The Loose End #1 Preview

 

COVER A: ANDY BELANGER

Following hot on the heels of Minky Woodcock: The Girl Called Cthulhu and Heat Seeker: Combusion is this sizzling series from Hard Case Crime. I wonder who Hollywood will pick to play Steven Hollis in the movie adaption? Tom Cruise? Liam Neeson? (Hey, those guys never get old, right?)

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

THE LOOSE END #1 (of 4)

Writer: Dave Dwonch

Artist: Travis Hymel

Publisher: Hard Case Crime, Titan Comics imprint

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On Sale: February 19, 2025

 

A HOMAGE TO CLASSIC 90s CRIME DRAMA MOVIES!

 

Tied up, tortured and thrown into a world of chaos, get ready for the wildest ride of your life!

 

With crushing debt, an aimless career, and a thirst for the high life punching down on him, failing screenwriter Steven Hollis is handed a ticket out of his dead-end lifestyle...an offer he can't refuse from the mob! Now all he has to do is kill the biggest exec in Hollywood.

 

Now, let's take a look inside this upcoming debut:

 

 

 

 

 

Yikes! Hang in there, Steven!

 

Here are more cover options for you:

 

 

COVER B: ROBERT HACK RESERVOIR DOGS HOMAGE (RUNNING ACROSS #1-4)

 

COVER C: TRAVIS HYMEL

COVER D: KIT WALLIS

The Loose End Issue #1 is on sale February 19, 2025 at comic shops and digital. Pre-order now from Forbidden Planet for UK/Europe. Fans and retailers can order from the upcoming December edition of Diamond PREVIEWS.  

 

Thanks to Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime for sharing this preview with us!

Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor #4 Review

 

Writer: Dan Watters

Artist: Kelsey Ramsay

Colorist: Valentina Bianconi

Letterers: Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith

Editor: Jonathan H Wilkins

Art Director: Oz Browne

Cover Artists: VV Glass; Photo; Pedro Andreo & Charlie Kirchoff

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: November 13, 2024

 

The Doctor saved Ruby from a fiery death. But then the Scream Sommelier stole Maria. Will his Cybermen kill the girl like they shot the shoppers in the last mall on Earth? Let's grab our sonic screwdrivers, leap into Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor #4, and see!

 

Story

The Scream Sommelier wants to hear the Doctor scream. He traps the TARDIS in a pocket dimension, but the Doctor refuses to add his fear to the god’s collection. But Ruby’s scream gives the TARDIS a roadmap back to Earth. Now, the Doctor stands in Sanctum Shopping and Dining, wishing the shoppers had nabbed the complimentary tickets for the Holo Theater on the fifteenth floor.

 

Still, the shoppers feel remorse over letting the death of their friends transform them into a mob. Perhaps they can help the Doctor rescue Maria. The Scream Sommelier craves the Doctor's scream. But maybe the shoppers can offer him something else.

 

In Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor #4, the Doctor wants to rescue Maria. But he also wants to know where she belongs. Unlike the shoppers, the little girl didn’t choose to remain in the mall when the last spaceships left Earth. But Maria’s fear is a potent force and gives the Scream Sommelier the means to kill.

 

Dan Watters’ story shows how fear drives us to acts of hatred and intolerance. But fear can also inspire others to acts of hope and inclusion. As the Doctor seeks to frighten the Scream Sommelier, he discovers that what he fears is instead a strength.

 

 

 

Art

Kneeling before the TARDIS, the Doctor clutches Maria’s teddy bear. But when he pulls open a fold of fur, what hides inside the bear spurs him into action. Maria stands amid rows of bottles, their labels marked by writing more akin to a serial killer than a sommelier. The Doctor clutches Maria's bear as he addresses the shoppers from the top of the escalator while Cybermen march across the cobblestones between the shelves of bottles.

 

Valentina Bianconi lavishes vibrant color on Kelsey Ramsay’s art in Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor #4. Swirls of yellow smoke surround the Scream Sommelier. A woman with pink hair shares similar features with other women the Doctor and Ruby met in their travels. Blues and greens dominate the last shopping mall on Earth, belying the residents' fears of Earth's fiery death. But red energy infuses the yellow atmosphere below the surface as the Scream Sommelier opts for a consolation prize.

