SPOILERS BEWARE!!
Other people's reviews below, one for each issue, but my mini-reviews first.
Sometimes these links do not work with this site and you have to copy and paste them instead.
https://comicbookroundup.com/comic-books/reviews/marvel-comics/x-men-united-(2026)
Emma Frost begins the first day of school with Debussy’s String Quartet in G Minor. It’s playing on a classy, old radio set but it’s also playing through the minds of a whole bunch of students all over the world. The school at Graymatter Lane is a psychic institute for learning for people who have been cursed and/or gifted with super powers at birth. Welcome to X-Men United #1. Writer Eve Ewing opens a new chapter for the X-Men in an issue that is brough to page and panel by artist Tiago Palma and color artist Brian Reber.
The Debussy is elegantly energizing stuff on which to open the first day of class. Kind of relaxing, but also a bit nerve-jangling...a bit like Frost herself. She’s not the headmistress of the school, though. She’s deferred THAT role to a certain Ms. Katherine Pryde. The two have a history that goes back quite a ways. Relations haven’t been great in the past, but they’re getting along now. And they NEED to...it’s going to be a busy day in the Danger Room with both Wolverines teaching basic combat techniques and an excursion to France to offer an invitation to a mutant who is in trouble. Then there’s some concern about Scott not exactly being onboard with the whole idea...
A little bit of time in the danger room. A mutant in danger. An invitation to join the school. A cliffhanger ending. It’s a formula that’s worked exceedingly well over the decades with the X-Men. In one format or another it goes all the way back to the first issue in 1963. It’s weird to think that the basic framework of this story goes all the way back to something as simple as five heroes and a villain back in the first issue. Ewing has the added challenge of navigating the dizzying politics of over 60 years of history with the team. Ewing does an impressive job of juggling everything in the team’s history without it all crashing into itself.
Palma respectably establishes the setting of Greymatter Lane. though the backgrounds aren’t quite as elegant as they would need to be in order to truly do justice to the kind of architecture that Emma Frost would have constructed for the space. Drama is competently drawn to page and panel amidst action the feels more or less well-prepared for the page...though the Danger Room at Greymatter doesn’t come across quite as iconically as X-Mansion’s Danger Room often did in the original series.
Things are big and complicated in the extended X-Men end of the current Marvel Universe. Lots of characters. Lots of moving parts. Lots of inner and outer conflicts. It would seem kind of absurd to try to cram everyone under a single cover the way this title seems to be attempting. Thankfully...the series seems to be in remarkably good hands with Ewing. She’s done an admirable job keeping everything well-composed.
Grade: B
Some things are certain: Death, Taxes and drama in Matt Murdock’s life.
Settling in as professor at Empire State University, the polarizing lawyer is taking a new approach to his daytime work. Is it too good to be true? As far as being the Guardian of Hell’s Kitchen, it’s business as usual. A new player named The Omen is on the scene. Dead bodies have been racking up and Matt’s name is on the hit list!
DAREDEVIL #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett, Frank Martin, & Ariana Maher (MARVEL COMICS) blazes a new path for ol’ Hornhead.
Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding now.
DAREDEVIL #1 by Stephanie Phillips, Lee Garbett, Frank Martin, & Ariana Maher (MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Phillips gives readers a very clean slate to walk into this character’s new direction. The opening pages is vintage Daredevil in action. His inner monologue is solid for giving a quick version of what he “sees”. Once events shift back into Matt Murdock time, it is very evident of how flawed he truly is. The interactions with his students demonstrates an unorthodox way of presenting the material. It is a refreshing change but not before teasing a fun interaction with Sari Ellison. The banter is light as more serious elements are swinging into view.
Readers see the Omen’s handi-work in full view. The horrific crime scene teases more trouble on the horizon. Phillips breaks it down with precise accuracy to quickly establish the threat. There’s a slight chill with the coroners words. After a quick interlude involving the new job, Daredevil’s time to investigate comes into focus. There is a healthy dose of Murdock internalizing every action. It sets up a strong finish. The final act gives the Omen more time to elude to the future. Events close with a bold action and unforgettable parting shot. This is everything you could want from a first new issue and direction.
