Titans Season One – 5 Teen Titans Stories To Check Out

Originally published on Set The Tape

The first season of Warner Bros television series Titans has just been released on DVD and Blu-ray, meaning a whole host of new fans get to experience the exciting live action version of the Teen Titans. The series has some great stories, but the characters have been around for decades in the comics, and there are loads more stories that fans can experience. Here are five of the best.

Teen Titans: A Kid’s Game

Geoff Johns is a legend in comic books, and one of his stand out series was his 2003 Teen Titans run. The first big relaunch of the book since the Wolfman and Perez run, the book brought back series mainstays such as Starfire, Beast Boy, Raven, and Cyborg in new modernised versions, as well as bringing new additions like Tim Drake’s Robin, Cassie Sandmark’s Wonder Girl, Super Boy, and Bart Allen’s Kid Flash.

The first volume of the Johns run, Teen Titans: A Kid’s Game, tells how the team comes together for the first time, the dissolution of the Young Justice team, and how the older Titans fit in with their new teammates. A brilliant introduction to a run that would last for years, with Johns working on more than 50 issues.

Teen Titans: Titans of Tomorrow

Another great entry from the Johns era Teen Titans: Titans of Tomorrow pits the young heroes against older versions of themselves. After travelling to the distant future to help the Legion of Super Heroes the Titans accidentally end up 10 years in their future, where they encounter more violent versions of themselves. In this timeline Connor has become Super Man, Tim is the new gun-wielding Batman, Cassie is Wonder Woman, and Bart has become Reverse Flash, just to name a few of the changes.

It’s always fun to pit heroes against different versions of themselves, and ‘what if’ futures are great scenarios that let writers explore strange new territory, and Teen Titans: Titans of Tomorrow is a great example of both. The characters get to see where their actions could lead them in the future, and it moves their story forward in important and meaningful ways. Plus, the future versions of our heroes are brilliantly entertaining.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

Taken from the classic Marv Wolfman and George Perez run on the book Teen Titans: The Judas Contract was a four part story that was extremely significant for a number of reasons. The book revealed the secret origins of the Titans villain Deathstroke, a villain that would go on to become an icon of the DC Universe. The Judas Contract also revealed the shocking revelation that the teams new member, Terra was actually working for Deathstroke to bring down the team from within. It also marked the first appearance of Dick Grayson as Nightwing.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract was a huge turning point for the series. It was full of content that was considerably more adult in tone than things that had come before, and made big changes to the book going forward. Adapted a number of times over the years in both tv and film animation, and revisited in future comic stories, it remains on of the most important Teen Titans stories of all times.

The New Titans: Who Is Donna Troy?

The original Wonder Girl, Donna Troy was a founding member of the original Teen Titans line-up in the 1960’s, and originally Wonder Woman’s younger sister. Over the years, thanks to various revisions and new writers Donna’s origins became less defined. Who Is Donna Troy? sought to shed some answers on her past.

A sci-fi epic that’s full of world building, noir detective stories, and interpersonal conflict all designed to bring Donna to the fore and make her a character with a solid back story. With Donna Troy proving to be on of DC’s more popular recurring characters, and her character’s inclusion in the series, Who Is Donna Troy? may be one of the more important Teen Titans stories around.

Teen Titans: Earth One

A standalone graphic novel, Teen Titans: Earth One takes readers to a world where there are no super heroes. No Batman, no Superman, no Wonder Woman, and no Teen Titans. In this world a group of teens suddenly develop strange new powers, and are drawn together to help save a strange alien princess. Featuring brand new versions of Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Terra, Jericho, and Starfire, writer Jeff Lemire creates a Teen Titans that couldn’t exist in the regular DC Universe.

With a second volume that expanded upon this initial concept, and introduced even more re-imagined Titans, Teen Titans: Earth One is a bold new direction for the super hero team. Fans who liked the television series revamp of the team will love this other reinterpretation.


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Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince – Night of Knives by V. E. Schwab – Book Review

Originally published on Set The Tape

Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince – Night of Knives returns readers to the amazing world of the Shades of Magic series, once again exploring the past of King Maxim, and shedding light upon some of his greatest exploits.

Having already defeated the Pirate Queen of the Blood Coast in the previous volume of the series, Maxim is trying to turn the royal guard of Verose into a group of ‘real’ soldiers. He’s fed up with their lax attitudes and wants to further prove himself to his father, King Nokil, by making them into a guard worthy of honour and recognition.

Unfortunately, many of the royal guard in the city still don’t feel like Maxim belongs there. They see him as something of a spoiled brat, given his position because of his birth, not because he’s actually earned it. Whilst Maxim believed that slaying the Pirate Queen would have won him some respect with his men it seems like it’s not enough to make him the leader he wants to be.

