Annnnd we're off! By that, I mean it's time to dive into a new plot arc in Captain Marvel #43. As the title suggests (Revenge of the Brood), this is lAnnnnd we're off! By that, I mean it's time to dive into a new plot arc in Captain Marvel #43. As the title suggests (Revenge of the Brood), this is likely to be an intense arc, and I cannot wait to see how it plays out.
Okay, so I knew it would hit hard because Brood, duh. But I was NOT expecting certain characters to get so wrapped up in this plot. It's a pleasant surprise and does a great job of bringing certain elements full circle. That's always been a talent of Kelly Thompson's, so that isn't all that much of a surprise. But it is appreciated.
If you love Captain Marvel arcs that pull in other heroes, especially the X-Men (nostalgic, much?), you've got to check out this issue. Though I should warn you, Captain Marvel #43 ends on a cliffhanger.
One of the many things I love about long-running comic series is that they understand the value of palette cleansers. Captain Marvel #42 is set betweeOne of the many things I love about long-running comic series is that they understand the value of palette cleansers. Captain Marvel #42 is set between arcs, meaning it's a little lighter and much less intense than other plots. In other words, it's a bit of a break in all the chaos that is Captain Marvel's story.
And seriously, any issue titled "The Chewie Center" is at risk of becoming my favorite. After all, Chewie is pretty much the best character ever (can you tell I'm a crazy cat lady?). I should probably also mention that this issue is a bit of a crossover with an event happening, Judgment Day. But you don't need to know that context to have fun with this issue.
Kelly Thompson's writing style is perfect for this story, especially since all the unspoken details are woven throughout. It adds a surprising amount to the overall story, elevating it into something much more memorable. I swear I'm not just saying that because Chewie is at the center of much of it. Whether you believe me, well, that's up to you.
I loved the panel layouts in this issue; they're fun and break up the standard pattern. They also offer a bird's eye view of everything happening (which, again, is quite a lot). Full credit to Andrea Di Vito, Nolan Woodard, and VC's Clayton Cowles for making this such a visually fun issue to read. Can't wait for the next one!
Earthdivers #1 is the start of a brand new series by IDW. It's written by Stephen Graham Jones – one of the best horror authors around. So you just k Earthdivers #1 is the start of a brand new series by IDW. It's written by Stephen Graham Jones – one of the best horror authors around. So you just know this series will hit you right in the feels and then some.
The series begins in the year 2112, with the world in ruins. As it turns out, the scientists may have been right when they warned us about those rising oceans. Whoops. One group of people may have a solution to everything gone wrong – they just have to go back in time and kill Christopher Columbus.
Writing
What would it be if you could go back in time to right one wrong? Would you erase a horrible person from the earth or find a different solution? Earthdivers #1 explores this core concept, with Stephen Graham Jones pointing fingers directly at the one and only Christopher Columbus as the root of many problems.
When you think about the butterfly effect, it's easy to see how one change such as this would drastically change how our history books were written. Of course, anybody that's spent anytime reading time travel fiction knows just how dangerous such a venture would be.
Much of the first issue is spent bouncing back and forth between two points in time. 2112 and 1492. It doesn't take long for the story to get quite dark, but that was probably to be expected (think about that point in history – it won't take long to get there).
Stephen Graham Jones did a brilliant job setting the scene in this issue, and I can't wait to see what happens next. Simultaneously, I'm dreading it. I've already become attached to the main group in this story, and I'm worried about how it will go from here...
Artwork
Wow. If I thought the writing of Earthdivers #1 was terrific, I was blown away by the artwork inside. Davide Giangelice (pencils), Joana LaFuente (colors), and Steve Wands (letters) are a dream team! Seriously, their work enhanced the impact of this story tenfold.
In particular, I enjoyed the character design in this issue. Each character had so much personality, even at a glance. Likewise, they did an excellent job of making it easy to tell each character apart, including the series' future antagonist (presumably).
The colors complement these darker tones, and I look forward to seeing how they adapt and progress as time goes on. I will have to pick up the full volume of Earthdivers because I need more.
Conclusion
Earthdivers #1 is an intense start to the series. It grabs readers and refuses to let go, pulling us down the science fiction rabbit hole that is time travel. I know things will likely get worse before they get better, but I am here for it.
Do you think you could survive a world of terror and death? Personally, I'm voting on no. The world of Oneira is dark and full of nightmares – someti Do you think you could survive a world of terror and death? Personally, I'm voting on no. The world of Oneira is dark and full of nightmares – sometimes more literally than one would like.
One of the best things about grabbing comics from NetGalley is that I can go into them without expectations. That lets them surprise me! However, I'll admit that I wasn't blown away by Oneira, much to my disappointment. The artwork made me want to love it, you know?
The series has potential, especially with the darker tones and heavier fight scenes. What it is lacking (at the moment) is context. There wasn't much explanation for the world or even the fight that occurred. So while it was a very good-looking fight, it ultimately had no stakes for the readers. I hope future chapters will work to change that because I can see the potential here.
Thanks to Europe Comics and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Liz (Quirky Cat)
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