Garbett and Martin gives DD’s latest rogue a solid debut in the first page. Foreshadowing what’s coming leads to an easy transition to present time. The incredible two-page spread spotlights Daredevil at work. It’s presenting all you think of with DD in action, right down to the sly smirk. The half page of him hiding in shadows closes the fighting for now to move into lighter territory. Murdock’s time as a professor is filled with uncomfortable interactions and downplayed expressions. A far cry from the Omen’s latest spot.
The subway scene builds into the gruesome discovery of the victim. Panels show just enough before exposing the remains. This leads into more actions scenes fans will rave about. The near full shot of Murdock descending onto criminals sets the pace for the quick fight. Presenting the different costumes (even the DD “armor” one) is a nice touch to the internal struggle taking place. Once finished, the final act has more of a suspenseful feel. Omen’s full page image is greeted by DD’s growing anger. Readers get one more quick fight before everything comes crashing down. The final full page leaves no doubt of what problems are surfacing with more to come.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3
Matt Murdock may have a new start but problems still find their way to Hell’s Kitchen. Phillips pens a superb introduction into the complex world of Daredevil. Garbett and Martin hit readers with a strong dose of action and intrigue. The Man Without Fear is back with a vengeance readers can’t afford to miss!
Let me know your thoughts on DAREDEVIL #1in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
The Fantastic Four received a message from Galactus beckoning Sue Storm. The team arrived to find Galactus slowly being destroyed by the Invincible Woman, a version of Sue Storm who destroyed her own planet by accident. After lobotomizing herself to rid herself of the remorse, Sue battles the Fantastic Four in a quest to ensure their destruction.
Creative Team
Writer: Ryan North
Penciller: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos
Cover Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Published by Marvel Comics
Writing
Ryan North continues his fantastic run on Marvel’s first family. Seeing the scientific thought that North puts into his work really sets his time on the Fantastic Four apart from other writers. It feels like North not only considers how four superheroes would utilize their powers, but also how they would utilize their minds to maximize their powers.
At its core, issue 9 of Fantastic Four shows us that power and how you use it is the core, the heart of the Fantastic Four. The Invincible Woman arc has been about the use of power, restraint, and teamwork. That continues in this issue. North continues to write stories that feel not only like superhero stories but also part science fiction, and it’s an amazing combination. Sue’s Malice persona has long been a fan favorite, and North is using the look, albeit with a different Sue, for maximum effect in this story arc.
Art
Humberto Ramos continues to be one of my favorite artists. As much as I enjoy North’s science-based approach to Fantastic Four, it’s the work that Ramos is putting in on the pencils that is bringing it to life. This version of Sue feels legitimately terrifying in both her look and her aura.
Victor Olazaba and Edgar Delgado combine with Ramos lines to bring this story to life. The shadows, the colors, even the invisible outlines all feel poignant. Olazava and Delgado do a masterful job of helping the powers and contributions of each member of the Fantastic Four stand out even when they are working together. These gentlemen help build on North’s underlying themes of power, restraint, and teamwork by highlighting their art how each team member contributes.
Joe Caramagna does an outstanding job helping the story move forward. There are a lot of moving parts in this issue. The added science style thought that North employs when Reed, Johnny, Sue, or Ben are trying to calculate or solve an equation provides the chance for readers to get bogged down, but Caramagna guides them deftly through the story.
Final Thoughts
North continues to craft a modern classic of Fantastic Four stories. When this creative team finally lays down their tools, the run will be remembered among the all-time greats in Fantastic Four history. Everything about this arc, from the art to the writing, feels perfect. I can’t think of a better team to introduce a whole new generation of fans to the Fantastic Four in a meaningful and fun way.
Overall Grade: 10/10
Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable.
When we last left off in Iron Man, our hero arrived just in time to save M.O.D.O.K of all people from being killed by his former A.I.M compatriots. If that wasn’t enough to deal with, Tony is also looking into the schemes of Madame Masque, who had kidnapped young and promising scientists in the twisted goal of creating the next Tony Stark. Oh, and there’s also the matter of him seeing someone new. Needless to say, after only two issues, the Armored Avenger has his hands full. Writer Joshua Williamson isn’t going to let up anytime soon, though, and this issue certainly adds more to the pile. Join me as I break down this issue of Iron Man and give you my thoughts after the fact. Rev up those repulsors, gang!