When Maxim learns about the mysterious Night of Knives, a series of trials that prove the bravery and power of those who survive, he believes that he’s found his way of gaining the respect of his men and earning his place as their leader.

The Night of Knives is a great concept. Pitting Maxim against a series of trials that are designed to test him to his limits is a brilliant way of putting the character on a path of self discovery, which seems to ultimately be what the series is about. Yes, we’re learning more about the character and how he became a legend, but ultimately it seems to be about him learning to become a real leader, discovering the qualities that he’ll need in order to be a good king one day.

The trials themselves are pretty fun and inventive. The first trial requires Maxim to use his magic to navigate a death trap, whilst the second is purely about survival whilst stripped of powers. The third trial is something of a classic story trope, the hero having to face a manifestation of their own fears. Schwab herself acknowledges it’s a trope in the included interview, but she’s managed to avoid making it feel too cliched or done before, instead making it feel like a natural progression of the trials rather than something thrown in because it’s expected.

The final trial is something that’s a little unexpected, and in all honesty is a slight twist in the story. I’m not going to say much about it as I don’t want to ruin the ending, but I will say that it was really good and set up possible things to come in the future. I’m also a little angry at myself for not seeing part of it coming. If you know the rules of the Shades of Magic universe then there’s something that happens you can pick up on if you’re paying enough attention; but then V.E. Schwab is clever enough to not make it too obvious and telegraph what’s going to come.

There’s been a change of artists between volume one and this book, with Budi Setiawan joining in the art duties with Andrea Olimpieri. Honestly, even with the book telling you which artist worked on which issue it’s hard to notice much of a difference between the two of them. Sometimes when a comic changes artists mid-story it can be a really jarring art style shift, and it can draw you out of the narrative, but here the two artists work brilliantly together to produce a book that feels like one cohesive whole.

The designs they make for the new characters introduced in the book, such as the ‘psychotic magic blade for hire’ Rio, are great, and fit into the already established aesthetic whilst managing to look fresh and distinct. The trials also have brilliant designs and whilst the notion of magical trials isn’t a new one they’re presented here in a way that feels unique.

Shades of Magic: The Steel Prince – Night of Knives is the perfect continuation of the story of the Steel Prince, and manages to not just be as entertaining as the first volume, but ups the ante on character development, universe building, and interesting antagonists. Fans of the Shades of Magic universe will of course love the book, and even those new to the story will be able to entertained throughout.

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October Faction: Open Season – Book Review

Originally published on Set The Tape

October Faction is a new series coming to Netflix, that follows the adventures of a globetrotting family of monster hunters. The series is based on a comic book written by Steve Niles, and drawn by Damien Worm. With the series on the way IDW have put together a new bumper book containing the first twelve issues of the series, October Faction: Open Season.

October Faction: Open Season introduces readers to the Allen family. There’s the college professor Fred, his wife Deloris, and their teenage kids Geoff and Viv. Fred used to be a monster hunter, but has since left that life behind for his family, but this has led to a less than perfect family life. His wife has become somewhat distant from him and the two of them hardly speak, and his children want desperately to follow in his footsteps and become monster hunters; something that he is dead set against.

This boring life gets thrown out of balance, however, when an old enemy of Fred’s, Merle Cope, arrives in town and meets with Deloris. This sets off a series of events that makes Fred and his family the target of a number of supernatural threats, brings them closer together as a family, and even brings some strange new additions into their ‘October Faction’.

Despite being a hefty twelve issues long the book is really an introduction to the world and the Allen family. It’s not until the end of the 12th issue that it actually feels like they’ve all finally come together as a team and descided to make hunting monsters their mission. And you know what? It’s actually really good.

A lot of comics, especially ones that have a team, tend to have the set-up happen quite quickly. Normally by the end of issue six a team comes together and has set out on their mission to do good. October Faction: Open Season takes its time with setting up the characters and the world. It knows that this isn’t an established universe that fans already know, with recognisable characters, so it doesn’t rush laying the groundwork. We get to know the characters, their motivations, their back stories, and the narrative is better for it.

The characters are a varied and interesting group, and the members that come from outside the family to join them are actually some of the more interesting; though I don’t want to say much about them as I wouldn’t want to spoil any of the surprises. The story also touches upon a much larger world, making it bigger than just Gristlewood, and giving hints to readers about the kind of creatures and adventures the heroes might have to face in further volumes.

