Tag Archives: Comics

Preview: Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #3

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Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark #3

(W) Al Ewing, Tom Waltz (A) Zé Carlos

CATACLYSMIC CONTINGENCY! The Defenders have taken a beating on two fronts, emboldening Knull and Hela to personally finish off both strike teams once and for all. The time has come for Plan B — but will this desperate contingency be enough for Team Light and Team Dark to stop the dual horrors of the Queen in Black and the God of Light from turning Planet Earth into yet another battlefield in their cosmic conflict? Light and Dark forces collide (and unite!) in this bombastic grand finale!

Comic book cover featuring two characters in a dynamic battle pose, one with flowing white hair in a futuristic outfit and the other with dark attire and red accents, surrounded by colorful energy effects. Title reads 'Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark'.
Comic book cover featuring the title 'Queen in Black: Defenders of Light and Dark' with a storyline involving characters like Iron Man, Cable, Hela, and Knull. The design includes credits for writers, artists, and editors in a bold, stylized font.
A colorful comic book page depicting a battle scene in low Earth orbit, featuring characters in armor and mythical attire. A central figure, Queen Hela, stands confidently as warriors prepare for combat, with speech bubbles indicating dialogue among the characters.
A dynamic comic book scene featuring a battle between colorful characters with supernatural powers, dramatic expressions, and explosive effects, highlighting dialogue boxes that enhance the narrative.
A vibrant comic panel showing a dramatic confrontation scene with two characters battling using energy blasts. One character, dressed in black, appears to be in distress or anguish, while the other is surrounded by swirling light, asserting their power. The background features dynamic colors and effects emphasizing the intensity of the battle.

Preview: Queen in Black #4

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Queen in Black #4

(W) Al Ewing (A) Paco Medina

VENOM ASCENDING! As the war between Hela and Knull gets personal, Tyr unleashes his final weapon on the beleaguered Avengers! Meanwhile, in the Baxter Building, Reed Richards investigates Codex’s half-symbiote power… with cataclysmic consequences! Will the end of Venom’s golden era coincide with the end of Planet Earth?

Cover of Marvel's 'Queen in Black' issue 4, featuring a dark, menacing character with tentacle-like appendages standing over a wounded figure, both splattered with blood, set against a cosmic background.
Cover page for the comic 'Queen in Black' featuring bold red and black typography, depicting a cosmic battle with references to characters like Knull, Hela, Iron Man, and others involved in a conflict of light and darkness.
A comic book page featuring multiple superheroes in action. The scene takes place in England, with characters discussing their situation while engaging in battle. One character uses a powerful blast, while others are in tactical positions. Dialogue bubbles convey humor and camaraderie among the superheroes.
Comic book page featuring characters Wolverine, Storm, and others discussing reality changes in various locations including Japan, Italy, and Egypt.
A dynamic comic book scene featuring characters in a battle setting, including a figure in a black suit resembling Venom, superheroes using advanced weapons, and dramatic action phrases like 'CHoom!' and 'No!' being depicted. Various characters are engaged in conversation, strategizing amidst the chaos.
A dramatic comic book scene featuring a villain with ice-themed powers confronting multiple characters in battle, while dialogue reveals urgency and tension. Characters express concern and strategize amidst a backdrop of chaos.

Mini Reviews: Fixation #1, Inglorious X-Force #9, Tank Girl: Blue Helmet #1, Of the Earth #5

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Cover art for 'Tank Girl in Blue Helmet' featuring a female character with short black hair dressed in a green jacket and black shorts, standing confidently in front of a large tank-like vehicle, with a stylized, colorful background.

