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X-Books December 2024

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Introduction

Having missed out on the Krakoa era, I went overboard on the Marvel mutants. I have 7 different titles for X-Books December 2024. And, when I went to That’s Entertainment after the Lego Fest in Worcester, I looked at 3 or 4 other titles and considered picking them up. I might have even pulled the trigger on Psylocke. She was always my favorite growing up. What can I tell you? I have a soft spot for the B-listers that fight their way to the A-list.

Exceptional X-Men 3

Writer: Eve Ewing, Artist: Carmen Carnero

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Kitty wants nothing to do with the X-Men. Nope, not at all. She needs a break after all that went down. Please, stop trying to rope her into forming a new X-Team with brand new mutants. Especially you, Emma Frost. Do you need some discouragement from my fists? Emma and Kitty face off and Kitty ends up as foster Mom to Axo, Bronze, and Melee. But, what’s this? At the end, an Ice Man appears as the cavalry. I wonder what his name is.

This book is tons of fun right now. It reads very much like Rainbow Rowell’s She Hulk. Can a big city X-girl really have it all? Probably not, but it’s fun to watch her try. If they’re thinking about rebooting the title, either Ewing or Gronbekk should be on the short list. My verdict: Good.

Nyx 4 and 5

Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Artists: Enid Balam, Francesco Mortarino

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: The Nyxers work hard to find their places in the post Krakoa mutant landscape. This is made more complicated by The Quiet Council and the Peacekeepers. Also, just the hustle and bustle of New York City. If they can make it there, they can make it anywhere.

Kelly and Lanzing breathe life into a new band of misfits that become a family. While this one doesn’t deal with an intergalactic threat that was once part of the family, they still have quite a bit that keeps them on their toes. Like Exceptional, I like the personal touches on this title. Let the other X-Men fight the Avengers. Some of us need to help less fortunate mutants. My verdict: Good.

Phoenix 5

Writer: Stephanie Philips, Artist: Alessandro Miracolo

Quick Synposis and Thoughts: Phoenix continues to deal with the fallout and the assassins sent after her. All while contending with her role as the Phoenix and what that means to her and others. On the last page, the big man himself reveals that he wants to take over the council and then, of course, all of creation.

Of the new X-Books, this isn’t one of my favorites. Having already told you that I like the personal stories in NYX and Exceptional, this one spans the galaxy and galactic threats. I guess I’m in my “relatable comic book heroes” era. My verdict: Decent.

Psylocke 1 and 2

Writer: Alyssa Wong, Artist: Vincenzo Carratu

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Psylocke brings her brutal energy and assassin training to the X-Men. They decide that those methods are too extreme and kick her off the team. With no support, she finds herself in a familiar position. She will need to survive on her own. No problem there.

I don’t know how I feel about this new iteration of Psylocke. She feels a little too much like Wolverine in her mannerisms and attitude. But, I’ll give the book a chance. Because I like the writing and art. More often than not, things tend to work out. My verdict: Decent

The Uncanny X-Men 5 and 6 (Legacy 705 and 706)

Writer: Gail Simone, Artist: Javier Garron

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: The finale to the Red Wave story where they face a supernatural threat that reveals a secret that threatens to tear the young team apart. But, Rogue manages to keep them together and starts a new school in her home state. That leads to a whole slew of other potential problems.

Gail Simone nicely balances the human and superhuman in her characters. Where I normally might not enjoy this title because of the huge paranormal threat, she follows it up with a story that we can all relate to. School sucks. I know. My verdict: Great

X-Force 5 (Legacy 295)

Writer: Geoffrey Thorne, Artist: Marcus To

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: All hell breaks loose in this one. The Avengers show up to deal with the Nuklo threat. That leads to an all out melee that is then broken up by The Phoenix. A team member dies and another quits the team, questioning Forge’s humanity and leadership. To be fair, it deserves questioning.

