Sunday, December 22, 2019

Topics? Everything! Eddie@SNL; Star Wars & Mandalorian; Tenet; Witcher-SUN 6pm



Afronerd Radio Airs 12.22.19



As we head full swing into Holiday Week, let's not forget that we still have a Grindhouse podcast to air....specifically, this Sunday at 5pm eastern.  The issues to be unpacked?  EVERYTHING: our impressions of the (final?) film in the Star Wars saga, The Rise of the Skywalker; comedic legend, Eddie Murphy returns to SNL after a 35 year "hiatus" (because of, you know...superstardom and all that); more on the penultimate episode of S1 of Disney+'s Mandalorian series; Christopher Nolan returns in the John David Washington scifi-spy trailer for Tenet;  Henry Cavill's The Witcher series premiered on Netflix this weekend to so-so reviews;  iconic sci-fi director, Terry Gilliam (Brazil, 12 Monkeys) had some rather choice things to say about Marvel and Black Panther, specifically (can't have those Black kids dreaming!)  more Watchmen talk: is S1 final? And should it be? Watchmen's Doomsday Clock ended but even that might continue; JK Rowling might have to get off of twitter (even if she's right.....just like Trump says he really wasn't impeached either.....sigh); And if you need proof that Armageddon is near-50 Cent is producing an Black superhero animated series. Call LIVE at 646-915-9620. 



Monday, November 11, 2019

Mo' Race Stories; Primal & Wet City; James Dean Returns; Endgame Oscar-Grind@6pm



The Grindhouse Airs 11.10.19



Check out our latest edition of Afronerd Radio's The Grindhouse podcast airing every Sunday at 6pm sharp.  Your resident AFROnerdists will tackle the following blerd (and not so blerdy) issues: unfortunately in the advent of the Trump era, there are just too many race related stories to list- a billionaire's wife is named in a lawsuit for her usage of the "n-word';  #ADOS gets ready for its closeup via a recent NY Times piece; "It's OK to be White" signs drape a memorial for Tennessee U's first black students; Dburt has an epiphany about John Legend's "Baby, It's Cold Outside" remix after revisiting the 50 year old TV series, Room 222 (wokeness for that era?); finally discussing Genndy Tartakovsky's (Samurai Jack) excellent Primal animated series at Adult Swim (AS); and then there's also AS' Wet City; thoughts about bringing back the late actor, James Dean's image via CGI isn't sitting well some of the Hollywood elite;  looks like Disney is campaigning for Avengers: Endgame Oscar consideration after all ; Lastly, actress, Lashana Lynch discloses that she has indeed received online hatred in reaction to her 007 role in the upcoming James Bond film.  Call LIVE at 646-915-9620.


Oh and we actually squeezed in some talk about new trailers for The Invisible Man and Pixar's Soul:








Tuesday, October 1, 2019

New Afronerd Radio Alert! NY Statue; Guyger Verdict; Birds of Prey Trailer; Purple Rain Remake?-MWIR 7pm



Afronerd Radio Airs 10.2.19

Check out the latest "pre-NYCC" (New York Comic Con) '19 Mid Week in Review podcast airing this Wednesday at 7pm eastern.  The topics to be covered by your favorite AFROnerdists are: expectations for this upcoming NYCC as well as proposed panels, previews and appearances; the unveiling of a NYC statue depicting a (modern era) young black male on a horse perplexes Dburt and other cyber critics; legendary opera singer, Jessye Norman passes at 74; should/can Purple Rain be remade?;  thoughts about the Amber Guyger trial and the verdict (and what will be the sentencing?); the NYT graphic novel best selling list returns after a 3 year "hiatus"; the comic book TV translations appear to be neverending with Stumptown's recent high ratings and Ava Duvernay (New Gods) being tapped to direct another DC comic property, DMZ as an HBO streaming project; and how ironic that DMZ' premise is centered around a new Civil War (where have we heard that supposition?) And lastly, Marvel Netflix alumni (Mike Colter, Simone Missick and Wilson Bethel) find a new home ar CBS. Call LIVE ar 646-915-9620. *Kanye in Queens?

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Uncanny Daryll B's September Picks-Part One





