Elric: The Balance Lost Vol 2 Preview

 

Last year at San Diego Comic-Con, I asked writer Jim Zub if Titan's decision to publish Conan was related to their long association with Michael Moorcock's comics. While he didn't know, Jim expressed interest in repeating history, and writing another Conan and Elric teamup. 

I'm working on a review for Hawkmoon, a graphic novel that adapts the beginning portion of Michael Moorcock's novel The Jewel in the Skull. And earlier this year, I picked up several of Titan's earlier Eternal Champion graphic novels at a comic shop. Hopefully, I review all those before this year ends! One thing is for certain: Michael Moorcock's heroes rock!

Here's all the info on this latest Eternal Champion volume:

 

THE MICHAEL MOORCOCK LIBRARY ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST VOL. 2

Author: Chris Roberson

Artist: Francesco Biagini

Publisher: Titan Comics

HC, 144 pages, FC, $29.99

ISBN: 9781787745186

On sale September 9, 2025

 

With the fate of the multiverse hanging in the balance,

Eternal Champions Elric, Corum and Dorian Hawkmoon unite with newcomer Eric Beck in a climatic batle to save very source of the great balance at the centre of the multiverse.

 

The concluding volume of the Elric: Balance Lost saga.

 

Their quest to the Lost Universe has revealed the shocking truth as to who the true architects behind the war between Law and Chaos are, and nothing could have prepared the four eternal champions for the shocking truth. Now they find themselves pitted together in an epic war of unimaginable scale between both sides for the very source of the Cosmic Balance leading to a climatic showdown between the original Eternal Champions and Eric Beck against his twin brother, the sinister Garrison Bow, and the immortal masterminds behind the cosmic war.

 

Written by New York Times Bestseller, Chris Roberson, this all-new adventure redefines the word ‘epic’. With a cast of hundreds and featuring all of Moorcock’s most famous characters, this saga, drawn by Italian artist, Francesco Biagini is a thrilling and powerful epic that brings Elric crashing into the 21st Century and beyond!

 

Collecting issues #7-12 of Elric: The Balance Lost.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

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

 

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

 

For how this series began, see my preview of Elric: The Balance Lost Vol 1. 

 

For more on the Dorian Hawkmoon book, see my preview of Hawkmoon: The Black Jewel. 

 

Black Cat #1 Review

 

Writer: G Willow Wilson

Artist: Gleb Melnikov

Colorist: Brian Reber

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Cover Artists: Adam Hughes; Peach Momoko; Simone Di Meo; J Scott Campbell; Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson; Derrick Chew; Jeehyung

Designer: Stacie Zucker

Editors: Tom Groneman, Nick Lowe & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: August 20, 2025

 

A master thief’s life is filled with peril. Usually, they prove more injurious emotionally than physically. So why is Black Cat sitting in the night nurse’s waiting room? And how might her battle with Hellgate change her? Let’s put on our catsuits, leap into Black Cat #1, and see!

 

Story

Curt Connors gained superpowers by becoming the Lizard. Since then, the two have gone their separate ways. The Lizard identifies with those society discards, such as Miles Morales’ clone brother Shift, the Vermin, and the unhoused who inhabit New York’s underground. But when the Lizard meets Black Cat in G Willow Wilson’s story, he’s on a mission to understand himself better. Unfortunately, neither he nor Black Cat enjoys others getting in their way.

 

But that’s the problem in Black Cat #1. Suddenly, Felicia Hardy isn’t having things her own way. She pushed away Peter Parker to pursue a relationship with Amelia Morrow. Felicia enjoyed a sometime partnership with Mary Jane. Now, Mary Jane has become a member of another family. Recently, Felicia began to wonder what she had left behind when she broke off things with Peter. But as his life begins to settle down following his battles with Cyttorak’s scions, Hellgate takes Peter away from her again.

