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X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale Wraps up a Middle Event but Delivers Something that Feels Different

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X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale

X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale wraps up Marvel’s mutantkind’s latest event with an ending that’s interesting but overall is a rather blah event.

Written by Jed MacKay, X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale is a rather interesting ending for the story that saw Cyclops and Beast’s conscious shifted to the future where Revelation has created a new mutant nation and not all is right. Without a main series to read, this event has been intriguing spread across multiple miniseries, some feeling more focused on the main story than others. Each miniseries pieced out a bit of the puzzle that put together gave a much clearer picture of what was going on.

X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale ties it all together as various forces rally to stop Revelation and while the event overall is one of the weaker X-Men events, what it delivers is something interesting and refreshing in ways.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The issue is mostly one big fight as Apocalypse and his forces and the remaining X-Men take on Revelation. During that, Beast races to get himself and Cyclops back to the present in hopes they’ve learned enough to stop everything from happening. Why is that important? For once, the bad guy wins.

Yes, Revelation’s plan goes through and plays out as Earth itself is transformed. We get some logic that the increasing death count from Revelation’s earlier plans of the X-Virus forced him, gave him permission in some ways, to go bigger in his vision. And in the end, the bad guy wins. This isn’t a story where the X-Men stop the future horror in some way, wrapping it up in a miniseries. It’s one that plays out as Cyclops and Beast head back and must really do what they can to prevent it from even happening creating very difficult choices.

And that’s where there’s some good and bad, we find out the Beast in the future wasn’t the mind of the Beast from the past, but someone else. As Cyclops returns to his body, Beast has no knowledge of events and we find out it was someone else pulled through time. This is big in that there’s one less person with key knowledge in how to prevent Revelation’s rise to power and someone else does have it. It makes the future feel more inevitable and ominous.

X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale itself isn’t really what’s interesting, it’s how the story plays out and what that means for the future of the line of X-Men comics. This is an event that has long term ramifications as it’s not resolved. Time didn’t get fixed. Things didn’t revert like so many other time travel stories. This is one where the X-Men now know of a dark future and must act to try to prevent it without all the tools they were supposed to have.

End Spoilers

The art by Ryan Stegman and Netho Diaz is solid. There’s some great panels and pages as the battle rages. It’s not all great, a rambling speech by Revelation lacks a certain something, but there are moments that give you the “hell yeah” you’re looking for. With ink by JP Mayer, color by Marcio Menyz, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic looks good and pops at key moments. There’s some good action and good emotional punches that hit right.

Overall X-Men: Age of Revelation Finale isn’t really interesting for the action or art, it’s how this event was structured. It felt like there was no main series to follow and in the end, it doesn’t wrap up with a resolution to the problem, but instead kicks off the next chapter of the story where more challenges are presented. While itself had me down on the X line, what comes next shows potential.

Story: Jed MacKay Art: Ryan Stegman, Netho Diaz
Ink: JP Mayer Color: Marcio Menyz Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.25 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Comix Experience – Zeus Comics –Kindle

X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture Takes Us X Years into the Future for an Intriguing Start

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X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture

THE HEIR RISES – THE RESISTANCE IGNITES! X YEARS LATER, the Revelation Territories stretch from the Atlantic to the Mississippi – a mutant utopia ruled by the heir of Apocalypse. But beneath the surface, rebellion brews. As a ragtag X-Men team strikes from the shadows, Revelation faces threats from within. It all begins here – the dawn of the AGE OF REVELATION! X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture officially kicks off the latest “X-Event” shaking up the X-Men comics and introducing a possible future to come.

While I used to be a diehard X-Men fan, in recent years I’ve dipped in and out of the line of comics. While there’s been some that have been intriguing, the comics haven’t quite clicked for me for various reasons. But, with a new event, I thought I’d commit and dive in reading every release to hit the shelves. X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture is the official start after a surprise zero issue that came out in July. In this future, Revelation has risen and taken over large parts of the United States after a virus was unleashed killing millions. Cyclops and Beast are pulled into the bodies of their future selves to see what has happened and help turn the tide with the resistance that remains. It’s a future that’s ominous as we’re teased this new mutant nation has a secret underneath.

