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Alien Paradiso #1 brings horror to paradise

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

Welcome to Paradiso, where the money flows like blood and the blood flows like acid! The Tulum of space, Paradiso is a hidden gem among the colonies with its tropical climate, white sand beaches and a remarkable population of hyper-wealthy criminals. When Colonial Marshals Dash Nanda and Lydia Reeves are sent there to bust a smuggling ring, they think they’ve hit the job-assignment jackpot. But the only ones getting lucky here are those HUNGRY enough to take what they need. Alien Paradiso #1 delivers an interesting take on the classic franchise by bringing the horror to a vacation paradise.

Written by Steve Foxe, Alien Paradiso #1 is an interesting start to the latest series featuring the xenomorph threat. The story involves a criminal deal gone wrong as one involves has been infected by the xenomorphs unleashing the deadly hunters on the vacation spot. Also present are two Colonial Marshals, there undercover to gather intel on a crime deal. We shouldn’t forget the guests and staff there too. All of it creates an unpredictable combo that should be entertaining terror as the alien threat spreads.

Alien Paradiso #1 is also interesting in that it leaves a lot open. The Colonial Marshals are told they have backup in space and you think the first sign of trouble, that backup would arrive. There’s also the “why” as to the arrival of the xenomorph threat. Hopefully that gets some focus and explanation but let’s be honest, we’re here for the scares and kills.

That’s brought to us by Edgar Salazar, ink by Victor Nava, color by Carlos Lopez, and lettering by Clayton Crain. The art is generally good with just enough gore to feel like an Aliens murder fest and some solid kills that feel rather unique and fun in a way. Where the visuals get interesting is the art by Peter Nguyen who provides visuals from the perspective of the xenomorph. It’s an interesting decision and not something I’ve seen (that I remember) in previous comics, so it stands out as something new.

Alien Paradiso #1 is goofy fun. Take Aliens and throw it into a vacation setting. That’s the basis here and it should be entertaining to see how it all shakes out. We’re really reading this to see some scares, tears, and the utter destruction laid out. And so far, it does a good job of delivering that.

Story: Steve Foxe Art: Edgar Salazar, Peter Nguyen
Ink: Victor Nava Color: Carlos Lopez Letterer: Clayton Crain
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Preview: Cable #3

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

Cable #3

(W) Fabian Nicieza (A) Scot Eaton, Lan Medina
(I) Cam Smith, Victor Nava (C) Java Tartaglia (L) Joe Sabino
(CA) Whilce Portacio (VCA) Dan Panosian, Mark Brooks
Rated T+
In Shops: Mar 27, 2024
SRP: $3.99

PROTECT THE FUTURE – NO MATTER THE COST! Cable and his younger counterpart, Nate, are closer than ever to uncovering the origins of the Neocracy and putting an end to a bloody future before it can come to pass – but each step closer also brings them further into the crosshairs of the mysterious Parvenu! With the walls closing in, there’s no one else they can trust…but with the weight of the world on their shoulders, will Cable and Nate be able to bear the burden together or will they crumble under the weight?

Exclusive Preview: Cable #3

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Graphic Policy Team

Cable #3

Cable #1 focuses on a threat bigger than Orchis

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Brett

All the signs are here: The Neocracy is coming – and with it comes not only the end of mutantkind, but all of the humankind as well! As if rescuing Young Nate from the ongoing threat of Orchis weren’t enough, can Cable root out this growing threat and decimate it before the Neocracy has a chance to take hold. But is he already too late to change the future? Cable #1 has the future hero dealing with a possible new threat beyond Orchis.

Cable #1 is an interesting comic. There’s something a bit throwback about it in its storytelling and its look. Part of the reason for that is Fabian Nicieza, one of the earlier creators to shape the character.

The story has Cable in “modern times” dealing with Orchis who has kidnapped Kid Nate to try to pry his knowledge from him. Really, the comic should be called “Cables” as the two must team up to take on a new threat growing the Neocracy.