 

 

In G Willow Wilson’s story, a fraught chase and fight leave Felicia exhausted. As she looks back on her life, she wonders if being the Black Cat is worth it. Has all her hard work yielded the lasting satisfaction we all seek? While her tangle with the lizard prompts a visit to the nurse’s room, it helps her put things in perspective. With Tombstone making a bid to rule the streets, and Spider-Man keeping his distance and taking a tougher stance on crime, New York is becoming a more dangerous place.

 

Felicia Hardy misses Peter Parker. Their different views on life prevented them from bonding as a couple. But she’s not happy being on her own. So, in Black Cat #1, Felicia wonders: what if I tried to be like him? Or at least, the way Peter used to be?

 

 

 

Art

Gleb Melnikov populates the night nurse’s waiting room with costumed characters in need of her services. Some you may recognize. Others, perhaps not. Whether battling Felicia or sitting in the waiting room, the Lizard exudes power in Black Cat #1. Amid his primal fury, he clutches two cages with due care and concern. After their fight, all the barriers fall. As she sinks into a tub of foamy water, Felicia trades glamor in Gleb Melnikov’s 90s Image superhero art for supermodel vulnerability. 

 

 

 

Brian Reber lavishes a loaded palette on Felicia’s flight from the authorities. The setting sun fills the air with gentle pink and orange. As she runs, the brick buildings glow, while the windows of a corner shop burn like a cluster of tiny suns. Hints of streetlights appear in the dark windows of an office where two associates await her call. By the time Black Cat glimpses Spider-Man, the vibrant colors have fled. So, she watches him thwip out of her life beneath a blue and purple sky. 

 

 

 

As Joe Caramagna fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase text, he shares Felicia’s thoughts with white uppercase letters in black narrative boxes. White letters in green boxes translate the Lizard’s hisses, while red letters flit through a panel, reminding Felicia of those pursuing her. Joe Caramagna stokes the engine powering Black Cat #1 with an ample supply of crash, bang, and big bada boom. Yet whether adorning a symbol of her profession, accompanying an homage, or enhancing the night nurse’s invitation, Joe Caramagna fills Felicia’s moment of truth with all the sounds of reality. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy. 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Luck can be an elusive target. Some people work all their lives to achieve it. Others seem blessed with an abundance. Felicia Hardy has always radiated luck. But look beneath the surface, and you’ll see all the hard work she does to make her luck in Black Cat #1.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Red Hood #1 Preview

 

Hero. Villain. Antihero. Jason Todd has been them all. Like David Bowie, time may change Jason Todd. Still, he can face the strain. Will Jason find his new life in New Angelique rewarding? Or will the residents organize a phone-in poll to kill him off? 

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Red Hood #1

Writer: Gretchen Felker-Martin

Artist: Jeff Spokes

Cover Artists: Jeff Spokes, Jim Lee, TK, Jae Lee, Kyuyong Eom, & Nick Robles

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Price: $4.99/$5.99 (Card stock)/ $7.99 (Foil)

Release Date: September 10, 2025

 

Out of Gotham. Not out of bullets. Erupting from the events of H2sh comes DC’ First-ever In-Continuity, Mature Readers, Ongoing Red Hood Series!

 

Jason Todd has left Gotham and Batman behind him. All he’s taking with him is his costume, his bike, and a metal briefcase containing two handguns (and lots of bullets). New Angelique seems like the perfect place for Red Hood to put down roots. There’s crime, vice, and corruption everywhere. When Jason discovers a superpowered serial killer who is targeting the city’s police, he finds himself sucked into a terrible and bleak conspiracy with seemingly no end in sight.

 

But Jason isn’t the only person on the scene. Following his trail is Helena Bertinelli a.k.a. Huntress. Is she there to stop him or help him? What will happen when the two black sheep of the Bat-Family start working together?

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

Toxic Crusaders #1 Preview

 

Cover A: Tristan Wright

Toxie has freed the Troma-Dome from rats. With Acid Chimp's help, he freed Tromavilla from a menace that Yvonne hated. Now, he's building a team of heroes to defeat the dangers afflicting his home town. What will Yvonne say about him standing up, and leading a full time superhero squad?

