Lucy Chaplin: Science Starlet Review: Female Empowerment And Realistic Women

Comics provide an excellent opportunity for worlds to be created, with characters spinning off into their own series. Drew Edwards, the writer of Halloween Man, decided to do exactly that by creating Lucy Chaplin: Science Starlet. The comic features the adventures of Lucy Chaplin, a capable scientist who is considered to be one of the greatest minds in the world. The comic is intriguing because it contains a mixture of feminist empowerment and gender politics.

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Old Man Logan: The Scarlet Samurai Review: An Emotional Story Of Lost Love In Japan

Wolverine is a character that has been continuously redefined over the years, with his link to Japanese culture being a major part of his backstory. Japan is a place of great love and tragedy for Wolverine, and Old Man Logan: The Scarlet Samurai, written by Ed Brisson, brings an older Wolverine back to the Land of The Rising Sun to face the past. Logan is forced to confront an old love, which makes for one of the most emotional graphic novels I’ve read for a while. I was hyped to read the story and I’m glad to say it didn’t disappoint. Continue reading “Old Man Logan: The Scarlet Samurai Review: An Emotional Story Of Lost Love In Japan”

Son Of Hitler Review: A Rip-Roaring Thriller That Defies Expectations

For many people, World War II doesn’t seem that long ago. Countless lives were lost and plenty of stories have been told that cover Hitler’s evil and Nazi tyranny. You’d think there wouldn’t be any new ways to tell a story revolving around Nazis. Anthony Del Col and Geoff Moore’s Son Of Hitler will prove you wrong. The graphic novel is set in an alternate reality where the British secret service look to stop Hitler by sending his own son to kill him. Violent, entertaining and creative, Son Of Hitler goes off like a firecracker from the very first page. Del Col sent a copy of the graphic novel to The Comic Vault in exchange for an honest review. Continue reading “Son Of Hitler Review: A Rip-Roaring Thriller That Defies Expectations”

Sentry #1 Review: An Intriguing Issue Of Superhero Addiction And Mental Health

Everyone has their own definition of a superhero. Some people might see them as invincible powerhouses that can overcome any challenge. But many superheroes struggle with their mental health, and the Sentry is one of the best examples. Sentry #1, written by Jeff Lemire, sees the Golden Guardian return in a new series. Yet the return of Sentry also heralds the return of his dark alter ego, The Void. Sentry #1 brings up the idea of whether being a superhero can turn into a drug, so there’s a lot to be intrigued about.

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Dark Nights: Metal Review: A Comic Event Writing Masterclass

When it comes to comic events, it’s easy to feel cynical about them because of how often they happen. Marvel and DC have got into a habit of altering their universes on a yearly basis, to the point it’s felt as if storytelling has become a money grab, rather than a way of building compelling characters. I’ve felt comic event fatigue before, but there’s something exceptional about the writing of Scott Snyder that keeps me coming back to his stories. Snyder has become the definitive Batman writer, which is why I was eager to pick up Dark Nights: Metal. Here are my thoughts on a graphic novel that nails all the things that makes a comic event worth investing in.

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Abbott #5 Review: A Satisfying, Supernatural Conclusion To An Exciting Series

Since it started in January, I’ve been following Saladin Ahmed’s Abbott series, which has continually impressed me with its subject matter and protagonist. Elena Abbott’s journalistic integrity combined with her status as a black woman has provided an interesting journey. Each issue has built momentum, showing elements of a supernatural threat lingering over Detroit. In Abbott #5, Elena finally confronts the demons of her past and future with explosive results.

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The Black Monday Murders: Vol 2 Review: Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely

Money is one of the most powerful forces in the world because it gives people the chance to live the life they want to lead. In certain situations it can be treated like a religion, with people doing whatever they can to earn more. Johnathan Hickman focuses on the cult-like effect money has with The Black Monday Murders: Vol 2. The graphic novel is set in a world where different banking firms control the world through magic, blood sacrifice and ruthlessness. A member of the wealthy Rothschild family has been murdered, leading to a brutal war between the firms.

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Deadpool 2 Review: The F Word Stands For Family In A Brilliant Sequel

People go to see superhero films for a number of reasons. Some viewers connect with the characters, while others enjoy the huge set pieces and action-packed scenes. Some just want to laugh their asses off, which is where Deadpool 2 comes in. The first Deadpool set an extremely high standard with its meta humour, fourth wall breakage and zany leading character. All the tropes that people have come to love about superhero films were ripped apart and turned on their head. So, with expectations so high, does Ryan Reynolds manage to capture lightning in a bottle twice? Spoiler alert: It’s a resounding fuck yeah! Continue reading “Deadpool 2 Review: The F Word Stands For Family In A Brilliant Sequel”

Daredevil: Born Again Review: A Visceral Look Into The Mind Of The Man Without Fear

Daredevil is one of the most relatable heroes in comics because of his background and believable powers. There have been a number of memorable stories about The Man Without Fear, though perhaps the greatest is Born Again, written by Frank Miller. Born Again involves the complete destruction of Matt Murdock’s life at the hands of The Kingpin. Not only is Daredevil pushed to the brink of sanity, but his mental health issues are exposed in a respectful, tragic manner. With themes of religion, family and overcoming adversity, Born Again is a graphic novel that needs to be read by all comic fans.

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Green Arrow: Year One Review: An Exciting Origin Story That Will Leave You Wanting More

Green Arrow is one of those superheroes that people find it easy to connect with because of his beliefs. As someone who stands up for the little guy, Oliver Queen has dedicated his resources to making the world a better place with a bow and arrow. But it took him a long time to become the man he is, as Queen had to learn how to survive on his own two feet before becoming Green Arrow. Ollie’s transformation from frivolous playboy to hardened hunter is chronicled in Andy Diggle’s Green Arrow: Year One. The graphic novel contains themes of isolation, manhood, slavery and the power of nature against urbanisation.

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