Author Archives: pharoahmiles

Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 is a fun debut that shows off why the character is popular

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Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1

What happens to a hero whose country doesn’t want them? It sounds almost unfathomable to believe such a thing would happen to anyone who helped defend their nation. The thing is, that is exactly what happens to many Veterans when they come home. It is even worse for anyone of color who is a Veteran, as there are countless accounts of history which shows the deep rooted hate towards Black veterans who came home from wars, only to be reminded of how much worst it was back home.

I have had family members on both sides of my family who have told me about how they were treated as if they were not heroes. They told me how it made them question why they served in the first place. Which brings to question, how one defends someone or people who don’t even see you as a person, much less a revered warfighter?  In the debut issue of Betsy Braddock Captain Britain, we find Captain Britain coming back home to a nation who does not see her as a hero but a mutant menace.

We are taken to a tv show where Betsy is being interviewed , one which tries to besmirch her existence, but before they can make a mockery of her, she gets a psychic call from a member of the Captain Britain Corps .She gets called to Otherworld, with Askani, where they find a regiment of Furies, and demolish them, but something seems off, despite the victory. As her siblings try to figure out what happened, they realize that the Furies have been modified, as a new threat awaits. We soon find out that the recent rash of Mutant hate speak was riled by Morgan Le Fey, as she seeks to install a Captain Britain she can control. Betsy and Askani find out after a meeting with the Forgemaster of the Furies, that someone has manipulated the Furies into starting trouble with the Corps, which propels her to reach out to Pete Wisdom to find out exactly who it would be. By the issue’s end,  Betsy finally gets Morgan to reveal herself, but it may cost her more than she knows.

Overall, Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #1 is a fun story that shows why everyone loves Betsy Braddock. The story by Howard is wonderful. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that shows off a different side of the X-Men’s world that has endured for decades.

Story: Tini Howard Art: Vasco Georgiev 
Colors: Erick Arcienega Letters: Ariana Maher
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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White Savior #2 is a hilarious issue which leans into the fourth wall

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White Savior #2

How would you feel, if you know something bad is about to happen, and you cannot tell anyone the truth. It is one of those times , where disbelief is your biggest impediment. This is where empathy tends to put us at a disadvantage. AS we see why other’s disbelief may exist at what you are admitting.

Of course, this concept operates differently in time travel. As we saw in Back To The Future, no matter how many times Marty McFly wanted to tell Dr. Brown what happens to him, he could not. So instead, Marty does everything to prevent the tragedy lying ahead. In White Savior #2, we find Todd back in time to his grandfather’s village in Japan, where a great tragedy awaits them, and Todd does his best Marty McFly in this situation.

We find Todd back in Inoki during Feudal Japan,  where he still coming to grips with his situation, and we hear his super active inner monologue as he faces his own contradictions. As he sits down to eat the  with Yoshihiro, the local leader and his family, he notices someone from the future, who also gets transported, a waitress.  As he confides in her, she sees that this person who is supposed to be their savior, Nathan Garin, will be the village’s undoing, and it seems as though no one in Inoki believes Todd,  despite Nathan’s severely flawed plan. We are taken to Castle Akuno, home of Kenzo Mituhido, where we see they have a secret weapon, someone who has no emotional connection and  has a taste for blood, who just so happens to also be an American. By the issue’s end, him and the waitress hatch a plan to get Nathan drunk, but of course nothing , goes as planned.

Overall, White Savior #2 is a hilarious issue which leans into the fourth wall and goes right through the paper mache wall. The story by Nguyen and Burman, is side splittingly funny. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that is even funnier than the premise, thanks to its brilliant creators.

Story: Eric Nguyen and Scott Burman Art: Eric Nguyen
Color: Iwan Joko Triyono Letterer: Micah Myers
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

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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

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Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever is an excellent set of stories

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Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever

When Black Panther: Wakanda Forever debuted last year, we all waited with baited breath to see how they would address Chadwick Boseman’s passing. As the story addressed it, to showing how those left behind, stayed affected. As it created divisions amongst the nation, where none laid before. I was probably the most realistic depiction of grief , that had not ever been seen.

The film also talked about the importance of legacy. As Shuri struggled to lead her family, everything around her, crumbled. She also found out that she had a nephew, Tchalla II. In this gorgeous one shot timed to be released for Black History Month, we get Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever, where we see the world of Wakanda like we have never seen before.

