Tag Archives: america

Review: America #5

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America #5 1America takes a break from time and portal jumping to give us the Amerikate team-up that many fans have wanted since Ms. America first called Kate Bishop aka Hawkeye “princess” in Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie’s Young Avengers. It’s spring break and America is visiting Kate in Venice Beach to catch some sun, drive fast cars, and also get some moral support when she meets her childhood friend, Magdalena, outside of Las Vegas. Their Gabby Rivera  and Kelly Thompson penned banter is quick witted, and Kate’s P.I. skills start connecting some of the dots in the larger plot. But the main event of America #5 (America and Magdalena use to be sparring partners as pre-teens.) is the art of Ramon Villalobos and the colors of Tamra Bonvillain with Brittany Peer.

Villalobos uses texture and body language to create the rapport between Kate and America, which is like two old friends instantly picking up where they left off.  They spend an entire page chatting hilarious about comfy pillows, and Kate is definitely there to empathize and accommodate with pizza and a pull-up bar that helps America think and process. Villalobos draws them in a variety of relaxed poses in the early going because it’s basically a big sleepover complete with Bonvillain’s welcoming, orange Southern California twilight. Re-establishing this bond definitely makes the tight and close car chases, punching, explosions, and killer final page more urgent and riveting.

America #5 is awesome because it’s an action romantic comedy starring two queer and one questioning woman. Rivera, Thompson,  Villalobos, and Bonvillain aren’t afraid to surrender to melodrama a little bit in sepia toned flashbacks that show the deep bond between America and Magdalena. These scenes are intense like any teenage crush, and it’s seriously relatable to see Kate “translate” Magdalena’s current day texts to America. America definitely has that feeling in the pit of her stomach about someone she cares about deeply and romantically even her words about Magdalena seem guarded. But she has always been more of an action and reflection person, and a close-up of her holding Magdalena’s flowers tells us everything we need to know about her feelings. Bonvillain’s colors for them is pretty too.

The conflict in America #5 is definitely driven by the metaphorical bandages of America #5 5America and Magdalena’s long simmering romance being torn off, but Rivera, Thompson, and Villalobos keep the comic centered in the friendship between America and Kate. It’s honestly one of the best ones in the Marvel Universe. Who needs complex space/ex-girlfriend/boxing plots when you could have a “Just A Girl” car karaoke complete with Kate and America’s smiling faces and hair blowing in the wind. This scene is a moment of pure exuberance and relief in the midst of traffic and drama and is immediately undercut by a biker in the rearview mirror. This image nicely transitions America #5 from the chilling to the action portion of the story though instead of going for a cheap page turn reveal. Villalobos builds suspense and then lets Kate and America cut loose. He fills the page with plenty of helicopters, bikers, and cyborgs for them to punch until they ‘splode.

Action, romance, opening up, friendship, and quips on quips on quips, America #5 is the team-up comic that we deserve. Gabby Rivera and Kelly Thompson’s writing for America and Kate is so entertaining that I could read an entire comic of them eating pizza and chatting, and their bond also allows America to open up and be vulnerable just a little bit in the quiet moments where she thinks no one is watching. Ramon Villalobos continues to be the master of body language and non-verbal cues to craft characters, and his car chases are a thing of a beauty. Tamra Bonvillain and Brittany Peer go both hot and desolate with their color palette like America’s feelings and the Nevada desert respectively.

To quote the comic itself, if you like “slaying monsters, the patriarchy, and extra large pizzas” plus heart wounding feelings and art that is the polar opposite of house style, America #5 is the book for you.

Story: Gabby Rivera and Kelly Thompson Art: Ramon Villalobos
Colors: Tamra Bonvillain with Brittany Peer
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Exclusive Preview: America #5

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America #5

(W) Gabby Rivera, Kelly Thompson (A) Ramon Villalobos (CA) Jen Bartel
Rated T+
In Shops: Jul 19, 2017
SRP: $3.99

ALL THEY WANNA GET IS… A LITTLE BIT CLOSER!
• Reunited at last! Former Young Avengers Hawkeye and America team up to take on a new threat!
• When a case spins out of control, semi-legal 100% legit private investigator Kate Bishop calls the one person she knows will have her back. But is this one too big to punch her way out of?