The artwork helps a lot with this too, with Damien Worm taking on a much more muted look through many of these early parts of the book. He doesn’t go for big splashy backgrounds that the characters get lost in, instead making the people the focus of panels. He creates artwork that captures the look and feel of the world, often full of atmosphere, but a lot of the time there’s actually nothing in the panel except the characters. But, unlike some artists this doesn’t stand out in a bad way.

October Faction: Open Season is a great introduction to the comic series, and I’m certainly going to be checking out more of it now. Plus, I’m really interested to see what the Netflix adaptation is going to be like and what things they change. A great horror comic chock full of interesting characters, fun creatures, and some great writing and artwork.

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Sherlock Holmes & The Christmas Demon by James Lovegrove - Book Review

'It is 1890, and in the days before Christmas Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson are visited at Baker Street by a new client. Eve Allerthorpe - eldest daughter of a grand but somewhat eccentric Yorkshire-based dynasty - is greatly distressed, as she believes she is being haunted by a demonic Christmas spirit.

'Her late mother told her terrifying tales of the sinister Black Thurrick, and Eve is sure that she has seen the creature from her bedroom window. What is more, she has begun to receive mysterious parcels of birch twigs, the Black Thurrick's calling card...

'Eve stands to inherit a fortune if she is sound in mind, but it seems that something - or someone - is threatening her sanity. Holmes and Watson travel to the Allerthorpe family seat at Fellscar Keep to investigate, but soon discover that there is more to the case than at first appeared. There is another spirit haunting the family, and when a member of the household is found dead, the companions realise that no one is beyond suspicion.'

I'm a bit of a sucker for Sherlock Holmes, and will always be up for reading stories that involve the world's best detective. So when Titan Books asked if I wanted to read their new release, Sherlock Holmes & The Christmas Demon I said yes just because of the name. Then I read the blurb and saw that Holmes and Watson would be investigating a series of events attributed to a Kramus like creature I was even happier. Then I saw the first line of the book was Holmes yelling 'Father Christmas! Halt right there!' and I think I was already in love with the book.

After apprehending a jewel thief posing as Father Christmas Homes and Watson are approached by Eve Allerthorpe, a young woman who had travelled to London to get away from her Yorkshire home, fleeing what she describes as a supernatural Christmas demon. She explains to Holmes and Watson that she is soon to inherit a large fortune, on the condition that she be sane come her 21st birthday; however, following the recent death of her mother, a supposed haunting within the walls of her castle home, and now the appearance of the demonic Black Thurrick she is close to wits end. Agreeing to take on the case, the two detectives head into the snow covered landscape of remote Yorkshire and the imposing Allerthorpe home to try to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Sherlock Holmes & The Christmas Demon is, as the name would suggest, a very festive book, set within the week leading up to Christmas. Fellscar Keep, the Allerthorpe home, is a huge castle sat on a small island in the middle of a frozen lake in the snow covered countryside, and the hall is soon host to a large family gathering to celebrate the holiday. Almost immediately the reader is thrust into this time of year, and it quickly becomes apparent that a cold, snowy day would be the best time to read the book. It conjures feelings that are associated with winter, and you can almost feel the chill of the snow creeping in on you as you read. As I was sick when I read the book I was wrapped in a blanket with a hot up of tea at the time, and this actually enhanced the experience somewhat, especially as if I tried to get out from the blanket I'd be wracked with chills. I'm not saying that people should go out and give themselves the flu before reading the book, but if you're already suffering with it this could be a great way to pass the time.

The central mystery of the story is, thankfully, complex enough that it will keep you guessing throughout. Whilst there were times that I thought I might have figured out some small part of the larger mystery, and was even then wrong a lot of those times, there's no way that a reader will be able to put together everything the way that Holmes manages to here. There are small hints throughout that indicate how a few of these mysteries will pan out, but James Lovegrove manages to keep back enough that you'll be surprised by the revelation. But that's not to say that the author hides important information, there are small clues hidden throughout the book, and Holmes always makes some kind of small comment, or pays attention to things that will later be shown to be a part of the mystery; it's just up to the reader to be able to pick up on these subtle moments and to figure out how they play into the mystery.

James Lovegrove is no stranger to writing Sherlock Holmes books, and has a good few in his bibliography, including some great sounding crossovers with Cthulhu that I really want to read, and his experience with writing the character really shows here. There are some writers who seem to think that Sherlock Holmes can just be written as an unpleasantly grumpy person who makes clever deductions seemingly out of nothing (I'm looking at you BBC's Sherlock), but seem to forget that he's actually a very pleasant person beneath that exterior. James Lovegrove sidesteps this trap completely, and crafts a Holmes who is incredibly endearing and at times absolutely lovely. There is something that happens towards the very end of the book that I won't talk about to avoid spoilers, but it might be one of my favourite Sherlock Holmes moments of all time.

