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Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special attempts to celebrate the character, and two of their main civilian identities: Brian Braddock and Betsy Braddock

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Logan Dalton Leave a comment

Comic book cover for Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special, featuring a stylized illustration of a woman with flowing hair surrounded by floral designs.

Captain Britain is one of Marvel’s most underrated heroes. He, she, or they is an exploration of British identity through the lens of the occult, Arthurian legends, various signs and symbols, the multiverse, and yes, superheroes. Depending on the creative team, these stories can be memorable or just palette swapped Captain America. Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special attempts to celebrate the character, and two of their main civilian identities: Brian Braddock and Betsy Braddock. It succeeds as a showcase of visually powerful comics art, but for the most part, the scripts are retreads of Captain Britain lore or lack ending in the case of the final story in the book. However, Chris Claremont comes to life writing one of his earliest co-creations, and Alan Davis continues to be one of the great comics storytellers. Sadly, the modern day story from Dan Abnett and Kelsey Ramsay is this book’s weak link.

The Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special kicks things off in a majorly old school way in “Braddock Business” courtesy of Cap’s co-creator Chris Claremont, artist Paul Davidson, and colorist Carlos Lopez. Set between the panels of a classic Captain Britain issue, the story pits Brian Braddock, and for the first time ever, his sister Betsy Braddock against the villainous Dr. Synne. This is mostly a beat ’em up story with Davidson evoking the power and glory of Alan Davis’ work while Lopez puts a digital sheen on the 1970s flat color palette. Synne is definitely one-dimensional, but this story succeeds by leaning on a Claremont trademark: focus on character’s interpersonal relationships. Betsy learns that Brian is Captain Britain, and that she has special abilities too leading to equal parts empowerment and anxiety on her part. She gets a classic Chris Claremont powerful woman moment too.

However, “Braddock Business” ends up commenting on the dark side of violence and revenge as Brian ends up in a physical confrontation with Dr. Synne that is more 1986 than 1976. Alan Moore is probably the most famous Captain Britain (Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant did edit the mag though.) writer and cut his teeth writing his stories before he deconstructed the superhero genre in Miracleman and Watchmen. So, Brian basically blacking out, and the fight against Synne having a more open-ended, less triumphant conclusion is in line with that kind of story. It’s cool to have superpowers, but there are also costs and responsibilities. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but Betsy and Brian still have a great sibling bond. Jamie, not so much ; he’s probably scamming folks on Kalshi right now.

“Chains of Command” fittingly pokes fun at the bureaucracy of the Captain Britain Corps and the labyrinthine web that is Merlyn, Saturnyne, and all the various players in their corner of the Marvel Universe. It’s also a showcase for Alan Davis ‘ considerable talents warping and wefting comics pages together that is matched by the bright, old school colors of Matt Hollingsworth. In the story, Brian Braddock is all action, especially when he fights his classic enemy The Fury while Archibald Payne just sits and pontificates with his big scepter. (He’s definitely compensating or something.) A lot of the story summarizes different elements of the convoluted Captain Britain Corps lore, but Davis’ sarcastic wit and powerful pencil get enough time to shine. If he was the artist or writer/artist on a Captain Britain mini or ongoing series, I would immediately put it on my hold list, especially with Hollingsworth’s colors accentuating the scenes with mystical energy.

The Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special concludes with a story set in the present day starring the current Captain Britain, Betsy Braddock, from Dan Abnett, Kelsey Ramsay, and Brittany Peer. Unfortunately, “Another Day, An Otherworld” is the weak link is this otherwise above average collection of Captain Britain stories. The first two stories explored the themes of family and multiverse, and this one explores the cyclical nature of the omniverse and the Captain Britain Corps. However, it has no conclusion just a half-hearted mention that Opal Saturnyne is going to continue to be devious and scheme and then an advertising for an upcoming comic where we can read more about Betsy Braddock’s adventures. This is definitely a comic where the visuals supersede the text. Ramsay has a scratchy art style with heavy black inks that grounds the magical world of Captain Britain into something human, vulnerable, and even monstrous. She and Peer make sparks fly as Captain Britain fights her opponent, but the story is just a stalemate. As a reader of Excalibur and Betsy Braddock, “Another Day, An Otherworld” touched on some of the lore I knew from those books, but doesn’t continue Betsy’s story in any kind of meaningful way or mention her queerness.

Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special may spark some feelings in folks who have read Captain Britain stories before whether that’s the early Chris Claremont/Herb Trimpe stuff or the Krakoa-era Tini Howard comics, but it won’t create any new fans of the Union Jack clad defenders of the multiverse. Any new Alan Davis interior art is always a blessing though.

