Tag Archives: champions

Review: Champions #6

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untitledVersus their counterparts, the Freelancers! And you’ll be surprised to see who’s left standing at the end of the battle!

Unfortunately, the preview for this issue is totally wrong.  I mean we see the Champions and the Freelancers in this issue, but there is no versus and definitely no battle for us to see who is left standing.

However, Mark Waid does give us a good start to a story arc that will probably lead up to the above promised battle.  This issue gives readers a look at the positive things that can happen when people are given a positive example to inspire them. And on the flip side, we are shown how greed and a lack of compassion can bring out the ugly in people and how that can become all they stand for. We see the Champions together, working on their team work but having fun with each other and further demonstrating that these kids are becoming more then just teammates.  On the opposite side, we are shown more about the Freelancers and the corporation that keeps them on the payroll. It is an effective comparison of these two groups of young people and shows us that a small seed of negativity can easily grow into something worse, just as easily as a positive example can lead people to do good.

And as I said with the last issue, I am really enjoying Humberto Ramos‘ art in this book.  He really brings these characters to life, giving each their own personality and the style really works with the youthful tone of this book.  I really hope that he is planning on staying with this book, because I really think his art just matches with the writing perfectly, and I personally think the book would lose something if it was to lose him.

Overall, I liked this issue. It didn’t blow me away like the last issue did, but this does set up something that we are going to see come to fruition down the line and really test the team and their resolve. I like the Freelancers and their contrary position to our heroes and I am looking forward to seeing the two teams comes face to face. I’m sure any fan of the Champions will enjoy this issue and I hope they are as excited for what’s to come as I am.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Humberto Ramos
Story:6.5 Art: 9 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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batman-18Wednesdays 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: Logan (yes, my top pick is a movie) – Wolverine has always been my favourite Marvel character, and is the reason I read comics today. On the week that I turn another year older I get both Old Man Logan and Logan – it almost feels like Marvel are wishing me a happy birthday.

Old Man Logan #19 (Marvel) – Alex’s Week of Wolverine continues with Jeff Lemire – I don’t remember if his Brood storyline is over or not (I’ve read a lot of Wolverine comics over the past couple days), but this series has been strong for a long time and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Faith #9 (Valiant) – A one-shot story that seems to be more of a day-in-the-life than anything else, which I’m super happy about because I love reading about the other side of a superhero’s life.

Batman #18 (DC Comics) – I didn’t expect to be looking forward to reading a comic from this series again, but I’ve been cautiously optimistic about what Tom King has been doing here after the last couple of issues. While I think there’s more chance than not that this’ll disappoint, when it’s good King’s Batman is really good.

 

Joe

Top Pick: Royal City #1 (Image) – Jeff Lemire has been one of the best creators in comics the last few years. I love his work on Black Hammer, Old Man Logan, Moon Knight, AD: After Death, and much more. He is one of the few talents that can write and draw, and here with this book we are getting both. Royal City tells the tales of middle America and a real family. There’s also some interesting mystery to discover. I cannot wait!

Extremity #1 (Image) – From the minute I saw the art style on this book I wanted it. The premise is about a child that has their drawing hand chopped off by oppressive tyrants that have taken over their lands. While they learn to draw with their other hand, it isn’t the same. This is about rising up to fight oppression, and finding your identity when the thing you loved to do most is taken from you. It has a powerful metaphorical message, and I think this book will be something special as we get deeper into the story.

Superman #18 (DC Comics) – We are finally going to get some answers! Mr. Oz, fake Clark Kent, and more will seemingly be explained over the next few issues of Superman and Action Comics, two of DC’s best series. This along with the upcoming button issues for Batman and Flash have me excited to know more about our heroes lost time, and who this Superman and other fake Clark Kent are.

Batman #18 (DC Comics) – Tom King has been building a powder keg of a story with Bane, Catwoman, and Batman. I am hoping this is where it all explodes, and by the last few pages of Batman #17, it will. Bane knows where to hurt Batman the most, the people he cares for. I like the twists King has given us so far, and am wondering where he goes from here.

Moon Knight #12 (Marvel) – Sadly, one of the best things Marvel has going for it is coming to an end in a few issues. I still have no idea what is happening, but have faith Lemire will give us a great ending to a great book. Is he losing his mind? Or has all of this been real? Perhaps a combination of the two. Great series, and it appears it will go out on a high note.

 

Shay

I couldn’t pick a top pick this week. It’s all so damn good! From socially conscious comics to girl-powered comics, to straight up anarchy and good old fashioned action, it’s a great week to be all about that comic life!

