Joe Jones Comic Reviews

Giada Belviso and Rachelle Rosenberg's art bring dynamic action to the page, bringing lots of exciting flair to Carol when she is powered up in her Binary form. Stephanie Phillips writes Carol with ease, making her a clear and natural choice to take on Carol's unique voice. Binary #1 is a solid first issue, and leaves readers hungry and wanting for further issues with Carol as this new and exciting iteration of Binary.

Binary was an entertaining cosmic adventure that gave us some worthwhile character beats for Carol. Despite her short time as a host of the Phoenix Force Carol proved to be a worthy substitute for Jean Grey as a host of the Phoenix Force. Although there are some problems with how Madelyne was characterized in this issue, I did find her to be a fun and formidable antagonist for Carol to fight in this book.

Captain Planet #3 is a smartly written issue with clever plotting, tight pacing, and stimulating artwork that keeps the reader engaged and drives the plot forward. With this creative team at the help Captain Planet and the Planeteers is off to a riveting and promising start.

Cloak or Dagger #1 is a great first issue that establishes the new status quo for Cloak and Dagger as part of the "Age of Revelation event. Often mutant adjacent characters, Cloak and Dagger now find themselves firmly situated in the latest major X-Men franchise wide event. Hopefully Cloak and Dagger leading their own mini series, as well as their newfound popularity following their inclusion in the video game Marvel Rivals, will lead to Marvel giving Tyrone and Tandy their own ongoing series after the conclusion of "Age of Revelation event, regardless of Tyrone and Tandy will remain as X-Men characters once the event has wrapped up.

Exceptional X-Men #10 is a brilliant Emma Frost focused issue that demonstrates how far she is willing to go "for the children and prove that she is a bonafide hero. The tender moments in the issue between Emma Frost and Axo highlight Emma's humanity and empathy. Ewing perfectly captures what fans love about Emma: a fabulous and fashionable icon with cutting one liners and an icy demeanor, but beneath that impenetrable diamond form exterior lies a beating heart bursting with love and adoration of her students.

Overall, Exceptional X-Men #12 is a fun foray into one of the most frequently used tropes in X-Men comics as we see Emma and Kitty's "new mutants going back in time to save one of their teachers. It is an enjoyable subversion of the classic "Days of Future Past storyline as this time around Kitty is mistakenly sent back in time and needs to be rescued. Ultimately not too much happens in this issue, as it mostly serves as setup for the next issue.

The issue culminates with Kitty Pryde embracing all aspects of life as a X-Man, realizing that she must take the bad with the good in order to fully appreciate her time with the X-Men. This resolution of the issue is significant because it allows Kitty the opportunity to finally put her past behind her and put to rest her feelings of regret in order to fully embrace what the future has in store for her.

Expatriate X-Men is a rollicking, swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with enough tension and treachery to keep the reader invested in each twist and turn. The dynamic of the cast in particular lends itself to the conflict brewing beneath the surface that is sure to spill over before the title reaches its conclusion

While this particular issue may not have been as exciting or as surprising as the first issue, I do believe there are some nuances to Emma and Tony's characterization that fans of both characters can appreciate as this book goes into its concluding issue.

Loaded with satire and humor, the major strength of this book is the comedy. With joke after joke, beat after beat, and bit after bit, Gerry Duggan and Jonathan Hickman have brought to us a Mojo story that is as fun as it is entertaining. Longshots is not precious with its characters or source material, and is not afraid to poke fun at or make light of the Marvel universe. The book never takes itself too serious and consistently delivers what is promised: outlandish humor and violence that borders on cartoonish. Despite the Longshots being the central protagonists of the book, they are more so secondary characters in service of Mojo and his story.

Magik #5 sees Illyana Rasputina confronting her trauma and reconciling with Darkchild in a healing and cathartic examination of coming to terms with and overcoming the painful parts of one's past.