Warning: The following article contains spoilers for “Iron Man #3”.
Forged in Fire
A fate worse than death. Though, to be honest, I am pretty sure this guy is dead.
A gruesome sight awaits us in the opening pages of the latest issue of Iron Man. A figure stands before Madame Masque and the Fixer within the confines of an unknown A.I.M. base. Well, “stands” isn’t quite the right word. Perhaps stuck? See, this poor soul, identified as Doctor Doeger, is one of the many best and brightest scientific minds that A.I.M. kidnapped in the hopes of creating the newest Tony Stark. Doeger developed a multiversal vibration jumper, an innovative device that allowed him to shift his body to the closest parallel world. Using said device, Doeger made a run for it but unfortunately didn’t take into account the wall that didn’t exist in the parallel world, effectively fusing his body with the wall itself in a grim sight.
One of the prized young scientists that A.I.M. kidnapped, Adam Ware.
Masque is absolutely unbothered by the development, actually framing it as “progress” as she asks for a status report on the rest of the kidnapped geniuses. One such genius captures her attention as she views the monitor screen. Adam Ware, winner of the Tony Stark award, is seen thinking in a meditative state. Masque demands to know what the tech next to him was used for as Fixer explains he used it to briefly hack A.I.M.’s communication systems. Curiously enough, Ware didn’t use it to attempt to escape but rather to check in on his fellow scientists, more concerned with their well being than his own. Masque then cruelly decides that he needs more motivation as A.I.M. guards quickly phase into his holding cell and begin beating him.
Iron Man coming to M.O.D.O.K’s rescue.
We shift gears to return to our titular hero as he finds himself in a bizarre situation: protecting M.O.D.O.K from being assassinated by A.I.M. soldiers! Iron Man repels the soldiers as he demands to know why is it that A.I.M. is trying to kill M.O.D.O.K, historically A.I.M.’s “scientist supreme”. The supervillain with the gigantic head explains that A.I.M. was jealous of his genius and felt threatened by his vision for A.I.M.’s future. As Iron Man takes to the air to clean up the remaining soldiers, M.O.D.O.K - to no one’s surprise, I’m sure - decides to blast Iron Man from behind…only for him to be stopped by Citizen V. Wait, what?
Citizen V comes to Iron Man’s rescue…but isn’t he supposed to be dead?
Citizen V begins taking out more A.I.M. beekeepers as he chastizes Tony for being sloppy and for trusting M.O.D.O.K in the first place (now nursing a broken nose for his trouble). The Armored Avenger is quick to point out V can’t be Zemo (who outside of wearing awful cologne as a tell is very much dead thanks to Dr. Doom). Nevertheless, regardless of who this Citizen V might be, they fight off A.I.M. before leaving, giving Iron Man an ominous warning that “they” are watching him. The crisis abated, at least for now, Iron Man grills M.O.D.O.K as to why exactly A.I.M. wants him dead. The latter explains to the former that there is effectively a civil war brewing within A.I.M and that it is the heroes of the world who will be caught in the crossfire. M.O.D.O.K slyly tries to take his leave but Iron Man ain’t having it. He grabs the supervillain and takes as he asks Melinda to dig deeper into what’s going on with A.I.M. Comically, Iron Man realizes he actually has a date scheduled and activates his hypersonic boosters as poor M.O.D.O.K is dragged along for his own good.
Tony meets up with his current romantic interest, Luna.
