Working For God In A Godless World Vol 1 Preview

 

 

This is a super-fun manga! I hope to post my review in the next day or two! But if you can't wait, and you need a gift for your favorite manga-loving friend, don't wait! Get the book for them! They'll find it uplifting!

Here's all the info from Titan Manga:

 

WORKING FOR GOD IN A GODLESS WORLD VOL. 1

Author: Aoi Akashiro

Illustrator: Sonsho Hangetsuban

Publisher: Titan Manga (Titan Comics imprint)

SC, 192 pages, B&W, $12.99

ISBN: 9781787743564

On sale December 17, 2024

 

Perfect for fans of isekai with an unusual twist, this tale of finding the divine is a godly treat!

 

When the son of a cult leader is transported to a world without religion he must bring the god he despised with him to save the world!

 

The first volume in an ongoing series (with a hit anime adaptation now on Crunchyroll) Working for God in a Godless World is an all-new take on the isekai genre! When Urabe is sacrificed by his father to the all-powerful Mitama, he prays that he can finally be without religion. He wakes up in a placid world free of faith, and begins a new life there, but when the truth is revealed, that the ruling empire purges the citizens, Urabe must find his faith and summon Mitama to protect them!

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working For God In A Godless World Vol. 1 is on sale December 17, 2024 at bookstores, comic shops and digital.

 

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

 

Pine & Merrimac TP Review

 

Writer: Kyle Starks

Artist, Colorist & Cover Artist: Fran Galán

Letterer: Pat Brosseau

Series & Logo Designer: Nancy Mojica

Collection Designer: Armando Elizondo

Editor: Jon Moisan

Publisher: Boom! Studios

Price: $19.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

Linnea was a homicide detective. But crime scenes traumatized her. She struggled to look at a corpse without vomiting. Linnea tried everything but couldn’t cope with the demands of her chosen profession. Amid the intensity and glamor of the city, she met a professional fighter. His name was Parker. Like her, he had lost someone close to him. Parker left his life in the ring behind to support her new career. Can two people who love each other forge a new life in a small town? Or will their troubled past return to haunt them? Let's leap into Pine And Merrimac TP and find out!

 

Story

Linnea grew up in Jamesport. The picturesque East Coast fishing village boasts two astronauts, three presidents, and four extremely wealthy Americans. It’s a scenic spot of picture-perfect houses, cozy diners, and a detective agency on the corner of Pine and Merrimac streets. Jamesport promises the tranquility Linnea sought after the intense demands of solving murders. Yet it's a curious choice, as Linnea fled Jamesport as soon as she could after her sister’s death.

 

As a husband, Parker is selfless, makes no demands, and always puts her needs first. Linnea decides what cases to take, and Parker helps her solve them. Parker never competes with Linnea in Pine & Merrimac TP. The fighter who rigorously trained his body and mind to win every battle trusts Linnea's decisions and backs her plays with his fighting skills.

 

Linnea’s new lease on life comes at a cost to others. In her former occupation, Linnea protected people by taking violent predators off the streets. By solving crimes, she helped grieving survivors and broken families find closure. Now, Linnea breaks up families and ruins lives by proving spousal infidelity. One such case is Abigail Byrne, who lost her affluent, carefree lifestyle and now sleeps in a homeless shelter. As Jody says about his Army Surplus Store, the worse things are, the better business gets. But when two parents approach Linnea about her daughter, she can’t say No. Perhaps things will turn out differently than with her sister.

 

Kyle Starks eases the tension of Linnea and Parker’s investigation into Tabitha’s disappearance with comic relief and quirky characters. Aside from ever-angry Abigail, there's a none-too-bright biker gang, an Army Surplus Store run by a pacifist, and a senator who believes a secret society's ceremonies can boost his bid to become the fourth President of the United States from Jamesport. Humorous wordplay also enhances the over-the-top situations. But Linnea and Parker's chemistry carries you through Pine & Merrimac TP. The couple knows nothing lasts forever and cherishes every moment together.

