Tuesday, October 31, 2017

X-O Manowar #8

   Far from Earth, Aric has been fighting against a tyrant (and his army) on an alien world - and with this issue, we arrive at the final battle.

   It's a surprisingly laid back story, focusing mostly on the preparations for the battle, as Aric checks in with his friends, loved ones - and a traitor.

   (Don't worry, there's also a war included.)

   And while going to war in the X-O Manowar armor may seem like a bit of a cheat, Aric soon finds that the armor can only take him so far.

   It's a game-changing story by writer Matt Kindt, with dark but powerful artwork by Clayton Crain and Reynato Guedes, and it sets up lots of interesting possibilities for the future.

   Recommended!

Grade: B+

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Monday, October 30, 2017

The Beautiful Death #2

   Since I'm not much of a fan of dystopian futures, I was surprised at how much I liked the first issue of The Beautiful Death.

   It brings us a world that has largely fallen to ruin. The buildings still stand, but the people are gone - mostly.

   We're still not sure why. It may involve radiation, and it may involve alien insects - it's still not clear (and may never be made clear).

   The story follows three men - Wayne, Jeremiah and Soham as they struggle with survival and sanity.

   They make a surprising discovery as they explore an empty city - and it leads to a truly disturbing scene, and an unsettling flashback.

   It's an ugly turn - and a disappointing one - for a series that was already dark and disturbing.

   I don't expect a happy-go-lucky story here, but there are limits to how much bleakness I can process.

   But if you're into dystopia, it doesn't get much better than this.

Grade: B-

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Sunday, October 29, 2017

All New Soulfire #8 (of 8)

   You really shouldn't buy the new issue of All New Soulfire.

   Well, not unless you've been buying the other issues of the series.

   That's because this issue is a coda to the action that's filled the previous seven issues.

   The main goal of the series has been to resolve some of the long-running plot threads and to tie the series back into the main body of the Aspen Universe - and it succeeds!

   Here we learn the final fate of Samusara, the source of magic power, and we get some hints for the future of the Soulfire series, which will be returning next summer in time for the title's 15th anniversary.

   But unless you've been following along, you'll want to pick up the collections - otherwise you're going to be lost trying to sort out the characters and concepts here.

Grade: B

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Saturday, October 28, 2017

Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter #2

   I really liked the first issue of Captain Kronos Vampire Hunter - and I'm happy to report that this issue is even better!

   It finds the Captain and his... friends? Associates? Partners? How about: cohorts in Vampire Hunting? ... visiting a town that's under siege by a small army of vampires.

   Each member of the team immediately goes to work - the scholar Grost to study the problem, the beautiful Carla to gather the unique weapons of the Vampire Hunter, and the Captain to investigate the enemy - and they're full of surprises.

   The story by Dan Abnett is terrific, loaded with horror, wit and surprises, and the art by Tom Mandrake is outstanding - some of the best of his career, and that's saying something!

   The series is a worthy successor to the film and one any comics fan should enjoy.

   Highly recommended!

Grade: A

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Friday, October 27, 2017

Eternity #1

   So what happens when all-powerful creatures settle down and try to live a normal life?

   That's the focus of this new title, Eternity (which has no relation to the Marvel cosmic character who's filled with stars).

   It focuses on two settings: an apparently down-to-Earth setting for a man, Abram, his wife Myshka, and their young child; and an alien world that has been rocked by a shocking death - and the disruption of the one will lead to a surprising change in the other.

   This issue, written by Matt Kindt with art by Trevor Hairsine and Ryan Winn, manages a great balance between strange and the normal, and perfectly sets up the next chapter in the emotional quest that unfolds.

   The comic features great art and a powerful story - it's well worth checking out!

Grade: A-

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Thursday, October 26, 2017

Silver Surfer #14

   It's with a touch of sadness that we arrive at the final issue of Silver Surfer (at least for now).

   This maxi-series has been real treat, telling a single story arc for Norrin Radd / the Surfer and the young Earthwoman, Dawn Greenwood, who becomes entangled in his life.

   The result has been a terrific run of stories, as the Surfer learns more about humanity, and he introduces Dawn to some of the miracles of the universe.

   The series has been written by Dan Slott and Michael Allred, with Allred also providing the art. They've managed a great balance of heartfelt stories, solid science fiction, some strong fan service (clearing up quite a few long-running plot threads), and injecting some great humor and sweetness into the proceedings.

