We can all think of at least one famous actor who isn't as amazing as we'd like to think. Don't meet your heroes and all of that. Yet parasocSummary:
We can all think of at least one famous actor who isn't as amazing as we'd like to think. Don't meet your heroes and all of that. Yet parasocial relationships can be strong bonds – for better or worse.
That is a lesson one fading-TV star is about to learn when he comes across an obsessive fan following a convention. What follows would be fitting for a Stephen King novel.
Review:
Parasocial is a dark graphic novel full of commentary about the potential risks of parasocial relationships? In truth, I appreciate what this story is trying to say, even if it does so by going to storytelling extremes.
That said, I didn't love this story. Maybe it's because, as a reader, I'm naturally always going to be vulnerable to parasocial bonds (though I'm firmly in the "don't meet your heroes" stance). I dunno. I think, for me, the biggest problem was the pacing. If we had been given more time to appreciate and understand both characters involved, we might have cared more about what was happening to them (or rather, what they were doing).
As it was, I felt like I was rushed into the action of this story. That can sometimes work, but it takes away from the impact when not done right. That said, reading the author/artist's note at the end is super important.
Highlights: Commentary on Parasocial relationships Horror/Thriller Misery Vibes
Trigger Warnings: Stalking/Violence/Kidnapping
Thanks to Image Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Scarlet Witch, aka Wanda Maximoff, has put herself between Darcy Lewis and Scythia. One is oath-bound to hunt and kill the other, which mSummary:
The Scarlet Witch, aka Wanda Maximoff, has put herself between Darcy Lewis and Scythia. One is oath-bound to hunt and kill the other, which means we're on the precipice of yet another battle for the Scarlet Witch.
Review:
So, last we saw, a pretty big cliffhanger was on the horizon. It made me somewhat anxious to get my hands on Scarlet Witch #5, and I can't imagine I'm the only one that felt that way! Scythia (seemingly) had the power-up of the century.
So, how'd that fight go? I won't delve too far into spoiler territory, but I will say that I wish the fight had lasted longer. The build-up made it feel like it should have lasted another issue or two, and the implication did as well.
While I find the ending thematic, the shorter run left me wishing for more. It almost feels like we dodged all the consequences and implications teased in the last issue. That lowered the impact, at least for me.
That said, I'm still really enjoying this series (on the whole). Oh! And let us not forget that teaser page at the end of Scarlet Witch #5. That will lead to something big - and I can't wait to see it.
It isn't every day that She-Hulk comes across a villain that can hold up against her. It's next to impossible to back away when she does, eveSummary:
It isn't every day that She-Hulk comes across a villain that can hold up against her. It's next to impossible to back away when she does, even with everyone (read: Reed) telling her to do that. Not her style.
175th issue special: All Jennifer Walters wanted to do was have a grown-up evening, doing grown-up things. In this case, that meant she wanted a nice evening hosting a book club. Naturally, things don't go according to plan.
Review:
Ohh, I've been counting down the days for She-Hulk #12. Not only was I looking forward to seeing where the main plot went, but it's a special edition issue. Yay for celebrations!
Did this issue live up to the wait? Yep! I have to admit that I'm enjoying the plot revolving around this new villain. Speaking of – please tell me I'm not the only one picturing him sounding like Nathan Fillion. Seriously though, if this guy ever makes it to the big (or small) screen, I want Nathan Fillion to play him. Please?
Lots and lots of cameos in this issue! Mostly villains walking through Jen's office, but there are a few surprises here and there. It's a true Marvel Easter egg hunt, and I loved every second of it. The bonus story was so much fun. Anyone who has ever felt the pressure to do something "adult," like hosting a book club, will appreciate the tone and humor of it.
Highlights: New Villain She-Hulk shenanigans Book Club! Cameos 175 issue special
The Revenge of the Brood continues ever onward. Captain Marvel and crew started this mission in an attempt to save Rogue and Binary. But in tSummary:
The Revenge of the Brood continues ever onward. Captain Marvel and crew started this mission in an attempt to save Rogue and Binary. But in true fashion, the battle has turned, and now they're fighting on a whole different scale.
Review:
Oh, my heart. Be prepared fellow readers - Captain Marvel #48 is not pulling any punches. It's aiming right for the feels, and I don't think there's any dodging it. That said, it is absolutely worth reading, so get to it!