Marvel Reveals More Marvel Legacy Teams

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This fall, a new day will shine on the Marvel Universe with your favorite heroes, your favorite creators as Marvel launches Marvel Legacy a new direction for the publisher.

Today, Marvel has announced the following creative teams and Legacy titles:

AMERICA #8: EXTERMINATRIX PART 1
Written by GABBY RIVERA
Art by JOE QUINONES

DESPICABLE DEADPOOL #287: DEADPOOL KILLS CABLE PART 1
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by SCOTT KOBLISH

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN: THE SEARCH FOR TONY STARK PART 1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by STEFANO CASELLI

DEFENDERS #6: KINGPINS OF NEW YORK PART 1
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Art by DAVID MARQUEZ

ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #25
Written by TOM TAYLOR
Art by JUANN CABAL

For an in-depth look at the return to original numbering, fans can consult Marvel’s renumbering chart – a handy and easy way to jump on board with our Legacy content!

Marvel Begins to Tease Out Marvel Legacy with New Images

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Marvel yesterday promised news today that would “change the comic industry” and so far we’re getting that in the form of covers for their Marvel Legacy initiative which, much like DC Comics’ Rebirth, looks to envigorate the Marvel line by honoring the past while setting up the future as well. It will also return some series to their original numbering.

Marvel Legacy is set to kick off with a 50-page one shot by Jason Aaron and Esad Ribic.

The covers below harken back to classic covers and stories in hopes of reminding individuals why they should make theirs Marvel.

Images released so far are:

  • Incredible Hulk: Mike Deodato
  • America: Benjamin Caldwell
  • X-Men: Blue: David Lopez
  • Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur: Felipe Smith
  • Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows: Khary Randolph
  • Astonishing X-Men: John Cassaday
  • Iceman: Michael Ryan
  • The Invincible Iron Man: Alan Davis
  • Luke Cage: Dave Johnson
  • Old Man Logan: Cameron Stewart
  • Secret Warriors: Dave Johnson

Expect more throughout the day.

 

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: God Country #6 (Image) – A sleeper hit for me, I didn’t start reading this until the 4th issue had come out, and I was struck by the stark brilliance of the comic. Everything about this issue is a joy to experience; Emmett Quinlan’s attitude embodies the best of humanity’s stubborn refusal to quit, and then the creative team produce a wonderfully written and drawn issue each month.

All-Star Batman #11 (DC Comics) – I’ve made no secret of the fact I’m a Scott Snyder fan… but I loved the previous issue. I can’t wait to read this, especially with Snyder delving back into Alfred’s past.

Rapture #2 (Valiant) – This is a bit of a cheat because I’ve already read the review copy and know I like it, but I’m excited to get my hands on a physical copy to check out the gorgeous artwork.

The Chair #1 (Alterna) – I have no idea what this is about.. but it’s a dollar. Every other one of Alterna’s newsprint comics has been more than worth the money, so I see no reason for this to be any different.

 

Shay

It’s a great week to be comic book lover, so many awesome titles that this almost became a top ten list. If you’re lucky you can finish them off, if you’re not , then you’ll have more than enough to keep you occupied next weekend as you gear up for the long beach (or camping) holiday weekend.

Harley Quinn #22 (DC Comics) – Poison Ivy is back and I’m looking forward to this dynamic duo getting their friendship ( or something else) back on track.

Batwoman #4 (DC Comics) – Alas, the end of the current arc is here and it’s looking like it’s going to bring up more questions about Batwoman’s origins and give us an interesting bad guy to learn more about in the next arc.

The X-Files: Origins – Dog Days of Summer #1 (IDW Publishing) – The truth is out there and teenage Mulder and Scully are going to find it. I can legit here the theme song in my head.

Crosswinds #1 (Image) – Cat Staggs and Gail Simone have teamed give us what I’m sure will be a true gift from the comic gods!

America #4 (Marvel) – Mardrimar is revealed, the Ultimates might be getting the band together and America gets a blast from the past that reminds her that she doesn’t always get it right.

Luke Cage #2 (Marvel) – Luke’s in New Orleans making new friends ,dealing with enemies and getting even closer to the truth or Dr. Burstein.

Bill & Ted Save the Universe #1 (BOOM! Studios) – I’m here for it!

