Tag Archives: ariana maher

Exclusive Preview: Generation X-23 #1

Posted on by

Generation X-23 #1

(W) Jody Houser (A) Jacopo Camagni
(C) Erick Arciniega (L) Ariana Maher
(CA) Partha Pratim Sarkar and Romulo Fajardo Jr. (VCA) Lee Garbett and Arthur Hesli, Jeehyung Lee, Marcus To and Rachelle Rosenberg, Elizabeth Torque and Federico Blee, Skottie Young

HER NAME IS WOLVERINE. BUT THE LEGEND OF X-23 GROWS.

LAURA KINNEY was brainwashed and trained from birth to be the ultimate assassin as X-23. She’s long put that life behind her… but it seems she hasn’t quite outrun it yet! When LAURA and GABBY encounter someone who seems to be their LONG-LOST FRIEND, the harrowing plot they uncover will turn their worlds upside down. The next generation of X-subjects is here, and they follow in the deadly footsteps of X-23! Featuring a host of new heroes and villains, Generation X-23 have a surprise in store for the WOLVERINE!

Generation X-23 #1

Abrams Comicarts and Marvel announce Marvel Dimensions by Alex Ross

Posted on by

Abrams ComicArts and Marvel Comics have announced Marvel Dimensions, an all-new graphic novel written and illustrated by Alex Ross, and lettered by Ariana Maher, that twists the Marvel Universe in ways readers have never seen before. This follows Ross’ award-winning national bestseller, Fantastic Four: Full Circle, and brings an entirely new kind of storytelling to the growing Marvel Arts line. It will be edited by Charles Kochman, editor-in-chief of Abrams ComicArts and Ross’ longtime editor.

Marvel Dimensions opens with a sweeping tour through the classic origins of Marvel’s most iconic characters. Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Wolverine, and many others appear in dramatic, fully painted spreads that echo their earliest stories. A narrator describes each moment with confidence, guiding the reader through these touchstones of Marvel’s history. But as the story moves forward, the tone begins to shift. The voice behind the narration is not who the readers expect and carries a motive that slowly pushes the narrative somewhere darker and far more unpredictable.

Once this change becomes clear, the book expands into something larger and more surprising. Storylines twist in on themselves, characters behave in unexpected ways, and events ripple across the Marvel Universe with growing tensions. Ross uses the structure of the book to create anticipation and pull the reader deeper into a mystery that keeps widening. Every new sequence reveals another layer, building toward a final act that reframes everything that came before it. A bonus 32-page comic book is included that is pivotal to the storyline.

The Marvel Arts line was created by Abrams ComicArts and Marvel to give creators room to experiment with structure, format, and the visual language of superhero comics.

Marvel Dimensions shows how far that creative space can reach. Ross draws from across the Marvel Universe, including the Human Torch, Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, Black Panther, Phoenix, Wolverine, and the Avengers, building a story that feels both classic and completely new.

Marvel Dimensions will arrive from Abrams ComicArts in September 2026 and is available for preorder now. A limited quantity of advance copies will be available at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2026. 

Marvel Dimensions

Magik and Colossus #1 Takes the Duo Home as They Face their Past

Posted on by
Magik and Colossus #1

Illyana Rasputin is a cynical sorceress with power harnessed from the dark realm of Limbo. Piotr Rasputin is made of metal, but with a heart much softer than his exterior. But despite being family, blood does not run thicker than water! When they return to their mother country, they discover ancient monsters from Russian folklore preying on the innocent! Can these two mutant siblings set aside their differences to save their country?

Magik and Colossus #1 brings the brother and sister together for this “Shadows of Tomorrow” series that takes them home to deal with their past. Written by Ashley Allen, the comic feels a bit like a throwback to a miniseries that might have been released in the late 90s. There’s a lot of history for these two characters and the debut issue does its best to keep to the major details that are needed for the series.

It has the duo taking on an ancient evil teasing a bigger bad hiding in the shadows waiting to be revealed. It’s easy to guess who the character might be, the comic is all about foreshadowing what’s to come. But, the initial fight is interesting to see how these two deal with folklore terrorizing villages.

