X-Men #18 Review

Tags

Age of X, Darwin, House of X, Johnathan Hickman, Karkoa, Mahmud Asrar, Marvel, Marvel Comics, NCBD, Power of X, Sunny Gho, Synch, The Children of the Vauly, The Vauly, Wolverine, X-Men #18, X-Men #18 Review, X-Men The Vault

X-Men #18

Review by Paul Bowler.

The secrets of the mysterious Vault are finally explored in X-Men #18 from writer Johnathan Hickman, artist Mahmud Asrar and colorist Sunny Gho. It has been a long time since this team of specialist agents were sent by the Quiet Council of the Mutant nation of Krakoa to investigate the Vault – a place where time moves differently and a chronal lock makes it impossible for anyone to rescue them. 

Along with the central premise of establishing the new Mutant Island nation of Krakoa, Johnathan Hickman’s relaunch of the X-Men, which began with House of X and Power of X, also revealed that Professor X’s long-time friend, Moria MacTaggert was really a Mutant with a Groundhog Day style power that allowed her to relive multiple irritations of her timeline. Having spent many lifetimes trying to advance the X-Men’s cause and rebooting the timeline each time to learn from their setbacks, House of X and Power of X saw Moria discover that the ultimate threat and suppression of Mutantkind rested with an artificial intelligence that would be created in the distant future – Nimrod. 

So when a Child of the Vault managed to escape from the Vault – a technological marvel that uses time dilation and advanced technology to alter humans — the X-Men sent the Mutants Darwin, Wolverine (Laura Kinney) and Synch to South America to enter the Vault and assess the potential threat, along with the capabilities of the children, and uncover any inherent weaknesses in the children’s powers or the Vaults remarkable technological infrastructure. The only trouble is the team never returned. They’ve been gone for months, but as time moves differently inside the Vault, Darwin, Wolverine and Synch have now actually been inside the Vault for centuries!

The ongoing narrative of Hickman’s new X-Men run has sometimes felt less of the compelling blend of fresh ideas and innovative character arcs that spun our of House of X and Power of X, and more like a case of two-steps forwards and two-steps back as branches of the storyline unconsciously folded back over itself or became diluted with meandering events like X of Swords. Hickman is keeping a lot of plate spinning — some more successfully than others — but so far its been enough to keep everyone guessing and excited about where all of this is essentially  going for the X-Men.

Darwin, Wolverine and Synch entered the Vault way back in X-Men #5, now with X-Men #18 Hickman is finally addressing this tantalising plot thread, and he certainly doesn’t disappoint with the often bizarre and mind-boggling revelations that are divulged thick-and fast throughout this issue with almost serendipitous glee. Having this issue narrated via Synch’s recollections of events is also a clever move by Hickman which organically drives the plot from key selective viewpoints, with the inner machinations of the Vault and the motivations of the Children of the Vault converging on parallel lines with the X-Men’s incursion, and the series’ now iconic bullet-point style info-graphics filling in the blanks — especially the insightful information concerning the evolution of Synch’s powers post resurrection and what this could mean for mutant kind going forward.

This team was selected for their unique survival abilities: Darwin can adapt to any life-threatening situation, Wolverine has her healing-factor, and Synch can duplicate their powers. They were ideally suited to this mission, especially as there was no way back if things went wrong (which of course they did), and X-Men #18 details what happened in the initial moments of the relative 537 years that the team have effectively been missing. The Children of the Vault are purportedly the true heirs of the world, meant to be vastly superior to humans and Mutants, so how they react to the “wild gods of the outside world” proves decidedly disturbing, and the technological wonders of the  Vault are an uncanny challenge in itself for the X-Men’s team to experience — let alone  fully comprehend. 

