Astonishing Iceman #5
(W) Steve Orlando (A) Vincenzo Carratu (CA) Jesus Saiz
Rated T+
In Shops: Dec 20, 2023
SRP: $3.99
SHATTERED!
ORCHIS has figured out ICEMAN’s secret – and brings the fight to his frozen front door! Can BOBBY DRAKE survive this ultimate showdown?
Astonishing Iceman #4
(W) Steve Orlando (A) Vincenzo Carratu (CA) Jesus Saiz
Rated T+
In Shops: Nov 15, 2023
SRP: $3.99
AMAZING FRIENDS – BACK IN NYC!
ORCHIS hunts in New York City – but this time, they’re not after MUTANTS! The ever-amazing SPIDER-MAN swings onto the scene, but what new force will Orchis unleash that’ll require the titanic team-up of ICEMAN and the friendly neighborhood wall-crawler?! Don’t miss the coolest reunion of the fall (or the REVAMPED VILLAIN who has Iceman in his sights)!
Astonishing Iceman #3
(W) Steve Orlando (A) Vincenzo Carratu (CA) Jesus Saiz
Rated T+
In Shops: Oct 18, 2023
SRP: $3.99
CHILLING WITH THE CAPTAIN!
ORCHIS’ attacks on ICEMAN are heating up! Will crossing paths with the ALL-NEW Y-MEN give BOBBY DRAKE the chance to put them down once and for all or open a new path to his own destruction? Guest-starring AARON FISCHER, the CAPTAIN AMERICA of the Railways (and showcasing his awesome new power set)!
Astonishing Iceman #2
(W) Steve Orlando (A) Vincenzo Carratu
(CA) Jesus Saiz (VCA) Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe, Jung-Geun Yoon
Rated T+
In Shops: Sep 13, 2023
SRP: $3.99
HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTBREAK IS! The bait is set for BOBBY DRAKE as the ELEMENTS OF DOOM target his hometown! Terrorizing the town that raised ICEMAN – but to what end? They say you can’t go home again, but if Iceman can’t save the day, he might not have a home to return to!
The weekend is almost here! What geeky things are you all doing? Sound off in the comments below! While you decide on that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.
Kotaku – GameStop’s Faithful Stock Fans Are Finally Having A Crisis – Buying stocks for lulz isn’t a sound investment plan?
Comicbook – Hasbro’s eOne Sells to Lionsgate for $500 Million – Interesting.
Reviews
CBR – Astonishing Iceman #1
Comic Bastards – Cyborg #1
CBR – Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #1
The Beats – Sacred Lamb
CBR – The Sacrificers #1
This year’s Hellfire Gala upped the body count as Orchis launched an assault on the X-Men and mutants in general. The death toll was high, and that included Bobby Drake, a.k.a. Iceman. So, how’s he starring in his own series? Astonishing Iceman #1 has all the answers as it puts the founding member of the X-Men front and center as part of the resistance against Orchis and its supporters.
Written by Steve Orlando, Astonishing Iceman #1 drops the readers right into the action as Orchis is on the move to rid the world of mutants and Iceman is doing what he can to stop them. While nanotechnology that turns every day electronics into weapons feels a bit too Transformers, the overall story is entertaining keeping things focused and reminding readers “first they came for the mutants…” The story isn’t subtle in what it’s trying to convey reminding readers that bigots don’t stop with one marginalized group.
The focus on Orchis is interesting as well. With their continued attempts to capture/stop Drake, Orlando treats it like it’s any other job. Talks of promotions feels more like an office drone attempting to move up on the corporate ladder than bigots attempting to eradicate an entire group.
Orlando also keeps things interesting by focusing on Orchis a bit too. Yes, this is a battle with tools and technology vs. mutants but it’s also one of perception and manipulation of the public. Iceman is back, and that cuts into the narrative they were trying to sell. How is he back though!? That’s explained and the explanation generally works. There’s something about it that feels like a fairytale, alleviating some of the weight of the situation.
