Rogue Storm #1 Review

 

Writer: Murewa Ayodele

Artist: Roland Boschi

Colorist: Neeraj Menon

Letterer: Travis Lanham

Cover Artists: Humberto Ramos & Edgar Delgado; Elizabeth Torque & Federico Blee; Iván Talavera; Karen S Darboe & Jesus Aburtov; Rickie Yagawa & Tamra Bonvillain; Stefano Caselli & David Curiel

Designer: Jay Bowen

Editors: Lindsey Cohick, Annalise Bissa, Tom Brevoort & CB Cebulski

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Price: $3.99

Release Date: October 15, 2025

 

Rogue has traveled with Gateway, Warpath, Fantomex, Iceman, and Akujin to the Sahara Desert. Snow covers the vast land of dunes. The Uncanny X-Force must prevent Storm from unleashing further destruction on Earth's ecosystem. Rogue doesn't want to kill her friend. But like Rogue, Storm has changed. Can Rogue kill her best friend? And why is Storm attacking the world she sought to protect? Let’s leap into Rogue Storm #1 and see!

 

Story

As Rogue rides through the snow, Gateway hovers alongside. He reminds Rogue that this is necessary. Yet the proposition seems overwhelming. Sentinels guard an ice fortress surrounded by wrecked bodies and vehicles. While Akujin hungers for the opportunity to kill Storm, the rest seem less confident. Yet they charge into battle regardless, firing tank-like cannons mounted to their steeds. When one of the rhino-like animals speaks, it asserts its readiness for the challenge. Yet Storm's guardians will draw first blood.

 

 

 

While Rogue Storm #1 takes place five years into the Age of Revelation, it also revisits events three years previous. An accident cost Rogue her husband and her powers. Storm consoled Rogue and helped her get back on her feet again. Her friend enhanced her fighting ability. But Storm could not replace Rogue's sense of uniqueness.

 

Murewa Ayodele’s story demonstrates how people can rebuild their lives after suffering incomparable losses. It's also a powerful reminder of how much we can change as we journey through life. But mostly, it’s an exhilarating battle between titanic forces and underdogs. 

 

 

 

Art

Roland Boschi opens Rogue Storm #1 with glimpses of the burning Amazon forest, the destruction of Atlanta, and ridges of land emerging from the snow and clouds like the spine of the world. But the most telling reminder of Storm’s power is the first panel, which shows Mjolnir orbiting Earth with bits of the broken hammer drifting nearby. Storm’s new home also inspires awe, with giant metal guardians surrounding a heap of Pick-Up Sticks. But a glimpse inside reveals that the ice palace is no Fortress of Solitude.

 

 

 

Neeraj Menon lavishes a bright palette on this snow-bound battle. The titanic guardians prove faster than AT-AT Walkers and lend scenes an epic grandeur. Yet the Human-sized crystal killer seems everywhere at once. Red contrasts with green in this light-blue land of stark sunlight. While Rogue wears red, the winged warrior spills it. The sentient steeds roar as they charge, wearing green saddles and armor. These two colors symbolize what Rogue has suffered in Rogue Storm #1. 

 

 

 

Travis Lanham fills white narrative boxes and dialogue balloons with large black uppercase letters. A stylized white font identifies time and space. The creatures speak into irregular balloons, while Iceman’s rage swells and turns blue. Sound effects make this story about killing a god crackle and boom, while heroes work together to leap into combat and smash their titanic opponents. Thanks to Marvel Comics for providing a review copy.

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

As X-Force attempts deicide, and Storm’s guardians intend decimation, an angry god divides her mind among her guardians. Rogue Storm #1 hints at how Revelation has achieved mastery over other Omega-level Mutants and suggests that Rogue’s situation may not be unique.

 

Rating 9.6/10

 

To look inside see my review at Comic Book Dispatch. 