Magik #6 is yet another shining example of the exemplary work that Ashley Allen is doing with Illyana Rasputina on this book. Each issue delves deeper and deeper into Illyana's interiority and explores what motivates and troubles the character. This book is by far one of the most definitive runs to feature Illyana Rasputina as Magik, and it is refreshing to see how Illyana is being characterized by a competent and capable writer who understands her the way that Ashley Allen does.

Magik #10 delivers an immensely satisfying conclusion to a series that has given us some incredible material for Illyana Rasputina. Ashley Allen, Germn Peralta, Arthur Hesli, Ariana Maher, and the rest of the creative team have given fans of Magik a truly incredible series that has significantly expanded how the character can be utilized in future runs by whoever continues to write Illyana after Allen. This run feels like the perfect series for Magik, the one that fans have been waiting for, and it's finally here.

With its tenth issue, NYX coalesces with a satisfying ending that is a fitting and appropriate culmination of all of the thematic elements and grand moments that made NYX work so well as a title. Full of heart and warmth, this epic conclusion of thoughtful and impactful storytelling is deeply gratifying and richly rewarding to both readers of NYX and the Krakoan era.

Phoenix #14 finds Jean Grey in a precarious predicament where she must choose between the good of the universe and the living memory of her sister, Sara Grey. While this issue has plenty of action, the real strength of this issue is the emotional weight of Jean trying so desperately not to lose her sister again, even if it means putting the entire universe into jeopardy. The issue does a great job of setting up what is sure to be an exciting and climactic end to Stephanie Phillips' run of Phoenix.

As per usual, G. Willow Wilson writes a compelling and engaging Poison Ivy issue that explores the titular character's long-standing mission as well as the potential consequences that said mission will have on Isley's personal relationships.

Poison Ivy #34 is another enjoyable entry in a series that has throughout its publication consistently delivered exceptional storytelling and high-quality art. G. Willow Wilson and Marcio Takara have masterfully crafted a compelling, inspiring, and rousing narrative for one of DC Comics' most iconic female characters. This run is sure to go down in history as one of the finest Poison Ivy stories ever told.

Poison Ivy #35 sees Poison Ivy finally take control of the Order of the Green Knight, and shows the great lengths that Ivy will go to in order to secure her vision of a more bountiful future for the planet and Mother Earth. As always, G. Willow Wilson's writing and Marcio Takara art are working in perfect harmony with one another, making for one of the most gorgeous, yet devastating, books on the market right now.

Poison Ivy #36 is an entertaining issue filled with increasing tension as Ivy struggles to feel at ease with her role as the new leader of the Order of the Green Knight with her allies worried about what Ivy will do now that she has amassed an army of loyal followers. Meanwhile, Ivy searches for the identity of the traitor in the group while totally unaware that her best friend Janet is the traitor she is searching for. These plot points will be exciting to watch develop in Poison Ivy #37 and other issues to follow.

Poison Ivy #37 is another strong entry in a series that has been firing on all cylinders month to month since its initial launch. G. Willow Wilson is a masterful storyteller, and this issue proves that Poison Ivy is certainly one of her finest works. Ivy continues to be a deeply flawed character that is complex and difficult to root for, yet readers find themselves empathizing with her over and over again, even when she is making difficult decisions that we don't always agree with. However, through Wilson's characterization of Ivy, readers are able to easily understand, and perhaps even relate to, Ivy's perspective and reasoning for her choices.

Poison Ivy #38 is a super effective issue in which the interpersonal drama takes center stage, resulting in a deeply meaningful confrontation between the series' two major lead characters. This conflict has been building across several issues and now it has finally paid off in a big way, with Wilson delivering us a satisfying resolution to the conflict at hand. With this resolution we also see major growth in Ivy as a character and her relationship moving forward with Janet. As the series continues it will be interesting to see further developments in Ivy as she grows and nurtures her personal relationships while trying to balance her ambitions and motivations as the self-appointed protector of Earth and Mother Nature.

