Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel: Starting Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End

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Bloodborne, Bloodborne The Old Hunters, Dark Souls, Dark Souls 3, Nathan Drake, Paul Bowler, Paul Bowler YouTube, Playstation #4, PS4, PS4 Share, Uncharted 4, Uncharted 4 A Thief's Tale, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel: Starting Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End

Hi, and thank you everyone for checking out my new YouTube channel Paul Bowler YouTube since it started. I’ve been a bit busy recently, so I haven’t had as much time to play PS4 games for a week or so. But, I’m getting back into Dark Souls 3 again now, and I’ve also been playing Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End. I’m a big fan of the Uncharted game series, Uncharted 4 is awesome, I’m really enjoying it, and the game looks stunning! So my new video features some gameplay footage from Uncharted 4, Chapters 2 & 3, I thought this was a really exciting early part of the game and I love the opening titles! There are some spoilers concerning the storyline in the video, so please don’t watch it if you haven’t played the game yet. I was pleased with how this particularly video turned out, I hope you enjoy it too, and please feel free to hit that like button and subscribe if you do.

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DC Universe Rebirth #1 Review

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and Phil Jimenez, Brad Anderson, DC Universe Rebirth #1, Ethan Van Sciver, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Hi_Fi, Ivan Reis

 DC Rebirth #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Past, present, and legacy begin to realign in DC Universe Rebirth #1, as this major DC Comics event, written by Geoff Johns, and featuring an all-star art team, including Ethan Van Sciver, Ivan Reis, Gary Frank, and Phil Jimenez, kicks off this epic with a mammoth 80 page story that encompasses virtually every conceivable aspect of the DC Comics universe.

Split into four consecutive chapters, DC Universe Rebirth #1 brings events surrounding the scarlet speedster The Flash to the fore, as the repercussions of Flashpoint which heralded the beginning of the New 52 reboot of the DC Comics line that we currently have today, begins to spiral outwards as one particular characters journey intersects throughout all of the critical junctures of the DC Universe. Sadly, major details of this issue were leaked, so by now you probably already know what’s coming up in this issue. But, if by some miracle or chance you haven’t read any of those aforementioned spoilers, well, don’t worry I’m not going to throw more spoilers onto the fire as it were…

Someone said to me the other day, what’s the point reviewing it if so much about it has already been leaked and spoiled online? Good point I figured. So, rather than reviewing it in detail as such, I thought I’d simply surmise how this issue made me feel instead. Well, I must admit I came to this issue with a lot of scepticism. I’m not a big fan of reboots, relaunches, or big crossover events, frankly there have been so many few really interest me nowadays. That’s where DC Rebirth #1 differs, or at least it seems to. Split into four distinct chapters, and an epilogue, this issue actually felt more like a reinstatement of core values and themes at the heart of DC comics legacy, rather than a reboot as such, the fact that some of the plot focuses on two of my favourite characters in the DCU – Batman and The Flash – is another big plus point for me.

Do you need to know everything that’s gone before in the DCU to enjoy DC Universe Rebirth #1? Well, not necessarily, but it certainly helps. Geoff Johns has done a commendable job of brining together the various elements of DC continuity to entwine them with the context of the New 52 and the premise of Rebirth itself. There is plenty here in DC Universe Rebirth #1 that will reward long-term DC Comics fans, while I think new readers might find it all a little overwhelming, but as for me, well…

Let me put it this way, I’d only just started collecting and reading comics again after a long break when the New 52 started. It was an exciting time, new spins on classic characters, everything was very different, but overall I enjoyed it. Over time though The New 52 didn’t always quite work for me, some of it felt very disjointed. DC Universe Rebirth #1 goes some way to readdressing the balance in my opinion, the main character in this issue makes a desperate timey-wimey voyage through the DCU, touching on numerous key moments and characters, essentially paving the way for many classic characters, and teams to return. DC Universe Rebirth #1 reenergizes the legacy of the DCU, it made me feel like I was rediscovering DC Comics all over again, just like I did with the New 52, only this time it felt right, this time it felt a lot more like the DC Universe that I knew and loved so much from before.

