West Coast Avengers #4
(W) Gerry Duggan (A) Danny Kim
(C) Arthur Hesli (L) Joe Caramagna
(CA) Ben Harvey (VCA) Anand Ramcheron, Mark Brooks, Nao Fuji
Rated T+
In Shops: Feb 26, 2025
SRP: $3.99
SPARKS FLY!
A troubled Firestar and the newest and least-tested member of the West Coast Avengers, Blue Bolt, make an unexpected connection – but will this volatile romance strengthen the team or burn it down?
Illyana Rasputin gets her first solo series in decades, and it’s unfortunately a middling effort. Magik #1 takes the Soulsword wielding mutant away from the X-Men and in Juneau, Alaska, which has some kind of Hellmouth situation and a limply named Big Bad called Liminal being bound by a family of magic users. (The Chosen One/Watcher figure is a blond male named Callen though.) I love how Ashley Allen writes Magik, especially in combat and when she’s saving the day, but the setup for the series is something out of a CW show despite a horror movie worthy intro complete with scratching nails sound effects courtesy of letterer Ariana Maher.
I also didn’t hate the art by German Peralta and Arthur Hesli. Hesli especially uses a deep, dark palette to show the forcefields, runes, sigils, and various magic energies flowing throughout the book. He and Peralta do a two page horror story masterclass to the start the comic before Magik #1 collapses under its own derivative, unwieldy world-building. However, even if the story feels like a Xerox of a Xerox, the art team makes everything look cool, especially when Magik is struggling with her shadow self, Darkchild and is dueling with Liminal. The baddie doesn’t have much personality, but would make a great Fortnite or Marvel Rivals opponent. Honestly, the scenes between Magik and Liminal have a 1990s energy to them, but are, of course, less demeaning to women. I feel like Liminal is someone Sara Pezzini would fight.
A solo superhero book lives and dies by its supporting cast, and Allen and German Peralta take a bold swing and introduces a completely new one in Magik #1. And then they kill everyone off except for a young determined scion of an apocalypse destroying line. Magik teleports into a funeral, and then the rest of the characters start dropping like flies. There’s nothing wrong with starting with a dead character ; it’s practically a genre fiction right of passage a la Watchmen, Twin Peaks, or Umbrella Academy. However, Ashley Allen and Peralta just keep offing characters we know nothing about to “raise the stakes”, which are Liminal trying to break through different force fields like The Master in Buffy Season 1 with a side of a video game fetch quest.
From the teaser for Magik #2, it looks like the title will be a globe trotting one with Magik and Callen fighting various supernatural threats in different locations. This means a rotating cast of characters, but just because they don’t appear in the next issue doesn’t mean they have to be one dimensional. One small human moment like the X-Men throwing Magik a birthday breakfast would have made the new characters in Magik #1 more endearing, but okay, magic, pink and purple explosions are cool too. The change of location from Juneau to Tokyo is enticing, but a last page teaser for an upcoming issue shouldn’t be more compelling than a full comic.
With her badassery, traumatic past, and connection magic and demon dimensions, Magik is an objectively cool comic book character. However, Magik #1 lacks a hook and supporting cast to let her spotlight shine going for recycled versions of supernatural/fantasy/horror hits of the past instead of something fresh and easy to latch onto. German Peralta and Arthur Hesli do make her look good while kicking demon ass and teleporting ungrateful Alaskans though.
Story: Ashley Allen Art: German Peralta
Colors: Arthur Hesli Letters: Ariana Maher
Story: 5.8 Art: 7.3 Overall: 6.2 Recommendation: Pass
Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Iron Man and War Machine have put together a new team of Avengers – one that includes villains seeking a path to redemption. Their case study? Ultron – who, against all odds, seems to be walking the straight and narrow… for now. But does the success of one guarantee the success of all? Spider-Woman and Firestar have their doubts. And can any amount of heroics really absolve Ultron of his past? West Coast Avengers #1 is a fantastic debut with a new idea, solid action, great humor, and actual surprises.
West Coast Avengers was never a team I cared about. As a whole, Avengers is a comic I’d skip growing up. But, this new team, and it’s new direction, felt like one to check out.
Written by Gerry Duggan, the new West Coast Avengers are the classic Avengers meet the Thunderbolts. Headed up by Iron Man and War Machine, the team features traditional heroes but also villains looking to reform. First up are Blue Bolt and… Ultron!? Yes, the homicidal and genocidal killer robot is now an Avenger!
