Tag Archives: comic book

Underrated: The Wrong Earth

This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: The Wrong Earth


The Wrong Earth

I initially stumbled over The Wrong Earth because the first issue of the second volume caught my eye. I enjoyed it, a lot, and decided to circle back and order the trade of the first volume.

What’s the book about? Well because I don’t see the need to rewrite the publisher’s blurb for the trade, I’ll paste it below.

“On dark, gritty Earth-Omega, masked vigilante Dragonfly punishes evil maniacs and evades corrupt authorities. On sun-splashed Earth-Alpha, costumed crook-catcher Dragonflyman upholds the letter of the law. Now they’re trapped on each other’s worlds, where even the good guys don’t share their values!”

If the idea of the Silver Age Batman or the Adam West Batman and Frank Miller’s Dark Knight switching places sounds awesome, to you, well, that’s because it is. But it’s also so much more than just that elevator pitch.

Written by Tom Peyer, featuring art by Jamal Igle, with inks and colours provided by Juan Castro and Andy Troy respectively. Rounding out the creative team is letterer Rob Steen, who’s contributions to the comic are often subtle until you catch the sound effects giving you a nostalgic smile. Wrong Earth is the six issue miniseries that launched publisher Ahoy Comics, who some of you may recognise from comics such as Captain Ginger, Second Coming and Penultiman – but we’re not looking at those today. No, this column is about a book that hooked me from the premise, and then surprised me with just how well executed everything was.

A lot of superhero stories that can be seen to take inspiration from others (in the case, Batman), often struggle to tell a compelling story and also stand apart as anything other than a lesser imitation when all is said and done. Wrong Earth leans into the familiarity of the Silver Age with gleeful abandon; Peyer adds a little more realism to the era without sacrificing any of its fun – but he certainly calls out the foolishness of it all as you see the gritty Dragonfly loses his mind at how innocent the world of Earth: Alpha. Conversely, the reader is commiserating with Dragonfly Man as he realizes that Earth: Omega’s world is a living nightmare – and yet you can’t help but laugh as his Silver Age tricks inexplicably work in the modern era. There’s nothing quite like the sense of familiarity as he explains how he escaped a death trap with his cunning, logic, and a little bit of comics magic.

It shouldn’t work, but it does. It REALLY does.

When it comes to The Wrong Earth, I think I’ve found one of my favourite new stories. It is equal parts the charm of the Silver Age and the gritty sensibilities of modern comics, and yet it works in delivering one of the most entertaining stories from start to finish in this volume. In addition, there’s also five back up stories within the trade that enhance and build out the mythology of (the) Dragonfly/man’s world, which are all utterly fantastic.

I’ve only really scratched the surface with this book, because a lot of it you’ll benefit from going in as blind as you can – it’s fun, really fun, and an engrossing read that swooped below far too many radars. Go find this underrated gem at your favourite retailer now.


Unless the comics industry ceases to exist this week, Underrated will return next week.

Underrated: The Long Con

This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: The Long Con.


Have you ever wondered what the world would be like if nerds and geeks were the last surviving members of the human race? That’s effectively the setting for this story, written by Dylan Meconis and Ben Coleman with art by EA Denich with M. Victoria Robado.

Because I’m not really going to summarize the story beyond what would be in the blurb, I’ve handily copied that from Oni Press‘ website for you below. This is from the first trade;

Five years ago, a cataclysmic event obliterated everything within a fifty mile radius of the Los Spinoza Convention Center—right in the middle of Long Con, the world’s biggest (and longest) pop culture convention. Underdog reporter Victor Lai barely escaped with his life, but his nerdy friend Dez Delaney—publicist for an indie darling comics publisher—wasn’t so lucky.

Now, Victor finds himself with the story of a lifetime—that the con-goers not only survived inside the center’s cavernous Cold War-era halls… they kept the convention going.

