Tag Archives: extraordinary x-men

Marvel Reveals the Story Thus Far with Variants!

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Marvel continues to come up with ways to help promote All-New, All-Different Marvel. The publisher has announced a new marketing initiative with variants, Story Thus Far Variants. You get to see can’t-miss moments of the first arc in one striking image. It’s definitely an original idea.

Look for Story Thus Far Variants on these upcoming February and March titles:

  • All-New Inhumans #5
  • All-New X-Men #4
  • Amazing Spider-Man #9
  • Carnage #6
  • Deadpool #8
  • Doctor Strange #6
  • Extraordinary X-Men #8
  • Guardians of the Galaxy #6
  • Invincible Iron Man #6
  • Spider-Man 2099 #8

Invincible_Iron_Man_6_Tedesco_Story_Thus_Far_Variant

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 3/1/16

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Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Alex


dead vengeance 4 Dead Vengeance #4  Was a fitting conclusion to the miniseries. As a whole the series was a great, but as an individual issue this doesn’t stand up to being read out of sequence, but seeing as how the miniseries is worth reading, that’s not a big deal. Overall 7 Recommendation: Read now, or Read the trade later.

Extraordinary X-Men #4* There’s a chance you may have heard about this issue already (and if you haven’t don’t look it up, just go read it). The thing is, beyond That Which Will Not Be Named, this is actually a very entertaining comic. The dynamic between Old Man Logan and the others is handled with just the right amount of disbelief and humour, which is one of the reasons I’ll be picking issue #5 up in the next couple of weeks. Overall Rating: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Lobster Johnson: A Glass Mantis (Dark Horse) Is a fun one shot comic that gives a slightly modern flavour to the stories told in the early days of comics. There’s nothing groundbreaking or original here but what is done is done well enough  that merits you checking it out. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read.

The Rocketeer At War #1 (IDW) is, frankly, fun. If you’ve ever seen (and enjoyed) the movie, then there’s a great chance you’ll enjoy this comic. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy if you’re a fan, Read if you’re curious.

 

Elana

Art Ops #3 (DC)* “Art is real” and it’s getting kidnapped out of its picture frames or running wild in the streets of NYC. If you’re into comics about the NYC of years past, fine art and especially the excellent Pop Art infused work of this comic’s team, Matt Brundage and the great Mike Allred then you’ll need this fun and anarchic title. It’s definitely unique and unpredictable. The version of contemporary downtown Manhattan in this comic feels exactly like my Manhattan way back in the year 2000 but that’s cool and there are fun flashbacks to SoHo in the 80’s. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

 

Mr H

Justice League #47 (DC Comics)* Good to have the band back together so to speak, as the last few issues felt like they were spinning their wheels. This issue was not filler and had some good moments, especially with Hal and God Bruce. I like how Johns hasn’t forgot that Bruce knows the Joker’s true identity and is keeping it to himself (very Batman thing to do) the scene with incarcerated Ultraman and Superwoman was good. You definitely get the sense that the big battle is near and all the pieces are in place. Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy.

Spawn #259 (Image Comics) So the skinny is Al is back in Hell and he’s battling Satan for Wanda’s soul. We’ve seen the bait and switch before but this time it’s the real deal. This is the first Spawn comic I’ve picked up in years. Having Todd McFarlane and Erik Larson on the book helped. It was a quick read and there was a scene with Spawn acting like a hellish Moses, parting a sea of demons, which was cool. The issue ends with Al making a choice for Wanda’s fate that I did not see coming. I enjoyed Erik Larson’s art and moved along nicely. Don’t know if I will continue to get the book but was pleased I picked it up. Nothing groundbreaking but the Satan Wars commence! Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.

Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).

Around the Tubes

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It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d folks get, and what will you be reading this Christmas Eve?

While you let us know, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

New York Times – Coming Out as Gay Superheroes – An interesting read.

GamePolitics – Congresswoman Katherine Clark promotes new anti-swatting bill – Good!

Kotaku – Arkham Knight’s New DLC Superbly Spotlights Batman’s Saddest Enemy – Who’s still playing?

The New Yorker – “Marvel’s Jessica Jones” and the superhero survivor. – Awesome to see this in the New Yorker!