Geoff Johns densely plotted story is brought to life by the four artists; each with their own very distinct style. DC Rebirth is a beautiful looking book from cover to cover, in terms of visuals; this is one of the most impressive DC issues I’ve read of this kind in a long while. With much of the book colored by Hi-Fi or Brad Anderson, their work brings an underlying sense of consistency throughout the issue, which helps ensure the differing art styles never jar with each other or distract you from the story – which can often be the case when so many people are working on one issue. If anything, the attention to detail here is staggering, the sheer emotion, and drama conveyed in some scenes is genuinely moving, particularly towards the end, with a major discovery rounding things off with a bang, before a surprising epilogue knocks it out the park in fine style!

DC Rebirth #1 is set before Justice League #50 and Superman #52, so you might want to check those out first. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by DC Universe Rebirth #1, as I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. At this price point for 80 pages, its really great value for money as well, and I’d certainly recommend picking it up. I know this hasn’t been like my usual kind of comic review, but I didn’t want to spoil anything for you, there’s been enough of that around Rebirth already, and there’ll be plenty of time for us to chat over the details of everything in the comments later if you want to. For now, all I can really say is, approach this issue with an open mind, and I think you will be left genuinely surprised and filled with anticipation for what the future now holds for the DCU. Sometimes I think with all the hype, promotion, social media chatter, spoilers, and endless speculation, it’s all too easy to lose sight of what it is that makes us all love reading comic books so much, and I think DC Universe Rebirth #1 goes a long way to helping us all remember why we love these comics and these characters, as it celebrates the legacies of yesteryear, today, tomorrow, and beyond…

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Independence Day Resurgence New Extended Trailer

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Bill Pullman, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Independence Day, Independence Day Resurgence New Extended Trailer, Independence Day: Resurgence, Jeff Goldblum, Jessie Usher, Judd Hirsch, Liam Hemsworth, Maika Monroe, new Independence Day: Resurgence Official Trailer, Roland Emmerich, Sela Ward, Vivica A. Fox

Independence Day Resurgence New Extended Trailer

Check out the new extended trailer for Independence Day Resurgence. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day: Resurgence stars Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Angelababy, William Fichtner, and Sela Ward. The movie will be released to theaters on June 24th, 2016.

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Micronauts #2 Review

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Acroyear, Baron Karza, Biotron, comics, Cullen Bunn, David Garcia Cruz, IDW Publishing, Max Dunbar, Micronauts, Microtron, Space Glider, The Micronauts, The Micronauts #2, Time Traveller

Micronauts #2

Review by Paul Bowler

The explosive action continues in Micronauts #2 as Oziron “Oz” Rael and the crew of the star ship Heliopolis’ mission to retrieve medical supplies from a space station that’s been cut off by Baron Karza’s forces runs into trouble. Based on the iconic toy line and the original Marvel comic book series, this new Micronaut series from IDW Publishing, written by Cullen Bunn and featuring artwork by Max Dunbar, entwines science and mysticism in a universe torn apart by conflict where Baron Karza power is unlimited. Now, in Micronauts 2, Oz and his band of renegades encounter new dangers as opposing factions begin to close in…

After commandeering a Biotron, rogue space pirate Oziron Rael narrowly escaped from the Valtricos Research Station, along with danger-loving Space Glider Phenelo-Phi, space-warrior Acroyear, and orbital defender Larissa, together they must evade the automated Phobos Units while Oz’s first mate, the small robot Microtron, attempt to reach them in the Heliopolis. The pace builds quickly as writer Cullen Bunn piles on the frenetic action, with deadly Phobos Units closing in for the kill in space and a dangerous freefall to the planets surface, that ultimately leaves the Heliopolis badly damaged and the crew marooned on an outback world.

From here the issue slows down somewhat, as the crew make a parts run to a nearby settlement. I like how David Baldeon uses this opportunity to showcase the different characters, we get to know more about the political situation and conflict in this universe, and discover why Oz chose the path he has taken in life. Its not long before their peaceful stay is interrupted by the arrival of a deadly automated biological weapon and the incursion of hostile forces, this highlights how well the group bands together as a team, and really showcases their abilities in a tense combat situation – particularly when it comes to Larissa’s energy shields.

The art by Max Dunbar elevates this issue even further. There are some really striking action set-pieces, with the dramatic escape from the space station and the battle with the Acroyear Swarm delivering impressive visuals. I especially like Microtron, the quirky robot first mate of the Heliopolis gets all the best lines, Acroyear’s and Space Glider’s banter is also a lot of fun, and the characters and settings are all well realized by Dunbar’s highly detailed artwork. David Garcia-Cruz’s colors are rich mix of bold shades for the characters and robots, while more subtle tones define the planets surface and the settlement, and the combat situations are awash with dramatic fiery explosions that accentuate the pace of the action perfectly.

