Tag Archives: first strike

Review: First Strike #6

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War for the Core! Deep within Cybertron, the ultimate weapon to kill all Transformers is about to be activated! Meanwhile, Elita One plans to stop the weapon-by killing every human on Cybertron! Either way, looks like some species on Cybertron is going down unless Optimus Prime and Scarlett can save the day…

The crossover between M.A.S.K., G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Micronauts wraps up here with a hell of an ending and a comic event that really feels like it. There’s a hell of a twist ending that I didn’t see coming and sets up a new status quo to come in the “Hasbro Universe.”

Written by Mairghread Scott and David A. Rodriguez, First Strike #6 sees the showdowns you want and a hell of a lot of conflict. But, lets face it, we want to see Scarlett take on Joe Colton and we get exactly that with a fight that shows how much of a badass Scarlett is. It’s good. It’s really good. Then there’s… well I don’t want to ruin it but there’s a lot of players here.

If there’s one negative, it feels like the plot with Optimus betraying the Council gets wrapped up or overlooked to quick but that might be handled later in other series. There’s only so much you can fit in.

Then there’s the prologue story which will have every Transformers fan squeal. It’s awesome…. real awesome. But mix that reveal in with the twist at the end of this comic and it’s the next phase of the “Hasbro Universe” making it clearer how one aspect fits in more.

The art by Max Dunbar and James Raiz is great. Dunbar handles the main story and he does a great job being able to fit lots in despite having so many characters to deal with and such different sizes. It’s impressive to do, especially since there’s some solid framing of the action. Raiz gets to show off the impact of it all and teases what’s next. There’s some great design and to see the pain of Metroplex and what that leads to is cool to see, especially how it’s all revealed.

This event as a whole has felt like the type of battle I did as a kid pitting my toys against each other. It’s been fun and entertaining but the reveal at the end takes it all to the next level and has me excited to see what comes next.

Story: Mairghread Scott, David Rodriguez Art: Max Dunbar, James Raiz
Cover: Freddie Williams II
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.35 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Joe

Top Pick: Detective Comics #967 (DC Comics) – The alternate Batman version of Tim hanging around is exciting. Seeing him as Batman is as shocking as it was interesting. I’ve heard fans get into it over the years on which Robin would be the best Batman, and Tim is always ignored. Is this a glimpse of the future or a fun what if?

The Flash #33 (DC Comics) – This is another Metal tie in, and everything that’s come out of this event so far has been fantastic. I trust that this will be no different.

Despicable Deadpool #288 (Marvel) – Classic Deadpool vs Cable continues in this fun chase through time as the merc with a mouth has Cable’s arm and with it, his A.I. technology. I can’t to see where this arc goes.

Batman: The Merciless #1 (DC Comics) – Another of the Dark Knights gets their own book and origin story. This time we get Tomasi on writing and the fantastic Manapul on art.

DC House of Horror #1 (DC Comics) – It’s that time of year, Halloween, and with it comes a big book of fright in the DC universe. This looks like it could be spooky fun.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Eternity #1 (Valiant) – Divinity is one of my favorite series, and judging from the first issue the sequel is going to be glorious. I’ve already read this, but I’m super excited to see the art without the watermarked review copy as we go into the cosmos once again.

Bloodshot Salvation #2 and X-O Manowar #8 (Valiant) – Two of Valiant’s best series are hitting shelves the same week and the’re not my top pick? This is one hell of a week! It’s no secret I love Valiant, so these picks should astonish none of you… but this week’s Valiant offerings have me super frigging excited.

 

Mr. H

Top Pick: Detective Comics #967 (DC Comics) – Tim Drake: Dark Batman of the Future. I cannot get enough of this story line. I remember when the “Future Titans” storyline ran in Teen Titans it was fantastic. To see the bright team turned so dark was awesome. I have always been a huge Tim Drake fan as he is the natural successor in Bruce’s detective skills. How refreshing Detective Comics featuring a top notch detective. Seeing our Tim Drake meet himself has been too cool. I am hoping we get a Tim as Batman mini – series out of the deal. This is an easy top pick for me.