This great characterisation isn't just reserved for the leads, however, as James Lovegrove is able to create an interesting and impressively layered group of supporting characters for our detectives to interact with. Many of them seem one dimensional to begin with, and you'll think that you've got a good handle on what they're like fairly early on, but James Lovegrove manages to surprise, and you'll come to see that there's a lot more to all of the characters than you first think. You'll come to dislike people who at first seem to be kind and open, and you'll find characters that seemed like horrid people when you first meet them turn out to be very kind and even a little lovable.

If it's not clear yet, I absolutely loved Sherlock Holmes & The Christmas Demon. It has quickly become one of my favourite books of the year, and I struggled to put it down so that I could do other things. But even so, I managed to read the whole book in a single day. This isn't because it's a quick or easy read by any description, but because the quality was that good that I kept wanting to come back to it, kept picking it up, and didn't want to stop reading it. Whether you read it at Christmas time or not, this is an absolutely perfect book for any fans of Sherlock Holmes, or people who love a great mystery.

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Marvel Action: Spider-Man #9 – Comic Review

Originally published on Set The Tape

Issue nine of Marvel Action: Spider-Man sees the team having to work through their differences as they come up with a plan to stop the bad luck-inducing Black Cat.

Marvel Action: Spider-Man continues to be my favourite book in the Marvel Action line. The way that Delilah S. Dawson writes the three spider-heroes is easily the best part of the book, and they have such fun chemistry that an issue of just the three of them hanging out, not having to fight villains, would still be an awesome book.

In this issue the three heroes kind of have it our with each other following the interpersonal drama that started a few issues ago, in part thanks to the way Black Cat has been messing things up for them. Peter admits that he feels that he deserves to be the leader because he’s older and has been a hero for longer, and that he views Miles as ‘Spider-Man 2’ because that was his name first, but he comes to see that whilst he might have more experience they’re a team together, and others feelings matter a lot too.

Gwen thinks that the boys don’t like her assertiveness and wanting to rush into situations because she’s a girl, thinking that she’d be listened to more and liked if she was a guy. Miles explains that he feels like he’s often overlooked, and that the others discount what he has to say and brings to the team because he’s not the first Spider-Man, or different enough from him like Ghost-Spider.

Despite having a big chunk of the story given over to three teens arguing with each other, the book doesn’t make it annoying or un-entertaining, and you really actually want the three of them to have this conversation so that they can move past this. The characterisation is that compelling that even when they’re having a silly fight you’re engaged and want a good outcome for them.

Thankfully, the three of them are able to put most of these issues to bed and come together as a team to stop Black Cat from breaking her dad out of prison. It’s good to see the three of them working together so well, and using their smarts to beat her despite her bad luck powers still affecting them.

Throughout the time we see Black Cat in this issue too she mentions Kingpin a lot, and I genuinely thought that this was slowly being used to set up for the villain for the next story arc. However, come the final panels there was no hint of the Kingpin being around or that he would appear anytime soon. The preview cover for the next issue actually makes it definitively clear that he won’t be the next focus, however, as Venom is front and centre. Whilst I’d have loved to have seen what Dawson would have done with the character I have to be honest, I’m a little more excited for Vemon.

Fico Ossio continues to provide artwork on the book, and as per usual it’s beautiful. The fight scenes between the spider-heroes and Black Cat are full of dynamic movement and action that helps to make this book stand out from some of the other Marvel Action titles. Even the ‘boring’ scenes where there are no superheroes are so full of energy and fun that every panel is a joy to behold.

Marvel Action: Spider-Man is a great example of how good the Marvel Action line is, and showcases some of the best work that IDW and Marvel are bringing readers.


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Titans (Season One) – Who’s Who and their Comic Counterparts

Originally published on Set The Tape

The popular television series Titans hits homes with the release of the season one on DVD and Blu-ray. Based upon the popular DC Comics series Teen Titans, the show has a huge array of characters to draw upon, but who are they, and what are their comic book counterparts like?

Dick Grayson/Robin (Brenton Thwaites)

A former circus acrobat who was taken in by Batman following the death of his parents and trained to become the crime fighter Robin, Dick is now a detective for the Detroit Police Department, following a falling out with his former mentor. Trying to step out of the shadow of Batman, he finds himself the leader of a new group of heroes.

The comic book version of Dick shares a similar origin to the series, and spent years as Robin, as well as the leader of the Teen Titans. Following a disagreement with Batman he gave up the title of Robin, becoming the hero Nightwing instead. Over the years Dick has been a member of the Titans, Teen Titans, The Outsiders, and The Justice League, as well as briefly taking on the mantle of Batman for a time. One of the most respected heroes in the DC Universe, Dick commands the respect of dozens of heroes.

