Shatterstar Joins X-Force In Final Trailer For DEADPOOL 2

April 19, 2018

Thursday morning brought the release of the final trailer for Deadpool 2. Laced between Deadpool’s references to both the Marvel and DC cinematic universes were introductions to the various members of X-Force. Among those introduced was Gaveedra Seven aka Shatterstar. Though the trailer only showed a few seconds of the “Prince of Blades,” there is plenty about him that makes him an intriguing character.

Created by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza, Shatterstar made his first appearance in 1991’s New Mutants #99. He is also the son of former X-Men Longshot and Dazzler. Fighting in the arenas of the extradimensional realm known as Mojoworld, Shatterstar honed his abilities as a warrior. When it comes to what makes him really deadly, look no further than his superhuman abilities. He has superhuman speed, dexterity, strength, one of the fastest healing abilities in comics, among other superhuman abilities.

His bones are also hollow, adding to his speed and acrobatic skills. But his two favorite things as shown in Deadpool 2‘s final trailer are his swords. However they’re not like the twin katana’s Deadpool wields. They contain a bio-electric current making it hard for anyone not Shatterstar to use them.

That’s right, Shatterstar also has the ability to channel powerful shock waves through his swords, and he also uses them to teleport. Despite his superhuman abilities, Shatterstar is not the perfect mutant. Sending those power shock waves and being able to teleport exhaust him. One teleport drains him of his energy and per the Marvel Database it takes two to four hours for him to regain it all back.

His armor is also bulletproof so he has added protection in combat. As you can see his armor in Deadpool 2 differs from his comic look a little bit. Gone are the over-sized brown shoulder pad and his vast array of pouches (A Liefeld staple). In is a white and grey suit with a smaller piece of shoulder armor, and his helmet is white as well.

See Shatterstar in all of his bladed glory when Deadpool 2 hits theaters on May 18th. Also if we can get a comic series about X-Force’s mustached member Peter that would be great! Fabian Nicieza also tweeted his want for one.

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Review: GRAVETRANCERS #3 Is A Relentless Narrative Full Of Action and Horror

Manuel Gomez

Black Mask Studios Gravetrancers #3, by M.L. Miller, James Michael Whynot, and Dee Cunniff explodes with disturbing horror, relentless action, and eye-popping gore in the best issue so far in this excellent series.

Gravetrancers #3
Written by: M.L. Miller
Art by: James Michael Whynot
Colors by: Dee Cunniff
Lettered by: Jim Campbell
Published by: Black Mask Studios

Maribel and Anthony are siblings on a road trip to visit the grave of their father. And although both brother and sister have strong and mixed feelings when it comes to the man, both feel that maybe some sort of closure will come with the visit. But something far more sinister, frightening and disturbing awaits them at Burwood Cemetery. Maribel and Anthony are about to find out the proprietors of the cemetery, the Malrot family, harbor a different notion of life and death, one that will enter their lives like a hallucinatory nightmare that may never let go. And things get even more complicated as police Officer Veloz gets drawn into the horror.

Writing

As fucked up and disturbing as the first two issues of Gravetrancers were, issue #3 is without a doubt the most extreme one yet. Using a police siege of Burwood Cemetery as his main narrative drive, writer M.L. Miller creates a relentless pace that creates an incredible amount of tension and suspense. The full horror of the Malrot family is laid bare, as is what this fucked up family is truly capable of. There are some really disturbing details and moments here, and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre influence is explored even more.

Art

The art here is phenomenal. Influenced by classic horror comics, punk rock flyer art, and psychedelic imagery, Whynot and Cuniff create some breathtaking images that leap of the page and make you feel like the viscera is literally splattering all over you. The design and layouts are also fantastic, adding to the jarring and textured/handcrafted feel of the linework. This comic looks and feels like nothing else on the stands these days.

Conclusion

Gravetrancers is the kind of book that becomes a cult classic of the medium; it’s unique, offers a completely original reading experience, and lingers on behind your eyes and in your mind long after you have turned the last page. With one more issue left to go, now is the time to jump into this title.

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ACTION COMICS #1000 Review: King And Mann Explore Superman’s Distant Future

Manuel Gomez

Tom King, Clay Mann, and Jordie Bellaire’s contribution to the upcoming Action Comics #1000 is a quiet, meditative and layered short story that adds a new level of depth and sadness to the Man of Steel.

Action Comics #1000
“Of Tomorrow”
Written by: Tom King
Art by: Clay Mann
Colors by: Jordie Bellaire
Letters by: John Workman

*Editor’s Note: This review was previously published early.

