Tag Archives: neeraj menon

Annihilation 2099 #1 is interesting but feels a bit worn

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Annihilation 2099 #1

A remote town on a remote world is devastated by the ravenous, unforgiving KNULL SET, a gang of raiders and thieves obsessed with offering all life up to the darkness. But that all changes when a stranger comes to town, a stranger from the stars who answers to his own code. THE LAST SURVIVOR OF XANDAR… the LAST NOVA. Who is the Last Nova, and what great tragedy does he carry on his back? Is he the inheritor of the NOVA CORPS or its destroyer? Annihilation 2099 #1 carries the classic event name in the title, but feels a bit more like Old Man Nova in more than one way.

Written by Steve Orlando, Annihilation 2099 #1 features two stories and kicks off a series of one-shot comics that introduces the cosmic side of the 2099 world with new characters. Unfortunately, as far as a first issue, the comic feels more like other stories than the classic Annihilation events.

Orlando in “The Last Nova” introduces us to the last member of the Nova Corps. Who is he? Well, it becomes pretty obvious after a bit, well before the eventual reveal. The story is interesting in that it feels less like Annihilation, which featured a cosmic level event and invasion that was a real threat and instead is more of the western genre, like Old Man Logan. We get a sense as to the tragic story of this Nova member as he takes a stand against a gang in a besieged town. It’s a story we’ve seen so many times before and unfortunately features a character under the helmet that’s worn and overused.

SPOILER

The reason it feels worn is because it is. Under the mask is… Logan, yes Wolverine takes on yet another role. There’s the Phoenix infused future version. There’s the recent Ghost Rider version. Now, we get the Nova version in a story that is aspects of Old Man Logan reskinned. If there was another character under the mask, it might have worked for the better, but as is, it’s rather predictable with a character that’s overused.

SPOILER ENDS

The comic also features “Dracula Risen” with the classic Dracula found and terrorizing the crew of a spaceship. The comic has a B-movie horror aspect about it that’s fun in a goofy way and hopefully we get more of this but it’s a story that’s more potential than payoff.

Ibraim Roberson handles the art for the first story while Dale Eaglesham handles the second. The art is decent for both and visually they’re interesting. Nova embraces its western genre roots while the latter plays with its horror movie aspects. They’re joined by Neeraj Menon and Raul Angulo on color and Cory Petit on lettering. When it comes to the art, make sure to check out the notes at the end and the details of the Nova outfit. It made me appreciate the art a bit more than the initial comic.

Overall, Annihilation 2099 #1 isn’t bad but it’s not what’s expected concerning its name. If you go in think it’s a new take on the classic story, you’ll be disappointed like I was. But, it could be interesting to kick off an expansion of the 2099 universe, introducing new aspects and characters leading to… something. Overall, this could be one where the whole is better than the individual parts.

Story: Steve Orland Art: Ibraim Roberson, Dale Eaglesham
Color: Neeraj Menon, Raul Angulo Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Spider-Man India #4 (of 5)

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Spider-Man India #4 (of 5)

(W) Nikesh Shukla (A) Tadam Gyadu (CA) Adam Kubert
Rated T
In Shops: Sep 27, 2023
SRP: $3.99

RETURN OF THE LIZARD! THE LIZARD and its new terrifying ally (REDACTED) have hit SPIDER-MAN where he’s at his weakest. The wall-crawler is cornered with no hope of escape. What Spidey does next will not only seal his own fate – but the fate of all of Mumbai!

Spider-Man India #4 (of 5)

Review: Deadpool #1

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Deadpool #1

When it comes to  Deadpool, there has never been a character that everyone loves like him for so many different reasons. As he is relatable in a way that many readers find him both sensitive and mean simultaneously. Where he truly shines  is his comedic sensibility. This of course is an off shoot from his creator, Rob Liefeld, as he imbued the character with such great comic timing even in the early depictions, and that eventually morphed into other creators using the character to poke fun at the seriousness of comic books.

The character does something that Joker really has never done, actually be funny while doing horrendous things. This is exactly why we love the Merc with the Mouth, because it is all in good fun making this former villain a superhero. In Deadpool #1, he must kill a supervillain to join an elite group while trying to figure out what exactly is growing inside of him.

In the debut issue, we find Deadpool in a very compromising position under duress from the Harrower. Her reason for capturing Wade is to implant a symbiote of Carnage in him as an experiment. Meanwhile, 40 hours earlier, we find Wade looking through a file of Doc Ock. Deadpool is auditioning for an elite assassin group known as the Atelier. As he gets the terms of his audition, he knows it may impact his reputation as a hired gun. By the issue’s end, all the various plotlines come together slingshotting the series into the kinetic insanity we’d expect from this series and character.

