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.

Phoo Action: Deluxe Edition Preview

 

This is a time capsure from the 1990s. The creators were rebelling against everything they objected to in British society, from the rise of the Spice Girls to the popularity of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The stories are more focused than those in Tank Girl, which were created in all-nighters fueled by alcohol and drugs. 

I enjoyed the character designs. The artist's low-key method of using magic markers over photocopies of his pencils also caught my attention. The dialogue and narrative was hand-lettered and varied in size. Without seeing a physical book, I can't comment on the readability. But undeniable energy surges through these fun, action-packed stories. You can definitely see the seeds of what would become the Gorillaz in this volume.

Here's all the info from Titan Books:

PHOO ACTION: DELUXE EDITION

Author: Jamie Hewlett and Matthew Wakeham

Illustrator: Jamie Hewlett

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, 464 pages, FC, $99.98

ISBN: 9781787743458

On sale December 3, 2024

 

 

Celebrate 25 years of the Phoo Action universe created by the creative polymath Jamie Hewlett and long-time collaborator Mat Wakeham, with this definitive Silver Jubilee compilation of comics, scripts, and an assortment of behind-the-scenes material of the franchise.

 

For fans of the cult-classic Tank Girl, The Face magazine, the BRIT and Grammy-winning virtual band Gorillaz, and Phoo Action the collector’s crown jewel of subversive, satirical and surreal crime-fighting.

 

Jamie Hewlett and Mat Wakeham’s iconic comic strips and creations take center stage in the Deluxe Edition of Phoo Action: Silver Jubilee. The superstar, supercop duo of Whitey Action and Terry Phoo once again battle side-by-side, as the edition celebrates the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Phoo Action universe.

 

However, these celebrations are cut short, on Whitey’s 18th birthday, and the protagonists are forced to combat their notorious foes ‘The Freebies’, who are among the ridiculous mutants that have returned to the filthy streets of Soho and are once again wreaking havoc. There are original, brilliant, and bizarre comics and all-new, gripping prose storylines, featuring unseen characters and nostalgic reappearances taking their places for an epic battle, ensuring that new and dedicated Phoo Action fans are going to be enthralled.

 

The Deluxe Edition is a must-have for collectors, with extra features including exclusive art prints, original scripts on specially printed paper stock, exciting gatefolds, and a sleek slipcase to present Hewlett’s signature graphic style and Mat Wakeham’s design and narrative mastery in all its intended glory.

 

The longtime collaborators deliver a unique blend of irreverent humor, unconventional crime-fighting, and mutant mayhem. Readers gain an insight into the creative minds behind not only Phoo Action but also the cult-classic Tank Girl and ground-breaking Gorillaz projects. Learn about the elusive Hewlett, gain insight into his working process, and appreciate the art that predates and foreshadows the renowned drawing style that now spearheads Gorillaz’s stardom.

 

Whether you’re a Phoo Action enthusiast, Gorillaz fanatic, ‘The Face’ admirer, or a collector seeking an extraordinary addition to your shelf, Phoo Action: Deluxe Edition promises an action-packed adventure and immersive experience.

 

Here's a few more images to whet your appetite:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

To see what Phoo Action evolved into, watch the group's videos at https://www.gorillaz.com/ If you watch long enough, you'll see one starring Bruce Willis!

 

Thanks to Titan Books for providing a copy for review!

The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy Review

 

Writer: Kelly Miller

Narrator: Vicky-Jo Eva

Ebook: Free to read on Amazon Unlimited

Paperback: $9.99

Audiobook: $17.46

Release Date: March 25, 2024

 

Rory enjoys playing along the beach in Ramsgate. When her Collie brings the ball to a young blonde woman, Elizabeth chats with her. Then, a dark-haired man accuses Elizabeth of using Rory to meet them. Elizabeth hopes to avoid meeting the rude stranger again during her seaside holiday. But how might her life change should her path intersect with the dark-haired Adonis? Let's put on our finery, pack our revolvers, leap into The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy, and find out!

 

Story

When Elizabeth Bennett meets the man and his sister again at Mrs Stapleton's house, Georgiana greets her happily. Her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, apologizes for mistaking Elizabeth's intentions. Elizabeth's admission that she initially thought him incapable of understanding the importance of kindness and respect leaves him humbled. So when Darcy notices Elizabeth has been reading An Essay Concerning Human Understanding by John Locke, he asks her opinion of Book IV. Elizabeth appreciates his receptiveness to her interpretations. Darcy likes how Elizabeth has thought through her opinions and can discuss the merits of their differing views without arguing.

