venomous #2, 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!

S.I.R #2 – Back from the Dead and Ready to Reap Souls

Richard Coryell
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0
S.I.R #2 – Back from the Dead and Ready to Reap Souls

Rev your motorbike engines and get your jousting equipment out, it’s time to moto joust! The underground moto jousters are ramping up for another duel. At the same time a tale of a couple young people in love is hitting a speed bump.

Credit: BOOM! Studios

S.I.R #2

Written & Art by Fell Hound

Colorist: Eleonora Bruni with Assists by Freddie Tanto

Letterer: Becca Carey   Editor: Elizabeth Brei

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

There’s No More Fight

S.I.R #2 opens with a flashback to Avery’s parents funeral and the bond being formed with Nico. We then jump to the present as Avery visits Nico in the hospital after the events of issue #1. Nico is upset with Avery for being the chink in her armor and costing her everything.

Back at the school some of the other SIR’s are having a great time in the demise of Ares. Forcing Avery to stick up for Nico and her alter ego Ares.

The plot thickens at the stadium as just when the other SIR’s think they have conquered Ares and will now have more fun along with wins. The familiar silhouette of the best SIR around Ares reappears to lay down a challenge.

I’ve Met the Real Grim Reaper

Issue #2 builds on the story and world we learned about in issue #1. Fell Hound continues to reveal the world to us, well keeping cards up their sleeve for later. This story blends a love story with an action-adventure tale seamlessly. You find yourself feeling for Avery & Nico well at the same time rooting for Ares to avenge wrong doings.

As good as the story is, the art takes it to the next level. Borrowing elements of Manga and Anime to bring this world to life. The colors are vibrant and match whatever emotion is being displayed on each story panel.

Check Out My Review of S.I.R #1

Final Thoughts

S.I.R #2 is a wonderful continuation of the story. It has a little something for everyone. If you are looking for drama, it got you. Looking for action, it got you. Looking for an original tale, it got you too. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up, and if you haven’t read issue #1, get that too.

Final Grade: 8.5/10

For more of my content, make sure to check out 3fnpodcast.com and Subscribe to Nerd Initiative YouTube for episodes of Turn a Page and Wrestling Night Live! Later! Comic! Fans!

Spider-Boy Annual #1 – The Dog Days at the Evil Circus

Michael Rothman
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0
Spider-Boy Annual #1 – The Dog Days at the Evil Circus

Spider-Boy Annual #1:

What’s a Young Bailey Briggs aka Spider-Boy supposed to do when you skip school to hit up Coney Island only to run into a pick-pocketing French Bulldog. Yeah, you read that right.

As the Infinity Watch Continues, Apex and Multitude sense a third stone is nearby and as we’ve seen previously, the stones are dying to unite, become stronger, but for what reason?

Let’s hope we’ll find out soon enough!

Creative Team

Spider-Boy Annual #1
Spider-Boy Annual #1

Writer: Steve Foxe

Artist: Carlos Nieto

Inker: Scott Hanna

Letters: VC’S Joe Caramagna

Color Artist:
Fer Sifuentes-Sujo

PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics

The Art:

Nieto does a great job with A LOT of various characters in this one.

We have a trio of heroes, plus an entire gang of villains and even a new, silly character.

The art really pairs well with the writing, the tone and the pace of the story.

The Writing:

This is a fun one! We not only meet a new character in Archie the Dog-Faced Boy (no kidding), we get the return of Ringmaster, a throw back to an original Spider-Man villain from the 1960s.

Spider-Boy and his new allies, the stone bearers, unite to fight Ringmaster and his band of circus criminals.

The writing and the dialogue compliment the art and youthful fun of the issue. It’s really a series and a character made for a younger generation. One that kids learning to read and learning about superheroes are sure to love!

Overall: 8/10

This is a cute, inspirational issue, especially for young readers. The interactions between Bailey and Multitiude are the best. “We didn’t choose it, it chose us,” are just a few of the lines that really resonate with the old classic, “With great power, comes great responsibility.”