All I have to say is, “Wow.” And, I’ll add a “Holy shit.” So much went down in this book. But, Thorne handled it all well. I never cared all that much for X-Force growing up, but I like this team. The dynamic between the characters is phenomenal. The story felt disjointed at first, but all came together in this issue. Plus, Forge is just so brutally efficient as a leader. Harsh. My verdict: Great.

X-Men 7 (Legacy 307)

Writer: Jed MacKay, Artist: Netho Diaz

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: We open on Scott’s Alaska camp during the Iron Night. He mopes as only Scott can while discussing recent events with Magneto. A Sentinel descends on the town and they fight it together. Magneto gets in the killing blow. The issue ends with Beat getting abducted during a phone call.

MacKay’s X-Men is taking some time to get going. I suppose it makes sense give the massive aftermath they are dealing with. But, it’s still a little frustrating that the main title lags behind all of the others when it comes to story and character development. Oh well, I have a feeling he will turn it around sooner rather than later. My verdict: Decent.

The Verdict (X-Books December 2024)

So many books to read and review. As you saw, I picked up Psylocke at the comic book store. a pleasant surprise to go with some other great books from my DCBS order of X-Books December 2024. Strange that the main title is probably the slowest right now, but that won’t be true for long.

Images taken from Marvel.com

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Marvel Comics December 2024

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Introduction

Thanks to the number of X-Books I ordered, The Incredible Hulk reaching a milestone issue, and writing a separate article for the two Ultimate titles that arrived, I only have 4 titles to review for Marvel Comics December 2024. Two of them have two issues each, though, so a total of six books in the queue. A far cry from a few months ago, but much more manageable as a group.

Amazing Spider-Man 61 and 62 (Legacy 955 and 956)

Writer: Joe Kelly, Artist: Ed McGuinness.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Strange surrendered the power of the Sorcerer Supreme to Doom in an attempt to save the world. He uses that power to pick Spidey as his champion in a fight against supernatural enemies. This results in a new magical suit and powers plus eight lives with which to accomplish the task. As the title of the arc suggests, he’s two for two on using up those lives in the battles. Pretty gruesome deaths, too.

You all know that I took a long hiatus from ASM. I just couldn’t do it anymore. I hated everything that Zeb Wells did with the character. They made up for it by bringing Kelly on to right the ship with classic Spidey artist, Ed McGuinness. So far, the pace and tone of the title is much better and I think I’m going to be okay with Spidey going forward. My verdict: Good

The Avengers 20 (Legacy 786)

Writer: Jed MacKay, Artist: Farid Karami

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: This issue follows up on the story of Black Panther in the alternate dimension. He fights to free the prisoners from that prison as the rest of the team works on the outside to keep Doom at bay. This issue focuses completely on his story and ends with a question from T’Challa about his potential future.

I enjoyed this issue quite a bit. I think it’s my favorite Avengers issue since the first story line. What’s funny is that it’s essentially a Black Panther solo story. But, it’s the kind of Panther story that I prefer. On the ground (admittedly in an alternate dimension) fighting for the liberation of others. My verdict: Good

Captain America 14 and 15 (Legacy 764 and 765)

Writer: JMS, Artists: Carlos Magno and Jesus Sais

Quick Thoughts and Synopsis: In the shadow of the madness of his previous adventure, Cap teams up with two other former Avengers for this next one. They embark on the mission that, as others have promised (or threatened) will bring them together or tear them apart. The first stop is a small town in Oklahoma where they learn of Thor’s shame experienced there. They fight against Dark Asgard to save the soul of the town and it may prove to be too much after all.

I wrote that the previous adventure felt too supernatural for a Captain America story. This one continues that trend, so I guess JMS is just bringing that corner of the Marvel Comics into Captain America. It makes more sense with Thor on his side, but still feels a little weird. Normally I like weird. I just think the imbalance of real life tempers my enjoyment some. My verdict: Decent.

The Immortal Thor 17 (Legacy 778)

Writer: Al Ewing, Artist: Jan Bazaldua

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: The past again catches up with the Thunder God. Four gods, called into being by his enemies, stalk Thor. While he could defeat them individually, their mutual hatred and ability to work together might finally do him in and end his reign already. However, he defeats them. Enchantress comes to him and they go back to meet his son, Magni.

