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Post by D. Golightly on Aug 2, 2018 11:02:43 GMT -5
We have so many issues for you this month that to make it easier to digest, we're splitting up the M2K release into two parts. Check out these amazing stories, and then get ready next week for more titles to come your way! Links for the below titles can be found at: marvel2k.weebly.com/new-releases.htmlBLACK PANTHER #5 - Written by Jake Hawkins MARVEL FANFARE #92 - Written by Jake Hawkins NERO & HANNIGAN #4 - Written by John Cheese NEW MUTANTS #2 - Written by Gavin McMahon NEW WARRIORS #33 - Written by Tobias Christopher POWER MAN & IRON FIST #12 - Written by D. Golightly X-MEN: MUTANT UNDERGROUND #1 - Written by Gavin McMahon
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Post by Gavin McMahon on Aug 2, 2018 11:38:21 GMT -5
Nero and Hannigan #4 - The Phantom Hound, Part 4: I liked the opening, it was very atmospheric. It had a gothic vibe, which is a slight shift from the previous three issues but also lends itself to the story you seem to be telling with this chapter: vampires, ghouls and werewolves. The prose itself reads like a modern-day penny dreadful. Also, not sure if it was intentional, but nice use of the word 'pack' to allude to the actual threat, which wasn't the vampires. Dogs and wolves being pack animals, after all. Nicky Bats. Hahahah. That physical description. Can he recur? This slovenly Vampire King of Staten Island. Nero continues to be compelling. He's not the hero of the tale we're used to but, once again, that lends itself to the gothic noir feel of this story. He's cruel, which is different and I love his amorality. Reading it, the Animal Control aspect felt a little like Sam and Dean from Supernatural and then, of course, that seemed to be the case. Nice nod to another franchise, and an interesting way to help their investigations, now and in the future. Sarah works best as Nero's moral compass and the point of view for the reader into this world. Overall, the method of magic was creative and this is an interesting start for what's to come, I'm sure.
First review done before I rush out of the house for a bit.
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Post by johncheese on Aug 2, 2018 12:33:47 GMT -5
Nero and Hannigan #4 - The Phantom Hound, Part 4: I liked the opening, it was very atmospheric. It had a gothic vibe, which is a slight shift from the previous three issues but also lends itself to the story you seem to be telling with this chapter: vampires, ghouls and werewolves. The prose itself reads like a modern-day penny dreadful. Also, not sure if it was intentional, but nice use of the word 'pack' to allude to the actual threat, which wasn't the vampires. Dogs and wolves being pack animals, after all. Nicky Bats. Hahahah. That physical description. Can he recur? This slovenly Vampire King of Staten Island. Nero continues to be compelling. He's not the hero of the tale we're used to but, once again, that lends itself to the gothic noir feel of this story. He's cruel, which is different and I love his amorality. Reading it, the Animal Control aspect felt a little like Sam and Dean from Supernatural and then, of course, that seemed to be the case. Nice nod to another franchise, and an interesting way to help their investigations, now and in the future. Sarah works best as Nero's moral compass and the point of view for the reader into this world. Overall, the method of magic was creative and this is an interesting start for what's to come, I'm sure.
First review done before I rush out of the house for a bit.
Wow I wasn't expecting a review so early on. It is most appreciated thank you! To address the most important of the review, yes Nicky Bats is a supporting character, and will be reappearing throughout the section I lovingly call 'Year One'. Mike is far more brutal here then even in Villains for Hire, hopefully Sarah will be a good influence on him. Wasn't planing on making this section more Gothic than the rest, but then focusing on Post Middle Ages European folklore I suppose it would head in that direction regardless of what I wrote. And yes expect some name based homages to a number of shows and films like Supernatural in the near future.
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Post by Gavin McMahon on Aug 2, 2018 13:09:16 GMT -5
I look forward to it all. And I like to review those who've reviewed me. It's always good to return the favour!
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Post by strawhatjugh24 on Aug 2, 2018 21:55:32 GMT -5
Quick FYI for everyone, this BP takes place after the one that will be in the second release!
Also, Fuck mutant underground was dope. I’ve been off X-Men as a reader for years now but this just gave me that familiar feeling of why I love some of these characters. Colossus and Warpath? Give me more.