Koriand’r/Starfire (Anna Diop)

A woman with strange powers and no memory of her past, she learns that she is the princess of the alien world of Tamaran, sent to earth to stop the destruction of the planet by dark forces.

Koriand’r ascended to the throne over her elder sister, Komand’r, when her sister developed a disease that robbed her of her powers. Angry at losing her position Komand’r helped an alien race to invade Tamaran, and put Koriand’r into slavery. Eventually escaping and fleeing to earth she encountered Dick Grayson and the Teen Titans. Joining the team, she took on the title of Starfire. Over the years Starfire fought alongside the heroes of earth against dozens of threats, including her own sister. She and Dick also developed a romantic relationship, and were even close to becoming married.

Rachel Roth/Raven (Teagan Croft)

A young empath with mysterious powers, on the run from a strange cult, Rachel learns that her father is the demon Trigon, and that his followers want to use her to create a portal to allow Trigon a path to earth.

In the comics Raven is the daughter of the demon Trigon, taught to keep her emotions in control so that she does not become possessed by her father. Raised by mystics, Raven possesses an array of magical abilities. She initially approached the Justice League to help her stop her father coming to Earth, but was refused when Zatana sensed her demonic heritage. Knowing that she would need heroes to aid her, she actually formed the second incarnation of the Teen Titans, and has been an active member of the team across various incarnations since.

Garfield ‘Gar’ Logan/Beast Boy (Ryan Potter)

Living in the Congo basin, Gar contracted a mysterious disease and we left for dead by doctors. Discovered by Niles Caulder, leader of the Doom Patrol, Gar was cured, but was left with green hair and the ability to transform into any animal.

In the comics Gar lived in Africa with his scientist parents who were trying to develop reverse evolution to bring back extinct creatures. When he contracted a rare disease called Sakutia his father managed to cure him with serum, though it caused his skin, hair, and eyes to turn green. It also granted him the ability to transform into any animal. Folowing the death of his parents Gar was rescued by the Doom Patrol, and joined the team until their deaths. Brought into the Teen Titans by Raven, Gar finds a home with the other teens and remains an active member of the team for years to come, coming to think of them as his new family.

Hank Hall/Hawk (Alan Ritchson)

A vigilante who targets paedophiles, following his own molestation as a child, Hank Hall took on the name Hawk, whilst his brother Don took the name Dove. The two of them became local heroes for helping to break up a paedophile ring, until Don was killed in a hit and run.

Whilst Hawk in the series is a regular human, his comic counterpart possesses multiple powers, including super strength, enhanced speed, and a healing factor, thanks to powers granted to him by the Lord of Chaos, T’Charr. Over the years Hank has had to battle his inner rage, though he eventually became the villain Extant for a short while before his death. Following the Black Lantern invasion of Earth Hank was raised from the dead as a zombie, and was eventually restored to life as Hawk by the White Light of Life.

Dawn Granger/Dove (Minka Kelly)

The girlfriend of Hank Hall, Dawn took on the mantle of Dove following the death of Don Hall, and joined Hank in his mission to fight crime.

In the comics Dawn was granted the powers of flight, superhuman agility, and durability by the Lord of Order, Terataya, in order to replace Don Hall, the original Dove who died during the Crisis on Infinite Earths. Believed to have been killed by the villain Monarch, Dawn was actually saved by magic and placed into a coma until she could heal. She eventually awoke and her sister Holly became the new Hawk until her death during Blackest Night. Following the events of the Blackest Night, Dawn was reunited with Hank, and the two of them became heroes once again.


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Captain America: Dark Designs by Stefan Petrucha - Book Review

'Steve Rogers knows the art of survival better than most. Decades under ice will do that to a man. But the Avengers chipped more than rock-hard morality and super-strength out from under that permafrost. When Cap takes out a terrorist cell threatening to poison the world, he'll discover a threat far more deadly. An incurable virus has hidden in his body for years - and now it's come to the surface. To save the world, he'll have to return to his own personal hell: deep freeze.

'And he'll have to take an old friend with him. Having survived his own death by inhabiting a clone of Steve Rogers, the Red Skull has inherited the virus - and he's a little less willing to play martyr. As the deadly disease shifts and evolves, new patterns emerge. Can Captain America contain the Red Skull before the virus runs rampant?'

Captain America: Dark Designs is the latest Marvel prose book from Titan Books and author Stefan Petrucha, who has previously brought comic book characters to the world of prose having written Spider-Man: Forever Young, and Deadpool: Paws.

