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Miguel O’Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #1 is a harrowing dystopian tale

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Miguel O'Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #1

The Blade movies were ahead of their time. They were not your run of the mill monster movies. They were not your typical comic book movies either. They were a hybrid, which showed viewers and filmmakers a new way of blending genres.

The second movie was probably the best out of the three and was directed by a still fresh Guillermo Del Toro. It showed our hero teaming up to take down a bigger threat. In the debut issue of Miguel O’Hara: Spider-Man 2099, we find Blade teaming up with Miguel to take down Marvel Zombie 2099.

We’re taken to Earth 2099, where a siege of zombies have taken over Nueva York, and a zombie has turned Miguel’s mother into one, as he is starting to see just how serious the problem is. We also find Blade in Harlem, where he helps find the root cause, as he deduces that they were genetically engineered. As Blade and Miguel eventually finds out who created this serum in hopes of saving his wife and actually instead creating eternal life. By the issue’s end, our heroes track down our villain, giving him a taste of his own medicine, but their lives are forever changed by it.

Overall, Miguel O’Hara: Spider-Man 2099 #1 is a harrowing dystopian tale that shows what happens when grief makes people do desperate things. The story by Orlando is surprising. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, an excellent story that is both meditative and action packed.

Story: Steve Orlando Art: Devmalya Pramanik
Color: Raúl Angulo Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Kindle

Mini Reviews: Hawkgirl #1 and Blade #1

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Hawkgirl #1

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 reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Hawkgirl #1 (DC Comics) – Apart from guest appearances here and there and of course her amazing role in Justice League Unlimited, I didn’t know much about Hawkgirl. But after reading Jadzia Axelrod, Amancay Nahuelpan, and Adriano Lucas’ Hawkgirl #1, consider me a Kendra Stan. Hawkgirl starts strangely with fairy tale narration and mysterious figures before turning into a superhero punch ‘em up. Kendra starting over and issues opening up and finding an outlet outside of hitting aliens with her mace make her relatable and endearing before Axelrod and Nahuelpan throw her into the main plot of the series. And speaking of Nahuelpan, his art is high energy and does Hawkgirl and the other superhumans’ abilities Justice. However, my personal favorite part of Hawkgirl #1 was also the queer representation, including Galaxy and Kendra’s college friend Abilene who is going through a similar life crisis. Galaxy’s enthusiasm (and talking corgi) make her a nice foil to Kendra’s world-weariness, and I’m definitely reading Prettiest Star while waiting for Hawkgirl #2 to drop. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy (I purchased copy.)

Blade #1 (Marvel) – Even though it ends up being your standard team up and save the world from a supernatural threat with a tinge of East and Southeast Asian culture, Blade #1 is a stylish-looking action book from Bryan Hill, Elena Casagrande, and Jordie Bellaire, who especially pours on the red in an opening club sequence reminiscent of the 1998 film. Hill also has a solid handle on Blade’s stoic voice and nature introducing vulnerabilities and cracks in his personality towards the end of the first issue. There’s definitely an emphasis on stoic with Hill being content to let Casagrande’s visuals sing with horrifying imagery and clever fight choreography. This isn’t a particularly deep comic, but it’s a fun ride and filled with the brand of badass action that Blade is known for in other mediums. Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Read (I purchased a copy)

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

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 (**).

Captain America: Unforgiven #1 is a satisfying conclusion to a great story arc

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Captain America: Unforgiven

What I liked about the What If series on Disney+, is that it kept the spirit of the comic book.. As that anything can happen to any of our heroes, based on certain choices. The episode that I really enjoyed was the Marvel Zombies one, where we find a dystopia where some of our most powerful heroes at their worst. It made fans of both comic books more than happy.

I had wished that we saw more of that on the big screen. As we got a bit of a tease at the end of Eternals of Blade’s return. I wondered how else could Marvel dive into the supernatural genre? In the one-shot issue of Captain America: Unforgiven, we find Steve Rogers hunting vampires.

