DC x AEW #2 Review

 

Writer: Steve Orlando

Penciler: Travis Mercer

Inkers: Travis Mercer & John Livesay

Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse

Letterer: Josh Reed

Cover Artists: Serg Acuña, Ricardo López Ortiz & Gian Galang

Editor: Michael McCalister

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $3.99/$4.99 Card Stock

Release Date: March 11, 2026

 

Speedster Wally West and Green Lantern Kyle Rayner have tangled with the champs of Wrestling Across The Multiverse. When WAM visits a planet, it's not usually a great thing for the people living there. Sadly, WAM's latest visit to Earth to battle the All Elite Wrestling champs doesn't change that record. Angered by losing to AEW’s Mercedes Moné, the dethroned WAM champ Deceilia Starshame breaks the Big Galactic Belt.

 

Shorn of the alloy that covered the Element X belt, the unstable X shards tear space-time as they scatter across the planet. Earth's superhero community teams up with the AEW champs to find them. But there's more villainy afoot than opportunists using the X shards to increase their power. How will Mercedes Moné and Lex Luthor use the Big Galactic Belt to reshape reality? And can anyone step into the ring to defeat them? Let's leap into DC x AEW #2 and see!

 

Story

The WAM wrestlers are used to traveling to planets facing disaster. After their fallen champ unleashes chaos, the intergalactic wrestlers flee back to The Hub, leaving the Justice League Elite to pick up the pieces. The superheroes pair off with AEW wrestlers in a global scavenger hunt. After Aquaman and Mercedes Moné found the final piece, they traveled to Kahndaq to reforge the Big Galactic Belt. Like the DC K.O. champion, who commanded the Heart of Apokolips to do their bidding, Mercedes Moné and Lex Luthor aim to use the belt to reshape the world as they see fit.

 

In DC x AEW #2, the Justice League heroes and their AEW teammates battle DC villains. On the Justice League Watchtower, Martian Manhunter telepathically coordinates with the scattered teams. Despite knowing that Lex and Mercedes could reshape their reality or strike them from existence, how these heroes triumph is as important as defeating their foes.

 

Steve Orlando pairs the dauntless duos according to their personalities. Where and whom they fight may resonate with their past, or that of their parents. These odd couples may not like or trust each other. Yet the stakes they fight for are greater than the differences separating them.

 

Mercedes Moné won the Big Galactic Belt using dubious tactics. Lex Luthor is a better tactician than a fighter. As champions of their respective worlds, neither likes sharing power. Yet, after using their ingenuity to wield absolute power, both “CEOs” must fight to retain the power to hold the world to ransom in DC x AEW #2.

 

Art

Lex Luthor’s high-tech armor glows amid the inscribed stone pillars as Mercedes Moné’s belt crackles with energy. Aquaman and Mercedes regard each other in an inset close-up, separated by the object that came between them. Mr. Terrific and J’onn utilize holographic monitors on the Watchtower, while the Big Galactic Belt's crackling energy prompts lightning to shake the League of Assassins' mountain stronghold. Modern towers rise in the distance as Jon Moxley and Guy Gardner fight in a park, while Harley Quinn plays Smash or Pass amid the celestial interior design of the Royal Flush Gang's command center.

 

Andrew Dalhouse lavishes a loaded palette on Travis Mercer and John Livesay's rapid-fire action scenes in DC x AEW #2. While the purple in Lex's green suit links him with Mercedes, green power flows across the globe. John Stewart and Guy Gardner utilize their Green Lantern powers to defeat their foes. Echidna, Johnny Sorrows’ Shaggoth Dogs, and the Joker's hair and shirt link the villains with Lex Luthor. Deimos, Zatanna, and Toni Storm wield pink magic, while Darby Allin's pink jacket and Lady Nightingale's pink and purple outfit suggest the need to choose our mentors wisely.

