Infamous Iron Man Review

Tags

Alex Maleev, Brian Michael Bendis, Doctor Doom, Infamous Iron Man, Infamous Iron Man #1, Invamous Iron Man #1 review, Iron Man, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Matt Hollingsworth, Tony Stark, Victor Von Doom

Infamous Iron Man #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Marvel’s bold Marvel Now iteration brings us Infamous Iron Man #1, the brand new ongoing series from the acclaimed Eisner Award winning team of Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev. Yes, there’s a new Iron Man, and his name is… Victor Von Doom! That’s right, Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s greatest villains, has decided to become something new, and to do that he must succeed where Tony Stark failed. But is there more to Doom’s plans, is he really a reformed character, and how will the world react to this new, infamous hero?

Ever since Victor Von Doom started turning up unannounced in Tony Stark’s life during the previous volume of Invincible Iron Man, the tumultuous events of Civil War II have had major consequences for Stark, and now Doom’s mysterious plan continues as he strives to reach even greater heights of power as Iron Man – but for what end?

Infamous Iron Man #1 starts off with a flashback to a shadow meeting of the dark Cabal fronted by Doom, and it’s a scene in which writer Brian Michael Bendis skilfully eschews the narrative via Doom’s POV, offering us an insightful glimpse into Victor’s inner motivations as Bendis seamlessly entwines the new status quo post Civil War II with the intriguing premise of this new series.

From there we are given a taste of the sublime blend of science, sorcery, and dry wit that will no doubt become the hallmark of this series as Victor’s character works towards assuming the mantle of Iron Man. Victor spends most of this issue keeping us, and everyone around him, unsure of his true motives, even when he performs good deeds, such as rescuing a high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D operative with contemptuous ease from a former adversary, we are left with no doubt that Doom’s actions are still firmly in his own best interests. Its this mix of uncertainty and deceptive charm that makes Victor such a compelling and complex character, the brief interlude with Stark’s former girlfriend, Doctor Amara Perera, is also of note, as it offers some tantalizing snippets about what’s happened to Tony Stark and foreshadows Victor’s interested in Amara and her work.

Alex Maleev’s artwork perfectly encapsulates the mood and tone of Infamous Iron Man, right from the first page we experience the Doom of old, before the scene shifts dramatically into the rescue mission, and it is here that Maleev really excels in these dark shadowy moments as we see Victor confront and beat down a villain with a calculated use of technology and magic. The colors by Matt Hollingsworth bring accentuated flourishes and tone to every moment, picking out striking hues of light and energy that punctuates the darkness. The scenes with Amara and Victor in the University of Cambridge seem bright and breezy by comparison, there’s an ever-loving-blue-eyed special guest appearance to watch out for, and Maleev and Hollingsworth engineer a classy build up to the inevitable moment when Doom finally gets to suit up as Iron Man.

Brian Michael Bendis keeps us guessing almost until the end of Infamous Iron Man #1 before we begin to get more insight into what has happened to Tony Stark, it’s cleverly done too, and turns out to be something that bizarrely manages to be both expected and unexpected all at the same time. If anything, the scenes that lead up to Victor donning his Iron Man armor feels almost underplayed to deliberately keep us on the back foot.

Infamous by name and infamous by nature, as first issues go, Infamous Iron Man #1 gets everything off to a good enough start. I guess maybe I was just expecting Doom’s debut as the Infamous Iron Man to be a little more exciting than it actually turned out to be. Still, that killer surprise ending certainly puts a whole new spin on things, offering up lot of potential, and hopefully the series can be infamous enough to live up to it.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Art: Alex Maleev / Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

Letterer and Production: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover by: Alex Maleev

Follow @paul_bowler

The Flash #9 Review

Tags

Barry Allen, Carmine Di Giandomenco, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Flashpoint, Ivan Plascencia, Jorge Corona, Joshua Williamson, The Flash, The Flash #123, The Flash #9, The Flash #9 review, The Flash of Two Worlds, The Kid Flash of Two Worlds, Wally West

The Flash #9

Review by Paul Bowler

The original Kid Flash finally meets the new Kid Flash in The Flash #9 as terrible danger strikes! In this special issue from Joshua Williamson, Jorge Corona, and Ivan Plascencia, Wally West and Wally West must team-up to help the Flash as the Scarlet Speedsters investigation into the events from DC Universe Rebirth #1 continues.