The concept is interesting, preventing the threat before it happens. It’s a question I’ve had about the character for quite some time, why he didn’t stop Orchis before it was created? So, we finally get some answers to that… sort of. But, the villain itself is just ok. Neocracy is the next evolution of mutantking and humankind, yes another one, and it’s a bit too similar to the Dominion. It’s all a little too Terminator and the villains a bit too much like others, but overall, it’s an entertaining comic.

Part of that is the art by Scot Eaton with ink by Cam Smith and Victor Nava, color by Java Tartaglia and lettering by Joe Sabino. The comic has a bit of a throwback style to it with Cable sporting bit pouches and over the top weapons. There’s some fine action moments and good humor but overall, the comic looks like Cable comics of the past. Not bad but also nothing that really jumps out as too exciting.

Cable #1 isn’t a bad start and sort of gives a reason Cable hasn’t been more aggressive in stopping horrible timelines, but overall, it’s an ok read. There’s some decent humor, decent action, but nothing so far that really stands out as too exciting so far.

Story: Fabian Nicieza Art: Scot Eaton
Ink: Cam Smith, Victor Nava Color: Java Tartaglia Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.25 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Predator #1 is an action packed debut

Posted on March 11, 2023 by pharoahmiles

Anyone who knows me, will tell you that I’m a huge movie fan. I can remember growing up, how I was an avid viewer of Entertainment Tonight back when John Tesh and Mary hart were still hosting. This was also a time when print was still somewhat successful, and there were more than enough magazines to keep readers entertained and informed with the latest news. One of those magazines was Premiere magazine, which was exclusively about movies.

I remember reading an article in Premiere about them making a sequel to Predator, this time with Danny Glover. I had my doubts then, but when they movie came out a year later, it blew me away. There have been some comparable sequels since; including the excellent Prey, but Predator 2 is masterpiece. In the debut issue of Predator, we get an story added to the canon, one which upends everything we know about these extraterrestrial mercenaries.

We are taken to a remote planet, where a group of humans are being hunted by a group of Predators, who are eviscerating them one after another. As they find cover in a nearby cave, they soon find out about each other, that they may have been under hyper-sleep, waiting to be used as prey and each come from different times and places throughout history. They eventually look for supplies including ammo, when they see a supply drop. By the issue’s end, they discover they are in a alien gaming preserve and are just a few of the many prey there for the Predators and a familiar menace shows up to save them.

Overall, Predator #1 is an action packed debut that will leave fans of the franchise reinvigorated. The story by Brisson is amazing. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, another excellent addition to ever expanding Predator canon.

Story: Ed Brisson Art: Netho Diaz
Ink: Belardino Brabo, Victor Nava Color: Erick Arciniega Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Bishop: War College #1 delivers a debut fans of the character will enjoy

Posted on February 11, 2023 by pharoahmiles

Having watched Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on Disney+ Plus a few days ago, I was blown away by how well the world building was. The death of Chadwick Boseman and the on-screen death of T’Challa, was meant for fans, cast and crew to mourn both. It was cathartic but at the same time, also reopened old wounds of the passing of Boseman.

What stood out about the film other than the mourning, was how the key characters reacted. For many, their pain of loss guided their actions throughout the film. They saw how easily their enemies looked to attack once they knew T’Challa had fallen. In the debut issue of Bishop: War College, we find a hero leading a team to protect an island paradise, one whose enemies are waiting to attack as well.

As the comic opens, we find Bishop pushing his newest cadets at his War College to beyond exhaustion. It’s to the point that it causes them call it quits on one of their first day. He gets visited Dani Moonstar, the new leader of the New Mutants, who warns him that he may be pushing them too hard. But Bishop’s fears are soon realized when the Von Strucker Twins show up on the shores of Krakoa. Bishop realizes he needs to change his teaching methods and eventually turns to Tempo for help showing a more human side for the character. But, when he is running a drill with her things go off the rails resulting in Bishop to disappear to an unknown location. By the issue’s end Bishop is in an unknown world and his cadets rendered powerless just as the real threat is made clear.

