Tag Archives: champions

Review: Iceman #7

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Iceman #7 has Bobby making an Ice-kaiju to use in battle with his old Champions teammates and also has many character defining moments for him. Writer Sina Grace combines the quick banter and pitched fights of old school superhero team fights with some relationship bits like Iceman going a little further in a sexy way with Judah and chatting with the Champions about his overcompensating, macho ways back in the day at a Russian bakery. Robert Gill’s art is serviceable, and he does something interesting things with spacing like making the new X-Men headquarters in Central Park seemed very crowded compared to Judah and Bobby’s nightly walks in L.A. Rachelle Rosenberg’s colors are much the same way even though she makes Bobby’s ice powers look extra badass.

Even though the story is chock full of superhero guest stars, Grace and Gill manage to chisel out an image of Bobby as a hero and man. Iceman is comfortable in team settings, making the jokes, and teaching the younger heroes, but he also wants to strike out on his own, date a new cute guy, and knows that the X-Men are in capable hands. The “villain” in this issue are special effects designers who are hoping to impress a Hollywood studio with their almost lifelike Sentinel replicas. Some heroes would throw these women in jail or in The Raft or somewhere, but Bobby realizes their mechanical talents and desperateness to be significant somewhere and helps find them professor jobs. He can make dad jokes and be honest, empathetic, self-aware, and sometimes impulsive like the end of this issue.

Even though the Champions don’t have their own movie or TV show, like the X-Men, Avengers, or even the New Warriors, Robert Gill and Rachelle Rosenberg deliver on a monster setpiece to open Iceman #7 and cash in on the promise of last issue’s cliffhanger. Bobby displays so much swag, creativity, and leadership in this fight and basically wants to get it over with so he can Netflix and chill with his man. Gill also draws some close-ups of Angel because he is sexy and hell and also because he and Iceman have a close relationship. Later, Grace and Gill use him for innuendo and class consciousness purposes when his wingspan can barely fit in Iceman’s New York apartment. Tempting as it maybe to transform Iceman into a slice of life, romance book, Bobby Drake has been a hero since the 1960s (In comic book years.), and he’s not going to stop even if he goes solo for real this time.

It looks like the Champions team-up isn’t going to continue beyond Iceman #7 although Sina Grace did a nice job of using it to set up an L.A. setting, connect Bobby to non-X-Men related parts of the Marvel Universe, and also dig into why he acted like a macho wannabe flirt in older comics. Grace, Gill, and Rosenberg use Ben-Day dot flashbacks from Bronze Age comics to explore and critique Bobby’s toxic masculinity when instead of treating Black Widow like a powerful ally, he hit on her and was immediately cut down to size. However, he has learned his lesson over the years and is starting to come into his own as a gay man. And this whole freedom thing goes into overdrive towards the end of the issue. But not after he roasts each and every X-Man before movie night.

Iceman #7 is a real turning point issue for the series in both sexy and non-sexy ways as Bobby Drake shows that he can do both the self-realization and transforming his body into Godzilla ice shapes thing. Also, it’s nice to have the same artist on two (not so) straight issues.

 

Story: Sina Grace Art: Robert Gill Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Story: 8.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Champions #13

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The titanic clash between the Champions and the Avengers continues! Since they were old enough to say the word “Avengers,” the Champions have idolized Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Now the two teams are on equal footing – and the Champs must walk the walk alongside their former mentors! Will their experiences in GENERATIONS help them – or tear the two teams apart?

Champions #13 is the second part to the “Worlds Collide” storyline that began in Avengers #672 and the second issue is a bit more focused on the action and teamwork than how folks get along. Written by Mark Waid the issue isn’t bad but much like the previous story arc issue, there isn’t something that really excites me. The issue isn’t bad at all and is a fun read but it’s not quite exciting enough to get me to really look forward to what’s next. It’s a perfectly entertaining read though.

The various folks need to head around the world to deal with the vibrations going on and there’s some good interactions there. The “you’re a junior Avenger” is gone and instead this is power sets being used together type stuff. We also get a little bit more of the major issue as… well I don’t want to ruin it, but it also feels like we’ve seen this all before with the whole “incursions” that led up to Secret Wars. So, the story feels a little familiar.

