X-Men #8 Review

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Cyclops, Dawm of X, House of X, Imperial Guard, Jonathan Hickman, Krakoa, Marvel Comics, Mutants, Power of X, Shi'ar, Starjammers, The Brood, The New Mutants, X-Men, X-Men #8, X-Men #8 review

X-Men #8

Review by Paul Bowler

A deadly threat crashes to Earth in X-Men #8, brining peril to the Mutant nation of Krakoa from the farthest reaches of Shi’ar space. The New Mutants have returned from their intergalactic adventures, unwittingly brining trouble home with them, sparking conflict involving the Brood, the Shi’ar Empire, the Starjammers, and the Imperial Guard!

From the dawn of a new day on the island of Krakoa, to the chilling scenes on the fringe of Shi’ar space, and Cyclops and Havoc finding their brother Vulcan has been partying a little too hard at their lunar homestead writer Jonathan Hickman implements a slight gear shift in the overall narrative of this new X-Men series to propel the New Mutants and the X-Men into a cosmic spanning saga. With the defence of Krakoa at stake as the Brood attack, searching for the King Egg the New Mutants brought back to Earth, the Summers brothers hatch a plan to use the said egg to lead the oncoming Brood horde away into space via a Shi’ar stargate.

The action is frenetic and well rendered by Mahmud Asrar, especially the opening moments where the parasitic Brood are depicted swarming in space, initial scenes with Cyclops and Magik coordinating the defence of Krakoa are also excitingly dynamic, and colorist Leinil Francis employs a rich palette of tones and hues that nicely accentuates the action.

Considering how dramatically the Dawn of X relaunch of the X-Men range has evolved in recent issues, with the new Mutant nation of Krakoa developing its own rituals and customs, resurrection protocols, the brutality of the Crucible, and the X-Men’s plan to prevent the creation of the super Mutant killing robot, Nimrod, on the Orchis space station orbiting the sun, along with Professor X’s rather unsettling demeanour (especially the coercive manipulation of Mystique in their attempt to achieve this goal), X-Men #8 feels like a distraction – albeit an exciting one – from the core narrative Jonathan Hickman has built since the game changing events of House of X and Power of X.

For me Jonathan Hickman’s flagship X-Men book remains the pinnacle in terms of quality and good storytelling. Hickman may be acting as a kind of show runner for the entire range of X-Men comics now, but few of the other X-titles that Marvel has been churning out have really grabbed me, save for X-Force and Wolverine by Benjamin Percy. So, if you only have time for one X-Book, I’d make it Hickman’s X-Men, it was bit of a slow burn at first, but has proved well worth sticking with. The X-Men don’t necessarily feel like heroes anymore either, they are now one united Mutant nation on the living island of Krakoa, and the X-Men are certainly making the rest of the world sit up and take notice in a way that’s never happened before in the history of the X-Men. Sure, I miss the days where the X-Men felt more like a crazy mutant soap opera, but I really like how Hickman is doing something so fresh, different and innovative with X-Men right now.

In closing, X-Men #8 juggles a number of plot lines, with the Cyclops, Havok and Vulcan jetting off into space, the Starjamers runing into trouble with a Kree Accuser, and Gladiator and the Imperial Guard finding a new target to hunt. Jonathan Hickman continues to deliver engaging storylines and strong characterisation on every level, the Broods return and epic scale of the issue is impressively realised by Mahmud Asrar’s artwork, and the overall tone of the issue energetically paced. X-Men #8 might leave us chomping at the bit as wider issues are put to one side momentarily, but this unexpected jaunt into space makes for an action-packed diversion nevertheless, and the return of the Brood always provides a challenging threat for the X-Men to contend with.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jonathan Hickman / Artist Mahmud Asrar

Colorist: Leinil Francis Yu / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Artists: Leinil Francis Yu and Sunny Gho

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About The Author

Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook

 

Spider-Man Far From Home Film Review

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Jake Gyllenhaal, Marvel, Marvel Comics, MCU, Mysterio, Peter Parker, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Far From Home, Spider-Man Far From Home film review, Spiderman Far From Home film review, Tom Holland

Spider-Man Far From Home

Review by Paul Bowler.

Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker in Spider-Man Far From home, the next chapter in Marvel’s web-spinning Spider-Man film series. Serving as a coda of sorts to this year’s blockbusting smash hit Avengers Endgame; Spider-Man Far From Home is a fun filled blend of high-school romcom, spy drama, and dazzling superhero action.

After cleverly addressing the events and aftermath of the last two Avengers films, Spider-Man far From Home quickly gets under way as Peter Parker (Tom Holland) joins his friends Ned (Jacob Batalon), MJ (Zendaya), and the rest of the classmates on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to take a break from all the super heroics are soon thrown into turmoil when Spider-Man’s recruited by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) and teamed up with the dimension-travelling Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) who is wracked by guilt because he failed to save his own world.

Together Spider-Man and Mysterio must confront the mysterious elemental creatures that have begun appearing and unleashing havoc across the continent. Peter Parker’s quest takes him across Europe battling elementals, but soon a new threat emerges, and only the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man can save the day!

It’s a good job Aunt May (Marisa Tomel), now in the know about her nephew’s superhero alter-ego, decided to pack his Spidey-suit for him as there’s no rest for Spider-Man on this vacation! Tom Holland is on fine form once again as the wall-crawling hero, with Peter’s anguish over Tony Stark’s death in Avengers Endgame brining extra emotional depth to the role. Reunited with his pals from Spider-Man Homecoming for this European vacation, Peter also plans to confess his love for MJ, brilliantly played by pop star Zendaya, and it is the fizzing chemistry between Peter and MJ that provides the movie’s warm emotional core.

Of course with Spider-Man themes of great power and responsibility are never far away, and screenwriters Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers, and director Jon Watts skilfully craft further angst for Peter Parker by having Nick Fury see him as a kind of replacement for the late Tony Stark as the worlds most prominent superhero. Fury gives Peter a special pair of computerised glasses as well – equipped with an AI which Stark had intended for his successor to have – which only compounds the internal conflict further whilst also reiterating the fallout from Avengers Infinity War and Endgame. It creates an interesting and somewhat fraught dynamic between Fury and Spider-Man as Iron Man’s legacy proves a daunting prospect for the teenager, something that Peter’s not sure he even wants, or is capable of living up too as all he really wants is to do is live as normal a life as he possibly can given his extraordinary life now as Spider-Man.

Jake Gyllenhaal is also really good as Quentin Beck, AKA, Mysterio, who Peter initially sees as a similar kind of mentor figure like he did Stark. Beck claims to have come from an alternative Earth, he’s here to help stop the Elementals from destroying this world like they did his. I’ve always been a big fan of Mysterio in the comics and I was thrilled to see the character handled so well in this movie. Mysterio’s abilities look spectacular, Gyllenhaal makes the role his own, and his distinctive costume with its cloudy domed helmet looks great.

Amidst all the fun, romance, and big action set-pieces, director Jon Watts keeps Spider-Man Far From Home on an even keel. The added weight of recent events in the MCU’s continuity slots in well with the films quirky spy caper narrative, and there’s even a smattering of darker themes such as big corporate manipulation and fake news. With our amazing Spider-Man donning a number of old and new Spidey suits as his adventures take him across Europe, the callbacks to previous movies come thick and fast, and the overall geeky sense of fun is sure to delight fans. Other familiar characters also return, including Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, and Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan.

With its great cast, crisp direction, and spectacular action Spider-Man Far From Home is sure to get your Spider Sense tingling! Brilliant fun from beginning to end, Spider-Man Far From Home provides a fitting epilogue to Avengers Endgame, and paves the way for a potentially bold new era for Spider-Man. Needless to say, this is a Marvel movie, so be sure to stay right through the credits where one of the films biggest secrets is waiting to be revealed!

