Invincible Iron Man #593 Review

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Alex Maleev, Avengers, Brian Michael Bendis, Infamous Iron Man, Invincible Iron Man #593, Invincible Iron Man #593 review, Iron Man, Ironheart, Marte Gracia, Marvel Comics, Marvel Legacy, Stefano Caselli, The Invincible Iron Man #593, Tony Stark, VC’s Clayton Cowls

Invincible Iron Man #593

Review by Paul Bowler

A startling new era for Marvel’s armored Avenger begins in Invincible Iron Man #593 as Marvel Legacy gets under way. The comatose body of Tony Stark has vanished! Now it falls to Stark’s friends and foes, those who have overseen his business interests and assumed the mantel of Iron Man since his battle with Captain Marvel during Civil War II left Tony in a medically unexplainable coma, to finally decide who will succeed him as the Invincible Iron Man!

Well, now that we’ve got all the hoo-ha with Secret Empire out of the way, Marvel can concentrate on getting things back on track with Legacy. To be honest, this is bit of a quirky issue of Invincible Iron Man, there is a sense of getting back to basics and core elements of the character, which I guess is what Legacy is meant to be all about, and the return to the series’ original numbering – along with a great cover by Adi Granov – gives you a real sense that you are witnessing the start of something with great potential here.

The issue is positively bursting with insightful character moments and exposition, and writer Brian Michael Bendis keeps Invincible Iron Man #593 on an even keel as he skilfully juggles the numerous plot threads. Tony’s AI, Friday is every present throughout, quickly brining us up to speed with current events: with Tony’s condition in stasis at a Stark Facility, Riri Williams role as Iron heart (whose Armor is run by an AI downloaded from Stark’s consciousness), and Victor Von Doom’s self-proclaimed path to redemption as the Infamous Iron Man.

The Star Expo that opens the issue, overseen by Stark’s Mother, Amanda, and Mary Jane Watson, is a poignant affair tinged with both sadness and hope; despite the dour board of directors resolve to spoil the party. Throw in the mystery of Tony Stark’s body going missing and a tense face-off between the Thing and Victor Von Doom after an incident at Riker’s Island, and you have an issue that poses as many questions as it does answers.

Featuring the work of artists Stefano Caselli and Alex Maleey, with Color Artists Marte Gracia and Alex Maleev, Invincible Iron Man #593 ticks all the boxes visually and stylistically, and the transition between artists and color artists doesn’t impede the overall enjoymenty of reading the issue. The panel layouts are straightforward, nothing fancy, the characters and location are well realized, and there’s a nice jaunt around the Marvel Universe as everyone concerned ponders who ya gonna call when Tony Stark goes missing!?! Although there’s probably enough story in this issue for a couple of issues, for me though, the standout scene was between Victor and The Thing, where some especially scathing home truths are finally aired – and about time too!

Ok, now I’m a big fan of Iron Man / Tony Stark. However, I wasn’t impressed with his fate at the end of Civil War II, Riri Williams was ok as Ironheart, but I didn’t really warm to Doom being the Infamous Iron Man that much, and having skipped Secret Empire completely I’m hoping that The Search For Tony Stark Part 1 sets things up for Tony’s return as the one, true, Iron Man. The question is, is that what’s happening here in this issue?

That’s something this issues surprise ending will certainly leave us guessing about for now. While the story is adequate enough, I was hoping the art would be a bit more spectacular, but it’s still a fairly good issue for fans and newcomers alike. Suffice to say; if Marvel Legacy is all about getting back to the core mechanics, ethos, and distinctive look of Marvel’s most iconic characters, then Invincible Iron Man #593 is definitely a step in the right direction.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis / Artist: Stefano Caselli & Alex Maleev

Color Artists: Marte Gracia & Alex Maleev / Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowls

Cover: Adi Granov

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Old Man Logan #29 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 #29, Old Man Logan #29 review, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #29

Review by Paul Bowler

The Maestro’s plan is all set to unleash Armageddon in Old Man Logan #29, as the Hulk gang take to the skies to deploy the stolen nuclear weapons across the continents of the world. In his resolve to prevent his own dark future, Logan’s haphazard timelines converge as he teams up with Clint Barton and Cambria. But with time running out a showdown between Logan and the Maestro in Yurkon territory, Canada awaits…

In this issue of Marvel Comics Old Man Logan from writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin, Logan and his unlikely allies embark on a desperate course of action to stop the Maestro’s terrifying scheme to wipe out humanity and transform the world into a nuclear paradise Hulks, but will they be in time?