Duggan teases how this came to be but doesn’t deliver a straight answer. The first issue emphasizes that the team is kind of a mess and that there’s a lot of trust issues. West Coast Avengers #1‘s focus is that team dynamic. Iron Man/Tony Stark isn’t quite the strong man of the past. Spider-Woman thinks it’s all off the rails. War Machine is the most focused of the team. Ultron is timid and just… odd. And Blue Bolt, is the ass of the team. Next joining is Firestar, who we find out is at the bottom of the bottle after her recent undercover work.
The art by Danny Kim is good. The comic has some good action sequences and features some iconic Los Angeles locations but it’s the body language and small details that really stand out. With Arthur Hesli on color and Joe Caramagna coloring, the visuals really much the comedic undertones of the comic with a light, almost goofy sense about it all.
West Coast Avengers #1 is solid in the team dynamic with some action to show off their dynamic and really nail down that this is a shitshow of a team. With some great humor and just unexpected moments (that ending!), it’s a great debut that leaves us wanting more.
Story: Gerry Duggan Art: Danny Kim
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
Illyana Rasputina is going solo! The highly-demanded Magik ongoing series hits stands on January 8. Witten by Ashley Allen and drawn by Germán Peralta, with color by Arthur Hesli, Magik will pit the X-Men icon against mystical threats targeting the mutant community. Today, check out all the covers and get an exclusive first look at interior artwork.
Among the covers is superstar artist Peach Momoko’s design for new villain, The Demon Crow! Fans can also get a sneak peek at Magik’s first encounter with this mysterious foe in the preview. Other covers include pieces from best-selling artists like Jeehyung Lee and David Nakayama, both of which will also be available as virgin variant covers; along with a special foil variant cover by Dike Ruan; and a stunning pinup shot of Magik by Jay Anacleto. It also features a main cover by J. Scott Campbell. Plus, see Peralta’s new design for Illyana’s Darkchylde form! Illyana’s demonic Darkchylde persona returns from the depths of her tormented soul to offer her more power, but at what cost?
THE MYSTIC MUTANT GOES DEMON HUNTING IN HER OWN SERIES! The X-Man Illyanna Rasputina strikes out on her own with new allies and dark powers arrayed against her. Something ancient has awakened beneath the Alaskan ice. Unfortunately for it, that’s Magik’s territory now!
From Colossus’ kid sister to New Mutant, Illyana Rasputina has climbed the ranks over the years to become the one of the fiercest X-Men, and her long overdue solo adventures will see her unleash her Soulsword, spells, and dark side like never before. Preorder Magik #1 at your local comic shop today!
The original Midnight Sons reunite to deal with the vampire threat unleashed in Blood Hunt! But first they must defeat one of their own: Blade! Midnight Sons: Blood Hunt #1 sets up a confrontation between friends in a comic that takes a familiar concept and drops it into Blood Hunt.
The concept of a friend turning and having to be stopped or confronted by their former group isn’t anything new. It’s a plot that has happened over and over, each with their own spin. Midnight Sons: Blood Hunt #1 takes that concept bring the classic group together to figure out what’s going on with Blade who has now lead the world’s vampires in attack.
Written by Bryan Edward Hill, Midnight Sons: Blood Hunt #1 also does another familiar concept as each team member is introduced and we’re teased as to what dynamic they bring to the group. Here we get a core that should be interesting in who’s the most gruff of them all. There’s few smiles as the group oozes a seriousness about everything that you notice the lack of a comedic member. While the comic is entertaining, there’s a “fun” aspect that feels like it’s missing from the dynamic.
The art by German Peralta adds to the serious vibe of it all. With color by Arthur Hesli and lettering by Cory Petit, the comic feels a bit drab. This isn’t a horror vibe, it’s just dark and somewhat depressing. It still works overall, it’s just the comic overall has a dirge vibe about it.
Midnight Sons: Blood Hunt #1 is a fine start. The comic sets things up, gets the group together, and sets them upon their mission. It catches readers up with what’s going on and teases some drama in doubt that Blade is acting on his own. Overall, it does its job. What it’s missing is the fun aspect. There’s no joy to be found in the comic, not even quick pithy dialogue. It’s about as serious as you can get in an action comic.
