Amazing Spider-Man #31 Review

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Alex Ross, Amazing Spider-Man #31, Amazing-Sider-Man #31 review, Captain America, comics, Dan Slott, Hydra, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Marvel Legacy, Peter Parker, Secret Empire, Spider-Man, Spider-Mobile, Stuart Immonen, Superior Octopus

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Review by Paul Bowler

Spider-Man faces the fight of his life in Amazing Spider-Man #31 as the Superior Octopus, under orders from Captain America and backed by Hydra, returns to reclaim the company Otto Octavius believes is rightfully his. Spider-Man mustered a squad of Spider-Mobiles to make a final stand at the Shanghai branch of Parker Industries, but the Superior Ock managed to override their systems and turned the Spider-Mobiles against Spider-Man!

Dan Slott continues to keep the curve balls coming thick and fast with this issues Secret Empire tie-in. Otto may have built what became Parker Industries way back when he was the Superior Spider-Man, but Peter isn’t going to give up that easily, even though the New York, London, and San Francisco offices of his company have fallen and Otto has programmed Spider-Man’s fleet of Spider-Mobiles to attack him. As you’d expect, the web-spinning action comes at a fast, furious, and ingeniously staged pace by Slott as Spidey and his allies rally themselves against Superior Ock’s underhand scheme to wrest back control and prevent him from getting his grubby Hydra funded tentacles on everything stored inside the Parker Industries mainframe.

Yes, I know I said I wasn’t bothering with ANY big comic book events or tie-in issues this year, but as I read Amazing Spider-Man regularly anyway there’s no avoiding this Secret Empire thing for me with this one really. To be honest, I had been considering dropping this title from my pull-list. Recent storylines hadn’t exactly rocked my boat, and the thought of these Secret Empire tie-in issues didn’t garner much enthusiasm from me either. I have to eat my words a bit though, as this issue has certainly rekindled my interests in all things Spider-Man again.

The fact you don’t need to have bothered with Secret Empire or cared one jot about it, was a big plus in my book. Few tie-in’s mange this, and for that I must applaud Dan Slott’s superior scripting of this issue. Otto’s journey from Superior Spider-Man, to disembodied consciousness inside a robot, and eventual rebirth as the Superior Octopus comes full circle with Amazing Spider-Man #31, it also rounds off one of the most compellingly innovative Spider-Man storylines in years, and in many ways Otto’s arc has at times proved more compelling in some ways than Peter’s own resurrection and ongoing success story with Parker Industries.

The pedal to the metal – or perhaps that should that be to side of the building – action is all stylishly brought to life by Stuart Immonen’s impeccably detailed artwork, the inks by Wade von Grawbader complement Immonen’s work perfectly, and together with colorist Marte Gracia this issue of Amazing Spider-Man looks every bit as rich and vibrant as the exciting plot threads Dan Slott has effortlessly spun into a web of high-drama and adventure. From the vertigo inducing clash with the Spider-Mobiles, to the interludes with Aunt May observing events from street level, right up to Peter’s final solution to repel Otto’s hostile takeover, and Spider-Man‘s battle with the Superior Octopus this issue is a dazzling example of a creative team pulling out all the stops to realize the epic scope, scale and implications of the fallout these events will ultimately have on Peter’s life.

Peter Parker has essentially been an everyman’s Tony Stark for a while now, which has been all well and good, but that concept quickly began to feel a bit of a wrong fit for the character. The battle between Spidey and the Superior Ock is the big highlight of the issue, and in many respects – even though the odds are impossibly stacked against him – it almost feels like Peter has finally managed to double down on that old Parker luck of his and come up trumps for once.

It didn’t make me want to check out Secret Empire, but I love how Amazing Spider-Man #31 effectively frees Peter of all that corporate paraphernalia and puts him back in the traditional red and the blue so to speak – stunning cover by Alex Ross this issue as well! I’ve also enjoyed the recent developments between Spidey and Mockingbird in this series, Peter and Bobbi are so good together – lets hope it lasts. Dan Slott is onto a sure fire winner here, the resolution of this issue and no doubt Marvel’s impending Legacy thingymajig is a great opportunity to really get back to the core essence of what makes the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man such a wonderful character. Fingers crossed it gets our Spider-Senses tingling in all the right ways again!

