Cosmic Ghost Rider #2
(W) Stephanie Phillips (A) Juann Cabal
There are now TWO Cosmic Ghost Riders. One is the reclusive Frank Castle, living on a remote alien planet. And the other is a ruthless assassin causing violent havoc across the universe. When the bounty hunter Starstalker comes looking to collect Frank for his counterpart’s crimes, Frank is forced to suit up once more—and solve the mystery of his new dual existence.
Cosmic Ghost Rider #2
(W) Stephanie Phillips (A) Juann Cabal
There are now TWO Cosmic Ghost Riders. One is the reclusive Frank Castle, living on a remote alien planet. And the other is a ruthless assassin causing violent havoc across the universe. When the bounty hunter Starstalker comes looking to collect Frank for his counterpart’s crimes, Frank is forced to suit up once more—and solve the mystery of his new dual existence.
This June, two of the industry’s biggest superstars will present an all-new chapter for Ultimate Comics, the Marvel Comics line that redefined super hero comics in the 2000s, in Ultimate Invasion! This new saga will revisit some of the revolutionary stories and characters of the Ultimate Universe and possibly herald its grand return… To celebrate this exciting venture into the bold Ultimate landscape, some of Marvel’s most acclaimed artists will depict the Ultimate versions of Marvel heroes and villains in a new series of variant covers.
On sale throughout June, do these Ultimate Last Look Variant Covers offer fans a long-awaited reunion with their favorite characters that called the Ultimate Universe home? Or are they merely a fleeting glance at this doomed world that reached its cataclysmic end in 2015’s Secret Wars? Readers will have to wait until Ultimate Invasion #1 to find out, but in the meantime, see the Ultimate Universe restored for what could be the final time in these stunning pieces!
Check out five of the covers now and stay tuned for the reveal of more Ultimate Last Look Variant Covers in the months ahead.
There is nothing worst than sowing a seed knowing that you may have done wrong. We all have regrets and sometimes we replay those decisions in our minds a thousand times. This is why we rarely can rest on our laurels. This is exactly why we should try to do good everyday.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our past sins come back to haunt us. If we don’t redeem ourselves, we are failed to repeat our mistakes. Because if we never learned the lesson, sometimes we will have to do something we never thought we had to do again. In the debut issue of Cosmic Ghost Rider, Frank Castle suits up as the Cosmic Ghost Rider once again, when past sins come to visit.
In “Dual Identities Part One”, we find someone looking like the Spirit of Vengeance terrorizing innocent civilians, something that he would not do. Meanwhile, we find an older Frank, in a rundown town, until a stranger comes looking for him, creating trouble along the way. Before end, we find out it was all a dream. In the final story ”Cosmic Ghost Stories”, Frank dreams about all the people he has lost throughout his life and the regrets that come with the choices he has made.
Overall, Cosmic Ghost Rider‘s debut feels like a space western, something we have never seen Frank Castle in, and it is off to a good start. The stories by Phillips are action packed and astounding. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story which shows a Frank that we are not used to, and a welcome change.
Story: Stephanie Phillips Art: Juann Cabal, Jonas Scharf
Color: Espen Grundetjern, Arif Prianto Letterer: Travis Lanham
Stroy: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Cosmic Ghost Rider has been an interesting character to me. A future Frank Castle who at some point becomes a Ghost Rider as well as a herald of Galactus, the character felt a bit like Wolverine in that he was everywhere and a little oversaturated. Then there was a break, a rather long break. Now, the character is back with Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 and while the foundation of the comic is interesting, the execution is a little frustrating.
In a far-flung corner of deep space, Frank Castle has eked out a quiet existence, his days as Cosmic Ghost Rider finally behind him. But, that peace is threatened as another being calling himself Cosmic Ghost Rider is leaving a pile of bodies in his wake.
Writer Stephanie Phillips delivers an opening chapter that is a western in space. A man is haunted by his past and wants to find peace but is dragged back into action. It’s a story we’ve seen many times, over and over and they usually follow a familiar beat and pattern.
Phillips nails those beats in the opening chapter up until the very end of the story which, with a twist, makes what you’ve read all questionable. It’s a twist that will better play out in the second issue but as presented it makes the debut a bit confusing and honestly, might make readers wonder what they just read and why. It’s hard to go into that detail without spoiling things but it’s very Newhart and not in a good way.
The art by Juan Cabal is interesting. With coloe by Espen Grundetjern and lettering by Travis Lanham, the style fits the “futuristic western” setting nicely. There’s a little Bravestarr to it but overall it captures an old man trying to find peace without becoming too dark and depressing. Frank might be a little too clean, overall everything is, but small details gives a good sense about this world and the life Frank is living.