Batman: The Merciless #1 (DC Comics) – So far these Metal tie ins have been great. I like the idea of Bruce and Diana as an item here and Bruce is treated to more pain by losing his love. The mash up of Batman/ Wonder Woman traits should be very entertaining. I expect another good read here from the Metal tie ins. Just move along to get me to the Man who Laughs! I think Tomasi and Manapul will rock the house here. It’s freaking Metal,man! Rock on!!

WWE #10 (BOOM Studios) – Being a die hard wrestling fan, this series is gold. The way the creative team jumps rope with the line between kayfabe and reality is so terrific. Right now we are in the middle of a story with the spotlight firmly on The Big Dog: Roman Reigns. It should be said that this comic makes me do something that WWE telelvision hasn’t done in a long time: Cheer for Roman. I can’t get enough of this series and I love all the variants as well. Great book. OOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

 

Brett

Top Pick: Verax: The True History of Whistleblowers, Mass Surveillance, and Drone Warfare (Metropolitan Books) – Everything you need to know as to why this is at the top of my list is in the description. Pratap Chatterjee, journalist sleuth, dives deep into the world of electronic surveillance and introduces its cast of characters: developers, companies, users, government agencies, whistleblowers, journalists, and, in a leading role, the devices themselves. He explains the complex ways governments follow the movements and interactions of individuals and countries, whether by tracking the players of Angry Birds, deploying “Stingrays” that listen in on phone calls or “deep packet inspection” that mines email, or by weaponizing programs with names like Howlermonkey and Godsurge to attack the infrastructure of states such as Iran and remotely guide the U.S. missiles used in drone killings. He chronicles the complicity of corporations like Apple, Verizon, and Google, and the daring of the journalists and whistleblowers who made sure that the world would know.

Action Comics #990 (DC Comics) – “The Oz Effect” shouldn’t work, but it totally does as things devolve even more and the confrontation between father, son, and son happens. I have no idea where this is going but it feels like it’s building up to something big.

Gotham City Garage #2 (DC Comics) – DC characters reimagined as bikers fighting a fascist government in a dystopian world. What’s not to like?

First Strike #6 (IDW Publishing) – This comic is every battle I made up as a kid where my toys fought each other on the basement floor (with Cybertron as a replacement for my LEGO city).

Goosebumps: Monsters at Midnight #1 (IDW Publishing) – The classic kids books come to comics for a whole new generation and a generation that’s nostalgic to check them out again.

 

Preview: First Strike #6

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First Strike #6

Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)

War for the Core! Deep within Cybertron, the ultimate weapon to kill all Transformers is about to be activated! Meanwhile, Elita One plans to stop the weapon—by killing every human on Cybertron! Either way, looks like some species on Cybertron is going down unless Optimus Prime and Scarlett can save the day…

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Preview: First Strike #5

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First Strike #5

Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)

Prison Break! After a daring escape, Optimus Prime, the Autobots, Scarlett, G.I. Joe and M.A.S.K. must venture into the heart of Cybertron to stop Cobra’s devastating weapon that will kill every Transformer on the planet!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Alex

Top Pick: X-O Manowar #7 (Valiant) – I’ve literally just finished reading this for Graphic Policy’s review, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy from my LCS. That art is stoningly good!

Faith And The Future Force #3 (Valiant) – Time travel, humour and stubborn determination. Can Faith and the Future Force save the timestream? I hope not, because I don’t want this series to end!

War Mother #2 (Valiant) – It’s a Valiant book. Of course I’m looking forward to it.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Secret Coders Vol. 4 Robots & Repeats (First Second) – Always fantastic, this graphic novel series entertains and educates in how to code. The first three volumes have explained things well and taught me a ton. Add in a cute story and fun art and you’ve got the perfect combination of education and entertainment.

The American Way: Those Above and Below #3 (Vertigo/DC Comics) – Don’t think politics and entertainment go together? Read this series. Entertaining and thought provoking each series explores race relations, politics, and more. Most importantly, it entertains with each issue.

First Strike #4 (IDW Publishing) – Did you ever take your G.I. Joe and Transformers and have them battle it out when you were a kid? This even, is that and then some.

Marvel Legacy #1 (Marvel) – Kicking off the next phase of Marvel comics. We’re all intrigued as to what it will all mean.

Southern Bastards #18 (Image Comics) – One of the, if not the, best comic series on the shelves today. It feels like a bit since the previous issue but the series is no less the emotional gut punch and no time has passed at all.