   I'm a real fan of Allred's art, which combines the energy and imagination of Kirby with a classic storytelling style.

   The story's not perfect - there are some moments that ask a bit too much of the reader's credulity, and the inside jokes go a little overboard from time to time - but overall, it's an entertaining collection of clever, touching stories that take the Surfer in fresh new directions.

   Recommended!

Grade: A-

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Wednesday, October 25, 2017

New Comics Day

     Here's what I picked up at the comics shop today:

- DAREDEVIL #28 - Leaving the land of the blind.

- ELFQUEST FINAL QUEST #22 - Final farewells.

- FLASH #33 - Fight for the Earth!

- KAMANDI CHALLENGE #10 (OF 12) - Land of the dead!

- SAGA #48 - End of the line!

- SILVER SURFER #14 - Now what?

- THOR WHERE WALK THE FROST GIANTS #1 - Facing Ymir!


     And I received these for review:

- ALL NEW SOULFIRE #8 - The finale!

- BLOODSHOT SALVATION #2 - Sacrifice!

- CAPTAIN KRONOS #2 - A plague of vampires!

- DOCTOR WHO 11TH YEAR THREE #11 - A relic from the time war!

- ETERNITY #1 - An expedition into the unknown!

- KIM AND KIM LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD #4 - Breaking up.

- LOLA XOXO VOL 2 #4 
- THE BEAUTIFUL DEATH #2 (OF 5) - The end of humanity!

- VAMPBLADE SEASON TWO #8 - Setting up the Danger Doll Squad.

- X-O MANOWAR #8 - Besieged!

- ZOMBIE TRAMP ONGOING #40 - Final fight!

     And that's it!

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Torchwood #1

   Torchood is a spinoff with strong connections to its roots.

   The title refers to a secret organization based in Great Britain that is designed to defend the Earth for the alien and supernatural menaces that Doctor Who typically tackles - but not even the Doctor can be everywhere.

   Heading up the group is Captain Jack Harkness, an immortal warrior who works alongside the tough-as-nails (and very smart) ex-Policewoman Gwen Cooper.

   The connections mentioned above can be found in the writers - John Barrowman, who played Jack in the TV series, and his co-writer, Carole Barrowman.

   The story is setting up an unusual threat for the two to face, as a mysterious (but somehow familiar) woman arrives on the scene, bringing danger and death in her wake.

   The art by Neil Edwards is excellent, with strong likenesses of the characters and dynamic layouts.

   The story touches on an interesting (and somewhat disturbing) concept from a classic Doctor Who episode - any fan of that series or the somewhat-darker Torchwood series is bound to enjoy this comic.

   Captain Jack approved!

Grade: A-

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Monday, October 23, 2017

Maestros #1

   The snarky version of the review of Maestros is that it's Harry Potter for an adult audience.

   And I do mean adult, with mature language, genitalia, sex and lots of brutal violence.

   But this book is actually very good and doesn't deserve the snark.

   It tells the unlikely story of the origin of the universe, the death of its rulers, the surprising destiny of an unlikely protagonist, assassination attempts, pudgy kids, naked moms and so much more.

   The story and art are by Steve Skroce with colors by Dave Stewart. It's loaded with remarkable events (on a scale both impossibly big and quite intimate), interesting characters (though not always likable ones), and events that will keep you guessing throughout.

   The art is a delight, brimming with imagination and grisly delights, amazing environments and excellent character and creature designs.

   This isn't for everyone - remember, adult stuff herein. But if you're a fan of Saga, this definitely follows in its footsteps - smart, funny and thrilling, all with an edge and an inventive story.

   Highly recommended. For adults.

Grade: A

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Sunday, October 22, 2017

Incredible Hulk #709

   The Planet Hulk storyline was a big one for Marvel.

   It gave the character a real shot in the arm, spawned lots of great stories, and eventually bloomed into a raucous "event" mini-series.

   (It also looks to be a central part of the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok movie.)

   The Hulk has been out of the limelight lately, what with Bruce Banner being "dead" and all. (Or is he? Wasn't he revived in Secret Empire?)

   So the green-skinned heritage is being carried by Amadeus Cho, who was tagged as the "Totally Awesome" Hulk.

   His adventures, thanks to the "Marvel Legacy" movement, are now in the pages of The Incredible Hulk, now with restored original numbering (which will make it fun to sort out the filing process).