It doesn’t take long for Victor to get trapped inside, find Dez, and run afoul of a totalitarian sci-fi fandom ruled by a mysterious figure known as “the Special Guest.” Breaking out is impossible, and resistance is futile—but maybe, just maybe, Dez and Victor can recruit some unexpected allies from the warring factions of fans, pros, and D-list celebrities that still roam the show floor…

If this sounds like a serious book to you, then allow me to disabuse you of that notion. The Long Con, both trades, is very much a comedy book on the surface. Imagine The Lord Of The Flies goes to a comic/pop culture convention in an old silo with as many references to things that you can throw a stick at. There’s the on the nose technicalities and intricacies of Star Trek’s timeline, the ever popular discussions about reboots, retcons and relaunches… there’s a lot to enjoy here. Some of it is in the subtleties in the background of the larger splash pages, in the running jokes across the trades, but a lot of it is in the journey of Victor and Dez as they navigate the utter chaos of nerds living in a never-ending convention.

If you’re at all into nerd culture, and I assume you are if you’re reading this, then you’re going to find something in these two trade to enjoy. I had overlooked this series when it came out because I had assumed it was to do with a con artist, and the art style wasn’t exactly speaking to me for that style of story; it wasn’t until I found the trade and actually read the back I realized how wrong I was. I made the mistake of literally judging a comic by its cover, and I couldn’t have been more wrong about the nature of the story and how the art style compliments that.

I’m sure I’m not the only person who has written this off as something to ignore, and we were all wrong. And that’s why this is underrated.


Unless the comics industry ceases to exist this week, Underrated will return next week.

Underrated: Do A Power Bomb!

This is a column that focuses on something or some things from the comic book sphere of influence that may not get the credit and recognition it deserves. Whether that’s a list of comic book movies, ongoing comics, or a set of stories featuring a certain character. The columns may take the form of a bullet pointed list, or a slightly longer thinkpiece – there’s really no formula for this other than whether the things being covered are Underrated in some way. This week: Do A Power Bomb!


For one reason or another, over the past year or so I’ve found myself becoming a fan of professional wrestling again. It’s been more than 25 years since I last consistently watched wrestling, and yet between three or four people in different groups of friends I have being fans, I could feel the pull of curiosity. Needless to say, after the last year of finding my way back into professional wrestling, when Do A Power Bomb! came around I was curious. I’d missed the first issue or two, and so despite the covers drawing me into the comic, I resisted the urge to read them floppy issues until the trade came out.

So what’s it about? I’ve handily copied the blurb for you below.

Lona Steelrose wants to be a pro wrestler, but she’s living under the shadow of her mother, the best to ever do it. Everything changes when a wrestling-obsessed necromancer asks her to join the grandest pro wrestling tournament of all time, which is also the most dangerous! It’s The Wrestler meets Dragonball Z in a tale where the competitors get more than they ever bargained for!

Daniel Warren Johnson created, wrote and illustrated the story, with colours by Mike Spicer and letters by Rus Wooton. As you can probably tell by the blurb and my intro, the comic is about professional wrestling. It’s actually a unique story with how it blends professional wrestling, while acknowledging the scripted and predetermined outcome of each match, with real world consequences of the sport/performance.

As an aside, it’s interesting how given the athleticism required for professional wrestling, it’s not technically a sport as there’s no real winner and loser other than the stories being told. Performance art might be a better description (or sports entertainment, I suppose, which is why that’s a thing). Needless to say, I take umbrage with those claiming wrestling is fake; it’s not fake (those chops and slams hurt), but it is predetermined. Kinda like a movie. Only difference is, these actors/stuntmen/women only get one take in front of a live audience to tell their story and react quickly when something goes wrong.

It’s what goes wrong that Do A Power Bomb! deals with, and the repercussions of that. Without spoiling anything, this story is far deeper than you’re expecting. Far deeper. A comic about professional wrestling can easily be overlooked, and this is a comic with so much more to offer than giants in spandex. It’s an emotional story with some beautiful artwork that captures the frenetic in ring action. You feel the impacts on the mat through the paper.

And that’s why this is underrated.


Unless the comics industry ceases to exist this week, Underrated will return next week.

Preview: New Mutants: Lethal Legion #2 (of 5)

New Mutants: Lethal Legion #2 (of 5)

(W) Charlie Jane Anders (A) Enid Balam (CA) Javier Fernandez
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99

THE NEW MUTANTS JOIN THE LETHAL LEGION?!
That’s right, Count Nefaria is recruiting – and the New Mutants are lining up for the job! When Escapade, Scout and Cerebella set out to rob from the rich, they’ll find themselves in way over their heads. But surely the OG team will come rescue them, right? Only, Wolfsbane’s trapped in a sewer with a very angry beastie, Magik’s got X-Men business and Dani and Karma have no idea their young charges are in trouble. And make no mistake – between a room full of hardened criminals and a bottle of very expensive grappa, the kids are NOT all right.

