X-Force #43
(W) Ben Percy (A) Robert Gill (CA) Daniel Acuna
Rated T+
In Shops: Aug 23, 2023
SRP: $3.99
COLOSSUS leads X-FORCE into the next era! But no one on the team is prepared for a mission set to fracture their trust and teamwork for all time. And don’t miss the first of legendary Daniel Acuna’s run of covers on the series!
We’re going back to early 2018 to revisit an old column this week, because if you listen to Those Two Geeks, then you’ll understand why this comic was so loved.
This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Ivar, Timewalker
My comic shop recently got the deluxe hardcover edition of Valiant’s Ivar, Timewalker in on a special order for yours truly, which collects the entire twelve issue run in one place for $40. You can also pick up the series in three softcover trade paperbacks, if you’re so inclined, but I’ve become partial to the oversized hardcovers (especially because of the bonus material in the back, but then I love that stuff). I had already read the final four issues of the series long before I started reading the hardcover, which some would think would be foolish, but when you’re reading a book about time travel then it suddenly becomes less foolish.
In order to give you a bit of context, you’ll find the preview text for the series below.
“At this very moment in Geneva, Switzerland, history is being made. A thousand meters underground inside the Large Hadron Collider, researcher Neela Sethi is about to discover time travel – and jeopardize her life in the process. But she doesn’t know that yet. Ten minutes from now, every deadbeat chrononaut, wannabe conqueror, and misguided protector of the timestream will be banging down her door. Good thing that the legendary Ivar, Timewalker, got there first…right? Now it’s down to history’s most jaded, most tempestuous time traveler to stop the worst of everything that is, was, and will be…before time runs out!“
The series was written by Fred Van Lente, who was joined by Pere Perez, Francis Portella and Clayton Henry with Robert Gill, the first issue being released in January 2015, with the final issue coming in December of that year. The twelve issue series is one of the more underrated offerings from Valiant Entertainment, as many people don’t tend to think about Ivar, Timewalker when talking about the great comics to have come from this publisher – myself included.
As a story about time travel, Ivar, Timewalker is a series that rewards multiple readings – indeed, you could reasonably start at the beginning of any of the three arcs within the series, though this is admittedly more difficult to do with the deluxe edition than the single issues or the trades. Van Lente put together a story that will leave you with as many questions as it will provide answers with an intelligent script that effortlessly blends a heartbreaking story of loss, hope and determination with a sly wit that will have you laughing out loud more often than you would expect in a series that, technically, isn’t a comedy.
Time travel, and effects travelers can have on history are touched on, and often provide some interesting flashes to a story that at its heart is a tale of two incredibly different people; Ivar himself, and Neela Sethi – the scientist who will invent time travel. For as fantastical as the scenery is in this series (and thanks to the artists, it truly is phenomenal), the true draw is the relationship between the two leads.
And that relationship is why you need to read this wonderful story at least twice. I didn’t realize how good this book was when I first read it, and I dare say it’ll only get better with time. Pardon the pun.
Time travel has never been so wonderful.
Join us next week where there will doubtless be another movie, series, comic or comic related thing discussed that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.
Since 2019’s House of X, mutantkind has thrived on the island nation of Krakoa, but could it really last forever? That question will be explored and answered in Fall of X, a new era of X-Men storytelling that kicks off in next month’s X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023 #1.
Epic tragedy and unforgivable betrayals will send mutantkind away from the safety of Krakoa and into one of the darkest periods in X-Men history. A new world map graphic shows just how tumultuous things will be by pinpointing where various titles and characters will end up when Fall of X begins. Fans can also get a sneak peek at what’s to come by checking out covers and story information for September’s X-Men related titles.
UNCANNY SPIDER-MAN #1 (OF 5)
Written by SI SPURRIER
Art by LEE GARBETT
Cover by TONY DANIEL
THE NIGHTCRAWLING WALL-CRAWLER!
On the darkest of days, he is the spark in the shadows! After the devastating events of the Hellfire Gala, Kurt Wagner is on the run – and having the time of his life?! Swashbuckling about NYC in disguise, the Uncanny Wallcrawler sets aside his mutant angst and dedicates himself to the hero’s life: saving civilians, hanging with fellow wallcrawlers, battling baddies, and hunting down the best pizza on the planet. But he can’t ignore the mutant plight forever… Si Spurrier and Lee Garbett launch a joyful, sexy series that will shake Nightcrawler to his foundations – and have a hell of a good time doing it!
