Years ago, when Robin took his first uncertain steps away from Batman as his own hero, Superman stepped in and offered Dick Grayson crucial advice, support, and a name: Nightwing. Now it’s time for Nightwing to return the favor! Nightwing #89 (2/15) and Superman: Son of Kal-El #9 (3/8) will cross over in a two-part story by Tom Taylor, Bruno Redondo, Adriano Lucas, and Wes Abbot!
But before Nightwing and Superman team-up in current continuity, fans will get sneak peek into their past! Below, take a look into a flashback scene with Dick Grayson and Jon Kent… plus Batman and Superman! This is a World’s Finest Dads (and a World’s Finest Sons) moment!
Nightwing #89, written by Tom Taylor with art and cover by Bruno Redondo, color by Adriano Lucas, lettering by Wes Abbott, featuring a card stock variant cover by Jamal Campbell and a 1:25 incentive variant by Bengal, arrives in comic book stores and participating digital retailers on Tuesday, February 15.
The Superman/Nightwing crossover will be concluded in Superman: Son of Kal-El #9 on sale March 8. Nightwing promised Clark Kent that while he’s off-planet, he would look after Clark’s son, Jon, as he tries to fill his father’s shoes as Superman. But with someone out there murdering superpowered people, is Nightwing in over his head?
Tom Taylor is a master at the remix. He’s built a following taking familiar characters and concepts and twisting them in ways we don’t always expect. From Injustice to DCeased, he’s proven he can surprise and entertain with familiar settings, familiar concepts, familiar characters, but mixed in all-new ways. Dark Knights of Steel #1 kicks of Taylor’s newest venture taking the heroes of the DC Universe and placing them in a fantasy world. One issue in, it looks like Taylor has succeeded again.
What works so well with Dark Knights of Steel #1 and what Taylor has done is tease the familiar until that twist begins. The comic starts off with a story so familiar, a dying planet that sends off its last son to an unknown world to survive and thrive. Except, in this case, that’s not the complete story. Taylor right away plants a flag that while the characters might be familiar, there’ll be more than enough to come to keep readers on their toes.
From that intriguing opening, Taylor takes us on a tour of this world introducing us to this world’s versions of Batman and various Robins, Black Canary, Black Lightning, John Constantine, and so many more. Every single one is familiar but different. There’s enough for us to recognize who they are and what their general background is but there’s something different about each. One in particular in amazing way to pulls the rug out from under the readers towards the end of the issue. Taylor leaves us with a hell of a twist and direction for the series and one of its characters that had me going from pleased to beyond excited to see what comes next.
Yasmine Putri‘s art is fantastic. Handling pencils and color, the comic is a beauty to look at. What’s truly great is how much of the design is inspired by but not completely lifted from the original DC characters. Bruce/Batman’s armor has a hint of a bat design as an example but not the exact symbol, which wouldn’t make a lot of sense. Kal-El/Superman’s design has a lot of inspiration from various outfits from his history and Krypton. It’s truly great to see these new takes. Wes Abbot‘s lettering too is solid, especially towards the beginning when a prophesy is foretold. It gives so much personality to the scene.
Dark Knights of Steel #1 is a hell of a start. Taylor has gone the extra distance with this debut and series. It doesn’t just take characters and dump them in a new setting. It delivers some subtle changes to a few that delivers what feels like a whole new experience in many ways… in a new setting. If the debut delivers this much, I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Story: Tom Taylor Art: Yasmine Putri Letterer: Wes Abbot Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
DC Comics has released a first look at some of their middle-grade titles being released in 2021. The graphic novels are geared towards readers ages 9-12.
The standalone stories introduce DC’s iconic characters to a whole new generation of readers. They’re accessible for new readers who are coming to comics, or DC, for the first time.
Metropolis Grove
Written, Illustrated and lettered by Drew Brockington Colored by Wendy Broom On sale everywhere books are sold on May 4, 2021 MSRP: $9.99“ Pre-order: Amazon
The big city is full of Superman sightings, but here in Metropolis Grove? Every kid in this suburb knows that he’s not real…except newcomer Sonia Patel, who convinces her friends Duncan and Alex to believe! When the trio discover a mysterious cave full of Super-memorabilia, they can’t keep it to themselves, and that sets off a school year full of drama and adventure and more than a few opportunities for a newfound friendship to test its limits.