Writing

It’s not easy to tell a story, let alone a good one, in a short narrative. But Tom King nails it here. In just five pages, King creates a scenario that not only opens up the extent of Superman’s powers, but also reveals a deeper tragedy, self awareness and loneliness to the character that sometimes gets overlooked. Yet that Clark Kent optimism, a character-defining trait, is still there. This has always been King’s Midas touch, that ability to give you a new side of a character, while still respecting the established persona created. He did it in Batman and he has done it again here.

Plot-wise, it’s best to refrain from spoilers, but this story takes place in a future time and Superman is also the only character we see. Ponder on that!

Art

Clay Mann and Jordie Bellaire are an experienced duo and once again bring some arresting images to the page. This story asks for Superman to be shown as both the superhero (powerful, God-like) and the emotional human (mournful, lonely) and the art team manages to create panels that invoke both; the splash page like images jump out at you. The small panels, where Superman is pictured a barely a tiny figure, pull you in.

The colors are also vibrant yet muted too. Given the setting, the palette really creates true atmosphere without overdoing ‘gloss’ or vibrancy.

Conclusion

If ‘Of Tomorrow’ is any indication of the quality of story we are getting in Action Comics #1000, then it should be an excellent issue. But what is for sure is that King, Mann, and Bellaire have created a classic Superman tale worth reading on it’s own.

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Final ‘Deadpool 2’ Trailer Brings The R-Rated Mayhem

Kieran McLean

April 19, 2018

20th Century Fox has released the final trailer for Deadpool 2, giving us our best look yet at the r-rated, super-silly sequel.

The trailer includes mostly new footage and gives us a better idea of the plot, which seems to centre around Julian Dennison’s super-powered character. Of course, the trailer also features Deadpool’s unique sense of humour, with the character even making jokes about Josh Brolin’s role as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the darker tone of the DC Movie Universe. For those of you looking forward to seeing more of Josh Brolin’s Cable, this trailer gives us plenty of impressive flashes, and we get an even better look at Deadpool’s “super-duper fu**ing group”, which includes Zazie Beetz’ Domino.

Watch the trailer below:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20bpjtCbCz0[/embedyt]

After surviving a near-fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfil his dream of becoming Mayberry’s hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor – finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World’s Best Lover.

What did you think of the final trailer? Let us know in the comments section!

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Review: The World is Passing Bayley By in WWE #16

Kimberly Cook

Poor Bayley is working her ass off but continually gets left behind in BOOM! Studios WWE #16.

STORY

Bayley is NXT Women’s Champion. She’s helping to train new recruits at the Performance Center. Her merchandise is flying off the shelves. But still, Triple H doesn’t seem impressed with her successes. What more does she have to do to prove her worth?

Dennis Hopeless takes us through Bayley’s mental struggles and her exhausted efforts. She’s beaten Carmella, Dana Brooke, and Alexa Bliss. She’s even taken down the Irresistible Force Nia Jax. The main roster brand-split draft has arrived. Will Bayley get chosen? I won’t spoil it for you. Read the book.

WWE 16 - Brass Ring — BOOM! Studios – WWE #16

ART

Kendall Goode took a stab at the first few pages of this story, and there’s a noticeable difference between Goode’s work and the usual work of Serg Acuna. Goode makes Bayley and the other girls look very rigid, but Acuna gives the characters a smoother feel. Especially with a story focusing on the women, Acuna’s art gives Bayley a softer side.

Doug Garbark’s color choices are always on point. The action panels are darker, giving us that arena feel. The interactions between the girls are brighter and more cheerful, setting the mood for the encouraging conversation Becky Lynch has with Bayley.

SIDE STORY

Boredom is the problem in the next installment of Tini Howard’s Asuka story. The story isn’t boring, but Asuka is. The comparison with the fish tank is crazy appropriate, and Hyoenjin Kim’s illustrations are a fun interpretation of the analogy. This is another enchanting story in the Empress of Tomorrow’s epic beginning in the WWE.

CONCLUSION

Bayley’s still stuck in NXT. She’s good enough to compete with the main roster talent, easily. Triple H is holding her back. But for how long? Looking forward to seeing what’s next for Everyone’s Favorite Hugger.

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The Expanse Season 3, Episode 1: Fight or Flight, a Review

Michael Bedford

SyFy’s epic action-adventure/drama The Expanse returned to the airwaves last week. With episode 2, “IFF,” airing tonight at 9:00, it seems like a good time for a brief recap. There were some big changes at the end of last season, so let’s talk about the end of season 2 before discussing the premiere of The Expanse season 3.