Overall, Deadpool #1 is a hilarious issue that reminds fans why he is the funniest character in all of comic books. The story by Wong is outrageous. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a must buy for any longtime or casual Deadpool fan.

Story: Alyssa Wong Art: Martin Coccolo
Color: Neeraj Menon Letterer: Joe Sabino
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

Review: Crypt of Shadows #1

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Crypt of Shadows #1

When it comes to holidays, there is nothing like Halloween. Before cosplaying became as accepted as it is now, this was the only day most people could become someone else. Costumes can show the other sides of people. As you get older, you take for granted, the ignorance of youth and how something as simple as dressing in a costume can be… freeing.

Fast forward to today, and the world now exists where dressing up ay as your favorite character is not only accepted but encouraged. This is huge when you think of how the children of today will have a better sense of self than most of us did growing up. I remember watching all those Halloween specials growing up, and have wondered where they all went. As much as we’ve gained in cosplay, we’ve lost those “special events”. In Crypt Of Shadows #1, we find our favorite heroes of the Marvel Universe in some spooky situations.

In “The Crypt Of Shadows”, a séance goes wrong, unearthing ghosts that come back for what they feel is theirs. In “Werewolf by Moon Knight”, Moon Knight gets in the middle of a brawl between two werewolves. In “Skin Crawl”, Morbius and Jinx take down a demon. In “Down Came The Rain”, Elsa Bloodstone and Johnny Storm traverse a underground tunnel to save Spider-Man. In “Endless Slaughter in the Infinite Swamp”, Man Thing and X-23 get stuck in a battle that lasts forever. In the last story “Neither Big Nor Bad”, our heroes gets caught up in an unknown and unseen evil.

Overall, Crypt of Shadows #1 is a fun set of stories which will have readers ready for All Hallow’s Eve. The stories by the different creators are exciting. The art by the different creators are gorgeous. Altogether, this book will remind readers exactly why we all get excited for this time of the year.

Story: Al Ewing, Danny Lore, Rebecca Roanhorse, Chris Cooper, Chris Condon, Adam Warren
Art: Ramon Bachs, Karen S. Darboe, Geoff Shaw, Ibrahim Moustafa, Fran Galán, Adam Warren
Color: Rain Beredo, Cris Peter, Arif Prianto, Neeraj Menon, James Campbell, Guru-eFX
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1

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Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha

Having read comics most of my life, I’m old enough to remember a time when reading these works of art were shunned upon. In fact, one of my best friends from high school used to commiserate with me about comics all the time, but we didn’t make it known to most of our friends. Our apparent “shame” seems ridiculous in today’s climate since comics culture is now part of popular culture. This was around the time when Image Comics first emerged on the scene and the big two publishers were doing everything to compete with them. 

One of the things Marvel did in 1992 was introduce the 2099 series line. It imagined a world where many of our heroes still existed 107 years from present day. One of the more interesting characters, which incidentally was its most popular, was Miguel O’Hara AKA Spiderman 2099. In a follow-up to that iconic series, writer Steve Orlando reintroduces the character in the debut issue of Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha, where we find an embattled Miguel facing a new atrocity in America’s wastelands.

We are taken back to Nueva York , in the Lightwielding District, where a recruit for the Cabal, super powered crime cartel, who answers nobody,  were terrorizing citizens, a fact that Miguel uses  to suss out exactly where the Cabal may be hiding out. As Miguel enters their lair, he uncovers a vast network, one that he completely underestimated, as we find out the Cabal took out what was left of the Avengers, and may be the reason for what is considered an extinction level event, known as the Ontario Impact, which has world leaders and corporations pointing fingers, as Miguel might be the only one who can get to the truth. As Miguel needs help, he looks for it Nueva York’s Dead Zone and finds Ghost Rider,  who can decrypt the Cabal’s files but  finds a few firewalls in the programming’s path, one such being a digital Cave Troll. As Ghost Rider temporarily distracts the Cave Troll, Miguel is able to sneak past it, to find the files he is looking for. Before Miguel, can find anymore, Ghost Rider pulls him out, as they drawn the interest of Cabal Killcraft. By the issue’s end, Miguel and Ghost Rider finds out that a familiar foe runs the Cabal, and has become powerful in his stead.

Overall, Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha is an excellent return to Nueva York and the world of 2099. The story by Orlando is exciting. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a worthy reintroduction of a classic series.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Paul Fry
Color: Neeraj Menon Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics

Review: Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1

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Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1

It’s been close to 30 years since we traveled to the year 2099 in the Marvel Universe and were introduced to familiar characters with a whole new spin. At the center of it all was Miguel O’Hara, Spider-Man 2099! The character has returned to the spotlight in recent years and after having some time travel adventures, he’s back in his own time dealing with some major shakeups. Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1 kicks off a mini-event that spins us through the world of 2099 reintroducing characters and introducing brand new ones as well.

