Tag Archives: inhumans vs. x-men

Review: Inhumans vs X-Men #4

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inhumans_vs__x_men__4Mosaic and Reader are  on Muir Island are about to do some damage. The epic battle between the Inhumans and the X-Men over the necessary, for mutants, intended destruction of the last Terrigen Cloud. The mission to destroy the cloud and keep the last Inhumans in Limbo is still going on and a subset of younger NuHans are on a mission to free their elders. These counter mission goals are about to come to a head on Muir Island.

Medusa is working on a plan to escape their prison in Limbo using sound waves and a makeshift antenna. The plan leaves the captured Inhumans fighting their way through a hoarse of Limbos residents. Meanwhile, Emma is in control on Muir Island and they can’t find Forge or his Terrigen Eater. Magneto gets a mind meld from hell and excuses himself to take care of the situation to protect the mutants secrets. The freed Inhumans are on a hunt for Black Bolt and are trying to attack the school. The NuHumans have Forge unconscious and captive while they await new orders from Mosaic. Mosaic returns with news that the NuHumans weren’t expecting and they realize that they were attacked because the X-Men needed to destroy the clouds for the safety of themselves and other Miranda or risk dying themselves.

Jeff Lemire and Charles Soule tell a good tale in this issue. They attempt to add some understanding into the mix by having the NuHumans learn that the attack was done out of self preservation and not genuine hate. I can’t wait to see how this is explored in future issues. There are also some very well done interactions between the X-Men and the Brotherhood as they try and formulate a new plan with their best weapon MIA. I feel like a lot of thought went into this issue and I liked how it all played out. I feel like the writers made a good choice by having the issue end on a note of awareness and contemplation about moral obligations and perspective.

Javier Garron‘s artwork is the stuff that 80s dreams are made of and I mean that in the best possible way. The art work was a nice call back to the artists of one of my visually favorite comic periods, the dark yet pop colored 80s. This issue served up some lines and beautiful detail. The facial expressions had feeling to them and rich, meaningful depth.

Overall this was a great read from cover to cover and it provided a fresh take on a good story. Even though the battle rages on full of good intentions and bad foresight it’s a valid and beautiful tale, one filled with emotion and meaningfulness within the universe the story is built on.

Story: Jeff Lemire & Charles Soule Art: Javier Garron
Story: 8.9 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Inhumans vs. X-Men #4

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inhumans_vs__x_men__4The young Inhumans devise a crazy plan to infiltrate Muir Island…The only thing standing in their way: the master of magnetism himself, Magneto. Meanwhile, Medusa and the other royals mount a desperate effort to escape from the mutants’ prison in Limbo…

Written by Charles Soule and Jeff Lemire, Inhumans vs. X-Men #4 continues what overall is Marvel’s best event in years, but out of everything released, it’s the weakest, partially due to the art by Javier Garrón, a change up in the series.

The story focuses on the end of the previous issue where a group of Inhumans is gathered to strike back at the X-Men and free other Inhumans that are captured. Mosaic is the key here as he’s used to infiltrate the X-Men on Muir Island and while reading I couldn’t help but think “so this is why Marvel has pushed him.” Not quite a break-out moment for the character, but it definitely feels like the most high-profile use of him so far.

The good of the comic is that it’s not so much an action strike, again changing up the “Vs” formula we’ve seen too often, this issue is more about covert instead of a blunt hammer. The ending of the comic opens up a lot for the next issues and post-event direction of these two comic lines. The covert action has given this guerilla group of Inhumans a LOT of information, more than they bargained for, and it forces them to think things through… like the big picture.

That gray area and lack of a clear good guy and bad guy has been partially what’s made this event series really stand out. There is not right and wrong. Both sides are right and both sides are wrong. And most importantly, actions taken fit the characters and their worldview.

