Tag Archives: chris claremont

Alien vs. X-Men #2 delivers a bleak outlook and a hell of a twist

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Alien vs. X-Men #2

HERE COMES CABLE! He’s come from the future with a handpicked team to put a stop to the alien decimation of Earth. But is it too little, too late for the surviving X-MEN…and all of humanity?! The new ALIEN QUEEN makes her terrifying presence known! Plus: The continuation of Chris Claremont’s flashback story featuring KITTY PRYDE versus the XENOMORPHS for the fate of the PHOENIX! Alien vs. X-Men #2 delivers another fantastic issue that’s full of surprises and building up the body count.

Written by Kieron Gillen, Alien vs. X-Men #2 brings in the calvary with a team from the future headed up by Cable. The comic hits a familiar formula as Cable drops how things play out and what the future looks like and why he and his team have come back to stop what happens. Yes, a lot of the comic is formulaic and been done many times before. But, Gillen gives us grisly details that really play into the combination of Xenomorphs and mutants. And, the comic delivers a twist at the end that’s unexpected and feels like a shock. It’s a fun horror comic that delivers the best of both the Alien franchise as well as the X-Men, taking great aspects from both.

The art by Geraldo Borges is solid. With color by Andrew Dalhouse and letters by Travis Lanham, the comic nails the dread and horror of the Alien franchise. Seeing the heroes struggle, Wolverine beaten down, Beast scared, it delivers the emotions and reactions you’d expect and each panel is packed with fear. The comic also does a fantastic job of continuing the franchise’s style in not focusing too much on the gore of it all. You see Chestbursters, you get the Facehuggers, but it never feels like it lingers on the blood and guts. Even Wolverine broken down by acid still feels tame. The visuals also nail down the chaos of what’s happening with the surviving X-Men trying to figure out what’s going on and moments spent showing what happened to the original team. It is perfect when it comes to the scares and tension visually.

There’s a back-up story written by Chris Claremont with art by David Messina, color by Rain Beredo, and letters by Lanham that focuses on Kitty Pryde and Ilyana Rasputin. That story is just ok relying on X-Men history and feeling a little disjointed in its storytelling. It’s ok overall but most likely really plays towards the hardcore fans.

Alien vs. X-Men #2 is a fantastic second issue that packs a punch and has no problem upping the body count. It’s a story that will kill off anyone that can move the story along. Everything is on the table here and that adds to the excitement and anticipation.

Story: Kieron Gillen, Chris Claremont Art: Geraldo Borges, David Messina
Color: Andrew Dalhouse, Rain Beredo Letters: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special attempts to celebrate the character, and two of their main civilian identities: Brian Braddock and Betsy Braddock

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Comic book cover for Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special, featuring a stylized illustration of a woman with flowing hair surrounded by floral designs.

Captain Britain is one of Marvel’s most underrated heroes. He, she, or they is an exploration of British identity through the lens of the occult, Arthurian legends, various signs and symbols, the multiverse, and yes, superheroes. Depending on the creative team, these stories can be memorable or just palette swapped Captain America. Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special attempts to celebrate the character, and two of their main civilian identities: Brian Braddock and Betsy Braddock. It succeeds as a showcase of visually powerful comics art, but for the most part, the scripts are retreads of Captain Britain lore or lack ending in the case of the final story in the book. However, Chris Claremont comes to life writing one of his earliest co-creations, and Alan Davis continues to be one of the great comics storytellers. Sadly, the modern day story from Dan Abnett and Kelsey Ramsay is this book’s weak link.

The Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special kicks things off in a majorly old school way in “Braddock Business” courtesy of Cap’s co-creator Chris Claremont, artist Paul Davidson, and colorist Carlos Lopez. Set between the panels of a classic Captain Britain issue, the story pits Brian Braddock, and for the first time ever, his sister Betsy Braddock against the villainous Dr. Synne. This is mostly a beat ’em up story with Davidson evoking the power and glory of Alan Davis’ work while Lopez puts a digital sheen on the 1970s flat color palette. Synne is definitely one-dimensional, but this story succeeds by leaning on a Claremont trademark: focus on character’s interpersonal relationships. Betsy learns that Brian is Captain Britain, and that she has special abilities too leading to equal parts empowerment and anxiety on her part. She gets a classic Chris Claremont powerful woman moment too.