Tony arrives somewhat fashionably late to his date with Luna but she cuts him slack given she was late as well given a restaurant emergency. Tony expresses surprise that their date is taking place among food trucks instead of a famous restaurant, but Luna explains that what they do is amazing, bringing food to the people. They have a riveting and deep conservation as Luna explains that they both create things, Luna in the form of food and Tony in the form of his various armors and tech. Whereas Luna creates as a form of love and comfort, Tony creates for survival. She gets to the heart of the matter as she asks Tony pointedly when was the last time he created something for himself, not to save the world or the universe. There’s a great moment here where Tony fondly recalls building something with his father, prompting a rare and genuine smile of happiness from him. Tony, possessing a wry sense of self awareness, quickly starts to joke and brush off the fact he did, in fact, have a moment. Luna isn’t one to let it go so fast as she calls him out on it, but Tony lays on the charm in addition to his deflecting with humor. They’re about to share a kiss when things suddenly get awkward. Pepper arrives, surprised to see Tony here as she explains she was just grabbing something easy for dinner. Tony introduces the two women, but Pepper mentions that they know each other as Luna reminds Tony that Pepper actually hired her to cater his awards. There is a terribly too long silence between the three until Tony’s phone rings, a godsend for the billionaire philanthropist.
Melinda May aka The Calvary remains a trusted ally to Iron Man.
Melinda May is on the other line as she’s in the middle of fighting a group of A.I.M goons. She politely turns down Tony’s offer of back up as she reveals that the civil war between the forces within A.I.M has left the organization in disarray. That said, she does confirm Madame Masque in building something big. Tony cuts his date short, apologizing to Luna who takes it in stride as Pepper acknowledges that Tony at least said goodbye to her (ouch).
A.I.M. has repurposed Tony’s golden hellicarrier from back when he acted as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
We find out through Tony that he’s figured out where Masque’s base of operations is and how she’s always on the move. She acquired Tony’s own helicarrier from waaaay back when he was running S.H.I.E.L.D., repairing and refitting the vessel for her own ends through a shell company. Tony arrives at said repurposed helicarrier, donning a stealth variant of his Iron Man armor. He’s still talking to Melinda as he explains why and how it’s a bad idea to steal from him as he’s able to track down the helicarrier and break into it. He did build it, after all. Melinda starts to cut out as Iron Man points out the signal is fading as he advances further within his former base of operations. He gains access to the cameras as he finds the kidnapped scientists…only for Madame Masque to get the drop on him.
Iron Man is trapped within his former base of operations thanks to Madame Masque.
Before she can finish her sentence, Iron Man unleashes a repulsor ray…which harmlessly passes through Masque as she’s actually just a hologram, not the real deal. Unbothered, Iron Man reveals he knows what she’s up to and that she doesn’t need to create the next Tony Stark when he’s right there. He offers to surrender himself over to her in exchange for the release of the prisoners. Our comic then rapidly arrives at its conclusion as Masque gives him a counteroffer: they all stay. In a mind bending sequence, Iron Man plummets further into the depths of his former helicarrier as Masque reiterates that she does want to make a new Stark. She reveals she found all his deleted files and discarded plans, the things that should never see the light of day as Iron Man finds himself trapped. When he first thought he was going to die, he developed the Iron Man armor, a technological marvel in every sense of the word. As our comic ends, Masque ominously asks him what he will create now.
An A List Comic for an A List Superhero
“Mad” seems to be an understatement.
In a way, Iron Man is a unique character in Marvel in the sense he’s now a household name and arguably the most well known Avenger thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and his once in a lifetime portrayal courtesy of Robert Downey, Jr. while also simultaneously being, in this reviewer’s humble opinion, slept on in the actual comics. While I’ve always been fond of Shellhead and have argued quite passionately that the character has always been an A-lister within the context of the Marvel Universe itself (not talking about his popularity, but his status within the narrative), his rogues gallery has largely been seen as “outdated and offensive stereotype Fu Manchu type villain” and “guys with armor”. Joshua Williamson is cooking up something fresh and unique with the series that looks to revitalize not just Tony’s enemies but Tony himself, which is something I’m all for.