Writer Jed MacKay‘s opening salvo is exactly that. We’re introduced and learn what’s going on as Cyclops learns what’s going on. We’re given just enough information to show that while the concept might be ideal for mutants, not is all that well. Something is wrong with what Revelation has done and secrets run underneath what he has built. What that exactly is, we don’t know, but it’s teased throughout the issue.

MacKay has delivered something that’s familiar but also unexpected. We’ve seen numerous futures, and how this fits into all of that is unclear, but this feels like a blend of a few of them while building off of recent storylines. We knew Doug Ramsey, now Revelation, the heir of Apocalypse, would eventually turn and here we learn just how powerful he has become giving us something new with his power and something to truly fear. We’ve yet to learn the “how” of what has happened, and hopefully through the main series as well as the numerous tie-ins, we get a better idea of how this world came to be.

As an opening chapter, X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture teases more than enough without giving away everything.

The art by Ryan Stegman is solid. It’s an interesting future with a very distinct look that feels very apocalyptic but not at the same time. With ink by JP Mayer, color by Edgar Delgado, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, everything about X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture feels lived in and worn. This isn’t just buildings destroyed and piles of destruction everywhere. Instead, there’s a logic to the locations we see with a blend of nature and the organic with familiar buildings. There’s a utility to it all. The characters too feel very “lived,” with a weariness and rugged feel to these X-Men and others feeling much more relaxed and clean and orderly. There’s some very clear thought into the design of it all. And with all of that, the action is solid. There’s some great moments and the end in particular delivers an epic feel to it all.

X-Men: Age of Revelation Overture is an interesting start to this event that feels like it’s the next debate about a mutant nation and homeland. What does peace and tranquility look like for this group? What should they do to achieve it? What has been done, what horrors are hidden, that have lead to this world? More is to be revealed and so far, this is a story that shows a lot of potential.

Story: Jed MacKay Art: Ryan Stegman
Ink: JP Mayer Color: Edgar Delgado Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.35 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Exclusive Preview: X-Men #3

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X-Men #3

(W) Jed MacKay (A) Ryan Stegman
(I) JP Mayer, Livesay (C) Marte Gracia (L) Clayton Cowles
(CA) Ryan Stegman (VCA) J. Scott Campbell, Joelle Jones, Mahmud Asrar
Rated T+
In Shops: Aug 28, 2024
SRP: $4.99

SCOTT SUMMERS VS. THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
How did the X-Men come to possess their HQ, the Factory, and how difficult a position does that put them in? As Cyclops meets the implacable Agent Lundqvist, the X-Men come to find that their new home may not be as secure as they had thought…

X-Men #3

Mini Reviews: The Domain, X-Men, and Kid Cudi Presents: Moon Man

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The Domain #1

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

The Domain #1 (Image) – So this is the actual in-universe comic being put out by Syd Dallas in Chip Zdarsky’s Public Domain, and it’s a pretty good one. More sci-fi than superhero, Zdarsky and artist Rachel Stott chronicle the story of three space nerd friends who find alien tech and gain great abilities. Most of the issue focuses on them as people and their life’s struggles before the spaceship crashes, the action starts, and powerful forces are arrayed against them. I love that Stott goes away from the superhero ideal and gives the leads a diverse range of body types. This is a fun pickup for any fan of extraterrestrials. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy

X-Men #1 (Marvel) – I literally just read the 2023 Hellfire Gala last weekend so maybe I’m not the best qualified to judge issue, or maybe I am because I haven’t been in the loop. Jed MacKay, Ryan Stegman, JP Mayer, and Marte Gracia relaunch the X-Books with Cyclops leading a team holed up in a decommissioned Sentinel factory in Alaska. The Scott Summers-led strikeforce fights an Orchis/AI/U-Men hybrids while trying to rescue Wolverine and six new mutants who aren’t what they seemed while a very non-war criminal Beast tries to smooth things over with the police chief. I think the U-Men is a great metaphor for this issue ; it’s a launch comic grafted from the parts of better eras in X-Men history, including Grant Morrison’s New X-Men (The Xorn/Glob Herman/U-Men of it all), Jason Aaron’s Wolverine and the X-Men (Quentin Quire and Idie’s relationship), and even the most recent Krakoa era with references to Orchis and a heroic Juggernaut. MacKay writes fun banter between unlikely pairings like Juggernaut and Magik, but the first enemy is boring. Also, when they’re introduced, it’s hard to follow Stegman and Mayer’s visuals although they excel at the big action splashes, or the issue’s few quieter moments like the police chief interacting with Beast, Xorn, and Glob Herman. X-Men #1 is a perfectly serviceable mutant comic and feels like a beat ’em up cartoon instead of exploring any deeper themes. Like a punning Magneto, seriously? Overall: 7.5 Verdict: Read

