Tag Archives: all-new x-men

Review: All-New X-Men #19

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5763406-anxmen2015019_dc11_lr-0Together at last! In the aftermath of the X-Men’s war with the Inhumans, the original five X-Men are reunited once more…but will they walk into an uncertain future together or apart?

Dennis Hopeless gives a final issue that definitely isn’t goodbye, as we know the original five members will be starring in their new book X-Men Blue, but rather a “see you soon” issue that, to be honest, feels a little rushed and leaves things rather shaky for the team.

It’s by no means a dark, down issue though. It’s nice to see the original five back together again and talking about their future, and Idie and Evan dropping some ideas on where we might see them next. The issue may have gotten a little corny at the end, but overall it definitely kept up the fun feel that this book has had from the start.

Paco Diaz does a fine enough job on the art in this issue. The characters are front and center and the action moves fluidly. In a couple panels, the faces looked a little strange, but that’s just me really getting picky.

Overall, this is a good issue that sets this team forward into their unknown future. And given what unfolds, they truly have no idea what lies ahead of them. The big revelation had me scratching my head and made me go back and read it a couple of times, but is also got me really interested to keep following this team and see how things play out in the forthcoming X-Men Blue.

Story: Dennis Hopeless  Art: Paco Diaz
Story: 6.5  Art: 7.5  Overall: 7  Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE issue for review

Preview: All-New X-Men #19

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All-New X-Men #19

(W) Dennis Hopeless (A) Paco Diaz (CA) Mark Bagley
Rated T+
In Shops: Mar 29, 2017
SRP: $3.99

Together at last! In the aftermath of the X-Men’s war with the Inhumans, the original five X-Men are reunited once more… but will they walk into an uncertain future together or apart?

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Paul

Top Pick: X-Men Prime #1 (Marvel) – Well it wasn’t looking good for awhile there.  It seemed that Marvel was giving up on the X-Men and moving on with other titles.  But, now we have ResurrXion and I am excited!  I can’t wait to see how it all begins here and see the new teams and books take shape.  Not a fan of some of the costume designs I’ve seen peeks of (I’m looking at Rachel Grey) but really cannot wait to see this new chapter take shape.

All-New X-Men #19 (Marvel) – Jean Grey is back and the gangs all here.  This has been a fun title and I’m sorry to see it end.  Yes, I know this team is coming back in X-Men Blue, I just hope it brings along the fun from this first book.  And I am excited to see it focus on the 5 original members (no offense to Idie, Laura and Evan).

Inhumans Prime #1 (Marvel) – I wasn’t at all happy that it looked like Marvel was going to sacrifice the X-Men and make the Inhumans the next “it” thing, but that seems to have all changed.  While I am very excited for the new X-Men books, I am a fan of the Inhumans and look forward to seeing what’s next for them.  The Royal family has left the throne and I’m hearing things about them heading out into space?  Yeah, definitely down for this one.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Divinity III: Stalinverse #4 (Valiant) – Alright, so I’ve already read this, and it’s fantastic. What’s got me excited is the thought of reading the issue without any watermarked art work because this is a beautiful looking issue, and a fantastic conclusion.

Voracious: Feeding Time #4 (Action Lab Entertainment/Action Lab: Danger Zone) – Another comic I’ve already read and loved, my reasons for picking this are very similar to Divinity III: Stalinverse #4 – I want to see the colours pop in print.

Aldous Spark #1 (Grenade Fire, Inc) – So this one’s a bit of a cheat, but it’s sat on my desktop right now waiting for me to read it for a review… and because I plan on doing that this week, and the comic looks pretty bloody awesome, I figured I’d have it as one of my top picks.

Ninjak #25 (Valiant) – It’s taken me awhile to get really excited for this series, and I’m not really sure why, but when I read the first part of The Seven Blades Of Master Darque something clicked and I was suddenly all in with Valiant’s purple clad ninja that blends James Bond with Batman. And swords.

Old Man Logan #20 (Marvel) – The last Marvel book still on my pull list is always going to find a spot here because I am an unashamed Wolverine fanboy. I make no excuses.

 

Joe

Top Pick: Animosity #6 (Aftershock) – This is one of my favorite comic books out in the entire medium, and I wish more people read it. An awesome story about a girl and her dog, and the downfall of humanity.

Dark Knight III: The Master Race #8 (DC Comics) – It hasn’t been all good, but I’ve enjoyed the last few. It feels just different and classic enough for me, even if it doesn’t touch the highs of the original legendary story.

Old Man Logan #20 (Marvel) – Lemire is done in a few issues, so I want to savor these. Also, we are almost at the past lives story arc which has me so excited. I love this book.