 

Art

Fran Galán imbues Linnea and Parker’s life in Jamesport with a dreamlike quality. The story begins with Parker waking her from a blissful sleep with a cappuccino from a local barista. The couple drives a classic muscle car from their lakeside house to the flower-framed entrance of their two-story brick corner office. Galán introduces you to thin, mustachioed Jody, heavyset Abigail, the Jackpot City Demons, and guards wielding assault rifles who know that poor job performance means death.

 

There’s a timeworn quality to Fran Galán’s art in this story set in 2023. Limited color palettes energize the daytime encounters and nighttime fights. Light also plays a significant role in Pine & Merrimac TP. Distant skyscrapers create a diffused glare. Sunlight streams through horizontal blinds in the office and a nearby diner. Moonlight illuminates a sunken cell on an isolated island. The colors suggest they radiate from Linnea as she basks in her husband's love and hopes for the best despite the lessons history has taught her.

 

Uppercase black letters inhabit off-white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. Pat Brosseau helps us hear small gestures, such as the couple's frequent gifting and Linnea pinching herself to fend off more violent reactions to death. Colorful sound effects accompany Abigail’s felonious assault, gunfire, an inflaming situation, and Parker playing Preschool teacher with bikers. Thanks to Boom! Studios for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

After her sister’s disappearance and death, Linnea geared her life around solving murders. But after solving crimes in the big city, life brought her back home, where Linnea investigates another missing person’s case. Fueled by tragic events, humor, and the uplifting power of love, Pine And Merrimac TP is a meditation on the circular nature of existence and the glorious absurdities of life.

 

Rating 9/10

 

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

Savage Sword Of Conan #6 Preview

Cover A: Jason Shawn Alexander

 

What with the holiday season, and getting sick before that, I'm a little behind in my reading, posting, and reviewing. I started reading this issue last night and enjoyed the first half of Jason Aaron's story. I'm looking forward to the Dark Agnes story, not just because I loved Robert E Howard's stories about her, but also because I've enjoyed Piotr Kowalski's art in series like last year's All Eight Eyes and this month's Christmas 365 #1. Here's all the info from Titan Comics:

SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN #6

(W) Jason Aaron, Michael Downs, Matthew John

(A) Geof Isherwood, Piotr Kowalski

Publisher: Heroic Signatures & Titan Comics

B&W, 64pp, $6.99, On sale: Dec 11, 2024

 

THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN continues its triumphant return from Heroic Signatures and Titan Comics!

 

Featuring the conclusion of Jason Aaron and Geof Isherwood's KING CONAN epic two-part comic, a haunting DARK AGNES tale from writer Michael Downs and artist Piotr Kowalski, a chilling Conan prose story from Matthew John, titanic covers from Alex Horley and Jason Shawn Alexander, a slew of astounding art pin-ups, and more - Issue #6 closes out the first year of THE SAVAGE SWORD OF CONAN with a bloody bang!

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are two more cover options:

 

Cover B: Alex Horley

Cover FOC: Jason Shawn Alexander B&W Virgin Variant

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!

 

Christmas 365 #1 Review

 

Writers: Mikey Way & Jonathan Rivera

Artist: Piotr Kowalski

Colorist: Brad Simpson

Letterer: Joshua Reed

Cover Artists: Piotr Kowalski with Brad Simpson

Special Thanks: Ian Sattler

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 4, 2024

 

Peter Rockwell is depressed. Overworked and mourning his father, every day is a struggle to get by. While he is losing touch with his family, Christmas looms. Can Peter get through the holidays and get back in touch with his family? Let's grab a glass of eggnog, leap into Christmas 365 #1, and find out!

 

Story

The kitchen in Peter's house is a hive of activity. Alice steers little Steven and Susan through breakfast while arguing with Tina about propriety in teenage relationships. Steven is more interested in terrorizing Susan than eating. Peter's oldest child is upset with her dad for missing her high school play. Alice reminds Peter that he's letting them down. Peter vows to be better. But her loving suggestion feels like another demand.