 

Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith conjure large black uppercase letters into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes bordered by character-specific colors. Words embolden for intonation and swell for volume. Enlarged scarlet dialogue fills pages with fear while rounded Vworps banish it. Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Maria's visit to Sanctum Shopping and Dining was birthed in catastrophe. Ruby's attempt to emulate the Doctor ended in heartbreak. While the Doctor seeks to turn tragedy into triumph in Doctor Who: The Fifteenth Doctor #4, he demonstrates that sometimes a perceived ending is a new beginning.

 

Rating 9.5/10 

 

To preview interior art see my preview at The Dragon's Cache.

Forgotten Runes: Wizard's Cult Preview

 

I love High Fantasy stories, and this one is super-fun. This graphic novel features engaging situations, character growth, and relatable magic-wielders! The stories evoke classic fairy tales while speaking to aspects of modern life. So let's strap on our swords, pack our magical artifacts in our expansion-charmed beaded bags, and leap into this enchanting new graphic novel! Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

 

FORGOTTEN RUNES: WIZARD’S CULT

Author: Joe Rechtman

Illustrator: Reilly Brown

Publisher: Titan Comics

SC, 128 pages, FC, $17.99

ISBN: 9781787741898

On sale December 31, 2024

 

Explore the Runiverse in the comic book debut of the Forgotten Runes Wizards! Perfect for fans of lighthearted, original fantasy stories set in a unique living universe!

 

What begins as a seemingly unconnected series of fantastic tales about disparate wizards – Archmagus Crowley of Atlantis, who has been hired to steal a treasure chest from a ship in the middle of the ocean; Mystic Willow of the Brambles who’s dealing with her own drama, as the humans in a nearby village wrongfully accuse her of abducting children; Alchemist Danny of the Fey’s apprentice begins to suspect her master has been kidnapped and replaced with an imposter – gradually merges into a much larger, and more terrifying tale.

 

Who is Chronomancer George of Dreams, the mysterious narrator guiding us through each amazing story? Are they visions of the past, premonitions of the future, or something far more sinister that threatens the very fabric of the Runiverse itself?

 

Forgotten Runes Wizard’s Cult collects issues 1-4 of the comic of the same name.

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

Whoa! Archmagus Crowley! To quote Ric Ocasek, "You're so illustrious, you call yourself intense!"

Forgotten Runes: Wizard’s Cult is on sale December 31, 2024 at bookstores, comic shops and digital. Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for providing a copy for review! 

For those gamers out there, check out the game at www.forgottenrunes.com!

Groo: Minstrel Melodies #3 Review

 

Writers: Sergio Aragonés & Mark Evanier

Illustrator: Sergio Aragonés

Colorist: Carrie Strachan

Letterer: Stan Sakai

Cover Artist: Sergio Aragonés

Editors: Philip R Simon & Rose Weitz

Designer: May Hijikuro

Digital Art Technician: Adam Pruett

Prepress: Darby McCann

Publisher: Dark Horse

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 13, 2024

 

The minstrel regaled customers in the inn with tales of Groo’s kindness to orphans. As they left Boyce, his daughter requested he tell his ode about the teachers next. So, when he and Kayli discover people seated in an Amphitheater, the minstrel offers to entertain them until the scheduled guest arrives. Will the audience welcome a song about the minstrel's favorite wandering barbarian? Let's tune up our lutes, leap into Groo: Minstrel Melodies #3, and find out!

 

Story

The crowd tells the minstrel that they await a great teacher. Yet when the minstrel tells them about Groo’s adventures in teaching, they jeer. Undaunted, he mentions a teacher once tried to teach Groo how to read and write. Like the minstrel, Abecedario doesn’t give up when Groo fails to progress. But then, Groo is so amiable. What could be more pleasant than devoting his final years to helping the wandering barbarian?

 

In Groo: Minstrel Melodies #3, our hero recognizes a word on a sign and misinterprets the writer’s intent. Still, Groo is grateful for Abecedario’s teaching. He wants to repay Abecedario’s kindness by passing on his skills. First, Groo shows people how he does things. But they can't replicate what comes naturally to him. So, Groo decides to teach people how to fight. He’s good at that, right?