I normally love everything Ewing does. His Hulk remains my favorite version of the character ever. Then, he brought Venom some semblance of sanity before the whole Knull nonsense. His Thor, though, confuses me. I never entirely understood the Roxxon beginning of the story, then things started to come together and now he throws us another curveball with Magni. I hold out hope that he’ll bring all these threads together. Right now, though, I’m confused. My verdict: Decent.

The Verdict

Marvel Comics December 2024 is a mixed bag. I’m glad Spidey’s back. The Avengers Black Panther story was great. Cap and Thor feel like both writers are taking too many liberties right now with the characters and stories. But, they’re still mostly enjoyable, so I’ll forgive them for now.

Pictures taken from Marvel.

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Ultimate Marvel December 2024

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Introduction

When I saw the announcement of the new Ultimate Marvel line, I cringed. I remember the first time when they completely lost the thread. A couple of times, they removed my comments from social media reminding them about the cannibalistic Hulk and incestuous Maximoff twins. Then, a few months ago, for some reason, I picked up a couple of the Ultimate titles. I heard good things about the books. If I’m being honest, though, I didn’t enjoy the stories all that much. However, from the looks of it, I put Ultimates and Ultimate Spider-Man on my DCBS list. So, I set aside this Ultimate Marvel December 2024 article to try to see if i can find something to like about the books.

The Ultimates 6

Writer: Deniz Camp, Artist: Juan Frigeri

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: This issue sees the Ultimates team up to try to take down the Hulk. They figure a little prison rules will hopefully help them defeat the Maker. As you might expect, things go very wrong for them. Very, very wrong indeed.

I actually liked this issue. Either they improved the quality of the story or I’m feeling more generous today. Obviously, both can be true. I guess I’ll find out next month which it more true. I will say that I like this version of Ultimate Hulk better than the sociopath that they wrote last time. He reminds me of Smart Hulk and that’s always a fun version of the character. My verdict: Good.

Ultimate Spider-Man 11

Writer: Johnathon Hickman, Guest Artist: David Messina

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Pete reaches out to Norman to try to smooth things over, it looks like. Not sure what happened, but there’s some tension there. He then receives quite the ass kicking from Mr. Negative and his henchmen. That brings him back home while Mr. Negative debriefs Kingpin. Black Cat gets introduced and Peter ends the issue talking things out with Uncle Ben.

Wow. Quite a bit happens in this issue. But, it doesn’t feel too busy or overworked. Hickman spends just enough time on each story to give you some information while leaving you wanting more. I definitely liked this issue and now I can’t wait to (a) read next month’s issue and (b) pick up the back issues. My verdict: Great.

The Verdict

Much better than the issues I read earlier in both series. I don’t think I’ll pick up the other Ultimate titles right now. Okay, I lied. I added both Ultimate Black Panther and Ultimate X-Men to the pull list for next month. Ultimate Marvel December 2024 sold me on the line for now.

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The Incredible Hulk 800

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Introduction

You know we like a nice round number around here. From Detective Comics and Action Comics 1000 to Spawn 300, all of those issues received special treatment from the 2 Generations Gaming crew. I thought I might miss The Incredible Hulk 800 because of a lapse in ordering from DCBS, but that fear was unfounded.

Instead, the book arrived with this month’s comics. Along with a couple of unexpected Ultimate marvel books, that gives me four different Marvel articles this month. Crazy how that all works out. But, a good problem to have.

The Incredible Hulk 800 Synopsis and Thoughts

Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Artist: Nic Klein

With Hulk incapacitated, Charlie faces off against the Eldest. Convinced of its superiority and that Hulk is sufficiently out, the Eldest taunts Charlie. As often happens in these showdowns, the Eldest overplays its hand. Charlie assumes the form of Lycanna and takes out the other skinwalkers. This gives Hulk the distraction necessary to break free. The Eldest will not take this lying down and now Banner will have to deal with the aftermath.