Brik TP (Oni Press) – The series I miss the most is back in it’s very own trade paperback. Nothing new but, it’s nice seeing it in one place so I can revisit the things that made me fall in love with it , as I pine for some new issues.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Super Sons #5 (DC Comics) – This has been a great book from the start. Great action, I love the banter between Robin and Superboy and the art is great. I couldn’t ask for anything more from a superhero book. You really should be reading this.

Iceman #2 (Marvel) – I really enjoyed the first issue of Iceman’s solo series. It really gave new readers a glimpse into the character’s past, and gave us veterans a starting point to see where Bobby is going and how he is changing. It was a good mix of action and insight into the character and I hope it carries on in this second issue.

Secret Empire: Underground #1 (Marvel) – This event, like many of Marvel’s past events, has been a real let down. Aside from the fact that Marvel turned Steve Rogers into the fascist leader of Hydra and it seems Hydra’s reach didn’t take long at all to take hold, the event has just been boring and has induced many eye rolls, at least from this reader. But, I have been enjoying the tie in series more then the main event and this book has me excited. We saw this team in action in Secret Empire #4 and I was totally into all of it. I love the line up and their agenda and I’m really looking forward to seeing more from them. And to be honest, anything with Mockingbird in it is a must read for me.

W.M.D. Weapons of Mutant Destruction #1 (Marvel) – The new Weapon X series has been so-so; nothing terribly exciting except for this new mysterious Weapon X project that seems to be hunting down mutants instead of turning them into weapons. But after issue 4, we now have a better understanding of their why after finding out who is pulling the strings. But Old Man Logan and team are on their way for a little payback, so I’m excited to see how all this is going to explode…and if the cover to W.M.D #1 is any indication, it is going to explode big time!

 

Brett

Top Pick: Peter Parker: Spectacular Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – Chip Zdarsky takes on Spider-Man and boy am I looking forward to this one. Zdarsky’s humor should fit really well with the classic Spider-Man which was more about the quips and fun. Here’s hoping!

Lobo/Road Runner Special #1 and Wonder Woman/Tasmanian Devil #1 (DC Comics) – The first two series that mashed up DC characters with Looney Tunes were a lot of fun and I can’t wait to read the fun that’ll be these two issues.

Solarman #3 (Scout Comics) – It’s been a long time coming, but I’m still looking forward to this issue which feels like the predecessor in some ways to Lion Forge’s Catalyst line.

Spencer and Locke #3 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – A great combination of concepts for a solid noir series with a twist.

Victor Lavalle’s Destroyer #2 (BOOM! Studios) – A new take on the classic Frankenstein story. The first issue was good and I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

Preview: America #4

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America #4

(W) Gabby Rivera (A) Joe Quinones
Rated T+
In Shops: Jun 21, 2017
SRP: $3.99

FOOLS RUSH IN!
• When an enemy she thought she’d punched away returns, America will have to face the facts: She messed up. What will her mistakes cost her – and the people she loves?
• One thing’s for sure: She’s gonna need help. Good thing she’s the leader of the Ultimates! Uh, they’re around, right? Guys?
• And while America fights the good fight, the mysterious figure behind those time-travel mishaps makes a move! Who is Madrimar, and what does she want with America?

Review: America #2

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STL039907.jpg

Gabby Rivera brings the heat and, a compelling story line of personal growth in this second issue of America’s solo comic book series. There’s so much realism and humanity contained in the pages of this issue that it would be a shame to miss out on it. Rivera portrays America as a no-nonsense, Latina lesbian trying to find her way in the world as she adjusts to being newly single and starting college. The diversity doesn’t stop with the title character, America has managed to serve up multiple minority characters in each issue that are devoid of tropes or stereotypes and the sophomore outing for this amazing character is no exception to the standard that started in America #1.

America #2 finds America punching her way back through time and space from WWII Germany where she punches Hitler and gets reprimanded by Peggy Carter. The language used in the comic is realistic and leans more towards cultural usage than cliched caricature. Rivera makes sure to keep America authentic and easy to relate to without watering down her ethnicity and culture or falling into a whitewashed version of the character. There is something beautiful in Rivera allowing the reader to come along on America’s journey and letting us be a fly on the wall as the character is exploring the facets of her life that make her who she is.