Preview: First Strike #4

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First Strike #4

Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)

Captured by Transformers! Even with the Autobots on their side, G.I. Joe is in trouble! Starscream doesn’t trust anyone, much less armed humans who show up during Cybertron’s darkest hour and he’ll do anything he can to keep G.I. Joe under control—including let COBRA get even closer to their goal!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

Posted on by

Wednesdays 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Paul

Top Pick: Runaways #1 (Marvel) – I was late to the party when this book was first out, but I did read and catch up on it and I really enjoyed it. I’m excited to see these characters now and find out what’s been going on with them.

Secret Empire Omega #1 (Marvel) – Secret Empire was a train wreck that I just couldn’t look away from. I followed the entire run just to see how bad the story could get…and wow I was not disappointed. And I still can’t get rid of the stink that last issue left. I still can’t believe the whole thing was green lit. But I digress; This issue is only on my list just to see what happens after the dust settles….and to see if the world reverts back to normal just as quickly as it seemed to be taken over by Hydra, though I have a feeling it will be a “long road back to normalcy” *eye roll*

Uncanny Avengers #27 (Marvel) – Scarlet Witch is back on an Avengers team…enough said!

 

Shay

Top Pick: Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1 (DC Comics) – What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas… until now, find out what happened in Vegas with some of our favorite DC lady bad asses.

The Defenders #5 (Marvel) – The Punisher has gone rogue and is turning on the team. I feel an epic rumble going down!

Runaways #1 (Marvel) – They’re back and I’m here for it!!

Suicide Squad #25 (DC Comics) – The “Kill Your Darlings” arc is ending, grab popcorn because it’s going all the way down.

Wynonna Earp: Season Zero #3 (IDW Publishing) – Halfway through the story and Wynonna is giving us something to enjoy until we can see more of her and the game on TV.

Slam: The Next Jam #1 (BOOM! Studios) – The next season of this amazingly accurate and hella fun derby life comic is here and I’ve got all the feels!

 

Brett

Top Pick: Dark Nights: Metal #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue knocked it out of the park bringing together lots of hints and winks that have been building over the years as Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo reteamed for their latest Batman-centric adventure. The second really kicks things up to 11.

First Strike #3 (IDW Publishing) – A fun event that brings together G.I. Joe, Transformers, and more in a story that feels like something my 8 year old self would have come up with.

Ghost Money #2 (Lion Forge Comics) – A lot of money was made on 9/11, but what happened to it? This is that story. The first issue was unexpected and I was floored as to how good it was.

Mech Cadet Yu #2 (BOOM! Studios) – The first issue was beyond adorable in a story that’s perfect for comic fans of all ages. Giant robots, aliens, a kid and his robot friend, it’s a fun series that really surprised me as to how much I enjoyed it. A comic that was on my radar quickly jumped high on my list of ones I look forward to.

Mister Miracle #2 (DC Comics) – The first issue was amazing and the second brings us the war as a new Highfather takes his throne and a conspiracy may be afoot.

Preview: First Strike #3

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First Strike #3

Mairghread Scott & David Rodriguez (w) • Max Dunbar (a) • Freddie E. Williams II (c)

Secrets revealed! G.I. Joe, the Autobots and M.A.S.K. make their way to Cybertron to stop the siege and encounter the COBRA leader, but all is not as it seems! Will their arrival help—or just bring more disaster?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Javier

Darkseid Special #1 (DC Comics) – Given that we celebrate Jack Kirby’s centennial this week, this book is auto selected as my number 1 pick. Penned by Mark Evanier (Kirby’s biographer), and with Paul Levitz, it includes Granny Goodness, an OMAC short, and a classic Kirby Fourth World story.

Deadly Class #30 (Image Comics) – 1980s big hair and depression. Remender delivers.

Crosswind #3 (Image Comics) – Gail Simone and Cat Staggs breathe new life into the old body switcheroo story gimmick, with a murderous hitman twist.

Animosity #9 (Aftershock Comics) – Marguerite Bennett’s post-apocalyptic animal ruled world blends action and drama with Latorre’s spellbinding art.