A cool, but slightly anticlimactic showdown between Hulk and the Eldest. I know it’s not done, but it all just happened so fast. Granted, PKJ spent the better part of the last few issues building up to this, so I forgive him for the quick conclusion to this particular part of the arc. Also, he telegraphed Charlie’s transformation some, but I applaud the effort. Nice touch. Besides, the conclusion provided just enough of a cliffhanger to keep me wanting more next time around. My verdict: Great.

The Other Stories

Greg Pak gives us a classic team up story with Cho and Hulk that leads to Banner again trying to convince Cho that he’s a monster through and through. Cho refuses to believe it. He vows to Hulk and Banner that they’ll never truly be alone. You all know that I love Greg Pak and his take on both Hulk and Cho. While typical of his stories, I think he wrote it to introduce new readers to Cho’s character and he succeeded in getting the main point across. My verdict: Good.

Then comes a She-Hulk story written by Torunn Gronbekk. I know what you all think I’m going to say here. A She-Hulk story without Rainbow Rowell? Why even bother? And, yes, I admit that was my first reaction. However, even though I never enjoyed Gronbekk’s Venom, I love her Catwoman and liked this version of She-Hulk very much. A supernatural story complete with slightly creepy little girl that retains all the fun that Rowell wrote into the title. My verdict: Good.

Finally, Benjamin Percy delivers a Red Hulk story. It gives us all of the anger and violence of the character as Ross infiltrates a terrorist cell and executes the leader. This gains the attention of Doom, who wishes to form an alliance with Ross. This all sets up for Planet Doom or whatever they plan for 2025. Of all the Hulks, I like Red the least. You probably surmised that from my synopsis. In any case, I liked this story fine. My verdict: Decent.

The Verdict

The Incredible Hulk 800 delivers on what we expect from milestone issues lately. A compelling continuation of the current story. Plus, a few mini stories of varying quality. I liked all of the ones in this issue.

Images taken from Marvel.

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DC Comics December 2024

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Introduction

I wrote last time that I received half a dozen Action Comics for some reason. Thankfully, Mark Waid wrote a great story for those books because I dedicated an entire article to them. Now I need to cover the rest of DC Comics December 2024. I think my plan to get the page back on track can be called successful. This marks the 11th article this month and I plan to write about 5 more. Plus, I finally posted episode 2 of Dragons of Eternity. Sorry, just had to take a short victory lap there.

Batman 154 (Legacy 919)

Writer: Chip Zdarsky, Artist: Carmin di Giandimenico

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: A good old fashioned hard boiled detective story. Bats and Gordon investigate a murder. This ends with explosive results. Has the uncorruptable Gordon become corrupted? Or, is it part of the greater plan of Commander Star to take down both Bats and Bruce?

A fine issue for what it is. But, this feels more like a Detective Comics story than one for the main title. I also got annoyed at the ending. I think Zdarsky just threw that in for the sake of controversy. Then again, he’s the professional comic book writer. Maybe he’ll make a believer out of me. My verdict: Decent.

Writer: Torunn Gronbekk, Artist: Fabiana Mascolo

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Cats finds herself on the wrong side of a bounty. She uses her skills as an international woman of mystery to go undercover and try to find the person responsible. I mean, at this point, there’s a laundry list of name. As a result, unfortunately, she doesn’t come close to an answer this time.

About to sound like a broken record here. Feels like with every new writer on Cats, I have the same reaction. This person isn’t as good as previous person. Oh wait, this person does understand the character and is delivering a compelling story. This person is a national treasure and must be protected at all costs. I’m in between the second and third step with Gronbekk right now. My verdict: Good.

Detective Comics 1091

Writer: Tom Taylor, Artist: Michael Janin

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Bats got offered a youth serum that will give him the strength and vigor of a much younger man. He struggles with the decision, even asking Supes for his opinion. Meanwhile, he “negotiates” a peace between Penguin and one of the villain’s young victims. Later, the boy becomes the target of Asema. How does it all connect?