 

Josh Reed uses white block letters to introduce locales, as letters in colored boxes convey off-camera dialogue. Uppercase black letters in white dialogue balloons grow bold for intonation and swell for raised voices, while extreme emotion makes balloons spiky. Amid hand-to-hand combat, weapons fighting, and gunshots, pinging fills the air, giving one DC K.O. combatant another chance to preserve reality in DC x AEW #2. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

As villains look for easy victories, heroes know that the best futures are the ones we fight for every day. They're impatient to prevent Lex Luthor and Mercedes Moné from reshaping reality. Yet the AEW wrestlers and their Justice League Elite teammates remain in each troubled region until safeguarding the locals from the villains who threaten them in DC x AEW #2.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my preview of DC x AEW #2. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13 Review

 

Writer: Gene Luen Yang

Artist: Freddie E Williams II

Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse

Letterer: Shawn Lee

Cover Artists: Freddie E Williams II & Andrew Dalhouse; Ben Bishop; Jared Cullum; Clayton Crain; Daniel Warren Johnson; Dustin Nguyen; David Nakayama; Blind Bag

Designers: Nathan Widick & Ben Bates

Editors: Jake Thomas & Tommy Stella

Publisher: IDW

Price: $4.99

Release Date: December 10, 2025

 

The Turtles have experienced highs and lows. They’ve fought separately and together. Master Splinter may no longer be with them. Still, they’re together again, protecting Humans and Mutants alike. As they honor their master’s memory, the Turtles also enjoy newfound popularity after defeating Hieronymous Hale. But life is ever in flux, transitioning from one state to another. What new danger will arise to threaten New York? And can the Turtles hang together as they combat it? Let's grab our weapons, leap into Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13, and see!

 

Story

On a dark and stormy night, Mr Brinkman visits the White Lily Tea Room. When he meets with Madame Xiang Fei Tong, he paints a glorious picture of their partnership. Thanks to his employer's support, Madam Xiang's Ghost Boys enjoy an unprecedented era of success. He suggests that, perhaps, she might consider demonstrating her gratitude by extending unprecedented generosity to his employer.

 

While Madam Xiang agreed to this meeting as a show of respect, the triad leader takes umbrage at Mr Brinkman’s suggestion in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13. As the negotiator courts disaster, another player appears. He calls himself Ujigami. And instead of repeating Losira’s catchphrase, “I am for you,” the mysterious stranger says, “I am your death.”

 

Ujigami’s attack has profound consequences in Gene Luen Yang’s story. The death of a triad leader spreads violence across New York, as factions within the Ghost Boys battle for supremacy. While taking steps to quell the violence, the Turtles realize they must discover who murdered Madam Xiang. As for “Mr Brinkman,” he may need the Turtles' protection.

 

April O’Neil has fought alongside the Turtles since Hieronymous Hale put Casey Jones out of action. Now, she assists them with their investigation. Even though they are together, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello prove reluctant to acknowledge that Leonardo is the head of their family in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13. But no one questions that Donatello is the heart. He grieves Splinter’s death more openly than his brothers and takes comfort in anyone who acknowledges their responsibility to their family.

 

Art

The red paper lanterns suspended above Chinatown's streets sway in the wind and rain. Inside the tea shop, Mr Brinkman and Madam Xiang perch on barrels. As more paper lanterns illuminate their discussion, lighting flashes across the skylight above them. An open briefcase rests between them as Madam Xiang sips from a porcelain cup. When Mr Brinkman produces a gun, the triad leader reveals that she has more than a card up her sleeve. Then Ujigami enters, covered in sculpted, ornamental armor. He holds a knife in each hand, and his mask evokes a ferocious bull.

 

Andrew Dalhouse adorns Freddie E Williams II’s art with a vibrant palette in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13. As in a Western movie, the Turtles form tiny silhouettes as they bound atop a suspension bridge before the ebbing sun. The brothers gaze down at the white-clad Ghost Boys battling around an orange school bus. As they descend to join the fight, the yellow-orange air fills with purple, bronze, and brown. Attacks summon white pinpoints of light and yellow splatter. As Leo enters his brother’s room, an image of white-and-red-clad Splinter comforting Donatello overlays a closeup of Donatello’s green-and-purple face. Donatello places his brother’s gift next to a photograph of the brothers and their father on a cobwebbed floating shelf.

 

Shawn Lee places small, faint black uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons. The words grow bold for intonation, and change color for enthusiasm. White letters in blue boxes locate us in time and space, while Donatello’s thoughts appear in purple boxes. Sound effects accompany the fighting as Ujigami's attacks send his victims fleeing. Thanks to IDW for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

When loved ones depart this life, their spirits linger if we remember them. As the Turtles mourn their sensei’s passing, a more tangible spirit rises to protect them. Unlike them, Ujigami has a stricter method of punishing the guilty. His code of justice could shake the brothers' unity and overturn their newfound popularity in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #13.