The art by Vincenzo Carratu is solid. With color by Java Tartaglia and lettering by Travis Lanham the comic’s look feels like an extension of Bobby Drake. While the reality of the situation is weighty, the comic still has a bit of a Drake’s attitude of jokes, flair, and excitement.
Astonishing Iceman #1 is an interesting debut that delivers some resistance to Orchis actions but doesn’t create a dark cloud for it to fall under. There’s a decent amount of humor and heart to it all creating a comic that takes a familiar concept but makes it kind of fun.
Story: Steve Orlando Art: Vincenzo Carratu
Color: Java Tartaglia Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.4 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle
Astonishing Iceman #1
(W) Steve Orlando (A) Lan Medina (CA) Jesus Saiz
In Shops: Aug 02, 2023
SRP: $3.99
THE OMEGA-LEVEL MUTANT AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE! After the events of this year’s can’t-miss HELLFIRE GALA, BOBBY DRAKE, A.K.A. ICEMAN, sets his sights on heroic deeds like never before. But as a new situation develops that links Iceman to his Antarctic ice palace, he’ll have to be slicker than ever to accomplish his mission before ORCHIS knows what hit them! An all-new adventure that’ll push Iceman to the limits of his powers…and beyond!
Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) 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
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Ancient Enemies #5 (Frank Miller Presents) – The series has been solid so far with an intriguing world and story. With just a few issues remaining we’re excited to see where this all goes.
Astonishing Iceman #1 (Marvel) – After the Hellfire Gala, Iceman’s alive!? And he’s part of the resistance!?
Conan the Barbarian #1 (Titan Comics) – A new publisher for Conan means a new beginning and if the Free Comic Book Day release was any indication, we’re in for a treat.
Death of the Venomverse #1 (Marvel) – Carnage wants to be the top dog and is traversing the Multiverse to kill any and all Venoms.
Hellboy & the BPRD 1957 From Below (Dark Horse) – Hellboy, Professor Bruttenholm, and B.P.R.D. agent Archie Muraro investigate an abandoned sawmill that is rumored to be haunted. The Hellboy one-shots tend to be a lot of fun.
Knight Terrors: The Joker #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was full of laughs as we get to see what type of nightmares the Joker experiences.
Little Red Fish (Rosarium Publishing) – An exquisite reimagining of the Iranian Revolution. An aquatic reef held down by an oppressive regime of blood-thirsty heron struggles to rise up in this harrowing tale of self-discovery, heritage, and revolution. Originally released in 2015, we’re excited to explore this story again.
Magneto #1 (Marvel) – Learn how the once die-hard villain emerged as a conflicted figure in the saga of the X-Men!
Parker Girls #9 (Abstract Studios) – The series has been a lot of fun with a great mix of action and humor.
Quest #1 (Image Comics) – Princess Anya’s new husband Prince Devyan is violently abducted by three giant demons at their wedding. Anya sets out on an epic journey with a growing band of loyal warriors, crossing deadly landscapes and battling horrifying demons.
Ranger Stranger Summer Special #1 (Scout Comics) – The previous Ranger Stranger releases have had us laughing out loud.
Robotech: Rick Hunter #1 (Titan Comics) – Rick must face a new threat and the ghosts of his past in this series that takes place after the events of the Macross saga!
The Sacrificers #1 (Image Comics) – Tomorrow is a harmonious paradise thanks to five families who make everything perfect…for the price of one child per household. Now, as that bill comes due, a son expected to give everything for a family that never loved him and an affluent daughter determined to destroy utopia must unite to end one generation’s unnaturally protracted reign.
Star Wars: Dark Droids #1 (Marvel) – Who or what is The Scourge and why is no droid safe?