Phillips does double duty in writing though with a second story dubbed “Cosmic Ghost Stories”. With art by Jonas Scharf, color by Arif Prianto, and lettering by Lanham, the second story continues some of the themes from the first, the haunting of Frank Castle. We’re taken through his life as he confronts the horrors of the past. It’s a solid way to catch up readers on the major things they need to know, an easy and entertaining way to info dump. It’d be nice to get some more of this with key moments in the character’s existence, even throwing in tidbits that might not have been revealed before.
Cosmic Ghost Rider #1 isn’t a bad start but the issue feels a little short and could have used some more pages. Where the main story cuts off and where it leaves readers is a little frustrating and jarring. Hopefully, it smooths out with the second issue but as a whole, while there’s potential here, the comic overall doesn’t quite have the hook it could have.
Story: Stephanie Phillips Art: Juann Cabal, Jonas Scharf
Color: Espen Grundetjern, Arif Prianto Letterer: Travis Lanham
Stroy: 7.5 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
One of Marvel’s most outrageous breakout characters of the past decade, Cosmic Ghost Rider, will return this March in a brand-new solo series! Cosmic Ghost Rider will be written by Stephanie Phillips in one of her first works for Marvel Comics along with the upcoming Rogue & Gambit series and drawn by superstar artist Juann Cabal!
In a far-flung corner of deep space, Frank Castle has eked out a quiet existence, and his days as Cosmic Ghost Rider are finally behind him. But across the universe, a vicious bounty hunter is leaving a trail of bodies in his wake and his name is…Cosmic Ghost Rider?! When Frank’s peaceful existence is shattered, he must suit up once more and face his most savage enemy yet – himself!
Be there when Cosmic Ghost Rider unleashes his vengeance across the galaxy once more this March with a cover by Valerio Giangiordano!
Announced at the Marvel Comics: Judgment Day Panel at San Diego Comic-Con, A.X.E.: Judgement Day will receive a special one-shot that showcases just how this monumental saga will impact the Avengers, X-Men, Eternals, and the rest of the Marvel Universe! Hitting stands in November, A.X.E.: Judgement Day Omega will be naturally written by event architect Kieron Gillen and his collaborator on the upcoming A.X.E.: Death to the Mutants limited series, artist Guiu Vilanova.
Last week’s A.X.E.: Judgement Day #1 showed fans just how high the stakes were as they paid witness to the destruction of the mutant planet Arakko, the vicious invasion of Krakoa, and Iron Man, Ajak, Makkari, and Mister Sinister joining forces to build a brand-new Celestial. Strap in as this thrilling and emotionally charged Marvel Comics epic escalates tremendously in the coming weeks and be there when for the dawn of a new Eternals era in A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY OMEGA #1. After events, there are promises. “Nothing will ever be the same again.” For the Eternals, it’s a lie. It’s always the same and always will be. However, in the wake of Judgment Day, they discover what is truly Eternal…
Check out all of the comics announced below as well as art from what’s to come in A.X.E.: Judgement Day!
A.X.E.: Judgment Day Omega #1
Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by GUIU VILANOVA
Cover by PASQUAL FERRY
THE FALLOUT OF JUDGMENT DAY IS FELT!
After events, we make promises. “Nothing will ever be the same again.” For the Eternals, it’s a lie. It’s always the same and always will be. However, in the wake of Judgment Day, they discover what is truly Eternal…
On Sale 11/2
Interior Artwork from A.X.E.: Judgment Day #2
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Valerio Schiti and Marte Gracia
On Sale 8/10
All-Out Avengers #3 Cover
Written by Derek Landy
Art by Greg Land
Cover by Greg Land
On Sale 11/23
Interior Artwork from A.X.E.: Death to the Mutants #1
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Guiu Villanova
On Sale 8/17
Blade: Vampire Nation #1
Written by Mark Russell
Art by Mico Suayan
Cover by Valerio Giangiordano
A deep dive into Dracula’s new kingdom as established in AVENGERS. Starring BLADE, the sheriff of Vampire Nation! An assassination threatens to unravel the fledgling country and spread chaos throughout the world. But is getting rid of a nation full of bloodsuckers really all that bad of an idea? Blade himself isn’t too sure…
One-shot/On Sale 11/16
Interior Artwork from Avengers #60, an A.X.E.: Judgment Day Tie-In
Written by Mark Russell
Art by Greg Land
On Sale 8/22
Interior Artwork from Fantastic Four #47, an A.X.E.: Judgment Day Tie-In*
Written by David Pepose
Art by Juann Cabal
On Sale 9/21
Interior Artwork form Immortal X-Men #5, an A.X.E.: Judgment Day Tie-In *
Written by Kieron Gillen
Art by Michele Bandini
On Sale 8/3
Prepare to enter the Destiny of X, the radical next era for your favorite X-Men titles! Ushering in the second age of Krakoa, Destiny of X will see the emergence of new enemies, the formation of new X-Teams, and bold paths for your favorite characters. It all kicks off later this month and right now, fans can peek ahead to discover what’s to come this June in their most anticipated X-Men ongoing series!