And when they finally figure out the resident of the cave is Bizarro, things get even more out of control!
The Mystery Of The Meanest Teacher: A Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel
Written by Ryan North Illustrated and colored by Derek Charm Lettered by Wes Abbot On sale everywhere books are sold on June 1, 2021 MSRP: $9.99 Pre-Order:Amazon
After angering a number of hostile spirits in England, 13-year-old magician Johnny Constantine has to find a way out of the country. Persuading his parents to send him to America, John arrives at the Junior Success Boarding School in Salem, Massachusetts. But once there,he finds himself to be something of an outcast. And he is also convinced that his homeroom teacher really has it in for him. Worse, he’s convinced that’s she’s really a witch. Fortunately, John is able to find one kindred spirit at school with whom he’s able to form an alliance–another misfit named Anna, who also happens to have her own developing magical powers. John recruits Anna in his efforts to uncover the truth about Ms. Kayla and expose the Meanest Teacher’s real identity to the world. Joined by a friendly demon named Etrigan, these two amateur sleuths will uncover clues and stumble upon forces beyond their control in a humorous series of misadventures.
Green Arrow: Stranded
Written by Brendan Deneen Illustrated and colored by Bell Hosalla Lettered by AndWorld Design On sale everywhere books are sold on July 6, 2021 MSRP: $9.99 Pre-Order: Amazon
Following a plane crash on a deserted island, 13-year-old Oliver Queen must learn the skills he needs to survive and to protect his injured father. Ollie has always hated the idea of hunting, but his dad insisted they go on this trip with his business partner, Sebastian, and his son, Tyler. When Ollie fails to take a perfect shot, the teasing starts, and he wonders if his dad will ever be proud of him again. But just when he thought their trip couldn’t get any worse, their private jet is struck by lightning and crash lands on a deserted island. Ollie awakens to find his dad seriously injured and the other passengers nowhere in sight. If they hope to survive, he’s going to have to learn skills he’s been avoiding developing so far. He has never felt less sure of who he is…or if he will be able to hang on until help arrives.
When it comes to James Bond movies, to say that the endings are nothing short of satisfying, is definitely a disservice to the theatrics connected to it. The movies that Sean Connery starred in are probably some of the most iconic movies of all time. The style and flair that he brought to every scene is what has made the character so immortal. Even George Lazenby’s foray into the character, though only lasting one movie, was probably the best in the series. Three more actors would inhabit the role but the one that has always stood out in my mind is, Sir Roger Moore.
Moore was James Bond for a good part of the 1980s, the era when I fell in love with movies. His interpretation of the character brought what is fun about spy movies, and what The Kingsmen movies can’t help but steal in the best ways possible. His best Bond movie in my mind, Octopussy, which was both funny and action-packed but showed moviegoers how to build up a story to a satisfying big bang ending. In the final issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi as he confronts both his brother and father in a fight which may cost many including his, their lives.
We find Moving Shadow and Shang Chi facing off as Fu Manchu spectates in delight, as his two sons face off for the first time, testing if this fateful battle is his will. Meanwhile, Leiko, Blackjack and Clive, meetup with up Spetz and the Omega team, as they fight Fu Manchu’s men on their way off the island, as Spetz suffers his own death. Eventually, Leiko,Blackjack, Clive and what’s left of the Omega team neutralize the threat Fu Manchu was about to unleash.
Overall, the satisfying conclusion that gives diehard fans of this character what we expect from Doug Moench’s masterwork. The story by Moench is brilliant and amazing. The art by the creative team is mesmerizing. Altogether, a well-woven tale that feels as epic as the stories it was inspired from.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.4 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Netflix’s venture with Marvel Studios is one of the most fruitful partnerships in modern entertainment. It’s true that DC has been making their own splash on television for a few years but comic book fans wanted more. They wanted shows that showcased more than the studios were offering. We mostly had to rely on movie offerings, from the two houses, and some offshoots like Image, i.e. Kick-Ass series.