Overall, Bishop: War College #1 is a fun debut issue which potentially reinvigorates the franchise and character of Bishop. The story by J. Holtman is exciting. The art by the creative team is beautiful. Altogether, it’s a story that fans will more than enjoy.

Story: J. Holtham Art: Sean Damien Hill
Ink: Victor Nava, Roberto Poggi Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Bishop: War College #1 delivers a mixed start

Posted on February 8, 2023 by Brett

Lucas Bishop has been a character I’ve always felt was rather intriguing. His depiction over the years has been mixed but the idea of some attempting to prevent their horrific past is a quandary with a lot of potential. The fact it’s presented in a “police” framing makes it all the more intriguing, even though that aspect is danced around. Bishop: War College #1 opens up with that potential as Bishop is tasked with training young mutants as Krakoa’s Captain Commander. The country’s defense is on his shoulders as he continues his mission.

Written by J. Holtham, Bishop: War College #1 kicks off with Bishop being the angry, drill instructor, we’ve seen far too many times. Running mutants through war games, he’s attempting to prepare a group for the threats to come and at the same time rubbing quite a few people the wrong way. And that’s where Holtham’s writing gets interesting.

Bishop: War College #1 starts off with a lot of potential recognizing the conflict with Bishop. He’s a cop sent to the past to prevent a holocaust in the future and condemning an individual who may or may not commit a crime in the future. At the same time, he’s in the present and must build a life. We’ve seen the character go to extremes with these things but here it’s presented as a conflict within the man. And that’s the most interesting aspect. We see him attempt to balance his life while also haunted by what may come. And all of that rubs people the wrong way for various reasons.

But, the story takes a swerve as a threat presents itself sending the series in a different direction by the end of the issue. That direction could be interesting but is far from Bishop training a new generation of mutants to defend Krakoa. What’s revealed needs a bit of explanation as well as it feels like it drops Krakoa’s defenses a bit too easily, especially with what has been presented in the past. The fact no one has an idea some of these events are occurring is rather odd.

The art by Sean Damien Hill is good. There’s solid emotion throughout the issue and you can see the anger in Bishop and tiredness and frustration in others. The facial expressions and body language nails all of that really well. Hill is joined by Victor Nava and Roberto Poggi on ink, Espen Grundetjern on color, and Travis Lanham on lettering. Lanham’s lettering stands out as it really emphasizes the drill instructor aspect of Bishop the comic is going for. You can hear “again” being yelled over an over. While the art overall is good, there’s some panels and characters fall a little short, an example being when the issue’s villains are revealed.

Though the ending of the issue takes it in a different direction, Bishop: War College #1 is an intriguing start that lays the groundwork for an exploration of Bishop’s mission and drive. We’ll see if it continues this direction and dives in, as expected, in a “Scrooge” sort of story, but here’s hoping.

Story: J. Holtham Art: Sean Damien Hill
Ink: Victor Nava, Roberto Poggi Color: Espen Grundetjern Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Thunderbolts #5

Posted on December 28, 2022 by Brett

And thus ends the latest chapter for the Thunderbolts, a story far too short, and a team that begs to be explored even more. Thunderbolts #5 wraps up the miniseries with the team confronting the big bad and reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses.

Written by Jim Zub, this latest incarnation has been a fun ride. With Clint Barton at the helm, the team has been generally a group of screw ups, attempting to fill a role both difficult and near possible to do. Luke Cage has tasked them with not only fighting the superpowered crime in the city but also wage a public relations battle none of the members are prepared for. But, behind the scenes they’ve been manipulated and attacked by an unknown force who is finally revealed in this issue.

As it goes, Thunderbolts #5 is a fine conclusion to this story arc. Things come together nicely and set things up for the future. But, it’s that future that’s a hinderance. There’s so much left to explore with this team and group of characters. It’s unknown if we’ll get the chance. And there’s the problem. There’s a lot left hanging and questions to be answered. Hopefully we get more but with all of that out there, the finale is a little frustrating.