The penultimate chapter of Days of Anger gets under way with an interlude reflecting on Cambria’s recollections of future events in the Wastelands. This sombre opening from Cambria’s viewpoint affords us a greater insight into how the Maestro (an alternative universe version of Banner) gathered the devastated survivors of this dimensions brutal Hulk gangs Banner descendants together, before brining them to this universe and timeline, and gives added clarity to her reasons for defecting from the Hulk gang to help Logan and Hawkeye. Having tracked the Hulk gang across Canada, the dye is now cast, and in an uncanny twist writer Ed Brisson focuses on the major payers in this saga as they each gradually realise with chilling certainty that all of the Logan’s and Banner’s they’d known have been dealt their fateful demise because of them…

Once again, the superb artwork by Mike Deodato and tallents of colorist Frank Martin makes every heart-stopping moment of Old Man Logan #29 leap from the page. From the barren landscape of the Wastelands, to the earth shattering arrival of the nuke packing members of the Hulk gang at various location around the world, powerful character beats resonate with expressions that often deliver far more than mere words can say, and the bloody, violent, bone crunching face off with the Maestro is all beautifully relayed via Deodato’s trademark open-framed page layouts.

With a nuclear Hulkagedon looming, contingencies plans on both sides become apparent as this issue races towards its blood soaked cliff-hanger, and one crucial unseen factor could well decide everyone’s fate! This series is quite simply one of Marvel Comics best titles right now. Days of Anger has built on events gradually, but the confrontation here between Logan and the Maestro has certainly been worth the wait! Old Man Logan #29 is another brilliant issue, Ed Brisson seamlessly brings all the plot threads together, while Mike Deodato’s art and Frank Martin’s colors place us right in the heart of the action, and everything is now in place for what is sure to be this arcs thrilling conclusion!

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 #28 Review

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comics, Days of Anger Part 4, Ed Brisson, Frank Martin, Hawkeye, Logan, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mike Deodato, NCBD, Old Man Logan, Old Man Logan #28, Old Man Logan Days of Anger, Old Man Logna #28 review, The Hulk Gang, The Maestro, X-Men

Old Man Logan #28

Review by Paul Bowler

Old Man Logan #28 takes Logan’s mission to save the present from the apocalyptic nightmare of his own future to a whole new level, as Logan finds a new ally – Hawkeye! Teaming up again for the first time in Logan’s miss-matched lifetimes, Clint Barton joins Logan in his quest to defeat the Maestro and the Hulk gang. But as the Maestro’s grand scheme reaches its next phase, they face a race against time to prevent global Armageddon!

Days of Anger Part 4 seriously raises the stakes in this issue of Old Man Logan as the creative team of writer Ed Brisson, artist Mike Deodato JR, and colorist Frank Martin continue their outstanding run of this Marvel Comics series. Beginning with a sombre interlude set in the future Wastelands of Logan’s farm, the uncanny parallels forged across time continue to resonate powerfully with the present in Old Man Logan #28 as Logan prepares to fight back after his latest run-in with the Hulk Gang in Yurkon territory, Canada.

Writer Ed Brisson skilfully brings numerous plot threads together as events quickly begin to escalate. Having learned about the Maestro, the alternative universe Banner that brought the Hulk Gang to conquer this world, Logan and Hawkeye must stop at nothing to prevent the Maestro from unleashing the stolen weapons from Department H and destroying humanity. However, their friendship was forged in the future, where their road trips never end well, and Hawkeye soon learns more about the his destiny than even he bargained for! Meanwhile, the Maestro is forced to step up the schedule of his master plan, and Cambria’s role in the wider scheme of things gradually starts to emerge.

Mike Deodato’s artwork brilliantly captures the dark, brooding tone of this issue. As ever, the level of detail and boldly paced action lavished across each page is all marvellously rendered, and Deodato’s characteristic deconstructed page layouts completely immerse you in the story as numerous elements converge. The intricate palette of tones and shades color artist Frank Martin utilizes brings added gravatis to every scene. From the identity of the poacher targeting Logan’s farm in the Wastelands, to the great character moments between Logan and Hawkeye in the present, and the ruthless way the Maestro quells any challenge to his authority this issue of Old Man Logan is without doubt one of Mike Deodato’s and Frank Martin’s finest looking issues so far in this series.