 

In The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy, Elizabeth begins meeting Darcy on her morning walks. Despite her aunt's request that Elizabeth not meet with him privately, the wide-ranging conversations help them appreciate each other better. While Darcy and his sister enjoy the summer in Ramsgate, Mrs Rebecca Stapleton invited Modesty Gardiner and her niece to spend August with her. As Elizabeth's month in Ramsgate nears its end, neither she nor Darcy wishes to part from the other. So, after a short engagement, Elizabeth becomes Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy.

 

Despite Georgiana’s approval of Elizabeth, not everyone in Darcy’s family believes he made the correct choice. Some, like Lady Matlock, insist Darcy should have married someone from a titled or wealthier family. Nor do all his relatives accept Elizabeth's ability to oversee his correspondence and finances. These factors become important considerations when he goes missing after a shooting in The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy.

 

 

 

Art

Firstly, Kelly Miller differentiates her novel by setting it in Ramsgate and London instead of more familiar locales like Longbourn and Pemberly. While Elizabeth braves the disdain of Darcy’s family, she also faces the dangers of England’s bustling capital. Darcy trained her to use a gun. Elizabeth believes the staff, overseen by their butler Slade, can protect her on their house and grounds. Still, someone shot the man who accompanied Darcy to the house in Camberwell. So when she leaves the house, Elizabeth takes a gun with her.

 

Given the influx of foreigners following the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power, Mr Ellis from the Alien Office investigates Darcy's disappearance. Joshua Webb, who attended Cambridge with Darcy, stays in the house and helps Elizabeth question anyone claiming to have seen him. Still, none of Darcy's close friends know him. In The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy, Elizabeth finds herself a stranger in a strange land, intent on protecting Georgiana, discovering what happened to her beloved husband, and not knowing who she can rely on.

 

 

 

In addition to placing Elizabeth in different locations, Kelly Miller also isolates Elizabeth from her family. By meeting Elizabeth while she and her aunt stay at Mrs Stapleton's house, Darcy doesn't view her in terms of her family's societal stumbles. Nor does he feel obliged to protect Charles Bingley's interests or observe propriety around Bingley's sisters and brother-in-law when they lease Netherfield Park near the Bennetts' home.

 

Lastly, by shortening the period between their first meeting and marriage to six weeks, Kelly Miller gives the couple sufficient time for love to bloom but not for Elizabeth to know Darcy well. Nor did Darcy have a year to think through what life with Elizabeth would be like. Perhaps, as Lady Catherine de Bourgh suggests, her nephew had second thoughts about his union with Elizabeth and "disappeared" to get his life back on track.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Kelly Miller's prose captures the elegance and romance of England's Regency period. Her story allows Elizabeth, Darcy, and Georgiana to shine in this new variation of Jane Austen's immortal novel. Enhanced by Vicky-Jo Eva’s cultured voice, the audiobook spirits you back to Regency England, portraying Miller's narrative and Jane Austen's characters with captivating realism in The Mysterious Disappearance of Mr Darcy. 

 

Rating: 5 Stars

 

 

 

Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8 Review

 

Writer: Stephanie Phillips

Artists: Paolo Villanelli

Colorist: Matt Milla

Letterer: Ariana Maher

Cover Artists: Mark Brooks; Ernanda Souza; Edwin Galmon & Federico Blee;

Design & Production: Carlos Lao

Editors: MR Daniel, Kaeden McGahey, Jordan D White & C B Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: December 4, 2024

 

Black Tarantula kidnapped Jeffrey Barbour. He accused the judge of misappropriating public funds and releasing violent criminals onto the streets. Black Tarantula created an app detailing the judge’s corruption. He gave the public five hours to vote on Barbour's innocence or guilt. How will the kidnapping and trial of a New York judge affect the city? And how will it impact Gwen Stacy’s relationship with Black Tarantula? Let's thwip into Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8 and find out!

 

Story

Luke Cage ran for mayor because he wanted to uphold justice. He tried to imprison Tombstone for becoming the new kingpin of crime. But Tombstone bribed the judge hearing his case. Even after Tombstone tried to kill his daughter and had a brutal fight with Spider-Man, the judge freed Tombstone. So now Black Tarantula presents another corrupt judge to the public. No payoffs can prevent the public from voting on Judge Barbour’s innocence or guilt. No lawyers can raise objections, make arguments, or delay the trial. Black Tarantula wants to sweep aside New York City’s representative form of government and replace it with a direct democracy. But as Gwen asks in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost Spider #8, can an unjust man provide justice?