The bad part of the issue is the art. I’m not quite sure what happened between the last issue and this one but the art is a noticeable decrease in quality. Scenes involving the Inhumans in Limbo look fine, but when the setting shifts to the X-Men on Muir Island, things go off the rails. Characters just don’t look like themselves with odd proportions and some aging issues (like Magneto) which just feels like an abrupt shift. What’s odd is, the artist has changed for a few issues, so not sure what the problem is or why.

The weak part is mainly the art to be honest. There’s some solid scenes, but it’s not quite as engaging as we’ve seen and the inconsistent character design really took me out of the experience. The story is somewhat straightforward in the overall idea, but there’s enough small details and unexpected things that makes it feel like it breaks the mold and is something new. So, the story is solid, just don’t focus on the art while you read it.

Story: Charles Soule and Jeff Lemire Art: Javier Garrón
Story: 8.15 Art: 6.35 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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black-history-month-in-its-own-wordsWednesdays 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.

Ben

Black History In Its Own Words (Image Comics) – Criminally, I’m behind on Ronald Wimberly’s work, despite the fact that his recent Image Comics work, Prince of Cats (once a publication of Vertigo), has been making waves with its unique premise and gorgeous art. Black History In Its Own Words sounds like a great endeavor in the same effort as March, using the comics medium as a way to educate on important moments and figures in black history. We already know comics can be art, can be literature, but what about educational? Comics can be a teaching tool for reading and drawing, so it only makes sense it should take the next step in teaching all too important academia such as history, science, math, government, etc.

All-New Wolverine #17 (Marvel) – I’ve only read the first volume so far, but X-23 as the All-New Wolverine has one me over. She continues on the powerful themes of the original character, dealing with anger and finding more meaning in life than violence, while exploring her own unique personality. Most superhero comics have overdone action to the point that it’s no longer fun, but the creative team here manages to keep it so while not forgetting character development. Definitely one of the best among new Marvel titles.

 

Paul

Top Pick: Inhumans vs. X-Men #4 (Marvel) – This event has been a rock ’em sock ’em ride from the get go.  The X-Men are fighting for their survival and they are definitely not holding back.  The action has been non stop as the X-Men have taken out the Inhuman’s heavy hitters, but they may have underestimated the Nuhumans and their ability to push back. It’s only going to get more cut throat as this goes on and I can’t wait to see where this goes.

Jessica Jones #5 (Marvel) – When I started reading this title, I was a little annoyed that Marvel took Jessica back to her “darker” self, after everything that was established with her and Luke Cage.  But I have bee enjoying this title, and the last issue definitely cleared some things up for me.  I’m liking the set up of the “big bad” in this title and I am curious to see what the end game is.  I very good title that I recommend.

The Unworthy Thor #4 (Marvel) – Odinson is held prisoner on the Collector’s ship; a strange hammer within his reach, but the Collector wants the power for himself.  And to make matters worse, Proxima Midnight and Black Swan have crashed the party.  I’ve been enjoying this book, but really just want to see Odinson get his hands on this hammer already!

Justice League of America: Rebirth #1 (DC Comics) – I’ll be honest, the Rebirth titles I was reading didn’t hold my interest (though I do want to go back to Red Hood, Birds of Prey and Teen Titans as I lost track of them) but I am intrigued by the team line up of this book.  I read the Rebirth stories for The Ray and Killer Frost, which I enjoyed, and Black Canary and Vixen are favorites of mine, so I’m hoping this book can deliver.

 

Joe

Top Pick: Kingpin #1 (Marvel) – Matt Rosenberg has been of the best and most consistent writers lately. He has done some fantastic miniseries, and we get him on a big Marvel ongoing. Finally! With how he wrote the character on the CW2 miniseries, and it being the best thing to happen to that event, my expectations are through the roof for this book. Be excited.

Moonshine #5 (Image Comics) – This has been a solid and underrated book by Azzarello about mobsters, Appalachia, and werewolves. It is such an original tale that has packed an intriguing mystery about city slickers coming to the mountains with booze and blood involved.