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Captain Marvel Film Review

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Avengers Endgame, Bire Larson, Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel film review, Captain Marvel Review, Carol Danvers, Kree, Marvel, Marvel Comics, MCU, Nick Fury, Samuel L Jackson, Skrull

Captain Marvel

Review by Paul Bowler

Get set for a cosmic thrill-ride as Captain Marvel blasts onto the big screen! Staring Brie Larson as Captain Marvel, this action packed addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe officially introduces Carol Danvers to cinema audiences

As a member of the elite military, Starforce, Captain Marvel charts the story of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the Earth’s most powerful heroes after the Earth gets caught up in a galactic war between the Kree and Skrull Empires. With a mission to locate a secret device on Earth, Captain Marvel must embark on a path of personal rediscovery, while battling shape-shifting aliens led by Talos (Ben Mendelsohn), and being pursued by secretive US agents. Set in 1995, Captain Marvel propels Carol Danvers into a cosmic battle to save the Earth and offers a fresh new direction and insight into a previously unseen era of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As well as heralding a new chapter in MCU lore, Captain Marvel also marks the debut of Brie Larson as the first female character to front a Marvel Studios movie, and of course the film has been eagerly anticipated by fans. Brie Larson is superb in the role of the intergalactic warrior, combining noble empathy and feisty fun in her quest to save Earth, solve the mystery of Project Pegasus, and ultimately harness the full potential of her powers.

Captain Marvel also has something of a tempestuous partnership with a much younger, and still two eyed, Nick Fury, brilliantly played as ever by Samuel L Jackson (his face digitally regressed to portray the younger Fury) , and fan favourite Clark Gregg returns as Phil Coulson.

Carol Danvers also makes a loyal friend during her training in the US air force, Maria (Lashana Lynch), there’s guidance from a mysterious character played by Annette Bening, Yon-Rogg (Jude Law) is a Starforce commander and Danvers’ mentor, we also have fellow soldiers Mini Erva (Gemma Chan) and Korath (Djimon Hounsou), Ronan The Accuser (Lee Pace) has yet to become the radical zealot we first saw in Guardians of the Galaxy, and there’s the loveable scene-stealing cat, Goose!

Directors and co-writers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck bring an interesting new spin on the superhero origin movie. Sure, all the familiar tropes are there, but Boden and Fleck have crafted an engaging and fun mashup between the 90’s setting and the formative aspects of the MCU to deliver a thrilling stand-alone superhero adventure in its own right

With its stellar cast and fast-paced direction Captain Marvel is another sure-fire hit! Boasting stunning visual effects and epic set-pieces, Captain Marvel is a fantastic film, Brie Larson proves inspired casting and makes the role her own, and the movie even manages to ingratiate itself with April’s hotly anticipated Avengers: Endgame, so be sure to stay for the credits!

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Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary!

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Batman, Captain Britain, comics, DC Comics, Doctor Who, God of War, Horror, Infamous Second Son, Marvel Comics, Paul Bowler YouTube, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Sci-Fi Jubilee 4th Anniversary, Sci-Fi Jubilee 5th Anniversary, Sci-Fi Jubilee 6th Anniversary, Spider-Man, The Walking Dead, TWD, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee 6^th Anniversary!

I’m very happy to say my blog Sci-Fi Jubilee has now reached its 6^th anniversary! Wow, this last year seems to have flown by so fast as well! Needless to say I’ve have had a brilliant time writing this blog over the last six years, writing countless TV, film, and comic book reviews and articles from a wealth of different genres – especially when it comes to Doctor Who and Comic Books – which I real love writing about!

But of course, Sci-Fi Jubilee wouldn’t by anything without any of you! I always look at these anniversary posts as a way to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for reading and following my blog. You have always been so kind and generous, especially when I fell ill with a chest infection earlier this year, and you have constantly given me so much amazing support via your comments on my blog, nominating Sci-Fi Jubilee for blog awards, and sharing my reviews on Twitter, WordPress, and Sci-Fi Jubilee’s Facebook page.

Thanks to you my YouTube Channel is now a key feature on the blog as well. I really enjoyed doing the walkthroughs and videos I’ve done for Infamous Second Son, Monster Hunter World, and God of War (PS4). The channel continues to grow and I want to thank you all for your subscriptions, comments, and words of encouragement that has made the YouTube Channel such a fun and welcome addition to Sci-Fi Jubilee.

