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X-Men (2019) #6
Mystique goes on a desperate mission. Writer Jonathan Hickman, Artist Matteo Buffagni, Colorist Sunny Gho. Hickman weaves a masterful tale that unveils darker aspects of some well-known characters. Buffagni-Gho’s gritty muted art really establishes the tone. 5/5
Immortal Hulk (2018) #31
Hulk exposes Xemnutm. Writer Al Ewing, Penciler Joe Bennett & Javier Rodrígues, Inkers Ruy José, Belardino Brabro, Cam Smith & Álvaro López, Colorists Paul Mounts & Javier Rodrígues. More than a smash and dash, but some genuine suspense. 4.5/5
Iron Man 2020 (2020) #2
Tony and Arno Stark caught in the midst of an A.I. rights fight. Writers Dan Slott and Christos N. Gage, Artist-Colorist Pete Woods. A convoluted plot, that’s tricky following in this title, will worsen in a five-title crossover. I do like Wood’s art. 3/5
Adventureman #3
Clare begins to understand her new life and legacies. Writer Matt Fraction, Penciler-Colorist Terry Dodson, Inker Rachel Dodson. Fraction and Dodson play with the interchange of realities in many fun and imaginative ways, while building backstory. 4.5/5
Firepower #1
Owen Johnson just wants a normal family life, but his past comes back to disrupt it. Writer Robert Kirkman, Artist Chris Samnee, Colorist Matthew Wilson. Some lovely character work sets up the action-drama yet-to-come. I’m a huge Samnee fan and this is sublime. 4.5/5
Marauders (2019) #7
The Verendi secretly move on the Mutant’s home. Wrier Gerry Duggan, Artist Stefano Caselli, Colorist Edgar Delgado. Duggan teases some big things and Caselli-Delagado’s work is resplendent. 4/5
X-Force (2019) #6
The rescue of the Terra Verden President’s son goes wrong. Writer Benjamin Percy, Artist Stephen Segovia, Colors GURU-eFX. Percy relies a bit too heavily on Beast’s internal narrative to drive the story, not allowing Segovia’s art to carry more of it. 3.5/5
Star Wars (2020) #2
Lando seeks information from Jabba the Hutt. Writer Charles Soule, Artist Jesus Saiz, Colorist Arif Prianto. A light-breezy Lando-centric issue, who I hope will get even more focus in this run. 4/5
Avengers (2018) #30
Starbrand is reborn. Writer Jason Aaron, Pencilers Ed McGuinness & Francesco Manna, Inkers Mark Morales & Francesco Manna, Colorist Jason Keith. Despite the bombastic action and cosmic wonder, but Aaron-McGuinness’ Starborn Reborn finale just feels flat. 3/5
Immortal Hulk (2018) #30
Hulk’s gama mutates vs. giangatic monsters! Writer Al Ewing, Penciler Joe Bennett, Inkers Rut José, Belardino Brabo & Cam Smith, Colorist Paul Mounts. A damn near-perfect cover-to-cover issue of Monster mayhem, marginaly marred by a deceptive cover. 4.5/5