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – Astonishing Ant-Man #3

The Rainbow Hub – Batman and Robin Eternal #12

Comic Vine – Bloodshot Reborn #9

CBR – Dark Knight III: The Master Race #2

Comic Vine – Extraordinary X-Men #4

The Rainbow Hub – Fight Club 2 #8

CBR – Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat #1

Talking Comics – Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat #1

Comic Vine – Robin: Son of Batman #7

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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MIRAGE-SEC_001_COVER-A_DJURDJEVICWednesdays 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: Rocketeer At War #1 (IDW Publishing) – I loved the Rocketeer movie, and I can’t wait to get my hands on this comic. It ticks three of my attention grabbing boxes: pulp style heroes, a mid  20th century setting, and the Rocketeer. Will it actually be any good? I’ll find out and let you know!

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #2 (DC Comics) – I still haven’t read the first issue, yet, but with all the great things I’ve heard about that, it’s easy to be excited for this issue. Just not the price tag.

Extraordinary X-Men #4 (Marvel) – One of the best X-Men comics I’ve read in years, and it’s drawn by Humberto Ramos, who I’m a huge fan of. This is a comic that can’t really go wrong for me on paper.

 

Brett

Top Pick: The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives #1 (Valiant) – The first volume of Doctor Mirage was fantastic and to get a second just makes me happy. The character is awesome and art fantastic. Basically, what I’d expect from a Valiant book.

Darth Vader #14 (Marvel) – The latest entry to Vader Down? Yes please! The storyline reminds us how much of a badass Vader truly is.

Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat #1 (Marvel) – It’s an intriguing character to be getting her own series, but she has a higher profile thanks to Jessica Jones. I want to see where it goes.

The Paybacks #4 (Dark Horse) – One of the funniest, most entertaining superhero comics this year. Each issue has delivered pure entertainment.

Venus #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Mankind head to the stars due to the depletion of natural resources on Earth. China has claimed Mars which forces the U.S. to head to Venus where things don’t go well. Sounds awesome.

 

Elana

Angela Queen of Hel #3 (Marvel) – “To the soundtrack of a totally sick Nordic death metal solo, Angela and Sera embark on the conquest to crown Angela Queen of the Dead…and encounter some who they have sent to the afterlife themselves!” – nuff said.

Island #5 (Image Comics) – Brandon Grahams ambitious anthology magazine features “Stories of space cannibalism, future tech dependency and volcano gods along with articles and illustration in the monthly oversized comics magazine.” this month!

Kaptara TP Vol. 1 (Image Comics) – The first issue’s title was “Space: Why you gotta be like that?” Everyone talks about Chip Zdarsky’s work on Sex Criminals, Howard the Duck, Jughead, but this creator-owned series is where his humor and inventiveness really shines. He’s doing a modern, adult riff on He-Man with a gay Indian-American in the lead Keith “Prince of the Dancefloor”. Kagan Mcleod’s art makes riotous cartoons out of He-Man and 70s space and sword and sorcery art. I love it.

Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat #1 (Marvel) – Hellcat? Hell yes! Writer Kate Leth is a fan-favorite bisexual feminist comics dynamo and she’s finally getting her first Marvel monthly title.  Patsy’s friends with all our favorite heroines; She-Hulk and now Jessica Jones (according to Netflix). This comic is positioned to be a hit.

Princeless Book 5 Make Yourself #0 (Action Lab Entertainment) – The all-ages series of girl knights, and scientists and pirates and rogues goes a little introspective in this story arc. It’s going to be great.

 

Javier

Top Pick: Bloodshot Reborn #9 (Valiant) – The current ‘Hunt’ arc comes to an end, so this will likely be an exciting new beginning for the main character.  Plus I am looking forward to Butch Guice’s alt cover.

The Death-Defying Doctor Mirage Second Lives #1 (Valiant) – Valiant attracts talent, and they lined up Jen Van Meter (Hopeless Savages) and acclaimed artist Roberto de la Torre. A lot of hype behind this one, so I’m going to check it out; and Valiant hasn’t disappointed me yet. Also, I’ve never read Meter’s Hopeless Savages, but I plan to pick up used copies of the graphic novels to see what I missed.

Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur #2 (Marvel) – This one is just simple fun. They all don’t have to be dark and violent.

Pretty Deadly #7 (Image Comics) – One of these days DeConnick and Rios will explain this one.  All I know is that I walk away feeling enlightened after reading this fantastical blend of Western and Magical art.

Wild’s End: Enemy Within #4 (BOOM! Studios) – I’ve been enjoying this one as a sci-fi fan.  It’s Animal Farm meets War of the Worlds.