You know when I started this blog I never could’ve imagined that Sci-Fi Jubilee would go on to become as big a part of my life as it has, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Most of all though it is your feedback and support that makes Sci-Fi Jubilee and blogging feel so enjoyable and special to me. Sci-Fi Jubilee has grown so much over the last six years, its given me some amazing opportunities, enabled me to write on other websites and projects, and its all thanks to you! Cheers for all your awesome support everyone, and here’s to another fun year of reviews on Sci-Fi Jubilee and walkthroughs on my YouTube Channel in the year ahead!

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The Immortal Hulk #1 Review

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Al Ewing, Alex Ross, Bruce Banner, Horror, Hulk, Joe Bennett, Marvel Comics, NCBD, Paul Mounts, Ruy Jose, The Hulk, The Immortal Hulk, The Immortal Hulk #1, The Immortal Hulk #1 review, The Incredible Hulk

The Immortal Hulk #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Bruce Banner is back in The Immortal Hulk #1 and this time his raging alter ego won’t just smash everything in sight, he’ll scare the God dammed bejeezers out of you as well! Following the green goliath’s initial return in Avengers: No Surrender, Marvel’s new horror themed ongoing series The Immortal Hulk from writer Al Ewing and artist Joe Bennett will send Banner’s life spiralling into darkness like never before!

With the quote from Carl Gustav Jung ominously setting the tone from the outset, writer Al Ewing immediately sets the scene and premise of the series with a gas station robbery that goes tragically wrong. However, not all the gunman’s victims are as dead as they seem, and once the sun goes down a monstrous retribution soon comes calling!

Banner’s return to the Marvel universe – for the most part – was already explained in Avengers: No Surrender, giving Al Ewing unparalleled freedom to hit the ground running with The Immortal Hulk whilst clearly embracing the early issues crafted by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko that made the original six issue of The Incredible Hulk so compelling back in 1962. However, the horror themes in The Immortal Hulk are far darker. It quickly becomes apparent that Banner still can die yet bizarrely when the Hulk rises come sundown its almost as if he has become Banner’s instrument of vengeance. There are some distinct nods to The Incredible Hulk TV series that ran from 1978-1982 as well, especially with one of the new characters names and profession in this issue, and Bruce Banner is very much portrayed by Ewing as a man the world believes to be dead while he desperately struggles to control the raging monster that dwells within him.

Simple, uncluttered page layouts deftly convey the powerful beats of Ewing’s script. The art is gloriously rich in detail and atmosphere, with the pencils by Joe Bennett and inks by Ruy Jose complementing each other perfectly. The bright, everyday scenes that kick off the issue almost lull us into a false sense of security, but it’s not long before the Hulk’s wrath is unleashed, and Bennett clearly relishes every moment as the horror tropes build with unnerving intensity with every page. There are big double -spread pages that will make your jaw drop as much as they make your spine tingle. Color artist Paul Mounts also deftly balances vivid and sombre tones to bring a startling clarity to every scene – at times it almost feels like the Hulk is glaring out from the pages right at you!

Detective Mayes investigation into the fate of the hapless robber, along with some particular chilling revelations for Banner, all serve to round off this first issue of The Immortal Hulk with a grim blend of mystery and psychological horror. Is he man or monster or… is he both? Yes that wonderfully ambiguous caption from the cover of 1962’s 1^st issue of The Incredible Hulk is indeed still very much the underlying question that beats at the heart of this new series. The Immortal Hulk #1 is a comic that presents a dark reflection of itself, Al Ewing and Joe Bennett have done a fantastic job establishing this new series and taking the character of Bruce Banner in an entirely new direction (something that’s clearly evident from its hauntingly impressive cover by Alex Ross alone), and I look forward to seeing how their brilliantly macabre take on the Hulk evolves in the issues to come.

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Al Ewing / Pencils: Joe Bennett

Inker: Ruy Jose / Color Artist: Paul Mounts

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit / Main Cover: Alex Ross

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Marvels’ Ant Man and the Wasp New Official Trailer!