Unfortunately for Logan and Hawkeye, try as they might, the Maestro and the Hulk Gang are once again two steps ahead of them as this issue builds towards its ominous snow swept cliff-hanger. But fate and the future might just provide the help they need…

With its stunning cover by Mike Deodato and Frank Martin featuring Logan and Hawkeye in action, Old Man Logan #28 is another compelling issue packed with rich characterization, bloodthirsty action, and surprise plot developments. Its great to see Logan and Hawkeye working together as well, Ed Brisson scripts some brilliant scenes for them, and Mike Deodato’s artwork constantly delivers on every level. In short bub, Old Man Logan is easily one of Marvel’s best books right now, and cannot recommend it highly enough.

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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Daredevil #26 Review

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Blindspot, Charles Soule, China, Daredevil, Daredevil #26, Daredevil #26 review, Foggy Nelson, Hells Kitchen, Land of the Blind, Marte Gracia, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matt Murdock, NCBD, Ron Garney, The Man Without Fear

Daredevil #26

Review by Paul Bowler

Land of the Blind begins in Daredevil #26, when a message from an absent friend sends Daredevil on a mission to the other side of the world to rural China. The Man Without Fear must not only contend with the challenges of his new environment, he must also face a new villain, someone that even Daredevil’s extraordinary hyper-senses can’t detect…

This new story-arc from writer Charles Soule, artist Ron Garney, and color artist Matt Milla kicks off in fine style as Daredevil acrobatically leaps across the rooftops of Manhattan. Having won a landmark case that will finally allow heroes testimonies to be used in court, Matt is now back in his traditional red Daredevil costume, and riding high after the Supreme Court ruled in his favour. So, with Hell’s Kitchen unusually quiet as the ramifications of this news begins to sink into the criminal community, Daredevil switches his attention towards those in Chinatown seeking the help of his former protégée Sam Chung – Blindspot.

Blindspot was one of the defining characters of this new volume of Daredevil during its early stages. Sam Chung had built a suit that enabled him to turn invisible, he became Blindspot, and Daredevil chose to mentor him. Together they took down the gangster known as Tenfingers and saved Sam’s mother. Blindspot continued working with Daredevil until he was horrifically blinded (during The Dark Art storyline) by an Inhuman serial killer called Muse. After leaving hospital, Sam disappeared, and Daredevil hasn’t heard from his since.

As Daredevil brings the latest batch of messages for Blindspot to his sister in Daredevil #26, Charles Soule scripts some extremely powerful and emotional scenes as Sam’s sibling struggles to comes to terms with the choices her brother made, and Daredevil’s reasons for continuing to bring her the envelopes left for Blindspot in Chinatown. But not all of them are calls for help; one holds an invitation for Daredevil to go to China, where a fateful encounter with a deadly new enemy waits!

Ron Garney’s artwork stylishly envelops you in this broodingly atmospheric tale right from the outset: from the moody opening scenes in Chinatown, to the interlude at the DA’s Office, and enlisting Foggy’s help, Murdock’s journey to China is vividly detailed and culminates with a jaw-dropping vista of rural China as Daredevil goes in search of a hidden temple. Color artist Matt Milla employs a sumptuous blend of cool shades, rich shadows, and earthy tones over the course of this issue to great effect. Much as I really liked the darker costume Daredevil has worn in this series, its great to see him back in his red costume again, I think it’s a good move, and it makes the character look even more dramatic when seen in such a rural setting like this.

This issue builds to an ominous cliff-hanger as Daredevil finds himself face to face with some old enemies, but not even Matt’s enhanced senses are a match for the new foe waiting in the wings… From the moment you set eyes on that haunting cover Ron Garney you instantly know you are in for something truly special with this issue. Daredevil #26 begins another great chapter in this series, Charles Soule, Ron Garney, and Matt Milla deliver a sublime mix of powerful characterization, intriguing mystery, and eerily staged action sequences to make this issue of Daredevil a thoroughly enjoyable and suspenseful read from cover to cover.

Publisher: Marvel

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

Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles / Cover: Ron Garney

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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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