Sell-Outs and New Printing Roundup

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The Marvel Universe is charging forward with bold new status quos and blockbuster new stories. Don’t get left behind as your favorite characters and creators explode on to the scene with some of the hottest new titles in the industry! Marvel has announced over 15 Marvel titles will return to local comic shops in January for second printings!

Sorcerers supreme, teenage wallcrawlers, a young girl & her prehistoric pal, a brand new day for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and so much more await you in the recharged Marvel Universe.  Be there when All-New, All-Different Avengers #2, All-New Inhumans #1, All-New X-Men #1, All-New Wolverine #2, Carnage #2, Daredevil #1, Doctor Strange #3, Extraordinary X-Men #3, Hercules #2, Howard the Duck #2, Invincible Iron Man #4, Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur #1, Nova #2, Spider-Woman #1, Spidey #1, Star Wars #13, Totally Awesome Hulk #1 all return to comic shops in early 2016!

ALL-NEW ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS #2 SEC PRINT (OCT158851)
ALL-NEW INHUMANS #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158850)
HERCULES #2 SEC PRINT (OCT158852)
MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158853)
SPIDER-WOMAN #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158854)
TOTALLY AWESOME HULK #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158855)
FOC – 12/14/15, On-Sale – 1/13/16

 

ALL-NEW X-MEN #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158856)
DAREDEVIL #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158857)
DOCTOR STRANGE #3 SEC PRINT (OCT158858)
HOWARD THE DUCK #2 SEC PRINT (OCT158859)
HOWARD THE DUCK #2 GWENPOOL SEC PRINT (OCT158860)
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #4 SEC PRINT (OCT158861)
FOC – 12/21/15, On-Sale – 1/20/16

 

ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #2 SEC PRINT (OCT158862)
CARNAGE #2 SEC PRINT (OCT158863)
EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #3 SEC PRINT (OCT158864)
NOVA #2 SEC PRINT (OCT158865)
SPIDEY #1 SEC PRINT (OCT158866)
STAR WARS #13 VDWN SEC PRINT (OCT158867)
FOC – 12/21/15, On-Sale – 1/27/16

Review : Extraordinary X-Men #3

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Extraordinary X-Men 3gIn an earlier review I wrote for X-Men No More Humans, I lamented how the high concept inter-temporal conflict between the past original X-Men and future brotherhood was a bit of a lost opportunity  that was corrected in that issue.  We get an interesting juxtaposition here with a heartfelt reunion of sorts between  young time displaced Jean, and old time displaced Logan.  Jean appears to be very empathic and familiar to old Logan despite not knowing the original wolverine for very long. Perhaps their similar time spanning predicaments has engendered some sympathy in her. Regardless of this however it does feel a bit forced…and so bizarre considering these are not the original versions we are poised to compare to them to. Nevertheless this is quite a surreal encounter. The X-Men are no strangers to countless resurrections. I found it very poignant that while the X-Men are still mourning the loss of Wolverine, this version of Wolverine is mourning the loss of the entire X-Men (by his own no less). That should lead to some interesting dynamics down the road.

Issue three of Extraordinary X-Men continues with its effective mix of the new and the nostalgic, and it was another enjoyable read. The younger X-Men get to flex their muscles as the demonic hordes native to their new environment invade X-Haven after Illyana’s incapacitation.  Being a long term X-Fan I could not help but recall familiar territory as some of the younger X-Men namely; Glob Herman and Anole got overdue some panel time. Eagle eyed readers will remember that it was  in Limbo where Anole lost his arm and discovered his ability to regenerate them in the Quest for Magik arc.  This arc was a coming of age story of sorts which saw the younger X-Men sucked into Limbo, and having to fend for themselves without their teachers. We had a similar Limbo Encounter in the more recent Uncanny X-Men run, which resulted in a very interesting outcome, Illyana seemingly absorbing the entire realm within her.   This issue brought back some of that “passing of the torch” sentiment that I feel has been waning from the x-books lately.  For too long I feel that the philosophical schism of the disparate interpretation of Xavier’s dream has eclipsed this.

