Tag Archives: tom muller

Sins of Sinister: Dominion wraps up the nightmare while setting up Fall of X

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Sins of Sinister: Dominion

A thousand years of hell and damnation comes to end with the loudest scream in history and for the truly guilty, there is no escape. Can the future change the present, or will we just make all the same mistakes again? Either way, the present will have to live with the future’s sins. Sins of Sinister: Dominion wraps up the recent X-Men event and also sets up the upcoming “Fall of X” storyline.

Written by Kieron Gillen, Sins of Sinister: Dominion is an interesting issue in that it packs in a hell of a lot and does it in a way that doesn’t feel like things are cut short. Gillen does a solid job of not just delivering action in the future but also the impact in the present while also setting up the next storyline. This isn’t an issue that simply “blinks” at the end allowing other comics to deal with the fallout, a lot happens here. That’s both good and bad.

Much like the event as a whole, Sins of Sinister: Dominion feels a bit like it’s missing some key points and information, like a record skipping a bit. Ideas are tossed into the issue with little explanation and much like the rest of the event too. You just roll with the flow of it all, accepting what’s in front of you and taking things as they are. New characters are introduced, sure to be popular with readers, and major status-quo changes happen too. But, what’s truly nice is it isn’t a clean ending. Sinister’s machinations have an impact in the present and things aren’t “fixed” neatly. It’s all rather dirty a nice change in some ways from past events. Sinister has screwed over some key characters with his manipulation leaving their future in the unknown and in question. There’s no neat and clean ending here.

The art by Paco Medina and Lucas Werneck is nice. With color by Bryan Valenza and lettering by Clayton Cowles the art is packed with a lot of action. But, there’s also a clear difference between the two styles, one I like and one not as much. It’s a small distraction that was noticeable and some of the art just isn’t as strong as other points. But, there’s a sense of flair and style that has weaved its way through all of Sins of Sinister and this is no exception.

Sins of Sinister: Dominion wraps things up well but like the event itself feels like it needed more space to do so. Overall, the event was an interesting one skipping through time over three series bookended by two issues. It delivered pieces of the overall story, forcing readers to put the dots together. The finale doesn’t totally do that but definitely could have benefited from fleshing some aspects out a bit more than it does. If nothing else, it sets up what’s next to come, and that might be more interesting than the event itself.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Paco Medina, Lucas Werneck
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.15 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

X-Force #39 ushers in a bright new age for the team

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X-Force #39

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 

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Nightcrawlers #2 is an interesting concept

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Nightcrawlers #2

“Sins of Sinister” has taken a different approach to events. Instead of more linear narrative told across a main title with tie-ins, we get an opening comic, three main comics, and then a finale. But, those individual series is where it gets intriguing. Instead of a story told across a few issues, each group of issues takes place in a time period. The first is 10 years after Sinister’s plan takes place, the second 100 years, and the third 1,000 years. So, instead of a flowing narrative, each issue has felt like a one-shot teasing the world. Nightcrawlers #2 takes place 100 years from the beginning of the event’s story focusing on the gene spliced holy thieves.

Written by Si Spurrier, Nightcrawlers #2 feels like continues the the overall concept of the event. The Nightkin were freed from Sinister’s control in the first issue, now serving Mother Righteous. 100 years have gone by and things have gotten out of control once again.

Mother Righteous is up to something having her Nightkin stealing artifacts from across the cosmos. It’s become a cosmic cult, following whatever Righteous’ plan is. But as she’s “a Sinister,” you can only trust what is said so much. Instead cracks are formed as lies begin to pile up and Righteous’ control isn’t as tight as expected. From the Nightkin’s perspective, things also spiral as it’s clear things aren’t as righteous as presented to them. It’s a solid concept but one issue is far too short to explore it.