 

Before Peter enters the office, the assault begins in Christmas 365 #1. His manager insinuates Peter must step up. Victor increases the pressure by purchasing the boss a gift over the proposed spending limit for employees. Then Victor promises a proposal revision by day’s end, despite shorter holiday hours. Once again, Peter arrives late to be with his family.

 

In Mikey Way and Jonathan Rivera’s story, Peter and his father always made a big deal out of Christmas. But Peter couldn't face celebrating the holidays without his dad. Steven preys on Susan's fears that their dad will skip Christmas this year. So when they get to the mall, Peter lifts Susan onto his shoulders while they wait to see Santa. Walking alongside, Steven may be more interested in his tablet than Santa. But Peter notices the wonder in his youngest daughter's eyes.

 

In Christmas 365 #1, Peter Rockwell struggles with the demands of parenthood. His daughter’s joy helps him remember how Christmas used to make him feel. So, Peter lets go of his inhibitions and notions of respectability. Instead, he does something to reawaken the child inside him and revive his love for the holiday season. Other adults won’t understand, but Peter wants to turn his life around for his family.

 

Art

Piotr Kowalski kicks off Christmas 365 #1 with a dream sequence. As Peter walks through a storybook town, trying to return home, a malicious snowman and other outdoor decorations pursue him. The inking captures details and shadows, whether caught in folds of fabric or shimmers on glass. The boss’s office evokes M’s in classic James Bond movies. Amid the fine woodwork, loaded bookshelves, and an upholstered door, a portrait of a frowning woman hangs behind the boss. Later, Peter pulls open a drawer in his cubicle, removes a framed childhood photo with his father, and replaces it on a bookshelf.

 

Brad Simpson contrasts muted colors with their brighter cousins to give Piotr Kowalkski’s art a lived-in quality. He intensifies Peter's nightmare by tinging the surrounding outdoor Christmas decorations in red. Simpson brightens the beige, brown, and gray home with plants and the undecorated Christmas tree. Tan, beige, and maroon warm the boss's office. Gray, lavender, and blue cool Peter’s cubicle. The same bright red, green, and yellow in the gold framed photo surround Santa at the mall, helping Peter associate Christmas with happiness and familial celebration.  

 

Joshua Reed decorates sugar cookie dialogue balloons with coal-colored uppercase letters. He adorns a radio news report with scalloped cookie-cutter edges. After crowning domestic chaos with a yellow sound effect, he outlines white narrative boxes with red and green to enhance Peter’s Yuletide eureka in Christmas 365 #1. Thanks to Dark Horse Comics for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Christmas 365 #1 tackles the difficulties of navigating the depression accompanying the holiday season with sitcom humor and a reminder that the best gifts are the times we share with those we love.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

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

Conan The Barbarian #17 Review

 

Writer: Jim Zub

Artist: Danica Brine

Colorist: Jão Canola

Letterer: Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith

Editor: Chris Butera

Cover Artists: Roberto de la Torre, Dean Kotz, Stephanie Lavand, Ace Continuado & Denis Medri

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

Conan and Bêlit have sailed together for nearly a year. Under the guise of Amra The Lion, Conan has fought alongside his pirate lover and dyed the sea scarlet. Can the couple maintain their invincibility on land? Let's grab our swords and battle axes, shout “By Crom,” venture into Conan The Barbarian #17, and find out!

 

Story

Conan serves aboard Bêlit’s ship. Unlike with Brissa and Chaundra, theirs is a bond forged in the raging fires of love. The firebrand treated the Cimmerian in a mating dance aboard The Tigress. In Twisting Loyalties Part 1: Fangs and Foolish Thieves, Bêlit takes Conan to the Hidden Haven in the Shemite city of Kyros. In a tavern frequented by brigands, they relax comfortably, enjoying drink and conversation at a corner table. She may no longer be on her boat surrounded by her loyal crew. Still, when a minstrel strums his lute, and his voice fills the lavishly appointed tavern, Bêlit rises and reenacts her mating dance. As the bartender remarks, the Cimmerian has found a soulmate in Conan The Barbarian #17.