We find Steve Rogers restless and losing hope as one vampire, Redblood looks for world domination, while the rest of the X-Men/Avengers are scattered to the wind. We soon find Captain America as he confronts Nighteyes, a powerful vampire who he may be able to bring to his side while Redblood looks to continue, sacrificing hero after hero. The reader soon learns about the different factions amongst the vampires, leading to a power struggle between the two. By the issue’s end, Cap leads what remains of the Unforgiven against Redblood’s army, as they defeat them by uniting their strength with the Avengers and X-Men, realizing their true power lied in each other.

Overall, Captain America: Unforgiven is a satisfying conclusion to a great story arc. The story by writer Tim Seeley is powerful. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a nice bookend to one of the more exciting events in Marvel has had in years.

Story: Tim Seeley Art: Sid Kotian
Color: Edgar Delgado Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #2 is a great second issue

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Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #2

Puberty is one of those things that most of us would like to forget. During that time, our bodies went through changes and we didn’t know how to handle it. We also started to develop crushes, emotions at times out of control. Even with education, we often didn’t necessarily understand why those things started to happen.

We realized years later it was our bodies growing into who we would be as adults. I always wondered how would it be for supernatural creatures? Would they deal with the changes as frantically as we did?  In Bloodline: Daughter Of Blade #2, Brielle starts to find out about her abilities and her father arrives at the worst possible time.

We find Brielle in the middle of fighting Whitney, as she suspects that she is a vampire, as things get heated, Brielle’s vampire side comes out, causing Whitney to flee. The next day art school Whitney realizes that Brielle may be a dhampyr, which propels her to ask if they could hunt monsters together. Everything is not what it seems as Whitney tricked her into  going into a vampire nest. By the issue’s end, her father shows up  as he easily scares most of them away but Brielle’s hunger arises just as the two meet.

Overall, Bloodline: Daughter Of Blade #2 is a great second issue which shows not everyone has good intentions. The story by Danny Lore is exhilarating. The art by Karen S. Darboe, Cris Peter, and Joe Sabino is stunning. Altogether, it’s an issue and a story that will make fans re-watch the original Blade trilogy.

Story: Danny Lore Art: Karen S. Darboe
Color: Cris Peter 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

Bloodline: Daughter Of Blade #1 introduces a potential fan favorite

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Bloodline: Daughter Of Blade #1

Family is one of those things that we don’t have the luxury of forgetting. With friends, we can cut ties and have no reason to ever talk to them. Family is a little bit more complicated. As no matter the distance, you are bonded by blood.

This is where family history is almost as dramatic as a telenovela. Some family secrets can drive you over the edge. Then there are those secrets meant to keep someone safe. In the debut issue of Bloodline Daughter Of Blade, we find our protagonist who will soon realize that she is related to a famous superhero.

We meet Brielle Caulder, who goes from a kid who loves baseball  to someone who her teachers are intimidated by because of her intelligence, who are constantly in parent teacher meetings. Things suddenly change one day, when after going out with her mother, they are attacked by a vampire, and thankfully are able to vanquish them. She soon finds out vampires are everywhere and , including a new girl at school. By issue’s end, the man she knows of, as her father is on his way.

Overall, Bloodline: Daughter Of Blade #1 is an excellent debut issue which primes fans for what’s to come for the characters. The story by Lore is exciting. The art by the team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that introduces what will be a fan favorite.

Story: Danny Lore Art: Karen S. Darboe
Color: Cris Peter 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: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1 kicks off with a fun debut

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Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1

When reading Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1, it’s hard to not think of a series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They’re both kids in high school fighting vampires while trying to balance a normal life. And like Buffy, there’s a bit of pop fun about the series and a bonus in that it adds a little more to the concept than we’ve seen before.

Written by Danny Lore, Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1 is a fun start and its focus is what makes it really work. Brielle is your average girl… beyond that whole Blade being her dad. She’s grown up and now experiencing strange powers which is helpful because there’s vampires all around she needs to deal with. Then there’s Brielle’s mom… who also knows there’s vampires and is an ass-kicker herself!? Wait, what?