Dial H For Hero 6 by Sam Humphries, Joe Quinones, Scott Hanna, Jordan Gibson & Dave Sharpe - Metropolis. City of Heroes. City of Chaos. And Summer is trapped in the midst of it. Meanwhile, Miguel learns some hard truths from the most unlikely of sources. But what is Thunderbolt’s master plan?
Justice League 30 by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Jorge Jimenez, Alejandro Sanchez & VC’s Tom Napolitano - The League begins to enact its counter attack to Luthor’s machinations. However, Starman gives the team a history lesson and Hawkgirl is, well, not in a good place regarding the missing J’Onn​
Terrifics 19 by Gene Luen Yang, Max Raynor, Stephen Downer & Tom Napolitano -Luthor makes his offer to Bizarro who then proceeds to create his own team to “uphold justice”. Yeah this will cause no headaches for our team...​
Wonder Woman 77 by G Willow Wilson, Jesus Merino, Vicente Cifuentes, Romulo Fajardo Jr & Pat Brosseau - Aphrodite struck down by the GodKiller Sword. But who has Grail’s sword and why is that very bad news for Diana? Three guesses and ALL of them are bad for the Princess. ​
Star Trek Year Five 5 Jody Houser, Silvia Califano, Thomas Deer & Neil Uyetake - An archeological expedition to a long dead planet. Lt. Uhura attempts to communicate with the Enterprise’s “guest”. Nothing wrong here right? Are you new to Star Trek??!?!?​
Absolute Carnage Lethal Protectors 1 by Frank Tieri, Flaviano, Federico Blee & VC’s Joe Caramagna - The Cult Of Carnage has made its presence known to the Marvel Universe. This one is centered are Ravencroft as a hero is imprisoned, betrayed by a confidant who was bent to Carnage’s will. Street level heroics vs cosmic horror. Speaking of which...​
Absolute Carnage Miles Morales 1 by Saladin Ahmed, Federico Vicentini, Erick Arciniega & VC’s Cory Petit - A day off interrupted by the Scorpion. A usual day in the life of Miles Morales right? Not if the Cult Of Carnage says so... and he REMEMBERS Miles! *Gulp!*​
Avengers 23 by Jason Aaron, Stefano Caselli, Jason Keith & VC’s Cory Petit - Robbie hasn’t a good time of it recently and now he’s face to face with the “King” of Hell, Johnny Blaze. Meanwhile, an exorcism has gone awry and Avengers Mountain is now possessed by a fiery demon. Yeah. A dead Celestial is taken over by an evil force with the Avengers inside it. This can’t be much worse...Right...​
Black Panther 15 by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Daniel Acuña & VC’s Joe Sabino - A King’s return. A nation rejoicing. However, there are two things that need to happen: readjustment to the new normal AND insuring nothing followed you back. Unfortunately T’Challa has major potential problems on both fronts. And what about the God in the corner?​
Captain America 13 by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Jason Masters, Sean Izaakse, Matt Milla & VC’s Joe Caramagna - On the lam, Steve Rodgers is hiding out with the Daughters of Liberty. If you think he’s just going to lay low, then you don’t know Captain America. New situation, recycled look, redemption begins here....​
House of X 3 by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia & VC’s Clayton Cowles - Preparations being made for the longest of long shots as the X-Men need to take out the secret alliance and Mother Mold before it comes online. Easy right? Well the base is circling the sun so...​
Marvel Comics 1000 by 80 FREAKING CREATIVE TEAMS - A mystery spanning all the years of Marvel U. A strange yet familiar mask goes from host to host. Al Ewing and an army of creative teams pay tribute to yesterday while laying the foundations for tomorrow here...​
Marvel Team Up 5 by Clint McElroy, Ig Guara, Felipe Sobreiro & VC’s Clayton Cowles - A “hero” returns and both Marvels aren’t buying it one second. A great way to bone up on Captain Marvel’s “new” origin/situation as well as getting a sense as to who Kamala Khan is. ​
Moon Girl Devil Dinosaur 46 by Brandon Montclare, Alitha E. Martinez, Tamra Bonvillain & VC’s Travis Lanham - A meeting long desired by me takes place this issue as Lunella finally draws the attention of Reed Richards. And what else can you expect? Calamity. ​
Power Pack Grow Up by Louise Simonson (Story 1) June Bridgman, Roy Richardson, Tamra Bonvillain (Story 2) Gurihiru & VC’s Joe Caramagna - A Power turns 13. A Lila Cheney concert in the park. A new girlfriend? What could go wrong? Well how about one of the most terrifying X-enemies EVER. Then in the second story, wait. It doesn’t matter. Why? We get Simonson with Gurihiru on it. That’s all we Packers need. ​
Spider-Man Life Story 6 by Chip Zdarsky, Mark Bagley, Drew Hennessy, Frank D’Armata & VC’s Travis Lanham - One of the most recent Spidey stories is used to bring this story to a close as Peter and Miles Morales go into space followed by enemies...exterior and interior. Great story. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ​
Star Wars Age Of Resistance General Hux by Tom Taylor, Leonard Kirk, Cory Hamscher, GURU-eFX & VC’s Travis Lanham - This is the story of the man behind Kylo Ren and if you think you know how devious and cruel the Empire could be? Say hello to General Hux. Dude definitely isn’t “loveable”. ​
Star Wars Age Of Resistance Poe Dameron by Tom Taylor, Ramon Rosanas, GURU-eFX & VC’s Travis Lanham - So you think you know the ace pilot huh? An unwinnable mission. Lives on the line and the beginning of a rivalry that is legendary to some Jedi fans. ​
Angel 4 by Bryan Edward Hill, Glen Melnikov, Roman Titov & Ed Dukeshire - Final Battle in Hell! Angel has to face his past and future to save the gal and LA. Lilith with some ominous foreshadowing and a beloved character returns. ​
Barack Panther Barack In Black by Kelsey Shannon - Another weird politics/pop culture mashup by Antarctic Press sees Barack and Biden as Earth’s foremost Men In Black Team. Let the alien insanity begin. ​