 

Still, Conan worries this idyllic shore leave is too good to be true in Jim Zub's story. Won't the authorities be looking for them? Bêlit waves aside his concerns. The city’s leaders realize they cannot stop piracy. So, they don't pursue pirates and look the other way when ships dock in their port. A healthy system of bribery and a share of the booty keep the gears of government moving smoothly. The last thing the leaders want is for someone to rock the boat, so to speak, and irritate the pirates. If they can keep the violence out at sea, they protect their city and profit from looking the other way. Still, Conan wonders if Kyros is as safe for them as Bêlit believes.

 

Conan The Barbarian #17 returns readers to Robert E Howard's story "Queen Of The Black Coast." Chronologically, it follows issue #4, after Conan entered Thulsa Doom's dark tower and lost Brissa. Unlike then, Conan finds no captive Cimmerians. Nor does he battle the undead. Instead, he and Bêlit enjoy a respite from their maritime adventures. Then, some fellow thieves decide that lovebirds who rent the penthouse suite have more money than they need, and Bêlit gets an offer she can’t refuse.

 

Art

Lights illuminate the foot of the city. Sailors and workers walk along the dock of the crowded harbor. Two cloaked forms ascend the stairs, evoking Conan and Subotai exploring Zamora. They toss a coin in a dancer's bowl, shop in the marketplace, and pass someone smoking. (As they don't turn up their nostrils, it's likely Black Lotus, not Haga). A faint purple faze hangs over the less illuminated portions of the Hidden Haven. Decorated walls lead to intricate ceilings, while ornate lighting shines upon Conan and Bêlit when they remove their hoods.

 

Jão Canola lavishes a loaded palette on Danica Brine’s art in Conan The Barbarian #17. Colors shine brightly in the festive atmosphere. Bêlit is so relaxed she wears purple slippers, while Conan retains his brown boots. As they take a table, mauve candle smoke hangs over guests seated on cushions nearby. A richly colored panel interrupts a montage of inks on tan parchment as Bêlit sways to the music from a minstrel's lute.

 

Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith sail uppercase lettering into white dialogue balloons and narrative boxes. The words grow bold for intonation, occasionally enlarge, and never shrink. Broken balloon borders suggest lowered voices, while enlarged and colored dialogue accompanies flying scarlet and falling bodies. Thanks to Titan for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Conan and Bêlit have become legendary pirates. Some may wonder how much their stories have grown in the telling. But in Conan The Barbarian #17, as they relax in Kyros, Bêlit discovers that Conan's worries are justified. Still, that doesn't prevent her from accepting a job that could prove more dangerous than Conan's final robbery with Chaundra and the Gloryhounds.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my preview at The Dragon's Cache.

Transformers #15 Review

 

Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson

Artist: Jorge Corona

Colorist: Sarah Stern

Letterer: Rus Wooton

Cover Artists: Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer; Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer; Karl Kerschl; E J Su; Oliver Ono; Dustin Nguyen; Tiago Da Silva; Ryan Brown; Jimbo Salgado;

Livio Ramondelli; Fabrice Sapolsky; Tyler Kirkham

Editor: Ben Abernathy

Publication Design: Andres Juarez

Production: Ashby Florence

Publisher: Image

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

After Shockwave tortured Ultra Magnus for centuries, Wheeljack depleted the Autobots’ Energon to restore his vitality. But when Ultra Magnus faced his tormentor in battle on the ocean floor, he dropped his weapon, transformed into a truck, and sped away. Can the Autobots restore Ultra Magnus to greatness? And what happened to Cliffjumper after Optimus Prime rescued him from Shockwave’s torture chamber? Let's recharge our Energon batteries, leap into Transformers #15, and discover the Autobots’ transformative journey!

