Tag Archives: clayton cowles

What If…? Captain America #1 is a thrilling and fun one-shot

Posted on by Leave a comment
What If...? Captain America

As a comic book fan who grew up in the 80s and 90s, I felt I had the best of both worlds. I grew up knowing who Frank Miller and Alan Moore were. I also grew up during the Modern Age, where the comics industry became very commercial. The juxtaposition gave my reading very diverse experiences.

The Modern Age gave us the world of 2099. It showed us how our favorite characters would exist in a different age, one where the heroes that we know have disappeared and a new generation arises. It gave us Miguel O’Hara, Spider-Man 2099, new X-Men, Ghost Rider, Doom, and more. Some became more popular than others and some have an impact on comics and entertainment today. Marvel has been having fun exploring their What If…? line with new one-shots celebrating the classic series. In What If…? Captain America, written by Marc Guggenheim, we find out what would happen if Steve Rogers woke up on Earth-616 in 2099.

We find Steve, woken from his icy sleep 154 years later, in 2099, at the dawn of a new age of superheroes. It’s a different world run by corporations, much different than the one Steve knew. Found by the anti-pollution corporation, ECO Central, Steve is greeted by Miguel Ohara, Wolverine, Ravage, Ghost Rider, Cerebra, and Skullfire. It’s a fun use of the “classic” characters, some helped define the world of 2099. But, this is a world that’s the antithesis of what Steve believes and he has to do something about it.

The comic captures Captain America well and the inclusion of so many of the 2099 characters is a lot of fun. The art by Ron Lim, with color by Andrew Dalhouse, and lettering by Clayton Cowles looks good balancing the old and new and being a bit brighter than what I remember of the original 2099 comics.

Overall, What If…? Captain America is a fun one-shot. The story by Guggenheim is thrilling. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether it’s a story that rocks and a lot of fun to read.

Story: Marc Guggenheim Art: Ron Lim
Color: Andrew Dalhouse Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Queen in Black #2 delivers summer blockbuster action

Posted on by Leave a comment
Queen in Black #2

A Cataclysm of Light & Darkness! Tony Stark races against time, assembling powerful twin teams- Defenders of Light and Defenders of Dark – to battle Hela and Knull amidst the cosmic void. As their clash shakes the stars, Hela unleashes her devastating assault on Earth, forcing the AVENGERS OF EARTH into action for humanity’s survival. But chaos doesn’t end there: the monstrous SYMBIOTE INTELLIGENCE descends upon New York City, igniting a fierce confrontation as Venom and the Fantastic Four leap into battle! Will heroes unite and overcome the tide of darkness threatening the universe? Queen in Black #2 continues the bombastic action as heroes defend Earth while others plan how to take the battle to Hela and Knull.

Queen in Black #2 cements this event as summer popcorn entertainment. It’s the movie you see for the spectacle of it all with the plot being secondary. You want the explosions, the battles, the action, and the quippy one-liners. The issue delivers all of that while it teases what’s to come.

Written by Al Ewing, Queen in Black #2 is fun entertainment, a big event that feels like a throwback in some ways. The issue does a good job of keeping things focused with Spider-Man and his team fighting to defend New York City while keeping Dylan Brock safe, Iron Man and Cable making plans, and Hela delivering her villain lines with cheese. It’s that last part that makes the comic feel like a bit of a throwback. Hela lays out what her vision for Earth is and it feels like that over-the-top idea from yesteryear. That’s not a bad thing at all and overall is kind of fun due to that.

Ewing does a great job of narrowing down the issue where the previous took us around the world to give us the scope of the matter. But, even with that focus, he does spend some time having fun with Wolverine and Storm as they protect Japan and we get a really entertaining sequence and resolution to that particular fight.

The art by Iban Coello and Paco Medina adds to the enjoyment. With color by Guru-eFX and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the characters look good and the action is delivered with a certain splash to it. There’s something visually where it feels a bit over the top but not obnoxiously so. The designs of the villains look great with their Venomized takes and Iron Man’s new suit is kind of cool. Where the art shines is its opening sequence which has reality being warped as Wolverine goes into battle with a great two-page spread that really stands out.

Queen in Black #2 is a fun read that keeps things packed with action but rather light at the same time. It does a good job of setting up what’s to come and focusing on the battles raging. It’s not the deepest event, but it’s a fun one that delivers exactly what it needs to.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Iban Coello, Paco Medina
Color: Guru-eFX Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Queen in Black #1 Kicks Off an Epic Cosmic Level Battle

Posted on by Leave a comment
Queen in Black #1

On the farthest edges of the solar system, KNULL, GOD OF THE VOID, builds a brand-new army to destroy Earth…but HELA OF ASGARD might have gotten there first – as she makes planetfall with a legion of the galaxy’s deadliest symbiotes! Two of the most powerful evils in the galaxy are at war…and the SON OF VENOM is caught right in the middle! Queen in Black #1 continues the wild twists and turns of the Venom saga that began so many years ago, but bringing it to an even bigger level.