Lore switches up the formula we’ve seen so many times with Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1 and it works really well. Instead of a teenage superhero gaining their powers and hiding them, the series folds in the parents early to create a different dynamic than we’re used to. It’s a surprising twist that makes the debut stand out from what could easily have been a standard concept. They mother/daughter relationship is what makes this debut so well in that it extends to school and an administration that’s a little hostile towards Brielle. It takes familiar concepts and ideas and twists them more than enough to make things really interesting.

The art by Karen S. Darboe with color by Cris Peter and lettering by Joe Sabino helps with the concept. The style is one that I’d expect more in a BOOM! comic than Marvel and it works so well for the story and focus. There’s a look to it that fits its youthful focus and it does an excellent job of going from 0 to 60 turning mother/daughter time into mother/daughter kicking ass time. There’s also a solid focus on the reactions of everyone from a look on their face to the body language to drive home what’s on their mind.

Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1 is a fun debut with some youthful energy and story decisions that makes it stand out. Instead of going the familiar route, it changes things up keeping readers on their toes. Blade and the Vampire Nation have been getting more of a focus lately and here’s to hoping this series continues the solid storytelling they’ve been delivering so far.

Story: Danny Lore Art: Karen S. Darboe
Color: Cris Peter Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Blade: Vampire Nation #1

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Blade: Vampire Nation

The vampire genre is one whose storied canon has been a mixed bag. Thankfully, most of the new content coming out is far better than much of what has previously been put out. The new iteration of Interview with a Vampire has given fans hope for more to come. It features a story that is faithful to its source material yet groundbreaking.

The series has shown a world that is true and not romanticized at all. Not afraid of diving into weighty topics, the series shows Louis, and even though he’s a vampires he still has suffered the indignities of racism because he was a Black man. Portrayals of people of color in the genre has long been fetishized but we’re hopefully moving past that. In Blade: Vampire Nation, what happens when vampires are ruled by the one person they feared the most?

We’re taken to Stravmor a city in Vampyrsk ( The Vampire Kingdom), where a hit team just assassinated a prominent member of the Vampire Council, s this gives their ruler, to acquire Blade’s services to find to who is behind the killings. As he digs deeper , he finds that there are ploitcial implications at play where  a revolution is burgeoning as humans do not want to be lorded over by vampires any longer.  He runs into the only survivor of the company who was hire dfor the hit, as he finds out the threat is from within. By the issue’s end, Blade finds the traitor and finds out who really holds power within Vampyrsk.

Overall, Blade: Vampire Nation is a different take on the vampire genre, as it feels like Robert Harris Fatherland, but with bloodsuckers. The story by Russell is pure crime noir. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that readers will enjoy for its many nods to some cultural touchpoints.

Story: Mark Russell Art: Dave Wachter
Color: Dee Cunniffe Letterer: Cory Petit
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: Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise #1

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Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise #1

Doctor Strange awakens alone in a distant world not his own. Lost of purpose and surrounded by danger, the wandering sorcerer must explore this land of blades and mystery to unravel arcane secrets and escape the deadly horrors that lie in wait! Tradd Moore introduces to a strange new world in Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise #1, a debut issue that highlights Moore’s artistic talents.

It’s hard to describe Tradd Moore’s art style. I originally discovered his talent with the Luthor Strode series from Image and from there it was All-New Ghost Rider and Silver Surfer: Black. Moore’s style is unique and stands out with a pop sense about it that is hard to find in the current comic market. Moore mixes classic Jack Kirby with black light tripiness for a visual treat.

Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise #1 is a fine example of where Moore’s strengths lie. Strange has awakened in a strange land unsure of where he is and what he’s to do. Like diving into an open world video game, he wanders attempting to put the pieces of the puzzle together. What’s going? Honestly, I can’t say beyond a magical world that feels like I should be dropping acid in. Weird ghost like creatures, more down to earth animals, and a likely enemy that’s ominous and mysterious all are introduced.

The story itself is an interesting one with a dreamlike style. There’s a poetic flow to it at times reminding me of Poe during moments that feel like madness sinking in.