The art by Andrea Di Vito is interesting. With color by Jim Charalampidis and lettering by Clayton Cowles, there’s a need for the visuals to tell a lot of the story, and they do. Small details add to let the readers know where things stand and where the world is at this point. The way someone is dressed, the look they give at a moment, it all comes together to add a little more depth to what’s going on. The chimera aspect of the characters too is key, with the visuals hinting as to what’s going on and who they are. It all comes together in an entertaining enough way.

Nightcrawlers #2 isn’t bad, but the format for “Sins of Sinister” doesn’t help the ambition. Each issue has teased the world and narrative and each could have easily expanded delivering more of a flowing story. Instead, the event feels like numerous one-shots taking place in a shared world where we need to piece together the details. It’s an interesting concept and idea but there’s a lot here and a lot thrown at readers that’s good and deserves to be fleshed out and expanded upon.

Story: Si Spurrier Art: Andrea Di Vito
Color: Jim Charalampidis Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Nightcrawlers #1 adds more dimensions to the X-Event

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Nightcrawlers #1

The genius of What If? lies in its ingenuity. I remember the first issue I read was back in middle school. It instantly blew me away just on concept alone. The later 1990s edition felt like a nod to the original series and the Marvel version of The Twilight Zone.

It took readers on some very plausible roads with their favorite characters. It also made us empathize with villains who we would otherwise see as one dimensional. So it makes sense, that Disney+ decided to pursue a TV show because of how innovative the series was. In Nightcrawlers #1, we a nightmare “what if” version of what happens when you mix Nightcrawler and some of the world’s greatest heroes and villains, all under the control of Mister Sinister.

We are taken to the Sanctum Sanctorum in New Essex( what was New York) where the Nightcrawlers are looking for sources of power for their master, Mister Sinister when they find Ghost Rider cornered . Just when he thinks they will meet their end, X-23 and Spiderman turns on their fellow Nightcrawlers, as they start a small rebellion. As their leader, Mother Righteous has slowly filling her ranks with those who have grown tired of Mister Sinister. As they execute a debilitating attack on him but one that slithers out alive from. By issue’s end, Mother Righteous gathers who she has freed from Sinister and discovers a secret weapon to free them all form under his control.

Overall, Nightcrawlers #1 is an excellent debut issue that adds even more dimension to this big comic event. The story by Spurrier is exciting. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, a story that shows just how dangerous the stakes are for all in this dystopian future.

Story: Si Spurrier Art: Paco Medina
Color: Jay David Ramos Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 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

Review: X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1

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X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1

Last year’s Hellfire Gala delivered memorable moments. The X-Men’s godlike plans for Mars were revealed. There was a murder. It was a coming out of sorts further onto the world, and galactic, stage for the mutant nation. For all of the grand ideas of last year’s event, X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 lacks pretty much all of that. It’s a rather choppy issue whose whole at times makes little sense.

Written by Gerry Duggan, X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 revolves around the revelation of mutant resurrection to the world. It is now a known thing setting up questions, both in how will every react, and does it create a security issue. The answer to the first is, not in any realistic way and the latter is, of course. The event will be held and it’s just Avengers, X-Men, and some celebrities that attend. And that’s what’s rather odd. With such an announcement you’d either have world leaders there to protest or protesting and not going. None of that is addressed. The Avengers attend and kind of shrug their shoulders about it all instead flirting with Emma Frost. Even when it’s revealed that Mr. Fantastic had his mind wiped over something, no one seems pissed about it. It’s like everyone took pills to relax before. For a revelation that’s built up as world shattering, the end result during the Hellfire Gala is a reaction that lacks emotion. Even Doctor Doom, who would make a speech or plot around it, makes a joke about returning David Bowie. For something that’s set to such a high pedestal, no one beyond the X-Men are treating it as such.

Then there’s the Spider-Man tie-in. Moira as infiltrated the event through Mary Jane Watson and while there’s a confrontation it doesn’t result in much after it feels like. Wolverine heads to Spider-Man’s comic for an issue but you’d think there’d be some more action regarding this. Was anyone else compromised? No one is going to check? Shut the place down? Your enemy showed up and then gets away and there’s… talk. It’s all rather odd.