Detective Comics #950 (DC Comics) – The oversized anniversary special that is priced at $3.99, that is a beautiful concept everyone should follow. I love this series, and James Tynion IV hasn’t let me down yet. I don’t expect him to anytime soon.

The Unworthy Thor #4 (Marvel) – It’s been so far so good for the return of Jason Aaron writing Odinson, and there’s only a few issues remaining. Will Thor get his original hammer? Or at least the ultimate version? Will he ride off into the sunset and allow Jane to remain the God of Thunder? I suspect a new ongoing. I can’t wait to find out.

The Flash #16 (DC Comics) – Finally the Rogues have returned! Josh Williamson has done a solid job with this series, but now that the Rogues have returned, it’s getting even better.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Ninjak #24 (Valiant) – This is the first time that Ninjak has been my top pick in a long time, if ever. Matt Kindt has always been consistent with his writing on the series, but with the last issue he kicked it up a gear, and I can’t wait to see where he takes us with this issue.

All-Star Batman #7 (DC Comics) – Scott Snyder and Jock gave me Batman #44, which remains one of the best issues of Batman I have ever read. Needless to say, I’m excited to get a whole story from these two.

Divinity III: Shadowman #1 (Valiant) – Honestly, this was a toss up between this and Detective Comics #950, with this issue coming out on top because of it’s relation to the main Divinity III miniseries. The more content  I can get from the Stalinverse, the happier I am.

Red Hood And The Outlaws #7 (DC Comics) – An unsung gem in DC’s line up, this darkly funny (whether it’s supposed to be or not) series has become one of the ones I look forward to the most each month.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Black History In Its Own Words (Image Comics) – Ron Wimberly takes us through a look at Black History framed by those who made it. As a white guy with a large gap in my knowledge, I’m looking forward to filling in some of that.

Black #4 (Black Mask Studios) – The series has been an interesting one, and while not perfect, each issue has been thought provoking with a depth not usually found in superhero comics.

Death Be Damned #1 (BOOM! Studios) – Seven outlaws have killed Miranda Coler and her family, but her death turned out to be a little less permanent than they expected. A western tale of revenge is exactly what I’ve been looking for.

Divinity III: Shadowman #1 (Valiant) – This latest “event” miniseries from Valiant has been absolutely amazing. Any opportunity to get more about this world, I’m excited.

The Fissure #1 (Vault Comics) – El Sueño, Texas was a single street town withering under the shadow of the Mexico-U.S. Barrier. Then the pavement split, and a massive crack spread from one end to the other, rapidly swallowing El Sueño whole. Young couple Avery Lee Olmos and Hark Wright fight to escape the mysterious sinkhole and the malevolent force that beckons from its depths. Writer Tim Daniel has kicked ass with these types of stories and this debut from Vault Comics is one I’ve had my eye on for quite some time.

Review: Inhumans vs. X-Men #3

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inhumans_vs__x_men__3New Attilan is conquered. Medusa and her generals are being held prisoner as the X-Men prepare to cleanse the world of the Terrigen Cloud. Could this be the end of Inhuman progeny? Now, the only hope for the Inhuman legacy rests in the hands of an unlikely crew of young Inhumans.

I’ve generally been down on Marvel‘s events for quite some time, but four issues in (I’m counting the 0 issue) I’m actually impressed with this story so far. Like so many other stories, this event could have easily been vignettes featuring big battle scenes that pit off two characters for a few pages. While there is that, there’s so much more as each “battle” and encounter takes a style unto their own. Each situation is unique and that attention to detail by writers Charles Soule and Jeff Lemire is what makes the series really work.

What makes Soule and Lemire’s narrative work so well is that they have really thought through each power set of the Inhumans and how the X-Men deal with them. This isn’t just person with fire versus a person with ice abilities battling it out. It’s smarter in many ways.