Artist Mahmud Asrar and colorist Sunny Gho give substance and clarity to the finer vagaries of Hickman’s storyline, with hauntingly futuristic landscapes, advanced machinery and technological interfaces, and the almost palpable mix of awe and trepidation the team experience permeates every page. Asrar does a fantastic job of rendering these powerful emotional moments as the mysteries of the Vault begin to unfold, with intricate, sweeping page-layouts seamlessly condensing the narrative, there’s an action-packed encounter between the X-Men and the Children of the Vault that is also impressively realised, while Sunny Gho’s subtle use of delicate tones and shade brings an almost spiritual quality to the teams journey into the unknown and the ensuing centuries of discovery that await.

It has felt like a hell of long wait for Marvel’s flagship X-Men title to finally get back to addressing the mystery of the Vault and the fate of Darwin, Wolverine and Synch after they failed to return. In that respect X-Men #18 certainly gets the ball rolling again, even though it frustratingly poses just as many questions as it answers. However, if you’ve stuck with Hickman’s new X-Men this far your patience is rewarded as X-Men #18 finally gives us a clear sense of progression, and in that respect above all it delivers in spades. 

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer Johnathan Hickman / Artist Mahmud Asrar 

Colorist Sunny Gho / Letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles 

Design Tom Miller / Cover Leinil Francis Yu & 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

Immortal Hulk Flatline Review

Tags

Bruce Banner, Declan Shalvey, Gamma, Hulk, Immortal Hulk, Immortal Hulk Flatline, Marvel, Marvel Comics, NCBD, The Immortal Hulk

Immortal Hulk Flatline 

Review by Paul Bowler

Expanding on the dark saga of The Immortal Hulk, Marvel’s one-shot Immortal Hulk Flatline, written and drawn by Declan Shalvey, delivers a tale that smashes into the heart of all things Gamma! At the dawn of ever day, Bruce Banner awakens in a new place. Perhaps the Hulk is trying to tell him something? Banner has grown tired of his green-skinned alter ego, but when a new gamma-powered villain suddenly arrives in a New Mexico town he has no choice but to confront his anger, and the terrifying results are far from anything Bruce Banner could ever have predicted…

Few comics have enjoyed or can compare to the success and critical acclaim that The Immortal Hulk has enjoyed in recent years. Al Ewing and Joe Bennet – along with a number of guest artists — have redefined the character and by taking him back to his horror roots. However, Marvel were somewhat caught off guard by the unprecedented success of The Immortal Hulk, so with the series’ end  already set and established to happen with its fiftieth issue, their response was the commission of a series of one-shots by esteemed writers and artists to bring us further standalone stories from this hugely popular era of the Hulk. 

One the most eagerly anticipated of these one-shots has been Immortal Hulk Flatline by the acclaimed Irish creator Declan Shalvey who is doing both the writing and the art for this one-shots intriguing storyline. Known for his pin-sharp, striking visual style, and fine writing skills, Shalvey brings all his skill to bare on crafting something uniquely special for the Immortal Hulk Flatline. While Ewing’s and Bennet’s main series rumbles towards its conclusion, Declan Shalvey steers the narrative back to reexamining the dark schism that fuels the conflict between Banner and Immortal Hulk, with the green behemoth deposing Banner at different locales around the country, seemingly intent on drawing his attention to something that Banner is still desperately struggling to define. 

Of course that’s only part of the mystery at the heart of Immortal Hulk Flatline. The other is Banner’s chance meeting with his old friend and college lecturer on Gamma radiation, Professor Noonan. This haunting encounter leads into the discovery of a new gamma-powered adversary that Banner and the Immortal Hulk inadvertently come into conflict with. Shalvey brings some new and unexpected insights to the core themes of Al Ewing’s ground-breaking run on The Immortal Hulk, casting new light on the chilling dynamic of the series’ initial premise, and the existential common goal that ultimately drives Banner’s pantheon of alters. 