Better Late Than Never! Daryll B's Afropunk '19 Breakdown






Saturday August 24th was AfroPunk and god, I had fun. Given my health problems and work pressures intruding on every part of my Blerdy life, this was my vacation. My one chance to rock out and Boy did I take advantage of that...
Took the LIRR to Atlantic Terminal and that walk to Commodore Barry Park is one of my great joys every year. Seeing beautiful people enjoying a beautiful day as I walk alongside LIU Brooklyn campus is awesome. Was literally the 10th person in line to get into the show, Did my usual tradition of walking around to get a sense of the layout and get early pics. As I did this, GabSoul was doing a great old tunes meets new age mix around the Green Stage. No better way to ease people that were on line into the party. From there I wandered over to the Red Stage and checked out Vibe World Order, whose sound is like Wu-Tang Clan meets Boys II Men. Made for an interesting sound.​
Headed over to the Gold Stage after that to get a taste of the party sounds of Boston Chery, which had an early 80's chaotic house party feel. Met up with Afronerd around the Green Stage soon after to check out Hello Yello and their hip-hop meets grunge sound. From there, we did a little t-shirt shopping then took in Black Haus rocking the Gold Stage. Came back to the Green Stage to catch the R&B meets classical sound of Kelsey Lu followed by the thrash sound of Anahata on the Black Stage. What a combo!​
At this point, we caught a bit of Soulection over at the Red Stage which was a perfect setup for what was coming at the Green Stage: Tank & The Bangas. Southern styled R&B themed rock at its finest. The mosh pit started up again for Red Arkade at the Black Stage soon after making for a weird contrast for the smooth sounds of Ravyn Lenae after on the Green Stage.​
Took time after this to wander around a lil bit, and this is when the park got really crowded. Managed to get some Jamaican food into my system. Afronerd managed to get with Spike Lee for a brief talk and pictures. DJ Nativesun providing an electic background soundtrack which whet my whistle for the GREAT Gary Clark Jr. Wooo what a performance! He's a must listen folks. After that, we had one last venture into the merchants area and entered the Tephlon Funk area. Had a great conversation with its creator Stephane Metayer as DJ Moma spun a set. This was followed by Leon Bridges' smooth funk as day turned into night. DJ Moma returned after as the stage was being set up for MZ Jill Scott. She didn't disappoint folks! Her rendition of Radiohead's Creep to lead off her set is now firmly in my top 10 AfroPunk performances.​
Whew! What a day. I know folks will have their problems with the current nature of the event as opposed to past years BUT the music...goddamn the music that I caught was top notch. That is what I was there for and for 11+ hours, the rest of the world disappeared for me.​
There youhave it. Daryll B's AfroPunk Saturday in a nice tidy blog. SO until next time faithful readers? Keep Fantasizing (and Rocking Out!!)!​

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Book Recon from The Uncanny Daryll B.-Part 2





DCeased 4 by Tom Taylor, Trevor Hairsine, Stefan Gaudiano, Rain Beredo & Saida Temofonte - So the Heroes seemingly have a grasp on the grave situation they are in and start making countermeasures. In that time, another mantle is passed and two heroes thought dead return. HOWEVER, things manage to get worse. In such a way that 3 of their heavy hitters might be off the board...
Deathstroke 46 by Christopher Priest, Fernando Pasarin, Cam Smith, Jeromy Cox & Willie Schubert - Year of the Villain continues as a child of Slade Wilson gets an offer & opportunity. Meanwhile, Shado and Red Arrow are both on Rose’s list as to who killed Slade. And once again, Priest, in the last 3 pages changes EVERYTHING!!!​
Justice League 29 by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Bruno Redondo, Hi-Fi & Tom Napolitano - Jarro has been a fun addition to Justice League & Batman lore BUT folks better not sleep on where the tiniest Robin came from. Yes, you read that right and I already told you what DC “Year” it is..​
Aero 2 by Zhou Liefen, Keng, Greg Pak (Story 2) Pop Mhan, Federico Blee & VC’s Joe Caramagna - In an effort to make heads or tails of the craziness hitting the homeland, Aero has a very personal flashback. Little does she know how relevant it is to the current situation. In story 2, it Aero and Wave vs Red Feather to get her free from lifetime superhero duty to the state. Complications abound as we also meet Wave’s family.​
Agents of Atlas 1 by (Story 1) Greg Pak, Nico Leon, Federico Blee (Story 2) Jeff Parker, Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz, Dono Sánchez-Almara & VC’s Joe Sabino - So they fought back Asgardian Fire Demons. Does that mean the “New” Agents Of Atlas are officially a team united? Be prepped for a bombshell involving dragons. And how does this fit with the old team? Cue evil laughter.....​
Champions 8 by Jim Zub, Steven Cummings, Marcio Menyz & VC’s Clayton Cowles - As if things weren’t already complicated with the Miles & Kamala situations, Sam’s back but as y’all may recall, he has his own problems. Oh and lest I forget, old “friends” return to REALLY muck things up. And yeah, another shocker of a final page. Oy!​
Future Foundation 1 by Jeremy Whitley, Will Robson, Daniele Orlandini, Greg Menzie & VC’s Joe Caramagna - It was a simple mission to bust someone out of jail. Simple? Yeah right. A REALLY bad case of mistaken identity/idol worship may get the kids killed. For The Maker has returned and all are screwed!!!​
House of X 2 by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia & VC’s Clayton Cowles - So you Folks think you know everything there is to know about Moira McTaggart and her work with mutants? WRONG! Hickman with this issue has turned all of mutant history upside down. And in that vein, pay close attention to the info dumps at the end of these issues. Trust me.​
Immortal Hulk 22 by Al Ewing, Joe Bennett, Ruy José, Belardino Brabo, Paul Mounts & VC’s Cory Petit - Recent moves by command have spurred action on different fronts. Gamma Flight springs into action. The Commander’s new “situation” isn’t exactly inspiring loyalty. And through all this, the Hulk has been presumed to be off the board. Yeah. Trouble.​
Invisible Woman 2 by Mark Waid, Mattia De Iulis & VC’s Joe Caramagna - Sue’s rescue mission for someone in her espionage past has a new variable: the Black Widow. Can Sue and Natasha get along? Nah. The real question is can you survive pissing these two ladies off?!?!?​
Star Wars 70 by Greg Pak, Phil Noto & VC’s Clayton Cowles - As if their individual missions weren’t hard enough, Leia’s former flame complicates one; Luke has to determine if his new “associate” is on the level regarding the force; but by FAR Chewbacca and C-3Po’s mission has become the most difficult. Why? The native suddenly “get” Threepio just as the most symbolic figure in Star Wars lore appears. Chewy’s screwed.​
Ignited 3 by Mark Waid, Kwanza Osajyefo, Phil Briones, Andrew Crossley& A Larger World Studios - In the midst of the mission, we get the person experiences of the school shooting from the team. Readers beware. Some of these recollections will hit you hard. Credit to the creative team for not shying away from the hard questions.​
Ronin Island 5 by Greg Pak, Giannis Milonogiannis, Irma Kniivila & Simon Bowland - I should be ready for the Pak swerve by now. I thought I had the pulse of who I liked and who I loathed in this apocalyptic limited. Yeah I was a fool. Story makes me have to reconsider my stances on 2 characters.​