 

Story

The Autobots scattered Soundwave’s base on the ocean floor. Optimus Prime short-circuited his link with Cybertron. Once again, Soundwave finds himself starting over. This time, he's more bloodthirsty than before. Soundwave crushes a city filled with hundreds of thousands of Humans because he knows the Autobots cherish life. The Decepticons can cling to the fragments of Cybertron that fell into the sea, or they can draw upon Earth’s vast resources. But first, Soundwave must destroy the Autobots to secure this treasure trove.

 

Soundwave’s ruthless extinction throws Thundercracker into crisis in Transformers #15. While he pledged allegiance to the Decepticons, Soundwave’s actions are cruel and senseless. Like Ultchtar, Thundercracker fought for Cybertron. But unlike Ultchtar, who Megatron transformed into murder-mad Starscream, Thundercracker disdains needless slaughter.

 

As Megatron was Ultchtar’s mentor, Ultra Magnus helped Arcee forge a new purpose. Now, she yearns to help her mentor. Shockwave took joy in breaking his captive’s mind. Arcee wants to ease Ultra Magnus’ trauma. But embarking on a quest will reduce the Autobots’ forces while rival Decepticon factions led by Soundwave and Starscream are hunting them.

 

Optimus Prime fell back to Earth when he severed the link with Cybertron. But Cliffjumper remains there in Transformers #15. The small Autobot who Shockwave tortured and Carly condemned for not killing Starscream sees the devastation wrought by the war. Centuries of fighting have reduced his homeworld to rubble and done far worse to the surviving Autobots.

 

Art

Soundwave and Thundercracker stand upon a tilted skyscraper as the Constructicons deconstruct Tacoma, Washington. Thundercracker frowns and scowls amid the raging fires, but Soundwave shrugs as billows of smoke rise. Dented and fractured, Cliffjumper emerges from the surrounding rubble. He frowns before the distant towers, then smiles as an Autobot helps his injured friend hobble toward him. After Optimus Prime hugs her, Arcee gazes up at her leader. All too soon, he and Wheeljack become silhouettes as they watch their friends head toward the setting sun.

 

Sarah Stern enlivens Jorge Corona’s detailed artwork with bright hues. This loaded palette of vibrant, almost fluorescent colors makes Transformers #15 shine. Autobots roar along an orange road through lavender, mauve, and pink tunnels. Their headlights create yellow ovals that link with a patina on the concrete walls. But nothing prepares Optimus for the yellow and orange nest of tilted and broken buildings, as black smoke obscures the purple mountain beneath a dark pink sky.

 

Rus Wooton fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters and the Transformers' rectangular ones with italicized words. Soundwave speaks yellow words into blue rectangular balloons while shocked Humans and Transformers utter large maroon letters. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and rarely shrink. Colorful sound effects help us hear an unwilling assault, a violent misunderstanding, a haunting act, and the destruction of a stronghold in Daniel Warren Johnson's story. Thanks to Image Comics, Skybound Entertainment, and Hasbro for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Optimus Prime loved the squishy Humans so much that he bonded with one. But as the Decepticons unleash their anger on the Humans and the Autobots on Cybertron descend into savagery, Optimus Prime struggles with rage. Earth's last best hope for peace wonders if he is losing his mind in Transformers #15.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

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

Witchblade #6 Review

 

Writer: Marguerite Bennett

Artist: Giuseppe Cafaro

Colorist: Arif Prianto

Letterer: Troy Peteri

Editors: Marc Silvestri, Matt Hawkins & Elena Salcedo

Cover Artists: Giuseppe Cafaro & Arif Prianto; Joshua George & John Starr

Publisher: Top Cow Productions & Image Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

After Ian Nottingham trains her to use the Witchblade, Sara Pezzini returns to her job with a renewed focus on finding her father’s killer. The police files yield nothing. Poking around in her childhood home, ditto. But a photo of her father and his late partner takes her to Staten Island. When Joe Siry took her there after her father's death, Paul Pisano refused to talk with her. What secrets might Paul's boarded-up house yield after his death? Let's activate our alien armor, leap into Witchblade #6, and see!