This is a very modern reimagining of the Micronauts, although there are still plenty of classic elements for long-term fans to enjoy. Cullen Bunn and Max Dunbar have done a good job of establishing and refining the premise of this new series with Micronauts #2, the team of characters is shaping up nicely, and the issue closes with the surprise arrival of another very familiar looking character. This new Micronaut series from IDW has got off to a strong start, sure, there are a few niggles that need ironing out, but overall I’ve been impressed with the story and art so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Cullen Bunn has in store for this series.

Publisher: IDW Publishing / Writer: Cullen Bunn / Art: Max Dunbar

Colors: David Garcia-Cruz / Letters: Tom B. Long

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New Trailer For Star Trek Beyond!

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Anton Yelchin, Captain Kirk, Chris Pine, Idris Elba, Karl Urban, New Star Trek Beyond trailer, Simon Pegg, Sofia Boutella, Spock, Star Trek, Star Trek Beyond, Star Trek Beyond Official Trailer, Star Trek Beyond Trailer 2, USS Enterprise, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana

New Trailer For Star Trek Beyond

Paramount Pictures have released a second trailer for Star Trek Beyond, the trailer features loads of new footage, including scenes with Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella. I’m really looking forward to this movie!

Check out the new trailer & poster for Star Trek Beyond!

Star Trek Beyond is set for release on July 22nd, 2016

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New Ghostbusters Trailer

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Andy Garcia, Bill Murray, Chris Hemsworth, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver., Ernie Hudson, Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters reboot, Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Matt Walsh, Melissa McCarthy, Michael K. Williams, Neil Casey and Cecily Strong, new Ghostbusters trailer, Paul Feig The First Trailer For Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters

Brand New Ghostbusters Trailer!

Who ya gonna call? Check out the new Ghostbusters trailer! While I’m still not entirely sold on the idea of this reboot of Ghostbusters, this trailer does looks quite good.

Watch the new #Ghostbusters trailer now, and see it in theaters July 15. https://t.co/Y2HjHrBMET

— Ghostbusters (@Ghostbusters) May 18, 2016

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Aliens Defiance #1 Review

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Alien, Aliens, Aliens Defiance, Aliens Defiance #1, Aliens Defiance #1 review, Brian Wood, Colonial Marines, Dan Jackson, Dark Horse Comics, Tristan Jones, Weyland-Yutani, Xenomorph, Zula Hendricks

Aliens Defiance #1

Review by Paul Bowler

A new Xenomorph threat rises in Aliens Defiance #1, when Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks, accompanied by a squad of Weyland-Yutani synthetic security drones, embark on a mission to salvage a derelict space hauler – the Europa. With the discovery of a lethal Alien infestation on board, Private First Class Zula Hendricks becomes caught up in a voyage across space to destroy the Xenomorphs and save humanity.

Brian Woods brings his distinct storytelling style to the Aliens franchise, in Aliens Defiance #1, with art by Tristan Jones and colors by Dan Jackson, this brand new Dark Horse comic book series piles on the mystery and acid blood splattering action to bring a very unique kind of bug-hunt to the Aliens mythology.

Our introduction to Zula Hendricks is skilfully handled, her recover from a serious spinal injury is told via a series of flashbacks to events on Tranquility Base on the Moon, while her mission in the present day to recover flight data from the Europa for Weyland-Yutani builds the tension perfectly as Private Hendricks and the corporate security drones begin to explore the derelict vessel. Brian Woods engineers the tension and suspense perfectly, the characterization of Hendricks and her synthetic companion is gradually established and cleverly drives the narrative, but it is when the Xenomorphs start to emerge from the darkness and the synthetic screams begin ringing out across the ship that the thrills and chills really kick into overdrive.

The artwork by Tristan Jones melds the tone of the original Alien film with the bombastic action of its sequel Aliens, and the results are quite startling. There are few moment where the characters proportions and expressions do seem a little bit off, but on the whole this is a very impressive looking issue. There are some nice throwbacks to the past as well, particularly those early scenes on the bridge of the Europa, there’s a chance meeting on Tranquility Base, and the closing moments in the iconic computer room and the messages on the screen are sure to bring some pangs of nostalgia. Tristan Jones makes the Aliens look incredible and as scary as hell, and the superb colors by Dan Jackson in these scenes also gloriously enhance the action.

