Tag Archives: civil war ii: x-men

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

PaperGirls07_CoverWednesdays 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!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: 4001 A.D.: Shadowman #1 (Valiant Entertainment) – 4001 A.D. has been a pretty great event so far, and while it isn’t the best miniseries Valiant are putting out right now (Divinity holds that title), it’s still better than most other . As with the Bloodshot tie-in comic, this one looks like it can be read independently of the main series; so if you’re not reading the main series, you can sill pick this up no problem.

Batman #2 (DC Comics) – I really enjoyed the first issue – much more than I expected I would – and so naturally I’m looking forward to this. Tom King’s take on Batman  has been solid, but at only an issue in it’s probably too early to pass fair judgement on that, eh? Plus, there’s David Finch on pencils, and as I’m a big fan of his work, it’s hard not to jump on this book.

Moon Knight #4 (Marvel) – Honestly, this series hasn’t been as good as the 2014 series, but we’re also only four issues in. I’ll give it a couple more before I do cancel it, because it feels like there is potential here for a great story… but we haven’t really seen that yet. That said, the artists’ are probably the best part of this book.

Vote Loki #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was brilliant fun. Is it particularly faithful to the Presidential election process? I honestly don’t know, but I absolutely loved it nonetheless. It’s a fun comic that doesn’t take itself too seriously at all, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

 

Anthony

Top Pick: Roche Limit Monadic #4 (Image Comics) – Roche Limi has been a great, cerebral, neo-noir, sci-fi ride right from the beginning. This is the final chapter of the trilogy that will feature the philosophical, thoughtful words of Michael Moreci, Kyle Charles’s expressive, flowing illustrations, and Matt Battaglia’s moody colours.

The Fix #4 (Image Comics) – Last issue ended with a literal bang that could potentially swing this series into an even darker direction. Nick Spencer, Steve Lieber and Ryan Hill have been crafting quite the hilarious and poignant series so far. It will be interesting to see what arises before this series takes a little break and check in on Mac (and Pretzels?!) since last issue focused more on Donovan.

Paper Girls #7 (Image Comics) – Brian K. Vaughan, Cliff Chiang and Matt Wilson continue to present an inventive, fun and entertaining ride and are introducing a whole new set of unexpected directions after the last issue. With its colourful aesthetic, imaginative images and grounded characters, this has been a monthly treat.

Tokyo Ghost #8 (Image Comics) – Rick Remender is one of the most exciting creators out there right now whose Image titles are all stellar in their own right. Working alongside the incredibly detailed line work of Sean Gordon Murphy and one of the best colourists in Matt Hollingsworth make Tokyo Ghost one of those titles that is firing on all its creative cylinders. This is also one of the most relevant titles on the stands poking at the multiple distracting vices that surround us, even though this is a futuristic setting. Now that the character of the Tokyo Ghost has been revealed, it appears that Constable Dent will have his hands full.

Moon Knight #4 (Marvel) – The best Marvel titles are the ones not directly under the sway of events and Moon Knight stands tall amongst the bunch. Jeff Lemire, Greg Smallwood and Jordie Bellaire continue the push/pull of whether Marc Spector is insane in the membrane but either way, this continues to be one of the more entertaining and visually spectacular series Marvel is releasing.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Batman #2 (DC Comics) – King and Finch had such a great and unique opening installment, so naturally I am back. Like Snyder did on his run, King seems to be focused on putting the Man back in the Bat. We had a whopper of a cliffhanger last time and I am so curious to see what Gotham and Gotham Girl (Sounds like she should be on the CW) are up to. Are they run of the mill Superpowers? Or something more. Really enjoyed Finch’s pencil’s last time too. Well rounded issue that I’m looking forward to seeing more.

The Amazing Spider-Man # 15 (Marvel Comics) – While I hate the whole Regent character. I thought we were done with him back in Amazing Spider-Man: Renew your Vows, this issue looks to have MJ all front and center. Anytime a writer uses her right is a treat for me. Let’s hope that’s what Slott has on his mind here.

Green Lanterns # 2 (DC Comics) – Buddy cop drama with other worldly ramifications? Yup. I’m on board. Plus I am digging this Red Dawn plot line. Eager to see where it goes.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Sheriff of Babylon #8 (Vertigo) – Easily one of the best comics on the market right now. This murder mystery set in the Green Zone in Iraq is a fascinating behind the curtain look at life in the war zone in 2014 and each issue is a master class in character study and how to use imagery to enhance the spoken word.

Civil War II: Kingpin #1 (Marvel) – What’s the Kingpin been up to? We find this out with this Civil War II tie-in, my most anticipated one. The talented Matthew Rosenberg is at the helm which has me really excited to see what Marvel’s king of crime is up to.

