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*Absolute Green Lantern*, Volumes One and Two, rec *Absolute Green Lantern*, Volumes One and Two, recasts the mythology as an atmosphere of dread rather than a straightforward space adventure. The familiar confidence of the Green Lantern concept is replaced by uncertainty, isolation and the sense that humanity has made contact with something vast, ancient and fundamentally unknowable. Green light no longer feels reassuring; it feels invasive, almost supernatural, illuminating just enough to reveal how much remains hidden. Much of the series’ power comes from its refusal to explain itself too quickly. Characters move through fragmented memories, incomplete evidence and competing interpretations of what has occurred, while every answer opens the door to a larger and more disturbing question. The mystery has the texture of conspiracy fiction and cosmic horror, creating the constant impression that unseen forces are observing, judging or manipulating events from beyond ordinary perception. The artwork reinforces that darkness through heavy shadows, stark empty spaces and eruptions of unnatural green that cut across otherwise muted environments. Even moments of spectacle carry an ominous stillness, as though the universe is holding its breath. Across both volumes, *Absolute Green Lantern* becomes less a story about conquering fear than about living inside it—searching for meaning in a reality that may be hostile, indifferent or simply too alien to understand.
*Absolute Martian Manhunter, Volume One: Martian V *Absolute Martian Manhunter, Volume One: Martian Vision* may be the boldest reinvention in DC’s Absolute line. Deniz Camp recasts John Jones as an FBI agent investigating seemingly random violence while sharing his mind with an incomprehensible psychic entity called “the Martian.” Blending detective fiction, psychological horror and metaphysical science fiction, the book preserves the character’s core themes—telepathy, divided identity and alienation — while discarding nearly every familiar element of his origin. Javier Rodríguez’s artwork is the book’s defining achievement. Ordinary reality is rendered with relative restraint, then overwhelmed by vivid color, fractured bodies, amorphous thought-forms and layouts that shift with Jones’s perception. Emotions become physical shapes, psychic impressions break through panel borders, and the Martian appears less as a conventional superhero than as a living symbol composed of eyes, flames and color. The abstraction is not decorative; it allows the reader to experience Jones’s unstable, expanded consciousness directly. The book draws on the paranoid fiction of Philip K. Dick and Thomas Pynchon, the cosmic imagery of *2001*, and identity-bending comics such as *Shade, the Changing Man*. Rodríguez’s visual language also recalls Steve Ditko, Jack Kirby, Chris Ware, Osamu Tezuka and Alberto Breccia. Yet these influences are fused into something distinctive: a surreal, expressionistic comic in which color becomes thought, abstraction becomes empathy and Martian vision becomes an entirely new way of seeing reality.
Jeff Lemire’s *The Fury of Firestorm* takes one of Jeff Lemire’s *The Fury of Firestorm* takes one of DC’s most visually spectacular heroes and transforms his powers into the foundation of an unnerving science-fiction horror story. Ronnie Raymond arrives in the small town of Bedford, Colorado, no longer behaving like the exuberant young hero readers remember. Buildings become sand, human beings are turned to glass, and the laws of matter appear to bend according to impulses Ronnie may not fully control. Rather than treating Firestorm’s molecular abilities as colorful superhero magic, Lemire emphasizes how terrifying they would be in the hands of someone unstable—or something no longer entirely human. The central mystery concerns the relationship between Ronnie, Professor Martin Stein and the Firestorm Matrix itself. As Lorraine Reilly searches for a way to save Ronnie, the series gradually revisits the fractures between the two men who once shared Firestorm’s body and consciousness. Lemire draws upon decades of continuity without allowing it to overwhelm the narrative, presenting Ronnie and Stein’s partnership as a damaged surrogate family built upon manipulation, resentment and buried guilt. By the fourth issue, the suggestion that the Matrix may possess its own will has turned the familiar question of who controls Firestorm into something far more disturbing: Ronnie may not simply