True Believers: Empyre - Swordsman #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... a comic for your dollar! This time I'm bringing you some origin realness as the Swordsman takes on the Avengers. Let's dive in!

First of the bat is the character of the Swordsman seems like quite the charmer as being the person that always "has the last word". It's quite new to see a villain take on the Avengers as they seem - umm - untrained with the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver being the new members and being made work of (they are new members and apparently the team itself was in the new stages). 

With this one issue, it seems like everything I knew about Captain America sashayed away as he seems cold and callous (as pointed about by Scarlet Witch too) that it just jumps right into his indulgent selfishness but I guess it sets the journey up for the path of righteousness and redemption. It seems the Cap does care a lot about their image with no saving grace from Nick Fury in giving him some side missions to relive the glory of his shindig days.

It's such a small team with big egos with Hawkeye and Quicksilver wanting Cap out in an attempt to vie for leadership. Scarlet Witch offers fresh insight and perspective which is refreshing of a team of big heads.

Somewhat of a cathartic ending as Cap supposedly sacrificing himself so that the other Avengers don't give in to the demands of the Swordsman. I mean that's the Cap I usually see really. A selfless one at that.

Hydra has a what?? They literally have a weapon that can single-handedly take down the Avengers but only uses it to snooping purposes. Talk about trying to take over the world.

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What happened to Cap? - spoiler alert - he survives somehow or comes back from the dead like s many that they have done in the future.

True Believers: Empyre - Swordsman #1 (reprint of Avengers volume 1 #19)

Stan Lee - writer

Don Heck - artist

Dick Ayers - inker

Artie Simek - letterer

True Believers: Empyre - Galactus #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... a comic for your dollar! Bring on Galactus and Reed and Storm look to a normal life after Franklin becomes depowered in the Negative Zone. Let's dive in!

Gosh, it's zinger with Galactus taking on their monologue as they question the existence. It's a totally different side to the doom, hunger, thump, thump, give me food now type of being that I'm so used to seeing. It's refreshing to see a new layer of characterisation of the character which is so fitting as well. The fact that the hunger has subsided leaving the emptiness of their actions behind it. That is until Death comes knocking on the door which is exactly what they do. There's a beautiful shot of their faces halved side by side as Death joins in on the monologue which serves such sweet poetry.

Then at a switch of a button (quite literally), Nova pops in and it begins again. It does build this grandeur especially at how quick it happens and how sorry I feel for the Skrulls who were next on the list for the pecking order. It's really disturbing how unprepared they are and at how sudden that they would lose their lives at a snap of a finger. There is a beauty at the end of it like the big bang but instead of the creation of life, it's the destruction of it. 

The other half brings us to the FF as Johnny wishes wants out of the Baxter building while Reed and Susan want that same sort of normality back in their lives. It's quite interesting to see the other flip side of the coin as most of the characters want more of out of something else that they have not delved into. It does add that extra layer but Reed does point out that it won't always be like that for them and they are just destined to be the Fantastic Four. 

It's strange seeing Susan still being called the Invisible Girl in the issue even after birthing her son and forming a family life for themselves. She's not a girl, not yet a woman.

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Powerful storytelling alone from Galactus sold the issue for me.

True Believers: Empyre - Galactus #1 (reprint of Fantastic Four volume 1 #257)
John Byrne - writer, drawing and inker
Glynis Wein - colourer
Jim Novak - letterer
Al Milgrom - editor
Jim Shooter - earthling

True Believers: The Criminally Insane - Masters of Evil #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... a comic for your dollar! The Avengers take on the Masters of Evil for the first time. Let's dive in!

I don't actually think I've read a comic with the Masters of Evil or don't really recall but it does remind me of the Frightful Four that takes on different iterations of the Fantastic Four so I'm guessing there some flavour to be had from the both of them. They do give the Avengers a run for their money at first but the Avengers work it out with a suggestion from the newbie in the team that is Captain America. It's actually pretty nice to see Cap in his infancy in the Avengers to leadership status.