Poison Ivy #39 neatly closes the circle on an ongoing drama that revolves around tensions between Ivy and Janet, which has put tremendous difficulty on their friendship.

Poison Ivy #40 is a highly entertaining issue that puts Ivy's principles on a collision course with the corruption festering within Gotham City. It is also a topical issue that addresses the negative environmental impact of A.I., in particular how marginalized communities are adversely affected by the environmental harm caused by A.I.

Poison Ivy #41 sets up an exciting new arc for Ivy as she takes the fight against Commissioner Savage into a new and unfamiliar arena. This alternative approach promises to give us a new side to Ivy that we have never seen before as she intends to use the power of her new following for a good and noble cause. Only time will tell how successful this endeavor will be, and whether it will produce the results that Ivy is hoping for.

Alyssa Wong's writing gives Kwannon a distinct voice and personality that further asserts that Kwannon as a fully autonomous individual with a unique backstory that sets her apart from Betsy Braddock. Psylocke is quickly emerging as the signature and definitive run for the character of Kwannon as she is finally able to truly come into her own as Psylocke without the burden of her past with Betsy weighing her down.

Overall, Psylocke #10 is a satisfying conclusion to a series that has always been synonymous with high-quality art and superb storytelling. Watching Kwannon succeed in overcoming her traumatic past is both inspiring and humanizing for the character. Looking at the series as a whole, Psylocke has been impactful in how Wong approaches Kwannon as a character struggling to reconcile her past, present, and future selves.

Overall, Rogue Storm is an atypical Ororo Munroe story that takes a lot of big swings, with stellar artwork that more than compensates for the moments when the big swings do not always land.

Storm by Murewa Ayodele has quickly become the definitive solo run for one of Marvel Comics' most prominent Black female superheroes, and continues to be an exceptional title of the new "From the Ashes lineup of X-Men titles.

Storm #11 is a well-crafted issue in an epic event on a monumental scale which tests Ororo Munroe's humanity against the cosmic might of the immortal storm god Hadad. Murewaya Ayodele's Storm is without a doubt a landmark series that establishes Storm as a character worthy of carrying a solo series of her own, and this saga in particular is a definitive chapter in the storied fifty year history of Ororo Munroe as a character.

Full of electrifying action, poignant moments of pathos, and jaw-dropping ending, Storm #12 closes out the Thunder War with a bang and a flourish. This arc did a great job of wrapping up season one of Storm and setting up Rogue Storm and what is to come with Storm in 2026. The Thunder War is bound to become known as one of the most iconic Storm stories of all time.

Ororo Munroe's heroic journey under Murewa Ayodele continues in Storm: Earth's Mightiest Mutant #1, a new title that carries over the themes, plot points, and characterizations from Storm. In this first issue of the new title Ayodele brings Ororo down to her lowest point, leaving readers to wonder whether Storm can find renewed faith in herself and her abilities, and restore her sense of honor as she secures her role as the Earth's most powerful protector.

Masterfully written by Kieron Gillen with astonishing art from Casper Wijngaard, The Power Fantasy continues to deliver a compelling and unconventional approach to the superhero mythos. Much like previous installments in this series, Gillen once again manages to deconstruct the moral and ethical dilemmas present in traditional superhero comics while conveying these ideas in exciting ways that offer something new and totally original.

The Power Fantasy continues to be an ambitious, thought-provoking book that recontextualizes superhero mythos by taking innovative approaches to the familiar themes and ethical questions surrounding super powered beings with Godlike powers. While at times the book requires a close reading to the sheer depth and scope of what the work is trying to accomplish, the book always excels at telling really fascinating, intriguing, and complex stories that keeps readers highly invested in the next installment.

The Power Fantasy #12 lights the fuse to a power struggle that could blow up the entire book. Kieron Gillen's brilliant plotting and Caspar Wijngaard's meticulous artwork make this another banger of an issue. The building of tensions in this book is super effective as we rush headlong into what is sure to be an all-out conflict between all the Atomics.