I think that the two Batman comics switched bodies, a la Freaky Friday. While I said that the main title feels like Detective, this story feels like it belongs in the main title. Very weird. But, I like this story much better so far compared to the main title. A lot happening, but I’m convinced Taylor will tie it all together nicely. My verdict: Good

Superman 19 and 20 (Legacy 862 and 863)

Writer: Joshua Williamson, Artist: Dan Mora.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Guess who’s back? Back again. Doomsday’s back. Tell a friend. Or, your wife. In the aftermath of the Absolute Power story, Lois has powers herself. She and Supes team up to confront Doomsday. They must also deal with the Time Trapper. Crazy start to a story line!

Joshua Williamson became one of my favorite writers during his Flash run. Now, he’s writing Supes and it is probably my favorite DC Comic right now. Wonder Woman (more on that in a bit) is a close second or just barely nudges this one. He again proves his worth with this opener. Can’t wait to see where this one goes. My verdict: Great.

Wonder Woman 15 (Legacy 815)

Writer: Tom King, Artist: Daniel Sampere

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Last issue saw the death of Steve and the birth of Diana’s child. This one sees her begin to amass an army to deal with the threat of the Sovereign. She gathers the others from the “Wonder Corps” and starts to pull together a plan. This one promises to be good.

I said last month that Tom King hit his stride with Wonder Woman finally. I wouldn’t put him on the same plane as some of my favorites, but he’s figuring out the character and writing compelling stories. This introduction has me very excited for what’s to come. My verdict: Good, almost great.

My Verdict

DC Comics December 2024 brings fun books and mostly good stories. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Absolute Power story. But, the stories coming out of that all interest me. I want to see where they take these characters in the immediate future. Good stuff right now.

Note: Flash 15 not reviewed.

Images taken from DC.com

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Action Comics December 2024

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Introduction

Inexplicably, of the 13 DC Comics I received this month, over half of them were Action Comics December 2024. In my continued effort to keep the page alive, I therefore split the books into two piles, one for the Action and one for the rest. The nice thing about that is that we are currently in the middle of an epic story in Action. So far, it spans eight issues. From the looks of it, it continues for at least another three issues. So, let’s dig into the fun.

Action Comics 1072 – 1077

Note: I couldn’t find the covers for 1072 or 1073 on the DC.com web page. Apolgies.

Writer: Mark Waid, Artists: Michael Shefler and Clayton Henry

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Supes works and fights to discover the secrets of the Phantom Zone. So far, this journey showed him the deadly connection between one of his allies and the Phantom King. He explores that more. Then, the Zone makes him relive some of his history by taking him to Krypton near the time of his birth. Meanwhile, the other heroes try to keep things together. In the last issue of Action Comics December 2024, the two stories collide when the Phantom King starts to assault Earth.

So far, I enjoy this story. I mean, it wouldn’t be a 2 Generations Gaming review if I didn’t mention how growing up, Superman wasn’t one of my favorite characters. But, over time, they sold me on him more and more. Most recently, I like what they’re doing with Action Comics. The gave creators a little more control with what they tell. Mark Waid took that control and ratcheted it up to 11 (issues, so far). Every so often, they try to sell a story as the preeminent Superman story. I think, this time, they finally delivered. My verdict: Great.

The Verdict

I suppose I could have given more detail in the synopsis since it only covers one title this time. However, I want to you experience it as spoiler free as possible. I guess I’m getting soft in my old age. Merry Christmas. Enjoy the story.

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Spawniverse December 2024

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Introduction

Still a bit behind schedule. At least I’m updating from the current month again finally. And, realistically, only about two days behind schedule. I wanted to post the Gaming is a Gift article on Thursday and Spawniverse December 2024 on Friday. Not bad considering how busy the weekend was.

I still haven’t found the proper motivation to record the next episode of Noob’s Book Club. But, similar to the page, once I do, I’ll get back on the new schedule that I put together for myself. If nothing else happens, today should be the day that I record. Be on the lookout for that. Then, all that needs to be scheduled is social media channels. Those are always my weakest, so don’t hold your breath there.