It's funny how far they've come from skateboarding on a piece of flooring as they're being towed away on a truck:

It actually got me thinking... can two superheroes or supervillains having the same power be in the same room? I guess it's like rocking up to a party where someone else is wearing the exact same dress as you.

I did not know that the mask that Baron Zemo wears is actually glued up to their head. I always thought it was just a questionable fashion choice - a thing - but now I know it's a permanent thing. Of course, he uses the same tech to wreak havoc on the city bringing in a team of Avengers individual adversaries to play on their weaknesses (kind of like the Psycho Rangers in Power Rangers in Space). The Avengers sneakily do the switcheroo tactic and play on each others foes and you know, win the day. 

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The Masters of Evil reminds me of Scooby-Doo villains

True Believers: The Criminally Insane - Masters of Evil #1 (reprint of Avengers volume 1 #6)
Stan Lee - writer
Jack Kirby - art
Chic Stone - inker
S. Rosen - letterer

Iron Man 2020 #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... Iron Man! An uprising of robots is rebelling and demanding their rights with Arno Stark taking the helm of Iron Man. Let's dive in!

The story itself is sort of a slow burner of an issue with several points where I just placed it down several times because I can. There are not many characters that are really likeable in the comic that allows me to be drawn into their story like Arno Stark who has their parents as robots in their home but never let them out of the house, which raises so many ethical conversations I may say but it's never really explored on a familiar level.

On the other side is the robot rebellion who demands their rights and they want it now but are blasted to smithereens before they're able to and going as far as to hold hostage. I mean there are no sides to take and this furthers Arno's argument in seeing them as just objects (sadly). I find that it does form as a missed opportunity to provide an in-depth social commentary especially we have seen androids with minds of their own such Jocasta (get that shout-out) and it's sad to see that times have not evolved since. There seems to be no moral on both sides in that innocent lives and there seems to be no consequence for the actions rather just a slug-out war. 

It's mentioned in the comics that there is a Tony Stark android that is traipsing about which I actually felt should have been left out as it would have made the ending that much stronger for the final reveal being that it would be - spoiler alert - Arno Stark vs. Tony Stark. 

I like the art styling which fits in with the technological feel of the issue which is further complemented by the panel designs to with distinguishable panels to quickly grasp the situation and make them memorable such as the televised panels which are a stream of news and social broadcasts and more of a shared panel for action-based fights. It does make it slightly easier to follow.

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I'll give it a chance seeing that it's the first issue. The second issue could take me places.

Iron Man 2020 #1
Dan Slott & Christos Gage - writer
Pete Woods - artist
VC's Joe Caramagna - letterer
Marvel - publisher

True Believers: X-Men - Kwannon #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... a dollar for your comic! This time I'm bringing you some action realness. Let's dive in!

There's a multi-faceted length of things to dive into from Colossus returning to his hometown, something wicked this way comes with some sinister going-on and some Cyclops jiggy jiggy action. I mean it all fits together but hey, where the Soul Skinner? You get teased and nothing but it seems Cyclops got something...

Seeing Colossus returns actually reminds me of the X-Men animated series when he returns to (currently watching it on Disney+). In both cases, it was super cute to see Colossus's interaction with their sister Illyana. It reminds me of a Christmas story I read where he was haunted by the spirit of his sister which was beautiful to read. It's so nice to see siblings have such a strong bond. 

Gosh, Cyclops really can't keep his junk in his trunk, can he? Some people have a thing for blondes and others brunettes but he has a thing for psychics. Like hun, have a cold shower (Oh wait, he literally did have a shower). Cyclops seriously needs to see a therapist as in so many issues I just see him having to deal with his emotions alone despite being surrounded by loved ones.

The obligatory X-Men random fight scene comes in the form of Kwannon as she takes down some goon in high kick-butt action. I know so little of Kwannon that I only know that she has done a body swap with Psylocke and that's that. Oh boy, look out... get it, girl!