have gone rogue, but may be trapped inside the Nuclear Man. Rafael De Latorre’s artwork, colored by Marcelo Maiolo, gives the book an appropriately severe and disquieting visual identity. Ordinary streets, laboratories and domestic memories become increasingly alien as Firestorm reshapes both matter and people, while changes in artistic texture help distinguish Ronnie’s brighter past from the cold horror of the present. The result is not a conventional superhero revival but a tragic examination of power, identity and broken trust, one that respects Firestorm’s history while making the character feel dangerous and unpredictable again. Four issues in, *The Fury of Firestorm* stands as one of the most distinctive books in DC’s Next Level initiative and a compelling reinvention of the Nuclear Man. @dccomics #newc
Just couldn’t help myself. So many good movies to Just couldn’t help myself. So many good movies to add to the collection. @criterioncollection #criterioncollection
Dan Abnett’s Flash Gordon for Mad Cave Studios fee Dan Abnett’s Flash Gordon for Mad Cave Studios feels like an especially smart match of writer and property: Abnett knows how to do big-screen space opera, military urgency, cosmic weirdness, and character-forward adventure without apologizing for the pulp roots. Mad Cave positions his run, with artist Manuel Garcia, as a “new era” beginning with Flash Gordon #0 and then continuing with Flash Gordon #16, effectively treating the arc as a fresh entry point for readers. The premise is pure Flash: the universe has moved on, Flash is back on Earth, Mongo is now impossibly distant, and official space travel is being left to the “experts” rather than a former football hero with a sword, a reckless streak, and a habit of saving the day anyway. When a massive object — maybe a meteor, maybe a planet, maybe something stranger — heads toward Earth, Flash does what Flash does: he refuses to stand down and heads toward danger before bureaucracy can finish clearing its throat. What makes this promising is that Abnett is not merely reviving nostalgia; he is using nostalgia as rocket fuel. The best Flash Gordon stories have always worked because they are ridiculous and sincere at the same time: ray guns, tyrants, strange planets, impossible odds, and a hero who wins because courage is contagious. Mad Cave’s broader Flash Gordon line is clearly built to honor the Alex Raymond legacy while expanding it for new readers, and Abnett’s run looks like the part of that project most aimed at restoring Flash as a full-throated, swashbuckling science-fiction hero rather than a museum piece.
The puissant purple people of Pinellas Prime are a The puissant purple people of Pinellas Prime are among the most formidable warrior races known to the settled stars. Towering, broad-shouldered, and blessed with deep violet skin that shimmers like polished amethyst beneath their world’s twin suns, they have built an entire civilization around the ideals of courage, honor, and personal excellence. To the people of Pinellas Prime, color is not merely decoration but a sacred language. The richer and more vibrant one’s hue, the greater one’s achievements are believed to be. Warriors returning victorious from battle often undergo elaborate ceremonies in which their skin is adorned with radiant pigments, transforming them into living chronicles of their deeds. Though outsiders sometimes mistake their flamboyant appearance for vanity, the purple people are disciplined and relentless fighters. Their armies march beneath banners of brilliant magenta, indigo, and royal violet, creating spectacles as dazzling as they are terrifying. Generations of conflict on their harsh homeworld forged them into masters of close combat, tactical maneuvering, and psychological warfare. Enemies frequently report being unnerved by the sight of thousands of brilliantly colored warriors advancing in perfect formation, singing thunderous battle hymns that echo across the battlefield like rolling storms. Yet the greatness of the purple people extends beyond war. Their cities are masterpieces of color and architecture, with crystalline towers that catch the sunlight and scatter it into vast rainbows visible from orbit. Artists, poets, and philosophers hold places of honor alongside generals and champions, for the people of Pinellas Prime believe that beauty and strength are inseparable virtues. Their most cherished saying, carved above the gates of their capital, declares: “Let your colors shine so that even the stars remember your name.”
