Corey's Comic Corner Week #3: Review of "The All-New, All-Different Savage Avengers #1, Demon Wars: The Iron Samurai #1, Transformers: King Grimlock #1, GAMBIT #1
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It’s time for another edition of Corey’s Comic Corner!
It’s a brisk, wet and dark stormy morning here in Rochester. A near perfect day to pop in for some new comics, a nice hot cup of coffee and some comfort food. Seriously, what are you waiting for?
Yes, Fall is in the air. As we head deeper into Fall and closer to my favorite month of the year, October. I will be weaving some horror and Halloween related goodness into the blog. I have some fun top 10 lists, etc. that you won’t want to miss and I know Jason (Hilton not Vorhees) and the team will be whipping up a scary good time in the store as well so do pop in! It would be ghoulish not too! See what I did there? Ok. I’m jumping the gun. More on that soon!
On to this week’s comic reviews and previews:
Image Source: www.marvel.com/comics/issue/100873/savage_avengers_2022_1_variant/variant
The All-New, All-Different Savage Avengers #1
Published by Marvel comics
Written by David Pepose
Pencils by Carlos Magno
Rated PA for Parental Advisory
In stores now!
The basic premise here is that since Conan has been banned from his timeline he has been wandering the current Marvel Universe slaying and fighting his way through all of it’s villains and monsters until a cyborg from the Deathlok Army arrives to finally erase Conan from this timeline for crimes against the Timestream. Even Conan cannot handle this competitor alone thus Cloak and Dagger, Weapon H, Daredevil and Anti-venom arrive on the scene as if called from some greater power to assist!
This initial chapter had to really bring everything together fairly quickly to arrive at the plot but when it does it’s kind of fun to see all this hero’s taking on a Deathlok which in this comic is actually the equivalent of a Terminator. This made the story both relatable and awesome for me because suddenly you have this almost unstoppable force that keeps adapting to your every move and no matter what you try it’s one step ahead! Definitely a Terminator vibe and it works! I loved the way this was written and the action and pencils flow in a way that make this story tense and you can’t help but wonder how this team will sort this all out in the coming issues. It’s an interesting idea that I’m wanting to see play out. Definitely worth a read if you want some Groovy Deathlok action alone!
Image Source: https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/101176/demon_wars_the_iron_samurai_2022_1
Demon Wars: The Iron Samurai #1
Published by Marvel
Written by Peach Momoko
Pencils by Peach Momoko
Rated T for Teen
Available now!
This book is part of another new and original series by Peach Momoko set in the Marvel Universe with truly unique monsters, characters and unlike anything else that came before it.
The main character, Mariko Yashida coming from a long line of magic users finds herself starting to dream of another world full of magnificent creatures and life. She starts having flashbacks and daydreams leaving her to feel like the life she is living, is a lie, and there is much much more underneath the surface. What decisions will she be forced to make when these worlds collide?
I have to admit right off the bat I haven’t read much of anything from Peach prior and I haven’t always felt connected to her art. As I started to read this I began to realize this is the kind of story and art she was meant for! Her color palette weaved like a tapestry of vibrant watercolors almost whimsically and peacefully blends this story together. It’s like a simple but elegant re-telling of a child-hood fable but with enough mythology and bravado to make it feel like it has the potential to be much bigger than it really is. The characters are fresh and unique. The story is tight and full of world building. It reads like Manga but yet it’s something entirely new at the same time. I’ve read some Manga prior and I feel like this is Marvel’s way of introducing new fans and our broadening culture to a new way of storytelling. One that if we take the time to read we might find all at once refreshing and timely. I may now go back and read more of the Demon Wars titles. All I can say is that if you love Peach’s art, and many do, then you will love what she does here as both the writer and artist. Check it out!
Image Source: https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-King-Grimlock-2021-ebook/dp/B095XJM2NH
Transformers: King Grimlock #1
Published by IDW Publishing
Written by Steve Orlando
Penciled by Agustin Padilla
Rated T for Teen
Available now!
Another chapter in the Transformers world with our favorite, Grimlock the T-Rex Transformer and leader of the Dino-bots leading the charge in his own mini-series. Transported to a magical and violent world, an ancient people are calling on Grimlock to help them survive and protect their people from an imposing and dangerous foe.
Growing up in the 80’s when the Transformers were in their prime I was really looking forward to this title. What could be cooler than cars that transform into robots? DINOSAURS that transform into robots!! This was really a fun read. The story has some heft to it and there is a true sense of dire need from the race of barbarians who are seeking Grimlocks help. He is written much like Conan in this story and comes off as very powerful, self indulgent and isn’t in any real hurry to help. The dialogue is actually written really well considering how a Dino-bot might speak and the conversation and you just get the sense that Grimlock is one powerful and confident specimen who takes a lot of convincing. He has nothing to prove. Orlando really writes him well and the colors and pencils are pretty solid as well. I’m very curious where this goes and I look forward to picking up the next issue ASAP. If you are looking for something fresh and enjoy the Transformers, check this out! P.S. If you like anything 80’s and 90’s check out the store! There is a lot of nostalgia in-between these four walls. Something for everyone!
Image Source: https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/94959/gambit_2022_1
GAMBIT #1
Published by Marvel www.marvel.com
Written by Chris Claremont
Pencils by Sid Kotian
Rated T for Teen
Available now!
Gambit is back in his own new series going back before he was with the X-Men. Teaming up with the teenage version of Storm after her age had been magically reversed by the villain The Nanny. They begin a journey of self discovery and new friendship while tackling some villains and maybe doing a little thieving along the way.
This is an interesting match-up but makes sense given Gambit and Storms relationship in X-Men comics. Seeing Storm as a bratty teen and Gambit trying to step in and mentor her is a unique dynamic that actually comes off as playful and fun. There isn’t a lot that happens over the course of this first issue but I feel Claremont has a good grasp on how Gambit’s character should be written. The addition of Storm as a child makes this book more for everyone but I’ve always seen Gambit as somewhat of a mirror to John Constantine in the DC Universe. I almost feel this story would be better told as a mature title focusing on the exploits and history of Gambit himself. There is some decent action in the book and they are clearly building up to something bigger so we’ll have to wait and see how this plays out in the next issue. Since I’m a fan of the character I’ll be sticking around to see how this plays out! If you’re a fan of the Ragin Cajun, check it out! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Lastly, a little pre-Halloween treat. A book that’s on my radar this week from our favorite childhood horror writer R.L. Stine. This looks like a lot of fun and I can’t wait to pick up a copy. Plus, how about that cover by Francavilla below? Absolutely awesome and horrifying in all the best ways.
Image Source: https://www.boom-studios.com/archives/stuff-of-nightmares-series-announcement/
Stuff Of Nightmares #1
Published by Boom Studios
Written by R.L.Stine
Pencils by A.L.Kaplan
Rated M for Mature
Available this week!
That’s it for another week folks! Stay tuned for our next blog and make sure you reach out if you are interested in any of these books or have any comments! Better yet, stop in, grab a bite, some coffee and see what else is new. There’s something for everyone!
See ya soon!
Corey Newell
“Just a guy who loves comics”
Corey Newell is an Independent blogger, Dad, Dork, Comic Nerd and Pop culture lover hailing from Spencerport, NY