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Dan Slott / Penciler: Stuart Immonen

Inks: Wade von Grawbadger / Colourist: Marte Gracia

Letters: VC’s Joe Caramanga / Cover: Alex Ross

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Old Man Logan #27 Review

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Days of Anger Part 3, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Hawkeye, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #27, Old Man Logan #27 review, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #27

Review by Paul Bowler

Logan takes on the fearsome might of the Hulk gang in Old Man Logan #27, as his quest to rid the present-day world of the Banner offspring he thought he’d killed back in the apocalyptic Wastelands of the future continues. There are more faces from Logan’s uncannily entwined past and future lifetimes to contend with as well. Logan is in for the fight of his life, but an even greater threat plots against humanity in a remote compound in Yurkon territory, Canada, as the Maestro prepares the next stage of his terrifying scheme.

Old Man Logan #27 is a gloriously brutal mix of claws, bullets, and gamma-infused blood splatter as Days of Anger Part 3 from writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin, pits Marvel’s grizzled Old Man Logan against the Maestro’s grand vision for global domination. Having been ambushed by the Hulk gang while tracking them across Canada, all seems lost for Logan. The Hulk gang even used this opportunity to deal with one of their own, Billy-Bob, who had recently caused problems for the Maestro.

The brooding menace of Logan and Hawkeye’s time in the Wastelands of the future resonates powerful with Logan’s predicament in the here and now as Ed Brisson sublimely balances this issues heady mix of drama, strong characterization, and violent action set-pieces as Logan awakens finds himself hung out dry in the wilds of Yurkon territory. Outnumbered and outgunned by the Hulk gang, and blasted to kingdom come if he so much as twitches a muscle, Logan must think fast if he is to have any chance of escape.

Brisson also gives us a chilling insight into the Maestro’s plans during his discussion with Cambria as he gets to work in human form on the old Department H weapons back at the secret compound. If anything the Maestro’s human visage proves even more terrifying than his Hulk form, especially when the full scope and scale of the Maestro’s distain and contempt for humanity becomes all too apparent to Cambria. .

From the bleak setting of the farm in the Wastelands, to the simmering fury behind the Maestro’s assesment of mankind’s sell-by-date, Mike Deodato’s stunningly detailed artwork positively explodes from the page as Logan uses his dim-witted enemies’ strength to his advantage. Dedato’s open-framed panel layouts really come into their own here as Logan takes on the Hulk gang, the frenetic urgency and danger of the situation is unflinchingly conveyed, and the fitting payback the Hulk gang receive is depicted is all is visceral glory. The fine nuances of the characters expressions are also top-notch: from that evil glint in the Maestro’s eyes, to the Hulk gang reeling and gawping in shock, and Logan’s bestial fury unleashed all collectively enhance the ominous atmosphere in this issue. Colorist Frank Martin also excels on every level with a blend of exuberant tones and deep shadows accentuating every scene to make this issue a totally riveting experience.

The pace doesn’t let up for a moment as Old Man Logan #27 races to a triple pronged cliff-hanger of sorts, with the Hulk gang and the Maestro betrayed by one of their own, Logan making a crucial discovery, and the return of an old friend… The creative team of Ed Brisson, Mike Deodato JR, and Frank Martin are really delivering the goods with this new story-arc. Packed with insightful character moments, unexpected developments, and more savage action than even the Hulk gang can handle, Old Man Logan #27 and its especially striking cover by cover by Mike Deodato & Frank Martin is another fantastic issue not to be missed!