Orville 2 by David A Goodman, David Cabeza, Michael Atiyeh, Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt - A kid’s first day of school. An interesting 2nd meeting between future lovers. And a wrecked ship that just adds more questions than a space cannon can fire at. Once again, a great interpretation at Dark Horse of a TV property.​
Batman & The Outsiders 4 by Bryan Edward Hill, Dexter Soy, Veronica Gandini & VC’s Clayton Cowles - Race Against time as Ra’s al Ghul is salivating over his newest asset. Signal is still trying to get over his issues and Jefferson is wondering what exactly is the reason Bruce wanted him to run the team. This book is a perfect in-spirit companion to what the Young Justice cartoon is doing.​
Wonder Woman 76 by G Willow Wilson, Lee Garbett, Romulo Fajardo Jr & Pat Brosseau - A fight is over. The Amazons stand united but the fallout continues. Decisions have been made that can never be understood or forgiven. And I have said all that, but it may be inconsequential because The Cheetah has made a deal.​
Star Trek Year Five 4 by Brandon Easton, Martin Coccolo, Fran Gamboa & Neil Uyetake - Why in the hell would Spock run for President Of Mob World? In usual Spock fashion, the answer is quite logical. In usual Easton fashion, the answer isn’t simple. Be prepared to peel back a lot of layers of society & politics here. And oh by the way, there’s an attempted coup on the Enterprise. Wait. What?​
Fantastic Four 13 by Dan Slott, Sean Izaakse, Marcio Menyz & VC’s Joe Caramagna - Honeymoon. Hulk. Puppet Master. Innocent vacationers. Ben Grimm has a lot on his plate and he has to solve it all within a minute. Because he becomes human in front of the aforementioned IMMORTAL HULK!​

Invaders 8 by Chip Zdarsky, Carlos Magno, Butch Guice, Alex Guimarães, Dono Sánchez-Almara & VC’s Travis Latham - This week in comics have been nothing but complicated. This issue is no different as Namor and Bucky have a diner meeting. Yeah. Meanwhile Jim is enraged and Steve is sorrowful. And all that said (once again) it is going to be an artifact of Marvel Comics lore that’s going to make the biggest impact.​
Ironheart 9 by Eve L Ewing, Luciano Vecchio, Geoffo, Matt Milla & VC’s Clayton Cowles - Riri goes to Wakanda to try and thwart the Ten Rings plot. Stark Tech entering Wakanda will get the notice of the government. That means enter Shuri. Can you say fire and water? Throw in another figure from The New Warriors and we have a strong willed heroine party!​
Miles Morales 9 by Saladin Ahmed, Javíer Garrón, David Curiel & VC’s Cory Petit - Family is when one member falls, the others unite. Well prep yourselves for the Jefferson/Aaron rescue squad! You read that right. Miles’ disappearance has been noticed by the family. God help his captor(s).​
Powers of X 2 by Jonathan Hickman, R. B. Silva, Adriano Di Benedetto, Marte Gracia & VC’s Clayton Cowles - The X-Men have been known for two things (at least): being mutant rights activists and crazy world shattering superpower battles. Yeah. These don’t actually always go well and prepare to be shocked Comic Fans...​
Swordmaster 2 by Shuizhu, Gunji, Greg Pak (Story 2) Pak, Ario Anindito, Rachelle Rosenberg & VC’s Travis Lanham​ A mysterious package. Demons. And dude still can't use his sword... Then, Shang-Chi tries to train the young hero on how to be dangerous W/O the sword. Yeah... this going to go well...
Wolverine vs Blade by Marc Guggenheim, Dave Wilkins & VC’s Travis Lanham - Take two long lived “heroes” with a bit of a past. Enter a group of renegade vampires and payback. What do you get? Lots of slashing and blood. This one isn’t for the meek folks....​
Life & Death of Toyo Harada 6 by Joshua Dysart, Cafu, Doug Braithwaite, Andrew Dalhouse, Diego Rodriguez and Dave Sharpe - So the most “innocent” member of Imperium gets all of the questions answered. We see the fallout from the fall of Harada. But like all things, those answers lead to a lot of new questions. Especially if you are a psiot fan (looking at my Faith, Livewire & Harbinger Fans).​