Initially, this first issue of Aliens Defiance does feel a little predictable. Familiar Alien tropes are rolled out to tick all the right boxes in all the right places for us, but it’s when the story suddenly goes off on a completely different tangent at the midway point that it will really surprise you. From there it will have you hooked every step of the way as its intriguing premise unfolds. Even though artificial life forms going bad in the Aliens franchise is nothing new, we’ve never seen anything done quite like this before, and that’s what makes Aliens Defiance feel all the more exciting and different.

Aliens Defiance #1 provides a good start to this new Dark Horse series, with its exciting storyline by Brian Woods and impressive artwork by Tristan Jones, there’s plenty of potential here for a really fresh and different take on the Aliens franchise.

Publisher: Dark Horse / Writer: Brian Wood

Art: Tristan Jones / Colors: Dan Jackson

Lettering: Nate Piekos of Blambot / Cover: Massimo Carnevale

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Swamp Thing #5 Review

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Alec Holland, Chris Sotomayor, comics, DC Comics, Deadman, Horror, Kelly Jones, Len Wein, Matt Cable, Michelle Madsen, Nanda Parbat, Phantom Stranger, Swamp Thing, Swamp Thing #5, Swamp Thing #5 review, The Hand of Fatima, The New 52, the Parliament of the Trees, The Spectre

Swamp Thing #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Tricked into giving up the power of the Swamp Thing by his friend turned foe, Matt Cable, Alec Holland must now embark on a perilous journey to Nanda Parbat to undo the horror unleashed after reclaiming his humanity. Now that Matt Cable is the Swamp Thing, the emerald apocalypse will soon be unleashed. Alec Holland must undo this dark magic, and a surprise appearance from Deadman might help him do just that…

Swamp Thing #5 continues the all new 6 part mini-series written by co-creator and legendary writer Len Wein and featuring the stunning artwork of Kelly Jones, Swamp Thing has been a gloriously dark and mesmerising horror adventure. The sinister brooding tone of the early issues has now become a frenetic supernatural race against time, with the power mad Matt Cable now transformed by The Hand of Fatima into Swamp Thing, and sending the tendrils of his influence out across the world from his throne of thorns in Houma, Louisiana. Having consigned the former Swamp Thing Alec Holland to his doom in the very depths of the earth itself, it seems that nothing can now prevent this dark Swamp Thing’s heinous scheme to rule the world.

Len Wein weaves an intricate series of spellbinding developments into this fantastic issue. The full scope the new Swamp Thing’s warped designs are truly chilling, Len Wein elevates this new slant on the body-swap scenario to a whole new level with this issue, and sprinkles it with magic and powerful supernatural cameos with every twist and turn of the plot. This is brilliant stuff, Alec Holland’s mission is set out before him in a way that ultimately leads to a potential solution to prevent the apocalypse, and we get a plethora of horror tropes, all skilfully intermingled within the wider context of the DC Universe itself, supernatural shanghais punctuate the narrative, there’s a welcome guest appearance from Deadman, together with one or two other acquaintances of Swamp Thing along the way too, and there’s even a fun Scooby-Doo reference as well.

I’m a huge fan of Kelly Jones’ artwork, and this issue looks every bit as incredible as the previous issues in this mini-series. The evil Matt Cable / Swamp Thing looks suitably hideous and menacing, and the way his powers reach out across the globe are well realized. It is Alec Holland’s quest where Kelly Jones really excels in this issue: from the audience with the Parliament of the Trees, to the uncanny transportation from cornfield to the mountainous frozen heights of Nanda Parbat, every scene flows seamless into the next, and we are treated to a wonderful interlude with Deadman as well that turns out to be just one of the many highlights in this issue. Colorist Michelle Madsen’s distinctive blend of tone and shades are absolutely captivating, the dark gothic atmosphere of this mini-series has been beautifully heightened by Madsen’s colors, Deadman in particular looks awesome, and the scenes in the Himalayas are vivid and gloriously realized.