Kid Cudi Presents: Moon Man #3 (Image) – Scott Mescudi, Kyle Higgins, and Marco Locati slow down the pace for an issue to show protagonist Ramon’s feelings about the loss of his friend Glenn and also come to terms with basically everyone knowing about his abilities. In the age of social media and surveillance states/corporations, the secret ID is dead, and Mescudi and Higgins use this to raise the stake as Janus Corporation wants to harness Ramon’s abilities and are already working with his colleagues. My favorite part of Moon Man #3 is Ramon and an old NASA colleague Janelle (Maybe their relationship was deeper than that.) reminiscing about old times and the vastness of the universe like a philosophical Kid Cudi lyric. Igor Monti’s colors continue to be the best thing this comic has going for it from complex, rich night skies to a flat, loud palette for uses of superpowers. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy (I purchased a copy.)

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is full of shocks

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X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2

Cable, Exodus, Mirage, Wolverine, and more – Apocalypse saw great potential in twelve hand-picked mutants. But when a thirteenth contender crashes the tournament, endangering the lives of thousands in the process, will any survive to carry on in Apocalypse’s footsteps? Not if Mister Sinister has anything to say about it! X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is n action-packed issue full of surprises as the group battles Genocide!

The debut issue of X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse was an interesting one that was a bit of mystery as to what was going on but also delivering a lot of background. Writer Steve Foxe packed the issue to catch readers up, provide motivation, challenges, and some action as well. The issue ended with Apocalypse’s son, Genocide attacking and forcing the contestants to do battle.

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is focused on the battle with Genocide as Steve Foxe adds a little more motivation for some characters but primarily focuses on the battle. We get a sense of who stands out as likely candidates to be the heir of Apocalypse and lead the mutant nation on Earth.

Foxe shocks in the issue though by seemingly killing some of the characters, surprises for the series but also headscratchers as to where things go from here for them. It does add a sense of danger to what’s to come and lives are now on the line. There’s some odd choices in dialogue and spending some time on one character’s invitation from Apocalypse when they are ones that look slain, but overall the comic is packed with action and excitement. It keeps the classic style the first issue established.

Netho Diaz‘s art too is classic in a way. With ink by JP Mayer and Sean Parsons, color by Alex Sinclair, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the issue looks great in the battle. There are some issues though with some of the poses feeling rather odd and not natural. That’s most evident in the final panel that involves a confrontation. It just feels rather odd visually. But, Diaz has a flair for the dramatic and there’s a great use of closing in on his subjects to emphasize the moment by using something as simple as an eye and reaction to what’s seen.

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #2 is an interesting issue that feels like one long fight but it removes some players from the board. It continues its throwback style in both story and look. Overall, like the first issue, the second feels like there’s going to be some long-term ramifications after this series wraps up.

Story: Steve Foxe Art: Netho Diaz
Ink: JP Mayer, Sean Parsons Color: Alex Sinclair 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: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 teases future potential

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X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1

For centuries, Apocalypse tested the mutants of Earth to guarantee that only the strong would survive. Now, as he takes his throne on Arakko, another must rise in his place and ensure the mutants of Earth do not grow weak in his absence! Twelve mutants chosen from the X-Men’s greatest heroes – and villains – will compete for the honor, but only one can become…the HEIR OF APOCALYPSE! X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 feels like a bit of a throwback in some ways but may be key in what’s to come.

In X-Men #35, not only did we see the end of Krakoa as we know it, but also Apocalypse throwing a hissy fit for not getting his way. It felt odd and a little jarring. X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 feels like a much better direction, delivering an Apocalypse who is cooler headed and looking at the long game. He’s focused on Arakko and wants to find an heir to take his place to guide mutantdom for what comes next.