Story: Bryan Edward Hill Art: German Peralta
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Cory Petit
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
I am what some consider an old comics fan. Many comics fans don’t even go to comic book stores any longer. Many readers now wait for the collected editions of stories before delving in. It is crazy to think now, that there was a time when the term “graphic novel “ did not exist.
As I remembered when the Death Of Superman happened. It made national and local news. The comic book sold out everywhere. The event spawned a slew of Superman type characters who would claim to take the mantle, some of whom are in ongoing books right now. In the debut issue of Sentry, our hero is dead, just like Superman, and just like in that event series, people with powers like his start popping up all over the world.
We’re taken to Harlem, where we find Jessica Jones, trying to get back to her life as a PI, when an unusual occurrence, happens nearby. This is where Misty Knight and the Aberrant Crimes Division show up the same time as Jessica, as she finds out that residual energy that matches the Sentinel, are found at the site, the same as another incident in Columbus, Ohio. We also meet Mallory Gibbs; a disabled journalist, who is suddenly is empowered with the Sentry’s powers. By the issue’s end, another person has inherited Sentry’s powers, but this time, an Inhuman, and another wants be the only successor to Bob Reynolds.
Overall, Sentry #1 is an exciting debut which is a potboiler with superheroes. The story by Loo is action packed. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that will absolutely renew interest in the character before his big screen debut.
Story: Jason Loo Art: Luigi Zagaria
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
BOOM! Studios and Hasbro have revealed a first look at Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #116, the continuation of the Darkest Hour event, taking place after the bold and greatly anticipated Reunited, Recharged era of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The superstar creative lineup includes writer Melissa Flores, artists Adam Gorham and Marco Renna, colorist Joana Lafuente, and letterer Ed Dukeshire, in the continuation of this monumental 12-month event, available in January 2024.
In the race to reach the Master Arch, the last Ranger anyone expected is the only one to arrive… But it’s far from over, with a deadly villain not far behind. An epic confrontation years in the making is finally here as the Darkest Hour reaches a fever pitch! But in the twisted arena of the Grid, the lines between hero and villain blur even further, and this battle might just prove to be the end of one character’s long journey.
And don’t miss Ryan Parrott’s return to Power Rangers, joined by co-writer Rachel Wagner, artist Daniel Bayliss, colorist Arthur Hesli, and letterer Ed Dukeshire in the newest Darkest Hour chapter, Power Rangers Unlimited: The Morphin Masters #1!
Picking up right after the shocking events of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #116, an iconic returning character, RANGER SLAYER, has entered The Grid in a desperate attempt to find the Morphin Masters and the answers they might possess…
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #116 features main cover art by star artist Taurin Clarke and variant covers by acclaimed illustrators Björn Barends, Goñi Montes, and Zu Orzu.
Power Rangers Unlimited: The Morphin Masters #1 features covers by Toni Infante, Goñi Montes, and Miguel Mercado.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #116 will be available for sale on January 24, 2024 and Power Rangers Unlimited: The Morphin Masters #1 will hit shelves January 31, 2024.
The Sentry is dead, but ordinary people all over the world are suddenly manifesting his powers and experiencing snippets of Bob Reynolds’ memories. Will one of them survive long enough to emerge as the new Sentry? Or will their newfound power destroy them? When Misty Knight and Jessica Jones cross paths in search of answers, they open an investigation that will change everything you think you know about the Sentry! Sentry #1 kicks off the next chapter of the controversial character.
When it comes to the character Sentry, I’ve never really had much of an opinion. I’ve read the various series and comics he’s been in and it was always an odd character. The results felts like extremes with the stories being great or horrible and little in between. It’s like no one quite got a handle as to how he fit in. To me, he was just a character. With Bob Reynolds’ dead, Sentry #1 kicks off the next chapter for the character and what direction it goes will be intriguing.
Written by Jason Loo, Sentry #1 feels a lot like “Reign of the Supermen.” Various individuals with little connection to each other gain powers that seem like the Sentry making you wonder what’s happening if any of them are the “true” Sentry. It’s much like how various Superman showed up post his death and new characters stood up, each having a facet of the original.
The story plays out without too many surprises as disasters due to these “awakenings” happen calling in a special unit to deal with them and then… shocker… one is evil. Again, it’s very “Reign of the Supermen.” If one of them turns out to be a Cyborg villain from Sentry’s past…
The art by Luigi Zagaria is decent. With color by Arthur Hesli and lettering by Joe Caramagna, the look of everything is decent. The characters are good, the action decent, overall, it’s not bad. But, it also doesn’t quite hook you. The characters look a little off in some ways and while there’s decent action, non of it really stands out. Like the story, it’s nice, but doesn’t quite excite.