However, “Braddock Business” ends up commenting on the dark side of violence and revenge as Brian ends up in a physical confrontation with Dr. Synne that is more 1986 than 1976. Alan Moore is probably the most famous Captain Britain (Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant did edit the mag though.) writer and cut his teeth writing his stories before he deconstructed the superhero genre in Miracleman and Watchmen. So, Brian basically blacking out, and the fight against Synne having a more open-ended, less triumphant conclusion is in line with that kind of story. It’s cool to have superpowers, but there are also costs and responsibilities. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but Betsy and Brian still have a great sibling bond. Jamie, not so much ; he’s probably scamming folks on Kalshi right now.

“Chains of Command” fittingly pokes fun at the bureaucracy of the Captain Britain Corps and the labyrinthine web that is Merlyn, Saturnyne, and all the various players in their corner of the Marvel Universe. It’s also a showcase for Alan Davis ‘ considerable talents warping and wefting comics pages together that is matched by the bright, old school colors of Matt Hollingsworth. In the story, Brian Braddock is all action, especially when he fights his classic enemy The Fury while Archibald Payne just sits and pontificates with his big scepter. (He’s definitely compensating or something.) A lot of the story summarizes different elements of the convoluted Captain Britain Corps lore, but Davis’ sarcastic wit and powerful pencil get enough time to shine. If he was the artist or writer/artist on a Captain Britain mini or ongoing series, I would immediately put it on my hold list, especially with Hollingsworth’s colors accentuating the scenes with mystical energy.

The Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special concludes with a story set in the present day starring the current Captain Britain, Betsy Braddock, from Dan Abnett, Kelsey Ramsay, and Brittany Peer. Unfortunately, “Another Day, An Otherworld” is the weak link is this otherwise above average collection of Captain Britain stories. The first two stories explored the themes of family and multiverse, and this one explores the cyclical nature of the omniverse and the Captain Britain Corps. However, it has no conclusion just a half-hearted mention that Opal Saturnyne is going to continue to be devious and scheme and then an advertising for an upcoming comic where we can read more about Betsy Braddock’s adventures. This is definitely a comic where the visuals supersede the text. Ramsay has a scratchy art style with heavy black inks that grounds the magical world of Captain Britain into something human, vulnerable, and even monstrous. She and Peer make sparks fly as Captain Britain fights her opponent, but the story is just a stalemate. As a reader of Excalibur and Betsy Braddock, “Another Day, An Otherworld” touched on some of the lore I knew from those books, but doesn’t continue Betsy’s story in any kind of meaningful way or mention her queerness.

Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special may spark some feelings in folks who have read Captain Britain stories before whether that’s the early Chris Claremont/Herb Trimpe stuff or the Krakoa-era Tini Howard comics, but it won’t create any new fans of the Union Jack clad defenders of the multiverse. Any new Alan Davis interior art is always a blessing though.

Story: Chris Claremont, Alan Davis, Dan Abnett
Art: Paul Davidson, Alan Davis, Kelsey Ramsay
Colors: Carlos Lopez, Matt Hollingsworth, Brittany Peer
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Story: 6.7 Art: 8.2 Overall: 7.4 Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Exclusive Preview: Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special #1

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Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special #1

(W) Alan Davis, Dan Abnett, Chris Claremont (A) Alan Davis, Kelsey Ramsay, Paul Davidson
(C) Carlos Lopez, Matt Hollingsworth, Brittany Peer (L) Clayton Cowles
(CA) Alan Davis and Matt Hollingsworth (VCA) David Mack

LIVE BY THE SWORD!

Join us for a golden jubilee to commemorate fifty years of Brian and Betsy Braddock, champions of the multiversal Captain Britain Corps! Chris Claremont & Paul Davidson weave a tale of Brian’s earliest days defending the realm! Alan Davis shows what happens when you try to rein in a Braddock! And Dan Abnett & Kelsey Ramsay pit Betsy against the forces of Otherworld. Witness a can’t-miss glimpse at the past, present and future of these powerhouse twins!