Captain America: Dark Designs sees the iconic super soldier having to face an enemy that he's no equipped to beat, a virus. After a routine mission to stop the launch of a deadly pathogen Cap is examined on board the S.H.I.E.L.D. hellicarrier, where it's discovered that he is playing host to a virus that could wipe out all of humanity.

To make matters worse, the Red Skull, who is living inside a cloned body of Captain America, also has the virus; though his has activated. The Red Skull launches an assault on Cap using a series of Nazi robots. Now Captain America must try to find a way to stop these deadly machines whilst not triggering an extinction level event.

One of the biggest draws to comics is the artwork, and they way that it's used in super hero comics to create a level of action and spectacle that sometimes the written word can find difficult. Action scenes in books are great, but can sometimes feel like the weaker part of a story as the author tries to describe the amazing feats their characters are making. This is something that comics can sidestep, displaying amazing scenes across splash pages and dynamic panels. The problem when you take characters that we're used to reading in this one format and moving it to another is that you run the risk of the action becoming the weaker part of the story.

Whilst Stefan Petrucha is able to tell great action scenes, and there are some great moments of action to be found in this book, it does feel a little like he's fallen into this pitfall here. The succession of different robot foes, and eventually the Red Skull meant that towards the end of the novel I started to find myself becoming a little tired of the action scenes and just wanted to skip over them. This isn't the best thing when writing action stories.

However, this doesn't ruin the story in any way. yes, it means that there are duller moments every now and then, but the core story was so engaging that I was able to forgive these dips in my engagement. Seeing Captain America stuck within isolation was such an interesting take on the character, especially when he was faced with the possibility of having to go into cryogenic suspension in order to stop the virus. We get to see the internal struggle he has with this idea, of having to be frozen once again and potentially lose everything and everyone he knows and loves a second time.

Captain America lost out on having his life once already, of seeing family and friends, the woman he loved. He missed out on settling down and having a life with Peggy Carter because of becoming frozen, and it still haunts him. Seeing him knowing that he will have to go through that all over again, but volunteering to do so to save other lives shows how admirable and good a character he is.

This is one of the benefits of telling this kind of story in prose form over a regular comic, as we're allowed to have these scenes of personal introspection and deeper conversations as the writer isn't trying to write to a pre-set comic issue page length. It also means that some of the side characters get more of a spotlight too. Doctor Nia N'Tomo is one of these characters, a disease specialist who is working to cure Cap. We get to see a very real and somewhat sweet relationship develop between her and Cap across the novel, and I was often finding myself wanting to see more of the two of them together in scenes.

The standout character of the book, however, was doctor Winston Kade. A much older and more seasoned disease specialist than N'Tomo, he;s the man who first discovers the virus inside Cap and predicts that it's possible for it to destroy the human race. Initially just seeming to be a bit of a brash and grumpy man there turns out to be a lot more layers to the character than initially expected, and the more I learnt about him and his past over the course of the book the more I found him to be fascinating. He's a character that definitely sits within the grey between good and bad, who has only the noblest of intentions but will go to extremes to meet them, his arc was by far my favourite part of the story.

Captain America: Dark Designs is an interesting Captain America story, one that I don't think would have worked as well in comic form as it does here. The longer time with the characters and their inner minds were a highlight, and helped to keep me interested between the action scenes. A great read for any Marvel fan, and a must for anyone who loves Captain America.

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X-Men: Dark Phoenix – 5 X-Men Books To Check Out

Originally published on Set The Tape

X-Men: Dark Phoenix might be the swansong for the Fox era of X-Men on the big screen, trying once again to adapt one of the most popular X-Men stories. Whilst the X-Men films have been a very popular series they’ve often avoided some of the bigger stories from the comics, with the exception of X-Men: Days of Future Past. With it potentially being a long while until we have more X-Men in a live action film, here’s a list with some of the best X-Men books to go check out.

Days of Future Past

As already mentioned, this story was the basis for the popular film of the same name, and tells the story of a future world where the mechanical Sentinels have taken over, killing thousands of mutants and herding others into internment camps. The few surviving members of the X-Men, which include Wolverine and Shadowcat, form a plan to send the mind of Kitty Pryde back into her younger body in order to stop a mutant from assassinating a US Senator, thereby preventing the rise of the Sentinels.

Though a short story, originally published across just two issues, Days of Future Past is widely considered one of the all time classics, and has been adapted across many different incarnations including the live action film, the 90’s animated series, Wolverine and the X-Men, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., and Ultimate Spider-Man. Differing a lot from the film version, even those who are familiar with the story will find new and interesting things in the original version.