Astonishing Iceman #1
(W) Steve Orlando (A) Lan Medina (CA) Jesus Saiz
In Shops: Aug 02, 2023
SRP: $3.99
THE OMEGA-LEVEL MUTANT AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE! After the events of this year’s can’t-miss HELLFIRE GALA, BOBBY DRAKE, A.K.A. ICEMAN, sets his sights on heroic deeds like never before. But as a new situation develops that links Iceman to his Antarctic ice palace, he’ll have to be slicker than ever to accomplish his mission before ORCHIS knows what hit them! An all-new adventure that’ll push Iceman to the limits of his powers…and beyond!
Since 2019’s House of X, mutantkind has thrived on the island nation of Krakoa, but could it really last forever? That question will be explored and answered in Fall of X, a new era of X-Men storytelling that kicks off in next month’s X-Men: Hellfire Gala 2023 #1.
Epic tragedy and unforgivable betrayals will send mutantkind away from the safety of Krakoa and into one of the darkest periods in X-Men history. A new world map graphic shows just how tumultuous things will be by pinpointing where various titles and characters will end up when Fall of X begins. Fans can also get a sneak peek at what’s to come by checking out covers and story information for September’s X-Men related titles.
UNCANNY SPIDER-MAN #1 (OF 5)
Written by SI SPURRIER
Art by LEE GARBETT
Cover by TONY DANIEL
THE NIGHTCRAWLING WALL-CRAWLER!
On the darkest of days, he is the spark in the shadows! After the devastating events of the Hellfire Gala, Kurt Wagner is on the run – and having the time of his life?! Swashbuckling about NYC in disguise, the Uncanny Wallcrawler sets aside his mutant angst and dedicates himself to the hero’s life: saving civilians, hanging with fellow wallcrawlers, battling baddies, and hunting down the best pizza on the planet. But he can’t ignore the mutant plight forever… Si Spurrier and Lee Garbett launch a joyful, sexy series that will shake Nightcrawler to his foundations – and have a hell of a good time doing it!
UNCANNY AVENGERS #2 (OF 5)
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art and Cover by JAVIER GARRÓN
At a time when mutant and human relations are in the toilet, the Uncanny Avengers have run smack into a new BROTHERHOOD OF EVIL MUTANTS, and, folks, lemme tell you — they came here to beat up Avengers and X-Men and chew gum, and they’re all outta gum. Wake up, babe, a new romance hits that will make readers froth at the mouth. Plus, Ben Urich. Always the mark of a quality and important Marvel Comic. FOOM!
ALPHA FLIGHT #2 (OF 5)
Written by ED BRISSON
Art by SCOTT GODLEWSKI
Cover by LEONARD KIRK
REBEL ALLIANCE!
NORTHSTAR, AURORA, NEMESIS and FANG must be stopped! But what are these former ALPHA FLIGHT heroes up to that’s unleashed the fury of DEPARTMENT H and their all-new weapon: the BOX SENTINELS?!
CHILDREN OF THE VAULT #2 (OF 4)
Written by DENIZ CAMP
Art by LUCA MARESCA
Cover by YANICK PAQUETTE
WELCOME TO THE TOMORROWTOWNS!
The Children of the Vault will bring this world into the future – kicking and screaming! In the wake of the fall of Krakoa, the Children emerge as humankind’s greatest and only saviors, defending Earth from Shi’ar attacks and supernatural sightings alike. And humanity LOVES it. Only Bishop and Cable can see through the Children’s impossible promises – but can these two old enemies work together long enough to stop them? The explosive series continues as mutantkind’s boldest soldiers prepare for war!
DARK X-MEN #2 (OF 5)
Written by STEVE FOXE
Art by JONAS SCHARF
Cover by STEPHEN SEGOVIA
SAVE THEM ALL OR DIE TRYING!
The Dark X-Men’s first “rescue mission” ended in blood and flame, the team is already at each other’s throats, and the fallen now rise against them. Plus, Madelyne Pryor makes the worst mistake possible in a horror story: Never. Ever. Split up.