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 #26 Review

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Alpha Flight, Days of Anger Part 2, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #26, Old Man Logan #26 review, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #26

Review by Paul Bowler

The Maestro returns as Logan’s dark future begins catching up with him! Resolved to stop history repeating itself, Logan takes to the road in Old Man Logan #26 as he sets out to hunt down the Hulk gang – the Banner offspring he believed killed back in the Wastelands. He’s going to need help from an old friend to track them though, but the Maestro’s actions creates an opportunity that could soon mean Logan’s downfall…

The outstanding new Days of Anger arc by writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin, continues in Marvel’s Old Man Logan #26 as the Maestro’s schemes advance to the next level. Having taken a motorcycle trip to Canada to have some time away from the X-Men, Logan was left reeling when he was ambushed at a diner by the Hulk gang. Old Man Logan #26: Days of Anger Part 2 sees Logan embark on his quest to prevent the Hulk gang from harming this world, a stance writer Ed Brisson powerfully reinforces with this issues glimpse into Logan’s time in the Wastelands, before returning to the present as we catch up with the Maestro making his presence felt at a remote compound in Yukon territory, Canada.

Of course, at the moment Logan believes that its only the Hulk Gang he‘s after, he doesn’t know that the Maestro is also here in the present as well, and it’s this dramatic edge to proceedings which Ed Brisson skilfully builds on as fate inexorably sets Logan and the Maestro on a collision course that’s knee deep in treachery, blood, and violence.

From the sombre opening Mike Deodato’s artwork perfectly encapsulates the dark, gritty tone of this issue. Whilst the Hulk gangs attack on the compound is an unflinchingly brutal spectacle of raw power, Logan’s tracking skills also come to the fore in some especially atmospheric scenes as he uncovers some unsettling clues at an old Department H bunker. Deodato’s use of open integrated panel layouts is not quite as pronounced as usual, but it makes the build up to the Maestro’s scheme to kill two birds with one stone feel all the more effective as a result. Frank Martin’s colours are also superb throughout, the apocalyptically tinted hues of the farm scenes in the Wasteland contrast beautifully with icy greys and sweeping shadows that dominate the scenes at the compound and the bunker, and the Maestro and the Hulk gang look more menacing than ever before.

This issue of Old Man Logan strikes just the right balance between action and brooding plot developments. The characters motivations also become a real focal point, especially when it comes to Logan’s determination to stop the Hulk gang and the Maestro’s ruthlessness to achieve his goal to strike first against humanity. After a brief interlude to contact an old friend from Alpha Flight, Logan is soon back on the road once again as the issue races towards its thrilling cliff-hanger amidst an explosive barrage of bullets and betrayal!

Along with its intricately structure storyline by Ed Brisson and terrific artwork by Mike Deodato JR, Old Man Logan #26 takes this new arc into increasingly dark territory as the Maestro’s grand designs become apparent. Old Man Logan is without doubt one of Marvel’s best books right now, the creative team is firing on all cylinders, and the startling developments in Old Man Logan #26 make it a gripping read from cover to cover.

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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Sci-Fi Jubilee 5th Anniversary!

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Batman, Captain Britain, comics, DC Comics, Doctor Who, Horror, Marvel Comics, Paul Bowler YouTube, Sci-Fi, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Sci-Fi Jubilee 4th Anniversary, Sci-Fi Jubilee 5th Anniversary, The Walking Dead, TWD, YouTube

Sci-Fi Jubilee 5^th Anniversary

My blog Sci-Fi Jubilee has reached its 5th anniversary! This year seems to have flown by so quickly as well! I’ve have had a fantastic time writing this blog over the last five years, covering a wide variety of TV, film, and comic book reviews and articles from numerous subjects and genres that I enjoy most – especially when it comes to Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, and comic books – which I absolutely love writing about!