Swamp Thing #5 delivers one further surprise before the closing moments, with a detour to a very familiar city… I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this mini-series, Len Wein, Kelly Jones, and Michelle Madsen are a dream team for this book as far as I’m concerned, every issue has been a ghoulish delight, oozing atmosphere, horror, and the macabre with sumptuous ease, and the covers by Kelly Jones and Chris Sotomayor have been stunning. With its brilliant story by Len Wein and incredible art by Kelly Jones Swamp Thing #5 now sets everything up for a thrilling showdown as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Len Wein / Artist: Kelly Jones

Colorist: Michelle Madsen / Letterer: Rob Leigh

Cover: Kelly Jones & Chris Sotomayor

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The Micronauts #1 (2016) Review

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Acroyear, Baron Karza, Biotron, comics, Cullen Bunn, David Baldeon, IDW Publishing, Micronauts, Microtron, Space Glider, The Micronauts, Time Traveller

The Micronauts #1

Review by Paul Bowler

From beyond a dying universe, Acroyear, Space Glider, Biotron, and their many allies must escape the clutches of the evil Baron Karza in The Micronauts #1, the brand new series from IDW Publishing, written by Cullen Bunn and featuring art by David Baldeon. Based on the fondly remembered toy line and popular Marvel comic book series, this new take on the Micronauts splices science and magic in a universe where natural recourses are exhausted, Barron Karza rules supreme, and the legendary power of the Time Travellers offers the Micronauts their only hope for survival – but could their salvation mean the end of our own world?

While it’s not exactly the same team of Micronauts from the original Marvel title by Bill Mantlo and Michael Golden that debuted in 1979, we won’t see Commander Rann, Marrionette, or Bug, as IDW’s Micronauts series is an entirely new version by Cullen Bunn and David Baldeon. Don’t panic! There are still lots of popular characters for old school Micronaut fans to enjoy in IDW’s new series that are based on the original toy line of interchangeable action figures, vehicles, and comics.

There’s no misstating that writer Cullen Bunn is a huge fan of the Micronauts, he brings a fantastic new slant on the series and characters with The Micronauts #1, and its done with such style and dedication to the source material that you’ll be relived to know that this reimagining is in such safe hands. It certainly ticks all the right boxes for Micronaut fans and newbies alike, as we are plunged into the universe threatened by an reality shattering Entropic Wave whilst a civil war rages between The Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Science. After the dramatic opening on a doomed world observed by a contingent of Biotron’s, Cullen Bunn quickly introduces us to the intrepid crew of the star ship Heliopolis, an interesting mix of old and new characters including rogue space pirate Oziron Rael (Oz), thrill-seeking Space Glider Phenelo-Phi, the space-warrior Acroyear, and Oz’s first mate on the Heliopolis, the loyal, though often sarcastic, robot Microtron. When a deal on Micropolis-12 goes bad, Oz and his crew have to strike a deal with the wheeler dealing Hezlee to retrieve urgently needed medical supplies from a space station being blockaded by Baron Karza’s forces.

Along with new crew-member, the tough orbital defender Larissa, joining Oz’s crew of the Heliopolis on this mission, we catch up with the villainous Baron Karza, who it seems has lost none of his military cunning and ruthlessness. Meanwhile, a quick warp jump away, the crew of the Heliopolis find the Valtricos Research Station has some rather nasty surprises in store for them! I love the uncanny juxtaposition of science and mysticism in this new Micronaut series, it brings an entirely new spin on the Microverse / Innerverse as we know it, and the characterization is also excellent. This issue does a good job of introducing the new characters and setting up the storyline, and we still have old favourites such as Acroyear, Microtron, and of course Baron Karza in this issue as well.

The art by David Baldeon is very impressive, along with finishes provided by Fico Ossio, Max Dunbar, Jack Lawrence, and colors by David Garcia Cruz, Joaa Lafuente, Thomas Deer, and John Paul Bove. From those apocalyptic opening moment, to the events that bring Oz and his team together, and the action packed sequences on the space station, The Micronauts #1 is a really impressive looking issue. The Entropy Cloud is an amazing sight, Baron Karza is as powerful and as imposing as ever, the space station is dark and menacing, and the colors employed throughout the entire issue complement the incredibly detailed artwork very nicely indeed.

The issue races towards an explosive climax, as the space stations true purposes is uncovered, and it looks like Oz has greatly underestimated their mission. While it may not be the Micronauts of old, this new IDW series makes The Micronauts #1 a fun, exciting, and visually impressive new beginning to this fantastic series!