JEAN GREY #2 (OF 4)
Written by LOUISE SIMONSON
Art by BERNARD CHANG
Cover by AMY REEDER
THE DARKEST PERIOD IN JEAN GREY’S HISTORY!
The Dark Phoenix has haunted Jean Grey since it emerged from Jamaica Bay. But what if the Phoenix had chosen…someone else? The love story of Cyclops and Jean Grey is one of the most beloved in Marvel Comics’ history. Now witness a legendary creator break their hearts – and their minds. But this is no “what if.” Jean Grey is not where she is meant to be…and neither is the rest of mutantkind. Stunning secrets will be revealed as Jean Grey lays the groundwork for her next shocking appearance in “Fall of X”!
ASTONISHING ICEMAN #2 (OF 5)
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art by VINCENZO CARRATÙ
Cover by JESÚS SAIZ
HOME IS WHERE THE HEARTBREAK IS!
The bait is set for BOBBY DRAKE as the ELEMENTS OF DOOM target his hometown! Terrorizing the town that raised ICEMAN – but to what end? They say you can’t go home again, but if Iceman can’t save the day, he might not have a home to return to!
REALM OF X #2 (OF 4)
Written by TORUNN GRØNBEKK
Art by DIÓGENES NEVES
Cover by STEPHANIE HANS
PROPHECY, PERIL AND POWERLESSNESS!
With her powers still on the fritz, Magik makes a desperate move to try and recover the missing Curse – but is she playing right into someone else’s nefarious plans? Plus, tempers are ready to erupt as this powder keg of a team struggles to protect their fellow mutants from the growing conflict in Vanaheim. The date of the prophecy looms ever closer–but at this rate, will the team even make it to then or will they implode before they even get a chance to prove themselves?!
X-MEN #26
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by STEFANO CASELLI
Cover by LUCAS WERNECK
“WE’RE NOT LOSING AN X-MAN… WE’RE GAINING AN AVENGER!”
The moment we swore would never happen—heck, the moment EMMA FROST swore would never happen—is here at last! As the Frost/Stark knot is tied in INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10, Emma’s mutant family reacts to this surprise news!
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #10
Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by JUAN FRIGERI
Cover by LUCAS WERNECK
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Anthony Edward Stark and Emma Grace Frost…Come join the lucky couple as they exchange vows. Attire is Hellfire formal. Orchis raid to follow. Plus some exclusive wedding extras!
X-MEN RED #15
Written by AL EWING
Art by YILDIRAY ÇINAR
Cover by STEFANO CASELLI
SINS OF THE PAST!
Under siege in Port Prometheus, Storm readies to hold the line against the ultimate bioweapon. Meanwhile, the Fisher King finds himself tormented by his strange new abilities…and the secrets in his memory might turn the tide of the Genesis War.
X-FORCE #44
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by ROBERT GILL
Cover by DANIEL ACUÑA
X-FORCE NO MORE?!
X-perience the FALL OF X at its most dire! X-Force is captured – but what power could possibly keep them off the grid, and who is truly to blame? With Sage, Deadpool and Domino on the outside, will the Wolverine Sentinels beat them to their quarry, or can X-Force reunite to take down the enemies of mutantkind once and for all?
IMMORTAL X-MEN #15
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by LUCAS WERNECK
Cover by MARK BROOKS
After the Gala, we wondered – did anyone survive the experience? Now we discover the real question: How long can anyone survive this?
WOLVERINE #37
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by JUAN JOSÉ RYP
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
HULK AND WOLVERINE – TOGETHER AGAIN in LAST MUTANT STANDING Part 1!
Logan’s grand tour of the Marvel Universe begins here in the only way it could – face-to-face once more with the INCREDIBLE HULK! But will they meet as friends or enemies? And Wolverine hunts down his remaining three clones from Beast’s Weapons of X, for in the end, there can be only one Logan! The perfect jumping on point as Wolverine’s new status quo in the FALL OF X kicks into high gear!