Cover of 'Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special' comic featuring the main character in a dynamic pose with a Union Jack costume, surrounded by various characters and fans in the background.
Cover of 'Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special' featuring a red, white, and blue design inspired by the British flag. The title and contributions of various artists and writers are prominently displayed.
A vibrant comic book page featuring Captain Britain in a yellow aircraft, flying over a rugged landscape. In the cockpit, three characters engage in conversation while another character on horseback approaches from the right side. The scene includes dialogue bubbles and a title reading 'Braddock Business.'
A comic book page featuring multiple characters engaged in a dialogue about championships, suspensions, and rumors. The scene includes a pilot and a female passenger, as well as a stern-looking man in a suit, a woman sitting at a desk with a laptop, and two other characters in close conversation.
Comic panel featuring two characters in a fantastical setting, discussing interdimensional ley lines. One character is dressed in a colorful superhero outfit, while the other is adorned in regal attire with medals. The background shows mystical rock formations and a swirling sky.
A comic book scene featuring multiple characters engaged in conversation, showcasing a superhero in red and gold discussing a magical artifact with another character in armor. Background elements include mystical symbols and a roster of shadowy figures, highlighting tension and intrigue.
Comic panel featuring characters dressed in colorful superhero costumes, engaging in a sword fight in a vibrant outdoor setting. In the background, a crowd watches the duel. The panel contains dialogue and narrative text about the passage of time and seasonal cycles.
Comic book page featuring characters engaged in a mystical meeting in a vibrant forest setting, discussing rituals and traditions in Otherworld.
A comic book page featuring a large, menacing red creature with horns, shouting and brandishing a threat. Various characters are engaged in a tense conversation, showcasing elements of magic and struggle, while one character wields a glowing sword. The scene is filled with dramatic expressions and dynamic action, highlighting a clash between good and evil.

Alien vs. X-Men #1 is Summer Popcorn Entertainment to Just Roll With and Not Ask Questions

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Alien vs. X-Men #1

They went looking for a Phoenix egg. They found something else. The X-Men return to Earth with deadly cargo, and a violent battle between mutant and alien begins. And will an unexpected ally turn the tide in the X-Men’s favor? In this special crossover decades in the making, the next evolution of Marvel’s mightiest mutants begins! Will anyone survive the experience? Alien vs. X-Men #1 delivers an exciting start but it’s also best to not think to hard about the details.

The concept of the X-Men battling xenomorphs sounds awesome on paper. And, the comic would likely be entertaining enough to just have a battle between the two forces. But, writer Kieron Gillen takes it all a bit further with a debut issue that not only gets to the action and horror we want but adds in an even greater hurdle for the X-Men. It’s not just xenomorphs they’re battling, it’s xenomorphs who have absorbed mutant powers and now have access to them. It’s something interesting and different, but also some of it you just need to roll with.

There’s a lot to like about the debut issue, Alien vs. X-Men #1. Gillen does a great job in setting the concept up and really getting the ball rolling. This isn’t a first issue that builds until an end teaser. Instead, we get a team of X-Men wiped out and another team having to battle these superpowered xenomorphs.

The issue hits a lot of solid beats like a warning video, the shock of the first engagement, and the realization at how deadly this new enemy is. It also does a good job of recognizing the X-Men already has the Brood… and it’s all a little familiar.

What’s great is Gillen thinking through how the xenomorphs would impact the mutant powers. What would actually protect people against the acid blood? Who is more agile and faster? But there’s also some questionable choices. A xenomorph with Wolverine’s abilities gives them adamantium claws and not bone? Small details like that will get some to be taken out of the otherwise solid start.

The art by Geraldo Borges is solid with color by Andrew Dalhouse and lettering by Travis Lanham. The team does a great job of giving a comic that has the feel of an X-Men story but with something a little sinister within. But, that actually makes the horror work even more. Where parts of the comic feel like any battle you’d see, things go horribly wrong for many and it all comes off even more shocking. There’s a chaotic aspect to the big engagement and the art helps enhance and amplify that.

But, there’s more than just that. Chris Claremont provides another story with Dave Messina on art, Rain Beredo on color, and Lanham again handling the lettering. This one has Kitty dealing with the Brood and feels like it plays a bit more to the hardcore fans who know the history of Kitty Pryde and the Brood. While not a bad story, it’s one that’ll really be measured by the overall arc.

Alien vs. X-Men #1 is a fun and entertaining start and goes further in ways I wouldn’t have expected. It’s summer popcorn fun in that it’s best to not think too much of the details and just go with the crazy directions. Here’s hoping it packs more surprises and lets face it, more xenomorph/mutant combinations.

Story: Kieron Gillen, Chris Claremont Art: Geraldo Borges, Dave Messina
Color: Andrew Dalhouse, Rain Beredo Letterer: Travis Lanham
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

Preview: Gambit: Wanted #3

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Gambit: Wanted #3

(W) Chris Claremont (A) Robert Gill

THE SINISTER GAMBIT! GAMBIT’s got a new QUEEN — the mysterious SUZERAIN! But who’s playing who in this high stakes game for their lives? Witness the previously unexplored turning point for Gambit in this crucial time just before he joined the X-Men!