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

Fixation #1 (IDW Publishing) – Amy Chase and Savannah Mayer‘s Fixation is a chilling first chapter of metamodern horror where fandom goes very very wrong. The story centers around two super fans who are invited to the 10th anniversary of Blood Mountain, a book turned film series that seems very similar to the Twilight series with Vail standing in for Forks, Washington. The issue begins with a chilling murder and then introduces the cast of fans, actors, production assistants, and mysterious posters setting the scene for a fiction/reality blurring story. Chase and Mayer don’t just point and laugh at how “cringy” fandom is, but actually give the main characters time to show how Blood Mountain had an impact on their lives. They might take things too far, but they’re a lovable duo and I’m rooting for them. Some of the actors, not so much though. Overall: 7.7 Verdict: Buy

Inglorious X-Force #9 (Marvel) – In the penultimate issue of Inglorious X-Force, Tim Seeley, Michael Santa Maria, and Romulo Fajardo go for maximum action and soapiness with just a dash of humor. Domino has a hunch that Cable will assassinate future President Kamala Khan so she forms her own X-Force team to take it out. Seeley and Santa Maria have a lot of fun with the team dynamic although the main cast is more developed and likable. I do want to go back and read the based, hilarious pooch Pug-Smasher’s early appearances. If you like 90s comics with a smidgen more psychological depth and smoother storytelling techniques, then Inglorious X-Force continues to be a solid pickup especially as it builds to a full circle conclusion. Overall: 8.1 Verdict: Buy

Tank Girl: Blue Helmet #1 (Titan) – Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett take the piss out of the Beats in the full color, Tank Girl: Blue Helmet. Basically, Tank Girl, Booga, and Barney go (literally) on the road with thinly veiled Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, who end up being repulsed by all the sex, violence, farts, and other shenanigans. This strip is pure anarchy with Martin churning clever, yet sometimes long-winded zingers to match Hewlett’s wild and crazy pictures. My personal favorite bit is when it turns into a Hanna Barbera parody, which kind of, sort of foreshadows Jamie Hewlett’s co-creation of the Gorillaz. Anyways, the moral of the story is that college boys who read books just to get laid are pretty lame. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Of the Earth #5 (Image Comics) – Of the Earth #5 is all blood, guts, and black oil from Andrew Ehrich, Chris Condon, and Charlie Adlard. The wildcatter is at his peak powers, and Tabby must find a way to extricate herself from the situation. Red and black are the colors of the day, and there’s lots of tight corners and suspense. Ehrich, Condon, and Adlard nicely bridge the gap between physical and psychological terror as the issue is really one big third act horror film set piece. This would have made a worthy series finale, but luckily there’s more! Overall: 8.7 Verdict: Buy

The Punisher Collides with Mavel’s Most Dangerous Heroes

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The streets of the Marvel Universe explode this October as the Punisher comes face-to-face with some of Marvel’s most dangerous heroes! Beginning with Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow #1, writer Tom Waltz and artist Greg Land are showcasing previously untold conflicts between Frank Castle and other members of the Marvel Universe in a series of oversized one-shots. It all begins as Punisher and Natasha Romanoff, aka the Black Widow, collide during a mission to stop a terrorist attack in Las Vegas. If Frank can make it through that encounter in one piece (that’s no guarantee!), he’ll have to contend with both Wolverine and the Winter Soldier in the follow-up one-shots releasing in November and December.

FRANK CASTLE CROSSES PATHS WITH HEROES OF THE MARVEL U!

In Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow #1, A threat from a terrorist cell puts Frank Castle on a mission to Las Vegas, where the Black Widow’s intel on a Wolf Spider operative will set them all on a bullet-riddled collision course! But will Punisher and Black Widow see eye to eye or is this eye-for-an-eye going to leave bodies in their wake?! The Punisher’s one-man war on the guilty crosses paths with other denizens of the Marvel Universe with explosive and unexpected results! It comes to shops October 21.

In Punisher Showdowns: Wolverine #1, Wolverine digs into the criminal underground of New York City as the Yakuza unleash a deadly and violence-inducing drug on the streets! The Punisher already has his sights set on these death-peddling scum, so what happens when Logan crosses paths and claws with Frank Castle? What follows, you’ll have to read to believe! With art by Bruno Büll, a main cover by Whilce Portacio and variant cover by Joe Jusko, it’s out November 4.