Story: Chris Claremont, Alan Davis, Dan Abnett
Art: Paul Davidson, Alan Davis, Kelsey Ramsay
Colors: Carlos Lopez, Matt Hollingsworth, Brittany Peer
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Story: 6.7 Art: 8.2 Overall: 7.4 Recommendation: Read

Marvel Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Exclusive Preview: Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special #1

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team Leave a comment

Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special #1

(W) Alan Davis, Dan Abnett, Chris Claremont (A) Alan Davis, Kelsey Ramsay, Paul Davidson
(C) Carlos Lopez, Matt Hollingsworth, Brittany Peer (L) Clayton Cowles
(CA) Alan Davis and Matt Hollingsworth (VCA) David Mack

LIVE BY THE SWORD!

Join us for a golden jubilee to commemorate fifty years of Brian and Betsy Braddock, champions of the multiversal Captain Britain Corps! Chris Claremont & Paul Davidson weave a tale of Brian’s earliest days defending the realm! Alan Davis shows what happens when you try to rein in a Braddock! And Dan Abnett & Kelsey Ramsay pit Betsy against the forces of Otherworld. Witness a can’t-miss glimpse at the past, present and future of these powerhouse twins!

Cover of 'Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special' comic featuring the main character in a dynamic pose with a Union Jack costume, surrounded by various characters and fans in the background.

Cover of 'Captain Britain 50th Anniversary Special' featuring a red, white, and blue design inspired by the British flag. The title and contributions of various artists and writers are prominently displayed.

A vibrant comic book page featuring Captain Britain in a yellow aircraft, flying over a rugged landscape. In the cockpit, three characters engage in conversation while another character on horseback approaches from the right side. The scene includes dialogue bubbles and a title reading 'Braddock Business.'

Hammerfist #2 keeps up the action and chase as the robbery and town gets weirder

Posted on October 2, 2026 by Brett

MAN BAD. FIST GOOD.
Fleeing the heist, Mike discovers every citizen is a zealot of the cult of MOTHERGRUB. Every corner a trap. Every face a cultist. As Mike is hunted, Cindy is dragged into the ceremonial cathedral to serve as sacrifice to bring about BLACK NOON.

Story: Rick Remender
Art: Steve Epting
Color: Matt Hollingsworth
Letters: Rus Wooton

Get your copy now!

Zeus Comics
Kindle

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The Karman Blade #1 feels like an average fantasy adventure

Posted on September 9, 2026 by Brett

A young man on the outskirts of a dying world is chosen by a blade forged of stars to slay the despotic deity, Kalu, and free the water he hoards in his Kingdom. Yet before the boy can begin his journey, he must first face the demons in his own life, and answer the Karman Blade’s call—“Are thou he, who taketh me in hand? Are thou he…who shall slay a God?” The Karman Blade #1 is interesting with a classic fantasy like narrative but feels like a story we’ve seen many times before.

A down individual receiving a sword to take on a tyrant, it’s a concept that has been done (though weapons may vary). The Karman Blade #1 is the latest entry into that space with interesting artwork and a way of telling that feels more like a daydream fantasy tale.

Created by Ian Bertram and Darcy Van Poelgeest, The Karman Blade #1 is written by Poelgeest and introduces a young boy who is haunted by his situation and the loss of his family, making him an orphan facing a daunting existence. It’s an interesting start that introduces readers to a rather morose life and world. It’s sad and depressing, leaving readers to wonder why the main character Anatta would want to continue. But, Poelgeest delivers a fate that could possibly lead to freedom for all and depose of the tyrant who’s responsible for everyone’s miserable existence.

Ian Bertram‘s art creates a dreamlike aspect to it all. With color by Matt Hollingsworth and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, the visuals add to the worn down world and characters. It’s an interesting style that’s not always clear in what’s going on but is interesting to explore and examine.

The Karman Blade #1 is an interesting start and for those who really enjoy fantasy tales, they may enjoy this. But, the first issue feels all too familiar. A person teased with a greater destiny and sword to defeat of despot has been done over and over. Dreams and crows telling of this destiny feels like it’s been done too. Overall, The Karman Blade #1 feels like an old familiar story with a new coat of paint.

Created by: Ian Bertram, Darcy Van Poelgeest Story: Darcy Van Poelgeest Art: Ian Bertram
Color: Matt Hollingsworth Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Rea

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: The Karman Blade #1

Posted on September 6, 2026 by Graphic Policy Team

The Karman Blade #1

(W) Darcy Van Poelgeest (A) Ian Bertram

From the Eisner Award winning team behind LITTLE BIRD and PRECIOUS METAL comes the new dark fantasy phenomenon of 2026, THE KARMAN BLADE.

A DYING WORLD UNDER A TYRANT GOD! A BLADE TO FREE THEM ALL!

A young man on the outskirts of a dying world is chosen by a blade forged of stars to slay the despotic deity, Kalu, and free the water he hoards in his Kingdom. Yet before the boy can begin his journey, he must first face the demons in his own life, and answer the Karman Blade’s call — “Are thou he, who taketh me in hand? Are thou he… who shall slay a God?”