Comic book cover for 'Gambit' issue 3 featuring a character with a deck of cards and a dramatic pose against a dark background, with the title prominently displayed above.
A comic book page featuring a wanted poster for Gambit, highlighting his background and recent adventures in New Orleans. The text discusses his character, powers, and plot involving Elodie and the villain Suzerain.
A comic book page featuring three characters: a woman with dark hair and a determined expression, a monstrous figure with claws, and a muscular hero with glowing powers, set against a vivid background. The characters appear to be in a dynamic conflict, with speech bubbles revealing their thoughts about villains and heroism.
A comic book page featuring a character named Remy, also known as Gambit, displaying powers amidst a confrontation. The scene shows Gambit in action, with a police officer looking surprised, as Gambit interacts with a creature.
A comic panel showing a character with spiky features and a bright costume in a dynamic pose, appearing threatening. In the background, a police officer lies unconscious on the ground. The scene is set in an urban environment during Mardi Gras, with hints of chaos and tension.

Preview: Alien vs. X-Men #1

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Alien vs. X-Men #1

(W) Kieron Gillen, Chris Claremont (A) Geraldo Borges, David Messina

X-MEN VERSUS XENOMORPHS!

They went looking for a Phoenix egg. They found something else. The X-MEN return to Earth with deadly cargo, and a violent battle between mutant and alien begins. And will an unexpected ally turn the tide in the X-Men’s favour? In this special crossover decades in the making, the next evolution of Marvel’s mightiest mutants begins! Will anyone survive the experience?

Plus: The first chapter of an all-new story by the legendary Chris Claremont featuring Kitty Pryde, the Brood and the Xenomorphs!

Cover of AVX: Alien vs. X-Men comic featuring Wolverine, characters in action with aliens, bold title design, and list of contributors.
A scene from a comic book set in deep space, featuring characters Cyclops, Beast, and others confronting a villain. They are demanding the Phoenix egg, while a captive character, who appears distressed, is depicted inside a glowing egg. The background shows a spacecraft and space.
A close-up of a character with long white hair, screaming in agony as metallic claws emerge from a bloody explosion, highlighted by a dramatic red background and the word 'SNIKT' in bold letters.
A comic book page featuring a tense scene with characters discussing a recent event. Wolverine and others are portrayed in a dynamic pose, with one character holding a bloodied weapon. The dialogue reveals underlying conflict and character dynamics.
A dark, sci-fi scene depicting characters in a mysterious, eerie environment with organic structures and an open doorway revealing figures outside. A conversation bubble hints at tension and curiosity.
A comic book panel featuring a group of characters, including a man in a blue costume with a visor, a woman with long blonde hair, and a character with claws, looking alarmed as they encounter a large creature. The creature has a blue face and intense yellow eyes, while slime drips from plant-like features above them.

Dark Horse and Marvel’s fourth Bullpen Books is The Art of The Uncanny X-Men

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Dark Horse Books and Marvel Comics continue the oversized hardcover collection series of Bullpen Books with a fourth volume; The Art of The Uncanny X-Men. This oversized 10×14” book collects iconic covers, full issues and original art reproduced from archival scans, curated and contextualized by comics historians John Lind and Chris Ryall in a new essay, captioned commentary and a new introduction.

The X-Men is one of the bestselling comics franchises of all time, featuring one of the best-loved super hero teams in the Marvel Universe. This volume focuses on the iconic 1970s X-Men era by Len Wein, Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Dave Cockrum, including Giant-Size X-Men #1 (the first appearances of Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Thunderbird) and X-Men #101. It also includes the equally iconic Uncanny X-Men #137 (“The Death of Phoenix”) and “Days of Future Past” in Uncanny X-Men #141–#142.

Curate your own library of the characters and creators integral to Marvel Comics history with The Art of The Uncanny X-Men when the 208-page (10×14”) hardcover arrives in bookstores and comic shops early 2027, for $59.99. Pre-order now from Dark Horse Direct, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local bookstore or comic shop.

The Art of The Uncanny X-Men

Preview: Gambit: Wanted #2

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Gambit: Wanted #2

(W) Chris Claremont (A) Robert Gill

BULLSEYE! GAMBIT’s got some good aim with those kinetically charged cards, but does he stand a chance against the maniacal marksman known as BULLSEYE?! The X-MEN want Gambit to join, while Bullseye wants to take him down! What is Bullseye’s endgame, and what more sinister force stands to profit from this MUTANT HUNT?