   And with original Planet Hulk writer, Greg Pak, at the helm, Cho / Hulk has returned to the planet Sakaar - and so far, it looks like a return to greatness.

   (But I admit, I picked up this issue hoping for the return of Banner. He's "my" Hulk, after all.)

   Still, its great to see this book on track again.

Grade: A

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Saturday, October 21, 2017

Apologies

   Readers, my apologies for the lack of posts for the past few days - your pal Chuck has been swamped with other demands (nothing life threatening, thankfully).

   But rest assured he'll be back to posting (and getting caught up) by the end of the weekend.

   Thanks for hanging in there!

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

New Comics Day

     Here's what I picked up at the comics shop today:

- ASTRO CITY #48 - The fate of G-Dog!

- CHAMPIONS #13 - Crossover with the Avengers!

- DOCTOR STRANGE #26 - A final house call?

- FUTURE QUEST PRESENTS #3 - The secret of Metallus revealed!

- INCREDIBLE HULK #709 - Return to Planet Hulk.

- INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #593 - The search for Tony Stark.

- JUSTICE LEAGUE #31 - The end of everything!

- MAGE HERO DENIED #3 (OF 15) - Hunt for the Fisher King!

- MAESTROS #1 - Death stalks the Royal Family!


- MIGHTY THOR #700 - Death of the Mighty Thor!

- SECRET WARRIORS #7 - Quake vs. Deadpool!

- WILD STORM #8 - Jacob Marlowe's secret revealed!


     And I received these comics to review:

- ACTIONVERSE ONGOING #2 STRAY - Remembering that first mission!

- ASSASSINS CREED UPRISING #8 - One final story.

- DOCTOR WHO 10TH YEAR THREE #10 - The truth about Gabby!

- DOCTOR WHO 12TH YEAR THREE #8 - The Ice Warriors return!

- DOLLFACE #10 - Meeting a good witch.

- FAITH AND THE FUTURE FORCE #4 - The final countdown!

- HERCULES WRATH of the HEAVENS #3 - Facing his own demons!

- NORMANDY GOLD #4 - Seeking revenge!

- TORCHWOOD THE CULLING #1 (OF 4) - Written by John Barrowman!

- WAR MOTHER #3 - Into the badlands.

     And that's it!

Monday, October 16, 2017

Black Panther - Movie Trailer

   Marvel unveiled the newest Black Panther movie trailer today, and it looks mighty impressive.

   Check it out:

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Dan Dare #1

   I have to admit that I've never read any of Dan Dare's adventures.

   Which might not sound surprising, since this is issue #1 - but of course, the hero has been a huge favorite in Great Britain for generations, and has inspired armies of writers and artists.

    The new series from Titan Comics is not a reboot - it makes use of the classic characters, including Dan's right-hand man, Digby, his right-hand woman, Peabody, his pilot Hank, and his deadliest enemy, The Mekon.

   The issue sets up the world of the future, how the Space Fleet ended the menace of The Mekon (or did they?) and what happened next.

   Written by Peter Mulligan and drawn by Alberto Foche, the issue has to cover the basics, and does so with a surprisingly laid-back pace - but by the end of the issue, things start crackling.

   The good news is, you don't have to have any previous knowledge of the series - it brings you up to speed quickly - and you can see why the series is beloved.

   It plays it straight, but there's also a playful sense about it - it's a fun series, with lots of potential.

   No doubt that's one reason why Dan Dare is a classic!

Grade: A-

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Saturday, October 14, 2017

Fighting American #1

   It's not always easy to love Fighting American.

   The character was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby as (sort of) a way to reclaim their most famous creation, Captain America, which they were forced to leave behind when they left Timely Comics (which later became Marvel Comics).

   But instead of playing it straight, in the original version they decided to camp it up and have fun with the concept, pitting the hero and his sidekick Speedboy against assorted comical "Commie" threats to the U.S.A.

   It's all good fun, but it didn't last long (though it survives on in some nice reprint editions). An attempt or two have been made to bring the character back over the years, but they've fallen short - at least until now.

   This new version from Titan Comics, published in time to be part of the Jack Kirby's 100th birthday celebration, is written by Gordon Rennie with art by Duke Mighten, and it actually manages to capture the feel of the original while bringing it up to date.