Hammerfist #1 takes readers in unexpected directions with a bank robbery gone wrong

Posted on August 29, 2026 by Brett

Meet Mike Denton: a dirtbag hitman, junkie, and absentee father who’s spent his life chasing the easy fix—drugs, cheap sex, and murder for money—while failing the one person who still believes he can be better: his daughter. Now, on the eve of Black Noon-an ancient darkness that erases the light in all things—Mike has to drag himself out of the gutter, awaken a supernatural weapon powered only by love, and fight his way through the living embodiment of evil to save her. Hammerfist #1 introduces us to a hero who we shouldn’t be cheering for, but just might have to.

Story: Rick Remender
Art: Steve Epting
Color: Matt Hollingsworth
Letters: Rus Wooton

Get your copy now!

Zeus Comics
Kindle

Hammerfist #1 takes readers in unexpected directions as a bank robbery turns into something so much more

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Brett

There’s stories where it’s hard to like any of the characters. They have some aspect about them that makes them difficult to not hate. Hammerfist #1 is interesting in that it’s main character, Mike Denton, is supposed to be unlikeable. It’s clear he’s scum and a terrible human being. But, even with all of the negative, the debut issue still makes you believe there’s some redeemable aspect to him.

Written by Rick Remender, Hammerfist #1 is a solid first issue that introduces Denton in all of his shittiness and then shifts the story to its real focus, a robbery gone wrong that turns into something so much more. It’s a comic where the less said about it, the better, but in some ways I’m reminded of the much hated stint of the Punisher as an angelic force… but in this case, it’s done right.

Denton is a terrible human being but Remender still gives us small glimpses, small hints, he has some qualities about him that make you think he might come around. He’s abandoned his kid and a terrible father. He’s a killer. He’s a junkie, far gone in his addiction. There’s little we should like about him. But, Remender also makes sure for readers to see that he is street smart, aware of the situations he’s in, and by the end, also shows he can care for more than himself. It’s small teases of the hero he might have to become.

The comic delivers some solid action and that’s beautifully rendered in all of its chaos by Steve Epting on art who is joined by Matt Hollingsworth on color and Rus Wooton‘s lettering. The comic looks fantastic delivering Epting’s style. The comic is interesting visually. There’s brutal violence but it never distracts the reader. There’s also trippy rides as Denton loses himself in the drugs. Then when things really get rolling, we get a robbery that features solid action but also small visual teases that something isn’t quite right.

With the type of story it is, the story and art combine to remind me of Brubaker and Phillips’ crime comics in many ways and those who like those should check this out. Hammerfist #1 is an entertaining start and with its ending, I’m intrigued to see where it goes. And, it makes me want to see Remender and Epting team up again and again when this is all over and done.

Story: Rick Remender Art: Steve Epting
Color: Matt Hollingsworth Letters: Rus Wooton
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Megalith: The Olympus Saga #3 wraps things up with a clunker of an issue that feels like a preview

Posted on August 22, 2026 by Brett

War has come to Earth – a battle that has raged for millennia, stretching across galaxies, leaving only death and destruction in its wake. One man stands between Earth and annihilation. Bound to the deep space megalith he once sought to destroy, Baltimore beat cop Jack Casey must pilot the massive mecha-robot it has become if Earth has a prayer of surviving the incoming assault. Because a massive, 100-story alien predator has breached Earth’s atmosphere, careening towards the heart of Baltimore. Its mission? To claim a tactical victory in this universal war by conquering the planet.

Story: Matt Kindt
Art: Lewis Larosa, Tomas Giorello
Color: Laura Martin, Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Taylor Esposito, DC Hopkins

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics

The Hab #3 is an interesting look at the dysfunction of the group but that ending has us worried

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Brett

A deadly biological agent is ripping through The Hab. It’s in the drinking water, it’s in the plumbing, and now, it’s infiltrated the ventilation system and gone airborne. The infected are faced with gut-wrenching hallucinations driving them to violence, murder–even suicide. Dr. Farooqi has administered antipsychotics to the few survivors, but its effects are temporary. The remaining crew’s only chance at survival is to stop the spread and find a cure. A retrieval team must blast their way into the ancient freshwater vault buried beneath The Hab, sample the contaminated water source, and hope their hi-tech containment suits hold out long enough to burn the rest.

But deep within the spore-choked dark, amongst swarms of infected bats and the corpses of the former construction crew entombed within concrete walls, the team will find that nothing in The Hab stays buried for long.

Story: Joshua Dysart
Art: David Lapham, Bill Sienkiewicz
Color: Bill Crabtree, Matt Hollingsworth
Letterer: Simon Bowland

Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Zeus Comics