Gambit: Wanted #2

Comics Legend Chris Claremont is a Baltimore Comic-Con 2026 Guest

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Chris Claremont

Come to the Baltimore Comic-Con this September 25-27, 2026 at the Baltimore Convention Center in the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Baltimore Comic-Con has announced the return of one of comics’ most influential writers, Chris Claremont. Get your tickets for the show online now.

Writer Chris Claremont has encountered more success than most writers ever dream of. He is a NY Times best-selling author, been awarded the prestigious Kellogg Award in Arts and Letters by Bard College, his alma mater, Italy’s Yellow Kid life time achievement award, and been inducted into the Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards Hall of Fame. His papers are collected in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library of Columbia University, New York.

Chris’s stories are trend-setters for the industry. Although best known for his work on Marvel Comics’ X-Men series where he created the characters of Legion, The New Mutants, Dark Phoenix, Rogue, Gambit, Sabretooth, Kitty Pryde, and Mystique amongst many others, he has also written seminal characters such as Batman and Superman, originated Wolverine, The New Mutants, and Captain Britain for Marvel, and written several creator-owned series. Chris is published world-wide in many different languages. He has authored nine novels. He has spoken at Princeton, MIT, U Penn, and Columbia University, has taught at NYU/Tisch School of the Arts, and has appeared on television in the US and abroad. He is the subject of monographs and documentaries. His work has touched millions.

Chris’s initial unbroken 17-year run on Marvel Comics’ The Uncanny X-Men is the stuff of industry legend. During that tenure, he took a lackluster series and transformed it into the dominant, best-selling title in the industry. His run culminated with the launch of the new title, X-Men. The first issue sold over 7.9 million copies. No one has come close to breaking this record. It is a conservative estimate Chris has sold in excess of 750,000,000 comics world-wide.

Chris’s work on the X-Men has brought resounding creative success. The story arc “Dark Phoenix,” with its radical treatment of the story’s central character, paved the way for the reinterpretation of superhero mythos throughout the comics industry. The graphic novel God Loves, Man Kills examines morality in all its guises, adding a sophistication to comics theory, and is the subject of academic papers. He has made Wolverine a household name.

Chris is well known for his progressive treatment of women in a genre that oftentimes relies on stereotype. Active, intelligent, courageous women characters such as Jean Grey, Kitty Pryde, Mystique, Rogue, and Storm have made Chris’s X-Men as popular with women readers as men, a rarity in the comics field.

Chris is equally well-known for his ground-breaking stories that fight prejudice and speak out for inclusivity for all, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. These themes are highlighted in the “Genosha” story arcs in The Uncanny X-Men, and the “Mekanix” and “Intifada” story arcs in X-Treme X-Men.

Chris embraced mutants as a metaphor for all who are viewed as outsiders by the majority. Such daring real-word topics are rarely tackled in the conservative mainstream comics industry. Chris took this on at personal and professional risk.

The Summer of 2000 saw the release of the feature film X-Men, based largely on material created by Chris. The second Wolverine movie is based on the graphic novel Wolverine by Chris and Frank Miller. The X-Men movie Days of Future Past hews to his story arc. The trend-breaking TV series Legion is based on his characters, as is the movie The New Mutants. Chris’s stories are responsible for billions in movie profits.

Chris is especially proud of his creator-owned work, which includes the historic fantasies The Black Dragon and Marada, the She-Wolf (artist: John Bolton) and the comic book series Sovereign 7. Chris’s prose novels include the science fiction High Frontier series First Flight, Grounded!, Sundowner, the fantasy series Shadow Moon, Shadow Dawn, and Shadow Star (co-authored with George Lucas), and the dark fantasy Dragon Moon. Chris is hard at work on new projects for comics, prose, and film.

Preview: Gambit: Wanted #1

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Gambit: Wanted #1

(W) Chris Claremont (A) Robert Gill

TARGET: REMY LeBEAU!

Get ready, mes amis, as GAMBIT’s legendary co-creator Chris Claremont takes the mutant-thief-hero back to his hometown for an explosive adventure! An all-new tale set in the timeframe when Gambit returned ORORO MUNROE to what was left of the X-MEN, discover how Gambit came to join the team for the first time — and the deadly trial that made it so! Someone’s got MUTANTS in their crosshairs down in New Orleans… but when a FAN-FAVORITE MARVEL VILLAIN targets Gambit, hang on for the most kinetic showdown of the month!

Gambit: Wanted #1
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