Batman: White Knight
by Sean Gordon Murphy (Writer/Illustrator), Matt Hollingsworth (Colorist)
The Synopsis
He’s been called a maniac, a killer and the “Clown Prince of Crime” but “white knight”? Never. Until now…
Set in a world where the Joker is cured of his insanity and homicidal tendencies, The Joker, now known as “Jack,” sets about trying to right his wrongs. First, he plans to reconcile with Harley Quinn, and then he’ll try to save the city from the one person who he thinks is truly Gotham City’s greatest villain: Batman!
Superstar writer and artist Sean Murphy (PUNK ROCK JESUS, THE WAKE) presents a seven-issue miniseries of a twisted Gotham City with a massive cast of heroes and villains that, at its heart, is a tragic story of a hero and a villain: Batman and The Joker. But which is the hero—and which the villain?
COLLECTING: Batman: White Knight 1-8
The Verdict
A truly unique Elseworld style story that sees the struggle between criminal reform and mental health come to life, Batman fans get to see a world where Jack Napier takes control of his life again, banishing the Joker persona and showing off Batman’s brutal tactics as a hero that have evolved during their war against one another. However is the Joker ever truly gone? Or is he lingering in Jack’s mind, waiting to take control once more. Getting to see the struggle of these two men and those caught in the middle is a great character study, and really gives an even more complex edge to the character of the Joker.
Super Sons, Volume 1: When I Grow Up
(Super Sons (Collected Editions) #1)
by Peter J. Tomasi (Contributor), Jorge Jimenez
The Synopsis
A part of DC Universe Rebirth!
Superboy (aka Jonathan Kent) and Robin (aka Damian Wayne) make their super hero duo debut in this all-new series SUPER SONS, part of DC Rebirth.
This debut series looks at the lives of Robin and Superboy and their destiny to follow in their fathers’ footsteps, while we meet a new villain whose ascension parallels the boys’ own understanding of their powers-except that he believes it’s his right to rule over every being on the planet!
Collects SUPER SONS #1-5
The Verdict
A brilliant new era of superheroes rises in this new series. Not only is it a treat to see the sons and family of Batman and Superman living on and enduring the trials that come with being in a superhero family, but it is great to see the sons mimicking the trials and tribulations that came with Batman and Superman’s first forays into uneasy friendship. Fun, action packed and great storytelling abound in this great collection of stories!
Legion: Trauma
by Peter Milligan (Text), Wilfredo Torres (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
A mind-bending X-Men tale from the brains of Peter Milligan (X-STATIX, Shade the Changing Man) and Wilfredo Torres (MOON KNIGHT, BLACK PANTHER)! David Haller, the son of Professor Charles Xavier, has always had trouble containing the multiple personalities in his mind. And with each personality, comes a wild and dangerous mutant power. But now, a terrifying new personality is threatening to absorb these powers and take over David’s mind and body. In a desperate attempt to save himself, David seeks out the help of renowned young psychotherapist Hannah Jones to delve into his fractured mind and fight back this dark personality. But unknown to Legion…Dr. Jones brings her own demons with her…
COLLECTING: LEGION 1-5
The Verdict
A truly fascinating look into the world of mental health struggles and how not only the outside world deals with those suffering from it but how those suffering from it deal with the world around them and within them. Adding this into the world of the X-Men, a group of people already facing judgment, hatred, and violence on an everyday occurrence, makes this read even more powerful as Legion seeks out help in stopping one of his alters from taking over completely. A masterful story in the larger world of the X-Men.
Hunt for Wolverine
(Hunt for Wolverine (Collected Editions) #1-4)
by Charles Soule (Goodreads Author) (Text)
The Synopsis
Wolverine is back – but where is he? Just as the X-Men have finally come to terms with Logan’s death, a terrible secret means old wounds are reopened, truths are questioned, and an epic quest begins across the Marvel Universe. But who will solve the puzzle first? Will it be Daredevil and his crack squad of investigators, including Misty Knight? Or Logan’s former fellow New Avengers, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage? Or perhaps Sabretooth, Lady Deathstrike and Daken will be the ones to track him down! With mystery in Madripoor and around the globe, the return of Wolverine will keep you guessing! COLLECTING: HUNT FOR WOLVERINE 1, HUNT FOR WOLVERINE: WEAPON LOST 1-4, HUNT FOR WOLVERINE: ADAMANTIUM AGENDA 1-4, HUNT FOR WOLVERINE: CLAWS OF A KILLER 1-4, HUNT FOR WOLVERINE: MYSTERY IN MADRIPOOR 1-4, WHERE’S WOLVERINE PAGES
The Verdict
A great way to really cement Wolverine’s importance to the entire Marvel universe. Not only did he affect the X-Men, but his many enemies, the Avengers and the world as a whole. Getting to see the various perspectives of each team of investigators as they approached the search for Wolverine from so many different angles made this a truly one of a kind read. It’s a must-read for all Wolverine fans out there leading into the Modern Marvel age.
Return of Wolverine
by Charles Soule (Goodreads Author), Steve McNiven (Illustrator), Declan Shalvey (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
Wolverine’s body has been missing. The entire Marvel Universe has been looking for him, because he’s a very important part of the Super Hero puzzle. And at long last, he will be found.
COLLECTING: RETURN OF WOLVERINE 1-5
The Verdict
One of Logan’s worst nightmares realized, the man known as Wolverine awakens with his memories hazy, and discovers he has been used as a weapon. As the mysterious new enemy slowly reveals themselves, Wolverine struggles as he is pitted against former allies, and before he can realize his full memories he is imprisoned and fighting to save the world from a deadly new threat once more. That’s why he’s the best at what he does.