Writer Steve Foxe gathers an eclectic group of mutants to play Apocalypse’s game. Taking on a familiar formula, the issue flashes around showing Apocalypse recruiting the various individuals, some accepting and some declining. Interspersed is their current mission of getting through the initial traps laid out for them while pondering what’s to come next.

It’s all an interesting idea and each character shows potential if they were to win. We get an idea for a few as to why they’re taking part in the game but overall the motivation feels a bit thin for a lot of them. Still, the first issue focuses in on a few and delivers far than enough that you wonder if we’re being teased with the most likely winners.

Foxe’s style overall feels like a bit of a throwback taking us to miniseries that happened in the 00s, especially those with Apocalypse. Many of those saw concepts that were better than the execution but moved the story along. This feels like it’ll have some major ramifications when the X-Men line of comics kicks off again in July.

The art by Netho Diaz is pretty solid. There’s some amazing depictions of characters with a lot of detail for as much is packed in. Diaz’s style adds to the throwback vibe of it echoing a modern classic look I’d expect from X-Men comics. Diaz is a talent and could be the real draw as the series continues. JP Mayer‘s ink, Alex Sinclair‘s color, and Clayton Cowles‘ lettering all add to the visual treat that is the comic.

X-Men: Heir of Apocalypse #1 is an interesting concept and feels like the logical next step for Apocalypse. It teases some major conflict to come in the future and dark clouds off in the distance. It also has a nice retro vibe, a break from more recent X-Men comics during the Krakoan age which had a voice and look all to their own. It’s an interesting debut that feels like it tees up a lot to come.

Story: Steve Foxe Art: Netho Diaz
Ink: JP Mayer Color: Alex Sinclair Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is an exciting return of D.G. Chichester to Daredevil

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Daredevil: Black Armor #1

Now that the MCU is part of pop culture, it’s crazy to think there was a time when it was just considered something for comic book nerds. It’s now something talked about daily, with every decision, casting, plot point, and character dissected by fans. While initially launched as films, the universe expanded to the loosely connected television shows that spanned ABC, Hulu, Netflix, and then the more tightly connected shows on Disney+.

Daredevil was the breakout hit of that television expansion, coming after the lukewarm reception of the initial film starring Ben Affleck. The Netflix adaptation resembled more of the comics in both the characters and the look. Daredevil: Black Armor #1 returns us to a specific time in Daredevil’s history, when he donned a new costume and written by D.G. Chichester who returns to the character in this series.

Chichester wastes no time diving right into various aspects of this time period with Matt needing to fix his costume along with dealing with a rash of missing people in the area. He’s adopted a new name and background but he’s still the do-gooder, using his fists and brain to help those around him.

Chichester gives readers a little background as to the evolution and need for the new armor but doesn’t linger too long on the history. Instead, we get lots of action, some moments that feel very Daredevil, solid villains, and a reveal as to who is behind the missing people hinting at something more nefarious.

Netho Diaz’s art for Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is pretty dynamic and gorgeous. Along with JP Mayer on ink, Andrew Dalhouse on color, and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic looks sharp balancing the varied action. Some of that action might be a simple confrontation while others have the fists, and clubs, flying. Diaz and the team deliver a look that’s solid and takes you back to the time in some ways. Daredevil in his armor looks sharp and almost makes you nostalgic for the controversial costume it looks so good.

Overall, Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is an excellent debut issue that shows why Chichester is a true storyteller and makes you want to go and read his original Daredevil run. The story is exciting and while it doesn’t add to the time period it uses it nicely. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, Daredevil: Black Armor #1 is one of the best debuts this year.

Story: D.G. Chichester Art: Netho Diaz
Ink: JP Mayer Color: Andrew Dalhouse Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

SDCC 2023: Daredevil’s back in Black… Armor that is

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Announced at San Diego Comic-Con, fans will get a chance to return to Matt Murdock’s armored up ‘90s days in Dardevil: Black Armor! Written by D.G. Chichester and drawn by rising star artist Netho Diaz and JP Mayer, the four-issue limited series will take place during Chichester’s beloved run on the title. Remembered for epic storylines like “Last Rites” and “Fall From Grace,” Chichester’s run reintroduced Elektra to the Marvel Universe and suited up Matt Murdock in a sleek new armored costume. Now, witness a never-before-seen chapter of Daredevil that adds new depth and mystery to this fan-favorite era.