Despite all these happenings, there's some side action from some Russain supervillains which I could possibly not comment on as I have no idea what's going on but I know that Omega Red isn't too far away!

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Where the Soul Skinner???

True Believers: X-Men - Kwannon #1 (Originally printed as X-Men Volume 2 #17)
Fabien Nicieza - writer

Andy Kubert - penciler

Mark Pennington - inker

Chris Eliopulos - letterer

Joe Rosas - colourist

Marvel - pubisher

Strikeforce #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... some Strikeforce action! A newly formed team formed under unusual circumstances seek to uncover a mystery surrounding shapeshifting impersonators. Let's dive in!

The big opening is with the Avengers saving the day as they try and contain an airborne virus outbreak (very topical at the moment) and of course, they brought in She-Hulk when they're aware that she doesn't do so good under these conditions (look at Red Zone). But yeah, she goes berserk but ends up surprisingly doing some good in these condition in uncovering the possible source of the outbreak in the form of some heroes hiding out in the back which are the new Strikeforce team!

It's kind of a weird trip that brings in Blade who explains on the outset about an experience he had and then they hit the jungles for an adventure. To be honest, I've not read much of the Strikeforce characters in other comic book settings but they do have such camaraderie for a team that was formed off-the-bat (I guess experiences in other teams helped to make things gel a lot easier) and they work beautifully together and it's really fun to see them kick butts and it handed back to them.

There's a lot to process in the comic book and some of it we've not seen before (at one point they mention Skrulls being the potential shapeshifters) but it's written in a way that keeps it fresh and engaging. It's kind of like an action-adventure that brings on a lot of fun with a thump-fest bonus. I actually want to see more of the team as their experiences bounce off each other in adapting to their situation so quickly which is so fascinating to read.

The art style is gorgeous and even at points, I reeled from the realism of the situation. Minor small detailing was added such as She-Hulk's mouth throthing or eyes dilate from the effects of the virus which I luuuurve.

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A strong opening from a strong offering of a team as they bounce off each other with great chemistry. The cuff is given up in the first issue but the writing and art style helps propel the story in wanting more.

Strikeforce #1 
Tini Howard  - writer
Germán Peralta - artist
Jordie Bellaire - colour artist
VC's Joe Sabino - lettering and design
Jay Bowen - logo

True Believers: X-Men - Moira McTaggert #1 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... a comic for your dollar! This time I'm bringing you some Shatterer of Souls realness with a N'Garai takeover. Let's dive in!

This feels like a hobnob of bizarro things that happen in the issue with Cyclops yet again needing to desperately see a therapist who is conflicted with emotions after having lost one of his friends. It was a real opportunity to keep it rooted but of course, it's never that easy in the X-Men world when he releases the Kraken that is Kierrok, the Shatterer of Souls. It makes the conflict of emotions for Cyclops feel more like an afterthought. I mean I just don't understand how the rest of the X-Men could overlook his constant strong emotions which probably shaped him up to be such a buttock during the Avengers versus X-Men stint. 

Kierrok sees to remind me of the Brood which was a nefarious adversary to the X-Men but Kierrok seems more mystic than extra-terrestrial that leapt off the pages of Captain Britain. Gives as good as it fights with being able to physically take them down as well as being able to give that deep cutting speech to mentally bring down its adversary which makes for quite the cocktail of a mix. 

The MVP goes to Storm who despite her many attempts to bring Kierrok down to no avail was able to overcome her fears of her past and claustrophobia in bringing down Kierrok. Get it, girl!

Everyone in the issue seems to be getting eyebrow tips from Prof. X as they all seemed arched. Must be a secret competition in who could get the archiest of all the archiest eyebrow.  I much prefer Storm's thin eyebrows which shoot for the skies. I guess that the style of the artist like Rob Liefield's big pecs superheroes. 