Astonishing X-Men

Written by Joss Whedon, Astonishing X-Men was an ongoing series that told a number of important stories. It dealt with the fallout of the death of Jean Grey (which would remain in place for many years), the blossoming romance between Cyclops and Emma Frost, and the return of Colossus after his death years. The series slimmed down the number of ‘core’ characters, focusing on a small team so that it could tell more personal stories. Despite this, Whedon also crafted an unfolding narrative that put the fate of the entire earth on the line.

The Whedon run introduced a number of characters that would go on to remain a part of the X-Men universe, such as Blindfold, Danger, Armour, and Dr Kavita Rao. The first story arc, dealing with a potential cure for mutants, not only won the 2006 Will Eisner Award, but was also part of the basis of X-Men: The Last Stand cure subplot.

Second Coming

Second Coming is the culmination of years of storytelling that began with the near extinction of mutantkind. Forced to band together, less than 200 mutants came to live and fight against the outside world under the leadership of Cyclops. Even former villains such as Namor and Magneto would go on to follow Cyclops, serving as trusted advisors. Second Coming tells the story of Hope Summers, the only new mutant since the events of House of M, and her adoptive father Cable, returning from the future.

Hope’s return brings a number of villains out of hiding, including Bastion, the Purifiers, William Stryker, and Bolivar Trask to name but a few, all intent on killing her to prevent the return of the mutant race. Every mutant must come together and fight to the death in order to secure their future in this event that involved every X-book. Villains fight alongside heroes, long time fan favourite characters die, and the very future of the mutant race is put on the line in the dramatic conclusion to one of the darkest and most dynamic eras in the X-Men history.

New X-Men

Written by Grant Morrison, New X-Men ran for a number of years and encompassed several story arcs, where it shifted the focus away from the X-Men as a superhero group, instead taking a look at the running of the Xaviers School. The series would introduce a number of characters that would remain part of the X-Men series for years, including Cassandra Nova, Beak, Quentin Quire, and Fantomex.

The series dealt with a number of important storylines, including the outing of Professor Xavier as a mutant, the destruction of Genosha, Emma Frost joining the team, and the return of Magneto. The series also took a different look in art style, taking the team out of their iconic costumes and adopting a look that was similar to their movie counterparts.

Mutant Massacre

The X-Men would become used to death and disaster over the course of their run, probably more than any other Marvel book. Mutant Massacre is a prime example of a story where even when the heroes stop the villains, they don’t really win.

When the villainous Marauders attack the mutant community of the Morlocks, the X-Men and X-Factor teams rush to their aid. Whilst they manage to stop the Marauders many Morlocks are killed, and a number of heroes severely wounded as a result. Colossus is left as a quadriplegic thanks to injuries sustained to his metal form; Kitty Pryde is trapped in her phased form which almost kills her; Nightcralwer is put into a coma; and Angel is literally crucified, which eventually leads to him losing his wings and becoming the villain Archangel.

A sobering look at the X-Men universe, and one that would play into a lot of future stories, this darker tone would become something of a staple for the X-Men books during several of their big events, and many X-Men have ended up severely wounded or killed over the years, probably more so than any other superhero team.


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Marvel Action: Black Panther #3 – Comic Review

Originally published on Set The Tape

The third issue of Marvel Action: Black Panther concludes the first story arc in the title as T’Challa and Shuri battle to save Wakanda from deadly disasters.

Continuing from the literal cliffhanger ending in the last issue, T’Challa, Shuri, and Ashei are left to travel through the jungles of Wakanda to reach their downed plane and the cure they need to stop the malaria outbreak that’s threatening the population. The journey through the jungle is a little bit of a disappointment, as the trio don’t really have any difficulty in reaching their destination, despite a moment of thinking that things could have gotten exciting when Ashei trips over a giant snake. Sadly, the snake does nothing and its inclusion in the story seems like more of a tease rather than anything else.

Fortunately for readers, things do go a little wrong for the heroes as the plan to stop the malaria outbreak is interrupted, forcing Shuri to confront her fear of Piranha Cove by having to jump into the piranha infested waters to lure the infected mosquito swarm to their deaths. We also learn why this is a big thing for Shuri, as Queen Ramonda explains to her royal guard that one of her friends got hurt as a kid. Whilst this explanation is almost a throwaway moment it does show how Shuri has been living with trauma for years. Her diving into the cove isn’t just her doing what needs to be done to save the day, but overcoming her own childhood trauma.