Of course, though, Sci-Fi Jubilee would be nothing without all of you! So, I’d like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everybody out there for reading and following my blog. You are always so generous and kind, and give me so much awesome support through commenting on my blog nominating me for blog awards, and sharing my reviews on Twitter, WordPress, and Sci-Fi Jubilee’s Facebook page. My new YouTube Channel has also become a major feature on the blog now as well, the walkthroughs I did for The Return to Arkham Collection and Resident Evil 7 Biohazard were really fun to do, and I can’t thank you enough for all of your subscriptions, comments, and encouragement that has continued to make the YouTube Channel feel such a welcome addition to Sci-Fi Jubilee. When I first started out with this blog, I never dreamed Sci-Fi Jubilee would become such a huge part of my life as it has. But most importantly it is your feedback that make Sci-Fi Jubilee and blogging so enjoyable for me. Sci-Fi Jubilee has evolved so much over the last five years, I also write for other websites now too, and I look forward to doing some more walkthroughs on my YouTube Channel in the future. Cheers for all your amazing support everyone, and here’s to another brilliant year!

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Old Man Logan #25 Review

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Days of Anger Part 1, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #25, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, Olf Man Logan #25 review, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #25

Review by Paul Bowler

A powerful threat from the past returns in Old Man Logan #25, but seeing how Logan’s past is in fact a brutal dystopian future, that’s bound to spell big trouble and pain for him in the present. Yes, The Maestro is back, having plotted his ultimate revenge, and now its up to Old Man Logan to track him down and stop him!

The brand new arc by the standout writer Ed Brisson and acclaimed fan-favourite artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin, begins in Marvel’s Old Man Logan #25 with Days of Anger: Part One. Right from its sombre scene setting opening in the Yukon Territory, Canada, Ed Brisson quickly brings us up to speed with Logan’s present day situation as Logan reflects on back at the mansion with the X-Men. Having survived a future existing in the Wastelands, where he lost everything, including his family, Old Man Logan awoke in the present day and resolved to prevent that terrible future reality from ever happening. Now he is gradually finding his place in the world, but in Old Man Logan #25 whilst seeking to escape the confines of the city for a while he visit’s a diner in British Columbia, where something doesn’t smell quite right, and old scores wait to be settled…

Brisson gets this issue and the new arc off to a cracking start. Its moody, atmospheric, and sets the tone perfectly. Old Man Logan #25 hits all the right beats; it’s also an issue that caters for the long-term fans just as much as it does newcomers. You don’t really need to have ever read the title before either, or even any of the other X-Men books for that matter, to quickly get swept along by Brisson’s engaging storytelling style.

Old Man Logan #25 is a gritty, bloody, awe-inspiring visual spectacle too. The art by Mike: Deodato is stunning. Deodato’s trademark multiple open-structured panel layouts make individual scenes feel more like a dozen or so moments crammed into one, with each deconstructed page as rich with detail and keenly tuned as all of Logan’s senses combined. The face-off with The Hulk gang is ruthlessly savage, Deodato doesn’t pull any punches either, depicting every bone jarring, scalding intense, and gut wrenching moment with visceral ease, and this in turn strikes a powerful contrast with the almost restrained menace employed to build towards the Maestro’s appearance. Colorist Frank Martin diligent uses of rich colors and dusky shades also sublimely complements every aspect of Deodato’s art whilst seamlessly reflecting the beats of Brisson’s script.

Its fair to say that even though Deodato and Martin’s awesome cover makes it clear the Maestro has returned, the way the Maestro’s initial appearance in the issue is handled really well, especially as it provides a new slant to the issues initial scenes. However, it is the moment where Logan’s memories of the past close in and our grizzled hero has an epiphany of sorts, which really strikes a powerful emotional cord and ominously sets up the next chapter of Days of Anger.

With its terrifically paced story by Ed Brisson and impressive artwork by Mike Deodato JR, Old Man Logan #25 gets this thrilling new arc off to a great start. This is Old Man Logan at his very best, Marvel have a top notch creative team doing outstanding work on this book, and I can guarantee that Old Man Logan #25 is one issue you wont want to miss bub!

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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Thanos #6 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Phoenix Egg, Phoenix Force, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #6, Thanos #6 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #6

Review by Paul Bowler

A reunion is on the cards in Thanos #6 as the Mad Titan faces his greatest battle of all in this stellar Marvel Comic series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin. Thanos is dying! Defeated as he searched for a cure by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, he was imprisoned. Now, as Thanos seeks to escape from his interstellar jail, Thane’s secret pact with the mistress Death to kill his father finally nears fruition, and soon two of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe face-off as the galaxy trembles before their might!