Gunslinger 37

Writer: Uncle Todd, Artist: Carlo Barberi

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Monolith threatens and questions someone looking for Gunslinger. Finally, his interrogee gives up the information and promises to take him there. Meanwhile Wynn, in custody, answers some questions of his own. There’s another flashback to Javi’s sister. During a prisoner transfer, Monolith destroys the bus and a few prisoners looking for Javier. When he finds him, he disappears. Now, both the US government and Javier’s father have hit squads out looking for him.

Overall, not much happens in this issue. I mean, at the end Monolith and Gunslinger get together. But, there’s not a ton of action like there’s been in the last few issues. I suppose I should be grateful that Uncle Todd gave us a breather this time. It just feels like a bit of a let down is all. Plus, this looks like a set up for moving chess pieces over the next few issues in anticipation of a big showdown. So, I’ll reserve ultimate judgement until then. My verdict: Decent.

King Spawn 39

Writer: Uncle Todd, Artist: Yildiray Cinar.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: While Spawn watches over Sam and Twitch as they investigate a crime in the alley, he gets attacked. They fight and the attacker gets the upper hand. They throw Spawn in the back of the van to take him to their leader. When one pulls back the mask, it reveals the face of his partner. Spawn, having switched places with the man, attacks and nullifies the threat. He then escapes from the back of the van, ready to confront Bludd and his minions wherever they strike.

This one had plenty of fighting and action. Spawn finally worked his way through the ranks and infiltrated Bludd’s troops to attack them from within. He’s still not at the top, but he’s getting closer with every issue. I like this version of Spawn because it reminds me of the very beginning of the book when he fought in the shadows to try to find the answers to his death and rebirth. My verdict; Good.

The Scorched 35

Writer: Layman with Uncle Todd on additional script, Artist: Steven Segovia

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Marc deals with the fallout of getting separated from Medieval Spawn. Redeemer and Overtkill help him with some prejudice. Meanwhile, Jessica fights her way out of the Wynn’s clutches. She makes it back to headquarters. The issue closes with The Viscerator revealing itself and its mission to take out Medieval before he can reunite with Marc.

Ever since Layman took over the writing duties, I like this one the best again. Sure, Uncle Todd’s on additional script and you can see his influence. But, Layman’s humor shines through. He also gave all of the characters in the book a purpose, something that was missing early on when I started reading. Even though a team book, it focused very heavily on Jessica. Not so anymore. My verdict: Great.

Spawn 358 and 359

Writer: Rory McConville with Uncle Todd on additional script, Artist: Brett Booth

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Spawn and Lyra fight together to get closer to Bludd for the final showdown. It’s shown that Bludd may be allowing them to live, for now, as he uses them to eliminate his enemies. Then, when they finish, he will kill them. Meanwhile, they get news that things cannot remain the way they are. They might need to return to the curse to prevent the decay that’s happening. Lyra refuses, but Spawn thinks there might be another way.

Uncle Todd gave up total control of this one and I think it’s for the better. I’ve always loved his art and his writing has some appeal. But, too often, he suffers from the same malady as Kirkman. He needs people to tell him no. Pull back from things. Let them breathe. And, now that he’s done that, his books are the ones that I look forward to the most. This one, in particular, since the big 350 has been a lot of fun. My verdict: Good.

The Verdict (Spawniverse December 2024)

Overall, Spawniverse December 2024 does not disappoint. I enjoyed every book this month and look forward to where they take us next. Uncle Todd absolutely made the right decision in giving up control of some of the books to allow other voices to build his story and world. Because, right now, those are my favorite of the books.

Images taken from the mothership.