This conflict has been building for a while, and I don't just mean it in terms of this plot arc. I think the Brood reckoning has been a long time coming; it's just that we forgot about it for a bit. I love that Kelly Thompson has carefully delved into Carol's past. It's been haunting at times, but it's also given my favorite character so much more ownership over her past. Respect. On that note, I will miss Kelly Thompson's run of the series.
There's a moment of disbelief in this issue. I won't say the cause – spoilers – but I will say that it hits pretty hard. Looking back, I can't say I'm surprised things went this way. Yet I didn't see it coming. Think it'll stick, or is it a classic comic fake-out?
Highlights: Brood Battle X-Men Cameos The complicated history of Captain Marvel
The time has finally come. It's time to learn why Darcy Lewis ran away, winding up as The Scarlet Witch's shopkeeper. Sure, that sounds like Summary:
The time has finally come. It's time to learn why Darcy Lewis ran away, winding up as The Scarlet Witch's shopkeeper. Sure, that sounds like a fun (if dangerous) job, but that can't be the real reason why Darcy is here. As it turns out – there's a hunt happening, with Darcy as the prey.
My Review:
Huh. I knew that whatever was chasing Darcy Lewis (she had to be running from something, right?) would be big, but this was not what I expected. On the bright side, that proves that Scarlet Witch #4 worked hard to keep readers on their toes.
This is very much the issue that readers have been waiting for – and maybe not for the reason you think. This is the grudge match of the century; I'm not sure that both characters know it yet. In other words, this was a fascinating fight to watch, and it is far from over.
There are some curious implications in this issue, such as the history of the Bacchae, how it connects to Darcy, and what will happen next. I'm not 100% sure how I feel about that, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the issue.
Highlights: Darcy Lewis Plot Scythia Cameo Bacchae (Secret Society) Grudge Match
She-Hulk #11 kicks off a whole new plot arc! Jennifer Walters and her new beau are trying to figure out their new normal – easier said than dSummary:
She-Hulk #11 kicks off a whole new plot arc! Jennifer Walters and her new beau are trying to figure out their new normal – easier said than done. Meanwhile, the superpower fight club (still in need of a name) is going strong. Then there's the new thief hitting New York City.
My Review:
She-Hulk #11 is a strong start to the latest plot arc for our green lawyer. In truth, several active threads are running through this issue, making it as complex as fun. I don't know about everyone else, but I have a few questions about where this is going!
The cameos (Fantasy Four and a few other surprises) were fun but also served a plot purpose – my favorite type of cameo. The whole fight club premise still gives me a solid chuckle, so I hope that keeps going.
The humor of the fight club helps to balance out the heartbreak stemming from other plot arcs. On that note, while this is a new arc, the previous events play a role in what is happening now. So it would be a good call to get caught up before diving in. (Though it is not required).
Loved the artwork in She-Hulk #11. Especially the cover! Jen Bartel is an artistic genius, and nobody can convince me otherwise.
Highlights: Superhero fight club (need I say more?) New plot arc Fantastic Four Cameos
Despite their best efforts, Binary is still very much trapped by The Brood. Carol Danvers, Jessica Drew, Jennifer Takeda, and several X-Men aSummary:
Despite their best efforts, Binary is still very much trapped by The Brood. Carol Danvers, Jessica Drew, Jennifer Takeda, and several X-Men are on a quest to save her – and Rogue. However, The Brood are putting up more resistance than expected, causing Jennifer Takeda, aka Hazmat, to take extreme measures.
My Review:
Before I begin this review, I want to take a moment to talk about the latest news I heard. Kelly Thompson's run on Captain Marvel will end in Captain Marvel #50. I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm pretty destroyed by this news. I know, I know. Artists and authors can't stick to a series forever. But her run has been a favorite of mine, and it hurts to see her leave.
Captain Marvel #47 starts in the middle of the action – as it should. Last we saw, Hazmat was doing her thing, which left us wondering how all our other favorite heroes were faring. Honestly, it was pretty cool to see Jen step up and show us the true power of her ability. I also love that this issue gave her a moment to talk about the good and the bad.
In truth, this whole plot arc has done a wonderful job of commenting on the past. Rogue, Captain Marvel's, and now Hazmat's. It's so wonderfully done, especially as these moments give these characters more ownership over what happened.
The issue ends with some concerning hints as to what is to come. However, we can probably assume that the 50th issue will wrap up this whole arc. So it'll be interesting to see how that goes.