 

This is a vexing question for Gwen, as Chameleon tarnished her reputation. By perpetuating crimes using her image, Chameleon made it impossible to grant Spider-Gwen a fair hearing. Everyone saw her traumatize children, vandalize buildings, and steal cars. Then, Gwen saved Chameleon from Black Tarantula, making her look more guilty. The police issued an arrest warrant for her. But when Black Tarantula's "news" builds on people's suspicions of government corruption, Mayor Cage needs help to put down civil unrest. Although she hails from Earth-65, Spider-Gwen is one of the "heroes" Luke fought to protect by overturning Fisk's law.

 

While Stephanie Phillips weaves a complex story around our trust in the government, she keeps the spotlight on Gwen. Black Tarantula tried to kill her. Then he invited Gwen to dinner, invaded her home, and sent her flowers. Gwen wants a relationship with Fabian, the young man she met in a coffee shop. Yet her days are filled with threats like Chameleon and Black Tarantula. She is a visitor to this world. Her apartment isn't safe anymore. And she fears whatever apocalypse affected her world will impact Earth-616. Jessica Jones proves the voice of reason in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8. After encouraging Gwen to pursue her interest in Fabian, Jessica tries to get Luke Cage to see the larger picture. But tackling Black Tarantula and getting him to defuse the tension he created in New York City falls on Gwen Stacy's shoulders.

 

 

 

Art

As a storm descends on New York City, the streetlights switch on. People grab their umbrellas and gather outside City Hall. But the mayoral address takes on a crazed look as an aggrieved citizen pulls a gun, and Spider-Gwen bursts in to protect Mayor Cage. After Chameleon sprayed graffiti on buildings and Black Tarantula invaded her home, someone invaded and defaced the atrium of City Hall. But unlike Black Tarantula's flowers and Miles Morales' artistic displays, crude spraypainted slogans greet visitors who ascend the central staircase.

 

Gray, purple, and blue dominate the dark streets, punctuated by green and magenta, and the energy Spider-Gwen unleashes. As a shadow hangs over Gwen’s future, darkness seeps into the ivory walls as Gwen and Luke converse. When the clouds vanish, and two men share a table in a cheery diner, Matt Milla unleashes a palette of brilliant color while a man clad in gray armor looks on. A green gas seeps into panels in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8, aggravating people's fears and transforming those nearby into monsters. Amid the furious clash of colors, Gwen relives the devastation of her world, and an adversary assumes the appearance of the ravens that flock to her.

 

Ariana Maher thwips uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons with long white arrows and places rouge words in white narrative boxes outlined with turquoise. The text grows bold for intonation and enlarges for raised voices. Amid all the thwipping, the sound of rushing air links violence at a news briefing with a villain who transforms reality into nightmares. Thanks to Marvel for providing a copy for review.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

The Gang War brought New York City to its knees. Now, the Black Tarantula arouses people's distrust in government. As Spider-Gwen fights to protect elected officials and the frightened public, another villain inflames Spider-Gwen's fears that the apocalypse that hit Earth-65 will follow her to Earth-616 in Spider-Gwen: The Ghost-Spider #8.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

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

Heat Seeker: Combustion #2 Preview

Cover A: Derrick Chew

  

Due to sickness and circumstances beyond my control I've fallen behind this week. I hope to get back to my regular posting soon. Conan The Barbarian #17 and Heat Seeker: Combustion #2 arrives in comic shops. Here's a preview of Heat Seeker: Combustion #2. But be warned: as with any title from Hard Case Crime, it's hot stuff, and for Mature Audiences Only!

 

Heat Seeker: Combustion A Gun Honey Series #2

(W) Charles Ardai

(A) Ace Continuado

Publisher: Hard Case Crime (Titan Comics imprint)

FC, 32pp, $3.99, On sale: Dec 11, 2024

 

THE BEST-SELLING GUN HONEY SPIN-OFF IS BACK!

 

Set in the GUN HONEY universe, starring the fiery ex-girlfriend of Gun Honey Joanna Tan - a master of disguise and deception!

 

A biological weapon that could kill millions...a scientist's daughter who needs to disappear...and HEAT SEEKER Dahlia Racers is on the job! But can she beat a beautiful mercenary unable to feel heat, cold, fatigue, or pain?

 

"THE FINEST KIND OF PULP NOIR." ED BRUBAKER

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

Here are some more cover options:

Cover B: Jay Anacleto

Cover C: Ace Continuado

Cover D: Photo

Cover E: Thaddeus Robeck

 

Cover F: Thaddeus Robeck (Nude Variant)

Cover G: BRÄO

Cover H: Derrick Chew Foil Variant

Cover I: Jay Anacleto (Nude Variant)

Cover K: BRÄO Blind Bag Variant

Cover L: Photo

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us!

To look inside Heat Seeker: Combustion #1 see my preview.