Hack/Slash: Body Bags TP Vol 1 Review

 

Writer: Tim Seeley

Artist: Stefano Caselli with Steve Kurth

Colorist: Kurt Michael Russell

Letterer: Crank

Cover Artists: Stefano Caselli, Sarah Mitrache & Stefano Nesi

Publisher: Image Comics

Price: $12.99

Release Date: June 18, 2025

 

Cassandra and Vlad are hunting a Slasher named Edgelord. They’ve tracked the reanimated corpse to Terminus. Cassandra and Vlad, or Hack and Slash, aren't wild about hunting the killer corpse in this Old West-style town near the OJ Simpson Valley crater. But they don't want him carving up more teens and petty criminals.

 

Mack Delgado, aka Clownface, is a Body Bagger. When his daughter found him, the assassin and bounty hunter became a single parent overnight. Now Mack is responsible for a headstrong teen who enjoys killing. When Panda shoots a skip, she deprives his gang of the ransom. Incensed, Mack takes his unrepentant daughter to an overnight course for Baby Baggers. How will Cassandra and Vlad meet Mack and Panda? Is Terminus, Georgia, big enough for Hack, Slash, and the Body Baggers? Let’s grab our weapons, leap into Hack/Slash: Body Bags TP Vol 1, and find out!

 

Story

After consulting the town registry, Cassandra questions Black Angus. He and Edgelord worked together. But their boss is dead, and Black Angus doesn’t know Edgelord’s whereabouts. When Black Angus points her toward Mack, Vlad seeks out the Body Bagger while Cassandra visits the night school. But none of them realize that Edgelord returned home to find his lover dead. Rather than live without her, the corpse bridegroom ripped out his heart and dropped it on Cisco Valentine’s grave.

 

In Hack/Slash: Body Bags TP Vol 1, Cassandra slips into the night school just before lockdown. But she's not the only unexpected visitor. Cisco Valentine has a new lease on life thanks to Edgelord's heart. And she’s hunting Panda, the spunky Body Bagger who killed her. When Mack and Vlad realize what's at stake, the men must work together to protect Panda and Cassandra.

 

By forcing the protagonists of these two teams to swap partners, Tim Seeley forces each character to adapt to new situations. While Vlad and Mack could be effective partners, Vlad cares for Cassandra, whereas Mack fears becoming too soft by caring for his daughter. Likewise, Cassandra understands the value of teamwork, while Panda fiercely denies she needs anyone else. Still, Cassandra must convince Panda to work with her. With the school on lockdown, no one can get out. And Cisco Valentine wants to rip the smile off Panda's face before exacting her revenge.

 

Art

Cassandra is a goth teen with a purple miniskirt. Vlad hides his Frankenstein’s Monster appearance behind a mask in Hack/Slash: Body Bags TP Vol 1. Mack is densely muscled and carries a machete-sized knife. His teenage daughter is big on bust, hair, and attitude. Of all the other students, the girl dressed like a cheerleader has eyes only for a young man with piercings.

 

Lying on his bed beneath a Minotaurminator poster, Black Angus clutches a TV remote in his remaining hand. The wounded Body Bagger waits for his grandpa to hobble over with a bag of pills on his walker. But these larger-than-life characters cannot hold a candle to Cisco Valentine. She sports a white face, an immense smile, and a lock of blonde hair near the open wound on her scalp. Cisco's colorful costume rivals the Sixth Doctor's sartorial splendor.

 

Kurt Michael Russell looks Stefano Caselli and Steve Kurth’s big ‘ole storm of murder and mayhem straight in the eyes. Then, he lavishes a loaded palette of bright colors on these extraordinary characters. Less nuanced colors adorn the stained and torn Polaroids that provide Mack's link to the past. Mack slips on his yellow Clownface mask as he takes on bikini-clad cyborgs with guns built into their silver forearms. Perhaps purple forms the dominant theme in Hack/Slash: Body Bags TP Vol 1. The color adorns Mack’s car, the cyborgs’ hair, Cassandra’s skirt, the schoolteacher’s dress, and an arms dealer who sets Hack and Slash in his sights.