UNCANNY AVENGERS #2 (OF 5)
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art and Cover by JAVIER GARRÓN
At a time when mutant and human relations are in the toilet, the Uncanny Avengers have run smack into a new BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS, and, folks, lemme tell you — they came here to beat up Avengers and X-Men and chew gum, and they’re all outta gum. Wake up, babe, a new romance hits that will make readers froth at the mouth. Plus, Ben Urich. Always the mark of a quality and important Marvel Comic. FOOM!
ALPHA FLIGHT #2 (OF 5)
Written by ED BRISSON
Art by SCOTT GODLEWSKI
Cover by LEONARD KIRK
REBEL ALLIANCE!
NORTHSTAR, AURORA, NEMESIS and FANG must be stopped! But what are these former ALPHA FLIGHT heroes up to that’s unleashed the fury of DEPARTMENT H and their all-new weapon: the BOX SENTINELS?!
CHILDREN OF THE VAULT #2 (OF 4)
Written by DENIZ CAMP
Art by LUCA MARESCA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
WELCOME TO THE TOMORROWTOWNS!
The Children of the Vault will bring this world into the future – kicking and screaming! In the wake of the fall of Krakoa, the Children emerge as humankind’s greatest and only saviors, defending Earth from Shi’ar attacks and supernatural sightings alike. And humanity LOVES it. Only Bishop and Cable can see through the Children’s impossible promises – but can these two old enemies work together long enough to stop them? The explosive series continues as mutantkind’s boldest soldiers prepare for war!
DARK X-MEN #2 (OF 5)
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by JONAS SCHARF
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
SAVE THEM ALL OR DIE TRYING!
The Dark X-Men’s first “rescue mission” ended in blood and flame, the team is already at each other’s throats, and the fallen now rise against them. Plus, Madelyne Pryor makes the worst mistake possible in a horror story: Never. Ever. Split up.
JEAN GREY #2 (OF 4)
Written by LOUISE SIMONSON
Art by BERNARD CHANG
Cover by AMY REEDER
THE DARKEST PERIOD IN JEAN GREY’S HISTORY!
The Dark Phoenix has haunted Jean Grey since it emerged from Jamaica Bay. But what if the Phoenix had chosen…someone else? The love story of Cyclops and Jean Grey is one of the most beloved in Marvel Comics’ history. Now witness a legendary creator break their hearts – and their minds. But this is no “what if.” Jean Grey is not where she is meant to be…and neither is the rest of mutantkind. Stunning secrets will be revealed as Jean Grey lays the groundwork for her next shocking appearance in “Fall of X”!
ASTONISHING ICEMAN #2 (OF 5)
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art by VINCENZO CARRATÙ
Cover by JESÚS SAIZ
HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTBREAK IS!
The bait is set for BOBBY DRAKE as the ELEMENTS OF DOOM target his hometown! Terrorizing the town that raised ICEMAN – but to what end? They say you can’t go home again, but if Iceman can’t save the day, he might not have a home to return to!
REALM OF X #2 (OF 4)
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by DIÓGENES NEVES
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
PROPHECY, PERIL AND POWERLESSNESS!
With her powers still on the fritz, Magik makes a desperate move to try and recover the missing Curse – but is she playing right into someone else’s nefarious plans? Plus, tempers are ready to erupt as this powder keg of a team struggles to protect their fellow mutants from the growing conflict in Vanaheim. The date of the prophecy looms ever closer–but at this rate, will the team even make it to then or will they implode before they even get a chance to prove themselves?!
X-MEN #26
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by STEFANO CASELLI
Cover by LUCAS WERNECK
“WE’RE NOT LOSING AN X-MAN… WE’RE GAINING AN AVENGER!”
The moment we swore would never happen—heck, the moment EMMA FROST swore would never happen—is here at last! As the Frost/Stark knot is tied in INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10, Emma’s mutant family reacts to this surprise news!
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by JUAN FRIGERI
Cover by LUCAS WERNECK
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Anthony Edward Stark and Emma Grace Frost…Come join the lucky couple as they exchange vows. Attire is Hellfire formal. Orchis raid to follow. Plus some exclusive wedding extras!
