Corey's Comic Corner Edition 16 - Review of: Frank Miller’s Pandora #1, Dark Web X-Men #1, The Invincible Iron Man #1 and They’re All Terrible #1.
/Corey's Comic Corner Edition 16
We’re back! Back with another blog! The penultimate blog of 2022 in fact. It's hard to believe but here we are nonetheless. Settle in and get comfortable…..
I got to enjoy this past weekend with my daughter and some friends at the Bills game Saturday evening as part of an early Christmas gift. It would be her first night game in the elements for a divisional match-up with the Miami Dolphins who were hoping to inch closer to first place with their second win over the Bills this season. Luckily for us fate would decide otherwise and the Bills kicked the winning field goal with time expiring on the clock to punch their ticket to their fourth consecutive playoff berth. Let’s go!! I have to admit, I wasn’t as excited initially due to the weather forecast. It had been gradually getting worse all week and we were fully expecting several inches of snow, bitter cold and heavy winds during the game. It had been the main headline all week after the Bills were stuck in heat exhaustion worthy temps In Miami earlier in the season. An almost 100 degree swing this time around with the wind chill and I was more worried about turning into a popsicle than the game itself. We had an awesome time though, it was cold but not terrible for much of the game and the warmth of several fire pits, grills, etc. kept us going while we tailgated outside the stadium before it started and while we waited for the parking lot to clear after the game. The game ended up being mostly clear. As usual, I stressed for nothing. In the 4th quarter we finally got the lake effect snow they had anticipated all week and it was quite a sight to behold! We survived though and it made for a great comeback by the Bills who were down at the time. It also set the stage for that great finale I mentioned earlier. Definitely memorable and I'm glad we got to share the experience together, even if I'll never be able to prove it was her with me in the picture below! Haha! Luckily we took several pictures before, during and after the game.
COMIC BOOK REVIEWS
“This week I had a chance to read Frank Miller’s Pandora #1, Dark Web X-Men #1, The Invincible Iron Man #1 and They’re All Terrible #1.”
Pandora #1
Published by FMP
Written by Frank Miller
Pencils by Emma Kubert
Rated All Ages
Available now!
Another new original young adult mini-series from the mind of Frank Miller told over 6 issues. A lonely young girl seeks to escape her mundane and destitute standing in life and seek out the many treasures and curiosities that await her in the world she’s never known.
A young girl, violence, center of her own attention. However, this is no Pearl Jam song. It is however what appears to be an intriguing new fantasy tale from Miller setup as an all ages or young adult book. While it has the ever familiar and tired young rebel girl trope it appears there is something else going on in this title. Running parallel to this girl's story of boredom and woe is another story taking place in a magical or fairy tale realm beneath her feet and I can only assume these two worlds will meet and this will drive the central narrative of this book. Just as this first issue ends the girl has come in contact with something that she’s been warned is very bad and it seems it will be the conduit to what unfolds in the next issue. The colors and art are light and warm. It has that young adult feel to it with its innocent character expressions, etc. The writing while interesting is also very simple as would be expected. While I'm not exactly sure if this is something I would pick up myself, I'm definitely curious to see what happens next. Miller is a fantastic writer so I'm sure whatever it is will be worth the wait.
Dark Web X-Men #1
Published by Marvel
Written by Gerry Duggan
Pencils by Rod Reis
Rated T for Teen
Available now!
A one shot issue and Christmas tale as part of the overall Dark Web Spider-Man event involving the X-Men and their apparent dealings with the demons, etc. in NYC during the holiday season alongside Spidey.
I actually thought this was a really fun and action packed one shot that not only added a bit of Christmas charm but also packed a lighter mood and comedic feel, especially given the overall darker tone of the main Dark Web event. Spider-Man teaming up with Havoc, Cyclops, Jean Gray and Ice man to handle some demons who have not only co-inhabited some of the city people around town they have even taken over some of the store mannequins and what appears to be the Rockefeller Christmas tree! There is nothing quite like watching the X-Men chase down a possessed people eating tree through downtown NYC. The dialogue is funny and breezy and the story is paced nicely. The art is also perfect for the issue and while it’s meant to be demonic it’s playfully drawn with that Christmas spirit in mind! If you are currently reading any of the other Dark Web books this should be on your radar but it’s not going to add anything to the main story if you miss it.