The Flintstones #1 (DC Comics) – The recent reworking of Hanna-Barbera characters has been interesting, and this latest one tackles the classic cartoon characters. I’m not sure at all what to expect but Mark Russell has delivered hilarity in Prez, God is Dissapointed in You, and Apocrypha Now. I expect no less from this.

Kim and Kim #1 (Black Mask Studios) – Kim & Kim are twentysomething besties out to make a name for themselves in the wild world of interdimensional cowboy law enforcement. That’s the description and it sounds awesome. The artwork looks fantastic too.

Solarman #1 (Scout Comics) – Joseph Illidge, Brendan Deneen, and N. Steven Harris bring back the classic character and gives him a modern facelift. I’ve read the first issue and it’s a must get.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Civil War II X-Men #2 (Marvel) – Magneto is ready to go to war against Inhuman and mutant alike to ensure the future seeing Inhuman, Ulysses, doesn’t jeopardize the future for mutants.  This is typical Magneto, doing what he thinks is right to ensure the survival of mutants; nothing really ground breaking, but I did enjoy the first issue and it’s always fun seeing Magneto take matters into his own hands.

Batman #2 (DC Comics) – Not being an avid DC reader, I really enjoyed the start of this Rebirth title.  I’m curious to learn more about this new Gotham hero and to see how Batman reacts to him; because Batman always plays well with others.

Green Arrow #2 (DC Comics) – Yup, another DC title on my list.  The first issues were fun, and I’m really enjoying seeing Ollie and Dinah together again.  This new iteration of Dinah is going to take some getting used to though (rock singer chick).  And the ending from issue #1!  Damn, gotta see what happens with that.

Justice League: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – Yup, this is the third DC title on my list (Marvel is having a quiet week) and I’m a sucker for a team book.  Going in not knowing anything about these characters post New 52 but I am intrigued by the synopsis; a ‘new’ Superman that Batman and Wonder Woman are suspicious of?  Interesting.  And a couple new Green Lanterns I see.  Well, here’s hoping!

Around the Tubes

This Damned BandThe weekend is almost here! What geeky things are folks doing? Anyone going to any conventions? Sound off in the comments below!

While you wait for the hours to wind down and work to end, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web!

Around the Tubes

The Hollywood Reporter – Paramount Says ‘Star Trek’ Fan Film Lawsuit Lives On – Until a deal is made, it’s not over. And shocker! The lawyers want it to continue! Ka-ching!

CBR – Future Of DC-Based Video Games Addressed by WB Games President – Sounds like lessons have been learned!

The Beat – Analysis: Bankrupt bookstore chain Hastings owes Diamond $1.6 million – Ouch.

Panels – America, Bunker, and LGBTQ+/Latinx Visibility: Affirmation in Tragedy – A very good read.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Attack – Black Eyed Kids #3

Comic Attack – Civil War II: X-Men #1

IGN – Dark Knight: A True Batman Story

Comiconverse – The Spire #8

ICv2 – This Damned Band

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Dakrk Knight A True Batman StoryWednesdays 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!

We’re bringing back something we haven’t done for a while, what the team thinks. Our contributors are choosing up to five books each week and why they’re choosing the books.

Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this Wednesday.

Alex

Top Pick: Wrath Of The Eternal Warrior #8 (Valiant) – It’s no secret that I’m a Valiant fan, and the Eternal Warrior has become on of my favourite comic book characters. While the first series he starred in is perhaps best forgotten, Wrath Of has been consistently very good (if not great) for the past seven issues, and this one is no exception – I’ve already finished the review copy, and now I’m looking forward to getting the physical version in my hands.

A&A: The Adventures Of Archer And Armstrong #4 (Valiant) – Quite possibly one of the most entertaining series around, and I’m looking forward to this issue.

Batman #1 (DC Comics) – Tom King kicks off a new (old?) era in the Dark Knight’s world… and with Rebirth being a surprise for me in how much I’m enjoying it, I’m beyond optimistic for the new era.

Dark Night: A True Batman Story (DC Comics) – I’ve been waiting for this for a year, and that wait will be over Wednesday. I’m a little excited.

Vote Loki #1 (Marvel) – I’ve somehow missed everything about this comic, but the idea of the God of Mischief running for president seems like something I frankly have to read.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Batman #1 (DC Comics) – No its not 1939 but we get an issue #1 from the Dark Knight for a trip time. David Finch is always on the pretty pencils but I’m very interested on where this story is going. Almost everything from Rebirth so far has the Midas touch. Let’s see if it wilts under the Gotham pressure.