James Bond 007 10 by Greg Pak, Robert Carey, Roshan Kurichiyanil & Ariana Maker - Exactly how deep has Goldfinger’s mental manipulation affected Bond and Lee? That’s the question that Moneypenny has to ascertain. Why? Seems Goldie has been making more moves that only our fav secret agents can thwart.... that is if they are on the right side....​

Vampirella 2 by Christopher Priest, Ergün Gündüz & Willie Schubert - If you thought issue 1 was diabolical, Priest empties more of Vampy’s nostalgia closet in her therapeutic session. Oh and we have a secret Hollywood cult, demons and werewolves too. Oh and speed dating...sort of?​
Excellence 4 by Brandon Thomas, Khary Randolph, Emilio Lopez & Deron Bennett - Oil and water. Yin and Yang. Every hero needs a nemesis. The problem is how far can you fight your nemesis without becoming them yourself? Spencer travels this hard road in this issue to the point that Mom is called in. Annnd everything may be a lie. Hold up. What???​
Fearless 2 by (story 1) Seanan McGuire Claire Roe, (Story 2) Karla Pacheco, Iolanda Zanfardino (Story 3) Eve Ewing, Alitha Martinez, Rachelle Rosenberg & Cardinal Rae - The Summer Camp adventure for Kamala continues for Kamala continues as Storm, Invisible Woman and Captain Marvel enter as guests. But is everything as it seems? Then we enter the day of Night Nurse as we get a tale Avengers Academy fans shouldn’t miss. In the last story,​ Wolverine and Honey Badger. Nuff Said....
History of the Marvel Universe 2 by Mark Waid, Javier Rodríguez, Álvaro López & VC’s Joe Caramagna - We continue on as the Golden Age begins. Hidden societies make their presence felt. The world marches towards war and new heroes emerge.​
Magnificent Ms Marvel 6 by Saladin Ahmed, Minkyu Jung, Juan Vlasco, Ian Herring & VC’s Joe Caramagna - So what can shake our hero more than being kidnapped to an alien planet WITH her parents and being in the middle of a planetary war? It the news that said parents hit her with upon their return to Earth. The search for help begins as Kamala tries to save everyone. ​
Powers of X 3 by Jonathan Hickman, R.B. Silva, Marte Gracia & VC’s Clayton Cowles - Desperate Times call for desperate measures. The surviving Horsemen AND Apocalypse go for a last ditch effort to save mutantkind (or what’s left of it) from Nimrod and his sentinels. I did say last ditch right? Be prepared....​
Livewire 9 by Vita Ayala, Tana Ford, Kelly Fitzpatrick & Saida Temofonte - Ok. With all that has happened, Livewire gets courted by a political candidate and his aide for help. That’s right. As if she didn’t have enough problems, here comes an explosive football for future psiots. This might get dirty fast. ​
Psi-Lords 3 by Fred Van Lente, Renato Guedes & Dave Sharpe - More Of our “heroes” spotty pasta get filled in here as they get help from and unexpected quarter. Just remember that this is a Van Lente book so.... expect the unexpected and I hope you didn’t form a lot of emotional attachments. *Evil Laughter*​