Harley Quinn#15 (DC Comics) – Harley breaks her peace with the Mayor to save the homeless, fight gentrification and, more.

The Dregs #2 (Black Mask Studios) – Dig deeper into this socially conscious detective drama as we are taken on a journey to find out the fate of the homeless population.

X-Files Deviation 2017 (IDW Publishing) – Mashing up X-Files & Orphan Black and a lady Mulder! Shut up and take my money!!!

America #1 (Marvel) – It’s heeeeeree and, I’m here for it!

Bullseye #2 (Marvel) – Bullseye is on a mission to rescue a mobsters son, he’s in the murder business and business is good!

 

Paul

Top Pick: Champions #6 (Marvel) – This has been a fun, action packed series right from the beginning.  These characters make up a great team, and the writing has been on point, spotlighting issues that readers can relate to but also bringing in humour and fun between the characters.  I’m excited for this issue, seeing the team go up against another team of teens calling themselves The Freelancers.  I’m looking forward to see who makes up this new team and what their beef is with the Champions.

Batman #18 (DC Comics) – This is one of the few DC titles I have stuck with since the Rebirth, and it has consistently delivered.  I’m really enjoying this current story arc with Bane, especially when Batman put together his own suicide squad (a great couple of issues!)  And now, as the solicit says, Bane is in Gotham and looking for some payback.  Definitely not one to miss.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Motor Girl #4 (Abstract Studios) – Easily my favorite comic on the market right now. Terry Moore’s writing and art are just plain fun. Every issue has delivered and then some.

America #1 (Marvel) – A fan favorite character gets her solo series. I’m intrigued to see what it’s like and if it delivers. This is the comic that has the highest bar to get over.

Savage Things #1 (Vertigo) – Justin Jordan does Vertigo… you need more?

Agents of PACT #1/Freelance #1 (Chapterhouse Comics) – These two first issues I feel really kick off Chapterhouse’s superhero universe. So far most of their comics have been fun, so more to the part is awesome

All Time Comics Crime Destroyer #1 (Fantagraphics) – Another superhero universe launching. This one is a bit retro.

Smoketown #1 (Scout Comics) – Phillip Kennedy Johnson’s new series from Scout Comics. Johnson does solid comics and so does Scout, so the combo is something I’m looking forward to reading.

Review: Champions #5

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champ2016005_int2-4Champions has been a breath of fresh air after the fallout of Civil War II.  These teen heroes had enough of dealing with their adult counterparts and what they were exemplifying, so they banded together to set out into the world and show it that superheroes can be more than taking sides and fighting among themselves. And five issues in, these kids are definitely getting the job done.

This issue was particularly powerful as we open to the scene of a burning mosque. Fire crews are standing around, not doing anything about the fire, as the police sheriff is explaining that it’s far too dangerous to risk any lives just yet.  Our heroes then come bursting from the flames, having rescued people who were trapped inside. Once they are out, the team asks if the sheriff is enjoying the show, to which he replies to Cyclops “You’re the mutie one. Did you set the fire?”  And this sets up the story for this issue. Our Champions are dealing with an issue that we know is all too real, but given the current political climate, is something we are seeing every day in the news.

It is laid out very clearly that the sheriff is a very narrow-minded, bigoted man. And him being very outspoken about his opinion is fueling the fire that is creeping through this town. Our team of heroes are at a loss on how to help with this when all of a sudden Gwenpool arrives on the scene, and makes things even more difficult for them.  The heroes make a quick get away with Gwenpool and try to question her on her actions.  She believes that this town must be under some kind of mind control, or they are a villain group like HYDRA, or are a bunch of villains in the making.  Ms. Marvel and Cyclops try very hard to explain to her that not all evil stems from a super villain, but Gwenpool can’t seem to grasp that.

The kids find a reluctant ally in the sheriff’s deputy, who explains how hard it is for him to fight back, with the sheriff having so many supporters and top notch lawyers that will get him out of any mess.  After some talking with the kids, and a racial slur laden rant the deputy receives from the sheriff, he finally takes the first step in trying to fix the town.

This issue could not have been more timely, and given the current political climate in the world, really makes you want to hand it to someone and say ‘THIS!’. Mark Waid has presented a clear and very accurate view on the world today as we see scenes similar to this being reported every day. We have a small county, under the authority of a sheriff, who does not hide his contempt for anyone different then his idea of ‘normal’. The sheriff has taken his position of authority, and instead of being the figure of ‘justice for all’ has turned it into one of ‘my way or no way’ (this is sounding familiar, isn’t it?). And for me, the best part of this issue was how Waid uses Gwenpool. I am not familiar with this character, and we get a little background on the earth she is from. Gwenpool is convinced that this town is being controlled by some evil threat; there is no way that people could hate and act like this without any evil influence. The Champions try their best to explain to her that this kind of evil doesn’t only come from super villains, but Gwenpool has a hard time accepting it, and wants to go out and punch out the bad guys. The simplicity of her thinking hit me so hard. There HAS to be a super villain making this happen, people just don’t act like this. If only that were the case.