There is some really good in the issue in that Waid explores the relationship of Viv and the Vision and along with some of the other interactions there’s a decent injection of humor through all of the action.

The art by Humberto Ramos is pretty solid as would be expected by him. There’s some panels where there’s a lot going on and things are a little muddled but generally I’m a huge fan of the style. Ramos’ style adds to the energy of it all and is great to look at.

Writer Robbie Thompson and artist Alberto Alburquerque provide a back-up story catching folks up on the Champions history and the art is a little blah compared to Ramos’ It’s still a good way to catch up on the history in the big picture view of it all.

The issue is entertaining and while it didn’t blow me away, it was fun enough to have me come back to read what comes next.

Story: Mark Waid and Robbie Thompson Art: Humberto Ramos and Alberto Alburquerque
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Champions #13

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Champions #13

(W) Mark Waid (A/CA) Humberto Ramos
Rated T+
In Shops: Oct 18, 2017
SRP: $3.99

WORLDS COLLIDE Part 2
The titanic clash between the Champions and the Avengers continues! Since they were old enough to say the word “Avengers,” the Champions have idolized Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Now the two teams are on equal footing – and the Champs must walk the walk alongside their former mentors! Will their experiences in GENERATIONS help them – or tear the two teams apart? PLUS: Includes 3 bonus MARVEL PRIMER PAGES! Story by Robbie Thompson and a TBA artist!

Review: Iceman #6

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Writer Sina Grace, new series artist Robert Gill (Who ups the beefcake level considerably), and colorist Rachelle Rosenberg give Bobby Drake a fresh start on the West Coast in Iceman #6 as he reunites with his former Champions teammates: Angel, Hercules, Darkstar, and Ghost Rider (The Johnny Blaze version) in L.A. They start by sharing memories about their fallen friend Black Widow (Who was brutally fridged in Secret Empire by HYDRA Cap.), but the story gets much lighter. The banter between the short-lived superhero teammates is pretty fun, and best of all, Iceman finally gets to go on a date and do gay things with a cute guy out West.

Iceman #6 is a little short on action with the bad guy being a Hollywood effects wannabe/single mom, who decides to make her big mark by building a Sentinel and wrecking the city for some reason or another. Her motivation is pretty weak, and she’s basically just there to set up a superhero team-up in the next issue and set up a funny joke mixing Iceman up with the Silver Surfer. (Because they both wear trunks and nothing else sometimes, I guess.) But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Grace and Gill spend most of the issue establishing the bond between the once and future Champions and having Bobby flirt, dance, and yes, even make out with a guy he meets while waiting in line for a new pair of cool shoes. Judah uses even more ,and it’s nice to see someone finally show Bobby the ropes of being an out gay man with the painful coming out to his parents arc out of the way.

He does doing anything crazy or innovative with panel layouts, but Robert Gill brings a real energy and sexiness to his artwork in Iceman #6. My main problem with his art is that his civilian designs for Johnny Blaze and Angel are a little too similar, and I had to use context/comics backstory clues to realize that Bobby and Warren were having a heart to heart on the Hollywood sign, not Iceman and Ghost Rider. However, he more than redeems himself in the sequence where Bobby and Judah cut a rug on the dance floor that has a swirling energy and a blue from Rachelle Rosenberg that is part romantic, part “in da club”. Gill uses a couple inset panels to show off Bobby and Judah’s moves and flirting before zooming out for a big damn Hollywood kiss. He captures the fashion, fun, and friendship of my favorite gay bars and clubs, and some highlights are Hercules’ deep V and Ghost Rider trying to find parking for his bike next to some leather daddies. Grace’s writing digs into a nice vein of awkwardness, self-realization, and adrenaline that I definitely felt the first time I kissed a man  Yay for stubble on cheeks!

With the return of the Champions combined with Bobby going on its first date, Iceman #6 hits a nice sweet spot between Bronze Age era nostalgia and modern slice of life. Sina Grace writes the interactions between Bobby and the Champions like a college reunion (He even studied accounting in grad school during the original series.) with the memories of the past being the main conversation topic except for when he chats with Angel, who is like the good college friend you’ve stayed in touch with over the years. It’s also nice to see him go on a date and use his superhero buddies to impress his date while Robert Gill’s art is definitely more aesthetically pleasing than some of the previous visuals on Iceman.