But, Zub does a solid job of focusing on the individual characters as much as the team. This a group of characters that have a lot of confidence issues and have experienced a lot of crap in the past. So, Nightmare using them makes a lot of sense. In their battle, and after, Zub explores a lot of that really emphasizing how messed up this team is. Which, only makes me want more of them. This is an imperfect team who are expected to be perfect for the public. There’s so much to explore there, so much left to do.

The art by Sean Izaakse and Netho Diaz is solid. With Izaakse on ink with Victor Nava, color by Java Tartaglia, and lettering by Joe Sabino, the art has bit of a throwback style to it all. The grit and gritty isn’t present, but there’s more than enough trauma and drama in the visuals to up the action. Panel layouts are very unique and interesting matching the disjointed fight Nightmare is waging against the team.

Thunderbolts #5 is a fine ending to the series. But, it leaves us wanting more. Gutsen Glory and Eegro deserve arcs of their own exploring their history and backgrounds. Hopefully we get more with Zub at the hub. The series has balanced mystery, action, humor, and a great team dynamic and deserves more to expand all of that and entertain readers more.

Story: Jim Zub Art: Sean Izaakse, Netho Diaz
Ink: Sean Izaakse, Victor Nava Color: Java Tartaglia Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Devil’s Reign: Villains for Hire #1

Posted on January 19, 2022 by Brett

Devil’s Reign has been solid so far. The event sees Wilson Fisk’s plans all coming together as he uses his power as Mayor of New York to try to reign in Marvel’s superheroes. There’s a little bit of Dark Reign mixed with the Superhero Registration Act but all updated to reflect today’s political reality. But, even better, the tie-ins for the event have been really good as well. It feels rare that event tie-ins have been the quality that they’ve been so far. Devil’s Reign: Villains for Hire #1 is an entertaining read and one that shines the spotlight on just one aspect of Fisk’s plan.

Written by Clay McLeod Chapman, Devil’s Reign: Villains for Hire #1 focuses on a new team of Thunderbolts who work alongside the NYPD to maintain law and order. Of course the team is beyond dysfunction comprising of Taskmaster, Rhino, Whiplash, Electro, and Agony. It’s a varied mix of personalities and issues with an end result you know is only going to wind up with a meltdown of the team. Chapman focuses in on that dysfunction. Not only the team’s dynamic with each other but their brutal justice as well. They might hold up law and order but they’re murdering to do so. They also have no problem fighting each other as well as those that break the law.

The fact Chapman focuses on the initial villains as comical terrorists attacking a ball for its excess instead of using the money to help feed families. It plays up the comical aspects of the comic though delivers villains that feel a bit goofy and easy targets. But, they’re not really the point, it’s the death and destruction the Thunderbolts bring to resolve the issue that is.

The art is by Manuel Garcia and it’s good. Generally it plays up the over-the-top nature of the story. My gripe is Rhino who never quite looks right and at times feels flat in the visuals. Everyone else is great, just his character feels very off in almost every scene. Garcia is joined by a bunch of inkers Lorenzo Ruggiero, Scott Hanna, Livesay, Andy Owens, and Victor Nava. Dono Sánchez-Almara and Fer Sifuentes-Sujo handle the color while Joe Sabino is on lettering. The art is generally good and tries to play up the comedy of it all instead of focusing on the gore.

Devil’s Reign: Villains for Hire #1 is an entertaining addition to an event that has been solid. It plays out as expected and hits the beats that are expected. It, so far, hasn’t broken any new ground but it does deliver enough entertaining moments to make it a worthy read.

Story: Clay McLeod Chapman Art: Manuel Garcia
Ink: Lorenzo Ruggiero, Scott Hanna, Livesay, Andy Owens, Victor Nava
Color: Dono Sánchez-Almara, Fer Sifuentes-Sujo Letterer: Joe Sabino
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.7 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics

Review: Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #1

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Brett

What happens when you have the Cosmic Ghost Rider recount Marvel history “Drunk History” style? You get Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History #1 by Paul Scheer, Nick Giovannetti, Gerardo Sandoval, Victor Nava, Antonio Fabela, and Travis Lanham.

Get your copy in comic shops today! 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.

Amazon

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
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