Publisher: IDW Publishing / Writer: Cullen Bunn

Art / Colors: David Baldeon Fico Ossio, Max Dunbar, Jack Lawrence,

David Garcia Cruz, Joaa Lafuente, Thomas Deer, and John Paul Bove

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Invincible Iron Man #9 Review

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Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Invincible Iron Man #9, Invincible Iron Man #9 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, Spider-Man, The War Machines Part 3, Tokyo, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #9

Review by Paul Bowler

Tony and Rhodey’s friendship is tested to the limit in Marvel’s Invincible Iron Man #9: The War Machines Part 4, as the explosive fallout of the showdown in Japan between Iron Man, Rhodey, and Spider-Man against Tomoe and her biohack ninjas unfolds. This exciting road to Civil War II story will challenge Iron Man and War Machine like never before as new players are revealed and threaten everything they represent…

Iron Man may have called on Spider-Man’s help to find Colonel Rhodey in Japan, but rescuing Rhodey from techno-golem Tomoe and her biohack ninjas didn’t prove quite as straightforward as expected. Tomoe is able to attract and assimilate all forms of technology, including Rhodey’s and Tony’s armor, and even Spider-Man’s web shooters! With Tony’s suits AI, Friday, unable to counteract this new technology, Tomoe initiated a cataclysmic explosion to destroy them all. Now, writer Brian Michael Bendis delivers further action-packed developments as Invincible Iron Man #9 takes The War Machines arc to whole new level of excitement and intrigue.

Invincible Iron Man #9 begins with Tony Stark MIA, shares in his company have plummeted, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, as Brian Michael Bendis surreptitiously casts a veil of mystery and suspense over what has really happened to Tony Stark. The War Machines Part 4 might not be wall-to-wall action like the previous issue, but it makes up for it with some brilliantly crafted character moments: with Friday dealing with an irate shareholder, an immensely thought provoking interlude with Doctor Amara Perera and the reformed Victor Von Doom, and Rhodey’s return visit to the secret underground nightclub in Osaka to get information about Tony’s whereabouts from its wheelchair bound proprietor – the mysterious Miss Yukio.

The most startling scene is that aforementioned meeting of minds between Victor and Amara, as advancements in her research into Alzheimer’s disease remains elusively beyond her grasp. Its a matter further compounded for her because of Tony’s disappearance, even news reports that Peter Parker has his best people searching for him offers little comfort, but it is the way Doom gains access to her lab that initiates the most fascinating debate of all. The startling juxtaposition between science and magic Bendis strikes in their conversation becomes intermingled with the ethical, moral, and potentially far-reaching consequences that reside in the core of Doctor Amara Perera’s argument with Victor Von Doom, and we are left wondering just how far she is prepared to go to compromise her principles in order to see her research move towards human trials.

Mike Deodato’s artwork for this issue is as captivating as it is dynamic. Deodato’s art brings added emotion and intensity to this densely plotted issue from Bendis, it’s almost as if they instinctively play to each others strengths as writer and artist, and the result is one of the most gripping issues of Invincible Iron Man so far. From the pang of emotion on Friday’s face when she’s asked if Tony is dead, to the frenetic action when Rhodey goes looking for information in the club in Osaka, and the marvellous scene between Amara and Victor, this issue has it all. Color artist Frank Martin is also on fine form, delicate tones and velvety shadows are blended in perfect harmony with every beat of the story, effortlessly drawing us into the narrative, and the Rhodey, War Machine, and biohack ninja scenes are the action-packed highlight of the issue!

Of course, the striking cover for Invincible Iron Man #9 by Mike Deodato reveals the debut of a brand new armored superhero, a woman, and the cover blurb reads: “OK, she doesn’t have a hero name yet – She’s working on it!” It’s certainly going to be the big talking point of this issue, but who is it? I won’t spoil it for you, but rest assured, everything – kind of – is revealed in this issue, it actually links back to scenes from earlier in The War Machines story-arc, and it skilfully sets up some really exciting possibilities for the future!

So, where is Tony Stark? Well, after keeping us – and most of the characters – guessing, that question is indeed answered in this issue, and it’s ingeniously done as well. Invincible Iron Man #9 is a tense, exciting, and thoughtful issue in The War Machines story-arc, Brian Michael Bendis is making Tony Stark’s work more compelling with every issue, it feels like we are building towards a real epic now, and with Mike Deodato’s excellent artwork and Frank Martin’s intricate colors, Invincible Iron Man continues to impress on every level and remains one of Marvel’s best new titles.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato / Color Artist: Frank Martin

VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production

Cover Artists Mike Deodato & Frank Martin

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