The Flash #9 offers a wonderful blend of action, mystery, and nostalgia, as writer Joshua Williamson continues to build on the bold new era for Barry Allen in the wake of DC’s Rebirth event – of which The Flash has arguably been one of the most consistent and integral parts of DC Comics brand-wide revitalization.

Kid Flash of Two Worlds is a charming and insightful single story issue. Its Halloween in Central City, an accident has left the Keystone Bridge badly damaged, and its up to the Flash and Kid Flash to race to avert disaster. The dynamic between the Flash and the new Kid Flash is handled really well by Williamson, it’s still complicated slightly because Wally doesn’t known Barry is the Flash, and things get notched up a level when the original Kid Flash arrives to help out as well. But this historic meeting inadvertently causes some major trouble for the Flash and they must unite to bring the Flash back from the brink of oblivion.

This sets in motion a chain of events which leads to some startling revelations for the new Kid Flash. One thing that shines though in this issue is the close bond between the speedsters and their loved ones, they are like family now, and as such they look out for each other. There are some wonderful scenes in this issue between the Wally West’s, and later Barry and Wally, as the Flashes’ mull over the mystery of why the world forgot the original Wally West, and the identity of who is sending Iris flowers is another beautiful touch. In short, The Flash #9 is a superb character driven issue, which also sets out some tantalizing possibilities for the future.

Jorge Corona’s artwork skilfully balances the emotional warmth and electrifying action in this issue. There are some highly impressive splash pages, dynamically angular page layouts also match the beats of the story perfectly, the characters and their expressions are well realized, and the urgency when Kid Flash’s past and present have to save the Flash is skilfully portrayed. It is in the quieter moments though, where Corona’s art really excels, there’s a short interlude with Wally’s friend Chunk, moving scenes as Wally talks about his parents, and a coda between the original Wally and Barry that is almost too magical for words. The colors by Ivan Plascencia look as impressive as ever, the speedsters scenes are awash with bold, vibrant tones as the speed force crackles around them, while the more emotional, thoughtful moments take on a sombre quality with somewhat duskier hues and richer shadows, and that final page is simply to die for.

The Flash #9, with its stunning cover by Carmine Di Giandomenco, beautifully emulates the classic Silver Age “Flash of Two Worlds” story and cover from The Flash #123 (1961), and writer Joshua Williamson does a fantastic job of melding those classic elements with a distinctly modern spin for this DC Rebirth take on it. The Flash #9 is an unmissable super-speed delight, and one that tips its hat to the past, present, and future in fine style.

Publisher: DC Comics / Writer: Joshua Williamson

Artist: Jorge Corona / Colorist: Ivan Plascencia / Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover: Carmine Di Giandomenco / Variant Cover: Dave Johnson

Follow @paul_bowler

Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman: Return to Arkham Collection

Tags

Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, Arkham Knight, Batman, Batman Return to Arkham Arkham Asylum Walkthrough, Batman: Return to Arkham Collection, Batmobile, Gotham, Harly Quin, Killer Croc, Paul Bowler YouTube, PS4, PS4 Share, The Joker, The Riddler, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee My New You Tube Channel Batman: Return to Arkham Collection

Hi all, thank you checking out my YouTube Channel. I’ve been a little busy with lots of comic book reviews recently, so I haven’t had as much time to play PS4 games for a few weeks. Anyway, I’ve been really looking forward to the Batman: Return to Arkham Collection, and I’ve just started Arkham Asylum.

I’m a huge Batman fan so I’m going to have fun revisiting Arkham Asylum and Arkham City. These two new videos feature the opening parts of Arkham Asylum that I’ve played so far, I think it really set up the dark atmospheric tone of the game. From what I’ve seen so far the remastered graphics look good, but not quite as good as those in Batman: Arkham Knight.