Handling the role of writer, artist and colorist like this is quite a responsibility and Declan Shalvey does so with considerable style and verve. The artwork is indeed a veritable tour de force by Shalvey, his Immortal Hulk is a distilled version of Joe Bennet’s horror themed grotesque, and more of a chiselled, brutish thug, but his Immortal Hulk persona is still every bit a darkly menacing powerhouse to be reckoned with. The new Gamma irradiated villain that Hulk battles in this one-shot possesses telekinetic-like Gammer abilities, which are used to devastating effect as their savage no-holds-barred conflict crashes from page to page across a plethora of dynamic and stylish page layouts. Petit’s lettering is bang on point as well for what is actually quite a dialogue intense issue. Shalvey also employs a masterful use of color, using muted tones to highlight the drudgery of the dead-end jobs Banner takes on to blend into the background, while vibrant colors accentuate the explosive battles, and somber hues Convey the shared reckoning of the emotive climax. 

Declan Shalvey has achieved an astonishing feat with this one-shot special. The fact Shalvey’s brought so many quintessential elements of the series together is remarkable in itself;  that he’s also made them resonate so well in such a glorious fusion of story and art makes The Immortal Hulk Flatline one-shot one of the early high-points of 2021 and a fine addition to the enduring legacy of the Immortal Hulk.

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer & Artist Declan Shalvey

Letterer VC’s Cory Petit

Cover Declan Shalvey

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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

Amazing Spider-Man #55 Review

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Amazing Spider-Man #55, Amazing Spider-Man #55 review, Amazing Spiderman #55 review, Green Goblin, Harry Osborne, Kindred, Kingpin, Last Remains, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Mary Jane, Miles Morales, Nick Spencer, Norman Osborne, Patrick Gleason, Peter Parker, Spider-Man

The Amazing Spider-Man #55

Review by Paul Bowler.

Last Remains concludes in Amazing Spider-Man #55 with an epic showdown between Spider-Man and Kindred! Its a battle that will shake Peter Parker’s world to the core, but the fallout from Kindred’s diabolical scheme could prove even more devastating for Spider-Man and those he loves…

So, after lurking in the shadows for nearly two yeasr, Kindred’s identity was finally revealed as none other than Norman Osborn’s son, and Peter’s old friend, Harry Osborne! After tormenting his old pal for what Harry perceived as Peter “sins,” namely his inability to stop Norman from causing chaos as the Green Goblin throughout their lives, Kindred beat Spider-Man to a bloody pulp, killing and reviving him over and over until restoring Peter’s life one last time to reveal the endgame of his grand plan — and to Peter’s horror it involves Mary Jane!

Writer Nick Spencer brings the chilling Last Remains storyline to a nerve jangling finale  with Amazing Spider-Man #55 as the final battle unfolds in the crypt at the Osborne family cemetery. Spider-Man’s Spider-Friends, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman, Spider-Girl, Miles Morales, and Madame Web have also been captured by Kindred, and Peter can now only watch helplessly as Mary Jane is  inexorably drawn into Kindred’s ghoulish web of vengeance. Events are brought to a cataclysmic head as Peter and Harry’s lifelong friendship is put under the microscope, uncomfortable home truths are finally aired over a grisly last supper, and old wounds get reopened with devastating results for all concerned.

I’ve really enjoyed the work of artist Patrick Gleason and colorist Edgar Delgado on this series and they’ve done a terrific job with this issue as well. Gleason’s art perfectly captures the grim tone of this story. Every page resonates with atmosphere and menace as Kindred’s dark schemes are given centre stage, with dynamic page layouts stylishly conveying the brutal action scenes, while Edgar Delgado’s masterful use of tone and shade accentuates the brooding air of dread, and the tense filled final moments are all brilliantly rendered in such a way that you almost  feel  a part the plight which Peter faces.

The ingenious way that Spencer throws a curveball move from some old foes as well as MJ into the mix for this final chapter of Last Remains is brilliantly done. Rounding everything off with an edge-of-your-seat cliffhanger was also a bold move — especially considering the revelations in this issue — and no doubt this storyline could well have wide reaching ramifications for the wall crawlers future. All in all, after a bit of lull during the recent glut of Marvel’s big comic book events and crossovers, I think Last Remains has really set Nick Spencer’s run on Amazing Spider-Man back on track. I’ve throughly enjoyed it and consider it one of the best comic storylines I’ve read in 2020.