   It accomplishes this by that beloved vehicle, the time machine, and F.A. and S.B. chase one of their most dastardly villains into the present - and what follows is a fun collision of cultures, managing a great balance between humor and action.

   I wasn't expecting much from this series - too many creators just lean on the powerful original concept and don't bring much to the table. That's not the case here.

   Somewhat to my surprise, I enjoyed it. A lot!

   Go figure.

Grade: A

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Friday, October 13, 2017

Wynonna Earp Season Zero #4

   The latest Wynonna Earp mini-series (Season Zero) is really swinging for the fences, and it brings with it a Wild Bunch / Seven Samurai / World War II threshold of violence and action.

   Written by Earp creator Beau Smith and Tim Rozon, who plays Doc Holliday on the TV series, it gives us a meeting of Wynonna's two families - the paramilitary biker gang she ran with, and her new family depicted on the TV series.

   They're facing a deadly fight against a more powerful opponent - the sinister Keegan.

   What follows is one of the most intense battles I've ever seen depicted in a comic book! Lives are lost, battles are fought on scales both large and small, family pulls together and revenge is served up in large doses.

   The art by Angel Hernandez is terrific, with no punches pulled in the depiction of the violence of war.

   It's a terrific series, one any action fan is bound to love. It's a home run!

   Highly recommended!

Grade: A

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Thursday, October 12, 2017

Dark Nights Metal #3

   I was planning to skip this Dark Nights Metal mini-series.

   The whole "Dark Multiverse" / Heavy Metal thing just looked too dark for my (admittedly middle-of-the-road) tastes.

   But curiosity got the best of me, so I picked it up - and now I regret it.

   That's because it's become exactly what I expected: dark, depressing, placing the DC Universe in the throes of a terrible, dystopian existence that promises lots of death and destruction along the way.

   This issue actually focuses on Superman, so you'd think it would be a bit more uplifting - but no, it never really rises out of the muck.

   The art and story are skillful and disturbing, and if you like this sort of thing more than I do, here it is.

Grade: C+

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Wednesday, October 11, 2017

New Comics Day

   Here's what I picked up at the comics shop today:

- DAREDEVIL #27 - The Land of the Blind!

- DARK NIGHTS METAL #3 (OF 6) - Invasion from the Dark Multiverse!

- DEFENDERS #6 - Kingpins of New York!

- FLASH #32 - An attack on STAR Labs!

- GROO PLAY OF GODS #4 - Can the gods survive when Groo's around?

- MISTER MIRACLE #3 (OF 12) - The ultimate trap: war!

- WYNONNA EARP SEASON ZERO #4 (OF 5) - Wynonna's allies to the rescue!


    And here are the review copies I received:

- ASPEN UNIVERSE DECIMATION #1 - The time for revelations is over!

- BEST OF CROCK - A Hardcover collection of the comic strip's greatest hits!

- DAN DARE #1 - Return of the classic British SF hero!

- DANGER DOLL SQUAD #1 - Crossover time!

- DOCTOR WHO LOST DIMENSION SPECIAL #1 - Tying into the event!

- EVIL WITHIN #2 - The survival horror series continues!

- FIGHTING AMERICAN #1 - The return of the classic Simon and Kirby character!

- HARBINGER RENEGADE #8 - Massacre!

- LOST FLEET CORSAIR #4 (OF 4) - The SF novel adaptation concludes!

- MEDISIN #5 - Facing the deadly Malady!

- PENNY DREADFUL #6 - Spinning off from the TV series.

- SHINOBI NINJA PRINCESS LIGHTNING ONI #2 - The mystery behind a deadly attack.

- WARHAMMER 40000 DAWN OF WAR III #3 (OF 4) - Based on the classic strategy game!

- WOLFENSTEIN #2 (OF 2) - Based on the classic videogame!

    And that's it!

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Shadowman Rae Sremmurd #1

    I may know a  bit about comic books, but as a geezer I know squat about hip hop music.

   So I had no idea who or what Rae Sremmurd might be, and how they / it was connected to Shadowman.

   Turns out that they're real-life musicians, made up of brothers Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi.

   According to this story, they gained success thanks to an agreement they signed with the Devil - which explains their quick success - but then the Devil shows up to claim their souls.

   The issue features a cameo by Dr. Mirage and takes us to the Deadside, where Shadowman lives and works to undo the curse.