Superman #1 (DC Comics) – Hell yes. A superhero with responsibility and progression? Oh not only that, THE superhero? Finally my Superman back in action with his new bound super son in tow. I’m stoked and the creative team knows how to handle family drama. High Metropolis sky scraper hopes for this one.

Justice League #51 (DC Comics) – The aftermath of the bombshell dropping death and “rebirth” (sorry had to) of Darkseid. Johns’ run has been masterful,  let’s see what he leaves in his wake. I am optimistic.

The Dark Knight Returns: The Last Crusade #1 (DC Comics) – Finally we get the story in the Miller verse just what the eff happened to Robin. Is it justified into making Batman the cold stone he is? We shall certainly see. Call me curious but bring it on. I want to see it first hand.

Civil War II #2 (Marvel Comics) – So far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this. A story with consequences, deaths, and outcomes. I want to know how Tony Stark handles this and what drives the knife. This is a definite must see.

 

Anthony

Top Pick: Descender #12 (Image Comics)Descender is back! One of the more fresh sci-fi comics on the shelves from two of the most exciting creators. Jeff Lemire has crafted quite the world so far that feels like there is still quite a bit to be explored. Dustin Nguyen’s illustrations are a treat to have on an issue-by-issue basis. His watercolour painting gives off such a vibrancy to the world of Descender. Now that more of a focus is being drawn on the Robot Resistance, it will be very interesting to see what exactly is going to be planned and how the major characters will be involved.

I Hate Fairyland #6 (Image Comics) – Yet another Image series that is making a return. Skottie Young’s covers dial up the cuteness factor with his array of variants for Marvel but Gert and the world of fairyland only appear to be sunshine and lollipops on the surface. This is another great title that is always exciting to see where exactly Young is taking the viewers every issue. His innovation and ability to poke fun at fairy tale tropes are consistently spot on. Jean-Francois Beaulieu’s colours really make the world pop with a wide scattering of the colour spectrum. Oh, and this is definitely not for the wee kids. If Gert was mad about her situation before, one can only imagine what she will be like now that she is queen.

Black Widow #4 (Marvel) – Chris Samnee and Mark Waid have crafted yet another must read title for Marvel. Black Widow has been tense and exciting from the start, with some beautiful visual compositions from Samnee. Matt Wilson on colours is just another reason to grab this book purely for the illustrations alone. With Natasha back in Russia and amongst her childhood surroundings, this looks to be another personal story with visions of her past. The Weeping Lion, a very intriguing, mysterious villain, is pulling the strings as of right now with not much really known about them. There are a lot of unknown factors driving this series which makes it unexpected around every corner.

A&A: Adventures of Archer and Armstrong #4 (Valiant) – The end of the first arc is sure to feature some of the great hilarious, entertaining antics that this series has been littered with. Rafer Roberts has been a worthy writer to take on the writing baton from Fred Van Lente in the last Archer and Armstrong series. He has alongside him David Lafuente’s pencilling of the hectic surroundings within Armstrong’s satchel and some great laugh out loud moments. The dynamic duo, with the addition of Mary-Maria and her fellow sister assassins, are about to face the party god Bacchus in a final confrontation

The Spire #8 (BOOM! Studios) – The Spire has been a fantastic fantasy murder mystery that has really been building to the reveal of who exactly has been committing all of these murders. Simon Spurrier has written some real, three-dimensional characters to truly care about very early on so it will make this final issue all the more difficult to turn its final page. Jeff Stokley’s visuals are reminiscent of the lived-in, detailed, atmospheric illustrations of Frederik Peeters’s AAMA and are a wonder to look at. Andre May’s colours really create a rough, dirty sheen to the streets of the Spire and a tense, unaware veil to the outside with Stokley’s innovative designs to the environments and people. Though this is a fantastical series, its dilemmas and political intrigue amongst the various groups of people make The Spire a highly relatable series.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Civil War II #2 (Marvel) – The stage is set and the sides are being drawn. Iron Man has made the first move, and this is going to show us where the heroes stand when it comes to an Inhuman who can see the possible future.  The first issue was some exciting stuff, though I would like to see more of a debate on the topic. But I am really looking forward to seeing this unfold.

Civil War II: X-Men #1 (Marvel) – Magneto is not happy and I can’t wait to see his reaction to the news of the latest Inhuman.  Tensions are already high between the X-Men and the Inhumans and this is going to send things into the red zone.  The X-Men didn’t play a huge part in the first Civil War, but you can be sure their presence will be felt this time around.