Intrigued to see where the story goes in Code from what we saw In Power man and Iron fist. That well timed sweet Christmas line was pitch perfect
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Post by Gavin McMahon on Aug 3, 2018 16:42:08 GMT -5
Also, Fuck mutant underground was dope. I’ve been off X-Men as a reader for years now but this just gave me that familiar feeling of why I love some of these characters. Colossus and Warpath? Give me more. Thank you, Jake! Sorry for the delayed reply. I'm only just seeing this. I can't imagine how I could have missed it. I'm glad to read that you enjoyed this opening "episode" of the series, and hope you'll enjoy what's to come. There have been times when I've also dropped the X-Men franchise, there can honestly only be so many times were Magneto yo-yo's between heroism and villainy before it get tires. Yet, stick with this! I promise it'll be much more unique in developing these characters and the subplots their facing in this continously hostile world. I do feel as though I kind of underserved Colossus and Warpath with this issue due to world building and establishing the more prominent characters in the issue but there is plenty coming up for them too.
I'll get a review of Black Panther as soon as I can, to repay the favour.
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Post by strawhatjugh24 on Aug 4, 2018 10:13:23 GMT -5
You had me sold earlier when you posted that preview but I love what you did here. It gives me that nostalgia feel as to why I love X-men in the first place
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Post by strawhatjugh24 on Aug 4, 2018 11:02:58 GMT -5
Got a chance to read Nero and Hannigan, and I just love how somber yet engaging the atmosphere around these two intricate leads. As I had never heard of them prior to this title, It's refreshing to go into each release with no expectations and let John take us on the character rides he's become known for here. Damn this was a great release.
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Post by johncheese on Aug 4, 2018 16:00:15 GMT -5
Thank you for the review, its most appreciated. Between them Mike Nero and Sarah Hannigan have exactly one canoniacal apperances so I'm not supprised that you'd never heard of them prior to this release.
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Post by Gavin McMahon on Aug 4, 2018 17:58:12 GMT -5
Black Panther Jake Hawkins
Apologies for the delayed review, although I think you may find it worth it. I couldn’t review the latest issue, #5, without first reviewing the first four issues. So, here they all are: #1: I enjoyed the flashback to the root of the division between T’Challa and Hunter. It was a unique choice to present that so completely to the reader rather than take the time to tease them but it worked. The courtliness of the scene was very accurate and I believed in the loyalties they both held to Wakanda, even if they believed differently how best to serve their homeland. I think you did well by setting White Wolf as a capable antagonist, and a HYDRA connection never hurts when introducing a new title since it allows for world building. You do a great job with T’Challa, melding his heroism with his need for diplomatic resolutions. I also enjoyed the use of Aneka, Shuri and Okoye. You did well to build a supporting cast. The elements established in the movie are very clear here but it was an excellent film so I can’t fault the inspiration. The convoy of relief workers was a scene ripped straight from the moving, without introducing the love interest of Nakia. Generally, the issue slipped between tenses and could have been fixed through a readthrough before submission but we all want our work submitted as quickly as possible. Something I do want to mention is the world building in this issue, Jake has an exemplary knowledge of Wakanda, both its architecture and culture, so it works incredibly well. #2: I always found the moniker Man-Ape to be a bit comical and racially insensitive, which is why I enjoyed his reinterpretation during the film so much. Still, this is based on the comics so that’s a conversation for another time. You presented him well, intimidating and in control of his realm. I liked the respect he showed Okoye. “Princess” only needs capitalised when it’s proceeding Shuri’s name, as an aside. All titles, other than military ones, work the same. I liked the inclusion of Namor, and Marrina, as it brings White Wolf’s plan into a Games of Thrones kind of story in the struggle for the throne. The moment between T’Challa and Shuri was a nice development, I did enjoy them as siblings. The joys of her introduction being post-2000 is that it was possible here, rather than making her his cousin. Another aside, you may want to dib Storm since you currently haven’t. That said, I’m glad to see her used. She was considered for the Underground before I felt she wasn’t suited. I look forward to seeing more of her. I liked that we got to phase two of White Wolf’s plan so quickly, with the Jabari being phase one. The storyline is well-placed. #3: I liked that you had Baron von Strucker do something. Far too often, men such as him are relegated to orchestrating these plots whilst fighters like Crossbones duke it out with the hero. I also really enjoyed the inner monologue of Black Panther. I think it was the first time we properly saw inside his mind in the series. This is the Shuri that the film taught us we could know and love, unlike her comic counterpart. Letitia Wright is a godsend. I was surprised to see Ramonda disposed of so quickly. It ups the stakes certainly but it is a loss as she’s also a character I enjoyed and I’m not sure she was paid her full due: she sat at a bedside for two issues. That said, I thought the emotional aftermath was well written. I also really like White Wolf’s plan, as I’ve said before, because it plays so well into the failings of T’Challa: his need to be everywhere and be everything. I