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Graphic Policy’s Top Comic Picks this Week!

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Dawnrunner #3

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.

Dawnrunner #3 (Dark Horse) – Giant robots. Giant monsters. It’s a popular concept. And this is such a good take on it.

The Penguin #10 (DC Comics) – The series has made the Penguin the villain to fear in every way and just raised his profile to one of the best in Batman’s adversaries that already is an impressive list.

Rise of the Powers of X #5 (Marvel) – We’re in to see how this ends.

The Six Fingers #4 (Image Comics) – The series has been one half of an amazing murder and psychological mystery. The two comics combined make a hell of a read and even on their own, each series is engrossing.

Universal Monsters: The Creature from the Black Lagoon Lives! #2 (Skybound) – Skybound has been knocking it out of the park with its “Universal Monsters” line. We look forward to each issue and each new series.

Wolverine #50 (Marvel) – In a story that has already been brutal, can this finale top it all?

X-Men: The Wedding Special #1 (Marvel) – We’re a sucker for the couple that is Mystique and Destiny and want to see how these two got hitched.

Preview: Rise of the Powers of X #5

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Rise of the Powers of X #5

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) R. B. Silva
Rated T+
In Shops: May 29, 2024
SRP: $4.99

THE BATTLE FOR ALL TIME!
The X-epic concludes in a battle between those who are outside time and that which is now and forever…and the result is being decided by whether someone can ultimately make the right choice. The end of the Krakoan Age barrels our way as the two series that are one conclude!

Rise of the Powers of X #5

Preview: Rise of the Powers of X #4

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Rise of the Powers of X #4

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) R. B. Silva
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 24, 2024
SRP: $4.99

WHO IS TRAITOR X?
In the aftermath of the greatest betrayal in X-Men history, the Quiet Council in exile must act. They have a plan. Can anyone, or anything, survive the experience? As the Krakoan Age barrels toward its conclusion, the two series that are one converge on an act that will live in infamy!

Rise of the Powers of X #4

Preview: Rise of the Powers of X #4

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Rise of the Powers of X #4

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) R. B. Silva
Rated T+
In Shops: Apr 24, 2024
SRP: $4.99

WHO IS TRAITOR X?
In the aftermath of the greatest betrayal in X-Men history, the Quiet Council in exile must act. They have a plan. Can anyone, or anything, survive the experience? As the Krakoan Age barrels toward its conclusion, the two series that are one converge on an act that will live in infamy!

Rise of the Powers of X #4

Preview: Rise of the Powers of X #3

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Rise of the Powers of X #3

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) R. B. Silva
Rated T+
In Shops: Mar 27, 2024
SRP: $4.99

THE REAL END IS NEVER BEGINNING! The past, present and future of Krakoa all rests in a trigger finger. The scenario you prayed would never happen plays out as two series that are one move toward a crash that will reverberate outside the universe…

Rise of the Powers of X #3

Rise of the Powers of X #3 Challenges Xavier’s Soul

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Rise of the Powers of X #3

With no other plans left, Charles Xavier travels back in time to meet a young Moira before her mutation starts. As Krakoa’s memory lingers on his mind, he knows he cannot convince her to change her ways and believes there can only be a more permanent solution to prevent AI from eradicating mutant-kind. All it takes is for him to pull the trigger to eliminate the problem that will plague their future. Rise of the Powers of X #3 by Kieron Gillen and R.B. Silva has Xavier pondering if he can live with the explosive consequences of his lethal plan.

As a character, Xavier has always been concerned with being seen as a good man who has to make hard choices so others won’t. From agreeing to ORCHIS’s demands at the Hellfire Gala to keeping his Moira plan secret from the others, he willingly burdens himself to become the “necessary” martyr to save mutants from their eradication by erasing Krakoa. Gillen demonstrates Xavier’s flaws, especially his binary point of view and his martyr complex. To Xavier, there is only one option: kill a young Moira until Rasputin and Rachel stop him. Underneath all his pleasantries and cheerful facade lies a darker underbelly that has always existed. As he tells Moira, “I wanted to be part of a family. I wanted to be loved. I thought I could have both. I was mistaken,” all the while pointing a gun at the young girl. To Xavier, he can no longer compromise and has to be the man who commits a horrible act to protect mutants. However, this is also hypocritical since he willingly works with Sinister, and the only way to truly save mutants is through the method he believes is best. As much as Xavier claims he learned from his mistakes, he is still trapped in his old ways and cannot escape them despite others trying to pull him out. Shooting Rachel at the end, he can only apologize.

Moira and her allegiance to the machines lie on the other side of the conflict after being contacted by the mysterious Dominion, who transferred the alternative Omega Sentinel’s consciousness to Earth 616. Revealed as Enigma, he offers Moira an unusual opportunity in her tenth life to be independent and be his right hand when he absorbs everything. Considering the binary nature of computers, it makes sense as he presents her with two options: yes or no: a one or a 0, as the Dominion puts it. However, the choice does disrupt the supposed binary of the timeline where she has the possibility of it going in a different direction. Much like Xavier, Moira feels bound in a system of binary choices where she has to decide on one or the other. Yet, the options are more complex than they seem since Enigma gave her a unique opportunity. noth are still devilish bargains where you still lose a part of yourself. 