Some of that intelligence is that the characters themselves continue to question the justification. The X-Men have participated in a pre-emptive strike in some ways, depends who you ask and your viewpoint, and not everyone is comfortable with that. This is an army at war with troops following orders, even though they’re not quite sure of their righteousness of it all. That too helps make the story not quite clear cut as to who is right and who is wrong in this battle and also makes the characters participating come off as having more depth. By steering away from the black and white the overall story so far has been enhanced.

The art by Javi Garron is solid, especially considering how much is covered in the issue with different locations and characters. Garron is helped by Andres Mossa and Jay David Ramos on colors. Garron too seems to focus on small details like a facial expression and even adds a little humor doing so. A scene between Iso and Forge should have lots of tension but is played a bit for laughs, especially when Forge figures out what’s about to happen. It’s noticeable and adds to the already entertaining writing.

I’m impressed so far and this is an event where the tie-ins are adding to the larger story but at the same time the main series delivers. The major details are here and covers a hell of a lot with each issue. When events by the main two have felt like they’ve lacked in recent years, this one is heads and above expectations.

Story: Charles Soule, Jeff Lemire Art: Javi Garron Cover Art: Leinil Francis Yu
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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the-dregs-1-9Wednesdays 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.

Mr. H

Top Pick: Batman/TMNT Adventures # 3 (DC Comics/ IDW Publishing) – This comic just plainly rocks! It’s the best of both worlds. I love how well the creative team has captured the spirit and feel of Batman: The Animated Series as well as keeping the Turtles timeless in their incarnation. Very pumped for the Joker/ Shredder feud. This has just been radical!!

Detective Comics #949 (DC Comics) – One more issue to go until the big 950 celebration! This book has been on such a roll though, I’m not even noticing the mile stone. Such a stark contrast to the snooze fest going on over in the regular Batman monthly title. I am loving how Kate Kane is getting the spotlight here and I’m very much looking forward to this springboarding her into the new Batwoman title next month. Finally Bruce has an ally that feels like a true equal and not one of his students. Hey, who better than family right?

Reborn # 4 (Image Comics) – This tale between Millar and Capullo is just a breath of fun. Nothing groundbreaking in terms of story or newness but it entertaining as all get out. The art is stellar as always and I could see this as an animation property. Very cool take on the entire idea of reincarnation. This won’t have a long journey but I’m sure here for the ride.

 

Shay

Top Pick: The Dregs #1 (Black Mask Studios) – A comic tackling gentrification, homeless people confined in one area and what happens when a homeless man decides to help solve the mystery of the disappearing “invisible” population of a city divided. I’m here for it !

Justice League vs Suicide Squad #6 (DC Comics) – The end of this arc could have one team destroyed or they could join forces to create the super team that we all deserve .

Hulk #2 (Marvel) – Jen is still trying to sort it all out while returning to work and it’s getting harder to control the green beast of rage within.

Suicide Squad #10 (DC Comics) – A bonus epilogue to the JL v SS comic arc finds Amanda trying to break through and reconcile the wreckage of her dark secrets.

 

Alex

Top Pick: Divinity III: Stalinverse #2 (Valiant) – I’m like a kid in a candy store with this series; I bloody love everything about this alternate history version of the Valiant universe. To be honest, I’ve already read the comic – and it’s good – but I’m looking forward to seeing the artwork on the printed page.

Bloodshot USA #4 (Valiant) – The conclusion to Valiant’s version of a zombie story with nanomachines infecting civilians. It’s been a surprisingly strong story so far, but the only thing keeping this from my top spot is Jeff Lemire’s tendency to set up the next arc midway through a concluding chapter. Sometimes I want a self contained story…

Hulk #2 (Marvel) – The first issue was easily the best Marvel comic I’ve read in a long time.

Savage #3 (Valiant) – I could just copy what I wrote about Divinity III #2 here with some slight adjustments, but that’d be lazy (almost as lazy as not writing anything else).

 

Brett

Top Pick: Dead Inside #2 (Dark Horse) – I’m a sucker for crime comics and this murder mystery within a prison has been fascinating so far. The art is solid, writing entertaining and engaging, it’s a complete package.