While we await what’s in store for Spider-Man in the aftermath of Last Remains, Marvel have also given fans their first look at Spider-Man’s all new costume that Spidey will wear beginning with March’s Amazing Spider-Man #62 by Nick Spencer and Patrick Gleason and Aprils Amazing Spider-Man #63 — the costume is designed by Dustin Weaver, who also illustrates the variant covers for Amazing Spider-Man #62-#63 and was a collaborative effort with Spencer and Gleason. The new costume has a distinctly sleek, high-tech look to it, and I have a feeling it will be something fans will either love or hate. Personally I don’t mind it, I think its ok, I like the Spider-Noir style eyes, and the color scheme, though somewhat quirky, oddly seems to suit Spider-Man quite well.

• 

• 

Well, there we have it. My final review for 2020, and what a year its been hasn’t it? The Covid 19 pandemic has certainly turned our world upside down, tragically the death toll of this awful virus is still far from over, but the vaccine now offers hope. I’ve found the lockdowns tough, we’re still under almost lockdown conditions here in the UK, and that’s sadly meant that Christmas has been more of series of Zoom chats than the normal family get togethers I look forward to every year. Thank you for being there. Thank you for all your continued support of my blog and everything that I do, it means so much to me, to have this little corner of the internet to ramble on about comic books, films and TV shows like I do, and here’s hoping that 2021 brings better times for a us all. 

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer / Artist: Patrick Gleason

Colorist: Edgar Delgado / Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramanga

Cover: Patrick Gleason and Edgar Delgado

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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

Daredevil #24 Review

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Chip Zdarsky, Daredevil, Daredevil #24 review, Daredevil#24, Foggy Nelson, Kirsten McDuffe, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Matt Murdock, Mike Murdock, Spider-Man, The Kingpin, Tony Stark, Typhiod Mary, Wilson Fisk

Daredevil #24

Review by Paul Bowler

The Man Without Fear gets ready to face the music in Daredevil #24 (Truth / Dare Part 4) as his trial for murdering Leo Cararo looms. Ironically, Matt Murdock is only just Back in the Red as Daredevil following the chaos wrought on Hell’s Kitchen by the Stormwyns, and with the citizens of the city looking for someone to hold accountable Matt’s crime-fighting return might soon be over before its even begun.

Daredevil #24 is a masterclass in storytelling from writer Chip Zdarsky that sees Matt and the ensemble cast, both friend and foe alike, run a gauntlet of frayed emotions and angst as Daredevil’s trial approaches. With the erstwhile Mayor Fisk now considered a hero in the eyes of New York’s citizens, Matt has been moved into making plans of his own to ensure the safety of Hell’s Kitchen from the threat of Fisk’s corporate and criminal machinations with the imminent  likelihood that Daredevil will probably soon be behind bars. Daredevil has already enlisted Spider-Man’s help to put the frighteners on a meeting of the crime families where Wilson Fisk appointed Izzy Libris as the new Kingpin of New York City, and asked Tony Stark to gain board approval to bid in the property auction for Hell’s Kitchen to keep it out of Fisk’s clutches. 

Matters have been complicated by Foggy Nelson decision to go behind Matt’s back to recruit not just Kirsten McDuffie into DD’s legal defence team, but also calling in Mike Murdock – Matt’s twin brother — to pose as Matt himself during the trial as Daredevil takes the stand. As if all that wasn’t’[t enough for Matt to deal with Mayor Fisk has also made a dangerous new ally, Typhoid Mary! Zdarsky juggles all these plot threads and characters with consummate ease throughout this issue. For a superhero who is blind like Daredevil there’s a certain irony to be had in having the supporting characters spending most of this issue wrestling with own inner conflicts and emotions to such a degree that it consequently makes them all essentially blind to the secrets, lies and uncomfortable home truths right under their noses — which is all frankly genius scripting from Chip Zdarsky.