Yes, the cosmic you-know-what hit’s the proverbial fan in Thanos #6 after that certain “something” Thane’s audacious heist with Starfox, Nebula, and Tryco Slatterus set out to steal from Terrax the Terrible actually turned out to be a Phoenix Egg, and writer Jeff Lemire quickly addresses the grievances that Thane’s allies have about being so grossly misled into doing his dirty work for him. The Phoenix Energy will enable Thane to reclaim everything that he’s lost since his powers were taken from him, but his associates aren’t going to stand idly by and just let him take it either! Meanwhile, Thanos faces an army of jailers, but even with his powers faltering the Mad Titan’s resolve is undiminished, and he confronts his fate as a warrior, a conqueror of worlds, and a God who has even make reality itself cower before his power.

The distinct air of all-pervading doom that closes in around Thanos in this issue is brilliantly offset by his determination to be free of those who have so blatantly disrespected him. Jeff Lemire has skilfully crafted the events around the Mad Titan’s rapidly declining health to a point where you feel like you are right there with Thanos, as every step, every bone-crunching blow, begins to feel weaker and more laboured that the last. Likewise, Thane’s betrayal of his allies is master class in characterization, snappy dialogue crackles with tension, hitting all the emotional beats, before the realization of the ultimate sacrifice that has been made finally becomes frighteningly apparent.

When it comes the depiction of Thanos’ plight in this issue, artist Mike Deodato’s rendition of Thanos’ pure rage and undiluted contempt for the wave after wave of opposition he’s forced to bulldoze his way through to obtain freedom, is stunningly realized with an opaque series of panel layouts that dynamical relay the bone-crunching action. I especially like how Deodato angles the entire page during two key instances to accentuate the drama, giving added credence to Thanos’ waning power and the shock turn of events over on Terrax’s starship. There are some stunning emotional scenes from Dedato as well, the fury of Tryco Slatterus, self styled Champion of the Universe, feels at being betrayed is so palpable in one scene it almost eclipses Thanos‘, and Thane’s anguish at betraying Tryco is so clearly evident its almost heartbreaking. Color artist Frank Martin uses a palette of rich vivid tones to accentuate every scene, even the panel layouts are heightened as they intercut between sold backdrops of burnt orange and stark white hues that uncannily seem to give an almost cinematic quality to the visuals they frame as each scene moves seamlessly into the next.

But it is in the showdown between father and son where Jeff Lemier’s powerful storyline comes full circle. Mistress Death’s machinations have brought everything and everyone in this saga to this point, there is no turning back now, and Mike Dedato and Frank Martin pull out all the stops to ensue that the final scenes in this issue are every bit as breathtaking and jaw-dropping as the journey that has brought Thanos to this fateful moment.

Thanos #6 brings the first chapter in this epic storyline to a shocking close. The fantastic creative team of Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have done amazing things with this new Marvel Comics series already. The scope and scale has been unparalleled, its been unflinchingly brutal at times, and I’ve been gripped by every twist and turn in the plot since the first issue. Now they’ve set Thanos on a path unlike any he’s walked before and I can’t wait to see what happens next in the aftermath of this issues cataclysmic standoff.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire/ Artist: Mike Deodato / Colorist: Frank Martin /

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles  / Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

Variant Cover: Jamal Campbell

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Thanos #5 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #5, Thanos #5 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #5

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #5 finds the Mad Titan incarcerated in a top secret prison in deep space after his ignominious defeat at the hands of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard; something that would never have been possible but for the startling fact that Thanos is dying! Thanos’ ailing condition and his desperate attempts to find a cure might ultimately prove to be his undoing, but the Shi’ar Empire are not the only ones seeking to destroy him… Thanos’ own son, Thane has forged an alliance with Starfox, Nebula, and Tryco Slatterus to kill Thanos, but non save Thane are aware of the real power behind his dark scheme – the mistress Death herself!

