Dark Knights of Steel number 1, Hulkling and Wiccan number 1 and more! – The Geekiary

Welcome to my comic book review rundown for the week of November 3, 2021. I’m going to talk about Dark Knights of Steel number 1, The lost falls number 4, Hulkling and Wiccan number 1, and more!

For those who want an interesting alternate reality story starring iconic DC characters, we have Dark Knights of Steel number 1 by writer Tom Taylor with art by Yasmine Putri. The debut of this 12-issue limited series showed Kal-El’s parents (his mother still pregnant with him) escaping from their home planet and landing in a world set in a fantasy world. After a while, the surviving Kryptonians end up ruling a kingdom with Bruce and Kal-El growing up together.

I liked the way Taylor introduced us to a bunch of DC characters matching the usual D&D descriptors. Constantine delivered prophecies. Bruce is a knight while Harley is a jester. And of course, the Black Canary would appear like a banshee to people. After reading the first issue, I can’t wait to spend more time in this fictional world and appreciate how some conflicts will be resolved.

Will Raven appear in this series? I’m asking because, in my opinion, I think there’s something wrong with Taylor not using Raven in her alternate reality / Elseworlds stories for some reason, even though her peers are showing up.

Does it have any obvious weird characters? Yes.

Recommendation: TO PICK UP!

Hulkling and Wiccan Number 1

Exclusive to Marvel Unlimited, Hulkling and Wiccan Writer Josh Trujillo and artist Jodi Nishijima’s issue number 1 offered a polarizing start to a 4-part miniseries. The premise dealt with Billy receiving a magical gift that allowed him to explore possible realities where he had not fallen in love with Teddy.

Apparently the two are not on the same page about what to do in the future as husbands. For some reason Billy wants to spend more time on Earth while Teddy wants to stay in space because being a King is a full time commitment, duh! And I think Billy can teleport. He can go and visit his family and friends on Earth whenever he wants.

While I understand this is the first problem and there is probably more to the story, the overall fan reaction has not been great (from what I can tell). Fans have been waiting for a Hulkling and Wiccan solo series. But just focusing on their relationship drama instead of their duties as Queer Kings of Space and making major cosmic decisions doesn’t suit me. We all know Teddy and Billy aren’t going to break up (or, at this point, divorce). So why bother?

We have experienced a similar relationship drama in previous stories featuring this iconic couple. In Young Avengers, Billy had a whole thing where he thought he created Teddy and didn’t know it because he wanted a perfect soul mate. I’ll actually be surprised if the events of this miniseries end up having an impact on the couple’s future appearances.

So, what’s wrong with finding the person you love early enough in life and wanting to stay attached to them? Even when a relationship isn’t toxic, why “you should try dating lots of people before you settle down!” Such a thing in storytelling (especially in media involving gay men)?

There was also a bit of backlash regarding how Hulkling and Wiccan number 1 seems to feature queer stereotypes for comedic effect. I mean, even I thought Billy summoning Northstar, her husband Kyle, and Iceman for dinner chanting “Let’s have a Kiki” was a bit too much. Frankly, Rachel Berry and Kurt Hummel from Joy should have appeared in place of Billy’s planned guests.

Anyway, a note to the creatives, when you write a story that isn’t just in the romance / angst genre, if your whole idea comes down to “no more relationship drama between established couples!” I urge you to reconsider and try aiming a little higher.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Meh!

The silver coin Number 6

The Horror Anthology Series The silver coin is back! Number 6 featured a predictable but very enjoyable story, titled “High Score,” from writer Joshua Williamson and artist Michael Walsh. Set in an arcade present inside a shopping mall, we see a lonely kid summoned by the silver coin to play his favorite side-scrolling fighting game. Things don’t work out well for a few people who were mean to the child and the child himself. There is always a price to be paid when using the silver coin and this story was no different.