The comic dives into the relationship with the two and while it goes over a lot, it never quite clicks as to real emotion. There’s a coldness from both, but it’s nice to see Illyana in ways the adult between her and Peter. Where the comics I read it was clear that Peter was protecting her, things have shifted in many ways and the roles are reversed.

The comic takes place in Russia and features Russian folklore as the initial monsters to deal with. It doesn’t touch upon today’s reality and reading the comic it feels a little odd to be disconnected to that in some ways when the X-Men as a whole have had no issues touching upon real world issues. While it doesn’t distract, it does linger.

The art by German Peralta is good. With color by Arthur Hesli and lettering by Ariana Maher, the comic looks solid and the action is interesting. I can’t say anything about the setting but what stands out about the art is the sadness that’s clearly present between the two main characters. There’s a morose aspect to it that comes through.

Magik and Colossus #1 is for the hardcore fans of the characters. It doesn’t hit quite as emotionally as one might expect but feels like it can be a nice side adventure for these two who definitely don’t get enough time together.

Story: Ashley Allen Art: German Peralta
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Connor Goldsmith makes his comics debut with Did You Hear About Mimi Green?, co-created with Josh Cornillon

Posted on by

Dark Horse Comics presents, Did You Hear About Mimi Green?, a brand-new comic series with a surreal and grisly take on the wellness industry, “cancel culture”, body dysmorphia, and the complex power dynamics of show business. Did You Hear About Mimi Green? will be a four-issue horror series written by Connor Goldsmith in his comics debut, illustrated by Josh Cornillon, and lettered by Ariana Maher. Issue #1 arrives in May 2026 and will include cover variants by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell and Nick Robles. 

Tastemaker Mimi Green is a popular essayist with a perfectly curated social media presence—until a blog post she wrote a decade ago, cruelly mocking fat people, resurfaces and sparks a viral furor. Mimi checks into an isolated mental health facility in Topanga to ride out the scandal, but as sound baths and crystal healings by day give way to restless nights, she’s pulled into another version of the building. There, the halls are old and gluttonous and gilded, and the vainglorious like Mimi and her fellow patients are punished again and again. Only local bartender Natalie, the lesbian lover Mimi hid from the public, stands a chance of tracking her down before it’s too late.

Did You Hear About Mimi Green? #1 (of 4) arrives in comic shops May 27, 2026. It is now available to preorder at your local comic shop for $4.99.

Rogue #1 Explores Rogue’s Past as a Follower as She Charts a Path as a Leader

Posted on by
Rogue #1

YOU CAN’T OUTRUN THE PAST! Rogue has an idyllic life with her sweet Remy LeBeau, but there are still skeletons in her closet…ones that come out when she least expects it. Rogue has worked so hard to leave her villainous past behind. Unfortunately, the past doesn’t stay in the past. What happens when it slams you right in the face? What past sin would make Rogue leave Haven House? Do Mystique and Destiny hold the answer? Rogue #1 puts the spotlight squarely on Rogue as she deals with mysterious visions of her past.

Written by Erica Schultz, Rogue #1 isn’t so much the “Shadows of Tomorrow” as it’s “Shadows of the Past” exploring an unknown event during Rogue’s time with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. But, what’s most interesting is the issue’s juxtaposition of exploring that past while Rogue forges her path as the leader of an X-Men team.

The issue is set in the present with Rogue and her X-Men battling a threat while Rogue also suffers from flashes of something in the past. In the present, she’s a hero and leader training a new generation of heroes. In the past, she’s a follower and villain, it’s hard to not read the issue and see that squarely front and center as the issue progresses. But, while confronting the past she does so solo, not as a team seeking out those who might have answers.

The concept of the comic is interesting and the mystery builds nicely and there’s absolutely something there reflecting on Rogue’s past and her current present. But, the end result doesn’t quite excite. It’s ok overall and enough to check out the second issue. But, Rogue #1 doesn’t feel like a major series spinning out of an event, it feels like a mini-series and it’s tie to that banner of “Shadows of Tomorrow” right now is pretty thin.