Joe Quinones makes sure to keep America looking like a real person, as opposed to whitewashing her features and dipping her in caramel. He allows the character to retain her ethnic features and his drawings show the beauty that is found within her ethnicity. The panels that show her full body do show in a way to showcase her figure without lingering in the male gaze and subjecting her to being merely an object of sexuality, the way that many forms of media tend to do with Hispanic women.

This issue shows America trying to figure out how her powers work and how far they can take her, we also see her forming a community with other females which is always good to see in any form of media. We find her supporting and engaged by a black child prodigy and fighting brodudes about their appropriation, objectification, and dismissal of minority culture and to a similar degree women. America tackles hard subjects and makes them entertaining without diminishing the gravity of the situations. This comic is a prime example of how to merge representation, politics, and entertainment in a way that is both strong and full of teaching moments without watering down very real problems and ideas.

Story: Gabby Rivera Art: Joe Quinones
Story: 9.8 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: Immortal Brothers: The Green Knight #1 (Valiant) – The Eternal Warrior has become one of my favourite characters, so this 48 page one-shot by Matt Kindt and Cary Nord that places him and his brothers in King Arthur’s court (another subject I’m very fond of) is going to rocket to the top of my pull list. I’ve been looking forward to this for months.

Old Man Logan #21 (Marvel) – Logan heads back in time to, I assume, various points in his past. I know nothing about this series beyond the front covers, but they look so incredibly exciting.

Redline #2 (Oni Press) – It’s not often I get excited about sci-fi comics… but this is one of the ones that tickles my fancy,

Voracious: Feeding Time #5 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – I make no secret of my love for this series whatsoever, and the finale to the second miniseries is going to be explosive – and awesome. My expectations are through the roof for this, but Markisan Naso and Jason Muhr have a habit of smashing those to smithereens with each issue.

 

Patrick

Top Pick: Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys: The Big Lie #2 (Dynamite Entertainment) – Last issue introduced us to Hardy Boys noir, let’s see what’s in store for Nancy.

All-Time Comics: Bullwhip #1 (Fantagraphics) – The idea of this line is so perfect and ridiculous it’s a must for me.

Spencer and Locke #1 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – Calvin & Hobbes noir. I’ll take that for at least one issue.

American Barbarian Complete Series (IDW Publishing) – !!!

 

Joe

Top Pick: Old Man Logan #21 (Marvel) – I can’t believe Lemire’s run is almost over, but this four issue arc sounds like a hell of a way to go out on top.

Seven to Eternity #5 (Image) – It’s back! The book returns after a usual image trade release break, and I’m stoked to see what Remender does.

Grass Kings #2 (BOOM! Studios) – After a promising first issue from one of my favorite writers, Matt Kindt, I am hyped for the second one.

Action Comics #977 (DC Comics) – The Superman Reborn arc was a lot of fun, and this comic has been consistently great. What’s next for Supes?

Detective Comics #954 (DC Comics) – A classic villain and Batman prepare to battle? Or will they? Tynion is killing it on this book and I’m so excited to see where this story goes, especially involving Orphan so much.

 

Shay

It’s an amazing week to be a comic book lover. It was really hard to narrow it down to the seven titles I picked.

Top Pick: Neil Gaiman’s American Gods Shadow #2 (Dark Horse) – Shadow’s life is about to get even more interesting in this graphic serial version of almost everyone favorite Gaiman book. Come for the David Mack variant covers, stay for the amazing story.

Top Pick: Black Panther and the Crew #1 (Marvel) – YES PLEASE. So many black superheroes, such a strong story, so much action. Saying I am here for the page turning story arc is an understatement.

America #1 2nd Printing (Marvel) – If you don’t already own a copy or haven’t read it yet, then you should get to it. Despite the shady AF comments about diversity killing the Marvel’s print sales, we have a comic book about a Queer Latina requiring a 2nd printing proving that representation counts, diversity is important and  America (the superhero & the country) is for all of us.

Kingpin #3 (Marvel) – The hits keep on coming, take that however you want, and, Kingpin is becoming a complex, fully realized, multi-faceted character.