Finally, the election of the new X-Men team doesn’t feel like an election. Three members remain on the team, Emma suggests one, and then others feel like they’re volunteered. Where’s the election? Wouldn’t it had been better to have some suspense and have the mutants of Krakoa vote as some are nominated and show an actual “vote”? It’s rather odd in the execution.

But, many will be buying the comic for the fashion. Kris Anka, Russell Dauterman, Matteo Lolli, and CF Villa all provide the art. Rain Beredo, Frank Martin, Matt Milla, and Matthew Wilson handle the color. Cory Petit is on lettering. The designs are always interesting to see. Some are beautiful dresses but this year’s fashion doesn’t feel as inspired by last year’s. Maybe a theme for next year would be better? Overall though, it looks good and I can’t knock the visuals too much. But, it also doesn’t quite have the memorable moments like last year.

X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 is not the sum of its parts. It is not a better whole than each individual piece. That’s partially because each individual piece is in itself rather odd. X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1 feels like a zero issue in some ways. It sets up A.X.E.: Judgement Day for the X-Men and like Eve of Judgement being from the Eternal’s point of view, this delivers the X-Men’s side. It’s an issue that had potential but it never quite lives up to the importance it claims it has.

Story: Gerry Duggan Art: Kris Anka, Russell Dauterman, Matteo Lolli, CF Villa
Color: Rain Beredo, Frank Martin, Matt Milla, Matthew Wilson
Letterer: Cory Petit Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – TFAW – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Knights of X #1

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Knights of X #1

When Neil Gaiman wrote Marvel 1602, he re-imagined our favorite heroes during medieval times. It gave us a brand new look at how these characters would fare in a different time and different place. As the years have gone by since it was first published, fans have been clamoring for a return to that world.

As medieval sword and fantasy stories have become popular again, our favorite superheroes in these settings have been missed. You can take a show like Game Of Thrones, where magic and supernatural creatures are part of that world, and you can easily see our favorite mutants living there. In the newest event surrounding Krakoa, we find Professor X’s brood dealing with a whole new municipality where they can live free but not without its complications. In the debut issue of Tini Howard’s Knights of X, we find Betsy Braddock being the only hope to restore order in Otherworld.

We’re taken to Otherworld, which is ruled by Merlyn, King Arthur and his loyal knights, who search the land looking for what they call “witchbreed” better known as mutants to the rest of us. This doesn’t bode well for Jersey Devil, who is not of this world but from Krakoa, and if he gets killed here, he can’t be revived like he could back on Earth, but thankfully, a soldier from the Captain Britain Corps comes to his rescue. We soon find out Merlyn has taken control of Starlight Citadel, the gate that goes to Krakoa, now known as the Lunatic Citadel, and the only respite the super powered has in this world, is the kingdom of Roma, who just so happens to be Merlyn’s daughter. As we find Betsy Braddock and Roma at odds , as they can’t agree on how to wage war against Merlyn and his merciless genocide against mutants,  as they find a back way to Krakoa, which gives Betsy an idea to recruit some reinforcements with the Grimoire of Apocalypse in hand, to even the odds with a powerful sorcerer like Merlyn. By the issue’s end, Betsy brings the fight to King Arthur and his knights, recruits a different version of Morded and finally forms what Roma envisioned, the Knights Of X.

Overall, Knights of X #1 is one of the better stories from the Krakoan Age event, one which invokes high fantasy. The story by Howard is fascinating. The art by creative team is awe inspiring. Altogether, it’s a story that uses the best part of the Arthurian legend and injects it with our favorite mutants.

Story: Tini Howard Art: Bob Quinn
Color: Erick Arciniega Letterer: Ariana Maher Design: Tom Muller
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 – TFAW

Mazebook gets a Dark Horse Direct Exclusive Hardcover Edition

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Dark Horse Direct and Jeff Lemire have partnered up and are delighted to present Mazebook HC (Dark Horse Direct Exclusive)!