Wolverine: Infinity Watch
(Wolverine: Infinity Watch #1-5)
by Gerry Duggan (Goodreads Author), Andy MacDonald (Illustrations)
The Synopsis
Logan goes cosmic! Wolverine has returned, alive and well. But hang on — didn’t he have an Infinity Stone? How did that happen?! And wasn’t he popping up all over the place for a little while? The answers are finally revealed as Logan joined forces with everyone’s favorite god of mischief, Loki Laufeyson! Wolverine is the best there is at what he does. But how good is he at protecting the universe from cosmic disaster? Will he be better or worse than Loki, the admitted lord of lies? We’re about to learn! But one thing’s for sure: Logan’s claws will come in handy against the notorious, unstoppable killing machines known as the Fraternity of Raptors!
Collects Wolverine: Infinity Watch 1-5
The Verdict
After returning back to the land of the living, Wolverine finds his return home is nothing he was expecting. Confronted by the events spiraling out of Infinity Wars, Logan finds himself presented with a mission by his future self from the end of time, and must protect one of the Infinity gems that has become a living human being imbued with its cosmic power. Faced with the merciless power of the cosmic enemies the Raptors, a destroyed X-Mansion and missing friends, Logan truly shines both as his own character and a force of nature in the Marvel universe once more.
Wolverine: Exit Wounds #1
by Chris Claremont, Larry Hama, Sam Kieth, Ryan Stegman (Cover Art), Salvador Larroca (Artist), Scot Eaton (Artist)
The Synopsis
WOLVERINE LEGENDS, CHRIS CLAREMONT, LARRY HAMA & SAM KEITH REUNITE! He goes by many names… Patch…Weapon X…Logan…but most just call him THE WOLVERINE. Join Marvel’s greatest storytellers for three brand-new untold tales of the X-Men’s deadliest member. Blood, broads, and blades… you asked for it, bub!
The Verdict
A great look into Logan as a character more than just the weapon he was made to be. These unique stories never before seen showcase the hero’s complex, painful and emotional story from being forced to become Weapon X to his hidden past and so much more. A truly great read for Wolverine fans who can’t get enough of the character.
Wolverine Vs. Blade Special (2019) #1
by Marc Guggenheim, Dave Wilkins (Cover Art)
The Synopsis
Two of the deadliest hunters ever to have stalked the night face off! Wolverine vs. Blade — ’nuff said!
The Verdict
Getting to see these two powerful forces of nature within the Marvel Universe not only interact, but battling one another is a Marvel fan’s dream! The action is intense, the new vampiric prophecy that brings them together is interesting and the new foe that comes into the mix heightens the intense bloodshed and intensity of these two characters. A truly wonderful and gritty read!
X-Men Red, Vol. 1: The Hate Machine
by Tom Taylor (Goodreads Author), Mahmud Asrar (Illustrator), Pascal Alixe (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
Jean Grey is back – with her own team of X-Men! Reborn into a world she doesn’t recognize, Jean gathers allies old and new – including Nightcrawler, Namor and the All-New Wolverine – to face an evil that threatens to tear down Xavier’s dream by any means necessary! The red squad must infiltrate a top-secret compound in order to save a mutant they’ve never met. They’ll have to avoid guards armed with high-tech guns, protestors armed with burning hate, and Sentinels armed with…even bigger and more dangerous guns than the guards. All in a day’s work for the X-Men! But as battle rages in India, the newest recruit may be the key to the whole team’s survival! Gambit finds himself caught up the intensifying global frenzy of mutant hate – but could one of Jean’s oldest friends turn foe?
COLLECTING: X-MEN RED 1-5, X-MEN RED ANNUAL 1
The Verdict
A one of a kind story that showcases the powerful character that is Jean Grey. For so long her complex nature has shown her as a powerful mutant, a founding member of the X-Men, a complex character overtaken by a powerful cosmic force, and a time-displaced hero trying to find redemption for her future self. Now the true Jean Grey is returned, and getting to see her become not only a new X-Men leader but the visionary behind a brighter mutant future is great to see. Having a new and powerful villain to match Jean’s own skill makes this an even greater read, and speaks volumes to the current climate in our world that sees too much violence and hatred towards specific groups of people. A must-read for X-Men fans!
Star Wars: Darth Vader – Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol. 1: Imperial Machine
(Star Wars: Darth Vader – Dark Lord of the Sith #1)
by Charles Soule (Goodreads Author), Giuseppe Camuncoli (Illustrator)
The Synopsis
Picking up where Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith ends, follow Darth Vader as he receives his legendary red lightsaber and begins his ruthless rise! Anakin Skywalker is now more machine than man. Having lost everything once dear to him, he must forge a new future–as a Dark Lord of the Sith! Join Darth Vader as he learns the way of Darth Sidious and his newly formed Empire–the way of the dark side. And on his first mission, Vader sets his sights on a Jedi who avoided Order 66, a Master who’s long lived in seclusion–one more powerful than any he has faced before! Nobody said the path to power was going to be easy.
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: DARTH VADER 1-6
The Verdict
A great exploration of the very early days of Anakin Skywalker’s rise into the role of Darth Vader. Taking place shortly after the events that saw the Jedi Order destroyed and Anakin nearly killed at the hands of Obi Wan Kenobi, Vader becomes the frightening villain so many Star Wars fans grew up knowing him to be. The complex nature of this character’s struggles mixed with his descent into villainy shine through here, as do the early days of the Inquisitors and their training at Vader’s brutal hands. A true must-read narrative for Star Wars fans!
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