As usual, Silva’s work is a delight primarily due to his imaginative and striking visuals. Simply put, it’s not only one of the most gorgeous X-Men comics but one of the most gorgeous comics. I am fascinated by his approach to science fiction visuals and design, strongly supported by David Curiel’s colors and VC’s Clayton Cowles’s lettering. Along with his compelling artwork and paneling, Silva is one of the definitive X-Men artists of all time.

Rise of the Powers of X #3 has the characters making Faustian bargains to protect their respective interests. As the machines get closer to their goals, Xavier believes he needs to make difficult choices to save mutants. Only time will tell whether this will actually the machines.

Story: Kieron Gillen Art: R.B. Silva 
Color: David Curiel Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Rise of the Powers of X #3

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Rise of the Powers of X #3

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) R. B. Silva
Rated T+
In Shops: Mar 27, 2024
SRP: $4.99

THE REAL END IS NEVER BEGINNING! The past, present and future of Krakoa all rests in a trigger finger. The scenario you prayed would never happen plays out as two series that are one move toward a crash that will reverberate outside the universe…

Rise of the Powers of X #3

Preview: Rise of the Powers of X #2

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Rise of the Powers of X #2

(W) Kieron Gillen (A/CA) R. B. Silva
Rated T+
In Shops: Feb 21, 2024
SRP: $4.99

THE LAST HOPE – OUTSIDE OF REALITY!
Outside time and space is mutantdom’s last hope. Floating between dimensions, hiding from a Dominion who wishes to crush them. Can Xavier and his crew survive? And when we find out their plan, will we want them to? The end of the Krakoan Age continues in this epic tale split in two!

Rise of the Powers of X #2

Get a look at the penultimate month of the X-Men’s Krakoa Era!

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The Age of Krakoa is going out on a high note! A period of mutant history unlike any other, the last five years of X-Men comic books has boldly reshaped mutant storytelling FOREVER. While the Krakoan gates might be closing, the spirit and message of Krakoa will live on as the X-Men rise from the ashes this summer with all-new titles!

Just like how it began, the conclusion of the Krakoa era is currently being told across two epic interconnected series—Fall of the House of X and Rise of the Powers of X. In addition, some of the most pivotal battles, boldest missions, and breathtaking betrayals are taking place in current series like X-Men, X-Men Forever, Cable, and Invincible Iron Man.

Meanwhile, Wolverine has been embroiled in a war against his archenemy in Sabretooth War. Just in time for the character’s 50th anniversary, this epic storyline and Benjamin Percy’s acclaimed run will reach its riveting—and viciously violent—end in Wolverine #50. The over-sized issue will also feature special anniversary stories from legendary Wolverine creators!

Read on to learn what awaits in these series in May, and stay alert next month for the announcement of the GRAND FINALE milestone issue of X-MEN coming in June!

CABLE #4 (OF 4)

Written by FABIAN NICIEZA
Art by SCOT EATON
Cover by WHILCE PORTACIO
On Sale 5/1

TIME’S RUN OUT – THE NEOCRACY IS AT YOUR DOOR!

As the fate of the world hangs in the balance, Cable faces both a devastating betrayal and an impossible decision! Will he be able to stem the tides of the Neocracy, or will he and the rest of the Marvel Universe be subsumed? Don’t miss out on this explosive series finale!

CABLE #4 (OF 4)

FALL OF THE HOUSE OF X #5 (OF 5)

Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by LUCAS WERNECK
Cover by PEPE LARRAZ
On Sale 5/22

THE BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE!

It all comes down to this – Orchis versus the X-Men, winner take the future! Orchis has pushed mutantkind to their lowest point ever, but that just means the X-Men have had to fight back like never before. Will it be enough? We continue to barrel toward the conclusion of the Krakoan Age as the two stories that are one come to an end!

FALL OF THE HOUSE OF X #5 (OF 5)

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #18

Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art by PATCH ZIRCHER
Cover by KAEL NGU
On Sale 5/1

SIDE BY SIDE WITH…MAGNETO!

For years, the Master of Magnetism was Iron Man’s greatest fear. But to take down Orchis, will Tony have to work with the X-Men’s former adversary? And will a fight against every Sentinel on Earth be too much for even these two powerhouses?

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #18

RISE OF THE POWERS OF X #5 (OF 5)

Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art and Cover by LUCIANO VECCHIO
On Sale 5/29

THE BATTLE FOR ALL TIME!

The X-epic concludes in a battle between those who are outside time and that which is now and forever…and the result is being decided by whether someone can ultimately make the right choice. The end of the Krakoan Age barrels our way as the two series that are one conclude!