Among the great horror comics of the 21st century, Among the great horror comics of the 21st century, few are as unsettling, emotionally devastating, and visually memorable as The Red Mother. Rather than relying on gore or shock value alone, the series builds its terror through dread, obsession, and psychological disintegration. The story begins with a seemingly simple tragedy—a young woman loses an eye during a brutal attack, but gradually unfolds into a nightmare involving impossible visions, sinister symbols, and an ancient, hungry force lurking behind reality itself. Every issue tightens the screws, transforming grief and trauma into a gateway for cosmic horror. What elevates The Red Mother above many of its contemporaries is its masterful fusion of intimate human drama with supernatural terror. Protagonist Daisy Walker is not a monster hunter or action hero; she is an ordinary person struggling to reclaim her life after a devastating loss. As her world becomes increasingly distorted, readers experience the horror through her uncertainty and vulnerability. The result is a story where emotional wounds are every bit as frightening as the eldritch forces stalking the shadows. The comic understands that the most effective horror is not merely about what lurks in the dark. It is about what that darkness does to the human soul. The artwork by Danny Luckert is equally responsible for the book’s reputation. Luckert’s pages are drenched in ominous reds, sickly shadows, and dreamlike imagery that make the world feel perpetually on the verge of collapse. Strange masks, impossible architecture, and recurring symbols create a visual language of dread that lingers long after the book is closed. Combined with Jeremy Haun’s deliberate pacing and psychological focus, The Red Mother stands as one of the finest horror comics of the modern era—a work that demonstrates how comics can deliver terror as effectively as any novel, film, or television series.
Despite their fearsome reputation, Imperial doctri Despite their fearsome reputation, Imperial doctrine emphasizes that gorilla cyborgs are not mere war machines. They are regarded as valued personnel of the Empire and are afforded many of the rights, privileges, and honors granted to enlisted service members. Veteran gorilla auxiliaries frequently serve for decades, becoming respected figures aboard warships and frontier garrisons alike. Young Marines often arrive expecting lumbering beasts and instead encounter disciplined professionals known for quiet loyalty, unshakable courage, and a surprisingly dry sense of humor. Among the Corps there is an old saying: “When the line must hold, send Marines. When the impossible must be done, send a gorilla with a cybernetic toolkit.”
Alien Vol. 2: Revival is the second major story ar Alien Vol. 2: Revival is the second major story arc in Marvel’s modern Alien comics line, written by Phillip Kennedy Johnson with artwork by Salvador Larroca. Collecting Alien issues #7–12, the series continues Marvel’s expansion of the grim, industrial horror universe made famous by the films. The story shifts away from military action and corporate intrigue toward something more spiritual and frontier-oriented. It centers on a remote terraforming colony on the moon Euridice inhabited by the “Spinners,” an isolated Appalachian-inspired religious sect attempting to build a peaceful agrarian life far from Earth. Their fragile paradise collapses when a spacecraft carrying Xenomorphs crashes into their settlement, unleashing terror among colonists who interpret the creatures through the lens of faith, prophecy, and divine punishment.
These Star Trek Sticky Notes are the best! These Star Trek Sticky Notes are the best!
Hellboy, created by Mike Mignola, stands as one of Hellboy, created by Mike Mignola, stands as one of the most distinctive voices in modern comics, blending folklore, horror, and dark humor into something uniquely atmospheric. From his first appearance, Hellboy is less a traditional superhero and more a wandering investigator of the uncanny—summoned from Hell, yet stubbornly human in his attitudes and choices. Mignola’s storytelling leans heavily on mood and implication, drawing from Eastern European folklore, ghost stories, and mythic archetypes, creating a world that feels ancient, haunted, and quietly terrifying. Visually, Mignola’s art is instantly recognizable: heavy blacks, stark compositions, and a minimalist approach that emphasizes shadow and silhouette over detail. His use of negative space and architectural framing gives Hellboy’s world a timeless, almost storybook quality, where every panel feels deliberate and iconic. Rather than overwhelming the reader with action, Mignola allows tension to build through stillness and suggestion, making the supernatural elements feel more grounded and unsettling. The result is a visual language that has influenced countless artists while remaining unmistakably his own. At the heart of Hellboy is a deeply human story about identity and choice. Though destined to bring about the apocalypse, Hellboy consistently rejects that fate, choosing instead a life of reluctant heroism, dry humor, and quiet defiance. His relationships—with allies, enemies, and the ghosts of history—reinforce the idea that who we are is shaped not by origin, but by decision. That combination of gothic horror, mythological depth, and emotional restraint has made Hellboy not just a standout series, but a modern classic that continues to resonate with readers who appreciate stories where the shadows matter as much as the light.
