Comic Book Herald

A Comic Book Reading Order Guide For Beginners & Fans

hickman

How to (Re)Read the Jonathan Hickman Era of X-Men

by Leave a Comment

You’ve arrived here if you’re ready for a re-read of the Hickman era of X-Men (which began in July 2019 and is not even close to being over) or you’re curious what all the hullabaloo is about. If the latter is true for you, you will certainly get something out of this first in a perhaps interminable series of essays. Enjoy! However, before going further, I strongly recommend that you read ahead, at least to the end of the two six-issue limited series—House of X and Powers of X —that kicked off Hickman’s X-Men coup. Read those twelve issues before returning here for the re-read.

After this opening essay, spoilers will abound, but I will keep them restrained, revealing nothing further than six issues ahead. So, the initial installments that cover both limited series, HOX and POX, will assume that you’ve read that complexly interwoven 12-issue story. [Read more…] about How to (Re)Read the Jonathan Hickman Era of X-Men

Krakin’ Krakoa #126: 17 Reign of X Theories, Pt. 1 — What’s NeXt for Hickman’s X-Men?

by Leave a Comment

The conclusion of the X-Men’s X of Swords crossover event teased the upcoming Reign Of X, as the Hickman era of X-Men comics moves out of the Dawn of X and into the Reign. It’s a wonderful teaser, full of references and possibility, hot on the heels of a satisfying conclusion to the Dawn of X and X of Swords. Now, it’s worth noting that previous Marvel teaser images do NOT lock in stories or characters to come. The Mark Brooks promos for House/Powers and X of Swords tease things (like Professor X leaping into battle with a sword) that simply never come to pass. Nonetheless, it’s quite fun to think through what may come to pass in upcoming comics.

Today I’ll answer:

+ Who is on Marvel’s Reign of X teaser image?

+ What do these clues & hints mean for the next era of X-Men comics?

+ Theories and predictions for all things X-Men!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

——————————————————————————————————-

Music for Best Comics Ever by Anthony Weis, or Bensound. Check out more music at anthonyweis.com or https://www.bensound.com.

Subscribe on iTunes

Subscribe on Android

To learn how you can support Best Comics Ever and receive more exclusive content from Comic Book Herald, check out the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/comicbookherald

For the Comic Book Herald reading club through every year of Marvel Comics, check out mymarvelousyear.com

Krakin’ Krakoa #80: The X-Men’s Secret School For Omega Level Mutants!

by Leave a Comment

I was caught by surprise recently when Krakin’ Krakoa listener Xavier D pointed out the children sitting around Krakoa campfires led by longtime X-Men villain Exodus look like kid versions of omega level mutants. The more I’ve thought about the observation, the more potential I find, and now I’m convinced Hickman’s X-Men is secretly telling us exactly what Krakoa’s plans are for Omega Level Mutants.

Today I’ll answer:

  • Is there a secret school for Omega Level mutants on Krakoa right under our noses?
  • Why would this be a part of Krakoa?
  • What does the theory of omega level mutant children mean for X-Men comics moving forward?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Spotify | RSS

[Read more…] about Krakin’ Krakoa #80: The X-Men’s Secret School For Omega Level Mutants!

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

by Leave a Comment

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!

by Leave a Comment

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!