It was nice Bobby’s ice clone army,  again this took me back to happier times, with Wolverine and the initial opening of the Jean Grey School. There are times that I forget how much power Bobby Drake has as an omega mutant. With Jean Grey (albeit a younger version) back in the mix, I would love to see the mutant classification taxonomy explored further especially now that they are an endangered species again. I have been missing Professor Xavier, and there’s an interesting development that I did not mention in my last review where Storm appears to be communicating with his spirit.  Storm and Xavier’s relationship has always been one that I admired and I have been extremely curious about the state of Xavier’s essence post-AXIS. In light of Storm’s innovative leadership and this secret counsel, interesting things are definitely around the corner.

I am patiently awaiting to see what Mr Sinister is up to. The character was written with so much finesse, under Kieron’s Gillen’s pen, and the finale of his run set up his intrigue so perfectly. The Sinister / Scott Summer’s conflict really hit its peak there ,  as Sinister became the Red Skull of sorts to Summers’ Steve rogers, perfect rivals.  Now with the elder Scott Summer’s allegedly dead, and mutants on the fast track to extinction, Sinister is no doubt bound to exact some extreme measures to procure and exploit what can be considered is favourite raw (and limited) resource, mutantkind. I had my reservations initially but I can say honestly I am very hooked by this new status quo with the added benefit of the tone hearkening back to that traditional X-Book feel and sentiment that I have missed.

Story: Jeff Lemire Art: Humberto Ramos
Story: 10 Art: 7 Overall 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Apocalypse Wars – Three Epic X-Men Stories, One Unstoppable Evil!

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This Spring, one of the X-Men’s greatest foes wages a cataclysmic battle on three fronts. Marvel has announced Apocalypse Wars, three blockbuster stories taking place across the three can’t-miss X-Men titles!

It all kicks off this March in Extraordinary X-Men #8, as Jeff Lemire and Humberto Ramos take you into the distant future! Mutantkind is an endangered species once more. What better way to ensure your people make it to tomorrow…than to skip right to it? As the mutant race’s last hope is jettisoned into the time stream, it’s intercepted by one of their most formidable adversaries – APOCALYPSE. Now, Storm and the Extraordinary X-Men must race into a perilous and deadly future if they are to have any hope of reclaiming the present!

Then in April, Cullen Bunn and Ken Lashley bring the “Apocalypse Wars” to Magneto and his squad in Uncanny X-Men #6. There is something wrong with Archangel. Aim him at his target and he will destroy. Beyond that, he is little more than a lifeless drone. And it’s time Psylocke got to the bottom of why. What really happened to put him in this state? Only one thing’s for sure: her quest to uncover the truth will lead to a lot more than she bargained for…

Finally, in May, ask yourself – can you change your fate? As the young X-Men strive to shirk the legacies left to them by their older counterparts, they’ll crash headlong into “Apocalypse Wars” in Dennis Hopeless and Mark Bagley’s All-New X-Men #9!  Their uncertain future hangs heaviest on young Evan – also known as Kid Apocalypse. Is he destined to become a genocidal madman like his namesake? Or will he rise above? He will be tested like never before, and truth will shock you!

One of their most dangerous adversaries has returned, to strike at the X-Men from three sides.

EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN #8
Written by JEFF LEMIRE
Art & Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
On Sale This March!

 

UNCANNY X-MEN #6
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by KEN LASHLEY
On Sale This April!

 

ALL-NEW X-MEN #9
Written by DENNIS HOPELESS
Art and Cover by MARK BAGLEY
On Sale This May!

Around the Tubes

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It’s new comic book day tomorrow! What are folks excited for this week? We’ll have  our picks in a few hours, but until then, here’s some comic book news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

Medium – The US Rebel Alliance Strikes Back – An awesome read.

CBR – The Mission: “Black Panther,” Director Diversity and What Happens Next – Joe is always a must read.

The Beat – It’s complicated: Marvel Netflix TV and movie characters won’t crossover in Avengers: Infinity War – When expectations go too far.

The Outhousers – Marvel Hires Showrunner for Canceled Iron Fist Show – So chalk another wrong bit of news from all those sites saying the series was cancelled.

Loser City – Down and Out in Terminal City: Catching Up with Ed Brisson – A good interview.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

The Rainbow Hub – Extraordinary X-Men #3

CBR – Gotham Academy #12

CBR – Paper Girls #3

Nothing But Comics – Showman Killer: Heartless Hero

CBR – The Vision #2

Mini Reviews For The Week Ending 6/12

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Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling short reviews from the staff of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full review for. These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews.