And I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I will again; I love Humberto Ramos‘ art. Whether in action, or just standing around, each character has their own personality and are the focus of every scene.  Even the scenes with several characters, or groups, there are distinct expressions for all of them without having the faces look similar. And the action scenes are big and bold, and you can really see how this team has come together and work so fluidly as a unit. I really hope he stays on this book as long as possible, because I can’t honestly see anyone else drawing this team.

Overall, WOW. As I said earlier, this issue could not have come out at a better time. The world is a crazy, scary place right now and this issue shines a light on one of the major, if not THE major issue facing the world right now. I hope that everyone reads this. Even if you are not a fan of Champions, please just read this issue and the message it is sending. We may have powerful authority figures trying to get us to see their way of thinking. They may be telling us that we are wrong and they are right and they may take extreme measures to prove their point.  But we don’t have to agree because they say so. We don’t have to lose our voice. If anything, speak up louder. Shout it at the top of your lungs. Don’t show them we will back down and obey…show them we are Champions.

Story: Mark Waid Art: Humberto Ramos
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 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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old-man-logan-17Wednesdays 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.

Joe

Top Pick: Old Man Logan #17 (Marvel) – I am sad that Lemire is leaving the book after issue #24, but what a run he has had. Along with Sorrentino (who sadly hasn’t been doing the interiors on every issue lately), these creators have taken Logan through the ringer. Now we get an Aliens-like feel where Logan is in space against the Brood. I loved the last issue and cannot wait!

Batman #16 (DC Comics) – Tom King’s slow burn continues with the beginning of the “I Am Bane” arc. It looks like the muscle-bound villain is back on venom and bringing menace to Gotham once again as he seeks revenge on the dark knight. How far will Bane go? And who will he hurt that Batman loves? Hopefully, there will be no more broken backs this time around.

Blood Blister #1 (Aftershock) – This series is intriguing and Aftershock has been hitting it out of the park lately with Animosity, and more. I am excited to see what this series is really about and where it goes.

Moon Knight #11 (Marvel) – Another sad moment for me as Lemire announced the book will end at #14. You can see I’m a big Lemire fan, and along with Old Man Logan, this is another favorite of mine. Much like OML, he is really giving one hell of a run on this book and I want to see what happens or what is really going on with Marc Spector.

Star Wars: Darth Maul #1 (Marvel) – So far the Star Wars miniseries have been really good. From Leia to Lando to Chewbacca and Han Solo. I have enjoyed them all. Now we get a miniseries with a badass character who didn’t get enough screen time.

 

Alex

Top Pick: A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #12 (Valiant) – And so another unsung and underrated comic series comes to a close. I’ve heard some people say they preferred Fred Van Lente’s Archer & Armstrong to Rafer Roberts much lengthier titled run, but I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite; they’re different beasts, and my collection is all the stronger for having them both in it. That said, this is a very bittersweet issue for me as I really don’t want to see the series end. C’est la vie, though, I suppose.

Aquaman #16 (DC Comics) – If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d become such a fan of Aquaman – bloody fish talking, almost useless bloody Aquaman – then I’d have laughed until I was blue in the face. Imagine my surprise when the series turned out to be one of the best ongoings (and certainly the best bi-weekly series) DC are putting out post-Rebirth.

Faith #8 (Valiant) – Quite possibly one of the most entertaining series being published right now. You need to be reading this.

Midnighter and Apollo #5 (DC Comics) – I came to this series entirely because of Graphic Policy’s Rebirth Review feature, and it’s discovering comics such as this that’s one of the reasons I’m happy to read past some of the other… less than enjoyable comics. This is a brutally entertaining story about a man who’d walk through hell for the man he loves. There’s not enough comics like this.

Old Man Logan #17 (Marvel) – The old man is in space, and there’s a distinctly Alien feel to the story so far. I’m loving what Jeff Lemire is doing here. Absolutely loving it.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Champions #5 (Marvel) – This as been a fun book from the start, and I am really enjoying it.  This book lets superheroes be superheroes.  It’s nice to see the optimism and determination of these kids, and it really comes through in the colors of the art and the dialogue between them.  These kids are going to change the world, and they believe they can.