 

Story

Paul Pisano died ten years ago of alcoholism. Yet, he sits on Sara’s couch and tells her about her father. Vince Pezzini trusted their boss more than Paul. Then, he started investigating corruption in the police force. An investigation into a street gang prompted him to research scholarly Catholic texts on the supernatural.

 

Ian Nottingham told Sara about these darker forces and made her fight a creosote ghoul. In Witchblade #6, Sara links the ghoul with Vinter, the human trafficker who visited her apartment after the Witchblade bonded with her at the warehouse. The human traffickers asked for Sara to be their intermediary. Now, she understands why. One of the women Sara rescued from the human traffickers told her that Vinter could change her appearance. After meeting with Paul, seemingly alive after his death, Sara begins to put together the puzzle pieces surrounding her father’s murder.

 

Sara senses an approaching storm in Marguerite Bennett’s story. Despite the protection it offers, Sara has resisted the Witchblade’s power. She doesn't know what her father discovered in his supernatural research. But like him, Sara realizes there is more to this life than most people can perceive.

 

As Sara lacked a family, Michael worked hard to include her in his. Her partner senses that Ian Nottingham is pulling Sara away from him, Janet, and her children. Michael wants to dismiss the creosote larvae that empowered the drug users in Paul Pisano’s house. He wants to ignore that his gun couldn't protect them, and he would have died if not for Sara's Witchblade and Ian Nottingham’s protection. But Sara can’t. Whether she likes it or not, her world is changing, and her relationship with Michael may be a casualty.

 

Art

Kenneth Iron's Iron Spire towers above the other high-rises in New York City. The moonlight streams into his gallery, illuminating ancient statues and sculptures. A woman gazing out of a mirror evokes Sara. As Kenneth passes her, her reflection screams. Giuseppe Cafaro frames scenes inside Sara's apartment with black, oily tendrils. Sara confronts Paul, Michael, and Ian with fire in her eyes. She emerges each time wearing a frown. But after she leaves Paul on her couch, the color drains from his face, and black, oily tendrils emerge from Paul's eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

 

While a green couch dominates Sara’s living room, Arif Prianto tinges the apartment with this symbol of vitality. After a confrontation in her beige and brown kitchen, memories and imagined futures fill a trio of deteriorating sepia-toned panels. Green also tinges memories of the warehouse, her training in Ian's Sickle Key stronghold, and an overview of New York City. But Ian foresees a future battling green demons in a scarlet sea.

 

Troy Peteri reveals Sara's thoughts as black uppercase letters in red-outlined golden narrative boxes. He shows dialogue as black letters in white balloons and Ian's off-camera words as white letters in brown boxes. The large black letters grow bold for inflection, swell for volume, and rarely shrink. Giant red dialogue deforms the balloon of a man who defies nature, while transparent and colored sound effects signal that Sara can no longer cling to her past. Thanks to Image Comics and Top Cow Productions for providing a copy for review.

 

Final Thoughts

Kenneth Irons dictates the fate of nations from his penthouse apartment in the Iron Spire. He counts the days until the Witchblade controls Sara Pezzini, and she joins the woman trapped in his enchanted mirror. But Sara learns about Kenneth in Witchblade #6, and she doesn’t intend to become another of his eldritch possessions.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

For another cover see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27 Review

 

Writer: Cody Ziglar

Artist: Daniele Di Nicuolo

Colorist: Bryan Valenza

Letterer: Cory Petit

Cover Artists: Federico Vicentini & Erick Arciniega; Stefano Caselli & Jesus Aburtov; Todd Nauck & Rachelle Rosenberg

Design: Jay Bowen

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

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 5, 2024

 

The Black Panther gave Miles Morales a Vibranium spider-suit. While his venom energy keeps Blade's (or Varnae’s) vampiric infection at bay, the new suit channels that energy. But can Miles resist his thirst for blood until Black Panther can cure him? Let's pack an overnight bag, board a flight to Wakanda, leap into Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27, and find out!