I hope you enjoy the Return to Arkham videos, please feel free to hit that like button and subscribe if you do. I’ll probably post more Arkham Asylum videos on my channel as I work my way through the game. Maybe I’ll do longer clips like these, or just focus on the boss battles, which do you prefer? Let me know. So watch this space and get ready to meet some of Batman’s deadliest and craziest enemies as we return to the asylum…

Follow @paul_bowler

First Official Trailer for Logan

Tags

Boyd Holbrook, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Eriq La Salle, Hugh Jackman, James Mangold, Logan official trailer, Logan trailer, Marvel, New Wonverine Trailer, Old Man Logan, Patrick Stewart, Richard E Grant, Stephen Merchant, Wolverine

First Official Trailer For Logan released!

Check out the first trailer Fox have released for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine film, LOGAN. I think it looks great, very mean, moody, and apocalyptic looking! Starring Hugh Jackman as Logan, Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, Elizabeth Rodriguez , Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant and Eriq La Salle, Logan arrives in cinemas on March 3rd, 2017.

Follow @paul_bowler

First Guardians of the Galaxy VOL.2 Teaser Poster & Official Sneak Peek!

Tags

Bradley Cooper, Chris Sullivan, Dave Bautista, Elizabeth Debicki, Groot, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 official sneak peak, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 poster, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol2 Teaser Trailer, James Gunn, Karen Gillan, Kurt Russell, Laura Haddock, Marvel, Michael Rooker, Peter Quill, Pom Klementieff, Rocket, Sean Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Vin Diesel, Zoe Saldana

First Guardians of the Galaxy VOL.2 Teaser Poster & Official Sneak Peek!

Take a first official look at Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – coming to UK cinemas 28th April 2017. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Laura Haddock and Kurt Russell. Directed by JamesGunn.

Follow @paul_bowler

Batman #9 Review

Tags

Arkham Asylum, Batman, Batman #8, Batman #9 review, Batman I Am Suicide, Batman I Am Suicide Part 1, comics, Commissioner Gordon, DC Comics, DC Rebirth, Gotham, Gotham City, June Chung, Mikel Janin, Tom King

Batman #9

Review by Paul Bowler

It’s a case of better the devil you know in Batman #9 as the Dark Knight embarks on a mission to return Psycho Pirate to Gotham so he can save Gotham Girl. Recruiting a team from the bowels of Arkham’s most deranged and dangerous to break into an impregnable prison in order to take something from one of his deadliest enemies, there’s no doubt that Batman has had some crazy ideas in his time, but this could be suicide!

Tom King really begins to stamp his mark on the series with this issue of Batman. I Am Suicide Part 1 is a wonderfully brooding and menacing opening to this new story arc. King brings us a frighteningly graphic and nightmarish glimpse into Bane’s psyche forged in brutality right from the outset, one that’s chilling in the extreme, and it makes Bane‘s presence feel all the more formidable and ominous as a result. Psycho Pirate is also something of a revelation here; and his role is potentially the most intriguing one of all.

The embellishments King waves into the narrative are sublime, there’s a wonderful scene with Alfred, and a nostalgic tip of the hat to the Batman TV series, but ultimately it is Batman’s decision to accept Amanda Walker’s proposition that brings him to Arkham, and that’s were the issue really notches up the suspense. The Dark Knight’s recruitment drive is uncompromising, calculated, and full of surprises. There’s a host of familiar faces here, some old, some newer, some unexpected, and King is clearly relishing every moment here as Batman’s makes his way through this ghoulish pick-and-mix of madness and mayhem to form his team.

Mikel Janin’s excellent pencils and inks on this issue gloriously flesh out the powerful nuances and subtexts within every scene, matching the beats of King’s tautly scripted plot perfectly, and the result is stunning. The psychological horror and revulsion of that opening scene alone nearly drowns you in terror, Janin’s rendition of Bane is as mesmerising as it is intimidating, this makes the contrast with the tender emotional scenes with Gotham Girl all the more striking, and if ever there was a money shot in comics then our glimpse of the Dark Knight standing outside the gates of Arkham in this issue will totally blow you away. June Chung’s colors are equally magnificent, with deep shadows, aquatic hues, and hazy dread dominating early scenes, while Arkham’s interior with its red railings and opaque off-white walls, and resplendent atmospheric gloom are just some of the many visual highlights that fires the imagination as the issue unfolds.

