August 21st, 2024

Rob's Picks:

Wolverine: Revenge #1 - Red Band Edition
This extra-violent issue from Jonathan Hickman and Greg Capullo puts Wolverine through his bloodiest battle yet. Set in the Savage Land, Logan is taking what he considers a relaxing, albeit occasionally gory, vacation. However, his downtime is cut short when Nick Fury arrives with dire news: while Logan was duking it out with dinosaurs, an apocalyptic disaster wiped out half the Earth. As one of the few survivors capable of confronting those responsible, Wolverine teams up with Captain America and the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to take on a coalition of villains that includes both bitter enemies and old friends. This book doesn’t pull any punches—the action is relentless, graphic, and no character is safe. Hickman and Capullo take some big swings, setting up this four-issue series to be a rollercoaster of hard-hitting action.

Standstill #1
Image Comics delivers this week’s best all-new series with Standstill, a high-concept crime thriller in the vein of The Scumbag and Sex Criminals. A spree of impossible crimes is sweeping the globe, leaving government agents, organized crime, and conspiracy theorists alike grasping for answers. Behind it all is a mysterious man in a Hawaiian shirt—a rogue whose jocular exterior hides a sinister streak, armed with the power to stop time. Lee Loughridge’s writing strikes a perfect balance between cheeky and serious, while also serving as the book’s colorist, working alongside artist Andrew Robinson. Together, they’ve crafted a visually stunning comic that exemplifies the evocative power of color and framing, rivalling even Ain’t No Grave. This is a big recommend for anyone in the mood for a high-stakes caper.

Predator Versus Black Panther #1
The Predator invades Wakanda! Following the success of last year’s Predator Versus Wolverine, Marvel has brought back writer Benjamin Percy for another thrilling hunt. The story begins in space, where two Yautja princes are locked in a brutal rivalry. Their war brings one of them to Earth, searching for a material that could tip the scales—vibranium. But like any invader who sets their sights on Wakanda, they’ll have to face the Black Panther. This matchup might be the most intriguing the Predator has ever had, as T’Challa is not only a formidable hunter and warrior but also just as technologically advanced as the Yautja. Artist Chris Allen fills the panels with intricate detail, especially when it comes to the alien and Wakandan supertech. Predator Versus Black Panther is a fantastic follow-up to the Wolverine Vs. series.

Solomon's Picks:

Predator Versus Black Panther #1
Predator Versus Black Panther offers an intriguing start to Marvel’s latest event, diverging in tone from the recent Predator Vs. Wolverine while still delivering a satisfying read. Crafted by Benjamin Percy, Lee Furgoson, and Chris Allen, this issue spends considerable time delving into the inner workings of the Predator clan and their acquisition of a vibranium spear. Central to the narrative is an epic battle and hunt between two Yautja brothers vying for the throne. While the storyline will feel familiar to fans of Black Panther, the Predator subplot adds a fresh, captivating twist that elevates the book. The setup promises an intense clash between two iconic hunters, leaving readers eager for the next installment. This series is definitely one to add to your pull list—you won’t want to miss it!

Jenny Sparks #1
Tom King and Jeff Spokes kick off a promising new series with Jenny Sparks #1. Anticipation has been high for this title, especially with King at the helm, and the debut doesn’t disappoint. This first issue is packed with content, and while I'll steer clear of spoilers, it’s safe to say that Jenny herself is a compelling character who is well re-introduced to the audience. The tone of the story is engaging, and although the dialogue can be dense at times, it never drags. However, the issue does suffer from a sense of disorganization, frequently jumping between different characters in the DC universe. This leaves the title character somewhat underserved, but overall, it’s an enjoyable read that sets the stage for an intriguing series. I recommend picking it up—there’s a lot to look forward to in this story.

Lawful #3
Lawful’s third issue arrived this week, and it’s fantastic! This installment finally gives our main character, Sung, a task, showcasing just how drastically the “corruption” affects the citizens of New Sanctum. While the first two issues focused on world-building, this one dives straight into the action, thrusting the cast into immediate danger. Angered by the truths revealed in the last issue, Sung takes matters into his own hands, launching an investigation into the kingdom’s mysterious happenings, directly breaking the law and accelerating the curse in the process. Interestingly, Sung appears to be succumbing to the curse much faster than others, raising questions about whether the laws he’s breaking are more severe or if it’s just a narrative choice to keep the story intense. The plot is heating up, so if you haven’t started this series yet, now’s the time to jump in!