 

Story

Wakanda should be Black Panther's home. But he no longer belongs there, and this pains him. He and Miles are unwanted visitors, and T’Challa doesn’t want to draw anyone’s attention. But Wakanda is new to Miles. So Black Panther gives him a moment to appreciate the glamor of the bustling city before urging Miles on.

 

In Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27, Black Panther takes Miles to see his friend N’Yobi Umaru. T’Challa tells Miles he needs a key to unlock the path to Bast's realm. But trouble is afoot, and the Black Panther relies on Miles to resolve it.

 

While Miles is in Wakanda, his brother Shift takes his place at school. The shapeshifting clone attends classes, but Ganke notices something is off. Ganke takes “Miles” for a quick confab in the boys’ room. Unlike Mötley Crüe, they don’t use tobacco to relax. But Shift needs a breather. Like forcing himself into a suit that’s too small, assuming Miles’ form and appearance takes work. Miles has recently introduced Shift to his family and friends, and Ganke takes Shift under his protection. Still, as with Tiana, Miles is now on Ganke’s list.

 

As Black Panther takes Miles to meet with Bast, his biggest concern is Miles’ readiness. As T’Challa says, “Riddles and doublespeak are the favorite pastime of the gods.” But jetlag and being undead have put Miles in a bad mood. Black Panther does his best to prepare Miles to meet Bast in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27. But to be cured, Miles must calm his mind, control his bloodlust, and welcome whatever Bast throws at him.

 

 

 

Art

After Daniele Di Nicuolo tilts the camera angle outside Brooklyn Visions Academy, Ganke tilts his head and studies his friend. Sweat trickles down “Miles” face as he hunches forward, his arms resting on his desk. A worm-eye view makes the teacher loom over “Miles.” But as Ganke pulls “Miles” from his chair and walks him to the men’s room, his friend’s condition is as plain as the message on Ganke’s shirt. Another distorted camera angle tilts the walls and stalls away from the men. After a shadow falls on Ganke, he juts his chin out as the imposter bulges. But later, Ganke cringes and sweats as Shift finds a way to take his mind off his troubles.

 

Miles’ purple, red, and black costume shines against the yellow, tan, and bronze backdrop of Birnin T’Chaka. Bryan Valenza enhances these less whimsical Wakandan scenes with a stately gloss. Subdued reds, browns, and bright blue accents make the lawyer's apartment a relaxing haven in the skyscraper-filled city. Valenza colors what Miles sees through his spider-sense in blue and white. After Miles and Black Panther leave the yellow, orange, and bronze city, they enter a pastoral realm dominated by vibrant green and purple in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27.

 

Cory Petit thwips black uppercase letters into white dialogue balloons and shares Miles' thoughts with white letters in red narrative boxes. The delicate font emboldens for inflection and swells or shrinks for volume. Sound effects enhance shapeshifting, humming, a sizzling barrier, and a savage roar. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a copy for review. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

The Black Panther takes pride in tradition. He is acutely aware that he no longer belongs in his community. While T’Challa worries that Wakanda’s gods will reject Miles, Ganke worries that Shift is taking on more than he can handle in Miles Morales: Spider-Man #27.