The Devil’s in the detail and that certainly the case here as the art for this issue of Daredevil is handled by penciler Mike Hawthorne, inker JP Mayer and color artist Mattia Iacono who collectively render the numerous scenes and character perspective with a striking level of detail, exciting page layouts, and bold colors. The fallout from Matt and Kirsten’s relationship resonates especially powerfully throughout, and the art beautifully encapsulates this integral driving force of the issues richly compelling narrative. The loneliness of Daredevil’s plight is also wonderfully depicted as Matt ponders the fate of Hell’s Kitchen alone on a rooftop, the courtroom is a veritable who’s who of friends and foes, and we even get a masked, suited and booted look for Daredevil as he prepares to face justice in this remarkably illustrated issue.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed Chip Zdarsky’s run on Daredevil since the tiles 2019 relaunch. He’s taken Matt Murdock on a dark journey, turned all the familiar DD tropes on their head, and woven a masterpiece of interconnected story arcs and unexpected character beats into a rich narrative that has ultimately lead to this point. Daredevil #24 is a stylish blend of courtroom drama, shady scheming, and emotional drama with the fate of Hell’s Kitchen at stake and only a whisper of hope remaining  for Daredevil as his trial begins. Highly recommend. 

Publisher Marvel Comics

Writer Chip Zdarsky / Penciler Mike Hawthorne

Inker JP Mayer / Color Artist Mattia Iacono

Letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Marco Checchetto & Matthew Wilson

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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

The Amazing Spider-Man #52 Review

Tags

Doctor Strange, Harry Osborne, Kindred, Last Remains, Last Remains Part 3, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Nick Spencer, Norman Osborne, Patrick Gleason, Peter Parker, Sin Eater, Spider-Man, Spider-Man #52 Review, Spiderman #52 Review

The Amazing Spider-Man #52

Review by Paul Bowler.

The darkest, most macabre confrontation imaginable awaits Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man #52 as the wall crawler comes face-to-face with the new villain – Kindred! As Kindred reveals his true power to Spider-Man, horrors past and present are unleashed, and Spidey begins realise the terrible danger he’s in!

Having failed to secure the help of Doctor Strange last issue Spider-Man decided to take the fight directly to Kindred himself, but it’s a decision Peter might come to regret as their showdown unfolds. With a gathering of high profile skeletal remains for Kindred’s ghoulish tea party from hell, including George Stacy, Jean Dewolf, Marla Jamerson, Flash Thompson, Gwen Stacy, and Ben Parker, writer Nick Spencer ramps up the horror quota of Kindred’s vendetta to the max in Spider-Man #52 to such a degree that its positively skin-crawling. The way Kindred taunts and goads Spidey before brutally pummelling him to a pulp is done with almost surgical precision, and its not long before our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man finds the tables have been horrifically turned on him.

Kindred has been plotting and scheming from the shadows for much of Spencer’s run, having first killed Mendel Stromm and then Mysterio, Kindred went on to resurrect Sin Eater to cleanse criminals of their sins — including Norman Osborne (the Green Goblin). Last Remains kicked off with Kindred sending these collective sins after Spider-Man’s Spider-Friends,  Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman, Spider-Girl, Miles Morales, and Madame Web, transforming them into twisted demonic version of themselves in order to unleash carnage on Peter and terrorise New York City. It is this demonic version of The Order of the Web that Kindred now uses against Spider-Man in this issue with almost frightening relish, and effetely forces him into a fateful no-win scenario.

Patrick Gleason’s artwork is a perfect fit for The Amazing Spider-Man. Employing a dynamic blend of overlapping page layouts and spectacular two-page spreads to convey the horror and intensity of Spidey’s face-off with Kindred, Gleason renders every moment of raw emotion, grisly horror and bone crunching action to perfection. Every scene is packed with detail   and colourist Edgar Delgado enhances the action with a glorious use of vivid color, rich tones, and  sinister shadows.

Everything builds towards a shock cliff-hanger which is brilliantly ambiguous and shockingly chilling. Grim thrills and intense action makes Amazing Spider-Man #52 riveting reading, Nick Spencer is firing on all cylinders here, and Patrick Gleason’s art continues to impress on every level. The creative team on this book are doing a fantastic job and Last Remains is easily one of the most darkly compelling Spider-Man storylines that I’ve enjoyed in a  long while. 