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Rat City December 2024

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Introduction

If I wondered about their ability to support multiple titles in the TMNT universe, then you know I had questions about Uncle Todd’s plan to release 4 more titles in the Extended Spawniverse. When he first launched the main Spawn titles like Gunslinger, The Scorched, and King Spawn, they suffered from awful editing and severely inconsistent quality overall. Even so, anytime I see the Spawn logo on something, I come running to purchase that thing. So, in an attempt to keep the page active and relevant, I review two issues for Rat City December 2024.

Rat City 7 and 8

Writer: Erica Schulz, Artist: Ze Carlos

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: They’re still world building in this title. It makes sense since they are only 8 issues in. Issue 7 starts with an encounter between Peter and the denizens of Hell. He spends the rest of the issue dealing with that and how his change is affecting Quinlan, who offers to try to make some armor and supplies from the tech they have lying around. Issue 8 spends all of its time setting up a show down between Peter and one of the baddies. During the story, they establish that Peter doesn’t exactly have control of his suit.

While I thought the first couple of issues moved too slowly, I no longer think that. Both of these issues went quick and entertained me. The writer and artist both hit their strides over the last few issues and now I might like this book as much as The Scorched. We have to see if the quality continues. For now, I’m sold. My verdict: Good.

The Verdict

I’m impressed so far with the title and Rat City December 2024 pleasantly surprised me. If all of the other books are able to take this slow approach to world building and story telling, then I have nothing to worry about. Also, I just took a look again at the names on the titles, and I definitely have nothing to worry about.

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TMNT December 2024

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Introduction

I thought I signed up for three or four of the new TMNT titles. Perhaps wishful thinking. Last month, I only received the main title and this month, I got that main title plus Nightwatcher. So, while less than anticipated, I received two books for TMNT December 2024. And, now, for the good stuff.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4

Writer: Jason Aaron, Artist: Chris Brunham

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: On his way to New York, Donne gets distracted by some voices at a service station. This leads him to a truck full of mutants. He wakes up in a cell at the mutant zoo. They starve and beat him to the brink of insanity. When a rat comes into his cage, he recognizes it as the “reincarnated” Splinter. This allows him to overcome his oppressors and meet with the other turtles. They see him for the broken man that he is and vow to unite to fight the foot clan. A foot clan that is being led by a familiar face.

Leonardo was always my favorite turtle. Donatello came in a close second. I like how Aaron gave him a reuniting journey worthy of his character. He saves the mutants, but also suffers both physically and mentally. Obviously, I don’t like that he suffers, but that’s his lot in life. I know I keep saying it, but it bears repeating. I love the direction that Aaron is taking the turtles so far. My verdict: Great.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Nightwatcher 3

Writer: Juni Ba, Artist: Fero Pe

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: A favored daughter turns into a “monster”. She comes across the Nightwatcher. They fight and she continues on her “rampage” through the town. Eventually, the Nightwatcher meets up with her again. The second meeting goes much more smoothly. The Nightwatcher talks her down and convinces her that she might be better off if she finds others like her that can welcome her as a friend or family member.

I missed the first two issues of this book. So, I’m a little bit behind on who the Nightwatcher is and where he comes from. As I gather, that hasn’t been revealed yet. But, I may have missed some clues in those issues that would help. I need to head on down to That’s Entertainment to pick them up sometime over the Christmas break. Then, I might have a better idea of what is happening in this book. My verdict: Good.

The Verdict

When I ordered all the books (or did I?) for TMNT December 2024, I wondered if there would be enough material for multiple books in the universe. I needn’t have worried. They gave me two good books this time. If the others exist, I hope they give me much of the same.

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X Books November 2024

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Introduction

I started this trend last month, I think. I missed almost all of the Krakoa era books other than a few random issues and the very end. I tried to make up for it by ordering as many books as possible this time around. Due to less free time and the usual down tick in motivation around this time of year brings the misnamed X Books November 2024. But, hey, you’re used to that kind of thing around here.

Exceptional X-Men 2

Writer: Eve Ewing, Artist: Carmen Carnero

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Last issue saw Kitty Pryde trying, in vain, to put recent events behind her and live a life as normal as possible given her situation. She ran into a young mutant and that complicated her plans. Further complications arrived in the form of Emma Frost. This issue continues that story with Kitty meeting up with other mutants and coming closer to a team. That is until Emma arrives at the end to ensure they’ll be in good hands with her.