Victor Lavalle’s Destroyer (BOOM! Studios) – There’s definitely some hubris in including the writer’s name in the comic book’s title, but this is the Victor Lavalle who wrote ‘Slapboxing with Jesus’ and ‘The Ballad of Black Tom’. His graphic update on Shelley’s Frankenstein is potentially the BOOM! sleeper hit of 2017.

 

Brett

All-Star Batman #13 (DC Comics) – All-Star Batman has been one the most consistently entertaining comics from DC and one of the best comics on the market. A character study in comics and a must read.

John Carpenter Tales of Science Fiction: Vault #2 (Storm King Comics) – Great science fiction horror action that ups the tense setting and story.

Return of the Dapper Men (Top Shelf/IDW Publishing) – The award winning graphic novel is reprinted with new material. If you missed it the first time, now is your chance to get it.

Star Wars #35/Star Wars: Jedi of the Republic – Mace Windu #1 (Marvel) – Some of the best comics Marvel has been producing has been their Star Wars comics and this week we get two releases that I’m sure are entertaining if the past releases are any indication. Add in a comic just focused on mace Windu and I’m totally in.

Transformers: Optimus Prime #10 (IDW Publishing) – IDW’s Transformers comics have been knocking it out of the park with political intrigue, action, lots of drama, and some of the best science fiction allegories being produced today. These comics feel like they have more in common with the original Star Trek than they do the 80s cartoon.

 

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Wednesdays 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!

Each week our contributors are choosing up to five books and why they’re choosing the books. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look!

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

Black Hammer #12 (Dark Horse) – Jeff Lemire continues to impress with his take on deconstructing super heroes.

Detective Comics #963 (DC Comics) – Things are kicking up as the group now knows that Tim Drake is alive. But, before we get to that this issue focuses on Spoiler and Anarky.

Mother Panic #10 (DC Comics/Young Animal) – Batman without the restraint. Just brutal and awesome.

Nightwing: The New Order #1 (DC Comics) – Maybe not the best timing but we’re intrigued to see what this fascist Nightwing has in store for us.

First Strike #2 (IDW Publishing) – The first issue started off with a bang (literally) and we can’t wait to see what the second brings in this crossover of properties like G.I. Joe and Transformers.

Saucer State #3 (IDW Publishing) – Aliens. Conspiracies. Politics. The President of the United States. Yes please!

Hard Place #1 (Image Comics) – A former wheelman tries to go straight but is caught up in a robbery and is being chased by the cops and Russian mob. Sounds awesome!

Lazarus X Plus 66 #2 (Image Comics) – Some of the best world building in all of entertainment.

Shirtless Bear-Fighter #3 (Image Comics) – The concept is goofy but we’ve been having a blast with this series.

Generations: Unworthy Thor & Mighty Thor #1 (Marvel) – We’re not quite sure the big picture point of these one-shots, but we’re still holding out hope.

Secret Empire #9 (Marvel) – We’ve had mixed reactions here as to this event (generally negative) but with one more issue to go we want to see how it wraps up and if there’s any way to right this wrong.

X-Men: Gold #10 (Marvel) – The relaunched X line from Marvel has been a big improvement and this is easily its best series.

Bubblegun Vol. 2 #4 (Aspen) -A fun sci-fi series with eye catching visuals that feels like it should have a game to go along with it.

Catalyst Prime: Incidentals #1 (Lion Forge) – The company’s latest addition to its Catalyst Prime line of comics and the first group book. We’re intrigued to see where things go and how this stands out.

Clueless (BOOM! Studios) – As if!? The classic film gets a new graphic novel and we’re so ready to head back to the 90s.

Heathen #5 (Vault Comics) – The first four issues have been fantastic to read and look at in this new take with a vikings(ish) world.

Hi-Fi Fight Club #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Sounds like a riff on Empire Records. We’re sold on that alone.

Letter 44 #35 (Oni Press) – All the answers!!! ALL OF THEM!!! The series wraps up with this final issue.

Sisters of Sorrow #2 (BOOM! Studios) – A gritty series from the same person that did Sons of Anarchy. The first issue felt like a 70s exploitation/revenge film in a way and it’ll be interesting to see where the series goes from there.

War Mother #1 (Valiant) – This character has been touched upon a few times through various Valiant events, but she’s finally getting her own series and we can’t wait to see what’s done with the character. Valiant consistently knocks it out of the park and we’re expecting no less with this one.

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