The Expanse Season 3, Episode 1: Looking Back at Season 2

The crew of the Rocinante are able to rid their ship of the unwanted protomolecule stowaway by luring it outside onto the hull, shaking it loose, and incinerating it with their rockets. The immediate threat dealt with, Naomi reveals that she has given the protomolecule to Fred Johnson, COO of Tycho Station and de facto leader of the belters. With Johnson in possession of the protomolecule, the balance of power has shifted, giving the belters an edge they never enjoyed in the past.

Dr. Prax is no closer to finding his daughter Mei, but it seems pretty clear that Holden will do what he can to help to find her — always good to have a quest.

Errinwright, fearing that Avasarala will expose him and his plot orders Jules-Pierre Mao to kill Avasarala and her staff, but Avasarala and Cotyar find themselves an unlikely ally in former Martian Marine Bobbie Draper, who seeks to defect to Earth. Bobbie uses an armoured battle suit, to great effect, to protect the UN diplomat and her bodyguard from Mao’s private army.

Tensions between Mars and Earth are mounting after the assassination of Martian Defence Minister Korshunov. Mars blames Earth for the murder, but viewers know that Undersecretary Errinwright is really to blame, having poisoned Korshunov back in “The Monster and the Rocket.”

The Expanse Season 3, Episode 1: Fight or Flight

Pinus Contorta

The crew work at purging any remaining protomolecule from the Rocinante. All visible traces gone, they declare the emergency over, but viewers know better when a close-up shows a glob under-decks. After cleaning up, Naomi advises that they rename their ship and invent a new transponder frequency so that they can avoid suspicion from the Martian and Earth military forces.

Naomi suggests going to Tycho Station. She believes that Fred Johnson will help them, but Holden, having pinpointed the origin of a protomolecule signature, wants to go to Io to help Dr. Prax find his daughter. Amos and Alex, still upset about Naomi’s decision to provide Fred Johnson with the protomolecule, quickly agree with Holden’s plan. They make their way to Io with a new registry, Pinus Contorta…not quite as catchy.

Razorback

Still on Mao’s space-yacht, fleeing attack by Mao’s forces, Avasarala, Cotyar, and Draper find that missiles have been fired at them from Earth. Errinwright, trying to frame Avasarala for the massacre on Eros, wants her dead, but with the help of one of the yacht’s crewmen, Avasarala is able to secure evidence of Errinwright’s guilt.

Avasarala and Draper borrow Julie Mao’s racing ship Razorback, and Cotyar and the helpful crewman are able to board a drop ship just in time. Both ships clear the doomed space-yacht just before the missiles hit, but it’s far from certain that either party is out of the woods yet.

Venus

While all of this is going on, something strange is happening on Venus. Trying to get a closer look at what appears to be a protomolecule structure on the green planet, the result of Eros’s crash-landing, a UN science team is en route. But as they approach their destination, the entire ship separates into its different components. The crew appear to be unaffected, caught in some kind of stasis, but their fates are, like just about everyone else’s, uncertain.

The Expanse Season 3, Episode 1: Fight or Flight – Final Thoughts

The Expanse is a show of epic scale. With its third season underway, viewers are just starting to get a solid idea of what the show is all about. A truly cynical and dystopian vision of Earth’s future, I can’t help but reflect when I watch it that The Expanse shows one of the truest visions of what humanity could become once we take to the stars.

Rather than a massive cooperative venture built on mutual trust and acceptance, like in Star Trek, The Expanse shows the result of extending colonial values past the borders of our own atmosphere. A vicious scramble to hold on to natural resources, especially water, highlights the desperation and stark reality that The Expanse trades so well in.

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ACTION COMICS #1000 Review: “The Fifth Season,” Snyder’s Intimate Conversation With Lex Luthor

Matthew Sardo

The most amazing aspect of Action Comics #1000 is that DC Comics stepped back and just let its most creative people create. With “The Fifth Season” by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque, the duo understands what core elements make up Lex Luthor, and gives the reader the best aspects of Luthor’s character.

The most significant aspect of Luthor is his conversation. In the five-page story by Snyder, Luthor and Superman simply have a conversation at the Smallville Planetarium. In a static image, it is very difficult to express how smart a person is. When you add Snyder’s dialogue with Albuquerque’s style, Luthor becomes the super genius we know him to be. The conversation by Luthor reminds me of Francis Underwood’s speeches in House of Cards. You get sucked in by the performance, and you don’t realize the man just stole all of your money. Snyder’s Luthor has a captivating charisma that is pure evil.