X-MEN RED #15
Written by AL EWING
Art by YILDIRAY ÇINAR
Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
SINS OF THE PAST!
Under siege in Port Prometheus, Storm readies to hold the line against the ultimate bioweapon. Meanwhile, the Fisher King finds himself tormented by his strange new abilities…and the secrets in his memory might turn the tide of the Genesis War.
X-FORCE #44
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by ROBERT GILL
Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
X-FORCE NO MORE?!
X-perience the FALL OF X at its most dire! X-Force is captured – but what power could possibly keep them off the grid, and who is truly to blame? With Sage, Deadpool and Domino on the outside, will the Wolverine Sentinels beat them to their quarry, or can X-Force reunite to take down the enemies of mutantkind once and for all?
IMMORTAL X-MEN #15
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by LUCAS WERNECK
Cover by MARK BROOKS
After the Gala, we wondered – did anyone survive the experience? Now we discover the real question: How long can anyone survive this?
WOLVERINE #37
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
HULK AND WOLVERINE – TOGETHER AGAIN in LAST MUTANT STANDING Part 1!
Logan’s grand tour of the Marvel Universe begins here in the only way it could – face-to-face once more with the INCREDIBLE HULK! But will they meet as friends or enemies? And Wolverine hunts down his remaining three clones from Beast’s Weapons of X, for in the end, there can be only one Logan! The perfect jumping on point as Wolverine’s new status quo in the FALL OF X kicks into high gear!
X-Force #41
(W) Ben Percy (A) Robert Gill (CA) Joshua Cassara
Rated T+
In Shops: Jun 21, 2023
SRP: $3.99
QUENTIN QUIRE RETURNS TO OVERTHROW BEAST’S BARBARIC RULE! The once-KID OMEGA returns to X-FORCE! But where has he been? And where is he taking the team? Mysteries will be revealed as BEAST’S dark agenda is fully exposed! (Hint: Any X LIVES OF WOLVERINE fans may want to pick this up too!)
X-Force #40
(W) Ben Percy (A) Robert Gill, Paul Davidson (CA) Joshua Cassara
Rated T+
In Shops: May 17, 2023
SRP: $3.99
BACK FROM THE FUTURE!
The new team of COLOSSUS, WOLVERINE, DEADPOOL, OMEGA RED, SAGE and DOMINO must contend with BEAST’S plans… and the future! A blast from their past will have readers talking, and sets the stage for the next era of X-FORCE!
X-Force #39
(W) Ben Percy (A) Robert Gill (CA) Joshua Cassara
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99
COLOSSUS AND WOLVERINE JOIN X-FORCE! It’s a NEW ERA for X-FORCE, and a new era means new members! Be here as LAURA KINNEY, A.K.A. WOLVERINE, and PIOTR RASPUTIN, A.K.A. COLOSSUS, join the team. Let’s just hope one of them isn’t harboring a SECRET set to destroy their teammates?!
The fallout of the Beast’s crimes! A new X-force! And a new Wolverine? All this and more in X-Force #39! Benjamin Percy and Robert Gill bring their A-game in X-Force #39, the latest issue in Percy’s epic ushers in a new chapter for the titular X-Force.
X-Force #39 comes off the heels of the “Beast Agenda” arc of Wolverine. When Beast’s crimes finally catch up to him, he goes on the run, abandoning X-Force. The team is left to pick up the pieces and redefine what X-Force means in the wake of these events. X-Force #39 firmly expects you to have been keeping up with Wolverine, also by Percy. X-Force and Wolverine are two sides of the same coin. They are two books heavily intertwined in plot. I can’t recommend reading one without the other.
X-Force #39 is mostly set up, but Percy and Gill keep it lively and fun. Much of the issue is spent on the politicking of the governing body of Krakoa, The Quiet Council, over Beast’s vile machinations. It’s a surprising and engaging dialogue that gets to questioning the utility of his actions. Percy uses the Quiet Council as an analog to real-world governments and how they justify the crimes of agencies like the CIA.
Gill brings spectacular art aided by the always wonderful coloring of Guru-eFX and the lettering of VC’s Joe Caramagna. The art is bright and colorful but has an undeniable edge to it. That edge is on display when it comes time for Gill to deliver a gloriously gorey action sequence.