Written by Steve Orlando, Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1 takes us back to Nueva York as The Cabal terrorizes the people and Spider-Man 2099 stands in the way. From there we get a conspiracy about a “rock” being dropped in the Wastelands resulting in materials that the Cabal wants and everyone wants to get for them. It’s a race to stop the bad guys getting things they can use for evil!

Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1 is a fun return to the world of 2099 after some side quests for Miguel that didn’t quite fit the character. Protecting a neon-infused city against evil corporations and cabals is more his speed and the comic in some ways feels back to basics. There’s a bit that’s left out there for longtime fans that new readers might not get but overall, the comic is pretty friendly to those diving in. It’s Spider-Man in a futuristic city, exactly like it should be. The comic is a lot of what I remember after 30 years and exactly what I expected and hoped for. There’s the solid shocking language and slightly edgier Spider-Man but it’s mixed with some humor, heart, and solid action.

Paul Fry handles the art with Neeraj Menon‘s colors popping and Joe Caramagna‘s lettering adding so much personality. The comic looks amazing at times with vivid colors and solid action and angles. There’s some panels where what’s going on feels a little muddled and doesn’t quite convey clearly the details. But, this is a futuristic world that feels familiar and foreign at the same time. Like the story itself, it’s what I remember and expect. What’s great about the art is it lets Spider-Man 2099 be a look and visual language to himself. This isn’t putting the futuristic Spider-Man in familiar poses the original strikes. The visuals take a queue from that but doesn’t try to repeat it with neon.

Spider-Man 2099: Exodus Alpha #1 is a fun read that kicks off a nice way to celebrate 30 years. The comic feels like returning to old friends and hopefully the event itself is more of the same. It’s not groundbreaking but it is a lot of pop entertainment.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Paul Fry
Color: Neeraj Menon Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics

Dike Ruan Celebrates Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, and more in New AAPI Heritage Variant Covers

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This May, Marvel Comics honors Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with variant covers highlighting some of its most prominent Asian and AAPI characters! The AAPI Heritage Variant Covers will be drawn by acclaimed artist Dike Ruan, known for his incredible work on Shang-Chi, and colored by artist Neeraj Menon. Adorning the covers of Marvel’s hottest ongoing series, these stunning pieces are bursting with energy, showcasing Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, and more iconic heroes using their extraordinary gifts in stunning circular portraits! Here are the six heroes getting the spotlight in this year’s celebration:

  • Shang-Chi
  • Ms. Marvel
  • Sunfire
  • Wong
  • Wave
  • Mondo

Check them out now and collect all six AAPI Heritage Covers throughout May!

Review: Wastelanders: Wolverine #1

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Wastelanders: Wolverine #1

In a world where it feels like we are living in the end days, dystopia as entertainment seems too real. The Walking Dead seemed farfetched just two years. This has caused many to view the show more like a reality television show than escapist fiction. Needless to say, within this genre, it says more about human beings than the circumstances we find ourselves in.

One of the best comic books that takes place in a dystopian setting is Old Man Logan. The movie version also lived up to the book, giving fans what they wanted, a faithful adaptation. The thing is like like with all adaptations, it left a lot out and the story was too good not to be continued. Steven DeKnight and Ibrahim Moustafa bring back Logan for another ride, protecting the progeny of a one time foe in Wastelanders: Wolverine #1.

We are taken to the Eastern border of the former Hulkland Territory of the Wastelands, where we find out what happened after Old Man Logan, as he tried to find peace, but ended up having to go against the Banners, killing all of them except Bruce’s son. As his trek is not without troubles as he settles in Ghost Rider Territory, who challenge his presence and who all pay the ultimate price for it, as Logan’s taste for blood is still fresh from the massacre in Hulkland. As he looks for food and water, an unexpected enemy pops out of nowhere for one final fight. By the issue’s end, Logan stands victorious as Bruce’s son becomes bonded to him, burying his enemy once and for all.

Overall, Wastelanders: Wolverine #1 is an exciting first chapter to Logan’s adventures in the Wastelands. The story by DeKnight is wall to wall action. The art by the creative team is amazing. Altogether, a story that will have readers rooting for Logan to be the last man standing in the Wastelands.