 

Most generals know that an army wins more battles by working together and following strategies. Groo’s response to conflict injures friends and foes alike. So, Groo teaches townspeople a skill that will protect their livelihoods. Strangely, they don’t ask him for another lesson either.

 

Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier’s story reminds us that mastering skills doesn't mean you can impart them to others. It also reveals some interesting responses to education. Adults readily assume they know enough to get by. Even when someone demonstrates skills that could improve their lives, they prefer doing things like they’re used to. Yet all too often, they will empty their leather pouches of Kopins to hear a speaker with credentials and a reputation for excellence, even if they learn nothing of value.

 

Art

The minstrel sits on a broken stone pillar, evoking the ruins that impressed Groo in Restos. Birds flutter down upon the arbor to watch. Sergio Aragonés uses puffy cloud dividers to showcase the Minstrel and Groo in the same panels. Adults respond to Groo with dumbfounded expressions or run away in terror. An exception is a woman with Princess Leia hair and a similarly fiery temperament. Children return Groo’s smiles. Were they orphans, they would likely welcome him as a parent. The minstrel’s magical song conjures a dragon, a volcano, an octopus, a character close to a certain letterer’s heart, and other delights to dance upon the neck of his lute.

 

Carrie Strachan lavishes a loaded palette on Groo: Minstrel Melodies #3. The minstrel's hat and collar match Groo’s toga, while the coins spilling out of his treasure chest match Rufferto’s coat and the minstrel's lute. While Groo sports yellow and small amounts of red, he trains an army clad in red with small amounts of yellow. A school teacher’s lavender dress matches the distant hills and the top of the great teacher's wagon. Yet the blue banners in the Amphitheater are a perfect match for Abecedario’s headband and robe.

 

Stan Sakai fills white balloons with generously sized uppercase black dialogue and adorns the minstrel’s lowercase lyrics with red music notes. Rufferto and people's thoughts appear in cloudy balloons, and raised voices appear in stars and tan. After banners bookend Groo’s adventures in instructing, a silent one-page Rufferto story reminds us that people may not always appreciate our help (even if we don’t burn down their village to make them rich). Thanks to Dark Horse Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

In Groo: Minstrel Melodies #3, Groo learns that because you excel at something doesn’t mean adults will want to learn from you. Still, if you embrace life with a positive attitude, children may welcome you as their mentor.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Conan The Barbarian Vol 3 The Age Unconquered: Special Black & White Preview

  

This was a super story arc uniting Conan with King Kull. Jim Zub's story also focuses on the sword that Conan found earlier in his life at the Battle Of Venarium. I don't want to spoil anything, but fans of a certain wizard will rejoice!

Here's all the info from Titan:

 

CONAN THE BARBARIAN VOL. 3: THE AGE UNCONQUERED

Author: Jim Zub

Illustrator: Roberto De La Torre

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

SC, 112 pages, FC, $17.99

ISBN: 9781787740167

On sale November 19, 2024

 

This third volume of the new ongoing comic series is perfect for fans of Robert E. Howard and his immortal creation, Conan the Barbarian. Filled with high adventure, savage combat and rollicking two fisted action!

 

In Conan, Howard forged not only a whole new genre – sword and sorcery, but also created a truly legendary character and a thousand pale imitators. After 90 years Conan still going strong!

 

BY CROM!

 

CONAN VENTURES FORTH TO THE AGE OF ATLANTIS!

 

Often emulated, but never overshadowed, the first and finest hero of sword & sorcery will strive and slay as a Cimmerian must!

 

Sent back in time to the Thurian Age, Conan battles terrifying creatures and meets Kull the Conqueror, a barbarian-king as strong as himself. Although these two legends begin at odds, they quickly realize they must quest together to stop the dark machinations of Thulsa Doom, an ancient necromancer who has contacted a mysterious evil beyond time and space to strengthen his already impressive mystic power.

 

This third volume of Conan the Barbarian features an action-packed story written by Jim Zub that would make Robert E. Howard proud and dynamic pulp-infused artwork by Rob de la Torre! These two titans of the comic world have breathed new life into one of the most recognizable characters in fiction and, in doing so, unleash a fantastic tale for readers, new and old!