Finally, the Iceman smooching in this issue is a great belated National Boyfriend Day present.

 Story: Sina Grace Art: Robert Gill Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Elana

4 Kids Walk Into A Bank issue #5 (Black Mask Studios) – One of the best mini series around, 4 Kids reaches its conclusion. If you want a Stranger Things or Stand By Me type story with an incredibly well written girl protagonist and wise humor this series is for you. Read my review of issues 1-3.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Astonishing X-Men #3 (Marvel) – This X title hit the ground running in the first issue, and shows no signs of letting up. This book has a very interesting group of X-Men making up the team, many I’m happy to see in a team book again. The action is non stop, the writing is really good and one surprise already caught me off guard, so I’m really looking forward to see what else his book is going to throw at me.

Champions #12 (Marvel) – It’s no surprise to anyone following the site that this is one of my favorite titles right now, and I’m really looking forward to this issue and seeing where the team is post Secret Empire. The solicit is promising a change to the line up, and while I do welcome change, I’m a little nervous how a change to the team could change the dynamic and the overall feel of the book. But, I’m optimistic and can’t wait to find out.

Jessica Jones #12 (Marvel) – Being one of my favorite characters (before Netflix and it was cool to be a fan of Jessica’s) I am really enjoying this title. I can’t wait for Maria Hill’s secrets to come to light and how Jessica will react, and how these revelations will shake up Jessica’s world.

 

Javier

Top Pick: World Reader #6 (Aftershock Comics) – I first came across Loveness’ writing in Marvel’s Rocket Racoon & Groot. It was one of the best emotional reads I have had in a while. Since then, if he writes it, I buy it. In his latest work–well supported by Juan Doe’s vibrant art–he gives us more sci-fi laden empathic space travels across the universe, seeking the answers to dead worlds.

Iron Fist #7 (Marvel) – Everybody has been hating on Marvel lately, but they still remain one of the top players in the comic book world and attract top talent (Disney must offer a hell of a health insurance plan). A prime example is Ed Brisson taking over and bringing life back to the Iron Fist character. This latest arc teams him up with Shang-Chi Master of Kung Fu; plus Mike Perkins’, dark colored, action packed art is a visual thrill.

Doom Patrol #8 (DC’s Young Animal) – True, it’s not Grant Morrison’s DP, but Gerard Way’s new take stands on it’s own, and has enough weird to keep me coming back month after month.

Seven to Eternity #9 (Image) – This sci-fi western fantasy by Rick Remender has become one of my favorites. I miss Opena’s art, but Harren is filling in the job nicely.

Postal #22 (Image/TopCow) – Hill and Goodhart are bringing things to a head as the town folk of Eden ready themselves for all out conflict with the FBI.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Poppies of Iraq (Drawn & Quarterly) – So many good books this week, but this is the absolute top of my list. This graphic novel is Brigitte Findakly’s chronicle of her relationship with her homeland of Iraq and the history she experienced there. Can’t wait to read this and see her take.

Ab Irato #5 (Lion Forge Comics) – Lion Forge’s “Catalyst” line of comics is making headlines but this series is some of the smartest writing in comics right now looking at a political uprising from the ground perspective.

Beirut Won’t Cry (Fantagraphics Books) – An artist’s view of the summer of 2006 Israeli attack on Lebanon. While I probably won’t agree with everything said, I want to see what’s said.

Dastardly and Muttley #1 (DC Comics) – Garth Ennis taking on the classic pair. It sounds insane and I can’t wait to read it.

Lazaretto #1 (BOOM! Studios) – A pandemic strikes a dorm complex at a small college and it’s quarantined with kids trapped inside. Sounds like an amazing concept.

Preview: Champions #12

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Champions #12

(W) Mark Waid (A/CA) Humberto Ramos
Rated T+
In Shops: Sep 06, 2017
SRP: $3.99

SECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH!
• The Champions team was born from a fracture inside the Avengers. Now the events of SECRET EMPIRE have divided the Champions – and which ones are still with the team may surprise you!