In “The Introduction”, the brilliant Frederick T. Joseph explains exactly what type of impact the Black Panther movies have had worldwide but also on the Black diaspora. In “The Old Ways” T’Challa visits the Ancestral Plane, to seek guidance on his future as Wakanda’s leader, as he soon learns he must win the battle within first. In “The Education Of Changamire”, we find that wisdom does not always in those who hold power, but those who keep the faith. In “Remember The Name”, Shuri sees a vision of how she dies,  and accepts it full heartedly   . In “The Illusion Of Fairness”, a Dora Milaje initiate finds out size has nothing to do with fight, but outsmarting your opponent is always key. In the final story “The Last Black Panther”, we find out how the world ends, and how Wakanda lives on despite .

Overall, Marvel Voices: Wakanda Forever is an excellent set of stories that showcases the ingenuity of  world building in the Black Panther mythos. The stories by the different creators are exciting. The art by the different creators are dazzling. Altogether, it’s a set of stories that will leave fans excited to have returned to Wakanda.

Story: Karama Horne, Adam Serwer, Murewa Ayodele, Dr. Sheena C. Howard, Juni Ba
Art/Ink: Alitha E. Martinez, Todd Harris, Dotun Akande, Marcus Williams, Juni Ba
Color: Rachelle Rosenberg, Jordie Bellaire, Dee Cunniffe, Marcus Williams, Chris O’Halloran
Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Storm and the Brotherhood of Mutants #1 puts our heroes’ backs against the wall

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Storm and the Brotherhood of Mutants #1

The thing about revenge is sometimes it leaves you shortsighted. The vengeance becomes your drive and anger takes you to certain places. More often than not, that deep hate that you have in your gut is never really sufficed once you get your revenge. It often leaves you hardened and distrustful.

This is often how people who have been wronged hurt other people. As it has been said a thousand times, hurt people hurt people. Time does not make any of this easier. In the debut issue of Storm and The Brotherhood Of Mutants, we find Storm and her band of mutants as they carry out a trail of vengeance across Hell.

We find Storm on her planet of Arrako, which was another place where mutants could live and thrive, but ten years after what Mister Sinister had unleashed on Krakoa, as her legions had been depleted because of war, the planet destroyed, leaving her people scattered but she is not ready to bow down to anyone especially  Mister Sinister. Hope shows up at Storm’s court in the form of Mystique who offers a way to even the odds and restore Arrako. This leads her and the Brotherhood Of Mutants to Muir Island, to destroy the clone of Moira Mctaggert, By the issue’s end, they are double-crossed by Mystique, but she is double crossed by her wife, not knowing she was only a pawn  that got sacrificed.

Overall, Storm and the Brotherhood of Mutants #1 is an excellent debut which shows what happens when everything goes wrong. The story by Ewing is a class in world building. The art by the creative team is wonderful. Altogether, a great story that shows our heroes when they have their backs against the wall.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Paco Medina
Color: Jay David Ramos Letterer: Ariana Maher
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

Bishop: War College #1 delivers a debut fans of the character will enjoy

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Bishop: War College #1

Having watched Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Disney+ Plus a few days ago, I was blown away by how well the world building was. The death of Chadwick Boseman and the on-screen death of T’Challa, was meant for fans, cast and crew to mourn both. It was cathartic but at the same time, also reopened old wounds of the passing of Boseman.

What stood out about the film other than the mourning, was how the key characters reacted. For many, their pain of loss guided their actions throughout the film. They saw how easily their enemies looked to attack once they knew T’Challa had fallen. In the debut issue of Bishop: War College, we find a hero leading a team to protect an island paradise, one whose enemies are waiting to attack as well.

As the comic opens, we find Bishop pushing his newest cadets at his War College to beyond exhaustion. It’s to the point that it causes them call it quits on one of their first day. He gets visited Dani Moonstar, the new leader of the New Mutants, who warns him  that he may be pushing them too hard. But Bishop’s fears are soon realized when the Von Strucker Twins show up on the shores of Krakoa. Bishop realizes he needs to change his teaching methods and eventually turns to Tempo for help showing a more human side for the character. But, when he is running a drill with her things go off the rails resulting in Bishop to disappear to an unknown location. By the issue’s end Bishop is in an unknown world and his cadets rendered powerless just as the real threat is made clear.

Overall, Bishop: War College #1 is a fun debut issue which potentially reinvigorates the franchise and character of Bishop. The story by J. Holtman is exciting. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, it’s a story that fans will more than enjoy.

Story: J. Holtham Art: Sean Damien Hill
Ink: Victor Nava, Roberto Poggi Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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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

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Star Wars: Yoda #3 shows off the wisdom of Yoda

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Star Wars: Yoda #3

We all make errors throughout our lives. We are after all, fallible. This is what makes each of us human. That is partly why we always feel bad when we make them.  