He may be down, but Thanos is certainly not out, and this latest issue of Marvel Comics superb ongoing Thanos series from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Mike Deodato, and color artist Frank Martin illustrates just how abominable and devious the Marvel Universes big bad can be – especially when the stakes are this high.

The space station where Thanos is being held utilizes the highest security and fail-safe measures imaginable, its capable of restraining cosmic-level menaces, and the initial stages of Thanos’ imprisonment have even been overseen personally by the Shi’ar Imperial Guard itself. The ruthless Warden Daak has the utmost confidence in his facility, but despite his weakened state Thanos’ predicament has made him more dangerous than ever, and writer Jeff Lemire quickly builds the nerve-jangling tension as the Mad Titan’s confinement brings dire consequences for those foolish enough to imagine that such a feat could ever be possible.

As Thanos languishes in his interstellar gulag, Thane’s plot to destroy his father takes a new turn when he, along with his uncle Eros, the former Avenger known as Starfox, with the mercenary Nebula, and Tryco The Champion of the Universe set out to steal something from Terrax the Terrible that they need to further their nefarious cause. Of course, Thane’s new allies know nothing of his secret pact with Death, let alone the full extent of the web of deceit he has woven around them to entice their help in acquiring his goal.

Mike Deodato’s artwork stunningly realizes the deep space prison facility where Thanos is being held. This huge impregnable fortress is an imposing sight, suspended in the depths of space, and the detail Deodato lavishes on the oppressively gloomy interiors equally matches the awe-inspiring spectacle of the exterior. Likewise, the scenes on Terrax’s space craft are equally as impressive. The distinctive bold overlaying panel structure Deodato employs perfectly conveys each and every beat of Lemire’s fast-paced script, with some brilliantly crafted character moments, and Thanos’ inevitable breakout being the undoubted highlight of the issue. The colors by Frank Martin accentuate the deep shadows of Thanos’ detention with a vivid contrast of orange and red hues, whilst the dusky metal shades withing Terrax’s ship are offset beautifully by the stealthily progress of Thane’s colourful associates towards the vault deep inside the hulking vessel.

This issue of Thanos has a quirky interstellar a heist movie vibe to it. There is some great banter between Thane’s team as well: with Starfox’s gift for the gab getting their foot in the door, Tryco’s wry observations of Eros’ conversational skills are priceless, whilst Thane continues to play his cards close to his chest, and my favourite bit of the whole escapade comes when Nebular acrobatically steals Tryco’s thunder before he can even finish his sentence! While Thanos himself doesn’t feature quite as much as I would’ve liked, the antics on Terrax’s ship more than makes up for it, and everything builds towards a cliff-hanger so jaw-dropping it will totally blow you away.

Thrilling, brutal, and epic in scale, Thanos #5 elevates this new Marvel comic book series to a whole new level. Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin continue to bring remarkable new aspects and compelling insights into the Mad Titan’s shady world, with Thanos #5 potentially setting up one of the biggest smack downs Thanosthusiasts have ever seen!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato / Colorist: Frank Martin

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles / Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin

Variant Cover: Rob Guillroy

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Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer 2 Released!

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Aunt May, Captain America, Iron Man, Jon Watts, Marisa Tomei, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Michael Keaton, New Spider-Man Homecoming trailer, New York, Peter Parker, Robert Downey Jr, Spider-Man, Spider-Man Homecoming, Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer 2, Spiderman Trailer, Spidey, The Vulture, Tom Holland

Spider-Man Homecoming Trailer 2 Released!

　

Check out the all-new Spider-Man Homecoming trailer! This looks great, certainly got my Spidey sense tingling, can’t wait for this movie!

