Comic Book Reviews (Week September 23, 2020): Suicide Squad Issue 9, XoS Creation Issue 1, and More!

Welcome! In this week’s comic book review round-up (September 23, 2020), I will be covering Suicide Squad issue 9, X of Swords: Creation issue 1, Wynd issue 4, and more.

Writer Tom Taylor’s Suicide Squad continues to near the final issue, and it’s clear that Taylor’s going to make his story go out with a bang. Due to the promotional material being released, we already knew what was going to happen. However, that didn’t mean Suicide Squad issue 9 wasn’t without surprises. I wasn’t expecting that particular reveal at all. Of course, I’m looking forward to seeing what will become of Deadshot’s daughter.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.   

X of Swords: Creation Issue 1

With X of Swords being the next major event for the X-Men line of comic books, there was understandably a lot of hype surrounding X of Swords: Creation issue 1. As far as my opinion goes, writers Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard more than delivered. X of Swords will be an event filled with magic and sci-fi and I’m here for it. A total of 10 heroes will be chosen to fight evil (Storm’s included in those 10 heroes). Get ready for what’s bound to be an epic tournament filled with action, mystery, and betrayals.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Wynd Issue 4

Wynd, from writer James Tynion IV, is the type of story I want to binge-read in a single sitting. Wynd issue 4 showed the main cast trying to escape Pipetown with the Bandaged Man after them. The issue introduced us to a new character named Lady Gwendolyn. She’s a faerie who’s been tasked to transport the kids safely to Northport. With how this story’s been moving, I wouldn’t be surprised if she dies or gets severely hurt.

Due to Wynd having a lot of layers as Tynion explores prejudices that live in humankind, I really enjoyed the conversation our lead character had with Gwendolyn. Stories (read hate speech and fear) can play a role in twisting what a person thinks. It’s similar to how many around the world hate the queer community because of the hateful stuff they heard as kids.

Gwen’s conversation with Oakley was interesting too. There’s a better future waiting for someone like Wynd. They just need to get him there.

Wynd issue 4 also showed Wynd finally expressing his emotions in front of Thorn. While I knew he’s got a crush on Thorn, I wasn’t expecting him to be open about it so early. The two even agreed to share dinner once they were safe. It’s clear (at least, to me) that Yorik doesn’t have romantic feelings for Thorn. So, I’m interested in seeing if Thorn will be able to accept Yorik’s rejection and find happiness with Wynd. They’re basically teens. So, it’s going to get messy.

As for Yorik, here’s to hoping he learns to get off his high horse. Yes, as the King-to-be, he’s interested in taking away the laws that support the execution of people that have magic in their blood. But he’s being too pompous about it. I liked how Wynd made Yorik realize how many people had to die to keep him safe. Yorik needs to be a bit more grateful.

The conversations all of the characters had in Wynd issue 4 were handled quite well. Oakley saying that she couldn’t comfort Wynd (during their boat ride as they tried to escape) really stood out to me. She’s trying to accept her mother’s death. Wynd’s like a brother to her, but she needed time to be strong enough to support him. She needed space, and I appreciated Wynd giving it to her. 

Now, if I were to nitpick, I would say that Gwen should have taken Wynd to safety first. We know the Bandaged Man can track Wynd’s blood. So, leaving Wynd behind with Yorik and Thorn didn’t make sense to me. Seeing Wynd use himself as a diversion made me roll my eyes. Will Gwen be back to protect him or will Thorn offer help? We will have to wait and see.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Power Rangers: Drakkon New Dawn Issue 2

Writer Anthony Burch’s Drakkon New Dawn issue 2 was full of reveals. Allowing readers to know who Drakkon had kept in prison made a lot of sense. Drakkon would do such a thing. And with the past Ranger now free, I liked him butting heads with Kimberly. The two, understandably, had very different opinions when it came to using the Power Coins.

With a powerful Space God of Evil making his way to Earth, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Goosebumps: Secrets of the Swamp Issue 1

I was provided with a free copy of Goosebumps: Secrets of the Swap Issue 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

I grew up reading the Goosebumps series. And I’m glad to know more stories are still being told. I have read all of the recent Goosebumps issues being published by IDW. It’s primarily aimed at younger readers. But that doesn’t mean adults, like me, can’t enjoy said series. It also has queer representation and diversity when it comes to the cast of characters.

From writer Marieke Nijkamp, Secrets of the Swamp is about a twelve-year-old Blake being sent to spend time with her weird aunt in Fever Swamp. As a gamer, Blake’s looking forward to spending time playing her favorite online video game with her friends. However, things change when she’s introduced to Lily (the top player of the game Blake enjoys) and gets to know about a turf war going on between werewolves and hunters. 

It’s your usual Goosebumps premise with interesting young characters and dangerous situations. Readers familiar with The Werewolf of Fever Swamp will like certain nods.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

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Hmmm. Looks like I only read five comic books this week. It happens.

Which titles did you buy? Did you read Wynd issue 4? 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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