The concept of a supervillain civil war is something that interests me, especially given the overused trope of heroes fighting one another. Advanced Idea Mechanics is a great villainous faction in the Marvel Universe just because their goals are less mustache twirling and overtly evil such as with Hydra. These guys aren’t Nazis or Nazi adjacent but just tech bros who want to weaponize science and profit in the meantime. Having various branches of A.I.M. at each other's throats gives us a looming and legitimate threat that isn’t something that Iron Man can just punch or blast (though those things will help!). Masque’s grand plan is revealed as she finally captures Tony himself and presumably wants to recreate conditions even more dire than the fateful day Tony was captured and had to develop his first suit of armor to survive and escape. And with plenty of the world's best and brightest imprisoned, it stands to reason there’s a ton of resources for her and A.I.M to exploit in addition to Tony himself. This arc looks to reposition Masque as a dangerous foe beyond just being able to seduce Tony.
Who is Citizen V if it isn’t Baron Zemo?
Outside of A.I.M.’s machinations laid bare, this issue also introduces a mystery to mull over in the form of Citizen V. The alter ego of Baron Zemo made (in)famous all the way back to the original Thunderbolt days, we know that this V couldn’t possibly be Zemo himself, who was killed by Doom. We didn’t get a whole lot of clues outside of V knowing Tony pretty well and revealing that he’s a part of a larger group keeping tabs on him. Perhaps this imposter is one of the Illuminati, who we discovered back in the first issue of this series is concerned to say the least as it pertains to Tony. Also interesting to note that the Fixer is a major player in this story, working alongside Madame Masque. Long time fans will know that the Fixer was also a member of the Thunderbolts, the team that Citizen V is most associated with. Hard to believe it’s a coincidence. And M.O.D.O.K was an absolute delight, the freak.
Awkward….
The budding romance between Luna and Tony was well written but if I’m being perfectly honest, I can’t say I’m terribly invested in them as a couple. I feel Pepper is - rightfully so - Tony’s greatest romantic interest and it feels as if it will be only a matter of time before they get back together. Hopefully. I also have to bring up how much I actually liked Tony’s marriage to Emma Frost and think they make a fantastic odd couple. All of this is to say that I don’t dislike Luna as a character, but she has a ways to go before I consider that their attraction will lead anywhere substantial.
A rare moment of the real Tony Stark. No quips, no jokes. Just a genuine fond memory.
William’s writing is joined by the talents of Carmen Carnero as our artist and Nolan Woodard as our colorer. The action in this issue is bright and vibrant, kinetic with every deliberate blast or punch delivered. It’s a good fit for Iron Man to say the least, especially with the focus on foes that aren’t just armor clad villains. Really has me pumped to see what the series will cook up next! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. In addition to the action on full display in this issue, we also get well crafted softer and more intimate moments. The exchange between Luna and Tony was well done and the warm tones of the food truck date really captured a down to earth and quiet moment that injected a sense of realism and relatability in a book that focuses on one on the the most intelligent and wealthiest men in Marvel that, given enough time, can build a suit to fight literal gods. There’s some subtle work here, notably in body language, that really amplifies the moment between the two (there’s also a blink and you miss it Jay and Silent Bob cameo). Coupled with the heartwarming flashback with Tony and his dad, the whole scene was really well done and Carnero and Woodard absolutely enhanced Williamson’s writing. The final act of the book, which gives as a nice throwback to the post Civil War era of Iron Man, also gifted us with a great rendition of Iron Man’s stealth infiltrator armor and if you’re anything like me, any opportunity to showcase different Iron Man suits is a welcome one.
Final Thoughts and Review
Being perfectly frank with you, I have a hard time understanding what this page was conveying. Illusions? Augmented reality? In any case, it looked great!
Joshua Williamson delivers another solid entry in his ongoing Iron Man series that doesn’t waste any time ramping things up. I’m pleasantly surprised to see how fast the arc is advancing without feeling rushed and it makes the title a worthwhile read that values the reader’s time, rewarding long time readers with well crafted throwbacks and references while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Final Review: 9/10
Tony being his worst enemy unfortunately checks out.
Iron Man #3 is practically perfectly paced and offers a masterful blend of action, intrigue, and character work that feels like we’re in the midst of what hopefully will go down as a modern classic. The theme of the issue is all about creation and Joshua Williamson, Carmen Carnero, and Nolan Woodard have certainly created a super entry in one of Marvel’s most enduring and beloved heroes.
Batman #8 is written by Matt Fraction and published by DC. Artwork is by Ryan Sook, colours by Tomeu Morey and letters by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is also by Jorge Jiménez.