The story also sees a surprise revelation about a long time Black Panther villain, in a twist I genuinely didn’t see coming, and which shows how much care has been taken by writer Kyle Baker. The book also boasts a lot of great artwork by Juan Samu, who really manages to put a lot of expression and character into the artwork; even masked characters like Black Panther are capable of showcasing more range than you’d initially believe possible. The previously mentioned giant snake was also a highlight in the issue, despite its all too brief appearance, thanks to how Samu draws it. More of the snake would have been good not just from an action point of view, but I’d have loved to have seen more of what Samu could have done with it.

A fine conclusion to the first story that touches upon some little known Black Panther history. However, the story really pushes Shuri into the forefront, and whilst I like that her character was given things to do it did feel like Black Panther himself was almost not needed. Hopefully T’Challa will be given something more to do in future issues.


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Soon by Lois Murphy - Book Review

'On winter solstice, the birds disappeared, and the mist arrived. The inhabitants of Nebulah quickly learn not to venture out after dark. But it is hard to stay indoors: cabin fever sets in, and the mist can be beguiling, too.

'Eventually only six remain. Like the rest of the townspeople, Pete has nowhere else to go. After he rescues a stranded psychic from a terrible fate, he's given a warning: he will be dead by solstice unless he leaves town - soon.'

Titan Books have definitely picked a good time of year to publish Soon, the latest horror novel by Lois Murphy. Whilst horror works anytime, there's something about a creepy, slow-burning ghost story at Halloween time that just feels right.

Soon is set in the small Australian town of Nebulah, a former mining and farm town that's all but abandoned as a small group of people try to continue living in what has become 'the most haunted town' in the world. Each night a mist descends upon the town, filled with spirits and ghosts that torment and disturb the townsfolk with awful visions, trying to lure them out of their houses to their deaths.

What makes this story stand apart from a lot of other ghost stories, however, is that this isn't a new thing for Nebulah. The mist has been there every night for months. This isn't a story about a sudden new, frightening phenomenon, but something that the people in Nebulah have learned to live with. Yes, the majority of people have moved away, leaving half a dozen people behind who can't afford to leave, but to those still there the mist and the hauntings are just part of their regular routine now.

The townsfolk make sure that they're home before dark. They lock their doors and stay inside. They also close their curtains so that they can't see what's out there, and turn their TV's on loud so that they can't hear the ghostly noises. I kind of loved this. There are ghosts just outside their door, but they turn their TV up louder to drown them out and act like they're not there. There's something about this approach that I found fascinating. It speaks to the very real human nature of wanting to pretend that something bad isn't happening, or that things are normal.

I loved that Soon began far into the story of Nebulah, and that we learn a little about what came before through flashbacks and conversations, rather than seeing it in real time from the beginning. If the story had started with the appearance of the mist we would have straight away seen what it was capable of, would have known the kind of horrors it contained. Instead, it actually takes a while to even learn what happens at night. We're dropped into the narrative with characters that have gotten used to it and have it as part of their lives, so we're on more of a back foot about it than they are.

Whilst this somewhat 'regular' life in Nebulah seems to be going okay to begin with there are clearly some cracks as not all of those left in the town completely get along. There's some interpersonal issues at play, which is completely believable as even when facing ghostly killers you're not going to get along with the douche-bag from down the road. Despite this, they seem to have a fairly good system worked out.

Things begin to change in Nebulah, however, when Pete, an ex-cop stuck in the town, discovers a young woman outside just before nightfall. Managing to get her inside before the mist descends he saves her life, but is also set onto a course that could end his own. The woman is a medium, and is deeply affected by spending the night in Nebulah, but does warn Pete before she leaves that he needs to leave the town soon or he is going to die there. She even gives him the date that it'll happen.

Now most people would probably think that this would be good motivation to leave, but Pete and the others have been living with the threat of death over them for months and haven't gone yet. It's not bravado or stupidity that keeps them in the town though, but the simple fact that they can't afford to move and have nowhere to go. This puts a very real world spin on the scenario that I really liked. If no one will buy a house in haunted town how can you pay for somewhere new to live? If you've got no family to take you in where can you go?

The looming threat and the difficulty in just leaving town make for a great ticking clock that Pete has to face, and fills the book with tension. Even when it appears he's managed to get away from Nebulah there's still tension as you know it can't be that simple because there's still a third of the book left.

I loved Soon. Its pacing was great, with a story that didn't feel like it needed to rush, and a threat that Lois Murphy chose to unveil slowly rather than all at once. The characters feel like very real people, and we learn more about them as the story progresses, and you come to care a lot for them; I was desperate for Pete to be able to survive the book. The fact that you never really find out about what the mist or the ghosts are, how they came to be or why, makes it really fascinating too. Whilst I wanted answers I wasn't upset that I didn't get any as the journey itself was amazing. A must read for horror fans that is full of tension, and great characters, that will leave you stunned.

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