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Ant Man, Ant Man and the Wasp, Ant Man and the Wasp official trailer, Evangeline Lilly, Marvel Comics, MCU, Michael Peña and Michael Douglas, New Ant Man and the Wasp trailer, Paul Rudd

Check out the Official Trailer for Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and the Wasp!

From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink: Ant-Man and The Wasp. In the aftermath of Captain America: Civil War, Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña and Michael Douglas, the film is released July 6 in the U.S. and August 3 in the UK.

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Daredevil #600 Review

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Blindspot, Charles Soule, Daredevil, Daredevil #600, Daredevil #600 review, Foggy Nelson, Hells Kitchen, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matt Murdock, NCBD, Ron Garney, The Kingpin, The Man Without Fear, Wilson Fisk

Daredevil #600

Review by Paul Bowler

Mayor Fisk continues to wreak havoc in Murdock’s life in Daredevil #600 as the Man Without Fear rallies the heroes of New York City against the mayor’s schemes. Ever since Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin of crime, was elected as mayor of NYC he’s made superheroes illegal and appointed Matt as deputy mayor to ensure Murdock was too busy to interfere with his criminal dealings. But now Muse – the Inhuman serial killer – has escaped from jail to create more murderous works of art and to stalk his former victim and one-time protégé of Daredevil, Sam Chung (AKA Blindspot). Daredevil must now do whatever it takes to stop Fisk’s plans, no matter the cost, but will he be in time to prevent all of the dark machinations unfolding around him?

Daredevil’s war against Wilson Fisk reaches a thrilling, action-packed conclusion in Daredevil #600, a special oversized anniversary issue guest staring the heroes and villains of NYC, as writer Charles Soule skilfully brings together numerous interweaving plot strands for Daredevil’s epic showdown with Wilson Fisk.

Daredevil #600’s impressive and eye-catching cover by Dan Mora and Romulo Fajardo JR (there’s also a wealth of excellent variant covers by David Aja, Alex Ross, Frank Miller & Dean White, and Daniel Acuna to choose from as well) offers a hint of the action that awaits you in this issue. The battle lines are quickly drawn as the heroes and villains on all sides get caught up in Daredevil’s showdown with mayor Fisk. Daredevil’s plan to take down the Kingpin is even more audacious than it initially seems, with DD enrolling Spider-Man, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, Misty Knight, Jessica Jones, Moon Knight, and Echo to gate-crash a shindig between the Bronx’s super villain crime bosses – the Black Cat, Hammerhead, Diamondback, and the Owl.

As the heroes and villains clash amidst a barrage of wry asides and bullets, Charles Soule also deftly punctuates the narrative with Blindspot’s battle with Muse, while Daredevil’s heads towards his inevitable showdown with Fisk. The pace of this issue doesn’t let up for a moment. However, it is these two branches of the plot that are perhaps the most compelling of all. The fight between Blindspot and Muse is especially powerful because of its underlying sense of horror, while the face-off between Daredevil and Fisk broods with unrestrained menace, and the resolution of both encounters amid a schism of fateful decisions holds unforeseen consequences for all concerned…

It goes without saying that the artwork by Ron Garney is as impressive as ever, with crisply refined page layouts effortlessly relaying every nuance of Soule’s script, and rich characterization adorning every page. Featuring such an extensive roll call of heroes and villains Daredevil #600 is almost bursting at the seams with characters and subplots. Ron Garney does a terrific job giving this issues plethora of characters a chance to shine, imbuing the raw power and emotion of virtually every scene with gritty intensity, striking action sequences, and with color artist Matt Milla’s subtle use of tone and shade heightening the drama to maximum effect this landmark issue of Daredevil looks absolutely stunning.