 

White letters in red time stamps keep tabs on this fraught Weekend At Body Bags. Uppercase black letters in white and colored dialogue balloons grow bold and shrink. Black Angus speaks into blue double-edged scroll saw blades. Dialogue enlarges when sound effects enhance gunfire, slashing weapons, and explosions. Yet Vlad makes the biggest impression as he speaks words of truth and concern with unsteady handprinted letters. Thanks to Image Comics for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

While Body Baggers Mack and Panda have Daddy Issues, Vlad worries that Cassandra is distracted. As they enter a town where anything goes, Vlad knows Cassandra must be alert to fend off assassins, bounty hunters, and cyborgs. Hack/Slash: Body Bags TP Vol 1 is an over-the-top comic farce: part Friday The 13^th, part Robocop, and all bloody good fun.

 

Rating 9/10

 

For more cover art 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.

X-Men #25 Review

 

Writer: Gerry Duggan

Artist: Stefano Caselli

Colorist: Marte Gracia

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Cover Artists: Joshua Cassara & Marte Gracia; C. F. Villa & Federico Blee; Mark Brooks; Alex Ross; Bryan Hitch & Alex Sinclair; Peach Momoko; Russell Dauterman & Matt Wilson; Sergio Davila, Sean Parsons & Romulo Fajardo Jr.

Publisher: Marvel

Price: $5.99

Release Date: August 2, 2023 

 

 

 

Kamala Khan died earlier this year in the pages of Amazing Spider-Man. But her latent mutant gene prompted her rebirth in X-Men: Hellfire Gala #1, proving that you can't keep a good Inhuman down. Perhaps this gets Kitty Pryde down, as she believes she can't be reborn if she dies. But if I understand Kitty's history rightly, she died and was reborn. Will X-Men #25 perplex or delight you? Let's leap into this special forty-plus-page issue and find out!

 

 

 

Story

The powerful Orchis organization has transformed Tony Stark's Iron Man suits into machines that do its bidding. They've blamed the mutants for a massacre and portrayed them as terrorists. Additionally, they've tampered with medicine mutants intended to benefit Humanity. 

 

 

 

With mutant hatred skyrocketing, governments allow Orchis to arrest mutants. Surgeons experiment on them. Authorities hunt down, imprison, and deport mutants to Mars. Sadly, the Martians don't exactly welcome them with open arms.

 

 

 

I rarely read an X-Men book, but I was captivated by X-Men #25. This issue mirrors contemporary problems, making it compelling reading. I can empathize with Kamala Khan's struggles. As for Kitty Pryde, she complains that she can't travel through Krakoa’s gates, yet she travels through the gate system several times. Years ago, I enjoyed following her romance with Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy and Legendary Star-Lord. Now she's known as Shadowkat: a highly trained ninja. 

 

 

 

Old School fans who insist superheroes don't kill won't like X-Men #25. If you enjoy martial arts movies, you'll love her scenes. Still, I wouldn't have minded seeing Lockheed. But then, I share Rubeus Hagrid’s love of dragons. Perhaps some of you do as well?

 

 

 

Art

Characters are appealing, expressive, and lifelike. Most people can't phase through walls, but Stefano Caselli makes me believe Kitty could. Energy and movement come across, and you’ll notice plenty of fine detail, such as the woven appearance of Kitty’s sword hilts. The Stark Sentinels inspire awe, as do the space sequences. I also like the Orchis soldiers’ red suits. Marte Gracia’s rich colors provide contrast and enhance atmosphere and drama. Panels scream with life from within black pages.

 

 

 

If I could change one thing, it would be to make the lettering larger. Clayton Cowles’ tiny, lowercase black words require a mutant gene to read. Still, Gerry Duggan delivers plenty of narrative and dialogue, and the good folks at Marvel give you a free digital copy. You can scale that up to whatever size you want and immerse yourself in this fascinating issue. If you’re interested in following the cataclysmic chaos unfolding amid the Fall Of X series, buy the cover of X-Men #25 that most appeals, and prepare for an epic ride!

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

False flag attacks, illegal imprisonment, and racial hatred turn Humanity's gifted benefactors into America's Most Wanted in X-Men #25.

 

Rating 9/10

 

Preview interior art & get another reviewer's perspective at Comic Book Dispatch.