All-New X-Men #18 (Marvel) – Inhumans vs. X-Men has been a great event and has delivered in the main issues, but these tie-ins have really been weaving into the story so well  (something not often seen with tie-ins).  This issue says that young Cyclops will learn the truth about the adult Cyclops’ mission to take down the Inhumans, and I don’t think young Scott is going to take it very well.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Hawkeye #3 (Marvel) – The first two issues were fantastic and this new series is a perfect successor to the Matt Fraction/David Aja run. This issue packs in so much, amazing writing, amazing art. Just beyond entertaining and a must get (plus the first two issues if you haven’t).

Baltimore: The Red Kingdom #1 (Dark Horse) – What if evil won? Sound familiar?

The Flintstones #8 (DC Comics) – The women are away so Fred and Barney have to take care of the kids. This comic has been amazing as to how much it takes on real world issues and this release does that in volumes. One of the most subversive and politically astute comics on the market.

The Unstoppable Wasp #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was absolutely fantastic with a fun story and a feminist message that was in your face. I expect more of that with this second issue and so much more awesomeness. This comic was fun with a positive message. More please!

The Walking Dead #163 (Image Comics/Skybound) – This is it… the 25 cents issue! I’m fascinated by this to see what is in store for a comic that’s sure to fly off of shelves for the price alone. This is a big opportunity and I’m fascinated to see what is done with it.

Around the Tubes

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violentlove01_coveraIt’s a new week and we gear up for Thanksgiving and lots of sales to come. We’ll have our suggestions of cool gift ideas in the next few weeks. Tonight, we’ve got some of the creative team behind the comic series Black on Graphic Policy Radio. That airs at 10pm ET tonight.

While you wait for that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

The Comichron – Champions #1 top dollar comic in October 2016 split decision; Loot Crate effect returns – If you follow the sales horserace.

Deadspin – Please Return Cassius Marsh’s Stolen Magic: The Gathering Cards – If anyone can help!

Haaretz – In Brooklyn, Reconnecting to the Jewish Origins of Comic Books – Anyone go to this?

ComicBook – Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger Delayed, Showrunner Confirmed – Not too surprising since we haven’t heard much.

ICv2 – NPD Reports 16% Growth for Games Year-to-Date – Good to see this.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Talking Comics – All-Star Batman #4

Talking Comics – The Flash #10

Comic Attack – The Flash #10

Talking Comics – Invincible Iron Man #1

The Beat – Invincible Iron Man #1

Talking Comics – Mega Princess #1

Talking Comics – Violent Love #1

The Beat – WWE: Then. Now. Forever. #1

Unleash… the Gwensters! Marvel Reveals Monsters Unleashed Variants

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And now for something completely different! As skyscraper-sized Gwen Stacys rampage across the Marvel Universe – who will save us?! Marvel is unleashing the Gwensters with eight new Gwensters Unleashed variants. Yes – seriously! Celebrating the release of the highly anticipated Monsters Unleashed series, look for these exciting variants coming to the Monsters Unleashed tie-in one-shots throughout January, February and March!

Marvel at the might of the terrible GOOGWEN! Cower in fear under the awesome terror that is GWENSTEROSO! Never before has there been a menace such as GWENGO the unconquerable! Look for these GWENSTERS UNLEASHED VARIANTS coming to these books in the month of February:

  1. Doctor Strange #1.MU Gwensters Unleashed Variant by Brian Kesinger
  2. Champions #1.MU Gwensters Unleashed Variant by Dave Johnson
  3. Uncanny Inhumans #1.MU Gwensters Unleashed Variant by Gustavo Duarte
  4. All-New X-Men #1.MU Gwensters Unleashed Variant by Richard Isanove

But that’s not all! Be on the lookout for more Gwensters Unleashed variants coming to January’s Spider-Man/Deadpool #1.MU, Avengers #1.MU and future .MU one-shots in the month of March!

all-new_x-men_1-mu_isanove_gwensters_unleashed champions_1-mu_johnson_gwensters_unleashed doctor_strange_1-mu_kesinger_gwensters_unleashed uncanny_inhumans_1_duarte_gwensters_unleashed

Around the Tubes

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champions__2So… how about that election? America, you’re hungover from politics and we’ve got your geeky goodness to kick off your day. Check out the news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

Kotaku – Here’s How The Presidential Election Is Playing Out In Second Life – Second Life is still a thing?

Kotaku – We Are Simulating Today’s Election Using A Video Game – Well at least you can start from a save point if you mess up.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle – Rochester man sentenced in deadly comic books case – Such a shame and sad story.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Attack – Champions #2

The Beat – Mooncop

Talking Comics – Occupy Avengers #1

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