Animosity: The Rise (Aftershock) – The main series is solid about animals rising up against humanity. I really want to see where this fits into all of that. A great series under the radar.

The Circle #2 (Action Lab: Danger Zone) – A different take on The Craft, the first issue caught me by surprise and the second issue is even better.

Inhumans vs. X-Men #3 (Marvel) – This has been an event series that’s worked so far. The action is solid and it’s balancing a lot going on really well.

The Kamandi Challenge #1 (DC Comics) – Tons of creators taking on a classic. The first issue kicks off this week with eleven more to go.

Preview: Inhumans vs. X-Men #3

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Inhumans vs. X-Men #3

(W) Charles Soule, Jeff Lemire (A) Javi Garron (CA) Leinil Francis Yu
Rated T+
In Shops: Jan 25, 2017
SRP: $3.99

New Attilan is conquered. Medusa and her generals are being held prisoner as the X-Men prepare to cleanse the world of the Terrigen Cloud. Could this be the end of Inhuman progeny? Now, the only hope for the Inhuman legacy rests in the hands of an unlikely crew of young Inhumans.

inhumans_vs__x_men__3

Review: Inhumans vs. X-Men #2

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inhumans_vs__x_men__2It’s going down! Writers Jeff Lemire and Charles Soule are giving us life with this page turning, edge of the seat second issue of Inhumans vs. X-Men. Cyclops is dead, Beast knows the Terrigen mist is going to kill all mutant kind in less than two weeks and it’s the beginning of all out war as the X-Men and the Brotherhood bring the fight to the Inhumans base. Human Torch is in league with the Inhumans in an effort to keep his lady-love safe which does not bode well for him because the X-men and friends are out for blood. Time displaced younger Beast tries to find a way to turn things around and combat the effects of the mist in the other Beast’s Inhuman lab but, gets caught and has to fight his way out. Wolverine (the Laura version) has the Inhumans willing to turn to a disgraced source to escape because anywhere is better than coming face to face with her claws. And, that’s just the tip of this issues massive iceberg.

The writing is on point, there isn’t a wasted word or panel and the writers manage to keep things intense and real. It’s an emotional issue that’s filled with urgency and, it not only draws the reader in but, makes them feel invested in the outcome. The battle amps everything up to eleven with both sides sure of their position and mildly unyielding in their do/fight or die path. Both groups will stop at nothing to protect their people and each group has members that want to do this with as little non-combatant or civilian casualties as possible although that might not be possible with certain members out for straight up blood.

Leinel Francis Yu‘s artwork is beautiful. It’s rich and has an intensity that matches of the story being told. The attention to detail is beautiful and a worthy showing of the gravity of the situation at hand.

Overall this issue pulled no punches, was an incredible read and seemed to end at just the right point. It was well crafted, well written, beautiful to look at as part of the series and as a standalone issue. It gave just enough of a taste to get us ready and leave us wanting more.

Story: Jeff Lemire and Charles Soule Art: Leinel Francis Yu
Story: 8.9 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Around the Tubes

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inhumans_vs__x_men__2-5It was new comic book day yesterday! What’d you get? What’d you enjoy? Sound off in the comments below!

While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web in our morning roundup.

Around the Tubes

CBR – Fox’s X-Men Drama Reportedly Nearing Pilot Order – If Legion does well, expect this to happen quickly.

ICv2 – Funko Prepping for Possible IPO or Sale – Interesting…

Publishers Weekly – Scribd Ends Comics Subscription Service – We called it two years ago.

The Beat – Retailing update: the danger of pull lists, “Team Comics My Ass” and best seller lists – An interesting read.

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

The Beat – Guardians of the Galaxy #16

Newsarama – Inhumans vs. X-Men #2

Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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southernbastards16_coverartbWednesdays 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: Voracious: Feeding Time #2 (Action Lab Entertainment) – Is anybody surprised by this? I mean… it’s not like I make a secret of the fact I absolutely love this series.