New episode of Funnybooks with Aron and Paulie jus New episode of Funnybooks with Aron and Paulie just dropped and we’re diving headfirst into the latest DC buzz! From our thoughts on Lanterns to the chaos and conversation around DC KO 5, we’re breaking down what’s working, what’s surprising, and what has us raising an eyebrow. We also hit the streets of Gotham with takes on Batgirl 17 and Batman 7, digging into character beats, creative direction, and whether these books are delivering on the hype. Plus, we spotlight a fresh debut with Carmen Red Claw 1, giving our first impressions on a new title that’s definitely got people talking. It’s all the usual Funnybooks energy—opinions, laughs, and a little friendly disagreement—wrapped into one episode. Jump in, join the conversation, and let us know your takes on the comics of the week. #DCComics #Batman #Batgirl #ComicBooks #NewComics
The latest episode of Funnybooks with Aron and Pau The latest episode of Funnybooks with Aron and Paulie, hosted on IoMGeek.com, dives into a wide mix of pop culture and comic book chatter, starting with the newest developments surrounding Starfleet Academy. The guys also break down the biggest comic announcements coming out of ComicsPRO, giving listeners a sense of what publishers are gearing up for in the months ahead. On the review front, they dig into the latest chapter of Exquisite Corpses with issue #10, while also spotlighting two intriguing new titles—D’Orc #1 and White Sky #1. Follow link in bio.
The universe of DC Comics has always thrived on re The universe of DC Comics has always thrived on reinvention, blending Golden Age innovation with modern storytelling that keeps characters fresh for new generations. From the mythic optimism of Superman to the shadowy detective world of Batman, DC’s library stretches across genres—superhero adventure, cosmic epics, gothic mystery, and character-driven drama. That diversity is part of the brand’s enduring appeal: each era reshapes familiar heroes while still honoring the iconic symbols that made them legendary. Legacy characters are central to DC’s storytelling DNA. Heroes like Batgirl and Nightwing represent the idea that heroism evolves across generations. Batgirl blends intellect, resilience, and street-level heroics, while Nightwing embodies growth—moving from sidekick to one of DC’s most respected independent champions. These characters highlight a core DC theme: the mantle of heroism can grow, adapt, and inspire new voices. At the same time, DC constantly refreshes its mythology with bold reinterpretations. The rise of titles like Absolute Wonder Woman shows how familiar icons can be reimagined for a modern audience while retaining their mythic power. Even classic figures such as Mary Marvel continue to find new relevance, proving that DC’s storytelling universe isn’t frozen in nostalgia—it’s an evolving narrative landscape where history and innovation collide. And of course, the DC world wouldn’t be complete without fierce and dynamic heroes like Black Canary, whose presence underscores the publisher’s commitment to diverse storytelling styles—from street-level action to global stakes. Taken together, the worlds of Batman, Superman, Nightwing, Batgirl, Mary Marvel, Absolute Wonder Woman, and Black Canary show why DC remains one of the most vibrant storytelling universes in comics. It’s a legacy built on imagination, reinvention, and the timeless thrill of heroes rising to meet whatever challenges tomorrow brings.
Beaming in to trouble. Beaming in to trouble.
@michael_cho_art has carved out a distinctive nich @michael_cho_art has carved out a distinctive niche at DC Comics with artwork that feels both retro and timeless. Best known for his clean linework, bold graphic compositions, and strong sense of design, Cho channels the elegance of mid-century illustration while keeping his images emotionally immediate. His covers for characters like Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman often emphasize silhouette, mood, and negative space rather than explosive detail, giving them a poster-like clarity that stands out on crowded shelves. What makes Cho’s DC work especially compelling is his restraint. He frequently avoids hyper-rendered excess in favor of confident brush lines and carefully controlled color palettes, evoking the spirit of classic pulp and Silver Age storytelling without feeling nostalgic or derivative. His compositions tend to spotlight iconic imagery—a cape sweeping through shadow, a lone hero against a flat color field, a dramatic close-up framed like a vintage paperback—reminding readers that superhero art can be powerful through simplicity. In an industry often driven by maximalism, Cho’s approach offers a refined, design-forward alternative that celebrates DC’s mythic figures with elegance and graphic precision.