A Long Awaited Blog Dropping-Book Recon from The Uncanny Daryll B.-Part 1






Justice League 28 by James Tyrion IV, Javier Fernandez, Daniel Sampere, Juan Albarran, Hi-Fi & Tom Napolitano - J’Onn puts his detective skills to the test to find the mastermind behind the chaos. The League is stretched across the universe and Hawkgirl just wants to kick arse. I think that covers it.
James Bond 007 9 by Greg Pak, Eric Gapstur, Robert Carey, Roshaw Kurichiyanil & Ariana Maker - Bond, Kim and Lee get sent on a mission while under Goldfinger’s control. All Moneypenny can do is try to hold off the Company’s kill order, watch and hope Bond can resist. Yeahhhh this one is a bind...​
Vampirella 1 by Christopher Priest, Ergün Gündüz & Willie Schubert - On initial reading I told folks on Twitter that I know Priest’s style. I know about half of Vampi’s enemies and tendencies. So I thought I was ready. Well I wasn’t. A plane crash. A therapy session. And the appearance of a character that I really thought I’d never see again. I think that covers it. ​
Excellence 3 by Brandon Thomas, Khartoum Randolph, Emilio Lopez & Deron Bennett - To work off his red on his ledger, Spencer now has to work bringing in those who abuse the magic. But, is there an ulterior motive afoot? You should know by now that this creative team ALWAYS has a trick up their sleeves...and it has only been 3 issues!​
The Orville 1 by David A Goodman, David Cabeza, Michael Atiyeh, Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt - This story takes place during season 1 of the Star Trek homage show. Gordon and the Captain find an old signal buoy and wreckage from a battle only to end up...well if you never saw the show, I did say ST homage. So you know this gets complicated. Meanwhile, it school time on the ship. Two different stories come crashing together: one romantic, the other...well you’ll just have to see.​
Domino Hotshots 5 by Gail Simone, David Baldeón, Michael Shelfer, Jim Charalampidis & VC’s Clayton Cowles - A final battle. Lovers and anger. Cosmic power. And more quips than you think Neena has ever thrown out before. Domino’s rag tag team vs a literal power cosmic. Lots of luck needed this time​
Immortal Hulk 21 by Al Ewing, Ryan Bodenheim, Paul Mounts & BC’s Cory Petit - The origin of the General Fortean revealed as well as his “plan”. Motivation and honor laid bare for all & I hope you didn’t have emotional attachments to some characters. Dude is ruthless!​
Invaders 7 by Chip Zdarsky, Carlos Magno, Butch Guice, Alex Guimarães & VC’s Travis Lanham - Namor has launched the payload and now a whole US city can only breathe underwater. As you may think, some folks aren’t too happy and want not only Namor’s head but those of the Invaders as well. The second arc begins and no one is safe.​
Secret Warps Ghost Panther by Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez, Carlos Lopez & VC’s Joe Sabino (Story 2) Daniel Kibblesmith, Ig Guara & Sabino - Earth 2099 isn’t immune to the smash up craziness. T’Challa aka Johnny Blaze travels there to fight a Martian invasion due to events that happened in Weapon Hex. Just wait until you see the heroes of 2099. Story 2 features one of the most intriguing mashups that I never knew I wanted. Enter Knightblade!​
Spider-Man Life Story 5 by Chip Zdarsky, Mark Bagley, John Dell, Frank D’Armata & VC’s Travis Lanham - Morlun has killed Ben Reilly and that act has shattered Peter’s Happy Ever After with his family. Oh and I’m there’s this little thing called Civil War happening. There no going back after this issue folks!​
Star Wars Age of Resistance: Captain Phasma by Tom Taylor, Leonard Kirk, Cory Hamscher, GURU-eFX & VC’s Travis Lanham - A battle on a distant planet. An Imperial soldier with drive. A harsh lesson learned and for those not in the know, Phasma’s philosophy is laid bare. God help everyone....​
Uncanny X-Men 22 by Matthew Rosenberg, Salvador Latricia, David Messina, GURU-eFX & VC’s Joe Caramagna - Change is on the horizon but as for the right now, Scott is emotionally battered due to the revelations and team losses from last issue. Emma has one more demon left to expel and it has ramifications for the team. I know this story has been polarizing to a lot of X-Fans but this felt high stakes to me.​
Unstoppable Wasp 10 by Jeremy Whitley, Gurihiru & VC’s Joe Caramagna - The last issue for now as GIRL makes their last stand vs AIM. We get a major final reveal for Nadia. Matter of fact it the one that followers since day one have waited for. Once again, all the heartstrings are pulled, feelings felt and somehow I feel the future is bright for all involved.​
Firefly 8 by Greg Pak, Dan McDaid, Vincenzo Federici, Marcelo Costa & Jim Campbell - The whole “team” is in trouble. Mal fighting huge insects with a bitter enemy. Jayne and the siblings arrested. Zoey is rounding up her forces while the law closes in. Yeah. This shaping up to be the biggest battle in the series history.​
Life & Death of Toyo Harada 5 by Joshua Dysart, CAFU, KANO, Andrew Dalhouse & Dave Sharpe - It not often that I can say that a thought I had about a character, which I threw away, actually turns out to be right. But Dysart with the last 2 pages verified a suspicion I long had. Anyway, what happens to Harada’s house of cards once he’s removed from the equation? Specifically, his lieutenants? This issue explores that as governments rush in to seize assets from the fallen foundation.​
Invisible Kingdom 5 by G Willow Wilson, Christian Ward & Sal Cipriano - The series embraces its Star Wars roots here as we get a conflict in space. Firefights are so much cooler in space. It says it in the comic book contract! see the fine print. Anyway, the small ship with BIG secrets has to outwit a much bigger destroyer.​