Ninjak #23 (Valiant) – Another unsurprising pick – there is usually always at least one Valiant book on my pull list each week, and I’ve been looking forward to this arc based entirely on the return of Master Darque (according to the name of the story, anyway).

All-Star Batman #6 (DC Comics) – Scott Snyder is still the best current writer of Batman, and for me this series exemplifies that.

Doctor Strange/Punisher: Magic Bullets #2 (Marvel) – A team-up that makes no sense? Sure. But the first issue was actually solid, and just because the team up makes no sense on paper doesn’t mean it won’t kick ass as a story.

 

Joe

Top Pick: Southern Bastards #16 (Image Comics) – Big Boss BBQ is back, and I cannot wait! After the last tense issue we got, I am so excited to see what happens with Roberta and Boss. This is one of the best books out there, and we didn’t get enough from Aaron and Latour in 2016.

God Country #1 (Image Comics) – A new series from Donny Cates with some awesome looking art by Geoff Shaw. I cannot wait to see what this is all about. From the teases of pages Cates has shared on social media alone, I am pumped.

The Mighty Thor #15 (Marvel) – The big war is coming! This cover by Dauterman is so beautiful. No shock there. This is one of Marvel’s best and most consistent series also by Jason Aaron, and with The Unworthy Thor soon ending, I cannot wait to see where they go with Jane, Odinson, Loki and more!

Inhumans vs. X-Men #2 (Marvel) – I didn’t think I would be typing this ever when I finished Death of X, but #1 was really solid. I hope that trend continues since Lemire and Soule are both highly capable. Also it reminds me I miss Roccafort on Ultimates.

Green Valley #4 (Skybound) – Wow what a crazy twist from that “wizard” in the last issue. There seems to be a bigger and crazier story from Landis going on here, and I hope this issue gives us some more weird awesome stuff. This is a miniseries, but it will run 9 issues, and I have enjoyed all of them so far.

 

Brett

Top Pick: Libby’s Dad (Retrofit Comics) – An absolutely fantastic indie/small press comic that focuses on teenage girls gossiping about one of their fathers. It’s an interesting comic and then you get to the end with its twist that makes your gut sink. So fantastic.

Red Dog #2 (451 Media Group) – A sci-fi series focused on a boy on a mining colony and the aliens that they have to deal with. The first issue was a solid read and I’m expecting this one to be just as entertaining. If you like sci-fi, you should check this one out.

The Rift #1 (Red 5 Comics) – A pilot is pulled through time and if he’s not sent back in time it spells disaster. A cool time travel story with some nice swerves.

The Skeptics #3 (Black Mask Studios) – Cold War fun that’s as entertaining as it is cool and stylish.

Invisible Republic #14 (Image Comics) – A reporter trying to get to the heart of the story behind a revolution and the fallout from his discoveries. The story feels even more appropriate today.

 

Shay

Pick of the Week: Justice League of America: Vixen #1 (DC Comics) – Mari McCabe is giving me life in the backstory bonanza and I am here for all of it!!!

Justice League vs Suicide Squad #4 (DC Comics) – I need to know how this all shakes out and what Amanda has gotten everyone into this time!

Motor Crush #2 (Image Comics) – Domino Swift may very well be my dreamland spirit animal and I love it!

Jessica Jones #4 (Marvel) – Jess wants to protect her family from pure evil by pushing them away and we all know how that usually turns out.

Preview: Inhumans vs. X-Men #2

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Inhumans vs. X-Men #2

(W) Charles Soule, Jeff Lemire (A/CA) Leinil Francis Yu
Rated T+
In Shops: Jan 11, 2017
SRP: $3.99

The Inhumans have failed to find a way to stop the deadly effect the Terrigen Cloud has on Mutantkind, so the X-Men have taken matters into their own hands. New Attilan is under attack! The Inhumans aren’t surrendering their home without a fight, but is there something larger a stake?

inhumans_vs__x_men__2

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