 

Rating 9.4/10

 

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

New Champions #6 Review

 

Writer: Steve Foxe

Artist: Ruairí Coleman

Colorist: Arthur Hesli

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Artists: Gleb Melnikov & Arthur Hesli; Edwin Galmon & Andrew Dalhouse; Meghan Hetrick

Graphic Designer: Kat Walkington

Editors: Sidney Stubbs, Alanna Smith & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $3.99

Release Date: June 11, 2025

 

While Hellrune tries to reclaim her family’s magical heritage, Amaranth wields magic on behalf of the team. The Scarlet Witch’s former apprentice suggests they would be more effective if everyone had a basic understanding of magic. While showing them how to view potential threats, the team sees Monte fighting a Human-sized frog. Fantasma transports them to Monte’s aid, and Amaranth bespells the amphibian aggressor.

 

After Cadet Marvel demonstrates that magic is only one solution to any problem, the kids notice Liberty and Monte have vanished. Can the team find their team leader and the street magician? Let's hitch a ride with Fantasma through a Hell Portal, leap into New Champions #6, and find out!

 

Story

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is recognize you need help. In Liberty's absence, Cadet Marvel emails the Avengers. Still, he's surprised when Captain Marvel appears. Carol Danvers knew his mother from when they served together in Alpha Flight. She agrees to help the young man who pays her homage by protecting San Francisco.

 

But in New Champions #6, it's the Avengers who honor Liberty by convening in her parents' house. As they learn about this young lady who builds Hard Light devices and vehicles, the Avengers comfort her worried parents. Without Monte and Magnetrix manipulating their emotions, the New Champions get on better with the Avengers than with Nova, Ms Marvel, and the more established Champions team. But they realize they need to be prepared for a battle, as Monte has used magic to shield Liberty's distinctive energy signature.

 

When the Scarlet Witch and Amaranth transport the Avengers and New Champions to New York, they discover Magnetrix draining Liberty of her energy. With Monte questioning her actions, Magnetrix secures help to prevent the heroes from disrupting her plans. As with Jeph Loeb's Nova series, Steve Foxe's story lets the New Champions work with and measure themselves against their heroes. Most of the Avengers are happy to pay it forward and help fight Monte and Magnetrix. But, like Spider-Man mentoring Spider-Boy, one adult hero worries about how power can transform our character in New Champions #6.

 

 

 

Art

Cadet Marvel evokes a young Steve Rogers dressed in a red T-shirt, blue pants, and a brown leather jacket. Like him, Captain Marvel brings flowers to his mother's grave. But she wears her uniform. Her scowl suggests her displeasure at adopting her name without permission. Inside a graffiti-adorned building, Liberty strains at the magic binding her to Magnetrix’s adjustable office chair. The silhouette behind Monte, suggestive of his shadow, hints at his concerns over authenticity in New Champions #6.

 

Ruairí Coleman shows the heroes and villains preparing for their battle with separate double-page horizontal layouts. Arthur Hesli also suggests similarities by coloring Scarlet Witch and Amaranth's magic the same pink and purple as Magnetrix’s uniform. When Monte's master summons a purplish-white orb, the yellow, pink, and white lights fade from the skyline. Thankfully, white stars still shine in the blue sky, and no vampires fill the streets of New York. 

 

Travis Lanham conjures uppercase black letters into white dialogue balloons. The letters grow bold for inflection, swell for volume, and rarely shrink. Iron Man and Vision both utilize yellow balloons, while white letters in blue balloons deliver Fantasma’s dialogue. Larger lowercase white letters with red borders locate us in time and space. Sound effects accompany Storm’s displeasure and Magnetrix emulating Palpatine. The draftee to the “Brotherhood of Disgruntled Hydra Agents” delivers a series of noisy attacks, while a low buzzing signals a cry for help in New Champions #6. Thanks to Marvel for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

When you realize people have taken advantage of you, it changes you. Like Moon Squire, Liberty uses the power Hydra gave her to help and support others. Other team members with less supportive families have struggled with their commitment to protect and serve their communities. In New Champions #6, Liberty gains insight into why Magnetrix chose to walk a different path.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 Review

 

Cover Artists: Corin Howell & Brian Reber; George Pérez & Alex Sinclair; Clarice “Saowee’ Menguito

Letterer: Joe Caramagna

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $4.99

Release Date: August 2, 2023

 

First Story

Writer: Erica Schultz

Artist: Julian Shaw

Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse

 

Second Story

Writer: Celeste Bronfman

Artist: David López

Colorist: KJ Díaz

 

A transplant from Milwaukee discovers why, as she tells her mother, New York City has a superhero on every corner. Not even birthday parties are safe in the Big Apple! What can Spidey do to protect people on the streets and in their homes? Let’s fwip into Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 and find out!