Here's all the info: 

 

TOXIC CRUSADERS #1 (of 5)

(W) Matt Bors 

(A) Tristan Wright

First issue, following on the heels of the all-new TOXIC AVENGER movie! In the aftermath of the chemical spill that created Toxie, other mutations arose—all gross, all weird, and some evil! Join in the rebirth of the greatest and grossest animated-series sensation of all time: THE TOXIC CRUSADERS—Nozone, Junkyard, Fungirl, Major Disaster, and Toxic Avenger himself. Featuring a variant cover celebrating the all-new Toxic Crusaders game, coming soon!

September 10, 2025

Cover A: $4.99 

Cover B: $4.99 1:3 unlock

Cover C: $4.99 1:5 unlock

Cover D: $5.99 open order:

Tristan Wright Bagged with Exclusive Trading Card by Matt Bors

 

Now, let's take a look inside: 

 

Here are more cover options:

Cover B: AR Sullivan

 

Cover C: Retroware Game Art Variant

 

To see Fungirl's origin story, see my review of Toxic Avenger Comics #2.

Thanks to Ahoy Comics and Superfan Promotions for sharing this preview with us. 

Fire & Ice: When Hell Freezes Over #6

 

 

How far would you go for someone you love? And would you doom one loved one to rescue another? While Fire and Ice's choices may trap them in Hell, things are getting more confusing by the minute in Smallville. Will Superman return and help sort out this Freakier Friday? And how will L-Ron do as the latest hair stylist at The Mane Event? 

Here's all the info from DC Connect on this series that's all about friendship, love, and accountability:

 

Fire & Ice: When Hell Freezes Over #6

Writer: Joanne Starer

Artist: Stephen Byrne

Cover Artists: Terry Dodson & Rachel Dodson; Todd Nauck

Publisher: DC Comics

Issue Length: 32 Pages

Series Length: 6 Issues

Price: $3.99/$4.99 (Cardstock)

Release Date: September 10, 2025

 

Breaking into Hell is one thing—clawing you way back out is another thing entirely. But Ice already escaped Hell’s clutches once before, and it might not be so eager to let her go again…

 

Now, let's take a look inside: 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

The Unchosen #2 Review

 

Writer & Artist: David Marquez

Colorist: Marissa Louise

Letterer & Designer: DC Hopkins

Editor: Lauren Sankovitch

Cover Artists: David Marquez & Nick Derington

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: August 13, 2025

 

When Aida awakened in a pit, Alex and Vasha found her. The girl didn't recognize them and ran away to find her mother. Soldiers tried to arrest her. Then four people appeared, wielding astonishing powers. While Vasha fought them off, Alex summoned a glowing portal. As she fell through it, Aida glimpsed memories of her mother. What happened to Aida’s mother? And what do Alex and Vasha want with her? Let’s leap into The Unchosen #2 and see!

 

Story

In David Marquez’s story, Alex and Vasha brought Aida to their school. Alex agrees to help her find her mother. But first, Aida must learn to protect herself. Otherwise, people like the soldiers, and the dark-garbed warriors Vasha fought would capture her. Aida doesn't understand the dangers surrounding her. She yearns to return to the hillside cabin she shares with her mom.

 

As she attends to her studies, Aida feels like she doesn't fit in. She cannot use The Word like the other students. Her friend, Daniel, may be a slow learner. But even he admits that she seems to be taking too long to master the basics. The Novitiate needs people to fight those who use their power to inflict pain and destruction. Yet like the legendary Korra, who struggled to master air-bending, Aida feels like a failure.

 

The Unchosen #2 takes us into Aida's memories. Or at least, those she can remember. After Alex and Vasha brought her to the school, Aida awakened from a nightmare involving her mother. Daniel was the first to welcome her. Despite her fears, Daniel assured Aida that if Alex and Vasha sought her out, she belonged.