Daredevil #600 certainly delivers a knockout punch as it rounds off the Mayor Fisk storyline, but even darker forces are on hand waiting in the wings, and it all builds to a shock ending that will rock Hell’s Kitchen to its core! Charles Soule, Ron Garney, and Matt Milla have crafted another superb issue of their run here, add to that the nostalgic backup story looking back at Foggy and Matt’s friendship over the years written by Christos Gage, with art by Mike Perkins and colors by Andy Troy, and Daredevil #600 becomes a milestone issue and game-changing chapter in Matt Murdock’s life that no Daredevil fan will want to miss!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Charles Soule / Artist: Ron Garney / Color Artist: Matt Milla

Letterer VC’S Clayton Cowles / Cover: Dan Mora

“They Also Serve” Writer Christos Gage / Art Mike Perkins / Color Artist Andy Troy /

Letterer VC’S Clayton Cowles

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Black Panther Film Review

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Andy Serkis, Black Panther, Black Panther film review, Black Panther movie review, Chadwick Boseman, Erik Killmonger, Killmonger, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Michael B Jordan, T’Challa, Ulysses Klaue, Wakanda

Black Panther Film Review

Review by Paul Bowler

Marvel studios kicks off 2018’s plethora of superhero blockbusters with Black Panther! Chadwick Boseman returns as T’Challa, the Black Panther, to his homeland of Wakanda in Africa to become king after his late father’s demise during the events of Captain America Civil War (2016). The reclusive African nation of Wakanda is secretly a technologically advanced marvel, crafted and powered by the metal vibranium – the same substance utilized by T’Challa in his armoured Black Panther suit and high-tech gadgetry.

As T’Challa prepares to inherit his throne, old enemies return, and soon T’Challa must confront a threat that will test his strength both as king and the Black Panther when he faces a conflict that puts Wakanda and the entire world at risk!

Based on the Marvel comic book character Black Panther (created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby) introduced in 1966, Marvel’s new blockbuster Black Panther, from Director Ryan Coogler and his co-screenwriter Jo Robert Cole, is probably one of the most hotly anticipated Marvel films to date. It’s a radically different kind of comic book film in many respects from the other seventeen movies in Marvel’s juggernaut superhero franchise.

This is an origin story that celebrates the Black Panther and his nations proud heritage, it firmly establishes Black Panther’s place in the MCU, boasting an impressive cast, strong female characters, and the fictional nation of Wakanda itself is breathtakingly realized on screen with its futuristic buildings and floating hovercars.

Marvel certainly have another winner on their hands with Black Panther! Chadwick Boseman is on fine form as the erstwhile heir of Wakanda, his portrayal of T’Challa has steely resolve and emotional vulnerability, and the characters enhanced physical prowess and suits abilities really get a chance to shine in the films elaborate action sequences. The screenplay from Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole offers an engaging multifaceted plot that deftly balances the superhero action and strong characterization together with pertinent social, political, and contemporary issues to make Black Panther a richly textured and vibrant cultural experience.

As this epic, generational saga plays out, the extremely talented cast of Black Panther really comes to the fore, especially with the strong female characters in T’Challa’s life. T’Challa’s sister is the amazing scientist Shuri (Letitia Wright), the cheeky Q to T’Challa’s Bond-like vibe who designs all of the Black Panther’s nifty gadgets and weaponry. Angela Bassett stars as his widowed mother, Ramonda, Okoye (Danani Gurira) is the head of the Dora Miaje (The Royal Guard), and Nakia played by Lupita Nyong’o is a Wakandan agent and former lover of T’Challa.

The transition of power will soon test the young monarch as T’Challa must choose between maintaining Wakanda’s traditional ways of protecting its technology and maintaining his nation’s isolation, or adopt a more modern approach, as well as a challenge to his leadership. Other integral characters to the plot include the shaman-like Wakandan elder Zuri (Forest Whittaker), the border tribe chief W’Kabi (Daniel Kaluuya), and the rival tribal leader M’Baku (Winston Duke). Martin Freeman plays Everett Ross from the CIA who inadvertently gets caught up in the Black Panther‘s mission to Busan, and subsequently ends up taking an enlightening trip to Wakanda as a result.