   The story by Eliot Rahal is pretty straightforward - your typical "deal with the devil" kinda thing - but the art by Renato Guedes is tremendous, with a painted, realistic approach to the action and characters.

   Fans of the group will enjoy their appearance here - and even if you don't know anything about the group (like some people I could name), it's still a fun tale.

Grade: B+

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Monday, October 9, 2017

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" - Movie Trailer

   The new trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, was rolled out this evening, and it certainly looks impressive. Check it out:

  

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Justice League #30

   The Justice League under writer (and occasional artist) Bryan Hitch has been all about playing out stories on a VERY BIG STAGE - and this issue, the latest chapter in the Legacy story, follows that pattern.

   Unlike some of the previous epics, this story actually has an emotional connection as a somewhat-mysterious group of young adults appear, claiming to be the children of members of the League.

   They're here to stop a terrible menace that destroyed the future - but it has followed them through time and promises more of the same.

   It's a story that can be  bit of a struggle to keep up with, as there are a lot of elements in play: who is Sovereign? What happened to change Aquaman in the future? Why is the Darkness attacking Wonder Woman? What is the real mission of the heroes from the future?

   It can be a bit much, but it's compelling and well worth sorting out.

   Throw in some terrific, Hitch-like art by Fernando Pasarin, inked by Andy Owens, Mick Gray, Batt and Scott Hanna, colors by Brad Anderson, and you have a heckuva story unfolding here.

   Recommended!

Grade: A-

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Saturday, October 7, 2017

Paper Girls #16

   If you're looking for a unique time traveling, science fiction story that stars four girls, look no further - Paper Girls is back from its regularly-scheduled, thankfully brief hiatus.

   We've followed the four - Erin, Mac, Tiffany and KJ - as they've traveled into the distant past, and now to their own future in the year 2000, as the Y2K virus takes effect (you may remember events differently).

   They became separated because of the events that led to their return to the present (about which we'll say no more, lest we spoil the fun), and they find lots of changes - and a menace that starts at the local Applebees, spills across the city, and has ties in the future and a devastated present day (whatever that is).

   It's a terrific series, and it's well worth tracking down the trade reprints of earlier issues so you can hit the ground running here.

Grade: A-

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Friday, October 6, 2017

The Archies #1

   When I visited the comics shop this week, I didn't plan to pick up this issue.

   But when I walked up to the checkout, my comics shop owner held out the first issue of The Archies and said, "You wanted this one, right?"

    I was torn - I usually just buy the Archie title, but I do try to give new series a shot.

   I asked, "Did you order it just for me?" He replied, "Yes - didn't you ask me to get a copy for you?"

    I had to think about that one. Had I requested one? I was pretty sure I hadn't - but I know fate when I see it, so I bought it.

    And the issue is... ok. Not great, but ok.

   It follows the newly-created band that includes Archie, Betty, Veronica, Jughead and - surprisingly enough - Reggie. But like any band that ever was, there are problems - agreeing on songs, getting to rehearsal, and what to do when they start enjoying some success.

   It's a solid effort, with a good script and fun, vivacious artwork - but it's not an easy fit, placing these characters into a band and making it work.

   And will they ever play their biggest hit in the real world: "Sugar, Sugar?"

   Future issues will tell the tale!

Grade: B

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Thursday, October 5, 2017

The Avengers #672

   Happy to see the return of the original numbering to The Avengers!

   The issue also does something I usually don't like - namely, cross over with a different comic (in this case, The Champions).

   That's ok, because: 1) I read both titles; 2) It's limited to just those titles; and 3) Mark Waid writes both books.

   The story touches on a classic concept - Counter-Earth!

   Created by the High Evolutionary as a duplicate of our Earth - but orbiting on the opposite side of the sun - it's been a while since it was used, but here it provides the springboard for a menace that will require two teams of heroes!

   This is a traditional super-hero team-up comic, which makes it, in my book, a lot of fun. It includes a deadly menace to the planet, heroes working together in new and interesting mini-teams and combinations, and a lot of humor.

   With terrific art by Jesus Saiz, this is a great start to the series of crossovers. Recommended!

Grade: A-

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Wednesday, October 4, 2017

New Comics Day

   Here's what I picked up at the comics shop today:

- AVENGERS #672 - Worlds Collide!

- BANE CONQUEST #6 (OF 12) - When Kobra strikes!

