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Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 delivers a space western

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Cosmic Ghost Rider #1

There is nothing worst than sowing a seed knowing that you may have done wrong. We all have regrets  and sometimes we replay those decisions in our minds a thousand times. This is why we rarely can rest on our laurels. This is exactly why we should try to do good everyday.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our past sins come back to haunt us.  If we don’t redeem ourselves, we are failed to repeat our mistakes. Because if we never learned the lesson, sometimes we will have to do something we never thought we had to do again. In the debut issue of Cosmic Ghost Rider, Frank Castle suits up as the Cosmic Ghost Rider once again, when past sins come to visit.  

In “Dual Identities Part One”, we find someone looking like the Spirit of Vengeance terrorizing innocent civilians, something that he would not do.    Meanwhile, we find an older Frank, in a rundown town, until a stranger comes looking for him, creating trouble along the way. Before end, we find out it was all a dream. In the final  story ”Cosmic Ghost Stories”,  Frank dreams about all the people he has lost throughout his life and the regrets that come with the choices he has made.

Overall, Cosmic Ghost Rider‘s debut feels like a space western, something we have never seen Frank Castle in, and it is off to a good start. The stories by Phillips are action packed and astounding. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story which shows a Frank that we are not used to, and a welcome change.

Story: Stephanie Phillips Art: Juann Cabal, Jonas Scharf
Color: Espen Grundetjern, Arif Prianto Letterer: Travis Lanham
Stroy: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 is a little frustrating of a start

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Cosmic Ghost Rider #1

Cosmic Ghost Rider has been an interesting character to me. A future Frank Castle who at some point becomes a Ghost Rider as well as a herald of Galactus, the character felt a bit like Wolverine in that he was everywhere and a little oversaturated. Then there was a break, a rather long break. Now, the character is back with Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 and while the foundation of the comic is interesting, the execution is a little frustrating.

In a far-flung corner of deep space, Frank Castle has eked out a quiet existence, his days as Cosmic Ghost Rider finally behind him. But, that peace is threatened as another being calling himself Cosmic Ghost Rider is leaving a pile of bodies in his wake.

Writer Stephanie Phillips delivers an opening chapter that is a western in space. A man is haunted by his past and wants to find peace but is dragged back into action. It’s a story we’ve seen many times, over and over and they usually follow a familiar beat and pattern.

Phillips nails those beats in the opening chapter up until the very end of the story which, with a twist, makes what you’ve read all questionable. It’s a twist that will better play out in the second issue but as presented it makes the debut a bit confusing and honestly, might make readers wonder what they just read and why. It’s hard to go into that detail without spoiling things but it’s very Newhart and not in a good way.

The art by Juan Cabal is interesting. With coloe by Espen Grundetjern and lettering by Travis Lanham, the style fits the “futuristic western” setting nicely. There’s a little Bravestarr to it but overall it captures an old man trying to find peace without becoming too dark and depressing. Frank might be a little too clean, overall everything is, but small details gives a good sense about this world and the life Frank is living.

Phillips does double duty in writing though with a second story dubbed “Cosmic Ghost Stories”. With art by Jonas Scharf, color by Arif Prianto, and lettering by Lanham, the second story continues some of the themes from the first, the haunting of Frank Castle. We’re taken through his life as he confronts the horrors of the past. It’s a solid way to catch up readers on the major things they need to know, an easy and entertaining way to info dump. It’d be nice to get some more of this with key moments in the character’s existence, even throwing in tidbits that might not have been revealed before.

Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 isn’t a bad start but the issue feels a little short and could have used some more pages. Where the main story cuts off and where it leaves readers is a little frustrating and jarring. Hopefully, it smooths out with the second issue but as a whole, while there’s potential here, the comic overall doesn’t quite have the hook it could have.

Story: Stephanie Phillips Art: Juann Cabal, Jonas Scharf
Color: Espen Grundetjern, Arif Prianto Letterer: Travis Lanham
Stroy: 7.5 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Bishop: War College #1 delivers a debut fans of the character will enjoy

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Bishop: War College #1

Having watched Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Disney+ Plus a few days ago, I was blown away by how well the world building was. The death of Chadwick Boseman and the on-screen death of T’Challa, was meant for fans, cast and crew to mourn both. It was cathartic but at the same time, also reopened old wounds of the passing of Boseman.