liked that even White Wolf, as amoral as he’s been presented thus far, felt such a strong emotional reaction to Ramonda’s murder. Silver Samurai, Viper, Crossbones, Bullseye and now Sabretooth and Nuke? I love the rag-tag team-up of random supervillains at White Wolf’s disposal. #4: As much as I loved Namor storming in, I find it little odd that no defence system was prepared for him. T’Challa has encountered Namor, and many an Atlantean, in the past so that stood out to me. A king should always fortify his defences. I did however like that T’Challa’s absence gave Shuri yet another moment to shine. She really is a treasure. I do like T’Challa’s friendship with W’Kabi and hope it’s explored. I’m not sure the Dora Milaje, beyond Okoye, are being presented as very capable. Aneka was injured from #1 to her death (?) and now Ayo isn’t in much better shape. Ah. With the inspiration from the movie, it was only a matter of time before Killmonger appeared. Although, the twist in his return could lead to something interesting. Isn’t his name Chang amire rather than Chang emire? That said I liked the character, and his interaction with the modern creation Tetu, and look forward to another element being added to the story. A small point is that the letter succeeding the apostrophe in these names should always be capitalised, it’s T’Challa and W’Kabi not T’challa and W’kabi. Also, when pluralising, a second apostrophe is needed. #5: Storm! I’ve been looking forward to her being more than a conference call. Don’t worry, I know that the annual comes before this so I’ll take that into account in the review. This issue is full of the courtship and diplomacy I would have expected. Storm and T’Challa are endearing together. Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman’s surname is Richards not Richard, so there’s no need for the apostrophe when pluralising. You show a good knowledge of Black Panther’s past which will only help in developing his future, I like the small references to things such as him being a teacher in Harlem. You write the Thing incredibly well. I hope Storm won’t be killed off in this because that would be a waste. This issue was a little slower for me. I gather its part of the “saving Franklin Richards” crossover event. I look forward to the resolution of the arc from the previous four issues though. General: I think you understand the geography of Wakanda incredibly well and present its culture equally well. Also, you’ve made the threat they now face global which is always a treat. As I’ve said before in these forums, there’s always room for stories that go beyond America even if the characters involved are American. The court of the king is well thought out with an interesting mix of characters both as the supporting cast and villains. You’ve grasped the voices of most of the characters well. I just worry that the Dora Milaje are little more than cannon fodder in the series, and Ramonda’s death – although it bore consequences – didn’t seem entirely necessary to me. However, the decisions were yours to make and I do like the series and hope to see more developments amongst the characters when the crossover has ended.
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Post by strawhatjugh24 on Aug 4, 2018 19:21:04 GMT -5
Thanks for the review. I can’t get to everything but I appreciate it so much! I can’t spoil Aneka’s fate and you’re rightabout the Dora’s. It fear not, as they will show how formidable they are in the coming issues! As for Ramondas death, I’ll admit since I’m juggling so many characters I needed to get rid of one and I felt her death was another way for hunter to blame T’Challa for being a weak king.
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Post by DD Doyle on Aug 7, 2018 21:28:41 GMT -5
Okay here are some overdo reviews: New Warriors: A great, fun and exciting read. I do love alternate reality tripping but they may be getting a little overwhelming for even me! lol Every day another Franklin! No but it was fun... that is until Valeria the New Doom makes it not fun. She was presented as quite the formidable villainess but I do feel she may have been dispatched a bit quickly for how big she was built up. All and all still, a great issue. Mutant Underground: I really loved this issue. A great story/introduction (never losing one half of that equation in favor of the other). I love when ficcers use lesser known characters that never really got they're due in canon and I can tell this title will be delivering that in spades. Many of the more minor merry mutants of Marvel are showcased greatly here, aided by some of the more stalwart. (Sidenote: I love that Kitty and Piotr are still going strong here as I felt their sham wedding for sales recently was a big slap in the face to long term fans) My one complaint would be that I've always kind of liked Fever Pitch so it's sad that that seems to be the end of him, lol. Power Man & Iron Fist: Loved it. Great tie in to the CODE crossover but also a great issue on it's own. The A-Next crew really did well being sort-of on their own and the warden is a frightening BAMF but my favorite bits were the literal and spiritual duel between Danny and "himself". A great back and forth leading to a very interesting development with him on the other world. Can't wait to see how it plays out. Nero & Hannigan: I'll echo the Penny Dreadful comparison but throw in a cross-reference to Law & Order. I love the very professional take on magic here as well as the repartee and relationship between the titular Nero and Hannigan. Nero himself is a great treat showing that he can often be scarier than the monsters they face, something even those very some monsters comment on here. This almost reads as an original story in a way which can be a great thing but I also can't wait to see how these great characters continue to play out and change/interact with the greater Marvel world I will try to get to the last three of this release tomorrow!!!
