Review of Monsters Lie #2, Cosmic Ghost Rider #1, Spider-Man Unforgiven #1 and I Am Iron Man #1

Welcome back fellow followers for another off the cuff, mostly original and slightly neurotic edition of Corey’s Comic Blog! Coming hot off the stove we have a sizzling platter of comic reviews, our weekly recommendation and the usual random banter you’ve come to expect from none other than me! So grab a fork and let’s dig in! 

We’re in the final couple weeks before Spring which is exciting! Clocks moved forward this past weekend, pushing our daylight a little deeper into the evening. I’ve been hearing the singing of geese as they arrive back from their vacation in the south. The school softball season is starting this week which is always an exciting time for our family. Lots to look forward to and be thankful for as we move forward into hopefully warmer and sunnier days. Of course at the end of the day it’s still March and as we know March in WNY can be a lot like a toddler. There’s a tantrum around every corner and you just are never really sure what you’re going to get. As I am writing this it looks like more snow! This of course provides us with a little additional time to catch up on our reading before we head outdoors for the summer so It kinda works out. Either way, I guess there is always a silver lining if you take the time to look. You have to look! In our NY winters you have to have something to look forward to tomorrow to get through today. That’s the key to almost everything. Always moving forward. Never back. I believe it was Master Yoda who said. “Be mindful of the past but not at the expense of the future!” …

Comic Book Reviews

“This week I had a chance to read Where Monsters Lie #2, Cosmic Ghost Rider #1, Spider-Man Unforgiven #1 and I Am Iron Man #1”

I Am Iron Man #1

Published by Marvel

Written by Murewa Ayodele

Pencils by Dotun Akande

Rated T for Teen

Available now! 

Celebrating the character’s 60th anniversary. A new limited series Iron Man book from Marvel this time exploring the never before seen stories from all era’s of Iron Man’s rich history. 

I’m torn on my feelings about this first issue. The idea behind it sounds like it should be a lot of fun and maybe it’s just going to take a little time to get going. Iron Man as a central large and dynamic hero. Taking on threats that may be smaller in scope but just as important. The art is solid. I think that’s what actually kept me reading more than anything initially. It’s rich, detailed and has a fun point of view.  It’s an interesting idea. I fear though, it’s so all over the place in my opinion I had a very hard time following what exactly was going on. By the end I wasn’t exactly sure what I just witnessed. Again, I see a decent story here but its delivery is lacking. I’m going to stick with it for another issue and see where this goes. I feel like there is something promising here. I just hope the writer finds their footing. We shall see! 

Where Monsters Lie #2

Published by Dark Horse

Written by Kyle Starks

Pencils by Piotr Kowalski

Rated M for Mature

Available now!

The second issue in this bonkers limited series from Kyle Starks about serial killers and their everyday lives when they are not out killing.  Has their luck hiding out finally worn off? Is this the end of the line? 

Another great issue from Starks as the action and story pick up a lot in this issue. I’m really enjoying this series so far and I actually think it would be a super fun idea for a TV mini-series. The dialogue is always fun and witty. The art is solid and everything in my opinion just works. In this issue we see the sheriff’s department, a special detective and the teen witness bring the investigation directly back to the homes of these criminally insane individuals. We also learn the detective has a past childhood incident with one of the suspects and has been spending his whole life waiting for a moment to take him down. We end up in quite a game of cat and mouse but one that’s soaked in blood and not looking like much of a win for the good guys. In fact, by the end of the issue our traumatized detective may be the only one left standing against this group of crazed murderers. If you like horror, serial killers or just plain fun stories this continues to be a must read. 

Cosmic Ghost Rider #1

Published by Marvel

Written by Stephanie Phillips

Pencils by Juan Cabal

Rated T for Teen

Available now! 

Cosmic Ghost Rider is back! 5 years after the original series a few years back from Donny Cates, Frank Castle is back and ready for destruction as our otherworldly anti hero. This time though, he’ll face his biggest challenge as the Cosmic Ghost Rider yet. Himself! 

Wow! This is a great reintroduction to the Cosmic Ghost Rider and what a way to do it. Phillips opens the story with the Ghost Rider dealing out a whole lot of murder and mayhem. The dialogue is tight and dark just as it should be even though something seems a little off with our character. Cabal brings the pain with his art as the colors pop on the page and he delivers a heavy dose of violence with his pencils. Everything feels good with the exception of our Anti-hero. With a twist though we learn that this death dealer is in fact not Frank Castle and there is an imposter in play. This leads Frank Castle back to the mantle he once took as the rider and I'm sure we are going to see all kinds of hell unleashed in the next issue. The book basically sets up Frank's return and it’s a great issue overall. This was a great book under Cates and it feels like Phillip’s will take over right where he left off. I can’t wait for the next issue! 

Spider-Man Unforgiven #1

Published by Marvel

Written by Tim Seeley

Pencils by Sid Kotian

Rated T for Teen

Available now!

Spider-Man is back in this One shot that will revolve around a group of anti-hero vampires who originally appeared in 2011’s Hulk vs Dracula. The Forgiven, as they are called, are back hunting down another demented blood-sucker who’s turning every human in its path.

Marvel’s way of bringing a familiar but old team back is sometimes lost in its delivery. This issue serves its purpose but it’s ultimately a somewhat boring story that ends up feeling kind of shallow. I’m not sure if they think we need more vampires because Blade is on the way but I just feel like in this case they are getting way ahead of themselves. I just didn’t find it interesting from a writing standpoint. With that being said the art both on the cover and in the issue is great. It’s a dark and horrific tale with some creepy and unsettling panels. There is a little of the traditional Spidey humor as well which never hurts and a twist at the end that I suppose they may lean on in the next one shot. That issue will involve the X-Men. Again, I'm just not sure what the endgame is here overall or if it really matters. I guess we’ll know soon enough. If you are into vampires and a huge fan of Spider-Man I guess you may want to sink your teeth into this one but ultimately it’s a pass for me. 

MOVIE RECOMMENDATION OF THE WEEK! 

SHAZAM! Fury of The Gods

Distributed by Warner Brother Pictures

Directed by David F. Sandberg

Rated PG-13

In Theaters on March 17th

DC is back with the sequel to 2019’s movie from the same director. The first was a lighter movie with plenty of action, humor and heart. It looks like Sandberg will continue that theme with this sequel and focus even more on the family of teenager’s as they battle together against an even more capable foe. I think the movie will continue the success of the original and be one of the better offerings to come out of DC in some time. It’s also supposed to serve as a reset for the DC Universe now that James Gunn has been hired to reshape it moving forward. 

That’s all we have time for this week folks! I hope you have enjoyed this strange little trip as much as I have. As we always say, we’d love to hear your feedback on the blog, answer any questions or just chat! Drop us a line and stop into POP ROC ASAP. We’d love to catch up in person over a coffee or some lunch. 

Until next time….

Corey Newell

 “Just a guy who loves comics and stuff”

⁃ Independent blogger, dad, dork, comic nerd and pop culture lover hailing from Spencerport, NY