The buzz radiated from when comic book fans first saw the television version of Matt Murdock. Then comic books fans got to see Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist onscreen soon after. It made fans more than happy. In the television version of the Avengers movies, The Defenders saw a team-up between these Heroes of New York culminating in a final big fight. In the fifth issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi and Leiko in the fight of their lives.
We catch-up with Spetz and his MI-6 Omega team as they reach the shores of Fu Manchu’s island, where they are met crossfire as soon as they arrive on the beach. Meanwhile, Blackjack and Clive, reach the other end of the island, to rescue Leiko and Shang, unknowing of what lies in their way. We also find Leiko and Shang finally finding their way out, as they help the Omega team get to Fu Manchu’s lair. By issue’s end, Shang fights his way to exactly where Moving Shadow is, as they begin their final fight.
Overall, the story ramps up on the action, giving fans the penultimate issue the story requires before a satisfying conclusion. The story by Doug Moench is wonderful and remarkable. The art by the creative team is spellbinding. Altogether, this issue is a callback to the best kung fu films of the 1980s. It’s enough to make you want to pull out your old VHS tapes of Kung Fu Theatre.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.4 Art: 9.3 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
Denzel Washington is known most for these days, his work with Antoine Fuqua, in Training Day and The Equalizer movies. One of my favorite movies by him was Out Of Time where he starred with Eva Mendes and Sanaa Lathan. In the film, an old flame reignites something in Washington’s character while a new obsession gets him in hot water. In the fourth issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, we find Shang Chi finding that his love for Leiko is still there which may lead to more trouble than he ever foresaw.
Leiko and Shang Chi are reliving their past for a short moment when Shang Chi regains some semblance of honor and gets Leiko to reveal what she found about the Mandarin’s plans. The Mandarin is in his hidden lair where we find out the full power of the weapon he created as it eviscerates everything in a nearby fishing village. Lieko’s husband is caught in the crossfire between a group of commandos that work for Reston and the Omega team. Spetz saves her husband only to imprison him. By issue’s end, Leiko and Shang reunite with Tarr and we find out exactly who Moving Shadow is.
Overall, the story gets even more exciting, giving readers a spirited tale, which keeps readers wanting more. The story by Doug Moench is delightful and impressive. The art by the creative team is entrancing. Altogether, a book that gives readers a deeper understanding of who this character is.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.7 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy
Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy was quite ahead of this time. Movie critics rarely had heralded superhero movies up until the trilogy’s release, many did Nolan’s vision. The movies did something that adaptations struggle with. It satisfied the diehard comic book fan and the regular movie watcher. It pulled from the different stories already in canon while remembering that a good story must always be told.
One of the gifts that the movies gave audiences was the introduction of Ra’s Al Ghul, a storied character, who never saw his time onscreen until Nolan used him. As the character’s influence is evident not only those movies but the Gotham television show. In the third issue of Shang Chi: Master Of Kung Fu, we find Shang Chi’s father in an omnipotent position much like Ras Al Ghul, giving our heroes an intimidating adversary to face.
We find Leiko in the middle of who is behind the Hellfire Apocalypse, and it just so happens to be Shang Chi’s father, who faked his own death so no one would be the wiser. As Shang Chi enters the lair, he is able to reach Leiko and escape only to take on a hail of gunfire, as the truth is revealed about what his father had been up to, and where this doomsday weapon may be headed. As Leiko and Shang Chi look to escape the fortress, these two must fight their way out, through the failed experiments that his father created, where they were once humans but are mindless ravaged beasts who no wonder the compound. As the two are alone, Shang realizes he still feels some sort of way about Leiko, knowing that she is married only complicates his intentions. By issue’s end, the Omega team is getting closer, someone close to Leiko and Shang has other intentions and things between the two are reignited.
