Comic Book Reviews (Week January 12, 2022): Dark Ages Issue 4, My Bad Issue 3 & More!

Welcome to my comic book review round-up for the week of January 12, 2022. I will be talking about Dark Ages issue 4, Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit issue 2, and more!

I’m going to begin by talking about Dark Ages issue 4 by writer Tom Taylor and artist Iban Coello. I understand why certain readers just aren’t feeling the narrative featured in Dark Ages. The premise can be considered interesting enough, but there’s just something off when it comes to the storytelling. Unfortunately, Dark Ages is no DCeased or Knights of Steel.

The only reason I decided to pick up issue 4 was that it had an alternate version of Storm. I really liked how Taylor handled Ororo’s marriage with T’Challa as the two ruled over Wakanda and offered refuge to those in need. The pair even had a cute little daughter.

While the main continuity seems to have a weird issue with showing Ororo and T’Challa (two iconic fictional Black characters) in a healthy relationship, at least the couple is allowed to be happy in Dark Ages.

With Storm having joined the rescue mission, I will be picking up the next chapter. Apparently, the current story will conclude with issue 6.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Up to you.

Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit Issue 2

From writer Samira Ahmed, Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit issue 2 had Kamala trying to make sense of the weirdness happening in her life. From what I could understand, Kamala’s main reality had clashed with another possible future, and there’s now an extra Kamala Khan running around in canon reality.

I liked the moment where Kamala found the strength to help a family in need even though her powers weren’t working. Regardless of being superpowered or not, Kamala’s got the heart of a hero. I also liked Zoe diving from the bridge to lend Kamala a hand.

With Kamala seemingly coming face to face with another version of herself (or is it someone pretending to be her?), I’m excited to find out what will happen next. But having said that, I hope Loki gets to properly appear in this story instead of just being drawn in a panel to provide a flimsy excuse for the current cover image.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Mighty Morphin Issue 15

From writer Ryan Parrott, Mighty Morphin issue 15 gave us Zedd vs Zordon as past emotions resurfaced between the two. While I enjoyed their confrontation, I have to say that I think Zedd should have been smart enough to realize that he was being played by Zartus and that he shouldn’t completely blame Zordon. But I guess we can chalk it up to decades of hate clouding Zedd’s judgment? Hmmm.

This action-packed ‘Eltarian War’ issue had a lot of awesomeness in it. Seeing the Rangers trying to fight the Empyreals made for some dynamic panels. Look at that White Tiger Dragonzord!

What Grace did will get some groans from certain readers, but I think she weighed her options and decided to go ahead with freeing the Empyreals in a bid to make them weaker.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Rain Issue 1

An adaption of Joe Hill’s work, Rain issue 1 by writer David M. Booher offered an incredibly strong to a miniseries featuring a love story dealt a huge blow due to an unexpected weather-related occurrence. The pacing sucked me right in and I found myself becoming invested in the love story and the characters even though the book clearly telegraphed that something bad was going to happen.

In my opinion, the art by Zoe Thorogood and the colors by Chris O’Halloran worked well for such an emotional and brutal tale. I can’t wait to see what this series has in store for readers. Frankly, if I had the ability, I would have greenlit a live-action miniseries from the premise alone.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

My Bad Issue 3

I was provided with a free digital copy of My Bad issue 3 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

From co-writers Mark Russell and Bryce Ingman, with art by Peter Krause, My Bad issue 3 decided to have The Chandelier worry about gaining more followers on social media. If superheroes did exist in the current world, of course, a number of them would be into expanding their follower count and getting endorsement deals. I really enjoyed reading The Chandelier’s frustration over not having as many followers as other heroes and vigilantes.

Also, The Chandelier continued to be frustrated over the gift Emperor King gave him. At this point, even I have started to side-eye that particular salad-shooter. And I guess that was the creative team’s intention?

And for those who felt bad about Rush Hour due to the events in the previous issue, don’t be.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up!

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Which comic books did you read this week?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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