 

Collects issues #9-12 of the acclaimed comic series.

 

Although this collection was printed in full color, here's a special treat: a preview of Roberto De La Torre's Black & White unlettered art. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Conan the Barbarian Vol. 3: The Age Unconquered is on sale November 19, 2024 at bookstores, comic shops and digital.

 

Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!

  

Minor Arcana #3 Review

 

Writer, Artist & Colorist: Jeff Lemire

Letterer: Steve Wands

Cover Artists: Jeff Lemire, Frany, Gabriel H Walta & Jesse Lonergan

Designers: Tom Muller & Grace Park

Editors: Maya Bollinger, Eric Harburn & Matt Gagnon

Publisher: Boom! Studios

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 13, 2024

 

Something is happening in Limberlost that defies Theresa’s understanding. Her first psychic reading for Jean Tremblay frightens Theresa. While she fled the insanity of the experience for the calming succor of bourbon, a beggar observed Theresa’s dilemma. He wondered aloud at the trials awaiting her, seemingly speaking with an invisible presence. What does fate have in store for Theresa? And can she do anything to prepare for the challenges ahead? Let’s grab our Tarot decks, leap into Minor Arcana #3, and find out!

 

Story

After returning to Limberlost, Theresa visited Melissa’s house. She watched her High School friend through the window. But the sight of Melissa’s husband banished any thoughts of a reunion. After leaving the Crown Tavern in Minor Arcana #3, Theresa walks toward Melissa’s house. Once, they were closer than sisters. Perhaps they can’t return to that earlier time. Still, Theresa needs Melissa.

 

Sadly, their impromptu 4 am reunion doesn’t go well. Instead, it reminds Melissa that her High School is a drama queen, and her husband drives Theresa home in a squad car. Brad’s concerns are less mystical than Theresa’s. Still, as Theresa hints at what she experienced, Brad admits that the world may extend beyond what he can touch and see.

 

Kelly McCabe introduced herself when Theresa couldn't face her mother. In Minor Arcana #3, Theresa returns to Stella's Café, and Kelly pours her a coffee. They weren't friends in High School, but they knew each other. Past events drove a wedge between her and Melissa, but Kelly seems interested in Theresa's dilemma. Admitting the truth to a friendly face makes clear what Theresa should do. Now that the alcohol has left her system, Theresa needs the courage to follow her instincts.

 

In Jeff Lemire's story, Theresa faces many battles. She struggles with an inferiority complex. Yet, as Brad admits, Theresa is capable and intelligent. She may have trouble letting people into her life, but Kelly seems willing to befriend her.

 

Perhaps the biggest struggle looming over Theresa in Minor Arcana #3 is her relationship with her mother. When she carved out her beliefs and outlook during her teen years, Theresa decided Vickie was a fraud. Yet, Theresa’s psychic experience clashes with her narrow definitions of reality. She can continue pushing away people and limiting her prospects. Or Theresa can take a page from Brad's book and open herself to new experiences, even if they defy reason.

 

Art

While two goth teens discover the uplifting magic of friendship in her memories, Theresa walks beneath glowing streetlights. Clad in her grandfather's old jacket, sweater, pants, and half-laced-up hightops, she knocks on Melissa's door. While Theresa's expression gravitates between anger, hopelessness, and pleading, Melissa's face remains an angry mask. Yet her hair hints at the same wildness as Theresa’s. Of the three, Brad’s face hints at amusement and concern. Perhaps it is his elfin ears. Still, he radiates peace and caring as the squad car rolls down the street beside the river and the cannery looms in the background.

 

Theresa's red and green jacket suggests the vitality she brings to Limberlost. Brad's blue uniform enhances the green and blue that defines the small town. In the red and purple psychic shop, Theresa clasps the crystal ball. It responds with a hint of yellow but no new revelation. In Stella's Café, Kelly's blond hair echoes the yellow energy that united Theresa and Melissa. Kelly's blue shirt echoes Brad's receptiveness, while her red pendant echoes the red in Theresa's grandfather's jacket. But amid the flowing watercolors of Minor Arcana #3, Jeff Lemire lavishes the most color on Theresa's reunion with Jean Tremblay.