Spider-Man Homecoming arrives in theatres July 7^th 2017

 

Logan Film Review

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Boyd Holbrook, Caliban, Dafne Keen, Donald Pierce, Dr Rice, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Hugh Jackman, James Mangold, Logan, Logan film review, Marvel Comics, Old Man Logan, Patrick Stewart, Professor X, Richard E Grant, Sci-Fi Jubilee, Stephen Merchant, The Reavers, Wolverine, X-23, X-Men

Logan

Review by Paul Bowler

Logan embarks on a violent, bloody, finale stand as Hugh Jackman returns to the role of Wolverine, the iconic Mutant X-Man with the unbreakable adamantium skeleton, retractable claws, and incredible healing factor. Based loosely around the Marvel Comics classic Old Man Logan storyline by writer Mark Millar and artist Steve McNiven, Logan is tenth instalment in the X-Men film series from 20^th Century Fox where Jackman originally debuted as Wolverine in X-Men (2000), its also the third Wolverine film after the less than favourable X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) and the far superior The Wolverine (2013).

Set in 2029 where Mutantkind is on the brink of extinction, Logan (Hugh Jackman) finds our erstwhile hero now a shadow of his former self, ravaged by age, world weary, and slowly being poisoned by the Adamantiun in his body. Logan is carving out a meagre living as a chauffeur in El Paso, his only ally is the albino Mutant Caliban (Stephen Merchant), and together they care for the X-Men’s former leader Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) – who is now suffering from a degenerative neurological condition – in a derelict hideout across the border in Mexico.

But danger and tragedy strikes when the nurse Gabriella (Elizabeth Rodriguez) from the secret Transigen project entrusts Logan with a mission to escort Laura / X23 (Dafine Keen), a mute child with powers savagely akin to Wolverine‘s own abilities, to a sanctuary in North Dakota. Logan and Laura set out a dangerous cross country journey, closely pursued by Transigen’s deadly operatives The Reavers and their vicious cybernetically enhanced leader, Donald Pierce (Boyd Holbrock), and as the final stand looms on the Canadian border Logan must confront the dark secrets of his past as he faces his ultimate destiny…

Hugh Jackman give a powerful, emotive, and rip-roaring performances as the aging Mutant, who proves he’s still a force to be reckoned with even though his fabled healing factor isn’t exactly what it used to be. If anything, Jackman’s grizzled portrayal as the old man Logan is probably his finest turn yet in the iconic role that he‘s undeniably made his own since he first played it seventeen years ago. Despite Logan’s ragged and downtrodden appearance, Jackman’s brooding physical presence is still every bit as imposing as ever, and when those claws pop you better watch out bub!Just like 20^th Century Fox’s smash-hit X-Men spin-off, Deadpool, Logan positively revels in its fifteen certificate. The violence is brutal, visceral, and unflinching, but it feels good to see Jackman portray Logan in a movie that finally allows Wolverine a chance to really cut loose against his enemies with the full-on savage fury that the character is so well-known for in the comics.

Patrick Stewart is also on fine form as the ailing Professor X, and his scenes with Hugh Jackman are utterly sublime. Charles is like a surrogate father figure to Logan now, the bond between them is as unbreakable as adamantium itself, and the combined tragedy of their circumstances coupled with the Professor’s terrifying psychic seizures brings added gravitas to many of Logan’s most poignant and powerful moments. Stephen Merchant is also excellent as the Mutant tracker Caliban, while Dafne Keen is a revelation as Logan’s young prodigy, the stoic, and sometimes frighteningly feral, Laura / X23. Richard E Grant is also good as the sinister Dr Zander Rice, the head of Transigen, and Boyd Holbrock is brilliant as the ruthless Reaver henchman Donald Pierce.

Directed by James Mangold, who also helmed 2013’s The Wolverine, Logan is a film that side-steps the usual superhero movie conventions to take us, much like the comic book storyline that inspired it, into much darker territory. Logan is a no-nonsense, uber-violent, blend of western and road movie, tinged with a razor keen sense of humour, and a strong character driven plot.

There are a few pacing issues, but nothing too major. Mangold also skilfully bends in nods to the previous X-Men films and comic book references – quite literally in one instance – for fans, but don’t expect colourful costumes, or huge CGI action set-pieces. Logan is a bleaker, far grittier experience, and it makes for a film that feels all the more richer as a result.