The art by Luigi Zagaria is fine. With color by Espen Grundetjern and lettering by Ariana Maher, the action is entertaining but what stands out is Rogue’s struggling with her visions. As readers, it’s hard to tell what is real and what isn’t leaving a bit of questioning until things are made clear. Visually it’s interesting and could be used for some solid storytelling going forward.

Rogue #1 is an entertaining issue that explores Rogue’s past and should be a nice addition for anyone invested in the character. It falls short of really feeling like it ties to “Shadows of Tomorrow,” which has been an issue in all of the X-Men comics except on so far. It just feels like a spin-off mini-series from the X-comic she’s already present in taking up a bit of a nostalgia kick that has fueled numerous Marvel series recently that explore unknown parts of a character’s past.

Story: Erica Schultz Art: Luigi Zagaria
Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Explore the origins of Critical Role’s Vox Machina Team in Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Omnibus – Series I and II

Posted on by

Dark Horse Books and Critical Role present the Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Omnibus—Series I and II, a new paperback collection that will be available in Spring 2026. This new edition collects Volume I written by Matthew Mercer and Matthew Colville, illustrated by Olivia Samson, colored and lettered by Chris Northrop and Volume II written by Matthew Mercer and Jody Houser, illustrated by Olivia Samson, colored by MSASSYK, and lettered by and lettered by Ariana Maher. The paperback compendium will feature cover art by Hunter Bonyun.

What do a flirtatious bard, a clueless barbarian, a naïve druid, a pair of stealthy twins, a holy cleric, and a vengeful gunslinger all have in common? They’re not sure either, but one day they’ll become the heroes known as Vox Machina! Follow the main characters from the smash-hit series Critical Role as they team up for the first time, facing cults and curses in the revelation of their origins and the path that will lead them to glory…eventually.

Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Omnibus—Series I and II (304 pages, 6.625” x 10.1875”, paperback) arrives in bookstores on April 7, 2026 and incomic shops on April 8, 2026. It is now available for pre-order at Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local comic shop and bookstore for $29.99.

Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Omnibus—Series I and II

Black Panther: Intergalactic #1 is a familiar story concept but entertaining sci-fi

Posted on by

THE INTERGALACTIC EMPEROR OF WAKANDA! T’CHALLA, the King of Wakanda, faces the challenge of uniting all of his kingdom – on Earth and in the stars! Before he can begin, though, someone – or something – steals him away to a mysterious planet where the BLACK PANTHER must fight for his life! SHURI, his sister, works to find him – but with the king and princess distracted, will someone else seize the title of Emperor of Wakanda?!

Story: Victor LaValle
Art: Stefano Nesi
Color: Bryan Valenza
Letterer: Ariana Maher

Get your copy 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.

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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

Experience the Whimsical, Tragic, and Haunting Backstories of a Party of Misfits in Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1

Posted on by

Dark Horse Books and Critical Role present the Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1, a new softcover book that will collect Jester Lavorre, Caleb Widogast, Yasha Nydoorin, and Nott the Brave’s backstories together in one volume. These stories were created in consultation with the cast of Critical Role and were written by Jody Houser, Sam Maggs, and Cecil Castellucci, illustrated by Selina Espiritu, Hunter Severn Bonyun, and William Kirkby, colored by Cathy Le and Diana Sousa; and lettered by Ariana Maher. The first paperback omnibus volume will arrive in stores in Summer 2026 and will feature cover art by Robynn Frauhn.

While these stories have been previously released as individual hardcover volumes and the Dark Horse signature Library Edition oversized hardcover format, these new paperback Omnibus collections offer the content in a new format for those who prefer a paperback option.

Jester Lavorre’s unconventional upbringing full of mischief with the Traveler, Caleb’s troubled survival alongside Eadwulf and Astrid at the Soltryce Academy, Nott’s journey to escape her goblin captors and return to her family and herself, and Yasha’s emotional trauma after a loved one’s unfair death are all chronicled in this omnibus edition of Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins. Delve deep into each character’s past and witness what led these unlikely friends to form the party known as the Mighty Nein.

Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1 (408 pages, 6.625” x 10.1875”, paperback) arrives in bookstores on July 7, 2026 and incomic shops on July 8, 2026. It is now available for pre-order at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local comic shop and bookstore for $29.99.

Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins Omnibus Volume 1

Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1 is a fun, surprisingly flirty launch issue that goes deep into the fantasy rabbit hole

Posted on by
Wiccan Witches' Road #1

After a sci-fi interlude as the consort of Emperor Hulkling, Billy Kaplan aka Wiccan aka the Demiurge is back in supernatural fantasy mode for his first solo series Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1. Wyatt Kennedy, Andy Pereira, and Bryan Valenza put one of the Marvel Universe’s alpha couples through some strange, difficult situations to restore balance to the Marvel Universe. This is definitely the “in sickness and in health” part of the traditional marriage vows, but with an extra helping of monsters from Slavic folklore, and it’s nice to see Hulkling and Wiccan work through their problems in a mature way instead of having relationship drama for the sake of drama.

Especially in its introduction and conclusion, Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1 has major fairy tales starting with the fonts and caption style that Ariana Maher uses for a one page recap of Billy Kaplan’s life and lore up to this point. Even though there’s plenty of light couple’s trip banter and adorable peasant girls that have crushes on the 100% unavailable protagonist, Kennedy and Pereira are taking a big swing at making Kaplan a supernatural player in the Marvel Universe up there with Dr. Strange, Dr. Doom (RIP, I think. I only read the Runaways tie-ins of One World Under Doom.), and of course, his mother, Scarlet Witch.

The issue’s kind of/sort of antagonist and the elevated language of some of the captions sets up Wiccan as a kind of epic hero, and the aforementioned little girl echoes that by asking him if he’s a knight. (Of course, he’s not, he’s a good witch!) Andy Pereira and Valenza match this energy in some of the visuals like a panel drawn from the POV of a creepy house with gabled windows.

Speaking of the art, Pereira has solid storytelling instincts from screenshot-worthy reaction shots of Hulkling and Wiccan reacting to their unfamiliar surroundings to fast and furious, knife-life panel layouts showing Wiccan in action against his first monster. There is a little bit of manga in Andy Pereira’s line work with big sound effects and rapid speed lines showing the frantic surprise of the combat as well as Wiccan’s development from just a kid who mouths spells to a skilled melee fighter. Bryan Valenza’s bright, flat colors are the finishing touch on these fight scenes, and he goes moodier and more atmospheric for the slower scenes like when Wiccan and Hulkling explore a suspicious house. Sometimes Wiccan is Goth, sometimes it’s a superhero, and this shift in tones keeps it from getting boring.

Wiccan: Witches’ Road #1 is a fun, surprisingly flirty launch issue that goes deep into the fantasy rabbit hole that is all just a big metaphor for Billy Kaplan and Teddy Altman picking up the pieces of their life together after a cosmic crisis. This kind of a setting is a no-brainer for Wiccan, and I respect Wyatt Kennedy and Andy Pereira’s use of figures from Slavic folklore and mythology instead of supervillains to create conflict and mystery. This book has some of the same DNA as Kieron Gillen’s Journey into Mystery and Steve Orlando’s Scarlet Witch while putting its own unique spin on the fantasy-meets-superhero genre thanks to having a cute, loving couple at the heart of it. I hope the subsequent issues in this series have the same real talk and flashy magic.

Story: Wyatt Kennedy Art: Andy Pereira
Colors: Bryan Valenza Letters: Ariana Maher
Story: 8.2 Art: 7.7 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Exclusive Preview: Expatriate X-Men #2

Posted on by

Expatriate X-Men #2

(W) Eve L. Ewing (A) Francesco Mortarino
(C) Raúl Angulo (L) Ariana Maher
(CA) Francesco Mortarino, Raúl Angulo (VCA) Ario Anindito, Betsy Cola, Marcus To and Erick Arciniega

GUERRILLA WARFARE!

X YEARS LATER, BRONZE, MS. MARVEL, RIFT, MELEE and their guerrilla flotilla make their way upriver, evading the surveillance of both REVELATION and the U.S. Army. It’s clear that their recently rescued charge LYREBIRD is not who he seems to be. And withholding some details leaves his life on the line, as the team approaches the LIMBO LANDS… and the truth.

Expatriate X-Men #2
« Older Entries