Gerry Duggan and Pepe Larraz present the grand climax to the Krakoan X-Men’s first year in X-Men #12! On the eve of the Hellfire Gala, threats have closed in on the X-Men from all sides. The secret machinations of Doctor Stasis, the terror of Gameworld, even the threat of the X-Men’s own secrets getting out…it’s all led to this!
Kieron Gillen teams up with artist Michele Bandini for a Hellfire Gala story ripe with drama, revelations, and betrayal from a shocking uninvited guest in Immortal X-Men #3! Emma Frost will do anything to protect the children, including the metaphorical child that is the Hellfire Gala. Last year’s was a fantastic success. She would not like it if someone ruined the second. She would not like it at all… The events of this year’s HELLFIRE GALA will lead directly into Gillen and Valerio Schiti’s A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY, the next Marvel Comics crossover epic launching this summer. Stay tuned next week for more HELLFIRE GALA announcements. Featuring a cover by Mark Brooks!
In Benjamin Percy and Robert Gill’s X-Force #29, X-Force make their last stand AGAINST KRAKOA, THE ISLAND THAT KILLS LIKE A MAN! As Cerebrax captures and turns the mutants’ powers against them, it sets its sights on the biggest mutant of all — Krakoa itself! A fight this big is going to take all the power X-Force can muster…and the true Omega to live up to his potential! With a cover by Joshua Cassara.
Wolverine runs out of allies to trust in Benjamin Percy and Adam Kubert’s Wolverine #22. Wolverine is trapped in an adamantium prison, and it’s probably Deadpool’s fault. But the betrayal of Maverick stings worst of all! Just what is so valuable in that briefcase that it pits mutant against mutant…against C.I.A.?
Mutantkind’s great Otherworld quest is in jeopardy in Tini Howard and Bob Quinn’s Knights of X #3. Gambit and his team gain a momentary victory over the Furies in Crooked Market, but as the group is hit by another wave of attacks by Merlyn’s army, Rachel Summers’ connection with Captain Britain is severed before she can call in reinforcements. In Sevalith, the Captain and her team face off against blood thirsty vampires as they seek out a lethal potential ally. Their quest required ten knights to begin, but no one said anything about the end. A knight dies here – and the hateful quest goes on. With a cover by Yanick Paquette.
Meet the FIRST GENERATION OF MUTANTKIND in Steve Orlando and Eleonora Carlini’s Marauders #4. The Marauders have gotten some jailbreak mixed into their heist! Pryde and her crew might’ve convinced Xandra to confront the Shi’ar’s crimes against mutantkind together, but the fanatical Kin Crimson are ready to defend those secrets to the death. What hidden truths and horrors does the Shi’ar Chronicle hold? Deep in a pandimensional prison lies the answer – but will it unite two societies in progress, or destroy them both? Check out the cover by Kael Ngu.
Al Ewing teams up with Juann Cabal, Andrés Genolet, and more for a harsh lesson about the Martian way of death in X-Men Red #4! Recent revelations threaten to profoundly alter the Destiny of X – and Arakko isn’t immune from the fallout! With the clock ticking down to interstellar war, Storm faces a Galactic Illuminati… Magneto attends a meeting of his own that might decide both their fates…and Roberta Da Costa ponders a recent return from the grave alongside the strangest guest star of all! With a cover by Russell Dauterman.
Nightcrawler’s squad faces a divine threat in Si Spurrier and Jan Bazaldua’s Legion of X #3. An Arakkii fugitive god is lurking somewhere in the shadows of Krakoa, and Weaponless Zsen must track them down or face destruction at the hands of the terrifying Ora Serrata. After hitting a number of dead ends, Zsen and Nightcrawler turn to the astral plane for answers. Meanwhile, Pixie lures the Skinjacker out of hiding with the help of Juggernaut and…Dr. Strange?! Dike Ruan‘s cover is below.
