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32nd Birthday Challenge Pt 2 – Avengers #32 (Hickman Era) & Marvel Futures

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Avengers #32 falls smack in the middle of perhaps the densest portion of the Jonathan Hickman written Avengers that ran from 2012 to 2015 before culminating in the best comic book event of all time, 2015’s Secret Wars. It’s a crucial juncture in the intersecting master plan of Hickman’s New Avengers / Avengers dueling stories, and the kickoff to “Time Runs Out,” when the blend between issues of New Avengers and Avengers wholly consumes the distinct differences in each series.

For more on why I’m reviewing my favorite 32nd issues of comic books, check out the intro review of Amazing Spider-Man #32! [Read more…] about 32nd Birthday Challenge Pt 2 – Avengers #32 (Hickman Era) & Marvel Futures

Decorum #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Mike Huddleston Review!

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Editor’s Note: Although I remain in a state of X-Men induced delirium inspired by the Jonathan Hickman written House of X / Powers of X era, the writer somehow found time to kick off an 8 issue Image Comics series, Decorum, with artist Mike Huddleston. The oversized opening issue is a fascinating blend of hard science fiction (reminiscent of Powers of X) and space assassins operating in the seedy underbelly of a developing galactic superstructure.
Since Decorum is full of fluid visuals and challenging science fiction, I recommended the book to Comic Book Herald’s writer supreme, John Galati. Naturally, John responded with an annotated array of thoughtful notes, comparisons, and critiques. Check it out below, and then check out Decorum #1 for yourself!

[Read more…] about Decorum #1 by Jonathan Hickman and Mike Huddleston Review!

Deep Dives #6: What’s It Mean For a Comic To Stick The Landing? – East of West Review Pt. 2 (#30 to #45)

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With East of West wrapping up its seven year journey into the Apocalypse, John and I are taking a look back at the Jonathan Hickman, Nick Dragotta, Frank Martin, and Rus Wooten series from Image Comics!

You can check out part one here covering East of West #1 to #29 (the first two in-universe years of the Apocalypse), and in part two we’re covering East of West #30 to #45, the final year of the Apocalypse!

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[Read more…] about Deep Dives #6: What’s It Mean For a Comic To Stick The Landing? – East of West Review Pt. 2 (#30 to #45)

Krakin’ Krakoa: Secrets of House of X!

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Writer Jonathan Hickman’s return to Marvel Comics with the two-series X-Men event House of X and Powers of X is the most discussed series in superhero comics this year (and then some). The passion and theorizing around these transformative comics is like nothing I’ve seen in fandom, and so far, it’s bringing all the best aspects of loving superhero comics to the forefront.

While I’d agree these are compelling entry points into the world of X-Men, I also see dense, multi-layered stories full of references that newer or lapsed readers might not follow. Or even references that longtime readers may have simply forgotten (I know I’ve had plenty of those recently with Grant Morrison and Liam Sharp’s hyper-referential The Green Lantern). [Read more…] about Krakin’ Krakoa: Secrets of House of X!

Jonathan Hickman Creator Profile – The Essential Reading List

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The best way to come into Jonathan Hickman’s writing is to understand what he was before. Before the dizzying page count and before the awards those pages earned him.

Before the beginning, Jonathan Hickman was a graphic designer. An exacting profession that makes order and beauty out of chaos by focusing on the slightest fraction of an inch. And an art form obsessed with ripping away what’s unnecessary to reach a purer, more memorable state.

[Read more…] about Jonathan Hickman Creator Profile – The Essential Reading List