Dial H For Hero 5 by Sam Humphries, Joe Quinones, Scott Hanna, Jordan Gibson & Dave Sharpe - Kudos to Mr Humphries and Mr. Quinones for taking the story of the H-Dial to a place that I never considered. Snapper and Summer arrive in Metropolis looking for Miguel. Unfortunately or fortunately, he’s getting a lesson in history and physics from <redacted>. Shock doesn’t even cover this.​
Wonder Woman 75 by G Willow Wilson, Xermanico, Jesus Merino, Vicente Cifuentes, Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Pat Brosseau - With the revelations of last issue, Diana is ready to find and reunite her people. The problem is that the other faction is being led by Grail who also has her mom prisoner. Loving how Mrs. Wilson has been using elements of Wondy’s history, new and old, here to craft this tale.​
Star Trek Q Conflict 6 by Scott & David Tipton, David Messina, Elisabetta D’Amico & Alessandra Alexakis - New players have entered the game that should be VERY familiar to diehard TNG fans. Q gives the players a new objective which probably will kill them all. And a conclusion is reached. Well that and of course, war. Can’t forget all out war can I? This should have been an animated movie. Crazy.​
Skyward 15 by Joe Henderson, Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela & Simon Bowland - An ending coda to the initial run about an Earth without gravity. So what will happen to our heroes and villains? Families reunited? Only thing for certain here is drama. And that’s me understating it. A very good read that I’m glad I stumbled across.​
Fearless 1 by (Story 1) Seanan McGuire, Claire Roe, Rachelle Rosenberg (Story 2) Leah Williams, Nina Vakueva, Rosenberg (Story 3) Kelly Thompson, Carmen Carmelo, Tamra Bonvillain & Janice Chiang - A series centered on the gals of the Marvel Universe on the page as well as creatively. Say hi to Camp Glorianna which will feature some special guest counselors in the opening story. Story 2 has an interesting photo taking place for Millie The Model. Finally, Elsa Bloodstone calls Jessica Jones for help. That last page...LOL​
History of the Marvel Universe 1 by Mark Waid, Javier Rodríguez, Álvaro López & VC’s Joe Caramagna - We are at the end of all that is and Galactus decides to tell a story to the only other living person alive. Waid gets to flex that huge comic archive of a brain here. Fans of Hickman’s previous stories better not sleep on this either. Speaking of him....​
House of X 1 by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia & VC’s Clayton Cowles - A new age for the mutants has dawned and not everyone is happy about it. This one sees Xavier(?) making moves on a worldwide scale including friends & enemies alike in his machinations. This being said, movements like this won’t go unnoticed. Leave it to Hickman to drop X-Fans in the middle of a chaotic situation to begin a story arc.​
Magnificent Ms Marvel 5 by Saladin Ahmed, Minkyu Jung, Juan Vlasco, Ian Herring & VC’s Joe Caramagna - War. All out planetary war. Kamala has to navigate this with her parents in tow. But how? And why is it her that’s the chosen one? A book full of answers...that have opened the fans up to bigger future questions. Plus new costume on the horizon.​
Marvel Rising 5 by Nilah Magruder, Roberto DiSalvo, Georges Duarte, Rachelle Rosenberg & VC’s Clayton Cowles - The Team vs Morgan Le Fay for all the marbles. Great to see some recent loves get spotlighted here. Easy to be lost in the comic book shuffle and I definitely loved seeing Mosaic again.​
Marvels Epilogue 1 by Kurt Busiek, Alex Ross, John Roshell & Richard Starkings of Comicraft - I already talked about Waid’s comic book brain. It time to talk about a return to one of comic’s most revered stories. Busiek and Ross struck gold with the original Marvels and in this “epilogue” we see the Sheldon Family enjoying Christmas in Rockerfeller Center. Any hardcore Marvel Fan can tell you that’s a bad idea because anything can happen...and usually does. Probably one of my favorite panels EVER gets recreated here by the great Ross.​
Moon Girl Devil Dinosaur 45 by Brendan Montclare, Alitha E. Martinez, Tamra Bonvillain & VC’s Travis Lanham - School trip to the museum. After the last couple of months, this should be ideal downtime for Lunella right? Right? Yep. Unrequited love, annoyances from the usual places and a faulty 4-D scanner leads to hijinks.​
Secret Warps Arachknight by (Story 1) Al Ewing, Carlos Gómez, Juan Vlasco Carlos Lopez (Story 2) Jim Zub, Carlo Barberi, Ruth Redmond & VC’s Clayton Cowles - What could be crazier than a mashup of Spider-Man & Moon Knight? How about one that fights a mashup of Squadron Supreme and New Universe heroes as mashups of Marvel Cosmic fall to Earth? Absolute madness.....​
Shuri 10 by Nnedi Okorafor, Rachael Stott, Carlos Lopez & VC’s Joe Sabino features an interesting twist to the alien bug/vibranium situation and Shuri’s position in Wakanda is ultimately defined. This one flew under the radar with a lot of fans but to me it was fun month in month out. Thanks to Nnedi and the creative team.​
Star Wars 69 by Greg Pak, Phil Noto & VC’s Clayton Cowles - A mission made more interesting by the inclusion of a former paramour of the Princess. A mission which seems to be more than what’s on the surface for the Young Jedi. A mission already compromised in a couple of ways for The Wookie & Droid. Pak and Noto have hit the Star ways running with this book.​