Review: Champions #11

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untitledBroken up and dispersed all across the U.S. In Champions #11 the team still fights the good fight. If they can’t pull together soon, everything they stand for will turn to ash!

Writer Mark Waid has done it again bringing us another great issue. It’s a very grim and somber one where the team’s joined by some of the younger members of the Avengers resistance. Steve Rogers and Hydra launched an all out assault on Las Vegas for giving refuge to the heroes. In this issue the group comes together to search for survivors. Split into groups we visit with each team to see how they are coping with the destruction.

Waid brings depth and weight to this issue, especially seeing how more lighthearted characters like Hulk and Spider-Man are coping with the massive loss of life. It’s hard to see these characters trying so hard to make something right, and see them realizing the futility in their efforts. But, in true Champions style, they don’t give up.

As usual, Humberto Ramos totally delivers on the art. I’m a huge fan of his work and style. He’s THE one I want see working on this book all the time. Ramos brings it with this story. He conveys the emotion and weight of the situation in each character.

Overall this was another great issue for the Champions. Their world has been turned upside down. We’re seeing how they cope and find the strength to go on. This title does a great job of resonating with the world today and relating to the same issues we’re all seeing as part of life these days. We don’t have Hydra blowing up entire cities, but we do have a political landscape where adversity, hate, and exclusion are becoming the norm. I hope readers see this title as an example that they don’t have to take it quietly. Champions is a lot more then just some superhero comic, and I wholeheartedly recommend picking it up.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Humbero Ramos
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE issue 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Mr. H

Top Pick: Superman #28 (DC Comics) – As part two of what has been one of my favorite comic tales for all of 2017 so far, to say I am amped up for “Road Trip” part 2 is quite the understatement. I enjoyed the first half so much that I can’t wait for a further look into the Kents impromptu jaunt across the good ole USA. Many touching scenes and cool moments we aren’t usually treated to in the comic books of these days and I want to be fed more that please!

Batman #28 (DC Comics) – This story has been back and forth in terms of good/ bad and coming off of a stellar interlude issue with the origin of Kite Man once again my interest has peaked. The homerun team of Grayson (King/ Janin) has a .500 average right now, I’m hoping they can break the spell and drill this one out of the park. It certainly has a lot of potential and I for one don’t want to leave the game early.

TMNT Dimension X #1 (IDW Publishing) – After the Free Comic Book Day special was such a blast, I am looking very forward to the Turtles returning to Dimension X. This title has been amazing since it’s become an IDW property and I see no signs of it slowing down. The road to issue 100 is going to be a fun one. Cowabunga!

X-Men Gold #9 (Marvel Comics) – Just like the title states, gold is what this has been since the relaunch. In fact it’s one of the only readable Marvel comics in the entire pantheon these days. Plus who doesn’t like them some Peter and Kitty? Nuff said.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Champions #11 (Marvel) – I just love this title; the action is good, love the characters and the team line up and I really like that between the super heroics, this title deals with issues that we see in our world every day, making it relevant and connecting with its readers. You’re missing out if you’re not reading this title.

Jessica Jones #11 (Marvel) – This has been an interesting title, and I am really liking the current story with Jessica getting stuck in the middle of Maria Hill, her secrets and the consequences of those secrets catching up with her. It’s a good read and one of my favorite characters.

X-Men Gold #9 (Marvel) – This has been a solid title from the beginning and one that I look forward to reading. I’m looking forward to this, as I always like to see Kitty and Colossus team up…and I know it’s corny, but I still get excited for the ‘will they or won’t they’ vibe I get when they’re teamed up, facing a threat together.

 

Joe

God Country TP (Image) – I love this book. This is a brilliant take on characters like Thor, with a senile old man who remembers his life when he holds a living sword that talks. So damn good!

Seven to Eternity #8 (Image) – Remender’s fantasy epic has been dark (like most of his work), unpredictable and exciting. I always am excited for more of his work.

Low #19 (Image) – Speaking of Remender, I wish this underwater (mostly) book came out faster, because it has been incredible so far.

All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #7 (Marvel) – Duggan is turning into a powerhouse at Marvel. I’ve loved him on Deadpool and he fits perfectly with this team.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Mech Cadet Yu #1 (BOOM! Studios) – I love giant robots and this series seems to scratch that itch with a story that seems like it’s geared towards all-ages with some art that has caught my eye. Since its announcement, this is one I’ve been excited to read and now I finally have the chance.