Suicide Squad #15 (DC Comics) – The “Burning Down the House” storyline comes to an end. Deadshot is about to go up against his old team with Harley leading the charge. Rustam and his crew had better bring their A-game because, the Squad is in a take no prisoners, crack all skulls kind of mood.

Honorable Mention: Deadpool vs Punisher #1 (Marvel) – A battle of the morally gray psycho “heroes” is upon us. The man of all the action and little words meets the man with all the words and all the action.  Got popcorn?

Honorable Mention: Weapon X #1 (Marvel) – building on the awesomeness of Logan, the newest version of the Weapon X will keep you on your toes and worried about the safety of some of our favorite clawed mutants. You should be worried, this Weapon X upgrade isn’t just about creating superior mutants, it’s about kicking off a mutant genocide.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Weapon X #1 (Marvel) – I’m a sucker for shadowy government agencies, and Weapon X has a long standing history in Marvel of being one of the most shadiest and deadliest.  I’m excited to see what this new agency’s agenda is, and I’m looking forward to seeing Domino and Warpath back on a team line up.

X-Men Blue #1 (Marvel) – I’m hoping this title brings some of the fun from this teams first book, but also get them more into playing the heroes they will one day grow up to be.  And it’s going to be interesting to see how Magneto performs as mentor and how he will influence this team.  I’m thinking this is going to be a good one.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Spencer & Locke #1 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – It’s Calvin and Hobbes meets Sin City and it’s amazing. One of my favorite debuts so far of 2017 it’s entertaining and subversive.

Godshaper #1 (BOOM! Studios) – A super interesting concept where everyone has a god. I’ve read the first issue and it’s a unique idea and intriguing start.

Heathen #3 (Vault Comics) – Have you read the first two issues? That alone is reason this is on my list. A solid LGBT comic that is set in the world of vikings.

Solar Flare #1 (Scout Comics) – An apocalypse story where power goes out, Scout has been putting out entertaining comics that fly under the radar. They’ve nailed it when it comes to quality and solid comics. So, when there’s a new release it’s always on my list to check out.

The Unstoppable Wasp #4 (Marvel) – So far, the comic has been a lot of fun with a positive entertaining vibe that I can’t help but smile when I read it.

America, X-Men Prime, and Captain America: Steve Rogers Go Back to Print

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Three of the hottest titles on the stands. Three sold out comics. Marvel has announced that X-Men Prime #1, America #2 and Captain America: Steve Rogers #15 have all sold out at the distributor level (though copies may still be available at retail) and will immediately return for new printings! These three books are lighting up the industry, and now is your chance to get in on all the excitement!

First up, she’s the leader of the Ultimates. She punches so hard she can shatter the barriers between dimensions. And fans everywhere can’t stop talking about her new series! After a lightning-quick sell out of issue #1, America #2 is headed back for a new printing! What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the series that has fans buzzing!

Then, the RessurXion begins as Marvel’s Merry Mutants kick off a new beginning in X-Men Prime #1. It’s back to basics as Kitty Pryde returns to reclaim her rightful place alongside the X-Men. In the wake of their war with the Inhumans, the stage is set for a bright new beginning! Featuring lead-in stories for the highly anticipated X-Men Gold, X-Men Blue and Weapon X – this is not one to miss!

Finally, the road to the upcoming Secret Empire rolls on in Captain America #15! As Hydra’s tentacles slowly work their way across the Marvel Universe, the final seeds of Captain America’s master plan are laid here. There’s only one thing standing in his way – his arch-nemesis the Red Skull! Locked in combat once again, Captain America is done playing games and looks to put an end to the Skull once and for all!

Don’t miss these epic titles when they return to comic shops in the month of May!

AMERICA #2 SECOND PRINTING
Written by GABBY RIVERA
Art by JOE QUINONES & MING DOYLE
Cover by JOE QUINONES

 

X-MEN PRIME #1 SECOND PRINTING
Written by MARC GUGGENHEIM, CULLEN BUNN & GREG PAK
Art by KEN LASHLEY, LEONARD KIRK & IBRAIM ROBERSON
Cover by KEN LASHLEY

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: STEVE ROGERS #15 SECOND PRINTING
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by JAVIER PINA & ANDRES GUINALDO
Cover by GABRIELE DELL’OTTO

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