 

Aida and Daniel may not run with the cool crowd. Still, the friends realize that responsibility comes with power. The first time we saw Daniel, he cradled a bird in his hands and cried because he couldn’t revive it. Aida struggles with her anger, and her frequent use of profanity shows she doesn’t respect the damage that words can inflict. Still, we learn why Alex befriended Aida’s mother, and why he believes Aida can wield The Word responsibly in The Unchosen #2.

 

Art

Aida remembers standing on the hillside beside her mother. After gazing down into the valley and out to sea, she awakens in a darkened room. Out in the hall, Aida sees the moon rising above a river twisting between hills through towering wall windows. When she whirls at Daniel’s appearance, the boy moves to leave before a view of a distant waterfall. The two regard each other in close-ups. Then, David Marquez pulls back to reveal how their Asgardian surroundings dwarf the young students.

 

After Aida leaves the bluish-gray hall, she bursts into Alex's office. Like Vasha, he wears white and red. His brown robe links Alex with the book-filled shelves covering the walls and the desk filled with papers. Two green objects unite Alex with Aida. Golden trees grow between the towering wall windows and glow in the dark alcoves of the dining hall, imbuing the school with a regal flair. Yet Marissa Louise saves the most vibrant coloring for an evening rendezvous. Orange, red, and purple fill the skies as Alex and Vasha accompany Aida. When Aida arrives for her fateful meeting, yellow and orange rage in The Unchosen #2.

 

DC Hopkins fills white dialogue balloons with uppercase black letters that grow bold for intonation, swell for volume, and shrink for lowered voices. Off-camera dialogue appears in beige and lavender narrative boxes. The merged halves of the same person stand before two types of writing. An unseen breeze whips Aida's hair as furious white scribbles and colors banish the darkness. Thanks to Image Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

School dominates our lives and shapes our characters. Yet few students choose the schools they attend. Then, there are the people we must befriend, or at least learn to get along with. As Aida struggles to understand why she must attend this school at the end of the world, the girl wrestles with why she cannot master the basics of the curriculum in The Unchosen #2.

 

Rating 9/10

 

For how this series began see my review of The Unchosen #1. 

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #2 Preview

 

 

Superman's friends know him as Earth's hero. The people of Metropolis know him as Clark Kent. But he is also Kal-El, a visitor from another world. His parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, died amid the destruction of Krypton. Clark will always be grateful to Jonathan and Martha Kent for giving him a home on Earth. But the Kal-El part of him yearns to learn more about where he came from. If only the few fragments he could find of his home planet didn't cause him so much pain!

Here's all the info from DC Connect:

 

Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #2

Writer: W Maxwell Prince

Artist: Martín Morazzo

Colorist: Chris O’Halloran

Letterer: Good Old Neon

Cover Artists: Martín Morazzo, Juan Ferreyra & Alex Eckman-Lawn

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $5.99 (All covers are card stock)

Length: 32 Pages

Series Length: 5 Issues

Release Date: September 10, 2025

 

The Creative Team behind Ice Cream Man presents: Supes-Zilla!

 

This colorful cruise through a cornucopia of curious new Kryptonites continues! After last issue’s timey-wimey race against (or was it toward?) the clock, Superman (with Batman’s help!) is left to deal with the sizable effects of cobalt Kryptonite. Watch in awe as the Man of Steel grows, grows…and grows some more, bringing us the Kal-El kaiju comic of our collective dreams! What’s happened to the fortress? Why is Supes-Zilla so angry? And what on earth is Chemo doing here?

 

Find out in this guest-filled romp from the creative team behind Ice Cream Man—in a story only they could possibly tell. Featuring Wonder Woman, John Stewart, Atom Smasher, and the introduction of Linda, Queen of Spreadsheets and Pivot Tables.

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this preview with us.

For more on how this series started, see my review of Superman: The Kryptonite Spectrum #1.