Alex

Bigfoot_SOTE_1-1Big Foot: Sword Of The Earthman #1 is a brilliant mix of John Carter and the typical Sasquatch myth. It’s a fun read, but I’m expecting more out of the series as it progresses. Overall Rating: 7 Recommendation: Read

Cage Hero #1 is becoming a guilty pleasure. Despite an outlandish concept (even for comics), it’s an entertaining story that lets you turn your brain off for five minutes. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Daredevil #1* is probably the best Daredevil comic I’ve read in years… but then that’s not saying much. Regardless, this opening chapter is well worth checking out, and shows plenty of promise. Overall Rating: 8 Recommendation: Read

Finally, the story in Dead Vengeance #3 has caught up to the current events. This issue was the weakest of the three so far, but more so because it’s bridging the bulk of the story so far with what’s coming next. Worth reading if you’re reading the series, otherwise ignore it and waiting for the trade if you’re interested. Overall 7 Recommendation: Read now, or Read the trade later.

Doc Savage: The Spider’s Web #1. It’s okay. Nothing overly special, but not particularly bad, either. Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Maybe read it if it interests you.

Extraordinary X-Men #2* & #3* Due to a slight snafu with my LCS order, I Extraordinary_X-Men_Vol_1_2only recently picked up issue 2 of this series, but it was worth the wait. The scenes in issue #3 between Old Man Logan were interesting, although I expected him to be past that particular  issue, I still enjoyed watching them talk. I can sense the relationship between these two morph into a father/daughter vibe, much like Wolverine had with Kitty Pride or Jubilee. Keep your eye on this series. Overall Rating (Both): 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Seduction of the Innocent #1 is a crime comic in the vein of those before the Comics Code Authority came to pass, something the name of the comic (taken from Fredric Wertham’s book of the same name) pays homage too. As a comic it’s interesting, and it’s worth keeping an eye on the series as it progresses if you’re looking for a well written, well drawn non super hero comic. Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Elana

All New Wolverine #2* continues to be Marvel’s best title. Laura kicks ass while continually demonstrating her humanity in the face of monstrous abuses of power. The clones are as heartbreaking as they need to be. I can’t wait for more with the classic villain reveal at the end. Overall 9. Recommendation: Buy

Daredevil_1_CoverDaredevil #1. It feels like a return to form. A return to Miller and Mazzucchelli groundbreaking work with the character decades ago. Quality stuff but I’m not sure what new there is to offer. The bad guy seems like an Orientalist stereotype but I’m excited by Daredevil’s new side kick, Samuel Chung aka Blindspot. He’s an undocumented immigrant and I love the idea of teasing that metaphor out– he’s literally an invisible man. That’s his power.

I’m giving this a 7 but I could easily see it getting better with time. Recommendation: Read

Papergirls #3. Keeps getting spiraling out at getting more complex. But in a good way. It remains addictive and I adore the characters. Another smash hit from Vaughn and Chang. I kinda expect it to get film optioned since 80s period pieces are such a thing and so far I can see that really working. Colorist Matt Wilson should get an Eisner for his work here. Overall 9.25 Recommendation: Buy

Well, there you have it, folks. The reviews we didn’t quite get a chance to write.

Please note that with some of the above comics, Graphic Policy was provided FREE copies for review. Where we purchased the comics, you’ll see an asterisk (*). If you don’t see that, you can infer the comic was a review copy. In cases where we were provided a review copy and we also purchased the comic you’ll see two asterisks (**).

Around the Tubes

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It was new comic book day yesterday! Was there anything you go that stood out to you and got you excited? Was there anything you disliked? Let us know in the comments.

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

Around the Tubes

Newsarama – President Obama Delays Agent Carter Season Premiere – Thanks Obama!

Women Write About Comics – Some Folks Think Midnighter Should Be Biphobic, Yes Really  – An interesting read.

Chron – Comic-craving women welcome at this Cypress-area store – Always nice to see an open and welcoming store spotlighted.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

The Rainbow Hub – All-New Wolverine #2

Examiner – Batman ’66 Vol. 4

Comic Vine – Extraordinary X-Men #3

Comic Vine – Green Lantern #47

CBR – Hopeless Savages: Break

Comic Vine – Harley’s Little Black Book #1

The Beat – Red Wolf #1

The Rainbow Hub – Silk #1

Talking Comics – Silk #1

Comic Vine – The Totally Awesome Hulk #1

Comic Vine – The Vision #2

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