The great thing about so many different books after the fall of Krakoa is that we get many different versions of how everyone deals with that fall and the aftermath. I especially like this story because it puts Kitty in the Charles role with Emma Frost as her Magneto. I expect stories similar to She-Hulk with Rowell and that makes me happy to have that vibe again monthly. My verdict: Good.

Phoenix 4

Writer: Stephanie Phillips, Artist: Alessandro Miracolo

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Jean and Carol take some time to celebrate after the events of the last issue. Jean remains ever vigilant, but Carol implores her to just enjoy herself. That vigilance proves prescient as the council plans some way to reign in the Phoenix before she destroys all. Gorr the God Butcher answers that call and kills Jean after a brief fight. Fear not, True Believers, as the Phoenix rises from that death more powerful.

I couldn’t get into the previous story. I think that might have been because I missed the set up. I often don’t like the universe spanning stories and prefer things to be more personal. This one takes the good from both of those storytelling methods to bring a personal touch to a godlike power that can destroy everything. My verdict: Decent.

The Uncanny X-Men 3 and 4 (Legacy 703 and 704)

Writer: Gail Simone, Artist: David Marquez

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Rogue takes the lead in this book. She and Logan bicker about their roles in the team as Logan threatens constantly to go back to “lone wolf” mode any minute. While he broods in the wild, Sarah Gaunt attacks the team, taking out Kurt. She then makes her way to Logan and leaves him bloodied. Rogue faces off against Gaunt while the rest of the team deals with the army she sent to kill them. Logan gets back on his feet, ready to fight, on the last panel.

You all know by now that Gail Simone is one of my favorite writers ever. She wasted no time in sending an existential threat to kill Rogue’s fledgling team. Remember when I said that the books allow for different types of storytelling? Well, this one goes straight for the jugular and leaves you breathless by the end of it all. This might be my favorite of the X Books November 2024. My verdict: Great.

X-Force 4 (Legacy 294)

Writer: Geoffrey Thorne, Artist: Marcus To.

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Forge’s team rises from their defeat at the end of the previous issue, dust themselves off, and go back at defeating Nuklo. They need to lead him away from civilization. That takes them into the realm of Man-Thing, who offers his assistance in the fight. Nuklo falls and the Avengers also arrive on the scene to help deal with the aftermath, shocking Forge with Storm’s presence.

They sold this issue as a Man-Thing story and then he only showed up in 4 or 5 pages towards the end. Then, the Avengers show up? Kind of random. I like this iteration of X-Force. It’s just that this story was all over the place. Maybe they’ll find their footing in the next one. My verdict: Decent.

X-Men 5 and 6 (Legacy 305 and 306)

Writer: Jed MacKay, Artist: Ryan Stegman

Quick Synopsis and Thoughts: Psylocke and Kid Omega go on a “psychic mission”. While there, they learn that someone is activating the x-gene in order to create new mutants. One of the mutants that has been reborn is Cassandra Nova. Then, as the team trains, Magik and Temper search for a mutant girl. There, they find out that the feral sentinel is hunting her down. Feels like both of these things are connected and will collide sooner rather than later.

The MacKay takeover of X-Men hasn’t quite lived up to the previous era so far. I like the stories that he’s telling and he’s making the group into something that I can enjoy. But, I just think that Gail Simone is dealing with things much better right now. MacKay’s irreverence works with the Avengers, but it doesn’t quite fit right now with the X-Men. Like X-Force, I hope the title finds it’s voice soon. My verdict: Decent.

The Verdict

In the wake of the end of such a massive story, X Books November 2024 are still finding their voice and footing. While the books overall are good, I just don’t think that things are coming together as well as maybe they could. I know in a few months, I will probably be eating these words once everything does finally work. For now, though, I stand by my assessment.

Images taken from Marvel.com