Fall into the looking glass in Vita Ayala and Rod Reis’ New Mutants #27. With her Soulsword shattered, Magik spirals into unfamiliar territory as she confronts her legacy in Limbo – dragging Mirage and Wolfsbane down with her! And while Magik faces the demons of her past, present, and future…Madelyne Pryor inches closer to the throne. Leinil Francis Yu provides the cover.
When it comes to a story by John Ridley, I have a lot of expectations as to what I’m walking in to. I fully expect to be entertained by well-rounded characters who show depth. I fully expect to be challenged as far as my beliefs and thoughts. I hope there’s going to be some solid action. So far, his run on Black Panther has delivered all of that and more. Black Panther #2 picks up on T’Challa attempting to figure out who is attacking his undercover agents and also recalling them home from their mission.
Ridley has brought Black Panther down to Earth, literally and figuratively. No longer focused on galactic matters, he’s a King in transition as his country moves towards Democracy. He’s also a King that is dealing with the decisions of the past in his agents placed around the world ready to sow disruption if needed. Someone knows of his plan and is attempting to kill his agents. But who?
Along with a person who is clearly struggling with his decisions, Ridley is delivering a T’Challa that’s somewhat paranoid. He thinks it could be the Avengers that are doing this. It could be someone else. Lets face it, it most likely is. But, the fact that this man who has been shown to be so sure of himself isn’t, is a hell of a change. It creates a character who is now fallible. He can make mistakes and likely has made them.
And with all of that, we still get a hell of a lot of action. The comic has explosions and solid fights and more than enough to deliver a solid action basis. We’re getting a little bit of everything with the series.
The art by Juann Cabal is solid. With color by Federico Blee and lettering by Joe Sabino, the comic delivers a mix of everything. There’s the action as mentioned but there’s also humor and some very human moments. There’s a good balance of the big budget moments and the quieter ones where you can see the character reflecting on their decisions and moments. Cabal and the art team deliver a very human visual look at superheroes. It’s subtle and grounded.
Black Panther #2 is another fantastic issue. And that shouldn’t be surprising. Ridley and the rest of the creative team have put out fantastic comics in the past so, it’s not surprising they continue to. The series gives us a much more human look at T’Challa and a King who isn’t perfect. It’s superhero action that shows mistakes can be made and decisions can hurt others. It truly takes Black Panther from his cosmic adventures and brings him back to Earth.
Story: John Ridley Art: Juann Cabal
Color: Federico Blee Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
Three of Marvel’s hottest new #1s will be getting new printings in January! Readers will get a chance to dive into the latest eras of some of comics’ most iconic heroes by picking up these sold-out debut issues of Black Panther, Hulk, and Venom! Complete with two new covers each, these exciting new printing covers will showcase new art, sketches, and more!
Academy Award-winning writer John Ridley and artist Juann Cabal take the world of Wakanda into a new age in Black Panther #1. The new run kicks off with an action-packed espionage story that will upend everything in T’Challa’s life and have ramifications for the entire Marvel Universe! Secrets from T’Challa’s past have come back to haunt him! Fresh from his travels in space, Black Panther receives an unexpected and urgent message from a Wakandan secret agent! Now, T’Challa must race the clock not only to save his agent, but also to keep his true agenda under wraps. Because if the truth comes out, it could cost T’Challa everything… BLACK PANTHER #1’s second printing covers will feature the sketch art of Alex Ross’ mesmerizing cover as well as a second printing cover featuring Juann Cabal’s new Black Panther design.
Superstar creative team Donny Cates and Ryan Ottley look to the stars for Bruce Banner’s colossal-sized next era in Hulk #1! Immortal no longer, the Hulk’s uncontrollable rage has reached an all-new level, and nobody – including the Avengers – is prepared to handle it. But is it really the Hulk that people should be afraid of, or is there something missing to this puzzle? Hulk #1’s second printing covers will showcase Hulk and Iron Man’s explosive fight in a wraparound cover as well as a character sketch by Ryan Ottley.
And a new symbiote saga begins in Ram V, Al Ewing, and Bryan Hitch’s Venom #1. This trio is set to take the symbiote mythos to the next level with thrilling new developments for father-son pair Eddie and Dylan Brock. Each writer will lend their talents to a different character, with Ewing taking us beyond the stars with Eddie in his new role as the “King in Black,” and Ram V bringing us back to earth penning Dylan’s beginnings as a Super Hero. Together, the two journeys will intertwine and impact one another to create a singular and epic new vision. Venom #1’s second printing covers will feature all-new artwork from Bryan Hitch as well as a sketch artwork of his main cover.