As always, I adored the artwork in Captain Marvel #47. The cover is brilliant – immediate references come to mind. Even without that, it's an eye-catching cover. Hazmat's scenes were arguably some of the most visually stunning. I wonder if we'll ever get a chance to see her run a solo series. I would love that.
Highlights: The Brood Cost of War Vibes Calling Back to the Past X-Men Cameos
While I may be behind in reading Farmhand, I can say with complete honesty it is worth getting caught up in. How do I know? Even after all these mont While I may be behind in reading Farmhand, I can say with complete honesty it is worth getting caught up in. How do I know? Even after all these months, Farmhand #19 hit me right in the feels – and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Farmhand #19 shows readers how the world is still falling apart. At least in this corner of the world. The machinations of a certain villain are still going strong. Not that I have any clue what the ultimate goal is. One character is convinced they know the plan (or at least who the true villain is). But I guess only time will tell if they are correct or not.
This issue had a big emotional hit, wrapped up with the increasing mystery of the past. What happened all those years ago? What kicked it off – and how deep do those secrets lie? It's impossible not to be invested in this quest, even if it will bring us down a horrifying path.
Most fans now understand that Scarlet Witch has opened a new shop. This shop just so happens to have a very special door that brings the despSummary:
Most fans now understand that Scarlet Witch has opened a new shop. This shop just so happens to have a very special door that brings the desperate directly to her. This is how Wanda hopes to help those in need. The latest person to wander through her door is from Sub-Atomica, meaning Wanda is about to get very tiny to deal with this latest threat.
My Review:
I'm not ashamed to admit that the Polaris cameo was a total surprise for me. I probably would have been less surprised had I known that the two were half-sisters. I know, bad me. Moving on. Scarlet Witch #3 starts with our X-Men cameo, which is only the tip of the iceberg for this issue.
The Sub-Atomica plot was okay overall. It was interesting, though probably not my cup of tea. There's a lot of information shared over a short period of time. Readers tend to have divided opinions on that sort of thing, so take what you will from that.
I probably would have rated this issue a 3 ½ if not for the other plot that (finally) rears its head. We've known for three issues now that something is going on with Darcy Lewis. And no, I'm not talking about the fact that she popped from the MCU into the comic verse. So it's nice to see that plot moving forward, even if it ends the issue on a cliffhanger.
All that said, the artwork for this issue is really solid. Love the colors and the way Sub-Atomica is portrayed. I wouldn't have minded a few more close-ups during these moments, as I feel like it would have helped ground the story, but I'll take what I can get!
Highlights: Polaris Cameo Sun-Atomica Darcy Lewis Plot Thickens
Ohhhh, a new Blade series? Better yet, a series about his family – specifically his daughter? Um, yes, please! Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1 is exacOhhhh, a new Blade series? Better yet, a series about his family – specifically his daughter? Um, yes, please! Bloodline: Daughter of Blade #1 is exactly the sort of series I've been hoping for. I just hadn't realized it until now.
Brielle Brooks is your typical teenage girl. She loves sports, gets into trouble with her teachers (even when she's done nothing wrong), and may or may not be developing superpowers. Wait, what was that last one?
While it may seem like Daughter of Blade #1 is your typical 'teenage-girl-gets-superpowers story, I feel it will be anything but. For one thing, the subtlety and slight sense of humor are so on point; I love it.
For another? As the daughter of Blade, you just know she's going to get into all sorts of mayhem, and she's not going to play the stereotypical superhero role either. I can't wait to see where this plot leads!
The artwork is perfect - bold and charming. I love Brielle's design and look forward to watching her learn how to fight and deal with her new abilities.
Oh, my goodness. Did you know there's a chibi version of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Because I certainly didn't! Where has this been all of my life?! Oh, my goodness. Did you know there's a chibi version of Avatar: The Last Airbender? Because I certainly didn't! Where has this been all of my life?! Let's dive into Avatar: The Last Airbender Chibis Vol. 1: Aang's Unfreezing Day.
As you might have guessed, Aang's Unfreezing Day is as cute and charming as one might have hoped. It revolves around our favorite Airbender and a surprise his friends are desperately trying to keep from him. Easier said than done. We all know how nosy Aang can get.
Honestly, this break from the normal storytelling style was refreshing and fun. Yes, it fits into an odd place in the continuity, but that's okay! It lets us celebrate the characters and their relationships. No need to dig deeper.
I'm just going to say it: I would die for chibi Appa. That is all.
Liz (Quirky Cat)
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