Moonshine #6 (Image) – This is such a crazy and original book. Moonshine, gangsters, romance, and werewolves. What isn’t there to like?

Booster Gold/The Flintstones Special #1 (DC Comics) – Mark Russell does amazing work on books like Prez, and The Flintstones, and now he’s giving us this odd gem among the other DC/Hanna-Barbera mashups.

 

Shay

Top Pick: Orphan Black Deviations #1 (IDW Publishing) – It’s a sci-fi bonanza , in a super sized cross over that’ll make the tv lover in you squeal with delight. It’s a 6 part arc and this is the very beginning of what I’m sure will be a lovely story!

Harley’s Little Black Book #6 (DC Comics) – Harley finds herself tossed out of a space ship and stranded with Lobos and his dog/food tester on a rainy planet, with minimal clothing. Hijiniks ensue in this over the top issue of Harley’s LBB .

Suicide Squad/Banana Splits Special #1 (DC Comics) – Yes, it is as silly as you think it is and yes you will laugh your butt off and love it as much as you think you will. It’s a mash-up you didn’t know you needed.

Inhumans Prime #1 (Marvel) – The bridge isn’t over, this is the super-sized issue that kicks it off. RESURRXION Starts now with the first issue in the arc that’ll connect IVX to whatever Marvel has planned next.

X-Men Prime #1 (Marvel) – The X-Men team have a little bridge of their own, Kitty Pryde is back, ready to lead & it’s time to rebuild.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Suicide Squad/Banana Splits Special #1 (DC Comics) – The concept is completely insane, but this is a comic that you didn’t know you need until you’ve read it. It’s off the wall fun and exactly what I was hoping for when DC Comics announced this series of mash-ups. The main story is solid, but the Snagglepuss story by Mark Russell with art by Howard Porter is perfection. Twisted fun that also reflects on the world.

Hook Jaw #4 (Titan Comics) – This is basically Jaws, except crazier, and I’m completely sucked in and sold on it.

Man-Thing #2 (Marvel) – I wasn’t completely sold on the first issue but the back-up story was top notch. I’m interested in seeing the second issue mostly because I have a better idea of what R.L. Stine is going for with this series so it won’t catch me off guard as much.

The Rift #3 (Red 5 Comics) – Time travel fun that’s a great twist on a Twilight Zone like story.

Rough Riders: Riders on the Storm #2 (Aftershock) – Historical figures come together in this weird twist on history. The first issue picks up where the first volume left off and it continues the fun. There’s lots of mysteries to answer and I want to see where this story takes us.

Marvel Weekly Graphic Novel Review: All-New X-Men, Daredevil, and Doctor Strange

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It’s Wednesday which means new comic book day with new releases hitting shelves, both physical and digital, all across the world. We’ve got three volumes from Marvel covering some of their newer releases.

All-New X-Men Vol. 3: Hell Hath So Much Fury collecting issues #12-16 by Dennis Hopeless, Mark Bagley, Andrew Hennessy, and Nolan Woodard.

Daredevil Vol. 3: Dark Art collecting issues #10-14 by Charles Soule, Ron Garney, and Matt Millia.

Doctor Strange Vol. 3: Blood in the Aether collecting issues #11-16 by Jason Aaron, Chris Bachalo, Kevin Nowlan, Leonardo Romero, Jorge Fornes, Cory Smith, Al Vey, John Livesay, Victor Olazaba, Wayne Faucher, Tim Townsend, Richard Friend, Antonio Fabela, Jordie Bellaire, and Java Tartaglia.

Find out what each trade has in store and whether you should grab yourself a copy. You can find all three in comic stores February 22 and bookstores March 7.

Get your copies now. To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

All-New X-Men Vol. 3: Hell Hath So Much Fury
Amazon/Kindle/comiXology or TFAW

Daredevil Vol. 3: Dark Art
Amazon/Kindle/comiXology or TFAW

Doctor Strange Vol. 3: Blood in the Aether
Amazon/Kindle/comiXology or TFAW

 

 

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.

Review: All-New X-Men #18

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all-new-x-men-18Continuity is a beautiful thing. All-New X-Men #18 has that in spades and adds another strong tie -in to the IvX event. All-New X-Men #18 brings the series full circle. The current volume began with the young time-displaced Scott Summers dealing with and living in the shadow of his elder self’s infamy. Issue #18 brings the series back to this inner conflict as the book focuses on the All-New X-Men’s participation in the Siege of Attilan. Ironically the young Scott Summers finds himself in the shoes of his controversial future self.  Young Scott who is trying so hard to not be seen as a villain really has a hard time with the necessity of this mission, a conflict that offers up an interesting little journey into the mind of both Summers.