What stood out about the film other than the mourning, was how the key characters reacted. For many, their pain of loss guided their actions throughout the film. They saw how easily their enemies looked to attack once they knew T’Challa had fallen. In the debut issue of Bishop: War College, we find a hero leading a team to protect an island paradise, one whose enemies are waiting to attack as well.

As the comic opens, we find Bishop pushing his newest cadets at his War College to beyond exhaustion. It’s to the point that it causes them call it quits on one of their first day. He gets visited Dani Moonstar, the new leader of the New Mutants, who warns him  that he may be pushing them too hard. But Bishop’s fears are soon realized when the Von Strucker Twins show up on the shores of Krakoa. Bishop realizes he needs to change his teaching methods and eventually turns to Tempo for help showing a more human side for the character. But, when he is running a drill with her things go off the rails resulting in Bishop to disappear to an unknown location. By the issue’s end Bishop is in an unknown world and his cadets rendered powerless just as the real threat is made clear.

Overall, Bishop: War College #1 is a fun debut issue which potentially reinvigorates the franchise and character of Bishop. The story by J. Holtman is exciting. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, it’s a story that fans will more than enjoy.

Story: J. Holtham Art: Sean Damien Hill
Ink: Victor Nava, Roberto Poggi Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Bishop: War College #1 delivers a mixed start

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Bishop: War College #1

Lucas Bishop has been a character I’ve always felt was rather intriguing. His depiction over the years has been mixed but the idea of some attempting to prevent their horrific past is a quandary with a lot of potential. The fact it’s presented in a “police” framing makes it all the more intriguing, even though that aspect is danced around. Bishop: War College #1 opens up with that potential as Bishop is tasked with training young mutants as Krakoa’s Captain Commander. The country’s defense is on his shoulders as he continues his mission.

Written by J. Holtham, Bishop: War College #1 kicks off with Bishop being the angry, drill instructor, we’ve seen far too many times. Running mutants through war games, he’s attempting to prepare a group for the threats to come and at the same time rubbing quite a few people the wrong way. And that’s where Holtham’s writing gets interesting.

Bishop: War College #1 starts off with a lot of potential recognizing the conflict with Bishop. He’s a cop sent to the past to prevent a holocaust in the future and condemning an individual who may or may not commit a crime in the future. At the same time, he’s in the present and must build a life. We’ve seen the character go to extremes with these things but here it’s presented as a conflict within the man. And that’s the most interesting aspect. We see him attempt to balance his life while also haunted by what may come. And all of that rubs people the wrong way for various reasons.

But, the story takes a swerve as a threat presents itself sending the series in a different direction by the end of the issue. That direction could be interesting but is far from Bishop training a new generation of mutants to defend Krakoa. What’s revealed needs a bit of explanation as well as it feels like it drops Krakoa’s defenses a bit too easily, especially with what has been presented in the past. The fact no one has an idea some of these events are occurring is rather odd.

The art by Sean Damien Hill is good. There’s solid emotion throughout the issue and you can see the anger in Bishop and tiredness and frustration in others. The facial expressions and body language nails all of that really well. Hill is joined by Victor Nava and Roberto Poggi on ink, Espen Grundetjern on color, and Travis Lanham on lettering. Lanham’s lettering stands out as it really emphasizes the drill instructor aspect of Bishop the comic is going for. You can hear “again” being yelled over an over. While the art overall is good, there’s some panels and characters fall a little short, an example being when the issue’s villains are revealed.

Though the ending of the issue takes it in a different direction, Bishop: War College #1 is an intriguing start that lays the groundwork for an exploration of Bishop’s mission and drive. We’ll see if it continues this direction and dives in, as expected, in a “Scrooge” sort of story, but here’s hoping.

Story: J. Holtham Art: Sean Damien Hill
Ink: Victor Nava, Roberto Poggi Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Savage Avengers #6

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Savage Avengers #6

With the Conan arc wrapped up, where can our group of time displaced heroes go next? The year 2099! Savage Avengers kicked things off with a Deathlok on the hunt for Conan sending the Cimmerian and a group of heroes back in time. The battle was fierce delivering a nice final arc for Conan in the Marvel Universe. The heroes adventure wasn’t over yet, with the end of the issue leaving them in the future. Savage Avengers #6 continues the shocking adventure as the series delivers more twists, turns, and reveals.