It’s all not bad, but also doesn’t really stand out so far. It’s entertaining and what types of characters gain the Sentry’s power is interesting, but overall, we’re here for the end result. I’m just not completely sure the lead up is exciting enough to get us there.
Story: Jason Loo Art: Luigi Zagaria
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
A revolution is coming! Bucky Barnes, the Revolution, just inherited a mountain of covert intel, and he has one objective: justice. Like lightning. He’s going after the establishment, the people no one else is willing or able to take down, and he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Teaming with the mysterious Contessa Valentina Allegra De Fontaine, Bucky assembles a team of black-ops heavy hitters to pursue high-profile targets like the Red Skull, Kingpin and even Doctor Doom himself. Thunderbolts #1 kicks off a new direction for the classic team name, delivering a start that feels a bit familiar.
Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Thunderbolts #1 is a fun start to the series that delivers familiar steps. Bucky Barnes has tons of intel after his last adventure (you don’t really need to know about that). And, he now wants to put a team together to take on big threats and willing to do what’s needed to stop them. In some ways, this feels like Secret Avengers and Secret Warriors but with a different team name and different leadership. But, this team is willing to cross lines those other two never really did. That’s clear by the ending that has a villain executed. That seems to be the big differentiation between the Thunderbolts and the Avengers.
The team itself is pretty solid, featuring a mix of personalities that are all “alpha” and thus will clash and peacock to each other. It keeps the story fun and flowing nicely adding for smart ass comments and a bit of showmanship. But that pace extends to the story itself delivering an issue that’s an introduction and generally one and done story. Team is formed, battle happens and is resolved, all in one issue. Also throw in some solid explanations to get readers caught up.
The art by Geraldo Borges is good. With color by Arthur Hesli and lettering by Joe Sabino, it has a pulp style about it with good use of close up panels and characters’ reactions to really drive home the moments. There’s good dynamic moment, each used as an introduction to each team member so far and playing off the fun nature of the comic. It could easily, visually, be shown as a dark, serious, bloodbath, but it sticks to a more fun adventure… where some folks get killed too.
Thunderbolts #1 is a fun start delivering a “comic booky” adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously and achieving a style that feels like modernized serial/pulp entertainment. What the final dynamic of the team is like as it grows will be the key here as the bombast, sniping, and general not getting along will be a fun aspect and draw to the missions themselves. A very different direction for the classic team but a story and style that’s very welcome.
Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Geraldo Borges
Color: Arthur Hesli Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
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Now live on Kickstarter, Bixby Grant, Private Eye: Fangs & Brimstone #1 from RNM PRESS! It’s written by Komikwerks co-founder Patrick Coyle with art by Gonzalo Martínez, color by Arthur Hesli, edited by Heather Antos, and covers by Liana Kangas and Gabriel Hardman.
Bixby Grant, an immortal living mummy and Harbor City’s greatest private detective, is doing his best to be left alone and forget his tragic past. But today is his birthday, a day that holds special significance for Bix – on this day in 1925, he discovered that his older brother Max was not only a member of the city’s largest crime family, but also an occultist intent on summoning a demon to Earth!
Bix stumbles across a string a of ritualistic murders by an unidentified cult, murders that have an all-too-coincidental parallel to what Bix’s brother was attempting to do one hundred years ago. The murders are targeting members of the Mayor’s reelection campaign, possibly a violent pushback against the Mayor’s proposal to rid Harbor City of its supernatural population.
Running afoul of the police, Bix reluctantly teams up with Diego, a young rockabilly vampire, to face sorcerers, witches, and a cadre of monsters known as the Council Macabre during their investigation. But Bix’s greatest foe is himself – he’s been repressing his true feelings about his brother for over one hundred years, and that is causing him to make careless mistakes. He needs to face those feelings so he can save Harbor City from being overrun by the demon Syd and his horde of hell spawn goblins!
Each issue will be a whopping 30 pages; featuring an additional 8-page underground zombie fight club tale, Zombietown, with art by Gonzalo Ruggieri.
The campaign for Bixby Grant, Private Eye: Fangs & Brimstone #1 ends November 16.