In Punisher Showdowns: Winter Soldier #1, when Punisher targets a death-dealing criminal with political ties, Soviet Russia activates its deadliest asset—the Winter Soldier—to intercept. But will the Punisher get his man, or will the Winter Soldier complete his mind-controlled mission? Featuring art by Edgar Salazar, it has a main cover by Ian Churchill, variant by Jusko. The issue is out December 2.

Check out Greg Land’s Punisher Showdowns: Black Widow #1 cover below, which also boasts variants by Mark Bagley and Joe Jusko.

A comic cover featuring The Punisher and Black Widow, with The Punisher holding a gun and Black Widow in a dynamic pose. The background includes casino elements like playing cards and a slot machine.
The Punisher and Black Widow stand back-to-back in a dynamic comic book cover illustration, both holding firearms. The Punisher is wearing his signature skull logo t-shirt, while Black Widow is dressed in a sleek black suit, holding a gun in one hand and a dagger in the other. The background features an orange smoky effect, enhancing the dramatic atmosphere of the scene.
Comic book cover featuring The Punisher and Wolverine ready for battle, surrounded by a chaotic background with splashes of red and shadowy figures.
Comic cover featuring The Punisher and Winter Soldier in a snowy landscape, showcasing an intense confrontation.

Preview: Daredevil #7

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Daredevil #7

(W) Stephanie Phillips (A) Flaviano Armentaro

TOO MANY CROOKS IN HELL’S KITCHEN! New York City is flooded… with crime! When an invaluable piece of evidence is out in the open, it’s an all-out assault on the law from New York’s most dangerous mobsters and murderers! But when old friend (and foe!) ELEKTRA re-enters Matt Murdock’s life after weeks apart, it could spell disaster for the Man Without Fear!

Comic book cover featuring Daredevil, illustrated in a dynamic pose on a rooftop, wearing a red and black costume with dual weapons, showcasing an urban backdrop.
Cover page of the comic 'Daredevil: Of Moles & Owls Part 2' featuring title text, credits for writers and artists, and background imagery of a city skyline.
A comic strip featuring a character in a pink costume, standing in what appears to be a cemetery with skyscrapers in the background. The character reflects on window washers cleaning the Empire State Building, discussing the return of dirt and the repetitive nature of their work.
A comic book panel depicting a superhero leaping over a cityscape filled with traffic and skyscrapers. Dialogue includes a frenzied character asking why another is slowing down, while a figure resembling Daredevil is shown in a smaller panel with the phrase 'Knock knock.'
A colorful comic panel depicting a high-speed car chase at night. One character, dressed in a pink suit, is seen gripping the side of a car while urging the driver to accelerate. The background features stylized city lights and other vehicles in motion.

Preview: Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren #2

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Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren #2

(W) Charles Soule (A) Will Sliney

THE RETURN OF TAVA REN AND THE KNIGHTS OF REN! TAVA REN returns to KYLO REN and the FIRST ORDER seeking help from a terrifying new DROID threat. Can even the SUPREME LEADER stop what is coming? The rivalry of HUX and PRYDE intensifies as it threatens to undermine Kylo’s aggressive plans for galactic domination!

Cover of Marvel's 'Star Wars: The Fall of Kylo Ren' comic, featuring two characters in dark robes wielding red lightsabers in a futuristic setting.
A character with red hair, wearing a dark outfit, is seated on a platform inside a futuristic setting. The background features chains and mechanical elements. Text above them identifies the location as the 'Night Buzzard' and mentions the 'Knights of Ren.' The character appears contemplative.
A group of six characters in dark attire, sitting and standing around a red-lit room with technology in the background. One character with long, red hair appears distressed, while the others look serious, engaged in conversation.
A group of characters in dark, armored clothing stands in a red and metallic environment. One character has long, flowing red hair and is facing the viewer, while others appear more concealed. Dialogue balloons indicate a tense discussion about their allegiance and strategy, referencing a character named Kylo Ren.