Written by David Pepose, Savage Avengers #6 continues to features the strength of his writing, the mix. Pepose, the writer behind indie comics like The Oz and Spencer & Locke, has a knack for taking familiar properties and delivering a new twist to them. So far, he’s done that in the first arc by both changing its setting from the previous “Savage” series, but also the ending. In this new arc we get the far flung 2099 but also some spins on characters.

The Savage Avengers are being pursued by the Punisher 2099 and eventually an army of Deathloks, hinting at the meta story from the first arc. But Pepose twists things further in ways having fun with the possibilities of a story in the future that can take advantage of the past.

The art by Carlos Magno helps it all with color by Espen Grundetjern and lettering by Travis Lanham. The comic is non-stop, a race in a way from the beginning. A pursuit leads to an escape which leads to further pursuit. With different “levels” and settings, the comic has an almost Warriors vibe about it. The art team help that frenetic space with visuals that deliver the action and it all looks great in its over the top ways (in a good way). Pepose delivers opportunity for some great visual “hell yeah” moments and everyone takes advantage of it.

Savage Avengers #6 continues a wild ride of a series that’s a hell of a lot of fun. It’s popcorn entertainment in the best way with crazy concepts and ideas that hint anything can happen. It’s the fun that comics should be.

Story: David Pepose Art: Carlos Magno
Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Exclusive Preview: Savage Avengers #4

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Savage Avengers #4

(W) David Pepose (A) Carlos Magno
(C) Espen Grundetjern (L) Travis Lanham
(CA) Leinil Francis Yu and Sunny Gho
PARENTAL ADVISORY
In Shops: Aug 17, 2022
SRP: $3.99

WHO IS DEATHLOK? [[Consciousness rebooting…]]
Tasked with pursuing Conan the Barbarian, the cybernetic hunter known as Deathlok must now come to terms with his past. [[Where am I?]] And with Conan in the hands of Thulsa Doom, the Savage Avengers must turn to the unlikeliest of sources for aid. [[101100… Is that my face?]] How did one hero’s sacrifice lead to the end of the world? [[WARNING: Temporal safeties disengaged.]] Without their ticket back to the present, can the Savage Avengers stop Set’s return in the past – or will the snake god conquer the planet thousands of years ahead of schedule?

Savage Avengers #4

Review: Gambit #1

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Gambit #1

Marvel has been on a nostalgia and retro kick lately. Creators go back in time to fill in gaps during their runs with new stories. Sometimes it works and sometimes it falls a bit flat. Gambit #1 is that type of story. It takes us back to the early days of Gambit and Ororo’s relationship. She’s been de-aged, now just a kid, and he has as thick of an accent as ever.

Chris Claremont, the writer of the time, returns to plot the tale and it’s as if he never left. That’s not necessarily a good thing. While the comic doesn’t quite have the same style Claremont used back in the day it picks up on the storylines with little refreshers. It’s been a long time since I read the original comics this revolves around. While I remember general plots specifics have long since gone. I found myself reading the issue feeling like I had missed something. Gambit #1 feels like you pick up a comic mid-way through its run.

That’s not a good feeling at all.

As such, I struggled to enjoy the comic until well into the issue. It began to focus a bit with its conflicts. While I don’t remember where the animosity came from, I could work with what was given. One person was bad and a major threat. Gambit and Ro are good. There you go, it’s all you need at that point. Of course that gets derailed as Claremont introduces a character at the end like we should know who it is. Maybe we should? Who knows. As I said, it’s been decades since I read the original comics.

The art by Sid Kotian is ok. It has a retro style to it in some ways but overall it’s a look I’m not a fan of. Beyond Gambit, the characters have a weird mix of 80s and 90s with shapes of heads often not quite right and details coming and going. Espen Grundetjern‘s color looks nice with again a bit of a blend between the 80s and 90s and Clayton Cowles provides the lettering. Just overall, it’s an art style I’m not a fan of. Nothing stands out as exciting and there’s some visuals that make no sense at all.

Gambit #1 plays into the nostalgia crowd. Unless you absolutely loved this moment for the X-Men, these characters, or Claremont, it’s an issue that doesn’t make a case of why it’s needed. It hasn’t yet revealed anything particularly interesting. It hasn’t made itself vital. It also has a choppy sense in its narrative. It feels like a missed opportunity for one of the best to return to revisit a classic era.

Story: Chris Claremont Art: Sid Kotian
Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Savage Avengers #1

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Savage Avengers #1

The 80s were known for some of the corniest movies ever made. The decade churned out some interesting subgenres along the way. It perfected and somehow bastardized the teen movie genre. The other genre that it was also known for was the urban horror genre.