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Nick Spencer / Artist: Patrick Gleason

Colorist: Edgar Delgado / Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramanga

Cover: Patrick Gleason and Edgar Delgado

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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

Juggernaut #1 Review

Tags

Cain Marko, Fabian Nicieza, Juggernaut, Juggernaut #1, Juggernaut #1 review, Juggernaut mini-series, Marvel, Marvel Comics, NCBD, Ron Garney, X-Men

Juggernaut #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Cain Marko returns in Juggernaut #1, Marvel’s brand new five part mini-series from well renowned X-Men scribe Fabian Nicieza (X-Force, Deadpool) and acclaimed artist Ron Garney (Captain America, Daredevil).

Done with letting other people pick up the pieces Cain Marko is getting his life back on track by working for Damage Control and putting his destructive talents as the Juggernaut to  good use. With the assured hand of writer Fabian Nicieza at the helm Juggernaut #1 quickly sets the stage for the tone of this series right rom the outset. Nicieza presents a far more sympathetic take on the character of Cain Marko, which is immediately refreshing as Juggernaut has often been portrayed somewhat one dimensionally in the past (having suffered years of abuse by his father, been rendered powerless, or hurt, familiar tropes usually see him written as just a raging, unstoppable powerhouse), and the end result is as solid character piece that elevates Juggernaut   to a whole new level.

The story itself is straightforward enough. While on a demolition job in a run down neighbourhood Juggernaut encounters a group of homeless teens, but when one of them exhibits super-powers and gets injured he decided to help out and become something of a mentor to her while she recovers in hospital. Fabian Nicieza cleverly weaves the core narrative of this series through the conversations between Juggernaut and D-Cell in the hospital, with pacy, wry dialogue highlighting just how lost both of them are in the difficult junctures of their lives, and it is here that Juggernaut finds the sense of purpose he’s been looking for to become a more positive force in the world.

Juggernaut #1 features some great artwork by Ron Garney that perfectly captures the soul-searching mood of the issue. Garney balances the raw, overwhelming power of Juggernaut with the moving sincerity of Marko’s wish to help D-Cell, and the bold, heavier, shades and tones employed by color artist Matt Milla works in perfect conjunction with Garney’s expressive, yet understated artwork. Highlights include Juggernaut cutting loose on the demolition site, the flashback to his torturous journey across Limbo and his ultimate sacrifice at The Crossroads, but it is the heartwarming scenes with Marko at D-Cell’s hospital bedside that really make this issue a compelling read.

Nothing can stop the Juggernaut, except himself of course, and the first issue of this new mini-series brings that fact home with all the crystal clarity of a mystic gem. For that is exactly what Juggernaut #1 — with its thought-provoking story by Fabian Nicieza and terrific art by Ron Garney – is, an unexpected little gem in the veritable sea of comic book events dominating the landscape at the moment, and with a startling cliffhanger that isn’t kidding around in the slightest I’ve high expectations for the rest of this mini-series!

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Fabian Nicieza /Artist Ron Garney / Color Artist: Matt Milla

Letterer VC’s Joe Sabino / Cover: Geoff Shaw

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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

 

Iron Man #1 Review

Tags

Alex Ross, Cafu, Christopher Cantwell, Frank D’Armata, Hellcat, Iron Man, Iron Man #1, Iron Man #1 Review, Marvel, Marvel Comics, Patsy Walker, Tony Stark

Iron Man #1

Review by Paul Bowler.

Tony Stark decides to get back to basics in Iron Man #1 as Marvel Comics launches a brand new ongoing series from the all-new-creative team of writer Christopher Cantwell, artist Cafu and color artist Frank D’Armata.

Right from the outset its clear writer Christopher Cantwell is aiming for a more refined and contemporary take on the character. While the opening slugfest with Terrax provides us with the necessary prerequisite of Iron Man action, the real nuts and bolts of the issue follows Tony Stark’s attempt to get his life back on track. Reinvesting his billion dollar exit package from Stark Unlimited, along with all the high-tech toys and equally high-profile image is the easy part, recalibrating his life with a 1978 Dodge Aspen, a new pad, and street racing while every CEO, financier and entrepreneur worth their salt has something to pitch to him proves to be a more challenging balancing act for him. Fortunately Patsy Walker, aka Hellcat, arrives to keep Tony grounded. 