This deluxe, limited, and oversized hardcover edition collects issues #1-5 of the bestselling Mazebook series, an ambitious and haunting graphic novel about family, mourning, and reality from New York Times bestselling and Eisner award-winning Black Hammer creator Jeff Lemire. Limited to just 1000 copies, this exclusive edition includes a printed art tip-in signed by Jeff Lemire, a cloth cover with red stitch embroidery, foil stamping, a color ribbon and gilding. This incredible collector’s edition features a sketchbook section with pinups by Andrea Sorrentino, Dustin Nguyen, Dean Ormston, Matt Kindt, and Gabriel Hernández Walta! Elegantly designed by award-winning designer and creative director Tom Muller, the exclusive Mazebook HC retails for $125.00 USD with payment plan options available and is scheduled to begin shipping to pre-order customers between June and July 2022. 

Mazebook is the story of a lonely building inspector, still grieving the loss of his puzzle-loving daughter, receives a mysterious phone call. Convinced that this child is contacting him from beyond this world, he sets out on an intense and melancholy adventure to bring his daughter back home.

The Mazebook HC (Dark Horse Direct Exclusive) is now available for pre-order.

Mazebook HC (Dark Horse Direct Exclusive)

Review: X-Men Red #1

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X-Men Red #1

When it comes to dual X-Men teams, it often feels like one of the teams is the “also rans”. Two teams of heavy hitters has happened but even then, there feels like a bit of a rivalry between them. Too often it’s just the personalities that really define the difference. X-Men Red #1 is an intriguing entry in the “Destiny of X” line of X-Men comics in that its focus is not on the X-Men of Earth, instead it’s a terraformed Mars, dubbed Arakko. Lead by Storm, the planet features mutants from Krakoa and Amenth, a combination that opens things up to a literal world of new characters.

With a world of possibilities, writer Al Ewing does a nice balance of old and new. There’s classic X-Men characters like Sunspot and James Proudstar (aka Warpath), newer X-Men like Vulcan, and then members of Amenth, generally new to readers. But, at the center of it all is Storm and Magneto, two heavy hitters who have shaped the X-Men throughout the decades and look to do so again in X-Men Red #1.

What’s interesting is Ewing’s focus. A world so knew has lead both Storm and Magneto to reflect on their past. Infinite possibilities of what to build has caused each to think about what they’ve done, what they’ve shaped, and how they’re viewed. Magneto, going by Max, is the most interesting of all the characters. His weariness shows a man who has recognized his failures and short comings and in many ways tired of the struggle. He’s the battle hardened vet shaped by years of abuse, torture, and hate, and forged from the horrors of what mankind can do. In his journey he meets a member of the Amenth who also was forged from bars and torture. The duo together bond over their pain and suffering. Ewing presents a Magneto who’s almost poetic in his musings, far displaced from his much more focused and planned statements during his leadership of Krakoa. The debut also directly takes on the opening of House of X/Powers of X when it comes to Storm and Magneto who both showed off nationalist tendencies. Max is directly confronted about his beliefs and views by his new friend who challenges a lot of the status quo.

Stefano Caselli‘s artwork is fantastic. Along with Federico Blee on color and Ariana Maher‘s lettering, the comic is a blend of fantasy and future. It’s a strange new world that doesn’t feel too alien to connect with. A bar fight involves a simple table being smashed over an individual that looks like a normal table. But, that bar is full of characters who look like something out of a sci-fi adventure. That sits side by side as Max and his new friend talk in fields that look straight out of feudal times as Max builds a castle of his own. The juxtaposition of it all is not lost and quite nice as worlds combine to forge something new, a brotherhood.