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It shattered my soul

True Believers: X-Men - Moira McTaggert #1 (reprint of X-Men #96)

Chris Claremont - author

Dave Cockrum - artist

Sam Grainger - inker

Dave Hunt - letterer

Phil Rachelson - colourist

Marv Wolfman - editor

Fire Power #1 Free Comic Book Day (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... FCBD, get it! Owen got that family life going while something is brewing in the background... tea. Let's dive in!

I haven't actually read the prequel to this so just diving into the first issue does seem daunting but it's actually really quick to pick up on everything even with the quick snippet intro. Live, live, live for it. There doesn't seem much plot to it but offers a beautiful introduction to what the world surrounding Owen Wilson which offers such an insight into family life that is so fresh and endearing to read.

Owen's character is nicely built with the different interactions and the general good neighbourly feel with a good old fashion par-tay! It's pretty nice to see that he wants to drop their past in order to establish normality into the family life. Anyway, you can see the tight-knit relationship he has with his daughter which offers a very fun speed race to the supermarket. You can kind of get the feel of where this comes from when he has a heart-to-heart moment with his mother at the party. It's actually quite surprising at how much development character is put in on the contrary of what the cover is conveying but yeah, tug on my heart strings *sob sob*

The action does come in when his past catches up with him but this is probably when the art I find falters. The issue art style is very minimal at some points to focus in on the subjects which helps focus in on character development and story. Getting into the dark though looks slightly unflattering in having to squint at some points to see what's going on in the full picture. It actually does show off the "Fire Power" in full strength which contrasts neatly with the dark and it's a nice reveal to the power in the issue. Hadouken!

A ninja pops up and of course, they're quite stealthy generally speaking but the last appearance in the issue gave me the chills gave me the jeebies.

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Actually picked up the second issue!

Fire Power #1 Free Comic Book Day (reprint of Fire Power #1)
Robert Kirkman - writer
Chris Samnee - artist
Matt Wilson - colourist
Rus Wooton - letterer
Publisher - Image

Emypre: Fantastic Four #0 (re:view)

Welcome to a whole new adventure with... the Fantastic Four! The Fantastic Four are stranded in space and luck be the lady that they enter a barter system to try and themselves off the planet. Let's dive in!

It's kind of so much going on in the comic especially which is part of the pre-stage for the Empyre main course issue. The Kree-Skrull war is being told through an arena with a less known sibling of the Grandmaster, the Profiteer (gosh, interesting name *sarcasm*). Evil must run in the family!

The Fantastic Four are new the contenders as the Thing and Human Torch also takes on to the arena to fight the battle. The "Ready? Fight" in my mind was always said in a Bishi Bashi way. A history lesson in Fantastic Four 101 in the issue tells that that the FF actually got the Kree and the Skrulls to work together in the past against them. Lo and behold that's the same scenario that Ben and Johnny are plumped into which ultimately leads them to adopt the cuuuute Kree and Skrull children. My heart just skipped a beat.

On the Suzie side, she goes to check on her children who have actually sold on their mode of transport so they can get some chips to gamble at the local casino. It's just so weird seeing them as I remember them as wee children and oh my have they grown! Baby Valeria is no baby anymore as their livelihood away until Susan has something to say about that. I actually love - spoiler alert - that Susan actually helps them cheat their way to a gazillion winnings. Such a mum but not a mum with responsibility but being irresponsible too (I guess they need that ka-ching though).

Love the underlying compassionate message too where there should be no bystander and to take a stand for what you believe in... no, fighting for what is right. The FF essentially save the children from being slaves.

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It's a soft landing for the main course (it does feel like a FF regular issue rather than a big scale wide event though) but I'm here to see where their next adventure takes them.

Emypre: Fantastic Four #0
Dan Slott - writer
R.B. Silva and Sean Izaakse - artists

Marte Gracia and Marcio Menyz - colour artists

VC's Joe Caramagna - letterer