Few characters embody the fusion of myth and moder Few characters embody the fusion of myth and modern superhero storytelling as powerfully as Thor. Introduced by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby in the early 1960s, Marvel’s Thor reimagined the Norse god of thunder as both cosmic warrior and flawed son, bridging ancient legend with contemporary heroics. Early stories leaned heavily into grand Kirby spectacle—crackling energy, sprawling Asgardian vistas, and titanic battles—while grounding Thor’s drama in his complicated relationship with Odin, Loki, and the expectations of divine royalty. That balance of Shakespearean family tension and superhero bombast quickly defined Thor as one of Marvel’s most operatic figures. Over the decades, Thor’s mythology expanded far beyond simple hammer-swinging heroics. Writers explored themes of worthiness, destiny, and identity—what it means for a god to walk among mortals, and whether power defines the man or the choices he makes. Storylines have alternated between cosmic epics and deeply personal arcs, sometimes stripping Thor of his hammer, sometimes replacing him with new bearers of Mjolnir, and sometimes challenging the very notion of gods in a universe crowded with science fiction empires and abstract cosmic entities. Through these shifts, Thor has remained compelling because his struggles are timeless: pride versus humility, duty versus freedom, and legacy versus reinvention. Modern interpretations have further broadened Thor’s appeal, blending mythic gravitas with self-awareness and emotional vulnerability. Whether portrayed as an aging All-Father confronting the end of an era, a warrior wrestling with the consequences of divine arrogance, or a hero learning what “worthiness” truly means, Thor consistently operates on a mythic scale without losing his humanity. That elasticity—his ability to function as both thunderous legend and relatable character—has kept Thor vital across generations, proving that even gods must evolve to endure.
The emergence of Absolute characters within DC Com The emergence of Absolute characters within DC Comics’ KO represents a collision between radically reimagined icons and the broader DC mythos. Spun out of the darker, high-intensity sensibilities of the Absolute Universe, these versions of familiar heroes bring stripped-down origins, harsher moral edges, and a more grounded, volatile tone into a high-stakes crossover environment. In KO, their presence amplifies the tension: Absolute characters tend to operate with fewer restraints and more ideological certainty, creating friction with traditional continuity counterparts. The result is not just spectacle but thematic contrast—legacy versus reinvention, optimism versus pragmatism, mythology versus modernity—making their appearance feel less like a gimmick and more like a statement about how adaptable (and combustible) DC’s core archetypes can be when placed under pressure.
The Michael Giacchino score for Fantastic Four: Fi The Michael Giacchino score for Fantastic Four: First Steps is just awesome…
Jericho Drumm, better known as Doctor Voodoo, is o Jericho Drumm, better known as Doctor Voodoo, is one of Marvel Comics’ most fascinating and quietly powerful mystics—a character who bridges superhero storytelling with horror, spirituality, and cultural mythology. Introduced in the 1970s, Jericho is a Haitian-born psychologist whose life is irrevocably changed after the death of his brother Daniel, leading him back to Haiti to embrace the mystical traditions of Vodou. Unlike many of Marvel’s sorcerers, Doctor Voodoo’s power is rooted not just in spells and artifacts, but in communion with the Loa spirits, ancestral memory, and the psychological cost of wielding magic. Over the years, he has evolved from cult-horror hero to a central figure in Marvel’s supernatural hierarchy, even serving as Sorcerer Supreme following Siege. Stories featuring Doctor Voodoo often lean into atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and cosmic dread, making Jericho Drumm a uniquely resonant character whose presence adds depth, unease, and gravitas to Marvel’s magical corner.
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