 

Steve Wands conjures black uppercase letters into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. Frequent intonation emboldens and enlarges words. If Theresa’s pounding suggests a cry for help, the slam that makes Brad flinch feels like repudiation. Yet not all knocks will prove unwelcome in Limberlost. Thanks to Boom! Studios for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Theresa fights to throw off the shackles of her limited viewpoint and embrace a new outlook that will allow her to grow. Perhaps it’s not a religious experience. But in Minor Arcana #3, Theresa ponders the possibility of rebirth.

 

Rating 10/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

The Savage Sword Of Conan Vol 1 Preview

 

Titan Comics published the first issue of Savage Sword back in March. But if you missed it, don't worry about making a sacrifice to Crom! Instead, you can pick up a trade paperback containing the first three issues! These new Black & White series comics honor of this hallowed title, and are well worth picking up. And in case you missed my earlier reviews, I'll include a link to the first issue at the bottom of this post. 

Here's all the info from Titan:

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN VOL. 1

Author: Jim Zub and John Arcudi

Illustrator: Max Von Fafner

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

SC, 208 pages, B&W, $24.99

ISBN: 9781787744318

On sale November 19, 2024

 

CONAN RETURNS, UNLEASHED, UNBRIDLED AND UNCENSORED!

 

The Savage Sword of Conan is back from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics! This first volume collects the first three issues of the stunning new Savage Sword of Conan magazine.

 

Featuring ALL-NEW Conan comic strips from writers John Arcudi, Jim Zub, Frank Tieri, and artists Max Von Fafner, Richard Pace, Cary Nord. Also featuring a brand-new Solomon Kane strip written and drawn by Patch Zircher and exclusive pin ups and more!

 

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #1:

CONAN THE GENERAL: Promised riches beyond imagining, Conan finds himself bound for war at the head of an exiled Hyrkanian Prince’s army. But when ancient monsters are unleased and the Prince’s recklessness imperils all, Conan will be forced to choose: abandon wealth for safety or face danger head-on to prevent innocent blood from drenching the desert sands.

 

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #2:

Featuring a new CONAN epic from writer Jim Zub and artist Richard Pace, spectacular covers from Dave Dorman and Nick Marinkovich, jaw-dropping art pin-ups, and more.

 

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #3:

Featuring a chilling CONAN tale from writer Frank Tieri and artist Cary Nord, the exciting conclusion of writer/artist Patch Zircher’s SOLOMON KANE epic, a silent Conan story for writer/artist Alan Quah, a tantalizing sneak peak of John C. Hocking’s novel CONAN: CITY OF THE DEAD, jaw-dropping covers from Alex Horley and Cary Nord, incredible art pin-ups, and more.

 

Now, let's take a look inside. First up is a preview of Conan The General:

Now, here's a preview of the Soloman Kane story: Master Of The Hunt:

 

 

 

 

The Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 1 is on sale November 19, 2024 at bookstores, comic shops and digital.

 

Order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million and Forbidden Planet for UK. Also available! The Savage Sword of Conan Vol. 1 DM Edition with exclusive cover from Alex Horley. Order now from comic shops, and Forbidden Planet for UK. 

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us! For an indepth look at the first issue in this book, see my review of Savage Sword of Conan #1.

Amazing Spider-Man #61 Review

 

Writer: Joe Kelly

Penciler: Ed McGuinness

Inker: Mark Farmer

Colorist: Marcio Menyz

Dream Sequence Artist: Niko Henrichon

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: John Romita Jr, Scott Hanna & Marcio Menyz; Gleb Melnikov & Richard Isanove; Aaron Kuder & Paul Mounts; Skottie Young; Simone Bianchi; Paolo Mottura

Editors: Kaeden McGahey, Kaitlyn Lindtvedt, Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 13, 2024

 

Aunt May wants Peter to help her with the FEAST center. Shay Marken wants a relationship with him. Randy Robertson tries to further Peter’s photography career by being his agent. Spider-Boy wants Spider-Man to train him. Still, Spider-Man won't let a fiery new villain unsettle his professional, personal, and superhero life, right? So what happens when Doctor Doom offers Spidey a life extension? Let's thwip into Amazing Spider-Man #61 and find out!