Batman #8 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
A hero. A villain. A reporter. Three old men, on one night in Gotham, each have encounters that will reverberate across their city forever. Series writer Matt Fraction is joined by sensational guest artist Ryan Sook for an unforgettable new chapter of the Caped Crusader’s ongoing story.
Review
After nimbly reintroducing Joker last month Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez‘s Batman is pivoting this week to something a little different. With a big summer ahead of them, leading into the “Bad Seeds” event later in the year, the team is laying the groundwork for big things to come. A trio of stories, brought to life by guest artist Ryan Sook this month, explore different corners of the city, giving unique viewpoints on a Gotham poised for disaster.
Fraction and Jiménez‘s Batman has only been with us for 8 short months and yet their interpretation of Gotham feels like decades in the making. With a little foresight and forward planning the pair has set up a solo Bat-title which feels easily capable of balancing the three stories utilised this month to take the city’s temperature. In breaking with their traditional format the pair is able to tease upcoming storylines, show us a different side to Bruce’s vigilante alter-ego and explore tensions on the streets.
Dubbed “Three Old Men One Night in Gotham”, our story opens with Alan Scott – aka Green Lantern – arriving in the city. It seems he’s been summoned to meet with the Dark Knight but is quickly sidetracked by a street gang. The ensuing chaos gives the book a sudden burst of (green) energy and folds Batman into the storyline neatly. Alan and Bruce have a fun dynamic which is teased out through the rest of the book but first we need to see them busting a few skulls.
Elsewhere in Gotham, reporter Jack Dean rides the L Train and debates with a young passenger the merits of why people do what they do. It’s a wonderfully simplified way of seeing two everyday Gothamites debating why Bruce, Dick and the Bat-Family do what they do every night. It’s also juxtaposed perfectly against Bruce and Alan’s coffee and the shady dealings of one Commissioner Savage during a meeting with new Mayor, Pamela Isley.
The Savage/Isley meeting is easily the most insightful of the three stories. It signals ahead to “Bad Seeds” without being clunky about it. The dialogue between the two is pitch perfect in setting up a conflict that will easily push the Bat-Family to breaking point. Savage has always been a man of words but Fraction just seems to effortlessly dig into that and find the most eloquent ways for him to turn even the most staunch vigilante supporter into an adversary.
The moral messaging of Fraction’s story is simple yet methodical in its approach. We see that Bruce simply wants to be seen by the kind (and not so kind) citizens of Gotham. Particularly in areas that seem to be most in need. Even though that visibility is about providing reassurance and protection against Gotham’s dastardly criminals, Fraction finds a way to make the moment feel warm. It’s a softer approach to Batman which I really welcomed when so much of the rest of the book is signalling bad times ahead.
Likewise the duplicity in Savage’s manipulation of Pamela, getting her to sign a declaration of war against the Bat-Family is clean and unmistakable. This is it folks. Gotham will no longer tolerate masked vigilantes and we sure know it has quite a few of them. This no doubt ties into the impetus behind the upcoming Barbara Gordon series and countless other Bat-adjacent stories.
Ryan Sook steps in as guest artist this month giving Batman a slightly different look. Sook’s style isn’t a million miles away from Jiménez and so the two sit side-by-side with little distraction. Sook plays into the darker corners of Gotham a little more, accentuating shadows for a slightly less bright look than Jiménez. Although it’s worth noting this book plays out almost exclusively at night so that helps add to the atmosphere. Tomeu Morey’s colour work helps delineate between the three stories perfectly. The blue of Batman’s cowl cuts through his scenes whilst the green of the Mayor’s office plays into the Poison Ivy palette.
“Operation Peregrine” will kick off properly in next month’s issue but we leave Batman #8 under no false pretences as to what is coming next. Hats off to Matt Fraction for creating an impeccable calm before the storm…
Verdict
Batman #8 is the calm before the storm, masterfully constructed. Fraction uses three interlocking stories to set the stage for all-out war against the Bat-Family with a precision that makes the threat feel genuinely earned.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No comments:
Post a Comment