Indeed, there’s a legion of foreshadowing to enjoy, and hints that several things are going to spin out from the issue. The final addition to Batman’s team brokers no argument as this issue draws to a closes in fine style. I’ve been enjoying Tom King’s run since he took over on Batman. Sure, I had a few misgivings and some slight niggles with the early issues, but those gradually ironed out. His approach to Batman has ushered in a fresh new era and simultaneously widened the scope of Batman‘s world and has made him even more integral to the rest of the DCU overall. It takes time to get used to a new creative team sometimes, I Am Gotham got things off to a good start post Rebirth, Night of the Monster Men had its moments, but I feel that with Batman #9 Tom King is really hitting his stride now and bang on the money with this first instalment of I Am Suicide.

Publisher: DC Comics

Writer: Tom King / Pencils & Inks: Mikel Janin

Colors: June Chung / Clayton Cowles: Letters

Cover: Mikel Janin / Variant Cover: Tim Sale and Rico Renzi

Follow @paul_bowler

New Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Offical Trailer #2 Released!

Tags

Darth Vader, New Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Offical Trailer #2, New Star Wars Rogue One Trailer, Rogue One A Star Wars Story, Rogue One A Star Wars Story Official Trailer, Rogue One A Star Wars Story Trailer, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Offical Trailer #2, Star Wars, Star Wars Rogue One Trailer

New Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Official Trailer #2 Released!

Check out the awesome Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Official Trailer #2!

Can’t wait for this film!

And there’s a great new poster as well!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters December 16, 2016.

Follow @paul_bowler

Marvel’s Iron Fist NYCC Teaser Trailer

Tags

Danny Rand, Defenders, Finn Jones, Iron Fist, Iron Fist Trailer NYCC 2016, Jessica Henwick, Lewis Tan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Marvels Iron Fist Trailer, Netflix, New Iron First Trailer

Marvel’s Iron Fist NYCC 2016 Teaser Trailer Released!

Marvel and Netflix have released a teaser trailer for Iron Fist at NYCC 2016 and it looks awesome! K’un-Lun saved him. Lei Kung trained him. Now, Danny Rand is back to fight for what’s his!

Marvel’s Iron Fist series premiers worldwide on Netflix on March 17th and will introduce us to the final member of the Defenders, which also includes Daredevil, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones.

Follow @paul_bowler

First Look At The Doctor Who Christmas Special The Return of Doctor Mysterio

Tags

Doctor Who, Doctor Who Chrismtas Special The Return of Doctor Mysterio, Doctor Who Christmas Special 2016, Doctor Who Season 10, Justin Catwin, Matt Lucas, Nardole, NYCC2016, Peter Capaldi, Steven Moffat, TARDIS, The Doctor, The Return of Doctor Mysterio

First Look At The Doctor Who Christmas Special

A “first look” at this year’s Doctor Who Christmas special has been released at NYCC 2016. The Christmas special of Doctor Who will see the Doctor team up with a comic book superhero.

The 60 minute episode, Doctor Who Christmas Special is called The Return of Doctor Mysterio, will see the Doctor team up with a comic book superhero! The episode is written by Steven Moffat and will broadcast on BBC One on Christmas Day.

The Doctor (Peter Capaldi) will work together with the superhero to save New York from a deadly alien threat. Doctor Mysterio will be played by Justin Chatwin, who has previously appeared in Orphan Black. They will be joined on their quest by an investigative journalist, played by Wolf Hall actress Charity Wakefield.. Matt Lucas will also appear in the episode as Nardole.

Images Belong BBC

Follow @paul_bowler

Invincible Iron Man #14 Review

Tags

Brian Michael Bendis, Civil War 2, Colonel Rhodes, comics, Frank Martin, Infamous Iron Man, Inhumans, Invincible Iron Man #14, Invincible Iron Man #14 review, Iron Man, Ironheart, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane Watson, Mike Deodato, New Iron Man armor, Riri Williams, The Avengers, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Victor Von Doom, War Machine