The question going into X-Men Red #1 is whether it can be more than just “X-Men on Mars”. The debut issue sets a groundwork that’s intriguing and interesting with conflict to come and political machinations and drama to keep things interesting. It’s a solid debut that promises a bright future for the once red planet.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Stefano Caselli
Color: Federico Blee Letterer: Ariana Maher Design: Tom Muller, Jay Bowen
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Immortal X-Men #1

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Immortal X-Men #1

When it comes to the X-Men, there is an air of mystery which usually pulls fans to them. I can remember the first time I picked up one of their issues. I was at Jim Hanley’s Universe  back home in New York, which was one of the coolest comic book stores ever. It had Colossus on the cover, and from that issue on, I was hooked.

As the years have gone by there have been many authors who have guided that ship, but very few whose runs were memorable. One of the most honored is Chris Claremont and another being Kieron Gillen. In the debut issue of Immortal X-Men, Gillen returns, for a frightening take on the Quiet Council who rules during the Krakoan Age.

We are taken to Paris 1919, where Essex and Adler speak of the coming war, as both are members of the Quiet Council, and though Krakoa has enjoyed relative peace, it doesn’t stop infighting from bubbling over. We are taken to a meeting, where Magneto has decided to retire, which immediately creates a power vacuum, one which has each council member plotting for control. As Destiny gets her share of sycophants amongst the council members to nominate a new member, an unlikely frontrunner rises , Hope, who brought back Destiny and intimidates most on the island. By issue’s end,a slighted mutant takes revenge on the council for not choosing her, unleashing a deadly  behemoth, that could consume all the inhabitants.

Altogether, Immortal X-Men #1 is one of the better stories from this event, making Gillen the perfect storyteller. The story by Gillen is action packed. The art by creative team is beautiful. Altogether, a palace intrigue play that involves your favorite mutants, no one could write this better.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Lucas Werneck
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller
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 – TFAW

Review: Immortal X-Men #1

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Immortal X-Men #1

After a brief interlude with X Lives of Wolverine and X Deaths of Wolverine, the next phase of Marvel’s X-Men kicks off with Immortal X-Men #1. With Jonathan Hickman no longer guiding the direction, Destiny of X is a launching point to see where various creators can take the toys that Hickman set up over the previous few years. Immortal X-Men feels like the new “flagship” for the line taking over the role “Uncanny” held for decades with its focus on the Quiet Council and its heavy hitters. The focus isn’t just the latest threat to deal with but the grand direction for mutantkind impacting every other X-Men comic being released.

Writer Kieron Gillen returns to the X-Men after a memorable run on Uncanny X-Men. For those that read that, it should be no surprise the debut issue centers around Mr. Sinister who acts as our tour guide taking us through the politics and machinations of Krakoa and its ruling council.

Gillen continues to bring a bit of flair to Sinister who delivers ego, humor, and devious insight into the goings on. Sinister also seems to be at the center of what potentially could be major ramifications for mutantkind and Krakoa if he’s found out. But Gillen weaves back into history setting up a relationship between Sinister and Destiny which goes back a hundred years. There’s a great mix of sinister and humor to it all with political dancing that eventually flows into the action and reveal we all expect to come.

Gillen’s story is enhanced by the art of Lucas Werneck whose style is perfect for the tone of it all. Joined by David Curiel on color and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic’s imagery is as important as what is said. The body language of characters is key to Sinister’s comments and observations and we get an idea of some of what is getting him to come to his conclusions. There’s also Sinister himself whose body language is beyond comedic and lightens what could easily be a rather dour and serious debut. The characters look great and it really is the small details of all of the reactions that make the comic stand out. Sinister’s observations put them all in the spotlight and the art team pulls it off and then some.

Immortal X-Men #1 kicks things off setting the X-Men in a whole new direction. It builds off of what has come before and sets up so much new to come. Its humor keeps things light and funny delivering an engaging start that’s not to be missed.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Lucas Werneck
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Tom Muller
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology/Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

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