 

Rating 9/10

 

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

Heat Seeker: Combustion #2 Review

 

Writer: Charles Ardai

Penciller: Ace Continuado

Inker: Juan Castro

Colorist: Asifur Rahman

Letterer: David Leach

Cover Artist: Derrick Chew, Jay Anacleto, Ace Continuado, Cosplay, Thaddeus Robeck, Brao, Kyuyong Eom, Cedric Poulat, Tiago de Silva & Miki Okazaki

Publisher: Titan Comics

Price: 3.99

Release Date: December 11, 2024

 

Rosaline Preiss should have been safe at the convent in Montefiacco. But when “Lady Godiva” and her photographer tried to abduct her after their brochure shoot, Dahlia and Cesar charged to her rescue. After stealing her away on the model's horse, Dahlia rides to the exclusive mountaintop health spa and hides Rosaline in the nurse’s station. But when Dahlia leaves to find an escape route, Lady Godiva breaks into the nurse’s station to attend to the bullet wound in her shoulder. Is Lady Godiva a model, a mercenary, or a Mandalorian who doesn’t believe in wearing armor? And what will she do when she finds Rosaline hiding among the bandages? Let’s burn into Heat Seeker: Combustion #2 and find out!

 

Story

Mercenaries tried to prevent Dahlia and Cesar from taking Rosaline out of Venice. Now, the model has taken the twelve-year-old under her wounded wing. After shooting her “photographer,” the woman speeds off with Dr Bessemer Preiss’ daughter on a snowmobile. But this leaves Rosaline’s would-be rescuer trying to pursue the girl while evading more mercenaries patrolling the exclusive health club in Italy’s Dolomite mountains.

 

As Dahlia searches for the researcher's daughter, the mercenaries pursuing her in Heat Seeker: Combustion #2 force her to draw on her experience. While Dahlia might have trouble justifying her unconventional career path to some people, Charles Ardai reveals experiences that shaped her. These skills help her evade pursuers while racing after the girl she vowed to protect. Thankfully, Dahlia has a friend in Cesar, who admires her concern for Rosaline and leaves the convent to help her.

 

While some might suspect Rosaline of Stockholm Syndrome, Lady Godiva is returning the girl’s kindness. The mercenary never felt right about her orders. The way Rosaline aided her, knowing she wanted to abduct her, clinched the deal. The mercenary knows her boss’ intentions for Rosaline are ignoble. So, the woman risks her life and future to protect Rosaline in Heat Seeker: Combustion #2. If only someone could help them disappear!

 

 

 

Art

The Quietus Spa & Sauna may not be as exclusive as Piz Gloria, but its remote location limits the routes down the mountain. Amid the falling snow, Dahlia slips past gunmen in her green coverall that doesn't cover her front. Like James Bond, she opts for a high-wire act and skiing, pursued by mercenaries on snowmobiles. Dahlia meets a man evoking Nick Fury more than Eric Kriegler, backed by BA Baracus and a team of mercenaries. Later, Dahlia joins a sister act heading down the mountain in a yellow bus but leaves the singing to Whoopi Goldberg.

 

Asifur Rahman lavishes deep and nuanced color on Ace Continuado and Juan Castro’s art in Heat Seeker: Combustion #2. Although Dahlia begins her journey amid gray and white, yellow and pink seep into the sky as the sun rises. A mercenary falls to his death amid flaming yellow and orange. White clouds emulate a bird taking flight as men in black block Dahlia’s path. Lady Godiva’s green pants link her with Dahlia, although the escape artist’s one-piece radiates vitality. But the flesh that fills panels inside a beige stone building trimmed with orange and brown wood is for your eyes only.

 

David Leach launches black uppercase words into white dialogue balloons and colored narrative boxes, while giant letters come before a fall in Heat Seeker: Combustion #2. Sound effects help us hear a cable snap, gunfire in an alpine forest, and Dr Preiss’ hurried gait. A familiar logo adorns a brown box near a green helmet, while black letters beneath images on Dahlia's phone cast light on Dr Preiss' angels of death. Thanks to Titan Comics and Hard Case Crime for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

When Rosaline’s would-be kidnapper risks her boss’ wrath to help her escape, the biological researcher’s daughter learns she is not as unique as she believed but more special than she imagined. Dahlia Racers and Cesar must play catchup across Europe, hoping Dr Preiss' employers don't find his daughter first in Heat Seeker: Combustion #2.

 

Rating 9.5/10

 

For more covers and a look inside see my preview of Heat Seeker: Combustion #2.