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Post by Gavin McMahon on Aug 8, 2018 14:21:57 GMT -5
Mutant Underground: I really loved this issue. A great story/introduction (never losing one half of that equation in favor of the other). I love when ficcers use lesser known characters that never really got they're due in canon and I can tell this title will be delivering that in spades. Many of the more minor merry mutants of Marvel are showcased greatly here, aided by some of the more stalwart. (Sidenote: I love that Kitty and Piotr are still going strong here as I felt their sham wedding for sales recently was a big slap in the face to long term fans) My one complaint would be that I've always kind of liked Fever Pitch so it's sad that that seems to be the end of him, lol. I can't describe how good it is to read the praise this issue has recieved because it's a title that I'm so excited to write! This title will definitely be utilising a lot of characters that were introduced and then tossed aside in the comics. You'll see real depth and development to them. I didn't see a reason for that wedding drama in the comics other than to be "shocking" so it's not a storyline that'll be repeated here. Unfortunately, Fever Pitch is gone but there may still be a little bit more to his story in coming issues. So don't fear he was complete cannon fodder! Thanks for the review Dan!
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Post by johncheese on Aug 16, 2018 1:41:50 GMT -5
The other half of this month's M2K releases...
Black Panther #5 - Jake Hawkins really is pushing Black Panther to the forefront this month as the 'Saving Franklin Richards' arc continues. The T'Challa shown here is far more pragmatic then usual, something that fits in this 'America First, America Only' world we live in. The Panther may wish he'd not had that glimpse of the possible future, but I for one can't wait to see more.
Marvel Fanfare #92 - No doubt this issue is likely related to Jake Hawkins Black Panther series. That is something I dread, I may be the only person in the world who despises the Guardians of the Galaxy, and while this issue was well written and heralds an intresting crossover, it doesn't do enough to make me like them.
New Mutants #2 - Magma, McMahon and (Demon) Bears oh my. Firstly I will admit that I forgot New Mutants was a thing, secondly it brought up a lot of tiny issues in the narrative that most writers (unless focusing on them) miss. While action lite, the question about genocide and the demon bears is something that will likely ring through this arc, as morals and ethics are established for the characters. Hopefully this time I'll remember the series by the time #3 comes out.
New Warriors #33 - The search for Franklin Richards continues in Tobias Christopher's brilliant series. While it's been said before this version of Valeria is as brutal as she is powerful, not to mention sadistic to boot. I don't know how to take the knowledge that the relationship between Icarus and Franklin will end up in premature death for one of them. Hopefully this isn't the case as we head into the next few issues.
Power Man and Iron Fist #12 - The C.O.D.E has been somewhat twisted over the last few months, thankfully Dave Golightly has begun to streighten it out ready for the climax of the event. The battle between ideology of the two Thunderer's was intresting, indeed it was the high point of the entire brilliant arc. I doubt we've seen the last of the Dangerous Dojo either, the next few exciting issues will likely tell us. Hopefully.
XMen: Mutant Underground #1 - Reading things backwards is a good way to see if a title is accessible to new readers. Gavin McMahon can thusly breath easy as tgis title is accessible (having started at #2). The cast is definitely a dream one, with so many great personalities, as well as a compelling first act villain lurking in the shadows. Hopefully this series will continue to thrive even as it remains 'underground'.
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Post by Gavin McMahon on Aug 16, 2018 12:48:20 GMT -5
New Mutants #2 - Magma, McMahon and (Demon) Bears oh my. Firstly I will admit that I forgot New Mutants was a thing, secondly it brought up a lot of tiny issues in the narrative that most writers (unless focusing on them) miss. While action lite, the question about genocide and the demon bears is something that will likely ring through this arc, as morals and ethics are established for the characters. Hopefully this time I'll remember the series by the time #3 comes out. XMen: Mutant Underground #1 - Reading things backwards is a good way to see if a title is accessible to new readers. Gavin McMahon can thusly breath easy as tgis title is accessible (having started at #2). The cast is definitely a dream one, with so many great personalities, as well as a compelling first act villain lurking in the shadows. Hopefully this series will continue to thrive even as it remains 'underground'. Thank you, John!
New Mutants: I definitely understand that. I dropped the ball on this series and the gap was ridiculously long. However, it won't happen again! Morality plays a big role in this series and how these characters define themselves. They've been friends since they were young but, in an adult world, have they changed too much? Each has learned from their experiences but they've each learned different things. This could be a strength for them as a team but since they can't see past their own opinions, they're constantly butting heads. There'll be more action in the next issue. Promise!
X-Men Mutant Underground: I'm glad you found it easy to jump between issues (part of that is likely down to the fact that they were written back-to-back). A lot of this series deals with "what's in the shadows" because there are so many movements, many of which are politically motivated, and that's the niche of this title. It's about rescuing each other, providing safety and fighting for what's right with more than your fists moreso than straight up heroism. I'm glad you're around for the ride!
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