Catalyst Prime: Noble #4 (Lion Forge Comics) – Lion Forge is doing something special here putting together a world that’s diverse in every sense. Characters, creators, locations, concepts, it’s a prime example of how to do it right.

Dead of Winter #1 (Oni Press) – The popular board game comes to comics and I’m really excited to see how it all translates.

Generations: Banner Hulk & Totally Awesome Hulk (Marvel) – I’m intrigued, I have to admit. I’m not sure what to expect from these comics that bring together classic characters with their more modern version.

Stained #4 (451 Media) – The previous three issues have been amazing in this cyberpunk/noir mashup that has such an air of cool about it all. Kind of hard to jump in on the fourth issue, but well worth grabbing if you can get all of the back issues too.

 

Shay

Top Pick: DC Comics Bombshells #32 (DC Comics) – Marguerite Bennett wrote this issue and it’s all about bad ass ladies kicking ass, heroes, antiheroes and those who inhabit the area in between. Multifaceted female comic book characters with levels? This is everything we’ve been waiting for.

Top Pick: Harley’s Little Black Book HC (DC Comics) – I am wildly, madly in love with Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti portrayal of the complex Quinn. Now almost everything I love about their take on the character is in one place! Harley Quinn getting her love and hate on, in sexy hard cover format. What’s not to love about Harley going toe to toe with heroes and villains and everyone else? I’ve got a space for this one , right next to Fight Club 2!

Ghost Station Zero #1 (Image) – I’m intrigued by the concept. I love a bad ass lady with a blade.

In the Aftermath of Secret Empire, How Will Our Heroes Be Changed?

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In the aftermath of Secret Empire, one big question lingers in the minds of all the heroes of the Marvel Universe: what redemption can there be for Captain America?

But Captain America isn’t the only one who was changed under the Secret Empire regime. As the world rebuilds itself in the wake of Hydra, so do our heroes – what does it mean for Earth’s Mightiest? And how will it all end?

Don’t miss Secret Empire Omega #1, the epic wrap-up to the Secret Empire saga from writer Nick Spencer and artist Andrea Sorrentino. And watch the fate of your favorite heroes unfold in Secret Empire: Aftermath, in comic shops this fall!

SECRET EMPIRE OMEGA #1
Written by NICK SPENCER
Art by ANDREA SORRENTINO
Cover by MARK BROOKS
Variant Cover by MICHAEL CHO
Variant Cover by MICHAEL TURNER
Black and White Variant Cover by MICHAEL TURNER
No More Hydra Variant Cover Also Available

SECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH: SECRET WARRIORS #6
Written by MATTHEW ROSENBERG
Art by JUANAN RAMIREZ
Cover by TRADD MOORE & MATTHEW WILSON

SECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH: U.S. AVENGERS #10
Written by AL EWING
Art by PACO DIAZ
Cover by PACO MEDINA

SECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH: CHAMPIONS #12
Written by MARK WAID
Art by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Venomized Ultron Variant Cover By DAVID NAKAYAMA

SECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH: DEADPOOL #36
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by MIKE HAWTHORNE
Cover by DAVID LOPEZ
Secret Comic Variant Cover by SCOTT KOBLISH

SECRET EMPIRE AFTERMATH: AVENGERS #11
Written by MARK WAID
Art by MIKE DEL MUNDO
Cover by ALEX ROSS
Venomized Loki Variant Cover by TYLER KIRKHAM

Marvel Reveals More Marvel Legacy Creative Teams and Covers

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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 its newest initiative Marvel Legacy!

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

AVENGERS #672: WORLDS COLLIDE PART 1
Written by MARK WAID
Art by JESUS SAIZ

CHAMPIONS #13: WORLDS COLLIDE PART 2
Written by MARK WAID
Art by HUMBERTO RAMOS

SPIDER-GWEN #25: GWENOM PART 1
Written by JASON LATOUR
Art by ROBBIE RODRIGUEZ

LUKE CAGE #166: CAGED!
Written by DAVID F. WALKER
Art by NELSON BLAKE

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

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