Moon Man #4
(W) Kyle Higgins, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi (A/CA) Marco Locati
In Shops: Sep 25, 2024
SRP: $3.99
Unsure who to trust as Moon Man takes to the streets of Cleveland, one terrible mistake will lead to unthinkable consequences for Ramon and those closest to him.
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.)
Grammy Award winning artist Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Eisner Award nominated co-writer and Massive-Verse architect Kyle Higgins, rising star artist Marco Locati, coloring powerhouse Igor Monti, Eisner Award winning letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and editor high-flier Michael Busuttil’s Moon Man #1 issue is a machine that can’t be beat. This wildly popular debut issue has been wiped out completely—yet again—at the distributor level and will be rushed back to print this week by Image Comics in order to keep up with demand.
Moon Man follows Ramon Townsend, a man ready for a quiet life after gaining unexpected celebrity status for steering his ship and crew safely home from a near-disastrous moon mission. Whatever went wrong on that failed moon mission, whatever happened in the missing minutes the cameras didn’t capture, all Ramon really wants is to settle down back home in Cleveland. But those missing minutes hold an Earth-shattering secret—and, with all eyes turned to him, Ramon will soon find himself becoming something the world has never seen before.
Moon Man #1, third printing (Lunar Code 0324IM875) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, May 22.
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
Helen of Wyndhorn #2 (Dark Horse) – After last issue’s monstrous reveal, Tom King and Bilquis Evely back pedal and take stock of the insular world of Barnabas, Helen, and Lilith. I’m really enjoying the complex characterization of Helen who is still annoying, drunk, and unruly all the time, but was the only person who believed in her father, CK Cole. King resists speeding up the plot to get to more of the quest/fantasy elements to delve into the shared trauma of Barnabas and Helen that reveals itself through rage, isolation, and alcoholism. The present day stuff isn’t as intriguing, but hints at something really messed up happening to Helen and Barnabas and also continues to show the importance of folks that are in the “footnotes” of history. Overall: 8.3 Verdict: Buy
Moon Man #2 (Image) – In Moon Man #2, Ramon gets called back to LA to do PR for the failed space mission and make his evil employer Janus look good. (Two-faced indeed.) The conflict that Scott Mescudi and Kyle Higgins craft between wanting to be a good worker and say nothing and say the world is truly compelling, especially when Marco Locati’s visuals amp up. There’s a sleepy surreality to Ramon’s conversation with his colleagues at the bar that continues into the superhero sequences. The mask and abilities give him a chance to literally tell his employer to “fuck off”, a power fantasy for many readers. However, there’s a dark side to everything even if Moon Man’s color palette is bright and trippy. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy
The weekend is almost here! What are you all excited about? What geeky things are you all doing? Sound off in the comments below! While you think about that, here’s some comic news and reviews from around the web to start the day.
The Comics Journal – John G. Miller, 1954-2024 – Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans.
Reviews
The Beat – Mary Tyler Moorehawk
CBR – Moon Man #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
Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Kid Cudi (Billed as Scott Mescudi) seamlessly transitions from music to comics in his new series Moon Man with co-scripter Kyle Higgins and artists Marco Locati and Igor Monti. The protagonist of Moon Man, Ramon, is a stand-in for Mescudi with much of the comic taking place in his real hometown of Cleveland. Plus there’s the lunar and cosmic imagery that have been a part of Kid Cudi’s lyrics and sound from day one, but are visually intensified in this comic. Monti’s color palette has a field day as Ramon’s abilities are unlocked, and he goes back to the mysterious events on his billionaire sponsored moon voyage. There is a lot of Jack Kirby and early Fantastic Four in the more sci-fi elements of Moon Man #1, but its world is very much our own with plutocratic monopolies and income equality. I especially love the conversations Ramon has with his little brother Micah about the current generation (Z and Alpha, I guess) not having the same opportunities as previous ones, but also pointing out that Ramon’s corporate astronaut gig is why Micah has shelter, food, and can go to college. Moon Man #1 captures the tension between resigning one’s self to the rat race and wanting something more in a gorgeous take on superhero and science fiction stories. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy
Brett
Avengers: Twilight #2 (Marvel) – While the concept of a world where corporate/fascism has taken over is interesting, there’s something that feels surface level in this future take on the Marvel Universe. The art is decent, action interesting, but the concept continues to be far better than the execution. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read
Charred Remains #2 (Mad Cave Studios) – The series is a horror version of Backdraft and what’s real, what’s not is an intriguing part of it all. The fire focused psychological thriller features beautifully haunting art and an overall concept that’s some solid and entertaining horror. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy
Jill and the Killers #1 (Oni Press) – Crime podcasts and shows are a hot thing and this series plays off of that. Jill’s mother has disappeared as well as kids in her town. Are they all related? And what’s with a mystery game box that seems to be involved too? A solid start full of emotion and questions. Overall: 8.65 Verdict: Buy
Local Man #9 (Image Comics) – The action amps up in this issue as everything comes together in this revitalization of Image’s superhero comics. The series continues to be a highlight for the publisher delivering with every issue. If you’re looking for a superhero comic that’s not one of the Big Two, look no further. Overall: 8.2 Verdict: Buy