Written by Al Ewing, Queen in Black #1 kicks off this event spanning multiple mini-series and a wide cast of characters. For those all in on the story of Venom and the symbiotes, it’s the latest chapter and one that’ll interest those super fans. For those more casual readers, the debut issue features a few bumps that might leave them scratching their heads. But, overall, the debut issue is that big picture epic alien invasion type story that you don’t need to think too much to enjoy and is all about the action.

Knull and Hela are on a collision course and Earth is at the center of the battle which has the world’s heroes scrambling to figure out what the hell is going on. While they expect to be dealing with Knull, they find a very different individual on the Black Throne, which might be confusing for new readers who haven’t paid too much attention to parts of the Marvel Universe. Queen in Black #1 hinges on what’s going on in The Mortal Thor, where the world has forgotten about Thor and Asgard and its gods. So, while numerous heroes have actually battled her in the past, she’s a new individual to them creating more of an x-factor to the upcoming battle. That memory erasure is one of the things new readers might pause about which also includes a new hero fighting by the Avengers’ side. While Queen in Black #1 might be a first issue, it builds off of recent events more than just Knull vs. Hela.

But, all of that confusion makes it an interesting story in some ways. Ewing focuses on Earth’s heroes really not knowing what’s going on and preparing for the wrong villain. It helps add to the fear of what’s to come in some ways and chaos of events.

The art by Iban Coello and Zé Carlos is good with color by Guru-eFX and lettering by Clayton Cowles. The issue packs a lot in with a cast that feels like it creeps into the dozens, not to mention the invading armies. Add in the creation of a whole new world for Knull to rule and mold and it’s an issue that is filled with interesting imagery. But, even with all of those grand visuals, the issue also keeps things grounded at times as Earth’s heroes plan and discuss where things are at. Iron Man dealing with Spider-Man and his team stands out as reveals and dropped as trust is built.

Queen in Black #1 is an interesting debut that has a dose of summer popcorn fun. It relies a bit much on recent events around the Avengers and Thor, so might be confusing for some, but beyond that, it’s more about the grand visuals, battles, and villains strutting their stuff. It’s a fine start of the next chapter for Venom and that whole world that shakes things up just enough from what we’ve seen before.

Story: Al Ewing Art: Iban Coello, Zé Carlos
Color: Guru-eFX Letterer: Clayton Cowles
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

SDCC 2026: DC announces The Demon by James Harren, Dave Stewart, and Clayton Cowles

Posted on by Leave a comment

DC’s Next Level line continues to expand with The Demon, a new comic book series written and drawn by James Harren with colors by Dave Stewart and lettering by Clayton Cowles. The Demon pushes the initiative into bold new territory with Harren’s mix of monsters, raw emotion, and sharp intensity. As DC All In enters its second act, new creator-driven titles highlight the ambition, range, and energy shaping DC’s 2026 publishing slate across both the main universe and the Absolute universe.

The world is infested with a darkness its people cannot see. Beasts from Hell feast on humanity’s soul, sucking it dry and leaving nothing but a shell behind.

Only one person can see these monsters and cast them back to Hell: Jason Blood! But he is a shadow of the man he once was, wandering the world following the face of a wizard long gone and hearing a voice in his head demanding to be let out. 

How can Jason Blood help protect the world from demons when he himself is not sure how to work with the one bound to his soul? Will the Demon Etrigan ever rise again? 

The Demon #1, written and illustrated by James Harren with main cover by Harren, colors by Dave Stewart, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, arrives in local comic book stores on October 7. The debut issue will feature variant covers by Daniel Warren Johnson, Michael Walsh, Hayden Sherman, and John McCrea. The Demon #1 will retail for $3.99 US for the main cover, $4.99 US for card stock variants, and $6.99 US for the foil variant.

SDCC 2026: DC Announces ‘Batman of Two Worlds’ for Batman Day 2026

Posted on by Leave a comment

DC has announced Batman of Two Worlds #1, a Batman Day 2026 comic book debuting globally on September 19, 2026, in participating markets around the world.

Batman of Two Worlds #1 features an all-new Batman story by writer Matt Fraction and artist Javi Fernández, with colors by Tomeu Morey and letters by Clayton Cowles, alongside an all-new Absolute Batman story by writer Scott Snyder and artist Nick Derington, with colors by Frank Martin and letters by Tom Napolitano.