The back-up story, titled “Shiny Things,” by writer Chris Hampton with illustrations by Gavin Fullerton, showed a crow keeping an eye on the silver coin. Since the curse must feed, we may see this crow offer the coin to some in due course.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? No.

Recommendation: To pick up.

The me you love in the dark Number 4

I think all readers knew something bad was going to happen because Ro would continue her relationship with everything that haunts the house she rents. The me you love in the dark Issue 4, by writer Skottie Young, showed the dark entity revealing their incredibly possessive nature.

In my opinion, the story is about domestic violence. I think the abusive side of the dark entity has been handled fairly well and has stayed true to what usually happens with some domestic violence cases. With the series ending with the next issue, I hope Ro finds a way to his freedom.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? No.

Recommendation: TO PICK UP!

Hellboy: Bones of the Giants Number 1

Adapted from a novel of the same name (which I haven’t read) by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden, Hellboy: Bones of the Giants Number 1 had Hellboy involved in a mystery related to the Norse gods. After fusing Mjolnir with his hand, Hellboy and Abe search for answers regarding something sinister.

I liked the way Thor occasionally took hold of Hellboy’s consciousness and gave the main character snapshots of his memories. I’m really interested to see what happens next.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? No.

Recommendation: To pick up.

My fault Number 1

I was provided with a free digital copy of My fault number 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

If there’s one thing writer Mark Russell is going to do, it’s a satirical take on aspects of society that will make you laugh and think. Co-authors Russel and Bryce Ingman, with art by Peter Krause, My fault number 1 belongs to a similar category. The story is a superhero genre satire. And if making fun of superhero clichés is nothing new, My fault always manages to offer something different. Yes, the chandelier is basically Batman, but a bunch of other characters are quite different from the iconic superheroes fans are used to. Due to the end of the story, I’m actually worried about rush hour.

In addition to spoofing superheroes and villains, the storytelling also attacks certain societal behaviors, particularly those involving consumerism and media attention. I can’t wait to meet more characters in this fictional world and the real-life themes the story will explore.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? No.

Recommendation: TO PICK UP!

.Self Number 1

I was provided with a free digital copy of Self number 1 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

From writer Christopher Sebela and artist Cara McGee, Self number 1 (stylized as .Self), takes readers to a fictional world where it is possible to create a backup of your memories and then upload the data to a new virgin body, after death, to close in with friends and family. It’s a fun concept to highlight concerns about privacy, death, consumerism (upgrades are available for better memory storage), hacking, and how any technology can be hacked.

We follow the story through our main character, Nat. She has had a difficult life and wants stability. Nat decides to start recording his memories, but things take a turn for the worse. Strangers seem to know her personal details and she also doesn’t know if she has done certain things or not. It’s a mess. However, we got some answers about what is happening in the first issue.

With .Self being a series of five issues, hopefully the majority of my questions will be answered before the next arc is introduced. I don’t know why Nat was chosen to experience such an event. Is she special or was it bad luck?

I liked Cara McGee’s artistic choices when she made certain panels appear as if readers were streaming a recording of Nat’s memories.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? No.

Recommendation: To pick up.

Lost falls Number 4

I was provided with a free digital copy of Lost falls number 4 for consideration. The opinions I have shared are my own.

Lost falls Issue 4, by writer Curt Pires and artist Antonio Fuso, didn’t offer the conclusion I was hoping for. It was nice ? Yes. Was it confusing? Yes!

The current story is not over yet and I am crossing my fingers that the series will return for a second outing as I have a lot of questions.

I loved seeing Daniel let darkness enter his body to save Daisy. The account appears to be about the battle between light and darkness, which dates back to the early days of humanity. There are also individuals who keep an eye on the mysterious city Daniel found himself in. These individuals want Daniel to be part of their mission.

There are a lot of quirks going on. Things I don’t understand. But I’m so here to see what Daniel will do next.

Does he have any obvious weird characters? No.

Recommendation: To pick up.

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What comics have you read this week?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a double master’s degree 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. It gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime / manga, video games, and movies.

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