Logan is the Wolverine movie we’ve always wanted. It takes us on an epic journey for what is, purportedly, Hugh Jackman’s final adventure as the ferocious Wolverine, and it brings the characters cinematic saga full circle. It’s beautifully filmed, the story is dark and compelling, and it races to a rampaging action-packed finale which in turn provides a brutally fitting and emotional swansong for Jackman’s time in the role.

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Thanos #4 Review

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Avengers Infinity War, Champion of the Universe, Civil War II, comics, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Frank Martin, Jeff Lemire, Marvel Comics, Marvel Now, Mike Deodato, Nebula, Shi’ar Imperial Guard, Starfox, Thane, Thanos, Thanos #4, Thanos #4 review, The Black Quadrant, Titan, VC’s Clayton Cowles

Thanos #4

Review by Paul Bowler

Thanos #4 delves ever further into the mad Titan’s dark world in Marvel’s new ongoing series from Jeff Lemire, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin. Thanos’ quest to find a cure for the mysterious aliment that is killing him led to a titanic face-off with Shi’ar Imperial Guard, but shockingly it was a battle that Thanos ultimately lost! Now even Thanos’ own son, Thane, conspires to destroy him. But as we will soon discover, this isn’t the first time that Thane has schemed to seize power from Thanos and claim his birthright…

When it comes to big-bad super-villains, there are few in the Marvel Universe that can match Thanos for his sheer raw power, ambition, and unflinching evil. This new series from writer Jeff Lemire, artist Mike Deodato, and color artist Frank Martin continues to raise the bar with each issue, the sheer scope and scale of the storylines and art constantly impresses, and Thanos #4 is arguably one of their best issue so far.

Following Thanos‘ defeat at the hands of the Imperial Guard on Gilgrath, the spotlight now falls on Thane, and writer Jeff Lemire skilfully uses this issue to explore the series of events that led to Thane’s current scheme to rid himself of Thanos once and for all. Unfolding across a series of intermittently spaced flashbacks Thanos #4 gives us a tantalizing insight into Thane’s previous bid to take control of The Black Quadrant with Ebony Maw, but Corvus Glaive is not to be underestimated, and Thane’s subsequent fall from grace and incarceration proves crushing both mentally and physically for the son of Thanos. The unlikely alliance between Thane and Tryco, The Champion of the Universe, is also explored by Lemire, and it is these scenes that ultimately drive the narrative whilst sublimely filling in their back story and motivations as time progresses.

The panel layouts are beautifully structured by artist Mike Deodato to great effect. The synchronicity that Dedato manages to strike with Jeff Lemire’s character driven script is astonishing, judicious use of compact panel layouts effortlessly draw you into the story, and even the big two-page action scenes have a distinct pace all their own that so indicative of Dedato’s work. There are some truly spectacular scenes too, with Black Order brothers battling, The Coven are also hauntingly realized as they attack Thane, later Tryco the Champion’s wry humour lightens the tone somewhat, but it is Thane’s experiences in solitary confinement that delivers the issues most powerful and disturbing moments. Frank Martin’s colors provide a glorious swath of rich crimson hues for combat, while a blend of cool shades masked in ominous shadows make Thane’s imprisonment feel every bit as cold and dark as Thanos’ heart itself.

With a deal forged in darkness, Thanos #4 seamlessly bookends with the present as Thane’s plan to kill Thanos with the help of his uncle, Eros (the Avenger formerly known as Starfox), the mercenary Nebula, and Tryco The Champion of the Universe, unites their collective fates in the most surprising way imaginable!

Thanos #4 gives us a fascinating, chilling, and increasingly insightful glimpse into the dark machinations that have shapes event in this new Marvel comic book series. Jeff Lemir, Mike Deodato, and Frank Martin have truly excelled themselves again, as Thanos #4, with its engaging multifaceted storyline and fantastic artwork, reaffirms exactly why this series is such a compelling and gratifying sojourn to the darker side of the Marvel Universe.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jeff Lemire / Artist: Mike Deodato

Colorist: Frank Martin / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover: Mike Dedato and Frank Martin / Variant Cover: Joe Jusko

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