Comic Book Reviews (Week September 9, 2020): Marauders Issue 12, X-Factor Issue 3, and More!

Welcome! In this week’s comic book review round-up (September 9, 2020), I will be covering Marauders Issue 12, X-Factor Issue 3, Empyre: Aftermath – Avengers Issue 1, and more.

I will begin by talking about Marauders issue 12 by writer Gerry Duggan. With Kate Pryde being resurrected, readers are waiting for her to get her revenge on Sebastian Shaw. The current issue served as a welcome back party for Kate. Everyone, including the mutants she helped save as a member of the Marauders, shared how nice it was to see her alive again.

I enjoyed seeing Storm introduce Kate’s resurrected self to the residents of Krakoa. To Ororo, Kate’s like a daughter. However, seeing Storm mention a daughter did make me wonder where Kymera was supposed to be.

Kate’s definitely planning something with Emma and I can’t wait to see how those two will work together to take down Shaw. He has to know Kate will come after him, right?

Also, Marauders issue 12 confirmed something that’s been hinted at for a very long time. Kate’s a queer character, y’all. According to fandom lore, Kate was supposed to explore her sexuality decades ago, but the world wasn’t ready.

Well, the world’s ready now. So, kudos to Duggan for offering such a revelation to the numerous fans of Kate Pryde.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Empyre: Aftermath – Avengers Issue 1

From writer Al Ewing, Empyre: Aftermath – Avengers issue 1 showed everyone celebrating a Hulkling and Wiccan’s wedding in a formal manner. I do have to say that if you were looking forward to Storm appearing, well, you will be disappointed.

Yes, she’s on the cover, but she isn’t in the issue (or at least, I didn’t see her). I have no idea why Marvel continues to have her on covers but not in the actual story. Stop using Ororo like that!

Anyway, while Teddy and Billy’s wedding was a happy event, there’s trouble brewing. Abigail Brand deciding to leave her position as the commander of the Alpha Flight Interstellar Defense and Diplomacy program led to something interesting happening on the final page.

Hulkling’s reign as the King of Space isn’t going to be easy. So, I’m looking forward to seeing what Abigail will offer. I guess she will work with the mutants on Krakoa to form a mutant-centric space defense squad or something?

Also, Teddy needs to stay as far away from his maternal grandmother as possible.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

The Magnificent Ms. Marvel Issue 14

From writer Saladin Ahmed, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel issue 14 had our young heroine finding the strength to come out of her comatose state. While her friends and family came to visit in the real world, Kamala had to deal with versions of her loved ones on the psychological plane. Being a hero has put her friends and family in danger. And I think it will continue to do so. It’s something she will need to accept.

With the government using Kamala’s injury to push a law that bans teen superheroes, it will be interesting to see how Kamala (and her alter-ego Ms. Marvel) will stand up for young superheroes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

X-Factor Issue 3

While I’m still not a fan of the Mojoverse, I’m enjoying the interactions between all of the characters. Writer Leah Williams knows how to stay true to the core cast of characters while adding a lot of humor. I liked seeing Williams updating how Mojoverse operated. It’s all about influencer culture. Viewers have a say in what they want to happen.

In my opinion, this story also talked about how desensitizing people by exploiting violence isn’t a good idea. Not everything should be allowed to occur in the name of entertainment.

The final panel showing Gwenpool (someone who knows they are all living in a comic book world) was fun.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

DCeased: Hope At World’s End Issue 9

Writer Tom Taylor has been providing readers of horror with a fun spin-off that takes place before the events of DCeased: Dead Planet. We already know that numerous superheroes will die. However, seeing said heroes hold onto hope until the end is kind of inspiring.

Superman could end the zombie horde if he wanted to, but that’s not who he is. He will be the good guy until his last breath. His stance, understandably, annoyed Talia al Ghul.  

Also, Taylor’s DCeased event shows that a world dealing with an apocalypse can still have queer characters survive. I always roll my eyes at writers who can’t even begin to imagine a post-apocalyptic world that has queer survivors. When such writers do give us queer representation, it’s only a single queer character (or a maximum of two) in a crowd of straight people. It’s laughable at this point.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Something is Killing the Children Issue 10

Why the heck hasn’t a streaming service greenlit a live-action adaptation of Something is Killing the Children? Writer James Tynion IV continues to offer enjoyable content with each installment. This issue was full of surprises. We got to understand more about Erica and Aaron’s dynamic. Also, The Order doesn’t play around. The Order doesn’t care how many people end up dying as long as their secrets aren’t exposed. For The Order, sacrificing a few was justified to ensure the safety of others.

Things are reaching climax, and I can’t wait to see how Erica will protect the survivors of the small town she’s in. And even if she did manage to kill the monsters, will The Order be willing to leave any witnesses?

Shoutout to artist Werther Dell’edera and colorist Miquel Muerto who keep delivering visual horror. 

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.  

Ash and Thorn Issue 5

I was provided with a free copy of Ash and Thorn Issue 5 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

I have to say that I’m sad Ash and Thorn came to an end with issue 5. I wanted this series, from writer Mariah McCourt, to continue. The premise involving an elderly lady being humanity’s only hope against a dangerous evil being was quite unique. Even if this story was supposed to be short, I think it would have benefited from one more issue. Everything happened too quickly during the finale.

I wanted to see Peruvia face consequences for her actions. I wanted to see Sarah do something more. Also, with Lottie deciding to face the demonic being alone, I would have liked the two to have a conversation. But what’s done is done. Here’s to hoping we see these characters again.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

–

You can read our review of Nightwing Issue 74 here.

Which comic books did you pick up this week? What did you think of Kate in Marauders issue 12?

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.

Twitter

Help support independent journalism. Subscribe to our Patreon.

Copyright © The Geekiary