X-Force #39 is a great first chapter to a new age. It gives closure to Beast’s plot (for now!) while establishing the foundations for a bright new future. Overall, I’m excited to see where Percy and Gill take the book next!
Story: Benjamin Percy Art: Robert Gill
Color: Guru-eFX Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna Design: Tom Muller w/ Jay Bowen
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.5 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
X-Force #39
(W) Ben Percy (A) Robert Gill (CA) Joshua Cassara
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99
COLOSSUS AND WOLVERINE JOIN X-FORCE! It’s a NEW ERA for X-FORCE, and a new era means new members! Be here as LAURA KINNEY, A.K.A. WOLVERINE, and PIOTR RASPUTIN, A.K.A. COLOSSUS, join the team. Let’s just hope one of them isn’t harboring a SECRET set to destroy their teammates?!
This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior.
Just under a year and a half aog, Valiant Entertainment released a deluxe hardcover edition collecting the entire 14 issue run of Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior along with Eternal Warrior: Awakening #1. Fifteen comics presented in an over-sized hardcover along with 20 odd pages of bonus extras that add a lot for those interested in the process of the creation of the series, all for $49.99. And yes, I did buy this myself (and happily so) despite having access to the review copies and single issues I had picked up when released.
This series remains one of my all time favourites, so getting a chance to read it all in one spot was something I couldn’t pass up.
But despite this being one of my all time greats, it wasn’t until about the midway point that I fell for the series. Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior didn’t start out as a series that wowed me. The first four issues seemed to struggle with pacing and the art style, especially given the series billing as a follow-up to the explosively exciting Book Of Death miniseries that (spoiler) ended in the Eternal Warrior’s death. It’s that death, and those that follow, that form the crux of the series, but without the first four issues you don’t realize the toll taken on the Eternal Warrior with each death and resurrection cycle. The comics that I felt struggled with pacing quickly became some of the most important ground-setting in modern comics – a lesson that I took to heart, and quickly so.
Comics, like all stories, need time to breath.
It would also be fair to say that the art team of Raul Allen and Patricia Martin were not immediately to my taste. In furtherance to that, it would also be fair to say that my taste quickly changed as the series progressed and the elegance and artistic genius of the husband and wife team gave me a new appreciation of the majesty of sequential art. There are other artists who contribute to the series, all with a fantastic level of talent; it’s these contributions that give the series the honour of being one of the most visually stunning and diverse pieces of sequential art published by Valiant.
Robert Venditti has written some incredible comics in his time, but one of the finest examples of his work comes in the fourteen issue run of Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior. Taking you on a journey through history, across continents and beyond death, Venditti weaves an incredibly deep tale that reveals a different layer upon each subsequent reading.
It’s also violent as all hell in places, which should satisfy the need we have for a bit of blood and conflict in our comics, but there’s also a deep emotional story here that cannot – and should not – go ignored. The Eternal Warrior is an ancient being, and his life has not always been sunshine and roses – but he still picks himself up and dusts himself off.
Isn’t there a saying that’s roughly it isn’t how many times we fall, but how many times we pick ourselves up?
Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior is a fantastic series, and I envy those of you who get to read the entire thing in one sitting; the deluxe hardcover is worth picking up for that series alone, which is why I haven’t mentioned Eternal Warrior: Awakening at any point in this week’s column because that’s the cherry on top of the fantastic main course. Mixed metaphors aside, Awakening is another really good comic, and serves as another nice bonus for those who buy the collection.
I’ll make no secret of my abject love for this series, indeed the fact I own both the individual issues and the deluxe hardcover when I also have access to the review copies should hopefully speak volumes to that love. It’s a love that I genuinely believe you’ll share when you give the series a chance – it’s an underrated gem.
Join us next week when we look at something else that is, for whatever reason, Underrated.
X-Force #38
(W) Ben Percy (A) Robert Gill (CA) Joshua Cassara
In Shops: Mar 01, 2023
SRP: $3.99
XENO’S ENDGAME – THE OMNI-MUTANT!
It’s all been leading to this – XENO’s showdown with X-FORCE, and the terrible truth of their horror-show experiments! WHO, or WHAT, is the OMNI-MUTANT?!