The Invincible Iron Man #1
Published by Marvel
Written by Gerry Duggan
Pencils by Juan Frigeri
Rated T for Teen
Available now!
A new ongoing series and volume that will take Tony Stark to his darkest and ultimately lowest period of his life. Just when he thinks he’s got nothing left to lose he’s tested in ways he hasn’t been tested before. This grounded take on Tony Stark will further reveal the struggles that he must face being Iron Man.
Our second book written by Duggan this week as it would happen and I really loved how this one starts. We’ve always seen Tony struggle with being Iron Man and the way it affects him both physically and personally. This new chapter seems like it’s somehow going to up the ante! He’s lost, alone, drinking, borderline poor and yet still buried in his inventions and trying to find a way to control every aspect of his life. He spends a good portion of the issue in the bottle which we know he’s struggled with prior and was showcased in one of the classic Iron Man issues in the late 70’s. There is also a really inventive and sick way he was attacked in the issue which was when I realized this book was going for broke when it comes to being dark! If this issue doesn’t make you feel better about yourself I'm not sure what else will. I really loved the art in this issue as well. It’s a great fit. Dark, bold and detailed. If you are an Iron Man fan this is a can’t miss book and I have a feeling we may be looking at a possible new foe or villain moving forward. We shall see. Check it out!
They’re all Terrible #1
Published by Bad Idea
Written by Matt Kindt
Pencils by Ramon Villalobos
Rated M for mature
Available for pre-order only
Not the first, not the last! Bad Idea is back with the third new book of their part 2 release schedule. A peaceful people fearful of attack seek out a group of warriors to battle and protect their wealth, land and livelihood.
First off, how about that cover?? Just awesome! This was a fantastic first issue by Matt Kindt. The dialogue is gritty, witty and just paced perfectly with the action and brutality of this first issue. Villalobos' art is also fantastic! It’s moody, dark and visceral. It’s just a gorgeous book to look at and it might be my favorite art in part 2 of Bad Idea’s releases thus far. The premise is pretty simple. These villagers need protection and they will pay or give up whatever it takes to get it. Unfortunately, we’ll only get to read the first two issues of this book as part of this slate of releases. I’m already hoping there won’t be much of a delay because this book is going to be loaded with monster and warrior goodness and I can’t personally wait for the next issue. The monster art at the end of the issue is actually what got me so pumped about the next issue. Seeing how bloody gory the first issue was I can’t imagine what kind of mayhem these beasts are going to unleash on our supposed hero warriors.
Movie Recommendation of the week
https://youtu.be/5muQK7CuFtY
BABYLON
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Directed by Damien Chazelle
Rated R
In Theaters on Dec 23rd
If you are familiar with La La Land, First Man or Whiplash then you already know Damien Chazelle has a great track record when it comes to large scope and original screenplays and movies. Whiplash is among my favorite movies of all time and while La La Land wasn’t exactly in my wheelhouse as a concept it’s a phenomenal movie with great music, acting and cinematography. One that I've sat through many viewings of since it was released. Therefore, I have high hopes for this new movie of his. It’s a period piece with a great cast that really looks like it will encapsulate Hollywood during the move from silent film to audio in the roaring 20’s. It’s a little long in the tooth at over 3 hours but I think this will end up being one of the top movies of the year!
That’s it for this week folks! We’re in the final countdown to Christmas at the end of the week. This will be your last chance to snag some great gifts for that special someone in your life. Even if you’re not in need of something tangible or unique you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate to use for some great lunch or brunch! Stop in today! We have one more blog to end the year! We’ll see you next week. Same time. Same bat channel. Happy holidays!
Corey Newell
“Just a guy who loves comics”
⁃ Independent blogger, dad, dork, comic nerd and pop culture lover hailing from Spencerport, NY