Read this one with your son or daughter and you won’t be disappointed.

The one downside is this series is very slow to the punch. We’ve learned a lot about our new stone bearers, but we haven’t quite learned what the point of this arc is yet.

It’s been 8 issues and fans are dying to know what’s going on beside the fact that Thanos wants the stones back. We all know there is something far more nefarious at play, but WHAT?!?!

Helen of Wyndhorn #4 For the Love of Adventure

Mickey Smith
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0
Helen of Wyndhorn #4 For the Love of Adventure

Helen’s trips to “The Other World” with her Grandfather begin to inspire her. She’s determined to train herself in hopes of going on adventures herself. As she sharpens her skills, her bad habits begin to fade. She’s found her happy place, and she strive’s for her Grandfather’s approval. When a terrible event puts Helen of Wyndhorn at Death’s door, everything she’s worked for may be lost forever!

Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. Cover art by Bilquis Evely.

Helen of Wyndhorn Yearns For More!

This story has been a beautiful and intriguing ride through the present and the past and issue 4 continues that. Helen goes on adventures in The Other World with her grandfather that prove to be life changing for the young woman. She finally has that male role model she’s always wanted. Fighting through monsters and seeking treasures to her hearts content.

Helen realizes she wants more than to just tag along. She wants to be just like her grandfather in every way. Discipline, strength, resilience, confidence, stoicism…she wants it all. So she is set about a grueling training regiment that seems at time like torture, but the results are unquestionable. Helen has become a formidable warrior with an unbreakable spirit, or so it seems.

Where it all began, in issue one!

When she goes on her first expedition, a horrible ambush puts Helen in an almost fatal condition. It takes time and special care to get her back to normal. As time passes her grandfather grows away from her. Once she feels ready to return to the Other World, he forbids it and demands she be married off. This ignites a new found passion in Helen and leaves us to ponder what actions she make take next!

A Helen of Wyndhorn in All of Us

Tom King has created this fantasy world that just engages the reader in every way! The action, adventure, wanderlust, horror, and relatable themes of grief and depression pull you in. I can’t help but be enamored with the character of Helen and her grandfather as well. He truly is the stoic “Man’s Man” that a lot of people find themselves looking up to for wisdom. Helen has a fire about her and a toughness that many of us wish to have.

Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics. Cover art by Jill Thompson.

Did you miss issue 3? It’s right here!

The story itself is much more than just a girl rediscovering family and a magical realm to explore. There is so much more going on with her deceased father and the woman teaching her, Lilith. Helen is growing and becoming something more, hoping to step out of the shadows of her past. It truly is a coming of age tale told in a new way.

The Magnificent Artwork of Helen of Wyndhorn

When I say Bilquis Evely is one of the best comic book artists in the world, how does that make you feel? Look, there is now doubt that she is one of the best to do it and this series firmly supports that statement. The line work, the unique style, the flow of action, and the emotional resonance that embodies here character work is nothing short of extraordinary. Here, in issue 4, all of those attributes are laid out for our enjoyment.

The colors by Matheus Lopes not only highlight and showcase Evely’s work, but it takes it to the realm of amazing. There’s almost a film quality filter to scenes that capture the mood perfectly. Lighting and shading shines in a way that brings a depth to the work that is almost hypnotic. I can’t wait to move to the next panel and see what it brings to the eyes.

Everything Points to 9/10

Helen of Wyndhorn continues to be a masterpiece and a stellar bit of storytelling. Issue 4 really ramps up the action and adventure and pulls out that part of us that longs for the mysterious and fantastic. The character depth of Helen and even her grandfather is explored and put to us to view, interpret, and judge. Ever stroke, every color, helps propel the narrative forward and keep us enthralled. This is a book for those looking for something special, that goes beyond the superhero universes. If that’s you, don’t delay, pick it up!

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