 

Story

Shay challenged him to become the Amazing Peter Parker. Aunt May, Randy, and Bailey Briggs also want to share his life. Trying to satisfy his friends and loved ones overwhelms Peter. And the demands never stop. Norman Osborn tried to give Peter a career at Oscorp. But that situation endangered his friends and drew him into policing shady business affairs. A return to the Daily Bugle isn't happening. So, in Amazing Spider-Man #61, Peter embarks on a new career with Randy and lets everyone down.

 

Being Spider-Man is central to Peter’s life because he cares about people. He doesn’t want to end up like Tombstone, filled with power and success but lacking in friends. So, while Spider-Man fights people like Tombstone and rescues people from danger, Peter also fights to support friends and loved ones. Sadly, another villain wants a piece of Spidey's action. 

 

 

 

 

Tombstone tricked Spider-Man into helping him win the New York Gang War. Now, Doctor Doom appeals to Spidey for help. If Spider-Man says No, people die. Doom claims Doctor Strange agreed to a recurring contest between Cyttorak and Earth because he craved more power. Yet Doom mentions the Darkhold, an ancient book of evil written by the elder god Chthon. The Darkholders used spells in the book to create Varnae. That vampire possessed Blade and killed Doctor Strange, prompting Strange's spirit to appeal for help from Doctor Doom. Like Tombstone in the Gang War, Doom protected Latveria from a vampiric invasion and emerged from Blood Hunt as Sorcerer Supreme.

 

In Joe Kelly's story, Spider-Man can't sit back and wait for Doom to play his hand. Cyntros, the first demigod to attack Earth, wields the power that controls the cosmos. While Spider-Man fights to protect people, he must figure out what Doom wants and why the Sorcerer Supreme selected him as Earth's champion. When will Peter Parker get his life together, Aunt May? It won't be in Amazing Spider-Man #61!

 

 

 

 

Art

Ed McGuinness and Mark Farmer portray the barely controlled chaos of Spider-Man's life as items tumble out of his pack while protecting Kevin from Burnout. They contrast the midair fight with Peter's grimaces and shrugs to his friends. A Deadpool patch on Peter's satchel suggests his life would be easier if Spider-Man killed foes rather than apprehending or reforming them. Doom turns an untrained fiery foe into a flock of Phoenixes, further complicating Peter's life. Doctor Doom stands imperious, clad in his metal armor, green tunic, and the Sorcerer Supreme’s Cloak Of Levitation.

 

Later, Spider-Man stalks a roof, gesturing his frustrations over meeting everyone's expectations. The graffiti suggests that New York declines when Peter neglects his superhero duties. Spider-Boy stands before mockups of two A-list villains constructed from wood and metal cans. Then sparks fly from Spider-Boy's head, and he shrinks as Spidey thwips into the sky.

 

 

 

Marcio Menyz lavishes bold colors upon Spider-Man’s fight with Burnout and his meetup with Doctor Doom. Peter spends time with friends and Aunt May amid softer pastels. Cyntros glows red and wields yellow energy that colors captured objects orange and brown. Niko Henrichon adorns pages with a smoky montage of characters' expressions, actions, and a moment that evokes Doctor Strange’s divining on Titan in Avengers: Infinity War. Doom fades away in his green, silver, and red when he clads his champion in green, silver, and red in Amazing Spider-Man #61.  

 

Joe Caramagna’s uppercase black lettering in dialogue balloons and narrative boxes grows bold for inflection, swells and changes color for increased volume, and shrinks for lowered voices. Enlarged and colored dialogue threatens to burst dialogue balloons in Amazing Spider-Man #61. Sound effects introduce a demigod, slam home the futility of fighting Cyntros without help, and remind Spider-Man of his inability to satisfy everyone. Yet an enlarged red scream reminds us that there's no such thing as a free lunch (or life extension). Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Doctor Doom tricked Doctor Strange into giving up the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. In Amazing Spider-Man #61, Doom manipulates Spider-Man into defending Earth in a cosmic contest. If he survives, perhaps Peter Parker will learn why Doom picked him over all of Earth’s mightiest heroes. But first, a man who can’t safely deliver a Rick Jones record to his girlfriend must defeat eight demigods.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.