- HAWKEYE #11 - Showdown with Madam Masque!

- JESSICA JONES #13 - Return of the Purple Man.

- JUSTICE LEAGUE #30 - The Great Darkness is growing.

- PAPER GIRLS #16 - A new story begins!

- USAGI YOJIMBO #162 - Finding a killer!


(I'd hoped to pick up CHARLTON ARROW #1 - but my shop didn't have a copy, so it's on backorder.)


   And I received review copies of these comics:

- AMERIKARATE #7 - A new cyborg in town.

- BEAUTIFUL CANVAS #4 - The end - and the beginning.

- BUBBLEGUN VOL 2 #5 - The high tech finale!

- HERO CATS #19 - Winter is here.

- KIM AND KIM LOVE IS A BATTLEFIELD #3 - A bounty and a giant robot.

- MILLENNIUM GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE #2 (OF 2) - On the run!

- MIRACULOUS ADVENTURES LADYBUG CAT NOIR #3 - The trash Krakken!

- QUAKE CHAMPIONS #2 (OF 4) - Based on the classic game!

- SHADOWMAN / RAE SREMMURD #1 - A crossover event!

- SHERLOCK THE GREAT GAME #3 (OF 6) - Continuing the Manga adaptations of the BBC TV series.

- TOYETICA #3 - Secrets are revealed!

And that's it!

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Marvel Legacy #1

   This is a crazy quilt issue, written by one writer - Jason Aaron - and drawn by a small army of artists (15 are credited) - and it's tackling a big job.

   Marvel Legacy is the first step as the House of Ideas tries to right its ship and get things back under control.

    The issue starts in the distant past as some characters with links to modern-day heroes tackle a cosmic challenge - and it's a world-shaking menace that will affect the modern-day Marvel heroes.

   The comic checks in with virtually every major hero - where they are, what they're dealing with - and there are a few surprise appearances, and the book teases the long-overdue return of more than one character.

   It's hard to give this issue high marks because it's all over the place - but it's really just an introduction to "what comes next."

   It does that job well, and it certainly offers some hope for better things ahead, and (hopefully) a return to greatness for some of Marvel's top characters.

   It's too soon to tell if the Legacy story will actually get Marvel back on track, but it's at least a solid start on that road. Fans across the globe are hoping for the best!

Grade: B+

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Monday, October 2, 2017

The Gifted - TV Review


   In a season with a smattering of new super-hero-based TV shows, The Gifted shines bright.

   The Fox series is set firmly in the X-Men cinematic universe, although we don't see any of that team (but at least we get an explanation of why - sort of).

   The show follows a traditional Marvel Comics-style story as we see young mutants on the run from law enforcement and a team of experienced mutants doing their best to rescue those mutants and move them to a safe refuge.

   We're introduced to some new and some familiar characters (at least to those of us who've been reading the X-Men comics for a long time), including Lorna Dane, Blink, and John Proudstar.

   The focus is on the Strucker family, as their teenage son and daughter reveal that they are mutants - which is a shock to their father, who's a prosecuting attorney dealing with captured mutants. (No mention of Baron Strucker so far.)

   The big bad in the series is Sentinels Services, a government agency out to track down mutants (and that's my only beef with the series - it seems a bit lazy to make the big bad government the villain). So that paramilitary force is on the hunt, and they have some impressive weapons in their arsenal.

   The effects are very good and the characters are an interesting mix - and there are several surprises along the way.

   I'm not sure where the story goes from here, and that's a good thing! So far, I'm impressed - I've added the show to my DVR "pull list." As long as they stay close to the original comics concepts, I think the show will do well.

   Recommended!

Grade: A

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Sunday, October 1, 2017

All New Soulfire #7 (of 8)

   Stories of magic can be a bit much to sort out sometimes, with lots of characters with strange names, stranger powers and mysterious motivations.

   All New Soulfire suffers a bit from all that, and can be a challenge for a new reader - but this issue manages to overcome those problems by serving up an intense, emotional story that promises big changes for the series.

   Death has arrived for a central character, and the event has a devastating effect on those left behind - and that's just the beginning of the story, as revelations about the nature of reality - and the path for the future - shake up everyone's existence.

   It's a powerful tale, and it sets up an explosive finale.

   I don't always "click" with this series, but this issue stands above previous attempts, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Grade: A-

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