Overall, the story feels like a James Bond movie that more than tilts its hat at the famous spy. The story by Doug Moench is thrilling and commanding. The art by the creative team is enchanting. Altogether, a story that maybe Shang’s big-screen debut may aspire to.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.7 Art: 9.6 Overall: 9.66 Recommendation: Buy
Bruce Lee’s influence on film cannot truly be put into words. His impact is far reaching and ineffaceable in so many ways. He was one of a kind and his mark on everyone who has seen him in action can be seen in every action movie to this day. You can see his mark on every martial artist to grace the screen from Steven Seagal to Jean Claude Van Damme to Donnie Yen to Jet Li and to the one man who can be called his contemporary, Jackie Chan. David Carradine even referred to him as the James Dean of Martial Arts.
His first movie made in the west and probably the first commercialized worldwide martial arts film, was Enter The Dragon. The movie had some well-established American actors, like Jim Kelly, but anyone who has seen the film has no doubt in their mind, that Bruce Lee was the star. The idea of a fight amongst the greatest fighters continues to be a recycled idea since that iconic movie. In the second issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse, to find Leiko, he must fight his way to her.
We are in Singapore, where Chi and Reston are surrounded by
a ninja clan, as Chi fights them off, Reston find escape, one that will give
the way to fight another day. We are taken back to France, where we find more
about the Hellfire Objective, and its mission to recruit zealous men to become
part of the army of Saint Germain, the same secret operation Leiko was sent by
MI-6 to investigate. They also find out about the Omega Team, lead by Morgan Spetz,
who MI-6 has assembled to find Leiko. By issue’s end, another assassin looks
for Chi’ while Leiko finds out that the person behind everything, is the one-person
Chi is the closest to.
Overall, the story begins to get better, as we soon find out just how big of a conspiracy Leiko was looking into, making this story resemble Lee’s classic western made crossover. The story by Doug Moench is electrifying and powerful. The art by the creative team is captivating. Altogether, an exhilarating introduction to a hero which everyone will soon know.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy
With all the buzz coming from SDCC from the past few weeks, the most interesting news, as usual, came from Hall H. This is where some of the biggest news gets released and the world holds their collective breath until it does. As in previous years, this year was no disappointment. It was a sign of things to come. One of the biggest announcements to come was from Marvel and the next phase of movies that will be released over the new few years.
One of the surprise announcements, though there had been some industry buzz over the last few months, had been that Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu, would be making getting how own Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. Most of the world doesn’t know who he is but serious comic book fans do. Much of his original story had been marred with distasteful racist stereotypes and outdated ideas. In a reboot of sorts, the original writer returned in 2002 to update the story for a new generation in the debut issue of Shang Chi, Master Of Kung Fu-The Hellfire Apocalypse.
We’re taken to France, where Agent Leiko Wu is infiltrating a crime syndicate’s fortress, one that she realizes soon enough that she just walked into a trap. We also find Shang Chi, in solitude on an island, where his meditation supernaturally syncs with Leiko, the woman he once loved, as he knows what he must do next, but his actions are interrupted by an intruder in sanctum sanctorum. We also find Leiko being tortured, as the crime organization is trying to find just how deep MI-6 is into investigating them. By issue’s end, an old friend looks for Chi’s help, while his exploits bring him to Singapore retracing Leiko’s trail.
Overall, an interesting story thus far, slow-moving, but well developed. The story by Doug Moench is exciting and intense. The art by the creative team truly stands out, simply beautiful. Altogether, an exhilarating introduction to a hero which everyone will soon know.
Story: Doug Moench Art: Jimmy Palmiotti, Paul Gulacy, Paul Mounts, Richard Starkings, and Wes Abbott Story: 9.6 Art: 9.8 Overall: 9.8 Recommendation: Buy
Celebrating twenty years of Marvel Knights, Marvel is releasing trades collecting the imprint’s releases. Fantastic Four 1 2 3 4 collects the four issue series as well as Marvel Knights Double Shot #2 by Grant Morrison, Jae Lee, Jose Villarrubia, Wes Abbot, and Manuel Gutierrez.
Marvel’s First Family is divided with each having their powers used against them and old foes behind it all.
Get your copy in comic shops today and in book stores on October 9. 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.
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