Available exclusively on Batman Day 2026, Batman of Two Worlds #1 will be on sale for $2.99 US at participating local comic book shops worldwide. DC’s Batman of Two Worlds #1 cover is by Jorge Jiménez, Nick Dragotta, and Frank Martin.

Batman of Two Worlds #1

Preview: Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Jace #3

Posted on by Leave a comment

Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Jace #3

Writer: Michael W. Conrad
Artist: Caitlin Yarsky
Colorist: Alex Guimarães
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Cover artist: Caitlin Yarsky

As danger looms in both past and present, Jace continues to search for answers in his memories. Jace discovers that he and his mentor are not the only ones seeking the powerful artifact, but the truth behind Tezzeret’s intentions remain obscured.

Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories - Jace #3

Vengeance Stalks the Plane of Innistrad in Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Liliana

Posted on by

Dark Horse Comics and Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast present Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Liliana, a new series featuring the powerful necromancer Liliana Vess. The four-issue miniseries will be written by Torunn Grønbekk, illustrated by Nataliia Rerekina, colored by Lauren Affe, and lettered by Clayton Cowles. Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Liliana #1 arrives in October 2026 and will feature covers by Rerekina, Sibylline Meynet, and Abigail Larson.

Liliana Vess is the most powerful necromancer in the multiverse, but her power came at a cost. For her strength and her mastery of death, Liliana bargained her soul to four powerful demons: Kothophed, Razaketh, Belzenlok, and Griselbrand. But now, Liliana seeks to regain her freedom and destroy the pact she wears etched into her skin.

Liliana’s journey has brought her to Innistrad, the rumored location of Griselbrand, and a plane rife with corruption, chaos, and suffering. Determined to hunt the demon down and reclaim the piece of her soul he took, her task will not be an easy one—for Liliana Vess is not the only seeker of vengeance upon the plane of Innistrad.

Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Liliana #1 (of 4) releases in stores on October 14, 2026. It is now available to preorder from your local comic shop for $4.99.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 Reveals The Borg’s Big Plan Delivering a Surprising Ending

Posted on by
Star Trek: The Last Starship #8

Seeing a solution to the tragedy of the Burn within the singularity on Deep Space Hope, Borg Queen Agnes Jurati leaves the crew of the U.S.S. Omega behind and attempts to assimilate its power. But she’s not alone; Kirk has followed her aboard, determined to ferret out why she and the Borg brought him back to life. Was it to be the galaxy’s savior? Or its demise? The standoff that follows is one for the ages—resistance is futile, after all… …unless you’re Captain James T. Kirk. Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 delivers a horror and action infused issue the Borg Queen’s plan is revealed.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Star Trek: The Last Starship has delivered a vision of Star Trek where hope and the ideals of the Federation are at their lowest point. The alliances that once were have been shattered and all that remains in an attempt to rebuild the peace and order is the crew of the Omega and it’s leader Sato. The previous issue had the crew heading to Deep Space Hope with a mission to hopefully reveal a solution to the Burn but have instead come across a cult-like horror.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 delivers an even bigger picture than a simple mission as the Borg’s greater vision is revealed and it’s one that twists their traditional motives presenting an offer that’s in no way acceptable.

But, where Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 gets most interesting is it’s cutting down of Sato and the Omega’s mission. Though it hasn’t been long, it has failed at each step. The Federation’s alliances have fallen apart. A criminal enterprise has risen up to take its place. Is it even possible to recreate what the Federation once was? Or, does a different approach need to be had with a slightly different vision to create a similar lasting peach and order?

The art by Hernan Gonzalez is interesting in that it captures the chaos of the situation. With colors by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic has a grainy look that feels like what you might remember from a nightmare you had. The characters’ interactions and reactions evoke the slightly over the top cheesy emotions of classic Trek, in a good way. The reveals and how they’re presented each bring shock with the visuals emphasizing each moment in ways that’ll leave you slowly turning the page to see what happens next.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #8 is a solid issue packed with reveals, action, and surprises. There’s so much within that moves the series forward in unexpected ways while revealing things that have been teased for a while. It’s a Star Trek series that might seem rather dark, ominous, and hopeless, but with each issue, it has delivered just enough to make readers believe there’s a better way and better days to come.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Hernan Gonzalez
Color: Lee Loughridge Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Jace #2

Posted on by

Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories – Jace #2

Writer: Michael W. Conrad
Artist: Caitlin Yarsky
Colorist: Alex Guimarães
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Cover artist: Caitlin Yarsky

Jace and Tezzeret arrive on Dominaria, seeking a powerful artifact on the volatile and unforgiving island of Shiv. As Jace relives the violence and brutality of his old mentor, he struggles to remember the purpose of their mission.

Magic: The Gathering: Untold Stories - Jace #2
« Older Entries