The issue takes place mostly after the siege of Attilan as the X-Men regroup on Muir Island. Scott takes a moment to confide in Warren Worthington, discouraged by the way everyone looks at him. The two friends take a moment to discuss the modern day news, the heroic status of Magneto among other things.  Some Inhuman espionage takes place when the memory scanning inhuman Mosaic infiltrates the team and uncovers some startling revelations last seen at the conclusion of Death of X.

The revelation serves to dispel the young Summer’s doubt and reinvigorates him. Given the revelation that Emma Frost telepathically staged Cyclops’ attack on the Terrigen cloud, the young summers now views her as the puppet master, and refocuses all his shame anger and disappointment towards her at the conclusion of the issue.  I find this interesting for a number of reasons. First the Cyclops of modern day continuity has experienced a landmark number of physical possessions by malevolent entities, there’s an argument that this has shaped his personality considerably over the years. Lets not forget that it was after his possession of Apocalypse that his marriage to Jean Grey fell apart and he initially ended up in the company of Emma Frost. Also in the aftermath of his possession by the Phoenix, Scott doubled down on his militant and revolutionary rhetoric. Secondly, most of Scott’s most shocking behaviours have taken place under the auspice of reasonably sound argument and in the light of mutantkind’s various dire predicaments. Nobody seemed to be able to rationalize shocking behaviour better than Scott Summers. And here we see his younger self so quick to exonerate his older self and seizing upon on what is in my opinion a very convenient revelation. Frost’s machinations aside the seeming act of pre-emptive inhuman genocide is not entirely out of character with the Cyclops we’ve come to know. Whether he did it or not, Scott still has so much to answer for (Previous possessions notwithstanding,) and I find the fact that young Summers is so eager to brush this aside, says more about him than his older self. In this sense, they appear more alike than the young Summers would like to admit.

All-New X-Men #18 provides a dialogical exploration into the mind of both Summer’s men. And presents some interesting questions on the themes of choice, consequence, fate and character. This issue had some really nice artistic touches exploring the memory-scape of both young Scott and Magneto. Some memories were explored showing vintage moments in the lives of both characters, I really enjoyed this. Additionally, the “crossing-over” of magneto’s memories and the use of his helmet was a real cool as a symbolic flourish. This took me back to the Uncanny X-Men issue where Scott revealed his telepathic Black Box to Emma Frost. Really cool stuff. ANXM 18 Ties in seamlessly to IvX and should be considered required reading for comic events collector.

Final Thoughts.

In Magneto’s Memory-Scape we see him as Xorn which I assume we are led to believe is either first-hand memory or his recalled observation of the event. Given Xorn’s recent resurgence I expect that this will be cleared up soon.

Story: Dennis Hopeless Art: Mark Bagley & Andrew Hennessy
Story 10  Art 8  Overall  Recommendation: Buy!

Marvel Provided Graphic Policy with a Free copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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old-man-logan-17Wednesdays are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Joe

Top Pick: Old Man Logan #17 (Marvel) – I am sad that Lemire is leaving the book after issue #24, but what a run he has had. Along with Sorrentino (who sadly hasn’t been doing the interiors on every issue lately), these creators have taken Logan through the ringer. Now we get an Aliens-like feel where Logan is in space against the Brood. I loved the last issue and cannot wait!

Batman #16 (DC Comics) – Tom King’s slow burn continues with the beginning of the “I Am Bane” arc. It looks like the muscle-bound villain is back on venom and bringing menace to Gotham once again as he seeks revenge on the dark knight. How far will Bane go? And who will he hurt that Batman loves? Hopefully, there will be no more broken backs this time around.

Blood Blister #1 (Aftershock) – This series is intriguing and Aftershock has been hitting it out of the park lately with Animosity, and more. I am excited to see what this series is really about and where it goes.

Moon Knight #11 (Marvel) – Another sad moment for me as Lemire announced the book will end at #14. You can see I’m a big Lemire fan, and along with Old Man Logan, this is another favorite of mine. Much like OML, he is really giving one hell of a run on this book and I want to see what happens or what is really going on with Marc Spector.

Star Wars: Darth Maul #1 (Marvel) – So far the Star Wars miniseries have been really good. From Leia to Lando to Chewbacca and Han Solo. I have enjoyed them all. Now we get a miniseries with a badass character who didn’t get enough screen time.