As we tend to retrace our steps, we often wonder if we could do something better. Sometimes even asking that question doesn’t help. That is why we should always learn from the mistakes we make. In Star Wars: Yoda #3, Yoda fails in the worst way but he sees that there is a way to make it all good.

We are taken to the Outer Rim in Turrak, where Yoda has come to visit an old ally, now fully grown from when they first met, when he was a child. Unfortunately, this reunion is bittersweet, as a Crulkon scouting party is headed to this Scalvi village, whereby engaging their defenses for an attack.The leader of the Scalvi find a peaceful end to what couyld have been a deadly fight, something Yoda feels proud to have been part of . By issue’s end, Yoda is visited by another Jedi, one that can help stabilize Turrak.

Overall, Star Wars: Yoda #3 is an excellent issue that shows the wisdom of Yoda. The story by Cavan Scott is exciting. The art by the creative team is stunning. Altogether, Star Wars: Yoda #3 is a story that shows peace is always the best way.

Story: Cavan Scott Art: Nico Leon
Color: Dono Sánchez-Almara 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: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Sins of Sinister #1 is an unfolding enigma of a debut issue

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Sins of Sinister #1

When stories have heroes and villains, readers would for each to be formidable. The hero must be imposing but good at heart. The villain must amoral yet relatable. These are the rules that readers have come to see be subverted time and time again.

As what kids cartoons would make one believe that superhero stories are simplistic. In reality, they are probably more diverse and morally complicated than most fiction. This is why when a villain the comic book universe tends to unleash a devious plan, it is vastly intricate and and will have readers , reading it multiple times to catch all the details. In the debut issue of Sins Of Sinister, we get the kickoff of the next big X-Men crossover event, where Mister Sinister, unleashes a web of evil that affects all mutants.

We find Mr. Sinister deep in his lair, as he secretly harvesting versions of himself on Krakoa, as we find out that he forced an uneasy alliance with the other mutants on Krakoa. Meanwhile, the council look to open their doors to humans, one that the council struggles to find common ground, but something Emma Frost is able to change everyone’s minds. Meanwhile Ben Urich, actually uncovers Sinister’s plan and shares it with Jonah Jamison, only to find out it was Sinister posing as, thereby stopping him and imprisoning Ben. As the Orchis Forge begins Sinister’s plan of world domination, unleashing every hero in the universe to defend the innocent,  but the worst is yet come. As we find out that every mutant has a piece of Mister Sinister’s DNA, making them under his control. By the issue’s end, Sinister’s plan has created worldwide chaos  but also creates a problem he did not foresee, multiple interlopers who think like him, looking to be in power of if it all.

Overall, Sins Of Sinister #1 is an unfolding enigma of a debut issue, one will astound you, even if you had an idea of the result. The story by Gillen is masterful. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, one of the best things written by Gillen, and proves why he was the perfect person to write the beginning of this massive event.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: Lucas Werneck
Special guest artists: Geoffrey Shaw, Marco Checchetto, Juan José Ryp, David Baldeón, Travel Foreman, Carlos Gómez, Federico Vicentini, David Lopez, Joshua Cassara, Stefano Caselli
Color: Bryan Valenza Letterer: Clayton Cowles Design: Jay Bowen
Story: 10 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.89 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Star Wars: Yoda #2 delivers even more reasons to love Yoda

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Star Wars: Yoda #2

Being judgmental is part of the human condition. Most people would like to believe they don’t judge others. The truth is, many look down on others.  As this where gossip usually begins, as they fail to see their own flaws.

This holds true for many people who are now considered geniuses. Take for instance, Nikole Tesla, whose  contributions to modern electricity supply system gave us a framework for what we use now. As most people cannot understand  something where sometimes only a singular person can.  In Star Wars: Yoda #2, Yoda’s tenure in Turrak is met with dissent, but he remains steadfast.

We are taken the Wheel in Besh Gorgon, where Yoda is meeting with Pra-Tre Veter and Ela Sutan, the members of the Jedi Council who have come to check on his progress. We are also taken back to Turrak, where we see Yoda training the Scalvi how to build their defenses and how to fight for themselves, which both remain, works in progress. Of course, this all gets tested, when the Scalvi suffer another invasion from the Crulkon, but their training defenses hold up, but Yoda gets kidnapped during the clash. By issue’s end, Yoda discovers a deep seeded problem, one that cannot be solved anytime soon

Overall, Star Wars: Yoda #2 is an exciting issue which gives fan more reasons to love Yoda. The story by Scott is cool. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that ratchets up the action.

Story: Cavan Scott Art: Nico Leon
Color: Dono Sánchez-Almara 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: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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