As for the villains, T’Challa must contend with the South African criminal Ulysses Klause (Andy Serkis) and his scheme to seal the precious vibranium, and the Wakandan exile Erik Killmonger’s (Michael B Jordan) plot to overthrow the throne! Superbly played with charismatic swagger by Michael B Jordan, Killmonger’s new vision for Wakanda poses the biggest threats to T‘Challa‘s homeland, and Jordan makes a perfect foil for Boseman’s noble T’Challa.

The slick direction by Ryan Coogler ensures the pace hardly lets up for a moment. The film has numerous exciting plot twists and spectacular set-pieces – a visit to South Korea, featuring a casino and an high-speed car chase, is just one of the films many highlights – that will keep you riveted to every scene, whilst also effortlessly immersing you in the beautiful African landscape and culture of Wakanda to make this easily one of the most unique and richly crafted locales that we’ve seen so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

King of all it surveys from its scene setting opening prologue to its frenetically staged climatic battle between T’Challa and Killmonger, Ryan Coogler’s film is action packed and lots of fun. A game-changing afrofuturist superhero movie in more ways than one, with a great cast, beautiful scenery, and spectacular action sequences Black Panther is an exciting 134 minute thrill ride that delivers on every level!

Images Belong Disney/Marvel Studios

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Old Man Logan #31 Review

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comics, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Gorgon, Hawkeye, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, NCBD, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #31, Old Man Logan #31 review, Scarlet Samurai!, The Hand, The Maestro

Old Man Logan #31

Review by Paul Bowler

Old Man Logan #31 begins the first major Marvel Legacy adventure for the man formerly known as Wolverine, as he confronts a deadly new threat – the Hand! Upon his return to Tokyo, Old Man Logan becomes drawn into a ferocious conflict involving the Hand, and they are now stronger than ever! In his battle with the feuding clans, Logan will also have to face the mysterious Scarlet Samurai, a lethal adversary like no other he’s faced before…

Friends and foes, both past and present return as the adventures of Marvel Comics grizzled time-displaced alternative dimension version of Logan continues with Scarlet Samurai Part 1, the brand new story arc from writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin. Following his run in with the Maestro and the Hulk gang in Canada, Logan’s travels bring him back to Kabukicho, in Tokyo, where his reminiscing about this place he once called home briefly eclipses Logan’s apocalyptic future in the Wastelands.

Violent action, drama, and brooding intrigue permeate every aspect of Ed Brisson’s tautly woven scrip as Old Man Logan’s momentary peace is shattered by a brawl with henchmen from the Crazy Thunder Clan empowered by a new drug that gives them uncanny regenerative abilities. You can’t have a slug-fest like this in Tokyo without the Silver Samurai being involved somehow, and sure enough the Yashida Corporation developed the drug, Regenix, and the mystery of who has been supplying it to the Crazy Thunder Clan is soon ruthlessly uncovered.

From the shadowy, neon lit side streets, to the gleaming vista of the Tokyo skyline, the fantastic work of artist Mike Deodato and colorist Frank Martin effortlessly brings the various locales featured in this issue to life. Dedato’s trademark open-panel style and dramatic use of perspective places you right in the thick of the action. Every scene feel larger than life, especially when Logan tracks down the Crazy Thunder Clan, and the battle which follows – just like their earlier confrontation – is a blood splattered collage of visceral action and severed limbs as Logan’s berserker rage kicks into high gear! Frank Martin’s colors accentuate the action perfectly, with urban grey tones contrasting beautifully with the shiny modern hues of Yashida Corp, while the brutal violence and unflinching detail jostles with ominous shadows amidst the crimson carnage.

As the issue races towards its devastating high-rise cliff-hanger, Logan makes a fortuitous discovery, Gorgon – who has also led the Hand into battle against Wolverine in the past – makes his move, and the Scarlet Samurai finally steps into the fray!