Titans: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – The Teen Titans, then Titans have always been a favorite of mine.  Sure, DC comics are not a standard thing for me, but Rebirth has been a chance for me to check things out as it were and see if the titles are worth my time. I am excited to see these characters again and hopefully it’s a title I’ll want to keep up with.

Uncanny X-Men #8 (Marvel) – Psylocke comes face to face with Fantomex after a less then friendly parting some time ago. I will be ringside to check this one out!

 

Brett

Dark Knight: A True Batman Story (DC Comics) – The true story of Paul Dini and his dealing with being assaulted and mugged while he was working on Batman: The Animated Series. The graphic novel is a brutal and honest story not just focusing on Dini’s experience but the warts and all life he was experiencing. This is putting it out there on paper, and so far it’s one of the best reads I’ve had this year.

Black Eyed Kids #3 (Aftershock Comics) – This is seriously one of the creepiest comics out there right now. I think I know what’s going on, and I’m beyond weirded out while reading it. A horror/suspense comic done right.

Descender #12 (Image Comics) – Beautifully written with beautiful art. Descender is back after a short break and I can’t wait to dive in and catch up with the series. The sci-fi story is top notch bringing in all sorts of elements and philosophical debates, but the art is absolutely amazing. Easily one of the best comics out there right now.

Green Lanterns #1 (DC Comics) – Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz are the Green Lanterns of Earth and will have to work together. The concept is basic buddy cop, but the fact it’s focused on the “D team” of Lanterns who generally have not been embraced by fans is fantastic. Can’t wait to dive in and read this.

Superman #1 (DC Comics) – I think the Rebirth issue knocked it out of the park for this series and I’m hoping this first issue continues that. I haven’t been a fan of Superman for some time, but that transition issue in Rebirth really put the super and hope back into the character.

The X-Men Enter the Fray – Your First Look at Civil War II: X-Men #1!

As the heroes of the Marvel Universe stand against one another, the Mutants will face their own war. Marvel has released a first look inside Civil War II: X-Men #1 – a new Civil War II series from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Andrea Broccardo!

Terrigen Mists encircle the globe, igniting the Inhuman race while simultaneously crippling mutantkind. As conflict between the two nations simmers below the surface, a new Inhuman with the ability to profile the future has emerged. As heroes of the Marvel Universe battle over whether to use this Inhuman’s ability or not – one mutant will take matters into his own hands. Fearing this untapped power may tip the scales in the Inhumans’ favor – Magneto is willing to wage war with the Inhumans and even his own kind to prevent that from coming to pass!

No longer sitting on the sidelines, Magneto will use his terrifying and awesome power to take mutantkind’s fate into his own hands! Though he may be surprised who stands with him…and who stands against him! The battle lines are drawn this June!

CIVIL WAR II: X-MEN #1 (of 4) (APR160871)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by ANDREA BROCCARDO
Cover by DAVID YARDIN
Variant Cover by GREG LAND (APR160875)
Character Variant by PHIL NOTO (APR160874)
Action Figure Variant by JOHN TYLER CHRISTOPHER (APR160873)
Young Variant by SKOTTIE YOUNG (APR160872)
FOC – 05/23/16, On-Sale – 06/15/16

Civil_War_II_X-Men_1_Cover

The X-Men Enter the Fray in Civil War II: X-Men #1!

As the heroes of the Marvel Universe stand against one another, the Mutants will face their own war. This June, the X-Men prepare for war in Civil War II: X-Men #1 – a new Civil War II series from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Andrea Broccardo!

Terrigen Mists encircle the globe, igniting the Inhuman race while simultaneously crippling mutantkind. As conflict between the two nations simmers below the surface, a new Inhuman with the ability to profile the future has emerged. As heroes of the Marvel Universe battle over whether to use this Inhuman’s ability or not – one mutant will take matters into his own hands. Fearing this untapped power may tip the scales in the Inhumans’ favor – Magneto is willing to wage war with the Inhumans and even his own kind to prevent that from coming to pass!

Writer Bunn said in a release:

I certainly hope this story divides the fans in terms of who is ‘right’. One of the things I’m excited about with Civil War II is that there are so many questions, debates, and positions that are going to rise from it. In Civil War II: X-Men we’ll focus on the mutants and the specific positions they are taking.

No longer sitting on the sidelines, Magneto will use his terrifying and awesome power to take mutantkind’s fate into his own hands! Though he may be surprised who stands with him…and who stands against him! The battle lines are drawn this June!

CIVIL WAR II: X-MEN #1 (of 4)
Written by CULLEN BUNN
Art by ANDREA BROCCARDO
Cover by DAVID YARDIN
On-Sale in June!

Civil_War_II_X-Men_1_Cover