When civilians, heroes, and villains alike are disappearing into the dark depths of Hell’s Kitchen underground, Matt Murdock will need to push his extraordinary senses and his armored suit beyond their limits to find out who’s responsible. Throughout the saga, Daredevil will be pitted against a who’s who of Marvel’s deadliest villains including Hobgoblin, Sabretooth and more—all building towards an explosive confrontation with the mysterious evil that’s pulling all the strings! Matt’s armor will have to work overtime as the series delivers nonstop intense action and brutal fighting in extreme 90s’ fashion! 

Check out an all-new variant cover by renowned God of War art director Rafael Grassetti and pick up Dardevil: Black Armor #1 when it hits stands on November 22.

Review: Amazing Spider-Man #14

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Amazing Spider-Man #14

It’s been a bit since I’ve read Amazing Spider-Man, but with “Dark Web” approaching, I thought it might be a good time to swing on board. “Dark Web” is the upcoming crossover event between the X-Men and Spider-Man (and a few others) that has them taking on the Goblin Queen and Chasm. Amazing Spider-Man #14 begins to get things rolling in an issue that focuses on Chasm and his motivation behind what’s to come.

Written by Zeb Wells, Amazing Spider-Man #14 is a series of short stories by different teams of artists telling the story of Ben Reilly, aka Chasm. When we last saw him, Ben was vowing revenge against the Beyond Corporation and Peter Parker wanting his memories and life back. In his plot, Ben has found a perfect partner in Madelyne Pryor who is also a clone and having some issues with that. Granted dominion over Limbo she was looking to forgive and forget, but Ben has other plans. The two together making an interesting duo, as both have gone through similar situations a connection I hadn’t really made until this issue. Wells does a good job of giving us motivation and the anger that Chasm feels. But, while the issue does a decent job of catching up readers, there’s still a little bit of backstory missing for those coming into this new. There’s a lot to pack in though and the issue does an admirable job of fitting in so much. You get the basic overview, not the small details, enough to catch up and know what’s going on.

Where I think the issue falls a little short is the use of so many artists to tell the story. While the arc of it all works and makes sense, the art styles themselves vary so much. None of the art is bad at all, it’s good, but the styles are so different it’s jarring. Why this route was taken isn’t clear but it’s something that stands out to me in a negative way. There’s also some styles that work better than others as well, making the difference stand out a bit more.

Amazing Spider-Man #14 is an interesting issue. It feels like something that might normally be a “zero” issue or one-shot leading into an event. “Dark Web” kicking off in a regular issue that doesn’t feature Spider-Man or anyone else other than the villains is interesting in a lot of ways. Overall, it’s a nice issue that delivers motivation but doesn’t quite have that punch that really excites. Still, it’s more than enough to keep me interested in the event to come.

Story: Zeb Wells Art: Michael Dowling, Kyle Hotz, Terry Dodson, Ryan Stegman
Color: Richard Isanove, Dan Brown, Rachel Dodson, Matt Hollingsworth
Ink: Tim Townsend, JP Mayer Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.35 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Preview: Amazing Fantasy #1000

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Amazing Fantasy #1000

(W) Kurt Busiek, Various (A) Jim Cheung, Various (CA) John Romita Jr.
RATED T
In Shops: Aug 31, 2022
SRP: $7.99

The comic that brought you SPIDER-MAN hits issue #1000! We’re going big to celebrate in this, our thousandth issue of AMAZING FANTASY! An ALL-STAR roster of creators – Anthony Falcone, Dan Slott, Ho Che Anderson, Jonathan Hickman, Kurt Busiek, Michael Cho, Neil Gaiman, Rainbow Rowell, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jim Cheung, Marco Checchetto, Olivier Coipel, Ryan Stegman, Steve McNiven, Terry Dodson, Todd Nauck, and more – are coming together to celebrate Peter Parker and Spider-Man’s birthdays!

Amazing Fantasy #1000
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