 

Alex

Top Pick: A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #12 (Valiant) – And so another unsung and underrated comic series comes to a close. I’ve heard some people say they preferred Fred Van Lente’s Archer & Armstrong to Rafer Roberts much lengthier titled run, but I honestly couldn’t pick a favorite; they’re different beasts, and my collection is all the stronger for having them both in it. That said, this is a very bittersweet issue for me as I really don’t want to see the series end. C’est la vie, though, I suppose.

Aquaman #16 (DC Comics) – If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d become such a fan of Aquaman – bloody fish talking, almost useless bloody Aquaman – then I’d have laughed until I was blue in the face. Imagine my surprise when the series turned out to be one of the best ongoings (and certainly the best bi-weekly series) DC are putting out post-Rebirth.

Faith #8 (Valiant) – Quite possibly one of the most entertaining series being published right now. You need to be reading this.

Midnighter and Apollo #5 (DC Comics) – I came to this series entirely because of Graphic Policy’s Rebirth Review feature, and it’s discovering comics such as this that’s one of the reasons I’m happy to read past some of the other… less than enjoyable comics. This is a brutally entertaining story about a man who’d walk through hell for the man he loves. There’s not enough comics like this.

Old Man Logan #17 (Marvel) – The old man is in space, and there’s a distinctly Alien feel to the story so far. I’m loving what Jeff Lemire is doing here. Absolutely loving it.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Champions #5 (Marvel) – This as been a fun book from the start, and I am really enjoying it.  This book lets superheroes be superheroes.  It’s nice to see the optimism and determination of these kids, and it really comes through in the colors of the art and the dialogue between them.  These kids are going to change the world, and they believe they can.

All-New X-Men #18 (Marvel) – Inhumans vs. X-Men has been a great event and has delivered in the main issues, but these tie-ins have really been weaving into the story so well  (something not often seen with tie-ins).  This issue says that young Cyclops will learn the truth about the adult Cyclops’ mission to take down the Inhumans, and I don’t think young Scott is going to take it very well.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Hawkeye #3 (Marvel) – The first two issues were fantastic and this new series is a perfect successor to the Matt Fraction/David Aja run. This issue packs in so much, amazing writing, amazing art. Just beyond entertaining and a must get (plus the first two issues if you haven’t).

Baltimore: The Red Kingdom #1 (Dark Horse) – What if evil won? Sound familiar?

The Flintstones #8 (DC Comics) – The women are away so Fred and Barney have to take care of the kids. This comic has been amazing as to how much it takes on real world issues and this release does that in volumes. One of the most subversive and politically astute comics on the market.

The Unstoppable Wasp #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was absolutely fantastic with a fun story and a feminist message that was in your face. I expect more of that with this second issue and so much more awesomeness. This comic was fun with a positive message. More please!

The Walking Dead #163 (Image Comics/Skybound) – This is it… the 25 cents issue! I’m fascinated by this to see what is in store for a comic that’s sure to fly off of shelves for the price alone. This is a big opportunity and I’m fascinated to see what is done with it.

GLAAD Announces their Media Awards Nominees. Check out the 10 Comics Nominated

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GLAAD has announced the nominees for the 28th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Comics were well represented with ten nominations that vary quite a lot in their content, creators, and publishers.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and the issues that affect their lives.

There’s two events, one held in Los Angeles on April 1 and another in New York City on May 6.

This year’s nominees include:

  • All-New X-Men (Marvel) – by Dennis Hopeless, Mark Bagley, Andrew Hennessy, Paco Diaz, Nolan Woodard, Rachelle Rosenberg, Cory Petit
  • Black Panther (Marvel) – Ta-Nehisi Coates, Brian Stelfreeze, Chris Sprouse, Walden Wong, Karl C. Story, Laura Martin, Matt Milla, Joe Sabino, Clayton Cowles
  • DC Comics Bombshells (DC Comics) – Marguerite Bennett, Laura Braga, Sandy Jarrell, Maria Laura Sanapo, Mirka Andolfo, Pasquale Qualano, Marguerite Sauvage, Juan Albarran, Kelly Diane Fitzpatrick, J. Nanjan, Jeremy Lawson, Wendy Broome, Wes Abbott
  • Kim & Kim (Black Mask Studios) – Magdalene Visaggio, Eva Cabrera, Claudia Aguirre, Zakk Saam, Taylor Esposito
  • Love is Love (IDW Publishing/DC Comics) – anthology originated by Marc Andreyko
  • Lumberjanes (BOOM! Studios) – Shannon Watters, Kat Leyh, Carey Pietsch, Ayme Sotuyo, Carolyn Nowak, Maarta Laiho, Aubrey Aiese
  • Midnighter / Midnighter and Apollo (DC Comics) – Steve Orlando, David Messina, Aco, Hugo Petrus, Fernando Blanco, Gaetano Carlucci, Romulo Fajardo, Jr., Jeremy Cox, Tom Napolitano, Josh Reed
  • Patsy Walker, A.K.A Hellcat! (Marvel) – Kate Leth, Brittney L. Williams, Natasha Allegri, Megan Wilson, Rachelle Rosenberg, Clayton Cowles
  • Saga (Image Comics) – Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples, Fonografiks
  • The Woods (BOOM! Studios) – James Tynion IV, Michael Dialynas, Josan Gonzalez, Ed Dukeshire

Congrats to all of the nominees and you can watch the full announcement below.