SwordMaster 1 by (Story 1) Shuizhu, Greg Pak, Gunji (Story 2) Pak, Ario Anindito, Rachelle Rosenberg & VC’s Travis Lanham - What is up with Lin’s sword? Can Shang-Chi get through to him to help SwordMaster be a better hero? Who the heck is THAT? Pak again finds a way to get me hooked on a new (to me) hero.​
Livewire 8 by Vita Ayala, Kano & Saida Temofonte finds our hero trying to battle out of her capture AND save the psiot kids at the same time. Vita is a budding master of giving fans what they think they want and inverting it. Proof of this? The last 6 pages. Polarizing and changes for some how they’ll look at her.​
Psi-Lords 2 by Fred Van Lente, Renato Guedes & Dave Sharpe - So our "team" of escapees finds that they aren't alone...and that things may not be as simple as just getting home. The building of the new age Valiant Cosmic Universe continues here.​
Terrifics 18 by Gene Luen Yang, Stephen Segovia, Ray McCarthy, Protobunker & Tom Napolitano sees everything go catastrophic fast. Plastic Man can't hold himself together. Metamorpho (and dog) have new mouths. Friction between the Terrific Couple. When the most rational and put together member is Phantom Girl? We have a problem....​
American Carnage 9 by Bryan Edward Hill, Leandro Fernandez, Dean White & Pat Brosseau - I said after last issue that there would be no redemption here. The series goes out with a bang (several thousand more like it) as comeuppance for their sins. Who's actually good? Who's actually bad? This series will have folks talking for months to come ESPECIALLY in our current social climate.​
Avengers 22 by Jason Aaron, Stefano Caselli, Jason Keith & VC’s Cory Petit - This was supposed to be downtime. This was supposed to be a time to reflect. Cue up Robbie losing control of his "Rider". Guest appearances are going to had aplenty as the War of The Ghost Riders starts. ​
Black Panther 14 by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Daniel Acuna & VC’s Joe Sabino - Contact has been established! Wakanda now knows that T'Challa survived and lives. This should be a time to celebrate right? Not with The Empire on his heels and having to stay alive...​
Captain America 12 by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Adam Kubert, Matt Milla & VC’s Joe Caramagna - The breakout has happened but Cap is a fugitive and needs the Daughters of Liberty to restore his good name & reputation. Love that Ta-N is keeping the ramifications of Secret Empire alive here. Makes me question every decision Cap makes and that heightens the drama.​
Fantastic Four 12 by Dan Slott, Sean Izaakse, Marcio Menyz (Story 2) Jeremy Whitley, Will Robson, Daniele Orlandini, Greg Menzie & VC’s Joe Caramagna After the Doom/Galactus thing, Ben FINALLY has time to give Alicia the honeymoon they deserve. Unfortunately, a certain green behemoth is lurking because of something Ben did earlier in the series. And unfortunately for The Thing, he's on a timer. You...you are just going to read this... In story 2, the Future Foundation welcomes Julie Power. Yeah folks, this is going to be an interesting series....​
Marvel Team-Up 4 by Clint McElroy, Ig Guara, Felipe Sobreiro & VC’s Clayton Cowles - Kamala fresh off her Freaky Friday experience with Spider-Man gets to have an adventure with her hero Captain Marvel. This one is a great way to catch up on the history changes of both characters...even as someone is trying to collect...well that would be spoiling A LOT.​
Powers of X 1 by Jonathan Hickman, R. B. Silva, Adriano Di Benedetto, Marte Gracia & VC’s Clayton Cowles - Welcome to the future X-Fans and come on! It the X-Men! Bleak futures and the X-Men go hand in hand. The interesting thing about this book are the dossier fillers. Why? Extrapolation folks ESPECIALLY the Mister Sinister stuff....​
Secret Warps Iron Hammer by Al Ewing, Carlos Gomez, Carlos Lopez (Story 2) by Tini Howard, Ario Anidito, Israel Silva and VC’s Cory Petit - The mashups have gotten mashed up themselves. Good thing we have handy guides because Ewing and Gomez bring the crazy here as the soul gem fractures have grown and their world is in trouble. Story 2 sees even MORE mashups within the Iron Man/Thor story and the passing of a mantle....​
Star Wars Age of Resistance Special by Tom Taylor, Matteo Buffagni, Chris O’Halloran (Story 2) G. Willow Wilson, Elsa Charretier, Nick Filardi (Story 3) Chris Eliopoulos, Javier Pina, GURU-eFX & VC’s Travis Lanham - The best thing about these Star Wars"era" books by Marvel is that I have found myself entralled about characters that I REALLY never though i'd be all in for. The Holdo story is cool (story 2) and I think that I want to have Wilson and Charretieron something inthe future. But if you told me I'd be emotional over a BB-8 story? Chris really plucks all the right notes here...​
Angel 3 by Bryan Edward Hill, Gleb Melnikov, Roman Titov & Ed Dukeshire - Hell. Seriously. Another murder. A possible way to get to the instigator/killer and an offer from Lilith that Angel can't refuse. Past sins and the road to hell are paved with good intentions after all....​
Five Years 3 by Terry Moore - The last part of the Moore Universe has been alluded to all through this tale BUT now a certain “superhero” makes her presence known to Tambi. Good news right? Um not in the least.... the world is in it deep.