Moore’s art is the highlight here with visuals that will have you lingering on the page long after you have finished the words. It’s a beautiful and beyond unique look that stands out from the rest of the comics on the shelves. If you’re a fan of pop art, beautiful comic art, or what makes comics unique, this is one to definitely check out.

Story: Tradd Moore Art: Tradd Moore
Color: Heather Moore Letterer: Clayton Cowles, Tradd Moore
Story: 7.0 Art: 9.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Blade: Vampire Nation #1

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Blade: Vampire Nation #1

Wow. You know a comic is good when you get to the end and realize it’s a one-shot and you want more. Blade: Vampire Nation #1 is a hell of a comic that plants a flag that Marvel is asleep in what could be it’s breakout series of the year. That vampire nation is young and someone has assassinated one of its rules. Blade, as Sheriff of this new nation, is tasked by Dracula to find out who and why.

Written by Mark Russell, Blade: Vampire Nation #1 shows all his political acumen but missing his usual satire. There’s moving parts and machinations where you can see it coming but it’s delivered with a punch you don’t mind. Russell not only packs in the investigation, mystery, and conclusion, but also fits in so much detail that Vampyrsk feels like a fleshed out idea and concept and not just a backdrop. Russell packs in more detail and information in this one issue than some creators do over arcs. In the end, though the comic features Blade and Dracula, it’s this fledgling nation that is the character that’s in danger.

And the results are so good. Though humans are clearly second class in Vampyrsk, this is a world I want to see more of. The structure, the power plays, and what’s revealed, it can’t be left hanging! We need more! This has grand political epic with lots of action written all over it with such potential that has yet to be tapped. And, Russell sets up the philosophy of its ruler to make that potential beyond intriguing and easily would suck in readers.

Dave Wachter’s art helps. With color by Dee Cunniffe and lettering by Cory Petit the new nation feels like it’s industrial in its growth, a rough and dirty beginning being built upon a destroyed land (Chernobyl). The buildings have a brutality about them enhanced by the color choice, a drab look that adds to the sadness of a country struggling.

Blade: Vampire Nation #1 is good. Really good. It screams that the concept, and this creative team, deserve to return for more. A series of miniseries, an ongoing, I don’t care, this one-shot is fantastic and is so different than the rest of Marvel’s line. It shows so much of what can be done with this corner of the Marvel Universe, it’s like a nation just waiting for the right leadership council to see its potential and have it thrive.

Story: Mark Russell Art: Dave Wachter
Color: Dee Cunniffe Letterer: Cory Petit
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

Review: Midnight Suns #1

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Midnight Suns #1

I remember the first time I read a team up in comics. It felt cool whenever your favorite characters would get together. This is initially what drew me to the animated series Spiderman and His Amazing Friends as a kid. Peter’s interactions with the Firestar and Iceman made the series so entertaining and fun.

I did not know it then but it was giving me the foundation of how it is to work within a team. It definitely helped me in organized sports, knowing that you have to work with each other to win. This absolutely made it crystal clear when I joined the military, as we all had our part. In Midnight Suns #1, a new team is formed to face a very evil threat.

We’re taken to a town called Centerville, where a young woman that goes by the name of Mary Beth Zoric, is being threatened with a gun, for practicing Black Magic. We are also taken to the Strange Academy, where we meet Zoe Laveau, is a new student at the school, who is having a hard time adjusting, but right when it looks like she will be just fine, she has a dark vision, one that looks to change her whole life. Blade summons the Midnight Suns, as Nico Magik saw the same vision as Zoe. They take it as a harbinger of evil to come. By the issue’s end, they fend off an attack by a hoard of demons but find an unlikely foe in Dr. Doom.

Overall, Midnight Suns #1 is a fun issue but somewhat predictable. The story by Sacks is serviceable. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, it’s a fine team up but not one which I can exactly say I am compelled to continue.

Story: Ethan Sacks Art: Luigi Zagaria
Color: Antonio Fabela Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 6.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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