Ministry of Compliance #2 (IDW Publishing) – All hell has broken loose for the Ministry of Compliance as they’ve been cut off from their homeworld and there’s treachery from within and from outside forces. This is an action drama from John Ridley that shows how amazing Ridley is at world building. Overall: 8.35 Verdict: Buy
Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Something has gone wrong on a corporate funded mission to the moon, but what? The series is most solid in its discussion of corporate takeover of our lives and while we work for horrible corporations, they do provide us with opportunity. Some art is a little muddied and hard to make out what’s happening, but overall, an interesting start. Overall: 7.75 Verdict: Read
Punisher #3 (Marvel) – Absolutely fantastic action with a solid villain and what’s next looks awesome. This series really brings back a classic Punisher feel and is a must for fans of the character. Overall: 8.45 Verdict: Buy
Resurrection of Magneto #1 (Marvel) – Focusing on Storm attempting to bring Magneto back from the dead, unless you’re really into that aspect, this one’s a pass. But, if you’re deep into the story, it feels like a must. I’m not too into it, so it was rather blah for me. Overall: 7.0 Verdict: Read
The Deviant #3 (Image Comics) – Such an amazing comic. If you’re into horror, it’s a must. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy
Wolverine #42 (Marvel) – Again, we were promised a brutal and bloody Wolverine story and this delivers. Holy crap is this R-rated fun. Overall: 8.25 Verdict: Buy
The highly anticipated Kid Cudi sci-fi launch has gone intergalactic and sold out instantly at the distributor level, yesterday on the morning of its release. Fans eager to pick up the extremely collectable, in-demand Moon Man #1—by Grammy Award winning artist Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Eisner Award-nominated co-writer and Massive-Verse architect Kyle Higgins, breakout artist Marco Locati, coloring mastermind Igor Monti, Eisner Award-winning lettering dynamo Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and editor extraordinaire Michael Busuttil—should make a run on their local comic shop post haste before the copies disappear from shelves. Image Comics will fast-track a reprint in order to keep up with escalating demand.
Moon Man follows Ramon Townsend, a man ready for a quiet life after gaining unexpected celebrity status for steering his ship and crew safely home from a near-disastrous moon mission. Whatever went wrong on that failed moon mission, whatever happened in the missing minutes the cameras didn’t capture, all Ramon really wants is to settle down back home in Cleveland. But those missing minutes hold an Earth-shattering secret—and, with all eyes turned to him, Ramon will soon find himself becoming something the world has never seen before.
Moon Man #1, second printing (Lunar Code 1123IM909) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 28.
Wednesdays (and Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #4 (DC Comics) – The series continues to be a great blend of fact and fiction all mixed into some solid entertainment.
Charred Remains #2 (Mad Cave Studios) – The first issue was interesting having to do with a mysterious being and fires.
Conan the Barbarian #7 (Titan Comics) – The series has been fantastic so far evoking classic Conan with some beautiful art.
Dark Ride #10 (Skybound) – Absolutely great, and entertaining, horror, with some solid art. We get excited for each new issue.
Dead X-Men #1 (Marvel) – We’re intrigued about this one that has to do with some “dead” X-Men. With Krakoa in shambles, we’re pondering how it all comes together.
The Devil That Wears My Face #4 (Mad Cave Studios) – The concept of the Exorcist meets Face/Off might seem silly but this comic rocks. Fantastic action and horror mixed together.
Duke #2 (Skybound) – The first issue gave a shot in the arm to G.I. Joe and added more energy to the Energon Universe.
Jill and the Killers #1 (Oni Press) – Oni is launching a bunch of new series in 2024 and this one sounds like a cool mix of murder mystery and games.
Lilo & Stitch #1 (Dynamite Entertainment) – The beloved animated film comes to comics! Dynamite has been knocking it out of the park with their Disney releases.
Local Man #9 (Image Comics) – The series has been fantastic delivering a vibe that’s a mix of modern and classic Image superhero comics.
Moon Man #1 (Image Comics) – Kyle Higgins, Marco Locati, and Kid Cudi team up for this series about “missing minutes” during a moon mission.
Somna #2 (DSTLRY) – Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay’s first issue featured some amazing art and we’re expecting more of that in a series set amidst the terrifying backdrop of the witch hunts in a quiet 1600s English village.
Wolverine #42 (Marvel) – The first issue was brutal and we expect nothing less from this.
Grammy Award winning musician Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi will make his comics debut alongside Eisner Award-nominated co-writer and Massive-Verse architect Kyle Higgins, breakout artists Marco Locati and Igor Monti, Eisner Award-winning letterer Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, and editor Michael Busuttil in the forthcoming Moon Man. This all-new, ongoing series will launch in January 2024 from Image Comics, Black Market Narrative, and Mad Solar, kicking off the new year with an extra-length first issue and an accompanying mixtape from the Grammy Award-winning recording artist.
Moon Man follows Ramon Townsend, a man ready for a quiet life after gaining unexpected celebrity status for steering his ship and crew safely home from a near-disastrous moon mission. Whatever went wrong on that failed moon mission, whatever happened in the missing minutes the cameras didn’t capture, all Ramon really wants is to settle down back home in Cleveland. But those missing minutes hold an Earth-shattering secret—and, with all eyes turned to him, Ramon will soon find himself becoming something the world has never seen before.
Moon Man touches down with a truly out-of-this-world variant cover lineup, including superstars such as Rod Reis and Matt Taylor; Eisner Award winners Sanford Greene and Christian Ward; along with industry legends Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz.
Moon Man #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, January 31.