RISE OF THE POWERS OF X #5 (OF 5)

WOLVERINE #49

Written by VICTOR LAVALLE & BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by GEOFF SHAW
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
On Sale 5/8

ARMOR UP FOR THE PENULTIMATE PART OF SABRETOOTH WAR!

Wolverine is powerless – but not defenseless. Forge made Logan one last invention, and with the lives of the X-Men and all mutants on the line, it’s time to unleash the ultimate weapon! COLLECTORS’ NOTE: Featuring the full debut of the Adamantium Armor!

WOLVERINE #49

WOLVERINE #50

Written by BENJAMIN PERCY & VICTOR LAVALLE, LARRY HAMA & MORE
Art by CORY SMITH, GEOFF SHAW, JAVI FERNÁNDEZ, DANIEL PICCIOTTO & MORE
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
On Sale 5/22

CREED VS. LOGAN – THE FINAL SHOWDOWN!

It’s all come down to this: the final battle between WOLVERINE and SABRETOOTH.  The Sabretooth War concludes in the way it began – a violent, bloody battle – but WHO will be left standing? Plus: Special short stories celebrating fifty issues of this run and 50 YEARS OF WOLVERINE, from legendary Logan scribes including Larry Hama, as well as a final send-off from Benjamin Percy and Javi Fernández, and some special SURPRISES!

WOLVERINE #50

X-MEN #34

Written by GERRY DUGGAN
Art and Cover by JOSHUA CASSARA
On Sale 5/1

THE END IS NIGH!

The Krakoan Age is nearly at an end…and what might be the final battle of the heroes of Krakoa! One last stop before the fall and rise come to their conclusion…and everything changes!

X-MEN #34

X-MEN: FOREVER #3 (OF 4)

Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by LUCA MARESCA
Cover by MARK BROOKS
On Sale 5/8

NOW…

War in Krakoa! A hunt in the White Hot Room! And a heartwarming family reunion (by which we mean “possibly involving setting fire to someone’s heart with a flamethrower”). Spinning out from RISE OF THE POWERS OF X and IMMORTAL X-MEN comes a must-read for the conclusion of the Krakoan Age!

X-MEN: FOREVER #3 (OF 4)

X-MEN: FOREVER #4 (OF 4)

Written by KIERON GILLEN
Art by LUCA MARESCA
Cover by MARK BROOKS
On Sale 5/15

…AND FOREVER!

Our secrets, sinister or otherwise, are over. X-MEN FORVER ends with a question – after everything, do we have Hope or not? From between the pages of IMMORTAL X-MEN and RISE OF THE POWERS OF X, the final secrets of the Krakoan Age are revealed here!

X-MEN: FOREVER #4

Mini Reviews: Ultimate Spider-Man, Rise of the Powers of X, and Wolverine!

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Ultimate Spider-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

Ultimate Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – Jonathan Hickman and Marco Checchetto re-center the Spider-Man mythos around a midlife crisis in the new volume of Ultimate Spider-Man #1. The original Ultimate Spider-Man series was the first comic I really followed back in the late 2000s, and the Miles Morales relaunch was the first comic on my pull list so the title is near and dear to me. That being said, Hickman and Checchetto absolutely knock it out the part while focusing on the key cast of characters (the Parker family, Harry Osborn, J. Jonah Jameson) as people and not just icons or their superhero/villain identities. Jonathan Hickman nails the honest man-to-man conversations that Peter has with Uncle Ben about the loss of Aunt May as well as the Daily Bugle being bought by a Wilson Fisk that is more David Zaslav and less Boss Tweed. Checchetto’s facial expressions do a lot of heavy lifting as well capturing Harry Osborn’s anger at the loss of his father, Uncle Ben’s desire for truth and silent resignation plus Mary Jane Watson-Parker’s love and Peter’s existential crisis. With Peter Parker not appearing in costume until the final page and the deeper characterization of folks like Uncle Ben and Mary Jane, Ultimate Spider-Man #1 definitely evoked shades of the original volume, but the teen angst has been replaced with adult yearning along with shades of a universe that isn’t really conducive superheroes. Basically, Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley’s Ultimate Spider-Man was the Spider-Man comic I needed at 16, and Jonathan Hickman and Checchetto is the Spider-Man I need at 30. Overall: 9.3 Verdict: Buy

Brett

Rise of the Powers of X #1 (Marvel) – So far, Fall of X has a bit of a bumpy run as the line moves from what was to what’s coming. Fall of the House of X #1 was a rough start to this duo of comics that echo the launch of the Krakoan age. But, this series, which takes place in the future, shows a lot of promise as we see the X-Men doing what they do best, a last ditch effort to save reality and set things right. The end of the issue lays out an interesting moral quandary that should be intriguing to see where the debate goes. Overall, a solid entry in the X-Men mythology, packed with action and featuring some solid art. Overall: 8.5 Verdict: Buy

Wolverine #41 (Marvel) – We were promised a violent and brutal tale as Wolverine takes on Sabretooth… holy shit. Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

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