New Mutants: Lethal Legion #2 (of 5)

Preview: Captain America Unforgiven #1

Captain America Unforgiven #1

(W) Tim Seeley (A) Sid Kotian (CA) Kyle Hotz
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $4.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA: VAMPIRE HUNTER?
The FORGIVEN have lost their way – defeat after defeat has made them bitter and bloodthirsty… and they’re starting to like it!
Can CAPTAIN AMERICA bring them back into the light? Or will they give in to their darker natures?
Witness the thrilling conclusion to the UNFORGIVEN saga-if you dare!

Captain America Unforgiven #1

Preview: Warlock: Rebirth #1 (of 5)

Warlock: Rebirth #1 (of 5)

(W) Ron Marz (A/CA) Ron Lim
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99

Adam Warlock was created to be the perfect human specimen. Since then, Adam has gone on to be a cosmic savior, defending the galaxy from the likes of Thanos, the Universal Church of Truth and the Magus. But what will happen when the next evolution of Warlock emerges? Someone who is stronger, faster and smarter than Adam? Don’t miss this untold story of Adam Warlock and the Infinity Watch as Ron Marz and Ron Lim (SILVER SURFER: REBIRTH) introduce a new character that will forever impact Warlock’s legacy!

Warlock Rebirth #1 (of 5)

Preview: Red Goblin #3

Red Goblin #3

(W) Alex Paknadel (A) Jan Bazaldua (CA) Inhyuk Lee
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY?
Norman Osborn has been targeted by a resurgent and terrifying GOBLIN KING for the precious GOBLIN FORMULA running through his veins – but why?! And with the emboldened remnants of the GOBLIN NATION at the undead King’s command, will Normie Osborn be able to save his grandfather, or will the RED GOBLIN be the new King’s latest victim?!

Red Goblin #3

Preview: New Mutants: Lethal Legion #2 (of 5)

New Mutants: Lethal Legion #2 (of 5)

(W) Charlie Jane Anders (A) Enid Balam (CA) Javier Fernandez
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99

THE NEW MUTANTS JOIN THE LETHAL LEGION?!
That’s right, Count Nefaria is recruiting – and the New Mutants are lining up for the job! When Escapade, Scout and Cerebella set out to rob from the rich, they’ll find themselves in way over their heads. But surely the OG team will come rescue them, right? Only, Wolfsbane’s trapped in a sewer with a very angry beastie, Magik’s got X-Men business and Dani and Karma have no idea their young charges are in trouble. And make no mistake – between a room full of hardened criminals and a bottle of very expensive grappa, the kids are NOT all right.

New Mutants: Lethal Legion #2 (of 5)

Preview: Captain America Unforgiven #1

Captain America Unforgiven #1

(W) Tim Seeley (A) Sid Kotian (CA) Kyle Hotz
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $4.99

CAPTAIN AMERICA: VAMPIRE HUNTER?
The FORGIVEN have lost their way – defeat after defeat has made them bitter and bloodthirsty… and they’re starting to like it!
Can CAPTAIN AMERICA bring them back into the light? Or will they give in to their darker natures?
Witness the thrilling conclusion to the UNFORGIVEN saga-if you dare!

Captain America Unforgiven #1

Preview: Warlock: Rebirth #1 (of 5)

Warlock: Rebirth #1 (of 5)

(W) Ron Marz (A/CA) Ron Lim
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 19, 2023
SRP: $3.99

Adam Warlock was created to be the perfect human specimen. Since then, Adam has gone on to be a cosmic savior, defending the galaxy from the likes of Thanos, the Universal Church of Truth and the Magus. But what will happen when the next evolution of Warlock emerges? Someone who is stronger, faster and smarter than Adam? Don’t miss this untold story of Adam Warlock and the Infinity Watch as Ron Marz and Ron Lim (SILVER SURFER: REBIRTH) introduce a new character that will forever impact Warlock’s legacy!

Warlock Rebirth #1 (of 5)
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