Story: Steven DeKnight Art: Ibrahim Moustafa
Color: Neeraj Menon Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – TFAW

Review: Marvel’s Voices: Identity #1

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Marvel Voices Identity #1

As a child growing up, I yearned to see myself in the entertainment I enjoyed. I remembered watching TV and movies and rarely saw an Asian face. When we did show up, we were mostly background players. Thankfully, I had Kung Fu Theater, but most of those movies came off cartoonish and were made in the 1960s and 1970s.

Fast forward to today and we are getting our first Asian superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while along the way, strides have been made across all media. We have had three Asian centered television shows to grace. We also have a boom of Asian creativity across the Diasporas that have never been seen before. On the precipice of the Shang Chi movie being released, Marvel has released the one-shot, Marvel’s Voices Identity #1, where the House Of Ideas showcase some of their greatest heroes which just so happens to be Asian.

In “What Is Vs What If”, Shang Chi is challenged by the alternate version of himself if chose not defy his father. In “That One Thing”, Jubilee visits her parents’ graves and revisits her childhood through memories. In “Jimmy Woo 1959”, Jimmy uses his genius to help an alien that almost gets killed by an Army battalion. In “Seeing Red”, Kamala Khan while visiting family helps the local hero in Karachi. In “Personal Heroes”, Wave fights a water monster in her hometown with a hero she idolizes, Bishop. In “Singular/Plural”, Silhouette agonizes over the dating scene, blaming her disability for meeting eligible men, but one encounter, leads her to realize she needs to step out of her own shadow. In “Traditional Pink Sushi”, Armor and Silver Samurai, argue over how to make sushi and eventually realizes traditions are something to be renewed. In the last story,” New York State of Mind”, Silk and Amadeus Cho gets their day off interrupted, as they get into a fight the scarecrow on top of the Statue of Liberty.

Overall, Marvel’s Voices Identity #1 is an entertaining set of stories which not only highlight these heroes but also the excellent creators. The stories by the different creators are wondrous. The art by the different artists are beautiful. Altogether, Marvel’s Voices Identity #1 is a comics which introduces readers to these heroes and these talented creators.

Story: Gene Luen Yang, Christina Strain, Maurene Goo, Greg Pak, Sabir Pirzada, Jeremy Holt, Alyssa Wong, Ken Niimura
Art: Marcus To, Sunny Gho, Jason Loo, Lynne Yoshii, Sebastian Cheng, Creees Lee, Brian Reber, Darren Shan, Mashal Ahmed, Neeraj Menon, Alti Firmansyah, Irma Kniivila, Whilce Portacio, Jay David Ramos, Ken Niimura
Story: 10 Story: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1

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Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1

Fans of Star Wars will know that Boba Fett took the carbonite encased Han Solo to Jabba the Hutt, but how did that happen? As it turns out, the events in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi weren’t so smooth. Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 tells that untold tale as we find learn Fett’s trip had a lot of sidequests and distractions.

Written by Charles Soule, the comic feels like it keeps Marvel’s additive focus. The Star Wars comics under Marvel has taken known events and time periods and added depth. They’ve filled in the gaps that we didn’t know and that includes the characters themselves. Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 continues that. We get a bit more about Boba Fett and how he’s perceived. But, we also get that under the cool armor, he’s not always at the top of his game and can get tripped up. His reputation though, is one of a cool, calm, collected bounty hunter. He’s presented as one of the best.

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 is an entertaining comic in its focus on the Fett. But, it’s what’s added that’s surprising. We get an idea of who stole Solo from Fett before he could be delivered. The reveal is an interesting one folding in some Star Wars history and shows another example of how to mine such a vast history and still deliver something new that works. It’s an unexpected addition and one that potentially has a bit ramification for the Star Wars universe. Fans will be excited for this one.

The art is pretty solid. Luke Ross does a good job of depicting the various characters and the worlds. With Neeraj Menon on color and lettering by Travis Lanham it looks like the world of Star Wars. It’s both alien and familiar. The art isn’t completely smooth though. Boba Fett at times looks like he’s gained a bit of weight. It could be the angle but it’s a bit odd and definitely noticeable. Still, there’s a lot of characters packed into the issue and they’re all recognizable and look close to the real-world counterparts.

What’s also interesting is this isn’t a comic that has a ton of action. There’s definitely moments that punch but overall, the issue feels a bit more like a slow Western building up what’s to come. A lot of the comic is Boba being pissed as to what happened. There’s also the introduction to the mysterious group that stole Solo from him. It’s a lot of getting the ball rolling for the action to come.

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #1 is a solid start to the mini-series. The event overall is massive and it’ll be interesting to see how much one needs to read to really enjoy it. Hopefully, this main comic delivers the goods and now that all the players are on the board, we can really get to the action Boba Fett deserves.

Story: Charles Soule Art: Luke Ross
Color: Neeraj Menon Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

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