Side note: It’s extremely scary how similar Snyder’s Luthor and Batman are, with their calm demeanor.

Albuquerque is a great change of pace artist compared to Superman’s traditional look. Albuquerque demonstrates how far the medium has evolved and potential boundaries that need to be pushed. The opening panel sets the stage for the story and gives the reader the main focus. The action in this short story is non-existent but the panels still have movement and the planetarium backdrop gives the story epic scope.

The first thought that shot through my brain after reading “The Fifth Season” was Elijah Price’s description of villains in M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable.

In a comic, you know how you can tell who the arch-villain’s going to be? He’s the exact opposite of the hero. And most times they’re friends, like you and me! – Mr. Glass

When you’re reading a comic book and you have Samuel L. Jackson to help narrate the book, you know that you’ve made a connection with the story.

Overall, the tone of “The Fifth Season” is what makes the story stand out. It’s dark and optimistic all at the same time as you feel compassion for Superman’s nemesis.

What did you think of Action Comics #1000? Comment below.

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Exclusive Preview: BRIGANDS: RUIN OF THIEVES #1

Anthony Composto - EIC

April 18, 2018

Brigands: Ruin of Thieves, the upcoming new series from Action Lab: Danger Zone, is being described as “Game of Thrones meets Ocean’s Eleven,” and Monkeys Fighting Robots has an exclusive look at the first issue!

The sequel to BRIGANDS, RUIN OF THIEVES is a grimdark Sword and Sorcery story with a heist movie plot as our heroes must survive cross and double cross and their own reputations to come out on top.

The series is written by Ram V with art by Sumit Kumar and ROSH. The first issue hits stores May 30th, but final order cutoff is April 23rd, so call your comic shop today and tell them you want it!

“Sumit’s art and Rosh’s colours are international debuts that people will not want to miss.” – Writer Ram V

Preview issue one right here, with pages 5-8 only on MFR:

Ram isn’t lying; the art in this preview fits the story perfectly. There is actual heat coming off of these pages, and an edge as sharp as those swords. Classic adventure fans aren’t going to want to miss this book.

“I want readers to remember not only the kind of fantasy/adventure stories that were around when the genre was at its peak, but also relate to the characters who are written with a hint of modernity,” said Ram. “It’s an action-packed adventure full of cut-throats and dark bargains. At the end of you’ll be left surprisingly touched by the characters you’ve met along the way.”

“I grew up on these kinds of stories. Thieves and scoundrels and ne’er-do-wells coming together to overcome impossible odds and show that they’re human beings underneath. And when I read books today, often I find myself seeking out an old school grimdark fantasy book when I want a comforting read. BRIGANDS and RUIN OF THIEVES come from that childhood place spent in the pages of dusty tomes, fantasizing about magic swords and devilish heroes.”

Read the full press release on Action Lab’s website here.

What people are saying about Brigands:

“The tempo is upbeat and lively and keeps the reader engaged the entire way through.” (PopCultHQ)

“This is an amazing story for anyone who enjoys a fantasy setting with well developed characters.” (The Comic Hunter)

“You are really getting your money’s worth…” (Outright Geekery)

“Action and intrigue permeate this tale about people on the run from all kinds of bloodthirsty people.” (The Broken Infinite)

What is FOC?
Final Order Cutoff (FOC) is the last day comic book stores have to adjust orders before a book goes to print. For independent publishers, this is a very important day. If a book is marketed properly and has generated a word of mouth buzz, this will encourage readers to add books to his or her pull-list before the FOC. The FOC for Brigands: Ruin of Thieves #1 is Monday, April 23. If you like what you see in the preview, call, email, and/or text your local comic book store before then.

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ACTION COMICS #1000 Review: Superman Goes To Work In “Five Minutes”

Ruben Diaz

Action Comics #1000 releases this week, and it’s an epic collection of stories about the Man of Steel from some of the comic industry’s best writers and artists.

Comic readers in the loop know that Brian Michael Bendis, the wunderkind who wrote some of Marvel’s best stuff over the past decade, is heading to DC to tackle the adventures of Superman. Before that happens, DC is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Man of Steel with a supersized issue that runs the gamut of the type of stories that can be told centered around the Last Son of Krypton. Being such an epic, 80-page comic, Monkeys Fighting Robots split up the reviewing duties, leaving me with “Five Minutes” from writer Louise Simonson and Jerry Ordway.