The best known movie to come out of this genre is Candyman. The film touched upon many of the issues that still affect people who dwell there. One of my favorites, purely because of how crazy the concept is, is They Live. The one that forever stands out because I grew up on those same streets, are The Warriors, and things like what happened, is more than entirely possible.

In the debut issue of Savage Avengers, we find Conan returning to the Marvel Universe with a gang of misfits, as he is hunted much like the protagonists in the iconic film The Warriors, but by the invincible Deathlok. It feels like those classic 80s movies, a fun twist on the superhero genre.

We find Conan in New York City  the modern era, as he uncovers the lair of the snake clan he once fought  during the Hyborian Age. But, these present day disciples are no match. As Conan finishes off the last of these sycophants, an unlikely foe emerges, Deathlok, who acts as judge and jury, looking to erase the Cimmerian from the timeline. This battle gets the notice of the other heroes in the city, including Cloak & Dagger, Black Knight, Weapon H, Anti-Venom and Daredevil, while a mad bomb gets unleashed, releasing everyone’s darkest desires and deepest rage. By the issue’s end, the team is brought together and thrust into an interesting situation.

Overall, Savage Avengers #1 is a fun debut issue that perfectly blends high fantasy with urban fantasy. The story by Pepose is masterful. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, it’s a wonderful re-introduction to the original Savage Avenger.

Story: David Pepose Art: Carlos Magno
Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.6 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Savage Avengers #1

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Savage Avengers #1

The mixing of Conan the Barbarian with Marvel’s characters has generally been good. While there’s been some bumps here and there, it’s been entertaining in a fish out of water sort of way. Surprisingly, the character has fit in to the more modern times and hasn’t felt as out of place as one would expect. Savage Avengers #1 kicks off the Cimmerian’s latest adventure as it brings together a new team of heroes and takes them on a wild ride.

Written by David Pepose, the comic’s focus is to set things up and it does that quite well. With Conan at the center, the initial conflict has the barbarian taking on Set cult who has acquired a mad bomb. But, that’s really just a distraction as the main story involves a Deathlok who has been sent to take out Conan for violating the time stream. As it happens, various heroes are brought into the fold, though those specifics are a little shaky. Savage Avengers #1 does a great job of giving each hero their moments so readers can get a good sense of who these characters are and what they bring to the team dynamic.

But it’s a comic written by David Pepose, so things get twisted up a bit as the end of the comic sends the heroes in a new direction that should deliver an intriguing new take on the Conan + team dynamic.

There’s also an intriguing aspect to the comic with the news that Marvel won’t be continuing their line of Conan comics. So, with Deathlok’s mission involving Conan committing a crime against the time stream, one wonders if the direction of the comic was impacted by that decision. It’d be easy to write away Conan in the Marvel Universe by having Deathlok succeed eventually.

Pepose is joined by Carlos Magno on art with color by Espen Grundet and lettering by Travis Lanham. It all looks great as expected with the character fitting together nicely. There’s a wide mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and superheroes here and nothing feels out of place at all. Each character has their distinct look down but together the visuals creates a team that feels like they naturally go together. There’s also a solid handling of the action which doesn’t get lost as each member does their thing in battle.

Savage Avengers #1 is a solid start to the series which brings together a motley crew. It takes the Conan + team dynamic we’ve seen before and shakes it up just enough to stand out from the previous volume. It also plays with a plot we’ve seen many times (robot from the future sent back to erase someone) but does so in a way that’s fun. It’s the start of what should be an entertaining adventure and with recent Conan news, a possibility anything’s on the table.

Story: David Pepose Art: Carlos Magno
Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Exclusive Preview: Kang the Conqueror #4 (of 5)

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Kang the Conqueror #4 (of 5)

(W) Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing (A) Carlos Magno (C) Espen Grundetjern (L) Joe Caramagna (CA) Mike Del Mundo (VCA) CAFU
RATED T+
In Shops: Nov 17, 2021
SRP: $3.99

• Unstoppable force meets immovable object as Nathaniel Richards’ mission to change his timeline slams into a horrible inevitability: the tragic fate of Kang’s great love, Ravonna Renslayer.
• Can young Kang avert catastrophe and find his way to a better future? Or is he doomed to repeat the same cycle of tragedy and violence for all eternity?

Kang the Conqueror #4 (of 5)
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