Each issue of The Power Fantasy feels like we are gradually approaching an apocalypse of sorts that has been foretold to us from the start, and The Power Fantasy #14 in particular feels like we are two minutes away from midnight on the Doomsday Clock. Time is running out and the Atomics are veering precariously to the precipice of all-out conflict that will have deadly ramifications for the Superpowers and those humans who are unfortunate enough to be caught in the fallout.

Since the beginning of its run, The Power Fantasy has been one of the best, and most consistent, books being published right now. It is a major accomplishment, and a testament to the talents of the entire creative team that the book has maintained the same quality across more than a dozen issues without losing steam or suffering from a decline in the character of the storytelling.

In The Ultimates #18, Tony Stark is amassing something bigger than a team of superheroes he is building a resistance movement to defy The Maker and his council at every turn and on every level. Tony's hopeful and inspiring message resonates with those who have grown weary and frustrated with oppressive and unjust systems in which average everyday people are exploited for the benefit of the rich and powerful.

The main strength of this issue is how it portrays a broken man who has lost the person who he loves with all his heart, but yet continues to live for the people who depend on him the most. Gail Simone effectively explores the theme of grief with one of the X-Men's most beloved couples in a way that deeply humanizes Gambit, making him an empathetic character that readers can sympathize with and relate to.

Overall, Unbreakable X-Men is a story about found family narratives, how the ties that bind us are also what unite us, and no matter what gets thrown at us, the love that we have for each other will keep us strong. With those unbreakable bonds, there is no fight we cannot win, and nothing that we cannot overcome.

Once again Gail Simone's Uncanny X-Men perfectly balances gothic horror with high octane superhero action. "The Dark Artery is a dark and intriguing arc that seeks to uncover disconcerting secrets from the hidden recesses of mutantkind's history. David Marquez's art is representative of an artist at the top of his game, with each panel and page brimming with greatness and an overabundance of talent.

Year two of Uncanny kicks off with a great issue that signals a fun new direction for the book. The entire creative team of Uncanny X-Men continues to deliver awe as the book shifts into a thrilling and invigorating new era for the series.

Mutina's return makes for a tense and nail biting issue, one that leaves the reader wondering if she is the killer she claims to be, or if there is more to this character than we have seen so far. The issue raises the question of who is worthy of salvation, and hints that Mutina may be able to walk a different path, but only if she chooses to do so.

Wiccan: Witches' Road #2 is a supernatural adventure complete with magic spells, strange companions, and mystical quests that challenge our heroes in engaging new ways. Wyatt Kennedy draws on Slavic folklore and various magical concepts to craft an exciting new chapter for one of Marvel's most prominent sorcerers. It is nice to see Marvel prominently featuring one of their most celebrated queer characters in a way in which the narrative of the character does not solely revolve around the character's status as an out gay character, but rather the character's abilities, aspirations, and motivations within the story as well.

Wolverine is the best there is at what he does, and Wolverine is at his best when he is protecting and defending those who cannot fight for themselves. While Wolverine may want us to believe he is a loner who only watches out for himself, we know that he intentionally or unintentionally seeks out community and companionship, as he is consistently putting others before himself, which makes him an honorable, altruistic, and quintessential heroic character that speaks to his everlasting and constantly enduring appeal to countless decades of fans.

Overall, X-Men #20 is a character driven issue in which a lot of the action and superhero plot takes a backseat to a deeply personal conflict between two characters who are diametrically opposed to one another's ideological positions on mutant-human relations. It is an issue that is true to the mythos and core themes that have dominated X-Men comics since their inception, and is fully consistent with Scott Summer's characterization in the comics, both as a mutant and a leader of the X-Men.

X-Vengers finally gives Dani Moonstar the opportunity to prove herself as a competent and capable leader of a superhero team. The issue proves why Dani deserves to lead a superhero team and shows that when given a chance to demonstrate her capabilities as a field leader, she is able to rise to the occasion.