Writing: Louise Simonson
Art: Jerry Ordway
Colors: Dave McCaig
Letters: Carlos M. Mangual

“Man, I love my jobs.” – Superman

WRITING

Louise Simonson is no stranger to Superman. In 1991 she wrote the first issue of Superman: Man of Steel which ran for twelve years. Simonson is a veteran comic book writer and editor with titles such as X-Factor, New Mutants, and Power Pack on her resume. “Weezie”, as she’s known in the industry, reunites with Jerry Ordway for “Five Minutes,” a story about Superman that focuses on one simple thing that is so massively relatable to most every human: Superman’s jobs.

Action Comics #1000 is a testament to how much can be done in just five pages. Simonson begins with life at the Daily Planet, a hot story is in the works, Clark is busy typing away, and Jimmy has some great photos. But those five minutes, there’s also crime and Clark is on that task too. “Five Minutes” takes us through the duality of Superman’s life, the appreciation he receives from the people he helps, and the satisfaction he gets from it all. Back at the Daily Planet, it’s a different story, but that doesn’t deter Clark from being who he is.

ART

Another veteran with a list of credits too long to put here, suffice it to say, Ordway knows what he’s doing with this whole sequential art thing. Ordway’s work is so on point it’s ridiculous. The detail is mesmerizing and crisp from panel to panel. Colorist Dave McCaig fills in the characters and the world around them with a beautiful blend of colors that feel natural but also pop. The combination between Ordway and McCaig works to great effect. If the story of “Five Minutes” doesn’t do it for you, the visuals certainly will.

CONCLUSION

What is there to say about this epic Superman anniversary event? If you’re a fan of the character, then this is a must-have. Full stop. The range of stories is fantastic and covers so many wonderful aspects of the character. Full disclosure, I’m not a Superman fan, but I still enjoyed every bit of this. In the wrong hands, it’s easy to tell a bad Superman story or one that doesn’t go anywhere beyond beating the bad guy or stopping some crime. Here, you got some of that but wrapped up in stories that provide beautiful insight into the superhero of superheroes.

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ACTION COMICS #1000 Review: “Faster Than A Speeding Bullet” Aims For The Heart

Manuel Gomez

“Faster Than A Speeding Bullet” by Brad Meltzer, John Cassaday, and Laura Martin is a perfect snapshot of Superman and what he means to us. It’s one of the highlights of the celebration that is Action Comics #1000.

Action Comics #1000
“Faster Than A Speeding Bullet”
Written by: Brad Meltzer
Art by: John Cassaday
Colors by: Laura Martin
Letters by: Chris Eliopoulos

Writing

Action Comics #1000 is filled with stories celebrating the history of The Man Of Steel, and as good as they all are, it’s “Faster Than A Speeding Bullet” by Brad Meltzer and John Cassaday that really brought it home. It’s a deceptively simple premise: Superman trying to save a hostage. It’s the kind of situation The Man of Tomorrow finds himself in every day. And that is part of its power and charm. In just five pages, Meltzer creates not only a suspenseful situation (that essentially unfolds in a second or two) but also one filled with the right amount of pathos. It’s a neat trick and one that shows both an understanding of the character of Superman and what he means to the people of Metropolis. These “small” moments happen all the time but are no less life-changing. Superman doesn’t have to fight Doomsday to be a hero.

Plus it shows an expert understanding of the comics medium as well; the static image nature of sequential art allows the time to unfold slowly, ‘stretching’ out the time and showing us how Supes sees time when he is moving faster than a…well speeding bullet.

Art

John Cassaday is one of the modern masters of comics and he too does fantastic work in these pages. He excels at capturing epic and powerful moments in clean and crisp images Cassaday was an excellent choice for a story that literally takes a few seconds and makes them epic. He gives the even quiet moments grandeur and power.

Laura Martin’s colors add a ton of vibrancy and energy to the story, helping it feel kinetic. Everything is bright and clear. Exactly how Metropolis should be.

Chris Eliopoulos, a master storyteller, and font master creates some dynamic word balloons, caption boxes, and sound effects.

Conclusion

“Faster Than A Speeding Bullet” lives up to its name and delivers a quick tale that is nonetheless loaded with weight, emotion, craft, and imagination. It’s one of the many great reasons to pick up Action Comics #1000.

Action Comics #1000 — Check out all the covers!

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