Cantwell ensures the pace of the issue flows smoothly while significant refinements to Tony’s life unfold along the way, one could almost say it reads a bit like superhero mid-life-crisis, and the parallel narrative of social media posts peppered throughout brings the scrutiny on Stark’s world into sharper context than ever before. Patsy Walker is another unexpected surprise, one that that totally blindsides Tony during his most soul-searching moments, and she proves t a perfect foil for Stark’s ego as well. Throw in a D-list villain and a threat with biblical connotations and Christopher Cantwell sets up this new Iron Man series in fine style indeed.

The art by Cafu is a real treat as well, rich with detail, expression, and dynamic viewpoints   it makes this issue a veritable feast on the senses. Full framed, overlapping panel layouts allow scenes to shift seamlessly from one to the next, with media interviews, street racing, encounters with old friends and old enemies are all rendered in Cafu’s distinctly lavish visuals and beautifully complemented by color artist Frank D’Armata’s exquisite use of muted pallets, rich tones, and deep shadows. The new Iron Man armor design by Alex Ross is a glorious reinvention of the characters classic look, it even gets showcased with a good old-fashioned suit-up scene, and the overall aesthetic is pleasingly nostalgic yet sufficiently updated enough to make this relaunch feel all the more special as a result.

Much like Tony Stark, this new series suits-up with an upgraded sense of reflection and confidence, quickly finds it feet, and embarks on a bold new era filled with potential. With its excellent and witty storyline by Christopher Cantwell, great art by Cafu, and superb cover by Alex Ross, Iron Man #1 feels like a much needed breath of fresh air for the character, and I’m really excited to see what this new creative team have in store for old Shell-Head in the months to come.

Publisher: Marvel

Writer: Christopher Cantwell / Artist: Cafu

Color Artist: Frank D’Armata / Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna 

Cover: Alex Ross

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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

 

X-Men #11 Review

Tags

Age of X, Cotati, Empyre, Jonathan Hickman, Krakoa, Kree, Magneto, Marvel, Marvel Comcis, Power of X, Skrull, X-Men #11, X-Men #11 Review, X-Men Empyre

X-Men #11

Review by Paul Bowler.

When it comes to intricate, multifaceted levels of storytelling, writer Jonathan Hickman’s X-Men #11 goes all out with crafting another facet to his grand ongoing Mutant opus. Deftly weaving the overarching narrative of the X-Men’s new mutant island nation of Krakoa with Marvel’s current line-wide Empyre comic book event, where the Kree and Skrull Empires have united with Emperor Hulkling to fight the combined might of the Celestial  Messiah, Quoi and his plant-like Cotati, Hickman manages to juggle a trio of distinctly different plot threads with consummate ease to ensure this issue of X-Men is far more than just your average tie-in to Empyre.

Last issues Empyre tie-in saw some interesting developments for Vulcan, AKA: Gabriel Summers, whose link to the celestial energies still clearly means he has the potential to be something of a ticking time bomb for the X-Men. Now as the X-Men begin to fight back against the Cotati on the Moon, the Cotati aggressors have set their sights on a far bigger target… Earth and the X-Men’s island home on Krakoa.

X-Men #11 pivots around a trio of fascinating narratives set before, during and after the events on Krakoa during this issue. The opening scenes with Rockslide, Loa and Anole  seeking out the mysterious Summoner and partaking in a game which balances defence and attack, initially seems frivolous, but quickly hints towards ominous consequences as the game begins. From here we jump to the following day where Exodus is sitting around a campfire with some of the islands mutant children and telling them the story of what happened during the attack on Krakoa. Finally, we get to actually witness what transpired during the Cotati invasion and how Magneto, Magik, Magma and Iceman led a coordinated counterattack against the Cotati onslaught. Jonathan Hickman’s taut scripting on this issue ensures the pace doesn’t t let up for a moment, and the level of characterisation across the board — especially Magneto – is absolutely sublime.

