Avengers Twilight #6
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Daniel Acuna (CA) Alex Ross
Rated T+
In Shops: May 29, 2024
SRP: $4.99
The end has come! A horrific bomb has been dropped and its fallout can’t be contained! AVENGERS and DEFENDERS rise up to save the world, but death stalks them all! The senses-shattering series concludes here in an epic you have to see to believe!
Avengers Twilight #5
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Daniel Acuna (CA) Alex Ross
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 17, 2024
SRP: $4.99
America and democracy are under attack! Can THE AVENGERS of tomorrow save a country from itself, as their greatest enemy dismantles everything CAPTAIN AMERICA holds dear? It’s a battle decades in the making, and no one is safe!
Avengers: Twilight #4
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Daniel Acuna (CA) Alex Ross
Rated T+
In Shops: Mar 13, 2024
SRP: $4.99
THE AVENGERS are on the run from THE NEW AVENGERS as old enemies emerge! And what is the terrible secret of IRON MAN, THE WASP…and H-DAY?
Avengers: Twilight #3
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Daniel Acuna (CA) Alex Ross
Rated T+
In Shops: Feb 28, 2024
SRP: $4.99
Off the shores of New York City sits THE RAFT, a government facility full of secrets and danger! Can CAPTAIN AMERICA infiltrate it before the new IRON MAN gives him the same gruesome fate as TONY STARK?
Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.
These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.
Logan
Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Kid Cudi (Billed as Scott Mescudi) seamlessly transitions from music to comics in his new series Moon Man with co-scripter Kyle Higgins and artists Marco Locati and Igor Monti. The protagonist of Moon Man, Ramon, is a stand-in for Mescudi with much of the comic taking place in his real hometown of Cleveland. Plus there’s the lunar and cosmic imagery that have been a part of Kid Cudi’s lyrics and sound from day one, but are visually intensified in this comic. Monti’s color palette has a field day as Ramon’s abilities are unlocked, and he goes back to the mysterious events on his billionaire sponsored moon voyage. There is a lot of Jack Kirby and early Fantastic Four in the more sci-fi elements of Moon Man #1, but its world is very much our own with plutocratic monopolies and income equality. I especially love the conversations Ramon has with his little brother Micah about the current generation (Z and Alpha, I guess) not having the same opportunities as previous ones, but also pointing out that Ramon’s corporate astronaut gig is why Micah has shelter, food, and can go to college. Moon Man #1 captures the tension between resigning one’s self to the rat race and wanting something more in a gorgeous take on superhero and science fiction stories. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy
Brett
Avengers: Twilight #2 (Marvel) – While the concept of a world where corporate/fascism has taken over is interesting, there’s something that feels surface level in this future take on the Marvel Universe. The art is decent, action interesting, but the concept continues to be far better than the execution. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read
Charred Remains #2 (Mad Cave Studios) – The series is a horror version of Backdraft and what’s real, what’s not is an intriguing part of it all. The fire focused psychological thriller features beautifully haunting art and an overall concept that’s some solid and entertaining horror. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy
Jill and the Killers #1 (Oni Press) – Crime podcasts and shows are a hot thing and this series plays off of that. Jill’s mother has disappeared as well as kids in her town. Are they all related? And what’s with a mystery game box that seems to be involved too? A solid start full of emotion and questions. Overall: 8.65 Verdict: Buy
Local Man #9 (Image Comics) – The action amps up in this issue as everything comes together in this revitalization of Image’s superhero comics. The series continues to be a highlight for the publisher delivering with every issue. If you’re looking for a superhero comic that’s not one of the Big Two, look no further. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy
Ministry of Compliance #2 (IDW Publishing) – All hell has broken loose for the Ministry of Compliance as they’ve been cut off from their homeworld and there’s treachery from within and from outside forces. This is an action drama from John Ridley that shows how amazing Ridley is at world building. Overall: 8.35 Verdict: Buy
Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Something has gone wrong on a corporate funded mission to the moon, but what? The series is most solid in its discussion of corporate takeover of our lives and while we work for horrible corporations, they do provide us with opportunity. Some art is a little muddied and hard to make out what’s happening, but overall, an interesting start. Overall: 7.75 Verdict: Read
Punisher #3 (Marvel) – Absolutely fantastic action with a solid villain and what’s next looks awesome. This series really brings back a classic Punisher feel and is a must for fans of the character. Overall: 8.45 Verdict: Buy
Resurrection of Magneto #1 (Marvel) – Focusing on Storm attempting to bring Magneto back from the dead, unless you’re really into that aspect, this one’s a pass. But, if you’re deep into the story, it feels like a must. I’m not too into it, so it was rather blah for me. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read
The Deviant #3 (Image Comics) – Such an amazing comic. If you’re into horror, it’s a must. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy
Wolverine #42 (Marvel) – Again, we were promised a brutal and bloody Wolverine story and this delivers. Holy crap is this R-rated fun. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy
Avengers: Twilight #2
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Daniel Acuna (CA) Alex Ross
RATED T+
In Shops: Jan 31, 2024
SRP: $4.99
With the clock ticking to New Year’s Day, and the world against him, CAPTAIN AMERICA must build an army to save America! Will his surviving friends sign up, or is he going to have to lead the ragtag group called THE DEFENDERS against the expert military marksman known as BULLSEYE?