 

First Story

Peter’s flying through the streets when he notices a demon harassing a woman from Milwaukee. After the fight, Spider-Man tracks the miscreant back to Limbo Embassy. His attempt to capture Demon Daddy sends both crashing inside. Naturally, this initiates more fighting as the miscreant's fellows take umbrage at Peter's intrusion. Amid the chaos, Hallows' Eve slips into Chasm's cell and tries to free him.

 

At first glance, Spider-Man seems incidental to Erica Schultz’s story. But the careful reader will notice the links I missed on my first read-through. I should have been reading Marvel's Hallow’s Eve series (and perhaps the X-Men), as Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 made me realize how much I've missed Janine, Ben Reilly, and Madelyne Pryor since Dark Web Finale #1. The ill-fated lovers' saga continues while the Goblin Queen discovers that ruling a kingdom is less fun than chicanery. Madelyne's weariness over the tedium—and her solution to Spider-Man's intrusion—is understandable. One can only imagine her pain for her fellow mutants' suffering after the events of X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1.

 

Art

Julian Shaw kicks panels into high gear in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. Characters show spark and individuality, and he captures motion well. Sometimes the demons' features look fuzzy. That's a shame, as they've got a spunky appearance. I especially liked Peter's Spider-Glider. While I've been reading this series for ten months, Julian's take on Bug made me sit up and take notice. I also loved the way the Limbo Embassy rose above NYC's crowded skyline and the architectural design of its halls and rooms.

 

After enjoying his coloring on Valiant titles like Bloodshot, Ninjak, and Rai, Andrew Dalhouse’s contribution to Marvel’s Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 was a pleasant surprise. Intense, bright colors gave ample contrast to outside scenes. The way he gradually faded the background colors was a nice touch. Characters usually stand out inside the embassy, and he makes Hallows' Eve and Chasm pop. I wish he could have made the walls, columns, and spiky ceilings brighter and less gray.

 

 

Second Story

After Erica Schultz’s twenty-page story, Celeste Bronfman's ten-pager gets off to a rocky start in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. At least it did for me, as I missed the Spider symbol that stood in for The End. The lack of titles for either story and editor Nick Lowe's decision to leave the second story credits for the final page tricked me into thinking this constituted a continuation of Spider-Man’s Limbo Embassy chicanery. Still, after a page or two, I remembered that annuals often include multiple stories. The difference in art styles also helped.

 

Mary Jane and her beau Paul throw a birthday party for her aunt Anna Watson. Sadly, chaos erupts due to events spinning out of X-Men Hellfire Gala #1, which editor Nick Lowe insists, "I’m telling you, stuff went down!" While Spider-Man plays the hero, the story doesn't show Peter at his best. Or how about the peeps at the bakery who wrote "Happy Earth Day, Anna" on the cake? Peter suggests it was a misunderstanding, but Earth Day only happens once a year. Or do people celebrate personal Earth Days? Is that a thing? In any case, I can't imagine it taking more than a few minutes for the decorators to fix the mistake. Also, Mary Jane's solution works so rapidly that I had trouble believing this tale.

 

David López’s characters are appealing and convey motion believably in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1. I had trouble interpreting emotions in a few scenes, and most panels could have benefitted from more background elements. Perhaps a bolder palette would have enriched the party scenes. Still, those set at Ravencroft, when the characters are outside in the rain, and the final panel, will thrust a dagger into your heart.

 

 

Joe Caramagna’s lettering is beyond impressive. Ample-size uppercase black letters in white dialogue balloons are easy to read, even when scenes burst with dialogue. Sound effects and heightened dialogue are expressive and energetic. Small moments—such as Madelyne thumping her staff and Spidey hitting the pavement—are only two highlights of his word mastery.

 

Final Thoughts

The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 gives readers a peek inside New York City's exclusive Limbo Embassy, an invitation to Anna Watson's B-Earth Day party, and a haunting look at Ravencroft Institute. While Spider-Man seems more incidental than central, the stories explore the edges of his world and hint at possible future events.

 

Rating 8.9/10

 

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