Leinil Francis Yu’s artwork is a joy to behold. Every scene is rich with detail and beautifully framed in simple, free-flowing page layouts that effortlessly relays the action with exquisite character beats. Yu’s impressive work, along with color artist Sunny Gho’s understated use of intricate tones and shade, makes the setting for the Summoner’s game with the unpronounceable name feel charmingly beautiful and haunting all at the same time, Exodus’ campfire story is equally striking, Magneto’s choice to suit-up in the crimson and purple attire more associated with his villainous past instead of his current all-white costume is another highlight as the mutants rally to defend Krakoa, and the X-Men’s action-packed battle against the Cotati is veritable showcase of their abilities and resourcefulness in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds.

Following the tremendous relaunch of the X-Men with Power of X and House of X, Jonathan Hickman’s X-Men continues to go from strength to strength. X-Men #11 illustrates just how compelling Hickman’s current run on X-Men is becoming, especially now its on the path to X of Swords, and if you’re enjoying everything that’s going on with Marvel’s Empyre event then X-Men #11 is going to be right up your street as well.

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Jonathan Hickman / Artist Leinil Francis Yu

Color Artist: Sunny Gho / Letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles

Cover Leinil Francis Yu and Artist: 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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Avengers Endgame Film Review

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Avengers, Avengers Endgame, Avengers Endgame film review, Avengers Endgame review, Marvel, MCU, Thanos

Avengers Endgame

Review by Paul Bowler.

Avengers Endgame explodes onto the big screen in the wake of Avengers Infinity War’s devastating cliff-hanger from last year which saw fifty per cent of the MUC’s heroes turned to dust by cosmic super-villain Josh Brolin’s Thanos.. This spectacular, 22^nd instalment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, and written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeelyand, brings the saga to a shattering conclusion – and yes Avengers Endgame is every bit the triumphantly bombastic finale we could’ve ever hoped for!

The 　surviving Avengers are back, with the classic trinity of Robert Downey Jnr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth returning as Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor, along with Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner / Hulk and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow, and a wealth of other surviving MCU heroes including Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton, Don Cheadle as James Rhodes / War Machine, Karen Gillan as Nebula, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang / Ant-Man to name just a few of the films star-studded ensemble cast uniting to avenge their fallen comrades by striking back to defeat the　all-powerful Thanos and save the universe.

This time though the Avengers will have Brie Larson’s cosmic powered Captain Marvel fighting alongside them! Captain Marvel certainly brings a fresh new dynamic to the team. Captain Marvel’s presence somewhat redresses the slight gender imbalance in the Avengers team line-up, she’s a major powerhouse in her own right, and has a mischievous no-nonsense attitude and slight disdain for following orders.

Josh Brolin remains as compelling and powerful in the role of Thanos. The Mad Titan is confident to the extreme, sure in his power, and as ruthlessly intelligent as ever. As villains go in the MCU, Thanos is one of the most well written and developed so far, and Avengers Endgame delivers a spectacular showdown between the Avengers and their intergalactic arch-enemy.

Anthony Russo and Joe Russo have weaved their spellbinding magic again with Avengers Endgame. If you thought Infinity War was epic in scope and scale, well you better buckle up, because you ain’t seen nothing yet! Avengers Endgame is packed with awesome action-set-pieces, jaw-dropping CGI, and plenty of glorious character moments for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as they dust themselves off and take the fight to Thanos.

With its three hour run time of thrills, action, and shock surprises, Avengers Endgame will have you on the edge of your seat as the plot twists and turns through a myriad of plot threads that skilfully encompasses the entirety of the MCU amidst all the spectacle.

To say more could end up risking spoiling this incredible cinematic event. So, suffice to say Avengers Endgame provides an emotionally charged finale to the current MCU film series, its also brilliant fun, and one of the most epically action-packed superhero movies ever!

 

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