From the moment you see that gorgeous cover by Mukesh Singh, you just know that you are in for something special with this issue of Old Man Logan. The first part of this new saga is a real scene setter. There’s plenty here for long term fans to enjoy, but this issue is also a great jumping on point for new readers too (especially as it also features a brief recap of Old Man Logan’s back story by Robbie Thompson, Andrea Sorrentino, Lee Loughridge). The Tokyo setting is impressively realized, the plot moves along at a blistering pace, and the mystery surrounding the Scarlet Samurai will no doubt prove an intriguing and bloody one for Logan to solve. The creative team of Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin are really hitting their stride now, this series continues to go from strength to strength, and Old Man Logan # 31 gets this new story-arc off to a great start!

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer: Ed Brisson / Art Mike: Deodato JR / Colorist: Frank Martin

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit  / Cover: Mike Deodato JR & Frank Martin

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Old Man Logan #30 Review

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Alpha Flight, comics, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Hawkeye, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, NCBD, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #30, Old Man Logan #30 review, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #30

Review by Paul Bowler

Its all blood, claws, and nukes in Old Man Logan #30 as the showdown between the Maestro and Logan reaches its startling climax! In Logan’s quest to avert both his own nightmarish future in the Wastelands and prevent the Maestro and the Hulk gang from unleashing Armageddon in present, his criss-crossed timelines have united Logan with Clint Barton and the female Hulk gang defector, Cambria. Together they pursued the Maestro and the Hulkling children across Yurkon territory, Canada, where Logan’s savage battle with the Maestro now faces the sudden emergence of the most deadly, and unexpected threat of all…

Marvel Comics Old Man Logan series from the creative team of writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin continues to soar to new heights of excellence as the thrilling Days of Anger storyline concludes!

The Maestro has been a formidable adversary for Logan, this alternative universe version of Bruce Banner has used the Hulk gang (savage Banner descendants Logan fought back in the Wastelands) to implement his mad scheme and wipe out humanity, but now events have come to a head. Although the Hulk gang and their missiles have been neutralized thanks to Cambria’s intel and Puck’s help on the Alpha Flight space station, the Maestro, Logan, and his unlikely allies now find themselves held to ransom by a child with a nuclear bomb!

Briefly revisiting the bleak future of the Wastelands to finally reveal how the Maestro managed to bring the Hulk gang to this dimension, events quickly spiral back to the present day where opposing sides and loyalties prepare to square off in this riveting issue of Old Man Logan as writer Ed Brisson piles on the tension and suspense at every given opportunity. Each line of dialogue crackles with menace and raw emotion as the youngest member of the Hulk gang, Malakai, threatens to detonate the final active nuke and kill them all.

The nail bitingly dramatic face-off which ensues quickly becomes a battle of wills, but with the Maestro and Logan only compounding the situation further it’s up to Cambria to try and convince the frightened child that the Maestro has been lying to them all along. The frenetic action builds at an astonishing rate form heron in, with Ed Brisson throwing some ingenious plot twists and character beats into the mix along the way, and there are some genuinely shocking moments of jaw-dropping carnage to look out for as well!

Boasting some of the series’ most striking, and emotional scenes to date, artist Mike Deodato’s characteristic borderless panel layouts completely immerse you in the action. Events build at a rapid pace amidst the snow swept landscape of Yukon territory, with characters and their expressions all hauntingly realized by Deodato’s intricate work and lavish attention to the finest details, while colorist Frank Martin utilizes an exquisite fusion of bold hues and subdued tones to further accentuate the unfolding drama with stunning clarity. Every page is a dazzling spectacle of singularly framed and moments: the Maestro’s raw strength and power, Cambria’s defiance, Hawkeye’s valiant stand, and Logan’s berserker rage as he goes toe-to-toe with the Maestro are all just some of the blockbusting highlights that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading this issue.

A trio of codas are forged in the resolution of Days of Anger that are as powerful as they are emotional, the underlying themes of this story-arc are brought to the fore, and the aftermath ultimately has a profound effects on all of the major players involved. Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have done fantastic work with this series, Old Man Logan #30 rounds off this storyline in fine style, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this creative team have in store for us with their next arc: The Scarlet Samurai!

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer: Ed Brisson / Art Mike: Deodato JR / Colorist: Frank Martin

Letterer: VC’s Cory Petit  / Cover: Mike Deodato JR & Frank Martin

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