Invincible Iron Man #14

Review by Paul Bowler

Change is in the air in Invincible Iron Man #14 as the dust settles over the recent events of Civil War II, now a young woman, M.I.T student, Riri Williams, must prepare to take over as Iron Man! First though, Tony Stark will have to deal with his own inner turmoil in the wake of Civil War II, before Riri redefines the series as a new direction for Iron Man begins, and it’s going to be unlike anything we’ve seen before…

With the fallout of Rhodey’s death in Civil War II, his failure to make amends with Amara for faking his own death, the destruction of Stark Tower, and with Victor Von Doom doing his level best to become part of Tony Stark’s life over the course of this series, Invincible Iron Man #14 is the culmination of a remarkably intense and trying period in Tony Stark’s life as the Invincible armored Avenger – Iron Man. Though the success of Tony’s wish to find out what Victor Von Doom really wants from him remains somewhat undetermined, Brian Michael Bendis does a terrific job rounding off a number of key plot elements with this issue, deftly juggling the cataclysmic skirmishes of Civil War II whilst simultaneously paving the way for a new era to bring this volume of Invincible Iron Man to a close with a fittingly dramatic and exciting finale.

Indeed, there’s a lot of ground to cover, and some of Invincible Iron Man #14’s most poignant scenes come as Tony and Mary Jane discuss the future in the light of recent events. Tony’s clash with Carol Danvers over the Inhumans and the precognitive Inhuman called Ulysses in Civil War II – by using him to predict and counteract future dangers before they occur – has caused bitter divisions throughout the Marvel Universe. Tony now clearly feels that his demons in a bottle have found some new triggers, and with the future calling – quite literally – he needs to seek out an open meeting to work things out – a fact which is made all the more ironic as Stark is now effectively Carol Danvers sponsor.

It is at this very same open meeting that Tony finds himself faced with some especially pertinent contemporary themes. Bendis skilfully weaves these powerful issues into the narrative of Tony’s current situation, uncannily resonating with and eclipsing his experiences on every level, and in many instances making Civil War II pale into insignificance by comparison.

Ironically Tony’s wish to avoid Carol Danvers proves to be the catalyst that ultimately forces them to confront their different viewpoint head on. These scenes form the basis of this remarkable character driven issue as Tony and Carol address what it is they are really fighting for, what they believe in, Rhodey’s death, and of course Banner’s shocking demise. Some uncomfortable home truths are finally aired; where neither party likes or is really surprised by what they hear, and it’s clear that neither of them is going to back down.

Mike Deodato produces an outstanding issue with artwork that will effortlessly immerse you in the heart of the drama. From the opening collage of media reports overlaying the sombre setting of Stark’s lab, Deodato forges an intense, emotionally charged atmosphere as events unfold across compact and impressively detailed page-layouts. It’s this precise, almost casual simplicity, which makes the issue works so well and gets right in your face – so to speak. The expressions of all the characters are beautifully rendered and you will be hanging on their every word. Color artist Frank Martin’s subtle use of tone and shade also works in perfect harmony with Deodato’s art; matching every emotional beat of Bendis’ script to absolute perfection.

Tony’s final scenes in this issue is the sum total of what this arc has been building towards since the beginning, its marvellous how so much is said by saying so little, and the surprise visitor in the coda heralds a game changing development… I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this volume of Invincible Iron Man. In some ways it’s shame it has to and end as Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato have been such a great team. From the War Machines arc, to the Road to Civil War II, and these recent Civil War II tie-in’s, Bendis and Deodato have done exceptional work with this series and Tony’s character, and their run ends by setting up a very exciting future.

Invincible Iron Man #14 is a brilliant, emotional, and powerfully themed issue. It may mark the end of this run of Invincible Iron Man, with Civil War II and Tony‘s whereabouts still to be resolved, but with Brian Michael Bendis and Stefano Caselli charting Riri Williams adventures as Ironheart in Invincible Iron Man #1, and Bendis reuniting with Alex Maleeve to bring us Doom’s story over in Infamous Iron Man #1, the saga of Iron Man is about to enter a bold new era and I‘m extremely excited for what the future will bring.

Publisher: Marvel / Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Art: Mike Deodato

 Color Artist: Frank Martin / VC’s Clayton Cowles: Letterer & Production

Cover Artists Dale Keown & Jason Keith

Follow @paul_bowler