Review: All-New X-Men #17

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all_new_x_men__17All-New X-Men #17 offers another grassroots perspective, of how the IvX conflict directly impacts another faction of X-Men. What I have been enjoying about issues of this series I have read is its heartfelt, real-life, tone. This is a title that really looks at the X-Men and mutants in general in terms of their place of the world. This brings a flavor of storytelling to the X-books that in my opinion has been missing since the post-schism New Mutants title.

It’s safe to say that all of the time-displaced X-Men have encountered some degree of development or milestones that they would not have experienced otherwise in their own temporal continuity. This issue focuses on bobby’s new experiences as he explores his sexual identity. The issue centers on Bobby Drakes budding romance with the Inhuman Romeo. The timing of this romance is tragic given the current state of affairs between the Inhumans and the X-Men, but it makes for a fresh and poignant perspective on the conflict.

Bobby’s and Romeo’s relationship makes me think about authentic buy-in, perspective appreciation and cooperation that is required to transform any seemingly intractable conflict. Despite the fatal stakes for mutant-kind Bobby is firmly aware of the cultural importance of Terrigen. Similarly, I am sure that Romeo is equally concerned about Bobby’s stake in the conflict not just on romantic grounds but in terms of his well being. The way the currently conflict is going if either side wins their relationship will be threatened, because of this we can argue that Bobby and Romeo are perhaps the most invested in a solution that benefits both species. This reality is poised to make the two important players in this conflict going forward.

Much of this issue shows bobby’s reaction to the impending assault on Attilan and it’s punctuated with flashbacks of his previous dates with Romeo dates. It  was really heartfelt and anchors the emotional stakes for Bobby. I really enjoyed how the encounter between Bobby and his peers upon the news of the Attilan offensive mirrors the Senior X-Men’s encounter with Beast when he vehemently protests their chosen action. Whereas Beast’s objection was immediately interpreted as a security threat and allegiance to the Inhumans resulting in his detainment, Bobby’s objection was understood and no such action was taken against him. Maybe this speaks to the fact that youth are more open, and diligent in exploring more peaceful options. I hope they explore this parallel further. Especially given the launch of the recent champions team which has an inhuman and mutant in their ranks.

All-New X-Men is to be commended for being a solid example of intersectional storytelling. Throughout this title’s run we’ve seen these young X-Men deal with thorny issues such as religion, genetic determination, the consequences of magic and interspecies relations. In the recent light of IvX it has maintained this intersectional bent while organically contributing to the greater arc without losing its voice, a feat not easily accomplished.

A small note about the art, Mark Bagley really did a good job of capturing  the expressive emotion on the team’s faces in this issue. Apart from that though, there was a moment  where I assume Bobby experiences his first kiss, where his ice form shatters away. Not sure if this was intentional but it seemed artistically to be a symbolic flourish, for “breaking ice” between the two warring super species.. kudos. I’m sure it’s no mistake that Bobby’s boyfriend is named Romeo, and obvious wink to Romeo and Juliet. Another strong tie-in to an already awesome core event.

Story: Dennis Hopeless Art: Mark Bagley
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: All-New X-Men #17

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All-New X-Men #17

(W) Dennis Hopeless (A/CA) Mark Bagley
Rated T+
In Shops: Jan 18, 2017
SRP: $3.99

INHUMANS VS. X-MEN TIE-IN!

The X-MEN have waged war on the INHUMANS! But caught in the crossfire are ICEMAN and his new crush, ROMEO…who unfortunately happens to be an INHUMAN. In the end, will Iceman stand with his species…or with his first love?

all_new_x_men__17

Preview: All-New X-Men #16

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All-New X-Men #16

(W) Dennis Hopeless (A/CA) Mark Bagley
Rated T+
In Shops: Dec 14, 2016
SRP: $3.99

THE ALL-NEW X-MEN throw down with THE GOBLIN QUEEN! And when repressed Idie finally lets loose, there’s hell to pay! Plus: One X-Man will do the unthinkable to save the day…

all_new_x_men__16

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