Avengers: Twilight #2
(W) Chip Zdarsky (A) Daniel Acuna (CA) Alex Ross
RATED T+
In Shops: Jan 31, 2024
SRP: $4.99
With the clock ticking to New Year’s Day, and the world against him, CAPTAIN AMERICA must build an army to save America! Will his surviving friends sign up, or is he going to have to lead the ragtag group called THE DEFENDERS against the expert military marksman known as BULLSEYE?
This past week, readers witnessed the thrilling—and tragic—future of the Marvel Universe in Avengers: Twilight #1. Crafted by two industry superstars, writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Daniel Acuña, this years-in-the-making series introduces a world where the Avengers’ dream has been twisted into a nightmare. If you missed your chance to pick up the acclaimed debut issue, Avengers: Twilight #1 will return to stands on February 28 with a second printing!
Earth’s Mightiest Heroes of tomorrow, including many new characters connected to the icons of today, have used their power and influence to control the world as they see fit. The dark saga follows an aged Steve Rogers who comes out of retirement one final time to restore the Avenger’s legacy and take down an intricate and overwhelming system of corruption. Both timeless and politically relevant, Avengers: Twilight is perfect for new comic readers and a must-read for longtime Marvel fans.
Check out the new Second Printing Variant Cover that utilizes Acuña’s original promotional art and preorder it at your local comic shop today!
It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d you all get? What’d you like? Dislike? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.
CBLDF – Victory in Texas: Appeals Court Upholds Book Ratings Injunction – This is a good thing. Congrats to those fighting the good fight.
The Guardian – Rare copy of The Amazing Spider-Man No 1 sells for more than £1m – Wow.
The Beat – Beckett announces controversial new grading service for manga – Well ok then.
Reviews
Comicbook – Avengers: Twilight #1
Comicbook – Cobra Commander #1
The Beat – Enfield Gang Massacre #6
Comicbook – Savage Dragon #267
The Beat – We Can’t Do Plain Love
In a gleaming new world of prosperity, Captain America is no more. But Steve Rogers still exists, floating through an America where freedom is an illusion, where The Avengers are strangers and his friends are long dead. But is the Dream? How do you assemble Avengers in a world that doesn’t want them? Avengers: Twilight #1 is an interesting debut which takes place in the future but is a reflection of events today.
There’s something rather quaint about comic book heroes in today’s world. We’re seeing the worst in humanity right now with the rise of rightwing populism across the world partially fueled by anger and partially fueled by lies. We live in a world full of lies and erasure of history, a denial of facts and reality. So how do heroes fit in that sort of world? That seems to be what writer Chip Zdarsky is attempting to explore with Avengers: Twilight #1.
In this possible future, Captain America has retired with a new group of Avengers out there. But, as we learn this group of Avengers isn’t so much about upholding freedom. Instead, this is a world where freedom has been rejected and a fascist undertone has taken hold. Free speech is frowned upon and lies are perpetuated to sully the legacy of what has come before. This isn’t a post-truth world, it’s one full of propaganda run by the few to benefit the few.
Zdarsky focuses on introducing this world mostly. We get a little bit of action and things really start rolling at the end, but the issue is mostly us getting a lay of the land. And, it’s an interesting concept. How it fits into the 3 billion possible futures… who knows, but more than enough is introduced to entertain readers. But, the comic still feels a bit forced in some ways. There’s things just thrown out there as far as fates of characters and events of the past that are a bit jarring. There’s scenes that just happen with little lead up to them. There’s a bit of a staccato aspect in that way.
The art by Daniel Acuña is pretty solid. It’s an interesting world with lots of details and the characters we know feel worn down and aged. There’s a lot of small details of the technology to remind us it’s the future but beyond a bombardment of ads, the overall feel never quite feels like the “big brother” world that the dialogue leads us to believe. While there’s a lot of cool, something feels like it doesn’t quite nail it with the visuals, just like the story and dialogue itself doesn’t quite nail what it’s going for.
Avengers: Twilight #1 shows off a lot of potential. There’s something there as far as commentary about the current state of the world and the road we’re marching down. There’s something there about this particular future. The concept of heroes retired and a world that has rejected them is interesting. What’s teased could be really good. But, Avengers: Twilight #1 lays a lot of groundwork, hinting at the bigger world and story. It’s the setup but what’s to come will be the meat to really determine if this is any good.
Story: Chip Zdarsky Art: Daniel Acuña Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