Preview: DNX #1

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DNX #1

(W) Jed MacKay (A) Federico Vicentini

THE X-VIRUS UNLEASHED!

The X-Men and 3K. Each steered by an original heir of Xavier, each with their own vision for the mutant people. Each at one another’s throats. Cyclops and the Chairman both experienced the future of the Age of Revelation and came home with a renewed mission: the X-Men to prevent that future. 3K to own it. While the X-Men seek out the Fantastic Four to help save one of their own, the White Beast begins his plan to unleash the X-Virus in a major populated area! EVOLUTION IS CONTAGIOUS!

Comic book cover featuring a group of superheroes, including Cyclops in the foreground with glasses emitting light. The title 'DN X' is prominently displayed, along with the subtitle 'Evolution is Contagious' and issue number '#1'. The background includes a city skyline under a blue sky.
A comic page featuring three panels, depicting a dystopian scene with crowds in fear, mutations caused by a virus, and a lone figure overlooking a ruined city.
A comic book panel featuring a group of characters discussing a threat in Philadelphia. In the foreground, a male character with goggles speaks to others, expressing urgency about stopping a release of a virus. The background shows a city skyline with birds flying.
A scene set in the Baxter Building, headquarters of the Fantastic Four, featuring characters discussing a life-threatening situation. One character, Dr. Richards, is engaged in conversation with others, including a blue-skinned figure and a man in a purple jacket. The background shows a city skyline and machinery, emphasizing a scientific setting.
A comic book panel depicting characters engaged in a serious discussion in a scientific lab. One character, dressed as a doctor, holds a clipboard while explaining a critical condition. Another character, appearing worried, listens intently. A blue-skinned character is also present, analyzing information. A green liquid is seen in the background, suggesting a scientific or experimental setting.
A comic book panel featuring a close-up of a character with white hair and a serious expression, discussing Magneto, who is depicted in a dynamic pose surrounded by energy and swirling tendrils.

Preview: X-Men: Outback #4

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X-Men: Outback #4

(W) Steve Orlando (A) Roi Mercado

THE MORLOCKS OF THE OUTBACK ARE IN TROUBLE — ANDONLYTHE X-MEN CAN HELP! HAVOK and MADELYNE PRYOR must help the MORLOCKS of Australia escape from the LAVA MEN! Can even HAVOK withstand the heat? Will these X-MEN be able to establish a truce between the Lava Men and the Morlocks before Maddie’s fiery visions of the future come true?

Cover of 'X-Men: Outback' issue 4 featuring characters in a dynamic pose with a focus on two figures, one with red hair and a black outfit and the other with blonde hair wearing a blue outfit, surrounded by dark, abstract elements.
An illustrated promotional poster for 'X-Men: Outback' featuring the title, character silhouettes, and a colorful sunset background, highlighting a storyline involving Colossus and other mutants in Australia.
A female character in a white shirt and brown belt stands on a dirt path at sunrise, looking pensive. She is surrounded by grass and trees. In a comic panel beside her, Wolverine, depicted in a tank top, converses with her about mutants and lost people, with a ghostly figure of another character visible.
A group of mutant superheroes gathered in a rustic setting, discussing their past and experiences. Some are visible as ghostly figures, highlighting their unique powers. A female character stands in the foreground, speaking with urgency, indicating the challenges they face.
A comic book panel featuring several characters in a tense conversation. The characters include a man in a black costume with a white emblem, a woman with white hair, a woman with red hair wearing a beige shirt, and another character in a dark outfit. They discuss team dynamics and the inclusion of a new member.
A female character with long red hair is dressed in a green military-style outfit, holding a firearm. She appears confident and determined, interacting with another character in a darkened room. Several other characters are visible in the background, suggesting a group dynamic and a serious mission.
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